Cassie Bustamante

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So I Married a Blogger: The Inside Scoop from Chris

February 12, 2016 by Cassie 64 Comments

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In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, love, and romance, I’m participating in a fun “So I Married a Blogger” blog hop today where the spouses are spilling all about their blogger wives!  (Chris and I have been married for 12.5 years, so romance…. not really so much, but it is Valentine’s Day weekend, right?)  You might recall that I did something like this last year, and staying true to form, Chris once again was a man of little words when it came to answering questions.  I felt interjections were necessary for explanations and to keep you from being bored to tears.  He’s really a funny guy, but he doesn’t convey it well in his own writing. That’s where I come in.

kissPin

Photo by Jalapeno Photography 2013, taken for our 10th Anniversary

How involved are you with Cassie’s blog?

Chris: I’m not super involved in Cassie’s blog unless I’m helping with a project or she asks my opinion so she can rule a choice out.

Cassie: I love those couples that design, build and write together.  (Hi John & Sherry, Chip & Joanna, Sonny & Cher! OK so that last one didn’t quite work out…)  They fascinate me because we will never be that couple.

How often do you read the blog?  Are you an avid reader or do you see enough at home?

Chris: I don’t read the blog much unless she is writing about our family.

Cassie: We could test this and I could start sharing embarrassing anecdotes about Chris on the blog and see if he notices.  Coming next week a new feature- mortifying moments in our house!

12371005_10207134180086217_1386315494110847996_o (1)PinAfter finishing the Kiawah Half Marathon December 2015… I trained for months so I could beat him… He trained for less than a month and came in only a few minutes behind me.  Jerk.

How much time does Cassie spend on her blog? What are her hours like?

Chris: Cassie spends a good amount of time on her blog because she enjoys it and when she has a project due it’s pretty intense.

Cassie: I’ve actually started saying no to many opportunities that come my way so that I can cut out so many deadlines… feels great!  And honestly with Sweet Clover, I don’t have the time anymore so I have to be more selective.  My blog is a business, but it’s barely profitable, and Sweet Clover is where my real investment lies.

Are you the cheap manual labor or is there hired help for that?  In other words, does Cassie use you for your handy work?

Chris: I’m not very handy but I’m definitely cheap labor although I might cause more headaches than I’m worth.

Cassie: He’s not giving himself enough credit here.  He solved my mathematical headache when we built our industrial pipe shelves and planked our angled bedroom wall.

DIY Shiplap Knotty Pine WallPinDescribe Cassie’s style.

Chris: Cassie’s style is hard to describe except to say it’s eclectic. Whenever she describes a room design or project I don’t always see her design but it always works.

Cassie: I am not sure he actually listens to my design ideas anymore as they frighten him.  When I speak, I’m certain he hears a choir of angels Charlie Brown adult-speak… “wah wah wah wah.”

Describe your style.

Chris: I’m much more simple and modern.

Cassie: You know what?  I would love to see him design a room… I am not even kidding. I might ask him to design a room so I can see this simple modern look he’s referring to.  Oh, this is going to be fun!!! Another new feature… “The Simple Modern Man: Designs for your basic needs by Chris.”

How often does your home change?

Chris: The house changes quite a bit but she has gotten to a point now that the basics are in place and now the changes are mostly aesthetic.

Cassie: That’s what he thinks.

How many different sofas have you had since marrying Cassie?

Chris: About 5 sofa changes. The last was by far the weirdest but she liked it. I’m a ride a couch til it dies kind of guy.

Cassie: In my defense, we’ve lived in 3 different houses since we were married, and the sofas didn’t work from one house to the next.  This last one was purely indulgent though, and it’s my most commented on piece of furniture.  I am not alone in my love for this blue velvet beauty.

living12PinHow often do you offer decorating advice?  Does she consider your opinion?

Chris: I never really offer my opinion but she does ask for it. It is not followed though. I think she uses my opinion to rule things out more than choose something.

Cassie: I would never.  Of course his opinion matters….

What’s your favorite room in the house? Why?

Chris: Living room. Its bright great view and I love how she chose to paint the fire place. It worked so much better than I thought it would.

Cassie: This space is really cozy and what I can never capture so well in photos is the breathtaking view and sunsets out these windows.

BSHT Fall Eclectic Living RoomPin

What does it really look like behind the camera?

Chris: Kids stuff and dogs. Sometimes the dogs make it in the shot.

Cassie: He’s being kind so as not to share our dirty truths… I think what he means is dog fur tumbleweeds, paw prints, wet nose prints, fingerprints, piles of Emmy’s stuff everywhere, legos galore….  When I shoot rooms, especially the kids spaces, I have what I refer to as my “traveling mess” and I move the stuff around the room to make sure it’s not in the shot.

Catcher and Jake in KitchenPinWhat is a project that you hate but have never voiced (or maybe you have)?

Chris: Our guest bathroom. It’s pink. Enough said.

Cassie: Confession- I hate it, too.  I mentioned repainting it to my kids though and they both protested and professed their love for the pink walls.  So for now it stays.

Pale Pink Bathroom with black trimPinDo you know of Cassie’s blogger friends?  If so, who’s your favorite?

Chris: I have met a few but I haven’t really gotten to know them that well.

What’s your favorite aspect of Cassie being a blogger?  Least favorite?

Chris: She loves that she is able to use her English degree and it makes her happy. Plus the free stuff is nice. The worst is that she tends to bite off more than she can chew. It’s her nature.

Cassie: I always joke about actually putting my degree to use, but I am not really serious about that. And yes…. I do bite off more than I can chew.  Always.  Currently I am getting ready for our Sweet Clover February sale, starting a blog challenge I will share soon, taking on a few projects with companies I wanted to work with, and chairing the school talent show.  Currently I am not cleaning the house.  But it really is just how I roll.  Chris is the yin to my yang in this way which helps me stay sane through it all.
12309879_10207038003001850_4379332761247249499_oPinAfter the Turkey Chase 10k on Thanksgiving 2015

What are your household chores?

Chris: I’m the laundry and bed maker. Plus we share the cooking.

Cassie: With his retail background he’s a legitimately better folder than I am and he used to refold all of the clothes I would fold for him.  So I very gently and kindly suggested that he could do the laundry and he said he would.  That was before we got married… I haven’t looked back since! As for the beds, he makes only our bed and the kids make their own; and that’s because he’s always in bed longer than me anyhow!  On the rare occasion I sleep later and he’s already headed to work, I make the bed.  But that is one of those chores that always has to be done in our house for me to function calmly.

What’s something about Cassie that her readers might not know (but she would be okay with you sharing)?

Chris: She went for a while with this fascination of brass animals and then she went a while fixed on Owls. She does this a lot.

Cassie: Pfft.  Tell them something they don’t know.

familybwPinPhoto by Jalapeno Photography 2013

What does Cassie REALLY want for Valentine’s Day, and what are you getting her?

Chris: She really just wants me home more because I have been busy with work. We are going to our favorite sushi place which will be great!
Cassie: I would love it if he was home at a decent time, but typically it’s after 8 pm.  So I get the kids off to school in the morning, work on Sweet Clover pieces, staging, business, work on any blog related items like photography, writing, editing, styling, DIYing. The kids come home at 4 and I am in charge of homework, dinner, getting them to bed… everything.  I am overwhelmed these days and really struggling to get through if I am being honest.  I love my kids, but I didn’t sign on to be a single parent every evening.  That’s the time I need help the most because the kids are tired and fighting me on cleaning, on what we’re eating for dinner… and I am tired, too, and more prone to snapping at them.  It can get ugly and then I am riddled with guilt and feeling like a total failure.  I know I am not alone in this feeling as I have many friends in the same boat- I just wish it were different.  Or perhaps that we could afford a house cleaner to just take one thing off of my plate because I refuse to give up on my dream of Sweet Clover or this blog.  But I do try to end the night on a positive note always; after we’ve gotten through the homework/dinner struggles, the kids and I reconnect and spend time snuggling watching Kids Baking Championship, Chopped Jr, or American Idol.  And yes we are going out for sushi at our favorite place, but that was my idea and I got the babysitter and booked the reservation…. just sayin’. I can’t end this all on a bad note, and it’s not necessarily bad, just real. Chris is a very hard worker… his job is really important to him and that’s a great quality.  Who wants a lazy husband!  And we need someone to pay the mortgage of course… because Sweet Clover is not quite there yet. 😉  I just wish his job allowed more time for our family.
family picPin
Photo by Jalapeno Photography 2014

Now make sure you visit all of the participating blogs to read some ridiculously funny answers!  Make sure you’ve gone to the bathroom first, because if you don’t you are sure to wet your pants!

A Blissful Nest
A Thoughtful Place
Addison’s Wonderland
Bliss Ranch
Burlap and Lace
Claire Brody Designs
Cuckoo 4 Design
Design Post Interiors
Dimples & Tangles
Dream Green DIY
Driven by Decor
Emily A. Clark
House of Hipsters
Just a Girl and Her Blog
Life on Virginia Street
Our Fifth House
Primitive and Proper (You’re here!)
Style Your Senses
Swoon Worthy
The DIY Playbook
The Makerista

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Comments

  1. Bliss says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:33 am

    I’d get e.coli for that man.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:47 pm

      you might love him more than me…

      Reply
  2. Carrie says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:36 am

    “The Simple Modern Man: Designs for your basic needs by Chris.” YES!!!! You totally need to make that happen. Loved his interview answers 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:47 pm

      oh i think it’s a challenge accepted over here!

      Reply
  3. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:37 am

    I held my breath at the “Do you know any of Cassie’s blogger friends” question. Whew, I somehow managed to escape a tell all! You guys are so cute and I would definitely pay to see Chris design a room – well I would pay to see it, not actually pay to have him design a room for me!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:46 pm

      well at first he said, well there’s that drunk kelly, but should we count her? 😉 kidding!!!!! and yes, i would pay to see it as well but not pay for the actual design.

      Reply
  4. Carmel says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:56 am

    Y’all are the cutest! Couples that DIY together really are fascinating…..like a Circus act- are they even real?! 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:46 pm

      totally!!! they can’t be.

      Reply
  5. Julia@Cuckoo4Design says

    February 12, 2016 at 9:12 am

    We will never be THAT couple who DIYs much together either. My heroes are the Dorseys and Jarrid hates it when I compare us to them. I told Sarah that 😉 Have fun tonight and stay warm!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:45 pm

      YES seriously! and they live 5 min from me- maybe i can get some dorsey energy up in here.

      Reply
  6. courtney ( a thoughtful place) says

    February 12, 2016 at 9:46 am

    The Simple Modern Man. . . .I sniff a men’s blog in the making. Loved reading this. And those nights of doing it all yourself are hard. Totally understand. Cheers to date night. Maybe it’s time to break out that t-shirt 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:45 pm

      oh definitely…. i think at least a mood board. since chris doesn’t stand a chance with polyvore he’ll have to send me links and i can put it together for him… ha! and yes, i think the tee will be perfect for my attire. either that or this tank top.

      Reply
  7. ashley@biggerthanthethreeofus says

    February 12, 2016 at 9:57 am

    Oh, heck yes to the design board from him. Actually, that would be a pretty hilarious blog hop idea. Happy Valentines day to you both.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:44 pm

      right? i think it needs to happen.

      Reply
  8. Claire Brody says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:18 am

    “I think she uses my opinion to rule things out more than choose something.” Haha, love it. Enjoy your sushi date!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      thank you! can’t wait to stuff my face. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Kimberly Duran says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:22 am

    So funny that both of our other halves hate the pink rooms! Ha! Loving the ‘designs by Chris’ idea as well! Happy V-Day to you both! xxx

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      but what’s funnier is that my 10 year old son loves it and doesn’t want it to change! happy v day, friend!

      Reply
  10. Corinna - A Designer At Home says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:45 am

    This is SO cute! I’ve loved reading through both your responses!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:42 pm

      thank you, corinna! we had fun with it!

      Reply
  11. Patty Day says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:53 am

    This was a fun, great post!!!!
    xo
    Patty

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:42 pm

      thank you, patty!

      Reply
  12. Jessica @ Petal + Ply says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:59 am

    Laughed out loud when Chris said you ask his opinion just to rule that option out. I think Josh thinks the same thing even though it’s totally not true.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:42 pm

      i may or may not do that.

      Reply
  13. Brynne@TheGatheredHome says

    February 12, 2016 at 11:58 am

    Hahahahaha! “I think she uses my opinion to rule things out more than choose something.” Are Bryan and Chris the same person??! You guys are so sweet together! I loved reading this post.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:41 pm

      thank you, brynne! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Sharyn Umana-Angers says

    February 12, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    I’m actually kind of relieved to hear you say that you feel overwhelmed a lot of the time. From my end, you always seem to be the perfect picture of mom, worker, writer, designer, runner, artist, cook… and I wonder how on earth do you find time for all of this and still be so positive, happy, and energetic all of the time?! Haha… It’s nice to know you’re human after all – because that means the rest of us can aspire to be as amazing as you 🙂 xoxo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:40 pm

      i am a pretty upbeat and happy person and choose to be… but i do have a lot going on. i just choose never to be that person who is complaining because we all have our own battles, ya know? and negative energy is so virally contagious. so i don’t portray falsely, but just choose to focus on the good for my own sake and for others. 🙂 it’s not about our circumstances but about our outlook on our circumstances. and i think your life looks pretty happy and amazing, too, and that makes me happy. you and your hubs are adorable and i can’t wait to meet him one day!

      Reply
  15. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    February 12, 2016 at 1:26 pm

    “…she asks my opinion so she can rule a choice out.” made me laugh out loud! I’m sorry you’re on your own so much of the time. I know what that’s like (on a much smaller scale) when church stuff gets super busy at times. No fun. Hang in there, you’re SUCH a great Mama!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:39 pm

      aaaaaw, thank you, jennifer! i really appreciate that.

      Reply
  16. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    February 12, 2016 at 1:49 pm

    Sweet post… and I’d like to see him design a room, too. 🙂
    xo Heidi

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 1:52 pm

      i think it needs to happen!

      Reply
  17. Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says

    February 12, 2016 at 2:43 pm

    Love that you guys were so real with this post! Your honesty is so refreshing and really an encouragement. Hope you both have a wonderful weekend!

    ~Abby =)

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 3:57 pm

      we may not DIY much together or design and blog together, but we can keep it real together.

      Reply
  18. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    February 12, 2016 at 2:56 pm

    So fun. What a great post.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 3:56 pm

      thanks, marty!

      Reply
  19. Abigail Hobbs says

    February 12, 2016 at 3:23 pm

    I love how to the point his responses are! Haha! My husband Mark is like that too! He’s gotten to the point that when I say “hey babe, I have an idea….” that his automatic response is “If it’s a house or decor thing, I don’t care.” Some day I’m gonna make him regret that though ;p

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 3:56 pm

      exactly why i had to chime in or the post would have taken you .1 second to read.

      Reply
  20. designPOST interiors says

    February 12, 2016 at 3:31 pm

    Oh he thinks the basics are in place…muhuhahahahaha

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 12, 2016 at 3:56 pm

      i mean, right? i could tear this place up and redo so much still.

      Reply
  21. Kyla @HouseOfHipsters says

    February 12, 2016 at 9:03 pm

    Soooooooo good! I love Chris! Minus the whole hating on the “weird” sofa…that one is magnificent!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 14, 2016 at 8:29 am

      oh i know, right? that sofa is divine. but i think he knows i love it so much that it was either the sofa stays or he goes… 😉

      Reply
  22. Amanda says

    February 12, 2016 at 9:12 pm

    Cassie, I loved this. I loved hearing about you through your other half and getting a behind-the-scenes peek. And girl…you are such a natural beauty. SO glad the internet has brought us together, lol.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 14, 2016 at 8:29 am

      aaaaaw, thank you so much! i truly appreciate that, especially since the photos i have of us together are either professional which should make me look good, or post race with no makeup on and all sweaty and gross and my hair all nasty! 😉 i am so grateful, too!!!!! XOXO

      Reply
  23. Maggie @Maggie Overby Studios says

    February 12, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    I’m dying laughing at these. I think I need to pose these questions to my husband just so I can read his responses. They crack me up because most of the blogger husband answers are exactly what I think my husband would say. My favorite is the “How often doe your home change?” My husband would probably say “every time I blink!” Fun post.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 14, 2016 at 8:28 am

      oh i know! these poor men!

      Reply
  24. Shannon says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    I love this! I and I love that he thinks the “basics” are in place…oh, these men…. 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 14, 2016 at 8:28 am

      oh i know- he has another thing coming.

      Reply
  25. Anneke @ Coastal Collective Co. says

    February 13, 2016 at 3:06 am

    Haha! All the brass animals and owls! YES! These have been so fun to read!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 14, 2016 at 8:27 am

      🙂 thanks, anneke!

      Reply
  26. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    February 13, 2016 at 8:54 am

    Too funny how he picked up on your obsession with brass animals and owls and I also love that Chris is the “folder” in the house!!!! You two make a good team!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 14, 2016 at 8:27 am

      well if he weren’t so OCD about his clothes and how they were folded i’m sure i’d still be doing it!

      Reply
  27. Darrielle Tennenbaum says

    February 13, 2016 at 11:47 am

    Love this! fun to hear from the hubby !

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 14, 2016 at 8:26 am

      haha! thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  28. Gwen, The Makerista says

    February 13, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    I hear you on the feeling like a single parent sometimes! It’s not easy, that’s for sure!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 14, 2016 at 8:25 am

      i think so many of us do it!

      Reply
  29. Haley says

    February 13, 2016 at 9:32 pm

    Have him design a room! I’d love to see how his style differs from yours. I kinda love that you both hate the same project.

    Ps. I feel you on that only parent in the evening thing. I’ve only been doing it a week and I’m already dying ?

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 14, 2016 at 8:25 am

      i know so many people can relate and deal with the same things, so i always feel bad even complaining because it’s just life, ya know! so i usually just keep it to myself and try to stay positive and optimistic. 🙂 and yes, i think the room design is going to happen… it will be epic.

      Reply
  30. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    February 15, 2016 at 10:13 am

    I love these posts! It’s always funny to hear a husband’s take on things, “I’m a ride a couch till it dies kind of guy.” Lol! I feel ya on the late nights. Just plain sucks 🙁

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 17, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      haha! i know!!! and yes, it really does suck- there’s no other way about it. it’s hard to have a good attitude about it.

      Reply
  31. Sarah says

    February 15, 2016 at 5:50 pm

    So cute! I was dying over the Charlie Brown comment. I guarantee that’s why my husband hears when I start decoratin g talk too 😉

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      February 17, 2016 at 8:15 pm

      haha! i swear… sometimes i say to my family, “is sound coming out of my mouth? because i can’t tell by the fact that no one seems to reply or hear me…”

      Reply

Trackbacks

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  2. Cassie Bustamante: A Year in Review - Cassie Bustamante says:
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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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