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I know it has been awhile around here where I just gave a bit of a general update about my life in general.
See I have been blogging for almost 5 years now. In the early days I would talk more about my daily life here. But I am aware that this blog has taken on a life of its own, evolving into so much more.
But still, I thought as we head into the last two months of this year that it would be a great time to get a bit more personal and update on my daily living.
[Tweet “What is currently going on in your life?”]
So pull up a seat and get backstage access to what is going on in my life lately.
Working On…
You may have noticed a newer look around here. I have been working behind the scenes on a new updated logo. As a designer, I usually mockup a few different logo copies for my clients. So, I did the same for myself. I found myself trying a new logo out here for a day or so at a time recently.
But I kept changing my mind as I am a true Gemini, who has trouble making up her mind. But I think I finally found the logo this past weekend that works for me.
See many may know that my husband is a graphic designer by trade. So, I finally decided to get his input and thankful I did. Because with a bit of help from his design eye, I think the one that is now live is the real deal.
By the way in exchange for his time and yes, I treated him to dinner out just the two of us…
Also, I have been working on speed numbers and splurged on the pro version of WP Smush and WP Rocket to help speed up my site loading.
Therefore, hoping that the usability of my blog is that much better for my readers from here on out. Plus, I may write about how to help increase speed on your site on my sister site, J9 Designs soon. If this is something that you would be interested in reading more about, let me know.
But don’t be surprised if the look still changes slightly as I am still toying with updating my theme. As much as I love the one I have been using, I am not sure if want to update that at some point, as well.
Reading…
See my recent book list for more books. But just finished reading right Piper Perish – an advanced copy from NetGalley. No new review, but will include on an upcoming book review post – promise.
Also, I am only began reading The French Impressionist, as also an advanced copy from NetGalley this past weekend.
Also, have a few others that I have requested from NetGalley on my short list. Plus, I am eating for my November BOTM selection to arrive. Which did I chose? The Trespasser, by Tana French, because after reading the Goodreads reviews I knew I had to pick this thriller.
Munching on…
Leftover Halloween candy, as I really don’t have any will power when sweets are in my home. Also, getting ready to enjoy Thanksgiving treats, such as Pumpkin Spice Dip.
Sipping…
Since the weather has been more Fall-like recently, I have of course been using my Keurig more now. So, I have been enjoying Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Latte. Tis the season!
Watching…
So many great new Fall shows, but my favorites so far are NBC’s, This Is Us and HBO’s Divorce. I was actually invited through Today Parenting Team to view an advance screening viewing of This Is Us, but opted out with my crazy schedule that precluded me from being in attendance.
But still, knew I would have to check it out. Glad I did, as I cannot say enough wonderful things about this show. If you haven’t watched, I highly recommend it. I think so far my favorite episode was the fifth in this series with The Game Plan, especially Kevin’s poignant speech about life and death to his nieces at the end of that episode. I mean all the feels by the end of this one.
Planning…
Now that Halloween is behind us, November is in full swing already for us. My girls have two days off this week with Tuesday, Election Day and Friday, Veteran’s Day. Plus, two half days on Monday and Thursday for their school’s parent teacher conferences. So, my two lovelies only have one full day of school this week. Major confession…it will be crazy here this week!
Like it or not though, November is a month of planning. For what? Planning for all the upcoming holidays, including my younger daughter’s 6th birthday on November 23rd.
She is having a movie themed birthday party on her actual birthday as Disney’s Moana is opening on that date conveniently!
Stressing…
About all the above mentioned holidays, especially Christmas shopping. I have always love shopping, but not going to lie Christmas shopping is the one time during the year that I do get overwhelmed. I do usually get it all done, but still getting there is stressful.
Add to it that my older daughter is prone to pneumonia after having fought RSV pneumonia as a toddler. She already had had one bout in October this year. With a low immune system, this past week she was coughing again. Back to the doctor to find out she is fighting a croup type of cough now, as well.
Let’s not forget her younger sister though. While stress from her isn’t of the illness related kind. Hers was more of a school state testing kind. Long story short, she decided to bomb the reading portion of the state test the kids take each year.
Why?
Because simply she was bored and the volume on her headset wasn’t working correctly. Looking at her score, would infer she needed reading intervention. But knowing this child, thankfully her teacher knew otherwise as she reads well above grade level in class and at home. Therefore, she is getting enrichment reading to challenge her reading now. Proves though that the state tests don’t always know best for all kids.
Listening…
Kenny Chesney’s new album, Cosmic Hallelujah. As his song, Setting the World on Fire with Pink has been high on my list. But couldn’t have been happier that his newest album was finally released to hear the rest of the songs he has released, too.
Wearing…
Well, we had record breaking high temperatures a week or so ago with 85 degrees in October and then even 75 degrees for my daughter’s Sunday soccer game only days later. But now, it has took a turn for the colder just in time for trick or treating.
Seriously, the first really cold day in over a week was Halloween. So now, it is back to leggings, Ugg Boots or Hunter Boots (depending on if it is rainy or sunny) and layers looks, including flannels shirts, and my fall hooded vest, too.
I also am a huge legging lover since becoming a mom. And now I have become a total fan of LuLaRoe leggings. Just bought my first pair from a friend who just started starting selling them and am hooked.
Excited…
So many things, but especially for the December 9th premiere of Season 2 of Fuller House Netflix. Because after the fun and enjoyable family viewing experience we had of season 1, how could I not be anxiously awaiting what the next season has to offer for even more family fun time viewing?!
Hoping/Wishing…
Time would slow down. Not only that I can’t believe the holiday season is upon us, but how is it that my baby will be 6 in only a few short days? She keeps asking if she can stop growing up after she turns 7. As much as I wish I could grant this wish, I know that I can’t. But still wish for this time of our lives to not fly by.
Nellie says
So yeah!! I can agree on a lot of things here–I’m not a fan of the reading tests at all!! All standardized tests makes me nuts. We need a better system.
Loving the new logo and design! So perfect!!
I pray your baby gets better soon. Pneumonia is rough especially on kids!! Loved the life update!
Janine says
Happy to update and just realized I haven’t done this in quite sometime. So, was fun for me, too to be a bit more personal here today. Thanks also for the tweet and for all the good wishes for my girl, too. Hugs Nellie <3
Seana Turner says
Believe it or not, I’m sitting here with my daughter waiting for her to get her tonsils out? Going to be rough since she is an adult. Fingers crossed that you have no pneumonia this year!!!
Janine says
Seana, I am keeping your daughter in my prayers and sending so many good thoughts to both of you today. Hoping that the surgery is quick and her recovery is equally as quick now. So much love and hugs to you!! <3
Jen says
The logo is fantastic! That is next on my list when I get a second, to try and change it for social media everywhere. Coming soonish…. Love the leggings, I really need to get me a pair. Also soonish… Hugs to you fantastic blogger, entrepreneur, and mom extraordinaire π Thanks for sharing some of the backstage happenings!
Janine says
Jen, thank you so much for your kind words about my new logo. Seriously, I am a designer and probably would be my worst client though as I couldn’t make up my mind. Just glad that my husband is also a graphic designer and lent his design eye to help me narrow down what I was really aiming for here. So many hugs right back at you and know you will get the job done at hand for your site for mobile and social networks, as well too!! π
Dara says
Great to get an update on you and your family here! I love the LLR leggings you got, aren’t they the best? π
Janine says
Aw, so happy to update as it dawned on me recently that I have been a bit lax on this here. Omg, to the LLR leggings (so soft seriously!) and I had been meaning to try them. But having a friend locally that sells them gave me that much needed push. π
Meredith Spidel says
Love all your pictures and hearing about what is going on with you! xo
Janine says
Aw, thanks again and truly so happy to share with you today!! xoxo <3
Emily says
Great new logo and design! Has a very clean look! One of these days I may want to work with you to update my blog’s design, but since I’m writing so infrequently on it, I can’t justify it right now….but if I get back into blogging more often, I will be calling on you!
Janine says
Aw, I am here whenever you do decide, Emily and would be seriously happy to help you if and when you do need. Thanks Emily for your kind words and truly just love designing and all the background stuff that does go into blogging still :)https://www.janinehuldie.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php?comment_status=all#comments-form
William Holland says
You are all over the board with this one. As for stress over the holidays, it’s nice, in one way, not having little kids. We have scaled way back on the madness of Christmas, and I love it!
happy Tuesday dear friend
Janine says
I have a ways to go with no little kids for the holidays. But still as much as I may complain I do love to shop for them when all is said and done. Happy Tuesday to you, too!! π
The Rambler says
My first time here but I LOVE your logo design =) I’m about to purchase my first Lularoe leggings and I’m really nervous I’ll fall madly in love and need more. We can’t wait for Moana to come out. Being from Hawaii, I’m excited to see Disney took interest in our culture. I just watched a video of singing happy birthday to my daughter when she turned 8 and I about teared up. She had these happy eyes that were bursting to release joyous tears. #happynowlinkup
Janine says
Aw, thanks and so glad to see you here for the first time. Also, hope to see you here more now. Plus will be visiting your blog shortly and look forward to getting to know you better now from your site, as well π
Amanda | Growing Up Madison says
You have quite the list here but it’s good to hear what you’ve been up to. BTW I’m loving the new logo, I didn’t even really notice it changed until you mentioned it. BTW I can’t wait to see the birthday photos when you do get them, I know she’s going to have a blast and it’s all going to be amazing!
Janine says
Thanks my friend and truly hope to be able to also share some of the birthday photos soon here, as well with you now, too!! π
Tamara says
This was fun! I love LulaRoe! I Love This is Us! I don’t know Divorce but my sister said I have to see it because I love SJP. So there’s that!
I can’t believe your youngest will be six! As for bombing the test, Scarlet did the same thing. She’s a full year younger than most of her classmates anyway. She was five! Let’s just say she now reads at a 45-year-old pace. Kidding! But they’re all smarties.
Janine says
I am addicted now to LulaRoe as I am currently wearing the second pair I bought (not photographed here) and need to get more now LOL! Oh and This Is Us, I am seriously so in love with that show. Plus, I also am a huge SJP fan and have been for years. So, agree with Lindsay that you need to watch. And Scarlet and Lily sound a lot alike as this kid is reading on a second grade level. They think the test just bored her and she rushed through not caring or realizing she needed to truly care. So, she is the only kid I know that gets enrichment reading, but bombed the state reading exam LOL! You are so right though smarties all the way!
Allison G smith says
Thanks for the personal update Janine. Your site looks great. Sadly, I haven’t done much reading and it really bummed me out. I’m also starting to stress about the holidays. And the boys’ birthday is December 2 nd. Always a crazy time of year.
Janine says
Happy to update and I think I may have to do this more often maybe once a month or every other month as this was honestly so much fun. Oh and seriously crazy time of the year even without the birthdays, but add those birthdays in and makes it that much crazier still!
ShootingStarsMag says
I do love these type of posts – it’s fun to see the blogger behind the blog here and there! I like shopping for other people for Christmas, but it can be a stressful time of the year. Plus, I’m not making as much as I did last year, so figuring out gifts and all that is a bit more difficult.
-Lauren
Janine says
Thanks Lauren and I know what you mean about money to spend. I have a separate savings account for it, but still am always worrying it won’t be enough.
Kenya G. Johnson says
I noticed your logo right away! It looks nice. Your peppermint latte looks delish. I am also a fan of Lularoe and the leggings. Sooooo soft and comfy. Your boots are adorable. Love all the pics, Emma looks so grown up. I pray she stays well!
Janine says
Thanks Kenya for the well wishes for Emma. I got my fingers crossed, too. Also, I agree about the leggings as they are seriously so soft like butter!! π
Jennifer M Bly says
Looooove the new logo! Very nice indeed!
I’ve been investigating speed / load times as well. I switched my other blog, Deliberate Homeschooling to the DIVI theme (which I love) but I now need to transfer The Deliberate Mom. Unfortunately it didn’t speed up my site like I hoped *insert sad face*. I may have to investigate WPSmush and WP Rocket for my sites as well.
I love bruschetta! YUM!
I have to tell the girls about the new season of Fuller House – they have been eagerly awaiting it! Maybe I’ll wait to tell them on Dec. 8th lol
Thanks for sharing. I love updates like these!
Wishing you a lovely evening.
xoxo
Janine says
Aw, thanks Jennifer and WP-Rocket and Smush.it are truly godsends as far as speed is concerned from what I am seeing. So, would definitely recommend. I am also wishing you a wonderful end of this week now. xoxo
Carrie Groneman says
Janine, I LOVE the new look and the logo design! You’re amazing and it’s so fun to catch up on your family and all that’s going on with you. Thanks for sharing so many of your favs and looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Janine says
Thanks Carrie and so happy to share with you, too!! π
Diane Roark says
Hey Girl,
I am tired just reading all you have going on. First Of All: I too love your new design. The font is great! You are extremely talented when it comes to anything website related. I know that first hand.
Second of All: We are also looking forward to seeing Moana. It looks like it will be a great movie. I hope your princess enjoys it and has fun on her birthday.
Third: SHE FAILED! I can only imagine how smart she really is!!
Forth: I just discovered LuLuRoe. I have seen so many bloggers joining together to sell it on Facebook live. It must be working well. I participated in a huge LuLuRoe giveaway on Facebook this morning. I have not ordered anything YET but going to try the clothes. I am also going to read more about it and how it got started.
Thanks for sharing! Have a GREAT week!!
Diane
Janine says
Aw, Diane it sounds like you have an equally grand amount going on, too. Thank you for all your kind words and updates, as well. And I hope you fall in love with LLR, too as I can honestly say I can’t get enough of the soft leggings here. Have wonderful week, too now!!! π
Marilyn says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and was is going on in your life. Hope Your daughter is okay. As I have said in the past, your daughters are adorable.
Marilyn
Janine says
Aw, thanks again as always, Marilyn!! π
Mary says
I am also a graphic designer by trade and I love love love your new logo. It was the first things I noticed when I visited your blog today. Your husband has a great eye. Iβm obsessed with This is Us! Itβs such a great show. HBOβs Divorce is going to have a cult following soon; it’s sad and funny and realistic at the same time. I canβt wait to see Moana; Iβm such a kid at heart.
Janine says
That is awesome, Mary and I didn’t realize you were also a graphic designer. Also, sounds like we have even more in common than I thought to begin with and just love it! π
Bev says
I love This is Us! I was behind on the times and finally watched Parenthood this year, and I was missing out on a feel-good show. I’m also enjoying The Good Place.
Fun seeing your updates on life!
Janine says
Thanks Bev and I never watched Parenthood either and still keep hearing what a great show it was. May have to check out soon still, too π
Ginny Marie says
I love your new logo! It fits you so well!
I’ve been out of the blogging world for a while, and am trying to blog every day for nablopomo. I always told myself I wouldn’t stop blogging no matter how busy life got, but it got pretty busy! This post sums up some of the things I’ve been up to: http://www.lemondroppie.com/2016/11/three-weddings-and-a-funeral/
I enjoyed checking in with you and seeing what you’ve been up to!
Janine says
Aw, I missed you and so glad to hear you are back blogging. I will definitely be visiting your blog again now. But I do agree life has a way of getting oh so very busy and know that feeling well, too!!
Leslie says
You’ve definitely got a busy schedule! I hope your oldest is feeling better and is able to avoid more bouts of pneumonia and illness this winter. How frightening that must be!
Janine says
Thanks Leslie and truly is scary, but do appreciate all your good thoughts and prayers, too! <3
Christine Carter says
Aw Janine, it was SO LOVELY to read all of your updates! π I LOVE your new logo and I have ALWAYS been able to navigate around your site so quickly- I notice it EVERY time I come over here.
I hope your sweetie pie stays healthy and strong, my friend. I totally get the immune issues and the high risk with having had RSV. Poor girl. And I admit, I kinda chuckled that your other girl failed her reading test because she was bored. I LOVE the point you make that these tests do not always assess kids correctly and you have PROOF of that now! I’m glad she’s getting enrichment classes now.
Good luck with all the shopping for the holidays! And…. we’re OFF! lol
Janine says
Aw, Chris what can I say, but thank you for reading all my updates here, your kind words and agree that we are totally off now!! π
Aunt Gloria says
Finally catching up with my e-mails and your blogs. So many interesting things in this one! Hope Emma is OK. Can’t believe Lily rebelled against the reading test! She will be our future protester! Watch out world! Thanks for the clips of the shows. I love This Is Us …. I don’t have HBO so not involved with the other shows. Temps are 80s so no complaints here! Love…..
Janine says
Happy you could catch up here, but as you know jealous of the 80 temps as it is not even 40 here at 8 am today! Love you too xoxo
Katherines Corner says
Well my sweet friend this wonderful whats happening post confirms what I already know, you are a happy and very busy camper. I love the new look and I noticed but neglected to comment , sorry.
What am I up to?
1-My Mother came to visit and help for a few weeks ( I had surgery and a mass was removed from my stomach, happy to share it was NOT malignant) and she is getting ready to go home on Wednesday. It has been such a pleasure , a joy really, to have her here.
2-I am struggling trying to get customers to find my shop, lord knows I need to pay off my business loan.
3-enjoying the fantastic and nearly perfect temperatures here ( 65-68)
4-looking forward to the holidays and to making new happy memories
5-we had an early Thanksgiving last week with my Mom and with our daughter, son in law and our grandchildren.
6-planning a Christmas craft to share at Katherines Corner
7-oh heck, that’s enough giggle, love to you my darling friend and God bless xo
Janine says
Thank you, Katie for the kind words and update on you here, as well. Glad to hear you are OK and sounds like all for the most part is good in your neck of the woods. Hugs and xoxo π
catherine gacad says
i love the look of your site! i have been watching westworld, but i’ve heard fantastic things about ‘this is us!’
Janine says
Aw, thanks Catherine and I didn’t watch Westworld, but This Is Us has become one of my favorite shows this year!