The Super Side Note…
French Literature, a juicy tinted moisturizer, vintage items, local needlepoint shop FOMO and falling in love with your life right where you are.
For the Week: 7-21-24
How is it already Sunday again? Is it just me or did this week feel like it moved at both a glacial and super-sonic pace?! This week has been filled with all kinds of ups and downs (but whose week isn’t, right?) and I mentioned this on my Instagram stories earlier this week, but this community is such a “happy place” for yours truly and for this I am so very grateful to have each and every one of you here.
I was so taken back by your response to Super Side Note’s inaugural publication last week and am so excited to be back with more for you.
In case you are new here….“Super Side Note” is something my sister and I always say to one another, as we are both notoriously guilty for bringing up something in conversation that is completely unrelated to whatever it is we are talking about.
I hope this offers a soft landing place for you to let your thoughts wander and maybe find a thing or two that inspire you in a thought-filled and purposeful way as you embark on the week ahead.
Needlepoint will (of course) continue to be the sole focus of this publication, but think of this little slice of “The Finishing School Blog” as finishing touches for your day-to-day life. ❤️
What I’m Reading: Brushing Up on Our French Literature
If you have a little lady in your life in any capacity (cc: all the fairy godmothers out there), the Claris series *needs* to be on your radar. Our girls adore the stories and cast of characters as much as I adore the couture fashion featured in each book. Author Megan Hess is a renowned fashion illustrator who works with some of the most prestigious fashion designers and luxury brands (see: Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Valentino, Gucci, etc.). This enchanting series features class both on and off the runway.
What I’m Wearing: Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer
#HydrationStation💦
My skin has always been on the “oily” side, especially during the summertime. This summer, however, the prenatal hormones are wreaking havoc on my skin and my skin is the driest it’s been in a long time. After many a product tried, I decided to go back to my high-school roots and give the Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer a go.
Game, set, match.
It is the perfect, juicy dose of hydration my skin needs without getting too “greasy” in the summer heat. I’ve been using it everyday and it is the perfect 10-second way to even out my skin tone AND protect it in a really natural looking way (bonus points: it has hyaluronic acid).
*P.S. - did you know that when you wear a tinted moisturizer with SPF the color in the tint works as an extra defense against the harmful rays that cause sunspots?
Sendin’ out an S.O.S.: I NEED more protein - @mad_about_food
I am always on the quest for easy the easiest recipes to make that will add healthy amounts of protein to my diet to keep me energized and recently I found @mad_about_food on Instagram. Her popular series, “Full Day of Eating: 30g protein per meal” is just as addictive as the simple recipes she showcases. I made her chicken salad this week and it did not disappoint. Adding it to our weekly rotation (lots of room to modify to your taste). Totally worth the follow!
If I Could I Would: Hathaway Hutton
Look, we all need (and have) *those* items that are so fun to dream about owning (and make you want to really save your $$). For me, it’s this bag from Hathaway Hutton .
I discovered Hathaway Hutton a little over a year ago and absolutely adore everything they create. The company ethos is one which is centered around creating one-of-a-kind exclusive pieces by up-cycling vintage designer textiles. Their creations are just spectacular and although this bag is out of my budget now, it’s a company that will absolutely remain on my radar.
Endlessly Inspired By: Lady Holiday
I recently found Francesca aka Lady Holiday via Second Hand Savvy on Instagram and adore her gorgeous and curious curation of vintage goods. It is easy to see her pieces are intentionally selected in a way that honors their former “glory days” and inspires a whole new set yet to be lived out. I am loving this mid century charm bracelet and can all but hear the sweet chorus wearing this while basketweaving would create.
The Scoop Behind the Stitch: Local Needlepoint Shop FOMO & A New Stitch Group
This week I talked about my perspective on living close to and far from local needlepoint shops and how we can continue to support our favorite shops while not letting the proximity of one create any more F.O.M.O. (“fear of missing out”) in our lives. What are your favorite ways and places to #shopsmall in the needlepoint world? I also talked this week about my (not so) local needlepoint shop Fireside Stitchery - come on a tour with me!
This weekend I had the absolute pleasure of being part of the FIRST ever Stitch Club Lehigh Valley meetup. It was such a fabulous afternoon with a great group of stitchers. I am already thinking of ideas for our next one with my dear friend, Samantha (make sure to check out her site here). I have some footnotes to share (shocker) about stitch meet-ups so be on the lookout for those soon.
Final Thoughts: Fall In Love With Your Life…
This one stopped me in my scroll when I saw it on Paper and Pencil Co.’s Instagram. A beautiful reminder to fall in love with your life, right as it is….right now.
Have a fabulous week,
Emily 🎀
❤️ Thank you for being here and for supporting my publication. I would love to hear what you want to see in “The Super Side Note” - let me know here or send me a message on Instagram or by emailing: thefinishingschoolblog@gmail.com
Thank you for sharing the protein ideas! I struggle daily with this. Loving these Super Side Notes 💕
Love the Clinique Tinted Moisturizer, I wear it year round!