Everyday Life – Page 6 – PINEAPPLES AND SWEET TEA

Welcome Ruby

September 7, 2020 No Comments

Have you ever had something happen that just completely takes you by surprise and changes everything? I think most of us have. This is exactly what happened to our family last week. And it all started with a text message.

I received a text message with the picture of a dog at the shelter that could be our Finn’s mom or sibling. The message was half serious, half joking because we already have Finn and not sure he would like to share his home with another dog. But she was absolutely adorable and looked like she had such a personality. I looked at the shelter’s website and Facebook and couldn’t find out too much about her except her name was Ruby and she was 9 years old. I had a vendor event that weekend and kept thinking about her and how much she looked like part of Finn’s family. I could not get her out of my head. I wanted to know more about her story and what brought her to the shelter. From the pictures of her, she looked like such a sweet, happy girl.

Monday morning I called the shelter to find out more about her. She had already been put on hold so I was happy that she would possibly be going to a good home. Seniors often are overlooked at the shelters. They told me to fill out an application in case this adoption fell through. I learned a little more about her story and it broke my heart. Ruby and her sister were surrendered because their owner fell ill. Her sister was sick and had to be put down while at the shelter. That left poor Ruby all alone. Oh, she is also 11 years old. Immediately, my application went in and was approved. The other family had until Wednesday to make a decision. Is it bad I hoped they wouldn’t take her? There was just something about her and I knew she was meant to be part of our family.

I thought and thought about her until I called Wednesday. The family still hadn’t decided and I had to wait until the afternoon. It was a long afternoon. Finally, I was told that the other adoption fell through and we could come to meet her. The big condition was Finn getting along with her. I really hoped he would. We headed to the shelter and Bob was meeting us there. When I saw Ruby I knew she needed to come home with us. She was so sweet and you could tell she just had been through so much and wanted a place to call home. Finn got along great with her, dogs have that sense and maybe he knew she needed us. Maybe because they are both Yorkies, I’m not sure. We brought our new girl home that night. I wasn’t leaving without her. My heart would break thinking of her living out the rest of her life in shelters and scared.

Ruby is settling in with the family just fine. It’s obvious that her previous owner loved and took such good care of her and I hope they know we will give her the best life with us. Finn is doing great with her as well and I know they will be lifelong pals. Of course, we are giving her space to adjust to us but I think she is enjoying the quiet and peaceful home. She loves to be outside and sleeps with us and Finn. She is definitely a people girl, and I find her following me around. She needs a good grooming and a little fattening up but she is healthy. I know she will not be with us as long as our other dogs we have adopted as puppies but the rest of her life will be full of love and happiness. I feel like it was meant to be. Welcome to your furever home Ruby. We love you.

Finn meeting Ruby

I love my new home

Settling in

Two tired kids after a day outside

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.

Find her at: https://carriekellydesigns.com

New Adventure

August 24, 2020 No Comments

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.

Summer Reads

August 17, 2020 No Comments

I have always had a love of reading. The last year I have not read as much as I would have liked. You know how it is, we get busy with life and doing so many other things that we sometimes forget about taking the time to do the things that bring us joy. Even though we have been at home so much more I have been very busy with classes and starting my design business, but I decided I also was going to make time for myself and to do what makes me happy. I had accumulated quite a few books that I had yet to read so that was my plan this summer, get back to my love of reading. These are just a few of the books I have been enjoying this summer.

My absolute hands-down favorite read of the summer is the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness. Thank you to fellow blogger Kristina Braly for the recommendation. The books have been made into a series on Sundance and I am watching it right now. The books are definitely better but I enjoy watching the characters come to life and compare them to what my vision was from reading the books. The trilogy is based on a witch and vampire love story and travels through time. A definite grown-up version of other vampire series. I intend to read the trilogy again because I am certain I will get so much more out of it the second time around.

I couldn’t resist Tinsley Mortimer’s Southern Charm. You may know her from The Real Housewives of New York City. I feel like this is a little bit based on Tinsley and her life. She was the “it girl” of New York society married to Topper Mortimer and fell from grace. Just a fun, beachy summer read.

A Palm Beach Wife by Susannah Marren is another perfect summertime read. Palm Beach is the epitome of summer and social scene. It’s a tale of not everything is as it appears to be. Is Faith Harrison the person everyone in Palm Beach thinks she is, the perfect wife, friend, and mother, or is she hiding something? This is a tale of secrets, lies, and ambition mixed with the vibe of Palm Beach.

Rebecca Wells Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and Little Altars Everywhere are classics. Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood follows four lifelong friends from Louisiana on their journey through life, love, and loss. Little Altars Everywhere is the companion book and introduces the rest of the Walker family to us. These are a must-read for everyone and I am planning on reading them again.

Since deciding to work on starting my own business I thought a few business books would be appropriate. Business Boutique by Christy Wright is a must-read for any businesswoman. It is written and geared toward women business owners.

The last books I have been reading are motivational and about our purpose. Oprah’s Words That Matter is a collection of short stories to inspire and guide you. The Emotional Dictionary to the Soulful Self was written by Ingrid Essawova, who I am lucky enough to call my friend. This book deals with the emotional challenges that we face in life and gives solutions and ways to heal. It is in bullet-point form and easy to navigate and find what you are needing help with at any given moment.

emotional dictionary to the soulful self — Live life with purpose

As we get into the fall and winter season I plan on continuing reading even more. I enjoy an evening curled up by the fire, Finn and Ruby Sue in my lap, a cup of tea, and a great book. Let me know if you read any of these books, I would love to hear your thoughts on them. I would also love any suggestions for some new reads too.

Until next week,

Carrie

Enjoying the Last Bit of Summer

August 10, 2020 No Comments

I love the summer. Everyone is much more relaxed and not rushing around so much. even though this has certainly been a different summer for us all, I still make sure to savor and enjoy it. Late sunsets, cookouts, pool parties, beautiful gardens, and fresh fruits and vegetables from the local farms are all things that I look forward to every year.

Decorating the outdoor spaces can be fun too. A bar cart can be turned into the perfect station for all of your supplies. Adding some cute baskets for sunscreen, beach towels, outdoor speaker, and supplies keeps everything organized for you and your guests and it is easily wheeled in during inclement weather. I added some new beach towels and chair toppers from Initial Outfitters this year. Instead of a traditional monogram I thought some fun summer sayings be fun. They turned out great. Finn approves too. Finn loves the pool and usually swims a few laps every day. A monogrammed basket by the back door also stores extra beach towels, you can never have too many towels.

I have decorated our outdoor space in a tropical, flamingo theme. I found some great pillows and a side table at Pier 1 a few years ago. Pillows give the chairs and couches a little color and soften the lines on them. A little covered seating area is another must for some relief on those hot days. I spend quite a bit of time in the pool as well.

As much as I do enjoy summer I am looking forward to the transition to fall. Fall is such a beautiful time with the changing colors, leaves, and bonfires. I enjoy changing my decor for each season as well and have a few new pieces that I am working on. What do you love most about summer?

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. 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

Everyday Life, Gardening and Outdoors, Pond

My Peaceful Place

July 13, 2020 No Comments

The world has certainly been different these last few months. Everyone is stressed out now more than ever. I think it is so important for us all to have a place where we can relax and just be. This place can be anywhere, tiny or large just as long as it is special to you.

My favorite spot is my pond in my backyard. I had always wanted one and finally, about nine years ago we had one put in. Creating a feature that looked like it belonged and was natural was the look I was going for. Our designers did a fabulous job of bringing my vision to life. Without a doubt, I knew my pond must include a waterfall feature. I wanted to hear the running water when I am outside and when I have the windows open in my family room. It is so soothing and peaceful.

The perfect complementary plants were so important. I wanted it to all tie in with a natural look. Hydrangeas are my favorite plant, and I was happy we could incorporate a few of those. A beautiful tree, hostas, grasses, and Little Henry plants completed the perimeter. Plants were planted in odd numbers keeping with a more asymmetrical look. We started with four goldfish and koi and we are up to around twenty. In the winter we add heaters to the pond to keep the fish alive through the season. Many years ago I planted a couple of waterlilies and they have taken off. I also added a water grass plant to keep in line with my theme.

A bench and colorful pots finished up the area. Notice my cute little alligator keeping watch too. To me, this is a perfect spot to rest, relax, and recharge. There are always a few frogs hanging around and listening to them and the waterfall is one of my favorite ways to spend an evening. Grab a glass of sweet tea and a few magazines and I am set for a wonderful, relaxing evening. Remember to always take the time to enjoy the things that bring you joy and peace.

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/

Five Things I’m Loving Right Now

June 15, 2020 No Comments

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://www.facebook.com/IObyCarrie

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

pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com

A Little About Me

June 1, 2020 No Comments

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.