Tag: 2016

2016 Reflections & 2017 Goals

Happy Friday! Today I wanted to check in with the New Year’s Resolutions I made for 2016, and also share my goals for 2017. I go through different phases in my life where sometimes I want to make very specific goals, and other times I don’t want to make any goals at all. When 2016 began, I definitely had specific goals in mind. This year, however, I would much rather focus on overall themes than particular resolutions. What I’ve decided to do is check in with the five resolutions I made for 2016, and then share with you what I hope to accomplish in 2017.

If you would like to see my original 2016 New Year’s Resolutions blog post, you can read it HERE. I will be mentioning each resolution as I share my reflections with you.

My first goal for 2016 was to paint my nails more often and try out more nail art. The main reason I made this resolution was because I began this blog to talk about nail polish, and I felt like I needed to use the polish in my collection and share more with all of you. While I did blog a good amount about nail polish in 2016, I did not wear polish much in my daily life. However, I did a fantastic job at decluttering my nail polish collection and getting it down to a somewhat reasonable number for me. I’m at the point right now where if I don’t feel like painting my nails, I’m not going to, and there is nothing wrong with that. I will not attempt  to force myself to paint my nails more, nor try any new nail art.

My next resolution was to nail down a skincare routine. While I definitely did not achieve this goal, I did focus on skincare more than I had in the past. I still struggle when it comes to taking care of my skin, and I know I need to make skincare a daily habit. I see a huge difference in my skin when I use skincare products regularly, and I know taking care of my skin is important. I hope that in 2017 I can make my skin a priority.

Wow! I can’t believe how much my health has changed in one year. In my 2016 Resolutions post, I mentioned how I didn’t aim to go vegan yet, but as it turns out I made the switch in June. I began seeing changes in my health after a few weeks on a vegan diet, and I’m sure that is attributed to eating more products, whole grains, and legumes. I would still like to exercise regularly, as I majorly struggle with being active. I did go on a lot of walks in the fall, but I want to prioritize movement more in 2017. Health is very important to me, both physically and mentally. In 2017 I hope to care for myself mentally by journaling regularly and connecting more with people in person rather than online.

I also wanted to become a more organized person in 2016, and I made great strides with this goal. I got rid of many boxes and bags of my belongings, and I continue to declutter my space on a regular basis. I’m especially proud of the work I’ve done in my bathroom – I no longer hoard products, I only buy what I need, and everything has a place. I even got a lot of products and tools off of my bathroom countertop! My organization was aided by my paper planner, and the dedicated journals I began for my reading and my blog. In 2017 I want to continue to declutter my space. In particular, I want to get rid of the things I own for purely nostalgic reasons.

My final goal for 2016 was to read 40 books. I achieved this goal early in the year, and ended up reading 67 books total! This year I’ve decided to challenge myself to read 50 books. I should easily be able to accomplish this, but I wanted to keep the number on the small side to encourage myself to read longer books. I also want to read more adult fiction this year. I still love young adult, but one reason I love reading is because of the shared experience I can have with other people. My real life friends tend to read popular adult fiction, and I would like to be able to discuss those books with them.

Overall, I am happy with the progress I made in 2016, and I am looking forward to the strides I can make in 2017 as well. I am constantly reminding myself that every day is a new opportunity, and we are in full control to better ourselves at any moment. It’s okay to fail at goals, and it’s okay to change your goals and your direction. I hope you will join me as I discover what adventures 2017 has in store!

 

 

4th Annual New Year’s Eve Manicure Contest!

Happy Wednesday! Today I am beyond excited to announce my 4th Annual New Year’s Eve Manicure Contest! Each year I hold a laid-back manicure contest to celebrate the New Year and give my readers a chance to showcase their awesome nail polish looks. Whether you’re putting together fancy nail art for New Year’s Eve, or you’re simply rocking a fun glitter, you can enter to win one of two prize packs. Please read through this post to see how to enter!

Adventures in Polishland's 4th Annual New Year's Eve Manicure Contest!

RULES

Who is eligible to enter?

  • US residents who are 18+ years old, or who have parental consent
  • Followers of my blog, Adventures in Polishland. You must be following via email or Bloglovin HERE.
  • Both bloggers and non-bloggers may enter.

What kind of manicures are allowed?

  • Anything goes! Nail art, glitter, plain polish – this is meant to be a fun contest that anyone can win!
  • For inspiration, see past year’s entries: 2014 | 2013 | 2012

How does the contest work?

  • Create your manicure and email me a photo of your nails to adventuresinpolishland@gmail.com with the subject line “NYE Manicure Contest”
  • You may include a 1-3 sentence description of your manicure explaining why you chose it for New Year’s Eve, but this is optional.
  • There is only one entry per person, and one photo allowed per entry.
  • The deadline for submitting your manicure is Monday, January 4, 2016 at 11:59PM EST
  • On January 5, I will post all of the entries in a photo album on my Facebook Page HERE and email each entrant a direct link to her photo.
  • On January 12, winners will be chosen and notified by email.

How will the winners be chosen?

  • There are two winners in this giveaway!
  • One winner will be chosen by popular vote – whichever manicure receives the most ‘Likes’ on Facebook. The Likes must be on the photo I upload to my Facebook Page directly.
  • One winner will be chosen randomly through random.org, so anyone who enters will have a chance to win!

PRIZES

There are two different prize packs for this giveaway. The first winner to respond to my email will get first dibs on the prize pack she wants, with the other winner getting the other pack by default.

4th Annual New Year's Eve Manicure Contest | Nail Kit Prize Pack

Prize #1: Nail Kit

  • Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Coquette
  • Rimmel Keep Calm and Lip Balm in Violet Blush
  • Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
  • ncLA Designer Nail Wraps in Geri
  • Almay Lash Care Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads
  • Zoya Hunter

4th Annual New Year's Eve Manicure Contest | Eye Makeup Prize Pack

Prize #2: Eye Makeup Kit

  • Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Vivacious
  • Rimmel Keep Calm and Lip Balm in Rose Blush
  • Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Lagoon
  • Measurable Difference Eyeshadow Palette in Holland Tulips
  • Maybelline Great Lash Big Mascara in Blackest Black
  • Almay Lash Care Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads

I hope you will enter my 4th Annual New Year’s Eve Manicure Contest! I am so excited to be hosting for the fourth year in a row. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at adventuresinpolishland@gmail.com. Happy New Year, everyone!