What's In My Bag?

Today I'm participating in a fabulous blog crawl that Ashley from A Hasty Life put together. The "It's in the Bag" crawl features bloggers' handbags and their contents!

Nothing will get a girl organized faster than being asked to let others peak into her purse! But one of my new year's goals was organization so I can proudly say these are the actual contents of my daily bag.

I searched for the perfect carry-all that can hold absolutely everything I haul around  (including a laptop!) and withstand a beating forever. It seriously took months. But I finally came across orYANY, here. The line has the perfect combination of function and style that I needed for a daily work bag.

I was taken by the great leather, sturdy build and the super-fun lining!




Then there are my daily supplies. I hadn't really noticed before but apparently I've been liking red recently!

I try to carry the basics. Hair ties. Hand lotion. Notebook, day planner {Moleskin}, wallet {Kate Spade}, nude lipstick for day {Trish McEvoy}, berry lip gloss for happy hour {Chanel}, concealer for midday touch ups {Laura Mercier}, spot of perfume {Jo Malone} and a set of note cards {Peggy Wong}. My iPhone would be in there too if I hadn't been taking pictures with it.

Now, if I can keep myself that edited past the month of January I will be amazed!

Be sure to check out previous It's in the Bag posts here and the complete blog crawl schedule here. Next up, the bag of darling Colette from  Statements in Fashion!

Cheers luvies,
*Mrs. E

On the Run

Do you remember the last time we had a full five-day week? Maybe I'm just lucky. But all this time off  actually has me scrambling to keep up!


image via patterson maker

The full week next week is going to be quite the rude awakening. Hopefully I'll be back on top of my game by then! In the meantime, I wanted to be to check out my guest posts this week.

You'll now be able to catch up with me regularly on the Rue blog. You can see my inaugural post and the great finds of the entire team here.

You can also find out more about what's on my mind these days over at Sterling Style. Taylor's new series is going to be divine. I can't wait to see who is up next!

Happy Friday luvies!
*Mrs. E

How Do You Hibernate {stephmodo}

Well, today it is officially back to reality and I am completely in denial. Luckily, on this first Tasty Tuesday of 2011, I have a few taste treats to share with you.

First off, below you will find the darling and talented of Stephanie of stepmodo's mouth watering answer to the question How Do You Hibernate?

And then, if you're still hungry for more, you can head over to the Rue Blog, where I feel incredibly privileged to join the dazzling group making up the Rue blogging team. You can check out my debut post here!

Finally, if you haven't entered our Happy New Year giveaway, there's still time (but the clock is ticking!).


How Do You Hibernate? {stephmodo}

Right now hibernating sounds like a lot of fun...and with the holiday season now behind us, I'll be participating more actively in this alluring activity :)

I think most people like to curl up to a great book and I admit, I love that too. Or a great magazine...like the latest Donna Hay or Sunset. However, I find that I'm more prone to baking and cooking when it's cold, windy and gray outside. Making great food and yummy treats puts a smile on everyone's face, despite the gloomy weather, and this encourages me to put forth the effort and stay active in the kitchen. Below is a recipe for one of my winter favorites - Cranberry Orange Bread.





all images by stephanie

I also enjoy decorating and finishing up home projects during the winter.



The dismal weather presents an excellent opportunity to stay inside and analyze what you love surrounding yourself with. I'm a proponent of surrounding yourself with pieces you love, while considering budgetary limitations. Cozying up to Craigslist on a winter day is my idea of a good time too :) You can check out a recent tour of our home here.

Stephmodo's Cranberry Orange Bread
makes 1 large loaf or 4 mini-loaves

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon good salt
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (about 3 oranges)
zest of 3 large oranges (about 1 Tablespoon, packed)
1 egg
1 cup chopped fresh cranberries
1/3 cup chopped walnuts


Preheat oven to 350°. Sift all dry ingredients together. Cut in butter until the mixtures resembles coarse meal. Over a plate or parchment paper, zest the oranges using a microplane zester. Set aside. Cut the oranges in half and juice. In another small bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, zest, and egg with a whisk. Add the orange juice mixture to the dry ingredients all at once. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts. Spoon the mixture into one greased loaf pan or into four greased mini-loaf pans. If you make one large loaf, cook the bread for 1 hour. If you are making the mini-loaves, set your timer to about 30 minutes (you’ll want to start watching it at 25 minutes as ovens are all different). Once out of the oven, cook the loaf pans on a wire rack for ten minutes. When the bread is slightly cooled you can tap the loaf/loaves out of the pans carefully and place them on the wire rack for additional cooling. Enjoy!

A huge thank you to Stephanie for joining the How Do You Hibernate series! My stomach is now growling.

Ok, maybe getting back on this horse isn't so bad :)

Cheers luvies!
*Mrs. E

How Do You Hibernate? {Haute Design}

As the holiday draws ever closer, the dear and divine Sarah Klassen of Haute Design was kind enough to take a moment in the midst of the hustle and bustle to participate in my How Do You Hibernate? series. And I'm so in agreement with her answer!

How Do You Hibernate? {Haute Design}
Comfort for me begins with luxurious lounge wear and knit socks from my Grandma... I love curling up on the velvet sofa, with books and magazines, and a cup of cinnamon or green tea and cookies... usually, my laptop is not far, either.

Are you as ready to curl up with a good book (or laptop) as I am?!

Thanks so much for participating Sarah!

01 Matt Bird, Sarah Kaye Represents.
02, 03, Polly Wreford, Sarah Kaye Represents.
04 Jo Tyler, Sarah Kaye Represents.

How Do You Hibernate: {Design Darling}

With the outpouring of positive response to our new series How Do You Hibernate? I just couldn't wait to give you another installment. I'm so excited to have darling Mackenzie of  the aptly named Design Darling join us today!

Hi there! Big thanks to Erin for inviting me here to talk hibernation today. For me, the issue isn't as much how to keep cozy but how to stay productive when temperatures drop and distractions abound! 

My number one necessity is a well-kept workspace. You may or may not be familiar with my desk du jour series on Design Darling but I am a touch obsessed with creative home offices! My desk area is well-lit, fully stocked with school supplies, and surrounded by inspiration boards to keep me motivated when my mind inevitably wanders.

Eventually I'll get a little stir crazy and escape to anywhere I can find a piping hot vanilla latté or stacks of fashion and interiors books. I could spend all day in our campus bookstore just flipping through titles that spark my interest!

The end of the day is my time to hibernate. I wish my bedroom were as serene as this one designed by Ryan Korban — perhaps I ought to add a fur throw to my Christmas wishlist!

Of course, the best way to stay cozy is a good snuggle! Whether with your husband or your puppy, there's no better way to keep warm in wintertime. Thank you so much, Erin, for having me here today!

{Photos via Skona Hem, The Decorista, Lonny, and Dress, Design & Decor}

New Series: How Do You Hibernate?

I don't know about your neck of the woods, but we've hit that very tough time of year in Seattle when the days become very short (and generally grey, rainy and chilly) and the nights become veeeerrrrry long. It's the time of year where bed becomes pretty much my favorite spot in the world and my mind swirls around little else than soup, hot chocolate and cozying up with the hubby.

Spending all that extra time huddled under the covers also got me wondering, how might some of my friends in blog-land hunker down for the long winter? And then I thought, why not ask them!

So I present to you a new Apartment 34 series: How Do You Hibernate?. Darling Kate, the brilliant mind behind the must-read {wit + delight} kindly obliged to answer this burning question to kick the series off. And her response is just pitch perfect for Tasty Tuesday's month o'carbs. Ahhh, a girl after my own hungry heart.

With that, I give you Kate!

How Do You Hibernate: {wit + delight}

I truly believe that nothing warms the soul like a hearty meal with great friends. So naturally, spending time in the kitchen is my favorite way to pass the winter months. I indulge a little more; lattes over an americano, savory dishes over crisp salads, and my sweet tooth kicks in just in time to hijack my new years resolutions.


images via 1, 2, 3, 4

A few of my favorite winter recipes:

~ bacon wrapped figs
~ martha's mac n' cheese
~ apple, goat cheese, and honey tartlettes

Mmmmm, I'm drooling already! A huge thank you to Kate for getting things off to a delicious start. As we slog through the winter, be sure to check back. Many friends will be stopping by with their hibernation tips all the way till spring!

Apt 34 Out and About

I had the pleasure of guest posting at a couple of fabulous destinations this week. The style maven Paloma over at La Dolce Vita asked me to share the 10 things I can't live without. Coffee, fresh flowers and sky-high heels definitely made the list. You can find out what else did here!



I also had a nice conversation with the ladies at Desqual, a new online design destination, about how the world of blogging, how I define my personal style and my take on the raging boy blazer trend (approve!).


You can see the rest of the interview here - hope you enjoy!

I'm Back!

Well luvies, I'm home again, home again. Only slightly jet-lagged, but a lot behind - I've missed so much! 

Perhaps you're behind on some of the amazing dream destination posts a series of darling bloggers left here while I was away. 

Or you might have missed the list of a few of my favorite things for the record over at Destined to Design. 

images via ruby pr and destined to design

I hope you'll check those out while I get myself back in order. There will be honeymoon stories and pics aplenty as well as so much international inspiration and a few new exciting announcements to come. 

If there is anything I should be sure to check out as I'm going through my backlog please let me know!

Happy Monday luvies,

Mrs. E

Dream Destination {Green Wedding Shoes}

This is Jenny from Green Wedding Shoes and when I thought about my favorite destination it had to be the spa!

I love checking out new spas and seeing how they are designed. They are always so peaceful and relaxing - and you are relaxed since you know you are about to get a massage or just did! 

One of my favorite spas is the Ciel Spa in LA. The spa is all white - it reminds me of walking into a dream! And there are yummy healthy treats by my favorite chef José Andrés for you to enjoy while waiting. 

courtesy of http://www.cielatsls.com/

I love the design of this gorgeous spa in Malaysia. Rain trees, personal villas and the outdoors - pure enchantment!

 courtesy of http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/penang/rasasayangresort/health/chispa/intro/

And this spa from the Hilton in Luxor, Egypt - stunning! Would love to spend a relaxing day there with my husband...

 courtesy of http://www.hiltonworldresorts.com/Resorts/Luxor/index.html#Luxor+index+++/

Thanks so much for having me Erin and hope you are enjoying your fantastic honeymoon!

Dream Destination {Made by Girl}

Greetings! This is Jen of Made by Girl!

I love photos of the Coliseum in Rome, (the capital of Italy). It is one one of my top, 'must-visit' destinations. 

There are times I daydream of relocating to Rome and enjoying a new way of life. Rome is a place full of character, history & art. Art is such a huge part of my life...I've been an artist for as long as I can remember.  This historical city is recognized as the center of the arts & education....and its' got such a global influence in politics, historical heritage, architecture and much more. 

 This is the type of city that draws me in and makes me forget about my fear of flying.

My Dream Destination {Bright Bold & Beautiful}

Hi all - Laura from Bright Bold & Beautiful. When Erin asked my favorite destination I guess you could definitely say that I am a beach person! 

I love to travel to warm destinations and I have visited over 12 different islands in the Caribbean. If I have to pick a favorite, which is very hard to do, I would lean towards the island of Anguilla.

If you want pristine white sand beaches, this is the island for you! On this Caribbean island, I stayed at Cap Juluca, a luxurious resort that stands out from the rest. Every room has an ocean view and is located in one of eighteen beachfront villas. The villas are just steps from the gorgeous, soft white sand and clear blue ocean.

From my personal experience, the service is out of this world and the beaches and crystal clear waters are the most beautiful I have ever seen. 

Thank you Erin for this opportunity to share my love of the Caribbean!

My Dream Destination {Ill Seen, Ill Said}

Hello! Jane from Ill Seen, Ill Said here. 

A huge thanks to Erin for asking me to participate in his series while she's away on her honeymoon. When Erin asked for a post about my favourite destination, I knew immediately where I would choose: County Clare. I spent many a childhood vacation here and on the rare occasion I get home to Ireland to visit friends and family, I always drag them to the West Coast so I can spend time there.

For me, nothing can rival finding the tiniest orchid bravely growing between the karst limestone of the Burren. Or the trees so bent by the wind that every branch reaches away from it. You wonder that life didn't just up and quit this place when the glaciers razed it.

But just when you think its all rugged barrenness, the sea pulls back and reveals its defiant lushness. And you breathe deep in the fragrance of it and feel at once its clemency and might.

And beyond all that there's a mystical feeling to the place. Maybe it's more than the rocks, or the ever-changing skies, or the deep boom of the sea. Whatever it is, people past felt it too and left their marks, dolmens from barely comprehensible 3500 BC, castles and holy water shrines by the roadside.

And I believe the tourists feel it too, for there's a silent kind of reveried hush over most of the places you visit. And the locals seem to have a gentler grace too. Or maybe it's just my own fondness for the place, for childhood holidays when it seemed like another country altogether, that makes me feel these things...

All photographs by Jane Flanagan

http://www.flickr.com/photos/janeflan/sets/72157622671482268/

My Dream Destination {Haute Design}

Hello! Sarah from Haute Design here and I’m so happy to be here on Apt. #34 today, sharing my favorite vacation spot while Erin is away on her honeymoon… I can only imagine the fun she and her husband are having, and cannot wait to hear about it!

My favorite vacation spot is most definitely France. The picturesque postcard scenery and the everyday living is so appealing to me that I just long to be part of it… from exploring the chic city streets of Paris to driving though the beautiful countryside of Provence, there is plenty to feast your eyes on and nourish your soul and imagination.

Perhaps it's the nod and respect to tradition and a past that is so alluring, and can be found in the architecture, cuisine, entertaining and even the fashion within the country; the true appreciation for quality and beauty and enjoyment. There is something unsaid and unheard that makes this wonderful place just so, and I believe it is the heritage, feeling, inherent style, and warmth of the people...

(images link)

My Dream Destination {Frolic!}

My favorite place in the world is the sea. I was born just a few miles from The Atlantic Ocean and have never ventured far from a coast since (currently + happily situated not far from the sea, in Portland, OR!). I'll happily spend days on end with sand in my toes and ears and even my food! I am looking forward to this NW rain subsiding so I can spend many summer hours at Gearhart By The Sea and Cape Lookout.



Photos by Lucie Camp + Tsilli Pines.

Thanks for letting me visit Apt. 34 today. I hope you are having a blast in Europe, Erin!

-Chelsea, Frolic!

My Dream Destination {Sacramento Street}

Caitlin from Sacramento Street here. As a newly wed myself, I'm so excited for Erin and her new hubby. I know they're having a blast.

New travel adventures are a MUST in my life. I love the element of surprise when you visit a new country or city. At the top of my destination list: Morocco. My mom and I have wanted to go for ages and we're hoping to make it there in the near future. I've been coveting the hotel La Mamounia since it re-opened. It's a legendary hotel in Marrakech that recently got a makeover by Jacques Garcia - who never disappoints. Take a look at this stunning hotel . . .

Now I know why everyone in the travel industry has been raving about it - it's pure luxury. The interiors are stunning, the gardens look spectacular and the food (from what I've heard) is delicious. It's at the top of my destination list - what's your next destination trip?

I'm sure Erin and Chris are having a fabulous honeymoon discovering new destinations and spots all of us are going to add to our travel wish lists. Hope both of them are soaking up every minute of their time together , because I know it flies by way too fast.

xoxo, Caitlin

{photo's courtesy of From the Right Bank and La Mamounia}

My Dream Destination {Dress, Design, Decor}

Hi Everyone!

This is Daniella from dress, design, decor and I'm thrilled to be guest posting here while Erin is off honeymooning.

While I would be quick to say my favourite destination is most definitely the City of Lights, (along with many other little towns across the pond), lately i've been quite happy to enjoy all the local beauty that surrounds me. 

Riding around town on my lovely, vintage bicycle has been so much fun, that it instantly brings a smile to my face. Exploring the city... discovering new streets and trails... it has me thinking that sometimes, what's just around the corner from you, is all you need for a little adventure...

But to those of us off galavanting on a glamorous European honeymoon... I hope you are having an amazing time and thank you Erin for having me here today, on Apt. 34!

Photos: Simple Song via It's Mary Ruffle, Captivate Me