I can’t be stopped! Hope you had a great Halloween!
You can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter.
The Best of September
Simpsons foliage >
Simpsons foliage >
September has come and gone! Welcome to grade 33, as Martin Short would say. Before we can sing the praises of this perfect time of year, here’s what went down last month:
The best tweets of September can be found over here.
I compiled my favourite photos from the summer.
I finally wrote about my dad’s 100th birthday party from June and Global News Canada did a short segment on my dad!
Mom & dad at his 100th party
I started a new series (Fall Fridays) and I’m probably more excited about it than you are? And that’s okay?
I found 20 new Halloween decor/kitchen things that I need to buy immediately.
I recapped how I did with my summer list, then made a new autumn one for the season.
Had my favourite meal of the entire season at Shukette.
I made this tomato tart and it was pretty good. It felt cool to make the bread base even though I have zero bread-making abilities (though next time I might just stick with store-bought puff pastry since it’s eons better).
Heirloom tomato tart
Made this chocolate zucchini banana cake for Nathan’s birthday because he loves it and it’s always so good.
Zucchini chocolate banana cake with coffee cream cheese frosting
This batch of pumpkin spice coffee syrup is my new favourite seasonal recipe (especially if you add milk to it before adding to iced coffee).
So I made these pecan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and yes they’re good, but they need some sort of frosting I think. Cookie recipes are so plain these days and someone needs to take a stand against them.
Pecan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
Jimmy Buffett passed away Labour Day weekend, so I finally made my way to Margaritaville in Times Square and it was actually great. The food was rough, but the drinks and the key lime pie were perfection.
Just realized now that I wore funeral clothing to Margaritaville in Times Square, NYC
Got drinks at the Chelsea Hotel and saw Matthew Broderick sitting with John Slattery, who were both babes.
Caught up with my dear friend Sarah who was visiting from Montreal!
Margaritas with Sarah
I went to Shopsin’s in Essex Market and whoa. Any time I’m craving a sandwich, I should always just come here. It’s hard for a chicken sandwich to impress anyone these days, but theirs was memorably fantastic. All sandwich bread should be garlic bread.
Fried chicken sandwich at Shopsin’s
Nathan and I went to Shot of Art to paint and it was kind of really fun.
I mean… we’re really cute here
I have been using the scar cream Mederma on this brutal wound that I’ve had since July and it’s almost magical. The scar isn’t completely gone yet, but as soon as it is I’ll do a side-by-side comparison.
I met R.L. Stine!
Some things I’ve watched:
Night Beast: great. Tubi has such good old horror movies.
Tourist Trap: okay, not a great example of a good Tubi horror movie, but definitely unique. Loved the ending.
The Black Phone: YIKES. Not good. To everyone who enjoyed this movie: it’s sad that your love for Ethan Hawke has clouded your vision because this was utter trash.
Some things I’m looking forward to this month: I have to get my hands on these snow globes stamps as soon as heavenly possible, I have to put the final touches on my Halloween costume, seeing The Shark is Broken on Broadway with Nathan and spending Thanksgiving in Canada with the family.
If you’ve got any interest in reading last month’s roundup, you can see what went on in August over here and you can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter. And my autumn highlights on Instagram can be seen here.
Summer List Revisited
I’m a little sad to see this summer end since this was probably the best one I’ve had in decades. We had my dad’s huge 100th birthday party, Marla came to visit me in New York, we went on a family trip to Scotland to see my brother Gary’s family, I had such a fun August with the kids in Canada and I finally got a contact lens that fit my left eye. This summer was huge. But how did I do with my summer list?
1. Bake some sort of tomato pie.
Did it! Should I get a medal for hand-making the dough? Yes, yes I should.
Tomato pie with heirloom tomatoes
2. Go jet skiing.
Not even kinda close to doing this one. Hopefully one day!
3. Eat at the new Superiority Burger.
Went! The veggie burger is as good as they claim, but the sides were only okay. I’d go again definitely for the burger and for the dessert.
The veggie burger at Superiority Burger, NYC
The peanut butter pie at Superiority Burger, NYC
4. Finally visit Smorgasburg.
Did not go! I went to countless other markets, but that absolutely does not count.
5. Swim at least five times.
Damnit I only went three times (so I’m taking a half point). I really wanted to get in some lane swimming, but there just wasn’t any time for it. That will be priority next summer.
So all in all, 2.5/5 - I’ll take it! For a season that I usually loathe, a passing grade is a win for me. Don’t judge my low expectations for myself, please. To see further proof that this summer was so great, I posted my favourite summer photos over here.
AUTUMN LIST COMING TOMORROW! And you can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter.
Favourite Summer Photos
And you can see my summer highlight reel on Instagram over here and you can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter.
Dad's 100th Birthday Party
100!
100!
This is a few months late of a post, but my dad turned 100 (!) in June and we had a giant party for him, which was incredible. And in helping plan the party, I did what I normally do when I need ideas for something - I went to different bookstores to peruse ideas for things that would be helpful in planning such an event. But here’s the thing: there is no book on how to celebrate a 100th birthday. There are ideas for kids birthday parties, weddings, showers, retirements but absolutely nothing specifically for a 100th birthday celebration. So that being said, I wanted to do a post about some of the things that we came up since it was all so fun to plan.
Tip #1: do not try to fit three numbered, helium-filled balloons in the trunk of your car. They will not fit. I popped the “one” almost immediately and thankfully we were still in the parking lot of Party City so I could get a replacement.
Toronto Star front page from June 5, 1923
Since we were having the party at a hall, we decided to decorate the guest entrance area with posters on easels from my dad’s past, like the front page of the Toronto Star from the day he was born (thanks to my dear friend Adele for getting a copy for us). We also displayed photos of his Dale Carnegie classes and students, his RCAF officer photos and medals, as well as an enlarged poster print from a Campbell’s tomato soup ad that he posed for when he was a kid. He also received birthday letters from the mayor of Mississauga, the governor general of Canada, the prime minister of Canada and the king of England, which were all on display. (I have a theory that since King Charles’ coronation took place on May 6th and my dad’s birthday was June 5th, then this could easily be the king’s very first 100th birthday letter that he’s sent as King of England… which is wild.)
Card luggage box
Dad insisted on cards only (no gifts), so I used this vintage luggage I bought years ago from the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show. The two red birds are from Michael’s and the lettering design was (perfectly) done by my sister-in-law Amanda with dollar store sticker letters, construction paper and twine.
100th birthday matchbooks
I got party favour matchbooks made through Zazzle that turned out great.
Decade cookies
I don’t know what else to call these other than the decade cookies because each sugar cookie had a photo from each decade of his life. And they turned out so perfect, I’m grateful that Sweet Star Bakeshop took on the project and could create these for the day.
Mom & Dad
The balloon arch was put together by my sister-in-law Cindy, my brother Robbie, my niece Tianna and her boyfriend Liam and it looked spectacular, especially as a backdrop for photos. Cindy also had the genius idea to create two kids-only tables with colouring and craft supplies. Honestly every event with kids should do this.
The Heathers!
We bought flowers from the grocery store on the day of the event since that proved to be the cheapest/easiest route and we just brought vases from home for them. We got the “100” table decorations, the “100” banner and the guest book all from Amazon.
Birthday letter from King Charles
We had about 400 old photos shown on a slideshow that was displayed on a projection that played on a loop as well as a playlist of songs from the 40s-70s (no Beatles, he hates them). My brother Gary arranged to have some fado (a form of Portuguese singing) musicians play for a little bit since my Dad’s a big fan of it.
Dad & Mom with the cake
He insisted on using a sword to cut the cake (since that’s what the queen would’ve done) and somehow no one got hurt.
And finally we made gift bags that included some of the things that represent my dad: a bookmark (he loves to read), some UK chocolates (because of his English roots), an engraved 100th birthday pen, some wild flower seeds (ideally to be planted as a reminder of the party!) and a jar of homemade Stan jam (he loves strawberry jam) that my mom and I made.
Stan jam!
It couldn’t have gone better and everyone had such a great time. Truly a once in a lifetime kind of day. And just incase you’re interested at all, here’s some more about my dad.
Stanley Heather was born in 1923 in Toronto, Ontario. When he was 18 years old, he joined the RCAF in 1941 and fought in WWII (Ranks Held: AC2 - R118904, ACI, LAC, ACT. CORP SGT., FLIGHT SGT., PILOT OFFICER - J94389, FLYING OFFICER). Throughout his life, he’s had five children and countless grandchildren, he’s worked as an accountant with Hyland Motors and Chrysler, he was a sponsor of Dale Carnegie and taught the five Carnegie courses in the West Indies for fifteen years, he was the Chamber Of Commerce Manager in Brampton, the General Manager of The Mississauga City Board Of Trade and currently still co-owns and operates the daycare supplies company Heather Child Care Essentials in Mississauga with his wife of forty years (and my mom), Hassina. He continues to travel the world with Hassina.
You can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter.
The Best of August
I may frame this
I may frame this
Summer is almost over and I think this is the first time in years that I’ve been a little sad to see it go. I was able to visit Scotland with my family, Marla came to see me in New York, I spent the majority of August in Ontario with friends and the kids, we played so much of Wii’s Warioware: Smooth Moves, I’m maintaining the tan of my dreams and I’ve never eaten so much fresh corn in my life. What kind of summer-loving fiend have I become?? In any case, here’s what went down in August.
Friend hang!
More friend hangs!
I finished my Summer Saturdays series that I loved doing. I’ll definitely do this again (maybe sooner than you think).
The best tweets of August can be found over here.
Loving the new Urban Outfitters Cherry ICEEEE nail polish.
The coolest job of life would be to come up with nail polish names
Obsessed with making this heirloom tomato toast as long as it’s in season.
Made these stuffed summer shells that I’d definitely make again. Summer pasta is underrated.
Summer stuffed shells
Went to a Blue Jays game with my brother Robbie and some of his kids and it was so great.
Skydome, August 2023
CN Tower, August 2023
I need to bite the bullet and just buy the Lemax pumpkin patch train, right?
Maple syrup greek yogurt? I never knew how much I needed you.
Also made cake pops for the first time with my niece Maya and they turned out perfect. Halloween cake pops up next.
At my parent’s house, I found myself constantly making pizza (with store-bought dough) and it’s so much better than I remember homemade pizza being. Maybe it’s because you need to heat the spread-out dough (on parchment, with olive oil rubbed on top) for ten minutes at 450 degrees and THEN put all the sauce/toppings/cheese on it and put it back in for another ten minutes at 500 degrees.
Sausage pizza >
If you’re anywhere near Woodstock, Ontario then you need to get these incredibly squeaky cheese curds.
Went to the Humber Bay Shores Farmers Market and got this great honey soda.
Incredible honey soda
Beach sit!
My greatest discovery this summer? Sponge toffee is ungodly perfect. NO ONE TOLD ME.
In my shopping cart:
Snow globe Christmas stamps from the USPS.
Warm Apple Pie candle at Bath & Body Works
Witches dancing in the moonlight from Lemax (okay, I legit might have a problem)
I’m in love with the Silk Creamy Maple Almond milk flavour for iced coffee.
My dad got a letter from King Charles for his 100th birthday, which is a big deal whether you care about the royals or not. And since his coronation was in the middle of May and my dad’s birthday was the first week of June, there’s a very good chance that this was the very first 100th birthday letter signed by THE KING OF ENGLAND, which is absolutely the neatest thing on the planet.
Dad’s 100th Birthday letter from King Charles
I went to the CNE with my mom and it was lovely. Tried the footlong freak fries that were texturally amazing. I was intrigued by the street corn soft serve but was unwilling to spend over $5 for it. And nobody should pay over $20 for a pina colada in a pineapple so we made them at home instead.
Freak fries at the CNE
Parents with pineapple pina colada
I tried the Benefit brow pencil (because I was temporarily out of the Colourpop one I love) and it was absolute trash. Returned it immediately.
Also flew in a Harvard airplane!
The coolest photo I’ll ever be in?
Some things I watched:
Barbie (for the second time): would honestly go a third time if anyone’s into it.
The Summer I Turned Pretty (season two): I think I loved this season even more than the first. I loved that almost every episode had some fun event that took over the entire episode (the carnival one, the house party one, the motel one, etc.).
Outer Banks (first two seasons): I can’t explain the grip this show has on me. The disgust-turned-to-love I have for JOHN B confuses even me.
Simply Irresistible: so laughably awful, I’m surprised Sarah Michelle Gellar got any work after this. The magical crab was the best character.
M3GAN: first of all, it’s not a horror movie so it’s weird it was sold that way. It’s really not good, but also very fun to watch with kids.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit: I forced the kids to watch this one because my brothers and I saw it about ten thousand times when we grew up. Heathers love this movie.
Junior: how did I never see this 90s classic? It should be law to watch one 90s movie each month. They’re so uncomplicated and good.
The last ten minutes of Beverly Hills Chihuahua: I came home to my niece Tianna watching this with my mom and Baby Dog and I saw literal minutes of it and cried. I can’t see pretend-dead-dogs even when they turn out to not be dead. I’M ONLY HUMAN. (The movie itself seemed actually adorable, maybe.)
And So It Goes (the Michael Douglas/Diane Keaton movie): ugh! So bad. When you get Rob Reiner to do a job meant for Nora Ephron - you get this piece of shit.
And Just Like That (season two): are there people out there who don’t see what a train wreck this show is? I want to talk to them. Also, Carrie is not a cat person. Whoever made that choice truly does not understand this character. Since when does Steve speak Italian? Charlotte was the real winner of the season.
Only Murders In The Building (season three): love how it’s starting out so far, but it’s not really as exciting as the previous seasons.
Summer Rental: truly the worst John Candy movie of all time.
Talk To Me: good/original, but too much gross-out horror for me.
Since it’s the first day of school today, I always think of what we should’ve been learning in school instead this time of year.
I got Baby Dog’s teeth cleaned for the first time in her life and it was a phenomenal experience. I was at Pet Valu and saw that they worked with an organization that cleans your dog’s teeth without putting them under anesthesia. The team at KissableK9 Care was beyond impressive and kind and the whole thing took thirty minutes. I have before and after photos that are pure insanity. I would post them here, but like… even a chihuahua likes her privacy sometimes. Cannot recommend KissableK9 enough!
Visited the Applewood outdoor pool in Mississauga a few times and I can’t wait to try their lane swimming next summer.
My babies! (Yes their boyfriends are my babies too I guess…?)
Some things I’m looking forward to this month: putting the final touches on my Halloween costume, creating an autumn list of things to do, taking Nathan to see The Shark Is Broken on Broadway and I really want to eat the tomato salad at Shukette.
The Harvard flight day
If you’ve got any interest in reading last month’s roundup, you can see what went down in July over here. My summer highlights on Instagram can be seen here and you can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter.
Romeo & Baby Dog being alarmingly cute
The Best of July
Baby Dog making the most of her summer
Baby Dog making the most of her summer
July was so busy that I barely had any time to loathe this awful time of year! Here’s what went down last month.
I started doing Summer Saturdays, which is a weekly roundup of what happens each week.
The best tweets of July can be found over here.
I can’t stop making this steak salad.
Went to the new Superiority Burger and the veggie burger was great, but the rest of the menu wasn’t anything terribly special.
Veggie burger at Superiority Burger, NYC
Appeared on Paul’s TikTok again!
Went to Shakespeare in the Park (Hamlet) for the first time and it was so, so good. Didn’t even mind the thunderstorm that happened mid-show, that’s how good it was. There was a gentle breeze of mild B.O that also wasn’t even that unpleasant. Had no idea that the Delacorte Theatre is closing after this season, so it’s especially neat that I got to go this year. ALSO I might like Shakespeare?? So many lines were ones I never realized were from Hamlet. And so many lines from Frasier too!
Hamlet at Shakespeare in the Park, NYC
Currently living in these green Halara bike shorts with pockets.
The greatest chocolate cake recipe I’ve come across.
I physically can’t shut up about these great black bean muffins that I just add protein powder to in order to eat homemade protein snacks.
Always a solid experience at Amelie in the West Village.
With Jessie at Amelie in the West Village
Went bowling at Astoria Bowl 360 and it was great. They’ve updated it a bit so it’s not as grimy as it used to be, which I guess is a good thing.
Got the Natori bra that I’ve loved for years (and lasts years) at the Nordstrom sale.
Marla came to visit and we did as much as humanly possible, some highlights:
Visited the MoMA and the new wing at the Natural History Museum
Had the gluten free latkes and french toast sticks at Modern Bread and Bagel and everything tasted ungodly good
Saw the Kusama exhibit in Chelsea
Stopped by the weekly stargazing event on the High Line
Finally ate at Rubirosa
Rented row boats in Central Park
Saw Six on Broadway and actually liked it (loved Marla saying before it started, “I don’t understand what they’re gonna do for *80* minutes.” Hahahahah)
Drinks in the sky at Manhatta will always be a good idea
Kusama exhibit, NYC
Row boats in Central Park, NYC
Stargazing on the High Line, NYC
The duck confit spring rolls at happy hour at Sojourn are wild. Gotta return.
For years I’ve wondered who the hell goes to the Uno or Applebees in my neighborhood when you LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY and there are a million better options. But for whatever reason, I found myself in one this month and I’m sorry but $7 martinis are the absolute main reason to go there. I forever remain on my mission to find the deals and drink the deals.
New favourite place to eat in Astoria: Figlia.
Figlia in Astoria, Queens
I went on a family trip to Scotland! Full post coming this week.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Some things I watched:
The Summer I Turned Pretty - so unbelievably fun.
Dave - so great! How have I never seen it before?!
The new Indiana Jones - loved it, except for the end.
And Just Like That - okay yes it’s still terrible, but Charlotte has really been shining in the latest episodes.
Black Mirror - watched all the new episodes and I really don’t think Ayo Edebiri is a good actress. Loved Joan is Awful since it felt like a more modern Truman Show. And Josh Harnett? A god.
It Should Happen To You - I saw this when I was so young and just fell in love with the idea of someone renting a billboard solely to just see their name in big letters. Great movie.
Barbie - phenomenal. Would see again. Will continue to buy (almost) any merch.
Hi Barbie by OPI
Barbie socks from Primark in Scotland
Some things I’m looking forward to this month: I’ll continue to do things off of my summer list, I definitely want to try lane swimming at a pool in the area, I’m determined to get Baby Dog in a kiddie pool to see if she would like it and I’d love to go to a Jays game if timing permits.
If you’ve got any interest in reading last month’s roundup, you can see what went down in June over here and you can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter. Also my summer highlights on Instagram can be seen here.
The Best of June
Sometimes you need a mini day trip to see a horse in New Jersey
Sometimes you need a mini day trip to see a horse in New Jersey
June was so packed with stuff, I can’t believe it’s actually over. Here’s what went down!
I started a new series of posts I’ll do for the whole summer - Summer Saturdays, which is just a summary of what I do each week. Volume 1 posted over here.
I recapped how I did with my spring bucket list.
I wrote a brand new summer list of things I’d love to do.
I finally wrote about seeing the Karl Lagerfeld exhibit at The Met.
The best tweets of June can be read over here.
I made these strawberry cobbler bars that were pretty good, but I think I liked this strawberry crumble cake recipe a bit more.
Strawberry cobbler bars
I bought this Aritzia 1/2 zip sweatshirt in both white and black and I’m really considering getting the pink one now, too. I might have a problem.
If you like dark chocolate, then you must make this dark chocolate cake. It’s the absolute best recipe I’ve ever tried. And with this chocolate icing? Unreal. It’s heavenly. (Pro tip: don’t refrigerate it, it tastes incredible at room temperature, even days later.)
Dad’s 100th birthday cake
I was about to talk about how great my dad’s 100th birthday went, but there are so many details that I’ll just do a post about it this week instead.
I will never get over how incredible the frozen yogurt at Freshii is. Nobody talks about this enough.
Freshii frozen yogurt might even be better than TCBY
A great small batch pancake recipe I keep using.
I went to Activate and it was surprisingly really fun! It’s kind of like Squid Game but in real life and with less death.
I made this basil sangria during a blackout at my parent’s house and it was so strong and perfect.
Did you know about the secret, unadvertised Baskin Robbins deal? On the 31st of every month (on months that have 31 days), they offer 31% of all scoops and pints. Pass it on.
I made a lemon blueberry layer cake that was such a great summer dessert, absolutely would make again.
I ate at the S&P counter and it was only fine? NYC has so many options, I’m angry that anyone ever told me this place was anything special.
The duck confit spring rolls at Sojourn however are little bites of luxury. I will return.
Here’s one of the recent Zara dresses that I can’t stop wearing.
I’m so sick of pants without pockets, so I’m obviously in love with these green Halara bike shorts.
A great (updated often) list of carnivals in the NYC area.
Always gonna be excited when Trader Joe’s drops a new candle scent.
Trader Joe’s salted caramel and pistachio scented candle
I tried some curried fried rice at a friend’s house recently and I can’t stop thinking about it, such a genius way to do fried rice.
I’ve been eyeing mattress toppers for a few months now (my mattress is old and springy), but they’re always too expensive. So instead I bought a thick comforter for about $20 and spread that underneath my fitted sheet and it is now the most comfortable bed in this country. It’s a strange feeling to have all the answers and still not be ruler of the world?
Officially into rhubarb now since I was introduced to this rhubarb syrup, which is a phenomenal mixer for anything alcoholic.
Rhubarb syrup with club soda
Lays, I love you. Never stop with your insane flavours.
Lays Italian Red Meat Flavor
I was in Canada for a bit and good god, it was a perfect spring visit.
Dinner in the sunroom during a blackout
Nephews & Baby Dog
These only bloom on my dad’s birthday
Fully recommend having friends who just GET IT
I went to Canada’s Wonderland with my nieces and there is nothing more satisfying than the end-of-day funnel cake you’re legally required to have before leaving. Also loved the new(ish) Yukon Striker.
Funnel cake at Canada’s Wonderland
I stopped by the new reincarnation of Zellers (it’s in a weird, small section at the back of The Bay) and the deals are wild. Go. If they bring back those Zellers diners with that gravy, they will be unstoppable.
The Barbie section at Ulta is wild. I want it all?
Truly all the Barbie collaborations are wonderful.
I got a “root shadowing” done at Bloc + Mane in Etobicoke (by the lovely Amanda) and it was everything I needed. It’s a process that blends your hair colour if you’ve dyed it in the past year but you don’t want that aggressive grow-out line.
The USPS new stamps this year are insanely cool.
A gentle reminder: your beach body is already here.
Some things I’ve watched & rewatched:
Since the new Indy was coming out, I rewatched Temple of Doom and wow is Kate Capshaw so unbelievably bad in it. Sure I’m no expert on great acting, but this is just torture to watch.
And Just Like That: I’ve said it before, but we’re in a hate/hate relationship. The dialogue is so horrid that it reinforces the idea that anyone can succeed in the entertainment business. Talent has zero to do with it.
The Bear (season two): absolutely LOVED it. Did they use an offensive amount of R.E.M. songs this season? Sure! But once you look past that, it’s a flawless season.
I bought these gorgeous olive coloured running shoes from Call It Spring that are beyond comfortable.
Men’s running shoes are eons prettier than women’s
I’d love to try any of these summer recipes:
Burger Au Poivre (everything should be au poivre, as far as I’m concerned)
Some things I’m looking forward to this month: are you aware that there’s a third My Big Fat Greek Wedding coming out?? And I can’t wait for some reason? Even I don’t really understand why, but I loved that first one so much when it came out. Other things: obviously excited for Barbie, my great friend Marla’s coming for a visit (!), I really want to find some good soft serve and I have a family trip to Scotland that I can’t wait for.
If you’ve got any interest in reading last month’s roundup, you can see what went down in May over here and you can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter.
I just told her she isn’t coming to Scotland with me
Summer List
Summer is awful for countless reasons, but let me count a few. Sun burns, endless humidity, children off school so they’re everywhere, the worry that you’re not enjoying it as much as everyone else, mosquitos that somehow get through my window screens, overcrowded patios, the underground hot, stagnant air that accompanies any subway wait. I could go on, but this is getting depressing.
On the other hand, there are the tiniest amount of great things about this, the worst season of all. Summer rainstorms, late sunsets, pools, frozen pina coladas, sandal tan lines, oh hell the perfect corn and tomatoes and nectarines and strawberries. Christ, I always forget about the produce, it’s unmatched. That being said, let’s try to get through these next three months as best we can until the sweet scent of September arrives.
Here’s what I’d love to do this summer (in addition to watching some of these and definitely some of these).
Bake some sort of tomato pie.
Go jet skiing.
Eat at the new Superiority Burger.
Finally visit Smorgasburg.
Swim at least five times.
As always, I encourage you to make a list of your own because as I’ve said before - we are all barreling towards death. So have some fun.
If you’re looking for some ideas for yourself, here are some past summer lists I’ve made: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2015.
You can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter.
Spring List Revisited
That was the longest spring that ever sprang and I couldn’t be happier about it. Here’s how I did with my spring bucket list.
1. Deep clean my apartment and donate all the clothing I haven’t worn in years.
I did not deep clean my apartment because the phrase deep clean is too intense, so it continuously got bumped off my daily to do lists. I did however donate about twenty pounds worth of old clothing I haven’t worn in years, so I’m taking a half point here.
I took this photo because I was so proud of decluttering my closet but of course it doesn’t photograph very well, it’s hard to accurately portray pride through a camera lens
2. Prepare steak Diane at home.
I did! And it was fantastic. One day I will learn how to properly ignite a flame without fear and then I will be unstoppable.
Steak Diane ingredients
3. Finally have lunch at S&P.
I did and it was beyond lackluster. What the hell is the appeal of this place?
You never need to go, trust me
4. See the cherry blossoms in Central Park. (There’s a tracker to see what’s blooming before you go.)
I went more than once and they were wonderful.
Baby Dog in Central Park
5. Finally tour the old City Hall subway station.
I had been waiting to do this for literal years and it was as magical as I’d hoped it would be.
The abandoned City Hall subway station
So I got 4.5 out of 5… are we serious? That’s the best I’ve ever done. Maybe you’re thinking it’s insane for me to be so chuffed with myself about “completing” something so frivolous - or maybe it’s just some slight jealousy creeping up on you…? Hard to tell.
Summer list coming tomorrow!
You can see more posts like this on my latest newsletter.