Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“Bring love wherever you go. Shine light wherever it’s dark.

Leave blessings wherever you’ve been. Be kind wherever you are.”

-Mary Davis

Happy Friday! It’s the start of my birthday celebration! My birthday is on Tuesday, but I will be celebrating this entire weekend. I have mixed feelings about turning another year older, as I guess we all do as the years roll on. Am I where I thought I would be at the age? No. Am I happy? Yes. I am at the age, or at least the point in my life, where I am learning to let go of expectation and control and let God take the reins. Trusting in God’s plan, even if I do not completely see the path. Nevertheless I am happy. I love my life, who I have become, and where I am hopefully headed. I think 36 will be the best year yet.

Earlier this week I wasn’t feeling too well. It started Saturday morning during my DanceBody class. I felt fine heading into class, but I lost steam quickly. After the 2nd dance I felt extremely fatigued. I know my stamina is not up to par as it once was before the pandemic, but I know I can make it well into class before losing steam. It felt as it I could barely lift my limbs. I shrugged it off as having an off day. However, when I woke up Sunday I was extremely fatigued. I spent the entire day either in bed or on the couch, barely mustering the energy to make food. I was sneezing and coughing a little but not too much. I think my body was just run down, it needed a break- a real break. I can’t remember the last time I just sat on the couch and watched tv all day. I felt somewhat better on Monday, but still a little tired. I went and got a COVID test and it turned out negative– thank God! I think my body was fighting having a common cold. Resting was the best decision. I now feel so much better! It really is important to listen to your body. I needed rest and it told me so.

Besides trying to stay healthy, I had a meeting with Brahmin to preview their fall collection. I was feeling so much better by this time. Their collection is inspired by Safari; animal prints, deep rich colors. As part of the new fall line they introduced wool material to their bags for the first time. My favorite out of the entire collection is this classic satchel bag. This deep red coloring is beautiful; a little between ruby and carmine. The bag feels very Mad Men. A timeless fall handbag to have.

I would like say how heartbroken and sickened I am with what is going on in Afghanistan. As I know the rest of the world is. I also have to be honest and say that I am scared. I am scared for the safety of this country and for myself and my friends living here in New York. I do not want to point fingers, I think there is 20 years worth of blame, but I do feel the evacuation could have been handle better. This was a failure on our part. But instead of blaming so and so, I think we should focus our energy on getting Americans out, helping the innocent. I can’t stop thinking about the women and children right now. It’s devastating. I pray for their safety everyday. If you want to help, you can always donate to organizations that are using their resources to help in anyway they can– from refugees to keeping the Afghan media running. I donated to the Women For Afghan Women organization who provides safe shelter and resources. Everyday we wake up and have the freedom to do whatever we please. These women and little girls deserve the same freedom, education, and resources as we do.

I also want to add that although we want to help those fleeing from Afghanistan, please check on your friends and family members who have lost someone on 9/11 or who served over in Afghanistan. They are going through a wave of emotions right now. They need a listening ear and a hug more than your political opinion.

What I am watching: I finished Outer Banks and holy moly was it GOOD! It is better than season 1, in my opinion. Each episode is intense and exciting. So many twist and turns. Highly suggest watching!

After I finished Outer Banks I started watching season 3 of Virgin River. I am liking it but not as much as I liked the first 2 seasons. I am only on episode 4, so maybe things will pick up a little. Perhaps it was a bad choice to watch after Outer Banks being so exciting. Virgin River is a slower pace show. Do not get me wrong I am still enjoying it, i am just not eager to see the next episode.

What I bought: I didn’t buy anything new this week but my new gathering bowl arrived and I love it! The green floral print is beautiful. The bowl is the right size to fit on the table in the front entryway. I am also looking to perhaps add this rattan scalloped tray to my coffee table. I am debating on the dimensions if it’s too big, will I like the size, etc. If I do end up getting it I want to add a new coffee table book to put in it– here are my top 3 choices.

This weekend as mentioned I am celebrating my birthday. My parents are arriving in town soon to celebrate. We are going out to dinner at the new Boucherie in midtown. I am taking them to Brooklyn tomorrow for their first time. We have brunch reservations at Pilot (I’ve never been), which will be a great experience. Nothing too special just enjoying each others company and exploring the city.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. New York’s Queen of gossip, Cindy Adams

2. Eyeing this black ruffle smock dress

3. A cute going out top for fall

4. Love this stone color wide brim hat

5. Southern Living’s 2021 Tastemakers

6. Swooning over Janie Mcgraw’s Antigua wedding

7. Broadway is getting it’s first-ever museum

8. How your daily habits may be affecting your skin

9. Easy-to-avoid mistakes you make while setting the table

10. 20 of the most romantic TV moments in the last 20 years

sales happening this weekend