Join Me on Instagram for Beauty Hauls, Favorites, and Savings Tips!

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I have a quick and informational post to share with you. This year I am focusing on making Instagram my primary social media platform. I am still keeping my blog active, and hope to post a few times per month, but I am sharing new photos on Instagram almost every single day! Instagram is a great platform for me to share a lot of information in a summarized way. Not only do I really enjoy sharing my own content on Instagram, but I love that I can keep up with my friends and favorite bloggers all in one place. Of course, the Instagram Story feature also provides a new method for sharing, too. I hope that by focusing my efforts on this one social media platform, I can regularly share my content with all of you!

Here are a few examples of the content you are missing if you are not following me on Instagram:

Monthly Beauty Favorites

? FEBRUARY BEAUTY FAVORITES ? . @thebalm_cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer | I finally tried this cult classic highlighter! I’m absolutely loving the smooth formula, and the shade is great for my fair skin tone. . @thebodyshop Fan Brush | To apply the highlighter, I use this brush. It does a great job at blending out a more intense highlight. I’m so glad I finally added a fan brush to my collection! . LipSense Glossy Gloss | Lip gloss is coming back into the limelight this year as liquid lipsticks fade away (or so it seems!). I’m not a big glossy lips person, but I have been reaching for my Glossy Gloss more lately, and even like wearing it alone on days where I don’t want to put on lipstick. . @dermae Microdermabrasion Scrub | I’ve gone back to an old favorite with my skincare! I see a big difference in my skin’s texture and appearance when I use this scrub on a regular basis. Plus, it has a fresh lemony scent! . @thebodyshop Drops of Youth Youth Concentrate | I finally tried this beloved serum! I’ve only used it for a few weeks so far, but I’m loving how plush my skin appears. I can also feel the firming action! . What products are you loving this month?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #februaryfavorites #favorites #beautyfavorites #monthlyfavorites #beauty #bbloggers #bblogger #thebalm #thebalmcosmetics #maryloumanizer #thebodyshop #fanbrush #makeupbrush #lipsense #glossygloss #lipsensegloss #dermae #dermaesocial #microdermabrasionscrub #microdermabrasion #skincare #dropsofyouth #serum #antiaging #vegan #veganbeauty #veganskincare #veganmakeup

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Hauls and Savings Tips

? ULTA HAUL ? . I’m so excited to add these new products to my stash! . @urbandecaycosmetics Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Fair Neutral | I’ve wanted to try this concealer for years (!!!), and had to snag it when it was on sale for 50% off! I was lacking a highlighting concealer in my collection, so I will be using this right away. . @pacificabeauty Neutralizing Mattifier | I got this powder because I’ve been looking for a more environmentally friendly setting powder. I love that this compact is made primarily with cardboard, so it is much better than the heavy plastic compacts I’ve been using. . @drbronner Tea Tree Pure-Castile Bar Soap | This soap was also purchased with waste in mind! I’ve heard this is great to wash makeup brushes, and so I will no longer be buying brush shampoo in a plastic bottle. This soap is wrapped in paper that is biodegradable and made from post-consumer recycled paper! . SAVINGS: I used a $3.50 off $15.00 coupon, and shopped with @ebatesshopping to earn 3% cash back. The retail value of my order is $45.69, but I only paid $33.64 (shipping included!). Plus, there is $0.84 back in my pocket with Ebates. . Sign up to Ebates using the referral link in my profile! You get a $10 bonus for signing up! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #ultahaul #ulta #haul #unboxing #ultaunboxing #beautyhaul #urbandecay #nakedconcealer #urbandecayconcealer #pacifica #mattifyingpowder #settingpowder #drbronners #teatree #castilesoap #soap #barsoap #zerowaste #zerowasteliving #lesswaste #betterchoices #vegan #veganbeauty #veganmakeup #couponing #saleing

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Nail Polish and Makeup Swatches

 

Recipes and Lifestyle Content

? Easy Vegan Peanut Butter Oat Balls Recipe ? . INGREDIENTS: . 1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats . 1/2 Cup Natural Peanut Butter . 1/3 Cup Pure Maple Syrup . 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract . RECIPE: . Mix all ingredients together using a blender or food processor until combined. . Form into small balls and store in an airtight container! . I made about 15 Oat Balls with this recipe. They are so delicious and taste like peanut butter cookies! Two Oat Balls have about 6g protein, too. Talk about a delicious and nutritious snack! . This recipe was inspired by @mom4real and adapted to be vegan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #vegan #veganrecipes #bestofvegan #whatveganseat #nobake #peanutbutter #peanutbutteroatballs #oatballs #nobakeballs #energyballs #proteinballs #plantbased #plantbasedfood #plantbaseddiet #food #instafood #foodstagram #foodie #easyrecipe #easyveganrecipe

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Thank you all, as always, for following my Adventures in Polishland! As mentioned, I will continue to post here on the blog and my other social media profiles, but Instagram is where I post on a more consistent basis. I hope to see you there!

Follow me on Instagram @adventuresinpolishland.

2018 Nail Polish Project Pan | Nail Polish I Want to Use Up This Year

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! I recently did another round of decluttering my nail polish collection, and I found a few polishes that I’ve used up quite a bit. It inspired me to do a Project Pan with some nail polish this year! If you are new to the concept of a Project Pan, it is when you pick some products in your beauty collection to focus on using for a specific period of time. My goal is to empty the polishes in this blog post by the end of the year! Let me show you the seven nail polishes I picked for my 2018 Project Pan!

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

Please note that I used a black marker to draw a line on each product so I can see my progress throughout the year.

Ruffian Nail Lacquer in Hedge Fund

One of the polishes that inspired this project is Hedge Fund, a gorgeous army green with a metallic gold shimmer. This is one of my all-time favorite nail polishes, and I’ve used about a third of the bottle already! I want to use this up because I don’t think this nail polish is vegan, and this polish is also discontinued. I will probably focus on this polish a lot during the fall.

Julep in Susie

I also have another green polish in my project, this time a mint green from Julep. Susie is one of the first Julep polishes I ever owned, and I absolutely love it. Now that I’ve owned it for almost six years (wow!), I think it’s time to finish this up once and for all. It should be easy to empty this, as the bottle is small and I’ve already used about one third of it.

Julep in Brandt

I am also including the Julep shade Brandt from the Fall 2012 Trina Turk Collection. This is a beautiful off-black nail polish, and I feel like I haven’t used it because I am saving it. However, this is such an old polish that I’m ready to enjoy what’s left of it. I might use this polish a bit this winter, but this is another one I will focus on in the fall.

Zoya in Arizona

I wanted to include a Zoya nail polish, so I went for the one mini polish I have in Arizona. This is a bright orange cream, and I think I can get a lot of use out of this in the summer. Arizona will be a bit of a challenge since it is almost full, but I think I can do it!

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics in Grandma

The next polish is also a fun and bright shade in Grandma from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I love this nail polish, but I also own another one in my collection that is nearly identical. Since this polish is quite old, and I’ve already used a bit of it, I decided to include it in this project.

Milani in White

Similarly, I own two bottles of white nail polish, so I’m including one of them in this project. My favorite white of all time is Fantom from the brand LVX. Thus, I’m holding onto that one and hoping to use up this white from Milani. It is going to be a challenge to empty this nail polish, but I’m hoping to wear it in combination with other polishes to get some good use out of it.

Milani in Blue Jay

 

Last but not least is another Milani polish in Blue Jay. I also tend to hoard blue polishes, so it’s time to use up one of them. I absolutely love this polish, but it’s from an old and discontinued collection, so it’s time for it to go. I chose this shade of blue because it is a bit more muted than many of the others in my collection, so I think that makes it more wearable for any time of year.

That wraps up my introductory post for my 2018 Nail Polish Project Pan! I’m so excited to see if I can empty these seven polishes by the end of the year. I also think this will be a great learning opportunity for me, as I get to see how much use I can get from a single bottle of nail polish. I will make sure to check in a few times throughout this year to let you know how my project is going!

Join my Project Pan by using the hashtag #PolishlandProjectPan on social media!

My Minimal + Vegan Makeup Collection | 2018 Makeup Inventory

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to share my current makeup collection with all of you. I consider my makeup collection to be quite minimal considering I have been blogging about beauty products for nearly six years now. My collection is also now 100% vegan and cruelty free. I filmed a collection video on my YouTube channel that I will include in this blog post for you. I will also create a master list of all the products I currently own, and include links and coupon codes when I have those available. I hope you enjoy getting a look at my 2018 makeup inventory!

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

MAKEUP COLLECTION VIDEO

MASTER LIST

Primer:

– Milani Prime Shield [BUY]

– Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer in Light [BUY]

Foundation:

– The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream [BUY]

– Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus Foundation [BUY]

– Kat von D Lock-It Foundation [BUY]

Concealer: 

– Wet ‘n Wild Photo Focus Concealer [BUY]

Brow Products:

– e.l.f. Clear Brow Gel [BUY]

– Anastasia Brow Powder Duo [BUY] *I currently have one in use and one as a backup

Mascara:

– Tarte Gifted Mascara [BUY]

– Wet ‘n Wild Mega Length Mascara [BUY] *I currently have one in use and one as a backup

Eyeshadow Primer:

– e.l.f. Shadow Lock Eyelid Primer [BUY]

Eyeshadow:

– e.l.f. Mad for Matte 2 Eyeshadow Palette (Also known as the Summer Breeze Palette) [BUY]

– e.l.f. Prism Palette in Naked [BUY]

Blush: 

– Tarte 2016 Holiday Blush Collection: Genius, Royal, Pop, and Vibrant [Not Available]

– Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Insightful [BUY]

Highlighter:

– e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in Blush Gems [BUY]

– e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearls [BUY]

– theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer [BUY]

Bronzer:

– e.l.f. Mineral Pressed Bronzer in Tan Toffee [BUY]

Face Powder:

– e.l.f. HD Setting Powder in Translucent [BUY]

– Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder [BUY]

– e.l.f. Translucent Mattifying Powder [BUY] *I currently have one in use and one as a backup

Setting Spray:

– Urban Decay De-Slick [BUY]

– The Body Shop Makeup Setting Spray [BUY]

Lipstick:

– Zoya Perfect Lipstick (I have 18) [BUY]

– e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Satin Lipstick in Touch of Pink [BUY]

– LipSense Glossy Gloss – all LipSense products can be purchased through my distributer HERE. Get 10% off when you mention CHRISTINA10

– LipSense Matte Gloss

– LipSense Caramel Apple

– LipSense First Love

– e.l.f. Kiss it Goodbye Lip Product Remover [BUY]

– e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator [BUY]

TOTAL PRODUCTS: 55

MENTIONED LINKS:

– e.l.f. Mad for Matte 2 Swatches [LINK]

– Blush Collection Swatches [LINK]

– How I got theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer for FREE [LINK]

– 2018 Product Pan Info [LINK]

– 2014 Makeup Collection [LINK]

– InterDesign Clear Acrylic Drawers [LINK]

– Is LipSense Worth the Price? Review of LipSense [LINK]

 

My Top 5 Derma E Products | My Favorite Vegan Skincare Products

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I want to highlight one of my favorite skincare brands – Derma E! Not only is this brand 100% vegan, but I love that Derma E creates high quality and effective products that are on the more affordable side. I began using this brand several years ago when I received the Microdermabrasion Scrub in an Ipsy bag (remember THAT?!). I’ve continued to buy products from the brand ever since, and am now very grateful to receive products to review as well. This weekend Derma E is having a 20% off sale on its entire website, so I thought it was the perfect time to share my top five products with you.

Some of the products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. This post includes affiliate links. The images in this blog post are courtesy of Derma E. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

1. Microdermabrasion Scrub – $32.50 [BUY]

Let’s begin with the product that started it all for me – the Microdermabrasion Scrub! I recently began using this scrub again, and I am absolutely in love with it. When I use this product regularly, I see a big difference in my skin’s clarity and texture. Plus, this has a refreshing lemon scent to it. I also love that this comes in a sturdy glass jar. I know this is a product I will continue to repurchase in the future, as it is my favorite microdermabrasion.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask – $19.50 [BUY]

A new favorite of mine is the Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask. This clay mask is designed to clear the skin of impurities while also gently exfoliating. I’ve used this twice already through a foil packet, and will definitely be purchasing the full size once I’ve used up the other masks in my collection. My skin feels extremely clean after each use, and this is great at firming, too.

 

 

 

 

3. Hydrating Serum – $29.50 [BUY]

My most repurchased Derma E product is the Hydrating Serum. I’ve gone through at least 2-3 full size bottles of this! This serum is great for moisturizing the skin, and it provides some natural anti-aging as well. In the summer months I often use only this serum and not a moisturizer. It really gets the job done!

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Hydrating Night Cream – $29.50 [BUY]

Another product I love from the Hydrating Line is the Hydrating Night Cream. This moisturizer is great because it deeply hydrates the skin without being too heavy. It also has a relaxing scent to it that is perfect for the evening. Of course, it’s also nice that the Hydrating Night Cream has natural anti-aging properties to it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Psorzema Cream – $15.99 [BUY]

Last but not least is the Psorzema Cream, a body care product from Derma E. This body moisturizer is formulated especially for skin associated with Psoriasis and Eczema. I don’t have either of those skin conditions, but I love that this moisturizer is deeply hydrating and unscented. If you are sensitive to fragrances, or if you have sensitive skin, this is a great option for you. I know I have found my new go-to body lotion!

 

 

 

 

 

That wraps up my top five products from Derma E! Right now Derma E is having a 20% off sale on its entire website! Use code FEB20 now through February 5, 2018 at 11:00am PST. If you miss this sale, don’t worry! Dema E often has money-saving opportunities. Make sure to bookmark this blog post so you can remember my favorites from this vegan skincare company.

What is your favorite Derma E product? Let me know in the comments!

DERMAE

Zoya Nail Polish Party Girls Collection Review | Winter & Holiday 2017

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I have a full review of the Zoya Nail Polish Party Girls Collection. This 12-piece nail polish line was Zoya’s release for the 2017 Holiday and Winter season. I finally had a chance to try out the complete collection, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you. Party Girls contains a variety of polish formulas, finishes, and shades, so there will be a polish for everyone! Whether you are creating a fancy manicure for a night out, or looking for a classic red, Party Girls has you covered!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

I am wearing each of these polishes with a base coat but not a top coat. Almost all of these polishes are opaque in two coats, but I will mention if I needed a third coat in each polish’s individual review. My swatches are photographed in natural light.

First up is Nadia, a glittery gold topper that leans towards orange. Nadia can be worn alone, or layered over other polishes. I am wearing three coats in these swatches to achieve an opaque manicure. I’m surprised with how much I love this polish! I would never pick it up on my own, but I think it looks great with my skin tone.

Next up is Solstice, an orange metallic polish with orange and gold shimmer. I’m really impressed with how pigmented this polish is! I like how smoothly Solstice applies to the nails, too.

Tawny is also a metallic polish, but it is a copper shade with a rosy undertone. While I really like how the shimmer in Tawny adds a lot of dimension, it can be a bit messy upon removal. I recommend taking off the shimmer polishes right before you get into the shower so the shimmer can wash off your hands well.

The first cream polish in the Party Girls Collection is Ming, a classic bright red shade. Ming applies beautifully, and I love how it dries down to a super glossy finish without the need of a top coat. This red shade is not unique, but it is a great staple to add to your collection if you are looking for a reliable red.

Next up is Fallon, a metallic magenta polish. Fallon looks quite a bit darker in person than it does on the Zoya website, and I think it leans more purple than pink, too. Nonetheless, this is a gorgeous nail polish, and I love the magenta shade.

Sheri is another cream nail polish in a red shade. I was quite surprised to see two reds in this collection, and think Ming and Sheri are quite similar. That being said Sheri is a bit darker in tone, so if you prefer a deeper red it is the polish for you. I definitely do not think you need to own both of these polishes, though.

One of my favorite polishes in the collection is Kelsey, a bright pink cream. If you want Barbie nails, you need Kelsey in your life! The formula is perfection, and I’m definitely a sucker for these fun pink shades.

Danielle is another one of my favorites, and it is a periwinkle cream polish. This polish photographs a bit more blue than it is in person. That being said, I’m loving the rich pigmentation in Danielle, and I think this color can work well during any season of the year.

The collection goes back to metallic formulas with Isadora, a deep purple polish with purple and magenta shimmer. I have owned many polishes like Isadora in the past, but I love having this vegan-friendly option available. Plus, I love how rich and dimensional this looks on the nails.

The next purple shade is Landon, a cream polish that Zoya compares to eggplants! While I own a lot of purple cream polishes, Landon is unique for me because of its deep shade. I really like how this polish looks on me, and think I will wear this a lot come the fall months.

Delaney is a metallic purple polish with a duochrome shift. I was a bit disappointed that the cool duochrome effect I see in the bottle did not translate on the nails at all. I will try to layer Delaney over a black and white polish in the future, and will report back if I get the duochrome to show up on my nails!

Last but not least is Blake, a deep sapphire blue polish with gold shimmer. Blake is a great off-black option. The formula is a bit messy, but it is really beautiful. If you are looking for a unique dark polish, Blake is a nice one!

All in all, I am really enjoying the Party Girls Collection from Zoya Nail Polish. I appreciate that there are a variety of shades and finishes available, so you can pick and choose the polishes that you like best. My favorites are definitely Kelsey, Danielle, and Landon, and I’m excited to test out Nadia and Isadora with other polishes! You can purchase the Party Girls Collection on Zoya’s website HERE. These vegan nail polishes retail for $10 each.

Which Party Girls polish is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

 

 

 

Harry’s Truman Starter Set Review

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I have a review of the Truman Starter Set from the brand Harry’s to share with you. I was sent this starter set for review, and was very interested to see how Harry’s compared to the other shaving subscription company I already use. I really like that Harry’s is a cruelty free brand, and that all of their products are vegan as well. Harry’s is also an affordable brand, especially compared to the razors one would typically buy at the drugstore.

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

The Truman Starter Set retails for just $15.00. It includes 1 Truman Razor Handle, 1 Foaming Shave Gel, 3 German Engineered Blade Cartridges, and 1 Travel Blade Cover. Every order over $10 ships for free, and you can even earn cash back on your purchase through Ebates HERE, so I think this starter kit is a fabulous deal if you want to try out the Harry’s products.

First, let’s chat about the razor, which I think is the most important item in the set. The Truman Razor comes with a rubberized handle that is weighted. I really like this sturdy handle, because it does not slip out of my hand in the shower, and it makes the razor really easy to control. Harry’s offers one type of blade, as opposed to competitor companies that sell different sizes. The Harry’s head comes with five German blades, a flex hinge, and a lubricating strip. I like that there is one set price for Harry’s razors, as opposed to other companies that will charge a higher price for a 5-blade head. Plus, I found that the razor did an excellent job at giving me a close shave without any nicks.

The next item in the Truman Starter Set is the Foaming Shave Gel. I am not a big fan of shaving creams or gels, but I did give this one a try. Unfortunately, I did not like this product at all. While it does work fine as a shave gel, and foams up quite nicely, this product is extremely fragranced. Just one small squirt of the product unleashes a traditionally masculine and cologned scent that is very strong and lingers all day. Nowhere on the product, or on the Harry’s website, does it say this is a fragranced product, so I was a bit surprised when the scent was so strong. If you are sensitive to fragrances, I do not recommend this product. If you do like traditionally masculine scents, then you will probably enjoy this product – it really comes down to your personal preference.

The last two items in the Truman Starter Set are the Refill Blades and Travel Blade Cover. I think it’s great that you get a travel cover, so you can protect your razor on the go. I also thought I would mention here that each blade does last a while before going dull. Harry’s recommends changing the blade every 6-8 shaves, but I got great use out of each blade for a few weeks. Therefore, I think the price of $2.00 per blade (or less, if you subscribe!) is a great deal.

All in all, I am very happy with the quality of Harry’s products. While the Foaming Shave Gel is not for me, I would recommend this service if you are looking for razors on a budget. The Truman Starter Set is a great way to try out some of the products Harry’s has to offer. You can buy it on the brand’s website HERE for just $15.00.

Have you tried Harry’s products? Let me know in the comments!

Zoya Nail Polish Kisses Collection | Special Edition Pastel Jellies

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I have a full review of the Kisses Collection from Zoya Nail Polish to share with you. This Special Edition Collection contains three nail polishes that Zoya calls Pastel Jellies. Each polish is a pastel shade with a jelly formula – a sheer, milky color with a super shiny finish. Jellies are perfect polishes for layering, and wear well with other polishes, such as glitters and top coats. When you purchase a polish from the Kisses Collection, Zoya will provide its polish Leia for free! This post will share swatches of each polish in the Kisses Collection on its own, and paired with Leia.

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

The swatches in this blog post are worn with a base coat and no top coat. I wore three coats of nail polish in each swatch. The polishes have the same great formula, and apply very smoothly to the nails. I find that the jelly formula dries quite quickly and evenly. Please note that these polishes are designed to be sheer, and you will not get an opaque finish on the nails.

First up is Vickie, a light purple nail polish that leans towards a cool grey. I’m not a big fan of how Vickie looks on its own with my skin tone, as it almost looks as if my nails have turned purple after being freezing cold! That being said, I think Vickie would look stunning on deeper skin tones. I also love how it looks when combined with Leia! You can really see the purple shift in Leia when it is layered over Vickie.

Next up is Libby, a lavender polish with pink undertones. I really like how Libby looks on my nails. This is the perfect color to transition from winter to spring! Of course, Leia also looks beautiful when layered over Libby. I love how you get a ton of sparkle with just one layer of Leia.

Last but not least is Princess, a bright pink jelly polish. Princess is definitely my favorite polish in the Kisses Collection. The bright pink is a ton of fun on its own, and really comes to life when Leia is layered on top. In fact, the finished result reminds me of a non-vegan polish I used to adore in college!

That wraps up my swatches and review of the Zoya Nail Polish Kisses Collection. Overall, I think this is a fun line if you are looking for some high quality and vegan jelly nail polishes. I think it is great that every Kisses purchase comes with a free Leia, too. You can purchase the Kisses Collection on Zoya’s website HERE. Each polish retails for $10, but keep your eye on Zoya’s social media for coupon codes and specials.

Will you be purchasing any polishes from the Kisses Collection? Let me know in the comments!

November Reading Wrap Up | Books I Read Last Month

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! December is here, and that means it is time to share with you the books I read last month. In this November Reading Wrap Up I will share a mini review of each book I completed. I began this series on the blog last month (see that post HERE), and I really enjoy sharing my reading with you in this format. My reading has definitely slowed down during this part of the year, but I still managed to read three books in November.

Help support my blog when you shop using the included Amazon affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera [BUY]

Goodreads: ★★★★

My Thoughts: They Both Die at the End is a young adult science fiction novel that takes place in our world, but with the twist that you receive a phone call letting you know when it is your death day. Main characters Rufus and Mateo received the fateful call, and decide to spend their last day of life together after meeting on the Last Friend App. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and emotional, and I think the relationship between Rufus and Mateo developed in a natural way. While Silvera’s first book, More Happy Than Not, is still my favorite of his, this one is very well done and I’m glad I gave it a read.

 

Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism by Melanie Joy, PhD [BUY]

Goodreads: ★★★★★

My Thoughts: This nonfiction book is one I think everyone should read. As the title suggests, this book introduces the reader to the concept of carnism, the invisible belief system that conditions people to eat certain animals. Joy does an incredible job of writing a book that is easy to read, but extremely informational. I learned a lot about the psychology of eating meat, especially in the United States. This book is well-researched, and provides the reader with the hard facts that are hidden by the factory farm industry. Plus, it is great that the author is not preachy – she simply wants the truth to be known and gives realistic tips on how to overcome what we’ve been taught to believe about meat.

 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid [BUY]

Goodreads: ★★★★ 1/2

My Thoughts: After hearing great things about this book, I finally picked up The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in November. This novel tells the story of famous Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo. Now at the end of her life, she is ready to tell the truth of her seven marriages in a biography she is mysteriously giving to low-ranking journalist, Monique Grant. I completed this book in a few days, as Evelyn’s story is very captivating. She is one of those characters that I despise because of all the horrible things she has done, but still care for because of all she’s been through. If you are looking for a complex and entertaining novel that explores love in a new way, I highly recommend this book. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo also contains many diverse elements, such as biracial and bisexual representation.

What did you read in November? Let me know in the comments!

Follow my reading on Instagram! You can find my #Bookstagram HERE.

 

5 Kitchen Gadgets that Actually Work | Affordable Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I’m excited to share with you five kitchen gadgets that actually work. With holiday shopping season now in full swing, I wanted to give you some stocking stuffer ideas. I have used and loved all of the kitchen gadgets featured in this post today, and think anyone who enjoys cooking, or who is looking to learn cooking, will enjoy them as well. What’s better is that all of these products are super affordable and under $15.00 each!

This post includes affiliate links. All images are courtesy of Amazon or The Container Store. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

1. Silicone Garlic Peeler – Set of Two for $5.99 [BUY]

This silicone tube is so amazing at peeling garlic! Simply chop off the end of a garlic clove, stick it in the tube, and roll it on the counter. The clove is peeled in seconds, and it works every time! I got mine at Daiso, but you can easily score one on Amazon. I use a ton of garlic in my cooking, and this has cut down on a lot of peeling time for me. Plus, this is small enough to tuck into any kitchen drawer.

 

 

2. Jarkey – $4.99 [BUY]

My mom got me a JarKey for Christmas a few years ago, and I absolutely love using it! This handy little tool opens any jar for you with ease. Simply place it on the edge of a jar and gently push down until you hear a pop. Your jar will then open without any struggle on your part. You no longer need a grip, nor will you stick a jar under warm water to loosen the cover. I honestly get so excited to use my JarKey, and highly recommend it!

 

 

3. Veggetti Vegetable Spiralizer – $8.59 [BUY]

The next product is another one I was gifted by my mom a few years ago, and that is the Veggett! Yes, this is an As Seen on TV product, but it truly works. This mini vegetable spiralizer easily creates noodles out of your favorite vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a pasta alternative, or simply want to spiralize veggies for your salad, this Veggetti is awesome to have on hand. I love the small, compact size of this spiralizer, as it is easy to store as opposed to the larger models from competitor brands.

 

 

4. OXO Good Grips Pro Y-Peeler – $12.99 [BUY]

This is by far the best vegetable peeler I’ve ever used! Not only does the wide grip fit well in my hand, but the blade works flawlessly. The blade is stainless steel, and it can be replaced in the future should it wear out completely. Plus, this peeler is dishwasher safe! While there are more affordable peelers on the market, I think it’s worth the few extra dollars for this one!

 

 

 

 

5. OXO Good Grips Water Bottle Cleaning Set – $9.95 [BUY]

I love using reusable water bottles and coffee mugs, but they can be really difficult to hand wash. When my nephew was born, I noticed that my brother and sister-in-law had special brushes to clean his baby bottles. Sure enough, there are brushes for all size bottles! This particular set comes with three different attachments, so you can easy clean any shape and size bottle. Pair this fun brush set with a reusable water bottle, and it makes a nice gift!

 

 

That wraps up my top five kitchen gadgets that actually work! I hope this post introduced you to some new products, whether you are grabbing them for a stocking stuffer gift or for yourself. As always, I would love to hear from you in the comments! What are your favorite kitchen gadgets?! I love trying out new tools that help save me time and energy whilst cooking!

FOREO Black Friday Sale 2017 | The Best Luxury Skincare Gift

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today is Thanksgiving for all of us in the United States, and that means Black Friday sales are about to be in full swing. A couple years ago I received a FOREO LUNA to review for my blog (see that post HERE), and I’ve been loving it ever since. This product is by far my favorite luxury skincare item, and I think it makes the perfect holiday gift. Today I will be sharing information about FOREO’s 2017 Black Friday Sale with all of you, and letting you know why I think the LUNA is worth every penny.

Black Friday Sale! Save up to 25% Off On Select Devices (Valid 11/23 - 11/29 or While Supplies Last)

This post includes affiliate links. The product was originally provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

This year you can get up to 25% off select products at FOREO.com. Use code BFAFF17 from November 23 through November 29, 2017 HERE. You can also get cash back on any FOREO purchase when you shop through Ebates HERE. While this may not seem like a big discount, it is a huge savings when products range from $39.00 – $6,500.00!

As mentioned, I’ve used the FOREO LUNA for Combination Skin since receiving it in the summer of 2015. I absolutely love this device because it is made with nonabrasive silicone. Unlike competitor skincare devices that require you to change the brush head every 3-4 months, you never have to change anything on this cleansing tool, which saves you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Plus, the FOREO LUNA is cruelty free, unlike the leading competitor brand.

I also love that the LUNA keeps its charge for a long period of time. I have never had to charge it since I first got it, and I’ve been using it for over two years! I keep mine in the shower, which I am able to do since it is waterproof. The benefits seem endless with this product!

Of course, I also love how my skin feels with this device. It is effective at cleansing and exfoliating my skin, yet gentle at the same time. I like that there are a variety of speed levels, so I can set the LUNA to the speed that works for my skin. I use the blue model, which has a brush formulated for combination skin, but there are also models for normal, oily, and sensitive skin as well. The LUNA is also available in mini size, which is great for travel and if you want to save some money.

In the end, I highly recommend the FOREO line of luxury skincare devices. While they are an investment, they make a huge difference in my skincare routine, and I’m happy to report how much I’m still loving this product after over two years of using it regularly. Whether you are looking to purchase one for yourself or as a gift this holiday season, I hope this post was helpful!

Have you tried the FOREO LUNA? Let me know in the comments!