Three Easy Tips To Start Your Day Right

 

Do you struggle with starting your day off right? I had been for a while. Pre-COVID, I had a morning routine that I really didn’t stray from. When we were all on lockdown, the yoga studio was closed, coffee shops and restaurants were closed, it seemed like everything we took for granted was closed. Thankfully, most places have opened back up and life has somewhat returned to normal. We are starting to travel again, and I have enjoyed getting back to travel.

I knew that during COVID I needed to create a new routine. I am a creature of habit and like structure and routine. These are three easy ways that I have found to make my morning start out on the right foot. Starting the day off on a positive note just makes the rest of the day even better.

  • Affirmation card and journaling. I start every morning by pulling an affirmation card from this deck and writing in the Five Minute Journal. I really enjoy this journal, just 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening. A few motivating words and thoughts start the day off right.
    Five-minute journal is my go-to journal

    Affirmation Deck I use every day
  • Working out. After my affirmation card and journaling, I get my workout in first thing in the morning. If I don’t do it then, I will get too busy and put it off. I have been doing Beachbody on Demand this last year. There are so many varieties of programs you won’t get bored. A morning workout gives you a boost of positive energy to start the day. I make sure to set my equipment out the night before so I have no excuse in the morning.

    I set all of my equipment out the night before
  • Lemon water. A simple glass of lemon water every morning is so beneficial for your body. I am not a coffee drinker, and a glass of lemon water does the trick for me. I have been trying to drink more water and I really like making my own flavored waters too. Lemon, lime, and mint is my favorite combination.

    Lemon water starts the day off right

This is the way I start my day. Just a few simple things can make such a positive impact and really set the tone for a positive and productive day. How do you start your day?

If you like this I invite you to enjoy a free guide to proper monogram etiquette here:

carrie kellyCarrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner 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 Senior Outfitter 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.

 

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Five Things I am Loving May 2021

 

It looks like the cold weather is finally behind us here in the midwest. My daffodils, tulips, and hyacinth are all in bloom. Unfortunately, a late frost damaged my beautiful magnolia tree. Luckily, it did bloom first. I have been busy planting away. Most of my pots and baskets are finished. On my deck, I planted a pot of herbs for my tea and another herb pot for cooking. Is there anything better than cooking with fresh herbs? I love stepping outside and picking just what I need. I have also been busy doing a bit of spring cleaning and organizing. It’s always a good feeling to clear the clutter. Spring always gets me in the mood for a little decor refresh too. I changed out some heavy drapery, moved a few pieces of furniture around, added a few new pictures just for a little change. I’m looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day and everything that spring has to offer. Here are five things I am loving for May.

By Terry CC Brightening serum. I mix a dot of the Sunny Flash in with my moisturizer for just a hint of color.

Radiance boosting primer. Built-in skincare. Color-corrector. Instantly brightens. Evens out the skin tone.

Infused with radiant rose stem cells, this illuminating primer creates a flawless base with no coverage. ‘Optical glow’ technology blurs imperfections, evens out the skin tone, and neutralizes redness. Deeply hydrated, skin looks visibly brighter and positively glowing. Glides on effortlessly. Available in 4 shades. Flatters all skin tones. Lightweight serum texture. Easily buildable.

UNIQUE FORMULA

Enriched with radiant rose stem cells Brightening CC Serum boosts radiance and adds protection to the skin. ‘Optical glow’ technology mixes light-reflecting prisms, soft-focus microspheres, and color-correcting pigments.

THE RESULTS

Helps to hold makeup for longer. Skin looks instantly brighter and positively glowing.

N°1 Immaculate Light controls redness and reduces blotchiness. Ideal for pale/porcelain complexions that need a lift. Highlights high points of complexion.

N°2 Rose Elixir illuminates washed-out, ashy-looking skin with healthy pink undertones. Also a perfect highlighter for darker complexions.

N°3 Apricot Glow revives a dull complexion and gives the skin depth and warmth.

N°4 Sunny Flash is ideal for darker skin tones and creates a beautiful bronzed finish.

by Terry cc brightening serum
by Terry CC Brightening Serum

This personalized wooden tray from Initial Outfitters by Carrie is the new centerpiece of my family room table. I like grouping things together and using a tray creates a designer look. On my tray, I added a Bamboo candle from Nest, personalized ceramic coasters, and a hurricane. Trays are just so versatile, I have multiple trays in each room. These trays measure 18″ X 12″ with a rope handle and personalization is complimentary.

personalized wooden tray
Personalized Wooden Tray

I love personalized social stationery, office supplies, and gift wrapping products. I recently came across a new shop on Etsy, Initial Offerings 4 You with the cutest designs. I was looking for Lilly Pulitzer-inspired stationery, and they had exactly what I was looking for. Shipping was also very prompt. I went with the shift dress theme in a Lilly-inspired pattern and ordered personalized notepad and gift tags. Personalized gift tags make a beautiful presentation. A little Lilly print will be framed for my office. I also ordered a Jack Rogers-inspired hand towel and tumbler but those have not arrived yet.

 

personalized notepad
Personalized Notepad

 

 

 

shift print
Shift Print

 

personalized gift tags
Personalized Gift Tags

During this last year when most gyms and yoga studios were closed, I made it a point to continue working out. I started Beachbody on demand.  I felt it was important to try to keep doing the same things I had always been doing. Honestly, I never thought that I would like to work out at home. Turns out, I really do. I enjoy getting up early every morning and getting my workout done before anything else. Beachbody has such a variety of workouts, you will never get bored with all of the choices. To end my day, I destress with a short stretching video followed by a meditation video. After that, all electronics are off for the night. I have a fantastic coach and mentor, Sian Greenwood. If you are interested in learning more about Beachbody and all it has to offer, I highly recommend reaching out to her for a chat.

beachbody on demand
Beachbody On Demand

Last but not least, another Mackenzie-Childs piece. The Royal Check pattern has become my new favorite. I added this little pitcher to my collection. Just the perfect size for a little bouquet of flowers. I have this on my island. I really wanted something not too bulky and easy to move when I want to use the island for cooking or preparing meals. I think it is the perfect piece.

mackenzie childs royal check pitcher
Mackenzie-Childs Royal Check Pitcher

I hope you enjoyed a few of my favorite things and maybe found something new to try. What things are you loving right now?

Until next week,

Carrie