5 Things I’m Loving, August 2021

 

Happy August! August, can you believe it is here already? Summer always flies by. As much rain as we have had the weather has turned so hot. We enjoyed a quiet catching up on yard work. I have been in that redecorating mood and have been doing a little freshening up of our en suite bathroom, family room, and balcony, and created a few DIYs. I’ll share those next week. School will be starting soon, pumpkin spice will be everywhere, and pumpkins will be out! I love summer but always look forward to fall and the change of seasons. Yes, I have already been thinking about my fall decor, picking up a few new pieces, and making fall projects. My fall dining table is getting an entirely new design this year. I have been really into the more natural decor lately. The dining table is going to reflect that, and I’m excited to share it with you! Let’s get into things I am loving for August, everything from a new hobby, beauty products, and fashion.

  • Needlepoint. I have always been fascinated with needlepoint and always wanted to take it up. Lycette Designs is in Palm Beach, and I knew that would be the perfect place for a beginner to start. The store is beautiful, and I could have spent the entire day there. I did spend quite a long time just browsing. They were so helpful in answering all of my questions and making sure that I had everything I needed to start my first project. It’s a little polo shirt with an alligator on it, so cute! Needlepoint is very relaxing, but it will take some time to finish a project. I can’t wait to show you the finished project. I’m going to frame my first finished project!

 

lycette designs
My Needlepoint Project

 

lycette designs
Lycette Designs, Palm Beach

 

  • Amika The Kure Shampoo and Conditioner. I have been using Olaplex for the last couple of years and was ready for a change. My hair gets a professional keratin treatment once a year so I am very careful with what products that I use in my hair. I use quite a few Amika products already and my hairdresser suggested that I try this shampoo and conditioner. I’m so glad she did. My hair feels soft and shiny, and I love the scent. Not too overpowering. If you are looking for a new line to try, I would suggest Amika.

 

amika haircare
Amika Haircare

 

  • The 5 Minute Journal. Journaling does not have to take so much time. I really like to start and end my day journaling. Journaling first thing in the morning is the perfect way to start the day off on a positive note, and journaling at night gives me time to reflect on the day and what went right, and what could have been better. The 5 Minute Journal is my favorite. There is a section to complete each morning and evening with a motivational quote too. I use this every day.

 

5 minute journal
5 Minute Journal

 

  • Proven Skincare. I am so excited to try this new skincare line formulated just for me. My skin has been so sensitive and reactive this summer, products that I have always used are now aggravating it. That tends to happen during the summer but not to this extreme. Ashley Brooke suggested this new, revolutionary skincare line, and I decided to give it a try. So far, so good. I’m only going to use this system for 30 days and I’ll let you know how it goes. Three products custom formulated for me. I filled out the 3-minute Skin Genome Quiz ( which even takes into account the environment you live in). Your data is analyzed and a dermatologist formulates your exact formula. Your formula will change every season and as your skincare needs change too. I think this is going to be a game-changer!

 

proven skincare
My Proven Skincare System

 

proven skincare
Proven Skincare

 

  • Palm Beach Sandals. I love Palm Beach Sandals and the ability to create your own custom-designed pair. Brittany held a private shopping event complete with mimosas and cupcakes for our group when I was in Palm Beach. There are so many options to choose from. It was so much fun picking and designing my pair with my friends. I settled on a light pink pair with a gold embroidered pineapple on them. They turned out perfect and look so cute with all of my summer dresses. My next pair is going to have my monogram on them, I just have to decide on the design.

 

palm beach sandals
My Custom Palm Beach Sandals

 

There you have it, some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy this and maybe find a new product or two to try. Let me know if you do and if you have a product that you think I should try. I love trying new things.

Until next week,

Carrie

If you like this I invite you to enjoy a free guide to proper monogram etiquette here.

 

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.

 

 

Surviving The Stay At Home

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.