Top 5 of 2020

My iPad Mini has been my best purchase. I really wanted a tablet for reading. I initially bought a Kindle, but didn't like the screen quality and the lack of versatility. I love using my iPad Mini for reading, workout videos, and watching movies on flights. It's the perfect size. 

Lululemon On The Fly pants are my most complimented bottoms. There are two fabrics - luxtreme and woven. I prefer the luxtreme fabric in the 7/8 ankle length. I'm afraid they may be discontinued because they're all on sale now. 

2020 was the year of retinol for me. I consistently used Skinceuticals 0.5 retinol and I have noticed significant improvement. I wish I would have taken a before photo, but the fine lines around my eyes are less visible and my skin texture is so much smoother. 

Adidas Ultraboost have been a favorite for years. I tried several different running shoes (Nike, On running, Hoka One One) in the past year and can confirm these still stand in the #1 position. They are so flexible and comfortable plus they look great. 

I am very lazy with my hair routine. I have always showered at night and slept with wet hair. The finished "style" in the morning was uncertain. I usually tied it up because it was so kinked. The Revlon One-Step Styler takes only 4-5 minutes each night and my hair looks smooth and styled the next day. 

This is 32...

 

Chin lifting masks and pickling red onions😂

Brady brought me coffee this morning and Evie is insisting on cake tonight, but I'm quite happy watching Bridgerton and ordering birthday gifts for myself🙌 I got this Winston Churchill print and this Monica Vinader bracelet.

2020 Books

 My goal for 2020 was 30 books. I fell short, but I think I'll shot for the same goal in 2021. I tried to read different genres in the beginning of the year, but switched tactics midyear and just started reading what I like, which is WWII biographies.

Here are my 2020 books ranked...

1. A Higher Call by Adam Makos

2. In The Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson

3. The Splendid and Vile by Erik Larson

4. We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter

5. A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell

6. The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne

7. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

8. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

9. The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer

10. The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

11. This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

12. City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

13. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

14. Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly

15. The Guest Book by Sarah Blake

16. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

17. The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer

18. Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid

19. A Nearly Normal Family by MT Eduardsson

20. A Love Hate Thing by Whitney Grandison

21. Something In The Water by Catherine Steadman

22. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

23. The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott

24. Ghosted by Rosie Walsh

25. A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand

Good Stuff

Aveda leave-in treatment was recommended by my hair stylist and she said it's better than Olaplex. I had to buy it to see for myself and I actually agree with her. I had a lot of breakage around my hairline and it looks so much smoother and stronger now. Plus, it's a leave-in treatment which I prefer. 

Avene moisturizer is perfect for oily skin. I've been using this day and night. It's lightweight and hydrating. I never feel greasy throughout the day. 

COSRX pimple patches work so well! I was shocked the first time I used one. I wore it overnight and when I woke the pimple was totally flattened. It's grossly satisfying and I will always keep these on hand now. 

Aritzia face masks are my favorite and I've tried a lot in 2020 (Athleta is a close second). They are a good size and comfortable to wear all day. They wash up well. Make sure you get the petite size. The standard size is way too big. 

Chantelle Lingerie no-show bikini is the perfect no-show underwear if you don't like wearing thongs. They're pricey and I don't believe the one size fits all, but they are the best I've found. You can't even see panty lines through leggings. 

Lululemon On the Fly pants are my go-to lounge pants. I've definitely mentioned them on the blog before. I just bought my fourth pair (currently on sale). My sisters and mom also got them for Christmas. I get so many compliments when wearing them. They're great for travel.

Topdrawer house shoes = the only footwear I've worn the past month. They're washable (which is why I bought them), but they're also easy to pack and really comfortable. Definitely my favorite slippers and I've bought a lot of slippers over the years.

Shows I've binged (and really enjoyed) during recovery: Killing Eve, Virgin River, Mindhunter, The Undoing, The Handmaid Tales