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!

“Hold the love. Hold the peace. Hold the light.”

-Farah Siddiq

Happy Friday and happy 4th of July! I am in Columbus for the week to celebrate the holiday. I flew in a little earlier than planned because a friend of mine is having a block party and I wanted to attend. It’s been a while since I have seen my hometown friends and I have been missing them a lot lately!

Last weekend I had a little bit of a cold. I spent most of the weekend and Monday on the couch. I knew it wasn’t covid because I was caught in the rain two days in a row without an umbrella or proper clothes. I knew I was going to get sick from it. By Tuesday I felt so much better and just in time for my last DanceBody full-out class of Q2! I am going to miss these dances…..well some, I can without the one that has burpees. Although I am going to miss doing the dances, I am excited to learn the new ones for Q3. The summer dances are always so much fun! The new dances start today and although I will be here in Columbus, I will be learning them on DBLIVE. For those of you who have been wanting to try DanceBody this is the best time to do so with the fresh dances. Take 50% off your first month with code DBMAGGIE50.

Tuesday evening I went to the Met Opera House to see the American Ballet Theatre’s Swan Lake. It was bittersweet as it was my last Met Season performance, but Swan Lake is one of my favorite ballets. Luckily Isabella Boylston was Odette! She did a beautiful job, as expected! The evening was so lovely and I already can not wait until next season!!

The rest of the week was quiet, mostly getting ready for my travel to Ohio. I flew home Thursday morning, luckily with no delays. Upon my arrival home my dad was waiting for me at the airport with my 5 year old niece. It was a wonderful welcome to see her (and my dad). The rest of the day was spent with both of my nieces playing in the kiddie pool and running around my parent’s backyard. My 5 year old niece has just passed her swim lesson test and was showing me some of her skills— holding her breath under water. Very impressive!

What I am watching: Two of the best reality shows are back on our screens: Southern Charm and RHUGT. I have to admit that I didn’t watch last season of Southern Charm because of Cameran and Naomi leaving. I wasn’t interested in the same old drama between Shep, Craig, and Austen. Now that Naomi is back I decided to give it another chance and it was a great 1st episode! I am invested in the Craig / Paige / Naomi situation. I also like the two new girls (new to me) so far Leva and Venita.

RHUGT is back for a second season and it’s just as ridiculous and amazing as the first. I love it! It’s great to have some of these women back on the screen– like Jill, Dorinda, Tamra, and the OG of the OC. I didn’t know Eva and Phaedra prior to the Ultimate Girls Trip, but I am loving them– especially Phaedra and her confessional commentary! Brandi I do not miss; she is entertaining but also infuriating to watch. She does make a great Housewife but glad she is no longer on RHOBH. I am enjoying the second season but I do feel bad for these women that they are at the Bluestone Manor instead of Turks and Caicos like the previous season. Do not get me wrong I love the Bluestone Manor, it’s iconic, but if I were Tamra or Brandi I would much rather be on the beach somewhere.

Last weekend while nursing my cold I finally watched Downton Abbey: New Era! It did NOT disappoint! I loved every second of it; the French Riviera, the talkies being filmed, our beloved characters back in our lives, etc. It made me happy! I only had one issue with the movie (move on if you haven’t seen it)– I did not like how they had martial problems for Mary and Henry. I understand that they needed it for the plot, but let Mary have a happy life. Leave Lady Mary alone!

What I bought: The only thing I bought this week was a new book– Meant To Be by Emily Giffin. So far I am loving this tale of unexpected love.

On The Blog:

What I am Wearing on the 4th of July

Tuckernuck x Cameran Eubanks Collection

This weekend is all about celebrating the 4th of July! As mentioned my friend is having a block party on her street that I will be attending tonight. Tomorrow my parents and I will be going to the tour of the high school. They tore down the my old high school and built a new one. I am interested in seeing what it looks like now. The rest of the weekend will be spent at the pool (hopefully), enjoying time with friends and family, and relaxing.

Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July xo

1. I can not wait to see the new Julia Roberts RomCom

2. A dress for your next vacation

3. How cute is this clutch?

4. The perfect everyday summer tank-top

5. Peek inside Chanel’s new Hamptons dream house

6. No surprise Nancy Meyer’s LA home is so chic

7. 27 new romance books releasing this summer

8. Incredible on-court style at Wimbledon throughout the years

9. Enjoyed this fun interview with Jenny Han

10. 30 4th of July desserts to make

Sales happening this weekend