5 Ways I’m Practicing Self Care

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

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

1. Limiting News Intake

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

2. Giving My Hair and Skin a Break

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

3. Consuming Lighthearted Media

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

4. Using Fun Phone Apps

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

5. “Spending Time” with Family

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

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

Podcasts I’m Listening to Right Now

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

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

Ear Biscuits with Rhett and Link

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

Coffee and Tea with Justin and Tashina

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

Mystery Show

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

Popcorn Culture

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

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

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

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

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

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

My First Sales

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

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

My Posh Stats

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

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

Things I’m Learning

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

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

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

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

Visit my Poshmark Closet HERE

Everything I Bought in February | #LivingWithLess

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

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

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

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

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

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

February Reading Wrap Up | Short Books #FTW

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

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

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

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

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

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

* This section contains Harry Potter spoilers*

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

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

Why I Love Bringing My Lunch to Work

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

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

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

It Saves a Lot of Money

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

It’s Better for the Environment

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

My Meals Are Healthier

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

It Saves Time

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

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

What I Ate Last Week as a Vegan | Holiday Weeks Make Meal Prep Easy

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

With Presidents’ Day this past week, I got to enjoy a three-day weekend. While I love having an extra day off from work, I also look forward to an easier meal prep that week. I typically do a big cooking marathon each Sunday to make enough food to last the week. Since I had an extra day off, I had more time to cook and less meals to prepare. I decided to make a few big recipes that would last me all week! If you get sick of eating the same thing every day, this method might not be for you. However, I don’t mind eating the same thing for a few days so long as it’s delicious!

This blog post is not designed to share how to eat a vegan diet. I am not a nutritionist or medical professional. Instead, it’s an example of how one vegan eats!

Breakfast

I began each day with homemade everything bagels. I use a recipe from Elephantastic Vegan that is surprisingly easy and absolutely delicious. Eating a hearty breakfast is a necessity for me. I usually top my bagels with peanut butter for some added protein in the morning, but you can learn more about vegan bagel toppings in this blog post.

Lunch

For lunches this week I made a simple veggie lo mein. All I did was cook whole wheat noodles, sauté a frozen vegetable mix, add in some chickpeas for added protein, and mix in some teriyaki sauce. This is a super easy meal, but it is delicious and can be customized to fit your tastes. It’s also very affordable! I got four lunches from this batch, and the total price was around $4.00.

Dinner

Lastly, I made one of my favorite meals for dinner this week, chickpea curry! I adapt a recipe from Say Yes that my sister-in-law shared with me. I don’t use ginger (simply because I don’t like it), and I add in one cup of coconut milk. I serve the curry over brown rice, and I add in some steamed broccoli to get some greens. This curry is so delicious and easy to make. I love the flavors, and that one batch lasts me about four meals. If you don’t like spicy food, this is a great curry to try.

That wraps up this past week’s meals! I would love to know in the comments if you are the type of person who can eat the same thing every day for a week, or if you need to change things up. Since last week was only a four-day work week for me, I decided to enjoy less time in the kitchen. I think you can tell keeping it simple is more important to me than cooking gourmet meals!

How I Use the Cash Envelope System for Monthly Spending

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

While I’m not a financial expert, I absolutely love budgeting. In fact, telling my money what to do brings me a great deal of joy. I’ve wanted to share my budget on the blog for a while now, but I have a bit of a convoluted system. I thought the easiest way I could share some of my money managing strategies would be in separate posts on the different aspects of my budget. Thus, today I will be sharing with you how I use the Cash Envelope System for my monthly spending. I first learned of this budgeting technique through a variety of online content creators. I know that this system was popularized by a well-known debt-free guru, but I do not follow or agree with his overall budgeting method. Instead, I put my own spin on the Cash Envelope System, and I’m excited to share how I’ve used it to my advantage over the past two years.

This post includes an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through that link I will earn a small commission. Thank you!

If you’ve never before heard of the Cash Envelope System, it is quite self-explanatory. Every month, I withdraw cash from the bank to use as my spending money. The idea behind this system is that it helps to hold you accountable for how much money you are spending. For example, if you budget $100.00 per month for groceries, you only get that $100.00, and once you run out of cash you’re done spending. As someone who used to rarely use cash and rely on debit or credit cards, I know first hand how easy it is to swipe that card without paying attention to how much I was spending. I knew the Cash Envelope System would force me to spend my money intentionally. This was especially important when I drafted a budget focused primarily on my savings goals, and less on spending.

As mentioned above, I’ve used the Cash Envelope System for my monthly spending for about two years now. I use cash for those categories where it makes sense for me to have money on-hand at all times. The categories I use for my cash envelopes are: Food, Household Expenses, Gifts and Christmas, Clothing, Charity, and Fun. I also withdraw money to pay my cell phone bill in cash every month, as I am on a family plan and pay the account holder directly. If you plan on using the Cash Envelope System, your categories do not have to match mine. Do you pay a babysitter regularly? Do you have pets for whom you are caring? Think about where you spend your money the most frequently, and pick the categories that make sense for you.

It’s not surprising that the Cash Envelope System has both avid fans and harsh criticizers. As with any type of money management, we all have to do what works best for our unique situation. That’s why I take what I like most about the Cash Envelope System, and I make it work for me. I am pretty relaxed with what can often be a strict method. For example, I do not carry around a lot of cash with me. Many critics of the Cash Envelope System will mention how dangerous it is to carry around large amounts of cash. I agree, and I typically only have a small portion of my Food budget, my Fun budget, and my Household Expenses budget in my wallet at any given time. By keeping the rest of my cash in a secure location, I not only reduce spending temptations, but I feel more secure.

If I find myself out and about without the cash from a certain envelope, I’ll just use a card and pay myself back in cash later. For instance, if I end up buying a $20.00 gift for someone on my card, I’ll take $20.00 out of my Gifts and Christmas envelope, and put that in an envelope I mark Deposit to Checking. I will either deposit that money back into my bank account at the end of the month, or use it as a credit towards next month’s withdrawal. I am able to do this because I am one month ahead on my bills, and because I keep a small buffer in my checking account. If you are new to the Cash Envelope System, be extremely careful about doing this. While it can be confusing to keep track of the cash at first, I got used to it in time.

If you are concerned about the hassle of going to the bank regularly, I highly recommend adopting an extra envelope called Next Month’s Cash. This does require you to get one month ahead on your bills, but it means you only have to go to the bank once per month. When I first adapted the Cash Envelope System, I went to the bank every two weeks when I got paid. This got old really quickly for me, so I rearranged my budget in a way that allows me to withdraw all the cash I need for the next month in one transaction. That way I don’t have to worry about running to the bank on the first of the month. Instead, I go when it is convenient.

Moreover, I do want to acknowledge that the Cash Envelope System works really well for me because I am only budgeting for myself. If you are budgeting with a partner or for a larger family, this will be more complicated. Not only will you have more cash to manage, but you may need to discuss divvying up the cash with your partner. If your budget is for more than one person, you may consider the Digital Envelope System. I recommend this blog post from Pennies To Wealth for more information.

Furthermore, when it comes to supplies for the Cash Envelope System, I suggest keeping it very simple. Many bloggers will talk about the specialty wallets they purchased, or the fancy envelopes they print out each month. Since my goal is to reduce my spending, I don’t purchase any supplies. I’ve used the same set of plain white Mead Envelopes since I started this system, and my wallet is the same faux leather one I purchased at Forever 21 in 2015. I do think it’s helpful if your wallet has a few different sections to stash cash, but please don’t feel compelled to buy anything new unless it’s truly needed.

In the end, I hope you found this blog post on how I use the Cash Envelope System helpful. I personally love shopping with physical money every month. Holding the cash in my hands truly does help me budget smarter and spend wiser. If you are someone who struggles with overspending or purchasing items you don’t need, I think giving the Cash Envelope System a try can be very beneficial. If you already use this system, I would love to know your experience with it in the comments.

#AVeganAnswers: What Do Vegans Put on Bagels?

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

I’m not sure what it is, but when someone finds out I’m vegan, they love asking me a lot of questions about my lifestyle: How do you get your protein? Do you eat fish? Do you eat gluten? How long have you been vegan? What DO you eat? Oftentimes, these questions are followed with a group of statements from the curious non-vegan, who wants to let me know how much they love meat, why they will never give up cheese, and how eating “rabbit food” could never suit them. While this can be annoying, I get it. Being vegan is still considered out of the ordinary, and I’m happy to answer questions so long as they are polite and coming from a place of genuine interest. I thought it would be fun to share with all of you some of the questions I get asked as a vegan in this new blog series called A Vegan Answers. Today we will be tackling a question I actually have been asked in real life: what do vegans put on bagels?

I’ll never forget the first time I got asked this question. A colleague was planning to bring in breakfast the next day at work, and she asked me what was something she could bring that was vegan. I mentioned an easy item would be bagels from Dunkin’ Donuts. I was not prepared, however, for her next question, which came after a moment of hesitation: “What can you put on a bagel?” In the moment, I almost laughed out loud, but then I realized she was serious. As it turns out, this is a question I’ve been asked by interested non-vegans a few times now. Thus, today I will answer this question, and share my favorite vegan bagel toppings!

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

First and foremost, vegans can put the same thing on bagels that non-vegans do! If you love to put the classic butter or cream cheese on your bagel, there are many non-dairy and vegan alternatives available today. My personal favorite butters are I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! It’s Vegan! and Country Crock Plant Butter. I haven’t personally tried vegan cream cheese, but I know Daiya Cream Cheeze Style Spread and Miyoko’s Vegan Cream Cheese are available at many grocery stores. There are new brands and varieties springing up all the time!

Moreover, my go-to bagel topping is peanut butter. In fact, I have a bagel with peanut butter for breakfast almost every day. I like to have a filling breakfast, and this definitely keeps me going until lunchtime. Of course, peanut butter has that added protein! You can also put your favorite jam or jelly onto your bagel. Or how about a peanut butter and jelly bagel? Yum! Want more of a sweet treat? Try Peanut Butter & Co Dark Chocolatey Dreams!

Another favorite of mine is the millennial option, avocado. I toast my bagel, mash up an avocado, and add some seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Avocado toast is so delicious on an everything bagel! If you enjoy savory snacks, add some hummus to your bagel. Or simply make a bagel sandwich filled with veggies, vegan mayonnaise, mock meats, etc. I personally love eating Chickpea Salad Sandwiches on a bagel. It’s a hearty lunch!

Take your bagel to dinner with a vegan pizza bagel! Simply top your bagel with tomato sauce, some Daiya Cheese Shreds, and some oregano and you’ve got a delicious treat. I bake mine in the oven at 425º for about 10 minutes. You can dress up your pizza with any toppings you like!

Overall, I’m sure you can see that there are a plethora of vegan bagel toppings. Whether you want a traditional breakfast spread, or a more unique option, enjoying a bagel as a vegan is quite delicious and easy. This blog post shares just a few of my favorite ways to eat a bagel, but the options are seemingly endless. Please share your favorite vegan bagel topping in the comments!

My Current Skincare Routine | Cruelty Free and Vegan

Posted on by Adventures in Polishland

I recently shared with you my current makeup collection, and I thought it would be fun to share what skincare I am using right now as well. I have come to really love skincare over the past few years. While I am not the most knowledgeable about the science behind skincare and particular ingredients, I really enjoy trying new products. I find that when I stick to a skincare routine, my skin does look and feel much better than when I get a bit lazy. This is especially true in the winter months when my skin gets very dry and needs some extra TLC. As always, all of the products I mention today are cruelty free and vegan.

I received the Derma E products in this post from the brand for consideration. This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links, I will earn a small commission. Thank you!

Makeup Remover

The first step of my skincare routine, at least in the evenings, is makeup removal. I’ve been using The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter for a couple years now. This stuff is awesome! All you need to do is massage a small amount all over your face and it melts off your makeup. It is eye safe, so it gets off stubborn mascara. Plus, it comes in an aluminum container, so it’s a better option than removers that come in plastic.

Cleansers and Exfoliators

For cleansing, I keep the Pacifica Kale Charcoal Foaming Facial Detox Bar in my shower. I absolutely love this cleanser. It helps to keep my face clear from breakouts, and it works really well with my FOREO LUNA. I also use The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Cleansing Oil-in-Gel in the evenings. This cleanser is great if you have dry skin, but I may not repurchase since it is in a plastic bottle.

I am currently using two exfoliators from the brand Derma E that are two of my all-time favorites. First is the Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub. I’ve used at least two or three jars up before, and I love having it in my collection. I use the microdermabrasion once or twice a week at maximum. It gets all the dead skin off my face and is perfect in the winter! I also use the Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub regularly. This scrub is gentle enough for daily use, and the activated charcoal keeps my skin clean and clear of blemishes.

Toner, Essence, Serum, and Oil

I don’t always use toner, but I do if I feel like my skin needs a bit more of a deep clean. Right now I have The Body Shop Seaweed Balancing Toner in my collection. My skin used to be quite oily, so this toner was great, but as I’m getting older I think I may need a different option.

That being said, the other three products pictured above are all Holy Grail items for me. The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Essence-Lotion is the first step in my hydrating routine. It keeps my skin looking fresh and plump. Similarly, my favorite serum of all time is The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Concentrate. This keeps my skin looking clear, young, and hydrated. It sinks in immediately, and I love how it feels. I’ve gone through several bottles. Finally, The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil is the best facial oil I’ve ever used. In the past, facial oils have always caused my skin to break out (including well-known high end brands). This one simply hydrates my skin and aids in anti-aging. Applying essence, serum, and oil is my favorite part of my skincare routine.

Eye Creams and Moisturizers

When it comes to under-eye products, I am currently using the Derma E Firming DMAE Eye Lift and The Body Shop Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate. I haven’t noticed any firming results from the Derma E eye cream, but I really like how it sinks into the skin and I look forward to using it more regularly. That being said, I am obsessed with the Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate! This is an eye serum, and it is the only eye product I’ve ever used that made my fine lines lessen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work well under makeup and pills up on me, so I only use it at night.

Lastly, I am using two different moisturizers from Derma E right now. In the morning I use the Skin Restore Advanced Peptides & Collagen Moisturizer. I’ve been using this for a few months now, and I absolutely love it! The lotion is very creamy, but sinks right into the skin and makes my face look super smooth. It also works really well under makeup, and I go without a face primer a lot of the time! In the evenings, I use my all-time favorite moisturizer, the Hydrating Night Cream. I’ve gone through multiple jars of this cream. In addition to being very hydrating, it is very soothing and firming.

As you can see, my entire skincare routine is comprised of products from The Body Shop and Derma E, with one Pacifica item thrown in as well. I love these brands because they offer products that are high quality, yet still at a great price point when compared to high end brands. I always stock up during sales, and I shop through Rakuten to earn cash back. I also love that these brands are available in many brick-and-mortar stores, making them accessible to the masses. Shopping cruelty free and vegan skincare can be much easier than you think!

What are your favorite skincare brands?!