Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you’re going to live your life.”

-Joel Osteen

Happy Friday! I know this week feels heavy with what is happening in Ukraine. It feels like we can’t catch a break; one global crisis after another. It feels as if we are helpless watching these horrors play out, but we can help. If you are looking for ways to help the people of Ukraine here is a list of resources and organizations to donate to. It’s heartbreaking what they are going through right now. Praying for Ukraine.

This past week felt a little off. I think having a day off this past Monday messed with my schedule a little. Tuesday morning I accidentally turned off my alarm, over-slept, and missed my DanceBody workout. Such a bummer because I was really looking forward to it. I haven’t been to DanceBody in almost 3 weeks now. I need to dance. But I didn’t let it get me down or start my day off on the wrong foot. It was 2/22/22 after all and I wanted the day to be positive. Instead I wrote in my gratitude journal like I always do. Listened to music and had my own dance party. Enjoyed the day as is. Whether or not the cosmic significance of the day is true, I was not about to chance my luck with being in a bad mood over something I could no longer control. So I let it go and had a pretty great day over all.

This morning I went to the Allure Store event with Curél for a mini facial. Unfortunately the wait was over an hour and I couldn’t stay due to work. But I browsed around the store for a while, since it was my first time there. It’s a cute store. It has all you need for skincare, makeup, hair care, and tools. Definitely stop by there someday and check it out. It’s located on Lafayette. I have used Curél products before, mostly the facial cream. It’s a great brand for sensitive skin which I have. You can buy the products on Amazon and Ultra.

What I am watching: I decided it was the week of the con artist. Starting with Inventing Anna on Netflix. I remember when the article on The Cut came out. It really was the talk of the town. I remember discussing it with my roommates, friends, and at events. Although there was chatter about the ordeal, I didn’t know the extent of what she did. Most of the talk was about her stay at 11 Howard and what she did to Rachel on their Morocco trip. I have a lot of thoughts on Inventing Anna; mostly why Netflix was trying to get us to root for her. I know people are celebrating what she did because she conned some of the most powerful investors, banks, big corporations, and New York’s elite. Yet, to me, she wasn’t some Robin Hood stealing money to give back. I don’t see the need to immortalize her. I will say the idea for ADF is a pretty good idea and would have been a big success if it came into fruition. Overall I enjoyed watching the mini series and couldn’t believe some of the things she did.

Next I watched The Tinder Swindler. Not sure how I am going to trust anyone for a while after watching these two shows but oh well. The Tinder Swindler was a little more ridiculous and hard to believe in my opinion. My first thought upon hearing the story (and before watching the documentary) was how these women would be so willing to give up such a large amount of money to a guy they just met. I wasn’t shaming theme, but I didn’t have the whole story. More just curious and confused how it happened. If a guy that I have been dating for only a month asked me for money I would say no. But he was good at what he was doing — or is doing. Cecilie’s entire first date with Simon was a red flag in my book. There is no way I would meet a guy for the first date at his hotel lobby. You go to a local bar. Maybe I am a bit more paranoid, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. I also do not understand why none of them called the police to help him with this “enemies”. My favorite part of the entire documentary is his girlfriend Ayleen. I laughed at what she did… and will not spoil it for you.

What I bought: I am getting ready for my vacation in Florida. I wanted to get a few new outfits for the trip. I first bought this pink floral dress for evenings out to dinner. It’s also a great dress for Easter and spring/summer season. Next I got this yellow floral maxi-dress for the same reasonings as above. The last dress I bought was this Liberty print dress for everyday wear. The only non-dress item I bought was this ruffle one-piece (on sale!). I bought this swimsuit a few weeks ago but it is on backorder. So I bought this one-piece in case my other swimsuit does not arrive in time. I went for a one-piece, which is usually not my thing, because I will be with my 2 little nieces. I want to wear something that comfortable so I can swim around in the pool and the ocean with them.

This weekend I have brunch plans with friends. II’ve been thinking lately about how much I am craving connections. Just being around people socializing. I miss it. Other than my brunch plans with friends I will be gallivanting around the city and enjoying the weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Sarah Jessica Parker revisits her- and Carrie’s- life in looks

2. The perfect vacation dress for $70

3. Eyeing this floral top for spring

4. A classic wicker handbag

5. All for this top trend for fall 2022

6. Enjoyed this interview with the founders of Parterre

7. Introducing the Balletcore trend

8. I want to go to Gray Malin’s Snow Beach pop-up

9. Royal engagement rings through the ages

10. TikTok’s yogurt toast trend and tasty recipes

Sales happening this weekend