Good morning! I hope everyone is doing well. Time for another Let’s Talk, and I have to say, these have quickly become some of my favorite posts to write.
Obviously, I’m all over the map when it comes to the subjects we tackle here. Sometimes we talk about things that are quite serious, and other times…well, let’s just say they’re are just fluff. Today definitely falls into the latter category!
I don’t know about you, but I used to be an avid reader. Unfortunately, my crazy schedule doesn’t leave me nearly as much time to read as I’d like, and when I finally do find the time, I’m normally so exhausted that I fall asleep after a few pages. I try. I try, but perhaps when my schedule is not so crazy, I will carve out more time.
That said, I recently started Strangers by Belle Burden, which was at the top of many bestseller lists. I used to belong to a book club, and when I heard they were reading it, I figured I’d give it a try. So far, I’m really enjoying it and finding it quite interesting. One day, when I stop working, I will certainly rejoin my reader friends:)
These days, any free time I do have tends to be spent doing deep dives via computer or iPad into anything and everything design related—flooring, shower ideas, plumbing fixtures, wallpaper…you name it. Shocking, I know! I think about them day, morning and night (and often have visions of wallpaper and porcelain trims dancing through my head at 2am).
But my husband and I also really enjoy finding a great movie or series to watch together. That’s what I consider the best and most relaxing downtime. To sit or lie downa nd be entertained without having to move a muscle. There’s something so nice about settling in at the end of the day with something you’re really looking forward to watching.
I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of many of the movies being made these days. I often find myself going back to old favorites or movies I’ve already seen and loved. Series, on the other hand, have given us quite a few winners. And the best part about a great series is that it’s the gift that keeps on giving! You can spend weeks watching it and never have to endure that dreaded nightly ritual of scrolling through every streaming platform trying to figure out what on earth to watch.
Please tell me I’m not the only one who does this.
You start scrolling. Then you watch a preview. Then another. Then you switch apps. Then another preview. Thirty minutes later you’re so tired of looking for something to watch that you decide to watch…nothing. Off to bed!
So today I want to know: How do you find great movies and series? And more importantly, what have you watched lately that you absolutely loved?
A few series we’ve really enjoyed: (there are many more, these just came to mind)
Movies are another story because I could probably sit here and name 30 or 40 ! But these are some longtime favorites:
And let’s face it—pretty much anything Nancy Meyers has made!
Give me a great storyline, beautiful cinematography, wonderful music that stirs your soul and gorgeous, take-me-away scenery, and I’m happy. And yes, that scenery can absolutely include the bustling streets of Manhattan. I am always a sucker for a movie that beautifully features New York City. I could added so. many more to these lists but need to keep it short and concise, these were the ones that came to mind that make me actually feel something.
I think you probably get the picture. No action movies and no sci-fi for me, nothing with blood, gore or shooting……thank you very much! (my husband would beg to differ)
Which brings me to one of life’s little mysteries: How on earth are we supposed to find the really good stuff?
There are more streaming services than ever and presumably countless websites and apps devoted to telling us what’s new, yet somehow it feels harder than ever to find something really worth watching. There are simply too many choices. Sometimes we spend half an hour searching, get completely overwhelmed and end up watching nothing at all and calling it a night:)
So today, I am all ears.
If there is a series you absolutely loved—or a movie that sounds like it might be up my alley based on the favorites above—I would LOVE to hear about it.
One of the things I enjoy most about this blog is the opportunity for all of us to share things with one another. I have discovered so many wonderful things through your recommendations over the years, and I’m always grateful for your fantastic feedback.
So now it’s your turn to talk… What are you watching? What have you loved? And what should we watch next?
Also today starts a 2 day sale- 20% off all dinnerware (new restocks last week) and our beautiful linens are 25% off. All you need to create a sensational table!
(our best selling Lily of the Valley dinnerware just came back in and go fast)!
We recently watched the Young Sherlock and Enola Homes series. If still available the series White Collar is also good. You likely would not like Pinky Blinders due to the violence but the acting is over the top superb (Cillian Murphy is the star). Historical drama Pressure was entertaining (about the weather prediction for D Day)
We’re big fans of Acorn and Britbox series. Most are “cozy mysteries”, but some are a little more complex and some are just fun to watch. We like Mallorca Files, Senora Volpe, Ludwig and The Hardacres to name a few. There are also many PBS series we enjoy such Masterpiece Theater and Masterpiece Mystery Theater shows. Patience, All Creatures Great and Small and Call the Midwife are a few that come to mind. I used to enjoy reading but right now I just don’t have the attention span for it.
Silly but heartwarming – Ted Lasso and comeback with Season 4 on now! Also, The Madison, Landman!!!!, silly but fun Tulsa King. Lioness
British, most already named .Others – Silent Witness, Señora Volpe, Hotel Portofino, Chelsea Detective, Line Of Duty (yes!), Shetland – start with Season 1,
If you can still get Montalbano, there are 36 seasons. Takes place in Sicily, he’s a cop and there are many lovable characters and always a crime or mystery to solve. Subtitles for Italian
Spiral, one of the best shows we’ve watched. Subtitles for French. But great characters.
Unforgotten. Also such a great one. If you watch a lot of Brit TV, you will see a lot of your favorite actors in the shows I mention. And of course, new version (old was excellent also) of All Creatures Great and Small.
Oh! And did you ever watch Doc Martin? It just ended a couple of years ago, but I wish it never ended. Wish I could live there.
One more that’s a little soapy, but cute – Hope Street. I could go on and on mid you want more.
You must watch The Diplomat ( the American Version with Keri Russell on Netflix). I believe there are now two seasons and a third on the way.
Best Medicine (Netflix) is a remake of Doc Martin from PBS-came out this month.
I love old movies, and I’m a big fan of Turner Classic Movies. We also watch a lot of series on BritBox. I find them to be more interesting than many of the American series. And, of course, I’m a big fan of documentaries. In saying that, I have to admit I always have a book with me while watching TV.
You are exactly right! After a long day, my husband and I enjoy relaxing after dinner with a good movie to look forward to watching.. Invariably we spend the evening just trying to find a good quality movie. The good old days are just that in many ways, esp with movies.
PBS Masterpiece mystery and Mastepiece are what I watch on Sunday. Old masterpiece series are on Prime and will not disappoint.
My preference of an evening is to read.
“Madison” is a good series. Another Taylor Sheridan creation starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell.
Good books I couldn’t put down:
The Correspondent
The Clamity Club
Theo of Golden
I have the book “Strangers” which I plan to read when I go to the beach in two weeks. I was always an avid reader but don’t seem to be able to find the time now for multiple reasons. That said, my husband and I have been watching “Lone Survivor” with Kieffer Sutherland, it is extremely interesting and relevant to today. It’s on Netflix.
Had to close my eyes occasionally, but binged The Pitt and when finished, started over again. Acting is incredible! Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV, was a favorite of many friends. You’re not asking about books (I do audible) but Whistler by Ann Patchett …. anything by Ann Patchett, is at the top of my list!
We recently did what you do. Watched an oldie but goodie. “The American President” and the next evening “Dave”. Golly those are great feel good movies!!!!
I almost exclusively watch British crime shows. They are almost always set in beautiful locations and for some reason just seem so much more well written than many produced here. PBS, BritBox and Acorn offer a ton of great options. Poldark comes to mind – it’s excellent.
Hi Tina! I highly recommend “The Lincoln Lawyer” and a new dramedy, “Best Medicine”. PBS’s “All Creatures Great and Small” is fantastic. “A Place to Call Home” and “Call the Midwives” is wonderful
Relax and enjoy!
They just need to consolidate & become Blockbusters – there’s so much redundancy among all of them, so frustrating! Scrolling til your eyes bleed & then like you said, just give up, not to mention the expense of having multiple apps that have the token show you want to watch!
One of my favorite series was “Shrinking” w/Harrison Ford
Thanks for this light but relevant topic! So true to doom scroll and then not find anything. I do enjoy Gilded Age, Lioness, Ted Lasso, Madison, Jack Ryan, Night Agent, Succession (until I didn’t)!
This isn’t a movie (although I hear it is being made into one) or a series but a book you must read if you haven’t- Theo of Golden! One of the best books I have ever read!
I’m not a reader or TV person. Give me home and garden magazines or books or YouTube on subject I’m a happy person. I’m a shopaholic also. I know, I’ve been told you’re one of a kind…lol
Heartland on Netflix. Very NICE family saga from Canada. And of course, Schitts Creek. I have never seen a better ending to a series than this. So heartfelt.
PLEASE add Poldark to your list (Netflix)
5 seasons British period piece w lots of family struggles and drama filmed in gorgeous coastal Cornwall England
One of my all time favs is ENCHANTED APRIL…and I must have watched the oldie but goodie ….CHARADE….twenty times or more….and another AUDREY HEPBURN one with PETER OTOOLE…how to steal a million…no new ones that I can think of….sad to say.
For movies, I think you would love the new 2026 version of Wuthering Heights. It was very good, even my husband liked it which surprised me. For series, my husband and I enjoyed watching Your Friends and Neighbors together and alone, I could watch The Gilded Age over and over!!
Don’t totally write off sci-fi. I never watch it but The Hail Mary Project is the best movie I’ve seen in several years. Very heartwarming! We 100% watch British shows. Try Midsomer Murders—the gardens and villages are lovely.
I agree with The Hail Mary Project. Don’t write it off because you think it is sci-fi. It’s wonderful. Also The Sheep Detectives and, always, Ted Lasso.
NOBODY WANTS THIS. Clever, funny, and heartwarming. Best series we have watched in a while, and even rewatched both seasons. The casting is perfection. Adam Brody and Kristen Bell have undeniable chemistry, and the supporting cast is the best since Northern Exposure.
You will love these movies: Far From the Madding Crowd based on the Thomas Hardy book and filmed in beautiful English countryside, Miss Potter with Rene Zelwig, on the life of Beatrix Potter, again filmed in England, Shining Through with Michael Douglas and Melanie Griffith-a great war love story, Good-bye Mr. Chips with Peter O’Toole and Petula Clark, its an oldie but a goodie.
“Dean Spanley”, especially since you love dogs! Great actors as well. Also a heart warmer, “The Fall “about a stuntman and little girl both in a hospital and their bond. Beautiful music (Bethoven’s 7th) and cinematography. “Assassin in Love” with Damien Lewis is a hoot and “The Ref” is another great Christmas movie that’s hysterical. Oldies but goodies!
I must say that I miss the good ole days of video/DVD rental stores that were a dime a dozen when my kids were little.
Very easy to go in and get what you wanted and if you did not know there were always suggestions! One for the tots, one for the adults. Loved it except the late fees that often happened! 😉 NOT as easy today plus most of the movies that you can stream or watch on Demand or Payperview are just not worth it. I’m sticking to the classics and some Diane Keaton oldies and most Nancy Myers movies , some older Hallmarks. Agreed. Nothing too exciting with violence, gore, killing and science fiction. Husband would also beg to differ!
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Good morning! I hope everyone is doing well. Time for another Let’s Talk, and I have to say, these have quickly become some of my favorite posts to write.
Obviously, I’m all over the map when it comes to the subjects we tackle here. Sometimes we talk about things that are quite serious, and other times…well, let’s just say they’re are just fluff. Today definitely falls into the latter category!
I don’t know about you, but I used to be an avid reader. Unfortunately, my crazy schedule doesn’t leave me nearly as much time to read as I’d like, and when I finally do find the time, I’m normally so exhausted that I fall asleep after a few pages. I try. I try, but perhaps when my schedule is not so crazy, I will carve out more time.
That said, I recently started Strangers by Belle Burden, which was at the top of many bestseller lists. I used to belong to a book club, and when I heard they were reading it, I figured I’d give it a try. So far, I’m really enjoying it and finding it quite interesting. One day, when I stop working, I will certainly rejoin my reader friends:)
These days, any free time I do have tends to be spent doing deep dives via computer or iPad into anything and everything design related—flooring, shower ideas, plumbing fixtures, wallpaper…you name it. Shocking, I know! I think about them day, morning and night (and often have visions of wallpaper and porcelain trims dancing through my head at 2am).
But my husband and I also really enjoy finding a great movie or series to watch together. That’s what I consider the best and most relaxing downtime. To sit or lie downa nd be entertained without having to move a muscle. There’s something so nice about settling in at the end of the day with something you’re really looking forward to watching.
I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of many of the movies being made these days. I often find myself going back to old favorites or movies I’ve already seen and loved. Series, on the other hand, have given us quite a few winners. And the best part about a great series is that it’s the gift that keeps on giving! You can spend weeks watching it and never have to endure that dreaded nightly ritual of scrolling through every streaming platform trying to figure out what on earth to watch.
Please tell me I’m not the only one who does this.
You start scrolling. Then you watch a preview. Then another. Then you switch apps. Then another preview. Thirty minutes later you’re so tired of looking for something to watch that you decide to watch…nothing. Off to bed!
So today I want to know: How do you find great movies and series? And more importantly, what have you watched lately that you absolutely loved?
A few series we’ve really enjoyed: (there are many more, these just came to mind)
Movies are another story because I could probably sit here and name 30 or 40 ! But these are some longtime favorites:
And let’s face it—pretty much anything Nancy Meyers has made!
Give me a great storyline, beautiful cinematography, wonderful music that stirs your soul and gorgeous, take-me-away scenery, and I’m happy. And yes, that scenery can absolutely include the bustling streets of Manhattan. I am always a sucker for a movie that beautifully features New York City. I could added so. many more to these lists but need to keep it short and concise, these were the ones that came to mind that make me actually feel something.
I think you probably get the picture. No action movies and no sci-fi for me, nothing with blood, gore or shooting……thank you very much! (my husband would beg to differ)
Which brings me to one of life’s little mysteries: How on earth are we supposed to find the really good stuff?
There are more streaming services than ever and presumably countless websites and apps devoted to telling us what’s new, yet somehow it feels harder than ever to find something really worth watching. There are simply too many choices. Sometimes we spend half an hour searching, get completely overwhelmed and end up watching nothing at all and calling it a night:)
So today, I am all ears.
If there is a series you absolutely loved—or a movie that sounds like it might be up my alley based on the favorites above—I would LOVE to hear about it.
One of the things I enjoy most about this blog is the opportunity for all of us to share things with one another. I have discovered so many wonderful things through your recommendations over the years, and I’m always grateful for your fantastic feedback.
So now it’s your turn to talk… What are you watching? What have you loved? And what should we watch next?
_________________________________________________________
Also today starts a 2 day sale- 20% off all dinnerware (new restocks last week) and our beautiful linens are 25% off. All you need to create a sensational table!
(our best selling Lily of the Valley dinnerware just came back in and go fast)!
Click here for dinnerware
Click here for linens
That’s a wrap! Thanks for stopping in, wishing everyone a great day. Cannot wait to hear your suggestions! Until next time….
Movie: “The Green Book” (lots of NYC in it) Grade:A+
Series: “All Creatures Great & Small” (the new version) Grade: A+
Secretariat (2010) starring Diane Lane and John Malkovich!
We recently watched the Young Sherlock and Enola Homes series. If still available the series White Collar is also good. You likely would not like Pinky Blinders due to the violence but the acting is over the top superb (Cillian Murphy is the star). Historical drama Pressure was entertaining (about the weather prediction for D Day)
Oh yes, keep an eye out for the PBS Sunday night line up. Many great series there across the year.
We’re big fans of Acorn and Britbox series. Most are “cozy mysteries”, but some are a little more complex and some are just fun to watch. We like Mallorca Files, Senora Volpe, Ludwig and The Hardacres to name a few. There are also many PBS series we enjoy such Masterpiece Theater and Masterpiece Mystery Theater shows. Patience, All Creatures Great and Small and Call the Midwife are a few that come to mind. I used to enjoy reading but right now I just don’t have the attention span for it.
Silly but heartwarming – Ted Lasso and comeback with Season 4 on now! Also, The Madison, Landman!!!!, silly but fun Tulsa King. Lioness
British, most already named .Others – Silent Witness, Señora Volpe, Hotel Portofino, Chelsea Detective, Line Of Duty (yes!), Shetland – start with Season 1,
If you can still get Montalbano, there are 36 seasons. Takes place in Sicily, he’s a cop and there are many lovable characters and always a crime or mystery to solve. Subtitles for Italian
Spiral, one of the best shows we’ve watched. Subtitles for French. But great characters.
Unforgotten. Also such a great one. If you watch a lot of Brit TV, you will see a lot of your favorite actors in the shows I mention. And of course, new version (old was excellent also) of All Creatures Great and Small.
Oh! And did you ever watch Doc Martin? It just ended a couple of years ago, but I wish it never ended. Wish I could live there.
One more that’s a little soapy, but cute – Hope Street. I could go on and on mid you want more.
The only TV series you left off the list is Downton Abbey on PBS.
You must watch The Diplomat ( the American Version with Keri Russell on Netflix). I believe there are now two seasons and a third on the way.
Best Medicine (Netflix) is a remake of Doc Martin from PBS-came out this month.
I love old movies, and I’m a big fan of Turner Classic Movies. We also watch a lot of series on BritBox. I find them to be more interesting than many of the American series. And, of course, I’m a big fan of documentaries. In saying that, I have to admit I always have a book with me while watching TV.
Widows Bay is a fun series
You are exactly right! After a long day, my husband and I enjoy relaxing after dinner with a good movie to look forward to watching.. Invariably we spend the evening just trying to find a good quality movie. The good old days are just that in many ways, esp with movies.
PBS Masterpiece mystery and Mastepiece are what I watch on Sunday. Old masterpiece series are on Prime and will not disappoint.
My preference of an evening is to read.
The Forsytes, Poldark, and The Gilded Age are all mesmerizing, but my favorite is All Creatures Great and Small which is also heartwarming.
“Madison” is a good series. Another Taylor Sheridan creation starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell.
Good books I couldn’t put down:
The Correspondent
The Clamity Club
Theo of Golden
I have the book “Strangers” which I plan to read when I go to the beach in two weeks. I was always an avid reader but don’t seem to be able to find the time now for multiple reasons. That said, my husband and I have been watching “Lone Survivor” with Kieffer Sutherland, it is extremely interesting and relevant to today. It’s on Netflix.
Had to close my eyes occasionally, but binged The Pitt and when finished, started over again. Acting is incredible! Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV, was a favorite of many friends. You’re not asking about books (I do audible) but Whistler by Ann Patchett …. anything by Ann Patchett, is at the top of my list!
“Lessons in Chemistry” was SO GOOD, then it was gone.
We loved “Drops of God” on Apple. Two seasons.. Fantastic!
You really have to pay attention to it. No multi-tasking while it’s on.
We recently did what you do. Watched an oldie but goodie. “The American President” and the next evening “Dave”. Golly those are great feel good movies!!!!
I almost exclusively watch British crime shows. They are almost always set in beautiful locations and for some reason just seem so much more well written than many produced here. PBS, BritBox and Acorn offer a ton of great options. Poldark comes to mind – it’s excellent.
Hi Tina! I highly recommend “The Lincoln Lawyer” and a new dramedy, “Best Medicine”. PBS’s “All Creatures Great and Small” is fantastic. “A Place to Call Home” and “Call the Midwives” is wonderful
Relax and enjoy!
Woman of Substance in britbox. Persephone I think on Prime. Both I binge watched.
Call the Midwife, Emily in Paris, Only Murders in the Building, The Bear, Gilmore Girls
Mr. Selfridge on PBS
They just need to consolidate & become Blockbusters – there’s so much redundancy among all of them, so frustrating! Scrolling til your eyes bleed & then like you said, just give up, not to mention the expense of having multiple apps that have the token show you want to watch!
One of my favorite series was “Shrinking” w/Harrison Ford
A couple others to look at from “down under. Darby and Joan was a fun series. Also Brokenwood and My life is Murder.
Hi Tina,
My husband and I recently enjoyed a few series on Netflix…
Doc
The Diplomat
The Madison
I always enjoy Sweet Magnolias…
There’s also a quirky series out called “No Body Wants This” that is enjoyable and very modern.
It is truly a challenge to find quality things to watch and not feel like you wasted your time!
One of my favorite old movies is Mr Blanding Builds His Dream House. Cary Grant and Myrna Loy are perfection!
Drops of God on Apple TV. It was fascinating and we are not even wine people!!
Also, I should have mentioned VERA on my previous list.
MHZ —spectacular cinematography and scripts. Excellent acting and be the series French,Italian or German the best streaming ever.
Thanks for this light but relevant topic! So true to doom scroll and then not find anything. I do enjoy Gilded Age, Lioness, Ted Lasso, Madison, Jack Ryan, Night Agent, Succession (until I didn’t)!
This isn’t a movie (although I hear it is being made into one) or a series but a book you must read if you haven’t- Theo of Golden! One of the best books I have ever read!
We do 90% ACORN via You Tube TV & ❤️ it!! Hubs I I sit on couch, he rubs my ankles, feet & we eat “Skinny Pop” & it’s…great!! franki
I’m not a reader or TV person. Give me home and garden magazines or books or YouTube on subject I’m a happy person. I’m a shopaholic also. I know, I’ve been told you’re one of a kind…lol
Heartland on Netflix. Very NICE family saga from Canada. And of course, Schitts Creek. I have never seen a better ending to a series than this. So heartfelt.
PLEASE add Poldark to your list (Netflix)
5 seasons British period piece w lots of family struggles and drama filmed in gorgeous coastal Cornwall England
Nothing compares to Homeland series. The best I’ve seen!
You would love The Guilded Age!
One of my all time favs is ENCHANTED APRIL…and I must have watched the oldie but goodie ….CHARADE….twenty times or more….and another AUDREY HEPBURN one with PETER OTOOLE…how to steal a million…no new ones that I can think of….sad to say.
Sarah’s Oil
All Creatures Great and Small
Land Girls
Calendar Girls
Selfridge
Hotel Portofino
A Place to Call Home
For movies, I think you would love the new 2026 version of Wuthering Heights. It was very good, even my husband liked it which surprised me. For series, my husband and I enjoyed watching Your Friends and Neighbors together and alone, I could watch The Gilded Age over and over!!
Don’t totally write off sci-fi. I never watch it but The Hail Mary Project is the best movie I’ve seen in several years. Very heartwarming! We 100% watch British shows. Try Midsomer Murders—the gardens and villages are lovely.
I agree with The Hail Mary Project. Don’t write it off because you think it is sci-fi. It’s wonderful. Also The Sheep Detectives and, always, Ted Lasso.
You must watch Poldark
NOBODY WANTS THIS. Clever, funny, and heartwarming. Best series we have watched in a while, and even rewatched both seasons. The casting is perfection. Adam Brody and Kristen Bell have undeniable chemistry, and the supporting cast is the best since Northern Exposure.
Watch Poldark!
Ride or Die on prime is a fun adventure, comedy staring two excellent actresses. Lots of beautiful clothes and travel.
Letters to Juliet – set in Italy. An oldie but a goodie.
You will love these movies: Far From the Madding Crowd based on the Thomas Hardy book and filmed in beautiful English countryside, Miss Potter with Rene Zelwig, on the life of Beatrix Potter, again filmed in England, Shining Through with Michael Douglas and Melanie Griffith-a great war love story, Good-bye Mr. Chips with Peter O’Toole and Petula Clark, its an oldie but a goodie.
Oh, and I forgot the Last of the Mohicians with Daniel Day Lewis.
I fully agree with your series and movie choices!! Thank for the book recommendation!
“Dean Spanley”, especially since you love dogs! Great actors as well. Also a heart warmer, “The Fall “about a stuntman and little girl both in a hospital and their bond. Beautiful music (Bethoven’s 7th) and cinematography. “Assassin in Love” with Damien Lewis is a hoot and “The Ref” is another great Christmas movie that’s hysterical. Oldies but goodies!
Add : anything “Downton Abbey,” movies Return to Me, Trouble with the Curve, Rebecca, Brooklyn, Just like Heaven
I must say that I miss the good ole days of video/DVD rental stores that were a dime a dozen when my kids were little.
Very easy to go in and get what you wanted and if you did not know there were always suggestions! One for the tots, one for the adults. Loved it except the late fees that often happened! 😉 NOT as easy today plus most of the movies that you can stream or watch on Demand or Payperview are just not worth it. I’m sticking to the classics and some Diane Keaton oldies and most Nancy Myers movies , some older Hallmarks. Agreed. Nothing too exciting with violence, gore, killing and science fiction. Husband would also beg to differ!
My husband and I both enjoyed The Night Manager.