As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.
How are those New Year’s resolutions going friends? While I don’t really subscribe to the whole crash diet starting January 1st mindset, I love using a new year as a chance to raise the bar for myself when it comes to my usual routine. This time it’s another half marathon in the spring. Gulp. But as always in life, a cute outfit doesn’t hurt the efforts.
SHOP THE STORY
I always like to start a new year by refreshing some of my daily routines and more than ever before I’ve been thinking about my skincare. I’ll be turning 30 later this year and now is the time to create a really solid routine that will prevent early signs of aging on my skin. Aside from the whole birthday looming though.. winter in New York is incredibly hard on my skin. Last winter I really struggled with drastic dryness and in turn, surprising breakouts. Not ideal. So this year I couldn’t wait to try out Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream Moisturizer and Bi-phase Serum.
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:
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
ANTHROPOLOGIE: 30% 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 REPUBLIC: 40% 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
JCREW: 40% off your purchase with code HOLIDAY – order by 12/20 for delivery by 12/23
OLD NAVY: Up to 60% off the entire store + free shipping through 12/18 to arrive by 12/23
SOLE SOCIETY: Up to 50% off select styles
TALBOTS: Up 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
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!
