Category: Lifestyle

Subscription Sunday | November 2014 Birchbox

Happy Subscription Sunday! It’s been a few months since I’ve showed you my Birchbox, but I definitely want to get back into the habit of sharing the goodies I get each month because they’ve been totally awesome lately. If you’re new to Birchbox, it is a $10 per month subscription box in which you get sample sized products from the world of beauty and skincare, and now lifestyle items as well. Products can be any size from foil packets to full sized products, but Birchbox has a personal style profile form that gets to know you pretty well. Let me show you my November box!

November 2014 Birchbox | Adventures in PolishlandEach month, Birchbox features a different theme. November is fittingly all about giving, with Birchbox teaming up with RED to help raise money in the fight against AIDS. I think that it’s really great that Birchbox is giving back this month!

Subscription Sunday | November 2014 BirchboxNow onto the goodies in my box! I’ll tell you what each item is and it’s retail value. Plus, you can click on the name of each product to purchase it on Birchbox’s website.

  • TOCCA Eau de Parfum in Florence – $2.00 – I do like receiving perfume samples in my Birchbox every once in a while, but this one is a strong floral that I unfortunately cannot use due to my allergies to flowers. I’ll have to pass it on to someone else.
  • Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream in Fair to Light – $2.04 – I’ve received a lot of Supergoop samples from subscription boxes and I’m never thrilled with them. I am happy that Birchbox did send me the right shade to try, but I’ll be lucky to get 1-2 uses out of this tiny tube.
  • Eyeko Fat Eye Stick in Satin Taupe – $5.00 – I am really excited about this product! This jumbo eye pencil can be used as an eyeliner, eyeshadow base, or shadow. The shade is a stunning taupe with just a hint of shimmer. I’ve already tried it and love it!
  • Perlier Revitalizing Body Butter in White Almond – $2.55 – With winter basically here, it’s time to stock up on moisturizers! This luxurious cream is made in Italy, and the perfect item to get in my November box.
  • Fekkai PrX Reparatives Intense Fortifying Masque – $6.04 – I’m most excited about this hair mask! I’m almost out of the mask I’ve been using, and this one seems awesome. Plus, it smells divine. I can’t wait to use it!
  • Justin’s Chocolate Almond Butter Squeeze Pack – $1.99 – I’ve been wanting to try Justin’s for a long time, but this stuff is super expensive ($12.99 for a jar at the grocery store!). I’m glad I got this sample because I already ate it right after this picture was taken. It was yummy, but not so yummy that I’d buy it over Nutella.

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE: $19.62

RATING 1–5 (1 IS WORST, 5 IS BEST): 3.5

OVERALL OPINOIN: I’m giving this box a 3.5 this month because I really love three of these products, was happy about the almond butter, and could leave the perfume and CC cream for someone else. It was a great month, but there is definitely room for improvement. I also wish the retail value was a bit higher. What do you think?

As always, you can join Birchbox HERE if you have not already. Please let me know in the comments what you got this month!

October 2014 Favorites!

Happy Tuesday! November is now in full swing, so it’s time for me to show you the products that I loved all October long. I didn’t test out too many new things this month, but I did find some great products to share with you. Let’s jump right into my October favorites!

NAIL POLISH

NYC New York Color – Black Elixir NYC New York Color – Black Elixir [REVIEW]

I’m really impressed with this black creme polish from NYC New York Color! At $1.99, it’s an awesome staple to have in my nail polish collection. I plan on using it for nail art looks in the future for sure! Make sure to run to your nearest drugstore to pick it up since it is part of the limited edition Midnight Beauty collection and won’t be on the shelves perpetually.

MAKEUP BRUSH

Real Techniques – Setting BrushReal Techniques Setting Brush [BUY]

I got a set of Real Techniques brushes for my birthday, and I am particularly loving the Setting Brush. It is absolutely perfect to apply highlighter to the tops of my cheekbones, but can be used to set concealer as well. It’s light and fluffy, and easy to use. Plus, I appreciate how affordable Real Techniques is!

HAIR

Macadamia Healing Oil SprayMacadamia Healing Oil Spray [BUY]

I’ve loved Macadamia products for a while now, and was super excited when I got this deluxe sample in a Birchbox. This spray is perfect for adding shine and reducing frizz without making my hair greasy. If oil weighs your hair down too much, definitely test out this spray. It also smells amazing!

FRAGRANCE

Taylor Swift Enchanted WonderstruckTaylor Swift Enchanted Wonderstruck [BUY]

I think I’ve featured this perfume in a favorites post before, but I’ve rediscovered my love for Taylor Swift’s Enchanted Wonderstruck this month! The scent is rich and perfect for the colder months. I’ve used about half of my bottle now!

SONG

Classic by MKTO [BUY]

I am a sucker for catchy pop tunes, and this one is no exception! I love the fun beat and lyrics, and have had it playing on repeat this month. I definitely want to check out more songs from MKTO. Let me know if you love this artist and what songs you recommend!

EXPERIENCE

Meeting Grace Helbig One of the most exciting parts of my month was meeting Grace Helbig at her NYC book signing! She just released her first book called Grace’s Guide (buy it HERE), and I made sure to head on over to Housing Works Bookstore Cafe to meet her. She signed my book and took selfies. It was awesome! Make sure you check out her YouTube Channel HERE if you haven’t subscribed yet (she’s at nearly 2 million!).

That’s all I have to share with you this month! I hope you enjoyed hearing about the things that made my October a memorable one. Please let me know your favorites in the comments, or use the hashtag #PolishlandFaves on social media so I can find your posts. Here’s to a great November!

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

Show Your College Student You Care with #AmazonWishList!

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias. #AmazonWishList #AmazonHasIt #CollectiveBias

#AmazonWishList #AmazonHasIt #shop #CollectiveBias Happy Tuesday! Today I am so excited to bring you information about the new #AmazonWishList feature! I am a dedicated Amazon shopper, and use many of the company’s features including Prime, the Rewards Credit Card, and, of course, Wish List. Now Amazon has made shopping with the site even easier. This post will explain the new #AmazonWishList feature, and also share how easy it is to shop for your college student through the site. Make sure to stay tuned through the end to find out how you can win awesome prizes from Amazon, too!

WHAT IS #AMAZONWISHLIST?

Adding items to your Wish List has never been easier! If you’re browsing Twitter and see an awesome product that you want to buy, now you don’t have to go searching for it on the web! So long as the Tweet contains an Amazon link, just reply to it using the hashtag #AmazonWishList and the item will automatically be added to your Wish List! To set up your account, simply link your Twitter and Amazon accounts together. Then, get adding! Here’s an example of how the program works.

  1. Find a Tweet that Contains an Amazon Product Link#AmazonWishList #CollectiveBias #AmazonHasIt #shop
  2. Reply to the Tweet Using #AmazonWishList#AmazonWishList #CollectiveBias #AmazonHasIt #shop

3. The Item is Now on Your Wish List!#AmazonWishList #CollectiveBias #AmazonHasIt #shopAs you can see from the timestamps on my screenshots, this entire process took just one minute to complete! Keep in mind that your Twitter profile needs to be set to Public in order for Amazon to see your tweet. Feel free to read more about the program’s details on Amazon’s website HERE.

SHARE THE LOVE WITH YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT

This #AmazonWishList feature makes it easier than ever to send care packages to your favorite college student. As a student myself, I know how awesome it is to receive a package in the mail from a loved one. Goodies like candy and bath and body products are always nice, but Amazon has awesome practical gift packs that are ready to purchase at the click of a button. One care package that I think is a brilliant idea is the Proctor & Gamble Laundry Bundle. Not only is doing laundry a huge pain, but laundry products can be pretty expensive, especially when you’re a college student. I would love this bundle!

#AmazonWishList #AmazonHasIt #shop #collectivebiasFor just $32.99, you get everything you need for 70 loads of laundry: Tide Pods Spring Meadow, Downy Unstoppables Fresh, and Bounce Outdoor Fresh Sheets. Not only will you get great results with a fresh and clean feel, but you can also save an additional 5% when you sign up for a subscription to the Laundry Care Bundle Pack. That way, your college student will never have to worry about buying laundry products! Talk about an amazing gift! Head on over to Amazon HERE to purchase this bundle now!

#AmazonWishList #AmazonHasIt #shop #CollectiveBiasI was so excited about this new program with Amazon that I decided to create some Tide inspired nails! One of the ways I stay sane during college is by painting my nails, and my suitemates and I used to meet up for nail painting parties in the common room. We would share our nail polish collections, swap nail art ideas, and just take a breather from work. I loved it! Let me know if you’d like a full tutorial of this look in the comments!

#AMAZONWISHLIST TWITTER PARTY

If this post has peaked your interest about the new features Amazon has to offer, I definitely recommend stopping by the #AmazonWishList Social Shopping Part on Wednesday, October 15 from 11:00am-12:00pm EST. During the party you’ll learn about the featured products and find out about special promotions. Plus, Amazon will be giving away 10 Kindles! How awesome is that?! Make sure to use the hashtags #AmazonWishList and #AmazonHasIt to take part and RSVP to the Twitter party HERE.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about the amazing new #AmazonWishList feature today, and that you will consider sending a care package to your favorite college student. Whether it’s the Laundry Care Pack or other goodies, I know he or she will appreciate the kindness. Please let me know in the comments what your favorite Amazon feature is, and if you’ll be testing out the #AmazonWishList program!

September 2014 Favorites!

Happy Friday! September has come to a close and that means it’s time for my monthly favorites. I’ve been loving a lot of products this month, but I narrowed it down to a few that I want to recommend to all of you. Let me go ahead and show you my September favorites!

NAIL POLISH

Zoya Entice Collection | Adventures in PolishlandZoya Entice Collection [REVIEW] [BUY] 

I’ve worn the Zoya Entice Collection so much this past month that I decided to include all of the polishes in my favorites! Margo, Ryan, and Genevieve have been living on my nails, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

PRIMER

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Smashbox Photo Finish Oil-Free Primer [BUY]

I pulled this primer sample out of my collection and haven’t been able to stop using it! It is so light, and really makes my foundation look amazing. Plus, the oil-free formula is perfect for preventing acne. This is an expensive product, but I highly recommend it!

LIP PRODUCT

Alima Pure Lip Tint in Holly BerryAlima Pure Lip Tint in Holly Berry [BUY]

I got this lip tint in a Birchbox a while back, and I’ve been loving it this fall. The main ingredient is organic cocoa bean, so it smells just like chocolate! Plus, it’s so hydrating!

BLUSH

Pür Minerals Hot Rocks BlushPür Minerals Hot Rocks [BUY]

My cousin gave me this blush as a gift, and I’ve worn it a lot recently! The shade is a gorgeous dusty rose. The cover of the product does get quite dirty-looking, as that’s where I dust off the excess product. If you’re looking for a beautiful blush, I definitely recommend this one!

MAKEUP REMOVER

Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes

No7 Beautiful Skin Quick Thinking Wipes [BUY]

I decided to try a new brand of makeup remover wipes, and I’m loving these ones! They really do take off all makeup, including waterproof mascara, and they are so refreshing. Plus, there are 30 wipes in a pack and they are very affordable.

That’s it for my monthly favorites! I hope I introduced you to some new products! I noticed many of these products are high end this month, so it’s a bit of a change from my normal drugstore go-tos. It’s always good to change it up every now and then! Please let me know in the comments what you loved this September. Feel free to use the hashtag #PolishlandFaves on social media so I can see your photos!

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

Fall Office Fashion with Firmoo Sunglasses!

Happy Monday! This past summer I had the opportunity to test out my first pair of sunglasses from the online store Firmoo (read all about them HERE). Now that fall is upon us, that doesn’t mean I can put the shades away. Instead, Firmoo provided me with another pair to review for all of you! Our eyes need sun protection no matter the season! Let me show you the style I chose, and how I am styling them this fall.

Firmoo Sunglasses Review | Adventures in PolishlandFirmoo Sunglasses Review | Adventures in PolishlandThe frames I chose this time around are in the style FS1008, and feature a black frame with yellow-gold hardware. I love the big, circular shape, and the sleek style. They remind me of high fashion frames even though they retail for just $49.00! I decided to go with the darkest lenses available, but you can choose different colors as well. Of course, you can customize your sunnies with your individual prescription so you can see the world! I’m really amazed at how affordable these prescription glasses are. They are such great quality as well!

Fall Office Fashion with Firmoo Sunglasses! | Adventures in PolishlandThe reason I wanted black frames is because this fall I am interning with a judge and knew I’d be wearing a ton of black to the courthouse. Here is a typical outfit that I wear to the office, complete with my accessories! I will link everything so you can find the exact item or something similar!

  • Express Suit – Jacket [BUY] Pants [BUY]
  • Express Flutter Sleeve Top in Grapefruit [BUY]
  • Madden Girl Gretta Platform Pumps [BUY]
  • Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B. Tote [BUY]
  • BaubleBar Necklace [BUY]
  • Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch [BUY]

Fall Office Fashion with Firmoo Sunglasses | Adventures in PolishlandAll in all, I am absolutely loving my new Firmo sunglasses! They are perfect for fall, and I feel so fierce when I’m wearing them! Whether you’re heading to the office, or simply running errands, Firmoo has the perfect frames for you at incredible prices. Please shop HERE using my referral link, and let me know which frames you’re snagging in the comments!

The product in this post was sent to me for my unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Epica 18-Loop Scarf Hanger Review & Matching Nail Art!

Happy Monday! I have a fun review for all of you today! I got the opportunity to test out a scarf hanger from the brand Epica, and was inspired to create a nail art look as soon as I got it in the mail. I’ve definitely been in an organizational mood lately, so anything that helps me declutter and keep things in order is a win in my book. I had been storing my scarfs in a plastic drawer set under my bed, but I often forgot about them. This hanger gave me the opportunity to move all of my scarves into my closet! Let me show you how it works!

EPICA 18-LOOP SCARF HANGER

Epica Scarf Hanger | Adventures in PolishlandThe Epica Scarf Hanger is a ready-to-use hanger made out of a heavy metal with a chrome finish. There are 18 loops in varying sizes designed to keep all of your scarves together in one place. This hanger is snag-free, so it can hold your more delicate scarves, and works for ties and belts, too. I was really impressed with how heavy duty this was when I got it! I wasn’t afraid to start stacking on my scarves!

Epica Scarf Hanger | Adventures in Polishland
Epica Scarf Hanger | Adventures in Polishland

Here is the hanger with all of my scarves on it. I own some large pashminas, but also some thinner spring scarves. I was able to fit them all on with room for more! I like how I can see the scarves easily, and how they are less likely to be wrinkled when I have them hanging up instead of folded in a drawer. While the hanger did feel bulky once I loaded it up, I was impressed with how compact it was in my closet. As you can see in the photo on the right, the scarf hanger takes up a little extra room than your average hanger, but not too much. This is the perfect hanger for the tiny closet space I have!

NAIL ART

Dotted Nail Art | Adventures in Polishland Dotted Nail Art | Adventures in PolishlandI knew I wanted to create a nail art look to go along with this blog post, and thought this was the perfect opportunity to get more practice with my dotting tools. First, I started out with a base of Zoya Genevieve and let that dry. Then, I grabbed my dotting tools set, and picked a large dot for the first round. I wanted to capture the metallic look of the hanger, so I used Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Celeb City as my large dots. I applied them in any way that I thought would fit onto my nails, knowing that I didn’t have to exactly mimic the hanger’s design. I let that layer dry, and then grabbed a smaller dotting tool to finish out the look. I grabbed Genevieve again, and made a dot in the center of each silver dot to make the holes look like loops. I really love how my manicure came out! It looks so fun and abstract, and I’d definitely recreate it again.

All in all, I definitely recommend picking up the Epica 18-Loop Scarf Hanger if you need some organization in your life. With winter right around the corner, I know it will be really helpful to have my scarves within reach in my closet instead of living under my bed. This hanger retails for just $19.95, but is on sale as I type this for just $8.95! That is such an amazing deal, so make sure to snag it on Amazon HERE. Let me know what gadgets you use to organize at home, and what you think of my nail art in the comments!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Subscription Sunday | September Wardrobe Wakeup + Coupon Code

Happy Subscription Sunday! Today I’m super excited to tell you all about a new monthly subscription that I tried for this first time this month. I recently heard about Wardrobe Wakeup through YouTuber TheStylesMeow (see her channel HERE), and signed up to see what I thought of the program! This is the first time I’ve tested out a fashion service, so I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. Let me tell you all about Wardrobe Wakeup, and make sure you stay tuned for an exclusive coupon code at the end!

WHAT IS WARDROBE WAKEUP?

Wardrobe Wakeup | Review + Coupon CodeAdventures in Polishland is all about fabulous and affordable living, so when I heard Wardrobe Wakeup gives budget friendly women a chance to wear designer labels I knew I had to check it out. Wardrobe Wakeup is a monthly fashion subscription that sends you a high-end, contemporary piece each month based on a style survey that you take upon signing up. This is a fashion rental service, so you don’t get to keep the garment you’re sent, but you do get to wear it as often as you’d like before sending it back at the end of the month. Plus, if you really like a piece, you can purchase it for up to 90% off the retail price. So, how much does it cost? There are three different plans from which to choose – for $25 you get one top each month, for $45 you get one dress per month, or you can alternate between a top and a dress for $35.

I signed up for the mid-range subscription at $35 per month to test out the program. What I really like about the style survey is that you get to let Wardrobe Wakeup know about where you’ll be wearing the clothes, what colors and styles you like, and even your favorite designers. The best part is, each Wardrobe Wakeup member is assigned a personal stylist! Mine messaged me back not even an hour after I contacted her, and she was able to answer all of my questions! I’m really impressed with the customer service!

MY FIRST PIECE

Joie Aruna Silk Ikat Top | Wardrobe Wakeup
Joie Aruna Silk Ikat Top | Wardrobe Wakeup

This month I got a beautiful top from the brand Joie called the Aruna Silk Ikat Top. It is a tank top cut with a slight high-low hem, and has a nice blue and white pattern. This top retails for $178.00, which is WAY out of my price range. I’m so glad I got to wear it, though, because it is just perfect for me right now! It is still rather hot in New York City, so a tank top was awesome to receive. I knew I could dress this top up or down, but I decided to make it a casual outfit with jeans and flats. Because my school’s air conditioning is always on full blast, I layered a simple black cardigan on top. The Joie top is definitely a statement piece, so I kept the other pieces I was wearing pretty basic.

As for the fit, I think it was spot on. This top is designed to be flowy, and I think a size down would have been too small on me (I’m wearing a medium). I’ve never worn a Joie piece before, and thought this top was comfortable and easy-to-wear. I think I might wear it again before I send it back!

MY FINAL THOUGHTSJoie Top from Wardrobe Wakeup

All in all, I think Wardrobe Wakeup is a great subscription service if you love fashion and want to wear designed clothing at an affordable price. One of the main benefits is being able to wear trendy items without having to invest in them. Plus, you can wear the piece as many times as you want before sending it back to Wardrobe Wakeup – you don’t have to pay for the return shipping or even wash the garment because the company takes care of that for you! While the monthly price is a bit steep for a piece of clothing you don’t get to keep, Wardrobe Wakeup is perfect if your fashion identity is always changing. I’m going to see what I think of next month’s dress before I decide whether or not to continue on with this service in the long run!

Finally, I reached out to Wardrobe Wakeup and asked if there were any current promotions or coupon codes I could share with all of you. They created a special coupon code just for my followers! Use code AIP10OFF to receive $10 off your first month. Just sign up HERE and enter the code on the first page to redeem the offer. Make sure to support this new subscription service on social media as well! They have a Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, so go follow! Of course, let me know what you think of Wardrobe Wakeup in the comments!

 

Summer 2014 Favorites | Beauty, Lifestyle, & More!

Happy Saturday! You may have noticed that this summer I didn’t post my usual monthly favorites. By the end of June and then July, I realized that I was reusing the same products over and over, and thought a combined summer favorites would be the best way to share my new favorite products with you. Plus, it’s a great way to reflect over the past few months! This was probably the last summer vacation I’ll ever have, since I’ve just embarked on my final year of school. Let me show you everything I loved the past few months!

NAIL POLISH 

L'Oreal – Jean & TonicL’Oreal Jean & Tonic [REVIEW]

I wore this textured shade from L’Oreal a ton this summer! In fact, I made a dent in the bottle because I loved it so much! Make sure to check out my review for more details. If you like this polish, make sure to check the limited edition displays at your local drugstore ASAP.

MASCARA

CoverGirl Clump Crusher in BlackCoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara in Black [BUY]

I finally tried the famous Clump Crusher and I’m so glad I did! It really separates my lashes for a full look. I do wish it had a bit more “va va voom,” but I can always layer a thicker mascara on top for a more dramatic look. If you’re looking for a great mascara to use on the daily, I recommend this one.

EYEBROWS

Milani Brow Fix KitMilani Brow Fix Brow Kit in Light [BUY]

I rediscovered this brow product over the summer, and pulled it out from the depths of my makeup collection! I’ve used it a ton, and I’ve found that the powder looks really natural and is easy to apply. I still use my eyebrow pencils sometimes, but in the hot summer sun, powder was the best option. Plus, this stuff lasts forever!

BLUSH 

NYX Cream Blush in NaturalNYX Cream Blush in Natural [BUY]

I finally reached for cream blush this summer, and I’m happy I got over my cream blush fear! It’s lightweight and extremely blendable, so I don’t look cakey. I definitely need to pick up more cream blushes for my collection, so let me know your favorites in the comments!

PRIMER

Dr. Brandt Pores No MoreDr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner [BUY]

I brought this sample size primer with me when I was traveling and fell in love! It’s just like my beloved Too Faced Primed & Poreless, but even better. Unfortunately, the full size is $45 (yikes), so I’ve been making this sample last as long as possible. If your budget allows for Pores No More, I say get it!

FRAGRANCE

Coconut Lime BreezeCoconut Lime Breeze Body Spray [BUY]

I love lighter scents in the summer, and reach for body sprays more than perfumes. I got this one during the Bath & Bodyworks semi-annual sale for just $1.50, and I love it! It’s sweet, but not sickening. I pretty much love anything with a coconut scent, though!

TV SHOW

Big Love 

I watched a lot of shows on Amazon Prime this summer, one of them being the complete series of Big Love. I don’t get HBO, so it was great to be able to watch some HBO shows for free this summer with my Prime subscription. Big Love was so addicting! It’s about a polygamist family in Utah. There is serious family drama, and it always kept me at the edge of my seat. I highly recommend it, but ask your parents if you’re under 18 since it has a lot of violence and some adult content.

BOOK

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa [BUY]

I also read a lot this summer, and one of my favorites was the Blood of Eden trilogy by Julie Kagawa. I’m always hesitant when it comes to vampires because of the whole Twilight thing, but gave this series a try, and I’m so glad I did! Kagawa does an amazing job of combining vampires into the dystopian genre. The trilogy follows teenager Allison as she decides to become a vampire, and the new life she must lead. The first book in the series is called The Immortal Rules (liked above). I highly recommend it!

EXPERIENCES

Las Vegas Strip 2014

West Coast Adventures – Los Angeles & Las Vegas

I had the amazing opportunity this summer to visit both Los Angeles and Las Vegas. My brother and sister-in-law live in LA, so I made sure to visit them and meet my new nephew for the first time! It was wonderful to see them! I also met up with my grandma and cousin out there, and we took a road trip to Vegas. I’ve never been to Vegas before and it was an unbelievable experience. I thought NYC was big! If you ever get the change to visit Las Vegas, go! There is something for everyone!

All in all, I had a great summer even though it went by super quickly! Please let me know in the comments some of the products you loved these past few months. Also let me know what your favorite moment of the summer was. Feel free to tag me on social media using the hashtag #PolishlandFaves so I can see your photos!

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

Subscription Sunday | My First NatureBox!

Happy Subscription Sunday! Today I have a new-to-me subscription box to share with all of you. I’ve heard so many people talking about NatureBox lately, that I just decided to give it a try. NatureBox is a subscription service that sends you a box filled with anywhere from 3-20 snacks per month. I decided to go with 5 snacks at $19.95 per month. It sounds expensive, but each snack bag is multiple servings, and they are guaranteed to be super healthy! NatureBox also provides healthier options with no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. I decided that with Back to School, these snacks would be perfect to take with me to munch on throughout the day. Let me show you what was inside my first box!

My First NatureBox | Adventures in PolishlandLook at all of the goodies inside my box! As you can see, these are over 4oz each, and contain a lot of food in each pouch. I love that these pouches are resealable, as I popped one in my locker at school and can take it out whenever I’m hungry. I’ll tell you about about each snack, too.

NatureBox – Chocolate Quinoa Granola

Chocolate Quinoa Granola

I love chocolate and quinoa, so the two together were pretty tasty! These almost looked like small cookies, but were of course very crunchy. I really enjoyed these in the morning with my coffee!

 NatureBox – Cinnamon Spiced Almonds

Cinnamon Spiced Almonds

These were so good! Plain almonds can be a bit boring to snack on, in my opinion, but these were delicious. I would have liked them to be cinnamon-sugar instead of spiced, but I still loved them and ate up the entire bag.

NatureBox – Harvest Nut Mix

Harvest Nut Mix

This mix is a spin on your typical party mix, and I really like it. This snack is the one currently living in my locker at school. The protein from the nuts is filling and tasty!

NatureBox – Açai Berry Crunch

Açai Berry Crunch

This is another type of granola that included some sweetness from the berries. You can put this on top of yogurt or eat it as cereal, but I just ate it dry as a snack. It tasted great!

NatureBox – Honey Dijon Pretzels

Honey Dijon Pretzels

I’ve saved the best for last! I’m not typically a huge fan of mustard, but these pretzels were AMAZING. I ate them right up! I would definitely purchase these directly from the NatureBox shop (which is another great option this service has). I highly recommend these!

All in all, I’m so glad I tried NatureBox! I loved each and every one of my snacks, but especially those pretzels. I decided to go with the surprise option, but if you want you can pick out the snacks that NatureBox sends you each month to make sure you’ll like them. You can also mark off if you have a dietary restriction, such as a gluten-free or vegan lifestyle, on the site. Sign up now and you’ll get $10 off your first box when you use my referral link HERE. I can’t wait to taste more NatureBox goodies! Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried NatureBox and what you think of it!

Subscription Sunday | August Julep Maven Box

Happy Subscription Sunday! Today I have an unboxing of my August Julep Maven Box for all of you. I’ve been very picky lately with my Julep box, since I have dozens of Julep polishes and am working to shrink my nail polish collection. When I saw the beautiful polishes being offered this month, I decided to go for it. Let me show you what I got!

Julep Maven | August 2014 Here is a peek inside my box. This month’s theme is The Wanderlust Collection, which is perfect since I’ll be traveling this month! I went with my signature style of Classic with a Twist, and got two nail polishes and the Gel Eye Glider in Black. To be honest, I can do without the eyeliner, but I really loved the two nail polish shades so I still got this box.

Julep – Katie Julep – KatieThe first polish is Katie, a stunning, iridescent orchid polish. Katie is somewhere between a pink and purple, and I am just loving this polish. The formula is amazing, and the polish is opaque in two coats. I’ve worn this twice already, and can see myself reaching for Katie quite often.

Julep – Anvi Julep – AnviNext is Anvi, a deep violet shade with a magenta shimmer. Anvi is also a gorgeous polish, and is opaque in two coats. The formula is great as well. I know I have similar deep purples in my collection, but this one just stands out to me!

All in all, I’m so glad I got my Julep Maven box this month! I don’t think I’ll even open the eyeliner, but the polishes are amazing! I’m loving both of them, and have already gotten a lot of use out of them. As always, if you’re not a Julep Maven yet, you can get your first month for free using code FREEBOX at checkout. Please sign up using my referral LINK so I can get rewards points! While Julep does have its problems (find out what I mean HERE), I’m still going to stand by this company because the polishes are awesome and work so well with my body chemistry. If you’re a Maven, let me know what you think of your August box in the comments!

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