Feeling Low

Honestly, I'm not going to lie, I have days where I'm just down on myself and don't feel confident. I mean I am human and there's days where I feel like I can't conquer the world but here are a few things that help me feel better and maybe some of things can help you when you're feeling down!

1.) Fuck the Diet for the Day

Now, I don't know about you but I am a huge foodie. I love my snacks and all things bad for me but it's rare that I eat them because, I am very self aware of what I put into my body because I don't want to have a photo shoot and look bloated or anything. But; somedays you literally just need to say "screw it" and eat that tub of icecream. One day of not eating healthy isn't going to kill you.

2.) Taking a Hot Shower Using Aromatherapy Products

Aromatherapy is probably the most effective way to relax and clear my mind, personally. I use the Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy for Sleep in the Lavender Chamomile scent. It's to die for! As soon as I smell it, I instantly feel peaceful. Focusing on a scent is something that I've recently found that really helps my anxiety, relieves my stress and helps me forget about the things that linger in my mind when I'm down.

3.) At Home Pampering

This kind of ties into the Aromatherapy in the sense that when I get out of the shower, I lather the matching Lavender Chamomile body lotion all over my body for more relaxation and spray the matching body scent on me, so when I crawl into bed I smell amazing and I'm relaxed. It doesnt stop there though, pampering my face is a must when I'm feeling down. Usually when I'm down, my skin looks dull and just "meh" so a part of my pampering routine when I'm out of the shower is to use a clay face mask followed by my Avon Acne skincare system and a thick eye cream. Whenever I give my skin some TLC when it's "one of those days," I wake up with brighter, healthy looking skin which definitely puts me in a good mood.

4.) Netflix Binge/Watching a Favorite Movie

Sometimes when you're not feeling so hot and don't feel like going out, staying in isn't a bad thing at all. There's nothing wrong with kicking it at home and watching things that you enjoy! My top things to watch when I don't want to leave the house are definitely things that can make me laugh or have some action and suspense in it! Here's a list of what I love watching!

1.) Step Brothers

2.) Fight Club

3.) Despicable Me 1 and 2

4.) BlackList

5.) Star Trek (whether it's the series or movies,) I love me some Star Trek

5.) Turn the Phone OFF

Turning off social media and all technology for that matter, is a good way to reflect instead of having others influence you. Sometimes, being alone and not having distractions is a good thing!

So, that is my short and sweet blogpost about what I do to keep sane, happy and confident! 

Don't forget to follow me on social media!

Instagram: katielafleurr 

Twitter: kallmekatiee 

YouTube: ItsKatieLaFleur

Going With YOUR Gut.

Family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, etc. will always tell you to do something because THEY think that's what's best for you. But, what if you don't think it's right? Do you do it or do you not?

Coming from experience, here's my advice. It sounds so cheesy but, go with your gut. If you're not 100% for sure if it's the right thing to do and second/third/fourth/fifth guess yourself and YOU are not passionate about it, then don't do it. Weigh it out, something else will come around where you want to put your heart, soul and time into the specific thing. Opportunities come and go but don't take every opportunity if it doesn't feel "right." Don't continue to do something when you're not having it because that's waiting your time. Look at the people who make a ton of money but they're not happy and pretty much hate their lives. Prevent that from happening and nip it in the bud. You shouldn't feel bad for not doing something because you're trying to be influenced by the people around you. 

The way I live my life now is very different from the way I lived in high school and even after high school. People told me to go to college, get my degree and then get a job by a hope and a prayer. My heart wasn't into going to college, I got a job and I've found things that I'm passionate about. I'm passionate about my job, I'm passionate about modeling, I love this blog and I'm passionate about YouTube even if I only have two subscribers. But you know what? That's okay, it doesn't discourage me because I'm confident in what I'm doing. I want to change lives, I love fashion and I love showing the world about who I am because I want to be in inspiration and a role model like "bubzbeauty" and Michelle Phan. If I can just change one life in a positive way, that's all I care about. I want to show people that whatever you want, you can achieve. It might take awhile but that's okay, as long as you love what you're doing. Go for it! 

Stop letting people try to influence you, their intentions might not be in the right place and just want you out of the picture so they can move ahead and that is messed up. Basically, just do what you love and stick with it if your heart and soul is in it 100%. Don't listen to others, listen to your gut and heart. 

Sorry I've been a little MIA but, my laptop has bit the dust and I'm just trying to save up for a new one! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to my YouTube channel. All info will be down below.

Instagram: itskatielafleur 

Twitter: kallmekatiee 

FaceBook: www.facebook.com/callmekatiee 

YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/itskatielafleur 

Much love!

XOXO 

Weight

PHOTO CREDIT; GKR PHOTOGRAPHY

Weight, the most dreaded topic especially for girls. 

What I've noticed recently is "plus size" girls harping on girls like me by saying dudes go after them more because they're more desirable. But, when it comes down to it, it's personal preference whether a guy wants to be with a plus size girl or wants to be with a little girl. I don't think in the dating game it's a competition to see how many guys come up to you buying you drinks. 

Being as little as I am, (5'3 at 93lbs) is actually embarrassing. Under my circumstances though, I really can't put on weight and I don't believe in eating super unhealthy just to gain weight.

In my dating scene, my weight has never been an issue to any particular guy I've been with. I've never been told to gain or lose weight because quite frankly, I'm not here to impress anyone. I'm here to do me and if someone likes me physically and emotionally then great, of not? That's awesome too.

I think society and the way beauty is perceived is very messed up and confusing but why try to fit in? The way I see it, is that you should sustain a healthy weight for your personal body type and shape. You don't need unhealthy food to gain weight just like you don't need to starve yourself to lose weight because it is very unhealthy. Stop looking at the numbers and maybe take a look inside someone's soul, that goes for EVERYONE. Your weight, hip size, chest size is just a number, do what makes you feel confident as well as healthy. Girls, stop comparing yourself to other girls. All of us have confidence issues sometimes and telling girls that they're not desirable to men because they're not "plus size" hurts people whether you know it or not. Just because someone is plus size or skinny, doesn't mean one is more beautiful than the other. Beauty is truly on the inside, yes you can be physically beautiful as well but your heart and intentions is what guys are scoping you out for if they're interested. 

Plus size girls, skinny girls, and everything in between; Do you think you might get the male attention more by the way you dress or by acting promiscuous? If so, stop and think if you're attracting the right kind of guys. 

Like I said, everyone has their own preferences, not every guy or girl wants the same exact traits in someone because everyone has complete different ideas as to what they find attractive or not. 

Girl to Girl Talk:

Stop bringing up weight to compare yourself and boast yourself. Sometimes, things like that are very offensive and hurts other people's feelings. Just think that maybe because guys are all over you, other guys are all over someone else who is the exact opposite. Stop making yourself feel better by putting others down. 

XOXO,

Katie

Rock What You Love and Work it!

Outfit: Vans High Low Hemmed Skirt in Heather (now unavailable in retail Vans stores) Brandy Melville "Fancy as Fuck" Crop T-Shirt, Brandy Melville "Bitch Don't Kill my Vibe" Beanie (from www.brandymelville.com) and Vans Authentic Lo Pros Black/Black (cropped out, but are available online and in retail Vans stores) 

Brandy Melville's "Bitch Don't Kill my Vibe" tank (from www.brandymelville.com) 

Brandy Melville's "Fancy as Fuck" Crop T-Shirt and "Bitch Don't Kill my Vibe" Beanie (all from www.brandymelville.com)

I'm not gonna lie, some of my wardrobe can be very controversial as to what is "acceptable" and what is not. I have a beanie and tanktop from Brandy Melville that says "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" and a crop t-shirt from Brandy Melville that says "Fancy as Fuck" and quite honestly I am in love with all of those pieces in my wardrobe. 

I really don't care what parents say or what looks I get when I wear certain things. If you're a parent and telling your younger child to never wear a certain shirt, good for you for doing your job as a parent. The thing is, is that I'm not a parent, I am an adult. I make my own decisions, I love fashion, I love expressing myself and though I like to set good examples for younger girls, I need to be me and not conform into a person that I'm not, simply because others disagree with something as basic as a T-shirt. It's part of me, it's expressing myself. "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" by Kendrick Lamar is literally one of my favorite songs and Brandy Melville happens to be one of my all time favorite brands, so why wouldn't I wear something that I love because it's not "appropriate" to a conservative crowd?

I believe if you really love an article of clothing or really anything, rock it! It takes confidence to express yourself. At first you might feel a little uncomfortable with all the dirty looks you're getting from parents but seriously, who cares what they think. If you feel beautiful, powerful and confident in what you're wearing, then WEAR IT.

BUT, here's the catch...(there's always a catch,) 😉 If you're in High School you do have to follow the dress code, the dress code rules are set in place so what you're wearing doesn't become a distraction, which in my opinion is fair. School is not a fashion show, you're there to learn, not to walk a runway. So, for you younger ladies in Middle School and High School you all need to abide by the rules, unless you want to wear an ugly bright orange shirt that looks like you're going to jail for the whole school to see and mock you. (That's how it was when I was in High School.) 

For the ladies who have jobs and need to be business professional, sorry to say, but you have to follow your work places rules too, I abide by the dress code at Vans and I'm okay with that and it's nothing to protest against. Plus for me, I love everything I own from Vans because let's get real, it's totally my style. 

If I'm out and about, hanging out with friends, going to dinner, shopping, running errands or at a place where there is not a certain dress code, I whip out my favorite clothes and wear them and so should you! If you spend money on clothes that you love, wear them and not waste your money! I don't have one thing that I love that I don't wear, I believe in wearing what I own and getting my use out of them. Seriously, just love what you own, rock what you're wearing and feel good about yourself, whether you feel powerful, pretty, innocent or even a "Bad Bitch" then wear it, have no regrets and be confident because you're one of a kind!

Tip: If you want to be a little more discrete about your shirt, wear a cardigan over it! When I'm out running errands and want to look a little more presentable and put together, I throw on a solid cream cardigan from Abercrombie and Fitch to tone down the boldness of the shirt!

Don't forget to be smart about where you're wearing certain things, but don't forget to WORK IT HONEY 😉❤️

XOXO

Let's Talk Tuesday! Girl Power Tag :)

Welcome to Let's Talk Tuesdays where I answer questions and do tags that are requested ❤️

What does Girl Power mean to you?

Girl Power to me, means being empowered as a woman and going for what you want! 

What is the best advice you can give to girls who want to be powerful?

My advice to all the ladies out there is to go for your dreams, not letting anyone hold you back but also being kind to everyone around you. Being kind is so powerful and can get you so far in life.

If you could have any super power, what would it be and how would you use it?

Haha, if I could have any kind of power it would be able to make the world a peaceful place...but I'd also like the ability to eat as much as I want and not gain any weight ;)

Show us your best girl power (picture) pose.

Photo Credit: Divineskye Photography

Being confident, genuinely happy and smiling is my best pose to show the world :D

What beauty product makes you feel powerful?

Ohhh, that's a hard one! A deep plum or red lipstick makes me feel powerful and, bold and confident! My favorite lipstick at the moment is Mary Kay's True Dimensions Lipstick in Mystic Plum. 

Why is it important to have power girls as role models?

I think as a girl it's important to have a role model of the same sex because when you see your role model achieve something you as well want to achieve it gives an extra boost of confidence and have the mentality of "Well if she can do it, I can do it!" Sometimes when we feel discouraged about ourselves and compare to others but to know if someone else can do it, that boost of confidence can really help you grab on to that one thing you're striving for.

What young up and comer do you think is powerful and why?

Every young lady is a up and comer! It's powerful because as women we can show everyone that we can do things we set our mind too! Back in the day, the men "brought home the bread" and thw women just stayed at home, cooked, cleaned and took care of the children. To evolve as women is the single most powerful thing of all! 

I hope you all enjoy Let's Talk Tuesdays!

XOXO

My Hobbies!

Since it's the night time and I'm devoted to making a blog post every night before I go to bed to just rewind and talk to all of you, I just wanted to talk about my hobbies since all there is outside is snow see! 

It's so terrible! But the thing that I absolutely love about living in Colorado is that I LOVE snowboarding! I started snowboarding when I was probably eight years old and is a hobby that helps me escape reality and gives me a sense of freedom. 

I also really love makeup, trying new products and playing with it! It's art to me and makes me so relaxed and calm. I love to get dolled up before lets say a "date" and watching a guys face be really impressed by me getting cleaned up so well because I am a pretty big tomboy too! 

I'm really kind of a germaphobe and hate getting dirty. But, when it comes to working on cars and street racing, that's my adrenaline rush. It's what clears my mind completely and what keeps me sane. There's no better feeling revving up an engine and flying through gears and no, I do not mean just hitting the gas pedal. I mean driving a manual! I feel like I'm kind of just known as this "beauty guru" if you will and only into fashion but seriously I love getting down to the nitty, gritty and messy part of working on cars. This my full control, power, freedom, confidence, fun and total "mind clearer!" I love the empowerment I get with having a car with a twin turbo and something I can throw around corners and go full throttle up a mountain!  Subaru STIs have my heart!! Tell me what you all love to do! :) good night you guys! I hope you like getting to know me!! 

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

Cozy days and Cuddles with Cookie :)

Meet my Poodle Cookie!!

I believe you should all get to know me on a very personal level, I think y'all should know that I'm just a normal person just sharing my interests with the world. I want you guys to also see just the normal, weird, goofy, always taking selfies Katie because let's get real, that's just who I am! Every night, I plan on writing a post that breaks down my day, what I'm working on, what's on my mind and all of those kind of things, with a very not so formal way of typing and talking to all of you the way I'd talk in "real life." haha or even the way I would text some one! :P <---- (That's my favorite face to use!) But honestly, I woke up this morning, took this picture, started up my blog and really thought about what I wanted in life. I seriously thought I wouldn't have an audience at all and this would kind of be like my Facebook and within an hour I was over like 200 views. I am so so so thankful for all of you who take the time and read what I have to say and view my blog! It means so much to me and I really hope this whole thing turns out the way I hope it does! I know it's not going to be easy in any way but it's totally worth it. I'm going to pursue my dreams and so should everyone else :) Goodnight everyone! Talk to all y'all tomorrow!

XOXO

Modeling Advice

Photo Credits: DivineSkye Photography and Sharon Arnoldi Photography

Photographers: Megan Lunsford from DivineSkye and Sharon Arnoldi from Sharon Arnoldi Photography

Modeling has been something I've been interested in my entire life. I remember being little, going outside and making my Mom ALWAYS take pictures of me. It's something that I love and really have a passion for and that's what my blog is about, right?! My first "real" photo shoot was when Sharon approached my Dad about doing my senior pictures. She featured me on her website and stated that I "was fun, easy to photograph, comfortable around a camera and photogenic" which really sparked my interest even more. I thought to myself  "Huh, this is something that I think that I can actually do that's not music and being a total nerd playing the infamous Call of Duty!" I definitely know that I am NOT a Runway Model because I'm not an almost 6ft tall woman, unfortunately I'm only about 5ft 3ish. Although, I'm pretty little I am really interested in being a Print Model. Seriously, how cool would it be to be in a magazine for Vans or even Young and Reckless, I mean come on...that would be HUGE. From my experiences with the photo shoots I've had, I take all of them as a learning experience! I ain't no professional model ;) But, for the girls who are looking into it or want to experience what a photo shoot, here are some of MY personal tips that work for me!

1. PRACTICE IN FRONT OF YOUR MIRROR AND TAKE SELFIES! It sounds totally weird, but it's something that I think you really need to do to get comfortable with yourself changing your poses and faces. You absolutely need to have a flow when you're working with a photographer. They don't want to be telling you what to do every step of the way! Getting in front of the mirror and posing will really help to get you to know your "angles." Knowing your good angles and sides are so important for a picture to come out great! For example, my best side is my right side with my chin slightly tilted down with my neck a tad bit elongated depending on the pose. I feel like it's my "signature" kind of picture are all of those things with my mouth a tad bit open and relaxed, which is what really works for me.
2. WORKOUT and EAT HEALTHY! I mean come on, you have to be in shape in my opinion. If you want to look good in pictures you absolutely need to keep your body toned. Eating healthy and drinking a ton of water is very important, you don't want to have pimples all over your face,  no do you?!
3. ENHANCE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE WITH MAKEUP! This is one of my favorite things about photo shoots, is that I get to experiment with makeup or have someone do my makeup for me. But what I love when I do my own makeup, is that I get to use great products that enhance my features and I don't need to cake it up because I do eat healthy, resulting into having healthy looking skin and fortunately I don't struggle with acne anymore. The things I do for my face when I do my own make up is, use any BB Cream I have on hand, use Benefit's Porefessional face primer, use one pump of MAC's Studio Fix in NW15, contour my face with Revlon's Whipped Cream Foundation that's about three shades darker than my NW15, set it with a translucent powder, go over my contouring with Avon's Marberlized Bronzing Powder in Bronzed Peach and then my favorite part...highlighting with either MAC's Mineralize Skin Finish in Porcelain Pink or the sample that I have of Benefit's Watt's Up highlighter which is so on point! Now, it seems like a lot for someone who doesn't have problematic skin, but it I like having my face look flawless on camera! For my eyes, I really don't do a lot besides swipe Mac's eye shadow in All That Glitters all over the lid, blend it out with Mac's Esperesso in the crease, highlight my inner tear duct with any white shimmery eye shadow, wing out my eye liner with Maybelline's Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner in black, smudge black eye shadow under my lower lashes, curl my eye lashes and use a couple coats of Benefit's They're Real Mascara in black, maybe slap on some false eye lashes and always do my lips either nude, pink, or dark! 
4. FIND THE PERFECT OUTFIT! It's all about fashion and looking good, it doesn't matter if it's uncomfortable or not, you have to make sure your outfit is on point and fits the theme and desired look for the photographer!
5. SMILE! There's nothing prettier than a genuine smile and confidence! 

So there's my Modeling 101 and story! There's not a lot that beats the feeling of having a photo shoot and looking hott!! I hope it's useful to some of you and that y'all can learn a little something from someone who's had a few amazing experiences! You guys can see more pictures from shoots on Instagram @callmeekatiee :)

 Good luck <3

XOXO,

Katie