Fall Cara Box Reveal

Kaitlyn decided to do something new with the Cara Box this time.  I like it a lot more than how it was before.  Now we have a whole two months to get to know the person we are sending to, instead of just a few weeks.

I got paired up with Chloe and Britt.  Both were extremely nice and it was so much fun to get to know them! I sent to Britt- and you can see what I sent her here.

On Saturday, my box from Chloe arrived and I was so excited!  I opened it pretty much right away.  Inside, I found a candle, a decorative glittery pumpkin, a cute little notebook with a rhinestone pumpkin, gloves, a scarf, and a bag of caramels.  The candle smells absolutely amazing and I plan on burning it a lot!  I already started eating the caramels, maybe not a great idea, but they are SOOO good.

-Cassi

Prepping for Pointe

On Wednesday, I went down to Chicago to get fitted for a new pair of pointe shoes.  (More on the Chicago adventure later).  Previously, I had gone to someone who fits shoes on her own.  She has her own method and lots of special things she has you do to help protect your feet.  Some of them are super helpful, but some are a little crazy.  She only puts people in two brands of shoes as well and that is rather annoying.  Neither really work for me so I thought it would be best to go somewhere else with more variety.  I'm pretty happy with the pair I got at the new place and hopefully I stay happy with them!

I got casting for our production on Monday and it turns out I have two parts, both en pointe.  I really was not happy.  Currently, I have two hours and fifteen minutes of pointe class each week.  When rehearsals start, that's going to change to four hours, minimum.  Pointe shoes generally die after twelve hours of use.  I'm sure you can do the math.

I'm probably going to be getting 2 new pairs of shoes soon and after prepping the pair I just got, I'm not looking forward to it!  What do I do to prep new shoes?

I have to put clear nail polish on my elastics and melt my ribbons after I cut them.

Then, I have to sew both of those on.  Pointe shoes cost $50+ and don't come with ribbon and elastics sewn own?  Correct!  You also have to purchase the ribbons and elastics separate from the shoes as they don't come with them.

Next, I form new lambs' wool pads.  Some people use toe pads, but I just like lambs' wool.  It forms to the shoes as well as your feet, though, so you have to make new ones for each new pair of shoes.

Just like heels, you gotta break them in before you start wearing them!  The shank (the hard sole) needs to be broken in some.  If not, you can't point your feet and most likely won't be able to get over the box.

If you're going to perform in a pair, chances are you're going to have to calamine them too.  This can take quite a bit of life out of the shoes as it wets them.

A lot of work for something you're only going to get twelve hours out of.  They do take around 3 hours to make, though.  Thankfully I'm not responsible for that too because that would just end badly.

Have a beautiful day!

-Cassi

Nana's Sewing Closet Giveaway

Today I have an awesome giveaway for you courtesy of Nana's Sewing Closet!

The winner of the giveaway will receive one custom handmade dress that is valued at $30-$35 depending on the size ordered. *Please note that some of the dresses in the shop are over this prize value but the winner may choose one of those and pay the difference.*

One top of the giveaway we are offering a 10% discount code off of any order. Good through Friday November 22, 2013.

10 % Discount Code: Holiday2013

To help us spread the word some of my lovely blogging friends have offered to post this giveaway on their blogs so make sure to go visit them and say hello.

Dara from Not in Jersey | Kera from Nugget on a Budget |

| Becky from My Sweet Moose | Julia from Eternal Girl |

|Shelby from Stay Crafty My Friends | Dawn from Dawn's Disaster

| Sara from Confessions of a Redheaded Mama | Beanie Blogger Opportunities | Janine from Confessions of a Mommyaholic |
| Mommy Blog Hoppers | Tiffany from My Safe Havens |
| Shana from Organized Chaos |

| Cassandra from The World from the View of Two |

| Ashley from Mrs. Mama |

-Cassi

Cra-Z-Loom Review

I think the crazy loom is good for children eight and up, or younger with adult assistance.  I think it is hard and confusing for little kids, but as you practice you get better.  For me it only took two times, but it can take longer for some people to catch on.  The really bad thing about this to me is the bands or the S clips break easily, this is why it isn't good for little children- definitely not under four.  Also, you can only make the ones in the book because of the type of loom.  Plus, the loom is semi- expensive.  The good part is as you get used to it, it's easy, fun, and fast; you can make a lot of them in a little time.  I would recommend other looms if you're looking into purchasing.  A loom that is better is the Rainbow Loom.  Lots of my friends have it and you get more bands, it is easy, fast, and even fun.  The bands in Rainbow Loom are more durable, there are a lot more of the,, they have C clips that don't break, and it is cheaper.  There are also ones at other places, but I have not tried them so I can't say how good or durable they are.  So overall, I give Rainbow Loom *** out of five stars.

-Katie

Guest Post

Check out my guest post over on Raewyn's blog!

-Cassi

Snow.

Yesterday, I was helping my dad make tortillas for with lunch, literally all I did was cook them on the griddle, at which point I noticed it was snowing.  Like not just heavy rain that looks like it could be snow.  Actual snow.  I was super excited, and really didn't mind that it wasn't sticking.  We had to drive to dance that night anyway so I figured crazy drivers would go out right wack with snow on the ground.  Anyways, even when it started sticking I was still happy.  I'm quite a big fan of snow, although lots of people around here hate it.  (If you don't like snow, you really shouldn't live in Wisconsin huh?)

Our tortillas, which weren't very circular, but were pretty good.

We passed 4 accidents, one including 7 cars. 

Have a beautiful Tuesday and don't for get to link-up with us!

-Cassi

5 Little Grins #5

<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 picked up by my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins on Friday

2. Getting 30 things of yogurt for $9

3. Watching Mina do acrobatics

 

4. Going to the book fair

5. Having a fire drill at school, so I missed 15 mins of class

-Katie

5 Little Grins #5

<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.  Going to MOVE on Sunday night and seeing all my friends perform!

2. My hair was cooperative on Saturday and actually turned out nice after I left it in curlers over night.

3. Katie came over on Friday and she even stayed for dinner!

4. I found out I get to go to the city on Wednesday and get new pointe shoes.  The place I'm going to in Chicago is different from the place I usually go.  Last time I was put in shoes that were really sucky and I thought it would be bad to go there again.  I've heard a lot of great things about this place and I'm looking forward to getting shoes that look good on my feet.

5. I got complimented in ballet on Thursday by my teacher.

-Cassi

Mama's Losin' It Writing Link-Up

It's November 7th.  It's been 1 week since November started.  Three hundred eleven days ago 2013 started.  That was over 26 million seconds ago.  FORTY-EIGHT DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS.  I'm not ready for it to be Christmas yet.  I'm not even ready for it to be November yet, but here we are!

Today, I'm linking up with Kat for the first time!  This week the prompts included:

1.) Something you were wrong about.
2.) A funny text change.
3.) Write a 16-line poem about a moment from your childhood that changed your life for the better.
4.) List 8 best reasons you love living in your state.
5.)  Listen. Write about what you hear, right now.

I'm going with number 4 because it is important to remember the reasons I enjoy Wisconsin when we're deal with this ridiculous weather!

1. Being by the lake
Waking up and getting to watch the sunrise over the lake is beautiful during September/October-ish and the brisk temperature we get down there is great.

2. The Summers
Never crazy hot for too long, but warm enough to be able to enjoy Summer.

3. Milwaukee
The environment in Milwaukee is so nice.  Everyone is so kind.  Back in March Katie and I were surveying people walking by and no one refused, everyone was very willing to participate.  It's also so artistic, it's incredible!

4. Chicago access
Chicago is literally 45 minutes away with no traffic.  Chicago is really great and fun.

5. Highest bar per capita ratio (or was at some point)
This really doesn't effect me but it makes other people happy I guess haha

6. Bigger roads are maintained well
The roads are kept up well and they're good at expanding roads before they're needed, not when they're getting backed up.  (Unlike Illinois)

7. The Dells

8. We have nice colleges I guess

-Cassi

New Layout!

So the other day, Paulina e-mailed me to let me know that she and Raewyn decided to buy graphics for Katie and I & that Paulina made us a new banner and sidebar and everything!  I LOVE it and it is definitely 2084730295 times better than the background, banner, and sidebar I made in paint. haha

You should definitely check out both their blogs- Paulina's and Raewyn's- I'll actually be guest posting on Reawyn's blog next week so you should watch out for that! :)

-Cassi

Thanksgiving Embroidery

Are you ready for Thanksgiving?  Are you sure?  You know you have just over two weeks, right?  Okay. Well, if you answered no to any of those questions or even if you answered yes, I have some stuff for you. Remember when I told you about the shop SewNauti?  Well they still have their Thanksgiving stuff up and it isn't going to last long!

They have everything from aprons, to napkins, to place mats!  If you want something done custom, that's an option too.  A last name would look great on those place mats, or maybe someone wants their name on an apron?  You can check out everything they have for the holiday here.

You still have a little more time on this one, but the sooner the better, right?  Their Christmas stuff is already getting put up!  If you're like me, then you won't mind sporting a Christmas themed oven mitt around this time.  Plus, it could make a nice hostess gift for whoever is having everyone over for Thanksgiving dinner! Learn more about all the Christmas products here.

-Cassi & Katie

Did you remember to link up with us yesterday?

Five Little Grins #4

<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 all my band friends get to school  earlier than 7 a.m. to practice as a group
2. Buying my little sister’s b-day presents and knowing how much she will love them
3. Seeing my cousins, aunt, and uncle 2 times this week
4. Getting stuff for a school Halloween party (goodie bag fillers, apple cider, Halloween boxes and pumpkin statues, boxes and statues were for 4 of my favorite teachers ,present and past ones )
5. Going trick-or-treating  
6. Bonus having a Halloween party at my school

-Katie

Five Little Grins #4

<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 Katie twice

2. Finding out clothes that didn't used to fit do now

3. Getting my syncopated wings in tap

4. Being one of the few people who showed up to dance on Wednesday and Thursday

5. Finding out my friend can come to parent watch week

-Cassi

Sunday Social

<a href="http://polkadotheart.org/category/sunday-social/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o716/ohdelectable/bloghop/bloghop-button_zpse970b5a1.png" border="0"></a>
Want to co-host the Sunday Social Blog Hop? Email Christina at tinaxo@gmail.com!



Christina @ Polka Dot Heart

Co-Hosts for the week!
Cassandra @ The World From the View of Two Teenage Girls

Don't forget to come link up you 5 Little Grins with me tomorrow!

Sibu Beauty Facial Cleanser

Product provided in exchange for honest review.  We weren't compensated for this review in any way and receiving this product free of charge did not influence our result.

So today we have a new brand for you!  We'd never tried this until recently.  We were ecstatic when we were contacted by the brand about reviewing their product.  I hadn't heard about the brand, but as soon as I saw this on their website, I was sold!

What I Read in October

Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina*/Everything The Rises Must Converge**/Grandfather's Journey*/45 Pounds/It's Kind of a Funny Story/She Walks in Beauty**/Throw Your Tooth on The Roof Tooth Traditions from Around the World*

*Read for with BOB kids

**Read for my Lit/Comp class

So I really didn't read that much this month, but I did get on track to read my goal of 50 books this year! Only two months left now!

-Cassi

October in Pictures

-Cassi

Crown of Beauty Digital Magazine (First Issue November 1st)

Happy Halloween!  I can't believe October is already gone.  I have good news for November, though. Have you heard of Crown of Beauty?  It's okay if you haven't, you're going to get to today!  Currently, it is a blog and website.  Tomorrow, their first ever magazine issue is coming out.  It will be completely digital!  No waiting at the mailbox for your magazine.  You want to know what you're getting before you buy it first though, right?  Here's some information from Livy, the editor!