By: tkonter
Bits & Bites, Uncategorized, ,

The Roundup

Welcome to the series formerly known as Quarantine Q&A. The name no longer felt appropriate but the need for content didn’t go away…so I give you The Roundup. We’re not technically quarantining anymore, but we’re not out of the COVID woods just yet. With the Delta variant creeping like Ted Bundy, it’s still smartest to stick to distancing protocol. That means we’re still spending lots of time at home and we all want inspiration for things to do. The series will run every few months, whenever I’ve amassed enough recommendations. For more, check out: Part 14, Part 13, Part 12, Part 11, Part 10, Part 9, Part 8, Part 7, Part 6, Part 5, Part 4, Part 3, Part 2, and Part 1.

Activities

  • Cooking/Recipes:
    • Fall is here and so are all the pumpkin recipes. I’m not against it. I’m particularly into giving these pumpkin oat cookies a try since they have so few ingredients, are somewhat healthy, and seem insanely easy.
    • This slow cooker mustard herb chicken with creamy orzo looks simple but decadent.
    • I can’t believe I had never heard of Raffetto’s, but I’ll be heading there ASAP and making some sort of pasta dish with my loot.
    • I just placed my first Umamicart order and I’m pretty excited about all the fun meals I’ll be making. First up on the list is my version of Emily Mariko’s TikTok salmon, followed by a beef bulgogi bowl. I also got tons of fun snacks that I can’t wait to try.
  • Other Activities:
    • I love this Etsy House virtual destination. You can walk through a beautifully decorated “home” and click on products available via Etsy. It’s really well done and it succeeded in getting me to bookmark some Etsy sellers.
    • Learn a lil something with this interactive deep sea infographic, which is absolutely fascinating.
    • ‘Tis the season to go apple picking! Of course, I intend to get some mini pumpkins for the window sill. I’m not big into seasonal decorating, but it is nice to have a little something.

Content

  • Books:
    • YA is my guilty pleasure. Time’s 100 Best YA Books of All Time is a great starter list, especially if you’re looking to help build out a teen’s library.
    • This is a great list of books to read before they hit the screen.
  • Movies:
    • He’s All That: This gender-swapped remake of a film from my high school days is cheesy and not great. But sometimes you want some lowbrow escapism and this did the trick for me. (Netflix)
    • Good On Paper: I’m a big fan of Iliza Shlesinger’s comedy (her Elder Millennial special is amazing) so this movie was right up my alley. Loosely based on a real life incident, a stand up comedian meets a perfect man – Yale grad, hedge fund manager, house in Beverly Hills – on an airplane. After they start dating, it seems he may be too good to be true. (Netflix)
  • TV:
    • The Chair: The first woman of color to serve as chair at a prestigious university tries to turn around a flailing English department. (Netflix)
    • LuLaRich: Nothing in this world is certain, except death and taxes…and MLMs. Somehow after every MLM is blown up as [essentially] a pyramid scheme, a new one always manages to crop up. This 4-part series focuses on the LuLaRoe brand, which was seemingly everywhere a few years ago. These people are crazy and the show does a good job of pacing the rise and fall of the company. (Amazon)
    • The White Lotus: I finally decided to watch the show everyone was talking about. I’m just one episode in and love. If you’re into dark comedy, this one [about a week at a Hawaiian resort] is great. (Netflix)
    • Only Murders In The Building: Three residents of a tony UWS building (Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez) are obsessed with a true crime podcast so when an actual murder goes down in their building they obsessively try to find the culprit by making a podcast of their own. It’s a darker comedy and I’m loving it. (Hulu)
    • Motel Makeover: Home renovation meets Schitt’s Creek as two women decide take a rundown motel in a seasonal beach town and turn it into a modern Instagram haven, ripe for girlfriend getaways. I found their voices a teeny bit grating (a lot of vocal fry and uptalking) but enjoyed watching their process. (Netflix)
    • Impeachment: There was sooo much that went over my head when this scandal was actually happening. I remember it distinctly, but I was 10 years old so I didn’t understand the link to Whitewater or the full scope of Linda Tripp’s involvement. This is eye opening and good TV. (FX)
    • Blood & Water: I binged the second season of this show in record time. It’s got South African Gossip Girl vibes and I don’t think it gets enough credit. (Netflix)
    • Great British Baking Show: Those lovable amateur bakers are back. Such a feel-good show. (Netflix)
  • Podcasts:
    • The Just Enough Family: I was first intrigued by designer/entrepreneur Liz Lange when I learned that she lives at the Grey Gardens estate. But this podcast proves her family – one of America’s wealthiest – may be even more interesting.
    • Make Your Damn Bed: Only about 5 minutes per episode, it offers perfect daily inspiration while you make your bed. Topics range from an explanation of “helper’s high” or musings on how cars – and our emotional range – are actual miracles.