It’s that special time of the year! My favorite items for 2020 post is live, and I think I’m more thrilled about it than you might be? 🙂 I enjoy reflecting on the past year to identify what I truly cherish…and then justify spending on it by creating a post. Ha!
Let’s dive straight into it, shall we?
- Hmm. Is it inappropriate to begin with a drink? I’m a massive fan of eggnog, but when I tried this Evan Williams eggnog at a family holiday gathering a few years back, it changed everything! It has a strong kick (in my view), making it a wonderful beverage to sip on through the night!
- This compact heater has become my newest companion! I’ve had an old one for ages in my classroom, but it finally broke down. I adore this device so much that I brought it home from class to utilize during my online teaching. It oscillates, features two heat settings, and even includes a cool fan for when those warm flashes hit! Oy vey.
- I know. It resembles a computer mouse. But this contraption! It is a QUIET computer mouse! My laptop resides in my living room, and I enjoy using it while we’re watching TV. To say the clicking was becoming bothersome would be an understatement. I was concerned this wouldn’t perform well, but it’s amazing!
- I love the Raskog utility cart from Ikea to the extent that I own three of them. The possibilities are limitless, and this green one was a must-have for me. Simply because of its hue.
- This personalized puzzle is such a hit that I’m about to purchase my third one in a single year! It was the ideal way to keep us occupied during quarantine, and it has proven to be a nostalgic pastime at family gatherings!
- Okay, hear me out. I’ve been a supporter of Victoria Emerson bracelets for ages. But when she introduced 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 ordered another one.
- I started mixing this powdered collagen into my coffee nearly a year ago, and it transformed my hair significantly. I was losing hair like MAD, and it was genuinely starting to alarm me—like serious panic. I add one (flavorless) scoop into my morning coffee, and that excessive shedding has ceased! Now I can’t go without 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 looks so natural!
- We recently had a shed constructed in our backyard, which motivated me to finally plant a cut flower garden (a decade 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 marked, lines highlighted, and notes jotted down…and let’s be real—the visuals are stunning!
- For all my tall ladies out there, I saved the best for last. Long leggings! I’m 5’9″, and I’d say my legs account for about 5’7″ of that height. I have never been able to wear leggings without tall boots because I couldn’t find any long enough. These leggings are fantastic! I bought the 34″ inseam, but they go up to 36 inches! They are also high-waisted and fit wonderfully. You’re welcome.
WHEW! I’m pretty sure all this typing fulfilled my blogging duties for the year. I’m drained. Ha! I hope you were able to find something from my list! If you’re curious about what my friends are recommending, here are some links for you! They’re definitely pushing me to 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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**Spotlight on 2020: A Selection of Beloved Items**
The year 2020 was filled with unique challenges, yet it also unveiled a selection of beloved items that offered comfort, joy, and a sense of togetherness during these unpredictable times. Here, we highlight some of the standout moments that defined the year and brought individuals together in surprising ways.
**1. Online Gatherings and Zoom Events:**
As social distancing became essential, online gatherings evolved into a mainstay of 2020. Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet enabled people to connect with family, celebrate milestones, and even organize virtual events. These digital encounters became crucial for nurturing relationships and maintaining community camaraderie.
**2. Home Exercises and Fitness Applications:**
With gyms shut down, many turned to home exercises and fitness apps to remain active. Applications like Peloton, Nike Training Club, and YouTube fitness channels experienced a surge in usage. Individuals adopted new workout routines, ranging from yoga and pilates to high-intensity interval training, all from the ease of their living spaces.
**3. Baking and Culinary Adventures at Home:**
The pandemic ignited a culinary revival as people spent more time at home. Baking bread, especially sourdough, became a trendy activity, with social media platforms flooded with images of homemade loaves. Preparing elaborate meals and experimenting with new recipes turned into a creative outlet and a way to cherish family time.
**4. Streaming Platforms and Binge-Viewing:**
With extended periods spent indoors, streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu morphed into vital entertainment sources. Audiences became engrossed in binge-watching hit shows like “Tiger King,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” and “The Mandalorian.” These series provided necessary escapism and evolved into cultural phenomena of the year.
**5. Reconnecting with Nature and Outdoor Pursuits:**
As indoor activities were restricted, many sought solace in the great outdoors. Hiking, cycling, and exploring local parks became favored pastimes. Nature provided a safe venue for exercise, relaxation, and appreciating the beauty around us, resulting in a renewed enthusiasm for outdoor activities.
**6. DIY Endeavors and Home Enhancements:**
With increased time at home, DIY projects and home improvement initiatives flourished. Individuals embarked on ventures ranging from gardening and painting to constructing furniture and redecorating spaces. These tasks offered a sense of achievement and enabled personal touches to living spaces.
**7. E-learning and Skill Enhancement:**
The transition to online education presented new chances for skill enhancement and personal development. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and MasterClass provided courses on various subjects, encouraging people to acquire new abilities, advance their careers, or explore hobbies from home.
**8. Kindness and Community Assistance:**
In the face of adversity, acts of kindness and community support shone brightly. From sewing masks and delivering groceries to aiding local businesses and donating to food banks, individuals united to help one another. These acts of generosity underscored the strength and compassion of communities globally.
**9. Pet Adoption and Fostering:**
As more individuals worked from home, rates of pet adoption and fostering skyrocketed. Animals gave companionship and emotional support during isolating periods. Shelters noted a rise in interest in pet adoption, resulting in many animals finding caring homes.
**10. Artistic Expression and Creativity:**
Creativity and artistry flourished as individuals sought ways to express themselves. From painting and writing to music and dance, people embraced various art forms to cope with stress and uncertainty. Virtual art exhibits, online concerts, and social media challenges displayed the diverse talents and creativity of individuals worldwide.
While 2020 was undoubtedly a year of significant upheaval, it also showcased the resilience, adaptability, and creativity of individuals and communities. These beloved items from 2020 not only brought comfort and happiness but also laid the groundwork for new traditions and means of connecting that continue to shape our lives today.
