The Super Side Note: Volume 9
Fill 'er up, buttercup! New (to me) shows, grosgrain ribbon, things that actually made me LOL, best SPF & more
My oh my what a week it has been. With the much anticipated launch of The Finishing School Shop last Friday, the past few weeks have felt like an exciting and exhausting blur. Here are some things that are stopping me in my scroll, keeping our family fed & catching my eye in the midst of it all.

An extra warm welcome to anyone new here—I'm so glad you’ve joined! While this is mostly a needlepoint blog, the #SuperSideNote is where I share everything beyond the stitches (you can find the origin story linked here). Your time is valuable, and my goal is to make every moment you spend here feel like time well spent.
What I’m Watching: Call the Midwife! & Paradise
I recently started watching Call The Midwife on Netflix when I feed our baby and I absolutely adore it. Set in London in the 1950s - 1970s it follows the midwives who serve their community and nearly every episode leaves me in tears.
Super Side Note: I swear I was born during the wrong era….anyone else feel that way!?
With Severance being over, my husband and I started watching the show we have heard so much buzzing about, Paradise and WOW. Worth the hype and the music is top notch. Watch the trailer here
What I’m Wearing: Armed and Charmed
Armed: With the spring days upon us we have been getting outside more and more and as such I had a fresh tube of sunscreen arrive this week to usher in the new season. I have tried many a sunscreen and this one from Barefaced has been my favorite for over 2 years. SPF 50, it performs wonderfully and does not leave a white “cast” on my face. Love that is also infused with hyaluronic acid and caffeine for added skincare benefit.
Charmed: Last week I launched The Finishing School Shop and was so overwhelmed by the loving support and encouragement of so many. One of my very dear (virtual) friends Stacy sent me this good luck charm to mark the momentous occasion and I was touched beyond words. Anytime I have worn this in the past week, I am reminded of the beautiful gift of friendship.

What I’m Eating: Baked Feta & Loop and Dash
I will be the first to admit I am *not* a cook nor do I particularly enjoy it (although I do LOVE Ina and aspire to eventually enjoy cooking…. someday). But alas, mouths need to be fed and I need to keep sane….so I have been turning to the experts.
Baked Feta: We have made this baked feta recipe from Emily’s new cookbook multiple times in the past 2 weeks and it could *not* be easier (!). Add a rotisserie chicken (and salad if you are feeling fancy) and dinner is served. Easy to double the recipe for leftovers and or to feed dinner guests.
Loop & Dash: Another secret weapon in this house is Loop & Dash. I discovered them earlier in the year and they have been making meal planning and shopping for the week *so* much easier, especially in this “season” we are in with a baby and little kids. Loop & Dash’s weekly newsletters are my favorite - we are totally trying their Street Corn Chicken Salad this week for lunch.
Super Side Note: Loop & Dash’s website is gorge. That is all.
What I’m Reading: The Grosgrain
The Grosgrain: Cue the confetti - one of my favorite writers and creators of all time has finally joined the world of Substack. I am sure many of you already know her but if you don’t….allow me to make the introduction. Heather of Priss & Vinegar ( I know….how did none of us think of that for our Instagram handle!?) is bringing her signature style to Substack with The Grosgrain.
writing style is real, will make laugh (or snort) aloud , and will have you reevaulating your entire wardrobe. She is one to put and keep (!) on your radar.Top Priority To DO List:
This week I am determined to get everything locked and loaded for Easter Baskets and we are starting potty training for our middle child - quite the combo!
favorite notepads linked here and here
Things That Made Me (actually) LOL:


And in Needlepoint News….
Have been consumed with all things The Finishing School Shop so not as much stitching as I would like BUT I have been chipping away at:
a surprise birthday belt (cannot share images just yet….no fun I know),
Stitch Its Trout Angels (one for moi and one for a special little lady)
and of course, my
Ornament Exchange Partner. My exchange partner has an eagle eye so I am taking zero chances in showcasing more than this, for now at least…
Final Thoughts: Memo to Moi
As we forge ahead this week, something for us to all keep in mind a la my dear friend
. Fill ‘er up!🎀 Some links posted in this Substack are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission if you chose to shop them.
❤️ 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.
And let me just say if those colors are under that ort bowl? Perfection!!!🤣🤣, your “eagle eyed” friend!