Temecula, CA September 2024

Letter from the Publication Director

I hope this letter finds you feeling inspired and ready to embrace the beauty of Fall in Temecula!

As we dive into our September issue, let's take a moment to celebrate this month's theme: Style. Style isn't just about what we wear - it touches every part of our lives. From decorating our homes to choosing the music we love, from the books that captivate us, to the way we express ourselves in conversations, style is the thread that ties them all together.

Style is incredibly personal and always evolving. Our personal style is a way of showing the world who we are and what we value. Through our style choices, we connect with others who share our tastes and find common ground. These connections help us build a vibrant creative community.

We residents of Temecula have the chance to mix and match styles, creating something truly unique that reflects our local culture. Here you'll find a mix of bougie, rustic and casual styles all in the same space...one of my favorite things about this charming place!

XO - Des

DESIREE ALLEN, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

@TEMECULACITYLIFESTYLE

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Sean Arnett | sean.arnett@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Desiree Allen | desiree.allen@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kim Wilder | thekimwilder@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Scott Downing | scottdowning@mac.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Tara Gerard-Mattsson

INTERN

Ashly Sandoval

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kim Wilder, Trish Duarte, Tara Gerard-Mattsson, Melissa Colombo

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Scott Downing, Shawna Sarnowski

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

inside the issue

Designer Annette Rogers

The Interior Designer Dishes About Style Trends, Mixed Metals and the Future of Modern Farmhouse NEW ARRIVALS

FALL in Love with Our His & Hers Wardrobe Essentials

Love Era

Alexandria Cardenas Brings Glam to Old Town Temecula with Love Era Bridal Boutique

Limited Edition Luxury

The All New 2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance Plug-in Hybrid Revs Up Excitement in Temecula Featured 16 28

Mercedes Benz of Temecula introduces the flagship for Mercedes Benz - the ultra luxurious, very limited production 2024 MercedesAMG S63 high performance plug-in hybrid supersedan.

Scott Downing

4 days on the market. 7 offers. 2 thrilled sellers. I can do the same for you. Call me today for a consultation. Or text me for a free copy of my book How to Sell Your Home for MORE Money.

Enjoy The Magic With Us

A

by @scottdowning A Huge Thank You to Our Summer Intern Ashly Sandoval!!!

A huge thank you to our amazing Ashly Sandoval! She has worked with us all summer and we are incredibly grateful for her hard work and dedication this summer! Your creativity and contribution to our team’s success has been OUTSTANDING! We’re thrilled to welcome you to the team and excited for all the amazing things we’ll accomplish together!

Annette ROGERS

THE INTERIOR DESIGNER DISHES ABOUT STYLE TRENDS, MIXED METALS AND THE FUTURE OF MODERN FARMHOUSE

ARTICLE BY KIM WILDER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DOWNING PHOTOGRAPHY

My designs are very unique because my clients are very unique,” says interior designer

Annette Rogers of AMI Design.

“I’m a very practical designer and will use the correct applications for my clients’ lifestyle – the house, the home that they have – one design definitely doesn’t fit all.  I will design for them.”

Rogers has more than 20 years of design industry experience and began her career in commercial design.  She has completed many notable projects in Orange County, including the Allergan corporate offices in Irvine, work for the Newport Mesa School District, Edwards Theaters Newport Beach, and many schools and other public works.

She has been focusing on the Temecula area for the past 12 years. “I originally came from Orange County and I love being out here,” Rogers says.  “I’ve worked on homes in tracts, wine country, Deluz, La Cresta – all over.  I just finished a project in Deluz and am currently working a 901 square foot ADU in Santiago Estates and just started another project in Sommer’s Bend.”

Locally, Rogers has done commercial work for Parlay Café, The Empressa tea house, Shoup Legal and ABC Senior Care.  “I’ve really enjoyed being able to contribute to my community,” the designer says.

Unlike many others in her field, the married mom of three also has a degree in architecture from Cal Poly as well as a degree in interior design from F.I.D.M.  “I have a degree in architecture and can get

into the construction side of things.  Many clients hire me for that.  I can move walls, windows, doors, design lighting – a lot more than just decorating or furnishing.“

With ever changing design fads and trends, the designer says she doesn’t have a signature style.  “I definitely stay current, but I’m not trendy,” Rogers says.  “What I’m seeing now is a move toward warm – warm neutrals.  The stark white kitchen is going a little bit warmer to like a warm white.  The true grays are now going toward warm taupes.  The cooler colors are out, and I’m definitely seeing the move toward warm grays, warm taupes and creams for paint color, wall color and cabinetry.  I’m seeing the incorporation of natural woods into cabinetry and quartzite on countertops.  We’ve definitely moved away from granite and quartz.”

On some of her favorite design elements at the moment, Rogers says, “I’m a big proponent of using mixed metals – everything from brushed nickel to black and even gold and gold and black.   I’ll incorporate many different mixed metals as cabinet pulls and accents.   I’ll mix brushed nickel fixtures with gold handles or a combination of gold and black hardware….I just love using mixed metals – in lighting too.  Sometimes when a client wants to go in one direction, I’ll show them some mixed metal pieces and they usually love it.  Nobody needs to be matchy matchy!  What fun is that?”

As far as future trends in the industry, the designer is firm on one point: “Farmhouse is gone….nobody wants farmhouse anymore.  Nobody needs to have farmhouse anymore,” she laughs. “What we’re calling it now is ‘refined farmhouse’ with a little bit more

of the natural woodsy feel.  But it’s not the old rustic, Joanna Gaines-type farmhouse.  I will still use shiplap, but it’s painted shiplap or installed vertically with a painted finish –maybe in a dark, moody color.”

Rogers wants potential clients to know that it’s easy to get started.  “I’m very easy to work with,” she says.  “I start every client off with an in-home consultation – which is a way for me to see the spaces they’re looking to do, it’s a way for me to talk with them and get to know them and for them to get to know me and also to explain the process.  Then I put together a design contract which outlines the scope of work and then we do 3D renderings of the space and put together the package – what their spaces are going to look like, what the materials are that we propose, the furniture.”

“Most of my clients are well traveled and pretty savvy, not the DIY type,” Rogers says.  “They’ve usually worked with a designer in the past and now they want design for their new home.  I’ve worked

"Farmhouse is gone... nobody needs to have Farmhouse anymore."

with everyone from Millennials up to people in their late 70s.  The people who need me are usually people in transition – who are moving to this area, are building or buying an existing home, empty nesters – a lot of forever home buyers.  And people divorcing, upsizing or downsizing.”

While she enjoys working with clients who let her truly design, Rogers is happy to give her clients plenty of choices.  “I will bring them samples – samples of the flooring, samples of the tile, samples of the paint, the metal finish, fabric, so they can see the materials in their space.  We want to see what the stone will look like on their wall….and I always bring options!   Sometimes clients don’t love what we think they will love, so I always have other options.   If they don’t love the particular handle we’ve chosen, that’s ok because it’s their home and I’m designing for them.”

For more information on Rogers and her design offerings, visit amidesignassociates.com .

Dare To Venture Beyond What Is There

Step into the realm of possibility and explore the transformative journey of home remodeling with us this month. we invite you to delve into the exciting world of new trends that will elevate your living space to unparalleled heights. As we embrace the theme of “explore,” envision your kitchen and bathroom adorned in the latest warm color palettes, inviting you to cocoon yourself in comfort and style.

Dare to venture beyond the ordinary and discover a design that speaks to your unique essence, crafting a home that mirrors your personality and character. Picture sleek black accents dancing harmoniously with vibrant hues, creating a captivating contrast that exudes elegance.

Embark on this adventure with us, and together, we’ll unveil a sanctuary tailored exclusively for you—a space where cherished memories are born, comfort flourishes, and life is lived to the fullest. Join us as we embark on a journey of exploration and reinvention—because your dream home awaits.

Pure, natural freshness awaits. Book now 951.506.6100

A Naturally Fragrant Environment: Creating Memories at Home Without Synthetic Scents

ARTICLE BY TRISH DUARTE

Tips from MaidPro's Trish Duarte

Smell is more than just a scent; it's a powerful trigger for memories. We all have experiences tied to specific smells, like the aroma of Mom's apple pie-spiced kitchen or the scent of slow smoked brisket at your Grandad's house. With the right scent, we can easily transport ourselves back to those cherished moments. However, it's important to be aware of the potential health hazards that come with synthetic scents found in air fresheners, plug-ins, and even candles.

Synthetic scents, also known as fragrance oils, are created using chemicals that mimic natural scents. While they may provide an immediate burst of fragrance, artificially created scents contain volatile organic compounds that can be released into the air. Inhaling these chemicals can cause fatigue and have long-term effects on your health. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology warns that they can even trigger allergic reactions, skin irritation, respiratory distress, and worsen asthma symptoms. Fortunately, there are safer alternatives to introduce pleasant scents into your home without the risks associated with synthetic fragrances:

1. Use a simmer pot: Fill a pot with water and add natural ingredients like citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, or herbs. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat, releasing a refreshing and natural aroma throughout your living space.

2. Try aromatherapy: Utilize essential oils derived from plants to create a therapeutic and pleasing environment. Use an oil diffuser to disperse the essential oils, providing a pleasant scent without relying on synthetic fragrances.

Air fresheners may seem harmless as they bring back memories of summers at the beach or camping under the pines, but they can have adverse effects on your health. By opting for natural alternatives, you can enjoy reliving those precious moments safely, without compromising your wellbeing.

CAPTURING LIFE’S GREATEST ADVENTURES

Lifestyle photography for the Temecula Valley and Beyond! Let us capture the special moments in your family’s life! The big game, that special performance or a day at the beach. We’ll capture your Star’s Big Moment!

NEW ARRIVALS

FALL in Love with Our His & Hers Wardrobe Essentials

My biggest wardrobe mistake happened to me when I moved from Stockholm, Sweden to Temecula, California. My husband and I were taking my daughter to a Halloween event and I wanted to be super cozy, so I wore an ultra soft hoodie that coordinated with my costume. However, I wore the hoodie but with no layer underneath. So I basically melted before I even got to the party. Now I know why they call it the SWEATshirt. I learned quickly that lighter and breathable layers are a Fall requirement in sunny SoCal.

Layers are FUN, but they need to make sense with where you are and let’s face it, it is hot in Temecula and we’re not talkin’ h-a-u-t-e. But if we are talkin’ haute, haute couture to be exact, our newest fall collection with TG Private Label is just that. We create exclusive fashion and custom-fit clothing for men. We pick out the fabrics together and make sure they meet your specific needs to ensure a weather proof fit.

On the other side, our sister brand is called Chasing The Fun, your fun and unique clothing destination for women. Hence, His & Hers. At Chasing the Fun, we are all about those layers, from a lightweight kimono to a warm and cozy knit cardigan. You can never go wrong with a great neutral palette including beiges, greys,

creams and browns. Weight, fabric types and layering, are important too when dressing for Fall in a warmer climate.

Here are a few of our favorite Fall wardrobe essentials that pair perfectly with our beautiful wine country weather:

HIS

1. Lightweight jackets. FUN tip: when you’re wearing our TG jackets and you’re feeling fancy, just pull out the built-in pocket square that matches the custom-lining. Want a casual look? Tuck it back in and it becomes the pocket lining.

2. Cotton blend shirts are perfect for that warm weather transitioning into cold.

3. Cotton denim will be your best friend, because it's also breathable, versatile and durable.

HERS

4. Wear a cotton skirt, but make it neutral.

5. We have the cutest autumn kimonos at Chasing the Fun!

6. A sling backpack for back-to-school vibes, but in a smaller, lighter size.

We all have been blessed with this warm Fall season, so be sure to dress accordingly. Like we always say. “Look your best, become your best.” And part of looking your best is how you feel in your clothes. Check out our essential featured pieces that you can add to your wardrobe for instant comfort and fun!

Remember** don’t “sweat” the small stuff, I’m here to help you!

Tara Gerard-Mattsson is a master designer and local boutique owner who helps people find their fun and styled confidence.

Subscribe at http://www.chasingthefun.com to join her fashion fun and for you gents, head there too and click the TG Private Label page to book your wardrobe consultation. You can never go wrong

Tara GerardMattsson is a master designer and local boutique owner who helps people find their fun and styled confidence.

Love Era

Cardenas is passionate about helping brides-to-be look and feel their best.

Boutique owner Alexandria Cardenas shares her tips for brides-to-be:

• Start Early: Begin looking around a year before your date, if possible.

• Up and Coming Trends: Definitely basque waist style dresses, off-the-shoulder long sleeve lace dresses.”

• Smart Accessorizing : If you choose a detailed wedding dress, opt for simple coordinating jewelry. Go for statement pieces with a more simple gown. Find more information on their website love-era.com

HIDDEN GEM: FUHGEDDABOUDIT!

ARTICLE BY KIM WILDER PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DOWNING PHOTOGRAPHY

“It had been a dream of mine to have a speakeasy in the area,” says Faith Catalano, owner of Fuhgeddaboudit Wine Bar & Lounge, a hip new speakeasy-style bar and lounge tucked away in a shopping center off Hidden Springs Road in Wildomar.  “I wanted to name it after my husband Angelo, but he wanted something different.  He actually came up with the spelling – like with a New York accent,” she laughs.

Catalano’s husband is the beloved proprietor of Angelo’s Brick Oven Pizzeria also in Wildomar in the same shopping center.  And the couple were definitely on the same page when it came to designing the space.  “Angelo and I agreed on everything,” she says.  “He designed the floorplan and I decorated with him.  I picked his favorite color.   I knew I could get away with more – like velvet or rose wallpaper - if it was in blue.  We wanted to create a manly environment but one that the ladies would feel comfortable in.  We also wanted to make it so that women

could go out in an environment where they could visit their girlfriends and feel safe.  Where their husbands weren’t worried about what kind of bar they were going to.  It’s a really comfortable environment where everyone feels relaxed.”

“Our menu is unique.  Everything is made fresh in-house.  Our brioche buns take 24 hours to prepare, the short rib for our beef sliders takes 14 hours to prepare.  Everything we do is in-house – our sauces are all made in-house, our pastas, our bread is made in-house and our hummus.  People really love our hummus because it’s sesame-free.  We have weekly specials, different appetizer and entrée specials, we have fish, meat, gluten free options and vegetarian options. We just added wine-based cocktails like margaritas, espresso martinis, limoncello and Aperol spritzes.”

And the place has been a hit with locals and out of towners alike.  “We're getting amazing feedback.  People walk in and go, ‘Wow, it feels like there’s nothing like this except for in New York,’ or ‘You have to go deep into San Diego to Little Italy to find something like this.’”

“We are really fortunate, we do get a lot of support from the local community and from people that we served years ago at another restaurant where Angelo and I first met.  The support we’ve received from the community is really overwhelming - we really appreciate our community and do a lot of fundraisers and support local charities.  We love what we do and we love giving back.”

Fuhgeddaboudit Wine Bar & Lounge

September Passport Dinner – Argentina! Sunday, September 8, 2024 | 1 pm & 4:30 pm Every month, Fuhgeddaboudit Wine Bar & Lounge showcases the sips and savory delights of a different country along with samples of the local wines.  So far, guests have taken culinary tours of Italy and France, and now, this month, guests can experience the tastes and flavors of exciting Argentina!  Bring your friends and come enjoy a multi-course selection of some of the country’s most beloved dishes, along with a pairing of fine local wines of the region.  Reservations for the Argentina Passport dinner, private events or for more information, call 951-457-0827 or visit wildomarwinebar.com

M K Salon

Tired of spending hours taming your textured or curly hair ?

Book your Puraluxe Nontoxic Smoothing Treatment an amazing solution that can transform your hair for up to 5 months!

Enjoy a customizable treatment that ranges from light de-frizzing to completely smooth results, all without harmful fumes. Smooth, Manageable & Nontoxic

Please contact me with any questions or to make a reservation at 918-640-4474

ARTICLE BY KIM WILDER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DOWNING PHOTOGRAPHY

Luxury & Style

The All New 2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance Plug-in Hybrid Revs Up Excitement in Temecula

Car and Driver Magazine describes the new limited edition 2024 MercedesAMG S63 E Performance 4 door plug-in hybrid sedan as "A chariot for the wealthy with maximum performance in mind."

Mercedes calls this vehicle "the most powerful S Class ever, a consummate blend of luxury, comfort and brute strength." Mercedes Benz of Temecula's General Manager, Antony Chandler, agrees.  "AMG engines are hand built and signed by the technician. It takes an

Opposite: Available in Manufaktur Alpine Grey exterior & exclusive black Nappa leather interior, the AMG S63 offers high performance & unparalleled luxury.

AMG

with

unparalleled level of personal investiture to craft a vehicle like this, " he says. "It truly is the flagship for Mercedes Benz."

With a V8 twin turbo that delivers a combined 791 horsepower and an astonishing 1055 pound-feet of torque and can reach 0-60 in 2.8 seconds. "This car is a real driver's car and especially suited to those who enjoy performance," Chandler notes. Chandler advises viewing the car as soon as possible. "This vehicle is extremely limited in production. There are only a very few in Southern California and we only have one in our showroom. And once it's gone..."

For more information or to test drive this unique, high performance limited edition S Class supersedan, visit Mercedes Benz of Temecula at 40910 Temecula Center Drive or call General Manager, Antony Chandler at 951-216-7800.

Opposite: cThe 2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan comes equipped with a 791 hp biturbo engine and can do 0-60 in 2.8 seconds. “We only have one in our showrooms,” Chandler says.

Sunday 9/15/24

6-9 pm | 21+

Barrel Room Lawn

$35 per person*

Thursday 9/26/24

6-9 pm | 21+

Winery Patio $35 per person* HARVEST

Sunday 9/29/24

11-5 pm

Vineyard Lawn

$20 per adult* (under 21 free)