Category: My Life

Blog & Life Updates: July 2026

EmmaLeave a comment

Hey y’all,

How is your Summer going (aside from horrid heat/humidity)? I took 4 days off (before July 4th wknd) for a staycation. My parents visited (after 6 yrs); they moved away from MD ‘burbs in Summer of 2020 (pandemic life). We went to The Wharf (Pink Tiger) and NoMa (La Cosecha: Latin food hall near Union Mkt); both places are showing World Cup (soccer) games.

I’m planning to be more social (or just going out solo) in coming month; I mostly slept/did errands and chores over wknds in June (NOT my idea of fun). July will be my last mo. at Orangetheory; I need to save money/focus more on the food component of health. However, I do recommend trying OTF (IF in good health/under 40). One of the former OTF coaches (Jon Beal) is an actor; he is part of the ensemble in Othello (STC) starring Wendell Pierce. I’ve joined Real Roots; I went to 2 intro events (happy hrs), BUT haven’t been matched w/ a group yet. I’m at an age/stage of life when expanding ones social circle can be a challenge. I’m planning to go to more DC Movie Club events; the few ppl I met (at Hamnet play at STC) were V nice/laid-back.

Speaking of movies… many cinephiles (IRL/online) are buzzing re: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey; it will be widely released on FRI, 7/17. I got ticket for TUES, 7/21, at local Alamo Drafthouse; TUES is the day for deals at many movie theater chains. Did you read the book before or see any of the adaptations? I recall reading it in 9th grade; I was in the advanced English class.

FYI: Hi, skin (open 2 yrs in 14th St corridor) is having a deal on facials (IF you’re in DC metro area). I got a regular facial last wk.

Thanks for reading & subscribing! This blog has over 800,000 hits- how FAB!

-EMMA

Currently Watching:

House of the Dragon (HBO MAX)

Love Story (Disney+)

Upcoming Reviews: Movies

1776 (1972)

Disclosure Day (2026)

Eden (2024)

Elmer Gantry (1959): Rewatch

Project Hail Mary (2026)

Send Help (2026)

The Return (2024)

Upcoming Reviews: TV/Streaming Shows

Imperfect Women (2026)

Fatal Attraction (2023) & Presumed Innocent (2024): Reimagining 1980s Thrillers

Happy (Late) New Year!

EmmaLeave a comment

Hey y’all,

This blog was started 18 yrs ago- whoa! Thanks for reading, subscribing, and sharing my writing! Follow me on IG and Bluesky: knightleyemma.

Sorry for the longish absence; I’ve been dealing w/ a V big workload. My team continues to be understaffed/overworked; these last 4 mos. were esp. tough. After the recent (JAN) storm, where we got a crazy amount of snow, I was stuck inside for 5 days (TOO long)! The snow soon hardened into ice (V dangerous); it hasn’t all melted yet!

This is a V dark/heavy time for ppl (esp. we who are POC) here in the U.S.- even though we are expected to “act normal” and go about our daily biz. I’m trying to spend less, eat better (incl. limiting DoorDash deliveries), and go to Orangetheory (3x) ea. wk. I missed 2 wks b/c of bad weather and (tight) deadlines recently. Sometimes, we have to pause to let ourselves feel sad, angry, or whatever else.

I joined the DC Movie Club; this social group holds many events, incl. at Alamo Drafthouse (Bryant St). I was a BIT late for the happy hour (HH) when I went, BUT I saw Park Chan-wook’s latest film- No Other Choice. IF you go on a TUES, you’ll save on tix. If you’re in the area, check it out!

-EMMA

UPCOMING MOVIE/TV REVIEWS:

Edge of the City (1957)

Far from the Madding Crowd (1967)

Inferno (1953)

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2026)

No Other Choice (2026)

Nuremberg (2025)

Sinners (2025)

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)

Zodiac (2007)

Building A Winter Skincare Routine

EmmaLeave a comment

FYI: I’ve used ALL these prods (below) and recommend them highly. For reference, I have Combo-Dry skin now in my mid-40s. If possible, look for minis (IF unfamiliar w/ the brand) and comparison shop (to get the best deals). Products I’m currently use (Fall/Winter 2025) are marked w/ a star (*).

1) Cleansers

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser*

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Tatcha Rice-Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser

2) Exfoliators

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads (gentle exfoliator; can use ea. day)

Ole Henriksen AHA Lemonade Smoothing Scrub (use 2-3 x per wk.)

Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder (3 types: Classic, Gentle, or Deep)*

3) Toners

Fresh Rose Toner

Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Alcohol-Free Toner*

4) Serums & Eye Creams

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright 15% Vitamin C Serum (can be used daily)*

Ole Henriksen Double Rewind 0.3% Pro-Grade Retinol Serum (use 2x per wk at night, IF new to retinols)*

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Eye Crème for Dark Circles (can be used daily)*

5) Moisturizers

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream

Ole Henriksen Strength Peptide Barrier Boost Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid*

Tower 28 SOS Recovery Cream*

6) Sunscreens

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen​

Tower 28 SOS Face Guard SPF 30*

Sephora VIB Sale Wishlist (Fall 2025)

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As (regular) followers on IG know, I mainly shop at Ulta. I’m on a low buy (some mos. are no buy).

Here is a (small) wishlist for current Sephora sale:

1. Glossier Cloud Paint Plush Blush: I’d like a red blush (esp. for holidays), so interested in color Burst. I have tried a few lip products from this brand.

2. LANEIGE S’more Kisses Set: One of my fave brands for lips! This is a limited-edition set w/ 2 items: Vanilla Lip Glowy Lightweight Hydration Balm (full size) and Chocolate Sleeping Mask (mini).

3. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil Stain: The color I wore last Fall/Winter is Delight; however, ALL colors look FAB (checked in-store before).

4. Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench™ Moisturizing Shower Oil for Dry Skin: I loved the scent (of the body spray I tried)! The brand’s body washes and lotions are better than the sprays, so check those out.

Winter is Coming: Lip Products for the Season

EmmaLeave a comment

Lip Exfoliation

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator: One of the few products I like for exfoliating dry/chapped lips.

Lip Balms

Fresh Sugar Hydrating Lip Balm: My recs are the Caramel and Coconut scents.

Laneige: Lip Glowy Balm (var. scents); Lip Sleeping Mask (var. scents; can use during day)

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm: Iced Coffee (sheer cocoa) is my current choice; there are a variety of choices. For a more affordable alternative, try the Cocokind lip balms (I’m trying now).

Lip Color

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna: Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick: Riri shade will look good on tan skin; Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream: Cookie Jar (chocolate caramel) is a FAB Fall/holiday color.