Happy Tuesday! I can’t believe the first month of 2016 has already come to a close. January was a good month for me, and one that was completely outside of normal. I was traveling for a week during the month, and unfortunately came down with a bad cold for a couple weeks. You will be able to see how that really impacted my favorites this month, so let’s go ahead and jump right into the post!
SKINCARE
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy [HAUL] [BUY]
I recently purchased a travel kit from First Aid Beauty because I knew it would come in handy on my vacation. When I came down with a cold during the trip, this lip balm was my absolute savior! My lips were already dry in the Los Angeles climate, but with my cold I really needed the added moisture. I am beyond in love with this lip balm. It is truly hydrating, and very healing.
HAIR CARE
L’Oreal Blow Dry It Quick Dry Primer Spray [BUY]
I ran out of heat protectant, so I picked up this one because it was super affordable at CVS and I had a coupon. I’m so glad I got it! My first impression was that it smelled great, and then I noticed how nice my hair looks and feels after using it. My thin and dull hair becomes shiny and smooth, but it’s not greasy or weighed down at all! Talk about a win-win!
TRAVEL NECESSITY
Kleenex Slim Pack [BUY]
This might be a random favorite, but I really appreciate these Slim Packs from Kleenex! I always keep tissues in my purse, and I really needed them this month. The Slim Packs are awesome because they don’t bulk up your purse and because the tissues inside are well protected. I never have to throw out any of the tissues because they got dirty! Plus, I refilled this several times to get more bang for my buck.
STATIONARY
Erin Condren Jot Your Thought Journals [BUY]
You all know I love my Erin Condren Life Planner, and I recently fell for the brand’s journals as well. The Jot Your Thought Journals are cute, little notebooks. I use one as a book journal and one as a blog journal. The covers are really sturdy, the pages are thick and strong, and the designs are nice, too. I also think they are very affordable – you can get a trio for just $15! I gave some as Christmas gifts and bought some for myself.
FASHION
Madden Girl Ruxben Booties [BUY]
It was really hard for me to find boots this year, and I finally decided to just get some booties. I found these super cute booties at my local DSW. They are very warm and really comfortable. I love the little knit portion around the ankle, and the fold-over detail. If you’re a wide calf girl struggling to find boots, give these a try!
HOBBY
Reading
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I’ve been a bookworm since I started reading, but this past month I read seven books! There is something about winter that just makes me want to cozy up with a book. I read quite a wide array of books this month, too – adult, young adult, and new adult, fiction and nonfiction, science fiction, contemporary, romance, and mystery! Wow! Let me know if you’ve read any of the books pictured and your thoughts in the comments! Of course, I have (or will have) a full, non-spoiler review of each book on this blog in the Books section HERE.
LIFE
Family Time
Last but not least, I have to mention the special family time I enjoyed this month! My trip to LA was to visit family, and I got to see my nephew in person for the first time in over a year! Even though I speak with him on FaceTime regularly, there is something very special about hugging him and playing with him in person. The picture above shows us in the car – he loves to rest his little foot on my arm when I’m sitting with him in the back seat! Being an aunt is the best!
That brings us to the end of my January 2016 favorites! I hope you enjoyed reading about all my loves this month. As always, please feel free to share your favorites in the comments. I would love to know what products you’ve discovered, what hobbies you’re enjoying, or anything else going on in your life. You can also use the hashtag #PolishlandFaves on social media to share photos with me!
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First up are the items that I purchased! I usually try to aim for $50 even, but this time I went a bit over that amount. I just decided to get some extra goodies!
Next up, I used a coupon code from the Weekly Specials page to score this little makeup bag filled with sample products. While I’m not the biggest fan of foil packets, they are great for travel. I am really excited for the makeup bag, though! I use pouches for everything in my purse and luggage – cords, pens and pencils, accessories, and more. Always make sure to use a coupon code when you shop at Sephora!
Last but not least, I got my three free samples. I love Atelier perfume samples, and I’ve heard great things about Rita Hazan hair care. The last sample on the right is a Peter Thomas mask, so that will be fun to try, too. I have entire drawer of samples in my makeup collection, so these will be added to the pile.