How was everyone’s Thanksgiving? Are you recovered yet?
I think it might take me a few more days, but we had so much fun! I’m going to look through my pictures today and get a full Thanksgiving post ready for next Tuesday. We are still in full blown family fun time here. I think we are going to go see the new Hunger Games movie today. Going to the movies the day after Thanksgiving has become a little bit of a holiday tradition.
In the meantime I’m still dreaming of my Mom’s amazing sweet potato casserole. There is nothing at all healthy about that recipe, but I’m going to post it next year. It’s too good not to share with friends.
Post WLOS Update IV
For today though, it is that time of the month where I post a little more about my post-WLOS transition and my attempts to lead a more balanced lifestyle. This journey has been remarkable so far.
If you are just joining us, here are the August, September and October updates.
Business Update
My first non-news commercial started airing on WLOS. I am so excited to be the spokesperson for Jewels That Dance. You also get a glimpse of the hubs in this one! He was pretty excited to be on the tube too.
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I also shot a billboard for them which just went up. The picture turned out great and I am also really proud to a part of this project.
The hubs is walking around town saying, "Did you see my billboard?"
My photography class is going great and I finally feel like I have a better understanding of the camera. I think I’m going to sign up for the next level of classes in January.
I'm still getting SOME of my pictures accepted on FoodGawker AND Huffington Post picked up my Vegetarian Stuffing recipe. So. very. Exciting.
Running in a Skirt is the featured blog on the NC Blogger Network site today. More awesome press for my little project.
I feel like I am really getting in the swing of things blogging and finding ways to maximize my time. My next goal for the blog is to add videos!!!!
Personal Update
I can’t even begin to tell you how much better I am feeling. I am taking much less medicine to control my asthma and I am finally getting used to the new (NORMAL) sleeping schedule. It look me quite a while to break out of the habit of waking up in the middle of the night. It is remarkable how much not sleeping and constant stress can do to your body.
For the first time in my adult life I knew I was not going to have to work on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. All the sudden I'm excited about the holidays again. I used to dread this season and now I am looking forward to it!
The hubs and I have really been enjoying eating dinner together and spending time together each day instead of just on the weekend. I feel so very blessed.
I am starting to feel a little over extended though with my time. I hate saying “no” to people but I need to realize that even though I left the TV station, I’m still working just as hard from home. I need to pick my favorite things to do and gracefully bow out of others before I end up too busy again! This whole journey is all about finding a balance. I'm still trying to figure it all out.
November Top 5 Posts
It's been a busy month on the blog with a lot of pre-holiday themed posts!
1. Top Food Post
My Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes were a hit on the blog and on Pinterest! I made them again for Thanksgiving and everyone loved them.
Runner up!
My Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Shrimp had a lot of page views and pins! So yummy.
2. Highest Viewed
These posts are proving very popular! Last month's monthly update was my highest viewed new post of the month. Thank you all for caring enough to check in how I am doing and reading my monthly updates!
3. Top Fashon
You apparently love ankle boots as much as I do, because this post was very popular.
4. Top Fitness
I asked my facebook friends for help with this post and you guys delivered: 5 Awesome Running Apps You Don't Know About. This post was also featured on RunHaven.
5. Most Pin-able
You guys know how I feel about Pinterest! I get so excited when my stuff gets re-pinned! Seriously it makes my heart happy. Follow me? Please 🙂
I'm once again going with a pin that I think looked amazing, but didn't get as much attention as I would like. The Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole is so good and will feed a crowd with ease. Pin away and try at home. You will become a fan. I promise.
Another month in my new life is complete. I still can't believe four months has passed since my last day at the TV station. Time flies!
I am very thankful and grateful to each of you who reads this blog and supports me in my new endevours. Without your support this would not be possible. Thank you for reading Running in a Skirt, commenting and sharing my stuff on social media. Every time you do one of those things you help my dreams come true.
Your turn!
How was your Thanksgiving?
Bloggers- What was your best post of the month? Please share!
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Jaime says
My most popular (non-giveaway) post was the toddler reading corner post. That makes me SUPER happy since it was a fun project! I'm still so excited for everything that has been happening for you lately! YAY for sleep!!
JulieWunder says
That's so cool! It was a great post!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Wow you are having a great month. How exciting to be on a billboard! I need to make the crockpot mashed. My meatless Monday posts tend to do quite well and this month the brussels sprouts w cranberries were very popular.
Karen Punta says
Julie -
I shared your allergy related hell when I moved here from Calif in 2010. Finally, I realized this - it wasn't the seasonal allergies that caused the most problem, it was food allergies. I had myself tested in August, and have been seasonal allergy free now that I am following that "diet".
When I moved here I was staying in a motel while finding a house for rent, and the first morning I saw you on WLOS. Your energy, attitude, and on-air presence immediately made me feel at home and comfortable. I miss you there.
Thank you for all you do.
Karen
JulieWunder says
Wow, that's crazy! I think the doc tested me for food stuff during the time where they were trying to figure out what was wrong with me, but I need to make sure. I am so glad you are doing better and thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks for your kind words about WLOS. I appreciate your support and hope you will continue to follow my blog.
Julie
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
Wow, Julie! You sound like you are doing so well! I can just hear it in your words that you are truly happy now. I really love thse monthly updates. I've always wanted to do this but kind of always forget - maybe someday.
And wow, I wish I had seen your stuffing recipe before! I made Trader Joe's boxed stuffing yesterday and was not a fan at all 🙁 Next time!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Melissa! I really appreciate you support. You have to try my stuffing! It is such a family hit! 🙂 Next year!
Madeline St Onge says
Love reading your blog and I cannot wait to see the commercial on TV 😉
JulieWunder says
Thanks Madeline!
Blane Sherer says
Thank you for posting your Jewels That Dance commercial and billboard here. They could not have made a better selection than choosing you. Glad all is going so well for you. I will be celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday. As for movies, I'll probably see " The Theory of Everything " today.
Stan Williams says
I'm glad you had a Great thanksgiving! Congrats on the Jewels That Dance commercial! You both look great on the billboard!
JulieWunder says
Thank you Stan!
Joanna @Makingmine says
Oh have fun at Hunger Games today! I want to see that soon! Your billboard looks amazing - what an amazing opportunity!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Joanna! The Hunger Games was so good! I wish I didn't have to wait a year for the next one.
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
This is such a great post! I loved watching the commercial, and tell your husband that I'll be sure to point out the billboard to all of my friends. 🙂 It's wonderful to hear how well you're doing. You look and sound healthy and beautiful.
JulieWunder says
yay! Thanks Susanna! I'll let the hubs know his billboard is getting some love.
Dan Steadman says
Thanksgiving was great..just a little odd to not be doing a Thanksgiving morning race, but was reminded later by my foot that it was the right thing to do. Saw one of my cousins for the first time in roughly 20 years...and realized we were cousins by our love of Pumpkin Cheesecake
JulieWunder says
Yeah, give that foot time to heal!!! Glad you had a nice time.
millie says
we had a great thanksgiving, family always gets together,
even tho some are gone, we will remember them.
JulieWunder says
We do too Mille.
Thank for following!
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!