(You can find my favourite photos from 2020 over here.)
Favourite Photos of 2021
by Liz Heather in Family, Personal
Favourite Photos of 2021
Merry Christmas!
October Occurrences 2021
October is complete and Iām exhausted. Every year I try to make the most of October and every year I feel like I accomplish just that. And then November arrives and I feel like I can relax again for a minute before the rush and excitement of December begins. I complain, but I love it and wouldnāt have it any other way. Hereās what went down last month!
I finally made the journey to Salem, Massachusetts and it was everything Iād hoped it would be.
I got this great temporary tattoo from Etsy that I kind of really want to get as a real tattoo now. Could this ever happen? Could I change my entire non-tattoo personality overnight? And if thereās a reality in which this could happen, what would I tell people is the reasoning behind it? That I love Halloween? That itās a reminder to just live? (ā Okay that might be the corniest thought on this entire blog but arenāt all reasons behind tattoos corny as hell? Do people even have reasoning behind their tattoos anymore? DID THEY EVER? Do you see why Iām not made for this??)
Iāve seen most of the new SNLs this season and here are some thoughts:
Owen Wilson ep. - based on the monologue alone, how is this man not considered the most charming celebrity on this planet? Heās so likable, it almost hurts. Love that whole family. (I still dream of Luke Wilson as my third husband or something. He just seems like he might treat me so good?) And the episode wasnāt bad overall but mostly because I think Owenās justā¦ so nice.
Kim K. ep. - I wonāt spell out the K word, I just wonāt do it. This episode was an alien-level of bad. It blew my mind to find out that a lot of people thought differently and even liked it. Not even mainly because she was terrible (she was), but the writing was likeā¦ what the fuck is going on? These people are WRITERS? It made me so mad for a bit. Just agonizingly awful.
Rami Malek ep. - entirely forgettable but not especially terrible.
Jason Sudeikis ep. - okay, now this makes NO sense after the Kim episode, but this was the funniest episode Iāve seen in maybe years. What is going ON? Sudeikis was, obviously, perfect but of course he was gonna be. Canāt love this sketch more.
SO EXCITED for Simu Liu to host next month, seems wild to have someone who knows where Square One is hosting this show.
I tried the new apple cider truffles from Milk Bar and you guessed it: great.
Some of the family went on a mini trip to Niagara Falls and it was nice to get away, even for just a night. We were missing a few people though and that never feels right.
I attempted to get passes to Open House New Yorkās annual weekend and it went horribly. The site crashed immediately upon opening and then everything good was instantly sold out when it came back online. This damn city sometimes, Iām telling you.
I tried the pie crust cookies from Janieās Life Changing Baked Goods on the Upper West Side and they did not disappoint. Honestly just love the bold name choice.
I have watched so many movies this past month, theyāre all kind of a blur. No true standouts, but one. Hubie Halloween. Do not watch it. A movie hasnāt made me that irrationally mad in years. Just unwatchable shit. Can that man just go somewhere and sit on all his money and be happy? He needs to be stopped.
I finished the series On My Block and itās really just a sweet little show. Happy it ended the way it did and when it did. Fully recommend (the first two seasons mostly).
So Iām in the middle of giving up meat for a month for some health reasons (theyāre boring reasons so Iām not going into details) and have you ever heard of meat withdrawal? I hadnāt but itās real, baby. Thought I had the flu or COVID for awhile (I got tested and it was negative) but all the symptoms aligned with cutting meat. Who knew?
So Iām not going to buy the entire Simpsons collection because Iām not wildly irresponsible anymore, but I really want to buy this makeup bag.
My 16 year old niece visited New York for the first time and it was such a great trip. Highlights from the trip: we saw the Joker steps in the Bronx, we saw the musical Wicked (which was TOO good), she went to a cat cafe, we listened to jazz in Harlem, we had dessert at Serendipity, we went to Coney Island to walk around and ride the Wonder Wheel, it was such a busy weekend, Iām so glad we were able to do so much. Loved having her here.
I made an apple fritter cake for Thanksgiving in Canada that was heavenly. Definitely going to make it again at some point.
Links Iām Loving:
After reading so many good reviews, we got Mexican takeout from Ruta in Astoria and good god, that salsa. Itās incredible and deep red and I canāt wait to have it again.
Iām not a giant pumpkin fan but I made pumpkin pecan scones with a maple glaze that were very good. I tend to prefer a lighter, fluffier scone, but the pumpkin weighed these down a bit to make them a bit more dense. I also had so much leftover pumpkin, so I made some soft pumpkin cookies with salted maple icing that were really, really good. Both recipes can be made vegan if youāre better than the rest of us.
I found a new waxing place in Astoria that is incredible: Rio Wax Studio. Not only is it priced reasonably, but the service is incredible. She gets your ingrown hairs like a fucking scientist with special glasses and a magnifying device, itās amazing. Never going anywhere else again.
I went to see the pumpkin flotilla in Central Park and it was wonderful. (People bring in their carved pumpkins and then the Central Park staff arrange them on these little planks to be floated across the water and lit up.) Yes, itās an event aimed at children, but I like cute/fun things as much as any child.
So I entered the Broadway ticket lottery and somehow won (why doesnāt everyone in NY enter this lottery, like, every day?), so I saw Aladdin on Broadway and look, it was cute. It isnāt for me, though. Off and on throughout the whole production I kept thinking about how the 1992 version is so far superior, but I looked around and the kids in that theatre were wowed. So thatās great. One thing that was incredible? The flying magic carpet scene. That was true beauty. Another highlight of the night was being able to walk around and see the inside of the New Amsterdam theatre. Just an architectural beauty. Every view in that theatre is magnificent.
Itās finally soup season, so you can find me most days at Il Bambino in Astoria. Every soup theyāve ever done has been spectacular.
Iād always heard good things about the Halloween decorations on the brownstones in the Upper West Side, so I spent the day wandering around up there and had such a nice walk searching for them. Here were the best streets should you want to see for yourself next year.
87th Street (between Columbus & Amsterdam)
95th Street (between Columbus & Central Park West)
94th Street (between Central Park West & Columbus)
West 88th Street (between Central Park West & Columbus)
West 69th Street (between Broadway and Central Park West)
For Halloween, Baby Dog dressed as Anne of Green Gables and Nathan & I were Bella & Mortimer Goth from The Sims.
Some things Iām looking forward to this month: I have to get my hands on Dave Grohlās new book, itās Thanksgiving croissant time (the best time of the year), the casual outpost of LāArtusi just opened (BāArtusi) so Iāll have to head over there soon, the new holiday stamps just came out and I canāt get to the post office fast enough, I got my ticket for the Dior exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum which should be great, I may or may be headed to another old mansion upstate for a holiday tour of the grounds, and Iām definitely going to write about recent visits to the fashion exhibit at the Met and about visiting The Octagon House upstate, too. Oh and if you care, donāt forget that the Sephora sale starts on November 5th if youāre doing any Christmas shopping.
If you have any interest in reading what went on in September, come on over here.
August Actions 2021
Summer is almost officially over, so obviously the autumn planning has commenced! This will soon be me.
God, I canāt wait. Hereās what went down in August.
You can find my favourite tweets of the month over here and here.
I got artificial (not acrylic) nails again and Iām in loooooove. Powder dip is all Iām going to do from now on. If youāre in Mississauga, the absolutely best place to get them done is at Nails For You in Square One. SUCH a beautiful job.
Have you ever even heard of the Michael Keaton movie Pacific Heights? I hadnāt and it is so good. Love that man. Love that movie.
I made this corn dish (with mozzarella instead of halloumi) with tomatoes and basil as a side dish and itās so summery and perfect.
I kind of love the idea of this fist-fighting festival. āSmall rural communities high in the Andes, many of which do not have regular access to law enforcement to resolve disputes, settle their scores once a year in a public arena, with their fists. The ultimate aim is to begin the new year in peace. For this reason, every fight ā whether it involves men, women or children ā begins and ends with a hug.ā
I made this sweet potato corn chowder and boy was it not good. Never again.
If youāre looking for some small Ontario towns to visit, I didnāt even know all the places on this list.
I tried Bellucci Pizza in Astoria (the Sicilian pepperoni, to be exact) and it was stellar. The texture of the bottom of the slice was unreal. Is it annoying to have another great pizza place? Never.
And while bad pizza is hard to find, I did try Champion Pizza and letās just say that New York has waaaay better to offer. Steer clear.
Nathan and I saw the movie Old with some friends and it was such a party. You can only see this movie with people who wonāt take it very seriously because itās obviously terrible, but in such a fun way. Movie of the summer, as far as Iām concerned.
Incase youāre looking for some perfect background noise while you cook.
I know zero about wine (other than the fact that I loathe South African red wines), but Iāve discovered lately that Iām especially fond of Australian Chardonnays. Look at me!
A friend and I tried Society Cafe for Restaurant Week and it was wonderful, Iād definitely return.
I have been using this eyebrow serum Nulastin for a few months now and itās working miracles on my face. Iām gonna do a full post on it this week so that you can see the before and after for yourself.
I returned to the bakery Mel and got the ham & cheese croissant and some cookies. I know itās hard to come across a bakery that isnāt doing Godās work but this place is at the very top of my favourites list.
You know how when youāre making croutons and the recipe always tells you to use sourdough? MAN, is that bad advice. Or maybe not bad, but sub-par for sure. FOCACCIA! FOCACCIA CROUTONS! I promise you. So crispy on the outside, but little fucking pillows on the inside. Never going back to sourdough croutons. Pass it on.
I watched Desperate Housewives in its entirety for some reason?? Terrible show?? I always watch things I hate in August for some reason.
Speaking of bad television, I started watching the new Riverdale episodes andā¦ oh noā¦ it might actually, finally just be bad. Was it always? Have I grown? I donāt want answers to these questions?
I tried the Beyond chicken nuggets at A&W in Canada and whoa are they good. Must remember this.
I also tried the Swiss Chalet chicken sandwich and it was very all right. I felt like it was missing one element and Iām too dense to know what that could be.
Thereās been a warning sign on my rooftop door since we moved in and it suddenly disappeared (why? I donāt ask questions), so I finally got to see our own rooftop view and itās wild that it took me this long to go look.
I went to Carmentaās in Brooklyn and had a great chicken parm & caesar salad. Love when boring food can be done well.
Iām using this Drunk Elephant set I just bought and yes theyāre good products, but their packaging is complete shit. I canāt stand it when a decent company falls flat on its packaging. Too much or too little product comes out in these types of bottles and itās infuriating every single time.
They were showing the French film La Piscine at the Film Forum, so I went to see it with Irene and god DAMN I love an old theatre. Such a nice summer night idea. Canāt stop listening to this song now.
We also had dinner that same night at Vicās and it was only okay. Donāt think Iāll return, even if their garlic bread was pretty unique and good.
Tried the Double Double Coffee Crisp and for the life of me could not taste the difference between it and a regular Coffee Crisp, so that means? Both are perfect.
I made a Hazel McCallion (Hazel McCallion is a Canadian politician who was the mayor of Mississauga, Ontario, from 1978 until 2014) crop top because Iāll always love her and this shirt needed to exist.
I was on the latest episode of Positive Anger.
I made this peach panzanella with burrata and it was very, very good but when is a panzanella ever bad?
I also somehow forgot about my love for bruschetta, which is just wrong. Love it when dozens of little pieces of tomatoes go flying in every direction just so I can get one measly bite. Itās mayhem and pleasure all at once.
I made this cold vegetable noodle salad and cold noodles always comfort me in ways I never expect. Love this recipe. Even if you omit all the vegetables.
Since I havenāt been able to get a reservation at Carbone yet, should I just buy the damn sauce online or continue to wait it out?
The Nordstrom sale prompted me to get these fantastic tan sandals that I havenāt been able to stop wearing. So light and perfect.
Some great pieces I came across this past month:
How To Have a Happier Post-Pandemic Life (I know itās not yet over, but still a great read)
I always loved the Rosie OāDonnell talk show and this Vulture piece about it just makes me miss it harder
I bought this teeny card holder from Target specifically so that I have a mini organizer for my cards in my smaller purses.
My niece Tianna and I finally found the cream donuts weāve been searching for for years! They can be found at the Mississauga Central Lions Club farmerās market on Sundays 8am - 4pm (runs weekly through late October 31, 2021 at 3 Robert Speck Parkway, in the parking lot). CASH ONLY!
Some things Iām looking forward to this month: I will try to finish off the final things from my summer list, Iām trying to decide if I want to go apple picking or if I just feel like I should, Iām also prepping everything I want to do for autumn, and I might go try this PSL dipped cone (below) because why the hell wouldnāt I?
If you have any interest in reading what went on in July, come on over here.
Moments From 2020
Itās very hard for me to experience a great moment and not want to memorize every second of it so that I donāt forget it, Iāve always been that way. So I made a silent resolution to myself last year that Iād try my best to document the year as best as I could and then make a video of it all. Of course the year I decide to do this, the world shuts down. But I kept up with it anyway and Iām glad that I did. Itās nice to have a virtual photo album of a year that will never be forgotten.
December Dalliances 2020
I hope you had the most merry Christmas possible, I really do. Mine was definitely different from our familyās norm, but it still turned out to be intimate and special. I never thought Iād get a Christmas with my parents and Nathan and Baby Dog all together at once, so thatās kind of a wish come true. In such an awful year, it felt so nice to get something so unexpectedly perfect. A part of it felt empty without Gary and Robbie, but if this year has taught me anything itās to appreciate what youāre lucky enough to have right infront of you.
In other news, are you impressed with how on-time this end-of-month list is this month? I hope you are. I live to impress you. Hereās what went down in December:
I recapped how my autumn list went.
I made my winter list of things to do for the season because I physically canāt stop making lists. It gives my life a sense of direction.
Instagram took away the option to embed your own photos (or changed it & I CANāT FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO IT), so if you know how to please please god tell me.
Great idea of the day: if you have a moment, you can send a letter to become a penpal with a senior citizen who loves to correspond.
Iām always a sucker for articles like this at the end of the year.
When I was making the Nutella cookies for Christmastime this year, I finally learned how to successfully brown butter! It really helps to use a white-bottomed pan so that you can see the browning process happen.
We did the Polar Drive by the airport and it was very cute. Wouldāve been perfect for kids.
I watched the first episode of the new Saved By The Bell and it was cringe city USA. Just really horrendous. There were oddly maybe two parts that were really funny, so the whole experience was just confusing.
Just learned about the existence of mod podge and crafting will never be the same again.
Someone on the Food Network suggested mixing ricotta and cheddar for something and I canāt get it out of my head, I never wouldāve put those cheeses together but now itās all that I want to try.
Such a good waxing experience at Waxon. The wax they use is like magic, it hurts so much less than at regular waxing places.
I have been washing Baby Dogās face like this almost every night since I saw this video and she loves it.
Itās the first time Iāve used it, but Iāve fallen in love with Isle of Paradiseās Self Tanning Drops.
Some movies I rewatched: The Craft (god, I love the outfits in this movie), Misery (great winter watch, still makes me sick to watch the feet scene), Reindeer Games (again, just a fun winter movie) and Alive (are you seeing a theme here? Love snowy movies without Christmas overtones).
I watched the Love Fraud documentary series and it was really, really good. Especially because in the last episode you get to hear from the main guy its based around.
I have been using the cranberry salve from Kiehlās and itās such a Christmas-y, great flavour.
Good god do I want this shirt. Itās so workman-chic.
In love with this white teeny tank I just bought. I have this fantasy of wearing it braless in the streets when weāre all vaccinated. Not sure if this will happen, but in my mind? Christ, itās hot.
I made this cranberry-rosemary julep and yikes it was strong, but not delicious strong. Giada isnāt great at drinks, she should just stick to over-pronouncing Italian pastas and cheeses.
I reeeeally wanted this tulle bra from Zara but it sold out before I could get it, so I bought this blush lingerie one instead. I can almost guarantee that when I put it on Nathan will tell me to calm down.
Love love LOVING these Aritzia bodysuits.
Bought my first crossbody bag from Zara. Worried about how itāll fit across tits, but we shall see and I will report back.
Currently living in this Zara sweatshirt.
Almost all of these leftover stuffing ideas are pure genius.
Iām not a terribly original person, so Iāll forever love a life hack. Love this list.
Iāve been using this great hair finish every day for a month because itās been laying around my parentās house, but I canāt find it available anywhere online.
I made this cranberry brie pistachio wreath that was so, so good (even if you hate brie, which I do).
I made these hot chocolate lace cookies that were very good, if not a little too sugary.
In love with these leftover stuffing muffins. As long as you add pancetta to the stuffing.
I canāt stop making this kale caesar salad with sweet potato and chickpeas. The dressing is unreal.
I dedicated an entire post to the magic that is stuffing.
I listed my very favourites from the year.
Best tweets of the month ahead.
Some things that Iām looking forward to this month: all of the snow thatās coming, Iām excited to sit down and listen to Taylor Swiftās evermore album, I still want to watch the newest season of Big Mouth, Iām so f-ing pumped for the return of Riverdale, might bite the bullet and buy this Glossier lip gloss thatās apparently NOT sticky (how is that even possible?), I really want to watch Soul, I canāt wait to make this carbonara on New Yearās Day and Iāll definitely do everything on this list for January 1st. Also, if youāre reading this on New Yearās Eve, then get your ass over here.
If youāve got any interest in reading last monthās roundup, you can see what went down in November over here.
Merry Christmas!
Never could have anticipated a year like this one, but here we are - a little far apart but still together.
Navigating November 2020
Wonderful, another month has come and gone. Itās hard to tell when Iām in a bad mood these days. I feel like all of my moods are sprinkled with bits of sadness since itās been such a rough year on everyone. It seems hard to be hopeful and optimistic for the coming months because of everything that has gone on already, but I think Iāll continue on with my internal mantra of āfake it ātil you make itā - thatās healthy, right? In any case, hereās what happened last month:
I usually donāt mention the things that I donāt do, but this one is notable: I didnāt have the Thanksgiving croissant from Milk Bar this year (because Iām in Canada at the moment). So this is really just a reminder to myself to go hog-wild on them next November.
I canāt remember if Iāve mentioned them before, but the ready-made roast beef sandwiches at San Remoās in Etobicoke? A PERFECT SANDWICH.
I rewatched the original (better) Jumanji and goddamit what a great movie. How did I forget what a perfect movie that was? Miss Robin Williams so much. Which reminds me: I gotta rewatch Jack soon (Coppolaās greatest movie, in my humble opinion). Havenāt seen that one in ages.
Love the new āOat Milk Latteā nail polish colour at Urban Outfitters. Something about a boring neutral has been really turning me on lately.
The best new hand lotion Iāve used in a long time: this Kiehlās Hand Salve. I put it on once in the morning and once before bed and itās crazy how soft it makes them, even if you wash your hands numerous times a day (which, god, I hope youāre doing).
I know that I tend to live in the past at times, but are you ever needing to print some photos fast and donāt know where to get it done? Years ago, they had machines at Shoppers and then they disappeared. And I just discovered that Staples has those print-right-now machines! It takes seconds to print from your phone and itās crazy cheap. I think you can only get 4 x 6 in size, but still. Thatās great!
Iāll always love Cobs Bread (thanks to Marla years ago for introducing me) but I just tried their garlic focaccia and my god. Heavenly. It also makes a great base for any kind of at-home grilled cheese or even an at-home garlic bread using garlic butter.
So I tried the Popeyeās chicken sandwich that people were stabbing each other for andā¦ I fully understand the murdering mentality. Itās an incredible chicken sandwich. I was expecting not to understand the hype, but here I stand before you, four chicken sandwiches deep.
Iāve been consistently using the Luna Night Oil from Sunday Riley (a small version that came with a gift set) and I think itās really working well. My skin looks amazing in the morning after each use. So I might bite the bullet and buy the full size when I run out.
Just so sad to see this man pass away.
And I canāt forget this great one, too.
I simply cannot stop ordering the vegetable fried rice from Fortune Dragon in Mississauga. Canāt and WONāT.
I had such a terrible experience using Skip The Dishes the other night (there was a problem with an order and the restaurant refused to fix the problem and I was on the phone with STD (hahah, can we all call them this from now on PLEASE) for over an hour, just disgusting). So now theyāre banned in our house.
And speaking of annoying food experiences, Scaddabush got rid of the best sandwich on their menu. What. the. hell. It was a prosciutto cotto grilled cheese with Italian cured ham, caramelized onions, mozzarella, and fig jam on a focaccia bun and IT IS NO MORE. I did attempt to make it at home one night and it was actually really good, but still. Who wants to spend their evenings caramelizing onions for hours in the kitchen? Well, I do, for one. But regardless! Bad move, Scaddabush.
I came across these actually helpful, fast TikTok beauty tips.
Excited to visit this new food hall in Long Island City one day.
Love these two new Tierra Whack songs.
I love hearing these kinds of butterfly effect stories, always.
How on earth can someone build a roller coaster in their backyard? People continue to impress me. This is amazing.
Itās pure and complete trash that chihuahuas never win dog shows. Look at this beauty from The National Dog Show.
Considering this beautiful palette for purchase even though I have plans to go nowhere, every night, for the rest of time.
I made these fondant potatoes and they were good! Love a new way to cook a potato.
I watched Coneheads for the first time and it was a surprisingly fun movie. It also happens to be the ultimate pro-immigration movie. Loved it.
I watched the Fresh Prince reunion and it was good! It was nice to see Nicky.
If youāre looking for a dog groomer in Mississauga, I canāt say enough good things about You Lucky Dog Grooming. They cut Baby Dogās nails perfectly for $10 and it took less than five minutes. They were so gentle and caring, definitely only gonna go here from now on.
There were a few massive holes in the ceiling in my parents basement (an estimate said it would be $1000 to fix) so I went to Home Depot, got the supplies and did it myself. This is something I would never even want to do, let alone actually do, so the fact that itās fixed now is insane. Here's what it looked like.
I made my niece Layla watch Sleeping With The Enemy and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button for the first time and I think she liked both, which obviously I love. Love making people I love watch things I love.
Absolutely in love with this song. And this one, too.
So I got fake nails. Here they are.
Yes, I love them. Yes, they look perfect every single day and thatās amazing. But no one tells you the cons, so let me tell you what they are.
Pressing buttons is an annoyance. The buttons of debit machines especially (Iāve incorrectly put in my pin about three times so far), but also remote controls and car radio dials.
Peeling onions or garlic. Or cutting anything on a cutting board in the kitchen, basically.
You know after a shower when you towel off the wet parts of the inside of your ears? Canāt be done.
All zippers and buttons add at least five minutes to your life.
Look, Iām not an animal but sometimes your nose needs a little cleaning when a tissue aināt gonna cut it. That being said, it is IMPOSSIBLE to pick your nose with these.
Typing at your regular speed.
Peeling clementines is simply out of the question (which is annoying because theyāre so in season right now).
Putting on and taking off necklaces.
And most of all, yes you can still scratch parts of your body, but itās an unfulfilling scratch. These nails arenāt as sharp as my real ones, so the scratch is lackluster.
That being said, I do love them. Iām not sure if Iāll get them again, but theyāre beautiful and I can definitely see the appeal.
I watched a few episodes of Somebody Feed Phil with my brother Robbie and itās a pretty cute show. I only watched the New York, New Orleans, Venice & San Francisco episodes, but Iām sure Iāll watch the rest soon. I think I liked it because the host really lets the guests be the charming, endearing ones, and most TV hosts arenāt very good at that.
So since we missed both Thanksgivings this year, we picked a random day to do our turkey dinner and this year I did the rub for the bird (Mom handled all the gross stuff) and it came out amazing! Also made my favourite salad dressing (love a shallot in a dressing), this perfect cranberry sauce and best garlic bread. And instead of a whole pie, we just got mini pumpkin tarts from Whole Foods. The next day, I finally made the moist maker sandwich (from Friends) and it turned out really well.
Best tweets of the month ahead:
Some things that Iām looking forward to this month: watching the new season of Big Mouth, doing the Polar Drive experience, there have been only two snowstorms so far and I canāt wait for more to come, and Iāve already started baking the chocolate chip Nutella cookies that I love to make this time of year but I want to try something new as well so Iām thinking about giving these ones a try. Christmas will of course be different this year, itās looking like itāll be me, my parents (since Iāve been staying here since October), Nathan & Baby Dog on Christmas morning, which actually seems like it might be kind of intimate and nice. Itāll feel wrong in certain ways because I love having my entire family here, but Iām going to try and make the most of it.
If youāve got any interest in reading last monthās roundup, you can see what went down in October over here.
October Occurrences 2020
Forgive the lateness of this monthly post! I wish I could say itās late because Iāve been crazy busy, but itās really been because Iāve been lounging my ass around various corners of my parentās house and trying my best to not watch any American news. Hereās what went down last month.
I started watching The Parkers and, as expected, itās pretty great. Kim for life.
I got a lash lift aaaaaand it was bullshit. My eyes have never been more irritated and thatās coming from someone who went through corneal surgery. I think lash lifts are supposed to be for people who already have long lashes. But if you have long lashes, then why the hell do you need them to be lifted? SCAM.
Are eyelash curlers bad for people with short lashes? I was told they were. But that was by someone who also recently fucked my lashes, so Iām not sure what to believe now.
So many new movies were watched in October: Killer Klowns From Outer Space (absolutely great), Motel Hell (also great), Moment of Truth: Stalking Back (too real, a little hard to watch, but Iām really looking forward to watching other made-for-tv-movies from the series), Hush (a great movie, but again: too much, I might not be able to handle modern horror & Iām fine with that), Summer Camp Nightmare (great), Goodnight Mommy (parts of it were really cringe-y to watch but it was incredible), Mom (so, so underrated), Wolf (it was actually pretty good, how on earth had I not seen it before?), House on Haunted Hill (the old version and it was great! It ends abruptly but itās still a fun movie), Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (80s as hell, but not as terrible as I thought itād be), Creepshow 2 (just a good time), Frogs (terrible and not in a fun way), Cujo (just a story of neglectful pet owners), Night of the Demons (not bad, not good), This Is Paris (it was really, really good. Itās definitely hard to watch if youāve dealt with abuse in any way, but itās really well done) and I got through about nine minutes of Cats before I just had to call it.
The next season of Shrill started filming!
I finally went to Sleepy Hollow and wrote about it over here.
A recipe for mini meatloaf ghosts created by the ever-delightful, Chef John.
Among the top three of funniest Fresh Prince scenes ever.
Ate the hazelnut & cappuccino cronut this month and it was spectacular.
Started getting the cashew yogurt from Trader Joeās and itās so addictive.
The new SNLs have been all right, nothing special. And look, I love Jim Carrey. Forever will. But he isnāt good as Biden. Itās such a weird choice. Highlight of the episodes this month? The Bieber performances, surprisingly.
I made the Impossible Burger at home (you can buy them at any Fairway Market) and theyāre absolutely the top veggie burger on the market today. So damn good.
Thereās this restaurant in Mississauga (Erin Mills Pump & Patio) that does such a good job of replicating this now-off-menu pasta that I used to love from Snug Harbour and Iām so thankful to have found it. (Itās the Hunters Penne Pasta with chicken, cremini and shitake mushrooms, Italian parsley, black truffle oil in a white wine cream sauce incase you want to taste heaven.)
We went to Downeyās on Halloween this year and for the first time got their homemade cheese bread. Life will never be the same. Some photos of the day below.
The LCBO puts out a seasonal magazine with food and drink recipes that I looooove. One of my favourite magazines for sure.
Hereās a list of hidden horror movie categories on Netflix, should you be interested.
I read and reviewed Sofie Hagenās new book Happy Fat and it was such a great read.
Such a shame about the beautiful Roosevelt Hotel closing down.
Dolly Parton will forever be charming as hell.
I made a batch of hot ginger toddies and yes they were good but waaaay too high maintenance to make at home. Itās definitely a drink thatās easier to just order when out.
I made these ginger sesame noodles with caramelized mushrooms and wow. Definitely will make again. Iād never thought of having broth at the bottom of a bowl full of noodles, but itās such a great idea.
Also made these incredible apple cheddar biscuits.
Riverdale finally has a return date: January 21st!
If you find yourself in NYC in November, I beg youā¦ please go eat the Thanksgiving croissant from Milk Bar. You will regret nothing.
There was a full moon on Halloween and I hope you made the most of it.
I made these pumpkin and pesto cheese stuffed shells because Iāve always wanted to make something savory with pumpkin and it was really, really good.
Loving this Etsy shopās candles. Iāve only ordered two so far, but Iām a big fan.
Baby Dogās old lobster costume made its way onto a pet costume list.
Of course I dressed up for Halloween, how dare you think I wouldnāt. (I also watched this tutorial on how to do the older lady makeup.)
Best tweets of the month ahead.
Some things that Iām looking forward to doing this month: reading Lindy Westās new book, decorating my parentās house for the Christmas season, and SNOW.
If youāve got any interest in reading last monthās roundup, you can see what went down in September over here.
June Jaunts 2020
Can someone just hit me in the face hard enough so that I wake up in 2021? As a favour to me? (Also I love that weāre all assuming that a new year means a completely fresh new slate and that none of the actions taken this year will affect the rest of our lives? Itās ridiculous, but itās a type of logic that I can absolutely get on board with.) In any case, life is hell right now. Hereās what went on in hell this month.
I found a new streaming site for movies that is incredible.
My brother Gary made another gravy video (this time a Swiss Chalet one) and of course itās perfect.
My Dad turned 97!
I started doing Ipsy bag reviews again. The best find from the bag this month: a REALHER lipstick. Just amazing quality and I need to look further into their other products.
I watched Get Me Roger Stone and the man seems like a needy psychopath.
I rewatched The Disaster Artist: still great.
I tried hard seltzer (not White Claw, it was a brand called HOOT) and it was very okay, I just donāt see the big deal? I think we all have low standards for things being good.
God, I miss Jon Stewart. I find myself just watching old segments from his show which are sadly still incredibly relevant.
I visited this coffee shop in Astoria called Coffee + Cake thatās so lovely. They make freshly baked goods each day and homemade ice cream and Iāll definitely return. This is their tomato & parmesan focaccia bread.
I started taking antihistamine eye drops for seasonal allergies and theyāve cured me completely. Itās insane. I love them.
I tried birthday cake Kit Kats because why wouldnāt I and of course theyāre good. But theyāre basically justā¦ white Kit Katsā¦ and thatās already a thing that existsā¦ and look Iām not trying to hate on them, so Iāll keep my mouth shut about it from here on out.
If I became famous, the first thing Iād endorse would be Vicks (obviously), but the second thing? This dairy-free, almond milk yogurt DAH! Yes, the name is terrible. But the yogurt is heavenly. The madagascar vanilla will change you.
Finally made this ricotta jam jar with crostini and it was everything I wanted it to be and more.
Iāve been keeping a collection of photos taken of the city throughout the pandemic that are just gorgeous photos, here are a few.
I watched the Holy Chicken! documentary from the Super Size Me guy and it was okay. I did know a lot of those chicken facts already since we havenāt been eating meat these last few months, so it wasnāt anything revolutionary. And then after I watched it, I was reading about it and then came across all the gross behavior by the creator of the film and uggghhhh I wish I hadnāt watched and supported it now.
I tried this New Orleans cold brew and whoa. Good stuff. I donāt exactly know the difference between cold brew and coffee and itās such a boring thing to look up, soā¦ here we are.
Will forever love the food at The Thirsty Koala in Astoria. Thank you Katie, Greg & Irene for gifting us so much of their food this month! Truly so sweet of you.
Favourite tweets of the month.
New favourite Health-Ade kombucha flavour: passion fruit - tangerine. Absolutely unreal.
I bought a ton of underwear from Aerie since I donāt feel comfortable going into any stores or on the subway yet, and theyāre actually pretty great quality (Iām sorry I didnāt get on this sooner, Marla.) The sizing is a little off in that one medium doesnāt fit like another medium, but once you figure it out, youāre good.
This girl. Sheās still breaking my heart with these renditions.
How do I set my Google Alerts so that these types of stories are the only news stories I read?
I learned how to make vodka martinis at home, so what Iām trying to say is that Iām better than you now.
Truly donāt know how I feel about this news, but I think I have to support it, right? I wish we could just leave good things alone. Why must we always want more.
I watched The Joy Luck Club and hereās my takeaway: donāt have daughters. And also maybe donāt have mothers? It seems like everyone is a disappointment to every character in this movie. I was expecting to love it, so when that didnāt happen I was a little disappointed.
I watched Dan In Real Life (mainly because of Steve Carell who was way too good for this movie) and it suuuuucked. Hated Dane Cook. Hated the plot. Hated the whole white, rich, we-dance-as-a-family type aesthetic of the whole movie.
I watched the first season of You and a few episodes of the second season and uuuuuuuggggghhhhhh what a garbage show. I donāt need to see anyone romanticize some pathetic Gossip Girl loser who I feel no empathy for. Itās actually just so badly written and how on earth did someone green-light this trash. Hereās a good piece written about it.
Also watched a bunch of reruns of 3rd Rock From The Sun and what an underrated, great show. Wish I remembered it more.
Iāve been on a real Harrison Ford bender lately and I canāt see it stopping anytime soon. I watched Sabrina (which was okay, the best part was seeing him play a nerdish, unlovable character). I also watched Working Girl (which is really not a great movie, but it was only watchable for Ford). Also saw Air Force One and what a movie. How on earth have I never seen it before?? Such a fox. If you havenāt seen it before, I shall entice you with this one line:
Rainier cherries are in season now and while I donāt particularly love a cherry, these are delightful.
Iāve been sucking down these Saratoga Springs sparkling waters for days and thereās no turning back, theyāre refreshing in a way I didnāt think existed. Just pure magic.
The only summer salad thatās worth a damn is this panzanella salad, but make sure you add fresh mozzarella to it.
I never thought I liked biscotti until a friend recently made it, so maybe Iām just into chocolate biscotti?
What a great idea (below):
If youād like to hear the birds in NYC right now, get on over here.
I started watching Insecure but couldnāt really get into it, maybe Iāll give it more of a chance, maybe not. I feel like if youāre not hooked into a show within three episodes, itās not gonna happen.
I rewatched Clueless and itās really just a perfect movie. I could quote every line in this movie at one point in my life and I think I might still be able to. Still looking to emulate this perfect outfit one day.
Cannot stop making this broccoli pasta with Banza and the Beyond Meat sausage.
Absolutely haunted by this moving front page of the Times.
I finished watching Fuller House and Iāll never know why I wanted to, itās such a corny/actually-bad show and yet I still watched. Thankfully itās over forever.
Incase youāre looking for an alternative site to Amazon for buying books: Bookshop.org
I havenāt read a book in what feels like forever, so I finally finished Glennon Doyleās Untamed and wrote about it.
Excited to one day see the new LaGuardia.
I went over what I did from my spring list that I made in March.
I naively made a list of what Iād like to do this summer.
Itās been a harder month than normal and I found myself watching The Land Before Time and uncontrollably weeping onto my yoga mat (I like to watch movies in the background when Iām working out). A kind of cry that comes around every decade or so where you canāt really breathe and youāre blinded my tears and everything is too much to handle. I know itās a sad movie, but I think it was the movie and the combination of this month that made me react that way. In any case, I hope kids today still want to watch that movie. Itās a hard one, but itās really still so good.
My grandmother Ma passed away this month and since travel is not allowed, it was especially difficult for this to happen now. I felt helpless being separated from most of my family so I wrote a bit about how it made me feel. I could talk about the greatness of this woman endlessly, how itās insane that you could live in this day and age and not read or write and still enrich the lives of everyone you know, thereās no way to sum her up as a person. Iāll just miss her. Her voice, her endless encouragement, all of it.
Some things Iād like to do this month: Iād like to not sink into an unending pit of depression (thatād be great), Iād like to keep going on our nightly walks with Nathan, Iām likely going to buy these bike shorts as soon as theyāre back in stock and you canāt stop me (I already have an outfit in mind, trust me itās gonna look good), I was looking forward to movie theatres reopening (the Regal near our house specifically) but the dateās been pushed again to the end of July (which will likely get pushed again), and Iād really like to start and finish another book this month.
If youāve got any interest in reading last monthās roundup, you can see what went down in May over here.