Holiday Reads

Morning Friends! 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas filled with friends, family and food. Our day was spent with our loved ones laughing, playing tennis and eating way too much delicious food - it was delightful! 

Like many of you I will be heading off on a new years vacation in just a few days and I have a stack of books to bring with me. If you are looking for a new read then today's post is for you! Here are a few books I have read or bought this month that you may want to check out. 

I mentioned The Clasp by Sloane Crosley on Wednesday. I have just started it but so far I'm enjoying it. It's witty, smart and has enough characters and intertwining stories to keep you guessing! 

Although the title of this book may alarm some readers I have to admit this book is a goody. Like so many people I often find myself over committed in all aspects of life. This book is about identifying how we spend our valuable time, and how we can alter our commitments to gain more enjoyment in life. Not too self-help-esk and definitely funny! 

This novel is next up on my list and I'm really excited to start it. So many of you have recommended it to me before and I finally purchased it. So lets wait and see what I think! 

Finally a book for all the cooks out there! I gave my mum the Yotam Ottolenghi cookbook this Christmas and I'm now going to need to buy one for myself! When I visit London I always pop into one of the several Ottolenghi cafes for an amazing bite to eat. Hopefully these recipes will give me a taste of the Ottolenghi treats at home! 

Happy reading everyone!

Lou

xxx

November / December Books

Morning Everyone 

Today I'm sharing a few books which I have just read, started or purchased! They are a complete mix as always but fabulous in their own way. 

I just finished the 'Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' over the weekend and really enjoyed it. Was it the best book I have ever read? No. But it was a sweet and easy read with interesting characters and left me longing for a trip to India!

Ok don't be scarred off by the title! 

Like many of us, I find myself over committed, over tired and over life in general quite often. This book is supposedly meant to help us 'declutter' our mental and emotional lives, altering our attitudes and schedules. I have only just started this one, so lets see how I go!

I unfortunately found 'Wives and Lovers' very underwhelming. The story had too many gaps, the characters where very blasé and it was slowwww. Just not my thing! 

Lastly, I have just ordered a big bunch of new holiday reads! One of them being 'I Take You' by Eliza Kenny. I hear good things about this new novel so I'm keen to jump in. 

Please remember to leave your recommendations in comments or send me a message! I love your suggestions!

Lou 

xxx

The Hollywood Reporter Roundtables

Morning friends! 

Today's post is a little different! You would have all herd of the Hollywood Reporter before, known for its exclusive celebrity interviews, essays and stunning photos. Well THR has gone one further now launching 'Roundtable' where they gather a group of celebrities together to talk race, sexism, hollywood and much more. These videos are posted sporadically via THR's youtube and are simply fantastic. 

Super engaging, funny and thought provoking, I have watched two in the past week. I can not recommend these videos enough, so if you have a few spare minutes today check them out! 

To find them simply Youtube, The Hollywood Reporter Roundtables! 

Here is the one I'am watching as I type this very post! 

Enjoy everyone!

Lou 

xxx

Entertainment Update

Morning Friends! 

Today I'm sharing a few things that have been keeping me busy in my spare time this last month. This past month I have been riddled with the flu :( which although is a pain, also means lots of rest time. And that means lots of netflix, so a hidden win! These shows, movies and books are a total mix of genre and are all fab! 

Movies

Amanda Knox. This documentary was crazy good. I'm sure almost all of you would know about this story and this documentary centrally highlights some of the serious flaws in this very controversial case. This documentary was captivating and well worth a watch! You can find it on Netflix.

Speaking of Documentaries, this one was absolutely wonderful. Comedian Tig Notaro talks cancer, loss, comedy and love in her new documentary which made be both laugh out loud and sob. What a brave and beautiful soul she is. This is fantastic!

And when I wasn't crying over documentaries I managed to squeeze in a classic. This movie is still a favourite after all these years!

Tv 

House - After I finished Gilmore Girls I was looking for a new show to try and get into. I'm only about 5 episodes in and this show is good, but i'm just not hooked. I don't know if I should continue or move on. Thoughts? Suggestions?

When I have only had a few minutes to spare and looking for something light to watch, I have been sneaking in episodes of Trophy Wife. This show is very funny and kind of silly but the perfect show when you need a pick me up. It only had two seasons and i have just finished the 1st, so I'm a little sad! You can find all episodes on Netflix.

Books 

As for books go I have been incredibly lazy lately! I have started a new book and I'm undecided. I'm a few chapters in and not captivated yet but I will persist. I'll keep you posted! 

What have you been watching/reading lately? Any recommendations? 

Lou 

xxx

Entertainment Update!

Hello Monday! 

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend, we enjoyed a very wet and quite weekend here. Which meant a whole lot of chilling out! It was bliss! After a fe huge days catchup up on work, projects and life there is nothing better than coming home and collapsing on the couch. And when this delightful opportunity has presented itself I have been well entertained! 

Books 

I shared my recent reads last week on the blog. If you missed my post you can catch it here!. And remember I'm always looking for suggestions so please keep them coming! I'm just about to finish Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari and have really enjoyed it.

Movies 

It would appear as though I live at the movies (I wish) but when its cold, wet and the weekend what else is there to do?! I have seen three movies in two weeks and enjoyed them all! 

Bad Moms. 

Is it rude? Absolutely! 

Is it funny? Yes! 

Should you see it? Wait till its on DVD. It won't be winning an Oscar anytime soon so there is no rush! 

We have waited 12 years for this movie and its finally here! Bridget is back and her life is messier than ever. This was a classic rom-com with plenty of laughs and lots of heart. A great movie to see with the girls! 

Wow oh wow! Was I impressed by this movie! Tom Hanks was incredible and the story is truly unbelievable. I can not recommend this movie enough so I won't blabber on - just go see it! 

T.V

It really is all about these people right here! I'am 1000% hooked on this show and not one bit ashamed. I may actually try and sneak in an episode now! 

When I'm taking a *short break from the Stars hollow folk I'm catching up with Kimmy! This show is funny and sweet and very light! 

Thank you Netflix ;) 

Have a wonderful day friends and see you tomorrow! 

Lou 

xxx

Netflix Fever !

Morning Friends! 

Ok no judgment please but over the weekend I FINALLY got Netflix! Probably one of the main reasons I wasn't organised enough for a blog post yesterday! Now I know I'am joining the party a little late but holy moly, I need a minute to fan girl. Friends and family have been yabbering on about Netflix for ages but with paid TV in the house already I could never justify the extra monthly cost. 

But my goodness I'm glad I bit the bullet and have come across to the dark side! I have already started three new TV shows and the binge watching has begun. 

This image speaks to me on a deep level ;) 

Ok so here are the three shows you lovely ladies, my friends and co-workers have recommended which I have started. Please please please leave your recommendations because lets be real, I will have watched these all by next month! 

Gilmore Girls 

I heart Rory and Lorelai! Seriously can't I be a Stars Hollow local already. This show is sweet and funny and I'm hooked! Plus its coming back to TV very soon, so I'm desperate to be up to date! 

Grace and Frankie 

This series is reasonably new and has a huge following amongst the Netflix fans. It was recommended to me by several friends and then I read about it on a 'Top10 Must Watch' list. This is a story of friendship, raging gracefully and having fun. This show has plenty of laugh out loud moments and a killer cast! 

Friday Night Lights 

Ok so I started this series and I'm just not sold. Admittedly I'm only two episodes in but I'll be honest I'm not sure its my thing. What do you think? Quit it or stick with it a little while longer? Let me know! 

Like I said before please leave your recommendations, I'll need them stat! 

Lou 

xxx

Entertainment Update

Morning Friends! 

I hope your weekend was as relaxing, fun and crazy as mine! We celebrated a big family birthday this past weekend and I'm spent Sunday recovering / resting up for the week ahead. Winter break is officially over here which means its back to business and the days of movie marathons are over for now :( However I thought I would recap some of my favourite entertainment which I have enjoyed lately! 

TV 

I shared some of my favourite bindge worthy TV shows a few weeks ago (you can catch that post    ) Included in this list was one of my all time favourite shows which is now BACK for a 6th season! #iheartoffspring 

OH MY GOODNESS I'm officially obsessed with White Collar. Friends have been telling me for years that Matt Bomer is more than a pretty face and boy are they right. This show is fantastic. Funny, dramatic and totally addictive. I have to watch at least an episode a day to get my fix! 

Movies 

During the Winter break I had the pleasure of hanging out with a few extra kiddos so we hit the movies to escape the cold and snack on junk food. Finding Dory and The BFG where both big hits with the kids and even me! 

*If you are heading to watch The BFG brace yourselves. It is LONG, like nearly 3 hours! 

A very un - child friendly film which I also saw this week is, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. Zac Efron + Hawaii = a win. This movie will make you laugh out loud. Stupid, inappropriate and seriously funny, this is well worth a trip to the cinemas. 

Books 

I just finished Under The Tuscan Sun and am about ready to pack my life up and bolt to Italy! This book is beautifully written and will leave you dreaming of a Tuscan getaway. The perfect summer read! 

I have just started reading Dawn French's hilarious memoir 'Dear Fatty' and so far I'm loving it. This book is a complete 180 from my previous read. Honest, funny and very touching, this book talks family, love and success in a brutally honest way, which only Dawn can get away with. I'll let you know how it ends ;) 

Happy watching / reading friends! I'll see you tomorrow. 

Lou 

xxx

Binge Worthy TV

Morning Friends! 

After a huge weekend I am absolutely shattered! So not a great start to the week haha. It is rainy and wet today = the perfect day to sit home in your PJ's and watch tv. Sadly there is washing, work and about a million other things that need to get done before the TV binge can begin. 

Here are a few of my binge worth TV recommendations for these cold, wet days or really any me time! 

The Office 

Steve Carell + John Krasinski = hilarity! I prefere the American version of this series and trust me if you haven't met Michael, Jim and the Dunder Mifflin crew yet, you need to! This show is witty, a tad silly but filled with lots of heart. A definite must-watch. 

One Tree Hill 

This show is so bad its good! Typically teen drama that I fell in love with way back when. However even now I can't help but love a few 'highly dramatic' episodes. I have been re watching season 6 and it is just as corny as I remembered! Love me some One Tree Hill and that mid 2000's fashion! 

Offspring

Holy Moly Offspring is retuning to our screens #eeekkkk!! All you fellow Aussie friends will have herd of this wonderful Australian drama/comedy that is all good things. Funny, dramatic and totally relatable, the Proudman family are kooky and wonderful. I can't wait for them to return to TV next month, but until then you can re-watch the past seasons on Ten Play. 

Breaking Bad 

I have only just started this show, as in I'm up to episode three. So no spoilers please!! But this one has been recommended to me countless times and was a huge hit when it was on the air. I'm excited to see how it all unfolds! 

Please send my your recommendations and happy watching friends! 

Lou 

xxx

What's Up ~ Entertainment Edition

Happy Monday Everyone! 

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend and enjoyed your mothers day. We celebrated mothers day with an afternoon tea at my parents place and WAY too much delicious food. I will share one of my favourite recipes from the party later in the week, so stay tuned! 

Speaking of things I'm loving at the moment, todays post is my monthly Entertainment  guide. You guys always have great suggestions about new shows, books, movies etc so I love hearing your feedback. I also loving being able to share great finds with you so this is definitely one of my favourite posts! Ok here we go! 

TV 

After nearly 12 seasons of Greys Anatomy I'm pretty confident I could perform an emergency appendectomy. However I'm not sure how this crazy season will finish up. I have been eagerly watching this season and with only 3 episodes to go, anything could happen! #shondarhimesproblems  #keepsusguessing

I'll be honest I have never been a huge fan of master chef however after months of nagging from my friends I have decided to give it another crack. The latest season started last week and all of a sudden I'm watching master chef 5 nights a week. Hopefully all this cooking inspo will rub off on my soon!

Books 

I have been watching the Graham Norton show for years and think he is hilarious. His previous book was very good and when I her he had released another I knew I needed to get my hands on a copy. This book is a hilarious look into his life, loves and career highlights. I highly recommend it! You can grab yourself a copy here.

Movies 

My sister and I took our mother to see this movie last week and well there isn't a lot to say. There where undoubtably a few laughs but a lot of it was pretty cringe worth. A great cast and sweet storyline this is definitely a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon with your own mom! 

Although this movie isn't out yet I already have plans to see it this week! I love Tina Fey this movie looks fantastic. My sister and I are taking our mom this week, so fingers crossed its as good as it seems! 

Remember to please leave your recommendations below, I love hearing what y'all are up too in your spare time! 

Have a wonderful day everyone! 

Lou 

xxx 

What's Up ~ Entertainment Edition

Morning Everyone! 

I hope your weeks are off to a great start! If you have been reading the blog for a little while now you will know I always participate in What's Up Wednesday! This is where myself and lots of other lovely blogger share what we are up to. But seeing as this only happens once a month, I thought I would start a What's Up - Entertainment edition. You gals always have great recommendations for movies, books and TV and we all know I love me some TV. Without further a do, here are my entertainment recommendations for April! 

TV

Oh my goodness this show is good! I may or may not have binge watched the first three seasons over the christmas break ;) I have just finished season four and now must wait a whole month until the next season is released on DVD #imadinosaur #donthavenetflix If you haven't joined the Suits train you need to get onto this show immediately! 

Speaking of addictive TV. Can we talk about House of Cards for a minute?! I mean Frank Underwood has to be the definition of an evil genius! Fantastic acting, writing and a whole lot of drama. This show is not to be missed. I'm catching up and about to start season four! No spoilers please! 

Movies  

Easer break + hot weather = movies. The kids loved it, I loved it, the old couple behind us loved it. This movie was a real crowd pleaser with plenty of laughs and a sweet message. Be sure to check it out. 

Read

Being back home means Frankie is on the news stands and I'm excited! I have been reading this magazine since its beginning and love it. If you are looking for fun craft or food ideas this is the magazine for you. Frankie also has hilarious articles, guest interviews and beautiful products. I love me some Frankie magazine! 

I mentioned this book in my April / May reads. Now that I am about a quarter of the way through I can assure you this book is just as funny as you would expect. Comedian Jim Gaffigan is back and taking about his real love, food. My father has always been a big fan of Jim's and that is how I was originally introduced to him. After buying this book for my dad for christmas and hearing his non stop 'rave' reviews about this book. I decided to give it a crack for myself and boy I'm glad I did! 

I hope you all have a great day and you enjoy these entertainment suggestions! 

Lou

xxx

Entertainment Update

Happy March Everyone! 

Holy Moly, it is March! The year is flying, I seriously can't keep up. 

Today I thought I would share, the TV Shows, Books and Movies I have been enjoying during my down time. I did this last month and so many of you lovely ladies messaged me with recommendations which was wonderful! I love sharing my favourites with you guys and also see what you are up to so Please comment below! 

TV

The Great British Bake Off 

Y'all know I love me some bake off and season 6 has officially begun! Woo Hoo! After a long day at work I love coming home to an episode of Mary and Paul! I am only up to episode 6 so no spoilers please! 

The People VS O.J Simpson -American Crime Story 

I mean, who isn't watching this! So many people have commented that they get so nervous watching this, eve though we all know what is going to happen! I'm the exact same, I sit there every week on the edge of the couch and even gasp when a twist in the plot comes hahaha. If you haven't started this show you NEED to! 

Books

I'm about a third of the way through Me Before You by Jojo Moyes and honestly I'm still not sure how I feel about it. I was recommended this book by a number of people but initially impressions aren't fantastic. The plot seems to be gaining momentum now so I will stick it out. I will keep you all posted. Has anyone read this book? Should I persist?

Movies 

How to be Single 

This movie was lots of fun. It is a new spin on the classic tale of young single life in NYC but with a new twist. Hollywood is no longer pushing films featuring dependent men obsessed ladies. How to be singe, takes a look a the joys and sorrows of single life and female friendship in a humorous way. I laughed, cried and thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It also reminded me how darn fantastic my own girlfriends are. *insert a teary me, texting my girlfriends a gif of a kitten 

Spotlight 

I only just watched this movie last week in time for the Oscars and LOVED it! Controversial topic, yes! Amazing cast, Yes! Fast paced story line, Yes! It's a winner. And speaking of winners, this movie is so darn good it picked up the Academy Award for best picture, on Sunday night! Be sure to check this one out! 

So what about you guys, what are you watching and reading at the moment? Please comment below or message me! 

Lou xxx