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.

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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).

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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...

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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.

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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.

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VINO

Gran Hacienda Reserva, Sauvignon Blanc - a Chilean white from our wedding day, which I've enjoyed time and time again.

* The slippers I'm wearing are from Victoria's Secret in New York (a Christmas gift from sister S) - I'm unable to locate online so would recommend the Celtic & Co mules featured above. While I don't own a pair, I've been buying cosy boots from this brand for years and have no doubt these mules are seriously comfortable. Worth the investment.

REMOTE

Disney never fails to lift my spirits after a busy week - I love popping a classic or the latest animation on in the background during the weekend.

If you haven't watched Frozen before, you're probably sick of the sight of it: songs, toys, games, fancy dress... it's everywhere. My advice? Watch it! You won't regret it. We recently watched it with a couple of friends who were visiting (they hadn't seen it before) and within minutes our group of 30-somethings were howling away. Especially during this song (sung by a snowman who doesn't realise 'what happens to solid water when it gets warm'...):

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen, the moral messages are aplenty, while the adult humour is subtle and hilarious. Bravo Disney.

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VINO

RedHeads Lot 7 Shiraz, Australia. This full-bodied, rich red offers a 'smack of oak'. Best enjoyed in front of the fire or cosied up on the couch.

REMOTE

Armageddon. I have to admit... I hadn't watched this 1998 classic the whole way through until now. (Pretty shocking, isn't it?) Although I'm 18 years late, it was worth the wait. Even by today's standards - the effects are impressive, while the storyline and A-list acting keeps you on the edge of your seat (seeking light relief in a glass of red...). In a nutshell: Bruce Willis and his team of deep core drillers race against the clock to destroy an asteroid - the size of Texas - that's heading straight towards Earth. Just your average day in Hollywood.

One of the movie's most memorable scenes is an inspirational Presidential speech (a scene most common in 90s classics!). "I address you tonight, not as the President of the United States, not as the leader of a country, but as a citizen of humanity":

Fancy another inspirational speech from a movie President? Take the stage Bill Pullman.

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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.)

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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

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.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

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.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

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

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

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.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

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.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Prosecco Salatin Valdobbiadene Superiore - A fresh and floral fizz with flavours of apple, peach and rose petals. Supposedly great with fish or poultry, I found it went quite nicely with Wine Gums.

REMOTE

Come Dine With Me. A group of strangers are thrown together by Channel 4 and take it in turns to host a dinner party. With £1,000 at stake and wine constantly flowing, you can guess why this makes easily digestible (and highly entertaining) TV. Running since 2005, contestants have become increasingly bonkers over the years - with the food taking second place to the dinner table dramas. It's great viewing when you've had a manic day and just want to switch off with some fizz.

Here's one of my favourite clips - when one host actually decided to serve his sushi off a half-naked man lying on his dinner table. (An attempted nod to the Japanese practice of nyotaimori, where sushi was served on the naked bodies of geishas during the samurai period. But perhaps not as effective in 21st century Bristol...) 

What's your favourite show to switch off to? Join in the conversation on Twitter.

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VINO

Yellow Tail Shiraz 2015, Australia - A spicy, full bodied red with a smooth flavour of ripe red berries and a slight liquorice aroma. While it's a great winter warmer (think steak and a roaring fire) - we drink it year-round as it's L's favourite.

REMOTE

Harry Potter. L didn't read the books before the movies, so I recently bought him the first book and two months on - he's almost at the end of the last one! I salute any author who can write for everyone: from 5-year-olds to 50-year-olds. My favourite scene? It has to be Mrs Weasley's House - The Burrow. It was exactly how I pictured it when reading the books - cluttered but comfortable. It's the people inside that make this one of the homeliest homes in fiction: (Ron: "It's not much, but it's home." Harry: "I think it's brilliant.")

Watching a good movie is best enjoyed alongside a Terry's chocolate orange at Maison Bailey. What are your go-to movie snacks? For some inspiration, check out my Food board on Pinterest.

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.

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.