What my first birthday in the real world taught me

I celebrated another year alive and kicking yesterday! I've spent 23 years on Planet Earth so birthdays aren't new, but something was different this year.

This was the first year I wasn't in school. I wasn't living with my parents, I didn't have to go to classes. After I made my birthday list I felt a little childish. I'm 23, do I really need a birthday list?

I had a birthday dinner the night before, which I tried to plan myself but learned I wasn't a very good party planner and I needed a lot of help. The birthday dinner went very well and I got to see lots of friends and people I love.

The day of my actual birthday I slept in, had lunch with my parents, opened gifts and went shopping with Mom. I did all of those things last year but this year it felt funny.

It takes a lot of effort to celebrate a birthday when you aren't down the hall from someone. It takes effort to remember, to send a card, to call.

I've been struggling with keeping friendships afloat after graduation. It's hard when you're so used to just running into someone down the hall and going to lunch or having a chat. It's not the same when you have to find that person, and call them, and make plans, and find the time to follow through with those plans.

So the lesson I've been learning, but really saw in full force, on my birthday was that a little effort for friendship goes a long way. You don't have to see them every day, but try to call, even if it's just once on their birthday. It means a lot more when you're on your own.

I have felt a lot more gratitude for the people who took the time to wish me a happy birthday or celebrate with me. It wasn't like last year or the years before, it was so much more fulfilling.

Have you ever felt a year wiser on your birthday? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Photo: Celebrating Centennials

Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Col. William Candler Chapter of the National Society of the American Revolution. While my paperwork is still in Washington, I was invited to attend the luncheon at the local country club.

It was a hat and glove event, which I jump to attend any chance I get. Here's what I wore.

A festive hat, vintage gloves, a bold, blue dress and pearls.

What would you wear to a Centennial Luncheon? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,

Alyson

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! My immaturity has peaked today and I have had to restrain myself from pinching my co-workers who forgot to wear their favorite green.

Today, I'm wearing a green and navy shift dress from Lauren by Ralph Lauren. My boyfriend gave it to me as an early birthday present so I would have something to wear today! How sweet is that!

                                        

I accessorized with pink and cream!

I also did a fancy pants green mani! I've been playing around with nail art lately and this was a fun one to do!

Lots of green and gold! Just like my favorite team!

How are you celebrating St. Patrick's Day? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself (and your Irish roots, if you have them!),

Alyson

Birthday bashed

Remember how I said I loved the spring because of my birthday? 

Well it's not untrue, but I've run into a dilemma and I need help from my readers! How do I celebrate a birthday after college?

The polite way to describe "my kind" is "an old soul." Let's face it: I order wine at bars, like to go to bed before 11 and drive a station wagon. I'm not really a "pub crawl" kind of girl but most of my friends have fun doing a casual evening with liquid courage, and I've had fun tagging along occasionally. 

I've had garden parties for the past few years, and while it they suit me, I'm looking for a little something different. 

The biggest thing? I want it to be a more relaxed event. But other than that, I'm STUMPED! 

Help me out, friends! Share your ideas with me in the comments below. 

Stay tru to yourself, 

Alyson 

In like a lion....

Welcome to March! I know I'm about 10 days late, but better late than never, right?

March is one of my favorite months. First, it's my birth month! I have to wait all month, but it still makes me really excited all month long! Secondly, it's the beginning of spring. Everyone feels more revitalized and Mr. Sun cheers everyone up from a chilly winter.

This week, good weather is expected for North Georgia, with highs in the low 70's! I'm hoping the sunshine will inspire me to perk up my daily routine with a little something extra. I'm not sure what just yet, though.

Are you expecting some nice weather this week? How will you enjoy it? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Cratfy Belles: The Cramp Crusher

Cramps are inevitable. Whether its from an intense workout or lady problems, they're no fun. An easy way to get rid of cramps? Heat.

Sure, you could buy an electric heating pad and tether yourself to a wall, or try to warm up a small square of your body with a messy hot water bottle. But there's an easier way!

Introducing a family "secret": The Cramp Crusher. We by no means created it, but we've been making our own and using them for cramps and unwinding from a hard day's work for at least three generations.

And the best part? It's ridiculously simple. Can you take some fabric and make it into a rectangle? Fill it with rice? Then you've already mastered it. However, I've provided a step by step guide below.

1. Go to the fabric store and find a flannel fabric that makes you smile. I picked this purple fabric titled "Hugging Kittens." When you've got cramps and aches, you'll want something cheerful. I picked up half a yard on sale at Joann's for $1.50. YES! A BUCK FIFTY! However, I probably would have been fine with a quarter of a yard.

Happy happy happy!

2. Get a big ole bag of rice. I picked up a 10lb bag for under $5. I love rice so it won't go to waste, and it's an excellent craft tool. Plus, it's great for an upset tummy!

3. Decide how big/long/wide you want the Crusher to be. Then, sew longways, leaving a large seam allowance. You want a large allowance so if a seam busts, rice doesn't go everywhere. At least, not right away!

4. Stitch one short end. Then, fold it over and stitch it again. If the Crusher is on your shoulders, the ends will hang down, and this relieves a little stress on the seams.

5. Fill it with rice! Fill it with as much or as little rice as you'd like. I liked a lot of rice, though I would have been fine with a little less.

6. Fold the other end in towards the rice, then sew. Since this seam is the outside seam, the extra fabric will help catch the rice and relieve pressure from the seam. If you cut more precisely, a double seam on the outside will suffice as well.

7. Heat it up and unwind!

Wasn't that easy?? And all for $6.50!

Does your family make a version of the Cramp Crusher? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson.