Holidays, Holidays, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling

Holiday Gift Guide, Personalized Gifts For The Home

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holiday gift guide, personlalized gifts for the home

 

What to get that person that has everything? A personalized gift for the home is the perfect gift. Slate accessories for entertaining, personalized placemats, and coasters are a unique and appreciated gift. My go-to gift is always a personalized cutting board. This holiday gift guide full of personalized gifts for the home has everything you need for that hard to buy for person! Personalization is always complimentary! Let your unique personality shine with Carrie Kelly Boutique.

Here are a few of my favorites!

  • Slate accessories coordinate with any style of decor. Available in your choice of coasters, cheese board, and tray in a variety of styles!

    holiday gift guide personalized gifts for the homeSlate accessories

    • My favorite gift for any occasion is a glass cutting board. Add a stand for display. I always have one displayed in my kitchen.

      holiday gift guide personalized gifts for the homeMy go-to gift, a cutting board

      • Add style and festive flair to your table settings with these personalized placemats. Whether you’re purchasing one as a housewarming gift or gifting yourself, we have designs to fit every style. Our placemats are designed in-house and handmade just for you. Made with a polyester front & neoprene non-slip backing, these placemats can be purchased individually or as a set of 4.
        holiday gift guide personalized gifts for the homePersonalized placemats for the table
        •  You will love our new hand towels!   Made of 100% polyester and woven into a waffle pattern, they’re super absorbent and durable.  At 16×24″ they’re the perfect size to hang over the handle of the oven or refrigerator to add a pop of color or personal style to your kitchen!  Machine wash on cold with a light detergent.

    holiday gift guide personalized gifts for the homeFun in any kitchen

  • With so many styles to choose from, a set of coasters will make a perfect gift. Gift a set in a holiday theme or an everyday theme!
    holiday gift guide personalized gifts for the homeCoasters make a perfect gift
    • A personal addition to your Christmas tree, a personalized tree skirt! Has 2 ties to secure together with in the back. 46″ diameter.

    holiday gift guide personalized gifts for the homeBeautiful tree skirt

    • An ornament commemorating the year is always a special gift. Everyone in my family gets a personal ornament every year!

      holiday gift guide personalized gifts for the homePersonalized ornaments

      Great gifts for the home made easy with Carrie Kelly Personalized Boutique. I offer complimentary virtual personal shopping services to help you find the perfect gift and finish all of your shopping in no time. The holiday season is a time to enjoy all of the magic that the season has to offer! Let me make your shopping a little easier.

      Until next week,

      Carrie

       

      carrie kellyCarrie 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

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

Holidays, Holidays, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling

Holiday Gift Guide, Personalized Gifts For Him

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holiday gift guide personalized gifts for him

 

Guys, are they the hardest ones on your list to shop for? Mine certainly are. This holiday gift guide featuring personalized gifts for him has everything the guys will love!  A personalized gift from Carrie Kelly Personalized Initial Outfitters boutique is a gift that is from the heart and always remembered and cherished. Personalization is always complimentary! Let your unique personality shine with Initial Outfitters by Carrie.

Here are a few of my favorites!

  • Travel is back on and why not travel in style with a personalized leather Dopp Kit. With three separate zippered sections, your toothbrush won’t be brushing up to your deodorant anymore.  One side features an exterior zipper pouch, four elastic loops, and a water-resistant zippered pouch.  The center compartment has two sleeves on the side, with a big open center for larger items.  The other side has two netted sleeves and five elastic loops. The bag is made of leatherette, and measures 11″ x 6.5″ x 6″. Personalize it with a monogram in one of our twenty-six thread color options, three stamped foil colors, or simple embossing!

embroidered leather dopp litEmbroidered Leather Dopp Kit

stamped leather dopp kitStamped Dopp Kit
  • A stainless steel pocket knife is something every guy on your list should have. Features a brushed finish. Shown in Times Block font, same size monogram
    3.5″ x 1″ with a  single blade.
personalized stainless steel pocketknifeStainless steel pocketknife
  • Bracelets for the guys are the latest trend.  These stretch braceletsare made of 8mm semi-precious stones and are available in gray or tiger eye.

 

tiger eye mens stretch braceletTigers eye men’s stretch bracelet

gray mens stretch bracalet

Gray men’s stretch bracelet
  • This Dopp kit is a little smaller version and made of polyester measuring 10.5″W x 6.5″H x 5.5″D.This functional travel case features one large compartment and a zippered outer pocket, to hold all of your toiletries. Add a name or monogram to personalize.
embroidered personalized polyester dopp kitEmbroidered polyester Dopp kit
  • A fun and practical gift, the All the Right Tools keychain features one phillips head and one flathead screwdriver. Engraved initials on one screwdriver only: Times Block, all same size font.
personalized keychain with mini toolsAll the Right Tools keychain
  • Accent your home with a personal touch with our Home Front Leatherette Tray.  Available in either black or brown.  The insert is etched to reveal a beautiful undertone that makes the personalization stand out.  The color of the monogram cannot be altered. Insert is affixed with velcro for removal and clean with a damp cloth.

holiday gift guide, personalized gifts for himPersonalized leather tray

Great gifts for the guys made easy with Carrie Kelly Personalized Boutique. I offer complimentary virtual personal shopping services to help you find the perfect gift and finish all of your shopping in no time. The holiday season is a time to enjoy all of the magic that the season has to offer! Let me make your shopping a little easier.

Until next week,

Carrie

 

 

 

carrie kellyCarrie 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, Fashion and Style, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling, Lilly Pulitzer, My Favorites

5 Things I’m Loving, September 2021

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I can’t believe September is here. The year is flying by. I have even thought about starting holiday shopping because I think shipping is going to be an issue everywhere this year. We enjoyed a week in Arizona and a quick trip to Chicago. I hope you enjoyed my Arizona recap blog last week. We are lucky to have a place to retreat and relax at. Of course, a few days in Chicago is always a good time. We did a little shopping and took in a Sox game. Our rescue, Miss Ruby Sue is celebrating her one-year anniversary with us. It still amazes me how easily she fit in here. The minute she saw us I think she knew she was home. Her previous owner became ill and had to surrender her. I can’t even imagine how hard that was. I love my fur babies so much. The boys have been moving into their new house. I’ll share some pictures when they get settled. Of course, I’m happy to help decorate and landscape! Busy, busy, busy! These are my top 5 things I’m loving for September 2021.

  • Olive decor. This year I am switching up some of my fall decor. My dining room is a different theme this year. I’m going with a more natural and earthy look with olive trees, garlands, and white pumpkins. I picked up some olive trees at Hobby Lobby and ordered pumpkins and garlands on Amazon. I have really been gravitating towards more natural decor lately.

 

5 things i'm loving september 2021
Going with white this year

 

5 things i'm loving september 2021
Olive trees from Hobby Lobby
  • Bath and Body Works Open Sky. I change my scents every season and holiday. I feel that scents can really enhance the feel of a space. It’s time for some warmer scents. Open Sky literally smells like the open sky, fresh and warm. It is described as fresh air, wild blackberries, soft violet, and comforting vanilla. Sounds perfect to me!

 

5 things i'm loving september 2021
My new favorite for fall!
  • Initial Outfitters Tuscany Collection. Fall fashion calls for metallics and bold accessories. The Tuscany Collection from Initial Outfitters is gorgeous. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if it would be too brown for me. I ordered a few pieces and immediately fell in love with the pieces. Necklaces and bracelets that have the layered look create instant style. This collection will be in my rotation all season long.

 

5 things i'm loving september 2021
Tuscany Collection
  • Lilly Pulitzer Water Bottles. I am one of those people that carries a water bottle everywhere. I try to drink as much water as possible. If I am going to carry a water bottle around, it might as well be a cute one. Lilly Pulitzer water bottles are my favorites. The patterns are bright, cheery, and colorful. Makes drinking all of my water a little easier.

 

5 things i'm loving september 2021
Lilly Pulitzer water bottles
  • Mother’s ring. I celebrated a big birthday this year and the boys bought me the most beautiful gift. A mother’s ring. My son’s birthstone is surrounded by mine and my husband’s. They designed it and hand-picked the stones too. It was the most incredible gift.

 

5 things i'm loving september 2021
My beautiful family ring

I hope you enjoyed 5 Things I’m Loving, September 2021. Before you know it, Halloween will be here. I really enjoy dressing up and decorating the house for Halloween. My friends and I do a witches walk and I hope the event happens this year. We get dressed up and spend the evening visiting local pubs. Last time there were at least 100 of us, quite a sight to see. I hope you enjoy the change of the seasons and all that fall has to offer!

Until next week,

Carrie

P.S. Enjoy a complimentary guide, Top Tips To Give Your Home That Decorator’s Touch Here:

http://decoratingguide.carriekellydesigns.com

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 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:

http://links.carriekellydesigns.com

Everyday Life, Wellness and Fitness

How Life Has Changed In The Last Year

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Can you believe that it has been a year since COVID first hit us? Sometimes it seems like yesterday, and other times it seems like it has been this way forever. I think as many people did that it would blow by and be gone before we knew it. Were we ever wrong. Between COVID, political divides, and tension it has certainly been a strange year for all of us, some good, and some bad. In the beginning, everything seemed so strange. It was awkward going out and you really didn’t know what was right and what was wrong. Many of us lost friends to COVID, and many of us worry about our loved ones who are front-line workers and battle this every day. Luckily, it seems that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Life is starting to get back to normal, even if it looks a little different.

I am sure that like me, many people took this last year to slow down and reevaluate certain aspects of life. COVID forced us to slow down. I was staying home a lot more, and it was strange. I was always on the go it seemed. Creating some kind of routine was so important because I could see how many people could fall into a state of depression during the last year. I have made it a point to keep up with the same routine and find that I have enjoyed the slowdown and change. There is nothing wrong with a little slowdown.

Self-care has become so important in the last year. Many of us really didn’t make time for ourselves. I enjoy getting up very early when everyone else is still sleeping, and the house is so quiet. I start every morning with an affirmation and then a workout from Beachbody on Demand. Honestly, I never thought that I would like to work out at home, but I really do. A morning workout is a perfect way to start the day. I follow that with time to work on my business, blog, YouTube, and anything else business-related. In the evening, I have adopted a routine as well. I do a stretching workout and meditation. After those are done all electronics are off for the night. This small step has made such a difference in the quality of sleep I get.

I also took this past year to do some things that I have always wanted to do for myself. I took classes in Interior Redesign, and became certified in the field. Creating my brand has always been a dream of mine, and I ventured into social media, marketing, and YouTube. I have found an amazing group of supportive women that helped and guided me along this journey. My friend Brenda always says Did It Scared, Didn’t Die. Yep, I’m still here. I journaled more and have been more focused on creating the life that I love and want for my family.

This past year has also shown me that sometimes people only come into your life for a short time. Unfortunately, I lost friends that I thought would always be in my life over politics. In all honesty, were they really good friends if they couldn’t respect my views? I will always respect my friends’ views and love them anyway. My circle got smaller and that is okay by me. I was sad at the loss but moved on. Many people know that my husband was in a work accident in December. It was a very scary time, and he is still recovering. Again, in these situations, you find out who your friends are. Some people I thought would be supportive were not, and other people surprise me with their care and concern.

Life has certainly been a roller coaster this last year. I am looking forward to what the future has in store for me. I am enjoying all of the new aspects and adventures of my business. In June, I am taking a much-needed break and heading to Palm Beach for a Lilly Pulitzer girls’ weekend. I hope your future looks bright too.

Carrie

Carrie 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.

All About Home, Decor, Holidays

Five Minute Fall Decor

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Fall is finally here and it’s time to bring in the warm colors of fall into our home decor. Does the thought of changing out your decor stress you out especially with the holiday season right around the corner? Do you skip decorating for fall altogether? What if I could help you decorate a room in five minutes with five accessories? Sounds easy, right? It really is with a few perfect pieces.

Let me show you my kitchen refresh for fall. Clearing out the summer decor and pineapple placemats and accessories were the first steps. It’s nice to start with a clear space to really see all of the possibilities. I love bringing in some warm-colored pieces and buffalo plaid prints are some of my favorites. I switched out my pineapple placemats for a gray buffalo plaid with a pumpkin personalized with our name for our counter eating area. Personalized pieces are a quick and easy way to achieve a high-end designer look. These are pieces you won’t see in everyone’s kitchen and on every store shelf. Mixing patterns is always a great idea, pieces don’t always need to match, they just need to go together.

With that thought, I used personalized black placemats on the kitchen table to coordinate with my napkins and napkin rings. It all pairs nicely. A pumpkin soup tureen from Pier 1 became a pretty centerpiece. My napkin holder is a Nora Fleming piece. I love her pieces because you only need to switch the minis to create a new look. Their collection contains minis for every holiday, season, and occasion. I highly recommend them. A fall candle and fresh flowers complete the table. Fresh flowers are always a must in my house.

Kitchen Table Refresh

The last few changes were simple. I always have a personalized cutting board on my counter and I just switched it out for the same pumpkin style as my kitchen counter placemats. A Mackenzie-Childs pumpkin and fall candle add to the display. Switching my summer kitchen towels for pretty fall ones was the last step in the kitchen refresh. Towels are such an easy way to achieve a quick change. Normally I add garland to the windows but decided to leave them out this year. I wanted a clean, uncluttered look.

What do you think? I really did just do this refresh in just five minutes with five accessories. Room designs don’t have to be complicated, sometimes less is more. I really enjoy the simple uncluttered look before the holiday decorating begins. Enjoy the crisp fall weather and changing colors.

 

Carrie 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 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

 

All About Home, Decor

DIY Fall Wreaths

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It certainly doesn’t feel like it but fall will be here soon. I’m looking forward to cozy sweaters, bonfires, and warm apple cider. I am also going to try some new fall recipes in my Instapot and some new soups. I could eat soup every day. If you are like me it is time to change my decor from the bright, fun, and whimsical summer theme to a more earthy, warmer toned fall theme. I enjoy changing my decor for each season and it keeps things from feeling too stale in the house.

I ordered a couple of new wooden cutouts from Initial Outfitters and wanted to create a couple of new pieces. The acorn was something different and it really caught my eye. Painting it turquoise gives it a pop of color but still fits in with my fall theme. The white frame with chicken wire I have had and used for different things. It’s great if you can repurpose something and think outside of the box. I thought it would be nice to combine these two pieces instead of doing a traditional wreath. Ribbon and floral picks were leftover from a previous project and I added these in. I really like how this turned out and the frame is going to be a great piece to repurpose each season. Change the cutout, bow, and flowers and you have a whole new look.

The happy fall cutout is a new one, and when I saw that I knew it was just what I wanted for the front door. I like a piece I can use all season and maybe add a few extra accessories for a holiday or special occasion. Warm, metallic looks are so on-trend and this was the look I wanted for this piece. I painted the happy fall part in a metallic copper paint but decided to leave our name natural for contrast. Since this piece will be on the door a clear coat is a must to protect it from the elements. Again, I repurposed a wreath I had, the grapevine is a perfect natural element for fall. Adding a strand of cream pumpkin garland and a burlap bow finished the look. I like the cream colors against the copper and darker grapevine. For Halloween, I can add some witches and bats without having to create a whole new piece.

DIY doesn’t have to be complicated and by taking what you already have and adding to it a new look is easily created. I am planning on starting my fall decorating this week and I hope you will follow along for inspiration. Show me your decor too, I am always looking for new ideas. Follow along at Carrie Kelly Designs for videos on these two projects. Enjoy the cooler weather and change of seasons.

 

Carrie 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 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

Everyday Life

New Adventure

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Have you ever thought about doing something you have always wanted to do but unsure of yourself? All of this craziness of COVID made me stop and think about this. I love what I do with Initial Outfitters but wanted to do more. Ever since I was young I have always redecorated and designed for fun. I love to create new spaces and find new ways to repurpose what I have. This got me thinking, what could I do?

Design and decorate, it’s always been my passion. I decided to go back to school and take classes in Interior Redesign. I knew this was more for me, as I didn’t want to get into the architecture and reconstruction of spaces. After doing some research I decided to go through the online program through International Association of Professional Career College and complete the Interior Redesign program. I really worked and studied and completed the course with High Honors. Carrie Kelly Designs was created.

But now what, what is Interior Redesign? Interior Redesign is taking what you have and improving on it without the expense and time of a full remodel. It is really what I have always been doing, I do not enjoy the chaos of a remodel. A project that can be completed in a day, weekend or short amount of time is for me. Even just having a plan to do a project in stages is great. Sometimes you just need a fresh look at your space and move things around or repurpose what you already have. It’s amazing what a few changes can do to create a new look.

I am happy that I can incorporate my love of Initial Outfitters and their personalized pieces into my love of interior design. Carrie Kelly Designs has launched and I am so excited to help my clients create a new space that they will love for years to come. I am excited for this next adventure and what is to come. Is there anything you have been thinking about but haven’t had the courage to do yet? My advice is go for it. If you are passionate about something it will show to everyone. Take a chance. Anything is possible.