A Life of Giving

Two years ago I left my home, career, friends and family to join Mr as he fulfilled a commitment to practice medicine in the US Navy.  I sit in amazement at the incredible journey it has been.  In the beginning I was a fish out of water, but I made a decision to bloom where I am planted and today I can say that I am a better person for this experience! I took the opportunity to impact the lives of others and embrace my world.  I served as the fundraising chairperson and now president for a non-profit that supports military families.

Two weeks ago my non-profit co-hosted, with a sister non-profit, a luncheon for military spouses.  This luncheon brings together spouses across multiple military bases in the spirit of camaraderie and service.  It involved months of planning for the committee to bring this event to fruition but it was well worth all the hard work. We graciously hosted 150 ladies for a lovely time in sharing special memories.

Our focus was on inspiring our guests to make a life of giving regardless of the circumstances. See, for military spouses we often come second to the job, we move a lot, and we are often separated for long periods of time.  These things can be very discouraging, but they can also be an opportunity.

No matter your situation and responsibilities you are a special and valuable person that has a lot to share.  Each and every one of us has gifts and talents that can be used to give to our family and community. Whether it's at home or to a broader audience, I encourage you to find your passion and use it to give.  There is no gift too small.  As we grow and travel on the journey of life things change and your giving will too, so do what you can when you can!

"We Make a Life By What We Give, Not By Where We Live"

This quote was the focus of our luncheon.  We had four speakers that each had a turning point that brought them to a life of giving.  Each giving in different ways, they were able to provide insight and inspiration for others to find their own way to give.  Rather than stand at a podium, we set up a stage resembling a front porch - they spoke to each other as if we were looking in on a conversation among friends.

Our theme was lemons, linen & lace.  We wanted a fresh, light and simple feel and yellow is the color for friendship. The femininity of vintage linens and a touch of lavender was added for a soft & lovely detail.

Here are some photos from the luncheon

Handmade Keepsakes for Each Guest: Lavender Sachets & Wooden Lemon Coasters 

Centerpieces

 Love these Navy Gals

Dress Beautifully with a Life of Giving

XOXO Sarah Louise

What's in a name ...

Names are important.  Personally, my name is extra special.  You see, I'm the 4th woman in my family to carry the middle name 'Louise'.  My great grandma, grandma, my Mamma and myself are all the first born and we all have the middle name Louise.  

So from the start I was a legacy.  

But then my freshman year of high school my grandma, such an influential person, went to heaven.  I then decided I couldn't just be 'Sarah', I was 'Sarah Louise'.  My high school gal pals loved it :) ... besides there were at least 10 other gals with the name 'Sarah' in my class. I had to differentiate.

Four years later her mother, my great grandma, went to heaven.  They both died the day before my birthday 4 years apart.  To me that is the most special.  I carry my name with great pride! 

Today, most people call me 'SL' for short.  It may be too much for some to say 'Sarah Louise' but I love having two names, true southerners understand that for girls double names are a must. 

Sarah means 'princess' and Louise means 'beautiful' - I may not always feel like a princess but when I think of my name I am reminded of the most beautiful women in my world.  My inspirations.  I pray every day I grow to love God and others like my Mamma does. 

So why names??? .... Well last weekend when the news broke that Princess Kate had a baby girl I said to many of my gal pals, I hope she doesn't take my baby name! 

Now, let me be clear, Mr and I have no kiddos and may not ever have one, and we certainly have no guarantee on whether this imaginary baby would be a girl but as a dreamer and planner I do have my names picked out.

My girl name: 'Charlotte Louise' and for a boy ' Reece Warren' after my grandpa.

What did I tell you?!!! Princess Kate stole my baby name! Ok, so it's a classic name and I technically have no claims and it's really hard to be mad at a princess I look up to for her impeccable style. 

I got plenty of texts and messages, trying to make me feel better that my imaginary baby girl name was taken - reminding me that for the next couple of years there will be tons of little girl babies born with my chosen girl name.  

Who knows if I'll ever get to use it but either way, I have my own name that every day inspires me to be better. 

I don't have an outfit for you today but how about that yellow floral dress Princess Kate wore when showing the world her new baby?!!! 

Similar options: Here, Here, Here & Here 

Dress Beautifully 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Sandal Season

It's officially sandal weather.  The fabulous thing about sandals is comfort!  Sandals give a much loved break from heels without loosing style - and they allow those little piggies to breathe keeping you cool and blister free :)

Personally, I have horrendous 'ballerina' feet; boney, far from soft and micro mini (I can often wear kid shoes) making it hard to find fitted shoes that don't slip off.  I welcome the open, strappy, slip on goodness that comes with warm weather.  And I don't know about you, but I strut around much faster when I'm not flexed up high in a pump.

When selecting a sandal I like leather as it forms to your foot and is less likely to rub.  I also stick to neutrals so that I can pair them with any outfit. 

Here are round up of sandals from Nordstrom sure to fit any style!
      Click on the titles to shop

Gold

These are my FAVORITE sandals Ever.  I'm on my 3rd pair - in gold! 

I started in college (before everyone was wearing them).  They're comfortable and go with everything - metallic color adds a touch of dressy.  They come in a Huge variety of colors!!

Bedazzled

For those gals that love Bling!

Snake

I purchased this sandal a couple years ago in a brown/black snake and Love them!  The print hides inevitable scuff marks and who doesn't love animal texture?!!

Slide

Bow

This ladylike girlie girl may just have to have these! 

A bow is the perfect finishing touch to any look

Jelly

Jelly sandals take me back to my childhood - When Mamma let me have glitter ones :) 

Flip Flop

This flip flop is more sophisticated and durable than a foam/plastic pair.

Thong

These are on sale and in multiple colors!

Tassel

I dare say the sandals have a 'professional' vibe

Fringe

Gladiator

Dress Beautifully in Sandals

XOXO Sarah Louise

Gingham

I love a nice printed pant. For some that's just plain scary.  I get it.  I carry my wight in my lower body/legs and the last thing I want to do is draw attention.  

Prints don't have to be big and loud.  In fact, subtle small prints are treated like solids when it comes to styling - because from far away that's exactly what they look like.

Now, gingham is a classic print and one of my favorites!  It's like plaid but with less colors and uniformed square checks.  Think red and white picnic pattern. Gingham has been a hugely popular print over the past several years and it's still going!  Don't limit the print to your button down shirts - branch out to pants and dresses.

These pants are awesome for their sliming stretchiness and in neutral black & white you can pair with any color.  I choose pink and white just about anytime I can :) 

Pink Silk Blouse: Similar Here & Here || Gingham Pants: Peck & Peck Similar & Here ||

White Pumps: Nine West || White Handbag: Michael Kors || 

Dress Beautifully in Gingham

XOXO Sarah Louise

Bermuda

Bermuda shorts or some call them walking/city shorts are simply shorts that are a longer length hitting right above the knee. I like them for their modesty and comfort. I also find them to be sliming! 

Of course for they're great for weekends with a tank or tee but in a dressier fabric/design, they can certainly be styled for casual Friday in the office.  Depending on your office environment of course. Think of them as a pencil skirt but cut down the middle to make legs.  Add a fun blouse, blazer and pumps to jazz it up.   When wearing a casual piece it's important your pairings and accessories are sophisticated. 

This printed top with beaded & neon accents at the neckline keep it modern and fun.

Ditch the jacket for happy hour and replace the pumps for wedges for a chic weekend look. 

Bermuda Shorts: Peck & Peck (Available in lots of Colors) || Top: Sovella's || 

Blazer: J Crew || Pumps: Nine West || 

Dress Beautifully in Bermuda Shorts 

XOXO Sarah Louise