I have decided to start doing monthly non-bookish favourites. I think it is fun to talk about things other than books on this blog every once in awhile, and I figured this was a great way to do it! I will talk about all of the movies, TV shows, music, food, etc. I loved during the month.
Movies
Their Finest
Their Finest (which I watched on Canadian Netflix) was such a joy.
In 1940, a married woman and a screenwriter develop a growing attraction while working together on a propaganda film about the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk, France.
After watching and loving the movie Dunkirk last year, it was really interesting to see what was happening during that time from another perspective. I also know that I am not the only one who adores Sam Claflin and he was brilliant in this one!
The Post
The Post is a Steven Spielberg film starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, so it was pretty much a guarantee that I was going to love this and I absolutely did.
Katharine Graham is the first female publisher of a major American newspaper — The Washington Post. With help from editor Ben Bradlee, Graham races to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets that spans three decades and four U.S. presidents. Together, they must overcome their differences as they risk their careers — and very freedom — to help bring long-buried truths to light.
I knew absolutely nothing about The Pentagon Papers so I learnt quite a bit from this movie, and it was riveting! People in the theater I was in actually clapped when it was over- it was just that good!
TV Shows
Manhunt: Unabomber
I binge-watched Manhunt: Unabomber. It was addicting and kept me at the edge of my seat. The cast was excellent, and it deserves more recognition.
This miniseries tells the story of the FBI’s hunt for the Unabomber in the 1990s. Agent Jim “Fitz” Fitzgerld, a fresh-faced criminal profiler with the agency, faces an uphill battle in tracking the infamous criminal but also has to fight against the bureaucracy of the Unabom Task Force (UTF), of which he is a part. Although Fitz pioneers the use of forensic linguistics, others in the UTF dismiss his maverick ideas and new approaches. Ultimately, though, his new techniques help him identify and capture the Unabomber.
Grace and Frankie (Season 4)
Grace and Frankie is probably my favourite still running show, and season four did not disappoint! I watched it all in one night! Grace and Frankie are just as hilarious as ever and I loved that we see them interacting more with Sol and Robert this season. That definitely makes for some interesting dynamics! It was also great to watch Breanna again- I flipping love her!
For as long as they can recall, Grace and Frankie have been rivals. Their one-upmanship comes crashing to a halt, however, when they learn that their husbands have fallen in love with each other and want to get married. As everything around the ladies is coming apart, the only thing they can really rely on is each other.
Music
Perfect- Ed Sheeran ft Andrea Bocelli
Ed Sheeran has a beautiful voice and I love the song Perfect. I did not think he could improve on it until he teamed up with Andrea Bocelli! This new version is absolutely breathtaking. My dad is Italian and we listened to Bocelli growing up so I have that connection to him as well. Even if you are not a fan of Ed sheeran, I encourage you to give this song a listen.
Sick Boy- The Chainsmokers
I have loved every song by The Chainsmokers so why should this latest song be any exception.
Baking
Brownie Cookies
These cookies are delicious! The inside is full of chocolaty goodness! They were gone quickly, and I have a feeling I will be asked to make them again really soon. I have shared the recipe with a few friends and it seems as though they have been a huge hit in their homes as well!
Italian Orange Cake
Before my Nonna passed away she always made an Italian orange cake that we all loved. Unfortunately, we never had the recipe so it has been years since we have been able to enjoy our favourite cake. I have decided to go on the hunt in an attempt to find that recipe. This is not exactly the same cake that she made but it is pretty darn close and got the seal of approval from my dad! It is light and delicious!
Random
Too Faced Chocolate Gold Eyeshadow Palette
My brother’s girlfriend works at Sephora and bought me this palette for Christmas. She knows that I loved the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palettes, and I think that this one might be my favourite. The colours are stunning and extremely pigmented. I have been able to make some pretty gorgeous looks so far.
Starbucks’ Swell Bottle (Liberty London)
I am a little late to this party, but I finally bought myself a Swell water bottle. One of my resolutions for the year is to drink more water, and this has really helped with that. I found this bottle on sale (because I would not pay $55 for a water bottle) and I love it. I was so happy to find one with a print that I love!
Deep Sleep- Pillow Spray
This might me completely random. but I wanted to talk about it anyway. I sometimes have trouble sleeping, and I truly think that this has been helpful for me. It is a blend of Lavender, Vetivert and Chamomile and it smells wonderful. It is definitely calming and helps me relax.
I would love to know if you have watched/listened to/tried any of these things! If you have posted something similar to this please link it in the comments. I would love to read it! Or just share some of your favourite non bookish things in the comments!
Okay as someone who also has trouble sleeping, that pillow spray sounds amazing. I️ didn’t even know that was a thing. Will definitely have to look into that.
Ah it is so good! Instantly helps me to relax! I know there are other companies (like bath and body works) that make something similar. Definitely worth looking in to!
I like Chainsmokers too and that new song is amazing! 🙂
Every song is unique and so catchy!
Oh, I might need to try that pillow spray! I have an awful time falling asleep at night.
It really is calming! It’s helped me!
That italian orange cake looks tempting, already added it to my list. And the cookies just amazing. I am going to watch “The post” soon, sounds like a movie my husband would love.. 😊
The cake is delicious and pretty easy to make! The cookie are epic and a huge hit. I think you will both love The Post. It’s awesome!
I love Perfect, and although I’ve never tried them, you’re making me crave brownie cookies! Loved this post! ❤️
Thank you! The cookies are like heaven. So good!
I diffuse a good night essential oil blend with peppermint oil and it’s heavenly. I know somewhat how you feel about not having your Nonna’s cake recipe. Before my YiaYia passed away my brother, my mom and I found all the recipes of hers that we could find. A lot of the medditteranean women didn’t write recipes down.
That sounds like a dream! Yes my Nona wrote nothing down! I know a few of her things but it was impossible to learn it all. So sad to lose those recipes!
I do have a lot of my YiaYia’s recipes, but trying to figure out approximate measurements on some of them was a task.
Oh for sure. I just feel like grandmothers have some kind of magic touch that can’t be duplicated!
It really can’t.
I still haven’t convinced myself to buy a swell bottle just because even on sale it’s too expensive for me 😂 my regular water bottle should suffice for now lol
Luckily I had a Starbucks gift card that I used! They are ridiculously over priced! My water stays cold for ages through.
Ah the one perk I probably won’t use anyway. I’m weird but I hate cold water 😂
brb making brownie cookies while watching manhunt: unabomber immediately.
hahaha sounds like the perfect day to me!
Those brownie cookies look AMAZING! 😍 And I love the too faced chocolate bar pallets as well!
*Palettes 😆🙈
The cookies are delicious! The palettes are so pretty and they smell great too!
I really enjoyed both the movie and book versions of Their Finest, and agree that Sam Claflin was perfect in the role. I got a gold S’well bottle for Christmas but am in love with that Liberty print too!
I didn’t even realize Their Finest was a book! I need to add that one to my ever growing TBR! He was amazing wasn’t he? I have been really impressed with my S’well bottle!
It is! For some reason it’s available under two titles: Their Finest AND Their Finest Hour and a Half.
Oh that is strange! Good to know!
Great post! I’m intrigued by that pillow spray — I think I need to get some! GRACE & FRANKIE!! I’m late getting started, but I’m now about halfway through season 3, and loving it. They’re just so perfect. I’m glad to hear season 4 is just as good!
The pillow spray is so calming. I adore Grace and Frankie. I am glad you love it too! So good!
Perfect by Ed Sheeran is absolutely perfect! I’ve been listening to it on repeat lately. Also, those brownie cookies look delicious!
It is a beautiful song! The cookies are incredible!
Oh my goodness, I forget about all the good movies I’m missing out on sometimes. Both The Press and Their Finest sound sooo good to me. I love a good historically-based film!
Honestly, though, if someone were to offer me one of those movies, or that Italian Orange Cake, I’d definitely take the cake! Looks so good, and I’m probably too tired right now for a whole movie. But I’m NEVER too tired for cake.
Historical films are my absolute favourite! I think you would enjoy both of those movies!
The cake is delicious. The perfect snack before bed!
I’ve never had an orange cake before, but the idea of it is seriously amazing sounding. Definitely going to have to give it a go.
I’ve only seen one episode of Grace and Frankie, but really liked it! Glad to hear it’s still good by season four 🙂
I am always surprised by how good it is!
OMG the sam claflin movie is on netflix? 😱 i need to check out if it’s in germany too! i LOVE sam claflin ❤️❤️❤️
and the “perfect” version with andrea bocelli is sooooo amazing! i cried when i watched the video for the first time! it was totally emotional! 😍 i can’t wait to see him in concert this year!
Yes it is!! I hope you have access to it! He’s adorable.
I cried during the video too! It’s so sweet! I am so jealous you are seeing him in concert!
i checked, it’s not available here but maybe it will in the next months…
i am soooo looking forward to it! 😍