20 Dec Happy Holidays and a Blog Break
Hello friends,
I know this blogging business has been a bit hit or miss lately for Elegantly Dressed and Stylish.
Lots going on.
My mom has moved down here, and that was quite a process, between having a horrible moving company, going to Pittsburgh, and then finally getting my mom settled into her new place.
To compound matters, my hubby’s parents have had some medical issues, and we have had to look at care homes.
I’ve been busy with helping my mom, going to the shelter, and working with brands on Instagram. I actually needed to take a step back from the blog. With IG’s popularity, many people are working on that platform and not doing as much blogging. I miss the old crew. I miss this format, to be honest, but I wonder how many people read anymore!
My shih tzu Truffles has had “doggie Vertigo”, which is technically called, Idiopathic Vestibular Sydnrome, and last night wasn’t able to stand and was crying. I was so scared! So we did take her to the vet ER and this is what we found out. A few days earlier we learned that she had a grade 5 heart murmer, so we thought it might have to do with that. So, it was a relief to know that with IVS, she would recover in a week. Truffles is 15.5, but we aren’t ready to say goodbye!
Dealing with several chronic conditions, I have been a bit stressed this month, so I decided to take some time off. I do enjoy writing however, and connecting with ladies here. I would love if more people interacted on the blog but understand if you are not one to do so.
I just wanted my blogging community, and you friends, to know that I will continue to blog in the new year, So me popping in today is my way of telling you that I will blog in 2025. I can’t say it will be 3 days a week, but I will continue to provide topics of interest. You can always email me via my contact sheet and let me know if there is something Fashion/Beauty wise that you are interested in .
In the meantime, I want to wish you, your family, a BLESSED Holiday!
Jess xo
Wendy
Posted at 11:17h, 31 DecemberOkay,, this just left me sad– although I’m a thousand percent happy that Truffles is doing better..
Sometimes I think that Life has brought these darlings into our life to teach us a bunch of stupid stuff, but it’s always an excruciating set of “lessons.”
I get the medical stuff. I miss regular blogging too — as a customer.
And you’ll always be my hero for working at the shelter with so many unwanted darlings.
Love, Wendy
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:31h, 31 DecemberHI Wendy,
I tried to get you on Facebook. Truffles passed about a week ago, and my heart hurts. I miss my girl!! She had a stroke, then went downhill for the next 2 days. She is in doggy heaven. I will go to the shelter on Friday and get some of my fill of helping the pups. I know you really enjoyed my pups from afar. Gibby is hanging in there!
mireille
Posted at 08:04h, 31 DecemberThanks for the update and I will keep you and your family in my prayers! Aging parents is not for the faint of heart and I am praying my parents still have a few good years ahead of them. Will look forward to your posts in the new year!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:33h, 31 DecemberIt is tough. Thank you Mirielle, yes. Dealing with health issues and aging is quite difficult. I appreciate the prayers. Same to you and your blog in the New Year.
Leslie Susan Clingan
Posted at 13:14h, 29 DecemberPrecious Jess, I am just by again to send you the biggest hug after reading your comment on my blog. I am so sorry about the loss of your precious angel Truffles. And the passing of your father-in-law. Holidays can be wonderful and super stressful under the best of circumstances. I am sorry you have the added sorrow and stress of losing members of your family. Rest, grieve, rest. Give yourself grace. Take naps and sit in the sunshine. Allow yourself some time.
Leslie Susan Clingan
Posted at 22:25h, 26 DecemberBless your heart. I am so sorry you have been bogged down with so many issues in your world. Hope that in the next few days before the new year arrives, your mom will be well settled into her new place and your will have found the perfect care community for your in-laws. All of that is so very, very stressful. God bless you all.
And your poor pup! My pup (she was actually an old dog) had a stroke after being groomed and she went blind. That night was one of the longest of my life. She cried all night long, unable to see, to stand. I think she could still hear me and would quiet just for a moment at a time in response to my voice. Hope your angel is soon back to normal.
Try to take care of you but I know how hard that is when everything in your life is just nuts. Sneak in naps, or baths, or a few minutes of quiet when you can.
Wishing you a kinder, gentler 2025, my friend. There are still some of us that appreciate reading blog posts!! And writing them, along with you!! Keep up the good work.
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:35h, 31 DecemberLeslie, I appreciate your kind words, it means alot. My mom is in her new place, and she is happy to be around the 3 of us siblings. My girl passed a week ago, and I am so sad about it. It has been tough. I am so sorry to hear about what happened to your dog. It was traumatic to see her like that after the stroke. I am just resting today after a dry needling session on what felt like my entire body. Also wishing you the best in 2025, and a Blessed Holiday.
Marsha Banks
Posted at 23:55h, 20 DecemberI’m so glad you are going to keep blogging, Jess. I know it takes a lot of time, but I love the long form so much. I’m glad you were able to discover what was wrong with Truffles. It’s always difficult because they can’t use their words.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:37h, 31 DecemberHi Marsha,
We thught it was Vestibular Syndrome, but Truffles did not get better, but rather worse. She had a stroke and then declined. I have done nothing but think of her and have distractions lately. I apreciate that you are still liking blogging and I will probably do 2 days a week or when I can. Have a Blessed HOliday
Barbara Takacs
Posted at 17:33h, 20 DecemberI enjoy reading your blog! Thanks for all you do. Hoping things get better for all of your family in the NewYear. Merry Christmas
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:25h, 31 DecemberThank you Barbara! Happy New Year to you too!
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:38h, 31 DecemberHi Barbara,
thank you so much! I appreciate the well wishes, ad wish for you a BLessed Holiday!
Rhoda Foley
Posted at 12:06h, 20 DecemberHi Jess!
PLEASE keep posting when you can! I always find everything you write to be very inspirational. I love your fashion and style shares and often find myself thinking ” what would Jess” say about this or that clothing item! I also love and appreciate what you share about your personal life. It makes me feel a connection and reminds me that we all have things we must cope with. Your caring & kindness means so much! I wish you and your family a very Blessed holiday season with many Blessings for a healthy New Year filled with all the happiness your hearts can hold! Looking forward to seeing more from you!!
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:29h, 31 DecemberHello Rhoda.
I appreciate your comment, and that you are enjoying what I write. Yes, there are good days and no so good days, but we push forward. Thank you Rhoda so much for reading.
Have a BLessed New Year.
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:44h, 31 DecemberHi Rhoda,
This is all very sweet of you to say. I appreciate it very much. THings can be tough but we push forward. It really means alot that you enjoy reading my blog and I wish you and your family the same. Have a Blessed New Year!
Di
Posted at 09:58h, 20 DecemberIt sounds like you have a lot on your plate, Jess! I love the blogging platform and community and am glad you have decided to keep blogging next year. Thanks for all of your lovely content in 2024. So glad to hear your mom‘s move is complete and your pup will be ok. Happy holidays to you and your family and I look forward to reading your blog in the new year!
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:42h, 31 DecemberHi Di, Yes, I will be doing some blogging. I may not be doing 3 xs a week as I did for 10 years. I am happy to hear that ladies are still enjoying blogs and reading. My mom is done moving in , but Truffy has passed. It has broken my heart. I have to have time to think of her and how much joy she brought to our lives. Have a Blessed Holiday!
Georgina
Posted at 09:22h, 20 DecemberMerry Christmas Jess, and all the best for 2025! I’m one of those who doesn’t interact very much, but I do enjoy your blog and I love seeing your stylish outfits. ❤
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:26h, 31 DecemberHi Georgina, thank you so much . Best to you in 2025. I will continue on for a bit, and appreciate you visiting.
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:40h, 31 DecemberHI Georgina,
Merry Christmas to you! So glad you enjoy the blog. I will continue a bit posting outfits and fashion/beauty posts.
Marian Emch
Posted at 09:15h, 20 DecemberWishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! I do prefer blogging vs. Instagram. So I’m happy to hear you’ll be continuing your blog.
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:39h, 31 DecemberThank you Marian! There used to be a ton of us! I do prefer blogs to IG too. Have a Blessed Holiday!