Hellobee

Two is the best age (so far!). Nothing makes me smile more than when Max says, “I need help,” does the action himself then says “I did it.” But I’m human and need a break sometimes. Whether it’s a 20 minute hydrating face mask or getting lost in a new podcast, here are some of the products and entertainment I’m currently enjoying.

1. Serial S-Town Podcast

Creators of Serial announce a new podcast, S-Town! I was addicted to season 1 of of the podcast Serial and like the rest of America was so sad when the season ended. The host, Sarah Koenig, captivated us all as she unfolded the events of Hae Min Lee’s murder. Inevitably, the bar was impossibly high for season 2 and fell short of most people’s expectations, including mine. But Serial hasn’t given up. Koenig is getting ready to release a new podcast next month (all episodes will be released simultaneously in March), S-town, that stems from an Alabama man asking for “a reporter to investigate the son of a wealthy family who had allegedly been bragging that he got away with murder. Brian agreed to look into it. But then someone else ended up dead, and another story began to unfold – about a nasty feud, a hunt for hidden treasure and the mysteries of one man’s life.”

2. Dr. Jart+ Dermask Vital Hydra Solution Deep Hydration Sheet Mask

Lately, I’ve been stepping up my skincare routine with this deep hydration sheet mask. Sheet masks are supposed to be intensely hydrating, which feels especially great during the dry winter months. With all the buzz around Korean beauty products, I’ve been wanting to try some for a while. This mask is among the first items I’ve tried after receiving it from birchbox and I love it. After just 15 minutes, my face feels refreshed and hydrated. The mask is formulated with a soothing skin serum that leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft.

3. COOLA Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint Sunscreen

Since I turned 30 I’ve made an effort to put sunscreen on my face every day. In the past, I avoided the habit because 1) I told myself “Asians don’t burn” (not true at all) and 2) I didn’t like the sticky feeling that most sunscreens leave. However, this one is formulated with a matte texture that gives your skin the sun protection without looking or feeling greasy.

4. My Crazy Ex Girlfriend

This is one of the quirkiest, smartest shows I’ve seen in a long time. Based on title alone, I would have dismissed this as “targeted to tweens and way too young for me,” but don’t be fooled. Think Broadway musical, meets young adult story line (come on, we all love a good YA drama), meets characters in their late 20s/early 30s. I can’t do the show justice by describing it, but I guarantee if you watch one episode you will be hooked. It airs on the CW, but you can catch the first 2 seasons on Netflix, making this the perfect weekend binge show.

5. My Favorite Murder podcast

This podcast isn’t for everyone and you’ll know immediately if it’s not for you. Each week comedian co-hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark pick a theme and casually discuss their “favorite” murders that fall under that theme. Here’s what you might not expect: it’s incredibly funny and entertaining. Karen and Georgia are unapologetically fascinated by the gruesome details of some of the worst crimes, so be prepared to spend an entire episode wavering between amused and terrified. And if you are into this sort of thing (which I am), the podcast has a very active Facebook fan page where people post their favorite hometown murders.

6. Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion

It’s almost embarrassing to admit that I still get the occasional blemish. Nothing shakes your confidence more than a big red spot in the middle of your face. Luckily most of the time, a little concealer and a dab of foundation are enough to mask any undesirable spots. But occasionally I’ll feel a larger cystic pimple forming. Once that happens, I immediately put this Mario Badescu buffering lotion on and the spot dramatically shrinks overnight. It is amazing, and the only product I’ve used that has a dramatic impact. I’m especially thankful for this product now that I have a very curious toddler who this morning pointing to my face and said “mama boo boo.”

7. Hyper Videos App

This is an app (for iOS and Apple TV) that Mr. Ice Cream and I love. Every day there is a carefully curated list of high-quality videos on a wide range of topics. The videos range from one to twenty minutes in length and are never more than a couple days old. It’s a great opportunity to learn interesting tidbits that you never knew you wanted to know.

8. Commando Classic Thong

It’s hard to find underwear that work perfectly under fitted clothes; that’s why the commando classic thong is so amazing. It is completely seamless, is barely noticeable against your skin and is completely invisible under whatever you are wearing. At $20 a pair, it is more than I like to spend, but it is definitely worth the price tag.

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I’d love to know what shows/movies/podcasts you are loving now.