Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“All that matters now is that you be good enough for yourself”

-anon

Happy Friday! If you read my previous FSS series posts, you may know that I have been going through some personal issues lately. Well I am feeling much better mentally. Being with my family, and seeing friends, really was exactly what I needed. I still have my moments, but overall I am in a better headspace.

Last weekend my dad was in town to celebrate my birthday. My mom stayed back home in Ohio to take care of my grandmother who isn’t doing well. While I missed my mom, it was nice to have one-on-one time with my dad. We drove into the city Friday evening and had dinner at my place. For brunch Saturday morning we went to La Bergamote – a french restaurant in Chelsea. That afternoon we went to a Yankees game. I am not a fan of baseball, however it’s the Yankees. The most historical team. I do not mind going to a game here and there, just not something I am personally going to watch at home. The game was fun even though the Yankees lost.

That night, on my birthday, we went to the Waverly Inn for dinner. I have been wanting to go there for years as it’s one of the oldest restaurants in the city. It did not disappoint! We both enjoyed our meals and loved the atmosphere. I was disappointed, however, that they do not have matchbooks. I would have loved to have added one to my growing collection.

The next day we went to church. I have been wanting to show my parents the church I attend here in New York– the First Presbyterian Church in Greenwich. When my parents visit they usually leave Sunday mornings, but this particular visit they planned to leave on Monday instead. So I was able to take my dad to church. After church service we went to brunch at Sant Ambroeus in West Village. Another great restaurant for brunch or dinner.

We went straight from brunch to a broadway show. We saw The Great Gatsby on broadway— I loved it!! I originally wanted to see The Outsiders, but since they won a bunch of Tony Awards they upped their ticket prices. One ticket was around $455… that, to me, is ridiculous. Anyway, The Great Gatsby was the only other current show I wanted to see and it did not disappoint. Absolutely phenomenal! The set design is stunning! The acting, singing, and dancing was amazing as well– can never go wrong with a little tap number. Jeremy Jordan, who plays Gatsby, has a lovely voice– was excited to see him perform! After the performance we had dinner at Cookshop in Chelsea. I’ve been to Cookshop numerous times throughout the years. I have always enjoyed my meals there.

While my dad drove back to Ohio, I went to the US Open for the first round of men’s and women’s singles tennis. It is a tradition for me to go to the noon matches, played on Arthur Ashe Stadium, on the first day of the US Open. I saw Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton play. It was nice to see the two American’s play on their home turf. Both matches were great! It was a lovely afternoon drinking honey deuce and enjoying tennis. I was also interviewed by the NY Post about the US Open and my thoughts on why it has become so popular. While I am personally a big tennis fan, I think the US Open is the place to be for instagrammable moments and for clout. Read article here.

After the US Open I went home quickly to shower and change for my book club. My book club with Guest of a Guest is no longer a thing, so a few of us who have met through it decided to continue on together. We read Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand. I think the consensus was that we liked it, but we had notes. No book is perfect and overall I really loved Swan Song– I just wasn’t too keen on the ending (or the extended ending as I like it call it). Some didn’t like how many characters there were, and some didn’t care for Coco. Besides discussing books, we had so much fun catching up!

Tuesday evening I attended The Beauty Social event. I am working with Ludlow Social as their social media strategist. I was at the event to capture content of the event for their socials– see the video here. The event was fun and it was nice to meet people in similar and separate industries. The Beauty Social is a once a month networking event for creatives and entrepreneurs.

What I am watching: I’ve been pretty much only watching the US Open! It’s been a great few days of tennis with already some big upsets– can’t believe Alcaraz lost! I am rooting for all of the Americans– Fritz, Paul, Tiafoe, Shelton, Coco, etc. Today’s match between Tiafoe and Shelton will be amazing– do not know why it’s not a primetime session.

I also watched the entire docuseries on Netflix about the Jenni Peterson murder in the early 2000’s. I remember this happening and the trial of her husband Scott Peterson. However, I didn’t really follow it so was unaware of all the evidence and logistics of the case. About 15 minutes into the docuseries I was convinced Scott did it. It was blatantly obvious. He lied about his whereabouts- golfing then switched to sailing- then lied about where he was sailing. I want to watch the Prime documentary because I hear that they talk about other evidence that wasn’t spoken about on the Netflix series. It will not change my mind, but still would like to get a full picture.

What I bought: J.Crew is having a major Labor Day weekend sale and I snagged these brown suede ankle boots bfeore they sell out. These boots were in stock last season and I really wanted them, but didn’t pull the trigger in buying them. I knew it was now or never in getting them while they are on sale. I have been wanting brown suede ankle boots for a while and I love that these are casual yet a little elevated with a small heel.

On The Blog

Black Dress To Transition From Summer to Fall

LTK Spotlight: Sézane new fall arrivals

Top Seller: This stripe shirtdress

This weekend I have nothing on the agenda except to relax. I may be up for a drink or two with friends, but I am perfectly happy staying home. A lot has been going on lately and it will be nice to take some time to myself.

Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend

1.All the celebrity looks at the Venice Film Festival

2. Love this dress for the fall

3. A chic ruffle neck chambray shirt

4. Fall earrings for under $20

5. What it’s like to be a tennis WAG- interview with Paige Lorenze

6. Enjoyed looking through the interior homes of the glamourous Capote’s Swans

7. Remembering the fabulous Betty Halbreich

8. The best places to visit in the fall

9. How to make the official drink of the US Open honey deuce

10. The most anticipating new books of the fall

Labor Day Weekend Sales