As part of my new year’s resolutions this year, I want to make everything on this list throughout 2021. I’ve never made any of them before (mostly because they either seemed intimidating or time consuming), but I’ve always wanted to. I’ll document all of the progress on an Instagram highlight over here, incase you want to see how it goes. Also, I won’t go in alphabetical order since some things are better made when it’s seasonally appropriate.
2021 Resolutions
Is it foolish to make resolutions this year? Should I be ridiculed for hoping for a different year than the last one? Does it make any sense to expect good things? I have no idea. All I have in life is my unwavering optimism. So here we go, baby.
Read at least one book per season.
If that seems low, please consider the fact that I love setting low expectations and then basking in delight when I go above & beyond them.
Juice at least five times a month.
Look, I know I sound like a 2014 documentary, but I still love juicing. It feels like I’m doing something right.
Take Baby Dog on an adventure at least twice a season.
Adventures may include another trip to Canada and/or anywhere we can take her in a car.
Get Nathan to take more photos of me.
This one I really have to enforce. I love having my photo taken and I demand to be adored. The man needs to step up his game. And I’m talking GOOD photos, none of that bad-angle shit.
Try at least one new restaurant each month.
So this will have to be delivery for awhile, but that’s still okay. I love trying new places and if I can get it safely, I’m in.
Submit pieces to publications at least five times each month.
This is the most important thing on here for me this year. I have so many writing goals that are always pushed to the side for jobs that can actually make me decent money, but this is the time to focus on what I really want.
Save $50 every Monday to use for travel spending money.
I must. We all have trips we’re looking forward to (even if they’re fantasies right now) so I want to be ready for when the time comes.
Buy nothing from Amazon or Wal-Mart, or at least limit it to once per month.
These scumbag companies make too much money. It’s enough already. One thing I’ve started to do: if I see something on Amazon that I want to buy, I’ll find the seller of that item through a Google search and then reach out to them to see if they’d ship it straight to me. Half of the time, they’ll give you a shipping discount if you buy from them directly. Just a tip. Baldy doesn’t need anymore of my money.
Cook A-Z new things.
I’ve chosen 24 foods/recipes (lettered A-Z) that I’ve never made before and I’m going to make them throughout the year. So that’s about two new recipes per month, which seems attainable. WE SHALL SEE. (You can see the list over here.)
Stop being so afraid.
I’d love for this to be my mantra for this year. There are so many things that I don’t even attempt because of the fear that comes alongside it and I’ve had enough.
Even if you think resolutions are foolish, I beg you to at least come up with a few, even if they’re general as hell. It’s so nice to have some kind of an internal guide map to lead your year.
Wishing you all the best this year, thank you for being here!
(UPDATE: To see how these resolutions went, come on over here.)
2020 Resolutions Revisited
Resolutions in 2020? It seemed like a good idea in theory. Even though many things took a wrong turn this year, some notable things happened as well. I spent hours upon hours with Nathan on his podcast, I naively made a list of quarantine things to do back in March when we were all still optimistic, I played dozens of games on Jackbox with my family on Zoom, I took a lone 15 mile walk from Queens to Manhattan mid-shutdown, my grandmother passed away and I wrote some things about it, we were able to still spend our anniversary in the hills in Vermont, my friend Irene and I spent the day in Sleepy Hollow, I wrote about the full moon on Halloween, even though there was nowhere to go & nothing to do I still had to dress up for October 31, I wrote about the greatest holiday side dish, I compiled my favourites of 2020, I spent Christmas on Zoom, and I found my favourite photos of the year. Here’s how my 2020 resolutions went.
“Read at least one book per season.”
For winter, I read Jenny Slate’s Little Weirds, A Short Guide To A Happy Life by Anna Quindlen (super small book but I’m still counting it) and Johnny Carson by Henry Bushkin. For spring, I read Untamed by Glennon Doyle. For summer, I read We’re Going To Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union. And for autumn, I read Sofie Hagen’s Happy Fat.
“Start doing pilates again. I used to love pilates and then abandoned it once my old gym closed down. More pilates in 2020.”
Gyms closed in March, so I’m afraid this did not happen. Bonus note: I did finally quit the gym in early March, which is something I’d been wanting to do for a long time. I’m thinking about just getting back into Pilates DVDs, that might be the answer.
“Juice at least five times a month.”
January - 5 times
February - 5 times
March, April, May, June, July, August, September: not even kinda!
October - 1 time
November, December - whoops!
WOW. Just wow. I guess in the midst of a global pandemic, juicing just vanishes from your entire mind. Fair.
“Take Baby Dog on an adventure at least twice a season.”
Winter: I took her to Central Park and to volunteer at an elderly care facility that has a monthly dog event.
Spring was a pretty hardcore lockdown situation.
Summer: We drove her to Vermont and walked her once to Central Park.
Autumn: I took her to Canada.
Winter: We took her on the Polar Drive.
“Properly go on a date with Nathan at least once a month.”
In January we didn’t do anything and in February we went to a Raptors game and also to a museum together and then the world stopped. In August we were able to safely drive to Vermont and it was wonderful. Other than that, "going on physical dates” would have been impossible with everything shutdown.
“Try at least one new restaurant each month.”
January: Portale (phenomenal) & even though I’d already been to Peter Luger I went again to try the lunch burger (it was good, but nothing to travel to Brooklyn for).
February: Frank (very good! But I have no urge to go again).
March: I Sodi (wildly disappointing, will never return).
April - August: restaurants were mostly closed.
September: Gramercy Tavern (wonderous), Atoboy (fantastic, tuna was heaven on a plate) & Arte Cafe (so perfect and casually great). Note: all were outdoors and/or takeout.
October: Erin Mills Pump & Patio (delivery) (great!)
November & December: none
“Submit pieces to publications at least five times each month.”
In May, June & July I think I submitted pieces about 10 times each month. Does that make up for every other month? No. Must get better and more regular about this one.
“Go to at least one literary event every two weeks.”
Hahahahahah, not a chance in hell.
“Save $50 every Monday until June to use for Europe spending money.”
I did this and then the world told me to go fuck myself. Europe was postponed and the money that I saved went towards rent & living expenses for the coming months since I wasn’t working.
“Once a month, call at least one person I haven’t talked to in awhile to catch up.”
This was actually a great thing to do during the beginning of quarantining. It did fade around summer for me because the looming loss of regular life was starting to set in, but still. I liked this resolution. I wish I’d kept it up.
“Every time I buy something new, I’ll donate or throw out one piece of clothing.”
I did this about half of the time, mostly because I kept forgetting. You know when you buy something new and you’re just so excited about it? It’s hard to remember things when excited.
One thing (not listed) that I did keep up with? My monthly roundup posts. I can’t believe that I’m still doing them, to be honest. Here are the links to the last twelve months of them. (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December)
All in all, I think it’s a miracle that I attempted to accomplish anything last year. 2021 resolutions coming soon!
Favourite Photos of 2020
December Dalliances 2020
I hope you had the most merry Christmas possible, I really do. Mine was definitely different from our family’s norm, but it still turned out to be intimate and special. I never thought I’d get a Christmas with my parents and Nathan and Baby Dog all together at once, so that’s kind of a wish come true. In such an awful year, it felt so nice to get something so unexpectedly perfect. A part of it felt empty without Gary and Robbie, but if this year has taught me anything it’s to appreciate what you’re lucky enough to have right infront of you.
In other news, are you impressed with how on-time this end-of-month list is this month? I hope you are. I live to impress you. Here’s what went down in December:
I recapped how my autumn list went.
I made my winter list of things to do for the season because I physically can’t stop making lists. It gives my life a sense of direction.
Instagram took away the option to embed your own photos (or changed it & I CAN’T FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO IT), so if you know how to please please god tell me.
Great idea of the day: if you have a moment, you can send a letter to become a penpal with a senior citizen who loves to correspond.
I’m always a sucker for articles like this at the end of the year.
When I was making the Nutella cookies for Christmastime this year, I finally learned how to successfully brown butter! It really helps to use a white-bottomed pan so that you can see the browning process happen.
We did the Polar Drive by the airport and it was very cute. Would’ve been perfect for kids.
I watched the first episode of the new Saved By The Bell and it was cringe city USA. Just really horrendous. There were oddly maybe two parts that were really funny, so the whole experience was just confusing.
Just learned about the existence of mod podge and crafting will never be the same again.
Someone on the Food Network suggested mixing ricotta and cheddar for something and I can’t get it out of my head, I never would’ve put those cheeses together but now it’s all that I want to try.
Such a good waxing experience at Waxon. The wax they use is like magic, it hurts so much less than at regular waxing places.
I have been washing Baby Dog’s face like this almost every night since I saw this video and she loves it.
It’s the first time I’ve used it, but I’ve fallen in love with Isle of Paradise’s Self Tanning Drops.
Some movies I rewatched: The Craft (god, I love the outfits in this movie), Misery (great winter watch, still makes me sick to watch the feet scene), Reindeer Games (again, just a fun winter movie) and Alive (are you seeing a theme here? Love snowy movies without Christmas overtones).
I watched the Love Fraud documentary series and it was really, really good. Especially because in the last episode you get to hear from the main guy its based around.
I have been using the cranberry salve from Kiehl’s and it’s such a Christmas-y, great flavour.
Good god do I want this shirt. It’s so workman-chic.
In love with this white teeny tank I just bought. I have this fantasy of wearing it braless in the streets when we’re all vaccinated. Not sure if this will happen, but in my mind? Christ, it’s hot.
I made this cranberry-rosemary julep and yikes it was strong, but not delicious strong. Giada isn’t great at drinks, she should just stick to over-pronouncing Italian pastas and cheeses.
I reeeeally wanted this tulle bra from Zara but it sold out before I could get it, so I bought this blush lingerie one instead. I can almost guarantee that when I put it on Nathan will tell me to calm down.
Love love LOVING these Aritzia bodysuits.
Bought my first crossbody bag from Zara. Worried about how it’ll fit across tits, but we shall see and I will report back.
Currently living in this Zara sweatshirt.
Almost all of these leftover stuffing ideas are pure genius.
I’m not a terribly original person, so I’ll forever love a life hack. Love this list.
I’ve been using this great hair finish every day for a month because it’s been laying around my parent’s house, but I can’t find it available anywhere online.
I made this cranberry brie pistachio wreath that was so, so good (even if you hate brie, which I do).
I made these hot chocolate lace cookies that were very good, if not a little too sugary.
In love with these leftover stuffing muffins. As long as you add pancetta to the stuffing.
I can’t stop making this kale caesar salad with sweet potato and chickpeas. The dressing is unreal.
I dedicated an entire post to the magic that is stuffing.
I listed my very favourites from the year.
Best tweets of the month ahead.
Some things that I’m looking forward to this month: all of the snow that’s coming, I’m excited to sit down and listen to Taylor Swift’s evermore album, I still want to watch the newest season of Big Mouth, I’m so f-ing pumped for the return of Riverdale, might bite the bullet and buy this Glossier lip gloss that’s apparently NOT sticky (how is that even possible?), I really want to watch Soul, I can’t wait to make this carbonara on New Year’s Day and I’ll definitely do everything on this list for January 1st. Also, if you’re reading this on New Year’s Eve, then get your ass over here.
If you’ve got any interest in reading last month’s roundup, you can see what went down in November over here.
My Favourites of 2020
Everyone seems to love an end-of-year best-of post (myself included), so here we go. Behold, the best of the best in a year full of trash.
Clothing
J. Crew underwire 90s swimsuit: I bought it in both black & red and I can’t wait to wear them somewhere other than my house one day.
UNIQLO blouse: so soft and perfect fitting.
High waisted leggings from Aerie. I can’t put in a link because they’re always changing the ones they sell, but the softest/best ones are the ones that are 88% Nylon, 12% Elastane.
This Zella Crop Hoodie from Nordstrom that I pretty much wore every other day since June.
Babaton Contour V-Neck Bodysuit (so far I have it in two colours, clay & scarab), they’re amazing. They’re like better quality versions of the old American Apparel bodysuits.
TV & Movies
The Staircase documentary series
This one scene from The Good Place
The most recent season of Shrill
The Hillary documentary
The first season of Dave
Beauty Products
OUAI Wave Spray - such a low maintenance way to style your hair when it’s damp.
Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion - incredible for blemishes that are in the early stages.
Antihistamine Eye Drops - annihilated my itchy eye problem.
Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Salicylic Acid Pore Refining Pads - I went through the entire container, it really does wonders for your skin.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-In-One Cleanser With Toner - again, just amazing on my skin.
Scalp Massager - I feel rich when I use it.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve - my saving grace this winter.
Luna Sleeping Night Oil from Sunday Riley - makes me look 18, in my opinion.
Restaurant Takeout
The steak tartare at The Dutch (NYC).
The lamb sliders & perfect fries at Pil Pil (NYC).
Literally any pasta at Portale (NYC).
The off-menu Cacio E Pepe at L’Artusi (NYC).
The steak at Giorgio’s of Gramercy (NYC).
The birthday cake slice from Milk Bar (NYC).
The burger at Vesta in Astoria (Queens).
The tomato focaccia & garlic butter at Lilia (Brooklyn).
The vegan chicken parmesan at VSPOT (NYC).
The Harvest Daiquiri from Gramercy Tavern (NYC).
The tuna at Atoboy (NYC).
The hazelnut cappuccino cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery (NYC).
The Hunters Penne Pasta from Erin Mills Pump & Patio (Mississauga).
Forever the roast beef sandwich at San Remo’s (Etobicoke).
The vegetable fried rice from Fortune Dragon (Mississauga).
Truly sorry for this addition, but the chicken sandwich at Popeye’s (Earth).
Recipes
Putting pickles on grilled cheese sandwiches.
Broccoli Bolognese, but with Beyond Meat sausage instead.
My forever favourite Summer Tomato Panzanella Salad
Random Favourites
Hal’s Seltzer in Cola flavour: it’s seltzer that tastes like Coke. It’s madness.
Nathan’s Patreon!
This little girl and everything she plays.
Best dog grooming place in the city: You Lucky Dog Grooming (Mississauga).
Every single product put out by the Beyond Meat people.
DAH!: a vegan yogurt that tastes better than regular yogurt.
Saratoga Sparkling water: it just tastes colder than other brands.
Listen to forests from around the world, I love this.
My day-trip to Sleepy Hollow, the one place I travelled to all year.
And there you have it! 2020, let me happily usher you to the door.
An Ode To Stuffing
Why am I devoting an entire post to a Thanksgiving side dish? I wish I could tell you. It’s been on my mind? Also, I wanted to make sure that I don’t forget exactly what I did to MAKE THE GREATEST STUFFING OF ALL TIME.
Before you lash out at me, please understand that I fully comprehend the beauty of cooking from scratch. However, there are times when certain foods simply do not need to be make from scratch. And this baby is one of them…
Yes, boxed stuffing. This stuff is magical when you add the right accoutrements. Some personal additions that I love to add are caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms together (if you’re avoiding meat). But if you aren’t avoiding meat? The most heavenly idea is to buy unchopped (get the kind you need to slice yourself) pancetta. And then?
Cook the pancetta in a pan big enough to hold the boxed stuffing.
Once the pancetta is done, add the stuffing, one cup of chicken stock or broth and one or two tablespoons of butter and follow the remaining instructions on the box.
Eat it by the handful.
I swear to you, it’s insanely good. And if you’re looking to do something with any leftover stuffing the following day, I found this incredible recipe for stuffing muffins that is just wildly good (why they weren’t called stuffin’ muffins, I’ll never know). You could eat those with gravy or cranberry sauce, but if you want to go one step better I’d recommend making this cranberry butter to go on top.
Winter List 2020
Remember when winter was here last and we were on full lockdown? And… here we are again? Maybe I shouldn’t have reminded you of that fact. But that being said, this winter list will be the most low maintenance list I’ve probably ever done because, well, that’s the law.
Build at least one snowman or snow-woman.
Arrange a decadent charcuterie board on New Year’s Eve.
If the city permits it, go ice skating.
Find a hill & sled down that hill.
Use up all of my winter stationary by sending out as much mail as my pen will allow me.
Wherever you are, I hope you’re staying warm and staying safe.
Merry Christmas!
Never could have anticipated a year like this one, but here we are - a little far apart but still together.
“Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration.”