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. Hope you enjoy these personal picks!
TV
Never Have I Ever – Season 1
Synopsis: The complicated life of a modern-day first generation Indian American teenage girl, inspired by Mindy Kaling’s own childhood.
This is a show that had been popping up on my radar for a while now and I’m so glad I took a chance on it. I think it does a nice job of blending comedy and drama through the lens of a coming of age story. Most of all I appreciated how diverse the casting is and how the show tackles multiple issues while representing people from different backgrounds. It was hard for me to watch at times because the MC can be very unlikeable (which is due to a lot of the trauma she faced). I’m curious to see how the story will continue in Season Two.
Julie and The Phantoms
Synopsis: Teenager Julie finds her passion for music and life while helping the Phantoms, a trio of ghostly guys, become the band they were never able to be.
As of today, I still have this soundtrack on repeat and the OST is one of the things that makes this show so great. I believe this is an American reboot of a Brazilian show of the same name and I like the premise of having a ghost backup band. I appreciated how the show tackles Julie’s grief over her mother’s death and how finding passion in music again contributes to her growth. It’s a story about loving yourself, self-confidence, finding your voice, and healing.
Triad Princess
Synopsis: After jostling her way into a gig as a celebrity bodyguard, the boisterous daughter of a powerful triad boss shakes up a TV star’s life while finding love.
A fun and cute Taiwanese drama that I really adored and hope that it gets picked up for another season since it ends on a bit of cliffhanger. It’s only 6 episodes and very fast paced, but they manage to pack a lot of story into the short time frame without leaving the viewer feeling overwhelmed. It’s very comical and action packed as well which really adds to the overall entertainment factor. I enjoyed the two charismatic leads so much and I want to find some other projects that they’ve starred in.
Movies
Godmothered
Synopsis: An inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training tries to prove that people still need fairy godmothers.
This was a fun watch even after the holiday season. I was so busy that I didn’t get to watch it during Christmas, but I think overall it makes for a fun family Winter film. I’m really liking that Disney is keeping movies with that magical feeling but is producing more stuff that is accessible for older audiences. I like Jillian Bell as a actress and I think she was a great fit for this role. The movie is light-hearted and cozy, but importantly it reminds up to keep believing in “magic”.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Synopsis: Tensions rise when trailblazing blues singer Ma Rainey and her band gather at a recording studio in Chicago in 1927.
I think that this film is going to be an award-winner for sure! While watching it felt tinged with a bit of sadness due to Chadwick’s passing. He along with Viola and the rest of the cast gave a fantastic performance that had me engaged for the entire movie. I liked the multiple narratives and the subtle nuances placed throughout the story. Though it’s set in a small recording studio so much is happening especially in the dialogue itself. I wouldn’t mind watching this film again.
Christmas Catch
Synopsis: Detective Mackenzie Bennett is hot on the trail of Carson, a suspected diamond thief, and goes under cover to catch him in the act. While working, Mack not only falls for Carson but begins to suspect that he’s been framed.
Sometimes you just need those cheesy Christmas films to warm your spirits and a Christmas Catch is one of those films. It was a bit predictable, but some of the plot twists threw me off completely. Despite the main character being the worst detective I’ve ever seen in a movie, all-in-all this film is just pure fun. It’s goofy, romantic, a bit suspenseful, but something not to be taken too seriously.
Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb
Synopsis: After unearthing a tomb that had been untouched for 4,400 years, Egyptian archaeologists attempt to decipher the history of the astonishing find.
I love learning about history and this documentary was incredibly fascinating to watch. Archaeology is so interesting to me and it was so amazing to see these people uncover this magnificent tomb and discover the history. Though some parts were a refresher for me on Egyptology I learned a lot of new things as well. It was cool to see everything up close and in-depth as they go through the process of discovering numerous artifacts.
Podcasts
Two Princes
Synopsis: The Two Princes is a scripted fantasy action adventure podcast from Gimlet Media. The story focuses on two princes from warring kingdoms who become unwitting allies when they journey into a mysterious forest in order to try and save their realms. Along the way, the two heroes fall in love with each other.
I’m started to get hooked on Fiction podcasts and they are my new jam! I binged all three seasons in a day and I can’t wait for more. This is a great podcast if you need something to listen to while you work or while taking a break from a book. I found this podcast to be entertaining and I loved the voice acting cast and the story has lots of action, fantasy elements, romance, and comedy.
Music
You Sad – Tkay Maidza
Even though this track screams Summer just from the MV alone (the cinematography is giving me some K-Pop vibes as well) it’s a recent find for me. It’s fun, got a light bouncy beat, and I enjoy Tkay’s vocals. I’m going to listen to more of her tracks.
101 FM – Little Simz
My friends and I always swap music playlists and recently one friend got me hooked on Little Simz music. I like the blend of Eastern and Western melodies in this track giving it a catchy hook. I’ve been listening to her other tracks and I really like her overall sound!
Idea – Taemin
I’m a big SHINee fan and my bias has always been Taemin since this group’s debut. I love Taemin’s artistry and choreography with every comeback. I love the upbeat vibe of this track and the slick moves. The MV does not disappoint.
What are some of your favorite things from January? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
*This post is in no way sponsored
