Big Girl Room

At the beginning of summer as Vivian officially had completed her years as a preschooler, she asked me if now she could have a desk in her room for kindergarten. You see, she has a desk waiting for her that belonged to my Mamma growing up and through her adult years that was passed down to me growing up and through my adult years.  I knew the time would come but all I could think about was the chair.

Ryan & I picked out this chair together when I was expecting. I remember visiting it in the furniture store imagining it in her nursery. Once it arrived I would rock in it, praying for her, singing to her and talking to her about all the dreams I had about being her Mamma. I brought her home to this chair and continued to care for and love her in this chair. 

For nearly six years I've held her next to me sharing countless moments with her.

The chair was going across the hall into our newly decorated guest room where it would compliment beautifully. Vivian said to me "don't worry Mamma we can still rock and read books, we just go into that room". Bless her heart!

It was time for her to inherit this desk. An heirloom piece passed from generation to generation.

I gave it a fresh coat of paint and let her pick out the fabric and help me reupholster the chair seat.

The desk is a part of a set that includes two dressers. I love that we are connected in so many ways to each other and to my Mamma. I'm clearly very sentimental!

Vivian also received a night stand & clock to help her know when it's time to get up for school each morning. 

We only use the color feature but it does have a noise alarm and sound machine options.

As I stand and look at her big girl room I can't help but be so proud of the big girl she is.

I pray this room is a space for her to grow in love!

Dress Your Rooms Beautifully with Heirlooms

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Bright Colored Shoes

 

Orange you glad it's Friday?!! After traveling for the past 6 weeks I've had a lot of projects to catch up on at work and in managing our home life. Thank goodness darling Vivian was back at Summer camp! I feel like I'm in a good place and ready for a fun weekend visiting my Mamma and going to church on Sunday, something I've really missed this Summer. I'm back out again next Thursday for a very special beach trip, stay tuned :)

It's rare that I own a shoe that isn't nude but when I do opt for a color, I go bold! One of my favorite colors to add as an accent into my wardrobe and in my home is a bright orange.  I think of the Hermes signature color and find it to brings an unexpected pop that you rarely see.

I used it in Vivian's nursery on the drapery with a greek key tape trim, I have a bright orange purse, a Hermes cuff and now these slide sandals. I truly believe bright orange compliments nearly every color palette.  I've worn these every single. day. this week alongside a lavender top, blue floral dress, the outfit above and a simple white tank & jeans.

Here are some fun colored shoes ....

inseparable from my darling

My Shoes

5 additional colors

Chartreuse Kitten Heel

also in neutrals 

Strappy Kitten Heel

3 additional colors

Eyelet Perforated Slides

Block Heel

4 additional colors 

Braided Sandal

in several colors

Slingback Block Heel

9 colors

Braided Strap Sandal

11 colors

Green Slide

Embellished Kitten Heel

6 colors

Crystal Pump

6 colors

Dress Beautifully in a Colored Shoe

• XOXO Sarah Louise

Decorating with Monograms

 Here in the South we have a saying ... more like a belief:

In my 20's I put my personal touch on just about anything with my initials (clothes, jewelry, bags etc.) Then, when Ryan and I were engaged came our married monogram on things for our home.

Fun Fact: my monogram didn't change after I was married as both my maiden and married last name begin with an 'H'! Thank goodness b/c I had quite the investment. 

I've shifted over the recent years to monograming less for myself and more for gifts, home decor and darling Vivian. 

I believe, like in most things, that moderation is key. The way to do that is with intention.  Rather than having everything stamped, choose a few special pieces so that it's more personal rather than 'branding'. You're a person, not a business.

Here are my favorite ways to add a monogram in your home ...

MASTER BEDROOM PILLOW SHAMS

Our Shams

These were the first thing we purchased for our first home. The appliqué monogram makes a formal and bespoke statement on our grand four poster bed. It's our room together and where we as husband and wife end our days (even if Ryan climbs in most nights just a couple of hours before I'm up). We both love Carolina blue and it can be found throughout our home.  It also is a great color to compliment a variety of bedding. I like to change out our duvet cover.

NURSERY

When designing Vivian's nursery, I went with the colors lavender, pink and a pop of orange. A unique palette only found in her special room. Her name is significant as it is passed down from me, my mother, my grandmother and my great grandmother all of whom are first born and have the middle name 'Louise'. Having the baby's monogram displayed is a sweet & specific way of making it special. 

I chose a linen down filled pillow for her rocking chair.  It will transition perfectly to her big girl bed. 

Note: She's 3 1/2 and still happily cozy in her crib. I can NOT imagine my darling girl out of it or not rocking her twice a day in this chair. #tears

ACCENT PILLOWS

I had these silk pillows embroidered with our joint monogram when we were engaged.  I was just sooo excited to be together (still am!).  They've lived in 4 different homes and reflect us, the family that lives here. I'm not typically a 'brown' person but they are neutral and compliment nicely. I love that they can and have moved from our couches to accent chairs throughout. 

Note: A married monogram is the wife's first initial, the last name initial followed by the husband's first initial. 

COCKTAIL NAPKINS

These add a special touch when hosting guests.  They aren't just something you pick up at the party store and can be utilized all year long for any occasion.  I'm not one to purchase decor for each and every celebration.  They also convey a sophisticated touch without being a true linen. 

These make a great wedding gift!

BATH TOWELS

 

Pictured: These Towels

Ryan & I received monogramed bath towels as a wedding gift and have loved them but after 12 years they've been retired.  I love the ones above and often gift them at bridal showers. They add an elegant touch to your bathroom and also a potential pop of color.

Engraving is another way to personalize and create sentimental treasures.  That's another post :)

Dress Your Home Beautifully with Monograms

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Quiet Time Basket

Good Morning! Quiet time is the most important time of my day.  It's time alone with no distractions that I spend with God in His Word, praying, studying and reflecting. 

In order to obtain this luxurious peace as a Mamma, I wake up at 5. It's not hard for me as I've always been a morning person, no alarm, I just pop up and start my day.  It also allows me to do other things like blog, exercise, tidy, etc ... all before Vivian wakes up. I do go to bed very early!

I recently received this basket full of gifts that I'm now using to hold the things I use during my quiet time.  This simple basket has been such a blessing. It's sturdy and a perfect size to hold everything I need.  Before my things were scattered from my handbag, bedside table and desk. Now they're all together in one place in a neat and organized manner (cleanliness is next to Godliness). 

The best part is that I can carry this basket to wherever I want to cozy up: outside on the patio, our sunroom or any comfy chair throughout our home.  I've even curled up in the rocking chair in Vivian's nursery when she's away. It's the most comfortable chair and the prettiest room.  I also miss her like crazy when she's gone despite often being desperate for a break, that's real motherhood for ya!

Here's what's in my basket and some suggestions for filling your own:

1. Bible - I use this study one.  It's too big to carry to church but perfect for at home. I love all the notes. 

2. Journal - I write down my thoughts, encouraging scripture and even questions to ponder. I also have a specific gratitude journal.

3. Devotionals - these 2 books 'Be Still' & 'Focus' are great! When I'm lacking focus or in between a study book they encourage me and keep me in His Word. They're also perfect for when I'm short on time or midday during Vivian's nap. 

4. Book - currently I'm readying 'Shepherding a Child's Heart'

5. Box - I keep blank cardstock to write down special encouragements, verses or thoughts and keep them there to revisit. Sometimes I pull one out and mail it to a friend. 

6. Stationary/Cards - I send correspondence every week, and by keeping the cards in my basket I can write to whomever is on my heart or that I'm praying for. 

7. Pens, Markers, Highlighters - I love to write! Lists, notes and scribbles to really put to memory what I'm studying. (I keep this basket put away and have taught Vivian that it's not for her to play with)

8. NO phone - this is something I would leave OUT of the basket.  I put mine on silent and in another room.  I feel strongly about this!

Suggested Additions ...

9. Blanket - It's Summer so no warmth needed but one could be nice to have for the cooler months or if you're cold natured.

10. Refreshments - maybe some snack bars, hard candy or dried fruit to enjoy.

Dress Beautifully in Quiet Time

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Hair Do

TGIF! Today we get a break from a week of so much rain! It has truly iced the quarantine cake when it comes to feeling trapped. This weekend we have so much sunshine to soak up. Saturday, it's literally going to be bright and I am treating Vivian to this new splash pad to play with in our backyard.  It will be her first swimsuit day of the year and I can't wait to hear her splashing giggles.

The happiest news of all is that we get to go to church on Sunday!!! I thought about texting my neighbors to tell them that everything was ok, because my squeals were so loud when the announcement was posted. We are meeting outside and will be keeping our distance from others. I have no clue how I'm going to refrain from hugging our dear friends and gracious my Sunday school students!! Not to mention, there will not be nursery for Vivian. I have no clue how I'm going to manage her through the service but none of that compares to the joy of getting to gather again with our church family in worship!

At the beginning of the year I asked you gals what you wanted to see more of on this blog. I had several requests for how I style my hair and how I manage to only wash it twice a week.
Surprisingly, I was asked the most about my workout routine & diet ... I still need to share more on that.

I find that since quarantining gals are going longer between washes and so many are struggling with unkept roots growing by the week.

Hair is unique to the gal that wears it.  I encourage you to work with the locks God gave you, enhancing them rather than trying to fight against them.  I have extremely thick, textured and very wavy red hair.  Rather than try and straighten it, change it's color or wear a slick style I embrace the large volume with a curly style and use products to enhance what I have.

Confession: I do add a little color to my mane.  As I'm aging my hair has become dull and darker.  Since I don't have grey to cover I dilute an auburn dye with water and shampoo it in once a month for just a little boost without the harshness.

So here are my secrets to having a coiffed mane with merely 2 washes a week
Note: These apply to working with an overdue dye job.


Day 1:

I wash with this shampoo & conditioner purchased at my salon.
I only condition the lower 3/4ths of my hair and comb it through with a wide tooth comb in the shower to distribute evenly. I wrap it in a hair towel and often let it air dry while I apply my make up to reduce the amount of heat from the blow dryer. I use this styling cream (avoiding the roots) prior  to drying.
I section my hair and use a large round brush to smooth it dry.

I use a 1" curling iron and curl sections away from my face.  The curls are smaller and tighter initially.  When complete I use my fingers to separate & loosen them and spray with this hairspray.

This is far curlier than I like but by starting this way the following days are just right with little to no effort.

I will sleep with it half up in a clip.

Day 2:

I run a wide comb through it and go.  This is my favorite day as the curls have fallen and are larger.

I will apply dry shampoo on the roots of the upper half of my hair before bed and sleep with it in a loose pony tail.  These are my favorite hair ties.

Day 3:

I will use a round brush to fluff and add volume around my face and wear it half up or in headband.

Day 4:  Same as day 3 but most definitely up in a pony tail.  I work out every day and there's no other option at this point.

Hair dryer | Curling Iron | Hairspray | Styling Cream | Dry Shampoo 

REALLY REALLY want to try the Dyson AirWrap but goodness gracious it's pricey! 

Tips for concealing dirty/unkept roots:
1. Avoid a straight part
2. When pulling your hair back use your fingers to keep it textured/avoid brushing it smooth
3. Use headbands and scarves to 'dress' it up
4. Maintain volume with products such as this and dry shampoo

Since Summer is coming and bringing it's humidity & heat, I will style my hair in braids and forgo the blowdryer rocking my natural curls.

I love using vintage silk scarves to tie around clips and ponytails.  They add color and print allowing even your most basic of days to look cheerful and put together. 

I love them as an alternate to headbands! They won't damage your hair, don't pinch and won't get in the way of glasses.  

There are 2 ways to wear one: wrap it around tying the scarf at the base of your neck underneath your hair or tie it in a double knot on top and tuck in the ends. You may want to use bobby pins to hold it in place/keep it from sliding. 

These headbands are my fav! Headbands are a hot trend, especially ones with a knot on top.  Personally, I just felt like the knot looked like a horn on me.  A puffy braided headband was more even in shape and made me feel like I was wearing a crown! I found a pack of 4 satin ones in different colors that suit my fancy.

Dress Beautifully with a Coiffed Hair Do

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Priceless Art

They say that art is personal and that when choosing art for your space it should speak to you. 

One of the things I looked forward to most in motherhood was the art work Vivian would make for us.  I remember how fun it was creating pretty presents for my Mamma - give me ALL the glitter! And sure enough when Vivian brought home her first masterpiece from preschool I melted. Literally, I teared up. Bless my Mamma heart. 

So when there was a discussion at my MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group about filtering and storing your children’s artwork I was a bit puzzled. My Mamma kept it all! She had a box for each of us.  At least that’s what I thought. After hearing their input I realized she probably did toss the scribble pieces through the years and kept the best of the bunch. 

Her first finger painting July 2019

And since she’s been in school for nearly a year I’ve created quite the pile that I’ve found myself sifting through. Gifting is a great way to share the joy! Grandparents, and the ladies at church proudly display her work on their refrigerators. 

As much as I love the art I’m not enthusiastic about the mess so I’ve left that fun with her teachers who are so creative and patient.  I also didn’t own any crafty supplies whatsoever … until now. Her school has set out an art supply cart outside every week for parents so that we can have resources at home. Sigh and this is how I came to do art at home.

Painting for Easter

Turns out it’s not so bad, but we aren’t allowed to use anything pigmented inside. 

This picnic table my Mamma got her is amazing for art.

There’s no glitter and my creative skills are lacking but it brings her great joy and it colors my world.

Rather than spend lots of money on art work by famously talented artists I’ve chosen to showcase the artists that are near and dear to me amongst my family and friends.

I prefer framing them as it’s a more polished presentation but you can also clip pieces on a string in a playroom, hang them on the refrigerator or pin them on a bulletin board. Personally I don’t like the cluttered look it gives so I store her pieces in a bin.

My Mamma is an oil painter and her sister/my aunt is also an artist.  I cherish the works they've made and hope to have more of their art in my home.

Here are some pieces I proudly display throughout our home …

This piece, created by my nephew at around age 5 is in our master bedroom.

This is a water color of the first home we ever lived in together on a military base.

A fellow Navy wife and dear friend created it for me as a going away gift. 

I am in process of having a water color done of our previous home and current home.

This one is so special. My Mamma painted it when she was in middle school I believe.

It has some tears and wrinkles but it's fabulous!

We both love to dress up and always have our hair and makeup done.

It is fittingly displayed in our guest bathroom. 

This painting was done by my youngest sister. It was part of an assignment in an high school art class to recreate a segment of Van Gogh's painting 'Sunflowers' and she chose a unique color palette that's perfect for Vivian's nursery. 

This cross painting was done by a dear friend and shop owner where she shares some of her creations.

This one is just precious and perfect for her nursery. I love her tiny hand and foot prints in colors that match her room. She made this in preschool and I'll treasure it forever.

Gracious I'm grateful for her teachers and miss them so!

I shared how I framed her heirloom dresses and displayed them in her room on this post.

Dress Your Home Beautifully in Priceless Art

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Retro Statement Skirt

Gals, I'm definitely in a separates phase, specifically skirts. I've found myself finding and being drawn to skirts with interesting detail or pattern, like this one I shared 2 weeks ago.

Printed skirts have endless style options and can really allow your personality to shine.
For example: if you're way cooler than I am you can pair the oh-so popular rock band graphic tees (maybe even tied in a knot on the hem) with a tiered midi skirt, or if your style is more on the casual side a chambray shirt or basic tee, and if you're like me, my go-to is a crisp white button up shirt.  The sky is the limit because the skirt already checks off the color and pattern elements of your outfit.

I found this skirt late last year and immediately loved the vintage color, print and style.  I'm all about some retro vibes. The bright pink is an expected color for me but it was the pretty orange in the print that sold me.

I've really grown to adore accents of tangerine orange in my home decor and in fashion.
Orange was an 'it' color in the 70's and then there's the iconic Hermes orange. While I used to hate the color (probably due to insecurities of my red hair growing up), I now find it so fun to incorporate in small doses.  I used it in Vivian's nursery, in a few home decor objects and I even have a bangle and handbag I wear all the time that add such a sweet bright pop to my outfits.

The cut of this skirt in a straight design (very elongating) with a ruffle hem is so unique and feminine. The flattering flat front with center pockets is also a winning detail.

I REALLY wanted to style this with a white button up or ivory blouse but I decided to show you gals something different and wear one of the 3 black tops I own because the reality is I'm the minority in my lack of black.

This skirt can truly transcend all the season with sweaters and boots followed by light tops and sandals in warmer weather.

Puff Sleeve Top | Ruffle Hem Skirt | Booties |

P.S. This would be lovely for a Valentine's Day Celebration!

Dress Beautifully in a Statement Skirt

XOXO Sarah-Louise