Couch Potato Files Vol. 5

How is it nearly Thanksgiving?! 2024 ran away but can you blame it?! 

I’m ecstatic that our Arizona weather finally cooled off and it really feels like the holiday season. And, gold star for me because I started my Christmas shopping, too! The countdown is on. 

Alright, let’s get to it – here’s some good stuff for y’all. As always, if you want more, follow me on the Gram. 

Favorite Movies

Civil War – This movie came out in April but it’s as relevant as ever. It’s a PSA for everyone and a movie that even though it’s not classified as a horror, because it’s just a little too “real” to how our society feels and acts, is scary AF. It’s so good and so disturbing. Also, anything from the A24 studio is usually worth your time. You can likely find this across different streaming services and watch it with a drink or two. And, don’t forget to breathe. 

Wicked – Coming *very* soon (this week!) and I’m SO EXCITED for it. My daughter is a huge Ariana Grande fan so we’ve been planning our theater visit for A LONG time. She even dressed up as Glinda for Halloween. The Broadway show is one of my favorite productions so they have big shoes to fill but I predict the movie will be every bit as grand. How could it not?! There’s also something feel-good about the movie holiday season. Studios launch big blockbusters like during the summer where movie-goers are excited to be at the theater and experiencing some epic tales with a big group of fans…or is that just me? It’s really tough to top a movie on the big screen and music that rocks you sometimes out of your seat. Have I sold you on going to the movies this holiday season? I hope so. If not, thanks for coming to my TED Talk. 

Favorite TV Shows

Lioness – If you’re a fan of anything that Taylor Sheridan creates, this show is a must-watch. I think it’s actually my favorite of all his shows because of how accurate and raw it is. Zoe Saldana stars and there’s a whole host of other familiar and legendary cast members. It’s currently in its second season and worth signing up for Paramount+ to watch every week. It sometimes shows up on Paramount Network too if you have a cable plan and sometimes I see it show up on Peacock too. Really, really excellent.

Shrinking – A feel good show with a great cast and equally great writing. I’m old enough to know and remember that in the not-too-distant past big stars like Harrison Ford would have never joined the cast of a TV show. They just didn’t do that but now they’re all on the small screen and I’m here for it. This show is worth having an Apple TV subscription and fun fact, there’s hours AND hours of excellent shows on that platform. Some of the best shows available right now, period. 

Favorite Follows 

@erica_coffelt – Her videos are legendary, especially for a nostalgic fool like me. I discovered her from NKOTB and haven’t missed a video since.

Favorite Events

Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden – This is by-far my favorite annual holiday event. The garden comes to life after dark with awesome musical acts. The new Light Bloom art you’ll find throughout the garden is also an excellent bonus. The whole event is a great way to get a holiday pick-me-up and really get in the spirit. The on-site restaurant, Gertrude’s, is also so good! We typically enjoy dinner and then go right into the garden for the event as our annual tradition.

Holiday Pop-Up Bars – I love all the seasonal pop-up bars and there’s some really fun ones I’m looking forward to checking out.

36 Below is an awesome speakeasy that goes all out for the holidays. I went to their Halloween pop-up and it was fantastic. The posts I’ve seen so far for their Winter Wonderland look great too. 

50 Shades of Rose is another really fun bar with great food too. If their Bad Santa pop-up is anything like their Disney Tragic Kingdom Halloween pop-up, it’s going to be awesome. 

Floor 13 Rooftop Bar puts on a festive pop-up too in Downtown Phoenix as part of the national Miracle Bar group. Enjoy great views of the city, eats and drinks. 

Bitter and Twisted has a holiday tiki theme that’s a ton of fun. Their drinks are great and the decor is always awesome.

Be sure to make reservations at any of the above. Cheers!