My Favorite Things: October & November
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!
Movies
Halloween
Synopsis: It’s been 40 years since Laurie Strode survived a vicious attack from crazed killer Michael Myers on Halloween night. Locked up in an institution, Myers manages to escape when his bus transfer goes horribly wrong. Laurie now faces a terrifying showdown when the masked madman returns to Haddonfield, Ill. — but this time, she’s ready for him.
One of the best horror movies I have seen in 2018, horror movies are usually a hit or miss for me and a lot of the newer ones end up being cheesier. I was wary about the remake since I enjoyed the original one so much, but once I heard John Carpenter and Jamie lee Curtis were on board, I was intrigued to watch it. I liked it a lot, the jump scares were intense, Michael was even more intense than prior movies, and I was a bit shocked at how gory this version was. It was really cool concept to have the whole generation (mom, daughter, grand-daughter) team up to take Michael down in this film. This is one remake I would recommend.
Christmas Everlasting
Synopsis: Christmas is fast approaching and years of long workdays are about to pay off for Lucy. However, when her older sister unexpectedly passes away, Lucy dreads returning to Nilson’s Bay to handle her sister’s estate.
This was a really good Hallmark movies and I was engrossed from beginning to end. It stars Tayana Ali from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. I haven’t seen in a lead role before but I thought her acting was excellent. The plot is predictable but I like how the MC learns to lean on others and how to be a more open person from meeting all the people her sister helped. Plus it was nice to see a very diverse hallmark movie.
Christmas Under Wraps
Synopsis: After unexpectedly moving to Alaska, an ambitious doctor starts a new romance and learns that her small town is hiding a holiday secret.
While Christmas Everlasting was more about family, this movie was more romance movie about a workaholic who learns to loosen up after working in a small town that is obsessed with Christmas. It’s kind of predictable in the sense that we know what the “holiday secret” is, but it was such a cozy, feel-good movie. The concept is cute and the acting is good too!
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
Synopsis: A teenage girl’s love letters are exposed and wreak havoc on her life.
I have been excited to watch this film since I heard about its initial release and finally got to watch. I thought it was a solid adaptation of the book even with my high standards (it’s one of my favorite ya trilogies) and I plan on reaching it again soon! I think Lana Condor and Noah Centineo were great choices to play Laura Jean and Peter, they have such good on-screen chemistry with each other. I liked how the film captured the vintage stuff Laura Jean enjoys, the tight bond of the song sisters, the cute town, and the soundtrack was really fitting.
TV
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Synopsis: A coming-of-age story about a group of college athletes who are fighting for their dreams, experiencing and finding love in the process, and growing every step of the way. Kim Bok Joo is a weightlifter who has a crush on Joon Hyung’s older brother, Jung Jae Yi. At first Joon Hyung teases her and goes along with her act, but soon after that he himself falls for her.
After many recommendations from friends and fellow k-drama watchers, I am finally watching this show! And I love it! I’m only halfway through, but every part of it I’m enjoying so far. Even though it’s listed in the romance genre, it feels like more of a slice of life drama set in college with very relatable themes. I think viewers can resonate with the characters and some of the situations they face. It also tackles some serious themes like divorce, eating disorders, bullying, cheating in sports, mental health and more. I appreciate the realness of it, even though some scenes are a bit over the top (because it’s a drama). These college athletes are trying to make their way to the top while dealing with life’s obstacles. Plus the casting is superb, I really like the main characters.
Music
This is a solid comeback track from IU and I really like how the R&B sound matches up with her more mellow tone in this track. It has a fun melody that will have you dancing along to the beat. I like the cinematography for the MV and how it’s simple but very symbolic of the lyrics. It’s anthem track to say “mind your own business”.
“Tempo”-EXO – my boys are back! It’s been a while since the group has comeback as a whole. I love the R&B side of EXO (those tracks are my fave), I feel like this song really showcases the vocals. It’s a great dance song, their choreography is on point (as always) and I love how the bridge section turns the song into a mini slow jam session.
Shops
I got to meet Penelope in person at Youmacon (a wrap-review of this event is coming soon). I love her gorgeous watercolor prints. The color palettes in her artwork are so vivid. Her Studio Ghibli fan art is so good and I’ve even pre-ordered her zine of her Inktober works.
Lily Van is another artist I got to meet at Youmacon. Her artwork is so bubbly and happy. I especially like her cute drawings of animals and characters. She has a variety of artwork and I enjoy seeing her latest creations on her Instagram.
Another favorite shop, I’ve bought an art print from and her enamel pins are fun. She has a very “kawaii” style to her products, and some of her drawings give me a nostalgic feel of anime/cartoons that I grew up with. I hope I can buy more enamel pins from her in the future!
*This post is in no way sponsored
What are some of your favorite things from October & November? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 
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I’ve just borrowed a nice new copy of Jenny Han’s book from the library; I hope I get around to it before it’s due back. I’ve been enjoying the Sabrina series on Netflix these days too; it has a Buffy-feel to it and although there are some dark scenes, there is also a good bit of humour along the way. Lots of fun overall, with the right dash of camp-y-ness to suit my taste. Hope you are finding lots to enjoy in December as well!
Happy December! Sabrina is on my to watch list, I’ve heard it’s pretty good. I hope I’ll get to watch it soon!
There’s a new single episode added recently, too, with a Solstice theme. Hope you can enjoy them in season. Happy holidays!
Happy Holidays!