JANUARY FAVORITES

Wednesday, January 31, 2018
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Is it just me or has January dragged on? This month tried me emotionally, but it is only revealing God's glory and greater purpose in my life. I can feel in my bones that February is going to be a life changing month and am ready to see what it has in store for my future. But first, a recap of my favorite things in January.

Song: Wake Within Me by Hillsong Young & Free


Beauty Product: Benefit High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter; This product gives a dewy glow to highlight cheekbones and jawline.


TV Show: Married At First Sight; It's back for season 6 and I love that my significant other is watching it with me. The cast this season is a unique one and it has sparked some incredible conversations between us.



Podcast: Let's Talk About it With Taylor Nolan; Taylor from Nick's season of The Bachelor is putting her therapy background to use, talking about dealing with anxiety, how to self care, and mental health.

Book: Single State of Mind by Andi Dorfman; Andi's 2nd book discusses her single girl adventures in New York City. Her hilarious stories leave you wishing you could share a mimosa with Andi, Jess, and Ava.


What were your favorite things this month?

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BACHELOR RECAP

Tuesday, January 30, 2018
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We're at the halfway point of The Bachelor and the chain smoking fitness coach is still around. I think production did a great job this week of making all of us wonder how the heck we are still watching this trash after 22 seasons. Here are 5 questions I have after last night's episode of The Bachelor:

1.) What is wrong with production and/or Arie to bring Maquel back after her grandfather's death only to send her right back home? A little harsh, don't you think?

2.) Why would ABC play an advertisement for next week's episode midway through the episode if they are trying to make viewers wonder if she is going to be sent home? They spoil their own episodes during the episodes, but get mad at Reality Steve? Makes sense!

3.) Do you think they went back and re-edited last night's episode to have Lauren & Arie's conversation of "I'm afraid you'll pick someone else" and "I'm afraid of picking the wrong girl" after the bomb Reality Steve dropped last week?

4.) Where can I buy Kendall's book of 100 questions?

5.) Who the heck is Jenna?



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SUNDANCE LOOK FOR LESS

Wednesday, January 24, 2018
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Sundance was last weekend and there have been photos circulating of fun, funky outfits perfect for a winter storm. This look from Hilary Swank is functional for all events, and perfect for any winter weather. While the Sundance version is full of designer garb, I recreated it for you for under $150.

Hilary Swank 
Total: $149.24


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MUSIC OF THE MONTH

Wednesday, January 17, 2018
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10 Songs I Have Had on Repeat:

Boy by Lee Brice
Thunder by Imagine Dragons
Perfect by Ed Sheeran & Beyonce
Bad at Love by Halsey
Meant to Be by Florida Georgia Line & BeBe Rexha
Young, Dumb, & Broke by Khalid
Heaven by Kane Brown
Bartier Cardi by Cardi B
New Year's Day by Taylor Swift
The Champion by Carrie Underwood & Ludacris
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BACHELOR WEEK 3 THOUGHTS

Tuesday, January 16, 2018
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Migraine got the best of me tonight, but I wanted to get my thoughts on last night's episode of The Bachelor up before TV Tuesday seeped into TV Wednesday. Last night was an enjoyable one, especially compared to last week's snooze fest. I really like the ladies they cast, with the exception of Krystal though. Here are some general thoughts I had while watching last night:

I know these women from GLOW are being a**holes to the ladies to try to bring out the fight in them, but they took it to far. I don't blame Tia & Bibianna for being brought to tears. If I was on that date, I would have joined them.

I was not planning on watching The Winter Games. However, I will be tuning in strictly for my girl Bibs.

Does anyone else think this Lauren B. looks identical to Lauren Bushnell?

What if they had a season that was strictly women named Lauren?

These flashbacks of Analiese's dog trauma are giving me life.

Who the hell does Arie think he is sending my girl Bibs home? I mean I know she didn't get to have her telescope date with him, but still. #BringBackBibs
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GLUTEN FREE EXPO

Monday, January 15, 2018
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Last year I had the pleasure of attending the Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo in San Diego. It was a week full of delicious food, informative seminars, and getting to know companies that have similar views as mine. This year I am excited to head back to the expo, February 10 & 11 at Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego.

The event is from 10am-3pm both days. Please note that parking at the Del Mar Fairground is $13. Some of the classes being offered this year include 3 Food to Heal Inflammation with Tiffany Hinton, Managing Food Allergies on the Road with Jenny Kleiman Dowd, and Beyond Gluten Free with Kathlena Rails.

I am excited that some of my favorite gluten free companies will be in attendance this year such as Enjoy Life, Brazi Bites, and Miltons, as well as trying out some companies that are new to me such as Green Chef, Smart Flour, and Laiki.



Tickets are currently on sale HERE
Bonus: Get 20% off with the code ADVANCE until 2/9/18.
Extra Bonus: I am giving away FIVE tickets to the Expo! Each ticket is good for one day. If you are interested in attending, leave your email in the comments or connect with me on social media.

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WINTER SKIN TIPS

Friday, January 12, 2018
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Colder weather often leads to dry skin. While the cracked lips and wind rashed skin is bothersome, it can be prevented and treated.

1. Find the right moisturizer. Just because one works for you in the summer does not mean it will work in the winter. Find one that is oil-based because it creates more protection and retains more moisture. However, be sure it is a non clogging oil such as primrose oil or avocado oil. My favorite right now is Bioclarity Hydrate Skin Smoothie, which has floralux, argan, and olive.

2. Use a humidifier. (This one is my favorite!) When we have the heater turned up high, it feels great, but dries out the skin. Use a humidifier to prevent the skin from drying out. For an extra benefit, add lemon essential oil to the humidifier for an antibacterial effect during flu season.

3. Turn down the water temperature. A hot shower or bath feels great on a cold night, but it breaks down the lipid barrier in the skin that retains moisture. Be sure to take a lukewarm rinse and apply lotion immediately after to lock in moisture.

FTC Disclosure: Kick Back With Cate is a partner of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Amazon provides a small commission for products purchased through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via the Amazon affiliate link supports Kick Back With Cate with no cost to you.
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5 DAY DETOX

Thursday, January 11, 2018
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I have followed Tone It Up for the past couple years. On January 1 they released a 5 day detox, which I decided to participate in. I was nervous because I had tried detoxes before but always failed on day two. This time around I was committed. Through Tone It Up I had found an incredible accountability group and one of them created a group chat for us to connect with each other during this five day period. We chatted with each other and kept each other motivated. When one of us was craving something that would bring down our detox, we turned to each other to remember why we were doing this. At the end of the five days, I had never felt better. The lean protein, the mass quantities of vegetables, and hefty amounts of water left me feeling strong and beautiful. I also incorporated Pressed Juicery juices into my detox, to allow me to get extra greens into my diet, as well as drinking waters that left me feeling hydrated and healthy. I highly encourage every individual to try a detox, not just for the physical aspect, but also for the mental aspect. I realized during this detox that I am strong, I am capable of anything I set my mind to, and that food is fuel for my body.
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BUMPER CAR TRAUMA...AND OTHER BACHELOR WEEK 2 THOUGHTS

Tuesday, January 09, 2018
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Last night's episode of The Bachelor had me the most excited I have been for a season since JoJo was The Bachelorette. The past couple seasons I have been snoozing through episodes, but I believe that Arie's girls are well cast and I have not enjoyed a group of people more since JoJo's either. And while last night's episode re-lit The Bachelor Nation fire under my butt, it also left me with some questions...

1. What is Becca thinking getting on the back of a motorcycle with a stranger? She met Arie for all of twenty minutes at the cocktail party the night before.

2. Can they just fast forward to Arie proposing to Becca in the finale, because I have never shipped a Bachelor Nation couple harder. (Besides Jade & Tanner.)

3. Was anyone else creeped out by how much Krystal and Arie's mom looked alike? It was disturbing.

4. Has anyone ever heard of a bumper car phobia? I know my fear of belly buttons is bizarre, but bumper cars!? Really!?

5. Can Bibiana be the next Bachelorette?

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PURPLE REIGN

Friday, January 05, 2018
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The Pantone color of the year is Ultra Violet, which I love because it is TCU purple! I have been rocking ultra violet for years on game day and I am excited to have even more of an excuse to wear it. Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation, non-conformity, and pushing creative limits. Here are some ideas on how to add Ultra Violet into your wardrobe.



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GOD'S UNLIMITED LOVE...LOVED & BLESSED REVIEW

Thursday, January 04, 2018
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Each month I receive a box of love and encouragement on my front porch. This month's Loved and Blessed Box had the theme UNLIMITED.


This box included:
-an infinity case, to remind you of God's infinite power (I will be using mine as a makeup bag!)
-a theme card
-a mini post
-a reminder sticker
-a scripture card
-an encouragement kit (to share the love with a friend!)

Loved and Blessed is a Christian subscription box service with a goal to help women share their testimony. For only $19.99/month (even cheaper if you buy in bulk!), each box includes a mini poster, reminder sticker, scripture card, and small gift. 

I enjoy receiving the Loved and Blessed Box because it provides me with encouraging reminders to remain strong in my faith. It is different than any other box I have received. It is full of meaning, heart, and joy. Place your order quickly to receive your own box of encouragement next month!



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EXCITED ABOUT EXCITEMENT?

Tuesday, January 02, 2018
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This year I am trying something new with TV Tuesdays. Each Tuesday will host a television related post, whether that is a recap of the previous night's Bachelor, an interview with someone from reality television, or a breakdown of anything else TV related. Because The Bachelor premiered last night, I am going to kick off the first TV Tuesday with my initial thoughts regarding this season. I am excited about this season (and about excitement...smart Arie...smart) and am curious to see how it all plays out!

1. Why do they always have to premiere The Bachelor during college football playoffs/championship time? Last night, and very likely next Monday, were a late start to The Bachelor for me due to the University of Alabama smackdown. Can't they just wait until mid January when football is over and I have nothing else to do with my life on a Monday night?

2. How many times this season are they going to reference Arie's relationship with Emily? We all know he was on her season of The Bachelorette and shocked everyone when Emily did not choose him at the altar. However, it has been five years. If people do not know who Arie is yet based on his relationship with Emily Maynard, then they don't need to know. And why did several girls keep bringing up Emily and that season last night? If you were on a first date with a Bumble guy, would you allude to the fact that you had google searched him, facebook stalked, and looked through the Instagram accounts of his past three girlfriends and their college roommates? No.

3. What happens in your life where you decide to start collecting taxidermy? I could see if you were a hunter in the midwest, but a 26 year old girl from a Los Angeles suburb collecting dead animals, strikes some curiosity.

4. What was the goal of Brittane's parents when they decided to spell her name like that? Coming from someone with a name that can be spelled 14 different ways, I understand her pain.

5. Can this show stop casting girls named Lauren? Not only that, but haven't we already had enough with Lauren B.'s? Four Laurens this season, which ties the four Laurens that were on Ben Higgins season. There are 157 million women in the United States. ABC can certainly find at least 30 that are not named Lauren.

Early Favorites: Caroline, Bekah, Becca, Lauren G
Early Not So Favorites: Chelsea, Krystal, Jessica

Who are you rooting for this season?
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