Beth's Favorite Things of 2020

2020 has been the year of staying home. As much as this introvert is a homebody, there has been very little joy for the reasons we've been staying home. So in the same vein as Oprah's Favorite Things, here are Beth's Favorite Things. Because "The Things That Made Beth's 2020 More Bearable" just didn't have the same ring to it. 

*Most of the provided links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small percentage if you purchase from that link. 

These masks from The Stockist that are made of soft, cooling material against your skin. 

These mask frames to allow for better breathing while wearing face masks.

A pulse oximeter. Because COVID. 

A temporal thermometer because I was tired of taking my temperature before work every day with my old under-the-tongue thermometer

This book that has taught me to embrace my sensitivity rather than admonish it. 

Having a weighted blanket has been important for helping me when my anxiety is high. 

The decision fatigue struggle is real. Which is why meal kits are a godsend. I love cooking but I don't loving deciding what to cook. We have accounts with Home Chef, Blue Apron, and Hello Fresh, but Home Chef is my favorite. 

This enamel cast iron Dutch oven from Ayesha Curry that is not only more reasonably priced than Le Creuset, but it's beautiful too.

Stop using disposable K Cups. Get these reusable ones so you're not throwing away so much plastic every week. 

This message board that is both magnetic and a pin board

This 3-in-1 charger for my phone, Apple watch, and Air Pods.

What have been your favorite things of 2020? Or the things that made 2020 more bearable? 

It's Monday! What are you reading? 12-14-2020

It's Monday! What are you reading? Is a wonderful community of readers, teachers, and librarians. Hosted by Jen over at Teach Mentor Texts along with Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers, participants share their reading adventures from the past week along with their reading plans for the week ahead.

My Monday posts are generally just a highlight of what I've been reading during the week so if you'd like to see all that I've been reading, follow my Goodreads page.

Last week I read and loved:

The Barnabus Project by The Fan Brothers

The Barnabus Project puts me in mind of the work of Shaun Tan, but with more accessibility for younger readers. While Tan's work is beloved and critically acclaimed, it can be quite ambiguous and avant garde for readers to grasp who don't yet think abstractly, so this book could be a good reading ladder to Tan's work.

I Am the Storm by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple, illustrated by Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell

Gorgeous, powerful text with equally moving illustrations

My Hair is Magic by M.L. Marroquin, illustrated by Tonya Engel

An absolutely stunning book that affirms for young Black girls that they are perfect just the way they are, the way their hair grows naturally All Because You Matter by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier There are some books you just have to read to understand the power and profundity of words. After a few pages, I had a hard time reading through all my tears. I’m so glad this book exists. Currently reading: In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner Currently reading with my ears: Root Magic by Eden Royce