Best of 2018!
- Rachel Rosana
- Jan 1, 2019
- 13 min read
Updated: Jan 24, 2019
Over the year there have been some hits and misses. I've seen, read, and bought throughout the year. This is MY list of my top 5's of 2018. These lists are NOT on how much money was made at the box office, what sold out online fast, or even what videos received 2 million views in a day.
These lists are on what I enjoyed, loved and feel deserve recognition in the year of 2018. The top 5's in each category are not in order, they are simply all worthy of being in my top 5 equally.
Enjoy.
Top 5 breaking news stories of 2018
Jewish synagogue massacre - read my blog posted on the massacre HERE.
A total of 307 Mass Shootings of 2018. - read the list HERE.
Natural Disasters of 2018 - Including, Indonesia Tsunami, Fall 2018 California Wildfires, Hurricane Michael, Hurricane Florence, and Japan Flooding and Mudslides- read the rest of the list HERE.
Bomb threats - Some include, CNN Bomb Threats and Bomb Threats sent to School and Business in The United States.
"I AM PART OF THE RESISTANCE" - NY TIMES & President Donald J. Trump- TIED- Topics include but not limited to, Immigrants, Nazi's, Climate Change, impeachment, Government Shutdown, Putin, Kim Jun Un, and the firing of almost everyone in his white house.
OH! and the infamous NY TIME OP-ED PIECE! You can read the article HERE on The NY TIMES website and the breakdown version of it HERE.
Top 5 ridiculous headlines of 2018 (yes, these are REAL headlines)
"Holland Tunnel takes down christmas decorations -- the only thing they've ever fixed." - Read here.
"School cook fired for feeding school kids Kangaroo Meat!" - Read here.
" 'Willy Wonka, that you?" - Germany Factory has a major chocolate spill on the streets." - Read here.
"2 Catholic Nuns steal $500k from catholic school and head to the casinos"- Read here.
"Dallas Plane forgets human heart on board" - Read here.
Top 5 films of 2018
5 Television show/mini series of 2018
100 Code - WGN America (U.S)/Sky Atlantic (UK) is about: "(also known as The Hundred Code) is an internationally co-produced Swedish crime drama series, created by Ken Bruen and developed by Bobby Moresco, that first aired on German premium channel Sky Krimi on May 14, 2015. The series, which stars German-born British actor Dominic Monaghan and the late Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist, is based upon Bruen's novel Merrick, and follows Tommy Conley (Monaghan), an NYPD Detective who travels to Stockholm to advise and investigate a particularly gruesome series of murders."
Not many have heard of this show, but it was incredibly well done. It is on Amazon for purchase HERE and check the series out on the WGN America Website HERE. It often came on at midnight/east coast and would contain graphic story line and violent episodes. It is subtitled, but I highly recommend it if you want to binge a good show!
2. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - Netflix - Remakes can be a hit or miss. This remake was be far excellent and worth every episode. It is a remake of the kid's television show, Sabrina The Teenage Witch. The Netflix show has made Sabrina more of darker, edgy personality with gothic attire. Growing up I would watch Sabrina after school. It was my favorite show to watch as a kid. The show lives up to these different characters, and the new characters are a great addition to the Netflix show. The series has been given the green light for a handful of series. Season 2: or "part 2" is set to come out sometime in 2019, probably around Halloween. You can watch the show ONLY on Netflix.
3. Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan - Amazon Prime - I have never read any Tom Clancy books, but I binged watched this show in 2 days with my mom and we loved it! Truly excellent! It is a mix of the movie, "Zero Dark Thirty" and the classic T.V. Show "24." It had everything you would want in an action, suspense wrapped in a good online television show. I look forward to season 2 which will air in 2019! Same cast! You can watch the show HERE.
4. Saturday Night Live (SNL) - NBC - Hate it or love it, SNL loves to stir up controversy. 2018 was filled with crazy, wacky headlines that made it on the show live. It often brought humor to dark situations or sometimes brought important figures out to show them a little more respect than what they were shown in the media. There were times that SNL had crossed the lines with things they have done and said, but it allows the viewers to understand multiple point of views. I found SNL to be very good this year, and can only imagine what the next year will bring us!
5. The Bodyguard - BBC/Netflix - is about: "War veteran David Budd finds work as a police sergeant with London's Metropolitan Police Service, in the Royalty and Specialist Protection branch. He is assigned to protect the home secretary, the Rt. Hon. Julia Montague MP, a controversial and ambitious politician who is described as "the sociopath" by one of her aides, and who has plans to introduce invasive new surveillance powers for security forces. Finding himself increasingly at odds with Montague's policies and personality, and dealing with physical and psychological scars from his time serving in Afghanistan, volatile Budd is torn between his beliefs and his duty to protect."
I recently watched this because it was nominated for a few awards, including the leads. I really love action packed shows that leave you on the edge of your seat. This show did that for me. It was a well done program! You can watch the show only on Netflix.
Top 5 reads of 2018
After series by Anna Todd
MORBIUS - The living vampire - comic book by
Without Meritby Colleen Hoover
The Girl In The Spider's Web- A Lisbeth Salander Novel- David Lagercrantz
The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Top 5 albums of 2018
Black Panther Motion Picture Soundtrack - Kendrick Lamar
A Star is Born Motion Picture Soundtrack
You Me At Six - VI
Thirty Seconds To Mars - America (albums shown in photo)
Paramore - After Laughter
Top 5 artists/bands of 2018
Ariana Grande - Didn't start out as a fan of her, but with her recent hits "God is Woman" really caught my attention at the range of her voice. It is truly something incredible and should be recognized as one of the young greats of music in 2018.
You Me At Six - a band not many have heard of. But I will be attending my FIRST YMAS concert next year! And I cannot wait!! It has been a long time coming! I truly recommend this band for people who enjoy Alternative rock.
Thirty Seconds to Mars - I mean if you know me, you know I love this band. Any time they come to NYC or close to New York I will attend it with my wonderful friend, Maria and her family. Their albums grow each time they are released. The live shows are so powerful and just well done! Was thrilled they were playing at MSG this year.
Paramore - Say what you want. This is my band and will always be my band till the day I die. I put them at number 5, because yes they are my top of tops, but there were other bands and artists who really made a huge impact in the music world. But paramore always deserves recognition from me. I look forward to new music!
Cardi B - I did not include her for my albums though, The Rolling Stone claimed she is number 1 for best album of 2018. I give props to where it's due. She is an artist no one really expected to see much from. She was on a television show which showed her striving to becoming a rapper, but I personally never thought she would be as big as she is today. That is why she number 5. I am not much a fan of her, but I understand the popularity of her music.
Top 5 Songs of 2018
Camila Cabello - "Havana"
Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA - "All the stars" from the motion major picture film, Black Panther.
Ariana Grande - "Thank U, Next"
Paramore - "Hard Times"
Walk the Moon - "Kamikaze" and Foster the People - "Sit Next to Me" (TIED FOR MY NUMBER 5!!)
Top 5 trends/fads of 2018
Social Movements- "Black Lives Matter," "March for our lives," Women's March, "Me too" movement, "Times up" and many others... ALL would be considered more as a trend NOT a fad. I don't see these movements disappearing anytime soon.
Pop up stores - Online shopping has been taking over the shopping word. But for the year of 2018, many companies small and big have been renting out small spaces throughout New York City and around the country, and selling limited items. It is a great, smart way at creating demand, high profit for many companies who stay in the stores for no more than 5 years. Some as little as a few months.
Drugs - from celebrities to the people you may know personally....drugs continues to be an issue for this country. Many suffer from depression and lead to other options to take away the pain they feel. One of the drugs still making headlines is the legalization of Marijuana. There are benefits to this drug that can be helpful to many...but many are fighting to stop the public from getting their hands on this drug.
IF YOU OR KNOW OF SOMEONE WHO IS NEED OF HELP -- PLEASE CALL 24 HOUR NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION NUMBER:
1-800-273-8255
4. Electric Cars - When Tesla released it highly anticipated car many celebrities jumped
to snag one for themselves. The money you ended up spending on this car can cost as high as, $135,000! There are negative and positive reviews about the car that can be
5. Popsockets - Those weird shaped UFOS that hang on the back of your kids cell phone
phones that look like the Whenever I see people holding their phones with that little circle shaped ufo sticker I am always holding my breath that their phones wont crash and burn on the floor. I do not use one, and I don't see myself using one. I drop my phone even with the best of the best cases. But for some reason, people seem to love these things...
Top 5 makeup brands of 2018
Beauty Bakerie - An indie brand that is run by a black female CEO, XXX. SHe has created one of the most unique brands to hit the market. She is known for creating makeup products that look like baking items. Her creativity and inclusivity with skin tones, specifically for darker skin, has made her one of the most captivating companies I have seen in 2018. To check out Beauty Bakerie products, click HERE.
Morphe - The affordable, great quality makeup and brushes. Since they got backers to help invest in their company they have been able to change packaging and reformat their formulas and products. The eyeshadow palettes range from $6 to $49. I highly recommend trying their products if you are interested in makeup. It is a good way to start learning more about how to do makeup! To check out Morphe products, click HERE.
Juvias Place - An indie brand, Juvias place creates affordable makeup that often is known for being for medium to dark skin tones. I love supporting indie and brands that create for my skin tone. Most brands today, will create a lot more palette for the fair and light tones. Which can be harsh for my complexion. For the amount of product you get, and the amount of eyeshadows placed in a eyeshadow palette can range anywhere from $20 to 45$. I recommend them if you have a darker complexion tone. The pigments are absolutely stunning and long lasting! To check out Juvias Place products, click HERE.
Storybook Cosmetics - They create products based on your favorite stories. What makes them so interesting is not only are they an indie brand, they create palettes that look like books. They create the best of the best items, quantities are usually limited, and the downside to them being an indie brand is that they take a very long time to restock. The other frustrating thing about the company is that if they have a new item coming soon, that doesn't mean anytime soon. It will always take longer for them to release the items or item. It is a struggle, being that they are becoming higher in demand.. but they are worth the wait! As shown in photo above. To check out Storybook Cosmetics products, click HERE.
Jeffree Star - If you have read some of my blog I am a big fan of To check out Jeffree Star products, click HERE.
Top 5 YouTubers of 2018
Shane Dawson - Why? Shane Dawson is a YouTuber who has been around for some time. He started out making music but became a star of his genre. During the year of 2018 he created hit Documentary series on Youtube that gained millions of views in a matter of days. The Docu-Series he has created are well thought out and creatively done. He has done videos with infamous YouTubers whos fame has hit rock bottom but were soon able to rise up again. The Docu-series included, Tana M, Jake Paul and Jeffree Star. Shane recently mentioned he working hard on a new series and should come out some time in Early 2019! To watch Shane Dawson's videos on his YouTube Channel, Click HERE.
Jeffree Star - Why? (His photo is of a makeup look he did for his ALIEN campaign - he does NOT usually look like that, though he has been called an Alien before... which is why he created the makeup palette...) Over the past year there have been some ups and downs with Jeffree. He has had PLENTY of controversy with his carrier. However, with sold out makeup lines and sold out meet-greets around the world he continues to dominate the makeup world one swatch at a time. He is a makeup guru who not only creates vegan and animal cruelty free products, but makes makeup that changes the idea of norms for men in makeup. To watch Jeffree Star videos on his YouTube Channel, Click HERE.
James Charles - Why? As another male YouTube makeup guru, James has created a platform like no other. He started out as a young star with his infamous overdrawn thick eyebrows to today's rising new makeup star. His first makeup palette is sold out around the world he continues to create unique looks that bring a 3D dimension and flipping the makeup world upside down. His creativity and makeup videos is what makes him so interesting and unique. He creates videos no one dares to make. To watch James Charles videos check out his YouTube Channel, Click HERE.
Jason Nash - Why? Jason creates comedy type of YouTube videos. He is a divorced father of two kids. He often vlogs (means, videos/blogs) his daily life. He is friends with a bunch of Youtubers, some who are rather popular in the community. He creates prank videos along with other videos. He is one of the most underrated YouTube stars out there. He doesn't have many subscribers. Compared to the rest of the list. But he is a YouTube star people should watch more often. His girlfriends and friends make his videos funny and entertaining! It is not for kids to watch, but it is rather funny and I look forward to what else he does in 2019! To watch Jason Nash videos on YouTube, Click HERE.
Jaclyn Hill - I wanted to include Jaclyn in my 2018 list. A few years ago I had a new appreciation for makeup and everything created with it. I remember watching an old YouTube video of young girl sitting at desk in her living room, she had reddish black hair and beautiful wide eyes. She would go through the steps of how to create "An everyday simple look" I did not know anything about shading, eyelining, highlighting, contouring or bronzing. Watching her first few videos I began to pick up a few tips and tricks. I always knew I was good with drawing and painting... but never on my face. I thank Jaclyn for teaching me a new way to be creative and show off my artwork. I love make up a lot more than I thought I would. It brings me great joy to create looks, even if they are "everyday looks" I want to make it clear that I wear makeup for myself, because I love creating looks for different occasions. I do not often wear makeup, but because it is MY own choice. Never wear makeup for someone else. That is something Jaclyn taught me a few years ago. Thank you. To Watch Jaclyn Hill videos on YouTube, Click HERE.
Top 5 Lessons I learned of 2018
People - They will come in and out of your life for a reason. You may not know it when it happens it can hurt but when it finally hits you... you soon realize it was all for for a reason, and sometimes it is a blessing. I have seen friendships crumble this year, as well as families try to crumble... 2019 as human beings in this giant world... in my life, and those not in my life. We NEED to do better! ---including myself!
Education - It does not stop after you graduate college. Every day you DO learn something new about the world, life and most importantly about YOURSELF. It is important to keep reading, understanding what is going on in the world. Educate yourself on different important topics.
Self-Love - "If You Can't Love Yourself How In The Hell Are You Gonna Love Somebody Else?" -RuPaulThis is often a battle I fight within myself. It is a process but I am learning to love who I am inside and out.
Fried Foods - is the enemy. For years I have loved the taste of fried foods. These types of foods...are NOT good foods anyone should be consuming in our bodies... but we do. I hope 2019, I treat my body better! I can't promise I will never pick up a chicken nugget..but trying to do better is all I can do..
"BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER" - Ellen DegeneresOften this year has been filled with so much hate and anger. Anytime I switch on the t.v or my phone I read and hear headlines that make me absolutely sick! It is important to remain calm and peaceful with everyone you encounter. I can have terrible patience on most things but saying, "Thank You." and greeting people with a smile means something to that person. Even if you mean it or not. Be Nice. You never know where the kindness will get you in life.
Those we lost in 2018
From celebrities, family, friends and the innocent victims of many unfortunate tragedies of this year... we need to take a moment and remember them all.
May they ALL rest in peace.
Synagogue Shooting - The families, listed above. I dedicated a blog not to long ago to this tragic event, please read that post HERE.
California Wildfires - Families who lost their homes, loved ones and different animals who may have died in the devastating fires.
Hurricane Victims of 2018 - Many lost their homes, family members, pets and anything and everything else. And what I bet a lot do not realize, is how they are still trying to rebuild and start over.
Other people we lost in 2018 - a beautiful slideshow done by CNN (last updated Dec. 12th) Click here to see the photos.
My Final Goodbyes to 2018!
This year I went through many ups and downs. Even with the good beating me to my core I was still able to get up and keep going. Even with every hair pulling and laughter during the year 2018... I am looking forward to 2019!
I hope the fails and negativity of this year gives me the strength and boost I need in my life to continue to move forward with life. Specifically with my writing. I look at this blog to be ONLY the beginning. I hope to soon finish my novels I am always working on. As well as, understanding more about my background, ethnicity, and who I am as an adoptive individual. It can be hard to remain positive but I am trying to take things day by day. I am thankful for those who are still in my life, family, friends, and my animals. I am lucky and blessed in many ways...
Finally, I want to wish you, the readers, a wonderful happy and healthy new year. I hope 2019 is a great one for us all!
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