VCR: The Hunger Games

SOFT DRINK

Apologies for the alcohol-free nature of this post but due to bump, I've had to explore the world of soft drinks over the last six months. It's actually not been as bad as I expected! Loads of choice nowadays - with my go-to usually being a bottle of Belvoir. I like to drink it in a fizz glass just to make it a bit more fun (it's the little things).

*As mentioned in a previous post, the slippers I'm wearing are from Victoria's Secret in New York (a Christmas gift from sister S). I can't locate them online so would recommend these from Celtic & Co. I've purchased boots from this brand for years and have no doubt these pink mules are super cosy and will last a long time. Worth the investment.

REMOTE

The Hunger Games films. This particular VCR evening involved the final instalment: Mockingjay - Part 2. Unlike many, I've never read the books so followed the story as portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence as lead protagonist Katniss Everdeen. In a nutshell, the films are centred around a televised competition where two teenagers from each of the 12 districts of a post-apocalyptic nation called 'Panem' are chosen randomly to fight to the death. In the first film, Everdeen volunteers herself in replacement of her younger sister. Without giving any spoilers to anyone who missed them, this ultimate instalment is where it comes to a head. Lots of action, emotion and unexpected twists.

Here's the trailer for the first film, to avoid too many giveaways:

If you love action movies, you might like this also (a 90s classic).

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VCR: Orphan Black

A slight tweak to the series for the next few months... L and I are expecting! So 'Vino' will consist of what L is drinking, plus a soft drink suggestion from me, the mama-to-be...

VINO

Deep Gully 2014 - a full-bodied, rich shiraz cabernet sauvignon blend from southern Australia. Its taste offers 'layers of smooth black fruits, sweet spice and a twist of pepper'.

SOFT DRINK SUGGESTION

Belvoir Raspberry Lemonade - really refreshing, especially when you pop a couple of fresh raspberries in it with ice. I also like to drink it out of a champagne flute so I don't feel left out...!

REMOTE

Orphan Black - a Canadian sci-fi thriller TV series on Netflix. L and I have just finished season 1 (4 currently available), upon recommendation from my hair stylist. The series begins with the main character, Sarah Manning (a streetwise hustler), witnessing the suicide of a woman who looks exactly like her. After stealing her identity to escape her own life, she soon discovers she is one of many clones dotted around the world. A big hand to actress Tatiana Maslany who delivers a range of character performances, as Sarah gradually meets other clones - from a science student to a soccer mum. It takes a couple of episodes to get into, but once you learn more about the situation alongside Sarah, you're suddenly hooked. A gripping week night series when you want to escape from your busy day.

Here's the trailer for season 1: 

Love playing sofa detective? Then you'll also love this VCR recommendation.

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VCR: Game of Thrones

VINO

Rainha do Mar Fernao Pires 2014 - a dry, crisp Portuguese white I've enjoyed before.

REMOTE

There are two types of people nowadays - those that watch Game of Thrones and those that don't. This HBO drama / adventure / fantasy is exactly what its title implies: a game of thrones - various Houses competing for the iron throne, owned by the monarchy who rules the seven kingdoms. It's gruesome, sexy and epic - all the ingredients for the perfect couch switch-off after a busy day.

Rather than detail the synopsis (as chances are you've seen it) I've decided to round up my top 10 characters (because, why not!?):

1. Jon Snow. The best leader (plus he's pretty).

2. Tormund. The second best leader, plus he's taken a shine to...

3. Brienne of Tarth. Strong but kind.

4. Tyrion Lannister. The most un-Lannister Lannister. Plus he'd make a great drinking buddy.

5. Daenerys Targaryen. Girl power. (That, and she owns DRAGONS.)

6. Hodor. The most faithful friend. (Can you believe you can now buy a Hodor doorstop?!)

7. Bronn. Because it's Jerome Flynn - but hardcore.

8. Olenna Tyrell. Because there needs to be more headstrong grandmothers on TV.

9. Sansa Stark. Not a fan at first but now loving her determination to bring back the Starks.

10. Ghost, Jon Snow's direwolf. Faithful, always. I want one.

For those who haven't seen Game of Thrones, here's a trailer for the first series to give you an idea of just how awesome it is:

Who's your favourite Game of Thrones character? Or do you have a different TV series to switch off to in the evening? Let me know below...

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Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Dino Veneto Pinot Grigio - a crisp Sicilian white, with a 'delicate peach flavour and dry lemon finish'. The perfect glass to unwind with after a long day.

*I was unable to locate my exact pair of joggers on the NEXT website but these are similar. I bought them a few weeks ago so they should most likely still be in stock (also available in khaki green).

REMOTE

Cold Feet. After hearing that this iconic British TV series was set for a comeback in 2016, I decided to buy the box set to refresh my memory. I was eleven when it first came out in 1997, so I don't remember watching it religiously, but it's been something I've wanted to watch in full for ages. L wasn't too interested in this revisit so it's my go-to choice when he's working late.

Following the lives of 3 couples (who are all friends) in Manchester, the series is extremely entertaining (thanks mostly to James Nesbitt's character - Adam) but in other places, realistically raw. The script confronts the highs and lows of relationships head on - from affairs to infertility. You love all the characters - Adam & Rachel, Pete & Jenny, David & Karen. (Karen has to be my favourite - her dry humour and facepalm frustration with husband David is brilliant).

I also love how 90s it is, from the fashion to the technology. With that in mind, here's when Adam meets Rachel for the first time - reminding us all of the time when not everyone had a mobile phone:

Love 90s shows as much as me? Take a look at the below VCRs for some more inspiration...

Vino. Couch. Remote.

vino

Brangelina's Miraval rosé, Côtes de Provence. The Hollywood power couple bought the French wine making estate (Chateau Miraval) in 2012 for £35m, making it their wedding venue in 2014. After enlisting the expertise of famous winemaker Marc Perrin, 2015 saw the launch of Miraval rosé to the high street, which received rave reviews from critics.

Papa B and I discovered this blushing bottle during a pre-wedding trip to Calais last year, bringing back a couple of cases for our wedding Sunday. Every so often I open a bottle and am reminded of very happy days. If you spot a bottle, definitely give it a try. (Bravo Brangelina.)

remote

The Pelican brief. If you love 90s Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington movies - this is for you. Great plot, impeccable acting and a hell of a lot of running from the bad guys:

If you love films from the 90s, you'll love this.

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Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Whispering Jack Chardonnay 2014 - A medium bodied dry white from South Africa. Its crisp taste includes lime zest and tangerine notes, making it a refreshing alternative during a cosy night in if you don't fancy red.

REMOTE

Peep Show. - A TV series following the sad but brilliant lives of flatmates Mark and Jeremy. It's an all-access pass to their amusing yet disturbing minds as they bumble through life getting into awkward situations. This was our go-to box set at university for its easy watching and incredible one-liners. In 2010, it became the longest running comedy series on C4 (its first episode aired in 2003). Now in its final series, the El Dude Brothers are taking their last bow - but not before they've given us one last trip down Cringeworthy Alley. Perfect viewing if you're looking to laugh and forget about life's stresses - because no matter how bad your day might have been - you can find comfort in the knowledge that it likely couldn't have been as bad as Mark's.

(N.B. It's near to impossible to find a clip without swear words in (!) so I've found one which uses less of them...):

If you love to laugh, check out Modern Family - another iconic comedy series (which is much more family friendly than Peep Show-!).

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Gran Hacienda Reserva, Sauvignon Blanc 2014 - A crisp Chilean white with fruity aromas of citrus blossoms and peaches, balanced with 'herbaceous undertones'.

REMOTE

The Knick (Sky Atlantic) - a medical drama set in the 1900s starring Clive Owen. Centred around Dr John W Thackery (Owen) and his team at New York's Knickerbocker Hospital. Bear with the first couple of episodes as you'll soon get addicted. It has many dark moments and as you can guess - lots of bloody surgery scenes! Best enjoyed with wine - not food... 

No matter what you're watching, comfort is key. Take a look at some of the cosy-looking living rooms I've been pinning on Pinterest - all you need is the big 4: couch, cushion, throw, vino.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

Vino

Di Cavallo, Sangiovese Rubicone 2013 - A full-bodied Italian red with ripe cherry and strawberry aromas.

Remote

Finally, 19 years after its release, I watched Independence Day!  Impeccable acting from Bill Pullman, Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum - loved their characters. My favourite scene: "We're fighting for our right to live":

I've recently discovered: Independence Day: Resurgence will be out in 2016 - and both Pullman and Goldblum will be starring! Liam Hemsworth also joins the cast. If this latest VCR evening is anything to go by, I vow not to wait double decades until I watch this one.