All About Home, Decor, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Food, Longaberger, Monograms

January Favorites

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january favorites

Can you believe that we are already through January? It feels like we were celebrating the holidays yesterday. I hope you are finding time to slow down and relax after the busy holiday season. After the decorations were packed away and the house was back to normal, I have been trying to slow down. I love the holiday season but it keeps me busy. January was full of new and old favorites. I hope you enjoy some of what I loved in January.

Home Chef is something my husband and I are still enjoying. We have been subscribers to this meal kit service for almost a year. With just two of us in the house I sometimes felt like we were wasting so much food especially if we had to buy an ingredient that We knew we would never use again. We really like the variety of choices and have been trying new things too.

home chef
Always a delicious meal with Home Chef

Spring can come anytime now, I’m ready. I always change my scents each season, and Lily of the Valley from Longaberger is perfect for spring. Our Santal, Lily of the Valley Candle smells like sandalwood, linen, and lily of the valley. I love that it is topped with dried rose petals and rose quartz crystals. The modern sleek design fits any home decor style too. These candles are clean with no toxins or parabens, and the scent is incredible.

longaberger lily of the valley candle
A beautiful scent from Longaberger

January always finds me purchasing a new journal. Last year I tried something new and it was okay but not my favorite. I went back to the Gratitude Journal. I really like how it is laid out. A few minutes each morning to start the day off right and a few minutes each evening to end the day on a positive note and reflect on what could have been better that day. I prefer to journal in short pieces like this.

5 minute journal
My go-to journal

You know that I love a monogram necklace. Molly B Originals has become a favorite of mine. Molly is so sweet and always sends a nice little note in her beautifully put-together packages. I had to have the heart for Valentine’s Day and plan on wearing it throughout the year too. The others are new designs and are perfect with all of my Lilly. My favorite feature of Molly B is that many of the necklaces are interchangeable. I order them with a lobster clasp to interchange on my different necklaces.

molly b originals
Monograms for every occasion

My Cricut is something that I have been using non-stop. I made many things during the holiday season with it and for our Christmas Eve craft I cut out holiday items and we transferred them to plates. It was so fun and everyone had something that they made to take home. I needed a new Valentine’s Day door hanger and it was my Cricut to the rescue. I picked up the wooden piece at Michael’s and the bow was something left over from a previous project. In just a few minutes, I had a new piece for the door. Check out all the details and how I created it in this blog. Now, I am working on one for St. Patrick’s Day.

valentines day door hanger
Valentine’s Day door hanger

These were just a few of my favorites from January. New projects, scents, and more to start the new year off right. I see many more Cricut projects in my future too, it’s just too much fun!

Until next week,

Carrie

 

 

 

Shop my favorites below:

Home Chef

Longaberger Lily of the Valley candle

Gratitude Journal

Molly B Originals

Cricut

All About Home, Arizona,My Second Home, Decor, Holidays

Valentine’s Day Door Hanger

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valentines day door hanger

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?

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.

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.

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.

valentines day door hanger
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?

carrie kellyUntil next week,

Carrie

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All About Home, Arizona,My Second Home, Decor, Remodeling and Renovations

Den/Office Space Refresh

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den/office refresh

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Until next week,

Carrie

 

All About Home, Decor, Holidays

Holiday Outdoor Decor

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Outdoor winter decor makes me so happy. I love seeing all of the lights around town glowing and sparkling during the cold winter months. It gets dark so early in the winter and all of the lights just look beautiful.

This year I went with some black and white buffalo check mixed with my touches of pink and green Lilly inspired touches. It gets so windy here sometimes we decided a few years ago not to put lights across the entire house. It seems like we would get them up and some would blow off or go out and it would drive me crazy. Now we just hang a large wreath in the foyer window and I think it gives just the same look. My garland on the door is also lit and trimmed with bows in the corners and pink and green ornaments. Last year I purchased the ball topiaries on Amazon and just love them. I keep them out all year and just add lights at the holidays. Just a classic look. The personalized garden flag is from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. My potting bench was trimmed with a large lantern and pot, simple and festive. I change out the pillows on my bench and the tables have a wreath and lantern on them too. Can you tell I love lanterns? They just make everything pretty. A tree in the corner completes the porch. My coach lanterns all have a wreath with lights and pink and green ornaments. A different look instead of swags. I saw this look at Opryland Hotel and thought it was so pretty. A simple lit tree and pots with greenery complete the decor. Simple, classic, and elegant with a touch of fun Lilly whimsy.

Enjoy the holiday season and beautiful decor.

Until next week,

Carrie

All About Home, Beauty, Decor, Entertaining, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Holidays, Holidays, Longaberger, My Favorites, Wellness and Fitness

October Favorites

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october favorites

October favorites, I can’t believe that I am already writing October. How fast has this year gone? I will admit that I have already started holiday planning and shopping. October is always an in-between month. The weather can be warm, cold, or anywhere in the middle. It certainly has been here. I fell in love with a new jewelry line this month, a favorite new book, a new beauty tool, and more. Enjoy this month’s favorites.

bronwen jewelry
Jewelry for the active lifestyle

Bronwen jewelry has become a new favorite of mine. I first came across it at the boutique I’m working at, and the pieces are so pretty. My favorite part is that they are designed by an active woman looking for jewelry to hold up to workouts, outdoor activities, swimming, sleep, water, and just about anything else you can think of. These pieces are designed to leave on and stay beautiful. I have been adding to my collection often.

longaberger holiday shop
Longaberger Holiday Shop

It’s never too early to start shopping and planning for the holidays. The Longaberger Holiday Shop is full of baskets, pottery, glassware, ornaments, and much more to make the holiday season a breeze. I ordered the mittens basket which is the inspiration for this year’s staircase design. I also added a few mini baskets and an ornament to my collection. Baskets are an easy way to decorate and organize a beautiful holiday table. I use many of my baskets for our annual Christmas Eve event.

spooky snack mix
Spooky snack mix

We were having a Hocus Pocus dinner and movie night and I was looking for a fun and spooky treat to serve. Snack mix, it’s always a favorite and easy to change up for any season, holiday, or theme. For this spooky snack mix, I combined Bugles, pepitas, microwave kettle corn,  and dried cranberries. I melted some white chocolate to drizzle over it and then added candy corn and M&M’s. It was delicious and a big hit!

jade roller
A must for your skin

I recently started using a jade roller, and OMG why have I not been using this? I have been using it every night after I apply my serum and the results are immediate. My skin looks smooth and my product is absorbed even better into my skin. I also love the cooling sensation on my skin too.

daily book of sunshine
Morning inspiration

I start every morning by writing in my journal and with a little inspiration. I came across this book on Amazon and picked it up. The Little Book of Daily Sunshine. It’s bite-sized pieces of inspiration to start the day. Many of these little nuggets will get you thinking and I am always looking for ways to be more positive and inspired.

I hope you enjoyed my October favorites. The rest of the year is going to go even faster. Make sure to stop and enjoy it all!

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop my favorites here:

Bronwen Jewelry

Longaberger Holiday Shop

Jade roller

Little Book of Daily Sunshine

 

All About Home, Decor, Entertaining, Holidays, Longaberger, Tablescapes

Longaberger Holiday Shop

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longaberger holiday shop

I have been waiting for this all year, the Longaberger Holiday Shop. I love all seasons, but somehow decorating for the holidays just seems different and special. Each room has a different style and theme, and I enjoy creating a magical experience for my family and friends. We host Christmas Eve at our house complete with games, crafts, gifts from Santa, food, and so much fun. I look forward to it all year long!

longaberger holiday shop
Sure to grab attention
longaberger holiday shop
Beautiful hand-woven ornament

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Longaberger has been a part of my holiday traditions for years. I have collected holiday baskets and they stay displayed year-round. The traditions and memories behind these pieces are so special to me. Longaberger is a company rich in American history and tradition. I hope to pass these things down to my family and know that they will bring back happy memories of holidays past.

longaberger holiday shop
A Norman Rockwell Christmas
longaberger christmas shop
Winter fun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This collection is incredible and the weavers really outdid themselves. Baskets shaped like mittens, who would have thought? I ordered the green set and they are the inspiration for this year’s staircase design. Tree skirt baskets, Norman Rockwell ornaments(is there anything more American than Norman Rockwell), glass pieces, and so much more.

longaberger holiday shop
A new take on a traditional piece
longaberger holiday shop
Trim the tree with a handmade piece

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Longaberger really is a lifestyle that I fully embrace. Family, friends, and home are the most important things to me. I am so excited to add new pieces to my collection and create my Winter Wonderland. I am happy to help you find the perfect Longaberger piece for you or a loved one and add a little Longaberger Lifestyle to your home!

longaberger holiday shop
A unique tree skirt
longaberger holiday shop
Traditional red

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until next week,

Carrie

Send me an email here: pinespplesandmonograms@gmail.com

Visit the Longaberger boutique here: longaberger.carriekellydesigns.com

All About Home, Beauty, Decor, Everyday Life, Fall, Fashion and Style, Holidays, Holidays, Longaberger, Monograms, My Favorites, Theorem

September Favorites

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september favorites

Fall is finally here, the leaves are turning, the air is getting crisper, and the days are getting shorter. It has been unseasonably hot here so this is a welcome change. Fall decor is done and we are enjoying cooking new soups and comfort food recipes. I thought with the change of seasons that I would share a few of my favorites from September.

molly b originals
Fun seasonal accessories

I always like to add a few new accessories each season. Molly B Originals is one of my favorites for unique monogram pieces. You know I love a good monogram. When I saw the clear acrylic with leaf pattern, I knew it would be perfect for Fall. I picked the chic monogram style and love how it turned out. Of course, I had to get a Lilly-inspired piece too. This pumpkin is adorable, and I know I will wear it all season. I have quite a few Molly B pieces and I love that you have the option to change the pendant without buying an entire new necklace on certain pieces.

capri blue volcano
A unique scent

Scents are a quick and easy way to change the feel and vibe of a space. Capri Blue Volcano has been a favorite of mine for years. It is a hard scent to describe but it is one of those that is always recognized. Capri Blue has so many wonderful scents. I always pick up a new candle each season.

longaberger bentwood pumpkin
Perfect decor for Fall

How cute is this bentwood pumpkin from Longaberger? I thought the design was so unique and knew it was a piece that I wanted to add to this year’s decor. I chose the small pumpkin and this color is gorgeous. Each piece s handmade and will be in my Fall decor for many years to come. Longaberger has so many gorgeous and unique pieces for Fall.

tiered trays
So many options

Tiered trays are one of my most useful and versatile pieces. This year’s fall tray was made with pieces left over from previous projects. I added some garland, pumpkins, acorns, and cotton. The metal words were from DollarTree, and I thought they were the perfect addition. The little truck lights up too. The options with a tiered tray are endless.

theorem alpha cleanser
Theorem Alpha cleanser

I must admit that sometimes in the Summer I am a little lax in my skincare. Fall is the perfect time to get back to my routine and back on track. Alpha cleanser from Theorem has been my go-to. Alpha is a resurfacing gel-based cleanser packed full of AHA, BHA, and peppermint. I only use it a few times a week and my skin feels incredibly refreshed and cleansed. I have noticed a definite change in my skin. My skin is smoother, brighter, and less congested.

I hope you enjoyed a peek at a few of my favorites from September. Maybe you find something new that you would like to try too. Wishing you a wonderful Fall season. I’m looking forward to it.

Until next week,

Carrie

 

Shop my favorites here:

Molly B Originals

Capri Blue Volcano

Longaberger

Theorem Alpha Cleanser

All About Home, Decor, Fall, Gardening and Outdoors, Holidays, Holidays, Longaberger

Fall Decor

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fall decor

It has been a busy week so this blog will be a little shorter. I had the privilege of participating in our local NAWBO/Women in Leadership Annual Conference last week and preparing kept me busy. It was a wonderful day with 300 women enjoying speakers, shopping, networking, lunch, and so much more. I had a great time but boy was I tired. I met so many wonderful ladies and I am looking forward to connecting with them again soon.

Last week I shared my dining room Fall decor. I thought this week I would share the rest of my decor. I always do a little in each room and focus on key areas to create vignettes. My foyer table is changed out each season. This year I took my Longaberger wreath and added Fall garland and acorns as the centerpiece. I like to try to reuse and repurpose as much as I can.

In my family room, I try to concentrate on the fireplace area and built-in area. I had not used my tired tray in a couple of years and decided to fill that with all things Fall. A big impact! The fireplace looks festive with pumpkins and decor from Mackenzie-Childs.

The porch is another favorite area. My potting bench is a treasured piece, and I always add to its decor each season. Switching the pillows on the bench is a quick way to make a change too. Mums, pumpkins, and gourds finished out all of the decor.

 

I hope you have time to enjoy all that Fall has to offer. The weather is finally starting to feel more like Fall so I am hoping to have our first bonfire and smores of the season soon.

Enjoy!

Carrie

All About Home, Decor, Entertaining, Holidays, Longaberger, Tablescapes

Fall Dining Room Makeover And Decor

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fall dining table decir

Fall is finally here, and as much as I love summer and summer decor, I was looking forward to decorating for Fall. I always like to focus on a few key areas for impact and build on my decor from there. The dining room is always my first spot to decorate. I try to change it or do something a little different each year.

This wreath I purchased at a craft fair and I think it is perfect in this space. It really brings out the fall colors in the room. I may leave it out all year too. My corner table got a little makeover for fall too with just a few key pieces.

I started with my Longaberger placemats and napkins. The fruit pattern is the same pattern on my valances and border so it coordinates perfectly. I love the pop of blue in the pattern too. The place settings are also from Longaberger from years ago. The place setting is simple with the white pumpkin and acrylic word again in the pop of blue.

The center of my table always has the beautiful tray that Bob made me. I love using it as a focal point and building from there. My Emma Bridgewater hurricane is always a favorite each season. I added the wine cooler, fall floral display, and smaller Bridgewater vases to the tray.

fall dining room decor
A beautiful tray to group items

The olive trees line the rest of the table, and I love the natural look these add to the design. The design was finished with candles from Rae Dunn, glass pumpkins, and acorns and pumpkins. The design did not take too much time, and I think it brings in the fall feel to the dining room. Happy decorating!

Until next week,

Carrie

All About Home, Decor, Entertaining, Food, Longaberger, Tablescapes

Summer Celebration Lunch

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ladies luncheon

Summer is almost over and I thought it was the perfect time to get a couple of my closest friends together for lunch. We have all been so busy this summer and needed to catch up. Summer has gone by so fast, hasn’t it?

I always like a theme. I think that makes it so much easier to plan around. Wanting to keep it casual, I chose an easy summer theme with flowers and bright colors. My garden is in full bloom so I picked some hydrangeas, black-eyed Susans, and roses to use in my centerpiece and decor. Quick tip for making hydrangeas last, cut them in the morning, put them in a few inches of water for a few hours, and dip the cut stems in boiling water for a few seconds. Your hydrangeas will last so long! I love paper goods and Lucy Grymes has become a new favorite. Her patterns are so cute and I love the vase wraps. These wraps turn any container (even a simple drinking glass) into a pretty vase. I went with the bamboo-style wraps to coordinate with a floral placemat that reminded me of Lilly. Quick and easy centerpiece and table decor.

I went with my trusty old favorite Entertaining with Longaberger book. This book is about 20 years old and it continues to be my go-to for entertaining. I picked a sparkling lemonade recipe but switched out the flavor to lavender. I love lavender. A charcuterie board started the afternoon followed by an overnight marinated vegetable salad and chicken sandwiches with a carmelized onion-apple relish. That relish was delicious. The dessert consisted of a strawberry daiquiri bundt cake from Dockside Market. Dockside Market is a partner of Longaberger and created this flavor specifically for our Horizon of Hope campaign. I also displayed the cake on the Moser Glass small cake stand from Longaberger. The color is perfect and neutral enough to coordinate with any style and decor.

Entertaining does not have to be complicated or stressful. I always set the table the night before to save time the next day. I also find setting out all of the platters, serving pieces, and utensils the night before so helpful too. This ensures that I am not searching for something the day of. I always like to send my guests home with a small goodie too. This time I found little bottles of the lemonade wine I served and added a burlap bow to the bottle. A bath bomb in a cute box makes a lovely gift too. What could be better than wine and a bath bomb? I think that makes for a perfect evening.

We had a perfect afternoon catching up. Sometimes a day with good friends is really what you need! Honestly, just spending time together is really the most important thing!

Until next week,

Carrie