1. Roots (History Channel Miniseries)
I watched this miniseries, which is comprised of 4 two and a half hour episodes, a couple of weeks ago, and quite literally have not been able to stop thinking about it. This is a remake of a 1977 miniseries with the same name which was based on the novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley. It follows the story of Kunta Kinte, a Mandinka warrior from West Africa, who is taken from his family and brought to America when he is captured by white slave traders. I won't give much more away, but this miniseries will follow the compelling story of the generations of Kunta Kinte's family, as family is the most important thing to Mandinkas.
This story is based off of real history, and real history was gruesome. So I will warn you, there are many parts in this miniseries that are hard to watch. But it was like reading a good book. I just couldn't stop watching and ended up finishing it in a couple of days. If you want to be completely taken away from your world, learn a bit about history, and introduced to characters that you will fall in love with, this is for you.
2. Survivor Season 33
I am a self-proclaimed Survivor addict. Have been since the age of 7 or 8 actually, when it all started. And out of all the seasons, none had the punch that this one did. It was the game we all know and love, but cast with so many great strategic players who really love the game. Not only that, but it was won by someone I related to, and the whole world felt his story. Survivor was a show he watched with his mother every Wednesday since he was little, much like my family and I, and his mother had actually almost gotten on the show with him a couple of seasons ago. Well she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, and when he got on the show by himself, she urged him to go, even though she was so unwell. Watching his victory was something so special. And he deserved it not only because he had a "sob story", but because he had a great strategic and social game. It was truly well earned. His mother passed away about an hour after he got home. And while he was sharing this story at the live finale through tears, he said something that really resonated with me and I'm sure tons throughout the world; "This is crazy because it's MY life. Like, it's such a beautiful story, like I can get that looking outside of it, but this is my life. And it's real." If you haven't watched Survivor, I highly recommend you start with this season, even though I kind of just spoiled the winner.
3. Tartlette In Bloom Palette
As much as I loved makeup, I was never much of an eyeshadow person, mainly because I sucked at putting it on (and still do!). However this year I bought this as my first palette, and it has been so perfect for a beginner like me. It has so many neutral shades and lots of mattes, and it applies so easily. This is definitely my makeup favorite of 2016!
4. Minimalism
This year I cleaned out my room. And when I say cleaned out, I mean really cleaned out. My room was full of clutter that I just didn't seem to want to get rid of. And the clutter in my room was making it so much less of a nice environment to spend time in. So I went by this quote, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful". And with that quote, I got rid of so much stuff that was just taking up space and energy. And now my room is so much more of a sanctuary. When your surroundings are calm, you're more likely to feel calm, and this is one of my favorite things I tried in 2016.
5. Houseparty App
This app was one of my favorite discoveries! It allows you to video chat with multiple people at one time, and it works amazingly! I use it with my friends from Instagram, and my family who lives in another province, and I find it cuts out even less than FaceTime. It's been so much fun to be able to virtually hang out with two friends at once. Highly recommend.
6. Beyond Type 1
I am enormously proud to be on the Global Ambassador Council for Beyond Type 1. In their words, "Beyond Type 1 creates and funds a portfolio of programs, technologies and innovations that those living with Type 1 diabetes need to manage, live and thrive. Our goal is to highlight the brilliance of those fighting this disease every day while always working toward ensuring a cure is on its way."
Though Beyond Type 1 wasn't founded in 2016, they made so many huge accomplishments over the year, and this is the year that I was lucky enough to get to spend time with the amazing people behind it. There was the Revlon Challenge, and so much money was raised for our cause (Thank you to everyone who contributed!), and the Snail Mail Club was born. People at Beyond Type 1 cleverly pair you up with another t1d to write to, and equip you with a little kit! This is just one of the many ways they've worked to make kids and adults with diabetes all around the world feel less alone. Getting to see it first hand, I am truly in awe of the hard work and passion that has gone into all of this. If anything inspired me most this year, it was Beyond Type 1. Shoutout to Mary Lucas, Sarah Lucas, Thom Scher, Michelle Boise, and Sara Jensen for everything you've accomplished over the last year. You made my year infinitely better.
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