My Fall Bucket List

Many things happened in August … a hurricane, an earthquake and an unforuntate tragedy in my hometown of Linwood, New Jersey… With that in mind, I want to take full advantage of every minute from this point moving forward. Sure, that’s overly aspirational… and most likely not going to stick more than a week or two but I WOULD like to hold myself to fufilling some if not ALL of my fall goals for my current Bucket List:

Take Up Watching A Spectator Sport

Beer Street Journal

I will come right out and say it… I am not competitive nor do I take any pleasure whatsoever in watching sports on television or live. The ONLY exception is going to live basketball games – something about them have always been thrilling to me. My dad and I went to a couple Philly games and Boston games – they were great memories. I’d love to learn football – no, not learn how to play, learn how to watch and be an avid and smart spectator. My family are big Eagles fans… by “big fans” I mean they’re more or less fair weathered ones – if the Eagles aren’t doing well, they turn on PBS or Sunday Night Edition of CBS. If they’re doing well, the whole room is on their feet and the beers are a’flowin. I woud like to be the knowledgeable level headed one who sticks to a team, regardless of how they do. WISH ME LUCK with that.

Find  A New Hobby – Exercise Wise That Is

Live Through Preppy Glasses

 As most of you know at this point, I’ve been a runner for 10 years now – weird to think about it but, regardless, I have been. I wouldn’t say I’m hardcore by ANY MEANS WHATSOEVER, let me preface it with that, but I do workout 5-6 days a week – it’s cathartic for me like sewing and needlepointing are for my mom. My only experience with non running related workout activites included three Spin classes over the course of my life. When the instructor screams at you to turn up the resitance and stand on your feet, I tend to do the opposite … I lower my notches and sit my butt back down due to exhaustion. I promise myself to do some classes this fall, perhaps at the oh-so-posh Soul Cycle, just to get myself out there meeting people who work out like me – I’m such an antisocial gym rat… who knew those even existed?

Host a Monthly Movie Night at My Apartment

Cooking on the Side

 I don’t ever host “soirees” it’s just… not my bag. I am not an entertainer nor am I good at multi tasking between cooking up good food to serve and being the hostess everyone wants me to be. I lived alone for three years in Boston with a great brownstone apartment and will soon be moving to my own place again in Midtown East Manhattan and yet? I just can’t pull it together to be that all-encompassing entertainer – my best friend, Ally, breeds domesticity – she is great with adorning apartments and throwing little cocktail parties. I clearly didn’t buy myself a mirror or put up a picture frame for 5 months, it wasn’t until I was told by my straight guy roommate that I need to add SOMETHING to my apartment, that it hit me just how bad I’ve become. I am hosting, starting this point on, a once a month movie marathon night. Whoever’s around can bring some food and booze (emphasis on the booze rather than the food part), and I will craft up some cocktails and food and well make a night of it. That’s my plan and I’m sticking to it!

Going To The Thea-tre!

Hyper Vocal

 Before I even knew what running really was, I was ALL about being a Broadway star. I’d spend money on singing lessons for years, only to be told down the road that I was wasting the instructors time and my money, took dance (that, my friends, I was good at thank you very much) and starred in a few local plays (ok, well perhaps I didn’t star, but I was definitely in the top of the masthead). I love seeing Broadway shows more than I love most things in NYC – I just don’t allocate the small amount of time that I do have to going to shows… I should though, because they make me happy. I cannot wait to see Book of Mormon and perhaps Lion King for like… the third time. Who cares, “The Circle of Life” never gets old in my book.

Branch Out of Plain Old Black

Moma's Rolling Stone

I think it’s because my mom ONLY wears black that I too adopted the notion that black was all that you purchase when walking into a colorfully displayed retail store. Don’t get me wrong, black has major perks – it never goes out of style, it is always flattering AND you can spill wine or oil on yourself with minimal embarrasement. I do, however, feel that I look drab at times and or pale during the winter months when I wear black every day night and day. My olive skin looks good with colors such as olive, brown and periwinkle – I will be incorporating some fall hues into my wardrobe for this upcoming cool season. I want some mesh brown/cream sweaters, some tweed print skirts and some stament color pieces like bright orange and green.

 

 

What Gets Me Through The Winter — Food and Beverage Edition

TURKEY CHILI

I just can’t get enough… Like French Onion Soup on a menu, it’s just one appetizer I will NOT be able to turn down. It’s warm, hearty, comforting, full of various textures — as you can tell? I’m stark mad for chili. I try to make it myself… countless times I have tried, and it never comes close to restaurant made chili – I can’t figure out why. Who cares, I’ll stick to forking out dollah bills for it for the time being.

ROAST CHICKEN/ CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK

My mom is actually a wonderful cook — one of her best dishes, which is so easy in actuality is “Chicken Under a Brick”… I grew up seeing my mom wrap a literal big ass brick in tin foil and lay it on top of chicken breasts until cooked fully through. It wasn’t until later in life, when at restaurants browing the menus, I came across Chicken Under a Brick again. I think my mom’s is personally my favorite still, even though I will admit to having tried my fair share while dining out as well.

HOMEMADE VEGGIE LASAGNA

While I personally have yet to master the art of Lasagna making? I have NEVER once been let down by my family and or friend’s home made meat or veggie lasagna dishes. It brings me back to my cross country years when we would have a CARBO LOAD dinner the night before every race. The best and fastest to be gone dishes at the pasta parties were hands down the lasagnas.

GARLIC BREAD

OK this is ACTUALLY a dish I am rather good at… I love garlic bread. Heavy on the garlic. I want to be eating whole cloves pretty much. I also love it with butter, EVOO, salt, pepper, parmesan. It is what keeps every little kid AND want to still be kid happy at the dinner table. If you come across someone who doesn’t enjoy every second of garlic bread consuming? Let me know, I’ll have a little chat with them.

 CORN BREAD WITH HONEY

You can’t have a happy winter without some solid corn bread. And you can’t have some solid corn bread without creamy sweet honey. It just isn’t possible. I love good old Jiffy mix. Never lets me down. I could pair the corn bread, like I am “supposed to” with the chili, but corn bread (if made right) is too delectable to eat with other interferences.

 HOT CHOCOLATE 

Sigh…. I have AT LEAST one cup of hot chocolate a day…. year round. I am such a big hot chocolate fan. I don’t like nibbling on pieces of chocolate, so instead I get my daily fix by making a hot cup of it with marshmallows if the mood so strikes. I prefer my classy Swiss Miss over store made ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.

SPICED HOT APPLE CIDER

What screams winter beverage MORE than hot apple cider? You know what makes cider even better? Spiking it — you know me at this point. It’s a wonderful winter drink — I even had an Apple Cider Martini recently at Trestle on Tenth in Chelsea… it was delish.

 WINTER EDITION WHITE CHOCOLATE COVERED OREOS

My mom special ordered them at ACME when I was a kid — she also would more or less hide them so I couldn’t steal her own personal night time treat. She underestimated me, clearly. I have loved them forever and ever. They are even more enjoyable when you know they are only on the shelves for the winter months.

WARM APPLE CRUMBLE WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM

I love apples… I love warm apples… I love crumbly goodness on top of that. Who wouldn’t like apple crumble dessert? I love having the first spoonful and then passing it along to others to share with me. It’s heavy but so delicious and worth every bite.

Lessons Learned As A New New Yorker

YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND A RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP AND FUN HAPPY HOUR, ANY TIME OF THE DAY ON ANY STREET CORNER

This is something I don’t usually get to take full advantage of, however, if you do have the opportunity to either get off work (funny) by 5pm or you take a little break and then go back to the office, you couldn’t be more appreciative you live in NYC. The sketchier and divier the bar is the better the Happy Hour deals are usually. I walk by shoe box “restaurants” that feature both Chinese and French cuisine (yes, you read right) offering $3 vodka cocktails for 4 hours a day. COUNT. ME. IN.

IT’S A FAUX PAS TO ACTUALLY ACCEPT PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AT THE MARKET

I’ll admit, in Boston if you looked in the trunk of BMW you’d see ….. let’s just say a sickening amount of “eco friendly Trader Joe/CVS/ Walgreen” bags. I did have the intent to use them when I frequented those stores, however, it just did NOT HAPPEN. I will say the bags were eventually used when my brother and dad moved me out of my apartment — using my “eco bags” to throw all of my miscellaneous “crap” into. Since having moved to NYC, however, I have taken accustomed to actually re using the bags — who woulda thunken?

COFFEE SHOPS SERVE MANY MORE PURPOSES THAN THEY DO IN OTHER CITIES

Ok, so my Foodie God, Frank Bruni, wrote a sick article for the NYTimes yesterday about the concept of spiked coffee beverages being served all over the city. Personally, I think coffee shops a whole lot hotter and more intimate than a loud sweaty ass bar environment. If I could bring a gentleman on a date to a coffee shop with chill music, warm couches and spiked drinks? There’s no question to be asked. Reservations for 2 please?

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS IN FACT MORE EFFICIENT DURING PRIME RUSH HOURS THAN CABS

I don’t think is really some large “revelation” however, it is so true. I was not one to ever use public transportation in any other city I have resided in but when it comes to NYC? Not only do you spend 5x more money when you take a cab, but you also will most likely get motion sickness and get there 5x later than you would had you sucked it up and taken a subway. $2.50? I think I am justttt fine with that.

NO ONE GETS OFF WORK BEFORE THE SUN SETS

I tend to be too anal and get to work for no rhyme or reason earlier than my co-workers. Keeping in mind it has been fall slowly turning into winter, the mornings are dark. Now that daylight savings just passed, I actually have some light in the morning and can unfortunately see the attire I throw together for work. I’d like it to be dark again, k great thanks. Regardless, in NYC if you get off work before 6? You clearly don’t have a job with health security or benefits — I’ll leave it at that.

NO SMART PHONE? CHECK PLEASE.

As shallow as that sounds? You will NOT be called back for a second date in New York if you whop out a flip phone. You can say I’m spoiled, go right ahead but this city is very materialistic and work friendly. Most people have jobs unless you work as a struggling artist (at which point you probably would need to shower AND buy a smart phone before we call you back), you have to have a smart phone for work. I’m JUST stating the facts here guys — and sometimes life’s a bitch.

FORGET IT BEING “LAUNDRY DAY” — SUNDAY IS DEDICATED TO DOMESTICATED SHOPPING

If you are not at The Container Store or Bed, Bath, & Beyond? You clearly left town for the weekend. I literally wait in lines outside of Container Store to get inside on Sundays, it’s a bit ridiculous when you think about it. I wait in a 30 minute line to get an underwear separator? Yes, yes I do.

What The Holidays Bring…

TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF MY GRANDPARENT’S WET BAR DURING THE HOLIDAY GET TOGETHERS

Who actually gets excited for dry holiday get togethers? That’s right — no one. Unless you’re wildly fascinated by your own family whom you’ve done the same holiday annual dinners with for 20 years plus and still find them intriguing. If you’re one of them? You should be studied. Every year I feel like it’s like an adult version of Christmas/ Hannukah when you walk into a warm familiar home and see an array of bad for you foods, mostly fried but even better a full on wet bar, ready for the taking. It’s like a bat miztvah, but so so much better.

 

127 HOURS WITH JAMES FRANCO

So here’s the deal — I read the book, while semi-queasy throughout, I thoroughly enjoyed the captivating story of the real life hiker that had to drink his own urine and sever his own arm to survive. While the story did it for me, the movie starring one of my favorite celebrities, James Franco, makes me over-the-top excited to shell out way too much money for an overpriced ticket and overbuttered popcorn. The reviews have been unreal — everyone praises Franco for an A+ job, can’t wait to see you Franco in the near future.

MARIAH’S LATEST CHRISTMAS INSTALLMENT (JUDGE ME AND I KICK YOUR ASS, PERSONALLY)

No I don’t like Mariah. And no I don’t celebrate Christmas. But yes am I already playing Mariah’s updated Christmas CD on repeat at the office. She just knows how to belt the Christmas tunes so effectively that I can’t help but sing along to “Oh Holy Night”. This CD and the N*SYNC Christmas album dated to about 2004 (don’t judge I repeat) are the only tunes that get me in the holiday spirit in a BIG WAY.

THANKSGIVING HOMEMADE STUFFING

Now that Marilyn Monroe apparently had the “most innovative stuffing recipe to date” — I can’t wait to try the varieties of stuffing available to me during this time of year. I think the mushroom/leek/onion varieties are my favorite but I’m not picky, whatsoever. I think I prefer stuffing over the turkey itself — I mean, what’s so special about a turkey basted and roasted? B-ORING.

KANYE WEST TO MAKE HIMSELF LOOK MORE LIKE A JACKASS THAN HE ALREADY HAS (IF THAT’S EVEN POSSIBLE)

Kanye never ceases to amaze me — he is a psychopath, cocky to no avail and unable to deal with his VERY VISIBLE issues with women. I thought his grab of the award from TSwift last year was going to conclude his crazy ass behavior, but low and behold it was only the beginning. He just debuted an album cover closely resembling ape like behavior with a white woman straddled over top of himself with a hard stiff drink in hand. He also recently struck chords with two of the most prominent people in the US: Matt Lauer and George W.Bush.

It’s Time For An (Absolut) Stoop Party…

I’m not much of a “drink” girl. No, I didn’t say I don’t like to DRINK — I just don’t do mixed “pre made drinks” at bars. I tend to associate all mixed drinks with scenes from Sex and The City 2 unfortunately, and refuse to purchase any beverage at a restaurant or bar that comes in a girly glass with pink content…. All of this was true until, of course, me and my roommate stumbled upon Absolut Brooklyn.

To say that I’m obsessed with this speciality Vodka? Is a wild understatement — I am addicted to this, it’s unreal. With hints of Apple and Ginger, this alcohol is insanely good.

I decided to do something I’ve never done — go on the company website to find out what their signature cocktail is. It’s called “Stoop Party” — and it will forever be “The Drink” of my apartment here in the city. The drink is insanely simple:

– Absolut Brooklyn
– Ginger Age
– Cranberry Juice