It’s that wonderful season! My cherished items for 2020 article has arrived, and I’m genuinely more thrilled about it than you might be? 🙂 Reflecting on the past year is something I adore, to identify what I truly enjoy…and then justify the expenditure by penning a post. Ha!
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
- Hmm. Is it wrong to kick things off with some drinks? I’m a massive fan of eggnog, but when I tasted this Evan Williams eggnog at a family Christmas gathering a few years back, it revolutionized my experience! It’s potent (in my view), making it an excellent drinker throughout the night!
- This compact heater has become my go-to companion! I relied on an old one for ages in my classroom, but it has finally given up on me. I adore this device so much that I brought it home from school to use during my online teaching. It oscillates, features two heat levels, and even includes a cool fan for when those hot flashes strike! Oy vey.
- I understand it resembles a computer mouse. But this one! It’s a QUIET computer mouse! I keep my laptop in my living room, and I enjoy being on my computer while we’re watching TV. Needless to say, the clicking was becoming bothersome. I feared it might not function correctly, but it’s fantastic!
- I am so fond of the Raskog utility cart from Ikea that I own three of them. The possibilities are endless, and I simply had to have this green one. Just because of its color.
- This customized puzzle is such a hit that I’m about to buy my third one this year! It was the ideal way to help us through quarantine, and it has proven to be a sentimental activity during family gatherings!
- Alright, hear me out. I’ve adored Victoria Emerson bracelets for quite some time. But when she released Apple watch bands????? Every. single. time someone notices them on me, I receive a compliment. The one I have is shown above. And I might have just acquired another one.
- I began adding this powdered collagen to my coffee about a year ago, and it transformed my hair significantly. I was losing hair at an alarming rate, and it was genuinely starting to worry me—like panic worry. I put one (flavorless) scoop in my morning coffee, and that extensive shedding has ceased! Now I can’t get enough of the stuff.
- My pale skin is always in need of a self-tanner during the winter months. My daughter uses this Isle of Paradise, and I “borrowed” it. It’s lovely! I suggest spraying it and blending it in with a daily moisturizer for optimal coverage, but it looks so natural!
- We recently constructed a shed for our backyard, which motivated me to finally create a cut flower garden (ten years after I first wanted one, but who’s counting?) Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden book has been an invaluable resource for me! I have pages highlighted, lines marked, notes written…and let’s face it—the images are stunning!
- For all my tall ladies out there, I saved the best for last. Extra-long leggings! I’m 5’9″, and I’d estimate my legs make up about 5’7″ of that height. I’ve never been able to wear leggings without tall boots because I couldn’t find them long enough. These leggings are amazing! I bought the 34″ inseam, but they go up to 36 inches! They are also high-waisted and fit perfectly. You’re welcome.
WHEW! I’m pretty sure all this typing has fulfilled my blogging quota for the year. I’m worn out. Ha! Hopefully, you found something appealing from my list! If you’re interested in seeing what my friends recommend, here are some links for you! They are definitely making me fill my shopping carts, that’s for sure!
Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick
Chris at Just a Girl
Rhoda at Southern Hospitality
Myquillyn at The Nesting Place
Brooke at All Things Thrifty
Stacy at Stacy Risenmay
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**Top Selections and Highlights of 2020**
The year 2020 was unparalleled in numerous aspects, characterized by global challenges and significant occurrences that influenced the world. In spite of the obstacles, there were multiple highlights across various domains that garnered public interest and sparked moments of inspiration and innovation. Here are some top selections and highlights from 2020:
**1. COVID-19 Pandemic Management:**
The COVID-19 pandemic was undoubtedly the pivotal event of 2020. It triggered a global health crisis, prompting numerous countries to impose lockdowns, social distancing protocols, and travel limitations. The swift development and distribution of vaccines, especially those by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, were remarkable successes in combatting the virus, illustrating the strength of scientific collaboration.
**2. Technological Progress:**
The pandemic hastened digital transformation across multiple industries. Remote work became standard, leading to a greater dependency on video conferencing services such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Moreover, the launch of 5G technology promised quicker internet speeds and enhanced connectivity, laying the groundwork for upcoming innovations.
**3. Social Justice Movements:**
The death of George Floyd in May 2020 ignited extensive protests against racial inequality and police violence, propelling the Black Lives Matter movement into the global spotlight. These occurrences inspired discussions around systemic racism and calls for reform, underscoring the necessity for societal change.
**4. Environmental Consciousness:**
Despite the pandemic, environmental matters remained critical. The temporary decline in global emissions during lockdowns highlighted the effects of human actions on the planet. Additionally, significant wildfires in Australia and the Amazon acted as reminders of the urgent need to tackle climate change.
**5. Entertainment and Culture:**
With theaters and live events halted, streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video experienced a surge in viewership. “The Queen’s Gambit” emerged as a cultural sensation, while “Tiger King” captivated viewers with its quirky characters. The music industry also adapted, with artists hosting virtual concerts and releasing fresh music to stay connected with their audience.
**6. Political Milestones:**
The U.S. presidential election represented a major political highlight, culminating in the election of Joe Biden as the 46th President and Kamala Harris as the first female Vice President of the United States. The election recorded unprecedented voter turnout, illustrating the heightened political participation among the American populace.
**7. Space Exploration:**
2020 was a notable year for space exploration. NASA’s Mars 2020 mission successfully launched the Perseverance rover to investigate the Martian terrain. SpaceX, under Elon Musk’s leadership, made history with the inaugural crewed flight of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, marking a new chapter in commercial space travel.
**8. Adjustments in Sports:**
The sports arena faced considerable disruptions, with major events like the Tokyo Olympics being postponed. Nevertheless, leagues such as the NBA and NFL adapted by establishing “bubbles” and enforcing safety protocols to continue their seasons. The year also witnessed Lewis Hamilton breaking records in Formula 1, becoming a seven-time world champion.
**Conclusion:**
While 2020 posed numerous challenges, it was also a period of resilience, innovation, and introspection. The events and accomplishments of the year highlighted the significance of adaptability and the human spirit’s capacity to surmount adversity. As we progress, the lessons gleaned from 2020 will continue to influence our world in the years ahead.
