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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

The Optimist Chardonnay Viognier 2014, Australia. A refreshing blend of Chardonnay and Viognier from winemaker Bob Berton, whose optimistic creations invariably 'come up trumps'. Its combination of citrus and spicy peach makes it enjoyable any time of year.

*Similar. The onesie I'm wearing has been discontinued (purchased in a Dorothy Perkins sale) - F&F version above has a similar pattern and looks super cosy.

REMOTE

TFI Friday - this is an entertainment show close to my heart as Channel 4 recently brought it back out of retirement. I remember watching it during the 90s with my sister S - mostly for the incredible live Britpop performances and Chris Evans's mucking-about interview style. No-one can deny what an incredible Friday night show it was - and is. It's all about having fun and good music. Evans even introduced a water slide entrance for celebrities for the comeback series. Although now finished, you can view episodes here and historic ones on YouTube. Fingers crossed the success of this revival will mean more in 2016...

Here's the first episode from 1996, with an iconic performance of 'The Riverboat Song' by Ocean Colour Scene, a band Evans regularly championed. The track was immortalised into TV history when Evans selected it as the intro to his celebrity guest entrances. This clip personifies the 90s for me. Enjoy!

There's no denying 1996 was a great year for both TV and film, as this VCR proves.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

La Fontana Vecchia Sauvignon Blanc 2014 - A pale lemon Romanian white. Fresh and tangy due to its 'ripe citrus fruit and herbaceous character'. My verdict: It went down rather nicely!

REMOTE

Masterchef Australia. Forget the British version - this is 10 times better. Finalists compete in tasks individually, with the top three put through to competing for an immunity pin (a get out of jail free card ). The bottom three go into a pressure test - which is usually to recreate an intimidating dessert - after which the loser leaves the competition. The series continues like this until a winner is crowned. The three judges - Gary, George & Matt - are fantastic mentors and offer masterclass episodes, so the finalists - and viewers - get to learn about food in detail. Highly recommended for anyone who loves cooking - or just food!

Here's an interview with the 2015 winner, Billie McKay - who was offered a job at Heston Blumenthal's restaurant, The Fat Duck, after she impressed him in the final:

Love cooking / baking? See what I've been making behind-the-scenes in the Maision Bailey kitchen over on Instagram.