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.

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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

FALL ROMANCE WITH RALPH LAUREN FRAGRANCE

The Steele Maiden: Romantic Fall style with Anthropologie and Ralph Lauren Fragrance

Of all the places that Adam and I go to escape on the weekends, our neighboring hometowns in the PA countryside is still one of our favorites. It’s the place where we first met and when the air turns crisp, the leaves start to change and the cornfields are full.. there’s just alway something that feels special about coming back here. While I’m usually a jeans and t-shirt girl back home, I was inspired by the classic scent of Ralph Lauren Romance to get a little dressed up, spread out some cozy blankets and take a quiet moment for just the two of us after a busy week in the city.

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PREPPING FOR NYFW: WITH MARIE-LOU & D SALON

Prepping for NYFW with Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York

We’re just a day away from the official kick-off of NYFW and aside from pulling outfits, I always make time for a bit of beauty prep before the madness begins. This year I headed to Soho to check out Marie-Lou & D salon. Decorated by a French designer who usually sticks to chateaus, the interior reads more like a chic and inviting Parisian pied-à-terre rather than a stuffy salon (aka my worst nightmare).

Prepping for NYFW with Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York Prepping for NYFW with Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York Prepping for NYFW with Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York

One of my favorite parts of Marie-Lou & D is that they offer just about everything. For someone who is always short on time – that means I was able to freshen up my hair color at the same time that I got a glossy new manicure (I went with this color for Fashion Week). Did I mention I was sipping a glass of Prosecco at the same time? Now that’s multi-tasking.

Prepping for NYFW with Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York Prepping for NYFW with Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York

The result? A brighter, blonder color for Fall that plays up the natural color the sun afforded me this summer. A year or so ago I stopped using traditional highlights and switched to using the bayalage method. That means the roots grow out slowly and naturally and I only have to go in for color about twice a year. Major win. Yoann (the stylist I used) got it just right and I left feeling ready to tackle another exciting/exhausting/exhilarating round of NYFW.

If you’re looking for a new salon in town, I highly recommend Marie-Lou & D! Try them out for yourself and mention code THESTEELEMAIDEN for a 15% off discount.

The Steele Maiden: Bayalage blonde for Fall from Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York

LABOR DAY RECIPE: WHITE PEACH SANGRIA

Labor Day Recipe - White Wine Peach and Basil Sangria

There’s always something so bittersweet about Labor Day. I hate to see Summer come to an end, but I also love kicking off Fall with a long holiday weekend. To make the most of these last few unofficial days of the season, I’m mixing up an easy recipe for White Wine Peach and Basil Sandra. Make a big batch and enjoy over a day or so – the longer it sits the better it gets!

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Labor Day Recipe - White Wine Peach and Basil Sangria

To be completely honest, I’m usually more of a beer or cocktail girl myself. But earlier in the Summer I attended an event to celebrate the launch of The Dreaming Tree collection of wines and ever since, I knew I wanted another taste. In lieu of drinking it straight (although that tastes good too) – I opted for a Sangria that could make the the most of white wine and also summer’s fruits. The Sauvignon has a nice dryness to it that paired nicely with the sweetness of the fruit – and then was tempered by the basil. All in all, an effortless drink to sip throughout the weekend. Whether you’re partying at the beach or hunkering down while Hurricane Hermine passes through. Cheers to 3 days off work!

The Dreaming Tree Sauvignon Blanc c/o | World Market Carafe | Turkish-T Towel | Stemless Glasses

Labor Day Recipe - White Wine Peach and Basil Sangria