Seven Things: Seven Days a Week
Enjoyed Jungkook's solo debut a little too much + a roundup of July favorites
Hello!
As a way to exercise my creative muscles, this latest edition of Seven Things is inspired by Jungkook’s new song, ‘Seven.’
While I have a contentious relationship with BTS and their fandom, this song is such an earworm. It’s super catchy, and it’s the kind of mind filler that I will gladly entertain. Style-wise, the beat does remind me of Justin Timberlake’s “Like I Love You,” but better. But enough about the song, here are the rest of the seven things that I’ve been enjoying lately, or what I enjoyed recently.
Exist by EXO
Album releases from SM artists usually fall on a Monday, so this was the first thing that popped in my head when I think about Mondays. This album is full of fun R&B + hip-hop tracks that I can bop to while doing work or chores. My favorites are “Hear Me Out,” “Private Party,” and “Let Me In!” The album is also reminiscent of EXO-SC’s work, especially with the rap parts. Anyway, this album brings me so much joy because Sehun is singing here, plus it feels good to hear EXO’s vocals again.
Interestingly, this album is their 7th full album. In theme, right?
Study With Cats Pomodoro 25/5
Found another background music compilation to help me keep focused and on task. Not only is it cute, it’s also highly functional and beneficial for my ADHD.
Herbal Essences’ White Strawberry & Mint Shampoo
Even though this is not marketed as a clarifying shampoo, my hair and scalp feel cleaner after I use this. I wash my hair every day, but I shuffle my shampoos and conditioners depending on how much product I put in my hair. I’ve been enjoying this for the scent too, even if fruity scents are not my favorite.
This Cheater’s sisig recipe from Pepper.ph
If you know me in real life, you may have encountered my love for sisig. Manam makes my favorite one. The frozen sisig from Adobo connection is a close second. But what if you can’t go to a Manam branch? You make your own, from ground meat or burger patties. I’ve made this a handful of times already, and I enjoy making it for days when I can’t be bothered to whip up a meal that requires a boatload of prep.
The Bear
Two days ago, I started watching The Bear for the food and the kitchen inspiration. Three episodes in, the show made me contemplate about the dynamics that I have with my previous supervisors and teammates. In most cases, I feel like I’m Sydney, and my supervisors remind me of Carmy (in the best way possible). The show is making me reflect about work-life balance, passion, and purpose, which are things that I still find challenging to this day.
It’s not for the faint of heart, since the show has themes related to mental health, toxic work environments, and fraught interpersonal relationships. However, if you want to watch a show with characters that are easy to root for, this is a must-watch.
The Barbie movie
I will keep this section spoiler-free, but I enjoyed Barbie a lot! It’s the first movie that I watched in the theater this year, and it’s such a fitting pick. It’s hilarious, the costumes and the makeup are worth emulating, and there’s a lot of depth and heart to it. This film also reminded me of Kim Ji Young, Born 1982, since both films tackle similar topics.
BONUS: ‘ETA’ by NewJeans
This music video by NewJeans is the perfect intersection of my interests and my practice as an advertising creative. It’s a music video that serves as a promotional material for the iPhone 14 Pro, and it shows its capabilities on full blast without selling the iPhone in front of your face.
In terms of storytelling, I love the chismosa-ness of the whole thing. Maybe it’s because I’m quite the Marites myself, lol. I live for ideas and stories like this one.
Music video aside, this song is such a blast to listen to. It’s the type of song that you would blast during a K-pop themed night at a club, just like ‘Seven’ by Jungkook or ‘Private Party’ and ‘Hear Me Out” by EXO.
I hope you enjoyed this roundup of favorites! Did you participate in Barbenheimer? What’s your favorite K-pop release for the month of July? Let me know.
Drop your ETA,
Lea