2018: My Top 5 Movies, TV Shows + Books
M O V I E S
5. Mary Poppins Returns: You just can’t leave this movie without a smile on your face and a hop in your step. Pardon the cliché, but Emily Blunt is practically perfect in every way. The magic of the original movie was not only captured, but enhanced for another generation to love this enchanting story.
4. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Netflix): Okay, this is probably the cheesiest movie on my list and I’m sure to get some eye rolls, but guys, I LOVED this movie. Like, seriously, cheesy, rom-com loved this movie. The story is adorable, the acting is surprisingly good and we were all introduced to Noah Centineo, so there’s that.
3. A Star Is Born: You might be surprised this isn’t #1, but regardless this was a fantastic movie. I mean, Bradley Cooper as actor, director, writer, producer – can that man do any wrong? And Lady Gaga, OH MY GOSH Lady Gaga – I have an entirely new respect for her now. Also, how many times have we all collectively listened to “Shallow”?!
2. A Quiet Place: This is shockingly in the #2 spot, probably shockingly because I typically dislike scary movies. This one is SO unique though. Pre-Birdbox mania, this post-apocalyptic movie without sound keeps you holding your breath literally the entire movie. Also, can we give it up for cutest ever husband-wife duo John Krasinski + Emily Blunt (again!)!!
1. Bohemian Rhapsody: I LOVE LOVE LOVED this movie! The story, the music, the acting – Rami Malek is phenomenal. I’ve loved him since Mr. Robot, but I’m so glad he got to show the world how amazing he is. I couldn’t stop singing Queen for days and the movie just made me so very happy.
T V S H O W S
Y’all, if you don’t know this about me – I watch a lot of TV, like A LOT. And I love it and am not ashamed by it. This list is always the hardest for me to write every year, but when it comes down to it – I just try and think about what shows I’m most excited to watch every week, so here it is:
5. Outlander – Starz: This was #2 on the list last year (when I binged the entire series), so it’s not quite as high up there this year and this season has been a little slower, but I still adore this show so freaking much and it’s one of my favorite love stories of all time.
4. The Assassination of Gianni Versace – FX: This show captivated me. I was fascinated by Andrew Cunanan (the assassin) and obviously the portrayal by Darren Criss – who deserves ALL the awards. It’s honestly less about the assassination of Gianni Versace and more a mental psych study of Cunanan.
3. You – Lifetime: Okay y’all, this one shocked me how much I loved it. I noted it as a new show to watch early in the season because it’s a psychological thriller with Penn Badgley (aka gossip girl) and my favorite pretty little liar Shay Mitchell. But, this show. THIS. SHOW. Watch it on Netflix now. This role was MADE for Badgley, and you’ll be thoroughly creeped out, but loving it by the finale.
2. Younger – TV Land: Looking for a show that’s funny and heartwarming and has the best wardrobe and the best girlfriends and the best love triangle? (Oh and Lizzie McGuire all grown up!?) This is it. Please watch it now, and text me when you love it as much as I do. #TeamJosh
1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Amazon: Can Amy Sherman-Palladino do no wrong?! Also … can Rachel Brosnahan do no wrong?! This show continues to top my list thanks to the phenomenal acting, gorgeous set and costume design, and exciting plot. Give them all the awards, please and thank you.
Honorable mentions:
Riverdale – The CW, Dirty John – Bravo, The Crown – Netflix, The Good Place – NBC
B O O K S
5. Girl, Wash Your Face – Rachel Hollis: Y’all know I love a good self-help book (Carry On, Warrior, Lean In) and this one was no exception. What I loved about this one though, is how structured and specific it was. Each chapter is about a lie we tell ourselves. For example, “I’m defined by my weight” or “I can’t get past this”. Rachel does a fantastic job of breaking down the lie, giving a personal anecdote and sharing 3 specific ideas on how to combat these lies in our lives. Highly, highly recommend. You should also follow her on Instagram because she’s awesome.
4. The Kiss Quotient – Helen Hoang: This book was so stinkin’ adorable! I would characterize it as Eleanor Oliphant (another favorite) meets 50 Shades of Gray – yes, it’s steamier than you’re expecting, but has such a great story about a 30-year-old woman with Asperger’s who just wants to learn how to date. I don’t want to say much else, just read and fall in love with this fun, original, sexy book.
3. The Last Time I Lied – Riley Sager: It’s been a while since a thriller has kept me in suspense the ENTIRE BOOK. And a while since I’ve stayed up late (1am!) finishing a book because I had to know what happened. It’s basically Pretty Little Liars goes to summer camp, so I was obviously interested from the get go, but the storytelling is just fantastic without a single dull moment.
2. Women in Sunlight – Frances Mayes: From the author of Under the Tuscan Sun, this book did everything I wanted it to and more. The story follows four older women whose children want to put them in a retirement home, but instead become quick friends and decide to move to Tuscany. I laughed, I cried and I was transported back to Italy with every single page. The writing is terrific, changing with the character’s perspectives, and the story will give you passion to do something radical.
1. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman: This book. Oh my goodness, this book. As a friend said, “YOU ARE IN FOR A DELIGHTFUL TREAT.” It’s so charming, yet so unexpected. You fall in love with the main character by the end, despite thinking you’re not sure how you can possibly relate to her at the beginning. It’s an uplifting, feel-good book, but with serious substance.
What were your top TV Shows, Books + Movies of the year? I’d love to know!
xo xo
[Catalog – 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012]
2017: My Top 5 TV Shows + Books
T V S H O W S
While I’ve done this annual post 6 years running now, this year was by far the hardest to narrow down to my top 5 favorite shows. TV is KING, and I hardly have enough time to watch everything on my list. I’m sure you will all disagree with my picks … I’m okay with that, and would love to hear your thoughts. I’m even faltering at the last minute on my top 5 as I post this, but here we go.
5. This Is Us – NBC: I’m sure some of you will think I’m such a sucker, but this show has me wrapped around its little finger. I cry every single episode – to which Husband asks me why I watch, and I have no answer. I cry and laugh and am inspired and cry some more. Everyone can find something to relate to in the show, and it only keeps getting better. Lord help us all when we finally find out how Jack dies.
4. Master of None – Netflix: Another show that will make you laugh and cry and laugh some more. It starts out in the Italian countryside with all the pasta and wine, so maybe I was partially bias watching before our Italian adventure, but this show is just incredible. Aziz has created something so unique and heartwarming that it’s truly hard to put in to words. Just watch.
3. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Amazon: This show was hyped so much as “a new favorite for Gilmore Girls fans” that I was seriously skeptical. Well, look where it is on the list. It cannot be hyped enough! Set in 1950s NYC, it’s about a witty, newly single woman trying to make it as a comedian. The writing is outstanding and you will fall in love with Midge Maisel, played by Rachel Brosnahan, and want to watch it again and again. A new favorite it is.
2. Outlander – Starz: Why do I LOVE this show so much?! I honestly can’t believe it myself (since I often claim how much I hate period pieces), and can’t even remember why I started watching it, but I quickly became obsessed with the time-traveling love story. If you only watch it for Jamie Fraser, that’s enough for me, but whether you like it or not you’ll get sucked into the series.
1. Game of Thrones – HBO: Trust me, I’m as shocked as anyone that this is my number 1 … a show that has never been on my list before! We tried it when it first started, and I didn’t think I liked it. Then we re-started it and binged 4 seasons last year leading up to the latest, and holy cow, I couldn’t believe how hooked I was. This show has everything you could ever want in a show – and ended with a sultry/scandalous love story that left me breathless for the final season.
Honorable Mentions: Stranger Things, The Handmaid’s Tale, Younger (still one of my favorite comedies!), The Good Place (give this show a chance – I promise you won’t regret it)
B O O K S
5. Option B – Sheryl Sandberg: I’ve already written an entire blog post about this book, so I’ll keep this short. This book rips you apart, then helps put you back together again. I want everyone to read it – especially if you’re grieving or if you’re close to someone who is.
4. Little Fires Everywhere – Celeste Ng: This book and the next are very different than my typical reads, and I’m so glad I tried something new. Little Fires Everywhere is a slow burn. Literally. You see the ins and outs of two family dynamics and how they become intertwined. While there were several surprises throughout, the book mostly just leaves you contemplative.
3. Sourdough – Robin Sloan: This book is great and hilarious and I can’t say enough good things about it. It’s such an easy read about a young woman developer who turns baker through a funny happenstance. I learned a lot about sourdough starters (of which I knew nothing), and genuinely enjoyed this quirky book all the way through.
2. The Girls – Emma Cline: This book has been on my list for forever, finally became available at the library, and oh my gosh I devoured it! Set in 1960s California, the book follows a teenage girl who gets caught up in a cult that ends very very badly. I was fascinated not only with the cult, but also the transformation of the main character. If you’re interested in cults at all or just want a unique read that will pull you in, this is for you.
1. Lilac Girls – Martha Hall Kelly: I have two typical genres of favorite books – thrillers with female leads + WWII historical fiction. This is the latter, following three very different women throughout the war and how their experiences shaped them for years to come. It’s unique in it’s perspectives (one a concentration camp doctor and one a prisoner) and is written in such beautiful detail, that you will be transported in time and come back remembering how very thankful you are.
[You can read all my book reviews here.]
Previously, I have also shared my top movies of the year. However, I’ve stopped watching as many movies and focused on TV shows. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention two top movies – Dunkirk and Wonder Woman. Both amazing in very different ways.
What were your top TV Shows, Books + Movies of the year? I’d love to know!
xo xo
Here’s the thing about Seinfeld …
It’s funny. It’s relatable. It’s pop culture.
Growing up, of course I’d seen Seinfeld reruns on TV, but I never watched many of them. I knew the characters. I knew the soup nazi and festivus, but other than that it was just another TV show.
When Hulu added the entire series, Husband and I decided we had to start from the beginning and see what the heck this show was really about. Of course, now we know, it’s really about nothing. Literally, the show about nothing. We are 5 and a half seasons in (out of 9) and here’s what I’ve realized …
It’s funny.
I mean, I always thought it was funny when I would see reruns on TV, but it is fuuuunnnnnny. Husband and I struggle to find comedies to watch these days that make us laugh out loud consistently, but this one never fails us. I’ve talked to several people who asked, “does it really still hold up?” “is it really funny even to millennials?” YES. YES. YES. It’s easy, clean, good humor. And every episode we talk about how they bring it full circle in the most perfect way.
It’s relatable.
Okay, so we know it’s the show about nothing, but the funny thing is, since we’ve been watching the show we’ve had strange instances where we will personally experience things that we just saw in an episode. For example, we watched an entire episode about saving seats in the movie theater. Two days later, we went to see Star Wars Rogue One and I swear it was like we were playing out that episode. Another example, we watched an episode about getting lost in a parking garage (still one of my favorite eps) and a few weeks later we could not find our way out of a parking garage!
That’s why this show is so funny in such a unique way – you can relate to every episode because it’s the mundane things that happen to everyone. You laugh because you totally get it.
We just watched an episode where the person in the stall next to Elaine wouldn’t give her any toilet paper “I can’t spare a square” – I just know that will happen to me soon, and I will lose my sh*t.
It’s pop culture.
How can I, a lover of all things pop-culture, not watch Seinfeld?? Seinfeld is one of those shows that everyone knows and everyone quotes and if you don’t know it, you feel so left out. Even 20 years later! At a work Christmas party someone brought a mug that said, “The jerk store called …” with George’s face on it. We clearly hadn’t gotten to that episode so I had no clue what it meant, but everyone else did. So we sped ahead and watched it and it was hilarious. Literally ONE WEEK LATER, we were in a museum in Washington D.C. and I overheard someone saying, “The jerk store called …” HA! I understood the reference! It was a proud, personal Seinfeld moment.
What are your favorite Seinfeld episodes or favorite quotes?
xo xo
2016: My Top 5 TV Shows + Books
T V S H O W S
5. Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life – Netflix: I have been on pins and needles waiting for this show for a year. Well, actually more than that since I’ve wanted more ever since it ended!! I was so concerned it wouldn’t live up to my high expectations, and while it clearly wasn’t my number 1 for the year, it definitely makes the top 5. There were a few quirks about it I didn’t love, but overall I felt like I was chatting with my old friends again, going to my old haunts and swooning over my old boyfriends (#TeamJess). I binged this all day with a friend and it just made me so, so happy. Full blog post to come soon.
4. The Crown – Netflix: This show is absolutely fascinating. If you have any interest in the Royal family or British history, then this should be a must on your list to get an inside look at the rise of Queen Elizabeth II at 25 years old (crazy!!). The acting is absolutely phenomenal and the show is extremely well made. I can’t wait for more seasons as they introduce Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
3. Younger – TV Land: I love this show!!! This is the show I’m dying to watch every single week and indulge myself in without husband. The characters are so fun and relatable, and makes me wish I was in the publishing industry in NYC. This season they introduced a love triangle that pulls at all the heartstrings. (#TeamJosh) It just ended and I’m already dying for more!
2. Westworld – HBO: I was super skeptical about watching this. All of our friends claimed they stopped watching The Walking Dead and started watching this instead. So while it took me a minute to give it a chance, I was hooked from the very first episode. It is sooooo creepy and will have you seriously concerned about the future of AI, but you won’t be able to tear yourself away.
1. Stranger Things – Netflix: It can’t be a surprise to anyone that this was my number 1 show of the year. We dressed up as the kids for Halloween, and we found and stood in line for a Stranger Things bar over Christmas. If you love 80s nostalgia, being a little bit scared and rooting for a group of adorable kids then put this first on your list.
Way to go, Netflix! Seriously, they are stepping up their game in the original TV show department – 3/5 on my list! Sadly, there were a few shows this year that have been on my list in previous years, but are slowly declining … namely, The Walking Dead.
B O O K S
5. Bread & Wine – Shauna Niequist: I.am.obsessed.with.this.book. I seriously could read it all over again right now. The author shares life stories and intermingles them with her favorite recipes. I felt like I was in her kitchen, living life with her, breaking bread and drinking wine. She is so honest and transparent, and shares her faith in such an amazing way.
4. Along the Infinite Sea – Beatriz Williams: This book captured me from the first chapter. It tells the story of two very different women, one growing up in WWII and one in 1960s America, and how their lives intertwine. This is a dazzling love story that will sweep you off your feet, thanks to the incredible writing. By the end I was bawling and dying for more.
3. The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah: I adored this book! Set in France in WWII following two stories, it was reminiscent of All The Light We Cannot See (my #1 book of 2015). The character development was phenomenal and the writer painted the scenes so well. At one point I was crying so hard because I felt like I was in an internment camp and told husband through bleary eyes how I just couldn’t get over the fact that this happened in real life. Yes, there are some sad parts, but I promise you will not regret reading it.
2. Me Before You – Jojo Moyes: This book surprised me so much by how much I enjoyed it. It had been on my reading list for a couple of years now, and I finally decided to give it a shot when I saw it at the library. It is such a beautiful tragic love story that makes you fall in love with the characters and then cry your eyes out at the end.
1. Brain on Fire – Susannah Cahalan: This is one of those books (like I’ve said before in my reviews) you just HAVE to read! Seriously, go buy it right now. It’s a true story about a 24-year-old journalist who gets very sick, very fast, and no one can figure out what is wrong. You will be fascinated by the medical and biological side of the story, as much as you will the personal and relational side. It’s non-fiction, but totally reads like fiction.
[You can read all of my book reviews here.]
So, in years past I’ve shared my top tv shows, books AND movies of the year. However, as I started thinking about this post, I couldn’t even think of 5 movies we’d seen this year! They say we are in the golden era of TV, and I completely agree. It was a lot harder to come up with my top 5 TV shows because we’ve watched a lot of incredible TV this year.
Of course there are a lot of buzzworthy Oscar movies out right now that I’m dying to see, and I’m literally going to see La La Land in an hour. I’ll go ahead and say my favorite movie of 2016 was La La Land.
xo xo
halloween + an 80’s movie update
I love Halloween. Really I just love dressing up for anything specific – give me a theme and I’m there. Or as my favorite fictional mother says,
“I’ll do just about anything if I can buy an outfit!” – Lorelai Gilmore
This year, we decided to dress up as characters from our favorite TV show of the year – Stranger Things. It’s about a 12-year-old boy who goes missing and his friends are determined to find him. Also a lot of weird sh*t starts happening in the town. It’s creepy, but not too creepy, and it’s set in the 80s – giving major homage to Stand by Me, E.T., The Goonies and many more.
Go watch it on Netflix now. Seriously, I promise you it’s worth it. And after you see our costumes, you’ll be even more intrigued.
{husband as dustin}
{me as eleven, looking creepy AF || my own mother didn’t recognize me in that blonde wig…}
{I will forever cherish this polaroid of us || also, we won best couple costume}
{convinced some friends to be “the wall” and joyce byers}
{and two random, but amazing polaroids from the night, for good measure}
Since we’re talking 80’s, I thought this would be a good time for an update on my 80’s Watchlist. I’ve been making headway on the girly movies:
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (1985) – LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this movie. I want to be SJP and dance all day.
Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) – How adorable is a young Patrick Dempsey?! I also adored this movie. Can’t believe I hadn’t seen it until now.
Heathers (1988) – Okay, I know this is a cult classic, but someone should have warned me how dark it is!! Didn’t love it, but enjoyed seeing Winona Ryder and Christian Slater in their hay day.
Love Potion No. 9 (1993) – This movie was so cheesy and adorable and right up my alley. Sandra Bullock and Tate Donovan are so dreamy.
Teen Witch (1989) – Watched this one in honor of Halloween and again, LOVED. Please watch this scene. It’s hilarious, and awesome, and so 80s. TOP THAT.
xo xo
Fall TV: 5 New Shows To Watch
September is here! My favorite month of the year for several reasons …
It marks the official start of Fall and the return of: PSL (and all things pumpkin for that matter), early mornings and late evenings on the porch with Husband, tailgating and calling the Hogs with family and friends, scarves and boots and more scarves and boots, and of course, Fall TV.
Every year I get so excited for my TV shows to come back on and to see what new shows might be added to my regular watch list. Our Summer list has included: The Affair, Stranger Things, Veep and The Wine Show. All amazing shows I would highly recommend, but there’s just something about the return of Fall TV that makes me giddy. (I know, I’m a TV dork.)
Here’s a look at what shows I’m excited to watch this this Fall.
T O P 5 N E W S H O W S
This Is Us – NBC, Tuesday, Sep. 20
Synopsis: The ensemble dramedy follows a group of people who share the same birthday and whose lives intersect in various ways.
Why I’ll Watch: The preview made me cry, it reminds me of Parenthood, and JESS (Milo Ventimiglia) is back on TV. This one is at the top of my list.
Designated Survivor – ABC, Wednesday, Sep. 21
Synopsis: Keifer Sutherland stars as Tom Kirkman, a lower cabinet member who becomes president after an attack on Washington kills everyone ahead of him in the line of succession.
Why I’ll Watch: Drama, suspense and politics –all the ingredients for a great show.
The Good Place – NBC, Monday, Sept. 19
Synopsis: When Eleanor realizes that she’s not a very good person, she gets a chance to start anew with the help of Michael (Ted Danson) in the afterlife.
Why I’ll Watch: This has the potential to be really funny. Also Kristen Bell is amazing.
Making History – FOX, Midseason
Synopsis: Pally, Meester and Lester play three friends who travel through time while trying to get through their everyday lives in the present.
Why I’ll Watch: Adam Pally is hilarious (Mindy Project, Happy Endings) and Leighton Meester is one of my all-time favorites.
Riverdale – CW, Midseason
Synopsis: Based on the Archie Comics characters, the series finds Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and Josie trying to navigate life in their small town, which is not as wholesome as it seems.
Why I’ll Watch: Growing up I was obsessed with Archie, Betty & Veronica, so I’ll give this one a shot purely for nostalgia. Also, it has a creepy Pretty Little Liars feel.
C U R R E N T W A T C H L I S T
Blindspot – NBC, Wednesday, Sept. 14
The Big Bang Theory – CBS, Monday, Sept. 19
How To Get Away With Murder* – ABC, Thursday, Sept. 22
Quantico* – ABC, Sunday, Sept. 25
Younger – TVLand, Wednesday, Sept. 28
The Mindy Project – Hulu, Oct. 4
Jane the Virgin – CW, Monday, Oct. 17
The Walking Dead – AMC, Sunday, Oct. 23
iZombie – Midseason
Scandal* – ABC, Midseason
The Affair – Showtime, Midseason
Nashville – CMT, Midseason
The Royals – E!, Midseason
*Currently on the chopping block. I didn’t LOVE the last seasons, so will give them a couple of episodes to see if I will continue watching.
Are you as excited as I am for Fall TV?! What’s on your watch list?
xo xo
The Ship List, Pt. 2
Welcome back to the second part in my series The Ship List. Yesterday, I shared My Top 10 Ships of All Time, and today I’ll share my equally TV-obsessed friend Samantha’s list.
Now, in my post, I said our friendship depended on how much of our list matched. Welllllll, we only have 3 matches. But you know, I think that’s a good thing. We broaden each other’s TV horizons, and will now have a really great SHappy Hour: shipping happy hour where we discuss the merits of the couples on our lists. Samantha suggested it consist of pizza, beer and access to a TV to show our favorite ship moments. Sounds like a perfect night to me, and possibly material for a Ship List, Pt. 3.
Warning: Some spoilers below.
Second Warning: Time commitment to this post is on par with what you would spend on a short novel. All commentary below is from Samantha. You might say she struggles with being concise.
Samantha’s Top 10 Ships of All Time
10. Logan & Veronica – Veronica Mars
(Match! #8 on my list)
This here is the strange situation in which this couple is on my list of favorites, yet their show is not. I was shocked by how low my enjoyment level of Veronica Mars was, and I think that stemmed from the fact that the only reason I started watching was because of the fascination I developed for Logan and Veronica, a.k.a. LoVe, from watching YouTube compilations of their best moments. Why would I watch YouTube compilations, question one, and why of a couple I had no knowledge of, question two? I’m not sure how to answer either, but I figure if a few video clips of two people’s interactions are enough to make me commit to three seasons of a show that, in reality, they are only together for maybe 30% of the run, they deserve to be on the list.
9. Hyde and Jackie – That 70s Show
SPOILER ALERT: This couple is not endgame 😦 Jackie started the show off with Kelso, and it was them on-and-off for the first four seasons, then shockingly, when the fifth season starts up, there are Hyde and Jackie make-out seshs. WHAT IS HAPPENING?? It was an unexpected pairing, but definitely not unappealing. While it was funny to watch Jackie, so petite and cute, order clueless Kelso around, I always did enjoy having her try the same with Hyde, or Steven as she and only she called him, and have him fight back. It was constantly pointed out that they had such little in common, but as seen in the picture above, they both share a strong “bitch face” game.
8. Finn and Rachel – Glee
Many of Finn and Rachel’s best moments occurred while communicating through song, I couldn’t not be a fan of them even if I tried. Plus, it was another instance of an awkward, overzealous girl nabbing the guy, points! I do think this relationship mellowed Rachel out some (if only a liiiiiiiittle), and Finn felt more free to be himself, which seems like a better alternative than being told by his ex-girlfriend that he impregnated her by getting too “excited” in a hot tub.
7. Zack and Kelly – Saved By The Bell
Ohhh, Zack Morris… He had a very heavy hand in developing this whole boy-girl thing for me. His hair (which I later tragically learned was dyed) and face were just so magical! And Kelly was his equally perfect female counterpart. The depth of this show was severely lacking, not to mention my English was still in development during the height of my obsession, so there’s not much to say in terms of the obstacles they faced or the connection they shared, but DAMN were they pretty. This show made me think the perfect prom was at a picnic table with a banner saying “Samantha + (insert perfect male suitor name here)’s Prom” placed next to it. Also, stupid no-last-name-having-college-creep-girlfriend-stealing Jeff is the stuff villainous nightmares are made of.
6. Ben and Leslie – Parks and Rec
This is an unexpected, dark horse on my list because it didn’t immediately jump out at me, and while I really liked Parks and Recreation, I only just watched it recently, cramming 6 seasons into 4 months so that I could be caught up in time for the final season. However, given that romantic relationships weren’t this show’s central focus, the amount of happy tears that I shed for Ben and Leslie is startling. I got misty-eyed when they got back together, when they got engaged, and obviously when they got married. Neither of them were particularly smooth or people who kept their cool, but to each other, they were freaking Casanovas. Plus, though I don’t think my penchant for planning or sometimes obsessive nature is as extreme as Leslie’s, it was comforting to see that she got someone as adorable as Ben.
5. Cory and Topanga – Boy Meets World
Cory and Topanga’s story provided maybe the most unrealistic expectations of love, but don’t anyone dare point that out to me. The show started when they were 11 so there wasn’t much romantic tension in the beginning, and throughout the show’s run there would be several versions of their relationship’s origin story, but the total evolution of a first love was incredibly sweet, yet never felt sappy. The show gave the characters some overly eccentric qualities as its run continued, and while it sometimes made Cory a little too crazy, I like to think of it as the total weirdness that is revealed when a relationship is the real deal.
4. Danny and Mindy – The Mindy Project
(Match! #6 on my list)
Another rare non-high school couple on my list, as well as the only show that is actually still airing! Mindy and Danny were almost enemies when the show started, but slowly her highly expressive nature broke through that gruff “Italian” exterior until he accepted her as not just a friend, but even began to fall for her. Though they weren’t official at this time, the man choreographed a damn dance as her Christmas gift! I don’t think everyone is aware of this, but that is literally the definition of love. This last season brought some unexpected and polarizing turns in their relationship so I don’t know how I currently feel about them, but there is soft spot in my heart for Dr. L and Dr. C.
3. Jess and Rory – Gilmore Girls
(Double match! #3 on my list as well)
Confession: I wasn’t a Jess fan the first time around. I couldn’t get over how Rory’s feelings for him caused her to be so mean to Dean. But thankfully, I wised up and realized that though their beginning was messy, it was because Jess challenged Rory in a way she hadn’t experienced before, and though she tried to deny her attraction, it was inevitable. That kind of passion can sometimes bring the most conflict – they were only an actual couple for less than a season – but it also leads to some memorable romantic moments, see their first couple kiss (another moment made even better by the song choice, XTC’s “When She Appeared”). Plus, the fact that Milo and Alexis were a real-life couple for much of the show’s run caused my ship-dom to soar even higher!
2. Nathan and Haley – One Tree Hill
Though Nathan’s initial intentions for pursuing Haley were real shady – he only wanted to mess with her best friend/his half brother/his basketball rival – I can’t totally hate his sketch behavior. Their first date is a fun scavenger hunt orchestrated by Brooke Davis (shout-out to Brooke, inductee of the Fictional Character Hall of Fame!), and from then we jump into a 9-year emotional journey that includes teen marriage and Haley discovering her rock star potential when she goes on tour in HIGH SCHOOL. Amidst all this town’s improbability, sweet Naley moments were my favorite. I fell out of One Tree Hill after their high school years when everyone kept getting stalked and/or shot, but there is this one scene from the last season where Nathan and Haley are reunited after he was abducted by some Russians who had it out against a basketball player for the Charlotte Bobcats (what?). She’s frantically running through the hospital, trying to find him. A crowd parts and she sees him behind some glass doors. As Florence and the Machine’s “Never Let Me Go” plays in the background, they come together and he says, “Hi, Hales.” Oh, can you even handle it??? Always and Forever!
1. Jim and Pam – The Office
Most of the couples on my list come from the teen demographic, so who would have thought my favorite relationship of all time would be between two 20-something office workers whose days were filled with the mundane details of selling paper? From the first episode where Pam accidentally falls asleep on Jim’s shoulder and he lets out a little smile while deciding that his crappy day has instantly become “not so bad,” I was hooked. And given that they did not become an official couple until season 4, I lived for all the secret glances and awkward pauses that accompany silent longing. That being said, I was THRILLED when they finally got some action going 🙂 PB&J forever!
Who’s on your list? Anyone different than ours?
xo xo
The Ship List, Pt. 1
It’s no surprise I love pop culture. It’s also no surprise I get really into my TV shows. I laugh, I cry, I discuss. I rewatch and laugh and cry and discuss all over again.
Thanks to the podcast The Shipping Room, my friend Samantha and I (an equal TV show lover) decided to share our top 10 ships of all time. Before we begin, here’s are some definitions you might need to know –
Ship/Shipping: A term used to describe fan fictions that take previously created characters and put them as a pair. Just think of “shipping” as short for “relationSHIP”. Can be used as a noun or a verb – “I see a ship developing between Seth and Summer” or “I ship Seth and Summer.”
Endgame: Pertaining to a couple you ship on a TV show that you hope ends the series together.
Now, shipping a couple is not just “Oh, I like that couple.” “Or yeah, they’re cute.”
It’s very serious to say you ship a couple. You’re rooting for them in every episode. You’re praying they’re endgame. You remember their first kiss and big moments in their lives. You feel like you’re best friends with them.
Below are my top 10 ships of all time – a lot of blood, sweat and tears were put in to this list.
I’ll be sharing Samantha’s list tomorrow, and we’ll see how many match up! (Our friendship depends on it…)
[Warning: Some spoilers below!]
My Top 10 Ships of All Time
10. Will & Alicia – The Good Wife
When he died, I was devastated. This couple was destined to be endgame.
9. Kurt & Blaine – Glee
There has never been a more adorable singing and dancing couple in history.
8. Logan & Veronica – Veronica Mars
Started the series and I would have never put them together. Ended the series and I would have never pulled them apart.
7. Wade & Zoe – Hart of Dixie
Sexiest couple on this list, hands down.
6. Danny & Mindy – The Mindy Project
They are SO different, but SO right for each other. Get back together soon, please!
5. Luke & Lorelai – Gilmore Girls
Same as #6 … SO different, but SO perfect. I will never ever forget their first kiss.
4. Caleb & Hanna – Pretty Little Liars
I ship this couple so hard, I may or may not have a Haleb t-shirt ….
Also, how cute (and weird) are they in RL?!?! LOVE.
3. Jess & Rory – Gilmore Girls
I WILL fight you if you tell me you’re Team Dean. Try me.
2. Chuck & Blair – Gossip Girl
Le sigh. Macarons and peonies will always make me think of this perfect, gorgeous couple.
1. Seth & Summer – The O.C.
My number 1 couple, always and forever. Maybe because they’re high school sweethearts and endgame, like me and my husband. Maybe because this was probably the first real ship I ever had. Maybe because they’re just perfect.
Oh, and let’s combine my no. 1 and no. 2 ships in REAL LIFE for an incredible couple. ❤
Well, what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Your favorite ship not make the list?
Let me know! And come back tomorrow for Samantha’s list!
xo xo
All The Tears for Parenthood
Let me start out by saying, I originally thought I was going to hate Parenthood.
In fact, Husband and I started watching it a few years ago and couldn’t get over the “realness” of it. The son is diagnosed with Aspergers in the first episode. And there was drama, and crying, and intense relationships. All things I normally love in a TV show, but for some reason it just felt too real, and I didn’t want to watch that when I was already living real life.
Fast forward to Christmas, when all my shows were on hiatus and I decided to give it another chance (sans Husband and his complaining) because a) everyone just looooves it b) Lorelei Gilmore’s in it c) I read a buzzfeed article talking about how many Friday Night Lights characters are in it d) Jen Hatmaker’s posts about binge-watching it.
So, I started. And here I am 4 months later, after watching 6 seasons, and I’m pretty sure I’ve cried more than I ever have watching a TV show. (Something Husband just doesn’t understand. Why would I want to watch a show that makes me cry?? Men.)
In honor of all my tears, good and bad, and all of yours that you definitely shed watching this show, here are my top 13 crying moments: (Of course, I cried at least once an episode, so this is 13/103)
- When Amber got in the life-threatening car accident, and Zeek set her straight, and we all cried in the junkyard and wished Zeek was our grandfather.
- When Christina found out she had breast cancer and told Adam in the parking lot, while Max was looking at puppies.
- Christina’s videos. (all.the.tears.)
- When Julia realized she wasn’t taking home Zoe’s baby, and lost it in the hospital. (like I lost it in my living room)
- When Victor hit the baseball, and the entire family was there, and it felt like he was really part of the family now.
- When Victor was officially adopted into the family. Happy tears!
- When Julia begged Joel not to move out and he was stone cold, and she was trying so hard.
- When Joel met Julia and the kids at the ice-rink, and we knew it was all going to work out.
- When Max told his parents his classmates peed in his canteen and said he was a freak. (Oh.my.gosh. How can I ever be a parent if I was this upset over a TV show?!)
- When Zeek met great-grandson Zeek, and everything was right in the world.
- When Zeek walked Sarah down the aisle, and everything was right in the world.
- When Camille found Zeek in the chair, and everything was not right in the world.
- The entire.final.scene at the baseball field. So amazingly perfect. May God bless you, and keep you always.
And, I’m crying again just thinking about it. I’d say that’s the mark of a great show.
What was your most cry-worthy moment from the show?
xo xo
2015: My Top 5 Movies, TV Shows + Books
M O V I E S
5. The Martian: This was a great movie, and an even better book (see below). I put it as #5 only because there were a few things they changed in the movie that I didn’t like, but I still really enjoyed it.
4. Sisters: Husband couldn’t possibly believe I put this movie before The Martian (or Star Wars), but I laughed my booty off at this movie, harder than I have in a really long time. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler can do no wrong.
3. Still Alice: This one is hard to watch and really sad, but the acting is phenomenal. Julianne Moore absolutely deserved the Academy Award for Best Actress.
2. Inside Out: All the emotions! Seriously. I watched this on the plane to Europe and had to stop myself from full on sobbing. It was so sweet. This is the best Pixar in a long time.
1. Ex Machina: I was shocked by how much I liked this movie. I wouldn’t have even watched it unless someone convinced me, because the trailer makes it out to be a horror movie, but it’s not at all. It’s a little creepy, but so so good. Also, currently in love with Oscar Isaac.
Still on the list to see: Spotlight, The Big Short, Creed, Carol, The Room, The Danish Girl
T V S H O W S
5. iZombie: I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, this is such an underrated show! It’s a zombie comedy like you’ve never seen before, and you will fall in love with the characters.
4. The Jinx: This HBO docu-series was incredible. Husband was literally pacing the room during the last episode because it was so intense. If you don’t know anything about it, don’t read anything, just go watch it.
3. The Walking Dead: This show always makes my list of top shows, but I haven’t loved this season. It started out amazing and steadily went downhill, with kind of a dud of a mid-season finale. But still, of course, one of my favorite shows.
2. Pretty Little Liars: Guilty pleasure. Guilty, guilty, pleasure. But it continues to be one of the shows I look forward to watching the most every week. #HalebForever
1. Jane the Virgin: I don’t know how it happened, but I fell fast for this show and Gina Rodriguez. It’s hilarious, it’s dramatic, it teaches life lessons – it’s seriously so much more than you would imagine.
Honorable mentions: Hart of Dixie, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Making a Murderer
Editor’s Note: The below is my true #1, but not counting it in the 5 since it didn’t come out this year.
Friday Night Lights: I know I’m like 10 years behind on this show, but I binged it this summer and absolutely fell in love with it. Like, so much so, that I immediately bought a t-shirt and mug after finishing it (see below). Definitely on my list of top shows of all time.
B O O K S
5. Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins: I loved the way this story was told, through 3 different perspectives and in morning/evening narratives. It kept your mind reeling throughout, following different leads of what could have possibly happened to girl who disappears. Totally worth the hype, and I can’t wait for the movie.
4. The Martian by Andy Weir: I started and finished this on the plane ride home from Europe. I loved this book! It was fascinating. It was written so well and in such a unique way that you were hooked from the beginning.
3. Why Not Me by Mindy Kaling: Her second book wasn’t quite as entertaining as her first, but still a great, easy read that made me laugh out loud and gave interesting behind the scenes insight into the life of a comedy writer (and my celebrity spirit animal).
2. The Good Girl by Mary Kubica: Oh.My.Gosh. I cannot say enough good things about this book. It’s definitely one of my top books of the year. The character development was phenomenal, and it is so so suspenseful. Speaking of the ending, I did not see it coming at all.
1. All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer: This is a truly beautiful story with incredible writing. Though it’s a lengthy book, it kept me interested by switching perspectives chapter to chapter. I think I loved this so much because I’m not typically a historical fiction reader and this captivated me.
xo xo
TV Reviews: Fall 2015
Calling all TV show junkies like me, below are my mid-mid-season reviews of my shows too far. If you’re judging me for how many shows I watch, you’re clearly not the target audience for this post, so just stop now and keep your mouth shut. If you’re loving me for how many shows I watch, we should clearly be friends and we have a lot to discuss.
5/5 Stars
The Walking Dead – Oh my gosh, this season has been phenomenal. The best in a while. (Note: This rating is purely under the assumption my boy is alive.)
Jane the Virgin –Binged S1 on Netflix, and I’m so in love with Jane and Rafael and this show. And now Mateo, awwwww! [pictured]
iZombie – This is the most underrated show ever. I feel like no one is watching it, and everyone needs to! I need it to stay on air!
*NEW* Quantico – From the first episode I’ve been totally hooked. It’s so intense and the main girl is so gorgeous you can just stare at her the whole show.
4/5 Stars
Nashville – Good season so far, but so ready for Scarlett and Gunnar to get back together already and for Juliette to stop being ridiculous.
Mindy Project – This show started out so hilarious I couldn’t take it. However, the last few eps have been duds, so hoping it can come back strong. [pictured]
3.5/5 Stars
Scandal – FINALLY Olivia and Fitz are together together. Good season so far, but still not where it used to be. [pictured]
How to Get Away With Murder – They’ve kept me more hooked so far than I thought they could, but I’m still concerned about how sustainable the show really is.
Big Bang Theory – I laugh out loud every time I watch the show, but I hate how they married Penny and Leonard after all they’ve been through, so I guess I’m still a little bitter.
3/5 Stars
Empire – I think I gave myself too high of expectations. The first season of this show can never be beat, and that’s very clear this season.
*NEW* Blood & Oil – Okay, to be honest, there are only three reasons I’m watching this show:
1. Chace Crawford aka Nate Archibald (Gossip Girl) [pictured]
2. Wilson Bethel aka Wade Kinsella (Hart of Dixie)
3. Scott Michael Foster aka Cappie (Greek)
*NEW* Blindspot – I would have given this even less of a rating if not for the last two episodes. It has potential, but they need to remove the cheese factor a bit.
2/5 Stars – Officially CUT from the watchlist
Scream Queens – I watched the pilot on the plane to Europe and thought it was hilarious. Then, it went downhill so fast. I don’t know if it’s a comedy/horror/both/neither, and I can’t waste my previous TV watching time while they figure it out.
What are your favorite shows this season?
xo xo
Fall TV: 5 Season Premieres I’m Dying To Watch
After my Friday Night Light binge, I had a TV hangover. I was distraught over the loss of my Dillon, TX family and had nothing else to watch. I searched and searched, but couldn’t find anything to fill the void.
I’ve been pining over my Fall TV Shows to come back, and now that it’s September there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Here are the shows I’m most excited to see back on air.
T H E M I N D Y P R O J E C T
Premiere: Sept. 15
Anyone who knows me, knows I’m obsessed with Mindy Kaling. This is one of the few comedies we are watching, and I’m hoping Hulu (who picked it up after Fox crazily cancelled it) doesn’t screw it up. As long as Danny keeps dancing, Mindy keeps being Mindy and Danny and Mindy keep being Danny and Mindy, I think we’re safe.
E M P I R E
Premiere: Sept. 23
“Welcome back to the Lyon’s den.” This show shocked me last season at how much I enjoyed it, though I don’t know why since it’s basically the hip-hop version of Nashville (which I LOVE, see below). I listened to the soundtrack on repeat, so I’m looking forward to more great music and of course, more Cookie.
N A S H V I L L E
Premiere: Sept. 23
Ahhh, I love this show. And they cannot kill Deacon! They wouldn’t! He and Rayna are finally a couple and adorable (and I love Connie Britton even more now after FNL). I can’t wait to see more drama, more music and hopefully a Scarlett and Gunnar reunion.
T H E W A L K I N G D E A D
Premiere: Oct. 11
I don’t even know what to expect from this show anymore, except that it keeps me on the edge of my seat every.single.episode. I absolutely cannot wait for October 11 (which, by the way, is the weekend we get back from Europe, and this is a perfect coming home gift).
P R E T T Y L I T T L E L I A R S
Premiere: TBA
I don’t even know if this show is coming back in the Fall or next year, but I couldn’t leave it off the list because I’m ridiculously obsessed. We finally found who “A” is, but of course that doesn’t mean it’s over. Fast forward 5 years and there’s a new mystery that brings all the girls back from Rosewood. The biggest question in my mind though – Who is Hanna married to? And is that a baby bump?!
[Also on the Alderman TV Lineup: The Good Wife, How to Get Away with Murder, iZombie, The Blacklist, Big Bang Theory, Scandal
NEW shows: Blood & Oil, Limitless]
What show are you looking forward to the most?
xo xo
Texas Forever, or 10 Reasons Why I Need Another Season of Friday Night Lights
Well, it happened. I finished Friday Night Lights. And I’m still crying about it.
If you don’t understand what I’m talking about, or if you are a huge fan of FNL, then you must pause and read this Buzzfeed: What It’s Like Watching Friday Night Lights for the First Time. It captures all my feels perfectly. PERFECTLY. Thank you, Buzzfeed.
I’ve blogged about FNL here along with several other TV shows about why I want to live in a small town, and here when I talked about my real Saturday, but this show deserves it’s own blog post.
10 Reasons Why I Need Another Season of FNL
[SPOILERS AHEAD IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE FULL SERIES – AND IF YOU HAVEN’T, THEN STOP READING AND START WATCHING RIGHT NOW!]
1. Y’all, I need to see Tami Taylor doin’ her thing in the big leagues. You know she is totally rocking Dean of Admissions.
2. Speaking of, what is high school football like in Philadelphia?! Does it have as much heart as in the South? Probably not, but I’m sure Coach Taylor can change all of that.
3. Where is Landry?!! I’m glad we saw (two seconds) of him in the finale, but I need to know more, and does Crucifictorious have an album out yet??
4. Is Tim just sitting on his land drinking beer in his new house from now on? I need to see that he got a good job and has a life outside of Lyla Garrity.
5. Speaking of Lyla, wait, nevermind. I couldn’t really care less what she’s up to.
6. Did Vince lead the Panthers to another state championship? And where did he end up going to school? And is his sweet mom still doing okay?
7. How are Billy and Mindy handling TWINS? Does she now keep all 3 kids backstage at the Landing Strip during her shifts?
8. Did Matt and Julie really ever get married? Did he at least propose again in a more romantic place than the Alamo Freeze?
9. Just because I can’t even fathom that it’s over. I just need one more season, just one more … I’m not addicted, I swear.
10. Most importantly, I just need more Tim Riggins in my life. Period.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.
xo xo
[Read more pop culture posts here.]
Why I Want to Live in a Small Town, Thanks to My Latest Binge Watches
I know what you’re thinking.
You live in Bentonville, Arkansas. You already live in a small town.
Um, no. Population 40,000 is not a small town. It’s nothing like Dillon, Texas; Bluebell, Alabama; or Stars Hollow, Connecticut.
Which leads me into my three latest binge watches (which got me thinking about small town, usa and why I want to live there):
Gilmore Girls [Stars Hollow, CT] – I re-watched the full series after my Gilmore Girls Day and just finished it about a month ago. Just as good as the first ten times I’ve seen it. Still my all-time favorite show.
Hart of Dixie [Bluebell, AL] – This was my Mille-only binge, until husband started watching and also loved it. Charming, funny and Zoe Hart’s fashion is TDF.
Friday Night Lights [Dillon, TX] – This is my current binge. So much drama, so much Tim Riggins and a new role model – Tami Taylor. I’m LOVING it.
All three of these shows are set in really small towns. [Fun Fact: Gilmore Girls and Hart of Dixie are filmed on the same set] So here are my 8 reasons why I want to live in a SMALL, small town:
1. There’s always THE place everyone goes. See Luke’s Diner and the Rammer Jammer.
2. Everyone knows everyone … and their business. Don’t worry about telling everyone about your breakup. They already know.
3. Everyone goes to all of the town events, because that’s literally all there is to do.
4. And everyone celebrates the events together – the football state championship, the anticipated wedding, etc.
5. There is at least 1 love triangle everywhere you look. There’s so much drama it’s just hilarious.
6. The parties are the best (or the most dramatic, see #5) because the whole town is there.
7. If you don’t go to either church or football games, you’re an outsider. [this one’s just as southern thing]
8. Though sometimes it doesn’t seem like it, when it comes down to it everyone would do anything for each other. Because really, they’re all family.
xo xo
Read my other TV posts here.
TV Reviews [finale edition]: PLL, Mindy Project + Glee
P R E T T Y L I T T L E L I A R S
{Season 5, Ep. 26}
If I only had one word to describe this episode: disappointment. There was so much build-up to this episode for the #BigAReveal, and what did we get? A name. Charles. That’s it. But who the heck is Charles?? Okay so maybe we know Charles is Jason’s twin brother, but is it a character we already know by another name? Or are we creating an entirely new character? Marlene King said when we found out in this episode who A was, we would be heartbroken. I can’t be heartbroken about someone I don’t even know. All of my thoughts and questions are summed up perfectly in this hilarious (as always) Buzzfeed: http://www.buzzfeed.com/jennaguillaume/whats-a-charles
{Season 3, Ep. 21}
{Season 6, Ep. 12 & 13 – series finale}
TV Reviews: Empire, Revenge, Mindy Project + TWD
My TV obsessions are currently in full force as seasons are coming to a close and there are a lot of OMG moments. And guess what, I’m not a silent watcher.
I LOVE talking about my fictional best friends almost as much as I enjoy watching them. I get so excited when I finally find someone who’s as into a show as I am and wants to discuss. Case in point from Friday night – found someone (finally!) who watches Empire and it totally made my night. Case in point from Sunday – I have multiple text threads discussing The Walking Dead, including some live-texting.
So, I’ve decided to start a weekly recap post of my TV shows including my commentary. The shows will probably change from week to week. For example, PLL and Nashville aren’t in here this week, but they’re two of my favorites. You might watch these shows, you might not. You might enjoy my commentary, you might think I’m way too into TV. Either way, these posts are pretty much for me to get my OMG moments out and bond with any other diehard TV fans I just might not have met yet.
Grab some popcorn, and enjoy!
[WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD]
E M P I R E
[Season 1, Ep. 10]
Why am I SO obsessed with this show?! I also CANNOT stop listening to the music on Spotify. {Especially “You’re So Beautiful” – The White Party version. I’m in love with Jamal’s voice.}
Okay so we did get a resolution in this episode to Jamal’s daughter + Raven randomly showing up for 2 seconds in one episode. She’s Luscious’ daughter, really?! It ended in gunfire, really?! It was a little overly dramatic, but I’m glad the arc didn’t last long; HOWEVER – Lola was the cutest little girl ever! And the song Jamal + Hakeem sang to her to get her to go to sleep?? I wanted to die. Also glad Naomi Campbell is out of there – I couldn’t stand her. But Cookie and Malcolm – I CAN stand. Omg, love it. Another thing I can stand – Jennifer Hudson. Let’s see more of her and Andre!!!
R E V E N G E
[Season 4, Ep. 15 – still 1 episode behind]
This season has been killing it, yeah? I’d lost interest the last few seasons, but they’ve been stepping up their game. Let’s talk about a few things – namely, Jack. But first, Louise. I would LOVE for her to be part of the inside group. I wasn’t sure about her at first, but now I love her, and it was solidified with her perfectly played part of “Oh, this isn’t pilates??” *bats eyelashes* She’s too cute and keeps Nolan entertained with more than just Emily.
But let’s get to Jack. How he played Margot?! Oh My Gosh. Too freakin’ perfect. I knew he was up to something when he said “You’d do anything for your child,” but still! He was so believable. I had no clue about the bracelet. Way to go, dude. But, let’s talk about that speech with Emily at the end. WAAAAAAH. I was totally dying. Why, Emily, why?! You obviously love him. Yes, Ben is hot, but Jack is the love of your life! We all know this! He was the sweetest thing ever and totally got his heart broken. I can’t even.
T H E M I N D Y P R O J E C T
[Season 3, Ep. 19]
Stephen Colbert is gold. Seriously, as a Catholic priest that was once wild and now pious? Gold. This episode was one of the funnier ones this season. Mindy and Danny are adorable as almost-parents. And Mindy is hilarious in church (reminiscent of one of my favorite scenes of her in church with Casey rapping). A few of my favorite lines include Danny quizzing Mindy on the Apostles and instead she lists the Beatles. Also, “There’s a sequel to the Bible, but not to Gone Girl?!” upon discovering the New Testament. LOL, classic Mindy. I also surprisingly have been loving the pregnancy arc. It hasn’t gotten too mushy or steered away from its core, and I can’t wait to see Mindy as a mom, mostly because I think we have a lot in common.
T H E W A L K I N G D E A D
[Season 5, Ep. 14]
Okay, some major sh*t went down this week, and we are so ready for the finale in two weeks!! This was a very gruesome episode. Noah’s death was so violent and sad and disturbing and unexpected, UGH. I was actually more sad than I thought I would be, and especially when Glenn was sad. But Eugene carrying out Tara and pulling the van around to distract the walkers was awesome. 10 points for Eugene. And -10 points for stupid Alexandria guy.
A few more things:
Father Gabriel – WTF?? Not that I’m that surprised, but come ON. These people saved you!
Rick and Carol planning together is awesome. Yes, they’re planning to kill someone and yes, that’s bad. But I love them working together and can’t wait to see that guy get his revenge.
Why didn’t we see Daryl in this episode????
xo xo
[Read more posts about my TV obsessions here.]
2014: My Top 5 Movies, TV Shows + Books
M O V I E S
5. Unbroken: I left the movie equal parts inspired by humanity and disgusted, ashamed of humanity. The story was phenomenal and the acting was beautiful.
4. Gone Girl: This was my #2 favorite book last year, so I was highly anticipating the movie. It was even better than I could have imagined. Rosamund Pike was the definition of perfection.
3. Wild: Reese Witherspoon captivated you from the moment she stepped on screen. The cinematography was astounding and the movie made me cry {almost} as much as the book.
2. Chef: Oh my gosh, this movie! You have to go watch it. You HAVE to. That’s all I can say. It’s funny, it’s smart, it’s one of the best movies I’ve ever seen.
1. Interstellar: This movie blew me away. We talked about it for the next week, discussing it like it was a real story. That’s the sign of a great movie.
Still on the list to see from 2014: Boyhood (DYING to watch this), Whiplash, Theory of Everything, Foxcatcher
T V S H O W S
5. Pretty Little Liars: This is my extremely guilty pleasure show. I honestly can’t tell you why I enjoy it as much as I do as a 25 year old. (Well, I tried to tell you in my blog post here.) But I’m so excited to watch this show every week.
4. The Good Wife: I binged all 6 seasons of this show this summer, and can’t believe I’ve gone this long without watching it. Alicia Florrick is my role model.
3. The Mindy Project: A consistent favorite, per usual. And now we have the best couple on TV (by far) and it’s too much happiness and laughter to contain.
2. The Walking Dead: Another consistent favorite, per usual. How this show tops itself every season is beyond me, but I’m just as much wrapped up in this apocalypse now as I was day 1.
1. Orphan Black: This one shocked me. Seriously, shocking how addicted I am to this show. The number 1 reason is easy – Tatiana Maslany, and the fact that she hasn’t been nominated for an Emmy makes me reconsider my entire existence.
B O O K S*
*read this year, not necessarily published this year
5. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green: I thought it would be an easy, predictable young adult read, but it had so much more depth than any other YA book I’ve read. The characters, the plot, the writing – it was nearly perfect. (Also, loved the movie)
4. The Reader by Bernhard Schlink: I read this book in a day and loved every second of it. The author turns something you don’t think would be interesting into the most fascinating love story I’ve heard in a long time. (Also, again, loved the movie)
3. I’ll Drink to That by Betty Halbreich: This autobiography is phenomenal. I’ve only read a few autobiographies in my life, but this one outshines them all. Her life is so fascinating that I often felt like I was reading fiction.
2. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell: I am officially Malcolm Gladwell’s newest, biggest fan ever. His writing is simply superb, weaving in hard facts with anecdotes so perfectly that you believe everything he says without batting an eye.
1. Wild by Cheryl Strayed: A woman hiking a 1,100 miles in a journey of self-discovery – sounds a little boring, huh? Not even close. I felt so connected to the main character by the end that I could feel her tears in my eyes. This is officially on my list of top 10 favorite books of all time.
BONUS: P O D C A S T S
1. Serial: The only podcast I’ve ever listened to. It’s literally all I can think about.
xo xo
You might also enjoy: 2013: Top 5 Movies, TV Shows + Books, Top 10 Movies of 2012
Stars Hollow Staycation: Why I Chose to Take a Vacation Day to Watch Gilmore Girls
W H O
Me, two girlfriends + a brief appearance by my Lorelai
W H A T
Take a day off work and spend the entire day watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix.
Episode Guide:
Season 1, Ep. 1 – Pilot [Lorelai and Rory, we can already tell we love you.]
Season 1, Ep. 7 – Kiss and Tell [Ooh, Rory gets her first kiss! In Doosey’s! And runs away!]
Season 2, Ep. 5 – Nick & Nora/Sid & Nancy [Enter Jess. Commence lifelong swooning.]
Season 2, Ep. 9 – Run Away, Little Boy [Paris as Romeo = gold. Also, second best guest appearance Chad Michael Murray]
Season 3, Ep. 9 – A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving [Just skip the rolls! Also, first best guest appearance Adam Brody]
Season 4, Ep. 2 – The Lorelais’ First Day at Yale [First night of college = around the world eating party, oh how Gilmore]
Season 4, Ep. 22 – Raincoats and Recipes [The most bittersweet episode ever – Luke & Lorelai (yay!), Rory & Dean (nay!)]
Season 5, Ep. 3 – Written in the Stars [Luke & Lorelai dating is the talk of the town; literally, it’s an agenda item at town hall]
Season 5, Ep. 13 – Wedding Bell Blues [“I just wanted to know what it feels like.” Go Rory!]
Season 6, Ep. 13 – Friday Night’s Alright for Fighting [Logan saves the day at the newspaper and is beyond charming.]
Season 7, Ep. 22 – Bon Voyage [Best surprise party ever. Best Luke moment ever. Best ending ever.]
W H E R E
A very comfortable gray couch in the Alderman living room
W H E N
Friday, Oct. 24
8am – 6:30pm
W H Y
Ask me my all-time favorite book and I can’t tell you. Ask me my all-time favorite movie and I can’t tell you. Ask me my all-time favorite TV show and I CAN tell you – Gilmore Girls. I could literally write an essay about why I love it so much, and some day I probably will, but for now, just a few words: Witty. Relationships. Hilarious. Coffee. Luke & Lorelai. Mother/Daughter. Milo Ventimiglia. Fast. Memorable. Community. Pop Culture. Life. Heartwarming.
O T H E R I M P O R T A N T D E T A I L S [i.e. F O O D]
We watched, we ate, we laughed, we ate, we cried, we ate. The Gilmore girls wouldn’t have had it any other way.
xo xo
My New Legal Vocabulary, Thanks To “The Good Wife”
My latest show binge has been The Good Wife. It’s been on my list for a while for three reasons:
(1) I love shows with a strong, female lead
(2) Julianna Margulies has won or been nominated for the Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama 4 times in the last 5 years
(3) Logan Huntzberger (Matt Czuchry) from Gilmore Girls is a main character ❤
I’m currently on Season 3 of 5 and I feel like I could pass the bar exam purely due to my binge-watching. Here are a few new words in my vocabulary …
Recuse: to reject or challenge (a judge or juror) as disqualified to act, especially because of interest or bias.
Voir Dire: a preliminary examination of a witness or a juror by a judge or counsel.
Jury Nullification: a jury returns a verdict that is the opposite of what the jury believes or the verdict it was instructed to return by the court.
Held in Contempt: When a court decides that an action constitutes contempt of court, it can issue a court order that in the context of a court trial or hearing declares a person or organization to have disobeyed or been disrespectful of the court’s authority.
Continuance: a postponement or adjournment
Sustained vs Overruled:
Sustained: When an objection is sustained, the judge has determined that is a valid objection. That means the question was improper under the rules of evidence. The witness may not answer the question.
Overruled: When an objection is overruled, the judge has determined the objection is invalid. The question may stand. The witness must then answer the question.
Punitive Damages: damages exceeding simple compensation and awarded to punish the defendant.
ASA: Assistant State’s Attorney is hired or appointed to the position by the elected state’s attorney and derives the power to act on behalf of the state in criminal prosecutions through the state’s attorney. The duties of an ASA include those of the state’s attorney—representing the state (prosecution) in criminal proceedings.
The trick is weaving my new vocabulary into everyday conversation in my non-legal workplace. Think anyone would object if I tried to ask someone leading a meeting to recuse himself?
xo xo
You might also enjoy: 11 Reasons Pretty Little Liars Is My New Obsession, I Think I Could Survive in Prison – and Other Things I’ve Learned from Orange Is The New Black
Fall TV: The 4 Season Premieres I’m Most Excited About
Okay, we know I’m a TV junkie and we know Fall TV is starting back soon, thus, we must know I’m ridiculously excited. Last season we started pairing down our shows and only the best made the cut. We removed four from our lineup: Glee, New Girl, How I Met Your Mother (series finale), Modern Family and added one: The Blacklist.
Here’s what I’m most looking forward to this season …
T H E M I N D Y P R O J E C T
I am so in love with this couple and this show. I re-watched the first two seasons this Summer in preparation and laughted ’til I cried. Every episode just makes me so happy. Mostly for Mindy and Danny, but also Peter and Morgan.
#MindyandDanny4Ever
N A S H V I L L E
I got behind on this show last season, then watched the last 5 episodes in a day and was reminded why I love it so much – the music, the drama, the scandals, the love triangles. Seriously, after the last episode I listened to Gunnar’s “It Ain’t Yours To Throw Away” at least twice a day.
T H E W A L K I N G D E A D
I don’t know how they do it, but this show just keeps getting more and more intense. The season ended with the gang (minus a few, including baby judith) locked up in a train car about to get eaten by cannibals. How will they get out and will they go to DC?! At least we know bad-ass Rick is finally back.
G O T H A M
Okay, okay, I’ll admit it – the only reason I’m so excited for this show is Ryan Atwood, Ben McKenzie. But it doesn’t hurt that Husband is the biggest Batman fan ever and is also super excited for this. It has some pretty high expectations so I hope it can live up to them. Either way, there will be eye candy.
{Also on our watchlist: Scandal, Revenge, The Blacklist, Big Bang Theory
The show I’m currently side-watching from S1: The Good Wife}
What show are you looking forward to this season?
xo xo
Summer Nights + Why You Don’t Need Cable
When we moved into our new home we decided to give up cable. Really the only time we watched it anyway was in the mornings watching The Today Show (which I do miss) and randomly at nights when we didn’t have a specific show to watch. The majority of time though we were watching Hulu Plus, Netflix or Amazon Instant Video.
If you haven’t made the switch to no cable yet, let me fill you in on a secret – It’s totally worth it.
There will definitely be some growing pains. Like I said, I can’t turn on the news in the morning and listen to the top stories and hear the weather for the week. If there’s a show I really want to watch live I have to find somewhere to watch it (like PLL last week at my Mom’s house … #dontjudgeme.) I sometimes miss shows I wouldn’t stream like Wheel of Fortune, Duck Dynasty or House Hunters.
But let me tell you the biggest benefit of it all (besides saving money) – it will seem like you have so much more free time. Maybe you’re not like us, but before we gave up cable, this would be our routine: come home, turn on the tv, start making dinner, watch tv during dinner, watch tv after dinner. But since we don’t have that option anymore, we’re way more selective about what we watch. We don’t just turn on the tv to turn it on for noise. If we turn it on it’s to watch a show we really want to watch.
Now, let me remind you, we’re tv watchers – we have so many shows we keep up with during the season it’s a little insane. Then in the Summer usually we pick a few shows we want to start watching or catch up on that we don’t have time to watch during the year. Summer 2014 was Orange Is The New Black, but we finished that a few weeks ago and haven’t started anything else. Even though I get an itch every now and then to start a new show so we have something to watch, I’m trying to hold back. It’s like an addiction. We don’t need something to watch every night. We have plenty of other things to fill our time. Instead we’ve been …
playing ball with Olli in the backyard,
reading together on the couch or going to bed early to lay in bed and read,
sitting on the porch really talking about our days,
cooking dinner together,
cleaning up dinner together,
hanging out with friends,
going on walks
It’s really felt like Summer – long nights with seemingly unending sunlight. So I implore you, even if you decide to keep cable, maybe turn it off just for the Summer. (How many good tv shows are on right now anyway?) Or maybe just have specific no tv nights during the week.
I hope you will find it as refreshing as we have.
xo xo
I Think I Could Survive in Prison — and Other Things I’ve Learned From “Orange Is The New Black”
We’ve officially caught up with the rest of the population and become OITNB fans. I actually think we did it the right way. We binged on the first season right when the second one came out, so we didn’t have to wait a year to see the fallout from the finale. We are SO CLOSE to finishing the second season I can hardly stand it.
I was skeptical at first, why would I want to watch a show about women in prison? Well if you’re still one of the ones asking, let me tell you why – it puts a whole new perspective on the prison system and the people in prison. Not just numbers in an orange jumpsuit, but faces and names and backstories. It shows you they’re real people who make mistakes, just like you and me.
Yes, just like you and me, who could go to prison, and if you do, remember these tips …
1. Never insult the cooking. Ever. Lesson learned day 1.
2. Make friends with everyone – the guards, the fast-talking hispanics, the born-again/crazy-again Christian, the one with crazy eyes, the ex-girlfriend – wait, don’t do that one. And if you do befriend the crazy eyes, just be prepared, dandelion.
3. If you have your choice in jobs, choose the library.
4. Take showers 30 seconds or less … you never know what might come out of the drain.
5. Speaking of the bathroom – get up EARLY to do your business. The bathrooms with the doors are the first to go.
6. Don’t assume anything of anyone, good or bad. You don’t know their story and what they’ve been through to get where they are.
7. Find out what everyone’s vices are. You will have to bribe, and if you have someone’s favorite candy, makeup or *cough*contraband*cough* it will come in handy.
8. Don’t say anything on the phone that can get you in trouble.
9. Inappropriate things happen in the chapel. Just stay out if not for a service.
10. One person can change the course of everything. Remember #2.
11. If you’re engaged when you go in, tell your fiance you will most likely {at least} kiss a girl in prison, so don’t get too riled up over it. When in Rome.
12. And lastly, very importantl, send in a check for commissary items WEEKS in advance. Otherwise you’ll be making shower shoes out of maxipads.
xo xo
You might also enjoy: 11 Reasons Pretty Little Liars Is My New Obsession, How To Survive a Zombie Apocalypse Part II
How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse, Part II
As crazy as this sounds, The Walking Dead is a big part of our life. It’s the only TV show we watch live every week. We often watch it with a group of other zombie-obsessors. We spend at least 30 min-1 hour dissecting the episode and what’s going to happen next. And we even dedicate another hour of our Sunday to watching The Talking Dead. What is it about the show that makes it so perfect? I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it’s so.freaking.good!
I’ve written two other posts about the show (How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse, Sundays are DEAD to me), but with the Season 4 season finale last night I decided to follow up the former with a Part II. We’ve learned a lot since I wrote that post 2 seasons ago. While those tips are definitely still relevant, below are some more advanced lessons we’ve learned.
1. Keep your legs closed. I understand the need for intimacy in a time like this, but without protection, it’s just a no. Babies are way too much of a hassle in this situation and will put others in danger.
2. Don’t trust anyone outside your group, and if you’re considering inviting others to join your group, don’t forget to ask them the 3 questions: How many walkers have you killed? How many people have you killed? Why?
3. However, if you do find people you can trust – stick together at all costs.
4. Get over yourself. You’re going to have to do things you never thought you would (and I mean NEVER thought you would … case in point, season finale). That does not make you a bad person, that’s just life now.
5. As with #1, I also understand the desire to drink in a time like this, but again, it’s just a no. Is it really worth it to lower your inhibitions with zombies and other people trying to constantly kill you?!
6. Ration your food. You may get overly excited when you find a 112 oz. can of chocolate pudding, but you’re going to want that later when there’s nothing but a rabbit leg to eat.
7. Get creative. Unfortunately these days, shooting and stabbing aren’t the only ways you’ll need to kill.
8. If you’re staying in one place for a while, always have a getaway plan that can be executed very quickly.
9. Get a bow and arrow and practice shooting it. It will be invaluable.
10. Trust your gut. If something doesn’t look right or feel right, it’s probably not right.
xo xo
11 Reasons “Pretty Little Liars” Is My New Obsession
{FYI – I’ve only watched the first two seasons, so I am NOT caught up. I repeat, I am NOT caught up. No spoilers please. Unfortunately I already know some, so no more!}
1. The fashion. Who dresses like that in high school? Scratch that. Who doesn’t wish they had dressed like that in high school? Or even post-high school??
2. Every single episode leaves me with another question and wanting more. (Case in point – the number of episodes I binge-watched Saturday, which I won’t tell you, but it was a lot.)
3. The four girls’ friendship through thick and thin (i.e. murders and swim meet championships) and their weekly gossip-fueled sleepovers.
4. Caleb is so bad boy dreamy. Fitz is so book nerd dreamy. Wren is so foreign dreamy. There’s a lot of dreamy.
5. The town square is the same set used as Gilmore Girls. (and we know I’m obsessed with anything GG)
6. Those texts from A are like a box of chocolate, you just never know what you’re gonna get.
7. It’s like Veronica Mars meets Desperate Housewives. Perfect.
8. The music change every time Jenna Marshall walks into a room and the looks all the girls immediately give each other, despite the fact that she isn’t doing anything … except walk into a room.
9. I can get my high school girl-crazy, hair-pulling bathroom fight and my front row seat to a murder investigation all in one place.
10. I don’t understand how/why this is on ABC Family, but that makes it even more scandalous.
11. Hidden lovers, hidden bodies, hidden secrets … what’s not to love??
“Only two can keep a secret if one of them is dead.”
xo xo
You might also enjoy: 10 Reasons “The O.C.” Was the Best Teen Drama Ever on TV
m.davis xoxo 
