MY TOP 20 OF 2020
The most challenging and unexpected year is finally coming to an end! 2020 was anything but perfect, however, no matter how bad a situation may seem, there is always something good worth highlighting. Each year that passes, leaves behind a list of new discoveries, valuable life lessons, and many memories. Below, I'm listing my top 20 things from 2020 (in no order of importance)... including everything from my favorite products, activities, recipes, and even the most powerful lessons of the year.
1. HOMEMADE ALMOND MILK
Homemade almond milk is a delicious, nutritious, low-sugar alternative. It is easy to prepare and contains high amounts of calcium, vitamin E and vitamin D. In addition, homemade almond milk has a creamier texture than its industrial version, making it the perfect ingredient for cooking and baking.
2. GREEN JUICE
The second item on this list is my favorite detoxifying green juice. It instantly improves my digestion, reduces inflammation, and boosts my immune system. The key ingredients are spinach, green apple, cucumber and ginger. On my IG I share the full recipe.
3. AYURVEDIC DIET
This year I started an Ayurvedic diet plan (a holistic healing system). It is based on the famous saying, “when the diet is wrong, the medicine is useless; When the diet is correct, medicine is not necessary." Diet involves eating foods based on your "dosha," or body type; which simply means consuming foods that promote balance between body and mind, so according to the type of energies that circulate through your body. For more information on the subject, visit our blog with Ayurveda expert Daniela Escobar.
4. MEDITATION
Meditation practice played a key role in reducing my anxiety this year, especially during quarantine when I started to feel very overwhelmed. Taking a few minutes to sit and breathe really helped diminish those worrying thoughts and bring a sense of balance, calm and focus. I like to say that meditating is like taking a mini vacation during the day. I even wrote an entire blog about it! Read it here.
5. CONNECT WITH NATURE
After so many months in confinement, I began to really miss and appreciate the time I spend outdoors. Connecting with nature is vital, many studies have shown that exposure to nature makes you feel better emotionally and physically and can even reduce the production of stress hormones.
6. RESUME TENNIS
As you all know, I am not a fitness junkie at all. However, this year I finally found a physical activity that I really enjoy! Starting to play tennis has been a challenge, but a very satisfying one! If you don't like going to the gym, my best advice is to find a sport or hobby that you find motivating and fun.
7. WRITE OR KEEP A JOURNAL
Keeping a written record of my thoughts and feelings has given me a better understanding of my emotions and a lot of clarity when making difficult decisions in life. Journaling stimulates attention, keeps memory active, and even helps people manage depressive symptoms.
8. CONTENT CREATION
Planning and creating my own content has helped me see social media as a space to share my creativity and art. I may not be an expert photographer, but when I post a photo I took myself and really like, instead of reposting one from another account or pinterest, I feel like I'm giving social media some meaning. If you want to see how I create my content, check out my latest YouTube video .
9. LOW SLEEK BUN
This was my favorite hairstyle all year! It's super easy to make, requires no heat, and is perfect for any occasion. You can see my step-by-step tutorial to perfect the look.
10. HAIR CREAM: COTTON UZU - SHU UEMURA
This hair pomade is one of my best discoveries of 2020! It has a divine creamy texture, keeps frizz under control, and at the same time offers shine and definition to the hair, with a light finish. You can find it on Amazon .
11. NR SILK SCRUNCHIES
My silk scrunchies are the perfect way to show your hair some love! They are made with a soft and elegant silk fabric, which leaves no kinks and, most importantly, reduces hair damage. Get them here and now!
12. NAIL ART
Nail art became one of my favorite activities during quarantine! It's one of those rituals I do when I feel like I need to give myself a little extra love. Additionally, I took a much-needed break from acrylic nails and started strengthening and taking good care of my natural nails.
13. MINI FRIDGE FOR SKIN CARE
This has probably been the most convenient product I purchased in 2020. Keeping my beauty products stored in a cool place not only provides a refreshing and delicious effect on my skin, but also helps protect the longevity and stability of the products.
14. NR MOISTURIZING AND CLARIFYING DUO: ORANGE & CALM
I simply cannot live without my vitamin C and hydrating serum. ORANGE is a powerful antioxidant that instantly increases the radiance of my skin, while protecting it from free radical damage. On the other hand, CALM deeply hydrates my skin and leaves it feeling wonderfully elastic. This duo is everything my skin needs and more! Available here.
15. NR LIP TOXYL
My lips have never been softer and more hydrated! This intensive lip treatment increases collagen synthesis and adds volume. I finally said goodbye to matte and hello to shine: buy NR LIP TOXYL here .
16. NR ULTRAFINE EYEBROW PENCIL + BRUSH
Without a doubt my best ally when painting my eyebrows! Its universal and easy-to-spread color leaves a perfect natural effect. Better defined, thicker eyebrows are just a click away .
17. JEWELRY LAYERING
Jewelry layering instantly enhances any outfit! Mixing and matching gold or silver accessories is the key to elevating your favorite looks. Check out my guide on how to style jewelry here.
18. SELF-TANNING LOTION- HAIKO
This all-natural self-tanner will give you a spectacular tan, from the comfort of your home. Achieve that color you long for, and avoid sun damage. Available at Farmatodo.
19. CREAM BLUSH: CLOUD PAINT - GLOSSIER
If you're looking for cheeks that look naturally red, then Glossier's Cloud Paint is for you. This blush has the perfect amount of pigment to bring your makeup look together. I use it in the shade PUFF.
20. BE GRATEFUL FOR THE SMALL THINGS THAT LIFE OFFERS
The last thing on my list is probably the biggest life lesson that 2020 taught me: Never underestimate the simplest or smallest things. This year I learned to appreciate all that life has to offer and to live each day as if it were my last, because one day it definitely will be.
During quarantine I longed for a hug from my parents, I missed being outdoors without worries, or visiting my friends, and so many other simple things that I never thought I wouldn't be able to do again one day. It sounds cliché, but it is undeniably true, the small details end up being the biggest and most important things in life.
