My Favorite Things: February
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
Dark Winds
“Dark Winds” follows Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee, and Bernadette Manuelito of the Navajo Tribal Police solving mysteries and serving justice as their reservation is besieged by a series of increasingly violent crimes in the 1970s. Every mystery uncovers old wounds that run deep, not only in their own lives, but in the collective past of the community they serve. Each step closer to the truth forces the officers to confront their own personal demons, family trauma, and evil forces that threaten the uneasy balance of reservation life.
I love a good thriller show and this series delivers. I’m not even halfway through Season One and I’ve been instantly hooked on the plot, suspense, and characters. If I had to describe this show it would be a mixture of procedural police drama, supernaturally charged, and a Western feel all set in the 1970s. I love the tension that builds with each episode and how it portrays rich Native American heritage and culture.
Skip and Loafer
This country girl is ready for the big city! Well, at least she thought she was. Mitsumi’s dream is to attend a prestigious school and make the world a better place. But when she finally gets to Tokyo, it turns out she isn’t exactly prepared for city life. Luckily, she runs into Shima, a sweet and handsome classmate who becomes her first friend! Can she make it in Tokyo with Shima by her side?
This anime has on my watch-list for a while and it the comfy kind of anime that leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling. I like the slice of life school story mixed with a little bit of romance. The characters feel very developed and realistic making the viewers connect with the story. Each episode truly puts a smile on my face and I love the friendships depicted in the story. Mitsumi is now one of my favorite anime protagonists. I’ll be sad when I finish this series as it has a short episode run (12 episodes totals).
Movies
Love Hurts
Marvin is a Milwaukee realtor who receives a crimson envelope from Rose, a former partner-in-crime whom he left for dead. He now finds himself thrust back into a world of ruthless hit men and double-crosses that turn his open houses into deadly war zones. Hunted by his brother, a volatile crime lord, Marvin must confront the choices that haunt him and the history he never truly buried.
If you’re looking a corny Valentine’s Day movie mixed with action-packed scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat this film is it! Ke Hey Quan was amazing as the lead in this role. I’ve only watched him as a child in The Goonies so it was cool to see his fighting skills in action on the big screen. I appreciated that the film was suspenseful while also making me laugh out loud at the goofy bits. It’s a blend of unique visuals and oddball comedy!
I Want You Back
Peter and Emma are total strangers. When they meet, they realize they were both dumped on the same weekend. Their commiseration turns into a mission when they see that each of their ex-partners have happily moved on to new romances.
I love Jenny Slate and Charlie Day, so when I saw they were starring in this film, I knew it was going to be an entertaining movie. This rom-com had me laughing non-stop from beginning to end. The cast has great chemistry, one-liners, and story full of wacky antics that keep the viewers engrossed in the film. While the movie starts out formulaic, it deviates from the some of the typical rom-com tropes and the story feels fresh. A recommended watch for a movie night!
The Long Walk Home
Odessa Carter needs to get to work as a nanny in the home of the affluent Miriam Thompson, but she refuses to take the bus. Odessa is participating in the Montgomery bus boycott, protesting against the inequality between blacks and whites, so Miriam decides to offer Odessa a ride to work every day. Though the community and Miriam’s husband insist she not get involved, the relationship between Miriam and Odessa has already changed for the better.
I think this is an important film to watch and it also reminds of how far we’ve come and the progress that needs to be made (especially in the current climate). The film follows a fictional story of The Montgomery bus boycott, starting with Rosa Parks refusal to give up her seat on the segregated bus system. It takes real stories from protesters giving the film a personal touch. It’s an emotional and heartfelt film about a piece of history that should never be forgotten.
Music
Denial is a River by Doechii
Doechii is a rapper that has been on my radar for the last couple of years and her newest album was a banger! I’m so happy she won a Grammy and it was so well-deserved. Denial is a River is catchy, fun, and lyrical in the best way. It feels honest and I enjoyed the track’s blend of humor and introspection.
Believe In Ya by T-Pain, Yaeji, Girl Talk
This track dance is positive and uplifting! I think it’s a great collaboration between the three artists. I like the fact that the melody blends a retro sound with modern elements. It’s a track that instantly gets me moving.
What are some of your favorite things from February? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
