Alfresco

Happy Monday Gals! When it comes to living my best life (I find that phrase annoying but durn, it really fits) I do it alfresco.  Growing up and as an adult, enjoying meals outside and activities when the weather would allow was a given. There's something about fresh air that makes you at easy.  Stepping outside can wash away your troubles and shed light on the goodness around you.
And life is just more fun under the sun!

I've been finding ways to do as much as I can outside. Of course I play with Vivian, but I mean tasks or activities that I just habitually do inside our home I've taken out to our patio.
From devotionals, reading, working on the computer, painting my nails, exercising, phone/video calls, meals, games ... and my favorite, date night!!! (we leave our phones inside and enjoy just us two)

Tea Parties are a regular on the Patio ... and sometimes while still in our night-nights.

Now, I know I was just sharing on Friday's post that it's been hotter than hades outside and AC is as essential as food and water but find you a shady spot in the first and last hours of the day and you will survive!

Vivian's 1st Popsicle!

Our patio is one of my favorite things about our home because it is a great space to do all the things in the open air.  Now, I haven't focused on sharing it because it's 'not ready'. Meaning, we want new furniture, an umbrella, stringing lights and it needs a good power wash.  But I was reminded of encouragement I often share, that waiting until something is 'perfect' holds you back. It may not be exactly what we want right now, but it's exactly what we need for creating fun memories!

So I hope you not only find a cool place outside to enjoy but that you step out just as you are, open your home just as it is and let the pressure of perfection go!!!

I can't ignore the fashion element of being in the elements ... cotton is king! Light weight natural fibers like cotton and linen are the only ones that will do on a hot summer day.

Here's where we cheers to the good life, alfresco!

Here's Vivian's Playhouse & Picnic Table & Bubble Machine

Turning around towards the backyard, we use the double driveway to set up her splash pad.

Mammas, playing outside is the greatest fun you'll have with your family and yourself!

Dress Beautifully Alfresco

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Backyard Beachin

TGIF! In our land of make believe, our backyard is the beach.  Just 2 weeks ago we were supposed to actually be at the beach sharing salty kisses in the sand but circumstances (durn virus) stole our plans and truth be told I'm still pouting about it.  So I've decided to join Vivian in her pretend play and create a seaside world right here at home. I've never been a big traveler but having Vivian Louise drives me to experience new and fun things.  Going to the beach is something I want us to share time and time again, as much as life allows.  There's so much beauty and joy that happens in such a serene place.

Just add a little water and imagination and the beach is in reach.

We also visit the sandbox at the playground to practice castle building.

Here are my favorite things to bring beach vibes to your backyard ...

Cabana Chair

Love these chairs

Beach Umbrella

Turkish Beach Towels

Canvas Tote

Several color & monogram options

Beach Tote

Splash Pad

Toys

Beach Baby

 Pop Up Sun Tent
This is great for outdoor events to protect you from the sun.

Wagon

We love this! It folds up so we can take it everywhere. And it accolades another little.
We use it for after dinner strolls so she can pile in her toys and recently for our outdoor church services.

Towel Clips

Sunscreen

I love these products! More here

Little Sunglasses

Straw Hat
How chic and ladylike is this?!!

Hammock

While I'd prefer to be lounging in a chair with my toes in the sand listening to the waves while I read, our backyard hammock will do just nicely.  And the birds chirping is a sound just as beautiful.

While our backyard view isn't a sunset over the ocean, it is our home and where we make our happy memories.

Dress Your Backyard Beautifully, Like a Beach

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