10 Things You Should Never Feel Bad For!

My rendition of Glamour's Hey, It's OK... is highly personal this time around. About a week ago I started jotting down ideas thinking I'd have a clever compilation by the end of the month. Seven days later, Voila! 

Here's a few things I'm not ashamed to admit and neither should you.

Hey, It's OK...

To have a surprisingly groovy time at a middle aged disco club
To completely pretend to not see the flare jean trend making a come back
To use Pinterest as a verb like you do with Google
Ie: to Pinterest cheesy pick up lines to send to your boyfriend
To go to Coldstone alone. (Every day is National Ice Cream Day)
To eat dark chocolate espresso beans for dinner
To wear your swimsuit in place of your underwear
To break down and curse at the parking enforcement lady for... doing her job
To be extremely envious of Michelle Rodriguez right about now
To stare at anyone with a flip phone

Banana Cinnamon & Chia Seed Smoothie

I absolutely love being able to lay in the sunshine with a great read and a smoothie in hand. It's the many perks of summer. If you think about it, smoothies are pretty liberating. You have the freedom to throw whatever you want into this giant scary mixing machine and have a 70 percent chance it's going to be tasty. (HINT: add peanut butter or almond for a better success rate). Another add in to any smoothie are chia seeds. Meet my newest obsession. I see a plethora of blogs and recipes using them but I have finally jumped on the bandwagon. If you're unfamiliar with chia seeds, they are an ancient Latin American superfood, rich in fiber and Omega-3. Dry, they taste like a poppy seed. Soaked, they develop this tapioca pearl feel, plump and very filling. And yes- they are the same seeds in those 90's 'Ch Ch Ch Chia' commercials. 

I recently went up north for the weekend after buying way too many bananas. Nevertheless, I cut them up and put them in the freezer so they wouldn't go bad.This stuff is beyond delicious. Better-than-ice-cream delicious. Most importantly- It's EASY.

Ingredients:

2 frozen bananas.
1/2 tsp. of cinnamon
1 tsp. of vanilla extract
A splash of almond milk
2 tbs. of chia seeds
handful of ice cubes

Blend and enjoy :)

Summer Workout Playlist

IG Photo By: @KaliClugson

Hello bikini season! Fourth of July is just days away and I cannot wait to be up north soaking up the sun with my best friends. Until then, I'll be putting some time in at the gym! It is with all my pleasure to share the ultimate summer workout playlist with you. Lot's of motivational beats, inspiring lyrics and hype mixes in this one. From Haim to Danity Kane.. yes DK is back, to Rita Ora, this playlist is everything you need and more to get you through a three mile run, legs, arms and abs- stay tuned for my summer workout! 

Click here to listen to the playlist for free on Spotify.

"Waves"- Robin Schulz 
"Hideaway"-Kiesza
"Forever"-Haim
"C O O L"- LE YOUTH
"Maps"- Maroon 5
"TKO"- Black Friday Remix
"First Things First"- Neon Trees
"Don't Kill The Magic"- Magic!
"Lemonade"- Danity Kane
"I Will Never Let You Down"- Rita Ora
"Tell Me When You Ready (feat. Future)" - Flo Rida
"Things We Lost In The Fire"- Bastille
"Sleepless"- CAZZETTE
"Girls Chase Boys"- Ingrid Michaelson
"Bad (feat. Vassy)"-  David Guetta
"I Choose You"- Sara Bareilles
"Believe Me"- Lil Wayne
"Rude"- Magic!
"Wild Wild Love"- Pitbull
"Do It Again"- Royksopp & Robyn

Woof

Earlier this week I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. I sat at the kitchen table, covered with papers, projects and popcorn, and felt a cold, wet nose on my leg. At this point Bella (my adorable four-legged sidekick) was not even cute to me. She was annoying. I thought; I just fed you AND let you out. What more could you want!? It was then when I realized one thing: she just wanted to be held. Strangely enough I felt that I needed the same thing.

I picked Bella up, twirled her around a few times, and chased her around the house. Before I knew it I was laughing, smiling, and oh so importantly breathing again. It was like she could sense my fragile demeanor. Yes-I know she's just a dog, but she's a dog with more personality than Kristen Stewart. She's perfect.

In those moments of stress and anxiety, it's important to take a deep breath and find a reason to smile.

Don't over estimate the power of human (puppy) touch. We often need them more then they need us.

Xo

Advice to Graduates

IG Photo by: Shel_Photography

Dear Graduates,

Congratulations! You made it! You survived the unruly high school years. I hope this is a first of many life achievements you will fulfill. It amazes me that it has been 5 years since I walked across that stage and celebrated twelve years of socializing, countless Friday nights under the lights, bonfires and a little bit of studying. In these 5 years I have done a lot of growing up. I have done a lot of learning, a lot of failing and a lot of apologizing to my parents for those troublesome teenage years and grey hairs I gave them.  

I've developed a list of lessons I've learned over the past 5 years to guide you, to comfort you and to shine some light on the future ahead:

I hope this inspires you to keep succeeding. If anything I hope you remember this 5 years from now and are able to agree with me and maybe add some more to the list. I wish someone would have told me these things when I was eighteen. They probably did, but I was too stubborn to hear it. 

Good luck to you all in every single endeavor. I hope you succeed to levels you never thought were possible. I hope you fail and try harder the next time. More than anything, I hope you are happy. 

OREO Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

A great friend of mine once said, "It always seems impossible until it's done." 

This may be a little deep for what's entailed to come and maybe Nelson Mandela and I were not the greatest of friends. Nevertheless, stuffing an OREO into a chocolate chip cookie was a brilliant yet terrifying venture. I contemplated whether the cookie was going to be too big. Is there such a thing? I was nervous that the OREO's frosting would melt and ruin the cookie's shape. I was completely ready to give up when the cookie dough wasn't sticking to the OREO.

But this is of course has a happy and delicious ending.  I have figured out all the tricky logistics. You're welcome. The cookies were a success and I'm ready to share! Are you up for the challenge? 

Ingredients:
Butter- 1/2 cup (1 stick)
Light brown sugar- 1/3 cup packed
Granulated white sugar- 1/3 cup
Egg- 1
Pure vanilla extract-1 1/2 tsp
All Purpose flour- 1 3/4 cup
Salt- 1/4 tsp
Baking Soda- 1/2 tsp
Chocolate chips- 5oz.
Oreo Cookies- 12

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven at 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugars until well combined.
3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix well.
4. In another mixing bowl whisk together the flour, salt and baking soda.
5. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture, along with chocolate chips, until combined.
6. Flour your hands lightly so the dough doesn't stick to your hands and so it is easy to work with. Take a scoop of the dough and place on top of the oreo cookie. Take another scoop and place on the bottom of the oreo cookie.
7. Press lightly between your palms and seal the edges together by pressing and cupping the cookie on your palm.The oreo cookie should be completely inside the dough with all the edges sealed.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking pan, an inch apart.
9. Cool in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes if you don't want the cookie to get spread a lot. 
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the sides start turning brown.
11. Cool in the baking pan for at least 5 minutes.

12. Transfer them to a wire rack and cool completely before you store them in an air tight container. Enjoy! 

Spring Workout Mix

It's spring, the sun is out and flowers are in bloom! It might snow tomorrow but WHO CARES. The sun alone makes me smile ear to ear. Soon enough I'll be roller blading with my dog, becoming the next Mickey Wright and sporting a spectacular summer glow. Until then, I'll be at the gym. I have created the ultimate "Spring Jamming" playlist. It's eclectically awesome and something I think any 20 something girl like myself would enjoy. Relax, sing along and get moving. Before you know it you'll be in that cheeky bikini and you're going to want to look like you didn't spend the last four months snowed in and eating these.

Here it is; Click here to listen to the playlist for free on spotify. 

"Reflections"- Misterwives

"Problem"- Ariana Grande

"Rather Be"- Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne

"Am I Wrong-" Nico & Vinz

"Jealous (I Ain't With It)"- Chromeo

"Turn Down For What"- DJ Snake

"Doses & Mimosas"- Cherub

"Rescue"- Yuna

"Say You'll Be There"- MQ

"Bridges"- Broods

"I won"- Future

"Partition"- Beyonce

"Get Me Some of That"- Thomas Rhett

"Lay Me Down"- Sam Smith

"Girls Chase Boys"- Ingrid Michaelson

"Sing"- Ed Sheerhan

"Somebody Who Loves You"- Betty Who

"I wanna Get Better"- Bleachers

"Smoke"- 50 Cent

"Be My Forever"- Christina Perri feat. Ed Sheerhan

Priorities Are Funny Little Things

Sorry I haven't blogged in forever. I've just been sooooooo busy.

That's annoying right? Reading about how busy I've been, allowing it to be my excuse as to why I've neglected something else.  We live in a society where the classic response to the question, "how are you?" Is  "great, just sooooooo busy". This simplified and less-than-interesting answer shows others how dedicated we are. It shows others how important we 
(think) we are. It shows others that we matter. And that's the thing that gets me... No one is "too" busy in this world because It's all about priorities.

Priorities are funny little things.. Sometimes we wish others' aligned with ours a little better. And sometimes we think our priorities are more important than others'. But in the end, everyone's priorities are different and no matter how hard you try to rearrange someone else's life, they'll put you where they want you to be- and there's nothing you can do about it.

I often find myself browsing through Pinterest during times when I can't sort through my priorities. It may be quite possible that Pinterest has become a priority. Nevertheless, it's like therapy. My Words To Live By board is proof of that. Amongst the pins, I found a fascinating article reminding us that time is a choice...

Instead of saying "I don't have time" try saying "it's not a priority," and see how that feels. Often, that's a perfectly adequate explanation. I have time to iron my sheets, I just don't want to. But other things are harder. Try it: "I'm not going to edit your résumé, sweetie, because it's not a priority." "I don't go to the doctor because my health is not a priority." If these phrases don't sit well, that's the point. Changing our language reminds us that time is a choice. If we don't like how we're spending an hour, we can choose differently.

I'm presently working on getting my priorities in line. Changes are happening and my 
priorities must follow suit.

Are you really as busy as you think you are? How many priorities should you have? I think if you ask yourself, "Will this be important to me ten years from now?" you will find an answer.

The Best Advice I Have Ever Received

For my birthday, I asked for advice. Particularly advice that you would give your 23-year-old self. And what's advice if you don't share it? 

Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday, it was truly special. Friends near and far chimed in and reminded me of all the loving people in my life. To the people who offered their advice, you made my day that more special. 

"Why Haven't You Taken Your Shirt Off Yet?"

It is astounding the amount of personal information some people are willing to disclose. Yesterday as I sat and waited for my final connection home, this guy approached me and asked, "Why haven't you taken your shirt off yet?"  

This may seem like an extremely blunt pick-up line had you not known I was sporting a Michigan State sweatshirt. And if you are entirely out of the loop, the Spartan team was knocked out of the NCAA Tournament last night, ruining a majority of brackets- even the Presidents'. Within minutes of my conversation with Josh, a 28-year-old guitarist from San Antonio, with a communication degree from Texas, living in Grand Blanc, I wanted to scream. Josh had no filter. He was telling me what Netflix documentaries to watch, why I should buy American and even tried convincing me that my Starbucks had a small amount of (insert a long name for a drug I cannot pronounce nor spell) which kept drinkers coming back for more.

Earlier that day I was having lunch with some friends in Wichita when our waiter told us his plans for the months to come: He was moving to San Francisco in 57 days with his daughter-a first grader is going to an elite public school, one of the best in the nation, and his future rent would be five times the amount it is now. He also made it extremely obvious he was no longer with his daughter's mother-she won't be traveling with them to San Francisco. 

Why is it that some people are willing to share so much and the other half, so little?

I wish the world was comprised of people who met in the middle- friendly, openly talkative, the ones that greet you with a smile but know when to shut up. They leave you wondering for a while and that mystery keeps you intrigued. They aren't rude but sarcastically witty. They are kind and polite and don't cross the line until both parties are ready. 

I guess this is why we are all so interesting. All of our lines end at different places. 

Where is yours?

 

Because I'm Happy

Spreading a little happiness on International Happiness Day!

The student's at the Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences rendition of Pharrell's  "Happy" video has reached over a million views on YouTube! As it should.

Recording artist Pharrell paired up with the United Nations Foundation to promote the second annual  International Day of Happiness. The timing is perfect considering Pharrell's single "Happy"  is currently dominating the Billboard charts. I'll admit, it's a catchy tune.

Their campaign functions around Pharrell's new website 24 Hours of Happiness where visitors are encouraged to share their own moments of joy by uploading videos to YouTube and Instagram. Just #HAPPYDAY to join the conversation.

I'm a little sour Pharrell is getting all the happiness credits because this blog champions happiness every single day. Choosing Happiness is dedicated to everything that makes me happy. A little selfish-I know. I'll be sharing some of my favorite videos from the 24 Hours of Happiness campaign Sure, my favorites won't be deemed as awesome as Pharrell's, I'll try 
my best to make you smile.

The campaign encourages visitors to donate to the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund so if your pockets aren't drained from tax season like mine, you can donate to the cause. 

HAPPINESS UPDATE

Are you getting sick of Pharrell and his hat yet? What about those catchy lyrics you can't get out of your head? I'll admit I was getting annoyed too but these videos are awesome. More than 1,300 videos from 70 countries were submitted, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Pharrell's social media campaign on International Happiness Day helped raise $10,000 for the U.N Foundation's Central Emergency Response Fund.

As promised, here are my favorite videos from the happiness campaign:

Good Morning America is able to pull some strings. Their video features cast from PLL, Modern Family and my favorite, Scandal; lots of celebrities, doctors, politicians, artists, the list goes on.

This video was created by Onboard.com. The videos features Cruise Shipping Miami employees, guests, executives, and well, any one that wanted to shake a tail feather. 

This last one is amazing! No happy dancers here, just A LOT of wine glasses (empty) and a few pots and pans. 

What Advice Would You Give To Your 23-Year-Old Self?

Well I officially cannot relate to Taylor Swift's song, "22".  The double dos year was gracious to me but I have a feeling 23 is going to be even better for two reasons: 23 was my middle school basketball number and Michael Jordan was quite lucky with it.

(harhar)

But seriously, a year ago I would have never pictured my life the way it is now. It is better than I could have ever imagined. 

Now, I don't ask for much but it's my birthday and I'm asking for advice: 
What advice would you give to your 23 year old self? 

Comment below or send your thoughts to my email:  courtzemke@gmail.com

Thanks.

Cheers to 22! And hello 23!

Professional Travel Tips From An Amateur Orange Peeler

There are few things I still need my mom for and peeling an orange is one of them. I am not a huge orange fan but apparently they have this super important nutrient called vitamin C. So here I am in the state famous for Casey Anthony and George Zimmerman struggling to peel an orange.  It’s travel season and I am constantly on the go. I am living out of suitcases and bags until May and beyond.

I have become quite the professional traveler in the last few years so I created this guide to successful and healthy traveling. Whether you are touring the country like me or just constantly on the go, these tips will keep you organized, healthy and most certainly HAPPY!

DO THIS... IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER...

 

Drink water. I am completely guilty of this because there are times when it is 1 p.m. and I am wondering why I am shaking (as I’m downing my seventh cup of coffee). I feel completely sluggish if I am not drinking enough water. Sipping the recommended two liters a day can keep you energized and alert. So, instead of asking for another cup of coffee mid flight, ask for water- no ice. I do not want to hear your chomping ten rows up.

Be friendly to airport officials. Be nice to everyone of course, but these men and women have the power to make or break your trip. Smile, answer their questions and let them give you a nice pat down if need be.

Take Emergen-C. This stuff works wonders and MUCH easier than orange peeling. The second I start feeling like I might be getting sick, I mix one (or 3) of these up and drink them down.  Taking daily multi vitamins is important as well. I have taken Airborne too but I like the taste of Emergen-C better.

Mobile boarding passes- TGFMBP.  Still waiting for some airlines (and airports) to jump on board but these are so convenient.  Many airlines allow you to check in online and then email you a mobile boarding pass to add to Passbook. Scan your mobile boarding pass at the security checkpoint instead of having to wait in line at a kiosk.  I also have a phone case with an attached wallet so my phone, ID and important credit cards are accessible.

PACKING UGH…

I like to refer to myself as the bag girl, the duffle bag boy’s sister I suppose. During the week I live out of three bags and this obnoxious little hard cooler; my weekends: one personal item and a carry-on-luggage (as long as it does not get lost in the Baltimore airport). My mom used to be a travel agent and taught me all of these tips and tricks:

Make a packing list. I tend to procrastinate packing. If you make a list prior though, you will be sure not to miss anything when rushing out the door.

Pack basics. Do not forget the necessary cami, white tee, black leggings. That new silk top is awesome until you realize it is completely see through.  Basics can be worn with lots too. A solid cami can go a long way.

Pack outfits. My weekend trips are predictable and dependable thankfully.  I know what I will be doing each day so packing an outfit for each is easy. Include your shoes and jewelry.  Do not forget undergarments (shove them into your shoes). At the end, I choose extras just in case I spill something, my plans change or I simply detest what I brought.

Roll your clothes. No lie this takes up half the room in my suitcase and limits the wrinkles in my clothes.

Think layers.  Traveling the country means leaving negative temperatures for high 70’s and vice versa. There is nothing worse than shivering on a plane while you are trying to sleep or wishing it was socially acceptable to strip down to your bra and underwear during a near heat stroke.  

Bring plastic bags.  Okay, I never take my liquids out of my carry on, and I get away with it. (Knock on wood). However, some airports are stricter than others are so I always leave a few Zip-locs in my carry on just in case.

Pack your purse/murse.  Why should you waste your free personal item on a tiny purse?  Use your space wisely and carry a bigger bag filled with snacks, magazines, books, your laptop and more.

Pack makeup wipes. Boy oh boy do I feel disgusting after a long travel day. Not to mention accidentally waking up with your face against the germ-infested plane window is also a perfect reason to freshen up after flying, driving, taxiing, biking, and well… you get the point.

Bringing a good book makes for a speedy flight! Last weekend I jumped on the bandwagon and read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green I finished the book on my flight to Ft. Lauderdale and needless to say, the three-hour flight was a breeze. Side note: I suggest a book that does not leave you weeping with no means of concealment. Yes, it was awkward and I hope no one noticed.

Safe and healthy travels to you! Hope this helps!

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." 

- St. Augustine

My Favorite Winter Steal and Deals

I walked to class the other day and skipped Starbucks in order to keep my hands tucked away in my pockets. My eyes swell up, glasses fog, and I'm inevitably the girl sniffling nonstop throughout class.

As much as I would prefer to be soaking up the sunshine, in my new VS bikini, I'm enjoying this "polar vortex" everyone else keeps complaining about. Mainly because I finally have enough sweater-legging combinations to last me a couple weeks but also because of the amazing sales going on just about everywhere.

If I wasn't over here paying for my college education and new car, I would splurge for it all. Until then, I'll just share some deals for you to take advantage of:

1. J.Crew 2. SheInside 3. SheInside  4. Gap 5. Forever 21 6. SheInside 7. J.Crew 8. SheInside 

1. J.Crew 2. Target  3. Target 4. Banana Republic 5. J.Crew 6. Gap 7. Banana Republic 8. Nasty Gal

Hey, It's OK...

Fact is Yuna's song Rescue would be the perfect soundtrack to my life at the moment- upbeat and positive with a side of whine. Because frankly, that has been my month in a nutshell. I'm doing fine... no worries here. But I'm certainly grateful for my family and friends who have had to hear me complain about minute details about my rather happy life.  

Maybe it's the weather. It could be that I miss the sun. Maybe it's the fact that I have had to change my beloved BB cream to another brand to compliment my extreme paleness. Moreover, Yuna's song still has me wishing that skipping with my head held high to class was socially acceptable. 

I used to be an avid reader of Glamour magazine. My favorite part was the (Hey, It's OK...) page because it reminded me that the strange, quirky, selfish and unpleasant traits that I embody are OK. 

So I've created a (Hey, It's OK...)  list as well. Mainly, to remind myself and maybe you that what you're doing right now, yesterday, tomorrow or for all eternity is OK. You are OK or as Yuna says, "No SOS needed; no rescuing, she's fine out there". 

Complain for a little. Whine to the people that know you better. But don't let it last too long. Keep pushing on. Keep learning and improving and never get too comfortable. 

XO Courtney

2014 Golden Globes Best Dressed

I was not wholly enthralled with the awards show but I found the red carpet arrivals to be worthwhile.  A lot of different trends, nothing out of the ordinary. I kind of hoped for a shocking reveal, a Jennifer Lawrence slip up the stairs, or a "Meryl being Meryl" moment:

Praying the rest of the awards season is a bit more livelier. Here are my favorite dresses on the red carpet, in no particular order:

Kaley Cuoco and Caitlin FitzGerald were on E-online's Worst Dressed list. Personally, I love Cuoco's the dress but she looks a bit washed out. And FitzGerald's is exactly what I wanted more of. I loved every bit of it. 

What were your favorite looks from last night?

Reasons to Love Lena Dunham

Lena Dunham is 27. She is an actress, writer, and filmmaker, most famously known for her success in the series Girls on HBO- which conveniently premieres season 3 tomorrow, Sunday January 12th at 10PM. 

 

She's not conventionally pretty. She's quirky and not afraid to bare it all. Her less than perfect figure takes center stage more often than viewers probably want to see, at least more often than I care to see. Girls is known for it's frequent nude scenes and risqué subject matter. But Lena Dunham is compelling. She has an awesome carefree attitude and most importantly, one of my favorite recent twitter follows. I am even debating on subscribing to her twitter feed via mobile notifications. 

She likes Kerry Washington

Sometimes she doesn't wear undergarments

She likes airports..?

She shops on Etsy

She made "de-camel toe" a verb

If I haven't convinced you yet..

  She's a millionaire. She was voted the "Coolest Person of The Year" in 2012 by TIME Magazine. She won 2 Golden Globes in 2013 and is nominated for two more in 2014.

Oh, and she's dating the lead guitarist in Fun, Jack Antonoff.

Be sure to catch this Sundays premiere of Girls on HBO at 10PM.

Fall in love with her, wince at her naked body, and close your eyes when she uses tweezers.

Overall, enjoy! 

The Best Makeup Products (IMO)

Confession: I may or may not be having withdrawals from my makeup. This snowpocalypse 2014 has allowed a lot of time for me to catch up on books, study Español and get hooked on HBO's The Newsroom. Weirdly enough, I am missing the joys of getting ready and looking presentable. In order to subdue my guilt for abandoning my makeup over the last 72 hours, here are my favorite products- the ones I apparently cannot live without. 

Maybeline Colossal Mascara in Glam Black @ Target- $6

Maybeline Expertwear Eye Shadow "Natural Smokes" @ Target -$5

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfecter BB Cream @ Target- $11

Hoola Bronzing Powder by Benefit @ Sephora- $28

Boi-ing Concealer by Benefit @ Sephora- $20 

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner @ Sephora- $20

S N O W D A Y

You know what's fun? Snow days.

 You know what's not fun? Shoveling snow.  Shoveling snow before coffee. 

I just had an icicle hanging from my nostrils!

It's break time and I'm eating some delicious crockpot oatmeal and slowly starting to be able to feel my fingers again. 

I hope you noticed the recent upgrade to my blog; I only worked the entirety of yesterday on it.

But ahh snow days, what to do?

1. Get lost in a book. I suggest Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. 
2. Make a snowman/woman. I advise you to not even to try in this kind of snow. It is not packing snow and you'll just end up with wet socks. 
3. Curl up. Grab your warm drink of choice (Coffee and Baileys) and watch your favorite tv series. My current obsession is HBO's The Newsroom.
4. Organize. Books, pictures, file folders, your computer, your closet, the list goes on.
5. Learn something, online. If you want to know how to do something, there's a YouTube Video for it. I'm not promising they are all reliable: a six pack in 3 minutes; I'm not buying it, and should you really be fighting a baby? 

Take full advantage of the day. Twelve hours left before quite possibly another snow day. 

Stay warm and stay happy.