Now that Christmas is over, all I want to do is eat leftovers and curl up on the couch with a cozy blanket and something good to watch.

You can tell a lot about a person through their Netflix or Youtube recommendations. I was actually talking about this with Natalie the other day, she said multiple people sign in an out at her place and she can always tell who it is.There's so much to watch (new & old, different genres and countries), and so many different streaming services to choose from, so I always find it interesting to get people's suggestions.  I've been asking my friends and family what they've watched recently and here is that list.

TOM

1. The Irishman (Netflix)

Martin Scorsese's 'The Irishman' is over 3 hours long, so it's the perfect time to dive into it. This plot is based on a true story and the 2004 novel, 'I Heard You Paint Houses', where Frank Sheeran climbs to be a top hitman in a Pennsylvanian mob.  

Getting 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, a perfect score from Time magazine, nominated for many awards, and said to be one of the biggest movies of 2019- you're going to want to watch this one!

Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci

Genre: Crime

Watch the trailer here. 

 

2. Coffee Content (Youtube)

My husband has binge watched the following two youtubers for the past month and if you or someone you know is into coffee, you'll want to check them out. 

 

James Hoffman. Makes videos on the technical side of coffee. Everything from beans to the perfect reusable coffee cup. His How-To videos are really helpful. 

 

RealChrisBaca. Talks a lot about entrepreursip, how to start a coffee business, and convinced my husband to buy the La Marzocco mini coffee machine.

 

ALYSSA

1. YOU (Netflix)

 

If you're a Stephen King fan, you'll really like this one. In fact, the author himself highly recommends it! Netflix says it's:

"A dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young man goes to extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of those he is transfixed by."

Starring: Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Victoria Pedretti

Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller

Awards: 1 Win, 4 nominations. 

Watch the trailer for You here. 

 

2. The Witcher (Netflix)

Think Game Of Thrones meets Final Fantasy meets LOTR meets Harry Potter, with adult content. Netflix now has their own hit fantasy series, based on the book, 'The Witcher' and I'm extremely excited about it. 

This series is highly rated (Google users rated it at 96% as I'm writing this), with many people claiming it's the best show on Netflix right now. 

Netflix' summary: "Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster-hunter for hire, journeys toward his destiny in a turbulent world where people often prove more wicked than beasts."

 

NATALIE

1. Terrace House (Netflix)

Terrace House is a Japanese reality show about 6 strangers moving into a house together. The viewer gets to watch all of the drama that comes from that, from dating to mis-matched personalities to different morals. 

Natalie says she loves this reality series because it's interesting to experience someone else's life and learn more about Japanese culture. Each of the cast members are really different and have their own unique appeal. 

Cast: Differs per season 

Genre: Reality Series

 

2. The Office (Netflix)

This NBC mockumentary about an American office gained 42 Emmy nominations, throughout its nine seasons (winning 5), and was at one time the network's highest rated scripted series. Since premiering in 2005, The Office has become a major player in pop culture, and is loved (and is still being quoted) by many generations.  

 "I love it as much as Billie Eilish loves it (A LOT- Billie Eilish used to open her concerts with The Office theme song and claims to have watched the whole series 12 times). It's just the best sitcom ever, the humour is consistently funny and easy to understand. I Love Michael Scott." -Natalie

If you want to watch it get on it quick because Netflix will only be airing it until January 2021. 

Starring: Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer

Genre: Comedy

 

TAYLOR

1. Marriage Story (Netflix)

Scarlett Johansen and Adam Driver deliver a powerful performance in this movie about a couple's marriage falling apart. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster through the many stages of falling in love, and then falling out. It's funny, complex, simple, heat-breaking, joyous, and devastating all at the same time. Basically, this story is a very raw realistic portrayal of relationships today. Scarlett took on quite a different role than she usually does and it really payed off because I feel her incredible talent was fully captured. 

*PS- Nat also recommends this one, she was the one who told me to watch it!

 Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Watch the trailer here. 

 

2. Money Heist (Netflix)

This Spanish series known as “La Casa de Papel” had me instantly hooked, and that rarely happens from just one episode. The story follows 8 recruited people and their "Professor", whom attempt to make the biggest heist in history. It's unpredictable, manipulative, twisty, intelligent, and always leaves me wanting more when an episode finishes. You'll find yourself unknowingly falling in love with some of the "bad" characters because of Money Heist's genius writing, and binging on episodes in hopes of good things happening to them. 

Starring: Úrsula Corberó, Álvaro Morte, Pedro Alonso

Genre: Crime

Click here to see Money Heist's trailer. 

 

On my aunt's side, the talk of the table was Handmaid's Tale. I've heard so much about that series both online from different people on my timelines, and offline from people I know telling me about it. I think it's time I dive into it to see what all of the praise is about!

 

 

Now that you've queued up your entertainment, heat up some leftovers or place your go-to UberEats order, and set up your cave where you will stay for 3,4,5,6,7, alright-one-more-episode-and-that's-it hours. To make yourself and your surroundings a little more snugglier may I suggest a few other things?

 

TEA

 

 

Grab your favourite brew. I'm currently into ginger green tea. Made of organic ginger root and organic Japanese Sencha, a cup of this tea will settle your stomach, and give you a warm hug. 

 

A CANDLE

 

Light your favourite scent! I have these candles all over my home because they look gorgeous and smell incredible. This 'Ambre Nobile' fragrance has warm earthy notes with amber, musk, and honey. To me it's the perfect balance, not too sweet, and not too earthy. My favourite website to buy these on is Premiere Avenue, a niche perfumery shop in France debuting in 1998. Their prices are almost always better than others, and they ship worldwide very quickly (for free!). 

 

A COMFY SWEATSUIT

 

Get comfy. Of course pyjamas are good idea too, but this is an excellent option incase you need to quickly grab more snacks at the grocery store, walk the dog, or answer the door/talk to neighbours throughout the day. Shop this comfy, breathable, 100% cotton set here. 

 

A FACE MASK

Lay down a mask. After a week of cold dry Canadian weather, a lot of caffeine, and using random skincare from the family member's home I stayed at because I forgot mine, Drunk Elephant's F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial is the perfect amount of hydration and brightening that my skin needs. This mask is packed with antioxidants, powerful humectant ingredients, electrolytes, and vitamins (F- a soothing fatty acid, and B3- improves signs of ageing and uneven skin tone). It's also vegan, cruelty-free, free of essential oils and PEGs, irritant-free, and comes in recyclable packaging. After using it, my skin feels soft, supple, and back to life. You will drop a few F Bombs in shock of how quickly your skin drinks it up and feels great!

 

SLIPPERS

 

Keep your feet warm. I was browsing H&M's website, as I do this time of year, looking for sales and came across the cutest puppy slippers!! These white soft, faux shearling slippers have non-slip soles are priced at USD$14.99. You can also get them in bunnies, penguins, and bears.

A MUG

....because you are VERY busy recharging you're batteries!

 

I hope you have a wonderful end of 2019 and a refreshed happy welcome to 2020! Let's make this year a great one!

 

ALSO, please let me know if you have any series/movie recommendations in the comments! If you're looking for something to cozy up and read instead, we have our top 2019 reads here.

-T