All About Home, Decor

DIY Fall Wreaths

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It certainly doesn’t feel like it but fall will be here soon. I’m looking forward to cozy sweaters, bonfires, and warm apple cider. I am also going to try some new fall recipes in my Instapot and some new soups. I could eat soup every day. If you are like me it is time to change my decor from the bright, fun, and whimsical summer theme to a more earthy, warmer toned fall theme. I enjoy changing my decor for each season and it keeps things from feeling too stale in the house.

I ordered a couple of new wooden cutouts from Initial Outfitters and wanted to create a couple of new pieces. The acorn was something different and it really caught my eye. Painting it turquoise gives it a pop of color but still fits in with my fall theme. The white frame with chicken wire I have had and used for different things. It’s great if you can repurpose something and think outside of the box. I thought it would be nice to combine these two pieces instead of doing a traditional wreath. Ribbon and floral picks were leftover from a previous project and I added these in. I really like how this turned out and the frame is going to be a great piece to repurpose each season. Change the cutout, bow, and flowers and you have a whole new look.

The happy fall cutout is a new one, and when I saw that I knew it was just what I wanted for the front door. I like a piece I can use all season and maybe add a few extra accessories for a holiday or special occasion. Warm, metallic looks are so on-trend and this was the look I wanted for this piece. I painted the happy fall part in a metallic copper paint but decided to leave our name natural for contrast. Since this piece will be on the door a clear coat is a must to protect it from the elements. Again, I repurposed a wreath I had, the grapevine is a perfect natural element for fall. Adding a strand of cream pumpkin garland and a burlap bow finished the look. I like the cream colors against the copper and darker grapevine. For Halloween, I can add some witches and bats without having to create a whole new piece.

DIY doesn’t have to be complicated and by taking what you already have and adding to it a new look is easily created. I am planning on starting my fall decorating this week and I hope you will follow along for inspiration. Show me your decor too, I am always looking for new ideas. Follow along at Carrie Kelly Designs for videos on these two projects. Enjoy the cooler weather and change of seasons.

 

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

Everyday Life

Enjoying the Last Bit of Summer

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I love the summer. Everyone is much more relaxed and not rushing around so much. even though this has certainly been a different summer for us all, I still make sure to savor and enjoy it. Late sunsets, cookouts, pool parties, beautiful gardens, and fresh fruits and vegetables from the local farms are all things that I look forward to every year.

Decorating the outdoor spaces can be fun too. A bar cart can be turned into the perfect station for all of your supplies. Adding some cute baskets for sunscreen, beach towels, outdoor speaker, and supplies keeps everything organized for you and your guests and it is easily wheeled in during inclement weather. I added some new beach towels and chair toppers from Initial Outfitters this year. Instead of a traditional monogram I thought some fun summer sayings be fun. They turned out great. Finn approves too. Finn loves the pool and usually swims a few laps every day. A monogrammed basket by the back door also stores extra beach towels, you can never have too many towels.

I have decorated our outdoor space in a tropical, flamingo theme. I found some great pillows and a side table at Pier 1 a few years ago. Pillows give the chairs and couches a little color and soften the lines on them. A little covered seating area is another must for some relief on those hot days. I spend quite a bit of time in the pool as well.

As much as I do enjoy summer I am looking forward to the transition to fall. Fall is such a beautiful time with the changing colors, leaves, and bonfires. I enjoy changing my decor for each season as well and have a few new pieces that I am working on. What do you love most about summer?

 

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. 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

Fashion and Style, Lilly Pulitzer, Monograms, My Favorites

Summer Style

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Lilly Maxi Dress

 

Summer is my favorite season to dress for. I love the bright colors and the ease of just needing a few pieces to put together a perfect look. It is perfectly fine to be a little more casual and relaxed this time of year especially in the heat. I have a few staples and pieces that are my go-to’s all summer. I tend to find a style of dress I like and buy it in different patterns.

I think I spend 99% of the summer in Lilly Pulitzer dresses. The Kristen and Margot are my favorite styles. As I said, I find a dress that I love and buy it in multiple prints and these two styles are no exception. They are lightweight, flowy, and perfect for summer.  Some of my other favorites are the Lilly Pulitzer shorts and skorts. Every piece is so fun, colorful, and just says summer. Pair those with a cute tank or tee and you are set.

Great accessories always finish the look. A monogrammed hat from Initial Outfitters is perfect for beach days, pool days, or those hot, humid summer days where you just can’t be bothered to style your hair. A great hat makes it so easy. My staple sandals are gold and rose gold Tory Burch Miller sandals. They match everything. My favorite necklaces this summer have been the monogrammed acrylic discs from Initial Outfitters. Monogrammed and personalized pieces are my favorite because of their uniqueness and these are available in so many beautiful, bright summer colors. They pair so well with all of my Lilly and I have many different ones. A great necklace and bracelets are all you need to bring an outfit together. I love a great summer handbag and these are a few of my favorites. My Lilly Pulitzer clutch was handpainted for me by one of their print artists.  The Lisi Lerch bag was also custom. It is fun that you can customize a bag on their site.

Lilly Pulitzer shorts and skorts are always in style

My absolute favorite dress is my custom Lilly Pulitzer sheath. I was lucky enough to create this at The Pink Retreat in Palm Beach last year. It was such a fun experience. This print, Palm Beach Toile is exclusive to the Worth Avenue store, and I knew this was the print I wanted. You are able to pick your lace and placement and every dress is unique. The label on the dress even says it was created especially for you. This dress is such a special keepsake and it so beautiful.

My custom Lilly Pulitzer sheath

I hope you enjoyed a look at some of my favorites. Summer is the perfect time to relax your style and just enjoy it. Before long the seasons will be changing. What are some of your favorite summer styles? Until next week remember, “Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink”.

Carrie Kelly is Lead Designer at Carrie Kelly Designs and specializes in interior redesign, seasonal, and home decor helping clients create beautiful spaces in their homes. 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

Fashion and Style, Lilly Pulitzer, Monograms, My Favorites

Easy Summer Style

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Summertime and the living is easy. I so love summer, the long warm days, beautiful sunsets, sweet tea on the porch, and the easy relaxed style. I always feel it’s perfectly acceptable to be a little more relaxed and casual in the summer and still look polished. There are so many great options available to make summer style a breeze.

A sweet little dress is all you need for summer. My favorites are shift dresses and nice flowy dresses from Lilly Pulitzer. Nothing says summer like a Lilly Pulitzer dress. Perfect to run around town in or for a dressier occasion. I also love their skorts and athletic wear. You will always look put together in any of these pieces. I live in dresses all summer long. Grab one item out of your closet and you are done.

Of course a great pair of sandals compliments any outfit. My favorites have been the metallic Tory Burch Miller sandals. They go with everything and are especially great for travel. Bring a gold flat pair and a gold wedge and they will get you through any vacation. I did purchase a pair of pink ones this season and they are so pretty. Jack Rogers is my other go-to brand of sandals but they are not for walking all day in. A great gold pair is all you need.

My go to sandals from Tory Burch

A great accessory makes an outfit pop. I love all the bright acrylic necklaces and have them in a variety of sizes and colors. Monogrammed pieces are my favorite and these look amazing paired with a cute summer dress. Natural elements paired with shiny sparkling pieces look great together in the summer. Layer a beautiful long beaded necklace with a shorter necklace and you have a statement look. Tassel earrings are very on-trend at the moment as well. For days spent at the beach or those days where there is no time for hairstyling, a great hat is perfect. I love the Lilly Pulitzer ballcaps and a denim hat with a bright monogram is perfect.

 

The last item you need is a great summer bag. A nice big tote is great for running around and keeping everything in one place. This one from Lilly Pulitzer is my new favorite. Very structured and the hot pink interior makes it pop. Having room for my water bottle is a must in the summer and this bag holds everything. Spartina 449 has a collection of beautiful bags. The pattern on this one was my favorite this season and being a clear vinyl on the outside bag, I don’t have to worry about it getting dirty. A big plus in the summer. Sometimes an occasion calls for a smaller bag. This is my absolute favorite bag. Lilly Pulitzer held an event at the Highland Village store in Houston and offered hand-painted bags. Of course, I had to have one. I ordered by phone and just gave her the ideas I had for the design. It turned out perfect, flamingoes on one side and my little dog on the other. This piece definitely turns heads.

Enjoy your summer, try some new pieces, and remember to just have fun.

 

Carrie Kelly is an Independent Consultant with Initial Outfitters. She is available to assist you in creating a beautiful, personalized and welcoming home, bridal planning, personalized jewelry and accessories for yourself and to help you select the perfect gift for every occasion. She is also the author of Pineapples and Sweet Tea, a Lifestyle Blog. 

Find her at: https://www.initialoutfitters.net/CKELLY/

                   https://pineapplesandsweettea.com/                                                

                   https://www.facebook.com/IObyCarrie

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

                   pineapplesandmonograms@gmail.com

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.