Christmas List

I don't know about you guys, but I love getting inspiration from other peoples Christmas lists. I thought it would be fun to share some of the things I'm hoping for this year! 

1. Pure Barre Membership

I was really skeptical about Pure Barre, I've never loved working out, but holy moly, this class made me want to kick some ass. I fell in love with their whole program. It's super intense, fun, and works your entire body. 

2. Aerie Underwear

I know this is weird, but there is nothing I love more than new underwear. Aerie undies are so soft, comfy, and come in a ton of cute colors. You can't go wrong with 10 pairs for $30.

3. Amazing Grace Ballet Rose

Okay I have to admit, I was an asshole and bought this for myself in Ulta the other day. I couldn't help it. It smells so pretty and so clean. It's a very fresh scent, and I've already received so many compliments on it! 

4. Michael Kors Cindy Crossbody, Large, Oyster

I adore crossbody bags. They are so easy to travel with, and they can really dress up an outfit. I love this one because it's not too small, not too large, it could fit my wallet for sure, and a couple of necessities like chapstick, lady supplies, and my keys! 

5. Milk and Honey, Rupi Kaur

I have heard nothing but wonderful things about this book of poems. I would absolutely love to try something new. I'm really never a poetry buff but I need to know what all the fuss is about. 

6. Vans Sk8-Hi Sneakers, True White

I think these looks so cool, with jeans and a flannel, or with leggings and a cozy sweater, I love the Hi-Top design. 

7. BeatsX Wireless Earbuds

Now that I'm really trying to become a gym rat, I now understand the need for wireless headphones. Seriously that cord is a pain in the ass, and I think these white ones look so cute! 

8. Crest 3D White Strips

I know this is weird, but I would never buy these for myself. It would be so wonderful to find these under the tree this year! I'm a little bit obsessed with dental hygiene and white teeth, my teeth need some TLC. 

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: My Mane Care Hair Mask

Welcome back to the test lab friends! This week I decided I had used enough Sun-In in my hair to cause major dryness and breakage, so it was time to do some damage control. I headed to Ulta with my birthday reward in hand and stumbled upon this packet near the checkout counter. 

This My Mane Care Hydrating Mask is vegan, cruelty free, and filled with great ingredients! Nutrients in Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Broccoli, Avocado Oil, and Coconut Oil left my hair feeling really soft. It was extremely easy to use which is always a plus for me, and it smells amazing. I used about half the packet to coat my hair from root to tip, then clipped it up and killed time for half an hour. The formula wasn't drippy and didn't dry or get sticky in my hair. 

After letting it sit for half an hour, I followed with my usual shower routine. I could tell after washing and conditioning my hair that it definitely felt smooth and easy to comb through. I tried to let my hair air dry for as long as possible, hit it with a blow-dryer before bed. My hair was definitely uber shiny- and still is the next night! My hair is a little more oily than usual, but I'm not complaining, my hair needs the moisture! 

I look forward to seeing how my hair responds after using this mask again in the coming weeks. So far though, I highly recommend if you're looking for something that adds a lot of moisture and smells SO good. It is an oil mask, so I don't suggest it if you have trouble with a greasy scalp, but the company has a few different varieties so I definitely encourage you to check them out! 

*This post is not sponsored*

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!

Easter Outfit Ideas

Well hello there!
I wanted to post some inspiration for those of you celebrating Easter this weekend!
Easter is always weird for me because it's not quite spring weather here on Long Island, but there's no reason to bundle up, it's always right in the middle!
So I came up with 3 outfits: 2 casual and 1 more dressy for those of  you going to family parties or to church and such!
Let me know in the comments which is your favorite!

Cardigan: Lord & Taylor

Tank: Forever 21

Shorts: Charlotte Russe

Shoes: Jack Rogers 

Jeans: Old Navy 

Purple Flow Tank: Old Navy

Flats: Target

Bracelets: Francescas 

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer

Wedges: Top Moda

Necklace: Target

Bracelet: Francescas

xoxo, 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

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