A Letter to my 16 Year Old Self

Dear 16 Year Old Courtney,

You are at a time in your life where everything seems so perfect. And ya know what? Even looking back at it now, almost about to turn 21, it was perfect. You have exactly what you need right now with an amazing group of friends who love you so much, experiencing things you could never have even dreamed about!
You have and still do have, an incredible family with 2 parents who are willing to do literally anything for you, no matter how insane the request. You're brother is always going to seem like a different species to you, but you know that no matter what he'll always come support you. He sits through all your shows in college, even the ones that make him uncomfortable, and whenever you're home, he's always ready for a trip to the marina. So while you're 16, don't alienate him. Don't judge him for the things he does with his friends or the way he handles things. Hes just a boy, they're weird.

Speaking of boys, you'll be happy to know that by age 20 we don't get any less weird and nervous around boys so we'll just keep waiting on that miracle together. There will be a few boys as you grow and get to college, I just want you to remember that no matter what happens you're value does not decrease based on their inability to see your worth. You will experience your first rough heartbreak your first 2 years of college and it's going to absolutely suck. You're going to want to cry all the time or punch him in the teeth, but in true Courtney fashion, you'll smile through it and continue trying to have the best college experience you can.
When you hit 18, you'll get to college, (I won't tell you which one), and you'll fall in love with it. You have an insanely wonderful group of friends who are there for you no matter what happens, and you will experience a whole new part of life. It's an incredible feeling, being on your own and succeeding doing what you love to do. College will come with some rough choices, but always follow your gut. It's never wrong.

Keep an eye out for a crazy Argentinian modern dance teacher when you get to school. She is one of the best people you'll meet in your four years. She will hand you incredible opportunities to broaden your horizons all while kicking your butt in her Barre a Terre class.

I'm sure you're reading all this college stuff and thinking, 'But what about my roommate?!' Well I'm here to tell you that Bridget (or Budge as you'll eventually call her out of pure laziness when auto-correct does you dirty one day) SUCKS. Just kidding, she will become one of the most important people in you're life. She will send you all the cute pictures of puppies, yell Merrily We Roll along at you while she's drunk, watch Aquamarine with you on every snow day, and always be up for roomie pillow-talk. She's there for you when your heart feels heavy, and you are always there to pick up the pieces when she needs you most. You'll still have Nick so don't fret, but you'll meet a few more gems in your freshman year like Jess, Ryan & Madison who are still your 'mainz' now in junior year, and looking forward, that's not changing any time soon.

So look to the future with light in your heart, the best is yet to come! You're going to vomit at a college party, and take accounting which makes you want to implode, but you'll learn to live on your own and deal with your anxiety, you'll read some amazing books, and finally go to The Met like Gossip Girl!
Also, one more thing before I leave, you have celiac disease. It sucks eggs, figured you'd want to hear it from me instead of that weird Dr. with the gross finger nails.

Sincerely yours,
CourtneyBridget

Spring Break Essentials

Spring Break is SO CLOSE. We're gunna make it..It's almost here...Oh God.... I NEED SUNSHINE. 

With Spring Break approaching so quickly, I thought I'd share my list of my essentials when making my yearly pilgrimage to Florida for Spring Break. Some of these may be total 'Well DUH' products, but hey they're important to me so leave me alone.

Jack Rogers Hamptons Sandals. 

Fun Fact: I have never actually purchased Jack Rogers for retail. Last summer I was wondering around the different shops in my town and found them at a 2Nd Time Around, BRAND NEW. They were marked $40 and I was totally game, and then I find out they're hosting an event for college students to celebrate the end of finals. All I had to do was show them my school ID and I go 50% off..... I only paid $20 for a pair of brand new Jack Rogers. Thank you Lord Above and hallelujah.

These have become my absolute favorite sandals. They are so comfortable and so versatile! Not only can I wear them with a cute little dress, but I can also just throw them on with leggings and a button down and be totally comfy! I know they're expensive, trust me this gal is always on a tight budget (#College) but if you have some birthday money to spend, or magically find them in a 2Nd Time Around, BUY THEM.
Jack Rogers Women's Hamptons Sandal

Comfy Pajamas

My plan for Spring Break is to sleep from approximately 9pm to 8am every night. I know I am in fact a Grandma. But if I'm going to be doing all that sleeping in my big comfy hotel bed, then I better have some super soft comfy pajamas to go with it. I love this tank because its super soft, and flowy so I stay cool and breezy, and if I (God forbid) get a sunburn, it doesn't irritate it because it's so loose!

Namast'ay In Bed Tank Top

A Wonderful Book

I may not have the popular opinion here, but lordy I love a good book. I usually bring 2 just because with all that time on the plane, I'm bound to finish at least one! I just finished Amy Poehler's book Yes Please, and it's incredible. If you need a good vacation read I can't recommend it highly enough! This spring break, I'm bringing 'At The Water's Edge" by Sara Gruen. Water For Elephants was one of my favorite books and I am so excited to see what this one has in store. I haven't decided on my second choice, maybe y'all can help me out! What books have you fallen in love with lately?

At the Water's Edge: A Novel

A Cute Water Bottle

In the Florida heat, the number 2 thing you need, (behind sunscreen) is water. You have to stay hydrated when you're sweating so much! Plus water is just really good for your skin, why not try to look as glowy as possible so you can take super cute instas?.. So I firmly believe if you're going to be drinking water constantly, you need a super cute way to carry it around! 

Lilly Pulitzer Tumbler  

A Good Swimsuit

Okay, I know everyone wants to parade around in their tiny bikinis during spring break, but I've always felt like a flirty one piece is the way to go. You never have to worry about an asshole pulling your straps loose and causing a major wardrobe malfunction; you're more covered from the sun and are less likely to get a super painful under-boob burn, and you never have to worry about saggy bottoms because it's all attached! 

I found this one that I'm very tempted to get. Its a great example of how one piece bathing suits aren't just for our moms! Look at that cute little peephole! 

O'Neill Free Spirit Once Piece Swimsuit

Self Tanner

This is kind of like a pre-vacation necessity. I hate spending the first 2 days of vacation looking like the underbelly of a fish. Its a fact: Everyone looks better with a tan. Approximately 2 weeks before I leave, I start using Nivea Gradual Tanning Lotion. For the first week, I really only use it after every shower, so every other day. The week before I go HAM. I apply before bed every night to get that subtle golden color. This lotion actually smells awesome, and it doesn't leave me feeling like a carrot! 

NIVEA Sun-Kissed Radiance Gradual Tanner & Body Lotion, Fair to Medium Skin, 13.5 Ounce

Chapstick With SPF

Good Lord it hurts to get a sunburn on your lips. Your lips feel all crusty, and they sting no matter what you eat. UGH I wouldn't wish the pain on even my mortal enemy. (That's dramatic, I probably would) I love chapstick that smells so good you want to eat it, so find something that has a killer scent, and SPF of at least 30, and don't forget to reapply!

Hawaiian Tropic Tropical Lip Balm SPF 45+ Sunscreen


So where are y'all going this spring break?
xoxo, CourtneyBridget

The Ultimate 10 Reasons We're STILL Head Over Heels for Chuck Bass

1. The way he loves Blair- Kind of possessive, but also so endearing 

We love Chair. They are a match made in heaven. They are the creme de la creme of all relationship GOALS. Does he love her to the point of going a little crazy? Surely, but could you blame him? She's perfect, he's perfect, it's really unfair. 

You can't help but wonder, when to heck is someone pretty much equivalent to Chuck Bass, going to look at me all dreamy-eyed?! 

2. He has mastered The Smolder

It's absolutely incredible how with one look he can melt our hearts and drive us insane. 

HOW DOES HE DO IT? 

WHAT KIND OF MAGIC IS THIS?

3. HIS JAW

It could quite possibly cut glass. That's all I'm going to say. 

4. He is in fact, the Ultimate Bad Boy

There's something so bad ass about a guy who can throw a punch, do some drugs, and be so blah about it all. He says what he's thinking & he doesn't take crap from anyone 

5. He exudes confidence no matter what he's doing

The man struts down the street knowing exactly who he is, and exactly how good looking he is. Its remarkable really.

6. He's a loyal friend

No matter what he and Nate, Serena, Blair, hell even Dan go through, in the end, they are always there for each other, and ready to scheme until the cows come home. Their bond is what all of us admirers of the Upper East Side royalty wish we could have. 

7. He loves dogs

No commentary needed. 

8. He takes family very seriously
Not only is he hell bent on keeping his fathers name and business alive, but he's also always willing to do what he can to protect Lily and the family he has left. Though he's the typical 'Bad Boy' he has such strong morals, you can't help but imagine a future with Mr. Bass.

9. His style (Lets never forget the onesie)
When have you ever known a man to rock a bow-tie and also a onesie all in one day?! The man has impeccable taste from his designer suits to his tight shirts and suspenders

10. He's Chuck Bass.

Duh. 

Enjoy your sweet dreams about our beloved, pals

xoxo, CourtneyBridget

OOTD: A Casual, Strangely Warm, February Day

So some of you may know, the East Coast is suffering from some Bi-Polar weather these days.. In fact, the day after these pictures were taken, it SNOWED.
But here I am without a coat, quite comfortable in the easy, 65 degree breeze...

Everything I'm wearing is listed below!

Black Tank: Target {Xhileration}

Grey Cardigan: H&M {Basics}

Green Chinos: Forever 21

Nude Flats: Target {Xhileration}

Sunglasses: Target

Rose Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Gold Bangles: Alex & Ani 

Gold Statement Necklace: Francesca's 

DIY 'My Favorite Places' Canvas

Well Hey There Pals!
So in a moment of feelin' a little low, I decided to drive myself out to Michaels craft store off campus. I needed a moment to just be alone, not thinking about my responsibilites, or what auditions I have to go to. I just wanted to wander the aisles, looking at all the stuff I probably shouldn't buy because I need to pay for real things like food.
I found myself feeling a bit homesick, and thought 'how can I create a little homage to my lovely island?'
And I ended up with this:

What You'll Need:
-A Level 1 Canvas {I used 8x10, but you can use any size you'd like!}
-Modpodge & brush
-Scissors
-Rhinestones or small embellishments
-Scrapbook paper
-Sharpie or pen
-Super Glue

Step One:
Go on your computer and find 2 images. 1 being a very detailed map of your hometown, your state, your county, whatever it is you'd like to have with you at college. You will use this as a guide for all your points! The 2nd being a PNG file, black outline map of the same area. You want very little details and no labels.

Step Two:
Head over to an editing site like 'Pic Monkey', and paste your PNG file onto a blank white canvas. Add whatever background color you'd like! My dorm is all white, blue and gold, so I went with a very light turquoise.

Step Three:
Print it all out in color!

Step Four:
Take your scrapbook paper and very carefully write out the names of all your favorite places. You want these to be quite small because if some of your pinpoints are close together, you want to be sure there is no overlapping! Cut each of your tags out in whatever shape you want, I did these little flags! **Be sure to leave a little space before the beginning of each name for  your embellishments or rhinestones!

Step 5:
Now is time to Modpodge your outline map to your canvas. Go SLOWLY! This is really easy to screw up and end up with a cockeyed canvas, so take your time! First apply Modpodge directly to the canvas like a glue, and lay your map on top, as smooth as possible. Give it a few seconds to dry, try and smooth out any bubbles. Then apply another coat of Modpodge on top of the map like a sealant. Let dry for 15 minutes.

Step 6:
Lay out all your tags on your map to see what arrangement works best for you!

Step 7:
Start gluing! One by one glue down your tags. Don't go glue crazy, a little bit goes a long way! Let the glue dry for 10 minutes.

Step 8:
Add your embellishments like little pinpoints on your map! Let dry for 5 minutes.

Step 9:
Fold each tag up ever so slightly so they stand away from the canvas, making it more three dimensional!

And there you have it! I absolutely loved this, and am so happy to see it on my wall everyday!

If you decide to do this craft, tweet me @messyndthriving or tag me in a picture on Instagram @MessyAndThriving so I can see!!
xoxo, CourtneyBridget

January Clothing Haul!

Don't you just LOVE when you're mom comes to visit you at college for a 'girls day'? It always results in gossip, a lot of laughs, REAL food (not dining hall food, lord knows that chicken isn't real chicken. Why do they think they can fool us?) and shopping.
Lord how I love to shop.
Yesterday we discovered the Outlet Mall at Jersey Gardens, which is so huge, people were carrying their belongings in suitcases and giant carts. It was INCREDIBLE. Victorias Secret outlet, Ann Taylor LOFT outlet, Old Navy Outlet, Banana Republic Outlet, Gap Outlet, Target, like what more could I need!?
So yes, I may have gone a little overboard on what I purchased, but I thought I'd share it all with you for some fun inspiration!

Old Navy, 'Classic Button Down', $11.48 on clearance, red and purple plaid print!

Target Xhilleration Dress, $8.98 on clearance, gold & cream pattern

Ann Taylor LOFT Outlet, Purple & grey floral pattern tank, $23 on sale

Ann Taylor LOFT Outlet, Cotton terry cloth skirt, $6.78 on clearance

Ann Taylor LOFT Outlet, Grey silky tunic, $25 on sale

Target rainbow mirrored sunglasses $14//Old Navy Outlet winter socks $0.49 on clearance

Target Mossimo Black lace racer-back dress, $27.99

Let me know what your favorite items are this month!
xoxo, CourtneyBridget