Each week we cut through the noise to bring you smart, practical recommendations on how to live better – from what is worth buying to the tools, habits and ideas that actually last.

If there’s one thing I learned from working on Do not disturb, our series where we share ideas for living more mindfully, it’s that not all screen time is created equal.

When I watch a movie at the cinema, I’m captivated by the magic happening on screen, providing me with a much-needed break from scrolling. When I watch a film at home, I find myself fiddling with my phone and getting distracted every five minutes. Heading into Oscars weekend, I have some movies to catch up on, and I can’t go to the theater for all of them.

Since I can’t install a personal screening room with leather chairs, a fancy projector, and the smell of buttery popcorn, I turned to fellow cinephile Amanda Dobbins, who co-hosts the popular film podcast Big Picture, for advice on a better viewing experience. Below are her pro-tips for watching Oscar-nominated – or any – films with intention.

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Minimize distractions

Just because your movie doesn’t open with a PSA from a Hollywood celebrity telling you not to text during the show doesn’t mean you shouldn’t silence your cell phone.

“It’s really obvious, but put your phone away,” Dobbins said. Stick it in a drawer or another room. “We’re so used to second screening with so much of what we watch at home. If you’re like me, you have Apple Pay activated, and suddenly you’re buying something you forgot on Amazon.”

Study the tape

Rewatching the same films again and again (I’ve seen Scream more than 10 times) isn’t the character flaw I thought it was.

“If you want to know how something works (like cinematography) or you want to notice something that you hadn’t before, looking at a film over and over again, like you would a painting or a photograph, is useful,” Dobbins said.

Commit to one sitting

Dobbins told me that when watching at home, don’t stretch out a single movie over multiple days. Finishing a movie in one go mimics the viewing experience you’d get at the cinema.

“I try not to start one night and finish the next. That usually means I do it after dinner and my kids’ bedtime, when I know I’m going to have a couple hours interrupted.” (Thankfully, she said bathroom breaks are permitted.)

Create a theater-like atmosphere

This doesn’t require a huge investment. Dobbins’ humble at-home movie setup doesn’t involve a projector or sound system. Instead, she opts to watch on the biggest screen available, rather than on her laptop (guilty), and at night, “so that I don’t have to worry about lighting”.

And like at the movie theater, Dobbins follows the golden rule of silence: “Don’t be the person who’s asking questions about what’s happening on screen,” she said.

Extra credit: a movie subscription service for film nerds

To achieve a knowledge of classic movies to rival that of a “film bro”, Dobbins recommended subscribing to the Criterion Collection, a publishing company and streamer with a selection of iconic movies from all over the world.

“They do a tremendous amount of curation. You can decide your areas of interest. Do you want to do 30s and 40s Hollywood musicals? Do you want to go by movie star? They’ll have a lot of different options,” she said.

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In my pantry: movie snacks

Looking for a popcorn upgrade? I recently tried this trendy brand, which has prebiotic fiber and tinier kernels that the brand says are less likely to get stuck in your teeth and gums.

Cob popcorn

$35.99 for pack of 12 at Cob

I also adore Lesser Evil’s popcorn, which I’ll be serving at my upcoming Oscars watch party.

Lesser Evil popcorn

$16.49 for pack of 12 at Amazon

If you have more of a sweet tooth, I recommend trying the Filter’s favorite chocolate bars, which we determined through a blind taste test with 10 participants. Of our winning chocolate, one volunteer said simply: “What a treat.”

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Home cooking upgrades: Field egg pan

Looking for a pan with the lightweight feel of a non-stick, but with the durability of a cast-iron? We recently tested out a newly released cast-iron pan that is so light, it left Filter US commissioning editor Karen Yuan wondering “if the box was empty when I grabbed it from my apartment package room”.

Yuan put the Field Company’s new lightweight cast-iron skillet to the test, cracking eggs, cooking chicken thighs, and even whipping up an impressive Dutch baby pancake before coming to a verdict: “The No 5 is a particular joy to use.”

Field No 5 Pan

$125 at Field Company

Read the full review: Field Company’s new No 5 chef skillet fixes everything I hated about cast iron

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Deals to know: sleep week

Sleep week is not technically a federal holiday, but it is a time to snag some pretty great deals. From 8-15 March, many brands are holding sales on their sleep products, including pricier items such as mattresses and comforters.

We rounded up our favorite deals based on recommendations from Filter US contributors and sleep experts, including a cult favorite pillow and this sleep-expert-approved mattress that’s currently on sale for 25% off through Sunday.

Coop Original Adjustable Pillow

Now $71.20, originally $89 at Coop

Helix Dusk Mattress

Now $999, originally $1,332 at Helix

Discover our favorite sleep deals: A perfect pillow, a ‘bargain’ Ikea mattress and more: the best sleep products on sale right now

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Spring hobbies: pickleball starter pack

If you want to learn more about what everyone loves so much about pickleball, we rounded up our favorite gear to get you started, including an under-$100 pair of sneakers and a colorful paddle recommended by a Canadian National Pickleball League champion.

“Pickleball is simply a great way to explore a thriving and growing community of all ages,” a pickleball coach told our writer. “It’s an awesome way to meet people and engage in healthy activity.”

Wilson Pickle Pro Sneakers

$73.50 at Wilson $88 at Amazon

Joola Journey Pickleball Paddle

$44.98 at Amazon $47.99 at Amazon

Build your Pickleball starter kit: The best beginner pickleball gear, according to pros

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In our closets: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s 90s staples

Since the release of Love Story, a series about the relationship between John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette, certain corners of the internet have been ravenous to learn how to achieve her minimalist style. It’s impossible to open TikTok without seeing someone donning a white button-down shirt and tiny black sunglasses.

But after speaking to a stylist, we learned that getting the stripped-down 90s look is less about copying Bessette Kennedy’s outfits and more about focusing on basics that will last for years.

Read the story: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style, decoded: a stylist shares the secrets of the 90s minimalist wardrobe