Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

This post may contain affiliated links, which means if you purchase an item I will earn commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

“It’s already yours. You’re just becoming someone who can hold it”

-Matt Cooke

Happy Friday! From margaritas to swollen lymph nodes, this week started out fun and ended with fatigue.

Last weekend I met up with my friend Sarah for margaritas and tacos at Toloache in the Upper East Side. We haven’t really seen each other for a while, so it was great to catch up. We both got the pollo tacos, and let me tell you, they were good! It was the perfect amount; two small tacos with chicken, pico de gallo, and Manchego cheese. We both added a little guacamole we had for our chips into our tacos. I didn’t feel overstuffed like I usually do at Mexican restaurants, which lead to plenty of room for more chips and guac. Anyway, I thought the food was good, the margs were great, enjoyed catching up with Sarah, and it was SO nice to be out. I feel like I haven’t really been out that much lately, and I definitely needed it.

Since Saturday I have had an ache in the right side of my neck; from my ear to under my jaw. It almost felt bruised in a way. Very tender; I felt pain if I touched it. I originally thought that it was either an ear infection or a reaction from wearing a lot of statement earrings lately. I luckily already had my annual exam with my doctor scheduled on Tuesday. I had her check it out and she said my right lymph node is swollen. There isn’t a lump, thank goodness, but it is still inflamed for some reason. She suspects my body is currently fighting some sort of virus. I do feel very fatigued. I can barely stay up, I have taken naps during my days off, and even took a nap at work today during my lunch break. I told my manager that I am going to take it easy this weekend with work, as to not over exert myself. It still feels tender, but has gotten better. If it still hurts next week I will go back to the doctor to figure out what is going on. I am clearly not a doctor, but I have had walking mono before (9 years ago), so am wondering if it reemerged.

Besides sleeping and working, I have been spending time listening to audiobooks and finishing my book. I devoured Buckeye Brotherhood by Bill Rabinowitz.on audio. It’s about the 2024 football team that won the National Championship. I gifted my dad the book for Christmas last year, and he really liked it. I figured since we are in the mist of college football, now would be a great time to also read it. I very much enjoyed the entire book, even though I didn’t care much for all the statistics and play calling. What I loved most was learning more about the players as individuals, more about Ryan Day’s background, and insights into their thoughts and opinions throughout the season and the historic championship run.

I also finished The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian. It’s classified as a mystery on Goodreads, but personally find it more to be fiction. While there is a certain aspect of the story where we try to figure out who done it, the majority of the book is about dealing with the aftermath of the incident. I really enjoyed the book, but it also wasn’t something I couldn’t put down.

What I am watching: I didn’t start a new show, but I continued to binge watch East of Eden. I loved it! Give Florence Pugh all of the awards, she was phenomenal! I want to read the book as I have been hearing the show it slightly different. I want to understand and know the original story. There is so many nuances to each character that only a book could fully explain.

What I bought: I went on a little shopping spree, getting things that I needed and wanted.

Black Ankle Boots: I needed a new pair of black ankle boots as my current ones are completely damaged. The sole is ripped off- don’t ask me how that happened. I ended up buying a new glossy black pair and am excited to wear them in the fall and winter. I wanted a more elevated ankle boot that I could wear while out to dinner or out for drinks.

Jeans: While I may not be the biggest fan of jeans, I do need a new pair or two. I’ve been searching and searching for the right pair and honestly, haven’t found it. I am very particular in what I want; high-rise, zipper, straight, no visible tags or logos, a certain type of wash, etc. I ended up purchasing these jeans, even though it was a button-fly. I bought my normal size 26, but they are too big. I am returning them, and have already bought the 25s to try on. Still not 100 percent sold on them because of the button-flu closure, but I really need a new pair.

Books: I bought two new books for spooky season. The first being Lady Tremaine – a retelling of Cinderella from the evil stepmother’s point of view. I have heard great things about this book, so am excited to dive in! I figured it was a perfect read for Halloween since it’s about the villain of a fairytale. The next book I bought was The God of the Woods. It’s a thriller about children disappearing from a summer camp in the 70s. Scary and spooky!

Sneakers: Another item that I desperately need is a new pair of sneakers. I religiously wear Tretorns, but they do not last very long. They easily get worn out. I’ve been wanting another pair that I can switch between so I don’t have to keep repurchasing Tretorns every few months. I want a pair that is elevated and comfortable. Nothing athletic looking. I bought these suede sneakers from Veja. After reading the reviews they seemed super comfortable and the right shoe to support my arches. I easily get plantar fasciitis on both my feet– dancer’s problem! Anyway, these sneakers are not at all comfortable and very flat footed. I am returning them and am back on the hunt.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

LTK Spotlight: A must-have fringe sweater

ShopMy Spotlight: The Holiday Edit is here

Top Seller: This brown wrap coat

Tuckernuck Top Seller: This oversized cashmere wool sweater

This weekend I am working, but also taking it easy. When I am not at work I will be sleeping as much as possible. The last thing I need is for this virus to manifest.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1.Candace Bushnell was there first- enjoyed her reflections on dating, getting older, and so on

2. This cozy brown and beige cardigan is definitely a go-to sweater

3. A versatile navy printed dress for the fall

4. This beloved satin tassel clutch is back in stock- in all colors!

5. Celine Dion’s Paris fashion streak is one for the books- she truly is a fashion icon

4. 20 easy styling tricks to make an outfit more interesting- my favorite styling go-to to elevate any outfit is a silk scarf, especially tied around the waist

7. Red lipstick is back and is fresher than ever – fun fact: red lipstick became popular during WWII as a way for women to protest Hitler since he apparently disapproved

8. The Plaza Hotel is closing for 4 years- farewell for now Palm Court

9. A new home for dancers who want to return to the stage – I wish something like this was around in my 20s/30s, I would have auditioned… I may still….

10. How Winnie-the-Pooh ended up at the NYPL – celebrating 100 years of the beloved children’s character

Weekend Sales

Madewell $50 off your favorite new jeans code: UPGRADE

Nordstrom new markdowns up ot 40% off

Sail to Sable 15% off code: MAGGIE15

Hill House Home extra 20% off sale

Revolve 15% off beauty code: RBEAUTY

Boden 15% off code: 9Q3A

Clea archive sale

Agua by Agua Bendita extra 10% off

Markarian 20% off select in-season styles

Loeffler Randall friends and family 30% off select styles