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What to Binge on Netflix, HBO and Prime Right Now

Greetings loved ones.

How you livin’? Despite the summer fun, I have been keeping my nose to the grindstone on the work front in preparation for this week – vacation! My first real no-agenda vacation in long, long time. Going for a road trip to Western Michigan, aka: The Riviera of the Midwest, followed by a wedding and some fun in the fern-lined, sun dappled shores of Lake Michigan. I CANNOT WAIT TO BE LAZY. It’s going to be awesome. I would tell you that I will be artsing and craftsing, but really, it’s more likely I will be watching Netflix. Which brings us to a the important topic of our times: What is good on TV these days?

I got together with my pal Jessica to come up with a list of highly addictive shows – perfect for that end of summer vacation, or keeping you up late this fall. Here are my top ten!
Fortitude (Amazon Prime)
Is it sci-fi? Is it a psychological thriller? Is it a dinosaur movie with hot men in snow pants? Hard to say. It is, most certainly, set in small town tundra North Poleville. I suggest watching in the winter because it will make you feel warm by comparison. Also Stanly Tucci is in it and Stanley Tucci can do no wrong, so really, you are going to need to see it.

Gilmore Girls (Netflix)
Confession; I hated Gilmore Girls the first three times I watched it. I thought the dialogue was too fast and contrived to be believable. But, then I started from the beginning, realized the characters are unapologetically not-normal, and it hooked me. Watched all five 22 episode seasons in a matter of weeks. It’s an especially good show to watch in the fall because the art department and set design will make you major nostalgic for seasonal shifts, pumpkin latte time in particular. If you watched GG in it’s prime ten years ago, you may want to go back and rewatch it with a new media chaser: the Gilmore Guys podcast. Two guys discovering and discussing every nuance of every episode, beginning to end. If you ever wondered why people listen to ESPN radio to discuss a sports game the day after they already watched, this podcast is the equivalent, but not. Oh, AND DID YOU HEAR THE NEW GILMORE GIRLS IS COMING TO NETFLIX NOVEMBER 25? Shazam! You know where my butt will be!

Victorian Kitchen Garden (Youtube)
This one is for people who need Downtown Abbey methadone. It’s a British 80s gardening documentary about what it takes to run a large house worthy of Grantham grandeur. I know what you are thinking, “Gardening documentary?” Yes y’all. Gardening documentary. There are 12 episodes following each month of the year and two follow up series. For those of us Americans who cannot get enough British TV, this show will hit the vein. In the same category as Downton Abbey Withdrawl Helpers, may I suggest Doctor Thorne.

Slow TV (Netflix)
This one came to American Netflix last week but has apparently been all the rage in Scandinavia for a while. I have only cracked the nut but I am looking forward to more. It looks wildly boring – in a good way. A seven hour train ride. People knitting. Fishing.

Silicon Valley (HBO)
The story of young and hungry tech entrepreneurs in California’s Silicon Valley. I resisted this show because I thought it would be about computer culture (not my bag) – but really it’s more of a character collective. Also, hilarious. And gross. And smart. And weirdly endearing. I find myself drawn to the most obnoxious characters because the script is nothing short of delicious. Love this show!

Dynasty (Amazon Prime)
Yes, that Dynasty. THIS SHOW IS MY JAM. Thirty years old and still kicking it! True story: I learned to read by sounding out the letters in the opening credits while watching the show with my mom. It was a national sensation back then and it still has the juice to keep you watching. It’s a drama, but also overly dramatic, but not melodramatic. I love a good soap opera script that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Scandals a plenty. It also tackled some social and current events that were button-pressing back then, but seem outdated now, which lends its own perspective and makes for an interesting watch. Oddly enough, some of the plot lines follow classic literature if you look for it. There’s some heavy visual symbolism too (I have theories about this but I’ll save for another post).

The Profit (Amazon Prime)
I can’t believe I am about to recommend a business guru show, but honestly y’all: this show is awesome. It’s a reality show following Marcus Lemonis, a successful entrepreneur who goes around to failing businesses and acts as an angel investor and give them the money to survive, on the condition that he can take control of the business for a short period of time and fix whatever he sees fit for fixing. Stuff gets ugly. Real ugly. Highly entertaining, but, more interestingly, hearing Lemonis’ perspective on what will make each business thrive or fail is fascinating. Also super helpful to a small business person like me. If you are, or have ever wanted to be, your own boss – YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS SHOW.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix)
Are you really going to be the last person on the planet to not watch this show?

Family Tree (HBO)
If you like Christopher Guest movies like Best in Show and A Mighty Wind, you will love Family Tree. It’s a fictional docu-comedy following Chris O’Dowd as he seeks to identify is ancestral legacy. It unearths all kinds of crazy characters that can only exist inside Christopher Guest Movies, but this time it’s a TV show.

Chef’s Table (Netflix)
Another documentary show (can you tell I like reality tv?) about chefs, but holy crap, this might be the most beautifully produced show ever. The cinematography and soundtrack are second to none, and yeah, the food ain’t too shabby. It sounds like a show about food or a show about chefs, but actually it’s a show about the people and places behind world famous restaurants. Because it is so visually stunning I suggest you actually watch the show. Don’t listen to it on your laptop as you fold laundry – get a glass of wine, a good snack, turn the lights down, volume up, and play it on the largest screen in the house after the kidletts have gone to bed. This is show is grown up time!

So, that’s what I got. Know who else has great taste in binge tv? My pal Jessica from Mad In Crafts and she wrote her own list right here – check it out!

Do you have any favorites? Please share. Vacation is here and I am on the prowl for more!

Make Upcycled Bins From Paper Bags

by aunt peaches 2 Comments

Raise your hand if you have ever decided to “get organized” (<airquotes warranted) by going to the store to buy stuff to store stuff, and then you get to the store and the cute storage containers cost as much as a new pair of shoes, so you go over to the shoe section, then pick up a pair of espadrilles, try them on, then walk back over the storage container department and decide to buy the cheaper-but-uglier storage containers, then you come home with ugly containers and cute shoes and zero interest in organizing anything.

Yeah. Both hands raised here.

According to Marie Kondo, the best way to avoid this is to not buy anything fancy for organizing purposes, just simple and readily available stuff from the recycling bin, and you only do that after you do the hard part. Uuuuurgh. I hate it when they annoying people are right.

Anyway: Hello paper bags!

These babies are crazy easy to make, and a good excuse to ~~buy~~ use up all those cute and colorful tapes. Plus, you can customize the dimensions to fit an awkward space or a narrow shelf. And they look darn cute too, right? I don’t normally keep my yarn stash up on my bookshelf but I just might start. Easy grabbin’ makes fro easy craftin’ – and I am alllllll about it.

Want the directions? Pop on over to Etsy’s official blog and see what’s what!

Painting with Glue Stencils

by aunt peaches 2 Comments

Whewwwwee! Howdy doo my friends. I am coming off a weekend of fun and sun (read: wine and chocolate) in California. More on that follow when I detox and unload the camera (read: catch up on Netflix with the cat).

In the mean time, real quick, I wanted to share this post I put together that might be the best technique idea I have had in a long time. It involves glue and the toddler-sized stack of B track paintings sitting in my closet. I think your’e going to like it.

Pop on over to check it out. Also, plan on seeing some more of this around here because I am pleased as punch at how this one came out!

Happy Monday: Turkey, Taboos, and Rock n’ Roll

by aunt peaches 3 Comments

Happy Monday! Here is a list of distractions to get you through the week.

Simon Doonan on how to become a taboo-busting super freak.

Superheros as Flemish paintings.

Why Winnie the Pooh has to put on pants in Poland.

Cinnamon roll bacon turkeys. Your welcome, America.

Lessons in looking good from the over-60 stars of Advanced Style.

A customer wants to make a waitress’ life miserable. This is her response. (aka: reason #567 why everyone needs to work a service job for at least one year of their life).

Are y’all on Spotify? For real, I want to know if it’s worth sharing playlists. But if you are, here is a 15 hour playlist of perfect for Thanksgiving. That will take you from the bird-in-the-oven-at-dawn, all the way to Uncle Larry getting drunk after pie. Yussss.

Speaking of music, and because it’s Monday, and because we need to whiteness this level of cool sometimes, let’s watch the Godmother of rock n’ roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, being generally awesome in a train station.

Ohmygawd why am i not that cool? Read more about rosetta here.

Painted Chargers for a Holiday Feast

by aunt peaches 12 Comments

I have been toying with the idea for painted holiday plates for a while, but I’m not patchouli enough to hang out at the local pottery shop wearing Tevas and tube socks. Since Thanksgiving is upon us, I decided to do a little experiment with painting chargers. Neither chargers nor placemats have been of interest to me in the past, as it seems like just one more thing to have on the table. BUT. In this case, when you pair a painted charger with a glass plate, it’s like having mini art pieces on the table.

Lookit!

Wouldn’t mashed potatoes look really good on that?

Yeah. I know.

Want to make some? It’s crazy easy. It’s just layers of splotches in a circle-ish pattern around the plate. Let each layer of paint dry before you move on to the next. Or not. Maybe you want them to blend. You do that. You be in charge. Get it girl!

Materials
Gold Chargers $1.50 each
Martha Stewart craft paint, Satin finish $1.99 each (colors used here, bottom to top: Wild Blueberry, Granny Smith, Wedding Cake, Beach Glass, Habanero)

PS: You’ll find everything here at Michaels craft store. Yes, I am a Michael’s Maker. No, They aren’t sponsoring this. It’s just handy when you can find everything in one place.

Won’t the paint wash off?
I can’t speak for every acrylic paint on the market, but I really like this Martha Stewart paint in the satin finish (mixed review on the others). `The label reads:
“Use on Wood, glass, metal and fabric. Indoor/Outdoor Water based. Non-toxic. Weather resistant. Shake. Dry 1 hour between coats. For glass: Clean surface with alcohol. Cure 21 days. Top-rack dish wash.”
Because the charger here is probably plastic coated, and acrylic will never stick to plastic as well as other surfaces, I would probably not put it in the dishwasher. And I would never soak it in a sink like regular china. But a soapy rinse and wipe down? Sure thing. These haven’t even cured 48 hours and I can testify to them surviving a good rinse and dry in my kitchen, no special sealer or anything. And I’m not eating on them directly, so really, I’m not that worried. Worst case, if some of the paint did come up, it would just mean more of the gold underside showing through, and I like that. Problem solved. Boom.

You gotta love fancy china, but there is something awesome about clear glass plates. Especially since you can find them at most any thrift store or Dollar Tree. Inexpensive, all occasions, and you can add to your collection at any time.

And…while we are chillin here before dinner, did you see my centerpiece?

A cluster of glittery gold candle sticks, also from the thrift store (all five for sunder $10, btw)….but using my not-so-secret method for making no-shed glitter objects. Because nobody needs glitter in their cranberry sauce.

Or do they?

You can get the deets over at ILovetoCreate.com.

I’ll admit, I made these chargers just for the fun of it. I’m not doing a big Thanksgiving feast, butttt, if I was, I would go back and make these in autumn colors on this metallic brown base. Or for Christmas or Channukah, maybe a selection of blues in navy, white and periwinkle on these silver chargers. Or maybe just buy some blanks and let the munchkins go wild. Is that a family art project I hear coming down the tracks?

Toot toot!

Welp. That’s it. Your place is set. Who is coming over for dinner?!

Happy Monday: Who runs the world? Girls.

by aunt peaches 5 Comments

White pumpkin + black Sharpie = something awesome for owl lovers.

Speaking of cool stuff with pens…do you ever get jealous of people who always have these impressive and elaborate doodles? Yeah. Look into these tangle patterns. You can be one of those people.

Here are some ideas on how to support the bloggers you love. *Yes, I write a blog but I also read them. Sometimes I forget how dependent they are on my engagement and feedback. It doesn’t take much to let them know you are listening.

Here are 15 Netflix hacks I wish I knew sooner.

Have you ever tried painting on paper towels? I’m intrigued.

If you read one thing today let it be this: How we punish people for being poor.

Quote of the week:

Is having children on your priority list? “I’m not going to answer that question. I’m not mad at you for asking that question, but I’ve said it before: I don’t think people ask men those questions.” —Zooey Deschanel, Marie Claire, September 2013.

…and 25 other famous women on not having children.

Malala, the 17 year old girl from Afghanistan who was shot in the head for publicly advocating for education for girls, was just awarded the Noble prize. This 30 minute NY Times documentary, Class Dismissed: Malala’s Story, was made in 2009, three years before she was targeted for assassination by the Taliban. It’s chilling to watch it now and realize the danger it put her in, and the good that will come from one girl’s story.

Speaking of brave young women, remember the social media campaign to bring back the 300 Nigerian girls kidnapped by Boko Haram? Yup. They are still there. Here is an account of one of the girls who escaped.

And on the subject of young adults, have you noticed that all young adult fiction follows the same story these days?

This SNL skit parodies popular movies, but it raises a good point; what is it that makes this particular storyline of survival so popular right now? A wide variation on ‘the hero’s arc’ goes back to ancient times in just about every culture, but why have we suddenly decided to paint this picture with such a narrow perspective? You can blame it on the author, but it’s the audience that drives the tide, and that says something about us. Hmmm…

Whoa. That was heavy. Let’s lighten it up with a slow motion cat video.

Happy Monday!

Marbleized Switch Plates with Guidecentral

by aunt peaches 1 Comment

I decided the switch plates in my dining room need a little kick. I could have used paint, or decoupage, but when I saw this easy DIY on Guidecentral,I knew that was it!

Are you familiar with Guidecentral? It’s like a nightclub for craft/DIY/food tutorials. No bouncer, no velvet rope, but you can meet and greet with amazing projects all night long. Cocktails optional (but there are some good cocktail recipes in there too).

Guidecentral is open for viewing by anyone on a computer, but, even better, you can join the community for free. You can download the app for your phone tablet (Apple or Android) and then you can cruise craft tutorials while you are waiting in line at the grocery store. Not bad, huh?

Actually, I liked it so much that I signed up to be a Guidecentral Maker by posting a couple of my tutorials from my phone, and it was surprisingly easy. This is sort of a new concept for those of us who spend time looking/making craft tutorials on the internet. From my standpoint, there are three crowds of people that will want to start posting on Guidecentral;

People looking to make some extra money. Guidecentral pays Makers $7 for contributing the project, plus a little more for every person that views and likes the project. The more interaction, the more money you can make.
People who want to share their creative projects without the weight and obligations of operating a blog or youtube channel. I know a bunch of people who would love to start sharing their ideas on the web, but are intimidated by the technology. This is much easier. If you can upload an attachment to an email, you can make a guide on Guidecentral.
People who already have a craft blog (or similar) but want a new venue for sharing old content with a new audience. If a Guidecentral user digs your vibe, they’ll click through to your profile and find your site, along with all your other awesome stuff. As you can see, I posted a couple of mine (this Fall wreath made with coffee filters and this jewelry hanger made from an old sign). This also works great for folks with Etsy shops looking for a new way to reach out. Guidecentral members come from all corners of the globe. Who knows what (or who) is out there!

I’m happy with my new switch plates, and I have a nifty new library of creative adventures waiting on my phone at any given time. Hope you join in the fun!

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I am happy to join the Guidecentral community as part of this sponsored post.

All words and opinions are my own.

Happy Monday: Scary Movies and Instagram Toilet Paper

by PEACHES 5 Comments

My Green Gables obsession continues. And continues.

Know what time it is? IT’S DECORATIVE GOURD SEASON.

Let’s get some heavy metal advice from Ronnie James.

Instagram toilet paper. Yes, it exists.

October = Scary movie season. Here are 13 to keep you busy.

Speaking of movies…here are 10 movies that will make you hungry. No really. Bring pie. You’re welcome.

Thoughts on scented duct tape.

You need to see this guy’s work studio. Makes me itch to clean up my own.

And look here: organize your workspace with one trip to the Dollar Store.

Black garbage bags + scissors = major Halloween decoration.

H A P P Y M O N D A Y!

Ice, Ice, Boppli

by aunt peaches 7 Comments

Amy sent me an email; “I thought you might be interested in this.” Which was followed by a press release regarding the return of what can only be described as the most compelling television show of our time: Vanilla Ice Goes Amish.

1. I know.

2. How does Amy know me so well?

3. WHY DID I CANCEL MY CABLE?????????

4. How can this be the return of Vanllia Ice Goes Amish? That would indicate this is season 2 and that would mean there was a season 1 and nobody told me. People! Not okay! How can these things be going on and nobody tells me? Man.

Now, I knew Vanilla Ice had a construction show, and I saw it a few times, but I saw more Ed Hardy than power tools so I never kept up. Now, some genius decided to smack together my two favorite things – outdated 90s cultural icons and secretive, bearded religious factions – and mashed them together in the name of DIY. Fantastic. This is going to be better than that episoide of Trading Spaces when Hildi carpeted someone’s basement with sand.

Word to your mother: On a similar topic called construction, my site is going to be under construction a bit this week. You may or may not notice anything. I’m not really sure how this will go, but if you stop by and see something “in progress” don’t worry. It’s grabbing a mai thai at the bar. It’ll be back soon.

Happy Monday: Normcore and Liberace the Dog

by aunt peaches 8 Comments

Cha-cha-changes!

So, if you have been following the blog for a while, you know I do Bramble Patch posts the last Friday of every month. I’m switching things up a bit and now and plan on doing a smaller one every week. On Monday. Because I think Monday is the day of the week I am most happily receptive to distraction, and, I can only guess I am not alone in that feeling (I’m looking at YOU lady in the cubicle avoiding her inbox.) If you have something especially noteworthy, please post it on my Facebook wall, because I’m always cruising for nifty bidness worth sharing. Stuff about flamingos, rhinestones, cats being awesome, and John Stamos having great hair, are always welcome.

This artist spent 5 years covering an entire kitchen in beads. Oh hell yes.

Simon Doonan might be my favorite person I have never met. His eulogy to dog is hilarious, sweet, and befitting a dog with a name like Liberace.

Last spring I told you about this documentary on glamorous grannies and how outraged I was it was only showing in the UK. Well, huzzah huzzah, Advanced Style is now showing al lover the US this fall – check out and see if it is playing near you!

So cool: an area rug made out of jeans labels.

Speaking of jeans – does anyone understand this Normcore fashion trend? I don’t. Except I know everyone had in in 1993 without trying.

In the 1950’s Andy Warhol made his living as a graphic designer. Now that I’m in that boat, I find myself looking at his early designs for inspiration, and being blown away, and feeling super thankful for the convenience of Abobe CS6.

Food for thought; “The Instagram Generation now experiences the present as an anticipated memory.” – Dr. Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Prize winner. At times, I have found myself doing an experiencing things in ways that cater themselves to photos. Not even because I want to share them, but because having my phone/camera at my fingertips has changed my visual perspective. Say what you will about technology – I think this is pretty rad! This little video does a better job of explaining this concept…

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