It’s just about time to roundup all the great things of the year. I’d like to share some of my favorite discoveries that deserve a little more shine, shows that kept me entertained, and other great items that enhanced my quality of life.

Here are some of my favorite things that helped make 2017 a fantastic year:

Crystals + Sage

After watching Spencer Pratt’s Snapchat and observing his love and knowledge of crystals, I bought into the hype, and incorporated crystals into my life. I’m not entirely sure I’m a true believer if they actually work, but it’s a nice trinket to remind me to remain positive. I also invested in sage, and whenever I have any negative energy around me, I make sure to say a prayer and sage my aura. It smells great and I love keeping the evil demons away from me.

Podcast

Last year, I began my journey of listening to podcasts solely to deepen my obsession with the Housewives. Since then, I have branched out and discovered some truly compelling stories, and now love podcasts.

Dissect: There are only two seasons; However if you’re a fan of music, this is the podcast for you. Cole Cuchna takes a deep dive of every song on a particular album and breaks down every detail of it, including musical theory standpoint, lyrical analyzing, and critical pop culture perspective. Cuchna has musically analyzed Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Even if you’re not a fan of the artist, after each episode and season you will gain a new perspective and appreciation for each album and artist.

The Read: I am late to the game, but at least I’m finally on the train. After years of following Kid Fury and Crissle of Twitter, I have begun listening to their weekly podcast of hilarious commentary of pop culture in the black community. Their advice to listeners’ problems, and how they navigate their lives is a fun listen.

Television

I swear I watch more than just Bravo, the Housewives, and 90 Day fiancé. Here are some of my favorite shows to watch this year.

The Is Us: I cannot get enough of the Parson family. Aren’t Randall and Jack perfect???

Riverdale: The revival of the Archie comic is ridiculous and your typical teenage drama, but it’s so addictive. And Josie and the Pussycats are an amazing fictional band! 

Desus & Mero: I cannot get enough of their witty commentary on everything from political news, odd news stories, to sports. They have definitely made the current political administration not as hard to watch when you’re able to find the humor in it all.

Search Party: The only way I can describe the show is--Four not too bright hipsters are searching for a missing former college classmate and along the way end up killing someone, and it is hilarious. John Early will make you cry from laughter, and you'll want to shake Dory for being so damn dumb all the time. How did she graduate from college or survive life this long? 

The New York Yankees

The last decade of being a Yankee fan has been hard, from lame ass Alex Rodriguez ruining our reputation, to the team just not being able to find their groove. It's been heartbreaking; But this year, the team was able to advance further than anyone could imagine. The team was insanely fun to watch and I found my Jeter replacement… the beautiful biracial butterfly, Aaron Judge.

Fiona the Hippo

Who knew a hippo would really warm the nation’s heart? The Cincinnati Zoo documented the birth of the premature hippo back in January, and we have been able to watch Fiona grow up to become a healthy, carefree hippo. The Internet also used her as a way to celebrate body positivity. Fiona even got her own show, homegirl is prospering! 

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle 

Earlier this month Prince Harry announced he will be getting married to American, Black (well, biracial) actress, Meghan Markle. I'm so lame, but I'm so happy for them. I love love, and I love weddings, so of course I'm preparing my outfit and Sunday's best church hat for their May nuptials. I am really rooting for them! 

Favorite Memes

The Guy Blinking Gif

No matter the situation, I can always rely on this gif to create the perfect tweet/status.

The Badadook Is Gay Icon

I laughed way more at all of the tweets and posts about the Badadook being the new gay icon after someone photoshopped the film into Netflix’s LGBT movie category.

Cuca

No idea how the Internet caught on to the Brazilian alligator/witch Cuca, but she is fabulous. 

What were some of your favorites in 2017?