Today’s home inspiration post is all about THAT RUG! It’s no secret, I love vintage Beni Ourain rugs (seen in all of these photos), and I’ve yet to see a reproduction made in the states that holds up to the gorgeous, plush, amazingness and design of the originals made in the mountains of Morocco. But getting your hands on one- shipped from Morocco, can feel like a daunting process. Which is why I want to introduce you to Boutique Maroc. I just ordered a rug from them for our living room and it’s insanely gorgeous, in perfect condition, the price was completely fair and the shipping time was outrageously fast. Above and beyond all of that, they were quick to respond to my questions and just the sweetest people to work with. So, holla for vintage benis and a brilliant supplier! Will share photos of ours in a house update post soon, I promise! It feels a little like wrangling piglets getting this house ready for any sort of update post. But I’ll get there!! xx- Sarah
Happy Tuesday my friends! First and foremost I want to thank you so, so much for all of your kind comments on this post last week. I want to respond to each of them individually, and honestly I wish I could reach through the computer and hug each and every one of you. You are seriously the best, the best readers, the kindest souls, the perfect reminder to me that this planet is overflowing with goodness. Thank you, you will never know how much your kind words help me and touch my soul.
Now, on a lighter note- a style post. And, most importantly, SHOPBOP IS HAVING THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY 25%OFF SITEWIDE SALE that I pretty much go bonkers over!!!! So, if like me, you have your favorites hearted and wait for this very moment for some splurge shoes or a dress you’ve been coveting- hop on it!!!! And speaking of splurge shoes- I found these pups on sale for 60% off. Heart palpitations. IRO heart palpitations, it’s an actual thing. And this shirt- for $37, which after the $25% discount would practically be free, right?! I don’t know. MATH. (But if you do order, I recommend a size up- I usually wear a s/xs and I wear a medium in this top. Probably because of my boobs though. If that helps.
Ok, here’s a sbeak peek below of what I’m ordering during this major sale, and links to what I’m wearing above are included… xx- Sarah
I’m so excited to be partnering with White House Black Market today to talk about my tips for making your morning routine as quick and easy as possible- while still managing to make it out into the world with style! I’m fortunate that my schedule usually allows for me to ease into my day, but there are mornings when I’m rushing out the door straight away and don’t return until dinner time, and when those days (or weeks) come I’ve learned that it’s all about the art of preparation!
So today I have two recipes for you- one for a quick and healthy breakfast, and another for a hearty lunch to pack that’ll keep you going until dinner!
But FIRST, here are a few style tips to make getting dressed for your day something that feels easy and fun instead of stressful and rushed (we’ve all pulled on shirt after shirt only to toss them onto the floor in a heap of frustration when we find they don’t work, haven’t we?!)
Tip 1: Clean out your closet! Make sure you truly love AND WILL WEAR every piece that’s in it. Seriously- if you don’t love it, love-it love it, it’s gotta go.
Tip 2: For your work wardrobe it’s really helpful to stock up on neutrals- this makes mixing/matching so much easier. Yes, color is amazing. And yes, you should wear it if you love it. And hey- color goes with neutrals…..so don’t discount them entirely! Like the patterned pants I’m wearing- I can throw them on with a white top, a black top, I can dress them up or down- they’re a great example of a versatile color/pattern. Having a closet full of options that work together will make outfit planning that much easier!
Tip 3: Pick out your outfit the night before. If you’re exhausted at night after you’ve put the kiddos to bed, or spent too many hours on Pinterest (GUILTY), try setting aside some time to outfit plan on the weekends. The last thing anyone should be thinking about before they’ve had their coffee/tea/breakfast/first conversation of the day is what to wear!
Ok, now onto mastering your morning routines for breakfast and lunch! I think my biggest piece of advice for this is to PREP ON SUNDAY! I make a big batch of granola, roast a ton of veggies, make a dressing or pesto, cook up some grains, wash my fruits and veggies and have everything at the ready to start the week. This way on those mornings I’m rushing out the door, I’ve just got to get the granola, fruits and almond milk into the bowl. I can always manage at least that. And knowing it’s homemade and full of nutritious goodness makes me feel that much better about it.
I shared on my Instagram that lately I’ve been struggling- as I do when we move and life is unsettled. I’ve been more sick than I’ve been since I was hospitalized, and I’m doing everything in my power to get better- acupuncture, yoga, meditation, 100% clean eating, rubbing lavender oil all over my body like it’s juice from the heavens, etc. And I am, don’t worry! But for some reason this time my body doesn’t want to let go of the stress, which of course exacerbates my health issues which then causes more stress and anxiety. Ugly cycle! I’m having trouble sleeping, the “fear bunny”, which is what I call that thing that wakes me up in the middle of the night feeling panicked- it’s ever present. I can’t seem to just SETTLE.
Sunday night I had a panic attack that landed me in the ER- I was so overwhelmed with trying to heal myself, with all that’s going on in our lives- personally and professionally and with just trying to get our feet under us, that I came unravelled. It was an out of body experience. I couldn’t move my arms or legs- I could feel them tingling but as hard as I willed my mind to make them move- they wouldn’t. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t stop crying. I was alternating sweating and shivering. My body was twitching. I couldn’t get my thoughts under control, all I could think about was how very out of control everything in my body was. It was a giant un-doing and it was terrifying. After about an hour or so Lou and my best friend were able to calm me enough to carry me to the car and off to the ER for some medications to help. I slept for a full 24 hours after.
This is my life at the moment. And so rather than keep resisting it- I’m going to lean into it. I’m going to accept that this is just where I am, where I may be for who knows how long. This unnerving sense of anxiety- it’s just going to be a part of my life until one day it isn’t. I’m seeking western medicine’s help on this one as well- my acupuncturist said that I may be so exhausted that a little boost from modern medicine might be just what I need to help me get back to myself and that anti-anxiety medication may help me stabilize.
I wanted to write about this, as personal and scary as it is to share, because there’s an awful stigma about mental health in our society. I’m a perfectly lovely, perfectly sane, perfectly has-my-shit together person- 99.9% of the time. But I have anxiety. And I know so, so, SO many of you do too. Among other mental health issues. IT’S OK! I repeat: IT IS OKAY! We’re all doing the best we can. We’re all exactly where we need to be- learning and growing and struggling and God-willing we’re overcoming. So if you have anxiety or depression, or any other malady (mental or physical) – please know that you’re not alone. You are so very, very not alone. And it will get better. I believe that with all of my heart. And we need to talk about it- loudly, clearly, with passion and compassion. The stigma needs to go the way of mile high 80’s bangs. We are all: exactly. as. we. are. meant. to. be. Keep going, keep growing. I love you. xx- Sarah
How pretty is this nook? I’m not sure if it’s an entryway (although I hope it is). I’m filling this new house up with plants- they’re some of the first things I bought. My determination to keep them alive runs as deep as that giant hole in bermuda that free divers flock to. In a house this old I believe it’s important to have lots of life (Lou has said no to more puppies- sad face) and plants are going to help bring us that. Soon I’ll be sharing my plants, my favorite sources for plant pots (oooooh there’s some goooooood ones coming up!, and any tips I have as a newbie at keeping these babies alive. Until then, let this serve as some inspiration. Have a great Wednesday my friends! xx- Sarah {image via}
Happy Monday friends, I hope you had a great weekend! Today’s outfit is really just an excuse to wear two things in my closet that I’ve been dying to get out for a spin- these IRO sandals that I stalked like a panther in the night until they went on crazy sale a couple of months ago (fear not my shoe lovers, I’ve also stalked these IRO beauts and they’re also on crazy sale and just as great!) and this bag that I have been dying over and wearing non-stop since it arrived. There’s nothing I love more in my closet that bags and shoes. They speak my language, they perk me up, they turn my outfits into things I want to dance in. That’s somethin. Just like this skirt. Until tomorrow…. xx- Sarah
