High Heels, High Standards: Boy vs Man

Good morning Chickies!

I've been on quite a few dates in my time and with that comes getting to know a lot of different types of guys.  Tall guys, short guys, blue-eyed guys, brown-eyed guys, meat heads, brainiacs--you name it, I've probably been out with the type at least once. (Looking through that list I'm not sure whether to brag or be embarrassed).  But through those experiences I've learned to differentiate between the bad guys and the good guys (although, I have been fooled quite a few times in the dating world).  So, today I'm going to combine two things that I love: lists and dating.  Enjoy!

I have personal experiences with some of these instances which is why I'm so passionate about this post.  And while reading, remember: these circumstances are based on committed relationships, not "flings".  

His Past:

Boy:
He revels in his past and stews in it. You look through his Facebook/Instagram/Twitter and all you see are pictures of him partying or hanging on girls (this makes him look good in front of his bros).  He is constantly trying to re-live his glory days and has no problem telling you.  Whether has past was good or bad, he can't seem to let it go.

Man:
He looks at the mistakes he has made in his past and learns from them. They aren't something he brags about, but things he looks back on as experiences that made him the man he is.  A man doesn't try to erase his past experiences; however, he is sensitive to your feelings in regards to his past (this goes for relationships as well as experiences).

It's your birthday:

Boy:
He probably forgot about your birthday and made a plan with his bros. What's important to you is never important to him.  Major holidays, anniversaries and birthdays constantly pass without him even acknowledging their existence.

Man:
He may not have planned a big, extravagant surprise or present, but he at least wants to spend the day with you.  He constantly wants you to feel special and makes sure you know you are (this doesn't just stop on your birthday). This could be something as simple as giving you flowers, making you dinner, giving you a back rub, etc.  If you're with a man he will know just what to do to make you feel special.

Family/Friends:

Boy:
He doesn't care to be around the people who are most important to you.  He would rather be hanging out with his own friends instead of trying to endear himself to your loved ones. Boys are very selfish overall.

Man:
He wants your family and friends to love him.  A man wants those closest to you to know how cherished you are. A man will put your family and friends' minds at ease and then end result will be positive.

"Feelings":

Boy:
He doesn't care how you feel and he doesn't bother telling you how he feels. A boy is very closed off and doesn't see the need to sharing feelings with you.

Man:
Men aren't "touchy feely", but a man tries his best to protect his woman's feelings. If she is hurt, he tries to find the root of the problem.  Men are fixers.

Future Plans:

Boy:
He has no direction for his life. He is constantly living in the "here and now" and has no goals in mind for his future. A boy does not have a five year plan, but will make you think he does. Boys are great at manipulating girls because they "only want one thing".

Man:
He knows just what he wants and he won't stop until his goals are achieved. He works hard at everything he does and puts 100% into his dreams. He won't jump into anything before he is ready because he wants to be the best husband, father, co-worker and/or boss that he can be.


Until next time,

Kat

The Holiday Express: Valentine's Day

Good Morning Chickies!

I'm very sorry for my absence, but between balancing school, work, family and my boyfriend, I've been swamped! My dear friend, Becca, reminded me I need to start blogging once again, so I've decided to oblige.

There are two people in this world: Those who love Valentine's day, and whose who hate Valentine's day.  Knowing I'm a huge girly-girl I'm sure most of you can guess which side of the fence I'm on when it comes to Valentine's day.  Of course I love it!  I love the colors, the season, the flowers.  You name it, I love it.  I just wanted to give a play-by-play of my Valentine's Day just so I could publicly give props to my wonderful partner in crime, Evan.  He knows how important days like this are to me, so he tried his best to make me feel special.  Here is what my day looked like on February 14, 2015:

Every Saturday morning I have breakfast with my parents and then I go grocery shopping with my Mom.  I'm a creature of habit, so there is very little elbow room when it comes to my daily schedule.  So, when my mom nudged me awake at 6:00 am on a Saturday (I usually get up at 3:30 every day, so sleeping in until 7:00 on a Saturday is what I live for) I was shocked, but I knew something was up.  "Why are you waking me up so early?  Are we not eating breakfast together?  What's going on?" My poor mom didn't want to ruin Evan's surprise, so she just said, "you're not having breakfast with us.  Just make sure you're ready by 7:30."

This is the moment where my anxiety starts kicking in.  Of course I know it's nothing bad, but the control freak inside of me keeps saying: you don't know what's going to happen today.  Evan knows you hate surprises.  Why would he do this to you?!  I know, it's stupid, but I always get overly anxious when I'm not in control of any given situation.  I like to know what's going to happen, when it's happening and what time it ends.  If I could, I would plan things a year or more in advance.  Yes, I'm that crazy.  Judge me!

Anyway, at 7:30 my doorbell rings and it's Evan.  He is sporting the matching Guardians of the Galaxy T-shirt I got him for Valentine's Day (yes, I love to match.  Once again, judge me!).  After I give him the biggest hug ever, we are on our way to the best Valentine's day I've had!  He starts driving back to his apartment so he can make me a homemade breakfast (he knows I love it when he cooks for me!  He is way better than I am!) of bacon and eggs.  Poor Evan has such a hard time pleasing my taste buds since I'm so picky, but he did his best trying to make me extra crispy bacon and perfect eggs.  While he is doing this, I'm instructed "to relax and watch whatever I want on TV or Netflix".  Without hesitation or complaints I flip on Hitch and snuggle under a blanket while Evan spoils me.

From there, we went to the Fort Worth Zoo and had a blast (the picture above is us driving there)!  It was really crowded because it was a very nice day here in Texas.  By 1:00 it was 85 degrees!  Here are some pictures of the fun time that was had at the zoo:

I just wanna say "thank you" to that wonderful lady who photo-bombed this picture.  You're famous lady. Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame on my page.  

This picture is us entering the zoo.  You can't see it here, but it was so crowded that we could barely move around.  Not to mention, my Map Genius didn't grab a map of the zoo on the way inside.  He felt so blind without a map. 

We got really close to a few animals, but they were all sleeping (except for the baby elephants and the giraffes).  That's what happens when summer comes early in Texas I guess!  I got lucky and Evan posed for a few pictures for me!  What a guy!

  

We even spotted 10 gingers while we were at the zoo.  TEN!  I kept telling Evan that gingers must be in season.  Or it could be that now I'm with a ginger I see them everywhere.  It's just like when I got my Jeep, now I see Jeeps everywhere.  Eh, food for thought.

That boy loves maps more than anyone I have ever met in my life.  The above pictures are some candid shots I took of Evan examining a couple of maps at the zoo.  If only we wouldn't have forgotten to get the map of the zoo itself.  *sigh*

All in all, we had a wonderful time at the zoo (other than the crowds) and I couldn't have asked for a better guy to go exploring with!  After the zoo we had a typical "Katie 'n' Evan day" at his apartment.  He pampered me with steak, potatoes and wonderful company.  At the end of the night I was so relaxed that I took a late night nap for two hours before he drove me back home.  He always knows just what to do to calm my anxiety and he tries his best to protect me from everyone and everything (including myself).

Thank you for an amazing Valentine's Day, baby! You're the best thing to happen to me in a long time!  I can't wait for even more days like that to come!


Until next time,

This Girl's awesome Valentines

High Heels, High Standards: First Date Awkwardness

Greetings Girlies!

In the High Heels, High Standards bit, I will focus on the wonderful world of dating and men. No, I'm not the best with men, but I have been around the block a few times. Hopefully you enjoy this segment because I have a wonderful time writing these little tidbits!


There is nothing more awkward than a first date. If you haven't been on a first date in a little while, let me paint the picture for you:

You meet him somewhere (or he picks you up) for dinner, the activity, etc. How do you greet him? Handshake? No. Way too formal. Kiss on the cheek? Heck no! Way too familiar. Hug? Maybe. So you think to yourself, I'll just follow his lead. But, he is feeling just as awkward as you are, so you end up doing a little "I'm not sure how to greet you" dance together. Step one, Awkward Greeting. Check. (Vote for and see the most Awkward greeting!)

Step two, awkward dinner conversation. What do you talk about? The weather? How awesome your food is? But don't talk with your mouth full! If you do, then you will probably spit lasagna all over the poor boy. So, the majority of dinner is suffered in silence or either of you barely touching your meal. He can obviously eat a horse and we all know that you're a closet snack cake eater, but to embrace the awkward, let's both just get a to-go box. Step two, awkward dinner. Check.

Our next stop is who pays for the check. This is a must for me. If he doesn't pay on the first date then he isn't worth my time. (Note: I said "pay on a first date". I have different views of who should pay when you're in a relationship with the dude, but this is solely for first date purposes). Even though I think the man should pay on the first date, you may not agree with me. So, I've attached a flow chart for your viewing pleasure. Step three, the "check tango". Check.

The last and final check: awkward goodbye. Do you kiss him? Do you not? Does he want a kiss? Does he not? When it comes to this, everyone will have a different view. Yeah, it's gonna be super awkward, but it always is. Not only was your first date awkward, but a first kiss is always awkward. Do you get that out of the way, or do you wait until date number two? That's your choice. Personally, I've only had one first kiss that was awesome and that was unexpected. Most of the time, this is what it looks like:

Confession time again! I think cartoons kissing is one of the grossest things ever. I would always cringe during the kissing scenes in Disney movies. YUCK! But this picture was a lot less awkward than some of the other first kiss pictures I found. Yes, your first kiss is awkward for everyone! Even the poor blogger searching about it on the interwebz.

The next question that comes to mind: how do you overcome the awkwardness of the first date? Honestly, I have no idea. The last first date I went on, the guy was perfect about making it less awkward. He looked me in the eyes and treated me like a lady. So, I think it doesn't just come down to you feeling awkward--you have to have someone there with you who makes you comfortable enough that doesn't make you feel the awkward for very long.

Not only that, but you need to decide if this guy earned a second date or not. Did he respect you? No? Then why waste your time? If he doesn't respect you from the first time you go out, he will never respect you. Don't toy with your heart and your emotions by allowing yourself to be vulnerable with someone immature and disrespectful. Remember, you deserve the best. You're worth it!

Every time you go on a first date, there is a potential for a relationship. You just need to be smart enough and strong enough to see if that potential could be a reality. 

This Girl's take on an awkward first date

Subscription Box: Boxycharm December 2014

Greetings Girlies!

Happy day after Christmas! Every month I anxiously walk out to my mailbox hoping that my Boxycharm has come in the mail. What is Boxycharm, you ask? Boxycharm is a monthly subscription box that costs $21.00 and you should receive 4-5 beauty products with a total value between $90-$120. I love subscription boxes because they introduce me to products that I wouldn't be able to afford otherwise.

Subscription Box: Boxycharm
Arrives: Middle-End of month
Cost per month: $21.00
Number of products: 4-5
Average value: $90-$120
Subscribe to Boxycharm!

Here is what your Boxycharm will look like when it comes in the mail:

I have always loved the packaging. Boxycharm always uses bubble wrap to ensure that your items arrive without any damage. Even though they try their best, mistakes happen. I've never had a damaged product, but I've heard that Boxycharm's customer care is very efficient and understanding when you receive a damaged item.

Every month you will get a product listing that will have the product name, size, description, and price. Honestly, I should start looking at this list first, but I am usually so excited to dig in I don't think about reading this handy card. 

Coastal Scents Revealed Palette; $39.95:

For the last two months Boxycharm has included a product from Coastal Scents in their box. I'm a huge Coastal Scents fan, so the fact I'm getting a plethora of products from their line makes me very happy! I used this palette twice so far: once for a date (you know you did a good job on your makeup when his jaw hits the floor. SCORE!) and the second time for church. For those of us that can't afford the Urban Decay Naked Palette, the Coastal Scents Revealed Palette is something I would highly recommend. Currently the Revealed Palette is on sale for $19.95!

Lina Lashes Luxury Mink Lashes; $30.00:

I'm going to be honest here: I've never used fake lashes before. They aren't something I've needed since I have my "eyelash routine" every day (One day soon I will write about my key to long, lushes lashes). Even though I haven't ever used fake lashes before I'm excited to give them a try next time I have a special occasion. 

Mistura Beauty Solutions Retractable Beauty Brush; $19.99:

I usually hate getting tools in subscription boxes, but I have fallen in love with this brush. I refuse to use a brush that isn't retractable when I'm doing my makeup, so this was perfect for me! It's so smooth and doesn't cake on my powder while applying. I love that it gives me more of a natural look and doesn't hurt my face like my previous retractable brush! What a step up!

Be a Bombshell Lip Product; $14.00:

Be A Bombshell has okay products, but I hate getting them so much! I get subscription boxes to expand my horizons with different brands--so, when I get at least one Be A Bombshell product a month I know I won't be too happy. If I enjoyed Be A Bombshell more I wouldn't be ungrateful about constantly getting their products, but I just don't care for their line. I would never purchase this product, let alone purchase it for 14 smackaroos! I will probably end up re-gifting this product so one of my friends can give this brand a try. I've had enough!

Eva NYC Hair Products (Shampoo); $7.00:

I love getting travel sized products in my subscription boxes. No, I don't get to travel much, but travel sized products give me hope that I might actually go somewhere at some point! Hopefully this product stays good through the summer because there is no way I will be going out of town before that! (Sad, I know!)

So, I ended up paying $21.00 and receiving $110 worth of beauty products. Needless to say, I continue to be impressed by Boxycharm! I will be a faithful subscriber to Boxycharm until I can't afford it anymore!

This Girl's December Boxycharm 

Shopping Adventures: Burlington Coat Factory Find

Greetings Girlies!

I have a confession to make: I have a huge obsession with shopping at outlet stores and consignment shops. Even though I'm great at it now, I wasn't born with the ability to snag deals and find items at a discounted price. I had to learn how to switch my gears and start shopping smart because I'm addicted to purses and shoes. Shopping smart has saved me a lot of money and allows me to buy designer if the cost isn't too high. I wanted to share one of my own personal steals to show you that you really can find higher end accessories for a lower cost!

Store: Burlington Coat Factory
Designer: Ivanka Trump
Color: Black/Brown (straps only)
Extras: Internal Clutch, Large dust bag, Foulard
Original Cost: $150.00
Purchased Price: $50.00
Amount Saved: $100.00

Here is what the purse looks like:

Ivanka Trump is one of my favorite people and she definitely doesn't disappoint with this bag. The fabric, quality, make and extras are impeccable! The fact I only had to pay 50 dollars for all the extra tidbits that came with this exquisite creation totally made my day!

The little clutch that came inside the bag can be attached inside of the purse, or you can take it out altogether. This was perfect for me because I usually do my makeup when I get to work, so this acts as a great makeup bag substitution! 

Here is the huge dust bag that came inside the purse. It could double as a laundry bag for all those trips I'm not taking this holiday, but it could be great for the next time I do travel. 

   

I included the original price tag and the Burlington Coat Factory price tag to show the big difference in pricing. 

  

Here is an idea of how big this bag is when it is being worn. I love everything about this bag!

For some $50 might still be a little steep, but Burlington has several other designer and non-designer handbags for a discounted price. I've found several dresses, purses, wallets, etc. there for 50%+ off of their original price. Find your nearest Burlington Coat Factory here! 

This Girl's Burlington Coat Factory find

Who is "This Girl"?

Welcome!

For those of you that read my last blog, I'm attaching a link to my last post that should explain why I'm starting fresh: The Elle Woods' Guide: Getting through a break up.

Now that I'm starting a new blank space I figured I should introduce myself (even though most of my readers will be comprised of the same people).

I'm Katie, a 23 year old receptionist currently residing in Texas. Yes, I'm a receptionist, but that isn't where my passion lies. What gives me joy is helping people. I'm trying to make my passion a lifestyle by attending school for counseling. I still have quite a lot of school to go before I reach my final goal of earning my PhD, but I'm very excited to gain the knowledge that comes with such a prestigious title. I keep reminding myself, it's not how you start the race, but how you finish it. My education started off rocky; however, I've finally found my passion and I'm excited to run my race!  

I'm a very Type A person when it comes to balancing work, school, family, friends and a love life. I have a set schedule of how my day is supposed to go and I stick with it! In other words, I'm not flexible and I freak out when something unexpected is thrown my way. It's not my most attractive trait, but I'm woman enough to admit that it's there. (Not to mention it's the huge elephant in the room when I have to exit my rut and do something that isn't in my schedule.) Getting this undesirable personality trait under control isn't something that will happen over night, but one day I might just overcome the anxiety that comes with changing up my schedule.  It is something I need to control though because being flexible is something that I require to stay sane when accomplishing my goals. Life doesn't always run smoothly--no matter how much I want to force it!

I love all things girly: Makeup, shoes, purses, pink, flowers, glitter, you name it! This space may also be a place where I tell you what's "hip and happening" in great world of beauty and style tips. I may not be the best "face painter", but I have never heard anyone say, "Ewwwww! Look at her face!" I consider that an accomplishment in and of itself! I have learned so much from YouTube and found many products through subscription boxes that I can't live without. I won't buy a product that hasn't had wonderful reviews across the board. Not to mention, I won't spend 30 bucks on a little bottle of concealer. I'm normal, not a rich beauty guru. 

 Not only do I love all things girly, I also pride myself in being a strong, independent, responsible woman. No, I'm not a feminist by any means, but I think every woman should have their own views and opinions outside of a relationship. I want to be a mom--someday. I would love to see a few little blonde kiddos running around in my back yard; however, my first priority is my education and my career. I need to take care of myself before I introduce little mini-me's into this harsh world. If I were to get married and I was solely dependent on my husband financially and he were to pass away--what would I do? I would be a widow with X number of kids and no education. That is not where I want to be. Yes, I want to be a stay at home mom when the time comes, but I also want to be able to provide for myself if need be. That's what all of us should strive for: independence. 

This is a place where I will give you my thoughts on everything girly as well as look at some issues we women have (such as the independence issue stated above). I'm not the most profound thinker, but I say what other people seem to be afraid to say. Hopefully you will find joy, humor and enlightenment through my thoughts as I throw them up on the page. 

This Girl's Introduction