Easy Spring Style

Spring is here and it’s time to ditch the heavy layers, dark colors, and big boots. Spring style is all about lighter layers, pastel colors, and sandals. I know that I am ready for all of this after the long winter. Spring means fresh, airy, and simple.

Pastel colors are the colors of the season. Is there anything prettier than a beautiful shade of light pink, canary blue, or mint green? These colors say spring is here. Look to the colors of the season for inspiration.

White and pastel jeans will always be a favorite of mine even before Labor Day. Does the no white before Labor Day rule even exist anymore? It doesn’t for me. Pair white jeans with a tunic and gold sandals for an easy spring look. My favorite white jeans are from Lilly Pulitzer and have a little extra rope detail along the side. Old Navy also makes great white jeans. Jeans in pastel colors are a great way to dress up any outfit. Lilly Pulitzer jeans are my favorite. Pair pastel jeans with a coordinating button-down shirt for a look that can go from lunch to the office.

A great jean jacket is a must for the spring season. I own a few different ones from casual to dressy. A favorite is a jacket with a monogram. Everything looks better with a monogram. A jean jacket looks perfect over a sundress or t-shirt. I carry one everywhere because I am always cold inside places. Try a jean jacket in white, another favorite of mine, or a pastel spring color.

Sundresses are my go-to all spring and summer too. Throw a sundress on, add a cute pair of sandals and jewelry and you have instant style. My favorite sundresses are from Lilly Pulitzer and I have so many in my collection. I usually add a few to my wardrobe each season and I get my use out of them.

Spring means it’s time to have fun with accessories too. I love colorful Tory Burch sandals to pair with my spring styles. Jewelry can be fun and playful. I love my acrylic monograms from Molly B Originals and have them from mini to large. Stacks of bracelets in colorful colors and mixed metals are a must now that we are wearing short sleeves again.

These are just a few of my favorite ways to style and update my wardrobe for spring. A few new pieces and swaps will have you ready for the warm weather and sunshine in no time. Enjoy!

carrie kellyUntil next week,

Carrie

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide

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

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March Favorites

march favorites

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!

faux tulips
Looks so realistic

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.

fentimans rose lemonade
A refreshing treat

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.

younique serum foundation
For a natural, flawless look

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
A perfect spring scent

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.

aembr secret garden
Natural and clean scent

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.

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.

Shop my favorites below:

Amazon Faux Tulips

Fentimans Rose Lemonade

Younique Serum Foundation

Aerin Lilac Path

Aembr Secret Garden

 

Favorite Spring Scents

spring scents

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.

magnolia hearth and hand herbs
A fresh pot of herbs

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.

longaberger lily of the valley candle
Welcoming Spring scents

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.

mackenzie childs lotion, february favorites
For soft hands

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.

aerin lilac path
Freshly picked lilacs

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 forte beauty pie
Fresh and light

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.

carrie kellyUntil next week,

Carrie

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Spring Home Refresh With Longaberger

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

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St. Patrick’s Day Door Hanger & Decor

st. patrick's day door hanger

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

carrie kellyUntil next week,

Carrie

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February 2023 Favorites

february favorites

Can you believe that March is here? Soon the flowers will be blooming and the weather will slowly start to warm up. I am really looking forward to warmer weather and sunshine. I am ready to start working in the gardens! February was a short but busy month. I tried new skincare that I am loving, found a new accessory line, and so much more. Here are five of my favorites from February.

farmhouse fresh, february favorites
Incredible skincare

I’m getting to the end of my Theorem skincare supply and I have been checking out a few new lines. FarmHouse Fresh has blown me away with incredible results after just a couple of weeks. I am still using products from Beauty Pie as well, and their products have worked wonders too. I’m trying to eliminate as many toxins from my products as I can and FarmHouse Fresh is free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and fragrance phthalates. The products are also made in the USA using up to 100% natural ingredients that are grown on their farm, how cool is that? The company is also women-owned and the profits are used to help abused animals rescued and living at their Farm Animal Sanctuary(which I love so much and support). I started with just a couple of products and could not believe how fresh and clear my skin looked and I quickly ordered more. I rarely wear much makeup and prefer my ByTerry CC serum and Ilia serum instead of foundation. You can also set up a video chat with one of their specialists and discuss which products are right for you and tons of samples are included with every order. I will do a full blog on my routine soon too but if I had to pick one product to start with it, the Wine Down serum would be it, it’s amazing.

mackenzie childs lotion, february favorites
For soft hands

Another favorite from the beauty range is this Lavender Fields hand lotion from Mackenzie-Childs. Mackenzie-Childs is so much more than just home decor. The bottle is beautiful on my bedside table and the scent is light and fresh. My hands have been so incredibly dry this winter and this lotion is saving the day. Applying a generous amount of this on my hands is my very last step at night before bed.

bella grace magazine, february favorites
An inspirational and beautiful magazine

I was at Michael’s looking for some craft supplies when I came across this magazine, Bella Grace. The cover was beautiful and it stopped me in my tracks. I flipped through it but did not buy it. I ended up going back the next day to pick it up. It is one of those magazines that is meant to be read over time. Their belief is that an ordinary life can be extraordinary, there is beauty in imperfection, and that magic can be found in the everyday. I love this and I have been enjoying reading a bit of this daily. I have to stop myself from reading all of it at once.

lobe love, february favorites
Beautiful accessories

A few weeks ago I went to a Galentine’s Day event filled with vendors and shopping. I came across Lobe Love and their beautiful headbands and I was hooked. I picked up a couple of headbands and they are so comfortable to wear. With my hair longer I am always looking for cute accessories to add to my collection. The owner and her daughter were so sweet and I enjoyed chatting with them too.

lilly pulitzer scarf, february favorites
An easy accessory

You know that I love, love, love my Lilly Pulitzer scarves. A scarf is a quick way to add style and color to an outfit while also being practical. I tend to get cold inside places and having a scarf with me makes for an easy shawl. This one happened to be in the same print as the pants that I was wearing that day too. Lilly scarves are an accessory that I can’t live without.

A variety of fun favorites this month. March looks to be a fun month with Spring Training baseball, St. Patrick’s Day, and time spent outdoors.

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.

Shop my favorites below:

FarmHouse Fresh

Mackenzie-Childs Lavender Fields Lotion

Bella Grace Magazine

Lobe Love

Lilly Pulitzer Scarves

January Favorites

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

Valentine’s Day Door Hanger

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

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.

Den/Office Space Refresh

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