I’ve been thinking a lot lately about ethics and blogging. What it means to have a monetised blog. And how that might affect what I write about in my blog.

As you’ve probably noticed, I monetised my blog last year. I now include affiliate links. I joined the affiliate program with Amazon last spring, and became a member of Shop Style Collective late in the summer.

When I write a post about a book I’ve read, and link the title to Amazon, I get a commission if someone clicks my link and makes a purchase. When I write a fashion post, I can create a Shop Style link to the clothing, or shoes, or accessories I’m discussing. That is if Shop Style has a relationship with the retailer. Again if a reader clicks the link and makes a purchase, I receive a commission. Shop Style Collective acts as the middle-man, so little blogs like mine can make money even if we don’t have our own agreement with big companies or brands.

Dawn on the Rideau River. January, 2019.
Would monetising be the dawn of a new era on my blog? Or not.

When I started blogging I was determined to not spend a cent on my blog. And for years I didn’t. Then I wanted to take the blog up a notch, and it started costing me money. So I decided to monetise. But not without some major soul searching. I tossed around the idea of monetising, and shelved it. Then debated it with myself… again. And shelved it again. Then I finally discussed it with Hubby. And went for it.

I’m sure you’re saying: “What’s with all the drama, Sue? What is the big deal?”

Well, the big deal is I didn’t want my relationship with readers to change. And I was afraid it would. I didn’t want the blog to become a glitzy ad-filled purveyor of product, instead of a community of like-minded women who yak about clothes and travel and books and life. I was afraid that monetising might be a very slippery slope. Like getting that first face-lift. Ha. Not that I know what THAT feels like. But I can imagine.

So, I started using affiliate links on my blog and the sky didn’t fall. I don’t use ads, nor do I have agreements with brands to review their products. I’ve received some requests to do that, but not from a brand I use, or would use. I haven’t received gifted products, although a company selling pantyhose did get in touch the other day. They seemed perfectly lovely in their e-mail, but since I can’t remember the last time I wore pantyhose, I demurred. The big brands have not been breaking down my door. Not so far. I’m still waiting for Vince to find me. Or Max Mara. As if.

I try to be careful to include my disclosure on any post with an affiliate link. It bugs me when I see glossy blogs that don’t disclose. But I won’t get into that since I ranted on that issue in a post last year. And I hope what I write about has been mostly unaffected by the fact that there are links on the post that may make money for me. I say “may” because most links trigger a lot of clicks and few orders. And I only make commission on sales. But I have been making enough to pay my hosting fees, which is what I wanted all along. So, it’s all good.

Sunset on the Saint John River in New Brunswick. November 2019.
The river at home looks so peaceful at sunset. I’m all for peace, and peace of mind.

Except I’ve been angsting again. About blogging ethics. Not about disclosing a monetary relationship. But how that monetary relationship fits with my fashion philosophy. And my preaching, or maybe espousing is a better word, the idea of slow fashion.

My angst was initially triggered a couple of months ago when I was out for dinner with the “girls.” One of my friends who is really on top of social issues, who is politically active and doesn’t just talk the talk, and who reads my blog now that she’s retired too, told me that she was proud of me for writing my post Fessing Up About Slow Fashion. That’s the one where I did my yearly shopping tally, and looked at whether I’d made any progress in becoming a more ethical shopper. “Wow. Thanks, Nancy. That means a lot,” I said. “But,” she continued, “how are you going to rationalize monetising your blog and providing shopping links with your slow fashion philosophy?”

And, although I know Nancy didn’t mean for this to happen, her question created a whole cascade of conflicting emotions for me, that have been kind of simmering below the surface. Until this past week. When I wrote again about slow fashion and old coats. And my friend Frances wrote a really thought-provoking analysis of the whole issue of slow fashion and “mindful consumerism” on her blog. You can read Frances’ thoughts here. And that pot of angst that had been simmering uncomfortably for a couple of months boiled over.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not blaming Nancy or Frances for my angst. They are friends whose opinions I value. In fact, I consider both of them to be philosophical kindred spirits. Okay, I cannot understand why Nancy never carries a purse. But that’s beside the point.

On the contrary, I’m kind of glad that angst-y pot boiled over because it prompted me to write this post explaining what I do and why.

To that end, I have to say that I do want to be a more ethical shopper. I do try to limit my purchases, and I do strive to shop consciously, and “mindfully.” But I still shop. I am not signing on for any of the “no new clothes” initiatives that have become popular in the past year or so. And I’m not going to promise to only shop in thrift stores. I try to be good. To be better than I’ve been. To make an effort to do my bit, however small, to save the planet.

But… and here’s what I realized today has been bothering me the most… I still want to have fun with fashion. To seek out and find that perfect pair of jeans. Or that perfect sweater that goes with everything in my closet. I still want to think about fashion in a joyful way. And, lately, stressing about whether my philosophy and my practice are at odds with each other has taken the joy away. I’ve been so worried that I wasn’t doing enough to limit my consumption. Wasn’t being strict enough with myself. Or dedicated enough. Or by having shopping links in my posts I looked greedy, or hypocritical. That I was draining all the joy out of simply loving clothes.

And I do simply love clothes. I love having fun with clothes. And then talking with you guys about the fun I’ve had. For me, blogging is like teaching. If I was having fun in the classroom, I was a way better teacher. Same with blogging.

In the long run, I plan to continue to write posts about slow fashion. I’d like to be more diligent at researching ethical brands. I’ve already been doing some reading about shopping on-line for ethical brands, and the issues around that. And I’d like to explore on-line second-hand shopping.

And I still plan to provide monetised links to the clothing I wear in posts. I’ve come to the conclusion that including those links does not compromise the content of my posts. I still say what I want to say. The monetary aspect, the affiliate link, does not drive the content; it arises from the content, which is a whole other thing. You don’t have to shop those links. You can probably find similar pieces in shops near you. Or at your local consignment or thrift store. Or even better, in your own closet.

So, that’s all I have to say about ethics and blogging. At least for today. You know, I have a sneaking suspicion that part of my over-thinking, angst-y over-reaction this week was due to the fact that it’s been a rough winter here in our little bungalow nestled on the banks of the Rideau. Maybe I’m suffering from cabin fever.

Maybe I need to start planning my spring wardrobe. I’ll start with planning how to wear what I already have for spring in my closet. Although I can’t guarantee that I won’t be adding maybe one or two carefully chosen new pieces. After all, I said I was trying to be good. Not perfect.

Linking up with Catherine at #ShareAllLinkup.

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54 thoughts on “On Ethics… and Blogging”

  1. The key thing here, I think, is this: people still need to wear clothes. But there is a difference between willy-nilly consumerism, pointless on-trend collecting and high-end mad prices and simply thinking carefully about what you buy and wear. There really is joy in tracking down the perfect jeans for yourself – just done it, much cheaper than Levis – and then wearing them forever. At our time of life, it probably is forever. We can all stop and think about the ethics of our shopping but, for most of us, it probably still comes down to what do I need v what do I want and what can I afford to pay? Somewhere in the middle is the sweet spot. Whether or not you act on it depends on what clothes mean to you. Re monetising: I don’t think it is unethical if it is tailored to your beliefs and your blog. Your links seem to do this. And, of course, none of us are compelled to click-and-buy. It’s choice, isn’t it? Choice and thought. All hail both. Exercise them wisely. It’s a dying skill.

    1. Thanks, Annie. Ah the joy of hunting the perfect pair of jeans… I should have a bumper sticker on my car saying “Looking for perfect jeans since 1973.” I think that’s when I bought my first pair of Levis. Not quite long enough for me, and too big in the bum. Sigh.

  2. Sue, I have never thought of you as a mindless shopper. You plan your purchases and decide so carefully. I cannot shop your links because the shipping charges to Bulgaria are as much as the item most of the time. However I do like to look at them, see what is available, etc. So I am glad you now include them – like window shopping for me 🙂 No more angst! Looking forward to you planning your Spring attire.

    1. Thanks, Lise. The tech guy who helps me with blog stuff simply loves Bulgaria. He spent a year there as an exchange student. I must tell him I have a reader in Bulgaria. 🙂

  3. Serious stuff today . Firstly I agree with Annie above as far as fashion goes . Don’t beat yourself up Sue . I’ll be honest . Yes , we could all do more to save the world but it’s far more complicated than not buying a new jacket . It’s about our whole lifestyles – not just fashion . I’m rather weary of jet setters telling me not to buy a fleece . Don’t get me onto air conditioning , scary . A good friend was teasing us the other day about our naughty open coal fire . So we pointed out to him – we rarely travel by plane anymore – we use buses & trains locally – we don’t chuck & replace house furnishings -much recycling takes place – we opt not to have a dishwasher or tumble dryer – we are non meat eaters & mainly we have no children . David Attenborough says the worst threat to mankind is the population . If you don’t have children , like you & me , your long term footprint has to be pretty minimal . I’m glad that monetizing is covering your costs . I know a great deal of work takes place to provide your excellent posts & if you made a charge I’d pay it .

    1. Yes, Wendy! This is what I was trying to say in my post about why I felt relief in recognizing that what’s really needed is a systemic change, the “roots-and-branches” change mentioned in that Guardian Vivienne Westwood interview. Our individual choices do make a difference, but we can’t change the world. So we do our best. And we keep joy in mind because without it, well, I’m not sure I want to save the planet for a joyless life. And we might write posts in which we try to think our way toward our own personal ethics around this, and we might even hope those raise others’ consciouness. But we also remember that these choices are complicated, that others are balancing in a different spot than we are, so we try not to judge. We do our best, if I might repeat myself. And I think that sometimes Angst is good, Sue, because these are tough changes to make (and then they’re not, in a way). . . and then we push it aside and continue trying to do our best. (did you notice, in my post, that I admitted to having just bought a new dress?)

      1. Thanks Frances . I did read your post but for some reason I’m still unable to comment on your blog . A shame as I always enjoy your sensible , caring & non judgemental attitude to the world .

      2. I know… I hear you, Frances. But I think I was in a joyless place this week. And I needed to think and write myself out of it. I did notice that you had a new dress. Hope we see it sometime. 🙂

    2. Thanks, Wendy. I was beating myself up, but then I stopped. That seems to be how I roll. Question, angst, then figure out where I stand, and all is well. We are not as environmentally friendly as you are with the meat thing. But Stu cuts and we burn only windfall wood, which he collects himself. We have a garden, as you know. And many old and often repaired appliances. In fact when our old stove gave up the ghost and we had to buy a new one, Stu never got over it. He hates the new one.
      P.S. I think I’m done with the serious posts for a bit as well.

  4. Living in Europe, your affiliate links on clothing do not mean anything to me. I enjoy all your posts, including those on fashion, and I was thrilled to follow your ideas on “shopping your closet”. So I am looking forward to your plans for spring, as well as to your broadening the view to include slow fashion, fair brands, maybe thrifting…
    What made me flinch, though, was your affiliation with Amazon. Most of us have a local bookstore we could (and should?) support. And if we really rely on online shopping for books, there are alternative platforms with a better performance re labour conditions and sustainability.

    1. I have been looking for alternative platforms for books. Still waiting to hear back from them re:affiliate relationships. Meanwhile I do also promote the library, and have included links to “Cloud Library” a free library network platform for express books here in Canada and the U.S. The thrift thing… I do have to work on that.

  5. I so respect you as a blogger, because of the research and thought process you put into everything you write about in your posts. You are the best teacher with your analysis of fashion or books, and believe me, I need someone to help with my fashion education! Years ago I loved clothes, then life dictated not much time or money for considering fashion. I am loving exploring it again now that I am in my 60s. As for the affiliate links, please continue them, for, as a rural resident, nothing is close to me and it is the only way I can shop for fashion, books or anything but groceries.

  6. Your friend’s question is a good one and I appreciate when friends do that for me, stretch my thinking. I do not monetize my blog, a clear ethical choice. I have never spent a penny on it; I’d have the internet service and domaine name registry anyway.

    I have seen so many good writers devolve into what I call “flog blogging” even as they protest it will not influence them. I relish my freedom to write, and no reader needs more ads.

    However, I don’t think we drive consumption when we link to resources that we think deliver exceptional value, in fact, it’s the opposite.

    1. My friend and I worked together for years; we’re very different people with similar philosophies. I respect her and actually welcomed her question even if I angsted over it.
      P.S. I’m hoping I won’t become a “flog blogger.” 🙂

  7. Cosette Pathak

    I totally agree with the comments posted above. Reading your blog, with its delightful mix of family, fashion and fiction, is one of my weekly pleasures. Your thoughts on fashion and quality and sustainability, over quantity, have shaped my own thinking in a very positive way, and indeed, have changed my retail habits. Please, do not be discouraged, and please do not change a thing.
    Digging out in Mono, but enjoying this beautiful sun filled morning. Spring will come, and I look forward to reading about your fashion choices, old and new.

  8. Like Eleonore the amazon linkage does give me some concern. It’s an easy place though to get the order info and then go to one’s local library and or bookstore if lucky enough to have either or both. Many libraries will also purchase books suggested by their users
    I buy little and even less new so the shopstyle links are a neutral item for me. I’ve stopped following at least a half dozen blogs because the focus is weighted towards shopping. That may help some but I find it annoying and so unfollow. As long as the discussions like yours are thoughtful and un pressured as yours and have that edge of experimentation reusing and enjoyment a little bit of monetization is fine by me

    1. Love our library. I think that many people have no idea of the scope of the resources available at a public library these days. OPL also will buy books suggested by users. I’ve suggested a few to our library. Especially some of the lesser known (at least over here) British mystery writers.

  9. I am as appreciative as ever of your blog, and I don’t find that your warmth and genuineness have changed one bit since you started including affiliate links. I am glad you have a means of recouping the costs of a blog that has brought me so much pleasure over the years. And the care and planning with which you select new wardrobe pieces has been an education to me … it makes me realize how often I have opted for quantity over quality. In that respect, your influence on me has been the complete opposite of encouraging increased consumerism.

  10. I do not think monetizing your blog has altered your tone and the nature of your relationship with your readers; at least I do not detect a change. You have one of the best blogs for my demographic: a fine mix of the personal, observational, and of style; the links are helpful and do not intrude. Frankly, I look forward to your posts more than any of the many others I read. Self-analysis, evaluation, planning and finding “solutions” that enhance our self concept is so deeply human (can’t outrun that dopamine rush!). Remember that old song, “I enjoy being a girl?” When we become mindlessly compulsive and cross into addictive, self-destructive behavior, that is something different. When we support production that alters the balance of the environment and has negative effects on workers that must be addressed with considered change. But, we need to be mindful that we do not dispossess and unemploy those who do not have retraining options. I try to avoid taking the self-satisfied high road on matters of waste; when you buy something, you have paid many in the supply chain who count on that money to survive. They need food tomorrow, not jeremaids about the composition of landfills. In the end, can’t we be mindful about our choices, can’t we be ethical, and and yet joyful too in the pursuit of personal aesthetics?

  11. Someone who looks stylish in 20-year-old clothes is not a fast-fashion victim.
    That said, I don’t read blogs for shopping ideas. I read them to compensate for working alone from home. I almost never order anything online and will go to a bookstore or other brick-and-mortar retailer to order via them rather than via Amazon.

  12. I don’t want to repeat myself and what I’ve said at Frances’ blog. Completely agree with Annie and Wendy -I guess ,all of us,who are thinking about our actions and choices,our family,neighbourhood,local community and,yes,the planet, are making some changes and are not mindless.
    I don’t think that your monetisation of blog has changed the way you write. I value your taste in books ,it is very similar to mine and I have bought books you’ve recommended before-so,nothing has changed for me. I buy all of croatian books in brick and mortar local bookstores,but ,as I read maybe even more in english,buying e-books is better choice than ordering paper ones. I’ve tried with a couple of other e-books stores (and still buy books there sometimes) ,but will continue with Amazon
    I’ve ordered clothes from US sites twice,but,in the end,the price was astronomical. Nevertheless,I like your links (affiliate or not),I check the brand,material,prices…
    So,yes,I’m going to make mindful choices and try to find joy,not in shopping,but in life
    Dottoressa

    1. Shipping and duties can make on-line shopping across international boundaries so difficult. I still recall my shock at the extra cost of ordering a Vince turtleneck on-line from the U.S. a couple of years ago. Good thing it fit!
      P.S. When the lady from the pantyhose brand contacted me, I thought of you and your story about “tights.” 🙂

  13. An interesting subject. I keep hearing about ethnical brands but still need to do my research. But I love hearing different views that challenge my thinking.
    It’s nice to be able to cover your hosting costs and why not?! Your blog remains consistent and extremely enjoyable.

    I’m a careful shopper and usually buy what I need to what I want. Back in the day, when money was tight the kids came first and wearing scrubs daily I didn’t require lots of clothes.
    I bought new clothes this fall and I stressed myself whether I should buy a phether (sp?) waist coat. I considered it a want and could be wasteful.
    I wrestled with it.
    It won’t keep me warm….But it looks nice.
    Will the plum colour limit my wear to only autumn? Will it only be in style for only a couple years? Is that enough to warrant the purchase? I took my husband for second opinion to ease my mind with the purchase. Crazy, right?
    Now at this stage I can purchase a few wants but old habits die hard.
    My biggest waste is food which I’m seriously working on to change.
    Btw…We repair our appliances and my furniture is double digits old. No one made money from us! Is that good for the industry?
    Just my thoughts.

    1. Waistcoats are going to be big this season, so you’ll no doubt get a ton of wear out of that vest. I’m going to try to do something on ethical brands. I’ve provided links to sites that have lists, but so many of them are in Europe. I’m tossing around a post idea about all of that.

  14. Your blog is excellent, carefully considered and down-to-earth. Monetizing has changed nothing, in my opinion. The fact that you’ve worried so about it shows your true, admirable character. Further, you’ve shown a wonderful balance of mixing new with quite old, not to mention the fact that unlike some other bloggers you don’t seem to have closets filled with dozens upon dozens of almost identical designer bags, shoes, clothing items and more. I so appreciate your writing, humor and approach to fashion, books, travel and everyday life. Thank you!

  15. Sue, your blog is amazing. I’ve learned so much from you. I do not think that monetising your blog has changed your relationship with your readers. You are thoughtful, careful and very genuine. And if monetising your blog has helped cover your hosting costs then that is definitely ok.

  16. i think you are entitled to be at least reimbursed for the work that you put into your blog and the links that you post do not force anyone to follow them. i have actually bought a couple of things from links on your posts but don’t feel under any pressure at all. in fact by buying a recommended product i could be saving myself from having to buy something twice because the first one was a mistake! 🙂
    i have stopped following a couple of blogs because of pop up ads and another couple because they became a shop fest and had nothing much else to talk about, but your links are totally unobtrusive and shopping is not the sole focus of your writing
    .

  17. Dear Sue, I said it on Instagram (majia 16) and I’ll say it here – I love your blog. I’m completely comfortable with they way you monetise it and I don’t think it conflicts with a slow fashion philosophy. I’m also pleased that it’s covering your costs and I have no problem with you making a surplus – you deserve to be rewarded for your effort. Your enthusiasm for fashion is delightful and it’s prompted me to seek out and wear things that have been in my closet for ages. You (and Frances) have also assisted me to be more careful about what I purchase – things wear out or become damaged and need to be replaced (though last winter I did pay quite a bit to have a sweater and cardigan, both of which I love, to be professionally repaired after they were damaged when I fell while walking home from the train in the dark – luckily, the clothes were more damaged than me 😉). There are many ways to approach more careful fashion consumption and it’s different for different people. But every time I choose to re-wear something I’ve had for a long time or if I replace a garment with something new of good quality that will serve me well, I feel like I’m doing my bit. And you give me lots of good ideas in this endeavour.

    Also, some of your readers don’t live in Canada or the States. I’m in Sydney and while I often click through to things you’ve linked, I haven’t bought any clothes yet because of uncertainty about sizing and because I generally like to try garments on. However, I have borrowed books you’ve recommended from libraries and I would buy them from your links if I wanted to read them and they weren’t available to borrow or purchase from brick and mortar shops here (saving our bookshops is another objective of mine). So, please keep monetising, inspiring and entertaining us 🌾

    1. Thanks, Maria. So glad you included your IG name. I don’t always recognize the connection between blog and IG commenters. The first thing I do when I discover a new writer is check out what the library has. Plus Hubby and I are heavily into the library’s e-book collection. We can put a hold on a book and when it becomes available it downloads to my i-pad automatically. A lovely surprise in my “mailbox.”

  18. I agree with Annie Green above. I have a lot of respect for you and how you go about blogging. I appreciate how you don’t have ads running through your blog and I appreciate your thoughtfulness in your writing. Everyone needs to cover their costs, there is nothing wrong with it. Earning some money is not a crime. Do what feels best for you, but please keep blogging. I love your take on fashion, books and travel. I have learned so much from you.

  19. I think that we all strive to balance our love of fashion and conscious consumption. You do a great job. I don’t think I’ll ever find the perfect pair of jeans but I’ll keep trying. I always enjoy your blog. Thanks for all of your effort.

    1. Thanks, Mary Lou. I am planning to do a post on jeans soon, as I continue my hunt for a pair of straight leg jeans that don’t make me look like I escaped from an episode of Green Acres. :))

  20. Sue, I trust your judgement in how to walk the line between monetizing and responsibility. The notion of you ever joining the “flog blog” brigade made me laugh.

    As another retired teacher, I know how much time and effort can go into something which seems to flow so effortlessly on the surface. Your angst is a good sign that the quality of your blog will stay intact regardless of whatever inducements might come your way. No explanations or rationalizations are necessary for this reader.

    1. Thanks Marilyn. Like Frances said in her comment, a little angst is good. Keeps us examining what we do and why, in my opinion.
      P.S. Funny how we can labour over a paragraph, trying to get the style right, and the tone just as we want it. Then later read it and marvel that something that is only five sentences could take so much time to write. And look so darned easy in the end.

  21. Nancy doesn’t carry a purse because either she loses them or they are stolen when she has her back turned đŸ€Ș Thanks for the link to Frances’ blog. Her reference to knitting as also consuming connected to my own angst about finding sustainable yarns to use in my crocheting hobby. Like you, I am reluctant to give up on my hobby even when I know that there are environmental costs involved. Living mindfully is hard. Last week, listening to Bridget Lancaster’s Proof, a food-related podcast, I was reminded that individual action at the consumer level, while it can be fulfilling, doesn’t address the real problem, which is a global culture based in consumption. This Proof episode examines the issue of “Ugly Food” boxes, another trendy consumer-based response to the climate crisis that is like the sewing machine trend that Frances mentions in her blog post. It feels good to buy the ugly vegetables or sew your own wardrobe or make everything out of hemp yarn (not really a joyful activity yet), but these do not affect the root causes of the problem. As reporter Harry Wood concludes in the “Ugly Foods” podcast, it is only through collective action directed at all links in the food system or any economic system that we can make substantial change. Mark Jaccard, in The Citizen’s Guide to Climate Success: Overcoming Myths that Hinder Progress, argues persuasively that one of the best actions an individual can take is to support climate-sincere politicians, as power over policy and regulation makes a difference. Still, I think that as long as we recognize that there are multiple layers to the issue, small individual changes cannot hurt. I admire you so much for the way you always try to do the right thing.

    1. Thanks for that, Nancy. I always value your opinion. Even when we sometimes disagree. Which of course doesn’t happen often these days. Let’s hear it for the “climate-sincere” politicians. I knew the fact that I haven’t missed voting in any election since I turned 18 would turn out to be a good thing. 🙂

  22. I’m happy to have you able to be paid something for the work you put into this blog. After all, if you take the time and effort to find something that I like and want to buy, why shouldn’t you be compensated? It is up to each of us to decide how much we want to buy. You are not responsible for our choices, and you certainly shouldn’t feel guilty about what we choose to do. And maybe you’ll help me find that new piece that works with what I already have in my closet so that I don’t go out and buy too many things that I don’t need.

  23. I agree with what so many others have already said but wanted to add my own note not only to endorse your attempt to balance but also the importance of being transparent about the challenge and naming the tension. That itself is significant. And that — the tension — is where the music comes: slack strings won’t sing. The strings have to be taut to resonate when played. And who wants a wardrobe without music?!

  24. You’ve done a really good job of not having Ads overtaking your blog. I go on some blogs and I’m just inundated with ads. I don’t even know where the ads and the writing stop or star. So kudos to you. You’re doing a great job! Keep it up.

  25. Due to losing weight and feeling better about myself, I purchased a lot of clothes over a period of 12months, most from the op shop. Still fast fashion. On reading your blog, I have found myself questioning why I bought some of the clothes ( I must have thought I was 20 again, and I am 64) and making choices to donate these clothes back to the op shop.
    This year you discussed what you had bought and what you needed for your wardrobe, this particularly pushed me to consider a more compact and considered wardrobe. Since then I have kept in my diary, what I have purchased and how much I spent. I thank you for opening my eyes to what I need to consider.

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