Kimberlee K.

Hello there!

It’s a weird work week with the holiday landing on a Tuesday.

So here are some favorites landing on a Thursday.

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Podcasts

For the most part, I stay away from daily podcasts because I am quick to fall behind and then I shame spiral about it. However, It’s Going to Be Okay is one that I never miss. It has become part of my weekday morning routine. Each episode is less than 10 minutes, and it details one thing that can make everything feel like it’s going to be okay. It’s upbeat, it’s inspiring, it sometimes makes me cry before 8:00am. Plus, it’s made by my queen, Nora McInerny, from Terrible, Thanks for Asking, so it’s really a can’t miss.

There’s nothing I love more than a podcast where two friends can make each other laugh hysterically. Giggly Squad is aptly named, as it often just has me giggling. Hosts Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo talk about anything and everything that comes to mind, consistently cracking each other up and making you wish you were in the room chatting with them. 

And finally, Scamanda. I was recommended this podcast by my cousin, and after listening to the first episode I quickly told everyone around me to listen so that we could all discuss it at length. It follows Amanda Riley, who for years blogged about her struggles with cancer, earning her an immense following. People joined and supported #TeamAmanda and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to help pay for medical bills, flights, etc. The kicker is: Amanda never had cancer.

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Books

Tell Me Everything by Minka Kelly is easily one of my favorite books that I’ve read so far this year. It is a memoir written with such care and honesty, and it is a story that is truly wild to hear. I think it perfectly encapsulates how many lives someone can live in one life, and how much you never really know about someone until you sit down and hear their story. If you are a fan of Friday Night Lights and most notably recognize Minka as Lyla Garrity, I would especially recommend the audiobook. She has a great reading voice, and one that I find very comforting since I watched all six seasons of the show.

Happy Place by Emily Henry. If you know and/or read Emily Henry books, I feel like there’s not much I need to say about this one. Emily is the queen, and she never misses. I’m pretty sure all of her books have been on a favorites post at one point or another. Happy Place follows Wyn and Harriet, who after dating for eight years (and previously being engaged) break up, but don’t tell any of their friends, in fear of what it will to their tight knit group. The story opens with them being reunited at a friends’ wedding where they decide to pretend to still be together, just for the weekend.  

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Movies

I saw Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret in theaters with my mom and it was so sweet and awkward and hilarious. While the book was obviously popular for its painfully accurate portrayal of adolescence, the onscreen adaptation almost made me want to close my eyes at some points, in fear of reliving too many memories I’ve happily blurred out. That being said, it is always heartwarming to know that we were all awkward and terrified and we were (and are still) trying our best.

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TV Shows

For a few days after I finished watching Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story I was not recommending it to people solely because I felt wrecked. Had it been beautiful? Yes. Had the acting been stellar? Yes. But had I openly sobbed and flinched and struggled through parts that were brutally honest and heart wrenching? Yes. Now it’s a definite recommend, but watch with caution. (find it on Netflix)

In the wake of Ted Lasso coming to an end, my brother recommended Shrinking, which is created by many of the same minds. It follows Jason Segal, a shrink who is trying to get himself out of the yearlong rut he fell into after his wife died. While a sad premise, the show is surprisingly upbeat, emotional, and hilarious.  (find it on AppleTV+)

And finally, A Small Light, which had me on the edge of my seat, even though I already knew what was going to happen. It tells the story of Miep, the woman who helped hide the Frank family during the Holocaust. I loved how it highlighted the “helpers”, those who risked their lives to stand up against the atrocities being committed. The title comes from a quote of Miep’s, where she says, “But even an ordinary secretary or a housewife or a teenager can, within their own small ways, turn on a small light in a dark room.” (find it on Disney+)

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Music

The Album by Jonas Brothers

The Show by Niall Horan

Broken By Desire to be Heavenly Sent by Lewis Capaldi

Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever) by Noah Kahan

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Loops Facemasks

I am a BIG texture person, and the thing with facemasks is, there are almost always wrinkles. They never seem to fit perfect, and I often feel like I’m tilting my head at a weird angle, trying to keep the mask from sliding down my face. Loops Facemasks have been some of the best I’ve found. Not only are they smooth and easy to apply, but they make my skin feel incredible after. Also, I love the packaging. 10/10. (find them here, or at Target)

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Discount Flowers

I don’t know if this is a universal recommendation available to pursue everywhere, but my local grocery store has a clearance bin for flowers, where small bouquets are marked down to $2 or $3. Though they might be a little *less than perfect* they are still flowers and they still make me happy.

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Have anything you’ve been loving over these last couple months? Let me know!

See my previous favorites post here.