Entertainment

I’m guessing by now you can all tell that Halloween is my all-time favorite holiday. Between the creative costume ideas, the scary movies,  the fall weather and the pumpkin-flavored everything, what’s not to love?? Even if Halloween isn’t your favorite, you won’t be able to deny the cuteness and fun of the activities, recipes and crafts below.

15 Halloween Crafts, Recipes and Activities To Try Today

CRAFTS and SENSORY

Photo credit: I Hearts Arts n Crafts’

Fluffy Pumpkin Slime– This would be such a cute activity to try at a playdate or to give away as favors at a preschool class party. I love the idea of putting the slime in glass jars and then decorating them to look like jack-o-lanterns. I’d suggest sprinkling in some pumpkin pie spice which is a lot easier to find than the pumpkin scented oil the author suggests using.

Photo credit: Mom Dot

Spider Web Mason Jars- I love how simple these jars are, and how cheap they’d be to make. I’d recommend getting some glow-in-the-dark glue sticks to make these decorations even cooler.

Photo credit: The Inspiration Edit

Halloween Monster Rocks– This is a great craft for toddlers, and all you need are rocks, paint, glue and google eyes.

Photo credit: Million Ideas Club

Halloween Hand and Footprint Canvas Art– How flipping’ cute are these. I love all of these different options so you can choose the one you like the best, or you can make them all! All you need is paint, glitter, sticker letters, and googly eyes.

Photo Credit: Clare’s Little Tots

Witch’s Potion Sensory Bin– How cute is this? Toddlers and big kids alike will love playing with this cool witch’s brew! Find the water beads here. You can turn the clear water beads into different colors with food coloring. Clare from the blog Clare’s Little Tots also turns this into a fine motor activity by having the children use large tweezers to transfer the plastic insects and googly eyes into smaller pumpkin containers.

RECIPES

Photo credit: The Seasoned Mom

Jack-O-Lantern Mac and Cheese Cups– So cute and so simple! Plastic cups, a sharpie, blue box M&C and a cucumber stick stem make this fun Halloween lunch complete!

Photo credit: Delish

Ghost Pizza Bagels– 4 ingredients make this recipe another super simple, but adorable appetizer for everyone in your family! Seriously, who can resist a pizza bagel?

Photo Credit: I Knead To Eat

6 Ingredient Monster Cookies– Kids will have a great time mixing in the food coloring and choosing which eyeballs go on each cookie. Using white cake mix as a shortcut makes this recipe quick and easy.

Photo credit: Spaceships and Laser Beams

Crescent Roll Witch Hats– Anyone else find crescent rolls seriously addicting?  Well, this recipe adds two kind of cheeses and salami to them! Yum!

Photo credit: Two Sisters Crafting

Candy Corn Popcorn– I feel like candy corn is one of those love it or hate it foods. Everyone has that one friend who ate too much of it as a child, and can’t even look at it to this day. I had the same experience with those gummy peach rings, but that’s a story for another time. Anyway, this recipe would work even for those who don’t usually do candy corn because here it’s mixed with buttery, salty popcorn. I personally can’t resist a salty/sweet combo like this one.

GAMES and ACTIVITIES

Photo credit: Spirited Puddle Jumper

Halloween Ghost Bowling– White paper cups, a sharpie, an orange and the patience it takes to continually restack the cups, are all you need for this game that will keep toddlers busy for at least thirty minutes.

Photo credit: Anything for an M&M

Refrigerator Jack-O-Lantern– Create a pumpkin out of orange paper and cut out shapes for the eyes and mouth out of a sheet of black foam. Tape the pumpkin to your fridge and then stick the foam face shapes onto the pumpkin with magnetic tape or masking tape. Ask your child to make a happy pumpkin, a sad pumpkin or a surprised pumpkin. This is a great social emotional activity that teaches kids how our faces can convey what we’re feeling.

Photo credit: Teachers Pay Teachers

Monster Freeze Dance– Kids LOVE a freeze dance. All you need is some fun Halloween music. I love this playlist!

Photo credit: Celebrations.com

DIY Photo Booth– Hang up a plastic black or Halloween tablecloth and orange crepe paper to create a fun backdrop. Make your own photo props with wooden dowels and construction paper or purchase cheap props at The Dollar Tree. Funny glasses, headbands, necklaces and hats all make great props! Have a blast taking pictures of your cuties!

Photo credit: Teachers pay teachers

Halloween Party Scoot Game– Get kids moving with this fun party game. Game cards tell kids what to do from showing off their best scared face to walking like a zombie. The game template can be purchased for only $3.25 at teacherspayteachers.com, but you could also use the idea to make your own. All you need is some notecards and markers.

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Hey Richmond friends, check out these links for all the info on Halloween happenings in RVA during the next week!

Richmond Mom Halloween Guide 2018

Richmond Times Dispatch Halloween Guide: Kid-Friendly Events

Completely Kids Richmond’s Where to Find Trick or Treat Fun

Virginia.org’s Family Fun Calendar of Events– This site lists events happening all around Virginia. Check it out because there is nothing like a day trip to experience the fall foliage in our beautiful state!

Wishing you all a safe, fun-filled and festive Halloween!

♥ Erin

You don’t have to resign yourself to The Wiggles and Kidz Bop for the next 10 years! There are artists out there who make music designed for kids, but still mindful of their parents who may explode at any moment if they have to listen to Pink Fong’s Baby Shark one more damn time!!!

(Woah, shit just got real there for a minute…..sorry.)

Here’s a playlist filled with artists my kids love, and who I actually like. It’s too late for me, but I hope this list helps you avoid a Pink Fong induced meltdown.

Jack Johnson,  Curious George Soundtrack– I actually bought this before I had my 8 year old, and we’ve never stopped listening to it. It’s the same Jack Johnson you know and love. My favorites are the White Stripes cover We’re Going to Be Friends and the 3 R’s, a really cute song about recycling.

Koo Koo Kangeroo, Rad-trospective– These guys are hilarious and we love their weird and quirky songs like Rollin in the Minivan, Cat Party and Baby Crocodile. Be wary though, these songs will get stuck in your head.

Ziggy Marley, Family Time– If you love reggae like I do, I highly recommend this album. My kids and I have an especially great time dancing to the title track.

The Diggity Dudes, Presidential Physical Fitness Test– We were lucky enough to catch this dad band live at Willow Lawn’s Mommy and Me events 5 years ago. This album is full of silly lyrics and catchy tunes. Our favorite track is Sugar Coaster, which has a really great message about what too much sugar does to your body. You won’t be able to stop yourself from singing along.

Kira Wiley, Dance for the Sun, Yoga Songs for Kids– These mellow tunes are perfect for nap time or if you’re trying to get your little ones to sleep in the car. They are also great for teaching kids about mindfulness.

Walter Martin, We’re All Young Together– Walter Martin is the lead singer of the group The Walkmen. His children’s album is full of whimsical songs and beautiful melodies. I love the track, I-M-A-G-I-N-A-T-I-O-N, but the whole album is great.

Laurie Berkner, The Ultimate Laurie Berkner Band Collection– Laurie Berkner tells so many fun stories in this upbeat pop collection. Her songs are also extremely danceable and perfect for family dance parties.

They Might Be Giants, Here Come the ABCs or Here Comes Science– I have loved They Might Be Giants since early high school. Their songs are so fun. All of their children’s albums are awesome and educational.

Ask the Storybots– This is music from our favorite Netflix show. Every show begins with a question that the five bots, have to research and answer. These catchy songs are great for kids who ask a lot of questions.

The Barenaked Ladies, Snacktime!– Barenaked Ladies are another one of my favorite bands from high school. Their children’s album give you the same silly banter between Ed and Steve and lots of catchy pop tunes about topics kids can relate to.

Johnny Cash, The Johnny Cash Children’s Album– If you love classic country, you’ll love this Johnny Cash album. It’s kids songs done Cash style, darker and quirkier than traditional kids’ tunes, but still lots of fun.

Ozomatli Presents Ozmokidz– I love Ozomatli. Their funky music has a little bit of everything: latin, reggae, electronica, zydeco, rock. It’s hard music to pigeon-hole. Their music for kids is just as funky and weird and full of fun songs like, Moose on the Loose and Germs.

Peter Himmelman, My Best Friend is a Salamander– The songs on this album have clever and thoughtful lyrics that are great for kids and adults as well.

Caspar Babypants, This is Fun!– Remember the band, The Presidents of the United States of America? Who could forget their song, Peaches? Caspar Babypants is the kids’ tune singing alter ego of Chris Ballew, lead singer of the band. He has made a bunch of albums, but this is my favorite. The songs are as catchy as you remember the POTUSOA songs being!

Happy Listening!

♥ Erin

I try to limit screen time in my house as much as possible, especially for the threenager, but sometimes I need to do something really important, like take an uninterrupted 5-minute shower or hide in the pantry to eat Twizzlers.

At times like those, apps that can keep my kids entertained for more than five minutes are like gold! The following apps aren’t just entertaining, they are also educational and developmentally appropriate. Many of these apps say they are for ages 3 or 4 and up, but I’d definitely give them a try with younger ones. As soon as they show an interest, they can try these apps.

Little Fox Music Box- This sing-along app is super interactive and the fantastic animation really holds kids’ attention. They can also record themselves singing the three songs.

Skills Learned: Early music education, rhythm, memory

Tozzle– I LOVE how easy this puzzle app is for toddlers to use by themselves. It contains over 40 different puzzles that vary in difficulty so the app really grows with them. The puzzles also include fun sounds an animation. For example, the farm animal puzzle moos when you put the cow into the puzzle and quacks when you put in the duck. I’ve had this on my phone for 5 years and all three of my kids loved it.

Toca Kitchen– We’ve really enjoyed all of the Toca Boca apps in our house, but this is always a favorite. You can choose from four different people to feed. You choose the food from the refrigerator and then can chop, sautee and puree before you put the food back on the plate and feed your person. I love how the app has no direction so kids really have to play around with it to figure out how it works. The sounds effects when they are cooking and feeding the people are really cute.

Skills learned: Problem solving, early cooking education, imagination

Toca Hair Salon 3– Just like the kitchen app above, you choose from four people and then can cut, curl, color, and accessorize their hair. The new version also has fun beards you can choose from.

Skills learned: Problem solving, cause and effect, creativity

Draw and Tell by Duck Duck Moose– Duck Duck Moose is another developer that makes educational apps that we’ve loved for years. In Draw and Tell children can make up stories and illustrate them with different colors, stickers and animation. After they finish illustrating, they can record their own voices telling their stories.

Skills learned: Fine motor, storytelling

Starfall ABC– Starfall is an awesome website that my mom used when she taught kindergarten, but my son loved playing on it from the time he was 15 months old. The site is a member service and you pay a small amount each month to access all the content, but there are still a lot of things available on the site for non-members. The apps are just like the website. My favorite one for toddlers is their ABC app. You click on each letter and they give you three different pictures that start with that letter. All of the pictures include fun sounds and animation that make learning the alphabet fun.

Skills learned: Alphabet recognition, fine motor

TALU Town– Take a drive and meet your neighbors in this fun filled, interactive play set. TALU Town rewards exploration and reinforces the value of helping others. With surprises around every corner, your child is sure to enjoy their time in TALU Town.

Skills learned: Shapes and number recognition, matching, kindness

Endless Alphabet– The premise of this app is super simple. They give you a word that needs to be filled in, and you need to click and drag each letter to its place to complete the word. I love that when you drag each letter, it makes the letter’s sound. When kids finish the words they become animated. The animation is super adorable, and I love the vocabulary kids can learn from a young age when using this.

Skills learned: Alphabet recognition, letter sounds, vocabulary, fine motor

Happy Valley Friends– Meet new friends while playing 18 different educational games and 6 unique mini games. Learn shapes, letters, numbers, math, time and more in a friendly environment. This app is full of fun animation and surprises.

Skills learned: Letter, number and shape recognition, telling time, early math skills

Highlights Monster Day– I loved Highlights Magazine when I was a kid so it’s no surprise that their apps are all awesome. This is one of my favorites. Help your toddler learn about friendship, explore the world around them, and develop compassion, kindness and independence. Kids can choose a favorite monster buddy and care for him from morning till night: brush his big teeth, feed him bagels, help with his science experiment and play basketball. At the end of their buddy’s day, they can wash and feed him, and gently send him to bed.

Skills learned: Independence, friendship, kindness, compassion

Try one of these apps today and get a well-deserved moment of peace!

♥ Erin

Before I had three children, and the exhaustion that comes along with them, I was an avid reader. These days I can count on one hand the number of books I read in a year. Five pages in, you’ll usually find me passed out, or I may start awake when I drop the book that I was holding onto my face. If I’m going to get through a whole book in less than three months, it’s gotta hold my attention. Here’s a list of eighteen books that do just that.

18 Books You Won’t Want To Put Down:

The Dependents by Katharine Dion– When Gene’s wife of 49 years dies, it’s subtly revealed to him that she wasn’t as happy in the marriage as he thought she was. Why did she seem happiest when vacationing with their best friends Ed and Gayle? What secrets was she keeping? Throughout this beautifully-written and engrossing novel, Gene questions everything he thought he knew about his wife, his family and himself. This is Katherine Dion’s first book, but she writes like a master, answering questions on how to overcome grief and let go of the expectations that we project onto others. It’s so much more than a beach read.

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz– This murder mystery novel is so inventive because Horowitz actually writes himself into it as the loyal sidekick to Detective Inspector Hawthorne. The story begins with a woman walking into a funeral parlor to plan her own funeral. The woman is murdered six hours later. You won’t be able to stop reading this creepy and clever whodunnit.

The Lost Family by Jenna Blum– This heart-breaking book tells the story of Peter, a handsome chef at a Manhattan restaurant in the 1960s. Women from all over town come to his restaurant hoping to peak his interest, but he is consumed by grief over losing his wife and two daughters to Auschwitz. He can’t escape the guilt of surviving when they did not. Eventually he meets someone, falls in love again, and has another daughter, but, as we follow him over the next twenty years, he’s still haunted by memories and pain. Yes, this book will probably make you cry, but you’ll fall in love with the characters and remember them long after you finish reading. Jenna Blum also wrote the wonderful book, Those Who Save Us, another amazing read!

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang– This is an erotic romance with a twist. Stella is a workaholic economist with Asperger’s Syndrome. She’s very successful in her career, but inexperienced and awkward in the love department. Her family is very eager for grandchildren, but Stella doesn’t even know how to French kiss. She decides that the best thing to do is hire some professional help. Enter Michael, an escort earning money to pay his mother’s medical bill. The two form an unlikely partnership that slowly and hilariously morphs into more.

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones– This book, Oprah’s Book Club pick for 2018, is a powerful and important read. Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are two successful professionals excited to settle into their new lives together, but they are soon ripped apart when Roy is arrested for a crime that Celestial knows he didn’t commit. Celestial finds herself hopeless and unsure of what to do. She finds solace in her childhood friend, Andre. After five years, Roy’s conviction is overturned and he returns home to try to rekindle what he had with Celestial, but it isn’t as simple as he thought. This story is full of relatable characters, and important thoughts on race, class and family, a must-read.

What the Eyes Don’t See by Mona Hanna-Attisha– This riveting non-fictional story centers around it’s author, Dr. Mona, a Flint, Michigan pediatrician who proved that Flint’s kids were being exposed to lead in their drinking water, and that the government knew this and intentionally covered it up. She fought her own government to expose that truth to the world. This book reads like a scientific thriller, but every word of it is true. The story of a city coming together to fight for justice and a future for their children is  powerful and moving, and it makes you question what you thought you knew about the good ol’ USA.

Goodbye, Sweet Girl by Kelly Sundberg– Kelly Sundberg has written an incredibly honest and brave memoir about her decade long marriage and how it slowly transformed from a beautiful love story to a horribly abusive horror show. She’s open about her feelings of fear and anger, and also the love and compassion that she still felt for her husband. It’s such an accurate and open portrayal of why people stay in a relationship even when they know it’s slowing killing them. I know this story sounds bleak, but Sundberg writes in a way that lighters the subject somehow, while still touching us with understanding. This is a page-turner that may also have the power to save lives.

The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy– This book is utterly unputdownable! The May Mothers, a group of moms whose babies were born in the same month, get together for a moms night out one hot Fourth of July night. While they are out, one of their babies is taken from his crib. The book tells the story of the desperate search to find the him and the secrets revealed and friendships destroyed along the way. Right now it’s being made into a movie starring Kerry Washington.

A Man With One of Those Faces by Caimh McDonnell– This is the first book in a three part series of hysterically funny thrillers. Someone is trying to kill Paul Mulchrone. The first time it was a case of mistaken identity, but the second was no accident. Now, with the help of a nurse who fancies herself an expert detective and a violent rebel cop, he must solve one of the worst crimes that Ireland has ever seen.

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen–

If you enjoyed Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, you’ll love this book. I don’t want to give anything away with this one so I’m just going to leave you with this vague, but intriguing description from the book cover itself:

When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous ex-wife.
You will assume she is obsessed with her replacement – a beautiful, younger woman who is about to marry the man they both love.

Assume nothing.

Twisted and deliciously chilling, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen’s The Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of an enviable marriage – and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn– In this Hitchcock-esque thriller, Anna Fox, a recluse, living alone in her NYC home, passes time by spying on her neighbors. When a new family moves across the way, Anna sees something that she was not meant to see. What she sees will change her life forever and make her question everything. Nothing is what it appears to be in this twisty and gripping thriller.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng- Elena Richardson is a rule-follower. Rules keep her family safe and keep order in her world. Enter Mia and her daughter Pearl, tenants that move into a house that the Richardsons own. All of the Richardsons are drawn to the artistic and mysterious mother/daughter. When a family friend of the Richardsons tries to adopt a baby, a battle for custody follows that divides their small town in two, with Elena and Mia at the center and on opposing sides. Elena, angry at the way Mia has upended her orderly life, goes on a mission to find out what secrets the enigmatic woman has been keeping. This obsession will lead to some pretty devastating consequences.

Safekeeping by Jessamyn Hope- In 1994, Adam, a drug-addict from New York, travels to Israel to live on a kibbutz, a community similar to a co-op. Atoning for past sins, he has promised to deliver a sapphire brooch to a woman that his grandfather loved when he lived on the Kibbutz in the 1940s.  The woman proves difficult to find, but on his journey he meets many interesting characters, all hoping for another chance at redemption. This book tells an emotional story of second chances and family history, and reminds us that nothing in life is permanent.

11/22/63 by Stephen King- This futuristic thriller tells the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher turned time traveler who goes back in time to the 1950s to try and prevent the Kennedy assassination. It may seem far-fetched, but what follows is an engrossing, heart-pumping page-turner.

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover- This modern romance novel tells the story of Sydney, a college student who discovers that her perfect boyfriend has been cheating on her. Soon after she finds herself drawn to her mysterious and passionate neighbor, Ridge. Their sexy and obsessive love affair changes her in ways she never expected. Hoover’s writing style and character development really draws you in and gets you hooked from page one.

Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering– This tale of obsessive love centers on Lucy and Stephen and alternates between both points of view. Lucy is looking for a fresh start when she travels from the only home she’s ever known on Long Island to her small California college. Stephen is also eager to forget the past and a secret that could ruin his future. Their tale of addicting obsession leads to consequences that are more than they can handle. This witty and dark coming-of-age story is just perfect for a day at the beach.

Think of a Number by John Verdon– When threatening letters show up in people’s mailboxes, those people begin to die. The letters tell the readers to “Think of a number and see how well I know your secrets.” The recipients are shocked when the author of the letters has somehow read their minds correctly. Dave Gurney, a retired, but brilliant cop, is brought in to consult, but as his past rises up to ruin him, he’s not sure he can stop this mysterious and confusing killer. The characters in this book are not like those in your usual crime thrillers. They have depth and a realness you’ll recognize.

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate- This book is based on the real-life story of Georgia Tann, the director of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, who took poor children from their families, under the guise of providing them a better life, and sold them to wealthy parents in Memphis in the 1930’s and 1940’s. When her father doesn’t return right away from taking her mother to the hospital, Rill and her four siblings are taken by the orphanage. Rill fights to keep her brothers and sisters together. The book alternates between 1939 and the present day to Avery, a wealthy and successful South Carolina attorney. When Avery returns home because of her father’s sudden illness, a random encounter leads to questions she can’t answer and feelings she can’t seem to forget. What connects these two characters and how do you get over the feeling that you’re not where you belong.

I hope you all find the time to get in a good read or two this summer. Sometimes a little escape into a good book is exactly what you need.

Happy Reading!

♥ Erin

Ok, I promise I’ll stop with all the binge-watching posts….right after this one. I know that everyone is talking about The Handmaid’s Tale and This Is Us, both wonderful shows, but while you’re plotting to overthrow the establishment, and/or crying your eyes out, don’t forget to check out my favorite reasons to turn on Hulu:

Fargo (Drama/Thriller)– I really enjoyed the movie Fargo, so it took me a while to give this TV adaptation a chance. How could they do it better than the Coen Brothers?  Somehow though, the show’s creator, Noah Hawley, did the impossible. There have been three seasons, the first two are available on Hulu, and they each take place in a different time period, with an entirely different set of characters. They’re all similarly darkly hilarious, and full of the stuff that makes good television: interesting story lines, intriguing characters and strange plot twists.

Top of the Lake (NZ Drama/Thriller)– The always amazing Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men, The Handmaid’s Tale) stars as detective Robin Griffin in this haunting mystery/thriller. In Season 1, Detective Griffin is visiting home in New Zealand when a pregnant 12 year old girl goes missing. I just finished watching Season 2, and it was just as engrossing as the first.

Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple (British Mystery)– My husband started watching this show and, I’m not going to lie, I made fun of him. However, one night I forced myself to sit through one with him. From then on, I was hooked on this old-fashioned, clever English lady.

Broad City (Comedy)– This series, starring Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, follows the balls to the wall lives of two women living in New York City. You can’t help to laugh, and cringe, at their insane antics.

Arrested Development (Comedy)– This show follows the Bluth family, formerly wealthy and habitually dysfunctional. Jason Bateman leads an all-star cast. He plays Michael Bluth, the son trying to hold his crazy family together. It offers non-stop quirky fun!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Comedy)– This series revolves around Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), an immature but talented NYPD detective in Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct, who comes into immediate conflict with his new commanding officer, the serious and stern Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher). I have always been a big fan of Andy Samberg’s goofy style of humor and amazing pop culture references, but the entire crazy cast shines in this sometimes smart and sometimes silly comedy.

The Good Place (Comedy)– After she is struck by a collection of runaway shopping carts, pushed into traffic and run over by a truck, Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) is welcomed into the afterlife by Michael (Ted Danson), the facilitator and architect of Eleanor’s new neighborhood in a “perfect utopia” called “The Good Place”. When Michael tells Eleanor she made it into “The Good Place” as reward for her life of selfless devotion to helping others, she realizes she must have been mistaken for someone else. This show is light and really fun.

Now that I’m done, anyone have any shows I NEED to check out? I always love recommendations! Happy watching!

♥ Erin

We’re really in a golden age of television, are we not? There are so many great new shows coming out all the time. It’s actually amazing that we get anything done at all! With that being said, I give you more excuses to not leave your house! Here are my favorite shows available on Amazon Prime:

Bosch (Crime Drama)– I love actor Titus Welliver, (coolest name ever!), who plays the lead character, detective Harry Bosch in this dark, police drama.

Goliath (Crime Drama)– Billy Bob Thornton kind of seems like a creep in real life, but damn, is he a good actor! I love him as a down and out lawyer trying to do right in a very corrupt world. Maria Bello and William Hurt also star.

Poldark (Period Drama)– Set in 1780s Cornwall, Ross Poldark returns from the American War of Independence to find his father dead, his house in ruins and his sweetheart engaged to his cousin. It sounds depressing, but it’s a great story of a man getting his life back. Also, this particular man, played by Aidan Turner, is super hot!

Vikings (Period Drama/Action Adventure)-VIKINGS tells the tale of the raiding and trading of Norsemen in medieval Scandanavia. It may not sound exciting to those not that into medieval history, but the great battles, interesting relationships and really attractive characters make it a great show to watch!

Granchester (Period Crime Drama)– A detective drama set in 1950s England, in a small village of Granchester near Cambridge, sees Anglican priest Sidney Chambers forge an unlikely partnership with the local Detective Inspector Geordie Keating after one of the vicars parishioners dies in suspicious circumstances. The relationship between these two likable characters is the foundation for this charming and earnest series.

The Tunnel (British/French Crime Drama)-Two detectives — one from the U.K., one from France — must work together to track down a killer who is operating in both countries. Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones) and Clemence Poesy (Harry Potter) star as the two detectives who couldn’t be more different, but form an unlikely close pair.

The Kettering Incident (NZ Drama/Thriller)– When two girls disappear 15 years apart under identical circumstances, Dr Anna Macy (Elizabeth Debicki) discovers she is linked to both cases. To clear her name, Anna must delve into her past, face truths about herself and uncover the mysterious nature of the Tasmanian wilds. This series is strange and a bit haunting, but unforgettable.

Tin Star (British/Canadian Crime Drama)– Set in the majestic Canadian Rockies, Tin Star tells the story of Jim Worth (Tim Roth), a former British detective now small town police chief, who brings his family to the tiny town of Little Big Bear for a better life. When a vast new oil refinery opens nearby, Jim has to work hard to protect his family and the town from organized crime. Tin Star is an exhilaratingly smart, breathlessly suspenseful thrill ride of a show as deceit, guilt, love, and all-consuming rage lead inexorably to a gut-wrenching finale.

The Man in the High Castle (Drama/Sci Fi)-This show depicts an alternate version of life in the U.S. in the 1960s — if Nazi Germany and Japan had won WWII. It’s based on the novel by Phillip K. Dick, and it’s unlike anything else on television. I couldn’t stop watching it!

The Missing (British Drama/Thriller)-The Missing is a gripping dramatic thriller that goes inside the mind of a father, Tony Hughes, desperate to locate his lost son. With help from local police detective, Julien Baptiste, Tony embarks on an obsessive quest to find his son and those responsible for his disappearance. A gripping puzzle with twists and turns at every stage, Tony’s exhaustive search fractures his relationship with his wife, Emily, and threatens to destroy his life.

Mr. Robot (Thriller)– A computer programmer working for a cyber-security firm is recruited by a shadowy organization dedicated to the destruction of corporate America. This is another very unique and suspenseful show, and it marks the triumphant return to television of my high school crush, Christian Slater. Hubba, hubba!

The Americans (Spy Thriller)– Two KGB spies pose as an American married couple living in 1980s Washington, D.C. The spies are played by real-life couple Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, both great actors with fabulous chemistry on-screen. Though the show is already in its fifth season, it’s never gotten the ratings it deserves.

Catastrophe (Comedy)– Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan write and star in this comedy about a one-week stand between a Boston ad exec and a London schoolteacher that leads to an accidental pregnancy. When Rob moves to the UK to help figure things out, cultures clash and hormones flare as these two realize they don’t know the first thing about each other. One of the funniest and most realistic shows on modern relationships.

Hope you enjoy the new recommendations. Happy TV Watching!

♥ Erin