It was time to make something new for our front gate for Valentine’s Day. I wanted to do something a little different and not the traditional wreath. Door hangers are so popular and I thought that would be the perfect project. Can you believe that I have not made one yet?
Perfect piece for my design
A welcoming sentiment
I stopped at Michael’s and found this multicolor round plaque on a rope. I knew that I wanted to do something round to fit the curve of our gate door. This one with the rustic look really caught my eye and I decided on that one. Saved me a little time too since I did not have to paint it.
Fun and pink
Love the design
Next up, deciding on a design. I started searching on Cricut design space and let me tell you there is so much there. I knew that I wanted my sign to say hello valentine so I could narrow it down a bit. This design was the exact script and font that I was looking for.
Almost there
A bow was the finishing touch
If you know me, you know that I love pink. I decided to use a Fuschia vinyl instead of a traditional red. This was a matte vinyl. I have really been enjoying using my Cricut for a variety of projects. Next up is a Valentine’s Day shirt. I cut my design out, weeded it, and applied it to the door hanger. I was going to make a new bow but found this one left over from a previous project. The color was perfect.
Welcome friends!
I’m really happy with my first door hanger project. It looks so nice and welcoming at our gate. What do you think?
Until next week,
Carrie
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The holidays are over and it is time to get back into the swing of things. I needed a bigger workspace here in AZ. I love my little pink desk from Pottery Barn but it is very small. We have a nice little den space that I thought would be the perfect spot. When we do have guests that use it I will just go back to my pink desk. It is still in the same spot and I just freshened it up with some accessories.
The start of the project
Laminate to warm up the room
We started by taking out the carpet and installing a laminate. Our two little Yorkies make having carpet impossible. If you have little dogs you totally understand. We did something a little different than the bedrooms that we redid last year. Home Depot was out of that flooring so I chose something a little different. I’m really happy with it and I like that it is a little different.
After a day’s work
A space to relax
A small desk was the best fit for this spot. Knowing that it will not be used all of the time and not wanting to spend a ton of money, I checked out Amazon. Of course, I found just what I was looking for. I really like that it has a couple of drawers for all of my office supplies. This desk fits perfectly in the space and I ordered a chair too. I wanted the farmhouse look to keep with the colors of the room.
A cozy workspace
Styled with me in mind
The lamp was also an Amazon find and I really like the pop of gold in the room. I made a Target run to check out the Hearth and Home line. I just wanted a few simple accessories. The basket was perfect to keep my most used supplies handy and a little greenery is a must. I picked up the picture at a local art fair a few years ago and finally found the perfect spot for it. It has moved around from place to place. The rest of the accessories came from my previous desk.
TV area
Comfortable place to unwind
The only other thing that we did was reconfigure the room to fit my desk better. Everything else on the walls stayed the same too. I actually think that the room looks bigger configured this way. I think this is the perfect little office space for me here in AZ. What do you think?
Can you believe April is already here? It seems like just yesterday we were decorating for the holidays. We have had a nice Winter/Spring in Arizona. Finally, baseball is back and we have been able to enjoy a few games. Friends from home came to visit and we enjoyed showing them a few of our favorite places to visit in AZ. I have a friend arriving today for a few days, and I am looking forward to a little girl time. We are going to shop, enjoy tea, and catch up. It’s going to be a fun week. We will be heading home in the next few weeks too. But, it’s the first of the month so that means that it is time to share 5 of my favorites for April. There is a little fashion, beauty, scents, and more. Enjoy!
I was so excited about the Lilly Pulitzer/Disney collaboration. How cute is this print with Mickey and Minnie in it? I picked up a few pieces from the collection, a pair of shorts, a popover, a backpack, and this adorable dress. On my next trip to Disney, I will be all set with my Lilly!
Since we are on the topic of fashion, this hello weekend tote from Initial Outfitters was a piece that I could not resist. The design of the bag is perfect for summer and who doesn’t love the weekend? I am sure this bag will get a ton of use and will be perfect for travel. It’s roomy and functional.
If you know me, you know that I am always looking for the best in makeup and skincare. Seint beauty has been my go-to for the last few months. The skincare routine is simple (some lines have sooo many products, it takes forever to get ready), a few products complete the line. I do sometimes add a serum from Estee Lauder, and I use a daytime moisturizer too. The cream is too heavy for me during the day, but at night, it’s incredible. The makeup concept is right up my alley. You customize your own palette with your favorite products. It is so nice not to be wasting colors out of a premade palette. There is even a solid perfume too. These are going to be fabulous for travel. I try to pack as little product as possible. This is a palette I customized for Spring/Summer. What do you think of the colors?
It wouldn’t be a favorites if I did not have a favorite scent to share. Voluspa Casa Pacifica is a new fragrance to me. I found it an Anthropologie and it was such a unique scent, I knew that I had to add it to my collection. Voluspa jars are also so beautiful and are perfect to reuse for makeup brushes or to store hair ties. Casa Pacifica has notes of California driftwood, sea salt, and shore brush. It is probably more of a summer scent, but I plan on burning it all Spring too. Very fresh.
Last, but certainly not least, the Desert Botanical Gardens. If you are ever in the Phoenix area, it is one place that I suggest you don’t miss. The desert is so much more than cacti, dirt, and rocks. I think you would be very surprised. My friends really enjoyed it. Dale Chihuly also had an installation at the time we visited. If you are familiar with his work, it is breathtaking, and seeing it in a garden setting is incredible. Stay tuned for a blog full of fabulous pictures from the gardens.
And that’s it, another month of favorites. Is there anything new that you are loving? Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter or Passover, and I hope you get to spend time with your loved ones.
Until next week,
Carrie
Shop my favorites here:
Lilly & Disney (hopefully more pieces will be released, it is sold out right now)
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 Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and 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.
We spent a quick week in Arizona, we have a home in the Phoenix area. It was time for a visit to take care of a few things. Summer in AZ is crazy hot and it was so humid due to the monsoons. We experienced a couple of those last week. It felt like we were back in the Midwest and poor Ruby thought she had escaped the storms. She is so scared of them. The water just has no place to go out there and flooding happens so quickly. Some of the common areas in our neighborhood were flooded too. But the storms were gone as quick as they came.
Flooding from the monsoons
Honestly, this trip was very uneventful. I intended to vlog but never did. We really just spent our time relaxing in the pool during the day. Finn is an expert swimmer and loves to swim a few laps. It’s the cutest thing. Ruby is not interested in swimming. I could spend the entire day in the pool, and I did. It’s just so relaxing and refreshing.
This is my favorite spot
We always visit our go-to restaurants. You know I love Mexican food, and we visited Fiesta Mexicana three times. It’s our absolute favorite. There was a mariachi band one night and I decided that I want a mariachi band for my next birthday! The staff is so nice and they always remember us and our orders. Best tacos and cocktails. I had a mojito and pina colada and they were both delicious. I love places like that. Our favorite pizza is Oregano’s, their salad is also fabulous. The local honky-tonk bar is another favorite. Talk about amazing food. Pre-Covid it was always fun to watch the line dancing and music. It’s always a great time there. Wigwam is usually where you will find us in the evenings. The resort is beautiful and a great place to hang out. You never know who you will meet there. We did get together with friends one evening for dinner and had lunch with our neighbors. It was nice to visit and catch up. We are lucky to have made great friends out there.
That was really the extent of our trip. We had a few minor things to do at the house, nothing too big. We hung out in the pool in the morning and went out to eat at night. I didn’t do any shopping or redecorating. Can you believe that? A week away to relax was really what we needed. Do you have a favorite getaway?
Until next 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 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 love the desert and the Valley of the Sun. We have had a home here for quite a few years, and it is certainly always a nice break from the long and cold Midwest winters. White Sox Spring Training is what originally brought us here, and I also have family in the area. They all escaped the cold years ago. There is so much to do in the valley, and I put together a top 5 of my favorites.
Afternoon tea at The Phoenician. I wrote a blog on this a couple of weeks ago. Out of all the teas I have been to, this continues to be my favorite. The Phoenician is a beautiful resort. You can easily spend the entire day there, which is what I usually do. The tea service is perfect. Enjoy a glass of champagne outside afterward or treat yourself to a spa treatment at their beautiful spa.
Afternoon Tea at The PhoenicianAfternoon Tea at The Phoenician
The Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Gardens. These are right across the street from each other. You may think all zoos are the same, but the Phoenix Zoo is incredible. I have easily spent an entire day there. It is large and beautiful. The Desert Botanical Gardens is a fabulous place to explore. See plants native to AZ and beyond. The butterfly exhibit is an experience when it is in season. Thousands of butterflies all around you. The gardens show you that AZ isn’t all dust and dirt. Cacti in bloom are stunning.
The Phoenix Zoo
Fiesta Mexicana is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant. They have locations throughout the valley and other states. I go there so much they know my order. The margaritas are fabulous as well. Authentic Mexican food in a fun atmosphere. It can’t be beaten.
Fiesta Mexicana
Kierland Commons and Biltmore Fashion Park are my favorites to shop at. They are both outdoor shopping areas full of great restaurants and shopping. The Biltmore Fashion Square is the large mall in Scottdale, but it is indoors. I prefer a quaint outdoor shopping experience. I recommend Tommy Bahama or The Mission at Kierland Commons for lunch.
Kierland Commons
The Wigwam in Litchfield Park is an old-world western resort that was built in the ’20s for the Goodyear Tire Company executives. It always housed airmen during the war. Luke Air Force Base is nearby. When you think of old Arizona, the Wigwam is it. Three golf courses, an Aveda spa, restaurants, and a lounge are all at the resort. You really don’t even need to leave. Across the street are many other restaurants too. I love that there are always fresh oranges in the lobby for you to take.
Wigwam Arizona
Arizona is really so much more than just mountains and dust. Although there can be a lot of dust at times. I love to explore new places and there are so many, it’s always an adventure. I hope you try one of these on your next trip to The Valley of the Sun.
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.
One of my favorite activities, while I am in Arizona, is afternoon tea. I have enjoyed many different spots but I always come back to afternoon tea at The Phoenician. The Phoenician is such a beautiful resort to spend the day at. The remodel a few years back I highly recommend a stop there for a cocktail, tea, or a meal. The views from the balconies are spectacular. If you ever have the opportunity to stay there, I highly suggest it.
Front Entrance
Patio View
Tea is held in the lobby and the service is spot on. Soft piano music greets you when you arrive and the tables are all cozy and welcoming. The lobby has a beautiful view of the grounds and mountains, I just love it. There are a few different options for tea service with champagne and without. We chose without champagne because we wanted to enjoy a glass on the patio after tea. The tea selection is large, and I chose tropical tea. It was fabulous, and I think I finished the entire pot.
Tea Menu
Our Beautiful Table
My Pot Of Tropical Tea
The first course is a variety of tea sandwiches all created by the chef. My favorites are egg salad and chicken salad. I always get seconds of those. There is also the traditional cucumber sandwich, asparagus sandwich, and salmon sandwich. All delicious.
First Course
The second course is scones. Flaky, warm, and delicious. These are served with the traditional clotted cream, lemon curd, and preserves. I always take my time and savor every bite of these.
Second Course-Scones
Last but not least, it’s the dessert course. The presentation is beautiful. Sugar overload, yes, but so worth it. The macaroon even has a little gold leafing on it. Shortbread, chocolate-covered strawberry, a tart, and more were the other offerings. Each delicious.
Third Course-Dessert
We like to enjoy the tea and are in no hurry for the experience to end. A glass of Veuve on the patio was the perfect finish to a perfect day. I think we spent another couple of hours just enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Veuve Time
I always try to enjoy a cup of tea every day. Treating myself to a proper tea sometimes is just something that I really enjoy. Enjoying the experience with a dear friend makes it so much better. I highly recommend it.
Until next 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 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, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
It’s time for another Five Things I’m Loving Right Now. The weather is getting warmer and I am ready to swap out warm bulky clothes for sandals and sundresses, lighter scents, new decor, and plants. I look forward to each season and freshening things up.
I switch out m perfumes each season. I like different, seasonal scents. Aerin Lauder’s Lilac Path is my favorite spring scent. A beautiful lilac scent that is not overpowering or fake. It’s light and refreshing and to me is spring in a bottle. Lilac is one of my very favorite scents. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a new scent.
Mackenzie-Childs is one of my favorite home decor lines. Mixing and matching all of the different patterns creates a custom and personal look. The new Royal Check collection has become my new favorite. I have many pieces in Courtly Check and Parchment Check, but this collection is beautiful. Gives a pop of color to any space. I also love the glass knobs on many of the pieces. I am slowly working this into my decor. I refreshed my kitchen with a few of these pieces, pink accents, and lemon decor.
Spring means it’s time to start planting. I’m at my home in Arizona and I was feeling the itch to add some new plants after stopping at a local nursery. I love tropicals and anything with a beautiful scent. I picked up some gardenias, hibiscus, and these pink jasmine. I have white jasmine already and when I saw the pink I had to have it. The pink also blooms earlier than the white jasmine. When the wind blows the yard smells amazing.
With the weather warming up it’s time to ditch the heavy sweaters and layers. Lilly Pulitzer dresses are my go-to for every season, but especially in the warmer weather. Sweatshirt styles are perfect for cooler days and nights. Shift dresses are classic, and always in style. My favorites are the swingy easy dresses and the rompers. Comfortable and stylish. Add a great pair of sandals, a few accessories and you have the perfect outfit.
My hair tends to turn too brassy. I have been going with a more platinum color to match my natural color. Sometimes purple shampoos turn my hair too purple. I was searching for something new to try, and this popped up on Amazon. The Keracolor Platinum Clenditioner. It’s a cleansing conditioner. I still do give my hair a wash before using this. I usually will put this on and let it sit about 10 minutes once a week before I rinse. I have been really pleased with the results. There are so many fun colors to try.
I hope you found something new to check out. These are just some of my recommendations for spring. I am so ready for the change of seasons. Is there anything you recommend I should try? Let me know in the comments if you try any of these out. Until next week!
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
Spring has sprung! I am so happy to see bits of color popping up and plants coming back to life. I love the change of seasons, and I think Spring is the perfect time to refresh and lighten up my decor. I started with the kitchen. I am spending some time at my home in Arizona and I like to keep the look light and bright in here to complement the darker cabinetry.
I love the lemon decor for the kitchen and when Initial Outfitters released a new lemon print line, I knew it would be perfect for my kitchen. The lemon wreath and vase of lemons were already part of my decor. Organizing things together gives a clean look, and this tray from Mackenzie-Childs holds my soaps, lotions, and cleaners. I swapped out my placemats for this lemon design personalized from Initial Outfitters and it really lightened up the counter area. Simple changes can make the biggest difference. Last year I also swapped out my darker barstools for lighter ones too. I like to mix and match my finishes.
Simple and Organized
Give Me All The Lemons
Tea and Coffee Bar
The main counter got a spruce as well. The Royal Check collection from Mackenzie Childs has become my new favorite collection. The bright blue is gorgeous, and I love how you can mix and match all of their collections and still have a cohesive look. I have many Courtly Check pieces. The blue with the hot pink orchid from HomeGoods give the counter a pop of color, and I love hot pink and blue together. I’m starting to collect the Royal Check collection piece by piece. Again, I use trays to organize items. By the cooktop, I’m using a slate tray from Initial Outfitters to organize my everyday spices. The charcuterie board is also IO. I love the glass cutting boards, and I always have a couple of them displayed in my kitchen. I change the wooden cutout on the wreath above the cooktop for every season and holiday to create a new look. Simple. Of course, I had to have the lemon design. Google home keeps me organized and I use it to play music, give me recipes, and general info.
Trays Keep Everything Organized
Focal Point Above The Cooktop
Cooktop Decor
Mackenzie-Childs Royal Check
My kitchen table is one of my favorites. A beautiful focal point in the room, and I always have it set properly. Fresh flowers are always a must. Again, I’m using the Parchment Check pattern from Mackenize-Childs vase as a centerpiece as well as the napkin holder. The monogrammed runner from IO is a fun addition too. Fun flamingo placemats and plates from Pier 1 with pink napkins and hydrangea rings complete the table look. I recovered the chairs a few years ago from a dark fabric to a fun and lighter design.
Kitchen Place Setting
Proper Kitchen Table
Lemon Cutting Board
I really like the results from my kitchen makeover. It really was quick. I just added the IO lemon design pieces, Mackenzie-Childs Royal Check pieces, and swapped out the placemats on the kitchen table. Five minutes and I have a new look perfect for Spring. Are you changing your decor for Spring?
Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesigner Industry Specialist and Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs specializing in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes without the time and expense of a full remodel. She is also an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters, a boutique featuring all things monogrammed and personalized for your unique style. Carrie is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle blog, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.
Until next week,
Until next week,
