#CoffeeTalk

Hi Courtney! I loved the podcasts you recently co-hosted. You’re are SO eloquent with your words. I’m not even 20 yet. I feel well-spoken now, but no where near your level. I was wondering if it’s something you developed over time, or a product of education and reading.

First, thank you so much! I’m really shocked at all of the positive feedback I’ve received behind the podcast. Please keep in mind, I’ve never recorded myself talking or even knew what I would sound like recorded; so it was actually pretty entertaining for me to hear it back when it was released.  It was certainly something that got better over time for me. Like you, I’ve always felt well-spoken and claimed to have the gift of gab. Reading indefinitely helped with speaking. It broadened my vocabulary and in a sense helps me form words without having to think too heavily about which of them work together. I sit in a lot of meetings where I’m the only woman, so speaking directly and clearly is incredible important to me. Avoid using “um, or uh”, filling words make you sound unsure and hesitant. If I can’t think of a word, I try to pause instead of saying “uhhh”. Be clear, say what you mean, and back what you say.

You have a picture on your IG of you wearing a black satin bomber that I love. Can you please share where you got it from?

That bomber is from Nordstrom Rack, and I can’t seem to find it online. But this one from Hot Topic is identical. There are a ton like it, and they’re all pretty inexpensive. Here are some similar options all under $50 –

Happy New Year! One thing I admire about you is your discipline. For me it has been hard to save money. I would like to make the excuse that I was out of work for a year, that it’s been difficult to find a good paying job in the field that I went to college for, and that the job market in my city is bad. But I won’t. However, I have recently gotten a well paying job in my field, at a pretty good organization. Now that I’m making decent money, I am still finding it difficult to save. Do you have any tips for saving?

I sure do! The thing about making more money is the fact that we spend more too. I can tell you what works for me. When I get paid, I give myself a designated amount of spending money after I pay my bills and move the rest of my money out of my account. Essentially, I treat myself with a strict budget because if I see the money in my account, I will spend it. Once I run out of money in my checking account I consider myself “broke” until the next payday. Rinse, repeat. Take a look at this post about how I break down percentages and what you can cut back on to save a little bit of money each month. I suggest saving between 10-15% of your income. I save 20% because I need the extra 5% to pay my credit card down LOL.

Hey Courtney! I’m a 23 year old who will be off to Pharmacy school next year and I am sooo ready to move into a nice & luxurious (yet affordable) condo/apartment. Houston has so many realtors and contacts that it’s kind of hard to keep up. Any ideas?

Congratulations on that! I love looking at Urban Leasing. They’re all luxury apartments in the Houston and outside areas. I love that they have a scale where you can arrange your price-point to comfortably search. If you’d like someone to search for you so you’re not overwhelmed, my brother is a realtor. So is my best friend Tory. I’d be happy to put you in touch with them!

I really enjoy your Instagram page and blog! I’ve been in Houston for about a year now but have still yet to find a hair stylist.  Could you recommend a stylist who styles relaxed hair and is into healthy hair (not putting relaxer on my scalp and trying to fry my hair with heat styling tools ) You’re beautiful and classy so I definitely value your opinion and recommendations. Thanks in advance!

Thanks girl! My friend Megan has been doing my hair for years now and she just recently opened her own salon. I don’t use relaxers and actually just cut my hair so I could practice styling it without heat as well. She’s great with natural hair and hair protection. You can view her work here and also book an appointment through the link in her bio. Tell her Courtney sent you!

My birthday is coming up and I’m celebrating it an excessive amount of times through the country. I’ll need 3-4 birthday dresses. Do you mind giving me some options?

My go-to’s for dress options are always Nordstrom, ASOS, Forever21, and Missguided. Missguided has a 20% sale going on with all of their items right now, FYI. Here are some versatile picks –

If my discipline serves me correctly, this will be the last #CoffeeTalk post that I post in writing. But I won’t get too excited LOL. As always, leave any #CoffeeTalk questions below or send them over via email info@thebwerd.com. Have a great weekend!