My Year in Obsessions {2020}

My Year in Obsessions {2020}

• Dec 29, 2020

2020 has been a year. What is there to say about it that hasn't already been said? While I'm excited to move on to 2021, I want to look back on the past twelve months first. Since 2015, I've shared a series of posts that I call "My Year in ______" to highlight my favorite things from the year. It's one reason I always look forward to December! There were a lot of things I didn't love about 2020, but I am excited to spend the next week talking about some of the good things. Today, it's all my obsessions! • Obsessions in 2017, 2018, and 2019

Once again, I went overboard with today's post. All year long, I wrote down the things I was loving – from the small (like dish spray) to the splurge (a fancy robe) – and now I've gathered them in one place! If you read my blog regularly, you'll recognize some of these from mini editions of my So Obsessed With posts. But there are some new things in here, too! I used to write a separate Beauty post every year (2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019) but felt it made more sense added in here. I hope you enjoy and will share your own obsessions in the comments!

1. Weezie Towels Women's Short Robe ($135) – After showering, I put on a robe and do my hair and makeup before getting dressed. Made of cotton terrycloth, this robe is like wearing a towel. The perfect size and length, too!

2. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution ($7) – I haven't been able to justify the more expensive versions of this product, especially when this one is so cheap and works well. I love how my skin feels after using it.

3. Tartelette in Bloom Eyeshadow Palette ($39) – I think I treated myself to this when Ulta had it on sale, but it's quickly become a favorite. I like this one better than the first Tartlette palette because the shadows aren't all matte.

4. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleaner ($8) – My sister recommended this cleanser to me because she knows it's one beauty product I hate to splurge on. This is gentle, has a subtle scent, and actually cleans my face.

5. Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream ($58) – This was another recommendation from my sister! It's thick and leaves my skin feeling so moisturized but never greasy and hasn't caused any breakouts.

6. Alligator Styling Clips ($5) – I always section my hair when I'm curling or straightening it, and I bought these to replace some older, broken clips. I've been really happy with the quality, especially for the price.

7. Aquis Drying Hair Turban ($20) – While I don't know if this actually dries my hair any faster, I do prefer using it over a regular towel. I feel like it causes less breakage and is easier to keep on while I'm getting ready.

8. How Novel T-Shirt from Bookshelf Tees ($28) – My sister is officially a book nerd, and she bought us both this adorable shirt. I've worn mine a ton because it's so soft and such a gorgeous color. I want more!

9. Cubic Zirconia Climber Earrings ($35) – I love the look of climber earrings, and I think it's because they give the impression of a second piercing without the commitment. I got these dainty and delicate ones for Christmas! 

10. ID Case ($45) and Key Ring ($55) in Mocha Ostrich – Though you can find cheaper versions, I'm willing to pay for Oventure's quality. I've loved my rose gold key ring & ID case for years, but it was time to switch it up.

11. Helen Ficalora Alphabet Charm ($165) – I've mentioned my beloved Helen Ficalora necklace before, which I never take off. After the birth of our baby, Nick bought me an initial charm for his name. I love it!

12. Madewell Taller 9" High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Ontario Wash ($30) – I managed to score these adorable jeans on major sale back in March, and they're so comfortable! I like the amount of distressing on them.

13. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Robe ($99) – One thing I learned in 2020? I'm a robe person. This robe is so soft and cozy, and it softens the blow of getting out of my warm bed wayyyy earlier than I'd like every morning.

14. HRH Sweatshirt ($34) – Kelly gave me this sweatshirt for my birthday, and I love it so much! It's so comfortable. And whenever I wear it, I pretend I'm back in England with her. Maybe next year...

15. Universal Thread Face Masks ($4) – Who would have ever thought that masks would be on this list? Although Target's masks are inexpensive and relatively comfortable, I look forward to the day I no longer have to wear it.

16. Women's Memory Foam Fluffy Slippers ($30) – I just got these, but I can already tell they need to be on this list. I love them so much! I put on my robe and slippers in the morning and immediately feel so cozy.

17. GAP Breathe Wireless Bra ($43) – It was long past time to replace my old bras, so I decided to try GAP since I love their underwear. I'm really happy with this style! I got them 50% off, so that probably helps, too.

18. PowerSheets Goal Planner ($60) – Despite all the upheaval of 2020, my PowerSheets have helped me stay focused on the big picture and make consistent progress on my goals. I wrote all about it in this post.

19. Blank Notes Dry Erase Magnet ($12) – I bought this to solve a recurring problem in our house: forgetting that we'd run out of an item and needed to add it to our grocery order. This small size is perfect, and I love the design.

20. SMEG 2-Slice Toaster ($170) – My parents gave me this gorgeous toaster last year, after I'd mentioned that I coveted theirs. It's so pretty that I legit look forward to making my bagel every morning. A simple delight!

21. Madewell Leather Laptop Case ($88) – I got this for Christmas last year because I'd broken the zipper on my previous sleeve. I love that this is simple and stylish  – sturdy enough to protect my computer but not bulky.

22. Apple AirPods ($140) + Case ($6) – I'd been on the fence about getting AirPods and now I'm OBSESSED. I've gotten my husband, sister, mom, dad, and bestie hooked on them, too. I clip them on my keys with this case!

23. SCOUT 3-Way Cosmetic Bag ($30) – SCOUT is one of my favorite brands for reusable tote bags and other similar products. This cosmetic/toiletry bag with three compartments is a recent favorite in a cute gingham print.

24. Hamper with Divider ($10) – Our dog kept chewing smaller laundry items, so these hampers have been a lifesaver! I attach the zipper bag to one end and put socks/underwear in them, and it solved the problem.

25. Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray ($5) – My mom recommended this spray to me, so I had to try it. Now I know why she raved about it! The spray feature is my favorite and makes it easy to coat dishes that need to soak.

26. Artifact Uprising Calendar Refill Pack ($20) – I've been making this photo calendar since 2017 and save them all in a bowl in my coffee table. I'm not sure I've ever mentioned it before, and it brings me so much joy!

27. Simple Modern 32oz Summit Water Bottle ($20) – My sister gave me this water bottle, and it's my favorite. I use it throughout the day, and it's replaced the giant water jug I used to fill up before bed every night.

28. Lindsay Letters Vertical Monthly Calendar ($153+) – One of my top 5 purchases this year! I love how it looks, but the functionality is even better. I still use a planner, but this is a perfect monthly glance at our family's schedule.

29. From the Front Porch Podcast – This was a pre-2020 discovery, but I feel like my love for it grew this year. When I was in the mood for a podcast, this was always one of the first I'd turn on. Annie is a lovely host!

30. Read Scripture App – One of my 2020 goals was read through the Bible. I completed it in November, and I've got this app to thank! It's beautifully designed, kept me on track, and had helpful videos throughout.

31. Book of the Month Subscription* ($15/month) – I signed up for BOTM in 2019 but canceled after a few months. Well, I rejoined in April and haven't regretted that decision! I love monthly book mail and all the good picks!

32. Kroger Grocery Pickup – I used to be a loyal Publix shopper, but Kroger has won me over with their Pickup option. It's well designed, convenient, and has eliminated a task I used to dread. There's no going back.

33. Daily Dapperdesk Planner ($60) – After using a weekly planner for the past several years, I switched to a Daily planner in August. And I've been loving all the extra space! Check out this post if you want to see how I'm using it.

34. Sonix Brown Tortoiseshell Phone Case ($35) – I got this for Christmas last year and have loved this case! It's starting to show some wear (mostly scratches), so I may replace it soon but will definitely look at Sonix cases again.

* Referral link

• • • •

And finally, I recently read a "Best of 2020" post on Em for Marvelous that I really enjoyed and inspired me to add one more section to this post! Since I've shared all the "stuff" I was obsessed with this year, it seemed only fitting to include a few of the intangibles, too. Tomorrow's post will highlight some family adventures, but I wanted to mention a few other things here. The memories and moments matter more than anything on my list above: 

BEST FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: The Lazy Genius podcast was one of my favorite finds of 2019, but I didn't follow Kendra on Instagram. Now I do, and all the wonderful tips and insight she shares @thelazygenius. And I just started following @Miss.Freddy for photo organization tips after receiving two of her courses for Christmas! 

BEST DATE: Nick and I had many date nights at home, but we didn't go out. That was mostly due to a new baby and COVID-19, of course. My favorite was the end-of-year celebration dinner we had this week, also inspired by Em for Marvelous. It was lovely to chat about this past year and our hopes for 2021. I highly recommend it.

BEST KIDDO MILESTONE: Our baby had lots of exciting milestones to celebrate – rolling, crawling, babbling, standing, and more – but I'm most excited about our big boy learning how to swim + starting preschool.

BEST FAITH GROWER: This pandemic, growing our family, and Nick's new job. It's been a year of change!

BEST TREND YOU TRIED: I don't know if this counts as a trend, but I am so glad I participated in The Contentment Challenge (three months of no spending). I learned so much in the process that I might do it again.

BEST FAMILY MEMORY: The birth of our second little boy! We did lots of special things as a family this year, many of which I'll write about in tomorrow's post, but our sweet baby has brought so much joy into our lives.

BEST HABIT YOU CREATED: The answers I thought of all come back to implementing new weekly and monthly routines, including the way I'm organizing my digital photos. I've also loved my daily devotional and Bible reading!

BEST NEW RECIPE: Our favorites are this sausage potato soup from Chelsea's Messy Apron and this slow cooker risotto with butternut squash and sausage from I Heart Naptime. I love making them and eating leftovers!

BEST LIFE OR MOM HACK: Grocery pickup, hands down. A dry erase board on the fridge eliminates all the "Why didn't you tell me we were out of _____?!" conversations. Sitting down with my planner every night before bed. 

BEST MAMA MOMENT: The one that came to mind first is watching my firstborn become a big brother. He adores the baby – and he's definitely the baby's favorite person! Seeing their love for one another is the best thing ever. 

BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT: Decorating our screened-in porch! We spent a lot of time outside this year, and it was so nice to sit on the porch with the baby while our big boy played in our fenced-in backyard. And I loved taking a cup of coffee and a book (or my computer) out there in the evenings after my boys were in bed.

BEST LITTLE LUXURY: Can I say grocery pickup again? Haha! 

What have you been so obsessed with this year?

Anything on my list that you love or want to try, too?