What I Wore Wednesday ~ Pink Skirt

One of my favorite thrift store finds is this suit coat. I love the tweed, but mostly I love the embroidered flowers along one side. I seem to always wear it with a scarf. So here is me:

Steve and I are both wearing thrifted, my jacket, his shirt. My skirt is taken from my Mom's closet and the scarf is from Target. Boots as always are from Bass Outlet.

What are you wearing? Find out what the rest of blogland is wearing by linking up with the Pleated Poppy The Letter 4 and Marissa at Rae Gun.

~ Cassi

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I Heart Faces Challenge ~ Letter A

Jump on over to my business site to see my entery into

I Heart Faces Challenge

Letter A

~ Cassi
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Review~ AmyKatherine Bag

On Zulily last month AmyKatherine had a bag sale that was amazing. I had been looking for a bag to use as a camera bag for portrait sessions. And this one matched my business colors, how perfect was that.

It came in the mail last week and I couldn't be more happy. AmyKatherine specials in Eco-friendly bags, making it out of canvas and faux leather like material.  There is four outside pockets, two with zippers.

See the one on the right side, perfect for a water bottle. The small zipper front pocket holds my business cards.

This back pocket is my only slight complaint, I wish it was a tab bigger. I would be perfect if I could have fit the Kindle Fire in this one. But the inside is plenty big enough to hold it and my camera gear.

The inside has three large side pockets, one zipper pocket and some pen holders. OK, now I know what you are thinking this isn't a camera bag but I fixed that. I bought this padded insert on Amazon.

This holds my camera, two lens (and will hold the third one that I will be getting soon) a flash and memory cards. Of course I bought it in yellow to match the bag and my logo.

One of the other features I wasn't sure if I would like was the flaps that go over the top. But I actually like them, it ads an extra coverage to the camera.  I also like that it has two different handles, the long across body one and two small handles.

AmyKatherine did not ask for this review, but I just had to write it.

~ Cassi

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Five Minute Friday ~ Grit

It's Friday time to write unedited for five minutes on one topic. Linking up with The Gypsy Mama in her Five Minute Friday sessions.

Topic: Grit

"And though she be but little, she is fierce." - Shakespeare

The first time I saw that line I knew it was for Mouse. There are numerous reason we call her Mouse, but the one most everyone sees is her size. She is a small girl. Though her height is finally fitting in with her age group at almost nine she still wears 5T tops and skirts well. She will love those long legs and small bones one day. But today is not that day.

She cries when people ask her how first grade is, my third grader does. But she does it in the quiet of her room. To others she is has Grit. She can keep up with the boys and hold her own in wrestling match. But more importantly she is Fierce for what she thinks is right. And that is something I will always love about her.

Her righteous attitude for injustice, can be comical to the adults in the room. The tears she cries over the poor puppies on TV. Then she will immediately get this look of Grit in her eyes as she tells she will do something one day to save them all.

My little Mouse. My Fierce little Mouse. How you do have true grit. One day you will save them all I have no doubt.  

Source

~ Cassi

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Pinewood Derby preview

Mouse is in Awana and this year she gets to participate in the Awana Pinewood Derby.  She is very excited.  Mouse and Cassi drew up what the car will look like and I started forming it the other day.  The car, in the end, will look like cheetah.

Check back for updates on the Cheetah car!

~Steve

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What I Wore Wednesday ~ Beaded Necklace

I am still on a mostly primary color habit in style. You can see more from last week here. This year I have also tried to add some colored tights to the mix but so far I have only gotten gutsy enough to wear gray. I know real adventurous.

Sweater: Target, Tank: Trifted, Skirt: Thrifted, Tights: Target, Boots: Bass Outlet, Silver necklace: gift from my Mom.
The beaded necklace, I picked up years ago at a antique shop (though I doubt it is an antique). I love all the colors it brings to an outfit.

What are you wearing? Find out what the rest of blogland is wearing by linking up with the Pleated Poppy The Letter 4 and Marissa at Rae Gun.

~ Cassi

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Google+...what?!?

I did the Blogger update. I did the Google+ page. But now what? I am still not understanding how this works.

Does anyone out there get it?

So far I feel like Google+ is a Twitter like program. Is it?

But then I heard Blogger Friends (following) was going away. Is this Google Reader? Is Google+ the new way to follow a blog?
If it is please follow me on Google+ so you don't lose the feed on Blogger.

How do all of you manage blog following and posting updates?


~ Cassi
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Love Tee

Last week Mouse wanted an outfit for Valentines day. Though the weeks leading up to it went faster than I expected, so the day before we were cutting fabric. I picked up this navy and white striped shirt from Target for $3. STEAL!

Mouse then picked out four fabrics for the letters. I then cut the  letters out of the fabric and ironed on some fusible webbing. Then ironed the letters on to the shirt.

To add a the final touch, I took out my embroidery floss and added a few stitches to the heart. The floss had some glitter to it. Mouse loved that.

Here is the final product. I LOVE it and so does Mouse.
Remember to check out our links page.

~ Cassi

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Five Minute Fridays~ Delight

It's Friday with Lisa - Jo and that means it's time to write. We write for five minutes unedited on one topic. Then link up with the rest at The Gypsy Mama.

Topic: Delight

This winter has been mild for Minnesota. Today will get to forty again. (Yes, that is mild) It has been easy to Delight in the days.
I am a spring through fall person. Winter is not my style. In fact if I had to pick just one season to live in. It would be spring. I love the smell of the damp earth. The mist hitting your face in the time before day and night. I love tights and wellies and light jackets.
I can Delight easily this winter when it feels like spring.
But I need to learn to Delight in all seasons.
Every day isn't perfect.
Some days the mist is sleet stinging my cheeks.
But there is a reason for each season of my life
I need to trust that there is something to Delight in each one. 

a picture of Mouse just because


~ Cassi


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I'm an Aunt

You've heard me talking about the fact that I was to be an Aunt soon. Well it happened

Baby N was born last Friday at 3:52am, after a very long day in the hospital for Mom and Dad. My Brother and his wife welcomed in their first son. We got to go see him Friday night.

Me & Baby N

All is well and healthy with the new family. They are already at home and settling into the changes of parenthood.

Here is Grandma with her two grandchildren, Mouse and Baby N.

Mouse is getting better about the idea of sharing Grandma and Pa (what she calls Grandpa). She was most amazed at how small his hands were.

~ Cassi

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Birthday

 A Happy Birthday goes out to my dad today.  My parents are snowbirds so they are enjoying warmer weather down south.  It's tough not to be able to go to their house to spend time with my dad for his birthday.  I'm sure they have a day planed, maybe a trip down into Mexico, or cards with neighbors.  I hope he has a good day (and I hope he figures out how to use the iTunes card I sent him)

~Steve


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What I Wore Wednesday ~ Primary Colors

Maybe it's the craft room, or what I wore link ups or Steve's encouragement to add color. I have been picking more and more color in my clothes. This past month I have worn the whole rainbow of colors.

Navy Blue Sweater: Thrift shop, Green striped button down: Target

White Sweater: My Mom's, Red turtle neck: Macy's

Red Sweater: Old Navy, White Tank: Target, Navy Skirt: Thrifted, Gray Boots: Bass Outlet

What are you wearing? Find out what the rest of blogland is wearing by linking up with the Pleated Poppy The Letter 4 and Marissa at Rae Gun.

~ Cassi

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Happy Valentines ~ Letters to us

Dear Steve

There were times through out this year that I didn't think we'd make it to these day. We have put so much effort and time into our marriage this year and I can say it is paying off. We have gone from two separate people raising a daughter to a family.

The changes you have been making are amazing. I love that you are trying to become more of a leader in our home. Which is really something I never though I would say, but feminism aside, it is exactly what I want and didn't know it.

Mostly this Valentines I wanted to thank you for fight for us, for our marriage and for our family.

Here's to more days of love to celebrate.

~ Cassi

Cassi,
The past year has been up and down.  I think more of the ups.  More time with us, date nights, lunches and more time as a family.  We have done a lot in the past year, learned more about us and finished a basement!  Spent nights with TV marathons of Psych and Law and Order.  I cherish these times, times on the couch, together, not in individual rooms doing our own things.  I also cherished the adventure of camping.  We camped a lot and created many good family memories.
Thank you for being there, for challenging me. 
I look forward to many more date nights, more family time and being there for you on any adventure we take.
Love - Steve

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Office Chair Remake

As with the other decor in the craft room the chairs are going to be colorful as possible. This will be great for two reasons. One I am loving the colors all coming together in that room. It makes me smile just walking by it. Second reason is the colorful chairs will be great props for my photography business.  

The first chair we worked on was one we've had for years. It's an old office chair that started out black with black fabric. Now if you remember we have a white cat so the black chair has stayed solid white and unused for along time.

So I took the chair apart  and refinished the fabric in a white with blue swiss dot flannel.

Then Steve pray painted the rest of the chair a bright cherry red.

And here is the finished look. I love it!

Check out our links page to see where we are linking up the chair.

~ Cassi

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Five Minute Fridays ~ Trust

It's Friday with Lisa - Jo and that means it's time to write. We write for five minutes unedited on one topic. Then link up with the rest at The Gypsy Mama.

Topic: Trust
That is a fitting title for this week. It was one year ago that a fire burned through our marriage, trying to destroy everything in it's path.
It's been a year of pain, regrowth and trust. Gone was all the things couples hold for granted. We were starting over. We gathered up as much defenses as we could from the fires. 

Source

But it wasn't till they burned through the last of debris were we able to start the process of regrowth. We are still nurturing the growth. Gathering up food (knowledge) and sun light (from the Son).
We are learning to hear, to talk to trust again. It's slow that last one. Trust is harder to grant. There is vulnerability in trusting another. Leaving you open to the hurt again.
Sometime we need that reminder of the importance of time. After a fire a forest doesn't regrow to it's splendor in a year.  

Source

Praying for the rebirth of this Bright Forest.



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The Fever

Usually at this time of year I get cabin fever real bad.  I need to get away, somewhere warm, sunny, relaxing.  This year is different.  We are busy with projects but, we have also had a wimpy winter in Minnesota.  Right now the Twin Cities has virtually no snow.  Temps have been warm too with many days in the 40s.  I do not recall a winter like this, but rumor has it in the 80s there was a wimpy winter. I am embracing this winter, with the easy drives into work, the no back pain from shoveling, the gas saving from not running the snowblower or snowmobiles.
The evening sunset even gets me thinking of those warm weekend nights of grilling, enjoying dinner and being outside.  Those nights may come early this year the way our winter is going!

Summer Sunsets

~Steve



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What I Wore Wednesday~ Grandma Sweater

I have been following this fellow Minnesotan blog for a while now. I love her vintage flair style. Her name is Kitty and Kitty Cotton is her blog. (Check it out then come back)

Back.. good moving on.

When she posted this outfit I knew I had to try it out. I love the pastel color palette 

Kitty Cotton

The mix of girly vintage and the toughness of ripped jeans was perfect. Here is how I made it work.

I didn't have the ripped jeans and for some reason I cuffed mine after I took the picture. I have had the sweater and shoes for ages. But I got the shirt new right before Christmas at Anne Taylor, which could be considered a gift from my Mother in Law since she gave me the gift card a year ago. So glad I held off buying anything till now. I love this outfit. And thanks Kitty for the inspiration.

What are you wearing? Find out what the rest of blogland is wearing by linking up with the Pleated Poppy The Letter 4 and Marissa at Rae Gun.

~ Cassi

I Heart Faces Challenge ~ Letter L

Head on over to my business blog

And check out the Letter L challenge.

~ Cassi

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Map it

Steve and I bought this map of the United States when we first got married with the idea of mapping out where we've been. It's now been over 11 years and three houses and the map has followed us. We can proudly say it has found a home after all this time.

Steve framed out the map on the open wall in my craft room. It works perfect in the space with it's bright colors. I made felt flags for some stick pins and added them to the map. We have four colors blue for Steve, teal for me, pink for Mouse (She goes on trips with my parents. She is on 11 states so far between both families.) and the last one lime green for trips we've taken together.

This spring we'll be able to add two more flags to the map with a trip to California Redwoods planned.
I can't wait to use this map as a way to pick out locations we have yet to see. It will be fun to see the map fill up.

Check out the linky parties on our links page.

~ Cassi



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Five Minute Friday ~ Real

Friday is here.  There is so much to love about Fridays and one reason is Five Minute Friday. Giving yourself five minutes to write unedited on one topic. Thanks to Lisa-Jo at The Gypsy Mama for setting the linky party for all of us to join. Head on over and check it out or link up you own post.

Topic: Real

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real." The Velveteen Rabbit.

Real... the word makes my eyes water and heart swell. To become Real. Truly Real.

Once you become a parent all sense of self disappears. Now before you take offense to that. I don't mean in the sense that you no longer are you or have no life outside of your children. I mean the inner self the selfish self. Again I can be selfish in both the good and bad sense of the word.

But when it comes to down to it. Self is nothing if it means hurt, harm or loss to my child. I would give it all up for her. Because

"When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

And I want to be REAL, to her, to me, to Steve, to God.

Source

~ Cassi

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Church group study option

Cassi and I have been small group leaders at our church this year.  Our first class was based on the sermon our pastor was giving.  When that class was complete it was up to us to find topics to continue the small group study.  Cassi wanted to do Go Fish by Andy Stanley.  We all agreed to the study and thought this was great.  Then came time to find the next study theme, well we decided to stick with the Andy Stanley series.

This is a nice study option, there is a video that can last 15 minutes for the sermon highlights or the in depth video that runs about 45 minutes.  The nice option we found is the videos can be used right from Andy's church website for Free (key word there, the DVDs can get spendy)

http://northpoint.org/messages

The link goes to the available messages.  Opening an option shows how many parts, or weeks, the message is and it also provides discussion questions.  This has come in handy with the last study we did titled Text.  It was a short three week study on reading the Bible.   We borrowed the DVD from a church member but it had no study or discussion guide.  We were able to find what we needed for the study right on the Northpoint website.


We will be doing two more studies from Andy Stanley before our small group ends for the summer.  If your small group is stuck and needs something fresh to discuss check out the options available from the Northpoint website.  We are always looking for more study options.  Let us know what you have been studying!

What I Wore Wednesday ~ Stripe Scarf

It's only just turning to February and I already I am sick of my winter wardrobe. I think I am hitting a road block of style ideas. Normally when this happens I just hit the stores and buy a bunch more new clothes to wear. But I am trying to be more purpose full in my spending. We hit the thrift store more often and just buy new for what we really need (of it is cheaper than the thrift store would be). One of the thrift store items I bought this year is this black vest. You first saw it here.

I paired the vest with this also thrifted scarf, long sleeve tee from old navy and American Rag jeans.

What are you wearing? Find out what the rest of blogland is wearing by linking up with the Pleated Poppy The Letter 4 and Marissa at Rae Gun.

~ Cassi

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