I find early Spring weather (at least on the East Coast) to be the trickiest of the year. I want to wear Spring outfits, and some days I actually get to, but mostly I’m battling a mix of brisk, windy mornings, rain (or even snow…ugh), and mixed up temperatures. While these outfits never made it to the blog, on Instagram I’ve shared the staples I’m relying on lately to get me through these next few weeks.
p.s. I’m heading somewhere warm tomorrow and naturally, will be taking you all along for the ride. Follow me on Instagram (#steelemaidenvoyages) and on Snapchat (thesteelemaiden) – plus be sure you’re signed up for my newsletter here today! I’m sending out a special edition newsletter tonight showing you everything in my travel bag before it hits the blog.
With the Oscars coming up tomorrow night, and Spring soiree season upon us, I thought it was about time I mixed up a champagne recipe. While I’m all for popping a little bubbly at a party – there’s something that feels a bit lacking in straight champagne. This cocktail requires only 4 ingredients total and is a cinch to make, but will feel totally impressive at your next get together. And if said ‘party’ is just you on your couch watching the Oscars.. I won’t judge.
*Original recipe via Style Me Pretty, all images via The Steele Maiden
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 shelfalong 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!
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…
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
