2018: The Year of Self Care

2018 is the year I've decided to put myself first. I have been surviving on minimum sleep and crappy fast food for years, and I'm starting to seriously consider what it's doing to my body. Since 2018 began, I've started eating a more plant based diet, trying to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night, and have tried to put aside a little 'me time' each week. I wanted to share with you some of my favorite ways to 'treat yo' self', even when you're pressed for time.

1. Take a Bath- while this may seem silly to a lot of people, I think throwing a bath bomb in the tub and letting my muscles relax for a while is the height of luxury. I work part time as a waitress and hostess, so I am always on my feet. My body is starting to feel like I'm 82 years old, not 22. So even if it's just for half an hour, my time spent in the tub helps me sleep, helps me ease tension in my muscles (especially my back muscles), and I can shut off my brain for a little while. I also recommend throwing on some music to add to the mood. I love listening to the 'Instrumental Pop Covers' playlist on Spotify.

2. Try a meditation app- I didn't think I'd love this, but guided meditation is actually really nice, and can put me in a great mood. There are a ton of apps that you can use, that give you different meditations based on what you're looking to focus on, i.e. stress, sleep, depression, anxiety, etc.. I also find that they really effective if you're using headphones, because everything else going on around you gets drowned out. It's too easy to get distracted by the dog walking around, or someone cooking in the kitchen, or the clock ticking, or whatever it is going on in your home. If you're in need of a good pair of headphones, definitely check out Reviews.com's list. It shows you all your best options, pricing, and features. I'm definitely going to be saving up for the BeatsX wireless headphones, I think they'd be great for the gym.

3. Get a Manicure- I feel more put together when my nails are done. I think when my nails aren't done I feel kind of messy and gross. Even just a plain nude color keeps things fresh and clean, plus the mini massage you get afterwards is miraculous. Here on Long Island, a regular manicure costs $7. $7 for an hour dedicated to yourself is not too shabby.

4. Read a Book- What a perfect way to escape. Reading is my favorite way to transport myself to another time, another place, another life. I recently read Outlander and oh my gosh it was incredible. It takes place in Scotland in the 1700's. It was romantic, it was funny, it took me completely out of Long Island and planted me in the middle of a giant castle filled with Scottish royalty. I HIGHLY recommend it. If you want to hear more book recommendations, definitely let me know in the comments below, because I'd love to write that!

5.  Take A Nap- I don't care how old you are, I don't care what job you have, I don't care how sophisticated you are- everyone benefits from a nap. Even a 30 minute power nap can restart your engine. There is no shame in letting your body recharge itself for 30 minutes, even an hour if you have the time. Listen to your body; if you're falling asleep at your desk, or you have the worst headache in America; or hey maybe today is the first day of your period- take a nap. Your body needs it. It's not just for little kids, I swear.

6. Exercise- Working out triggers endorphin's! Endorphin's make you HAPPY! Find a workout that you love, and stick to it, once a week, twice a week, whatever works for you. I personally adore Pure Barre. It's expensive, but occasionally I'll treat myself to a class and it makes me feel UNSTOPPABLE. I also love Zumba, I love taking my dog for a walk around the neighborhood, anything to get your body active and releasing those endorphin's is perfect.

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!

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