It’s amazing how one decision can truly turn your life upside down.
It’s been six months since I left my long time job at WLOS to reclaim my health and work on this blog full time. This journey has been one that I never really expected and much more interesting than I ever dreamed!
I’ve been trying to keep you updated on my personal and business progress along the way with monthly updates:
So How Are You Doing?- One Month Post WLOS Update
Post WLOS Update II (September)
Post WLOS Update III (October)
Post WLOS Update IV (November)
I skipped December because of the holidays!
Business Update
Running in a Skirt, in my opinion, has completely transformed in the past six months! I used to hop on here a few times a week to write about whatever came to mind, but there was really no pattern to my posting. This blog was simply a fun hobby. Because of my contract at WLOS, I was not allowed to join any blog groups or do anything more than just post my thoughts.
In the past six months I have worked hard to try to turn Running in a Skirt from a hobby into a job and make up for lost time. I post five days a week now with healthy living ideas ranging from recipes, workouts, running tips and approachable fashion. I have worked my tail off trying to be a better photographer. I still have so much to learn, but I am happy my pictures are finally looking better.
My favorites posts are when I get to share my life and traveling adventures, running adventures and the gorgeous mountains of Western North Carolina. I’ve tried to carry the theme of finding balance in life through the site because it is something that I have been working hard to achieve. In just a few words my goal with Running in a Skirt is to make life a little healthier, happier and more stylish.
So far I am very proud of what I have accomplished and I am working hard to keep the momentum of Running in a Skirt alive. So here is the laundry list of stuff I have been working on in the last six months!
Running in a Skirt has been featured on:
Huffington Post’s Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dishes
Huffington Post’s Vegetarian Slow Cooker Dishes
Running in a Skirt is partnered with:
Writing it all out in list form makes this list seem much more impressive than it was in my head. Whew! I’ve been really lucky that some great groups picked me to join. I’ve done a lot of applying and waiting.
As part of making an income off of my site, I have been working towards having a few sponsored posts a month. I am only working with brands I believe in and that I would use without getting paid. So far I am pretty happy with my list.
Brands Featured on Running in a Skirt:
Finally my biggest business decision of the past six months is partnering with Jewels That Dance in Asheville as their spokesperson.
Jewels That Dance is also a big partner with my blog and I am so excited to be working with them. Their jewelry is the most unique and gorgeous you will see anywhere. This partnership fits my “brand” perfectly and I am so excited to represent them.
The Next Six Months
I feel like the next six months are critical for my blog. I need to keep you guys around and find ways to increase readership. It is not that I want Running in a Skirt to turn into a monster blog, but for it to continue to be a job I need as many people reading it as possible. Like I said, I feel like I have some solid momentum and I need to keep it moving along.
My biggest goal for the next six months is to add a video component to the site. I built an entire career with a video camera in front of my face, so it only feels natural to add that to my site. The logistics of shooting the video is what has been holding me up so far. I’m working behind the scenes on it and will hopefully be able to start it soon.
I also want to continue to work on my work flow. I am finally getting the hang of working from home and I want to keep a clear line between “work time” and “home time.” I know I can do what I am doing quicker. I am just not there yet.
Finally I am looking for another local business who may want a lovely and well known spokesperson. 🙂 I am waiting for a company that is a perfect fit that I can really stand behind. I'd love to work with someone that wants to put together some amazing ads and really make a splash in the market.
Personal Update
It is so hard to explain in a just a few paragraphs how much better I am doing health wise since leaving WLOS. It is amazing what stress and a lack of sleep can do to your body. I had honestly forgotten what it felt like to be NORMAL. It took me a few months to finally get in the groove of working from home and not getting up at 2 AM everyday, but now I am doing fabulous. My voice has not caused me any trouble and my asthma has been nearly non-existent. Even my allergies feel better and more controlled. On top of that I am taking half the amount of medicine I was before.
The highlight of the past six months has been being able to see the Hubs during the week. He works a regular day job so we often only saw each other for ten minutes a day during the week.
I’ve also been able to reconnect with friends and make time to actually spend time with people. It has also been a blessing to be able to see so much of my family since I left the station. I even got to work from Orlando one week and hang with my Dad.
And I worked another week in Washington, DC catching up with my best friend, Sarah.
Also it doesn't hurt that I can now take last minute trips to Antigua!
I do miss giving and telling the weather. It was something I loved so much, but my health and life is more important than continuing to do something that was clearly so bad for me. At some point, I’d love to find a way to use my meteorology degree in some way.
I am thankful and count my blessings daily for the ability to work from home and control my own destiny! This has been one amazing ride and I’m ready for round two.
Instead of a regular question today, I’d love to get your feedback on what you would like to see more of on Running in a Skirt.
Recipes, Fitness, Running, Workouts, Fashion, Travel, Mountain Living, Personal, Day in the Life? Or something else?
Please, let me know what you think! And thank you all for your support. Without YOU none of the stuff above would be possible. I thank my lucky stars for each of you daily!
Thank you Nicole for the Fit and Fashionable Linkup!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
I'm so glad you decided to document how this change is going for you. I TOTALLY see the change in your blog and know you are hitting your stride here. I love your consistency and dedication.
I always love your recipes, but I want to see more real life/day in the life type of posts 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Melissa! I appreciate you kind words.
I'm going to start adding more real life stuff. I've struggled to find that balance. I really appreciate your feedback.
Cassandra Horton says
Congratulations. On all your new accomplishments. Great to see how your health has improved! Family, and health always need to be top priority no matter what and glad to see it is all working out for you and the hubs. 😉
al fox says
You appear more attractive now than when on TV, extra sleep? extra food,etc.
Colan says
It's great to know your health is so much better. It's also nice to read your blog and to see it doing so well. I began following your blog to find out why you left WLOS and I understand why you did and how much happy you are, though I know you loved and miss working with your friends at WLOS. Though I do miss seeing you and hearing you do the weather I'm glad you are doing so well.
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
It sounds like you are doing much, much better in regard to health and happiness. And in the end, that is what matters! I am sure a local business will be contacting you shortly to work with them. They would be crazy not to. Are you scheduled for the Frostbite race this year? Would love to see your pretty face on the route!
JulieWunder says
Hi Susanna! I am not scheduled for the frostbite. I'm not much of a cold weather fan, so I think I will wait to see what the weather is like. If that doesn't work lets find another time to get together- lunch/brunch/tea/wine? 🙂
jill conyers says
So much good stuff. I'm so happy for you 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jill!
Jess @hellotofit says
Loved reading about your journey and transition 🙂 I'm sure the next six months will be AMAZING! I'd love to read more about your day-in-the-life, and videos are going to be awesome!!
JulieWunder says
Thank you! I really appreciate your support.
Teresa says
Julie, We do miss seeing you on the weather, but I am glad you are putting your health and family first. I love your blogs. May God continue to bless you!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Teresa for your support. God bless you too!
Teresa says
Julie,
we do miss you doing the weather, I am glad you have put your health and family first. May God continue to bless you.
Teresa says
Julie, We do miss seeing you do the weather, but I am glad your health is doing so much better, and that you are putting it and your family first. I do love the recipes and your pictures. Wishing you well, hope God continues to bless you.
Rudy van IJzendoorn says
Hi Julie. Congratulations on this wonderful blog you created! It looks very refreshing and love the design elements as well as the content you post. Glad to read you're doing so good! Keep it up! I hope 2015 will be a great year for Running in a Skirt!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Rudy! I really appreciate your support.
Margaret McGinnis says
Julie, Thanks for the wonderful 6 months update. I look forward to reading them everyday. God bless you!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Margaret! I appreciate you reading my blog and for your support.
Mattie @ Comfy & Confident says
Wow, what a great update. It's really impressive to see how far you have com e and there is so much potential for you and the blog. It sounds like you are on the right path, so keep it up!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Mattie! I am trying hard and appreciate your support. Have a great weekend.
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch says
I can't even imagine how hard it must have been to have had that schedule! No wonder your health is so much better nowadays! How fun that you were a meteorologist, though. I'm glad to see you've been able to dedicate so much more time to the blog, as well as family and friends. That's really what life's about, isn't it?
JulieWunder says
So true! Life is about finding a whatever balance makes YOU healthy and happy. So great to connect here.
Happy Friday!
Larissa says
Wow! You have accomplished so much! At this point I can only dream of building my blog that much in that amount of time. But like you experienced, it's hard to devote the time needed while working full time.
JulieWunder says
Yes, I totally get that! It is so hard to work and maintain a blog. I am always impressed with people who really excel at both.
Thanks for stopping by today! Have a great weekend.
Shawn Hogan says
Glad you are doing well. I enjoy your blog. You used to do "One Day Wunder" on WLOS. I rode the Virginia Creeper Trail as a result of one of your adventures. I would love to see you doing something like that as a regular part of the blog and utilize some of the WNC attractions or close, neighboring attractions. Great way to incorporate video as well. Best wishes for your continued success.
JulieWunder says
One Day Wunders were such a joy to do! The Virginia Creeper trial was one of my favorites.
I'll see what I can do about adding that element here.
Thanks so much for the support!
Angelena Marie says
I am so happy that I found your blog today at the link up! I am excited to read more of your posts. It seems like you are doing great with your blog full time. Great job!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Angelena! Great to see you here today!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I'm SO happy that you are happy! I'm so glad to have connected with both you and your blog. You are so wonderful! Just keep doing what you're doing and only good things will come 🙂 xoxo
JulieWunder says
Thanks Nicole! I'm so glad we have connected too. I think you are fabulous too 🙂 Happy weekend.
Laurie Morris says
Julie, I miss you on tv, but thankful you are so much better and have found another something you are great at and enjoy! I, too would love to see you incorporate your meteorology into your blog, somehow. I would LOVE to see you include more hiking blogs. Give directions on how to get there and do some for easy, moderate and strenuous. I love to hike when I come up there but not being from there, don't know where to go. You could also do a waterfall hunt! You are doing great! Part of that, I think is your being so "personable" and really sincerely wanting to get your readers' opinions! God bless you and your work!
JulieWunder says
Hi Laurie! I am all about the hiking. I will start to add directions and a "level" at the bottom of the post. Thanks for the idea. Hiking this area is such a joy.
I will have to brainstorm how Meteorology and this blog work together... but since several people mentioned it, I will work on it!
Thanks so much for the much needed prayers and support.
Emilie says
I love this post! I am a new reader, first time commenter. I am trying to grow my blog but I still have a full-time job that I don't plan on leaving anytime soon, but it's inspiring to see how much progress you've made in just six months. I agree with a previous commenter that it would be neat to see meteorology posts from time to time! I am fascinated by the weather but rarely understand the technical aspects of the forecasts. I think your blog is very well-rounded and touches on so many aspects of healthy living. I love seeing personal and day in the life style posts that allow us as readers to relate to you but I enjoy the fitness side of things just as much! Keep on doing what you're doing 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Emilie! I am going to have to think about the Meteorology thing on this site. I really never thought you guys would be interested, but I am so glad I asked.
I also love day in the life and personal stuff too... so more of that on the way!
Thanks for stopping by today and hope to see you again soon.
Linda @ The Fitty says
I'm proud of how far you've come! I hope my little blog can follow in your footsteps, you've achieved some really great things. Adding your blog to bloglovin 😉
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much! I say DREAM BIG! I appreciate your support. Great to see you over here today and I need some bloglovin!! 🙂
AmyC says
Congrats on making your blog such a success. I would love to read more about your fashion: every day wear and fitness 🙂 You always look stylish!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Amy! I will get churning those out. Fashion posts are so muc fun for me.
Jenny says
LOVE this post. I've enjoyed reading healthy living blogs for years and yours became a favorite of mine, like, instantly. That's a testament to your hard work and focused vision. Your voice is so approachable and your content really adds value to everyday life! I think about 70% of your fashion posts inspire my outfit on the day I read them and I've probably made 90% of your recipes. I love the favorites posts and I usually shop from them, so keep those coming. And the hiking/local adventure posts! I'd never heard of Black Balsam and we went immediately after you wrote about it! As for another partnership, you'd be SO perfect to do something with Biltmore. Maybe short travel videos showing folks how to do Biltmore like a local? It's such a no-brainer for tourists, but it has so much to offer for folks who can visit more often. Keep it up, lady! This blogging thing suits you! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Jenny! I really appreciate the support and your loyal reading. You are awesome.
I am all about the hiking posts, so expect a lot more of those... weather permitting until it gets warmer again 🙂
I love your idea about the Biltmore. You never know! Sounds like I have some phone calls to make.
Diane says
We are so proud of you and all you have done in such a short time ! It's great to see you enjoy your life more and see your health improve !! Enjoy !!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much! I could not do it without your support.
Michael Wood says
Sounds like things are going great. Happy for you!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much! Have a great weekend!
Allison says
I love this post! What a wonderful testament to choosing the life you want to live instead of letting life choose you. It is so wonderful to see you healthier and happier. We are honored and thrilled to have you as part of the Network and look forward to watching your next 6 months (& longer!).
JulieWunder says
Thanks Allison! I'm so happy to be part of the network. I really appreciate you support.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
wow you've really accomplished a ton in the past few months!! I've really enjoyed connecting with you. Maybe you should be a blog consultant!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Deborah! I've really enjoyed connecting with you too. I still have SO much to learn myself. It is always a work in progress.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I think that you need to run the Suzlyfe and get it up to par---I know that there is so much more that I could be doing, I just don't have the know how or contacts! You should be so proud of yourself--you have truly created something great!
JulieWunder says
Thanks you so much Susie. Your kind words about the blog mean so much! I am still learning every day.
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Maybe this is really nerdy of me, but I would love to see some posts on meteorology. I have always been so fascinated by it and what training/schooling exactly meteorologists have.
Martha says
Happy for you to be doing so well in these past six months. I too miss seein you on WLOS, I sure enjoy Running in a Skirt, have printed many of your recipes, especially enjoy those.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Martha! I'll keep them coming. Have a great weekend.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Stacie... maybe the next time a big weather event rolls around I'll post on it. I didn't think anyone here would care! haha!
Gail Harrell says
Hi Julie,
I really miss your smiling face on my TV every morning, but I am really glad that you are doing and feeling so much better! It was clearly the right move for you and I am glad you were able to do it! I enjoy hearing about how you and the hubs are doing, the trips and so on. Also, it is a blessing to have not lost contact with you when you left WLOS. I wish you all the best in the future, and may God bless you with all the things you seem to be so deserving of. love Gail
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Gail. I am so appreciative of the support from you! God bless you too. Happy Friday 🙂
Blane Sherer says
I like your summation : live healthier, happier and more stylish.
It's much more fulfilling to be able to work and / or to support something in which you strongly believe.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane! It has been such a blessing.