Wow.  Can you believe I've had this thing going for 6 years?!?!? I can't!   




So to celebrate I figured I'd share some of my favorite posts from this past year that help tell the story of what all has went on.


Let's see...

At the end of last summer I became obsessed with my little robotic vacuum cleaner Bobi! As if I really needed another reason to become more domestic.  Owning our home for the past year has been great with that.

Speaking of our home - the dogs adjusted great, as you may remember from the Chihuahua Cribs tour.

We also did plenty of little things at the end of last summer to our yard.


I celebrated Grace's birthday as well as Pixie's birthday.
I organized the kitchen cabinets, and I also suddenly turned into a friggin chef. 

I shared several printable recipes here.

All the while I kept on blogging...
Sharing 25 things about me, and my new fitness and health habits.  By the way, I've lost nearly 15 pounds!

I also showed you guys our frickin' blizzard! That was insane!

You also got a look into my life in a new home POST-KonMari.

By far one of THE most exciting moments in the history of my blog is when I published my first book!!! !  You can get it on Amazon! And if you aren't sure you want it... here's a brief summary. 

And I shared some FABULOUS news about Rocky here!
I also bitched about my annual gyno exam (what else is new), shared some things to do in Central PA,   and became a garden expert out of nowhere.

I've been sharing my garden progress along the way!

Oh and I also joined Snapchat and I seriously advise you to follow me because you will not regret it.  It's where I let out my hilarious side!
Thanks for sticking with me another year and I promise the next year to come will get even better!!!!

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5 Q&A's About My Blog [Ask Away Turns 5]

To finish off the week of celebrating 5 years as a blogger I figured I'd do a quick Q&A.  Various readers contributed to the questions :)

Enjoy!

Q: What was the specific thing that got you into blogging?
A: Over the years people always told me that I was great at giving advice. I could listen to even the most controversial of issues, and still give solid advice from a neutral, unbiased standpoint.  After enough people told me I should start an advice column, or write a book, I figured I'd do the next best thing - BLOG!  

Q: What's your favorite aspect of blogging?
A: I could never pick just one - so I'll say them all. I love having readers tell me that they heard someone mention my blog elsewhere and they were like "Hey, I know the girl that writes the blog!"   as if I'm a world famous blogger or something (Yeah right!). I love being able to be my own boss. I love meeting other bloggers. If it wasn't for blogging I probably wouldn't have a lot of the close friends I do now. I love being able to go to events and conferences and learn new skills.

Q: What's the most difficult thing about blogging?
A: Keeping up when you feel like being lazy.   There are a couple times a year where I get a bit behind. Normally I have photos taken, blogs written, tweets scheduled weeks in advance. But life happens and sometimes I lose my motivation. Also, writer's block when I run out of stuff to blog about.

Q: Do bloggers pay attention to their readers?
A: I can't speak for them but I can speak for myself and say YES! I "creep" on a lot of my readers that comment on Facebook all the time, sometimes to see the photos of the pets they always tell me about. I recognize names and faces on all social media channels.  I remember the things people have told me about their life.  I feel like I have a lot in common with almost all of my readers!   I also read every single little comment, tweet, Facebook post, Instagram mention and I always look at who all shares and likes my posts.

Q: Can you ever see your blog ending someday?
A: That's a great question and one I think of often.  The answer is no - absolutely not.   I love blogging and I love this blog. I would be devastated if I didn't have this anymore.  It keeps me going everyday and I can't imagine not being able to connect with all my readers.



Once again, if it weren't for you guys, my readers, I would not have this blog looking and working like it does today. Thank you so so so much. Feel free to email me at anytime whether it's a suggestion, a concern, or if you need advice!

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5 Ways My Blog Has Changed [Ask Away Turns 5]

To celebrate 5 years of blogging I wanted to highlight some ways that this blog has actually transformed over the years.  

|1| Started as a Simple Advice Blog
I literally used to only post when a reader asked me a question.  I would respond in the advice column format.   It was okay at first but it kind of got boring, which when I realized I needed to just post advice filled posts rather than just Q&A's.  

|2| It used to be Reviews & Giveaways Galore
Yep,  I used to have at least 5-6 giveaways a week.  I realized after a while that while it helped me build my traffic up, I needed more organic posts that didn't have sponsored content or free goodies.  Even when I reviewed a product I had to do it in more of an editorial way. 

|3| My Outfit Photos used to be on a Point and Shoot
It wasn't really all that bad but it is nowhere the quality I can get today. 

|4| I Don't Post Every Day
I used to post every single day.  I realize that is a lot for someone to keep up with if they have a life.  So I don't post on weekends, and sometimes I take 1 day off a week to not post.   Usually only one post goes up each day rather than 2-3. 

|5| I Utilize Social Media Better
Before, I only used social media to help share my posts. Now I post things on specific channels only, and I actually engage more with my readers. 

I hope you've noticed some of these things over the years.  What's the most memorable change you've seen on Ask Away? 

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5 Things That Happened This Year [Ask Away Turns 5]

This was quite a year for me and I made sure to document everything on my blog.  Here's a look at 5 big things that happened to me this year. 

|1| I Paid Off All My Debt

From over 18k in debt several years ago, the whole way to zero!  It took several years and a lot of discipline but I made sure to document my Debt Snowball progress every month with how much I had left. The feeling it left me with is absolutely amazing.  I feel so free.  

|2| Bought A House

Within a month of paying my debt off, we actually found our dream home. It literally popped up out of nowhere as we were just beginning to take a self-prescribed break from house hunting.   Within 24 hours we made an offer and had it accepted.   One month later, on June 17th we moved in! If you missed the first ever home tour check it out here.

|3| Rocky's Heart

In February, I was shocked to learn that Rocky had an enlarged heart. I was literally devastated and my world had stopped turning.   I kept everyone updated with the doctor's appointments and the results and I'm happy to say that Rocky is doing great now and his medicine is working for him.  It's a relief but it's also bittersweet because I know his heart condition will never just disappear. 

|4| Partnering with Rockvale Outlets Lancaster

In my first really big local partnership, I actually worked with Rockvale Outlets Lancaster to show my readers all the different things you can buy there. It was a blast, to say the least. 

|5| Minimized My Closet

I went through a few months of major KonMari (google it!) and ended up with a much smaller and more practical joyfilled wardrobe!! Read all about it here! 

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5 of My Most Popular Posts [Ask Away Turns 5]

To celebrate my blog turning 5 this week I'll be featuring things in 5's.   Today we will look at 5 of my most popular posts this year. 

|1| My Guide to Being on A Budget

I think this post will always be a big hit. It basically covers how to get on a budget and stay with it.  If you ever wondered how I did it, here you go!

|2|My Filofax Budget Envelope System

In addition to the budget post, this post shows how I use the cash envelope system. 

|3| Our House Tour

Buying a house this year was an amazing accomplishment and the much anticipated initial home tour was a huge hit!

|4|How I Became Debt Free

Obviously this was another big accomplishment but was also a great way to answer everyone's questions on how I did it!

|5| The Many Benefits of The KonMari Method

Earlier this year I actually embraced the very famous Konmari Method to purge and reorganize my posessions and my life.  This was a great summary of the method and a look back at how it changed me. 

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Happy Blogiversary! [Ask Away Turns 5]

That's right my beloved blog turns 5 today! I can't believe I've been blogging for 5 years!! 

I probably spend about 10-15 hours a week AT LEAST on my blog.  It's become my pride and joy and I don't even want to imagine not having it.   It's very fulfilling despite all the long hours, hard work, and money I have to put into it at times. 

And of course - I had to show off my babies in this little photoshoot!

I will never forget how anytime  I have a sick chihuahua, all of my readers reach out with comforting words! 

 So to celebrate my Blogiversary I decided to pamper myself by getting all dolled up with some photos and some pretty balloons! 
Another thing I spoiled myself with for my Blogiversary was this Single Wrap Bracelet from the Endless Collection by Endless Jewelry! I love it! The leather bands are available in black, gold, red, anthracite, and crème.  They have a super easy magnetic clasp closure and you can even use the closure to connect more wraps and extend the length.  It's very lightweight and so elegant.  I love layering bracelets but this is something I love to wear alone just because of how beautiful it is.  You can add charms onto these bracelets to help tell a story.  My bracelet just has an elegant Endless Coin Charm on it as well as 2 White Endless Enamel Charms.  

So this week will be dedicated to Ask Away turning 5.  Each day I will have a post relating to the number 5.   Check back tomorrow! And THANK YOU to all of my readers near and far, local and national, because if it weren't for you guys reading, commenting, sharing, etc. I would not have the drive to keep this blog going. I love you ALL!!!!

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