SPRINTEC REVIEW and Birth Control thoughts :)

I'm sure most of you ladies have heard or are on birth control for various and different reasons, right? Well here is my review of Sprintec after almost 2.5 years of using it!

To be honest, I did not initially want to be on birth control because I thought it was only for girls and women who were sexually active which is probably most young girls' thoughts when their doctor recommends being on birth control. It's perfectly normal to think that; as most girls my age (19-21) thought that too when they were first introduced at around the age of 16. 

A little back story on me and my experiences on birth control, I started it probably around the age of 16 because I was having severe migraines, headaches, body aches, etc. and my physician thought I might of had a hormone imbalance, so I was first put on BeYaz and to be very blunt, I hated it. For about 3-4 months on being on the B.C BeYaz, I literally was having periods that would be two weeks long, I'd stop for a week and then continue with a long and heavy period, let's just say, I've definitely seen brighter days. I mean really, what girl wants to be on her period for two weeks? I can barely stand 5 days! So, due to that incident my doctor had raised the dosage and it didn't help at all, even giving it 3 months to take any kind of effect on my body. I got so fed up with it, I just stopped taking it all together and said "I'm done, I'm not sexually active, I think my body needs a break." Mind you I was just turning 17 and didn't have the "need" for birth control. After a couple months, my period began to be normal and regular, but I noticed my skin was breaking out a ton and my flow was definitely heavier which I would take over having a two week long period with a week long break any day. I just kind of continued to live my life and not make a big deal about it, until the day I became "sexually active" (such a responsible term haha) with someone I truly care about. So, my doctor put me on Sprintec with a hope and a prayer that it wouldn't do the same thing to my body as BeYaz did.

Two and a half years later, I can say that Sprintec has really helped my life when TOM comes around. My periods are lighter, they come at the exact same time on the exact same day every month and it only lasts on average about 5 days which is awesome. I've noticed that my skin has really cleared up over the years partly because of the Sprintec and partly because I have a skin routine that works for me. The only thing I've really noticed is that about three days before my period starts, I break out a little bit in my chin area which is due to hormones and maybe like one little white head on my forehead where I can just use my Clean and Clear Spot Treatment over night and literally kills those alien invasions on my face!

Overall I'd have to give Sprintec a 5 out of 5 simply because it works best for my body!

Thoughts on Birth Control:

Frankly, I am definitely not against birth control AT ALL. I think it's quite a controversial topic but some women go on birth control simply because they want lighter periods. You don't need to be sexually active to be on birth control and if someone asks you why you're taking it, it's really none of their business especially if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Being on the pill because you are sexually active doesn't mean you're a slut or a whore or anything like that, to me that's being responsible especially if you don't want kids right now, but sometimes it might "fail" so just make sure you are using a condom if you really do not want to get pregnant at this time of your life. Just make good choices, ya know what I mean? People around where I live seem to be really quick to judge girls who are on birth control, they feel as if "it's stopping God from creating life" and things like that. Just always keep in mind that it really is not their place to deem you something you're not like let's say a slut. Maybe you have medical conditions and the pills help with what you're going through like a hormone balance. I don't think women/girls should be ashamed of being on Birth Control, like I always say. "You do you." ;)

Most Common Question:

Is Birth Control right for me?

Honestly, if you are struggling with hormonal headaches, acne, heavy flows and irregular cycles I think you should really talk to your doctor about what Birth Control is best for you, especially if you're sexually active. Ask your doctor about different types of birth control and maybe expand on seeing if an IUD is even right for you if you don't want to take a pill every single day at the exact same time!

I hope this post helped give some insight on what you think is best for your body and that this girl on girl chat gave you some things to think about or things to bring up with your doctor for either the present or the future! As always I love you guys!

XOXO,

Katie

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2009 Hyundai Sonata Review

I've had this 2009 Hyundai Sonata for a good two months and I think it's about time for a full review on this car!

Back Story: 

Back in December of 2013, I got into a major accident going back to my apartment in Denver from Colorado Springs, the weather was terrible to say the least and I hit a patch of black ice, a car behind me hit me, pushed me into the right line, made me tap the tire in front of me (no damage to that car whatsoever,) I lost complete control of my car that I knew every aspect of it and knew how to control it, but I just couldn't from the speed I was going, ended up smashing into a guard rail, spinning my car and smashing the car into the guard rail again. At the time I was at a complete loss and distraught about how much that car meant to me and this is what's left of it 

This is a 2005 Hyundai Elantra GT sedan and kind of a rare car, especially from where I'm from. It's quicker than a normal elantra and a lot more sporty and aggressive which is what I loved about it. Not to mention, it was a manual and I knew everything about it and put a lot of time and money just to make it the way I wanted. 

During the week and a half I had a rental car (2013 Kia Optima GDI) I literally fell in love with that car and knew I needed it but it was completely out of my price range so when I went to go buy another car with my father, we test drove a TON of cars, I mean a ton. From a 2010 Volkswagon Beetle to an Audi A4 to a Mitsubishi Lancer, but nothing was just fitting me right and I just wasn't happy with anything. The car dealers knew I have expensive taste, love a driver oriented car and knew I had to have some power and speed behind a car so they had a 2009 Hyundai Sonata in white delivered to me within 20 minutes. As soon as I took it for a drive, I was in love! 

Attractions:

This car to me, is definitely quite the looker. I feel like it looks a lot like a 2006-2007 BMW 325XI and that's what really attracts me to this car appearance wise about this car. The lines are fluidic, not too fluidic and not too boxy, it's just right! I absolutely love the Halo eyed headlights and the DRL reverse LED "eyebrow" it just looks SEXY! For stock, I do love the tinting on it, it's pretty opaque but I'd definitely like my windows to be totally blacked out, but that's my personal opinion. 

Non-Attractions:

Now, I'm not gonna lie, the one thing that I absolutely DO NOT like are these pathetic stock wheels!!

I know this is a temporary fix, but come on this is a little pathetic! If a car is aggressive looking with bigger tires, the wheels need to look just as good in my opinion. It is stock, but I really think Hyundai could have made these way better looking! I can't wait till I can get there ugly things off! 

Pros:

1.) A Great Value- it's important that when you're buying a car, it comes standard with features like XM Radio, USB port, AUX port and Bluetooth Controls, even if it's a base model!! This car had about 70k Miles on it, one owner, clean record, well taken care of, non-smoker, a CLEAN engine and nothing wrong with it which was a great but at approximately $14000. 

2.) The Drive- The ride in this car is very smooth and luxurious.

3.) It's FAST- I'm a girl with a need for speed, that's for sure! My 0-60mph is about 6.5 seconds when I'm really laying it down on the gas pedal. The 2.4L engine runs seamlessly! :) 

4.) The Sound System- For a stock sound system, I can really crank the volume up and that's what I love! I'm that annoying kid who always has their music blaring and rocking out. It's not the absolute best, but it meets my standards at the moment! I might throw some subs in it, I don't know. But, for now I do love it!

5.) Space- This car is definitely roomy and spacious! Whenever I have people in the backseat, they always comment on how comfortable it is compared to some other sedans! The seats are plush and comfortable, who wouldn't like that?!

6.) Gas Mileage: The gas mileage is great compared to my old car! It runs on 87 Octane but is a really great car if you commute to your job like I do!

Cons:

1.) I definitely hate the pathetic hubcaps on the wheels, it ain't cute! 

2.) This is kind of my own problem for owning a white car in Colorado, but it NEVER stays clean and I've noticed some chipping in the paint on the hood. 

3.) The visibility for me isn't the greatest and does have a lot of blind spots, I don't know if it's me or the car, but I wish is had a back up camera and blind spot detectors!

Overall Rating: 

I really do love this car and drives just as smoothly and quickly as the 2013 KIA Optima so I give this car an 7.5/10 :) 

Smack down Monday! Benefit's They're Real?! Mascara vs. Maybelline's The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara Review!

Top Picture: My Eyelashes with Benefit's They're Real Mascara

Bottom Picture: My Eyelashes with Maybelline's The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara (it doesn't even look like I have mascara on!) :(

Hello Loves! ❤️ 

Welcome to my new series "Smack Down Mondays" where I compare a higher end product to a drugstore product and see which one holds up better! 

The Back Story: 

Benefit's They're Real Mascara is one of my Holy Grail products for sure and have been using it for over a year now! I have seen a lot of raving over Maybelline's The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara and was being compared to the Benefit mascara, so I wanted to see if it was worth all the hype and a good cheaper dupe for Benefit's They're Real?! Mascara since it is a higher end product and sometimes you don't want to use your expensive mascara every single day! 

Let's dive into the Smack Down of these two products!👋

First Impressions: I'm not going to lie, I am a HUGE sucker for packaging, I love for a product to feel luxurious, good in my hands and also durable! With Benefit's They're Real Mascara in Black (Non-Waterproof Formula), that's exactly how I feel when I pick it up, it has a nice weight from the tube and overall I think it's really just pretty! I like that it comes in a box with the statistics of the overall difference it makes on lashes, the matte black back drop is sleek and the pop of orange and white writing makes it appealing to look at and is definitely an attention grabber! With Maybelline's The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara in Blackest Black (Waterproof Formula,) it is different! I like the purple and black color theme that also carries onto the mascara tube! I mean I'm a sucker for anything purple! But, the weight of the mascara feels kind of "cheap" compared to the Benefit mascara, it is a drugstore product so I feel like you get what you pay for sometimes! 

Product Comparison: I honestly do not like The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara, the product weighs heavy on my eyelashes, uncurls my lashes and tends to clump together with two coats and with one coat, it's not noticeable at all. With the formula, I find that it's kind of sticky and sticks to my bottom lashes and I find myself throughout the day tugging on my lashes just to get the mascara off because it drives me nuts! To me, this mascara is just kind of okay, it doesn't do a lot for me. That being said, I really like the smaller applicator side because it really makes my bottom lashes look like I have a little something going on down there! I think if you are blessed with naturally long, thick and curly lashes, this product could really enhance your beautiful lashes! With my Benefit's They're Real?! Mascara, the formula really works for my lashes since they're thinner lashes, not very long and grow straight out! When I curl them, the product isn't heavy and doesn't uncurl my lashes. The formula is a little on the wetter, moussey consistency which is probably why it performs and executes the way I want my lashes to look. I go for the super black, long, thick and curly lash look because I wasn't blessed with those traits! 

Final Conclusion: Now, I'm not hating on Maybelline in any way, I think they have some really awesome products and other great mascaras, just this particular product did not benefit me in anyway, it didn't perform the way I wanted it too, but maybe I had too high of hopes for this mascara! Overall, I do not like The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara. With my Benefit's They're Real Mascara, I really believe that it's totally worth the splurge instead of wasting $6-7 on a drugstore mascara that will end up being thrown away.

Ratings:

Maybelline's The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara

4.5⭐️ out of 10⭐️

(Ten being the best mascara I've ever used) 

Benefit's They're Real Mascara

9.5⭐️ out of 10⭐️

I hope you all like this series I'm starting! Tell me what you all want me to smack down next Monday!

XOXO

Vans Sk8Hi Slims in (Leather) Black/True White Review

Vans Sk8Hi Slims in (Leather) Black/True White 

Retail Price:~$75.00

I don't even know where to start with these shoes! I absolutely adore them and are definitely going to be my new staple shoes for the rest of Winter, Spring and Summer! These are the Vans Sk8Hi Slims in (Leather) Black/True White and this is my review! As some of you might know, I work for Vans but this review on these are 100% honest! 

The Back Story: Through the almost two years I have been with Vans, I've really seen how much their fashion for women has become more on trend and stylish with their apparel besides just Logo T-Shirts, Zip-Up Hoodies, a few cute pieces and just regular skinny jeans! Needless to say this Spring collection doesn't have one thing I dislike! This collection is edgy, just the way I like it! When I saw that we had all these new things, I got very excited, let's just say that! With this 2014 Spring Collection these leather Sk8Hi Slims took me by surprise and I decided to pick these bad boys up the other day because I HAD to have them!

My Review: These Sk8Hi Slims I feel like really capture my entire style which is edgy, authentic, classic, girly and definitely eclectic! It's a ton of different styles all into one, it's a very weird unpredictable combo but, somehow it all pairs great together! I love how the leather on these Sk8Hi Slims can bring edginess to an outfit without being too masculine or chunky. With my feet, shoes can easily make it break an outfit and will make my feet look chunky and disproportionate to my body. I am petite and wear either a 5-5.5 depending on the brand. With Vans, my definite size is a womens 5 since I have narrow feet and Vans do run about a half size bigger in comparison to a "True to Size" shoe. So, let's say I put an Authentic on, for me personally, the shoe will look very strange because of the thicker, chunky sole of the shoe. With these Sk8Hi Slims, I had my doubts about them looking good on me since they do have a thicker sole compared to what I normally wear which are the Authentic Lo Pros or Hadleys! But, to a pleasant surprise these Slims don't make me look disproportionate or make my feet look huge! These shoes have such great quality to them and are totally COMFORTABLE, I can't stress those two things enough! The leather is soft yet sturdy and not flimsy which is a must in my wardrobe since I am out doors, hiking up to bike parks tracking through mud sometimes! These shoes were made to be stylish, versatile and ready to take on any kind of situation since they do have the Waffle Grip on the bottom of the shoe which is great when you need traction! Yesterday, when I wore them to the bike park I tracked through the mud, when I got home I wiped them off with a damp paper towel and they totally look like I haven't wore them which is the best! I love everything about these shoes because they are handmade, great quality, affordable, edgy, stylish, totally comfortable and won't get trashed compared to some of my canvas shoes. If any of you stop at a Vans store and are wanting something a little edgy, I definitely recommend giving these a shot, you might not like them on display, but once you put them on, it's magic! 

P.S: Sorry for not posting in awhile! I've been super busy working on new content! Tell me what you guys want to see me review next! 

XOXO

Holy Grail Product: Benefit Cosmetic's They're Real?! Mascara Review!!

I'm going to be real honest here, I've NEVER in my life have tried a mascara so life changing! I've tried Maybelline's The Falsies and pretty much every mascara on the drugstore market and they have always made my lashes droop and clump which is not my desired look or style. I'm a regular at Sephora and Ulta and I finally gave in about a year ago and have tested this mascara out for an entire year to give my personal review of it. Now, let's start from the beginning about my lashes. I was not born with long, thick, curly and beautiful lashes. My eyelashes are thin and grow straight down, which is so annoying, but it is very typical for Asians. I wouldn't say they're sparse... but they are fragile so, I definitely don't curl them everyday. In fact, Benefit's They're Real Mascara in black, does everything for me with two coats. It curls, lengthens and makes my lashes way more voluminous which is PERFECT. In this picture my eyebrows are only filled in and all I have is mascara on. Looking put together in a minimal amount of time for everyday is my kind of deal. I hope to review way more of Benefit Cosmetic's products on here and be 100% honest with all of you! I hope you guys have a great day! Don't forget to follow my Instagram @callmeekatiee it's my favorite social media site! :D