January 6, 2022

2021 Resolutions Revisited

Making resolutions in 2021? What a concept. Even though we’re still in the middle of a global pandemic, I managed to do a couple of notable things last year. I started out the year in Canada since I tested positive and had to stay put, so I spent most of those days watching the snow fall and never missing an episode of Jeopardy with my Dad. I kept making my seasonal lists (spring, summer, autumn, winter). I did Nathan’s podcast eight times:

I got fully vaccinated and got a booster too, I took Baby Dog to Coney Island, I worked as a hostess on the Upper East Side for a few months (where I seated Woody Allen and then quit the next day), I went strawberry picking in Connecticut and ended up eating at Mystic Pizza, I went to two beautiful summer weddings, Nathan & I celebrated twelve years together, I started working part time as a literary agent, I saw so many Broadway plays (Wicked, Aladdin, To Kill A Mockingbird, Dear Evan Hansen, Girl From The North Country), my niece Layla came to NYC for the first time, I started taking online classes to help make my site better, I went to Salem in October, I got fake nails four times and look how gorgeous.

I finally saw the pumpkin float in Central Park, I took tours of gorgeous old mansions upstate, we all dressed up for Halloween, Nathan drove my parents to Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia while they were visiting, I wrote about my very favourite Thanksgiving recipes, I went blonde, I compiled my favourites of 2021, my parents met Nathan’s mom for the first time, I spent Christmas with my whole family for the first time in two years, and I found my favourite photos of the year. My two biggest failures of the year? Trying to eat these A-Z foods and my attempt at wardrobe challenge. Here’s how my 2021 resolutions went.

1. Read at least one book per season.

Winter: The Answer Is… Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek
Spring: Enter Talking by Joan Rivers
Summer: The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Archor and The 5 Buckets: A Framework For Living With Intention by Bobby Dysart
Autumn: Okay so here’s the thing, I was so bored by Charles Grodin’s book that I didn’t even think about reading for months. I blame the Grod.

2. Juice at least five times a month.

I feel like I was a completely different person at the beginning of 2021 and all the prior years before that? Juicing is not the answer, honey. I did start out the year still doing them, but like, what a weird thing to track each time…? Eating disorder much? I’m not stating how many times it happened and I promise it won’t be on this year’s list. I’m sorry to anyone I’ve ever triggered any time I’ve talked about juicing.

3. Take Baby Dog on an adventure at least twice a season.

Winter: we took her to Canada for four months, so I think that counts for at least two adventures.
Spring: one trip to Central Park and one to Coney Island.
Summer: took her to New Jersey for a wedding and then to upstate New York for another wedding.
Autumn: took her to Canada for Thanksgiving & then to Central Park to see the fall foliage.

4. Get Nathan to take more photos of me.

Okay, I need to amend this one to include more people than just Nathan, especially since 99% of men I know have zero idea how to take a flattering photo.

5. Try at least one new restaurant each month.

January: Old Bagel House (woof, bagels should be illegal outside of New York, come at me)
February: <the whole month I either had COVID or was recovering>
March: Bar Primi (great spot, dim lighting, you can’t go wrong)
April: Bar Dalia (wonderful, intimate)
May: Dame (absolutely stellar fish and chips), Vicolina (oddly subpar, overpriced Italian)
June: dell'anima (very okay, but not worth the trek to 11th Avenue), Forsythia (one of my favourite new Italian places), Mystic Pizza (wildly average, but very cool to be there because of the movie)
July: Mimi Cheng’s (great dumplings), Spunto’s (great pizza), Marks Off Madison (crazy good turkey club sandwich)
August: Society Cafe (decent!), Ten Bells (very cute, even for Brooklyn), Vic’s (perfectly okay, but don’t think I’d return), Ruta (best new Mexican place I’ve tried in a long time)
September: Amylos Tavern (pretty good!)
October: Minton’s Playhouse (decent for a venue)
November: Red Hat on the River (incredible mussels), Di Fara’s (great but not worth the trek)
December: Carbone (thoughts over here), Via Carota (so so good), Dolly Varden (great food and cocktails)

6. Submit pieces to publications at least five times each month.

It’s better if I don’t tell you how little I did this. I didn’t do zero per month, but I definitely didn’t do five.

7. Save $50 every Monday to use for travel spending money.

I did this for the first half of the year and then lord only knows what happened.

8. Buy nothing from Amazon or Wal-Mart, or at least limit it to once per month.

All right so I went nuts with the Wal-Mart shopping anytime I was in Canada. And you don’t want to see my Amazon orders from November and December. I want to stop, but I guess I’ll just have to come to terms with being a terrible person.

9. Cook A-Z new things.

This one really fell off the rails. I’m not against finishing the list, but this feels more of a within-a-decade kind of goal…? Haha?

10. Stop being so afraid.

Truthfully, I’m still pretty afraid. But this is a baby steps kind of resolution. I’d never have even dreamed of dying my hair blonde even a year ago, so that’s big for me. I’m also getting better at communicating boundaries in my relationships, so that’s also big.

One thing that I’ve very pleased to have kept up with? My monthly roundup posts. They’re my favourite to write, so I’m grateful that anyone wants to read them. Here are the links to the last twelve months of them: December 2021, November 2021, October 2021, September 2021, August 2021, July 2021, June 2021, May 2021, April 2021, March 2021, February 2021 & January 2021.

2022 resolutions coming tomorrow!

January 5, 2022

December Dalliances 2021

by Liz Heather in Best of NYC, Food, Links, Personal, Products, Recipes, Reviews, Television

December was a complete whirlwind but when is it not? I hope you had a very Merry Christmas! Other than getting my booster (!), here’s what else went down last month.

You can find my favourite tweets of the month over here and here.
I recapped how my autumn list went.
I made a list of things I’d like to do this winter.
I compiled my very favourites from the year.
My favourite photos from 2021.
Here are two great things to do when a new year has begun.
I wrote about the Christian Dior exhibit at The Brooklyn Museum (which closes in February).
Did you know that Costco has candles? There’s a four candle box for $20 and they’re only two-wick each, but extremely good quality.
I don’t think I’ve ever had pecan pie before in my life (I don’t even know why, I think I thought it might be too nutty?) but I tried a slice at JG Melon and whoa. Who the hell knew?
I attempted to read Charles Grodin’s memoir and I just… I couldn’t. I don’t mean to show any disrespect, but what a bore. Some people shouldn’t write books, I simply had to softly put it down on Nathan’s desk and walk away.
Incase you need to know the Bob’s Burgers Christmas episodes in one handy chart.

bobs burgers christmas episodes Liz Heather

I am obsessed with the snow drop scent from Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day. I’ve got the all purpose cleaner as well as the dish detergent and I’m so angry I didn’t buy any more to use throughout the year because it’s currently sold out everywhere. And look, the pine one is very good too, but the snow drop one just takes your breath away. Oh god… is this my life now… excitement over cleaning supplies scents?? End me.

Speaking of things that bum me out, I also tried the basil scented Method dish soap and Nathan and I both agree: not for us. The bottle shape is weird and the smell of basil to clean your dishes is confusing.
The best of the holiday recipes that I made over the Christmas break: Mushroom & Leek Bread Pudding, Upstate-Style Roast Beef Sandwiches, Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese, and Chocolate Pumpkin Pie (I didn’t do the marshmallow part, I went with whipped cream instead although a rum whipped cream would have worked well, too).
The dill pickle chicken nuggets at Burger King in Canada? Shock of all shocks: not good.
But the tim biebs at Tim Hortons? Pretty good!
Food lesson I learned: gruyere does not taste good as a shredded cheese on top of garlic bread, it must be mixed into some sort of mixture to taste good since it’s way too overpowering on its own.
Tried the chicken sandwich at Jollibee and honestly? It’s a definite contender for the Popeye’s one. Really great.
New nails alert!

Liz Heather nails Christmas — Nails For You in Square One, Mississauga, Ontario

I finally made Alison Roman’s Salted Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies and they are fantastic. I had no idea how much I love demerara sugar, it’s that beautiful crunchy sugar that you can find atop the classiest of muffins and it’s too too good.
They have the dairy-free Boursin at Trader Joe’s! And it tastes exactly like the dairy version! Why does this excite me!
My niece Layla introduced me to the brand Native and I’m loving their holiday scented body washes (Sugar Cookie & Candy Cane).
I finally ate at Carbone with my dear friend Paul and it was good! Was it as special as the world seems to think it is? Of course not, but that reality is okay, too. The service was great, the place is beautifully decorated for the holidays and the food was very much adequate. The cons of the place are mainly due to its inaccessibility and food quality for its price. And maybe we should've gotten more meat entrees instead of only sticking with their pastas but I mean... it's an Italian restaurant... shouldn't all of their pastas wow you with a reputation like theirs? The best things we ate were the tortellini al ragu ($34) and the garlic bread (free). Both truly great. The spicy rigatoni vodka ($32) is their most celebrated pasta and honestly it was good but not at all worth the hype. The fettuccini con funghi ($32) was disappointing mainly because of the inclusion of bell peppers... why put bell peppers in such a dish? Such a gross flavour with the creaminess of a soft fettuccine. I really did want to love this place, but there are far superior Italian places in this city (L'Artusi, Lilia, Portale). Take your money elsewhere.

Tortellini al ragu ($34) at Carbone, NYC

Liz Heather Carbone New York City restaurant — Carbone, NYC

I’ve never even heard of shapable soap, but I bought a can from Bath & Body Works (it’s on sale for $5 right now) and it’s so fun to use. Kids especially seem to love it. Apparently they only have them around the holidays but there are four scents to choose from.
I bought this faux leather vest from Zara that I love and have absolutely no idea how to style.
I won a lottery ticket to see Girl From The North Country and it was really good, I sat in the second row from the front and I might be ruined forever because seeing a play that close was unreal and so cool. Also, seeing the Belasco Theatre was a dream. Also, Austin Scott can GET IT.

Had a drink at the Ophelia Lounge and the view is wonderful, but the drinks and food aren’t terribly special.
The candy cane green tea at Trader Joe’s? Award-winning.
Finally ate at Via Carota with Irene on her birthday and it was really good. All the pastas were wonderful, skip the rice balls.

Irene Morales New York City — Beautiful Irene on her birthday at Via Carota, NYC

I made my way to Via Porta (the smaller, casual outpost of the L’Artusi crew) to get some of their jarred sauces and I was a little disappointed unfortunately. It just didn’t taste the same as in the restaurant. I only tried the bolognese one, so maybe the mushroom ragu will be better? I’ll definitely give it one more try, especially since they’re supposed to start selling their fresh pasta in the coming weeks. (Also, the baked goods they’re selling are extremely good.)
My friend Casey kindly invited me to the dress rehearsal of Dear Evan Hansen and I’m so happy to have seen it! But good lord, never again. The music is mostly wonderful and the actors were great, but every other aspect of the production? Yikes. Forever love seeing something on Broadway, though.
My And Just Like That… thoughts (spoilers ahead):
- God, where do I begin…
- In a time when death, sickness and darkness literally surrounds our every waking moment, why in the world would a team of writers want to start out a “beloved” series with the death of a major character? I mean… read the room??? Why start an entirely new season with grief? On what planet does this make sense? Especially when you have these characters living in this post pandemic existence that still isn’t a reality here and now? It’s nonsense.
- Also the cringey nature of every single podcast scene? I have to almost ignore these parts entirely because of how bad they are. It’s as though someone wrote this script and then a team of woke writers came in to make it fit into today’s culture but completely missed the mark and just ended up making this vomit-inducing trash. It’s all just so embarrassing to watch.
- I know this has been said to death, but them even doing this series without Samantha was the wrong decision. The balance is completely off, I don’t care about the new characters, none of this should ever have been made.

We bought this new pineapple print for the living room and I can’t wait until it’s hung up.
I tried the eggplant parm at Cutlets and it was pretty good but nothing to write home about.
In love with the new feathered evening coat I got for Christmas.
I tried the KFC potato chips from Walkers (brought over from the UK) and they were delicious.

I’m sure you saw my new hair, but incase you’re living under a rock. (Note: this is the first time in 36 years I’ve dyed my hair. Why did I want to do it? Mainly because I wanted to stop being afraid of doing it.)

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A post shared by Liz Heather (@lizheather)

Some things that I’m looking forward to this month: seeing The Phantom of the Opera with Nathan (his first time!), I’m excited about the return of Restaurant Week, the Bath & Body Works semi-annual sale has already started incase you like cheap candles (the hot buttered rum one is NUTS), I’m excited about making new resolutions for the year because I’m clinically insane, and I might make the trek to Governor’s Island now that it’s opened for the winter.

If you have any interest in other monthly roundups of 2021, they can be found here: November 2021, October 2021, September 2021, August 2021, July 2021, June 2021, May 2021, April 2021, March 2021, February 2021 & January 2021.

radio city music hall christmas new york city — God, this city is so pretty during the holidays

January 4, 2022

Favourite Photos of 2021

by Liz Heather in Family, Personal

(You can find my favourite photos from 2020 over here.)

January 3, 2022

The Best of 2021

by Liz Heather in Beauty, Best of NYC, Food, Links, Movies, Personal, Products, Recipes, Television

Listen up, I love a best of list. I know we’re bombarded with them this time of year, but I simply have to do it and you can’t stop me.

BEST EXPERIENCES

The Christian Dior exhibit at The Brooklyn Museum

Visiting the The Octagon House in Irvington, New York

Seeing the Treasures exhibit at The New York Public Library

Visiting Salem, Massachusetts in October

Having my 16 year old niece Layla visit me in NYC

Nathan creating a show!

Seeing the pumpkin flotilla in Central Park

The pumpkin flotilla in Central Park, NYC

Seeing the Halloween decorations on the Upper West Side

Seeing the new rooftop terrace at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library

Taking a day trip to Mystic, Connecticut

Swimming at the new Rockaway Hotel

BEST NEW RECIPES

Kale Caesar Salad with Chickpeas & Sweet Potatoes (but use this dressing instead) (I have made this salad approx. 500 times this year)

Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad (tastes even better if it’s been sitting in the fridge for a long time)

Crab Cakes (insanely easy and perfect way to make homemade crab cakes)

Crispy Hash Browns (ridiculously easy to make, I felt like a housewife in the 50s)

Green Garlic Toast (get it when green garlic is in season in the spring)

Lemon Basil Orzo (I eat this cold, straight out of the fridge it’s so delicious)

Lemon Butter Ricotta and Zucchini Pasta (with added fresh corn)

Cold Vegetable Noodle Salad (I wish the name weren’t so unappetizing, I love all cold noodle salads)

Lentil Bolognese (possibly the greatest vegan thing I’ve ever made)

Roast Beef Sandwiches (made these for Christmas Day lunch and might now become a tradition they were so easy and tasty)

Lamb Ragu (I can’t stop making this, it’s just such a solid meat sauce)

Mushroom & Leek Bread Pudding (made as a side for Christmas dinner and it was spectacular, will definitely keep it in the sides rotation going forward)

Cheese Blintzes (why do I feel so fancy making these?)

Apple Fritter Cake (I didn’t think I’d enjoy a wet cake but here we are, it’s eons better than a dusty old apple fritter)

Strawberry Crumble Coffee Cake (truly a summer dessert that you must make with handpicked strawberries)

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Icing (an autumn cookie that people go nuts over)

Chocolate Zucchini Banana Cake with Coffee Frosting (wildly good)

Hummingbird Cake (I wish this cake was made more often as a dessert in restaurants, it’s heavenly)

White Chocolate Apricot Scones (my favourite combination for a scone)

BEST FOODS I ATE

Duck fat confit poutine from Duck Season (honestly tastes like a Canadian poutine, which is a huge compliment)

The duck fat confit poutine at Duck Season pop up, NYC

The salsa at Ruta in Astoria (it’s this deep dark red salsa that is mind blowing)

The seasonal winter soups at Il Bambino (all of them are good, it’s madness, and they always come with this basil oiled bread)

The seasonal focaccia at Lilia (this is the main reason to go here, yes the pasta is good but this bread is out of this world… and that salted green butter? Kill me)

The seasonal focaccia at Lilia, Brooklyn

Every single pasta at Forsythia (the short rib agnolotti especially but really every single dish I’ve tried I’ve loved)

Steak tartare at L’Artusi (not new but forever a favourite)

Anything (but mainly the croissants) from Mel Bakery

Ham and cheese croissant at Mel Bakery, NYC

Beyond Chicken Nuggets at A&W in Canada (does this one seem out of place in this list? I have diverse tastes!)

Emmy Burger Dumplings at Mimi Cheng’s (truly delicious and I’m not even a dumpling person)

The Emmy Cheeseburger Dumplings at Mimi Cheng’s, NYC

Turkey Club Sandwich at Marks Off Madison (a great club sandwich is an extremely hard thing to find and the search is now over)

The turkey club sandwich at Marks Off Madison, NYC

Croissant soft serve from Supermoon Bakehouse (love the imagination of this place, the summer soft serve is the absolute main reason to go)

Liz Heather nails croissant soft serve new york city — The croissant soft serve at Supermoon Bakehouse, NYC

The fish and chips at Dame (again, this was better than some Canadian fish and chips places, just so perfectly cooked)

The garlic bread at Carbone (it looks so boring but it is one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating)

The pizza at Descendant in Toronto (worth the drive to Toronto from Mississauga)

BEST TV & MOVIES

Only Murders in the Building

Martin Short can do no wrong, but even ignoring that fact this is such a great new show. I’m so glad they’re doing a second season. Even if you can’t stand Selena Gomez’s voice, it’s fantastic.

The latest season of Dave (and especially this song)

Honestly, every episode has been better than the last. It’s wild. How are we not all constantly talking about what a great show this is?

Searching For Italy

Stanley Tucci + Italian food = all I’ll ever need.

The final season of Shrill

So upsetting that it was the final season, but what a perfect show.

Superstore

Completely didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did. Yes, the earlier seasons are better than the final ones but overall a great show.

Soul

Loved the entire message of this movie, more people should be forced into watching it. Comedians, specifically.

Pacific Heights

I LOVE this genre of movie. I’d never even heard of it, but Michael Keaton is phenomenal in it.

Promising Young Woman

Definitely the best movie of the year. Hands down.

BEST PURCHASES

Winter snowflake mug from Etsy

Temporary Ghost Tattoo from Etsy

Eyebrow Growth Serum

KKW Lip Liner Set

Banana Republic Factory pajamas

Drunk Elephant Tinted Face Sunscreen

I STAND BY EACH AND EVERY ITEM!

(And here are my favourites from 2020 if you’re interested.)

December 25, 2021

Merry Christmas!

by Liz Heather in Family, Personal

December 21, 2021

Winter List 2021

by Liz Heather in Personal

Is it insane that I still make these seasonal lists when the world is crumbling around us? Hope not! I think it’s so beneficial to come up with fun little ideas of things you’d like to do and then to actually do them. Yes, I pay bills and live an adult life, but if you aren’t having any small/silly adventures on a weekly basis, I think you’re living wrong…? Here’s what I want to do during this beautiful, snowy, perfect season that is finally upon us.

I would love to either ride a snowmobile or go skiing. Either one will be an acceptable snow transaction.
Eat a latke. I never have and I’d like to.
Waste away in Margaritaville. In Times Square. I know that this sounds so insanely lame, but I really want to and I refuse your judgement.
Visit the Transit Museum because I’ve never gone and it seems like my kinda place.
Eat moussaka. I never have and it seems like a good winter dish.

As always, I encourage you to create your own list because we’re all rotting away and it might be nice to try something new.

December 20, 2021

Autumn List 2021 Revisited

by Liz Heather in Personal

central park autumn bow bridge new york city 2021

Autumn is no more! Is it just me or does it feel like the season began a year ago? Does time exist anymore? Let’s recap how I did with my autumn list of activities.

1. Go to Downey’s for our annual visit.

I truly can’t believe I didn’t do this - it’s been the first year in many years that I’ve been in town and just couldn’t find the time to go. It sort of feels nice to not be tethered to expectations of yourself. Am I… growing up? Is this growth??

2. Make turkey poutine with Thanksgiving leftovers.

You know what? Didn’t happen. But I did have duck poutine, so I’m taking a half point because that’s still some sort of bird poutine. God, that phrase is awful, I promise to never say it again.

3. Make apple fritters or an apple fritter cake.

I made an incredible apple fritter cake and it might be a staple now for Thanksgiving. And such a great alternative to boring old apple pie.

4. Learn the Phantasm theme on piano.

Didn’t do it but really thought about it.

5. Eat the steak at L’Artusi.

I did and it was good! Nothing too too special to ever must eat again, but very good.

2.5 / 5 That’s a pass, baby!

Winter list coming tomorrow!

December 5, 2021

Navigating November 2021

by Liz Heather in Best of NYC, Food, Links, Movies, Music, Personal, Products, Recipes, Reviews, Superstitions, Television

Should I comment on how fast this year has gone by or is that just a commonality of general life now and never needs to be said again?

Here’s what went down in November.

You can find my favourite tweets of the month over here and here.
I wrote about the very best Thanksgiving recipes. I’m going to do this type of post again for Christmas recipes soon.
I detailed my visit to the Treasures exhibit at the New York Public Library.
My friend Irene & I tried the pizza at Di Fara’s in Brooklyn and while it was good, it was nowhere near worth the drive out there. Just way too far, we might as well have gone to New Jersey. Good pizza, though!

Here’s some advice on how to have a cheaper Christmas this year because everything costs a million dollars now?

If you’ve never been to the Octagon House in Irvington, New York then you now have no excuse not to go for yourself.
New things I watched:
- Only Murders in the Building - phenomenal! Everyone should watch! Can’t recommend it enough.
- Squid Game - yes I’m the last person on earth who watched it and yes it was fantastic. That old man! Fuck!
- The newest season of Curb Your Enthusiasm - yeah, I think I can’t watch anymore. I think I’m done with love/hate relationships because there’s no actual love here and why am I doing this to myself?
- The newest season of Big Mouth - the shame episode is phenomenal. This is just such a good show, I’m so glad it exists.
- The newest season of Nora From Queens - this season was really up and down for me, but it finished really strong. This is corny but the idea of not being lost if you have people you care for and who care for you? I love it. I’m in. The father is by far the best character and maybe the main reason I keep watching at this point.
- That’s Entertainment! Have you heard of this old movie? It’s not even a movie really, it’s a collection of moments from old Hollywood productions. I’d never even heard of Esther Williams, but oh my god what a woman.
I made these salty vanilla espresso chocolate chip cookies that exceeded expectations. I think I might only like cookies that have chocolate in them. It’s nice to finally realize this. It’s also nice to admit to fully being a child with this preference.
I can’t remember the last time autumn in New York looked this beautiful.

The Bow Bridge in Central Park, November 2021

A list of ten things you should do before Christmas (with the exception of visiting the Waldorf since it reopens in 2023).

Slightly obnoxious reminder: GET GIFT RECEIPTS.
Have you tried a satsuma mandarin? A seedless beauty.
New seasonal candles at Trader Joe’s!

New winter candles at Trader Joe’s, November 2021

My brother Gary’s podcast has returned and his first episode back was about Alf and it couldn’t be greater.

Nathan and I saw Jeff Daniels in To Kill A Mockingbird on Broadway and it was so, so good. Everyone should see him in it. But it was also just such a great feeling to be out on the town and dressed up.

to kill a mocking bird jeff daniels new york city broadway — November 2021

We’re redecorating our apartment right now and I couldn’t be more in love with our new washroom shelving. I feel like that sentence might make you sad for me, but don’t be! I’m actually living a really fun, cool life.
I’ve been craving tomato soup lately and the one at Il Bambino in Astoria is too perfect. But stay far far away from the one at Astoria Bier & Cheese because their tomato soup is putrid (which is weird because their sandwiches are great).

I’ve made this 10-ingredient lentil bolognese a few times and I think it’ll be in my permanent recipe rotation. It’s really hearty, but not at all bland and you really don’t miss the meat.

I’ll forever love Boursin cheese, this will always be true. And their new fig & balsamic flavour? Out of this world good.

I went to the beautiful restaurant on the water Red Hat on the River with my dear friend Diana and it was good! Nothing spectacular, but good. The mussels are the main reason to go, in my opinion. Tasty as hell.
I’m really on the fence about reusable gift wrap, but it does look simplistic and pretty.
I visited the Lyndhurst mansion that has been newly decorated for the holidays and it was very quaint. I will admit that the Octagon House was a little bit more exciting, but I’ll never turn down a visit to a nice house in the country.

Beautiful Diana inside the front door at Lyndhurst Mansion

Tiffany windows inside Lyndhurst Mansion

I’ve never wanted to live in a bathroom more

Loved this list of 90s Dad Thrillers, it’s just such a good genre.
Have you heard of the dollar-store-esque store Five Below? I hadn’t until this month and I’m mad I didn’t know about it sooner.
Can someone please buy me the winter spiced cranberry Sprite? Why does it look so damn good?
Loved, loved, loved this performance (below).

So I perused the new Chrissy Teigen cookbook and there’s really nothing exciting in it. And is it just me or does she use fish sauce as her “special ingredient” in almost every dish she has? And I like fish sauce, but this is getting ridiculous.

The fabric ornaments at West Elm are extremely cute this year. Did I need to buy a mouse wearing a sweater when I saw it and fell in love with it? I guess this is my life now?

Absolutely addicted to the new herbaceous cheesy bites from Trader Joe’s. A smaller, fancier mozzarella stick? I’m in, baby. (Also their seasonal rosemary nuts are fantastic.)
I had THE worst eyelash extension experience at Wow Threading Studio on 26th Street and no one should ever ever ever get eyelash “cluster” extensions. They couldn’t be worse. (Scathing review in the Yelp link.)
Incase you love seasonal episodes:

I bought a new winter mug with white snowflakes on Etsy and I’m in love.

Tried a donut from Mochi Mochi and you know what? I don’t like donuts that much these days, but this one I liked. Less dense than other donuts. (Tip: if you’re looking for Squid Game Dalgona candy, they sell them here at their location in Herald Square.)

The Union Square Holiday Market has begun and the duck fat poutine from Duck Season was INSANITY. So, so good. Better than some Canadian poutines. Go immediately.

Seasonal Poutine at Duck Season with duck fat fries, duck confit, fresh cheese curds, duck gravy $17

As soon as the colder weather starts, I always buy one new couch blanket (I guess adults call them throw blankets) and I’m in love with this Banana Republic Factory one (in the Burnt Umber colour). What is umber? Couldn’t tell you. But I can tell you that it’s chocolate coloured.

The Metropolitan Postcard Club sponsors a special two day show every November where approximately thirty-five to forty postcard dealers from around the nation and the world attend to introduce their cards to the public, so of course I went and here are some of the best ones I came across.

Found at the Metropolitan Postcard Fair, November 2021

I went to see the Dior exhibit at The Brooklyn Museum and I reviewed it over here.

The Thanksgiving croissant returned in all its glory! It is now $9 (because 2021 won’t let you have affordable things anymore), but it’s still amazing tasting. I also tried Milk Bar’s apple cake which was good but way too sweet. And their cinnamon pretzel soft serve was delicious. This place exhausts me with their new menu items, I don’t know how they continuously keep it up.

Details of the Thanksgiving croissant, November 2021

I think I’ve found the greatest scent of all time at Bath & Body Works: Fall Citrus Harvest.
I’ve mentioned my love of Supermoon Bakehouse before and my sweet friends Katie & Greg (thankyouthankyou!) got me a giant box treats from them that was absolutely decadent and incredible. Everyone must visit this bakery.

Some things I’m looking forward to this month:

I made this home movie of the holidays a few years ago that I might make again this year since we haven’t been together as a full family since December 2019 and I beg you to maybe do one of your own as well because you will watch it over and over, I promise.
If you’re at all superstitious or just, like, a cool person - don’t forget to buy your bayberry candles!
Will I be watching all of the snowy movies on this list? I’m only human, I have to.

While I’m in Ontario, I really want to get my hands on this vegan cheese that’s supposed to be incredible.

I’m planning on making roast beef on Christmas Eve mainly so I can make these roast beef sandwiches for lunch on Christmas Day.

If you have any interest in reading what went on in October, come on over here.

November 4, 2021

October Occurrences 2021

by Liz Heather in Best of NYC, Events, Family, Food, Halloween, Links, Movies, Personal, Recipes, Reviews, Television

October is complete and I’m 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 wouldn’t have it any other way. Here’s what went down last month!

You can find my favourite tweets of the month over here and here.
I visited the new rooftop terrace at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (a branch of the NYPL) and wrote about it.
I did three episodes of Nathan’s podcast throughout the month: #1, #2, & #3.
Your annual reminder that Christmas starts November 1st, these are the rules.
New nails alert!

I finally made the journey to Salem, Massachusetts and it was everything I’d 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 there’s a reality in which this could happen, what would I tell people is the reasoning behind it? That I love Halloween? That it’s a reminder to just live? (← Okay that might be the corniest thought on this entire blog but aren’t all reasons behind tattoos corny as hell? Do people even have reasoning behind their tattoos anymore? DID THEY EVER? Do you see why I’m not made for this??)

Liz Heather temporary ghost tattoo Halloween — Temporary ghost tattoo available on Etsy

I’ve 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? He’s 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 wasn’t bad overall but mostly because I think Owen’s just… so nice.
- Kim K. ep. - I won’t spell out the K word, I just won’t 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 like… 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 I’ve seen in maybe years. What is going ON? Sudeikis was, obviously, perfect but of course he was gonna be. Can’t 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.

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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.

Tianna Heather Baby Dog Niagara Falls 2021 — Tianna & Baby Dog, Niagara Falls, October 2021

I attempted to get passes to Open House New York’s 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, I’m telling you.

I tried the pie crust cookies from Janie’s Life Changing Baked Goods on the Upper West Side and they did not disappoint. Honestly just love the bold name choice.

The chocolate pie crust cookie from Janie’s Life Changing Baked Goods, Upper West Side

I have watched so many movies this past month, they’re all kind of a blur. No true standouts, but one. Hubie Halloween. Do not watch it. A movie hasn’t 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 it’s 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 I’m in the middle of giving up meat for a month for some health reasons (they’re boring reasons so I’m not going into details) and have you ever heard of meat withdrawal? I hadn’t but it’s 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 I’m not going to buy the entire Simpsons collection because I’m 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, I’m 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 I’m Loving:

After reading so many good reviews, we got Mexican takeout from Ruta in Astoria and good god, that salsa. It’s incredible and deep red and I can’t wait to have it again.

I’m 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 you’re 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, it’s 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, it’s an event aimed at children, but I like cute/fun things as much as any child.

The pumpkin flotilla in Central Park, October 2021

So I entered the Broadway ticket lottery and somehow won (why doesn’t everyone in NY enter this lottery, like, every day?), so I saw Aladdin on Broadway and look, it was cute. It isn’t 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 that’s 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.

Inside the New Amsterdam theatre in NYC, October 2021

It’s finally soup season, so you can find me most days at Il Bambino in Astoria. Every soup they’ve ever done has been spectacular.

Cream of spinach soup at Il Bambino in Astoria, Queens

I’d 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.

Baby Dog Nathan Macintosh Liz Heather Anne of Green Gables halloween dog costume 2021 — Baby Dog as Anne of Green Gables, Halloween 2021

Some things I’m looking forward to this month: I have to get my hands on Dave Grohl’s new book, it’s Thanksgiving croissant time (the best time of the year), the casual outpost of L’Artusi just opened (B’Artusi) so I’ll have to head over there soon, the new holiday stamps just came out and I can’t 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 I’m 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, don’t forget that the Sephora sale starts on November 5th if you’re doing any Christmas shopping.

If you have any interest in reading what went on in September, come on over here.

October 4, 2021

September Shenanigans 2021

by Liz Heather in Advice, Beauty, Best of NYC, Food, Halloween, Ideas, Links, Movies, Music, Personal, Products, Recipes, Reviews, Television

spooky house gif haunted house lightening stikes

So long, September! I can’t believe it’s finally here. And look, I try not to base my entire personality on the fact that I love this time of year so much but every year it’s getting harder and harder to deny it. There’s just something so electrifying about rainy nights and pumpkins on stoops, I’M SORRY. In any case, here’s what went down in September.

You can find my favourite tweets of the month over here and here.

I’ve been using the greatest eyebrow growth serum OF LIFE and wrote a bit about it over here (with photographic proof!).
I recapped what I did from my summer list.
So obviously I had to create an autumn list because this is my life.
New podcast alert!

@rulaibraheem
##fypシ
♬ оригинальный звук - Anna Bruni

I made this chocolate zucchini banana cake with coffee frosting for Nathan’s birthday and we both fell in love with it. This will now be the only birthday cake I ever make for him, it’s incredible.
I went to the Italian restaurant Lilia in Brooklyn again because they always have the best focaccia (right now it’s cherry tomato with green garlic butter), so I got that as well as the corn-filled cappelletti with black pepper and pecorino and yes it was good but the pasta definitely lacked some sort of different textual element which would have sent it over the top in deliciousness. Am I being harsh? No. If you’re paying upwards of $20 for one plate of pasta, there has to be standards.

Cherry tomato focaccia with green garlic butter

Corn-filled cappelletti with black pepper & pecorino

I tried the pumpkin cream cold brew at Starbucks (with one pump of vanilla instead of two because they go nuts with their pumps) and it was only okay. Why do people love it so much? The salted caramel one looks good but I can’t bring myself to go back and try it. I have such a hate-hate relationship with Starbucks, so what the hell am I even doing going in there? The last time I brought my laptop in to work in a Starbucks was in 2019 and they played the whole Hamilton soundtrack on a loop TWICE and I almost lost my mind it’s such a terrible album. I feel like an alien for not being mesmerized by Lin-Manuel Miranda, but like… he sucks?
I ate at Forsythia again and it only confirmed its place in my mind as one of the best new restaurants of this past year. I finally tried and loved the short rib agnolotti as well as the pappa al pomodoro, which was like a beautiful tomato tartare, so summery and perfect.
I bought these pajamas from Banana Republic Factory because they’re soft as hell and I haven’t had matching pajamas since… never.
Links I’m Loving:
- Okay, this is the cutest autumn sweater on the planet, COME ON.
- Untold Horror is “a behind-the-scenes look into development hell to find the most frightening horror movies that never were, from unmade Re-Animator sequels to alternate takes on legendary franchises like Frankenstein and Dracula!” - this sounds like such a great read.
- I Never Knew How Golden My Summers Were - a great piece on remembering the best summer of your life.
- Creative Ways To Start Your Morning On A Good Note
- Halloween Craft Idea For Kids: Pumpkin Stamps with Apples
- Reason #214 Never To Get CoolSculpting
Tuesdays at Regal Cinemas are now offering $6.25 movie tickets! This definitely can’t last, so I’m going to make the most of it while it’s offered.
New seasonal candles are finally at Trader Joe’s.

Autumn candles at Trader Joe’s, September 2021

So it’s been established how much I love and support Milk Bar… but the new funnel cake soft serve is truly one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever ingested. Just shockingly gross. If you’re nearby, get a free sample and tell me how right I am.

I went for a late summer walk through Central Park and why don’t I do this once a week.

I can’t get over how beautiful this song is (thanks for introducing it to me, Jessie!), it’s toooo good.
There’s a sale on Aerie underwear right now IF you’re into that sort of thing.
I made a zucchini lasagna that was very good but in no way better than a meat lasagna.
Speaking of zucchini, if you own a deep fryer: please make this zucchini spaghetti or these cider battered chicken fingers and then ask me over.
I took this (free) (actually helpful) intro to SEO class online if you’re interested in that sort of thing.
I made these apple pie bars that are ridiculously easy, fast and incredible. I was feeling ambitious, so I made this quick caramel to pour on top.
I fell down a rabbit hole of researching all of the Broadway theatres in New York and I might get tickets to Girl From The North Country purely to sit inside the gorgeous Belasco Theatre.

Finally had the steak at L’Artusi and it was delicious. Best steak ever? God no, but good. They will, however, hold the title of best steak tartare in all of NYC though.

The steak at L’Artusi in the West Village

The best steak tartare in NYC at L’Artusi

New things I’ve watched and rewatched:
- Searching For Italy: so, so great. I already wanted to travel around Italy and eat everything so watching this was a delight. It’s also just so enjoyable to watch people who love their jobs. The Tuscany episode was my favourite one, mostly because I love any and all panzanella talk.
- I attempted to watch Basic Instinct but I was in a very specific mood and had to turn it off after the rape scene. Nah thanks.
- Never Have I Ever (season two): Love that Common is in it, hoping he becomes a regular. I can’t stand the way the writers write the teen dialogue, it’s so cringeworthy, but if you can get past that it’s an absolutely okay show. That scene in episode nine with her & Paxton when he comes in from window? Shiiiiit.
- Broken: it’s an episode about makeup and the lesson? Watch out for counterfeit cosmetics. Got it.
- The X-Files (The Squeeze episode): Someone told me to watch this one because it’s supposed to be scary, but it wasn’t anything special. A waaay better episode is Pusher. Watch THAT one.
- The Witches of Eastwick: How the hell have I never seen this before? So many parts are good. Would definitely rewatch. I’ll never get over how gorgeous Michelle Pfeiffer is. Just maddening.
- Scanners: boooooooooo. They shouldn’t make the cover look so good, it’s terrible.
- Nightmare on Elm Street: Really holds up well. Always love it.
- I’m rewatching Sabrina the Teenage Witch and kind of loving every minute of it. The episode where she becomes addicted to pancakes? A gem.
- Was Dharma & Greg, like, a great show? I never cared about it at the time because I think I was too young to get into it but I just watched their Halloween episode and it was so good. Might look into this further.
- Awkwafina is Nora From Queens (season two): With the exception of the blackout episode and the extremely hot cameo from original Reggie (Ross Butler), this season has really sucked. And this is insane to me because I loved the first season, what the hell?

Some things I’m looking forward to this month: I created an autumn highlight on my Instagram incase you care to see the fun things I’m planning on doing this month, excited to read Stanley Tucci’s new book, definitely going to make these pumpkin scones with a maple glaze, I will likely buy something from this year’s Halloween Lush collection, I’m gonna do a post about my recent trip to Salem (!), and I’m in the final stages of costume planning. God, I love this month.

If you have any interest in reading what went on in August, come on over here.