Gardening and Outdoors

Happy Memorial Day

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It’s the unofficial start to summer. I love all seasons, but summer has to be my favorite. Backyard barbecues, 4th of July parades, sundresses and sandals, fireflies, sweet tea, and hydrangeas are some of my favorite things about summer. Who doesn’t love a beautiful late night summer sunset? I know I do.

I had waited long enough and it was time to get my front porch summer ready. First off, I needed a new wreath for the front door. An Adirondack style chair wooden monogram really says summer and choosing a beachy blue and light coral paint fits my summer theme. Re-purposing an existing wreath and adding a few flowers and ribbon finished it off. I always love something personal with our name on it for the front door.

Rearranging the furniture and adding a focal piece really made the porch come alive. How gorgeous is this potting bench? My husband made it for me for Mother’s Day a few years ago and I love it. Usually I use it as a potting bench in my garage but I have always wanted to use it in my decor and thought the front porch was the perfect place to display it. Very eye catching. Adding herbs, plants, statues, and lanterns completed the potting bench.

Finally, I grabbed my outdoor pillows, new garden flag, rugs, and added a few pots of colorful flowers to make everything pop. I love the layered rugs by the front door and the flag is from our newest collection. Lavender and herbs smell wonderful as you walk up to the front door, and I enjoy having fresh herbs for my sweet tea. I decided on simple ferns this year for an organic element and to add some green to match the faux boxwood topiaries. I bought the topiaries for holiday decorating but really liked the look so I decided to use them year round. My other pots add just the right pop of color.

I think it’s the perfect time of day to grab a book and a glass of sweet tea and enjoy my beautiful porch. Care to join me?

A perfect summer read

Everyday Life

Surviving The Stay At Home

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We are all living in this new strange world of quarantine. Places are starting to open back up, but how different will it be? I’ll be the first to admit that I really fell into a rut when we got back from Arizona. I miss my friends, my yoga studio, and just being able to go places and enjoy a nice dinner out.  I imagine most of you feel the same way. We did tackle a remodeling project so that was fun. After a couple of weeks I decided to create a new routine for myself  and carry on.

Having always been one of those people that enjoys getting up early, I make sure I do. It’s always quiet and peaceful. Starting the day writing in my journal and reading something inspirational is a great way to put yourself in a positive frame of mind first thing in the morning. I’m just using the Five Minute Journal, just a few minutes writing in it morning and night. I ordered A Yogic Path by Sahara Rose to start reading. First off this book and cards are beautifully illustrated. The guidebook and cards are meant to insight and guide you to your inner inner wisdom and unlocking a deeper understanding of self. Fascinating. I also love this little box of cards on my table to quickly read throughout the day. It’s easy to get into a rut during this time, but I am making a conscious effort to not let that happen.

I am also back in the habit of making sure I get a workout in first thing every morning. Workouts don’t always have to be traditional. Moving furniture, yardwork, and walking are all great workouts. It really gives me more energy and helps me keep on going throughout the day. I find that setting your workout gear out the night before makes me more motivated to make sure I get my workout in. Of course, cute gear always helps. I am so looking forward to the day we can get back to the yoga studio. I really enjoy working out with a group and really miss the camaraderie we all share.

This time at home has also given me time to do a little refresh of my office. I may move it or completely redo this room but just a little change makes me happy. I set up a small work display that I rotate with new items weekly to keep it fresh. Pretty baskets and bins make organizing a breeze and I cleared my desk for a more simple look. Adding a scent diffuser lets me change the scent for my mood. I’m spending a lot more time in here lately.

 

I’ve saved the best for last. Being able to stay connected to my Network Together group and my Initial Outfitters team during this time has been wonderful. We are all learning and helping each other through our zoom calls. It’s a way to connect us all since we are spread throughout the country. My absolute favorite thing I have loved is the zoom happy hours with my girlfriends. Why did we not think of this before? Our last happy hour we dressed up and wore hats and had a great time. Just having some fun , a cocktail, and a laugh for an hour or two is really good for the soul. Again, we are spread throughout the country.

These are some of the ways I have been dealing with quarantine. How are you handling it? I would love to hear your thoughts and tips. We are all on a different path but in this together. Remember it’s temporary and to be kind.

All About Home, Decor

Spring Has Sprung

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My spring table

 

Spring has sprung. At least here in the Midwest it is trying to. Seems like we have one gorgeous day followed by a few gloomy ones. It is lovely to see the flowers finally start to bloom. I love the change of every season and I enjoy changing my table decor to reflect the current season. This year I went with a classic black and white theme and added a pop of spring color and greenery. I was going for a fresh look after the long winter and wanted to keep it simple.

The custom look of monogrammed pieces always makes a statement. Anything monogrammed or personalized are my favorites. I am a consultant with Initial Outfitters and display our vast array of custom pieces throughout my home and in my decor. First off, a custom table runner sets the tone. Grouping my collection of Emma Bridgewater teapots on a tray in the center of the table looks simple and fresh. They are flanked by Mackenzie Childs candle holders and large vases of faux hydrangeas, my very favorite flower.

The mason jar was something I painted last fall. A fun GNO with friends. I completed the look with buffalo check place mats with custom napkins and napkin rings and added a little greenery. I try to always add a little greenery for a natural element in all of my designs. This was the exact look I was going for simple, clean, and fresh especially after the heavy holiday decorating. It certainly looks like spring to me. Now for the warmer weather to get here.

 

All About Home

A Little Hiccup

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Apparently some of you are finding it easy to confirm your subscription while others are not. I have been in contact with Bluehost all morning and they are aware of an issue on their end. It is being passed to a senior advisor and the problem should be resolved in 48 hours. That’s how it goes with technology. Hang tight and thanks so much.

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Welcome

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Welcome to Pineapples and Sweet Tea, A Lifestyle Blog. I’m Carrie Kelly, a lover of all things Lilly Pulitzer and the traditions of the south. Follow along as I share my love of creating beautiful spaces, monogramming, gardening, friends, family, food, travel, and of course a little shopping. I’m a wife, mom, business owner, and fur mom who calls multiple places home. This has really been an unusual time in our world, and I hope I can bring you a little joy and maybe one of my ideas will spark your creativity as well.