Feel-Good Recs to Uplift your Mood

I'm sure lots of us have struggled lately to relax, be happy, and find ways to laugh during such a stressful time. The weather getting warmer and sunnier has definitely lifted spirits around my little city (everyone's so happy just to not have to wear a winter parka anymore!) But there's also still a lot of fear for some of going out at all. There's also those rainy or windy days that keep us cooped up indoors, and those evenings where you miss grabbing a drink with friends. Times like these where you find yourself in need of something to lift your spirits up. 

So I'm recommending the TV Shows, Movies, and Books that have made me happy lately.

Television

The Mindy Project - Re-watch  

I LOVED this show in Uni, it helped me escape the massive piles of stress (especially during midterms). The dating woes of OB/GYN Mindy Lahiri are forever entertaining. I forgot how on point Mindy Kaling's humour is and how well written her characters are. It's perfect for a good laugh.

Where to stream it: Prime Video

GLOW 

Females wresting, for television entertainment, in 80's "Hollywood", need I say more?  There's just enough drama to keep you hooked but not angsty enough to drive you away. I love how 80's it is, the hair and outfits are on point and the personal growth of each of the girls throughout the experience is uplifting. 

Where to stream it: Netflix

Brooklyn Nine-Nine- Season 7

This one doesn't even need an explanation, if you don't know what it is, you've been living under a rock. The most hilarious and loveable precinct in New York City ft. the best detectives you ever did see. It's the season that's made me laugh the hardest thus far. (Especially the Pimento episode).

Where to stream: Netflix

Never Have I Ever

Brand new to Netflix and written by Mindy Kaling (See! Her humour is just so good!).The high school troubles of an Indian American teenager, apparently loosely based on Mindy Kaling's own experiences. Makes you reminisce those awkward high school years.

Where to stream: Netflix

Movies

Pride & Prejudice

I forgot how amazing this movie is (specifically the score). I used to watch it all the time but it's been a good number of years and, wow, was it a blast from the past. This is why Jane Austen is still revered today. The 2004 adaptation starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden is all you'll ever need. It's so beautiful.

The Hobbit Trilogy

Quarantine seems to be the perfect time to re-watch great trilogies no? The Hobbit gets a lot of flack from "true" fans but I honestly find it so enjoyable and pure. One of the main themes that resonate with me is that kindness is a strength, and that strength can be found in the most unlikely of places.

Bohemian Rhapsody

What better to make you feel good than a movie that lets you jam out to Queen's greatest hits? It's like having a mini-concert in your living room. I think this is the perfect go-to if you're in need of some fun. Freddy Mercury will always be an inspiration.

Disney Decade Re-watch

I've been re-watching Disney movies (only the major ones I remember as a kid) by decade. I finished the '30s and '40s and am onto the '50s now (Pinocchio is a severely messed up story btw). I definitely recommend going back and watching childhood favourites, what's better than your favourite cartoons from your youth to make you feel joyful?

Books

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Featured on my blog here. This book is the perfect murder mystery. It will literally make you forget the world around you and suck you right in. So if you need a distraction, this one is perfect.

Howl's Moving Castle

Short and sweet, it's a YA novel but it's a great fit for ALL ages. A mysterious wizard with a castle that, you guessed it, can travel around, and a young girl with a nasty curse. 

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

This, as I've mentioned before, is one of my feel-good novels. It's so uplifting and heartwarming that whenever I need a good pick-me-up, this is the book I will reach for. If you'd like to hear more about it, my review is here. 

American Royals

If George Washington was made King instead of President, his descendants are still on the throne of this American Monarchy. FASCINATING. Drama, intrigue, everything you'd expect from a book based on Royals that are American.

I hope some of you find a few of these recommendations helpful! They have definitely helped me navigate some of the more worrisome feelings that have emerged from living through a global pandemic. If you have any great recommendations on tv, movies, books, activities, cocktails, recipes, or anything else that's made you happy this last month, please share! I'd love to hear from you.

-Ciao,

Taylor-Paige