❤️ Tea’s Recommendations ❤️ [February 2022]

Yo, Teacups!

If you haven’t seen one of these posts before, this is just what it says on the tin - a recommendations post. Sometimes I get caught in a cycle of the same movies, books, activities, and whatever else. If you also suffer from this, I hope this small collection of recommendations can be of some help.

P.S. These are obviously just things I like and if you don’t like them too, then that’s absolutely a-okay ❤️

Series:

• Horrible Histories. Sweet mother of British humour! This is an absolute gem. Is it aimed at children? Yes. Is it ridiculous? Yes. And those are just two of the many good reasons to give this cheese fest a chance. Filled to the brim with interesting facts, absolute BANGERS and just a general sense of “this I like”.
• The Way of the Househusband. I know this one is very well known, but I honestly cannot recommend it enough. Follow Tatsu, a former yakuza thug turned househusband as he gives it his all to tackle the laundry, cook dinner and above all else - make his wife smile. It’s basically the same joke done over and over again - scary guy is actually an adorable softie, but I’m telling you, it fills you with such wholesomeness. Please consider giving it a go. I believe it’s now on Netflix!
• Queer Eye. I’m technically cheating here because it’s actually my mom who recommended this one. I have seen an episode or two and I too really like it, but it has officially become my mom’s favourite thing to wind down with. The premise of the show is that a group of gay men with different skills (fashion design, hair styling, home decor, etc) surprise someone who needs some tender loving care. On the surface it might sound a little superficial, but I was really pleasantly surprised - the guys are there to build up someone deserving, not just to say “here’s some new clothes”. They explore mental health support, community, self-worth and many other important things that give people the push to start looking after themselves. It’s a really heartwarming show all about helping someone feel better about themselves. Give it a shot!

Movies:

• The Road to El Dorado. This movie is a wonderful comfort watch with amazing music, goofy characters and such a real sense of fun. So many movies serve grand purposes, to explore corruption, injustice, pain, but there’s something so important about media that makes us get in touch with the power of play. Please watch with snacks and be prepared to have the songs stuck in your head. Also, you’ll wanna go horse riding, with no map, no destination, just a pull to go somewhere, anywhere. Yes, folks, this movie will make you a horse girl.
• Miss Potter. Beatrix Potter was a fucking force! If you’re not familiar with her this movie provides such a good portrait of her brilliance and ingenuity. You may not have thought there was much to know about the mind behind Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck, but there is a story there and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Perhaps you will too.
• Little Miss Sunshine. Apologies if I’ve recommended this one before, I can’t remember, but if I have, it’s for good reason. This is a masterclass in mixing realism with joy. Follow a dysfunctional family as they struggle with their own demons to achieve a common goal - making the youngest member feel loved and supported. The movie deals with a lot of issues, but in a very sincere, everyday kind of way - there’s no real exaggeration of emotion or events - it’s just a family working on their own shit whilst also trying to be there for each other. It’s very beautiful and I think a lot of us could really enjoy it.
• Shrek 2. I said what I said and I will not be corrected. Shrek is great, Shrek 2 is a masterpiece. Seriously, from the music to the story to the little details that all work together - just sensational. No more to be said.
• The Death of Stalin. Wanna be horrified by the insights of a corrupt government whilst also snorting with delight? Then this one’s for you. A truly black comedy that follows the farcical “supposed” runnings of the communist party following the death of their terrifying leader Joseph Stalin. It’s ridiculous, it’s horrifying, and it’s thoroughly great fun.

Activities:

• Be Goofy. This sounds vague because it is. What I find goofy, you may not. The point is getting in touch with play is so underrated and it really can help us feel good in the very important “here and now”. I personally like to dance badly in my kitchen whilst I’m waiting for the kettle to boil - but you absolutely do you.
• Set Yourself a Goal. Self betterment?! I know, what a fucking drag… Or is it? Setting a goal doesn’t have to be this earth-shattering, unbelievable feat of strength that no one else could possibly accomplish. Goals are about slowly working towards something. Personally, I’ve set the goal of meditating everyday. Somedays I meditate for 10-20 minutes and other days its more like 1-5 minutes. It doesn’t matter either way, long or short, the point is I’m taking that time for me, to work on me. Taking time out for ourselves doesn’t always have to be a bubble bath or takeout or any of the typical things - it can be whatever you want it to be. And I think there’s a lot of joy to be found in working towards something one itty bitty step at a time.
• Clean. Put on your headphones and just get stuck in. There’s this really great trick (I can’t remember if Marie Kondo suggested this or it’s someone else - apologies - I just don’t remember) where you set a timer on your phone and you clean for 10 minutes everyday. This is a great way to avoid feeling overwhelmed by a HUGE clean up. It’s just a simple 10 minute activity that’ll help keep your space tidy and your mind less cluttered by external influences.
• Help Someone. Whether it’s helping them clean their apartment, getting them some shopping, listening to their problems, or even just dropping them a text that says “thinking of you. Hope you’re okay” this stuff makes such a positive difference. I find that helping other people feel good is kind of a failsafe for making us feel good too. It’s quite literally a win-win. We have a lot more power than we might imagine. Do something wonderful, be kind.

And that’s my humble offering, guys. 

All the best,

Tea