Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“Live where your heart finds life”

-Kavya Dixit

Happy Friday! It’s been a week of highs and lows, gaiety and somber. It was a week of taking care of my mental health as well as my physical health.

Last weekend I flew home to Ohio to celebrate my dad’s 70th birthday. It was a quick trip, but worth it to be celebrating him. I flew mid-afternoon Friday and went straight to the hair dresser to get my haircut. I always get my haircut in Ohio; cheaper, my hair dresser knows exactly what I want, and it gives me a chance to catch up. My hair dresser here in the city is only a colorist, she doesn’t cut hair. Welcome to being a woman…. Anyway, I got about 2 inches off!

After my haircut my parents and I went to the Columbus Zoo for their Lantern Festival. Throughout the zoo they had different animal figurines that lite up. We really enjoyed it! Some very beautiful animal lanterns. Some that even moved! Since it was at night we didn’t get to see many of the (real) animals; only elephants, a black bear, and wolves. It was a cool experience and I am glad we went!

Saturday I spent the morning at my sister’s house hanging out with her and my nieces. They were very excited to show me their new bikes. And we played on their swing set. Afterwards I played tennis with my dad. It’s been a while since we played tennis together, now opting for pickleball. In case you were wondering I am not the best tennis player but I try!

That night the entire family went out to dinner for my dad’s birthday. We went to a nice Italian restaurant in Dublin called Valentina’s. It was the perfect spot; gluten free options for my mom, sister, and me, as well as butter noodles for my nieces. They gave us a semi-private room because someone canceled at the last minute. It was nice to be secluded and just us. We had so much fun! My nieces are too funny! I know my dad had a good time, and most importantly felt loved.

I flew back to NYC Sunday afternoon. Something very strange happened at the airport. They started the boarding process, but then abruptly stopped before anyone actually got on the plane. We were then delayed an hour. Once we were ok to board they had security there rechecking our IDs, looking into our bags, testing liquids, and scanning our palms. I wasn’t scared or worried, more confused. They never gave an explanation. I figured maybe it had to do with it being around 9/11 or how tension is really heightened right now across the country. However, I didn’t see any other flight departures doing this so who knows. Luckily the flight went well; no issues, no one caused a fuss.

Since I went home to Ohio I missed most of NYFW. I didn’t request any invites, and said no to a lot of invites that did come my way. However, Monday evening I went downtown to Capitale for the Tanner Fletcher x Etsy designer’s lounge after party. At the event they had a jazz band playing. At one point the lead guy was tap dancing, I thoroughly enjoyed it all! For a fun treat they had metal coupes of different shapes and sizes that you could have engraved. Most people were putting their initials, but I opted for the classic Italian saying “cin cin!”. Something cute and cheeky. It was a fun evening where I ran into a lot of people I haven’t seen in a very long time!

The rest of my week has been grey. I wasn’t feeling motivated or inspired, and didn’t feel like doing anything. I get in these moods every once in a while. I think it’s my mind and body’s way of telling me to rest. Or that I need to take care of myself more. It will pass and I will feel like my sunny self soon.

Yesterday I went to get a mammogram and an ultrasound. I’ve been having pains in my left breast, off and on, since December. I personally think I pulled a muscle but my doctor wanted to make sure it wasn’t anything more serious. It is always better to be safe than sorry! Any woman can tell you that getting a mammogram is not fun; it hurts and it’s uncomfortable. However, the doctors and nurses at the Lenox Hill Radiology were patient and kind to me throughout the process. I have already gotten my results back and it’s negative! I wasn’t worried about it being anything serious like cancer, but you never know. I was relieved to see the negative results. Now my doctor and I will have to figure out what is going on with my body. I am falling apart one snap, crackle, and pop at a time.

What I am watching: It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Dancing with the Stars is back!!! This is my favorite reality show. My dream is to be on it someday! It always puts a smile on my face. I get so happy while watching it. This year’s competition is stiff! I was so impressed, and shocked, at how well everyone did on night one. Right now I would say Robert Irwin is going to win– and I hope he does! He nailed his dance without having any dance background. I am not one of those fans that gets up in arms over someone who has a dance background. Being a dancer myself I know that ballroom is a different beast. I would have trouble doing it. It would be like assuming a basketball player would excel at football only because they are in a sport. It’s different. Anyway, I have a few other favorites besides Robert like Scott from Pentatonix, Jordan Chiles (deserved higher scoring!), Elaine Hendrix, Danielle Fishel, Dylan Efron, and Whitney and Jen from Moron Wives (don’t come for me on that one).

Speaking of reality shows, another great one is back! RHOSLC is back and just as dramatic as ever. I love these women; they are off their rockers. Each one was made for reality tv. I was cracking up the entire time. I can’t wait until next episode when we see the rest of the Blair Witch style video.

What I bought: I noticed that I do not have that many nice shoes for the fall. I have my nude stilettos, my off-white slingbacks, loafers, and of course boots. What I really wanted was maroon, or dark red, heels to wear. I ended up getting these slingback pumps in French merlot. Next I bought this suede camel skirt. Something else that I lack for the fall: skirts.

On The Blog

The Best Jeans of the Fall

LTK Spotlight: This chic and cozy loungewear set (top and bottom under $100)

ShopMy Spotlight: New fall fashion finds

Mavely: Fall items under $40

10% off Ally Shoes with code: MAGGIE10

Top Seller: This cozy cardigan

This weekend I have nothing planned. I am torn between getting out for some fresh air and staying in to do nothing. But I think leaving my apartment and doing something else will put me in a better mood.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1.Hallmark has released their Christmas movies release dates

2. A pretty maxi dress for the fall

3. Love this color yellow for a sweater

4. A must-have handbag for the season

5. How books inspired NYFW

6. Biggest trends from NYFW

7. Inside Tuckernuck’s new NYC store

8. The most anticipated books of the fall

9. This apple crumble recipe looks good

10. Ways to declutter your home this fall

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