2020 quarantine loves

Not having much of anywhere to go made for a year of unusual wants, needs and discoveries. A number of my random purchases and splurges ended up being my favorites of the year — and to finding some overall faves I never knew I couldn’t live without.

Apple Watch

I held off on this one because initially, I wasn’t super excited about it. And then I got into running and thought the Apple Watch might be fun and oh my goodness, was. I surprised how quickly this became my new favorite thing. The fitness tracking (and the competitive layer to it) has honestly really helped get me way more active over the last 6 months. I follow a handful of friends and it sounds silly, but seeing them out and about doing their thing is yet another way to feel connected to my friends during this weird time. I’ve enjoyed just competing with myself and all the personal fitness data it begins to build for you.

Kindle

I finally caved and got a new Kindle Paperwhite late last year, since the old one I had no longer worked. The upside of a working Kindle during the pandemic is that I can check out books from the library again (not feeling up for the paper ones … just being exxxxxtra cautious) and I can immediately access some fun new reads without adding another one to my overflowing bookcase. I’m still slow to get into this for this year, but my goal is to read 20 books this year. Here’s hoping the Kindle can help me get there!

Apple AirPods Pro

I’ve sung the praise of the Apple AirPods Pro many times over the year but I’m coming back for another round of love! These kept me sane while the kids were home from school and we were working. Not sure how I would have gotten any work done over those months without them. Their nose canceling feature is a GAMECHANGER. Their normal setting is perfect for other times, such as runs. Well-worth the expense.

Dew Edit’s Workout Scrunchies

I’ve adopted a new strategy since last spring of washing my hair significantly less. My hairstylists have always said told me I should wash it less and my response had always been that my hair just didn’t work that way. I’ve learned I was wrong and my hair is looking way better for it.

And the only way I’ve been doing it lately with my spin workouts back in rotation? These workout scrunchies from Dew Edit! They leave less of an imprint on my hair than regular hair elastics, are super cute and also pull less on my hair overall (better for your hair, doesn’t bring on headaches, etc). There are several currently on sale on the site. I’m in love with this gray one with the reflective piping!!

Oiselle Sports Bra with Cellphone Holder

I wanted to find the perfect sports bra that had a holder for your cellphone and I do believe Oiselle’s Flyout Bra is it! It looks like a bunch of the colors and sizes are currently sold out. Hopefully they will restock soon! I love the brand in general – it’s a brand by and for female athletes. Lots of smart options. (It’s now gone, but they even had special running gloves that went around your fitness tracker. Genius!)

Aerie Bralettes

After the pandemic, I think there are certain comfortable items I’ll never be able to let go of. While I might not be able to live in yoga pants and jeans for forever when I’m fully back out working in the “outside world,” underwear totally remains fair game. This Waffle Triangle Bralette is now on the list! They’re soft, comfy and currently on sale.

Disclosure: Some of the above are affiliate links, where I may receive a small commission for any purchase to help fund the annual expense of running this site. These are all products I purchased on my own and have found useful.