Katherine Chloé Cahoon

Just because I look nothing like this singing sizzler doesn’t mean I don’t like to snatch her style every now and then…at a savings. Wow! That was a lot of words beginning with “s” in only one sentence! But you get the point. Selena is a fashion goddess and I’m revealing where you can get looks similar to hers that won’t bust your budget, starting with this faux leopard duster.

After spying a coat similar to Selena’s, I couldn’t pass up the chance to snap pictures similar to hers on Instagram.

This Bar III find was spotted at Macy’s. With my card, I got it on sale for $60. Here’s a similar top and pants from Forever 21 that also won’t tax your bank account.

You may not be a member of the jet set, but you can get Selena’s travel ensemble for under $50…from head-to-toe.

I did it by hitting up Polyvore for a black-and white top, H&M for high-waisted black leggings, and Forever 21 for black-and-white shoes.

My last look-of-the-day for this star is, ironically, a salute to stars.

I think I found the exact sweater she’s wearing here, but it costs $330…way over our $100 limit.

If you do decide to splurge on the real deal, you can save on the rest of your outfit at Forever 21. They have a similar white coat and navy-blue skinnies, which together cost less than $65. If you want to complete the outfit, you can find a sweater echoing Selena’s in different colors that has been marked down to $79.99. It started at $214.

Unfortunately, it seems to be quite a challenge finding star-patterned tops and sweaters at bargain prices that don’t look tacky. But I promised to get outfits similar to Selena’s for under $100, and I won’t back down. I found a cute star sweater at a Forever 21 super-sale that rings up at only $6.99. Since it’s black-and-white, if you go with this option, I’d advise, swapping out your navy skinnies for black ones. Forever 21 has a pair that’s currently $12.90, and if you pair it with the white coat, your grand (or not so grand) total is well under $100.

Whew, that was a lot of numbers to chase down, but you trendy girls on tight budgets are worth it.

When I saw this sexy lady owning the cover of British Vogue clad in a motorcycle jacket, I decided to embark on a quest to find one of my own. I was prepared to go to any length, but my quest was neither long nor far. This fashion essential is everywhere!

Vince has a best-seller that comes in a variety of colors, but I went for the versatility of classic black. To complete the outfit, I chose a Theory blouse, BaubleBar necklace, and leggings by Lyssé. I have some key go-to legging brands, and Lyssé is one of them. The reason why I’m a Lyssé lover in winter is because their material is thick, movable and comfortable…with Lyssé leggings you can bundle up without bulking up.

At first, I was disappointed when all the easy-to-reach levels in the parking garage were completely full. I didn’t want to be relegated to the roof…but then I saw the stunning view. Here are pictures from right before sunset, to nightfall.

And the extra walk to my destination meant I passed over this charming bridge.

Sweater by Theory from Nordstrom.

Every January, the gyms are packed with people, nutrition stores are stocked with fat-burning supplements, and veggies are in abundance. So in the spirit of the month, I’m doing a Victoria’s Secret model workout. If you’d like to join me, here it is. We can all suffer together;)

And if you missed my ME & MY GIRLS dance tutorial to Selena Gomez’s performance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, you can follow along and get a little extra cardio the sexy way… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj0x5HLUClA

Despite the desire to overcome my holiday overindulgence, I realize that for me, becoming a super-model clone would not be the ultimate achievement of 2016. Learning to love myself would. Here are some thoughts on doing that.

Embrace Your Shape. Long ago I faced the fact that I’ll never be 5’10” and a sloppy size 2. But I can workout, make healthy choices, reap those benefits, and feel good about myself…and so can you.

Let Loose. We can all be more productive this year if we schedule time for breaks, whether they’re for girls’ nights, romantic dates, or scorching the dance floor. I’m not waiting until the 2016 holiday season to pepper my life with fun!

Thinking of Others. When I was growing up, one of my best friends said, “The happiest people are those who think of others.” My New Year’s Resolution is to be more thoughtful of others.

The holiday season is the perfect time to catch up with family and friends, and one of my favorite ways is at a dinner buffet with a beautiful view. Over the years, my family has refined this art.

As you can see, we stayed from daylight, through sunset and nightfall. There was hardly a dish that we didn’t try….some of them two or three times!

You might wonder how we can sample so many dishes at only one dinner. We have it down to a science. Experience has taught us that if each course is perfectly timed with just enough breaks, more appetite will open up. So to occupy ourselves during the breaks, we chat, make friends and take pictures…sometimes of each other and sometimes of the food.

And speaking of making friends, Mom and I bonded with the executive sous-chef, who so kindly offered to snap this pic with the glimmering lights.

When it comes to a winter holiday, my heart belongs to Seattle! Everywhere you look, the city is glowing. When I was little, I pretended that each lighted tree was twirling. Regardless of whether it’s rainy, windy or snowy, people are out and about. Here are some of their favorite haunts…

Downtown Holiday Carousel. Riding the ponies isn’t just for the kids. I saw as many adults as children lining up for this charming, old-fashioned carousel. It runs through January 1st.

As you can see, carousels and I have been close since I was so little that I had to be hoisted onto my pony.

Fairmont Olympic. This historic landmark is nestled in the heart of the city. At the start of the season, I explained why it is a long-standing hot spot. https://kcc.la/12-days-of-christmas-seahawks-style/

Every Seattle visitor considers stepping out on the Space Needle’s observation deck—and that should definitely be on everyone’s “to do” list, but I don’t want you to leave town without trying a lesser-know activity…

Dancing Through Seattle. This town has a fabulous partner-dancing scene. On any week you can find great dance parties, from salsa to bachata and tango. Those in attendance range from dancing virgins to professionals. Most venues open with an intro lesson. Once everyone has a chance to get down the basics, the festivities begin. So when night falls, head out to Century Ballroom, a well-known establishment, or one of the more intimate studios. I’m going to be at one of those places on New Year’s Eve. I don’t know where. That will be a surprise!

…from the Pacific Northwest, the emerald land of fir trees, islands, mountains, and Seahawks!

I have loved everything leading up to today…the lights, wreaths on front doors, happy crowds, swags along fences, decorations, packages wrapped with care, shimmering bows, people calling out season’s greetings, reuniting with old friends, and making new ones…

But most of all, I have loved the meaning of this season. For as long as I can remember, people from different faiths, philosophies, and backgrounds have openly embraced the hope of peace on earth and goodwill toward men. So on this day, I always take time to pause and remember the man who healed the lepers, caused the blind to see, calmed the storms, stopped a clamoring crowd from stoning an adulteress, and, in a supreme act of love, allowed his life to be taken so we could all live again. In return He asked only, “That ye love one another as I have loved you.” [John 34]

When I heard that Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) was switching from Kent Stowell’s beloved adaptation of Balanchine’s famous Nutcracker to the 1954 original, I felt like I had lost a close friend. Don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of Balanchine. He is the king of ballet choreography. But I grew up with the excitement of Kent’s creation. I was in hundreds of those performances over the years, and my enthusiasm never diminished. I loved the production, the dancers’ camaraderie, and the way Kent greeted each one with an ever-present sparkle in his eyes. I danced in his last Nutcracker performance at the old Seattle Opera House, and his first one christening McCaw Hall. For me, that production was home. So I felt a certain loss to see it mothballed, but I was eager to compare the old and the new PNB Nutcrackers.

Now that I have, I have to be honest—I’m basically Team Stowell. But I’m trying to make this critique unbiased, so I’m starting with what impressed me about PNB’s new Nutcracker. The beautiful costumes created by author/illustrator Ian Falconer, with their candy-cane striped embellishments, were enchanting…

The characters in Act II were magical…

And the choreography coupled with the costumes in that act was stunning.

That was true even for the roles of the young dancers.

But here’s why I will always be Team Stowell―nothing in the new production compares to the way Kent captured the imagination and filled the entire stage in Act I. Highlights include his clever concept of Clara’s dream opening the show, the intricate social swirl at the party, and the explosive excitement created by the gigantic Mouse King, the Nutcracker’s daunting teeth and the ensuing battle.

In addition to the lead characters, the stage became progressively packed during that scene with carefully-orchestrated fighting mice, rifle-wielding toy soldiers in formation, charging cavalry, and a cannons larger than those firing them. All of these parts were played by student-dancers, yet Kent trusted them with his complex choreography. One misstep, and there would have been a major collision. That reality always mesmerized audiences.

Kent created clever interwoven stories, like Mother Mouse–complete with her bustier, heels, and sassy walk–who became enraged when Clara inadvertently bumped into her baby, and then started the war by summonsing her husband, the Mouse King. Mother Mouse was one of the favorite roles I danced.

Kent, together with author/illustrator Maurice Sendak, infused many of the costumes with humor…like the fighting mice with dead cats around their shoulders.

But what hit me the hardest while watching the new PNB staging of Balanchine’s Nutcracker was how grateful I was to have been a part of its magnificent predecessor.

And even though I am a steadfast member of Team Stowell, I am also grateful to know that there are PNB dancers who will forever be Team Balanchine because of the incredible memories they’re building now.

After watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, I somehow thought that if I threw on clothes from the store, my physique would resemble Gigi Hadid’s. But that’s so not what happened! I still looked like the average girl. Honestly, though, I think every girl should be happy with the body she was given, so instead of lamenting my lack of VS genes, I looked for flattering workout attire from the company’s PINK line. Here’s the scoop:

PINK has several hoodies. I like the ones that zip all the way up. That simplifies life when you’re doing something like taking a ballet barre class. As your body temperature rises, you can strategically unzip it. When you no longer need it, you can take it off in a flash and move onto the next exercise without missing a beat.

When it comes to leggings, I’ve found the high-waisted ones to be the most flattering. The waistlines on those VS models have microscopic measurements, but I’ve noticed that even they are wearing them. And considering that my midsection looks more like someone who brings on the macaroons and ice cream regularly, I’m grateful for leggings that “suck-it-in” a little at the waist. The pair that I like the best is called, “Lounge Leggings.” From the name, you’ve probably guessed that they’re really comfortable, but they’re also perfect for something like yoga…lightweight and movable.

As for a sports bra, I went with a v-neck. I found that the scooped options looked less elongating. Word to the wise… This bra come in sizes that are lumped together, like Medium (A-C). Obviously a size A is very different from a C. Because of this, if you have the opportunity, I’d highly recommend trying this item on in a store. If you are ordering online, even if you’re medium-framed, but a size A or a B, I’d consider getting the small. If you’re a C, a bra sized like this will probably fit perfectly.

These bras also come in a variety of fun colors.

And if you haven’t seen my dance tutorial to Selena Gomez’s performance of Me & My Girls at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and want to learn how to strut your stuff, here is the link… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj0x5HLUClA

Yesterday, I overheard someone say that, for her, the holiday season had no sparkle because she was new to the area, wasn’t near her family, and only had a modest income. I wanted to hug her and whisper that none of these factors should cause anyone to miss out on this enchanting season. There are holiday lights, decorated neighborhoods and anyone can call out season’s greetings. In every neighborhood and workplace there are people―new and old―who would be happy to make a new friend and join the festivities.

Seeing the lights is one of my favorite holiday outings. Knowing this, Tom surprised me by planning a date to a winter wonderland. He told me that we were going someplace fun and to dress warm. When I saw the shimmering lights, I never wanted to leave.

Sweater by Alice + Olivia from Nordstrom.

It wouldn’t feel like the holiday season without a little of the Rockettes’ Radio City Christmas Spectacular in the mix! With my video, you can learn their choreography to “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Your friends will definitely have a Merry Christmas if you and some BFF’s perform it for them.

To see the Rockettes do this dance, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LsPe-z9VpE 0:52-1:19.

And if you’d like to practice along with me to their music, go to these links on Instagram…

https://www.instagram.com/p/_TBuVfifCW/

https://www.instagram.com/p/_UxS0oifI3/

The part where I have my arms straight out from my shoulders is my one-dancer kick line; get a friend (or more) on each side and you’ll have so much fun with a real dance line!

You’ve probably heard of Seattle’s historic landmark, the stunning Fairmont Olympic Hotel. The circa 1924 Italian Renaissance structure is a quick ride to CenturyLink Field, home of the Seahawks. It’s also within walking distance of world class theaters, shopping, restaurants, and Pike Place Market overlooking the sea. A short hop from there is hip, young Belltown and the Space Needle.

While all of this may sound familiar, you might not have heard of the Fairmont Olympic’s night manager, Charles Corey—although professional athletes, celebrities, musicians, and producers who have stayed at the hotel all know him well and show him their respect. No detail is ever forgotten under Charles’ watch. It is not unusual for him to quietly do an incredible, unrequested favor for a hotel guest, such as rounding up newspapers from around the world critiquing an artist’s new release, or escorting a celebrity through a secret corridor to give him precious privacy. Charles regularly extends courtesies to non-famous guests too, which is why my family considers him a good friend.

Knowing that I’m an all-out Seahawks fan, Charles sent me an adaptation he wrote entitled, 12 Days of Christmas-Seahawks Style. He wrote it in only ten minutes, and it’s ingenious since the fans consider themselves, collectively, the team’s 12th Man.

He let me share it with you, and I wanted to present it with photos of him so, naturally, we wore our blue-and-green to show our Hawks’ pride. My dad and mom took the photos. When the shoot was done and we were about to drive away, to my surprise, there were twelve chocolate-chip cookies and three cartons of milk in my car. See, I told you Charles thinks of every detail.

Now, without further ado, I am proud to present 12 Days of Christmas―Seahawks Style!

On the first day of Christmas, Blitz the mascot gave to me,
the raising of the 12th Man flag.

On the second day of Christmas, Marshawn Lynch gave to me,
two seismic quakes,
and the raising of the 12th Man flag.

On the third day of Christmas, Richard Sherman gave to me,
three tipped interceptions,
two seismic quakes,
and the raising of the 12th Man flag.

On the fourth day of Christmas, Bobby Wagner gave to me,
four recovered fumbles,
three tipped interceptions,
two seismic quakes,
and the raising of the 12th Man flag.

On the fifth day of Christmas, Russell Wilson gave to me,
five brilliant touchdowns!
four recovered fumbles,
three tipped interceptions,
two seismic quakes,
and the raising of the 12th Man flag.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
Luke Willson gave to me,
six fingertip catches,
five brilliant touchdowns!
four recovered fumbles,
three tipped interceptions,
two seismic quakes,
and the raising of the 12th Man flag.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
Kam Chancellor gave to me,
seven massive tackles,
six fingertip catches,
five brilliant touchdowns!
four recovered fumbles,
three tipped interceptions,
two seismic quakes,
and the raising of the 12th Man flag.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
Steven Hauschka gave to me,
eight stunning kicks,
seven massive tackles,
six fingertip catches,
five brilliant touchdowns!
four recovered fumbles,
three tipped interceptions,
two seismic quakes,
and the raising of the 12th Man flag.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
Earl Thomas gave to me,
nine defensive gems,
eight stunning kicks,
seven massive tackles,
six fingertip catches,
five brilliant touchdowns!
four recovered fumbles,
three tipped interceptions,
two seismic quakes,
and the raising of the 12th Man flag.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
Doug Baldwin gave to me,
ten needed yards,
nine defensive gems,
eight stunning kicks,
seven massive tackles,
six fingertip catches,
five brilliant touchdowns!
four recovered fumbles,
three tipped interceptions,
two seismic quakes,
and the raising of the 12th Man flag.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
Pete Carroll gave to me,
eleven arguments with referees,
ten needed yards,
nine defensive gems,
eight stunning kicks,
seven massive tackles,
six fingertip catches,
five brilliant touchdowns!
four recovered fumbles,
three tipped interceptions,
two seismic quakes,
and the raising of the 12th Man flag.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
the 12th Man gave to me,
twelve deafening roars,
eleven arguments with referees,
ten needed yards,
nine defensive gems,
eight stunning kicks,
seven massive tackles,
six fingertip catches,
five brilliant touchdowns!
four recovered fumbles,
three tipped interceptions,
two seismic quakes,
and the raising of the 12th Man flag.

On a closing note, the Fairmont Olympic is a no-miss if you’re in Seattle this holiday season…complete with a two-story Christmas tree, a Teddy Bear Suite bearing complimentary candy canes, and Santa checking his list.

…Mean Girls’ style. If you’ve seen the movie, you know exactly what dance I’m referring to. And even though it came out years ago, it’s a classic. So if you want to learn the moves and up the fun factor at your holiday parties, here you go!

To see the dance from the movie… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h81UOjlFmMs

I’m doing the choreography to music on Instagram…

Part One: https://www.instagram.com/p/-24qQqCfK8/

Part Two: https://www.instagram.com/p/-3OK1ZifCF/

Part Three: https://www.instagram.com/p/-6-f5LCfFz/

Part Four: https://www.instagram.com/p/–wf1xCfI0/

Everywhere I look, I spy people doing their holiday shopping—whether they’re dashing down the street on a lunch break or hitting the mall in the evening. In my dad’s mind, no matter where he is, holiday shopping involves heading straight for the candy store.

Mom wanted him to try on some new clothes for events they’re attending. On his list of loathsome activities, trying on clothes is near the top. His response? “This calls for an emergency trip to The Confectionery!”

I wonder who I inherited my sweet tooth from?!

With holiday decorations emerging, parades gracing city streets, and carolers starting their serenades, it’s no secret that the magical season is here! For me, one of the highlights of the Thanksgiving weekend was seeing beautifully-decorated trees about to be auctioned off for Children’s Hospital…

…and another was shopping. I had so much fun joining the happy crowds converging on Main Street, but what I enjoyed most was bonding with an antique bookstore. For a fan of classic literature, that was nirvana―complete with first-editions and signed copies.