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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Twitter: kallmekatiee 

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Email: katiemcbride.business@gmail.com

Success

Lately, I've heard a lot about success used as being beyond financially stable and to be honest I can see where people can see that as success. Maybe it is for them in their own perspective and that's the way they measure or compare themselves whether "they're more successful" than either me or someone else. To me, success is setting goals for yourself, accomplishing them, setting even more goals for the future, not worrying about anyone but yourself and not comparing what you make to someone else.

Let's say you have a musician(s) who touch hearts and change lives with their music, yet they're completely broke and you take a business owner who has nothing but conned and cheated people out of money that they don't have and that basically steal money from people who are struggling financially, yet he measures his stacks of money to the musician. Now, who do you think is more "successful?" 

To me, it's not about the money. In order for me to feel successful is helping and changing either one life or thousands of lives. I want everyone to think long and hard about whether success is being financially stable or setting goals for yourself, help changing the world and having your heart feel complete. Tell me what success is ultimately about, money or being genuinely happy. I'm not saying money can be a part of success but stomping on others just for a check is called greed and is that success? 

This is a very short post! I am working on a Summer Lookbook stay posted!

XOXO

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Twitter: kallmekatiee 

Email: katiemcbride.business@gmail.com

My Adoption ❤️

Photo Credit: Divineskye Photography

Photographer: Megan Lunsford

So, I'm not going to lie, being adopted has been a very touchy subject for me and I'm here to now tell my personal story. 

I'm sure a lot of people look at me and assume that I was raised into a strict asian family who had traveled over from Asia to give me better opportunities and it's really the complete opposite of that. 

Giving up a child isn't easy but if you know you can't care and provide for a child and give that child somewhere to live a full life, that's one of the greatest things a person can do.

An Adoption Story:

On September 11, 1994 a baby girl was born who desperately needed a family that would love her, care for her, provide for her and who needed a family that would shape this baby into a person with great character. The Birth Mother wanted the absolute best for this precious life and didn't settle for less. When this baby was born, the birth mother obviously knew she couldn't keep this child and put her up for adoption and was contacted by an agency with a couple who wanted a child so badly. There were other families and couples looking into adopting this baby girl and after the birth mother was finished talking to all the candidates, the couple who wanted a family more than anything and would do anything to provide for the child stood out among the rest to the birth mother and they were given this precious child. This couple went to great lengths to have this baby's adoption finalized and legal and it involved selling a condo to pay for the adoption fees, even though this couple already had a house, it showed how much they were willing to do anything for this child.

When the baby was brought home, her new family literally smothered her with unconditional love and care, something she wouldn't of had if her birth mother would of kept her. She was given opportunities where her interests peaked, a great education, a quiet peaceful environment and room to just be a kid. This child and her Mommy's souls were meant to be together and showed the whole world that even though you might not be blood related, a Mother and Child's bond is more important than having the same blood. You're probably wondering about the Daddy, right? Well, her dad might be a little rough around the edges but don't let it fool you, this baby brought so much joy, love and sensitivity to him and finally had a buddy where he could teach everything too.

This girl lived a good, normal and enriched childhood. The key to her normality was that her parents told her when she was able to comprehend that she was adopted but that she is loved unconditionally by her parents and that would never change. This little girl didn't care one single bit that she was different looking from her parents and she 100% understood that it's okay to have a different and unique story among the sheep. This child was such an outdoors kind of kid, loved going out and getting dirty, hyper, a gymnast, musically inclined, bright and full of happiness, everything her Birth Mother wanted for this child that she had called "Tahn Mae Do." 

To this day, this adopted child loves her life and family and has become a young women who is now well on her way of being 20 years old! 

Here are a few pictures of MY precious, loving and happy family! 

Straight cheesin' after my first official photo shoot with my family right there with me and supporting me! <3

The Struggle That I Face:

My biggest struggle that I face in my life that's related to the adoption is that my Birth Mother does not want to meet me or come in contact with me whatsoever. It breaks my heart a little knowing that she doesn't want to see the baby she brought to this world whom she called "Tahn Mae Do," all grown up. The reason behind her not wanting to see me is because she was embarrassed about having a child at 17 out of wedlock and isn't accustomed to the Vietnamese culture. I understand it all, I'm just curious to see if my personality is similar to hers, if I look like her and all those normal questions when you don't know who your biological mother is. 

I'm gonna wrap it up here and leave you all hoping that I helped someone who has a similar story as mine!

XOXO

A Message To My Birth Mom, Margie Do:

Thank you for giving me a chance at life and not choosing the easy way out of things by aborting me. I have a beautiful life and I'm forever grateful for the gift of life and even more thankful for the couple you gave me too. Thank you for calling me Tahn Mae, I just so happen to absolutely love flowers! If you ever see this here is the most recent picture of me from a photo shoot I had. 

Photo Credit: Divineskye Photography

Photographer: Megan Lunsford

Location: Red Rocks Open Space Bike Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Random Wednesday

You're probably what Random Wednesday is and it is what it's named! I decided to have a series throughout my blog, called Random Wednesday simply because I'm probably the most random, A.D.D and strangest person you'll ever meet! I always have SO MUCH things that are always on my mind and I really just need to talk about it, let it out and go about my business.

What's been bugging me a lot lately is that, I've been really down and hard on myself. The thing about my personality is when I don't get something right or achieve what I want when I want, frustrates me to the max. I always want to be the best and sometimes I really just can't. For instance, I've been trying to find a reputable modeling agency for a few days now in Colorado and I just feel like I can't find one or that I'm not pretty enough, tall enough, talented enough etc. I admit I do get insecure about myself and myself keeps me from branching out sometimes. I really want to find the RIGHT modeling agency and want to be a Vans model to be in a campaign as soon as possible and that's exactly my problem. I have very little patience, stubborn and hard headed, that's my personality and is something I need to work on, but when I want to have modeling as a career it's hard.

Something that a lot of people don't know is that I do have depression and anxiety and for the last month or so I've been REALLY down. A little back story as to why I've been sad is that I thought I had this great life, living in Denver, thinking I had people who had my back and then literally having it taken all away from me, forcing me to go back and live with my parents. It's hard swollowing your pride and going back home, it's embarrassing to say the least. I feel like as soon as I feel as if I'm on top of the world, it turns upside down and I know it's life. I don't want this to be a pity part for Katie, but if you're sad, down and depressed you absolutely have to express it.

Since I'm on the topic of depression, I want people to get something out of this post and reach out to people who have it. I have a lot of tips to help you all out so I'll make a list for y'all and hopefully it will really help you in your personal life! 

Admit It To Yourself That You Struggle With Depression- Don't be in denial, as soon as you can sit back, say it and know in your heart you're depressed, the sooner you can get help.

Talk About It With Someone- In order to help yourself, you can't bottle it in. Personally, when I know I'm really going through a phase of depression, I go to my primary care doctor because I trust her, I've been her patient since I was about six years old, she knows me and she has my best interest. Even though I haven't been to an actual therapist, she's kind of like my therapist. After, I talk to her and seek help from her, I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulder. To be honest, I recommend if you're depressed, seek your primary care doctor and talk about your symptoms and what's making you upset and your doctor will help you whether it's through medication, a therapist or both. 

If you don't want to go to your doctor, a therapist or be put on medication, just talk to someone you trust and feel comfortable around. You need to talk about your feelings, as much as you might not enjoy it, you'll feel better after. Don't bottle up your emotions, letting them out feels good, take it from someone who likes to hold a lot of things in!

Keep Yourself Busy- Keeping yourself busy is something that helps me not think about what's going on in my life and keeps me from thinking about the negative thoughts I have. Having a job, modeling, blogging, hanging out with friends and family help keep me positive and happy, I suggest if you're suffering from depression, try something you're interested in, stay busy with a job, etc.

YOU Are The One Who Ultimately Chooses Whether To Help Yourself Or Not- It might sound a little harsh, but it's true. You're the one who makes the decision as to whether you want to get out of your dark tunnel or not. You have to be the one who wants the CHANGE in your life. Others can only do so much for you, they don't determine your happiness, you do. I've seen people struggle with depression, have therapists, are on medication, the whole shebang but don't seem to change. It is a hard thing to go through, I know. But, you need to want to help yourself and want to change yourself. Determine whether you want to change and be happy or want to stick to your same routine and not change your ways. 

STAY STRONG- From my heart to yours, you're not alone. You might feel alone and worthless but truly you're not. If you feel as if you need to take your life, please seek medical attention or call a suicide hotline. Here is the National Suicide Hotline Phone Number, 

1-800-273-8255

Your life is precious, you are beautiful, you have potential, you are worth it, you are not alone and if you just want someone to talk too, you can email me at 

callmekatiee.business@gmail.com

So, I guess that's it for my Random Wednesday post! I'll talk to you all tomorrow!

XOXO

Confidence and Courage

Photo credit: DivineSkye Photography by Megan Lunsford (left)

Outfit: Dress from Macy's (left) 

Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe Beanie from Brandy Melville, Leather Jacket by Obey from Zumiez (right)

Confidence, now let's get real, EVERYONE struggles with being insecure about themselves at one point in their lives AT LEAST. Let me take you back all the way to Elementary School, Middle School and part of High School. From the first day of Kindergarten I had a lot of self esteem issues because well one, I was the odd one out, I grew up in a town where the Asian population is probably about 1% of the entire population. I was the only little Asian girl in my entire class, I didn't look like the rest, I had one of those really bad 90's hair cuts with the short bangs and quite honestly I did not fit in. I was also the youngest out of my classmates by a year and my teacher had told me that, she didn't believe I could excel at the age of four and had no hope for me which made me feel like I wasn't even smart enough or good enough to be among my peers.So, let's jump to first grade after I proved that darn kindergarten teacher wrong, I had started gymnastics! It was the first time I ever felt a sense of confidence in myself because it was something I was good at and all throughout Elementary School and Middle School that was my escape to feel accepted and confident. I mean, I had a few friends but like I said I was really the odd one out. In Middle School, I was that really awkward kid, in band and what not. I wasn't happy with what I saw in the mirror, had braces, teenage acne and I just was not a good looking kid. I looked at all my friends and peers, they were developed pretty, had a ton of friends and then there was me being really awkward. I was honestly not happy with the way I looked one bit and my awkwardness carried on through about my late Junior year. I personally believe it's because I was a gymnast and my body wasn't able to develop till I retired from a knee injury. So, Senior year of High School is when I discovered makeup to enhance what I already had and not cake my face up as I did in previous years. I found my "nitch" that year and started loving who I was. 

A few months later after I graduated, I was hired at Vans and let's just say, Vans honestly changed my world and it took me about a year to fully understand that I was hired for the person on the inside and that's what made me find confidence in myself. Makeup, I believe is a tool to help women feel beautiful don't get me wrong, but knowing you are a good person,with good intentions and dreams is what I think makes someone  start to become confident in themselves and then leads someone beginning to love themselves for who they truly are and embrace their imperfections. It takes courage for one to go out in the world and say "Hey, I'm me, I'm imperfect, I make a shit ton of mistakes, but I learn from them. I'm a good person and persevere through every shitty thing that gets thrown at me and I think I'm a beautiful person, so take me for who I am or don't and if you don't my middle finger truly goes out to you."

The way I look at life now that I'm a little older, is just the things I just quoted above. I know I'm not perfect and I'm okay with it. I'm confident within myself and love the person I see in the mirror, even if I do have a mega breakout on my face, because that's only temporary. I'm beautiful for who I am, not because designer everything makes me way prettier than I really am or because I know how to put on makeup. I'm pretty because I own what I have and make it my own and WORK IT. ;)  Accepting myself is what makes me a confident and a courageous woman. 

All you girls or guys do not need to look at others and go "oh look at what they have, I wish I was them, why can't I have their life." and blah blah blah. You all are all beautiful because of who you are as an individual. I challenge all of you to look in the mirror, pick out one thing about yourself that you like and look at what you have. Do you have a family that loves you, friends, someone who understands you, a house to live in or maybe a significant other? Pick at least two of those things and be thankful for them because the person you might always compare yourself might not have any of those special things that you have. 

I hope you guys really like this heart to heart post! Tell me what you guys love about yourselves and something you're thankful for!

XOXO