Lately, I've been on a mission to read new books listen to new music and even watch a few movies I've missed out. It's been one of the most fun missions I've ever embarked on.

February, the month of love, has left me with a lot of favorites. Even though it was the absolute shortest month of the year. There have been movies I've seen and new albums I've been recommended and it's hard to fit them all into one small list. But, after many hours of careful deliberation, these are my favorite things from the fourth month of 2018.

1. "Simon vs. The Homosapien’s Agenda" – Book

"Simon vs. The Homosapien’s Agenda" is a novel by Becky Albertalli in which a boy, Simon deals with the troubles of being in the closet, coming out as gay and all the romance in between. I felt the need to pick up this book in order to see the movie that came out in March (By the way, that movie was amazing!). Honestly, I’m surprised that I haven’t read this book earlier. I loved every moment of the book. It had me questioning who Blue was and remembering the time I once rested in the closet.

2. "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" – Movie

Frances McDormand took home best actress for this film, rightfully well deserved. It was also nominated for Best Picture. Woody Harrelson was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role while co-star Sam Rockwell took home the award. "Three Billboards" follows McDormand’s character as she turns the town on its head by challenging the police and the lack of arrests following the death of her daughter. That’s all I can say, you really have to watch the film itself to see the full extent of the story and the craziness. It’s got the awards.

3. "I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning" by Bright Eyes – Album

This artist was recommended to me by a really good friend of mine, among a long long list of others. But this album was recommended to me a few months back. It’s been the go-to album to listen to for finishing out the month of February whether studying or driving to work. It’s beautiful both lyrically and musically, the melodies are constantly stuck in your head. Personally, my favorite track is "Lua."There are very few albums that move me to the point of tears, this has done that on multiple occasion. I’ll definitely be going through that list.

4. Tazo Teas – awake English breakfast tea, zen and earl grey

One of my goals this year is to completely wean myself off of the soda I’ve been drinking. Tazo tea has been my favorite for the longest time and this semester I’ve been drinking it a lot in substitute of my I like to have it with a little bit of sugar and if there’s caffeine in it that’s good enough for me.

5. "Brothers" by The Black Keys – Album

Another really good artist from that list that my friend gave me. So far, this is the first album I have listened to from them and I really enjoy it. Really catchy melodies and fun songs that manage to keep me going. Every song has managed to become stuck in my head at some inconvenient point in the day and I love it. I wouldn’t be surprised if my Spotify says this was the most played album of the year.