Remember that today is not just about barbecues, lake houses and great sales. Remember all the men, women and animals who participated in the ever-long fight to ensure our safety and freedom.
I'm working today, but you can sure bet I'll still be celebrating! I'm wearing red, white and blue, my patriotic hair bow and carrying my "tastes like freedom" cup!
How are you celebrating Memorial Day? Share with me in the comments below!
Stay true to yourself,
Alyson
Monday, May 27, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Spread your roots: Joining the DAR
When I was growing up, it was really cool to be an immigrant. Similar to the turn of the 20th century, a lot of my friends were first and second generation Americans. I remember being the only kid in one of my elementary classes that didn't have family go through Ellis Island.
It makes you feel kind of strange. And, until I began researching my family history, I thought I was just an immigrant from farther back.
In a sense, that was true. My family immigrated way back, and it turns out we had several ancestors who fought in the American Revolution.
It took me the better part of 10 years to discover this fact and begin to feel a sense of patriotism. I had always felt like an American, but I never felt like there was anything special about it.
The older I got the more I saw in the world that made me grateful to be an American citizen. While this country always has room for improvement, I realized there's no place I'd rather be.
So, after college, I decided to join the Daughters of the America Revolution. I wanted to be a part of an organization after school that was different from what I normally did. I chose the DAR over the Junior League because I felt more connected to the DAR's values - historic preservation, education and patriotism.
I wanted to find people who wanted to follow their ancestors footsteps and inspire patriotism in all American's, whether you have been here for generations or have just taken your oath of allegiance.
It's nice to find a place to fit in. There is something for everyone, and I'm excited it was so easy to find my place!
Currently, I've put in my application, have been matched toa chapter and my father and I are tying up the loose ends of my lineage line.
I'm so excited about joining... I can't wait to tell my readers more! I'll update the blog as things roll along.
Do you know your family lineage? Share with me in the comments below!
Stay true to yourself,
Alyson
It makes you feel kind of strange. And, until I began researching my family history, I thought I was just an immigrant from farther back.
In a sense, that was true. My family immigrated way back, and it turns out we had several ancestors who fought in the American Revolution.
It took me the better part of 10 years to discover this fact and begin to feel a sense of patriotism. I had always felt like an American, but I never felt like there was anything special about it.
The older I got the more I saw in the world that made me grateful to be an American citizen. While this country always has room for improvement, I realized there's no place I'd rather be.
So, after college, I decided to join the Daughters of the America Revolution. I wanted to be a part of an organization after school that was different from what I normally did. I chose the DAR over the Junior League because I felt more connected to the DAR's values - historic preservation, education and patriotism.
I wanted to find people who wanted to follow their ancestors footsteps and inspire patriotism in all American's, whether you have been here for generations or have just taken your oath of allegiance.
It's nice to find a place to fit in. There is something for everyone, and I'm excited it was so easy to find my place!
Currently, I've put in my application, have been matched toa chapter and my father and I are tying up the loose ends of my lineage line.
I'm so excited about joining... I can't wait to tell my readers more! I'll update the blog as things roll along.
Do you know your family lineage? Share with me in the comments below!
Stay true to yourself,
Alyson
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Day after day: Missing motivation
I'm learning a very important thing about having a "big girl job."
It's really astounding. I'm not sure you're ready for it.... Are you ready?
I'm sitting all day. ALL. DAY.
I never thought my life as a reporter/writer/news assistant would be this, well, lazy. I'm about to begin month two, and I'm already noticing how tired it makes me just to sit for long periods of time, plus enduring a long commute.
So what's a girl to do? I barely have any idea. I've never been the most physically active person - I've always preferred a softer look for women, including myself - but I have got to do something before I turn into a pile of mush!
My boyfriend is working out like a fiend. He's running every morning and he's lost a little over 20 pounds since his heaviest weight a few months ago. I'm really proud of him! It's definitely inspiring me to do something.
I went to a yoga class last week and felt great afterwards, but my schedule is really strange (I work afternoons and evenings) so making sure I wake up and get there is a bit of trouble. I'm probably going to have to go on the weekends.
Long story short, I lack motivation. Fitness is intimidating! When I get in a work out groove, something always happens that discourages me. And once I stop, I stop. I'm not a gradual person.
I was so motivated in college! I never had time to work out, but I walked everywhere. Now, I'm trying to adjust my diet and find a fitness routine that works. But both of those things are such a pain I don't even want to attempt them.
How do you get inspired to work out? Share with me in the comments below (please!)
Stay true to yourself,
Alyson
It's really astounding. I'm not sure you're ready for it.... Are you ready?
I'm sitting all day. ALL. DAY.
I never thought my life as a reporter/writer/news assistant would be this, well, lazy. I'm about to begin month two, and I'm already noticing how tired it makes me just to sit for long periods of time, plus enduring a long commute.
So what's a girl to do? I barely have any idea. I've never been the most physically active person - I've always preferred a softer look for women, including myself - but I have got to do something before I turn into a pile of mush!
My boyfriend is working out like a fiend. He's running every morning and he's lost a little over 20 pounds since his heaviest weight a few months ago. I'm really proud of him! It's definitely inspiring me to do something.
I went to a yoga class last week and felt great afterwards, but my schedule is really strange (I work afternoons and evenings) so making sure I wake up and get there is a bit of trouble. I'm probably going to have to go on the weekends.
Long story short, I lack motivation. Fitness is intimidating! When I get in a work out groove, something always happens that discourages me. And once I stop, I stop. I'm not a gradual person.
I was so motivated in college! I never had time to work out, but I walked everywhere. Now, I'm trying to adjust my diet and find a fitness routine that works. But both of those things are such a pain I don't even want to attempt them.
How do you get inspired to work out? Share with me in the comments below (please!)
Stay true to yourself,
Alyson
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Summer Lovin'
It's finally summer!
I graduated college, and wow, what a feeling! I immediately started working. I actually got really lucky and got a job straight out of school.
I saw an opening for a job on a local radio station's website. I sent an email with my résumé, and while I wasn't the right fit for the job, I was the right fit for another job!
Things work out in funny ways like that. Needless to say, my new job is Number 1 on my summer love list! Here are the rest:
3. Unpacking
Okay, so I don't *love* unpacking, but it feels really great to finally unpack all of my things from college and (slowly) go through everything. At the end of the summer, I'll be moving back to my college town into my own apartment! It's important to sort and consolidate, and while its no fun, it feels great to get it accomplished!
4. Tea
A hot cup of tea has become a staple for my mornings! My tea of choice is called Throat Coat and it helps keep my voice in tip top shape. I'm still learning the ropes of radio, but I know once I catch on tea will be my best friend.
5. Yoga
Okay, I've been a yoga fan for a while. But, with a job that requires me to sit down for most of my shift and a longer commute, I need a little more exercise! I got so used to walking everywhere at college, but now I don't have that option. Yoga has been a great way to help with my posture, flexibility and begin a fitness routine.
What are your summer favorites? Share with me in the comments below!
Stay true to yourself,
Alyson
I graduated college, and wow, what a feeling! I immediately started working. I actually got really lucky and got a job straight out of school.
I saw an opening for a job on a local radio station's website. I sent an email with my résumé, and while I wasn't the right fit for the job, I was the right fit for another job!
Things work out in funny ways like that. Needless to say, my new job is Number 1 on my summer love list! Here are the rest:
2. Retro inspired dresses
They're perfect for work- just dressy enough, but also very comfortable! The longer lengths and more conservative necklines are just right. Paired with a low heel and a cardigan, it's become a wardrobe staple.3. Unpacking
Okay, so I don't *love* unpacking, but it feels really great to finally unpack all of my things from college and (slowly) go through everything. At the end of the summer, I'll be moving back to my college town into my own apartment! It's important to sort and consolidate, and while its no fun, it feels great to get it accomplished!
4. Tea
A hot cup of tea has become a staple for my mornings! My tea of choice is called Throat Coat and it helps keep my voice in tip top shape. I'm still learning the ropes of radio, but I know once I catch on tea will be my best friend.
5. Yoga
Okay, I've been a yoga fan for a while. But, with a job that requires me to sit down for most of my shift and a longer commute, I need a little more exercise! I got so used to walking everywhere at college, but now I don't have that option. Yoga has been a great way to help with my posture, flexibility and begin a fitness routine.
What are your summer favorites? Share with me in the comments below!
Stay true to yourself,
Alyson
Friday, May 10, 2013
Skin I'm In: Self Acceptance
The final segment in my "Skin I'm In" series is about self acceptance. It last, but certainly not least. Self acceptance is possibly the biggest part about being comfortable in your own skin.
When I was in high school, I religiously spray-tanned after being teased constantly about being "too pale." In return, I was then made fun of for being "orange" when my spray-tans went awry. One day, I forgot to wear bronzer and one of my teachers tried to send me to the school nurse because I looked "gaunt." Not really a positive view about my skin, huh?
I had to really steer my perspective to a positive one. I tried to change what I saw in the mirror. I didn't want to feel "pale" - what I saw as negative.
I changed my perspective to "fair." My skin is fair, like clear weather and story book princesses. When it sounded so much more positive, it was easy to look in the mirror and feel satisfied.
It's hard to change perspective. But accepting every mole, freckle and birthmark, one by one, can lead to happier, stronger you. But don't forget, it's not a one stop shop, it's a life-long journey.
Do you accept yourself as is? Share with me in the comments below!
Stay true to yourself,
Alyson
When I was in high school, I religiously spray-tanned after being teased constantly about being "too pale." In return, I was then made fun of for being "orange" when my spray-tans went awry. One day, I forgot to wear bronzer and one of my teachers tried to send me to the school nurse because I looked "gaunt." Not really a positive view about my skin, huh?
I had to really steer my perspective to a positive one. I tried to change what I saw in the mirror. I didn't want to feel "pale" - what I saw as negative.
I changed my perspective to "fair." My skin is fair, like clear weather and story book princesses. When it sounded so much more positive, it was easy to look in the mirror and feel satisfied.
It's hard to change perspective. But accepting every mole, freckle and birthmark, one by one, can lead to happier, stronger you. But don't forget, it's not a one stop shop, it's a life-long journey.
Do you accept yourself as is? Share with me in the comments below!
Stay true to yourself,
Alyson
Friday, May 3, 2013
Hair Help: Graduation
Today is my graduation... which means spending about 2 hours in a silly looking hat that will ruin my hair for pictures after.
For my high school graduation, I straightened my hair (like I always did at the time) and it looked okay, except after the ceremony I had a big dent in the back of my head! I guess it wouldn't really ruin it... but it does put a (dare I say it?) dent in your style!
Lately I've been almost 100% curly. But, as I tried on my cap and gown, I realized my curly, diffused hair was too big for the hat! It poofed out at the bottom and flattened the top... another no go!
So, what's between curly and straight. That's right, wavy!
I chose to do a classic pin curl wave. I found a great tutorial on Vintage Vixen! I did, however, roll my long bangs away from my face to add a little modern touch to it. I also didn't alternate my wave pattern, so it would be more of a traditional finger wave.
Unfortunately, when I unrolled my hair it was a mess! I guess I didn't roll it right... but the curls looked great. The brushed out part? Not so much.
So I rinsed my hair and repinned it, but this time I did more of a halo around my head. Then, I blasted it with a blow dryer. To make it a little more modern, I carefully took out the pins and diffused it with a little scrunch.
How do you do graduation hair? Share with me in the comments below!
Stay true to yourself,
Alyson
For my high school graduation, I straightened my hair (like I always did at the time) and it looked okay, except after the ceremony I had a big dent in the back of my head! I guess it wouldn't really ruin it... but it does put a (dare I say it?) dent in your style!
A shot from high school... I was so blonde!
Lately I've been almost 100% curly. But, as I tried on my cap and gown, I realized my curly, diffused hair was too big for the hat! It poofed out at the bottom and flattened the top... another no go!
So, what's between curly and straight. That's right, wavy!
I chose to do a classic pin curl wave. I found a great tutorial on Vintage Vixen! I did, however, roll my long bangs away from my face to add a little modern touch to it. I also didn't alternate my wave pattern, so it would be more of a traditional finger wave.
Unfortunately, when I unrolled my hair it was a mess! I guess I didn't roll it right... but the curls looked great. The brushed out part? Not so much.
So I rinsed my hair and repinned it, but this time I did more of a halo around my head. Then, I blasted it with a blow dryer. To make it a little more modern, I carefully took out the pins and diffused it with a little scrunch.
much better! (even though the lighting is awful)
How do you do graduation hair? Share with me in the comments below!
Stay true to yourself,
Alyson
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