KATHERINE SCHWARZENEGGER ON RESCUE DOGS, SKIN & HER FAVORITE COCKTAIL

Katherine Schwarzenegger & I first met when we interviewed her for the podcast. Her energy very much lights up a room. She has a lot of charisma & is always smiling from ear to ear.

Not only is she a badass boss, entrepreneur & blogger, she also happens to be a huge advocate for rescue dogs. So much so, that she actually wrote a book on it. Her book, Maverick & Me is the perfect kid’s book all about one little dog’s adventure to finding a loving home.

She is an ambassador for the ASPCA & supports the Best Friends Animal Society.

As you guys know, Boone was living in a tiny cage when we first got him so this is something that really resonates with me. I’ve seen him transform from this timid, scared dog to this happy, bubbling little personality. He’s so excited & grateful about life. The rescue dog thing is major for me & I love that she uses her platform to talk about that.

I have been featured on Katherine’s blog before here, too. Check out Katherine’s interview below & if you want more of her positive vibe, be sure to listen to her podcast episode. You guys will love.

+ Introduce yourself

HIIII EVERYONE! I’m Katherine. I recently turned 29 and am born and raised in Los Angeles. I have a rescue pup named Maverick who I absolutely adore, and I wrote a children’s book about him last year called Maverick and Me. I am an author and I’m currently working on my fourth book, which is all about forgiveness ( more on that soon! ). I love my family, friends, God, and all animals…especially Maverick J. Read more below!

+  You rescued your dog Maverick, which is amazing! Tell us about your dog & why you recommend adoption.

I adopted Maverick in January of 2014 after I was doing some fostering for a local rescue in Santa Monica. I had about seven fosters at the time ( I found them all homes! ) and just when I thought I was done, I got a call asking if I could take in a two-week old puppy that had been found under a freeway – he needed some major TLC. I agreed and instantly fell in love. I decided to adopt the pup, who I named Maverick, a few weeks later and have had a blast with him ever since.

Maverick was the first dog I raised all on my own, so the level of responsibility was definitely bigger than I had ever experienced. That being said, it has taught me so much about unconditional love, responsibility, patience and nurture. Seeing how much joy Maverick has brought to my life has definitely made me want to spread the word about dog rescue, and make sure people are aware of how many amazing dogs are available for adoption.

I know a lot of people want a certain breed of dog or need one for health reasons, so I also really try to make sure people don’t feel judged if they don’t choose to adopt. But I do think it’s super important to at least consider the option of adopting before shopping. There are so many amazing dogs, and all different breeds, that are in need of a home and a second chance at life, and the idea of being able to give them that is incredible and very rewarding. The gift of unconditional love that I get from Maverick is unlike anything I’ve ever felt, and I would love everyone to feel that joy too.

+  What are 3 tips all dog moms need to know?

1. Pup comes first! It’s not about you anymore, you have to put your pup’s needs before yours now, and that comes with major unconditional love. The love you have for your pup is unlike anything else…it’s priceless and unique so soak it all up!
2. There isn’t one way of being a dog mom; just like you, your dog and its needs will evolve over time. Be prepared to tackle things as they come and know that your way is the only way that matters. You can consult others for advice, but do what feels right for you. I remember when Maverick started getting allergies after he turned two – I freaked out, but then was given some advice to just be calm and do some research and I found a natural way to fix his allergies. Have patience and know everything takes time.
3. VET 101: veterinarians are amazing but make sure you find one you trust and feel good about. As dog moms, we tend to trust anything that vets tell us, but it’s important to do our research and figure out what’s best for our dog. Each dog is different so figuring out what the correct method is for your dog is best. Sometimes even going the organic and clean route can be helpful. When Maverick started showing allergy signs I was told to put him on meds but instead I took him to a doctor who gave him natural vitamins and he ended up not needing the meds from the vet. Again, you need to take time and figure out what’s best for you, but know whatever way you choose is the right way.

+ You’re an author, blogger, and animal advocate. How do you manage your time? Give us specifics! 

I really just try and take it day by day. I’m a big planner, so I love having a schedule set for myself every day. I use my calendar app and rely on it heavily. I like to wake up early and start the day off with coffee, then I try to do something active in the morning as well. I also try to go to bed at a decent time and I think that helps me not get overwhelmed. I try to balance work and fun and sometimes it can be hard depending on what I have going on but I always try to give myself a balanced schedule and some structure which helps a lot. And of course, ending the day with people that I love – family, friends, even pets.

+ How do you maintain a gorgeous figure? What are some of your go-to meals and workouts?

Right before the holiday season I tried a meal delivery program for the first time, called KLEAN LA, which I really liked and it definitely helped me not snack as much as I tend to do around the holidays. I like to enjoy food when I want to and sometimes it’s easier and other days it’s harder. I try not to take it too seriously – I try to eat healthy most of the time. I, of course, indulge when I want to because I think life is short and it’s important to have fun. As I’ve gotten older, I have really tried to pay attention to how foods physically make me feel. Certain foods will make me feel bloated or give me a stomachache or leave me not feeling as clear mentally, so when I can, I try to avoid foods that make me feel that way. I also try to do something active at least three to five times a week. That really helps me stay clear mentally. Being able to do it with your significant other or a friend also makes it much more fun and easy.

+ Favorite cocktail recipe?

A whiskey ginger is my favorite cocktail to order when I go out!

+ Favorite skinny snack? 

Cucumbers!

+ You talk a lot about skincare & have glowing skin. What is your biggest skincare tip/secret?

SPF, SPF, SPF!!! Layer on the SPF always. Start taking care of your skin ASAP and it will be a lot easier and a better process. Protect your skin as much as you can. I deal with pigmentation issues after my skin is exposed to the sun, so the more SPF I can wear the better. I also like to try new skincare treatments like facials, rose quartz rollers, micro-needling, at-home tools, face masks, etc. I am a sucker for a good face mask and will try anything that leaves my skin feeling and looking more hydrated and glow-y!

+ What are your 3 must have beauty products?

Always have a good lip balm! I love the Bobbi Brown one right now. There’s nothing cute or fun about chapped lips!

SPF. Find one you can wear daily! I love ERBORIAN because it looks like light makeup with the tint, but also gives you SPF and has skincare benefits, too.

Hyaluronic acid! I love putting this on morning and night. A lot of companies make good ones, but I recently splurged on the Dr. Sturm one and I love it!

+ What is a book, podcast or resource you recommend?

I just read The Four Agreements book that my mom gave me and I love it! My mom also just came out with her new journal called I’ve  Been Thinking: The Journal, and that’s an amazing resource to help you kick off your new year on the right track!

+ Favorite failure?

I try not to look at things as being failures but just bumps on my journey getting me to where I’m supposed to go. I’m a big believer in the fact that everything happens for a reason, so I try to look at things some would consider as a “failure” as a learning experience instead. I would say I have had a lot of those with friendships over the years; they may have been tough learning lessons for me, but I have learned very valuable lessons that I am able to appreciate now.

+ How do you define success? 

For me, success means feeling happy in my relationship, my family, my friendships and my home. If I can end every day feeling like I did a good job at work, if I feel great about my friendships, if I’ve connected with my siblings and my parents and if I am in a great loving place in my relationships, then I feel successful. I try to judge my success on those aspects in addition to how I can take my passion and use it for good.

+ What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months (or in recent memory)? My readers love specifics like brand and model, where you found it, etc.

I recently went on a trip and bought a Polaroid camera – the pictures I have are now forever with me and I have great memories because of that purchase. It has also led me to my next favorite purchase, which is a scrapbook making kit! (Don’t make fun of me, haha!) I’m hooked on scrapbooking and have gone so nuts with it that my mom got me a box of scrapbooking accessories for Christmas!

+ Where can everyone find you? Pimp yourself out!

My blog, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook.

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