First Day of School OOTD

Well Hello friends and pals!
It's been quite a while hasn't it?
Well my senior year (*gags*) has just begun and I thought I'd share my Last First Day of School outfit with y'all! All the details will be at the bottom!
xxox

High-Waisted Shorts (Gap) Linen top (Marshalls) Espadrilles (Forever 21) Bracelets (Alex & Ani) Sunglasses (Target)

My Websters Pages Planner

Hey Pals!

OH how I love a brand new planner. Oh it just makes me so happy. Don't you just get giddy filling in your new planner, or is that just me?..

So when I found this walnut colored, 6 ring planner on acherryontop.com for only $24.99 I couldn't stop myself from purchasing it.
It arrived in the original Websters Pages packaging, and I am thrilled with this planner. The only thing I could possibly complain about is the strength of the rings, but honestly I don't stuff my planner enough to be worried about it. But the colors are great, the pockets are perfectly functional, and it's the exact right size for me and my life.

I actually made my own dividers from scrapbook paper I found at Michael's. I laminated them with the Scotch self-seal laminating pouches, and I have to say I'm really disappointed. As soon as I cut the dividers out, the laminating came apart, I had to put scotch tape around them to seal them off...not really doin their job!! Maybe you guys could help, am I doing it wrong? It's honestly quite possible.. Well, regardless they're still cute, I'll live.

I purchased my inserts from The Paper Starfish on Etsy, (I'll link them below!) and I'm really thrilled with them. The paper quality is great, and the printing is picture perfect. I am so excited to fill everything out! I only have weekly and monthly inserts right now, hopefully I'll be able to purchase some more as I get used to the 6 ring design. Essentially, I would like a 'well-being/health' section, a finance section, and then probably a section for odds and ends. Does anyone out there have suggestions? Besides your calendar itself, what else do you keep in your planner?

I'll keep you posted in a month or so as I've filled everything in, and really gotten into the groove of things!
xoxo, Courtney Bridget



Inserts: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePaperStarfish
Planner: They don't have the exact same planner in the personal size anymore, but here it is in the natural color!
http://www.acherryontop.com/shop/search/websters%2Bpages%2Bplanner/sort/relevance/315224

DIY Finals Calendar

Hey Pals!
Here comes another finals week post (AGH)
I have found that the best way for me to be successful, is to write out everything clearly (sometimes with a fun creative flair) so that all my obligations are right in front of me and easy to read!

So I decided to come up with an easy to make calendar so you can outline your next few weeks easily!

Supplies:
-2/3 sheets of paper (depending on how many weeks you want to plan
       *consider printing fun patterns from the computer on a full page of paper, or scrapbook paper!
-scissors
-colorful pens, a pencil, and a black sharpie
-a ruler
-washi tape
-post-it notes

Step 1: 
Cut your 2/3 base pages to approx 8.5x11- the size of a normal piece of computer paper

Step 2:
Measure out your weeks and color them in.
           -Holding the page landscape form, draw a horizontal line down the middle of the page
           -For the top row of boxes with only 3 days, each box is 3.5 inches wide
           -The bottom row boxes are 2.6 inches wide
           -Add a line 1 inch from the top of the page, and 1 inch from the middle line to create the boxes             for the day titles
           -Write over all your pencil lines in sharpie

Step 3:
Write in your days of the week!

Step 4:
Use Washi Tape to attach the three calendars together either vertically or horizontally

Step 5:
Using your own color coding system, start to fill in exams, and try to plan out time to study.
     *I also used cute inspirational quotes and journaling cards to block out dates where I won't be               studying due to events on campus or at home

Step 6: 
Use Washi Tape to attach the calendar to your wall and start living the organized life!

           xoxo, CourtneyBridget

What I'm Watching on Netflix Right Now..

Hey there pals! 

So yea.. I have a Netflix problem. And no I'm not going to apologize for it. 

There are some hidden GEMS on Netflix these days, so I thought I'd share what I'm loving for those of you who have just finished the very last episode of the show you've been devoted to for the last 10 months. 

1.Gossip Girl.

        I've watched the series in its entirety twice, now I've got my mother hooked and we spend too many hours glued to my laptop eating chocolate and snuggling with my giant dog. I am not ashamed to admit ANY of this. If you love upper east side drama, really really unfortunately sexy men, and waffles, you will be as obsessed with this show as I am. 

2. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

CAUSE FEMALES ARE STRONG AS HELL. This show is perfect for when you're super stressed and just want to forget your troubles. It's smart humor, incredible cast, and wacky plot make it so easy to fall in love with Kimmy and all her friends. Each episode is only half an hour so you totally breeze through each season, but then are just so sad when it's over.. Get excited, season 2 is premiering THIS FRIDAY April 15th!! 

3. Graceland

Through this show, I have somehow convinced myself I would be an incredibly successful FBI agent. I know how to get out of any situation, and feel I am fully equipped to handle pretty much any traumatic situation.. Not to mention Aaron Tveit is in it so really there's no reason not to watch it.

4. The Office

You're dumb if you're not madly in love with Jim Halpert. This show is full of quirky lovable characters, ridiculous jokes and perfectly  quotable lines. ('Dwight you IGNORANT SLUT') To be perfectly honest, it took me a while to fall in love with the show, the first season is slow, but once I understood the humor I fell completely in love. UGH Jim and Pam are ALL the goals. 

5. FRIENDS

*clap clap clap clap* It's a classic, its addicting, I think it's probably ridiculous for me to even be suggesting it because I'm sure you all already watch it, so just keep on keepin on. 

My College Study Tips

Well hello friends!

As finals are quick approaching (*vomits*) I felt it necessary to share with you my favorite studying hacks. Though I'm not a huge fan, I do find myself cramming more than I'd like. It's inevitable when you have to juggle so many different classes and papers and tests oh my!

I've always kept the saying 'Cs Get Degrees' in the back of my brain because sometimes I find myself stressing out so much over some of the littlest things. It's so important to get good grades, and I'm not trying to tell you to slack off in school, but you really need to take a step back and breathe when you're having a panic attack over a 70 on a quiz that counts for 3% of your grade. Unless something truly tragic happens, you are going to graduate. If you're putting so much pressure on yourself to be perfect, you're going to miss out on some of the best moments in college that your parents wish they could go back to. It's all about balance. And hey if you have 4 tests in one day, and one comes back as a 75, don't throw a fit, and don't punish yourself. There's only so much you can do and so much your brain can tolerate! Take that 75 and use it to motivate you for the next test! 1 bad grade doesn't define you as a person, nor does it define your level of intelligence.

Okay now that I got that off my chest, I have a few actual tips and tricks for you when you're stuck cramming!

1. Write everything out. It's scientifically proven to help you retain information. When you write something in your own handwriting, a part of your brain is triggered that helps you remember the information during the test. When you prefer flashcards or full blown color coded study guides, it really helps to cement everything in your brain.

2. Speaking of color coding- it's a miracle. Seriously it is the best way to keep everything organized in your head, plus fun colors can actually motivate you to study! If the paper and the notes are fun, your brain will be tricked into thinking that the information is just as fun!

3. Social media is sometimes the leading cause of cramming. We begin to write a paper and then we quickly check facebook. Suddenly it's 2 hours later and you've found yourself looking at pins of cute baby otters on Pinterest. WHERE DID THE TIME GO?! Well I have your answer: www.selfcontrolapp.com It's only for Macs but it blocks sites like Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter for a set amount of time while you work!

4. If you're like me, you hate silence. Sometimes I find that silence is more distracting than noise! However I also catch myself stepping away from my work because my favorite song comes on, or I have trouble concentrating when I'm reading and have lyrics blasting at me. My suggestion is to switch to classical music. Just like classical symphonies help toddlers brains develop, it can really help you focus! It takes the place of your latest Spotify playlist, so you still have noise, but aren't as tempted to hop up and dance

5. Check with your school, probably in the library, for the Writing Intensive Tutors. They're students just like you, who have been recommended by professors to serve as 'writing specialists'. They can help you with grammar, help you figure out that weird sentence you just cant get to sound right, and they can help you with formatting and all that fun stuff! WITs have saved my life so many times. Sometimes it just takes a second pair of eyes to take your paper from a B to an A+

So what are some of your favorite study tips? Please share them here to help us all survive April & May!

xoxo, CourtneyBridget

March 21-27 Weekly Planner Layout

Hey Pals!
It's been too long since I posted something planner themed, so I thought I'd share my weekly layout for this coming week in my Plum Paper Planner!
I've mentioned it before, but I really just love my PPP, and can't recommend it highly enough if you're an Erin Condren fan, but aren't ready to pay the Erin Condren price! I'll link the Etsy shop at the bottom of this article!
I am not huge on a ton of stickers because sometimes my planner can get a little busy, but I love using colorful functional stickers, and adding a little flair with some washi tape!
Comment below with your favorite way to decorate your planner!!

 Not everything is filled out yet, somethings are still up in the air, and I just hate having to cross things out! Also, I save the bottom check list boxes for homework assignments that are assigned throughout the week! 

Enjoy!
Xoxo, CourtneyBridget

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlumPaperDesigns

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

OOTD: A Casual, Strangely Warm, February Day

So some of you may know, the East Coast is suffering from some Bi-Polar weather these days.. In fact, the day after these pictures were taken, it SNOWED.
But here I am without a coat, quite comfortable in the easy, 65 degree breeze...

Everything I'm wearing is listed below!

Black Tank: Target {Xhileration}

Grey Cardigan: H&M {Basics}

Green Chinos: Forever 21

Nude Flats: Target {Xhileration}

Sunglasses: Target

Rose Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Gold Bangles: Alex & Ani 

Gold Statement Necklace: Francesca's 

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

Custom Dashboard!

Well hey there Pals!

Today I thought I would walk you through how I create my own dashboards!
It's so crazy easy, I swear this only took me about 15 minutes once I had all the supplies!
Check at the bottom of this page for the links to where I got all of my supplies [Amazon is bae.]
You will need:

• Decorative paper, printed images, etc.. [full page]
• Scissors
• Hole Punch [1/8th inch if you're working with a coil bound planner!]
• Post-it notes and sticky flags 
• Ruler
• Laminating sheets OR packing tape

1. Find 2 patterns you love. You can print them on plain old computer paper, or you can get scrapbook paper, or whatever makes you smile!
                    I love Lilly Pulitzer so I printed two full pages of some of my favorite patterns!

2. Cut both pages to size. The should be approximately 6.15 inches in length and 8.11 inches in length depending on your planner! I used a note page from the back of my Plum Paper Planner as a guide, but if you have a Kate Spade, or an Erin Condren, you might have to adjust your sizes!

I left the white edge along the left side so the holes wouldn't cut into the pattern! 

3. Tape the 2 pages together with your patterns facing out, this way there's even something cute to see when you turn the page!

4. Using that note page, or a bookmark from your Erin Condren, mark where each of the holes are for your coil or binder rings with a small black dot.
       Now you may be thinking, 'but I want it to be laminated! Fear not! That step is coming! We want to mark our spots before we laminate so the pen marks don't rub off!

5. NOW we laminate! They make really awesome self adhesive laminating sheets that you can use, or you could go the poor girl route like I did and use packing tape! As long as you do it carefully, You really get the same effect!

6. Once you're all set with the lamination, take a hole punch (1/8th inch if you're working with a coil planner!) and punch where each of our markings are!

7. Take a pair of scissors, and  snip where each hole is, so the dash can be put in your planner, and easily removed!

Cut through to the hole, but NOT past the hole! 

8. Place your dash in your planner and decorate as you please! I love the target dollar spot sticky notes and use my Post-it flags in class constantly, so it's so great to have them readily available!

Enjoy!!
xoxo, CourtneyBridget

Fiskars 1/8 Inch Circle Hand Punch (23517097J)

Scotch Single-Sided Laminating Sheets, 9 x 12-Inches, Letter Size (LS854SS-10)