Well, it’s officially here. Summer’s swan song {ha – pun!}. Are you ready? While the tease of fall sweaters and boots is starting to tug at my heart strings I’m not really quite ready to let the summer vibes go. Think we could all agree to hold onto a little bit of that laid back attitude for the rest of the year? I think it’d help the planet’s sanity!

As for us, I think we might take the long weekend to dip Carter’s toes in the ocean for the first time! Seems fitting don’t you think? Whether you’re hitting the road or planning to enjoy a little stay-cation relaxation I hope you have a marvelous time. We’ve gathered a few fun links to help you stay busy below. And we’ll be back next week with a few fun tricks up our sleeve!

> A Man Repeller podcast? Genius. If you’re looking for something new to listen to, you’re welcome.

> Is it too early to think about pumpkins? Probably. But this pumpkin curry looks SO good.

> This dinner party idea is the perfect way to hold onto summer vibes.

> We’re going to be making a little sojourn to New York for Fashion Week soon {spoiler!}, so we were startled/intrigued to see that Style.com is no more – VogueRunway.com has taken its place. The coolest part? They’ve opened the online archive to every September Issue ever published!

> It’s no secret we love boots and the creative co-founders that design them at Freda Salvador. So this story featuring Cris and this story featuring Megan are must reads.

image via here

Has anyone else noticed summer’s slow fade? The afternoons aren’t quite as hot. The mornings are staying dark just that much longer. As much as I love fall {it is actually my favorite season – the fashion, the food, the nesting}, this time of year is always a bit bittersweet. So this weekend we’re going to take a sojourn to the beach, grab the last of the stone fruit at the farmers market and partake in some day drinking {summer’s greatest indulgence if you ask me.} I’ll also be hunting for the best drawer pulls, trying to select paint colors and finalize the nursery design for the house! You have spied this sneak peek on Instagram. Our renovation is really picking up speed now. I’m going to be sharing a full update with you on Monday! It’s starting to really feel real.

But for now, here are a few fun links to enjoy on a lazy end-of-summer afternoon!

> Our dear friend launched the most beautiful children’s shop this week and we’ve picked out our favorites right here! If you have a little in your life, you’ll WANT everything.

> The hues of greens and crimson in this fall collection are so beautiful. We die.

> Seven items with gorgeous packaging? This post is right up our “we bought it for the packaging” alley!

> Love the idea of starting off the day with a bigger, healthier meal. This breakfast super bowl with quinoa sounds like a clean and simple recipe to try!

> Don’t have room for a nightstand? No problem. These wall hung catchalls are perfection by the bed!

> Who has a wire Bertoia chair and never sits in it? ME. This design idea just made these classics way more comfy and we love!

> Made in San Francisco’s Mission neighborhood {just blocks from us!}, we’re obsessing over this local designer!

And some things you may have missed around here:

> I joined up with an amazing group of mamas to talk about some of the major issues we all face. I’ve so been appreciating your input on how to get a baby to sleep!

> This iced coffee recipe will still be on heavy rotation even as the heat fades.

> If you’re looking refresh your home for the new season, you gotta check this post out!

image by nicole franzen

Wow – the official heart of summer is upon us. How are you celebrating?? Hopefully you’re about to head out for a camping/beach/hiking/picnicking/bonfire filled weekend. We’re actually laying pretty low. San Francisco clears out for most major holidays and I’m excited to enjoy a little quiet. I might even brave the line at this newly infamous bakery. I’m also not quite sure how le bebe is going to respond to fireworks. But we are escaping to wine country next week for some serious R&R among the vines. {Anyone with favorite wineries in northern Sonoma, please send them my way!}.

Not only does the 4th mark the peak of summer, but Carter also turned 12 weeks old this week and it’s making me pause. If I thought time flew by before, it is amazing how quickly time passes when you’re watching a tiny person grow. It’s been a wonderful reminder to truly savor every little itty bitty moment. They slip away soooo quickly. I know, I know, cliché but what can I say – I’m feeling sentimental. So I hope you’re able to walk away from the computer, forget about capturing the perfect Instagram and can hold your Facebook status update till next week. This 4th, be fully present for all the special summer moments – the memory is worth way more than the picture on your phone.

I’ve got a few analog things on my agenda this weekend:

> I want to make this healthy dessert this weekend

> Followed by this truly indulgent one!

> And if want to make your 4th epic, you can follow these simple tips

> If you’re feeling patriotic, any of these red, white & blue bags should fix you right up!

> As should these red, white & blue recipes

> If you feel like saving a little $$$, this sale, this sale and this sale are must clicks!

Happy Fourth Friends!

PS – I revealed our nursery design this week and Monday I’ll reveal how we made way for baby in our living room so be sure to drop in!

If weeks flew by quickly before there was a tiny human in our world, they’re definitely on warp speed now. I know I’ve said it {repeatedly} before, but now more than ever I want to invest in my weekends as pure unadulterated time to unwind, unplug and soak up long coffees, long walks, long lunches and loads of baby snuggles. Sure I may have to throw a hunt for the perfect chandelier in there as things at the house are really starting to accelerate. But even that I’m going to try to do at a leisurely pace. Because I’m convinced that if I slow myself down, the rest of the world will slow down with me. Care to join in??

If you will be clicking around the interwebs this weekend, we highly recommend you click on these links!

> This project is seriously cool.

> This is on our weekend menu.

> This apartment made me swoon.

> A big hooray for the biggest news on the internet this week!

> Check this out. Print your own patterns and place them on anything!

> If you’ve ever wanted to go to Tokyo, here’s this.

> We’re obsessing over the look of everything from here.

> We made a little guest appearance on Martha’s site this week. Yes THAT Martha.

And if you’ve fallen behind on all things Apartment 34 catch up RIGHT HERE

image via here

Phew what a week. We’ve got a lot going on and are ready for a couple days to straight chill! With all of the changes around here {anxiously awaiting the baby making its debut, our Editorial Director headed on a vacation in Argentina, the house renovations in full swing and a new studio space} we need to call in some reinforcements. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome our Spring Interns Ali and Brittany to Team Apartment 34. Ali is a local SF gal who has a knack for interior design {and an awesome blog to boot!} and Brittany is a fiercely talented student at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena with one killer eye.

Both are going to be popping in with posts every once in a while so please help us welcome them! You’ll be hearing from them soon,  but for now here are some fab reads to keep you busy this weekend…

> Loving the gorgeous new look of this site. Not to mention the new arrivals have us swooning!

> From the best Easter egg DIY’s to what to serve at a modern Easter Sunday brunch, you’ll find TONS of cute last-second ideas for the upcoming holiday weekend here!

> This article is great spring cleaning inspiration: Take notes from habits of the highly organized.

> And if you’ve never considered yourself a highly skilled cleaner {it’s never been my forte}, this article will help you battle back that dust and grime like a pro!

> With le bebe due any second now, I have a feeling finding balance is about to take on a whole a new meaning. This personal story in the latest Rue Magazine definitely hit home for me! Fave piece of advice – only schedule yourself to 80% of your capacity!

> This home tour made us fall out of our chair.

> This killer bucket bag has sky rocketed to the top of our spring must-have list.

> These flats would compliment it quite nicely.

> And since I still can’t shop for clothes, I think this JCrew Cuff might have to go in my cart too – especially since all jewerly is 30% off!

Have a wonderful Easter Weekend!

image via here

With very little time until time is no longer my own, I’m looking forward to some serious contemplative time this weekend. Time were I can just sit and enjoy our space –  because I can. Or a leisurely morning spent lingering at my favorite place for brunch. Because I can. Or indulging in a really good coffee {still decaf!}. Right now, I want to savor all of those small rituals of daily life and quiet moments that are too often overlooked before my entire world takes a 180. What in your life or space do you really treasure? It’s funny to realize how much we skim over, but when we’re faced with it all changing what we’ll miss most suddenly becomes very clear!

If simply spending your weekend sitting doesn’t float your boat – here are a few other pretty spectacular ways to spend some time!

> On a health kick and attempting to cut out sweets? These gorge Raspberry Coconut Oat Muffins might just become your best friend. They’re sweet and healthy!

> We’ve been looking for a new book to pick up. Really excited to give these recommended titles a try. Bonus they’re all written by women!

> We’re adding this very fresh and very minimal piece to our closet. It’s crisp and masculine and has just the right pinch of flirtation we need!

> The new season has given us an abundance of new flowers to play with. These tips will definitely help us arrange them like a pro!

> Obsessed with this first ever conscious line for H&M full of chic gowns and elegant suits made of organic materials! We’ve already marked the date of the launch on our calendar!

> This newly launched online course {by two bad-ass designer/bloggers!} is sure to be chock full of great advice on running and creating a successful brand! Check it out!

> Do you get pitched as many Kickstarter campaigns as I do? But these bags are pretty badass…

> This post may be a few months old, but music never goes out of style. This playlist is still making our feet dance! Turn up the fun this weekend!

Till Monday!!