A Little Something

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After a couple of weeks spent on the go, it felt so nice to settle back into my normal routine.  I don’t know about you, but for me it’s always the simplest little things that I take the most comfort in or find to be such a treat…

The great part about that, is buying yourself a little something is usually a fairly inexpensive pick me up.  Here – three of my favorite small treats:


Nest:  While you could probably get away with owning just one or 2 coffee mugs, I happen to have countless.  Some from travel destinations I’ve picked up along the way – others like the above from Kate Spade just too fitting to resist (thanks Mom!).  But I can tell you that all of them make me happy.  And so maybe I don’t need any other excuse.

Dressed: If you’ve ever met me, you’d know that my hair happens to be unruly at best.  Therefore I live my life never more than an arm’s reach from at least a few bobby pins, should I need them.  The above – in all their glittery and glossy goodness – would turn something that is a constant struggle, into almost a welcomed problem.  And for $10 who wouldn’t want that?

The Rest: I hardly ever crave cakes or pies or other decadent treats – but drugstore candy? I can’t say no.  There’s just something about sour patch kids that can turn a bad day around.  While your local convenient store will surely do the trick, a big pail of sweets from Dylan’s Candy Bar may be even better (and nearly euphoric if you’re lucky enough to live in New York or LA and can wander through that sugar wonderland in person)  

p.s. This whole week on the blog is going to be devoted to celebrating the little moments in life that make the whole thing worthwhile.  From happy little spaces around my home to pretty little pick me ups.  I’d love to hear and see what your favorite little moments are – I’ll be using #littlemomentsthatcount all week on instagram and twitter (follow me @thesteelemaiden) – feel free to do the same!

Weekend Flashback.

Blog-Weekend-Recap-InstagramAfter nearly two straight weeks of having guests, I admit to being pretty beat.  The best part about having visitors here in California is that it basically felt like we were on vacation too.  I visited sights I hadn’t yet had the chance to see, ate at restaurants I wouldn’t normally treat myself to, and experienced the area through a fresh set of excited eyes.  However even the best vacations tend to leave you needing additional rest.  So rest is what I did this weekend.  With hours spent on our new porch furniture basking in the sun and sipping fresh margaritas, lazy mornings and big breakfasts, and movie nights at home.  Hope you’re starting off this week feeling equally refreshed.

Out the Door.


With my parents in town for the week, I get home from work and head right back out the door to meet them.  With a busy schedule (and a stretch of cooler, uncharacteristically gray days here in LA) I’ve been reaching for pieces that are comfortable and warm, but still cute enough for dinner at some of my favorite local spots… 

For last night that meant a two tone polka dot shirt dress (confession: I changed out of the polka dot jeans I wore to work and into this dress – I may have a real problem), a soft and perfectly drape-y cardigan, and my favorite new wedges.  Plus a vintage purse and a swipe of pink lipstick for good measure.  

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Seeing Stripes.


I love black and white year round, but I find myself reaching for the pair constantly when transitioning between the jewel tones of Winter and the bright pastels of Spring.  Once combined in a graphic stripe they look put together and crisp, even when you got ready in just a few minutes (because the time change is still really throwing you off)…

If you’re looking for a way to see stripes of your own, here’s a few affordable (and particularly cute) options:

Nest: I love all of the office supplies at See Jane Work – and I’m convinced that this letter sorter would help me to maintain my mail like a proper adult. Plus, how wonderfully would this match with the white Parson’s desk and clear ghost chair that I already have?  A $7.99 necessity if you ask me.  

Dressed: Have you heard about JC Penney’s latest collaboration with Canadian brand Joe Fresh?  They offer modern, stylish basics at great prices – and now JCP (as their rebranding efforts prefer them to be called) is bringing our Northern neighbors right to your local mall.  I love their selection of crisp button downs and wear to work dresses.  This striped number is quite perfect, eh?

The Rest:  I’m a sucker for good packaging, and aside from the array of lovely color choices, the striped casing on this lipstick from Topshop makes it nearly impossible to resist.  I’m loving bright pink lip colors for Spring (added bonus – hot pink is a no brainer paired with black and white stripes, so feel free to add a pop of your own)



Weekend Flashback.

Weekend-Flashback-Blog-Recap-InstagramMy parents arrived on Saturday morning (after a long work week that’s completion was celebrated with wearing a fun pair of shoes to grab a drink at a local spot) and we spent the rest of the weekend showing them as much of Southern California as two days would allow.  This included a few places that have been on my own list of things to see since moving here – Griffith Observatory (in the shadow of the Hollywood sign and nestled in the picturesque Griffith Park) where we looked through at the moon in NASA worthy telescopes and saw all of Los Angeles lit up at night.  And Point Dume, a moderate hike in Malibu that leads up to a cliff point, allowing for views of the Pacific as far as the eye can see.  Add in trips to a few of my favorite local restaurants and a little light shopping, and you pretty much have a perfect weekend.

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