Elevating the Everyday: Erin Hiemstra
The Apartment 34 blogger shares her perfect Sunday morning routine, with a little help from The Citizenry and Lunya.
If anyone knows the true meaning of going a million miles a minute, it's Erin Hiemstra. The new mom has made a career out of teaching us how to beautify our own lives, whether she's sharing recipes and travel tips on her beloved blog Apartment 34, decorating her chic San Francisco loft, or laying low with her husband and four-month-old son, Carter. But that doesn't mean she can't find moments to appreciate the little things, from eating lemon pancakes in bed to indulging in her patented "15-Minute Mama Break." So when Lonny caught her ear, we had a few questions about balance and how she pulls it all off in style.
Lonny: How do you describe your personal style?
Erin Hiemstra: I would describe my style as casually modern with masculine tendencies. Women like Diane Keaton, Jane Birkin, and Lauren Hutton have always been some of my fashion icons. When it comes to design I've always loved Vicente Wolf and Darryl Carter and, of course, anything Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent touch.
L: What's your favorite area of your home?
EH: I was super sad to say farewell to our Apartment 34 studio. We really loved the design, but now that the space has been reborn as our bedroom/nursery I love it even more! It has beautiful light in the mornings, the perfect amount of space to feel comfortable but still cozy, and I love how our black-and-white color scheme pops. I'd hang out in there all day if I could!
L: How would you spend your perfect Sunday morning in?
EH: Sundays are my day to unplug completely. It's all about being a homebody—comfy, cozy, and relaxed with my family. I like to try to slow time down. I used to love to sleep in on Sunday mornings, but our four-month-old prevents that these days! Thankfully, I love our new routine just as much, if not more. Sunday is our day for lounging. It's a PJs all day kind of vibe. In particular I've been loving the loungewear by Lunya—it's soft and comfortable, but if I did feel compelled to leave the house I wouldn't even have to change. It looks that good!
After Carter wakes us up, we usually turn on some music (he loves Vampire Weekend) and do a little hang out time in bed. Then my husband takes Carter so I can have some me time. That may include catching a few more zzz's or getting to read the New York Times, my favorite magazines, or a bit of a book. While I'm doing that, the hubby and Carter are whipping up breakfast for us! Sundays are all about pancakes or waffles—those treat foods that we never have otherwise. It's currently fig season in California, so I'm loving waffles drizzled with honey and topped with figs. Heavenly.
L: What are your essentials for an amazing breakfast in bed?
EH: Breakfast in bed is such a wonderful indulgence. It doesn't have to be reserved for special occasions or a night at a nice hotel. It's all about presentation. Break out your pretty plates and cutlery and serve things up on a lovely tray. Fresh flowers are always a nice touch. I also like to create a cozy nest with pretty blankets and comfy throw pillows. My go-tos are these baby alpaca pillows and throws from The Citizenry. Breakfast in bed is not to be rushed! Fresh juice and a good cup of coffee earn major bonus points.
L: Can you share a favorite breakfast recipe?
EH: We're always playing with twists on classic pancake recipes—gluten-free, almond, lemon, or even chocolate—but my new favorite thing to do is make homemade fancy coffee drinks. It's actually been hot in San Francisco lately, so we just concocted a lavender iced latte. So good! We've got the recipe over on Apartment34.com.
L: Any other tips for taking a thoughtful approach to the everyday?
EH: These days I'm all about being as mindful as possible on a day-to-day basis. We're all going a million miles a minute and it can be too easy to skim through each day, barely flitting on the surface of everything you're doing and everyone you're interacting with. But I think now more than ever creating deep connections is the best way to balance our jam-packed lives.
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