Summer Skin

Just in case you didn't know, your skin is your largest organ which means it's health should definitely be a priority to you. I often feel as though it's taken for granted and forgotten about when it comes to it's care. We know to exercise to keep our heart and muscles strong, to avoid harmful substances for our liver & lungs and to eat healthy, drink water and sleep to nourish all our organs.

When it comes to our skin I believe aesthetics often trump health. We enhance it's beauty with makeup and fill it with creams, serums and injectables in efforts to preserve it's youth.
But let me tell you the most important thing you can do for your skin ... Sunscreen!!!

All the creams and chemicals can't save you from sun damage.  And nothing is more damaging on your skin than the sun.
Don't stop slathering your creams, serums or plumping your wrinkles with a little Botox but the #1 anti-aging treatment is sunscreen.
Reminder: Your face does not stop at your chin, you MUST include your neck and chest!!!

I'm never ever going to tell you to avoid the sun, because I believe outdoor time is the best way to live but just as your skin protects your body, protect your skin with sunscreen.

Facts:
100% proven fact the Sun causes Skin Cancer
SPF = % of UV rays blocked
Makeup with SPF is not concentrated enough to protect your skin

SPF 30 blocks 97% of UV rays so anything higher is negligible.  The key is to reapply.
Anything below SPF 30 is not protecting your skin.

There are 2 types of sunscreens, Chemical and Physical:
Chemical active ingredients are Octinoxate, Avobenzone, Oxybenzone
Physical active ingredients are Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide

Physical sunscreens are a shield and reflect rays.  They are typically a thick white cream that can be more difficult to apply and leave a white film. Despite this I prefer them, at least for my face and for baby girl.

Chemical sunscreens absorb the rays and convert them to heat. There is no study saying that they are harmful or less effective. They make great sprays which are easier to apply so I use those for my body.

Confession: My glow-in-the-dark freckly self used to attempt to bronze myself for hours underneath the sun unprotected while I was in college. I know, I know, one of the biggest mistakes I've made but I know better now and I act better.

So just say no to wrinkles and cancer and yes to sunscreen!

Also, say no to tan lines because they're positivity TACKY!

Here are some good ones to use:

A gal pal recommended Blue Lizard to me because she loves it!  It's made of natural ingredients and they're an environmentally friendly!!  They have an amazing kid and baby line of products.

Neutrogena makes great products that are free of icky chemicals - here are some for you and your littles. These are what I use.

Sun Bum has a great line of mineral based sunscreens

Supergoop also has a mission to prevent skin cancer with their line of SPF mineral products.

Cotz is a brand I recently discovered and used their face sunscreen when we were at the beach last week.  They are free from chemicals and have a great tinted line to avoid the 'white' look.

BeautyCounter is another brand of products that's all the rage.  I haven't tried any yet but from what I hear this particular sunscreen is hydrating and smells amazing.

PS Don't forget to add a hat for extra shade!

Dress Beautifully in Sunscreen

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Dressy Shorts

It's getting hot gals! Dressing for the heat and still looking chic can be challenging because all you want to wear is cool cotton and loose pieces.  But you can still be put together and avoid being a puddle.

Personally, I'm not a shorts gal. I've never been fond of my legs and I've found it difficult to find shorts that fit the waist, while still roomy enough and have an appropriate length.  NO to short shorts! But I'm also not a fan of shorts longer than a 5" inseam either as it can make your legs appear shorter and isn't everyone trying to make their legs look as looooong as possible?!

One of my favorite pairs of dress pants here on this post is now in shorts! Praise! I am seriously considering ordering these in a couple of the other colors I love them so much! They fit so nice and the fabric is comfortable and flattering.

I also adore this top.  The halter v-neck shows off your shoulders without exposing too much skin. NO to cleavage too!

I keep things classy over here on this blog! #amen

Now, since my legs aren't my biggest asset and because I glow in the dark (NO to sun b/c cancer and wrinkles are things I never want) I do use this tanning lotion about 2 times a week, basically when I shave my legs.
I also work very hard to make my legs as strong as I can with running, lifting weights and plyometric exercises daily. Along with reminders to give thanks to God for giving me strong healthy legs is helping me appreciate them rather than complain.

Fun Fact: My leg hair basically stopped growing when I was pregnant and it was light and thin to begin with since I'm fair and red haired.  Even today it doesn't grow like it used to and I'm super grateful for it!

Add wedges or heels to really dress up your shorts and stretch those legs out!

Halter Blouse | Shorts | 

Dress Beautifully in Dressy Shorts

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: 5 Must Haves for Traveling with a Toddler

Happy Monday Mammas! I can't share with you gals enough just how wonderful it was vacationing last week! Summer is the time for vacationing. The time for a mid-year escape to just have fun (I'm totally counting down to beaching with my gal pals next month!

What I packed for a solo trip with Vivian at 8 months old to see her Grandparents 5 hours away! 

Traveling with littles definitely adds to the packing list (I now understand why we had to buy an SUV months before her arrival). But you don't have to bring 'everything but the kitchen sink'. And there are lots of items that will make your trip a bit easier and convenient.

Here are my favorite things (& some tips) to have when traveling with a toddler:
Sidenote: I'm not ok calling her a toddler, she's still a baby to me!

1. Pop Up Tent

Pop Up Tent

This tent was amazing on our beach trip! It twists and folds up into a flat disc that can fit in a tote.  So it won't take up additional space in your car.  You can put sand in the side pockets to weight it down.
It's easy to clean with just a water hose and drys super fast.
It shades you from the sun and give a nice place to play. It even has mess windows on both sides that Vivian just loved to play peek-a-boo with.

This tent isn't just for the beach, I plan to use it in our backyard, when we go to Grandma's house or even at one of our church picnics.  Vivian loves bringing her toys inside and playing.  It's also a great place to have snacks away from the dirt.

I had a few in my amazon cart but saw this one on a trip to Walmart and it's great!

2. Folding High Chair

Fold Up High Chair

Lots of color options

Mammas this thing is genius! I've shared with so many.  Like the tent it folds up easy, takes up little room in the car and has a strap for carrying.  We take this when we visit friends and even to some parks. The plastic tray is super easy to clean.  This chair you could also wash with a hose and drys fast.  This is also something you can take right on the beach.

3. Folding Mattress

Folding Pack-n-Play Mattress

This is a must! We have this pack-n-play and it's fantastic! I highly recommend it as it's easy to set up and take down and very sturdy. However the mat that it comes with, like most pack-plays, is hard with little to no padding.  That's fine if you're using it for play but we use it for a crib when we are traveling or visiting friends.
What's great about this mattress is that it folds up and stores in a zippered bag with carrying handles. It's just right when it comes to being soft yet still firm.
All the other mattresses I found don't fold and that's a nightmare to pack in your car. I LOVE this mattress and encourage you to get one for your little.  It's also a great item to have on a baby registry!

PS I insist that you also use this sound machine and take it with you!  Mr and I have been slumbering with it for over 10 years and Vivian has had the same one her entire life.  We bring them with us even when we fly places.

4. Backpack

#Dadlife

She's loved her backpack even when she was little

She's 9 months old here

Caterpillar Backpack - More Options

During Vivian's first year of life we used this diaper bag to hold ALL the things you may need when leaving home. Now we use her little backpack with diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, hat, sunscreen, a snack and maybe a book and toy.  It depends on where we are going and what we are doing. It's small and you can carry it on your shoulder or attach it to your stroller.  It even fits in my tote handbag.  I use it when going taking her to the gym day care, visiting friends, church and now Summer Camp which starts tomorrow ekkkk! That's a whole other box I won't open but let me just say I have ALL the feelings.

5. Baggies

Reusable Bag

My sister got me one of these bags and I love it!  I used it for my phone at the beach, for lipsticks in my purse and even snacks.  It's an EVERYTHING bag! A plastic lining which is safe for food and easy to clean. You can just throw it in the washing machine. It comes in lots of prints and has a tag for adding a name if you want to use it for your little.
This is environmentally friendly :)

Ziplock bags are a necessity.  Right up there with toilet paper in my opinion. They are so useful for countless things! I pack her snacks in them so that if she doesn't want to eat it or only eats half I can save it for when she does want it in the next 15-30 mins. You can pack small toys, store garbage (icky diapers), dirty clothes/wet swimsuits, you name it there's a baggie for it!  They're better than a grocery bag because they can be sealed up. I have boxes of all sizes and keep a variety in my car and in her bag. I probably use the snack size the most for food, the gallon size for sunscreens, quart size for clothing ... you get the idea.  They came in extra handy at the beach.
When we go to the pool, splash pad or park baggies are your storage lifesavers!

Of all the stuff you pack, I promise your little will be the most fun thing in the car!

Nothing like vacation views!

Dress Beautifully and Pack Efficiently on Your Next Vacation

XOXO Sarah Louise

Summer Tops

TGIF! We are home from our beach vacation and I'm still bursting with joy over all the fun we had!  Life truly is so much better with Vivian Louise in our world.

One of the best parts was my decision to turn off texts and phone calls for the week we were gone.  I chose to only use my phone for pictures during the day and my mother-in-law did most of the capturing.  I did share several online each day but I waited til everyone was tucked into bed.  It was glorious removing distractions and focusing on the family time we so rarely get.
Now, it's back to the real world at home but our spirits are so refreshed it doesn't feel like chores at all.
Oh, and I also didn't wear my watch or my Fitbit.  I was on vacation time!  And because I went running on the beach each morning and chasing after baby girl I wasn't worried about keeping track of my activity.

Now, as much fun as Summer is you can also look pretty while doing so.
Your top can make a statement with a pair of shorts or white jeans.

So here are some of my favorites ...

This top I have and shared with you on this post.

I LOVE it!

One Shoulder Ruffled Seersucker

I adore the oversized ruffles on this top

Flutter Sleeve Top with Embroidery

This embroidery is pretty and just the right delicate detail.

Striped Tie Neck Top

I got this top for a steal and love the pretty bow in the back. 

Perfect for outdoor events when you want to look cute but be comfortable and cool.

Mexican Embroidered Top

I love the story behind the designs and hand made detailing of this line.

These pieces will have you feeling and looking like a world traveler.

They come in so many different color palettes!

Blue & White Off the Shoulder Top

I love decorating my home in the classic blue and white and it looks just as clean and crisp in fashion!

Dress Beautifully in a Fun Summer Top

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Salty Toes & Sandy Kisses

Happiest of Mondays that ever was!!! That's what today is.  I'm on vacation but after debating whether or not to write I decided to quickly hop on while Vivian is taking a nap.

There are no words to depict the joy and happiness of seeing sweet Vivian's toes in the sand and her arms splashing in the ocean for the very first time!  Mr and I haven't been on a week long vacation in several years and the escape from the hustle and bustle is such a blessing. We also realized that vacation is way more fun with Vivian! Who knew building sand castles, collecting seashells and splashing in the water could be such a celebration.

I'm truly aware of the luxury that it is to be vacationing in a house ocean front for a whole week. I am eternally grateful for the memories we are able to make.  No picture could ever truly capture them.

But here are some of me and my mini on the seashore ...

Moments after we arrived and the first time her tiny toes were in the sand.

She already found her first seashell.

She wasn't quite sure of the water.

My Tunic - super comfortable, light and just so pretty

Pure Joy

My first one piece and I have to admit, my Mamma gal pals were right, they are more practical for playing in the sand.

Soaking up all her love!

My first tankini and again, very practical for #momlife

Staying hydrated

This two piece is also Mamma friendly with lots of coverage and support.

Her very first taste of ice cream! 

She wouldn't lick the cone but loved it from a spoon.

Isn't it just Marvelous to be a Mamma?!!!!!

Dress Beautifully with Sandy Toes

XOXO Sarah Louise