Our Favorite Things Party 2020

One of the highlights of my year is our annual Favorite Things party.  Ali-Shaun and I started hosting it a few years ago and it’s grown into an annual tradition that all of us look forward to every year.  And we talk about it ’til the next year!

Most of us met when our kids started preschool together and now those kids are in 5th grade!  We are such a tight knit group and it’s been so fun to watch our kids grow up together.  Over the years, we’ve celebrated each other’s triumphs and successes and lifted each other up during the hard times.  I really don’t know how I would have gotten through 2019 without them!

The Favorite Things party is girls only, and we all wear our pajamas and eat and drink and laugh and catch up.  It’s seriously so fun and it’s potluck, so there’s plenty of good food without all the heavy lifting falling on one person.

I would like to say it’s not about the gifts, but it totally is!  We get a kick out of seeing what everyone brought and there may or may not be fighting over who wins what item!  Trades are okay at the end of night!

And everyone wants to have the TOP favorite thing!  That title usually goes to Ali-Shaun, but last year’s little darling tassels that Courtney brought also got tons of OOHS and AAHS!

We went back and forth this year, trying to decide if we should have the party, make it virtual, or have it in some way that we would feel comfortable with everyone coming over.  In the end, we ultimately decided better safe than sorry and not have it.  We’d feel terrible if someone ended up getting sick, especially right at the holidays!

Do we all still have favorite things this year?!  You betcha!  Will we share them with you? Of course!  All of the girls sent me their favorite thing (under $25!, but a couple of us went a wee bit over), and why they love it. ♥

I hope you enjoy getting to hear what everyone’s favorite thing of 2020 was and I’d love to know what YOUR favorite thing is.  Let me know in the comments!

And, for more detailed info about how we do our party and gift exchange, go here!

Our Favorite Things of 2020

*in alphabetical order

Ali-Shaun’s Pick – Store & Go Travel Case

With so many shades, you don’t want them to get scratched, and this case helps to avoid that problem.  And you also don’t always have to wear the same pair all day! 😉 When open, the case can hang for easy display and selection- how cool is that?!

Y’all know Ali-Shaun, but in case you don’t, she’s the one laying down on the job here.  She’s the best girlfriend a girl could have, so fun to be around, and will literally punch your enemy in the face! 

Andrea’s Pick(s) – Spa Faves

This year SPA days at home was my FAVORITE!  The picture below shows all my go to spa day items.  The BEST is the Trish McEvoy eye mask.  It really helps to brighten up the eyes right before a zoom meeting.  Second favorite is hand mask!  My hands get scaled from all the extra hand washing this season.  These masks really help moisturize.   

From all the math fractions I’m having to help my kids learn has  taught what you do to the top you must do to the bottom-  

So….hydrating sock mask for the feet, and comfy slippers once the feet are refreshed! 

*We consider Andrea our “group Mama” and she’s always the one keeping her cool, helping up put things in perspective- despite the fact that she has 4 kids, plus one in college! And, if you love good, NY style PIZZA or all things Italian, you have to try Russo’s Pizza– it’s her and her husband’s restaurant!  

Knot Wrap Headband

Hand Repair Gloves

Foot Mask

Angela’s Pick –  Personalized Christmas Ornament

Ashley’s Pick – Conair Sweater Shaver

Bridget’s Fave – Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

Courtney’s Pick(s) – Sisal Washcloth

This is such a small thing, but I’m utterly obsessed and likely one of my favorite things in my entire shop. It’s a sisal washcloth that really exfoliates, but doesn’t hurt or leave you beet red afterwards. I love the way it looks and feels, and you can launder it! I haven’t used a terrycloth washcloth since owning.

*Courtney is our most stylish friend, beautiful personality, well traveled shop owner and Mom of two darling boys. You can check out her shop here and give her a follow on Instagram @shopcourtneybarton

Courtney’s Pick(s) – Kate McLeod’s Lotion Stone

I keep the bamboo container on my nightstand and before bed, you unwrap the soap-like bar and it melts with the warmth of your hands. Rub it over legs, arms, etc like you would soap, and the lotion sinks into your skin. It’s become a nightly ritual and my skin stays hydrated the entire next day… I also love that I don’t feel “wet” from lotion as I crawl into bed.

Kelly’s Pick – Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

Liz’ Pick – Handmade Earrings

Manuela’s Pick- Magnetic Lashes

Marianna’s Pick(s) – Avocado Slicer

Next up is this Avocado Slicer, not a very fun gift but totally worth it. Super handy when you want to cut, de-pit and slice an avocado to put on a toast or on a salad. This is the only way I now cut my avocados!

My Fave – Cork Pops Wine Opener

At first, my favorite thing was going to be the Kissu Lip Mask which I use every.single. night!  It’s super soothing, and non sticky, but has a hint of peach and makes your lips so soft and plump.

BUT, since there were several lip faves on the list this time, I’m opting for the Cork Pops Wine Opener.  Maybe we’re drinking too much wine, but it’s fun to use and makes opening a bottle of wine a breeze!  Plus, it looks chic and cool!

Meghann’s Fave – Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Rhonda’s Fave – The Bagnet Purse Magnet

It attaches to your purse and can hold up to 8 lbs of weight. It is perfect for these current times where you don’t want to place your purse down on any dirty surface. Great for travel, when we do that again, and really for everyday use. You can hang your purse from a grocery cart or if there is no hook available in a bathroom stall this magnet will hold your purse up out of the way. The magnet also is safe to have around other electronics in your bag.

*Y’all know Rhonda from her Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies and Style A Friend post!  She also works with me now and we have a blast together!  

Shannon’s pick – Face & Chin Lifting Mask

Tisha’s Pick – Electric Candle Lighter