Five Ways to Be More Productive this Week

Business of blogging

Oh Mondays. As much we dread you, you do present the chance for a fresh start. Every Monday is the opportunity to grab a new week by the horns and make the most of it. But how? There are some strategies that can help you be productive and get the most out of your workday.

Start your day with something creative. It can be very easy to feel like you need to dive into your to-do list first thing. Or open your inbox. But that can dictate your entire day. Suddenly, you’re no longer proactively attacking projects but instead reacting to the demands of others. Instead, carve out an hour at the start of your day to work on a creative idea, make progress on a larger project or work towards a deadline.

Have a to-do list, but with no more than 3 MUST-do’s. It’s always a good idea to have your priorities written down, but then you can cut that list down even more. A massive t0-do list can actually be a bit paralyzing. Instead, write down the 2-3 things you must accomplish today. Even better – write them down the night before – that way they’re off your mind, helping you sleep better. You’d be amazed at the sense of accomplish you feel once you’ve checked those 2-3 critical things off your list. Everything else after that is an added bonus.

Don’t let email take over. Your inbox can quickly turn into a death spiral. If you’re obsessed with getting it to zero or feel like every message requires an immediate response it’s nearly impossible to get into a flow. Instead of jumping at every ping, instead carve out certain times of day to check and respond to email. It could be 15 minutes every hour or maybe once in the morning, once after lunch, once before you end your day. Whatever your plan – have one. Otherwise your inbox ends up running your life.

Just say no to social media. Similarly, social media is a black hole that will drain your energy and steal your time. So just don’t do it. There’s no need to be on Facebook during the day. Instagram, while great is really just a distraction. And don’t even get me started on Snapchat. But people’s stories last for 24 hours so you can wait until the evening to indulge. If you really want to get work done, staying off social networks is your best bet.

Give yourself space to explore (but not procrastinate.) Structure your day to allow for a little discovery. Perhaps after you’ve worked on your big project, done your first round of email checking and have completed one (or even two!) of the key items on your to-do list, give yourself a little time for inspiration. The key word here is a little. Set a timer for 15, maybe 20 minutes, and use that time to check out Pinterest, look through a magazine, peruse other blogs. Whatever it is that helps you feel inspired. But when that time goes off, it’s time to get back to the task at hand. No rabbit holes.

Practice these techniques for a few days and you’ll be amazed at what you get done!

For more work related tips & tricks and behind the scenes of the business of blogging, CLICK HERE.

image via domino

Meet the Maker: Artist Windy Chien

Business of blogging

Imagine having a successful corporate career and walking away from it all to become an artist. It’s something many of us dream about, but few actually ever take that leap. But artist Windy Chien was able to muster the strength to do exactly that. Discovering talents like Windy is probably my favorite thing about Apt34. Women like Windy – with vision, passion, creativity and drive constantly leave me in awe. I recently had the pleasure of touring Windy’s San Francisco studio where she is twisting the art world into knots – quiet literally.

Windy is making art out of knots and it is absolutely stunning. It all started in January of this year, when The Year of Knots was born. Windy is teaching herself and creating one unique knot each day and assembling them all into a gorgeous installation in her studio. They are sometimes based off traditional knots, sometimes explorations. Windy starts every day in the studio with a knot, noting that it helps her achieve her creative flow for the day. It’s become an important ritual in her daily life. And the result is just so cool. Some of her knots incorporate a piece of brass hardware, some lay flat, some are multi-dimensional. She has created a handful in a beautiful black cord – a truly modern take on an ancient skill. Color me obsessed.

But what’s even more remarkable is that rope as a medium wasn’t Windy’s initial goal. As she explained during my visit, she simply wanted to flex her creative muscle, actually exploring multiple art forms before discovering knots. Upon her departure from corporate American, Windy tried out all kinds of creative avenues; pottery, painting, wood carving (her hand carved spoons have also garnered a cult following. Whenever one goes up for sale, it’s gone immediately.) But then Windy discovered knots – yes with rope – like what is often used on a boat – and she was hooked. Upon researching the history behind knot-making, Windy began to see knots as their own form of language. Each knot conveys a purpose, a meaning and tells a story. I totally love that. It’s as if her studio wall is an entire novel with hidden secrets about human history. The knots also just look really really amazing.

But the Year of Knots isn’t Windy’s only project. She is also creating gorgeous knotted lighting and wall-hangings. Each one is unique – many are bespoke commissions created specifically for their recipient. While the wall hangings are certainly reminiscent of 70’s macramé we’re seeing everywhere these days, I love how modern, clean and updated Windy’s pieces feel.

Most recently, Windy has taken her work to even greater heights by doing large scale installations in hotels, office buildings and public spaces. I for one would love to be able to walk beneath a Windy Chien piece every day. For now, I will continue to follow her on Instagram and drop into her Mission-based studio for a little creative pick-me-up. If you’ve been looking for an example to inspire you to chase that seemingly crazy dream – Windy is your woman. She’s proof positive that if you put all your energy into doing what you love, you just might be surprised by what falls into place.

Thank you Windy for letting me spend a truly inspiring morning with you!

If you’re looking for even more inspirational women doing super cool stuff check out this post, this post and this post.

And if you like these kinds of posts please let me know in the comments below. If you’re down, I’d really love to get out there to bring you more stories like this one.

original photography by michelle drewes

Obsession Reinvented: How I Rediscovered Inspiration

Business of blogging

As a blogger, it can often be hard to find fresh inspiration. Instagram algorithms, Pinterest overload and blogger ubiquity can make the online world feel a little one note. Over the years (have I really been at this for 9 years now?!), I’ve certainly struggled with ideation, often feeling like I was banging my head against a wall of stale style. That’s why I was intrigued when HP approached me earlier this summer with a challenge: Give their all-new HP Spectre notebook a try and see how its inspired design might inspire me to reinvent my work (in case you missed, check out the rather unique way I was introduced to the Spectre laptop here – it was all caught on video!).

So over the past few months, the HP Spectre has been my new companion. As I mentioned in said video – my laptop is almost like an extension of my hand. It’s never far from my reach – even in places you should never admit taking your laptop! Thankfully, the Spectre is so light and sleek it doesn’t weigh me down like my old laptop did. It’s actually the Spectre’s featherweight body and super-thin profile that inspired the reinvention of my work. Let me explain.

You see, since having my kiddo, I’ve felt a bit hermit-like. I used to pride myself on knowing the latest hot spot, trying out the new restaurant or being one of the first to discover the up and coming…whatever it might be. And I swore things wouldn’t change when I had a baby, as all people without kids do. But reality proved that with less time in the day and shifting priorities, I fell out of the loop. It was just too hard to avoid. And when you’re out of the loop it’s hard to discover fresh things you haven’t seen before. But with the help of HP, over the summer I felt inspired to shake off the mama-shackles and get back to what I love – collaborating, connecting, and being inspired by people way more talented than I.

As you may have seen in this post, collaborating with the furniture company Cisco Home to design my dream sofa certainly got me re-inspired from the tips of bloggin’ toes to the top of my head. But that type of opportunity is not an everyday occurrence. To feel reenergized on a daily basis, I’ve been grabbing my Spectre and making a point to simply get out and about in the world. For example, I’ve been trying to work from new places in and around San Francisco, like the amazing Tartine Manufactory recently opened in San Francisco’s Mission neighborhood.

There are 1,000 things to love about this place. Starting with all the carbs, but I digress.

Housed in the Heath Ceramics Factory, Tartine Manufactory was created with the intention of articulating California aesthetics, to serve as an intersection between design and food and be a celebration of process. The Los Angeles based cool kids on the design block, Commune, looked to the architecture of alpine lodges, Dutch design, Stickley furniture, Japanese joinery and of course all things California to inspire the way they melded industrial architecture with a welcoming feel. Huge factory windows extend to high ceilings allowing natural light to flood the space. Unglazed Heath subway tiles along with crazy good Calacatta marble counters with faint gold veins, white plastered walls and concrete floors create a muted palette. Other details include reclaimed Douglas fir woodwork, Noguchi lanterns and mesh metal light fixtures.

It’s official, when it comes to the computer I’m working on and the space I’m working in, aesthetics make all the difference. I consider Tartine Manufactory my new happy place where I can work, run into friends and meet new ones.

When it comes to the actual work side of things, the Spectre makes it nice and easy. I’ve already espoused its petite size repeatedly. It really is an awesome feature. I also love the good battery life. I can power through a morning session at Tartine, no cord required. I also really like the wireless mouse that perfectly matches the laptop. I seriously hurt my shoulder doing too much work using a trackpad from which I am still recovering. Using a mouse is a must! The Spectre’s speed is nice and fast which is always a requirement for my short blogger attention span. I can charge my phone with the USB port and pop in headphones if I need to tune things out. I won’t sugar coat it, trying to re-learn Windows has been my least favorite part of the whole process, but the laptop’s lovely copper accents and glowing keyboard lessen makes it worth it!

The notebook is a great tool, but I’m most grateful for the opportunity to search out and rediscover what gets my creative juices flowing. That’s been the true game changer of this entire experience.

What inspires you when you’re in need of a creative boost? Please comment below!

To catch up on my entire experience with my HP Spectre click HERE and HERE.

Original photography for apartment 34 by andrea posadas
This post sponsored by HP. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations that we’re excited about and that have kept Apartment 34’s doors open.

Happy Weekend!

Business of blogging

I’m not really sure where September went, are you?? It certainly flew by for me. And now October is going to go just as quickly – especially because we’re headed to Hawaii! I know, I know, I haven’t even had a chance to recap my trip to Italy for you yet (promise, that’s coming soon! When you shoot over 1,000 pics in three days recaps can take awhile), but I’m so excited about this upcoming trip. It’s the first time we’ll be taking a vacation as a family of three. The first time our kiddo has been on big beach or touched warm ocean water. The first time I’m going to unplug in I don’t event remember how long….but I digress.

I’ve started a little planning, but I would so love any and all recommendations. We’re headed to Maui – a place I love but haven’t visited since 2004! I have a feeling a lot has changed since then. So if you have a favorite restaurant, favorite beach, favorite thing to do with tiny humans, anything – please let me know.

While I’m doing frantic research and furious 1-piece bathing suit shopping this weekend, I hope you have a a fabulous one!

image via here

Reinventing Obsession With Design through Technology

Business of blogging

So I have a confession to make. All summer I’ve been cheating. I’ve felt a little guilty – a little naughty about it all in fact. But today I’m ready to come clean. You see, back in June, I took a little jaunt down to LA (you may have spied a sneak peek or two on Instagram). I knew very little about what was going to happen while there. I knew I’d be at a production studio. I knew I was going to be interviewed on camera. I knew I had to wear black. But I knew very little else!

After a bit of time hanging in a green room (yes, I felt fancy) and then getting a little hair and makeup touch up, I was walked out onto a stark white set full of…nothing but black pillars. Bright lights in my eyes, I was barely able to make out the crew and the director sitting in front of me. Here’s a few behind the scenes snaps I was able to sneak on set.

And so there I stand, not quite sure what to do when the questions begin – and they were all about my relationship with my laptop! Given that my entire career centers around one, it certainly isn’t trivial. My laptop is basically an extra appendage. I lug it with me virtually everywhere. I’ve been known to sit in my car and return emails if I’m early for a coffee date. I edit blog posts at all times of day and night. I work from the dining room table, the couch, the bed, along with any and every coffee shop, airport – the back of an Uber. You name it, I’ve done it.

As the questions concluded, I was asked to open one of those black pillars that surrounded me and I was surprised to discover a hidden secret..a seriously hot looking laptop. Called the HP Spectre, this is a sleek, thin, light, did I mention light laptop. I was immediately smitten and not just because it matched my outfit!

Amazingly, once my time on set was done, I was sent home with said stunning, light laptop. Upon returning home, I set my old computer aside to give The HP Spectre a try. It certainly is fun to look at. The HP Spectre combines a sleek black body with a touch of copper around the exterior edge. The keyboard even lights up with a coppery-glow. Point being, it looks dang good. But I was pleased to discover the laptop also functions exceptionally well. The high definition screen is bright and clear. Everything loads super fast. And perhaps most importantly, the laptop is super thin and crazy light – only 2.45 pounds, so I can finally be out and about without breaking my back! Game changer. Sorry old laptop. (For even more of the technical detail you can check out all the technical specs right here. I tend to focus more on the pretty).

Turns out, I wasn’t the only one with laptop woes. HP had quite a few other fabulous peeps come on set that day to talk about their love/hate relationships with their laptops. I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who so intensely relies on their computer for survival. Having a light, bright, beautiful laptop definitely makes my work life a lot happier.

But it’s pretty funny to see what others think about their computers. You can watch the entire video (with a few cameos of me) below. *blush* And I’ll have more about my experience with my HP Spectre to share with you very soon!

This post is a sponsored partnership with HP Spectre. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting partnerships that I’m excited about and that have kept Apartment 34’s doors open.

How to Say So Long to Summer In Style

Business of blogging

bay-area-beaches

This is it. The last chance to let the summer vibes wash over us. I’ve got a bucket list a mile long, but I’ve whittled things down to an even dozen ideas that I think you could actually accomplish this long weekend. I do hope they might inspire you to have a little extra fun this holiday weekend.

Whatever you’re up to, I hope you enjoy every single second!

> Wake up early and see a sunrise. This coffee will help.

> Go out to brunch. Or better yet, host one! This is proof that it doesn’t have to be stressful at all.

> Make this recipe, or this one or this one or this one or this one or any of these.

> Eat dessert. And then eat it again. And again. And again. Bathing suit season is over after all.

> Explore a new place.

> Or rediscover something familiar.

> Have a picnic. Beach not required but an added bonus.

> Whip up this sangria. Or this lemonade. Or this frosé. Or this margarita. Or this one.

> If you’re really feeling ambitious, exercise.

> If you’re feeling like I’m feeling, treat yo’self to a pedicure.

> If you over-indulged on the margaritas, drink a fresh juice.

xo,

Erin

photography by emily scott

Things to Do, Try, Read & See this Weekend

Business of blogging

Ok people, there are only two weekends of summer left! If you’re anything like me, you’re going to want to cram in as much as possible before Labor Day’s final summer BBQ. I know I am!

I’ve been compiling quite the list of things to do. Everything from hosting a brunch party at our new house – hence the awesome baked eggs you see above (and that I’ve included the recipe for below!), to things I want to read, see or experience before we say so long to the summer slowdowns.

> I want to do a family picnic at any of these Bay Area beaches

> I’d like to make return trip to here or here

> I’m still trying to embrace Snapchat (I’m apartment34) and now Instagram stories too! I’m going to try following these designers to see if I get inspired to constantly share my every move

> If you’re married, in a committed relationship or just fascinated by them then you must take time to read this 5 part series on marriage. Called The Divorce Lawyers Guide to Marriage (written by my friend Erik Newton of the equally amazing podcast, Together), is damn genius. I particularly appreciated part 4.

> And back to that egg recipe. It’s actually created by celebrity chef Daniel Patterson, chef of the Michelin starred restaurant Coi but not for his restaurant, but for the American Express Centurion Lounge at San Francisco International Airport! Yes, you can actually eat that well while traveling. And that’s just the beginning. Chef Patterson has created an entire menu for the Centurion Lounge. You can get other made to order dishes like Little Gem Lettuce Salad, Eggplant Miso Soup with Shiso and Sesame or Grilled Chicken with Shaved Fennel, Tomato and Herbs. I suddenly want to go out to lunch at the airport! But at least you can recreate this dish at home. I know what I’m doing this Sunday morning.

RECIPE: BAKED EGGS, WHITE BEANS, SPRING VEGGIES, TARRAGON CRUSTY BREAD

Prepared by Daniel Patterson, The Centurion Lounge Executive Chef, San Francisco

INGREDIENTS
2 cups dried cannellini beans
1 medium carrot, peeled and small diced
1 cup celery, leaves removed and small diced
1 small onion, peeled and small diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 pound Spanish chorizo, removed of their casing
2 tbsp tomato paste
16 oz vegetable stock
1 bunch kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
Salt and pepper
8 whole eggs
4 oz Spanish manchego cheese, rind removed and shaved
4 slices thick cut crusty bread, ciabatta or similar
1 bunch Tarragon
Olive oil for brushing
4 scallions, cut on bias

DIRECTIONS
1. Soak the beans overnight and then braise in water until tender

2. Preheat oven to 350º.

3. In a medium to large sauté pan, over medium-high heat, add carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and chorizo. Stir constantly until chorizo is cooked through and vegetables have sweated.

4. Next, add in the tomato paste, stir to incorporate evenly, followed with the cooked beans and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Finish the chorizo beans by folding in the kale, until just wilted, and season with salt and pepper.

6. Divide the beans between four shallow, oven-proof bowls. Place 2 cracked eggs on top of the beans in each bowl and place in the oven for 10 minutes.

7. Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and lightly grill or toast in the oven until lightly charred. After the eggs have cooked for 10 minutes in the oven, remove and place the manchego cheese evenly over the eggs. Place back in the oven until cheese has melted. Garnish baked eggs with the scallions, grilled bread and chopped tarragon.

Photo by Kelly Sullivan/Getty Images for American Express

Happy Sun-Filled Weekend

Business of blogging

It’s amazing how quickly summer goes. At the first of June, the season seems to stretch out like a vast horizon far, the end seaming unreachable in the distance. But the next thing you know, there’s only two weekends left in August! It gets me every year. So I’m rushing off to soak in as much sun, fun and unplugged time as I can fit in before September’s mad dash returns (and I depart for Italy – yelp!).

But I have made sure to take a break from watching the Olympics (I’m obsessed – is it just me? I just love watching it all – volleyball, synchronized swimming, weight lifting, track…I’m going to be so sad when it’s over. But anywhoo.) I have discovered a bevy of fab things online to check out this week. Without further ado

> A bunch of the mamas from our Real Mom Series discussed comparison – a very relevant topic regardless if you have kids or not.

> How many cocktails can you cram in before season’s end? Coco-kelley is making it easy

> I’d also like to eat this, and this and this

> And indulge in this

> I’m having a love affair with all things ceramic, but this gal is particularly talented

> One of my favorite online children’s boutiques, Bitte, is celebrating its first anniversary and offering 15% off to celebrate! Just enter the code HAPPYBIRTHDAY15 at checkout

> Mini dream come true – Domino Magazine included Apt34 in their round up of must-follow design focused Instagrams!

And I actually hadn’t mentioned here some of the most exciting news of the month: Apt34 has been named one of six finalists for a SAVEUR Magazine 2016 blog award!

The winner of Best Style & Design Blog will be selected by the public – and I would so appreciate your vote. You can cast your vote RIGHT HERE (and you can vote daily!).

Now I’m off to break out the rosé before the summer season is gone!

Real Talk, Real Moms: Growing Your Family

Business of blogging

When you get to a “certain age” and haven’t had a baby, you constantly get the when-are you-going-to-have -kids question. Once you finally do pop out a tiny human, it seems the question of when you’re going to have your second comes even faster. That’s why we decided to tackle the topic of growing your family for the latest installment of our Real Talk, Real Moms column.

I have what I think might be a less common perspective on growing our family, or not growing it as the case may be. You see, I don’t think I want to add another baby to our midst. I think we are one and done. But people have very mixed opinions about that. Even I have mixed opinions now and again.

How do you know if you should have a second baby anyway? Lots of people say, well you don’t want to deny your child a sibling. And while yes, I agree – I never want to “deny” my child of any worthwhile experience, as my pediatrician explained: you do not want to have another baby for your existing child. That’s like getting a puppy in an attempt to save a relationship. Not a good idea. And while I look at friends’ babies and think oh, how cute, I have zero urge to go through it all again. Giving up my body to grow a tiny human, birthing said human and then right back into the sleepless nights, 1 million diapers and another year of breast feeding?? As I tip into my late 30’s, I’m feeling very done with that phase. Some people might call me selfish. I, in fact, struggle with guilt knowing I probably could get pregnant again but have literally no desire to. Now, I must caveat that I am only 15 months into this whole motherhood adventure and realize that my perspective could change…but I strongly doubt it.

Because we’re very happy as a family of three. It’s working quiet well for us and I find it nearly impossible to image adding someone else to the mix. Not to mention the trials and tribulations that seem to come from having two (or more) kids. I see the struggles plaguing friends with multiple kids over and over again. When you no longer out number the babies it can be really hard to keep the upper hand. I just do not feel up for that level of stress.

But when I start feeling very resolute about having my one and only, the rampant stigma about only children kicks in. It’s been around for literally hundreds of years. According to NPR, in 1907 the American Psychological Association called only children “sickly, selfish, strange and stupid… and that being an only child is a disease in itself.” It often feels like that opinion hasn’t changed much.

But there’s so much research out there showing that only children can in fact be well adjusted, high functioning members of society with strong social skills. I just discovered the book One and Only, The Freedom of Having an Only Child and the Joy of Being One – all about the raising of only children and I cannot wait to pick up a copy. For example, the book debunks the myth that only children are lonely. Sure, in some cases I’m sure some only children did feel lonely growing up. But as the author Lauren Sandler explains, “for a lot of only children, being alone is the experience of solitude, which is a very rich thing, instead of loneliness, which is a very painful thing.” Interesting, no?

An only child herself, Sandler also explains her own mother’s rationale for intentionally have just one child:

“My mother was deeply devoted to raising me. To have a happy kid, she figured she needed to be a happy mother, and to be a happy mother, she needed to be a happy person. To do that, she had to preserve her authentic self, which she could not imagine doing with a second child.”

I dig it. I dig it a lot. I strongly believe that being a very well-rounded adult will lead to raising well-rounded children.

So there you have it. I don’t know if this minor diatribe was in anyway helpful to anyone else considering whether or not to grow their families. This is just one woman’s take. But I appreciate the opportunity to share it with you. Anyone else out there struggle with these decisions? I would love to hear your experiences.

I also can’t wait to see what all our other mamas have to say on this very hot subject. You can read all of their stories by clicking on the links below.

Ave Styles / Could I Have That / Parker Etc / The Effortless Chic / Sarah Sherman Samuel / The Life Styled / Sacramento Street / Sugar & Charm / The Refined Woman

And if you haven’t checked out the Real Talk, Real Mom series yet, we’ve talked Sleep, Feeding, Travel, Career, Self-Care and Co-Parenting. #realmomseries

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