PINEAPPLES AND SWEET TEA

Beauty, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling, Lilly Pulitzer, Monograms, My Favorites, Theorem

5 Things I’m Loving, March 2022

March 7, 2022 No Comments

Can you believe March is here already? It feels like we were just celebrating the holidays. I always look forward to march, plants start blooming and Spring is in the air. Spring has arrived in Arizona. My plants are starting to bloom and the days are sunny and warm. Just what I love. Friends are coming to visit and St.Patrick’s Day will be here soon too. March is going to be a great month. As always, It’s the first blog of the month so I am sharing a few of my favorites. Beauty and fashion are front and center this month. Enjoy!

A classic style

A jean jacket is a staple in my wardrobe, and a monogrammed one is even better. I am one of those people that is always cold inside places. Doesn’t it seem like stores and restaurants are extra chilly? Initial Outfitters hit it out of the park with this monogrammed jean jacket. I have been wearing it constantly. It’s perfect to throw over a sundress or tee.

Spring has sprung

While we are on the subject of fashion, the denim jean jacket would look fantastic with any Lilly Pulitzer dress. This print and dress are a new favorite. The colors just say Spring and I will be adding it to my collection soon. Lilly dresses are just so easy for Spring and summer. Add a cute pair of sandals, some great accessories, and done! What could be easier?

Fun for St. Pat’s Day

Last on the fashion wheel is a fun St. Patrick’s Day tee. Who doesn’t need a flamingo St. Patrick’s Day shirt? I saw this on Amazon and knew it was my shirt for this year. We always dress for each holiday at yoga so I will be wearing this with my shamrock leggings. Perfect!

The best conditioning mask

In the beauty world theorem Density conditioning treatment mask is transforming my hair. I use this every 3rd wash and my hair is soft, full, shiny, and frizz-free. It really is a miracle product and one that I can’t live without. I have been using only theorem the last month and my hair shows the results. I have never had this much shine, body, and volume.

Last but not least, another favorite from Bath and Body Works. They keep coming out with scents that I can’t resist. Bubbly Rose has been a favorite this winter. Who doesn’t love a light champagne scent? With Spring here I will be changing to a lighter scent but this one is a keeper.

A fantastic scent

These are just a few of my favorites for March. I am an affiliate for Initial Outfitters and theorem and do earn a commission for their products. I am ready to enjoy March, the outdoors, and some beautiful Spring weather. I hope you are too!

Shop my favorites HERE.

Initial Outfitters

Lilly Pulitzer

St. Patrick’s Day Shirt

Theorem Density Conditioning Treatment Mask

Bath & Body Works Bubbly Rose

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign 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 a Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Initial Outfitters Boutique, 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.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

All About Home, Decor, Holidays, Holidays

Easy St. Patrick’s Day Wreath

February 28, 2022 No Comments

St. Patrick’s Day is almost here. With the last name Kelly, it is a day to celebrate and have fun. Finn and Ruby even get little shamrock bandanas to wear. Wait until you see the shirt I found, it may or may not have a leprechaun flamingo on it! My front door was in need of a new wreath this year. I wanted to create something quick and inexpensive. Of course, DollarTree it was.

I knew DollarTree would have great pieces that I could do something with. Unfortunately, they were out of the green foam wreath shapes so I went with a wire one. Sometimes, you just have to improvise. I knew that I did not want too much bling and glitter in my designs so I picked a burlap ribbon. It covers so well too without making a huge mess. I almost picked the garland but I knew it would shed everywhere, especially on a windy day.

A simple and fun look was what I was going for. I decided to do all shamrocks. DollarTree has these packs of 12 shamrocks in light green and dark green combos. Perfect, the shamrocks will give it a little bling but not go overboard. I bought two packs but ended up only using one.

Instead of a glue gun, which was my original plan, I used glue dots. They worked well. Sometimes glue guns get so messy and I always end up burning myself. These glue dots were leftover from a previous project but are handy to have in a craft kit. I use them for so many things.

Putting the wreath together took no time at all. I started by laying everything out and coming up with my design. I decided to just cover one side of the wreath with the shamrocks so the burlap ribbon could still be seen. Taking the burlap ribbon, I simply wound it around the wreath form and made sure it was secure. I added a few glue dots to each shamrock and placed them on the wreath. I wanted to create a lush look so I overlapped some of them.

That was it, quick and easy. I think this will look great on our front door or gate. A little leprechaun luck never hurt anybody!

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign 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 a Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, 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.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Beauty, Everyday Life

Why I Became A Theorem Independent Hair Specialist

February 21, 2022 No Comments

I love hair care and beauty products. I am one of those girls that tries them all, and I mean all. My bathroom closet is full of half-used hair and beauty products. I will use something for a while and then onto something else. I think many of us are like that.

I have struggled for years to find the perfect haircare system. My hair is fine, tends to frizz underneath, and I have a lot of it. Not the best combination. I do treat myself to a professional Keratin treatment each spring. The Midwest humid summers made my hair frizz like crazy. I spent half my day trying to smooth it out. Not kidding when I say that I have tried everything out there. I had tried other direct selling companies with no success too. But, I kept coming back to one system each time. What system is that?

Theorem. The Theorem Method has been a game-changer for me personally and the beauty industry as a whole. Honestly, I really did not expect too much from the products because I had tried so many. I used them for a while, switched to something else, and always came back to Theorem.. I had been going back and forth with Theorem. products since the company launched. Finally, I decided it was time to give the complete system a go. So, I started using only the Theorem. line. WOW. This skeptic was shocked!

The Theorem Method

Theorem. was developed by a team of women scientists (how cool is that) with over 75 years of combined experience. They have formulated products for all of the big beauty companies out there, brands we have all used. They were still looking for the perfect hair products and decided to formulate products for personal use only. Taking the best of the best, they created their own line for personal use. They never intended to sell their products. But, after seeing the amazing results, they knew the world needed this. And Theorem. was born.

The Theorem. Method is a collection of three products to care for hair from root to tip. Not all products are good to use all over the hair. Each section of hair has its own unique needs. I’ll give a quick overview of the Method. Complimentary shampoos, conditioner, and styling products are also available.

Density is the first piece of the puzzle. There’s one very important cause of hair loss that is always overlooked: hair breakage. Weak strands with damaged cuticles break easily and hair just can’t grow long or thick. Theorem Density Mask repairs the hair cuticle to promote hair retention. The advanced, silicon-infused formula plumps up hair strands like an injectable filler. Works synergistically with heat to strengthen and thicken hair strands, giving you the length and shine you deserve.

Step 1

Square Root is next. Targets hair growth at the root. Thick hair begins with a healthy scalp, and this pH-balanced serum plants the seed for dense, gorgeous hair. Square Root fights inflammation-related follicle narrowing, and restores pigment to gray hair naturally (with no dyes). DHT blockers inhibit hormonal hair fall and natural prebiotics promote a healthy, strong skin barrier. Also features a natural alternative to Minoxidil. Minoxidil is the only prescription hair growth ingredient that is FDA approved, but it comes with terrible side effects, which is why we use a safe and natural option instead.

Step 2

Last up, Sugar Pi (my favorite). No matter how fast your hair grows, split ends are an annoying obstacle between you and your long-hair goal progress. This deeply nourishing oil revives and mends split ends, enabling you to grow your hair longer without trimming away damage so frequently. This sustainable, sugar-derived oil repairs damaged cuticles for strong, glossy, frizz-free hair. This naturally-derived, renewable complex is extracted from plant sugar, and microinjects a clinically-proven hair-healing form of Vitamin C into each hair strand to revive broken strands and split ends.

Step 3

The Theorem. Method has transformed my hair. I knew that I had to make sure that others struggling for the perfect system. When I was asked to be part of this amazing company, I immediately said YES! I am so glad I did and look forward to helping others transform their hair. Let your unique personality shine with Theorem . by Carrie Kelly Lifestyle.

Visit the Boutique here.

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign 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 a Theorem Independent Hair Specialist helping everyone have the best hair day ever and Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, 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.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Travel

Quick Travel Packing Tips

February 14, 2022 No Comments

It seems like travel is back again, and I am so happy about that. As much as I love being at my cozy home, I enjoy a great trip. This year I am heading to Palm Beach for The Pink Retreat, A Lilly Pulitzer get-together. It’s going to be an amazing trip as always. I am also hoping to get to Disney for the 50th-anniversary celebration. Sometimes packing can really feel like a chore. I used to be such a heavy packer and would take as much as the airlines would allow. Not anymore, I like to travel light especially since I travel alone sometimes. These are just a few of my favorite packing tips that make my life so much easier.

I always start with a list of activities, events, and things I am planning to do each day. Make sure to check the weather report too! I’ll lay out the outfits for each day with accessories, shoes, and bags and write each outfit down and the day I plan on wearing it. I always try to duplicate the accessories, bags, and shoes. It may seem like so much work but I know about how many dressy and casual outfits I need.

A list makes packing easier

A few basics that I always pack are a white denim jacket and a neutral-colored cardigan. It seems like everywhere you go, it’s cold inside. Shoes and purses get bulky and heavy too. I always pack a pair of cute tennis if I am going to do a lot of walking, gold flat sandals, gold wedge sandals, and pool sandals. Golds will go with everything. The same goes for bags, I usually pack a gold crossbody, gold tote, gold clutch, and a small sling. The bags all fit into the tote for easy packing. Again, the same thing applies to jewelry. I usually stick with gold or silver and pack a few casual pieces and a few statement pieces. I used to find myself packing so much jewelry and sticking with my favorites anyway. I pack each in an individual bag and then into a monogrammed jewelry roll from my luggage set.

Laying outfits out by day and event

Toiletries are a quick way to way luggage down fast. I always save my sample sizes or gift with purchases just for travel. I keep them all in a separate drawer in my bathroom so I never have to search for them. If I do need to bring other products, I always decant them into smaller travel-size bottles. You can find sets everywhere. Some beauty and haircare lines have even started creating travel size kits, which I love.

Decant toiletries into small containers

Now that I have everything ready, it’s time to pack. Packing cubes have become my go-to when packing. There are so many cute ones available and I picked up some different sets on Amazon. Usually, I pack each cube by clothing type because that is how I arrange things in a hotel. Rolling your clothes saves so much space and also keeps them from wrinkling, bonus! Who wants to iron on vacation? I always bring an empty cube for laundry, just to keep things organized.

Packing cubes keep everything tidy

A Lilly Pulitzer backpack has been my go-to for my carry-on bag. It’s so easy to throw on and my hands are free if I have a carry-on suitcase. Backpacks are so roomy too. I always carry an empty insulated water bottle in it to keep a bottle of water cold once I am through security.

Use a backpack for a carry-on

I also want to find my luggage quickly. I’m ready to start my trip not sit at an airport. Amazon has some great luggage and I ordered a hot pink suitcase, you can’t miss it. Another tip, I always put a business card or contact information inside my suitcase. You never know if it will get lost and the luggage tag broken off. Coordinating monogrammed luggage is just classic and my favorite. Depending on the length of my trip, I will take my monogrammed weekender bag as my carry-on. I also have the coordinating jewelry roll, toiletry bag, and garment bag from Initial Outfitters. I just love when everything coordinates!

Coordinating luggage from Initial Outfitters

A bright suitcase to spot easily

I hope you found some useful tips and are able to enjoy a trip soon. Now, how many days until Palm Beach?

Until next week,

Carrie

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign 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 a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, 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.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

All About Home, Beauty, Decor, Entertaining, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Gardening and Outdoors, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling, Monograms

5 Things I’m Loving, February 2022

February 7, 2022 No Comments

Can you believe that we are a month into the new year already? It feels like we were just celebrating the holidays. January is always cold and dreary in the Midwest so we headed out to the Desert Southwest to spend the next couple of months. I enjoy spending time outside and the abundant sunshine. The little dogs like it too. They were not amused by the cold weather. We are going to do a little landscaping and hopefully watch some baseball. Guests will come in and out and we always enjoy sharing our home with our friends and family. But, it’s the start of a new month and that means new things that I have been enjoying. Enjoy.

The harsh Midwest winter had been doing a number on my skin. It was so unhappy and reactive. A friend recommended that I try Tula Sensitive Skin Treatment Drops. Just a few drops of this mixed with my serum have made such a difference. I notice my skin is not so red and irritable. I plan on keeping this in my routine twice a day for the foreseeable future.

Calm your skin

Fresh flowers make me so happy. I treat myself to flowers almost every week. Having them in my kitchen just brings a smile to my face. The local markets always have a nice selection and I usually just pick one up there. During the summer, I really enjoy cutting fresh hydrangeas, roses, and black-eyed Susans from my own flowerbeds.

Fresh flowers every week

Speaking of flowers and landscaping, I needed some new landscape lights. Between the dogs and landscaper, a few of my traditional lights are run over. I decided to try these LED lights from Amazon that are flush to the ground. My friend has them and they look so nice in her flowerbeds. Let’s hope these don’t get crushed too.

Light up the landscape

Mornings and evenings here in the desert are chilly. Layers are a must. A classic, roomy sweater is a must, and this one from Carrie Kelly Lifestyle fits the bill perfectly. It’s comfortable, on-trend, and personalized.

Perfect on a cold day

A cup of tea or hot chocolate is a must for me every day. A pretty teapot makes it even better. Mackenzie-Childs carries a selection of beautiful teapots. The black and white courtly check is a favorite pattern of mine.

Pretty and functional

These are just a few of my current favorites. Valentine’s Day is coming up and I hope you enjoy the day. Next week, my friends and I are doing a virtual Galentine’s Day, it’s going to be fun. If you have any favorites that I should try, let me know. I love trying new products!

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop my favorites here:

Tula Sensitive Skin Treatment Drops

Sevnnes LED Solar Lights

All American Girl Monogrammed Sweater

Mackenzie-Childs Courtly Check Teapot

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign 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 a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, 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.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Everyday Life

5 Great Winter Reads

January 31, 2022 No Comments

Cold, snowy winter nights find me curled up by the fire with a hot chocolate and a good book. I have always enjoyed reading and for a time I found myself not reading as much. The last couple of winters I have made it a point to change that! My tastes certainly vary in my reading choices. I enjoy everything from self-improvement and motivational books, to quirky romance, to mystery. Here are 5 of my favorite reads!

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan is a royal romance inspired by Kate Middleton and Prince William. An American finds herself in love with the heir to the British throne. Will they or won’t they be married?

Quirky romance

Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind Pink Puppy and His Family by Melissa Shapiro, DVM. Piglet is an amazing story and he lives with Dr. Shapiro and her family. Piglet was born blind and deaf. He was only to be a foster at the Shapiro household but when the day came to let him go, they could not do it. Piglet leads a full and wonderful life with his family and his inclusion pack of dogs. The Piglet mindset has become a program at many schools worldwide and his story is an incredible one. It will leave a tear in your eye.

An inspirational read

The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness. This series is something I always go back to read. A grown-up version of Twilight, the trilogy follows witch Diana Bishop and vampire Matthew DeClermont. Their adventures take them to Tudor England and back where their characters are intertwined with Elizabeth I and many other historical figures. The trilogy has also been made into a television series. A fantastic read!

Witches and vampires and romance

How To Do You by Jacqueline Hurst. A different kind of self-help book. This book prides itself on helping you think through your journey and make the fundamental changes that are right for you. We all have a different journey. Learn how to get past the emotional blockages that have been with you throughout life and move from them. Very critical thinking and deep-dive book.

A different kind of self-help book

Finley Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano. A fun, easy read. Finley is an author and while discussing her new book with her agent, she is mistaken for a contract killer and agrees to help dispose of a husband. The twists and turns make this book a great read.

Light and funny romance

These are just a few of my favorite reads from the last year. I have a growing list of books to tackle this year too. What are you reading? I guess it’s time to grab my hot chocolate, turn on the fire, and cozy up with a new book!

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop the books here:

The Royal We

Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind Pink Puppy and His Family

The All Souls Trilogy

How To Do You

Finley Donovan is Killing It

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign 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 a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, 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.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Everyday Life, Holidays, Holidays, Initial Outfitters/Social Selling, Lilly Pulitzer

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

January 24, 2022 No Comments

Valentine’s Day will soon be here. I love all the pink, hearts, and flowers. Just means Spring is soon to follow! I put together a few of my favorites for Valentine’s Day gift-giving.

Get into the Valentine spirit with a fun candy hearts sweatshirt. This one is monogrammed from Initial Outfitters. I think it is a cute way to add a touch of Valentine’s Day into your wardrobe.

Fun candy heart sweatshirt

Perfume is always a favorite gift to give. And who doesn’t love a little blue box? Tiffany & Love is a unique scent. Tiffany & Love Eau de Parfum for Her is a floral, woody scent. The fragrance opens with a burst of bright and sparkling top notes, beginning with blue basil–a botanical ingredient developed exclusively for Tiffany–paired with grapefruit for an aromatic crispness. It is one of my favorite scents.

A fabulous fragrance

A beautiful sentimental piece of jewelry is always appropriate. This stamped stainless steel bracelet is a gift that will always be treasured. Personalize this with up to 5 characters.

Hand stamped and special

Don’t forget your favorite fur baby. Treat your pet to a personalized Valentine bandana. Finn and Ruby get a new bandana every holiday!

Don’t forget Fido

Lilly Pulitzer released some beautiful Valentine pieces this season. The wrap is a favorite with its fun design. It is a piece I would wear year-round. The sweater is a more simple statement but still bursting with Valentine’s vibes.

Lilly Pulitzer Valentine Collection

Lilly Pulitzer wrap

Acrylic necklaces are a staple in my wardrobe. I love the modern style of these bar necklaces. Personalize this with a name, monogram, favorite word, or saying. So many different options.

Personalized acrylic necklaces

A fun gift for the girls, a mason jar mug. This personalized heart design is fun and festive. Pick up matching ones for all of your friends.

Mason jar mugs

Valentine’s Day shopping made easy. I’m looking forward to a virtual Galentine’s Day party with friends and we will probably cook a lovely dinner at home. I hope you enjoy a special day too!

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop the pieces here:

Carrie Kelly Designs And Initial Outfitters Boutique

Tiffany & Co.

Lilly Pulitzer

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign 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 a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, 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.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

All About Home, Decor, Entertaining, Tablescapes

Holiday To Seasonal Decor Tips

January 17, 2022 No Comments

The holidays are over and the decorations, trees, and lights are gone until next year. Now what? The house looks so bare. I enjoy the less is more approach after the holidays but I still want to incorporate a little bit of winter into my decor. It’s still a little too early for all-out Spring decor, even though I did get out a few springy items. The glow of lights on a cold winter night is still something that I enjoy too. This is how I changed my holiday decor to more seasonal winter decor.

As always, I concentrate on a few key areas. My balcony and foyer is a main area that I like to focus on. After the Christmas tree came down I just repurposed the branch tree from the foyer. It t’s pretty all on its own. My vase remained the same with seasonal greenery and feathers in it. When the tree is lit, which is most of the time, it really becomes a feature that is noticed as soon as you enter. I may leave it there all year because I really like the look. In the foyer, I simply left out some snowmen and another winter tree. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

Adding warmth with trees

Keeping it simple with snowmen and a tree.

The family room focus is always the fireplace area. The mantle is a simple garland surrounded by topiaries with a spring theme. Again, I used a branching tree that was in another room for the holidays. I wanted to incorporate a little winter color too and the basket was perfect. The wreath is the same one I used in this spot over the holidays and I think the antler theme is perfect to carry over until spring. The sled also adds just a touch of red and color. I popped the lantern on top, filled it with Buxus balls to add a little more color. I love greenery for every season. A personalized floor mat finished the look.

Winter fireplace design.

Reuse and repurpose pieces

My dining table is the last piece I focused on this season. I left the same table runner and added a beautiful wood tray that Bob made for me. The hurricane from Emma Bridgewater is the focal point and is surrounded by smaller mason jar vases and is a favorite from my boutique. The only other new pieces are the smaller vases also from Emma Bridgewater. The olive trees and herb pots I use each season. I also switched out my placemats to a more seasonal design. I wanted a very clean, natural, and simple look for the table this season.

Simple winter table

Dining table focal piece

Changing my decor from holiday to winter was quick and easy. I mainly repurposed a few pieces from other parts of the house. This will get me through until the bigger spring refresh. I always feel a new sense of joy when I change just a few things each season.

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop my favorites here:

Emma Bridgewater

Enjoy a complimentary easy decorating tips guide here.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

All About Home, Decor, Everyday Life, Fashion and Style, Lilly Pulitzer, My Favorites, Tablescapes

5 Things I’m Loving, January 2022

January 3, 2022 No Comments

Happy New Year everyone. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and enjoyed time with family and friends. We hosted our annual Christmas Eve and since Bobby was on duty we had a small brunch on Christmas Day. It was so nice to be celebrating and enjoying. On New Year’s Eve, we went to our favorite local restaurant and then home. We’re lucky to make it to midnight anymore. I usually start taking down all of the holiday decor on New Year’s Day. I love all of the sparkle and holiday decor but it is so nice when the house is back to normal. Just looks so refreshed. This year, I am going to keep some things out to create a little winter seasonal decor. We made homemade pizza and enjoyed hanging out by the fire watching Yellowstone. It’s another new month and that means it’s time for 5 of my favorite things. This month features everything from beauty products, fashion, and home decor. Enjoy!

A new year always means a new planner for me. This is my second year using Plum Planner and I am still so happy with it. Having the option to customize it with sections that I need is my favorite feature. I add sections on travel, social media, blogging, and more. There are also so many design layout options too. I changed my layout this year. Of course, designing your cover is another favorite feature. This year I went with a blue background with flamingoes and my name in script. I’m really happy with the design.

Customizable planner

If you have been following me for a while, you know I love unique scents. I ordered Aerin Cedar Violet on a recommendation from another friend and it is everything that I wanted in a winter scent. I have quite a few Aerin perfumes and each one is so unique and different than anything else I have used before. Cedar Violet is exactly as it sounds and transports you to the woodland. The bottles are also so pretty displayed on my dresser too. This has been my go-to all season. If you’re looking for a unique winter scent that is not too musky and strong, this is it.

A perfect winter scent

I had been eyeing this extra-large hurricane from Emma Bridgewater for so long. I thought it would make the perfect centerpiece for my dining room table after the holiday tablescape comes down. Black Friday it was 30% off, so I scooped it up. I am so happy I did. This piece is going to be beautiful all year round and give me a great foundation for all of my seasonal decor. I added the little bud vases too. I thought those would be fun down the table as well. Stay tuned for a dining room table makeover!

Beautiful table centerpiece

My blond hair can sometimes be so hard to maintain, it likes to turn too yellow for my taste. I have tried many purple shampoos and conditioners too. I stopped into Aveda to pick up a few things and was intrigued by their Blond Revival line. I decided to just grab the conditioner because I just ordered a new bottle of Tressa Watercolors silver shampoo. This conditioner has been amazing and leaves my hair so soft while neutralizing the yellow in it. And of course, the smell is amazing. I’m going to stop back in and pick up the shampoo too. I rotate these products and only use them once a week.

Pamper your blonde hair

It’s sweater season, and I love a fun sweater with words and sayings. This sweater from Lilly Pulitzer has been a fun one to wear. They have a selection of sweaters that are just whimsical and fun! Why not add a pop of color to your wardrobe with a bright and cheerful sweater!

Fun and whimsical

There they are, a few of my favorites! Do you have a favorite right now? Wishing you all the best in 2022!

Until next week,

Carrie

Shop my favorites here:

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign 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 a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, 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.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

Everyday Life, Holidays

Happy New Year 2022

December 27, 2021 No Comments

Happy New Year! I just can’t believe 2022 is just a few short days away! I hope you had a magical holiday with your family and friends. The holiday season can be a difficult one. If your holiday was not all that you hoped I wish you a fabulous start to 2022. We hosted our annual Christmas Eve and as always everyone had a great time. We have crafts, bingo, a special cocktail, presents, and lots of food! On Christmas day we hosted a small brunch with the boys. Bobby was on duty Christmas Eve.

2021 was certainly full of ups and downs. Could we have imagined that Covid would still be taking a toll? Bob and I both had it in the fall but our symptoms were mild. We were vaccinated in the spring. We spent the spring at our home in Arizona, always great to escape the cold Midwest winters! We didn’t have any visitors this past spring but looking forward to welcoming guests back soon. We enjoy hosting our friends and family for visits. The summer season always finds me at my happy place, the gardens, and flowers. My herbs went crazy this year and I always had a supply of mint and chives for cooking. I made it a point to try to get out for a long walk each day and just connect with nature. I still am doing that now on nice days! Bobby got married over the summer and that was certainly a special day celebrating with family and friends! We took a quick trip to Chicago for some shopping and a ballgame too. Love walking around the city. We took a few other trips out to AZ and a trip to Florida in the spring but mainly stayed around our home this year. I love spending time decorating for the seasons and puttering around the house. We had many extra doctor visits and unfortunately, Bob’s eye surgery was not successful. He suffered too much damage in his fall. That has been a big one.

I learned many lessons this past year. The biggest one is that sometimes friendships aren’t meant to last. It has been a hard one to end friendships with people that you thought would always be in your life. I learned a lot about people and when you are going through something rough you really find out who your friends are. I let some go and to be honest, it has been very freeing. I am blessed to have friends that I know I can count on anytime. My circle became smaller but I became happier. I learned that life can change in an instant. We never would have imagined Bob’s fall from a ladder last year and that his injury is permanent. But the silver lining is that his injuries could have been so much worse. I learned a lot about myself this year and what I am capable of. I expanded my business and ventured out into YouTube, newsletters, and more content. I even am a co-author of another book being published soon. Stay tuned. I learned to give myself a break and realized that I put too much pressure on myself to do everything. I give myself a break and do things just for me!

2022, I am ready and looking forward to all it has to offer. I know it will offer many challenges as each year does but we get through them and always come out stronger on the other side. There will also be many wonderful things to celebrate and to celebrate the little things in life. I am looking forward to spending the winter in Arizona and Spring Training. Hopefully, a trip or two with my friends too. 2022, bring it on! Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and fabulous 2022!

Cheers,

Carrie

Carrie Kelly is an Interior Redesign 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 a Personal Stylist with Carrie Kelly Boutique, 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.

You can find her at:

links.carriekellydesigns.com

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