I’m back for more “stuff I love” goodness, and I’m calling this one the retro edition, mostly because this stuff reminds me of things past. Some of these mentions are stuff that people told me about a long time ago and I’m just getting to them now. (I’m slow that way.) Others are just great stuff I love over and over again.
So… the stuff I’m loving… here we go. (And if you like these recommendations, don’t forget to check out the other posts I have in this series.)
Nice Cream
I know… I’m late to this bandwagon… just one reason why I’m including this in the retro list. I’ve heard from so many people who have tried nice cream for months and months now… but here I am… late to the party but definitely celebrating with everyone else. Nice cream is delish. And so fun to make. I’ve got a Pinterest board with some of my favorites, and I love experimenting. It’s so easy and cheap to make that trying out different flavor combos is part of the fun.
Image: Food Network
Hollow Crown
I watched the first part of this series (pictured) from Netflix awhile back but just saw that the War of the Roses series will air on PBS here in the states in December. This series is Shakespeare’s telling of the Plantagenets and Tudors and is incredibly well done. Richard II was so heart wrenching I cried and dreamed about it. Everyone is buzzing about Benedict Cumberbatch as Richard III, but don’t miss Richard II because Ben Whishaw’s performance is really quite wonderful. I first saw him in The Hour (he’s Freddie) and then he became Q in Bond so I love how varied his roles are.
Boho Everything
Speaking of retro, I’ve always been a boho loving chick. The 70s of my childhood are rooted firmly in my mind and come out now in the way I decorate and dress. I’ve got a closet full of artist tops and teals and blues and bright pinks and reds are all over the house, along with a mix of patterns and styles.
I think my boho sensibilities are why I love mixed media art so much, too. The colors and styles are free and unrestricted.
Besides that, I hunt the flea markets to find those really unique (and cheap) pieces… and guess what? All of that is finally cool now. Or at least… I’m seeing boho everywhere. I love all the decorating magazines that are featuring boho style, too. Especially this special Country Sampler addition. I thumb through this baby often.
Simon and Garfunkel
Well, you can’t be a boho 70s girl and not like Simon and Garfunkel. Come on. I’m a fan of all the poet rock, but lately I’ve been listening to S&G over and over while I paint. The music and lyrics have even more meaning for me now that I’m older. I’m blown away by the depth of emotion and wisdom in these songs, especially since these guys were so young when they recorded them.
Great British Baking Show
This show is in its 3rd season now so I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned this before now, but I’ve loved every single episode from the start. Who would have thought watching people bake would be interesting? But leave it to the BBC, because this show is as intense as watching a thriller. Normally I’m all doing a million other things while the TV is on, but not with this show. I’m glued to the screen, holding my breath as they pull their creations out of the oven. When a cake falls, I’m near tears… just like the contestants.
And the hosts are so perfect for it, too. Mary Berry is just the sweetest. In fact, she’s on the American version as well with Johnny Iuzzini. But the British one is better. Paul Hollywood has the same bad boy/giving the bakers a hard time thing as Iuzzini does, and Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins are wonderful as narrators and hosts.
In watching the show, I’m thinking of all the baking recipes I have and all the things I want to try after watching the bakers do their thing. I declared that I was going to make a Charlotte Russe last week when my husby said he’d rather have a roadkill pie instead. Figures.
