The Basics #19: Worth it
Books, TV shows and a few other things I found totally worth it.
Hi friends,
I’ve been a busy consumer of all things lately and I’m here to share some of my recent favorites. You’ll find books, t.v. shows, recent purchases and other random stuff that caught my eye in the last few weeks. I’ve even included some things that I’m looking forward to.
The good news? I found all of it worth it! So I won’t be wasting your time with the stuff I’ve moved on from.
So grab a beverage and settle in. Let’s get to it!
February Releases - Worth my time
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler (Feb. 11th)
This novella was my first read by Tyler and I had such an enjoyable listening experience. I can see comparisons to Elizabeth Strout’s writing style. They both are experts at quiet character studies. Taking the opportunity to reflect on life, love and relationships. This look inside a marriage was both warm and insightful.
Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff (Feb.4th)
Jenoff is an auto-read author for me. I have yet to meet a book from this best-selling author that I haven’t loved. She continues to shed light on yet another part of our history that many are unaware of. You get history, mystery, romance and more!
Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks (Feb. 4th)
A beautiful and heartrending memoir from best-selling author. Brooks shares her journey of the sudden loss of her husband at different moments - from the moment she was notified and then again a few years later. I suggest spending time with the audiobook for which Brooks narrates and especially if you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one. I immediately purchased a copy of Horse, after finishing, and hope to read this year.
The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (Feb. 25th)
Do you like speculative fiction novels? Perhaps ones that examine the mind and memory? This upcoming release from author of The Dreamers may be for you. This isn’t a page-turning thriller but rather a story that will make you question the reality you see before you. It’s deep, philosophical and lovely.
The Mother Next Door by Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber (Feb. 4th)
My first read of February and I found it very worthy of my time. In fact, it sent me down a google rabbit hole! If you’re intrigued by the topic of Munchausen by Proxy then give this a go. Just be aware it may infuriate and frustrate you.
Television Shows - Worth my time
Currently watching Beast Games (Amazon Prime Video) - A reality competition show with my teen boys and recommend to those that love seeing people duke it out for FIVE million bucks.
Beast Games is a 2024 reality competition television series created by Jimmy "Mr. Beast" Donaldson, Tyler Conklin, Sean Klitzner, and Mack Hopkins.
Did you know how Mr. Beast first went viral? He counted to 100,000. Say what? This made me chuckle. If you’re a parent of teens this is quality intel. You’re welcome.
Speaking of reality competition shows we decided to do a rewatch of one of our favorite seasons of Big Brother - Season 7 BB All Stars. Anyone else remember Chill Town?
The world of family vlogging has gained (negative) attention and in some cases for good reason. I recently finished watching the 3 episode docuseries - An Update on Our Family (HBO) and found it very timely. Anyone else catch Stephanie McNeal (author of Swipe Up for More)?
An Update on Our Family explores the world of family vlogging, a social media phenomenon in which parents post a steady stream of lifestyle videos for loyal subscribers. Through the lens of the massively popular Stauffer family — and the sudden online disappearance of their adopted son — the docuseries raises questions about what motivates parents to expose their home lives to the world, provoking a salient conversation about privacy on the internet and the unregulated industry of monetizing one’s family.
I binged the Scamanda Podcast a few summers back (it’s a MUST) so I wasn’t sure I needed to watch the docu-series but I decided to give it a go. I thought the first episode was really well done and once again I’m locked in. She better not be getting any money from this.
"Scamanda" airs Thursdays on ABC and new episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the next day. The show premiered on ABC on Thursday, Jan. 30.
Recent Purchases - That were worth it!
I’ve been wanting to try the Puff Protein Bars but not at three dollars a bar. So when I saw a box on sale at Sam’s Club I grabbed it. Honestly, now I’m wishing I grabbed a few boxes. The box came with cookie dough and brownie batter flavors. Both flavors are great and the texture is like eating a marshmallow candy bar. These are on the smaller side but low in calories, added collagen and high in protein. I can see the appeal!
Because I insist on a balance diet I just had to try the Nutella Biscuits and these are dangerously delicious.
My boys gifted this Athleta Downtown Puffer Vest (mint color) for Christmas and I recently purchased this Long Puff Sleeved Shirt and I love the combo! The puff sleeved shirt comes in tons of great colors but I’m wearing the grey here. Be sure to click the extra coupon!
I’m staying hydrated and well with Alex Coopers new hydration beverage - Unwell Hydration. It’s available at Target in three flavors. I’ve tried the strawberry and found it super flavorful with no weird after taste.
Random Things - Worth your attention
Check out the new Starbucks Spring Menu , dropping March 7th.
Be sure to catch Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke when it premieres February 27th.
Watch the preview of season 9 of Summer House premiering in a supersized episode on February 12th.
Check out the Love is Blind Season 8 Trailer - episodes drop on Valentine’s Day!
Season 3 of White Lotus premieres February 16th on HBO Max.
American Murder: Gabby Petito premieres on Netflix on February 17th.
Netflix has a new miniseries about yet another con-artist who claimed to cure her cancer with a healthy diet and holistic treatments. Streaming now on Netflix, Apple Cider Vinegar.
An Update on Our Family is on my watchlist.
So many Netflix docuseries! We love our juicy scandals!