Lifestyle – Page 17 – Adventures in Polishland

Category: Lifestyle

Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe | Healthy Snack Idea

Posted on December 10, 2015November 29, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I am very excited to share a recipe on Adventures in Polishland for the very first time. With the holiday season in full swing, I’ve been a bit more adventurous in the kitchen. I began my baking with some homemade Cheez-Its after seeing a recipe on Rachel Talbott’s YouTube Channel HERE. My dad absolutely loves to snack on traditional Cheez-Its in front of the TV at night, but I worry about all the chemicals and preservatives he’s consuming while doing so. This recipe is the perfect solution! It allows Cheez-It lovers to still have that delicious snack, all while using a few simple ingredients. Let me share my homemade Cheez-Its with you!

How amazing do these look?! First things first, you have to make the dough. I used my Ninja Master Prep to blend up all of the ingredients. It works perfectly, so don’t worry if you don’t own a food processor as recommended in the recipe.

I’m still impressed that the Cheez-Its only need five simple ingredients! Pictured above is the cheddar cheese, butter, flour, and salt. The last ingredient is water. How much easier could this get?

Here is what the dough looks like after it’s been chilled in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. The next step is rolling out the dough with a rolling pin and cutting it into your desired shape. I found a small cookie cutter we already had and used that. Of course, you can cut the dough into the standard square Cheez-It shape if you’d like!

These are my Cheez-Its on the cookie sheet before popping them in the oven. Because the Cheez-Its don’t spread out while baking, you can put them quite close together on the baking sheet.

This recipe makes about 7-8 dozen Cheez-Its depending on the size cookie cutter you use. I brought these to my family’s Thanksgiving for an appetizer, and they were a big hit! I love that I know each and every ingredient inside these Cheez-Its, and that they are a much healthier option than boxed Cheez-Its at the store. Plus, they are easy and affordable! I highly recommend you try them out this holiday season, or anytime you’re wanting a cheesy treat. You can also use white cheddar if you prefer.

Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe

Yields about 7-8 dozen Cheez-Its.

Ingredients:

8oz Cheddar Cheese Shredded
4 Tablespoons Butter, cut into cubes
1 Cup Flour
3/4 Teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Cold Water

Directions:

Pulse all ingredients but water in a food processor or blender until it resembles coarse sand.
Pulse in water one tablespoon at a time.
Wrap dough in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350º while dough is chilling.
Roll out dough and cut into desired shape.
Place Cheez-Its on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased tin foil.
Bake at 350º for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.

If you make this recipe, please tag me in your photo on social media! Enjoy!

Give the Gift of Matching Nails with butter LONDON and Q&Q SmileSolar Watches

Posted on December 9, 2015November 30, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I have a fun blog post to inspire you when gift-giving this season. Perhaps there is a beauty lover in your life that you know would like a nail polish this holiday, but you wanted to give something else unexpected as well. Why not pair your polish with a matching accessory?! Q&Q SmileSolar watches make the perfect gift this year. Not only are they a fabulous and affordable $40, but they are super practical as well. Let me tell you more about Q&Q SmileSolar Watches, and show you how well they go with butter LONDON nail polish!

Q&Q SmileSolar is an eco-friendly brand in Japan known for its solar-power technology and expertly crafted products. Q&Q SmileSolar watches are powered by solar technology, and last for over three months with a single charge – no battery required! The watches are water-resistant, and made from recycled materials. I love how environmentally friendly they are! Plus, the Q&Q SmileSolar Series has a variety of styles to choose from, ranging from sleek and stylish to fun and bright. I received two watches from the Core Collection to review. Both are unisex, and would make an excellent gift for anyone on your list.

In this blog post I’ll be showing off the watch in style number RP00J004Y. This is a neutral watch with a silver band and face. It can go with any outfit! I’m pairing it up with a silver nail polish from butter LONDON.

My silver of choice is butter LONDON in Diamond Geezer. It has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. Because it is really shimmery, it does have a tendency to get messy. Keep your clean-up tools handy! Diamond Geezer is perfect for the winter months, and can be worn alone or in nail art looks. I have it on as I type up this blog post, and am loving how sparkly it is in the light!

Here is my manicure along with my Q&Q watch! It’s definitely a lot of fun to match my nail polish to my accessory. While I wouldn’t do this everyday, I would love to receive a gift this Christmas with a coordinating nail polish and accessory. It makes opening the present even more fun, and it lets the gift-giver think outside the box!

I hope you found this blog post helpful as you continue on with your holiday shopping this year! Q&Q SmileSolar watches can be purchased online HERE at $40 each. I think that is an amazing price for such an eco-friendly watch. Of course, you can grab Diamond Geezer on butter LONDON’s website HERE. Giving the gift of butter LONDON and Q&Q SmileSolar is a great way to give your nail polish lover a fun yet practical present this year.

Do you match your nail polish to your accessories? Let me know in the comments!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Book Review | Binge by Tyler Oakley

Posted on December 3, 2015December 3, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Binge by Tyler Oakley

Published by Gallery Books on October 20, 2015

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Comedy

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 256

Source: Purchased

Goodreads: ★★★★

Pop culture phenomenon, social rights advocate, and the most prominent LGBTQ+ voice on YouTube, Tyler Oakley brings you his first collection of witty, personal, and hilarious essays written in the voice that’s earned him more than 10 million followers across social media.

REVIEW

Despite being a regular watcher of Tyler Oakley’s YouTube Channel, I wasn’t in a rush to pick up his memoir Binge. I was a bit disappointed with the other YouTuber book I read, and I recently read another celebrity memoir, so this wasn’t at the top of my list. Well, Michael Buckley changed my mind with THIS review. If Buck enjoyed the book, I knew I had to make reading Binge more of a priority.

I immediately loved Binge. I was laughing out loud just a few pages in, and I really enjoyed Tyler’s writing style. Tyler writes in a way that stays true to him, but it doesn’t cross the line into that cheesy celebrity memoir tone that I’ve experienced way too often. I’m really impressed with how well-written Binge is overall. Tyler’s comedy is amazing. He truly made me laugh several times, but his jokes are often a ‘read between the lines’ style, and I do think they will go over the heads of many of his younger viewers. In particular, I greatly enjoyed the chapters on poop and Disney princes. Both are beyond fantastic.

Moreover, I really liked getting to know more about Tyler’s personal life, which we don’t get to delve much into in his videos. Tyler and I are very different people, but we grew up in the same America at the same time, and, therefore, have a shared experience that other generations perhaps don’t. Because of that bond, I found the chapters about his family life and love life really touching, especially the chapter on his first boyfriend, Adam.

That being said, there are some things I didn’t like as well. There are a few points in the book where Tyler feels a bit too preachy. The perfect example of that is his two-page chapter on his abusive relationship. While I recognize that is a difficult subject to write about, I felt like it was included in the book simply to give advice, rather than share a life experience. There were a few other moments in Binge that similarly felt as if Tyler were struggling with giving advice to his younger viewers, while also staying true to telling his story. I would have enjoyed more of the storytelling, and less of the advice-giving.

In the same way, I also found some editing issues throughout the book, mainly with the organization of the chapters. There were many repetitive moments where certain people were introduced more than once, or certain situations were explained again, that took away from the overall reading experience. I would have liked the chapters to flow better from one to another. I found some copyediting mistakes in the book as well.

One thing I do really love about the book itself is the cover and overall book design. The cover and pages are really high quality, and I was especially impressed with the glossy pages and color photographs throughout the book. The cover design and photography is perfect as well – I really love the candy pattern.

All in all, I found Binge to be a well-rounded book with both happy and challenging times in Tyler’s life presented. There are truly some hilarious parts along the way that are not to be missed. I also went back to several of Tyler’s videos that I had previously seen to watch them with behind-the-scenes knowledge. It made the reading experience a lot more fun than other celebrity memoirs for sure. If you’re a fan of Tyler’s, I highly recommend Binge. If you’re not, but you enjoy comedic memoirs, definitely give this one a try.

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When you buy a book through the Amazon or Book Depository links above, I earn a small commission through each website’s affiliate program. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

November Favorites | Beauty & Lifestyle Loves

Posted on December 1, 2015November 24, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! It’s December now, and that means it’s time to share with you all of the things I loved in November. I feel like November flew by extremely quickly! To be honest, I didn’t change up my beauty or skincare routine much at all this month, so I don’t have too many new products to share. This time around I’ll be letting you into my daily life a bit more, so you can learn more about what I love in all aspects of my life. Let me jump right into my November Favorites!

FACE PRODUCT

elf HD Lifting Concealer – $3.00 [BUY]

My skin has been in a bad mood this month! I’m not sure if it’s the change in weather, the food I’m eating, or something else, but I’ve gotten some nasty breakouts and redness. I purchased this elf concealer on a whim back in May (see the haul HERE), and it does a great job at balancing my redness. Of course, it’s not a miracle worker, but for a $3 product it’s a great item to have in your collection when you need it.

LIP PRODUCT

Buxom Full-On Lip Polish Lipgloss in Sophia – $19.00 [BUY]

I got a mini size of this lipgloss in the Sephora Favorites Give Me More Lip Kit I purchased last month (full review HERE), and I’ve been reaching for it more than any other lip product recently. The pink shade is absolutely perfect with my skin tone. It’s just a great everyday color, and the formula feels nice on the lips, too. I do wish it wasn’t minty, because that hurts my throat a bit, but I can deal with it. I love this color so much!

HAIR PRODUCT

Macadamia Healing Oil Spray – $13.95 [BUY]

The winter weather is creeping in, and my hair and skin are slowly drying out. I reached for this oil spray this month to add in a bit more moisture and shine to my otherwise dull hair. I spray just one or two times on my wet hair after showering, and then brush it through to spread the product. I find that this works really well, and it also smells great. Definitely make sure to use only a tiny bit, though, as it can be heavy!

ACTIVITY

Baking – Homemade White Cheez-Its Pictured

I’ve been really into baking lately, and I’m trying to make something new about once per week. I’ve been focusing on healthier options, but with the holidays around the corner I know the snacks will get sweeter and sweeter. My first treat was homemade Cheez-Its, which turned out amazing! I’ll be sharing some of my recipes with all of you soon.

ETSY SHOP

Caitlin and Co. Designs [BUY]

I discovered a new Etsy Sticker Shop completely on a whim, and made a HUGE purchase. I’m so glad I ended up splurging on these. The quality is beyond top-notch, and the colors are so vibrant and beautiful. These stickers have really helped me and my planning routine. I cannot recommend this shop enough, so be sure to check it out. If you buy something, let her know I sent you in the Notes to Seller section!

TELEVISION SHOW

Dancing with the Stars

I go back and forth with loving Dancing with the Stars (“DWTS”), and not watching it at all. I got into this season towards the latter half, and it’s been a lot of fun. I’m writing this blog post on the day of the DWTS finale, so I don’t know who won yet! Right now I’m rooting for Bindi. I think she is a beautiful dancer, and she seems like such a genuinely nice person. I also enjoyed watching Nick Carter on the show despite being a diehard *NSYNC fan.

SONG

Justin Bieber – What Do You Mean? [BUY]

Dancing with the Stars also turned me on to this Justin Bieber song! I’ve never been one to listen to Justin Bieber, but I’m loving this song. It has a great beat, and is just so catchy. I’m loving the reinvented JB!

I hope all of you had a great November! Please share your favorites with me in the comments, too. I love to hear what you are all loving, especially new beauty products. There is just something fun about sharing the things we’re loving most!

This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Erin Condren Gift Guide | 10 Presents for Planner Lovers

Posted on November 28, 2015November 20, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! The holiday season is in full swing, and I thought I would share some gift ideas for one of my favorite online stores, Erin Condren. If you’ve been following my blog or YouTube Channel for the past five months, you’ll know that I invested in an Erin Condren Life Planner. I absolutely love it, and I’ve also discovered many other items on Erin Condren’s website that are amazing quality. If you have a planner or stationary lover in your life, I highly recommend purchasing some Erin Condren goodies for her. While they are a bit more expensive, they make excellent gifts. I put together a gift guide of the top ten products on Erin Condren’s website that I think make the perfect presents for planner lovers!

Erin Condren Gift Guide | 10 Presents for Planner Lovers — *All images in this blog post are courtesy of ErinCondren.com.*

First things first, I just want to remind all of you that new Erin Condren customers can save $10 off their first order by signing up for a free Erin Condren account using my referral link HERE. When you sign up, Erin Condren will then email you a coupon code worth $10. It’s a great way to save a bit, or offset the cost of shipping. Plus, it helps me out when you use my referral link – totally a win-win situation! Now, let’s jump right into the gift guide!

Erin Condren Good to Go Life Planner – $50 [BUY]

Of course, Erin Condren is known for its Life Planner. I absolutely love my Life Planner – it has changed my life! A lot of people don’t want to splurge on this planner, but it makes the perfect gift. The quality is beyond amazing, and I highly recommend this planner for anyone on your list. I think the Good to Go (formally known as Ready to Ship) is the best option for a gift, because it comes with a coupon code for a free customizable cover. That way the gift recipient can create her own cover down the road. If you want to learn more about what comes with the Good to Go Life Planner, please read THIS blog post.

Erin Condren Carry-All Clutch – $32 [BUY]

If you know someone who already has a Life Planner, this next item is a great present! The Carry-All Clutch is a case made out of neoprene to keep the Life Planner safe inside a larger backpack or purse. It is available in two sizes, and a variety of patterns and colors. The clutch can also be used to tote around tablets or other supplies, so it’s a versatile gift!

Erin Condren Snap-In StylizedSticky Notes – $10 [BUY]

A more affordable gift option is this snap-in dashboard complete with sticky notes. I absolutely love these sticky notes because they are great quality, and they are sized to fit the Life Planner. Plus, the plastic dashboard is reusable, so once the sticky notes are used up there is still value in this product. Gift this alone, or paired with other planner accessories!

Erin Condren Designer Sticker Book – $15 [BUY]

Another affordable option that is great on its own or with other goodies is the Designer Sticker Book. I have this and absolutely love it! The stickers work perfectly inside the Life Planner, and also on stationary or gifts. Even if your planner lover already has this, I can guarantee she will be happy with another one. You can’t go wrong with a sticker book!

Erin Condren Polaroid Zip Bundle – $149 [BUY]

A more extravagant purchase is the Polaroid Zip Bundle, which includes the Polaroid Zip Instant Photoprinter, a Carry-All Clutch, and a sticker to decorate the printer. This printer takes planning, scrapbooking, and journaling to the next level because you can instantly print out photos directly from your cell phone. It’s definitely on the expensive side, but it is an incredible item to have!

Erin Condren Notepad – $15 [BUY]

In addition to planner supplies, Erin Condren offers other stationary products. There are a variety of notepads from which to choose, ranging in size and color. I haven’t tried these yet, but I’ve heard the paper quality is amazing. You can also personalize the notepads for the recipient. This is a great product that many people would like, but perhaps wouldn’t purchase for themselves.

Erin Condren Good to Go Stationary Set – $15 [BUY]

One unique item for stationary lovers is the Good to Go Stationary Set. For just $15, you get ten notecards, ten envelopes, and ten labels all inside a reusable pouch. This is a great all-in-one set for that someone in your life who loves to send snail mail! I love the price and the products, too.

Erin Condren Do-it-All Desk Set – $25 [BUY]

Another great all-in-one item is the new Do-it-All Desk Set! It includes sticky notes, paperclips, washi tape, pencils, and more, all in a sturdy box with magnetic closure. This is perfect for your friends at the office, as well as your planner lovers. It comes in the colorful design shown here, but also in a metallic design. With this gift the recipient will feel like she can really do it all!

Erin Condren Jot Your Thought Journal Trio – $18 [BUY]

Erin Condren recently released this trio of stunning journals. Each has a metallic foil, and the paper inside is really nice quality. You can give these journals as a set, or break them up to gift to different people. I got a trio and can’t wait to begin using it! It’s always great to have a spare notebook hanging around.

Erin Condren Gift Card – [BUY]

Last but not least, you can always purchase an Erin Condren Gift Card if you’re stuck on what to buy your planner lover this holiday season. I can assure to you that receiving an Erin Condren Gift Card is an amazing feeling, and it is truly appreciated. You can choose from a few different denominations when you buy a gift card, so you can be sure to gift one in your budget.

That brings us to the end of this Erin Condren Gift Guide! I hope you found this post helpful, whether you’re purchasing a gift for the planner lover in your life, or simply trying to learn more about Erin Condren. I’ve really been loving my Life Planner, and definitely encourage others to purchase one as well. With 2016 just around the corner, this is the perfect time to raid the Erin Condren website!

Will you be purchasing from Erin Condren this holiday season? Let me know in the comments!

All of the photographs used in this post are property of ErinCondren.com. This post includes a referral link that is properly disclosed. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Book Review | Extras (Uglies #4) by Scott Westerfeld

Posted on November 26, 2015November 23, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

This review is of the fourth book in a series. It will contain spoilers for the first three books in the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. Please read at your own discretion.

Extras (Uglies #4) by Scott Westerfeld

Published by Simon Pulse on January 1, 2007

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 417

Source: Purchased

Goodreads: ★★★

Fame

It’s a few years after rebel Tally Youngblood took down the uglies/pretties/specials regime. Without those strict roles and rules, the world is in a complete cultural renaissance. “Tech-heads” flaunt their latest gadgets, “kickers” spread gossip and trends, and “surge monkeys” are hooked on extreme plastic surgery. And it’s all monitored on a bazillion different cameras. The world is like a gigantic game of “American Idol.” Whoever is getting the most buzz gets the most votes. Popularity rules.

As if being fifteen doesn’t suck enough, Aya Fuse’s rank of 451,369 is so low, she’s a total nobody. An extra. But Aya doesn’t care; she just wants to lie low with her drone, Moggle. And maybe kick a good story for herself.

Then Aya meets a clique of girls who pull crazy tricks, yet are deeply secretive of it. Aya wants desperately to kick their story, to show everyone how intensely cool the Sly Girls are. But doing so would propel her out of extra-land and into the world of fame, celebrity…and extreme danger. A world she’s not prepared for.

REVIEW

I was a bit hesitant to pick up Extras, the final book in Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series. This fourth book lives up to its title, as it is an extra addition to what was originally a trilogy. I’ve heard mixed reviews, and I was also wondering what an Uglies novel would be like following a different cast of characters. The book takes place three years after Tally took down her government, and focuses on a new main character called Aya. It was definitely weird to follow Aya instead of Tally, and it took me a while to really get into the story, simply because I was adapting to a new world.

Aya’s city has an economy based on face-rank. Basically, the more famous you are, the richer you are. Aya is a kicker, which means she posts stories to her feed in hopes that it will be shared. Sound familiar? This is quite similar to today’s social media culture, and I really liked how this concept is so relevant to today’s world.

That being said, there were definite issues with Extras. First, Westerfeld does a poor job at describing the setting. I was under the impression that the book takes place in Tally’s city, but it wasn’t until the book was half over that we find out Aya is actually from Japan (versus Tally’s California). It would have been helpful to have this set-up earlier in the book.

In the same way, there are a number of grammatical mistakes and copyediting errors throughout the book. It felt as if the release for Extras was rushed for publication. I deducted from the book’s overall rating for these errors, because I really don’t like when published books have so many mistakes.

Moreover, I was very excited when some of our favorite characters from the first three Uglies books made an appearance. I will keep it vague so as to not spoil you, but seeing these characters from another point of view was quite interesting. It really made me think about the first three books, and I liked this new perspective. They added a lot to Extras, but also to the original trilogy.

Overall, I am very glad I read Extras and officially finished of the Uglies series. While it was the weakest book in the series, I still liked the concept and plot, and thought it brought up some issues that are affecting us today. I will also mention that I certainly teared up in the final scene. I really enjoyed this series, and this was a poignant ending that I definitely recommend.

BUY THE BOOK

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Book Review | Specials (Uglies #3) by Scott Westerfeld

Posted on November 24, 2015November 15, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

This review is of the third book in a series and contains spoilers for the first and second books. Please only read this review if you’ve read Uglies and Pretties by Scott Westerfeld.

Specials (Uglies #3) by Scott Westerfeld

Published by Simon Pulse on January 1, 2006

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Format: Paperback

Pages: 384

Source: Purchased

Goodreads: ★★★ 1/2

“Special Circumstances”: The words have sent chills down Tally’s spine since her days as a repellent, rebellious ugly. Back then Specials were a sinister rumor — frighteningly beautiful, dangerously strong, breathtakingly fast. Ordinary pretties might live their whole lives without meeting a Special. But Tally’s never been ordinary.

And now she’s been turned into one of them: a superamped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid.

The strength, the speed, and the clarity and focus of her thinking feel better than anything Tally can remember. Most of the time. One tiny corner of her heart still remembers something more.

Still, it’s easy to tune that out — until Tally’s offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently. It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she’s programmed to complete. Either way, Tally’s world will never be the same.

REVIEW

I continued my back-to-back reading of Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series, and picked up Specials immediately after finishing Pretties. This series was originally written as a trilogy, with the fourth book being published later. Thus, Specials can be thought of as a conclusion to the storyline readers have been experiencing thus far. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my favorite of the first three books.

Just as with Pretties, Specials begins with Tally in her new form, except this time she is a Special. I had a very difficult time getting into this book, mainly because the writing was awkward and difficult to follow. I can tell that Westerfeld has again shifted his writing style. This time, the writing takes on the harshness of Specials. While it is impressive that Westerfeld can adapt his writing in many ways, this new tone definitely made the reading experience less enjoyable for me.

In addition, I found that Specials follows a much similar formula that the two earlier books in the series do. Tally beings the story in her city in one form, and then leaves to discover something beyond the borders. While I won’t go into the details of the action so as to avoid spoilers, it was a little frustrating that I could somewhat predict the next step in the book because it was following such a formulaic arc.

My last main critique of Specials flows from Pretties. I really don’t like how Shay and Tally are part of a clique called the Cutters. Self-harm is a series issue in today’s society, and I feel like Westerfeld introduced it in an uncomfortable way. While Tally does stop cutting, it is never truly addressed how serious and dangerous such a habit can be. Not only can this aspect of the series be triggering for those who struggle with self-harm, but it downplays it as well.

Nonetheless, despite the issues I had with Specials, I did enjoy the story overall. While some characters acted outside of their developed personalities, there were a number of scenes that truly shed light on Tally’s society in an intriguing way. I was touched with many of the emotional moments, and the ending itself was solid. If you’ve been wondering whether or not to continue on with this series, I highly recommend doing so! Tally is an incredible protagonist, and I truly enjoyed her story.

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Book Review | Pretties (Uglies #2) by Scott Westerfeld

Posted on November 19, 2015November 15, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

This review is of the second book in a series and contains spoilers for the first book. Please only read this review if you have read Uglies by Scott Westerfeld.

Pretties (Uglies #2) by Scott Westerfeld

Published by Simon Pulse on May 5, 2005

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Format: Paperback

Pages: 370

Source: BookMooch

Goodreads: ★★★★

Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she’s completely popular. It’s everything she’s ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun — the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom — is a nagging sense that something’s wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally’s ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what’s wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.

Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life — because the authorities don’t intend to let anyone with this information survive.

REVIEW

I picked up Pretties immediately after finishing the first book in this series, Uglies. One of the benefits of reading an older book series is that there is no waiting between books, and I certainly prefer to read them all in a row so as to not forget any details. Pretties picks up about a month after Uglies finishes. Tally is, of course, now Pretty, and she is living in New Pretty Town and enjoying all the benefits that come with being Pretty. I was immediately impressed with how Westerfeld is able to change his entire writing style to fit the tone of this book. He adapts a new vocabulary, and emits a new aura to represent the laid-back and bubble-headed Pretty mentality. Just as Tally becomes Pretty, the reader does, too.

I really enjoyed reading the portions of the book that take place in New Pretty Town. In Uglies, I only had a glimpse into what it meant to be Pretty. I was glad that Westerfeld really dove into the Pretty culture in this book. I found the idea of cliques to be really interesting, and I loved seeing how the Pretties interact with one another. Westerfeld does a great job at flushing out the world he created in book one.

Moreover, I also liked the introduction of the new characters in this novel. I instantly loved the character of Zane, the mysterious leader of Tally’s new friend group. I was rooting for him and Tally to be a couple, and loved whenever they were in scenes together. Be forewarned, though, if you don’t like love triangles in books this may be a drawback for you. I thought this triangle was well-written and also very logical considering Tally’s Pretty status, so I don’t think it takes away from the story at all.

In addition, I also liked other new characters introduced, and the people Tally encounters as the story continues. While I won’t explain more due to spoilers, suffice it to say Westerfeld is no stranger to surprising the reader and adding in some fun twists and turns. One of the reasons I really enjoy this series is because of its fast-paced and addictive qualities. Pretties definitely keeps up with Uglies in terms of pace.

The one main critique I have is a small plot hole that for some reason really took away from the credibility of the novel. In Uglies, we get to meet Tally’s parents, who encouraged her to listen to Special Circumstances and help them find the Smoke. In Pretties, we never hear about her parents. What happened to them? Did they meet Tally after her operation? Do Pretties not have contact with their parents? These questions were left unanswered, and while this is not a main part of the story, it still didn’t sit well with me.

Nonetheless, I really enjoyed Pretties, and thought it was a great continuation to the series. I highly recommend reading it if you’ve read Uglies but haven’t yet continued on in the series. The book is such a quick read, and I was still extremely invested in Tally and her story by the end of this second book. Westerfeld definitely knows how to keep a series alive!

BUY THE BOOK

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When you buy a book through the Amazon of Book Depository links above, I earn a small commission through each website’s affiliate program. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

DIY Travel Nail Kit

Posted on November 18, 2015November 18, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Now that we are headed into the holiday season, I thought it was the perfect time to put together a DIY Travel Nail Kit! Whether you need a touch up on a weekend getaway, or some manicure options during a longer trip, I’ve got you (and your nails!) covered. I never used to travel with nail polish until college. During my winter break I was away from my nail polish collection for a few weeks, so I wanted to make sure I had a few options on hand. Let me show you everything I pack with me to keep my manicure in shape!

First things first, I highly recommend dedicating a small makeup bag to your nail kit. That way if things go wrong and your nail polish bottles break or spill, nothing else will get ruined. That being said, I always keep a spare piece of bubble wrap in my nail kit so I can keep everything secure. Don’t forget that if you are flying, you’ll need to put your nail polish in your checked luggage, or abide by the 3-1-1 rule (more on that HERE).

As for the items inside my kit, I make sure to have at least five things with me, four of which are pictured above for you:

Sally Hansen Double Duty – This is a base coat and a top coat in one! I’ve used it for years, and while it’s not my favorite top coat option, it’s a great one both for the price and the convenience. I often use it at home as a base coat, and it’s the logical choice for travel. Find it at your local drugstore, or online HERE.
Neutral or Pink Nail Polish – When traveling, it is best to find a nail polish that will work for any occasion and any outfit. I recommend a neutral shade, such as a beige or tan, or my go to polish color – pink! I love Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Peachy Breeze because it can work for a professional event, but is also fun for your beach vacation. Plus, a fast-dry formula is perfect for on the go.
Glitter Top Coat – Your manicure options will double with a glitter top coat! Keep one on hand for a night out, holiday party, or simply a change of pace. This can layer right over your other nail polish so you don’t need to worry about remover or touch ups. I grabbed Milani Color Statement in Club Lights, but choose any glitter you love for your kit!
Mini Emery Boards – I always keep an emery board in my purse, and I, of course, keep at least two in my travel nail kit. You never know when your nails will break, especially with the drying atmosphere of an airplane! I’ve used some of the tiny emery boards before, and those just don’t cut it. I received these black ones for review, and am in love! They are the perfect size at 3.5 inches long – they fit easily in my makeup bag, but are still big enough to hold easily. Plus, you can get a 50 pack for just $10 on Amazon HERE. I highly recommend grabbing a pack to keep you stocked up. They even make a great stocking stuffer!
Nail Polish Remover Pads – I don’t have any on hand to show you, but nail polish remover pads are perfect for travel! Who wants to carry a bottle of nail polish remover?! I’ve had great luck with the butterLONDON Scrubbers, which I think is worth splurging on for special occasions. I usually wait to take off my nail polish once I’m back at home, but these are a great option for those of you who want to switch it up on the road!

All in all, taking care of your nails while traveling can be super easy and non-stressful with a DIY Travel Nail Kit! This kit makes the perfect holiday gift for your friends and family, but don’t forget to create one for yourself! You can also feel free to add in hand cream for some added moisture during the winter months. It all depends on your personal needs! I hope this post brought you some inspiration, and I’m wishing you safe travels!

What’s in your Travel Nail Kit? Let me know in the comments!

Some of the products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Book Review | Uglies (Uglies #1) by Scott Westerfeld

Posted on November 17, 2015November 15, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Uglies (Uglies #1) by Scott Westerfeld

Published by Simon Pulse in 2005

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Format: Paperback

Pages: 406

Source: Purchased

Goodreads: ★★★★

Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can’t wait. In just a few weeks she’ll have the operation that will turn her from a repellent ugly into a stunning pretty. And as a pretty, she’ll be catapulted into a high-tech paradise where her only job is to have fun.

But Tally’s new friend Shay isn’t sure she wants to become a pretty. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world– and it isn’t very pretty. The authorities offer Tally a choice: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. Tally’s choice will change her world forever…

REVIEW

I’ve wanted to read the Uglies series for a few years now after hearing YouTuber Joey Graceffa mention it in one of his videos. I’m a huge fan of the dystopian genre, and this one sounded really intriguing. Uglies follows Tally Youngblood. She lives in a city where at the age of sixteen everyone gets a surgery to become Pretty. Tally is excited for her operation, and looking forward to the future. Yet everything changes when her new friend Shay decides to run away and not get the operation. Tally is forced to help the government track Shay down, or never be Pretty.

I was instantly sucked into this world, and found the writing extremely addicting and really fast-paced. While the world is not completely unique, it was still really cool. I liked the different technology involved, especially the hoverboards that take Tally and her friends around the city. In the same way, I liked that Westerfeld kept Uglies in the third-person narrative. This is different from many other young adult dystopians in which the main character is narrating, and I found the change refreshing.

As for the characters, I instantly connected with Tally and was rooting for her from page one. She is an extremely likable character, because while she wants to fit into society, she also wants to do what she thinks is right. I did find that Tally was a bit too gullible, but other than that I think she is the perfect protagonist. Both Shay and David, on the other hand, I didn’t trust. This is proof of Westerfeld’s excellent writing skills, though, as Tally is unsure whether she should trust them, too.

My main critique of the story is that everything seems to work out a bit too easily for Tally. Yes, she faces some unsurmountable challenges, but despite how quickly the adventure unfurls, everything settles nicely. That being said, I was able to let that slide because I was so invested in the story. I couldn’t wait to pick up the next book in the series when Uglies came to a close!

All in all, I really enjoyed Uglies and am so glad I finally picked it up! I highly recommend it for fans of the dystopian genre. The book has a great discussion on what makes a person good or evil, and it is also the first dystopian world that I was willing to live in myself. I know this is an older series, so if you’ve read Uglies please share your thoughts with me!

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