Today will be Awesome! + A Sneak Peek {Striving for Perfection}

Today will be awesome.

Wait. Let's say it again.

Today will be awesome. Yes. It will be awesome. I will get my to do's done, I will check those boxes, I will write a blog post, I will -bring-myself-out-of-whatever-funk-this-is-I-have right. this. second. Just typing that and sharing it (embarrassingly) with you all - is completely freeing. Yes. I have been overwhelmed lately. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I launched this blog, my business, and now my new brand that we have been working so tirelessly on. My goal has never been to get bigger and busier - I just want to get better. I truly want to be an artist. Handling my August 16 contracted wedding has taught me so much about my business and about myself. It was a total-made-from-scratch-design-and artist-and completely awesome and original wedding. I loved handling everything. I loved having the family and couple completely trust me with their ideas, vision and let me go to town. Before I go to far and get off track - let's get back to burnout. I ate, slept, and breathed this wedding. I went out of my way to ensure no stone was left unturned - and I went too long without asking for help.

You see, in my quest for perfection for this amazing couple - I lost sight of myself. I let days go without showering, without taking my hair out of whatever bun contraption kept it secured that day, without sleeping, and without proper nutrition. I needed help, and I was afraid the moment I asked for it - people would think I couldn't handle it. I was afraid someone would screw something up. I was terrified the couple wouldn't like it because it wasn't me tying ribbons or placing the stems in the vases.  

I've been afraid for my business - and I still am. I want to be a boutique. I pride myself on being small. I want my clients to know that when they hire me for planning and/or florals they know it is me that is putting it together - that the ideas we talk about and my suggestions are what is actually going into their dream day. I kept this notion in my head that if anyone did it but me, it would be wrong or not good enough. What I learned is this: it's not special having great ideas. Guess what? Everyone has great ideas. What makes one idea more special than another is the person behind the idea and their ability to make it happen. What made me a great planner on August 16th, was that we had to flip the Ceremony space into the Reception space within 45 minutes. My amazing team did it and guess what? I showed them what to do and just like magic they made it happen. I walked down the table rows and made minor adjustments. I remember turning in circles, thinking "what still needs done? What needs fixed?" It was done. It was right and it was absolutely breathtaking. I let go of perfection - and when I did - I saw amazing beauty. Not just in the florals and arrangements and tablescapes; but in the team I hired, working together, dancing and having fun while working their butts off to see my vision come alive.  That's perfection.

As promised; a little sneak peek from the wedding. The custom backdrop made just for my couple. Isn't it just lovely?

Today will be awesome, because I am letting go of perfection and embracing imperfection in all it's glory. How about you? Any of you struggle with this as much as I do?

A very special thank you to the team who pulled off Saturday's event.

Christopher Hammon, Rebecca Riva, Ashley and Joe Yokley and last but not least; my amazing and ever so handsome husband.

I love you all.

A LITTLE INSTALOVE FRIDAY {Introducing my beloved Callie!!}

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. 

- Dr. Maya Angelou

For as long as I can remember, butterflies have played a special part of my life. I turned 19, and knew immediately my first tattoo - was going to remind me everyday to keep seeking, to keep hoping and dreaming all my big dreams. Thirteen hours later, I hopped on the back of a motorcycle, with a pink and tribal tattoo that nearly wrapped around my waist. I was young and naïve, but so proud to be branded for life with a pink butterfly that I called Callie; who represented everything about being a rebellious teen who also had big dreams of law school and saving the world. 

Along the way, I found love. A deeper love than I ever thought imaginable. I fell for those blue eyes the instant they landed on me and it was if this shy little Sicilian boy could see right through me. I changed my course, and instead of heading to the big top-ten undergrad college I had been accepted to; I followed my heart and went with him, to the small state school, just an hour away.  I never thought my heart would change and the law would no longer be in my heart - but it did happen. So much change and growth. It only seems natural that change, growth and savoring the sweetness of life represent this boutique business I have built from the ground up. Looking for inspiration and representation of my new brand and logo; I had to look no further than the mirror. Callie - who has had my back, guiding me and keeping my hopes alive - she has been with me all these years. Nothing represents change and transformation more than the beauty and elegance of a butterfly.

Callie, is a custom creation from the amazing and exceptionally talented Becky, owner of RP Design and Branding. Callie is going to be playing a major role in my all new Cassandra Dattoli brand. You'll be seeing lots more of my gorgeous Callista around these parts oh so very soon.

"Callista" the most beautiful nymph in the ancient Greek world and loved by Zeus. Callista means most beautiful - and in so many ways she is. Even all these years later - more than 10 - she still plays a major role in my life. (I was tattooed by one of the greatest tattoo artists in Illinois, back in the summer of 2001 - my second tattoo a hummingbird was free-hand drawn and inked on my back shoulder in the spring of 2007 following my parent's divorce.)

Without further ado, here is Callie; my beloved butterfly, who represents me and my boutique business: a girl that has had my back (literally!!) for over 10 years. Won't you all give her a warm welcome?

Beautiful, and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life and everyone deserves a little sunshine.  - Jeffrey Glassburg

 

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. 

- Dr. Maya Angelou

For as long as I can remember, butterflies have been a special part of my life. I turned 19, and knew immediately my first tattoo - was going to remind me everyday to keep seeking, to keep hoping and dreaming all my big dreams. Thirteen hours later, I hopped on the back of a motorcycle, with a pink and tribal tattoo that nearly wrapped around my waist. I was young and naïve, but so proud to be branded for life with a pink butterfly that I called Callie; who represented everything about being a rebellious teen who also had big dreams of law school and saving the world. 

Along the way, I found love. A deeper love than I ever thought imaginable. I fell for those blue eyes the instant they landed on me and it was if this shy little Sicilian boy could see right through me. I changed my course, and instead of heading to the big top-ten undergrad college I had been accepted to; I followed my heart and went with him, to the small state school, just an hour away.  I never thought my heart would change and the law would no longer be in my heart - but it did happen. So much change and growth. It only seems natural that change, growth and savoring the sweetness of life represent this boutique business I have built from the ground up. Looking for inspiration and representation of my new brand and logo; I had to look no further than the mirror. Callie - who has been on my side, guiding me and keeping my hopes alive - she has been with me all these years. Nothing represents change and transformation more than the beauty and elegance of a butterfly.

Callie, is a custom creation from the amazing and exceptionally talented Becky, owner of RP Design and Branding. Callie is going to be playing a major role in my all new Cassandra Dattoli brand. You'll be seeing lots more of my gorgeous Callista around these parts oh so very soon.

"Callista" the most beautiful nymph in the ancient Greek world and loved by Zeus. Callisto means most beautiful - and in so many ways she is. Even all these years later - more than 10 - she still plays a major role in my life. (I was tattooed by one of the greatest tattoo artists in Illinois, back in the summer of 2001 - my second tattoo a hummingbird was free-hand drawn and inked on my back shoulder in the spring of 2007 following my parent's divorce.)

Without further ado, here is Callie; my beloved butterfly, who represents me and my boutique business: a girl that has had my back (literally!!) for over 10 years. Won't you all give her a warm welcome?

Q's and A's {Ask Cassandra}

Hello lovelies! It's cloudy here in the Land of Lincoln but it’s a lovely cool spring day. I am so excited to share with you these questions today - I received these a few weeks ago and responded to the brides shortly after, but couldn't help myself from sharing since these seem to be such popular questions among brides.

I'm having trouble incorporating something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. My dress, shoes, and accessories are all new, and not blue - now I'm stuck. Why do I even have to do this and is there anything I can do? – Jasmine, IL

Customs and traditions – if I had went with all the traditions from my family's homeland, I would have been spat on (oh yes, you heard me right!) and rolled around in my wedding dress by my aunt's on our honeymoon suite bed! The poem you speak of: 

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
and a silver sixpence in her shoe.   

Although this has a Victorian Era source, it is followed by many brides today. Each item represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy & long-lasting. "Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past. "Something new" symbolizes optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead. "Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item is to remind the bride that she can depend on her friends and family. It can be daunting looking for pieces to meet the expectations of these traditions and really – how much can a bride truly carry on her person? The good news is you've got the something new covered! I personally like finding & suggesting things that can pull double duty for my brides. Try a swatch of ribbon, lace or fabric from someone's wedding close to you – old & borrowed. For something blue, you can easily have your seamstress or sewing savvy friend embroider your wedding date or a sweet message in blue thread on the lining of your wedding dress or go vixen and have them put on your wedding day petticoats (rawr!).  You can also find all sorts of blue stickers and rhinestones at nearly any craft store and literally stick them anywhere.  Etsy has an amazing marketplace to meet some of these traditions; try some of my favorites LaGartier garters, Bella Mia Design, and Equine Expressions.  If dainty charms and bobby pins aren't your style, you can always be brave and go bold with a blue pedicure. I've seen it done and it can be a fun addition and pop of color in your photos.

My fiancé is not helping with any wedding planning. When do I need to include him and when should I draw the line? He just seems so uninterested, what can I do? – Ashleigh, OH

Oh the ever NID, MIA groom. Not into details and missing in action. This may or may not surprise you; but I hear this a lot from my clients. Rarely have I heard a bride complain about her groom driving her crazy with his involvement. It can be so frustrating when your fiancé isn't as interested in the planning process as you are. Don't fret; where there is a will, there is a way! Don't mention how unhelpful and uninterested he is. Instead, approach the topic by telling him how important and how much it means to you, that the two of you make decisions together. Tell him you feel alone in the decision making and you want to share this special time with him. Even better, ask him what area of the planning he cares about. Perhaps the music, photography, liquors & microbrews or the honeymoon planning? Always remember he asked you to marry him, so maybe he doesn't necessarily care what color the napkins and chargers are, or the texture of the linens, but he cares about making you happy and ensuring the wedding is what you want. Sometimes grooms feel if they keep out of decisions their bride will be happier and can pick what's best without his interference. I too often hear from grooms "she knows what she wants, I know I don't have to worry about anything – she knows what's best." More often—than not; grooms are quick to point out things they don't like or things they disagree with. Start with expressing how important it is to you that he is included in the planning, then find out what part of the wedding is important to him.

Big hugs and thank you's to Ashleigh and Jasmine for their questions. Some Cassandra fancy mail is on its way to you! Please share your thoughts and any advice for these lovely brides below in the comments! Happy Thursday loves, Friday is just a day away!

For questions of your own, feel free to send me some sugar at cass@cassandradattoli.com.

Amazing photo above of that lovely couple by the oh so talented Miller + Miller.          

Vintage shoes photo by the amazing Aves Photography.

CIAO 2013

Love is worth it. If there is one thing I learned over and over again this last year is just that.

It's funny, Joe and I were just chatting about how much has changed in just a year – how much we have grown and how much we went through in order to grow. 2013 brought a lot of surprises and change – despite all of it – I'm sure glad we went through it all in order to get to this happy place we're at now.

2013 was a really great year. It wasn’t spectacular like 2012, (hello married life!) but it was great in a way that only hindsight can give you. I don’t think anyone could have prepared me for it.  It was a year of growth, change, gratitude and as the year began to close, immeasurable blessings.

So without further ado, let's walk through it as friends, hand in hand.

 January greeted us happy and motivated fresh from the Jersey Shore. We started, (unknown at the time), – a long, exhaustive and disappointing adventure of house-hunting. I started the process of legalizing my little business under my new and much loved married name. I designed a logo from scratch using inspiration from the mother/daughter hummingbird sun-catchers I found for my mom and I back in 2011 and my lovely hummingbird tattoo that I had inked on me after their divorce to remind me to be strong - as strong as these little precious creatures are. Hummingbirds are solitary and extremely fierce fighters. My hummingbird sun-catcher hangs from my rearview mirror and the way it catches the sun so beautifully just inspires me to live like a hummingbird. Not only does it remind me of her (since our relationship isn’t as close as it use to be) but it reminds me to be patient and strong. Read about my journey here.

In February, we celebrated seven years together. I surprised JD with his 14 Days of Love -14 handcrafted love cards sent to his little apartment everyday via snail mail. He surprised me with my ticket to the Making Things Happen Intensive and we celebrated with a bottle of Moscato at our favorite little Italian joint. 

 That same week I held a Valentine's Giveaway, and had more entries than I ever expected. For all those who entered thank you so much for all your support & love. Read about that here. My heart is overwhelmed by your encouragement. (Honestly, 2 entries would of surprised me!)

March rolled in and I took the craziest and longest road trip of my life. My loaded down Celica and I hit the highway full-speed to Chapel Hill, NC, to attend Making Things Happen. I left that conference room two days later with a happy heart and a head swimming of hopes, desires, aspirations, big BIG dreams and more lists than imaginable. I made lists of what fires me up, lists of what distracts me, lists of who does and does not support and encourage me and I made a very long and very scary list of my fears. I admitted in my small group that I’d rather lose a happy husband, than have a miserable one. I discovered the only person who needed to be happy about me adding florals to my services: was me. I admitted that I fear what parenthood will do to our marriage. I discovered that I’m terrified of not being happy – I fear turning 40 and feeling as if life just passed me by.

I drove home that weekend a little slower taking in the scenery with a full heart, a big to-do list, a big dream and my head held high. You can read all about my MTH Experience here.

I got my new and much adored IPhone in April and joined the wondrous world of Instagram.

I learned ever so quickly the importance of quality photos and learned what a hashtag was. I am humbled everyday by my growing followers. I love that I have made so many new friends and connected with so many talented like-minded creatives from this little world of photos. You can view my feed and see some behind the scenes snapshots of what's going on here. (Don't forget to say hi!) A big hug and a heartfelt thank you goes out to all my beautiful and encouraging followers, who inspire, support and encourage me every day. Your sweet comments, hearts and kissy faces just make my day!

I also attended a small SBA workshop for new business owners as well as a workshop for aspiring florists here in Springfield. I learned very quickly that competition and scrutiny in our area is fierce. I also learned that my love of different textures, blooms and colors is really not the "norm" around here - so I guess if you're looking for a quirky gal, that likes to combine lots of different blooms and textures, spray glitter on em and toss confetti - I'm the gal for you.

I brought home my little brother’s Pomeranian, to take care of him while he was going through some changes and that foxy ‘lil ‘pom has brought so much joy, excitement and laughter to our lives ever since. (We are hoping to permanently adopt him! Fingers crossed!)

May brought thirty to my attention faster than a speeding bullet.  I started worrying more about time ‘marchin across my face, rather than time just ‘marchin on. JD took some time off and we celebrated my birthday with kick ass tickets to see the amazing and gorgeous Carrie Underwood and dancing completely sober under the stars. I didn't wear cowboy boots but we held hands and hoped for our own "All American Girl."

 Mother’s Day came and I hosted a small and sweet styled shoot. See the pics here.

I spent the following weekend pampering my little sister for her Junior prom - it's crazy we were matched so long ago and I get to see her become a lady - lil Miss I am so proud of you and grateful everyday you came into my life.

And then just like that Cassandra Dattoli Events became legal and an official business -- I received all my licenses and legal materials. Then wham - I met several potential clients, both beauties asking me to do their florals. I decided to step into my fear – and said yes.  I hit the ground running with several clients and lots of big dreams for the rest of the year.

June and July came in and out in a blur. I decided to re-brand my little boutique business and open a shop for my handmade and love crafted items. (Coming Soon!) The more I dove into the branding process, the more I realized I wanted it all. A brand you can recognize and want to come to for inspiration and know how. The summer brought too many flowers for far too long in our kitchen.

I helped a close friend throw a bridal shower for her sweet sister with nothing short of peonies everywhere! Oh Christine I loved helping you with this amazing shower. You put your trust in me and I will forever be grateful.

JD's bestest friend came to visit for the Fourth of July and we stayed up a little too late and I heard way toooooo many Seinfield and Dave Chappel jokes in a 3 day period. (Seriously, tho..the two of them finish each other's sentences) We took a break from house hunting and made our scary first appointment with a fertility specialist.

We took a long weekend and drove out to the lake to celebrate a 45th wedding anniversary. The weather was perfect, we kept our phones in the car and vowed to make it 45 years together. Big congrats and much love Aunt Joyce and Uncle Butch—you are so giving, loving and supportive. You are what family is meant to be and inspire and encourage Joe and I every single day. We can't wait to host you in our new house!

August brought JD home for the annual IL State Fair and I spent a good portion of August prepping for my amazing Labor Day couple and helping a sweet mother organize her daughters' bridal shower. (Photos coming soon.) I tied too much burlap & stuck too many “eat, drink, & be married” stickers to mini favor bottles of wine.

JD and I had a rough go when he was sent to the south Fair for 2 weeks. Through friends, family and lots of tears I managed to let go of my fears, trust my instincts and my husband. I learned just because a person is a sworn officer and friend doesn’t make them loyal, respectful, honest or faithful to the sanctity of marriage. Rebecca:  I am so, so grateful for your friendship I wouldn’t of gotten through this without you. Miss Cheyenne, big hugs to you for being my rock, little sister. You both are such huge, huge blessings. Dad – you supported me through it all. I am so lucky to be able to call you dad and best friend at the same time. I love you.

September started with a hot and sweaty bang. I had a huge Labor Day fete (read 200+ guests) with the cutest couple who were such a joy to work with. Their day was truly a joining of new family and their unconditional love for each other reminded me of all the reasons I started my little business.

I worked the hardest I’ve ever worked and sweated more than I thought was humanly possible. I successfully saw my Labor Day couple jump the broom with big smiles in the blistering summer heat. Shannon and Ollie: I am so blessed to have been a part of your amazing day. You two were a joy to work with. Your love for each other and sense of family completely inspire me. P.S. Shannon - I still haven't told anyone the rad dance moves your dad rocked outside of the tent. Yupp! - he's still got it!  Just love you guys! (Posts are forthcoming as we are still awaiting submission permissions.)

The following weekend I had my first ever florals only wedding for a chic & rustic couple that know more about lumber and wood-grains than you could possibly imagine.

Shay & Graham: I loved being a small part of your beautiful wedding. Your personal vows still move me to this day. Thank you for your faith in me; you two are destined for greatness. Miss. Cheyenne, words cannot begin to describe the gratitude I feel for you and how blessed I am to have you as my little and as my amazing assistant. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

October greeted us with a sweet smile and we celebrated our first wedding anniversary by wandering through a huge pumpkin patch and eagerly cutting into the top tier of our wedding cake. My wedding-anniversary post and video are over here.

Tears of joy sprang, when the long awaited call came that brings JD home Spring 2014. God is so good. We resumed our house-hunting with a fury and cried happy tears when we found out we were pregnant, and cried even harder 6-weeks later when we miscarried. For all of you who have prayed and sent your encouraging love we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Then in November, JD turned another year older, another year wiser, his eyes became a little bluer and he grew ever more handsome. I watched him go to work more, we spent more time together and in the midst of the blessings we had already received, we came across a builder at an open house.

We fell in love with the floor plans, with the location and with the ever so spacious lot & layout. We signed on the dotted line & began making grown up decisions for a home we will close on in early 2014. Read about our journey here. We spent Thanksgiving just the two of us in JD’s little one bedroom apartment, with a turkey that looked burnt to hell, but tasted like sweet honey heaven.

December came with a burst of snow and ice. The MidWest was hit more than once with the "polar vortex" and Snowpocolypse was upon us. We ran too many errands for the new house. We spent way too many hours at all the home improvement stores and dare I say; I think I jumped up and down in pure uninhibited joy far, far too many times. We played in the snow, we built a pitiful snowman and we watched foxy ‘lil pom frolick like a mini deer in all the snow. And just like that it was Christmas Eve and we were rushing around trying to see our loved ones – waking up Christmas morning like little kids to our traditional cinnamon rolls and JD leaving far too soon to go on-duty. In a blink of an eye- I’m sitting in the ER barely able to breathe with a fever of 103: Bronchitis. I slept through the last days of 2013 and the first weeks of 2014.

It seems so strange to be so prepared for a New Year. I think in so many ways, JD and I have been prepping and planning for a new year, a fresh start and a whole new life for months now. We are so ready to start this New Year bright eyed and bushy tailed.

In 2014, I want to love myself a little more and if it's even possible love my husband a lot more. I want to grow my brand and my business and take Cassandra Dattoli to all new heights. I want to set great goals in every aspect of my life both personally and professionally. I want to get my feet wet and my hands dirty. I wanna put my best foot forward and throw comparison out the window.

With that lovelies – I leave you – to be your best self EVER.

2014 I am so ready to make you all mine!

From my little white space to yours: Happiest New Year! Much Love

– Cas

MAKING THINGS HAPPEN 2013

Whoa - Where to even start -

Did I ever think that I would ever in a million years share my deepest desires, secrets and fears with a total and complete stranger? Uh - no way.

But you know what? We were 6 hours into day 1 of the conference and that's exactly what I was doing. Here I am - this always pulled together, always "seemingly" smiling, happy, successful, legal mind working for the high court spilling my guts to complete strangers and the amazing Lara Casey cheering me on and making me do it again and again.

There is so much swimming in my head right now and so much on my heart. Overwhelmed? you betcha. But my ass is sure fired up!

I took the craziest road trip, all by myself, last week to Chapel Hill, NC, for the Making Things Happen Conference. I love to drive and driving through the mountains - I was ready to clear my head and pull myself together.  I drove about 700ish miles one-way in my loaded down Celica to figure out what this "craziness" in my head is and how to get it out. It was time to do the hard work on my heart and learn a few business tips on the way from the gals that know business better than anyone. MTH is about facing your fears - that you are worthy of your biggest dreams - yes - I am worthy of my biggest dreams - no matter how crazy, far-fetched or far away they may seem.

I spent two days with complete strangers - I stayed in my hotel room every night and ordered pizza so I could go over my notes and just soak it all in. That first night, I went to my hotel room and called my new husband and just sobbed. I sobbed harder than I think he has ever heard - he was speechless to everything I had to say - he couldn't believe the ideas I was throwing out, and he was overwhelmed by the big dreams I had. All he could say was "baby, I just want you to be happy."

Not only was I afraid to tell anyone my ideas and big dreams - but I was afraid to admit them to myself. How does someone who has spent a small fortune on education and half their current life in pursuit of degrees, titles and a super profession say I give it all up - to start fresh and start over? Well - friends - I didn't start over - but I did start fresh. I won't walk away from my assignment with the Court until I know I'm ready - but I did admit to myself that retiring from there is not my big dream or life-plan. I want so much more from life than a 9-5 that inspires no one and is working to fulfill someone else's dreams - while I dream on the side.

I admitted that I love flowers and I am good enough to offer them. 

I admitted that I deeply fear losing my husband to his job. Everyday he leaves and I never ever know if he is coming home - but I admitted that forcing him to leave a job that he loves would make him miserable and so so unhappy. My husband was born to be a State Trooper - being anything less than that would make him miserable. It was always his dream - from the day we met back in January 2006. If his job takes him away from me - I know he was happy and doing what he loves. Its so hard to type that - the thought brings me to tears. But keeping him from doing what he loves - is worse. As long as I am blessed with him here on Earth I will support him, stand beside and listen when he needs me too. I accept that his job is dangerous - I accept that every kiss goodbye could be the last - I no longer fear losing him. I trust him. I trust his decisions and his extensive training.

In that conference room we made lists. When I say lists, I mean lots of lists. I realized who truly supports and encourages me - but most importantly I realized who doesn't. Lists of ideas, distractions, what fires me up and so many more lists. My fears? - yupp made a list of those too and you know what? They don't scare me nor most importantly they don't hold me back. I learned to "feel the fear and do it anyway"

I admitted how afraid I am of what my friends, family and colleagues would say. You know what? I frankly don't give a dam anymore. It's been a little hectic setting boundaries, rules and a ton of hard, hard work - clocking the hours to make it happen - but I'm a Taurus - and we are as stubborn and dam determined as they come. So - if you read this and think I'm crazy - yeah  - I probably am - but that's what they said about Leonardo De Vinci, Mozart and Walt Disney. So - please- if labeling me crazy puts me in the same category as them - by all means - label away! But guess what? I'm MAKING THINGS HAPPEN!

I'm a small business owner. I own a boutique wedding-planning business that strives to help couples plan the greatest day of their lives; I want my clients to enjoy their day, and experience every single moment, every single emotion. I want to give them peace of mind so they can start their marriage on a foundation they can continuously build on. My life is too short to wake up everyday and go to a job that doesn't support my dreams. I'm saying to no to self-doubt, fear driven decisions and a big HELL NO to comparison. I'm saying yes to a love-filled life full of laughter, random happy-dances and making-out with my husband. I'm saying yes to a life full of Faith and the gifts that God has given me to use and help others with - I'm saying yes to God's amazing plan for me.

To all you lovely people that took the time to read this - I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Don't be shy - leave a comment and tell me what's on your heart. What are you saying yes to?

Here's to making things happen!

XOXO - Cas

Making Things Happen Conference photo Courtesy of the amazing Caitlin Sullivan