Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

This post may contain affiliated links, which means if you purchase an item I will earn commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

“Take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous new year by believing. Believe in yourself. And believe that there is a loving Source – a Sower of Dreams – just waiting to be asked to help you make your dreams come true.”

-Sarah Ban Breathnach

Happy Friday and happy new year! I am back in New York after a wonderful 10 days with my family. Even though I was sick for most of the trip, it was nice to spend time with them. Exactly what I needed.

Last week I had the stomach flu- it was probably the Norovirus. I don’t know how I got it or where. I wash my hands regularly and then some. I am guessing it was while I was at the movies. I do not wish this on anyone. After a few awful days of being sick I finally felt better for half a day before I came down with a cold. Since then I have been under the weather. Yes I have been sick for almost 2 weeks straight now…

I flew back to New York last Sunday. Since then I have been laying low, relaxing. I was planning on going out for New Year’s Eve but with having a terrible cold I knew it was best to stay in. Honestly do not mind at all. I am old enough to have done a variety of different NYE occasions, so staying home alone doesn’t bother me. My 2 worst NYE’s were at expensive hotel parties, and some of my favorites have been at home with just a friend or two. It doesn’t matter how you spend NYE- it doesn’t dictate your year.

Since I was home for the evening I ordered sushi, read for a while, and watched Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen get drunk on CNN. It was spectacular. I could watch them get drunk every holiday. Anderson Cooper drunk giggling brings me joy. It was a simple, yet joyful evening.

I’ve mostly spent my time this past week reading, watching Hallmark and football, and cleaning my apartment. I am finally feeling better and ready for the new year! I started reading A Court of Thorns and Roses. I am halfway through the first book of the fantasy series and I can’t put it down! It is so good! Fantasy isn’t usually my go-to genre, but this is so interesting and so well written it just sucks you in. It’s compelling. I am glad they are making it into a movie. I hope they do it justice.

What I am watching: Season 6 of Virgin River is back! I love this show, but I swear they always jump storylines when entering into a new season. I get that they do not pick up right where they left things the previous season, they start off a few months down the road. However, I always have to stop and pause to figure out if I missed something or it’s a time jump storyline. Anyway, I am only a few episodes into this season and so far it is good! I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop… something is going to happen, it always does

What I bought: I accidentally left my umbrella at a Christmas party a few weeks ago and the hostess is still in Europe. I do not know when she will be back so I can retrieve it. While I could simply wait it out a few more weeks, I decided to just go ahead and buy a new umbrella. I am going to need it. Plus who says I can’t have two umbrellas. I bought this one in the elmwood color. It’s technically a men’s umbrella, but that is fine. I like the color and the curve of the handle- hopefully the grip isn’t too big for my hands.

Next I bought two of these rattan temple jars to put on my tv console. Even though I have been adding more and more decor on and around the console, it still feels a little empty. I contemplated getting Chinoseries wall panels to put on either side but thought that may be too overwhelming– I’ll eventually buy some once I move to another, bigger apartment or house. These temple jars will add another element of design. Under $100 for one.

On The Blog

My 2025 Resolutions and Intentions

LTK Spotlight: Must-have winter items

Top Seller: These coffee bean high-waist leggings

This weekend I am meeting up with some friends for afternoon tea. It will be nice to get out of my apartment, and to catch up. I will also be reading my book, working out with my new Pilates ring, and of course, watching the Golden Globes.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show looks good

2. I want this coat in every color- on sale

3. This chic clutch is on sale

4. This cute cardigan is on sale

5. The top fashion trends of 2025

6. Enjoyed this article on Jennifer Aniston and her relationship with her body

7. What is snapshot manifestation

8. Love the idea of a cookbook club

9. Enjoyed this short story of an old NYC floral shop

10. 31 things to do for aa fresh start this month

Weekend Sales