Facts About Cassi #Blogtober 2014

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Initially, Katie and I planned to do so many more of these than we wound up having time for.  I feel like this is what we have been saying for 4 months now, though.  Our lives are just very busy at the moment and I think we're having a hard time finding a nice balance.

But, today I'm here sharing some facts about myself.

1. I'm 15 and a sophomore in high school.

2. I just got my permit in August so I've been driving a lot.

3. I've been dancing since just before my third birthday and have no intentions of stopping anytime soon.  (10 points if you can guess which one I am)

4. I live on a boat with my parents and little brother during the warmer months.

5. I either read 8 books a week or 1 in three months- there's no in between.

6. I still volunteer at the elementary school I used to attend.

7. I never anticipated getting as much out of blogging as I have.

8. This is my third year doing online school. 

9. I have no clue what I want to do after graduation high school (if you want to pay me to blog full time, hmu)

10. When I was little I refused to drink soda because it was "spicy".

11. I've been to London, Prague, and Toronto.

12. I was a Girl Scout in elementary school. 

13. I sing constantly. . . 

14. but I'm tone deaf.

15. I enjoy making tea and forgetting about it until 4 hours has elapsed and it's cold.

16. Sometimes I make 100 cupcakes for fun.

17. I've a small (huge) Tumblr obsession.

18. Other than getting it trimmed, I haven't cut my hair since I was in 4th grade.  (It's a bit long now)

19. I don't procrastinate school work- I'd rather be two weeks ahead.

20. I prefer to be everywhere 30 minutes early.

21. I keep a lot of stuff in my purse.  I could honestly probably live out of it for a week or two.

22. I read every single Sarah Dessen book in chronological order summer of 2013.

23. I thought reading was kind of a lame way to end this so I added this bullet?

-Cassi

Meet Fawn

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Today, we thought you guys might like to meet our blog "little", Fawn.  We did a quick interview with her the other day.

Tell me a bit about yourself.

My name is Fawn I have been married to my husband Matt for 9 years and we have two kids. My sweet girl Riley  (4) and my handsome Cohen (2). I am from sunny San Diego California, but have lived in Colorado ever since I got married. I stay at home with my kids which has always been my dream.  I am slightly obsessed with reality t.v. and social media (instagram & pinterest.)  I love anything health and fitness related as well as fashion and beauty. 

How does Matt feel about your blog?

That is a great question, one I haven't thought much about until now. My hubby is totally the anti-social media person so we are complete opposite. However, he does read my posts if I tell him about it and he is glad that I have something that I love to do which is write.

Do you ever let/ ask him to help?

I don't think it would be his choice to help me lol but there are a few times when I have needed his help with html stuff. He is really smart and helps me out once in a while with something like that. Otherwise he's not involved at all.

How long ago did you begin blogging?

I began blogging when I had my daughter Riley so almost 5 years ago.

What was your original goal for the blog?

My original goal was to keep my family (who all still live in California) updated with Riley and her life. I know it was hard for them to not be here and see all of her milestones growing up. 

Has that changed?  How so?

Yes it has changed. Now that we have instagram and facebook to keep our famlies updated with pictures of the kids my blog has turned into more of a "Me" out let. It is a way for me to share what is on my heart , my passions, interests and to connect with others.

What originally inspired you to begin blogging?

I was inspired by my daughter. I always loved writting and keeping journals, when I became a mom that passion came back.

What are some of your favorite blogs to read?

I love to read Casey Leigh from The Wiegnads, my friend Amy from Set Free, Bailey Jean from Brave Love blog, Jess Connolly oh there are so many but those are a few of my faves.

Where do you come up with ideas for your blog posts?

Usually it's just what is on my heart at the moment. There are times when I do join up with linkups or challenges to help with writing prompts or ideas from other bloggers that inspire me.

Do you have a routine for writing?

Not really I kind of just go with the flow. The one thing that I try to do though is pray before I write. I don't ever want my posts to be just "about me" I want them to connect with the reader so that they don't feel alone.

Can you share some of your favorite posts you’ve written?

One of my favorite pots is called "Paul Walker and God" it's a real honest post about faith and life. I also love my post on our recent trip back home to visit family because I put a ton of pictures up from our trip to California and I love seeing my kids cute little faces on vacation.

Anything else you’d like to leave our readers with?​

Just that if your new or old to the blogging world remember why you started blogging in the first place whenever you feel like your in a slump or wondering why am I doing this. Don't forget your "why".

$50 Target Gift Card Giveaway | Not Just October

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October is Breast Cancer awareness month, but every month should be seen as such.  (Hence Not Just October)

If you don't count some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, no matter race or ethnicity.  It's also the most common cause of death from cancer in Hispanic women.

In 2011, 220,097 women and 2,078 men in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer.  Also in 2011, 40,931 women and 443 men in the United States died from breast cancer.

Not Just October is a non- profit organization to fund raise to help find a cure.  You can read more about their mission here.

Now for a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I Never Thought Blogging Would. . .

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Well this week has been insane to say the least, but TGIF.  So, on to Blogtober

I never thought blogging would bring me closer to my little cousin.  We've always been fairly close, but now we have something we share.

I never thought blogging would introduce me to so many people from all over.  It's interesting how close you can become with someone without ever actually meeting them in real life.

I never thought blogging would allow me to get to know myself more.  Blogging about my thoughts has really helped me grow as a person.

I never thought blogging would make me obsessed with snail mail.  (If you're interest in being pen pals hmu)

Cassi

10 Things I Should Have Told Myself When I Started Blogging

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Oh gosh.  If you have read any of our posts from 2012, you probably know there was a lot I should have told myself.

1. Is this an image you think would properly represent your blog?  If not RETAKE IT so it isn't as blurry.

2. SOCIAL MEDIA!  You can't expect people to just show up if you aren't promoting posts on twitter and the like.

3. Don't expect companies to fall at your feet offering you products when you get 15 views a day.  It's just not going to happen.

4. Don't expect to get a stable income from AdSense.  Yeah, also not happening.

5. Ask would you take time out of your day to read this?  If not don't share it.

6. Before hitting publish, take out one smiley face.  Trust me on this one.

7. Size pictures consistently and don't try doing wrap text.  It just looks stupid.

8. Don't do so many giveaways that are irrelevant to the blog's topic.  100's of followers do you know good if they don't care about your content and won't read.

9. Can you see what's going on in the picture?  Maybe add some light.

10. Don't post just to post.

Sew Nauti Embroidered Halloween Bag

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*Product Provided for Review*

We're super excited for Halloween!  Although we're not quite sure what we're going to be yet, we know we'll definitely be toting these cute bags for candy.

They're handmade and feature cute embroidery!  I love these little candy corns.

Plus you get to choose between burlap and canvas for the bag.

Plus, when you inevitably wind up carrying your child's candy (and stealing a few here or there, they probably won't notice) you can still totally rock it!

If you're the one at home handing out candy to all the trick-or-treat-ers you can use this awesome basket.

Are you as excited for Halloween as we are?

Cassi & Katie

Cassi's Fall Bucket List

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1. Enjoy not having snow on the ground.

2. Enjoy pumpkin spice everything.  Yes, I've waited until October.  No, I don't think it is right the PSL started in September.

3. Spend quality time with family for Thanksgiving.

4. Carve a pumpkin.  (and bake pumpkin seeds of course)

5. Rake leaves.  

6. Drive a ton.

Pretty simple, huh?

Cassi

September Recap

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Honestly if you were to ask me what I did in September I would probably spend 10 minutes talking about the Ed Sheeran concert.  But, since you can read/see all about that here, I'm going to try to avoid spamming you with concert photos.  Seem fair?

I started school again :(

I got new glasses 

I added like a billion books to my TBR

I drove a bunch and even went through a few drive-thrus (I'm up to 50 hours!)

I had a sleepover with Katie

We had a photoshoot (more "normal" photos coming soon!)

Saw If I Stay

Planned all our posts for October (including this one)

Then on Sunday I babysat for 10 hours straight

What did you do in September?  Any concerts you're still talking about?

Cassandra

Happy World Ballet Day!

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It's strange how something I started at 3 because my mom put me in it has become such a huge part of my life now.  I now have 13 hours of class a week, which will probably turn into at least 20 when BTI starts.

I'm honestly so grateful for dance.  Even though most of the time it causes me extreme pain, it truly makes me so happy.  Maybe it's just the endorphins, but I can be having a horrible day and as soon as I get to dance everything is better.

I'd like to think it's worth what it's doing to my body.

Cassandra