Whew. What a week. What a month. What a year! And now it’s August. It’s rather hard to believe how a quickly time is flying. Apologies for being a little MIA this week. I took a long overdue trip to New York – truly one of my favorite places in the world. As you may have seen on Instagram I hosted a wonderful dinner party with some dear friends – and I’m going to get to share all the pretty with you pretty soon so stay tuned for that. But my 72 hours in NYC reminded me I’m not quite the spring chicken I used to be. Those smile lines are looking a little bit deeper after a week of over indulging in everything but sleep. So today’s links of the week are going to have a theme.

I’ve been trying to land the perfect skincare routine ever since giving birth. I’m definitely taking Caitlin’s recommendations.

My hair could us a little help too. Loving Meg’s list of must-haves.

This make-up tutorial on The Moment might help hide a bit of this exhaustion.

I visited the Glossier showroom in NYC – definitely intrigued by their very easy to apply products. This powder might have to get added to my beauty repertoire.

I might try this Turmeric, Ginger Lemon juice that Alicia is swearing by.

I also just might try to sleep more.

And do all the healthy people things.

Or I might shop the Nordstrom sale before it ends Monday.

And check out Jen’s gorgeous new site for inspiration.

Or plan my next big trip.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend friends!

 

image via here

must-click links of the week on Apartment 34

Has this week felt exceptionally long for anyone else?? Well, at least I have a quiet Friday to get a few things done before unplugging for the weekend. As we sneak closer and closer to August I start feeling summer rushing by too quickly, so I want to make a point to slow down and savor it all. But I’ve been popping around the interwebs this week to make sure you have a few fun things to savor as well.

This home tour on Glitter Guide is California bohemian overload, in a good way.

Alicia put together a great list of chill summer tunes

I’m totally digging this cute summer top.

Liz is making me want to go camping. Yes, me!

Then Sam has me craving a day at the beach.

And while I’m trying to put my wanderlust on hold, Cassandra’s guide to Stockholm isn’t helping me!

This is hot. And makes me want to go somewhere hot.

The mamas are back this week talking adult time vs family time. While I wasn’t able to write about this one, be sure to check out everyone’s posts! You can start right here.

Oh and the Nordstrom Sale is in full effect today. I’m tracking all my must-buys right here.

And if you’re in San Francisco this weekend,

On Monday, Tartine Manufactory (my love) is hosting a dinner featuring an all-female cast of chefs, purveyors, 20+ female wine & beer makers, bakers and the like. Proceeds from the night’s feast are going to Planned Parenthood. And I’m swooning. If you beg, you might still be able to get a table (I’m begging).

Modern Citizen just opened a lovely new shop on Union Street – I might have to do a little shopping for my upcoming trip to NYC! More on my Insta-story about that right now btw

Flower Piano continues at the Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park this weekend. It’s seriously just the coolest thing. I cannot wait to go back tomorrow.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

 

xx

what to read this week on apartment 34

Friends, can we have a chat? A little heart to heart? You see, lately I’ve been reflecting a lot about this space and the entire blogging/social media world in general. A two-week road trip will do that to ya. And I find myself perturbed. The world of blogging has changed so much in the nearly 10 years I’ve been at this gig. When this little ole site started it was never intended to be about me. I was 27. What the hell did I know about anything?! It was intended to share discoveries, crowdsource ideas and miraculously turned into quite a vibrant community.

But today the blog world feels solely focused on “the me.” Look at me, I’m the most clever on Instagram stories. Look at me – I travel to the most enviable destinations. Look at me – I build the most fabulous wardrobes, design the most amazing homes, throw the most epic parties. I’m exhausted by it. Are you exhausted? Truth be told, I’m not comfortable with that vibe. Never have been. Sure, I’ve gained a little knowledge over the years and I certainly have many an opinion (do you follow me on Twitter?!) – but there is much more out there than my little slice of the world. And I want to get back to what I loved about blogging in the beginning – curating all of the goodness into a nice, neat little package for you.

That’s why this crazy journey called to me in the first place. Discovery. Creativity. Beauty. All at the click of a mouse and with the unique ability to broadcast it to whoever might be listening. So I’m working on a lot of different ways to weave this perspective back into Apartment 34, but one small gesture is to resurrect my Friday Links (which have had many iterations in the past – like this and this and this).

My list today is nothing fancy – just a list of links – cuz who has the time for crazy fancy graphics anymore. I just want to share bloggers who are kicking ass. Articles that made me think. Pictures that grabbed my attention. Instagrammers whose feeds give me life. It’s because of everything else out there that I’ve stuck around this long. And sharing the love just makes everyone feel better.

With that, here is my Follow Friday roundup for this week!

 

My bestie is the queen of tabletop design. All hail.

Camille took a dream trip to Italy and created an entire site about it. I’m freakishly jealous and learning to live with the envy.

Apparently, I’m not the only one to share today’s post’s sentiment. Jacquelyn’s list of must-read blogs is quite similar to my own.

One of my favorite writers (and occasional Apt34 contributor) wrote a lovely travel guide to Amsterdam, one of my all-time favorite cities.

Modern gorgeousness on MyDomaine.

I constantly pretend that I’m going to find more time in my world to read. Like a whole book. I keep saying it out loud. I even tried to start a book club once and I was the one who never finished the book. But despite all of that – I’m bookmarking Jen’s summer reading list.

I had an amazing experience in Napa last month and California Weekend captured it masterfully.

Serious backyard goals on Almost Makes Perfect.

If you love color (which you probably don’t because you read this blog, but just in case…) this pool party by Studio DIY is epic. Epic I tell you!

There’s a new generation in town and it makes SO much sense.

I’m going to New York in a few weeks and want to look endlessly stylish. These pants are either a really good or a really terrible idea.

And now for those Instagrammers

Meg Cassidy because goals

Kimberley Hasselbrink cuz I’m always hungry

Ann Street Studio cuz she’s taking Instagram art next level

 

Happy weekend friends!

 

image via here

 

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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

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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

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!

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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

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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!

xo

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Summer is officially here and man oh man do I feel it. All I’m in the mood for is long lazy afternoons, copious amounts of rosé and doing very little. Sadly, life is quite cooperating. I’ve actually been frantically running around all week – hence the light blog posts. Can you tell I feel guilty about that? But there are some exciting projects in the works. I can’t quite spill the beans yet, but if you check out Snapchat you might get a hint or two.

And if you checked out Snapchat you may have caught we did a break for it and are in wine country for the weekend. Sonoma is officially my happy place. I’ll be sharing sneak peeks on the Instagram all weekend – and while I’m reluctant to give up my hidden gems, I’ll be recapping this spot on the blog because it is just too good.

So I’m off to actually enjoy a little wine and pool time, but I didn’t want to leave you empty handed. I did manage to find five fabulous things you should check out this week.

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My girl Cassandra launched her all-new site design and let me just say I’m suffering from some serious site envy! Congrats chica.

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The off the shoulder trend. I’m this close to buying in. This top, this top, this top and this top are all calling to me. Do I do it??

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Since I’m likely to indulge in too much wine this weekend, I will make up for by drinking these awesome veggie based…cocktails! Talk about having your (liquid) cake and eating it too!

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If you didn’t spot our weekend house’s kitchen on Instagram today, then you might not understand why all I want to do is cook this weekend. But all I want to do is cook! I’m going to hit every wine country farmer’s market and I can and feast away on all of these recipes. You can drink more rosé that way.

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Speaking of food, here’s a foodie’s guide to Seattle, my hometown (which I popped into for 24 hours this week and it did make me rather nostalgic.) I’m excited to be back up there for a week later this summer. I need a good dose of Northwesty-ness.

Next week I’ll be recapping my most recent foodie experience – my time at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic!

image via here

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Hi friends – sorry I’ve been a little MIA this week. There’s been a lot of commotion – in the world, in my personal life. I needed a hot second to regroup. But this weekend I’m taking a 48 hour reprieve into a dream world – a world of food and wine – at the Aspen Food & Wine festival! After my first year of motherhood where I lived off of Munchery (and left over Munchery), and had a tiny human glued to me most hours of the day, I’m excited to partake in a little something for myself. And there’s little I love more than really good food and wine. When you put in a gorgeous setting like Aspen it is the ultimate trifecta. I’ll be snapping and grammin’ my entire experience so be sure to follow along with all the delicious fun.

> As I mentioned I’m snapping. Or at least attempting to. This New York Times article really inspired me to fully embrace the Snap.

> My friend Eric has created this amazing magazine and podcast, Together, all about the real behind the scenes nitty gritty of relationships. As a former divorce lawyer, Eric knows of which he speaks. His recent interviews with my other dear friends Kelly and Tim (part 1 & part 2) are a spectacular listen.

> If you’ve got the itch to add yummy smells to your house and create beautiful bottles in the process, you’ve got to check out this DIY.

> I’ve been coveted a white shirt with show-stopping sleeves but if they’re as easy to make at home as this DIY purports, maybe I’ll forgo the purchase.

> I’m so excited to hold more outdoor parties this summer. This set up is pitch perfect.

image via here

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