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thankful thoughts

The Steele Maiden: Thankful Thoughts

Thanksgiving is a holiday as much about traditions as it is about food – and since this year we’re not having the usual big family dinner (in fact, just Turkey for Two) I wanted to take the time to start a few new traditions for our little family.  I started with these cards which I plan to print each year and keep in a photo album (so someday we can feel nostalgic that in 2013 we were thankful for a quiet day in the California sun as we most likely shiver in New York’s winter with a screaming baby and a barking dog).  Aside from the boy, family and friends, this little blog gets a special place on the list.  Today, and everyday, I’m so thankful for all of the surprising opportunities this has brought me in the past year and more importantly for all of you.  Whether we’ve met, you’ve commented, shown support, or you’re simply out there silently reading along – I’m incredibly thankful to have the chance to keep sharing my life and what I love to do with you all.  Here’s to starting your own traditions and counting your own blessings.  


p.s. not to spoil the moment but I’m giving you a front row seat to Black Friday deals tomorrow so after you’re full to the brim with potatoes and pies you’re going to want to check back! 
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giving thanks

The Steele Maiden: Giving ThanksThanksgiving is one of those glorious holidays where comfort is pretty much number one on the agenda when it comes to getting dressed.  But since I’m not exactly a sweatpants type of girl – I wanted to share a version of what you’ll find me in tomorrow (as I cook Turkey for 2, watch the Macy’s Parade, revel in not having to battle traffic or crowded airports, and count my many blessings).  While I still want to save room for dessert, I also want to look a bit festive – so this babydoll style floral dress (which will hide any post meal puff), layered with a thin turtleneck and my denim jacket are perfect for an indulgent day at home.  These braids are literally my only hair trick and luckily are also perfect for keeping it out of my face while I’m cooking.  A little lipstick and one of my oldest, but still among my favorite pair of heeled booties top off a look that feels pretty but not overly fussy.  Exactly what I’m looking for tomorrow.Nanette Lepore Dress – I love this flowy option too // Denim Jacket – similar here on sale! // Gap Turtleneck // K.Bell Tights c/o // Vintage Bag // Booties via Marshalls
The Steele Maiden: Giving Thanks

The Steele Maiden: Giving Thanks

The Steele Maiden: Giving Thanks

The Steele Maiden: Giving Thanks

The Steele Maiden: Giving Thanks


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holiday gifting made simple

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Gift Guide
 
There’s no shortage of great Holiday Gift Guides floating around the blog world these days, but I wanted to offer up a slightly different take to share with you all.  My approach to gifting is to determine how this special someone would answer the following statement “I don’t need a thing, but would never turn down another…”  Would it be another set of cocktail glasses for dinner parties? Another pair of cute boots? And then – because this is something that this person already knows and loves – let them pick it out on their own.  Yep, I’m totally okay with giving a gift card.  On two conditions.  One: give an accompanying gift which means you didn’t pick up the gift card on the drive to their house but rather thoughtfully bought it as part of a true present to them.  So a pair of cute book ends goes with a card allowing them to pick up that next great novel.  And Two: Wrap it beautifully.  This actually goes for any gift you ever give (and comes from my Mother – a woman so artfully skilled at gift wrapping, she’d have Martha Stewart shaking in her scissors).  Taking the time to wrap something – even something as small as a pair of socks and a gift card – elevates it to become something instantly more cherished.  And that’s it.  I’m going to be offering up some suggestions for Black Friday and (perhaps more importantly) Shop Small Saturday later in the week, but I hope this little gift guide helps you simplify this shopping season.  And I’d love to hear, what are your gifting go-tos?


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weekend flashback

The Steele Maiden: Weekend FlashbackI spent the weekend finally crossing some major things off my to do list and it felt like a huge weight was lifted.  These past few weeks have felt far more stressful than the way I like to live and I’m looking forward to starting this week (and the real holiday season) in a better state of mind.  In the moments not working this weekend, I did a bit of prep for Thanksgiving (it will be Turkey for Two this year), took a quiet stroll along Santa Monica’s Promenade before the Holiday Shopping madness begins, and fit a few errands in.  Have you been following my series with Sunglass Warehouse (here and here)? Tomorrow is my last LA adventure with the retailer and the start of a pretty fun week on the blog so be sure to stick around.