Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“The complexity of your mind can only be overcome by surrendering to the simplicity in your heart”

-Ruben Huys

Happy Friday! Between cyclopes and candles, this was a much more relaxing and playful week.

To kick things off I went to my friend Sarah’s birthday dinner on Saturday night. There was a big group of us in a secluded area at Isabelle’s Osteria in Gramercy. This was my first time at Isabelle’s Osteria and I must say, it was delicious. While we ate family style, I was offered my own plate of gf pasta. However, I was able to share some of the salad and the chocolate pudding in the end… and let’s be honest, the pudding was the only part of the meal I cared about! It was wonderful to celebrate Sarah, and to catch up with friends. We got all dressed up, and Sarah, always the hostess with the mostest, made cute place cards, gave each of us a “happy birthday” headband, as well as Bubs Swedish candy. The entire evening was overfilled with laughter, joy, and celebration. It was wonderful!

I had three days off of work, which is unusual yet very welcoming. I spent the first day being domestic and fully relaxing; running errands, reading, yoga, cleaning, etc. Then Tuesday I made it a day of fun! Since starting work I haven’t really taken a day off for myself. I am usually working on my blog content on my days off. I started off at the book store where I picked up two new historical fictions: The Calamity Club (everyone is raving about it), and The Other Bennet Sister (I wanted to read it before watching the new series). I wanted to add a romance book, something lighthearted, but didn’t see anything that caught my eye. Any recommendations?!

After the book store I had a 1:10pm ticket to finally see The Odyssey!! I really liked it! I have mostly heard great things about the movie, but a few negative reviews that it was boring. While I can see how it was for some, it is very long, I thought it captured my attention throughout. I will say there are parts that were too loud, the bass was too loud… or maybe I am getting old. I had to cover my ears! And while we are at it, I covered my eyes as well during a few grotesque and violent scenes. While I know the story of The Odyssey, there was a lot I forgot about, parts of his journey home. I thought everyone did an amazing job; give Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon an Oscar! And dare I say, I will be having a crush on Matt Damon for the following week.

Since I was already in Union Square I decided to have dinner at Luke’s Lobster to finally have a lobster roll. I couldn’t end summer without having one. Luke’s Lobster has gluten free rolls, which is why I go there. Well for some God forsaken reason I completely forgot to tell them to make it gluten free. Since becoming gluten free over 12 years ago, I have never once forgotten to mention it at a restaurant. I still do not know what I was thinking; perhaps my mind was still on Matt Damon heroically fighting off the suitors, or in my mind I assumed the entire menu was gluten free. Either way it wasn’t until my stomach started to ache, and I was pretty much finished with the roll, when I realized. Actually, I was saying to myself “this buttered roll is really good” when it hit me. I threw out the rest of roll, and left. Knowing what was to come. I spent the rest of my day of fun getting sick. My body felt inflamed so I had to put ice packs on my head and chest to try and cool down. Not the best ending to an enjoyable day, but lessoned learned. I also feel much better!

My last day off I spent it catching up on blog content, emails, and more.

What I am watching: I started Ride or Die on Prime starring Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddington. Judith ( Waddington) and Debbie (Spender) are best friends, but Judith has a secret. She is an assassin. Something happens making Debbie aware of Judith’s real occupation and they go on, let’s say, a little dangerous adventure. I am really enjoying it! it’s fun, actionpacked, and I love the chemistry between the two characters.

Speaking of Hannah Waddington, Ted Lasso is back!!! I am so happy!! It’s just what we need; some good hearted fun. I enjoyed the first episode. Thought it still captured the magic of the show; the silliness, the heartwarming moments. It felt like hugging an old friend. I am excited for the rest of the season and curious as to how they continue some personal storylines…. *cough* Roy Kent and Keeley better get back together *cough*.

What I bought: I exchanged new a piece and finally hit purchase on some others.

Almond Lace Shorts: I know I am a few months late to this summer trend, but I have been wanting a pair of lace shorts. I finally bought a pair of these almond colored ones. I figured it’s a trend that will come back next summer, and I can wear it for the rest of August and well into September. It’s a comfortable, yet chic, way to throw on a pair of casual shorts and go about your day.

Black Mini Dress: I bought this a few weeks ago but the size 2 was too big. I exchanged it for a 0- so hopefully that will fit better. I do really want to keep it as I want a black linen mini dress to keep for years to come.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

Everything I Read in July

LTK Spotlight: What I wore last weekend

ShopMy Spotlight: Pre-fall wedding guest dresses

Top Seller: This brown piping white dress

This weekend I will be working a little. However, depending on the weather, I may go out for a drink or two. I do have Sunday off, so will be spending that day out and about enjoying the only day of sunshine we will have for the next week.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. A Gilmore Girls documentary is in the works- Oy with the poodles already!

2. A beautiful floral dress for August- I have this in another print and color and love it

3. Peridot cashmere cardigan for the fall – an unexpected color that is really pretty

4. Eyeing this long beaded necklace– the multicolors makes it so you can style it with a lot of different pieces

5. The Met Gala 2027 is John Galliano: Horizons– expect to see bold shapes, theatrical embellishments, historical inspirations

6. Boutique shopping is bouncing back- There is nothing like being able to touch, feel, and try-on pieces

7. Is loneliness a new status symbol?- as someone who is an ambivert, I understand the desire for solitude

8. Every type of blush and how to use them – recently been using liquid blush, but will always stay true to pressed powder

9. 18 new books released this month- adding a few to my BTR list

10. How to calm your nervous system before work- I admit I immediately check social media upon waking up

Weekend Sales