✨ 🍵 Tea’s Recommendations 🍵✨ [Need Something to Read, Watch or Do?] [Try One of These] (Patreon)

Yo, Teacups! Sometimes I feel like I stay caught in a cycle of the same shows, books, snacks, and whatever else. If you 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 ❤️

TV Shows:

• After Life. A beautiful show all about dealing with life after the loss of a loved one. Series one made me fall in love, and series two made me cry like a bitch. You will not regret it.
• The End of the F***king World. If you like strange love stories, you’ll love this. Follow James and Alysa as they say “fuck you” to themselves, their parents, and possibly their futures. A weird but poignant story all about dealing with past trauma, family issues, and figuring out how to care for the person next to you.
• Lucky Star. A slice of life anime with no particular plot, just some hecking cute high school girls, hanging out and talking. That’s it. That’s the show. No panty shots, no big action, no real conflict. Just people talking about stuff. This is the ultimate comfort watch and I highly, highly recommend it. Plus, all the snacks and cakes and food make you super hungry. So, be sure to get takeout and enjoy munching along.
• Jane Eyre (2006 BBC Production). Okay, so I appreciate period dramas might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the sexual tension in this one is PALPABLE. Seriously, the two actors have so much chemistry, their kissing scenes make you wanna put a pillow over your face, but then sneak another peak because it’s so hecking good. Seriously cannot recommend this one highly enough. If you like stubborn love interests, spooky castles, and intense kisses by the fire, you’ll love Jane Eyre. Remember! The 2006 BBC production. That’s very important).
• The Walking Dead (Seasons 1-3). I know, I know… But guys, you don’t understand. I am godfathering this shit! “Look how they massacred my boy!”. The first three seasons of this show are truly worth watching. The plots, the character developments, the acting - all really, really enjoyable. If you can separate yourself from the knowledge of the downfall, I’d create your own fantasy where it ends at season 3 and just enjoy the shit out of the good stuff.
• Aggretsuko. Anthropomorphic animals, office jobs and death metal - this is Aggretsuko! These are short episodes all about managing daily bullshit, relationships and trying to find the good in yourself, even when it’s hard as fuck. A thoroughly enjoyable and sweet series that can help make you feel represented, even if that representation comes in the form of a death metal-loving red panda.

Books:

• My Policeman. A heartbreaking story all about the perils of homophobia, dishonesty and falling in love with the wrong person. Do not read this book if you like happy endings. I won’t say it ends in disaster, but the bittersweetness is TART! I love stories where people feel like people and this book absolutely sells that and more. All the way through I kept saying “No, no, no. Don’t do that, just leave. LEAVE!” and if that isn’t an accurate depiction of human behaviour then I don’t know what is. Read for the feels, learn from the characters.
• My Sister the Serial Killer. A really surprising, but wickedly enjoyable story all about trauma, family, and the infuriating bonds of loyalty. Follow two sisters and their weird arrangement. Expect uncomfortable conversations, sibling rivalry, and of course, the unexpected. Nobody expects their sibling to be a serial killer. Oh, but the sibling does expect you to help with the clean up, of course.
• Good Omens. A delicious, farcical romp all about the end of the world. Need more? Well, there’s an angel and a demon and they’re kind of in love, but not quite ready to deal with that. So, instead they plan to prevent Armageddon, effectively betraying their respective sides of heaven and hell. Join them on this insane, yet charming adventure. P.S. It’s now also a TV show and I also highly recommend that.
• Adulthood Is A MYTH. A fantastic collection of comics by someone who’s upfront about THIS BULLSHIT. Addictive, easy to enjoy, and very relaxing. Perfect for when you want an easy, but entertaining read.

Snacks:

• Cheese on Toast. The pinnacle of English cuisine. Toast two pieces of bread. Microwave a shit ton of cheese in a container. Transfer the cheese onto the bread. Munch, crunch, DEVOUR! It’s perfect for rainy, cold, uninspiring days - and if you live in Europe, well, we have them in spades!
• BLT. As you can see, living in England has had a profound and lasting impact on me. You need: two slices of bread, fried bacon, lettuce, sliced tomato, and a little glob of mayo. Heaven between two pieces of carb.
• Coconut Tarts. Sweet, moist and full of “oh, good god, I’m horny again”. I don’t bake these. I buy them and I highly recommend you do so too.
• Cucumber Sandwiches. Dainty, yummy and not actually terrible for your digestive system. Two slices of bread, a little bit of butter, and a whole lot of sliced cucumber. Feel like a lady or a gent and tuck in! Also, eat it with English breakfast tea. IT’S THE LAW!
• Banana Ice Cream. If you want something that’s sweet, but you’re trying to be a little bit healthier, this is a great option. All you need is a blender, some frozen bananas and any other fruit of your choice. I like to go with strawberries or raspberries, but you do you, lovelies. Stick ‘em all in the blender, blitz it, and there you go! Banana ice cream. I’m not gonna lie, it’s not as good as real ice cream, but sometimes it’s good to pack in the fruit and veggies.

Activities:

• Build A Campfire. This might not be possible for everyone, but if you have any outside space or any place you can go to, just go there, get some drinks and some food and build a little campfire. It’s easy, fun, and I don’t know, it just makes you like “mmm, fire good”. I know, a very articulate sentiment, but I swear it makes you feel good. The smell, the sound, the feeling of being outside - it feels good, man.
• Do Something Nice For a Friend or Loved One. We ain’t talking about big money or expensive trips. We’re talking good old, can’t live without, bread and butter kindness. Make someone a sandwich, text them a meme, go to the shops to get their medicine, make that call their too anxious to make, lend them your jacket, let them show you a stupid video on YouTube. Essentially, take an active and genuine interest in them because they need it.
• Build Something. Whether it’s the Lego Death Star, a garden bench or a fort for your nieces and nephews - make something! Task satisfaction is real and it feels good to have accomplished something. It doesn’t have to be a piece of art in order to be worthwhile. Some of the most meaningful moments of our lives are so inconsequential to other people. It’s important if it’s important to YOU.
• Interact with Animals. No pet? No problem. Go to someone who does. Offer to walk your friend’s dog, babysit your mom’s cat, look after your niece’s hamster. It doesn’t matter, just interact with furry babies and treasure it.

And that’s my offering for the month. I hope some of this can lead to a good time for you. I truly do.

Best wishes,

Tea