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Highlights and Best Selections of 2020

Highlights and Best Selections of 2020

It’s that season again! My most-loved items for 2020 post is ready, and I might be more thrilled about it than you? 🙂 I enjoy reminiscing about the past year to highlight what I genuinely adore…and justify buying it by crafting 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 couple of years back, it changed everything! It’s potent (in my view), making it a fantastic sipper for the night!
  • This compact portable heater has become my new closest companion! I’ve relied on an old model for ages in my classroom, but it ultimately gave out. I adore this device so much that I brought it home from school for my virtual teaching. It oscillates, offers two heat options, and even has a cool fan for when those hot flashes hit! Oy vey.
  • I know. It resembles a computer mouse. But this thing! It is a QUIET computer mouse! I keep my laptop in my living room and enjoy being on my computer while watching TV. To say the clicking became irritating is an understatement. I was concerned it wouldn’t function properly, but it’s fantastic!
  • I’m such a fan of the Raskog utility cart from Ikea that I own three! The adaptability is endless, and I had to have this green one. Simply because of its color.
  • This personalized puzzle is such a hit that I’m about to buy my third one within a year! It was the ideal way to cope with quarantine, and it has become a cherished pastime during family get-togethers!
  • Alright, listen. I’ve been a supporter of Victoria Emerson bracelets for ages. But when she released Apple watch bands????? Every. single. time someone spots them on me, I receive a compliment. The one I own is displayed above. And I may have just grabbed another one.
  • I began adding this powdered collagen to my coffee about a year ago, and it transformed my hair significantly. I was shedding hair like CRAZY, and it was genuinely concerning—like panic-inducing concern. I put one (flavorless) scoop in my morning coffee, and that drastic hair loss has ceased! Now I swear by it.
  • My pale skin always craves a self-tanner during winter. My daughter uses this Isle of Paradise, and I “borrowed” it. It’s fantastic! I suggest spraying it and blending it with a daily moisturizer for optimal coverage, but it’s incredibly natural!
  • We recently had a shed constructed for our backyard, inspiring me to finally establish a cut flower garden (ten years after I initially wanted one, but who’s counting?) Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden book has been an indispensable resource for me! I have pages flagged, lines highlighted, and notes jotted down…and let’s face it—the photos are stunning!
  • For all my tall ladies, I saved the best for last. Long leggings! I’m 5’9″, with my legs being about 5’7″ of that height. I have never managed to wear leggings without tall boots because I couldn’t find them long enough. These leggings are amazing! I purchased the 34″ inseam, and it goes up to 36 inches! They are also high-waisted and fit perfectly. You’re welcome.

WHEW! I’m pretty sure that all this typing has fulfilled my blogging quota for the year. I’m worn out. Ha! I hope you found something from my list! If you’d like to check out my friends’ recommendations, here are some links for you! They’re absolutely filling up 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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**Highlights and Top Picks of 2020**

The year 2020 was unprecedented, characterized by notable global occurrences, technological progression, and cultural transformations. In spite of the difficulties, numerous highlights and top picks surfaced across different fields, attracting global attention and molding the future.

**1. Global Events:**
– **COVID-19 Pandemic:** The COVID-19 outbreak dominated 2020, leading to global lockdowns, a transition to remote work, and increased emphasis on healthcare systems. This pandemic emphasized the necessity for international collaboration and hastened vaccine development, resulting in the swift creation and distribution of vaccines by year-end.
– **Black Lives Matter Movement:** The heartbreaking passing of George Floyd in May 2020 ignited worldwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality. The Black Lives Matter movement surged in momentum, prompting widespread calls for reform and greater awareness of systemic racism.
– **US Presidential Election:** The 2020 US presidential election marked a crucial turning point, with Joe Biden triumphing over incumbent President Donald Trump. The election witnessed record voter turnout and notable political polarization.

**2. Technological Advancements:**
– **Remote Work Technologies:** As remote work became the norm, platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack turned into vital tools for communication and collaboration. These technologies allowed businesses to sustain operations and adjust to new working conditions.
– **5G Rollout:** The launch of 5G networks commenced in earnest, promising quicker internet speeds and improved connectivity. This technology is anticipated to transform industries such as healthcare, transportation, and entertainment.
– **Artificial Intelligence:** AI continued to evolve, with applications ranging from healthcare diagnostics to self-driving vehicles. AI-driven innovations were crucial in managing the pandemic, encompassing contact tracing and vaccine development.

**3. Entertainment and Culture:**
– **Streaming Services:** As cinemas were shut down, streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video experienced a subscriber surge. Original content, including Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit” and Disney+’s “The Mandalorian,” captivated global audiences.
– **Music and Virtual Concerts:** Artists adapted to the pandemic by hosting virtual concerts, with platforms like YouTube and Instagram Live becoming popular venues. The year also witnessed TikTok’s rise as a potent platform for music discovery and viral trends.
– **Books and Literature:** With increased time spent at home, reading experienced a resurgence. Noteworthy publications included “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett and “A Promised Land” by Barack Obama, both receiving critical praise.

**4. Environmental Awareness:**
– **Climate Change Initiatives:** Despite the pandemic, 2020 saw ongoing endeavors to combat climate change. The European Union initiated the European Green Deal, and nations like China and Japan pledged to pursue carbon neutrality in the upcoming decades.
– **Wildlife Conservation:** The year underscored the significance of biodiversity, with initiatives aimed at safeguarding endangered species and habitats gaining momentum. The UN’s “Decade on Ecosystem Restoration” was launched to advance global conservation efforts.

**5. Scientific Breakthroughs:**
– **Space Exploration:** NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, featuring the Perseverance rover, represented a major achievement in space exploration. The mission aims to search for indications of ancient life and gather samples for future return to Earth.
– **CRISPR Technology:** The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna for their contributions to CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary gene-editing technology with immense potential in medicine and agriculture.

In conclusion, 2020 was a year of resilience and adaptation. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic and other global events, the year was distinguished by notable accomplishments and innovations that will persist in influencing the world in the years ahead.