Entertainment: What I’ve Been Watching

I have watched more than the usual (for me) amount of television since the fall. I get completely caught by the Netflix-binge-watching bug, and before I realize it, I’m finishing off one television series and beginning another. Even with all that I’ve watched, there’s still more for me to see before I am totally in touch with what everyone else is talking about – my Netflix-must-watch list seems to grow on a daily basis! Who has time for all these shows? When do people watch tv? Anyway, here’s a quick recap of what I’ve watched over the last few months:

TV shows:

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Gilmore Girls – I watched all 7 seasons over the course of a month or so. I can’t believe I watched all 7 seasons. That’s a whole lot of hours! I loved following the day-to-day business of Lorelai and Rory – the mother daughter duo who lead this series – in the quaint and comfortable town of Stars Hollow. Seven seasons, though, that’s sort of embarrassing!?

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I loved watching the two seasons of Mr. Selfridge. The characters are complex, the costumes are fascinating, and the management style of Mr. Selfridge is interesting. Jeremy Piven – as Mr. Selfridge – is perfect. I can’t wait for more! Two seasons seems like a reasonable amount of tv watching, but it really equates to about 20 hours of tv…half a normal work-week. Wow.

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I am now several seasons in to White Collar. I had never heard of it before I clicked on it via my Neflix menu. It’s been alright. I like that each of the characters is still around after so many seasons; there has been zero – or little – character turnaround. I also like the dynamics between each of the characters.

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Homeland was incredible. I am certainly eager to see what the next season has in store! I was never a fan of Claire Danes, but I think she’s amazing in the role of Carrie Mathison.

Movies:

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I’ve watched Pitch Perfect a few times now, and it still entertains me. The songs, the dancing, the amusing dialogue – it’s all fun! Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson are two of my faves in this film. Yes, it’s true, I do like a good teen movie. Pitch Perfect 2 is due to hit theatres in May.

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The Grand Budapest Hotel is a work of art. There is so much beauty in this quirky film. I feel like I need to watch it several more times just so I can can catch and analyze every detail that went into this film.

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I felt like I went on a lengthy trek after I finished watching Wild. The scenery is beautiful, the story is true, and Reese Witherspoon played her part so wonderfully that I almost forgot that she starred in Legally Blonde. I was surprised to learn that Nick Hornby wrote the screenplay and was one of the executive producers of this film.

What’s on your must-watch list? I’d love to know!

The Friday Five: Things I Learned This Week

It has been one helluva week. I worked a lot, tackled several chores, met up with friends, and battled the cold weather (it’s always a battle!).It’s been a week of long days and nights, that’s for darn sure! Today I’m sharing five things I learned this week:

1. The Tiny House Movement. I had only vaguely heard about this trend, but I had a lengthy conversation with a colleague about them, and then that obviously led to several Google searches. Check out this tiny house in North Vancouver.

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via POD Idladia

Could you live in a tiny house?

2. In my MBA world, I learned about linear regression. Scatter plots are not my favourite, but I do like polka dots. Ha ha. As if I would ever say that in class!

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linear regression

3. I got on a greek-yogurt-for-breakfast kick this week, and it totally worked for me. Big change from my usual toast and jam combo.

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photo via Bon Appetit

4. I realized (again) that my Black and Decker Matrix with air inflator attachment is pretty darn convenient. I won this set a while ago via Twitter, and it has definitely come in handy over the last few months.

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Black and Decker Matrix inflator

5. I’ve been pinning bathroom photos like crazy. I would love to renovate my small laundry/bathroom this spring, and I’m gathering loads of inspiration photos. I love that this small bathroom even has room for art and an air plant:

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via Apartment Therapy

Did you learn anything new this week? I’d love to know!

Travel: Some Things to Do and See in Kingston, Ontario

Yesterday, I reviewed the Four Points by Sheraton in Kingston, Ontario. Today, I’m sharing some of the photos I took of places and spaces around the city.

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lakeside sculpture

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brrr…just a tad chilly!

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the beautiful half-frozen lake

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impressive entrance at City Hall

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limestone walls at City Hall

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a gorgeous vintage set of drawers

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the Grand Theatre

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pretty architectural details

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stone laneway

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a meal at Pan Chancho is a must

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drinks at the Red House

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chalkboard art at Tango Nuevo

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classic Italian food at Olivea

White-Cabana-Kingston-16the market square skating rink and City Hall

Travel: Review of the Four Points by Sheraton – Kingston, Ontario

A couple of weekends ago, I drove myself over to one of my most favourite places in Ontario – Kingston. I love this little town. The downtown is quaint, it’s easy to navigate, and the lakefront location is pretty darn perfect. I hadn’t been to Kingston for over a year, so I was very eager to plan a little getaway.

I booked myself into the Four Points by Sheraton Kingston because it’s centrally located – just a block away (barely even a full block) from the market square and city hall. It’s a block up from the lake and tourism office in another direction, and it’s a couple of blocks away from the park in yet another direction. The location is ideal for a city visit!

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The rooms are very well-appointed; plenty of towels, a bathrobe, a fridge, and a microwave certainly come in handy, even for just an overnight stay. My king-size bed was ridiculously comfortable (I am now looking into the possibility of ordering a Sheraton mattress! Thanks for the advice, Rox-Anne!) and I very much loved the view of the lake (even though it was icy and snowy).

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king size bed – I want one!

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super white bathrooms make me happy

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sitting area (or place to dump my clothes) with a view of the lake

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I brewed some tea.

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I watched some TV.

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I wore the robe.

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I did not make the bed. 🙂

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some handy guides

The only thing I didn’t enjoy about my stay was the cappuccino I had from the hotel restaurant (King Street Sizzle). It just did not suit my tastebuds. Then again, I am sort of particular about coffee.

If anyone is heading to Kingston, I would definitely recommend booking a room in the Four Points by Sheraton. If you would like my advice about some things to do in the city, come back tomorrow as I’ll be sharing my weekend recap.

Although I did in fact book a room at the Four Points by Sheraton Kingston, the hotel surprised me with a complimentary stay. Thanks to Erin and her team for making my experience at the Four Points extra special!