Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“Little by little, she found the courage for it all”

-JH Hard

Happy Friday! Life lately has been really enjoyable. I’ve been a busy bee and I am loving every minute of it. From weekend trips to movie screenings, this week was not too shabby.

Last weekend I went to the Hamptons with my book club, Guest of a Guest, for a wonderful getaway at Topping Rose House. The entire weekend was so much fun! Filled with lots of laughter, good food, wine flowing, and endless book discussions. I can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend. Topping Rose House is a beautiful hotel in Bridgehampton. I stayed in a suite that was bigger than my current studio apartment. Shed a few tears upon leaving.

Friday evening we had small bites at the Topping Rose House restaurant by Jean-Georges. The food was delicious; tacos, oysters, mini hamburgers, bacon wrapped asparagus, etc. The rosé was endlessly flowing that night as well. We were all dressed up in our best– our bookclub meetings are cocktail parties, so we always dress up. After our little gathering at the restaurant we went to someone’s suite for our book exchange. I went home with the new Dolly Alderton book Good Material. I have been dying to read this book– I have heard so many great things!

The next day we got up early for a workout with Valeria Talve. It was a fun mixture of sculpt and a little bit of dance. I really enjoyed the workout! Valeria teaches with Post House in the Hamptons, and they just opened up in NYC at the Cipriani. At the workout Valeria gave us each a tarot card. Mine said openness: to open my heart without fear. To connect with the mighty powers of what is possible when I trust. To trust the I’m held in my expansion….. It was the perfect tarot card for where I am at right now in my life.

After our workout we had a quick brunch before we went to the Parrish Art Museum. The exhibitions were incredible; The Art of Food, Fairfield Porter in New York, Landscapes from Women, etc. They even had some early works from Andy Warhol. It was a lovely morning! After our visit we went back to Topping Rose House for lunch outside on the patio. Followed by a trip to Wölffer Estate. I always enjoy going there when I am in the Hamptons. It’s a beautiful vineyard and I like their wines.

When I got back from the vineyard I took a bath in the incredible tub in my suite. I am not a bath person at all. I understand the appeal in terms of bath salts, candlelight, wine, etc. That is relaxing. However, taking a bath to wash yourself I find gross. But for some reason the tub in the suite was calling my name. It was a separate tub from the shower. I filled it with hot water and just soaked for 10 minutes while listening to The Tortured Poets Society. It was bliss (still washed myself off in the shower afterwards). It was the perfect way to decompress before the evening.

For dinner that night we went to Elaia Estiatorio, a greek restaurant in Bridgehampton. The food was so, so good! I am still dreaming of the roasted lemon potatoes and lahanorizo. After dinner we went back to the hotel bar to hang out. The entire weekend was so lovely and I enjoyed getting to know my fellow book club members a little bit more.

The rest of my week was just as fun as the weekend in the Hamptons. Tuesday evening I was invited by Instagram / Meta for an early viewing of The Idea of You starring Anne Hathaway. The viewing party was at the Soho House, which has the most comfortable movie theater seats. Instagram provided us with popcorn, sweets, and drinks. The author, Robinne Lee, gave us a quick opening speech about her inspiration in creating the book and the process of turning it into a movie.

I read the book prior to the movie a month or so ago. I really enjoyed the book. I also enjoyed the movie, but like always the book is better. There are a few changes in the storyline. Honestly, I feel the changes do not make a difference to the overall essence of the storyline. However, I do wish in the movie touched more on her turning 40 and what it means for women to age. They touched on it a lot in the book– especially during the dinner party with her friends. I really enjoyed that part and was disappointed it wasn’t as centered in the movie as it was in the book. But it is still heavily based on what it means to be a mother, a mother’s sacrifice, and the ingrained misogyny we have of judging women by who they date vs. men. It’s a great movie filled with heartbreak, fun, and laughter.

A few months ago Guest of a Guest handed out gift certificates for a facial at Skin Spirit during our book club meeting. I finally found the time go before it expired. I got the signature facial which consisted of a deep cleanse, Microdermabrasion, a neck and shoulder massage, and your typical masks, serums, moisturizers etc. It was heavenly. I haven’t had a facial since God knows when. Definitely before the pandemic. It was so nice to refresh and rejuvenate my face before the summer. Besides the facial, I really liked my technician. She explained my skin type to me, what type of products I should use, etc. I always thought I had combination skin, but it turns out I barely have any oil– it’s all very dry. She also told me I do not need to watch my face in the morning, only rinse it with water. To only use my cleanser at night. She also told me that products with collagen in them do not work. Collagen only works best if taken topical.

After my facial I walked down Lexington Ave. to Bon Bon. Everyone in the city is raving about the new Swedish candy store. I had to check it out to see what all the fuss was. In actuality I am not a candy person. I like Starburst, Swedish Fish, and Sour Patch Kids, but it’s not something that I will go out of my own to buy. I am much more of a chocolate kind of gal– m&ms, Reese’s, chocolate covered almonds, etc. They didn’t have a large selection of chocolate, so I took one small piece. When I went to check out the girl looked at me and said to just take it. It wasn’t worth charging me for one little piece, so I did. I got a free piece of chocolate.

The rest of my week was the usual: work, DanceBody, reading, grocery store. I was happy with the downtimes, the moments I can recuperate. I also have a lot of books piling up that I need to read, so I am trying to find extra time in my schedule to finish as many as I can.

What I am watching: When I got home from the Hamptons last Sunday I didn’t want to move from the couch. All I wanted to do was watch a meaningless Netflix show. I ended up watching a few episodes of season 2 of Buying Beverly Hills. It isn’t Selling Sunset, but I do enjoy getting to tour million dollar homes in LA. I do like the Umansky girls and some of the other employees. However, I find all of the men to be unnecessarily cocky. Also, if Alexia says The Agency is like a family one more time, I am going to assume it’s a terrible place to work.

What I bought: I didn’t buy anything new this past week but J.Crew just launched new arrivals. I am coveting a few items like this green tie-waist halter dress and this white mini linen dress.

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This weekend I am going out with a few friends to watch the Derby and to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. We are having dinner at SOL Mexican Cocina, then will go out on the town. I am excited to catch up with friends and to have a night out in the city. Besides enjoying margaritas, I will be getting ready for my press trip to Greenport next week with Lands’ End.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Enjoyed this article on Maya Rudolph

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3. Love the pearl details of this sun hat

4. Perfect crochet cardigan for vacation or summer

5. The history of the Met Gala

6. The Idea of You fashion inspiration

7. Why racquet sports are best for longevity

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