December Obsessions
By: Rachel Williams
“I’m Glad My Mom Died” Spotify Audiobook
If you loved Sam from “iCarly” then you will definitely love this! Former actress Jennette McCurdy's powerful memoir, I'm Glad My Mom Died, is on Spotify as a captivating audiobook experience.
McCurdy’s book was released in August 2022 and has been recognized as a number one New York Times and International Bestseller, as well as selling more than two million copies. She also won the 2022 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Memoir and Autobiography.
The book tells the story of her career as a child actress and her difficult relationship with her abusive mother who died in 2013. Throughout the book, McCurdy includes deep and emotional moments but also adds humor to create a healthy balance.
As I listened to her recount her childhood experiences, I felt like I was losing myself in the richness of her storytelling. McCurdy has an expression behind every word she says and paints a vivid picture of resilience, growth, and self-discovery. Listening to the audiobook of her story is an intimate and enjoyable listening experience. She has a way of reading that transcends the pages, making you feel like you're right there with her.
“A Better You” by Fernanda Ramirez Podcast
I have been watching lifestyle, wellness, and self-help influencer Fernanda Ramirez on YouTube for years, but only recently did I get into her new podcast “A Better You by Fernanda Ramirez.”
Her podcast, available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music, covers a wide range of topics that ultimately focus on how to become the best version of yourself. My favorite episodes are when she tells personal stories and gives specific advice on how to tap into your confidence. Listening to her podcast is one of my favorite ways to start the morning because I can set my intentions and have a positive outlook on my day.
“emails i can’t send fwd:”
Singer-actress Sabrina Carpenter really rose to fame for her music this year. Her album, “emails i can't send,” was released last summer and is Carpenter’s fifth studio album but her first under a new label. In 2023, she released the deluxe edition of the 2022 album “emails i can’t send fwd:” Throughout last year, Carpenter has been receiving recognition for touring with Taylor Swift and for her iconic music video, “Feather.” Carpenter’s new album is primarily pop with additional elements of folk-pop, dance-pop, and powerful ballad storytelling.
In my opinion, this is one of her best albums. She did a great job with ordering the songs and having lyrics that tell a personal story. I’m happy she is starting to get recognition for her music and is bringing a new sound to the music scene.
Softsoap Milk and Honey Hand Soap
As the weather is getting colder, my hands are becoming insanely dry. One thing that has been helping me hydrate my skin is Softsoap’s Milk and Honey Hand Soap. The texture and smell is rich and hydrating with a hint of honey; it’s definitely a soap you'll want to keep on your sink during the winter.
“Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”
Like many people, I was obsessed with “The Hunger Games” series in 2012. I often asked my mom to braid my hair and my dream costume was (of course!) Katniss Everdeen. There have definitely been mixed opinions on this movie, but I loved it.
The new movie is the prequel to “The Hunger Games” series we know and love. As viewers, we get to follow the story of Coriolanus Snow, who later becomes the tyrannical President Snow depicted in the original series. The movie adaptation serves as a pivotal moment in “The Hunger Games” narrative by exploring and adding depth to who Coriolanus Snow is.
Rachel Zegler had an outstanding performance not only with acting, but vocally. I have been watching Zegler perform since her early musical theatre YouTube days and was happy to see her get praise from a new audience.
Along with Zegler, I enjoyed Tom Blyth’s acting performance. He did a great job at telling the story and expressing all of the intense emotions his character felt throughout the film. From the A-list actors to the ensemble, there was a great connection amongst the cast, and, as a viewer, I felt the teamwork it took to put this production together.
So Long Surfer
Calling all fans of the Beach Boys, The Backseat Lovers, or Wallows! So Long Surfer is a Philadelphia-based band that features the collective work of Eric Juelke, Kyle Ciarrocchi, Noah Uy, and Max Fabiszewski.
The Philadelphia band only has an EP and a few singles out but once you start listening you’ll want more. The songs are perfect to play when you’re walking to class or just having a chill night with friends.
The band has played at various events in venues in Philadelphia such as Philly Stoop, Silk City Diner, Bread Box Philly, and more. The band dropped a new single, Sorry For Bothering, at the start of December and it will definitely have an appearance on my Spotify Wrapped next year.
I recently met and interviewed the band while recording for a TUTV show, “Artists Among Us.” I was blown away by their music and started to play their songs on repeat. Many people describe their sound as a mix of 60s rock and modern psychedelic music, but I don’t think they can be put into one genre. So Long Surfer is the band to listen to if you’re longing for warm summer days during the winter months.