Mamma Monday: Vivian's Nursery Design

Gals, this week’s ‘Mamma Monday’ post didn’t get posted yesterday – oops.  Forgive me.

The weekend was ROUGH – I was in bed and sick on my stomach ALL day Saturday (I’m constantly telling myself that this baby girl does in fact love me and that I love carrying her - #theStruggleisReal ).  I’m giving up on hoping the sickness with improve but I still battle the frustration of my low productivity levels.  I want to do so much but my body will not let me. Lots of prayer happening!

This week, I want to share with you Vivian’s nursery design.  It was inspired by this Pinterest pic my gal pal showed me last year…

Lavender with pops of tangerine orange.  It was different yet still feminine.  I instantly knew this was the palette for a girl’s nursery. With my own spin on it of course!

Here’s the design I created of what her nursery will actually look like ….

For the walls I chose Sherwin Williams color ‘Inspired Lilac’ a super pale shade of lavender. Lighter is better with paint.

I’ve added pink in the lamp and rug and kept the orange to a minimum with greek key trim on ivory silk drapes, a Hermes decorative box and flecks of light orange in the rug.

The rug is even prettier in person, soft and much lighter in color than online.  It pulls in all 3 colors lavender, pink and orange in a traditional design.

I’m not a big fan of nursery furniture as it is temporary so I opted to incorporate what I have and my traditional taste and am using my antique buffet as the changing table.  It also breaks up all the pale hues with its rich dark wood.

I’m adding touches of gold and glam in the lighting, mirror, pouf ottoman, small side table and frames.

The crib is a classic – just like the one I had as a baby but in white.

The chair swivels and rocks – this piece of furniture is not designed specifically for a nursery. When I found it I felt like I was sitting on a cloud and I seriously wanted to close my eyes for a cat nap right in the store.  For fear of embarrassment I didn’t.  You can choose from over 80 fabrics.  I went with a textured cream. I have plans for this chair to one day be my reading chair in our master bedroom.  

For art I’m adding our Anne Neilson painting of angels, and pieces my Mamma and sister have painted.

FYI I have a slight obsession with Jellycat stuffed animals! She already has 4 J

Everything has been purchased for her room with the exception of ordering the chair and gold pouf.  We hope to begin decorating in the next week now that our living room renovation is almost complete – I need to share that fun project with you!

I can’t wait to share the finished room with you later this month!!!

I hope you like it – check out my Nursery Pinterest board and my Maternity Style Board for inspiration!

Dress Your Nursery Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Vivian's Nursery

Hello gals!  I know I've been absent from the blog - because I've been 100% present with baby girl.

I fully intended to share her nursery in December and then earlier this month but our sweet blessing has kidnapped all my attention and I don't mind at all. While I miss routine and productivity there's no where I'd rather be than with her.  I'm going to try my best, now that she's 5 weeks old, to get back into the swing of some of my pre-baby activities. (Not going to lie exercising is on the TOP of my list).

I shared her nursery design with you here on this post.  I stuck to the design I had created with only a few exceptions.

I wanted lavender as the base color with accents of soft pink and a touch of tangerine.

Finding the rug tied it all together. 

For the crib bedding, I didn't want a matchy-matchy set so I pieced together the elements separately.

I'm obsessed with Jelly Cat stuffed animals! 

I brought the tangerine color in with the drapes. I special ordered the trim fabric and attached it myself to ivory silk panels. It was nice to make them myself - not that I'm a DIY or crafty gal by any means but it feels special to create her room.

We were gifted so many blankets, perfect for our Winter baby.

I had originally wanted to use my antique sideboard as her changing table for a unique and traditional addition but after renovating our living room it really worked best as it was intended by the dining room.  As most things, it turned out for the best as I decided to use the dresser that was my Mamma's, mine and my little sister's growing up.  All I had to do was give it a fresh coat of paint.  I kept the hardware original.  I love the history it adds to her room.

This chair has been a special place for us both.  When she was still in my belly I would sit and read, talk to her and sing her sweet songs my Mamma used to sing to me.  Now I still do those things but she's snuggled in my arms. It's also roomy and so soft for her feedings.  I love rocking her (and myself) back to sleep.

I added a shelf to hold special things for display and to hold her books because we plan to read to her every day.

The bear was Mr's when he was a little boy.  By adding a lavender ribbon it was a perfect match.

The small canvas was hand painted by a dear friend of mine.

Her baby book is wrapped in silk fabric with her monogram - I plan to start working on it this week.

I also added a photo of us, the two people who love her most in this world.

The Christmas cactus was a gift from my Mamma and I believe all rooms need a plant.

I love the sweet feeling I get when I'm in her room! It's truly my favorite space!

A Nursery Dressed Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Candy Stripes

Well, I told you I was coming back and here I am!  Sadly, my hopes were higher than reality when it comes to this pregnancy sickness. Gals, it just won’t go away.  I often feel like I’m sentenced to torture for 9 months.  But I’m continuing to take my prescription meds with as much of a grateful heart as possible (they make me so drowsy) and to be honest I do throw up less than I used to.  I’m pushing through and have some fabulous and chic outfits to share! 

So this top struck my fancy as soon as I saw it.  The boldness of the stripes and the unique collar made me have to have it.  My only concern was the sleeves.  Because I’m petite and have smaller arms I’m not a fan of volume and length hanging over my hands.  But they hit higher and in a poplin cotton they have just the right touch of structure.

Now, in fully disclosure I am 21 weeks in these pics. My bump is tiny enough that I’m still able to wear non-maternity tops. I don’t say that to be competitive!  Every gal has a different body and pregnancy so embrace yours! I just want to be honest. Now my girls are another story!  Large isn’t the word – they far exceed my bump growth and I’m not a fan.

And since we are sharing, I actually got my feelings hurt ordering the fabric for my nursery drapes because the ladies at the store asked me who’s nursery I was designing.  At the time I was 20 weeks #halfway and no one would ever know I had a sweet baby in my belly. I know, I know I should be thrilled, and a huge part of me is, as I do want to stay healthy, strong and not gain too much but I’m just so proud and honored to have her that I want to show her off for all to see! 

Now, I don’t know about you but I got a candy striper vibe with the red and white stripes of this top (better than the carnival take my sister had on it) so as we were taking these pics she then starts singing the ‘candy shop’ song by 50 cent #bless Just keepin it real … and fun.

I paired this bold top with distressed jeans, yes they are maternity.  But you totally wouldn’t know it! Gals, it’s just too tight to button my regular jeans.  

I’m also obsessed with loafers! My poor feet just can’t strut in heels like they could in years past and they totally complement the menswear look.  My favorite color to wear is white and I carry light shades throughout all the seasons.

I’m glad to be back and hope you’ll pick back up reading along. 

I'm going to start a new series where Monday’s posts are going to be all about Mammahood but since I realize almost all of you aren’t belly buddies with me the fashion will stay on concepts that relate to all.

Striped Top  ||  Distressed Jeans  - Non-maternity  ||  White Loafers ||

Handbag & Similar ||

Dress Beautifully in Candy Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Baby, Bows & Monograms Oh My!

One of the sweetest things about having a baby girl is adorning her in bows and monograms!
Like mother like daughter!

When I was pregnant I dreamed of dressing Vivian up (smocking dresses galore ... I should really share her amazing wardrobe/closet) and her newborn pictures were the first major occasion.  I knew she'd be tiny, never did I imagine bringing home a 4lb 11oz tiny, so rather than 'outfits' I wanted to present her as the bundle of joy that she truly is.

I love to support small businesses and entrepreneurs so I often turn to Etsy for unique and handmade items.  This is a great avenue for baby items.  I ordered this pale pink silk sash the day we brought her home because her one month early arrival wasn't in my plan but the shop owner made her sash and shipped the very next day! I simply used a solid white swaddle blanket to wrap her and then tied the bow around her.  This sash is not only a keepsake but could be worn around her dresses when she's several years older.

I found my photographer months in advance and had her on standby because I wanted to capture her brand new.  We took these pictures in her nursery when she was only 12 days old. I made sure she was good a fed prior so that she would sleep peacefully through all the moving around.
As for our outfits I kept them light and bright - see my previous post as I wanted the pictures themselves to be soft.  Her pastel nursery was the perfect backdrop.

Vivian Louise

Monogrammed Silk Sash

Dress Your Baby Beautifully in Monograms & Bows

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Fall Bags & Baubles

TGIF! Gals, this has been one of the most jam packed weeks - meetings, business dinners and sooooo much house work now that our renovation is complete! I haven't really shared that with you but we removed a 16' load bearing wall that separated our formal living room from family room to create one big great living space!  It looks AMAZING! We even ordered new furniture.  Now that we have it all put back together (living through a renovation was a mess) we can enjoy the outcome.

It also means that this weekend we are tackling baby girl's nursery.  I've been extra sick this week and Mr's been the Best-Daddy-Ever trying to lift my spirits by surprising me with putting together her crib yesterday and ordering my nursery chair today. #LOVE 

Since clothes are a drag when your expanding by the day, accessories, bags and shoes have become more of a focus. I'm digging a new fall bag and am seriously contemplating this back one with gold studs or the cream quilted one - ALL of the bags below are on Sale #yourwelcome.

These jewelry pieces are also on my list of wants.  I love shiny statement pieces to polish off my looks.  I also am digging black jewelry this season.

Even though the weekend isn't going to as relaxing as I need it to be I do plan on enjoying working on our daughter's room.  Painting and sewing her drapes may seem like work to most but it's all acts of love! #nesting

Geometric Crossbody Bag  ||  Burgundy Tote  ||  Black Studded Bag  ||

Ivory Quilted Bag  ||  Leopard Calf Hair Clutch  ||

Pearl Collar Necklace  ||  Black Disk Earrings  ||  Disc Ring  || 

Black Statement Earrings  ||  Cuff  ||

Dress Beautifully in these Trending Fall Bags & Baubles

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Heirloom Dress Gallery

There are so many keepsakes and items from Vivian Louise's first year that I want to hold dear and cherish forever.
While I can't keep every garment she ever wore or every toy she played with, I have hand selected pieces to keep that I can pass down to her.  I love that my Mamma saved things from my childhood.  Vivian Louise has even worn a dress that I wore as a baby.

Typically items are put away in a bin/box and stored in a closet rarely to be revisited. But just like a framed photograph can take us back to wonderful memories, I wanted to embrace that concept with some items from her first year.

Since I love dressing her in traditional, timeless clothing I thought it would be precious to frame a few of her heirloom pieces and display them in her nursery.

I used 16x20 frames and used white fabric for the backing.

I wanted to hang them 2x2 above her crib but they would hang too low and I didn't want her to be able to reach them. So we hung them on the opposite wall and they fit perfectly!

Left to Right:

This is a Feltman Brothers dress with delicate embroidery and lace.  I wore this brand as a baby.

This was the first dress I ever bought her, just 2 days after finding out she was a girl.

It's a Sarah Louise (I couldn't wait to dress her in this brand).  She wore it for her 3 month pictures and Easter Sunday.

This dress was a gift from my Mamma.  She wore it for her dedication celebration.

This is the gown she wore for her baby dedication. It was a gift from her Granny. 

Cherish those special pieces that make you remember the precious moments!

Dress Your Baby's Nursery Beautifully

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

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

Mamma Monday: Shopping Small

Good morning Mammas!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

I survived Vivian Louise's first time being sick this weekend and I dare say we both handled it pretty well.  I've been anxiously awaiting this to happen, I mean she's 14 months old. She's been blessed to have gone so long without even a cold.

She woke up Friday late afternoon burning up. And although her afternoon nap was longer than usual she was a bit restless.  I tried to feed her supper but she was more disinterested than normal and all she wanted was for me to hold her.  So that's what I did. After calling her Daddy who was ironically working the Pediatric unit of the ER I decided to give her some ibuprofen.  Only 2 minutes later as I was walking into the kitchen she threw up right between us, all her dinner down my shirt UGH

I just stood there. She was scared (me too!)

I stripped us down right there and went upstairs to put new night-nights on her and some for myself.
I gave her some milk before bed ... and she threw up again thank goodness she missed her nursery chair and rug. Sigh I had to again clean that up and ourselves.
She was beyond exhausted.
I got her changed and put to bed.
She slept restlessly until 3 and then she was just crying. I held her in my arms and she slept on me until 5.  I was so tired as all her little cries kept me from sleeping. But I had missed rocking her and her sleeping on me. I gave her some milk at 5 am and that's just what she needed. I knew then she was feeling better because she was hungry. She slept sound until 8 and we spent Saturday snuggled together.

What an honor it is as a Mamma that it is our heartbeats that comfort and heal!

So moving on, as Mammas our time at Target is not just multiplied but it becomes our escape from home and into a fun outing.  We buy all the baby things and treat ourselves to coffee, snacks and ALL the things we had no idea we wanted or needed.
So thanks Target for taking our money, filling our days with fun and our homes with stuff (eh maybe not thank you for that).

But as great as the big box stores are, I believe it's very important to support small businesses.  I came from a family of entrepreneurs and truly believe that it is the American dream.
It's hard work, long hours and true dedication to embark on owning your own.

So here are a few of my favorite small businesses that you can find things for yourself and your littles:

Mermaids & Marlins

The make the cutest smocked outfits but my favorites are their personalized pieces!

You can customize fabrics and colors.  They also smock bags.

Just go check them out! They are local to our NC coast.

Smocked Auctions

They're not all that small.  They have a fantastic online shop with tons of adorable pieces at great prices.  I've preorders some cuteness for this Summer.  Although I'm pretty sure our petite princess can wear this and some other dresses again this year.

The Beaufort Bonnet Company

oh TBBC you get the most of my spending on Vivian Louise! And I'm not sorry about it at all (Daddy can confirm). The clothes are just darling and the bonnets, be still my heart! My Mamma is proud.

They even have Mommy and Me outfits :)

Smocked by Stelly Belly

This cute online shop I discovered on Instagram (oh the things IG has made me buy!).

I love the classic smocking and colors.

Smocked South

SS is just a fantastic gem! They are savvy in their creation of the swap-a-smock line.  They offer a line of garments that allow for interchange smocked tabs. Genius! And you can even order personalized tabs, see above. And as they grow the tabs still fit the outfits. Cost saver gals. 

Shower Me with Love

Our favorite local boutique here in Charlotte for clothes, toys and gifts!

Beaufort Linen Company

The best for last! This shop is full of treasures not just for your littles but for yourself and your home.

They offer interior design services, lighting, furniture, home decor, clothing, jewelry, kids clothing, toys and even their own line of pj's!

So go ahead and go to the big box stores for your basics and necessities but for the all the cute things shop small!

Dress Beautifully by Shopping Small

XOXO Sarah Louise