Apartment Sweet Apartment!

Hello all!

I am sorry for the lack of bloggie posts recently, but you have no idea how busy I've been! I drove back up to college the 8th of August and have been going non-stop since then. First I had a week of preparing for recruitment with my sorority sisters, then a week of sorority recruitment, and then the first week of school! Let's just say these past weeks I had barely any sleep or even time to breath!

As many of you know, I have now moved into my FIRST APARTMENT! I'm living with one of my sorority sisters and two other friends, and it's been a blast thus far. I feel so thankful and blessed to be living in such a beautiful and nice place. It's a four-bedroom four-bathroom apartment (and the perfect location from campus!), and it already feels like home.

The color scheme for my room and bathroom are pink, navy, black, and white, and I loved the way it turned out! If you're wondering where anything's from, I've posted two haul videos on YouTube (one here and the other here).  I hope you all enjoy the photos! Let me know what you think.

My first apartment!

My first apartment!

My first apartment!

My first apartment!

My first apartment!

My first apartment!

My first apartment!

My first apartment!

My first apartment!

This labor day weekend, my sister and I met the rest of our family at  our vacation condo. I finally feel rested again.

That's all for today's post, folks! I still have some homework and reading I need to do before school starts up again tomorrow. Happy Labor Day!

Recruitment Outfit Ideas | 2014

With Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment right around the corner, I thought it would be beneficial to share recruitment outfit ideas with you all. I'm a regular on YouTube, and recently uploaded a video all about what to wear for rush week. Good luck to all of you rushing! Don't be nervous. Just have fun and be yourself! Also, be sure to let me know which sorority you join! I did not go through formal recruitment, but becoming a part of Greek Life was one of the best decisions I ever made. I'm very excited for all of you! 

Orientation

Open House Day(s)

Leadership and/or Skit Day

House Tour and/or Philanthropy Day

Preference Day

Bid Day!

College Dorm Room Advice

While I cannot say I wasn't ecstatic my last night in my dorm, and I can't say I'm overjoyed to be living in a fully furnished 4B x 4B apartment this coming school year, when I look back at it all, I had a very positive dorm experience. I lived in a suite style dorm my entire freshman year and an so thankful for that. Last summer, I had a random roommate, but we got along well. For the Fall and Spring semesters I was paired with a friend from back home as my roommate. The funny thing is, we didn't request each other! We both requested to be out of a community style dorm, and were lucky and blessed to live in the same housing that I was in for summer together!

My bed-space of Fall 2013 - Spring 2014 dorm

My bed-space of Fall 2013 - Spring 2014 dorm

My dorm's kitchen area (+ closet on right)

My side of my dorm's sink area

My bed-space of Fall 2013 - Spring 2014 dorm

I absolutely loved the way I set up my dorm room. Here's a video of a full tour of my Fall and Spring Room. My color scheme was pink, black, and white, and I have to say, my side of the room was very "ME!"

If you'd also like to see how I set up my Summer Dorm Room, click here to watch this video. I was only in this dorm room for a six-week-long summer session, so it's not decorated too much.

One thing I would like to share with you all that I cannot stress enough is to pack lightly! By this, I mean you do not need to bring every single thing from your room at home to your dorm room! This girl is guilty of just that. I overpacked to the MAX. While it was nice knowing that I had anything and everything I needed, it was unpractical. When I was moving out at the end of spring, I found a suitcase under my bed still half filled with clothes. That means the clothes were under my bed for an entire school year. Really, Courtney?

There are definitely essentials and necessities needed when packing for college. In this haul video, I will be showing you things I bought. 

Before you put something in your suitcases and luggage trunks, as yourself two questions.

1.) Do I need this?

2.) Will I use this?

The answer to those questions will make it more clear to you if it's something that you really need to bring to your dorm room.

One thing you should remember is that if you realize you actually do want something that you left at home, it's not the end of the world. Not even close! Tell your parents, and I'm sure they would be more than happy to mail it up to you!

Have fun decorating your room and happy move in!

A Bittersweet Wrap Up

That's a wrap, folks! Today was my last day at work for my summer job. Can you believe it? I certainly cannot. It feels like just yesterday that I started my first day working as a Media Analyst/Project Coordinator for an executive recruiting firm. It's so hard to believe that that was all the way back in May. Time sure does fly. It's now August... Just let that sink in for a second. I can't be the only one who feels this year is going by way too quickly!

I feel so blessed to have been able to land my first real job this summer. I learned SO much about the corporate world and myself as a business woman. It was such an amazing opportunity. I cannot wait to see what my next job will be! (I've already begun applying for internships!)

To honor my final days working with this company, I decided to take a photo every day before work this week. The dress code is Business Casual, which I love! Here are my outfits of the week!

Enjoy!

Monday ~ 07/28/14

Blouse: Charlotte Russe / Jeans: Target / Flats: JCPenny  

Handbag: Michael Kors / Watch: Michael Kors / Bangles: Target

Tuesday ~ 07/29/14

Dress: Macy's / Heels: Target 

Handbag: Michael Kors / Clutch: Michael Kors / Watch: Kate Spade

Wednesday ~ 07/30/14

Blouse: Target / Pants: Bealls / Heels: Target  

Handbag: Michael Kors 

Thursday ~ 07/31/14

Dress: Target / Heels: Peltz Shoes 

Handbag: Michael Kors / Watch: Kate Spade / Peals: Target

Friday ~ 08/1/14 (I sent out snail-mail before work!)

Blouse: J.Crew / Jeans: Target / Flats: JCPenny  

Handbag: Michael Kors / Watch: Michael Kors / Bangles: Nordstrom

Which outfit was your favorite? If you'd like to see full outfits and other "business casual" outfits that I've put together, be sure to check out this video! It's a Business Lookbook that I worked really hard on!

 

Let's all wave a bittersweet goodbye to my desk and workspace. (Yes, I worked with two computers! It was a busy job!)

My desk at work

Thanks for reading!

Liebster Award Nominee!

I have some pretty exciting news!  Miss Claire of Simply Darling nominated me for the Liebster Award! The Liebster Award was created as a way to discover new blogs and get involved in the blogging community. Once you are nominated, you are to complete these tasks:

1) Post 11 facts about yourself.

2) Answer the 11 questions created by the person who nominated you, then create your own set for the people you are going to nominate.

3) Choose 11 people that have under 200 followers to nominate. Be sure to link them in your post.

4) Let the people you nominated know they've been tagged! (No tag backs.)

Keep on reading to see my 11 random facts, my answers to Claire's questions, the questions I came up with, and who I've nominated!

My 11 Random Facts:

1) I am a perfectionist, and I am really hard on myself when I feel like I could have done better at something.

2) I've been vlogging (video blogging) on my Fashion & Lifestyle YouTube Channel for over two years now and have been blogging for about 7 months.

3) My favorite brands are easily Kate Spade and J.Crew.

4) I am an Alpha Gamma Delta and absolutely love being a part of Greek Life.

5) I've been to Europe twice (France, England, Wales, Scotland, Belgium, and Ireland) and Australia. I'd love to visit Tokyo someday for the experience.

6) My favorite color is pink! Navy is a close second.

7) I go to The Florida State University and am planning to get my degree in Communications and minor in Business.

8) I love snail-mail! Many of my blogging and YouTube friends are also snail-mail buddies, and getting pretty paper in the mail makes my day every time. 

9) I'm terrified of bugs and all creepy crawlers.

10) My favorite animals are elephants and owls.

11) Vlogging and blogging are becoming a huge part of my life and I'm so happy to have all of you!

To hear more random facts about me, watch this video! I named 50!

My Answers to Claire's Questions:

1) Describe your style.

I would definitely have to say that my style is pretty classic and put together. You'll often find me in polos and J.Crew.

2) Are you an early bird or night owl?

Early bird! I always try to sleep in but it rarely works! I'm always the first one awake at sleepovers as well.

3) Are you a procrastinator or do you like getting things done early?

I ALWAYS try to get things done early. I'm definitely what you call Type A, so as soon as I have an assignment or a growing To-Do list, I get right to it!

4) Favorite holiday?

Christmas!

5) Favorite summer memory?

My favorite summer memories are traveling all over Europe and Australia!

6) Favorite place to vacation?

I love visiting resort hotels on the beach.

7) What are you most excited for in the upcoming school year?

I can't believe I'll be a sophomore in college in a few weeks. I'm definitely most excited for Football games. Go Noles! I'm also super excited to be decorating my first apartment!

8) How and when did you start blogging?

I started blogging at the end of last year (2013). I had been vlogging on YouTube for a while, but wanted to try something else as well. Many of the girls I followed on Instagram had blogs in their bio, and I was inspired to create my own.

9) Your favorite movie?

I love the Parent Trap.

10) Who is your biggest inspiration?

I really look up to my mom. 

11) What do you want to do when you graduate college? 

I'm not completely sure yet! I know I want to do something with media, public relations, and film though. I think it would be very interesting becoming a Public Relations Specialist for an Entertainment & Lifestyle PR Firm in LA or NY.

Who I've Nominated:

Madison of It's Madison Lane
Abby of Belle of the Ball 45
Nathalie of  She Wears Prep

Samantha of Preptista
Becca of Becca Jane

Grace of Preppy on the West Coast

Caitlin of Your Typical Prep

Lara of SassyPinkGiraffe

Bess of Belles in Bows

Shelby of Lucky Day

Emery of Oh So Ellie

I hope you discover new bloggers and blogs from this post! Thank you so much, Claire, for nominating me!

Thanks for reading!

An Errand Filled Weekend

And just like that it’s almost time to say goodbye to another weekend. After I got off work at 5:30pm, I spent my entire Friday evening relaxing because I knew Saturday and Sunday would be full! During the week, I had created a mammoth to-do list of everything that needed to be accomplished this weekend. Let me tell you, I got anxiety just looking at it! An evening in bed (with healthy snacks and Netflix as my companion!) was just what I needed to prepare for the busy weekend ahead.

I’m going back to college in about two weeks, so most of my errands centered around preparing for that. I don’t start classes until August 25th, but I have to drive up to Tallahassee early for (1) a week to prepare for sorority recruitment and then (2) a week of sorority recruitment itself. My apartment lease doesn’t start until the 22nd, so I’ll be living in the sorority house for about two weeks! I know recruitment is going to be stressful, but I am very excited for the experience and the time I’ll share with my sisters.

I began Saturday with selling clothes and accessories I don’t wear much anymore at Platos Closet. I hadn’t been in Platos Closet in a while and was absolutely amazed with everything! I always forget that they have such great quality used items for less. I was looking around the store as they were going through my clothing and stumbled upon a gorgeous pair of black Tory Burch wedges. They were being sold for $30. Yes, I repeat, $30. It was so hard to peal myself away from those beauties, but I had to tell myself that I didn’t need them.

After selling my clothes, I began shopping for recruitment and items for my new apartment at Target. You have no idea how excited I am to be living in an apartment this coming school year! Shopping for it made it really hit me that it’s almost time to move in! It’s a HUGE help that it’s fully furnished, so I don’t have to worry about buying any furniture. That being said, it is a 4 Bedroom and 4 Bathroom apartment, so I’ll be setting up for my own room and bathroom. Going from living in a dorm to this is paradise!

Shopping at Tar-jay

After a full day of shopping, I was exhausted. My parents really enjoy helping out at church, so we went to a 4pm Saturday mass, but when I came home, it was back to work! I had several emails centered around my YouTube and blog that needed to be answered, and my creative ideas needed to be planned out.

After a few hours of work, I treated myself to take-out from Panera (their Macaroni and Cheese is to die for!) and a night of Netflix. I did do some work while it was playing, but I also did try to relax some. I ended up finishing Gossip Girl for the 3rd time. Yes, you read that correctly. I have officially watched the entire series of Gossip Girl 3 times. (No shame!)

Panera & Netflix

After such a full day, you can only imagine how well I slept.

Sunday was not as busy as Saturday, but I still had half of a list that needed to be crossed out. I spent Saturday working on crafts I needed to do for my apartment and sorority, responding to emails, planning out YouTube videos, sending out resumes, and getting everything ready for the upcoming week. 

Getting my crafts set up

Cereal & Crafting

It’s been a non-stop weekend, but being busy often makes me happy. It comes with being Type A!

What did you do this weekend? I’d love to hear about it!

Work hard, give back, and love.

Chat later!

GO-TO Summer 2014 Makeup Products

We are now in the central heat of summertime, and it sure is a scorcher here in Florida! My city has been blessed these past few days with overcast skies and thunderstorms making the weather bearable. However, when the sun is out and the skies are blue, the humidity is killer! I am not trying to complain, but I am definitely more a Fall and Winter girl. However, since time flies by so quickly, it is important to enjoy every stage and every moment. I do not want to wish this time away, so I am doing what I can to appreciate the heat. 

Because of the high Florida temperatures, I have been wearing a much lighter amount of makeup this summer. In today’s post, I’m going to show you my 5 Go-To Summer Makeup Products. These products provide coverage and color without being heavy or runny in the heat. With them, I know I’ll look my best all day... whether I’m at working hard or socializing with friends.

BB Cream / Eyeshadow / Mascara / Lipstick / Blush

My Go-To Summer Makeup Product List

• Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream - Deep: I have been using this BB cream for a few years now, and absolutely love it for the springtime and summertime. My all-time-favorite foundation is the Revlon ColorStay Foundation. However, I prefer using the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream for the duration of the warmer months because it’s so light! This BB Cream is such a stellar product because it is: (1) very light on your face, (2) easily “buildable” for more coverage, (3) has SPF, and (4) does not get runny if/when sweating in the heat! What could be better?! Maybelline has them in six different shades, so no matter where your skin tint is on the color wheel, you’re covered!

• Urban Decay Eyeshadow - Half Baked: This eyeshadow is a great shade and must-have for all year round. It is especially essential for the summertime because of its warm, golden glow. 

• CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara - Black: This mascara has been one of my favorites for years and years. I tend to stay away from waterproof mascaras because most are extremely hard to remove. However, this one by CoverGirl not only proves itself to be fully waterproof, but also comes off perfectly fine with any makeup remover I’ve used thus far.

• Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick - Plum: When I apply this product normally, it is a bit too dark, in my opinion, for the summer. However, when I pat and dab it on lightly before building it up a little bit, the color is phenomenal. It’s not quite pink and it’s not quite red, so it’s that perfect in-between “plummy” shade. 

• CoverGirl Blush - Iced Plum: When applied, this blush comes off as a soft pink color. While this shade will look exquisite on anyone, I believe it looks especially radiant on deep tan and dark skin tones. I love this blush because it brightens up the face naturally.

Let me know if you try or have tried out any of these products! The CoverGirl and Maybelline products can be purchased at most drugstores, and the Urban Decay eyeshadow can be purchased at stores such as Sephora and Ulta. Just in case you're an online shopper, I have included links to all of the products in this post! 

What are your favorite summer makeup products? I’m dying to know!

Work hard, give back, and love.

Talk soon!

Simplicity

sending out postal

Simple weekends are just the best. I am ecstatic to announce that I have my Statistics final tomorrow... meaning I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel with this course! Math is just not my thing, and it's almost over! I have been getting very high grades so far (far above the class average ;), so let's hope I continue and finish strong.

Sadly, I had to decline a few fun events my friends invited me to this weekend because I knew that in order to keep my high grade, I needed to study, study, study! My mom has been enjoying studying Theology, so this weekend consisted of Panera and Starbucks sit downs and runs for the both of us. I just loved the simplicity of this weekend and the time I got to spend with my mom. (I also received snail-mail from one of my favorite bloggers, Dorothy, which was definitely a highlight to the calm weekend!)

Starbucks run!

fresh mani

via my instagram: @courtneyecarter

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and enjoy what's left of it! The work week is creeping upon us!

Work hard, give back, and love.

Tallahassee and Thomasville

Hello all!

I hope you all had a great 4th of July Weekend. Hearing fireworks and seeing the amount of love we all have for our great nation make my heart so happy. 'Murica! 

I always enjoy dressing up for holidays, but it sure does take me a while to decide on the perfect outfit. Should I go subtle or all out? How much is too much... Or not enough? Ah! For this year's Independence Day attire, I decided to go classy but noticeable. I wore a blue and white blouse and a bright red statement necklace. I filmed a OOTD video on my YouTube channel featuring the outfit, so be sure to take a peak!

sorry for the selfie

                                        

I had a fabulous weekend. I am just smitten with Tallahassee and am so happy I had the chance to visit my college-town! The north Florida atmosphere makes me grin from ear-to-ear! So many of my friends also made the drive up to The Florida State University this past weekend because it sure is the place to be on the 4th. 

Wescott Fountain at Florida State

my sister and I

On Saturday, my mom, dad, sister, and I ate breakfast at Panera Bread, and my YouTube channel came up in conversation. I then checked my channel and noticed that I had exactly 2K subscribers! Wow! Thank you all so much! I am so lucky to have each and every one of you. :) 

After breakfast, my family and I crossed the Florida Georgia line and spent the morning and early afternoon in Thomasville, Georgia. This was my second time in the quaint little town and it was just as cute as a button. Boutique hopping is one of my favorite hobbies and I just love me some southern hospitality! There is something about the words "ma'am" and "y'all" that make me smile.

had to add a snapchat story ;)

boutique hopping in Thomasville

boutique hopping in Thomasville

boutique hopping in Thomasville

boutique hopping in Thomasville

boutique hopping in Thomasville

boutique hopping in Thomasville

boutique hopping in Thomasville

lunch: BLT && BBQ chips

After spending time in Thomasville, we drove back to Tallahassee, “hung out,” and apartment toured for my sister. When the dinner hour arose, we were all exhausted and a bit "hangry"… at least I was! We ate at Ghengis Grille which is not only an all-time-favorite for my family and I, but also several of my friends. Mongolian stir-fry is just to die for! Delicioso! 

my delicious delicacy!

On Sunday we ate at the infamous iHop for breakfast before saying goodbye to my sister. Me being a plain-Jane ordered what I always do, the 5 Stack ButterMilk Pancakes. Everyone always pokes fun at me for always ordering the most basic thing at iHop possible, so this time I changed it up just a tad. If it counts, I added a side of Oatmeal! 

The drive back home was no fun. No bueno! It rained half the time and the traffic was terrible. We saw several accidents, one being a 10-15 car pile-up! Holy smokes! I will never understand why people continue driving quickly while weaving in and out of lanes while it’s pouring. It makes no sense and it’s dangerous. I hope everyone in the large amount of car accidents and pile up is okay.

I’m now home, resting, and listening to the bellowing thunder. While I do absolutely love Tallahassee and Thomasville, it is always nice to come home. I would have to say I had a pretty solid Fourth of July weekend with the famjam.

What did you all do for the Fourth of July? Tell me! I’d love to know. :)

Work hard, give back, and love.