SUCH a perfect book to start the new year. I knew so little about Busy Philipps other than the fact that she was great on Freaks & Geeks, so this was such a lovely surprise to learn that she’s actually such an incredible woman. Thanks to Marla for the recommendation! Best parts ahead.
The stories of her continuously dislocating her knee are so awful sounding but equally hilarious.
The part about how she lost her virginity is so powerful and terrible and brought up so much stuff from a specific occurrence in my own life from when I was a teenager. It isn’t necessary for me to go into it now, but it compounded how awful that experience was for me and how wild it is that it took years to finally understand how awful it is for any young women to have to go through any sexually damaging experience and think it’s just a normal thing to happen or that you deserved it in some way.
I love that she loved Tori Amos’ Little Earthquakes as much as I now do.
Her abortion story is so fucking brave (which I hate that I even have to say that because it’s 2019 and it’s insane that abortion stories aren’t more normalized) and amazing, this woman is wonderful.
Love this part: “There are certain people who are what I call sparkly humans. These are people who have things just happen for them or to them because other people see them and seemingly inexplicably want to help them. Because they sparkle. From the inside out.” I know so many people like this!
The chapter that goes into detail about James Franco? Whoa. What a terrible man! Sure, it’s just one story in someone’s book - but ugh. I hate that I ever liked him.
Love the idea of her waiting until her daughter is thirteen to finally and fully watch Freaks & Geeks with her.
Small thing, but I hate it when people refer to cities in Canada and then say the city COMMA Canada. Example? “Calgary, Canada.” I hate it so much. Americans would either lose their shit or hysterically laugh at anyone who would say, “Hollywood, America.”
“Like how Franco carried Dante’s Inferno around on set. It’s like CALM DOWN WE GET IT YOU WANT US TO THINK YOU’RE HOT AND SMART.” - Hahahahah.
About when she first met Michelle Williams from Dawson’s Creek: “I liked her immediately. She talked quietly, as if the things she was saying were just for me.” - Oooooo, how I love that description.
Look, I know I shouldn’t have strong opinions (or opinions at all) about the people she writes about in this book, but her ex-boyfriend Craig can eat all of the dicks. Who the fuck tells their girlfriend that she laughs too loud in restaurants?! Fucking assholes, that’s who. Also, no birthday gift or card on her birthday?! Wow. Look, I’ve never met a Craig that was a good person, and I guess it’s impossible. And I know I shouldn’t criticize but it was just so frustrating for me to read about a young woman wasting so much great energy on a piece of shit. (Obviously I’m drawing parallels here to my past pieces of shit.)
Hearing a network executive say to her, “They just want you to feel your best!” as a way of saying that she needs to lose weight is so upsetting and disgusting and honestly it blew my mind for a second to think that this woman hasn’t always been viewed as thin. Horrifying.
I will forever love any tidbits, however large or small, about Amy Poehler being great and perfect.
Absolutely in love with the tiny little drawings at the end of each chapter, of course Autumn de Wilde did them.
Love that she hated the movie Crash as much as I did. IT DID SUCK.
Love her “fuck that guy” sentiment about Quentin Tarantino! Man sucks and gets way too much love from people.
Definitely shouldn’t have an opinion on this (because people would vomit if they heard the nicknames Nathan and I call each other), but I hate that her husband calls her ‘buddy.’ Just bothers me.
Loved the chapter about after she had her first baby and the realness of her husband doing NOTHING when the baby arrived. This woman doesn’t hold back and I am here for it.
Ugh, and when her husband Marc-with-a-’c’ goes, “If we do this, it’s all on you” about having a second child, UUUUUUUGGGGHHHH. Go away, MarC, I hate you. Am I wrong?!
“It was hard to imagine living in a world where women are so truly reviled that a man can brag about abusing them and still get elected president.”
Honestly, such a great book. I know that I’m being rough about some parts, but you literally start to feel like you’re friends with this woman as you read the book. So, so good. Pick it the fuck UP.
This is one of my favourite posts to write, but I feel like you know that already. Most people throw away their resolutions after a few months, but I love to keep very specific track of everything I try to do throughout the year, so here we go. Here’s how 2018 went for me.
Go to the gym or do some kind of physically strenuous activity at least ten times a month.
January - 8 times
February - 2 times
March - 3 times
April - 9 times
May - 13 times
June - 4 times
July - 0 times
August - 9 times
September - 5 times
October - 3 times
November - 5 times
December - 23 times (hahah, can you tell I was trying to be extra impressive this month?)
So that means that I worked out for 23% of the days of the year, which is better than 2017 (which was 17%) so that makes me feel great. I know it’s just a number and I shouldn’t care about things like that, but I do so what can you do. Going to strive for an even better number next year.
Juice at least five times a month.
January - 24 times
February - 6 times
March - 6 times
April - 1 time
May - 15 times
June - 8 times
July - 3 times
August - 5 times
September - 1 time
October - 1 time
November - 0 times
December - 25 times
Okay so there were five months when this didn’t happen. But I mean… look at January and May and December. I feel like I go nuts with the juices every five months or so. Weird. Still love this resolution.
At least once a month, go to a nice restaurant that you've never been to before.
December - The Spaniard (crazy good burger), Le Rivage (average, though the snails were good)
There were only two months when this didn’t happen! That’s pretty sweet.
Take Baby Dog on at least two dog adventures per month (this could include going to Central Park, Astoria Park, dog dates, etc.)
Oh boy, was this an eager resolution. I did take her to Central Park as much as I could when the weather was warm, but of course I could’ve taken her more. She also went to some dog friendly cafes, so that was good too. If I keep this resolution for 2019, I’ll definitely revise it to be a seasonal aspiration instead of a twice-monthly one.
Properly go on a date with Nathan at least once a month.
I kind of can’t even believe we did this every single month except September (which he travelled for most of), sometimes even a few times a month! It was great! I could list everything we did here but that seems… like something a crazy person would do (said the person who counts her juices & workouts on a daily basis).
Learn how to meditate.
I think I did? For a few months I tried to do it and it seems like something I need a lot more practice with. Also, maybe I was doing it wrong, but I didn’t really understand what I was supposed to get out of it. Obviously it’s great for a lot of people, I’m not trying to be a dick, but I think I was just missing something about it in general.
Once a month, write a letter to someone that I haven’t seen for awhile.
Hahahah, awww. Not a chance in hell. I did this once and I’m pretty sure I mailed it to the wrong address.
Once a season, do a week-long juice cleanse or follow a completely raw food diet.
Again, NOPE! Too hard.
By the end of the year, stop waitressing and start editing full time again.
I was reeeeally close to having this done in June, but then backed out of it. Lots of reasons. Some personal ones just for me to know. But I’ll keep working towards this goal. I happen to not completely hate waitressing, so until I do, I think I’ll keep doing it.
2018 was kind of a good year, I think. It’s so hard to tell when you’re looking back at it. It wasn’t the best or worst, but it’s over now so we can only look forward. Definitely going to try and make this one a wicked one. Thank you so much for continuing to read and encourage all of the nonsense that I post on here, it means more to me than anyone will ever know.
So many things happened last month, highlights ahead!
I literally started doing my hair instead of just letting it air dry and it’s kind of nuts how easy it is to do.
I started using Origin’s GinZing Eye Cream and even though it’s only been a few weeks, I’m really liking it. Is it actually lightening my dark circles? I’ll be able to tell within a few more weeks, I think, so I’ll come back to this next month.
I made cauliflower hummus for the first time and it was not a hit. Maybe ‘cause I couldn’t get it as smooth as I imagined it should be, but still - not good at all.
I visited the Glossier flagship store in Soho and it was pretty fun and only slightly ridiculous. The robot mechanism that delivers your purchase to you at the end made me laugh. No opinions on their products as of right now since I only went to buy a Christmas gift for someone, although I did try a sample of their Milky Jelly Cleanser that felt pretty nice. The big drawback of the place is that it’s credit-card-only (no cash), which I have pretty strong opinions on. This is a great piece on that whole issue.
I went for food at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment in Union Square for their $13 lunch special (which includes a drink) and it’s probably one of the best lunch deals in that area for sure. Also the decorations at Christmastime are insanely lovely and aggressive.
Ate the smash burger at The Spaniard, which was really, really good but of course it was because it was a Pat LaFrieda blend. The bun was so perfectly toasted and it’s now definitely one of my favourite burgers in the West Village. Only thing I didn’t like were their onion rings - waaaay too doughy. Gotta keep it real with letting the onion shine through.
Smash burger at The Spaniard
Finally tried the Bite Agave Lip Balm that was part of Sephora’s yearly birthday gift and it’s definitely nothing special, way too sticky!
Also tried the Bite Lip Crayon in Glacé that was also part of the Sephora birthday gift and it’s so wearable and lovely, I’m excited for the 2019 Sephora birthday gift options (they just announced them!)
I got my hair cut! I went to Davidov Salon in the city for the second time, and I think this’ll be my regular place from now on.
Made a ton of chickpea nuts and they’re such a good and fast snack to have around. Favourite’s probably the BBQ.
Watched the latest Chilling Adventures of Sabrina holiday special and for a few scenes, it was actually kind of scary, which weirded me out. I still can’t decide if I hate or like this show.
Watched Salt Fat Acid Heat and loved it. Samin Nosrat has such an approachable nature, I wish there were tons more episodes. I also loved the last bit of the series when she says, “For me, cooking has never been about the food. It’s about what happens at the table. Making good food accessible is really important to me. And any little way that I can do that, from inviting a bunch of friends over for a simple meal, to making them help out in the kitchen when they arrive, just helps make it feel like good cooking is within reach for everyone. My ultimate goal is to make people feel comfortable and taken care of so that they can just enjoy the moment. And maybe eventually pass that kindness onto others. Cooking for them, with them, just happens to be the easiest way I can do that. Anyone can learn to cook and do it well. Be thoughtful. Be curious. And use salt, fat, acid and heat to guide you to delicious food. And if for some reason a dish doesn’t turn out well, it’s okay. You can always try again tomorrow.“
I’ve been using Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate as a face exfoliator once/twice a week for the past few months and I absolutely love it. It’s crazy gentle and smells so weird that you feel like it must work.
Can’t stop making this incredible firecracker chicken. Tastes like take out.
Why do I continue to watch the new Fuller House episodes? I wish I could tell you. It’s the only show I hate watch at the moment. I fully hate it. The jokes are bad. Everything is corny. I’m unhappy when I watch it. Okay, it’s over. I’ll never watch it again.
I have so many thoughts on this dog cloning article and I have absolutely no idea which side I’m on. Obviously it’s seems like a wildly controversial and terrible idea… but also what if you just miss your dog so much and it can bring you happiness? Also, the fact that people with money are already doing this makes me all kinds of mad/crazy/excited? I don’t know, man. I’m all over the place with this.
As you already know, I started watching This Is Us and even though I’m only halfway through the first season, I have a couple thoughts. I hate the character of Kevin so much - it’s either him or the actor, I don’t know. His storyline is just so boring, I want to scream. Also, I’m not actually convinced it’s a good show. Everyone won’t shut up about how good it is, but it’s definitely got its moments of pure cheese. I’m just not convinced. I'll give it a few more episodes to make sure I’m not wrong.
Ate the French onion soup burger at Le Rivage and it was only okay. They kept bragging about how many awards that burger has won, but I mean… it wasn’t anything special. I think that if they replaced their English muffin bun with a potato bun then maybe they’d be cookin’. Their escargots, however, were dynamite - I love it when they’re served while they’re still in the shells. So fancy.
Have you ever had a dunkaccino? It’s a half hot chocolate & half coffee drink from Dunkin Donuts. I recommend.
Baking Hack: if you don’t have any brown sugar, do you know that you can make some by combining white sugar and molasses? Insanity. It really works. Check online for specific measurements.
Went to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree with Nathan!
I’ve been using this NYX eyeliner and I haaaaaaate it. Never again. I also maybe just hate all fine-tip liners. The fatter, inkier ones by Revlon might just be the easiest/best ones I’ve ever used.
This Japanese chocolate brand might just be the very best chocolate in the whole wide world. LOVE THIS STUFF.
I tried these two new gorgeous Essie colours I love (Lady Like & Limo-Scene) as well as my first Smith & Cult in the color Doe My Dear and it’s a dream. I also finally got this nail polish shelf that I’ve wanted for ages to display all of my nail polish bottles, so as soon as I put it up I’ll show you a photo of it.
All in all, a very busy month! Excited for the new year!
One of the very best seasons is finally here. Although there’s only been one snowfall so far, I’m hopeful for a very snowy few months. Here are a few things that I’d love to do this winter.
Autumn has come to a close, so it’s REVISITING THE AUTUMN LIST TIME. Don’t act like you aren’t interested.
“Make an apple or pumpkin pie from scratch since I've never done that with anything other than a key lime pie, which (let’s be honest) is a crazy easy pie to make.” - Made this pumpkin pie that ended up being more like pumpkin mousse. Again, this was my first try so it makes sense that it wasn’t fantastic. Pies are hard. Glad to have tried it out, though.
“Go to Downey’s for our annual visit.” - Course! It’d be mayhem if this somehow didn’t happen.
“Take my niece Layla to her first Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland.” - Did it! Loved it!
“Eat the thanksgiving croissant that’s available only in November at Momofuku Milk Bar.” - Ate it! As always, still amazing.
“Make some sort of savory souffle.” - Ugh, I forgot to do this one. Still intending to one day.
“Display and add to the miniature Halloween village that I set up on the windowsill each year.” - You know it, bitch!
“Finally start This Is Us.” - Started! On episode two currently. Parts of it are… not good? I’m mostly speaking of any of the Kevin storyline, but that’s only based on one full episode so I shouldn’t be so quick to judge. Otherwise I like most everyone else.
“Make at least two recipes from Chrissy Teigen’s new cookbook.” - Can’t even believe how hard I’m crushing this list, totally made two recipes. I detailed how they went in my October monthly roundup.
“Do a couples costume with Baby Dog this year since Nathan will be out of town on Halloween.” - Cooooooooome on, of COURSE I did this.
“Do some kind of Halloween craft with the kids.” - So I did do twocrafts but they were kidless, hahah. Not even because there weren’t kids in the house, they were definitely there, but I think I was being really particular about how I wanted these crafts done? So I’m taking a half point here.
Remember the documentary about the wonderful Bill Cunningham? That’s the reason this book got read. And while it’s a wildly insightful look into the fashion world of the forties, fifties and sixties - I was hoping for it to be more of a memoir of his whole life. It kind of makes sense that it wasn’t, though, since he was a notoriously private man. In any case, very pleased to have read it, best parts ahead.
“The wearing of clothes at the proper place and time is so important. That’s because they tell a story - not only about the wearer, but also about her time. How dare one not pay attention to the world one lived in, a world filled with the gorgeous tragedy of what is happening now, never to be repeated.”
“Zooming down the mountainside in freshly fallen snow, between the fir trees laden with fluffy white, I can’t begin to tell you what a wonderful feeling it is when you feel all alone in the world, sliding down at terrific speed. I always felt it was the perfect place to commune with God.”
“I believed in starting each week doing the thing you love most. Luckily, my love was flowers. At five thirty each Monday, I’d go down to the New York flower market, where all the colors of nature brightened the early morning. I would buy armfuls of fresh flowers to perfume my salon for the week. This is a practicing luxury I still indulge in, and one that makes all my weeks happy. Monday shouldn’t be drudgery. More people should start off doing what they enjoy most.”
“It’s funny how you get so patriotic when someone steps on you.”
“Sometimes even I myself am afraid to submit to my subconscious inspiration, for fear of being ridiculous, but no matter how wild or vulgar an idea seems at its conception, within five years someone is sure to come up with it. My suggestion to anyone who is creative is: never hold back.”
“Only the people who are willing to sacrifice the security and comforts of the establishment, and fight for their individual beliefs, cause the developing changes of the world.”
“Why is everyone afraid to be themselves in their home cities?”
“High fashion does gravitate around society, who claim to have taste. It’s only because they have the time, money, and places to wear trendsetting creations. It’s a ridiculous belief that money brings taste; it definitely doesn’t. As a matter of fact, it often merely allows one to enjoy bad taste with louder vulgarity.”
