*Note, I’ve been told that I should stop saying the word “cozy” because it’s annoying but I can’t seem to…
Hello! Thank God I didn’t release this newsletter episode in the midst of Taylor/ Adele weeks because I would have just been gushing about All Too Well and I Drink Wine which would have been…cheugy! All I’ll say is that the whole time my dad was here and we were driving around listening to the Red re-release he would shake his head and say “poor Jake Gyllenhal” (with a hard “g”, like “gallon”).
My favorite day of the year happened last week (Spotify Wrapped of course). I LOVE seeing what music people listen to, how many minutes they listen to it, and which genres (sad girl indie pop, poptastic opera, so many varieties). Mine was slightly predictable (Taylor, Olivia, Justin, Dua, you know the drill) even though in my mind I’m a misunderstood indie girl (I say this wearing my Barefoot dreams cardigan and lulu lemon drinking out of a Lily Pulitzer mug).
So much good TV happened this month which is why it’s taken me so long to release this issue— my fingers hurt from typing furiously!
Stath Let’s Flats (HBO Max)- Made me laugh in a way that only I Think You Should Leave has done in the last few years. It is painfully stupid and funny and perfect. If you decide to watch, please savor it because the episodes fly by. As Stath would say re: canoeing with his sister “don’t touch the water, there’s ants in there.”
Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO Max)- NEW FAVORITE SHOW ALERT. I say that a lot but this is real. I LOVE this show. I crave shows that take place in small liberal arts colleges and this one has it all— dynamics between rich kids/ scholarship kids, Waspy kids, female athletes, comedy writers, sexual tensions galore (although I wish they had done will they or won’t they with a few more of the relationships).
Collateral (Netflix)- I was alerted by my dad to this British mystery thriller that had slipped my radar! It’s only 6 episodes and stars very earnest and serious Carrie Mulligan. Twisty turny plot!
Line of Duty (Amazon Prime/ Acorn TV)- Collateral led me to my 2nd new favorite series. It has 5 SEASONS and so many “bent coppers” you start to get the sense that maybe nobody on the squad is there for the right reasons (tm).
Law and Order SVU (NBC)- My beloved classic has not lost its oomph. It’s actually gotten better! The episodes are topical and of course, there’s Carisi and Rollins romance that we’ve been waiting for for years.
Succession (HBO)- Idk what to even say here. I watched the last episode literally perched on the edge of my couch because it was so dark, twisted, funny, eek! To quote Greg re: the 1960’s, “Different times. Different times indeed. Better? Not for all.”
Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO)- It’s still fun. Not groundbreaking, but fun. Still love Larry and Susie’s relashe.
Shrink Next Door (Apple TV+)- I loved this podcast and have high hopes for the show. I’m not reeled in YET but I’ve only seen two episodes.
I should note that I’m also rewatching Gilmore Girls (the Logan season, duh). It’s still got it and I can’t believe I didn’t see how unlikeable Rory was when I was younger…
I should also note that I’m watching Sex and The City tonight and will discuss on the next newsletter!
Reality
Winter House/ Summer House trailer (Bravo) - Winter House was over before it began but at least it set the scene for was is sure to be the best season of Summer House, and possibly the best season of television, of all time. (See for yourself).
Bachelorette (ABC)- I haven’t been paying much attention because it’s super boring, but I will be watching this week and hosting a charcuterie party for the episode so I’d better read some articles and learn some of these guys’ names.
Real Housewives of OC (Bravo)- I’m diving back in now that the three amigos + Kelly Dodd are gone. I love Gina and Emily and relate to them!! I can see myself being real-life friends with both of them. They are too normal for TV yet somehow so watchable.
Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip (Bravo)- I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did. Say what you will but Ramona is funny and I’m not sure what they would have talked about without her there (“sowrry” as Ramona would say).
Movies
Love Hard (Netflix)- I love glossy Netflix holiday rom coms. It’s pretty hard to go wrong. This one I would give a nice B+— two super annoying characters (one superficial, one a catfisher) but very funny moments and you end up rooting for both of them by the end.
Single All The Way (Netflix)- I would also give this a nice B+! Film critic here I come. A gay rom-com and lots of fun family moments. The main guys had medium chemistry, hence the B+ and not A-.
Holidate (Netflix)- Now this is the third time I’ve seen this film. Everyone (my sister) tells me I shouldn’t like it, but what’s not to like?? Rom-com set in a mall, love triangle, misunderstandings, a weird bathing scene.
Books
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney- This has been named one of the best thrillers of the year but I’m not hooked yet (I’m halfway through). Husband and wife plotting to murder each other (tale as old as time) on a weekend getaway to Scotland.
Body Talk by Katie Sturino- I was looking forward to this book about body positivity but it’s more of a workbook that you fill out, and I don’t really want to do that, ya know?
Snacks
I’ve decided to add a new category since I am a bit of a local snack influencer (I tell my friends about snacks I like and sometimes they buy them).
Caulipower New Chick On The Block- breaded chicken is my kryptonite and these things are very crunchy and yummy on salads!!
Lentil curls from Trader Joes - Don’t buy these if you don’t want to eat the whole bag in one sitting. They are the most addicting snack I’ve ever come across with the perfect crunch and perfect taste.
Garlic dip from Trader Joes- A delicious dip or you could eat it with a spoon as I did once.
Tony’s Chocolate- I’m more of a savory snack girl but this is the perfect chocolate bar (Mairin’s fave).
Strawberry Vanilla Olipop Soda- Just plain refreshing and also has prebiotics or something healthy involved!
Ok, if that snack section was lame, just don’t tell me. I can’t take constructive criticism right now. Anyway, happy comfy cozy December!!
I freakin enjoy reading that detailed writing! So fantastic! 💎💎💎