November 5, 2024

October Occurrences 2024

by Liz Heather in Food, Halloween, Movies, Personal, Recipes

I love Octobers but I’m grateful to be moving on to the holiday season. Halloween was so good this year. I used a fog machine (it’ll now have to be a staple each year) and a bluetooth speaker that played horror movie soundtracks and it was. the. best. Here’s what else went on last month.

You might think you’re better than fake tattoos, I assure you that you’re not

I made a list of my favourite Halloween tweets.
Put up some new Halloween decorations.

The best tweets of the month can be found here.
I made this apple crisp coffee cake, which was fantastic. I’d prefer more crumble than cake, though.

I tried the new spicy all dressed chips and it’s a big meh. All dressed is already so perfect, they really should just leave them alone.
I got a ton of old VHS and camcorder tapes converted to digital at Digital Treasures and they did such a good job.
I’ve been constantly wearing the Anne Marie Beretta coat I got last month at the vintage clothing show.

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I hadn’t had a DQ cake in years, so I bought one and it remains as good as ever.
I don’t love donuts (too doughy), but a holiday themed donut? Obviously I'll get those.

Thanksgiving donuts from Sanremo’s in Etobicoke, Ontario

Thanksgiving was really great, if not a little quieter this year. The next-day sandwich was one for the books. (If I started a business that solely made these sandwiches and just tried out new versions each month, could that work? Call it Turkey Time? Patent pending.)

Went to Downey’s for their pumpkin donuts (for a donut hater, I buy an alarming amount) and got this apple pie flavoured milk. It was a bit gross, but you have to try new seasonal items. It’s law.

Took my parents on an autumn drive through Belfountain and our car broke down in the middle of nowhere! It was exciting.

I went to Ottawa for the first time! The drive was intensely beautiful. My dumbass didn’t realize how close Quebec was, otherwise I would’ve made sure to get a poutine across the water. Next time.

Stopped at The Big Apple on the way back and just wow. I’d never been there before, so I loved it.

I bought a few new pairs of bootcut jeans (I know, pretty cool) and had them all tailored. They fit perfectly. I will tailor my pants for the rest of my life now.
October sunrises >>

Some things I watched:
- Nobody Wants This: other than some really bad dialogue, I’d definitely watch season two.
- English Teacher: best new show on TV, hands down.
- Only Murders in the Building: good season, not great. Martin Short will be the main reason I keep watching.
- The Blair Witch Project: I got my niece Maya to watch it and she loved it. A perfect horror movie.
- The Return of the Living Dead: okay, it’s obviously bad but fun bad.
- The Bob’s Burgers Halloween episode this year was awful?? What the hell?
- I’ve been on a real Twilight Zone binge and this quote, “As long as there are men, there cannot be peace.” PREACH.

Some things I’m looking forward to this month: good god, I don’t even know. The election is today so… let’s just wait and see what happens before I look forward to anything.

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If you’ve got any interest in reading last month’s roundup, you can see what went down in September over here.

September 23, 2024

Autumn List 2024

by Liz Heather in Personal

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”

— F. Scott Fitzgerald

Here to welcome you to the greatest time of year. Not just because of cooler weather or the anticipation of Halloween but because of the constant changes happening around us each day. The official beginning of the end of the year. Absolutely nothing better. Here’s what I’d love to do this fall.

Make pasta from scratch.
Go to Downey’s Farm or a harvest festival.
Make a turkey poutine.
Make an apple or pumpkin savory dish.
See the salmon run.

And here are some of my past autumn lists incase you’re looking for more ideas of things you might want to do this season.

December 20, 2023

Autumn List 2023 Revisited

by Liz Heather in Personal

Autumn has ended! Welcome to the coziest time of year. Here’s how my autumn list went.

1. Make an apple flavoured dessert.

I made my favourite apple fritter cake for Thanksgiving. Might be my favourite apple dessert of all time? I also made apple cider doughnut cookies that were pretty great, too

2. Taste a turnip.

For some reason, every time I saw one at the grocery I winced and kept moving. Maybe I need someone to cook me a turnip? I don’t ask for much from my friends.

3. Make a homemade pumpkin syrup for iced coffee.

Did it! And I might do this every year from now on. Homemade syrup tastes eons better than any bottled one.

4. Wear bolder lipsticks.

I did! Mostly in October, but still.

5. Watch at least ten horror movies I haven’t seen before.

Sabrina The Teenage Witch (the movie) - not horror but spooky themed so I’m counting it. As well as Knock At the Cabin, Prom Night, Blades, Trick R Treat, Coherence, The Fog, Night Beast, Tourist Trap, The Black Phone and Child’s Play 2.

4/5! Okay, that’s pretty good. Winter list coming tomorrow!

November 17, 2023

Fall Fridays Vol. 8

by Liz Heather in Fall Fridays

BAKING/COOKING

It’s almost American Thanksgiving so that means I’m gonna make my s’mores pie, which is truly the easiest pie recipe of all time.

CRAVING

A hot chocolate with a smidge of toffee syrup in it. I’ve only thought about it in theory, so as soon as the temperature drops below zero I’ll go get one.

DRINKING

Blonde flat whites for life. I’m a creature of habit.

EATING

So I finally went to the new Wegman’s in the city and the best deals? Three pounds of family pack ground chicken for $12. I’m sorry, but that’s wild. Also their $9 frozen wild blueberries family pack, get out of here. Deals for days in there.

EXPERIENCING

I’ve started arranging my saved reels into categories (makeup, funny stuff, etc.) and it’s made my life so much easier. Didn’t even know that was an option.

LISTENING

90s Disney soundtracks. They’re so soothing. Aladdin especially.

LOVING

Nathan did the Gramercy Theatre for the New York Comedy Festival and it was so phenomenal. I understand how you could think I’m biased but I truly don’t see him on stage that much, so when I do I’m usually pretty excited for it. And this tech stuff was so good. He works incredibly hard and I’m so happy that it was such a success.

SHOPPING

I DO NOT NEED MORE CANDLES. So obviously I bought the new chocolate croissant one from Trader Joe’s.

WATCHING

We saw The Shark is Broken on Broadway and it’s hard to accurately express how wonderful it was. It closes this Sunday and I’m grateful that we got to see it. Every single element (acting, script, set) was overwhelmingly good.

WEARING

I’m currently going through my entire closet and trying to arrange full outfits so that I don’t have to think too much about what I’ll wear each day. I’d just love to be a little bit more put together next year - or at least give more of a shit about that stuff. I only started thinking more about this when I realized how much I love putting together my vacation outfits and how happy that makes me, so here we are. Let’s see what happens.

November 10, 2023

Fall Fridays Vol. 7

by Liz Heather in Fall Fridays

BAKING/COOKING

I’ve been making this perfect egg salad on repeat. Also, can we please start doing deviled eggs at parties again?

CRAVING

I’m absolutely in love with this winter blue Le Creuset Snowflake brasier.

DRINKING

$8 happy hour martinis at Kaia Wine Bar on the Upper East Side.

EATING

I finally had a birria taco (I know, I’m never on time with food trends) with Paul and wow. Insanely good. Obviously everything is better with an au jus sauce.

Birria and duck tacos at Kaia Wine Bar, NYC

EXPERIENCING

The awfulness of Rolf’s Christmas-decorated restaurant in the city. I made a reservation six weeks ago and yes the place is beautiful, but that’s literally the only pro. Cons include: not being told ahead of time that every person is required to order an entree, cocktails were outrageously priced ($26 for basically anything alcoholic and $6 for seltzer), service was super rushed/rude, drink glasses had lipstick on them, space is so cramped and the menu was basic as hell.

Rolf’s (it has to be this beautiful to offset the insane prices), NYC

LISTENING

I’ve started playing my old iPod shuffle on my stereo when I get ready to go out and why the hell did I ever stop this ritual? Everyone should be doing this.

LOVING

Nathan’s show at Gramercy Theatre tomorrow was featured in the New York Times as one of the top four shows to see at the New York Comedy Festival, which is so wild and great.

SHOPPING

I found a12 Days of Christmas Bonne Maman jam assortment at Costco for $15.99 that I had to buy immediately. I’m not even that into jam (??) and yet my first reflex was to grab one.

WATCHING

I saw Priscilla and loved it.

WEARING

Wore my green feathered coat for the second time and I feel so indestructible in this piece of clothing, is this why famous people have such confidence on red carpets? Good clothing makes you think you’re better than everyone? I think I just cracked the code. Or wait, did everyone but me already know this… oh no.

And I’ve created an autumn highlight reel on my Instagram incase you care!

October 27, 2023

Fall Fridays Vol. 5

by Liz Heather in Fall Fridays

BAKING

I made apple cider doughnut cookies that were really good (although shouldn’t there be apple cider in a cookie with a name like that?), so I’d definitely make them again.

COOKING

Made Halloween cake pops with my niece Maya and they came out perfect. (Sprinkles and sticks from Michaels.)

CRAVING

The nutella-covered hazelnuts at Nuts Factory on Sixth Avenue.

DRINKING

The ‘This is Halloween’ cocktail from the bar Beetle House in the East Village and it was stellar.

EATING

Had dinner at Grano Ristorante with Harmeet and it was so lovely, I always forget what a sweet, dark place this can be.

EXPERIENCING

Two things: 1)The annoyingness of locating apple butter. I needed it for that cookie recipe above and couldn’t find it anywhere (I just subbed in applesauce). I hate when a recipe has one obnoxiously hard thing to find. It’s 2023, we don’t have time to be going to numerous grocery store for homemade baked goods. DO BETTER. 2) MOSQUITOES got into our bedroom last night because of how warm it was outside. Mosquitoes in late October. I woke up with ten bites and I wanted to murder someone.

LISTENING

Halloween playlists on Spotify while carving mini pumpkins and I’ve got to say - the song choices weren’t very good or unique. I’ve gotta make one this weekend.

LOVING

I visited my parent’s house and I can’t express how satisfying it is to rake leaves. It’s the second best outdoor chore next to shoveling snow.

SHOPPING

The sweetest felt Christmas ornaments just went on sale at Target and yes I’m breaking my rule of no-Christmas-activities before November 1st, but if I wait too long to buy them they’ll sell out because other psychos are Christmas shopping already.

WATCHING

The horror movie Thanksgiving looks kind of good maybe? I might be thinking that because I love a holiday-themed movie.

WEARING

I’ve decided I need to expand the feathered section of my closet because I’m wearing this one black top to death.

And I’ve created an autumn highlight reel on my Instagram incase you care!

October 20, 2023

Fall Fridays Vol. 4

by Liz Heather in Fall Fridays

BAKING/COOKING

If the kids spend the weekend, I will always make a lasagna.

CRAVING

The pumpkin spice latte flavoured Coffee Crisp. Good god.

DRINKING

Hot apple cider tastes good only once a year and the time has come.

EATING

The green thai curry and pad thai from Nimman Thai in Toronto. Phenomenal.

EXPERIENCING

I took a wildly hot bath the other night before bed (like right before bed) and I slept so deeply that night, it felt like being under a trance. Fully recommend.

LISTENING

To a stray cat who’s purring at my parent’s front door right now and it’s killing me. Is this someone’s cat? Why is it being so friendly to us? Should I not have pet it and fed it this morning? Also when did I fall in love with cats? Is this all because I haven’t seen Baby Dog in six days and I’m lacking animal affection?

LOVING

That my brother, sister-in-law and nephew came for a visit from Scotland and it coincided with being so perfectly autumn-y right now.

SHOPPING

I tried the Salicylic Acid Acne Day Dots (from Peace Out) and I think they worked fine? There’s just something I love more about the Mighty Patch ones, though.

WATCHING

I saw the movie Coherence and loved it.

WEARING

Hair spray! Why am I not doing this more? It solves so many hair problems.

And I’ve created an autumn highlight reel on my Instagram incase you care!

October 13, 2023

Fall Fridays Vol. 3

by Liz Heather in Fall Fridays

BAKING/COOKING

I make this chili basically every week because it’s such a good lunch option.

CRAVING

The hibachi fried rice at KanaHashi in Brooklyn. Best I’ve ever had in New York, by far.

DRINKING

Okay, I definitely overdid it this week by going to The Beekman, Nubeluz and Oscar Wilde. NOT GOING OUT AT ALL THIS WEEK.

EATING

No one told me that the Eataly pre-made focaccia sandwiches are actually good.

EXPERIENCING

I took Baby Dog on a walk through the North Woods of Central Park and it was unbelievably beautiful. Am I am the only idiot who didn’t know this park had waterfalls? I’d never walked this far north before.

LISTENING

Finally listened to the new Olivia Rodrigo album and the best songs are making the bed and pretty isn’t pretty.

LOVING

The KIND caramel almond & sea salt bars? Too good. Also the leaves have finally started changing and I can’t get enough.

SHOPPING

Hopefully this Trader Joe’s Woodlands candle will be the last candle I buy for a while, my candle storage area is a smidge out of control.

WATCHING

Out of all the horror movies I’ve been watching, The Fog has been the best one so far. I love a movie that starts and you’re immediately into it.

WEARING

I’m following through with one of my autumn goals of wearer bolder lipsticks.

Lipstick is MAC’s Lipglass in Woman of Mystery

And I’ve created an autumn highlight reel on my Instagram incase you care!

September 29, 2023

Fall Fridays Vol. 1

by Liz Heather in Fall Fridays

Welcome to Fall Fridays! After the mild success of my Summer Saturdays series (and by mild success I mean that it made me happy), I wanted to start the weekly roundups again. There are too many things that go on this season to wait until the end-of-month post. Here’s what went on this week!

BAKING/COOKING

Making these sweet & spicy chicken (sometimes turkey) meatballs on rotation.

CRAVING

I might bite the bullet and buy this spooky front door wreath. $10 for some autumnal joy? Completely justified.

DRINKING

I made this pumpkin spice coffee syrup for my iced coffees at home and it’s heavenly. (If that seems like a ton of sugar, just use less - it still tastes great.) And if you prefer a creamier texture, then just add a bit of milk/half and half to it.

Ingredients for pumpkin spice coffee syrup

EATING

Currently obsessed with sriracha, soy sauce and garlic-drenched rice noodles.

EXPERIENCING

I met R.L. Stine! He did a book signing at Barnes & Noble and it was the best. I grew up on Goosebumps, so this was a big deal. Man’s a living legend.

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LISTENING

Currently updating and making the very best autumn playlist on Spotify.

LOVING

Global News in Canada interviewed my dad for celebrating his 100th birthday this year, which was very cool. Shoutout to my mom for keeping my glamour shot on the wall in the background when they taped it.

SHOPPING

Okay, so I may or may not have bought the Frosty Goes Ice Skating moving figurine for my Christmas village because it’ll be my first moving figurine and it’s important to find small pockets of happiness while we barrel towards death?

WATCHING

Nathan and I watched The Black Phone and WOOF. What a bad time. I like Ethan Hawke, but this was atrocious.

WEARING

One day I’ll stop wearing this Aritzia 1/2 zip sweatshirt daily, but I can’t give you any information on when that will be.

And I’ve created an autumn highlight reel on my Instagram incase you care!

September 23, 2023

Autumn List 2023

by Liz Heather in Ideas

Is there anything greater than an autumn backyard? (Yes, a snow-covered one obviously, but let’s not be choosy)

The first day of autumn! This is my Christmas morning. I wait all year for this season because it’s the beginning of everything pure: a cold breeze to wake you up in the morning, taking candlelit baths, maple and apple cider flavoured everything, 90s Halloween sitcom episodes and bite-sized candy. A perfect season. Here’s what I’d love to do this fall.

Make an apple flavoured dessert.
Taste a turnip.
Make a homemade pumpkin syrup for iced coffee.
Wear bolder lipsticks.
Watch at least ten horror movies I haven’t seen before.

I’m keeping the list brief because of the million other things I’m planning for the season. I’ll likely go to Downey’s Farm with the family. Costume planning is well underway. I’ll unpack and display all of our autumn/Halloween stuff later today. I have to make final decisions on what’s getting cooked this year for (Canadian/real) Thanksgiving in October. I’m definitely going to make these leftover stuffing muffins. I’ve already been to Salem and to Sleepy Hollow, so I don’t think there’s any seasonal traveling this year. Of course I’ll get Milk Bar’s Thanksgiving croissant IF it’s available in November (last year they stupidly didn’t do them). I will also find leaves and then proceed to look at them. And every year I make a leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwich but with a different bread each time, so that will obviously happen again.

Here are some of my past autumn lists incase you’re looking for more ideas of things you might want to do this season. (I really hope you make a list of your own. Yes you may be an adult, but you’re not above it like you think you are.)

I’m also doing an autumn 2023 highlight reel on Instagram that I’ll update each day of the season because I’m a lunatic who’s powers only grow stronger this time of year.