Bucket List Updates


Winter technically doesn't begin until December 21st. However, it feels like December 1 is the winter kick off. Christmas lights are up, Christmas songs are being sung, and colder weather is here. A new season means a new list of festivities I want to participate in and evaluating if I did all I wanted to do in fall.

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 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

Well...I'd say that was a fall fail.

Winter Bucket List:
Bake sugar cookies
Christmas movie marathon
Go ice skating
Watch a play or musical
See snow
Make homemade peppermint bark
Read 3 books
Volunteer
Participate in Vlogcember

What is on your Winter Bucket List?
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Winter Date Ideas


With weather getting colder and money going towards Christmas gifts, winter can be a difficult time to plan fun, inexpensive dates. However, winter has some of my favorite possibilities for dates! Here are a few my boyfriend and I enjoy.

1.) Going to the arcade. I am a Skee Ball freak. While walking through the mall last week, we popped into the arcade. It was a blast. I forgot the simple joy a few dollars worth of coins can bring. My competitive side was out when shooting hoops against him!

2.) Look at the Christmas lights. This is another favorite of mine. Heat up some hot cocoa, put on a coat, and go for a walk around the neighborhood to look at lights. Most cities have a neighborhood where people go crazy with the lights. Make a night out of it and go check them out.

3.) Have a cozy night in. I am a homebody and prefer staying in to going out. This winter I am looking forward to a night wearing Christmas pajamas, watching Christmas movies (especially Elf!) and making a gingerbread house.

4.) Game night! Invite a few friends over and make sugar cookies to decorate. Pull out your favorite games. My favorite recommendation is Cards Against Humanity. You are guaranteed a night of laughs.

5.) Visit Santa. You are never too old to tell Santa what you want for Christmas. Kill two birds with one stone when you visit the local arcade. Put on your ugly Christmas sweaters and go take a picture with Santa.

6.) Buy each other gifts at the Dollar Store. One of my favorite dates I have had with my boyfriend is when we explored the dollar store in our area. We separated at the store with the task to find the perfect gift for the other person. It was hilarious. I ended up buying my boyfriend a bright orange snap back...he loves LOUD colors. He bought me a HUGE wine glass. Obviously a smart choice on his part!

7.) Volunteer. So many people need help year round. Volunteering together is a great way to enjoy each others company while spreading cheer. The opportunity to make a difference to someone else will strengthen your bond with your significant other.

What are your favorite winter dates?
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Cyber Monday Deals


Many people don't want to stand in crazy lines on Black Friday for deals...cue Cyber Monday.

Cyber Monday follows Black Friday, providing people with amazing bargains without having to leave their home. I actually did some shopping last night following my turkey dinner and the TCU game. The deals were great and the mall was shockingly not crowded. My friend and I didn't have to wait in line at all! I got two Smashbox lipsticks for $10 total! I saved about $30.

Here are some of the best fashion deals to expect Monday:

Tory Burch
30% off and Free Shipping

Uggs
25% off and Free Shipping

North Face
25% off and Free Shipping

Nike
25% off clearance and Free Shipping

Personal Microderm
originally $179, Cyber Monday price $103.35
enter code "Classic" at checkout

EDIT: MY SISTER IN LAW INFORMED ME GROUPON HAS THIS FOR $79 RIGHT NOW!!!! GO BUY!!!!
THIS PRODUCT HAS SERIOUSLY CHANGED MY LIFE!

Are you going Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping? Comment below with what you get!
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Thank you!


Happy Thanksgiving! This time of year is when I focus in most on what I am thankful for. This upcoming year I pray to make that my focus daily.

I want to take this day off from posting and encourage you all to spend time away from technology, cell phones, and social media, and more time focused on the people surrounding you.

I also want to simply say thanks. Thank you all for reading this blog. As I said on Tuesday, this has become a dream I never knew I had. It would be impossible without each of you.

Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving. God Bless.
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas



Thanksgiving is finally here! For many people that means they will be seeing family and friends they haven't seen since last year's holiday season, leaving them wanting to look their best. Here are three outfits I recommend...and 1 that I don't recommend, but will definitely be wearing.

Outfit 1: Casual, but cute
-Necklace, Forever 21
-Long sleeve, Old Navy
-Leggings, Target
-Booties, Walmart

Outfit 2: Comfy and cozy
-Long sleeve, Target
-Leggings, Target
-Vest, Riverland
-Boots, Famous Footwear

Outfit 3: Bohemian chic
-Dress, Forever 21
-Kimono, Forever 21
-Headband, Forever 21
-Boots, Famous Footwear

And for those of you who know me and my family, you know we will be spending Thanksgiving Day cheering our Texas Christian University Horned Frogs on against that other team in Texas. Instead of dressing up, it's likely we will all be head to toe in purple. I may or may not be sporting these stunner shades from Claire's too. :)

Which outfit do you like best?! Tweet me photos of your Thanksgiving outfits!
XO,
Happy Thanksgiving!
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

1st BIRTHDAY!



I can't believe this blog turns one today. What a journey it has been. I started this blog to voice my confusion of graduating college. I had no clue it would turn into something people actually read. I have loved the transition from sharing my fears of graduating college to sharing my daily passions.

Writing on here has helped me get through a lot. The kind words and support of all of you has made it worth it. However, I especially want to thank my friend Elisa for encouraging me to start this blog last year. She thought I had a voice that needed to be heard and encouraged me to start a blog. I never dreamed it would become a job.

My vision for this year is to continue loving what I do. To stand by the products I promote, to be honest with my readers, and to grow this blog. I want to attend more beauty and blogger conventions and meet more of you. And come May I will be launching a new blog...but don't worry this one isn't going anywhere!

It wouldn't be a celebration at Kick Back With Cate without a giveaway!
A $50 Starbucks gift card could be yours!
Just comment below with what you are most proud of in the past year!
Giveaway ends November 30th at 3pm PST.
QuickEdit
Unknown
10 Comments

Makeup Uncovered


Reading about toxicity levels in makeup left me confused instead of reassured. Yesterday I gathered my cosmetics and began to research them via EWG Cosmetics Database and Paula's Choice to find out what exactly I was putting on my face.

Needless to say the "Organix" hair shampoo and conditioner I've been using is NOT organic...or anything close to that. In fact, it's about as unhealthy of a product you can get, ranking 8/9 on the toxicity scale.

These levels are measured based on toxic ingredients to be avoided, including, but not limited to: parabens, fragrance, hanoparticles, formaldehyde, phthalates, petroleum byproducts, triclosan, lead, and mercury.

The Clinique products I swear by also got poor rankings. However, one of their products, "Clinique Blended Face Powder" was ranked a 1/9, making it one of the best products to use. However, the main ingredient in this powder is talc...the worst possible product for acne prone skin!

So...what do we do about this? Who and what do we believe about what is going onto our bodies? What is safe to put on our skin? At this point I believe nothing is good for your skin except for leaving it as natural as possible...a difficult method for someone with severe acne scars.

What else can we do?
Be aware of your skins' needs. For me this powder is awful, but for others it might truly be the best.
Read the ingredients.
Do your research. For example, I assumed drug store products would rank the worst. However, the majority of Revlon products were ranked at a 1.
Weigh the consequences. Is wearing a foundation that ranks a 4 once a week going to harm me? Probably not. But if I wear it daily, it could pose a risk to my health.

Check out these two websited (EWG Cosmetics Database and Paula's Choice) and see where your cosmetics rank. In the mean time, I need to go find a new shampoo and conditioner!

QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW EACH OTHER CHALLENGE


I was tagged by Tess Christine to do the "How Well Do You Know Each Other Challenge" video. This is my favorite video I've done yet! If you like James in my videos, please thumbs it up and comment to let me know! I have some fun ideas for videos with him, we just all have to convince him! Enjoy! :)

QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Turkey Leftovers


When I did the Alex & Ani giveaway, requesting questions for my Q&A, a few of the questions were able to make amazing posts. This is one of them. Thank you Illissa for the suggestion!

After every Thanksgiving, people are eating turkey sandwiches for days. This year, I'm going to help you step your leftover game up.

Some of these are simple things you can think up a recipe for or just do a quick google search. You can make homemade turkey soup, cheddar turkey casserole, or turkey enchiladas. Just do as you would with these common chicken recipes and replace the chicken for turkey.

However, the one recipe I can't wait to try this year is Turkey Tetrazzini.


Ingredients:
-1 package linguine pasta
-1/2 cup butter
-3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
-1 cup minced onion
-1 cup minced green peppers
-2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
-2 cups chicken broth
-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-1 package frozen green peas
-1/2 cup cooking sherry
-1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
-4 cups chopped cooked turkey
-1 cup grated parmesan cheese
-paprika to taste

How To:
1.) Bring a large of pot salted water to a boil. Add pasta. Cook for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2.) Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
3.) Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
4.) Add mushrooms, onion, and bell peppers. Saute until tender.
5.) Stir in cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth. Cook, stirring until heated through.
6.) Stir in pasta, cheddar cheese, peas, sherry, worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and chicken. Mix well. 7.) Transfer mixture to a lightly greased 11x14 inch baking dish.
8.) Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and paprika.
9.) Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes.
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Thanksgiving Decorations


With Thanksgiving less than a week away, I'm sure many of you are frantically trying to get things together. This year I noticed that there are barely any Thanksgiving decorations in the stores. November 1st everyone went straight into Christmas season. For those of you in need of some simple, DIY Thanksgiving projects, here you go! No directions are even needed--they're that simple!

Name place tags my mom made using sweet gum tree nuts she found in our neighborhood.


QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Social Cookie


Some people share a love for sports teams. Some people share a love for politics. But some people, like me and Marquel Martin, share a love for cookies.

Marquel Martin, a salesman from Vegas, was well loved on Andi Dorfman’s season of “The Bachelorette” and last season’s “Bachelor in Paradise.” Making his love for cookies known from the moment he stepped out of the limo to Andi, Marquel is essentially the face of cookies. Because of his love for cookies and his passion for business, Marquel is starting up a gourmet cookie shop in Vegas called Social Cookie, making cookies a social experience, not just a grab and go type thing.

Social Cookie will have a menu that follows social media. They will have a set menu with classic, signature menus. However, they will also base some cookies on the power of social menu. For example, some cookies will be attached to trending things, such as ALS Ice Bucket Cookie, No Shave November Cookie, or Alex From Target cookie.

“Giving back has always been a part of me because growing up I’ve had to experience that with my parents. My dad is diabetic and I love to support in anyway that I can. I believe if you own a business it is almost your civic duty or responsibility to give back,” says Marquel.

Social Cookie has a Kick Starter goal of $50,000 with 20 days to go. For those of you with a love of cookies, The Bachelorette, and helping others out, please donate to the “Social Cookie” Kick Starter. If we all skip our daily Starbucks and put that $5 towards this passion-driven company, they’ll quickly be funded.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/695226463/social-cookie-the-first-social-media-inspired-trea?ref=nav_search
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

FARM FRESH TO YOU UNBOXING & DISCOUNT


Happy Wednesday! We're halfway there friends. This week my work schedule had some wild changes and I started school again, so I'll be ready for Friday when it rolls around!

I recently partnered with an amazing company called Farm Fresh To You. They deliver organic fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, etc. to your front door step from local farms. You can customize your box or make it a surprise. I chose to customize mine to be sure I utilized everything I was getting. There are a variety of sizes, products, and boxes that can be ordered. It can be delivered weekly, biweekly, or monthly. I can't wait for my next one!

Here's what I got in my box-



IF YOU ORDER, BE SURE TO USE THE DISCOUNT CODE CAIT7772!
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

December Food & Fitness Consultations Now Available!




After battling with my weight for several years, I've finally managed to reach a healthy physical, mental, and spiritual level. I did this with the help of a health coach who guided me through meal prep, workout routines, and prayer. Because she changed my outlook on healthy living so greatly, I want to do the same for others.

I have 8 spots available for December consultations! If you want one of them, send me an email -- c8dimm@gmail.com and we can begin discussing the steps we will take together to change your lifestyle.

(Disclaimer: I still believe in indulging in cookies and wine from time to time.)

Meal Prep: $40 for the month, Workout Plan: $20 for the month, BOTH $50

I look forward to working together! Xo, Cate
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Fall 2014 Makeup Trends


This fall I'm really into taupe & burgandy -- with my clothing, my home decor, and especially my makeup. Lucky for me, this follows the current trend. Here's more trends, with drugstore and high end options for purchase.


Full Brows
Drug Store brand- Maybelline Define-A-Brow Eyebrow Pencil, $5.97
High End brand- Mica Beauty Cosmetics Eyebrow Trio Kit, $35.00


Brown Smoky Eye
Drug Store brand- NYX 'Natural Eye' Eyeshadow Palette, $7.00
High End brand- Urban Decay Naked Palette, $54.00


Brown Lips
Drug Store brand- Rimmel London 264 Coffee Shimmer, $4.74
High End brand- Bobbi Brown Black Maple, $22


Natural Glow

What is your favorite Fall Makeup Trend this year?
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

A Heart That Listens


“Then the Lord answered me and said, ‘Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay”(Habakkuk 2:2-3).

As I continue my journey with Gari Meacham’s “Spirit Hunger,” I begin to fall in more love with Christ’s plan for my life. As a control freak, I continually struggle with the vision I have for my life versus the vision the Lord has for my life. When things do not go according to my plan, I panic. However, as the years go by and my living situation gets farther from the life I originally envisioned, I have begun to give this up to Christ. However, in part 3 of Meacham’s book, “A Heart That Moves,” I realize the vision God has and the vision I have can work together. If I write down my vision and present it to God and pray with vision, hope, courage, and faith, I can look toward the future with Christ on my side.

“God sees purpose in our writing our vision on paper. Vision is another word for hope, and if we can muster up hope when we feel like we’re floating down a ditch, we’re on our way to a fresh encounter with God”(Meacham 136).

How can we do this? Spill our hearts to the Heavenly Father. Make sure he knows everything that is weighing down our hearts and minds regarding a certain person or situation. Ask Jesus Christ to lead us to our part in this situation. Lastly, we must give God the glory when we see him work through this vision, even in the most microscopic of ways.

As I began to read the words spoken in chapter 9, “Invited to Listen,” I began to think and pray about my vision for this blog. I am constantly in blog mode--seeking out people, companies, thoughts, and ideas to share with the world. While I have prayed over it’s success, I have failed to pray over it’s content. Going through these three steps of writing out a vision, I felt contradicted by a proposal I was given earlier this morning by a production company. They wanted me to come to a web series premiere this week that could strongly increase the success of my blog. The people attached to this production are people who could bring me a lot of success. However, the content attached to their production is not one that I want my name and moral attached to. I began to pray about content versus success and was drawn towards this vision.

Heavenly Father,
I pray that the content of this blog may honor you in all of my days. As it continues to grow and I become tempted with money over ethics, I ask for your guidance. I pray that the content I share with others will help them, encourage them, and support them. I started this blog because I wanted my voice to be heard, but I need my voice to be heard through you.
Amen
QuickEdit
Unknown
1 Comments

Q&A


You've got questions, I've got answers!

Thanks to all who submitted questions for this post via Alex & Ani giveaway. Some were so great they inspired upcoming blog posts! (Thanks Chloe & Illissa!)

1.) If you could live in any city, where would you live? Thousand Oaks, California. I love Santa Clarita, but I look forward to a financial and career opportunity to move back to T.O. Maybe, in a year or two.

2.) What is your favorite city to visit? Sunriver, Oregon

3.) Why do you go back and forth moving so much? Since I started this blog I've gone through major life changes. I moved once when I graduated college, from the dorms back in with my parents. Then I moved from my parents to my brothers. Recently I switched rooms at my brothers. I go back and forth between here and my hometown just about every weekend. My job is in Santa Clarita, but my friends and boyfriend are in Thousand Oaks.

4.) What is your favorite/most meaningful Alex & Ani bracelet? My St. Anthony bracelet. It was the first one I ever received, from my good friend Kasie.

5.) How many Alex & Ani's do you have? 8. Yes it's a lot, but most were gifts. I believe 6 were gifts.

6.) What is your inspiration for your posts? During the month I write down all the blog ideas I have and companies I want to work with in the upcoming month. At the end of the month, I create a calendar for the upcoming month with posts. It NEVER sticks to the calendar, because things and new ideas pop up, but I just write down ideas all month long. I probably have 3 months worth of posts scratched throughout journals in my desk.

7.) What is your advice for someone starting a blog? Make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. It took me 8 months to realize this could become a career. I started it because I love to write and want my voice heard. It's continued to be a passion of mine because of why I started it. A lot of times I get stuck in slumps, maybe once or twice a month, but I just go back and read my old posts and realize why I started. Another piece of advice is to not get discouraged if you do want this to be a career. Some days I get thousands of hits, others I get barely any. But if you're doing it because you love it, the numbers mean nothing.

8.) What is your must have makeup item? Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation

9.) How do you deal with your anxiety? Prayer, meditation, breathing techniques, therapy, supportive family and boyfriend and friends to lean on...but mainly acceptance. It's taken me 10 years to accept these feelings, but now that I've realized this is part of my life and I've gotten through past anxious spells, I just push through it.

10.) What are your future goals? Get my 2nd Bachelors, get married, start a family, open a daycare, continue to blog, the list goes on....

11.) Who inspires your style? My Pinterest board, Carlie Butler, Lindsay Albanese, and Kandee Johnson

12.) What is your favorite ride at Disneyland and why? Big Thunder Mountain Railroas...I have fond memories from 8th grade promotion trip on that ride.

13.) If you could go to any country, where would it be and why? Canada! I don't want to travel far...I'm more into short trips. I've heard it's beautiful and so fun!

14.) If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be, and why? Kandee Johnson! I've met her before and she is a HUGE inspiration to me.

15.) What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition and why? We don't really have any, but I love to binge eat mashed potatoes.

16.) What is your favorite thing to do each season? Fall- pumpkin patch; Winter- ice skating; Spring- baseball games; Summer- beach trips!



Thank you all for asking questions! If you have anymore, leave them in the comments below! XO!
QuickEdit
Unknown
1 Comments

Great Soles Review & Giveaway Winners


Great Soles was created in 2007 in a Pilates studio after seeing a need for non-grip socks. These socks help to improve balance, alignment, performance, and control. They're perfect for ballet, yoga, pilates, barre, and other studio classes, with an elastic band to keep them from slipping. They're lightweight and don't stick. While these socks are simply amazing, I'm more impressed by what this company stands for.

Great Soles donates a portion of their profit to breast cancer and melanoma research and education. They also support a non-profit, "Dancing Dreams," that helps aspiring young girls dance, despite physical challenges.

I recently teamed up with Great Soles to giveaway a pair of the Rose Pink Ballet Sock via Instagram. All winners have been contacted, but I want to congratulate: Kara G., Nicole S., Chantelle P., Jessica C., Amanda M., Amber B., Emma H., Lexi Y., and Deanna W. Thanks for your continuous support of my blog!

To purchase Great Soles, visit http://www.great-soles.com/products/ballet-sport-socks

I also teamed up with Alex & Ani to giveaway a bracelet! I wear my charming bangles daily and wanted to share my thanks by giving one away! Entries were submitted via Blogger, Facebook, and KickStarter.
The winner of the Alex & Ani giveaway is:
Joan K.
Please visit Alex & Ani's website, choose a bracelet under $40, and e-mail me the link! Congratulations Joan and thank you all who entered!

Stay tuned for more Thanksgiving//KBWC Birthday giveaways this month!
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Fun Day with Mama Dimmitt!


For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you already know about the awesome day I had on Monday with my Mama! For those of you who don't....what are you thinking!? Stop everything now and hit that follow button over there <-----! On Monday, my mom & I went to a taping of the Home & Family Show. For those of you who don't know about Home & Family, (what rock are you under!?) it's a daytime talk show. However, it's so much more fun than your average talk show! It's set in a house and they give all sorts of great lifestyle tips, as well as interview trending stars.

Before the taping we grabbed Lunch at Olive & Thyme, an adorable restaurant in Burbank. The food was delicious. My mom and I split the daily special, which was a lemon turkey arugula sandwich. Afterwards we headed to the set. There was a bit of a hassle getting us in to the taping because of problems with the guest list, but after a bit of a wait and a very apologetic coordinator, we got in. I had messaged one of the hosts of the show, Cristina Ferrare, on Instagram prior to the show, assuming she wouldn't see, but that it was worth a shot. While waiting to be seated in the audience, Cristina came up, found me, and met my mom. This was a pretty awesome moment because I remember my mom watching this show when I was young and Cristina hosted with Candace Garvey. And when I say young, I mean when I was 4-5 years old! We enjoyed the show and also got to meet Matt Rogers, one of the other hosts, who was on American Idol several years back. What a fun day to share with my mom! After the show we went back to Olive & Thyme (yes, it was THAT good!) for dessert. There we spotted Chaley Rose (Zoey Dalton on Nashville) and Alison Sweeney. I think this MIGHT be my new homework spot. ;)

Here are some fun photos from the day, both of cast members, set, and the quaintly decorated restaurant. Enjoy!



ALSO DON'T FORGET THE ALEX & ANI GIVEAWAY ENDS TONIGHT AT 9PM PST. CHECK OUT LAST FRIDAY'S "OCTOBER OUTFITS" POST FOR HOW TO ENTER! :)
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

The Cookie Department Review


It’s Workout Wednesday! Today I’m telling you all about a healthy cookie company called The Cookie Department. For those of you who know me on a personal level, you know that I might as well be the Cookie Monster. I can eat a bag of Albertson’s Fresh-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies in one sitting if given the chance. And there are 24 cookies in the bag. I love them. Now I can enjoy my love for cookies without the guilt. They taste like they’re homemade and feature ingredients that benefit your health.

There are six different flavors:
1.) Awaken Baked- (Espresso Cookie) contains organic coffee & sea salt. I’m not usually a fan of espresso flavor, but this tasted good and had a perfect amount of caffeine to get my day going.
2.)Tough Cookie- (Protein Cookie) contains peanut butter, protein, & sea salt. Designed for a post-workout meal, gives extra strength for the day. A healthy cookie? OKAY.
3.) Great Full- (Sweet Potato Cookie) contains sweet potato, cranberry, and oatmeal. Vegan. High in antioxidants. Holiday type of cookie.
4.) Chocolate Chip Nookie- (Maca Cookie) contains maca, chocolate chips, and sea salt. Believed to increase vitality.
5.) Cherry Bomb- (Probiotic Cookie) contains cherries, chocolate, and ganeden BC30. Gluten-free....the way to be! A little too rich for me.
6.) Snap Back- (Ginger Detox Cookie) contains ginger, cayenne, and black strap molasses. AKA the hangover cookie. This thing is delicious. When I finished I wanted another one. I didn’t take it hungover, so I can’t verify the truth behind that. However, the natural detoxifying ingredients sound like they’ll work.

I love The Cookie Department, but these cookies can be high in calories. They trick you with a serving being only half a cookie. For those of you interested in trying these, visit your local Whole Foods, Abes Market, or check out www.thecookiedepartment.com!
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

MODA VOX BOX REVIEW


Today I'm reviewing the Moda Vox Box I received from Influenster complimentary for testing purposes. It includes products from Rimmel London, Puffs, Jergens, Resource, Hair Food, and Swiss Miss. When I received the box I thought the grouping of products was super random, however I loved everything. Watch my latest video to get a more detailed review! Also don't forget to head over to Friday's post and enter to win a bracelet from Alex & Ani!



QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

5 TV Characters I'd Date


Off I go to a taping of Home & Family with my mom, so Makeup Monday is going live Tuesday, and a random Tuesday post is going up on Monday. I hope y'all don't mind the switch up!

While rewatching the Gilmore Girls series for the fourth time, I started thinking about what a gem Luke Danes is and how if he was a real life person, I would be smitten. This love for Luke Danes turned into dreaming about what other fictional characters I would date...

1.) Nathan Scott (One Tree Hill): He's a baddy on the surface, but a genuinely good guy. His love for Haley, even after she kissed Chris Keller, is unreal. Regardless of what Nate goes through, he always came out on top.


2.) Seth Cohen (The OC): The cutest dork of all time and his undying love for Summer...gah! Chrismukkah anyone!?


3.) Luke Danes (Gilmore Girls): Backwards hat, flannel, and sarcasm please!


4.) Kevin MacArthur (The League): Kevin & Jenny = Relationship Goals! I've already got the Jenny thing down...


5.) Adam Demamp (Workaholics): I didn't say it had to be more than one date! He's adorable and charming. A night out with him would be full of belly laughs and absurdity.
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Faith, Not Fear


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:11-13

This week I continued my journey with Gari Meacham in her book "Spirit Hunger." The second part, "A Heart That Seeks" covered engaging God in our prayers--something I've always struggled with. A big fear of mine in my faith is prayer. For many years (really until recently) I have been afraid of praying "wrong." I could never pray out loud and also feared I was doing something wrong. Until reading this part of Spirit Hunger, I realized I was doing it right. There is no "perfect" way to pray. All that matters is that I'm sharing my heart, fears, concerns, praises, worries, and graces with Christ. And then after praying, accepting the outcome of those prayers!

Often times we get impatient waiting for an answer. We expect a clear vision that God will say yes or no to our prayers. But there is also a grey area. God can tell us "to be determined." We shouldn't give up on our God, our prayers, or ourselves. Things don't happen in moments, it can take years before God answers us, but he has a reason why. And when he answers those prayers, regardless of a yes, no, or coming soon, we must give all the glory to the Lord.
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

OCTOBER OUTFITS & GIVEAWAY


It's Fashion Friday! Here are some of my favorite outfits I wore in October. Like I said at the start of the month, November will be full of giveaways because of how thankful I am for all of you! This week's giveaway is an Alex & Ani bracelet, as featured in this video! These are my favorite bracelets. I wear them nearly everyday and love that they tell a story about me.

How can you win?

1.) Watch this video.

2.) Comment below with what your favorite outfit is & a question you have for me for my upcoming Q&A video!

Giveaway ends on November 13 at 9pm PST. The winner will be announced on November 14.

Also be sure to head over to my Instagram and check out my Great Soles Instagram giveaway that ends on November 10!

Have a great weekend!

QuickEdit
Unknown
14 Comments

Personal Planner Review & Discount Code


With the holidays quickly approach, it means gift giving and a brand new year. For organizational freaks like me, it also means purchasing a brand new planner. Each year I go store to store struggling to find the perfect planner. I can never find anything that perfectly fits my needs. I always have so many crazy things going on that I need a planner that can fit it all, yet is still compact enough to fit in my purse. Cue Personal Planner.

This year I won’t have to spend hours and days looking for a planner to keep 2015 organized. I was able to visit Personal-Planner.com and customize a planner to fit my every need. The options are endless. The cover can be whichever colors you choose, or better yet, a photo of your choice. You can design the days to fit your life. For me, this includes the daily to-do as well as workouts, meal plans, and goals for the week. It also has blank pages in the bank for doodling or note taking, as well as sudoku puzzles. All of these I chose to add. Other options include daily weather report, exam schedules, graphs, music sheets, maps, and coloring pages.

For those of you interested in purchasing a Personal Planner, which I HIGHLY recommend, visit www.personal-planner.com. Use the coupon code D-UPFE-UUHC to get 15% before November 23rd. If you order, be sure to let me know what you think of it! This is the perfect gift for friends, family, and yourself!
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Workout Wednesday: Glutes


It's HUUUMMP DAY! Today I'm grateful for my health (even when I'm sick!), my friend Jade that I used to host a radio show called "Hump Day With Cate and Jade" with, and tubs of Carmex!

Today's Workout Wednesday is showing you my glute workout. I do this routine two times in a row twice a week and let me tell you it HAS made a difference. My bum used to be flat as a board and now it's slightly less...haha!

I hope you enjoy this video! We have some delicious treats coming next week for Workout Wednesday!



QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Sweater Weather Tag


I was tagged by Elle Fowler (AllThat Glitters21 on YouTube!) to do the Sweater Weather Tag. I love fall, so of course I wanted to participate!

1.) Favorite candle scent? Leaves from Bath & Body Works

2.) Coffee, Tea, or Hot Cocoa? Pumpkin Spice Latte OR Hot Cocoa

3.) What’s the best fall memory you have? Any CLU football game with my roommates. We always had so much fun. I miss the glory days...

4.) Which makeup trend do you prefer--dark lips or winged eyeliner? Dark lips all the way...especially now that I have dark eye, I feel like I can wear dark lips better.

5.) Best fragrance for fall? Wild Madagascar Vanilla from Bath & Body Works

6.) Favorite Thanksgiving food? Mashed potatoes for dayyyyyssss!

7.) What is autumn like where you live? It’s usually warm and windy, BUT today it is cold and rainy

8.) Most worn sweater? A black and brown striped wool sweater from Forever 21

9.) Must have nail polish this fall? Midnight Cami by Essie

10.) Football games or jumping in piles of leaves? Football games!

11.) Skinny jeans or leggings? Leggings all damn day

12.) Combat boots or Uggs? Uggs

13.) Is Pumpkin Spice worth the hype? YES YES YES

14.) Favorite fall TV show? All my shows usually start in fall, but this is Parenthood’s last season and I’m extremely bummed out.

15.) What songs really get you into the fall spirit? I don’t really have fall music that I listen to, but last week I put on the Halloween Party Pandora and was dancing to Thriller with the little girls I nanny, and it officially felt like fall.

I now tag Alex Garza, Kait Nichole, and Marquis Clarke!
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

MARY KAY CLEAR PROOF REVIEW


Happy Monday! For another Makeup Monday I am reviewing the Mary Kay Clear Proof products that Influenster sent me for testing purposes. If you like the products, check them out at www.marykay.com!

QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Spirit Hunger Part 1


Last week I encouraged each of you to join me on the journey I was beginning to take in reading Gari Meacham’s book “Spirit Hunger: filling our deep longing to connect with God.” If you didn’t take the pledge, I strongly encourage you to reconsider. I have only attacked part one of three, but this book is already a blue print to the way I should be living--hungry for Christ. This book has become one big highlighted page for me, covered in pen marks and excessive amounts of “YES!” written amongst Meacham’s powerful words.

Part one (a heart that longs) tackles what we long for and what we are yoked to. Both of these should be Jesus Christ, but for many of us it is other things--money, alcohol, sex, food, clothing, etc. We long for these false idols in our life, when we should be longing for a relationship with Christ. These things are fine in moderation. Should we never buy new clothing? Should we never have a glass of wine at dinner? No, but “when the need becomes greater than the pleasure, we’ve moved into chaos. We can number and stuff ourselves in a myriad of ways, but Spirit hunger is filled by God himself--not by Satan’s cunning substitutes”(31).

For me this is shopping. This is difficult for me to admit, but for several years I have struggled with what many label as a shopping addiction. There are times I have gone into Sephora for 1 thing and left $350 later. I have a lack of self control that does not mix well with anxiety and depression. This addiction began my sophomore year of college. I had made the decision that I needed to leave Regis University, but had to finish the final three months of the semester before I could return home to Southern California. I was so hurt, so unhappy, so lost in my life there, that I filled the void in my heart and mind with shopping. It felt great in the moment. All the new clothes, new makeup, and new shoes made me feel amazing. Until I got home from the shopping trip and still felt alone, depressed, and was several hundred dollars short than a couple hours before. These purchases were a temporary fix to a long-term problem. Instead of handling my emotions, I shopped about them. As the years have gone on, I have maintained this struggle. Instead of filling myself with God, I have filled myself with earthly things that will mean nothing in the after life.

One thing that stood out to me in “Spirit Hunger” was when Meacham said, “I don’t want to be a committed Christian; I want to be a desperate Christian”(14). I was so confused what this meant. Desperation is attached to a negative connotation. However, in our relationships with the Lord, we should be longing for him, not meekly satisfied with attending church on Sunday morning then closing our Bibles and our hearts for the rest of the week. “We long for nurturing, attention, and affirmation; we long for filling and purpose; we long for intimacy--to hear and be heard; we long for discipline”(17) but we should be longing for Jesus Christ! God provides us with each of these, but we are too blind to see it.

Favorite Bible Verse shared by Gari: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is now law”(Galatians 5:22-23).

This week I encourage each of you to pick up this book. Dive into it with an open mind and an open heart. Pray on each word Gari has written that it may speak to you in whichever way you need to hear. I continually pray over this blog and each of it’s readers. I am grateful for each of you, for this book, and that I have this outlet for my voice to be heard. Next Sunday I will be back with my thoughts on part two. Have a blessed week!
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments

Happiness Project Update




Another month! The year is almost over and the final two months are often a whirlwind for many. Holidays, traveling, ends of semesters, family visits, and many memories tapped into. November for me is a month of gratitude. Each post will include three things I am grateful for and I encourage you to share your gratitude with others. Today I am thankful for my Heavenly Father, my brother, Chris, and my sister-in-law, Sara. These three people have gotten me through a very difficult and emotional couple of months.

Following along with Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project, October I focused on my attitude. I tried to laugh more, be polite, and be positive. As I put my focus on having an attitude of gratitude, I found myself more drawn to praying for guidance. God gave me a beautiful life...what isn't there to be positive about!?

This month my focus in The Happiness Project is on self control. This includes being the bigger person, thinking before I speak, sticking to my budget (a very difficult task for me that will be touched on a bit in tomorrow's book club,) not overindulging in sweets, (Albertson's cookies got me bad!) praying daily, and trying to appropriately resolve conflicts. Self control is my biggest struggle amongst the fruits of the spirit. This is not a task I will be able to get through without help from my Lord.

Which fruit of the spirit do you need to work on?
QuickEdit
Unknown
0 Comments