Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Friday! How did your first real week of the new year go? I feel like I have acclimated to being back on a schedule again. Right off the bat things have been busy, and for that I am grateful.

Last weekend I went uptown to the Met Museum to visit the Manet/ Degas exhibition. Unfortunately I made the mistake of not going on the museum’s website prior to the trip, so was not familiar with the virtual queue. I have been to plenty of limited-time exhibitions at the Met, and never have I ever seen such a line. Not even with the Met Gala exhibitions. With great loathing for waiting in line, I took my place and patiently went through. It wasn’t until I almost got to the front when finally someone who worked there told everyone they needed to be in the virtual queue. I tried my best to get on, but it kept kicking me off or saying it was full. When I finally got to the front of the line, 40 minutes later, I explained my situation.

I asked the front of the line employee how long the wait was for the queue. She said it was a 3 hour wait, but she could write me a pass for an hour and a half. I kindly said no and got out line. Yeah, I could have waited for another hour and a half–I had nothing else planned that day. However, when you factor in that I already waited 40 minutes, my patience was wearing thin. So instead I frolicked around and enjoyed an afternoon at the museum. Then went home to a snowy Manhattan. I am bummed I didn’t get to see the exhibition, but now I know better for next time. At least I got to see some Degas from the usual display at the Met.

The rest of my week was looking much better. Did you see my big life announcement?! I have started my own photography business. For the past few months I have been taking photography lessons, getting reacquainted with the camera. I used to be into photography in high school. I loved it! I don’t know why I stopped in college, but I was always the girl who had a camera out at night. So my love for taking pictures has always been there. It is one of the many reasons I started my blog in the first place, I enjoy taking pictures.

For the type of photography I want to do is influencers, families, babies, home decor, events, brand campaigns, and headshots. I am also excited to say that I already have my first client!! This weekend I am shooting a little birthday gathering at the Plaza. I am not only excited for my first shoot, I can’t believe it will be at the Plaza hotel!! Starting this new venture is both scary and thrilling. I could completely fail, but I could also become more successful than I ever thought. Either way at least I tried, had the courage to do something new. I am still going to blog full-time. I may have to readjust somethings once I start getting more clients. But this will work itself out. If you are in New York and need a photograper– I am your girl! email me: MaggieTate24@gmail.com

I tried something else new this week– went to New York Pilates. Although pilates is not new to me, the studio is. The instructor, Taby (Tabytha), is a fellow Ohio University dance major. She asked me to try her class, and my abs regret it. The class I took was “arms, abs, and ass” and boy am I feeling it in all those places. Taby was an amazing teacher– challenging, showing modifications, and has a great knowledge of proper form. But besides Taby being an awesome instructor, it was so nice to see her after all these years. New York Pilates have a few locations around the city. I went to the one in West Village. I really liked the studio– has two floors, lots of space, and top-notch equipment.

What I am watching: It’s my favorite season: award season! I watched the Golden Globes last Sunday and have mixed reviews about it. I am excited for this year’s movies and television shows– I think in generally they all seem to be great. I also thought the fashion was amazing– here are my top best dressed celebrities. However, I was so mad there wasn’t a televised red carpet– there wasn’t even a segment on ENews. I hope this isn’t the new norm. I get they want to drive traffic to their websites. This when I think the digital world has gone too far. I rather sit and watch my tv and to easily be able to switch back and forth between two stations covering the red carpet. Not huddled over my phone watching a live stream. So right off the bat I wasn’t happy with the Globes. Then the Jo Koy opening monologue… I don’t need to get into it, everything has already been said a million times over. I thought the Barbie joke was tasteless and the Taylor joke was tiresome. I do believe the Taylor joke was not cruel or mean, but when you factor in that she is always the butt of the joke and people obsessively talk about her relationships, it’s tiresome. Plus the joke wasn’t funny… at all. The biggest highlights for me were seeing some of my favorite celebs, Cillian’s wife kissing his nose, Ayo Edebiri acceptance speech, and Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell’s hilarious bit.

Since it is award season I am starting to watch all the movies that have been nominated. Last weekend I watched Oppenheimer. I really liked it! Thought it was very well done and the acting was phenomenal. They deserve all the recognition they have been getting. Like so many others I thought it was too long. I was also bored during some parts— you can only make math and science interesting up to a point. Overall I enjoyed it!

I started watching The Bear… again. I tried watching it a few months ago but only got halfway through the first episode before turning it off. It wasn’t that I thought it was a bad show, I was just not in the mood for it. I wasn’t paying attention and decided to turn it off for a later day. Well I kept forgetting to go back to it, and what better time to do so than during award season. I think episode 4 of season 1– the kid’s birthday party– really solidified it for me as a great show.

What I bought: I wanted new pair of leggings to leisurely wear. I bought these dark green ones from Varley— under $100. This will be my first pair of Varley leggings, so we will see if I like the feel. Next I bought a new USB adapter. Since I bought a new computer, I had to buy an adapter so I can plug in my printer and camera. I also bought a light reflector for when I am taking photos.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

What Books I Read This Past Fall Part 2

LTK Spotlight: Shopbop sale picks

Top Seller: These black penny loafers

This weekend, as mentioned, I have my first photoshoot with a client!! I am so excited and nervous for it. Other than that I do not have any set plans. Depending on the weather, I will probably go shopping and aimlessly walk around. I will do a little work, probably finish my book, workout, and watch the Emmy Awards!!

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Julia Roberts life in looks

2. Perfect for Valentine’s Day

3. How cute is this cardigan

4. Such a pretty scarf

5. Every look from the Governors Awards

6. Obsessed with this village at the Colony Hotel designed by Chairish

7. I am also obsessed with Kelly Rutherford’s style and instagram

8. Creative hobbies to do this winter

9. How to set under-eye concealer

10. Life-changing tips from an abundance coach

Weekend Sales