Cassie Bustamante

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2017: Spend Less, Do More

January 2, 2017 by Cassie 55 Comments

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Happy 2017!!!!  17 is my lucky number, so I just know this is going to be an amazing year!!!  Emmy was born at 11:17 on 1/17/7, and Sawyer and I share 8/9 as a birthday, and 8+9=17; so many signs pointing to 17 being my number, right?  It’s going to be a great year!  But here’s the thing with a new year, and goals and aspirations.  It’s just lovely to sit and dream-up all the plans for a better you, a better life. When you get down to it though, you really have to DO something about it.  2017 isn’t going to be great because it’s my lucky number; it’s going to be great because I am going to make it that way.  The past month or so, I’ve really been digging deep, reflecting on my life and looking forward to the future and where I would like my life to go.  Of course, I’ve come up with lots of goals to eat healthier and live a healthier lifestyle, be a better parent, but my major goal this year, and my guiding light is this mantra for 2017: Spend Less, Do More.Spend Less Do MorePin(I should add, I had NO idea there was a book out there by this title when I came up with this plan, so it’s in no way affiliated and I have never read that book.)

Brace yourselves…. this is a long winded post!  Grab your coffee, put up your feet.

I am not and have never been good with money.  There.  I said it… So this year, I plan to take more control of budgeting, which is absolutely NO fun to talk about.  Rather than discus actual budgetary plans, I want to talk about how I came to this decision, and what it means for this blog; because after all, that’s truly all you need to know and what will ultimately affect you as my reader.  I don’t plan on just cutting my own costs and that being that.  You come to this blog, most likely, because you want to know how you can create a personal, comfortable, and stylish home with DIY projects, thrifty finds, and a tight budget.  You don’t come here to see a home that’s well put together but completely unattainable financially. (And if you do, you might be in the wrong place!) I want to take you along on my journey of spending less and promote it as an approachable, real, and happy lifestyle.

Now’s where things are going to get a little uncomfortable for us. So many times as bloggers and instagrammers, we spend money to show you products and style a beautiful home.  I’ve heard of so many who have actually purchased things just to style them in their homes and then return them the very next day.  I have never done that, and it does not sit well with me at all.  And lately, I just feel so tired of the commercialism that blogging has become….. buy this, buy that, and your home will look like mine and you’ll be happy!  And do you know what happens…. someone might buy something and yes, they might love it, but it is not going to make them happy.  Happiness doesn’t come from things or from money; a feeling of contentment with one’s home doesn’t come from a new pillow, or a set of curtains.  True happiness with self and home comes from a feeling within.  And when I am ready to pass on one day in the very distant future , I don’t want to look back on my life and say, “I set up a lovely home, but I didn’t truly live.” Because when I am on that death bed, it won’t be the things I’ve purchased or had that will count.  The things that will matter are the memories I’ve created, and the love I gave.

With those feelings and thoughts in mind, I am moving forward still as a home/DIY/lifestyle blog.  I have always tried to be selective when working with companies and will continue to do so, making sure that they fit my style and philosophy.  I enjoy supporting artists and independently owned companies; I love shopping at thrift shops, and independently owned vintage shops.  I still plan to promote and support those doers, hustlers, and makers, and those unique products that are special in some way.  After all, I have been one of those makers and hustlers, and I know the work and time that goes into it.  However, when restyling a space for a season, I plan to (EEK I am scared to even say this, because I’ve become an addict!) stop shopping Amazon, Target, and other larger retailers. I am not canceling my Amazon prime membership though because I love to shop there for birthday gifts for the kids and their friends as well as household needs and kids’ needs like shoes, concert attire, etc.. But when it comes to the frivolous extras, I am not going to buy pillows just because they are a great deal and will look great on my sofa this season.  Instead I am going to try to use what I have to style a space, and potentially DIY much more than  I have in the past year.* Don’t worry…. spending less doesn’t mean things won’t change around here!  (I’ve got some changes lined up that I’ll be sharing soon… things that are either on a tight budget, or support these companies.)  Spending less means spending less money on things we don’t need and that don’t enhance our relationships.

Now we get to the fun part…. DO MORE!

More DIY and craftiness happening…. Last year was so busy at work, and when I finally sold the store in October, I didn’t have the desire to DIY much. I just wanted to breathe and be, and spend time with my family. The kids head back to school tomorrow and I am ready to start tackling some projects.  I don’t ever make any house goals, so I can’t tell you what those projects might be…. But I’ve got so many that need to be done!  I miss creating in my own home like I have in past years.  I’ve got an empty space in Emmy’s old room that needs a purpose, so that’s definitely on my to do list this year, quite possibly as part of the One Room Challenge.Bohemian Aqua Girls RoomPin

Emmy’s new room as part of 2016’s Fall ORC

I’m also hoping to share more furniture projects with you this year.  Without a shop or place to sell anymore, the need isn’t there, but I’ll drum some up for you.  I read the answers you provided in the survey, and I know you miss it! I truly enjoy creating new looks for pieces when I am not rushing just to get something done for the shop!Pin

How to create the Restoration Hardware look for less

And I might be crazy, but I am considering repainting my kitchen cabinets… who knows!

More community involvement: I loved decorating a tree for a local shelter and hope to keep working with local bloggers to do more DIY/design activities for good causes.

More family activities and outings: We’ve actually done a great job of this since I sold the store, and we plan to continue heading to new places and getting out more as a family.  This summer we’re planning a road trip to see Mt. Rushmore, visit Chicago, and see some other fun places along the way.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post… I know it was wordy!  And thank you for kicking off the new year with me.  I just know that 2017 is going to be full of happiness, wellness, DIY, and great adventure.  Cheers to all of it and then some, my friends!

*Now, here’s the big gray area that’s uncomfortable…. I do still plan on using affiliate links for the products that are in my home. Often you want to know where I found something, and that’s a service I can provide in giving you the links to find it or something similar.  And to be 100% honest, blogging is my only job at the moment and I do need to make money in order to keep it running and keep doing projects.  These changes just mean I will be bringing less new items into the home that don’t suit a need.  I appreciate your support and understanding!

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Comments

  1. Rachael says

    January 2, 2017 at 6:03 am

    Great post. It and your goals for 2017 resonate with me so much. Will look forward to following your progress ?

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2017 at 10:02 am

      thank you so much, rachael! i appreciate the support… i am gonna need it! 😉

      Reply
  2. Maggie @ Maggie Overby Studios says

    January 2, 2017 at 6:51 am

    Sounds like a good plan Cassie! One of our goals is to eat out less that will be good for our pocket books as well as our waistlines but I guess the spending less part is going to be a little hard since we are moving. I’ve got the budget shopping down so that will help but I do admit to buying things I don’t NEED becasue they are a deal. I am definately beginning to have the feeling I need to pair down though. Maybe in 2017 I can get that balance.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2017 at 10:02 am

      we don’t eat out much at all, but i tend to shop too much. 😉 but it’s such a good deal! i need to stop that!

      Reply
  3. Brynne | The Gathered Home says

    January 2, 2017 at 9:56 am

    Great post, Cassie! I love your heart behind this and I feel the same way about needing to focus more on what really matters! I’m excited that you will have more time/energy for DIY this year – looking forward to seeing what you tackle!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2017 at 10:01 am

      thanks, brynne! i am excited to move forward with this in mind always! i honestly think i will be so much more creative!

      Reply
  4. Emy says

    January 2, 2017 at 10:18 am

    I loved this post so much. I love the low cost DIY makeovers the most and they seem to do well. One of the most creative times in my life was when I had a very small budget and very limited access to stores. I can’t wait to see what kinds of fun stuff you do.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 2, 2017 at 10:28 am

      thank you so much, emy! i am excited about the year ahead and so agree about creativity!

      Reply
  5. [email protected] says

    January 2, 2017 at 10:43 am

    Great post Cassie! I know that you will still deliver in the creativity department, even with spending less. I think that will force the creativity to shine, if nothing else, right? And the older I get, the more I value the experiences in life vs. the things. I’m thinking of painting my laundry room cabinets this year (in addition to who knows how many other kitchen jobs) – so we’ll be in that one together. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:58 pm

      i totally agree- it’s about the experience completely!

      Reply
  6. Anita says

    January 2, 2017 at 10:55 am

    Awesome, awesome Cassie:-) I am a big believer in spending less being a big creativity booster. For me, I never get the companies trying to work with me anyway, so the one or two I do work with are ones I really love, and small business oriented. You are so super creative anyway, I just can’t wait to see what you are up too:-)

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:54 pm

      thank you so much for your friendship and encouragement! you and i are so on the same page i think!

      Reply
  7. Jessica | Petal + Ply says

    January 2, 2017 at 11:24 am

    🙂 Sounds like a great plan Cassie! I can totally relate.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      thank you, jessica! i am really happy about it!

      Reply
  8. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    January 2, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    Awesome post, Cassie! We all go through seasons of what we can and can’t do, what we’re willing/unwilling to accept and life is all about adjusting. I wish you well with your realignment and look forward to seeing what you’re up to in the new year!!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:49 pm

      yes we do! thank you so much, heidi- i am anxious to get this year going! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Jessica says

    January 2, 2017 at 12:57 pm

    Love this! I’m cutting back on the spending and finishing unfinished projects.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:49 pm

      woohoo!!!! let’s do it!

      Reply
  10. Tania says

    January 2, 2017 at 1:26 pm

    Yay, this is such a great post Cassie! Good luck to you, I know you’ll do great! When you see something online that you really want just see if you can recreate it or something similar on your own first!!

    I’m looking forward to more DIY posts from you!

    Tania

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:48 pm

      thank you, tania! i am really excited to get this year going… as soon as emmy is back in school! 😉

      Reply
  11. Jennifer Griffin says

    January 2, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    You’ve done lots of thinking, girl! Excited about your new direction, and Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:46 pm

      thank you, jennifer! i am really excited about it as well!

      Reply
  12. Jess says

    January 2, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    I love this post! It resonates so much with me. It’s so hard to not pick up the latest Nate Berkus item at Target though…. I really don’t have space for more though and love the idea of a minimalist mentality. I’d love to be able to live in a tiny house some day and not be bogged down by stuff.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:45 pm

      thank you so much, jess! i would, too, if i can talk chris into it one day! 🙂 i don’t go to target so that i can avoid that stuff, but i look online and that kills me. and when i do go to target well then trouble! i need to stop looking around and look within.

      Reply
  13. Ellen Shook says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:32 pm

    You have come to the same realization that a lot of us older bloggers did quite a while ago. Buying things just to have something to blog about is just plain dumb and doesn’t make anyone happy. Trust me, the readers will forget about it in 24 hours or less and be on to the next big thing, and they won’t even remember your name.

    I stopped connecting to all those links parties and trying to post every day just to keep my readers a long time ago. They either like me or they don’t, and that’s OK.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:44 pm

      yeah, i don’t do many of the link parties either and agree! and honestly these days i think a majority of readers are non-bloggers!

      Reply
  14. Renee says

    January 2, 2017 at 3:48 pm

    Happy New Year Cassie! Good plan. I am in the process of looking for a new kitchen table and won’t go to a big box store. Looking for second hand so it requires patience, but the reward is all that much greater once you find it!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:42 pm

      good luck! i know you can do it!

      Reply
  15. Norma | The House that Will says

    January 2, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    Cassie, I love this! I much prefer to see homes that are *created* rather than just purchased. I already admire your ability to use interesting and unusual items to create a style that is uniquely you, and I’m excited to see all the wonderful projects that will come from your new resolution. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:39 pm

      thank you so much, norma! i appreciate that and am excited about the year ahead.

      Reply
  16. Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living says

    January 2, 2017 at 8:59 pm

    Excited to see all that you accomplish this year! I know it will be great.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      thank you so much, stephanie! i hope so!

      Reply
  17. Linda B. says

    January 2, 2017 at 9:09 pm

    I read somewhere online, (I think it was Oprah’s site) and I quote:
    “A woman is most powerful when she closes her wallet”.
    Since reading this, I try, really try, to adhere to this. I realize I do not need what I thought I needed. I brought some clothes to Salvation Army and really good garments to a consignment shop. Amazingly, I don’t miss them! When I shop, I happily congratulate myself, that I pass by items I would have previously bee-lined to. Thank you for your post. It reinforces my resolve.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:36 pm

      i love that quote! thank you SO much for sharing. and i love your entire comment, too! it’s going to be a great year.

      Reply
  18. [email protected] says

    January 2, 2017 at 9:36 pm

    I wanted a quiet moment to read your post. This time not with a cup of coffee but with a glass of wine.
    You know that I feel the same about the entire thing and I also know it won’t be easy because of the pressure to keep up with the blogging world.
    It’s a fantastic approach and idea though and I also can’t wait to see you redo some more furniture pieces again. You are just so good at it.
    I know 2017 will be YOUR year. No doubt about that.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:34 pm

      it will be YOURs, too! it’s going to be a great year and i really am going to try to tune everything out and focus on my home and self (not in a selfish way- i think you know what i mean!) love you and so grateful for your support.

      Reply
  19. Karen Peterson says

    January 2, 2017 at 11:08 pm

    Yay Cassie! I agree with your philosophy 100% and I’m looking forward to what 2017 will bring on both of our homefronts.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      i am really looking forward to this mantra being my guiding light, pushing me to think more creatively. thanks, karen! it’s going to be a great year for us!

      Reply
  20. Amy says

    January 3, 2017 at 3:56 pm

    This resonates with me so much! I am there with you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shopped my own house to make my décor “work” so I would not have to purchase something. It really gets expensive. It is actually pretty fun figuring it out on your own anyway. Great job!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:20 pm

      it’s going to be much more fun and creative this way! and i’ve gotten away from that ideology but it’s really what i am about.

      Reply
  21. Lisa | Shine Your Light says

    January 4, 2017 at 9:17 am

    That all sounds wonderful and right up my alley. Can’t wait to follow along and see what transpires over here in the new year!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:16 pm

      i am really excited about it! i don’t know what will come my way but i am keeping my options open!

      Reply
  22. [email protected] says

    January 4, 2017 at 1:52 pm

    Cassie – I’m cheering you on with all of this! Echoing some of the things that have been on my heart lately too.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 4, 2017 at 2:11 pm

      it’s going to be my guiding light this year… i think it will make my home more creative and make me a better person.

      Reply
  23. Jennefer Elie says

    January 4, 2017 at 9:15 pm

    We share a birthday! I am not sure of your year, but I am 8/9/76, which I have always thought was the greatest birthday date EVER! It is good to hear you are making goals but also not sacrificing your style in the process. I also have a small Prime addiction, so I feel your pain! Together we can all support each other in doing more, and spending less! Good luck!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 5, 2017 at 8:59 am

      oh that’s awesome!!!! well happy belated 40th to you!!!!! i am 1978, so just a couple years behind you. and my brother is 8/3/76. 🙂 i am going to break the prime addiction! i also have spend the last few days unsubscribing to every salesy email that comes my way minus the ones i actually could use for gifts or coupons. i even unsubscribed from west elm and anthropologie… sniff sniff. but i am going to do it! not that i ever shopped there much anyhow, but just trying to avoid the temptation.

      Reply
  24. Kim says

    January 4, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    You go girl – sounds like you have great goals to make this year better than ever! I’m looking forward to following along!

    And, CHICAGO – let me know when you are coming through – maybe Michelle and I can meet up with you guys!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 5, 2017 at 8:56 am

      i will certainly let you know!!!! it will be in july but we haven’t planned any details yet.

      Reply
  25. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    January 5, 2017 at 8:19 am

    You know I agree with you 100%. You have such a talent for pulling together a gorgeous home all on your own, you don’t need the latest and greatest to make it beautiful. Here’s to 2017!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 5, 2017 at 8:51 am

      thank you so much, shelley! i am really excited about challenging myself in this way. i’ve also promised myself instead of a one in one out rule, i am going to implement one in two out. that will not include gifts, or the kids things, but for me and general house. i think it will help me decide if i really want something, knowing that if i choose it i have to get rid of two things.

      Reply
  26. [email protected] says

    January 5, 2017 at 9:01 am

    Great plan! Hey, we’re going to Mt. Rushmore this summer, too–maybe we’ll run into you ;)–when will you be there?. And as far as affiliate links, I really think they’re pretty much the least intrusive way to make money on a blog; they can actually be helpful, they’re easy to use (and easy to ignore for people who aren’t interested)….as both a reader and a blogger, they’re my favorite form of blog advertising :). Oh! Bison tapestry….I never answered you about it….you should let it go to someone else, because I still have no idea what I’m going to do in my dining room, so I don’t know if I’d be able to use it or not….

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 5, 2017 at 9:11 am

      we’ll be there in july! not sure of dates yet. and no worries on the tapestry- i just wanted to offer it to you first! i need to measure it, take photos of tons of things, measure, etc, and start a flash sale account. i think that might be best!

      Reply
  27. Haley says

    January 18, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    I can’t wait to see what your 2017 goals bring.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      January 19, 2017 at 6:58 pm

      you and me both!

      Reply

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  1. Book Report: After You - Cassie Bustamante says:
    January 9, 2017 at 7:33 am

    […] sick.  We thought she was on the mend, so she and I took a trip to the library.  In my effort to spend less this year, I’ve decided to reconnect with my local library.  We perused the shelves, and I picked up a […]

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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