When people see me hobbling about lately and ask what happened, I explain that dance practice for my upcoming music video has been kicking my butt. Then the stream of questions begins: Are you a professional dancer? No. A singer? No. An actor? Well, I was a fish in my elementary school’s version of The Little Mermaid, if that counts:) When I explain that I’m a writer, they ask the logical question: Then why are you making a music video?

After my travel book came out, articles were written about me that included personal details like that I grew up training at Pacific Northwest Ballet School and was on the dance/cheer team at Vanderbilt University. Then I received fan requests to make a dance video. I pretended they didn’t exist. I hadn’t danced since college. Actually, I had hardly even worked out since then because I was so busy writing with three producers on different scripts and on my book. I survived the numerous all-nighters on the “Ben & Jerry’s Diet”—a minimum of three pints a week. But the dance video requests kept rolling in so I finally caved. Here’s a picture of me post-practice soaking my feet in ice water and having a meeting with my two close friends, Ben and Jerry. This shows how much I love you all! My publisher was bewildered by the project and asked how it tied into my book. I found a way. I’ll keep you posted.

To film this video, my friend Brett brought in his Canon 5D and 7D so you can clearly see Duncan apply the makeup. I was quite excited about this upgrade from my tiny camera. Thanks to my mom for spontaneously stepping in as the second camera operator. You can catch a glimpse of her in the mirror at times:)

When I was partway through editing this video, my computer started to crash and couldn’t keep up with the footage, so I had to edit most of it in slow motion. Fingers crossed…let’s see how it turns out!! Can’t wait to edit my next video on my new Mac. See ya later! XOXK

Every summer semester that I studied in Europe, I took a Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact like the one in this picture. They have a variety of color pallets, so you can choose one you love. Each has multiple eye shadow colors in one small square. The brick doubles for eye shadow and blush. If you take your blush brush and swipe all of the eye shadow colors, it gives you a rosy or bronzy blush color depending on your brick. The brick can go from day to evening by just applying more eye shadow or a darker color when you’re going out on the town. Several other cosmetic companies have something similar, so you should be able to find one in your favorite line.

Then all you need to complete your look is foundation, eyebrow gel, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick/gloss, and brushes. Venders periodically offer small sets of travel brushes during promotions. All of the other products already come in small containers except some foundations, but you can always get a smaller empty container to pour it in for your trip. I’d suggest taking a liquid or cream foundation with SPF. Then your skin will look smooth and be protected all in one step. For eyeliner, Dior’s Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black is easy to apply. Since it’s waterproof, it’s perfect for sightseeing in humidity. One girl wrote that Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes is great for road trips. The applicator is a little ball that can get product on every single lash and the tube is a good size for travel.

A lot of you have asked about smoky eye, so I will definitely make a video about that. In the meantime, Bobbi Brown is featuring a Limited Edition Smoky Eye 5-Piece Collection, which is also pictured. In addition to the smoky eye shadow colors, the set comes with liner, mascara, an eye shadow and eyeliner brush in one, and a very fine eyeliner brush. It’s all compact for the girl on the go. The smoky eye can also be applied so that it goes from day to night. The makeup artist and I will show you how it’s done.

For all of you who are embarking on a trip, bon voyage and safe travels!

Just Chatting on the Airplane: If you are flying to your destination and have homework due when you return or a big test bearing down on you, I’d suggest doing your work en route. A lot of my friends just chatted on the plane, but then they had to use some of their beach and pub crawl time holed-up in the hotel room completing assignments. Others pretended they didn’t have work on break and had to pull all-nighters when they returned. Instead of being energized after the break, they were exhausted.

Running Barefoot on the Beach: If you are going to a beach for spring break, be careful of glass camouflaged by sand. I saw a girl go running barefoot on the beach as soon as she arrived and badly slice her foot on a piece of glass. This put a damper on the rest of the trip for her and everyone in her group. Unless you know that your beach is combed daily, consider wearing sandals.

Don’t Drink Yourself Over a Barbwire Fence: I have done several university book events, so I realize that some students don’t like to hear how unsafe it is to get drunk. I don’t want to sound like your mom, but it’s important to be in control of yourself. I’m not saying that you can’t drink at all—just watch your alcohol intake. One spring break, I met a guy who got so drunk the night before that he lost his group. As he wandered about aimlessly trying to find his hotel, he hopped a fence. In his inebriated state, he didn’t realize that it was edged in barbwire and wound up on the ground bleeding profusely. Fortunately, some people found him and took him to the hospital…but the ending could have been much worse. You can still be the life of the party without winning a drinking contest.

I hope this year is your best spring break ever!

Rome’s Donna Camilla Savelli Hotel (www.HotelDonnaCamillaSavelli.com) is the epitome of a sexy stay with velvet-wrapped headboards and marble bathtubs. You could never even leave your room and still have a lust-worthy trip. But the rooftop is way too alluring with its view of the city, and Rome has so many hot destinations that not fully doing in the town is out of the question. In The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men, I give details on some of the most fun Rome landmarks that tourists often overlook whether you already have a man by your side or not!

Portugal’s L’And Vineyards (www.L-And.com) are stunning and sure to ignite a romantic spark. Through March 31st, you can get a deal on a four-night stay in a stone and slate Sky-view (and vineyard view) suite at the Alentejo complete with a retractable ceiling for star-gazing. You’ll even have an outdoor patio with a fireplace and heated plunge pool! This incredible offer includes a tour of the vineyards and winery, wine sampling, and a three-course dinner for two. In my book, I reveal a neighborhood and a historic hillside restaurant in Lisbon, each of which would make a trip to remember.

Cabo San Lucas’ Love Beach is a no-miss. The name says it all! This city is known for its lively nights, but during the day, you and your honey can take a boat to Love Beach for romantic relaxation. If it’s low tide, you can simply walk on. This is the perfect prelude to hitting the town. Get those dancing shoes on, because in Cabo people dance EVERYWHERE…and since this is one of the world’s foremost vacation destinations lodging deals abound. 

For descriptions of proven romantic places in eighteen other European countries―complete with true stories in a chick lit feel and lots of relationship tips from a variety of women―read The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men. (www.MeetingEuropeanMen.com/Order-Now)

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all! Even if you don’t have a sweetheart right now, there’s no need to deprive yourself of this holiday. I know a lady who recently went through a tough divorce. She and her single eighteen-old-daughter are having their own celebration, complete with roses and chocolates, in honor of the love the two of them share.

And remember, you only have one day left to enter my Valentine’s Day giveaway. Tomorrow, I will be drawing two people at random to win signed copies of my book. To enter, email me at Katherine@MeetingEuropeanMen.com Subject: VDay. If you would like me to write a special dedication, please let me know. I have been receiving quite the fun, creative ones!