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What I Watched
Daisy Jones & The Six – Amazon Prime
Following the rise of rock band Daisy Jones and The Six through the 1970s Los Angeles music scene on their quest for worldwide icon status.
I gave Daisy Jones & The Six a watch after hearing so many people I follow talk about how the book was one of their favorites. This series tells the story of how a fictional group from the 70s becomes one of the best bands and quickly falls from stardom due to issues within the group. In the first episode, the characters talk about how much drama there was behind the scenes which is what led to the departure of the group. The way the group members talk about all the drama you would think something big happened but nothing ever did, it was underwhelming. The show was underwhelming and went by so slowly and the group doesn’t even form until like episode 3 or 4. Overall the series was pretty dull and was too drawn out. I did appreciate the style and fashion and the 70s period and there are two surprises that I wasn’t expecting at the end.
Tin & Tina – Netflix
After a tragic abort, Lola and her husband Adolfo adopt Tin and Tina, two lovely brother and sister with an ultra-catholic education that makes them interpret Holy Bible verbatim.
I’m not someone who enjoys religious horror films (because super religious people make me uncomfortable) but my younger sister was watching Tin & Tina and invited me to watch it with her. Tin & Tina is a Spanish language horror film, it’s one of those brightly lit horror films which I love to watch because when something scary happens in bright scenes it’s unexpected! This was an alright watch not super scary but there are some eerie parts. I especially didn’t like the part with the dog…. and if you love animals you probably won’t either. You have been warned.
Julie & Julia – Amazon Prime
Julia Child’s story of her start in the cooking profession is intertwined with blogger Julie Powell’s 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Child’s first book.
I loved this film! It combines two of my favorite things blogging and the thought of cooking! Julie vows to recreate every recipe in one of Julia Child’s cookbooks, in one year, and she blogs about her experience. After watching Julie & Julia, I am inspired to do something like what Julie did in the film, and who knows maybe I will! There is also a matching book on this film (which I’ve added to my tbr list) that I want to read next because I want to learn more about Julie and her process.
Jury Duty – Amazon Prime
Jury Duty is a documentary-style comedy series that shares the inner workings of an American jury trial through the eyes of one particular juror.
This was another show that I was influenced to watch because a lot of people I follow online were talking about this series. It was fun and wholesome but all I kept thinking about as I was watching this series is that if something like this happened to me I would no longer trust anybody ever again!
Black Mirror (season 6) – Netflix
An anthology series exploring a twisted, high-tech multiverse where humanity’s greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide.
This is the first season of Black Mirror that I finished. I watched a few episodes individually and watched the movie they released a few years ago. After watching this season I want to go back and watch the rest of the seasons because I really enjoyed this season! The first episode was my favorite because it was trippy and kept you thinking which is what every episode of Black Mirror is supposed to do. haha
The Bear (season 1 & 2) – Hulu
A young chef from the fine dining world returns to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop.
I loved this series! The first and second series are very different from each other but both seasons are beautifully told and leave you craving more episodes! I’m a huge foodie and baby Michelle once wanted to be a chef but after watching this series I don’t think I could ever make it because I would crumble under the pressure. haha
What I Listened
Stray Kids ~ 5-STAR
Stray Kids – S-Class
&TEAM – FIREWORK
&TEAM – Road Not Taken
EXO – Let Me In
ATEEZ – BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS)
ATEEZ ~ THE WORLD EP.2 : OUTLAW
P1Harmony – JUMP
P1Harmony ~ HARMONY : ALL IN – EP
TAEYONG – SHALALA
fromis_9 – #menow
Gaeko, JOOHONEY & BIG Naughty – Over The Mountain
KANGDANIEL – SOS
NCT DREAM – Broken Melodies
SHINee – HARD
What I Read
The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie
When the luxurious Blue Train arrives at Nice, a guard attempts to wake serene Ruth Kettering from her slumbers. But she will never wake again—for a heavy blow has killed her, disfiguring her features almost beyond recognition. What is more, her precious rubies are missing. The prime suspect is Ruth’s estranged husband, Derek. Yet Hercule Poirot is not convinced, so he stages an eerie reenactment of the journey, complete with the murderer on board. . . .
My first Agatha Christie book that I was disappointed with! I know one day this was going to happen but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon! The story of The Mystery of the Blue Train was so boring and I didn’t like any of the characters (besides Hercule Poirot of course!). ! I think I might try a Miss Marple (another one of Agatha Christie’s beloved characters) book next. If you have any suggestions let me know!
The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery
Valancy Stirling is 29, unmarried, and has never been in love. Living with her overbearing mother and meddlesome aunt, she finds her only consolation in the “forbidden” books of John Foster and her daydreams of the Blue Castle–a place where all her dreams come true and she can be who she truly wants to be. After getting shocking news from the doctor, she rebels against her family and discovers a surprising new world, full of love and adventures far beyond her most secret dreams.
This was a beautiful read. I found out about The Blue Castle from one of the episodes of the Unbound Books podcast. I related to the main character because I’m 29 and not exactly happy with where I am in my life. I highly recommend it to anybody who feels lost and hopeless. This book gave me hope and the push I needed to discover my own Blue Castle.
Things I Love
Shimmer Sunscreen Hydrating Cream with SPF 50 – Kroger
This tinted sunscreen is described as a Supergoop! Glowscreen dupe which I can’t confirm or deny since I’ve never used the original. The sunscreen gives you a light tint with a subtle shimmer but it does give you that glowy dewy finish without looking unnatural. This is great for that no-makeup makeup look. The sunscreen scent does linger so if you’re easily bothered by scents you should consider that.
Tahitian Vanilla Bean Moisturizing Shave Oil – Tree Hut
I hate shaving (I mean who doesn’t?) but using this shave oil made me want to shave more, the consistency isn’t heavy nor too light, it made my razor slide easily without irritating my skin, and the shave oil left my skin feeling hydrated and silky smoother afterward. Just using this product in the shower is an experience in itself! Tree Hut offers this shave oil in several different scents but this vanilla shave oil smells delicious in the shower, like a cake! I highly recommend this!
Yumiverse Mindful Coloring Book – Yumi Sakugawa
I received this coloring book from my older sister, I believe she got it at Five Below. The illustrations are beautiful and the pages are thick enough in which you can use coloring markers without them bleeding through on the other side! I have a few adult coloring books but this one is my new favorite because of the complex yet calming designs.
Strawberry Cream Light Roast Ground Coffee – Good & Gather
This has been my go-to summer coffee! I prepare it using my French press and serve it over ice and add a splash of creamer or dairy-free milk, it depends on my mood. The flavor of the creamy strawberry offers a lovely sweet but not too sweet flavor. The coffee came out back in spring but I purchased it late spring/early summer so there is a slight chance you can find it at a Target store.
Blistex Five Star Lip Protection Lip Balm
With it being summer and all, now is the time to make sure you are on your SPF game! I realized I wasn’t using a lip balm with SPF so I found this one by Blistex that contains SPF 30 and is really affordable, it’s under $3! The lip balm is a bit tough on the lips at first but the more you use it the more the product warms up and easily spreads on the lips. You need multiple swipes for the proper amount of SPF to be applied anyways.
Certain Dri Extra Strength Clinical Antiperspirant
I have now tried all of Cerati Dri’s antiperspirants. The everyday strength one worked for me well but the prescription strength roll-on irritated my underarms. However, their Extra Strength Clinical Antiperspirant is now my new favorite antiperspirant! I’ve been using it every night for a few weeks and it’s been working wonderfully! I’m not the sweatiest person out there but I sweat more than the average person so if you’re similar then I suggest you try this antiperspirant.
Favorite Blog Posts
Wacky Cake (Depression Era Cake)
Becoming a Reader
How to Make an Affogato
9 Dairy-Free Coffee Creamers Worth a Second Cup
‘SOME DAYS I FEEL LIKE QUITTING’: MISAKO AOKI AND AGING IN LOLITA FASHION
George Orwell’s Rules for drinking tea
4-Ingredient Summer Solstice Ritual Oil
9 Ideas for the Sea Witch
5 Healthy, Affordable Vegan Meals for Low-Energy Days
A B-Side A Day: June 2023 Recap
Free, Downloadable Tech Backgrounds for July 2023!
Posts From The Month
MUNDANE MAGIC ☆ 22
Astrology Spotlight ♥ Gemini (May 22 – June 21)
Tarot of the Divine ♥ Review
MUNDANE MAGIC ☆ 23
MUNDANE MAGIC ☆ 24
MAGICAL MOMENTS #18
3 Podcasts That I Listen to Every Week
MUNDANE MAGIC ☆ 25
The Twos | Minor Arcana ♥ Tarot 101
MUNDANE MAGIC ☆ 26
What were some of your favorites from the month?
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