Do you think 2020 feels like the longest year on record? Because, same. I wanted to add a positive spin at the end of this horrendous year. These are just some of the things which have made me happy in 2020. And, I’ve also been grateful to have tried, read, or used. Affiliate links have been used in this post, just to be honest and open.
At the beginning of this year, I was signed off from work with my mental health. I had no idea what the rest of the year was going to bring. When January started so horrendously, and then a pandemic hit. So, while I tried to keep my head above water, like the rest of the world, I have had the fortunate chance to discover somethings which have made me happy this year.
Books
Books, they’re the solid thing which makes me happy every day. Not just happy in 2020. The first thing that came to mind when I began this blog in 2020 was to create a space where I could scream about books. I feel I’ve done that well, and here are just THREE books that have blown me away this year. This, of course, is not an extensive list. I’ve read 48 books this year, and it’s hard doing these sort of lists.
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
This book was a whim read. But the plot, the way the characters dug into me and that twist. This book always springs to mind when people ask for recommendations—a 10/10 for me.
Buy Here from Waterstones || Buy Here from BookDepository
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
As a huge fan of Leigh Bardugo, I was excited and dubious about reading her debut adult book. However, as expected, it was brilliant. The writing was *chefs kiss* and I was so invested in the book that I quickly got through it.
Buy Here from Waterstones || Buy Here from BookDepository
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
I don’t usually read retellings, but this was a pick for the book club I help co-run, (The Island Library Bookclub, just if you fancied checking it out) and it surprised me. Romeo and Juliet meets gangsters and Shanghai, and while I wish I had known it wasn’t a standalone, I was—and still am—hooked.
Buy Here from Waterstones || Buy Here from BookDepository
Home Decor
Blanket
While the exact blanket can’t be found online to link, I’ve linked one similar. I purchased a pink blanket just for something comfy on my seat. It added something to my office, and brought me so much comfort when I worked late. It now has become such a staple of my chair, I can’t sit in it if it has fallen on the floor.
Monitor Stand
WFH, amirite? With me ranking more hours in my home office, I needed to improve my set-up, especially when I began to get neck ache. Investing in this monitor stand, which comes with a cute drawer and phone stand was a must. It has been a lifesaver and comes in black or white.
Pink Desk Mat
This desk mat has saved my bacon so many times, as I often eat at my desk, but it also adds a bit of colour to my IKEA desk.
Sainsbury’s Stationery
Sorry non-UK friends, but Sainsbury has been making me happy in 2020 for my stationary goodies. While I’m a firm lover of stationery anyway, these leopard print/wilderness print lever arches have added that touch of colour to my otherwise white desk. They are also super sturdy and come with lots of matching friends.
Etsy
Etsy has been a firm favourite of mine this year and made me so happy in 2020. It has been there when I’ve needed original and beautiful gifts; as well as little pick me ups for my home. Supporting small is something I want to continue doing next year.
BeeBooksMCR
Discovering this wonderful gift idea on Instagram was the best day ever. The podcast I co-host bought two books from this amazing business for our Christmas present swap. When you visit BeeBooksMCR, you pick a book genre, and they then send you a second-hand surprise book to you through the post. You literally don’t know anything until you open it. It is incredibly thought out, and a wonderful gift idea for bookworms.
StampByMe
A little treat for me, but this customisable book stamp was a must for me when I discovered it.
With so many design choices, it’s a wonderful gift (or present for yourself) to stamp a note inside a book if you have a habit of lending them out.
Planners
Paperchase’s
Paperchase always has amazing Daily Planners, and this year were hard to beat. While the one which has been a literal lifesaver this Autumn and Winter is out of stock, they do have a new similar one which I’ll put here. Daily Planners have been lifesavers! They’ve allowed me to see my productivity, and remind me how much I accomplish, even when my brain tells me I haven’t.
LSW Mind Cards
I’m forever thankful this brand popped up on my Instagram. Not only has LSW Mind Cards given me a purpose in the middle of the pandemic, when my brain wasn’t it’s best, but their Mind Notes book has helped during all of this unknown—really allowing my brain to catch up with itself, processing the day, and getting me back into journaling. They’re also a small business and have healthy-minds at their forefront.
LSW Mind Cards || LSW Mind Notes Book
While there are so many more things which have made me happy in 2020 , these are the best of the bunch. They’ve all managed to make the months easier to get through or aided me in my pursuit of being a blogger, and freelancer.
What physical purchases have made your 2020 a little better, let me know?
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