Erin Condren – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: Erin Condren

Why I Stopped Planning | The Unofficial End of #PlanWithPolishland

Posted on January 18, 2020 by Adventures in Polishland

Almost five years ago, I discovered the online world of planners through the YouTuber Elle Fowler. Elle made videos about her Erin Condren LifePlanner, and I quickly fell in love with the idea of creating fun planner spreads that were not only functional, but that allowed me to use stickers, washi tape, and other crafting supplies to organize my life. After months of deliberation, I splurged on a LifePlanner of my very own, and I began documenting the entire planning process on this blog and my YouTube channel. With my planner in hand, I quickly dove into the planner community online. For a few years, I hauled stickers, decorated my planner, and interacted with other planner lovers. It was a lot of fun, but I slowly found that I wasn’t enjoying my planner any longer, thus making my YouTube videos obsolete. Today I want to share with you some of the reasons I stopped planning, and thank you for the support you showed me while I shared this hobby with you.

Why I Stopped Planning | The Unofficial End of #PlanWithPolishland

Please note that I do discuss money and the environment in this blog post. It is not my intention to pass judgment on others, and I only bring up these topics in reference to myself.

The quick answer to why I stopped planning is simply because I didn’t enjoy it anymore. When I first got my planner, I was in my most hectic season of life so far – studying for the bar exam! I needed a lot of structure, and since I was under a lot of stress, decorating a planner was a great way to plan out my day while also having a bit of “me time.” Yet once I took (and passed!) my exam, I began searching for jobs, spending more time at home, and not doing anything that really required extensive to-do lists. When I started working, I really didn’t need my planner. My days were fully structured and any spare time was dedicated to errands, chores, and relaxing. I just didn’t need my Erin Condren like I used to, and I felt no desire to return to it. I tried to figure out if other methods of planning would work for me. I spend a few months in a traveler’s notebook system, another few in a monthly planner, but in the end I decided to put the planner down and just go forth without one.

Moreover, my planning habit also died due to changes I made in my personal budget. In the few years I was using my Erin Condren, I spent hundreds of dollars on my planner and all of the supplies that came with it. Planning can be a very expensive hobby, and although I liked to tell myself I was keeping it affordable, I really wasn’t. Yes, I bought things on sale, used coupons, and even received a lot of stickers for free from brands, but I was still overspending. While it is absolutely possible to be a planner on a budget, it can be difficult to look around the community and see coveted “No White Space” weekly kits be priced at nearly $30.00 from the popular shops. As my love for planning fell by the wayside, and my desire to save money became a priority, I quickly realized how unsustainable this hobby was for me.

Similarly, I also began to have concerns about the environmental impact of my planning. Since I liked to decorate my planner, I went through a lot of sticker sheets that most likely could not be recycled. If I was putting all my stickers to use, I didn’t feel as guilty. But oftentimes I didn’t like all of the stickers included with a kit, and found myself with stacks of sticker scraps I didn’t want. While I did giveaways and shared these stickers with others, I still realized that planning can be a very wasteful hobby. In fact, almost every planner supply I’ve come across is in disposable plastic packaging. As I began to learn more about the environment, I couldn’t enjoy planning as much.

In the end, I’m truly grateful for the time I spent in the planner community. Not only was planning a great source of joy for me, but I was able to connect with so many people online through this hobby. I really appreciate those of you who watched my YouTube videos, followed my planner Instagram account, and shared my few #PlanWithPolishland blog posts. At this point in my life, I have no desire to return to planner decorating, but, of course, that may change, which is why I am calling this the “unofficial” end of #PlanWithPolishland. Thank you so much for following this planning journey of mine!

Erin Condren Sherpa Throw Review | Floral Ink Design

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to share my thoughts on the Erin Condren Sherpa Throw blanket with all of you. Erin Condren is my favorite place to purchase planners, and the company has expanded to offer more products for the home including art prints, accent pillows, and throw blankets. I decided to purchase the Sherpa Throw in the design Floral Ink, because I absolutely love blankets and needed a new one for this past winter season. Now that I’ve used the blanket for a few months, I’m ready to share my full review!

The Sherpa Throw currently comes in 15 different designs. I purchased the Floral Ink pattern because I love the color scheme and gorgeous florals. The throw is also available in two sizes: 50″ x 60″ at $55.00 and 60″ x 80″ at $75.00 I went with the smaller size blanket, and it appears to be the average throw blanket size. In the photo above, the blanket is folded in half and draped over a couch. The product is 100% polyester, and is machine washable and dryable.

*The difference in blanket color is due to the lighting in each photograph. The blanket did not change color after being washed.*

The Sherpa Throw shipped to me from a third-party, and separate from the other Erin Condren products I ordered at the same time. I was disappointed that I did not receive a tracking number for the blanket, but it arrived quickly and in perfect condition. The blanket was beyond luxurious when it first arrived. I loved how soft and fluffy the underside of the blanket was, and the top felt so velvety and smooth to the touch. The Sherpa Throw is also really warm and cozy – just what I wanted for the cold winter months! Unfortunately, I did notice a big change in the blanket after washing it. Despite following the washing instructions exactly, the once-fluffy underside became matted after its first wash, and a bit more matted after its second. The top also lost its velvety smooth feeling. While the blanket is still in great condition and extremely warm and comfortable, I am disappointed that it lost all of its fluffy texture. Nonetheless, I still think the Sherpa Throw is beautiful, and I will happily continue using it.

All in all, I think the Erin Condren Sherpa Throw is a great product, but I do think the price tag is too high when I think about the comparable products that can be purchased at stores like Marshalls and Target for more affordable prices. Of course, I also think it is disappointing that the texture of the blanket changes so much after each washing. In the end, I do recommend this product if you are able to afford the price, or if you get it during a sale. I still really love my Floral Ink throw, and I would consider purchasing more in the future if I wanted a specific design for a room in my home.

Save $10 off your first Erin Condren purchase by using my referral link HERE.

Erin Condren Life Planner Monthly Color Comparison 2016 vs 2017 | #PlanWithPolishland

Posted on July 16, 2016July 7, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I’m here with a quick #PlanWithPolishland blog post to share a color comparison between the 2016 and 2017 Erin Condren Life Planners. I purchased the Horizontal Life Planner for both 2016 and 2017, and I noticed that the colors in the planners are the same, just in a different order. I thought this information would be really helpful for all of you who, like me, purchase stickers in the monthly colors. That way you can easily figure out which stickers from last year go with the 2017 planner! First I will show you the planners side-by-side in video form, and then provide you with a shareable graphic. If you would like to learn more about the 2017 Erin Condren Life Planner, you can see my unboxing and review HERE.

As you can see in the video, the 2017 monthly colors are the same as the 2016 colors, with a very minor change on the Monthly Calendar. This is the case if you own the 2016 Horizontal or Hourly planner, but not the Vertical planner. While all of the new 2017 Life Planners in the Watercolor color scheme share the same color palette, the old Vertical planners had different colors. Thus, only the colors in the 2016 Horizontal and Hourly match with the new 2017 color scheme.

I created this graphic so you can have an easy-to-use list of the matching colors. Feel free to share it on Pinterest or social media, or print out a copy to keep in your planner! You can also place this in your sticker collection as a cheat sheet if needed!

That wraps up today’s #PlanWithPolishland blog post! I hope you found it helpful if you purchased the new 2017 Erin Condren Life Planner in the Watercolor color scheme. I know many sticker shops put their monthly colors on sale at the end of every month, so take advantage of the affordable pricing and stock up on stickers for next year. Of course, if you are a new Erin Condren shopper, please use my referral link HERE to save $10 off your first purchase! Let me know in the comments what you think of the Erin Condren color scheme – do you love it, or do you prefer the neutral (black and white) planner? I would love to hear your thoughts!

June Lifestyle Favorites!

Posted on July 5, 2016June 30, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! July is here, and it is time to share my June favorites with all of you. This year is just flying by for me, and I can’t believe we are done with June already. I only have a few favorites to share with you this month. I haven’t been trying many new beauty products, but I do have some lifestyle loves to share. Without further ado, let me jump right into my June favorites!

MAKEUP

NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Taupe [BUY]

I’ve been wanting to try this brow pencil for a long time, and finally picked it up during a CVS sale. I typically use brow powder, but I thought a pencil would be perfect for days where I want to get my makeup done quickly. Ever since I tried this NYX pencil, I’ve only used brow powder twice! This pencil is natural looking, but still fills in sparse brows really well. I highly recommend it.

Physicans Formula Organic Wear CC Cream in Light [BUY]

I also wanted a lighter foundation option for summer. I love wearing a CC cream during the warmer months because it acts like a sunscreen and moisturizer in one. I’m very impressed with this one from Physicians Formula. It is a medium coverage, and it wears really well throughout the day. I plan on doing a full review of this CC cream later on in the month so you can see it in action.

FOOD

Eureka! Seeds the Day Organic Bread

I’ve been changing up my diet big time this month by trying to eat more whole foods and healthier options. I found this bread at the grocery store, and it is so delicious and nutritious! Not only is it organic and vegan, but it contains 9 grams of protein in just one slice. I love it for sandwiches and for toast. It’s a bit more expensive, but I immediately froze about 1/3 of the loaf so I could make it last.

APP

CRON-O-meter [BUY]

I rarely purchase apps, but I decided to swing for CRON-O-meter after hearing so many great things about it. This app helps you see if you are reaching your daily nutrient needs. You can scan the barcodes of prepackaged foods, or simply search for things like produce. Then you can see your daily total adding up! While CRON-O-meter is not 100% accurate, it is still very helpful. I’ve been balancing my meals a lot better now that I have a visual representation of the nutrients I need. It’s worth the $2.99 price tag.

PURCHASE

2017 Erin Condren Life Planner [BLOG] [BUY]

I am beyond in love with the new Erin Condren Life Planner line for 2017! I purchased my planner early and I’ve been using it for Listers Gotta List. It will transition into my full planner in January, but I’m glad I purchased it now. You can learn all about it in the blog post linked above, and I highly recommend splurging on one.

That wraps up my very quick June favorites! As always, please let me know in the comments what your favorites are. I love getting recommendations from all of you! If there is a product you would like me to review in the future, you can also let me know that as well. Here’s to a great July!

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

2017 Erin Condren Life Planner Unboxing & Review | #PlanWithPolishland

Posted on June 25, 2016June 25, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I am beyond excited to share with you my purchases from the 2017 Erin Condren Life Planner Launch. I can’t believe it’s now been an entire year that I’ve been using my current Life Planner. It really has made my life better in so many ways – I’m more organized than ever before, but I also truly enjoy the creative outlet that planning is for me. While I don’t need a new planner until 2017 begins, I wanted to join in on Erin Condren’s Launch Day and purchase my new planner right away. In this blog post I will share an unboxing of the goodies I purchased on Launch Day, and share my thoughts on the launch and the updated planners.

UNBOXING

I filmed an unboxing video for my YouTube Channel, which is included in this post so you can see me open the box and show you the products “in person.” If you aren’t subscribed to my channel yet, please do so HERE! I post planner videos every Tuesday and Saturday, and sometimes on bonus days, too. If you love Plan With Mes, sticker hauls, and other organizational DIY videos, definitely subscribe (it’s free!).

Here are photos of everything I received so you can get a closer look. I will include direct links to each product on Erin Condren’s website, but if you are new, please use my referral link HERE. Not only will you save $10 off your first Erin Condren purchase, but I earn a $10 reward as well. I really appreciate it when you support me in that way!

Freebies – VIP Cover, Postcard, Sticker

Erin Condren always includes a free postcard and sticker with every order. This is a great way to spread the positive messages Erin Condren supports with your friends and family. Plus, who doesn’t like a freebie, even if its small? This year Erin Condren did something really special. There was an opportunity to sign up for a VIP list for free a few months ago. VIPs receive emails with sneak peeks about new products, but we also got a free, metallic cover with our launch purchases! This is a $10.00 value, and very much appreciated. I don’t know if you can join the VIP list at this point in time, but here is a detailed look at the cover.

Here is what the front and back of the VIP cover looks like. It is a beautiful blue with metallic blue foil. I did want to mention that my cover came punched, but not cut. I easily took some scissors to cut it myself. Since this cover was free and the issue easily fixable, I did not feel the need to contact customer service. The inside covers are brand new with this launch, and are now formatted to act as dry-erase lists. Erin Condren now sells some wet erase markers, but I plan on using a regular Sharpie. You can learn how to erase Sharpie in THIS quick YouTube video.

Moving onto the products I purchased, I decided to get two accessories. First, I picked up the Rose Gold Metallic Snap-In Dashboard (LINK) because I wanted my order to total $100 so I could get free shipping. It was either pay $10 for shipping, or $5 for a dashboard. It was a no-brainer to get the dashboard! I also purchased the new Designer Sticker Book in the Classic Collection Edition 2 (LINK). I’ve really enjoyed the Erin Condren sticker books I’ve purchased in the past, and this one is even prettier than the older ones! You can see photos of each and every page in the sticker book on my Facebook Page HERE.

Now it’s time to talk about the Life Planner! This year Erin Condren is doing something quite different. Instead of buying a planner that is already put together, you build your own planner. You get to choose the coil color (Platinum, Gold, Rose Gold, or Black), the layout (Vertical, Horizontal, or Hourly), the color scheme (Neutral or Watercolor), the cover, and any cover personalization. While I really like the ability to create the perfect planner for me, the planner got more expensive than ever due to certain customizations being considered ‘upgrades.’ I’ll talk more about that in a minute. The cover I chose is called the In Bloom Metallic (LINK), and on the left you can see the new Plan for It Pouch that comes with each planner.

Here is a look at the Plan for It Pouch and the goodies you’ll find in it. In the past, the pouch used to be attached to the Life Planner in the back. Now you can choose where to put it, or even if you want to put it in your planner. I’m not going to use the pouch, as it bulks up my planner and I don’t use it anyway. Included is a Coil Clip, 3 Compliment Cards, 2 20% off coupons, and a sample sticker book. I love that we get some goodies with every Life Planner!

Let’s talk about my new Life Planner in more detail! I’ll share how I built my planner, and any coordinating prices.

Life Planner – $50
Rose Gold Coil – $10
Rose Gold Cover – $10
Personalized Cover – $5
Horizontal Layout – n/a
Colorful Color Scheme – n/a
6 Months of 2016 – $5

TOTAL: $80

If you’ve been following my #PlanWithPolishland posts since last year, you’ll know this is $5 more than I spent on my first Life Planner. The price increase is due to the $5 cost for personalization. I find this charge completely unnecessary, because personalized metallic covers are sold separately for $10 total. I don’t understand why I need to pay $5 extra for personalization when it comes on a planner, and not on its own. I did decide to get the personalization because it’s what I wanted, but I did want to point out my disappointment with this charge in particular. I am otherwise very happy with the added options for the Life Planner this year.

I want to show you a quick example of my Life Planner. Here is what a month looks like! This is January.

Each month you get a Notes Page and a Quote Page in the monthly colors.

That is followed by the Monthly Calendar.

Finally, here is what the Weekly Pages look like. It is very similar to last year’s Horizontal, but features the watercolor effect instead of the geometric print at the top of the page. I am loving it!

MY THOUGHTS ON LAUNCH DAY

I wanted to close out this blog post with my thoughts on Launch Day and my experience. I am very thankful that my Launch Day, June 1, was very successful. I logged into my Erin Condren account early, and had my order submitted two minutes before the official launch even began. I know there were a lot of technological issues on Launch Day, but I can only speak to my own personal experience. I had zero issues while ordering and received my confirmation email immediately after placing my order.

My order shipped on June 16, which was five days before my estimated ship time of June 21. I was a bit frustrated that people who placed orders days after me, and even weeks after me, got their orders before I did. I know I was one of the first to order, so it doesn’t make any sense why people who ordered so long after me received their packages before me. I don’t know what was going on at Erin Condren, but it felt like they were using a ‘last in, first out’ method instead of ‘first in, first out,’ when it came to shipping orders. Nonetheless, I can’t (and won’t!) complain too much because my order shipped out on time, and I received it in time for the start of the planner (June 27th).

The only issue I had with my Launch Day order was very miniscule. My tracking number never updated, and for five business days read “Order Processed” only. This means that the shipping label was created, but UPS never received the package. I emailed Erin Condren’s customer service team to find out what was going on, and it turns out I was given an incorrect tracking number. Not only was my email responded to in just over two hours, but the representative was very polite and helpful.

My order arrived on June 23, and everything was just perfect besides the little mistake with my VIP cover. I am beyond pleased with my Launch Day experience! I know that there were a lot of hiccups on launch day, and that many orders arrived damaged or with multiple errors. Again, I can only share my personal Erin Condren experience, and I am very happy to report that everything went quite smoothly for me this year! That is why I continue to purchase from and recommend Erin Condren. The products are amazing quality, and I think the customer service is great. Any issues I’ve ever had were always resolved in a timely manner.

THANK YOU FOR READING!

That brings us to the end of this very long and detailed blog post! I hope you found this post helpful if you are considering an Erin Condren Life Planner. If you have any #PlanWithPolishland blog post or video requests, feel free to leave them in the comments of this post. I am so excited to use my new goodies!

Please share your thoughts on Erin Condren’s 2017 Launch Day with me in the comments! Did it go smoothly for you? Did you experience any issues? Let me know!

January 2016 Favorites | Skincare, Hobbies, & More!

Posted on February 2, 2016January 30, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

January Favorites | Skincare, Hobbies, & More!

Happy Tuesday! I can’t believe the first month of 2016 has already come to a close. January was a good month for me, and one that was completely outside of normal. I was traveling for a week during the month, and unfortunately came down with a bad cold for a couple weeks. You will be able to see how that really impacted my favorites this month, so let’s go ahead and jump right into the post!

SKINCARE

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy [HAUL] [BUY]

I recently purchased a travel kit from First Aid Beauty because I knew it would come in handy on my vacation. When I came down with a cold during the trip, this lip balm was my absolute savior! My lips were already dry in the Los Angeles climate, but with my cold I really needed the added moisture. I am beyond in love with this lip balm. It is truly hydrating, and very healing.

HAIR CARE

L'Oreal Blow Dry It Heat Protectant

L’Oreal Blow Dry It Quick Dry Primer Spray [BUY]

I ran out of heat protectant, so I picked up this one because it was super affordable at CVS and I had a coupon. I’m so glad I got it! My first impression was that it smelled great, and then I noticed how nice my hair looks and feels after using it. My thin and dull hair becomes shiny and smooth, but it’s not greasy or weighed down at all! Talk about a win-win!

TRAVEL NECESSITY

Kleenex Slim Pack

Kleenex Slim Pack [BUY]

This might be a random favorite, but I really appreciate these Slim Packs from Kleenex! I always keep tissues in my purse, and I really needed them this month. The Slim Packs are awesome because they don’t bulk up your purse and because the tissues inside are well protected. I never have to throw out any of the tissues because they got dirty! Plus, I refilled this several times to get more bang for my buck.

STATIONARY

Erin Condren Jot Your Thought Journals [BUY]

You all know I love my Erin Condren Life Planner, and I recently fell for the brand’s journals as well. The Jot Your Thought Journals are cute, little notebooks. I use one as a book journal and one as a blog journal. The covers are really sturdy, the pages are thick and strong, and the designs are nice, too. I also think they are very affordable – you can get a trio for just $15! I gave some as Christmas gifts and bought some for myself.

FASHION

Madden Girl Ruxben Booties [BUY]

It was really hard for me to find boots this year, and I finally decided to just get some booties. I found these super cute booties at my local DSW. They are very warm and really comfortable. I love the little knit portion around the ankle, and the fold-over detail. If you’re a wide calf girl struggling to find boots, give these a try!

HOBBY

Reading

Follow My Bookstagram HERE

I’ve been a bookworm since I started reading, but this past month I read seven books! There is something about winter that just makes me want to cozy up with a book. I read quite a wide array of books this month, too – adult, young adult, and new adult, fiction and nonfiction, science fiction, contemporary, romance, and mystery! Wow! Let me know if you’ve read any of the books pictured and your thoughts in the comments! Of course, I have (or will have) a full, non-spoiler review of each book on this blog in the Books section HERE.

LIFE

Family Time

Last but not least, I have to mention the special family time I enjoyed this month! My trip to LA was to visit family, and I got to see my nephew in person for the first time in over a year! Even though I speak with him on FaceTime regularly, there is something very special about hugging him and playing with him in person. The picture above shows us in the car – he loves to rest his little foot on my arm when I’m sitting with him in the back seat! Being an aunt is the best!

That brings us to the end of my January 2016 favorites! I hope you enjoyed reading about all my loves this month. As always, please feel free to share your favorites in the comments. I would love to know what products you’ve discovered, what hobbies you’re enjoying, or anything else going on in your life. You can also use the hashtag #PolishlandFaves on social media to share photos with me!

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

New Year’s Resolutions & Goals for 2016!

Posted on December 31, 2015December 29, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday, and Happy New Year’s Eve! Today I thought I would share some of my New Year’s Resolutions and Goals for 2016. These resolutions are ongoing lifestyle changes, some of which are serious and others are just for fun. I also like to set a few specific goals to motivate myself to complete certain challenges. I’ve put together five general resolutions to share with you today!

New Year's Resolutions & Goals for 2016! | Adventures in Polishland

1. Paint My Nails More Often and Try More Nail Art!

Holiday Lace Nail Art | Adventures in Polishland

You might be surprised to find out that for the past couple years I haven’t been painting my nails on a regular basis! While I swatch a lot of nail polishes for my blog, I only wear polish about once every 1-2 months. That is so crazy, especially considering how much I love polish and how much polish I own. I want to try to paint my nails at least once or twice per month. I also would love to try out more nail art techniques to share with all of you!

2. Nail Down a Skincare Routine

The Body Shop Haul Skincare, Scrubs, & More! I am so bad when it comes to taking care of my skin! One of my recurring makeup bad habits is not taking off my makeup before bed. I know, it’s terrible! This year I want to make sure I go through an entire skincare routine both morning and evening. That way I can put my best face forward!

3. Focus on My Overall Health

Beachbody Piyo Review | My Current Fitness Routine It’s a cliche New Year’s Resolution, but I definitely want to focus on my overall health more than ever. For me, this includes taking the daily vitamins recommend by my doctor, exercising on a regular basis, and eating better foods. As you may know, I am a vegetarian, and this year I want to truly embrace my vegetarianism by focusing more on produce and less on grains and dairy. I don’t aim to go vegan right now, but I know that putting good foods into my body will make me feel a lot better. To go along with this, I want to continue trying new recipes on a regular basis!

4. Organize My Life – Budget, Space, and More!

Erin Condren Ready to Ship Rose Gold Horiztonal | #PlanWithPolishland

Despite loving the idea of being super organized, I can easily be a messy person both when it comes to the physical space I inhabit, and the systems I have in place for the different aspects of my life. I’ve been using my Erin Condren Life Planner for the past six months now, and I’m slowly becoming more on top of my game. I want to continue to create workable systems in my life. That means keeping on track of my finances, having a cleaning schedule, and all of that fun stuff. I look forward to sharing more on this with you in future posts!

5. Read 40 Books

Christmas Book Haul | Adventures in Polishland Last but not least, I always set a reading goal on the website Goodreads. This past year I was able to read 50 books, and I’m setting my goal at 40 for 2016 so I don’t put pressure on myself. I also want to make an effort to read longer books, so I should have a nice cushion with a goal of 40. Here are the books I received for Christmas this past year. I’m so excited to get to them all!

That wraps up my New Year’s Resolutions for 2016! Please share your resolutions with me in the comments so we can cheer for each other. After a difficult 2015, I’m so excited for the future and what is ahead for me. Have a wonderful and safe New Year’s Eve, and don’t forget to enter my 4th Annual New Year’s Eve Manicure Contest – details HERE!

How to Use Finished Coloring Pages | DIY Holiday Projects

Posted on December 12, 2015December 5, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I’m exciting to share with you some very simple DIY projects that are especially relevant during the holiday season. Adult coloring books are super on trend this year, and I decided to purchase the Erin Condren Coloring Book & Sketch Pad to join the party. As I was coloring one day, I thought about how I would use the coloring pages once I finished them. I didn’t want to just recycle them, so I got creative and thought of some uses for them. In this blog post I have some holiday themed DIY projects, and in the future I’ll be sharing even more ways you can use coloring pages. Let me jump right in and show you the projects I recommend!

Wrapping Paper

How to Use Finished Coloring Pages | DIY Holiday Projects

A really easy way to use your coloring pages is for wrapping paper! I’ve always felt a little guilty about all the wrapping paper I use during the holiday season. It’s so wasteful to just buy paper, wrap a gift, and throw out the paper afterwards. Now I can create my own wrapping paper! Not only does it look really cute, but it gives my paper another life. Coloring pages are the perfect size for stocking stuffers and other small gifts. Feel free to dress it up with bows, tags, or twine!

Christmas Tree Ornament

There are so many cute ornaments that you can create out of paper! I decided to go with the classic bauble shape. All you need for this ornament is a small brad, some glue, and a piece of ribbon. Cut the paper into half-inch strips (I used five), and punch a small hole in both ends. Secure the ends together in a loop shape with a brad and spread out the loops. Finally, use a dot of glue to secure the ribbon on top. Voila! You have an ornament!

Wall Art

Coloring pages make awesome wall art, and a great holiday gift! Pop your page into a frame and you’ve got a great gift item that’s made from the heart. I used a small frame from Birchbox to showcase the leftovers from my ornament project, and a larger black frame to house a quote. Wall art makes a perfect gift for your friends at the office, as it dresses up any cubicle, and it also makes a nice hostess gift. This is also a great way to gift your child’s art!

Writing Paper

Last but not least, coloring pages make excellent writing paper! It’s the perfect time of year to send a note to a loved one to check in and say hello. Your friends and family will enjoy that you took the time to not only write to them, but to color in a page, too. Of course, you can do this all year round!

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the ways I’m using finished coloring pages this holiday season! It’s great to have a relaxing hobby that can turn into something functional, too. If you recreate any of these projects, make sure to use the hashtag #PlanWithPolishland on social media so I can see your posts!

Erin Condren Gift Guide | 10 Presents for Planner Lovers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Erin Condren Designer Sticker Book – $15 [BUY]

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

Erin Condren Polaroid Zip Bundle – $149 [BUY]

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

Erin Condren Notepad – $15 [BUY]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Erin Condren Gift Card – [BUY]

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

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

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

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

Pipsticks Sticker Subscription | Unboxing + Coupon Code

Posted on September 12, 2015September 2, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I am excited to share with you a new sticker subscription service called Pipsticks. This service sends a bundle of stickers and other stationary supplies to your door every month for just $15. As you may know, I absolutely love to decorate my Erin Condren Life Planner with stickers. Plus, I like to send out snail my to my family and friends, and I always include some stickers on the envelope. I reached out to Pipsticks and the brand graciously sent me a welcome kit to review, and is also providing a coupon code for all of you! Let me show you what to expect in a Pipsticks Subscription!

ABOUT PIPSTICKS

Pipsticks is a monthly sticker subscription with three different plans. The Kids Club and Pro Club (for adults) are each $15, and the Family Club is $35, and includes three times the amount of goodies as the Kids Club. I got a Pro Club kit to review, which comes with at least 15 sticker sheets, a quote card, a stamped postcard, and other goodies. The stickers are curated from all over the world, and I love that Pipsticks does not include character stickers. In other words, you won’t receive Disney stickers or Minion stickers. I think that is a really smart business move, because you always know that Pipsticks is including unique stickers!

UNBOXING

Let’s take another look at everything inside my Pipsticks subscription! I’ll talk a bit more about what I’m loving, what I’m not sure about, and how I plan on using the stickers. First are the stationary products: the quote card, stamped postcard, and vintage inspired postcard. I love how versatile these items are, and I think it’s amazing that the postcard comes in every kit. That way you can design a new postcard every month, and send it to a different family member or friend!

Next up are the vintage inspired stickers. I absolutely love these two sheets! Each one would be great for a weekly planner layout in my Erin Condren. I am already envisioning the washi tape and color palette I would use! The quality on all of the stickers in this kit is beyond excellent as well.

The next batch of stickers I would label fun and trendy. I’m not really loving the sheet of faces on the left, but I think the emoticons and popsicles are awesome! In addition, the Polaroid Deco Stickers are great for decorating photos, coloring in, and more. I really like how Pipsticks has such a variety!

Speaking of variety, I think these kawaii stickers are beyond cute! The full sheet will work really well in my planner, and the ‘Don’t Forget’ sticker is perfect! I’m not sure how to use the little faces yet, but they are great for journaling or scrapbooks. While I don’t use 3-D stickers often, I’m excited to discover a new creative way to do so!

Of course, the kit also includes some functional stickers, which are some of my favorites. I would love to see Pipsticks include more functional stickers in the future, but the ones I received are definitely great. The stars are perfect for highlighting important events, and the small ones can be used as bullet points. I know I’ll be using all of these in my planner!

Last but not least are these little samples of Russian nesting dolls! I love these, too! They are so cute and colorful. I use small stickers of this size to seal envelopes all the time. The little bear is especially adorable.

FINAL THOUGHTS & COUPON CODE

All in all, I’m really impressed with Pipsticks and I think it is a great value for the money. If you love stickers and stationary, this is an affordable way to receive a bunch of goodies in the mail every month. Many Etsy shops put out monthly subscriptions or kits for the same price, but you receive a lot less stickers. With Pipsticks you are still supporting a small business, but you are getting a better value. Of course, I still love Etsy shops, but if you are really on a tight budget, I think this is a great option. Pipsticks is also providing all of you with a 15% off coupon code! Use code POLISH15 at checkout. If you’re in the United Stated, shipping is included, but international subscribers will need to pay an additional shipping fee. Nonetheless, I hope you will consider trying out Pipsticks! I think it’s a ton of fun!

FIND PIPSTICKS

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