Holiday Gift Guide for Moms

Welcome Back!
I'm here to hit ya with some snazzy gift ideas for mom! I know with my mom especially, it's sometimes hard to figure out a great gift that doesn't break the bank, and isn't too generic like a necklace with a heart pendant, or a cookbook.

So here we go!

1. FitBit
    It can be so hard for moms to get out and get movin', but having a FitBit tracker can really work wonders! Hey if it got my butt off the couch, it can help anyone! These can be used to track your steps, to track you sleep, to log your water, and to monitor your activity levels. Plus they come in a ton of fun colors!

2. Outlander DVD Set

    All moms love this show. I don't get it. It's about time travelers in Scotland, the leading man is heckin' sexy. So get your mom a box of chocolate and this box set so she can transport herself to the land of kilts and swords. 

3. Facial Gift Set

    Let Mom pamper herself for once! Sephora has a ton of different gift sets with fancy face masks and serums available in a variety of price ranges which is awesome! Check out this one from Boscia- only $39 for $75 worth of products! 

4, So here's the deal with Slow Cookers- they're genius. You put all the ingredients in one pot and then leave it there for like 8 hours. Suddenly you have MAGIC when it's time for dinner! These are a lifesaver for busy moms, and families in general because you can make a large portion. 

5. Smart Phone Gloves

    Because now mom can poke at her phone and text with her index finger even when it's snowing.

 6. Fancy Sunglasses
    Because mom deserves more than the Target clearance section, try some designer shades this holiday season. They might be a bit on the pricey side, but hey she squeezed you out the day you were born, she probably deserves it. This super cute pair from Warby Parker are under $100!

7. Netflix Giftcard
    Let mom have an hour an a half to herself to sit and cry watching Love Actually for the third time!! She deserves it!!!

8. Silk Pillowcase
    This is a perfect example of a gift that mom really needs, but would never buy herself. Silk pillowcases are great for your skin and hair. They're breathable, and they don't get hot and sweaty like normal pillowcases do! Every time she lays down it will feel like she's at a fancy hotel

9. Heated Blowout Brush
    This is a killer multipurpose tool and perfect for moms on the go! They can give their hair a slight curl and great lift without having to use 4 different tools and 10 different products. This one from Amika works WONDERS!

10. Fancy Champagne
    Who doesn't love alcohol for Christmas?

So who will we conquer next week? You'll have to come back to find out!
xoxo, Courtney

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

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