Present Over Perfect During the Holidays

 

Gracious we are entering into the 'busiest' time of year! I'm not sure if I've ever shared this but I absolutely despite the word 'busy'. It's become a form of salutation: "Hi, how are you ... oh you know busy". Well, I don't know anyone who is just sitting around bored in the house. Just sayin. 

I prefer to use the word, full. Our days are full of things we get to do, full of family & friends to love, full of laughter to share, full of strength to conquer, and yes, full of responsibilities to manage. But rather than view the fullness as 'have to's' why not embrace the fullness of life as a blessing.  

This time of year can be frantic and stressful but it can also be peaceful and simpler.

Here are some things I believe will help us be present this Holiday Season:

1. PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN

That's an easy one. Putting your phone down and placing your eyes up to see the beautiful people and surroundings you're blessed with is by far the best thing you can do of yourself and others. Being attentive is far more gratifying. Listen, share and love! 

I promise what's around you is far better than anything on your screen :)

Tip: I often use airplane mode so that I'm not alerted but can still sneak a picture of a precious moment.

2. PRIORITIZE

You can NOT do it all! Do you even want to? Choose what and who gets your time.  

Say yes to those that are the most important and no to what isn't.

Quality will always trump quantity.  Those that make the yes list will be blessed with your full attention.

3. INDULGE A LITTE

This is a very difficult for me. I am extremely rigid when it comes to maintaining a clean diet but having my darling Vivian has motivated me to soften my nutritional perimeters so that she doesn't inherit my aversion to food. I want her to see Mommy enjoying a piece of birthday cake, a scoop of ice cream and a Christmas cookie. 

I do hold firm that being healthy is important but not at the price of missing joy shared with others. 

Go to the party, have a piece ... just not several!

4. GO OUTSIDE

If your yard is anything like mine it's buried in leaves! Go rake. 

Go for a walk and admire the colors of the leaves.

Bundle up & sip your coffee watching the sunrise.

Being outside provides peace.

5. ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

It can be very stressful with all the emphasis on gifts, things, decor, activities etc...

But look around. Take it in. You have so very much to be grateful for. Your needs are met. Enjoy what you have, right where you are! 

6. HELP OTHERS WITH A FOCUS ON JESUS

There are others all around us that are in despair. They may be in physical need and/or emotional. Think of those less fortunate, those that are grieving and those that can be blessed by your resources. Use your time, talents and money to help others the way Jesus would.

7. PLAY

I took her teepee out of her play room and outside for pretend camping

 it's the only version I'm up for and it was the most fun afternoon

Don't let the list take over.  Sure there's lots to do, but playing is much more fun. Throw the ball around, dress the barbies, dance to a couple songs, or play one more round of a game.  The tasks will still be there but the memories & laughter don't keep!

8. REST

Be still & pray. Wake up a little earlier and/or skip watching a show at night and just talk to Him in the quiet. Find peace and comfort in the calm. 

Dress Beautifully Embracing 

Presence Over Perfection

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Gal Pal Gift Guide

Tis better to give than to receive!

I have mixed feelings about this gift giving season. I love to bless others but I'm not so keen on the pressure to buy and feel that there are better ways to show your love than gifts.  Like quality time - priceless!

There are tons of gift guides floating around out there, just check your Instagram and Pinterest if you're stuck for ideas. With that I'm going to leave all that effort to all the other bloggers, but what I will share with you what I'm actually gifting my gal pals this year.

It is with great intention that I designed this post around my gal pals.  We all have them and we all need them. Amen?!  My gal pals have been beyond instrumental in my life.  They love me and pray for me.  They are right by my side cheering the good times and drying my tears on the bad times.

Girlfriends are the sisters I chose for myself

 Locket || Picture Frame || Wine Glasses || Candle || Present Over Perfect - Grace Not Perfection  ||

Let's break these treasures down ...

Wine Glasses - Everyone loves to cheers and with their beautiful gold leaf base, these are a unique must have.  They also come from one of my favorite shops ever! #shopsmall 

Locket - A timeless classic bauble that's not only pretty but sentimental.  Place pictures of those who are nearest and dearest to you inside.  I actually own this one and I feel special when I wear it.  I also love the modern design of a longer chain.  Great gift for Mamma's!

Candle - If you've ever had one of these burning in your home then you know why it's such a lovely gift.  It truly is the most amazing smell!

Picture Frame - We post and post and post. But I like the traditional way of viewing the moments with a hard copy framed picture.  We've become lazy. Snap a pic on your phone and with just a couple clicks, a filter and a few hashtags it's out for the world to see.  It really only takes the same amount of clicks to send it to Target and you can pick it up as soon as an hour.  And y'all let's be real, we're at Target all the time. As for frames, I typically grab mine at Homegoods but at this time of year there are all kinds of specials and sales at all the home decor stores.  

How sweet it is to display those precious memories, filling your home with the smiles of those you love.

Books - I believe it's important to turn off the noise.  I'm talking no phone, tv, iPad, computer; you know all those sites/social media that suck you in for hours.  Gals, you can't get those hours of your life back and more often than not you close out feeling inadequate.  I'm thrilled to be gifting these books (and receiving for myself) this year.  It's not about perfection in the world's eyes but about presence and grace in God's eyes. Comparison is the thief of joy.  Hold on tight to your blessings!

All of these gifts are modestly priced and are great for absolutely any gal regardless of her style or interests.  

I encourage you to give with love this year and challenge you embrace the gift of face to face time.

Dress Your Gift Giving Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise