school – Adventures in Polishland

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Back to School Week | How to Use the Erin Condren Life Planner for College

Posted on August 29, 2015August 26, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today is the last day of Back to School Week, and to finish things off I’m sharing how I would use my Erin Condren Life Planner for college. I’ve seen so many people on Facebook asking how to use the planner for school, so I thought I would go ahead and share a mock Plan With Me video with all of you. To go along with the video, I wanted to talk a bit more about the items I recommend here on the blog. Let’s get started!

WHAT YOU NEED

I want to begin by saying that you don’t necessarily need any of these things in particular to use a planner in college. Many colleges give out free planners, or you can buy one very inexpensively at your local office supply store. That being said, I highly recommend the following:

Erin Condren Life Planner in the Horizontal Layout – $50; save $10 on your first purchase using my referral link HERE
Erin Condren Snap-In To Do List – $4
Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Markers – $6.49 for the 12-pack shown on Amazon HERE
Colored Pens, my favorite being THESE from InkJoy (not pictured)
Darice Sticker Books – $1, find at your local Michaels Crafts

PLANNING ROUTINE

As you can see, it is really easy to use the Erin Condren Life Planner for college. The horizontal layout has tons of space to write down all of your assignments and other life events. The Snap-In To Do List really makes all the difference, and is a great $4 investment. I hope you found this post and video helpful as the school year begins! Of course, let me know your planning tips and tricks in the comments!

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

Back to School Week | What’s in My School Bag?

Posted on August 27, 2015August 27, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I am taking you inside of my school bag to see what I carried around with me as a student. I have both photos and a video for you, so you can really get a good idea of how I pack and organize everything. I tend to carry around just a little more than I actually need so that I’m prepared for any situation. At the same time, I make sure that my bag isn’t too heavy. It’s definitely a balance, and I’m going to share my tips and tricks with you. Let’s get started!

I like to carry a tote bag instead of a backpack, just because I find that it’s more my style, but also let’s me have more control over my belongings. If items are right under my arm, it’s easier for me to keep an eye on them than if they are behind my back. Plus, a tote bag can double easily for a carry on or regular purse. This one is from H&M and called the Shopper. It retails for just $24.99, but is super sturdy and can fit a LOT of stuff in it. I used it when I moved to carry two laptops, my iPad, my purse essentials, my planner, and a lot more. I highly recommend it! You can buy it HERE.

TECHNOLOGY

The type of technology you carry in your bag will be dependent on your schooling situation. In college, I used regular notebooks until I got my iPad. Then I used the app UPad to handwrite my notes using a stylus. That allowed me to cut down on what I was carrying, and easily transition from handwritten notes to electronic notes. You can download UPad HERE for $5.99 – it’s worth the price if you use it often! The stylus I use is from Boxwave, and comes in a variety of colors. It’s only $7.50 on Amazon HERE.

In law school, I used a 13-inch MacBook Air. It is very lightweight, but still makes typing up lots of notes really easy. You can use the education discount at Apple to get $100 off your purchase when you show proof that you are a student, or shop on Amazon HERE for a discount as well. As for your chargers, use a pouch to keep them organized. Otherwise, your wires will get tangled up in a mess!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Despite using a laptop or tablet to take notes, I like to have a sturdy notebook on hand for meetings, or for those classes where the professor doesn’t allow computers. Five Star notebooks are my favorite because of the sturdy cover and high quality paper. They are a bit more expensive, but will last all year. Of course, I need to have my Erin Condren Life Planner (more info on it HERE). Lastly, I use a Sephora case for all of my school supplies, such as pens, pencils, highlighters, and more.

PURSE ESSENTIALS

My school bag doubles as a purse, so I keep all of my essentials in it as well. This includes my Firmoo Prescription Sunglasses (review HERE), an umbrella, an emergency beauty pouch, and my wallet. You can see everything I keep in my beauty bag by watching the video embedded in this post.

VERTICAL ORGANIZATION

When packing my school bag, I like to stand everything up vertically instead of just tossing in the pouches and such. That allows me to find whatever I need, plus it saves room in my bag. Pouches really help to keep everything in place as well. This system is especially useful for a bag like this one, where there are no pockets or zippered compartments inside.

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I hope you enjoyed seeing what I keep in my school bag, and how I pack it all. Of course, you will probably need to toss in a textbook or two depending on your program. That’s another reason why I love the MacBook Air and iPad – it lightens up your load! Definitely let me know in the comments what your school necessities are! I would love to know!

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

Back to School Week | “No Makeup” Makeup

Posted on August 15, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today’s Back to School post is the perfect, easy makeup look for the classroom. To be honest with you, I didn’t wear much makeup at all when I was in high school, and even in college. Now I’ve mastered what DJ Tanner aimed for when she headed to Junior High. As Aunt Becky advised: “The trick to wearing makeup is to make it look like you aren’t wearing any.” I totally agree! Let me show you what I use to do my every day makeup!

BB Cream or Foundation: Having even and clear skin is the main reason I even put makeup on! I really like a light coverage foundation or BB cream, just to ensure I cover up any imperfections without looking like I have a ton of product on. [Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup & Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream]
Pressed Powder: If you’re prone to oily skin like I am, add a light dusting of pressed powder to your finished look. I am obsessed with the Rimmel Stay Matte that can be purchased at the drugstore, and have repurchased it several times. I get the shade transparent so I’m not adding more color to my face. [Rimmel Stay Matte]
Concealer: For days you have to cover up blemishes or dark circles, grab a concealer! I love the new Covergirl + Olay one that looks like a nude lipstick. It is so hydrating and covers my imperfections quite well. [Covergirl + Olay Concealer Balm]
Brow Pencil/Powder: Eyebrows frame your face, so make sure yours are looking great. I have one eyebrow that is much thinner than the other, so I use powder to even everything out. It looks natural, but makes me look more put together. I love this kit from Milani because it includes powder, a highlighter, and even tweezers! [Milani Brow Fix]
Blush: I rarely wear blush, but a little bit can add some color to your face and make you look more alive and ready for the day. Blush is perfect when you want a little something extra, or on days when you’re feeling “blah.” [Be a Bombshell Blush in Sweet Cheeks]
Tinted Lip Balm: Wearing a tinted lip balm is the perfect way to add some color to your lips for school. Lipsticks are just a bit much in the classroom on a daily basis. With all of the amazing options out there, grab your favorite lip balm and you’re ready for the day! [Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint in Sugared Fig]
Mascara: My most-loved beauty product is definitely mascara. It brings focus to your eyes, and makes you look more awake. A great option for a more natural look, is to get mascara in the shade blackened brown. I’m loving this new one from Revlon! [Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Potion]

These are all of the products I need for my “no makeup” makeup look! As you can see, I stay away from eyeshadow, eyeliner, bronzer, and all of that fun stuff. While you can certainly play around with your own makeup look, I prefer to just look like me when I’m at school! Be sure to let me know what your makeup necessities are in the comments, and stay tuned for the last day of Back to School Week tomorrow!

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

Back to School Week | Makeup Bag Essentials for School

Posted on August 13, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Now that I’ve officially accepted the fact that I am heading back to school next week (ah!) it’s time to start putting together my book bag. While I don’t tote a ton of cosmetics to school, it’s important to carry the essentials just in case the unexpected happens. Let me share with you the goods I’ll have in my makeup bag this school year!

Here is the makeup bag I will be using! I got mine from Ipsy, and I just love the leopard and neon print. The reason I am choosing this bag in particular is because of its flat shape — it will easily fit into my book bag without taking up much space! I know this can’t be easily purchased, so I would definitely recommend these:

Forever 21 “Leopard Print” – CLICK
Sephora Collection “The Night is Young” – CLICK
Sonia Kashuk “Yarn Print” – CLICK

Now onto the essentials inside! I think these items are needed, and yes, they all fit in the bag!

Hand Lotion: You never know when your hands will be dry! Keep a travel size lotion on you at all times, especially in the winter. Plus, having lotion is a great way to meet people — I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been asked if I had lotion! Pick a brand and scent you’ll like, and one that won’t bother those around you. [Julep Age Defying Hand Brightener]

Powder Compact: Women historically go to powder their noses for a reason! Pressed powder is the perfect touch up, and keeps your skin looking great all day long. I like to have a compact with a mirror in it as well. This one from Covergirl also has a sponge inside so I don’t have to carry a brush! [Covergirl Fresh Complexion Pocket Powder]

Hair Ties: If it gets too hot or starts to rain, you’ll want to pull your hair up! While I love ribbon hair ties, it’s good to have a plain black one, too. It goes with every outfit! I find that Goody from the drugstore is the perfect go-to brand (and it’s affordable!). [Goody Ouchless Elastics]

Colgate Wisp Brushes: If you decide to have a garlic-filled lunch at the last minute, you’ll want to be able to freshen your breath before class resumes. No one wants to be embarrassed about her breath, that’s for sure! You can grab these Wisps at the drugstore and keep them for when you’re in a pinch. [Colgate Wisp Brushes]

Perfume / Body Spray: Everyone gets stinky once in a while, so I like to carry a perfume or body spray in my makeup bag. I get so many perfume samples from Sephora, so instead of purchasing a travel size product, I just stick a sample in my bag! If you prefer lighter scents, opt for a body spray instead. [Juicy Couture Couture La La]

Oil Absorbing Sheets: Heading back to school in August means the heat and humidity are sticking around for a while. To make sure I don’t look like a grease ball, oil absorbing sheets are necessary! These are great because they don’t mess up your makeup, but they leave your skin looking great. Any brand will do, but I suggest Clean & Clear and the CVS brand. [Clean & Clear Instant Oil Absorbing Sheets]

Mini Nail Files: We’ve all been there — that awful moment when (gasp!) you break a nail! I just love these mini nail files. They are cute and disposable, and save you in an emergency situation. These are also perfect to share with a girlfriend when she’s in nail trouble. [Tweezerman Matchbox Files]

Lip Balm: Every girl needs a good lip balm with her at all times! I like to have both a clear balm and a tinted lip color just to be sure I’m set for every occasion. Keep those lips soft and moisturized with your lip balms of choice. [C.O Bigelow Lemon Lip Cream & Baby Lips Cherry Me]

Antibacterial Lotion: My last must have is probably the most important, and that is antibacterial lotion. You never know when you’re going to touch something gross and won’t be able to wash your hands. I personally love the unscented lotions like Purell, but Bath & Bodyworks has tons of scents if that’s your thing! [Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer]

These are all of my makeup bag essentials for school! As you can see, I like to stick to the basics and ensure I’m ready for the unexpected. I hope you found this post helpful as you put together your backpack for the new school year. Be sure to let me know what items will be in your makeup bag in the comments!

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