Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them”

-anon

Happy Friday! Tis the season to not want to work because it is so nice outside. All I want to do is frolic around the city and be outside in the sunny spring-like weather.

Last weekend I went to Central Park with friends for a picnic on Easter. It was a tad bit too cold but we still had fun catching up and enjoying our delicious spread. We had an egg toss contest that I surprisingly won!! I don’t know how considering my partner and I kept dropping the egg, but it never cracked. The eggs were a little frozen because of the weather or maybe, as I would like to believe, my egg picking skills are top tier. The entire day was fun and the perfect way to celebrate Easter away from family.

Monday night I went to see the new musical Little Girl Blue. It’s about the life of Nina Simone. The play takes part in two acts both surrounding her concerts in different decades. The first act is her concert in 1968, days after the death of Martin Luther King Jr. It portrays her thoughts and feelings on the Civil Rights moment while giving background to her past. The second act is her concert in Switzerland in 1976. Basically we are the audience watching a “real” Nina Simone concert while she performs her songs and talks about her life. Laiona Michelle, who plays Nina, deserves a Tony and an Oscar. Her acting and singing was phenomenal. I was blown away by her. Going into the musical I was familiar with Nina Simone’s music. I love the song “Sinnerman”, and “Ne Me Quitte Pas”.I also knew she was an activist, as well as her personal manners and peculiar movements. However, I did not know much about her personal life; her struggles, her marriage, how she was a child prodigy pianist, etc. The musical is currently held at the New World Stages on w 50th street.

This past week I tried DanceBody’s new class Strength and Stability. S&S focuses on strengthening your muscles while also stretching. It’s a much slower pace class than DanceBody’s usual repertoire. The slower pace makes sure you are doing the movements correctly. Sometimes during faster pace classes/ movements you can get out of alignment which causes injuries. Strength and Stability helps you correct your posture/ placement during movements so you can get the full benefit. So when you do go to other sculpt classes, you are doing the movement properly. The class is a mixture of sculpt and pilates combined. You use their new body band as the only equipment. This is a great class to do at home- even without the body band, you can use a regular band, a towel, or nothing at all. Get 50% off your first month of DanceBody Live with code: DBMAGGIE50

Last night I went to the Apartment Therapy’s Small / Cool event. For those of you unfamiliar with Apartment Therapy, it’s an online interior design publication that helps you maximize small spaces. Perfect for us New Yorkers! The event last night showcased 12 small rooms created by different interior designers. I loved seeing how different everyones vision was for a small space. Just shows you can do so much with what you have. The event was fun and I loved being out and mingling while looking at decor.

What I am watching: I binged watched The Dropout on Netflix. It’s the story of Elizabeth Holmes and the downfall of Theranos. I have to be honest, I didn’t know anything about Elizabeth Holmes or Theranos until the company went under and the criminal charges were made public a few years ago. The mini series is worth the watch. It’s very interesting what all happened and how they kept up with the lies for so many years. Amanda Seyfried does an incredible job as Elizabeth Holmes.

What I bought: The only thing I bought this week was a new book; Conversations with Friends. The book was turned into a mini series that will air on Hulu in May. I wanted to read the book first before watching the series. Conversations with Friends has been on my “books to read” list since it came out but I never got around to reading it. I don’t know why to be honest- I enjoy Sally Rooney’s books and everyone always talks about this one. So far I am enjoying it. It’s an easy read and instantly hooks you in.

On the blog this past week

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Floral Dresses For Any Occasion

Tuckernuck’s Sports Collection

This weekend I have nothing planned but to enjoy the beautiful weather we will have here in the city. I may take a book and sit in the park for a while, go for a run, and catch up with friends.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Queen Elizabeth’s style throughout 96 years

2. Eyeing this floral dress

3. Raffia earrings for the summer

4. Cute scalloped shorts

5. Love Rodarte’s ballerina inspired campaign

6. Excited for the launch of this collaboration

7. Cute date ideas for spring

8. Organization hacks from The Home Edit season 2

9. Coastal Grandmother is the new trend

10. Wanting to try one of these gluten free dinner recipes

Sales happening this weekend