Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“You will never be able to escape your heart. So it is better to listen to what it has to say”

-The Alchemist

Happy Friday and happy 4th of July! I am in Ohio to celebrate the red, white, and blue with my family and friends. It’s been a lovely week relaxing and spending time with family.

Before I flew to Ohio, I spent my days at the ballet. Last weekend I went uptown to the Met Opera House to see the American Ballet Theatre’s performance of Onegin. I haven’t seen Onegin in a while, so was excited to revisit this beloved story. It’s a beautiful tale of unrequited love, tragedy, and self-destruction. The movements are soft and graceful, yet filled with so much passion. Devon Teuscher gave an outstanding performance as Tatiana. Aaron Bell gave a strong performance as Onegin. The bedroom scene at the end was truly something special to see; I felt the emotion emanating from the stage.

On Monday night I went back to the Met Opera House to see the American Ballet Theatre’s performance of Don Quixote. If you haven’t seen this humorous ballet, you must. It’s one of the oldest stories told- the book being first published in the 1600s. It’s a tale of forbidden love that is told through eccentric characters and whimsical adventures. The character Kirtri breaks the mold of a traditional ballerina, as her movements are feisty, sensual, and strong. All in which can be demonstrating in the famous “Kitri Jump” that was created for the character- and has now become a staple balletic movement. Catherine Hurlin gave a phenomenal performance as Kitri; perfect comedic timing, powerful movements, and grace.

Besides enjoying the ballet, I spent the rest of my time at work. We had a very busy weekend, lots of clients coming in, tourists visiting, and last minute vacation shopping. I had one private session working with two stylists and their client. Some top selling items being sold are this embroidered dress, this easy throw on dress, and this classic button down.

I flew to Ohio Tuesday morning and have since been hanging out with my family. We went to my favorite local Mexican restaurant. Always my first meal home! When we walked in the waitress goes “Oh! 153 with corn tortillas, hi”… that is my order!! haha! While I now only go 3 times a year, I have been dining there for over 20 years and always get the same thing. When leaving she goes “see you in a few months”… and that she will!

My nieces came over for the day and I had the best time with them. We started off the day going to brunch at Bob Evans, which they love their kids pancakes. Then spent the afternoon at the pool at the club my parents belong to. It was very hot outside, so we only stayed for 2 hours. I tried to lay out for a while but got lightheaded. I do usually spend my time in the pool anyway. My nieces showed me their new swimming techniques; handstands, jumping off the high dive, etc. We had a great time and I am so happy I got to be with them.

What I am watching: My parents and I started watching the new Netflix show I Will Find You starring Sam Worthington, Britt Lower, Milo Ventimiglia, and more. I believe we are on the 4th episode and like it so far. It reminds me a little of 1993 movie The Fugitive, how he is constantly on the run. I do think it’s a little predictable, but also has some unexpected turn of events. I am not sure why this is all happening, so am very curious and excited for when it all comes together.

The tv is permanently on as we watch Wimbledon! It’s my favorite Grand Slam; I love the traditions, the beautiful court, and the elegance of the players wearing all white. I am rooting for Sinner to win the men’s, and either Coco or Osaka to win the women’s. We watched Serena Williams take the court once again after 4 years! Although she lost, I give her a lot of credit for doing it. I thought she still played well, just not as good as she used to be. I wasn’t expecting her to be the old Serena. Still, she is a 44yr old mother, coming out of retirement, and she did it! It’s inspiring to older women; showing we are not too old to do anything. I hope her and Venus win women’s doubles!

What I bought: I didn’t buy anything new this past week but I do have some items in my shopping cart. I absolutely love this embroidered halter dress. It’s gorgeous! My hesitation in getting it is I do not currently have anything on my summer schedule in which I could wear it to. If I had a wedding or an event on the horizon, I would get it. Another item in my shopping cart is this white off-the-shoulder top. It’s a top I can wear year after year. Lastly I want this cotton tank top in every color. With how unbelievably hot it has been lately, this will be a great top to wear– currently on sale under $30.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

LTK Spotlight: This yellow matching set is back for an archival sale

ShopMy Spotlight: New items added to the Summer Edit

Top Seller: This light blue shirtdress (comes in other colors)

As this weekend is the 4th of July my plans are all about the stars spangled banner! Tonight for Red, White, and Boom I am heading to my friend’s block party, my sister’s neighborhood block party, and going out to dinner with my dad (my mom has a reunion party). For the 4th we start the morning off at the parade, followed by a family picnic, then the fireworks at the park. I may also meet up with one of my friend’s during the day, but between family gatherings for each of us we may just catch up on Sunday.

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend xo

1. How Americans changed style forever- defined by individuality and ingenuity

2. This is an easy summer dress to throw on- comfortable and stylish

3. These stripe pants are currently in my shopping bag- timeless summer pants

4. A cute raffia tote bag- perfect for the beach or an everyday summer bag

5. Fashion and tennis are the perfect love match- sartorial statements can elevate the players psyche

6. How the costume designer on Elle (prequel to Legally Blonde) found inspiration– I love all the 90s throwback looks

7. Major summer home decor and design trends – Lets add personality back into our homes

8. Studies found GLP-1s may help with fertility in both women and men- early research suggest the improvement of reproductive health

9. 16 book releases this month- I put Single Girls on my BTR list!

10. An interesting new documentary on how American women deserve better than Tradwife or Girlboss- a deep dive into how the system and society make motherhood difficult by design

Weekend Sales

J.Crew up to 40% off select full-price styles

Nordstrom designer sale 60% off

Sail to Sable 30% off everything code: 4thFUN, 15% off code: MAGGIETATE15

Madewell 25% off almost all dresses, shorts, and shoes

Mango up to 70% off

Hill House Home extra 20% off select sale styles

Ralph Lauren extra 30% off select styles

J.McLaughlin extra 30% off sale

H&M 20% off sitewide

Boden up to 60% off

Tory Burch semi-annual sale extra 25% off