Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances”

-C.S. Lewis

Happy Friday! It’s finally the holiday season and I, for one, am in the Christmas spirit. I have decorated my apartment with nutcrackers, mini trees, and more. I’ve been fa la la la la-ing along to Christmas music. Spending my days watching Hallmark movies and holidays movies on Netflix. And I am currently looking at tickets to go see the New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker. ‘Tis the season!

I am back in NYC after 10 days at home in Columbus. I had a wonderful time at home and feel grateful to have been able to spend so much time with my family. Last weekend was spent at my sister’s house helping her take care of my nieces, and spending time with her, while my brother-in-law went fishing with his dad. I love my nieces so much, but boy they are a handful. Ha! My youngest niece just turned 1 years old and I, obviously, have not spent as much time with her as I have my 4yr old niece. It was so nice to really get to know her and her cute personality. Honestly, being with my nieces is the greatest, most important thing in the world to me. My heart overflows with love for them.

I didn’t get to see my friends during my time in Columbus unfortunately, but we were all so busy. It’s hard to get together these days. But there was still plenty of socializing. My dad retired after 43 years of working for the bank. He started when he was 18 as a bank teller and worked his way up to Senior VP of Treasury Management. We threw a retirement party for him this past Monday with family, close friends, and all of his co-workers. A bunch of his co-workers gave speeches about my dad which was so touching to hear. I knew my dad was good at his job, but I also never really thought about it. It was so nice to hear how great he was, how respected he is, and how much of a legacy he is leaving behind. They call him “the man, the myth, the legend.” It bought me to tears hearing how other people view my dad the way that I do– one of the greats. He had a wonderful time at his party, and was a little emotional at times. Afterwards my mom, dad, and I went out to dinner to celebrate. I think right now it truly hasn’t hit him, as he is busy with holiday stuff. Once January hits I think he will not know what to do with himself. My mom and I think he should take up painting classes (he used to be a painter/ illustrator, most of our paintings in our house are his creations) and go take history classes at OSU or Columbus State. He says he first wants to read the books he has been putting off for a few years. Whatever he ends up doing, he deserves this time of R&R.

Since being back in NYC I’ve mostly been trying to catch up on work. This is the busiest time of the year for us bloggers, as you can imagine. I had a photoshoot with my photographer Lauren. Originally I wanted to do the typical Lotte Palace Hotel tree then all around 5th ave / Plaza hotel area. Unfortunately for some reason the Palace Hotel did not put up their tree this year, which is such a bummer. Instead we went around the Upper East Side to shoot. The UES around Madison and 5th is lovely this time of the year. Lots of apartment buildings go all out for the holidays.

What I am watching: I’ve been watching the new Beatles documentary on Disney+. I have only seen the first episode but am really enjoying it. It’s nothing like I thought it would be. I knew it entailed never before seen footage, but I thought it would follow a typical documentary formate of people discussing the band. Instead it’s footage of the band getting ready for the famous rooftop concert- how they formulated songs, their creative process, and how they practice. It is really interesting! One that you have to pay attention to completely or you will miss something. I watched the first episode with my parents and we all agreed that it was nice to see how much George Harrison wanted to contribute. We also felt bad for Ringo Starr who barely participated in the discussions. You can see the beginning of the end for the band. How they all have different ideas and are heading in different directions. I highly recommend watching the documentary. It’s called The Beatles: Get Back.

Besides watching The Beatles, I started season 4 of Selling Sunset. Loving this season so much! If you are not watching Selling Sunset you are missing out. What I love most about the show is that we are watching these women go out and dominate the real estate market in LA. And doing it all in heels and looking amazing! It’s so nice to see a bunch of women being successful, independent, supportive, making lots of money. Every time I watch it it makes me want to get back into real estate. Maybe one day. I do love having multiple streams of income. Anyway, this season has it all: fashion, drama, romance, million dollar homes, celebrities, and over the top spending.

What I bought: I didn’t buy anything new this week, but Addison Bay graciously sent me this color block half zip pullover from their new resort wear collection. I am currently wearing it right now (size small) and it’s really comfortable.

*If you are looking for holiday gift ideas shop here

This weekend is another busy one. My aunt and cousin are coming into the city tomorrow for the day. We are planning on walking up and down 5th avenue to look at the holiday window displays and see the Rockefeller Christmas tree. Then I have a friend’s birthday party that evening. I am really looking forward to going out and having drinks with friends. Other than that I will be watching holiday movies, hopefully finishing my book, and enjoying the weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Enjoyed watching this Wes Anderson short film for Bergdorf Goodman

2. This black dress is one you will wear for years

3. I want this cute floral black cardigan

4. Love this embellished bow

5. The best The Beatles: Get Back fashion

6. The rise and fall and rise again of fashion bows

7. How to decorate your Christmas tree like a pro

8. You can now stay in the Home Alone house on Airbnb

9. Loved this interview with Dolly Parton on giving back

10. Holiday desserts that are vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free

Sales happening this weekend