Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“Because in the right eyes, you will always be art”

-beyondthachaos

Happy Friday and happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you are spending the day with the people you love the most… even if that person is yourself.

As someone who actually enjoys Valentine’s Day, single or not, I can’t seem to get into the holiday this year. I usually relish in all the sweetness of the holiday; pinks and reds, hearts everything, flowers in my vase, love songs playing, romance in the air, and candy to consume. Yet this year I am just going for the chocolates. Maybe it’s because cupid hasn’t hit me with an arrow yet, or it may perhaps be that I have been in a gloomy mood all week.

It’s been one of those week’s where every little thing irritated me and everything went wrong. Truthfully I know I am being over-dramatic because at the end of the day these things are either not important or worked themselves out. It was just one of those weeks. I feel like a painter staring at a blank canvas not caring to create. I had little to no motivation. Even after I froliced around the Chelsea Art Galleries, which usually sparks my creativity. Luckily I can feel myself already getting out of this funk.

While I may not have been in the best head space, I still had an enjoyable, busy week. Monday evening I attended the Read with Jenna (Bush Hager) book club’s Galentine’s Day event at Bibliotheque. Jenna was doing a Q&A with author Jessica Soffer on her new book This Is a Love Story. It was fascinating to learn about Jessica’s writing process – she’s been writing this book since before the pandemic. Besides the discussion there was an illustrator and a lipstick reader there. I didn’t do either one, but I wish I did the lipstick reader. There were too many people waiting in line for my liking and lack of patience. Apparently she analyzes your lip print to gather insight into your future and personality. Seems really interesting and fun to do! Anyway, the event was lovely and I got to get even more acquainted with a few (fellow) book influencers who I have seen at different events recently. I am excited to crack open the book soon as I have heard really great reviews. Also, if you are looking for a great date night spot I think Bibliotheque is the perfect. I forsure want to go back for drinks.

I went to my usual Tuesday morning DanceBody class. This is where my bad mood peaked. I did not do a good job…. for my standards. Quickly I lost stamina, within the second dance. It was really hot in there to start off with and sometimes around my menstrual cycle my blood sugar levels drop. Even though I had Gatorade with me, I felt very faint throughout the class. To the point I left about 2 minutes early. It was either me passing out or leaving. I get really frustrated with myself when I lose stamina or mess up alot…. you can blame it on my BFA dance degree. I always have to remind myself this is for fun and not to take it so seriously. But at last I had two left feet and a depleted energy level.

Later that day I went to the Ace Hotel to view PrintFresh upcoming seasonal collections. They have some really fun prints in store for the year. In the fall they will have this trellis bird print dress that I am eyeing. Coming soon there will be this pretty white shirtdress that will have a floral lining down the closure and cuffs of the sleeve. At the bottom of the skirt will be palm trees. Very cute for vacation and the summer! It was nice to see the collections and to chat with the PrintFresh team and a few other influencers.

Yesterday I stopped by LK Bennett’s showroom to view their fall and winter collections. They rebranded their logo, which looks really chic in my opinion. They had some great winter coats; a pink scarf coat and a fur lining black peacoat. As well as some classic staple pieces that are a must-have. My appointment was originally for Wednesday afternoon, but I wrote it down wrong in my calendar. This is something I never, or at least rarely, do. I didn’t realize I missed my appointment until I emailed the LK Bennett team Wednesday evening to confirm my Thursday appointment. They were very gracious about it and squeezed me in the following day. I am glad they did because I really enjoy not only viewing the collection, but the team in general.

Last night I went uptown to Cafe Commerce for a little Galentine’s Day dinner with some friends. Cafe Commerce is a revival of Commerce, an old restaurant that closed in 2015. The reincarnated restaurant is decorated like a cute little art deco bistro; red cushioned seating and bubble lights. Behind the bar is a large mural of men and women partially to completely nude. The food was very good- I had the salmon with vegetables. We also each got a dessert; my friends a few of the cakes, the frozen yogurt for my gluten free self. It was a delicious evening catching up with friends and having a drink. I definitely needed a drink that is for sure.

What I am watching: I watched the Super Bowl. I thought the game was boring but I loved Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance. I like Kendrick’s music to begin with, so that alone was enjoyable. However, I enjoyed the symbolism his performance; the dancers, the formations they made, the set design. I can not believe he said the Drake part on national television. I laughed out loud. Overall I liked it, I know not everyone feels the same way but that is why art is subjective. The only commercials I enjoyed were Nike’s women in sports, the Catherine O’Hara and Willem Dafoe Ultra pickleball one, and the Budweiser clydesdale one– always finds those to be beautiful. In terms of the game itself, I personally didn’t care who won. I am a Taylor Swift fan so of course was rooting for Travis. But I also like Jalen Hurts and Abbott Elementary, so really it was a win-win situation for me… for not caring either way.

I watched the 1995 romance movie with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, Before Sunrise. I have never seen the trilogy before and everyone on social media always talks about it. If you are still talking about a movie from 30 years ago, then it must be good. After watching it I can see why people are still discussing it– especially in this day and age of dating apps. The movie is very 90s; simple, vast depth, indie feel, and natural. The people are natural looking; not made up with lots of makeup or to be sexy, just two casual looking people. The movie itself is romantic. The entire movie is just the two of them walking around Vienna talking. I find it to be romantic. It’s so simple; human connection is all we want. They walk around talking about their hopes, dreams, fears, and philosophies on life. This is what I crave right now more than anything- having stimulating conversations about life. They weren’t concern over their phones (they didn’t have any) or life outside of what they were currently exploring. They would just mosey around until they found something interesting, off the beaten path. I would love to do this with someone I love someday.

I started watching Scandal starring Kerry Washington for the first time. I have been missing out!! It is SO good! I am already halfway through season 2… I can’t stop binge-watching. Each episode is jammed back with jaw dropping situations. Now I get why everyone is obsessed with Olivia Pope; she is smart, confident, beautiful, and isn’t afraid to voice her opinion. And her and Fitz’s relationship is so swoonworthy. So happy it’s a 7 season, 22 episodes each type of show!

What I bought: Still not buying anything this month besides the necessities. I did buy myself a brownie to eat this weekend, so that is exciting!

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

Pop of Blue

Everything I Read in January

LTK Spotlight: Cute new swimwear for the summer

ShopMy Spotlight: my top picks from the Hill House new spring collection

Top Seller: This chic dark green shirtdress

This weekend I have nothing on the agenda but to read and watch Netflix. It’s suppose to rain, so I do not mind a cozy weekend in-doors. I also think I need to decompress and get myself out of this funk. Although a little human interaction would be nice. We will see!

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Hugh Grant interviews Renée Zellweger

2. Eyeing this printed shirt dress

3. Cute everyday Mary Jane flats

4. Love this floral chambray shirt

5. The best looks from NYFW

6. The women of SNL

7. Helpful tips on self-love

8. Spicy books to read this weekend

9. I relate to this so much: The joys and pains of adult ballet

10. A tour of The Home Edit co-founder Joanna Teplin’s Nashville home

Weekend Sales