A Brief Break

I'm taking advantage of the last few hours I have to don a proper birthday frock and induldge in one (or two)sweet treats.


via h&m lanvin collection & sacramento street

So apologies in advance if I'm a bit late getting back to you tomorrow! Do take advantage of the time to enter the Wendy Mink birthday giveway!!

Cheers,
*Mrs. E

Monday Birthday Giveaway!

Luvies - thanks so much for all the wonderful birthday wishes! I have to say I was lucky enough to get absolutely everything I wanted this weekend - fun times with great friends, delicious meals with family, fabulous time with the husband.



And the party isn't over yet!! It's going to keep going on the blog all week! I couldn't resist the opportunity to share some birthday treats with you. Favorite Apartment 34 sponsor Wendy Mink Jewelry has generously offered a special birthday giveaway, for you, dear readers!


Head over to Windy Mink to check out the latest collection, then leave a comment here for a chance to win this gorgeous hammered gold pendant.

A winner will be chosen at 9:00 am on Friday, November 12.

Happy Monday my dears!
*Mrs. E

Happy {It's My Party} Weekend

Well my dears, I haven't wanted to make much of a to-do this year but it is, in fact, my birthday weekend. We're keeping things nice and low key this time around though.




image {1} amy claire images {2},{3} by elizabeth messina, {4} rue magazine

I will take advantage of the excuse for toasts with bestest of friends, spa dates and general birthday-girl laziness with the huz. Oh and as an added birthday bonus I'll be working on a special little project involving a certain online pub...more on that soon, I promise!

And of course I can't resist sharing the birthday joy with you, so be sure to check back first thing Monday - the party will still be going strong!

Till Monday luvies,
*Mrs.E

Wedding Wednesday {It's Party Time}

My dears, as we reach the last day of March, I feel the need to pause and take a moment to reflect. So much has been going on and so much is about to happen. For starters, we leave for our wedding in just 3 weeks! So much work has been done and we're in the home stretch now. That alone is enough to break out the party gear.

And then the darling Caitlin of Sacramento Street (who happens to be getting married very shortly herself!) pointed out that I overlooked another important milestone - the 2 year anniversary of Apartment 34! In fact, today is my 800th post. I can hardly believe it.

When I started this little experiment more than two years ago I never could have imagined this is where I'd be today. I never thought it would take me on this journey or connect me to such wonderful people. It makes me want to put on my party shoes and kick up my Louboutin-clad heels.

photos via erin ever after and kiss the groom

As I'm about to take the most major step of my life, I can't predict where the years ahead might lead. I do know that I cherish the pleasure and privilege of sharing all these random thoughts and ramblings with everyone here. This little blogging experiment has grown to mean so much to me. It has brought me great strength, joy, courage, creativity and warmth. The fact that you seem to enjoy it at all is a small miracle in and of itself. 

So thank you, dear readers, for two great years - and here's to what's next, whatever that may be!

Cheers,

*E

A Birthday Giveaway

Since all of you out there in blogland made me feel like queen for a day for the big 3-0, I thought I'd try to spread the feeling around. Consider it a very merry un-birthday present from me to you!

I'm so excited that Amanda from Untamed Petals offered her Swarovski Rhinestone Halo Headband to one lucky Apartment #34 reader. You'd certainly be the belle of any holiday ball when wearing this beauty. 

photos by frenchie & flea and abbey feldcamp

To enter to win, leave a comment letting us know what makes you feel like the woman of the hour. A winner will be chosen at random at noon on Friday, Nov. 13 and notified via email.

In the meantime head to Amanda's blog for great inspiration here. 

I'm Movin' on Up

Well, as you may have heard, I am facing down a major birthday this weekend. You know, that one, the big 3-0. I'm actually feeling very ready to move into the next decade of my life.

After all, I've learned 3 is a particularly fabulous number. Doing a little research made me feel very positive about it all. Check it out:

Three can also relate to expansiveness and learning through life experiences. It is considered to be lucky, and is often associated with money and good fortune. Three can depict several people joining together to achieve a common goal, whether through a social or professional affiliation. Three also represents communication of all kinds, expression, drama, acting, and humor and three possesses attributes of wisdom, understanding and knowledge. You can learn more here.

So I am going to embrace this momentous occasion, don my best birthday duds, gather my handsome man and my favorite friends, and say goodbye to my twenties in style! 

photos via tim walker and amanda pratt spotted on lanalou style

I hope you'll be sure to check in next week because I plan to share my birthday goodies with all of you.

Cheers luvies!

A Night On the Town

In prepping for a near and dear's birthday celebration tomorrow evening, I'm working on the answer to every girl's favorite eternal question. What do I wear?

In recessionary times, it often makes the most economic sense to take some basics out of your closet and reinvent them with an accessory or two.

For example, take staples like a simple tank, slacks, blazer and booties, all in a neutral shade... 

look by apiece apart via unruly things

And add some dazzle with a brilliantly jeweled cuff and feathered bag. Suddenly, you're the belle of the ball. 

I'm sure the birthday girl won't mind.