My Favorite Things: January
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. I hope you enjoy these personal picks!
TV
Bodkin
A ragtag crew of podcasters sets out to investigate mysterious disappearances from decades earlier in a charming Irish town with dark, dreadful secrets.
I love a good mystery and Bodkin has all of the elements of thrilling story that is suspenseful and keeps the viewer guessing. It took some time for the main cast to grow on me, but they have great chemistry with each other even though they spend more time butting heads than working together. The cinematography is gorgeous and the small town setting gives the show an immersive viewing experience. It’s more of an offbeat dark humor show than a straight mystery, but that is what gives the show its special charm.
A Terrified Teacher At Ghoul School
Haruaki Abe is happy to finally fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher. That happiness is short-lived after he arrives at Hyakki Academy and finds out the school is full of monsters! Can Abe overcome his cowardice and get his supernatural students under control? Join the timid teacher and his bizarre class for a tale of ghoulish mischief and paranormal education.
It’s been a while since I’ve watched some new anime since life got in the way. I’ve been playing catch-up and am currently watching A Terrified Teacher At Ghoul School which is still airing. It’s a silly, no nonsense anime with a wacky premise. At it’s core it’s a school anime with paranormal elements, but the story and characters have a lot of heart. It’s fun to watch each episode and I never know what wacky shenanigans Abe and his students will get into.
Squid Game Season 1 & 2
Hundreds of cash-strapped contestants accept an invitation to compete in children’s games for a tempting prize, but the stakes are deadly.
I’m late to the bandwagon on this show even after so many friends recommended it to me when the first season was release. I definitely understand the hype after binge watching both seasons. The amazing cast and plot make it worth watching. There are many twists and turns making the show so thrilling at times that viewers are on the edge of their seats. The show has a strong message about capitalism and it’s dire effect on our society. It shows what people are willing to do in the name of survival. It displays the bitter truth of capitalism. I’m looking forward to Season 3 since Season 2 ended on such a heavy cliffhanger.
No Gain No Love
Money-minded marketing professional Son Hae-yeong arranges a fake wedding with convenience store employee Kim Ji-uk to avoid missing out on a promotion. Somewhere down the line, real feelings develop between them.
I was in the mood for a fluffy rom-rom of sorts so I dove into No Gain No Love headfirst. As a fan of the actress (in the leading role) Shin Min-a, I feel as she fits well this role. I’m almost done with this short drama (12 episodes totals) but I can honestly say even with the clichés and formulaic plot that this drama is a solid blend of comedy and romance. It has an overall light hearted tone to it that is consistent even with serious topics discussed within the show. The romance is cute and I love the silly chaotic moments within the show.
Glitter and Greed: The Lisa Frank Story
A nostalgic look at Lisa Frank Inc., the iconic ’90s brand that defined girlhood, exploring its psychedelic illustrations and the company’s hidden world.
Some years ago, I read an article about how the stationery brand that grew up with as a child wasn’t so magical at behind-the-scenes. This four episode docuseries does a great show of showing how the company got started, rose to fame, it’s downfall, and comeback of sorts. I left this series feeling disgusted by Frank and the horrible workplace conditions for its artists that helped the company grow and also creators that she took advantage of and stole from. It was an eye-opening documentary and I appreciated that the creators interviewed a variety of people that worked in the company and those acquainted with Frank herself.
Movies
One of Them Days
When her boyfriend takes her rent money, Alyssa and her roommate race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.
It’s been a while since I’ve been wanting to go to the theatres to see a comedy that didn’t feel like a “bro” movie. This movie was a wild, and fun ride from beginning to end. It’s a feel-good movie that doesn’t take itself to seriously and most of all it centers Black voices. SZA and Keke Palmer do a great job of feeding off each’s other energy on screen and playing the roles of two besties desperate to achieve their goals. The film offers a lot of cameos of familiar faces and lots of comedic moments that had that theatre laughing out loud.
Music
Strategy by TWICE (feat. Meghan Thee Stallion)
A solid collaboration between two of my favorite artists. Though this dance track definitely gives off a summer vibe, I think it’s perfect for any time you need a feel-good song. It’s catchy to sing along too, fun, and has memorable choreography!
What are some of your favorite things from January? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
