Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“Life is a series of tiny miracles. Notice them.”

-anon

Happy Friday! Have you ever had a really great week, but nothing actually happened? That is currently me. I must have had some sort of serotonin boost because everything is making me happy. I’ve been dancing around my apartment, smiling at strangers, finding silver linings in situations, enjoying little things in life. Tune into next week’s episode when I want to scream on the subway…

I have finally caved (again) and joined TikTok. I first joined back in the beginning of the pandemic when every Millennial took over the Gen Z app. I ended up deleting my account because IG introduced REELS and there were rumors of the app being banned in America. The reason why I rejoined is simple; TikTok is the future of social media apps. Instagram is lost right now trying to hold tightly onto power. Some say IG is becoming obsolete. I don’t know if I would go that far to say that just yet, but if they do not do something fast about their algorithm then they will be in trouble. It’s a complete mess. Anyway, TikTok has a better algorithm and it’s a lot more fun. I do enjoy making REELS but IG will always be an aesthetics app no matter how hard they try not to be. It’s ingrained in our minds that things need to look perfect. TikTok on the other hand; the uglier the better. There is less pressure to produce perfect content and more focused on having fun and showing your personality. I also am not so wrapped up on my following or reach as I am on IG. Which I am trying so hard not to care about right now. I mean the majority of my photos on IG are seen/discovered through Hashtags more than my own following….. insert eye roll. Anyway, I am having fun on TikTok– if you would like to follow here is my profile.

And speaking of TikTok I am very much enjoying season 2 of #bamarush — Alabama sorority rush. If you have’t heard about it… are you living under a rock? Last year I was not on TikTok and it was still all over my social media feeds. It made a huge splash with girls showing their ootd and having us following along on their journey. This year– as we are only on work week– has been pretty amazing thus far. Color me impressed with the costumes, themes, and professional videography. Yes, the sororities have hired a professional videographer for TikTok and it looks better than all of my REELS put together. You think I am alone in being an elder Millennial watching college girls rush, but you are mistaken. It’s honestly so entertaining, I am loving it! Can’t wait to see the madness on bid-day. Unfortunately there are rumors that girls will be blacklisted if they post on social media during rush week… but I will protest if this happens, I need to see their ootds. When I was in college I wore cardigans and a pearl necklace out on the weekends and my favorite outfit was an oxford shirt tucked into shorts paired with heels. It’s definitely not the style anymore….

I went to the dermatologist this past week. I have a little bit of melasma on my face from years of sun exposure without protection. I am trying to combat the issue before it gets any worse. My dermatologist has prescribed me a hydrocortisone cream that is suppose to lighten the dark spots. I have been using it for a month (minus the week I went home for the 4th because I forgot it) and have seen a little improvement. Usually the spots get darker during the summertime and I haven’t noticed that as much this season. We are going to continue with the cream as of now but if it doesn’t improve then I will do a round of chemical peels or laser treatment. I also have a few spots on my body that are pre-cancerous that we are monitoring. If I could go back in time I would tell my younger self to use sunscreen and to never go in a tanning bed.

What I am watching: I have been watching season 3 of The Umbrella Academy. The opening scene in episode 1 I about died laughing, I loved it! The Umbrella Academy is underrated. It’s a quirky show that is lovable, fun, and action-packed. It’s a very entertaining show.

What I bought: Last week I bought new placemats from Berner and Co. I want to add wicker chargers to complete the entire look. I bought these palm placemats— I know they are not chargers, but I love the design and want to see how it looks with my other placemats. I may end up returning them if it’s not a fit as they may be overpowering, but we will see.

I finally bought this floral dress that I have been eyeing for a few weeks now. My cousin is getting married this fall and I think it would make a great dress to wear to the bridal brunch that my mother and aunt are throwing for his fiancé. Or perhaps I will wear to the rehearsal dinner. It’s in Tennessee and their wedding has an upscale countryside feel to it, so think this dress fits perfectly. I also bought this sweater in pink for the fall season for no other reason except I wanted it.

On The Blog:

Top 10: Pre-Fall Fashion Items

The Striped Maxi Dress

This weekend it is suppose to storm, so I will probably take it easy. Hopefully there will be some reprieve so I may aimlessly walk around the city. I am going to DanceBody on Sunday, which I am excited for since I haven’t been that often in the past month. Other than watching the rain fall from my window, I will be finishing my book, watching Netflix, drinks for happy hour, and whatever else the weekend has in store for me.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Gilded Age stars play Tea with Tatler

2. Wanting this floral dress

3. How cute is this top!

4. Statement earrings for under $50

5. Enjoyed this interview with Mrs. Alice

6. 6 fall fashion trends to look out for

7.Swooning over Sienna Miller’s cottage in the English Countryside

8. What is the three word method

9. Cheap date ideas that are still romantic

10. A complete guide to Jane Austen’s books

Sales happening this weekend