Summer Mini

Gals, with warmer days ahead comes higher hems. I'm not in my 20's anymore and I believe in dressing modestly but there's something fun about an above the knee sundress.

This one in particular, struck my fancy for its flutter sleeves and flare skirt.  Both elements are flattering, creating a shapely silhouette. They also provide comfort and easy of movement. The print is primarily purple, a favorite, but all the other colors are great for adding complimentary jewelry/accessories.

I also want to note the sweetheart neckline, another feminine and flattering design attribute that makes this dress lovely. I paired this dress with platform heels but a flat sandal and even a fun sneaker is a comfortable and stylish shoe option.

I encourage you to add a short (but not too short) sundress to your summer wardrobe.

Dress | Platform Heels

Dress Beautifully in a Summer Mini

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Joy Comes in the Morning

Good morning gals! Mornings are my absolute favorite because I like the start of things: a day, week, month, semester, year etc…

New, fresh and full of opportunity, that’s how I feel about mornings.  It’s in the morning hours that I have the most energy and my thoughts are sharp.

My Mamma says I've been a morning bird my whole life. In high school and college I would often go to bed early and wake up at a crazy hour to study.  I still don't stay up late, I'm in bed by 8.

Maybe you'd rather die than wake up before the chickens (that's my sisters) but I find that the quiet hours before anyone else is stirring (except Ethel, she gets excited when she hears me come downstairs) are a blessing to me. It's time I can spend preparing myself for the day so that I'm at my best to give to others.

Here's my morning routine:

Bible Time

I wake up at 5:00am without an alarm. I just naturally open my eyes and bounce out of bed.

I start with a glass of water and the Word. 

During the school year I work on a bible study and other times I use a devotional.

I found this book last week and have just started it.

Breakfast

I've been eating the same thing for 15 YEARS! 

Without fail I have 2 eggs over medium with black pepper 

& 1 piece of Ezekiel bread toast with just a wave of butter.

Even when I'm away from home I eat the same thing (I may add bacon at a restaurant).

Screen Time

As I continue to sip my big cup of piping hot black coffee (we grind black rifle co. beans), I sit at my computer and work on my real job, blog, catch up on emails, make to-do lists and scroll on social media. I love IG & FB but they can become a bigger priority than they should so I wait a while to open them.  I also don't like to be on technology in front of Vivian. 

Chores

I keep my house tidy throughout the day but every morning I unload the dishwasher and occasionally I'll fold a load of laundry or straighten the play room. I want Vivian to see the work that goes into keeping up a home but often it's just easier to be productive without her.

Bird & Show Watch

Our sunroom is my favorite room! As I'm waiting for Vivian to wake up around 7:00, I sit and watch the birds and if I'm in a loving mood I'll hold Ethel. 

Since I don't stay up for the sun to go down, I'll often watch tv shows in the morning.

I'm looking forward to mornings watching the sunrise at the beach this Summer!

I encourage you to establish a morning routine that sets you up to conquer the day with gusto! 

Dress Beautifully in the Morning

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Ruby Red

 TGIF! Gals it was straight up hot this week! Vivian keeps asking how much longer until Summer so we can go to the pool & beach ... not much my darling! 

I recently cleaned out and organized my seasonal clothing in my closet and realized I don't own any red outside of 1 sweater and 1 pair of pants.  I wear both at Christmas time.  I do have a red handbag and pair of crocodile knee high boots but for some reason red accessories (my favorite being 2 ruby bracelets) appeal to me more than clothing. My only guess is that I wear a big red mane on my head every. single. day. so I feel no need for more.

I've actually encountered a lot of gals who let their hair or skin color hold them back from colors. I say, Nonsense! 

My Red Floral Ruffle Top

This red blouse spoke to me with the ruffles and classic print. I also find it versatile for all year wear.

Here are some ruby red pieces sure to make you feel like a gem!

Belted Midi Dress

Flutter Sleeve Tunic Dress

Ruffle Neck Dress

Ruffled Mini Dress

Maxi Dress

Embroidered Tunic Dress

Ruffled Shoulder Top

Wrap Blouse

Cropped Blouse

Flowy Camisole

One Piece Swimsuit

Espadrille Flats

Studded Flat Sandal

Dress Beautifully in Red

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Berry Sweet Mommy & Me

Gals, I love matching with my little darling. (I share that surprising no one hehe ) I even love matching with my own Mamma! I often purchase us identical blouses. I find it precious to imitate the ones I love most and plan to do so as long as I can! (Vivian may disagree come her teenage years but I will cross that bridge when we get there).

With Mothers' Day this Sunday I find it perfectly fitting to share these mommy and me dresses!

These sundresses are such an easy breeze and berry sweet option for the summer.  They are available in several prints and colors, with one sure to suit your fancy. The crisp cotton is cool and the design is perfectly fitting for movement and accommodating undergarments (I avoid a strapless bra). 

I encourage you to enjoy the warm sunny weather in a sundress, matching or not.

The moment I showed Vivian our matching dresses she was so excited to have her picture taken.

My Darling

Mommy Dress | Little Girl Dress

Dress Beautifully in Matching Dresses

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Jesus Be A Fence

Gals, I more often give thought to additions and wants than I do avoidance and resistance in my life. I believe it's because I want to focus on the positive but in order to stay that way, protecting from the negative is key. 

It comes easy for me to guard Vivian from harm but what about myself. I monitor, screen and expose her to influences that are joyful, edifying and uplifting.  But do I maintain the same standards for myself?

Boundaries can seem exclusive but to the contrary I've decided to look at them as protective. 

You can still live with open arms while limiting the things that cause you harm or to stumble. 

It takes self discipline and dedication but having discernment on what you welcome and stay away from is so important in keeping our hearts healthy.

Here are some things to ask Jesus to be a Fence for ...

Relationships:

We can't and aren't meant to be friends with everyone. It doesn't mean a person is bad but perhaps just not a best fit for us if they cause us harm or to stumble.  Distance or limited time can help but be sure to have polite communication with the other party as to not cause more harm. 

Social Media:

Such a challenge and joy all at the same time. An account may truly be lovely but they can still cause comparison, discontentment or unneeded persuasion. You can take time away or remove influences that aren't good for you.

Indulgences:

Maybe it's sweets/snacks, streaming, shopping or any other treat that doesn't well, treat you.

Resisting temptation takes great strength but over time it will become a good habit and something you don't miss.

We are weak, but He is Strong!

Jesus, be a fence.

Dress Beautifully with Boundaries

XOXO Sarah-Louise