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VINO

Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre chardonnay - a Chilean white with 'subtle lime notes... a lively acidity and a long persistent finish.' This bottle featured on our wedding tables and we're still enjoying a couple of leftover bottles now. Goes perfectly with a bowl of Haribo.

REMOTE

House of Cards. You'll no doubt have seen it already or heard people talk about this hugely popular, award-winning Netflix series. An adaptation of the BBC's mini series and based on the novel by Michael Dobbs, this political drama launched in 2013. Set in present-day Washington DC, the story follows Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) a democrat from South Carolina and House Majority Whip who ends up hatching a dark plan with his wife Claire (Robin Wright) to seize ultimate power in the White House.

It's an odd feeling truly despising a TV series' lead characters - but Frank and Claire are two of the most cold, power-hungry individuals ever to hit the silver screen. Now and again you see a glimmer of humanity start to emerge - but then you're quickly reminded it's all connected with self gain. It makes a great post-work programme as you desperately watch each episode in the hope their plan will be uncovered and justice will be served. But so far - they seem to be doing (un)fairly well...

SPOILER ALERT: Here's the trailer for the most recent series (4). If you're yet to familiarise yourself with Frank, spark up Netflix and get watching - as there's a new series already due for release in 2017.

Love political dramas? You'll love this movie starring Michael Sheen.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

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VINO

Acaballo Shiraz Carmenere 2014, Chile. A rich and spicy deep plum red that will warm your cockles on a winter's evening.

REMOTE

The Affair. - I'm going to put this out there: this is the most addictive TV drama series I've ever watched. Struggling novelist Noah (played by Dominic West) meets a young waitress, Alison (Ruth Wilson), while holidaying with his wife Helen (Maura Tierney) and his four kids. Alison is struggling with her marriage to Cole (Joshua Jackson) following the freak death of their four-year-old son. As they embark on a passionate love affair, you begin to think this is a pretty pedestrian plot. But here's the twist: each episode is divided into Noah's recollection, followed by Alison's. Both are similar - but slightly different. Noah positions Alison to be a siren luring him into infidelity via tight dresses and suggestive glances, while Alison leads us to believe in Noah's unfaltering pursuit of her. You're not quite sure who to believe. Why does it matter? - Because these recollections form the basis of a murder investigation. You don't know whether they're suspects or helping with police enquiries, but their separate testaments don't match up.

Series 2 is even better, with both Helen and Cole's perspectives being thrown into the mix. With the four main actors having shows including The Wire, Luther, ER and Dawson's Creek under their belts, it's no surprise the acting is first class. Plus it's got a killer intro song:

Airing on Sky Atlantic (UK) and Showtime (US), this Golden Globe-winning series is definitely worth a watch. (N.B.  appropriate for adults only as it's pretty raunchy in places!) Here's the pivotal scene from series 1: Noah meets Alison:

If you love scandalous TV series, you might like this also.

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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.

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VINO

Hangin' Snakes 2012 Shiraz Viognier, Barossa Valley, Australia. This red made an appearance at our wedding - every now and again we treat ourselves to a bottle. Bright purple in colour, its taste is like 'sweet fruited summer berries... with white pepper, herbs and a hint of stone fruit.' It's one of the nicest reds we've ever had.

REMOTE

Scandal. - A US drama / thriller series about a former White House Communications Director (Olivia Pope) who starts her own crisis management firm. Starring Kerry Washington as Pope and Tony Goldwyn as President Fitzgerald Grant, the series begins with the ultimate scandal: the pair are embroiled in a passionate love affair (Grant is married). Now on series 5, every episode presents Pope with problems to fix, usually on behalf of high powered politicians or friends who need a favour. Offering a mix of murder, love triangles and politics - it's definitely one to switch on when you want to switch off. The best bit? That no matter how her day goes, Pope always manages to find time to enjoy a glass of red wine on her sofa (now what sort of person would do a thing like that?...).

Scandal airs on abc in the US, Sky Living in the UK.

Love political dramas? You'll love Frost/Nixon.

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VINO

Gran Hacienda Reserva, Sauvignon Blanc - A crisp Chilean white I've enjoyed before.

*Both the joggers and socks I'm wearing have been discontinued - items featured above are similar versions. Top contains wool so is extra cosy during winter.

REMOTE

Kirstie's Handmade Christmas - a Channel 4 series dedicated to crafty Kirstie's favourite festive projects that will turn your home into a Christmas grotto (also great for homemade gift ideas!). From wreath making to Christmas cake decorating, the UK's best crafters share their tips and compete for Kirstie's coveted trophies:

A clip from my favourite craft so far: DIY stockings for adults:

- Not only will they make decadent decorations during the Christmas run-up, but they're great gift ideas as you can completely tailor them to your recipient. Plus they'll get used year after year!

Have you been watching the series? Which craft will you be trying out this Christmas?
For additional Christmas decor ideas, take a look at my festive Pinterest board.

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VINO

Kelly Country Shiraz 2014 - A rich red from Victoria, Australia. Its spicy blackberry taste makes it a great option for a movie night in during winter.

REMOTE

Frost/Nixon. - A historical drama based on their famous interviews in 1977. Directed by the legendary Ron Howard, you quickly realise why it was nominated for 5 Academy Awards in 2009. Starring Michael Sheen as British TV broadcaster David Frost and Frank Langella as Richard Nixon, the film culminates with Frost coaxing out an official apology from the former US President following Watergate: "I let the American people down. And I'm going to have to carry that burden with me for the rest of my life":

An extract from the original interview in 1977:

Well worth a watch with a glass of rouge. 

What movies can you watch over and over again from the comfort of your sofa? Join in the conversation over on Twitter.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Angove Shiraz Carignan 2014 - A medium-bodied Australian red that smells of bramble, black pepper and vanilla and offers a taste of 'strapping' blackberry and spice. It was like drinking a cup of cosy - really warming and instantly relaxing.

REMOTE

Downton Abbey. Admittedly, I only started watching this period drama at the beginning of 2015. I completely missed the Downton boat when it first came out - I think it was on TV at the same time as Spooks, which L and I love, so we opted for spies over silverware. I've now caught up and can't recommend it enough. Following the lives of the Crawley family and their servants, it's filled to the brim with drama, mystery and incredible fashion (and don't get me started on the HOUSE). My brother-in-law is one of the biggest fans I know - which is one of the reasons I really love Julian Fellowes: his ability to write for everyone. With that in mind, here's an ode to his unrivalled ability to weave comedy into a stiff upper lip: His character the Dowager Countess of Grantham, played by the marvellous Maggie Smith:

If you love beautiful film and TV sets like Downton Abbey, check out ScreenStyle, where I shop the looks of my favourite on-screen homes.

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VINO

Albastrele Chardonnay 2013 - A 'rich and well balanced' white from Moldova.  Apple and creamy peach aromas combined with citrus and apricot tastes make this vino a wine rack regular.

REMOTE

Modern Family. - The best TV comedy series to be exported from the US since Friends. It follows three very different families, who are related via The Pritchetts - Jay and his adult children - Claire and Mitchell. Its wit and characterisation means there's no need for dramatic storylines, so you simply sit back and frequently chuckle at Phil's optimistic projects or Cam's "How could you, Mitchell!?'-s. Each episode is perfectly timed at approximately 22 mins, so it makes great viewing for short-lived weeknights (or you could just watch a whole series back-to-back at the weekend with friends, chip & dip).

Phil Dunphy (Claire's husband) is one of my favourite characters. He is always trying to be a 'cool dad' by coming up with new inventions such as the HeadScratcher, by devoting his entire weekend to making a duck farm, as well as accepting pizza delivery in his pants and socks. This one's for you Phil:

For more night-in inspiration, check out my living room Pinterest board for the best cosy throws, footstools and fairylights.

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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.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Rainha do Mar Fernao Pires 2014 - a crisp, dry, Portuguese white with a 'long aromatic finish'.
Its name translates as 'Queen of the Sea' and is ideally suited to seafood. (I personally enjoyed it on its own watching cake!)

REMOTE

The Great British Bake Off final (BBC One). What a series this year - from Paul's Lion Bread to winner Nadiya's chocolate peacock. I can't believe how these amateur bakers know so much about baking. It's incredible. As the final received the biggest TV audience of the year (13 MILLION viewers!) it's likely you'll have seen it already so to keep things interesting, here's Nadiya being reunited with the cookery teacher who inspired her at school:

Love all things Bake Off? Check out my attempt at Mary Berry's Christmas cake.