I thought I would have fun and do something different with this get ready with me! I threw it back to 1992 (the year I was born!) I incorporated the hair (crimp!) the makeup (cappuchino lips and matte eyes), and the outfits (overalls and neon windbreakers.) Don't forget the great music from the early 90's--Nirvana, Oasis, Madonna, and Weezer. Enjoy!



What other decades would you like to see me recreate?

Favorite scent this month-Pumpkin Apple by Bath & Body Works
Favorite tech product this month- The Selfie by Urban Outfitters Favorite song this month- Picking Oranges by Leddra Chapman


Favorite pants this month- stretch camo pants from Forever 21 Favorite top this month- gray long sleeve from Forever 21 in 1st September outfit
Favorite decoration this month-Spritz Garland from Target seen in my Beauty Scenario Tag
Favorite snack this month- Sea Salt Pop Pops from Nature Box
Favorite drink this month- Pumpkin Spice Latte, DUH!
Favorite beauty product this month- Personal Microderm (Review to come in mid-October!)


What did you love in September?

In a society of celebrities teaching young women about twerking, selfies, and popping Molly, it can be difficult to find positive, inspiring role models. The women in the tabloids are being exposed with inappropriate photographs, baby daddy drama, and drinking problems. These actresses, singers, and models we once aspired to be are no longer people we should look up to. The real role models are not found on magazine covers, iTunes charts, or reality television (unless you’re Bethany Mota!) They are found on YouTube.

The women on YouTube are strong, resilient, and real. They open their daily lives to viewers and share every detail honestly. They have kind-hearts, faithful souls, and chase their dreams. Many of them started in hard places, but found success from the comfort of their own homes. THESE are the women we should aspire to be.

At age 13, Bethany Mota was bullied at school, so she began a YouTube channel as a creative outlet to display her fashion, makeup, and craft ideas. This channel gave her a voice that was eventually heard by millions of people. At age 18, Mota now has several successful channels, won several awards, a clothing line at Aeropostale, and is now on Dancing With The Stars. She has stayed true to who she is, followed her passions, and been honest with her fans along the way---the way a role model should be.

Another YouTuber, Elise Sheree, also started vlogging (video blogging) as a creative outlet and to document her daughter’s life. The YouTube community has helped her develop new friendships, learn about video editing, and find positive role models, such as Anna Saccone, Zoella, and Tanya Burr.

“Anna is inspirational as a mother and woman. She works hard and still has time to be silly with her babies. Zoe and Tanya prove that anyone who works hard and is a genuine person can achieve her dreams,” said Elise.

Elise describes a role model as “someone who you can admire and look up to. Someone who inspires you to be the best version of yourself, even when you’re having a bad day or feeling down.”

Many hard days I have spent sitting behind my computer screen getting lost in another world. I look up to so many women on YouTube because they guide me through difficult days, even without personally knowing each other. I feel love from Katilette, motivated by CarlieStylez, and accepted by Kandee Johnson. When these strong female role models let us into their world, they become a part of ours.

The women in the YouTube community have a power to be role models around the world. They are strong women united by their passions. They share inspiration, motivation, and help give women a voice.

**Some of my favorite women on YouTube:
-Bethany Mota
-Carlie Stylez
-Katilette
-Kait Nichole
-Hey Kayli
-Sarah Reyes from That Reyes Family
-Kandee Johnson
-Elise Sheree
-Meg from Ciaoobelllaxo
-Lindsay Albanese
-Dulce Candy
-Jaclyn Hill
-Melisa Michelle


Who are your role models?

Last night I went to the Colbie Caillat concert with my mom. We had a blast. It was different than any other concert I've ever been to. I'm used to country shows with everyone up singing, crushing beers, and having a wild time. This show was more mellow, relaxing, and enjoyable. Colbie is a fabulous performer and it was great to see her play a hometown show.

My favorite part was hearing the new songs from her new album Gypsy Heart, which releases this Tuesday, September 30. Here is one of my favorite songs, with such a beautiful, inspiring meaning and music video--



In today's society we have so much pressure to fit in. We can become so focused on getting other's to like us that we forget to like ourselves. This song encourages us to fight the pressures and be true to who we are.

Congratulations to Pam G., winner of the #Feelin22 Giveaway. Please DM me your address on Twitter (@kickbackwithcat) or leave a comment with your e-mail address so we can get in touch.

Thank you everyone for entering and for all the birthday wishes. I so deeply wish I could make everyone a winner. However, the best way to solve that problem is by having ANOTHER giveaway!

The October giveaway is a BOX OF SUNSHINE! This blog and all my followers are the sunshine in my life, and I want to return the favor. This is a fun, easy gift for a friend in need of cheering up. Get a box and head to the Dollar Store or another store of your choice, and grab a ton of fun, yellow items.












This month’s box features lemonade, yellow candies, fun yellow socks, and tons of smiles. BONUS: There is a Subway gift card included in the box!

To enter:
1.) Follow Kick Back With Cate.
2.) Comment below with what makes you happy!
*Sharing on social media will lead to more entries*
Giveaway ends October 26th at 3pm PST. Good luck!

Well, it's official--I'm another year older. 21 was fun, but each year just gets better and better. What are my goals this year?

Run a 5k, 10k, and half marathon.
See a Broncos game in person.
Go on a road trip with friends.
Share Christ with others.
Save money.
Love with all my heart.
Volunteer.
Hit 50K subscribers on YouTube.

Don't forget that the #feelin22 giveaway ends tonight at 6:26 PST. There is still time to enter! Winner will be announced tomorrow.

Happy Monday beauties! I hope you all had a lovely weekend. I certainly did :) Spent it with friends & family celebrating my birthday!

I was tagged by AlisonlovesJB in the Beauty Scenario Tag, and now I tag all of you! Enjoy! (And yes I know the zit in between my eyebrows makes it look like I have a unibrow LOL!)

In 1955, there were 340 beds available in mental health hospitals per 100,000 people. Today there are only 17 per every 100,000. According to the Treatment Advocacy Center, there needs to be AT LEAST 50 beds per 100,000 people. The shortage of beds in psychiatric hospitals is having harmful, lasting effects on patients and their communities. By not providing people with mental illness a bed to get help, their health is prolonged and public safety is threatened.

On November 19, 2013 Virginia state Senator Creigh Deeds was stabbed multiple times by his 24 year old son Gus. After attacking his father, Gus, who had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, committed suicide. The night before the incident, Senator Deeds was concerned about his son’s mental health and took him to the emergency room. However, a detention order was unable to be drawn because no beds were available at local facilities. By Virginia state law, Deeds had to be released by authorities after six hours because no bed was available.

“That makes absolutely no sense,” said Senator Deeds in a March press conference. “An emergency room cannot turn away a person in cardiac arrest because the ER is full, a police officer does not wait to arrest a murder suspect or a bank robber if no jail space is identified.”

If a bed had been available for Gus Deeds, it could have saved his life.

What can we do regarding this threatening issue? Seek government help and raise awareness. Write letters to state Senate pleading for attention to be drawn to this issue. Ask that more beds be available, laws be changed, and assisted outpatient programs to grow.

For more information on this topic or for assistance regarding your or a loved ones mental health, contact the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill at 1-800-950-NAMI.

The Pinterest freak that I am has hundreds of delicious recipes waiting to be used. Spending time with a cute little five year old last weekend had been inspired to bake some cookies with her. I hopped on my board and found that perfect Cate flavored cookies! Pumpkin Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick oats
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/3 cups packed light-brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin puree
1 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

How To:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger for 30 seconds.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip together butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy.
Blend in egg, then blend in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
With mixer set on low speed, slowly add in dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Mix in chocolate chips.

Scoop dough out 2 Tbsp at a time onto parchment paper lined baking sheets, spacing cookies 2-inches apart.
Bake in preheated oven 12 - 14 minutes.

ENJOY!

Happy Friday! I hope you all had a great week and have fun weekend plans. This weekend I am celebrating turning 22! (Don't forget to enter the #feelin22 giveaway that ends Tuesday--Starbucks gift card, Target gift card, lipstick, nail polish, and a necklace from Origami Owl!)

This week I recreated 4 fun fall outfits seen on Kourtney Kardashian for under $100 each. Check it out and let me know what other outfits you would like to see recreated on a budget!

Another Nature Box has come and been enjoyed. This month I received 4/5 new products.

My favorite this month was the Sea Salt Pop Pops. I have received these a couple times before, but continue to make sure they are placed in my box because they are a hit in our household. It is half popped popcorn flavored with sea salt.

My least favorite item this month was the garden tomato crunchies. They were described as tomato flavored almonds, neither of which I am a fan of. I decided to give it a fair try and YUCK! They tasted like ketchup flavored nuts. After eating one I threw the rest of the bag out.

Other items in my box this month included:
-Sea Salt Sun Crunch: These are sunflower and sesame seeded crackers. The sunflowers were the dominant flavor. Even though I do not like sesame seeds, these crackers tasted pretty good.
-Cinnamon Swirl Kettle Kernels: OH MY HEAVENS! These babies tasted like dessert. They are basically cinnamon flavored corn nuts and have a perfect combination of salty and sweet. One serving size is only 130 calories, so it can be a good, low-calorie alternative to satisfy the late night dessert craving.
-Coconut Cashews: The sound of these scared me, but they were actually really good. They tasted like caramel delights, even though there is no chocolate or caramel. These also can be a great alternative to dessert, coming in at 140 calories per serving.

If you are interested in trying out Nature Box, enter the coupon code SHARE10OFF when checking out to get $10 off your first box! I promise you'll be hooked.

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!

Today I'm coming to y'all with WHAT'S TRENDING! Get my views on this season of Dancing With The Stars, Adrian Peterson, the newest cast member of SNL, and more!



Also in honor of it being my favorite day of the week, I've teamed up with Opinion Outpost & Starbucks to give some of you peeps a free drink today! Just head to your local Starbucks before it's all used up and have them scan this as a gift card! ENJOY :)

IT'S MY PARTY AND I'LL DO A HUGE GIVEAWAY IF I WANT TO!!!
In honor of my 22nd birthday (which frankly this year I just don't care about) I want to give YOU the things that I love. The #feelin22 giveaway begins today and goes until September 23 at 6:26 PM PST. (The time I was born!)

This giveaway will include: Target gift card, Starbucks gift card, nail polish, lip stick, and a beautiful necklace from Origami Owl!

COMMENT BELOW ON WHY YOU DESERVE TO WIN!
Other ways to be entered:
1.) Follow Kick Back With Cate on blogspot. (+1 entry)
2.) Follow KBWC on Twitter @kickbackwithcat (+1 entry)
3.) Share giveaway on social media. (+1 entry)

Happy entering!

I have very problematic skin and this has not broken me out. That is the number 1 thing I look for. This primer also serves as a corrector, and I feel comfortable wearing just this on low-maintenance days. My skin feels silky smooth after application and my makeup glides right on, then stays right on. I know this product is supposed to hid pores, but I don’t have very visible pores to begin with.

POREfessional is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and evens out skin tone.

I have used this product before when I’ve gotten it as samples or in subscription boxes, but I think I am going to make the plunge to buy this expensive, yet effective product.

A couple months ago, I posted my summer bucket list. Now that summer is fading into fall, I have taken another look at my May-September bucket list...I failed.

-Concerts: I saw Dierks Bentley, Chase Rice, Chris Young, and Jon Pardi. (All the same show!)
-Beach---I can't believe I didn't go to the beach once this summer!
-Lake: my new house has a lake about 15 minutes away and I went a couple times this month with friends
-Camping
-Fishing
-Hiking
Baseball Game
-Ride bikes
-Visit a museum
-Do yoga
-Have a picnic
-Drive up the coast
-Star gaze
-Watch the sun rise
-Have a bonfire
-Play tennis
-Learn spanish (well I'm working on it!)

Now that a new season is here, I have another few months to get things done. Fall is my favorite season. I love pumpkins, crisp fresh air, and dressing up for Halloween.

My Fall Bucket List:
-Go to a football game
-Carve a pumpkin
-Volunteer
-Go to a pumpkin patch
-Go to a corn maze
-Go to a corn maze
-Go to a haunted house
-Take a hayride
-Watch scary movies
-Jump in puddles
-Go to the farmer's market
-Watch Hocus Pocus
-Have s'mores
-Make pumpkin pie

Last night I went out with some friends to celebrate a 21st birthday. While there I ran into Zack Kalter and Robert Graham from The Bachelor in Paradise. After all the girls stopped swooning, Zack and the birthday girl took a shot. It was followed up by a few of us talking with Zack and by a few of us talking with Zack, I mean him going nonstop about the show. Even when a girl asked what he does in real life as a career, he brought it back to talking about the show.

The good news about Kalter’s desperation for the spot light is that I got a lot of inside information regarding the filming of the show and the cast members.

A lot of these people knew each other really well prior to heading to Mexico. Zack and Clare Crawley had already been hanging out for about 6 months prior to pairing up on the show. Things ended up not working between the two of them because as a 32 year old woman ,(I didn’t realize she was this old) she is ready to get married and have kids, while Zack is simply “not about that life.”

Kalter described Clare as a very “intense personality.” He said that she can be a sweet heart when sober, but with one drink in her, she completely changes.

AshLee Frazier, who appeared to be a psychopath on the show (MY words NOT his,) is actually a kind, genuine, fun-loving girl (HIS words NOT mine.) Because they shoot 24 hours a day, and have to put that day into a 1 hour film, there is a lot of footage that can be edited over producers believe will bring ratings. Kalter said AshLee is nothing like she was portrayed as on the show, but received a bad edit.

While it looked through this editing like Cody Sattler and Michelle Money had really hit it off and formed a solid foundation for a successful relationship prior to Sattler dropping the love bomb, he had actually only been in Mexico for 36 hours before telling Money he loved her. It’s no wonder she freaked out, even if the editing made her look like she was being dramatic and afraid.

Kalter and Graham are currently roommates in Santa Monica. They are frequently traveling for show promotion and are in frequent communication with former cast members.

I FINALLY made my LIFE video. I started this about a month ago and have been lagging hard core. Having to be at work at 5am today and the girls not waking up until 6:45 was the motivation I needed to get work done! I hope you all enjoy learning more about my life. If you have any questions, please comment below!





I want to take time today to honor those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. You are all remembered with honor, pride, and gratitude. A tragic day for the United States, I admire all who served on that fateful day and the following days, weeks, and months--firefighters, police officers, government, and civilians.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide prevention is important to me because I am alive because of people who cared enough to make sure I was alive.

Each year 800,000 people die of suicide. That's 800,000 people whose life ends too early. That's one person every 40 seconds. By the time you finish reading this post, a handful of people will have taken their life.

Instead of attaching a stigma to suicide, we need to raise support and awareness. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.

If you are fighting this battle, you are not alone. Your story matters. No one else can play your part in life.

If you are in need of support or guidance, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or contact me at c8dimm@gmail.com.

One in four women will be victim to domestic violence during her lifetime. Devastatingly, Janay Rice (nee Palmer) was one of these women.

On February 15, 2014, Ray Rice, (now former) running back for the Baltimore Ravens was arrested, charged, and released from jail on assault charges, after him and his (then) fiancee got into a physical altercation at a hotel in Atlantic City. On February 19, TMZ published a video of Rice dragging an apparently unconscious Palmer from an elevator.

The Ravens organization and NFL supported Rice and fought in his defense. Coach John Harbaugh said that the two had a couples issue that they had to work through and that they were receiving counseling.

On March 27, Palmer dropped the charges. On March 28, Rice and Palmer wed, making them a part of spousal-privilege in court. Rice and Palmer are unable to testify against each other in court because they are legally married.

On May 1, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell gave Rice a two game suspension for the domestic abuse allegations. Many were outraged by this, after several PED users received 4-6 game suspensions. After releasing the mishap, the NFL announced a new domestic violence policy, on August 28, outlining a six game suspension for these cases.

Yesterday, video released of Rice punching Palmer in the face, knocking her out, then dragging her out of the elevator where this event occurred. The disturbing, vulgar footage was (unshockingly) released by TMZ, after which the Baltimore Ravens released Ray Rice. This was followed by the NFL suspending him indefinitely. Both the Ravens and the NFL claimed that they had never seen nor heard of this footage prior to September 8th.

Victims of domestic violence often do not see them self as victim. They are manipulated and abused to believe that they are the ones at fault. In the case of Janay Palmer, she was forced to believe that she was in the wrong the night of the elevator incident.

On May 23, 2014, the Baltimore Ravens tweeted, “Janay Rice says she deeply regrets the role that she played the night of the incident.” The fact that the Ravens organization would tweet something like this, even if Janay said it, is appalling. The only role she played that evening was being manipulated, abused, and trapped by an abusive, controlling, disturbing man.

If Ray Rice is willing to drag her unconscious body out of an elevator in public, to what extremes does he go in private? Because Palmer dropped the charges, Rice will not be charged with counts of domestic violence, even though there is apparent evidence of his abuse. If this was a regular man instead of a star football player, would this have the same nonchalant legal outcome?

Ray Rice is a disgusting individual. However, there is so much more to realize from this situation. This event can be a learning experience for others. I pray that it opens the eyes of many to the pain that 25% of women go through in their daily life. Outsiders make simple suggestions that these victims should just leave the relationship. IT’S NOT THAT EASY. Abusive partners bribe their victims with gifts and sweet words. They threaten them to do further harm if they leave. Other women are humiliated that they are in an abusive relationship or fear they have no other outlet.

Many people are trapped in families, relationships, and friendships where abuse and violence occur. If you are one of these individuals, you are not to blame and you are not alone. There is hope for your mental, emotional, and physical safety. Please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline to get help at 1-800-799-7233 or e-mail me at c8dimm@gmail.com.

Spread positivity and love y’all.
XO,
Cate

HI LOVES! Happy Sunday! I've got my three fantasy football team live scoreboards open on another window, Broncos game on the TV, laundry in the wash, and dinner in the oven...MY KIND OF DAY!

I know I'm supposed to be uploading videos everyday for Vlogtember and I've been FAILING the past couple days with that and with posting on here, but I've been sick. :( I thought I had a little cold, but turns on I got the full on flu! (According to Dr. Ferguson, NOT ME.)

I am hoping to be back in swing tomorrow evening! Until then, I wanted to post a HUGE thank you to everyone who donated and supported me on Kick Starter the past month. I was able to meet my goal. It was a pretty special moment for me to not only meet my goal, but see some of the names that supported me. My dad, some of you guys, my friends, an aunt I haven't seen or spoken to in 13 years, and the guy I used to sit next to in Photoshop class.

Thank you to:
Lina Kirychuk
Emma Hopp
Rick Dimmitt
Kathleen Emma
Katelyn Dickson
Genesis Rodriguez
Morgan Hart
Sara Dimmitt
Shay Butler
Tari Dedick
Mike Sigler

Y'all rock! I can't wait to put that funding towards some awesome posts.

Most of you know that every summer I live and breathe Big Brother. I was close to getting on this season, but had to turn down continuing the process after the third round. Next year will be my year though!

Here is my friend Jade and my's favorite and least favorite people of the season! Do you watch? Who do you think will win?

EDIT: Jade's #2 is Donny. Zach is listed twice on her list per error of Cate.

Continuing the happiness project should be easy for me in September, simply because it’s my favorite month. The weather starts to cool down, I turn another year older, football inhabits the television, and pumpkin flavored products hit the shelves.

Even though each of these small things will bring me great joy this month, I also have a goal to strive to find happiness in being mindful of myself. I want to enjoy each and every moment as it is handed to me. I do not want to relish on what has happened or focus on what is to come, but enjoy each passing second.

I want to spend the first 15 minutes of each morning with 100% devotion to the Lord, EVEN if this means waking up 15 minutes earlier. I purchased a new devotional book, “Your Best Life,” by Joel Osteen and want to start each day reading it, then sitting in silence and prayer.

Following these 15 minutes focused my spiritual health meditating on God’s word, I want to focus on my physical health by exercising. I am partaking in another Diet Bet, as of yesterday, but am not joining this one for money. I am content with my current weight, but will participate in the daily fitness challenges.

A few other things I am going to try this month in order to become more mindful are hypnosis, laughter yoga, drawing, and sudoku. The first three I have never spent time on, but the fourth is something I enjoy doing. These are things I read about in Gretchen Rubin’s “The Happiness Project” that had mixed effects on her. I look forward to sharing these experiences with you!

Thank you to all who entered the Beauty Con Swag Bag giveaway! I was overwhelmed by the amount of entries. I wish I could have picked everyone! Stay tuned for the next giveaway (September 23---my birthday!)





The winner of this giveaway is Jessica D. Jessica--Please DM me on Twitter (link in the sidebar) with your address so I can get this sent to you soon!

So many of you submitted questions---here are the answers! If you have anymore, leave them in the comments below.


Don't forget my Kick Starter ends tomorrow at 10 AM PST. If you enjoy reading Kick Back With Cate and would like to see giveaways more frequently, please donate. Even $1 can matter! I need to raise $90 more I will not be funded. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1592156786/kick-back-with-cate

Recently I decided to upgrade from my five-year-old twenty-dollar Conair hair straightener. I got a Sutra Hair Straightener. The thing that sold me to purchase this was that instead of metal plates, it has magnetic plates. This distributes the heat evenly across the plate, which prevents hair from frying out at the ends. It straightens the hair with one fine pass instead of having to run through your hair several times. The Sutra Flat Iron has FAR Infrared Technology that mends broken hair cuticles, producing softer, shinier hair. The temperature is controllable, in between 140 and 450 degrees. The floating beveled edge plates eliminate creases and prevents snagging of hair. The straightener is around $240, but can easily be talked down at the mall kiosk. I paid $89. The straightener comes with a lifetime warranty. However, they have them much cheaper on Amazon!