My Favorite Things: April Edition
My Favorite Things” is a monthly segment where I share my personal and current favorites in seasonal products, health & beauty, food, decor, movies, TV, and more. Hope you enjoy these personal picks!
TV
Community – Seasons 1 & 2
Synopsis: When fast-talking lawyer Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) finds his degree has been revoked, he is forced to go back to school at Greendale Community College. Hoping to score points with a pretty coed, he invents a study group and invites her to join it. Imagine his surprise when she’s not the only one who shows up for help with Spanish from the “board-certified tutor” he proclaims himself to be. Though his command of the language is anything but good, the members continue to meet and end up learning a lot about themselves.
After the many recommendations from friends and co-workers, I was intrigued by this show. After binge watching two seasons I can say that the verdict is good. The first season is a bit slow at first, but once you get into the groove of the show and start learning more about the main characters, it’s a fun time! Though I didn’t go to community college I could definitely recognize some of the stereotypical students shown. It’s comedic, wild, and sometimes it gets a little crazy, but it’s full of heart!
Best Lover
Synopsis: The background is set in modern-day Korean entertainment industry. The story is about two top stars entering into a fake marriage with their own secret agendas, and through their efforts to defend their fake marriage in public, they learn about each other’s pains and weaknesses and eventually end up together.
Not the best drama I have seen, but it’s still very enjoyable. The immediate switch from Chinese and Korean in the dialogue caught me off guard at first, but I adjusted to it very fast. I sought out this drama because I love the “fake marriage” trope. It’s been done a thousand times, yet I never get tired of it at all! The acting was pretty good for the most part, some of the side characters were kinda bland, and the melodrama aspect wasn’t over the top which I appreciated.
One Day at a Time – Season 1
Synopsis; This Netflix-original comedy-drama is inspired by Norman Lear’s 1975 series of the same name. This time around, the series follows the life of Penelope, a newly single Army veteran, and her Cuban-American family, as they navigate the ups and downs of life. Now a nurse, Penelope is raising two strong-willed children. When faced with challenges, Penelope turns to her “old-school” mother, and her building manager, who has become an invaluable confidant. The series offers a contemporary take on what life looks like in both good and bad times, and how loved ones can help make it all worthwhile.
Love love love this show! It’s comedic, light-hearted, and tackles some serious issues such as immigration and mental illness. The cast is absolutely superb and Rita Moreno as the grandma cracks me up in every episode. Each episode has me laughing and the story line is very laid back as it follows a sitcom format. It’s diverse and inclusive, which I appreciate. On top of that the message of family is strong and despite their arguments they always stick together.
Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the City – Season 1
Synopsis: Six young men and women, all strangers, move into a house to spend the summer as cameras roll.
Looking for a way to practice my Japanese listening comprehension skills, I set out to watch Terrace House. Apparently this is a pretty big reality show in Japan, and after a hiatus of sorts, Netflix picked it back up again. Season one is set in this gorgeous house within Tokyo profiling the lives the six people in the house. Unlike similar shows here in the US, Terrace is low-drama and I was really invested in learning about these people’s lives and careers. It gets suspenseful and tense at times, but that just adds to the entertainment factor.
Movies
Coco
Synopsis: Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
Pixar has done it again! Another beautiful film with a strong narrative that’s full of heart and very lovable characters. I love the vivid colors used and the amazing animation pulls the viewer into Miguel’s story. I enjoyed how the explored the culture of Dia De Los Muertos and how the film pays tribute to Mexican culture. The soundtrack is wonderful, the story is heartwarming, and I like the theme of family mixed with a coming-of-age tale. I need a re-watch asap!
Kingsman: Golden Circle
Synopsis: With their headquarters destroyed and the world held hostage, members of Kingsman find new allies when they discover a spy organization in the United States known as Statesman. In an adventure that tests their strength and wits, the elite secret agents from both sides of the pond band together to battle a ruthless enemy and save the day, something that’s becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy.
Such a good sequel! Usually sequels can be a hit or miss, but this one is a must watch. It kept all of the solid elements that made its predecessor stand out among other secret spy movies. This one was a bit gorier than the first (just a heads up). I also loved the addition of notable actors, my favorite including the great Elton John. He stole the show and had me constantly cracking up. The action scene were great and the spy gadgets added to the entertainment factor.
Music
Good As Hell by Lizzo
This is definitely one of my new favorite motivational songs. When I’m feeling down or unmotivated this song helps me get back on track. It’s got a great message and it’s just an overall feel-good song.
Un Poco Loco from the Coco OST
I love the soundtrack of Coco so much! I’ve had it on repeat since I saw the movie. My favorite track from the OST is Un Poco Loco. It’s got a cheerful melody, the lyrics are fun, and the guitar is amazing!
Lo Siento by Super Junior feat. Leslie Grace
This is a killer group from Super Junior. I’m pretty sure it’s the first Spanish/Korean blended song that I’ve heard of. I’m a fan of Leslie so to see her collab with Suju was awesome. The cinematography of the MV really fits the melody of the song and I love the Latin beat.
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What are some of your favorite things in April? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 🙂
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I finished the Ann Leckie sci-fi trilogy which begins with Ancillary Justice in April. It’s been a long time since I was regularly reading sci-fi so the world-building in this one really threw me, but I ended up, three books later, just loving it. It was an April highlight for me for sure! I tried one episode of Terrace House but that probably wasn’t enough to really get into the rhythm of it. Well, one show is really not enough to know with anything, is it?!
Yeah definitely the first episode is slow-moving, but after that it picks up the pace. There are multiple seasons in different places, so there’s a lot to choose from to watch. I’m glad you were able to finish your trilogy!