Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“Daydream a little bit and see what happens”

-Abraham

Happy Friday! I have been enjoying all of the holiday festivities in the city over this past week. From the Rockefeller Christmas Tree to holiday parties, I’ve been having a jolly good time.

Last weekend I went uptown to the Upper East Side to frolic around and look at all of the holiday decor. No one does Christmas better than the UES town houses. The Mark hotel collaborated with Swarovski for a jaw dropping gingerbread house display for their entrance. The apartment building on e64th between Madison ave and 5th ave did not disappoint once again with their candy land decor. Ralph Lauren women’s had a pianist playing holiday music, so I hung around a little while to listen to her. It was an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday, but my quest for holiday decor did not stop there.

Monday afternoon I took a quick break from work to head to Rockefeller to see the tree. Beautiful as always! But before the tree I stopped by the new Hill House store. Their store is elegantly decorated by interior designer CeCe Barfield. I love the drapes of the dressing rooms. Anyway, the store is permanent which is amazing! They will always have the newest collection of nap dresses, accessories, coats, and more. I did not buy anything but I can’t stop thinking about this green jacquard nap dress.

After I dragged myself out of Hill House before buying everything in the store, I went to SAKS to view their holiday windows. They teamed up with Elton John to support the British AIDS Foundation. Each window represents the past and the present through games featuring pieces from Gucci, Versace, Valentino and more– it felt very futuristic in my opinion. After SAKS I walked up 5th ave towards Cartier who always does a beautiful holiday display. Then to The Peninsula Hotel for their indoor Christmas tree. Unfortunately the Plaza Hotel no longer allows solicitors inside since the pandemic. Such a bummer because they have a stunningly beautiful tree right at the entrance before the Palm Court and another one near the Champagne Bar.

Last night I went downtown to a holiday happy hour party hosted by the Serhant group (Ryan Serhant from Million Dollar Listing) along with author Hilary Sheinbaum and registered nurse/blogger/my friend Sabrina Poon. The party was located in one of the Serhant’s current listings. The entire party was dry with non-alcoholic wines and vegan foods. The theme was a healthier holiday celebration. It was a fun evening and I ran into some friends I haven’t seen in a very long time. It also gave me a chance to wear my new feather handbag, so greatly appreciated the invite!

What I am watching: I started season 2 of White Lotus and I have to say, it is so much better than season 1. I actually was not a big fan of the first season. I thought it was overrated. Season 2, however, is amazing! I enjoy everyone’s storyline. I love Daphne and Harper’s outfits. I love them being in Italy. There are so many layers and metaphors to this season, it gets you hooked. I am excited to figure out who dies next episode– I have some theories but will not spoil it for those who do not watch.

I watched the first two episodes of the Harry and Meghan’s documentary on Netflix. I have conflicting feelings towards it. I am still have a soft spot for Harry, but am on the side thinking Meghan wants the spotlight. So it’s a little ambivalent for me. I feel for Harry, he has gone through so much. I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose a parent and then be hounded by paparazzi daily. It’s nice that he has a chance to freely speak on that period of time and his rebellious behavior. But I can’t imagine airing my family’s dirty laundry for the world. But also… greatly appreciate the inside scoop, ha! I know that (so far) Harry and Meghan’s documentary is about their issues with the press and not the family members of the Monarchy, but it sorta goes hand in hand in a way.

For Meghan I try to watch her with an open mind. I do not think she is this mastermind monster people make her out to be, but I do believe she loves the spotlight. She also doesn’t help herself in anyway; you are an intelligent woman- google British protocol and etiquette and try to learn. Like preparing for an acting role. And if you are dating someone of a different culture or background, when meeting their family in their home you adapt to them. Of course it would be a culture shock and no American would be fully prepared for the pomp and circumstance. I doubt the Princess of Wales was fully prepared for it all when she started dating Prince William. But you learn and adapt, not try to change the family. Do I think they are in love? Yes, it’s pretty evident. Do I think they will last? I don’t know. That’s not up to me. Do I think they are selling their story only for money? Of course. If they truly wanted the privacy they wish to have, then they should stop creating specials discussing the manner. I get they are trying to get their side of things out in the open, but it hasn’t worked for them so far. Overall I love the insight into the Royal family and getting to see a normalcy of Harry. I have a lot more thoughts and opinions but we do not have time for it, ha.

What I bought: I’ve been buying holiday presents this week! The only thing I bought myself was a new romcom holiday book. I haven’t had the time to start it yet, so will report back later.

On The Blog:

Sunday Shopping

Gifts For Her

Fitness Gifts

LTK Spotlight: This cute 2023 planner

This weekend I am heading home to Columbus, Ohio. It is my grandmother’s 100th birthday! It is so incredibly wonderful that she is still with us. I feel so lucky! It also blows my mind– being 100. I think of all she has seen: born during the great depression, WWll, the rise of the internet, and more. It’s a blessing that she is still around because I have been able to ask her questions about her life throughout the years. I have learned a lot from her. My grandmother has talked about living to 100 since she was probably 80 something. What’s her secret? Genetics. Living to 100 is actually normal on her side of the family. Her brother lived until 101, grandfather 102yrs old. We are having a small party for her to celebrate. I wanted a speakeasy theme of the roaring 20s but it was shut down quickly… lame. Anyway, I am excited to gift her my needlepoint canvas that I have been working on for the past 2 months. I know she will appreciate it, but also secretly judge my mistakes haha!

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. 39 reasons to love New York

2. Wanting this puff sleeve turtleneck in every color

3. The perfect New Year’s Eve dress

4. Shoes for the holidays and for weddings

5. White Lotus costume designer breaks down the season’s fashion

6. Lea Michele’s Funny Girl skin-care and makeup routine

7.Enjoyed reading what is on Molly Moorkamp’s holiday wishlist

8. Things to do for Christmas in New York

9. 10 new romance books coming this December

10. Mindful tips for a stress-free holiday

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