As all of you know, summer is my least favorite season. I hate the heat, the sun, the humidity, the scant clothing, the A/C bills, one piece bathing suits (can't pee quickly), swimming, and my perpetual frizzy hair. I know I am in the minority with this opinion, but that's the way it goes. So no, I will never have a second home in Florida. Or, probably not down the shore either (but I must admit, I do love the family vacays in Spring Lake).
This summer is seems to be going even slower for me. So in the meantime, while my spouse sleeps soundly beside me, I stay awake nights binge watching television and during the days I often seek a cool, dark movie theater to immerse myself in, rather than a pool.
In recent months, these are the movies I have seen:
Norman-Richard Gere plays a New York fixer who knows people and makes things happen. 89% on
rotten tomatoes. I liked this a lot!
The Dinner-Richard Gere again with Laura Linney. Two Couples meet for dinner to figure out how
cover up a crime their children committed. Great cast but a terrible movie. 51% on rotten
tomatoes.
Lovers-Tracy Letts and Debra Winger star in this. A look at fidelity, infidelity, and an unexpected
twist. I really liked this. 86% on rotten tomatoes.
Wakefield- Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner. A NYC attorney decides not to come home to his
wife and children. Instead, he hides in the garage attic for weeks examining his life.
Very interesting, and well done. I liked this a lot. 74% on rotten tomatoes.
The Big Sick-Ray Romano, Holly Hunter, and Kumali Nanjiani (who?) are the stars. A true story and
a fabulous rom/com. LOVED. 97% on rotten tomatoes.
Baby Driver-Ansel Elgort stars in this. First 30 minutes is the best opening scene in a movie since
Shattered with Tom Berenger. Soundtrack is Amazing! Not for most of my
contemporaries. Must love pop culture and music! Loved it! 96%.
Two movies I would like to see:
Maudie-Sally Hawkins and Ethan Cooke, Live in housekeeper falls in love with her employer, a fish
monger. 91% rotten tomatoes.
Okja-Tilda Swinton. Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho's latest film about a genetically-modified pig.
I am not kidding! Supposedly, amazing. In theaters but also available on Netflix. 85% on
rotten tomatoes.
Television I have been (binge) watching:
The Crown- Netflix. The life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940's to modern times. Fabulous!
House of Cards-Netflix. Kevin Spacey & Robin Wright. Five seasons (15 episodes each season) of
political revenge, lies, and intrigue. Not sure if there will be a season 6. So juicy!
Stranger Things-Netflix. A twelve year old boy goes missing and an investigation is launched.
Suspenseful and edgy. Can't wait for October 27th-season 2 begins.
The Son- AMC. Pierce Brosnan stars in this family saga. Better than Dynasty and Dallas! Season 2
will be in mid 2018. Watch it with your partner-both of you can enjoy this one.
Masters of None-Netflix. Aziz Ansari is Dev, an aspiring actor in love with a woman engaged to
another man. Watch season one and two to see if he ends up with Francesca.
The last scene gives you a hint, if you watch very closely.
Really funny sitcom-Ansari is super talented. Totally worth every minute.
Animal Kingdom-TNT. Ellen Barkin is the matriarch of this crime family with 4 sons and a grandson
pulling off "jobs". Think Tony Soprano in a female version. Now in the
second season. Liked the first season a lot, but not so sure about this season.
Barkin is one bad ass though.
Ballers-HBO. "The Rock" stars as a former football player and now a financial planner. You all know
how much I adore Dwayne Johnson. A Fabulous series for sports fans. Very entertaining.
Stay tuned for Season 3 on July 23rd.
I'm Dying Up Here-SHO. Although this is receiving good press, I hated it. I found it painful to watch.
Check it out if you dare. I couldn't get into it.
Great News-NBC, Another sitcom by Tina Fey about an up and coming news producer. I didn't like it
despite my friend's stellar recommendation. I don't like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
either. Both bored me with their silliness.
Two Shows I am gearing up to watch:
Genius-National Geographic. Geoffrey Rush Stars as Albert Einstein. Series is about his personal and
professional struggles.
Gypsy-Netflix. Starring Naomi Watts. Psychological thriller about a therapist who becomes creepily
involved in the lives of her clients. A lot of sex and bad behavior!
For all those sleepless nights, an aging lady needs some help looking refreshed in the a.m., so these are a few suggestions for a fresh dewy look:
Shiseido Synchro skin glow luminizing fluid Foundation. $45.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Highlighting Fluid. $28.
Edward Bess Matte Artiste 8 Eye Shadow Palette-Always sold out everywhere! $75.
L'Ore'al Paris Brow Stylist Kabuki blender. $12.99.
Laura Geller Iconic Baked Sculpting Lipstick. Try Soho Nude. $21.
Chanel Chance Hair Mist instead of for the body. Yummy. $55
Now that you are all dolled up, grab your mate and go for dinner:
Par 440-The new restaurant at East Orange Golf Course in Short Hills, NJ. 440 Parsonage Hill Rd.
Folklore Artisinal Taco-57 Harrison Ave. West Orange, N.J.
SLA Thai-38 Upper Montclair Plaza. Montclair, N.J.
El Matador-418 Broad Street. Bloomfield, N.J.
Wabi Sabi-407 Broad Street. Bloomfield, N.J. Bone Broth, Sushi, Pork dumplings/peanut butter.
Jack's Seafood Shack-718 Bloomfield Ave. Montclair, N.J.
Bluff City BBQ-21 Midland Ave. Montclair, N.J.
Punto Rosso-6 Park St. Montclair, N.J. Gluten Free Italian-REALLY!
Chico's Mexican Grill-63 Speedwell Ave. Morris Plains, N. J.
Wegman's-opening in Hanover 7/23 and Montvale 7/24. Can't Wait!!
Enjoy August!! One b
