SCREENSHOTS #4: "Why you shouldn't try to be happy all the time" and other recs
Movies, series, books and more: everything I've watched, listened to, read, and tried in July.
Movies
Back to Black
The reviews about this movie are mixed - a lot of people didn't like the way they portrayed Amy Winehouse's life but I had a good time watching, especially because I didn't know a lot about her, her career and her issues with alcohol and drugs. Of course is impossible to cover someone's life in 2 hours - but Marisa Abela is perfect as Amy and you can expect a lot of beautiful songs as well.
We rented this movie on Amazon Prime Video.
Twisters
I still remember the setting of the school room where I watched Twisters (1996) for the first time with my classmates. Sometimes, the school would put us to watch a movie when a professor was absent. Other times, movies were part of something we were learning. Don't know what was the case with Twisters, but I loved the movie at that time. So, I was very excited to watch this 2024 version. We went to the theater and we saw in 4DX - it is a system that uses motion-enabled seats and environmental effects to create an immersive movie theater experience. It was wild - you can definitely fell like you are chasing tornados with the characters.
This new story is not related to the first movie - you can expect a lot of action and some humor.
TV
Superhot: The Spicy World of Pepper People
This docu-series started to play automatically on Hulu after we had finished another series - and I'm so glad this happened! This is a wild ride into the Spicy World of Pepper People, the self-proclaimed chili heads. Listen, I like spicy food - like mild spicy - and I knew there were some extra strong peppers out there - but I had no idea there was this huge community around it. The 10 episodes cover everything in this world: from the peppers growers to the sauce makers, from the competitions (yes, you read it right) to the content creators. It was so interesting and entertaining!
Your Honor
This is a Showtime drama series that is now available on Netflix (at least in the US). Bryan Cranston (from Breaking Bad) is Michael Desiato, a judge in New Orleans whose life takes a dramatic turn when his son, Adam, is involved in a hit-and-run accident. The victim is the son of a powerful and dangerous crime boss.
Desiato faces a moral and ethical dilemma as he tries to cover up his son's involvement to protect him, leading to a series of lies, deception, and difficult choices. Your Honor explores themes of justice, corruption, and the lengths a parent will go to for their child. It's so intense and the consequences of Desiato's choice are so complicated in so many levels. We finished every episode wanting to know what's next… And when you think the first season was intense, the second season doesn't disappoint AT ALL. Be prepared.
Books
It had been a minute since the last time I had read fiction... I was missing those days when I had a book that I couldn't put it down - and this is exactly what happened when I started It ends with Us.
This contemporary romance novel tells the story of Lily Bloom, a young woman who moves to Boston to start her own business. She meets and falls in love with Ryle Kincaid, a charming and successful neurosurgeon with a complex personality and aversion to relationships. Lily also revisits her past through her diaries entries - where she talks about the complicated relationship with her father and her first love, Atlas, who happens to suddenly reappears in Lily's life, complicating her emotions and decisions.
I can't say it much, but the story talks about abuse and domestic violence (the author used some of her personal experiences with the theme). I really liked how we feel Lily's emotions and how we can hear her pain and her perspectives.
Plus, the film adaptation of the book is heading to the big screen on August 9th.
Let's Eat France!
Got this book as a birthday gift from my mom and my sister and I couldn't recommend it enough! First, it's a huge and absolutely gorgeous book, with pictures and illustrations. Secondly, it's so rich in information. Besides recipes, you will find indexes, guides and interesting facts about cheese, breads, croissant and so many other classic French foods. A perfect gift for food lovers.
Podcasts
Why you shouldn't try to be happy all the time
So glad that this episode was highlighted on my Spotify the other day when I opened the app. Over the 27 minutes, the host dives into the concept that life is always a mix of good and bad emotions, often referred to as "50/50” and how we are lead to believe that the ultimate happiness will come from external successes. “When I get that promotion”, “When I buy that house", “When I find the right partner". Wow. It was intense.
Products
Here are some stuff I bought in July and I think it's worth sharing with you:
We all know that space is a luxury in New York City - and I'm totally in for solutions that help me with organization and optimization of space. These under the sink organizers are life savers. Can't believe I've lived so many years without using this to organize the products in the bathroom.
After seeing a lot of influencers talking about these "lululemon” dupes on Amazon, I finally decided to order a dupe shorts and… it's legit! So comfy! Absolutely love it!
I know Summer is still here - but it will be over soon (I know it doesn't feel like it, but summers are short!) and I got these Leather Mocassin from Mango for a great price (they are still on sale!). Super comfy and perfect not only for Fall but also for Spring.
On the blog
What kind of content creator am I when I don't promote my own content on my newsletter? Here's what's new on the blog:
Looking for botox, facials and other beauty services in New York City? Check my top recommendations.
What to wear in New York City? This is my essential summer wardrobe
Why paying full price when you can score great discounts? Make sure to check my Ultimate Guide To Shopping Secondhand Online.
Did you know you can get to the Hamptons - and get around there - without a car? I share all the tips on this post.
Last, but not least, I published a list with 10 spots for different and unique brunch experiences in NYC.
Other random suggestions:
We can't save our parents. I was touched by this beautiful video - so meaningful. I guess sometimes it's hard to be rational when it comes to our loved ones.
Emily in Paris season 4 premieres in August 15th and yes, I'm excited for it. Watch the trailer here.
If you are into skincare, make sure to subscribe to Dr. Shereene Idriss Youtube channel. She shares so muck knowledge, and tips, and products, and advice. She is the best.
Let me know if you have good recs on movies, TV, podcasts, books… I'm all ears! And let me know if you have followed any of these tips that I share here :)