Heated Rivalry

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I jumped on the bandwagon of the hit series “Heated Rivalry” and now it is the only thing I can talk about. I watched the 6 episode series in 2 days and actually rewatched portions of it AGAIN because it was that good. Heated Rivalry, on HBOMax, is Canadian sports romance tv series that follows two rival professional hockey players that have a secretive and passionate romance. There are a LOT of sex scenes, like a LOT, but I have not seen such a powerful series like this in a very long time.

 

You don’t have to like hockey to watch it. The emotions, the love story, the relationships, so good.

Binged. Worth it.

The two main actors — both were phenomenal. And you will see them a lot more in the future. They are SUPER STARS.

 

I highly highly highly recommend it. I can’t stop thinking about it, going back and watching scenes, and hope that it has a ripple effect on closeted professional athletes that will help people become more secure in their truths and people more accepting. A very powerful show. Interesting articles to read about the show here and here.

To Do in January 2026

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It is dreary in NYC right now — not terribly cold, but damp and gray. So here is what I am dreaming of doing this month in the city:

 

1. Afternoon Tea at The Baccarat Hotel

 

One of the most beautiful hotels in NYC is the Baccarat Hotel. I went there with my MIL one evening years ago and it was to-die-for-beautiful. I really want to go to the Baccarat Hotel for Afternoon Tea with some girlfriends and our daughters — doesn’t it sound decedent and extravagant and a way to spend a great weekend afternoon in the Winter?

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Currently Loving January 2026

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It’s been a minute. But here I am. Happy New Year!!! Here is what I am loving in this new month and NEW Year! And back to regular programming this week — swear! On top of traveling, family, holidays, I had writer’s block too, and couldn’t think of anything that made sense to post. But don’t you worry, I have lots of unimportant things to share with you in the next couple of weeks! In the meantime, here is what I am loving now!

 

1. Golden Hof Pancakes

 

Golden Diner is a hot asian-fusion spot downtown that is impossible to get reservations and hours to wait in line. They recently opened up a sister restaurant in midtown, and you can get a reservation ANY TIME and they have all the same food. Different vibe, but so delicious. And these pancakes were 10 out of 10.

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Nutella Pastry Dough

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Easy peasy, and so delicious! Three ingredients! Pastry dough, Nutella, and egg (to wash on top)

 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line the baking sheet with wax paper. Then roll out pastry dough. Add Nutella. Fold over the non Nutella side of the dough, make shapes, put on sheet pan, paint with egg wash, add some sugar, and voila, done!

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Saint Sass Tights

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Instagram sold me on this one — and I am super thankful — snarky statement tights. I mean, who wouldn’t want tights with some fun comment on them? I saw them on my feed, bought them, and have been wearing them nonstop so thought I would share with you all! Saint Sass Tights!

 

I got “Trouble Maker” and they just made me giggle.

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The Bumbys

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This past weekend, I went to a super fun Bat Mitzvah and one of the highlights was a duo that wrote first impressions about the guests. Yes, sounds totally weird, but it was incredible. This duo, The Bumbys, sit and look at you, but cannot talk or listen to you. Then, they type up their thoughts based on their examination of you.

 

The Bumby’s — noise canceling headphones, cannot talk, and just look at you, and then write on their typewriter.

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Balaclavas

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Balaclavas are all the rage!!!! (Humble brag — I have been in to them for over a dozen of years!) But I am so so so happy that they are back in fashion and I love them so much. They are not only warmer than a hat, but give off a different and fun vibe.

 

My poor kids wore them their whole childhood – mainly because it was so easy to put on and not have them lose it. This was almost 13 years ago!!!!

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Currently Loving December 2025 Part 1

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And just like that….here we are in December! I can NOT believe how this year flew by. Here is what I am loving:

 

1. Ruth Asawa at the MoMA

 

At the MoMA until February 7th — must go and see! Over 300 pieces of work — and each one so intricate and beautiful. As someone who weaves baskets, it made it even more incredible — they are BEYOND beautiful and take so much patience and skill. A must visit.

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Christmas Wreath Workshop

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There is nothing I love more than arranging flowers and being creative — so when I found a workshop on Christmas Wreath making, I knew I needed to sign up for it. It was SOOOOO much fun and I highly suggest doing something fun and creative like this in the Holiday Time. I loved every minute of it. This workshop was put on by Pop-Up Florist, a beautiful floral delivery service in NYC, at their new space, House of Three.

 

I didn’t take pictures of the actual physical space of the class — and I should have because it was gorgeous. Big, spacious, beautiful, welcoming. Then there were tables set up with all the items that we could use to make our wreath. All the different types of ribbons, ornaments, any kind of greens, etc…It was weaving AND creating at the same time.

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Turkey Trot (Shirts)

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Sorry for the week off — Thanksgiving came and went — and I had sooooo much fun but it was jam packed with fun activities. As usual, we went to California to spend the holiday with our best friends. The best time was had and I miss them dearly (and California, too). One of the highlights was our turkey trot shirts. YUP, the turkey trot shirts. Of course, all planned and coordinated by my sister-from-another-mister (she is the most creative person I know). Take a look, take note, and get for next year!

 

Turkey Trot. I laughed when I saw these turkeys on the day after Thanksgiving. They were literally trotting down the running path.

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Pasta Party

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The past three weeks I have been taking cooking classes with some friends — it has been a highlight of the week. Fun, tasty, and a great way to break up the week. On that certain day, we decided to do a late afternoon class and include our daughters and make it a pasta party. It was a great night.

 

Flowers to have for the party! If I don’t have time to go down to the flower market, I like to get my flowers at Trader Joe’s — cheap, good quality, and great selection.

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Cinnamon Roll Crawl

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(Sorry for the silence last week — I fainted last weekend, hurt my head, and was dealing with that for most of the week. I rested a lot, and tried to not be on screens — hence my absence. But I am back!) For whatever reason, I decided that this weekend, I needed to do a self-guided Cinnamon Roll Crawl. I spent a lot of time (once my headaches disappeared) researching the best cinnamon rolls in the city and my plan to do it.

 

For whatever reason, I decided that the best way to get there was to RUN! So I ran along the West Side Highway to get downtown (because of course, the best bakeries are downtown).

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NYC Marathon 2025

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My favorite day of the year in NYC — and this one did not disappoint — The NYC Marathon. Actually, New York showed off in any way and it was truly a magical day. I did not run — but cheered for 5 hours — and it was absolutely glorious.

 

My preparation for the marathon started on Saturday by watching Kipchoge’s documentary — he is my absolute favorite runner (and maybe even athlete, close to Nadal) and this documentary is so inspirational and incredible.

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Banh by Lauren

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Last week, the New York Times published “The 25 Essential Pastries to Eat in NYC,” which of course, I studied top to bottom and figured out when I was going to each one of them. So last Friday, after teaching, I decided to head down to ChinaTown for a long overdue massage (my favorite place in NYC is Renew Day Spa) and a stop at Banh by Lauren to get the Bahn Bo.

 

First of all, this bakery / cafe was incredibly gorgeous. Located far east of chinatown, it stood out immediately with its beautiful green hues and sophisticated look. Walking in felt very peaceful — almost like a museum.

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Côte à Côte

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Fashion inspiration from New York City streets to California shores….Côte à Côte! Started by one of my besties, Eleanor, and her good friend, Ferebee, they created an online presence putting together outfits and ensembles with key pieces. Hands down, it is the best website / instagram / fashion inspiration you will ever find. So, go on instagram, follow them, and see their fashionable tastes.

 

Eleanor lives in California and Ferebee lives in NYC — they are both beautiful, smart, and incredibly fashionable.

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Othership

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Last week, I decided to go to Othership, a sauna and cold plunge experience, and instantly fell in love with it. The first time I went (because yes, I went to two classes in 4 days), I attended a guided class. This class consisted of a 75 minute embarkment through the sauna and ice bath. It was 20 minutes in the sauna, with guided commentary, different lights, music, breathing techniques. Followed by cold plunge in groups, then back to the sauna, and then some tea. It was NOT what I was expecting, and took me a little off guard, but I loved it so much.

 

The sauna has three different levels — I was on the bottom and that was SO hot. I sweat BUCKETS. So much, that I was able to do the cold plunge. The actual sauna is HUGE and fits 64 people — it was packed. All places were taken. Even though it sounds like it could be a little gross, it wasn’t at all. Everything felt very clean.

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Nike Marathon Signs

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This past weekend, I ran my 24th marathon (my 10th Chicago Marathon). It was a great day and despite it being hard (all marathons are hard), I enjoyed the process, the journey, and the race itself. One of my favorite parts of the race were all the Nike signs posted along the course. They were HUGE, and EVERYWHERE and really, really helped. Here are a few of my favorite. They are creative, cute, and different! Enjoy!

 

I don’t remember this one — and not my favorite sign — but still a good one.

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Suzie Kondi Socks

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I love Suzie Kondi — both the person and the brand. And everything she sells is perfection — not just her sweats or her sweaters (I am obsessed with my new sheer skirt I got from her!) but also her socks. WHO KNEW? She currently does not sell them online (only at her store) but I am telling you all to be on the lookout for these socks online and go to her store to get.

 

The perfect ankle sock to wear with skirts and loafers.

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Currently Loving October 2025

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There is so much to love right now — and this is what I am loving!

 

1. Picnics in October

This past weekend felt like summer in the city. 80 degrees in October! I absolutely loved every minute. Toosh and I had a picnic and she did homework and I needlepointed. Loved it.

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Magic Hour

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Ojai, California is not only the home of Thacher (my son’s school), but also many, many cool stores, restaurants, and brands. Magic Hour is one of them that I happened to stumble upon last weekend. It is a tea shop — but not any tea shop — a beautiful, insanely gigantic, magical, incredible tea shop. It sells every type of tea that is made with love in Ojai. Their mission is to connect the world through tea ceremony and the simple act of sharing tea. And you can sense this goal the moment you walk in to the space. The space is beaaaaauuutiful, and the tea is even more special. I spent 30 minutes walking around the store, smelling every different type of blend, sampling, asking questions — it is a must visit if in Ojai.

 

I grew up with parents who drank tea every single night with their dessert before going to bed. It is something so ceremonial and special that I love to partake in. I bought a big bottle of mint and smaller of rooibos.

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Hotel El Roblar

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This past weekend, I traveled to Ojai, California, to visit my one-and-only-son, Cruzzie at school. It was a fun filled three days (will report more later) and I loved every minute of it (even though the red eye back was intolerable). I stayed at Hotel El Roblar, a brand new hotel in the area that opened up less than 3 months ago. Although it is newly opened, the building has been in existent since 1919. Now, it has been restored by Eric Goode (owner of the Turtle Conservancy and Bowery Hotel, etc…), Ramin Shamshiri, Warner Ebbink and Jeremy McBride. It is a 5- room hotel with two different restaurants, a pool, some giant tortoises, and a hipster vibe. I loved my time there and I cannot wait to return.

 

Picture of the outside — Spanish architecture. I love this picture (taken from their website)

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NYC Bakery Run 2025

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This past Sunday, I ran the first ever NYC Bakery Run. A half-marathon with 8 bakeries. Yep, the route covered 8 different bakery stops. All were incredible — and it was such a fun and different day! Thank you, Tipster, for putting together such a fun, successful and unique day!

 

The run was put together by Tipster. Tipster is a website and journal that is in the know of everything cool, hip, and new. This was their first issue in NY (It is based in Copenhagen) and it covered all the best bakeries. So it made sense that their big NYC start was a half marathon with 8 of these bakeries listed. We went to all of the ones listed above minus Apollo Bagel and Win Son Bakery.

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