I'm a turkey for not posting on Thanksgiving!

I had a jam-packed day yesterday so I was unable to write anything inspiring, so here I go today. Happy (belated) Thanksgiving! It took an eternity to get here his year, but despite that fact we have much to be grateful for all year round. Here's a quick version of what I'm thankful for each and everyday: my family, my friends, sorority sisters, my kitten-cat, my wonderful boyfriend, my job, my coworkers, being financially sound (no debt!), being able to pay my bills, enjoying my job and getting to see my extended family!

What was that last part? Extended family? Oh yes! Yesterday, I worked a shift at the radio station (and got to watch both the Macy's parade and the dog show! A big bonus since I've decided against cable) and then bolted home, grabbed the cat and headed home for a long weekend! Both grandmothers, a second cousin, her daughter and her daughter's friends (long story) were all able to get together last night! We had a grand total of nine people at our table and three dogs and a cat at our feet!

Blast from the past - I love hand turkeys!

But, as the Christmas season begins, remember to stay grateful. It's a jungle out there! We are all so blessed - perhaps not in the same way but we can all find something to be thankful for each day. Having a roof over our heads as the weather gets colder, a friendly pet, and a closet full of beautiful clothes are things I think about everyday. 

Which brings me to... Black Friday. This is the first one I haven't worked in several years! I even got the day off at the station- another blessing! I was starting to get a little cold too, so I'm extra grateful for my long weekend! 

My mother and I sometimes go down to Phipps Plaza because it's never as crowded, but with family in tow, most of my shopping has been online. J. Crew Factory is having a to-die-for sale though, I may have to sneak a bit! 

Where are you shopping this Black Friday? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Wintery mix... of beauty problems

As the weather gets cooler - in Georgia we've had some unusually cold weather lately - the humidity disappears from the air. Not a big deal... except when I try to curl my hair!

While I love the cooler months and even winter on occasion, my beauty routine both intensifies and suffers during the dry times! The natural curl in my hair loses it's "oomph," laying flatter, sometimes frizzy and not defined. I've only recently learned my hair can even curl! Last year, I let it lay natural and blow dried my bangs. So far this year, I've just given in and blow dried the whole thing straight.

I love my curls... but sometimes straight just works better!

My skin, like many women's, takes a big hit in the dry winter air. I wake up with split lips frequently and my hands crack. Not at all attractive or comfortable! With a job in radio, a split lip hinders performance as well.

The best lip balm I've found to date is the Fresh Sugar lip balms. They are so expensive, but I usually hold out until my birthday and select them as a free gift from Sephora. However, I would hands down shell out the big bucks for this thing if push came to shove.

I've also started using Olay soap to keep my skin hydrating. They also make an in-shower body lotion, which saved my skin last year! I found a gift kit at Target last year... I'm on the look out for it again this year!

How do you combat winter dry days? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Hey, slow down!

Whoa. Y'all, it's been a week or two since I've shared anything with you. But get this- that one extra hour at work is making a huge difference. 

Firstly, I'm a lot more energized at work. I'm always doing something. Having two shorter shifts gives me the time crunch I work well under. My first shift I'm on a half-hour rotation, so I'm up and down and all over the place. That part of my shift flys by. The second half, an assignment is usually left for me, so I do that on top of my other random duties, giving me just enough time to get it all done. 

While most don't like a split shift, I love having time for an extra long lunch and a nap! It's working out great. 

                                    

                                                            Plenty of time to lounge. 

The only weird part is that I don't have as much time to be online.... Or is it that I'm not as interested in the online world as much, now that my work life has picked up speed?

Do you find time to get online with an intensified schedule? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,

Alyson

Life Update: Extra Hours

Did everyone remember to turn back your clocks? By now, you've probably caught on that Daylight Savings Time gave us that extra hour back it so savagely stole last spring, which feels like mere weeks ago.

Cairo used his extra hour wisely.

Speaking of weeks, last week was my last week of evening shifts... and this is my first week of mid-morning shift! I'm technically working a split shift - anchoring in the morning and doing my usual tasks in the afternoon. Basically, I get a super long lunch, I get to go home early and I get an additional hour of work each day, all while it feels like I'm working the fastest shifts in the world. I could totally get used to this!

Now if I could just get used to anchoring for longer than an hour... (there are those extra hours again!) Well, there's plenty of time for me to reach the top.

Did you do anything fun with your extra hour, or have any other fun extra hours? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson