Tag: Life

Blog & Life Updates: July 2026

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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

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

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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.

    Winter is Coming: Skincare Recs for the Season

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    Cleanser

    First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Facial Cleanser: My personal fave cleanser for Fall/Winter; I have used it off/on for almost 10 yrs.

    Fresh Soy Face Cleanser: Another of my top choices which have used 5+ yrs; good for any season/type of skin.

    Serum

    Estee Lauder Advanced Night Serum: The (one and done) serum for ALL ages/skin types; I’ve used it off/on for several yrs.

    Lancome Génifique Ultimate Recovery Face Serum: This is a V popular product for mature skin; my mom has used several products in this brand for 20+ yrs.

    Moisturizer (Face)

    Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator: This is esp. recommended for those w/ acne-prone (as is entire brand) or sensitive skin in Fall/Winter.

    Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturizer: This product feels fancy (& works); also V popular holiday gift idea (as part of a set) for moms, aunties, & gal pals.

    Moisturizer (Body)

    First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration: This is THE best moisturizer for cold climates &/or dry skin (can use on face also); good for ALL genders (I gifted to my super-dry skinned dad)!

    Native Moisturizing Lotion: My fave scents are Coconut & Vanilla and Lavender & Rose; I’ve been using this (affordable) brand for 5+ yrs.

    Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil: The (viral/popular) product that really works; I see women (all ages) flocking to get this product at my local Ulta store (whenever on sale).

    Help! I Wanna Get Offline (DC & beyond)

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    City Girls DC

    What to say re: this (expanding) social group!? They have something for everybody… incl. monthly events where men also attend. I went (less than a month ago) and am already having a FAB time! City Girls DC (formerly City Girls Who Walk) just celebrated its 3rd anniversary. I went to the DC Indie Book Crawl w/ one of its (many) sub-groups- Sci-Fi Fantasy Book Club; the ladies were welcoming, bubbly, and V smart. Later that same day, I went to a (free) Cardio Dance class at Equinox (Georgetown)- I survived (LOL)! This week, I’m going to see “Sister Act”- the ticket was V affordable. You can join their Discord server (IF I can figure it out, then anyone can) or sign up for the newsletter. There are sub-groups for ladies over 35, so y’all other mature gals need NOT worry!

    Outerly

    Do you enjoy long/leisurely walks, BUT also want to meet new peeps? Outerly (founded by Kay- a young WOC) will match you up w/ 4-8 fellow walkers to explore an area of your city; it is available now in Baltimore & DC. I have gone on one of their walks (late in Fall 2024) which ended at Malcolm X (Meridian Hill) Park. FYI: There were MANY attendees in their 20s, but also some in 30s and above. This is a V affordable option to meet new ppl!

    Timeleft

    Are you called the “foodie” in your circle of (current) pals? Then, I suggest checking out Timeleft dinners (held each WED night at 7PM all over the world in major cities) where you can meet 5 strangers (or potential friends) in your age group w/ similar personalities. Everyone I met was nice; half of the attendees had been to these dinners before (in other cities)! I have gone 2X (Fall 2024), but plan to go again in the near future.