January is a tough month but it is also nice to nest and regroup after the holidays. I am not a dry January person but I definitely stay in more and like to catch up on all the books and films I didn’t have time to watch in December. I like having more time to cook given less social and professional obligations which is really nice. Here are a few things to watch, read, make and buy this month – it will be Spring Break before you know it.
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Meryl Gordon has a new biography out about “Washington’s Most Famous Hostess”, Perle Mesta. I pre-ordered it on Amazon and can’t wait to read it. It is out now and available for purchase on Amazon.
“In this intensely researched biography, author Meryl Gordon chronicles Perle’s lavish life and society adventures in Newport, Manhattan and Washington, while highlighting her important, but nearly forgotten contribution to American politics and the feminist movement.”
A deeply researched biography of the socialite, political hostess, activist and United States envoy to Luxembourg, Perle Mesta, from New York Times bestselling author Meryl Gordon.
“Perle Mesta was a force to be reckoned with. In her heyday, this wealthy globe-trotting Washington widow was one of the most famous women in America, garnering as much media attention as Eleanor Roosevelt. Renowned for her world-class parties featuring politicians and celebrities, she was very close to three presidents–Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower and Lyndon Johnson. Truman named her as the first female envoy to Luxembourg, which inspired the hit musical based on Perle’s life – “Call Me Madam” – which starred Ethel Merman, ran on Broadway for two years and later became a movie. A pioneering supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, she was a prodigious Democratic fundraiser and rescued Harry Truman’s financially flailing 1948 campaign.”
Gordon also wrote the wonderful (but sad) book about New York socialite and philanthropist Brook Astor called Mrs. Astor Regrets. I could not put it down.
Season 5 of All Creatures Great and Small, one of the sweetest and most heart warming shows on PBS, premieres on January 12. Sometimes I feel a tiny bit embarrassed and nerdy about how much I love my shows on PBS but then I came across Nancy Myers’ post below on Instagram recently about this show and I feel validated. My mom and I been mega fans since Day one.
For a full list of all my PBS recommendations – click here.
“James Herriot’s adventures as a veterinarian in the 1930’s Yorkshire Dales get a glorious new adaptation in a TV series based on his internationally celebrated books. Nicholas Ralph makes his television debut as the iconic vet who became renowned for his inspiring humor, compassion for his animal patients, and love of life. With plenty of heart, a picturesque setting, and a cast that utterly charms, the show delivers drama both comforting and entertaining.” -Masterpiece Theatre
And if you haven’t been watching Black Doves on Netflix, you’re missing out. I won’t give it away but it has assassins, espionage, and best of all it is based in London during Christmas. I read a great article in the New Yorker about the show recently about how yes, it is all about all of those things, but mainly it is about friendship. I love that. Assassins need friends too.
I recently watched the movie Conclave, based on the book of the same name, which is about the organization of a papal conclave to elect a new pope and it was excellent. So many films are disappointing these days (with apologies to the Wicked fans) that I really have to be convinced that it is worthwhile to rent them or invest any time at all, but this film was really good. There’s beautiful imagery of The Vatican and all the cardinals in their robes and papal attire. One of my favorite scenes is one where they are all holding umbrellas – if you watch it you will know what I am talking about. The ending is weird but most quality films are. Plus the casting is amazing – Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini who steals the show.
GOOP GLOW HAIR SERUM – I am not a big Goop junkie but I do love this hair serum. You apply it on dry hair and then shampoo and condition your hair like normal and the end result is very soft and silky hair. I love this stuff.
If you are in the market for a new tote bag, grab this perfect one from Anine Bing. Love the winter white color for January.
One-Pot Chicken and Rice With Caramelized Lemon – from the New York Times most popular recipes of 2024 with 5 out of 5 star rating, “This simple one-pot chicken and rice dish is topped with caramelized lemon slices that add sweet flavor and texture. Thin slices of lemon are cooked in chicken fat and oil until their pulp dissolves, their pith sweetens and their rind softens to the point of being edible. Briny Castelvetrano olives and herby dried oregano are wrapped up in creamy rice and topped with juicy chicken thighs. Fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top before serving add brightness and crunch.
I made this the other night and it was absolutely delicious. My lemon loving 12 year old said it was the best thing he’s ever tasted. It took about 45 minutes and was well worth it. If you’re not an olive person you can omit those but I used the kalamata olives rather than the green ones and they were amazing with the lemons and the rice.
If you live in or near New York City, please let me live vicariously through you and go see this new show on Broadway at the Hudson Theatre that is running for 10 weeks only called ALL IN. I have a friend who has seen it three times and says it is absolutely hilarious. It is a comedy about love with a rotating cast of “some of the funniest people on the planet”. Playing now and the last show is on February 8!
And so is ALL IN: COMEDY ABOUT LOVE, a series of hilarious short stories about dating, heartbreak, marriage and that sort of thing— written by Simon Rich (Saturday Night Live, The New Yorker) — and read live by some of the funniest people on the planet, with different groups of four taking the stage each week. Directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers (Oh, Hello) and produced by Seaview and Lorne Michaels, ALL IN features songs composed by Stephin Merritt of The Magnetic Fields performed by real-life husband and wife duo, The Bengsons. It’s everything you want in a night out – laughter, romance, live music and people you recognize from television – ALL IN 90 unforgettable minutes.
-ALL IN
The Lake Heart Pajamas – The best pajama combo is long sleeve top and shorts but they are surprisingly hard to find.
My favorite suitcase made by Kipling – I bought this suitcase at an airport years ago when mine broke mid-travel and I can honestly say it is the best suitcase I have ever owned. It fits SO much stuff as a small carry-on that I rarely have to check. The top is soft so you can shove everything inside and still get it to close. Mine finally broke after six years recently and I immediately bought a new one because no other suitcase comes close to this one. It is also durable, super easy to roll and affordable (only $131 on Amazon right now).
