Design Inspiration for the New Year: Dark & Dramatic

Decor

Well, as much as I tried, I couldn’t stay away from here for the entire rest of the year. I just missed you all too much! And when these pictures of my completed media room came back, I also couldn’t stand waiting to share the final reveal. So without further ado, a 2016 bonus post – call it the year’s finale. Seems fitting that is should a room in my own home – this really has been my biggest project to date!

Now if you’ve been an Apt34 reader for awhile (and I hope some of you have been!) this space might look familiar. That’s not just because I gave a little sneak peek in my holiday cocktail post a couple of weeks back.

You might recognize this space as I actually featured it as part of the One Room Challenge in October 2015. Yes, I said 2015. Back then I still had renovation naiveté and actually thought there was a good chance of construction being complete in time to finish a room in six weeks. HA! It only took seven more months. Lesson learned. Since moving in earlier this year, it’s also taken a significant amount of time to make my original design vision come to life. Unlike with our lofts, I’ve been incredibly picky about every single piece that comes into this house. Thankfully, I discovered ATG Stores , a new online furnishings retailer that carries just about everything under the sun. I was able to find all the finishing touches I’d been waiting for that ultimately pulled this room together. And I think my patience has paid off. I managed to create a respite from what is otherwise a toddler play zone! What do you think?

Being that this is our media room, I always knew I wanted this room to have a dramatic, dark color scheme with a very monochromatic palette. I’m obsessed with the black/blue that I found – it’s Benjamin Moore in Gravel Gray. We painted the entire space, including the crown molding and the ceiling in the same color with a flat finish. It gives the room the modern, masculine feel I was going for. Our light oak floors add just enough contrast to brighten the space. Having two oversized windows also flood the room with light so it feels chic rather than cave-like.

A point for the renovation geeks – I’m also obsessed with my outlets and light switches from the Adorne Collection by LeGrand – they come in a gray which compliments my color palette. Seriously awesome.

Keeping accessories to a minimum helps give the space a calm feel.

I used brass accents to warm the room. I love the little cocktail table – perfect for resting my nightly glass of wine (or two!).

A throw pillow with chartreuse and greens adds a touch of color to break up the monochromatic scheme.

I can never resist having a few treasures sitting out that make me smile. A selection of my favorite design books, a little bowl I’ve had so long I can’t remember where it came from. A strand of wood beads from the flea market.

I’ve broken down how you can recreate this look shopping from ATG Stores below.

SHOP THE LOOK: cactus / pendant light / brass table lamps / black throw / sectional / coffee table / marble & wood bookend / pillow 1, pillow 2 / brass & marble cocktail table / wood tray

For all the design inspiration for this room CLICK HERE

For the latest about our renovations, CLICK HERE

original photography for apartment34 by aubrie pick

This post is in partnership with ATG Stores. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations that have kept apt34’s doors open!

Tasty Tuesday: A Friendsgiving to Remember

Entertaining

‘Tis the most wonderful time of the year! No, not that holiday with all the presents. Sure that one is fun and all. But Thanksgiving has long been my favorite annual gathering because it’s a food lovers holiday. Thanksgiving offers the chance to indulge in all my favorite things; time with the people I love and care about, amazing food, delicious drinks and gorgeous tables. I don’t know about you, but I feel particularly ready to pause and take stock of what I’m thankful for this year. I recently had the chance to celebrate Friendsgiving (because when you can do Thanksgiving more than once you should!) and am so thrilled to get to share it with you today.

This Friendsgiving gathered some of my favorite San Francisco bloggers including Caitlin, Jeanne, Erica, Todd, Amanda, Nichole and Therese. We all came together in this beautiful setting, everyone contributing something to the scene. With this many talented people in one room, I was confident every detail was going to be on point. The day certainly lived up to expectations.

Caitlin was in charge of setting the table. I love how her rustic chic tablescape came together. Vintage brass, simple florals and touches of green in apothecary bottles made the table feel light and airy, but still festive. Mismatched antique silver and a collection of vintage glassware kept things from feeling stuffy. The layers, the textures, the colors. Everything was spot on. Erica added a personal touch with lovely placecards. She created a little bouquet wrapped with twine and a personalized tag written in calligraphy to sit atop each napkin – such an elegant touch is perfect for a holiday. When the food was added, the wine poured and the candles lit, the table came alive with color and warmth.

Of course it wouldn’t be a proper holiday without a celebratory outfit. We all partnered with Banana Republic, Gap and Old Navy to find the perfect looks. The best part of a Friendsgiving is the come-as-you-are vibe. There’s no pretense with friends. No one you need impress. You can simply be you. My look – a classic pair of dark jeans, a cashmere sweater, a brocade jacket and a statement making heel – made me feel like a million bucks. Exactly what this mama needed! You can create a similar look right now because you can save 40% off everything at Banana Republic and Gap and Old Navy (well through TODAY so shop fast!). Just be sure to use the code FRIENDS at checkout. You can get all the details about my outfit here and everything I’m wearing (along with a few extra faves) are at the bottom of the post.

I was asked to contribute the cheese plates for the day’s festivities. I have a bit of a proclivity for them (as this post and this post attest!) There is no real secret to creating a good cheese plate. I love to offer a lot of variety, a lot of color, texture and something unexpected. For these cheese plates I found fresh Moroccan dates – those bright yellow things – that were indeed edible and certainly unique. A mix of crusty bread and herbed crackers allow guests to mix and match flavors to their hearts’ content. Some beautiful concord grapes, figs and olives offer a nice mix of salty and sweet.

Of course it is fun to set a beautiful scene and feel ready to celebrate, but I really love the sentiment of the Cesar Chavez quote that Caitlin had made into a wall hanging:

“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him…the people who give you their food give you their heart“

Rather than get caught up in the rush this season, I want to make a point to sit down and break bread with my friends, my family – any and everyone I care about. Because ultimately it is those connections, that friendship and that love between people that matter most – no matter the time of year.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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For more Thanksgiving table inspiration CLICK HERE

For my favorite Thanksgiving recipes CLICK HERE

For seasonal cocktail ideas CLICK HERE

set design by caitlin flemming / photography by delbarr moradi / food by jessica robertson / props from elsie green

this post is in partnership with Old Navy. all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that have kept apartment 34’s doors open.

Fall Entertaining: How to Set a Simply Beautiful Table

Entertaining

One thing I’ve been looking forward to about moving back into a house after years of apartment life is having the space to entertain again. Sure, I crammed people into our loft, but we never had a table that sat more than four. Having a formal dining space dedicated entirely to entertaining feels like the ultimate luxury! And I plan to make damn good use of it. While my dining room is still very much a work in progress, I believe you don’t have to have every detail pulled together perfectly to play hostess. Spoiler alert – this is a major sneak peek of the space!

The whole point of having friends over for dinner is to make everyone feel at ease – and that includes you. A few simple tips and tricks make hosting a fall gathering quick, easy and most importantly fun.

Setting a chic table makes an evening feel a little special, but creating it doesn’t have be complicated. I like to stick to two to three colors to keep things from getting overwhelming. A simple white tablecloth – this one is vintage that I snagged from my favorite Bay Area shop Elsie Green – offers a nice blank slate on your table. A few wrinkles are no big deal. It gives everything a more rustic vibe. This table features a palette of blue, creams, and greens with just a touch of gold. Everything on the table, from the flowers to the flatware play off each other.

Place settings don’t have to be complicated either. I added color to the table with some gorgeous gray-blue plates. I simply stacked my dinner and salad plates to create bit of layering. Mismatched white cloth napkins with an off-center fold adds an interesting geometric angle to the plate. And I do love me some gold flatware. It quickly makes any table feel a bit more festive. If you haven’t already added a set to your collection, get these. They’re cute and crazy affordable. A touch of greenery and a little leaf charm on each setting helps make guests feel extra special.

Adding flowers to your table also shouldn’t be stressful. You can let your creative juices flow, combining whatever fits your color palette. This arrangement mixes all kinds of greenery – everything from Lambs Ear and grasses, to cuts of fresh hops and leaves. A few white blooms give you that plucked straight from your garden look. But if creating your own center piece feels overwhelming, head to your local flower mart or corner florist. There’s no shame in putting a pretty arrangement into your own vase. You gotta do what you gotta do.

If you’re not an expert chef, no big deal. Save the fancy cooking for the big Turkey-day. There’s really no need for a multiple course meal. A generous spread with a good crusty bread, charcuterie, samplings of cheese and a bunch of little bites let your guests sit back and snack at will. This gives everyone the opportunity to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Because ultimately, the most important thing about throwing a dinner party is to give yourself permission to sit back, relax and enjoy the evening too. Let go of any expectation that things will be perfect – instead plan for the opposite and simply enjoy the process.

For more of my favorite entertaining ideas CLICK HERE.

For my favorite Halloween tabletop, CLICK HERE.

For the best fall recipes, CLICK HERE.

photography for apartment 34 by Alanna Hale, florals by the wild ones

He Said/She Said Fall Fashion Trends

Fashion

Fall is always the best style season of the year. Before you’re buried under winter coats, but the summer’s glow has yet to fade, now is the time to play. You can have fun with proportion, with textures, with adding a little edge. I’ve always been a fan of menswear influenced style. It gives off a subtle sexiness while being incredibly practical for daily life; think wide-legged pants, flats and a cozy sweater or two. When you mix them all together you get a decidedly strong, but thoroughly feminine approach to taking the new season on in style.

Continue to scroll for some of my current favorite looks.

Extra-wide culottes paired with a snug sweater have me like whoa. Especially in this creamy, caramely warm color palette. And yes…those so ugly they’re really ridiculously good looking shoes are starting to appeal to me too.

All white is always alright in my book. Those denim culottes are also calling my name and I just might have to add a girlie white blouse to my white shirt arsenal.

A classic trouser feels fresh when it’s cropped and is an easy thing to get you out of my your denim rut.

A touch of blush & metallic lend a girlie touch to borrowed from the boys staples like bomber jackets and loafers.

A peacoat never goes out of style. To make it more wearable in this early part of fall when the weather just can’t make up its mind, pair yours with some bright whites and a chunky open toe sandal.

I’m a big fan of adding a few choice pieces to my closet around this time of year. Especially ones I know I’ll love for a long time – rather than just buying into the it-trend of the moment. Any of these options would make my closet very very happy for years to come.

get your shop on: shirt / backpack / watch / monk strap loafers / cashmere cardigan / culottes / bag / sweater / coat

For even more fall fashion inspiration, follow my Street Style Pinterest board HERE

images via goop

A Fresh Color Palette to Set a Fall Mood

Decor

Apologies for being a little tardy today friends. I don’t know if you followed along on my Italian adventures last week, but I’m finally back home now and still battling major jetlag. But at the same time, I feel refreshed, energized and so ready for all that the new season brings. It’s always interesting how travel helps you look at things through a new light.

Right now, everything I see has a warm, golden glow. There’s something about the light in Italy that gives everything a beautiful patina. Colors appear more saturated, richer – they envelop you like a familiar hug. It has me craving a similar color palette this month.

As much as I love the washed out Scandi whites and blues that have been dominating my Pinterest and Instagram feeds, I’m loving the earthy, grounded vibe of this palette. Carmely browns mix with deep black, touches of copper, hints of burnt sienna and just a pop or two of white to create an atmosphere that feels layered, endlessly interesting and deeply personal. You want to just burrow in and explore. That’s how I feel about September. I’m ready to dig deep – to invest in what and who I love, in what fuels me, in what I hope to offer you. While summer is often the season to reinvigorate your spirit, fall is the season to reinvigorate your soul.

Care to join me?

For more color palette inspiration CLICK HERE

image 1 figr / image 2 canellevanille / image 3, 7 st frank / image 4 luisa brimble / image 5 tracie cheng / image 6 burberry prossum / image 8 vogue living

Recipe: A Healthy Twist on Homemade Pizza

Entertaining

Since I’m in Italy at the moment eating my heart out, I thought sharing a little bonus recipe for the week would be fun. Because when you’re in a place like this you’re minded of food’s importance. How much thoughtful time and energy can and should be put into it. How food is intended to be shared, to have a story and to bring people to get together. In Italy every meal is a mini special event and people are happier, less stressed and more connected because of it.

Even before my visit to Italy, I knew I wanted to create some of that in our own house. It’s so easy to obsess about the quick 30-minute meal or finding something you can eat on the go, but I really want our kiddo to grow up loving both home cooked meals and the time spent preparing them. So I decided to invest in creating my own version of the ultimate comfort food recipe – homemade (healthy!) pizza.

We recently started making fresh, homemade pizza for a weekly Sunday dinner as a family. We do everything entirely from scratch – dough, sauce, toppings – all of it. It’s such a fun process to share with our kiddo, it’s a wonderful way to spend time together and the results are delicious. When you know every ingredient that goes into your dish you feel so much better about what you’re eating!

And it’s easy to take pizza away from the greasy mess you get from takeout and turn it into satisfying comfort food that you actually feel good about eating. The secret is simply using fresh ingredients. That includes three things. The first is making your own dough (I promise it’s not hard – it just needs a little time). Second, grab whatever is fresh at the farmer’s market for your toppings (the cherry tomatoes and basil are amazing right now) and third, add grilled chicken to make the dish a complete meal. Foster Farms Simply Raised chicken is completely antibiotic free, all natural, American Humane Certified and fed a 100% vegetarian diet, without any added hormones or steroids. It’s certainly something I can feel good about feeding my family. For your pizza, you can quickly grill the chicken breasts while your pie bakes. Adding the chicken gives you the protein you need to feel nice and full…and maybe say no to that third slice. Maybe.

You do have to set aside time to go through the steps of preparing your dough ahead of time, making fresh tomato sauce, prepping and grilling your chicken and then combing everything together but it is all so worth the effort. I feel so satisfied when we all sit down and enjoy a slice piping hot from the oven and I feel good knowing exactly what my child – and really my entire family is eating. And enjoying the time together, that is the most comforting thing of all.

So if you’d like to try your hand at upping your pizza game keep scrolling. I’ve included the recipes for fresh pizza dough, sauce and the grilled chicken. If pizza isn’t your thing, definitely check out Foster Farm’s selection of recipes. They’re all great spins on classics, creating New Comfort Food. They all look ah-mazing.

RECIPE: HOMEMADE PIZZA WITH ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES & GRILLED CHICKEN

Ingredients
400 grams (14 ounces, about 2 1/2 cups) bread flour
10 grams (.35 ounces, about 2 teaspoons) kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
4 grams (.15 ounces, about 1/2 teaspoon) instant yeast
275 grams (9.5 ounces, about 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons) water
8 grams (.25 ounces, about 2 teaspoons) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to coat pans and drizzle
1 1/2 cups pizza sauce, (recipe below)
12 ounces grated full-fat, dry mozzarella cheese
Small handful torn fresh basil leaves
3 to 4 mini balls of fresh mozzarella (optional)

Directions

1.Combine flour, salt, yeast, water, and oil in a large bowl. Mix with hands or a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains. The bowl should be at least 4 to 6 times to volume of the dough to account for rising.

2. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap, making sure that edges are well-sealed, then let rest on the countertop for at least 8 hours and up to 24. Dough should rise dramatically and fill bowl.

3. Sprinkle the top of the dough lightly with flour, then transfer it to a well-floured work surface. Divide dough into two pieces and form each into a ball by holding it with well-floured hands and tucking the dough underneath itself, rotating it until it forms a tight ball.

4. Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in the bottom of two 10-inch cast iron skillet or round cake pans. Place 1 ball of dough in each pan and turn to coat evenly with oil. Using a flat palm, press the dough around the pan, flattening it slightly and spreading oil around the entire bottom and edges of the pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough sit at room temperature for two hours. If it doesn’t rise sufficiently put it in a proofing drawer if you have one for at least 1 hour.After the first hour, adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 550°F.

5. After two hours, dough should be mostly filling in the pan up to the edges. Use your fingertips to press it around until it fills in every corner, popping any large bubbles that appear. Lift up one edge of the dough to let any air bubbles underneath escape and repeat, moving around the dough until there are no air bubbles left underneath and the dough is evenly spread around the pan.

6. Top each round of dough with 3/4 cup sauce, spreading the sauce with the back of a spoon into every corner. Spread evenly with mozzarella cheese, letting the cheese go all the way to the edges. Season with salt. Add other toppings as desired. Drizzle with olive oil and scatter a few basil leaves over the top (

7. Transfer pan to oven and bake until top is golden brown and bubbly and bottom is golden brown and crisp when you lift it with a thin spatula, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the pizzas and transfer to to a cutting board. Cut each one into six slices and serve immediately.

For the Sauce
Ingredients
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 medium cloves garlic, grated on microplane grater (about 2 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
pinch red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
2 (6-inch) sprigs fresh basil with leaves attached
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and split in half
1 teaspoon sugar

Directions
1. Process tomatoes and their juice through food mill, pulse in food processor until pureed, or puree with hand blender. Puree should not be completely smooth, but should have no chunks larger than 1/16 of an inch. Set tomatoes aside.
2. Combine butter and oil in medium saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Add garlic, oregano, pepper flakes, and large pinch salt and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, basil sprigs, onion halves, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to lowest setting (bubbles should barely be breaking the surface), and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by 1/2, about 1 hour. Discard onions and basil stems. Season to taste with salt. Allow to cool and store in covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

For the Grilled Chicken

Take two Foster Farms chicken breasts and cover lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle on your favorite grilling seasoning or simply a heavy dose of salt and pepper. Turn your grill to medium high. Grill on each side for 7 minutes each. Let grilled chicken rest for five minutes before cutting and putting on top of your pizza.

photography by erin hiemstra – recipes adapted from serious eats

This post is in partnership with Foster Farms Simply Raised Chicken. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that keep Apartment 34’s doors open.

Tasty Tuesday: Simple Roasted Salsa Recipe

Entertaining

While I’m a little sad to see summer go, there’s something about so comforting about fall. After the summer’s calling to constantly wander, spending an afternoon cozied up on the couch feels refreshing. And we all know couch-hanging must be accompanied by appropriate snacks! Thankfully, tomatoes and jalapenos are overflowing at the farmer’s market and Maia is back with a homemade salsa recipe. It’s super easy and helps me with my goal of breaking in our new kitchen. Here’s to plenty of couch surfing this season!

With the last days of summer upon us I’m savoring all my favorite summer flavors. This salsa is the epitome of late summer get togethers. And it’s so simple to make, I can whip up a batch, straight from the garden (or farmer’s market) right now. This year, my plan is to make some big batches and freeze the extra for a little taste of summer in the middle of winter. That is if I can keep myself from just eating it all up right away!

RECIPE: SIMPLE ROASTED SALSA
Ingredients

5-6 medium tomatoes
1 large onion
1-2 Jalapenos
2-3 Cloves of garlic (unpeeled)
Juice of 1 lime
Small bunch of cilantro
Salt
agave (optional)

Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Wash and dry the tomatoes & jalapenos
3. Cut the tomatoes and onions in quarters
4. Place tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and garlic on a cookie sheet and bake in oven for 45-55 minutes. Until tomatoes are splitting and juicy and all veggies are a little dark and blistered on top.
5. Let cool
6. Add all veggies to a blender and blend together. Add lime juice, cilantro and salt to taste.
7. If you’re tomatoes weren’t very sweet you can add a smidgen of agave.

Be sure to check out the rest of Maia’s farmer’s market fresh recipes RIGHT HERE and the archive of my favorite fall recipes HERE.

Happy snacking!

original photography & recipe by maia mcdonald smith

Nine Fall Must-Haves

Fashion

I know, I just said Fall in the middle of July. But have no fear, because the most wonderful time of the year is here – the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! For those who have yet to be indoctrinated, take it from a Seattle native. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is pure genius because you can scoop up beautiful new styles on sale. This is not last season’s ~~crap~~ stuff that they can’t get off the rack. Everything you see here will go back up to full price once the Anniversary Sale ends (if they don’t sell out).

After a nearly two shopping hiatus (hello pregnancy and first year of motherhood aka living in yoga pants), this year mama is ready to spruce up her closet! These are officially my fall must-haves.

> So Real 48mm Sunglasses. A new season always requires a fresh pair of sunnies.

> Kathleen Peep Toe Booties. I haven’t added a peep toe to my boot wardrobe yet and the time has come.

> Rebecca Minkoff Avery Cross Body. A cute cross body bag always come in handy.

> Rag & Bone Double Breasted Vest. Wear it alone while it’s still warm and then layer when the weather cools. Yes.

> Topshop Color Block Boxy Top. I will attempt to wear some color, I will attempt to wear some color.

> Burberry Craysmoore Toggle Closure Short Gabardine Peacoat. Cropped coats are the bees knees.

> Phillip Lim Bucket Bag. No explanation necessary.

> Hinge Cora Block Heel. A chic sandal I can start wearing now? Yes please.

> All Saints Paradise North/South Tote. When you need a little more room and an alternative to black.

If you like what you see, head to Nordstrom lickity split (who says that? am I 100 years old? Anywho). You can shop early access to the Anniversary Sale now through July 21. The catch – you have a Nordstrom card. But it is the best way to make sure the hot shizz doesn’t sell out. Because trust me it does.

If you’re not in love with my top nine, I couldn’t help myself and kept bookmarking more faves. You can shop them all right here. I hope you find a treasure or two.

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Tasty Tuesday: A Delicious Holiday Side Dish

Recipes

The heart of entertaining season is upon us, so I thought I’d go hot and heavy with tips, tricks and recipes this week! If you’re planning on hosting over the holidays I know feeding the crowds can be stressful. We’ve been trying to finalize our Christmas menu in the hopes of creating some fun new traditions for Carter to enjoy every year. We’re blending a little bit of the husband’s childhood with mine as well as adding in a few new ideas for good measure.

This Glazed Beet Salad recipe cooked up by our food contributor Zoe is definitely going to make the Christmas dinner cut. More interesting than standard roasted vegetables, but more festive than a plain old bowl of greens, I think this will be a delicious way to get veggies on our holiday table. I’ll just have to put down a tarp – red beet juice + baby is likely to be a dangerous combination. I’ll be sure to share the results with you on Snapchat!

RECIPE: Glazed Beet Salad (Serves 4 as a side)

INGREDIENTS:
5 beets with greens (mixture of golden and red)
1 bunch Swiss chard
3 Tbsp butter
1 shallot
Salt
Fresh black pepper
4 Tbsp Muscadet
2 Tbsp water
4 Tbsp crumbled goat cheese (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Scrub and peel the beets. Remove the greens and chop coarsely. Set the greens aside in a large prep bowl. Slice beets into 1/4 inch rounds.

2. Remove the ribs from the swiss chard and coarsely chop and toss into bowl with the beet greens.

3. In a large sautee pan, melt butter and sautee shallots.

4. Add beet rounds to the shallot butter mixture. Crack pepper over the beets and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat and sautee beets, turning over to ensure even cooking.

5. About 15 minutes later when beets are begnning to glaze and become tender, add greens and chard. Sautee for about 5 minutes, then add wine and cover. Cook until greens are wilted, allow liquid to be mostly absorbed into greens, adjust seasonings.

6. Scoop greens and beets into a low shallow bowl. Garnish with a goat cheese crumbles and black pepper.

Enjoy!

What dishes grace your holiday table?? Would love any suggestions you might have. For more inspiration you can find all my favorite holiday recipe ideas HERE.

recipe & styling by zoe ambruster for apartment 34

photography by Madelene Farin

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