Being Called Chubby + My Diet

Photo Credit: GKR PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographer: Gabby Ruddick 

So, a few months back before a big photo shoot that I had, this dude called me chubby and I hate to admit it, but it really did have an effect on me and continues to bother me. I also get asked about my diet and what I eat so I decided to put a couple topics that are related into one big post!

Ever since that comment towards me was said, I've felt like I need to lose weight to be a successful model. I'm not going to lie, since that comment was said, I've been losing weight. At that time I was about 102lbs due to health problems and that's the highest weight I've ever been. Because I did put on some pounds from the medication, was called out on my weight and humiliated, I decided that I needed to lose weight and go on a diet. Yes, it does sound kind of bad and ridiculous about wanting to lose weight and dieting but hear me out first because this is a lifestyle change and has made me feel a little better about myself.

Let's Talk About My Changed Diet and What I Eat.

I wouldn't say I changed my diet completely but I will say it's a little different from your average person. What changed from my old routine and what someone kind of forced me to do (not a family member) is eat a big meal three times a day. But since I kind of made this lifestyle change, I don't eat three biggish portioned meals every day. What I do, is pretty simple and that's eating small portions of food throughout the day, except breakfast. I do believe that breakfast is important and that's the only fuller size meal I eat.  

For breakfast, I usually eat the same thing, every single day, which is one or two scrambled eggs (depending on how hungry I am) with onion, pepperoni and sometimes, some red bell pepper. It's fast and easy and really fills me up for a long time. When I start feeling a little hungry, I reach for either some cherry or grape tomatoes, fruit or a handful of whole almonds that aren't roasted, salted or have anything on them to snack on. If I'm at home and really hungry to the point where I feel like I need more than a snack, I cut up FRESH broccoli and cook it with a couple cloves of FRESH garlic and that will fill me up for a ridiculously long time. Let's say I make the broccoli at noon, I don't get hungry until around 8pm. Now, if I'm not that hungry or if I'm at work, I'll snack on some trail mix, a low fat string cheese or almonds all day, maybe every couple of hours I'll grab a handful of trail mix or almonds to at least have sonething in my stomach so I don't feel like starving and end up going out to eat a huge meal and then feel absolutely disgusting and tired after eating a big portion of food. Let's talk dinner, I'm going to be completely honest, sometimes I don't eat dinner because I'm just too tired to make it. When I do eat dinner, I like to make a vegetable stir fry with red bell peppers, broccoli, onion, fresh minced garlic, mushrooms and yellow squash with some low sodium soy sauce, a tad bit of sesame oil and a little bit of Sriracha or red hot chili pepper oil for flavor. Sometimes when I don't feel like making a mess of the kitchen, I take a few leaves of lettuce with a handful of an organic arugula and spinach mixture, put a couple table spoons of blue cheese dressing and just have a simple salad. Sometimes, if I'm feeling like I need some sort of meat I'll cook a chicken breast and eat it with either the salad or shred it up and add it to the stir fry. 

So that's kind of a run down of what I typically eat. It's easy, fresh, healthy and maintains my weight which is why I eat it!

Weight and Self Esteem

Right now, I'm at 97lbs and still feel like I need to drop some weight. For reference I am 5'3 so I'm petite. 

Now, I know I always preach to you guys about loving yourself and being confident because you all should and so should I.

Unfortunately, sometimes loving yourself and being confident isn't always easy. Sometimes, you look in the mirror and hate what you see and I'm gonna be real, it happens to me quite often. On occassion I tear myself to shreds. It's always the thoughts of "if I just had x,y and z" or if "I just looked a certain way, maybe I'd get noticed or maybe if I changed I could book jobs as a model" that make me doubt myself.

I really shouldn't care what people think but I'm human and sometimes words just hurt and stick with me.

The whole point of this post is that, even though I can be 100% confident in myself, sometimes I'm not and I just want to be real with people. Even big time models, actors, actresses, YouTubers and bloggers can feel down and can have a low self esteem on occassion and to me that's normal to be down sometimes. Just because someone may act confident, there's probably something about themselves they don't necessarily like and when it's pointed out, it makes that person feel a little down and that's what I'm feeling right now. Of course I'll get over it, but keep in mind, everyone has insecurities.

Follow me on Social Media:

Instagram: katielafleurr 

Twitter: kallmekatiee 

YouTube: ItsKatieLaFleur

Changes and Updates

Hey you guys! I know it's been a really long time since my last post and I'm super sorry! A lot has been happening these last few weeks and a ton of changes to my life and I hope you all still support what I'm doing!

I am still modeling, still in love with makeup, still work for Vans and still plan on blogging on CALLMEKATIEE but something new in my life, is that I have an opportunity of a lifetime to be an apprentice and business partner with an amazing tattoo artist and I'm not turning it down. A lot of things are still in the works that we won't be releasing information about till we are totally ready.

My New Direction:

My new direction in life has definitely gone from a boring, doing the same thing everyday to adventurous, exciting, acceptance and happiness, something that I haven't had in a very long time. I have people who support me 100% and are like a second family to me who have welcomed me into their lives and I couldn't be happier. Though I will be very busy, I'll actually be starting a YouTube channel that won't be CALLMEKATIEE but will be called KatieImperial where I'll be vlogging everyday so people can take a look into my life and see how hard myself and business partners work to make our dreams come true. 

I hope you guys still remain my viewers and friends with this new direction!

New Business Email:

katieimperial.official@gmail.com

XOXO

Katie 

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

My Vans Story ❤️

Photo Credit: Divineskye Photography

Photographer: Megan Lunsford

Location: Manitou Skate Park in Colorado Springs Colorado

Outfit: Creme Lace Dress from Vans, Black Glitter Belt from Forever 21, Studded Leopard Cardigan by KIRRA from Pacsun, Rabbit Spirithood prop borrowed from Megan Lunsford, Black Glitter Striped pantyhose from Forever 21 and Leopard/Black Sk8Hi Wedges from Vans

Photo Credit: Divineskye Photography

Photographer: Megan Lunsford

Location: Cheyenne Mountain 

Outfit: Studded Denim and Chiffon High-Low Dress from Macys, Red Belt from Target and Leopard/Black Sk8Hi Wedges from Vans

Photo Credit: Divineskye Photography

Photographer: Megan Lunsford

Location: Manitou Skate Park in Colorado Springs Colorado

Outfit: Creme Lace Dress from Vans, Black Glitter Belt from Forever 21, Studded Leopard Cardigan by KIRRA from Pacsun, Rabbit Spirithood prop borrowed from Megan Lunsford, Black Glitter Striped pantyhose from Forever 21 and Leopard/Black Sk8Hi Wedges from Vans

You can find Megan Lunsford at:

megan-lunsford.squarespace.com 

www.facebook.com/DivineSkye

P.S: She's AWESOME! 

"Story of my Sole": 

Vans has always been a huge part of my life, ever since I was a toddler. I remember my mom buying my light blue denim authentic Vans to wear with all of my play clothes. I distinctly remember having the denim authentics, white authentics and navy blue authentics because back then, Vans didn't have the awesome glittery ones like they do today (so jealous.) Even throughout Preschool, Kindergarten and the early years of Elementary School, I had Vans! See, my Dad used to skate board back in the 80's and saved his old board for me to ride when I got old enough which was about 6 years old. I looked really cool out where our cement walkway is up to our stairs and riding back and forth for hours! Unfortunately, I never did any more skateboarding because well I'm really clumsy, but later music became a huge part of my life and I started going to the Vans Warped Tour the summer going into 8th Grade and haven't missed a year since and is what I always look forward too during the summer! Vans, have always been a staple in my wardrobe and I've really had the Vans lifestyle all my life. I'm different, eclectic, strange and most of all, an individual which is what Vans is known for as a brand and lifestyle. I believe the only year I didn't wear Vans was in the Third Grade because, Etnies were all the rage back then, but when I got into Fourth Grade, I told my Mom that I wanted Vans and that's what I got! I remember they were Pink and White Old Skools with satin pink laces and they were so COOL! Ever since then, Vans have always been in my wardrobe every single year. I have some Authentics that are limited edition and some that aren't, a few pairs of limited edition Classic Slip Ons, a ton (I mean a ton) of Authentic Lo Pros, lots of Hadleys, a pair of Sk8Hi Wedges that are always shown in my pictures, a couple pairs of Mohikans from the Surf Collection, and my newest edition, the Sk8Hi Slims in (Leather) Black/True White. I can definitely say that I have a problem with shoes. 

My Life Changing Experience! 

When I was fresh out of High School in 2012, I had been looking for a job literally EVERYWHERE in Colorado Springs and one magical day, I was in buying shoes at Vans (of course) and the Assistant Manager told me that I should apply because they were hiring. As soon as I got home I submitted my resumé and was hoping so bad that I would have the opportunity to interview as a sales associate. I was that annoying kid that would call and follow up to see if Vans was hiring at the time and finally one day in July, I got a call asking if I would be interested in interviewing with a few other people and I quickly, with no thought or anything said "Oh my gosh! Yes!" A few days later I came in to interview with about 12 other people and the whole time I was thinking to myself "Uhh yeah, all these kids have way cooler stories than me, I'm just some average girl who likes fashion, is in to music, always attends Warped Tour, I can't skate, I don't have any work experience and I haven't overcome being paralyzed, so I'm definitely not getting hired here." When I got home from my interview that day, I was really discouraged and was being pretty hard on myself as I always am. Two days later, I got a call saying I was hired and that's when my life completely changed. When I first started working for Vans, I was literally the most quiet, shy, insecure and awkward girl ever. I was painfully shy throughout my life since I was a gymnast and didn't have a social life at all. It was so hard for me to go up and talk to customers without being incredibly awkward. But after about a month, something really changed inside of me. I became more confident in myself, I liked what I saw in the mirror, I learned that people want to actually talk to me for who I am as an individual which made it so much easier to go up and talk to people about their day and everything in between. 

A Vans Romance Story?

What's a life changing story without a little bit of romance right? Let me take you back to the first time I ever had a shift at Vans, there was this guy working with me, was super nice, talked to me and really helped me out. After that, I didn't see him for a few weeks and then I worked with him again for a couple hours and he was still as cute and nice as I remembered! So, he asked if I wanted one of his shifts and of course I said yes because I loved working there. But then, something inside of me told me I should text him and as creepy as I am, I got his number from the employee phone book and texted with "Hey thanks for giving me your shift!" Super weird, you don't have to tell me twice, but he asked if I wanted to hangout that next day and being the girl that I am, I said yes! Later I found out he thought I was pretty and ever since then and after a first kiss, I've always gotten "butterflies." I know, I know, I'm lame. We hangout whenever our schedules are clear and every time I'm with him, the more I grow feelings towards this person and I can't tell you why. While I was living in Denver working at another Vans store, there honestly wasn't a day where I didn't think of him and wanted to be with him, but this is when I completely screwed up, got arrogant, cocky, big headed, turned into the biggest bitch and thought I was hott shit because I was kind of with someone else. It is the past but literally if I could go back in time I wouldn't of been so selfish and stayed where I was in life. So, things went sour in Denver and he was literally the only person I wanted to be with. Of course there was a time period where he wasn't a fan of me, at all to say the least  and I don't blame him. But, when I moved back where I am now, we started to talk and hangout again and I realized that when I'm with him, that's where home is and there's no place else I'd rather be. He is special person and really the only person I have truly cared about and it's crazy to think that we met at Vans, happen to both work there at the same store, love the brand and live the lifestyle. I feel like it's kind of like a romance movie without the makeout scenes in the rain! Haha 😉

My Realizations: 

I really was shown the type of person I am and what my personality is really like from the almost two years I've been with Vans. I've become to understand myself as a person, have come out of my shell and blossomed into the person I want to be. If it wasn't for Vans I'd probably still be that quiet shy girl with no personality and for that, I'm forever grateful for having the opportunity I have with this company. If it wasn't for my family at Vans supporting me, cheering me on and being there when I'm at rock bottom I don't know where I'd be. From fashion, to music, to getting to know myself as an individual, to experiencing feelings I've never had, Vans is where my heart is and is my passion. ❤️

I have had a ton of questions as to why I always rep Vans and I hope this all answers your guys' questions from head to toe! 

XOXO

50 Things About Me :)

Photo Credit: Divineskye Photography

Location: Red Rocks Open Space

Outfit: Cream Lace Dress from Vans, pantyhose from Forever 21, Leopard Cardigan from Pacsun, Leopard Sk8Hi Wedges from Vans, Bunny Hat from Megan Lunsford, Belt from Forever 21

50 Things About Me! 

1.) My full name is Kaitlin Marie McBride

2.) I was born on September 11, 1994

3.) I am a Colorado native

4.) I love video games

5.) I am a musician and play 6 different instruments. 

6.) I was adopted into a family at 9 days old

7.) My Vietnamese name is Tahn Mae Do, it means "Brilliant Flower" 

8.) I was in marching band all through out High School

9.) I'm a germaphobe

10.) My favorite color is pink if you couldn't tell :)

11.) I love that I can street race and shift effortlessly without getting nervous

12.) I get my adrenaline rush from drifting and being irresponsible 

13.) Working on cars is one of my hobbies 

14.) I never got pulled over or have gotten a ticket in my '05 Hyundai Elantra GT Sedan that was modified 

15.) I swear that cops are out to get me in my '09 Hyundai Sonata

16.) My next car is a matte black '06 STI

17.) I get road rage. 

18.) I've liked the same person for almost 2 years

19.) I love Vans

20.) I'm a hopeless romantic but also jaded

21.) I know that I want to be in the beauty, fashion and social media industry

22.) I love modeling

23.) I was told I was 100% Vietnamese, I don't know if I believe that

24.) I'm extremely goofy and weird 

25.) I always voice my opinions and don't fear to at all

26.) I'm really loud and obnoxious

27.) I usually order a Chai Cream Frappachino at Starbucks

28.) Spring is my favorite season

29.) I love to make people feel awkward to laugh at their reaction 

30.) When I think something is funny, I laugh uncontrollably for a very long time

31.) I like to pull pranks, I'm the ultimate prankster

32.) Making dry ice bombs is the best

33.) I love four wheeling with my cousins in Kansas

34.) I absolutely love blogging because it gives me a since of freedom to express myself fully

35.) I have the mouth of a sailor 

36.) I know if there is ever a zombie apocalypse, I will not survive

37.) I think I'm funny at times

38.) I love movies

39.) My diet is mostly vegetarian but I do not consider myself a vegetarian

40.) Working out is one way I release anger and stress

41.) I was raised in a church and now that I'm older I have become agnostic

42.) I love working for Vans

43.) I love to talk, I never shut up

44.) My gold iPhone 5S is awesome 

45.) A few of my favorite bands and artists are A Day to Remember, Pierce the Veil, Mayday Parade, I See Stars, Sleeping With Sirens, There For Tomorrow, All Time Low, The Word Alive, A Skylit Drive, Bobby Darin, Nat "King" Cole, Elvis Presley, Kanye West and Drake. 

46.) I love classical music

47.) I'm passionate about fashion

48.) I want to be a good role model for my younger audience 

49.) I love to make a positive impact on people and helping others 

50.) I absolutely love life 

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

How To Get My Signature Eye look

This is my all time go to eye look for when I have let's say a date, an event or anytime that I want to just feel pretty! It's all about flawless skin and sexy eyes! It doesn't take too long to do either! All you need is a tinted moisturizer, your favorite medium-full coverage foundation, a bronzer for contouring, a face highlighter, a setting powder, eye primer, eyebrow powder, black gel eyeliner, a black retractable black eyeliner, a champagne colored eyeshadow, an eye shadow that is closest to your skin color and black mascara! Now, I prefer to use brushes and the brushes that I'm absolutely loving and use everyday are the SEPHORA COLLECTION Prestige Luxe Brush Set and use all of these to achieve my look! 

Okay, now that you know what you need, let's jump into it! 

Step one: Make sure you're working on a clean canvas! 

Your skin needs to be squeaky clean and moisturized! Before I start, I always make sure my skin is exfoliated with the St. Ives Apricot Scrub, toned with the Neutrogena Anti- Acne Stress toner to prevent my breakouts and follow up with my Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream in light/medium to even out my skin tone since I do have some scarring from when I had acne when I was younger.

Step two: Flawless Looking Skin Time! 

This is my favorite part! Making my skin look absolutely flawless gives me that extra boost like a good bra! I go in with ONE pump of my MAC Studio Fix in NW15 on the back of my hand, dot the foundation all over my face to ensure an even application, dip my Sephora Stippling Brush from the Prestige Luxe Set in what's left on the back of my hand and start from the center of my face blending out with a stippling motion until it's completely blended down to my neck!

Step Three: Contouring and Highlighting!

Since I do have higher cheekbones I like to enhance it with contouring, giving me that really sunken in hollows of my cheeks! I don't do a ton of contouring since I want the focus point to be my eyes. All I do is dip my Sephora Angled Brush into my Marbalized Bronzer in Peach Bronze from Avon and apply it to the hollows of my cheeks aligned with where my pupil is, dragging it back to my ears, making sure it's blended very well! I also contour my jaw bone and under my chin to have a very defined face! Now, using my MAC Mineralized Skinfinish in Porcelain Pink with the Sephora Buffing Brush patting it right on top of my cheeks. This brush picks up just the amount of product and gives me precise precision of where I want my highlighter placed. 

Steps four-ten: It's all about the eyes right?!

Alright it's time for the most time consuming part of this look! We gotta prime those eyes so you don't look like a raccoon and get greasy so use your favorite eye primer! I use Urban Decay's Primer Potion in original! Now since, your eyes are primed it's time to work some magic on your eyebrows! The Anastasia Brow Kit in Brunette is my favorite eyebrow powder and gel I've ever used! For my brows, I like to keep them fairly bold when I have a dramatic eye and fill them in with an old ELF Eyeliner Brush, brush them out with a spoolie and set them in place with the Anastasia Brow Gel in clear! 

Now we're ready to move onto my signature cateye look! I use Maybelline's Eye Shadow in Champagne patting it all over my lid with Sephora's Flat Shader Brush, blending it out a little bit with my finger and placing MACs Brule with any blending brush I have that's clean into my crease to tone the shimmer down, I don't like looking like a disco ball ;)

The hardest part is the eyeliner and that's what it's time for. I start with my Sephora Angled Eyeliner Brush with a tiny amount of my Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner in black, marking where I want it to end on my top lid, making sure that both eyes are even! Once I'm happy with each eye, I pick up more product and with highest point of the brush I place it where the very end of my tick mark is and start to drag the brush into my inner tear duct stopping about half way, pick up more product, turn my brush the opposite way starting in the inner part of my eye connecting it to my established line, then touching up where I feel is needed. When I'm satisfied, I go in with a regular retractable black eyeliner on my lower lash line connecting it with the winged liner on top! Then going in with a smudger pencil brush and smudging it out to give me a smokier look! When all the black eyeliner is done, it's time to come back in highlighting the inner tear duct with the Maybelline Eyeshadow in Champagne and this is what ties the whole look together! After I take a step back, look at myself making sure it's all even, it's time to curl and coat my eyelashes two times with Benefit Cosmetic's They're Real Mascara in Black making my eyelashes look perfect! 

Step eleven: Don't let your hardwork slide off your face!

Sliding makeup isn't cute for anyone so let's set it all in place with powder! I use Rimmel's Stay Matte Powder in Translucent to keep me from getting oily and my foundation from transferring! 

Step twelve: Add a little bit of color back into you!

This is optional, but I love pink lips so I put some color back into my face with NYXs Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Beige to add a little bit of girlyness into the darker eye look!

Now you're all done loves! Tell me what kind of an event you'd wear this look too!

XOXO 

Relationships

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd talk about a few things that can possibly help some of you out there! I'm not a relationship professional or anything like that, but I do I have some useful advice and tips to keep a healthy relationship. I haven't had a "real" relationship in a VERY long time and have been "single" for a few years now, but it's not something that is made the number one priority in my life. So, here is my how to keep and have a healthy relationship from day one or maybe even save your relationship!

Step One: LOVE YOURSELF FIRST! Now, I believe you have to love yourself first before you can love anybody else. You ask why? Because I find when someone doesn't love themselves and aren't happy with who they are on the outside AND inside, they become insecure about not being good enough for their partner. Jealousy also comes in the way with the relationship, when the significant other isn't happy with themselves and causes controlling of the other person, no one likes being controlled. Stop looking at others that you feel like you have to compete with. That's not sexy or attractive you guys!

Step Two: BE HONEST ABOUT EVERHTHING!

You both need to be open books with one another and any kind of relationship in general. It's key. If you build up a relationship on lies, who are you kidding, is that living life? If you're on a bed of lies and have to keep lying, that's stupid  honestly. You can not sneak around being shady, that's the worst kind of trait a person can have and that's the truth. If you can not be honest and comfortable telling the truth to a significant other, you shouldn't be with them. Relationships are about being comfortable and honest with one another. The more you lie, the more you hurt the other person and that's not fair.

Step Five: RESPECT EACH OTHER! 

If you don't have full respect for that person, your relationship isn't going to be all smiles and love. Being disrespectful obviously leads to arguments. Respect each other's property, decisions, morals and everything you can think of because being disrespectful is one of the worst things a person can do, in my own opinion it's horrible and I have learned that from experiencing it.

Step Four: HAVE COMMON INTERESTS AND OUTLOOKS ON LIFE!

I feel like this is common sense but, I've seen people get into a relationship for the solo fact that they think a person is attractive and have nothing in common with them. What I find happens when this comes into play, is constantly arguing and fighting because the couple does not see eye to eye on anything. I'm not saying a couple has to have everything in common, I'm asking how can you have a true conversation if there's no common interest about anything on any subject? What I also find what happens is that the relationship is extremely awkward and a lot of tension is caused between the two people because of the fighting and not understanding one another. Seriously, how can that make you happy when you can't even talk about something you're interested in and the other person doesn't even care? It's unhealthy in my opinion, not to mention shallow and frustrating! I think having common interests and similar outlooks can really make a relationship strong, since the couple understands from where one is coming from and can talk about what they enjoy and not having a hard time trying to find a topic to talk about.

Step Five: DON'T BE ATTACHED TO THE HIP LIKE CONJOINED TWINS!

Now, I'm guilty of doing this and I think a lot of couples are. Being an individual is something that you need to embrace every once in awhile, that's for sure. Of course if you're married you are going to be around that person for maybe forever, but this applies to dating, marriage a domestic relationship, etc. Getting some space for yourself, maybe going out with some friends for a weekend, going to the spa by yourself or anything that separates you from your significant other, I believe is healthy. When you're constantly with someone 24/7 chances are, you're going to get annoyed, fight, meltdown and could potentially lead to a break up. Y'all aren't conjoined so go out and do something that doesn't involve the person you are with! It's okay! You gotta do you sometimes!

Step Six: DON'T BE CONTROLLING!

No one likes being controlled. Being told what to do, what not to do, making your significant other your pet is something that no one should ever have to put up with. That falls in the categories of disrespect, jealousy, not loving yourself and maybe even being attached to the hip. You see, your significant other is NOT your dog, so don't treat them like it. Treating them like that is stupid, you're not their parent. Don't ever let anyone control you. Do what you want and be the individual you are! 

I think these six steps can really make a difference in a relationship or even save a relationship! I hope one day someone buys into my mess of a life but until then, I hope I can help others with my advice from personal experiences and reach out to help someone's "love life," and being there for all of you!! I don't think I'm an expert one bit, but I think these few things can help! 

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