5 Things I’m Loving, July 2021

 

Happy July. I hope you had a nice day celebrating the 4th with family and friends. It was so nice to celebrate together again this year. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for us. I spent a long weekend in Palm Beach on a Lilly Pulitzer girls’ trip. We had a fabulous time. Stay tuned next week for a full recap on all of the fun and my Palm Beach recommendations. After I returned home, our son got married the following weekend. It was a lovely day full of family and friends together celebrating. That same weekend was Bob’s birthday and Father’s Day. July 2, I celebrated my 50th birthday. I think I need another vacation after all of this. Summer is by far my favorite season, and these are some of my favorites for summer.

Palm Beach. Like I mentioned before, it is an amazing place to visit. I stayed at The Brazilian Court, and the service was phenomenal. The resort is gorgeous, and you really get the feeling of being in your own private little villa. The staff was always helpful with a suggestion for things to do or to answer any questions. I already booked my return stay for next year. I recommend the book Palm Beach by Rick Rose. If you ever get a chance to attend one of his walking historical tours, do it. Palm Beach is so full of history.

I love exploring the little vias

 

Palm Beach by Rick Rose

Bobbi Brown Beach. I love summer scents, and one that smells like the beach is even better. It is one of those scents that just brings back memories of fun times at the beach. It has been my go-to scent for quite a long time. Honestly, it just smells like suntan lotion and beach. What could be better?

My go-to summer scent

Lilly Pulitzer dresses. It is hot here and dresses are the way to go. I prefer dresses year-round. Lilly has so many styles, cuts, and patterns to pick from. I live in them all summer. It’s just so easy. Throw on a cute dress, a few accessories, and a cute pair of sandals and off you go.

I live in Lilly Pulitzer dresses all summer

Bath and Body Works Suntan candle. Again, there is a pattern here. Another product that smells like the beach and suntan lotion. I buy three or four of these candles at a time because I go through them that fast. I try some of the other scents but always come back to this one.

My favorite summer candle

Frosted Mason Jar mug. I think this mason jar mug from Initial Outfitters is just the cutest thing to sip sweet tea from. These would be fun for a backyard barbeque, ladies’ garden party, or as a gift. There are many different designs available.

Frosted mason jar mug

These are just a few of my favorites for summer. I plan on enjoying all that summer has to offer because before you know it, winter will be here again.

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Carrie

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.

Enjoy a free digital magazine, Summer is a State of Mind, 100 Tips for Enjoying Summer

Visit My YouTube Channel

 

Summer Beach Fairy Garden

summer beach fairy garden

 

Can you believe it is almost the 4th of July? Summer is flying by so fast, but it always does. Next week is also a big birthday for me, I turn the big 50. Honestly, it really doesn’t seem awful and scary. I feel like I am in a good place. This last year has taught me a lot. I made it a point to keep working out every day and added morning meditation and evening stretch and meditation to my routine as well. Some friendships have gone, and not all friendships were made to last. I have been enjoying stepping into the world of YouTube and content creating, and I really enjoy it. If you would have told me a few years ago I would be doing many of these new things, I would never have believed it. I have found what is good for me and what makes me happy. I am lucky to have a wonderful and supportive family and friends, and two very cute fur babies. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next chapter has in store for me.

I love a fairy garden. The last few years I have had one on my back deck, but the elements always end up destroying it. This year I moved it to my front porch. But, I needed a new and fun theme. I decided on a beach theme. It doesn’t get more fun or summery than that.

My base is actually an old fountain that broke. I just took the top piece off and it makes the perfect base. Some of the pieces I reused, and I ordered some fun beach theme items from Amazon. I decided not to use real plants because they tend to take over as the summer goes along.

summer beach fairy garden
Before

 

summer beach fairy garden
All of the accessories ready to go

I like to start with the big pieces, so the cabana was placed first. Plants, palm trees, and the bridge placement were next. I added a combination of blue glass, light blue rocks, and blue sand to create the water look. There are some bigger pieces of colored glass in the water as well. What beach would be complete without some beach chairs? These are such a cute addition to the garden. A lifeguard chair, boat, picnic table, and surfboard finished the look. I sprinkled colored shells and glass throughout for some color. Adding a set of waterproof fairy lights creates a beautiful glow at night.

summer beach fairy garden
After

 

summer beach fairy garden
I love the lights at night

I’m really happy with my finished fairy garden this year. They are so much fun, and the possibilities are endless. Have you created a fairy garden? Watch my garden come alive on YouTube.

summer beach fairy garden
The finished project

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Carrie

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.

Enjoy a FREE digital magazine, Summer is a State of mind, 100 Tips for Enjoying Summer

Visit My YouTube Channel

Freshen Up Your Kitchen For Summer In 5 Minutes

 

I hope you had a nice Father’s Day and enjoyed the day with your families. We have had a very busy week. I just returned from Palm Beach on Monday from a Lilly Pulitzer ladies’ getaway. Palm Beach is one of my favorite places, and I will share a full round-up of the trip soon. Our son got married on Saturday. I enjoyed helping with the planning and decor and had most of it done before my trip. Our favorite local florist did an amazing job on the centerpieces. She did the flowers for my wedding almost 30 years ago. The wedding was at the barn on his property so the theme was rustic with a little firefighter added. He’s a volunteer firefighter. Saturday was also my husband’s birthday and of course, Sunday was Father’s Day. Yep, I was definitely busy. But it was a happy busy.

Before I headed to Palm Beach, I wanted to freshen up my kitchen for summer. Each season I can accomplish this in 5 minutes with just 5 pieces. Choosing a few key pieces to change for each season and holiday makes this job so much easier. I have a couple of cabinets dedicated to my collections of cutting boards, placemats, coasters, floor mats, flags, and so much more.

Changing out my cutting board is where I usually start. The lemon theme is so fun and summery for the season. That was the starting point for my design. The glass cutting boards from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. look so pretty displayed on a stand and they also make a great gift. It is my go-to wedding gift.

 

freshen up your kitchen for summer in 5 minutes
Glass Cutting Board

Placemats are another easy switch. Personalized placemats really create that designer look. It is fine to mix and match styles. I chose the lemon placemats to coordinate with my cutting board for our snack bar. For my kitchen table, I chose the pineapple design from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. I like to keep the kitchen table simple. My Mackenzie-Childs kitchen table is my favorite piece. It is so unique and stands out on its own.

freshen up your kitchen for summer in 5 minutes
Pineapple Placemat

 

freshen up your kitchen for summer in 5 minutes
Lemon Ring Placemat

 

freshen up your kitchen for summer in 5 minutes
Mackenzie-Childs Table

I love kitchen towels. I have different towels for each holiday and season. Bob says I have more kitchen towels than I will ever use. That’s ok, I love them. WH Hostess has a beautiful collection of towels. I simply switch out the towels on my dishwasher and ovens. Another quick change.

 

freshen up your kitchen for summer in 5 minutes
WH Hostess Towel

Floor mats are a fun way to bring your unique style to the room. Personalize one for each season. My dogs are even on some of mine. These can be used in so many ways to brighten up a space.

 

freshen up your kitchen for summer in 5 minutes
Bicycle Design Floor Mat

I added a new tray from Initial Outfitters by Carrie this year. I like to group items on trays to create a designer look. I added my favorite Mackenzie-Childs pitcher and Nest Bamboo candle to the tray. Having things grouped on a tray also makes it easier to move around when needed.

 

freshen up your kitchen for summer in 5 minutes
Personalized Wooden Tray

Bonus tip; I love Nora Fleming pottery. Create an entirely new look just by changing the mini. I have different minis for different holidays and seasons.

 

freshen up your kitchen for summer in 5 minutes
Nora Fleming Pottery

I hope you enjoyed this little summer kitchen decor refresh and found a few easy changes to make in your decor. Redecorating a room does not have to be hard or expensive. You just need a few good pieces.

Let me show you how I made my kitchen summer-ready in my latest vlog.

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Carrie

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.

Enjoy a free digital magazine, Summer is a State of Mind, 100 Tips for Enjoying Summer

 

Visit My YouTube Channel

 

The Wedding Collection With Initial Outfitters

Calling all brides! Are you overwhelmed with too much to do for your big day? Initial Outfitters by Carrie is here with everything you need to make your wedding day a breeze. Bridal jewelry, attendant gifts, wedding day items, and a bridal registry are just a few of the many services I provide.

The perfect bridal jewelry is such an important part of the day. Add some sparkle with beautiful rhinestone pieces or go a little more traditional with classic pearls. Treat the groom to a monogrammed tie and belt. The options are endless to coordinate the bride and groom with the bridal party.

the wedding collection with Initial outfitters
Pearl & Glass Bead Earrings

 

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Monogram Belt

 

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Beautiful Starlette Necklace

Say thank you to your attendants with a personalized gift. Monogrammed totes are always loved by bridesmaids. The groomsmen would enjoy personalized mason jar glasses. I think the puzzles are a perfect gift for any children in your wedding party.

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Antler Mason Jar Glass

 

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Floral Spray Tote

 

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Personalized Llama Puzzle

 

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Personalized Sports Puzzle

How fun is it to see your new monogram? Register for gifts with Initial Outfitters and have your new monogram on so many new things. Head out on your honeymoon with personalized luggage. Entertain at home with a cheese board and baking dish. Enjoy nights on the porch with mason jar mugs.

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Personalized Luggage

 

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Personalized Dopp Kit

 

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Personalized Baking Dish

 

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Personalized Slate Cheese Board

 

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Mr. & Mrs. Ceramic Mugs

For the big day, welcome guests with a personalized flag. Add a wooden cutout to a wreath for an instant table centerpiece. Bring everything you need for the day in a special tote. Share a toast with Mr. & Mrs. mason jar mugs.

 

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Wedding Flag

 

the wedding collection with initial outfitters
Mr. & Mrs. Mason Jar Glass

Initial Outfitters by Carrie really is your one-stop wedding shop. Helping brides make the day easier is one of my favorite things. Sit back and let me work my Initial Outfitters magic.

Wishing you a fabulous week,

Carrie

Enjoy your FREE digital magazine, Summer is a State of Mind, 100 Tips for Enjoying Summer Here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFYE0AIPWpgpnNvt8wLhyXUCwa3U7QjNyonsqJjyXNFOqiJA/viewform

 

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.

5 Things I’m Loving June 2021

 

Can you believe it is already June? I hope you enjoyed a nice Memorial Day and the unofficial start to summer. I love summer, it really is my favorite time of year. Life seems to be returning to a little bit of normalcy. It has been so nice to enjoy the warmer weather and be out in the gardens. My strawberry pot has really taken off and I had to already re-pot it. I can’t wait for some tasty strawberries. My herb pots are growing like crazy too. These make me so happy.

It has been nice to catch up with friends and enjoy some girl time. I had not seen one of my dearest friends since last September, and it was just wonderful to get together, enjoy a leisurely lunch and wander some local boutiques. I have really missed the time spent with friends this last year. Next week, I am heading to Palm Beach for a little Lilly Pulitzer girls trip. I am really looking forward to a little shopping, cocktails, beach, and friendship.

Here are 5 things I am loving for June. Everything you need for summer decorating, beauty, and fashion. These are my go-to products for this month and I’m sure all summer.

Beauty Society Undercover Blue Light Protection Mist. We are all sitting in front of computer screens more and this spray provides protection from harmful blue light rays. Very hydrating and luxurious. I keep a bottle at my desk at all times and spritz my face often when I am sitting in front of the computer.

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
Beauty Society Undercover Spray

ByTerry skincare. I keep going on about this line, but it is just that good. These three products are in my everyday rotation as well as the moisturizer and mask. The rose scent alone makes me love the product but they are powerhouses. My skin feels so soft and under control. Summer tends to aggravate my skin and these just calm it down. Make sure to check out my full review of luxury skincare on YouTube.

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
ByTerry Skincare

Initial Outfitters by Carrie acrylic mini-me collection. I love fun bright jewelry for summer. These acrylic pieces are so fun. Available in 20 different colors of necklaces and earrings and all personalized with a single initial. I plan to mix and match colors and wear these all season. Perfect with sundresses.

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
Monogram Acrylic Jewelry

Juliska Seaside Estate plates. I was looking for a new design for my summer dining table when I came across these in a boutique. So fun and that became my new summer dining table design starting point. Exactly what I was looking for and they coordinate with any color palette. This video shows how I created my summer dining table.

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
Juliska Seaside Estate Plates

Summer accessories. I’m heading to the beach and great accessories are a must. The pom pom sunhat from Initial Outfitters by Carrie will be fun for the beach or really anytime. It will match everything. A great pair of Lilly Pulitzer sandals are a must for all of the walking I will be doing. I don’t leave home without a tote. This tote from Lilly Pulitzer caught my eye. The print is all summer to me.

 

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
Lilly Pulitzer McKim Sandals

 

 

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
Monogram Sunhat

 

5 Things I'm Loving June 2021
Lilly Pulitzer Tote

I hope you have found some new products to try out. Summer is a great time to freshen things up. Be sure to watch my video on 5 Things I’m Loving for even more information. If you are looking for more great tips to enjoy summer, make sure to grab the Summer is a State of Mind, 100 Tips for Enjoying Summer here.

Wishing you a fabulous week,

Carrie

Grab your FREE digital magazine, Summer is a State of Mind, 100 Tips for Enjoying Summer Here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFYE0AIPWpgpnNvt8wLhyXUCwa3U7QjNyonsqJjyXNFOqiJA/viewform

 

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.

Visit my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDW2iJSg7kqylYMuTwfxQmA

Visit My YouTube Channel

Summer 2021 Dining Table Design

 

Happy Memorial Day. I hope you are enjoying the day with your family and friends. I have been busy around here this last week. I did a small refresh in the master ensuite. It’s amazing what new draperies and artwork can do for a room. Eventually, that room will get a full makeover, but I am not ready to tackle that yet. Summer decorating is finished outside and inside. I am enjoying nice walks in the evening and time to relax by the pond. Installing a pond was one of the best things that we have done. Just hearing the water is so soothing. We have been trying new recipes on the grill and Finn and Ruby are happy to be spending so much more time outside enjoying the sun.

If you have been following me for a while you know I always change my dining table decor each season. Simply changing the dining table and adding a few more accessories creates a new look in the dining room each season. My kitchen, foyer, mantle, and fireplace get a refresh each season too. I really like the change without spending too much on redecorating.

This year I really changed things up. Lately, I have been pairing down my decor and going for something a little simpler and not so dramatic. The drama really comes out during the holidays and winter. My bamboo table runner was the first step. One tall bamboo-style lantern sits in a tray from the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection. Instead of the usual tall vases of hydrangeas, I added glass hurricanes again from the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection. I repurposed the hydrangeas and used them in the formal living room. Something completely new this year is the flower balls. I saw these on Facebook, and they aren’t exactly what I was expecting, but I knew I could make them work. Normally, I add a floral garland down the middle of the table, but I added the floral balls instead for a different look. I like it. Of course, a few flamingos, candles, and flamingos finished the look.

spring 2021 summer table design
Summer Table Design

 

summer 2021 dining table design
Fun With Flamingos and Pineapples

My place settings had a makeover as well. The Juliska Seaside Estate plates are new, and I knew they would be perfect for my dining table. I started with flamingo placemats that I picked up at a shop in Charleston. Pink metallic chargers were next with Kate Spade dinner plates on top. The Juliska plates look perfect on top of the Kate Spade plates. I finished the plates off with acrylic place setting toppers from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. I love these acrylic pieces and can think of a million ways to use them. A combination of napkins and napkin rings made the table complete.

 

summer 2021 dining table design
Acrylic Place Setting Topper

 

summer 2021 dining table design
Juliska Seaside Estate Plates

I will say it took me a little time to get used to this design. It was something completely different, but I am really liking the change.  Stay tuned for updates on the rest of my summer decor and how to freshen up your kitchen for summer in 5 minutes with 5 products.

Until next week,

Carrie

Enjoy a FREE digital magazine, Summer is a State of Mind, 100 Tips for Enjoying Summer Here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFYE0AIPWpgpnNvt8wLhyXUCwa3U7QjNyonsqJjyXNFOqiJA/viewform

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.

Contact Carrie at: 

pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com

 

                Visit My YouTube Channel Here

 

Spring Watering Can Wreath

watering can wreath

 

It’s Spring, and you know what that means. It is time for a new wreath for my front door. A great way to freshen up your porch each season is by simply changing out the wreath for each season and holiday. An easy project that makes a big impact. A pretty front door is so welcoming, and I really love a personalized wreath.

This year, I decided to use the watering can wooden cutout from Initial Outfitters by Carrie for the centerpiece of my wreath. These custom pieces are great and so versatile, paint them to match your decor. I chose sage green and pink for this one, perfect colors for spring. I painted the wooden cutout earlier, so this project only took about five minutes to complete.

 

The wreath was a piece I already had. Always use what you have. The paint colors that I chose matched the wreath perfectly. The only other thing I added to the wreath was a pink bow to add a pop of color to the piece. To attach the wooden cutout to the wreath I used picture hanging wire and a sharp pair of scissors to cut the wire. I suggest always having this on hand in your tool kit, it is so handy and versatile. I have a little tool kit of supplies that I use for different projects. Using the wire, I attached the cutout to the wreath. I try to tuck in the wire so it can’t be seen. Once the wreath is hanging, the wire disappears.

 

I hope you enjoyed this quick little project to freshen up your front door. Here is a how-to video of how I put together this wreath. I am really happy with the results. I think this wreath is the perfect Spring greeting for my front door.

 

 

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.

 

Springtime Brunch For Two Tablescape

 

What a lovely weekend it was here in the Midwest. I was able to finish my pots and hanging baskets and enjoy spending time outside in the sunshine. My herb pots are center stage right outside my kitchen door. One pot is full of herbs for cooking and the other is full of herbs for my tea. There is nothing better than picking herbs fresh from my pots. I also planted a pot of strawberries and a pineapple. I really hope the pineapple produces some fruit this year. I also spent a lovely afternoon enjoying lunch and shopping with a dear friend. We had not seen each other in quite some time. I am looking forward to everything Spring has to offer.

Spring is the perfect time for a brunch for two. The weather is warming up and I think we are all ready to get out and enjoy time with our friends again. I love spending an afternoon with a good friend and catching up. It seems like we all have so much to catch up on. I created a beautiful and spring theme table design for a brunch for two.

My Mackenzie-Childs pedestal table is the perfect backdrop for a spring-themed table. The minute I saw this pedestal, I knew that was the table that I had been looking for. My backsplash at my cooktop is the coordinating tiles to match my table. So unique and custom. My chairs are from Pottery Barn, and I love how they complement the table.

spring brunch table for 2
Spring Brunch Table For Two

Pink dinner plates from Kate Spade with Juliska Seaside Estate appetizer plates were the inspiration. Seaside Estate is my new favorite pattern from Juliska. Perfect summer pattern. Personalized pieces are a must for me. I added personalized napkins and napkin rings from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. The acrylic place setting toppers from Initial Outfitters by Carrie is so fun and versatile to use anywhere. Personalized pieces are a quick way to add a custom designer look to any design. Lilly Pulitzer wine glasses and drink glasses completed my place setting.

 

 

 

juliska seaside estate
Juliska Seaside Estate

 

initial outfitters
Initial Outfitters Monogrammed Table Decor

Fresh flowers in a pretty vase are really all you need for a pretty centerpiece. I have been using my Mackenzie-Childs Royal Check pitcher as a centerpiece. I love the blue and white check mixed with the pinks and bright colors. A monogram platter from Taylor Beach Designs will look so pretty with tea sandwiches or cupcakes on it. Nora Fleming pieces are also some of my favorites. I love having one piece and just changing the mini on it for a new look. The flamingo looks perfect on the napkin holder. My monogrammed ice bucket in a Lilly Pulitzer print is a piece I have had for so long. I have a matching tray as well. And brunch would not be complete without a bottle of Veuve chilling in a Mackenzie-Childs wine bucket.

 

lilly pulitzer ice bucket
Lilly Pulitzer Ice Bucket

 

taylor beach design platter
Taylor Beach Design Platter

 

mackenzie-childs wine cooler
Mackenzie-Childs Wine Cooler

I think this is the perfect table for a lovely brunch My brunch menu would be a delicious quiche, salad with a champagne vinaigrette, fruit salad, and of course cupcakes. Check out my YouTube video featuring my Mother’s Day brunch table for two. Are you looking forward to entertaining again?

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.

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

Favorite Mother’s Day Gifts From Initial Outfitters

 

Mother’s Day will soon be here, in twenty days to be exact. It’s going to be so nice this year to be able to celebrate with our families again. I’m lucky, my mom lives close by and we do so many things together. Luckily, I have been able to treat her to trips out to my home in Arizona. We have really enjoyed those trips. We have enjoyed visiting the Desert Botanical Gardens, Afternoon Tea, shopping, and so much more. I always enjoy finding the perfect special gift for mom. These are a few of my favorites this year from Initial Outfitters.

The Journey Necklace is always tops on gifts for mom. I actually have one for myself with motivational words on each side. Each side is engravable with the word or date of your choice. Add names, special dates, or special words for a gift mom will treasure forever.

 

personalized necklace
Journey Necklace
personalized necklace
Journey Necklace

 

This is such a fun one, and a new product to our collection, a puzzle. How fun would it be to get the kids and grandkids together and do a puzzle? I think this is a great idea. Mom or grandma will be so surprised when it is finished. Take it to be framed after it is put together for a great keepsake.

personalized puzzle
Personalized Puzzle
personalized puzzle
Personalized Puzzle

These camp mugs are fun and practical. The farmhouse style is so popular, and these make a great gift. Fill the cup with mom’s favorite coffee, tea, chocolates, or biscuits. I have a large collection of mugs, and I think you can never have enough.

camp mug
Camp Mug
camp mug
Camp Mug

Pearls. Pearls are timeless and classic. A beautiful pearl necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings is the perfect accessory to any outfit. I love pearls and have them in different lengths and styles. A bib necklace is modern while a plain strand is classic. Something for every taste and style.

pearl glass bead bracelet
Pearl Bead Bracelet
pearl glass bead necklace
Pearl Bead Necklace

A tote bag. Honestly, can we ever have enough totes? I have one in my car with supplies, in my office full of work projects, and always by my back door to grab if needed. As you can see, I love a good tote.

monogrammed tote
Monogrammed Tote
monogrammed tote
Monogrammed Grandma Tote

I hope this gives you a few ideas for the perfect gift for mom. Honestly, the best gift we can give to our mom is spending the day together enjoying each other’s company. I know that is what I plan on doing. Happy Mother’s Day.

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.

Sassy Direct: 

https://www.sassydirect.com/united-states/fashion/carrie-kelly

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Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

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Visit my website:

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https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly  

Email: 

pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com

 

 

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