Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“It’s delightful when your imaginations come true, isn’t it?

-L.M. Montgomery

Happy Friday! It’s been a sad few days… there is a matcha shortage at Starbucks because of the supply chain issues. Luckily I already have matcha powder at home, and bought more in case this becomes a nationwide toilet paper crisis. Still, it’s not the same as getting it at Starbucks. Like making your own salad vs. a restaurant; not the same. Please respect my privacy during this difficult time.

This week wasn’t all about grievances, I did have a pretty good week considering. Yesterday I went to the Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibition. I was blown away by how detailed and well done the prints were. Obviously the original ceiling was not on display, so the exhibit consist of large prints, but they were clear and precise. Anyway, I certainly knew about the works of Michaelangelo prior to my visit, but I guess I never fully paid attention to all of the paintings in the Sistine Chapel. I was familiar with the creation of Adam and Eve, his portray of the Book of Genesis, but the rest- the portraits of Prophets, Sibyls, and Ancestors of Christ – were all new to me. If you go I highly recommend using their audio guide. At first I didn’t use it as I was reading through the descriptions given, but once I realized the exhibit has you following a storyline, I went back and scanned for the audio guide. Each painting is numbered in the exhibit 1-34 but they are not placed in order– if that makes sense. Painting #13 is on one side of the room and #14 is on the other side. They are laid out exactly how they are in the chapel, but numbered in a way that tells a story or a timeline, starting with God’s creation and ending with Judgement Day.

The paintings are really something extraordinary to look at. I now hope to see it in person some day. There are a few things that stuck out to me: the first being how much nudity there is in each painting. I had a hard time figuring out what paintings I could share on social media without being flagged for inappropriateness. Of course I knew there was going to be some nudity, as they are Renaissance paintings after all , but I didn’t realized how much. And by no means was I offended by any of it, it’s art. I was just surprised by how every painting seemed to have nudity. The second thing that stuck out to me was how masculine the women are portrait in his paintings. They talked about it on the audio, how he paints women as muscular as the men. My original thought was because back then women and men who were on the heavier side were seen as wealthy and more attractive because they could afford food. While people who were skinny were poor. The woman on the audio mentioned that historians believe or have questioned if it has to do with Michaelangelo’s sexuality. I am sure I can do a deeper dive into this on Google, but found it interesting nevertheless. The exhibit was so worth going to and highly suggest it. Tickets are still on sale-– the exhibit closes at the end of December.

I went to Y7 for the first time in probably 2 years– since before the pandemic started. They are offering welcome back free classes, so I took advantage of it. It felt so good to be back in the studio, in the heat, and doing yoga. I really do enjoy working out from home. I find it much more convenient and efficient. However, I do miss being in a workout class. I miss being around people, getting motivated by others around me. I especially miss going to yoga and being in the heat. I feel I get a better workout in the heat than I do at home when it comes to yoga. Your muscles warm up quicker, therefore while you are stretching you go deeper into the muscles. I missed that. I’ve been back at Dancebody and getting my workout camaraderie fix from there, but been craving a yoga class.

What I am watching: I did not start any new series this week, but would like to talk about Dancing with the Stars. I LOVE DWTS! My dream is to be on the show someday. I grew up dancing (tap, jazz, modern, ballet) but ballroom is whole other beast. Anyway, I am really enjoying this season and think everyone has been doing an amazing job. I, of course, am cheering and advocating for Amana Kloots. I think the judges are scoring her unfairly. The fact that she hasn’t received straights 10s is beyond me. Amanda and Jojo are the best two contestants on the show. I wasn’t not a fan of Jojo prior to the show, and am still not a fan of her songs, but she is a great dancer. Each week she has killed it. Olivia is surprisingly good as well. Iman is doing a good job, but feel the judges score him higher than he deserves. Jimmy Allen is doing an amazing job. I’m surprised by him as well. Suni I enjoy watching but she hasn’t grown as much as I feel she should at this point. Cody is good, but unfortunately his two weeks away really shows. He is not up to par as the rest of them. Melora also does an amazing job, and I do enjoy watching her. However, I agree with the judges that every dance of hers is always theatrical. I would like to see something different from her.

what I bought: On a whim I bought this black bow mini bag. It has a detachable strap, which I like so I can wear it either crossbody or as a clutch. I wanted to wear it this holiday season, but unfortunately it’s estimated to be shipped on December 23rd. Hopefully it ships sooner than that. I also bought this feathered shirt in blue from this week’s top picks. I think it’s the perfect classic top for not only the holidays, but in general. It would look cute with my brown floral skirt for Thanksgiving or my silver skirt for Christmas.

This weekend I am going to Dancebody. I have most of the dances down except 2. We are in the second month of Q4 dances, so the learning period is over and it’s time to really start dancing. Also this weekend I am planning on going to church. I haven’t been to church (besides my niece baptism) in 2 years. I used to go to church once a month, but stopped because of the pandemic. I do watch Joel Olsteen on Sunday mornings! I am really looking forward to service on Sunday. Other than that I will be watching the Ohio State game, heading uptown to scout locations for my upcoming shoot, and enjoying the weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Stay in Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic apartment

2. The perfect holiday red dress

3. Cute feather slides to wear

4. Want this feather poplin top in both colors

5. A Hill House holiday with Nell Diamond

6. A look back at the fabulous life of Estée Lauder

7. Sutton Stracke reviews the seasons hottest trends

8. 61 festive activities to do before the end of the year

9. Top 2021 holiday decorating trends

10. This salad looks delicious

Sales happening this weekend