I lived in a tiny town in South Dakota for a year while completing my nursing degree. Upon acceptance into the accelerated nursing program at South Dakota State University, I was really not enthusiastic about the idea of moving to Aberdeen, South Dakota.  However, the program at SDSU was very highly rated and the cost was fantastic.  Next thing I knew, I was (somewhat begrudgingly) on my way to the Great Plains. I told myself “It’s only 11 months…you can do it.” Looking back, I would not change my experience for the world. I met the most amazing people and really got out of my comfort zone. I did not know a soul in Aberdeen when I arrived, but I branched out and succeeded. Although I do not miss -37 degree (wind chill -59 degree) weather, I would very happily go back to SD.

I was a principal dancer in a semi-professional ballet company. I started dancing when I was 3 and virtually never stopped until I went to college. I danced every style under the sun. Some of my most cherished memories come from being on stage performing.

 

I met my husband on a blind date. My husband was a rugby player at Washington State University (WSU).  A mutual friend who was also on the rugby team set us up and we have been together ever since. I will never forget our first date:  We went to dinner but we were laughing and talking so much that we actually forgot to eat the food that was in front of us. Our waitress thought something was wrong! We boxed up our leftovers and the rest was history.

I love a good adrenaline rush. I have always liked trying new things. I have been bungee jumping, I have white-water rafted and zip-lined multiple times, and I am always up for a crazy roller coaster! I love the rush you get and the stories you have to tell after these experiences.

I am pretty shy and introverted until you really get to know me. I do not tend to let people in easily, and I definitely need my space at times. Unfortunately, being so reserved (and my chronic RBF) has made me come off as intimidating at times (I’m not intimidating…trust me!!)

I am super close to my parents. My mom is easily my best friend and I am so thankful for her and for the relationship we have. My parents are my biggest supporters…always have been; always will be!

I was in a sorority at WSU! GO COUGS! Due to my shyness I never thought going Greek was going to be right for me, but I was definitely wrong. My life would be so different if I hadn’t joined my house. I never would have been matched up with my hubby and I never would have met the girls I now call my sisters and life-long friends. Any guesses as to what house?

I LOVE HALLOWEEN. Halloween will always be my favorite holiday. My favorite movie to this day is Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas! As a kid I loved putting together costumes and accessories, and experimenting with makeup. Now that I am an adult, I still love handing out candy, dressing up and decorating. Luckily, I have met my match in Jake who is equally obsessed with Halloween!

I am interested in SFX makeup. SFX is special effects makeup. I fell in love with SFX after watching shows like FaceOff and YouTubers like @mykie create amazing creatures. I now have my own SFX kit and I love to play around with new concepts and designs. Keep a look out in October for simple tutorials, or maybe even sooner!

The UK would be my dream vacation. I have always wanted to go to Ireland and Scotland. I have a bucket list of places I want to go, but some place with a lot of history, especially history I can link to my own personal upbringing would be such an experience! Plus add in a pub? I’m sold!

Favorite Food. This one is so tough–I rarely discriminate against food, but I think a good burger and fries is one of the best things you can eat! Simple but SO delicious. One of my favorite places in the Raleigh area is Bad Daddy’s. Their white truffle fry sauce is to die for…just don’t count the calories!

I’m 5’2″. Where my shorties at?

I am very patriotic. I have always loved America (duh), but being an Army wife has given me such a different perspective. I am so unbelievably proud of my husband. It makes me so emotional to even think about him and those who sacrifice themselves for us every day.

I am deathly allergic to shrimp and lobster. No Surf –N-Turf for me!  Luckily, I have never been a big fan of seafood beyond a Mickey D’s Filet O’ Fish or can of tuna.

Instagrams I’m currently crushing on. Currently I am loving @tezza. Her book Insta Style is such an inspiration. She has such an eye for photography and fashion, plus I am a little jealous of all the places she travels! I’m also a big fan of @bresheppard ‘s everyday easy laid-back style and @laurawgodfrey because she makes affordable fashion so cute! For make-up inspiration I turn to @tannermman who is another North Carolina blogger.

I’m not a big drinker! I very rarely drink alcohol, but when I do I always go with vodka, rum, or a hard cider (but would rather have a Shirley Temple)! I am also not a coffee drinker and rarely drink hot drinks (I’m weird, right!?) You can almost bet on it that I will choose an iced drink over a hot one, even if it’s snowing out.  If I have to pick a Starbucks drink I will usually go with a Chai Frappe or latte, or a Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher.

I have never dyed my hair. Not even a highlight has touched this head! Growing up I hated being a natural red-head, but now I embrace my strawberry-blonde locks and would not change my color for the world.

I have very eclectic music taste. If you were to look in my music library you would be met with a mix of alternative, top 40, musical soundtracks, rock, and everything in between! I love music for the lyrics and the way they make me feel. Because of dance, music was the way I expressed myself. I will always have a connection to it.

I did musical theater. Yes. I was a drama kid. I was actually nominated for a 5^th Avenue Theater Award which is a state wide award ceremony, like the Tony’s, but for high school kids. I was nominated for the role Babette, the feather duster in Beauty and the Beast as “Best Supporting Female.” I did not win, but it was pretty cool to be recognized as one of the top 5 in the state of Washington!

I love LOVE dogs. My dream job would be to own a dog sanctuary and just love and snuggle pups all day. I would love to give every dog the love they deserve. I am very passionate about rescuing and adopting dogs. I love my dog Tilly more than words can say. I treat her as if she was my own child. She was adopted from our local animal shelter at 9 weeks old after being rescued from a hoarding situation. I know once we have a larger home we will be getting more fur-babies.

 

I hope this give you a little more insight about who I am!

What else would you like to know?

XOXO, Cait B.