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!

“…..’Don’t hope or fear, but seize today, you must! And in tomorrow put complete mistrust.’

All any of us have is today.”

-Horace x Sophie Cousens

Happy Friday! How was the first week of 2022 for you? I had a pretty productive week. Not a bad way to start the new year. The last 2 years around this time I felt burned out and unmotivated. This year, however, I have a go-getter attitude and work ethic. I have already tackled a few items on my to-do list and feel pretty good about how this year has started for me. Of course there are a few things that I did fail at…. like hitting snooze one too many times. Maybe next week I will finally become a morning person.

It’s snowing here in New York! The first snow of the season. Although I am not a fan of the winter season, I do appreciate the beauty and merriment of snow. I went for a little walk around the neighborhood this morning, snapping photos of snow covered trees. I was even a little daredevil and walked to the Hudson River to capture more of this winter wonderland. Maybe this weekend I will venture back over to enjoy the snow a little bit more. If you see a random girl making snow angels, mind your own business.

As mentioned this week was pretty productive. I have already started to tackle a few things I have been putting off that needs to be done. I finally created an Amazon page where you can shop all of my top picks from fashion, beauty, books, fitness, and more. It’s still in the works, but here is the link to shop once it’s active (still waiting for my point person to clear it).

The other big project that I started is purging everything. I am going through my entire closet, bins of paper, stuff that is in my drawers, knick knacks, unopened makeup, and more. I am trying to be cutthroat about stuff. If I haven’t worn it in 3 to 4 years it goes. I gave myself some grace because we have been in a pandemic. If I got rid of items that I haven’t worn in the past two years, then all of my going out tops and evening dresses will be gone and I will be left with athleisure wear, housedresses, and sweatpants. So I am giving my wardrobe some grace in that department, but also trying to be cutthroat. I am a hoarder of clothes, shoes, and bags. It’s stressful to just look at my closet. I did a closet clean out a few years ago with Affiner and they did a wonderful job. However, I think it would be therapeutic for me to do it myself this time around. I am a big believer in energy. It’s the belief that new things can’t come into your life if it’s cluttered. You must make room for it. If you are surrounded by chaotic energy and it can block your vibration, your flow, causing things to be stagnant. And I have been stagnant for a while. Organizing and decluttering helps with the energy flow, making room both physically and mentally. And since this year is all about receiving, I am ready to make space in my life for new blessings, new beginnings. Check out my 2022 New Year’s resolution and intentions for more on this.

*I will be donating my clothes, recycling what I can, and selling others on Poshmark.

I went to DanceBody for the first time in a few weeks. They started their Q1 dances, so we are in the process of learning thew new dance routines. I am not going to lie, the first week or two learning the dances can be frustrating. I get frustrated the first few classes because I think I should be able to pick it up right then and there because I am a dancer. I cuss at myself and think “I majored in dance, I should be able to get this!!.” But it doesn’t work that way. You are guessing what movement is coming next. Thank God for their breakdown videos on their website (streaming –> pay-per-view). But I promise, once you get the dances, it is so much fun and rewarding. I find switching up the dances every quarter is a a great way to challenge yourself, and makes sure you are not bored with the dances. I can not wait to perfect a few of the dances and have fun dancing!!

What I am watching: I binged watch Marvel’s new series Hawkeye. I really like it and highly suggest watching! I am a fan of Hailee Steinfeld, so enjoyed her being the newest member of the Marvel characters. It’s funny, action packed, and all around good.

I gave the new Bachelor a chance, and I hate to say I enjoyed it. I am one who did not want Clayton as the choice for being the new Bachelor. It’s nothing personal towards Clayton, we just don’t know him. He barely got any screen time this past season. After the 1st episode I can’t say I am a fan, but I am not boycotting the season like many others. I am taking this season for what it is– chaos and drama. I have no faith in a love story, only drama from here on out. So knowing that, I believe it’s going to be an entertaining season. I mean the 1st episode was truly unhinged and I loved it. A girl literally (and drunkenly) said she hated Clayton on night one. Historical.

What I bought: I am heading down south to Florida in the spring with my family. And like the little Virgo that I am, I am already planning my outfits. One item that I bought is this cute raffia sun visor. A friend of mine was wearing it this past summer when we were at the pool together. I immediately knew I was going to copy her and get it. I usually wear sun hats or baseball caps to cover shield my face from the sun. However, with baseball caps I can’t wear sunglasses (my forehead is not big enough) and with wide brim hats you can’t really rest your head against the lounge chair. This is all very champagne problems. Anyway, this raffia visor is the answer to my problems and I am excited to wear it on vacation and throughout summer. I love the canvas trim and the tie in the back.

I also bought a new pair of socks in white for the winter to wear with my sneakers. I only have footies and long socks (that all have seen better days). I wanted something I can wear that will cover my ankles, but are not too long.

The last, but not least, item(s) that I bought are clip-on earrings for my niece for her 5th birthday. I bought her this 3-piece set flower earrings for everyday wear, and this 9-piece set for when she plays princess or dress up.

This weekend is all about decluttering and organizing. I am meeting up with Emily, from Accessories Gal, for brunch either tomorrow or Sunday. We haven’t finalized plans as of now. I am excited to catch up and hang out with Emily. We haven’t seen each other since the pandemic started. Other than a possible brunch date, I will be enjoying a snow-filled weekend reading my book, frolicking around town, and doing a few of DanceBody’s breakdown videos.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Kate turns 40! 40 of Kate Middleton’s best fashion moments

2. Love the pale sky color for a puffer coat

3. A cute pink checkered cardigan

4. A must- have Chelsea ankle boots

5. And Just Like That episode 6 fashion recap

6. The best celebrity weddings of 2021

7. Realistic fitness goals to set this year

8. 14 books becoming movies in 2022

9. The symbolism behind the colors of roses

10. Fun things to do this January in NYC

Sales happening this weekend