Thursday's This + That

Even though it's Indian Summer here in Southern California, I'm yearning for cooler Autumn days so I can wear a jacket like this...

Walk your dog in this Alice In Autumn Sweatercoat from Anthropologie while hanging that Brockhampton Star wallpaper from Farrow & Ball.

*as always, "Thursday's This & That", inspired by the creative Joy from Oh Joy!  

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up (Minnesota Style)

I'm baaaaack!

After a week long trip back to my home state, Minnesota, I'm beat!! Instead of skipping a blog post or two (which I was seriously thinking about, but who am I kidding...I can't stay away!), I thought I'd share with you a few snapshots of a local winery that my Mom, Dad and I visited the last night I was in Minnesota and share with you a couple of my favorite bottles that we tasted. 

Carlos Creek Winery is located just outside of Alexandria, MN and a few miles from my parents home. It was my first visit there and let me tell you, I was totally impressed! Initially, I was floored that a winery even existed in Minnesota, considering the harsh winters that are well known throughout the North. I now live in Los Angeles, California and the mild winters and warm sunny summers are the perfect host to vineyards growing throughout the golden state! 

The grounds, facility, and decor are a feast for the eyes and you won't find a friendlier staff than the crew here at the winery! Customer Service is always a top priority in MN and MN is kind of known for being home to the nicest people in the country; the team at Carlos Creek Winery reaffirms my belief in this statement. If I were to ever live in MN again (highly unlikely, sorry MOM!), I would be a frequent visitor of the Carlos Creek Winery, not only for their tasty wines, but also for the live music they have every Saturday! 

My two favorite wines that we tasted are the Minnesota Nice Hot Dish Red which is "their best-selling and most award-winning wine is also their sweetest red. The bold taste of Valiant comes through with hints of zesty blackberry that perfectly balance the sweetness. Perfect with Tater Tot Hot Dish, it also drinks well with leftovers!" and also their Apple Blueberry Wine which is "their most popular apple blend. Their own blend of Apple wine with blueberries added. A sweet summertime favorite!". Even my parents, who are NOT wine drinkers loved both of these bottle and purchased them to keep in their liquor cabinet for a special occasion! If interested, you can purchase them online here! 

*PS - Wanna know more about ME? Head over to the lovely Helena's to see me featured in her "My Stuff" series!
A Diary of Lovely

{Tuesday Thoughts}

This was my fortune courtesy of Panda Express last week...

"Honor yourself, and others will honor you too."

Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice

While I'm at home in Minnesota, I thought it'd be nice to give you all a little tip on how to "make your house a home". Last week, I had a such a wonderful handful of lady Blogger friends to fill in for me, who told us all what home means to them. Take a peek at their fun and creative posts, if you haven't already. 

My tip this week is: USE YOUR WORDS!

Put some stencils or quotes on your walls. A couple of my favorite sites for these wall decals are: 1) Belvedere Designs and 2) Wall Words.These sites have stencils, letters, quotes, words and custom phrases that you put onto your wall. A word to the wise, don't put these all over your house. You don't want too much of a good thing. Sprinkle one, two or three throughout your home. This a fabulous way to personalize the kid's rooms, laundry room, powder room or in the entry to welcome guests into your home.

*I'm always available for design consultations if you're located in the Southern California area! My Interior Design office is located in La Verne, California.  For those of you living outside of Southern California, and would still like my design advice, I offer e-design services as well.  Please email me for rates and more info. As a recent Interior Design graduate, I offer affordable and comparable rates. I'd love to help you make your house a home!

HOME {Shannon Style}

Shannon is another Blogger who I recently became a big fan of! Her (super cute) blog: What's Up Whimsy, if full of fun! She's got a quirky sense of humor that shines through her writing. I love popping over there, for a daily dose of eye candy and a giggle or two! Shannon wraps up with week with what home means to her. 

I just want to start off by thanking Jami for asking me to guest post today. I have never been a guest blogger before, so I was super honored to be considered.  Hope you like it!

When I think of "home", I immediately think of this:

Via Celebrity Homes

Ya right, I wish!  But really, all jokes aside, home is wherever my family is…whether it be in a tiny 700 square foot condo or a ridiculous mansion like the one above.

  

Wait, I write a home decor blog, who am I kidding??  ”Home”, to me, also means a well-designed home.  Here are a collection of some of my favorite designed rooms:

Via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

So there you have it!  A true and honest representation of what home means to me.  Thanks again Jami!

Thank you, Shannon! You gave me a good chuckle and I love seeing snapshots of your beautiful family! And I particularly like that bedroom (7) with all the tangerine pops! 

So there you have it! A full week worth of super talented Bloggers sharing with us what home means to them! I hope you all enjoyed their creative posts. Did they make you think about what home means to you? 

HOME {Ashlina Style}

Today's post is brought to you by my dear sweet friend, Ashlina {the decorista}. Ashlina and I became friends a few months back (on Twitter, of course) and found out that we live really close to each other and we've been hanging out, going to design and blogging events ever since! Ashlina has truly been a blessing to me, in that we have a lot in common and share many interests, so I always have someone to turn to who automatically "gets" me! I'm very lucky to have found a friend like her! Here's what home means to Ashlina.

I absolutely love this home collage. It is so Ashlina and totally perfect. Thanks, Doll, for sharing with us what home means to you! Home is where the heart is! I have one more Guest Blogger this week; Shannon from What's Up Whimsy is here tomorrow to tell us what home means to her! 

HOME {Emily A. Clark Style}

I recently became acquainted with this Blogger not too long ago. I'm not sure exactly how Emily and I met (most likely through Twitter!), but I am in love with her blog: Emily A. Clark: ideas, inspirations & musings of a home stylist. She is always coming up with the greatest of ideas like this one and this one! So without further ado, lets let Emily show us what home means to her. 

image via The Little Greene

When I walk through my front door, home becomes to me. . . .

A place to relax.

A place to have fun.

And, most of all, a place to prepare me

for the big world that awaits me outside my front door.

Thanks, Jami, for letting me share what home means to me.  For more on my home and my adventures in decorating it, you can visit  my blog.

When I first read this post when Emily sent it over to me, goosebumps raised on my arms and a lump swelled in my throat! I love this post. Thank you, Emily, for creating such a beautiful and meaningful post to share with all my readers! Tomorrow, we have the beautiful Ashlina {the decorista} here to tell us what home means to her! 

HOME {Paloma Style}

I'm so completely honored that this next fabulous Blogger is here telling us today what home means to her. The lovely Paloma of La Dolce Vita takes us inside the space that she calls home. Paloma's blog was the very first design blog that I remember reading, even before I knew what blogging was! I was so inspired by her and her writing abilities, I just had to know what this blogging world was all about! A couple months, later, I created imagine! So, THANK YOU, Paloma for being that source of inspiration that has led me to the world of blogging! Lets take a look at what home means to you...

{My Home as featured in Southern Flourish magazine}

Hi everyone! This is Paloma from La Dolce Vita. I am so excited to be filling in for Jami today. When she gave me the task of defining what home means to me, I had to face the challenge of verbalizing something that isn’t always so tangible. More than anything, I would venture to say that most people would consider home to be the ultimate place of comfort. It may not be the most exciting place you’ve ever been, but it sure feels wonderful to be there after a long day at the office or a few days spent traveling. Not only is my home a source of comfort for its familiarity factor, it is also the place where I spend the most time with my wonderful husband, Fabian and my sweet pup, Tate and where we often have family celebrations and holidays. In the four years that we have lived in this house, we have made so many wonderful memories, which are a comfort in and of themselves.

I spend my days writing my blog, in which I constantly feature beautiful, inspiring, and quite often, very expensive spaces. It took me a while to muster up the courage to share my own home on my blog for fear that it would not compare, but I realized that my home doesn’t have to be perfect or worth millions of dollars, however it should be a reflection of my personality and that is precisely what it is. Aside from being one of my biggest sources of comfort, my home is a creative expression of who I am and a major reflection of my tastes.

My formal living room, for example, is a declaration of my style and says a lot about my family and our interests. From this room, you would be able to tell that my husband and I love to travel, we have an affinity for vintage chairs and beautiful lamps, and that some of my favorite colors are orange, chocolate, and turquoise. Our home was newly built when we first purchased it four years ago. What started out as a cookie-cutter vanilla box has evolved into a lovely space through the addition of color, unique, vintage pieces, and personal touches.

Thanks for having me, Jami! I hope your readers have enjoyed this mini-tour of my home and reading about what home means to me.

{All Images by Paloma Contreras}

Is she just lovely? And Tate, her pup, is adorable! Thank you, Paloma! I can tell that home is where your heart is! Be sure to tune in tomorrow to see how Emily (from Emily A. Clark) defines home! And if you missed Camila's (from High-Heeled Foot) post from yesterday, you can check it out here. 

HOME {Camila Style}

Ta ta darlings! I'm off to my beautiful homeland -----> Minnesota! I'm actually flying into Fargo, North Dakota because it's the closet airport to my parent's home. Oooooh yaaaa, doooon'tcha knoooow?!

I'll be gone for a week, so there are a wonderful group of Bloggers here to keep you entertained this week on imagine! I'm so happy and excited who all decided to Guest Blog for me; I truly admire each and every one of them and they provide me with such support and inspiration, it's incredible! So show them some love and comment, comment, comment!

To kick things off, Camila from High-Heeled Foot in the Door shares with us what home means to her!

While Jami is off enjoying a little family time she asked a bunch of her blog friends to guest post. I was honored when Jami contacted and super happy to comply with her request.

Jami wanted us to blog about what home means to us. At first I started thinking about a favorite room or accessory in my house and I couldn't come up with a thing that fully described how I feel about my home.

I know it's totally cheesy, but home to me means family. This is just a sampling of some of my favorite people that make my house feel like a home.

They provide me with warmth, comfort, shelter, support, happiness and a whole lot of love. Ah who know I could be so cheesy! :)

Thanks, Camila, for letting us into your home! Be sure to check out Paloma's (from La Dolce Vita) post tomorrow!

Fresh Find Friday!

My fresh find this Friday comes from a new friend of mine, Laura. Believe it or not, Laura and I met on Twitter! She's a gal who lives close to me and has lots in common with me - we love design, shopping, going to good restaurants... Laura recently launched a new online shop, Shop Design Spark, filled with design goodies and accessories. Just take a look...

SHOP HERE: SHOP DESIGN SPARK

Next week, I'll be traveling back to my home state, Minnesota! It's a much needed trip to reconnect with my family and also disconnect with the busy and hectic LA lifestyle. I'm yearning for green pastures, one-lane highways, small community watering-holes where everyone knows my name and the quiet comfort of my parents 27 acres of land. 

Don't fret, I'll be back, but in the meantime, I have an awesome group of Blogger girls here to tell us all what home means to them in their own words and images. I can't wait! Have a great weekend everyone! I'll be checking in here and there next week to say "hi"! 

Thursday's This + That

This Fall I'm falling over everything fur...

Stay warm, yet cool in this Halston Heritage Faux Fur Coat and snuggle up on the sofa with that set of Mongolian Lamb Pillows from West Elm.

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

I'm not quite sure if it was because we were staying directly next to the Mardarin Oriental in Las Vegas last weekend, or what...

...but we sure had fun sipping on these all weekend long! If you're looking for something light and refreshing without all the sugar, but you still want a bit of flavor, then this little shooter is what you're requesting at the bar next time! I'm usually a straight vodka + soda water kind of girl, but this weekend had me craving a bit more of a fruity touch. And without the high sugar content, you'll still feel fine the next morning! Cheers!

*found here

{Tuesday Thoughts}

“Clothes and courage have much to do with each other.”

― Sara Jeannette Duncan

After spending an extended (and much needed) weekend in Vegas, I cannot reiterate how much my mood is affected by what I'm wearing! There was such a noticeable difference in my attitude when I went from wearing flip flops to cruise the strip to wearing heels and a nice dress for some late night fun! My feelings have a direct correlation with what is draped on my body.

Here's a glimpse into my weekend in Vegas. We had a fun time staying at Aria. I apologize for the fuzziness of my pictures! They were taken on my camera phone...

Even though none of my dresses above are DVF, I cannot think of a more perfect designer than Diane Von Furstenberg who makes a girl feel womanly and comfortable in her clothes than DVF! Just check out some of my favorite looks of hers from her Fall 2010 line. 

So if you're thinking about revamping your wardrobe or just adding a piece of clothing here or there, keep this in mind: 

"Dress yourself in support of FEELING wealthy and prosperous. Choose one nice outfit vs. 7 inexpensive ones and notice how you feel!" 

James Arthur Ray

J Lo and DVF image: Fashionolic

Wonder Woman DFV photo: Style: Live it, Love it, Own it

Makeover Monday: Insider Tips, Tricks & Expert Advice

Good morning and happy Mondays lovelies! We're still in Vegas, so this will be short and sweet! I hope you all had a great weekend!

TIP: "Order an inexpensive big round table and skirt. Use it like your attic: hide all your junk underneath. (Try ballarddesigns.com and splurge on overnight delivery.)" 

*tip from House Beautiful

TGIF - It's that time again...

Yay! We're flying to Vegas today to do a little birthday celebrating for a friend of ours (we have another 30th on our hands!) I just wanted to take a minute to wish you all a wonderful weekend and say thanks for a great week here on imagine! On Monday, I announced that Anna was the winner of my Keep Calm and Carry On print. She chose the teal print BTW. I also created a "Blog Fun" post, which I'll be adding to whenever I meet super cool bloggers or go to bad ass blogger events. Hee-hee. And if you're hosting a party this weekend or just takin' it easy and you're in need of an Autumn cocktail recipe, I've got you covered - check it out here. Here's to the weekend! 

Thursday's This + That

White leather = sexy + right up my alley!

Sit on this Two Soar Bar Stool while wearing that Torn White Leather Stud Amanda Jacket. Get wild.

Wednesday Weekend Warm Up

Autumn is here and I'm loving it!

Yesterday, us here in Southern California experienced the cool and crisp Autumn weather for the first time this Fall! I even pulled out my Uggs! Just as summer has suddenly left us, the familiar flavors of fall and a strong cooling breeze are here to remind us of cozy blankets, Fall harvest and trick or treating. This drink takes your classic apple cider and gives it the ultimate makeover with a touch of class and major sophistication. Pear brandy and chocolate bitters are sure to warm up even the briskest of Autumn nights and a flavor explosion that will have you talking all through the cold months.

*Photo and recipe from: About dot com: Cocktails

Blog Fun

I never imagined what my little blog could turn into! It's been such a fun and creative outlet for me! Not only that, it has provided me with multiple opportunities to meet and make new friends who I instantly have something in common with. 

Here's a collection of snapshots that I've gathered of blogging events and friends I've made all through blogging! I've posted the most current at the top and will continue to add pictures as more blog events happen and even more friends are made! Here's to blogging! 

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’”

― C.S. Lewis

{ Enjoying cocktails in the George Smith showroom during La Cienega Design Quarter's legends event with Mie Benson, Rebecca Buenik, Christian May, Richard Morales and Tracy Hiner }


A group of fun bloggers and tweeters at the Legends of La Cienega 2011

Mary Darling (Fabulous on a Budget)  ::  Rebecca Buenik (Digital Dollhouse) ::  Jami Goldsmith (imagine) :: Jessica Sommer (Lovely Ugly Design)  ::  Laura Kurkjian (Shop Design Spark) :: Leah Ashley (Fabulous on a Budget) :: Irene Lovett (designstILes)
A group of us LA design bloggers got together for a meet and greet at Firefly in Studio City. It's kinda amazing how we all live so close to each other and yet we all met through blogging!

Alexa Rager (Rager Enery Blog)  ::  Jami Goldsmith (imagine) 

While one of my bestest friends from New Jersey was in Los Angeles for the Solar Power Convention, we got to meet and catch up a little at Boulevard 3! We met while we were both living in San Diego and still keep in touch after moving away! Love this girl! 

Ashlina (The Decorista)  ::  Paloma Contreras (La Dolce Vita)  ::  Jami Goldsmith (imagine) ::  Arianna Belle (Arianna Belle)

While Paloma was in town from Houston, us three Los Angeles ladies had the pleasure of lunching with her at Toast!

Jami Goldsmith (imagine) :: Keely (luxe + lillies)

I had the pleasure of meeting Keely while I was visiting my homestate, Minnesota! She is the genius who designed my website. 

Jami Goldsmith (imagine) :: Laura Kurkjian (Shop Design Spark) :: Eileen (Shi Shi Lifestyles) Ashlina (The Decorista)

After Ashlina and I attended the Kelly Wearstler event at Trina Turk, we met up with Laura and Eileen at Sur in West Hollywood!

Jami Goldsmith (imagine) :: Trina Turk :: Ashlina (The Decorista)

Ashlina and I attending a Kelly Wearstler book signing event at Trina Turk in Los Angeles.

Mie Benson :: Ashlina (The Decorista) :: Cystal Gentillo (Plush Palate & Rue Magazine) :: Rachel Melville (Stuff and Bits) :: Jami Goldsmith (imagine)

While Crystal was in town on a Rue photo shoot, a few of us local Los Angeles Bloggers put together a small dinner at La Poubelle in Los Angeles.

Ashlina (The Decorista) :: Cassandra LaValle (coco+kelley) :: Jami Goldsmith (imagine)

Ashlina and I attended the Legends of La Cienega in Los Angeles. We had the pleasure of meeting Cassandra of Coco + Kelley!

Ashlina (The Decorista) :: Joy (Oh Joy!) :: Jami Goldsmith (imagine)

Ashlina and I attended the Legends of La Cienega in Los Angeles. We had the pleasure of meeting Joy of Oh Joy!

Ashlina (The Decorista) :: Janet (Remodelista) :: Jami Goldsmith (imagine)

Ashlina and I attended the Legends of La Cienega in Los Angeles. We had the pleasure of meeting Janet of the Remodelista.

Jami Goldsmith (imagine) :: Rique Uresti (Boarding Pass...Me the Salt!) :: Ashlina (The Decorista) :: Mie Benson
This is my very first time meeting up with a fellow Blogger from Los Angeles! I've never done any internet dating, but I'm guessing it felt a little similar as this did! Ashlina and I have been hanging out and going to Blogger and design events ever since! Thanks Twitter!