7 Sexy Summer Lounge Chairs

Decor

So I was looking back through the site the other day and I realized I have never shared a definitive guide to lounge chairs. I guess after 10 years, I can’t remember every post I’ve ever written. And while we’ve chronicled many a beautiful outdoor space, finding a perfect lounge chair can be a bit of a challenge.

While they’re a rather utilitarian piece of furniture, that doesn’t mean lounge chairs can’t be stunning. In fact, I firmly believe they should be. But even a casual Google or Pinterest search of modern lounge chairs turns up some pretty slim pickings. While I’d love to have a vintage set in my backyard, (this vintage rocking lounge chair is pretty dang good), there are some current productions that would certainly spruce up the style of any backyard.

I grew up wit the plastic-slatted loungers – you know the ones I’m talking about. They had the super light metal frame that burned you when you touched it. The plastic slats stuck to your skin on hot days. And slowly stretched out over time so by the end of the summer your butt nearly scraped the ground. Not cute. Thankfully, lounge chairs have since improved.

These days, I prefer a clean and refined lounge chair design. No overly bulky frames. No massive padding (who wants to take care of all that). A cool, minimalist shape, a unique design detail or two and a little bit of swagger. I think that makes more a personality packed chair. It would certainly boost the style of any back yard. And yes, I imbue inanimate objects with personalities. What, don’t you?

So I’ve done some digging and found my current favorite seven lounge chairs. They’re all neutral but no where near understated. These chairs are made to be noticed. The added bonus? Virtually everywhere you look is having their outdoor furniture sale. It’s the perfect time to scoop up one or two of these beauties, grab some frosé and not move until September. I’m into it. Are you?

lounge 1 / lounge 2 / lounge 3 / lounge 4 / lounge 5 / lounge 6 / lounge 7

10 Things to Try Before Summer Ends

Fashion

Even though thoughts of fall are creeping ever closer to the top of my mind (see yesterday’s post), I’m still not quite ready to give up on summer fun. There’s still so much I want to do. Below are 10 things I’d highly recommend trying before the season changes. Think you can cram all of this in before Labor Day?! I’m certainly going to try.

Hit the beach (obvi)

Try something totally new – you just might find the secret to happiness.

Have you yet to try frosé? What are you waiting for?!

Serve your frosé with the ultimate cheese board.

Travel somewhere near.

Travel somewhere far.

Throw a party outside.

Then throw another party.

Add a cool shirt to your wardrobe.

Hit the road, killer playlist in hand, no destination in mind.

I could probably still add more to my summer wishlist. What must-dos do you have left??

image by bembien via honestly wtf

9 Healthy Ice Cream Recipes to Try Before Summer’s End

Entertaining

It wouldn’t be summer without a sweet treat or two, but there’s no need to totally throw your healthy eating habits out the window. There are so many spins on healthy ice cream these days; made with soaked cashews and coconut milk, sweetened with the natural, unprocessed sugars from dates or honey. These alternatives take just a bit of the sinfulness out ice cream without sacrificing taste. Or so they say. I definitely want to give one (or six!) of these healthy ice cream recipes a try before we bid summer farewell (tear).

Take this Sea Salt Caramel Coconut ice cream. It’s got a natural date caramel swirl – you can add bourbon – and it’s only sweetened with maple syrup. Get in my belly!

This amaze-balls looking chocolate ice cream is made with sweet potato. Yes, you read that right! And has no added sugar. As in zero, nada, zip. Which is why this might just top my must try this week list – just because it looks almost too good to be true.

This Cinnamon Roll ice cream doesn’t even require an ice cream maker. Just cashew butter, dates, a bit of almond milk and an overnight stay in the freezer.

This Toasted Almond Coconut ice cream recipe forgoes the cashew option for a combo of almond and coconut milks. But since those are two flavors I love, I have no quarrel with that.

This Chai Ice Cream uses actual chai tea to impart its flavor. You can make it vegan by sweetening with maple syrup (the other option being honey which I actually didn’t realize wasn’t considered vegan….)

If the ice cream is made of cashews, but also has cookie dough, that means you can still have two servings, right?!

This Vegan Coconut Blueberry option uses coconut oil. Color me intrigued. And hungry.

Fresh summer berries are my jam – especially when they’re jammed into ice cream! This Raspberry Ripple Coconut ice cream recipe uses the soaked cashews ice cream base with mashed raspberries and sounds as picture perfect as it looks.

This yummy looking Coconut Honey ice cream only has six ingredients! It might not be light on fat (hello coconut cream), but it sounds dang good.

There are so many mouth watering options on this list, it’s a little hard to know where to start, but I’ve decided I’m going to pick one and give it a go this week. I’ll be sure to share all the behind the scene and my final taste test on my Instagram story. Because maybe, just maybe, we can, in fact, have our ice cream and eat it too.

For more of my favorite dessert recipes, CLICK HERE.

Idea to Steal: A Neat Little Niche

Decor

This week’s Idea to Steal is perfect for sipping a summer drink, relaxing with a book or hiding out from the world. Right now I’m loving the look of a niche. They are perfect tucked away places to sit, sleep or simply hang.

This deep outdoor alcove is the perfect place to lounge, read or take a nap! As the sun moves it would also be a great spot to hide in the shade.

I love the idea of a tucked away nook. Whether you use it as a bed or a simply a cozy place to relax, it’s both fun and in the case of this minimalist example, extremely chic.

A more rustic take on the nook is similarly inviting. It’s also the perfect solution for awkward small spaces that you don’t quite know what to do with.

This lovely exterior niche is the ideal spot to sip rosé. And did you spy the wood-clad ceiling?!

If you’re lucky enough to have the right architecture, a bedroom niche is secluded, seductive and seriously sexy. Yes you have to crawl over one another if you have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, but sometimes killer looking design isn’t about practicality!

I’m kinda wishing we had put a niche somewhere in our remodel. What say you? Are you into it too?

For our entire Idea to Steal archive, CLICK HERE.

image 1 / image 2 / image 3 / image 4 / image 5

A Golden Summer Mood

Decor

It’s official. We’ve turned the corner into the heart of summer. Can you feel it? The light is golden and endless –warm-weather-tinged hues are coming in strong – the air is thick and sultry and buildings seem to glow in the late afternoon heat. I’m in the mood to do little more than bask in the sun, sip on rosé, take a refreshing dip or knock off an hour (or two!) early for happy hour during the day’s best light. That’s why all things golden are catching my eye at the moment.

I’m loving all of these golden camel tones. When mixed with an accent of bright white and anchored with black, the warm look cools down just enough. It reminds me of sun-soaked islands, miles of deserted beach and a perfect inspirational palette to take us through the season’s dog days. Summer always seems to go by too quickly, so I’m going to savor its lazy, languid effect as much as I possibly can. Care to join me??

For more color-combo inspiration, CLICK HERE

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Your Summer Bucket List According to Pinterest

Decor

Now that the 4th is behind us, it’s time to make your summer bucket list and check it twice. Wait, you haven’t made yours yet? Not to worry – a quick scouring of Pinterest and we’ve rounded up our favorite ideas to ensure your summer is pitch perfect.

Let’s be honest. This has got to be the easiest, most delicious summer dessert recipe ever. The combination of grilled peaches, vanilla ice cream, honey (just add sea salt) is enough to make any dessert lover’s mouth water. Dessert Recipe: Grilled Peaches and Ice Cream

I am a firm believer in the power of a good summer cocktail. This twist on the classic summer sangria combines all that is good with my summer drink of choice – rosé! Extra bonus points for being rurl purdy too. Summer Cocktail: Rosé Sangria

As someone who is creative yet deeply challenged when it comes to crafts, this little tray can make even the least crafty people feel like DIY machines. And it helps you organize your stuff too. DIY: Footed Vanity Tray

Everyone needs a classic summer essential in their wardrobe. This wicker basket bag can easily transition from day to night. Style Trend: Basket Bags

The bigger the better! These bold earrings are the perfect classic yet whimsical accessory to add to your summer wardrobe. Style Trend: Bold Drop Earrings

Hit the pool. Cuz der. But I am on the hunt for the perfect one-piece. I’m banking all of my contenders here. Anyone find one they love? Style Trend: White Bathing Suits

Located in the beautiful Santa Ynez valley. With over 25 local wine tasting rooms, Los Olivos is the perfect place for a day trip or relaxing weekend getaway sans kiddos. Travel Destination: Los Olivos

Nantucket. The iconic American vacation destination. Designed by Roman + Williams, (of Ace Hotel) this husband-wife duo embodied the timeless aesthetic of the island’s history in The Greydon House. Travel Destination: Greydon House, Nantucket

What’s on your summer bucket list?! Find all of our favorite summer ideas on Pinterest HERE and on the blog right HERE.

A Palm Springs Inspired Summer Fete

Entertaining

There’s nothing better than gathering some of your girls together to spend a gorgeous summer afternoon hanging out, relaxing and catching up, am I right or am I right? All you need are a few yummy bites and the perfect Pinot Grigio to wile away the hours.

I recently partnered with Ecco Domani to carve out some much needed mama-time. Making time for yourself can often feel hard. But it’s amazing how much better you show up in the other parts of your life when you create space for yourself. A little summer wine party is good for the soul.

Celebrating the new limited edition Ecco Domani label designed by Christian Siriano felt like the perfect reason to indulge. Christian’s New York Fashion Week shows always blew me away. This summer Christian has created a special label for Ecco Domani inspired by vintage 1960’s Palm Springs. Think acid washed pinks and the vibrant green of palm trees. The limited edition label’s design, combined with Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio’s flavor profile, evoke a light, whimsical feeling of being transported to a summertime paradise.

But you don’t have to jet set to Palm Springs to create your own little bit of summer paradise. You don’t even need a pool (though that’d certainly be nice!). I had the soaked hues and bright whites of Palm Springs in mind for my luxurious hang session.

To keep things stress free, I kept the setting simple. I created a buffet of light bites to let guests nosh at their leisure. The smooth, bright quality to Ecco Domani’s Pinot Grigio makes it the perfect complement to just about anything. To offer my guests a bit of variety, I put together crudité platters filled with fresh veggies and dips, nibbles of prosciutto, mozzarella & cantaloupe as well as a classic cheese plate – all served on glossy white ceramic platters. Gold flatware and classic stemmed wine glasses elevates everything just that little notch that you want.

My favorite moment – a copper ice bucket (actually repurposing a planter, but I’m obsessed).

There’s no need to wait until you have the time (or energy!) to throw a lavish dinner party. Go ahead, gather friends and enjoy the season. Be an opportunist. Pick the next warm afternoon, send out a text to 10 friends and whoever can show up, shows. You can pull together a lovely afternoon and get some much needed girl-time in the blink of an eye.

For how I’m styling my summer outdoor table, CLICK HERE.

For more summer style ideas, CLICK HERE

original photography by andrea posadas

This post is in partnership with Ecco Domani. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations that I’m excited about and that have kept apartment 34’s doors open

Don’t Call It a Diaper Bag

Fashion

So it’s taken two years since becoming a mom, but I think I’ve finally got my style mojo back! I actually want to wear real outfits again (aka just say no to anything with stretch). We’re also finally enjoying some real summer weather in San Francisco this week, so I thought it high time I share a style post. It has only been six months since my last one.

I am all about the wide-leg cropped jean at the moment. Yes, I hated them when the style first broke through, but I’ve come around and now have multiple pairs! It’s such a relief to say ta-ta to skinny jeans. The wide leg is much more flattering, not to mention more comfortable to wear. When cropped at the ankle, they pair perfectly with a fun summer heel. I’m obsessed with my pair of cream Rachel Comey jeans. I have a feeling I’m going to live in them this summer.

I’ve also succumbed to the other summer trend I’m seeing everywhere – the round woven bag. It is a really fun, graphic shape. It also kinda makes you feel like you’re on vacation on a random Tuesday in the city. The biggest coup though? I didn’t spend hundreds on mine. I found an authentic French bag on Etsy for $40! But just because I’m doing my best to not dress “like a mom,” that doesn’t mean I’m not prepared at all times. I’ve made it my mission to ditch the diaper bag, even while I carry all my mama-essentials. My secret is pouches. They’re the perfect way to keep everything tightly organized and easy to grab, no matter what bag I’m carrying.

After a couple of years at this mama game now, I’ve realized I don’t need to be over prepared all the time. So I’ve ditched the diapers for days, extra outfits and random toys. I’ve whittled things down to the supplies absolutely necessary for daily survival. This includes a couple diapers, a travel pack of wipes and diaper rash cream to take care of changing needs. An emergency pacifier helps ward off meltdowns. I carry travel packs of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to wipe down those questionable tables, shopping carts and communal toys at the park because I swear my kid always gets a cold after too many days in a row at the playground! My other secret weapon is the Clorox Bleach Pen. I love cream and white too much to avoid it anymore – especially in summer – so this is my solution for tiny fingerprints on my pants.

shop the look: the podolls hammok top / rachel comey wide leg jeans / cage sandals (similar) / woven round bag / clare vivier zip pouch / clorox disinfecting wipes / clorox bleach pen / lip gloss / diaper cream / hand sanitizer

It’s amazing to travel a little lighter and certainly look a bit spiffier (does anyone say that anymore?? No? It’s just me?) these days. I think I’m going to try this real outfit thing more often.

For my personal style archive, CLICK HERE.

For more of my favorite mama essentials, CLICK HERE

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original photography by andrea posadas

This post is in partnership with Clorox. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations that I’m excited about and that have kept apartment 34’s doors open

Tasty Tuesday: You Scream, I Scream…

San Francisco

Summer is pounding down the door! Are you excited?? It’s currently brought unusually warm temperatures t0 San Francisco, which is sending the entire city scrambling for ways to cool off. It so rarely gets warm here no one has air conditioning (seriously!). So when I heard there is a new shop serving up authentic Italian-style gelato in San Francisco, I had to make my way there stat.

Meet Coletta Gelato. It is a welcoming peach of a shop, and not just because of its welcoming peach color scheme. There’s bar-top seating and a nice sunny spot to enjoy your treat outside. The daily rotation of flavors are hand written on the butcher paper menu. At the counter, you find said flavors ready for scooping, but you won’t find any of those prototypical mounds of candy-colored ice cream that you might associate with gelato shops in Italy. That’s actually because those gelatos are filled with stabilizers and fillers to get them to stand up like that. Sadly, a lot of Italian gelato is made from powder these days! I know, I’m horrified too.

But Coletta founders, Antonio Massimini and Henri Waltenspühl are purists. The two share a childhood love of gelato, growing up with Italian grandparents, but they did not meet until they were getting their Masters of Management in Food & Beverage in Milan. While there, they fell in love with the idea of making the best gelato they could create. So they attended Bologna’s Carpigiani Gelato University to perfect their craft. Luckily for us, they decided to bring their gelato to the US. As Antonio explained, the decided San Francisco is the ideal location because the abundance of amazing ingredients in the Bay Area allows them to make a product that is a cut above.

At Coletta, they make their base from scratch daily. It’s a long, laborious process that includes mixing milk (that they source from local Clover Dairy), mixing it with sugar and raising the mixture to a precise temperature. Then there are the unique flavors – Coletta offers classics like Pistacchio, Gianduja (chocolate + hazelnut) and Tiramisu, but also more local-influenced options like Gauva sorbetto, fresh Peach or Mint Chocolate Chip. All of their ingredients are selected for their quality and freshness and are organic.

Coletta is also putting a foodie twist on their gelato, creating infused flavors, such a basil and chai. They even let it slip that they’re working to perfect a low-sugar option in the future! But what really sets gelato apart for me is the texture. Real, beautifully crafted gelato is light, airy and oh so creamy. You don’t feel gross after eating it. That might by why I was known to indulge as many as 3x a day when I was in Italy (eek!).

There a number of contributing factors to this. For one, unlike ice cream, gelato is made with milk and only milk. Ice creams are made with a mix of milk and cream as well as eggs. This makes gelato a lot lighter (and often half the calories!) of ice cream. Also gelato is made and kept at much warmer temperatures than ice cream. That makes it much more flavorful. Gelato also isn’t meant to be stored for a long time. It’s intended to be enjoyed the day it is made. Coletta doesn’t keep any gelato more than two days to ensure the highest quality and freshness.

After living in Italy and visiting many times since, I’ve spent years sampling gelato anywhere I see it pop up in the US, hoping to replicate the memories I have from Italy. It’s very rare that I’ve found gelato that lives up to those expectations, but Coletta actually surpasses them! The texture is perfect, the flavors are amazing (I was particularly impressed by the almond topped with coco powder) and the space is just the cutest.

But if you can’t make it downtown, fear not! Coletta has also imported roving gelato carts straight from Italy. Bike powered and totally adorable, it’s going to be popping up around San Francisco this summer. I will certainly be stalking it. Follow them on Instagram to find out where they’re popping up.

For now, head to 685 Harrison Street to get your gelato fix. Coletta is open Tuesday-Sunday 12pm – 9pm.

For more of my favorite San Francisco gems, CLICK HERE

original photography for apartment 34 by andrea posadas

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