Imhoff Homestead :: Interior Selections

Monday, December 10, 2018
I absolutely love picking out the finishes of homes, it's therapeutic to me.  I love playing with tile and textures and seeing what goes with what, or what makes something "pop." When it came time to select our own homes designs, it's a bit harder.  I am such a perfectionist that I get SO worried I am going to mess it up and hate it for life!  I just have to keep reminding myself, "You know what looks good, and there are no wrong choices when you select the classics."  I never go too trendy, I always try to choose something that I not only love now, but will love in 20 years from now.  I think that's the key to my design!  Some people may call it boring or monochromatic, but I did a lot of subtle selections with black as my accent.  I can't wait to share how it all comes together!






#imhoffhomestead #imhoffhome #building #interiordesign #interiorselections #homeconstruction #celina #texas





Imhoff Homesteads 2018 :: Gift Guide for HIM

Friday, November 23, 2018
Every year when I compile the Gift Guide for the Men, I try really hard to think about ALL types of men and what they would like.  In other words, there is something for the sporty man, the rugged man, the tech guy, the fitness guru, etc.  I try to think of my husband as well, and I am pretty sure he would appreciate anything on this list!  What are your thoughts?  What would your man love of of this list?!  Happy Shopping!


#imhoffhomestead #giftguide #imhoffhomesteadgiftguide #marinelayer #williamssonoma #brooksshoes #clarisonic #columbia #bombas #potterybarn #txwhiskey #yeti




Imhoff Homesteads 2018 :: Gift Guide for HER


I am so thrilled with this list this year, I just feel like there is something for everyone! The items on this list contain both items I personally have and ADORE, as well as, some items on my wish list.  I honestly didn't know just how beautiful they looked together until I added them to the board!  What's on your wish list?!  Happy Shopping!




#imhoffhomestead #giftguide #imhoffhomesteadgiftguide #harperandari #communalcoffee #limelife #nordstrom #toryburch #lange #soma #langria



Imhoff Homestead :: Exterior Selections

Friday, October 12, 2018
It's been a productive few weeks over at the new Imhoff Homestead, and the home itself is really starting to come together.  It wasn't too long ago it was still a pile of dirt with very little evidence a build had actually started.  Thankfully now we have a foundation, frame, roof, electrical, and plumbing all completed .. YAY!  It seems like FOREVER ago when we signed the contract.

Fairly quickly after we made the decision to move, we were able to choose all of our selections.  It's a bit overwhelming at first.  I tend to go classic or traditional, but my heart wants to go really modern in some areas.  It's hard to find a way to blend the two together.  I just want to select options that I still think will look good in ten plus years ... go ahead and insert an eye roll here! HA!  In other words, I tend to choose really "safe" options.  This is going to be our long-term house, so in areas where we cut costs last time, we have chosen to go ahead and do them now, so that we can grow into this home.

For those of you who like lots of color - Meet Natalie and cringe .. lol!  I tend to go very monochromatic and then add pops of color here and there.  I am really trying to be better, like I found a framed piece of artwork that was blue .... I KNOW!  Anyways, it shouldn't come as much surprise that the outside of the home would be the same.  Here are just some of our exterior selections on the new home.  Key elements are our white textured brick which looks like stone, a black roof with black windows, and some lighter grays to help soften some of the high contrast areas.



We are patiently waiting to move past this process, but I know God has a plan for our family and is teaching us patience every day.  I read something the other day that made me realize, when I complain about our living situation, or how our build is taking forever, to step back and evaluate the situation.

"The things you find time to complain about could be someone else's dream come true." 
- Rachel Hollis in Girl Wash Your Face


#imhoffhomestead #newconstruction #celinatx #exteriorselections #exteriordesign #building





Imhoff Homestead :: The Foundation + Frame

Wednesday, September 19, 2018
You know it starts becoming official once they start framing and the home begins to take shape.  It's crazy to me to think that in just a few short months [4 to be exact] we'll be living inside these walls and making new family memories.  I can't wait to walk the kids to school each morning, enjoying our backyard extra space for our puppies, and making warm home-made dinners in the new kitchen.  It seems like such "little stuff," but it's simply what I am craving right now.


When I see the framed walls like this it makes my head swirl with design ideas.  I literally have had trouble sleeping thinking about where things will "go," or what I still need to get for the home.  The list seems like it's never ending, and a lot of it is easily forgotten items ... curtain rods, shower rods, drawer liners, cabinet pulls.  All the non-furniture necessary stuff right?!  I won't lie though, it's extremely exciting to be able to do this for a second time.  Only in Texas can you keep building your dream home!  When building your home or going through a re-model, what are some of the items you forgot, or wish you would have done differently?  We are by no means building a custom home, and one of the items I wanted so badly was a laundry shoot.  Looks like the boys will be throwing their clothes down the stair case again [enter sad emoji here.]


The rounded part of the slab is our master bedroom.  It will be so nice to have some extra space in the room for a reading nook.  And the below photo will eventually be the kitchen.  Right from my kitchen window I'll see out to the street and get a great view of a pretty live oak tree.  I was REALLY worried about this window for a long time because there is a big post on that side of the home that I would have DIED if I was staring at while doing dishes!  Thank goodness it looks like we're in the clear!


And there you have it, a little sneak peek of what's to come.  I can't wait to share more about our build and the process itself.  So far it's been "ok."  It's honestly been really slow and we just heard word that our windows are on back-order ... so there is that.  BUT, I refuse to get lost in the day-to-day dilemmas and just set my eyes for our future.  Thanks for sharing this journey with me. Next week I'll be sharing some of our design selections!! Whoop Whoop!


#imhoffhomestead #imhoffhome #newconstruction #newhomebuild #celinatx




Imhoff Homestead :: Must Have Beauty Products 2018

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Imhoff Homestead's TOP Products 2018

You'all - I am SO SO SO excited to bring back Imhoff Homestead's TOP Beauty Products of 2018 - Whoop Whoop!  After a few months of testing products [yes we really do test EVERY product] we have narrowed down our favorites to these babies!

So you may be wondering .... WHY?!  We have done this for a few years now and everyone seems to REALLY enjoy finding new beauty products to try for themselves. We asked family, friends, and finally our readers, and it all comes down to this!  What to know the best part? We still have 3/4 products that are going on the 2019 list because they are THAT good too! Thank you to everyone who sent us a note or request, we love them all!!  To view last years list Must Have Beauty List 2017, Click Here.

Here they are in all their glory ... we'll be sharing how we use these products on social media over the next few weeks! 

Imhoff Homestead's :: Top Must Have Beauty Products 2018



1.  Splurge Cream Eye Shadow by Younique -
Day or Evening, this product looks amazing! It looks pretty dark in the packaging when you first get it, and literally, like every time I pull it out, I think ... this may be too dark.  BUT, it goes on flawlessly every time.  The key is that a little bit goes a long way.  So for your sudle look, you don't need to use as much.  If you apply more, it will go on darker for more of an evening look. I use this almost every day and because it's creamy, it takes seconds to apply.  I do use a brush, but I have known others to use their fingertip too.  You are going to LOVE this color because it goes with everything!!  Oh and all Seasons too. It's currently Summer here and I have been using it every day, but I also know it's going to look - oh so good, this Fall!  Contact your local/nearest Younique Rep to purchase.


2. Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner -
Okay, this item leaves my skin feeling so fresh, and totally smells like a garden tomato.  I thought it was actually weird when I started using it, but I LOVE it now.  It reminds me of my grandma's tomato garden every time I use it.  Did you know that Tomatoes are also an amazing source of carotenoids like Lycopene, Beta-Carotene, and Vitamin E? Me either, but I have totally seen great results, which is why this product had to make the list!  Basically the toner restores your skin to the correct ph balance. It's 99% all natural and removes dirt and oil, all while tightening pores.  Who wouldn't want that?!  It's also a great product to use before using moisturizer, as it prepares your face for application.  I literally buy mine at Kroger, but you can get it from the link if it's easier.  Here is the link for easy purchase: Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner


3. Illuminating Mineral Pressed Powder w/ Fan Brush -
Before last year, I was using eye shadow in an illuminating light color in certain places around my face once my makeup was complete.  THIS product was a game changer for me.  If you are like me and still using eye shadow, then this may be a great go-to.  Yes you'll have to purchase another product, but I promise this goes on flawlessly!  I use it with the Fan Brush also in the photo, and talked about below.  I even use an off brand and it will last forever!  I have has this particular illuminating powder for over a year and it's still has TONS of life left.  You really don't use a lot, so it should last you quite a long time.  So here's the step.  After I have on my makeup and everything is set, I take the fan brush, use this powder and whisp it over my cheek bones, the cupid's arrow on my lips, and my brow bone.  It's amazing how it brings your face to life ... like seriously, the perfect last step, leaving you with a sun-kissed finished look.  Here is a link for easy purchase:  Femme Couture Mineral Effects Baked Bronzer in Summer Kiss

Okay, so I talked about using this product above with the illuminating powder, but if you don't have a fan brush in your arsenal, you need to grab one today!  Like for real!  I use this brush DAILY to illuminate, and it's a breeze!  We all have those brushes that we get and they hardly ever get used. I have like 20 of those, HA!  But for real, this is one that I use every single day, because even if I don't put on makeup, or not all of my makeup, the illuminating powder still looks good when applied with this brush. You can pick these brushes up anywhere. I got mine at Sephora and I probably wont need to purchase another one of these brushes for 10+ years.  ** Always make sure you clean your brushes well, but this is one that takes little to no effort and glides on.  It barely even touches my face!  Here is the link for easy purchase: Medium Powder Fan Brush


4.  Jade Facial Roller - 
Okay, you're going to feel so fancy using a jade roller I promise!  When I first got mine, I was hesitant to say the least.  I didn't exactly "buy-in" to what they say it will do. BUT, I decided to try it and use it consistently, and I was pleasantly surprised.  I use this roller first thing every morning and it's great because it has two sides. The small jade side I use under my eyes and the larger side I use on the rest of my face.  The jade always stays cool, so it feels great on your skin.  What I discovered after using this product is that I would actually get excited to use it each morning.  It's like getting a mini facial massage and takes some of the redness out of my face.  So here's my routine.  I wake up, use a facial cleansing towelette over my face, then I proceed with my jade roller.  This makes sure that my face is clean and keeps germs and bacteria away from my roller.  The puffy circles start to look better even before I reach for my coffee.  There are MANY, MANY out there, I just picked one and was happy with it. I didn't do a lot of research of all the different companies out there.  Mine did however come in a cute box, which is where I keep it still.  Here is a link for easy purchase: GingerChi Roller Anti Aging Jade Roller


5. Indulge Soothing Eye Gel by Mary Kay -
I have been using this product for YEARS, and I do mean YEARS!  In all seriousness, I refuse to do ANYTHING before I have had a cup of coffee in the mornings .... but you know what, I apply this first!  When you wake up and you haven't gotten as much sleep as your body needs, and your eyes feel so tired, or it's hard to keep them open ... this here my friends is like eye crack!  You'll instantly be able to open your eyes and feel better about your morning as you're pouring that first cup, I guarantee it!  This is one product I cherish and always make sure I have plenty of.  A little bit goes a long way, so one of these glass jars lasts me about 6 months! Contact your local/nearest Mary Kay Rep to purchase.


6. Bare Minerals Finishing Brush - 
Here's to the brush that I owe it all to.  After I have used all my hundreds of brushes in the morning, this is the one that pulls everything together to make my face look flawless and airbrushed!  I am like most people and use a foundation brush each morning.  I also have a contour brush that I use with my bronzer.  Once everything is evened out and blended in - then I STILL come in with my Finishing Brush.  Friends, I seriously do not even put a lick of any-type of makeup on this brush - at all! I just blend and swirl!  Airbrushed every time!  You're Welcome!  Here is the link for easy purchase: Bare Minerals Finishing Brush


7.  It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product
It's from It's a 10, because I would rate it a 10!  Hands down, with my hair type, I HAVE to use this product after washing my hair.  It takes like negative 2 seconds to mist your hair before you brush, right after you jump out of the shower.  I have a littler routine.  I get out of the shower, I spray this miracle product in my hair, I brush my teeth, and THEN I brush through.  It leaves your hair so soft and also allows the brush to just run right through to the ends.  If I didn't use this product, it would take me forever to brush out  my tangled hair.  I have fine, thin hair, so it tangles VERY easily. Even if your hair isn't like mine, it will repair dry damaged hair, add shine, smooth & control frizz, seal & protect hair color, prevent split ends, stop hair breakage, creates silkiness, enhances natural body, AND [catching my breath] is a flat iron & thermal protector.   Why are you not using this product already?!  Here is the link for easy purchase: It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product


8.  L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara -
You may be thinking ... really?  This is the mascara you choose for the list?!  Are you serious!?  YES, I AM DEAD SERIOUS!  I have used this mascara for the last 10 YEARS.  No, seriously!  And I kid you not, I get asked at LEAST once a week which mascara I use.  Now to be fair, I have long lashes, so they get brought up more that most.  But I adore this mascara.  It's creamy so it goes on smooth with no lumps.  It's easy to apply and I love the think and soft mascara wand, and it doesn't smudge.  What more could you want in a mascara?  This mascara never hurts my lashes, it's easy to take off and apply, and can get in numerous colors.  It's not expensive and lasts me a very long time.  It's one of my secret weapons.   I do have a special routine I use that helps maximize my mascara, but that's probably for a different post. I will say that I get the 5x Voluminous one and every time my lashes look like perfection!  Again, I buy mine at Target or Kroger, but ... Here's the link for easy purchase: L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Blackest Black


9.  Flowerbomb Perfume by Viktor Rolf -
It's my go-to scent, every day, evenings out, it's the best.  In the past, when some of my friends would comment on how they love perfume I would secretly buy the roller and gift it to them as a surprise.  Guess what?!  They are still using it!  These rollers also make the best stocking stuffers too!  Who wouldn't LOVE this?!  If you haven' tried this scent yet, make time and do it! I mean, it made my must-have list for a reason! Here is the link for easy purchase: Flowerbomb by Viktor+Rolf


11.  Dove Volume + Fullness Dry Shampoo -
I have tried them ALL! I have an arsenal of dry shampoo products in my cabinet as we speak and it's quite embarrassing.  You wouldn't think it would be that hard to find the perfect dry shampoo!  It's super cheap [$4], and lasts me 2+ weeks.  Before bed, I spray this on my hair and when I wake up, it's perfect!  Now, I do have fine, thin hair, so my wash/clean ratio is probably higher. I TRY to push to day three, but sometimes that's just not an option.  However, almost always I wait a day before washing and this dry shampoo is the only reason why I can do it!  Now, I love dry bar products .... but my wallet [and husband] does not agree.  The Dry Shampoo empties wayyy too fast for me to get some high-end brand, which is why I prefer the Dove version.  It does a perfect job!  I get mine at Kroger, but here is the link for easy purchasing: Dove Volume + Fullness Dry Shampoo


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Find some of our FAVORITE products on our SideBar with Links to where to purchase.


You do NOT want to miss our Runners Up, NEXT MONDAY to see which products we tested that we adore, but didn't make the Top 10!



#imhoffhomestead #musthavebeautyproducts2017



Disclaimer:

Three products in our Top 10 Must Have List were sponsored.  Imhoff Homestead tested over 15 sponsored products, and only 3 made the Top 3 List.  Our testimony was completely our own, we feel the products we chose were the best in their field, and we would recommend these to others without the sponsorship.  For easy purchase, we have added these products to the our right sidebar.  Please check out these products from other Mompreneuars.

Some products will not work with everyone all the time.  If you purchase any product from our list, and it doesn't work out, or doesn't work with your body, then you will not hold Imhoff Homestead Liable in any shape or form.  Please read all the ingredients of each product before trying. 

Imhoff Homestead :: A New Chapter [SOLD]

Friday, August 24, 2018
What's the saying ... "When one door closes, another one opens."  It's so incredibly crazy to me to think that just a few months ago the thought of moving wasn't even crossing our minds.  We totally thought we had a year or two before a big move would take place, but I guess God had bigger plans.  I think the hardest part for me in it all was the fact that it happened so quickly, almost over night.  There wasn't any goodbyes, there wasn't a time to be sad, only a time to look forward to think about what could be.

A lot of people have asked us "What's Next?" I am so superstitious that I didn't want to say anything until it was final, like FINAL FINAL!  Which I guess is why I am so excited to share that we have put down roots just a little North of our current home in a town called Celina.  It's currently booming and we just felt like the time was right.  We found an amazing community with lots of kids, great families, and tons of amenities.  We are SO excited for our future and what's all to come.  It just doesn't get any better than this.  Like, i'm serious, it's soooo amazing where we are going.  Every morning when I drop my kiddos off I find myself not wanting to leave.  I have already started to run and walk up there too, which is getting me used to all the streets and trails.


I'd say at first the kids were skeptical to say the least.  However, they love it as much as we do now, and they are constantly asking us to go fishing, or go swimming in our new neighborhood.  I can't even imagine what its going to be like when we actually get there.

We had to give up one thing ... the BIG yard.  It's something I know we will have to get used to, but with all the trails, and space there, we will get used to it in no-time.  So there you have it. Our next location is just a around the corner.  I can't wait to share this process with everyone, just as I did our old home.  Everything from building updates to design selections!  You'll be able to follow along with the process from the tab above titled :: Home Construction.






                                                      #imhoffhomestead #imhoffhome #newbuild #celinatx 

Sad to Say Goodbye

Monday, August 6, 2018
This is a post I really, and truly, had not planned for another year or two.  It's funny how things work out isn't it?  I love my home, or I guess I should say, I loved my home.  Just a few short weeks ago, Hubs and I said goodbye to the first home we built together.  It's a home we will never forget and will always keep close to our hearts.

When we built this home 3.5 years ago, we built it to stay.  It was everything we wanted in a house, from the yard to the finishings.  But some things aren't meant to last.  We started noticing about 4 months ago talking about what we wanted in "our next home."  We would often say, "Well, in our next home, we'll do this..."  And honestly, I really thought that was at a maximum of a year away.  Well, I guess God had bigger plans for our family.  I remember it clearly, I was sitting in the pickup line at the kids school, and Hubs sent me a photo of a home for sale, and said, "What's wrong with this home."  Now that I am a realtor in the area, I have a behind-the-scenes glance at homes in the area.  This particular home has been on the market for quite some time, but basically had everything we were looking for in our "next home."  While we didn't end up with that property, we found that we fell in love with the area itself, and once we fell in love ... well it was all over. 


Within weeks we had the house on the market.  It's so surreal to see the photos from our home and feel the memories flood back in.  I think most of all, we'll miss our friends.  I kept quite for a while about our sale.  It was something I wanted to keep quiet until all the inter-workings were done.  There are so many things we'll miss thought, like the backyard.  Ohhh it was an amazing lot.  It's one of the main features of the home that I think both kept us there for as long as it did.  Honestly, in this area, it's irreplaceable. 





The house itself was only on the market for a few weeks.  When we learned we would be closing in less than 30 days, that in itself was a task. I kept asking myself, "How in the world was this going to all get done?!"  We had really settled and designed the home for the space we lived in.  For me, it was hard to imagine a new home, where I would have to re-design, and get rid of some areas of the house I had learned to love.  It honestly was REALLY hard, like for real hard.  For instance, I loved my black china cabinet.  You may remember me posting it here, just a few short months ago.  In the new home, there really isn't a spot for it.  Yes I am getting some built in cabinets, but I had already fallen in love with this cabinet. Maybe it's because it has my DIY stamp on it?





Even though I can't take a lot of my furniture with me, or I'll have to re-design our new space, I will always cherish these photos and remember all the found memories in this home.  It was a GREAT home.  A loving space for our family and friends, and a common ground for company to come and stay and retreat.  Although we said goodbye, Allegheny will be in our hearts.

What I am excited about is taking you on another home building journey, one where you'll be able to see from the ground up again.  I can't wait to share my inspiration, interior design, color palettes, and so much more!


#imhoffhomestead #imhoffhome #forsale #homeforsale #interiorphotos #interiordesign #professionalhomephotos






Imhoff Homestead's Shared Herbs

Wednesday, May 2, 2018
I am so excited about this little project that I picked up today.  I was browsing around Hobby Lobby yesterday and found the cutest crate for under $5.00!  Yep, picked that baby up!  I had to stop by Home Depot on the way home as well to replace a few flowers that didn't survive and so I was able to select some fresh locally grown herbs to place in the crate.  The herbs were on sale for 5/$15.00 so I grabbed all five and called it a day!

These are fresh herbs that I'll place near my front door so any neighbors can come and grab as they please!  And with guests coming this weekend, I'll be able to cook with the fresh herbs right away.  I love when things work out perfectly!!

 






Pops of green are my absolutely favorite!  I tend to steer clear of lots of color, but my home is filled with greens along with my muted color scheme!  I love how this would make a perfect [and functional] gift as well!


#imhoffhomestead #imhoffhome #freshherb #locallygrown #communialherbs #fresh #diy




Used Frames Turned Equestrian Style

Tuesday, May 1, 2018
It's no secret that my interior design style has turned slightly towards an Equestrian Approach.  Think Country Club meets French Farmhouse.  I love the rustic look with a little sophistication.  I have been tweaking the house over the past few months to really capture the look I wanted, and I have to stay, I am more and more in love with it every single day.

Some of you may assume that I have a past with horses in some shape or form.  The truth is I actually I have very little.  No more than a handful of times.  I have more of a relationship with cattle than I do horses, but I have always been drawn to the majestic, beautiful side of the animal.  There is something so peaceful about these creatures, that creating space with their presents has been therapeutic in some ways.

A few years ago - yes I said YEARS, I founds these photo frames with some type of old floral artwork.  I think someone was going to throw them out and I knew I wanted them just for their frames alone!  They sat in our guest room closest for most of their time with us, until I really was able to develop a plan.  That plan came into fruition over the past few weeks and I am SOOOO happy with how this little project turned out.

So here are the frames with the artwork that I was able to get for fa-reeee! ... they are beauties aren't they!?


These babies have a silver-gold brushed frame, with a tiny black interior trim.  They included a cream mat with a gold stripe.  Not exactly what I wanted.  I took these two frames apart so that it was just the frame and the glass like so ...


On Ebay, I found these re-produced horse racing images for less than $10.00 each!  I took the old cream mat to Michael's and hand them cut me a new white mat to go to inside the frames and to go with the new horse racing photos.  The mats themselves were a stock option and they have a small black trim on the inside to match the frames.  The mats cost me $15.00 each.


You can see I got real techy and used an avocado peeler to lift up the old mat and to push down the old staples.  I'm just cool like that!



It really doesn't get any easier! The new mat and photo are placed into the empty frames. I added the previous backing to hold them in place. You can purchase brown paper backing if you like to create the dust backing, however, I already had some at home, so I used that to the back of the frame.



I picked the images at random from Ebay. I wanted horse racing photos, so I chose on from Seabiscuit and the other is Secretariat with Churchill Downs as the backdrop.  The hardest part was deciding which wall to add them to. I had a few options, but ultimately chose one in-between the kitchen and dining room.



So for a grand total of $50.00 - I was able to get a high-end Equestrian look for pennies on the dollar.  It's hard to believe I didn't have anything on this wall before hand, and each morning when I pass them, I instantly get a smile of my face!


Moral of the story - if you have old photos or artwork that you think you should throw out because they aren't in style anymore, make sure to take a long hard look at the frames themselves.  You never know what you can create by switching out the art!


#imhoffhomestead #imhoffhome #equestrianstyle #horses #racehorses #horseart #horseartwork #ourhome #crosbie #murphy #wallart #diy




Imhoff Homestead :: Easter 2018 Tablescape

Tuesday, March 27, 2018


There is something I love about this tablescape that I keep going back to year-after-year.  Maybe it's the simplicity overall.  It's easy, it's clean, and the colors go effortlessly in the space.  I love the balance of rustic vs. classic.















 

Who doesn't love a good tablescape!  Welcome to our home, and hope you enjoyed!  There will be lots of love seated around this table come Sunday.


#imhoffhomestead #imhoffhome #Easter #Eastertablescape #potterybarn #ikea #verawang




 
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