Jet Away June – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: Jet Away June

Jet Away June Wrap Up | It’s Time to Book Your Trip!

Posted on July 1, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Now that it’s July, Jet Away June has come to a close. I hope you all enjoyed the themed month! You can see all of my Jet Away June posts in one place by clicking on the Jet Away June category HERE. In June, I shared many of my own personal travel tips with all of you, so I thought it fitting that I wrap up the month by sharing the websites I like to use to book my trips.

MY FAVORITE AIRLINE

Flying can be very uncomfortable, especially if you don’t fly often. I’ve recently tried JetBlue for the first time, and it is now my go-to airline. Not only are the seats more comfortable than other planes, because you have extra legroom, but each passenger gets her own TV with several different channels to watch for free. Plus, you get free, unlimited snacks! How awesome is that?! JetBlue employees are also really nice. Like any airline, there have been some bad press about JetBlue in the news, but it’s honestly the best airline I’ve ever taken!

FINDING A CHEAP FLIGHT

My first step is always using Kayak to find a cheap flight. While JetBlue is definitely my personal favorite, I’m willing to fly on another airline if it is substantially cheaper. Kayak is a great tool that finds the most affordable flights from many airlines in one place. They also offer what is called “hacker” flights that combine flights from different airlines to save you even more money. I’ve neve purchased from Kayak directly, but I always use it to search before I shop.

THE PERFECT ONE-SHOP-STOP FOR BOOKING YOUR TRIP

If you’re looking for affordable flights, hotels, rental cars, and more, Orbitz is definitely a great option! You can book your flight and hotel separately, or pick a package deal. I used Orbitz for the first time a few months back and had a great experience. On top of the every day low prices, Orbitz also has a rewards program and they send out coupons all the time!

EARN CASH BACK

Finally, don’t forget to use Ebates when you book your trip online! Many websites, such as Orbitz, offer you cash back when you book your vacation. Flights and hotels can be very expensive, so every bit that you can save counts!

Well, that wraps up my Jet Away June month! I hope you enjoyed all of my posts and found them helpful. Let me know in the comments where you’ll be traveling this summer. I’d love to hear all about your trip!

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

Jet Away June | Caravan Stylist Studio in NYC

Posted on June 23, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today’s Jet Away June post is for all of you who will be traveling to New York City! As you may know, I live in NYC, but with the thousands of tourists that visit the city every day I figured some of you would be stopping by this summer. I recently had the opportunity to visit the Caravan Stylist Studio at the Carlton Hotel thanks to Cottonelle. This is definitely a great hidden gem in the city that you need to hear more about before visiting!

The Caravan Stylist Studio is an appointment-only hub where actors, musicians, bloggers, and guests of the Carlton Hotel can get a complete head-to-toe look done before an event. Caravan offers nail, makeup, and hair services, in addition to fashion styling. Of course, I couldn’t wait to get my nails done at the studio! Cottonelle sent me to the Summertime Lounge Event, so I could learn about Caravan, and I even got to meet fellow blogger Faith over at Sassy Ethnic Bohemian who was celebrating her one year blogiversary!

Caravan is sponsored by a number of brand partners that provide the products for the studio. If you visit Caravan, you’ll be able to learn more about all of the brands and the different products they offer. I loved learning about the brands, especially Kryolan makeup and the new ZipLoop app. Cottonelle also sponsors the Caravan’s bathroom, which is decorated with a cute shower curtain and a signature “Let’s Talk Bums” sign! The photo above is a sneak peek of all of the goodies at Caravan. The studio is set up beautifully, and I loved the welcoming atmosphere!

One brand that I already knew and loved is Zoya Nail Polish! I was so excited to find out that Zoya is the official nail polish brand of the Caravan Stylist Studio! I got my nails done with a neutral shade, but the studio is currently showing off the beautiful brights Zoya has to offer for summer. I want to give a huge shout-out to Valerie Star, who did my nails and told me all about Caravan. She was really nice, and showed me some of the amazing nail art that she does on her clients. If you stop by Caravan, she’ll be the one to see! I also got my makeup done, and loved the fresh-faced, natural look I got!

All in all, the Caravan Stylist Studio is a great place to visit during the summer months when it’s hot outside and you need to freshen up! Whether you need a head-to-toe look for an evening out, or simply want to get a new manicure done, Caravan is the place to be! The studio is open to bloggers, editors, celebrities, and other special guests. More information can be found on Caravan’s official website HERE. If you’re visiting NYC this summer, I highly recommend stopping by Caravan if you get the chance!

I was sent to Caravan by Cottonelle through the website Crowdtap. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Jet Away June | Airport Security 101

Posted on June 18, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! It’s time for another Jet Away June post! If you’re traveling via airplane this summer, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to go through airport security. For those who don’t travel very often, airport security can be a frightening unknown. There are what seems like endless rules to follow, and everyone dreads the long lines. I’m hoping that my post today will help ease your stress. I’ve come up with three simple steps to ensure you airport security success!

1. Know the Rules and Process

As I mentioned in my What’s in My “Liquids” Bag? post, the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) is the governmental agency in charge of airport security. Of course, the most important step for anyone to take before flying is to become familiar with the TSA website HERE. That’s where you can find the official rules. If you have any questions that this post leaves unanswered, definitely contact the TSA directly, as this post is just regarding my own personal tips and experiences. The TSA agents at the airport will also help you if you have any last minute questions. Just remember to be polite!

The process at security is simple. First, you show your ID and boarding pass to an agent. Then, you place your items into bins and onto the conveyer belt. This requires you to remove your shoes, take out your liquids bag, and remove your laptop from your carry-on (tablets and cell phones can remain in you bags). Next, an agent will direct you through the body scanner. Then you can retrieve your belongings. That’s it!

2. Plan Ahead

To make your visit at airport security as easy and painless as possible, have a plan. Here is what my plan is when I fly:

Have ID and Boarding Pass in Hand – As soon as I get to the airport, I take out my ID and Boarding Pass. The first checkpoint through security will look at both of these documents, so if you have them ready the process will move quickly.
Create an Order – Once your ID is checked, you usually only need to wait a few minutes before you start putting your belongings in the bins and on the conveyer belt. I plan the order in which I do things so I don’t scramble at the last minute: backpack/carry-on goes first, then a bin with my laptop and liquids bag, and finally a bin with my purse, shoes, and jacket.

Once your items are on the conveyer belt, a TSA agent will ask you to step through the body scanner. Then, all you need to do is retrieve your belongings and you’re done! Because you planned ahead, you’ll be able to grab your things and make room for the next person.

3. Be Patient

My last tip is simple – remain calm and be patient! Remember that the TSA agents are there to keep you safe, and will encounter thousands of passengers in a single day. If you have a question, ask politely and they will help you. If something goes wrong, which it shouldn’t, patience is key.

Always anticipate that the lines at airport security may be long. If you give yourself extra time, you’ll have no reason to panic. There are several factors that can affect how early you should arrive at the airport, such as time of day, time of year, and geographic location. I like to be at the airport about 1 hour and 30 minutes before my flight leaves. I would rather spend some extra time at the gate than miss my flight!

That’s it for my three simple tips to airport security! I hope you found them helpful. If you have any extra tips, please share them in the comments!

Jet Away June | My Go-To Airport Outfit

Posted on June 16, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! I’m back with another Jet Away June post! Today I thought I would share with you what I like to wear whenever I fly. Like most people, I don’t think one needs to look like a supermodel when traveling. With airport security and long hours stuck in a tiny airplane seat, comfort is definitely key. At the same time, I feel my best when I’m somewhat put together, so there are no pajamas and sweatpants for this girl! Let me go ahead and share my airport fashion tips with all of you!

SHOES

Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoe in Linen/Gold Camo [BUY]

Shoes are probably the most important part of your airport outfit! Because they need to be removed when going through security, I always wear something that easily slips on and off. Many people wear flip flops or sandals, but I hate the thought of my bare feet touching the airport floor, so I wear shoes that allow me to wear socks as well. I’m a huge Sperry fan. Not only are they super comfortable, but they come in many styles and colors. I wear mine to the airport with socks, and they take off my socks later.

Helpful Tip: If you’re traveling during winter, wear your boots on the plane. It will save you a lot of room in your suitcase!

PANTS

Delias Taylor Super Skinny Jeans [BUY]

Some people are most comfortable in yoga pants or leggings, but I love my jeans! I find jeans so comfortable, especially a good pair of skinnies. Plus, they are durable and can be worn multiple times during your trip. I love the Taylor style from Delias, but my other favorite stores to buy jeans are American Eagle and Express. I’m always scanning the sale racks for a great pair of Express jeans!

TOP

Delias Eat Sleep Blog Repeat Tee [BUY] Delias Open Cardigan [BUY]

When traveling, I always like to dress in layers. For my top, I like to wear a t-shirt with some sort of design on it. Whether it’s a graphic tee, or a comfortable blouse, I stick to short sleeves. Then, I always wear a cardigan in case I get cold. I find that airplanes are always chilly inside, so layers are a must. I own a few black cardigans, and always bring one with me since black goes with almost everything.

MY COMPLETE OUTFIT

WHAT I’M WEARING:

Sperry Top-Siders (same as linked above)
Express Jeans
Julie’s Closet Top
14th and Union Cardigan

Here I am in my go-to airport outfit! As you can see, it is very casual and comfortable, but I still feel put together. I chose a flowy top that isn’t constricting, and you may notice I’m not wearing any jewelry whatsoever. I find it best to leave the accessories in my luggage until I arrive at my destination so I don’t lose anything on the plane. Of course, if you wear a wedding ring or another piece of sentimental jewelry at all times you can choose to leave that on throughout your trip!

I hope you found this post helpful as you plan your next adventure! Of course, there is no wrong way to dress for the airplane, so if you are someone who does feel more comfortable in sweats and flip flops wear what makes you feel at ease. Let me know what you like to wear when traveling in the comments, or tag me in your photos on social media using the hashtag #JetAwayJune.

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

Jet Away June | What’s in My Travel Makeup Bag?

Posted on June 9, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! In today’s Jet Away June post I want to share with you what I pack in my travel makeup bag. Last week, I gave you a glimpse inside my liquids bag (see that post HERE), but now I’ll show you all the products I take with me that aren’t liquids.

The first step in packing your travel makeup bag is acquiring a bag! I’m currently using THIS ONE from C. Wonder, but you can of course use any makeup bags you may have. I do suggest getting a bag that is a nylon material so it is waterproof, and I find that a bag with some structure works well for packing. Forever 21 sells very affordable makeup bags, so that is a great place to look if you need to get one.

Here is a sneak peek into my makeup bag. As you can see, it holds a ton of stuff! You can use small bags to separate your makeup, hair tools, medicines, etc., but I like to throw everything into one.

MAKEUP

PRODUCTS:

Physician’s Formula Canyon Classics Eyeshadow Quad [BUY]
Chella Eyebrow Pencil in Dazzling Dark Brown [BUY]
elf Blush in Pink Passion [BUY]
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Just Beige
Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in Honey [BUY]
Maybelline FITme! Foundation in Classic Ivory [BUY]
Manna Kadar Concealer Trio in Warm Front [BUY]
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Light [BUY]

I keep my makeup even more basic than usual when I travel! Just pack what you need. If you’re going to a special event, grab your eyeliner, some bronzer, etc., but if you’re going on a beach vacation you’ll probably need less makeup than what I’m packing here. The trick is to pack cream and powder products instead of liquids. Besides, who wants to carry a glass bottle of foundation anyway?!

MAKEUP BRUSHES

PRODUCTS:

BeautyBlender [BUY]
CoverGirl Eyeshadow Brush
EcoTools Blush Brush [BUY]
Laura Geller Retractable Powder Brush [BUY]

I also bring only the makeup brushes that I absolutely need. A BeautyBlender will take care of your foundation and concealer easily! If you have retractable brushes, definitely bring those along with you. Otherwise, pack your brushes in a plastic bag to ensure they stay clean

Helpful Tip: Wash your brushes right before your trip so you don’t have to worry about bringing brush cleaner along with you!

HAIR

PRODUCTS:

Tangle Teezer Dupe
Yoga Hair Ties

Most of your hair products will go in your liquids bag, but don’t forget a brush, comb, and any hair accessories that you use. I only need some hair ties.

PERSONAL CARE

PRODUCTS:

Yes to Blueberries Cleansing Facial Towelettes [BUY]
Tissues
Noya Lip Balm in Cherry [BUY]
Disposable Razor [not pictured]
Toothbrush [not pictured]
Bonine [not pictured]

You know I love my makeup remover wipes, so I’m always sure to bring a travel size pack with me. You can easily find them in the travel section at any drugstore today. Definitely bring a razor as well – if it’s disposable you can just toss it at the end of your vacation.

Helpful Tip: If you get motion sickness, grab Bonine at your local drugstore. It’s a savior!

That’s everything in my travel makeup bag! I hope you found some inspiration from what I bring along with me when I travel. Of course, everything is customizable to your own preferences and lifestyle. Be sure to let me know what you keep in your travel makeup bag. Use the hashtag #JetAwayJune on social media to snap a photo and share it with me as well!

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

Jet Away June | Yi Kou Nail Wraps from Born Pretty Store

Posted on June 6, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Back in April, I tried Yi Kou Nail Wraps from Born Pretty Store for the first time (see that post HERE). I loved them so much that when I got the opportunity to review another pack, I jumped at the opportunity! I’m including this review during Jet Away June because nail wraps are the perfect choice for nail polish when you’re traveling. I’m always nervous to bring nail polish with me anywhere! I don’t want the glass bottle to break, nor do I want the polish to leak. If you’re going on a trip, nail wraps are the way to go!

I decided to pick a black and white design from Yi Kou this time around because this color combination has been on trend throughout the spring, and now into the summer! Plus, neutral shades are perfect for traveling because they go with many different outfits. This one set of wraps can be used all at once for a complete manicure, or you can use just one, such as the heart strip, as an accent nail.

Application is very simple – peel the strip from the protective backing, smooth it out on your nail, and use a nail file in a downward motion to trim off the excess. I always finish with a top coat to make sure the edges lay flat. It also helps to make the manicure last longer (which is always helpful when you’re away from home!). I’m really liking this black and white design! The heart is definitely my favorite, but the different patterns look fun together! I love the instant nail art look – it’s no hassle to create whatsoever! You can purchase this pattern on the Born Pretty Store for just $2.38 HERE. The design number is K1012.

All in all, nail wraps are the perfect way to keep your nails looking fabulous as you jet away this summer! You can easily pack nail wraps, and they will last you at least a full week. I also recommend nail polish remover pads such as THESE from Born Pretty Store. They are much easier to pack than a bottle of regular nail polish remover, and will take off your nail wraps if you’d like to change the design. I highly recommend the Yi Kou wraps from Born Pretty Store, as they are very affordable and some of the best quality nail wraps I’ve tried. Don’t forget to use code FZL91 to get an additional 10% off your order!

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

Jet Away June | Prescription Sunglasses from Firmoo.com

Posted on June 4, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday, and welcome to another Jet Away June post! I was recently contacted by the online store Firmoo and asked if I would review a pair of glasses on my blog. As you may know, I do wear prescription glasses, so when I learned this website was all about fabulous and affordable glasses, I was really excited to try the site out and share my experience with all of you! Since it’s now summer, and because I didn’t own any already, I got a pair of prescription sunglasses for review. Let me show you the glasses I got, and share my Firmoo experience with all of you!

Firmoo Ordering Process

The Firmoo ordering process was surprisingly very easy! I went directly to the RX Sunglasses page, and ended up picking the style #FS1004 (pictured above). I really like that you can preview the glasses on a model, or even upload a photo of yourself to the website to virtually try on the glasses. It makes choosing a frame easy and fun!

Once I chose the frame, I clicked “Add to Cart” and followed the instructions. I was prompted to enter my prescription and choose from some add-on options. I decided to stick with the basic style with dark brown lenses, but you can add polarized lenses, for example. I placed my order on Friday, May 16th, and the glasses arrived to me on Wednesday, May 28th. I was really impressed with how quickly the glasses arrived, considering they are obviously made-to-order, and they shipped from China!

The Sunglasses!

When my sunglasses arrived in the mail, I was really impressed with all of the goodies that came with them! In addition to a good quality, hard case, I got a cleansing cloth, soft case, and a key chain with mini screwdrivers (in case the screws on the glasses come loose). I think it’s great that they give both a hard and soft case, and the extras are always helpful. I prefer to use the hard case, just so the glasses don’t get bumped around in my purse. The glasses are also really high quality! They arrived in perfect condition, and look just like they did on the website. As with any new prescription glasses, it took me a few wears to get used to new lenses, but I’m now rocking these shades during my walks throughout the city. Are you ready for my selfies?!

I am honestly loving my new shades! I think they look great on me, and go really well with my face shape. They are very comfortable to wear as well. Plus, I like the gold detailing on the sides. It adds some subtle bling!

Final Verdict

My first Firmoo experience was a big thumps up! I am really impressed with the easy ordering process, quick shipping time, and high quality glasses. While I did receive this pair for review, I am definitely going to be ordering from Firmoo on my own in the future whenever I need new prescription sunglasses, or even for a spare pair of regular glasses. The sunglasses I got sell for $56.00, and with shipping my total order was $62.95. That is an amazing price for prescription sunglasses! I would definitely pay $200-300 if I got similar frames at my local optical shop (if not more).

All in all, I highly recommend Firmoo! Whether you’re looking for a new pair of sunglasses for your summer travels, or simply needing a new pair of regular glasses, this website is awesome. They offer styles for both men and women, and you can even get non-prescription glasses. Please shop HERE using my referral link if you plan to order from the site. If you’ve used Firmoo before, let me know in the comments! How was your experience? What frames did you get? I would love to know!

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

Jet Away June | What’s in My “Liquids” Bag? (3-1-1 Rule)

Posted on June 2, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday, and welcome to the first official day of Jet Away June here at Adventures in Polishland! If you missed my Jet Away June announcement, you can read it HERE. I decided to start off this themed month with a fun take on the “What’s in My Travel Makeup Bag?” series that many beauty gurus do. I’ll be sure to show you my makeup bag at some point during Jet Away June, but first we’re starting with the liquids bag that we’ll all have when getting on an airplane.

The Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) has what is known as the 3-1-1 rule. You can read the official rule on the TSA’s website HERE, but the basics of the rule is that all liquids in your carry-on luggage must be 3oz or less, put into 1 quart size plastic bag, and there is only 1 bag per person. You can put larger size liquids into your checked luggage, but if you’re like me and like to travel without checking a suitcase, you’ll need to follow the 3-1-1 rule carefully. Let me show you what I included in my liquids bag during my recent trip to Los Angeles!

HAIR CARE

PRODUCTS:

Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo [BUY]
Beauty Protector Protect & Condition [BUY]
Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle [BUY]

I’ve gotten the entire Beauty Protector line in my Birchboxes over the past several months, so I decided to take it along with me! I like to take the very basics with me when I travel, so all I needed was a shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant.

Helpful Tip: Pack products that are multi-use to cut down on the number of products you need to pack. For example, the Protect & Detangle product I used is a heat protectant, detangler, and frizz-fighter all in one.

SKINCARE

PRODUCTS:

Paula’s Choice Resist Serum [BUY]
Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen [BUY]
Menza Daily Face Wash [BUY]
Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant [BUY]
Michael Todd Damascus Rose Moisturizer (not pictured – used a foil packet!) [BUY]

I used many of my travel size items from subscription boxes in my liquids bag! Many of these products are high end, so I was sure to pamper my skin when traveling. This is also a great opportunity to use up those darn foil packets!

Helpful Tip: Lotions are considered liquids! When in doubt, include the product in your liquids bag just to be safe. It will cut down on your time going through security.

MAKEUP

PRODUCTS:

L’Oreal Lash Out Butterfly Mascara [BUY]
Maybelline The Elixir Lipgloss in Nude Illusion [BUY]

I keep my makeup routine very basic when I’m traveling. I’ll show you all of the makeup products I took with me on this trip when I share my travel makeup bag, but these are the only liquid products I took.

Helpful Tip: To cut down on the number of liquid makeup products, bring a stick foundation, cream concealer, and lip crayons. They’ll get the job done, and won’t fill up your liquids bag!

BODY CARE

PRODUCTS:

Herbal Essences Body Wash in Hello Hydration [BUY]
Bath & Bodyworks PocketBac Antibacterial Hand Gel in Rainforest Sugarcane [BUY]
Bee Kind Body Lotion [BUY]
Crest Toothpaste (not pictured) [BUY]

I always like to bring my own body wash and body lotion with me even if I’m staying in a hotel. It’s better to be prepared ahead of time even if you don’t end up using the products you brought with you!

Helpful Tip: If you’re traveling for a long period of time, consider bringing two body washes, i.e. That way you won’t have to repurchase anything during your trip.

These are all of the items I took with me in my liquids bag! Of course, you can customize your bag to bring all of the liquids that fit into your own skincare and bath and body routines, but I hope this post helped you plan for your next vacation. Don’t forget to skim the official TSA 3-1-1 rule to make sure you’re ready for airport security. I also recommend bringing an extra quart sized bag (or two) just in case yours rips during the trip. Stay tuned for more Jet Away June posts, and let me know what you have in your liquids bag in the comments or by using the hashtag #JetAwayJune on social media!

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

Jet Away June | Announcement & Welcome

Posted on June 1, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Sunday! Today is the first of June, and I’ve decided to make June a special month here at Adventures in Polishland. Summer is a time when many of us like to travel, and because I’m making a couple trips to Los Angeles this summer I was inspired to write a series of blog posts all about traveling. Thus, welcome to Jet Away June!

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during June I’ll be writing posts related to traveling, with, of course, an emphasis on beauty. Get ready for packing tips, fashion ideas, and even airport security 101 – I have a lot of fun and interesting things to share with you during Jet Away June! Plus, in addition to my Jet Away June posts, I will still be posting my regular beauty and nail polish reviews on the other days of the week when I have something else to share with you.

I hope you are as excited for Jet Away June as I am! This themed month will officially begin tomorrow with my first post. If you have any questions related to travel, or any blog posts that you would live to see during Jet Away June, please let me know in the comments! Plus, feel free to use the hashtag #JetAwayJune on social media to connect with me throughout the month.