Are you looking for an evening or two or three filled with kindness, love, and feeling good? While it is fun to watch a good car chase or a super hero save the day, every now and then it is nice to relax and enjoy the simple side of life.

I have been thinking a lot about favorites lately. I was intrigued when Edi @Edi’s Crafting Life shared a challenge she was joining about the Gentle Art of Domesticity. The question was asked,” What are your favorite Domestic movies?”

Challenge accepted! Friday Favorites has begun– I have a lot of movies that I could recommend in many different genres. But because this blog is about the SWEETER side of life, I am happy to share with you my top 10 favorite shows and movies that are sure to make you feel good.

1. The Great British Bake Off-– I know, I know, you are saying, “What?! A baking show?!” Now before you stop reading and move to the next on the list, I PROMISE you will not be sorry if you take a few evenings to enjoy this beautiful, soft baking competition. The scenery is light and inviting, the contestants are kind to each other, and really, you can’t go wrong with beautiful, delicious food. You will find yourself saying things like “Scrummy” and “That’s a Nice Sponge!” With at least six seasons, you will have many SWEET evenings to “Get ready, Set, Bake!
2. Chocolat— Just as Mary Poppins is blown in by the wind to save the Banks family, a strange woman is blown into town and opens a chocolate patisserie. She helps to unite and heal the wounds of the local villagers with her SWEET confections. The French town scenery is quaint. The chocolate is mouth watering, not to mention the Johnny Depp eye candy! You will want to watch this one with a warm mug of hot cocoa sprinkled with just a pinch of cayenne pepper:). Yum!!
3. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day— This movie is set in post WWI England with the classy 1930-1940 cars and clothes. Miss Pettigrew is a poor, hungry older woman who “finds” employment with a beautiful, young, social starlight. She spends the day doing things only the rich and famous do, but she becomes the glue to save everyone she comes in contact with.The costumes, the scenery, the storyline , and the fantastic all-star cast are a MUST see. You will be delighted with Amy Adams and her always light, and fun character. There are many quotable lines from the movie, but my favorite is the unusual change of heart, “You know where you stand with an honest pair of socks.”
4. Defending Your Life— You can’t go wrong with Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep! They meet in heaven and each get the opportunity to look back and defend, or enjoy their life. This one isn’t domestic, but it is really very “feel good”In a place where you can eat as much of the most delicious food you have ever eaten and not gain weight, and where they leave cream filled swans on your pillow, you get exactly what you have become on earth. Enjoy each and every moment. Life is SWEET wherever you are!
5. Cranford— I love bonnets and long dresses. Cranford is a small town filled with widows who are supporting one another during hard times. The new young doctor is especially welcome and the hopeful suitor to all those looking for love. From baking, to sewing, to faking illness, there is always a way to get a young mans attention:)This is a 2 season series that I chanced upon by accident. I was surprised when I started laughing out loud by the town women’s “emergencies”. I will never look at a pretty piece of lace the same again:) Lol!
6. Quigley Down Under— Set in the old western times, a gorgeous Tom Sellec, sharp shooter from America, is brought to Australia to help control the “wild life” population. While this movie has it’s share of gun shooting and horse riding fun, it also touches the tender love of a mother’s heart. The mistakes we make can be forgiven and the love we give can heal all wounds. With all the emotion of “turning around and looking back one last time” and “my name is Matthew”, this movie is a sharp shot to the heart!
7. Arsenic and Old Lace-– It’s Halloween in Brooklyn back in the 1940’s. Carey Grant is getting married and his dear, SWEET aunts are taking in boarders. They are good at all things domestic, but they are especially good at making delicious elderberry wine.Don’t let the vintage age of this movie “scare” you off. As with all things of great value, they get better with time. This is a fun show to watch on a cold fall evening with someone you love:)
8. The Help— Set in the south when racial equality and rights were finally beginning to be addressed both politically and socially, this film focuses on the lives of the beautiful colored women who “helped” care for the households of the more fortunate white ladies of the community.From fried chicken, to DELICIOUS chocolate cream pie, these ladies care for those they serve. Along the way, we realize that prejudice takes many different forms from race to social standing. Dear Abby has nothing on these ladies!!
9. While You Were Sleeping— This movie is about the desire we all for the love of a good home and family. Sometimes we even fall in love with the family as much as we do the person we are dating.I loved the suburban home filled with Christmas presents and love. There is always the commotion of family getting involved in everyone else’s business and “the mashed potatoes are so creamy!”
10. Jane Austen– And last, but of course not least, is anything Jane Austen. From Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and my personal favorite Persuasion. Maybe I just really like Ciarán Hinds. He is such an unexpected leading man.This movie is about lost love rekindled. The kindness and caring of a sister who gives of herself even when it is hard, is worth emulating. I know the other Jane Austin films are more well known, but this one is a quiet treasure much like the leading character herself.

There you have it- 10 sure to please selections that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy and grateful for home. What do you think? Have I forgotten one of your favorites?

My husband laughed when I told him of my selections. He pointed out that I missed Downton Abbey and his favorite Everybody Loves Raymond. With so many to choose from I’m sure I missed some of yours too! Please comment and let me know. I’m always looking for that new binge worthy show or warm fuzzy movie.

Thanks for stopping by! Until next time,