Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“It seems very safe to me to be surrounded by green growing things and water”

-Barbara Kingsolver

Happy Friday! I am back in New York after a wonderful week in Marco Island with my family. We enjoyed lazy days by the pool, delicious meals at our favorite restaurants, and had lots of good laughs together playing games. Wish I had brought the sunshine home with me!

I almost missed my flight last Friday, thanks to the Amtrak being an hour delayed. Something to do with wiring issues. By the time I made it to Newark, hopped on the AirTrain, and went through TSA, I had enough time to go to the restroom and grab a snack. When I walked up to my gate, they were already boarding. By the miracle of God I somehow made it on time. I hate being late.

All my anxieties of being late, and the rush of trying to get to my gate on time, went away once I landed in Florida. My parents picked me up, who have been in Florida already for a week. My sister and her family joined us 2 days later after my niece’s dance competition. It was nice to enjoy some peace and quiet with my parents before the madness of my cute little nieces.

We spent our mornings going for walks around the neighborhood, grabbing drinks at Starbucks, and sometimes going out to brunch. My parents and I (before my sister’s arrival) went to Doreen’s; which is an island favorite. You have to get there REALLY early because there is always a line. The food is delicious and well worth the wait! They have GF options (pancakes and waffles), but I opted for veggie omelette instead.

Our afternoons were spent by the pool outside our rental. For the first few days we had such lovely weather. It felt so nice to dip in the pool or lay out under the sun reading. Also playing marco/polo with my nieces… who cheat by the way, haha! Unfortunately we had two days of terrible cold, rainy weather. On those days we went shopping around the island. I didn’t buy anything but the rest of my family got Marco Island sweatshirts, and my mom got a jacket from a boutique. Unfortunately with the cold weather, it meant we didn’t get to go to the beach this year. I am much more of a pool gal myself, but I do like to collect seashells at the beach. My dad, knowing I love to collect seashells, on the last day went around the dock outside of our rental and found one to give to me. He is the best!

In the evenings we spent it either out to dinner or ordering in. We had a few pizza nights at home, eating outside on the patio. Went out to some of our local favorites like Snook Inn and Cocomos Grill. We went to Sweet Annie’s for ice cream. Then played games like charades or blank slate at night. And of course, watched March Madness.

It was a wonderful week and I wish it could have stayed longer! I wasn’t ready to head back to New York quite yet, especially to the cold. But maybe it was a blessing because the following day was when all the airport madness and shutdown began. I flew back last Saturday and since then have been laying low. I unfortunately caught a cold and have been sick all week. I have worked a little during the day, catching up on emails and creating content, then around mid-afternoon I rest. Either reading or binge watching a show. Trying to get as much sleep as I can. Also going a little yoga, as that always helps me feel better in general. I do feel much better but still have a lingering cough and stuffed up nose.

What I am watching: My parents and I watched Virgin River, so last week we started season 7. I continued to watch it this week and believe I have 2-4 episodes left. I am loving this season with the mystery of Charmaine, and lots of sewing ladies scenes! Also curious about the new character Clay, and whatever his deal is!

I binged watched The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives this past week as I was resting from being sick. Abolish DadTok…… no one wants it. It’s cringey and pathetic that the husbands are trying to ride the coattails of their wives because they can’t handle not being in traditional roles of husband and wife, and not being the breadwinner. I really loved all the women’s dynamics this seasons. Love how they all support each other. I enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes of Dancing with The Stars (another favorite show of mine!). What I didn’t like this season was Dakota and Taylor. This may have been the first seasons where I couldn’t stand Taylor. I understand the toxic cycle she is in, but enough is enough. I can’t stand Dakota at all.

Last Saturday I finally watched Sinners starring Michael B. Jordan. I was worried that it was going to be overhyped and not as good as everyone says it is. I was wrong! It’s a great movie! My favorite scene is when they are finally at the juxe joint and everyone is singing and dancing! Michael B. Jordan deserved the Oscar win! He played twins; one had a slightly higher vocal octave (Stack) in the way he spoke. The twins had similar mannerisms that you would normally see in siblings, but also different at the same time. He deserved that win! Everyone on the cast was amazing! I loved the character Annie the most!

What I bought: I bought this blue checkered top for vacation; worn with a white skirt. Then I decided to get the matching blue checkered pants so I can wear them as a set this spring season.

On The Blog

Dresses to Wear on Easter

LTK Spotlight: Eyeing this cute matching lounge set

ShopMy Spotlight: What I wished I could have packed for vacation

Top Seller: This striped midi shirtdress has been popular the past two weeks

Since I still feel a little under the weather I am going to take it easy this weekend. Since the weather is suppose to be cold, I do not mind staying in and being one with the couch. I will read my current book – a fun beach read that will be released soon as a drama series on Peacock! Other than that I will be watching movies and binge watching shows; about to get into Ladies of London! I may go for a walk just to get fresh air, but mostly will sleep and relax. Trying to get fully healthy before next week!

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Love this article on Anne Hathaway

2. A great everyday dress

3. Eyeing this pink jacket for spring

4. Cute sneakers under $100

5. Lily Pulitzer recreates the iconic Slim Aarons’ Palm Beach photo

6. How Schiaparelli became one of fashion’s most delightfully bizarre designers

7. Enoyed this Q&A with Belle Burden and her mother Amanda

8. Interested in trying a scar tape

9. The most anticipated books of the spring

10. 16 desserts to make this Easter

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