January Editor’s Picks
Welcome to another week of the most mundane month of the year. Luckily, we are in awards season for the arts, fashion trends are rapidly changing, and new influencer podcasts are being announced daily (and yes, I will listen to every single one). It’s important to find the bright side of such a dull time of the year.
This is easier said than done. I hope I’m not alone in the feeling of being lost in the movement of the New Year. I don’t want to work out, go to work, eat healthy, etc. But is has me thinking why I feel this way, and where I can rediscover my motivation. It’s not that I don’t care about the things or people in my life, it’s that I can acknowledge that January can be a feeling of discomfort. If your school offers counseling or group therapy sessions, I reccomend seeking help when you feel like this. I started counseling last week, and I feel better already.
That being said, here are my “ins” for the week, also known as the things that are making life a little more exciting. Remember that outside of this list, spending time with caring people and getting outside of your house are also important factors of enhancing your quality of life.
Comment or reach out to me through blossommagazinesc@gmail.com to recommend new “picks” or to chat.
TV Shows
Southern Hospitality (Bravo)
Southern Hospitality is a reality TV show highlighting the lives of Charleston’s hottest servers and hosts at Republic Garden & Lounge, as well as Bourbon and Bubbles. I love this show, but I think it’s mainly because I’m from Charleston. I wouldn’t say it has the best editing or acting, but I truly love the characters. It’s dramatic and fun to see the behind the scenes of Southern nightlife. As a Charleston native, I love seeing my favorite restaurants featured on the show and seeing some familiar faces as the stars.
Sex and The City (hbo)
This show leaves me so inspired when I watch it, which may sounds strange considering the content of the show. Carrie’s outfits and overall style make me want to wear bold outfits and give new ideas for how to style basic pieces. The second I get a job, I’m recreating some Carrie Bradshaw outfits. Overall, the desire for a New York City lifestyle is fueled by this show. I am genuinely more motivated watching this show in the hopes that one day I’ll be a fabulous New Yorker.
movies
Whiplash
My boyfriend is always begging to choose the movie, so the other night I let him and I was not disappointed. This is one of those movies that you watch and can’t stop thinking about for the next week. Miles Teller is an incredible actor, and truly tells the story of hard work in the art industry. Anyone who has played a sport, instrument, or been a part of a team can relate to this movie. It reminded me of being on a dance team, and how being on a team can feel so isolating and individual at times. The need to be “the best” can over power the value of teamwork, leaving you lost in your own head. If you like Miles Teller, I recommend this movie or my favorite movie of all time, War Dogs.
Tully
Tully is the type of movie that has you confused and bored almost the whole movie, but the ending is worth every second. I love movies that teach you something valuable and realistic, and this one shows Post Partum Depression in a way I’ve never seen. The editing makes you feel stressed, sad, jealous, and exhausted along with the main character. Despite all the good things it does, I’m glad I watched this now as a 20 year old rather than as a pregnant woman. It’s scary how much pregnancy can permanently affect your life, but I think awareness is important when it comes to mental health of all kinds.
podcasts
Smartless
Smartless is a comedy and lifestyle podcast that brings the listener inside the life of a celebrity. Usually the guests are actors, but they often include musicians, directors, or athletes. At first I though three people would be too many hosts, but Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett are a perfect trio. They are best friends, and it shows through the podcast. I love listening to their personal stories as celebrities and actors, and hearing from the guests. Their most recent guest was Selena Gomez, but my favorite episode was with John Krasinski or “Kras”.
Cheers with Avery Woods
Cheers is an influencer podcast with Avery Woods. I shamelessly listen to every influencer podcast, and hers is probably my favorite. I know a podcast host is good when they can keep an episode engaging for me even when I don’t know who the guest is. She asks insightful questions that keep the guest comfortable, but also asks questions about their wrongdoings. I have no need to know anything about motherhood, nursing, kids, etc., but I will listen to every episode the minute it comes out. She’s also a great influencer to follow on Tik Tok.
influencers
Savvy Kay Boutique
You may know Savvy Kay by her day in the life videos. She runs a boutique out of her house and does an incredible job of showing the trials and tribulations of a small business owner. I also admire how she shows that success and togetherness can come from leading a simple life. How loving your job can make it feel more like a hobby than work. Often times I think we get caught up in watching big city influencers with Equinox memberships and designer clothes live a lavish, overconsuming lifestyle. It’s fun to watch, but I get caught up in thinking that lifestyle is normal and realistic. Savvy Kay brings me back down to earth and inspires me to work harder in each aspect of my life. Not to mention her creative photoshoots and drops of clothing. It’s an example of how creative skills can extend into a variety of careers. I encourage supporting her social media or checking out her boutique using the link below.
Shopping
Amelie Teje
Amelie Teje is a girly, feminine brand known for their dresses and swimwear. It’s relatively affordable for nice clothes, and I think they have a unique twist on trendy or classic clothing items. The imagery on their website is creative and puts each look into a destination that matches the vibe of the outfit. I look forward to buying a dress or two for Spring Break.
Music
For music this month, I put an emphasis on finding all new music to start off the year with a fresh listening rotation. I incorporated some songs from Saltburn and Anyone But You. Follow me on Spotify @brynnburkee.
Thank you all for reading about my favorites. I would love to know yours and anything other categories you would like to hear from me. As January comes to an end, remember to keep enjoying each moment as much as you can. My current motto, as cheesy as it is, is “Focus on the good”. That’s the most we can do for ourselves and the people around us.
Xoxo,
