My Favorite Things: July

My Favorite Things is a monthly segment where I share my personal and current favorites in seasonal products, health & beauty, food, decor, movies, TV, and more. I hope you enjoy these personal picks!

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Movies

Barbie

Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.

This movie was just as good as I expected it to be. It literally brought my childhood to life and reminded me of the Barbie dolls I grew up playing with. It’s very nostalgic and I think the director along with the crew and actors brought these dolls to life. They managed to place them in the real world but also keep their doll mannerisms. It’s a movie geared towards adults, and it also speaks volumes to what women face daily and gender inequality issues.

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Haunted Mansion

A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.

This movie is a step up from the last live-action film made in 2023. From the special effects and attention to detail (an addition of lots of fan favorites from the Disney World ride) this film is a spooky good time! It’s a good blend of comedy and horror and filled with a few jump scares that even got me. I loved the cast and set. There was so much to look at and the story with themes of overcoming grief is relatable to the audience. I highly recommend this film!

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YouTube

Hollywood Has A Problem: AI, Strikes & Unfair Wages

A comprehensive video and great resource for why the actor and writers strike in Hollywood is so important and the full impact of it.

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The Truth About “Killing Me Softly”

This video gives an inside to the story of Killing Me Softly with His Song is much deeper, wider, and even more heartbreaking when you dig all the way down.  I highly recommend the Digging the Greats channel if you’re a music enthusiast and want to learn more about notable songs and the stories that went into making the tracks we love.

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Genealogist Who Tracks Down Modern-Day Slavery Practices

VICE’s Akil Gibbons traveled to Louisiana to meet genealogist Antoinette Harrell, the “slavery detective of the South,” who tracks down cases of modern-day slavery and abusive labor practices. Such an interesting video! Harrell is doing such incredible work to document important history.

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Music

Dance the Night Away by Dua Lipa

Since I saw the Barbie movie, I’ve had so many of the songs in my head from the soundtrack. I love the Disco sound and feel of this song. It takes me back to the days where I used to roller skate with friends at the roller rink on the weekends.

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Love Looks Better by Alicia Keys

I got to see Alicia Keys live in concert in July so I’ve been going through her entire discography of music. She is an amazing performer live. I love this track off of her self -titled album. Alicia always sings with purpose and her songs always have a beautiful message and she’s always spreading love through her music.

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Super Shy by New Jeans

New Jeans has done it again with one of the K-Pop songs of the summer. This infectious melody and dance will instantly get stuck in your head after one listen. It’s bubbly, energetic, and easy to sing along with. I’ve had this song on repeat all month long.

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What are some of your favorite things from July? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.