Friday {Joss & Main} Giveaway

I don't know quite what's going on, but I've heard through the grapevine that it'd been a bit of a tough week for a lot of people.

So I thought what better way to get our collective spirits up and start the weekend off right than with a giveaway!


1 nexxt stool, 2 scintilla blanket, 3 scintilla pillow, 4 thomas eyck, 5 nexxt bench, 6 adzif wall decor, 7 thomas eyck

Joss & Main, an exclusive members-only flash sale site, offers rockin' deals on fabulous home goods. Missoni Home, Le Creuset, Thom Felicia Rugs and Dwell Studio at up to 70% off? Don't mind if I do!

And Joss & Main is generously offering Apartment 34 readers a $200 shopping spree! Feeling better yet? I thought you would.

Here's how you enter:

~ Become a member of Joss & Main through this exclusive invitation
~ Leave a comment letting me know your favorite joss find
~ Make sure to leave your contact info if it's not linked on your site

It's that simple! A winner will be chosen next Friday, March 18.

Good luck luvies!
*Mrs. E

And the Winner Is...

Luvies, I have to thank you for all the inspiring comments about your resolutions/goals/mantras for the new year. They were just too much fun to read. Here were some of my absolute faves (that I'm jotting down for myself as well!) :

~ stop sweating the small stuff
~ live life freely...and to pet more dogs
~ be more present in my daily life
~ wear more dresses
~ take time outs
~ don't let fear keep me from pursuing my dreams
~ fill my space with positivity, peace and encouragement
~ complain less
~ instead of counting the days, make each day count
~ be nice!! Even when I don't feel like it
~ stop texting when a phone call works just as well!
~ make bread on Sundays
~ refuse to postpone my own happiness

I really do believe that 2011 is going to be an amazing year!


images via plush palate and {this is glamorous}

And so, without further ado, the winner (selected by random.org) of the Wendy Mink hammered earrings is....

Brittany! Congratulations!! Send an email to apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com to claim your pretty prize.

Here's to many more pretty things coming to you in 2011 my dears!
Cheers,
*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

Happy {Play Hookie} Monday

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!

Hi dearies. How is the new year treating you thus far?


image via sacramento street

I'm rather happy because I've got an extra day off to play today and I plan to make the very best of it!

But I couldn't just leave you hanging luvies ~ I had make sure your new year is off to the best start too, and what better way than with a GIVEAWAY!


earrings similar to those shown

One lucky reader will win a pair of stunning hammered hoops from beloved Apartment 34 sponsor, Wendy Mink Jewelry.

To win, simply leave a comment about your New Year's Resolution on this post! Tweet the giveaway or post to Facebook for an extra entry.

This one is a quickie - a winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 4 at 12:00 pm PST!

Happy Monday and Happy New Year!
*Mrs. E

Happy {Shiny} Weekend!

Ahhhh, Friday. It feels oh so good. The temperatures have dropped, the nights have gotten shorter and I'm a little bit older! But that doesn't mean I can't still have through a little glitz and glam into my weekend wardrobe, does it? I've been slow to come around to the sequin trend but I could see myself lounging in this look, and actually feel like I'm getting away with it!



via late afternoon

The lovely Wendy Mink hammered gold pendant necklace would jazz up any look too. I'm so appreciative to them to help mark my birthday with this great giveaway!



And without further adothe winner is......Leslie! Leslie, congrats and email apt34blog@gmail.com to claim you prize.

My dears, I hope you're able to find something bright, shiny and fun yourself this weekend.

Till Monday luvies!
*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

And the {Shopbop} Winner Is...

I was so thrilled to see everyone get so excited about the Shopbop giveaway. (Trust me I was too!)

What better way to kick off a Friday night then to announce who will get to add a frock this fabulous to their wardrobe?!


via blueproof road

So without further ado, the very lucky winner is.... Mackenzie of Design Darling! Congratulations Mackenzie. I know you're going to get something fabulous and blog all about it, right?!

Thanks again to everyone who entered, tweeted, Facebook-followed and just left nice comments all week long. It's what keeps a blogger going when the world starts gettin' her down.

Luckily, I get to help a certain someone celebrate a fabulous birthday this weekend. That is just the pick me up I need right now.

Till Monday luvies,
*Mrs. E

Happy {Fall-Fun} Weekend!

Don't you just love this time of year dearies? The foggy mornings, the softly slanted sunlight, the crunch of fallen leaves...

via nast and hanneli

And the opportunity to wear some luscious leather.Oh SJP - you do no wrong in my book.

I hope you bundle up in your favorite coat and head out and about in the fall fresh air this weekend. It's just so good for the soul!

Don't have a favorite coat these days? Don't fret - enter the Shopbop giveaway and your autumn fashion dreams just might come true!

Till Monday luvies.
*Mrs. E

Tasty Tuesday Treat {Shopbop $100 Giveaway!}

My dears, I have a special taste treat for you this week! It may be more useful to fill your closet than your stomach though. Do you ever wallow in the fall wardrobe doldrums where you have nothing to wear. Trust me, I can relate.

That's why I'm so excited to offer one lucky reader a $100 Shopbop giftcard!

There are some finger-licking good trends to infuse into your fall wardrobe right now. Boots continue to abound, as do sherling, pattern, coats, and the always classic fall sweater dress.



Or you perhaps you'd prefer something a little spicier from T-bag dresses? I'm still gobbling up the statement necklace trend.



And no one hits these notes more deliciously than Diane Von Furstenburg. Is there anything more satisfying than Diane Von Furstenburg dresses?



all images via shopbop

Here's how you enter:

~ visit Shopbop and leave a comment about what your fantasy DVF splurge would be
~ tweet about this contest for an extra entry
~ follow the blog for an extra entry
~ find Apartment 34 on Facebook for an extra entry!

The lucky winner will be chosen at 9:00 am PST on Friday, October 22. Start making your wishlist and crossing your fingers now!

And the Lucky Fashionista Is...

It is that time ~ to announce the incredibly lucky reader who must be working some amazing karma to win the Jo Handbag Niko handbag. The giveaway created quite a well-deserved stir. I'm glad everyone was so excited!

If you don't end up being today's winner, I highly recommend you head to the Jo Handbag site to pick up a bag of your own. I certainly am!

But without further ado, the style-savvy winner is.....


image via coco+kelley

Brittany of B. In the Know! Huge congratulations Brittany. Email apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com to claim your Jo Handbag!

And a huge thank you to everyone who entered, tweeted or blogged about the giveaway. Have no fear, another great one will be coming up very soon!

*Mrs. E

Monday {Camel-Colored} Work Wear

This morning, as I came upon the first cold morning dew on my windshield I was reminded that September really is just around the corner! Sad, I know, but also brilliant for those of us who looovveeee fall fashion. Especially when it means I can start pulling out sumptuously yummy colors like camel.

The classic style makes saying goodbye to sunshine so much easier to stomach.




looks by reed krakoff, isabel marant and michael kors, shoes by chloe and laurence dacade

Speaking of classic style, I also have a very fun project to announce today!

This fall, the husband and I are offically embarking on a complete home overhaul. I'm talking redoing bathrooms, kitchens, floors, walls, landscaping - you name it, we're tackling it, all with the goal of turning our out-of-date abode into a timelessly stylish home.

This will mean lots of DIY projects, countless trips to the design center and Home Depot, files and files of inspriation and many, many, many blog posts! I do hope you'll enjoy coming along on this journey with me. I have a feeling it's going to be a doozy.

That's why I need to kick off the project in style too - with an Apartment 34 Giveaway!! You have the chance to kick off a design project of your own with Design in a Bag!



Design in  Bag pairs the perfect paint, tile and other materials to help take the overwhelm out of home remodels. Their little bags can produce some stunning results. Check it out!




To enter: visit Design in Bag, pick your favorite look and then come back to leave a comment about which bag you love and why. Tweet or Facebook about the giveaway and you'll receive a second entry! Be sure to leave a valid email address where I can contact you.

A winner will be selected {at random} at noon PST on Friday, August 27.

Good luck all!
*Mrs. E

And the Elizabeth & James Winner Is...

Thank you to everyone who entered the Shopbop giveaway for an Elizabeth & James shopping spree. Trust me, this was a giveaway I wish I could win!

But without further ado, the very lucky reader is (cue drum roll)....


photo via elizabeth & james

Chop Suey! A fellow Seattlite at that. Huge congratulations to you!!! Please email apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com to claim your prize!

Thanks again to everyone for entering this week's giveaway. Check back for another great one coming quite soon.

Happy hump day!

*Mrs. E

And the Winner Is...

My dears, apologies for the day getting away from me! I've left you hanging about our giveaway - terribly sorry for the delay. 

Without further ado, the lucky winner is....

chewing the cud towel photo by elizabeth messina via kiss the groom

(by random.org selection) Stephanie! Congratulations! Stephanie, email apt34 {at} gmail {dot} com to claim your prize! 

Thanks again to Apartment 34 sponsor Wendy Mink Jewelry for the generous giveaway. 

Happy {It's Finally Summer} Weekend!

I am so ready for slow lazy days, reading loads of girlie novels, long dinners on the back deck, and Sunday afternoons lounging in the park. 

Although the sun only teased the Pacific Northwest this week so I may have to cover up a bit when I hit the farmers market on Saturday, but I'm determined to get outside!

images via 1 simply seductive, 2, 3, 4 dress design decor,  5, haute design

I hope you get to enjoy some fun in the summer sun this weekend luvies. Before you run off, don't forget to enter the Wendy Mink giveaway! A winner will be announced on Monday - along with some fun exciting news for Apartment #34!

Cheers my dears,

*Mrs. E

Grazie Tutti! {A Giveaway}

My dears, the amount of fun I have with this blog and how much the kind words and support from my readers means to me is really indescribable. Today marks exactly two months of my new life as a wife and I've so enjoyed sharing the journey with you. 

As a thank you for indulging me in all this wedding craziness, I'm offering one lucky reader a token of my appreciation courtesy of Apartment 34 sponsor Wendy Mink Jewelry. 

In addition to this stunning necklace, Wendy Mink Jewelry is also generously offering Apartment 34 readers exclusive entry into their members only room. The member's room includes exclusive current styles, vintage and occasional sales.  

To enter to win, visit Wendy Mink Jewelry and sign up for their member club by entering login: wendyminkexclusive, password: minkmember, then leave a comment on this post!

The winner will be chosen at random on Monday, June 28! Good luck luvies.

*Mrs. E

Happy {Jetplane} Weekend!

Well, my luvies, this is it! This weekend we depart for the honeymoon! The husband and I could not be more excited.

image via {i can't remember -eek!}

Now don't you worry, I wouldn't leave you high and dry while we're away. A wonderful series of guest bloggers will be keeping you company so please be sure to drop in and say hi!

And now, for the winner of the Shabby Apple La Tour Eiffel dress! There were so many great comments about what makes you feel romantic. Some of my favorites include:

*I feel the most feminine and romantic when I'm wearing something comfortable, classic and sexy

*My perfect red lipstic and a simple summer dress

*Heels and red lipstick!

*Slipping on my prized pair of Manolos while I work at my desk 

*Comfortable + confident being ME

Thanks to everyone for entering and for the sweet notes of support. The winner of the La Tour Eiffel dress is......Shannon! Shannon, please contact me at apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com to claim your prize. 

Happy happy weekend my dears - I'll see you all in a couple of weeks!

*Mrs E

I've Got a Crush

On brides with hats,

On kitchens with racks,

On shoes with ruffles,

On rustic with a side of modern,

And on spring with summer square in my sights!

Happy Friday luvies - check back at noon for the winner of La Tour Eiffel dress!!

Happy {Back to Reality} Weekend - and a Winner!

It's a little surreal to run off and get married and then come back to find little seems to have changed while you were away - even though your reality has very very much. 

I think the huz and I might bunker down in our own little newly-wed world this weekend. Or at least attempt to.

photo via dress, design, decor

Thank you again (I have a feeling I'll be thanking for days!) for all the wonderful comments this week. 

I'm excited to announce that the winner of the Allison Dayton strawberry quartz bracelet is Veronica! Email us at apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com to claim your prize Veronica. 

Happy weekend to you luvies!

*Mrs. E

Wedding Wednesday {Giveaway}

It will take me weeks, literally, to adequately thank everyone who played a role in our wedding so I hope you'll indulge me as I feature each one by one. 

I thought I'd butter you up by starting with a giant thank you to you, Apartment 34 readers, Twitter followers and blogger friends. The entire wedding planning process was made 1,000 times easier because I had this amazing community to turn to for ideas, opinions, inspiration and support. It makes me want to do it all again and again and again (to the chagrin of my husband) - I had that much fun!

So, I'd like to offer you a small token of my appreciation - and what better way than with a lovely jewelry! One lucky reader will win this Strawberry quartz bracelet by Allison Dayton.

I love it because it reminds me of the sunsets in Mexico. 

Simply leave a comment on this post - and be sure to include your email. Tweet about it and and get a second entry! 

A winner will be selected at random at 9:00 am PST on Friday, May 7. 

Good luck and to everyone a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU!