Thriving on a Budget

We all want that incredible, classy, trendy style, but it is NOT CHEAP. It is so hard keeping up with today's trends when I only have about $30 in my wallet at any given time. Through my four years in college I feel as though I really mastered my bargain shopping and wanted to share some of these tips with you all! 

1. Retail Me Not: I really don't know why people aren't using this app 24/7. Basically it locates you, and shows you all the coupons that are available at the stores you're shopping in. Lets say I'm in Michaels, all I have to do is enter Michaels in the search bar and they show me every coupon and deal available! It's so cool and I've seriously saved so much money this way. Retail me not has coupons for in-store and online, and all their coupons are verified! 

2. Shoe Shopping: Okay, I know this one is going to sound crazy, BUT, look in the kids section. Now I'm not telling you to go buy light up TMNT Sneakers (unless of course you want light up TMNT sneakers) but you can get some great Nikes for $15-$20 cheaper than adult sneakers. Most of the time they are exactly the same shoe, just marketed differently. I just bought a pair of Nike Tanjun sneakers. They are a little boys size 5.5 (equivalent to a woman's 7.5). They are absolutely identical to the adult Tanjun. There isn't a single difference in the shoe, but there is a difference in price. I only paid $50 for them, while the adult sizes started at $65. No one will ever know that you're wearing youth sneakers, and you'll have an extra $15 in your pocket for Chipotle. 

3. Target Cartwheel: This app is life changing. As we all know- Target is a holy place. Well it's about to get even better. Cartwheel is an app and all you have to do is scan each item you pick up while shopping. The app will get you Cartwheel exclusive coupons for certain brands and products. While you're at checkout, you show the cashier your barcode and once they scan it, all the discounts are registered and you save some $$$! It's so easy. 

4. Subscriptions: Okay, I know getting a million promotional emails is annoying, but they can actually get you a lot of great deals. My tip is to set up a separate email account for all of your promo emails from different stores and websites. You only have to check it every few days to see what kinds of sales are going on. Plus, many stores offer coupons exclusive to those who subscribe to their emails! 

5. Rewards Programs: Tons of stores are hopping on this train. The one I find most useful? Ulta's Ultamate Rewards! I've been an Ultamate Rewards member for years and I have seriously saved a ton of money. You get a point for each dollar you spend, and once you reach 100 points you get $3 off your next purchase, then $6, then $12, all the way up to $100 off! Plus if you get your hair done at Ulta, (10/10 recommend Emily at the Ulta Salon in Patchogue) it is really easy to rack up points. Rewards members get a ton of exclusive offers like early access to new products, plus cute samples and freebies. Ulta is not the only store doing this! There are plenty of places that offer rewards programs like Sephora and American Eagle.

6. Holiday Sales: We all know about Black Friday, but what about Memorial Day sales? And Fourth of July? So many companies offer some great discounts during these holiday weekends where you can pick up a few things you've had your eye on. This Fourth of July I scoped out some good discounts at KJP.com and was able to buy my first rope bracelet! My best advice is to buy things you've had your eye on for a while during these special sales. I've wanted a KJP bracelet for a long time, and it felt so good to finally get one, plus save some money! J.Crew and Loft always have awesome holiday sales as well! 

The Test Lab: Garnier Micellar Water

Hey Pals,

It's been a while since we entered the The Test Lab! I recently purchased the Garnier Micellar Water. Now that I've been using it for about a month- I wanted to give you my thoughts!

First of all- it's so easy to use. I usually pour some on to a cotton pad and apply it to my skin in circular motions starting with my eyes (because that's where the most gunk is!) The water really breaks down my mascara, and takes off the rest of my makeup easily. I'm usually done after wiping down with just two cotton rounds.

I really like this product because there really isn't much to it. There aren't a million chemicals, it's really light weight, and it's not harmful to my sensitive skin. It smells really clean, and it doesn't kill you if you accidentally get it into your eyes.

Here's the problem- it's winter. The air is freezing. My skin is already dry. This product- thought it claims to be hydrating, really dries out my skin. I had irritated dry patches after a week or so of using it. I had to really amp up my moisturizer routine after using this product which maybe isn't such a bad thing, but still I expected it to add to my moisturizing routine, not so drastically negate it.

Overall, I recommend this product. It's so easy to use, it is a great tool for those late nights when you feel like you just don't have it in you to take care of your skin, and it really is pretty natural. Just be careful if you have sensitive skin like I do, and make sure to moisturize daily!

First Week of Spring Semester Inspiration

Well hello pals.
The time is here. Spring semester is beginning! If you're like me, you're feeling excited, exhausted, stressed, and definitely behind on packing.
I'm here to tell you you're not alone! I'm sitting in my dorm right now, in my pajamas ready to head off to bed before starting my spring internship tomorrow. My winter break sailed by, I have so many things I didn't get to do, and my bank account is frighteningly low.
I am here to help you get through the first week struggle. Scroll down for some cute puppies, inspiring women, and quotes that will push you towards success.

 The first day sucks. Being away from family again takes its toll, but girl you got this! Keep your eye on the prize and look at this new semester as 4 months of opportunities. 

This cute little pup would be terribly upset if he knew you were feeling down in the dumps! Buck up and take on the day with a smile! (For the pups sake of course) 

So your first day wasn't so great? Don't stress! Tomorrow will come, full of new opportunities and new chances to do something incredible. 

This queen inspired little girls to be strong, and taught us all that being smart was something to be proud of! If Emma Watson could be a major movie star, an advocate for education and women's rights, AND graduate from Brown- you can get through today, I swear. 

Make today the day you start to fight for what you love, and do what brings you joy. 

Take time for yourself. Go for a drive, get yourself a delightful iced caramel latte with almond milk. Self care is so important. You don't have to be superwoman all the time! Take a nap, read a book,ease yourself back into the school routine. 

LEAVE F**K BOYS IN THE FALL SEMESTER. You have no time for them, this semester is the one where you find happiness in yourself.

Don't worry about other people. Seriously. Just do you. Make this semester about you and your own success! Don't compare yourself, don't stress about the competition, just be proud of yourself. Every day you do something remarkable, no matter how small. 

You got this. Breathe.
Happy Spring 2017. <3

Ways to Make Money this Summer

Hey Pals!

The key to a perfect summer job, is that it shouldn't feel like a job. It shouldn't be too much work, you shouldn't feel like you've missed out on everything fun, and most of all you should be able to make insane amounts of money. 

Does this job really exist? Probably not. 

So, here are some ideas to help you raise some funds while still enjoying your summer! 

1. Be a cleaning assistant for the people in your neighborhood. 

Now you may be thinking 'I don't even want to clean my own room so no...' But hear me out! Helping your elderly neighbor by doing a few chores once a week at their home= only a few hours of work per week being paid off the books. meaning no taxes! It's really easy, and old people like to feed their guests so who knows, maybe you'll get a free sandwich out of it too! 

2. Sell some unwanted clothes and accessories.

Poshmark is an amazing app that I am constantly using. It is kind of like ebay, but specifically for your clothes. You take a few pictures and list whatever it is you don't wear anymore, then you can set a price, and off it goes! Poshmark is awesome because they only take a 20% comission, so you're left with a nice chunk of cash! Once you've made a sale you can either direct deposit your earnings, or keep them in your account so that you can find something new and amazing right there on the app! I've been using the app for about a year and I am so so thrilled with how they run their business. 

3. Be a Camp Counselor

This is kind of only an option for people who really like working with kids, but if you can do it, I can't think of a better way to spend your summer. Most local schools, town rec programs, even churches host some kind of camp program throughout the summer. It's a great way to get outside and stay active, and most parents are really great about tipping the counselors who take care of their children. Another plus side: most camps don't run on weekends, or during the evenings, so you have a ton of time to still hang out with your friends or go to the beach! 

4. Be a Dog Walker

Who wouldn't want this job? Who wouldn't want to be covered in puppies for a few hours a week?.. I feel like this a job sent from above. And with apps like WAG coming out making it easier for you to find clients, the possibilities are endless! Who doesn't love new doggie friends?! 

So maybe these don't sound like the perfect job for you, but hopefully they have given you some inspiration! There are so many opportunities out there, you just have to make sure you don't give up on the search! 

My Websters Pages Planner

Hey Pals!

OH how I love a brand new planner. Oh it just makes me so happy. Don't you just get giddy filling in your new planner, or is that just me?..

So when I found this walnut colored, 6 ring planner on acherryontop.com for only $24.99 I couldn't stop myself from purchasing it.
It arrived in the original Websters Pages packaging, and I am thrilled with this planner. The only thing I could possibly complain about is the strength of the rings, but honestly I don't stuff my planner enough to be worried about it. But the colors are great, the pockets are perfectly functional, and it's the exact right size for me and my life.

I actually made my own dividers from scrapbook paper I found at Michael's. I laminated them with the Scotch self-seal laminating pouches, and I have to say I'm really disappointed. As soon as I cut the dividers out, the laminating came apart, I had to put scotch tape around them to seal them off...not really doin their job!! Maybe you guys could help, am I doing it wrong? It's honestly quite possible.. Well, regardless they're still cute, I'll live.

I purchased my inserts from The Paper Starfish on Etsy, (I'll link them below!) and I'm really thrilled with them. The paper quality is great, and the printing is picture perfect. I am so excited to fill everything out! I only have weekly and monthly inserts right now, hopefully I'll be able to purchase some more as I get used to the 6 ring design. Essentially, I would like a 'well-being/health' section, a finance section, and then probably a section for odds and ends. Does anyone out there have suggestions? Besides your calendar itself, what else do you keep in your planner?

I'll keep you posted in a month or so as I've filled everything in, and really gotten into the groove of things!
xoxo, Courtney Bridget



Inserts: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePaperStarfish
Planner: They don't have the exact same planner in the personal size anymore, but here it is in the natural color!
http://www.acherryontop.com/shop/search/websters%2Bpages%2Bplanner/sort/relevance/315224

Goodbye Junior Year...

I'm a senior in college? How did this happen? I'm turning 21 in a month... I have to start searching for an apartment? I have to apply for graduation? I'M SO CONFUSED.

Here's the thing. This year was hard. And I'm not trying to complain like 'wahhhh my classes were hard.' I mean like woah a lot of stuff happened this year and I was so unprepared and I need a vacation. I didn't live in the same building as my closest friends, I took upper level courses that challenged me and at many times, frustrated me, and I worked an internship that ate up my time. Junior year was not the 'hey lets hang out till 4am and snuggle' kind of year like sophomore and freshman year. I'm not going to lie to you all, it took a lot of adjusting. I suddenly feel the crushing weight of becoming a real person and it's scary.

Apart from all that, I have so much to be thankful for. I got to spend my entire first semester working with an incredible woman and her dance company in Brooklyn, learning so much and meeting so many wonderful people. I also met a few new friends who have become so important to me, and I'm going to miss them terribly. I was able to *finally* pass accounting, I took some great marketing classes, saw some perfect theater (still trying to sell body parts to see Hamilton though..), and I was able to go through everything with my 5 best best friends who I plan to keep with me for the rest of my life.

What are my favorite memories you may ask?

1. Well first of all, I got to go to Florida as you all know, and visit my aunt, spend time with my friend Ryan in Disney, and soak up so much sun.
2. Waggies. I wish I could explain it.. Basically it's a roast, plus an after party where unspeakable things happen but none of it matters simply because it's waggies. And everyone wears themed costumes and it's the most perfect night of the year.
3. The fundraiser gala for my internship in November. It was so rewarding to be able to celebrate a year of beautiful performances with the AL/DD team.
4. Finding Vanberbilt Beach. Since my freshman year I have ached to find a beach on this silly island where I could sit and de-stress, enjoying the sounds of the water just like I do at home. Though the first adventure came with a $95 parking ticket, I am so thrilled Ryan, Austin, Anne and I were able to find that baby beach and dip our feet in that ice cold water right underneath the bridge!
5. Rocky Horror. This was the only time I was able to perform this year, and though the process was super short, Rocky is fun no matter what you do.
6. The annual Halloween scavenger hunt. Not only, did the Zaddy Squad WIN, but we won by a landslide. I felt like a super secret spy for the evening. A super secret spy with a rainbow tattoo on her face.

So yes, though this year brought some personal struggles, and I found myself struggling some days, I still have incredible friends, and dedicated teachers, and seriously I am so lucky to love where I'm at. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm so excited for senior year, and growing up, and making my own future.

Peace out Wagner, see ya in August!

xoxo, CourtneyBridget

DIY Finals Calendar

Hey Pals!
Here comes another finals week post (AGH)
I have found that the best way for me to be successful, is to write out everything clearly (sometimes with a fun creative flair) so that all my obligations are right in front of me and easy to read!

So I decided to come up with an easy to make calendar so you can outline your next few weeks easily!

Supplies:
-2/3 sheets of paper (depending on how many weeks you want to plan
       *consider printing fun patterns from the computer on a full page of paper, or scrapbook paper!
-scissors
-colorful pens, a pencil, and a black sharpie
-a ruler
-washi tape
-post-it notes

Step 1: 
Cut your 2/3 base pages to approx 8.5x11- the size of a normal piece of computer paper

Step 2:
Measure out your weeks and color them in.
           -Holding the page landscape form, draw a horizontal line down the middle of the page
           -For the top row of boxes with only 3 days, each box is 3.5 inches wide
           -The bottom row boxes are 2.6 inches wide
           -Add a line 1 inch from the top of the page, and 1 inch from the middle line to create the boxes             for the day titles
           -Write over all your pencil lines in sharpie

Step 3:
Write in your days of the week!

Step 4:
Use Washi Tape to attach the three calendars together either vertically or horizontally

Step 5:
Using your own color coding system, start to fill in exams, and try to plan out time to study.
     *I also used cute inspirational quotes and journaling cards to block out dates where I won't be               studying due to events on campus or at home

Step 6: 
Use Washi Tape to attach the calendar to your wall and start living the organized life!

           xoxo, CourtneyBridget

What I'm Watching on Netflix Right Now..

Hey there pals! 

So yea.. I have a Netflix problem. And no I'm not going to apologize for it. 

There are some hidden GEMS on Netflix these days, so I thought I'd share what I'm loving for those of you who have just finished the very last episode of the show you've been devoted to for the last 10 months. 

1.Gossip Girl.

        I've watched the series in its entirety twice, now I've got my mother hooked and we spend too many hours glued to my laptop eating chocolate and snuggling with my giant dog. I am not ashamed to admit ANY of this. If you love upper east side drama, really really unfortunately sexy men, and waffles, you will be as obsessed with this show as I am. 

2. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

CAUSE FEMALES ARE STRONG AS HELL. This show is perfect for when you're super stressed and just want to forget your troubles. It's smart humor, incredible cast, and wacky plot make it so easy to fall in love with Kimmy and all her friends. Each episode is only half an hour so you totally breeze through each season, but then are just so sad when it's over.. Get excited, season 2 is premiering THIS FRIDAY April 15th!! 

3. Graceland

Through this show, I have somehow convinced myself I would be an incredibly successful FBI agent. I know how to get out of any situation, and feel I am fully equipped to handle pretty much any traumatic situation.. Not to mention Aaron Tveit is in it so really there's no reason not to watch it.

4. The Office

You're dumb if you're not madly in love with Jim Halpert. This show is full of quirky lovable characters, ridiculous jokes and perfectly  quotable lines. ('Dwight you IGNORANT SLUT') To be perfectly honest, it took me a while to fall in love with the show, the first season is slow, but once I understood the humor I fell completely in love. UGH Jim and Pam are ALL the goals. 

5. FRIENDS

*clap clap clap clap* It's a classic, its addicting, I think it's probably ridiculous for me to even be suggesting it because I'm sure you all already watch it, so just keep on keepin on. 

March 21-27 Weekly Planner Layout

Hey Pals!
It's been too long since I posted something planner themed, so I thought I'd share my weekly layout for this coming week in my Plum Paper Planner!
I've mentioned it before, but I really just love my PPP, and can't recommend it highly enough if you're an Erin Condren fan, but aren't ready to pay the Erin Condren price! I'll link the Etsy shop at the bottom of this article!
I am not huge on a ton of stickers because sometimes my planner can get a little busy, but I love using colorful functional stickers, and adding a little flair with some washi tape!
Comment below with your favorite way to decorate your planner!!

 Not everything is filled out yet, somethings are still up in the air, and I just hate having to cross things out! Also, I save the bottom check list boxes for homework assignments that are assigned throughout the week! 

Enjoy!
Xoxo, CourtneyBridget

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlumPaperDesigns

My Favorite Spring Break Outfits

Well hello there my dear friends!
I am back from Florida, tan, blonde, and a little bit itchy (It's not spring break if you don't give yourself a little sun poisoning)
I really didn't go off the resort property much because I wanted to soak up as much sun as possible, however I did want to share 2 of my favorite outfits from the trip!

Outfit #1:
My first night I was lucky enough to meet up with one of my closest friends and wander around Disney Springs eating Mickey Ice Cream Bars and visiting all the cute little shops! It was actually a little chilly this evening so I decided on my classic Old Navy white V-Neck tee shirt, my favorite Ann Taylor LOFT navy knit skirt, my silver Jack Rogers sandals, and a basic light gray cardigan from H&M! As far as jewelry, I kept it simple with a silver bangle, and some flash tattoos!

Outfit #2:
On the 4th day, we decided to venture out to Celebration, the small community run by Disney. It's super cute and has a bunch of little boutiques and restaurants (including a macaron store... #blessed). I went with casual but cool, considering it was almost 90 degrees! My shorts are the J.Crew 3" chino short, in a super rich olive green color, and my purple and gray floral tank is from Ann Taylor LOFT. I paired that with some easy brown leather sandals with some gold detailing from Target, and finished off the look with a statement necklace from Forever 21!

Though it's not much, I hope this gives you some outfit inspiration for your upcoming trip! And if you're not going anywhere, don't  worry! Spring and summer are just around the corner!

xoxo, CourtneyBridget

What's in my Carry-On Bag

Well here I am on the plane, they have wifi on these things now, how insane is that?

So you may be planning your own spring break trip and thinking to yourself, well what should I have with me on the plane? Well fear not! I have all the answers…

First of all, my bag: I found this amazing bag from target, from the ‘Merona’ brand, and its literally a giant bucket. It holds everything! Be warned though, there are no pockets within the bag, so it really isn’t a purse, but it’s so great for travel, as long as you have a few small pouches to hold your smaller items like makeup, pens, and dare I say it, tampons.
I'll link a few bags down below that are similar to mine! 

So first of all, God forbid my luggage is ever stolen, I always have a bathing suit and a cover up with me in my carry-on, because though I may have no clean clothes, at least I can get in the pool!

Next I pack a small makeup bag with ‘emergency supplies’ like Advil, my anxiety medication, Band-Aids, a Tide-To-Go stick, a few bobby pins and hair ties. These are essentials that I really want to have on hand with me just in case anything happens.

Second, I take care of my small carry on liquids, everyone knows the quart size plastic bag rule so I won’t bore you all.

Next, I pack a few things to keep me busy while on the plane. I’m currently reading ‘7 Habits for Highly Effective People’, so I have that with me, my planner, and of course my laptop. I’m only flying to Florida, so I won’t really need much more than that, for a longer flight, I would probably bring a DVD, and a neck pillow/eye mask combo for a little nappy.

The last few things are pretty obvious, I always have my wallet, a small bag of pretzels, my chargers and sunglasses for when I’m greeted by that gorgeous Florida sun.

So where are you going this spring break? What are you bringing with you? Any tips or tricks?

Wherever you go, enjoy it!

Xoxo, CourtneyBridget 

Peach Couture Womens Fashion Water Resistant Large Zip Tote Shoulder Handbag Navy

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

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