Wednesday Weekend Warm Up (Rachel Style)

This week the lovely Rachel from Inspiration in Italy is sharing with us not only her favorite way to spend her summer weekend, but also this sinfully delicious White Chocolate Martini. So belly on up to the bar and get ready for some sweet sipping action! 

First of all, I would like to thank Jami for asking me to guest bartend, I am beyond honored! My favorite summer cocktail is centered around 2 things that I love: sweets and San Diego. For my bachelorette party, my girlfriends and I went downtown San Diego to my favorite sushi restaurant and then to the gorgeous Top of the Hyatt bar for drinks. I had the $10.00 White Chocolate Martini, and I just knew that I had to learn to make this at home! One of my favorite ways to spend a summer weekend is to have a cocktail party, but the best way for me is to dress up! I love having or attending girly parties…filled with heels, cute summer dresses, sweets, and of course great cocktails. So let me share with you this great recipe for the ultimate sweet-tooth cocktail!

Rachel, you're a girl after my own heart! Sweets + San Diego = perfection in my book as well! Thank you so much for sharing this perfection in a glass. I'm looking forward to the day when we'll be sipping two of these atop the Hyatt ourselves!

*martini photo from Grin and Bake It, recipe from Martinis at Midnight

{Tuesday Thoughts}

Don't we all look this fabulous while chillin' at the beach?

“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”

― Chinese Proverb

*photo from: Sandra Freij

Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice

"Arrange your flowers in anything but a vase: Go through your pantry and find a pitcher, a tureen, a mug, a teacup."

*all images via It's Mary Ruffle, tip from House Beautiful

Winner!

Oh Jenny...

...you've won the RugsUSA giveaway! Congratulations! Jenny's got a cute little crafty blog here. Pop on over and see whats she's been up to lately.

Which rug are you going to choose, Jenny? The Oriental Weavers Sphinx Black Rug or the Surya Seventeen Pink Rug?

Fresh Find Friday!

I thought these were pretty cute when I saw them...

They are removable tile decals. No need to rip out your entire back splash when you're craving a new look. The decals are fun and clever way to switch up your kitchen decor with no commitment and little cost! Check out the rest of Mibo's line here at 2Jane.

*I'm attending Dwell on Design today in Los Angeles! It's the West Coast's largest design event. I'll be sure to take some pictures and share next week! I'm so excited to see some of my favorite designers and products (mainly Patricia Urquiola's Axor collection).

*Also...the door rug giveaway ends this Sunday night so be sure to enter and help spread the word by tweeting! Thank you my darlings! Have a lovely weekend!

Thursday's This + That

Dangle this little lovely Juniper Baby earring set from your lobes while relaxing in that Tropicalia Chair by Patricia Urquiola. 

*earrings from ThreeFiveEightyFive, chair photo by Patricia Urquiola from here

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up (Alaina Style)

To get you ready for the weekend, our latest Guest Bartender, Alaina from Live Creating Yourself, is serving up a tasting little treat that is bound to be a crowd pleaser! 

Thank you so much, Jami, for including me in your guest bartending series! At first I wasn't sure if I was the best candidate seeing as my boyfriend and I normally enjoy summer evenings on our back deck with a cold glass (bottle) of pinot grigio. But then I remembered the first time I sipped the most delicious cocktail I've had. in. my. life. So I thought I'd share that!

Venice

August, 2005

I present to you the Bellini. If you're unfamiliar with the cocktail, it's essentially two ingredients: pureed white peaches and Prosecco. Now I was kind of cheated, because I had my first Bellini at the place that invented the drink: Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy. I was 19-years-old and visiting with my Nana (see above photo), and our tour guide recommended Ernest Hemingway's famous hangout solely for the purpose of ordering a Bellini. The chilled tasty cocktail is perfect for summer, especially if you're hosting a shower of any kind, whether it's for babies, brides, or just a girls' luncheon.

I am using the official directions Harry's offers on their website because it is still the most delicious Bellini I've had to date (and that's including taking a stab at Ina Garten's recipe, and I'm a firm believer Ina can do no wrong).

Note:

NEVER use yellow peaches or peach schnapps. Enjoy!

Thank you, Alaina, for Guest Bartending on imagine and sharing this yummy Peach Bellini recipe! You and your Nana are adorable; I bet she's a real fun lady! The Bellini is simple, sweet and I'm not sure if I really want to wait until the weekend to try it! Tonight we are having guests over and it may just be the perfect reason to start my weekend early!

*bellini image via here

{Tuesday Thoughts}

"Every thought you produce, anything you say, any action you do, it bears your signature."

— Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk, author and teacher

*An Diugh means ‘today’ in Scottish Gaelic. Some say the writing is in the sand for the language.

photo from here

Makeover Monday: Tip + Giveaway!

"Put a real rug, not a bathroom rug, in front of your bathroom sink. It will hold up just fine."

I liked this idea so much I'd thought I'd move my rug from RugsUSA from the front door to my guest bathroom.

As you all know, last Thursday I mentioned that I am hosting a rug giveaway from RugsUSA. In honor of my one year blogiversary, I'm celebrating with a giveaway and today's the day! I seriously couldn't imagine my life blog-less; thank you all for making this blog community a fun and inspiring place to be! Not only have I made lucrative business connections, but some awesome friendships (online + offline) have developed from this little blog. As I enter my second year of blogging, I look forward to meeting many more bloggers and creating   more connections. If you're ever in the LA area, I'd love to meet you! 

You pick. The winner of the rug giveaway will get to choose between these two rugs. You get either the:

 Oriental Weavers Sphinx Black Rug (2'x3') or the Surya Seventeen Pink Rug (2'x3')!

You have a week to enter; I'll be choosing a winner Sunday night, June 27th. (This rug can only be shipped to the contiguous US; contest open to US Residents only.)

To enter: 

(1) become a follower if you're not a follower on the side bar there on the right ---> 

(2) comment, telling me your most clever tip or trick when it comes to design & decorating your home

(3) increase your chances and tweet this giveaway - come back here and leave another comment letting me know you tweeted! 

Fresh Find Friday! {Jess Constable}

Nice to meet you, Jess, creator of Jess LC Jewelry!

I recently became acquainted with Jess through Blogland and Twitter and I'm so happy that I found her, because I'm loving her and her work (I've been eyeing that Chevron Bangle from her Division line for a while now!). These are just a couple handfuls of my favorites from her collection. She also has created a Soc Chic collection of fun necklaces, each containing a unique positive message and promotes a specific non-profit. Nice idea Jess! While looking through her collections, I realized that women of all ages would look great wearing a piece or two of Jess's jewelry! Simple & classic with a twist of whimsy is how I'd describe these trinkets.

Not only has Jess created her own jewelry line, but she's also the founder of "Makeunder My Life: Designing a Life with Intention". This girl does it all! Some of my favorite MML weekly posts are: "Design Your Life", "End of the Week Exfoliation", and "Easy Recipes". Jess writes from the heart about "real life" and what we all go through at some point in our lives. I think that is what I love most about Jess and her work - she's real, honest, down to Earth and easy to relate to! Going through her posts, I catch myself thinking, "I know how she feels!" or "Yes! I've been there too!". Thanks, Jess, for being so candid about events in your life. 

When I asked Jess what piece of jewelry from her line she thought best represents herself, she said, 

"Hmmm, I guess I would go with the Division Circle Chevron earrings because they are bold, easy to wear and I am in love with the pattern :)". 

Great minds think alike! 

Thursday's This + That (and a rug review)

Dress down in this Bewitching Hour Dress or dress up in this Extrasensory Perfection Dress, both from ModCloth, while stepping out the door over that Dalyn Monterey rug from RugsUSA.

this pair of pups love that rug!

I'm (and my poochies) loving my new Dalyn door rug from RugsUSA. For over a week, this rug has been placed in front of my front door and it has stayed put without a pad beneath it. Another thing I appreciate is that the rug is heavy enough so that the corners do not flip up. I love the black and tan neutral colors (they go perfect with the rest of my decor) and the contemporary fading pattern. It is simple enough to go in any space and yet the fading detail adds a touch of drama to create a bit of interest. Be sure to check out the wide variety of rugs in all different shapes, colors, sizes, styles and price points at RugsUSA.

*RugsUSA asked me if I would do a product review in exchange for a doormat sized rug. I agreed and asked if they'd be willing to also offer one lucky 'imagine' reader a similar rug. Generously they offered to do this! I'll be announcing the giveaway on Monday, so be sure to check back!

what's your style in one picture?

Ally, From the Right Bank, is at it again with her 3rd installment of "WHAT'S YOUR STYLE IN ONE PICTURE?" challenge. And, boy oh boy, this IS a challenge! The mixing of decades and styles, old and new, neutrals and colors has alwasy held a special place in my design heart. I've never been able to say, "THIS is my favorite style", only because there are so many styles out there and I find a bit of beauty in each and every one!

The space above, is a bath designed by Patricia Urquiola. Her source for design inspirations is daily life. Patricia's concept is, "The bathroom can become a place of interaction and communication but also a place

of maximum privacy. A separate make-up area, individually arranged wash tables, and showers separated by plants are just a few examples of her unique approach. In this way, she allows for personal freedom, while leaving enough space for harmonious togetherness."

Patricia's concept behind this room is basically why I love it. As in my personal life, I enjoy sharing my home with others, but I thrive on personal space and privacy. The same is true in my social life, going out with friends and family brings me much joy, but I love my "me" time more. Socializing energizes me for a brief amount of time, then leaves me feeling drained. My alone time recharges me.

The free standing elements in this room is what originally attracted me to this space, as well as the use of plants and greenery. The tubs, sinks, showers and vanities, with their smooth shapes and soft curves act more like pieces of furniture rather than permanent fixtures. It makes the space feel much more inviting and relaxing rather than just a room to do your business. Patricia incorporated numerous plants in the space saying that, "They act as a filter while emphasizing the character of the bathroom as a place for retreat. The opposing shower areas, for example, are separated by real plants. These filter zones provide the necessary privacy vis-à-vis the outside and within the room itself. At the same time, they create a natural environment and enhance your quality of life."

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up (Leslie Style)

This week's Wednesday Weekend Warm Up is coming to you via our Guest Bartender, Leslie, from "A Blonde Ambition". Leslie always has a ton of fun happening over at her site, and today she is sharing with us her favorite way to spend her summer weekends + on the menu: 'Pink Girl Watermelon Sangria'.

"My most favorite way to spend a summer weekend is by relaxing at the lake in my childhood hometown of Heber Springs, Arkansas with a group of my closest friends and family. Greers Ferry Lake is honestly one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the entire state and the weather is almost always perfect and sunny. Although I love to travel around during my summer vacations, I always find myself back at the lake. I guess there really is no place like home."

"One of the most refreshing and delicious cocktails I’ve found recently is the Pink Girl Watermelon Sangria. Most people are probably familiar with traditional sangria, but this recipe puts a fun and girly spin on the classic. This cocktail is best served with plenty of good gossip and a handful of your closest girlfriends."

This does look like the perfect cocktail to sip on while chillin' with the girls. Thanks, Leslie for sharing! This one's being added to my list of favorites! What are some of your favorite cocktails to sip on with your friends?

*sangria photo by: Alexandra Grablewski

{Tuesday Thoughts}

There are times in my life when I remind myself that the only way I get to know myself and discover true peace and happiness, is to stay put. All my life, I've dealt with the notion that the grass is always greener on the other side. My tendency has always been to pick up and go and not stay in one place too long. Who's a mover and a shaker like me? And what do you do when you're feeling the "itch"?

"You cannot see yourself in running water, only in still water."

-Zen Masters, from 'Eat Pray Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert

photo from: Lund Lund

Makeover Monday: Lighting ideas from Marcy

Low-Voltage Lighting Ideas: Pendant Lighting for Your Home

The following guest post was written by Marcy Tate from Networx, Your Home Improvement Network. Marcy works with Electricians Networx learning ways to educate homeowners about low-voltage lighting options.

Pendant lighting in a contemporary kitchen

Low-voltage lighting is a fantastic choice for those who want to reduce their electric bill and add beautiful, dramatic lighting to their home. Most low-voltage lighting systems use a transformer to reduce the needed electrical current. This application is used for linear lighting and under-the-cabinet lighting systems. Other low-voltage fixtures, like pendant fixtures, don’t always need a transformer and incorporate the use of energy-saving CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs. CFL bulbs emit 25% less heat than incandescent bulbs, and they also last longer. Additionally, many low-voltage fixtures are better quality fixtures. Low-voltage lighting fixtures, and the bulbs that are used with them, provide a higher quality light. From pendant fixtures, linear and disc lighting to miniature recessed fixtures, the options are vast and can end up saving you money.

Pendants in a dining room

Pendant lighting in a bathroom

Pendant Lighting Fixtures

Pendant lights are extremely versatile. Pendant lights and mini pendant lights are used in just about every room in a home, from kitchens, bathrooms and dining rooms to family rooms and basements. Many pendant lights can use energy-efficient halogen light bulbs. Halogen bulbs can last for about 10,000 hours. Here are some ideas for your home:

Clear and White Pendant Fixtures:

Clear and white pendant lights can complement any room décor.

CRYSTALA GRANDE 1-Light Pendant Lighting Kit

Available at Light Waves Concept

 

VERONICA White 1-Light Pendant Lighting Kit

Available at Light Waves Concept

 

Sheer Glass Shade

Available at Pegasus Lighting

Color Pendant Fixtures:

ByzAnTina Red & Gold (1-Light Pendant Kit)

Available at Light Waves Concept

Americano II Black & Red 1-Light Pendant Lighting Kit

Available at Light Waves Concept

Truffle Low Voltage Xenon Pendant Lights

Available at Pegasus Lighting

Trista Low Voltage Halogen Pendant Lights

Available at Pegasus Lighting

 

Color Glass Tube Cylinder Pendant

Available at Shades of Light

Antiqued Mirror Hex Lantern

Available at Shades of Light

Additional resources to help you create an efficiently lit home:

• Energy Star – Lighting section explains everything you need to know about how to efficiently light your home.
• Understanding Low-Voltage Lighting and Wiring at Electricians Networks
• Nightscaping- Information about low-voltage outdoor lighting.

Fresh Find Friday!

More wedding gift inspiration...

I found these "Framed Hearts" from Sarah and Bendrix by Veronika Pollard while thumbing through my latest issue of Real Simple. I'd like one of these if it was my special day. I'd like our initials + our anniversary date on our special, personalized hearts. 

Have a great weekend friends! It's 'Ladies Day' in Palm Desert today to celebrate a birthday - lunch, pool, dinner, drinks + dancing! Tomorrow, we're going to a wedding and hopefully (fingers crossed) we'll be riding bikes by the beach. XO

Thursday's This + That

Flutter around in this Vivienne Tam Flutter Print Silk Satin Crossover Dress while typing on that HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam Edition.

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up (Downtown Rob Style)

Ahhh...yes...summer is here. And I am loving it. I was completely inspired by all of you who entered the cocktail tray giveaway last week and commented on your favorite summer drinks! In the next few weeks, I have some talented Guest Bartenders on staff, serving up tantalizing summertime treats and sharing their favorite ways to spend their summer weekends. To kick things off, Rob (winner of last week's giveaway), tells us about his ideal summer weekend + on the menu: 'Pink Lemonade Cocktail'. 

"My fav summer weekend would be a romantic night out to dinner on the bay, a bike ride to the beach, go out with a great group of friends, and in the morning go to brunch, then watch movies and spend the day relaxing." 

Thanks, Rob! This sounds a bit like my ideal weekend as well! I love the color of this cocktail and it's simplicity! Enjoy your weekend!

*recipe inspired by Downtown Rob and found over at Southern Living

{Tuesday Thoughts}

"Decorators should never insist on throwing out everything the client has. Even when they are far from perfect, loved possessions add personality." 

-Billy Baldwin

Surrounding yourself with comfortable and beautiful items that have meaning to you turns your house into a home. What is one of your favorite pieces in your own home that you can claim makes your house a home?
*image found here

Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice

I spent this past Saturday helping pick out the finishing touches on a decor project in downtown San Diego. This Monday's tips are inspired by our wall art project that we finally chose! We've been going back and forth about what we wanted to place on the wall behind the sofa. This (only a peek!) is what we chose and a couple of tips on artful grouping. 

Tip: "Choose a theme, such as nature or travel, to link each piece to the others. Or, group the artwork by color. An eclectic series of photos in multiple sizes, for example, can still look unified if they’re all in black and white."

Since the clients live in San Diego and directly across the street from the harbor, boasting harbor views, we wanted to bring the outdoors in and chose artwork with a beach/ocean theme. All the frames are the same, yet each photo is of a different shade in order to keep it from being too "matchy-matchy". The farthest on the right is in color, the middle is a sepia tone and the left photo is in black and white. The 3 are unified by the underlying ocean theme, yet variety is created by varying the colors. 

Tip: "Odd numbers of frames (3,5,7) create the most pleasing effect in a display. Place central pieces at eye level or slightly above on the wall, then expand your display outward from there." 

The space we were working with allowed us to hang 3 pieces of art, knowing that we wanted about each piece to be 2'x2'. We hung the artwork at eye level creating maximum viewing pleasure. 

More project photos to come! 

*tips from: art.com

winner winner winner!

We've got winner...! 

A big thanks to those of you who entered the giveaway and shared your favorite summertime drink. I loved reading all of your comments and many of them provided inspiration for some upcoming "Wednesday Weekend Warm Ups"!

The winner of the Blomus East Tray + set of Working Class Studio Coasters, who was chosen by random.org is...Downtown Rob! Congrats, Rob! I'll be contacting you by email to get your mailing information! Enjoy and serve up some cool refreshing lemonade this summer!

Fresh Find Friday!

Summer is here and we all know what that means...weddings, weddings, weddings! Either you're getting married, you're in a wedding or you're attending a wedding and you need to order that special couple that special gift.

Instead of heading straight for the gift registry to see what's left on the list, why not opt for one of these unique photos from Name Your Wish Photo Art! They're fun, personal and sure to find a special spot in that new couple's home rather than hide in the back of the closet amongst sets of china and vacuums. 

Choose one of their numerous images, give them the names of your blissful couple, select your mat and they'll handle the rest! What a sweet and thoughtful gift!

I hope you've entered my giveaway! If you haven't,  follow, comment and spread the word! Good luck!

Thursday's This + That

Set this pair of West Elm zebra stripes on your sofa while showing off your tootsies in that pair of bebe Sarah Winged Zebra Sandals.

Remember to enter my latest giveaway if you haven't already! It ends this Sunday, so follow now!

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up (Giveaway Style)

A fun summer cocktail AND a fun summer giveaway...
First of all, I'm sharing a new favorite summer drink recipe that calls for little herbage from my garden. Summertime in Paris. I gravitated toward this cool cocktail because of it's clever use of Rosemary. I recently planted a vegetable + herb garden and I'm finding any excuse to incorporate my harvest into my recipes.

Summertime in Paris

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz SKYY Infusions Citrus Vodka
1/2 organic rosemary sprig
1/2 oz Meyer Lemon juice
1/2 oz lemongrass simple syrup
Dash of soda

Directions

Muddle rosemary with lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker. Add ice and SKYY Infusions Citrus Vodka and shake. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass and top with soda. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprig and serve.

*recipe from: Marie Claire

Second of all, I'm announcing the CSN All Modern Giveaway happening here on imagine! The peeps over at CSN are providing one lucky imagine follower this Blomus East Tray and that set of Working Class Studio set of coasters. It's amazing how many items you can find when shopping at CSN stores. They have 200+ stores that you can buy from, for everything in your house and for everyone in your family.

Entering is easy! To enter:

1. Become a follower (if you aren’t one already) by clicking on the button that says “Follow” in the sidebar above all the faces.

*Please note this giveaway is only open to followers of imagine. So please make sure you have joined this site to make your entry count. (Following is not the same thing as subscribing in a reader/by email or following on Twitter.)

2. Leave a comment on this post sharing with me your favorite summertime drink to serve to your friends.

3. To double your chances, "LIKE" imagine design on Facebook, blog or tweet (@jamigoldsmith) about this giveaway and leave a second comment letting me know you did this.

You have until 6:00PM on Sunday, June 6th to enter. The winner will be chosen using random.org, notified by email and announced on Monday, June 7th. 

*Please note this giveaway is only open to US and Canadian residents since that is where they ship to. You must be 18 or older though

Good luck!