The cold weather is setting in and we all will have lots of time to catch up on our favorite shows and movies. Before you hunker down you should consider gathering up some libations. Head over to the Jersey Artisan Distillery at 32C Pier Lane West in Fairfield, N.J.
They originally produced Busted Barrel Silver and Busted Barrel Dark Rum. However, they have now created a Sorghum Whiskey(86 proof) which begins like a rum and is aged like a bourbon in a new white oak barrel. They also make coffee infused Morena Rum and Hard Ice rum infused Sorbet. This sounds like a perfect alternative to Egg Nog during this holiday season.
Tours and tastings happen the second Saturday of each month. Go to their website for more tour information and where in N.J. you can purchase their products.
If you prefer some hot chocolate for cold winter nights, try and obtain Kate Weiser's Chocolate Carl the Snowman. It is often sold out on Amazon and at Neiman's. This is a great gift for kids. The snowman has a belly full of hot cocoa mix and a head full of marshmallows. Place him on top of a pot of heating milk and he dissolves into delicious hot chocolate that serves 5-8. This is a great gift and it is fun and delicious. $38.
Now that we have our beverages ready, let's discuss the television shows I have seen and want to see during the next few months.
NETFLIX
The Kominsky Method (watched all episodes). Series created by Chuck Lorre. Starring Michael Douglas as Sandy Kominsky, an aging acting coach and Alan Arkin as Norman Newlander, who is Kominsky's longtime agent. Fabulous-highly recommend it.
House of Cards- (watched all episodes). Season 6 is sadly and correctly without Kevin Spacey, but Robin Wright is just as diabolical portraying the President as he was. This season has a star studded cast: Michael Kelly, Campbell Scott, Patricia Clarkson, Greg Kinnear, and Diane Lane. I really enjoyed this. Recommend it.
I'm Sorry-(watched the first 3 episodes). A sitcom about a comedy writer who is also a wife and mom. I think the series is very funny and I especially found the first ten minutes of the Episode 1 hilarious. Give it a try. There are lots of laughs.
Private Life (movie)- I don't think I watched the entire movie as of yet-can't remember! About a older couple coping with infertility. Starring Kathryn Hahn and Paul Giamatti. Worth a look.
West Side-(haven't watched). Reality series about musicians who share the spotlight and pursue their dreams. If you enjoy music and reality t.v., then I suppose you would enjoy this.
Bodyguard-(haven't watched). This was recommended to me and sounds intriguing. It is a story about a military Vet who thwarts a suicide bomber from blowing up a train. Now a hero, he is promoted to protect a conservative politician. Looking forward to binge watching this one.
AMAZON PRIME
Homecoming-(watched all episodes). Julia Roberts and Bobby Cannavale star in the series seemingly about a caseworker for a facility that helps to transition soldiers back to civilian life. Watch this-it's very good. I recommend it!
Catastrophe-(watched a few episodes). A comedy about the romance of an American man and an Irish Woman that takes place in London. Not the top of my list, but cute.
Jack Ryan-(watched first episode). Taken from the Tom Clancy Novel, this thriller is about a former U.S. marine who will ultimately become a CIA analyst. John Krasinski stars. This is good, especially for couples who want to watch something together for a change.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel-(watched all of first season). All of us are anxiously awaiting Season 2 which airs Dec. 5th. This is a must see series. Totally delightful-LOVE.
HBO
Dirty John-(originally a hit podcast which I listened to.) Currently airing on HBO and although I know the story, I find it very interesting. Connie Britton and Eric Bana star in the series which is about a lonely interior designer who finds love with a charismatic, charming doctor. Her kids suspect is he a bad dude right at the outset of their relationship. But is he? I recommend this.
SHO
Escape from Dannemore-(I have not watched any of this yet). Based on a real life prison break, it stars Benicio Del Toro, Patricia Arquette, and Paul Dano. An employee of a prison helps two inmates escape after falling in love with one of them. The final episode is directed by Ben Stiller and is supposed to be fabulous. So I will watch this for sure.
MOVIES AT THE THEATER
Green Book-Dr. Dan Shirley is a world class African American pianist. He hires a racist white man to become his driver. Vigo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali are extraordinary as the main characters. Run don't walk-movie of the year!
Widows-Despite great reviews, I found this to be a bit ho hum. Has an all star cast including Viola Davis and Liam Neeson. The plot is about a police shootout that leaves four thieves dead, and what their widows decide to do when they are left in debt. Entertaining, I guess, but wait to watch on demand.
Creed 2-Sly Stallone is now the trainer for Apollo Creed's son, Adonis. I loved this movie because I am now watching the Rocky series with my 6 year old. After introducing him to Rocky 1 and Rocky 2, we went to see this. We both enjoyed it immensely. Take the kids if they like boxing!
NYC SHOWS
To Kill A Mockingbird-This is by far one of my favorite books and one of my favorite movies. The story is forever indelibly etched upon my mind. It is a true masterpiece and I was so looking forward to this adaptation by Aaron Sorkin. However, I didn't like this sophomoric production at all.
The portrayal of Scout was horrid. She was way too old for the part and was shrill. Jem was a terrible actor and brought nothing to the role. Dill, who was a favorite character of mine in the book, showed no complexity or character development in the play. In fact, that is how I felt about most of the characters including Calpurnia, the maid; Boo Radley, the mysterious neighbor; and Jeff Daniels as Atticus Finch. I know this play got some good reviews and many of the group I saw it with, enjoyed the play. So go see it and decide for yourself. You may love it!
The Waverly Gallery-I was so looking forward to this show as well. With an all star cast including Elaine May, who was amazing as an old woman with progressing Alzheimer Disease; Joan Allen as her daughter, Lucas Hedges as the grandson and Michael Cera as an artist; I expected a fabulous show. Everyone besides Elaine May was so subdued-they barely acted. It was a flat production with mediocre acting that could have been played by amateurs. We were disappointed after the first act and kept hoping the second act would be better. But, it was just as bad as the first act. I do not recommend this.
Downstairs-I am seeing this Wednesday. Starring Tyne Daly and her brother, Tim Daly. The play is about siblings that have a dysfunctional family relationship. We can all relate to relatives that are quirky. But this also examines domestic abuse and ties that bind us to each other. I am looking forward to watching these two performances, and hope this is a better production than the above two I have seen.
The Ferryman-Directed by Sam Mendes. Has won a zillion awards. About a reformed IRA activist and his family. I know nothing about this except everyone says it is a must see. It is 3 hours and 15 minutes, so make sure you pee before it starts! Seeing this play next weekend, so I will let you know my thoughts.
These recommendations ought to keep you busy during the winter months! Ladies if you feel the need to revitalize yourselves from all the drying effects of the outside cold and indoor heating, here are a few ideas for you.
Aveeno has just come out with a new line called Maxglo. Try the infusion drops or the serum/primer. Available at CVS. $19.99
Jergens Brillance Skin Illuminating Lotion. A body moisturizer that delivers a gorgeous shimmer. Available Target, CVS, Walgreens. $14.99
Revlon Candid Foundation-this foundation incorporates anti-pollution and anti-blue light ingredients that protect you from phone and computer screens. 31 shades. Available at Ulta. $10.99
Honest Eyeshadow Palette-a mix of mattes, shimmers, and satins. Not tested on animals and formaldehyde-free. Available at Target. $19.99
Covergirl's new Exhibitionist lipsticks-Forty shades of lasting color and made with shea butter to keep lips soft. Available at Amazon and Ulta and CVS. $5.99
Soap and Glory Lip Contouring Crayon- Double ended crayon to line, shape, and soften. Available at Target and Ulta. $12.00
Milani Rose Blush Trio Palette-three shades worn together or alone from matte to shimmer. Comes in two options: Flowers of Love or Floral Fantasy. Available at Walgreens or Milani's website. $12.99
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