Kimberly Kennedy: Bringing Order, Comfort, Style & Joy to Life
What inspires you?
I find inspiration in EVERYTHING - even something as simple as a label on a water bottle. I have themed entire parties around the design from a bar of soap. It is strange, but that's how my mind works. Some of my best creations started with very humble beginnings. Have you even seen that Gwen Stefani ad for HP about creativity? That is exactly how I feel. You just don't know when inspiration is going to hit you. You can't force it- It just happens!
Order: How do you stay organized?
One day at a time!
What are some of your tips?
Well, as a life-long card carrying member of OCD Anonymous, I have always relished the many joys of a clean closet or drawer. After college, unfortunately, life and work got in the way of how I'd like to do things and my closets and drawers (among other things) suffered. Especially over the last few years as my life got more hectic, I had to let some of my perfectionism go in order to keep my sanity. I learned an important lesson when it comes to organization - function should always trump form. In order for an organization system to work well, it has to function well and be easy to maintain - not just be pretty to look at.
So, some of the little things I do to save time and keep order are:
To-Do lists. I have several decorative/fun notepads and I make a lot of lists. I always have a daily list, a M-F list, and a "whenever" list. I don't think I could live without them! I feel really accomplished (and sleep better) when I make my daily lists the night before for the following day. I've learned two important things over the years:
1. Be realistic in your lists. Don't put stuff on them that you simply will not or cannot do. It just makes you feel inadequate when the lists never get checked off.
2. Tackle the hardest chores first. Otherwise, my list never gets completely checked off. I feel empowered once the dreaded tasks are done (they are never as bad as they seem), and with the enjoyable tasks done last, I usually end up doing more than was originally on my list by the end of the day.
Buy extras! I always have extra necessities on hand for when I need them- light bulbs, scented candles, beauty products, cleaning supplies, etc. That way, I go to the store when I can and I don't have to make extra trips when I don't really have extra time. I dedicated a small closet for my stash and I bought pretty big baskets for each category (beauty, cleaning, household, etc).
Purchase or make gifts ahead of time and wrap them. Whenever I hear about an event I will need a gift for, I go as soon as possible and get something and wrap it. If I'm in a crafty mood, I'll make several gifts at once. For example, if I am making a baby gift for someone, I will make extras for any friends that are currently pregnant. It is always easier to make multiples of anything than to do it as the need arises. I also keep several hostess gifts on hand for surprise gift-giving needs. That way, I give something with thought, instead of in haste, and I usually end up saving money. And, since I love wrapping gifts creatively, I do it ASAP- rather than on the way out the door to the event.
I travel a lot for work, so I always keep a toiletry bag ready to go. It has duplicates of everything I use on a daily basis. Everything is in there- make-up, hairdryer, brushes, medications, spare nail kit. Always having this ready to go, I cannot tell you how much time this saves each time I pack. And I never arrive at my destination without my toothbrush!
Finally, I am the biggest fan of the P-Touch labeler. Everything seems more organized with a label. Everything looks uniform packed in clear Tupperware with a label. And, it helps when your husband claims he does not know where to put something away.
Why do you appreciate being organized?
Mostly for the time it saves me. One thing I can't get any more of is time and nothing is more frustrating than wasting 30 minutes looking for a bill, keys, a shoe, or a piece of serveware. Also, it is calming to feel like I have somewhat of a grip on things and that I can handle surprise situations and enjoy them. For example, keeping my entertaining arsenal in order allows me to effortlessly entertain on the fly. I enjoy that.
How did you develop your style?
I would say my style is sophisticated with a sassy twist. I'm never a slave to trends, but I love fashion. My style developed over the years. I have always admired the true style icons, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, and Coco Chanel- not just for their polish, but because they each had confidence in their individual styles.
Favorites...
books
Reading:
Anything by David Sedaris or Augusten Burroughs
Cooking:
Rick Bayless (Mexican) cookbooks
Jacques Pepin (French) cookbooks
Home Décor:
Betty Phillips (French country style Interiors)
Carolyne Roehm (sophisticated flowers, décor, gardening)
Crafting:
Pepin Press (royalty free images- graphic, texture, and ornamental clip art)
Magazine(s):
Canadian House and Home
In my opinion, the best décor magazine- hands down! The layout is gorgeous and the style is impeccable. Who knew Canada was so style savvy?
Bon Appetit
My mom is a charter subscriber from the early 1970's!
Cooks Illustrated
For beginner cooks and experienced chefs alike. There is always something to learn from this textbook-style cooking guide.
InStyle
Mary Engelbreit
NOTE: I don't care for her kitschy floral product line- but her magazine is surprisingly spectacular for "meeting" other creative entrepreneurs, seeing their work, and creative spaces. If you can get past the trinket stuff, the magazine feels very "Country Living".
things to do
Entertaining, crafting, sewing, cooking, board games (Scrabble, RISK), sailing, playing with my dog, Sadie, and being silly with my husband, Todd.
places to go
Shopping:
Target, Craft stores (Kate's Paperie, Paper Source), Williams-Sonoma, Anthropologie, Neiman Marcus, Fabric warehouses and tiny specialty home shops in Atlanta.
Traveling:
NYC, Walt Disney World, Las Ventanas in Cabo San Lucas, any place beachy!
What brings you happiness?
An ideal day would be one that included having all my "to-dos" done early and sitting on the back deck with Todd, my little dog, and anyone else who wanted to join. We would be listening to John Mayer, drinking wine, and enjoying a charcuterie platter with great meat, cheese, and accompaniments. During nice weather, my husband and I try to do this whenever we can. It really seems like a treat to do it mid-week after a long day's work and it's a time for us to talk and reconnect. We just celebrated our 10-year anniversary last weekend and it is the simple times like these that I cherish the most.
Some material things that also make me smile: Letterpress stationary, monogrammed anything, vintage ribbon, textured silk fabrics, peonies and ranunculus, Jo Malone perfume, and really great shoes! And, although this rarely happens, I also just love taking a bath in a freshly cleaned bathroom and then getting into a bed with ironed sheets- such a luxury!
Any recommendations on how to find more joy?
My motto is: Surround yourself with good friends, make time for the things you enjoy, and never take yourself too seriously.
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