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*

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

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

What's in my Carry-On Bag

Well here I am on the plane, they have wifi on these things now, how insane is that?

So you may be planning your own spring break trip and thinking to yourself, well what should I have with me on the plane? Well fear not! I have all the answers…

First of all, my bag: I found this amazing bag from target, from the ‘Merona’ brand, and its literally a giant bucket. It holds everything! Be warned though, there are no pockets within the bag, so it really isn’t a purse, but it’s so great for travel, as long as you have a few small pouches to hold your smaller items like makeup, pens, and dare I say it, tampons.
I'll link a few bags down below that are similar to mine! 

So first of all, God forbid my luggage is ever stolen, I always have a bathing suit and a cover up with me in my carry-on, because though I may have no clean clothes, at least I can get in the pool!

Next I pack a small makeup bag with ‘emergency supplies’ like Advil, my anxiety medication, Band-Aids, a Tide-To-Go stick, a few bobby pins and hair ties. These are essentials that I really want to have on hand with me just in case anything happens.

Second, I take care of my small carry on liquids, everyone knows the quart size plastic bag rule so I won’t bore you all.

Next, I pack a few things to keep me busy while on the plane. I’m currently reading ‘7 Habits for Highly Effective People’, so I have that with me, my planner, and of course my laptop. I’m only flying to Florida, so I won’t really need much more than that, for a longer flight, I would probably bring a DVD, and a neck pillow/eye mask combo for a little nappy.

The last few things are pretty obvious, I always have my wallet, a small bag of pretzels, my chargers and sunglasses for when I’m greeted by that gorgeous Florida sun.

So where are you going this spring break? What are you bringing with you? Any tips or tricks?

Wherever you go, enjoy it!

Xoxo, CourtneyBridget 

Peach Couture Womens Fashion Water Resistant Large Zip Tote Shoulder Handbag Navy

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

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