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Courtney Em

Courtney Em

Tag Archives: college

Pretty Things and Yummy Food

02 Wednesday Apr 2014

Posted by http://courtneyem.com/ in Thoughts

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

21, birthday, college, florida, hotel, orlando, snacks, spring break, vacation

The title of this post pretty much sums up my spring break trip to Florida with my family.  We went to Orlando, and I miss it already!  Here are a few highlights from the first part of the trip.

I celebrated my 21st birthday while in Orlando!  The hotel was wonderful enough to send some wine and chocolate-covered strawberries to our room.  Yum!  On that note, the food at in Orlando was amazing: I enjoyed approximately a zillion blue corn chips with guacamole, the most amazing chocolate chunk cookies in the world, and plenty of tasty snacks.  All while reading at the pool.  Could it get any better?!

Have you been on any trips recently?  Tell me about them!

 

Catching Up

02 Sunday Feb 2014

Posted by http://courtneyem.com/ in Thoughts

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

axo, bid night, catch up, college, daisy, hand letterinb, notebook, school, sorority, study

I made this collage from Bid Night at my sorority!  I planned and decorated everything, so I wanted to have a collage to remember how it all looked.  Those Lilly Pulitzer letters took a long time, but it was worth it because they looked gorgeous!

Daisy spend a day at the doggie daycare, and she got a spa treatment.  I’m not exactly sure what that entails, but my dad sent me this photo of her after he picked her up.  I love the sweet little smile on her face!

These Whole Foods brownies are AMAZING.  Like seriously, they’re so good.  The bottom layer is brownie, the middle layer tastes just like Oreo creme, and the top is fudge frosting.  It’s topped with white chocolate chips and crumbled Oreos.  I literally cannot.  It’s divine.

I’ve been loving iced coffee, even though it’s super cold out! My classes are about a mile from my house, if I bring hot coffee on the walk over, it’s cold by the time I get there.  So I just bring iced coffee instead because it stays cold.  It might be strange, but it tastes good and wakes me up!

I’ve been loving my classes this quarter.  I’m taking two infant development classes (Typical & Atypical Development and Early Intervention, for the curious) and couldn’t be more fascinated by the material.  I’m also taking a phonetics class and a marketing class.  I have a big test tomorrow, so I’m been freaking out!

 

 

 

I’ve been loving the look of hand lettering lately.  I tried making my own as a way to procrastinate studying.  It’s nowhere near as good as the ones I see all over Pinterest, but I’m trying!

Sorry my posts have been sporadic: the past four weeks have been a whirlwind of recruitment, classes, and more.  It’s been crazy, but I *think* things are calming down a bit.  Fingers crossed!

What have YOU been up to?

Winter Must-Haves

24 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by http://courtneyem.com/ in Beauty and Fashion, Life Tips

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

coffee, collage, college, dr rescue, essie, fashion, greenroom, make up for ever, makeup, maybelline, nail polish, notebooks, office, Old Navy, products, school, snow, Target, winter

Also known as: things I can’t live without right now.

Old Navy Vintage V-Neck Tee // I bought one of these tees online on a whim to get free shipping, and I couldn’t be more in love with it.  It’s soft, the sleeves are long and cozy, and it is thin enough to be layered under a sweater but thick enough to wear on its own.  The tee is perfect for those days when I don’t want to change out of pajamas for class… it’s so comfy!

Old Navy Frost-Free Vest // In case you haven’t heard, it’s really really really cold in Chicago right now.  So I’m cold all the time, even indoors.  I wear this vest around the house and in class: it keeps me warm but isn’t too bulky.  I even layer it under my big winter coat when I go outside.  I told you it was REALLY cold!

Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow in 28E // I use this product almost every day.  It’s a perfect light rose gold/beige/taupe that makes my eyes pop without looking too over-the-top.  It’s a crayon, so it’s super easy to apply, too!

Maybelline Master Precise Eye Liner // This is my absolute favorite eye liner.  It makes super thin lines, so it’s easy to use even if you struggle with liquid liner (like me!)

Maybelline Baby Lips Dr. Rescue in Berry Soft // In winter, lip balm is a necessity.  My lips get soooo dry all the time, and this balm is my favorite for keeping them soft.  It has a little bit of color, but nothing too bold.

Essie Nail Polish in After School Boy Blazer // I’ve been loving navy lately, and this polish is sophisticated and pretty.  I like to wear it with a rose gold glitter accent nail if I’m feeling motivated.

Notebooks // I’m still obsessed with Target Greenroom notebooks.  They withstand my other office supply obsession: flare pens.  Greenroom paper is thick and sturdy, so the pens only bleed through the paper a little bit.  And they’re cute, too!  Check out how I use my notebooks here.

Coffee // It’s getting to that point in the quarter where my planner is starting to resemble a novel.  Coffee (hot or iced, I don’t judge) is always a must-have.

 

What are some of YOUR winter necessities?

How I Stay Organized in College

01 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by http://courtneyem.com/ in Life Tips

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

binder, class, college, folder, greenroom, Lilly Pulitzer, organization, organizing, school, Target

Happy New Year!  To ring in the new year, I’m sharing my organization system for college.  It’s no secret that I like organizing.  A lot.  And organizing my school stuff saves me so much time each day because I don’t waste time searching for things I need.  Here is the system I use.

Planner

I love my Lilly Pulitzer agenda.  I received several packages of stickers for Christmas (thanks mom and dad!) and they’re so helpful.  I love that they come with fun stickers too, like “me day” and “mani-pedi”.  It’s just as important to schedule fun stuff as it is to schedule time to study!

Notebooks

I use a small notebook to take notes and make study guides for each class.  These notebooks are from the Greenroom line at Target, and I love them.  I carry the notebooks I need in my tote bag to each class. These notebooks don’t take up much space, and they’re so cute!

 

I labeled each notebook with stickers that I found at the Target dollar section.

Folder

I use one folder for all current handouts, and I bring the folder with me to every class.  When I’m studying for a test, I use binder clips to attach all the handouts for the class together.  When the test is over, the packet of handouts goes into my binder.

Binder

I keep a binder for each year.  Once a test is over, I put the handouts from before the test into my binder.  Before finals, I go through all the handouts and throw away the ones I don’t need.  I put the handouts that I do need into sheet protectors, and use the binder to study.  This way, I have the handouts organized so I can refer back to them for later classes.

 

How do you stay organized for school/work?

Mile 20

06 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by http://courtneyem.com/ in Life Tips, Thoughts

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

advice, ambition, college, exams, finals, life, school, stress, tests, thoughts, wall

I’ve always wanted to run a marathon.  I’ve read my fair share of Runner’s World, and I know that one day I’ll actually run one.  They talk about a wall that people often reach near the end of the race.  Around Mile 20.  Close to the finish line, but not close enough to see it.

Each quarter, I reach a wall like this.  I think a lot of us do.  Not just students, but everyone, at least sometimes.  A point when you feel so tired that you can’t sleep (quick: name the song!)  And when you do sleep, you wake up feeling tired, not refreshed.  A point when you have so much to do, but your mind feels like a blank slate because you can’t remember much of it.  When you get those headaches that make you feel like your head is full of sand, swishing around whenever you move your head.  When you want to wave a white flag, but you want to achieve your goals so badly that you don’t.  When you procrastinate doing work by doing other work.  When you’re so stressed that your mind just checks out.  You don’t worry, you don’t freak out.  It’s just blank.

It’s challenging, but none of us talk about it.  We’re afraid to be told we’re complaining.  Or worse, having our own list of obligations being compared to someone else’s.  That’s the worst, because you know that your problems aren’t as bad as they could be.  But this doesn’t mean they don’t matter.  

We are told to “relax” or to “give something up” or to “prioritize,” but the joy, the sense of achievement that we get from fulfilling our many obligations feels worth it when it happens.

We are afraid of not being busy enough.  Of not making the most of college.  Of not taking advantage of every opportunity that comes our way.

Something has to go.  Usually it’s watching TV.  Then going out on the weekends.  Harmless things.  But eventually you realize you haven’t made an inside joke with friends, or that you haven’t called your parents, in a long time.

We hope to reach this wall right as final exams approach.  That way, it doesn’t last long.  We can see the finish line.  But there’s no predicting when it will happen.  For me, it tends to happen near Mile 20.  When you can’t yet see the finish line, but you know it is there.  When you’ve already made a commitment to finishing this race, and you know that you’ll finish it but that it will be so, so hard.  That’s where I’m at right now.

And I’m trying to push through it.  Listening to music helps.  I like Mary Lambert and holiday songs.  So do pictures of Daisy.  And Pinterest.  And hot drinks.  I try to treat myself to these things as much as I can.  I have a list of “Good Things” in my planner that I can refer to whenever I need a pick-me-up.  It’s not a perfect solution, but it helps.

So let’s push through this wall.  Let’s run through it.  Or walk.  But let’s get through it.

 

 

Gifts for Busy Students

26 Saturday Oct 2013

Posted by http://courtneyem.com/ in Life Tips

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

agenda, boxwood, class, college, design darling, earrings, gifts, guide, interview, le pen, Lilly Pulitzer, notepad, planner, plant, presents, see jane work, stationery, stickers, student

It’s almost the holiday season, and I couldn’t be more excited.  I absolutely love buying gifts for my friends and family… but what about those people who are impossible to shop for?  If they’re college students (or anyone awaiting their debut to “the real world”), then here is a selection of small gifts I’m sure they’ll love.

simple stationery // Thank-you notes are underrated – a handwritten note goes so far.  I keep all the notes I receive in a box, so I make sure to send them whenever I can.

notepads // I love making lists, and I think written checklists are making a comeback in our technology-crazed age.  I’ve mentioned it before on this blog: there’s something about checking items off a list that is so satisfying.

conservative earrings // I have more pairs of cheap, fake-silver earrings from Claire’s than I could ever wear in a lifetime.  Much less a job interview.  A neutral pair of earrings (and yes, navy is a neutral) go a long way when it comes to dressing up a simple outfit.

good pens // Brightly-colored pens make writing so much more fun.  These ones come in so many colors, including unique colors like periwinkle and turquoise.

agenda stickers // I’ve been lusting after these Lilly Pulitzer academic stickers for a while now.  I might have a test… but at least the reminder will look pretty!

potted plant // This cute little boxwood adds a pop of green to any room while freshening the air.  It’s small enough for any space, and easy to care for.

 

What is your favorite gift for the person who has everything?

MIMM: Goals

13 Sunday Oct 2013

Posted by http://courtneyem.com/ in Thoughts

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

4.0, blog, blogging, class, college, goals, gpa, gratitude, happy, mimm, monday, school

Hi loves 🙂  I feel terrible about not posting or commenting at all since last week.

I always feel like I’ll have time to do something, but then it never happens.  Which is why my first goal for the rest of the year is to schedule in blog time to hold myself accountable.  It will probably be late at night before I go to sleep, but it’s better than nothing.  This blog is so important to me: I don’t want it to disappoint you lovely readers by not posting content or commenting on your posts.

My next goal is pretty simple: that elusive 4.0 GPA.  Each quarter, my sorority announces the women who got straight-A’s in their classes, and I really want my name to be read!  My classes this quarter are really hard so I don’t know if this is quite attainable, but it’s better to aim high, right?

My final goal for the rest of the year is to express gratitude.  A sorority sister showed me this video, and it’s pretty cool!  Obviously the scientist in me was a little skeptical about the study, but that’s fine.  It’s always good to tell people how much they mean to you, and I don’t do it enough.  For those of you who don’t want to watch the video, the key takeaway is that if you express gratitude, you’ll feel happier.  Awesome!

What are your goals for the rest of the year?  We’ve only got 2 1/2 months left of 2013… I can’t believe it, either!

MIMM: Back to College!

06 Sunday Oct 2013

Posted by http://courtneyem.com/ in Thoughts

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

bars, busy, college, fall, healthy, kind, kindawesome, marvelous monday, mimm, monday, school, snacks

Happy Monday, everyone!  I’m sorry I haven’t been on top of things recently… I’ve been so busy that it’s been tough to find time to comment on all of your blogs.  But now that things have calmed down a tad, I’ll be back on track.  Hopefully.  Maybe.  Actually I don’t really know.  But I will try!

College has been going well so far.  Classes are interesting but difficult; I feel like I have twice the amount of reading this quarter as I did last quarter.  I sometimes have trouble getting the “big idea” out of reading, especially when it’s a long assignment, so it’s been tough for me!

Work has been fun: I’m working in my lab like I have been since January, as well as for KIND Healthy Snacks as a University Brand Ambassador.  Both jobs are very different, but a ton of fun! Last weekend was Homecoming, and while we didn’t win, it was an AMAZING week, and I had such a great time cheering in a packed student section.  Check it out!

I’ve been loving KIND products as of late: my favorite bar flavors are Cashew Ginger Spice and Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, and my favorite healthy grains clusters flavor is Peanut Butter.  All of the KIND products are so delicious and healthy — I love sharing them with people on campus because I feel like I’m helping out.  So many times I’ve given someone a bar to try and heard, “Oh thanks, I haven’t had time to eat yet today!”  At like… 2 PM.  What?!?  College kids need healthy snacks, and KIND products are portable and very good for you.  I just love the KIND brand so much, and I am so honored to work with them this year.  😀

I’ve been really into making to-do lists lately.  I found a pad of paper and have been making them each day, checking items off, and then making another one below it the next day.  There’s just something about writing down everything you need to do.  It instantly relieves stress.

It’s been unseasonably warm, so it doesn’t really feel like fall yet.  I think this week it’s supposed to cool down… I’m so excited!  I love bundling up in leggings and scarves.

As always, thanks to Katie from Healthy Diva Eats for hosting Marvelous in My Monday!


Now tell me… what is marvelous about your Monday?

Shopping Finds

11 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by http://courtneyem.com/ in Beauty and Fashion

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

college, dance, essie, nail polish, navy, nike, periwinkle, school, shopping, sports authority, studio wrap

I have a confession: I’ve been in way more sporting goods stores the past few months than I’d like to admit.  I’ve been looking for Nike Studio Wraps for a long time.  They have been available online for a while, but I wanted to try them on before buying them.  And yesterday, I finally did!

I saw this display at Sports Authority Elite and silently freaked out.

I first tried them on in a size small, but they were too big.  I found this weird, as usually Nike shoes run small.  But the size x-small fit perfectly.  I usually wear a size 6-6.5 shoe, and these were designed for size 5-6.  They’re very stretchy, so I’d go for the smaller size if you’re not sure.

Well, I never thought I’d be posting a photo of my foot on the internet.  I really need to paint my nails.

But back to the shoes: I loved how these felt on my feet!  They were cushioned but still very light and breathable.  The fabric didn’t cut into any awkward parts of my foot.  But I was wondering… where did the rest of the shoes go?  Online, you can buy the Studio Wrap with ribbons and ballet flat-like covers for your feet for when you go outside for $110.  What happened to those?  They weren’t included in the boxes in this store.  I wouldn’t buy the shoes unless they included the ribbons and foot covers.  What’s going on, Nike?  Why can’t I buy the entire Studio Wrap set at the store?

 

In other news, I found Essie’s fall line at Target!  Can you guess which color I like the most?  Hint: look at my blog layout!

That’s right, it’s Boxer Shorts!  As polish names go, this one is pretty funny.  But I love periwinkle, so I’m really happy Essie came out with a shade that’s perfect for fall and winter.  I also like After School Boy Blazer… it’s a gorgeous, classy navy .

 

I’m going back to school on Sunday (!!!), so I won’t be posting as often until I’m out of school for winter break.  I’ll still post and comment on your lovely blogs, but it may not be as frequently.  Uff.

Back to School Organization Essentials

23 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by http://courtneyem.com/ in Life Tips, Thoughts

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

agenda, back to school, binder, class, collage, college, highlighter, Lilly Pulitzer, organization, organized, pen, planner, school

Here are some of my school supply must-haves!  Can you tell I’m really excited for school supply shopping?

A Planner // This is pretty self-explanatory.  As I’ve said before: If it’s not in my planner, it’s not happening.  I use mine to keep me on top of deadlines, assignments, and events.

Note-Taking Supplies // Find a system that works for you, and stick to it.  I write slowly, so I type my notes during class to ensure that I get everything down.  After class, I transcribe the typed notes onto white unlined paper using my pens and flare pens.  I really don’t like lined paper: it’s so thin and flimsy.The colored pens are great for making headers and diagrams.

Reading Supplies // Again, you need a system.  I try to do my reading assignments before class.  I highlight my books, and use page flags to mark important pages or assignments.  I don’t annotate or take notes on textbook material unless I absolutely have to.  For me, it’s usually a waste of time.  When I’m studying for the test, I go back and re-read highlighted parts of the book.

Organization Supplies // It’s no use to be organized during the school year if you store everything in a big, messy pile after classes end.  I use a small 3-ring binder with tabs for each class.  It’s easy to carry around in my backpack or tote.  When a class ends, I save the important papers (essays, tests, study guides) and put them in sheet protectors in a large binder.  I only keep the papers that I think I will need later.

 

What is your office must-have?

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