It’s been forever since I shared a Favorites post. Most of these things aren’t new, but they were favorites for me this year. Check out my 2020 Favorites in Tech, Skincare, Beauty, Crafts & Creativity, and Extras!
TECH
FaceTime
Since travel has been limited and we’ve been staying home most of the year, it’s been really great to connect with family via FaceTime. I love getting to see everyone and feel like we aren’t so far apart. I use this wide-angle lens attachment to clip over my front camera for a better view; it also has a little light you can turn on for low-light situations.
Animal Crossing
I ordered Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch right when it was released earlier this year. I used to play on the Wii, and I was excited to revisit the game now that it’s been updated. I played Animal Crossing New Horizons every day for months — breeding all the flowers, and designing my island.
After a few updates to the game and canceling my online subscription, I lost interest and stopped playing for a while. But I started playing again a couple of months ago and it’s still really fun. I love the changing seasons in the game; it keeps everything feeling fresh and different.
Duolingo
This app has been a favorite before, but I started using it again this year to practice my Spanish. There are a lot of new changes from when I last played — there’s a competitive leaderboard, stories, and new points to collect. I got up to the diamond league and learned a lot from the interactive stories.
There are a lot of different languages available to learn, and the app is free with ads. There is a premium, ad-free membership as well. I think it’s great to be able to practice a language and compete with others for a few minutes each day. There’s also a Duolingo podcast that I like to listen to as well.
SKINCARE
Tretinoin
I had been hearing about retinol and how tretinoin is the gold standard for preventing wrinkles. I wanted to give it a try, but you need a prescription and I was nervous about my skin purging. I first tried bakuchiol (one from Biossance, and one from Herbivore) — a retinol alternative. I preferred the one from Biossance most and I think bakuchiol is a good introduction to retinol, but I was ready to pursue actual tretinoin.
I got a prescription for tretinoin a few months ago and I haven’t experienced any purging. I can see an improvement in my skin already, but with tretinoin results become greater over time. I currently use .025% strength 4-5 nights a week. I wear sunscreen every day, but it’s even more important to use sunscreen when using tretinoin; these are my favorite: Josie, Tatcha, Supergoop.
CE Ferulic
Another skincare favorite this year is this vitamin C. Even though it’s pretty pricey, the percentages of l-ascorbic acid (vitamin c) and the combination of vitamin e with ferulic acid are supposed to be the perfect ratios for balance and stability.
CE Ferulic helps protect skin by neutralizing free radicals and prevents other environmental damage. Vitamin C, in general, helps to brighten hyperpigmentation and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
I’ve been using this vitamin c for four months, and I feel like my skin has been looking better than ever. I’m sure it’s a combination of everything, including my tretinoin, but I’m really happy with my skin’s texture and firmness.
Niacinamide
I was looking for a product to help even out my freckles and discovered this niacinamide. I love my freckles and I don’t want them gone completely, but I wanted an overall more even tone.
With this niacinamide, I saw a noticeable fade of my freckles right away. Of course, I am also using sunscreen daily to help prevent new sun spots as well. I also like the application and moisture I feel from the product. It’s not drying and doesn’t cause any irritation. I used an entire tube of this before I started my tretinoin and ce ferulic, but I’m sure that each is contributing to my overall skin improvement now.
BEAUTY
Olive & June Nail Polish
I had never been good at painting my nails — my polish would always chip, or become smudged before it dried. I’m sure it was my application or something, but nothing ever worked for me until I tried Olive & June. When I paint my nails now, the polish lasts at least a week, doesn’t chip, and is super shiny. I’ve been enjoying painting my nails each week and trying out new designs. I always use my glass file, strengthening/growth treatment, and cuticle oil for the perfect at-home mani experience.
The rainbow set was my first purchase, but I’ve gotten a few other colors since then. I have a little storage case to help me keep them organized, and protected. Currently, my favorite color is OBVI, a super-fine holo gold glitter.
Mercury Retrograde
I picked up this eyeshadow palette in July when it was on sale. I had wanted this palette for a while and thought I would enjoy using it, especially for a discounted price. I don’t wear makeup that often anymore, but I have a lot of fun playing with this palette when I do.
There are a lot of pinks and glitters in this palette. Overall, it feels really neutral with the exception of a few colors. I recently got a sample of foundation from sephora and I tried it out, did my eyes, blush, highlight –everything. I thought it all looked really good; I’m sure because my skin is a better canvas now. The eyeshadow blends well and isn’t chalky at all. There is some fallout, but the color payoff is nice and the glitters are perfect.
Adwoa Beauty
I’ve been using Adwoa Beauty since summer and I am loving it so far. I had a bad experience with Deva Curl and was looking for a curly girl method approved replacement. Adwoa beauty is sulfate-free and paraben-free. It’s been great for my hair health, and curl volume. I recently posted an updated hair routine, but my hair has actually gotten even better since then. I am really happy with the curly girl method and treating my curls better.
CRAFTS & CREATIVITY
Letter Bead Bracelets
I love these personalized bracelets so much. They are super easy to make, and you can customize them however you want. I was inspired by Pura Vida Bracelets, but these types of bracelets have been around a while.
I think mine turned out great, and I love all the colors of beads and string I used. The bracelets are adjustable too, so most anyone could fit them. I like to stack a couple together when I wear them. It’s nice to have a little message reminder of something/someone you care about on your wrist.
ChiaoGoo Knitting Needles
I’ve been using this interchangeable needle set for just over a year now, and it’s still a favorite for this year. The needles are smooth and substantial-feeling without being too heavy. I love being able to swap out different sized needles or cables to make the combination I need at the moment. When I first started getting serious about knitting, I would buy whatever needles the pattern called for. I wish I’d just invested in this interchangeable set sooner, and saved the money from all those individual needles. I use these needles everyday and I am really happy with them.
Knitting Projects
Knitting has been such a fun hobby for me. I went into this year wanting to challenge myself in learning new stitches/techniques, and I learned so much from all of my knitting projects. It’s been fun to make so many different things just with string and needles — knitting is magic! Here’s a look at all the things I knit this year.
I’m looking forward to making more socks next year, and some more projects that I enjoy knitting and using. I’ll post about everything in my queue to knit for next year soon.
EXTRAS
Erin Condren Life Planner
My planner helps me stay on track with my goals and daily tasks. I’ve been using a paper planner for years and I love being able to track my progress or look back at an accomplishment in a beautiful planner. This year I didn’t use many decorative stickers or kits, but instead focused on hand drawn doodles for a minimalistic look. I am looking forward to starting my new planner for 2021 soon though. I love having a clean planner full of possibilities, and the Erin Condren Life Planner is my favorite.
Patio Furniture
Having a little outdoor space to get a change of scenery and relax has been so nice for me. I didn’t really use our outdoor space much before, but since we have been staying home more this year I decided to make the most of what we have. I found this great patio set on sale and we set up a little outdoor oasis.
I like to sit out in the mornings and enjoy the view, or spend some time in the afternoon getting a few rows of knitting in. It’s nice to have a space to get a new mindset or just enjoy the outdoors without any distractions.
Hydroflask
Once I found out about insulated water bottles, I never looked back. If you aren’t familiar, insulated water bottles keep your cold water super cold and your hot drinks really hot. I have used a lot of different brands: Corksicle, S’well, and now Hydroflask. Each bottle does the same thing, but I love my Hydroflask for its size, and the straw attachment on the lid.
I have a 40oz Hydroflask in white with the straw lid. I’ve had it for almost 9 months now and it’s been great. I love not having to refill my bottle that often throughout the day and the straw is really convenient since the bottle is large.
Feeding Table for Pets
I ordered this raised dog bowl table for my dog and she loves it. She’s getting more mature, and bending down to eat/drink didn’t look very comfortable for her anymore. This little table is the perfect height and it looks great in the kitchen.
It comes with stainless steel bowls in a few different depths. We use the deeper bowl for her water and the shallow one when we put her food down. I’m just happy that it’s working for her and that she seems a lot more comfortable now.
Check out some of my other Favorites posts next: (2019, 2018), or 19 Ways To Have The Best Year Ever.
