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.

Fashion and Style, Lilly Pulitzer, Monograms, My Favorites

Summer Style

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Lilly Maxi Dress

 

Summer is my favorite season to dress for. I love the bright colors and the ease of just needing a few pieces to put together a perfect look. It is perfectly fine to be a little more casual and relaxed this time of year especially in the heat. I have a few staples and pieces that are my go-to’s all summer. I tend to find a style of dress I like and buy it in different patterns.

I think I spend 99% of the summer in Lilly Pulitzer dresses. The Kristen and Margot are my favorite styles. As I said, I find a dress that I love and buy it in multiple prints and these two styles are no exception. They are lightweight, flowy, and perfect for summer.  Some of my other favorites are the Lilly Pulitzer shorts and skorts. Every piece is so fun, colorful, and just says summer. Pair those with a cute tank or tee and you are set.

Great accessories always finish the look. A monogrammed hat from Initial Outfitters is perfect for beach days, pool days, or those hot, humid summer days where you just can’t be bothered to style your hair. A great hat makes it so easy. My staple sandals are gold and rose gold Tory Burch Miller sandals. They match everything. My favorite necklaces this summer have been the monogrammed acrylic discs from Initial Outfitters. Monogrammed and personalized pieces are my favorite because of their uniqueness and these are available in so many beautiful, bright summer colors. They pair so well with all of my Lilly and I have many different ones. A great necklace and bracelets are all you need to bring an outfit together. I love a great summer handbag and these are a few of my favorites. My Lilly Pulitzer clutch was handpainted for me by one of their print artists.  The Lisi Lerch bag was also custom. It is fun that you can customize a bag on their site.

Lilly Pulitzer shorts and skorts are always in style

My absolute favorite dress is my custom Lilly Pulitzer sheath. I was lucky enough to create this at The Pink Retreat in Palm Beach last year. It was such a fun experience. This print, Palm Beach Toile is exclusive to the Worth Avenue store, and I knew this was the print I wanted. You are able to pick your lace and placement and every dress is unique. The label on the dress even says it was created especially for you. This dress is such a special keepsake and it so beautiful.

My custom Lilly Pulitzer sheath

I hope you enjoyed a look at some of my favorites. Summer is the perfect time to relax your style and just enjoy it. Before long the seasons will be changing. What are some of your favorite summer styles? Until next week remember, “Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink”.

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

All About Home, Decor

Easy Summer Decor

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Sweet summertime. Summer is the perfect time to be a little more relaxed and whimsical in your décor, a nice change from the formality of other seasons. With just a few simple changes a room can be completely changed all without spending a fortune. I love to use and repurpose what I have and maybe add just a few new pieces each season. Choosing just a few focal points in a home makes a major impact. I always swap out my décor on my dining table, fireplace mantle, and foyer each season and concentrate the majority of my efforts in those spaces. I also added in my Independence Day decor too.

The dining table is a great way to create a major impact because it is normally the focus of every dining room. I always incorporate a few personalized pieces from Initial Outfitters into each room design to help create that custom space. A burlap table runner embroidered in hot pink sets the tone for my summer table design. Mixing different textures and styles can make your space unique. Swapping out placemats with a fun summer design, adding summer plates with personalized napkins and silver napkin rings keeps the dining table formal but with a fun pop of color. Potted hydrangeas, greenery, flamingos, and candles finish my display. It really says summer and to sit down and have a little fun.

A fireplace mantle is another great place to create a major impact. They are always so pretty on their own and with just a few accessories can really shine. My favorite piece is always a beautiful garland. There are so many lifelike ones on the market today. I actually keep my mantle stylish yet simple and always start with a garland. Hydrangeas are my favorite and are the perfect choice for summer. Adding flameless candles across the mantle looks so pretty at night and mine are always on timers to come on at night. A few simple pineapple votive candles complete my look.

The foyer is another area I like to focus on since it is what guests see when they first enter the home. It can set the tone for the entire home. Every foyer should have a focal piece and I have a large foyer table to work with. Again I start with a burlap table runner that is hot pink and go from there. A fun beachy feel is great for summer and using mini beach chairs in bright colors on my table achieves just that look. A big, lifelike floral arrangement, summer tray, and candlesticks finish off the table. It really welcomes you into summer.

I hope that I have given you some ideas to incorporate into your summer home décor. It really does not have to be difficult or time-consuming. A few simple changes can take your home from spring to summer in no time. Happy decorating.

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. 

Find her at: https://www.initialoutfitters.net/CKELLY/

                   https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/                                                

                   https://www.facebook.com/IObyCarrie

                   https://www.instagram.com/pineapplesandmonograms/

                   pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com  

Fashion and Style, Lilly Pulitzer, Monograms, My Favorites

Easy Summer Style

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Summertime and the living is easy. I so love summer, the long warm days, beautiful sunsets, sweet tea on the porch, and the easy relaxed style. I always feel it’s perfectly acceptable to be a little more relaxed and casual in the summer and still look polished. There are so many great options available to make summer style a breeze.

A sweet little dress is all you need for summer. My favorites are shift dresses and nice flowy dresses from Lilly Pulitzer. Nothing says summer like a Lilly Pulitzer dress. Perfect to run around town in or for a dressier occasion. I also love their skorts and athletic wear. You will always look put together in any of these pieces. I live in dresses all summer long. Grab one item out of your closet and you are done.

Of course a great pair of sandals compliments any outfit. My favorites have been the metallic Tory Burch Miller sandals. They go with everything and are especially great for travel. Bring a gold flat pair and a gold wedge and they will get you through any vacation. I did purchase a pair of pink ones this season and they are so pretty. Jack Rogers is my other go-to brand of sandals but they are not for walking all day in. A great gold pair is all you need.

My go to sandals from Tory Burch

A great accessory makes an outfit pop. I love all the bright acrylic necklaces and have them in a variety of sizes and colors. Monogrammed pieces are my favorite and these look amazing paired with a cute summer dress. Natural elements paired with shiny sparkling pieces look great together in the summer. Layer a beautiful long beaded necklace with a shorter necklace and you have a statement look. Tassel earrings are very on-trend at the moment as well. For days spent at the beach or those days where there is no time for hairstyling, a great hat is perfect. I love the Lilly Pulitzer ballcaps and a denim hat with a bright monogram is perfect.

 

The last item you need is a great summer bag. A nice big tote is great for running around and keeping everything in one place. This one from Lilly Pulitzer is my new favorite. Very structured and the hot pink interior makes it pop. Having room for my water bottle is a must in the summer and this bag holds everything. Spartina 449 has a collection of beautiful bags. The pattern on this one was my favorite this season and being a clear vinyl on the outside bag, I don’t have to worry about it getting dirty. A big plus in the summer. Sometimes an occasion calls for a smaller bag. This is my absolute favorite bag. Lilly Pulitzer held an event at the Highland Village store in Houston and offered hand-painted bags. Of course, I had to have one. I ordered by phone and just gave her the ideas I had for the design. It turned out perfect, flamingoes on one side and my little dog on the other. This piece definitely turns heads.

Enjoy your summer, try some new pieces, and remember to just have fun.

 

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. 

Find her at: https://www.initialoutfitters.net/CKELLY/

                   https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/                                                

                   https://www.facebook.com/IObyCarrie

                   https://www.instagram.com/pineapplesandmonograms/

                   pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com

Everyday Life

Five Things I’m Loving Right Now

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This week I thought I would do something a little different. I always enjoy hearing about everyone’s favorite products and recommendations. These are five things that I am loving right now. This list is always changing and seasonal.

The Nest Bamboo fragrance. I first found this on my trip to Charleston last year. The resort featured this scent in their bath products. I immediately fell in love with it and knew Bamboo would become one of my signature scents. The soap lotion combo sits by my kitchen sink. This candle will fragrance your entire house and I always love a beautiful reed diffuser. The presentation is simple and elegant. Bath and Body Works Suntan scent is exactly that, suntan lotion. It literally transports you to the beach. I burn this all summer and when they have a sale I make sure to stock up.

Acrylic necklaces are my favorite summertime accessory. I love the look of one with a cute sundress. These are a fresh modern take on a popular trend. With so many color options these are an easy way to update your wardrobe without spending a fortune. I love switching the charms I wear. These can be found at www.initialoutfitters.net/ckelly

This favorite is not just mine but Finn’s as well. He loves his Barkbox and Chewy. He knows when we get that Barkbox and gets so excited to open it. We get a laugh watching him have fun with all of his new toys. Chewy is something we just started. Their service was so quick and I signed up for auto-ship as well. Why not make things a little easier? Our box arrived in two days.

I am a lipgloss girl. It is probably my favorite makeup product. My go-to glosses are from Chanel and Limelife. Chanel glosses are just beautiful with no stickiness. The packaging is also beautiful and what Chanel is known for. Limelife is fairly new to me, but their glosses rival the high-end brands. A blingy case also will get me every time. The color choices are phenomenal and they also are not sticky at all. Nobody likes a sticky gloss.

For summer decorating I’m having fun with flamingos. I will do a post later on all of my summer decor. It’s fun to not be so formal with the summer decor and have some fun. What says summer better than flamingos? Summer is a time to lighten up and enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather.

Let me know what you are loving right now.

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. 

Find her at: https://www.initialoutfitters.net/CKELLY/

                   https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

                   https://www.facebook.com/IObyCarrie

                   https://www.instagram.com/pineapplesandmonograms/

                   pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com

Everyday Life

A Little About Me

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I hope you have enjoyed Pineapples and Sweet Tea so far. I thought this week I would introduce myself and tell you a little more about me. I am a wife to Bob, mom to Bobby, and fur mom to Finn. I always thought about starting a blog and thought this was the perfect time. I’m really enjoying sharing the things that I love with you, and I hope you are enjoying it as well. I split my time between Illinois and Arizona, and I’m lucky to escape the Illinois winters. I’m sure many of you can relate.

Masters 2019

 

Little Finn
The Arizona Biltmore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am an independent consultant with Initial Outfitters and have been with the company for two years. This was really the perfect company for me because it allows me to combine my love of all things monogrammed and personalized with my love of fashion and decor. It really is the best of both worlds. Initial Outfitters is based in Auburn, Alabama and monogramming and personalization is our specialty. I really enjoy setting up displays at shows and helping my customers find just the perfect gift for themselves or a loved one. I have been lucky to meet some great women within the company and made  many friends around the country.

Team Lucky Charms
Conference banquet

 

IO Conference

In my spare time I enjoy all forms of yoga and working out but my absolute favorite is aerial yoga and fitness. It is definitely one of the most challenging classes I have ever done. Learning circus tricks is always fun. For someone that doesn’t like heights I was really nervous my first few classes. I also enjoy restorative yoga the repetition of Ashtanga yoga. It’s always a good idea to balance the types of classes you do.

Hanging around in aerial yoga

I really enjoy travelling too. This past year I have taken some great trips. I was lucky enough to go to The Masters in 2019. Augusta National is even more beautiful then it is on television. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience. After Augusta, we headed to Charleston and stayed on Isle of Palms. I love the history and beauty of the south. My next trips were girls only. The Pink Retreat in Palm Beach was a Lilly Pulitzer lovers dream. I also met some amazing women that have become wonderful friends. Unfortunately, due to Covid 19 it was cancelled this year, but I’m meeting some of the girls in Tampa. I met up with some Lilly friends at Disney in January and did we have a blast. I had not been there in twenty years. It was so fun to see how it has changed. We had an amazing time. I will do future blogs on my travels and some of my recommendations as well.

The Pink Retreat Palm Beach
Who doesn’t love Olaf?

That’s just a little about me. If there is anything you would like me to blog about let me know. I love new ideas. I also hope we can all have a little fun and I hope one of my ideas will spark your creativity. Remember Anything is Possible with Sunshine and a Little Pink.

Gardening and Outdoors

Happy Memorial Day

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It’s the unofficial start to summer. I love all seasons, but summer has to be my favorite. Backyard barbecues, 4th of July parades, sundresses and sandals, fireflies, sweet tea, and hydrangeas are some of my favorite things about summer. Who doesn’t love a beautiful late night summer sunset? I know I do.

I had waited long enough and it was time to get my front porch summer ready. First off, I needed a new wreath for the front door. An Adirondack style chair wooden monogram really says summer and choosing a beachy blue and light coral paint fits my summer theme. Re-purposing an existing wreath and adding a few flowers and ribbon finished it off. I always love something personal with our name on it for the front door.

Rearranging the furniture and adding a focal piece really made the porch come alive. How gorgeous is this potting bench? My husband made it for me for Mother’s Day a few years ago and I love it. Usually I use it as a potting bench in my garage but I have always wanted to use it in my decor and thought the front porch was the perfect place to display it. Very eye catching. Adding herbs, plants, statues, and lanterns completed the potting bench.

Finally, I grabbed my outdoor pillows, new garden flag, rugs, and added a few pots of colorful flowers to make everything pop. I love the layered rugs by the front door and the flag is from our newest collection. Lavender and herbs smell wonderful as you walk up to the front door, and I enjoy having fresh herbs for my sweet tea. I decided on simple ferns this year for an organic element and to add some green to match the faux boxwood topiaries. I bought the topiaries for holiday decorating but really liked the look so I decided to use them year round. My other pots add just the right pop of color.

I think it’s the perfect time of day to grab a book and a glass of sweet tea and enjoy my beautiful porch. Care to join me?

A perfect summer read

Everyday Life

Surviving The Stay At Home

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We are all living in this new strange world of quarantine. Places are starting to open back up, but how different will it be? I’ll be the first to admit that I really fell into a rut when we got back from Arizona. I miss my friends, my yoga studio, and just being able to go places and enjoy a nice dinner out.  I imagine most of you feel the same way. We did tackle a remodeling project so that was fun. After a couple of weeks I decided to create a new routine for myself  and carry on.

Having always been one of those people that enjoys getting up early, I make sure I do. It’s always quiet and peaceful. Starting the day writing in my journal and reading something inspirational is a great way to put yourself in a positive frame of mind first thing in the morning. I’m just using the Five Minute Journal, just a few minutes writing in it morning and night. I ordered A Yogic Path by Sahara Rose to start reading. First off this book and cards are beautifully illustrated. The guidebook and cards are meant to insight and guide you to your inner inner wisdom and unlocking a deeper understanding of self. Fascinating. I also love this little box of cards on my table to quickly read throughout the day. It’s easy to get into a rut during this time, but I am making a conscious effort to not let that happen.

I am also back in the habit of making sure I get a workout in first thing every morning. Workouts don’t always have to be traditional. Moving furniture, yardwork, and walking are all great workouts. It really gives me more energy and helps me keep on going throughout the day. I find that setting your workout gear out the night before makes me more motivated to make sure I get my workout in. Of course, cute gear always helps. I am so looking forward to the day we can get back to the yoga studio. I really enjoy working out with a group and really miss the camaraderie we all share.

This time at home has also given me time to do a little refresh of my office. I may move it or completely redo this room but just a little change makes me happy. I set up a small work display that I rotate with new items weekly to keep it fresh. Pretty baskets and bins make organizing a breeze and I cleared my desk for a more simple look. Adding a scent diffuser lets me change the scent for my mood. I’m spending a lot more time in here lately.

 

I’ve saved the best for last. Being able to stay connected to my Network Together group and my Initial Outfitters team during this time has been wonderful. We are all learning and helping each other through our zoom calls. It’s a way to connect us all since we are spread throughout the country. My absolute favorite thing I have loved is the zoom happy hours with my girlfriends. Why did we not think of this before? Our last happy hour we dressed up and wore hats and had a great time. Just having some fun , a cocktail, and a laugh for an hour or two is really good for the soul. Again, we are spread throughout the country.

These are some of the ways I have been dealing with quarantine. How are you handling it? I would love to hear your thoughts and tips. We are all on a different path but in this together. Remember it’s temporary and to be kind.

All About Home, Decor

Spring Has Sprung

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My spring table

 

Spring has sprung. At least here in the Midwest it is trying to. Seems like we have one gorgeous day followed by a few gloomy ones. It is lovely to see the flowers finally start to bloom. I love the change of every season and I enjoy changing my table decor to reflect the current season. This year I went with a classic black and white theme and added a pop of spring color and greenery. I was going for a fresh look after the long winter and wanted to keep it simple.

The custom look of monogrammed pieces always makes a statement. Anything monogrammed or personalized are my favorites. I am a consultant with Initial Outfitters and display our vast array of custom pieces throughout my home and in my decor. First off, a custom table runner sets the tone. Grouping my collection of Emma Bridgewater teapots on a tray in the center of the table looks simple and fresh. They are flanked by Mackenzie Childs candle holders and large vases of faux hydrangeas, my very favorite flower.

The mason jar was something I painted last fall. A fun GNO with friends. I completed the look with buffalo check place mats with custom napkins and napkin rings and added a little greenery. I try to always add a little greenery for a natural element in all of my designs. This was the exact look I was going for simple, clean, and fresh especially after the heavy holiday decorating. It certainly looks like spring to me. Now for the warmer weather to get here.