Fall Favorites!

What's not to love about fall? The leaves change colors, we get to bust out our favorite cozy sweaters, and there is a crispness to the air that is positively intoxicating. As it is my favorite season, I have decided to share some of my favorites with you, be it clothing, drinks, foods,  places to go, and things to do! Let me know what you love about fall in the comments! 

1. The J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket; this thing is so versatile! And amazingly it's pretty warm. The moment it's chilly enough to wear this, I know fall has begun! You can find it in store and online, though it is a bit pricey at $148, the quality is unbeatable. 

2. Trader Joe's Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix; I don't have enough words to describe how good this stuff is. Seriously my family and I discovered it last year and are absolutely addicted. With a little whipped cream and cinnamon, they are the perfect Sunday morning breakfast! 

3. Harbes Farm; Located on the east end of Long Island, Harbes Family Farms are the epitome of Fall. They have the best apple cider donuts, a massive corn maze, a beautiful farm stand with fresh vegetables, and of course pumpkins as far as the eye can see. It has become a family tradition to spend the day out east taking tons of pictures and eating roasted corn until we explode.

4. Sperry Duck Boots; while we all know about the classic L.L. Bean Duck Boots, did y'all know Sperry makes almost the exact same shoe?? And it's cheaper?? Hello! Get with it folks! Sperry has adorable color options and the fleece lining keeps your toes toasty! 

5. Cozy Crewnecks; I have a crewneck from college that has been through the wash more times than I could possibly count, leaving it soft as hell. It is my favorite thing to throw on with leggings and converse when I'm heading out to do some shopping! 

6. Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha Latte; I will drink this hot or cold, in fact I would inject it if I could. The PSL is garbage and we all know it. SCM is WHERE IT'S AT. 

7. American Eagle Flannels; They are truly the softest thing in the world. If you hold out for Black Friday, they usually have them for only $20 each, which is more than half off. They are well worth the wait and can be dressed up or down! Pair with boyfriend jeans for an effortless look, or wear with a leather mini skirt and tights to spice things up! 

8. J.Crew Camp Socks; these are so cozy!! (Can you sense how much I love cozy things?) And they look great peaking out of duck boots or a good old pair of combat boots. J.Crew always has a ton of colors and patterns. At $16 a pair, they will honestly last forever. 

9. Mums; Mums mean fall, they are vibrant and hearty, I buy as many pots as I can and decorate indoors and outdoors. Plus they make a great background for instas! 

10. Apple Crisp; I don't know how to explain to you why you should be eating apple crisp 24/7. It is perfect. Warm it up and put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top- HEAVEN. And truly what is Thanksgiving without Apple Crisp? 

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

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