My 16 Best Purchases of 2020
With only a few days left of the year I figure it’s safe to make a list of my top 2020 purchases without the threat of something new sneaking in there. After making my list it’s pretty clear that my favorite purchases all related to comfort and coziness at home. And by the looks of it, reading and cooking took up a lot of my year.
So here goes my extremely random list of my top 15 favorite purchases:
Core by Caroline - If there’s anything I thrive on, it’s planning and consistency. So needless to say, exercising this year has been a struggle. Enter Core by Caroline. I went to Caroline’s reformer Pilates classes pre-pandemic and always loved them and now she has a fully-formed online platform that includes live classes and on-demand options. She is not a “stretch and feel relaxed afterwards” type of instructor, instead she’s much more of a “How many reps can I make you do before you want to cry but then feel amazing afterwards” type. After staying consistent with her live online classes, I’m feeling better about myself than I have in quite some time.
Mate the Label Sweatsuits - I really can’t say enough about my love for this sweatsuit. I can safely guesstimate that I’ve worn it at least 30 times this winter. It’s on the pricey side but I love the company and their use of sustainable practices and inclusive sizing and models.
Kindle Paperweight- I was a very reluctant latecomer to the Kindle. I love holding books and my weekly trips to the library are sacred but in the times of covid with our library closed and not wanting to spend hundreds of dollars a month on books, I finally broke down and bought a Kindle (also here’s a tip: buy a refurbished one and save yourself some money. I’ve had no issues and can’t even tell it’s refurbished). I used the Overdrive app which allows me to check out library ebooks and send them to my kindle.
Ouli’s Ointment Ola Oil - In case you missed my love fest of Ouli’s new Ola oil on Stories, I’m more than happy to repeat myself. We’re huge fans of Stephanie and her products and the oil has been a total game-changer for me. I like to take burning hot showers so my skin is usually dry and very unhappy with me. Her oil is the only thing that’s helped and I actually love it so much I haven’t used any other products in the month or so since I’ve had it.
Ooni Koda Pizza Oven - I bought this pizza oven as a gift for my hubby for our ten-year anniversary and it’s become one of our prized possessions. We’ve had so much fun learning how to use it and love the idea of making it a weekly tradition to do pizza Fridays with our daughter throughout the year. It’s extremely easy to use, cooks your pizza in 90 seconds and can cook up tons of other non-pizza recipes as well.
Farmacy Very Cherry Vitamin C Serum - While I haven’t used this for a few weeks because my Oulis love is so strong, this is still hands down a top purchase of the year! It really helped with my dark spots and smells absolutely amazing. I’m a total convert and love this brand and fully plan to purchase the cherry under eye cream during the Sephora sale (which runs now until Jan. 1).
Boston Birkenstocks - I remember thinking Birks were so embarrassing when I was in high school and not understanding why anyone would wear them but oh how times have changed! Like my Mate The Label sweatsuit, I’ve basically lived in these for the last few months. They’re extremely comfy and while they’re more expensive than I’d like to admit ($165!! I’ve never spent this much on shoes and I honestly think I was delirious when I purchased because I have zero memory of spending such an exorbitant amount in shoes) but my cost per wear is quickly approaching a penny per wear lol.
Book of the Month - I’m a self-proclaimed book nerd and I’ve really enjoyed this service over the last few months. I like that they get some releases early and you can select what you want to receive.
KJP Cozy Cabin Mug - In the beginning of the year when it become clear that vacations were not happening in 2020, I bought myself this mug to cheer myself up. Every year I travel to Maine and Vermont and it’s always a highlight of my year so this mug was my consolation prize.
Emerson Fry India Maxi Dress - This was one of my first purchases early on in quarantine and basically got me through the 120-degree Palm Springs summer. I’m trying to be more thoughtful about my clothing purchases and buy fewer “fast fashion” pieces so I was very happy to find this brand (recommended by Composed Co).
Townline Ciderworks - This is my favorite hard cider from a brewery up in Northern Michigan. We bought several packs to bring home with us and I’m slowly rationing it out. If you’re in the area make sure to buy a pack!
The Glass Hotel - Such a great novel, if you’re looking for one book to read right now pick this one.
Yeti Tundra Cooler - This is definitely a big ticket item but since we bought a trailer this year the Yeti is perfect for our adventuring needs. We were able to drive cross-country and our food stayed cold for over three days.
Rechargeable Reading Light - I know this is not the coolest purchase but I’ve spent more time with this snake-like contraption around my neck than I have in real pants this year. It is super practical and great for not waking up your significant other when you just need to binge read true crime until 3 AM.
Always Pan - You guys, the hype is real. I was served every single influencer ad for this as I’m sure you were too so I bought it and it’s pretty much brought me happiness every day since it first arrived at my house.
EyeBuyDirect Glasses - After years of being a diehard Warby Parker fan I decided it was time for a change and gave this website a chance. I got two pairs of glasses for $97 dollars total so I assumed they wouldn’t be great but I am happy to report they are better than great! This will be the only place I buy glasses from now on.
- Callie
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