Amazon – PINEAPPLES AND SWEET TEA

All About Home, Decor, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Gardening and Outdoors, Holidays, Holidays, My Favorites, Travel, Wellness and Fitness

June Favorites

July 3, 2023 No Comments

June has been a busy busy month. I attended the Pink Retreat in Palm Beach again this year. It just gets better and better each year. Catching up with friends, it’s always a great time. We pick up right where we left off, those friendships are priceless. We have been busy keeping up in the gardens with summer in full swing. I don’t know about you but we have had no rain here in weeks. With lots of water and care, the plants are hanging in there. June was a mix of all sorts of favorites. I hope you enjoy it!

My new issue of Bella Grace arrived and I enjoy reading a bit of it every night before bed. It’s uplifting and unlike any other magazine that I have read. This is a magazine that I take my time reading. Bella Grace encourages you to find magic in the ordinary and that everything is special. The photography and stories are beautiful and so well written. There are also worksheets for you to complete to get the most out of this magazine. It has become my favorite treat!

For inspiration and beauty

Have you ever been at the airport desperately searching for your luggage? I don’t anymore. I treated myself to a brightly colored suitcase. Trust me, you can’t miss it. I ordered mine on Amazon. Marshalls has a nice selection of bright bags too. A colorful luggage tag from Lilly Pulitzer makes identification easier too. Who wants to spend time looking for luggage? Not me, I’m ready to get my vacation started.

You can spot my bags

I make sure to always have a hat with me if I’m traveling somewhere warm. How fun is this hat that I picked up a few years ago? Unfortunately, it is not available anymore but there are great options at all of the stores. I make sure to look stylish and comfortable on travel day. Normally I will wear a comfortable Lilly dress, a sweater over my shoulders(those planes can get so cold), and comfortable sneakers for walking the airports.

Easy travel style

I switch my scents each season and my go-to summer fragrance is Beach by Bobbi Brown. It smells exactly like it sounds, the beach. I can’t get enough of it. It pairs nicely with At The Beach from Bath and Body Works too. I use the wash and lotion from there.

A go-to summer scent

I change my front door wreath each season to reflect the time of year. A plain wreath can be dressed up and changed out all year long. Adding a ribbon for the 4th of July or any holiday gives it a fresh look. A guest will get the feel and vibe of your home from the front porch and door decor. Make it welcoming.

Welcome guests with a wreath

I hope you find time to enjoy the great that summer has to offer. It is going to go by so fast.

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop my favorites HERE:

Bella Grace

Amazon Luggage

Beach by Bobbi Brown

All About Home, Beauty, Entertaining, Everyday Life, Food

March Favorites

April 3, 2023 No Comments

I really can’t believe how fast the year is going. It seems like just yesterday I was planning for our Christmas Eve celebration. I am happy that spring is finally here. Nothing makes me happier than bulbs in bloom, grass greening up, and longer days. Spring decorating is done. Everything is bright, cheery, and floral! I think by my March favorites you can tell that I was looking forward to spring. Enjoy!

Looks so realistic

I have seen everyone rave about the faux tulips from Amazon, and I had to give them a try. I love fresh flowers from the market, but sometimes there is little to pick from. Wow, I am impressed. They are made with a plastic/rubber mix and the texture is so natural. They can be bent and shaped too. My Mackenzie-Childs vase was perfect. It took me about 5 minutes to bend and shape them to create a casual arrangement. I like the look of tulips falling from the vase. There are so many other faux floral options on Amazon and I am going to pick up some hydrangeas for summer.

A refreshing treat

Who doesn’t enjoy a refreshing drink on a warm spring day? A rose lemonade from Fentimans is even better. I found these at my local Target but have seen them randomly at other places too. Of course, they are also available online. I love flavored lemonade and this one is so pretty in the bottle too. Spring is finally here when you have a nice cold lemonade.

For a natural, flawless look

Serum foundations have become my new favorite. I don’t wear much makeup and rarely do on a daily basis. I want my skin to look like my skin only better. Younique Touch Serum Foundation has been my new go-to. My favorite way to use it is just to mix a little in with my moisturizer. A little really does go a long way.

A perfect spring scent

Aerin Lilac Path is still my favorite spring perfume. I’m not sure if that will ever change. Lilac Path has a beautiful lilac smell that does not smell artificial. It is light, airy, and perfect for spring. I have many perfumes from Aerin and each one is unique. Cedar Violet is still my favorite for winter too.

Natural and clean scent

Another favorite spring scent is Secret Garden from Aembr. This candle is exactly what it sounds like, a secret garden. One of my favorite bloggers and YouTubers, Kristina Braly started Aembr in her home. She wanted to create clean fragrances with only the best ingredients in small batches. These are all hand-poured, most of them by her too. She left the medical world to follow her dream of becoming a business owner. I love the story behind the brand as much as the brand.

As I said, March was full of anticipation for spring. I hope you give one of these great products a try. Let me know if you do, I love to hear your favorites. I hope you find time to enjoy all that March has to offer.

Until next week,

Carrie

Enjoy a complimentary guide and learn to decorate like a pro when you sign up for my newsletter full of exclusive content, tips, tricks, recipes, style, decor, and so much more.

Shop my favorites below:

Amazon Faux Tulips

Fentimans Rose Lemonade

Younique Serum Foundation

Aerin Lilac Path

Aembr Secret Garden

All About Home, Arizona,My Second Home, Decor, Remodeling and Renovations

Den/Office Space Refresh

January 23, 2023 No Comments

The holidays are over and it is time to get back into the swing of things. I needed a bigger workspace here in AZ. I love my little pink desk from Pottery Barn but it is very small. We have a nice little den space that I thought would be the perfect spot. When we do have guests that use it I will just go back to my pink desk. It is still in the same spot and I just freshened it up with some accessories.

The start of the project

Laminate to warm up the room

We started by taking out the carpet and installing a laminate. Our two little Yorkies make having carpet impossible. If you have little dogs you totally understand. We did something a little different than the bedrooms that we redid last year. Home Depot was out of that flooring so I chose something a little different. I’m really happy with it and I like that it is a little different.

After a day’s work

A space to relax

A small desk was the best fit for this spot. Knowing that it will not be used all of the time and not wanting to spend a ton of money, I checked out Amazon. Of course, I found just what I was looking for. I really like that it has a couple of drawers for all of my office supplies. This desk fits perfectly in the space and I ordered a chair too. I wanted the farmhouse look to keep with the colors of the room.

A cozy workspace

Styled with me in mind

The lamp was also an Amazon find and I really like the pop of gold in the room. I made a Target run to check out the Hearth and Home line. I just wanted a few simple accessories. The basket was perfect to keep my most used supplies handy and a little greenery is a must. I picked up the picture at a local art fair a few years ago and finally found the perfect spot for it. It has moved around from place to place. The rest of the accessories came from my previous desk.

TV area

Comfortable place to unwind

The only other thing that we did was reconfigure the room to fit my desk better. Everything else on the walls stayed the same too. I actually think that the room looks bigger configured this way. I think this is the perfect little office space for me here in AZ. What do you think?

Until next week,

Carrie

Beauty, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling, Lilly Pulitzer, Monograms, My Favorites, Theorem

5 Things I’m Loving, March 2022

March 7, 2022 No Comments

Can you believe March is here already? It feels like we were just celebrating the holidays. I always look forward to march, plants start blooming and Spring is in the air. Spring has arrived in Arizona. My plants are starting to bloom and the days are sunny and warm. Just what I love. Friends are coming to visit and St.Patrick’s Day will be here soon too. March is going to be a great month. As always, It’s the first blog of the month so I am sharing a few of my favorites. Beauty and fashion are front and center this month. Enjoy!

A classic style

A jean jacket is a staple in my wardrobe, and a monogrammed one is even better. I am one of those people that is always cold inside places. Doesn’t it seem like stores and restaurants are extra chilly? Initial Outfitters hit it out of the park with this monogrammed jean jacket. I have been wearing it constantly. It’s perfect to throw over a sundress or tee.

Spring has sprung

While we are on the subject of fashion, the denim jean jacket would look fantastic with any Lilly Pulitzer dress. This print and dress are a new favorite. The colors just say Spring and I will be adding it to my collection soon. Lilly dresses are just so easy for Spring and summer. Add a cute pair of sandals, some great accessories, and done! What could be easier?

Fun for St. Pat’s Day

Last on the fashion wheel is a fun St. Patrick’s Day tee. Who doesn’t need a flamingo St. Patrick’s Day shirt? I saw this on Amazon and knew it was my shirt for this year. We always dress for each holiday at yoga so I will be wearing this with my shamrock leggings. Perfect!

The best conditioning mask

In the beauty world theorem Density conditioning treatment mask is transforming my hair. I use this every 3rd wash and my hair is soft, full, shiny, and frizz-free. It really is a miracle product and one that I can’t live without. I have been using only theorem the last month and my hair shows the results. I have never had this much shine, body, and volume.

Last but not least, another favorite from Bath and Body Works. They keep coming out with scents that I can’t resist. Bubbly Rose has been a favorite this winter. Who doesn’t love a light champagne scent? With Spring here I will be changing to a lighter scent but this one is a keeper.

A fantastic scent

These are just a few of my favorites for March. I am an affiliate for Initial Outfitters and theorem and do earn a commission for their products. I am ready to enjoy March, the outdoors, and some beautiful Spring weather. I hope you are too!

Shop my favorites HERE.

Initial Outfitters

Lilly Pulitzer

St. Patrick’s Day Shirt

Theorem Density Conditioning Treatment Mask

Bath & Body Works Bubbly Rose

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Initial Outfitters Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Travel

Quick Travel Packing Tips

February 14, 2022 No Comments

It seems like travel is back again, and I am so happy about that. As much as I love being at my cozy home, I enjoy a great trip. This year I am heading to Palm Beach for The Pink Retreat, A Lilly Pulitzer get-together. It’s going to be an amazing trip as always. I am also hoping to get to Disney for the 50th-anniversary celebration. Sometimes packing can really feel like a chore. I used to be such a heavy packer and would take as much as the airlines would allow. Not anymore, I like to travel light especially since I travel alone sometimes. These are just a few of my favorite packing tips that make my life so much easier.

I always start with a list of activities, events, and things I am planning to do each day. Make sure to check the weather report too! I’ll lay out the outfits for each day with accessories, shoes, and bags and write each outfit down and the day I plan on wearing it. I always try to duplicate the accessories, bags, and shoes. It may seem like so much work but I know about how many dressy and casual outfits I need.

A list makes packing easier

A few basics that I always pack are a white denim jacket and a neutral-colored cardigan. It seems like everywhere you go, it’s cold inside. Shoes and purses get bulky and heavy too. I always pack a pair of cute tennis if I am going to do a lot of walking, gold flat sandals, gold wedge sandals, and pool sandals. Golds will go with everything. The same goes for bags, I usually pack a gold crossbody, gold tote, gold clutch, and a small sling. The bags all fit into the tote for easy packing. Again, the same thing applies to jewelry. I usually stick with gold or silver and pack a few casual pieces and a few statement pieces. I used to find myself packing so much jewelry and sticking with my favorites anyway. I pack each in an individual bag and then into a monogrammed jewelry roll from my luggage set.

Laying outfits out by day and event

Toiletries are a quick way to way luggage down fast. I always save my sample sizes or gift with purchases just for travel. I keep them all in a separate drawer in my bathroom so I never have to search for them. If I do need to bring other products, I always decant them into smaller travel-size bottles. You can find sets everywhere. Some beauty and haircare lines have even started creating travel size kits, which I love.

Decant toiletries into small containers

Now that I have everything ready, it’s time to pack. Packing cubes have become my go-to when packing. There are so many cute ones available and I picked up some different sets on Amazon. Usually, I pack each cube by clothing type because that is how I arrange things in a hotel. Rolling your clothes saves so much space and also keeps them from wrinkling, bonus! Who wants to iron on vacation? I always bring an empty cube for laundry, just to keep things organized.

Packing cubes keep everything tidy

A Lilly Pulitzer backpack has been my go-to for my carry-on bag. It’s so easy to throw on and my hands are free if I have a carry-on suitcase. Backpacks are so roomy too. I always carry an empty insulated water bottle in it to keep a bottle of water cold once I am through security.

Use a backpack for a carry-on

I also want to find my luggage quickly. I’m ready to start my trip not sit at an airport. Amazon has some great luggage and I ordered a hot pink suitcase, you can’t miss it. Another tip, I always put a business card or contact information inside my suitcase. You never know if it will get lost and the luggage tag broken off. Coordinating monogrammed luggage is just classic and my favorite. Depending on the length of my trip, I will take my monogrammed weekender bag as my carry-on. I also have the coordinating jewelry roll, toiletry bag, and garment bag from Initial Outfitters. I just love when everything coordinates!

Coordinating luggage from Initial Outfitters

A bright suitcase to spot easily

I hope you found some useful tips and are able to enjoy a trip soon. Now, how many days until Palm Beach?

Until next week,

Carrie

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

All About Home, Beauty, Decor, Entertaining, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Gardening and Outdoors, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling, Monograms

5 Things I’m Loving, February 2022

February 7, 2022 No Comments

Can you believe that we are a month into the new year already? It feels like we were just celebrating the holidays. January is always cold and dreary in the Midwest so we headed out to the Desert Southwest to spend the next couple of months. I enjoy spending time outside and the abundant sunshine. The little dogs like it too. They were not amused by the cold weather. We are going to do a little landscaping and hopefully watch some baseball. Guests will come in and out and we always enjoy sharing our home with our friends and family. But, it’s the start of a new month and that means new things that I have been enjoying. Enjoy.

The harsh Midwest winter had been doing a number on my skin. It was so unhappy and reactive. A friend recommended that I try Tula Sensitive Skin Treatment Drops. Just a few drops of this mixed with my serum have made such a difference. I notice my skin is not so red and irritable. I plan on keeping this in my routine twice a day for the foreseeable future.

Calm your skin

Fresh flowers make me so happy. I treat myself to flowers almost every week. Having them in my kitchen just brings a smile to my face. The local markets always have a nice selection and I usually just pick one up there. During the summer, I really enjoy cutting fresh hydrangeas, roses, and black-eyed Susans from my own flowerbeds.

Fresh flowers every week

Speaking of flowers and landscaping, I needed some new landscape lights. Between the dogs and landscaper, a few of my traditional lights are run over. I decided to try these LED lights from Amazon that are flush to the ground. My friend has them and they look so nice in her flowerbeds. Let’s hope these don’t get crushed too.

Light up the landscape

Mornings and evenings here in the desert are chilly. Layers are a must. A classic, roomy sweater is a must, and this one from Carrie Kelly Lifestyle fits the bill perfectly. It’s comfortable, on-trend, and personalized.

Perfect on a cold day

A cup of tea or hot chocolate is a must for me every day. A pretty teapot makes it even better. Mackenzie-Childs carries a selection of beautiful teapots. The black and white courtly check is a favorite pattern of mine.

Pretty and functional

These are just a few of my current favorites. Valentine’s Day is coming up and I hope you enjoy the day. Next week, my friends and I are doing a virtual Galentine’s Day, it’s going to be fun. If you have any favorites that I should try, let me know. I love trying new products!

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop my favorites here:

Tula Sensitive Skin Treatment Drops

Sevnnes LED Solar Lights

All American Girl Monogrammed Sweater

Mackenzie-Childs Courtly Check Teapot

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Everyday Life

5 Great Winter Reads

January 31, 2022 No Comments

Cold, snowy winter nights find me curled up by the fire with a hot chocolate and a good book. I have always enjoyed reading and for a time I found myself not reading as much. The last couple of winters I have made it a point to change that! My tastes certainly vary in my reading choices. I enjoy everything from self-improvement and motivational books, to quirky romance, to mystery. Here are 5 of my favorite reads!

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan is a royal romance inspired by Kate Middleton and Prince William. An American finds herself in love with the heir to the British throne. Will they or won’t they be married?

Quirky romance

Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind Pink Puppy and His Family by Melissa Shapiro, DVM. Piglet is an amazing story and he lives with Dr. Shapiro and her family. Piglet was born blind and deaf. He was only to be a foster at the Shapiro household but when the day came to let him go, they could not do it. Piglet leads a full and wonderful life with his family and his inclusion pack of dogs. The Piglet mindset has become a program at many schools worldwide and his story is an incredible one. It will leave a tear in your eye.

An inspirational read

The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness. This series is something I always go back to read. A grown-up version of Twilight, the trilogy follows witch Diana Bishop and vampire Matthew DeClermont. Their adventures take them to Tudor England and back where their characters are intertwined with Elizabeth I and many other historical figures. The trilogy has also been made into a television series. A fantastic read!

Witches and vampires and romance

How To Do You by Jacqueline Hurst. A different kind of self-help book. This book prides itself on helping you think through your journey and make the fundamental changes that are right for you. We all have a different journey. Learn how to get past the emotional blockages that have been with you throughout life and move from them. Very critical thinking and deep-dive book.

A different kind of self-help book

Finley Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano. A fun, easy read. Finley is an author and while discussing her new book with her agent, she is mistaken for a contract killer and agrees to help dispose of a husband. The twists and turns make this book a great read.

Light and funny romance

These are just a few of my favorite reads from the last year. I have a growing list of books to tackle this year too. What are you reading? I guess it’s time to grab my hot chocolate, turn on the fire, and cozy up with a new book!

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop the books here:

The Royal We

Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind Pink Puppy and His Family

The All Souls Trilogy

How To Do You

Finley Donovan is Killing It

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

All About Home, Decor, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling, Monograms, My Favorites

5 Things I’m Loving For October 2021

October 4, 2021 No Comments

I honestly can’t believe October is here. This year has flown by. I look forward to October every year because I love Halloween. It was always such a fun night when Bobby was younger. The kids ran around our little town all night and had a great time. Finn and Ruby have new Halloween bandanas to wear and I always wear my witches hat (yes, even in public on Halloween). The holidays are going to creep up on us so fast, I am starting my shopping so that I can stay on top of everything. Bob is scheduled for surgery in early December, so I want to be prepared. Hopefully, this surgery will correct the double vision he has had since his accident. But until then we just keep moving forward. This month on my radar is some great new finds, a new perfume, backpack, home decor, and more. Enjoy!

Tiffany Love Tiffany perfume. WOW. This is a fabulous and unique scent. I first tried this at Nordstrom a few months ago and when I was in Chicago last time I picked up a bottle. This is how it is described by Tiffany: A tribute to modern love, Tiffany & Love fragrances share a common hero, blue sequoia. This vibrant woody note unifies the two scents, honoring the many ways love brings two people together. Created by renowned perfumers Honorine Blanc and Marie Salamagne, Tiffany & Love Eau de Parfum for Her is a floral, woody scent. The fragrance opens with a burst of bright and sparkling top notes, beginning with blue basil–a botanical ingredient developed exclusively for Tiffany–paired with grapefruit for an aromatic crispness. The sweet floral bouquet of neroli is at the heart of the fragrance, with a woody blend of blue sequoia. Vetiver and cedarwood are at the base, creating a faceted and feminine scent. I am loving this scent!

A Beautiful Fragrance

Herb prints. I had been looking everywhere for some herb prints for my hallway and was having no luck anywhere. Enter Amazon, I found these and they were just what I was looking for. Simple with a rustic frame. The size was perfect to fill a space in my hallway and they look great with my new sconces for that modern farmhouse feel. I have really been gravitating towards more natural and rustic decor lately. My herb pots on my dining room table are going to be a staple each season.

Herb Prints

Black vegan leather backpack. I love a backpack especially when traveling. So handy to carry around an airport. I also just like having one for everyday use. I have a couple of backpacks but not a grown-up backpack. This vegan leather backpack from Initial Outfitters was exactly what I was looking for. A very grown-up version of the kid’s backpack. I decided on a gold embossed monogram to match the gold hardware. Definitely, a piece I will be carrying all season!

The Grown-Up Backpack

Halloween shirts. October means Halloween shirts, and I always add a few to my collection each season. I ordered a few from my friend’s Etsy shop, The Caffeinated Hair Fairy, and customized them in pink. They turned out perfect. What is Halloween without a Hocus Pocus shirt? I found this one on Amazon and picked up a few others too.

It’s All A Bunch Of Hocus Pocus

Burberry twilly. As soon as I ordered my new black backpack I knew that I wanted a new twilly for it. A twilly is such a versatile accessory to have in your accessory wardrobe. Wear one as a scarf, in your hair, attached to a bag, or a million other uses. You can’t go wrong with a classic print from Burberry. I am a huge fan of Burberry, a classic and elegant brand. In Chicago, I stopped at the Michigan Avenue store to pick one up and the staff could not have been sweeter. I knew exactly the twilly that I was looking for, the classic Burberry plaid. It looks fantastic on my backpack.

A Designer Twilly Is A Staple

Quite a variety this month. I hope you found something that piqued your interest. Let me know if you try any of my October favorites.

Until next week,

Carrie

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Initial Outfitters/Social Selling

5 Tips for A Successful Vendor Event

August 16, 2021 No Comments

Finally, we are back to in-person vendor events, and I could not be happier. Vendor events are something that I look forward to, and I have really missed them. Recently, I did my first event post-Covid, and it was so much fun. One of the best parts of a vendor event is getting to know other vendors and making connections. The venue I was at is one of my all-time favorites. It is a beautifully restored barn in the country and I have participated in many events there.

How do you make a vendor event successful? I used to be so nervous attending events even though I really enjoyed them. I also used to make them way too hard on myself and that just added to my stress level. It doesn’t have to be perfect, and nobody will know if you forgot something or something is just not right. These are my tried and true tips for a successful vendor event.

Less is more. I wish somebody would have taken the time to tell me this a long time ago. I used to haul all of my products to every event because I figure the one time I didn’t bring something would be the one time that someone wants to see that particular product. It took me forever to set up and tear down, not fun. Now that I am bringing less to events, my display looks so much cleaner and it is easier to navigate.

Less is more in a display

A colorful display catches the eye

Create a theme. I love a good theme and have so much fun creating displays. This does not have to be expensive. I search my house for items that would be appropriate for displays and setups. For the barn event I did, it was in the summer so I brought a surfboard that I display jewelry on, pineapples, little beach chairs, and trays. These were all pieces from my home. For the next event there I will do a more rustic theme as this event is in the fall. For the holidays, I use trees, garlands, and lights. Nothing too hard, keep it simple here too.

Think outside of the box with displays

A fun winter/holiday theme

Engage with your potential customers. Don’t you hate when you stop at a booth at an event and you are ignored? Especially if you are interested in something. I understand if someone is tied up talking with someone else. To combat this I actually made a video of myself and my products and demos that plays on my computer on a loop. Most people usually stop to watch. I created it on clideo. Just chit-chatting with a potential customer can make all of the difference. It does not even have to be about your products. Compliment them on their outfit, bag, etc.

Engage with potential customers

Provide a little goodie. There are so many inexpensive ways to make a little take-home goodie to pass out. I will buy flavored tea bags at DollarTree and put a couple in a small jewelry bag with a sugar cube, a little spoon from DollarTree, and a business card. I have also done hot chocolate and apple cider packets. Another favorite is a hair tie with my company name wrapped around s business card, a little wine charm. Amazon or Oriental Trading is a great resource for those. Candy is always good too. I try to tailor my goodie to my event if I can.

Gift for a winery event

Fall goodie for events

Have fun. The most important thing at a vendor event is just to have fun. Enjoy meeting and chatting with new people. Visit with other vendors. That is how I find out about other events. You never know who will meet at your next vendor event.

Remember to just have fun!

I hope these tips help you with your next vendor event. Don’t overthink it or go too crazy. Trust me, I speak from experience. I am much happier now that I have pared things down and I am able to relax and enjoy it that much more. Most importantly, have a great time!

Until next week,

Carrie

Enjoy a complimentary guide to proper monogram etiquette here.

Carrie Kelly is an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters. She is available to assist you in creating a beautiful, personalized, and welcoming home, bridal planning, personalized jewelry, and accessories for yourself, and to help you select the perfect gift for every occasion. She is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle Blog.

All About Home, Remodeling and Renovations

DIY Foyer Makeover

July 6, 2020 No Comments

It was time for a little refresh of the foyer. Do you ever get that way and have the urge to change up your decor? I really enjoy giving my spaces a new look. It was definitely time to dive into a new project and just a few changes and updates can really transform a space without a complete remodel.

I knew that I wanted to make a statement with a focal wall. A focal wall is a great way to add a lot of style to a space since it is the first thing you notice when entering our home and visible when the front door is open. A shiplap look wall was the way to go. I love combining many different textures and styles in a space. The finished wall also provides a neutral background for any artwork or photographs. I played with a few different pieces of furniture to place here. A good tip is to always try to repurpose pieces and use them in different spaces. I decided on a Longaberger shelving unit and added a lamp from Target from years ago, salt lamp, and some fun Lilly Pulitzer accessories. The wall turned out just perfect. I love the impact it makes when you walk in the door.

My chandelier was beautiful but I had changed out most of the other lighting in the house to a black or dark bronze so I decided to change this one too. I found this beautiful chandelier at Lowe’s. The home improvement stores really have great budget-friendly options and large selections. I first saw this design in Lydia Elise Millen and Ali Gordon’s kitchen/dining remodel. If you don’t follow them you really should, my favorite YouTube couple. But I digress, I knew I wanted that look for my foyer. The shape was so unique and I kept coming back to that design. Luckily I was able to find that style in stock at Lowe’s. I’m really happy with it and it gives off so much light with the LED Edison style bulbs.

The only other piece I added was a new rug I found on Amazon, and I ordered a smaller one in this style for my kitchen. My Ballard Designs console table went back into its previous spot. I switched out most of the pieces on the console table with a lamp, vase of hydrangeas, and a few other fun accessories.

This small remodel made a big impact in our foyer. It really changed the whole look. Now onto my next project.

Carrie Kelly is Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs and specializes in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes. She is also an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog.

Find her at: https://carriekellydesigns.com

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com

https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

https://www.initialoutfitters.net/ckelly

carrie@carriekellyesigns.com

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