Easy Summer Living

 

 

 

Summer is still going strong, and I plan to enjoy the easy summer living lifestyle for as long as I can. I really do enjoy all seasons(okay, maybe winter is not my favorite although I love decorating for the holidays)but summer just has that slower pace vibe about it. We all spend more time outdoors and enjoying the world around us. Summer should be carefree and easy.

 

For the last few years, I have pared down my summer decor with the theme of keeping it easy and breezy. In my entryway, I just swapped out the winter greenery from my blue and white vases with lemons and cherry blossoms. The yellow adds a pop of summery color against the classic blue and white combination. The pineapples also were added for summer. Of course, a little glow must be added. I brought out a rattan hurricane that gives off the perfect summer vibe. A few simple changes and you are welcomed with summer when arriving at our home. My dining room centerpiece stays fresh with the olive trees candles, and greenery. Simple, clean, and easy.

fresh flowers
Fresh from my garden

Nothing says summer like fresh flowers. I love putting together simple floral arrangements for my kitchen. Use any flowers that you have growing in your gardens. I have an abundance of hydrangeas, roses, and black-eyed Susans in my yard and I put them to good use. Keep your hydrangeas fresh by cutting them in the morning, setting them in a bucket of water for a few hours, and dipping the stems in boiling water for a few seconds. It does make them last longer. I love summer floral arrangements because they look better the less arranged they are—a little bit of a wildflower look.

pond
A place to relax and recharge

With all of the flowerbeds in our yard, I spend many hours outdoors. I think that it’s so important to spend a little time outdoors daily. In the evenings you can usually find me out walking. I love all the wildlife that I see on my walks, deer, turtles, bunnies, and dogs(hopefully no snakes).  Our pond is another place that you will find me spending time at. There is just something about the sound of water. Find something that you love and enjoy a little quiet time in nature. It really does soothe the mind and body.

Spending more time outdoors also means we are eating light and quick meals. We spend most nights eating out in the sunroom. For Bob’s birthday and Father’s Day, he treated himself to a Traeger and we have been enjoying trying new recipes. Do you have a favorite summer recipe? I would love a new recipe.

Summer style is all about ease too. Most days you will find me in a comfortable Lilly dress. Perfect for summer. Add a pair of cute sandals and some colorful jewelry and your outfit is complete. It’s all about comfort and enjoying the season!

I hope you take the time to enjoy all that is left of summer.

profileUntil next week,
Carrie

My Peaceful Place

The perfect place to relax

 

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

                   https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

                   https://www.initialoutfitters.net/ckelly

                   carrie@carriekellyesigns.com