Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“When I fall in love, it will be forever”

-Jane Austen

Happy Friday! This was one of those weeks where everything was coming at me, yet I maintained in high spirits. By the miracle of God, I did not falter. Growth. It was a week of blessings, family, and recovery. God, life, my body was telling me to slow down and relax. To take care of myself first and foremost.

Last weekend I went to New Jersey for the OSU vs. Rutgers football game. Two of my cousin’s work for Rutger’s athletic department, so we made the weekend a family affair. My parents, as well and my aunt and uncle, drove over from Ohio for the weekend. It was nice to not only see my parents, but most of my extended family. We are all very close, so it was wonderful to spend time with everyone. I took the train into Jersey late Friday afternoon after I finished my work for the day. That evening we went to a restaurant in Somerset called Stage House Tavern for dinner. They had the cutest fall decor. Saturday we spent the day tailgating and watching the Buckeyes win! Over all it was a fun weekend and I am so grateful I got to spend time with my family. Also to get out of the city for a few days.

While traveling last Friday I did something to my neck/back area. I either pulled something or pinched a nerve. As the weekend progressed, the pain in my neck and back proceeded to get worse. I spent most of Monday and Tuesday trying to release knots, stretch, do yoga, put heating and ice packs on it. However, the pain kept getting worse.. By Wednesday morning it was so excruciating that I couldn’t get out of bed. I couldn’t even roll onto my side, I was paralyzed. Finally after a very long time I was able to slowly roll out of bed and booked myself an appointment at WTHN that afternoon. Acupuncture really helped loosen the tightness around my neck, but I still have some pain and stiffness. I can move my neck but am still a little immobile. I am continuing to take care of it; putting on muscle balm ointments, lying on my massage ball, and putting heat and ice packs on it throughout the day. If it still hurts by Monday, I am going to go to my chiropractor. Hoping that putting my body back into alignment will help.

What I am watching: I did not start any new series this week. I did, however, finished White Lotus and have to say it does not live up to its hype. It’s not that I think the show was awful, I just didn’t find it to be as great as everyone made it out to be. In fact I fast forward through scenes during the last two episodes. I found the ending to be distasteful, in my opinion. The show was not my cup of tea overall.

What I bought: Surprisingly I did not spend the week therapy shopping to make myself feel better because of my neck. I did, however, buy a new book. I’ve been hearing great things about The Hunting Wives, so I picked it up the other day. Usually I am not into murder mysteries, but it is Halloween so ’tis the season. I’ve also heard it’s a little like Desperate Housewives, which I am all about. So far I am enjoying the book and getting to know the characters.

This weekend I have nothing planned and I am happy about it. All I want to do is leisurely walk around the city and look at fall decorations. I will also spend the weekend reading my book and taking care of my neck. I do want to go for a long walk, just to get some exercise and fresh air.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Dolly Parton simply does not stop

2. A floral skirt to wear on Thanksgiving

3. Want this cardigan in both colors

4. Love the color of these boots

5. How to wear prints like a French girl

6. Congrats to Caroline for launching her first collection

7. The cult of the nap dress

8. Monique Lhuillier’s crucial tip for the chicest holiday decor

9. Fall porches to inspire your own decorations

10. The true queens of RHOBH

Sales happening this weekend