Cassie Bustamante

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What I Took Home from Haven

June 25, 2012 by Cassie 50 Comments

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Ok, I know some of you want to hear about Haven, so I am going to share with you my thoughts and what I took home, both physically and mentally.  And I was going to save this post for Wednesday since I didn’t have it ready for this morning, but why make you wait?  I will find something else totally uninteresting to share on Weds.  Maybe a post about watching paint dry?  Yes.  Sounds good.

Physically, there was TONS of swag, and I came home with a sample pot of Annie Sloan Provence, Cutter’s OFF natural bug spray, a peony stencil from Royal Designs stencils, a Purdy Paint Brush, a Kreg Jig, a wooden wine rack I put together using Ryobi tools, Minwax pencil filler, candy, a Ryobi hat, a Fish Foam Yo Yo…. and I am sure to be leaving some items out.  It as insane how much “stuff” we got just for attending!

Mentally, for me, the absolute best part of the conference was connecting with people who had been online friends only prior to this event.  Now I am so happy they are my real friends.  And I can honestly say, everyone I met was better, prettier, funnier, than I could have possibly imagined.   I was horribly lazy at picture taking (well, loads of others took pics so I knew I could borrow later!).  Here are just some of the people I was able to meet up with.

The night I arrived I hit the Cheesecake Factory with a large group of attendees and I actually took this picture!

From left, Skye, Mars, Lisa, Kim, Shirley, Heather, Vanessa, Karianne, Kelly.

These girls were amazing and definitely helped calm any nerves right away!  Oh, and Mars ordered a salad that came in two lumps, which I fondly refer to as the “Boob Salad”.

Skye and Mars with the boob salad

Aren’t those gals adorable?  I am thinking of moving to SC just to live near Mars because she is the sweetest and just emits radiance and positive energy.  Ok, so maybe I won’t really be moving any time soon, but I sure wish I lived near her!

I spent most of my time hanging out with Kathleen, who I stayed with.  She is awesome, as I mentioned in an earlier post.  Love this girl! And duh, she’s gorgeous.

Me and Kathleen

Kathleen and I spent a good amount of time with Sarah as well.  Sarah is my business partner and I was SO glad she was there!  She is hilarious and we are always on the same page.  She. Completes. Me.
For real, the gal is awesome.  I am so glad Kathleen didn’t kill her with this Ryobi tool she was trying out….

Sarah had no idea what Kathleen was planning….

Oh, and Sarah came away with a lot more than I did.  She won the big Annie Sloan prize package!  Here she is, still in shock.  I did enough crazy whooping and hollering for both of us- I was so happy for her!

Sarah with her prize package and Lesli behind her. 

Speaking of Lesli, here is a picture of Sarah and I with her.  This lady is amazing- I love her creative and eclectic home, and she is one heck of an artist.  I would love to have a painting of hers in my home- they are colorful and happy, and when you meet her I think it makes total sense.  She exudes happiness, dresses colorfully, and oozes style!

Me, Sarah, Lesli

And this girl.  Kelly.  This girl I freaking love.  We have the same humor.  The funny one.  I think I was laughing every time I was with her!

Me and Kelly (photo hijacked from her blog)

I shamelessly stole these next few 2 photos (one is a collage) from Michelle of Ten June.  Michelle could not be any sweeter and cuter.  I am only sad there was not karaoke at the event because I am fairly certain we would have brought down the house with our rendition of OPP or maybe Things that Make Ya Go Hmmm.  And she is one of the most adorable pregnant ladies ever.

I got to take a design class with one of my faves, Sherry Hart.  Not only is she a talented designer, but she is hilarious.  I could listen to her make jokes all day!
I was reunited with my good friend Carmel, who I adore.  This girl might win the most beautiful girl at Haven award, but she is beautiful on the inside and out.  The real deal.
And I met Andrea for the first time, who is funny, sweet, and also gorgeous!

Andrea, Sherry, Carmel, me

Not sure who everyone is, but of course you recognize Kate, and Michelle is the cute pregnant one!  And of course, Carmel and Andrea with me and Michelle.
I met Francine from SkyBluPink She is adorable, creative, and smart.  She has heart- I love that!
Francine and her friend Brandy.

One gal I was so excited to meet was Anna.  She is one of my favorite bloggers- real, down to earth, funny, sarcastic… awesome!  She also is a huge pet lover and has a fur-kids of her own, so when Jake went missing she was the first person I texted because I knew she would understand how I was feeling.  Plus, we are practically related.  She is cuban and from Miami, and I married a cuban from Miami, so we are practically sisters already.

Anna and Me.  Anna didn’t get the memo to look stupidly silly.

Another gal I couldn’t wait to meet was Ange.  We have so many late night email chats, and I won’t share with you the details because we both are a little silly sometimes, but I knew I had a kindred spirit in her.  I didn’t get any pictures of us together, but here is a group shot from dinner one night at the Twisted Taco, and she is the adorable brunette with the short hair.

Andrea, Becky, Andrea, Anna, Kelly, Kathleen, Sabrina, Sarah, me (Carmel was on the other side of me), Mars, Karah, Ange (Photo courtesy of Kelly)  And that’s Keith Urban singing in the background.   Or maybe Sting.  Definitely someone totally famous.

A couple of the gals pictured above that I really got to hang out with and haven’t yet mentioned are Karah and Sabrina.

Karah is awesome!  Just plain awesome- she is my kind of gal.  We both showed up in comfy clothes and flip flops….that is how we roll!  I only wish she didn’t live on a beautiful island, because I know we would have so much fun hanging out more!  I may just have to make travel plans for Curacao!

Sabrina is so warm and friendly and her blog is relatively new.  We both paint furniture, too!  She was so fun to hang out with and get to know!

I also got to meet the crew below in person after we have emailed before several times!  It was fun to get to know them all, and I enjoyed Darlene’s class!  And we somehow managed to coordinate colors just for this photo!

Darlene, Carrie, Kelly, Me, Natalie

I met up with Deneen who paints furniture as well!  She was just as sweet as I had imagined and she was a lucky winner of a miter saw! I might be a tad jealous over here. 😉

Deneen and Me

There are so many others that I met that I didn’t get pictures of….
Debbie, Gail (I felt like it was about time we finally met- love her and have “known” her for a few years!), Roeshel, Heidi, Kirby, Angie, Jessica and if I am leaving anyone out I am SO sorry…. awesome blogger overload!

So like I said, for me, the best part of it was meeting all of these awesome people.  Having so much creativity and talent in one place was amazing!

I took several classes: power tools, carpentry, design studio, advertising, diy your blog design, photography.

I learned that Beckie is a freaking genuis, but I also learned that being a “professional blogger” is not for me.  I took her class and was so impressed with her talent and the workings of her brain, but I know that it’s not what I want to be doing.  I want to blog for fun and keep on keeping on, enjoying it.  I know that there is money to be made, but I walked away knowing that I didn’t want to make my money blogging. (So if you have any other ideas for me, I am all ears… ha ha!)  Carmel and I chatted about this and she shared on her blog as well and I think she and I felt the same about that.  Carmel also shared a fabulous roundup of what she learned.

I also enjoyed the photography class very much- Kevin and Layla were entertaining and cute!  I especially learned some great staging tips from them.  And it was great as a refresher for me- my dad had taught me everything they did, but it had been a while, and I needed the refreshing, because I had honestly forgotten much of what he taught me!  I came home and practiced in my yard….

Oh, and I cannot forget to mention John and Sherry who gave THE BEST keynote speech.  They are funny, adorable, and everything you think they will be and then some.  And for those of you who were there, I definitely don’t think they smell like a fart, did you?

All in all, I had a wonderful time connecting with the people behind the blogs, sharing some laughs, sharing some wine…. sharing some more wine….

I wish there had been an extra day at the conference titled “pajama day” where we could have all hung out in our pj’s and chatted all day long.  Because I walked away wanting to spend more time with so many of these girls, and I miss them already!  Thank goodness they are bloggers so that I can keep up with their lives online!
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Comments

  1. The Bold Abode says

    June 25, 2012 at 9:12 pm

    Holy Moses! Your post had me on overload! I can’t imagine what it would have been like being there!

    I agree… I’ll never be a “blogger for money” even though I have some ads and such. I think it takes too much brain power and organization. I can’t think that much and have fun at the same time! But kudos to the ones that can do it… we are all different!

    It was fun seeing all of the pics…the photos you took of your yard are gorgeous!!!

    I say we need a regional meet up… for the VA area…anyone reading these comments interesting in organizing that for me? Like I said, I’m lacking in that arena…

    Reply
  2. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    June 25, 2012 at 9:16 pm

    Oh, Cassie, I totally agree!! An extra PJ day just to hang out and chat! I loved meeting you and wish we’d had a chance to visit more. This is a great recap — my brain is still swimming with info so it was all I could do to post pics!
    Love that you know what you want from your blog — you know I’ll be reading no matter what!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  3. Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage says

    June 25, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    These Haven posts are so FULL. I would definitely be on overload if I actually attended. LOL. Thanks for the great highlights. Loving the garden pics. I adore artsy photos =)

    All in all, looks like you had a BLAST =) And it never hurts to have the knowledge, even if you don’t plan on applying it to your blog now.

    Reply
  4. Sarah AKA The Thriftress says

    June 25, 2012 at 9:41 pm

    Thank you so much for the love Cassie. We are so in synch on a lot of things. I feel the exact same way as you and Carmel on blogging. Carmel and I chatted about it a lot on Thursday night. It was wonderful to be with like minding gals. I am in awe of your perfect sense for amazing Internet pals! Met so many cool bloggers by following you around 😉

    Reply
  5. Eclectically Vintage says

    June 25, 2012 at 9:57 pm

    Cassie,
    Looks like you had an amazing time!! Flat Kelly told me she had a blast too (but wish it was the real me who could have gone)!

    I knew I liked you for a reason – but this is one extra special reason – I’m half Cuban and my dad’s family live in Miami!!!!!
    Kelly

    Reply
  6. Jessica @ Decor Adventures says

    June 25, 2012 at 10:03 pm

    Cassie! You are awesome woman! Thanks for the shout out in this amazing round up of the Haven goodness.

    I’m so making you a t-shirt…. Guess what it’s going to say on the front?

    Reply
  7. Debra from Bungalow says

    June 25, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    It was so nice to meet you at Haven and I could definitely have gone for a pajama day!

    Reply
  8. Between Blue and Yellow says

    June 25, 2012 at 10:07 pm

    Nice flower pics! That one of me with the tool is hilarious, thanks for ALL of your kind words 🙂

    Reply
  9. Rachel Goldstein says

    June 25, 2012 at 10:24 pm

    Cassie! It was so great to meet you. I had been reading your blog forever and when I realized we were both going to be in the same place at the same time I was super excited. You are just as sweet in person as you are on your blog. Looking forward to Haven 2013 already!
    XOXO,
    Rachel

    Reply
  10. [email protected] says

    June 25, 2012 at 10:31 pm

    What a great post!! Sounds like you met some lovely ladies…which would be expected :). And had a great time! Whew! It was alot of work for you to get to it…I’m glad you had a blast!

    Reply
  11. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista says

    June 25, 2012 at 10:31 pm

    Thank you so much for the recap, I love living vicariously through you and all the yummy dinners:)

    Jessica
    stayathomeista.com

    Reply
  12. [email protected] at the Crossroads says

    June 25, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    Cassie,
    My husband and I met you at lunch one day. It was a pleasure, and I enjoyed reading your recap and seeing your pics. That is an awesome photo of those green peppers. We have some in our garden that I need to pick right now.

    Reply
  13. Serendipity Refined says

    June 25, 2012 at 11:16 pm

    OH HOLY SMACKS! That’s a bunch of info. and SWAG! I’m still living vicariously thorough all of the great posts! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  14. Kirby Dunton Carespodi says

    June 25, 2012 at 11:20 pm

    You forgot to say that I am drop-dead gorgeous. And young. And really tall. 😉 It was so great meeting you in person!

    Reply
  15. Anna See says

    June 25, 2012 at 11:23 pm

    sounds like it was great! i am sorry to have missed it. xo

    Reply
  16. Fiona, LilyfieldLife says

    June 25, 2012 at 11:47 pm

    hi Cassie -sounds like you had so much fun. and I love your photos in your garden. what lens?

    Reply
  17. Lisa at Shine Your Light says

    June 25, 2012 at 11:50 pm

    It all sounds amazing, Cassie – meeting all these women that you have so much in common with! So glad you got to connect! Look forward to checking out some of these blogs that are new to me!

    Reply
  18. c.w.frosting says

    June 26, 2012 at 12:00 am

    What FUN! Enjoyed reading your post & also think that blogging for money is not for me, no time for that! I think the most important message is that people need to figure out what works for them. There’s no right formula for a blog =) xo

    Reply
  19. [email protected] Charm says

    June 26, 2012 at 12:22 am

    Cassie,
    Sounds like y’all all had a ton of fun…hoping to go next year:) I really need that camera class.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  20. Starr @ The Kiefer Cottage says

    June 26, 2012 at 12:57 am

    Love all the photos. I am amazed at how well-groomed and attractive everyone is. Okay, no I’m not–I’m just a bum, even in public. But what a good-lookin’ group there! Perhaps that is how you could make money? Modeling?

    Reply
  21. Restyled Vintage says

    June 26, 2012 at 1:03 am

    Awesome post Cassie and so nice to see that you connected with so many people there, that is surely what it is all about 🙂
    xx Karen

    Reply
  22. [email protected] Sort Of Fairytale says

    June 26, 2012 at 1:24 am

    Love all your pictures, Cassie, I’m so glad you had a good time! I would never want to be a professional blogger either, it seems just all too much for me, but more power to those that do want to do it! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Sarah @ Cozy.Cottage.Cute. says

    June 26, 2012 at 1:32 am

    Awwwww, that looks like soooooo much bloggy, girly fun.

    Wish I could have crashed the party. 🙂

    Hee hee!

    Reply
  24. Katie Olthoff says

    June 26, 2012 at 2:32 am

    yes, yes yes! Just because it’s possible, doesn’t mean you have to do it! (be a professional blogger.) And that’s okay, right? I mean, if we know what our goals are, it’s okay if we don’t measure up to others’ goals. THANK YOU for saying it!

    Reply
  25. Lesli at My Old Country House says

    June 26, 2012 at 4:31 am

    Cassie, AWESOME post!!! and you make me blush!!! Thank you for the kind words, … and I whole heartedly agree with the PJ party idea…I have mine on now! I am already getting excited about a reunion with the VA and MD girls, maybe we could meet at Lucketts, or here in Charlottesville, come on over!!!! This is just the beginning!!!
    xolesli

    Reply
  26. Lesli at My Old Country House says

    June 26, 2012 at 4:33 am

    oh and my brother married a Cuban from Tampa!

    Reply
  27. Allison says

    June 26, 2012 at 5:02 am

    Fun to see the photos from Haven! How wonderful you met so many people and it looks like everyone had a great time. I am so glad you were able to go! Also so happy that you got your walking buddy home safe and sound!

    Reply
  28. Kara @ June & Bear says

    June 26, 2012 at 11:50 am

    holy moly! i’m going to have to reread this several times to take it all in. i’m afraid if i’d gone i’d have been standing dumbfounded in a corner somewhere. but i sure could have used some of the inspiration. i really need to dive into a project and get something done. glad you had such a great time!

    Reply
  29. [email protected] Repurposed Life says

    June 26, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    super post Cassie! It was so great to meet you in person, although I feel I know you so well already.
    See you next time!!!

    gail

    Reply
  30. Amber B (Simple Dwellings) says

    June 26, 2012 at 1:04 pm

    Sounds like an amazing time! I would love to meet up at a blogging conference one day! I have yet to go to one, but have always wanted to! I loved hearing all about the events. And you got a sample of Annie Sloan paint? That’s a great gift! And if I was there and there was a karyoke machine, I would have definitely been out there too, busting a move! ha! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    June 26, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    Holy cow, how did you keep it all straight? Sounds like a wonderful experience!

    Reply
  32. thistlewoodfarm says

    June 26, 2012 at 1:36 pm

    Cassie,

    Kelly (VATW) and I were talking yesterday about how AMAZING you are! Seriously. You are just as wonderful in person as your blog and I count myself so lucky to have met you!

    Have a blessed and wonderful day!
    karianne

    Reply
  33. Upscale Downhome says

    June 26, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    Thanks for sharing all your fun. One of these days, I’ll make it to a blogging conference. I really found it interesting that you don’t want to be a professional blogger. I really don’t either but would love to hear more about Becki’s talk.

    Reply
  34. Maury Kilgo says

    June 26, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    I love your pictures! I’m going to steal them. Thank you so much for those sweet words about me. You actually made me tear up a little (mostly because I miss you). Don’t knock the moving thing yet… there’s no harm in keeping your options open but if not, then I’m definitely coming to crash at your house (and vice versa, of course).

    You are such a blessing and I know you could make a million dollars on your blog because you’re so talented, but I’m so impressed that know exactly what you want and don’t feel like you have to be something else. That’s awesome (and so completely Cassie!)

    Reply
  35. Natalie Dixon says

    June 26, 2012 at 4:42 pm

    What a fabulous wrap-up post! It was great meeting you, even if it was just briefly for the group picture! I’ll just have to be sure to come back next time so we can actually get to know each other! It’s so funny coming home and feeling like I experience so much and then reading everyone’s wrap-up posts, and realizing that there was so much more that I missed! It would have just been impossible to take it all in because it was just that grand!

    Reply
  36. [email protected] says

    June 26, 2012 at 4:45 pm

    I have been reading through all of the Haven posts today. It looks like an amazing opportunity to learn and meet many of the fabulous bloggers we connect with everyday. I enjoyed living vicariously through your post today Cassie! I wish I could have been there, but there is always next year.

    Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  37. Kelly says

    June 26, 2012 at 7:30 pm

    YES on pajama day. How about haven pajama WEEK, where we just spend the week chatting and eating pizza and spewing wine out of our noses? I’d pay $199 for that.

    Reply
  38. Bella says

    June 26, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    Looks and sounds like you had a blast! If I’m still blogging next year I would love to attend 🙂

    Reply
  39. skye @ neathering our fest says

    June 26, 2012 at 8:10 pm

    oh I LOVE THOSE pictures of us!!! that picture of me and maury is freaking awesome. I’m swiping it ASAP. 🙂 so nice to have met you and hopefully we can hang out again soon! maybe a pizza/wine skype date is in order?

    Reply
  40. Budget Design Girl says

    June 26, 2012 at 9:11 pm

    Cassie,

    You are SO adorable, and FUNNY!!! I wish I could have spent more time chatting with you! I agree with you on the Pajama Day idea! Maybe we can send a suggestion card to the planners for next year! 😉

    Love you and your blog, and I will be following along with you to see what’s happening in your life!

    It was GREAT to meet you!!
    xo-Lisa

    Reply
  41. [email protected] says

    June 26, 2012 at 11:33 pm

    So glad I got to meet you in person too! It is so nice to see people out from the computer! Wish I had more time to hang with you. Don’t be jealous! You can use mine anytime!

    Reply
  42. Lesley says

    June 27, 2012 at 1:27 am

    So sad I missed it. Looks like it was fun. Deneen and I have talked all about some of her highlights. But…she didn’t mention the miter saw!!! LOL

    Reply
  43. DecorandtheDog says

    June 27, 2012 at 1:58 am

    What Kelly said….

    Reply
  44. [email protected] says

    June 27, 2012 at 2:05 am

    Hahaha! Is it weird that the part that stood out to me the most was the boob salad??

    Haven seriously sounds like the best time! I didn’t get to go this year, but I want to go next year for sure!

    Reply
  45. chelsearoberks says

    June 27, 2012 at 4:51 am

    Wonderful sketch of fun and happiness! Getting some awesome friends is truly a blessing of God and I feel fortunate that I also have some outstanding friends and I’m very fond of them though the number is very few. Thanks Cassie for sharing your exclusive experience with us. designer furniture Keep smiling!

    Reply
  46. [email protected] Road says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:37 pm

    It sounds like you had a fantastic time! Some day, I’ll go to one of those. 🙂

    Reply
  47. Jen Gilday says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:19 am

    Just going through my haven business cards {finally!}. Enjoying looking around your blog!!

    Jen
    {athomeinthenorthwestblog.com}

    Reply
  48. Erin @ His and Hers says

    July 1, 2012 at 7:26 pm

    I definitely think that my favorite part would have been meeting people, too! I always crave girl time, and this would been awesome. So glad you had a good time!! 🙂

    Reply
  49. SHERRY HART says

    July 1, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    WOW…what a round up! Looks like you met a “gob” of people….So much fun to connect with you and I hope when I make it to Md. one day that we can have lunch. You are the total package…funny….talented…and real.

    Reply
  50. I'm Busy Procrastinating says

    July 4, 2012 at 12:32 am

    Your excitement about the conference really came through. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!

    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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