Happy August! August, can you believe it is here already? Summer always flies by. As much rain as we have had the weather has turned so hot. We enjoyed a quiet catching up on yard work. I have been in that redecorating mood and have been doing a little freshening up of our en suite bathroom, family room, and balcony, and created a few DIYs. I’ll share those next week. School will be starting soon, pumpkin spice will be everywhere, and pumpkins will be out! I love summer but always look forward to fall and the change of seasons. Yes, I have already been thinking about my fall decor, picking up a few new pieces, and making fall projects. My fall dining table is getting an entirely new design this year. I have been really into the more natural decor lately. The dining table is going to reflect that, and I’m excited to share it with you! Let’s get into things I am loving for August, everything from a new hobby, beauty products, and fashion.

• Needlepoint. I have always been fascinated with needlepoint and always wanted to take it up. Lycette Designs is in Palm Beach, and I knew that would be the perfect place for a beginner to start. The store is beautiful, and I could have spent the entire day there. I did spend quite a long time just browsing. They were so helpful in answering all of my questions and making sure that I had everything I needed to start my first project. It’s a little polo shirt with an alligator on it, so cute! Needlepoint is very relaxing, but it will take some time to finish a project. I can’t wait to show you the finished project. I’m going to frame my first finished project!

• Amika The Kure Shampoo and Conditioner. I have been using Olaplex for the last couple of years and was ready for a change. My hair gets a professional keratin treatment once a year so I am very careful with what products that I use in my hair. I use quite a few Amika products already and my hairdresser suggested that I try this shampoo and conditioner. I’m so glad she did. My hair feels soft and shiny, and I love the scent. Not too overpowering. If you are looking for a new line to try, I would suggest Amika.

• The 5 Minute Journal. Journaling does not have to take so much time. I really like to start and end my day journaling. Journaling first thing in the morning is the perfect way to start the day off on a positive note, and journaling at night gives me time to reflect on the day and what went right, and what could have been better. The 5 Minute Journal is my favorite. There is a section to complete each morning and evening with a motivational quote too. I use this every day.

• Proven Skincare. I am so excited to try this new skincare line formulated just for me. My skin has been so sensitive and reactive this summer, products that I have always used are now aggravating it. That tends to happen during the summer but not to this extreme. Ashley Brooke suggested this new, revolutionary skincare line, and I decided to give it a try. So far, so good. I’m only going to use this system for 30 days and I’ll let you know how it goes. Three products custom formulated for me. I filled out the 3-minute Skin Genome Quiz ( which even takes into account the environment you live in). Your data is analyzed and a dermatologist formulates your exact formula. Your formula will change every season and as your skincare needs change too. I think this is going to be a game-changer!

• Palm Beach Sandals. I love Palm Beach Sandals and the ability to create your own custom-designed pair. Brittany held a private shopping event complete with mimosas and cupcakes for our group when I was in Palm Beach. There are so many options to choose from. It was so much fun picking and designing my pair with my friends. I settled on a light pink pair with a gold embroidered pineapple on them. They turned out perfect and look so cute with all of my summer dresses. My next pair is going to have my monogram on them, I just have to decide on the design.

There you have it, some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy this and maybe find a new product or two to try. Let me know if you do and if you have a product that you think I should try. I love trying new things.

Until next week,

Carrie

If you like this I invite you to enjoy a free guide to proper monogram etiquette here.

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.