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

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