2020 Favorites
Welp. It’s safe to say Danny was by far the bookworm in 2020. I on the other hand while WFH pretty much all of 2020 I would dive in mostly via video and/or podcasts, anyone else feel the same? Who knows maybe in 2021 my inner child will come to life again! Growing up I would go to Barnes & Noble almost every Sunday after church (lol) with my fam and would always have a book in hand.
Until that happens again here’s a wrap up of some of my fav content creators, tutorials, movies and shows that kept me inspired through out 2020!
Youtube/Content Creators
Classy Casita | @classycasita - plants and boho decor! In addition to her youtube channel and blog Emily also has her own side business with her own plant moisture meters. It’s the perfect gift for the plant lover in your life!
Jnaydaily | @jnaydaily - If you’re feeling down (or in a good mood too) check out Jnay… no seriously she starts her videos with the following — “Hey friends, hi fam what’s popping? I hope you’re doing so so super well today. Staying hydrated, living your best life, checking in with your friends, your family and your heart above all things”. Not to mention her design aesthetic and hilarious humor/sarcasm lifts my spirit up every time I check in on her new content!
Brielle Marie Sandra | @briellemariesandra - she’s based in SF and is all things plants and thrift finds! I’ve also bought a few items from her gorgeous depop selection that you should definitely check out (thanks again!).
Amy Serrano | @amyserrano - yup “like the pepper”. Fashion, beauty, travel (prior to 2020) and all things for her love of reggaetón.
Bestdressed | @best.dressed - Ashley is all things fashion, thrift flips, NYC, sarcasm and so much more. I love it! She’s also a UCLA alum who created this gorgeous short film style video to wrap up all the 2020 feels and **chefs kiss** go check it out here!
That Curly Top | - @thatcurlytop - Jazmine! We’ve exchanged a couple dm’s through out the year from her POV during the height of BLM, fashion (thanks again for the depop pullover!), faith and just life in general. She has such an infectious joy about her and always look forward to her new content!
Brendan Fallis & Hannah Bronfman | @brendanfallis & @hannahbronfman - I’ve been fan-girlin’ Hannah forever and also have her book - “Do What Feels Good”. She’s a dj, influencer, content creator and wellness junkie! Their home reno and pregnancy journey has been so inspiring! Once they made their pregnancy announcement me and my co-worker (hi Kayla) texted each other ecstatically about how happy we were for her… as if we knew her IRL (lol).
Kennie J.D | @kenniejd - Hilarious. I love her series called “bad movies and a beat” where she basically reviews you guessed it… bad movies while doing a make-up look. But, she also shares her POV on some serious topics which I love too!
Morgan Long | @thenamesmorganlong - Book lovers anyone? Based in Portland I love her vlogs that give all the cozy vibes!
Pick Up Limes | @pickuplimes - Sadia is all about plant based recipes, nutrition, wellness and wholesome living based out of the Netherlands. She has such a calming aura about her that radiates through the screen!
Morgan Long | @thenamesmorganlong - Book lovers anyone? Based in Portland I love her vlogs that give all the cozy vibes!
Lonefox | @lonefoxhome - All things DIY’s & interior design! With our new move I’ve been so inspired by his aethetic and great finds. He also has his own design app & site which is AMAZING!
Alexandra Gater | @alexandragater - Alexandra is based in Toronto and is all things interior design. I’ve been loving her office studio renovation series!
Some other favorites: Estee Lalonde | @esteelalonde, chrissstttiiine | @chrissstttiiine, The Sorry Girls | @thesorrygirls, Elena Taber | @elenataber, Gemary | @gemary, Alli Cherry | @allitav, XO, MaCenna | @xomacenna, Cheyenne Barton | @chey.barton & @idleveiss, Sian Lilly | @siannlilly & Tara E. | @taraefobi.
Podcasts
The Ringer’s Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Tutorials/How-To
Master Class - some favorites include: Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design, Bob Iger Business Strategy and Leadership, Anna Wintour Creativity and Leadership & Ron Finley Gardening.
Skillshare - some favorites include: Emily Henderson’s Style Your Space: Creative Tips and Techniques for Interior Design, Charly Clements’ Fun With Faces: Create a Stylised Digital Portrait, Mari Andrews’ Creative Transformation & Jordan Sandler’s Visual Journaling.
Shows
Gilmore Girls - finally got around to watching this series start to finish! I oved all the fall/winter vibes = so cozy. Although Rory’s life choices pissed me off at times. Are you team Dean or Jess? I don’t care for either TBH (lol).
When They See Us - although this came out in 2019 I couldn’t get myself to watch it (I am not a fan of violent movies/shows at all). That is until I forced myself in the wake of everything that came to light with BLM to sit down and watch. And boy… it was heavy but much needed. It should be shown in every classroom as a piece of history. Although gut wrenching it’s a must watch. The acting was impeccable! Also, make sure to check out the QA special with Oprah and the actors, director and real Central Park 5 men who inspired the series.
The Great British Baking Show - I mean, DUH! The best to just have playing in the background or to fall asleep to when I needed a joyful and light hearted escape from the world.
Desus & Mero - Hilarious. If you have Showtime go watch them! They also have clips on Youtube, like recent interview they did with Obama.
Into the Unknown: Making Disney Frozen II - HOT TAKE! I love Frozen II way more than the first. (Yeah, you heard that Alli if you’re reading this… I still love you though!) Getting a look into the behind the scenes moments that brought the movie to life inspired the art school kid in me.
Inside Pixar - Can you tell I love Disney/Pixar? A few years back my cousin who worked there at the time gave me a tour of the offices and honestly I’ll never forget it! The creativity, humor and passion embraced every inch of the building and employees who called it home. This series follows a few employees while working there.
Gentefied - watched this earlier in the year but loved it! Funny, heartfelt and so much cultura in it. I’m excited they are starting to film the second season soon! Go watch now on Netflix!
Emily in Paris - Okay, okay… yeah it’s SUPER corny and cringe worthy at times but I loved it simply for the filming locations. I will always have a sweet spot for Paris after having the opportunity to study abroad there in college. **le sigh**
Movies
Studio Ghibli - Since Danny has an HBO Max account we went through a period where almost every night we watched a Studio Ghibli movie. Since our planned trip to Japan was postponed in 2020 (hopefully we can go later this year or in 2022) we wanted to get a taste of Japan regardless. Long overdue (we know) but so happy we finally got around to watching a ton of them! Some notable favorites include: Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Princess Mononoke, Totoro, Whisper of the Heart and Grave of the Fireflies.
TATB2 (To All the Boys P.S. I Still Love You) - Right before shutdown I had a galantines movie day with some friends (Hi, Annanya & Kelly!) and they shared in my Noah Centineo love. Can’t wait for the third one to come out!
Soul - grab a box of tissues. But, so worth it! I cried like a baby mostly from happiness but when they explain depression and feeling lost in the world and that what you do in life isn’t all that you are… it hit close to home. LOVED IT! The folks at Pixar y’all did it yet again.
Little Women - Okay yeah technically this adaptation came out in 2019 but I’ve watched it over 5+ times this year alone. I love the actors, set design and overall film aesthetic. Also, hit’s you in the feels!
Lastly, I lied I have a few favorite books from 2020 that I read and loved…
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland
Wildwood by Colin Meloy Carson Ellis (Illustrator)
More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth
What are some of your favs for 2020 and what’s on your list for 2021? Share your recs below!
