Valentine’s Day will soon be here. I love all the pink, hearts, and flowers. Just means Spring is soon to follow! I put together a few of my favorites for Valentine’s Day gift-giving.
Get into the Valentine spirit with a fun candy hearts sweatshirt. This one is monogrammed from Initial Outfitters. I think it is a cute way to add a touch of Valentine’s Day into your wardrobe.
Perfume is always a favorite gift to give. And who doesn’t love a little blue box? Tiffany & Love is a unique scent. Tiffany & Love Eau de Parfum for Her is a floral, woody scent. The fragrance opens with a burst of bright and sparkling top notes, beginning with blue basil–a botanical ingredient developed exclusively for Tiffany–paired with grapefruit for an aromatic crispness. It is one of my favorite scents.
A beautiful sentimental piece of jewelry is always appropriate. This stamped stainless steel bracelet is a gift that will always be treasured. Personalize this with up to 5 characters.
Lilly Pulitzer released some beautiful Valentine pieces this season. The wrap is a favorite with its fun design. It is a piece I would wear year-round. The sweater is a more simple statement but still bursting with Valentine’s vibes.
Acrylic necklaces are a staple in my wardrobe. I love the modern style of these bar necklaces. Personalize this with a name, monogram, favorite word, or saying. So many different options.
Valentine’s Day shopping made easy. I’m looking forward to a virtual Galentine’s Day party with friends and we will probably cook a lovely dinner at home. I hope you enjoy a special day too!
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
Happy New Year everyone. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and enjoyed time with family and friends. We hosted our annual Christmas Eve and since Bobby was on duty we had a small brunch on Christmas Day. It was so nice to be celebrating and enjoying. On New Year’s Eve, we went to our favorite local restaurant and then home. We’re lucky to make it to midnight anymore. I usually start taking down all of the holiday decor on New Year’s Day. I love all of the sparkle and holiday decor but it is so nice when the house is back to normal. Just looks so refreshed. This year, I am going to keep some things out to create a little winter seasonal decor. We made homemade pizza and enjoyed hanging out by the fire watching Yellowstone. It’s another new month and that means it’s time for 5 of my favorite things. This month features everything from beauty products, fashion, and home decor. Enjoy!
A new year always means a new planner for me. This is my second year using Plum Planner and I am still so happy with it. Having the option to customize it with sections that I need is my favorite feature. I add sections on travel, social media, blogging, and more. There are also so many design layout options too. I changed my layout this year. Of course, designing your cover is another favorite feature. This year I went with a blue background with flamingoes and my name in script. I’m really happy with the design.
If you have been following me for a while, you know I love unique scents. I ordered Aerin Cedar Violet on a recommendation from another friend and it is everything that I wanted in a winter scent. I have quite a few Aerin perfumes and each one is so unique and different than anything else I have used before. Cedar Violet is exactly as it sounds and transports you to the woodland. The bottles are also so pretty displayed on my dresser too. This has been my go-to all season. If you’re looking for a unique winter scent that is not too musky and strong, this is it.
I had been eyeing this extra-large hurricane from Emma Bridgewater for so long. I thought it would make the perfect centerpiece for my dining room table after the holiday tablescape comes down. Black Friday it was 30% off, so I scooped it up. I am so happy I did. This piece is going to be beautiful all year round and give me a great foundation for all of my seasonal decor. I added the little bud vases too. I thought those would be fun down the table as well. Stay tuned for a dining room table makeover!
My blond hair can sometimes be so hard to maintain, it likes to turn too yellow for my taste. I have tried many purple shampoos and conditioners too. I stopped into Aveda to pick up a few things and was intrigued by their Blond Revival line. I decided to just grab the conditioner because I just ordered a new bottle of Tressa Watercolors silver shampoo. This conditioner has been amazing and leaves my hair so soft while neutralizing the yellow in it. And of course, the smell is amazing. I’m going to stop back in and pick up the shampoo too. I rotate these products and only use them once a week.
It’s sweater season, and I love a fun sweater with words and sayings. This sweater from Lilly Pulitzer has been a fun one to wear. They have a selection of sweaters that are just whimsical and fun! Why not add a pop of color to your wardrobe with a bright and cheerful sweater!
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 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.
I thought it was time to sit down and do a little get to know me for everyone. Welcome to everyone new. First, I hope you are enjoying following along on the blog as much as I enjoy creating it. It’s just a little peek into my world and all of the things that I enjoy.
I am living in the same area I was born in. Actually, my whole family is still here too. Luckily, I do get to escape the cold winters to my home in Arizona. I have quite a bit of extended family in Arizona too. The best of both worlds. A few weeks ago, I celebrated my 50th birthday. Bob and I have been married for 29 years and have one son Bobby and son-in-law Cody. We are fur parents to Yorkies Finn and Ruby too. They are the most spoiled little Yorkies. Finn has been with us since he was a puppy, and Ruby was adopted about a year ago. She is a senior and her owner passed away. One look at her and I couldn’t resist.
Family trip in AZ
Two spoiled pups
I have always enjoyed fashion and most importantly decorating. Even as a kid I was always redecorating my room. Those passions led me to Initial Outfitters and last year to becoming an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist. I can combine my love of all things monogrammed with my love of interior redesign. Interior redesign is taking a space and making it better with just a few changes. Changing my decor for each holiday and season is something I am known for. I love creating new tablescapes and looks throughout my home. I really enjoy all things about home, cooking, gardening, and creating a space full of love and happiness. This year I have really gotten more into vegetable and herb gardening. I am hoping to find a space for a bigger kitchen herb garden next year. Is there anything better than picking vegetables and herbs from your own garden?
Spring dining table design
Enjoying conference with my IO team
The start of my herb pots
If you have been following me for a while, you know that I am a Lilly Pulitzer lover. I have met so many friends through my love of Lilly and the Lilly groups. Next year, I am attending the Pink Retreat in Palm Beach. Sadly it was canceled this year due to COVID. A group of us still went and had a lovely time. Charleston and Disney are other favorites that I love to visit. My other passion is yoga and working out. My favorite yoga class is aerial yoga. Who wouldn’t want to fly in the air like a circus performer? So much fun!
One of my many visits to Lilly Pulitzer
With my pal Buzz
Honestly, I am pretty simple at heart. Give me a glass of tea or Veuve, a good book, and my pond and I am a very happy girl. I hope you enjoyed a little bit about me and hope you continue to follow my journey.
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.
A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to spend a long weekend in Palm Beach. The Pink Retreat was canceled due to COVID, but a group of us decided to still go and have some fun. And fun we had. I knew a few of the ladies from the previous Pink Retreat and many through Facebook, so it was so nice to finally get together and meet in person. If you have never been to Palm Beach, I highly recommend it. There is so much to do.
I went a couple of days early. Home base was The Brazilian Court, an experience in itself. The staff was amazing, friendly, and answered any questions that I had. I booked my stay there for next year, too. The rooms were comfortable, extremely quiet, and spacious. I love that you get an actual key for your room. Honestly, you feel like you are in your own tropical retreat. The grounds are filled with little nooks to sit and relax. After checking in, I walked down to the famous Worth Avenue Tower on the beach. Bring comfortable shoes, Palm Beach is a great place to just walk and take in the atmosphere. I love exploring all of the little vias filled with shops, restaurants, and gardens. Taboo is always the place to go, so I stopped and had an early dinner. I was tired after a long day of travel and headed back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Going a couple of days early gave me a chance to explore and stop at a few places on my list. My morning started with a few hours of relaxing by the pool. The pool is so peaceful and secluded, I even met a sweet dog, Lilly. I really enjoy exploring on my own. Lycette was my first stop. I have always wanted to learn to needlepoint, and I knew that was the place to go for my first project. The ladies were lovely, and we found the perfect first piece for me. I made my usual stop by the local firehouse. This fire mom always checks out the local house. I kept on walking to The Breakers. The Breakers is absolutely stunning. Old World Palm Beach. I did a little shopping at the Lilly Pulitzer store there and enjoyed relaxing by the water. Palm Beach is one of those places that I feel very comfortable walking and exploring by myself. My night ended with dinner at Pizza al Fresco, and I even treated myself to a delicious dessert. I figured I deserved it, I logged about six miles that day and five the day before.
Friday morning was our first official Lilly get-together. We all met at the Lilly Pulitzer Worth Avenue store for a shopping event. It was so fun to see everyone, enjoy mimosas, and shop. This store is beautiful. Here, you can have a custom shift or bag done. I am having a custom crossbody bag made. I can’t wait to get it. Finn and Ruby will be in the design too. Of course, we all did a little more shopping. Worth Avenue is the place to shop in Palm Beach. Many of us headed over to The Chesterfield for Afternoon Tea. A lovely experience. The table was Lilly-inspired just for us. Our server was the sweetest, and we enjoyed tea, scones, lots of laughs, and way too many desserts. The Chesterfield is beautiful as well, very British-inspired. Luckily, my hotel was a block away so I headed back to relax. The lounge at The Brazilian Court is lovely, so I stayed there that evening. You just never know who you will meet in Palm Beach. I spent a fun evening chatting and making some new friends that I have stayed in touch with.
Saturday, I was free until that night’s group dinner. I decided to head back to the pool and relax. I spent most of the day there with a few other Lilly girls. Our group met at Carmine’s for dinner. They went above and beyond, even creating a special menu for our Lilly Getaway. Dinner was delicious. Of course, I had pasta. We had a little gift exchange and everyone enjoyed that. It was so nice to get to chat with other Lilly-loving ladies and their husbands. A few husbands joined us too. We were quite the sight of all of us in our Lilly taking pictures outside. The entire evening was lovely. My friends from the previous night were in the bar, so I stopped in there before heading to bed.
Sunday morning, we went to Batch for brunch. Wow, it was delicious. I had the cinnamon rolls and ate almost all of them. We were gifted the cutest wine glasses with our names on them in a Lilly-inspired design. Some of us headed to Palm Beach Sandals for a private shopping event. Thank you to Brittany for welcoming us into her beautiful shop. There were a few vendors and of course more champagne and treats. What is it about champagne that makes everything better? I ordered a pair of custom sandals. They are so cute. I picked a light pink with a gold pineapple. I’m going to order a pair of monogrammed ones next. We headed back to Worth Avenue for one last round of shopping at Lilly. Most of the ladies left on Sunday, and quite a few were local too. I stopped at Peter Millar and picked up a few things for Bob. I stopped at The Chesterfield and enjoyed dinner at the Leopard Lounge before heading back to The Brazilian Court. I got back just in time, a storm came rolling through.
Monday, it was time to pack and head home. I took one last walk around the grounds and Palm Beach. I love to travel, but it is always good to be home. Finn and Ruby missed their mom. Bob missed me too. I am looking forward to next year’s trip to Palm Beach and The Pink Retreat!
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Initial Outfitters by Carrieacrylic 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
