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Dollar Tree DIY | Easy Halloween Wreath

Posted on September 8, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Halloween is just around the corner, and today I am excited to share with you a fabulous and affordable DIY project that will help you celebrate the holiday in style. I recently stopped by my local Dollar Tree store and found everything I needed to put together a cute Halloween wreath. This DIY is easy and quick, but the finished product looks stunning. Plus, since all the supplies you need are at the Dollar Tree, this wreath only costs $6.00 to complete. Let me share with you how to create this spooktacular wreath!

I am not sponsored by or affiliated with Dollar Tree. I simply love shopping at the store and want to share this DIY with you!

WHAT YOU NEED:

Floral Garden Metal Wreath Ring (14″ inch wreath form)
4 Rolls Crafter’s Square Decorative Mesh (20 yards of mesh total)
Decorative Spiders
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks (not pictured)

I found the wreath form in the floral aisle of Dollar Tree, and the decorative mesh in the front of the store with the Halloween items. The mesh comes in black, orange, and purple. I went with two rolls of black and two rolls of orange. I decided to purchase a pack of purple spiders to add to my wreath, but you can grab any decoration of your choice. I went with purple so the spiders would stand out against the black and orange wreath. The one supply I did not purchase at Dollar Tree is a hot glue gun that I used to attach the spiders to the wreath. If you do not have a hot glue gun at home, you can purchase super glue from Dollar Tree to complete the project.

Now it’s time to begin the wreath! I followed THIS YouTube tutorial created by Paige Nicole. She demonstrates how to weave the decorative mesh through the wreath form to create the wreath. This process is very simple, but it does take some time. Set aside 20-30 minutes to complete the wreath. The decorative mesh can be a bit tricky to work with since it sticks to itself, but be patient and take your time during this weaving process. You can always unravel the wreath and start over if you make a mistake! As a guide, I made 5-6 loops in each section of the wreath form to achieve the fullness I liked.

The second and final step is attaching your decorative items to the wreath. I used a hot glue gun to glue my spiders onto the mesh. I planned out where I wanted the spiders to go, and simply glued them onto the wreath. I recommend getting lightweight decorations so they do not weigh down the mesh. As mentioned above, you can also purchase super glue at Dollar Tree if you don’t have a hot glue gun. Once the glue is dry, your wreath is complete! The wreath hangs very easily as well – simply place the top rung of the metal wreath form over a hook.

I am amazed at how easy this Halloween wreath is to make, yet it looks so expensive! In fact, similar wreaths sell on Etsy for $30.00-$50.00, and ours only cost $6.00 to make! This is a great gift to give during the Halloween season, and you can adapt this tutorial for any holiday by using different colored mesh and decorations. I’m so excited to hang this on the front door once October hits!

If you make this wreath, please tag me on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook so I can see it!

Want more Dollar Tree DIY projects? Let me know in the comments!

My KonMari Journey | Clothing Declutter + Reorganization

Posted on August 23, 2017August 17, 2017 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to begin a new series here on my blog all about my journey implementing the KonMari method in my life. You may have heard of the famous book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. I recently read its companion book, Spark Joy, in which Marie breaks down her KonMari method and explains step-by-step how to tidy your home. I absolutely fell in love with this book, and I knew I had to begin implementing her method right away. In today’s first post about my KonMari journey, I will quickly share about my decluttering history, and then my process trying the KonMari method for the first time with my clothing.

If you’ve been following my blog for some time, you’ll know that I’ve been simplifying my life for the past two-three years. I’ve spent a lot of time decluttering my belongings, and I’ve shared the process with you when it came to makeup and nail polish. I cannot tell you how many bags of clothing, household goods, books, and more I’ve donated over the past couple years, but I somehow still have more stuff than I need or want. I think this is mainly due to merging all of my college and law school things with everything that I left at my parents house when I moved to school. I will admit that I’ve been a pack rat all my life, finding a lot of meaning in what I deem to be sentimental items. After getting rid of so many belongings on my own, I was ready to read Spark Joy by Marie Kondo and adopt her tidying process. I knew it would give me that final push I needed for all of those items to which I have emotional attachment.

You can learn more about the KonMari method by reading one of her books, but, in essence, it focuses on only keeping items that bring you joy. I absolutely love this tidying method, as there is no room to rationalize about whether or not I need to keep an item. If it doesn’t bring me joy in some way, it needs to go. I’ve decided to follow the KonMari method as closely as I can to see if it can work for me. I know there are many opinions about this method ranging from extremely positive to extremely negative. I see a lot of value in the KonMari method, and am sharing this personal journey with you in hopes that it will inspire you to rethink how you declutter and organize your home as well.

Marie Kondo lays out a specific guide to decluttering, and it begins with clothing. The KonMari method requires you to gather each and every item in a category from everywhere in your home and place it in a giant pile. You then hold every item individually and decide whether or not it sparks joy. I know this might sound a bit ridiculous, but I soon got the hang of it! My first eye-opening experience was looking at my giant clothing pile. I put my clothes on my full size bed, using a spare sheet as a drop cloth. Woah! My pile was HUGE! I did not expect it to be so large, as I think I operate on quite a limited wardrobe. Of course, this pile includes all of my clothing, from socks and underwear, to jeans and tops, to jackets, and so on. Still, I did not anticipate having such a huge pile through which to sift!

Overall, I found the sorting process quite easy. Because I’ve been regularly donating clothes, what was left in my wardrobe were mainly items that sparked joy. I didn’t get rid of too much, but I was able to fill a kitchen sized garbage bag with clothing to donate, create a small pile of clothes I want to sell, and a decent size pile of things to put in the garbage. I like to sell name brand clothing that is in excellent condition on the website ThredUp. While I would ultimately like to donate all the rest, some of my clothing was quite old and damaged. For instance, the t-shirt sitting on the top of the pile is so worn with age there are several holes in the back, and the design is washed out almost completely. Needless to say, those items no longer brought me joy!

Here is a look at everything I kept. While I was, at first, a bit disappointed that I did not get rid of more, I had to remind myself that the quantity of the items does not matter so long as they all bring me joy. I did keep a pair of jeans from Target that I eventually want to replace, so I made a note of that in my planner. I highly recommend keeping a notebook handy so you can record when there is an item you want to repurchase or upgrade in the near future when you have the money.

My next step was to fold and store my clothing using the KonMari folding method. Marie recommends folding as many clothes as you can, and provides detailed instructions on how to achieve the desired result. I admit that it took me quite a while to fold all my clothes, and I often had to refold items before getting the hang of this new-to-me method. That being said, I am beyond thrilled with the result! Not only can I fit a lot more clothes into my drawers, but they are easy to see and access. The above photograph shows my top drawer filled with camisoles, everyday t-shirts, and sweaters. I’m so in love with the look of the drawers, and now that I’ve used this storage method for a little while, I’m happy to say they are also functional and easy to use.

Everything that cannot be easily folded, such as coats, dresses, professional clothing, and fluttery tops, hangs in the closet. Following Marie’s recommendation, I grouped items by category, faced them to the right, and went from long to short. This is completely different from how I used to organize my closet, but I’m really enjoying the result. I got used to this change in just a few days.

The entire process of tidying and storing my clothes took me four hours and ten minutes. I did this on a Sunday and did take breaks! While I was quite tired at the end of the day, I felt very accomplished. Not only did my drawers and closet look amazing, but I already felt more joyful. I definitely think the state of our surroundings impacts our mood, and after completing the first step in my KonMari tidying campaign, I felt awesome.

I hope you enjoyed this first blog post in my new series documenting my KonMari journey with all of you! I will be posting about my tidying campaign every Wednesday on this blog, so make sure to follow so you will see all of my updates! Next week will cover clothing accessories, such as bags, jewelry, scarves, etc. Please let me know in the comments how you liked this blog post, and if there is anything you want me to mention about the KonMari method in my next post.

Buy Spark Joy by Mari Kondo on Amazon HERE to learn more about the KonMari method.

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

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.

The Best Delicates Laundry Wash Bags | Review + Coupon Code + Giveaway

Posted on August 20, 2015August 20, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Welcome to one of my first lifestyle posts as part of the Adventures in Polishland relaunch (more information on that HERE). Today I have a review of some laundry bags from the brand HaveSome Goods. I’ve been wanting to get some wash bags for delicate items because a lot of my items were getting damaged in the washing machine. Of course, I could hand wash everything, but who has the time for that?! I was so excited when I got the opportunity to review the aptly titled The Best Delicates Laundry Wash Bags. Let me show you how they work, and share my experience with them! Plus, stay tuned to the end of the post for a giveaway!

ABOUT THE PRODUCT & MY EXPERIENCE

The Best Delicates Laundry Wash Bags come in a set of three bags in the sizes small, medium, and large. The mesh fabric is designed to be strong yet soft, and can be put in both the washing machine and dryer. I really like the bright colors on the zippers, as it adds a pop of color to the bag that is purely decorative, but makes the bags a bit more fun to use. I decided to put all three to the test in one load of laundry right from the start!

There are two things that I absolutely love about these wash bags. First, the mesh fabric is thick enough to not snag in the washing machine, and I know it will hold up for many washes. At the same time, it allows for the soap and water to still pass through freely so your clothing will be thoroughly washed. My items came out smelling just as fresh and clean as always, and the bags held up perfectly through the washing and drying process.In addition, I also love the elastic band detail around the zipper closure. It allows you to hide the zipper so that it is not clanging around in the washer and dryer. It is a small detail, but one that is pure genius. Not only will you not hear that annoying clanging noise, but the zipper will not get caught on anything else in the laundry. I’m really impressed!

Finally, I wanted to mention how much you can fit in these bags! I placed two bras in the small bag, and there was definitely room for one more. I put two delicate blouses in the medium bag, and at least one or two more could fit in there as well. Lastly, I put one of my big cozy sweaters in the large bag. The large bag could hold more items for sure, but I wanted that sweater to go in alone because it has a tendency to snag easily. As you can see, these bags are perfect whether you’re doing just your laundry or your entire family’s!

WHERE TO BUY

All in all, I highly recommend The Best Delicates Laundry Wash Bags! I will be using these on a regular basis to care for my clothing from now on. You can buy this set of three wash bags on Amazon HERE for just $18.99! I think that is a fabulous price for bags that you can use again and again. In addition, HaveSome Goods offers a lifetime warranty, so you know this is an awesome product to invest in for the home. HaveSome is also offering a coupon code for all of you! Use FH8HR6YK at checkout to save 20%.

GIVEAWAY

HaveSome Goods is kindly sponsoring a giveaway! Enter to win one set of the wash bags using the Rafflecopter widget. Please read all of the Terms and Conditions in the widget before entering. This giveaway will be open for one week starting today.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is sponsored by HaveSome Goods. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Easy Canvas Prints Review & Giveaway!

Posted on June 28, 2013December 2, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I have a fun post that is anything but nail polish and makeup related. Instead, I’m sharing with you a product that will beautify your home! I was contacted by Easy Canvas Prints and was excited to hold this giveaway for all of you. Let me share more about how their website works, and what you could win!

Easy Canvas Prints is just what it sounds like — a website that lets you custom build a canvas print for your wall! The first step is choosing what size you want your canvas to be. I chose a 16″ x 20″ size for my photo, because I really want a nice size piece for my apartment. Next, it’s time to choose your image! Easy Canvas Prints makes it super easy to upload photos. You can upload any file from your computer, or choose from your Facebook or Instagram photos. I decided to go with a photo of NYC that I took from the top of the Empire State Building. I think this picture will look so cool on my wall!

After uploading your photo, the final steps are customizing your canvas. There are many options to choose from, such as how you want the canvas to be wrapped or if you would like the image in black and white. I decided to go with the standard options, as I love my photo as is! I cannot wait for my print to be made and sent to me. I will be sure to take a photo of it on Instagram to share with all of you once it arrives.

Now onto the giveaway! Easy Canvas Prints is giving one lucky reader a FREE 8″ x 10″ print, which normally retails for $44.71! Simply click on the link below that reads “a Rafflecopter giveaway” to enter, and don’t forget to head on over to Easy Canvas Prints in the meantime to check out the amazing prints they have to offer! This giveaway is open until July 10th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is sponsored by EasyCanvasPrints. I am not being paid to hold this giveaway or review their products. EasyCanvasPrints provided my canvas for review, and is providing the prize for the winner. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.