Top 10 Beauty Products of 2015!

Happy Wednesday! Today’s Top 10 post is the last in this year’s series, and features my favorite beauty products of 2015. I used to wear makeup only for special occasions, and it’s amazing to me how I’ve really come to love beauty products. I tried out some amazing products this year, some from the drugstore and others that are high end splurges. I’m excited to share my Top 10 Beauty Products of 2015 with you, so let’s jump right into the post!

Top 10 Beauty Products of 2015! | Adventures in Polishland

10. Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Los Cabos [REVIEW] [BUY]

Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Los CabosI got this bright coral blush in a Birchbox, and was surprised at how much l loved it! The blush is very pigmented, and has quite a bit of shimmer. Somehow it looked great on my fair skin! I wore it a ton this past summer. It is a high end product, but worth the splurge if you’re looking for an amazing blush.

9. L’Oreal True Match LUMI Powder Glow Illuminator in Rose [REVIEW] [BUY]

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Powder Glow Illuminator in RoseI was really excited to find a new highlighter line at the drugstore by L’Oreal. I had to get the rose gold one, just because I love anything rose gold. This highlight is no exception! It is quite shimmery, but it works. I wore it a lot in the summer and fall, and will definitely reach for it again once winter is over. Don’t forget to use coupons on this one!

8. CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Makeup in L2 [REVIEW] [BUY]

My holy grail liquid foundation is the TruBlend from CoverGirl. It is a medium coverage, and perfect for everyday wear. I do mix it up with other foundations and bases, but I know I can always count on it. Plus, my skin loves CoverGirl products! I never break out. In fact, my skin stays clearer when I wear CoverGirl foundation on a regular basis. Of course, I love that it’s only around $10 at the drugstore!

7. Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Treatment [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’ve been a huge fan of the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments ever since I got a free sample duo as a Sephora Birthday gift a few years back. I’ve never purchased a full size for myself because they are quite expensive, but I love them! The shade Tulip is a pretty pink. It has the same amazing smell and feel of the original, but with a sheer wash of color.

6. NYX Buter Gloss in Creme Brulee [REVIEW] [BUY]

Another lip product that I’m loving is the NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee. It is a ‘my lips but better’ color for me, and it feels so nice on my lips. I definitely reach for lip glosses more often, simply because they are low maintenance when compared to a lipstick. I also love that this NYX gloss is super fabulous and affordable! 

5. Luv2Kiss Invisible Lip Liner [REVIEW] [BUY]

Luv2Kiss Invisible Lip Liner Review

Can you tell I love lip products?! This one is a must have for any makeup lover, because it is an Invisible Lip Liner that can be worn under any lip product. It makes me feel more confident because I know my lip product will stay inside my lip line and will last longer. Make sure you grab one, too!

4. elf Studio Blush Palette in Light [REVIEW] [BUY]

ELF Studio Blush Palette in Light | Review & Swatches

I’ve been really into blushes and other face powders this year, and one of my favorite blush purchases is this elf Studio Blush Palette. Not only is this palette extremely affordable, but the blushes are fabulous quality, too. I definitely wear the shades labeled 1 and 2 on a regular basis. I highly recommend purchasing this palette!

3. Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in Dolly [HAUL] [BUY]

Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in DollyI’ve become really obsessed with Buxom in the past couple of months, and my favorite lip product thus far is Dolly. It is the perfect shade of mauve-pink, and it is so easy to wear. Plus, it feels great on my lips. I’ve been reaching for this consistently since I got it, and even wore it for Christmas Eve!

2. BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop [REVIEW] [BUY]

BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop

I splurged on the Jaclyn Hill highlighter from BECCA because I had been hearing so many great things about it, and I am so glad I did! This product is just beyond stunning. I wore it nearly everyday for a month when I first got it, and have continued to reach for it regularly since then. Even if you are fair-skinned like me, I say go for it. I love how it looks!

1. elf Angled Blush Brush [HAUL] [BUY]

I never would have predicted that my favorite beauty product of the year would be a $3 makeup brush from elf! I bought this brush on a whim and it quickly became a go-to for me. It applies any blush evenly and beautifully. The angle helps to control the product, and can work for contouring and highlighting as well. Plus, the brush is super soft. I’m amazed by it, and highly recommend it!

All in all, I’ve tried so many amazing beauty products in 2015! I hope this post helped you discover some new products. Be sure to let me know in the comments what your favorites of the year were as well. I’m looking forward to trying even more goodies in 2016!

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

Top 10 Books of 2015!

Happy Tuesday! Today I’m continuing on with my Top 10 series, and sharing my favorite books of 2015 with all of you. I was very happy with myself, because I managed to read 50 books this year! My goal was originally to read only 20 books, because I knew I would be busy with my schoolwork. Luckily, I made reading a priority out of my hobbies and managed to read some amazing stories. This Top 10 list will includes the books that I read this year, not purely books that were published in 2015. Let’s jump right into my Top 10 Books of this year!

Top 10 Books of 2015!

Honorable Mention | Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’m cheating a bit and including an honorable mention on this Top 10 list because I really enjoyed reading Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. This is a debut novel, and I did find some issues in it, but the story itself was so emotional. I look forward to seeing what Yoon will release next!

10. The Revolution of Ivy by Amy Engell [REVIEW] [BUY]

I was so excited to read the conclusion to The Book of Ivy duology by Amy Engell. This is a great dystopian read, with well developed characters and exciting adventure. I know I’ll be re-reading it in the future!

9. An Italian Wife by Ann Hood [REVIEW] [BUY]

I read An Italian Wife early in the year, and I was a bit nervous to do so because it has pretty bad reviews on Goodreads. The book definitely has its issues, but it’s also a book that has stayed with me throughout the year. I’m surprised how often I think about the stories within it, and I really loved the overall message.

8. Binge by Tyler Oakley [REVIEW] [BUY]

Tyler Oakley’s Binge is by far the funniest book I read all year. It truly spoke to me, and I’m so glad I decided to pick it up even after originally snubbing it. If you’re a fan of the YouTuber, you have to get this one! 

7. Shutter by Courtney Alameda [REVIEW] [BUY]

I won a copy of this young adult horror book on Goodreads, and I’m so glad I did! It is a modern day twist on Dracula starring Micheline Helsing, a kick-butt heroine. Shutter gave me the chills, and I was obsessed with it for weeks after finishing it. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out!

6. The Martian by Andy Weir [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’m sure you’ve all heard of The Martian! Not only is it one of the most popular books of the year, but it came out as a movie, too. I haven’t seen the film yet, but the book was really cool. It definitely encouraged me to pick up more science fiction.

5. The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley Doyle [REVIEW] [BUY]

Another debut that I was really impressed by is The Accident Season. This is a creepy read for sure, and one that actually got me quite scared while I was reading it late at night. Plus, it has a fun plot twist that I didn’t see coming.

4. We Are Pirates by Daniel Handler [REVIEW] [BUY]

I seem to have read quite a few weird books this year! We Are Pirates is by far the most disturbing book I’ve ever read. I’m not going to say much about it, because I want you all to read it and let me know what you think!

3. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saénz [REVIEW] [BUY]

There are four medals on the cover of this book for a reason! Aristotle and Dante is a uniquely written book with equally unique characters. Whilst the ending was predictable, the journey to the end was one hundred percent worth it.

2. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff [REVIEW] [BUY]

Illuminae was beyond incredible! It is a young adult science fiction novel that is written through hacked document files. The reading experience is completely different than anything else I’ve read. You need to pick this up, trust me!

1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn [REVIEW] [BUY]

I know, I was very late to the Gone Girl train. I am so glad I finally picked up this book. It lived up to the hype for me, and is by far the best book I’ve read all year. It is just amazingly crafted. I cannot say enough good things about it!

I hope you enjoyed hearing a bit about my Top 10 Books of 2015! If you’d like to learn more about any title, simply click on the link to my review. The link will either be on this blog, or to my Goodreads profile for older reviews. Please share your favorite books of the year with me in the comments! I’m always looking for my next read.

Top 10 Nail Polishes of 2015!

Happy Monday! I can’t believe we have just a few days left of 2015! I decided that to close out the year, I will go ahead and share with you a few Top 10 lists. Today we are starting out with my Top 10 Nail Polishes of 2015! The polishes I picked were not necessarily released in 2015, but they are polishes that I first tried in 2015. I have shared full reviews of each polish on the blog with you, and will link you directly to that post so you can read my thoughts on each polish there. I will also share a link to where you can purchase each polish if it is still available. Let’s jump right into my Top 10!

Top 10 Nail Polishes of 2015! | Adventures in Polishland

10. Madam Glam Ibiza [REVIEW] [BUY]

Madam Glam – Ibiza

I don’t wear shimmery nail polishes on a regular basis, which is why I really like Ibiza. The subtle sparkle is beautiful, and adds just a touch of bling to my manicure. I also love the bluish-green shade, and the formula is excellent.

9. Zoya Serenity [REVIEW] [BUY]

Zoya – Serenity

Zoya makes some of the best cream nail polishes out there, and I was really impressed by Serenity. It’s a vibrant purple that looks great with any skin tone. Serenity is more of a summer nail polish for me.

8. Zoya Estelle [REVIEW] [BUY]

Zoya – Estelle

If you didn’t know yet, you are about to find out that I love blue nail polishes. Let’s begin with Estelle, a surprising add to this list because I’m not a big metallic fan. However, when you have a rich blue polish even a metallic formula looks stunning.

7. Color Club Cloud Nine [REVIEW] [BUY]

Color Club – Cloud Nine

I finally tried out a nail polish I had in my collection for years, which is Color Club Cloud Nine. This is definitely the best holographic polish in my stash. I love the pale pink shade, and how the polish comes alive in the sunlight.

6. Zoya Brittany [REVIEW] [BUY]

Zoya – BrittanyI absolutely drooled over the Zoya Satins collection when it was released. My favorite of the bunch is definitely Brittany. It is just the perfect polish, with a flawless formula and a stunning pale pink shade. I need to wear this again very soon!

5. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Rum Punch [REVIEW] 

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel – Rum Punch

If you are looking for the perfect pink, look no further than Rum Punch. Seriously, Sally Hansen nailed it with this one, pun intended. The formula is perfection, the color is to die for, and I’ve worn it several times this year.

4. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Beatnik [REVIEW] [BUY]

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel – BeatnikOkay, it’s time for another blue polish. Beatnik is just gorgeous, and I don’t know what else to say about it. The rich pigmentation is just so beautiful!

3. Zoya Sia [REVIEW] [BUY]

Zoya – SiaYou can laugh at me, because I know Sia is super similar to Beatnik. But it’s just a bit brighter in tone, and the formula is just perfect. I wore Sia a lot when I first received it, and I’m feeling the need to put it on my nails as I type up this blog post!

2. KBShimmer Breaking Blues [REVIEW] [BUY]

KBShimmer – Breaking BluesThis is the last blue-toned polish, I promise! The good news is Breaking Blues is more of a periwinkle shade, and I just love it. That’s why it’s number two on my list! The color is quite unique, and it works in any season.

1. KBShimmer Chilly Pepper [REVIEW] [BUY]

KBShimmer – Chilly PepperMy number one polish of 2015 is Chilly Pepper from KBShimmer. I cannot believe I’m saying this, as I’ve tended to bash red nail polishes in the past because of my pink-toned skin. Somehow KBShimmer has created the perfect red polish that looks good on me. Not only was it a go-to for the holiday season, but it’s the red I will grab from now on. You must get it!

That wraps up my first Top 10 post for 2015! Please share with me your favorite nail polishes of 2015 in the comments. Make sure to stay tuned this week for even more of my favorites this year!

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

My Favorite Christmas Tree Ornaments!

Happy Thursday, and Happy Christmas Eve to all of you who celebrate! I thought it would be fun if I took you on a little tour of my family’s Christmas Tree today by sharing some of my favorite ornaments with you. We have a lot of ornaments on the tree, and there is a huge variety. I, of course, have certain ornaments that are important to me for different reasons. Let me show you some of my favorite Christmas Tree ornaments!

My Favorite Christmas Tree Ornaments! | Adventures in Polishland

Minnie Mouse

My Favorite Christmas Tree Ornaments! | Adventures in Polishland
My Favorite Christmas Tree Ornaments! | Adventures in Polishland

Let’s begin with my Minnie Mouse collection! I’ve been a huge Minnie Mouse fan for my entire life, and that is certainly reflected on the Christmas Tree. I’ve received several Minnie ornaments as gifts over the years, and I’ve picked up a couple on my own, too. I’m showing you two of my many Minnies in this post. I know the personalized one came from my parents, but I have no clue where I got the other one. It’s vintage at this point!

Barbie

My Favorite Christmas Tree Ornaments! | Adventures in Polishland
My Favorite Christmas Tree Ornaments! | Adventures in Polishland

Another one of my ornament collections is my Barbie collection! Hallmark has put out a few different Barbie series during my lifetime, and I’ve gotten one every year since 1993 (except for last year, when there wasn’t a Barbie released). You can see my first-ever Barbie on the left, and my Barbie from this year on the right. These ornaments are so special to me, and I hope to continue getting a Barbie ornament every year. One day I hope to have a Barbie tree that is hot pink!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

My Favorite Christmas Tree Ornaments! | Adventures in Polishland

This next ornament is special to me not because I love the film The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but because this was the first purchase I ever made in Disney World! My family went to Disney World for the first time when I was in first grade, and we went to Magic Kingdom on the first night when we arrived. I got this at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square for $4.95 (yes – the price tag is still on the box!). I saved up all my birthday money for our Disney trip, and was so excited to spend it on souvenirs galore. That first night in Disney World was so magical for me. I will never forget when Minnie Mouse waved to me during the parade! This ornament represents that magic even 20 years later.

Boston Celtics

My Favorite Christmas Tree Ornaments! | Adventures in Polishland

Last but not least, I’ve always been a huge Celtics fan, and my parents got me this engraved ornament a few years back. It’s the only Celtics ornament I have, and I love putting it on the tree. It’s so classy, and I love that it’s handmade as well!

That wraps up my post on my favorite Christmas Tree ornaments! I hope you enjoyed this mini tour of my tree! Please share your favorite ornaments with me in the comments, or tag me on social media in a photo. I’d love to see your ornaments! I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!

4th Annual New Year’s Eve Manicure Contest!

Happy Wednesday! Today I am beyond excited to announce my 4th Annual New Year’s Eve Manicure Contest! Each year I hold a laid-back manicure contest to celebrate the New Year and give my readers a chance to showcase their awesome nail polish looks. Whether you’re putting together fancy nail art for New Year’s Eve, or you’re simply rocking a fun glitter, you can enter to win one of two prize packs. Please read through this post to see how to enter!

Adventures in Polishland's 4th Annual New Year's Eve Manicure Contest!

RULES

Who is eligible to enter?

  • US residents who are 18+ years old, or who have parental consent
  • Followers of my blog, Adventures in Polishland. You must be following via email or Bloglovin HERE.
  • Both bloggers and non-bloggers may enter.

What kind of manicures are allowed?

  • Anything goes! Nail art, glitter, plain polish – this is meant to be a fun contest that anyone can win!
  • For inspiration, see past year’s entries: 2014 | 2013 | 2012

How does the contest work?

  • Create your manicure and email me a photo of your nails to adventuresinpolishland@gmail.com with the subject line “NYE Manicure Contest”
  • You may include a 1-3 sentence description of your manicure explaining why you chose it for New Year’s Eve, but this is optional.
  • There is only one entry per person, and one photo allowed per entry.
  • The deadline for submitting your manicure is Monday, January 4, 2016 at 11:59PM EST
  • On January 5, I will post all of the entries in a photo album on my Facebook Page HERE and email each entrant a direct link to her photo.
  • On January 12, winners will be chosen and notified by email.

How will the winners be chosen?

  • There are two winners in this giveaway!
  • One winner will be chosen by popular vote – whichever manicure receives the most ‘Likes’ on Facebook. The Likes must be on the photo I upload to my Facebook Page directly.
  • One winner will be chosen randomly through random.org, so anyone who enters will have a chance to win!

PRIZES

There are two different prize packs for this giveaway. The first winner to respond to my email will get first dibs on the prize pack she wants, with the other winner getting the other pack by default.

4th Annual New Year's Eve Manicure Contest | Nail Kit Prize Pack

Prize #1: Nail Kit

  • Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Coquette
  • Rimmel Keep Calm and Lip Balm in Violet Blush
  • Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat
  • ncLA Designer Nail Wraps in Geri
  • Almay Lash Care Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads
  • Zoya Hunter

4th Annual New Year's Eve Manicure Contest | Eye Makeup Prize Pack

Prize #2: Eye Makeup Kit

  • Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Vivacious
  • Rimmel Keep Calm and Lip Balm in Rose Blush
  • Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Lagoon
  • Measurable Difference Eyeshadow Palette in Holland Tulips
  • Maybelline Great Lash Big Mascara in Blackest Black
  • Almay Lash Care Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads

I hope you will enter my 4th Annual New Year’s Eve Manicure Contest! I am so excited to be hosting for the fourth year in a row. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at adventuresinpolishland@gmail.com. Happy New Year, everyone!

 

Silver and Gold Christmas Manicure | Sally Hansen Celeb City and Julep Vivien

Happy Monday! I can’t believe Christmas is just a few days away! I thought I would share a simple manicure to put together to help celebrate the season. I recently watched Rudolph and the Island of Misfit Toys, and I’ve been humming the song Silver and Gold. I don’t see many silver and gold manicures, so I created my own! Let me show you my silver and gold nail polish look!
Silver and Gold Christmas Manicure | Adventures in PolishlandI began my silver and gold manicure with a base of Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Celeb City. I applied two coats and let that dry before applying my gold glitter. For my silver and gold effect, I looked for a gold chunky glitter, and found the perfect polish in Julep Vivien. I applied two coats of Viven and let that dry before using a glossy top coat. This manicure is so easy to create, but it looks so festive! If you’re not a fan of the typical red and green color scheme during Christmas, definitely try this out for yourself. You can use any silver and gold polishes you own!

All in all, I’m loving my silver and gold manicure. It is quick if you’re in a rush, and can go with any outfit this holiday season! Plus, if you have long-wearing polish it can last all the way through until New Year’s! Definitely let me know if you’ll be trying out a silver and gold manicure in the comments.

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme and BB Radiance Perfecting Powder Review

Happy Friday! Today I have a review of two new products from NYC New York Color’s Smooth Skin BB line. I was really excited to test out the BB Créme and BB Radiance Perfecting Powder because each retails for a fabulous and affordable $3.99 at the drugstore. The Smooth Skin line is designed to give you perfect skin in an instant. Let me go ahead and share my thoughts on these new products with you!

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme and BB Radiance Perfecting Powder Review

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme 5 in 1 Skin Perfector 

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme 5 in 1 Skin Perfector NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Créme 5 in 1 Skin PerfectorFirst up, I tested the BB Créme, which is a lightweight and liquid product just like any traditional BB créme. This 5 in 1 product is designed to protect skin, minimize pores, erase imperfections, smooth the skin, and brighten the skin. I am the shade 01 Light, which is the lightest shade available. I tried it both with a face primer and without. I much prefer to use it with a primer, because I found that the product disappears into my skin without that extra barrier. In order to get any coverage at all, I have to use a lot of this product – way more than I would ever use my normal BB crémes. I also found that the product has a scent that was off-putting. While I didn’t smell anything while it was on my face, I definitely smelled something during application. It made me not want to use the product at all! I did find that the BB Créme wore nicely throughout the day, and I liked the appearance of my skin overall. If you’re looking for a really affordable BB créme option, you might try this one for yourself. I, however, wouldn’t repurchase it for my skin.

NYC New York Color BB Radiance Perfecting Powder

NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Radiance Perfecting Powder NYC New York Color Smooth Skin BB Radiance Perfecting Powder

Next up I have the BB Radiance Perfecting Powder. This little compact comes with a mirror and sponge, and I love the sleek packaging. This product is designed to improve the appearance of the skin and even skin tone by smoothing fine lines and minimizing the appearance of pores. BB Radiance also provides a matte finish. My first impression of this product was that it is necessary to use a sponge for application – even a light hand with a brush crumbles the powder into a big mess. Despite using the lightest shade in the line, which is 01 Naturally Beige, the shade is too dark for my skin. I attempted to try it despite it not matching my skin, but the powder actually enhanced my pores and looked terrible on my skin. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend it at all due to my experience.

All in all, I am a bit underwhelmed with the NYC New York Color Smooth Skin line. While the BB Créme is just okay for me, the BB Radiance did not work for my skin at all. As with any makeup products, my experience may vary from yours, because we all have different skin types. If you try out this line, please share your thoughts in the comments! I would love to know your experiences, as always.

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

Book Review | Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

Published by Speak on January 1, 2008

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 352

Source: BookMooch

Goodreads

The weather outside is frightful, but these stories are delightful! When a huge blizzard (that doesn’t show signs of stopping) hits, Gracetown is completely snowed in. But even though it’s cold outside, things are heating up inside, proving that the holiday season is magical when it comes to love. In three wonderfully (and hilariously!) interconnected tales, YA stars John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson create a must-have collection that captures all the spirit of the holiday season.

BOOK REVIEW

While I wouldn’t call myself a seasonal reader, I was very excited to pick up Let it Snow as soon as the holiday season began. There is something magical about Christmas stories, and Let it Snow contains three. I had no idea that the three stories in the book are interconnected, and that was a great surprise for me. Each story takes place in Gracetown, a small town that is experiencing a huge snowstorm on Christmas Eve. In each story we follow a different cast of characters, but, of course, each is a holiday romance. They are sweet, silly, and super enjoyable.

The book begins with Maureen Johnson’s The Jubilee Express. This is my favorite story in the book, and it follows Jubilee as she travels south by train to visit her grandparents in Florida after her parents are thrown in jail on Christmas Eve. I really enjoyed Johnson’s writing – it is snarky and funny, and flows really well. Even though The Jubilee Express features the insta-love trope popular in a lot of young adult fiction, it was enjoyable in this short story.

The second story is by none other than John Green, and is called A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle. I was quite disappointed that Green decided to use a gay slur in his story, and that his characters used the R-word (more information on that HERE). Otherwise, I really enjoyed his story, which follows Tobin and his group of friends attempting to visit the local Waffle House after a bunch of cheerleaders get stranded there. Of course, it is quite outlandish, but it’s a lot of fun, and perfect for the holidays.

Finally, Lauren Myracle’s story is called The Patron Saint of Pigs. It has a very different feel than the other two stories in the book, and is my least favorite simply due to the main character Addie’s negative demeanor. Nonetheless, I still thought it was enjoyable, and I loved how it rounded up the overall story of Let it Snow. 

All in all, Let it Snow is a great book to pick up during Christmastime, and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a holiday-themed read. Keep in mind that it is a little bit corny, but I think it is justified during this time of year. I am definitely going to be rereading this during Christmases to come.

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

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.

5 Charcoal Products to Give this Christmas!

Happy Wednesday! Today I thought it would be fun to put together a list of my favorite charcoal skincare products. We’ve all heard the old warning – if you’re naughty you’re getting a lump of coal for Christmas! Well, I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t mind receiving some charcoal in my stocking so long as its skincare! Charcoal is one of my favorite skincare ingredients, as it helps keep my pores clean and skin clear. I never thought I’d love charcoal, but I use it regularly in a variety of products. Let me share the five charcoal products I recommend giving as gifts this Christmas!

5 Charcoal Products to Give this Christmas | Adventures in Polishland

5. The Healing Tree Bamboo Charcoal Soap [REVIEW] [BUY]

The Healing Tree Bamboo Charcoal Soap | Review & GiveawayIf you want a gift that will most resemble a lump of coal, go for this bar soap from The Healing Tree! I reviewed this product a while back, and really enjoyed it. It was a bit weird to use in the shower, because it is black, but my skin loved it. This is also a perfect gift for the fitness guru in your life, because it will help keep the skin that gets sweaty often both clear and clean. I highly recommend it!

4. Oleavine All Natural Konjac Sponge – Activated Charcoal [REVIEW] [BUY]

A product that is super trendy right now are Konjac Sponges. I tested out the Oleavine Green Tea sponge earlier this year and absolutely loved it, so I feel comfortable recommending the charcoal variety to you as well. This Konjac Sponge makes cleansing your face really easy, as you can use it without cleanser if you so choose. The sponge is super soft, and lasts for about three months. I kept mine in the shower, which worked perfectly because there is a string attached to the sponge for easy hanging.

3. Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser [REVIEW] [BUY]

Michael Todd Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser ReviewMy current cleanser is the Charcoal Detox from Michael Todd. It’s a great daily cleanser, especially for someone with oily or combination skin. Pair this with a sponge or splurge on a FOREO LUNA, and you have an amazing gift this holiday. Of course, this cleanser makes an excellent stocking stuffer as well. Because Michael Todd is a bit more expensive, the recipient will be extra happy to get it.

2. Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Face Scrub [REVIEW] [BUY]

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Face Scrub

Another Michael Todd product that I really love is the Jojoba Charcoal Face Scrub. This is a great product to give at Christmas because so many suffer from dry skin during the colder months. The scrub is gentle but effective at the same time. You can even create a little Michael Todd bundle for friends and family!

1. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask [BUY]

Last but not least, I have to share a product I’ve never reviewed on my blog before, but absolutely love! It is the Origins Charcoal Mask, and it is completely amazing. I highly recommend this mask if you are looking to clear up any imperfections on your skin. It is a traditional mask that you apply, and then wait about 10-15 minutes for it to harden before rinsing off the skin. I remember the first time I used it – I could not believe how my face looked so even and felt so soft after just one use! This mask is the perfect way to pamper your loved ones this holiday season!

All in all, I think you should go ahead and give coal this season, so long as it is charcoal skincare! It makes a fun gift, but is also quite practical, too. If you have tried other charcoal products, please share them in the comments! I’m always interested in learning of new-to-me products, especially if they contain charcoal. Happy Shopping!

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

Garlic Chickpea Popcorn Recipe | Vegan Snack Idea

Happy Tuesday! I’m so excited to be sharing another recipe with you today. As you might know, I am a vegetarian, and try to make healthy choices whenever I can. I struggle a lot when it comes to snack foods, especially in finding snacks that are high in protein. I recently saw YouTuber Kathryn over at DoitonaDime post a Chickpea Popcorn recipe. I tried it out, and put my own spin on it, and thought I would share the deliciousness with all of you. This recipe is vegan, but of course can be enjoyed by anyone. Let’s get started!

Garlic Chickpea Popcorn Recipe | Vegan Snack IdeaChickpea Popcorn is in essence baked chickpeas! Did you know that chickpeas get crunchy when baked? I had no idea! I always eat them raw, or in meals like falafel or hummus. Chickpea Popcorn is such a perfect snack if you need something crunchy to much on like I do.

Rinse the chickpeas in water and dap them dry with a papertowel.

First things first, rinse off your chickpeas with water and dab them dry with a paper towel. Look at that beautiful bean footage!Spread the chicpeaks out on a rimmed baking sheet.Next, spread out the chickpeas on a lined and rimmed baking sheet. I use tin foil because that’s what I have on hand, but parchment paper works, too. Season with your favorite spices like garlic and oregano.Then it’s time to season! Of course, I used garlic because it’s my favorite spice. I also added in oregano and a bit of black pepper. You can totally customize the flavor of your Chickpea Popcorn. Just make sure to drizzle with some olive oil and mix everything properly before popping them in the oven.

Garlic Chickpea Popcorn Recipe | Vegan Snack IdeaHere is the finished result! I cook the Chickpea Popcorn for about 42 minutes. That way they are crispy, but not overcooked. The time will vary depending on your oven, but once the chickpeas start turning a deeper beige they are ready to eat! You’ll be so impressed with how delicious your Chickpea Popcorn tastes. It’s a protein-filled and healthy snack whether you’re watching a movie or eating your lunch!

Garlic Chickpea Popcorn 

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive Oil (to drizzle)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350º.
  2. Rinse chickpeas with water and dab dry with a paper towel.
  3. Spread chickpeas on a rimmed baking sheet lined with tin foil or parchment paper.
  4. Sprinkle garlic, oregano, and black pepper on chickpeas.
  5. Drizzle olive oil on chickpeas to lightly coat them, and use a spoon to ensure the chickpeas are coated.
  6. Bake at 350º for 40-45, or until crispy.