7 Things Our Main Line & Philadelphia Editor Is Loving Right Now
As advocates for small businesses, The Scout Guide editors are continually scouting their communities for local finds to share and celebrate. With their fingers on the pulse, they are also excellent sources for unique recommendations. Recently, we caught up with The Scout Guide Main Line & Philadelphia editor Laurie Wightman, to find out what she’s really excited about these days. Here, she shares her current obsessions, from her travels to see her favorite jam band to the denim that has become a summer staple.
1. WHAT I’M DOING
Create Academy, Grow a Spectacular Garden in Pots with Arthur Parkinson | “Aside from delivering guides of my newly launched Volume 8, I have been seeking to create a little more work/life balance for myself this spring and summer. I discovered the British media company Create Academy a little while ago, and I find every course they provide to be an incredible resource to live a more creative life. They provide thoughtfully curated video courses in gardening, interiors, food, and crafts that truly elevate your life. I highly recommend it to anyone who is seeking a little more beauty in their lives while learning a new art or skill.”
2. WHAT I’M WEARING
Mother Denim The Insider Crop Step Fray from Skirt | “It’s officially the season of white jeans, and that means I get to wear my favorite pair by Mother Denim. I cannot say enough great things about the fit of these jeans—I own several pairs that carry me through the summer season. Skirt in Bryn Mawr has a fabulous selection of Mother Denim that can be shopped in person or online.”
3. WHAT I’M READING
Air Mail | “Every Saturday morning I love receiving my copy of Air Mail by Graydon Carter, former legendary editor of Vanity Fair, and team. This is a digital newsletter with the most exceptional content of current news that covers everything from business, politics, and international news, to travel, fashion and beauty, food and drink, and everything in between! I discovered this newsletter in the very beginning of the pandemic and became completely enamored with it. It is such a treat to wake up on Saturday mornings, open up my inbox and see the words ‘Graydon Carter here…’”
4. WHAT I’M MAKING
Cookies from Metropolitan Bakery | “I love gifting the Sour Cherry, Sea Salt and Dark Chocolate Cookies from the delicious Metropolitan Bakery whenever I visit someone or when someone comes to visit me. Metropolitan Bakery on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia is absolutely adored by locals in the know. I’ve even learned the recipe so I can make these addictive sweet treats myself. I love soaking the sour cherries in a little bourbon to give them an extra punch of flavor. If you’re intrigued, I’m happy to report that you can now order these cookies to be shipped right to your door.”
5. WHERE I’M GOING
San Francisco and Sonoma Valley, California | “Most of the remaining members of the Grateful Dead have been on tour for the last several years under the name of Dead & Company, alongside John Mayer. This summer is their final tour, so my husband and I are heading to San Francisco to see their final three-night run. I’m a Dead Head at heart, and being at one of their shows makes me happier than most things in life. From there we will spend a week traveling throughout the Sonoma Valley wine country.”
6. WHAT I’M USING
Luzern Force De Vie Pure Oxygen Creme Luxe | “I absolutely love the skincare line by Luzern, and in particular their luxurious face cream. This brand has a cult following and my skin has never looked better than after I started using it. Scouted boutique spa and skin care retreat, Kári Skin, got me hooked through their facials. I’m a firm believer in investing in good skincare, and this is one product that I will use for years to come.”
7. WHAT I’M WATCHING
PBS Programming | “I am a big supporter and lover of public media programming, more-so than anything else. Whether it be PBS NewsHour, Finding Your Roots, Nature, American Masters, and so much more, there is something for everyone. Right now I’m partial to the Nature David Attenborough episode, Wonder of Song, which highlights remarkable bird songs in nature. It blew me away and now I listen and look at birds in a much more appreciative manner.”
Feature photo by Lexy Pierce. To keep up with Laurie’s current loves and all things local in her area, follow The Scout Guide Main Line & Philadelphia on Instagram or visit mainlineandphiladelphia.thescoutguide.com. Is The Scout Guide missing from your town? You—or someone you know—could be the next owner. Let’s start the conversation about bringing The Scout Guide to your area here.
