All the characters that you know and love from the series are back together in the new Downton Abbey movie! So, I had to gather all my favorite characters in real life for a watch party upon receiving my copy of the Downton Abbey DVD from Walmart (also available on Walmart.com).
The story in the movie picks up where the series from TV left off. And just like from before, the plot thickens around meals, at the dining table and over tea it seems! Since my favorite combo is a movie and food, I thought adding a food dish contest inspired off of the movie would be a fun addition to the watch party!
The rules were simple. My friends coming over for the Downton Abbey DVD watch party could choose to bring (and participate) in the contest. I created and pre-shared the score card, so that they could optimize their dish selection for the best chances. Other than that, you just had to bring over any sort of dish (app, side, dessert, etc) inspired by the Downton Abbey cast and time period.
Once everyone arrived, we first judged the looks of the dishes and then dug in! Our plates were full with all the British inspired goodness. It was fun to try some new dishes and everyone really got into the spirit over the excitement of the movie.
The scorecard:
We started with English cheese and crackers!
The contestants and their dishes:
We had such an awesome variety of dishes. In addition to the English cheese ;), we also had "downstairs" beef Wellington, cucumber tea sandwiches, lemon bean cake (made with actual cannelloni beans!), Dutches potatoes and berry scones.
And, I really loved all the food.
And after the movie, we finalized our votes and added it all up. We had a winner for each category and an overall winner.
The overall winner was my friend, Angela with her "downstairs" beef Wellington dish. They were really good! She went with the theme on downstairs vs. upstairs since they were made with ground beef instead of sirloin. ;)
But the real winner of the night? The Downton Abbey movie!
Head to Walmart and purchase the new release of Downton Abbey DVD today (and don't forget to pick this up for a gift!)
There is nothing that I love more about winter than layering on all the cozy pieces and cuddling up with a good book, warm drink and my family. I am a super homebody come cold months, and I'm definitely ok with that!
I've rounded up some of my personal favorite winter items and some that I have my eye one (most, if not all, are on a holiday sale of some sort, too!) to share with you for gift ideas for the friend that's always cold or to help you through winter. So whether you have to get out and about, or able to hunker down at home, these winter-friendly items will keep you warm one way or another. ;)
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1. The most popular sweatshirt during Cyber Monday (and still on sale!). I love the side slit that allow the sweatshirt to move with you more freely, and comes in tons of colors (though I'm loving this lavender).
2. Sherpa lined Doc Martens! I'm a 90s girl and wore Doc Martens in middle school/high school. It's so nostalgic to see them making a comeback, and I am really wanting a pair - this sherpa lined pair would be a winter dream!
3. Pink Coat (use code FLASH48 for 48% off now through end of day 12/7)- I love coats that are in fun colors (I mean, if you have to wear one)! This other pink coat is 50% off (price as marked).
4. Sherpa zip up is REVERSIBLE! You can flip the sherpa to be on the inside, which is brilliant and extra cozy!
5. Cozy sweatpants for laying around the house, but cute enough to slip out of the house in.
6. An oversized sweater that is super cozy and comfy - easy to dress up or down pending if you are staying in our going out, and easy to wear over leggings. This mock neck sweater for less is also a great option!
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1. Shaggy and soft pillows to cozy up your couch (my kids steal these, but the few times I've gotten to cuddle with mine, it's been glorious!).
So many gift guides, so little time. I just hand my kids the toy catalogs (Target is a long time fav, and this year, the Amazon sent a toy catalog) and let them circle away. I, of course, balance with things I think they need and would love, and they don't get everything (not even half!) of what they circle.
So instead of a gift guide, per se, I'm sharing what we're getting our kids in case it gives you any ideas for your own kids, nieces/nephews, grandkids, other kiddos in your lives!
For reference, my kids are in kindergarten and 2nd grade!
They are both (unbeknownst to them) wanting the following items:
My daughter, who is baby crazy and loves anything "so cute" is liking:
My son is pretty predictable with a few curve balls (a new love for cars):
And then a few things I throw in because they NEED them and will thank me later (like when their feet aren't cold):
I linked to all the lowest prices (so varies between Amazon and Target mostly). What are YOU getting for your kids?
