top 10 – Adventures in Polishland

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Top 10 Books of 2015!

Posted on December 29, 2015December 21, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Today I’m continuing on with my Top 10 series, and sharing my favorite books of 2015 with all of you. I was very happy with myself, because I managed to read 50 books this year! My goal was originally to read only 20 books, because I knew I would be busy with my schoolwork. Luckily, I made reading a priority out of my hobbies and managed to read some amazing stories. This Top 10 list will includes the books that I read this year, not purely books that were published in 2015. Let’s jump right into my Top 10 Books of this year!

Top 10 Books of 2015!

Honorable Mention | Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’m cheating a bit and including an honorable mention on this Top 10 list because I really enjoyed reading Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. This is a debut novel, and I did find some issues in it, but the story itself was so emotional. I look forward to seeing what Yoon will release next!

10. The Revolution of Ivy by Amy Engell [REVIEW] [BUY]

I was so excited to read the conclusion to The Book of Ivy duology by Amy Engell. This is a great dystopian read, with well developed characters and exciting adventure. I know I’ll be re-reading it in the future!

9. An Italian Wife by Ann Hood [REVIEW] [BUY]

I read An Italian Wife early in the year, and I was a bit nervous to do so because it has pretty bad reviews on Goodreads. The book definitely has its issues, but it’s also a book that has stayed with me throughout the year. I’m surprised how often I think about the stories within it, and I really loved the overall message.

8. Binge by Tyler Oakley [REVIEW] [BUY]

Tyler Oakley’s Binge is by far the funniest book I read all year. It truly spoke to me, and I’m so glad I decided to pick it up even after originally snubbing it. If you’re a fan of the YouTuber, you have to get this one!

7. Shutter by Courtney Alameda [REVIEW] [BUY]

I won a copy of this young adult horror book on Goodreads, and I’m so glad I did! It is a modern day twist on Dracula starring Micheline Helsing, a kick-butt heroine. Shutter gave me the chills, and I was obsessed with it for weeks after finishing it. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out!

6. The Martian by Andy Weir [REVIEW] [BUY]

I’m sure you’ve all heard of The Martian! Not only is it one of the most popular books of the year, but it came out as a movie, too. I haven’t seen the film yet, but the book was really cool. It definitely encouraged me to pick up more science fiction.

5. The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley Doyle [REVIEW] [BUY]

Another debut that I was really impressed by is The Accident Season. This is a creepy read for sure, and one that actually got me quite scared while I was reading it late at night. Plus, it has a fun plot twist that I didn’t see coming.

4. We Are Pirates by Daniel Handler [REVIEW] [BUY]

I seem to have read quite a few weird books this year! We Are Pirates is by far the most disturbing book I’ve ever read. I’m not going to say much about it, because I want you all to read it and let me know what you think!

3. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saénz [REVIEW] [BUY]

There are four medals on the cover of this book for a reason! Aristotle and Dante is a uniquely written book with equally unique characters. Whilst the ending was predictable, the journey to the end was one hundred percent worth it.

2. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff [REVIEW] [BUY]

Illuminae was beyond incredible! It is a young adult science fiction novel that is written through hacked document files. The reading experience is completely different than anything else I’ve read. You need to pick this up, trust me!

1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn [REVIEW] [BUY]

I know, I was very late to the Gone Girl train. I am so glad I finally picked up this book. It lived up to the hype for me, and is by far the best book I’ve read all year. It is just amazingly crafted. I cannot say enough good things about it!

I hope you enjoyed hearing a bit about my Top 10 Books of 2015! If you’d like to learn more about any title, simply click on the link to my review. The link will either be on this blog, or to my Goodreads profile for older reviews. Please share your favorite books of the year with me in the comments! I’m always looking for my next read.

Subscription Sunday | Top 10 Julep Polishes for Fall

Posted on August 25, 2013August 25, 2013 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Subscription Sunday! Back in July I shared with you my favorite Julep nail polishes for summer (see that post HERE). Now that it’s getting cooler and September is just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to post my top 10 Juleps for fall! If you’re a Julep Maven subscriber like I am, you probably have some of these polishes in your collection already. Get ready to bust out these great polishes again!

First up is Eloise, a dark blue creme polish. Eloise has an amazing formula that applies well and is opaque in two coats. I love how pigmented Eloise is. While this polish is very dark, the blue tone shows up really well. It’s a great alternative to a neutral shade!

My next pick is Helen, what Julep describes as a “smokey lavender creme.” I see Helen as a pink shade, and I sure love it! This polish has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. Plus, it is work appropriate, and quite feminine. Helen is such a classy nail polish, and I can see it paired with cozy sweaters this fall.

Next up is Janel, a raspberry pink metallic polish. Janel also has a great formula and is opaque in two coats. I just love the high gloss finish, and think the metallic sheen is perfect for the fall. I like that it is edgy but girly at the same time. Janel is definitely an underrated Julep polish!

Another Julep that is perfect for fall is Keira, a deep red creme that leans towards purple. Keira has a good formula, but is prone to streaking so careful application is key. Besides that issue, Keira is a great polish. The color is stunning, and the polish is opaque in two coats. I wore this polish at least twice last year, and I’ll be sure to use it this year, too!

Next up is Lisa, a grey creme polish with a hint of green. Lisa has a flawless formula that is opaque in two coats. It is the perfect neutral color, and also works well in nail art! Sometimes I just don’t want loud nails, and Lisa is a great option. It is also work appropriate, and looks quite polished.

Melissa is next, and is a gorgeous opalescent polish. I got Melissa gifted to me from the blogger My Vanity Basics way back when I first started blogging. Melissa is one of the most popular Julep polishes, and it is stunning! I applied three coats to achieve the look in the photos. I love that this polish reflects every color of the rainbow depending on the light. Melissa is a must have in every polish collection!

Up next is Nikki, a green-yellow creme polish. Nikki doesn’t have the perfect formula, but it is still a really unique color. I applied three coats to achieve opacity. Nikki is definitely a different kind of polish! I think it is great for the fall, and can be layered over a white if you would like a brighter result.

Next up is Nora, one of the suede finish polishes from Julep in a purple color. As you can see, the suede polishes dry to a matte finish, and look just like suede fabric! Formula wise, Nora is a great polish. I applied two coats to achieve opacity. If you love matte finishes, Nora is definitely a great one! It’s so pretty for the fall.

My next pick is Piper, a mint green metallic polish. Piper has a great formula, but it is a bit sheer. I need three coats for an opaque finish. I got Piper in my August Julep Maven Box last year, and it is such a great transitional polish from summer to fall. I love anything mint green, and Piper is no exception!

Last but not least is Raegan, a pink creme polish. I absolutely love pink cremes, and I feel like they are always in season. Raegan is truly the perfect bright pink, and the formula is fabulous as well. I could wear this polish on a daily basis — it’s great for every occasion!

All in all, I hope you found this post helpful! I love Julep nail polishes, and I’ve acquired so many since I’ve become a Maven that I try to reuse them all the time. I highly suggest joining the Julep Maven subscription program if you are not a member already. It is only $19.95 per month for a mix of nail polishes and beauty products, and the best part is you can skip any month you do not want to purchase. Julep also offers great discount codes and sales all the time. In fact, you can get your first Maven box for free with code FREEBOX at checkout HERE. You’ll just have to pay for shipping, but this is a fabulous deal!

Let me know in the comments what your favorite Julep polish is for fall!

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

Subscription Sunday | Top 10 Julep Polishes for Summer

Posted on July 7, 2013July 10, 2013 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Subscription Sunday! Today I thought it would be fun to share with you my favorite Julep nail polishes for summer. Julep was the first monthly subscription service that I ever signed up for, and I’ve been a member for over a year now. I currently have forty Julep nail polishes in my collection, so I went through and picked ten polishes that are perfect for the summer sun. Some of these polishes have been reviewed on my blog in the past, but I hope you enjoy and discover a new shade that you love!

First up is Blake, a pastel yellow creme. Blake does not have the perfect formula — as with many yellow nail polishes it can be a bit streaky. Luckily I usually get it even in two to three coats, and the result is gorgeous! I love yellow nails in the summer, and Blake is a beautiful shade. While I love neon yellow, a pastel creme is very dainty and works well with many skin tones.

Next is Charlotte, a dusty light purple creme. Charlotte is a one coat formula, which I absolutely love. It applies perfectly, and the finish is very glossy. I think Charlotte is the perfect choice for those who don’t like ultra-bright nails, and it is also a great transitional polish from summer to fall. If you love purple nails, Charlotte is a must for your collection!

Harper is the next polish on my Top 10 list! It is an aquamarine glitter with hints of blue and an opalescent shine. Harper reminds me of a mermaid, and thus it is a must for summer! It is opaque in three coats, or you can layer it over a blue polish for an oceanic look. Harper is great for laying by the pool, and it surely sparkles in the sunlight. Be sure to let each coat dry completely between layers so you don’t smudge the glitter!

Up next is Lynn, a peachy nude polish with a hint of peach and silver shimmer. Lynn is one of the first Julep polishes I ever got, and I still love it! It is opaque in two coats and has a great formula. Some brushstrokes are visible with Lynn since it is a shimmer, but I personally like the finished look. If you’re stuck in the office all summer, Lynn is definitely work appropriate!

If you’re looking for a classic pink polish, Niecy is for you! It is the perfect bright pink, and has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats. Niecy goes well with any outfit, and will look great no matter what the occasion. I love pink nail polish, and Niecy is one of my all-time favorites!

Up next is Nina, a bright orange polish with a satin finish. Nina is a bit on the thick side, so be sure to limit the amount of polish you have on the brush when applying it. Nina is also opaque in two coats, and dries to look just like orange sherbet! Summer is the perfect time for orange nails, and Nina is a fun option from Julep. While the formula may not be perfect, the color payoff is worth it!

Next on the countdown is Payton, a bright green creme. Payton has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. Make sure you use a healthy layer of base coat with this one, as it can be staining to your nails. I just love green nails, and Payton is the perfect option for summer. I wore it for about a week in June!

Keeping with the green theme is Susie, a mint green creme. Susie has just a hint of mint pigmentation, and looks almost white in direct sunlight. It has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats, and dries very quickly. Susie is wearable any time of the year, but mint is right on trend for this summer. Everyone needs at least one mint in her collection, and Susie is a great option!

Following Susie is Teri, a bright coral creme polish. Teri has a good formula that is a bit on the thick side. It is opaque in two coats, and has a high-gloss finish. I find that Teri is very flattering for my skin tone, and I think it would look nice on everyone! Teri also isn’t too bright, so if you are looking to step into the bright nail polish world, this is a great option for you.

Last but not least is my holy grail of the Julep world, Yumi. Yumi is a pink, silver, and holographic glitter polish. It can be worn alone in three coats, but I layered one coat over Teri in the photo above. I love Yumi so much that I will need a second bottle soon! It is perfect for nail art, and can be combined with many different shades for a beautiful look. Yumi is just stunning!

All in all, you can see how much I love Julep nail polish! I love getting a box in the mail every month, and the variety of colors is fantastic. You can join the Julep Maven program and get your first month for free using code FREEBOX at checkout HERE. What I love about the program is the ability to skip any month you don’t want to purchase, and the special discounts that Maven members get. Let me know if you join Julep, and what your favorite Julep polish for summer is!

Some of the above links are affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.