apartment 34

Happy {Top Notch} Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:56:00 +0000

Did I say top notch? I meant to say top knot! If there's one thing I learned at Alt Summit is that the top knot is where it's at, yo.

The darling Liz compiled a great round-up of all the bun-tasticness that dotted every Alt Summit breakout room.

And as luck would have it, my girl Anna is featured in a stellar top knot tutorial over on Real Simple today!

Tulip Louise Tutorial from jade Howard on Vimeo.

I just might have to attempt the look this weekend. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!

But I do jest a bit. Of course, there was much more to learn from Alt than the latest hair tricks and stunning roundups have popped up across the interwebs all week. I love hearing other people's takes on the experience as each individual walks away with something so different!

Here is just a small sampling of my faves:

~ Grace lifted the veil of mystery about book writing
~ Victoria rocked her panel and a great Ban.do
~ If you like business cards, Alt Summit is your mecca. Proof is here, here, and here.
~ Cassandra is ready to get down to biz
~ Have you ever thought about what makes you happy?
~ Erin is movin' and shakin'
~ The Blog Brunch girls summed up each panel
~ If you want more blogging pointers and tips
~ And Meg compiled a list of every single person who attended - what the what?!

The other rockin' side benefit of meeting 600 bloggers - discovering new blogs! So here is the lastest list of Noteworthy Newbies. Run, don't walk, to check them out!

Noteworthy Newbies
Amperstand Design Studio
Cooking After Five
M Stetson
Buckets and Bunches
Nat the Fat Rat

Till Monday luvies,

photography by justin hackworth

Get Artsy With It

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:01:00 +0000

Art can be an intimidating thing. How do you know what good art is? How much should you pay for it? While I'm sure we can start a strong debate on this subject, with 20ft, nearly blank walls in the loft, I've gotta get on it. Just without shelling out thousands of dollars....

That's why I was intrigued when I spied this painting {in the home of Kelly Wearstler no less}. I find it striking. I find it appealing. And it leaves me thinking a line across a canvas - I can do that!

So I'm turning to you luvies, for your brilliant opinions. What say you of homemade art? Have you tried it? Have you had good experiences with it?

Or do you have yet to be discovered artists that you love? The sea of Etsy can get a tad overwhelming sometimes so if you have any recommendations, I'd love to hear them!

And should I pick up a brush {scary thought!} I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!

image by jamie beck

A Wedding Dress for a Modern Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:55:00 +0000

Though not its intended purpose, when I spied this Phillip Lim gown I immediately thought wedding.

It even has your something blue built right in!

Now all you need is a sea cliff. Or maybe a beach. Or a stunning city hall setting {this one is my fave}, groom/partner optional!!

dress at la garconne via my new favorite wedding invitation designer rosebrook meyer nyc

4:00 PM Fashion Fix {Our Little Secret}

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:32:00 +0000

Who doesn't love a good secret? It's always fun to have a juicy little tidbit that you're dying to share, but can't. That's how I was feeling about the Australian fashion line I recently discovered called Secret Squirrel.

That is until I realized this secret was just too good to keep down under. I'm sure they won't mind if I tell you...

Color blocking, pretty prints and easy-breezy silhouettes? This secret is almost too good to be true, don't you think?!

The only question left is where can I get this line in the U.S.?

images c/o secret squirrel

Tasty Tuesday {With the Gluten-Free Entertainer}

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:57:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, my dear friend Lisa came over to the loft to put on a little cooking demonstration: how to create the perfect cocktail party without losing your mind. Exactly what I needed! It just so happens the entire menu was gluten free, but your guests wouldn't even have to know.

We had a ball in the kitchen that day and luckily Michelle Drewes caught the whole thing on tape. Check it out!

With Style and Grace_Cocktail Party from Lisa Thiele on Vimeo.

Today I have an extra special treat to for you ~ Lisa is giving you exclusive access to one of the recipes featured in our video!

I'm drooling already! And the very best part? This is only the beginning - many more delicious recipes and equally yummy videos from Lisa are to come! I just hope this has whet your appetite.

Bon appetit luives,

images by lisa thiele, video shot and directed by michelle drewes, produced by me!

Monday Morning Musings

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:57:00 +0000

Pardon the interruption from our usual Monday Work Wear, but this past week was anything but usual and attention must be paid.

The annual Alt Design Summit stormed Salt Lake City over the weekend with oodles of meeting, greeting, tweeting, inspiring and of course, sporting mad style. I'm still digesting the whirlwind 72 hours of which I think I slept only 10!

I do know that, just like last year, I left feeling as if I was walking on air with one very clear thought top of mind...

There are thousands of things to take away from the Alt experience, but the courage to take a leap into the unknown is what I treasure most.

I was also lucky enough to speak on a panel this year and was uber excited to join my fellow panelists to talk about "How to Make Yourself Press Ready."

The lovely Laura Mayes of Kirtsy, Dottie Van Every of Modern Kiddo, Jess Chamberlain of Sunset Magazine and I had a ball with our little talk. I'd planned to write up a recap for you until I discovered the amazing tool called Storify - it tracks all the tweets related to a particular subject and thanks to the abundant Alt Summit twitterings, I was able to pick out our key talking points, easy as pie. So cool.

You can see the entire summary of our presentation at Storify. But wait, before you go....!

...I had to share the real star of Alt Summit - the crazy go nuts fashion! People did it up right this year luvies. I was beyond impressed.

I was also a naughty blogger and who didn't bring her good camera, but thank goodness Alt had skilled photographers stationed everywhere. Below are just a handful of my favorite looks that they captured.

Top Alt trends included high buns, oversized glasses, faux fur, color, stripes and jumbo jewelry. {Speaking of which, I cannot wait to tell you about a new jewelry designer I discovered....But you'll just have to come back for that later this week!}

I must say, the very best part of the entire Alt experience wasn't the parties or the networking or the fashion inspiration ~ it was the opportunity to connect with people I so greatly admirea and see friends, both old and new, face to face. It's easy to sit behind a computer screen spouting silly nothings off into the ether, but when you see the kindness and joy that embodies the bloggers you love, it all becomes wonderfully real.

And for that, I will be forever grateful to Alt Summit - it was a much needed reminder.

Here's to an inspirational week luvies!

top image via here, quote via here, Alt photos by b.a.d. photography, justin hackworth, and moss + isaac via altsummit flickr stream

Loft Life: Behind the Scenes

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:30:00 +0000

It's here. The moment has finally arrived. The wait to invite you into our loft is over!

I was beyond thrilled when Refinery 29 asked if I'd be willing to share a little tour of our space. While fearful to invite Refinery (love!) into what is very much still a work in progress, I ended up having a ball playing dress up with the Refinery 29 team. And I loved that Chloe made her editorial debut!

The entire day was so fun that not everything could make the final cut. Here are a few outtakes from they day.

zara blouse, anthropologie necklace (similar here), club monaco ring (similar here)

In the whirlwind that has been the last five months, it's a wonderful feeling to be able to say that we've now found a home. Now that the foundation is laid, the real fun can begin!

Be sure to head over to Refinery 29 for the straight scoop on loft living. Who knows, you might pick up a few design tips and tricks!

images by jasmine gregory

PS - if you're having Alt envy be sure to follow tomorrow's Live Twitter Feed!

Over the Hills and Through the Woods

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:41:00 +0000

To Alt Summit we go!

As the Twitter rumblings have grown louder, I suspect you may have picked up that the Altitude Design Summit - the annual convergence of lifestyle and design bloggers that descend upon Salt Lake City for what I liken to the most intense 72 hour version of summer camp - is about to commence.

Seriously, the crowds up at Sundance have no idea what they're missing.

I'm beyond excited to reunite with so many of my favorite people that I hardly ever get to actually see, meet so many of you that I've only ever known online and get that the unbelievable infusion of energy that seems to be infused throughout the entire experience. You can catch all of my enthusiasm in the recaps from my first Alt here.

Sadly, I realize so many of you won't be there, for one reason or another. But you can be there both in spirit and virtually! The #altsummit hashtag will be in full effect and I suspect some serious Instagraming will be taking place as well.

I'll do my very best to keep you updated on all the goings on! Find me on Twitter and Facebook if you'd like to get the play by play.

So come on now, let's do this!

images by Freshly Picked, Daniel Staemmler, and Mode:lina via alt summit and bjones style tumblr edited by me

Wedding Wednesday {From Wine Country with Love}

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:11:00 +0000

Last weekend some of the most talented designers, florists, event planners, bakers, photographers and stylists put on quite a show at The Lab Event - a wine country based wedding fair for the discerning bride.

We came, we sampled cake and we dressed up in gorgeous Sarah Seven dresses. And Anne, Taylor, Brit & Whit, Natalie, Krystal and I had an absolute ball.

How many wedding fairs do you know of that end with a confetti cannon and a hopping dance floor!? That's what I thought.

If you're in the market for top notch wedding talent, be sure to check out all The Lab vendors. You simply cannot go wrong.

And also check out Krystal's lovely recap as well as Natalie's for all our bridal looks!

all images by the hubby

Tasty Tuesday {Sweet Treats from Roost}

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:11:00 +0000

Are desserts that appear this wholesome really an indulgence?

The food blog Roost presents these absolutely scintillating treats and many more, each recipe developed, made and photographed by Roost's founder, food and photo stylist Caitlin.

Based on a "grain free" diet due to her husband having Chron's disease, all of her recipes are made without gluten, grain, sugar, lactose or starch. I say IMPRESSIVE!

I've currently added Caitlin's Butternut Squash & Hazelnut Bouchons, Spiced Ginger Cakes, Riesling Poached Pear Tart, and Cranberry & Almond Upside Down Cakes to my must make immediately list.

Apparently I'll be doing nothing but baking as soon as I return from Alt Summit. And that's just fine with me! Fingers crossed my versions taste as good as Caitlin's look {because I know mine aren't going to come anywhere close to looking this good!}

Head over to Roost if you want to spend the rest of your day really really hungry.

photography by Caitlin of Roost, spotted via honeykennedy

Playing Hookie

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:01:00 +0000

Apologies for being M.I.A. luvies, but I'm taking advantage of our long weekend to do, well, very little.

I did have a very productive weekend - getting to play dress up with a collection of stunning style bloggers - I felt a little out of my league! You can see a lovely recap of our adventure in wine country here. And some of my pics of the event are here.

I also watched the Golden Globes red carpet with the intention of sharing a rundown of my faves, but I pretty much didn't have any! What do you think? Did anyone stand out?

If I do make it out of my PJs today, the main agenda item will be outfit planning for Alt Summit. I was thinking it'd be fun to share my final packing list with you. Would you be interested? I did snag these as an extra special outfit treat!

Happy {short!} week luvies,

image via the simply luxurious life

Happy {Out and About} Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:06:00 +0000

Unseasonably warm weather has me craving time outdoors, continuing to discover new treasures in our adopted city, pups in tow of course.

After an especially hectic week, I would appreciate the opportunity to just soak up life a bit. I think I need to start carrying this list around in my back pocket.

If your week was anything like mine, you're probably in need of some catching up, so here are a few fun things you may have missed:

~ Here's a little sneak peak of a video shot a little video with Michelle and Lisa.

~ The new It Bag is calling my name.

~ Get your {healthy} cook on.

~ Find out what your New Year's Resolution is really all about.

~ As I'm sure you've seen around the blogosphere, next week is the annual Altitude Design Summit - and I cannot wait to be surround by hundreds {literally} of amazingly talented and inspiring bloggers.

I'm also quite nervous to be speaking this year so I hope they all go easy on me!!

And finally, it's time to bring you our first Noteworthy Newbies of 2012! I think these will start the new year off on the right foot.

Noteworthy Newbies

Till Monday luvies!

Dream a Little Dream With Me

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I may be sitting right here, but my brain is somewhere like this....

Who would like to join me?

Happy almost Friday. Thank gawd.

image via here

Style Gawking {3.1 Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2012}

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:42:00 +0000

As the 2012 pre-fall collections continue to trickle in, a few looks have turned my head {hello Lanvin & Burberry, I will always heart you} but nothing had made me stop dead in my tracks, that is until Mr. Phillip Lim came to town.

Co-ed preppy looks to be one of the dominate trends, but Phillip's mix of comic book whimsy and power-punching color make it less prim. The mix and match separates and forgiving silouhettes makes my heart go pitter patter.

And the clutches? Don't even get me started!

Can we just skip spring and go straight back into fall?!

Wedding Wednesday {Light Bright}

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:39:00 +0000

UPDATE: The winner of three free tickets to The Lab Event this Saturday is

Katie McKee

Katie, please email me to claim your prize!

When you poll about favorite wedding details you get the widest variety of answers. Message in a bottle guest books, wine cork place cards, homemade wedding favors and wishing trees for the bride and groom. The creativity is endless.

And yet, my favorite wedding detail remains one of the simplest: cafe lights. They just say romance to me.

And because everything should sparkle on your wedding day!

Oh - and there's still time for you to share your favorite wedding detail on this post and be entered to win free tickets to this weekend's wedding event, The Lab, being held in Sonoma, CA.

A winner will be chosen later today!

all images via once wed

Tasty Tuesday {Start the New Year on the Right Foodie Foot}

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:04:00 +0000

How are those new year resolutions coming along luvies? Broken any yet? I thought that might be the case. While I'm not a proponent of extreme diets or other manic attempts to right eating wrongs, sometimes you just need a little kick in the pants to get started. That why I embarked on the Can-Can Juice cleanse last week.

For three days I stuck to the regime that included a mix of eight drinks including fresh juices, teas and a {super-good} seasonal soup. And I'm happy to report I was quite pleased with the results.

Here's what I experienced: hunger, aches and pains and general fatigue and then, on the third day, increased energy, total lack of coffee cravings {and I haven't needed coffee since!} and a genuinely peppy mood. I was actually sad to sip my last bit of nut milk and lemongrass tea.

But now what? Pretty much anyone can stick to a strict regime for three days. Then real life intervenes.

If you're making the foray into cleaning up your eating habits for the first time, there are simple, easily adaptable things you can do {Disclaimer: I'm a health nut and fitness enthusiast to begin with so these types of suggestions are not life altering for me}:

~ Dedicate yourself to home cooked meals {I'm currently doing the Bon Appetit Foodie Cleanse, because you can drink wine!}
~ Swap fruit yogurt for plain greek yogurt
~ Try a soy or coconut based ice cream instead of dairy
~ Stay away from white. White bread, white sugar, white flour. It's what I like to call air food.
~ Kick bad beverages to the curb. This means soda, diet soda (yes, zero calorie does not mean ok for you} fancy coffee drinks and sugary juices.

Now, if you're like my husband who loves his OJ in the morning, there are workarounds to these rules. I was excited to learn about Trop50, a new juice beverage from Tropicana that has 50% less sugar and 50% fewer calories than your typical store bought orange juice.

Rather than a sugar bomb, it's sweetened with Stevia {a natural sweeter that I actually love to bake with too}. This could be the breaker of my no sugary drink rule.

Trop50 is also having a little fun with the idea of resoltuions. On their Facebook page you can discover your "real resolution." It goes a little something like this: in 2012 I want to get in better shape....so that my ex's jaw hits the floor the next time I run into him.

I'll confess, when I entered mine it came back as: in 2012 I want to read more books...so I have more interesting things to say at dinner parties! Ha! Sad, but kinda true too.

Head over to Trop50's Facebook page to find out what your 2012 resolution is really all about. They're making it worth your while too - you'll get a coupon to try Trop50 and could win a $1,000 giftcard. That'll get you a lot of good OJ!

Cheers to a healthy, happy year luvies,

This post is sponsored by the team at Trop50. Cleanse c/o the Can-Can Cleanse, images via with style & grace and canellevanille

Tasty Tuesday {Delicious Design}

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

When is it too late to send your holiday cards? {My vote is July!} That is one of the many end of year to-do's that didn't quite get checked off the list yet.

Another was selecting a 2012 calendar - usually one of my favorite and most difficult choices of the season. There are just so many ah-mazing options out there {best round up ever here}.

But then I spotted the 2012 Year in Food calendar by Whimsy & Spice and it stopped me dead in my culinary-lovin' tracks.

The thing should come with a warning label: You might gain 10 lbs by getting hungry every time you look at it!

But what a nice problem to have. Hopefully 2012 turns out to be as yummy as this calendar will make each month seem.

One item on the to-do list down....oh so many to go...

Do be sure to check back later today - I'll have a round up of my CanCan Cleanse, my top tips for hitting the diet restart button and a special New Year's Resolution in just a bit.

PS: thanks for the calendar tip Will!

Monday Work Wear {Neon + Neutrals}

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:18:00 +0000

Neon. Apparently, it's here to stay {at least for one more go round for spring} but head to toe is better left to the runway. However, neon can be brought into real life wear - even work wear - you just need to remember, a little dab will do ya.

After having way too much fun playing around with Polyvore this weekend I put together a little vignette of accessories that pack just the right amount of technicolor punch, all in a work appropriate way.

alexander wang heels, reed krakoff bag, asos belt, la mer watch similar here, karen walker sunnies, reed krakoff heels and asos contrast dress with neon belt

So next time you reach for your black blazer why not tie a skinny green belt around it? Or when you head out in your blush Equipment blouse, pair it with a Clare Vivier clutch with the neon pink stripe.

You'll be on trend without regretting your purchase in three months!

Here's to a bright and shiny week luvies,

Happy {Get Cozy} Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:48:00 +0000

Phew. The holidays have passed, 2012 has been rung in, now what? How about a little bit of nothing! Novel right?

Over the break I rediscovered the joys of movie watching {Midnight In Paris is the best movie I've seen in a long time!} and actual book reading. As we settle into the rest of winter, I've decided these activities need to be part of the regular routine, not just an aberration!

And while this week was short, it certainly felt jam packed. Here are a few fun things you may have missed:

~ The new year is all about a clean start
~ Do you like to-do lists, goals, resolutions or words?
~ Are you a bride-to-be, know one, or just love wine country? Then this giveaway is for you!
~ I'm banking a ton of new recipes for the new year here. Time to get cookin'!!

Any new habits you're trying to make (or break!) this weekend luvies? I hope you enjoy some good ole fashioned rest and relaxation regardless.

Till Monday,

image via simple blueprint

Living the Loft Life {Gallery Walls}

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:31:00 +0000

The start of a new year has come and gone and we are so over due for a loft life update! The settling in continues and now some of the fun decor challenges are cropping up.

Things like what does one do with {very} large, {very} blank, walls. High ceilings are the blessing and I'm discovering the curse of living in a loft. Take our hallway for example. It has epically long, and tall, and lonely grey walls. {Except for my giant mirror which I heart!}

Our one piece of art {stunning Jose Villa engagement photos} is looking a little lost, don't you think?

I think our solution is going to have to be a gallery wall. I've long been a fan. They provide such a strong focal point and have so much personality.

But where oh where do you accumulate all your pieces!?

I did just find out that Art.com recently relaunched the CondeNaste Collection online. Stunning prints of Vogue, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker images right at my fingertips?! I'm totally drooling over the images for Vogue taken during 1930's - 1950's.

With more than 1,800 options to choose from I see my gallery taking shape already....

Stick a fork in me. I think I'm done!

images via condenast and pinterest and me!

Today Has Been Canceled, Go Back to Bed

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:05:00 +0000

Awww, wouldn't it be wonderful if that were actually true. But if you do, in fact, have to get up, it'd be lovely to feel as comfortable in your daily life as you did in bed.

That's why I'm loving Piamita and their lounge-wear inspired 2012 Resort Collection. It even includes my namesake.

Slouchy, yet elegant with the perfect pops of pattern. Divine. Really too good to hide lounging around the house.

But as the three lovely founding ladies behind Piamita say, wouldn't it be nice to have breakfast in bed everyday?!

images via piamita, spotted on honestly wtf

Wedded Bliss in Wine Country + a Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

If we hadn't selected Mexico as our wedding destination, wine country would most definitely have been our next choice.

That's why I was so excited when the lovely ladies behind The Lab invited me to partake in their upcoming event. No, it has nothing to do with science, unless you're talking about the chemistry necessary to put together the perfect event. The Lab is actually a day of pure wedding bliss, helping brides-to-be and wedding lovers connect - all taking place in the barrel room {how cool!} at Cline Cellars in Sonoma on January 14.

I was lucky enough to be invited to relive one of my favorite moments about getting married - stepping into a gorgeous gown! But this time, instead of walking down the aisle toward the man of my dreams, I'll be walking down a runaway with a rockin' group of San Francisco style bloggers to keep my company.

Taylor, Anne, Britt & Whit, Krystal, Natalie and I get to strut our stuff while wearing the absolutely spectacular work of Sarah Seven {I've long had a fashion crush on this girl and as soon as I stepped into one of her gowns the crush became a pure obsession!}.

Every bride-to-be, bridesmaid or lover of a really good party dress should really be sure to be there - it's going to be a great show!

Here's a little sneak peak of what you'll see.

Each look is about 1,000x more stunning in person. Oh and The Glitter Guide will be hosting a little lounge. And I've heard the food, and obviously the wine, will be spectacular too.

That's why I'm thrilled that The Lab has generously offered to giveaway THREE FREE TICKETS to a lucky Apartment 34 reader! That's right, not only do you get to join us in wine country, but you get to bring two friends along!

Here's how to enter:

~ If you haven't followed Apartment 34 on Twitter, please do cuz I'd really like to Tweet you! And if you're already on the tweet-train, than please show a little love on Facebook! The party is just getting started over there.

~ Be sure to come back and leave on a comment on this post about the best wedding detail you've ever seen.

And that's it! A winner will be announced on our next Wedding Wednesday, January 11.

I do hope we'll see as many Nor-Cal readers at The Lab as possible. I'm so looking forward to meeting all of you!!

PS: There are other opportunities to win tickets to The Lab floating around out there. Be sure to follow The Lab to learn more!

A Clean Start to 2012, Yes You CanCan

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:30:00 +0000

Cleansing may be a bit predictable for the start of a new year, but that doesn't make it any less necessary. If you indulged in the bevy of seasonal toasts and treats {like I did!} your liver is likely to be a little sad right now. After capping off 2011 by spending New Year's Eve in Napa, I knew a cleanse would be a wise way to hit the reset button for 2012.

That's why I was so excited to discover the Can-Can Cleanse. Based right here in San Francisco {and made by hand in the kitchen of sweet founder Teresa!}, the three-day plan of fresh, organic and seasonal juices, soups and teas are exactly what I was looking for to flush my system. And they come in such cute jelly-jars!

While I am a big endorser of the occasional cleanse, there are a few cleansing caveats you should be aware of:

~ A cleanse is not for weight loss. Of course, losing a pound or two is a natural byproduct of a liquid-only diet, but it should not be the purpose for a cleanse. Trust me - as soon as you return to solid food the weight will come right back. Consider yourself warned.

~ It's helpful to have a good understanding of your body and be in touch with your natural rhythms. Your body will tell you if a cleanse is right for you and if it's not.

~ Even a three day cleanse isn't a cake walk. You will feel hungry {I do right now}. You will likely feel cranky {I do right now}. You will likely feel fatigued {I do right now}.

But it too shall pass {as semi-professional cleanser who does these whenever I snag the opportunity, I can attest to the accuracy of this statement!}.

I know I've found a good cleanse when I'm excited to wake up and drink my next juice and I know I'll be sad when it's over. Well, I'll miss the yummy juices and the soup. I will be very happy to welcome solid food back in my life!

Check back next week luvies - for next week's Tasty Tuesday I'll give you the full recap of how things went.

images c/o the can-can cleanse, quote via here.

2012 To-Do's

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:12:00 +0000

I'm a much bigger fan of making New Year's to-do lists than resolutions. It feels so satisfying to check something off rather than feeling disappointed when you break the "rules" you set for yourself.

This little piece of advice just shot to the tippy top of my 2012 list.

I'm so ready for a bright and sun-shiny year. And I like the idea that there's always some light somewhere, you just have turn in the right direction so that it shines on you.

While I'm reveling in a little extra time off today, I wanted to give a shoutout to all of my outgoing 2011 sponsors. Their support has meant so much throughout the year.

~ If you live in Seattle you must stop by Ketch - a rockin boutique in Ballard. Luckily, their online shop keeps me outfitted in Rebecca Minkoff, Joie, JBrand and Elizabeth & James

~ If you're in the market for amazing vintage finds for your house, than you must check out Vintage 86. I'm swooning over this antique dress form.

~ A new year is the perfect excuse to give your wardrobe a refresh and The Fold is a ultimate workwear upgrade.

~ Fina Du carries my favorite Scandinavian designers including Malene Birger - I think this scarf must be mine.

~ Renting our loft has taught me the joy of decals and the Pink Pagoda has the cutest. All moms or moms-to-be must check them out.

~ My favorite things about Stonetextile are their graphic prints and neutral color palette. I might have to add this pillow to our {growing!} collection.

~ If you like home decor with an international flare then you must check out Comfort and Samuel. All of their textiles make me think of faraway places

~ Didn't get the travel bag you wanted for Christmas? Lo & Sons will hook you up. I never go anywhere without mine! And PS - they're having a major sale right now.

~ Every home deserves a touch of luxury and Designer Fluff pillows are exactly that. My bed has never looked so good.

~ A girl can never have too many gorgeous necklaces and the Blue Darling by Swell Caroline has been just shot to the top my wishlist.

~ Poshlocket is another great source for jewels that won't break the bank.

~ If, like me, you a love a good end-of-season sale, then you cannot miss out on H.D. Buttercup's blow out. Officially my go-to source whenever I want a gorgeous unique piece of furniture for the loft, everything looks even better at 70% off!

So if you're lucky enough to lounge this afternoon, I hope you'll take a little time to check these spots out!

Here's to wonderful new discoveries in 2012,

We are now offering 2012 sponsorship invitations. If you're interested in receiving one please email apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com!

image via note to self

See You Next Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Apt. #34) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 07:30:00 +0000

Well 2011, it's been swell, but I think I'm ready to try 2012 on for size.

Because I have a very good feeling about it!

Before I run away for the long holiday weekend, I thought I'd send you off with a recap of the blog's latest feature - Noteworthy Newbies - just in case, like me, you plan on excess amounts of lounging during your time off. The brilliance out there in blogland never ceases to amaze and humble me.

Here are five more Newbies that have been driving me wild this week:

~ Odessa May

~ MsLadyDay

~ Maple and Shade

~ Erin Dudley

~ Gretchen Aubuchon Design

2011 Noteworthy Newbies

~ Could I Have That

~ Rooms and Words

~ Lovely Package

~ Because It's Awesome

~ Streetstyle Aesthetic

~ A House in the Hills

~ Design Attractor

~ vmac and cheese

~ Raspberry and Red

~ A Piece of Toast

~ Moves Lightly
~ Fash n chips
~ Parker Etc
~ LA in the Bay
~ Margaret and Joy
~ My Anthology of Style

~ The Style Crusader

~ 5 inch and up

~ Sprouted Kitchen

~ We Could Grow Up Together

~ Bug and Bear
~ Tar-Tryin
~ Fashionably Bombed
~ Catch Me if You Fran
~ Shop Sweet Things
~ Hip Hip Gin Gin
~ Life's Little Gem
~ In the City with Crystalin
~ Ryzenbergon On
~ Thunder in Our Hearts
~ The Chriselle Factor

~ A Note on Design

~ Veronica Loves Archie

~ Honey and Jam

~ Gary Pepper Vintage
~ Design Me Daily
~ Sweet Thing
~ Bancroft and Ivy
~ Note to self
~ The Fresh Exchange

Cheers to lots and lots of fabulous rule breaking in 2012 luvies,

Bonus: Be sure to check out our Cream of the Crop, Holiday Hot Shops and all other Apartment sponsors as their end of year sales are not to be missed!

images via here and here