Pop Fizz Clink

Break's over - back to blogging ...

with a hot cup of black coffee #naturally

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

What a refreshing time.  Time to reflect and time to look forward.  It's a blank slate, and a new beginning.

I have a sense of accomplishment at the new year as I close one year full of life events and milestones and begin filling up a new year.  I have to admit, not all of last year's happenings were happy.  Some were sad and down right heartbreaking but that's life.  It makes you stronger and better. Just remember all your undeserved blessings.

With that, I like to start off by sending some cheer. Snail mail is the best mail.
A hand written note is a such a sweet and sentimental kindness, an art I believe in.

New Year Note Cards

First step in setting up my new year, a new planner!  I look forward to this.  I'm obsessed with paper.  I'm constantly making a list and crossing things off.  In an age of technology, I'm all old school when it comes to staying organized. For the past 4 years I've had the same planner (different prints).  It's just the right size and layout for keeping track of the elements of my life.

Note: I immediately start filling it out month by month with birthdays and important events.

2017 Planner 

I also use this weekly note/mouse pad & this Little Gold Book kept in my purse for jotting down ideas as they strike

The word resolution is on everyone's mind this time of year. Right after Christmas we can finally take a minute to relax and think about ourselves and what we want to change.

I don't make resolutions.  I make goals.

What do I want to accomplish?
How can I grow?
In what ways am I going to serve?

While I keep my body healthy with good nutrition and daily exercise keeping my mind and heart healthy I find to be more difficult.  The world is full of ugly so guarding yourself is a huge challenge.  We are drowning in overindulgence and temptations.

One of my goals is to glorify God in everything.

That sounds impossible, but it's something I want to work hard to do.  That means spending time in the Word, loving others and being a ministry through your life and works; including this blog.

Remember my gift guide for gal pals post I shared before Christmas? Well, I had to treat myself to the books that I actually did gift a few ladies. I've really enjoyed reading Grace Not Perfection.  It's uplifting and encouraging.  The pressure of perfection can wear you down paper thin.  While I may not have thousands of readers, lots of 'likes' or immaculate pictures each and every post is created and written with 100% authenticity. XOXO SL

Another goal of mine is to wear my grace goggles.  With myself and others.  Give the benefit of the doubt, love the unlovely and forgive.  You hear it all the time "I am so busy", remember to slow down  and stop to smell the roses.

My imperfectly perfect space 

I took this not with my 'fancy' camera but just a quick snap with my iPhone 

I didn't stop and adjust the bags under my desk, the hanging cords, or placements  

This is where I sit to write to you gals - all natural 

So when I think about this blog of mine now that it's 3 years old!!! #hbd and where to take 'Dress Beautifully' in 2017 this verse came to heart ...

"She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future" Prov 31:25 

Let's Pop. Fizz. Clink. to 2017 and strive to dress all aspects of ourselves beautifully.  

XOXO Sarah Louise

Botanical Gallery Wall

My breakfast room is one of my favorites in our home.  To some it may be just that area off the kitchen that you eat quick meals at but don't give much attention to.  It's open to the kitchen, casual and lacks defined walls; but that doesn't mean you can't decorate it and make it a space that reflects you and your style. For me it's one of the most important rooms.

Breakfast is my most favorite meal and the only one I really care about.  I'm not a foodie (I feel like a unicorn when I say that) so being near the kitchen isn't a big deal to me.  But I am a morning bird.  I have been since I was tee tiny.  I wake up at 5 like a pop tart happy, energized and excited to start a new day (most of you are probably rolling your eyes) but my gal pals know that come 8pm I'm done for the day, drained and worthless.
I enjoy the quiet and freshness of the morning.  Listening to the birds and watching the sun rays slowly fill the sky reminds me of how great God is and just how blessed I am to have the gift of another day.
Here lately I'm thrilled to be another day closer to Mr coming home to me!

And let's not forget the fresh ground beans that go into my big cup of piping hot black coffee - it's the icing to my morning!

The breakfast room was the very first room I ever decorated. In fact, I purchased the table prior to moving in.  I lust over Henkel Harris furniture and was able to find this one in pristine condition at an antique shop.  Those brass claw feet and solid construction is pure beauty.

I knew immediately what I was going to do in this room when we first toured our now home.  An oval table to align with the bay window, a banquette settee, and a gallery wall of botanical prints. I find that incorporating natural elements like plants and wood brings texture and life to a room.

I found the vintage mahogany ribbon back chairs on one of my thrifting trips I shared with you here and simply cleaned them up and recovered the cushions (post coming soon!) The banquette settee I was able to find a mere week after moving in at Homegoods.

When it came time create the botanical wall gallery I struggled.  I wanted smaller prints and I wanted six.  After using my resources, Google, Pinterest and every thrift/vintage shop I went into, I just couldn't find what I was looking for, and in budget.

I was visiting one of my top 5 shops, Paper Source (I'm obsessed with all things paper) and I saw this beautiful botanical large calendar and the idea came to me; I'd cut up the prints and frame them to create my gallery wall. Genius!
And very cost effective!

Tip: Quality is key! Choose a calendar made of thick matte paper 

I bought a paper cutter and frames at Michaels.  It was a bit more tedious than I anticipated cutting the prints to size, as I'm not crafty at all, but after cutting 2, I decided I didn't want them to be absolutely perfect, I wanted to embrace their vintage aesthetic and it was ok if they were a little off and crooked. It lends more to an authentic older look.

And then I had to hang them.  Now this part had to be perfectly straight and evenly spaced.  I wanted to pull my hair out as there are more little holes in my wall than I'd like to admit but I eventually got it right.

I loved picking out which prints I wanted to hang and arranging them just so.  I strive to make each piece of my home intentional and a reflection of us. It takes time and patience but slowly and surely it's all coming together!

And when you're done give the remaining prints to a friend - My Mamma took mine to frame in her home.

Get creative and use a calendar to make your next gallery wall!
Since it's after the new year take advantage of the calendar and planner sales :)

PS Our dining room is getting a glamorous makeover this weekend Ekkkkkkk stay tuned!

Botanical Calendar: Paper Source - More Options || Table: Henkel Harris - Similar || 

Banquette Settee: Homegoods - Similar & Here || Ribbon Back Chairs: Vintage - Similar || 

Dress your Home Beautifully with a Calendar Gallery Wall  

XOXO Sarah Louise

Beautiful Plans

I'm a planner.  I just can't seem to fly by the seat of my pants and be spontaneous.  Ok well every now and then I embrace the unexpected or schedule change but for the most part I function on routine.

Last year had very little routine and it drove me crazy! But I'm hopeful that 2016 will bring structure and consistency to my world.

In order to stay organized I function with a planner.  I know what year it is and that technology is king but with a lot of things I prefer the old way of doing it; writing things down in my calendar and daily to-do section followed by the therapeutic crossing it off is everyday joy for me.
I also find using phones and tablets rude.  We are all on them constantly so I find it refreshing to put down the electronics and use a book.

My 2016 Planner

For the past 3 Christmases I've received a Kate Spade planner.  I must say they are my favorite.  It's organized with tabs, monthly calendar view and lined spaces for daily entry.
You have to find one that's organized for your best use and of course that's aesthetically pleasing!!

Tip:  If you are in a professional setting, I suggest passing on the planners with bright colors or loud design.  Opt for neutral colors or even leather. 

Mine is already full of exciting plans, things to accomplish and goals to achieve; all to keep me on track for a happy, productive and organized year.


Here are some planners I believe you may like!

Polka Dot  -  Floral  -  Watercolor  -  Gold  - Personalized   

Recycled Leather  -  Confetti  -  Classic Black  - Striped 

Dress Your Desk & Your Schedule Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise