2016: A YEAR IN REVIEW

2016 – phew. I’m not afraid to admit, this year really tested me in a lot of ways. At 29 I think I often felt in a hurry to make things happen this year. And in the moment, that often felt challenging, daunting and altogether frustrating. It often felt like I didn’t have the time to make this blog what I wanted it to be. Didn’t have the money to take the extravagant vacations I saw everyone else on Instagram taking. That I was letting the stress of my job effect the happiness I felt outside of the office. You get the picture. Not to mention a week I spent in bed with a kidney infection (and another with a stomach flu), a week I spent crying over my dead laptop and if I added it all up weeks and weeks spent worrying about when I’d have it all figured out. Oh yeah, and then there were those 5 weddings I attended in 5 months time. Which are all of course teeny tiny issues compared to those that the world at large faced this past year. But the funny thing is?

As I sit here thinking back on the past year here is what comes to mind:

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INSTAGRAM ROUND-UP + LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SALES

The Steele Maiden: Instagram Lately

Oh hi there! Remember me?! These past couple of weeks (okay.. months) have been a whirlwind between my full time job, real life and this corner of the internet so hoping you can excuse the few days of radio silence (but in the meantime be sure you’re following me on Instagram so you see the day to day). I spent most of this weekend trying to race around time to get my holiday shopping wrapped up – and if you’ve decided to wait until one week before Christmas to do your own shopping (or just have been equally busy and haven’t yet had the time) at least you can take advantage of the major sales/shipping deals happening right now. Below – what’s been up on Instagram lately + some last minute gift suggestions. And for more – check out my holiday gift guide here.

INSTAGRAM LATELY

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SALES

ANTHROPOLOGIE30% off clothing & accessories, 20% off home & beauty

BODEN: Up to 40% off select items – order by 12/21 with express shipping to arrive by 12/23

BANANA REPUBLIC40% off full-priced styles with code BRHOLIDAY – order by 12/18 for standard delivery by 12/23

FRENCH CONNECTION: Extra 50% off sale – order by 12/19 with express shipping to arrive by 12/23

GIGI NEW YORK: Free personalization, shipping and gift with purchase this weekend only

JCREW40% off your purchase with code HOLIDAY – order by 12/20 for delivery by 12/23

OLD NAVYUp to 60% off the entire store + free shipping through 12/18 to arrive by 12/23

SOLE SOCIETY: Up to 50% off select styles

TALBOTSUp to 50% off sitewide + $8 flat rate shipping for delivery by 12/24

URBAN OUTFITTERS: $20 off $100 + free shipping on 12/18 to arrive by 12/23

HOLIDAY COCKTAIL RECIPE: PEPPERMINT PROSECCO

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Cocktail Recipe - Peppermint Prosecco

This time of year it seems like every other night there’s an occasion to be clinking glasses. And since you’re already worrying about what to wear, what hostess gift to bring and how on earth you’ll find a cab home.. I thought this easy holiday cocktail recipe might just come in handy. This takes just 3 ingredients, maybe 3 minutes to make and tastes – I swear to you – like actual Christmas in a glass. It’s sweet from white chocolate liqueur, refreshing thanks to the mint and balanced out with the fizz and dryness of Prosecco. Oh, and it was also featured in my ‘Complete Guide to the Holidays‘ along with something a little stronger if that suits your mood (or you’ve had the kind of week I’ve had). Here’s to spreading a little extra holiday cheer this weekend!

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Cocktail Recipe - Peppermint Prosecco The Steele Maiden: Holiday Cocktail Recipe - Peppermint Prosecco

WARM TO THE CORE WITH UNIQLO HEATTECH

The Steele Maiden: Must Have Winter Activewear with Uniqlo Heattech

If you’ve been following along on Instagram then you know that at the start of the month I switched from my usual post-workday workouts to a morning routine. With an increasingly busy work/blog schedule leading into the holiday season, my 7PM workouts were only adding to my stress and felt more counter-productive than anything. But in the mornings – my mind is clear and I’m left feeling energized for the entire day ahead. Sounds great right?

There’s just one problem. As the colder days creep in, the number one thing that keeps me hitting snooze is the thought of leaving my warm bed and venturing out into the chilly morning air. Whether it’s just a brisk 5 minute walk to my nearby gym or a long run along the East River – I hate the thought of starting my day freezing cold. Which is where the Uniqlo Heattech collection comes in.

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FALL COCKTAIL RECIPE: APPLE CIDER MOSCOW MULE

The Steele Maiden: Fall Cocktail Recipe - Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Last weekend we took a drive upstate and stopped at an apple orchard to pick up fresh pressed apple cider and – obviously – apple cider donuts. As soon as we got home I knew I wanted to find a fall cocktail recipe that could incorporate the cider. This seasonal take on traditional moscow mules was just the thing. Sweet from the cider but with a bit of zing from the lime and ginger beer and dash of spice from the cinnamon – these tasted like fall in a mug. Oh – and couldn’t be easier to make. If you’re looking for something to make at this weekend’s parties this one could be made in bigger batches is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

SHOP THE STORY

The Steele Maiden: Fall Cocktail Recipe - Apple Cider Moscow Mule The Steele Maiden: Fall Cocktail Recipe - Apple Cider Moscow Mule The Steele Maiden: Fall Cocktail Recipe - Apple Cider Moscow Mule