Best Purchases of 2020

Well, here we are, turning the page on another year. In so many ways, 2020 was not the year any of us imagined it would be. It’s safe to say that Dane and I spent more time at home this year than any previous year. If I had to sum up this list, it might be something along the lines of “things that made staying at home a bit better” or “this sparked joy and was also incredibly useful”. 

In the spirit of keeping up with a tradition (to see what was at the top of my list in previous years, don’t miss my best purchases of 2018 + 2019!), today I’m sharing my best purchases of 2020…let’s do it!

Best Purchases of 2020

Cast iron skillet – I have been wanting a cast iron skillet for a long time, but to be honest, I was a little bit intimidated by the whole seasoning process, but the no soap thing kind of freaked me out. In any case, while on month 23907 of lockdown, I decided if there was ever a good time to treat myself and figure out cast iron cooking, it was then. SO I DID IT! And let me just tell you – life in my kitchen has never been better.

I chose Le Creuset, because I have long loved their cookware and I wanted a piece that would stand the test of time. It’s safe to say there’s no looking back. 

Relive Everyday REM Cycle CBD Oil – Raise your hand if sleep has been hard to come by in 2020…I know I’m raising my hand. I have loved CBD gummies for awhile now and sure I was sleeping this year, but not that good “wake up and don’t know where you are” type of sleep that typically only happens when I accidentally fall asleep on my couch. I know you know what I’m talking about! I blame work, stress, 2020…

Anyway, when my favorite CBD company debuted a formula specifically aimed at achieving REM cycle sleep, I was all in. You guys, this stuff is legit. In fact, I need to order more, because I’m running low and running out is simply not an option. 

Le Creuset bakeware – This goes along with the cast iron skillet above, but more time at home kept me in the kitchen stress baking. I’ve been slowly trying to replace cookware in our kitchen as it gets older, as well as invest in pieces I know will last, so investing in some Le Creuset stoneware was a no-brainer. I’ve already used each piece at least 20 times and I know over the years they will last. 

Letter cookie cutters – These were a random purchase off Amazon, but they’ve come in handy in so many ways! For starters, delivering HAPPY BIRTHDAY <NAME> cookies to friends on their porch is super fun in a time when you can’t exactly get together for a party. They’ve been great for holidays, too, and a sweet treat for the countless neighbors having 2020 babies. Definitely a worthwhile score. 

New glasses – Anyone who reads here knows that my glasses are my saving grace. I am truly useless without them! More time in front of my computer this year than ever before meant I wore my contacts very little and new glasses were a source of joy. I invested in a pair of clear rimmed plastic glasses + horn patterned glasses that were affordable and fit great. I highly recommend Firmoo for glasses – I’ve been ordering there for years and they always have great sales. 

Hydro Flask coffee flask – Coffee is pretty much my lifeblood (even though I have been trying to cut back due to the aforementioned sleeping issues), and one of my favorite things to do is take coffee to go and watch the sunrise in the mornings. It’s really the best way to start the day. I didn’t realize how much I loved it until all of the beaches in Hawaii closed this year and I truly missed it. The special seal on this flask keeps coffee hot for HOURS. I really don’t know how the makers of Hydro Flask do it, but I’m not asking questions. The seal and durability made this a top pick this year. 

Floating buoy toy for the dogs – Taking the dogs to the beach has always been a highlight for us, it just happened a bit more frequently this year. The one thing about taking Bill, in particular, to the beach is that he needs to constantly be engaged or he’s gunning toward another family for playtime. This floating buoy was great for both dogs and the durability is a 10, which is saying a lot for two Labradors. 

Leopard sneakers – I have written several posts about how much I love my Rothy’s sneakers. Truly, I have wanted leopard sneakers for many years and the temptation to snag a pair at Target was always fairly high. Instead, I decided to make a pair from Rothy’s a goal. The brand lives up to the hype FOR SURE + if you want a pair of your own you can use this code for $20 OFF. 

Silpat pan liners – If you cannot tell my now, I spent a lot of time in my kitchen this year, LOL! I have long loved Silpat liners for cooking and baking, but I only had one. We originally had two, but one got lost in a move somewhere along the way. In any case, it was worth investing in more, because we use the heck out of them and it prevents any kind of burning! 

Madewell jeans – I really dragged my feet on even considering Madewell jeans, despite people telling me for years how nicely they fit. When our local mall got a Madewell store in January, I figured it was time to go test them out. To be honest, going to a store and trying on clothes seems like a figment of my imagination after 2020, but it was just 11 months ago that this was actually a reality! In any case, the hype about Madewell jeans is real and I’m now the proud owner of three pairs. The Perfect Vintage style is my favorite!

What was your best buy of 2020?