Mamma Monday: Mothers Day Gifts

 Happy Monday! Mother's Day is 6 days away and to me it's not a 'Hallmark Holiday'. I believe that it's a wonderful act of love to take a day to honor and bless the women that sacrifice so much for the well being of their family. 

When it comes to blessing our Mammas/Grandmas it can be a challenge to purchase something when they tend to already have it all. Nobody needs more junk to store and dust.  I like to print and frame pictures so that they can see beautiful smiles of the ones they love so dearly throughout their day.

Note: I encourage you to frame candid photos b/c those memories are like sunshine to a home!

My Mamma & Ryan's are receiving these framed portraits of Vivian for Mothers Day.

They will also get a stack of printed 4x6 fun pictures of Vivian and our family to look through in an album.

Note: I will also be mailing cards that include printed photos to the women that encourage me throughout my motherhood journey with sentiments of gratitude.

The digital age can be overwhelming for them and we tend to store images on our phone rather than display them. It doesn't do us any good on the cloud but in a book and in a frame, they're within reach and view so that we can enjoy them as we live out our days. 

To me, displayed memories are the most beautiful way to decorate a home. 

Ryan & I chose this darling smile to hang in our home.

Now, here are some fabulous things that you can purchase ... I may or may not be sharing these as a hint to Ryan :)

Here's what I'd love to give or receive *wink ...

Pearl Hoop Earrings I also love these & so many pieces by Nicole Bathie

Clutch

Keepsake Trunk

What a precious piece to hold your child's sentimental treasures.

Mama Jewelry & Charms

I love this line of jewelry - And would love it if Ryan started a charm bracelet for me.

My Mamma made one for me when I was a teenager.

Nothing beats a handwritten note. #Priceless

Heartfelt words can be cherished and encourage forever.

I send them. I save them. I encourage you to give them.

Dress Beautifully Honoring the Mammas in Your Life

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Worth It

While Mother's Day is behind us just hours ago, the everyday joys (sounds better than 'grind') greeted us just like clockwork this morning. Looking a yesterday's picture with Vivian Louise and last year's it's amazing how different she looks and me! She was still a tiny baby last year and I was not as tiny as I wanted.

Vivian Louise 4 1/2 months old 

Vivian Louise 16 1/2 months old

Being a Mamma changes you on the inside and the outside.  One of my fears of even embarking on this journey was the physical impact.  I'll be very transparent with you gals, I didn't want to get big! And you have no option when you grow a baby inside of you.  And I was also fearful of the year after she was here feeding her from my body round the clock! I'm still sensitive to the sacrifice I made giving up my body for her for  pregnancy and 51 weeks of nursing.  I'm not bragging, well maybe a little, but more in wonder at the willingness of a Mamma to do even what she hates for the sake of her baby.  And that's what I did.

I hated throwing up 24/7 for 8 months. I hated being limited physically and mentally all while watching my body expand EVERYWHERE! Not to mention trying to keep up with my career and renovating our home. Then she was here and my body hurt so badly.  I was recovering from an emergency c-section, clogged ducts which lead to mastitis due to frequent pumping because she couldn't nurse for the first 6 weeks and not to mention I was scared to even look at myself because I knew I looked horrible from sleep deprivation.

My entire adult lifestyle was eating clean and rigorous exercise. I rocked my abs with pride!

All of this being said ....

Vivian Louise is WORTH IT!!!

My sister sent me this picture shortly after she was born and I've saved it as a reminder when I'm feeling blue about my body.

While I was determined to get back to my regular nutrition and exercise regiment that's hard to do with a baby the first year, especially if you're nursing.  Your body needs extra fuel to produce her food and because I was burning it as I was taking it in I had to eat far more than I ever had before.
And because of the hormones released I had a hard time lifting to my prior intensity not to mention trying to time my sweat sessions directly after feedings. I did the best I could.
Mammas, that's the key to it all!

Now that she's a year old I find myself back on my own two tiny feet. I may even be a tad leaner than before her. She's become my gym buddy playing in the child care and loves to go on runs with me so that she can see puppy doggies walking by.

They say having children changes you and that is completely true.  Though I may look great on the outside and in my clothes my body is different.
I have an intense scar that still hurts (I blame my fair skin).  Nursing took it's toll on my chest! And because she's filled my inside with more love and joy that I could ever measure or describe, my face has a different happy than ever before.

So when I look in the mirror, for a second I see the evidence of her across my body. And for a second a tiny wave of dissatisfaction passes through and then with just a blink of an eye it's gone because the joy of her sweeps it away.

One of my gal pals was saddened by her stretch marks and cellulite 
Tip: call them tiger stripes and leopard spots - it makes it a little less hard :)
I encouraged her and myself with the reminder that our bodies are healthy and strong and we do our best to take care of them and use them to take care of our babies. #worthit

Dress Your Mamma Body Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise 

Mamma Monday: Treasures of Motherhood

Happy Monday Mammas!  I just love Mondays don't you? New week, fresh start AND baby Vivian Louise is on the mend back to her happy self! She was sick once for about 12 hours but this little weekend virus had her down for a couple days.

Fever, no appetite or energy - she was just pitiful! Praise for Motrin and snuggles.  At first I assumed it was teething because gracious they're all coming in at once, even her 4 molars. But the fever kept coming back and she was just so sad (and puked down my shirt... more than once ewwwww).  It's funny as gross as it was, and it was gross, I just moved forward trying so hard to comfort her and ease her pain. Bless her heart, she was trying to play and smile but her baby struggle was real.

You've heard that through hard times come many blessings.  It really is true! I stopped, slowed down and forgot all about the to-do's (eh maybe not forgot but easily put them aside) and snuggled my darling.  All she wanted was her Mamma and I soaked up her need with pleasure.

Who cares about any other affirmation when you get the best there is from being a Mamma! #amen

So with Mother's Day this Sunday, all the gift ideas are coming at you like water from a fire hose.  Here are some that I love that will be cherished.  They won't add meaningless clutter or be a waste of money.  They just take a little time and effort.

You know what will never disappoint? A framed picture! We have countless pictures on our phones and shared on social media - print those beauties! Give a stack so that they can be displayed on the fridge or put in an album for viewing.
And don't forget the candid every day photos they're as precious as the professional ones.

Image

I'm going to attempt painting a pot using Vivian's hands with a planted geranium in it for my Mamma. It was her Mamma's  favorite flower and we used to give them to her every Mother's Day so I find it special to pass the tradition. I even plant them around our home every year.
Plants are my favorite gift to give!

If you have older kiddos try framing a nice piece of their art work.  My nephew has given me two really nice pieces that I have displayed. While they may not be gallery worthy, to me they are priceless originals!

I CAN NOT wait until Vivian can create masterpieces for us!

A hand written note of gratitude and love is better than any Hallmark sentiment.  People are more encouraged by your own words than what the store creatives write for you.

This little tote bag belongs to a special gal pal of mine.  Her daughter made it for her at her preschool and it's so precious and useful! I may try and make one of these too! (for myself teehee) I may be getting too ambitious when it comes to crafting with a 16 month old.

You can't go wrong with a painted coffee mug but not sure you have enough time.  But also great for birthdays and other holidays.  I mean ALL Mammas are living on coffee! #truth

OK I think you gals get the idea - go on Pinterest it's a black hole for these crafty gifts!

If you do want to buy something over making a gift I like skincare/make up gift sets & Here, a nice toothbrush, a fit bit, sun hat, water/coffee mug, colored earrings, and a nice journal.

Give something made with love and it will be a treasure your Mamma holds dear.

PS What matters more than the nice brunch and pretty presents is quality time! Even if it's FaceTime it's the most valuable :)

** If your Mamma is in heaven or maybe you have a baby in heaven (I do and my heart misses him every. single. day.) or maybe you're wanting to be a Mamma.  I lift you up and pray that you have peace knowing God has a perfect plan with a purpose for you!!!!

Dress Beautifully with Gifts to Treasure this Mother's Day

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Jewelry

Happy Monday Mammas! It's one of my favorite weeks of the year.  It's Holy Week.  Yesterday was so special celebrating Palm Sunday.  It was our church's 29th anniversary and our annual potluck.  I absolutely adore that our church has several potluck suppers in our fellowship hall every year.  This year Vivian joined all the other children and played on the playground.  So much joy!
It was also special because our pastor retired and we installed our new pastor.  I must admit it was bittersweet as we've been members for 10 years this year and our pastor married us and dedicated our baby. But I'm not afraid of change and am welcoming our new one with excited open arms!

I'm also excited because I've finished Vivian's Easter basket!  We also found an amazing children's shoe store on Saturday and she now has several pairs of pretty shoes to fit her itty bitty piggies.

Next up is my birthday - 10 days! I don't get too enthusiastic about it because I'm not a kid and time with my family and friends is really all I ever want.

And then it's Mothers Day! Now that I'm totally jazzed for.  I'm blessed to be alive another year and blessed to be a Mamma!

I've rounded up some 'Mamma' jewelry that just may be the perfect gift ...

Initial Necklace
I've been eyeing one of these for about a year.  I like delicate jewelry and love the scattered placement of the initials.
Since I'm a double name and Vivian (as well as 3 generations before me) all carry the middle name Louise, I was thinking of doing SL & V.
I also love this because for growing families you can always add more initials.

'Mama' scattered initials
This is similar to the necklace above.

'Mama' ring - I'm a ring gal! Last year Mr gave me a big amethyst cocktail ring that I wear all the time.

'Mama' necklace
I actually saw this one at Nordstrom yesterday. It's delicate also.

'Mom' necklace - I never really called my mother 'mom' it was always 'Mamma' but I think this would be a super sweet gift and the discs are unique.

'Mom' bracelet - I like this better than a bangle. Better fit!

Dress Beautifully in Nice Mamma Jewelry

XOXO Sarah Louise

Lilly Pulitzer: Mommy & Me

I have been so excited to dress Vivian Louise and I in matching 'Mommy & Me' outfits. When Spring hit I was ready to find us the perfect pieces and knew Lilly Pulitzer would be it!  The prints are bright and colorful just like the joy I share with baby girl.

Our first Mother's Day is Sunday and I'm bursting with gratitude to God for blessing us with her!
(Last year I was pregnant with her on Mother's Day and didn't know it until 5 days later!)

Seriously if you have a daughter nothing's more fun that wearing matching outfits :)

I foresee many matching Lilly outfits in our future. Hopefully taking the pictures will be easier! Vivian Louise did not like the bright sun and would only smile and laugh when the camera was away.

Blouse  ||  White Jeans  ||  Wedges  ||  Earrings  ||

Baby Dress

Dress Beautifully in Lilly Pulitzer

XOXO Sarah Louise