Adventures in Polishland

Author: Adventures in Polishland

Zoya Nail Polish Thrive Collection | Swatches and Review

Posted on May 23, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Spring may be coming to a close, but I’m excited to share with you swatches and a review of the complete Zoya Nail Polish Thrive Collection. This collection was originally released in Spring 2018, and I finally tried all six polishes. Spoiler alert: I’m really impressed with this collection! It comes with two metallics, three creams, and one sparkly topper. Plus, all of the shades work really well together. The Thrive Collection is the perfect option if you’re looking for nail polishes that can take you from the office to a night out! I think there is something for everyone in the Thrive Collection!

Zoya Nail Polish Thrive Collection | Swatches and Review

The products in this post were provided for my review. This post includes affiliate links.

Zoya Nail Polish is a Logical Harmony Approved cruelty free brand, and all of the brand’s nail polishes are vegan. In the swatches below I am wearing a base coat, two coats of nail polish (unless otherwise noted), and a glossy top coat from Pacifica.

Darby

The first polish in the Thrive Collection is Darby, what Zoya describes as a dusty gray metallic. In the bottle Darby appears to be a light blue polish with royal blue shimmer. Once applied to the nails, Darby’s gray tone was much more visible. I wish the shimmer effect was a bit stronger, but I was pleasantly surprised with this polish! The formula is opaque in two coats, and it’s a unique take on a gray nail polish. Darby is one of my favorites in the collection!

Trudith

Next up is Trudith, described as a muted, wisteria purple cream polish. Trudith reminds me of the Natural Collections that Zoya released in the past. This polish reads very mauve on me, and I’m loving it! The formula applies well and is opaque in two coats. Trudith is the perfect polish to wear to work, as it can pass as a muted neutral, but has that nice pop of purple.

Brandi

Brandi is the first pink polish in the Thrive Collection. Zoya describes this shade simply as a blush pink cream. Brandi is the only polish in this collection that had a bit of a troublesome formula for me. It is on the thick side, but it was also runny at the same time. I had to do a bit of clean-up with this polish, which is unusual for me. I also had an air bubble on my manicure. Nonetheless, Brandi is a beautiful pink color, but I recommend thin coats with this formula.

Monroe

The other pink in this collection is Monroe, described as a glamour pink cream. I am obsessed with this nail polish! Monroe has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats. I love how pigmented and bright this polish is. It is so much fun for the summer months, and great if you like a flawless pink nail that is nearly red.

Leisel

Next up is Leisel, a sheer, sparkling topper. I applied three coats of Leisel in the photos above, and you can see this polish is still not opaque. However, I think it’s great that you can wear this polish alone or layered on top of other polishes. I didn’t think I would like Leisel, but is surprised me! I love how it shifts from pink to purple to gold to blue depending on the light and the base color. I wouldn’t wear Leisel on its own, but I cannot wait to wear it layered!

Haruko

Last but not least is Haruko, a soft violet metallic polish. Haruko is a very pretty lilac shade with purple shimmer. The formula is a bit streaky, but that is common with metallic nail polishes. I am wearing two coats in the above swatches, and while the coverage is good, I would need a third coat for opacity. If you like subtle shimmers, Haruko is a nice option!

What Leisel Looks Like as a Topper

I wanted to show you how stunning Leisel is when used as a topper! I am wearing one coat of Leisel over all the other polishes in this collection and a glossy top coat in the above photo. From left to right, the shades are: Darby, Trudith, Brandi, Monroe, and Haruko. I am blown away at how stunning Leisel is! My favorite manicure is the one with Darby, but I also love Leisel with Brandi and Monroe. I also need to try Leisel over black and white. Let me know if you would like to see that test in a blog post!

Overall, I am loving the Zoya Thrive Collection! Not only do all six nail polishes compliment each other extremely well, but there is a little something for everyone. Plus, I love that I can dress up any polish in this collection by topping it with Leisel! Individually, not all of these polishes are unique. However, if you are looking to grow your nail polish collection with some go-to shades, I think the Thrive Collection is a great option. This would also make an amazing gift!

You can purchase the Thrive Collection on Zoya’s website or on Amazon for $60.00. Individual shades retail for $10.00 each.

What’s your favorite polish in the Thrive Collection?

Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Review | #MayMaskChallenge

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

This month I’ve been participating in the #MayMaskChallenge hosted by Lisa Stevens. My goal is to use a face mask at least once each week, and so far I’ve really enjoyed giving my skin a bit of extra TLC. One of my favorite masks is the Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask. I’ve used up almost an entire tube of it, and I already have a back-up ready in my mask collection. That being said, this mask can be a bit tricky to work with, so I thought it would be helpful to share my tips for using this mask.

Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask Review

The product in this post was provided for my review. This post includes affiliate links.

The Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask from Derma E has a dual-action formula that deep cleans the pores and exfoliates the skin to leave it fresh and glowing. The mask contains Activated Charcoal, which helps to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin. Derma E recommends application as follows: “Apply generously to clean face, avoiding eye and lip areas. Leave on for five minutes or until mask is dry. Moisten fingertips, then massage gently in a circular motion to activate exfoliants” prior to rinsing off the mask and patting the skin dry. I mention the instructions written on the tube because, after using this product multiple times, I slightly alter the application to make the mask work better for me.

This mask can be a bit intense since it is such a deep-cleansing mask. One time, I left the mask on my skin a bit too long, and my skin was a little red and irritated when I washed it off. I realized that instead of generously applying this mask, it is best to apply a very thin layer to the face. That is because the mask can take several minutes to dry. In the photo above, I show what the mask looks like upon application, and what it looks like after it dries. It took over 12 minutes to dry, and you can see there is a small patch where it is still wet. Thus, I now use a small amount of this mask, and wash it off immediately after five minutes has passed even though it may not be completely dry. While I do not follow the brand’s directions, I still get a great result from the mask! A little definitely goes a long way with this product.

I absolutely love the Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask because my skin not only feels vey clean and smooth, but I feel like I can visibly see a difference after each use. Of course, any dry skin is exfoliated away, but my pores are less noticeable and my complexion appears more even. I also love that this mask removes added dirt and oil, but it does not leave my skin feeling dry. It’s one of my all-time favorite masks to give my skin a deep clean!

The Derma E Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask is available for purchase on Derma E’s website for $19.50 HERE. You can also purchase a sample packet for $4.00 if you want to test the mask prior to investing in the full size.

Zoya Nail Polish Jelly Brites Collection | Swatches and Review

Posted on May 16, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Today I have swatches and a review of the Zoya Nail Polish Jelly Brites Collection. This trio of nail polishes was originally released in 2018, but I finally got around to testing them myself and watched to share my thoughts with you. The Jelly Brites Collection contains three special edition polishes in a jelly formula. Jelly nail polishes are sheer and have a shiny finish. They are great for layering and nail art, and work well in the classic jelly sandwich manicure. Zoya is also a Logical Harmony Approved cruelty free brand, and their nail polishes are vegan friendly!

Zoya Nail Polish Jelly Brites Collection (Swatches and Review)

The products in this post were provided for my review. This post includes affiliate links.

I swatched all three nail polishes in this collection over a base coat and finished with a glossy top coat from Pacifica. I applied two coats of polish in the swatches. As you will see, these jelly polishes are not opaque in two coats, but that is to be expected with this sheer formula. I recommend applying thin coats of this polish and letting it dry completely between layers, as jelly polish can drag easily when tacky.

Molly

The first polish in the Jelly Brites Collection is Molly, what Zoya describes as a red/pink jelly. Molly is the brightest of the shades in the collection. This polish applies well to the nails and dries to a shiny, non-streaky finish. Molly is such a great shade for the summer months!

Paris

Next up is Paris, what Zoya describes as a fuchsia jelly polish. I’ll be very honest when I say that Molly and Paris are nearly identical nail polishes. I will show you a side-by-side photo later in this blog post, but the only difference is that Paris is slightly darker in shade and leans a bit more purple than pink. Paris does apply well, and the coverage with two coats is nice.

Alia

Last up is Alia, what Zoya describes as a plum jelly. Alia is definitely the most sheer polish in the collection, which surprised me because it looks like a deep purple shade in the bottle. I also found Alia to be a bit streaky. I recommend adding a third coat of nail polish to Alia to even out the finish and increase the pigmentation.

Ombré Skittle Manicure

Since jelly polishes are great for layering, I decided to create an ombré skittle manicure using the three shades. I applied three coats of nail polish on each nail in the above photo. Note that the polish is still not opaque in three coats, but the coverage is good. Here is how I layered the polishes in the manicure:

Pinky: 3 coats of Molly
Ring: 2 coats of Molly topped with 1 coat of Paris
Middle: 3 coats of Paris
Pointer: 2 coats of Paris topped with 1 coat of Alia
Thumb: 3 coats of Alia

I really like the way the Jelly Brites Collection works together in this manicure! The shades are very complimentary, but I will reiterate that the difference between Molly and Paris is marginal. Overall, I think this is a nice trio of jelly nail polishes, but unless you are looking to add a lot of jellies to your nail polish collection, I would pick the shade you like best. My top pick is Molly!

You can purchase the Jelly Brites Collection on Zoya’s website or on Amazon for $30.00.

What’s your favorite shade in the Jelly Brites Collection?

March Reading Wrap Up | Rereading My Mary-Kate and Ashley Collection

Posted on April 5, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

March started out as a great reading month for me, but as things changed rapidly in the world, my reading routine got off track as well. If you’ve followed my reading updates for a while, you’ll know that I usually read pretty heavy books. My favorite genre, for example, is dystopian, and I certainly don’t feel like reading a dystopian book right now when the current state of life feels much like one. Thus, I decided to start a fun and light-hearted project. Like many people my age, I grew up a huge Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen fan. I watched the movies and the television shows, I sang the songs, I had the dolls and merchandise, and, of course, I read the books. My Mary-Kate and Ashley book collection brings me so much joy that it always survived rounds of KonMari decluttering. I knew one day I would finally reread them, and now is the perfect time. Today I’ll be sharing with you my March reading wrap up, and the start of rereading my Mary-Kate and Ashley collection.

This post includes affiliate links. I will earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. Thank you!

I began the month really excited to finally begin reading the Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness. I’ve wanted to read this series for years, and March was going to be the month for it! I picked up The Knife of Never Letting Go, and really enjoyed it. This is a science fiction and dystopian novel that follows a boy named Todd. He lives in a society where only men have survived, and they can hear each other’s thoughts. It took me about 50 pages to become accustomed to the writing style, but I soon got sucked into the story. This book is very adventurous, and quite violent for a young adult novel. I also read the majority of the second book in this trilogy, The Ask and the Answer, but I put it down when everything got serious. I look forward to finishing this trilogy at some point, but I’m not sure when that will be.

I then spent the rest of the month working through all of the books I own in The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley series. There are ten books in this series, but I own four of them: The Case of the Mystery Cruise, The Case of the U.S. Space Camp Mission, The Case of the U.S. Navy Adventure, and The Case of Thorn Mansion. I’ve written more thoughts on each of these books on Goodreads, but overall I think these mysteries are a little ridiculous, but a lot of fun. I am constantly amazed at how nine-year-old kids are allowed to wander around by themselves to solve crimes. I am also bewildered that the Trenchcoat Twins are able to get involved with governmental investigations!

Overall, March was not the reading month I hoped it would be, but I’m taking advantage of this time to reread childhood books that I’ve always wanted to revisit. Now that I’m working from home, I’ve found it very difficult to find reading time. I’ve become accustomed to reading only during my long commutes to and from work, and now my commute is nonexistent. With at least another month of work-from-home life ahead of me, I hope to make more time for reading. Next up on my agenda, The New Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley!

What are you currently reading?

5 Ways I’m Practicing Self Care

Posted on March 23, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

With everything going on in the world right now, I know many of us are more stressed and scared than we usually are. There is so much uncertainty, and and if you’re in the United States like I am, perhaps you feel like we are playing the waiting game to see what is going to come of the current pandemic. While it’s been really difficult to stay calm and de-stress, I thought I would share some of the things I’m doing to practice self care while staying at home and social distancing. These five tips are certainly not a cure for worry, but they do help me feel somewhat better.

1. Limiting News Intake

Being aware of what is going on in the world and in our local communities is very important, but watching the news regularly, or even going on Facebook or Twitter, can be very overwhelming. Not only is there a great deal of misinformation on the internet, but with so much bad news, it can really affect my mood and ability to function. Since I began working from home last week, I have made an effort to limit my news intake. I try to check in with a few trusted news sources 1-2 times per day, just so I can know important updates. Otherwise, I distance myself from reading such heartbreaking and horrific news throughout the day. If the news also stresses you out, it’s okay to take a step back. You can even ask someone you trust to provide you with important updates when necessary.

2. Giving My Hair and Skin a Break

Since I’m staying at home with the exception of necessary errands, I’ve decided now is the perfect time to let my hair and skin go au naturel. I typically flat iron my hair a few times during the week, so I’m giving my hair a break from heat. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, since I noticed my hair getting wavier over the past several months. Similarly, I typically wear makeup at least five days a week. Now is the perfect time to let my skin breathe. It feels good to just be myself, and not do any extra primping in the mornings.

3. Consuming Lighthearted Media

In my last blog post, I touched on how I am listening to a lot of podcasts while I’m working from home. I am also switching up the other media I consume as well. For example, I usually read a lot of intense books, with my favorite genre being dystopian. Those books really do not sound appealing right now, so I’ve started a new project that fits into the #MyYearofRereading Project. I’m of the generation that grew up with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and I have a large stack of their books. I’ve decided to read at least one of these books a day, and it’s already proving to be a lot of fun. You can follow my Goodreads and Bookstagram for updates. In the same way, I’m watching nostalgic movies on Disney+. This past weekend I watched Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, and it was awesome!

4. Using Fun Phone Apps

Since I’m trying to avoid the usual social media sites I browse, I’m spending more time on some fun apps on my phone. Of course, I’m still using Poshmark, and I’ve tried to be more active in the Poshmark Parties and in sharing other people’s closets. In addition, I have two games that I like to play to pass the time. The first is Disney Emoji Blitz, and the second is TwoDots. Both are cute games that take a lot of concentration, so it’s a great way to distract myself. I’ve played both of these games for years, but I’m definitely using the apps more now than I typically would, and that’s okay.

5. “Spending Time” with Family

One thing that’s been good for me is FaceTiming with my niece and nephew. I used to talk to my nephew on FaceTime almost every day, but once he started school and I began working full time, I was lucky if I got to talk to him once a week. Since we’re both home now, we are able to talk much more often. It is wonderful to spend time with him virtually even if we cannot be together. I get to see my baby niece when she is awake, too! If you’re feeling alone, I highly recommend reaching out to friends or family on video chat, on the phone, or by texting. I’ve made it a point to call my grandma more often to check on her as well.

Overall, while I’m still feeling quite stressed, practicing some different kinds of self care has been helping to keep me as grounded as possible. I would love to hear from you in the comments – how are you staying calm in this challenging time? Let’s share our self care practices with one another! I hope you and your loved ones are staying as healthy as possible.

Podcasts I’m Listening to Right Now

Posted on March 21, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

I will admit that I am usually not a podcast listener. I much prefer to watch a YouTube video or read a book, but with everything that’s going on in the world right now, I’m changing up what media I consume. While I do check in with the news a couple times a day so I can be aware of what’s going on, I’ve started avoiding social media as much as possible. Podcasts have been a great way for me to relax and take my mind off of things. I’ve also been listening to podcasts while I work from home since I’m not answering the phone or moving about the office like I normally would. I thought it would be helpful to share what podcasts I’m listening to right now during this time of social distancing.

Ear Biscuits with Rhett and Link

I’m a huge fan of Rhett and Link. I watch their show Good Mythical Morning almost daily, and I really enjoy listening to their podcast Ear Biscuits. They recently posted a series called Our Lost Years, which I’ve linked above for you. In this series they talk about their spiritual deconstruction, but they discuss many other topics as well if you are not interested in their religious journeys. This is one of the few podcasts I consume somewhat regularly, but I typically watch the video version they post on their YouTube channel.

Coffee and Tea with Justin and Tashina

A new podcast I’ve started listening to is Coffee and Tea with Justin and Tashina. If you are in the vegan and cruelty free community, you probably recognize these names because Justin and Tashina run the website and YouTube Channel Logical Harmony. They recently started a podcast to have a morning chat together, and I’ve been listening along while doing computer work. I linked the second episode above for you, as the first one does discuss the current pandemic a bit more. I find I really enjoy podcasts where two people are just sitting down and chatting about life, and this one is no exception!

Mystery Show

I recently asked my Facebook friends for podcast recommendations, and my friend Hannah shared Mystery Show with me. This is an older podcast that is only six episodes long, but I’ve already listened to (and loved!) the entire series. Starlee Kine hosts this podcast in which someone will call in with a mystery that cannot be solved on the internet. She then goes out into the world to see if she can find the answer. I love how each mystery is lighthearted and entertaining. In this first episode, which I linked above, Starlee aims to find out what happened to a video store in New York that seemingly disappeared overnight. I wish there were more episodes of Mystery Show, but it’s highly worth a listen nonetheless!

Popcorn Culture

Finally, my friend Brianna recommended Popcorn Culture to me. This is another podcast that is two guys chatting about random topics. I linked the most recent episode above, which is the only one I’ve listened to thus far, but really enjoyed! I have to admit, I did tune them out a bit, but I especially liked when they talked about Power Rangers. If you like to have background noise on while you’re working, this is a great podcast. It’s easy to dip in and out of what the guys are chatting about without missing too much!

Please share your podcast recommendations with me in the comments! You may have noticed that I do not like true crime podcasts, which I know are really popular. Right now, I’m concentrating on happier topics that can keep me entertained or lighten the mood. I also don’t like overly produced podcasts, with Mystery Show being the exception! I hope you are doing well and staying healthy. I hope to share a few more blog posts with you as I will be home more in the near future.

My First Month on Poshmark | Sales, Stats, & More!

Posted on March 7, 2020March 7, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

This past month, I embarked on a new adventure by joining Poshmark. While I was aware of this website for a long time, I was inspired to finally sign up for my own account thanks to YouTubers Lisa Stevens and The Deal Queen. These two women got me so excited about the idea of selling on Poshmark that I had to try it for myself! I joined on February 2, 2020, and listed a bunch of my old clothing that I had recently decluttered from my wardrobe. I was amazed at how quickly the notifications came pouring in, and I became sucked into the app right away. Today I want to share with you how my first month on Poshmark went in terms of sales, stats, and what I’ve learned so far.

I first want to mention why I joined Poshmark in the first place. For the past year, I’ve been looking for a side hustle that I can keep up with despite having a full time job that keeps me away from home over 60 hours a week. I do have an Etsy shop, but I haven’t had much luck with sales, and handmade items take a long time to produce. I’ve also dabbled in flipping used books for profit, but I’ve found the profit margin to be quite low. When I began learning about how profitable selling on Poshmark can be, I figured I would give it a try. My goal with Poshmark is to earn a respectable side income by selling pre-owned fashion. Not only is it a great way to keep clothing from ending up in a landfill, but it’s a lot of fun as well!

My First Sales

The majority of the items I had for sale in my Poshmark Closet in my first month were items that I was decluttering. My parents also gave me some items they decluttered as well. I was extremely excited to make seven sales in my first month! After Poshmark fees, I made a total of $71.41. While that may not sound like a lot, that is pure profit since these were items I already had lying around the house. I’ve also learned that a sale on Poshmark is considered quick when it is made in the first week or two. Thus, to move seven items in my first month is pretty good!

Additionally, I have started going to the thrift store on the weekends to purchase items to resell. So far, I’ve found some pieces I really like, but I haven’t made any sales of thrifted items yet. I’m hopeful that I can continue to reinvest the money I make on Poshmark into sourcing great fashion items. That way, I can build my inventory and reach more buyers. I typically spend 2-3 hours thrifting on the weekend, and I take all of my product photos on the weekend as well.

My Posh Stats

One of the most surprising aspects of Poshmark has been the amount of followers one gets on the platform. I have averaged 1,000 followers per week, and ended my first month at over 4,300 followers. I wish Instagram worked like this! It’s my understanding that more followers doesn’t necessarily equate more sales. However, I find that following people is a great way to make connections on the app. There are some people I interact with regularly in my feed, and it’s nice to follow them and share their items daily. Having all of these followers is pretty exciting, and I’m interested to see if this growth continues.

Moreover, one of my goals for the near future is to reach Posh Ambassador status. Apparently, the Posh Ambassador program gives you a boost in the algorithm of some sort. I actually am very close to becoming a Posh Ambassador! I think being active on the app really helps not only with sales, but with learning the ins and outs of the Poshmark community as well. It’s important to engage with the community, and not just list your items and hope they sell.

Things I’m Learning

While I’m very happy with my progress so far, I do have a lot to learn about the Poshmark and reselling world. First and foremost, I need to learn more about fashion. I’ll be the first to admit I am not a fashionista. I do not know many trends or hot brands, so I have been watching a lot of YouTube videos to try and learn more. Right now I’m loving Empty Hanger!

Similarly, I am learning more about how to price items, when to make offers to those who Like my items, and when to accept or reject an offer. Since Poshmark does have a system based on negotiating, it can be difficult to know how to price things. I’ve been trying to give myself a bit of wiggle room, but at the same time list things at what I believe is a good price. In the same way, I’ve found that low-ball offers are to be expected on Poshmark, and you need to be prepared for them. My biggest surprise was someone who made me an offer that was 55% off my asking price! I politely submitted a counteroffer. I absolutely love negotiating (it’s my favorite part of my day job!), so I am always excited to get an offer in my Closet.

Finally, I think the key to success in the Poshmark app is being an active member. I aim to share my entire closet three times per day. I also participate in Posh Parties whenever I can. While a party has never lead to a direct sale for me, it’s a great way to meet other active users in the app. I also try to list items as frequently as possible, even if that means only one item per day. I don’t spend my entire day glued to the app, but I definitely check in when I can. I also utilize my social media like Facebook and Instagram to promote my Closet. You never know who will click through to your Closet and purchase something!

In the end, I am so excited that I finally joined Poshmark, and I look forward to seeing my growth. If you’ve been considering it for a long time as well, I highly recommend joining the app. Perhaps start just as I did by decluttering your own closet! You can use my referral code ADVINPOLISHLAND when you sign up to get a $10.00 credit towards your first purchase. Please let me know in the comments your thoughts on Poshmark. Do you sell or buy on Poshmark? Do you want me to share an update on my progress? Please let me know!

Visit my Poshmark Closet HERE

Everything I Bought in February | #LivingWithLess

Posted on March 1, 2020February 29, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

February has come to a close, and it’s time to share with you every non-consumable item that I purchased during the month. If you missed my first post in this series, I highly recommend reading that to learn more about why I am sharing all of my purchases this year. Overall, I hope that by sharing what I buy it will help me to see how much I’m spending, what I’m buying, and if I can look back and think every purchase was a good one for me. My goal is to buy only what I truly want and need, and not excess items that will just add clutter to my life. I am amazed with myself this month, because I only purchased two non-consumable items in all of February!

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links, I will earn a small commission. Thank you!

I am slowly building up the reusable items in my home, and I finally purchased some cloth napkins. I found this pack of Mill Valley Bistro 100% Cotton Napkins at Homesense on clearance for $10.00. I chose this brand simply because it wasn’t packaged in a plastic bag like the others they had for sale! I’m excited to use these napkins and make the transition from paper to cloth. I am not able to find this exact brand of napkins online, but there are many similar items on Amazon.

The other item I purchased in February was the book Auntie Loves You! written by Helen Foster James and illustrated by Petra Brown. I sent this book to my niece and nephew for Valentine’s Day. This book is absolutely adorable, and I think it’s worth the $12.50 I spent on it. I live far away from my niece and nephew, so I think it’s nice for them to have this book to look at even when we cannot spend time together in person.

What’s funny about February is that I did have a few more items on my list of things to buy, but I just didn’t get to them! I was getting over a bad respiratory virus at the beginning of the month, and I never made it out to the store. Hopefully in March I will grab the things I need so I can share them with you!

February Reading Wrap Up | Short Books #FTW

Posted on February 29, 2020March 28, 2026 by Adventures in Polishland

After a dreadful reading month in January, I was happy to pick up the pace in February. I wrapped up the month completing five books, which is where I would like to be every month. Once I got over my illness that really cramped my reading style, I finally got back into reading daily during my commute. Something that really helped me was reading short books. If you are ever struggling with your reading, I highly recommend picking up some shorter books. You will feel very accomplished when you complete that book quickly! I’m also really excited that I was able to read three books off my TBR shelf, and I reread two books for the #MyYearofRereading Project as well.

This post includes affiliate links. If you purchase an item through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!

I began the month by finishing Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. This is a nonfiction book that discusses why our society does not value introverts enough, but why we should listen more to those who may be labeled “quiet.” As an introvert myself, I really enjoyed a lot of the information in this book. Not only did I find it relatable, but it helped me to find more value in who I am as a person even though I do not conform to the Extrovert Ideal. I did find this book to be a bit dry, but I was very sick when trying to get through it. I will be keeping this book in my collection to reference in the future.

Next up, I read The Girls by Emma Cline. This novel is loosely based on the Manson murders, which I did not know much about prior to reading this story. I picked this up at a book sale a few years ago, and I am so glad I finally got to it. The book follows a teenage girl named Evie during the summer she spends with a group of girls living at a ranch on the outskirts of town. The ranch is run by a man named Russell, who will do anything to become a famous musician. I found The Girls to be a fast-paced read with a creepy and fascinating tone. I highly recommend this book, and hope to reread it at some point.

I then decided to reread both Stargirl and Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. These are some of my favorite books of all time, and they did not disappoint. Stargirl is a five-star book for me, and is a book I think everyone should read. Our narrator is a teenage boy named Leo, who finds himself slowly falling for the new girl at school. Stargirl was homeschooled all her life until she shows up at the public high school. It is clear to her new classmates that she is different than everyone else. She has a pet rat named Cinnamon, she sings Happy Birthday songs at lunch on her ukulele, and she cheers for both teams at sporting events. This story is about being true to yourself, even if that means you are not well-liked by others. I love this book and its sequel, and will treasure these stories throughout my life. I also happily discovered that a Stargirl movie releases March 13th on Disney+!

* This section contains Harry Potter spoilers*

Last but not least, I read Harry Potter Should Have Died by Emerson Spartz and Ben Schoen. I am so proud of myself for finally reading this book! Thanks to Amazon, I know that I purchased it shortly after its release on July 17, 2009. That’s right – I’ve had this book on my TBR list for almost 11 years! This book looks at the Harry Potter series and poses a variety of questions, such as which character death is the saddest, and whether we should pity Severus Snape. Each question is answered in the affirmative or negative with the arguments laid out, and then ends with a verdict made by the authors. I think this book is a fun read for big Harry fans, but it leaves a lot on the table. For instance, how can Hedwig and Fred not be mentioned in the saddest character deaths section?! That being said, I think this book is a great conversation starter, and it got me thinking a lot about one of my favorite series.

That wraps up everything I read in February! I’m glad I am back into the swing of reading. While I am still behind on my Goodreads challenge, I hope to catch up in the next month or so. Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more reading updates throughout the month!

Why I Love Bringing My Lunch to Work

Posted on February 23, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

When I lived in New York City, lunch was a big social event. Almost everyone went out to eat, and the restaurants would be filled to the brim with corporate Americans indulging in delicious gourmet foods before returning to their desks. At the end of my first internship in law school, I found myself wishing I had brought my lunch to work from the start. While I enjoyed going out with my fellow interns, I regretted the money I spent on all of those lunches. From that point on, I made a switch. Instead of going out regularly, I brought my lunch to work almost every day. While I do miss how fun eating out can be, I have come to enjoy this practice. Today I want to share why I love bringing my lunch to work, and why I think you should, too!

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It Saves a Lot of Money

Of course, I think the biggest benefit to bringing your own lunch to work is that it saves a lot of money. While some restaurants do offer lunch specials, and you can get discounted meals through apps like MealPal and Ritual, lunch prices around where I work in Boston typically average around $10.00 per meal. If you eat out daily, that’s $50.00 per week spent on just lunch! To put that in perspective, I don’t even spend $50.00 on my entire grocery bill for the week. On average, I spend under $10.00 on the groceries I need to make four lunches. I do often buy lunch on Fridays, so my total lunch cost for the week is around $20.00. Thus, I am saving $30.00 per week just by bringing my own lunch to work!

It’s Better for the Environment

Bringing your own lunch to work can also be extremely beneficial for the environment. It makes me so sad to think of all the disposable plastic containers, utensils, bottles, and bags that are thrown away every single day when people buy their lunch and take it to go. When I bring my lunch to work, I am enjoying a zero waste meal every time! I purchased a set of reusable containers from the grocery store a few years ago that are freezer safe, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe. It makes meal prep extremely easy as well! The set I have was $2.00 for a pack of five containers. I found something similar on Amazon from the brand Ziploc, but definitely check out your local store. While I do use plastic containers (mainly so I don’t break anything), I’ve used the same set literally hundreds of times now! I also bring regular silverware to work and just pop it in the dishwasher when I get home.

My Meals Are Healthier

Another great benefit to bringing your own lunch is that you control what is on your plate. I know when I go out to eat, I am more apt to grab a veggie burger and fries, greasy Chinese food, or any number of dessert treats. However, when I make my own lunch, I often put together healthy meals such as salads, whole grain pasta dishes with veggies, burrito bowls, and more. Since I eat a vegan diet, I can also make sure my meals will have enough protein and other nutrients to get me through the day. Plus, eating healthier at lunch means I can enjoy a yummy dessert later that day!

It Saves Time

While preparing my own lunches does take some time on the weekend, my meal prep also saves me time and aggravation during the work week. If I go to any restaurant nearby my office, I am sure to wait in a long line and burn 10-20 minutes just waiting for my food. I would much rather spend an hour or so on Sundays making my own food than deal with the lunchtime crowd regularly. Of course, there are some apps that allow you to order your food in advance to avoid the lines, but that still requires you to leave the office to pick it up. I love to opt for a working lunch, as that allows me to use my allotted lunch break to go for a walk, run an errand, or even leave work early if needed. I also find that I am more productive when I don’t leave the office in the middle of the day to grab food.

As you can see, I am a big proponent of bringing your own lunch to work. If you usually buy your lunch, I highly recommend trying to bring lunch more often, even if it’s 2-3 days a week. You will probably be surprised at how much money you save! I really enjoy trying new recipes for lunch, and it means a lot to me that bringing my own lunch also reduces my impact on the environment. Please share your favorite lunch recipes in the comments!