It’s that time again! My favorite things for 2020 post has arrived, and I might be even more thrilled about it than you? 🙂 I love reflecting on the past year to identify what I genuinely cherish…and then justify the money spent on it by writing a post. Ha!
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
- Hmm. Is it wrong to kick things off with alcohol? I’m a big fan of eggnog, but when I tried this Evan Williams eggnog at a family Christmas gathering a couple of years back, it was a total game-changer! It’s potent (in my view), making it an excellent drink to sip on throughout the night!
- This compact heater has quickly become my new favorite! I had been using an old one for years in my classroom, but it finally retired. I adore this gadget so much that I took it home from school for my virtual teaching. It oscillates, comes with two heating options, and even features a cool fan for when those hot flashes hit! Oy vey.
- I know. It resembles a computer mouse. But this device! It’s a SILENT computer mouse! I keep my laptop in the living room, and I enjoy being on my computer while we watch TV. To say the least, the clicking noise was getting bothersome. I was concerned this wouldn’t function properly, but it’s outstanding!
- I’m such a fan of the Raskog utility cart from Ikea that I own three of them. The options are limitless, and I couldn’t resist this green one. Simply due to its color.
- This customized puzzle is such a favorite that I’m about to acquire my third one this year! It was the ideal activity to help us through quarantine, and it has turned out to be a sentimental activity at family gatherings!
- Okay, hear me out. I’ve been a fan of Victoria Emerson bracelets for quite awhile. But when she released Apple watch bands????? Every. single. time someone notices them on me, I receive a compliment. The one I own is shown above. And I may have just ordered another one.
- I began adding this powdered collagen to my coffee about a year ago, and it significantly improved my hair. I was losing hair like CRAZY, and it was really starting to freak me out—like panic freak. I put one (flavorless) scoop into my morning coffee, and that excessive shedding has ceased! Now I swear by the stuff.
- My pale skin always needs a self-tanner during winter. My daughter uses this Isle of Paradise, and I “borrowed” it. It’s so lovely! I recommend spraying it and blending it with a daily moisturizer for the best coverage, but it looks so natural!
- We recently had a shed constructed in our backyard, which motivated me to finally establish a cut flower garden (ten years later than I initially wished for one, but who’s keeping track?) Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden book has been an invaluable resource for me! I have pages marked, lines highlighted, and notes written down…and let’s be honest—the images are stunning!
- For all my tall girls out there, I saved the best for last. Long leggings! I’m 5’9″, and my legs make up about 5’7″ of that. I’ve never been able to wear leggings without tall boots because I could never find them long enough. These leggings are phenomenal! I purchased the 34″ inseam, but they go up to 36 inches! They are also high-waisted and fit beautifully. You’re welcome.
WHEW! I’m pretty certain all this typing has fulfilled my blogging quota for the year. I’m wiped out. Ha! Well, I hope you found something on my list! If you want to check out my friends’ suggestions, here are some links for you! They’re definitely filling up my shopping carts, that much I know!
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 unique, characterized by significant occurrences and trends that influenced the world in numerous ways. From significant technological developments to cultural movements, here are some of the top selections and highlights of 2020:
**1. COVID-19 Pandemic:**
The COVID-19 pandemic was certainly the most significant event of 2020. It impacted every facet of life globally, resulting in lockdowns, travel prohibitions, and a transition towards remote work and education. The pandemic underscored the significance of healthcare systems and fast-tracked the creation of vaccines, with Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna leading the charge in producing effective vaccines swiftly.
**2. Expansion of Remote Work:**
With the pandemic compelling people to remain at home, remote work became the standard for numerous sectors. Companies like Zoom and Microsoft Teams experienced explosive growth as they provided the necessary tools for virtual interaction and collaboration. This transition also ignited discussions about the future of work and the potential for more adaptable working arrangements.
**3. Social Justice Movements:**
The Black Lives Matter movement gained notable traction in 2020 following the heartbreaking death of George Floyd. Protests surged globally, demanding an end to systemic racism and police violence. This movement inspired extensive conversations about racial equality and justice, leading to significant policy shifts and corporate commitments to diversity and inclusion.
**4. Technological Developments:**
2020 witnessed extraordinary technological advances, particularly in artificial intelligence and space exploration. OpenAI’s GPT-3, a cutting-edge language processing AI, was introduced, demonstrating the capabilities of AI in producing human-like text. Concurrently, SpaceX made history with its Crew Dragon spacecraft, marking the first commercial crewed mission to the International Space Station.
**5. Entertainment and Media:**
With individuals spending more time indoors, streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video saw a spike in viewership. “Tiger King” and “The Queen’s Gambit” became cultural sensations, enchanting audiences worldwide. Moreover, the gaming sector flourished, with titles like “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” providing a much-needed escape during lockdowns.
**6. Environmental Awareness:**
Despite the hurdles of 2020, there was an increasing consciousness of environmental issues. The temporary drop in pollution during lockdowns revealed the effects of human activity on the planet. This year also saw substantial climate pledges, with nations like China and the European Union committing to attain carbon neutrality in the coming decades.
**7. Political Climate:**
The U.S. presidential election was a pivotal event in 2020, with Joe Biden winning against incumbent President Donald Trump. The election witnessed record voter participation and was marked by significant political divisions. Globally, governments contended with the challenges introduced by the pandemic, resulting in shifts in political priorities and policies.
**8. Healthcare Innovations:**
Beyond COVID-19 vaccines, 2020 observed other advances in healthcare, including developments in telemedicine and digital health. These technologies became vital tools for delivering medical care during the pandemic, offering remote consultations and patient monitoring.
**9. Economic Consequences:**
The pandemic triggered a worldwide economic recession, with many sectors facing substantial losses. Governments enacted stimulus measures to assist businesses and individuals, while dialogues about economic recovery and resilience became central to policy discussions.
**10. Personal Resilience and Community Support:**
In the midst of obstacles, 2020 illuminated the fortitude of individuals and communities. Acts of kindness and support emerged, with people uniting to assist those in need. From volunteering to aid essential workers to community-led initiatives, the year emphasized the strength of collective action.
In summary, 2020 was a year of significant transformation and adjustment. It compelled societies to reevaluate priorities and adopt new ways of living and working. As we progress, the insights gained from 2020 will continue to influence the future.
