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. Hope you enjoy these personal picks!

---

TV

Gentified

Synopsis: In Los Angeles, three Mexican-American cousins chase the American Dream, even while that dream threatens the things they hold most dear, including their neighborhood, their immigrant grandfather and the family-owned taco shop.

I just started this show and I’m only a few episodes in. It’s been sitting in my queue for so long and I’m glad I chose to sit down and watch it. Plus Season Two has been confirmed and is on the way. I love stories that explore culture and family and Gentified is one of those. I can relate to the cousins trying to save their family-owned business as the neighborhood rapidly changes. It discusses a lot of social and family issues, but it also balances out its heavy moments with comedy. It’s a story with a lot of heart and I hope I can wrap up Season One soon!

---

Fulletal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Synopsis: Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric search for the Philsopher’s Stone, hoping to restore their bodies, which were lost when they attempted to use their alchemy skills to resurrect their deceased mother. Edward, who lost only limbs, joins the State Military, which gives him the freedom to continue the search as he tries to restore his brother, whose soul is tethered to earth by a suit of armor. However, Edward and Alphonse are not the only ones seeking the powerful stone. And as they search, they learn of a plot to transmute the entire country for reasons they cannot comprehend.

If you don’t know already, I am a huge Fullmetal fan. Ever since I read the manga and watched the anime back in 2006 I have loved it ever since. This is the first time I’m watching Brotherhood and it’s bringing back all of the nostalgia of why I love this series so much. The strong character development, story arcs, action-packed scenes, and a tale of two brothers on a journey to rectify past mistakes. I’m only two parts into the series and am taking my time watching it. I appreciate how complex the story is and how it blends fantasy within it’s world. You’ll not be disappointed by this anime.

---

Fake Princess

Synopsis: Chang Le was once a free and untamable female bandit. However, she becomes a fake bride in marriage to crown prince Li Che. Stepping into the confines of the palace, Chang Le finds it difficult to adjust after being repeatedly humiliated. Despite her situation, she learns to adapt like a feral cat showing her true stripes. Li Che who has traced every step vigilantly finds himself gradually attracted by Chang Le’s liveliness. Each wearing a mask to hide their own motives, the two people find comfort in each other.

I’ve never watched a Chinese Drama before, but while browsing through Amazon Prime’s catalog of shows this one caught my eye. For the most part it’s a lighthearted rom-com of a bandit trying to keep her cover as a crown princess in a royal place. The set designs and clothing are so beautiful in this show that it’s mesmirizing. I also like that it’s action-packed while being on the fluffier side of dramas. There are some interesting sub-plots and even some suspense elments as there are so many politics brewing among the royals.

---

Rescue

Synopsis: Daichi Kitajima has become a firefighter as a consequence of his childhood experience of being rescued by a fire rescue team. Despite his trauma, he strives to be promoted to become a member of the Special Rescue Team. Beginning with Daichi, this story follows him and his fellow rescue team trainees as they grow as rescue workers, as people, and as men. While facing the indiscretions of youth, and internal conflicts, they encounter the many imbalances between the ideals and reality in lifesaving along the way.

I love to watch medical dramas and it’s been a while since I saw a J-Drama following a rescue team since I watched Code Blue (which I recommend). It’s a bit slow-moving (for my tastes), but takes its time in introducing the characters and focusing on their drive to join the rescue and their backstories. It’s intense at times, but I like it so far. I’m only halfway through and I want to finish it soon.

---

Shopping

Cute Essentials Washi Tape Cutter

…

I’m a huge stationery person and this is a great tool for crafters at a inexpensive price. It fits about 5 rolls of regular (sized) washi tape, but it’s more ideal for skinny rolls. It’s a great desk item for when you want easy access to your washi tape, plus it helps to birghten up your work space.

---

Music

Disco Yes by Tom Misch

As you’ll see with other songs I have featured in this month, they all have a retro feel. Everytime I hear this song I want to get up and dance. It’s been my go-to song when I want to have a mini jam session during my work day.

Levitating by Dua Lipa

I’ve had a lot of Dua Lipa’s music on repeat lately and I love how funky this song is. It’s got a 70s look and feel that is so fun. Her music is a mixture of nu-Disco and pop and in her more recent singles I’ve been hearing more of that sound.

The Light – FAKY

FAKY is a group that I feel is very underrated in J-Pop. They have changed their member lineup a bit over the years, but they are solid. I like how they experiment with different genres and this single is fun and retro. It has a brass melody and I like the message of believing in yourself.

---

What are some of your favorite things from February? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

*This post is in no way sponsored