Hey cool cats! Welcome back to the Stomping Grounds Newsletter! Each new month continues to sneak up on me, but I am so ready to show you all the new bits and bobs we have in-store.
Trigger Warning: Back-to-school will be mentioned. I’m afraid it can’t be helped. We must be strong together. (Unless you are a parent to a small child, in which case you probably can’t wait.)
Note: if your device doesn’t let you see the photos, please click “Read Online” in the upper right hand corner of the email!
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE
While many people are going back to school or college in August and September, this survival kit is for everyone! Even if you are long out of school, consider using our guide to make your own personal curriculum. A personal curriculum is a self-guided way to build in intentional time to learn about whatever interests you! (See this Substack or this article for some of my fave ideas for personal curriculums).
1. A planner! I love this desk planner, which is big enough for the whole family’s schedule while also being pretty enough to sit on the kitchen table interminably.
However, a classic, undated planner is a must for students and families.
2. A pretty notebook (blank AND lined) to make note-taking vaguely enjoyable.
Blank
Lined
3. Some nice pens and pencils, because obviously.
And you can put them in this adorable pouch!
4. Required reading—did everyone have to read this book? Did anyone like it? Please advise.
5. A personal library kit to keep track of your endless reading list.
6. A teacher gift! A little treat is literally the least we could do for our teachers—think something nice for the classroom, a relaxing treat to decompress, or just a little note to say thank you.
A large, cozy, luscious vanilla candle
Delish coffee syrups for their daily brew
THANK EWE!!!!!
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NEW ARRIVALS
This is only a few of the new items which had arrived by the time this newsletter was written. Please keep the Stomping Grounds mailmen in your thoughts during this trying time.
The cutest puzzle which almost makes me ready for autumn
FLX coasters—one of FOUR possible designs! Get yourself a set!
Color your own tarot #girlsnight
A fascinating history of the elements for even the most chemistry-averse
Some stunning notecards to send to your loved ones
Little House on the Prairie-inspired recipes, made more delicious by modern kitchen appliances
The Princess Bride with “As You Wish” art on the edges…yeah I immediately bought one
Thanks to Christopher Nolan’s new movie, these gorgeous copies of The Odyssey are going fast!
Edward Gorey. That’s it. That’s the caption.
Maybe the most beautiful edition of this book I’ve ever seen
A gorgeous book worthy of Poe’s spooky tales
For the witchy ornithologist in your life…is it weird that I know several?
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FEATURED FRAMING
We have been having a grand old time framing your stunning art! The stories behind each piece truly make it all the more special. Check out some recently finished pieces:
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
Mark your calendars…Seneca Sounds is putting on the event of the century, a music festival that you don’t want to miss! Coming to the Cracker Factory on September 12, 2026, it will be an incredible celebration of local music, arts, and creativity. Tickets are available now on the Seneca Sounds website and kids under 16 get in free, so be sure to bring the whole fam. Check out the Seneca Sounds Instagram to stay in the loop. See you there!!
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BOOK CLUB
Vicious is My Middle Name by Kevin Dunn (2022)
HEY YOU! I know you’ve been looking for an epic middle grade novel about an iconic and tenacious 13-year-old girl named Sydney Vicious Talcott who finds herself uprooted from her happy, quirky punk community in Upstate NY and plopped down in Western NC (Beaver Dam, to be specific)! I certainly was. Luckily, local author Kevin Dunn made just the book for you and all the cool kids in your life! The book follows Sydney’s attempts to adapt to her new life and school (mean kids included), which is made even more difficult when she discovers that The Powers That Be are planning to build an asphalt plant next to the school, ruining the Appalachian landscape and putting the locals at risk. Sydney and her crew of awesome new friends take on the age-old task of fighting corporate agendas, using her DIY punk community and some newfound Appalachian camaraderie to protect her new home.
This book is truly what I always looked for when I was young—a strong female lead, kindhearted counterculture, and little guys fighting the Big Bad in whatever ways they can. I gave a copy to my fave professor for her daughter, and my professor later reported back that they had “a great conversation about corporate greed,” so if you have any young minds to indoctrinate, this book is the best way. It also doesn’t hurt that it was written by my incredible father, who knows firsthand how to raise cool kids #humblebrag #nepobaby. Find some signed copies in-store now!
As always, thanks for being part of the Stomping Grounds Cool Cats Club. See you next month!
