It’s been 9 months since we first launched our little site, and it’s been a tremendously fun experience for Ruth and me. We’ve both got clear senses of style (polar opposite of one another), and strong tastes for what we like in all things home, fashion, and beauty-related. With so much to say about these subjects, we thought it would help to get to know us (and our dedicated contributer, Erika) a little better. Here goes!

20 things to know about Catherine:

1. I don’t believe in ghosts, but still get scared when people talk of their personal “encounters”.
2. I was born two weeks past my due date. To this day, I’m still stubborn about change and prefer to stick with places and people that make me feel comfortable. Exiting my comfort zone is not a favorite pastime.
3. I’ve been a vegetarian for 17  years, not because of animal ethics, but because I just don’t like the taste of meat.
4. A lack of manners is my biggest pet peeve. Spelling mistakes are a close runner up.
5. I’ve lived on the east coast all my life, but have been curiously drawn to California for as long as I can remember.
6. I can’t live a day without chocolate.
7. My boyfriend and I met on St. Patrick’s Day of 2006 in the parking lot of an auto body & repair shop. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
8. The first movie that ever made me cry was Beaches. I still sob hysterically every time I watch it, and even tear up when I hear the first few notes of Wind Beneath My Wings.
9. Once I eat a food too often, I’ll quickly grow tired of it and never eat it again. This does not apply to chocolate. (See Number 6.)
10. I adore all types of exercise and one day want to open my own spinning studio.
11. When I was in preschool, I declared that I wanted to be a nurse. Ten years later, while accompanying a friend to have bloodwork, I passed out cold on the floor, and reconsidered my career choice when I came to.
12. As much as I love chocolate, my absolute favorite candy is super stale, rock hard Haribo gummies. The staler, the better.
13. I’m addicted to The Real Housewives series, no matter the city. I secretly want to hang out with Jeana from Orange County.
14. As a child, I developed a fascination with the Titanic, and would spend hours watching a National Geographic tape about the ship’s discovery.
15. I once rode in an elevator and spoke with Gerard Butler, and my stomach still does a quick flip when I think about it.
16. I ran my very first marathon in November 2009. I plan on running many more in years to come.
17. Un-pedicured feet make me gag.
18. When I was 12, I performed the Spice Girls’ Wannabe with my dear childhood friend, Laura. Knowing there’s video tape of this haunts me at night.
19. Ironically, karaoke is one my biggest fears.
20. My favorite time of day is early morning. I never sleep past 8:00.