Katherine Chloé Cahoon

When I heard of the executive order late Friday abruptly halting the admission of all refugees to my country, I searched for word of a compelling national security reason, but found nothing. Confusion and panic reigned at airports where planes bearing newly-barred refugees landed. The only additional news surfaced early Monday revealing that everyone from seven Muslim-majority countries had been blocked as well. Among them were friends of mine with work permits, skilled jobs, and unblemished records. Next, the White House released a report stating that when the current suspension ends, non-Muslims in those countries will receive preferential treatment. I have never used this site to promote politics, and I still won’t, but publicly opposing this order is a matter of patriotism. As a citizen, I cannot sit on the sidelines.

The United States was created by immigrants, and has opened its arms to them ever since. The 14th Amendment to our Constitution grants due process of the law and equal protection rights to all “persons” who land on our soil, not just citizens. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 prohibits discrimination in awarding visas based on “race, sex, nationality, place of birth, or place of residence.” To me, last weekend’s executive order violates all of this.

Because national security is critical, scrutiny of potential immigrants is already understandably intense. Yet, the order slams the door on some of our most valuable potential resources–people–with no vetting process whatsoever. It rejects without a hearing those whose lives are in danger because they helped the US military in one of the earmarked Muslim countries. It ignores those attacked in their own lands even when they are in the majority, like the Sunni’s in Syria. It wrongly gives the impression that Americans are against all Muslims, when only the jihadists have waged war on us.

There are many actions we could take to win this war and provide better security for all within our borders. They include fine-tuning that vetting process, developing more efficient intelligence agencies, working more effectively with other countries, and stopping recruitment of Islamist radicals within.

About a week ago, a mosque in my town burned to the ground. I am a Christian, and my church is next door. Our members immediately went over to help our neighbors. We then rearranged our schedule to let the Muslims use our building for their meetings. That is America.

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…with my mom!

1. We always end up looking at each other and bursting into laugher…normally when everyone else is really quiet, focusing on serenity!
2. Girl Time is always a fun time.
3. Mom is a strong believer in the principle that an important part of working out is the pre-class ritual of shopping for cute yoga clothes.
4. We always eat something scrumptious afterwards. I mean, isn’t that the whole reason for exercise? 😉
5. Mom is really outgoing, so we always make new friends.

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Ride away with me? I suppose the first step would be learning how to ride a motorcycle. 😉 This one belongs to my friend. He let me borrow it for the shoot!

Speaking of riding off on an adventure, Travel Talk, my live, online travel show, runs today, Monday, through Friday at 3:30pm PST (6:30pm EST) on the new interactive app VS1. To download it…

Each day, I’ll be streaming live from 2-6pm PST (5-9pm EST). We’ll be chatting about makeup, travel, dating/relationship, and fashion…and ending with a dance party! Thank you to everyone who has joined in so far. I’d love to see you all there!

Since I started my NYC travel kick with my last blog post…where I chatted about my love for M&M World…I decided to continue the New York travel theme. There’s a reason why Broadway shows are such a draw, and I love them just as much as anyone. But today, I want to take a trip to Off-Broadway.

Kirk Theatre, where I saw my first Off-Broadway extravaganza, was one of my favorite trip experiences. The room that we were in was small and intimate, the ticket cost reasonable, and the talent every bit fit for Broadway. I’d, of course, suggest reading reviews before you choose a show.

The room was so intimate and the stage so close that even if you’re destined to sit in the back row, you will feel like you’re in about the tenth row at a Broadway production.

With this vibe, performers will often venture out into the audience, creating camaraderie among attendees. Off-Broadway is where you can be sure to find me on my next NYC trip!

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On my last business trip to New York, I decided to slip in adventures that were the epitome of touristy. Don’t get me wrong… I’m all for experiencing a city just like a local, but there’s a reason why tourists do, in fact, love going to tourist attractions. They’re fun, interesting, filled with people who are traveling and, therefore, often injected with that exploring spirit. In other words, you’ll be mingling with those who are upbeat and ready to make new friends. That’s an aspect that I love whenever I’m in a new place…or, frankly, an old favorite.

So I didn’t think twice when I saw the inviting door of M&M World. Plus, I don’t need much of an excuse to be lured into a place filled floor-to-ceiling with chocolate deliciousness.

And you know that when I entered, I acted exactly like a tourist. I joined in the “M&M line dance” (yes there is one), explored, and sampled way more M&M’s than any nutritionist would condone. I had a blast.

That night, I met up with a friend who is a NYC local, and we went to hubs where the locals like to gather. So I got the best of both worlds on my trip. Oh, New York, I can’t wait until we’re together again!!

PS. In case you’re wondering, I got this Vintage-inspired tee at a market in the SoHo. This place is the mecca for unique couture.

If you love lifestyle shows, then you’ll really love VS1. For those of you who haven’t heard me chatting about it yet, this is a new app that broadcasts shows in real time, and lets the audience participate.

I’m one of the first hosts, and if you tune in, you can help the engineers perfect the app just by participating. If you haven’t already downloaded it, use my Lounge ID as your Initiation Code. It’s 30013. Then you can join in.

Here’s my show schedule for 1/23-1/27, Monday-Friday:

Beauty Breakdown 2pm PST (5pm EST)
We’ll cover the latest makeup trends as well as the classics.

Travel Talk 3pm PST (6pm EST)
We’ll reveal some of the best destinations….from the hottest, to the most unique, the most adventurous, the friendliest, and ones with the best deals.

Happy Hour 3:30pm PST (6:30pm EST)
We’ll chat about whatever strikes our fancy…from dating to dance and everything in between.

Dance Party 4:30-6pm PST (7:30-9pm EST)

We’ll be getting our groove on to popular tunes, and learning the choreography so you’re ready for the weekend! For part of this week, the focus will be Meghan Trainor’s hit, “Dear Future Husband.”

Hope you join us!!!

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Do you ever wish that you could take a free dance class in the comfort and privacy of your own home? And then be ready to rock those moves the next time you’re at a party, or out on the town? Well, now you can! I’m very excited to announce that I’m one of the first US live-streaming hosts for VS1, an app that runs interactive lifestyle shows.

It launches Wednesday, January 18. I will begin my program with popular-dance lessons to current songs, makeup tutorials, and dating and travel talk. All you have to do to join in the fun is download the VS1 app. Search for my show by my Lounge ID: 30013. You can watch and follow along, make comments, and ask questions that I’ll answer in real time.

You can even become part of the show because I will be able to add guests who tune in. Just send me a message mid-show, and your wish could become a reality.

Here’s my VS1 show schedule for this week. Don’t worry if you can only join me for part of a show. You’ll always be welcome.

Wednesday-Friday 2-6pm PST (5-9pm EST)

Makeup and Beauty Tutorials
2-3pm PST (5-6pm EST)
Learn the latest tips and tricks. My very first makeup tutorial on VS1 will be Charlotte Tilbury.

Travel Talk
3-3:30pm PST (6-6:30pm EST)
We’ll talk about interesting getaways.

Happy Hour
3:30-4:30pm PST (6:30-7:30pm EST)
Grab a drink because we’ll be chatting about everything from dating/relationships to lifestyle. Feel free to write me with questions in advance, or ask in the moment.

Dance Party
4:30-6pm PST (7:30-9pm EST) I’ll be teaching a class to popular music that is perfect for all levels…complete with a warmup, routine, and cooldown.

Since we’re going to be dancing so much, I decided to post these black & white pictures that I ran across from my last NYC trip. I LOVE dancing—everywhere. The elevator at our hotel was no exception. My photographer, Kylee, stealthily clicked pics while I was dancing away!

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In this video, I’m showing how you can use the Love palette by Too Faced to create a causal, everyday look.

Normally, when I create makeup tutorials, I like to edit them with lots of cuts to jazz up the experience. But today, since today I’m creating more of a natural look, I went for a laidback approach. This was shot in just one take.

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Don’t be deceived by those sunbeams. It was FREEZEing out there!

I really wanted to do a fashion post featuring this little number…aka The Perfect Dancing Dress. It’s by Rebecca Taylor, and was made to dance in. Here’s the way I look at it: This dress is ideal whether you’re the kind of dancer who can do all sorts of fancy turns and dips, or it’s a stretch calling what you do on the dancefloor “dancing.” The dress twirls out so nicely, that it really doesn’t matter if you have two left feet. That full, knife-pleated skirt will make you look good.

Unfortunately, I snapped up one of the last of these dresses. There may be one left at Nordstrom Rack, but I believe that’s about it. I recently got this dress on super sale. Shhh…it’s not from this season. I’m kidding about wanting to be clandestine when it comes to sale shopping. I’m all for checking out past seasons’ picks. Oftentimes, they’re still in style, but cost much less than current cuts.

If you can’t afford Nordstrom, I’m a strong believer in Nordstrom Rack and Haute Look. You’ll get high quality for much less.

Getting back to that freezing part… After I snatched this find, I was so excited to shoot pics in it that I ignored the weather and ran out when the sun took centerstage. Wow, was it cold. I think the shoot lasted an entire four minutes…if that!

Happy Shopping, Everyone!

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This box of newly-minted Maybelline goodies arrived on my doorstep Christmas Eve day. Maybelline didn’t even wait to send Santa down the chimney with it. With these treats, my holiday excitement reached fever pitch early, and ran late…because, naturally, I’ve been experimenting with them ever since. Here’s a video of my Maybelline package unveiling, and a tutorial showing how to use all the new products.

Now for a product breakdown…

The 24k NUDES Palette. This palette is new on the market this month, so I’m giving you one of the very first looks. It has twelve iridescent shades in golds, bronzes and coppers that can give you a natural, yet star-worthy, look.

When I first saw the set, I felt like I had been transported to NYC. Have you ever walked those fashionable streets and passed woman-after-woman who looked like she just stepped out of a magazine? Their makeup appears effortless….as if they rolled out of bed that morning with perfect eyeliner, bright eyes, and glowing skin. Every girl can obtain that effect with the 24k NUDES palette. The eyeshadow hues range from light to dark, but even the darkest aren’t overdone. The colors are classic, timeless, and stunning…meaning that this palette has serious lasting power in the cosmetics world. And you get twelve shades for under $12, which pencils out at $1.00 per color. That’s incredible!

The Colossal Big Shot Express. For an objective analysis of this fully-loaded, lash-extending mascara, let’s go straight to the women who have tried it. According to Maybelline, nine out of ten surveyed, said that they saw a dramatic increase in volume after just one coat. Case closed!

Master Precise Liquid Ink Pen Eyeliner I have just two words for you about this product…goof proof. It is known for going on seamlessly…creating the perfect line. It’s also an award-winner. Here’s why: Have you ever used a liner that was laborious and left you with a lumpy line? Well, worries be gone. This product isn’t called “Master Precise” for nothing. It’s efficient and timesaving. Roll it on, and roll out the door.

Are you ready to be a Babelline…a Maybelline Babe?!

This post is sponsored by Maybelline, but all opinions are my own.

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The first time I went to this restaurant was on a first date during the summer a few years back. When I was asked if I wanted to have dinner at “Six Seven in Seattle,” I though he meant at 6:07 pm. I really wanted to make a good impression, so I played it cool and said, “That’s an interesting time.” (You guessed it.) My cover wasn’t convincing. He explained that Six Seven was a restaurant, and we laughed about the misunderstanding. He also explained that I was about to experience a landmark evening, and he was right. The ambiance, food, and view were all A+…as was the company!

Six Seven is the signature restaurant in the Edgewater Hotel on Elliot Bay. The menu offers the best of gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine. At your table’s edge, a continuous wall of floor-to-ceiling windows shows off a sweeping view of water lapping at the foundation, ferries coming and going from islands, and sunsets that look like they were produced by Hollywood. In the summer, swarms of sailboats swirl around.

As part of our holiday festivities, my family dined at Six Seven, and I can say with certainty that it’s equally amazing in the winter as the summer. All of these pictures were taken last weekend.

A word of warning: Never dine at this place when you’re on a diet, because you won’t be when you leave. If you think you’re going to pass up any of the courses, think again. I loved the food so much that I was sad to see the meal end. Fortunately, I had worn a forgiving dress that let me have seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths without looking stuffed!

Here’s something I find unfathomable… A well-known rumor has it that this restaurant was once known best for its mediocre food. That was in the days when the Edgewater Hotel was called “The Edgewater Inn” and the Beatles fished from the windows in their suite. The Edgewater restaurant was so forgettable that no one could even remember its name.

Then everything dramatically changed. The entire complex got a face lift, name changes, and a new menu. The word “mediocre” has never been used to describe Six Seven. Scrumptious? Yes. Cutting edge? Absolutely. Memorable? You know it!

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If you’ve ever been bullied or felt that your life was unbearable, this interview will bring you hope. I am so thankful to have known this man and received his permission to share this incredible story.

There are so many fun activities packed into the magic season…parties, shopping, caroling, baking, decorating, attending special church services…it all can blitz by before you know it.

That is why one of my favorite traditions is taking some time to relax and enjoy family. My mom and I had a special outing. We stayed at a hotel, got massages, lounged in our pj’s, sipped hot chocolate, enjoyed the fire, and just spent time together. Of course, I wore my red robe. It’s Christmas, after all!

So as this holiday weekend approaches, I hope you can all enjoy the stillness as well as the excitement.

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These pictures were taken when I was in Manhattan on business. While my friend, Kylee, and I rode into the city, we watched ads on a screen in our cab. The hottest NYC hair trend was obvious…braids, braids, and more braids. The style I’m wearing in these pictures was everywhere. Kylee said, “I bet I can recreate that look on you.” So, when I had a break between meetings, she did. Then we went out and snapped these pics.

Here’s how you can get this look: First, take a two-inch wide section of hair on top and create a French Braid starting just above your forehead. Secure it with an elastic. If you need a little help weaving the braid, here’s a great step-by-step tutorial.

Second, create two more French Braids, one on each side of your head. Angle them toward the bottom of the crown, and have them meet the top braid there. For each of the side braids, you will also use a two-inch wide section of hair. Tie up the loose ends with elastics.

Third, take the the three French Braids you have just created and weave a traditional braid. Start this just below the crown, and make it only about one inch long. You know how…right over center, left over new center, and so on.

Secure this new braid with an elastic, and remove the elastics from the ends of the three braids you used to create it. Bunch all loose hairs into this high ponytail and secure them.

For a full ponytail, keep the three braids in for a while. After you remove the bands on all of them, fluff the hair and spray it. The result will resemble a crimped, full ponytail.

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The search for the perfect holiday gown can be endless since every designer has shimmering, tantalizing options this time of year. Anthropologie is where I found this one. The embellishments on it even match my tree. I’d call that Christmas magic!

When shopping for such an item, I like to make it a special excursion. I found this dress at Seattle’s University Village. In fact, one of you sent me an Instagram message saying that you saw me spying it.

But I didn’t just dash into the store and jet home. I spent as much time in the Village as I could. I strolled past the shops in the crisp winter air while being warmed inside and out by hot chocolate from Starbucks.

I found some incredible gifts for special people on my Christmas list and, after buying them, ate lunch at Veggie Grill. I delighted in watching toddlers there excitedly ask for fried cauliflower. When I started to leave, one even told me that if I stayed, she would share hers with me.

Could there be any better way to kick off the holiday season?

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