Showing posts with label Entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Entertainment. Show all posts
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In 2018, when my birthday happened to fall on the morning of the Royal Wedding, I decided to celebrate with a British Royal Wedding-themed slumber party, complete with tea, tea sandwiches and scones. Earlier this year, when two of my favorite NYC-set shows returned with new seasons, my friend and I made cosmopolitans and ordered NY-style pizza to devour while watching. And then, a couple months back, Jess and I hosted a "The Parent Trap Day" viewing party (on October 11, of course) complete with camp-approved snacks, Napa Valley wine, and "Chessie's breakfast." Case in point: I've found that serving food and drinks that follow the theme of something as simple as a show premiere or movie can be an easy way to elevate the average "movie night."
That being said, there's no time to host a watch party like the holidays - and there are plenty of festive snacks, dishes and drinks to go along with all of your favorite holiday films, from the classics to the star-studded, modern-day hits.
Here are a few of my favorite holiday film + food pairings (complete with movie clips and recipes!), just in time to savor the last few days before Christmas:
Home Alone
Pizza + Sundae
Pizza + Sundae
Live out your Kevin McAllister booby-trapping dreams with a NY-style pizza that gives Little Nero's a 1, 2, 10 run for its money. Bonus points if you serve Coke in champagne glasses for a bougie, solo limo-ride effect. You're no filthy animal! Add a Plaza Hotel sundae to your menu, kick back and enjoy living like a forgotten 8-year-old king, as a pre-Moira Rose Catherine O'Hara panics in a land far, far away.
Ah, the dish we didn't know we needed. I never understood why Nancy Meyers decided to give fettuccini a holiday title, but I'm, to quote Amanda Woods, "totally into it." Plus, it's the cozy offering that leads to Iris' iconic "I know how you feel" speech about heartbreak that leaves Miles with nothing to say except, "Well, f***."
I had never heard of banoffee pie until I saw this movie, but it's the english dessert that Juliet uses to bribe Mark for her wedding video (resulting in his eventual humiliation...) Alas, he denies the pie, which is almost as sinful as the secret that's revealed in this cringe-worthy scene. GIVE ME ALL THE PIE. Oh, and those chocolate biscuits? They're the prime minister's favorite.
No more turkey sandwiches? It may have been a reality for Ralphie and his family, but it doesn't have to be yours. Set aside some of your Christmas Eve/Christmas Day turkey or order Chinese for a fa-ra-ra-ra-ra-worthy dinner. Also, these "Oh fuuuuuudge" pops are hilarious. Just avoid licking any flag poles, shooting your eye out, or dropping the F dash-dash-dash word in front of The Old Man.
When you're watching Jim Carrey ooh, ahh his way through Whooville, it's only appropriate to enjoy a dessert worthy of taking home first place at the Who Pudding Cookoff.
Conga line optional.
Conga line optional.
Elf
Spaghetti + Sugar. All the Sugar.
Spaghetti + Sugar. All the Sugar.
The key here is to stick to the 4 main food groups - but, unlike Buddy, you don't want to mix them with spaghetti ... for breakfast. Curl up with a plate of spaghetti first (or burgers, if you're more of a "beef and cheese" type), then dig into a sugar-infused assortment that includes Tollhouse cookie dough. And then, to finish, snuggle.
Make like a backwoods UFC fighter's housewife and keep it simple yet strong. Hors D'oeuvres (preferably ones without spray cheese) work well everywhere, from Denver and Dallas to Orlando. One thing is off the table: Beermosas. Leave those in a frat house, or I'm calling Mistletoe.
Every time I hear Ted (the human, not the reindeer) moan as he bites into Liz's homemade gingerbread cookies, I feel Howard's anger. PUT THAT COOKIE DOWN, NOW. Seriously, though, they just seem like they're so damn good. Like, good enough to forget that your husband broke into the neighbor's house to steal a kid's Turbo Man.
I have to preface this by saying that this movie is painful to watch at times. Alas, where Diane Keaton goes, I will follow. Sarah Jessica Parker plays uptight, conservative Meredith impressively well, considering how opposite she is in her iconic role of Carrie Bradshaw. Something about watching her prepare this fussy-looking dish with such pride makes me sympathize with her character, though. Well, that and her "I'm just as good as any of you!" breakdown.
Christmas with the Kranks
Hickory Honey Ham (Something)
Hickory Honey Ham (Something)
You know the rule: Never say hickory honey ham again. However, when it comes to eating, it's free game ... unless you lose the ham to a speeding semi truck. Just do me a favor, and make something for the ham. Eating ham alone is weird. There, I said it.
Nothing like a festive drink that's also strong enough to make you forget that you got a crappy holiday bonus ... or that your brother is incredibly strange ... or that your dinner would be turned down by the dog.
The Santa Clause
Hot Chocolate
To be fair, hot chocolate/cocoa is mentioned or enjoyed in just about every single one of these films. Still, something about grumpy Tim Allen being transformed into a chubby jolly Santa makes it all the more appealing. And for Santa's buzz, just add Rumchata. Trust me.
You can find some more fun holiday movie-inspired recipes here.
P.S. Check out some previous posts on the blog for more of my favorite holiday films, special childhood Christmas memories, a holiday bucket list and holiday traditions list.
The Santa Clause
Hot Chocolate
To be fair, hot chocolate/cocoa is mentioned or enjoyed in just about every single one of these films. Still, something about grumpy Tim Allen being transformed into a chubby jolly Santa makes it all the more appealing. And for Santa's buzz, just add Rumchata. Trust me.
You can find some more fun holiday movie-inspired recipes here.
P.S. Check out some previous posts on the blog for more of my favorite holiday films, special childhood Christmas memories, a holiday bucket list and holiday traditions list.
There are just ten days left until Christmas, and somehow, I've barely put a dent in my holiday movie watch list, haven't baked a single cookie, and - surprise, surprise - haven't gotten much of a start on my shopping. Is it just me, or has 2018 been an insanely busy, non-stop year?
I've been a little overwhelmed with the seemingly rapid arrival of this Christmas countdown, but on the flip side, it's kind of the most exciting part of the season: homes are fully decorated, everyone is listening to holiday music without judgment, and presents are starting to show up in stockings and under trees. Ten days might not sound like enough time to knock out the rest of my annual holiday bucket list, but I'm always up for a challenge. ;)
For those of you as behind on the festivities as I am, here's a Holiday Bucket List, just in time to savor the precious last bits of the season:
Partially adapted from my 2017 Holiday Traditions Post
1. Pick out and decorate a real Christmas tree - (Ironically, my family got this done very early)
2. Decorate your home - (Inside, outside, holiday village ... you get me)
3. Visit the most decorated homes in your area - (Fun tip: if you have a pick-up truck, decorate the open back with holiday lights, add comfy padding to sit on, play holiday music and bring hot chocolate to-go, and sit in the back while you [safely] cruise around the neighborhood).
4. Host - or attend - an ugly sweater/holiday party - (Complete with a make-your-own hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating and a holiday playlist)
5. Bake some festive treats
6. Decorate a Gingerbread House - (Better yet: participate in a competition)
7. Take a fun holiday Christmas card photo - (Bonus points if you actually mail it)
8. Spend an entire morning (or night) watching holiday movies in Christmas pajamas - (Check out my 2017 favorite holiday films list - missing a few!)
9. Go ice skating - (Indoor rinks count! #FloridaProblems)
10. Listen to some carol singers ... or throw back some wine and sing the carols yourself ;)
11. Visit a holiday-themed park, carnival, store or bar - (Some of my favorites: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas at Magic Kingdom, The Christmas Palace, Frosty's)
12. Go watch a holiday show, whether at a local school or on Broadway
13. Volunteer at a local shelter, hospital or senior center - (Many are still seeking help with holiday events; stay tuned for an upcoming post on groups to help this holiday season)
14. Make a DIY wreath, ornament or Christmas decoration
and last, but not least ...
15. Watch the Christmas Day parade while unwrapping presents on Christmas morning - (In your holiday pajamas, of course)
Anything else I should add to this list? Feel free to share your Holiday Bucket List items in the comments below. Stay tuned for a few more holiday posts, including a last-minute gift guide and a look at my home during the holidays. :)
Here's my October/Fall Bucket List (join me, will ya?):
1. Go to a Pumpkin Patch (and don't leave without a cheesy photo and a pumpkin of your own).
2. Carve aforementioned pumpkin (save the seeds!) and set it by your door as a piece of decor.
3. Those seeds? Rinse 'em, season 'em, roast 'em, eat 'em.
4. Get lost in a corn maze.
5. Go for a horseback hayride (but do your research and make sure those horses are being treated fairly!).
6. Have a scary movie marathon (I'll be sharing a list of my favorites soon, but in the meantime, you can find some fun options in this list).
7. Create your own Halloween playlist to play outside your front door for Trick-or-Treaters.
8. Master a go-to fall cocktail and recipe. On that note ...
9. Go apple picking (or bobbing for apples), then use the apples in a recipe.
10. Host a Halloween party (bonus points if it's a Murder Mystery Party), complete with a candy bar, decor, costumes and themed treats.
11. Pick fallen leaves and use them as fall decor.
12. Visit a Haunted House (my favorite way to do this: go to Universal's Halloween Horror Nights).
13. Walk around a local neighborhood where the homes are decked out in Halloween lights and decorations.
14. Create a costume utilizing only clothing and items you already have in your closet/home.
15. Spend an entire day eating and drinking at Epcot during Disney's Food & Wine Festival.
16. Return to your Alma Mater for a tailgate + football game (#GoKnights!).
17. Channel your inner child and take a kiddo Trick-or-Treating (a kiddo you know and whose parents gave you permission, obviously).
18. Help host a Halloween event at a local hospital, nursing home or shelter.
December 1st just happened to fall on a Friday this year, and if that isn't a sign that this holiday season is going to be a great one, I don't know what is.
For those of you who have read my previous holiday posts (childhood memories and favorite films), you know just how much this time of year means to me. As a little girl, Christmastime was pure magic ... and now, as an adult, I still love everything about it: the smell of the fraser fir trees, the music and movies, decorating, shopping, baking, parties, and best of all, the way everyone comes together and opens their hearts to others.
Like me, most of my family members and friends are Christmas enthusiasts; but every year, I run into a few people who "don't understand the excitement." I get that the holidays can be stressful, lonely and difficult, especially for people who have experienced loss or hardship. Everyone is in a different situation, but at the end of the day, I'm a firm believer that everyone deserves to feel some sort of joy during the holidays. For that reason, I'm sharing some of the traditions I enjoy every year (with a few new ones I plan to add this year) in the hope that they inspire you to go out and enjoy this time of year for yourself. Here are 10 things you can do - alone, with family, with a S.O. or with friends - to get into the spirit of the season.
P.S. Being that this is my favorite time of year, I have a couple posts planned over the next few weeks, including a gift guide and my favorite memories of 2017.
*See the girl on the far right in my photo? That's my best friend, and this past Sunday, she got engaged! Told you this holiday season was gonna be a good one. Congrats, Jess!
*See the girl on the far right in my photo? That's my best friend, and this past Sunday, she got engaged! Told you this holiday season was gonna be a good one. Congrats, Jess!
Tradition #1: Pick out - and decorate - a real tree
Every year, we pick out a real Christmas tree from a vendor who brings the trees in from out of state (typically North Carolina) or, in this year's case, from out of the country (our tree hails all the way from Canada!) A fake tree is obviously easier and more cost-effective, but trust me, there's nothing like a real Christmas tree. The smell is heavenly, and you know how they say having flowers and plants in the house can help boost your energy and endorphins? Imagine what a tree can do.
Tradition #2: Spend an entire morning or night watching holiday films - in holiday pajamas
I can't think of anything more cozy than curling up on the couch with coffee, hot chocolate or wine and watching back-to-back holiday films. At least twice every December, my friends, family and I will get into our Christmas PJ's and glue ourselves to the couch for a few hours while we watch Elf, The Holiday, Love Actually, A Christmas Story ... you know, the essentials. To make the movie-watching experience event better, one night every December, we set up a projector and screen out in our back patio so we can watch a film outside next to our fire pit. The trick here, of course, is finding a night that's cool enough to do it ...
I can't think of anything more cozy than curling up on the couch with coffee, hot chocolate or wine and watching back-to-back holiday films. At least twice every December, my friends, family and I will get into our Christmas PJ's and glue ourselves to the couch for a few hours while we watch Elf, The Holiday, Love Actually, A Christmas Story ... you know, the essentials. To make the movie-watching experience event better, one night every December, we set up a projector and screen out in our back patio so we can watch a film outside next to our fire pit. The trick here, of course, is finding a night that's cool enough to do it ...
Tradition #3: Walk around the most decorated homes in town while drinking (spiked) hot cocoa
My mom started this tradition years back when I was in elementary school. We'd grab a few friends, pour some hot cocoa into travel mugs, and drive over to one of the nearby neighborhoods that was known for having the best lights and decorations. It's something we still do every year (only now, we spike our hot cocoa with Rumchata. Trust me on this. It's a game changer).
My mom started this tradition years back when I was in elementary school. We'd grab a few friends, pour some hot cocoa into travel mugs, and drive over to one of the nearby neighborhoods that was known for having the best lights and decorations. It's something we still do every year (only now, we spike our hot cocoa with Rumchata. Trust me on this. It's a game changer).
Tradition #4: Host (or attend) a tacky sweater/tacky pajama party, complete with cookie decorating
Every year, I host a tacky sweater or tacky pajama Christmas party complete with cookie decorating. It's nostalgic watching everyone try to neatly decorate their cookies like kids (heads up: it isn't as easy as you'd think). We listen to holiday music while we decorate, eat and drink like there's no tomorrow, and end the night with a movie. Something I plan to add this year is a gift wrapping station, so my friends and I can get our wrapping done as a team. Extra points if you guys decorate a ginger bread house!
Every year, I host a tacky sweater or tacky pajama Christmas party complete with cookie decorating. It's nostalgic watching everyone try to neatly decorate their cookies like kids (heads up: it isn't as easy as you'd think). We listen to holiday music while we decorate, eat and drink like there's no tomorrow, and end the night with a movie. Something I plan to add this year is a gift wrapping station, so my friends and I can get our wrapping done as a team. Extra points if you guys decorate a ginger bread house!
Tradition #5: Throw a holiday card photo shoot
My family hasn't sent a Christmas card since I was in elementary school and my sister was in preschool, but after being inspired by a friend's hilarious, throwback-style family Christmas card (hi, Erin!) I'm asking my parents to revisit that this year. If they turn me down, I'm taking one with my cats (actually, I'll probably do that either way). I love the idea of having family or friends over for a fun weekend Christmas card photo shoot. At the very least, it'll make for some laughs and great memories.
Tradition #6: Listen to some carol singers - or throw back some wine and sing the carols yourself
When I was a Brownie Girl Scout way back in the day, I spent an evening caroling around my South Florida neighborhood (in other words, I was literally the only person singing), and it made me so jealous that I didn't live in a snow-covered town like the one in Home Alone, where carolers are probably not a rare sighting. I was fortunate enough to see carolers a couple years ago in Tennessee and they were actually amazing singers. If there's a holiday parade or festival in your area, I recommend checking it out solely for the carolers. It's an age-old tradition everyone should experience at least once.
My family hasn't sent a Christmas card since I was in elementary school and my sister was in preschool, but after being inspired by a friend's hilarious, throwback-style family Christmas card (hi, Erin!) I'm asking my parents to revisit that this year. If they turn me down, I'm taking one with my cats (actually, I'll probably do that either way). I love the idea of having family or friends over for a fun weekend Christmas card photo shoot. At the very least, it'll make for some laughs and great memories.
Tradition #6: Listen to some carol singers - or throw back some wine and sing the carols yourself
When I was a Brownie Girl Scout way back in the day, I spent an evening caroling around my South Florida neighborhood (in other words, I was literally the only person singing), and it made me so jealous that I didn't live in a snow-covered town like the one in Home Alone, where carolers are probably not a rare sighting. I was fortunate enough to see carolers a couple years ago in Tennessee and they were actually amazing singers. If there's a holiday parade or festival in your area, I recommend checking it out solely for the carolers. It's an age-old tradition everyone should experience at least once.
Tradition #7: Visit a holiday-themed park, carnival, store or bar
Aside from the theme parks here in Orlando (where the decorations are beautiful and extravagant, but you need to pay to step inside), there are three places I love going every holiday season: 1. Disney Springs (which is free to visit) is always decked out in decorations this time of year. One of their most recent additions is a Christmas tree walk where you'll find several trees that are each decorated to represent a different Disney film. They even blow fake snow overhead, which is probably sad to those of you who live in states with actual seasons ... but as a Floridian, I'll take what I can get. 2. Frosty's, a Christmas themed bar in downtown Orlando (it's open all year, but it feels extra special in December) serves holiday-themed cocktails and plays Christmas music all year round. It also fake snows every hour. #Florida. 3. The Christmas Palace, a family owned and operated store in South Florida that has been around for decades. They have an insane amount of Christmas decorations for purchase that feel straight out of the North Pole. For those of you who have kids, Disney Springs is not to be missed. I'd also add Santa's Enchanted Forest (in Miami) and Ice! at Gaylord Palms Hotel in Orlando.
Aside from the theme parks here in Orlando (where the decorations are beautiful and extravagant, but you need to pay to step inside), there are three places I love going every holiday season: 1. Disney Springs (which is free to visit) is always decked out in decorations this time of year. One of their most recent additions is a Christmas tree walk where you'll find several trees that are each decorated to represent a different Disney film. They even blow fake snow overhead, which is probably sad to those of you who live in states with actual seasons ... but as a Floridian, I'll take what I can get. 2. Frosty's, a Christmas themed bar in downtown Orlando (it's open all year, but it feels extra special in December) serves holiday-themed cocktails and plays Christmas music all year round. It also fake snows every hour. #Florida. 3. The Christmas Palace, a family owned and operated store in South Florida that has been around for decades. They have an insane amount of Christmas decorations for purchase that feel straight out of the North Pole. For those of you who have kids, Disney Springs is not to be missed. I'd also add Santa's Enchanted Forest (in Miami) and Ice! at Gaylord Palms Hotel in Orlando.
Tradition #8: Go ice skating
I'll never, ever skate on a frozen body of water, so I really appreciate ice skating rinks, or better yet, the pop-up outdoor rinks that always appear during the holidays. Whether you're great at it or terrible at it (is there anything better than you and your friends laughing at each other as you take turns slipping and falling?) it's a way to enjoy the holidays with some physical activity - a nice break from stuffing your face and watching movies on the couch.
I'll never, ever skate on a frozen body of water, so I really appreciate ice skating rinks, or better yet, the pop-up outdoor rinks that always appear during the holidays. Whether you're great at it or terrible at it (is there anything better than you and your friends laughing at each other as you take turns slipping and falling?) it's a way to enjoy the holidays with some physical activity - a nice break from stuffing your face and watching movies on the couch.
Tradition #9: Volunteer
One of the most defining moments in my life happened during the holidays when I was about 12. My mom had me fill baskets with everyday items I found completely unexciting - a toothbrush, toothpaste, loofah, bar of soap, etc. - and went with me to a local homeless shelter to give the baskets to the people there. I remember feeling almost embarrassed, thinking the recipients of these baskets were going to be completely let down by their "gifts." I'll never forget the looks on their faces when we presented them with these baskets. The adults and the kids were so thankful, relieved and happy to receive these items I never thought twice about in my life. It's a memory that has stuck with me to this very day, and reminds me to be thankful, humble and giving. Nothing feels quite as rewarding as helping another person or simply making someone's day brighter. If one thing will bring you joy this holiday season, I promise you, it's volunteering your time or money.
One of the most defining moments in my life happened during the holidays when I was about 12. My mom had me fill baskets with everyday items I found completely unexciting - a toothbrush, toothpaste, loofah, bar of soap, etc. - and went with me to a local homeless shelter to give the baskets to the people there. I remember feeling almost embarrassed, thinking the recipients of these baskets were going to be completely let down by their "gifts." I'll never forget the looks on their faces when we presented them with these baskets. The adults and the kids were so thankful, relieved and happy to receive these items I never thought twice about in my life. It's a memory that has stuck with me to this very day, and reminds me to be thankful, humble and giving. Nothing feels quite as rewarding as helping another person or simply making someone's day brighter. If one thing will bring you joy this holiday season, I promise you, it's volunteering your time or money.
Tradition #10: Watch the Christmas Day parade while unwrapping presents (in your holiday pajamas)
Is there honestly a better way to spend Christmas morning than opening gifts and watching the Macy's Christmas Day parade in the comfort of your own home? Nope. This is how we spend Christmas morning every year in my family, and I wouldn't have it any other way. We make it even more special by making a decadent breakfast together and drinking mimosas in what my mom calls her "fancy glasses." If you don't already have a Christmas morning tradition in place, then you can look forward to starting your own this year.
Share your favorite holiday traditions below!
Share your favorite holiday traditions below!
One of the things I look most forward to this time of year is grabbing a mug of hot cocoa, wrapping myself up in a blanket and watching my favorite Christmas movies on the couch with family and friends. Over the years, my family has accumulated a solid collection of holiday films that are now staples in our home during the season - and sometimes even throughout the year. As a kid, my mom would record the movies that were on TV so we could have them on VHS tapes. The quality we get now with DVDs is obviously much better, but I do miss catching the 90s holiday commercials that were included in those recordings (anyone remember this Toy Story one?) It's been fun watching this collection grow with every Christmas, and I'm excited to continue adding new favorites in the years to come. Here are our go-to films to get us in the holiday spirit (not that we need any help in that department).
P.S. Click on the movie titles for some of my favorite scenes.
There are two types of people in this world: the ones who love Will Ferrell and the ones who can't stand him. When it comes to this film, the latter doesn't exist. Will Ferrell was born to play Buddy the Elf. Also, can we talk about the fact that this movie has been out for THIRTEEN years?!
Admit it: at some point during your childhood, you fantasized about accidentally being left home alone to do as you pleased while your family wallowed in guilt for leaving you behind. No shame in Macaulay Culkin's game.
The only romantic comedy my dad actually enjoys watching every Christmas, this film about a group of Londoners navigating love, loss, sex and careers during the holidays is full of dry British humor (the best kind) and some major tugs-at-the-heartstrings moments. As if that isn't enough, the film score is absolutely beautiful, as can be heard in the clip above.
Just as Will Ferrell was born to play Buddy the Elf, Jim Carrey was born to play The Grinch. I laugh out loud every single time I watch this, and the older I get, the more I find myself relating to the Grinch ("dinner with me? I can't cancel that again.")
It's a Wonderful Life
My parents used to play this 1940s film for me and my sister to remind us that everyone has a purpose, the most important things in life aren't things, and that life is a beautiful gift. It's an oldie but goodie with the sweetest message of all.
Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon are hilarious and lovable as a happy couple ... with insane families. Caught red-handed trying to escape to Fiji for the holidays, they're forced to face all four of their divorcee parents on Christmas Day. Cue disaster.
There's a reason they play this movie for 24 hours every Christmas: it's an all-American classic. From the iconic scenes still famous to this day to the genius writing and hilarious narrating, it's a movie we never, ever go without watching on Christmas Day.
Growing up in South Florida, I never understood people who wanted to spend their Christmas in the tropics since I always wished it would get cold and snow. Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis are hilarious as a couple that tries to get away with skipping Christmas by going on a cruise, only to realize their holiday-crazed neighbors won't let them go without a fight.
Every
time I watch this, I'm even more amazed at how much the animated
character Tom Hanks voices actually looks like Tom Hanks. This movie,
based on the classic story, reminds us that believing is seeing.
Ah, Tim Allen's original Christmas movie debut. While spending Christmas Eve with his son, grumpy divorcee Scott accidentally startles an imposter (AKA Santa) to his death, and finds that he must take on the role of Santa himself. You break it, you buy it ... ?
I love watching this movie knowing it was one of my mom's favorites when she was a kid. This 1970 film about the story of Saint Nicholas is so cute despite its now very outdated animation.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman
Two more classics straight out of the 1960s. Even though I find myself laughing at how cheesy these are, I still think this Rudolph is adorable and I still get sad every time Frosty turns into a puddle (but, as with almost every Christmas movie, there's a happy ending).
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| The five books I'm reading this summer, with some help from Nova. |
I have this really strange habit of reading multiple books - of different genres and with completely different plots - during the same period of time. There's just something about putting a book down when I'm only halfway through it and picking up another one that gets me even more excited to return to the one I started with (maybe distance really does make the heart grow fonder?) Really, it's just a personal preference and a way to keep my thoughts stimulated and interested.
This summer, I'm beating my own personal record and am alternating back and forth between five books, each one completely different from the rest. Here are my current picks:
The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins - Shameful to admit, but I only recently grew interested in reading this book after watching the movie trailer. It gave me goosebumps, so when I saw that it was based off of a novel carrying dozens of rave reviews, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. I've only just started reading it, but I'm already hooked. If you enjoy dark mysteries (think Gone Girl) you'll sink your teeth into this one.
The Opposite of Loneliness, Marina Keegan - I took a social commentary/essay writing course my last semester in college and fell in love with the art of the personal essay. I came across this book after doing some research on best-selling essay collections, and I'm so glad I did. Marina Keegan was a recent Yale graduate living in New York City when she was killed in a terrible car accident, but her talent and legacy live on in this incredibly raw, honest, relatable and humorous collection of essays and short stories.
Finding Fraser, K.C. Dyer - I'm a huge fan of the Starz original series Outlander, the TV adaptation of the international best-selling novels by Diana Gabaldon. (If you aren't already watching this show, you need to start. It's so good.) This memoir follows Dyer who, following a nasty divorce, decides to pack up all her belongings, leave her home in Chicago and move to Scotland on a whim in search of adventure and her very own, real-life James Fraser, Outlander's male protagonist. I almost had a heart attack when I came across this book walking through Barnes and Noble, because my sister and I have joked about doing the exact same thing. Ladies, if leaving your life behind to move to Scotland and find a fictional character's real-life, modern-day counterpart sounds insane to you, watch or read this series and meet Jamie Fraser. You'll understand.
The Defining Decade, Meg Jay, PhD - My aunt told me about this book after buying it for my cousin, who is my same age. Being in your twenties, especially right out of college, can be a really confusing, stressful and chaotic time. This book covers everything - from relationships and "finding yourself" to finances and reaching your career goals - without feeling too "self-help section." Dr. Jay has been studying and talking to twenty-somethings for years, so she really gets it. It's nice to know someone does.
Why Not Me?, Mindy Kaling - The only thing I don't like about Mindy Kaling's books is that she doesn't come with them. Why Not Me? is the actress and television writer's second collection of essays (I read her first one, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? And Other Concerns, in about three days). You'll laugh, relive your awkward teen years and feel like you've just made a new best friend.
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When my sister and I were kids, our parents took us to
Disney World more times than I can recall.
I think that’s why I have such a sweet spot for everything Disney- it
brings back years of wonderful memories.
I remember the almost unbearable excitement I’d feel when my parents
would wake me up on a random Saturday morning and tell me we were going to
Disney World for the long weekend. I
loved the character breakfasts, getting my autograph books signed by princesses
and princes from my favorite animated films, and the pride I felt after I finally
mustered enough courage to ride Space Mountain.
As a little girl, Magic Kingdom- the park most people
associate with children, make-believe, and Disney as a whole- was my favorite
Disney Park, without a doubt. I used to
freak out when Tinker Bell would “fly” out of Cinderella’s castle, and the
fireworks are just as spectacular to me now as they were then. However, after moving to Orlando for college,
I learned that one of my least favorite Disney Parks growing up- Epcot- would
soon become one of my favorites.
Enter “Drinking Around the World.” I didn’t even know this
was a thing until I came to UCF in 2010.
Soon after I turned 21, I gave it a go, and it is without a doubt one of
my favorite things to do in the Orlando area.
Epcot is one of Disney World’s four theme parks in the
Orlando area. Inside the park is a “World
Showcase” which consists of 11 pavilions.
Each pavilion represents a different country: Mexico, Norway, China,
Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and
Canada. The employees in each of the
countries are almost always natives of the country they work in, too, making
the experience all the more exciting.
I’ve spent a good amount of holidays and celebratory
occasions navigating the world showcase at Epcot with my parents, sister,
cousin and friends. Here’s my method for
drinking (and a little eating) “around the world”.
*This post does not encourage the over consumption of
alcohol. I am writing this post after
several visits to Epcot. Mind your limit
and make sure you have an alternative method of transportation to get you home
if you’ve been drinking!
Always Start in Mexico
Mexico might be my favorite pavilion at Epcot. The employees are always incredibly sweet,
and the indoor tequila bar “La Cava del Tequila” is my favorite bar in the
entire park. Go for a specialty margarita
(I like the avocado and pomegranate variations, though I normally just stick to
a regular margarita on the rocks), a shot of Partido Blanco (the sangrita
chaser is delicious), or a shot of
RumChata. If you’re visiting the park
during the Food & Wine Festival or the International Flower & Garden
Festival, be sure to order the Taco al Pastor at the Jardin de Fiestas kiosk
outside for more authentic-tasting tacos.
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| With my dad at the Food and Wine Festival last year |
Norway
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| I call this piece, "When Trolls Photo Bomb." |
Home to Norwegian designer Geir Ness’s Laila fragrance (don’t leave the store without spritzing some on
yourself), trolls, and Vikings hats. I
don’t have a particular drink of preference at this pavilion- I normally just
grab a beer- so let me know if you do! However, they have a delicious bakery
here to satisfy your sweet tooth. My favorite treats are the lefses (potato
bread rolled in a cinnamon-sugar butter), a troll horn, or pretzels. Also, try the Linie Aquavit (Glacier
Shot). It’s got a very surprising,
distinct flavor.
China
Like Norway, I don’t have a go-to drink in China. I usually
grab something refreshing, like the mango gingerita with vodka and rum or a
Tsingtao beer.
Germany
Is it even a question?
Beer. I usually go for the
Altenmunster Oktoberfest when I’m craving something refreshing, but Hovels is
great, too. If you’re looking for a
shot, you can always go for Jagermeister or the honey bourbon shot.
Italy
This is where, if I’m not visiting during a festival, I’ll
usually have a sit-down meal and stock up on carbs at Via Napoli. As far as drinks go, I enjoy the Peach
Bellini or some prosecco. If you’re looking
to drink wine, there are several options in the Tutto Gusto wine cellar. And, of course, there’s gelato.
United States
Okay- I’d be lying if I said I make it a priority to stop at
this pavilion (I am American, after all).
Nevertheless, you can’t go wrong with Samuel Adams Seasonal beers, or,
for bourbon lovers, the Frozen Red Stag Lemonade.
Japan
Hot sake + Kirin draft= sake bombs. Plum wine.
Strawberry sake (usually available during festivals). You can’t go wrong with these three.
Morocco
I don’t usually drink in Morocco, but if I do, it’s usually
just one of the oasis slushies (I like the Sultan’s Colada). If you’re hungry and visiting during a festival, try the pistachio baklava or a falafel pocket.
France
And we’re back to wine.
Plenty of options here- I’d encourage trying one of their regional
wines. If you aren’t a wine drinker, the
Grand Marnier & Grey Goose slushies are delicious. Also, be sure to try escargot if you’re there
during the food and wine festival! (It
tastes better than you’d think- I promise).
United Kingdom
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| My mom and I at the Rose & Crown Pub a couple years ago. |
It’s not Ireland, but every time I enter the Rose &
Crown Pub- my other favorite bar in Epcot- I instantly ask for a Guinness. This bar is the perfect place to mingle in
air conditioning and enjoy beer, cider, or scotch while enjoying some live
entertainment.
Canada
In all honesty, I usually walk past Canada’s pavilion to
grab a cronut at the kiosk next door.
Canada has a few beers to choose from; Unibroues is a popular pick.
Some final thoughts…
- If you haven’t been to Epcot before (especially during a festival) add $100 more to what you’re thinking you’ll spend. Trust me. There’s a lot to choose from, and it will add up very quickly.
- Avoid visiting in the dead of summer. As a native Floridian, I’m speaking from years of experience. It’s miserably hot, and there aren’t any water rides available to help you cool off.
- Check park times (the world showcase area of the park normally opens later).
- Schedule your fast passes ahead of time according to how you want to break up your day.
- As I mentioned earlier, have an alternative method of transportation in mind incase you can’t drive home. It might be a good idea to carry extra cash and take a phone charger into the park in case your phone dies and you need to get a hold of a ride.
- Drink a lot of water, and eat! Don’t be that person…at Disney World, of all places.
Bottoms Up!
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| Inside the butterfly tent at this years International Flower Festival |
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| Sister bonding |
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| Can you spot Anna & Elsa behind us? |
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