My Blogging Highlights

~ stashy

I’ve been procrastinating on finishing off this entry since it will be my closure post.  But, enough delay – it has to be done. This is going to be a rather self-indulgent post…

Initially I wasn’t planning on doing a post like this to conclude the blog, but your comments when I made my announcement mentioned that I should be proud of my achievements. And you know what? I am proud of what I’ve created! Let’s celebrate it. ⭐

I started this blog back in 2015 with one objective.  I had a lot of makeup and I needed to stop buying more, use up what I got, and get rid of a bunch.  Thus started the No-Buy, Trash Stash, and Purge posts.  I didn’t have a game plan beyond that, but that was half the fun of blogging – anything goes! 😉

In terms of specific posts that gained the highest page views over all the years, these were the tops.

Top 3 Posts of All Time

#1 Transition Eye Shadow Shades

Every year, this post outranks all other posts I’ve ever written on the blog. Go figure! I’d always intended to post an update to this with better photos and updated shades but never did get around to it.

#2 Where Was it Made?

This is one of my personal favourite topics that I ever posted. I’m so happy that it is also popular – sometimes those two things aren’t mutual.

#3 My Cosmetics Inventory Spreadsheet

This isn’t so much a “pretty” post but a useful one. I hope out there, there are loads of people using this spreadsheet to track their makeup inventory – that thought brings a smile to my face! 🙂

In looking at these top posts, I’m keenly aware that my most popular ones were created in the early days. Yes, I understand that they accumulate more views since they’ve been around longer but I also personally feel these posts truly capture the essence of what my blog is about.

Notwithstanding post popularity, I do have some personal favourite posts (aside from the “Where was it made?” post mentioned above) that I’d like to highlight from each year (I went through all 616 of my published posts to narrow down to these…)

Favourite Posts Through the Years

2015:

• Inconsistent Products
• Chit Chat: Returning Makeup (I have some remorse that I didn’t post more Chit Chat posts – I did recently post one on Blogging Do’s and Don’ts, which proved to be a hot button topic! In my draft folder, I still have 8 Chit Chat topics that will remain unseen)
• MegaPost: Illamasqua Nail Polish Collection
• Grading My Friends’ Skincare Routine (and the subsequent Grade MY Skincare Routine, and Grading My Friends’ Skincare Routine #2)
• Christmas Traditions (this is the most personal post I’ve made on the blog so if you wanted to know more about my childhood, have a read)

2016:

• JAPAN!!! (featuring Japanese Makeup Haul, Japanese Food and Culture, and Japanese Shopping Experiences – looking back, I’m so happy I had this blog when I took my first trip to Japan to share my experiences with you, and to have a record of it for myself)
• Nordstrom Toronto Beauty Department
• Happiness Highlights (huge thanks to Chanelle for inspiring this – too bad I didn’t maintain it like she does)
• Nars Kabuki Ita Brush and AliExpress Dupe
• Becca Ombre Rouge Eye Palette (so much snark in this post!)

2017:

• MegaPost: Custom Palettes (I wish I had done more MegaPosts on the blog – they were so much work but so satisfying)
• BITE Lip Lab Bespoke Lipstick Party (more than simply the lipsticks created, it was the time spent with the amazing bloggers that makes this noteworthy 💕)
• Cushion Foundation Rant (I firmly believe that I’m at my best when I’m disgruntled)
• Beauty Reviewing Guide
• 30 Day Masking Challenge
• Affordable Drugstore Nude Palettes

2018: A bit of a cheat since it’s only 2 months’ worth of posts but I do already have a couple of favourites.

• Surratt Artistique Cheek Brush
• Current Holy Grail Beauty Products

I feel these posts were me at my best, and I remember having a lot of passion writing them, and a ton of fun interacting with you in the comments. 😀

Beauty Podcast


Although not part of the blog itself, I couldn’t not mention this extension to the blog.  The Beauty Podcast is the amazing brainchild of Cat of My Lip Addiction. If you had told me back in 2015 that I’d be recording podcasts, I would have laughed in your face!  But Cat is very persuasive and helped me go outside of my comfort zone.  I was guest #2 on her podcast and returned on episode 13 where Cat proposed the idea of me co-hosting.  I said yes, and the rest is history.  Huge thanks to Cat for being the conduit to this creative outlet! ❤  Thanks to the guests for subjecting yourselves to us, and especially thank you to all the listeners!  There wasn’t an official announcement made, but it is confirmed that the Beauty Podcast is now concluded.  If you haven’t listened to them, all of the episodes will be kept up on iTunes, Google Play, Buzzsprout, and Stitcher for you to enjoy. 🙂

Collaborations


I participated in blogging collabs with wonderful fellow bloggers:
• Blogmas with Ingrid of Curly Spring Blossom, Kaily of Hello Kaily, and Sharon of Hey Sharonoox [back when she used to be called Sharon Beauty Prime 😉]
• Project Focus 10 with Ingrid of Curly Spring Blossom, Jodi of A Brash Attitude, and Joy of Styled With Joy [who sadly, no longer blogs]
• Project Pan 12 with Ingrid of Curly Spring Blossom, and Jodi of A Brash Attitude
• Swaps especially with DanniiJane for Valentine’s Day, and with Joyce for our birthdays
• $20 Makeup Challenge with MyStyleInsideOut
• Guest post: Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette with Joyce of Local Girl Foreign Land, and my post over at her blog, about my visit to Ephesus, Turkey

They say that blogging is a solo activity but most of my fondest memories are when I’m participating in a collaboration with another blogger or a group. Which leads me to…

Most important blogging highlight is YOU!


Allow me to be full of fromage for a bit. 🧀 When I started this blog, I didn’t think many people would read it. I wrote it for myself and a few of my real life friends who encouraged me to start a beauty blog. I know there are a ton of beauty blogs out there and there was absolutely no expectation that mine would get noticed at all.  But it’s so amazing to be part of this community and meeting all of YOU.  Your presence on the blog has made this experience so engaging and unforgettable. So YOU are my top blogging highlight! 😍

Aww, reminiscing can be a bit sad!  But I’m also happy that we were able to share all of this together. 😘 It has been a thrilling ride and I thank you for coming along.  I’ll be seeing you around!

I don’t want to make this all about me so I’ll flip this around: I’d love to know what your favourite posts from your own blog are! If you’re so inclined to sift through your posts, link me to some of your favourite blog entries. I’d love to read them, if I haven’t already! ❤

92 thoughts on “My Blogging Highlights”

  3. You’re blog is so unique to the beauty world, it truly stood out! We will all miss you and I’m happy that you were one of the first bloggers I connected with when I started out (around the same time, I believe).
    All the best 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much for your awesome feedback Kristyn! ❤ Yes, I'm so glad that we connected early on too! I feel like I've "known" you for ages! 🙂

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  4. I can’t believe it’s finally here. I’m so sad. I think “Where Was It Made” is probably one of my favorite posts of yours. It was the one that got me hooked on your blog BITD. As another commenter said, there is something so unique about your content that really draws us all in. I wish you all the best, my dear and I hope to still see you around!

    xo
    Kimmy

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    1. You’ve been so encouraging of my blogging – I really appreciate your feedback all throughout. They really energized me to think “outside of the beauty box”. Thank you for the well wishes and for sure I’ll see you around! 😉

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  6. I’m sad that you are not blogging anymore. I always looked forward to your posts and read them top to bottom. You must do what makes you happy though and I’m hoping to still see you around on the “insta”. As always I wish you the very best 🙂

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    1. Thank you for all the support Jill! I’ll never forget your sweet gesture in sending me the Essence Nude highlighter! ❤ Yes, I'll maintain a presence on IG – will drop in to check up on what's going on with you! 🙂

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  7. I will miss your posts without a doubt. I enjoy this blog overview as there are also some posts I missed or before I started following you. It does make me wonder whether you managed to make your stash smaller (your trash stash posts were always my favourite) but there’s nobody but you to find out now😉

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    1. Thank you Daniela! 🙂 Since starting my blog, my stash definitely GREW. Primarily with regards to eye shadows and nail polishes. I’m not TOO bummed out though because neither of those products spoil as quickly like foundations or lipsticks or skincare. I feel that I was able to get those categories down to a manageable level. I’ll be seeing you around! 🙂

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  8. What a lovely way to sum it up! I was only here for a little bit at the end but I will still truly miss reading your posts! But I did love seeing a sum up of your favorites, it’s always nice to go back and remember posts you loved admist the chaos and pumping out of posts. All the best!!

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    1. Thanks so much! 🙂 I think it’s a great exercise for everyone to go through their own posts to see which ones they enjoyed creating. I think the process is often just as important as the end result. I’ll be seeing you around, for sure!

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  9. You are NOT leaving. I’m still in denial. Noooo, make it stop!

    In all seriousness, I loved this post – a recap of a few of my favourite posts of yours throughout your blogging career. One of my favourites was the Chit Chat series, so I find it upsetting that you have 8 drafts of different topics that will never see the light of day, haha.

    I’m sad that you’re no longer blogging, but thank you for the wonderful three years of sharing all of your ideas and thoughts with us. I’m so grateful that we connected through our love of makeup, to have had your support during my whole blogging career, and to have had the pleasure of reading your posts and getting to know you! I’m just happy that you’re not disappearing from the beauty community completely 🙂

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    1. I’m not sure if any of the Chit Chat topics in my draft folder are all that compelling – a couple that I did wish I had time to research was cosmetic brand ownership, and an analysis of Canadian beauty loyalty programs. Ah well. If you’re so inclined to take up the torch! 🙂

      It’s bittersweet to stop the blog but I know I made the right decision for me for right now. I’m so glad that the stars aligned that we connected on the blog and actually met in real life! ❤ Mush mush but we just *clicked* and it's rare to find. 😀 ❤ It will be a new mode for me online being a reader / commenter instead of content creator, but I'm really looking forward to it! Thank you for all your support through the years! 😍

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      1. Girl, I can’t take the torch – your shoes are too big for me to fill! Man, an analysis of Canadian beauty loyalty programs would be a LONG and in-depth post!

        As long as it feels right for you, then you’ve made the right choice. It’s so true though – not everyone clicks right away but I’m so glad WE did! Getting to meet you in real life has been one of my blogging highlights thus far!

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  10. I love this post, a great recap and I think I’ll have to go read some of those earlier posts from before I found you. I’ve found that most of my posts that get the most views are from the early days too, I think most are 2015 or 2016. I’ve ended up looking back at some of them and kind of wish they weren’t the ones people were visiting so much as I think I’ve improved a lot. It seems like my views are going down not up recently so I’ve ended up looking back at what I’ve been doing differently and it’s kind of nice to have a walk down memory lane and seeing the past three and a half years of blogging.

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    1. Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed this post. I think it’s a worthwhile exercise for everyone to do! 🙂
      Yes, in a way I wish I was better at photography and writing style right off the bat but I suppose that’s all part of the blogging journey. Who knows, maybe in a couple of years’ time, our 2017-18 posts will gain traction. I don’t think there’s a scientific analysis that can pinpoint that worked in those popular posts vs the content that you’re doing now – it’s really the luck of the draw, unfortunately.

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  11. Aw such a bittersweet ending! But you will be missed! I loved your thorough overviews.

    One of my favorite blog posts is my Backstreet Boys collection. I used to be a huge fan. It’s been up for years but I still sometimes get questions whether I would sell it all.

    My Backstreet Boys Collection

    But that is not beauty related of course. One I am proud of is my overview of the Zoeva chocolate collection. That was an epic post!

    Zoeva Plaisir Box: Blanc Fusion, Caramel Melange, Cocoa Blend eyeshadow palettes + giveaway!!!

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    1. Thank you Maaike! 🙂
      And thank you so much for responding to my request for your favourite posts! I’ve not read either of them (and sadly missed out on the giveaway! Zoeva is such an impossible brand for us to get here). Off to check the posts out!

      Hey, I owe you an email re: potential swap. I’ll send you one shortly! 😉

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      1. These were the first two to pop into my head. Also loved my Music ABC series where I shared 5 songs for each letter of the alphabet that are some of my particular favorites.

        Looking forward to that e-mail! And Zoeva is now available in stores here so if we get round to doing a swap, it’s something I can get my hands on for you.

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  13. Awwww no, can you reschedule this for a months time? I’m not ready to say it’s over 😂
    This was such a perfect ending and recap of the three years that you were “in the game” think some of the earlier posts I may have missed so I’m going to save them up for breaks at work with a cuppa and read those! Congratulations on a fabulous 612 posts, the internet will miss you 💗

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  14. Aww I’m really going to miss your blog it’s become one of my faves ever since your Illamasqua megapost! Hope to still chat online and see you around – all the sad faces 😦 Also I’ll have to indulge in some of your older posts I may have missed! Lovely roundup. 🙂 x

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  15. I’m so sad you’re concluding your blog! You are one of the first blogs I discovered and followed when I started mine, i feel like we’ve been on this journey together. You really should be proud of Stash Matters, you put so much care and love into every post and thats an amazing thing! I’ll miss you around here, I hope you find happiness with whatever you choose to pursue next. Thank you for all your kind support over these last two years! Xxxx

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    1. It’s true – we’ve been on this blogging journey since the beginning! It feels longer than a couple of years, doesn’t it? Thanks so much for your well wishes – I look forward to continue to reading your blog! ❤

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  16. O no!!!!!!!! I’ll have to resort to re-reading your archives 😦 You have an incredible blog. Always so detailed and well thought out. The quality is amazingly consistent too! Will miss your spreadsheet tons.

    My favourite posts on my blog are:
    Travel makeup 5 products only – http://localgirlforeignland.com/2017/01/04/travel-makeup-essentials-5-products-only/
    Flying noodle – http://localgirlforeignland.com/2015/09/20/flying-noodle-nagashi-somen-miyazaki/

    Thank you for all your support. Will miss you a ton. It is not everyday that I “meet” a doppelganger. *hugs* ….>_<…. will you stop all your social media too?

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    1. You’ve gone through more of my archived posts more than anyone else! 😆 Thanks so much for your participation on the blog and being a guest on the podcast too!
      And yessss, thank you for linking those posts! Both of them are fantastic – I also love that there are corresponding videos for them!
      Isn’t it crazy how we met “randomly” online and found out we’re basically twins? 😮

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  18. Yes you should be proud! I find it kind of sad I don’t remember exactly when I found your blog but boy am I glad I did! You not only put thought and consideration into your own posts but everytime you comment on other people’s blogs you do the same. You have a real conversation in the comments and I like that 😀

    Thank you so much for linking to my blog 🙂

    You will be missed but I’ll see you round in the comments!

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    1. Thank you so much Chanelle! ❤
      Hmm I'm trying to remember how I found your blog. I think it was through Ingrid (Curly Spring Blossom)? But yes, so great that we did connect. I find your blog so refreshing and I'm glad you're always challenging the norm. 🙂 Keep it up and I look forward to continuing to read and comment on your blog! 😘

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  19. I’ll miss your insightful and unique posts! THANK YOU for introducing me to Shiseido, I’m hooked! I’m sad that I won’t be getting those types of recommendations anymore.😭

    I wanted to mention that not only did you take the time to do up your own posts but you also engaged heavily in the comment section of mine and others. I know you mentioned them in your blogging do’s and don’ts but I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate you taking the time to read and leave helpful comments on my posts. I loved the support ♥️

    I’ll catch you on the other social platforms 😊

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    1. Man, I wish I received a commission from Shiseido! 😆

      Thanks so much for your sweet comment! I really enjoy engaging on other people’s blogs… I guess I just like to start conversations, it’s so much more fun that way. 🙂

      I’ll be seeing you around, for sure! ❤

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  20. Why do I feel like I’m saying bye to a family member. I’m so sad, because you were a part of my blogging family. Thank you for all the incredible posts you put out there, especially hauls that always made me want to buy more makeup. xx

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    1. What a sweet comment! ❤ I'll still be around to read / comment on your post, I won't disappear! And maybe it's better for your wallet that I don't post my hauls anymore! 😆

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      1. We’ll definitely miss your posts girl. My wallet will have a break now, but I’ll have to search for awesome products, especially brushes, because you always had the best brushes to share in your hauls. xx

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  22. This post was a perfect one for being your last post. I’m so glad that you will be around on social media still. What are you going to do with your extra time? 😉

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    1. Thank you so much Kate!
      I’ll be doing more knitting and jewellery making. I just started a jigsaw puzzle. I’ll read more books. I’m going to try to live life less online. I feel like I’ve been glued to my phone or laptop a lot lately. Just find more balance in general. 🙂

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      1. You’re very welcome! It will be great to focus on other things you enjoy that don’t include a phone or laptop lol. I’d like to find something I enjoy doing as well, without my phone or laptop. I want to start posting more on my blog. Though I have to have to surgery on my jaw for my TMJ. It’s just an arthrocentesis procedure to drain the excess fluid, flush everything out and etc. I’m still waiting to hear when it will be, they have to clear it through my insurance. It’s the least invasive thing they can do for me, which is good! 😊

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        1. Good luck with your surgery! I hope it will help improve your TMJ – I can imagine it’s very painful to manage. Maybe when you’re on the mend, it’d be great to do some light blogging to get your mind off it?

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  23. Aaw I know you’re still here but I’ll miss your posts! They’ve always been super informative and helpful, plus you have your own style. I love your spreadsheets! Doing our Valentine’s blog swap has been one of my blogging highlights for sure😊💕 xx

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  24. I still can’t remember what took hoLd of me to emaiL you after reading the Grading My Friends’ Skincare Routine, but I’m so gLad I did that :’)
    I’m going to miss this space very very much.

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    1. I will be forever grateful that you emailed me about grading your skincare!!! I was so amazed that some stranger online trusted me that much! 😆 It’s been such a fun experience and I look forward to continuing reading your blog and seeing all your food photos on IG! 😉

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  25. OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DON’T GOOOOOOOO STASHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Sigh, after being away I am forced to come back to this???????
    😥 😥 😥 😥 😥 😥
    Anyway, I’ve got a tonne of catching up to do and I do hope to still see you around social media. There’s going to be a big hole in my blog hopping with you gone……
    In any case, I understand that you must have come about revelations upon revelations that lead you to this decision but like you said, later bitches! No explanations needed!
    I LOVE YOU AND STASH MATTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    SEE YOU LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Aw bad timing huh! I’ll still be online to read and comment. I know it’s not the same. I did wrestle with the decision for ages since I don’t take it lightly. I’m just not as passionate about beauty blogging as I once was. Thank you so much for all your support over the years! So crazy how long we’ve known each other and all the things we know about each other. I look forward to continuing to read your blog! ❤ 😘

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  26. I’ll be 110% honest here. Majority of the most informative/entertaining beauty blog posts for me have come from your blog. I’ll always be grateful to have met you on here (EOS love, for the win!). Enjoy your well deserved “blog retirement”. Haha! I know we’ll keep in touch through other platforms.

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment, it means a lot to me! I hope other blogs will step up to fill that void for you. I still remember so well how we connected over our love of EOS! And funny that both of us have moved on beyond them…
      I’ll be seeing you around, for sure! ❤

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  27. I had twenty minutes to kill now before leaving the house and I was dumbstruck as to how I was going to kill that time but then I remembered there was a new post from you up and I had to stop by. 😃
    What a journey you had! I am going to miss seeing your brilliant, well thought out posts in my reader. I have said it before but you can obviously see how much effort you put into your blog. There’s no doubt about it that it’s because of that hard work you put in that you gained a following despite not expecting to. 😊
    You have some great posts listed here! I remember being absolutely fascinated by your post on the free palettes. I hope to still see you around in the virtual world. All the best for your next adventure. 💕

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    1. Aww, thanks for spending your 20 mins to visit me! ❤
      Thank you so much for your kind words. Blogging is definitely a labour of love. I liked that I was able to try out different things and get feedback from people "at large" – what a great community!
      Yes I'll still be around reading and commenting of course – even before I had a blog, I enjoyed doing those things a lot! Now I'll just take a more backseat role. See you around! 🙂

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  28. Aww stashy I’ll miss you so much. Even my blogging is in hiatus, you’re one of my inspirations to blog, it came to a point that I don’t feel like my blog is not a “blog” if I didn’t see your comments. I wish you well in all of your endeavors. We will still get in touch okay! 🙂

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  29. Oh no! But I just found you! I totally understand though. It happens. I’ve gone back and forth with this myself, but always end up staying. I take a few breaks when I need, but feel that it’s just such a positive outlet for me. It truly helps me to focus on something positive even for just a while. But I have definitely been there, man.

    I will miss your spread sheets and charts. I don’t think I’ve ever met a blogger who whipped out the spread sheets and charts before lol. I truly enjoyed your posts for the short time I’ve been reading. ❤

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    1. I did go back and forth on the decision and ultimately, I feel this was the right decision for me right now. I’m still giving myself the option of coming back if the itch to blog again gets to be too strong. 😛

      Thanks so much for reading the commenting on my blog – I’m glad we crossed paths and I’ll still continue to be reading yours! 🙂

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    1. Hi Rebecca! Thanks so much! 🙂 In some ways, I’d rather end on a high note rather than feel the pressure to continue even if my heart wasn’t into it. I’ve definitely enjoyed blogging and interacting with everyone.

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  31. Huge HUGE hugs, I am so sad you are going, but I have loved your blog, and I am so grateful to have met you through blogging. I wish you well in the future and PLEASE do not be a stranger! I love our conversations! ❤

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  32. Beautiful recap Stashy. Can’t believe this is your last blog post.
    You have a great blog, and we will miss your insightful posts (especially the purge posts ^_^) 💕

    All the best

    -Milla & Jouls

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