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

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. 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

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

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

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.