Treasure Hunter

Sarah Louise treasure hunter here! Those who know me well know I enjoy searching for special things. Every Summer I spend lots of time combing through the sand for seashells and shark teeth. I bring home bags of beautiful treasures to marvel over. 

Note: I'm working on a creative way to store and display them. Currently Vivian & I play with them.

The beach isn't the only place I hunt for treasures. I enjoy collecting rocks & leaves from the mountains, vintage decor from thrift shops, designer pieces from resellers and handmade gifts from small shops.

Here are some of my favorite places to hunt ... 

NATURE

I find the most majestic works of art outside.

You can keep them in a keepsake box or on display in shadow boxes or frames.

No one could ever create something as unique or beautiful as the Creator! #facts

Last week I found the ultimate treasure.

A MEGALODON tooth!!!!!

It's been on my bucket list and I even have a trip planned to fossil hunt for one.

These extinct massive sharks lived 3.6-25 million years ago (according to scientists)

and were the largest predators known. 

This find is EPIC! 

THRIFT & ANTIQUE STORES

I've been hunting here for decades. I find china, silver, linens, art, furniture, books, jewelry .... the list goes on and on! I have an affinity for old things and the stories they hold.

Even my engagement ring is an estate piece dating back to the 1920's.

I often imagine the memories these pieces help make. I can be very sentimental :)

My favorites in Charlotte are: The Assistance League & Sleepy Poet.

When I travel I often visit local stores.

RESALE BOUTIQUES

Consignment shops & resale sites are fantastic places to find unique and designer pieces at a great price.

Here in Charlotte I visit J.T. Posh & Divine Consign.

In Wilmington, Hope Consignment.

For online sites I have been successful shopping on 

Poshmark (shop my own closet here later this week!) & Ebay.

HANDMADE SHOPS

Local markets & Etsy are great places to find handmade items from artists. 

There is something special about something that's created by hand and is truly one of a kind.

These make the best gifts! Even Instagram is a place to find works from talented makers.

I encourage you to search behind the big box sellers and see what treasures you can find!

FACT: There is no greater place to find eternal treasures of truth, hope, peace and love than in HIS Word!

Start there before seeking anywhere or from anyone else!!!

Vivian's favorite beach treasure is sea glass

Dress Beautifully Treasure Hunting

XOXO Sarah Louise

American Girl in Gingham

Gals, I love America! I give thanks for the privilege of living in this free country every single day. It's not perfect (#amen) but I'm proud to call it home. I don't believe I ever truly appreciated our country until Ryan served in the US Navy & deployed to the Middle East for nearly a year with a Marine Infantry Unit as their Battalion Surgeon.  To see him take an oath to serve & protect this country and then actually go out and fulfill that was remarkable.

I'm also grateful we get to raise Vivian up here, where she has endless opportunities. 

When I think of the 4th of July, fireworks, backyard parties and all the red, white and blue come to mind. 

Part of celebrating any occasion is dressing for it! Stars, stripes and pretty gingham checks are the quintessential patterns for our Independence day.

Gingham has been around for many many decades and while it is reminiscent of a picnic table cloth, incorporated in home decor & clothing design is quiet lovely and classic. 

I love gingham prints modified in a variety of color palettes for a modern look.  This skirt has more of an aqua tone with a very feminine ruffled hem and ivory faux buttons down the front. It also has uninque detailing with front pockets (this is more slimming than your typical side seam/hip pockets) and a front slit opening for easy movement. 

This is a dressier ensemble that may be a bit much for a pool party or cookout but it's perfectly fitting for gatherings with your gal pals, evenings out and church.

Fun fact: While this skirt was a bit of a splurge, even on sale, this blouse was a bargain! I love thrift shopping for home decor and found this silk gem with the tags for a couple of dollars.  It's an older item based on the tag & quality of the fabric and construction. 

They just don't make them like they used to!

Similar Blouse & Here | Skirt & Similar | Pumps | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in Gingham

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

Treasure Hunting

For this edition of Friday Findings, I'm sharing with you one of my favorite ways to shop; Hunting for Treasures.  That's what I call it when I spend hours perusing antique, vintage and thrift shops.  They're treasures because they're one of a kind and often buried under piles of old things, so when you find that one piece that speaks to you, filling that hole on your shelf, it feels like finding treasure!

I also have this love of old and used things.  Something about the story and adventure of that object and how it got to where it is and now in my hands fascinates me.  From accessories to my outfit and decor in my home these gems add character.  

Don't let the hunt overwhelm you.  Take a gal pal (not your Mr - they hate it and get bored and will kill the joy, it does take patience) or treat yourself to some 'me' time with a coffee in hand to just enjoy the quiet stroll.  A gal pal can be helpful to be a sounding board when your debating a 'find' or a horrendous tacky object that for some reason appeals to you but should never go home with you. 

My Mamma is my favorite hunting mate.  She's patient but often gets side tracked so you have to keep her moving, and can help you see the quality of an object and paint a picture in your mind of what it will look like in your world.  Her knowledge and wisdom is key in differentiating the junk from antiques. 

The most fun thing about hunting with my Mamma is that she takes you on a trip down memory lane.  She remembers these items from her grandparents & parents.  She can tell you how they were used and made.  The nostalgic smile on her face is priceless.  And oh the laughs that echo when we stubble across tackiness from the 70's!

My favorite treasures to hunt for are silver, linens, belts, broaches, crystal, tables and rugs.  I make myself walk away and ponder items so that I don't go down the road towards hoarding. Clutter is uncool. 

Yesterday my Mamma took me to treasure shops she had found.  So overjoyed to live closer to her so that we can share time together.

Our first stop was the White Owl Antique Mall

This barbie booth took me right back to my childhood! It made me miss my collection. 

Naturally I was drawn to this booth's collection of midcentury garments.  Most are handmade!  Today we grab off the rack or click a few buttons and clothing appears on our front doors. 

I loved touching the cotton shirt dresses (they called them 'day dresses') imagining my grandma in them. 

These pieces came home!  The ginger vase is going to live in my foyer and house umbrellas.  The brass pot is for a plant that I'm going to try really hard to keep alive.  And the silver shell is going to either hold soap or be a bedside jewelry tray.

My Mamma found this hand painted cat.  I walked away as I try very hard to resist the 'Crazy Cat Lady' reputation but she insisted I had to have it.  Bless her!

These chairs we found at Cline's Country Antiques, what looks like a massive junk yard.  It's located on land that was used to raise chickens years ago and now those large structures house piles and piles of old furniture and iron sculptures.  Yes those are dirt floors so bring some sanitizer and your outdoor shoes. 

These are 'ribbon back' mahogany chairs with needlepoint cushions.  We picked up each one and sat in them making sure they were in solid, sturdy condition.  These were perfect to go with my Henkel Harris mahogany breakfast table (another treasure I found) as well as additions to my formal dining table when serving a large dinner party. 

I intend to restore and recover the cushions but I will make great efforts to re-home the needlepoint fabric as the craftsmanship that went into hand making the design is impressive. 

This Gorgeous white iron garden furniture is something my Grandma had in her back yard and I wanted nothing more than to take it home but with a long list of 'wants' for our new home, it will have to wait. 

All in all it was a fun filled day and I was able to cross off items we need for our new home. 

Now I have to find fabric for my chairs, sigh that's another hunt. 

Every room in my home houses treasures I've found over the years and when I look at them I remember when and where I found them.  

The beauty lies beyond the object but in the adventure finding it.  Stay tuned for pics of my home and the treasures that live here!

Some of my favorite treasure hunting spots ....

Charlotte, NC:

Assistance League of Charlotte

JLC Wearhouse

The Depot at Gibson Mill

White Owl Antique Mall

Cline's Country Antiques

Jacksonville, NC:

Jacksonville Antique Mall

2 Flipping Roosters

Twice as Nice 

Sweet Potato Vintage

Raleigh:

Antiques Emporium

Cheshire Cat Gallery

Dress Your Home Beautifully with Treasures

XOXO Sarah Louise

Leather & Lace

I Love to Create my Looks with Contrast.  

Whether it's Texture, Color or Style (Feminine, Edgy, Casual, Fancy) Combining Opposites is a Great Way to Mix it Up.

It Gives Unexpected Interest and Makes for Versatility and Countless Outfits.

It Doesn't get More Contrasting than Leather & Lace.  The Ultra Delicate Feminine vs Rough Durable & Edgy.

The Colors also Contrast but Remain in the Same Tone.  Blush and Burgundy are both in the 'Red' Family but on Opposite Ends of the Spectrum of Light & Dark. 

This Skirt I've had for Years.  Found it in one of my Favorite Thrift Shops and all it needed was a Little Alteration.  I call it 'Treasure Hunting' when I go out Searching Consignment and Thrift Shops for Gems!  And I've Found Some of my Most Favorite & Unique Pieces! 

Blush Lace Blouse: Loft || Leather Skirt: Thrifted Similar & Here || Pumps: Nine West ||

Nude Cami: Similar || Polish: Essie ||

Dress Beautifully in Leather & Lace

XOXO Sarah Louise