There is nothing that feeds my soul more than watching my little girls run along the sandy beach, the waves chasing their little feet, the squeals and giggles as the warm sunshine tickles our skin.
This Auntie… swoon!
My sweet nephew Tage, he’s grown so much since this.
I’m currently booking sessions in Southern California for this summer. Email me if you’re interested! cassmillerphoto (at) gmail (dot) com.
xoxo, C
RecommendI am excited to finally be sharing the gorgeous Killpack family with you. Cara is a sweet friend of mine and she’s also the genius behind her blog MASKCARA. She has undoubtedly made me about 20% prettier with all her makeup tips. 
I thought I was good with makeup before, but this lady works magic.
That’s not the only thing I love about this girl though. She has the sweetest soul and is so down to earth. I loved being able to photograph her with her darling little family, just naturally they way they are. She and Nick have such a great connection – you can tell they’re totally best friends. They get a kick out of their little Christian. We just chatted about parenting and religion and love and opportunity our whole session long. It was a beautiful day and they are a beautiful family. It was complete perfection.
For the last 3 weeks my family has been dealing with one virus or another. It seems my girls have had 2 viruses going on simultaneously which they keep swapping back and forth. I can’t even tell you how sick I am of sickness. Considering we are a relatively healthy family, this year has kicked our butts!
We have taken one trip to the doctor which we were told there was nothing that could be done but wait it out. So needless to say, I had to pull my own devices. Along with doing all my tricks of keeping my family healthy, we had to learn some new secret weapons for what to do after they get sick.
My girls have had this on-going cough, and as you might know, you cant give a child under about 6 cough medicine. Which is a bummer until you figure out all you need is honey. Honey has been my life saver these last few weeks. It has been the only thing that has kept my babies sleeping through the night with their coughs at bay. And then someone told me about cinnamon and honey and I decided to do a little research of my own. Mind=Blown.
Right now we’re on day 2 of the cinnamon and honey treatment and I have seen a huge improvement. I feel like we may be finally on the up and up from this thing. Along with taking away your cough in 3 days, cinnamon and honey have a whole slew of health benefits. I was so amazed I decided to post them here for my own record. (credit: gathered from several posts on pinterest)
It is found that a mix of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus.
Today’s science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:
HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.
ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain — and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.
BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder….who knew?
CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it’s delicious too!
UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.
GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.
INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals
INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ‘Ingredient’ which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.
RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.
PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.
SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.
WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour before
breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.
FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.
BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!
Pretty neat, huh? I can’t wait to try it out for some other ailments.
I hope you’re having a happy and HEALTHY Monday.
xo, C
RecommendI could have posted every single session of 2012. I had such a great year, with so many wonderful clients. My business flourished this year, and I could not feel more fortunate or blessed. I was given opportunities to push my photography beyond my limits of what I thought I was capable. I had such a great year and I’m so looking forward to 2013 and upcoming sessions. I am looking forward to pushing myself in new ways and to keep on this path I’ve had laid out for me. Here are just SOME of my highlights for 2012. These were the sessions that helped shape me as an artist this year. The milestones for both my art and my business. The photos I keep close to my heart.
Lets Get Personal | Jessica’s Maternity Session
Meet The Tooheys | New Orleans
I hope you enjoy these sessions as much as I did creating them. Thank you, thank you, thank you to ALL my clients in 2012! You have made my dreams come true. Truly!
All my love, C
Recommend2012 was a wonderful year for my family. This year was filled with so much excitement, and growth, and positivity. I hope to carry all of these things to 2013!
While I’ve been looking forward to 2013 and making lists and goals, I had to take a look back on 2012 to bid a proper farewell.
We started the year off right with a new do for me, and a trip to sunny California for New Years!
We took on the huge and extremely fun project of redecorating our house.
I somehow fell more in love with this man in 2012… and so did she.
I spent my birthday at WPPI with my new-found soul sister, Ashley.
I discovered the beauty, wonder, and fun of having a 3-year-old girl.
…. and also embraced having an almost 2 year old.
In March, my bestie Haley came for her annual visit, after which we headed for our first ever sister trip to SLC for Chel’s 30th.
Easter was filled with lots of firsts.. first horse rides, first egg dyes, and first ocean sunsets for the girls.
Yep, another trip to Cali.
We enjoyed lots of yoga and the yard in spring.
And survived on homemade donuts and snow cone runs in the summer.
In June, we celebrated 4 years of marriage in Viva Las Vegas!
We got creative with our dress-ups for the months it was too hot to play outside.
We spent more quality time together in the summer. Much of which was spent cuddling or swimming.
In July, we signed for our new house!
And celebrated with another trip to California… This time more for work.
When we got home, we settled into our new home and enjoyed our new backyard more than we knew was possible.
We celebrated this lady turning 2.
We loved on each other, chased storms and enjoyed the summer monsoons (and the friends they brought along)
And I enjoyed this view from my kitchen window while I prepared meals for our family.
At the end of August, we enjoyed ourselves an impromptu re-honeymoon in california (again) which turned out to be the best trip of my lifetime… and I met Joy Prouty which was definitely a highlight.
We enjoyed our sunday walks to church in the new neighborhood.
And some of us learned how to play the Indian Flute.
We spent most of our summer twirling in the backyard, walking to the splash park, wrestling around with our sister, and unwinding in the tubby before bed.
September marked the big annual rodeo, which is always a highlight.
And another California Adventure.
I celebrated success with booking sessions in New Orleans, visiting friends, and traveling farther than ever before.. by myself!
The blog got a new look, and to celebrate, so did I.
The highlight of my year had to have been watching this sweet sisterhood flourish right before my eyes.
I spent a wonderful few days with my best friend, during her last days of pregnancy.
And celebrated my first born turning 4!
I have been blessed beyond measure in this sweet life of mine. This year my relationship with God has gotten stronger, and as a result, my relationship with my family has as well. This was definitely one of the best years of my life and certainly the most adventurous.
Thank you for following me through this years journey. I can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store for us!
xoxo, C
RecommendMerry Christmas Eve, my dear friends! We are having a nice relaxing day at home today. We plan on having dinner tonight and baking a birthday cake for Jesus and going to our favorite round of christmas light houses. If you’re from St. George, you know we’ve got some good ones this year! I’ll be so sad when all is taken down. It’s become our favorite nightly pass time.
Anyway, I thought the perfect gift to you would be a fabulous family session. It’s been a while since I posted photo stuff. :/
A couple months ago, I hosted a giveaway on my facebook page to celebrate 500 fans. It was an exciting milestone for me and even more exciting when Ashlee and her gorgeous family won!
They live in Provo but were still happy to have a studio session while they were down vising for Thanksgiving. We had such a magical session. The Chappell’s have such a cool style, they’re so down-to-earth and they have the sweetest baby girl. They were so sweet and grateful for their session, my heart wanted to explode. I remember having just one baby girl and how sweet that time was for us, I was so happy to be able to capture that time for Ashlee and Nick.
I’ve been so excited to share this session with you!
Enjoy.
Merry day to you and yours!
xo, Cass
RecommendThe Oliversons are back with an amazing and fun session. I loved how Kristina used her birth package. Instead of doing a maternity session, she chose to do her birth, newborns and save her 3rd session for when baby KJ was a little older to do a family session. It’s been such a fun way to follow this family. (and they’re not getting rid of me now.. )
Remember last week when I talked about changing my sessions this next year to really help tell the story of your family? Along with offering home sessions, I am offering extended family sessions on a location that is significant to you to tell your story.
I loved, loved, loved what Kristina had in mind for her extended family session. Jeff is a PE teacher and coach. She wondered if I thought it would be crazy to do their family session on his school’s baseball fields. ”it’s just so us,” she explained. My heart pretty much jumped out of my chest for joy. I loved the idea and knew how significant to their family it was.
We brainstormed some ideas on how to personalize their session and used the field in both traditional and non-traditional ways. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite in this session, but I seriously loved the series of them on the bleachers with the popcorn. This family… I tell you what.
Thank you SO much, Jeff & Kristina for trying something new with me and allowing me to capture your family through this time. I can’t wait for next year!
xo, C
RecommendThis session…
I can’t even explain how much I loved this session.
Firt of all, it came to me in a day I was feeling a little burned out. I wanted to push myself in my art. I was feeling like everything was getting stagnant. Does that ever happen to you? I’ve had ideas on how I wanted to rework my art and fine tune my specialty. I just couldn’t quite put my finger on what exactly that meant.
And then Joie (who is a super talented photographer herself!) emailed me about doing a session for her family. She shared parts of her story with me that touched my heart. She wanted a session at home, with her family, exactly as they were.
And then I knew what I wanted (needed) to do.
Home sessions speak to me in a way nothing else can. They feed me, they nourish my very artistic soul. (and now I’m getting all ‘starving artist’ on you) This is how I like my family documented and it’s because I love the story of the family. I believe it’s harder to convey when everyone dresses alike and poses perfectly for an image. There’s not enough story in that to feed me the same way.
I have just finished up my year of shooting for the busy season. I’ve had a great year and I have been blessed with being booked out, but I’m very excited for next year and the projects I’m working on and the direction I’m hoping to take my art and business.
I’m hoping to tell the story of each and every one of my clients next year. Whether this means more clients or less, I’m excited for this change/redirection/fine tuning.
I’m hoping to share a lot more sessions like this one. Joie has impeccable taste. (they MADE that bed!) I loved her home and her style. There was a love in this family like I’ve never seen before. I can’t imagine better parents for that sweet boy Max and that little lady Dempsey.
Thank you to the Madison family for allowing me into your loving home and allowing me to capture such a wonderful connection. I’ll cherish this session!
xoxo, C
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I’ve got another wonderful gift idea for you today! 
Lalaland handmade creations is such a great shop! She makes beautiful hand knitted goods and handmade jewelry. She’s got so much cool stuff. Be sure to check her out HERE. and on twitter: @lalachristine
When my cowls arrived (in a beautiful package, might I add!) I was shocked by how high-quality they were. They are absolutely gorgeous. This would be a perfect and thoughtful gift for pretty much any woman in your life.
Or yourself. My two lalaland chunky knit cowls are going to be my new besties this winter.
I love having cute winter attire! It makes me feel so fancy when the rest of the world is feeling so drab.
Also, it’s the perfect pair to a peacoat at preschool drop-off. I don’t know why a cute scarf over a coat tells everyone you look super fabulous, but it does! – I’m not going to question the magic – Pair it with some oversized sunnies to cover your yesterdays make-up on your face and you’ve got yourself a perfect pair. (Thank me later.)
mustard cowl: lalaland | black blazer: steve madden
striped skirt: old navy | shoes: xoxo (Ross)
photo credit: Speak Now Photography
Today I’m jet setting with my lover to visit my best gal. I can’t wait! (all emails will be returned monday when I get back)
xo, C
RecommendHere are some things that are making me happy this week…
2. Weekend projects.
We’re not quite done with everything (hence the empty frames) but I love me a fresh project! Can’t wait to share this little sussy soon. 
3. Christmas decor is going up!
We’re a bit late considering the above project took up our weekend, but we’re getting our Christmas stuff out and we’re feelin’ the holiday cheer! (The ladies wont leave poor baby Jesus alone…)
Things that are NOT making me happy this week?
Doctors offices.
My poor little Harlo has another UTI. Breaks my mama heart. She has really never been sick other than these pesky infections. She was so brave at the doctor yesterday though (I’d like to thank Doc McStuffins for that one) ….Speaking of Doc McStuffins.. our doctor had never heard of it, I thought that was so strange. Have you? Cutest little show. My girls love it right now.
Harlo came home with a prescription and little Stelly came home with a snuffly nose. 
We’ll be lathering up in our DoTerra oils and staying in this morning… watching Doc McStuffins if you need us.
(and prayers for my Harlo lady, if you will! The doctor wants to send her in for further testing to see why she continues to get these infections. I’m super stressed about it and could use some prayers too!)
Aside from a few sicknesses and being buried in editing.. we’re making in through this week happily!
Tis the season!
xo, C
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I am so excited to have the very talented isobel from holdenonbaby over here today. She is one of the most stylish mamas I know and has mastered the art of dressing little boys. Today she’s sharing her best mama styling tips with us. :) I’m giving some mom photographer tips over on her blog today so be sure to head over and check it out!
And now, meet Isobel:
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Hello Cassidy Miller Photography readers!! My name is Isobel and I am so excited for the opportunity to share with you today! I am the voice behind holdenonbaby, a lifestyle and style blog that follows my life as a first time mama to my 14-month old son Holden and our style choices along the way. On the blog I share musings about parenthood and real-life style inspiration for fashion-forward families. I also do website design (I was lucky enough to redesign Casiddy’s site) on the side so if you are ever looking to revamp your website or blog, I’d love to work with you!
As a mama to a constantly-moving-leaves-a-tornado-of-destruction-in-his-wake-little-wild-child, I know how hard it is to find the time to put yourself together and get out of the house looking the way you want. So today, I wanted to share a few of my quick and easy style tips for sprucing up a mama’s wardrobe.
1. maxi skirts and dresses. I don’t always feel like putting on a dress, but maxi dresses are so comfortable that you kind of feel like you are in sweats or a nightgown the entire time you are wearing them. They are my go-to outfit because despite the fact that , you automatically look dressed up and like you put some effort into your outfit. There are so many ways to style them (wear a t-shirt or sweater over top, knot them at the bottom and wear them with boots, etc.) and the great thing about them is you can wear them in both summer and winter depending on what you pair with it.
2. red lips. So you may be thinking that you can’t pull off red lipstick, but I have a little secret for you….this Revlon shade looks good on everyone! I never thought I could wear red lipstick until I found this shade. Just trust me and go out and buy it.
3. no heat curls. I swear once you try these, you will never use a curling iron again. You can leave the house in sweats, no make-up, and your no-heat-curled-hair and people will tell you that you look like a million bucks.
4. low-heeled ankle boots. I bought these from Target last year and they are one of my favorite purchases to date. They are so comfortable that I can easily run around after the little man in them and the fact that they have just a tiny bit of heel makes me appear dressed up.
And sprucing up your wardrobe is as easy as that!
RecommendI loved photographing the Rogers Family. Stacie is the owner of my Harlo’s preschool and she’s so sweet and funny and full of life. They’re such a relaxed couple and their shoot was a breeze. They’ve got the most handsome boys and they were up for whatever.
Stacie liked the idea of doing part of her session in my studio and part at their favorite family duck pond. We got a little more than we bargained for with the ducks (see below) but we had a blast. I loved that we could incorporate two different feels to each location. I love that we got the snuggly, intimate setting with the studio, but the fun loving, more funky look with the other location.
I can’t wait to get these handsome fellas in front of my camera again.
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Megan is another dear friend of mine who met up with us in New Orleans for her family session. I am so glad the Toohey’s made the 4 hour trip out, it would just not have been the same without them.
I know I’ve mentioned how fun our trip was, but I just can’t even begin to explain how much fun it was and how much it meant to me. In this day and age, we have so many different opportunities to meet people. Megan and I, along with a few other amazing ladies have truly been modern day pen pals. We have been able to share our lives with each other online and that gift has been absolutely priceless to me. These girls have been my saving grace over the years. We all know each other so deeply, we’ve laughed together and cried together, we’ve been there for each other on levels that would be impossible for any other type of friend. To have a sort of backwards relationship in that we know each other so well and had never met in person until this trip, it was so fun to see these girls in person. To be able to laugh together at nights after the kids were in bed and be able to squish on those sweet babies… it was almost surreal.
This family is especially close to my heart because they have two girls, just like us. One born in December and the other in August, just like us. It was so fun to watch their family in all the similarities they had to ours. Megan and Andrew have the sweetest story. They are high school sweethearts, they met at their christian high school and have sang together on their church’s worship team for years. They have two of the cutest little girls I’ve ever seen and are full of all the southern hospitality (and southern drawls) you could ever imagine. I’m not even kidding, I wanted to record Ansley’s little voice with her little southern accent so I could hear it when I went back home. Melted my heart!
I had never been to New Olreans before this trip and I could have never believed what a dream it was to photograph. The colors, the texture, the architecture. Oh my goodness grace, I was in HEAVEN! In planning, Megan knew she wanted a family session in the city and I was totally up for it. When I actually got there to see the city… I almost peed my pants. The city mixed with the beautiful Toohey family was almost too much for me to handle. It was purely magical. I’ve been so excited to share this session….
Gorgeous city and gorgeous family. I can’t wait to go back!
xo, C
RecommendWhere to even begin with this family?
I love them more than words can say. Jessica is one of my sweetest friends in the whole world. We met online 4 years ago, you can read about that here.
This was the first time we had met in person and I was coming out to photograph their family and stay at their house for the weekend. ha! I fell even more in love with them and their sweet family connection while I was there. I loved every second of my trip.
Jessica and Jose are high school sweethearts, they have two boys, Julien and Jordan. They’re both from New Orleans and have made a super sweet little life for themselves there. Jose works hard as a police officer and Jessica works in insurance and they spend all their free time together as a family taking in all New Orleans has to offer. This family LOVES more than I’ve ever seen. Their boys were the best of friends, and so are Jessica and Jose. Even though they’ve been together for over 10 years, you would think they just started dating based on the amount of giggling they do together. Both Jessica and Jose are so loving with their boys. I learned so much about parenting and marriage from just being there over the weekend. I love how they communicate together as a family, I love how affectionate they are, I just love how their family comes first above anything else.
When we started planning for our session, Jessica knew she wanted a home session and I was so glad. My first night there as I was eating dinner and catching up, asking them about their session details. The boys were playing together on the floor, creating sound effects and car crashes a plenty and Jessica said, “This is exactly us. There’s usually toys strewn all over the place and we all just.. play.” I knew we were going to have the most perfect session.
And we did.
If you would like to book a home session with me, I am available for travel nation wide. Email me for more information, cassmillerphoto {at} gmail {dot} com
xo, C
RecommendI photographed the Strate family last year and I was so stoked when Adriana contacted me again to do their family pictures. Have I mentioned how much I love returning clients? It’s always so nice to see them again, see how their kids have grown, and not to mention it’s pretty much the best compliment you could ever give a photographer. It’s been so much fun catching up with my clients from last year!
We wanted a fun and relaxed session for the Strate’s. Last year we enjoyed their beautiful neighborhood vineyard and this year we headed to the beach! It was such a fun session. I especially love the last shots of Gavin kicking around the soccer ball and just watching them play together as a family. Totally filled my photographer heart.
I love this family and cannot wait for next year!
xo, C
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