Welcome to a new series on the blog where I’ll share what I’m reading/watching/listening to/doing/learning, etc. PRetty Into is a place where I can ramble about all the things monthly.
WATCHING
- Adam Sandler’s Netflix Special 100% Fresh: Hilarious. And the Chris Farley tribute was the best.
- HBO: As always, HBO is killin’ it in the original series department. Finished Succession a couple of months ago as well as My Brilliant Friend. Both are awesome and hook you in from the beginning. Speaking of HBO, also started True Detective. Was weary after season two with that disaster of a season, but bringing on Mahershala Ali was a smart move — he’s a fantastic actor (Green Book was great, too!) and it’s already sucked me in. Not getting the best reviews but I am a fan so far.
- Escape at Dannemora: Remember that story of the two criminals escaping from prison, Shawshank style? Well none other than Ben Stiller brought it to life for this Showtime limited series. Paul Dano and Benicio del Toro were amazing but Patricia Arquette stole the show. SO good! And quick — only seven episodes or so.
- HAMILTON: Need I say more? Hamilton came to Pittsburgh this month and I was lucky enough to snag a ticket. It lived up to all its hype and the music was just too good. I want to see it again because I feel like I missed a lot of lyrics the first time around.
READING
- “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine”: So good! Quick read and you really rooted for Eleanor and all her quirkiness. Excited for Reese Witherspoon to make this movie. She also produced Gone Girl and didn’t ruin the movie version, so I have high hopes. Also, I picture Emilia Clarke as Eleanor.
- “Sharp Objects”: Speaking of Gone Girl. Read this about 50 years late. It was just OK. Gone Girl was 100% better and this book was just morbid (it’s supposed to be, but I just didn’t like the story or main character.) I’m interested to watch the HBO limited series because Patricia Clarkson plays the mom and she’s fantastic, but anyone else SO over Amy Adams?
- The Pittsburgh Marathon blog: Shameless plug: I am an official 2019 blogger, but other than seeing me there a couple of times this season, there are guests posts from my fellow bloggers with practical tips to make the most of your running.
LEARNING
- In the spirit of the beginning of the year, I’ve been reading a lot of trends and predictions articles. Particularly liked this article on 2019 trends from PR News. While digital is going to be at the forefront, 2019 will be all about ethics and transparency. I liked this take from PRSA chair Anthony D’Angelo:
“For practitioners, I think [2019] will provide a new wave of examples showing how ethics and transparency will distinguish outstanding and successful professionals from charlatans. Ethical practice gives hope to our profession and to the organizations and publics we serve. While it’s always been important, ethical practice will gain a more prominent focus in 2019 and a competitive advantage for those who don’t waver from it.”
EATING
- For all my Pittsburgh peeps, went to Tessaro’s the other week after a long hiatus (maybe 10 years?) and it was just as good as I remember. GREAT burgers, draft list and cozy atmosphere. I am doing dry-ish January so only having a couple of drinks this month, and this was one of my “ish” nights!
- Another resurrected restaurant (and “ish” night) this month was Ruth’s Chris. Hadn’t been in probably seven years and we had a gift card to go before Hamilton. Still thinking about that juicy steak.
- Every winter I make Ina Garten’s meatloaf and we had it with mashed potatoes and green beans over the weekend. The perfect cozy meal for a cold day. Other highlight meals at home included taco night (always a favorite in our house) and making Martha Stewart’s grilled cheese for the first time, which was a game changer.
DOING
- More yoga (including a neat class where there was live music – a violin and harp!), lots of work, and hibernating. I don’t mind winter too much but I am ready for spring.
What have you read/cooked/watched/ate that I need to?
