Five Little Grins #12

<a href="http://globsoflipstickandclumpsofmascara.blogspot.com/search/label/5%20Little%20Grins" target="_blank"><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/4fb1b81a9b1ad6d17c9317ea03174589/tumblr_mucw6eXUKG1s3gqbyo1_400.png" alt=" 5 Little Grins " width="350" height="246" /></a>

In case this is your first week, here's what it's all about.  Generally Mondays are considered pretty sucky right?  Well, let's change that.  Instead of focusing on what sucks about Monday, we'll talk about what made us smile throughout the rest of the week, to start the week on a positive note!

The Rules!  (These are really just kind suggestions)

1. Follow your hosts: Cassandra, Raewyn, and Paulina!

2. Link up your post that includes 5-ish things that made you smile in the past week

3. Comment after you link up

4. Go visit some other blogs and make some friends!

5. Have fun, and don't forget to smile!!

My 5 Little Grins from this week include. . .

1. Seeing most of my family on Christmas

2. Spending time with my mother on Christmas break

3. Spending Christmas eve with my grandpa

4. Having my cousins Jackie and Katie spend the night by my house on Christmas eve

5. Going sledding with my dad, step mom, step aunt, step uncle, my sis, and bro

-Katie

Five Little Grins #12

<a href="http://globsoflipstickandclumpsofmascara.blogspot.com/search/label/5%20Little%20Grins" target="_blank"><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/4fb1b81a9b1ad6d17c9317ea03174589/tumblr_mucw6eXUKG1s3gqbyo1_400.png" alt=" 5 Little Grins " width="350" height="246" /></a>

In case this is your first week, here's what it's all about.  Generally Mondays are considered pretty sucky right?  Well, let's change that.  Instead of focusing on what sucks about Monday, we'll talk about what made us smile throughout the rest of the week, to start the week on a positive note!

The Rules!  (These are really just kind suggestions)

1. Follow your hosts: Cassandra, Raewyn, and Paulina!

2. Link up your post that includes 5-ish things that made you smile in the past week

3. Comment after you link up

4. Go visit some other blogs and make some friends!

5. Have fun, and don't forget to smile!!

My 5 Little Grins from this week include. . .

1. I got to see everyone for Christmas.  I even saw some family I hadn't seen in years.  Even with more family there than usual, there was no drama!  It was a nice change and actually pretty incredible.

2. I got some really great presents.  I specifically asked for nothing, but no one listened.  Without any real suggestions, they were still able to find stuff I really, really like.

3. I cleaned my room.  Plus our basement.  Plus our living room.  Plus the bird cage.  I usually put off cleaning as long as possible so this is actually extremely impressive for me & I feel like I was incredibly productive.

4. When we handed out sugar cookies to everyone at dance (see what we made here), we also gave some to Liz, the woman who works in the office.  She does so much "behind the scenes" to make sure everything continues to run smoothly & we wanted to let her know how much we appreciate it!  On Friday we got a hand-written "Thank-You" note in the mail.  It was nice to know she appreciated the cookies.

5. Everyone seemed to enjoy the presents I bought or made them.  It was really nice to see them like what I thought they would enjoy and it made me happy to see them happy!


This is your last chance to link-up this year as the last day of this year is tomorrow!!

-Cassi

The Sunday Currently

I'm currently. . .

Reading Going vintage by Lindsey Leavitt.  I had also picked up on This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen earlier in the week, but this and a few Ned Vizzini books came in at the library.  I finished Champion last week. Marie Lu did a really great job of ending the series.  I really appreciate that she didn't kill everyone.  (Looking at you Veronica Roth)

Writing blog posts.  I almost have January all queued up.  I even save my link-ups as drafts with the inlinkz html all ready to go!

Listening to my Spotify playlist, as always!

Loving that it is almost 2014!  I think 2013 went well, but I'm so over it! haha

Needing to get some sleep.  I'm exhausted!

Tomorrow is the last Five Little Grins link-up of the year!  Make sure you come back and link up with us! :)

-Cassi

Our 200th Post (& a Look Back on Our Year)

I can't believe this is our 200th post.  We were at 100 back in September I think!  This blog hasn't definitely grown a lot since we started it in June of 2012.  We actually have 428 followers on Bloglovin and it's kind of crazy to think that 428 people have seen this blog at one time or another.

We are both so grateful to even have people read our posts and comment.  We've gotten to "meet" some really awesome people like Raewyn, Elizabeth, Jacq, and so many more.  It's exciting to be able to learn and talk to all these great people.  There's such a great sense of community and we definitely feel at home.  (You can always feel welcome to talk to us.  We try our best to respond to all our comments right away)

In 2013, we joined a couple Cara Box Exchanges, a couple Post Exchanges, and we started our own link up with Raewyn and Paulina called 5 Little Grins!

Thank you all for your continued support.  We hope 2013 ends with a bang for you to make way for bigger and better things in 2014.

♥ Cassi & Katie

Writings

Yesterday I shared a story I wrote for school two years ago.  Today I have a persuasive essay I had to write at the beginning of this month.  Both had a five paragraph length requirement, but you can very easily see this is much, much longer than the first.  Being a persuasive essay, it is controversial.  The point of this post is the writing, not the topic of the essay.

Origin Story

Sometimes I think it's interesting to go back and look at how my writing has evolved.  It generally involves a lot of cringing though.

I used to hate writing essays and such for school because my dad would help me proofread and fix everything to make it the best I could.  I found it extremely frustrating to come back and see what I'd spent hours on was now all marked up and I would half to completely rewrite it.

I really appreciate the help now, even more than earlier.  His feedback is actually extremely helpful and I've been able to start applying it before even coming to him.  I've gotten perfects on all my drafts and final papers I've turned in this year and it's almost disappointing to not have anything else to change.

Here is an origin story from when I was in seventh grade (two years ago).  I think I've definitely grown a lot between this and now, but I'll show you my most recent essay tomorrow and you can judge.

Christmas Eve

Wow.

I woke up to my Bloglovin' feed full of Christmas posts.

I hadn't even planned something for today.

This year we didn't even put up a Christmas tree or decorate at all! I have lots of cards from blogger friends cluttering my dresser though & I really like them there!

Speaking of which, I participated  the Post Exchange (again) this month!  I was actually paired with Jacq who is actually the organizer.  She was so sweet and it was nice to get to know her even more!  She sent me the cutest card and it is now sitting on my dresser.  Can I just say she has the most perfect handwriting I've ever seen?  Like, it is absolutely perfect.  Unbelievably perfect and I'm very jealous!

Have a beautiful Christmas Eve & eat lots of Christmas cookies!!

Best wishes
Cassi

B&W Polka Dots

B&W Polka Dots by dance2499 featuring black pants

Worthington sweater
jcpenney.com

Planet black pants
$64 - debenhams.com

Forever 21 black boots
forever21.com

Bracelet watch
dailylook.com

Bridge Jewelry stud earrings
jcpenney.com

Bowtie ring
icing.com

Five Little Grins #11

<a href="http://globsoflipstickandclumpsofmascara.blogspot.com/search/label/5%20Little%20Grins" target="_blank"><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/4fb1b81a9b1ad6d17c9317ea03174589/tumblr_mucw6eXUKG1s3gqbyo1_400.png" alt=" 5 Little Grins " width="350" height="246" /></a>

In case this is your first week, here's what it's all about.  Generally Mondays are considered pretty sucky right?  Well, let's change that.  Instead of focusing on what sucks about Monday, we'll talk about what made us smile throughout the rest of the week, to start the week on a positive note!

The Rules!  (These are really just kind suggestions)

1. Follow your hosts: Cassandra, Raewyn, and Paulina!

2. Link up your post that includes 5-ish things that made you smile in the past week

3. Comment after you link up

4. Go visit some other blogs and make some friends!

5. Have fun, and don't forget to smile!!

My 5 Little Grins from this week include. . .

1. Getting all of my Christmas shopping/ making done!  FINALLY.  I'm just not completely sure how it's already almost Christmas?  I'm like 98% sure Summer just ended.

2. Making and handing out cookies to all my dance teachers!  They all seemed to love them, which I definitely appreciated.

3. Katie slept over Friday night at we watched The Heat (again) with her.

4. I finished Eleanor & Park on Saturday.  It was a really good book, I think.

5. GETTING WRISTBANDS FROM RAEWYN!!  I was seriously so excited when they got here OMG.  She also sent Katie and I really nice cards!

-Cassi

The Sunday Currently

Today I woke up around eleven and then went straight to shoveling.  Oh Wisconsin.  Yesterday, I was super, super, super happy because I got these wristbands from Raewyn!  I love them so much and I can't wait to give Katie her's as well as her card!  I'm so happy to be linking up with Lauren for the third time!

I'm currently. . .

Reading Champion by Marie Lu.  I finally got a hold of it at the library!  (Although I may have started reading it at a B&N since I just couldn't wait).  I also just finished Eleanor & Park which I thought was extremely good.

Writing a few different blog posts.  I'm trying to get queued up through January!  Hopefully that will make things a teensy bit less stressful.  If you're interested in guest posting, shoot us an e-mail!

Listening to Spotify!  The ads are starting to get a little annoying though.  I might finally get a premium membership.  However, if you don't yet have Spotify and want a free 30-day trial of premium, let me know and I can give you my link and we'll both get a month free!

Thinking about lunch.  It's already one and I haven't eaten anything but a banana yet.

Smelling the pineapple all over my hands.  We cut two up so we could dehydrate them and even after washing my hands twice I can still smell it.  Oh well!

Wishing I had rehearsal this weekend!  It was so weird to just have one weekend and now we won't have it again until January fourth and fifth.  Definitely not looking forward to two whole weeks off of dance!

Hoping it doesn't snow all day.  Snow is great and it can be very pretty, but it is also quite the nuisance.  The roads are already pretty scary and covered with ice.

Wearing my sweatshirt from Hollywood Vibe and "Walking Pants".  I got these "Walking Pants" at old navy four or five years ago.  I don't get why they're called walking pants instead of yoga pants, however I find it humorous.  Mostly because yoga only gets done in yoga pants about 4% of the times they're worn.

Loving that Christmas is this week!  It has totally snuck up on me this year.  I was still making and buying presents on Friday.  Plus, there are a bunch I still haven't wrapped!  Ahh

Wanting some pomegranate tea.  However, I finished all of it a long time ago and haven't bought anymore as I can't find the same brand again.  Ugh

Needing to stretch!  I've worked so hard on my flexibility this year and I definitely don't want to lose any over break.

Feeling quite exhausted.  Although I got out of bed at eleven, I had not slept until eleven and I definitely did not fall asleep at a reasonable time in the first place.

Clicking through my Bloglovin' feed.  Have to catch up on everything!

Have an absolutely beautiful Sunday!  Don't forget to smile so you can come back & link-up your Five Little Grins tomorrow!

-Cassi

Skater Dress

Skater Dress by dance2499 featuring a black dress

Cutie black dress
$46 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Canvas shoes
$62 - americanapparel.co.uk

Ear cuff
bodycentral.com

Lips makeup
marcelle.com

1950s Party

1950s Party by dance2499 featuring a halter top

Halter top
$145 - vivienofholloway.com

Pearl ring
houseoflavande.com

50s clear gray wayfarer glasses eyeglasses Bausch Lomb B&L safety 1950...
etsy.com

Dressy Bow Blouse

Dressy Bow Blouse by dance2499 featuring Topshop

Dolce Gabbana silk blouse
net-a-porter.com

ONLY short wool jacket
$110 - only.com

Black legging
$3.27 - newlook.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors leather shoes
neimanmarcus.com

Topshop watch
$260 - topshop.com

Coast kohl jewelry
$20 - coast-stores.com

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party by dance2499 featuring zippered tote bags

Bullhead Denim Co Deep Well Rinse Jeggings
pacsun.com

Michael Kors high heel platform sandals
macys.com

Michael Kors zippered tote bag
$505 - harveynichols.com

Acrylic necklace
$41 - tattydevine.com

Green Christmas Holly Tree Christmas Tree, Holly Berry Tree Christmas...
etsy.com

Ten Days of Christmas Tag

I was tagged by Raewyn to do the Ten Days of Christmas tag, so here goes!

1. What do you love the most about Christmas time?

Everyone tends to be so much happier it's great! :)

2. Do you celebrate the holiday in style or is Bah-Humbug for you?

I'd love to celebrate more, with decorations and such, but I don't generally have that much time and my parents aren't huge on decorating.

3. Are you leaving anything out for Santa Claus this year so he remembers to leave your presents?

Probably not, there really isn't any Santa magic in our house any more.

4. What is the one gift you are most looking forward to GIVING? {It can be to your kids, another family member, etc – remember to be discreet if they read your blog.}

I'm not sure.  Pretty excited about all of them actually!

5. What is your all-time favorite Christmas movie? 

White Christmas! :D

6. What is your all-time favorite Christmas song?

I really like Christmas music and I don't think I could pick!

7. If given the opportunity, would you participate in an “Ugly Sweater” party and what sweater would you wear? Peruse one on the Internet or even if your own closet and show us!

I would definitely participate in an ugly christmas sweater party!  Seen as I don't have any Christmas sweaters at all, I think something like this is what I'd wear!

8. Have you started any Christmas traditions this year that you plan on carrying forward?

We actually haven't done any Christmas-y things at all yet this year

9. It’s Christmas morning… what does it look like outside where you live?

Snow.  So much snow.

10. You just found yourself standing under the mistletoe… who comes up to give you a kiss first?

Most likely nobody haha

I'm going to tag Jacq, Elizabeth, Katie, and Ash! :)

-Cassi

How to (really) Wrap a Present!

Some people consider wrapping presents the hardest part of Christmas things!  So, today I'm going to (try to) help show you. :)

Peppermint Sugar Cookies (Recipe)

Since it's the last week of dance before break, I made all my teachers cookies and will be handing them out this week as I have class.  Last year, I made sugar cookies that were shaped like candy canes, this year I decided to actually put candy canes in the cookies.  I think they turned out tasting pretty good!

The cookies from last year

Craft Help?

I have lots of pairs of tights from dancing so often.  After a while, though, they get runs and I really can't use them any more.  I feel bad throwing them out.  Do you have any ideas of stuff I can make from them, or do you know some one who can use them to make stuff?  Comment below, please! :)

-Cassi

5 Little Grins #10

<a href="http://globsoflipstickandclumpsofmascara.blogspot.com/search/label/5%20Little%20Grins" target="_blank"><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/4fb1b81a9b1ad6d17c9317ea03174589/tumblr_mucw6eXUKG1s3gqbyo1_400.png" alt=" 5 Little Grins " width="350" height="246" /></a>

In case this is your first week, here's what it's all about.  Generally Mondays are considered pretty sucky right?  Well, let's change that.  Instead of focusing on what sucks about Monday, we'll talk about what made us smile throughout the rest of the week, to start the week on a positive note!

The Rules!  (These are really just kind suggestions)

1. Follow your hosts: Cassandra, Raewyn, and Paulina!

2. Link up your post that includes 5-ish things that made you smile in the past week

3. Comment after you link up

4. Go visit some other blogs and make some friends!

5. Have fun, and don't forget to smile!!

My 5 Little Grins from this week include. . .

1. My achilles FINALLY stopped hurting and I did pointe in all my classes.

2. Starting Alice in Wonderland rehearsals!

3. Having a substitute for ballet on Thursday!  She used to teach at the studio and I hadn't seen her in forever!

4. Making crepes, anise cookies, and caramel sauce throughout the week.

5. Only 5 more days of school! :)

-Cassi

a Rafflecopter giveaway