Cassie Bustamante

living an ordinary life extraordinarily

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Blog Pondering: Reflection, Changes, and a Bonus Laugh at Me

August 15, 2016 by Cassie 83 Comments

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Hi guys!  Did you miss me last week?  Don’t answer that… I had a crazy whirlwind week including a trip to Knoxville, Atlanta and a celebration of Sawyer’s 11th birthday as well as my 38th, but who’s counting?  Ok, so obviously I am, so maybe I should have said, “but who’s denying?” During my time in Atlanta, I attended the Haven conference for the third time.  It’s always refreshing to hang out with my blog friends, put real life faces to blogs I love, and learn some new skills as well.  The best parts of these events for me are always the small group conversations I have with my colleagues, these people who truly “get it;” several of us have continued the conversations after leaving, which has lead me to some serious blog pondering.  Basically, you guys, I’ve been digging deep and thinking about my direction.  I’ve been not only looking forward to where I’m going, but I’ve looked back to see how far I’ve come.go your own wayPin

Go Your Own Way Dresser Tutorial

Yesterday a group of us decided for kicks to share our old posts with each other.  I’ve been officially blogging for over 7 years and in the beginning I had no idea what I was doing.  My photos were terrible, I used my camera flash religiously, and I didn’t even think about styling photos.  I keep these posts and photos live on my blog because to the reader thinking about starting a blog, it shows that anyone can do it, and anyone can learn, improve, and grow.  Just like life, blogging is a  journey full of constant inspiration and education.  And let me just also take a moment to let you know that I was a pioneer in the “people in room” photos that have made a sudden surge.  I mean, in 2009, I was already doing it.  Just to prove it to you, here is a great example… sawyer's room 2009Pin

Sawyer’s Room 2009

And then there was the “place the shoes casually next to the bed” movement.  I was part of that, too. Pi. O. Neer, my friends.master bedroom 2009Pin

Master Bedroom Circa 2009

Should we even mention that the shoes placed next to the bed casually are freaking sneakers?!?!  Not even cute shoes.  What on earth?  And please note the overhead light turned on, the low hanging curtain rod, the blinds pulled so no natural light ruins my bedroom lighting and flash combo.  There are a million things wrong here… You could print this photo out, put it in Highlights magazine, and circle all the “what’s wrong in this picture” items.Lamps Plus Ceiling Fan in Modern Boho Master BedroomPin

And just because I can’t leave you with poorly shot and designed spaces, here’s my current master bedroom.  I still have so much I can improve on, but now you can truly see how far I’ve come.

My point in sharing them today is that I have grown, changed, improved with age.  And I figured that we may as well all get a good laugh at my expense.  I mean, I remember posting these and being so proud of my spaces and photos.  Even though I know so much more now, and my style has changed, these photos still make me proud because they were the start of something really special for me.  My romance with design and DIY was just beginning and I was discovering new ways to express my creativity every day.

Now here we are 7.5 years after that first time I nervously pressed publish.  Some of you have been here from the very beginning, and I love the relationships we’ve formed.  (Hi, Allison!)  It’s been a fun ride together, hasn’t it?

Gosh, I sound like I am quitting, don’t I?  Well, put away the tissues party hats- I am not going anywhere.  Over the course of the last few years things in the blogging industry have changed so much and I haven’t done my best to change with them.  I’ve been stuck in my ways, comfortable with what I know.  Many times, I’ve talked to friends and said, “I think this time I am really quitting. I am not finding the joy in it anymore. I’m not happy with my blog. I’m not inspired to write anything. I want more time with my kids.”  All of those seem like great reasons, but the truth is that I just can’t quit you. I love writing and I love connecting with you. So it’s time for me to make some changes that I’ve been contemplating.

Over the course of time, I’ve been slowly switching gears.  My life has been changing and with that so has my content.  These days I have less time and drive for furniture makeovers. I still love design and I always will (though my style has changed- it clearly needed to!), but I also love the life that I am living.    I believe in following your heart and dreams, and I believe in the hard work and dedication that takes.  I share with you the highs and the lows of owning a shop, raising chickens, as well as creating a happy home.sweet clover officePinSo with all of this in mind, I plan to change some things around here within the next month or so.  I’ve purchased a new domain name, cassiebustamante.com, and the blog will simply be renamed Cassie Bustamante.  My life will continue to change and evolve and blog topics may shift, but the thing that remains the same is my name, assuming that Chris doesn’t tire of me.  My current tag line has been really special to me: life, paint and the pursuit of happiness.  But these days, I don’t paint as often as I used to and I wanted to broaden it.  I want to convey that we are average people, working hard and on a tight budget, but that we are striving to truly get the most we can out of this one life we have.  I want to inspire people to live their lives fully, and always make the best of it, no matter what their circumstances.  So my new tagline will read….

living an ordinary life extraordinarily

I am grateful for everything I’ve learned over the last 7.5 years, and am excited to continue to learn and grow.  I hope you will continue to follow along!

PS- I was honored to be featured at Ciburbanity yesterday for Charlotte’s Sunday Seven series, which was a fun interview that contributed to my post today.

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Comments

  1. Paula says

    August 15, 2016 at 5:26 am

    Looking forward to your new blog and to see what you share!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:04 am

      thank you, paula! me, too!

      Reply
  2. DEbbie says

    August 15, 2016 at 7:54 am

    Congratulations girl! I don’t always comment, but I follow 😉 Here’s to another 7, I mean 70 years on your new blog!
    XO
    Debbie

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:03 am

      thank you, debbie! i appreciate it…. i am really excited about finally making some official changes i have wanted to!

      Reply
  3. Anita says

    August 15, 2016 at 7:55 am

    I love what you do and your originality is what drew me here and what inspires me:-) I started blogging around the time you did, and my photos — goodness, I have thought so many times I should delete them *all* but what a good point that they are a reminder and encouragement to others. I am totally intrigued with the blog name change, and had never even thought about that, but I love it and can’t wait to see how things evolve for you.

    I do love your master bedroom — that screen is so fabulous too:-)

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:02 am

      anita, i felt the same when i went to your blog- originality and authenticity and i loved your creative spirit which shone through. and yes, keep them up! embarrassing as they are, it’s a point of reference to encourage our readers.

      Reply
  4. Bliss says

    August 15, 2016 at 8:02 am

    What? I just can’t believe that the domain cassiebustamante.com wasn’t taken! I do like Primitive and Proper, however just like Bliss Ranch it does conjure up some questionable images.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:05 am

      HAHA! bliss ranch… i never thought about what it conjured up because to me it was always you. but now that i think about it….

      Reply
  5. Kimm at Reinvented says

    August 15, 2016 at 8:10 am

    Love the new tag line and can’t wait to follow you in new directions! I recently shifted a little also, and while it’s kind of terrifying, ;), I’ve found myself inspired in so many ways. Hugs to you my friend!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:29 am

      thank you so much, kimm! it really feels good to make changes that weigh on our minds, doesn’t it? it allows us to move forward freely!

      Reply
  6. [email protected] says

    August 15, 2016 at 8:23 am

    So excited for you Cassie!! You’re an inspiration, friend! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:28 am

      thank you so much, ashley! 🙂 i am really excited about making these much needed changes!

      Reply
  7. [email protected] says

    August 15, 2016 at 8:23 am

    Great post Cassie! I’m glad you’re sticking with blogging, and I love your new tag line. I look forward to following you through to your next chapter!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:27 am

      thank you, jenny! i am excited about it!

      Reply
  8. Jessica | Petal + Ply says

    August 15, 2016 at 8:28 am

    Pi-O-Neer…haha love it! Congrats on the new name and going with the direction you feel called.

    Once the kids are back in school (next week…ahh) we should start getting together to talk design, blogs, and life.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:30 am

      that would be great! i would love it! and glad you enjoyed the post. 😉 i really had no idea what i was even going to write about when i got back to the blog this week but i was inspired after chatting with friends about our first posts and where we started. oh there are some real gems out there!

      Reply
  9. Lisa | Shine Your Light says

    August 15, 2016 at 8:40 am

    Cheers to what’s ahead on “Cassie Bustamante”!!!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 9:09 am

      thank you, lisa!

      Reply
  10. Krista says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:05 am

    Love that new tag line; it resonates with me so much! I’ve been talking to my kids a lot lately (you can credit the Olympics) about charting a course for greatness in whatever they chose and making big dreams a reality. Truth be told, I wouldn’t give up my family life or public service career to be a pro athlete, because that’s not my dream. My dream is to cultivate the best life I can for my family and I, without changing the big things. Your words are right from my heart – an extraordinary, ordinary life! It’s perfect on so many levels and I can’t wait to read about it!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 9:09 am

      i am so excited about the changes, and so excited for us to just live our lives to the fullest and teach our kids to do the same. cheers to what’s ahead!

      Reply
  11. Roeshel says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:06 am

    It was so good to see you at Haven! I’ve had nearly identical thoughts (and purchased my name/domain name a few years ago). My life revolves around so much more than DIY after 9 years. But making the decision to step outside of that comfort zone is so hard. Hurray for you, Cassie! You’re doing it! I’m so happy for you!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 9:08 am

      it is a tough decision and i am sure i will lose some followers and readers in the process, but i need to do what is best for me. and i hope that although i will lose some, i will gain more who truly connect with me. 🙂 it was great to see you, too!!

      Reply
  12. [email protected] says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:11 am

    Exciting! Looking forward as always to seeing where you go from here 🙂 And to your new blog’s regular feature of photos from 2009 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 9:12 am

      OMG i don’t think i can make that a regular thing. my blog is already dying a slow death- that may speed the process!

      Reply
  13. Amber says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:13 am

    I love this so much. You always put words behind so many of our thoughts and I am beyond grateful for your presence in this blog world. As the best commenter I know, I would be heartbroken without you! You always remain true to who you are and who God created you to be and that is such a blessing to so many!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 1:59 pm

      thank you so much, amber! i appreciate that comment so much. XOXO

      Reply
  14. kelly @ view along the way says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:41 am

    I love it! You’re not very proper anyway, so it makes perfect sense. Also the tennis shoes next to the bed were my favorite. 🙂 It actually kinda fits you styling-wise – you wake up and go straight from bed to running, right? Legit! So excited to see the next chapter. You are not allowed to quit blogging though. Just to be clear. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 1:58 pm

      i am hoping asics or maybe saucony will want to sponsor me if i do more posts with casually placed running shoes. no? haha!

      Reply
  15. Haley says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:50 am

    yay, can’t wait to see the new changes! Also, thanks for sharing your old pics… that’s pretty much what my pictures look like now :\

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      oh man… my photos were terrible! but all it takes is time, practice, and a willingness to learn, right?

      Reply
  16. [email protected] says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:51 am

    yay! Love this new outlook!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      thank you, ashley!

      Reply
  17. Kimberly Duran says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:52 am

    Hell yeah girl!! I always love your attitude and this is such a great post – it’s really amazing how far you (and well, all of us) have come, sometimes it’s so easy to forget. So excited for your new direction and here’s to the next 7 years!! xx

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      thank you so much, kimberly! we really all have…. gosh, was that fun to look back!

      Reply
  18. Shawn Herbert says

    August 15, 2016 at 10:02 am

    You go Cassie!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 1:54 pm

      thank you, shawn!

      Reply
  19. Jeanne says

    August 15, 2016 at 10:13 am

    Cassie, I have been following you for a while now, not since “the beginning” but long enough 😉 I don’t know whether I have ever left a comment, but something about this post resonated with me, and after reading Lindsay’s post last week from White Buffalo Styling Co. and leaving a comment there, I figured, what the hey! I’ll leave one here too. And it’s only to say that I thoroughly enjoy your blogging style. I am not a blogger, merely a fan of all things decor and DIY, which I secretly wish I had more time to do, but with a full-time job and 3 kids, it’s hard for me to make the time. So, I enjoy checking out what everyone else is doing (and I loved your interview on Ciburbanity!!! Your comment about blogger grammar was AWESOME!!) Plus, I am born and raised in Western MA so I feel something of a kinship with you, even though we’ve never met. I look forward to seeing how the blog changes to suit your needs and I’ll be following along no matter what.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 1:53 pm

      jeanne, thank you so much for taking the time to comment and visit me! i love lindsay and her post resonated with me as well.
      love western, ma so much and every time i visit i think i’ll try to convince my husband to move there, but then i remember that my hands don’t handle winter as well as they once did. 🙁 it sure is a beautiful area to visit though! anyhow, i just wanted to thank you for tagging along with me on this adventure!

      Reply
  20. Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living says

    August 15, 2016 at 10:58 am

    Woo Hoo Cassie! Love this post and cant wait to see the new blog and direction. 🙂 Oh, and I laughed hysterically about the sneakers next to the bed. HAHAHAHA Love it.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 1:50 pm

      i am thinking maybe asics will want to sponsor me… no?

      Reply
  21. Linda Z Braden says

    August 15, 2016 at 11:59 am

    Love the name change & new tag line! So happy to see you came away from Haven with a new outlook and a great idea to rebrand the blog! I, too, am guilty of sticking to my same old same old! 🙂 Linda

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 1:48 pm

      thank you so much, linda! i appreciate it!

      Reply
  22. laura janning says

    August 15, 2016 at 1:09 pm

    good for you . congrats on 7 years, here’s to 7 more. you are real gem with a beautiful heart and soul and so happy to know you…in really life too!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 1:46 pm

      right back at you, my friend!

      Reply
  23. Kirby says

    August 15, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    So yay!! Change is good!! looking forward to more little Cassie goodness.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      thank you, kirby! i am looking forward to it!

      Reply
  24. Sarah says

    August 15, 2016 at 3:34 pm

    I can’t wait to start my new blog, “extraordinarily ordinary”. LOL!! Those old photos were fun. I should have known you were a style pioneer.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 5:38 pm

      duh. blazing the trail for all others! that’s what we do!

      Reply
  25. Jessica says

    August 15, 2016 at 3:41 pm

    This was such a great post!! I loved seeing your old pics. The sneakers and the kids I laughed!! Can’t wait to see where you go next!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 5:30 pm

      i am glad you laughed!

      Reply
  26. Vicki says

    August 15, 2016 at 3:52 pm

    I was so afraid this was a goodbye and I was going to be very sad. BUT you surprised me! So glad you are staying! I mean, what would I do without your blog??? I love it and all you do! Thank you.

    Reply
  27. Vicki says

    August 15, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    I was,so sure you were saying goodbye and it would have made Monday so much more like Monday! BUT you surprised me! I mean, what would I do without your blog?! I love it and all you do and will still follow under any name you choose. Thanks for staying and good luck!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 5:28 pm

      i just can’t quit. i will be blogging until i die it seems! 🙂 thanks so much, vicki- i truly appreciate you!

      Reply
  28. Molly says

    August 15, 2016 at 5:01 pm

    Pi. O. Neer. I stopped blogging a few years ago but I am Molly Susan Strong on my blog and website. A smart brother (art director) told me to do that all those years ago so I could just be me “living artfully” no matter what I was doing at the time!! So, good luck my dear on your next adventures!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 5:27 pm

      i didn’t have anyone telling me what to name my website or helping me at all…. oh how i could have used that advice!!!! thanks, molly! 🙂

      Reply
  29. Allison A. says

    August 15, 2016 at 6:52 pm

    Yay Cassie! You are the real deal my sweet friend!! I have loved following you, getting to know you and continuing to follow you on your journey. I’m excited for you on this next chapter. You have inspired me and continue to inspire me! Thank you for being “you” Cassie. xo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:04 pm

      thank you so much, allison! i am really excited about what may lie ahead!

      Reply
  30. Laurie @ Laurie Jones Home says

    August 15, 2016 at 6:55 pm

    Seriously laugh out loud funny post! My first photos are so awful but in my mind were so good! I love this community and I love learning from everyone! Looking forests to see all the changes!!

    Reply
    • Laurie @ Laurie Jones Home says

      August 15, 2016 at 6:57 pm

      Forward (stupid iPhone lol)

      Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:03 pm

      haha! i am so glad you enjoyed a laugh at my expense. 😉 don’t worry though- i was laughing right there with you!

      Reply
  31. Gwen says

    August 15, 2016 at 7:08 pm

    you can’t go wrong branding with yo name . so happy for you!!!

    xoxo

    Gwen

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:03 pm

      thank you, gwen! i am really excited!

      Reply
  32. Ariel says

    August 15, 2016 at 7:23 pm

    I may not hVe been here since the begining, but I’ve enjoyed the ride so far!
    It’s only natural for things, and you, to evolve.
    I look forward to the next chapter!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:02 pm

      thank you so much, ariel!

      Reply
  33. Jaime Costiglio says

    August 15, 2016 at 8:04 pm

    Oh I’m feeling you Cassie! I love that you’re changing to your name, it seems to be the absolute best option for a lot of reasons and I’ve seen so many others do it with success. I’m still on the fence but REALLY wanting a shift and concur with all your thoughts here on blogging and topics, etc. I just wish I had a tech person to hold my hand, I need someone confident in html speak to do it and that’s not me (notice I still carry blogspot in my url – holy crap that’s awful and clearly I’m too comfortable). Can’t wait to see the changes ahead.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 16, 2016 at 8:10 am

      jaime- i know what you mean- i am not techie AT ALL. but i love the gal that i work with who has helped me with so many questions and can take care of everything for you and i think relatively fairly compared to many. if you want her info let me know!

      Reply
  34. Danielle says

    August 15, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    Loved this post, Cassie xx

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 16, 2016 at 8:09 am

      thank you, danielle!

      Reply
  35. Katja says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:26 pm

    Can’t wait to see what you do next Cassie.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 16, 2016 at 8:09 am

      thank you, katja!

      Reply
  36. [email protected] says

    August 16, 2016 at 3:04 am

    Love that you aren’t quitting! You have no idea. Also love seeing the old bedroom photos and seeing where you are now with it.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 16, 2016 at 8:07 am

      haha! i mean, you know i have talked to you about it before! 🙂

      Reply
  37. Charlotte @ Ciburbanity says

    August 16, 2016 at 3:10 am

    The sneakers were amazing. And I definitely published some horrific images with the same gleeful pride you mentioned! We’ve come a long way, baby! ? Congrats on this. Not far behind you I think!! Exciting times! Xx

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 16, 2016 at 8:06 am

      thank you so much, charlotte! i am really excited- once the design is done, pretty much everything can be moved over! i have the domain and have changed my social names…. woohoo!

      Reply
  38. Brenda Kula-Pruitt says

    August 16, 2016 at 11:36 am

    I’m a day behind here. Your post resonated with me as well. If I had a great name like you do, and one not likely to already be taken (although I’ve never actually checked, now that I think about it…) I might do the same. However, I put Cozy Little House out there in April 2009, so I’m right there along with you in terms of years blogging. You have a great strong name and you should do well with it my friend! Looking forward to seeing you spread your wings and fly!
    Brenda

    Reply
    • Brenda Kula-Pruitt says

      August 16, 2016 at 11:41 am

      Hey, I checked and brendapruitt.com (back to maiden name) is actually available! I wonder if I should grab it??? But it just doesn’t have the cache that cassiebustamante.com does…
      Brenda

      Reply
      • Cassie says

        August 18, 2016 at 2:45 pm

        ooooh i think you should think about it!!! let’s start the name blog movement! actually, my friend kelly (currently eclectically vintage) is doing it and that’s what gave me the idea.

        Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 18, 2016 at 2:54 pm

      thank you so much, brenda! i was pretty excited it was available. instagram was taken so i had to add an underscore. 😉

      Reply
  39. Maggie @ Maggie Overby Studios says

    August 17, 2016 at 6:14 am

    I’m sorry I’m late to the party but I have tried to sit down and read this post 5 times and keep getting side tracked by life. Kind of like you blog I guess. Since I started blogging a lot later than you I had the advantage of the experience of other’s on my side when I chose to use my own name for my blog. I have never regretted it. I think it will be a good move and allow you to grow in whatever direction Cassie Bustamante wants to grow. Good luck in all of those directons, I know they’ll be great.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 18, 2016 at 2:43 pm

      thank you so much, maggie! i am really excited about the changes!

      Reply
  40. Amber B Design says

    September 1, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    I love checking in with your blog and especially getting a glimpse into your sweet personality and honest take on everything. It is a breath of fresh air checking in with you. Congratulations on making the changes that best fit you and where you are headed! I will most definitely still follow along. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      September 7, 2016 at 7:23 am

      thank you so much, amber! you are the best- seriously! that comment made my day! sorry i am late to reply, but know it means a lot to me!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. It’s Friday and My Blogiversay, High Five! says:
    August 19, 2016 at 11:16 am

    […] my blogging game trying to sort it all out, and I know I’m not alone. My good friend Cassie of Primitive and Proper has had some similar ponderings in the aftermath of […]

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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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Hi! I'm Cassie.

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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