This year with doing so much traveling I decided to keep my dining table a little more simple. To be honest, I have been creating more simple designs lately. I have been drawn to more natural simple elements and designs.
A beautiful focal point
Festive and bright
My Longaberger basket has become the focal point for my table each season. It is big and beautiful. The olive trees were in the basket already and I simply added garland around it. The candles and fairy lights I left in for a soft glow. It looks so pretty at night. I love the wreath basket from Longaberger and keep it out all year long. For summer I just added a potted hydrangea for a pop of color.
Simple style
Perfect for summer
I usually start with a table runner to fit the season. This bamboo design is perfect for summer. Keeping with my natural theme I kept the birdcages on the table this year. Normally, I take them down for the summer but this year decided to leave them out for the season. I like the change. A little touch of summer was added with mason jars and Emma Bridgewater bud vases.
Summer place setting in style
My place settings were simple this year. I ordered these pink charges a few years ago and they are the first layer. A placemat from Lucy Grymes is the second layer. I love the scalloped shape of these. My Juliska plates complete the look along with a seersucker napkin in pink.
What do you think? A simple summer tablescape.
Until next week,
Carrie
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April favorites, can you believe April is already here? So crazy. April was a busy month and I found some new favorites that I am excited to share with you. A little home decor, fashion, treats, and more. Enjoy.
Personalized for me
How cute is this tea box that Bob made for me? I love my tea and a personalized tea box sitting on the counter I perfect. I created this design and he engraved using his laser machine. Personalized pieces are a great way to add a custom look to the home. My favorite teas are ready to go!
Another favorite home decor piece is from the Longaberger and Paint&Petals collaboration. This is the bunny basket with a custom-designed liner with bunny ears attached. It’s adorable as a bunny basket but I plan to use it all year long. I tucked the ears in and now I have a new basket to use. Add a plant or flowers for a spring look, place utensils in it to use as a serving piece, pop a bottle of wine in it, there are so many ways to use this basket.
FarmhouseFresh has been my go-to skincare line for a while now. I love a good micro derm but hate the rough abrasive feel of some of them. Timescape Micromazing face polish is incredible. In 2 minutes my face is smooth and polished without feeling like I scrubbed it with sandpaper.
Spring means that it is finally time to bring out all of the cute sandals. I love this pair from Palm Beach Sandals. This pair was designed and custom-made for me. You can create just about any design that you can imagine with Palm Beach Sandals. I have a pair with flamingoes on them too, so cute. This year, I think that I am going to do a monogrammed pair.
I love perfumes and have quite a collection of fragrances. When I find a local small business creating amazing scents, I must try them. Cayla Gray is a Scottsdale business and she creates so many unique scents. Water is my second purchase and it is a perfect scent for the warmer weather. I purchased Petals last year and it continues to be a go-to fragrance for spring and summer.
April, a little bit of everything. It’s that time of year to change up our decor, fashion, and beauty. I am ready for all things spring.
Until next week,
Carrie
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Spring has sprung and I can’t wait to get into the garden. I start thinking about what I want to plant and where, color schemes, and new plants I want to try. Before anything can get done in the garden, it must be prepared after the fall and winter seasons. Trust me, you will be glad that you did this. These are a few of my tried and true tips.
The very first thing that I do is give the flowerbeds, tools, and pots a good tidying up and cleaning. The windy winters can leave so much debris in the flowerbeds. I remove any twigs, branches, and extra leaves that have accumulated against the house. Weeds are sometimes already popping up and I remove any of those as well. In my flowerpots, I tend to only take soil out at the top especially if the pot is a big one. I check to see if the remaining soil looks fine to use again. If it does, I will just add a fresh layer on top. I check all of my tools and make sure that they are clean and ready to go for another season.
Spring is the perfect time to divide perennials and transplant shrubs. This year I have a spot that I want to fill with hostas and I am going to divide and transplant them. I always try to use what I already have to fill in other spaces. Shrubs can be a little more difficult to transplant and that is why spring is the time to tackle the project. The plants are small and that makes the job much easier.
I can’t tell you how long I spend coming up with a color scheme for my pots every year. It always involves a variation of pink. There are many great books out there or just browse the internet for ideas. For the last few years I have potted ferns in my bigger pots and they look gorgeous until the first freeze. My hanging baskets and other pots are filled with colorful plants. Pick a color and go for it!
The organization is key to gardening. I have a dedicated area in our garage for everything garden related. A cabinet holds everything for my pond, from the fish food to the bacteria that I add in. Another cabinet holds all of our fertilizers, flower and garden food, and insect sprays. I keep a shelf stocked with the tools and gloves that I use regularly. They are stored in a work bucket in a pouch so I can grab them easily.
This may seem like an odd one but a gardening journal can be so helpful. Sometimes I will forget by the next year if something thrived or did not do well in a certain area or pot. A few notes in a journal solve that problem. A journal is also a great place to plan out what you are going to plant and when.
A little more work now and you will be basking in the glory of beautiful gardens and pots. Planning is key. I hope you learned a new tip or two and that you enjoy a season of glorious flowers. I think I am going to head outside and get to some planning.
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Mother’s Day is such a special day to celebrate moms and the women that have made a difference and impact on our lives. Honestly, Mother’s Day should be celebrated every day. It’s hard work. It is nice to treat mom to a day and something special just for her. We always spend part of Mother’s Day with our moms and then usually have dinner out. Bob always goes to the nursery and picks out a plant for me and both our moms. He has done it for years and it’s really sweet. I rounded up a few of my favorites for Mother’s Day guaranteed to warm mom’s heart.
Spring-scented candles are always a favorite. Secret Garden from Aembr is a fragrance that I love for the season. Aembr candles are luxury, clean-burning candles formulated by Kristina Braly in her own home. She left her job as a doctor to pursue her dream of owning her own company creating luxury candles that are not full of toxins. The vessels and packaging are beautiful too, she has thought of every detail. I love that story and supporting a woman-owned business. These sell out so quickly each release because they are made in small batches.
A beautiful journal makes a wonderful gift. There are so many beautiful options out there. Pair a journal with a pretty pen tied with a bow for a lovely gift. I enjoy writing in my journal daily. It is something that I started during the pandemic and have kept up with it ever since. This is a favorite of mine, a few minutes spent writing in it each morning and evening.
Gardening gifts
I told you that Bob always picks out plants for our moms and they both really enjoy spending time in the garden. Beautiful garden gloves, a gardening set, or another favorite of mine, a gardening journal are perfect for the garden lover. A trug to carry flowers and produce in makes a lovely gift. Plant a little herb garden for mom to keep by her door and she can pick herbs for cooking anytime.
Mother’s Day with Longaberger is always full of beautiful, sentimental, and special gifts that any mother would love. The round storage basket is brand new for Mother’s Day and this soft green is my favorite color yet. Gorgeous. The Mother’s Day Gift Shop has everything you need to let mom know how special she is. Does she love to garden? A trug or utility shears make gardening easy. Does she love jewelry? A Longaberger watch, ring, charm, or leather bracelet is a sophisticated choice. Does she love perfume? Longaberger perfumes are unique and divine. Is mom a fahionista? The woven handbag is a beautiful, functional, and stylish gift.
Treat mom to a little luxury from FarmHouse Fresh. This is my go-to skincare and body care line. This gist set is a favorite and I purchased it for myself. This basketful of Sweet Tea favorites is scented with a favorite southern drink of peach, ginger, and white tea. It includes hand cream and triple-milled bar soap. The sweet tea scent is light and fresh and I love the little basket it comes in.
Mom & I on an adventure
But, my favorite gift of all to give mom, is time spent together. I have started doing this too with my mom. I will pick out something for us to do together. We have enjoyed paint night, creating a fairy garden, exploring new places in our area, and so much more. Really, isn’t that the best gift of all?
I hope you enjoyed this blog and maybe picked up an idea or two for your mom. My hope is that you get to enjoy the day with those that you love.
Until next week,
Carrie
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I really can’t believe how fast the year is going. It seems like just yesterday I was planning for our Christmas Eve celebration. I am happy that spring is finally here. Nothing makes me happier than bulbs in bloom, grass greening up, and longer days. Spring decorating is done. Everything is bright, cheery, and floral! I think by my March favorites you can tell that I was looking forward to spring. Enjoy!
I have seen everyone rave about the faux tulips from Amazon, and I had to give them a try. I love fresh flowers from the market, but sometimes there is little to pick from. Wow, I am impressed. They are made with a plastic/rubber mix and the texture is so natural. They can be bent and shaped too. My Mackenzie-Childs vase was perfect. It took me about 5 minutes to bend and shape them to create a casual arrangement. I like the look of tulips falling from the vase. There are so many other faux floral options on Amazon and I am going to pick up some hydrangeas for summer.
Who doesn’t enjoy a refreshing drink on a warm spring day? A rose lemonade from Fentimans is even better. I found these at my local Target but have seen them randomly at other places too. Of course, they are also available online. I love flavored lemonade and this one is so pretty in the bottle too. Spring is finally here when you have a nice cold lemonade.
Serum foundations have become my new favorite. I don’t wear much makeup and rarely do on a daily basis. I want my skin to look like my skin only better. Younique Touch Serum Foundation has been my new go-to. My favorite way to use it is just to mix a little in with my moisturizer. A little really does go a long way.
Aerin Lilac Path is still my favorite spring perfume. I’m not sure if that will ever change. Lilac Path has a beautiful lilac smell that does not smell artificial. It is light, airy, and perfect for spring. I have many perfumes from Aerin and each one is unique. Cedar Violet is still my favorite for winter too.
Another favorite spring scent is Secret Garden from Aembr. This candle is exactly what it sounds like, a secret garden. One of my favorite bloggers and YouTubers, Kristina Braly started Aembr in her home. She wanted to create clean fragrances with only the best ingredients in small batches. These are all hand-poured, most of them by her too. She left the medical world to follow her dream of becoming a business owner. I love the story behind the brand as much as the brand.
As I said, March was full of anticipation for spring. I hope you give one of these great products a try. Let me know if you do, I love to hear your favorites. I hope you find time to enjoy all that March has to offer.
Until next week,
Carrie
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Spring is here and that means new scents and fragrances. I am one of those that likes to change my perfumes, home fragrances, and candles every season. I love my Cedar Violet and woody scents but it is time to lighten things up for spring, and I am ready for the change.
Candles and home fragrances set the tone, mood, and feel of a home. I ordered some lavender and pink jasmine refills for my Pura device(which I love), and I am looking forward to trying those as soon as I get them.
I was in Target a few weeks ago and can’t resist browsing the candles and Heart & Hand Magnolia collection. It’s such a beautiful collection. This collection “Herbs” smells exactly like it sounds, a pot of freshly grown herbs. I picked up a diffuser and candle. The rustic look of the candle looks perfect in any decor. I will repurpose it when the candle is gone.
Lily of the Valley is another one of my favorite scents. Can you tell I gravitate toward florals? Santal, Lily of the Valley Candle from Longaberger by Carrie Kelly Lifestyle smells like sandalwood, linen, and lily of the valley. This Lush candle is a complex blend that can enhance any room. Each candle is topped with dried rose petals and rose quartz crystals which just adds to its beauty.
Another favorite brand of mine, Mackenzie-Childs has ventured out into scents too. The Lavender Fields hand lotion sits by my bedside table and it is the last thing that I put on every night before going to sleep. The bottle is beautiful and the scent is light lavender and eucalyptus, a perfect scent for a good night’s sleep.
As I said before, I change my perfumes each season too. Is there a better scent for Spring than lilac? I love Aerin Lauder fragrances, they are all so unique (Cedar Violet is my go-to Winter scent), and Lilac Path is a favorite for Spring. Lilac Path weaves a delicate story of crisp greens, rich blooms, and delicate petals. Evocative Lilac infuses the scent with inviting depth, heightened by lush fragrant Galbanum. Creamy Jasmine Lactones blend with soft Angelica Seed Oil and Orange Flower to create an incredible scent.
Une Balade En Foret from Beauty Pie. is a surprise scent for Spring. It is not overly floral but I really enjoy it. Beauty Pie is a membership-based skincare, makeup, and fragrance line. I have incorporated many of the skincare products into my routine(along with my favorite FarmHouse Fresh) and have been so impressed with the results. High-end skincare without the middleman or high-end price tag. But, back to the perfume. I ordered a sample set so I could try them all. There are a few that could be dupes for some high-end fragrances too(one is a dupe for my beloved Cedar Violet). An atmospheric blend of aromatic Balsam Fir and earthy Gentian Absolute, warmed by Cashmere and Amber Woods and brightened with a touch of citrus ‘zing’ on top. It’s a little more wintery but I am really enjoying it.
These are just a few of my favorites for Spring. I imagine that I will find a few more favorites along the way this year. I always do. Fragrances are very personal. When you find one that speaks to you, enjoy it. I would love to know your favorite Spring scents too.
Until next week,
Carrie
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I don’t know about you but when Spring rolls around I get in the mood to freshen up the house. Spring signifies rebirth and our homes should do the same. It’s time to shed the heavy blankets and accessories and lighten things up a bit. I always change just a few things and it really makes an impact. Longaberger by Carrie Kelly Lifestyle has everything needed to transition the home from Winter to Spring.
A Warm welcome
Nothing sets the tone for a home better than a welcoming front door. Our delightful Hanging Mail Basket with a Longaberger 1973 gold tone tag is perfect for a covered front porch or front door. This basket is great for more than just mail. Greet each visitor with a seasonal arrangement on your door. Change the flowers out each season for a new look.
Longaberger 1973 pottery
A perfect color for Spring
It’s true, the kitchen is the heart of the home. The Small Robin’s Egg Blue Cake Stand is fit to elegantly display your creative baking creations. Set the stage with icing-covered cakes, cupcakes, fresh-baked cookies, and more. When I saw this piece, I knew that this would be my focal point on our kitchen table. I added a plant, napkin holder, and salt & pepper shakers to mine. A perfect pop of Spring color. Our 1973 pottery collection is made to mix and match and coordinate with all of our collections. I love the mix-and-match look.
Spring florals
Brighten up the table
What better way to add a touch of Spring than with beautiful floral fabrics and pieces. Our newest partner is Paint&Petals from Bridgette Thornton. From the walls of your home to your kitchen and bathroom needs, Paint&Petals believes everyone deserves to live with beautiful art and design. Paint&Petals elevates usable household objects by adorning them with founder Bridgette Thornton’s vibrant floral art. I love a beautiful apron and all of the pieces are sure to become a favorite of mine this season.
Create a luxurious retreat
Welcoming Spring scents
I always say that the bathroom in a home should be inviting and a place to relax, rewind, and refresh. Fluffy white towels look crisp and clean in a beautiful basket on display. I like to organize my bath products into baskets too. Greenery is another must for the bathroom for that spa-like feel. Pop a plant into a basket, it’s that easy. Candles, candles, candles, I can’t get enough of them. A fresh scent like Lily of the Valley is perfect for the bathroom.
With a few easy changes and your home is ready for Spring. I am ready for plants to pop up, grass to green up, and more time spent enjoying the outdoors. I hope you enjoy all that Spring has to offer.
Until next week,
Carrie
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It’s hard to believe that St. Patrick’s Day is almost here. I know that I am ready for sunshine and warmer weather. St. Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday in our household. Even the pups have something to wear. I thought it was time to put my new favorite tool, my Cricut, to use and make a new door hanger for the holiday. I was so happy with the Valentine’s Day door hanger. You can check that one out here.
All the supplies needed
Creating a design in Cricut Design Space
The rustic wooden circle I found at Michael’s looked complimented our front gate so nicely that I picked up another one for my St. Patrick’s Day hanger. I may even use the same style for my Easter one. It’s such a versatile piece.
A design in progress
After weeding the excess vinyl
The truck design has become a favorite, and I knew I wanted to incorporate that into my design. The Cricut design space is full of graphics, design ideas, and project ideas. When I came across this truck with shamrocks, I knew that this would be the starting point for my design.
The first layer
Bringing the truck to life
I wanted to add just a touch of sparkle and shine too. What’s St. Patrick’s Day without a little gold, right? I cut out random gold shamrocks and added them to the design. For most door hangers I will add a pretty bow. I found this one with a truck design on Amazon and picked it up. I admit that I am not a great bowmaker. I’m really happy with this St. Patrick’s Day design. What do you think?
Adding a touch of sparkle
The finished project
I had extra shamrocks left that I did not want to go to waste so I took another piece of wood and added a K monogram. The extra shamrocks went on there too. I’m sure that I will find the perfect spot for this one too!
So many possibilities
A work in progress
Putting extra material to good use
Until next week,
Carrie
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
Enjoy a complimentary guide and learn to decorate like a pro when you sign up for my newsletter full of exclusive content, tips, tricks, recipes, style, decor, and so much more.
Until next week,
Enjoy a complimentary guide and learn to decorate like a pro when you sign up for my 
With a few easy changes and your home is ready for Spring. I am ready for plants to pop up, grass to green up, and more time spent enjoying the outdoors. I hope you enjoy all that Spring has to offer.
Until next week,
