Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

This post may contain affiliated links, which means if you purchase an item I will earn commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

“Some of my favorite God-moments are when He speaks so clearly through

the collision of a thousand little coincidences”

-Kaci Nicole

Happy Friday!! I am back in NYC after a wonderful week home in Ohio. It was wonderful to spend time with my family, especially my nieces. I wish I could split myself in two; half of me here in NYC, the other half in Columbus.

The reason I went back home to Columbus was to ride in the Pelotonia. My dad’s company is a sponsor for the Pelotonia. It is requested of them to ride and/or donate to the cause. My dad has always chosen to ride. This was his 12th ride, 2nd one for me. Usually he does 50 miles, but the last two years and this year he did 20 miles. My first time riding with him I did 50 miles…. I prefer the 20 miles. It’s a nice ride where you work up a sweat but are not feeling like a truck hit you at the end. I had a wonderful time riding with my dad; we chatted about life, soaked in the scenery, judged people’s houses, and enjoyed being outside. The ride took us about an hour and a half, including our 10 minute break at the 10 mile mark. Pelotonia has resting areas every 10 miles so you can refill your water bottle, have a snack, rest your legs, use the restroom, etc. I have to say it was very hard to get back on the bike afterward our mini break. I can’t say this will be my last ride ever but I am grateful I got to do it one last time with my dad. If you are still wanting to donate to the cancer research programs, you can donate any amount here.

Since I was home my sister and brother-in-law decided to finally baptize my 8 month old niece, since I am her Godmother. Obviously they pushed it back and couldn’t find the right date/time because of COVID. Luckily our church has been holding service outside in the parking lot. My niece was able to be welcomed and accepted into the church in front of the congregation, deacons, and elders.

Speaking of my nieces, my oldest niece, who is 4years old, took me to the Fairy Park. It’s a woodsy area right by a local church in Upper Arlington that has a path you can walk. Last year someone or an organization, I don’t know who exactly, decided to turn the park into a home for fairies during quarantine. Something fun for the kids to do outside. You walk around the wooded area looking for the fairy houses that were handmade by people. Some were bird houses, doll houses, and others were made of sticks. There were Mardi Gras beads, rhinestones, and painted rocks to bedazzle the homes. It was very cute and she had a great time showing me around.

Other than riding bikes and fairy houses, I spent all my time with my family. We watched the Olympics, went out to brunch at South of Lane, went swimming in my neighbors pool, and enjoyed summer. Unfortunately my dad and I did not get to play tennis like we wanted to. We planned to play on my last day, but mother nature had other plans and decided have a thunderstorm instead. Really such a bummer because I was looking forward to playing tennis with him. Maybe if the weather is decent in November when I back home we can play.

What I am watching: Outer Banks season 2! I have two episodes left in this season and holy smokes has it been a wild one. I wasn’t sure if the 2nd could top the first season but it has. Every episode has been intense and exciting!

This is not a tv show but if you like to listen to podcast I highly suggest listening to How’d She Do That? by Emily Landers. Emily interviews different women about their careers and life. Asking them the questions we are all thinking: How did she do it? How did she get to where she is? How did she make it happen? The podcast holds interviews with entrepreneurs like Pamela Munson, Lyndsey Zorich founder of The Avenue, Catalina Gonzalez founder of Dondolo, and Mignonne Gavigan, to name a few. Each episode is really inspiring. It’s interesting to hear how these women started their businesses, worked through trail and errors, and how they made it happen. I know someday I want to expand Blush and Blooms into other endeavors. When? I don’t know. But someday. I have plans and dreams of doing so much with this platform. It’s been nice to learn from these women who have already done it.

What I bought: My niece’s baptism was sorta planned last minute for uncontrollable reasons. I didn’t have time to buy my niece/ Goddaughter a gift to present to her on the day. I ended up buying this handprinted monogrammed floral cross. And since I bought her one, I of course had to buy my other niece the same one. It takes about a month to be delivered, so we will get it sometime in September. Another item that I bought is this cereal bowl. I wanted to change up the gathering bowl that sits on a table in my front entryway. Nothing is wrong with the one I currently have, it was just time for a change. I know this green floral bowl is for cereal, but it still works– plus it is on sale!

This weekend I have nothing planned except taking another DanceBody class. I am 80% confident in the dances now and ready to really bust a move! Other than groovin’ to the music, I am going to be spontaneous this weekend and go wherever my feet take me.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. The opening for the Field of Dreams game gives me chills

2. A dress to transition into fall

3. A cute ruffle sleeve sweater

4. Eyeing this light blue braided headband

5. The best outfits so far from “And Just Like That…”

6. A Dior exhibit is coming to The Brooklyn Museum

7. Go behind the scenes of ABT Across America

8. Hill House Home teams up with Bridgerton

9. The best NYC bars for 30-somethings

10. Loved reading about Sarah Flint’s wedding

Sales happening this weekend