But, like, what do you MEAN it’s already May??
*resists urge to make *NSYNC joke*
Here are some favorites.
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Podcasts
After what felt like a long drought of discovering a new podcasts, I hit the motherload!
First, Against All Odds, which tells stories of unbelievable survival. The first episode I found was called “Lightning Strike on Half Dome” which is a CRAZY listen, and made me want to go back and listen to every season of the show.
Little Pod was a side quest/promotional project for Olivia Munter’s new book Little One, and it was so encouraging to hear her talk through both the writing and publication process.
Smosh Reads Reddit Stories is equal parts shocking to hear what people do/are willing to post, and fun to hear the hosts talk it through, often with very poignant insight.
And finally, Strangers on a Bench, which follows host Tom Rosenthal as he approaches people sitting on benches and asks if he can ask them a few questions. The conversations are so cozy and at times you can tell how much it means to the other person to be asked such kind and curious questions.
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Books
The premise for Hazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross is one that I didn’t think would initially entice me. In the first chapter, Hazel is propositioned by her high school principal to have sex with him. (OH!) But somehow, it gets you. It sets sail and soon you’re rooting for pretty much every character in the book—except the principal, obviously. I loved it.
Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino follows a woman who believes finding her dream house is the missing piece to finding her perfect life. And her descent into madness to make this a reality is so fun and funny and delightfully chaotic. It’s the best thriller I’ve read in a long time!
Another surprise for me: The Compound by Aisling Rawle. I’m not a reality TV girl, so this book set around a Love Island/Survivor type series wasn’t at the top of my list, but once I started it, I blew through it. I listened on audiobook and was always on the edge of my seat on what was going to happen next!
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TV Shows
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a prequel to Game of Thrones but is far more lighthearted (funny, even!) and so sweet. Adjectives I would likely never use to describe Game of Thrones itself. If I gave out ribbons for my favorite favorite of the favorites, this would win. Season two cannot come soon enough! (find it on HBO Max)
If you watched and loved Jury Duty (or even if you didn’t) you need to watch Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat. Once again they pulled off a fake documentary where everyone but one man knows that everything is scripted, and once again they found the most wholesome man imaginable. The last episode had me openly crying happy tears. (find it on Prime Video)
I also loved season three of Paradise and season two of The Pitt.
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Documentaries
Do concerts count as documentaries? If so I’m throwing Harry Styles: One Night in Manchester on here. It was a fun look at Harry’s new album, which has been on heavy rotation in my weekly walks, and perhaps the closest I will get to seeing it live because the tickets cost more than my entire life. (find it on Netflix)
I also got treated to Get a Little Out There with Alex Honnold because of my subscription to Outside Magazine. It’s a fun little look at the fun/weird things you can do around Nevada, with the trademark deadpan humor of Alex Honnold, as well as fun and cute appearances by his friends and family. (find it on OutsideTV)
And finally, Noah Kahan: Out of Body. It shows the lead up to his sold out show at Fenway Park and gives a great behind the scenes look at Noah’s feelings about his rise to superstardom. It was raw and honest and made me so excited to listen to his new album.
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Movies
I read and recommended Project Hail Mary back in my May & June favorites last year and was positively DELIGHTED when the movie adaptation arrived in theaters back in March. I smiled through the whole thing and made a point to tell everyone I talked to after that they had to go see it. IT’S SO GOOD. (find it in theaters)
I also saw I Can Only Imagine 2 in theaters, which continues the story of MercyMe’s lead singer Bart Millard. Not only was the story inspiring, but a good reminder of what comes after the credits roll. Faith and joy are things you have to choose every single day! (find it for rent on streaming)
On the heavier side of things, I watched Twinless, which follows Dylan O’Brien as he meets a new friend in a support group for people who have lost their twin siblings. It was sad and shocking and something I’m still thinking about. (find it on Hulu)
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Music
Kiss All the Time…Disco Occasionally by Harry Styles
LOOK! I’m Alive by Quinn XCII
Dandelion by Ella Langley
Song of the Saints by Phil Wickham
The Great Divide by Noah Kahan
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Artists/Social Media
Mackenzie McIntyre (@maybemackenzie) – a runner who tries to break random Strava records
Jess Conte (@JessConte) – a YouTuber that vlogs her life.
Kayla Lyman (@Rosieandtheshelterpups) – a volunteer who fosters animals and has been documenting her journey with Roo, a particular spicy shelter cat.
Ieva Noula (@evanou.art) – whose oil paintings have been brightening my feed!
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Links
Loved this cute cartoon about what we imagine when we’re shopping
And I thought this conversation between Harry Styles and writer Haruki Murikami was great.
Was completely hooked watching this series about The Great World Race where competitors attempt to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days. Madness!!
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Trader Joe’s Finds
⟶ Goat Cheese & Caramelized Onion Ravioli
⟶ Soft Baked Snickerdoodles (no link, but trust me!!)
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Misc.
I started using the Dermologica Microfoliant on a recommendation after a facial and I’ve seen such a huge difference in the texture of my skin! (find it here)
The Milk Makeup Hydro Grip primer is by far the best primer I have ever found/used. My makeup STAYS, which is a miracle, espcially for my oily prone skin. (find it here)
And while I bought the kids version of the Not Your Mother’s Curly Care cream by accident, my hair loves it!! It smells so good and helps so much with frizz. (find it here)
See my previous favorites post here.
Kimberlee K. 
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