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Easy Summer Living

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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

All About Home, Decor, Entertaining, Longaberger, Tablescapes

Summer Dining Table Design

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summer table design

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.

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.

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 table design
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.

profileUntil next week,

Carrie

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April Favorites

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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.

tea box
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!

longaberger & Paint& petals
Perfect for spring

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.

farmhouse fresh timescape
For glowing skin

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.

palm beach sandals
A custom design

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.

cayla gray
Perfect summer scent

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.

profileUntil 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.

Shop my favorites below:

Longaberger pink basket

Farmhouse Fresh Timescape

Palm Beach Sandals

Cayla Gray

 

 

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide

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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.

aembr secret garden
Natural and clean scent

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.

5 minute journal
My go-to journal

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.

mothers day gift guide,Gardening gifts
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.

longaberger
Gorgeous and practical

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.

 

mothers day gift guide farmhouse fresh
A sweet treat for mom

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.

mothers day gift guide, time together
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

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.

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Spring Home Refresh With Longaberger

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longaberger decor

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.

longaberger hanging mail basket
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.

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.

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.

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.

longabergerWith 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.

carrie kellyUntil 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.

 

 

 

 

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

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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

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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