Katherine Chloé Cahoon

As promised on Snapchat (katherinechloe), I’m sharing some of the tips that I learned from a beginner’s self-defense class taught by Alex Abossein, a martial arts master. But first, I’d like to thank Alex and Innerfit for putting on this event. All proceeds went to women recovering from abusive situations. Here are some of the tips that can help the rest of us avoid being in them:

Follow Your Intuition. If you don’t feel good about a location, leave. Don’t second-guess your instinct. It’s better to leave an event early than to learn that you are unable to leave at all because you have been placed in a dangerous situation.

Play it Safe. The first step in doing this is to avoid a confrontation. Attackers look for easy setups, like a woman alone in a car or elevator. So take precautions. When you are in a parking lot, get into your car without delay, and immediately drive away. If you get into your car and then stop to do something like make a call, you are giving an attacker the chance to break in and hurt you. When getting into an elevator, especially if there is only one other person present, do not face away from him.

Act in Control. If someone attacks you, never say something like, “Don’t hurt me.” That instantly gives the impression that you are an easy target, and bullies look for easy targets. Instead of making a request, give an order. Say something like, “Get lost,” with conviction. This exudes control and makes you the opposite of an easy target.

Know Where to Strike. If you cannot avoid a fight, some of the key places to hit your attacker are on the bottom of the nose in an upward motion, or on the throat, knees, and groin.

I hope that none of us will ever have to use these striking tips, but it’s better to be prepared.

While flipping through fashion magazines, I frequently run across articles about the perfect silhouettes to flatter various figure types. But I’ve never read about a style that looks good on everyone—especially girls who like to go to events and actually indulge in the food. I’m definitely one of those. I’ve never understood the desire of some women to wear a dress that is so spray-painted on all you can do at dinner is smell the dishes. So here are my fashion tips for attending a spring buffet or a several-course date.

Choosing a dress like this one from Nordstrom, that goes in at the waist but then flares out, is the key. This gives any less-than-perfect girl the illusion of having an hourglass frame, and that extra space in the stomach area lets you hit the food table with ease. It’s also wonderful for those bloat days, because no one will know! And the v-neck design elongates your body. So I say throw on your favorite dress, go out there and have fun…and don’t short-change the sous chef. After all, food is one of the best parts of a party.

For lovers of beautiful blooms, Washington’s Tulip Festival is paradise. During April, they can participate in bike rides through the flower fields, watch small-town parades, and join throngs of people from diverse places converging to soak in the beautiful sights of spring. For more information, go to www.TulipFestival.org

“To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” Danny Kaye

These are more pictures from my Mexican adventure. One reason why I love traveling is the opportunity it gives me to meet people from various cultures with different backgrounds. I truly believe that the more we learn about and appreciate others, the more we can learn about ourselves and develop our potential.

Every time I go on vacay to a warm beach, there is a part of me that isn’t all that excited to put on a swimsuit. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I have some swimsuit-wearing phobia, but I think most girls can relate to just wanting to be able to bring on all the delicious vacay food without thinking about the fact that I’m wearing next to nothing all day. So here are my ten tips to surviving swimsuit season. Note: these are non-workout tips because, let’s face it, if we have a vacay planned for next week, no matter how much we work out, our figures won’t miraculously change.

1. Take time picking out your suit. Generally, I’m racing up to day that I depart for vacay, scrambling to get everything done in time, so I grab the first cute suit I see. But I’ve found that if I spend extra time trying on options before I leave and find one that I especially love, I’m a whole lot more willing to throw it on with carefree abandonment once I arrive.

2. Self-tanner. I clearly didn’t follow this tip! But I think a little tan always makes a girl feel like she looks better when braving a bare suit.

3. Remember the fun factor. Honestly, would you rather spend time with someone who looked like a beach Barbie, or someone who was out there having fun? I’d go for the fun factor every time. So remember that vacay is about relaxing and having a good time. Anyone can do that.

4. Never be a slave to the trends. Who cares if an unflattering style is trendy? If you don’t feel good wearing it, don’t go for it. I’m sorry friends, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to pull off a thong bikini. It’s just not happening!

5. Never diet on vacation, but avoid binge-eating. Yes, vacation is about having fun, but I’ve had friends who packed in so much junk food and drinks that halfway through the trip they felt miserable. It’s hard to feel good about yourself, when you feel miserable.

6. Fabrics Matter. When choosing a bathing suit, I always go for one with thicker material. This is because the ones with thin material stretch out quickly in chlorinated pools.

7. Do the dance test. I know you may feel silly dancing around in a bathing suit before you buy it, but this is important. You want to make sure that it’s move-proof. Who wants to go on vacay and not be able to play beach volleyball, take water aerobics, or jump in the pool without flashing everyone? Trust me…I’ve witnessed many bathing suit malfunctions!

8. Beware of white suits. Light-colored suits can be stunning, but once they’re wet you can be putting on more of a show than you were planning on!

9. No Big Deal. Remember, if you do happen to have a suit malfunction, it’s happened to a myriad of others girls. Don’t take up time being worried when you can use that time having fun.

10. Remember that everyone gets self-conscious. I have been stunned to learn that my most gorgeous girlfriends can be those who are most worried about how they look. So try as much as possible to shed self-consciousness.

When people think of Cabo, many conger-up images of wild partying and dancing on bars until dawn. And during Spring Break season, they imagine that squared. But this storied Mexican town actually has a romantic, and even whimsical, side. I stumbled upon this getaway on an evening stroll. Casa Bella Boutique Hotel is the perfect getaway for a couple—whether they’re on their honeymoon or celebrating decades of being together.

With only ten rooms, this hacienda-style paradise feels like it belongs in a golden age. All the rooms open onto a courtyard bordered with lush vegetation. The swimming pool nestled into the back feels secluded. Yet, the hotel is just across the square from the landmark Restaurante Mi Casa, and only blocks from El Squid Roe, the night club, dance hall, and restaurant in the heart of town where “anything goes and everyone feels at home.”

!Hola Amigos! As you can see, I traveled to Cabo.

I absolutely love flying off to exciting destinations. I started doing it with my family when I was little, and began taking trips on my own when I was 14. But I realize that even a seasoned flier can get caught in air-travel traps. There are so many considerations, like what can’t be hand-carried on the plane, which aircrafts have computer plug-ins, and what can be packed in checked luggage without exceeding a weight limit. Here are my tips for navigating them:

1. Stock Up on Product Samples. I’ve noticed that travel sizes of products can be overpriced and normal sizes are often overkill for a trip. Whenever I buy shampoos, conditioners or face creams, I’ve found that the sales associates are usually happy to hand out samples if I ask. They’re packaged by the vendors and are great for short trips.

2. Pack Your Flip Flops. My dad engrained in me to never wear open-toed shoes on a plane. And yet, I see lot of people doing it. That is fine unless there is strong turbulence or an emergency landing. Dad has lots of experience flying planes, and says that in the case of a crash, your feet can get sliced from broken glass if you’re wearing flip flops, which makes an emergency escape much more difficult. That being said, I’m a strong believer in not dwelling on fear. Most flights are one hundred percent safe. It’s just better to be prepared.

3. If You Like to Shop on a Trip Leave Room in Your Suitcase for Souvenirs. Another alternative is to ship them home, but that requires on-site planning.

4. In the USA, Get Certified by TSA for Fast Boarding. This initially takes some time, but if you fly frequently, you save time in the long run. With the certification, you can board without removing your shoes, laptop, and quart bag.

5. Carry-on Small-Sized Hand Lotion, Toothbrush/Toothpaste, Perfume and a Chap Stick. If you are stranded somewhere, these basics can get you through it. They’re also great for combating cabin dryness and stale, circulating air.

6. Protect Your Legs Like the Pros with Compression Tights. Sitting for long periods of time combined with cabin pressure can be hard on circulation, and we only get one set of legs per lifetime. Maria Sharapova says she protects hers by wearing Nike Pro Compression Tights under her clothes on every flight.

7. Board ASAP. I learned the hard way that it’s a good idea to board as soon as your row is called if you’re carrying a bag on. When airlines began charging for checked bags, some people started carrying on as much as possible. In their minds, that standard rule, “a small carry-on and a purse” became “two large carry-ons,” and overhead compartments quickly became stuffed. Once, I was late running from my first flight to the connecter and slipped on the plane last. The only spot for my bag was way in the back and I was seated towards the front.

8. If You Have a Long Flight, Adjust Onboard to Your Destination’s Time Zone. That way you will be in-step as soon as you arrive. Long ago, a friend who is a major jet-setter advised me to sleep on the plane during an overnight flight. He said to get a sleeping pill, drink only water, and use ear plugs and an eye mask if necessary. It works! A homeopathic sleep aid with no side effects is Coffea Cruda 30c. You can find it at health food and supplement stores.

9. Solidify Reservations. Popular hotels frequently overbook, so it’s important to confirm your reservation before you leave. If you’re arriving at a place where you’ve pre-arranged for a shuttle, make sure that you know exactly who you are meeting. This is very important in a place like Cabo. As soon as you exit the terminal, drivers bombard you, each persuasively declaring that he is yours. Once during college when I went to Cabo for Spring Break, I had been told that my driver would be wearing an orange shirt and carrying a sign. Well, when I arrived, I saw a sea of drivers, all wearing orange shirts and carrying signs!

10. Have Fun…especially if this is a pleasure trip. I know this tip may seem unnecessary, but some people have a hard time switching from a rigorous school or work schedule to a time of total fun. I always try to leave the worry of work at home when I’m on vacation, and even if I have to do some work, I try to only focus on it for the allotted amount of time, and then forget about it.

I received an email from a high school student who was making a video for her senior project. She purchased an editing program and dreamed up tons of incredible ideas, but none of them were in places where it was feasible to film herself. She realized that I faced a similar problem with the waterfall scenes in my St. John video, and asked how I did them. Some of you may have the same question, so I’m sharing the answer:

1. Shoot on a green screen. Obviously, I couldn’t film myself in a gorgeous gown standing on muddy ground while being sprayed by a powerful waterfall! So I got green screen paper from a photo store and filmed myself in front of that. There are a number of materials that can be used for a green screen. Although paper gets damaged more easily than something like canvas, I like it because it’s much cheaper.

2. “Green screens” come in a variety of colors. Choose one that is not the same as the color you are wearing. Otherwise, your image will disappear when you try to place it in your video.

3. Set up your screen anywhere with good, even light. I did this shoot in my friend’s living room.

4. You don’t have to have a friend to help you pull this off, but it’s more fun. I love it when someone volunteers to help, but I’ve done many shoots all by myself. I just put my camera on a tripod, hit “on,” and hop in front of it.

5. Place your paper on any stand that is level, and high and wide enough to cover you. This can be a DYI. Here we used tape to hold the paper in place.

6. If you want to film yourself full-length, roll out the paper far enough on the floor for you to stand on it.

7. Do not create any shadows, otherwise the green screen might not drop out when you put your image into your video. You can accomplish this by standing ten feet in front of where the paper hangs. We didn’t have enough space here to do that, so we made sure that the light was very even to keep shadows to a minimum, and it worked.

8. When you film, make sure every part of you stays on or in front of the paper. Anything that goes off the paper will not drop into the video.

9. Go to your background location and film what you visualize standing in front of.

10. Import all your footage into an editing program. I use Final Cut Pro X. If you’re familiar with this editing program, the following steps will make total sense. If not, I’d suggest watching YouTube video-editing tutorials to get a basic feel for the program. That is how I learned.

11. Put your footage together.

Drag the green-screen clips into your timeline. Crop out anything you filmed that went off the green-screen so only those sections remain. Drag in your desired background and place the clip underneath your green screen clip. Use a keying mask to drop out the green screen background. Play around in the Inspector with features like the edges to make the image and background meld together as cohesively as possible.

You can do it!

Meghan has evolved from a girl who was charismatically cute in her past music videos to smokin’ hot in her latest. Today, I’m teaching those steps on YouTube.

To see Meghan performing the choreography… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMTAUr3Nm6I (:45-1:15)

And to practice dancing it with me, go to Instagram…

Part 1: https://www.instagram.com/p/BDW-e0uCfCy/

Part 2: https://www.instagram.com/p/BDXDoSiCfMU/

In this video, I’m teaching the steps that Rihanna and her dancers perform to her hit song, Work.

To see them dancing the choreography… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQWqksdE4gw (3:01-3:24) And if you’d like to practice with me to her music…

Part 1: https://www.instagram.com/p/BDUI4ubCfL1/

Part 2: https://www.instagram.com/p/BDUL7DVifCA/

No matter where I travel, nature is one of my favorite attractions. I always love to watch people rushing down a busy street who pause to admire plants in bloom. Yet, when they take a closer look they must realize that each one is imperfect. No two blossoms are exactly the same size, some have been dusted with dirt, and others have torn or fading petals. Like people, each is unique, or as a friend once said, “perfectly imperfect.”

I couldn’t think of a better place as a backdrop for this post than the conservatory. So here are my ten reasons why demanding perfection does not lead to happiness:

1. No one is perfect. Requiring perfection in yourself only sets up a pattern of discouragement. On the other hand, striving every day to be the best you can without demeaning self-judgment is uplifting and helps you improve.

2. Happy people are fun, kind, and genuine. Would you rather be with someone who has those qualities, or a person who always has to be #1, is consumed with looking perfect, and spends so much time and energy on herself that she cannot focus on others? Personally, I’d pick the first one, and I’ve found that trying to be that person makes life far more satisfying.

3. Happy people spend quality time with family and friends. We live in a society focused on numbers. We count our Instagram followers, Facebook friends, and Snapchat views. The totals supposedly measure our appeal. Conventional wisdom says that the higher they go, the closer we come to a perfect social life. I don’t agree. If you had to choose, would you rather spend quality time with a close circle of family and friends, or trying to get an impressive number of “likes” on a post?

4. Imperfection can be perfectly endearing. Whenever I’ve been with a man who was so smooth his lines sounded rehearsed, I longed for someone who spoke from the heart even though each sentence wasn’t perfect.

5. Seeking the perfect mate is a recipe for disappointment. No mortal can maintain that standard. Search instead for someone who is “practically perfect” in the ways that matter most to you.

6. Living in a world of perfect clones would be perfectly boring. If every year, every male looked like the man named the world’s sexiest, they would all be identical. I don’t know about you, but I would rather be with an original.

7. Some of the most appealing people are downright quirky. Maybe they have a slightly off sense of humor, or a funny laugh. Those seemingly imperfect qualities can make them lovable.

8. Having a balanced life brings rewards. I meet so many people who are wearing themselves out trying to succeed. Yet, I’ve found that I’m most productive when I make relaxation and fun part of my schedule.

9. Freeing ourselves from immediate, unrealistic expectations can help us reach our ultimate goals faster. Reaching for perfection and being dissatisfied when it is beyond our grasp causes stress. Research shows that we perform best when our stress is manageable.

10. Happy people know whose life they are living. Often in our quest to become perfect, we focus more on what others want us to be than on what we want for ourselves. This creates conflict, whereas being true to our own values creates harmony.

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” H. Jackson Brown, Junior

And I’d like to add that our best will always be enough. Each person has unique talents. We should not compare ourselves to others and use them as the measure of our worth.

Dress by St. John Knits from Nordstrom.

If you have a dating dilemma where your love-interest assumes one persona with you and another behind your back, then you have a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde on your hands. So does the girl whose email is featured in this video. We’re chatting about how to handle this sort of a situation.

To read more about the cons involved in playing relationship games… https://katherinechloecahoon.com/dont-play-gamesplay-dress-up/

Instead of “old,” I should say, “very loved.” If you’re a mom, aunt or cousin of little ones, you know exactly what I mean. They just can’t part with those favorite dolls no matter how matted their hair gets from gigantic hugs and being drug around…sometimes by the feet as their heads bounce off the floor.

I’ve had this “Katherine” doll since I was a baby, and even now I’d never be able to part with her. My childhood clone has a permanent place in my home for posterity.

I was chatting about this with Julie, my amazing manicurist. Many of you know her because I’ve featured her nail trends here on my blog.

She has an adorable granddaughter named Kylie who has an impressive collection of American Girl dolls. This is due in part to Julie, who is an expert at styling used dolls. Here is Kylie with Emily (left) and Felicity (right). Felicity was a Goodwill find for only $5.99! She was in really rough shape until Julie gave her a makeover.

I confessed that although my Katherine doll was still in good condition, her hair resembled a rat’s nest. I was so excited when she offered to work her magic for me.

Julie agreed to let me share these secrets to breathing life into a beloved doll:

Brush. Comb out the hair. If the doll is made of plastic, like those from American Girl, you can also wash their hair. Since my Katherine doll is all cloth, that wasn’t a possibility.

Heat Rack. Lay plastic doll’s hair over a heat rack to soften it.

Product. Slightly mist the hair. Add smoothing cream and a little gel.

Culers. Set it with rollers.

My doll looks like she is completely new! Thank you so much Julie!!

If there were one:) Well, you can pretend there is by learning the steps the girls dance to their new hit song, Work From Home. Here’s a choreography breakdown.

To see the songbirds performing it… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9FIjVn9mQg (2:00-2:23)

And to dance the steps with me to their music on Instagram…
Part 1: https://www.instagram.com/p/BCeoKyoCfCM/
Part 2: https://www.instagram.com/p/BCey2BuCfNZ/