From Passion to Prestige: Celebrating My Domino Design Blog Award Win and An Unforgettable NYC Adventure!

Hello everyone! I hope this message finds you well and that you all had a truly wonderful weekend. As for me, I’m still riding high on a wave of pure excitement and gratitude, all thanks to the incredible news I recently shared about the Domino Design Blog Awards!

For those of you who follow my journey on Instagram, you might already be in the loop. But for everyone else, I have absolutely thrilling news to announce: I won the prestigious Editors’ Pick/Modern Maverick award! To say I was, and still am, completely overwhelmed and floored by this recognition would be an understatement. The surprise was twofold. Firstly, we weren’t even aware that “Editors’ Pick” or “Modern Maverick” was a category one could be considered for; my initial nomination was in the “Best Small Space Blog” category. Secondly, and perhaps most astonishingly, I still can’t quite believe that out of over 40 incredibly talented and inspiring bloggers, I was the one chosen for this special honor.

I’ve followed so many of these exceptionally gifted individuals for years, drawing immense inspiration from their work, their unique perspectives, and their dedication to the world of design. To be recognized alongside them, and then to be specifically chosen by the esteemed editors of Domino magazine, is truly beyond words. It’s an honor that resonates deeply with the passion and hard work I’ve poured into this blog. I feel incredibly humbled and endlessly grateful. A huge, heartfelt congratulations also goes out to all the other deserving winners; their talent and vision continue to inspire the entire design community.

via Domino

Unveiling the Exciting Rewards: Feature Profiles, a Dream Getaway, and NYC Beckons!

And now, the truly exhilarating part begins! With the announcement of the award results comes a series of fantastic prizes, which were an absolute delightful surprise because, originally, there weren’t any specific prizes mentioned. This added an extra layer of joy to an already monumental achievement. We, the winners, are set to receive exclusive feature profiles on Domino over the coming weeks, offering a deeper dive into our design philosophies, our blogging journeys, and what makes our unique voices resonate within the design sphere. I’m genuinely looking forward to not only sharing more about my own story but also to learning more about the incredible journeys of the other winners. These profiles will be a wonderful opportunity for the community to connect on a more personal level with the minds behind their favorite design blogs.

But the surprises don’t end there! We also won a fantastic fly-away trip vacation! While I’m still eagerly awaiting more specific details about the destination and dates, rest assured that as soon as I have them, I’ll be sharing every exciting detail with all of you. The thought of a getaway to an unknown, beautiful location is incredibly thrilling. In addition to the feature profiles and this dream vacation, we’ve all been invited to a special celebratory event in none other than New York City! You guys, my excitement is through the roof! I’ve never had the opportunity to visit New York City before, and it has always been at the very top of my travel bucket list, second only to Paris. The energy, the architecture, the design scene, the vibrant culture—NYC represents so much of what inspires me, and the chance to experience it, especially for such a special occasion, feels absolutely surreal.

A Long-Held Dream Takes Flight: My NYC Obsession

It’s funny how life sometimes aligns to bring long-cherished dreams to fruition. Have I ever shared with you my ultimate dream of renting out our bungalow after our son graduates high school and moving to New York City for an entire year? Perhaps not, but yes, it’s a very real aspiration that I’ve harbored for quite some time. I’m incredibly obsessed with the idea and quite determined to make it happen someday. Just ask my dear friend Naomi; she’s probably tired of hearing me talk about it! My fascination with NYC stems from its unparalleled artistic pulse, its architectural marvels, its diverse neighborhoods, and the sheer vibrancy that permeates every street corner. I imagine spending my days exploring world-class museums, discovering hidden design gems, soaking in the dynamic fashion scene, and simply immersing myself in the city’s inexhaustible source of inspiration. This upcoming trip, needless to say, feels like a monumental step towards that lifelong dream, a tantalizing preview of what could be. It’s an affirmation that sometimes, if you dream big enough and work hard enough, the universe conspires to bring those dreams a little closer to reality.

A Heartfelt Thank You: The Community That Made This Possible

At the end of the day, all of this — this award, these incredible opportunities, and the realization of a burgeoning dream — was made possible by YOU. My incredible readers, followers, and the beautiful community we’ve built together. From the deepest part of my heart, THANK YOU. Your unwavering support, your thoughtful comments, your engagement on the blog and across social media platforms, overwhelm me with gratitude on a daily basis. You are truly amazing.

I want to be candid with you all. I recently went through a period where I seriously considered stepping away from it all – the blog, Instagram, everything. The demands of maintaining an online presence, the constant pressure to create fresh content, and sometimes, simply the sheer exhaustion that comes with it, can be overwhelming. I started this blog five years ago purely out of a love for sharing my passion for interior design and connecting with other design enthusiasts. While that original intent remains at my core, this journey has evolved into something far more profound. I’ve grown to love also sharing glimpses into my life, my story, my challenges, and my triumphs with you. Through this platform, I’ve had the immense privilege of getting to know so many of you, nurturing very real connections and building genuine friendships that transcend the digital space.

So, while there might be days when I don’t have every detail perfectly aligned for a beautiful post, please know that this is truly what I love doing. I cannot imagine NOT doing it. This community, your encouragement, and the creative outlet this blog provides have become an indispensable part of my life. I am more determined than ever to make it an even bigger and more impactful part of my future. What an absolutely fantastic, unexpected, and truly humbling way to bring this year to a close! I definitely did not see this incredible turn of events coming, and I am eternally grateful for every step of this journey.

Gearing Up for the Big Apple: Packing Challenges and Promises

So, with all the excitement and gratitude, all I can really say now is, “NYC, here I come!” The countdown has officially begun, and I leave in just six days! You know I’ll be documenting and sharing my entire trip and experience with you all daily on Instagram, so please make sure you’re following me there for all the live updates, stories, and design inspiration from the city that never sleeps. I’m already envisioning sharing all the vibrant street scenes, the inspiring design districts, and perhaps even some behind-the-scenes moments from the Domino event.

However, there’s one rather significant hurdle I need to tackle, and quickly: figuring out what on earth I’m going to wear! I mean, I’m a California girl through and through, and our winters, to put it mildly, are drastically different from New York winters. My closet is filled with light layers, sun-drenched fabrics, and a distinct lack of heavy-duty cold-weather gear. I’m envisioning brisk winds, potential snow, and temperatures that require proper insulation – a far cry from my usual mild climate. The challenge of packing for a New York winter, especially when accustomed to Californian warmth, is real! But whatever my wardrobe dilemma, I’d better figure it out fast, because the clock is ticking, and my NYC adventure awaits in less than a week!

Until next time, my dear friends, thank you again for everything. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.