Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“the art of life is letting go”

-anon

Happy Friday! I am back from a wonderful vacation with my family in Marco Island. It was so nice to relax under the sun, laugh with my family, and enjoy some time off work.

My family vacations to Marco Island every year and we rent out a different house each time. The house we stayed at this time was one that Nixon frequent back when he was president. He would stay in the main house while the secret service stayed in the attacked house. Anyway, we spent most of our days relaxing by the pool. We did go to the beach once, and once is enough for me. I am much more of a pool gal. At the beach, however, I do spend all of my time collecting sea shells. I added some new ones to my current growing collection at home.

Other than being poolside, we went shopping around Marco and even went to the farmer’s market for the first time. I really enjoyed the farmer’s market. I ended up buying 3 small green sea urchins; now beautifully displayed on my coffee table.

Most nights were spent out at various restaurants; some of our favorites like Snook Inn and also trying new ones. One new-to-us restaurant we tried that I really liked was DaVinci’s. It’s rare to go to an Italian restaurant and be able to have gluten free pasta that is actually really good. After dinner we’d play games, watch basketball or movies, read, had ice cream, and more. One evening we went to the JW Marriot to watch a guy perform with fire. He twirls his fire baton and does fun little tricks. My nieces loved it! An experience that is always fun for everyone!

I have been back in New York since last Saturday and I already want to go on vacation again, ha! This week was mostly spent catching up on emails and work. I tried my best to not really work last week; only a few LTK and IG posts here and there. I wanted to spend my time focused on my family, nieces, and myself.

While majority of my week was work, I did get to attend a very interesting event. Yesterday I went to The Butcher’s Daughter (one of my favorite spots in the city) for a brunch event with Midi Health. For those, like myself, who are unfamiliar with Midi Health they are an online forum of medical doctors to help women during menopause. While I am not currently going through, or close to going through, menopause I do think it’s important for women of all ages to become knowledgeable of it. We all know that research on women’s health have really only just begun, and talking about things like menopause is taboo. Our mother’s, grandmother’s silently suffered through symptoms because that is what they thought they should do. It’s nice to know there is a safe place for women to talk to doctors about their bodies without judgement, and to know they are getting the right treatment.

While listening to Dr. Kathleen Jordan, Dr. Mindy Goldman, and Midi Health founder, Joanna Strober, speak about menopause, I realized there was so much I didn’t know. I didn’t know half of the symptoms women can experience while going through it, and also being pre-menopausal. Even right now in our 30s we start to have hormonal changes that are leading up to menopause. Another important fact that I learned is taking hormones does NOT cause cancer. That is a myth. In fact it can help your overall health, especially your heart health. Even if you are not in menopause I think joining Midi Health is beneficial because you can do things now that will help you ease into the changes. They have doctors on the forum to help you specialize care plans that tailor specifically to you and your symptoms, body, hormones, etc.

What I am watching: Last Saturday night when I got home from Marco all I wanted to do was sit on the couch and watch a movie. I ended up watching Anora. To be honest, if it weren’t for the best film and best actress awards I probably would have never watched it. While I do think it’s good, I do not think it’s the best movie I have ever seen. Once was enough. On a surface level it seems like another movie about sex workers, but if you analyze it it’s really about classism. There are some humorous parts in it. I thought the second half of the movie was the best; filled with action, humor, heartwarming moments, etc.

I finally started watching Running Point on Netflix starring Kate Hudson. I am only on episode 3 but I absolutely love this show. It has the right amount of silliness and humor, while also being about women in power and family dynamics. It’s enjoyable to watch! Highly recommend!

What I bought: I haven’t bought anything new….well except my sea urchins. I did buy these wicker scalloped baskets but ended up returning them. I really do like them and probably could have kept them to use for something else, they just weren’t the right size for what I was looking for. I want to find a cute wicker basket to store all of my camera equipment. I needed something slightly bigger.

On The Blog

Spring Jackets

Easter Decor

LTK Spotlight: Vacation outfit ideas

ShopMy Spotlight: Matching eyelet set

Top Seller: This shirtdress

This weekend I am probably going to take it easy. Enjoy some quiet alone time; read, yoga, walk around the city, and more.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. I am so excited for this new series

2. Gorgeous dress for Easter, spring, and summer

3. Eyeing this pretty floral cardigan

4. Must have slingbacks for the spring