Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“The things we love tell us what we are”

-Thomas Aquinas

Happy Friday! I am back in New York after spending a week in Ohio with my family. Even though I was at home for the passing of my grandmother, I am grateful for the time I got to spend with my entire family. I am still dealing with grief, but am finally seeing the light after a month of darkness. It’s been a very hard month emotionally and mentally, and I can now feel that I am getting back to my positive self.

Last weekend my dad and I were suppose to go to the Ohio State Football game, but we made a last minute decision not to go- we just didn’t feel like it. I actually prefer to watch at home anyway, that way you can actually see the game. Instead of the game my parents and I took my 7year old niece out to brunch. Then my dad and I played pickleball – I FINALLY beat him in a game (match?). He won 2 games and I won one game. Anyway, I much prefer the brunch with my niece and pickleball with my dad instead of the game. We watched it at home and was happy OSU won!

I flew back to NYC on Sunday morning then spent the rest of the afternoon on the couch binge-watching shows. I needed to completely zone out and not think about anything except the drama of Mormon wives and The Emmy awards. By the way, I want Dan Levy and Eugene Levy to host more award shows. They were hilarious and cute together!

Most of my week was tailored around catching up on emails and working on content that I ignored for a week. Tuesday morning I went to Hudson Yards to shop around and rummage through seasonal collections. I still love to shop brick and mortar; to feel the fabric and see how a silhouette looks on my body. I ended up not buying anything, but it always gives me a new sense of inspiration. Sometimes seeing items in person is much better than online– and I probably shouldn’t say that as my entire life’s savings is based on online shopping. Oh well, haha!

For the past few months I have slowly integrated myself into the book influencer world. It’s been wonderful to meet other avid readers and chat about books we love. Wednesday evening I was invited the Read with Jenna event at the McNally Jackson store in Rockefeller Center. The event was for Jenna Bush Hager’s book selection of the month- Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors. Jenna Bush is so personal– walked up to my little group and chatted with us for a while. She is also very funny; had us laughing during the Q&A. Prior to the Q&A portion of the event we all mingled and snacked on a beautiful, and delicious, charcuterie spread by Maman; one of my favorite restaurants here in New York. We also had Poppi drinks. I think I have to take back my negative review on Poppi. I said it tasted like cough syrup. I tried a new flavor this time (raspberry rose) and liked it. My sincere apology to Poppi. I do not drink pop (soda) at all so maybe that was part of my original decision. Anyway, the event was lovely. I started to read Blue Sisters yesterday; my first time reading anything from Coco Mellors. I am enjoying the book so far and have put Cleopatra and Frankenstein on my BTR list.

What I am watching: I binged watched the entirety of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on Hulu… and I need another season pronto! It’s so freaking good! The first episode alone is drama after drama. You think it can’t get anymore bonkers but it does. I remember when the whole swinger fiasco happened on TikTok; it was the first time I have ever heard of the #Momtok mormon girls and Taylor Frankie Paul. The show touches on that, is based around the swinger drama, but so much more happens. Highly recommend.

Only Murders in the Building is back!! I love this show! I mean who wouldn’t when you have Steve Martin and Martin Shorts as the leads– as well as Selena Gomez who I also love. I am enjoying this season; not too big of a fan of the actor doubles for the movie. However, it still has the charm and the wit of previous seasons.

I finished Emily in Paris part 2…do not get me started on why Netflix is now releasing 8 episode shows in two-parts. That will take an entire blog post to complain about. Anyway, I hope Emily stays in Rome and causes havoc on it like she has done in Paris. I am torn between wanting her with Gabriel or with Marcello. A part of me is saying that Gabriel blew his chance, while the other part of me is rooting for second chances. It’s hard being a romantic girlie. And Marcello seems like a great day! Anyway, I enjoyed exploring Rome and seeing all the new outfits Emily and Mindy wore.

What I bought: I went on a little shopping spree this past week. Retail therapy one might say. First I finally bought this pretty paisley silk scarf (under $30) for the fall season. Next, I wanted a new black belt and bought this classic belt in Italian leather— on sale and under $50. I also bought this simple and classic white pointelle long-sleeve t-shirt for the fall season. Something I can casually pair with jeans or a skirt. Last but not least I bought this long sweater blazer in khaki– on sale and comes in other colors. Curious to see if the length (size small) works well for my 5’5 height.

On The Blog

Fall Decor

LTK Spotlight: Halloween decor

Top Seller: This burgundy cable-knit cardigan

This weekend I am going out to dinner and drinks with a few friends. It will be nice to go out on to the town, get out of my apartment and be with friends. Besides enjoying NYC nightlife, I will be doing my usual weekend activities of reading, working out, frolicking around town- if the weather permits- and making pumpkin bread!

Have a wonderful weekend xo

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2. A cute dress for the fall and Thanksgiving

3. Eyeing these burgundy ballet flats

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6. Fall outfit ideas from fashion month’s best dressed street styles

7. Vote for Garden and Gun good dog photo contest

8. 27 thrillers to read for Halloween

9. An interesting discussion: does what you wear to work really matter

10. 8 ways to declutter your home this fall

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