lifestyle – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: lifestyle

5 Ways I’m Practicing Self Care

Posted on March 23, 2020 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.

Join Me on Instagram for Beauty Hauls, Favorites, and Savings Tips!

Posted on February 23, 2018May 24, 2018 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I have a quick and informational post to share with you. This year I am focusing on making Instagram my primary social media platform. I am still keeping my blog active, and hope to post a few times per month, but I am sharing new photos on Instagram almost every single day! Instagram is a great platform for me to share a lot of information in a summarized way. Not only do I really enjoy sharing my own content on Instagram, but I love that I can keep up with my friends and favorite bloggers all in one place. Of course, the Instagram Story feature also provides a new method for sharing, too. I hope that by focusing my efforts on this one social media platform, I can regularly share my content with all of you!

Here are a few examples of the content you are missing if you are not following me on Instagram:

Monthly Beauty Favorites

? FEBRUARY BEAUTY FAVORITES ? . @thebalm_cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer | I finally tried this cult classic highlighter! I’m absolutely loving the smooth formula, and the shade is great for my fair skin tone. . @thebodyshop Fan Brush | To apply the highlighter, I use this brush. It does a great job at blending out a more intense highlight. I’m so glad I finally added a fan brush to my collection! . LipSense Glossy Gloss | Lip gloss is coming back into the limelight this year as liquid lipsticks fade away (or so it seems!). I’m not a big glossy lips person, but I have been reaching for my Glossy Gloss more lately, and even like wearing it alone on days where I don’t want to put on lipstick. . @dermae Microdermabrasion Scrub | I’ve gone back to an old favorite with my skincare! I see a big difference in my skin’s texture and appearance when I use this scrub on a regular basis. Plus, it has a fresh lemony scent! . @thebodyshop Drops of Youth Youth Concentrate | I finally tried this beloved serum! I’ve only used it for a few weeks so far, but I’m loving how plush my skin appears. I can also feel the firming action! . What products are you loving this month?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #februaryfavorites #favorites #beautyfavorites #monthlyfavorites #beauty #bbloggers #bblogger #thebalm #thebalmcosmetics #maryloumanizer #thebodyshop #fanbrush #makeupbrush #lipsense #glossygloss #lipsensegloss #dermae #dermaesocial #microdermabrasionscrub #microdermabrasion #skincare #dropsofyouth #serum #antiaging #vegan #veganbeauty #veganskincare #veganmakeup

A post shared by Christina (@adventuresinpolishland) on Feb 20, 2018 at 4:21pm PST

Hauls and Savings Tips

? ULTA HAUL ? . I’m so excited to add these new products to my stash! . @urbandecaycosmetics Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Fair Neutral | I’ve wanted to try this concealer for years (!!!), and had to snag it when it was on sale for 50% off! I was lacking a highlighting concealer in my collection, so I will be using this right away. . @pacificabeauty Neutralizing Mattifier | I got this powder because I’ve been looking for a more environmentally friendly setting powder. I love that this compact is made primarily with cardboard, so it is much better than the heavy plastic compacts I’ve been using. . @drbronner Tea Tree Pure-Castile Bar Soap | This soap was also purchased with waste in mind! I’ve heard this is great to wash makeup brushes, and so I will no longer be buying brush shampoo in a plastic bottle. This soap is wrapped in paper that is biodegradable and made from post-consumer recycled paper! . SAVINGS: I used a $3.50 off $15.00 coupon, and shopped with @ebatesshopping to earn 3% cash back. The retail value of my order is $45.69, but I only paid $33.64 (shipping included!). Plus, there is $0.84 back in my pocket with Ebates. . Sign up to Ebates using the referral link in my profile! You get a $10 bonus for signing up! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #ultahaul #ulta #haul #unboxing #ultaunboxing #beautyhaul #urbandecay #nakedconcealer #urbandecayconcealer #pacifica #mattifyingpowder #settingpowder #drbronners #teatree #castilesoap #soap #barsoap #zerowaste #zerowasteliving #lesswaste #betterchoices #vegan #veganbeauty #veganmakeup #couponing #saleing

A post shared by Christina (@adventuresinpolishland) on Feb 21, 2018 at 11:24am PST

Nail Polish and Makeup Swatches

Kicking off my Nail Polish Project Pan with @julepbeauty Susie! The formula has thickened a bit over time, but it’s still great. I love this mint green shade! . What’s your #notd?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #PolishlandProjectPan #nails #nailsofinstagram #nailstagram #instanails #ignails #nailpolish #julep #julepbeauty #julepmaven #julepsusie #susie #green #mintgreen #projectpan #panning #panningcommunity #projectpolish #beauty #bblogger #bbloggers #vegan #vegannailpolish #nailblogger #projectuseitup

A post shared by Christina (@adventuresinpolishland) on Feb 16, 2018 at 10:21am PST

Recipes and Lifestyle Content

? Easy Vegan Peanut Butter Oat Balls Recipe ? . INGREDIENTS: . 1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats . 1/2 Cup Natural Peanut Butter . 1/3 Cup Pure Maple Syrup . 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract . RECIPE: . Mix all ingredients together using a blender or food processor until combined. . Form into small balls and store in an airtight container! . I made about 15 Oat Balls with this recipe. They are so delicious and taste like peanut butter cookies! Two Oat Balls have about 6g protein, too. Talk about a delicious and nutritious snack! . This recipe was inspired by @mom4real and adapted to be vegan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #vegan #veganrecipes #bestofvegan #whatveganseat #nobake #peanutbutter #peanutbutteroatballs #oatballs #nobakeballs #energyballs #proteinballs #plantbased #plantbasedfood #plantbaseddiet #food #instafood #foodstagram #foodie #easyrecipe #easyveganrecipe

A post shared by Christina (@adventuresinpolishland) on Jan 5, 2018 at 11:59am PST

Thank you all, as always, for following my Adventures in Polishland! As mentioned, I will continue to post here on the blog and my other social media profiles, but Instagram is where I post on a more consistent basis. I hope to see you there!

Follow me on Instagram @adventuresinpolishland.

Visualize Your Health Goals with a DIY Star Jar!

Posted on January 19, 2016January 12, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Today I’m excited to share with you one of the DIY projects I began at the beginning of this year. One of my New Year’s Resolutions is, of course, to be healthier. I talked all about my goal in THIS blog post, but today I’m sharing how I’m visualizing that goal. Growing up I absolutely loved origami, and last year I purchased some star paper at a Sanrio store in Los Angeles. I decided to finally put that star paper to use and track my health goals in 2016. Let me show you my jar, and tell you how I’m using it!

I first got the idea for this star jar from the book community, which uses it to track the books they read throughout the year. I’ve adapted that for my health goals because that is what I personally need to visualize. This year I want to make sure that I am exercising on a regular basis, taking my daily vitamins, and losing some weight along the way. I often feel discouraged that I’m not exercising enough if I skip a day or two, so I’m hoping that when I see a jar filled with stars that represent all the working out I’ve already done, I’ll be more confident. I also want to focus more on non-scale goals, so even though I’ll be tracking my weight weekly, I’m putting more of an emphasis on my overall health.

Visualize Your Health Goals with a DIY Star Jar! Here is a look at my color coding for the star jar. I’ll put in a pink star every day that I work out, a purple star for every day that I take my doctor-recommended vitamins, and a yellow star for every pound I lose. I’m hoping to put in at least 100 pink stars and 200 purple stars by the time the year comes to a close. I’m not putting a goal on weight, just so I don’t dwell on it.

If you’re looking to create your own Health Star Jar, all you need is a jar and star paper. You can get the jar at the dollar store, Target, or upcycle an old food jar. I got mine at Target for $2.29. Star paper can either be purchased at specialty stores or on Amazon HERE. You can also make your own! This video tutorial on YouTube shows you how to make your own star paper and how to fold the paper into stars: LINK.

I hope you enjoyed learning about my Health Star Jar today! I’m always excited when I can put a star in the jar. It’s really helping to motivate me, and I can’t wait to see what it will look like at the end of the year. If you create a Health Star Jar, please tag me on social media so I can see it!

This post includes an Amazon Affiliate link. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Garlic Chickpea Popcorn Recipe | Vegan Snack Idea

Posted on December 15, 2015December 7, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

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

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

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

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

Garlic Chickpea Popcorn

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

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

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!

DIY Travel Nail Kit

Posted on November 18, 2015November 18, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Now that we are headed into the holiday season, I thought it was the perfect time to put together a DIY Travel Nail Kit! Whether you need a touch up on a weekend getaway, or some manicure options during a longer trip, I’ve got you (and your nails!) covered. I never used to travel with nail polish until college. During my winter break I was away from my nail polish collection for a few weeks, so I wanted to make sure I had a few options on hand. Let me show you everything I pack with me to keep my manicure in shape!

First things first, I highly recommend dedicating a small makeup bag to your nail kit. That way if things go wrong and your nail polish bottles break or spill, nothing else will get ruined. That being said, I always keep a spare piece of bubble wrap in my nail kit so I can keep everything secure. Don’t forget that if you are flying, you’ll need to put your nail polish in your checked luggage, or abide by the 3-1-1 rule (more on that HERE).

As for the items inside my kit, I make sure to have at least five things with me, four of which are pictured above for you:

Sally Hansen Double Duty – This is a base coat and a top coat in one! I’ve used it for years, and while it’s not my favorite top coat option, it’s a great one both for the price and the convenience. I often use it at home as a base coat, and it’s the logical choice for travel. Find it at your local drugstore, or online HERE.
Neutral or Pink Nail Polish – When traveling, it is best to find a nail polish that will work for any occasion and any outfit. I recommend a neutral shade, such as a beige or tan, or my go to polish color – pink! I love Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Peachy Breeze because it can work for a professional event, but is also fun for your beach vacation. Plus, a fast-dry formula is perfect for on the go.
Glitter Top Coat – Your manicure options will double with a glitter top coat! Keep one on hand for a night out, holiday party, or simply a change of pace. This can layer right over your other nail polish so you don’t need to worry about remover or touch ups. I grabbed Milani Color Statement in Club Lights, but choose any glitter you love for your kit!
Mini Emery Boards – I always keep an emery board in my purse, and I, of course, keep at least two in my travel nail kit. You never know when your nails will break, especially with the drying atmosphere of an airplane! I’ve used some of the tiny emery boards before, and those just don’t cut it. I received these black ones for review, and am in love! They are the perfect size at 3.5 inches long – they fit easily in my makeup bag, but are still big enough to hold easily. Plus, you can get a 50 pack for just $10 on Amazon HERE. I highly recommend grabbing a pack to keep you stocked up. They even make a great stocking stuffer!
Nail Polish Remover Pads – I don’t have any on hand to show you, but nail polish remover pads are perfect for travel! Who wants to carry a bottle of nail polish remover?! I’ve had great luck with the butterLONDON Scrubbers, which I think is worth splurging on for special occasions. I usually wait to take off my nail polish once I’m back at home, but these are a great option for those of you who want to switch it up on the road!

All in all, taking care of your nails while traveling can be super easy and non-stressful with a DIY Travel Nail Kit! This kit makes the perfect holiday gift for your friends and family, but don’t forget to create one for yourself! You can also feel free to add in hand cream for some added moisture during the winter months. It all depends on your personal needs! I hope this post brought you some inspiration, and I’m wishing you safe travels!

What’s in your Travel Nail Kit? Let me know in the comments!

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.

The Pumpkin Batch Unboxing | Wicked Good Pumpkin for October 2015

Posted on November 10, 2015November 4, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! It’s no secret that I am a huge pumpkin lover, so when I heard about The Pumpkin Batch I couldn’t believe such amazingness existed. The Pumpkin Batch is a monthly subscription box that features all pumpkin goodies. That’s right, this box is filled with 4-6 items that feature pumpkin in some way. I was lucky enough to receive the October box for review, and am excited to share it with you today. Make sure you stay tuned to the end of this blog post, as I have a coupon code for all of you!

I filmed an unboxing video so you can see how The Pumpkin Batch arrives, and all of the goodies in person. I will also have photos and more information of each individual product below for you.

As I mentioned in the unboxing video, The Pumpkin Batch includes items that are made in America. I love learning about new-to-me small businesses, and I think it’s amazing that The Pumpkin Batch does all the work in finding them for me. Let’s take a closer look at each product in the Wicked Good Pumpkin box!

Puurbody Flickering Wick Pumpkin Spice Soy Candle – $6 [BUY]

I’m not a candle person, but this one smells absolutely divine. I have it sitting in my bedroom, and even though it’s not lit I can smell it faintly in the background. This candle makes an excellent gift, and I love that it is made of 100% pure soy wax with no additives. I can tell this is a handmade item because the wax is a bit messy on the top of the jar, but because I’m keeping this for myself I don’t mind it one bit.

Wicked Whoopie Pumpkin Whoopie Pie – $3 [BUY]

I shared this whoopie pie with my mom because she is a whoopie pie aficionado. She said it was really delicious, and almost as good as the fresh bakeries in our community. I love that The Pumpkin Batch includes a fresh baked good in each box, but this one did contain a very long ingredients list with preservatives. It was also a huge splurge calorie-wise. Nonetheless, it is definitely a yummy treat!

Ravens Creek Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub – $12 [BUY]

I am so excited about this sugar scrub! Not only does it smell amazing, but I use sugar scrubs in my regular skincare routine so I know I will get use out of this. This is the one product I haven’t tried yet, simply because I just opened another scrub in the shower. I will be sure to report back and let you know my thoughts on it!

The Poisoned Applies Handmade Pumpkin Caramel – $7 [BUY]

Okay, it’s time to let you know about my favorite treat in the box! I cannot stress to you how delicious these caramels were! I may have accidentally eaten both in one sitting (oops). I don’t recommend you do that, though – they are so rich! While these are a bit expensive to buy normally, I highly recommend them as a special treat or gift. I’m still dreaming about them!

Kraken & Claw Kraken Corn in Harvest Brew – $5 [BUY]

The last item in the October box is this delicious popcorn. I also really, really enjoyed this! I’m a popcorn fan, so this made a great nighttime treat. This would also make an awesome gift during the holidays! I am going to have to browse through the Kraken & Claw shop to see what else they offer!

MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOX + SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS

Overall, I really enjoyed the October box from The Pumpkin Batch! While this is not a box I would get all year round, I think it makes an amazing fall time treat. There are three different subscription options for The Pumpkin Batch. A monthly subscription is $29.99 per month, but you can save money with a longer commitment. A three-month subscription is $26.99 per month, and a full year is $24.99 per month. You can also give The Pumpkin Batch as a gift, which I highly recommend for the pumpkin lover in your life this holiday season! One gift box is $34.99, and a yearly gift is $299.99.

The Pumpkin Batch has provided all of you with a coupon code for 15% off your first box in any monthly or quarterly subscription. Enter polishpumpkin15 at checkout HERE. This coupon expires on November 30, 2015, so make sure you act fast if you want to save!

What do you think of The Pumpkin Batch? Let me know in the comments!

Follow The Pumpkin Batch on Social Media

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest | Instagram

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

The Fall Favorites Tag! | #PolishlandFaves

Posted on October 15, 2015October 14, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! It’s no secret that fall is my favorite time of year. Perhaps it’s because I’m an October baby, but fall just makes me feel cozy. I’m always excited for everything that fall brings, and that’s why I’m so glad fellow blogger Carolyn from The Diary of a Tall Girl tagged me in the Fall Favorites Tag. This tag was created by YouTube Beauty Guru Jaclyn Hill. I am a huge fan of Jaclyn, and can’t wait to jump right in and share my fall favorites with all of you!

Favorite Candle

Okay, so I know I’m ‘cheating’ already, but I’m just not a candle person. Instead, I’ll share my favorite fall scent, which also happens to be a candle! I’ve been obsessed with the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin shower gel from Bath & Body Works. I love sweet smells, and I’m also a huge pumpkin lover, so this scent is perfect for me. Of course, if you like candles you can grab this at your local Bath & Body Works in candle form!

Favorite Lip Color

One of my go-to lip colors is definitely Berry Soft from the Baby Lips Dr. Rescue line. It gives my lips a sheer wash of a berry color, and also helps to moisturize and heal dry lips. Berry Soft is perfect to wear daily, and you don’t need a mirror to apply it so feel free to toss it in your purse! Even those it’s been three years since I first discovered Baby Lips I’m still a huge fan!

Favorite Drink

Like many, I am all about the pumpkin spice in the fall! My favorite pumpkin drink is the Pumpkin Spice coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts. I love it both iced and hot, and it’s a must have for me because of its sweet taste. I usually buy a bag to brew at home, and Target often has it on sale each year. If you’ve never tried it before, definitely go for it!

FAVORITE BLUSH

When the weather gets cool, my blush gets warmer in tone. My cousin gifted me Pür Minerals Hot Rocks a couple years back, and I am obsessed with it! The color is stunning, the formula is super blendable, and it is 100% worth the high end price tag. I’m showing you a stock photo of this blush because mine is completely destroyed at this point. It still applies beautifully, but we all know what blush packaging turns into after a lot of use. It’s that good!

FAVORITE CLOTHING ITEM

While I love boots, scarves, and sweaters, this year I have been wearing my new Wren sneakers from Sole Society every single day! They go with every outfit, and are comfortable and stylish at the same time. I’m so glad slip-on sneakers are on trend right now. I used to wear them back in my high school days! If you’re not a Sole Society member yet, use my referral code HERE to snag 20% off your first purchase!

FAVORITE FALL MOVIE

Hocus Pocus is, of course, my favorite fall movie! I remember the first time I saw it back in second grade nearly 20 years ago now. I thought it was scary back then, and now it’s just a ton of fun. I watch it every time it’s on TV even though I own the DVD. I know I’m not alone in loving Hocus Pocus! Share your favorite quote from the movie in the comments!

FAVORITE FALL TV SHOW

One of my favorite TV shows of all time is The Big Bang Theory! It is so funny, and I love Sheldon Cooper’s character. I’ll admit that the new episodes this season haven’t been my favorite, but I hope they’ll get better soon! I also watch this show a lot in reruns, so there is always a funny episode to see. I can’t wait to find out what happens to the characters next!

FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD

I don’t have a picture to share, but my favorite Thanksgiving food is stuffing! Thanksgiving is extremely ritualized in my family. We eat the same hors d’oeuvres, main dishes, and desserts every year. I used to love turkey, but as a vegetarian I, of course, don’t eat it anymore. That being said, I tried stuffing for the first time at my brother’s wedding five years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since! Thankfully, my family makes vegetarian stuffing because there are three of us who don’t eat meat. I don’t eat stuffing often, and that’s what makes it a fun Thanksgiving food!

FAVORITE HALLOWEEN COSTUME

I’ve also had a lot of great Halloween costumes over the years, and it’s difficult to pick one favorite to share! I’ve dressed up as Minnie Mouse, a 50s Sock-Hop Girl (complete with a handmade Poodle Skirt), Stephanie from Full House, Maureen from RENT, and the list goes on! The costume that I am the most proud of is one that my friend and I created in high school. We were both dancers our entire lives, so we decided to take pieces from all of our costumes over the years and layer them together in a crazy outfit. We called ourselves Confused Dancers, and it was a lot of fun!

That brings us to the end of the Fall Favorites tag! I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about me and my fall loves. I would love to see your answers to these questions! Either leave them in the comments, or create your own blog post! I will officially tag all of you who celebrate a birthday in October.

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

September Favorites | Beauty + Lifestyle Loves!

Posted on October 6, 2015July 14, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! I can’t believe September is already over, and we’re nearly a full week into October. Fall is my favorite season, so I’m glad to be enjoying cooler temperatures, warmer clothing, and, of course, pumpkin mania! I don’t have too many beauty favorites, but I do have a bunch of other goodies to share. Let’s jump right into my September Favorites!

Lip Product

Chosungah 22 Flavlorful Lipstick – Chai Tea [BUY]

I got this really intriguing lip product in one of my last Birchboxes. It’s a Korean lipstick that has lip balm qualities. It doesn’t add any color to the lips, but does have a bit of a gloss to it. I haven’t been wearing any lip colors lately, so this product is perfect. It feels so moisturizing, and I just really love it! It’s a bit pricey at $18.00, but if you’re up for a splurge, I highly recommend it!

LIP CARE

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish [BUY]

I’ve loved the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish for a few years now, but I haven’t used it in such a long time. With the cooler weather, though, I’ve needed to exfoliate my dry lips. I got this small tub of Lip Polish at the Fresh store in Las Vegas for free when I signed up for the Rewards program. I’m so glad to be putting it to use! It’s truly an amazing scrub, and very luxurious.

BODY CARE

Bath & Body Works Shower Gel – Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin [BUY]

Here is a huge savings tip – make sure you sign up for Bath & Body Works coupons! Every once in a while I get a coupon in the mail for free products with no purchase required. I recently got one for a full size product, and I picked up the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Shower Gel! I love the scent for fall – it is really fragranced and my bathroom smells great even after I’m out of the shower. While I don’t like all of the ingredients in the Bath & Body Works products, I definitely like to use them once in a while.

HAIR CARE

Irresistible Me Diamond Hair Styler [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’ve been completely obsessed with the Diamond since I got it! Make sure you check out my full review with before and after photos if you haven’t already. I’ve stashed my old flat iron away now, and only reach for the Diamond. It’s definitely an investment product, but it’s 100% worth it. My hair has never felt so shiny and glossy, and my straightening time is cut in half. I’m so in love!

BOOK

The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyla [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’ve been loving creepy books lately, and The Accident Season is an awesome one! This is a young adult book that follows a girl named Cara as she and her family try to survive the month of October. They always experience a lot of accidents in October, and this year seems to be the worst lot of accidents yet. I highly recommend this book if you love magical realism! Check out my full review by clicking the above link.

ETSY SHOP / STICKER SHOP

Oh, Hello Stationery Co. [ETSY] [WEBSITE]

One of my go-to shops for buying planner stickers is Oh, Hello Stationery Co. The brand recently opened up its own website in addition to its Etsy store, and the new site has much more to offer. My favorite thing is the new Poppy Points rewards system that allows you to earn points for every purchase and for referrals! So, if you’d like to get a $5.00 coupon, please sign up using my referral link HERE. This coupon is only for new Oh, Hello shoppers, so if you’ve bought from the store before keep that in mind. I’ve linked one of my recent hauls from Oh, Hello above so you can see the types of stickers I buy from the brand!

FOOD

Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Coffee

Last but not least, I have to shout out the pumpkin coffee from Dunkin Donuts! I absolute love it and have for years. Step aside Starbucks PSL – I much prefer this sweet concoction. Plus, I’m currently living in Patriots Nation, and every time they win I can get a free coffee. It’s been super successful so far this NFL season! If you haven’t tried pumpkin coffee yet, I highly recommend it.

What were some of you favorites in September? Let me know in the comments!

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.

Is Erin Condren Worth the Price? | #PlanWithPolishland

Posted on September 5, 2015September 5, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I have a new #PlanWithPolishland post for all of you, and I am really excited about it. I’ve been using my Erin Condren Life Planner for a little over two months now, and I am really loving it. I can honestly say it’s helped me make a change in my life, and I’m so glad I invested in it. You can learn more about the planner I purchased HERE, but today I want to talk about whether or not the Erin Condren Life Planner is worth the money. A standard 12-month Life Planner costs $50, and that price tag sounds quite expensive at a first glance. Let me show you how the Erin Condren breaks down in terms of cost, and share my thoughts on whether I think it is worth the price.

ERIN CONDREN LIFE PLANNER BY THE NUMBERS

First and foremost, let’s break down the price of the Erin Condren Life Planner (“ECLP”). For this post I will be basing my numbers off of the 12-month Ready to Ship Life Planner purchased by a first-time Erin Condren customer. If you are debating about whether or not the ECLP is for you, I’m assuming you are a first time purchaser. If not, these numbers will need to be adjusted a bit, but you are still getting a fantastic deal! The ECLP retails for $50.00, and shipping is $9.95. However, you can receive a $10 off coupon for your first Erin Condren purchase by signing up for a free Erin Condren account using my referral link HERE. Once you create your free account, you will receive an email with your coupon code. Your $59.95 purchase is already down to $49.95!

Next up, let’s take a look at all of the freebies and accessories included with every Ready to Ship Life Planner! These add up to a retail value of $22.70!

Perpetual Calendar – $5.00 [LINK]
Party Pops Snap-In Bookmark – $4.00 [LINK]
3 Compliment Cards – $1.50 [LINK]
Do-it-All Dots Sampler Sheet – $0.67 [LINK]
1 CoilClip Connecter – $0.58 [LINK]
Coupon for a FREE Cover – $10.95 [LINK to the cover design I chose]

Your first order from Erin Condren will also include two additional freebies! They have a retail value of $20.87.

Coupon Code – $10.00
10 Gift Labels – $10.87 [LINK]

If you’ve been keeping track, so far all of the freebies and accessories add up to a total retail value of $43.57. Every Erin Condren Life Planner purchase also comes with a free sticker and postcard. I would estimate the value of these goodies at about $1.00-1.50. That makes the total amount of freebies included worth $45.00! That is an excellent investment considering you only paid $49.95 out of pocket!

ERIN CONDREN LIFE PLANNER QUALITY & USAGE

Of course, the price of the Erin Condren means nothing if the quality of the planner isn’t good. Take it from me – the quality is amazing. The covers are very sturdy and laminated, and snap in and out of the planner easily. The pages are very thick and sturdy as well. The tabs included on the side for separating the months are also laminated, so I haven’t had any issues with those bending or getting damaged. Finally, the coil is very strong, too – it doesn’t bend or get messed up like regular notebooks. As you can see, the quality is top notch!

In the end, I think the Erin Condren Life Planner is 100% worth the price so long as you are going to use it! Make your planner your new best friend, and it will treat you well. After just two months of using my planner, I find that I am more organized than ever. I immediately add appointments, bills, and events to my planner, and that way I never forget about them. I also use the notes pages for shopping lists, and the monthly calendar to track my blog and YouTube posts. I am so happy I finally made the investment in an Erin Condren Life Planner. If you’ve been thinking about it, DO IT! You will not regret it.

Do you use an Erin Condren Life Planner? Tell me how in the comments or use #PlanWithPolishland on social media!