Friday's Simply Smitten

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“Just find something to love, and all that you are asking for will come into being”

-Abraham Hicks

Happy Friday! It’s the holiday season and I am enjoying every bit of the joyous festivities. This past week was busy but also filled with delight.

Last Saturday my aunt, cousin, and my other cousin’s wife came into town to shop the holiday markets. We first went to the Bryant Park Holiday Market to shop around. Even though it’s a little smaller than the Union Square one, I find Bryant Park to be more festive with the Christmas tree and ice skating rink. The market was great and my aunt and my cousin bought some nice gifts to give friends. After the market we went into the New York City Public Library since it’s right there and none of them have ever been before. The library is gorgeous and something I always recommend going to. They had a little exhibit of artifacts ranging anywhere from Charles Dickens desk to Houdini’s old posters. My favorite had to have been the first ever Winnie The Pooh stuffed animal that was sold at Harrod’s– which resulted in the now famous cartoon.

After the library we walked up 5th ave to the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as well as to look at the tree and see a few holiday windows. My aunt wanted to stop by the church to see it and we all lite prayer candles. After the church we went downtown to the Union Square Holiday Market, but first we needed food. I originally wanted to go to Lillian’s because it is so festive this time of the year, unfortunately it was completely packed. Instead we went to Rosa Mexicano for some margs, chips and salsa, and more delicious food. After devouring chips and guac we went to the market. It was a fun day and I loved spending it with my family.

Sunday evening I went uptown to my friend Sarah’s apartment for a festive evening. She hosted a little gathering of champagne and charcuterie at her place before we walked over to the Brick Church to watch the Park Avenue Tree Lighting. Unfortunately we were having so much fun chatting and eating cheese that we lost track of time. We missed most of the program and the lighting of the trees. We caught the last two songs of the choir. We were a little bummed, but now we know better for next year. After the tree lighting we went to Dorrian’s for a few drinks. Surprisingly this is my first time at Dorrian’s which I believe officially makes me a real New Yorker— only took me 12 years. Dorrian’s is a staple dive bar in the Upper East Side since the 60s. They dubbed it the preppy bar. Dorrian’s has a lot history– google “The Preppy Killer”. Anyway, it was a lovely evening despite missing the main event.

The rest of my week was all about work– trying to get as many holiday gift guides out as possible. Tuesday morning I went back uptown to shoot holiday content. The streets between Madison and 5th ave have some of the best decorated buildings. It was my last photoshoot of the year and it feels good to be done for a few weeks— even though I will still be doing content for other things.

The next evening I went back up to the Upper East Side for Vineyard Vines holiday party. They gifted me a pretty sequined cardigan to wear to the party– see outfit details here. At the event they had hor d’oeuvres and drinks, a guy playing the guitar, and of course shopping. I ran into some old friends I haven’t seen in a very long time. It was a fun evening!

What I am watching: I, again, haven’t started any new shows. I watched the season finale of Dancing with the Stars. The finale is like my Super Bowl! I loved every minute of it! This season was a rarity in the sense that I would have been happy with any of the final 5 winning. That has never happened before! Usually I have one favorite or at the most two that I am rooting for. This season I had 5 people that I loved watching. For me, it could have ended any which way. However, I am not surprised at the outcome and who won. If I had to list the 5 contestants, the way they were placed is exactly how I would have placed them (although I may have switched Jason and Ariana). Xochitl winning was well deserved. She was the only one who was continuously on top with very little mistakes. Alyson Hannigan was a delight to watch! She was the most improved contestant out of everyone. I could see her winning based off of that alone. I am sad it’s over and can’t wait until the next season!

What I bought: The only thing I bought this past week were Christmas gifts for my nieces. I bought my older niece this cute pair of butterfly earrings. For my youngest niece I bought her the pink unicorn stuffer. I still need to buy gifts for the rest of my family, which I will hopefully do so this weekend.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

Little Black Sequined Dress

Fitness Gifts

Gifts For The Home

LTK Spotlight: Vineyard Vines holiday picks

Top Seller of the Week: This white feather top– on sale!

This weekend I have nothing planned and I couldn’t be happier about it. I desperately need to clean my apartment and run errands I have neglected. I need to finish my book that I haven’t had much time to read; and then get a new one. I also want to walk around and look at more holiday decor.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

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7. 18 winter romance books to read

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Weekend Sales