This & That 7/24: What to Watch, Read, & Buy

Plus, our fave shows and books of 2025...so far!

Jul 24, 2025

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We share new shows each week, but now that we’re into the second half of the year, we want to share our favorites of 2025 so far. Some are serious, some are just fun, and some are especially good husband/wife watching shows.
The Buccaneers, Series, Season 2, Apple TV. If you are a fan of Bridgerton and need a ‘fix’ of another British historical romance, then consider checking out The Buccaneers, about a group of American women who venture to London in the 1870s searching for adventure…and husbands.
A few great walks down memory lane are out right now!
- Jaws @ 50, Documentary, Disney+/Hulu. It’s been 50 years since this original blockbuster movie hit screens, and this is a fun tribute to the film that sparked a lasting fascination with the ocean's most misunderstood predator.
- Billy Joel: And So It Goes, TV Mini Series, Max. Showcases an extensive look at Billy Joel's life and music career, featuring exclusive interviews, performances, home movies, and personal photographs. Chrissie and her husband loved Part 1 and can’t wait for Part 2.
  
  See our FabList of all 2025 TV Shows/Movies we’ve recommended and our 2024 recs! Plus, here is the shortlist of our favorite 2024 shows/movies.

We also recommend many books and wanted to share a shortlist of our favorites so far this year. See our list here.
Twist by Colum McCann. I (Chrissie) was really enjoying the book, but then the ending left me less in love with it than I’d expected. It’s about an Irish author researching an article about the cables that carry internet data along the bottom of the sea, and how they are fixed when they break. This journey takes the author to the coast of West Africa, and the novel explores his relationship with the ship’s captain and his wife, as well as how their lives can unravel just as easily as the cables they are fixing.

See our FabList of books we’ve recommended this year and our complete 2024 book recs list. Plus, here is our shortlist of favorite books of 2024. Share with your book club!

If you're a fan of Augustinus Bader products or curious to try them, we were surprised to see that Quince is selling a variety of their most popular items. When you make a purchase, you receive a $25 credit for future Quince purchases. Given the price point, we hadn’t used the brand before, but Chrissie had a credit, tried the cult-favorite Rich Cream, and now understands the hype. It is SO rich and moisturizing. (InnBeauty’s Extreme Cream is still a good dupe at a fraction of the price.)
Protein Coffee or “Proffee” is trending! Jo first heard about it on Mel Robbins’ podcast, featuring guest Dr. Stacy Sims, who discussed how women should eat and exercise. She suggests Proffee in the morning for a quick and easy way to get 30 grams of protein. You can add protein powder to coffee, or you can buy a protein coffee powder mix, like Javvy. Jo just ordered this and will keep you posted!
Chrissie convinced Jo to start swimming, and she’s addicted. A few items she’s purchased and likes are:
- Tired of wrestling with those sticky swim caps? This Speedo cap is easy to put on and very comfortable.
- These swim goggles/mask keep all the water out and don’t leave really deep suction marks on your eyes!
- For open-water swimming, use this swim buoy to increase your visibility to lifeguards, boaters, surfers, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft. It’s easy to blow up and clip around your waist, and the swim bubble gently tows behind you without pulling you back or adding extra drag to your swim.
- If you want to listen to music, books, podcasts, etc., the Skokz headphones are the go-to for swimmers.
- And if you're getting serious about your swim workouts, try using hand paddles and fins, which increase your arm and leg work, respectively.