Sunday Seven with Primitive and Proper

In my early days of blogging, I stumbled across the blog Primitive and Proper (now Cassie Bustamante) and Cassie’s style completely resonated with me. She brings together the vintage with the modern with the thrifted with the fun like no one else!  Every time I see her home or get a peek into one of her rooms, I notice something new and amazing. The care and thought that goes into her decor is remarkable- make sure you take the time to notice the details.  As wonderful as Cassie’s design style is though, what TRULY makes her special is the heart and the authenticity with which she approaches her blog and her family and her home. THAT is her first intention and it is so lovingly obvious throughout her house.

Question 1: Why did you start blogging?

I thought it would be a great way to market my furniture pieces, and had no idea what I was getting myself into, nor of the connections I would make. I don’t use it so much as a marketing tool for my business any more, though I do share glimpses of that. The focus has shifted to more design and DIY in my own house, as well as a bit of lifestyle.

Question 2: What has been your proudest moment as a blogger?

To be honest, I sort of see myself as “always a bridesmaid” when it comes to blogging… I haven’t reached many of the milestones that seem to tick the blogger goal list, but I don’t care much if I ever do. (But naturally, I do think it would be lovely to be featured in one of my favorite magazines!) My proudest moment was when my 9 year old daughter told me she wanted to start a blog about her fairy gardens and dollhouses. Of course she also told me she wanted to show off her room in its messiest state… so that might put be to blogger shame. 😉 She’s taking a photography camp this summer, and I truly do hope to help her start up her own blog to nurture her creativity and hone her writing skills.

Question 3: What is the hardest thing about blogging?

For me it’s been giving myself grace. I have to remind myself that it’s OK to go at my own pace on my own path. Bloggers are a very driven group of individuals and while it’s very much a community, we tend to compare ourselves all the time. It’s a struggle to constantly remind myself not to do that. I try to be content knowing I am doing the best I can do with the time and resources available to me.

Question 4: What is one thing you wish you’d known early on with your blog?

Photography is key!!!! And sadly, grammar and eloquence are not. I cringe when I look back at my old posts’ photos, but who knew way back in the good ol’ days what blogging would become. It’s such a saturated market now that beautifully styled photos make all the difference; “readers” spend less time actually reading and more time just soaking in the eye candy. I read several blogs and some are wildly successful because of their beautiful images and style, but I would really like to take a red pen to their page, if I am being honest. #iamsilentlycorrectingyourgrammar

Question 5: What’s one fun fact about you?

From the time I was a small child, I have loved ghost stories and movies about hauntings… I watched Poltergeist at the age of 5 and loved it. (While you might be questioning my parents’ judgement there, it happened to be on and apparently I found it all very funny and was laughing. They let me watch it, assuming I thought it was a comedy.) I loved the show, The Medium, as well as Ghost Whisperer. My husband does not believe in ghosts but I assure him that if I die first I will prove to him that they exist.

Question 6: What’s your favorite post (and why)?

Gosh, this was a tough question. Over the course of the past 7 years (!!!), I have written several posts from the heart, I’ve shared room makeovers, furniture revamps, small crafty projects, and more. I thought long and hard to give the best answer here, and eventually settled upon my industrial pipe built-in post. I chose this post because I look at it as a turning point in our DIY journey and marriage. It was the first larger DIY project where we pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones and worked well together to create something functional and beautiful. Since then, we’ve gone on to plank some walls, build a chicken coop, and more… We’ve definitely grown and are more willing to try new things thanks to those built-ins!

Question 7: What are your blog goals for the future?

Earlier this year I thought, this will be the year I make something of this blog and finally generate a decent income! But I own a brick & mortar shop and that always takes precedent over the blog, so naturally that hasn’t happened and I’ve since changed my goals for the future. My goal is to keep on keeping on, blogging when I have something to say, and getting back to doing it FOR ME and for my enjoyment. Of course it’s for you, the reader, as well, but I blog for pleasure and to connect with my readers. I need to remind myself why I do it and get back to the old school way of blogging. So while everyone else is swimming upstream, I’m just gonna go where the current takes me, paddling only when I have the time, and enjoying the ride. If wonderful things happen, so be it, and if they don’t… well the fact that I find joy in blogging and am able to document some of my life for my family is wonderful enough in itself.

How distracted did you get stalking all the other posts on Cassie’s site? Every time I go on, I end up finding something new and poking around for WAY longer than I have time for. Whether it’s a boho flare tucked into a corner, or a bold wall color or an amazing textile thrown over a chair… Primitive and Proper is everything I love about a home: Curated. Clever. Personal.

Cassie’s Instagram is just as beautiful as her site… head over there and follow her. While you’re at it, Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin’ are no slouches either.