First off, Happy Halloween everyone! I hope your day is just as spooky as you like it. As for me, The Great Pumpkin is about my scary limits. I am a wuss! The hubs and I are dressing up this year again as Maverick and Goose from Top Gun. Pictures to come next week.
Don't forget to read yesterday's post, Asian Apple Butter Salmon Skewers, and enter the Musselman's Apple Butter prize pack giveaway. Free stuff my friends!
Post WLOS Update III
What a journey and learning process the past few months have been. It seems like everyday I l discover several new things about blogging and working for myself. It is both a joy and a challenge. I feel like I have accomplished a lot of things in three months, yet I also feel like I will never actually be caught up. I ended up on the phone for hours yesterday updating my server to make my site work faster. It seems like there is always something, but I guess that is just life.
If you are just joining us, here are the August and September updates.
I am still so grateful to be where I am and able to have to opportunity to write this blog and share my little corner of the web with you. I hope you are enjoying all of the posts. Your support means everything to me.
For October’s Running in a Skirt update, I have a big sponsorship announcement, business update and the top 5 posts of the month!
Jewels That Dance Announcement
I am thrilled to announce that I am partnering with Jewel’s That Dance! Jewel’s That Dance is the most spectacular jewelry store in Western North Carolina and beyond.
Jewels That Dance is known for having the prettiest and most unique jewelry in town. They are home to designer Paula Dawkins, who specializes in distinctive and gorgeous looks that you can’t find anywhere else. She is the best custom jewelry maker and can bring your ideas to life. She also shares her own vision several times a year with collections of jewelry that will knock your socks off! I got a sneak peak at her fall and winter designs earlier this week and it is absolutely amazing.
If you are looking for something specific, they also offer jewels from some spectacular designer names in jewelry.
Jewels That Dance will be a featured yearly sponsor on Running in a Skirt. I can’t wait to share some of their pieces with you on Fashion Friday. I have drooled over their stuff for years and I am pumped to get to wear their stuff and share it with you. I am positive you will love it.
I will also be working with them as a spokesperson in their TV commercials, billboards and magazine ads. They are producing some beautiful ads and I can’t wait to be a part of them.
If you are in WNC, stop by their store in downtown Asheville. They have pieces of jewelry for any budget. Please tell them that I sent you. 🙂
Business Update
Business-wise it has been a busy month on Running in a Skirt. I fully implemented my BlogHer ads and started building partnerships with several other marketing groups. My first big sponsored post went up yesterday. I am so excited to be working with Musselman’s, developing and photographing a new recipe for them!
I have been continuing to work on improving my photography! I just implemented Lightroom into my photo routine and am slowly learning a few tricks of the trade. A few of my photographs made it on Food Gawker this month which made me as excited as a kid in a candy store. AND, I start my photography class in early November and I can’t wait to learn more.
Finally I hosted another big giveaway this month with Pearl iZumi! The running shoes giveaway was a big success and I can’t wait to pass along more goods to you guys.
I did some housekeeping on Running in a Skirt and updated my Meet Julie Wunder page and created an About Running in a Skirt page. The new pages live on the main menu (look up and left) if you haven't seen them yet. They explain a little more about why I am doing this and the mission of this blog. So far though, it has been a very exciting and successful month business wise.
On a more personal note, I also finally got my office looking somewhat presentable and workable. I’m still working on the final touches, but it is a cheerful yellow color. Pictures coming soon!
I also created a system to track my work flow for posts on the blog. I’m still trying to become more efficient in what I am doing and have more of a routine.
October’s Top 5 Posts
1. Top Food Post
I am still dreaming about these Black Bean Brownies with homemade fudge icing. This was one of my pictures that made it on Food Gawker, so this was one of the more popular food posts of the month.
Just try them. Trust me.
Runner Up
This light soup is flavorful, easy to make and good for you.
2. Highest Viewed Post
Post WLOS Update II & September’s Top 5
I am once again stunned by the amount of people who wanted to check in on and see how I am doing since I left WLOS. I’m thankful so many people care and I feel so loved!
3. Top Fashion Post
Maroon Fall Sweater and Leggings
My first real fall-ish fashion post was a hit!
Runner Up
I combined the Pearl iZumi Running Shoe giveaway with a how to guide on dressing for running in variable fall weather.
4. Top Fitness Post
5 Reasons Fall Running is Fabulous
This post was a hit on Running in a Skirt and RunHaven.
Runner Up
Benefits of Early Morning Running
This one was also a surprise hit on Running in a Skirt and especially RunHaven.
5. Most Pin-able
So the truth is this post was viewed a lot but it didn’t get pinned as much as I would have liked! I think it is my most gorgeous photo of the month. So help me out and pin away!
To pin an image on Running in a Skirt, hover over the pin and a “Pin It” button will appear!
Want to follow me on Pinterest? Pretty please?
Runner Up
So there you have it! Another month of my “new” life wrapped up in a single post. I am still so happy I made this big change and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next.
Tanya @ Mom's Small Victories says
What a fantastic month you've had! Your photos are amazing. Congrats on getting them picked up by Foodgawker! Stopping by from the NC Blogger network, glad to meet you!
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
What a great post! I love seeing your smiling face. My engagement ring and wedding ring came from Jewels That Dance, so obviously I love them! How exciting to work with them. I'll be looking for you on TV again. 🙂
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
You are rockin it girl! Congrats on being in the commercial and having them as a sponsor! It sounds like a wonderful company!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Heather! They are a great company and I'm so blessed to be able to work for them!
Cailee says
Wow!! Congrats on the sponsorship!! SO exciting and so fun! It's great that you love them 🙂 So pretty!! ...you are so cute in your outfits as well!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Cailee! It is pretty exciting! Thanks for compliments on my fashion posts too.
Liliane Strawser says
What kind of photography class are you taking? And where? I would like to sign up for one in the spring. Love your Black Balsam hike blog.
JulieWunder says
Just one at the community college 🙂 They will put out a spring catalog with classes!
Dan Steadman says
October has been quick...training is going great and feel a PR coming in either Tryon or Spartanburg...maybe both...my oldest turned 11, I have been referred to as a 'steal' as in we got a new accountant and we stole him from another company. Soccer finished for both of the guys involved on a winning note...Jonathan's team went 7-0-1 and Michael's went 3-5 but won their last two! Can not wait for November
JulieWunder says
Sounds like a great month!
kathyboggs says
Happy Halloween Julie! October has been wonderful, I just can't believe how fast this year has gone! I don't comment often, but I really enjoy reading all about you and your adventures! Glad to know that you are doing so well! God bless you
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Kathy! I appreciate your continued support.
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
My month has been good! I love reading updates like these 🙂 You seem to be doing great, and I love your positivity!! How are you liking Blog Her? I've got a contract sitting in my inbox and I can't decide if I want to go through with it because I work with a lot of other brands often, and don't want to always have to worry about if their products are shown near the Blog Her ads! AH! Can't decide!!
JulieWunder says
Hey Sarah! I'll e-mail you privately about BlogHer. I understand your concerns!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
wow that was a lot of info in one post. The running trail pictures look so beautiful there. I need to stop and take more running photos instead of just the before and after. I just signed up with Blogher and need to figure out how that all works!
JulieWunder says
It so pretty here this year! Asheville is such a fun place to live.
E-mail me if you have BlogHer questions. I'm not an expert, but I did just do it too. I'm glad to help.
MILLIE says
I LOVE OCTOBER, BUT NOVEMBER IS MY BIRTHDAY, SO I LIKE IT BETTER
JulieWunder says
Happy Early Birthday!
Jaime says
I do love October (and Jewels that Dance. I'm so excited for this opportunity for you!) My October was crazy and is ending on a sick note, but I'm hoping November is fantastic.
JulieWunder says
I'm hoping you kick the bronchitis and have a great month! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Wow! You have had a busy month! I'm so excited for you seeing all the new opportunities that are opening up. I can't wait to see some of that gorgeous jewelry : )
JulieWunder says
Thanks Stacie! I know you will LOVE it.
Vince DiCarlo says
Can't wait to see which one is Maverick
JulieWunder says
🙂
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
WOW! Do you want to come and overhaul the SUzlyfe? Because that would be champion. You should be so proud--this is really excellent work!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Susie! I feel so attached to it at this point.
I love your blog too. You are so funny and really engage readers!
Jean Maurie says
Congratulations Julie on all you're doing. I love blogging myself just for fun though. You've been learning a lot haven't you? Have you ever thought of doing a Google hangout too? You could even do a class on how to blog on there. That would be fun.
Keep up the good work, you rock!
Jean Maurie
JulieWunder says
Thanks Jean! I feel like I could TAKE a blogging class, not teach it. For each little thing I learn I find out the next day I was clueless about four more! It has been a good adventure though.
Blane Sherer says
I appreciate your monthly update Julie.
I have enjoyed following you on your blog.
You have much to offer and you have a
wunderful way of sharing.Part of your
great appeal is how genuine and honest
you are. Thank You Julie.
Walter Wright says
Great, I am a October baby and love fall