Custom Dashboard!

Well hey there Pals!

Today I thought I would walk you through how I create my own dashboards!
It's so crazy easy, I swear this only took me about 15 minutes once I had all the supplies!
Check at the bottom of this page for the links to where I got all of my supplies [Amazon is bae.]
You will need:

• Decorative paper, printed images, etc.. [full page]
• Scissors
• Hole Punch [1/8th inch if you're working with a coil bound planner!]
• Post-it notes and sticky flags 
• Ruler
• Laminating sheets OR packing tape

1. Find 2 patterns you love. You can print them on plain old computer paper, or you can get scrapbook paper, or whatever makes you smile!
                    I love Lilly Pulitzer so I printed two full pages of some of my favorite patterns!

2. Cut both pages to size. The should be approximately 6.15 inches in length and 8.11 inches in length depending on your planner! I used a note page from the back of my Plum Paper Planner as a guide, but if you have a Kate Spade, or an Erin Condren, you might have to adjust your sizes!

I left the white edge along the left side so the holes wouldn't cut into the pattern! 

3. Tape the 2 pages together with your patterns facing out, this way there's even something cute to see when you turn the page!

4. Using that note page, or a bookmark from your Erin Condren, mark where each of the holes are for your coil or binder rings with a small black dot.
       Now you may be thinking, 'but I want it to be laminated! Fear not! That step is coming! We want to mark our spots before we laminate so the pen marks don't rub off!

5. NOW we laminate! They make really awesome self adhesive laminating sheets that you can use, or you could go the poor girl route like I did and use packing tape! As long as you do it carefully, You really get the same effect!

6. Once you're all set with the lamination, take a hole punch (1/8th inch if you're working with a coil planner!) and punch where each of our markings are!

7. Take a pair of scissors, and  snip where each hole is, so the dash can be put in your planner, and easily removed!

Cut through to the hole, but NOT past the hole! 

8. Place your dash in your planner and decorate as you please! I love the target dollar spot sticky notes and use my Post-it flags in class constantly, so it's so great to have them readily available!

Enjoy!!
xoxo, CourtneyBridget

Fiskars 1/8 Inch Circle Hand Punch (23517097J)

Scotch Single-Sided Laminating Sheets, 9 x 12-Inches, Letter Size (LS854SS-10)

The Test Lab: Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser

Well hey pals!
Welcome to THE TEST LAB. OOOOOOOOOOOH. *loud applause*

Today I decided to try the new Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser.

What's the point of charcoal in your facial soap you ask? Well, according to Biore, charcoal draws out and traps 2x more dirt and impurities than a basic cleanser! According to the New York Daily News:

“Charcoal is known to absorb 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities, making it an excellent natural ingredient to help purify and deep-clean skin,” 

Charcoal is the latest craze in the beauty world, even showing up in juice cleanses, and concentrated capsules. It has been found to be a great detox ingredient and can really help clean out your system after a night of drinking or perhaps when you're just really not feeling your best.

All of this sounded pretty heckin' good to me, so I decided to step into the charcoal trend lightly, starting with this facial wash. When I first opened the packaging and pumped approximately a quarter sized amount into my palm, I noticed the very clean, almost citrus-like scent. I was really nervous for a super chemical smell to hit me like a brick, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised! Not only did it smell really fresh and clean, but it wasn't overpowering!

I started with a damp face, and began to lather the product between my hands, adding a little bit of water as I 'woke it up'. Once it was a little frothy, I started to work it into my skin, starting with my T-zone, and working my way out. I really loved the smooth texture of this cleanser. Even though I could feel I was getting a deep clean, it wasn't abrasive or rough on my skin. As I continued scrubbing I began to feel a tingly, cooling sensation, and that's how I knew it was really working. I scrubbed for approximately 2 minutes, rubbing in circular motions before I began to rinse my face. The cleanser was pretty easy to remove, it wasn't like any of those super sticky cleansers or scrubs that make you feel like you have to peel a second layer of skin off just to get all the suds off your face!

As you can tell from this completely candid photo I took 'accidentally' in my bathroom while washing my face, I really love this stuff. I feel like I get a fresh start after every wash!

If you would like to check it out for yourself, you can find it here:
Amazon: Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser, 6.77 Ounce

xoxo, CourtneyBridget

What I Wouldn't Do for my Planner...

As I previously told you all, I am in love with my planner.
I'm talking a hardcore.. passionate love....with basically a calendar.

I was always that weird kid in 5th and 6th grade that had all my classwork color-coded. In fact, I used to throw away the school-issued agenda and instead go to the American Girl store and get a fancy 'grown up' planner.
My love continued to grow through high school as I expanded my knowledge to the Vera Bradley and Lilly Pulitzer agendas until finally these past few years, I learned of the magic that is: Erin Condren.............. Well, the student budget version: The Plum Paper Planner.

For anyone who is branching out into the planner world I cannot recommend this planner highly enough. Every single page is customizable. I have my very own one of a kind planner!

I thought a great introduction to my planner craziness would be to take you on a walk through my planner and how I've set things up!

As soon as I open my planner I am greeted by the most adorable sticky notes. If you haven't yet discovered the joy that is the Target Dollar Spot, do it.
(If you'd like a tutorial on how to make your own dashboard, please comment below!)

As we continue on, you'll find the year at a glance pages where I circle all important dates whether they be special events, birthdays, anniversaries, etc... This way, when planning way far in advance, I always know what's coming!

Now we get to the really good part, the weekly planner pages, and though I won't show you any 'how-tos' as far as decorating yet, I did want to give you a little peak into my madness!
At the beginning of each month tab, I use the first page of notes to track income and expenses, each date is assigned a line on the page, and I track whatever money goes in or out to keep myself in check!

Next page would be the classic full month view which is one of the things I love about this planner. I love being able to schedule work, and see everything on 2 pages for the entire month!

As you continue to flip through, you'll find the week on 2 pages where I really break things down and write everything that's going on from to-do lists and gym time, to homework!

• The first tip I will give you, is to plan with sticky flags. The world is constantly changing, so instead of permanently marking up your planner, just write out everything on movable sticky flags until you're ready to seriously plan out your week! 

The last few pages are full of extra notes and a really great little pocket where I keep my Erin Condren: Do It All Dots!

So I hope this little intro got you excited for what's to come! Be on the lookout for Plan With Me posts, and cute little planner DIYs!
If you purchase your own Plum Paper Planner, let them know I sent you!
xoxo, CourtneyBridget

Welcome!

Well hey there!

I've been toying with the idea of this blog for quite some time now. All this 'New Year, New Me' nonsense really has me feeling enlightened, so here I go!

I'm 20 years old, currently a student at Wagner College studying Arts Administration, which is kind of like the business of theater and the arts! I was born and raised on Long Island, NY, and have fallen into a deep love with this place, and its beaches, its people, its sea air, and of course the bagels. 

So what is this blog about you ask? Well, I pride myself on 3 things really. 1: I am the DIY queen. I had a scrapbook that I worked on meticulously from the age of 10, and now I find myself on pinterest scrolling endlessly looking for new ideas, instead of doing any homework. 2: I'm a planner addict. There I said it. I am obsessed with color coding, and fun stickers, and keeping my life and memories in a planner. Fun Fact, I have such an addiction that I even asked for Washi Tape and new pens for Christmas. And 3: I grew up in a household with a Dad who worked in the fashion industry in Manhattan, so I know fashion and I know what all the cool kids are doing. I also know the feeling of walking into a store with $20 in your hand, and all you can afford is a sock, not even the whole pair. Over the years I have perfected the skill of owning that incredible sweater from J.Crew, without having to pay an arm and a leg. (I'm not talking about stealing I promise. 

So if you return to this blog which I certainly hope you do, expect to see a ton of DIYs, some cute planner inspiration, and some killer style and discount tricks! 
I'm excited to get started, here's to a kick ass 2016! 
xoxo, CourtneyBridget