Best of 2019 - Everything Else Edition

Wrapping up my look back at 2019 with the best of everything else (ie: not books or movies). This means sharing the television and podcasts that made my year.

Television 

1. Succession 

This is absolutely my favourite new find of 2019. I didn't watch it when the first season aired so I got to binge it before season two premiered and I am obsessed. Everything about it from the acting, directing, writing, etc is phenomenal. It's not a show I thought I would love as much as I do, but it is incredibly addictive.

The entire cast stands out but some of my favourites are Jeremy Strong, who delivers 2019's best acting performance in season two, Kieran Culkin who is a delight as Roman. Sarah Snook who is incredible as Shiv (and has a wardrobe to match). Matthew Macfadyen who, as Tom, manages to steal so many scenes, and Nicholas Braun who kills it as fan favourite Cousin Greg.

2. Stranger Things Season 3

I anticipate that this show will be on every end of year list I do until it wraps up. The third season was absolutely everything I hoped it would be (and more). It gave fans exactly what they wanted by offering up more scenes between our favourite pairings, and managed to make a bigger, more action packed season feel just as emotionally satisfying as the others. Dacre Montgomery's portrayal of Billy this season gave me goosebumps, and I felt the emotional impact of his story arc in particular.

3. Mindhunter Season 2

This show managed to make a riveting season around what is basically, for many, still an unsolved case. There are so many questions that linger around the Atlanta Child Murders that I was curious about how they would address it when I discovered that was what this season was going to focus on. The answer to that question was to be as faithful as possible to factual events. This entire season worked for me, and Holt McCallany's Bill Tench was my MVP of this season.

4. The Good Place

I discovered this super late and actually binged watched the entire thing this year. I normally do not watch comedies and have enjoyed very few, so I was pleasantly surprised when I ended up loving this show. It's smart, and charming, and actually funny. I, of course, love all of the main characters and ship Eleanor and Chidi way more than I thought I would at the beginning.

Other

1.  You Must Remember This podcast


If you're a fan of movies, golden age Hollywood, and well produced podcasts I highly recommend you check out You Must Remember This. The amount of research that writer/narrator Karina Longworth puts into each episode is evident and the guest voice actors are always amazing. It'll make you want to watch a ton of the movies that are featured, and will have you searching out some of the books used for the research.

2. The Murder Squad podcast

I am always looking for more true crime podcasts and this one, hosted by Paul Holes and Billy Jensen, is a little unique in that it is being used as a way to get information out there about the cases that are featured in the hopes that new information may be found. It helps channel citizen sleuths by providing avenues to explore and does so responsibly by providing some important rules to be followed. The banter between Paul and Billy make this entertaining as well as informative, and their 'Weekly Distraction' segment has quickly become my favourite.

3. My Favorite Murder podcast

This podcast was on my year end list previously, and I expect that it will be plenty more times, but it is still my go to podcast. I eagerly anticipate the new episode that gets released on Thursday and still find Karen and Georgia just as relatable, and inspiring as when I first started listening. I may have initially been drawn in by the true crime, but am happy to have also found fellow Murderinos to talk to, and the entire community that has sprung up around this podcast.

What television and podcasts from 2019 made your own best of lists? Let me know in the comments!

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

I have had some amazing books show up this week in my mailbox (and other goodies). First up are two books that I preordered and had arrived.

Save The Date by Morgan Matson (goodreads)

Legendary by Stephanie Garber (goodreads)

I have read both of these and they are both wonderful. Morgan's newest is perfect for the summer and beach reading. Stephanie's newest is magical and whimsical and such a great sequel. Be sure to look for both of my reviews that were posted on the blog.

Next up is something I was really excited to get. I had joined the My Favorite Murder fan cult and it comes with this awesome t-shirt and pin!

What bookish goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

True Crime Week - Podcasts For True Crime Fans

Podcasts have been the biggest addition to my media consumption this year and many of them have been true crime related. When figuring out the details of this theme week I knew I wanted to have a post about all of the true crime podcasts that I have been loving. This morphed into the idea of giving a list of the podcasts I think true crime fans should try.

There will be some obvious choices on here, but I hope people will discover some new ones as well. I am offering a list that is a mix of ones I have personally listened to and loved, and a few that I haven't gotten to just yet, but are on my list.

1. My Favorite Murder

I figure this one comes as no surprise. I am pretty much obsessed with this podcast. The two hosts, Karen and Georgia, immediately make you want to be best friends with them. The podcast offers up a relatable perspective on true crime, mental health, and self reflection. They infuse just the right amount of humour in each episode, and ensure that the victims of the horrific crimes they feature are treated with respect. They've also personally helped me embrace being imperfect by showing their own personal struggles. It's, as strange as it may sound, like a weekly therapy session.

2. Disgraceland 

This is one of the more unique true crime podcasts I've discovered. It blends a rock and roll vibe, impeccable research, and strong writing to create a podcast that fully engrosses you into the story being told. This is more storytelling than conversational and it quickly becomes addictive. It also manages to tell stories you're familiar with in a new way. It finds a unique element of the story to focus on which makes it feel fresh. The host also happens to posses one of the most amazing speaking voices I've ever heard. If you love true crime and music I highly recommend this one.

3. Hollywood And Crime

This podcast, which soon starts its third season, is all about the dark side of Hollywood. The first season focuses on the murder of Elizabeth Short, the second focuses on Charles Manson. The third, which hasn't officially been announced, seems to be focusing on the Wonderland murders. The podcast uses a storytelling format and is incredibly well produced. Every element is meticulous and the research they do shows in every episode.

4. Crime Writers On

This is a podcast for those wanting to keep up on all things hot in true crime. They discuss books, movies, TV shows, other podcasts (and much more) which offers up an never ending supply of recommendations to add to your growing list of things to read/watch/binge/etc. It is a fun way to keep up to date on all the true crime happenings in media  while also getting updates on high profile cases that are currently in the news. 

5. Serial

I am probably the only person who hasn't listened to this yet, but I am hoping to change that soon. 

6. Dirty John

This podcast came on my radar thanks to the television show that is currently in the works. Connie Britton and Eric Bana are set to star in the series, and I figure I should listen before it airs.

7. Someone Knows Something

This is, again, one I feel so many people have listened to already and I just very late in discovering it. I am hoping to get to this one soon. It's format is digging deep into a murder/disappearance over the course of an entire season of the podcast. 

I am, of course, always looking for more recommendations for new podcasts to add to my growing list. If there are any you feel I must check out please let me know in the comments. What podcasts are your favourite (both true crime and non)?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

TV/MOVIES

To All The Boys I Loved Before Movie Release Date

Jenny Han announced on her Twitter account that the Netflix movie for To All The Boys I've Loved Before has a release date. We'll be able to watch the adorableness while eating cookies on August 17th. It's a perfect movie for the summer and also seems a great fit for the streaming platform. I am so excited to watch it!

OTHER 

My Favorite Murder Fan Cult

I am, as most of you know, a huge fan of the My Favorite Murder podcast. They recently announced a 'fan cult' that you can sign up for. It includes all of the goodies mentioned below:

You can sign up by visiting their website. I have already joined the cult (and I am not calling my dad) and cannot wait to get my t-shirt and pin! I am currently looking into maybe going to the New York stop on their fall tour.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

A few things to share this week! Not much was released in terms of book news, but there are some equally exciting things to share.

TV/MOVIES

First Look At Sabrina and Harvey from The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Creator Roberto Aguirre Sacasa released (via his Twitter) the first image of the new Sabrina and Harvey from the Netflix show based off the comics titled The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. They are adorable and pretty perfect. I think I love Sabrina's entire outfit.

 Is it just me or does Ross Lynch have a very Dane Dehaan vibe in this photo? I might just be the lighting/angle of the photo but that's all I keep thinking. I wasn't sure about the darker hair, but it works. I am super excited for this show!

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights & Stranger Things

Every year Universal Studios unveils the pop culture properties that are to inspire their Halloween Horror Nights mazes and Stranger Things is the first one to be revealed.

Not going to lie, it immediately got me looking up flight prices in the month of October to Orlando. I am hoping I can make a trip happen (it'll depend on finding someone to go with) as I would love to experience this!

OTHER

My Birthday Cake

My birthday passed recently and I had the most amazing birthday cake! I loved it so much!

It's very on brand for me, and looked even better in person. It's incredible and tasted as good as it looked.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

I have a few fun things to share wtih you this week! I am getting so excited for fall 2018 book releases! It's going to be a great reading year!

BOOKS

Cover of What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (goodreads)

I have been waiting for a cover of this book pretty much from the moment it was announced. I was hoping for something cute and fitting of the synopsis and the cover does not disappoint. Entertainment Weekly recently revealed the cover and it is perfect!

There is lots of speculation as to whether this will have a rom-com style ending that Becky is known for, or the more heartbreaking ending that Adam is known for. I am excited to discover that when this book is released. 

OTHER

True Crime Podcast Enamel Pins (link) (link)

Most people who visit this blog are aware of my true crime obsession, and my love of My Favorite Murder. It's pretty much my favourite podcast and I love this adorable pin!

 
I have been wanting to start collecting more of these enamel pins and this is one I have to add to my collection.

Also high up on my list of pins to collect? This amazing one for the Disgraceland podcast!

 

These would both look amazing with my Bucky and Steve enamel pin I have up in my work cubicle!

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews)

Last one of these before 2018! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with their family!

Here are a few items that have made their way into my house in the last little bit. I am so excited about all of these and cannot wait to read these books in the new year.

First up is my gift from our Ottawa Blogette Secret Santa. Katie had me this year and she basically got me the most perfect gift ever. Love the My Favorite Murder bracelet so much!

The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule (goodreads)

Next is a book from Raincoast Books and one that I got at our Blogette Christmas. I am excited for both of these. Thank you to Raincoast Books for sending the new Brigid Kemmerer book!

More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer (goodreads)

Wilder by Rebecca Yarros (goodreads)

Lastly, I have a new Funko Pop that has joined my rapidly growing collection. This one is Jughead Jones from Riverdale (who happens to be my favourite character). I love that they included the pins on his beanie and the 'S' shirt! 

What books/bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Podcasts I Currently Love

I have mentioned in my Weekly Obsessions posts that I have recently become pretty obsessed with podcasts. They've pretty much changed my work day and have become something I look forward to each day.

I wanted to highlight a few of the podcasts that I've come to love, and hopefully get a few recommendations in return! I am going to need some for the inevitable time I catch up on the ones listed below.

My Favourite Murder (link)

This is really the show that got me into podcasts. I had heard almost everyone talking about how great this podcast is and how funny Karen and Georgia are. I expected a true crime podcast that would scare me and what I got was so much more. I can relate to Karen and Georgia a lot, and find this podcast rather therapeutic. It may sound strange, but it is 100 percent true. Their blend of humour and true crime hits all the right notes, and I love hope open both of them are about so many things in their lives. Come for the true crime but stay for the chemistry, laughs, and thought provoking insights. 

Hollywood And Crime (link)

This is more of a story format podcast in that they are unraveling a tale for the listener through multiple episodes. It's extremely well done, and will captivate you from the first episode. This first season is looking a deep look at the infamous Black Dahlia case by also looking at other murders that happened around the same time that could be linked. Their second season will wrap up their Black Dahlia series and they have already announced that they will focus on Charles Manson next. 

The Shipping Room Podcast (link)

If you're looking for something a lot lighter than those previously mentioned podcasts, I recommend this fun one! Tamar and Christine share two of loves - shipping and wine. It was inevitable that I would stumble across this podcast dedicated to all things shipping. If you're a TV shipper and are looking for a fun, inclusive space to talk about your favourite ships I recommend downloading a few episodes immediately. This podcast also had a high level of listener inclusion so it really seems like a community in a lot of ways.

Hey YA (link)

This podcast is VERY new as it only has one episode currently. It is, however, part of the Book Riot family and I enjoyed the first episode quite a bit. I am excited that there is a podcast focused on YA novels and am eager to see what others topics they'll feature. If you're wanting to try something that doesn't have a huge backlist of episodes to catch up on and you love YA be sure to check this one out!

36 Questions (link)

This last podcast is a musical told in three parts. It is the story description from the podcasts website is:

 'a couple attempts to bring their marriage back from the brink of divorce using 36 revealing questions designed to make strangers fall in love. '

It features Jonathan Groff and Jessie Shelton (both of whom have amazing voices) and is perhaps the most unique of the podcasts I have listened to. If you love musicals I consider it very much worth a listen. 

Are you into podcasts as well? Which ones do you listen to on a regular basis? Anything I should be listening to? Let me know in the comments. I am really excited to learn what everyone else is listening to so I can check them out!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Some fun things to share this week! I am on an Etsy kick and I keep adding things to my wishlist! It's a problem, but a good one to have.

TV/MOVIE

Ian and Mickey from Shameless

I have been binge watching Shamless and am completely obsessed with Ian and Mickey and their romance. It's a hot mess, like so much else on that show, but I hear it gets so good later on.

 
I have not gotten to the scene where this gif comes from but I am very excited to.

OTHER

Hollywood and Crime podcast (link)

I am so excited for this to come back for its second season which will wrap up their Black Dahlia series. I cannot wait to continue as the first season was so fascinating. They also revealed that they will next focus on Charles Manson. If you love true crime podcasts I recommend checking this one out. 

My Favorite Murder wineglass from CheyenneLeighDesigns Etsy Shop (link)

 I love wine and I love My Favorite Murder so it makes sense that I would LOVE this wine glass. I need it. I even love the colours used on this one and wouldn't change anything about it.

photo copyright belongs to CheyenneLeighDesigns Etsy shop owner

There are so many cute things in this shop that I recommend you check it out!

My Favorite Murder Buttons from HugsandShoves Etsy Shop (link)

These buttons are the cutest! I need them. I want them in pink (obviously). They are simple and yet so much fun! This Etsy shop has a bunch of other really cute things so be sure to check it out

photo copyright belongs to HugsandShoves Etsy shop owner

 This shop also offers free shipping which is amazing!

What are you obsessed with this week?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday

Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians out there!

I have a few fun things to share this week!

BOOK

Cover of Kasie West's Love, Life and the List (goodreads)

I love Kasie West's books and her covers are always super adorable. Her upcoming release is no exception. I mean, how cute is this cover?!

I love books where the main character makes lists so I am excited to get my hands on this one!

Cover of Kim Leggitt's Heart Of Ash (goodreads)

I enjoyed Kim Leggitt's Blood and Salt so much and have been counting down the days until the sequel would be released. The cover has finally been revealed ... 

I love that it matches the first enough that they will look pretty together on bookshelves, but different enough to not be a direct copy. I cannot wait to read this and hope it is sexy, and unsettling as the first was. 

OTHER

My Favorite Murder 

I have mentioned this podcast before, but I have binged the heck out of it recently and am even more obsessed. It is a must listen for fans of true crime. The two hosts blend the seriousness of the topic with some humour. I highly recommend it if you enjoy true crime.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

A few fun things were announced this week.

OTHER


Funko's San Diego Comic Con exclusive Pops

Pretty sure everyone is aware of my Funko addiction. This time of year is especially exciting as the San Diego Comic Con exclusives are announced. Plenty of them are shared with retailers such as EB Games and Hot Topic and will be obtainable for those not attending the convention.

Funko has announced a few waves at this point, and their television wave was the first that had a few Pops I was interested in pick up.

First up, in order to complete my Stranger Things collection ...

Steve! I love that they captured his hair perfectly. haha. If you've seen Stranger Things you'll recognize the scene this Pop is modeled after and I cannot wait to add him to my collection.

Next is probably the Mr Robot Pop I am MOST excited for ... 

It has the iconic mask, and Elliott's trademark black hoodie. This is a must get for my collection.

Funko will continue to announce exclusives for the rest of June (every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and  into early July. I am sure there will be others I want as well, especially when the Disney wave is announced.

My Favorite Murder bracelets from ilove2stamp's Etsy Shop (link)

I have be binge listening to the My Favorite Murder podcast. I have mentioned it before as part of my weekly roundup, but I have become so obsessed that I now want merchandise. I discovered this bracelet and I NEED it.

SSDGM (Stay Sexy Don't Get Murdered) is a motto and sign off that the hosts use and is something fans of the podcast have really embraced. This bracelet also has 'f*@k politeness' written on the inside which is another saying fans have embraced. I seriously LOVE this bracelet. It's something I would actually wear as well as it being a great piece of fandom swag.

Anna and the French Kiss inspired tea from The Tea Spot (link)

I discovered this tea at Book Expo and now really want to try some! The people behind Owlcrate were at Book Expo with a wheel full of prizes. One of the prizes on the wheel was this tea. I, sadly, did not win the tea but I did Google it as soon as I left and discovered that it is for sale on The Tea Spot's website. I have heard it is delicious and tastes like chocolate cherry goodness. Hoping to be able to try some in the near future and will report back.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

A small Weekly Obsessions post this week, but some pretty exciting things!

BOOKS

Being Bonnie by Jenni L Walsh (goodreads)

I have not yet read Becoming Bonnie but I was thrilled when the sequel was announced! I am excited to read it and will be reading Becoming Bonnie soon (probably this weekend) and am looking forward to continuing her story in this sequel!

Renegades by Marissa Meyer (goodreads)

Marissa Meyer is writing a super hero/super villain story! I cannot wait. This is going to be amazing! It is the first in a series about a school for those with super powers. It sounds incredible and I am excited to pre-order it as soon as it comes available.

TV/MOVIE

Big Little Lies

I very much enjoyed the pilot episode of Big Little Lies. I am hooked on the mystery and the three main cast (Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley) all deliver great performances so far. I am excited to watch the second episode this week and highly recommend it if you like sudsy murder mysteries.

OTHER

My Favorite Murder Podcast (link)

I stumbled upon this quirky podcast and immediately became obsessed. It won't be for everyone, but those who would be into it will be super into it. The hosts are hilarious and approach the topic in a very relatable way. It's a podcast about murder done through the female gaze and quite feminist. I highly recommend it if it sounds like something you would enjoy. I am currently making my way through all of the 'episodes' and I am honestly loving them.

Funko's Disney Subscription Box

Funko is known for having some pretty amazing subscription boxes for the Marvel, Star Wars, and DC fandoms. They have recently announced that they are launching a new subscription box specifically for Disney fanatics. They are calling it Disney Treasures and I am so excited.

The first theme is Pirates Cove and they've announced that the first Pop being included is Smee from Peter Pan! All the items in the box are exclusive to the box only and will offer at least one Pop figure in each box. You can learn more over at the Funko blog by reading the official announcement. You can also sign up for notifications about Disney Treasures and be one of the first to sign up for this when it goes live by visiting the Disney Treasures official site.

What are you obsessed with this week?