SUMMER 2024

 I. LOVE. SUMMER!!! I give Vivian most of the credit as she makes it so much FUN! (Add her to the top of the #582 reasons I'm content with my choice to leave my corporate career) 

I still work part time, and it's going to be a challenge to do so with Vivian out of school but with a little planning and prioritization (and an awesome boss) this 3rd summer at my job should go swimmingly! 

Note: I know that Summer is different for everyone - no matter your circumstances, this season can be sweet and memorable.

Growing up my Mama made a Summer List with us of all the things we wanted to do, goals to reach and fun adventures to go on. I've continued this tradition my entire life.

This season is often a break from routine and has room to add things that you love.

Here are 10 things on my Summer list ...

BEACH

I want to stand with my toes in the sand at the ocean as much as I possibly can.

I'm starting this Wednesday on Kiawah Island!

SPLASH

When we are not at the beach, I want to splash at the pool as much as I possibly can.

LEARN

Pickle Ball! I've had my first lesson last week and am excited to learn to play the sport.

PLAY

Mah Jong. I received a game set for Christmas and want to learn and host Mah Jong game nights with my gal pals at least 3 times this Summer.

MEMORIZE

Vivian and I together are going to memorize 1 bible verse each week.

These are going to be short (she's 6) and I want to set us up for success to continue this practice all year long.

  This is a great resource for verses. 

READ

I want to read 10 books and Vivian is signing up to read 40 hours that aligns with a program at her school.

Send me your recommendations! 

ORGANIZE

I have this daunting project of organizing my photos in to books.

It's A LOT but I've been putting it off for 6 years and need to just start!

HOST

I have plans to have my niece stay with us for 'Cousin Camp'. The girls will attend VBS together and I have so many activities planned for them.

CHEERS

I'm jazzed to cheers with popsicles & lemonade with our friends big and small.

But with Ryan and my gal pals - make it bubbles and palomas on the patio!

COLLECT

Along with seashells & sharks' teeth, I want to collect memories with my family and my friends! 

I encourage you to make a list of things you want to do, place to go and memories to make.

Place it on your fridge (that's what my Mama did) and enjoy making that list a reality!

Dress Beautifully Making Summer Memories

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Cover Ups

 TGIF! Today I'm headed to the pool because being in water is the only way to survive the scorching heat outside!! Splashing with friends is also a fun way to spend a Friday.

My Pareo

Swimsuits are a key part of a Summer wardrobe and that means so are cover-ups. I don't know about you but I don't parade around, overexposed, in just my swimsuit and given that I'm a mother I'm in and out of places to and from the water.

Cover ups need to be easy to slip on and off, light weight (not just to keep cool but for minimal space while packing for travel and pool/beach bag). 

Here are some cute cover ups for your days at the water ...

Printed Pareo

prints are flattering and allow for matching multiple colors

15 options - fast shipping - great price

Button Up

Slit Pants

Maxi Dress

Long Beach Shirt

several color options

Embroidered Lace

3 color options

Yellow Star Kaftan

Button Up Dress

several colors

Convertible Sarong

more colors

Crinkle Mini Skirt

easy pull on - in black & colorful print

Suit up and cover up for comfort, protection from the sun and of course style!!!

Note: don't worry about 'matching' - everything goes at the water

Dress Beautifully Covering Up at the Water

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Classic Swimsuits

 TGIF! Here I am at the beach again! Wahoooo! I can't be more jazzed about it and all the trips I'm taking this Summer. Vivian calls them 'adventures'. For years now, every time I leave to go out of town she would inquire about my adventure. It's the most precious thing. Most of my adventures involve being in the water ... probably because it's hotter than hot and it's just fun! Even when we're home we are going to the pool almost daily.

With the water comes the swimsuit. 'Ugh' that's what I hear every gal say, particularly since becoming a Mamma. Sigh I know. It doesn't matter how much I workout or how healthy I eat, I too struggle to be confident so exposed. 

Animal Print

I find animal print classy and flattering!

BUT I also refuse to let the physical elements direct my joy. Be grateful for the body that God gave you, hold your head up and ENJOY!!

Note: Friends aren't your friends based on how you look in your swimsuit or in anything else for that matter!

I believe that you can dress beautifully in a swimsuit, the key is classic styles with appropriate coverage!

Since pool or ocean side is my more fun side here are some swimsuits that I think are fabulous & flattering options that you'll wear for many Summers ....

One Shoulder One Piece

this is my favorite - I have several

14 colors/prints

Cut Out Tie Back

I've heard great things about this design - in other colors HERE

this green print is in my cart!

Strapless One Piece

Classic & with detachable straps

16 colors

Square Neck

I have the navy in my cart

5 colors

V-Neck

another classic - however not appropriate if you are large chested (IMO)

I believe in containment of one's cleavage

8 colors

Underwire Top & Bottom

I have this bikini and love it! Super supportive with larger cup size options

6 colors

Square Neck Top 

I love this one again for the coverage

13 colors

I prefer this classic bottom

Crossback Underwire Top

Lots of support with underwire and cross back design!

10 colors

High Rise Bottom & Cross Front

String Top - String Bottom

I love a good string bikini - I size up for more top coverage

11 colors

Dress Beautifully in a Classic Swimsuit

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Swimsuits

 TGI-Summer! The season of swimsuits. I can hear just about every gal I know say 'ugh'.  Yes, you are very exposed and wrapped tight but it's also splash season and breezy cotton doesn't work well when wet. 

I struggle daily with my body image but year by year and day by day I am raising my self esteem and confidence with daily exercise and dressing beautifully inside then on my outside.

Here are some things I pray and remind myself:

1. I am made beautiful.

2. I am strong and healthy

3. No one cares! 

It's true gals, God doesn't make mistakes and he made you with a wonderful purpose. He also made us capable. When I'm down about the look of my legs, I stop and give thanks that I have them and that they're strong. I also remind myself that my friends don't love me for my physique and ladies are going to talk to you at the pool with no regard to your lovely lady lumps. 

I'm about to share pictures of myself in swimsuits and while I'm a small gal and fit I want to remind you that these are just pictures and it is very hard for me to put them out here BUT see encouragement above!

Also I'm only sharing suits I personally own, have tried on or know with confidence from others that they are fit for recommending. There are a TON of options out there.  J Crew & Boden have become my two favorite brands. 

Tips for choosing a swimsuit:

1. Prints camouflage and slim

2. Chest Support - when they are lifted and contained you look longer and stand taller

3. Full Coverage Bottom - I shouldn't have to elaborate. It's just decent. Also who wants to be tugging and pulling when you move.

Here are my favorite 2 pieces ...

Retro Classic Top - Bottom 

This one has an underwire and great coverage 

I'm a size 32DD for reference 

Striped String Top - Bottom

I found this string bikini to be very well made, supportive and covered nicely.

Black Top - Folded Band Bottom

This top is available in bra sizes! 

I love bottoms with a band. I find them to be very slimming and comfortable.

Halter & Folded Band Bottom

I have this suit in this tropical print and love it!

The top is super supportive and I feel it's cute enough to wear on a gals trip while also comfortable when playing at the pool with Vivian.

Note: I am not a fan of high waisted bottoms, while they look great on models and others my extremely short torso & I haven't found them flattering or comfortable.

But they are pretty and worth trying!

Rashgaurd & Bottom

I think this is so cute and not to mention protective from the sun!

Here are my favorite 1 pieces ...

Criss Cross 

This one is actually Amazon & I can attest it's a GOOD one!

I rarely shop amazon and always skeptical of the quality and I highly approve.

Amazing coverage and Sassy!

One Shoulder

This suit has been all the rage for a few years. I finally purchased it in this soft blue palette.

Honestly, I'm surprised it's so well praised because there is absolutely nothing for your chest.  It's literally just a fabric suit. So your girls are just hanging in it.

I thought maybe I just needed to go down a size because I didn't notice any of the 'compression' it says it should have but let's just say my cheeks would be out even more if I did. #nope

I will continue to wear it but would have liked something in the chest for support.

Floral Suit - V-Neck

I love this retro style. I do not typically opt for the bandeau/strapless styles as they squish my chest down and I hate yanking them up constantly but this one works with the halter strap. The print is so pretty.

One Shoulder

this is my very favorite design - it's supportive, modern and just the right amount of coverage without being matronly

Ruched One Shoulder

The most important thing is to cast those worries into the water and have FUN in your swimsuit!

Dress Beautifully in a Swimsuit

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Splish Splash

We have decided to splash our way through Summer.  It's 100% true that children LOVE water so water is what we will play in!

Here are some ways to incorporate water into your summer ...
(but not before you sunscreen)

This past Friday Vivian Louise went to a splash pad for the very first time.  She played her mermaid heart out!!!

Charlotte has tons of splash pads at public parks, private pools and at several YMCAs.

6 months old

Nearly 6 months old

Pools are so much fun and super cool, literally, and almost a necessity to survive the heat! We are lucky that we have several around us (and friends with pools) to take advantage of and our gym even has an indoor zero entry pool with play area for us to play in and avoid the harmful sun.

8 months old

You can even go fun-size and put a pool in your back yard, most preferably in a shady spot for easy splashing. I'm thinking of getting her this kiddie pool or this bigger one (because she's going to want me to splash with her whether I want to or not).

Water tables are fun too.  I'm not going to invest in one as I like to keep her toys at a minimum (and we are not having any more children) But I like this one!


You can even go super classic and turn on the sprinklers and let them run through it over and over again!

And if your kiddos are older, there's no fun like slip n' slide fun!

Fashion note: I love these sandals to wear at the pool/splash pad!

Dress Beautifully While Splashing this Summer!

XOXO Sarah Louise