The New Rooftop Terrace at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library
After three years of construction and $200 million dollars, the new seven-story branch of the New York Public Library (at 40th Street & Fifth Avenue) opened a few months ago right across the street from the flagship of the NYPL on Fifth Avenue (the Ghostbusters library). And there are few things more beautiful to me than a brand new shiny library.
One of the best parts of the top floor (next to the terrace, indoors) is an outpost of Amy’s Bread (yes your favourite part of a library should probably not be the snacks they sell, but I can’t change who I am) that sells coffee, sandwiches & baked goods that are actually great and somehow not pricey - a slice of quiche for $5? Are you kidding? Is it the year 1998? That’s amazing. And right next to that is the cleanest washroom in NYC & must have cost more money than my entire apartment with Toto toilets and Dyson hand dryers.
The outdoor public terrace holds views of the main library across the street, the skyscrapers that line Bryant Park and really it’s just wild that this is the view from a public library. There are tables and chairs outside, as well as (covered) bench seating if it starts to rain. It’s truly worth a visit if you find yourself near Bryant Park, but also if you’re looking to spend some hours working in a (free) space that’s eons more relaxing than any coffee shop. The outdoor WiFi can be spotty, but I’ve been informed that it will be perfectly working before year’s end. I almost didn’t want to post about it here in fear of letting the secret out… you know, to the millions upon millions of readers I have.
Definitely worth a visit!
September Shenanigans 2021
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Tweets of September 2021
New Podcast - What's A Rat King?
Autumn List 2021
“How beautiful the leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.”
The absolute best time of the year has officially begun, the start of the three equally best seasons. Here are a few of the things I’d love to do this fall.
I didn’t want to go overboard with my list this year because I don’t want to feel overwhelmed, I just want to enjoy the season as much as possible without having a laundry list of things that must be done. Of course there are some other things that I’m planning, but those are surprises for later on. Some other small things that I do each autumn? I’ll break out the warmer comforter for the bed soon. Costume planning is well underway. I’ll unpack and display all of our autumn/Halloween stuff this week. I’m definitely going to make these leftover stuffing muffins. Of course I’ll get Milk Bar’s Thanksgiving croissant when it’s available in November. Oh, and I definitely want to make this leftover sandwich again.
As always, I encourage you to come up with an autumn list of your own, you’re not that busy.
Summer List 2021 Revisited
The Best Eyebrow Growth Serum
The one piece of advice I’ve endlessly given to my nieces: don’t TOUCH your eyebrows until you’re at least 18. Have they listened? No, but at least I tried. I mainly give this advice because I’ve had sparse eyebrows since grade six when I accidentally shaved half of them off & they’ve never grown back in fully. I often wonder what could have been different if I’d had thick ones. Like Cara Delevingne thick. I could’ve been an entirely different person. In any case, I never dreamed that I could grow eyebrow hair in the spots that have been barren for years… until now.
DO YOU SEE THAT? That’s with ZERO eyebrow makeup. Do you understand what a miracle this is for me? I truly thought that I would be filling in my eyebrows for the rest of my life and now the entire game has been changed. And this is only what’s happened using the serum whenever I remember to (like a few times a week as opposed to daily use). I’m obviously going to start to use it daily to see the full impact of what proper usage can look like, but I’m already wildly impressed with what’s happened so far. Truly the holy grail of eyebrow growth products. Will update again in another few months to see what the results of daily use look like.
*Full Disclosure: this isn’t a paid post, but they did send me a tube to try out for myself and it’s unreal how good a serum it is.
Best Tweets of September 2021 So Far
August Actions 2021
Summer is almost officially over, so obviously the autumn planning has commenced! This will soon be me.
God, I can’t wait. Here’s what went down in August.
You can find my favourite tweets of the month over here and here.
I got artificial (not acrylic) nails again and I’m in loooooove. Powder dip is all I’m going to do from now on. If you’re in Mississauga, the absolutely best place to get them done is at Nails For You in Square One. SUCH a beautiful job.
Have you ever even heard of the Michael Keaton movie Pacific Heights? I hadn’t and it is so good. Love that man. Love that movie.
I made this corn dish (with mozzarella instead of halloumi) with tomatoes and basil as a side dish and it’s so summery and perfect.
I kind of love the idea of this fist-fighting festival. “Small rural communities high in the Andes, many of which do not have regular access to law enforcement to resolve disputes, settle their scores once a year in a public arena, with their fists. The ultimate aim is to begin the new year in peace. For this reason, every fight — whether it involves men, women or children — begins and ends with a hug.“
I made this sweet potato corn chowder and boy was it not good. Never again.
If you’re looking for some small Ontario towns to visit, I didn’t even know all the places on this list.
I tried Bellucci Pizza in Astoria (the Sicilian pepperoni, to be exact) and it was stellar. The texture of the bottom of the slice was unreal. Is it annoying to have another great pizza place? Never.
And while bad pizza is hard to find, I did try Champion Pizza and let’s just say that New York has waaaay better to offer. Steer clear.
Nathan and I saw the movie Old with some friends and it was such a party. You can only see this movie with people who won’t take it very seriously because it’s obviously terrible, but in such a fun way. Movie of the summer, as far as I’m concerned.
Incase you’re looking for some perfect background noise while you cook.
I know zero about wine (other than the fact that I loathe South African red wines), but I’ve discovered lately that I’m especially fond of Australian Chardonnays. Look at me!
A friend and I tried Society Cafe for Restaurant Week and it was wonderful, I’d definitely return.
I have been using this eyebrow serum Nulastin for a few months now and it’s working miracles on my face. I’m gonna do a full post on it this week so that you can see the before and after for yourself.
I returned to the bakery Mel and got the ham & cheese croissant and some cookies. I know it’s hard to come across a bakery that isn’t doing God’s work but this place is at the very top of my favourites list.
You know how when you’re making croutons and the recipe always tells you to use sourdough? MAN, is that bad advice. Or maybe not bad, but sub-par for sure. FOCACCIA! FOCACCIA CROUTONS! I promise you. So crispy on the outside, but little fucking pillows on the inside. Never going back to sourdough croutons. Pass it on.
I watched Desperate Housewives in its entirety for some reason?? Terrible show?? I always watch things I hate in August for some reason.
Speaking of bad television, I started watching the new Riverdale episodes and… oh no… it might actually, finally just be bad. Was it always? Have I grown? I don’t want answers to these questions?
I tried the Beyond chicken nuggets at A&W in Canada and whoa are they good. Must remember this.
I also tried the Swiss Chalet chicken sandwich and it was very all right. I felt like it was missing one element and I’m too dense to know what that could be.
There’s been a warning sign on my rooftop door since we moved in and it suddenly disappeared (why? I don’t ask questions), so I finally got to see our own rooftop view and it’s wild that it took me this long to go look.
I went to Carmenta’s in Brooklyn and had a great chicken parm & caesar salad. Love when boring food can be done well.
I’m using this Drunk Elephant set I just bought and yes they’re good products, but their packaging is complete shit. I can’t stand it when a decent company falls flat on its packaging. Too much or too little product comes out in these types of bottles and it’s infuriating every single time.
They were showing the French film La Piscine at the Film Forum, so I went to see it with Irene and god DAMN I love an old theatre. Such a nice summer night idea. Can’t stop listening to this song now.
We also had dinner that same night at Vic’s and it was only okay. Don’t think I’ll return, even if their garlic bread was pretty unique and good.
Tried the Double Double Coffee Crisp and for the life of me could not taste the difference between it and a regular Coffee Crisp, so that means? Both are perfect.
I made a Hazel McCallion (Hazel McCallion is a Canadian politician who was the mayor of Mississauga, Ontario, from 1978 until 2014) crop top because I’ll always love her and this shirt needed to exist.
I was on the latest episode of Positive Anger.
I made this peach panzanella with burrata and it was very, very good but when is a panzanella ever bad?
I also somehow forgot about my love for bruschetta, which is just wrong. Love it when dozens of little pieces of tomatoes go flying in every direction just so I can get one measly bite. It’s mayhem and pleasure all at once.
I made this cold vegetable noodle salad and cold noodles always comfort me in ways I never expect. Love this recipe. Even if you omit all the vegetables.
Since I haven’t been able to get a reservation at Carbone yet, should I just buy the damn sauce online or continue to wait it out?
The Nordstrom sale prompted me to get these fantastic tan sandals that I haven’t been able to stop wearing. So light and perfect.
Some great pieces I came across this past month:
How To Have a Happier Post-Pandemic Life (I know it’s not yet over, but still a great read)
I always loved the Rosie O’Donnell talk show and this Vulture piece about it just makes me miss it harder
I bought this teeny card holder from Target specifically so that I have a mini organizer for my cards in my smaller purses.
My niece Tianna and I finally found the cream donuts we’ve been searching for for years! They can be found at the Mississauga Central Lions Club farmer’s market on Sundays 8am - 4pm (runs weekly through late October 31, 2021 at 3 Robert Speck Parkway, in the parking lot). CASH ONLY!
Some things I’m looking forward to this month: I will try to finish off the final things from my summer list, I’m trying to decide if I want to go apple picking or if I just feel like I should, I’m also prepping everything I want to do for autumn, and I might go try this PSL dipped cone (below) because why the hell wouldn’t I?
If you have any interest in reading what went on in July, come on over here.