Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“If it’s meant for me, I will have it. If it isn’t, I’m prepared to receive something even better.”

-Lyjerria

Happy Friday! I am in Ohio for the long weekend to celebrate the 4th of July. I am so happy to be home and to see friends and family. I have a few parties to attend in the next few days and I can’t wait to catch up with old pals. The folks that graduated a year above me are having their 20th high school reunion, so I am excited to see all of them. It’s going to be a much needed social week… especially after the week I just had.

Well it hasn’t been the best week for me. If you are following me on Instagram then you probably witness the drama. For those of you who missed what happen, let me fill you in. Sunday night I used a microdermabrasion tool for the first time. It’s a tool that basically acts like a vacuum and sucks up your dead skin. It helps reduce fine lines, evens skin tone, and firms. I was excited to test it out and to rejuvenate my skin. Unfortunately my skin had other plans.

When I woke up Monday morning my face looked as if I was mauled by an animal. I had cuts all along my cheeks and blisters in certain areas. My face was swollen and red. Luckily it didn’t hurt or was not itchy. It only hurt if I touched it. When I looked into the mirror and saw my reflection, I immediately started to sob and called my parents. After calming down a little I made an emergency appointment with my dermatologist that day. Until then, I put honey on my face as a natural remedy to help reduce the redness and anti-bacterial. My dermatologist prescribed 2 topical ointments and an oral antibiotic to take for the next 10 days. I can’t wear make or use any of my other skincare products for 10 days as well. I am also suppose to stay out of the sun for 6 weeks. This was heartbreaking to hear as it is summer and I have a lot of fun events and trips planned. I was a little overdramatic on Monday and thought my summer was over.

Fortunately, by the grace of God and modern medicine, my skin is pretty much healed. You would have to really look to see anything. There are two spots that I am still worried about scarring or turning into pigmentation. I am still going to follow doctors orders and continue with my treatments and stay out of the sun as much as possible. I’ve been wearing hats outside unless it’s just a quick trip to the store. I am very grateful that it has healed so quickly. I was in a very bad headspace earlier this week. I was mad at myself for doing it, upset about my skin, and sad about what I thought was the end to my 4th of July and summer plans. Luckily that is no longer the case.

Before using the tool I went through social media to see any reviews on the product. They were all pretty positive that is why I was so shocked that my skin reacted this way. Especially since I first tested it out on my forearm and didn’t see any sort of reaction. It did hurt a little while using the tool and my face was reddening. However, I chalked it up to getting laser or a chemical peel; it hurts and your face turns red because the skin is rejuvenating. I thought this was the same case. I even used my favorite ice roller to calm down the burning sensation. I never imagined I would wake up to what I saw. I was so embarrassed about my face, I walked around New York incognito. Like a celebrity trying to hide from paparazzi with oversized sunglasses and my hoodie up trying to conceal my face. I still showed everything on Instagram because I wanted to be honest about what had happened since I was promoting the tool. It’s important for me to be transparent and truthful.

The rest of my week was basically trying to heal my face and getting ready for my trip to Ohio. Since being home I have been spending quality time with my parents and my nieces. Last night my parents and I went to my favorite Mexican restaurant El Vaquero. Everyone in Columbus knows El Vaq and loves it. I always get the 153– the Pollo Tlaxcala. So good!

What I am watching: The second part of season 1 of Break Point is now streaming on Netflix. Break Point follows up and coming professional tennis players during the grand slam tournaments. It has been so interesting to watch. I loved getting to know a few players– I am now a fan of Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Ajla Tomlijanovic.

Next I watched episode 1 of The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix. My dad told me to watch episode 1 so we can watch more this week when I am home and I will know what is going on. *Correction so HE can continue to watch it this week, haha. It’s a good show. I don’t think it’s something I would have watched on my own accord, but I do think it is interesting. It has piqued my interest into wanting to know what happens.

What I bought: Since I will be wearing hats for the foreseeable future, I bought this straw bucket hat- under $100. Something easy to throw on yet still stylish. I also bought a new book; The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L Walther. I have basically devoured it this past week. I am really enjoying the book!

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

What Books I Read This Past Spring Part 1

Tennis Attire and Party Supplies

LTK Spotlight: J.Crew new arrivals

Best seller of the week: White embroidered v-neck midi dress

This weekend I am going out to dinner with my cousins. I will also hopefully meet up with a few friends to catch up. I will visit my grandmother at the assistant living facility. Perhaps play pickleball or tennis with my dad. It will be an enjoyable weekend with family and friends.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

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