Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

RedHeads Lot 7 Shiraz, Australia. This full-bodied, rich red offers a 'smack of oak'. Best enjoyed in front of the fire or cosied up on the couch.

REMOTE

Armageddon. I have to admit... I hadn't watched this 1998 classic the whole way through until now. (Pretty shocking, isn't it?) Although I'm 18 years late, it was worth the wait. Even by today's standards - the effects are impressive, while the storyline and A-list acting keeps you on the edge of your seat (seeking light relief in a glass of red...). In a nutshell: Bruce Willis and his team of deep core drillers race against the clock to destroy an asteroid - the size of Texas - that's heading straight towards Earth. Just your average day in Hollywood.

One of the movie's most memorable scenes is an inspirational Presidential speech (a scene most common in 90s classics!). "I address you tonight, not as the President of the United States, not as the leader of a country, but as a citizen of humanity":

Fancy another inspirational speech from a movie President? Take the stage Bill Pullman.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

vino

Brangelina's Miraval rosé, Côtes de Provence. The Hollywood power couple bought the French wine making estate (Chateau Miraval) in 2012 for £35m, making it their wedding venue in 2014. After enlisting the expertise of famous winemaker Marc Perrin, 2015 saw the launch of Miraval rosé to the high street, which received rave reviews from critics.

Papa B and I discovered this blushing bottle during a pre-wedding trip to Calais last year, bringing back a couple of cases for our wedding Sunday. Every so often I open a bottle and am reminded of very happy days. If you spot a bottle, definitely give it a try. (Bravo Brangelina.)

remote

The Pelican brief. If you love 90s Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington movies - this is for you. Great plot, impeccable acting and a hell of a lot of running from the bad guys:

If you love films from the 90s, you'll love this.

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Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Hangin' Snakes 2012 Shiraz Viognier, Barossa Valley, Australia. This red made an appearance at our wedding - every now and again we treat ourselves to a bottle. Bright purple in colour, its taste is like 'sweet fruited summer berries... with white pepper, herbs and a hint of stone fruit.' It's one of the nicest reds we've ever had.

REMOTE

Scandal. - A US drama / thriller series about a former White House Communications Director (Olivia Pope) who starts her own crisis management firm. Starring Kerry Washington as Pope and Tony Goldwyn as President Fitzgerald Grant, the series begins with the ultimate scandal: the pair are embroiled in a passionate love affair (Grant is married). Now on series 5, every episode presents Pope with problems to fix, usually on behalf of high powered politicians or friends who need a favour. Offering a mix of murder, love triangles and politics - it's definitely one to switch on when you want to switch off. The best bit? That no matter how her day goes, Pope always manages to find time to enjoy a glass of red wine on her sofa (now what sort of person would do a thing like that?...).

Scandal airs on abc in the US, Sky Living in the UK.

Love political dramas? You'll love Frost/Nixon.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Kelly Country Shiraz 2014 - A rich red from Victoria, Australia. Its spicy blackberry taste makes it a great option for a movie night in during winter.

REMOTE

Frost/Nixon. - A historical drama based on their famous interviews in 1977. Directed by the legendary Ron Howard, you quickly realise why it was nominated for 5 Academy Awards in 2009. Starring Michael Sheen as British TV broadcaster David Frost and Frank Langella as Richard Nixon, the film culminates with Frost coaxing out an official apology from the former US President following Watergate: "I let the American people down. And I'm going to have to carry that burden with me for the rest of my life":

An extract from the original interview in 1977:

Well worth a watch with a glass of rouge. 

What movies can you watch over and over again from the comfort of your sofa? Join in the conversation over on Twitter.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Albastrele Chardonnay 2013 - A 'rich and well balanced' white from Moldova.  Apple and creamy peach aromas combined with citrus and apricot tastes make this vino a wine rack regular.

REMOTE

Modern Family. - The best TV comedy series to be exported from the US since Friends. It follows three very different families, who are related via The Pritchetts - Jay and his adult children - Claire and Mitchell. Its wit and characterisation means there's no need for dramatic storylines, so you simply sit back and frequently chuckle at Phil's optimistic projects or Cam's "How could you, Mitchell!?'-s. Each episode is perfectly timed at approximately 22 mins, so it makes great viewing for short-lived weeknights (or you could just watch a whole series back-to-back at the weekend with friends, chip & dip).

Phil Dunphy (Claire's husband) is one of my favourite characters. He is always trying to be a 'cool dad' by coming up with new inventions such as the HeadScratcher, by devoting his entire weekend to making a duck farm, as well as accepting pizza delivery in his pants and socks. This one's for you Phil:

For more night-in inspiration, check out my living room Pinterest board for the best cosy throws, footstools and fairylights.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Rainha do Mar Fernao Pires 2014 - a crisp, dry, Portuguese white with a 'long aromatic finish'.
Its name translates as 'Queen of the Sea' and is ideally suited to seafood. (I personally enjoyed it on its own watching cake!)

REMOTE

The Great British Bake Off final (BBC One). What a series this year - from Paul's Lion Bread to winner Nadiya's chocolate peacock. I can't believe how these amateur bakers know so much about baking. It's incredible. As the final received the biggest TV audience of the year (13 MILLION viewers!) it's likely you'll have seen it already so to keep things interesting, here's Nadiya being reunited with the cookery teacher who inspired her at school:

Love all things Bake Off? Check out my attempt at Mary Berry's Christmas cake.

 

Vino. Couch. Remote.

VINO

Gran Hacienda Reserva, Sauvignon Blanc 2014 - A crisp Chilean white with fruity aromas of citrus blossoms and peaches, balanced with 'herbaceous undertones'.

REMOTE

The Knick (Sky Atlantic) - a medical drama set in the 1900s starring Clive Owen. Centred around Dr John W Thackery (Owen) and his team at New York's Knickerbocker Hospital. Bear with the first couple of episodes as you'll soon get addicted. It has many dark moments and as you can guess - lots of bloody surgery scenes! Best enjoyed with wine - not food... 

No matter what you're watching, comfort is key. Take a look at some of the cosy-looking living rooms I've been pinning on Pinterest - all you need is the big 4: couch, cushion, throw, vino.

Vino. Couch. Remote.

Vino

Di Cavallo, Sangiovese Rubicone 2013 - A full-bodied Italian red with ripe cherry and strawberry aromas.

Remote

Finally, 19 years after its release, I watched Independence Day!  Impeccable acting from Bill Pullman, Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum - loved their characters. My favourite scene: "We're fighting for our right to live":

I've recently discovered: Independence Day: Resurgence will be out in 2016 - and both Pullman and Goldblum will be starring! Liam Hemsworth also joins the cast. If this latest VCR evening is anything to go by, I vow not to wait double decades until I watch this one.