Life – Page 39 – Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle.

February 22, 2016February 22, 2016

LIVING ROOM MAKEOVER WITH MINTED (+ A $150 GIVEAWAY!)

I’ve been bursting at the seams to share the before and after of our living room makeover with you all, and it’s finally here! We’ve been in our apartment for 2 years now (and are getting ready to renew the lease for another year) which left us looking around at the things we’ve been putting off for awhile now.. including this main area of the living room. While we liked the comfortable couch and bookcase, the rest felt unfinished and scattered. Worse than that, it just didn’t really reflect Adam and I’s style. So when Minted let us pick out a few new pieces of artwork it seemed like the perfect opportunity to really redirect the room. We chose two original photographs (that come framed and with the artist’s signature), one of crashing waves (being in or around water is where I feel happiest and shades of blue/green are always the colors I’m drawn to most) and another of an old Mustang on the open road (a nod to our cross-country road trips, Adam’s love of cars and setting out on new adventures together). And from those two pieces of art.. things really took off.

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PLUS! ENTER FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN $150 TO MINTED.COM HERE

Without spending a fortune, we tried to address some of the issues that really bothered us. For me, it was the visually cluttered bookshelves. So with the help of a few storage baskets I stowed away brightly colored books and kept out my favorites that were in a more neutral palette. Plus, brought in a friendly houseplant that used to live in the bedroom. The record player (a Christmas gift to Adam a few years back) and agate bookends (souvenirs from New Mexico – but these are similar) are both favorites that stayed in place.

For Adam, it was the space behind our couch (an odd gap due to pipework) that we never quite knew how to deal with. The solution – installing 3 simple white shelves, end to end, to create a fake console table where we could add extra lighting (perfect for reading or late night computer work). I’m thrilled with how this turned out, and well, in general thrilled with how handy he is. We actually found some cute living room lighting which really makes the room much brighter!

The artwork took center stage above the couch (on a slim ledge shelf along with a small framed postcard we picked up while visiting Prague last year) and is a great focal point, plus ties together the colors and overall vibe of the space. Neutrals, mixed textures, touches of blues/greens, and accents in rose gold and copper.

We kept two of the throw pillows we already had, then added two more for color plus a lightly patterned grey rug to tie things together and bring in more texture. I’m amazed at how little we actually bought new and how radically different the space looks and feels. If you’re in need of your own room refresh I truly do suggest having a look at Minted (their selection is amazing and prices for one of a kind artwork are super affordable) and finding artwork that really speaks to you and the space, then using that as a jumping off point. All in all, a major improvement around the Steele Maiden household.

P.S. Don’t forget to enter to win $150 to Minted.com to kick start your own mini makeover!

February 12, 2016February 11, 2016

5 MINUTE ESCAPE

Anyone heading into a long weekend? Between NYFW, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day it feels like too much to squeeze into just 2 days but I’ll be giving it a go. Not to mention we’re looking at the coldest forecast of the year so far. I’ll be running around town, dreaming of a warm weather vacation. Here are a few other things on my mind…

Continue reading “5 MINUTE ESCAPE”

January 14, 2016February 26, 2017

WINTER COCKTAIL RECIPE: GRAPEFRUIT GIN FIZZ

My winter cocktail has long since been a crisp Gin & Tonic. But lately I’ve been wondering if there was a way to mix things up. Enter – the Grapefruit Gin Fizz. A delicious little drink that calls upon seasonal citrus, sprigs of fresh rosemary and a dash of club soda. I experimented with this drink last weekend while watching the Golden Globes, but it would be perfect served at a bridal shower, complimenting a homemade brunch or for a girl’s night in! The taste is sweet but balanced nicely by the Gin and tart Grapefruit, just bubbly enough – and was approved even by Adam who claims to hate Gin – meaning this one’s a crowd pleaser. Plus, between the sugar rimmed glass, ombre tones and hit of bright color – it couldn’t be prettier. Win, win.

*Original recipe found via Chase the Flavors, all photos via The Steele Maiden

January 7, 2016January 6, 2016

FITNESS-WEAR FAVORITES

Whether you made a resolution to finally get back into that gym routine, try a new fitness class or just are trying to work off a few of those Christmas cookies (insert me raising my hand here) – it always helps me find a little extra motivation when I’ve got new fitness gear. Here, my tried and true favorites:

JACKETS AND VESTS:

I look for pieces that are warm but lightweight and easily packable for fitting in a gym bag. A half zip pullover or quilted vest are great layering pieces for outdoor workouts or just getting to and from the gym.

LEGGINGS:

I used to go the cheap route here, but to be honest, after trying out slightly more premium options I don’t think I’ll ever go back when it comes to running leggings. These are so truly comfortable, moisture wicking and don’t wear out even after tons of wear and washing. But if you’re looking for an inexpensive option, these are on sale and work well for weight training or other lower intensity activities.

SPORTS BRAS:

Perhaps the most important layer – I have a variety based on activity. This maximum support option comes in cup sizes and are favorites for running, this medium support option works well for cycling or circuit training, and this low impact option is nice for barre classes or hot yoga.

TOPS:

My main concerns are soft and lightweight here – which luckily you can usually find on the cheap. A step up from your old freebie t-shirts but still totally affordable.

ACCESSORIES:

A well-stocked gym bag isn’t complete without hair ties, a water bottle, and a fitness tracker.

SNEAKERS:

I’ve worn this exact pair for almost 5 years now (I keep buying the same pair, currently on 3rd generation), so I firmly suggest finding your ‘sole mate’ and sticking to it. I use them for running and all other higher impact workouts, and then use these for getting to and from yoga, barre or cycling classes.

December 31, 2015December 31, 2015

2015: A YEAR IN REVIEW

2015 – you were quite a year. While not without its ups and downs, when I look back at this year on the whole I feel incredibly grateful for everything that it brought. To be completely honest with you, at this time last year I was thinking of throwing in the towel on this little blog. But instead I decided to redesign and refocus and I can’t tell you how happy I am that I did. And how happy I am that all of you have stuck around for the ride. There have been so many cool opportunities that came our way this year (remember when we met Taylor Swift?!) that made every second Adam and I spend on this labor of love completely worth it. So thank you, for every comment, visit and follow. For giving us a reason to always want to plan new stories, shoot new content and seek out new fashionable journeys. Here’s to 2016. I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one. Below – a roundup of my favorite places and posts from the past year. Click on the photos to see the original posts. Continue reading “2015: A YEAR IN REVIEW”