It’s Not Really Goodbye…

gone_living

Happy Monday, my friends!

I mentioned in my last fashion post that I’ve been wanting to make changes in my life in order to stay true to my heart. One of those changes involves this little blog of mine. When I first started this blog, it was meant to be a fun creative outlet for all the ideas that were swirling around in my head that I couldn’t wait to share with like-minded women who were passionate about fashion, food, fitness, etc. With very little knowledge about blogging, I decided to take the plunge a little over two years ago and what a journey it’s been! It was so much more than I expected in so many ways. The friendships I’ve made in the blogging world have been so rewarding. I’ve been encouraged and inspired by so many of you, and most of all it’s been so much fun! The blessings have been beyond my expectations but, to be completely honest, the amount of time and energy that goes into a blog was also much more than I expected.

My reason for blogging was never about numbers, how many followers I could gain, how many likes or comments I could get or how much I could grow my traffic. However, at some point, those things started to matter and my focus started to change. Instead of letting my real life dictate the content and schedule of my blog, I found myself slowly letting the blog dictate the rhythm of my life. And even though everything I’ve shared in the blog has been authentic and from my heart, I started to realize that because a big chunk of my time was being dedicated to the blog, I was neglecting other important things in my life that needed my attention. I know some of you have full-time jobs and a family with kids, and still manage to blog 3 or more times a week and I’ve always said this, I am truly impressed by you ladies. I’m just not one of those people who can multi-task and do any one thing well.

Until recently, my enthusiasm for coming up with different outfits and the fun I was having interacting with all of you more than compensated for the amount of work I was putting into the blog. But now, with other things tugging at my heart a little more each day, I find myself drifting away. I have to admit that when it comes to putting together new outfits and going out to do photo shoots, my heart is just not in it anymore. I will always love fashion and I could never pass up a good sale, so don’t be surprised if I pop up on my Instagram feed flaunting the latest outfit I’m excited about and sharing finds from the latest sale. Who knows, I might even do a full fashion post on special occasions. But as far as regular fashion posts go, I think my run has come to an end. It’s been fun my friends. Thank you for your support and your sweet words of encouragement for the past couple of years. Hope you’ll continue to stop by to see what I’m up to and I’ll do the same.

It’s time for me to take a break and live life. I’ll let my life decide when and what I’ll be blogging about next.

 

Since it’s almost the end of the year, I thought it would be appropriate to share my favorite looks from 2015.

Favorite Looks of 2015

Almost All Gray

Foxy Polka Dots

The Art of Layering

Lovely in Lilac

How to Wear a Skirt Set

Going Back and Going Bold

Beach Dreaming

The Summer Dress & the Bag

The Iconic Look

Summer Ease

Black, White & Olive

Earth Tones and Neutrals

Holiday State of Mind

Love My Olive

Boldness

 

 

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I’m linking up with these fab ladies: Visible Monday | Hello Monday with Carylee and Jenna | How I Fall | Mix It Mondays | Creative Mondays | Confident Twosday | Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me 

37 thoughts on “It’s Not Really Goodbye…

  1. Aw, Cynthia, what a surprise to read this! And yet I do know where you’re coming from. It is a LOT to juggle blog vs. family vs. real life, no matter how much you want to keep things in balance. I will look forward to your IG posts and hope you enjoy your new new freedom and time to live life to the fullest in other areas.
    Gina || On the Daily Express

  2. Thanks for sharing. I’ll miss your fashion posts, but I totally understand. It’s so hard to balance it all. Glad you are going to be able to spend more time in the areas that are important to you.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  3. Aww Cynthia I can’t say I’m not a little sad to read this as I very much enjoy your fashion posts and all of the style inspiration I gained from you but yes as all of the other bloggers have expressed I totally understand where you are coming from! I struggle with blogging too as in one regard it is a fun creative outlet but in another it can be quite time consuming & overwhelming. It’s always best to follow your heart and I look forward to your IG posts and any posts you may continue to do here. I wish you and your family all the very best! It has been a pleasure getting to know you:)
    Marta
    xoxo
    http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com

    • Thanks, Marta! I have always appreciated your heartfelt comments and words of encouragement. I’m a little sad too but I think there is a time for everything. I will be sure to continue visiting your blog and please keep in touch!

  4. I totally understand! Sometimes I feel like my blog is taking over my life and it isn’t as fun as it used to be. I usually end up taking a break which may not be great for my numbers but helps me come back refreshed and excited. I wish you the best!

    Nicole
    Nicole to the Nines

  5. Oh I am so sad to see you go but I know blogging (especially as a mom with kids) takes so much time. We even talked about this when we met. I hope you decide to come back to blogging one day. Your style is flawless and I enjoy all of your posts, not just the style/outfits ones. I totally understand you want to take time to do other things, be a mom and live your life.

    After the holidays, I would love for us to do lunch. You have my contact number so let me know. Meanwhile, we will stay in touch via E-Mail and I will pop to see you on Instagram.

    Also, you have had so many fantastic outfits 2015. How do I even pick favorites?

    I wish you the very best my friend and Happy Thanksgiving.

    <3 Hugs, Ada.

  6. I am sad and happy to read this. But I support whatever your decisions. Let’s find a chance to meet again this holiday season. Maybe shopping together. 😉

    Grace

    colorandgrace.com

  7. How sad for all of us that love your blog, but it sounds like the right decision for you! I will miss all your fabulous outfits! I will need to check your instagram more often!

  8. But…but…couldn’t you continue to neglect things just a little longer? Your children will still be there tomorrow…

    I love your blog, but not as much as you should and do love your kids and hub and so we will have to continue on w/o you every day. After a while maybe you’ll come back on a regular but less often basis? That would be so lovely 🙂

    • You are so funny, Rylan, and sweet! I’m a little sad but I do need to take a break, mainly from fashion photo shoots. I will definitely be blogging again soon but I’m going to let my life decide on what and how often. Thanks so much for your support!

  9. You have always inspired me Cynthia (even you faith based posts) and I will miss that. I have enjoyed coming by your space and learning more about what you are learning with your time with God or how you are styling a piece but you gotta do what you need to. I am with you and support you Cynthia. Blogging sure can be rough, but you did great at it and we are all so grateful for what you have shared. Will miss you until next time.

    Rachel xo
    Garay Treasures

  10. I missed this post originally and have realized I’ve been missing you in my feed! I totally understand the step back and you have and always will be one of my favorite bloggers I have met on this journey- from both the style and personality standpoint! I will still stalk you on Instagram and wish you the best!
    Carylee | http://morepiecesofme.com

  11. I missed this post! I have recently seen many bloggers taking breaks or quitting, and it’s really sad. This blog thing has become a competition. We ALL work hard on our blogs, we know every blogger’s achievement doesn’t come just by taking pictures, it’s a lot behind. I believe Instagram has messed up with everything just focusing on numbers instead of real people. But unfortunately, it’s a business. I went through sad things with my family this year, I stepped back for a while, and I’m almost back to find my way to blog again little by little. I’m so happy we met on this journey. I hope you find your way soon. I’m going to miss you and your amazing style.

    Sincerely,
    -Tatiana
    We Shop in Heels

  12. Dear Cynthia, I’ve just read this blog post and feel so sorry for being absent for such a long time on the blogging front.
    I completely understand where you coming from. Take your break as long as it is needed. You can always come back 🙂 …and this is the good thing about the blogging.

    See you on Instagram and take good care of yourself Xoxoxo

    Mahshid مهشید

    http://www.thankstofashion.com

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