Spring Kitchen Refresh

Spring Kitchen Refresh

Spring has sprung! I am so happy to see bits of color popping up and plants coming back to life. I love the change of seasons, and I think Spring is the perfect time to refresh and lighten up my decor. I started with the kitchen. I am spending some time at my home in Arizona and I like to keep the look light and bright in here to complement the darker cabinetry.

I love the lemon decor for the kitchen and when Initial Outfitters released a new lemon print line, I knew it would be perfect for my kitchen. The lemon wreath and vase of lemons were already part of my decor. Organizing things together gives a clean look, and this tray from Mackenzie-Childs holds my soaps, lotions, and cleaners. I swapped out my placemats for this lemon design personalized from Initial Outfitters and it really lightened up the counter area. Simple changes can make the biggest difference. Last year I also swapped out my darker barstools for lighter ones too. I like to mix and match my finishes.

The main counter got a spruce as well. The Royal Check collection from Mackenzie Childs has become my new favorite collection. The bright blue is gorgeous, and I love how you can mix and match all of their collections and still have a cohesive look. I have many Courtly Check pieces. The blue with the hot pink orchid from HomeGoods give the counter a pop of color, and I love hot pink and blue together. I’m starting to collect the Royal Check collection piece by piece. Again, I use trays to organize items. By the cooktop, I’m using a slate tray from Initial Outfitters to organize my everyday spices. The charcuterie board is also IO. I love the glass cutting boards, and I always have a couple of them displayed in my kitchen. I change the wooden cutout on the wreath above the cooktop for every season and holiday to create a new look. Simple. Of course, I had to have the lemon design. Google home keeps me organized and I use it to play music, give me recipes, and general info.

 

My kitchen table is one of my favorites. A beautiful focal point in the room, and I always have it set properly. Fresh flowers are always a must. Again, I’m using the Parchment Check pattern from Mackenize-Childs vase as a centerpiece as well as the napkin holder. The monogrammed runner from IO is a fun addition too. Fun flamingo placemats and plates from Pier 1 with pink napkins and hydrangea rings complete the table look. I recovered the chairs a few years ago from a dark fabric to a fun and lighter design.

I really like the results from my kitchen makeover. It really was quick. I just added the IO lemon design pieces, Mackenzie-Childs Royal Check pieces, and swapped out the placemats on the kitchen table. Five minutes and I have a new look perfect for Spring. Are you changing your decor for Spring?

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Happy Spring,

Carrie

 

Carrie KellyCarrie Kelly

 

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, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

Sassy Direct: 

https://www.sassydirect.com/united-states/fashion/carrie-kelly

Follow me on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/carriekellydesigns

Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

Instagram:

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

Facebook:

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Visit my website:

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Shop Initial Outfitters:

https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly 

St. Patrick’s Day Style

 

Could it really be that spring is in the air? I hope so, winter has drug on long enough. You know what spring means, St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. St. Patrick’s Day 2021 is a unique day as it marks the one-year anniversary of the shutdown due to the pandemic. We really don’t know how if there will be celebrations or parades this year, but I know my family will celebrate in our own way. Many times, St. Patrick’s Day finds us at our home in Arizona catching a spring training game.

I think it’s fun to dress for all of the celebrations, whatever those will look like. But, I also don’t want to look like I’m overdoing it or trying too hard. The finish on the Ironworks Collection from Initial Outfitters by Carrie is the perfect green color finish. The best part, I don’t have to buy anything new because these are already in my collection. Pair these pieces with a great pair of jeans, a neutral jumper, and an olive-colored military-style jacket and you have the perfect outfit for St. Patrick’s Day.

Lotus Necklace

 

Paris ID Bracelet

 

Disc Earrings

 

Round Rimmed Ring

 

Stamped Key Ring

 

Freshwater Pearl & Gold Bracelet

 

Navy Tiffany Handbag

 

Plaid Facemask

 

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, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

Sassy Direct: 

https://www.sassydirect.com/united-states/fashion/carrie-kelly

Follow me on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/carriekellydesigns

Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

Instagram:

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

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

Visit my website:

https://carriekellydesigns.com/

Shop Initial Outfitters:

https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly  

Email: 

pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com

Life Update

Hello everyone. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and the new year is starting off well. I want to apologize for being MIA for the last couple of months. You know how it is, sometimes things happen in life and you just need to focus on that. My husband had been in a serious accident at work at the beginning of December. He is doing much better and should make a full recovery. Taking care of him when he came home took up most of my free time. We were very lucky to have friends and family around to help with meals and support. I have missed my weekly blogs and am going to be back blogging Mondays at 10am. I have a lot of things planned for future blogs and I hope you will follow along. If you enjoy this blog, please share it with your friends.

On another side note, little did I know that when I deleted pictures off my server it also deleted them off of the past blogs. Thank goodness I became aware of this recently. I apologize if you are looking through past blogs and all of the pictures are gone. Live and learn.

Looking forward to reconnecting with all of you. Until next week.

 

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, and co-author of the #1 best-selling book The Art of Connection.

Sassy Direct: 

https://www.sassydirect.com/united-states/fashion/carrie-kelly

Follow me on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/carriekellydesigns

Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

Instagram:

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

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

Visit my website:

https://carriekellydesigns.com/

Shop Initial Outfitters:

https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly  

Email:

Outdoor Holiday Decor

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.

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.

Follow me on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/carriekellydesigns

Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

Instagram:

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

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

Visit my website:

https://carriekellydesigns.com/

Shop Initial Outfitters:

https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly  

Email: 

carrie@carriekellydesigns.com

         

Holiday Dining Room Sparkle

It’s that time of year again, time to deck the halls. If you are like me, you deck every room in your house. I really enjoy decorating for the holidays even though it may not always seem that way when doing it. The results are always worth the craziness and mess. I think I am covered in glitter for months.

My dining room is my favorite room to decorate. You have so many options in which to decorate the table. I tend to do a different color scheme or theme in each room. A snowy, sparkling winter wonderland was my theme this year. A furry table runner was the starting point. Adding a sleigh, hurricanes with gold candles, and the various trees give the long table some height. I like to add little touches like pearls and crystal jewels. It just adds to the sparkle. Ornaments and deer finish off the tablescape. A proper place setting always looks beautiful on a table. I found all of these chargers and dinner plates at DollarTree. The smaller plates were from Pier 1 They are perfect. Adding a spring of greenery around a napkin brings a little bit of a natural element in.

To finish the room I display my collection of Spode dishes on a table. I created a new wreath with an antler wooden cutout from Initial Outfitters by Carrie. I painted it in holographic paint added it to a wreath with a few accessories and hung it in a window. There is also a small strand of lights in it and when it is lit the holographic paint really sparkles. I hung another banner in the other window as well. My china cabinet is decked out with a pretty garland. A beautiful joy sign to remind us to be joyful this season and ornaments, pearls, and jewels complete the look.

The dining room really comes alive at night with the lights off and just the glow of all of the candles and accent lighting. It really is beautiful. Happy decorating.

 

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.

Follow me on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/carriekellydesigns

Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

Instagram:

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

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

Visit my website:

https://carriekellydesigns.com/

Shop Initial Outfitters:

https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly  

Email: 

carrie@carriekellydesigns.com

         

Gifts For Everyone On Your List

It’s that time of year again. Time to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. I don’t know about you, but I think shopping for gifts is going to be a little more difficult this year. I was out shopping recently and it wasn’t very enjoyable. I enjoy searching for a gift that I know the recipient will love. A gift with meaning that shows I took the time to really think about their gift and did not just grab the first thing that I came across. I enjoy little boutiques and finding something that not everyone is going to have.

I thought I would share with you my picks for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. These are all from my Initial Outfitters boutique. Most of these can be personalized for your unique style, and I really love that. Definitely, a gift that is unique. I would be thrilled to help you find the perfect gifts too. We can schedule an online appointment and I will have some ideas ready to go, or by text or email too. My website is always available to shop from as well. If I can be of any help, please reach out. It is my favorite part of what I do, helping you solve your gift-giving needs. Happy Shopping.

 

 

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.

Follow me on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/carriekellydesigns

Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

Instagram:

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

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

Visit my website:

https://carriekellydesigns.com/

Shop Initial Outfitters:

https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly  

Email: carrie@carriekelldesigns.com

Favorite Kitchen Decor

I love to change the look of my kitchen for each season and holiday. Initial Outfitters by Carrie makes it so easy to create a new look with just a few pieces. We aren’t going to paint our walls, change our cabinets, counters, and flooring often, but we can change our accessories. These are a few of my favorite pieces.

Slate pieces are the hottest trend and I think this tray and charcuterie board are perfect. They coordinate with any style and also make a great gift. I have a set I’m using on my dining table to display pumpkins and fall decor. Very versatile pieces.

Glass cutting boards look beautiful displayed on a counter or in a cabinet. These look too pretty to use. I have a selection that I change out for each holiday and season. A quick way to make a big impact on my counter. I usually have one displayed in my kitchen, dining room, and family room. These are also my go-to gifts for any occasion.

Coasters are also a quick way to create a new look. I have many designs of these as well. I like to mix and match my designs, pair a cutting board or placemat set with a different design of coasters. Pretty and functional.

My dining and kitchen tables are always set with monogrammed napkins and napkin rings. These are beautiful and give a formal look to any table setting. With so many colors and fonts to choose from your napkins can coordinate with any look.

I enjoy crafting and these wooden cutouts let me customize each piece to match my decor. The variety of designs is endless. They also make for a fun girls night out too. I create a new wreath for each season and use these in so many ways in my decor.

I hope you have enjoyed a peek at a few of my favorite home decor products from Initial Outfitters. Snap a picture of your favorite home accessory.

Happy Decorating

 

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.

Follow me on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/carriekellydesigns

Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

Instagram:

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

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

Visit my website:

https://carriekellydesigns.com/

Shop Initial Outfitters:

https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly  

Email: carrie@carriekellyesigns.com

Easy Weeknight Dinners

 

I finally jumped on the Instapot wagon and I am so glad I did. I used my crockpot all of the time and didn’t really think I would use an Instapot. Boy was I wrong. Crockpots don’t always cook things juicy and even and the Instapot keeps everything juicy. Scrolling Pinterest I am amazed at the variety of things people cook in an Instapot. Basically, it does everything.

Back here in the Midwest, it is starting to turn cold, and we have so many chilly nights. There is nothing better than a warm bowl of soup, chili, or a roast. Comfort food for the win at this time of year. The Instapot has been my go-to for creating these delicious recipes. I have even done dessert in it. Who would have thought? I’m finding more and more ways to cook with this every day.

Do you have any favorite Instapot recipes to share? I am always on the lookout for the newest recipe. Here is one that I really enjoy from The Whole Cook on a cold night.

Happy Cooking!

NO BEAN 30 MINUTE CHILI

This No Bean 30 Minute Chili is hearty comfort food at it’s best! Thick, hearty, and a family favorite. Plus it’s Whole30 compliant, dairy free, and gluten free!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 pounds lean ground beefI use 93/7
  • 1 green bell pepperfinely chopped
  • 1 large yellow onionfinely chopped
  • 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons garlicminced

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Add your ground beef to a large stock pot. Use your spatula to crumble the beef. Add in your chopped green pepper and onion. Cook on medium high, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned.
  • If your beef isn’t very lean you’ll want to drain the grease before moving on to the next step. I use a very lean beef so I don’t need to drain mine.
  • Once your ground beef is cooked it’s time to add the other ingredients to the pot. Stir. Cover and let simmer for 20 – 25 minutes.
  • Taste. Add extra salt or pepper if that’s your preference. Top with green onions, avocado, cilantro, or onion. Enjoy!

NOTES

You can substitute ground turkey if you prefer that to beef.

If you prefer to use the stove top or Instant Pot you’ll find directions for both above this recipe card.

NUTRITION

serving: 1cupcalories: 217kcalcarbohydrates: 12gprotein: 27gfat: 6gsaturated fat: 2gcholesterol: 70mgsodium: 936mgpotassium: 973mgfiber: 2gsugar: 5gvitamin a: 1130iuvitamin c: 25.1mgcalcium: 63mgiron: 4.8mg
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.

Follow me on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/carriekellydesigns

Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

Instagram:

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

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

Visit my website:

https://carriekellydesigns.com/

Shop Initial Outfitters:

https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly  

Email: carrie@carriekellyesigns.com

Halloween 2020

 

Halloween is one of my favorite days of the year. I love decorating the house super spooky and the dogs too. We live on a small street with not too many kids. On Halloween night I usually have some spooky music on and make up goodie bags for the kids. I always add a mix of candy, toys, and stickers. I enjoy seeing all of the neighborhood kids and they always look so cute.

When our son was younger the kids on the street usually went Trick or Treating together and then into town. They always were creative with their costumes and many years coordinating with a specific theme. The year they did the show Deal or no Deal was a great one. We spent many freezing cold nights Trick or Treating.

This year I really hope the kids can have a night where they can enjoy being a kid again and have some fun. The kids have missed out on so much this year due to COVID. Our area is giving people the option to participate or not, and I hope people do. I know I will miss seeing the kids enjoying the night as much as they will.

Happy Haunting!

 

Follow me on Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/carriekellydesigns

Check out my blog for more tips and inspiration:

https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/

Instagram:

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

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

Visit my website:

https://carriekellydesigns.com/

Shop Initial Outfitters:

https://initialoutfitters.net/ckelly

 

#carriekellydesigns #interiordesign #interiorredesign #redecorate #decor #pineapplesandsweettea #initialoutfittersbycarrie

Five Things I’m Loving This Fall

I love finding new things and revisiting some of my favorites. Fall is here and it is time to transition from the easy, breezy summer styles to a warmer, cozier style. These are a few of my favorites for fall. Some are new finds and others are new on my radar.

Jo Malone fragrances are always a favorite of mine. Vintage Gardenia was my all-time favorite scent, and I was so sad when they discontinued it. I have never found a scent quite like it. The Tuberose Angelica is close. Well, this season Jo Malone relaunched some of their favorites from the vault. I scooped one up along with another fall favorite of theirs, Peony and Blush Suede. Very unique scents.

My favorite scents from Jo Malone

Shop their collection here:

https://www.jomalone.com/

It tends to be a mushy, wet mess here in the Midwest. Hunter boots are a must. Keep your feet dry and stylish in the many colors they offer. I can wear the kids sizes and they are so cute with the reflector tape on the back. Add in a pair of their socks and you are set for the winter.

Hunter boots to the rescue

Shop Hunter boots here:

https://www.hunterboots.com/us/en_us/

I love Pandora bracelets and have a few of them. It’s fun to tell your story in charms. I recently took a trip to Orlando with some friends. We didn’t go to Disney this time but I created my Pandora Disney charm bracelet while we were there. I was so glad to do this because I didn’t do it in January and wished I had after I got home. The bracelet says “Where dreams come true”, and I love it. A few charms are exclusive to Disney and the charm with Walt and Mickey is the sweetest. A beautiful, cherished keepsake I wear all of the time.

Create your unique story with Pandora:

https://us.pandora.net/

I love a good book, especially when it is darker earlier at night. Nothing is better than curling up in a blanket in front of the fire with a cup of tea and a good book. I decided on something fun and lighthearted this time. We read this book, Majesty, American Royals II, in the Ashley Brooke Book Club and it was such a fun read. The story is about what the United States would be like if we had a Royal Family. The story follows a group of ladies whose lives are all intertwined. I highly recommend this.

Get your copy on Amazon:

I love changing my decor each season and the new fall line from Initial Outfitters made it so easy. Our new line is full of new designs in placemats, floormats, cutting boards, and so much more. I swapped out my placemats, cutting boards, floormats, and garden flags to create a warm look for fall.

Shop Initial Outfitters here:

https://www.initialoutfitters.net/CKELLY/

 

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

                   https://pineapplesandsweettea.com

                   https://www.facebook.com/carriekellydesigns

                   https://www.initialoutfitters.net/ckelly

                   carrie@carriekellyesigns.com