TV: White Lotus
I’ve been following Mike White’s filmmaking career ever since his early days, from Chuck and Buck to writing for Freaks and Geeks— to the sleeper movie, Orange County and the adorable School of Rock. Still, it was with his Enlightened series for HBO starring Lara Dern that I took notice. His writing is wonderfully dark yet funny and philosophical. So, delving into another one of his stories was a no-brainer. I thought White Lotus Season 1 was well done—his exploration of upstairs/downstairs class dynamics was refreshingly nuanced. Season 2 nearly lost me with its relentless barrage of graphic sexual content. And I’m no prude, but the excess and overall moral debauchery left me queasy. I stayed for Jennifer Coolidge’s epic performance.
Now, just two episodes into this season, I’m relieved to see a shift in focus toward spiritual beliefs while still weaving in the ever-present class tensions after its in media res murder mystery opening. This season is getting panned by critics who find its structure tired and predictable. But I don’t mind a little predictability if the writing is sharp and the performances compelling. I also love a good Parker Posey role.
MUSIC: Sabrina Carpenter, Short n’ Sweet
While it feels adolescent and a super girly — perhaps that’s why I needed to indulge this month with Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album. At first, I was just curious about all the hype, but then it became a playful feminine reprieve after I’ve dropped off my boys from school. They’ve been super into the Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack (which isn’t bad), Michael Jackson, and Imagine Dragons (ugh!) Carpenter’s poppy upbeat Espresso is worlds away—and honestly, a needed change.
FOOD: Homemade Chicken Soup
I don’t know if sickness has made the rounds in your household this winter, but it definitely hit ours. It always plays out like dominoes—one kid brings home a virus from school, then a parent goes down, then another kid… and finally, the last parent standing (usually the mother, let’s be honest). By then, she’s already nursed everyone else back to health while running on fumes, which means it takes her twice as long to recover.
For times like these, I make chicken soup. Sometimes with homemade bone broth, sometimes with a splash of cream and rice. I don’t usually follow any particular recipe but this one comes pretty close to what I improvise at home.
STYLE: Tudor Interiors & Hidden Libraries
For the longest time I loved Mid-Century Modern interiors, then when that became a little too clinical and popular for me, I added a dash of Traditional to soften it up. However, lately I’ve been really draw to the beauty of Tudor style as it mixes nostalgia, whimsy and romance.
Also, if you had extra space, what would you do with it? Would you build a wine cellar? a movie theater room? I think I’m leaning towards a secret library room! Look at this amazing one here:
MOVIE AESTHETICS: The Parent Trap (1998); The Little Princess (1995)
I made my two boys watch the Nancy Meyer’s version of The Parent Trap, and the Shirley Temple version of The Little Princess this past month, and to my surprise they loved both of them! They giggled at all the tricks the girls play on the prospective step-mother in the former, and the latter was an opportunity to talk about class struggles, kindness and hope.
All versions of these films have a wonderful aesthetic but the remakes are phenomenal in their set designs, costumes and overall design.
BOOK: Nora Ephron at the Movies
What would a discussion about modern movie classics be without mentioning Nora Ephron? If you’re my sister, mom, or other family member reading this—take note: this book is a perfect gift idea for me if you’re ever stumped for Christmas or my birthday. Also, this begs the question: What is your favorite Nora Ephron movie, and why?
QUOTE:
Now I know we’re sisters from another mister
The White Lotus, chicken soup, Sabrina Carpenter, anything to do with Nora Ephron. This roundup is perfection!