Cassie Bustamante

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Personal Goals for 2014

January 6, 2014 by Cassie 50 Comments

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Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a great weekend!  I picked up some new pieces to work on, worked on some projects, and spent time with my family.  We had a snow day last Friday, so impromptu playdates for both kids popped up- it was the perfect snow day (Minus the fact that Chris had to go to work which left me in charge of shoveling our long driveway entirely, in temperatures in the single digits but “feels like minus”.  1.5 hours later I was done, at which time I stood at the top of the driveway and beat my chest, crying “I am WOMAN!”).  Anyhow, it really was a great weekend, even if it was a bit cold.

As I sat down to contemplate all of my hopes for the year ahead, I realized that I had lots of dreams swimming around this little head of mine.   I decided not to bombard you and have broken up my goals into personal and home goals.  Today I am going to discuss my personal goals.  I adore the new year and the sense of opportunity and hope it brings.  I will not be changing who I am, but I will try to become a better version of myself.

Before I even get into my goals though, I want to explain something.  I do NOT put pressure on myself to get any of these done.  I simply look at these as guidelines for better living and I do the best I can.  But if they don’t happen, I will not beat myself up or see myself as a failure.  What good would that do but leave me feeling defeated, and I want to feel empowered!  Don’t you?  So here we go….

1. Read one book a month.  Yes, sort of a pitiful not too lofty goal, I know.  But there have been months when I have soaked in 4 books, and then I go through dry phases.  Currently I am reading The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.  I started it oh at the end of November, and the holidays got the best of me.  So for now I am going to try just one a month.

2. Learn to Crochet.  I have no interest in making any blankets, but I would love to make some cute little things like this, which if you don’t have a desire to make you can purchase at LaLunaCreazioni.  And I apologize for the poor photos- hard to save from etsy! 🙂  I assure you if you follow the links these are beautiful!
Golden crochet garland in vintage style. Winter home decor.

And this one that can be purchased at NanaBettyHouse:
crochet garland bunting coloured flowers hand made party childrens home decoration

3. Grow my blog as a business.  This one has been a really tough one for me.  I have blogged for something like 4 or 5 years now, and I haven’t monetized much.  Sure I have a few minimal sponsors, but mostly I have traded.  I also get the occasional products to use and review, and I love doing that.  But here is where I am going to be brutally honest with you.  Monetizing has become a necessity so that I can continue to afford the projects I blog about.  Yes, I have a small business at Sweet Clover, BUT we have only been in existence for 6 months, so you can just imagine what my profit is at the moment.  If you imagined around zero- ding ding ding- you got it!  I have so many ideas I would love to bring to you, but I am no longer at a point where I can afford them without an income.
That being said, I will still be bringing you the same writing, pictures, style, and types of posts.  I will not change who I am or what I believe in.
I also want to thank all of you who read my blog and make this a possibility for me and my family.
Sidenote: Just before Christmas I was offered a chance to do some freelance work for the blog of a new site, Ibby.  I am able to pitch my own ideas and it’s my own content, no gimmicks.  And as an English and Communications major, I feel really good about the fact that I am actually getting paid to write!  My first post there will be up today, so please pop over to check it out!

4. Make more time with my local girlfriends.  This past Fall was so busy with so much work and many events at Sweet Clover, followed immediately by the holidays, that I have neglected my friends who are outside the blog world.  And you know what?  They still love me and are here when I need them, and even when I think I don’t.  They constantly check in on me and ask how they can help me.  They listen to all my stresses, my dreams, desires, and they hold my secrets close.

I'm so thankful for the friends that have loved me through some difficult times! They have shown me the best example of unconditional love, straight from the heart of God.

I am so grateful for the friends I have made, and I plan to make them more of a priority.  Most of them don’t read my blog, maybe on occasion, so they might not know of this goal, but I certainly hope they feel it. 🙂

5. Pamper myself more.  This might sound indulgent, but let me tell you it’s not.  This goal is coming from the girl who gets her hair cut maybe twice a year, (aside from the mini-manicure gifted to me this past weekend from Silk and Burlap) has not had a manicure or pedicure in about 9 years, has not had a massage or facial in 8 (and both of those were trials from a salon I worked at).  My only indulgence when it comes to myself is my gym membership.  So even if I get one facial or just one pedicure this year, I am pampering myself more!  And the plus side is that this can lead to the last goal as I can indulge with friends!

Spa day. I still love these days

I think that is a good start for the year, don’t you?

Off to a Sweet Clover meeting and a day filled with work, but I think tonight I will pick up my book and read!  Happy Monday, my friends!  Thank you for listening and taking the time to stop by here each day.  I am really excited about the year ahead including the plans I have made as well as the plans that have been made for me.
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Comments

  1. Catherine says

    January 6, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    Sounds like a great year ahead Cassie! Congratulations on the gig at Ibby, and I look forward too those projects. I’d love to hear how you go with monitisation 🙂

    Reply
  2. Julia Konya says

    January 6, 2014 at 12:33 pm

    Pampering myself is sooooo on my list too. I might not be hurt if I’d take care of myself a little better 😉

    And I started a book this summer in Germany which I still haven’t finished so that’s a really great goal for myself as well 😉

    I wish you are successful in achieving all your goals my friend.

    Reply
  3. [email protected] says

    January 6, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    We should live closer and get manicures. I’ve had one my entire life. And then I could teach you to crochet….while enjoying our pretty nails.

    That whole paragraph is creepy but you get me.

    Good goals. Personal time is good all around!

    Reply
  4. 17 Perth says

    January 6, 2014 at 1:59 pm

    Great goals Cassie! And I am so with you on not beating yourself up about what you do and don’t accomplish!! Also, I am wanting to read more. Less tv..more reading! And pampering sounds like one I need to add to my list! Oh that sounds wonderful right now! lol.

    And maybe you should do a post about sponsorship??

    Reply
  5. Angela Santaniello says

    January 6, 2014 at 2:01 pm

    You did not just say that you have a degree in English? Me too, my friend, me too! And you know I hear you on the money situation. Dying to learn how to knit and the pampering needs to increase for me too.

    Wishing you the best year ever, friend!

    Angela @ Number Fifty-Three

    Reply
  6. reFresh reStyle says

    January 6, 2014 at 2:08 pm

    Great goals! Especially the pampering, you deserve it 🙂
    Debbie

    Reply
  7. Our Pinteresting Family says

    January 6, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    Sounds like you are ready to take on 2014 with these great goals. I 100% agree with the pampering yourself more! I got a few gift cards for the spa for Christmas…now I just have to find time to go. 🙂 I hope to get to Sweet Clover this spring. I really want to check it out in person.

    Reply
  8. Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    January 6, 2014 at 2:19 pm

    I love these goals!! I had a goal last year to get one massage a month, almost a necessity with all of the house projects … but I haven’t had one since August. Amazing that we can not follow through on being good to ourselves. Here’s to personal growth in 2014!

    Reply
  9. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    January 6, 2014 at 2:33 pm

    Sounds like a plan! And I love that you look at your goals as guidelines. Sometimes we do put too much pressure on ourselves. We need to remember to nurture ourselves as well as those around us. Wishing you all the very best in 2014. Looking forward to our paths crossing again soon!

    Reply
  10. Lesli at My Old Country House says

    January 6, 2014 at 2:56 pm

    Cassie, these are wonderful goals! Ditto ditto ditto. and I would love to add to mine…find time to take little adventures and go visit some of my blogging buddies !!! You are at the top of that list!

    Hapy New Year friend.

    xoxolesli

    Reply
  11. Shavonda says

    January 6, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    This is an awesome list Cassie. I, too need to focus on the business end of blogging this year. Congrats on your new writing gig! I hope you’re able to see all of these goals become a reality:)

    Reply
  12. Alexa says

    January 6, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    These are such great goals. Kirby and I are hoping to grow our blog as a business too. It does take a lot of effort and dedication but it is something that we love so much, so hopefully it will pan out!

    Reply
  13. Gwen says

    January 6, 2014 at 3:31 pm

    Wonderful, wonderuful goal!

    I need to pamper myself a little more, too… and read…and make non-blog friends a priority.

    And I’m so excited for you about your blog! You deserve an income from it… you can do this!!!!

    Reply
  14. Amber Wills says

    January 6, 2014 at 3:33 pm

    I love that you shared your personal goals. I had the goal of 1 book per month last year. It started okay then I bombed it. I’m excited to see you grow your blog business. You pour so much into it that it’s more than time to get some back. We love you and your content. I know it won’t change except that it will get better!

    Reply
  15. Jenny says

    January 6, 2014 at 3:38 pm

    Great goals, Cassie! I started getting gel manicures toward the end of the year, and I love how long they last, and feel like I’m getting a lot of bang for my buck. ;-). I hear you on monetizing – something I really need to put some time into as well. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  16. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    January 6, 2014 at 3:49 pm

    That sounds like a wonderful plan for yourself, my friend!! Especially the part about making time to take care of yourself. The older I get, the less guilty I feel about doing nice things for myself occasionally. We women ask so much of ourselves and we need to decompress once in a while and be kind to ourselves!! Looking forward to 2014 at P&P!

    Reply
  17. pam {simple details} says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:00 pm

    Good for you, Cassie! I’m sure your friends will be happy to know they’re part of the plan and good luck with the new opportunities, off to check out Ibby. 🙂

    Reply
  18. Vintage Prairie Style says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:00 pm

    I’ve all but given up on reading books for pleasure… though the glass castle was one that I read a while ago… It was a pretty fascinating read. Maybe I should give some thought to cracking a book for pleasure again! That’s a good list, comprehensive and not for the faint of heart…

    Reply
  19. Haley says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:22 pm

    Great goals! Momma’s always forget they need a little pampering themselves. That’d be great if you continue to share what books you’re reading. I’m always interested in hearing what people are reading.

    I’m hoping to learn to crochet this year too.

    Reply
  20. Laurie from Laurie Jones Home says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:25 pm

    I have a feeling that this is going to be your year Cassie! Great goals! Mine are pretty similar especially taking care of myself a bit better! Can’t wait to follow you on your journey!!

    Reply
  21. Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:28 pm

    Those are some great goals! Congrats on your freelance gig by the way! Off to check out your post 🙂

    Reply
  22. Emily @ Go Haus Go says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:37 pm

    I loved reading your goals! Super inspiring! Nearly everything you said are things I’d like to do too… well maybe except the pampering. I’m prone to get my nails done a little too much. My goal on that one would be to do it less!

    Reply
  23. Heather {The Lovely Cupboard} says

    January 6, 2014 at 4:40 pm

    Congrats on the new writing gig:) I hear ya’ on pampering yourself more-holla!!

    Reply
  24. Tiffany says

    January 6, 2014 at 5:37 pm

    These are great personal goals. I may have to adopt a couple myself. Do people actually give bloggers a hard time for monetizing? I mean everyone has to make a living so I really don’t see what the big deal is. Do what is best for you and your family. Congrats on the freelancing, that’s awesome!

    Reply
  25. [email protected] says

    January 6, 2014 at 5:41 pm

    Those are some great goals! I can relate to the “pamper yourself more” goal. I get one pedicure a year, which is always a birthday gift from a friend. As for a massage, the last one was YEARS ago! And I can also relate to the monetizing the blog goal! You have a great blog and I enjoy reading and following along! Happy New Year! Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

    Reply
  26. Brynne Delerson says

    January 6, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    A lot of those are my same goals for 2014 🙂 I wish you all the success in the world achieving them and the best of luck at making an income from your blog – I can so relate there!

    Reply
  27. Rita says

    January 6, 2014 at 7:28 pm

    OH my goodness you have me so excited and inspired!! I seriously don’t think you realize how much you inspire people like me! Don’t get me wrong, I get that you’re a mom, wife, furniture lover, house keeper in order(er?)…but you truely hold a special place in blog land… to me anyway. I love your honesty, your down to earthness, the fact that you don’t ever over sell your blog (if that makes sense and I don’t mean that in a bad way). You are true and we feel it! You’re one of the peeps I know will be in my corner, like always, and never mind that I call you one of my peeps cause I really don’t talk like that 🙂 I think you deserve more than you probably think you do and I’m lucky to have ever met you even if it is through furniture posts and instagram so if you ever need more sponsors I’m there.. no matter the cost, nor the fact I have nothing to sell or offer moment (Ha!) but I do and always will, support you. I think I’m done with my rant now 🙂 Have yourself a wonderful day!

    Reply
  28. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    Wonderful goals, Cassie! I put up my home goals today and have been working on the personal goals, too, but I find them harder to drill down on. We’ll see!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  29. sarah m. dorsey says

    January 6, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    Great goals Cassie!! 🙂 Congrats of the Ibby gig, I’m off to check it out now!

    Reply
  30. Julia @ 551Eastdesign says

    January 6, 2014 at 10:27 pm

    I love that you included spend more time with friends. I always feel like that’s the first thing to go for me and it’s so important! You’re going to have such a great year Cassie!

    Reply
  31. Dana Frieling says

    January 6, 2014 at 10:49 pm

    Yay for paid writing! Congratualtions, friend.

    Reply
  32. [email protected] Chronicles of Home says

    January 7, 2014 at 12:27 am

    Excellent goals! Looks like a bang up year ahead 🙂

    Reply
  33. Mary says

    January 7, 2014 at 1:06 am

    Congratulations on your paid writing gig Cassie! Happy New Year!

    Reply
  34. [email protected] says

    January 7, 2014 at 1:27 am

    Great goals Cassie 🙂 I tried the read a book a month last year…and I failed. I even had my girlfriends come over for book club but it was just wine club. I love to read too and I just don’t make the time 🙁 You are going to have an awesome year goals completed or not! xo Kristin

    Reply
  35. Anna [DirectionsNotIncluded] says

    January 7, 2014 at 1:32 am

    Love them. Crocheting is fun. Hard but fun.

    Reply
  36. Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says

    January 7, 2014 at 1:32 am

    These are awesome goals, Cassie. I love that it’s a mix of different types of goals. And I’m off to check out your post on ibby.

    Reply
  37. coach-daddy says

    January 7, 2014 at 2:37 am

    Just think – if you read a book that teaches you to crochet, then write a sponsored post about it, that’s three things off the list.

    That means more time for pedicures and friends, bloggers and non.

    (I feel like the government should pay us $50 per blog post).

    Reply
  38. Gretchen says

    January 7, 2014 at 3:21 am

    Great goals! I have 2 books a month on my list, but, given that I’m about 6 pages into January’s book #1, I think yours might be more realistic 😉

    Reply
  39. anu says

    January 7, 2014 at 3:35 am

    Great goals! I love that you’re focusing on personal goals this year. I’m sure you will have a great year.

    P.S. you’re too nice for including my pom pom garland in your ibby post!

    Reply
  40. Dear Emmeline says

    January 7, 2014 at 5:36 am

    sounds like some good goals to me! I may have to steal a few for myself. 😉

    Reply
  41. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    January 7, 2014 at 12:34 pm

    Lovely goals! I’ve already slacked on mine :/ Just read your post on Ibby too 🙂

    Reply
  42. Ali Richardson says

    January 7, 2014 at 4:27 pm

    lOVE YOU! All of these sound great! Can’t wait to see what the year brings 🙂 XO

    Reply
  43. Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says

    January 7, 2014 at 6:06 pm

    I love the goals you came up with!! And I can 100% understand your monetizing goal. I wish I could do this to help offset the costs of blog projects, but my day job keeps me too busy to even blog sometimes! So sad!

    Anywho…tons of luck on those goals in the new year, and you definitely deserve to pamper yourself! If you don’t take care of you, then how can you take care of others?! 🙂

    Reply
  44. Kelly says

    January 8, 2014 at 4:54 am

    I’m so excited about you monetizing! I think it’s so smart and it won’t change a thing about how good your blog is to read. And I think you should spend more time with your girlfriends… who live in GA. 🙂

    Reply
  45. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says

    January 8, 2014 at 11:02 pm

    You deserve to pamper yourself! Have a laying down on your stomach massage for me, I’m in the stage of pregnancy where only side-lying would work and it’s just not the same:)

    Jessica

    Reply
  46. Eclectically Vintage says

    January 9, 2014 at 1:07 am

    That settles it – I need to visit for pedis & cocktails!!!
    Kelly

    Reply
  47. Good Time Charlie says

    January 9, 2014 at 5:39 am

    I loved the Glass Castle, now you have to read Half Broke Horses to get the back story. I think we should live nearer each other. I know how to crochet, I can teach you! I was also an English and Communications major. Weird……Love the goal to read a book a month. I used to devour more books, but now I am lucky if I read for 5 minutes in bed before I pass out. I bought a head lamp so I disturb my husband, but I am halfway finished with my 2014 book!
    Yay for the monetizing!! That will take no time at all, you have everything else in place. Now grab another book and go get a pedicure, I will meet you there.

    Reply
  48. Sarah {Lacquer and Linen} says

    January 10, 2014 at 6:08 am

    These are great goals Cassie! It’s good that you don’t put pressure on yourself to do them. Sometimes I decide against making resolutions/goals because I would feel too guilty if I didn’t complete them. AND you SOOO deserve to be papered!!! Go get your spa day lady!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. House Goals for 2014 - Primitive and Proper says:
    July 27, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    […] Tuesday!  Thank you so much for all your thoughts on my personal goals for the year.  Now that the busy season at Sweet Clover and the holidays have passed, I am […]

    Reply
  2. 2015: Goals(?) and My Word for the Year - Primitive and Proper says:
    January 6, 2015 at 6:00 am

    […] for myself- personal goals, as well as plans for the house and the blog.  Last January I created 5 personal goals, 5 house goals, and even shared a word of the year (dedication).   I was mighty ambitious, […]

    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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