Fashion Friday: Peppy ponytail

It's almost summer. It's hot. There's a big window in your office that makes everything warm. You didn't wash your hair. What's a girl to do?

Enter, the peppy ponytail. I've been doing this look a lot more with second day hair... I use some dry shampoo the night before and then pin up my bangs, gather into a high pony and tease, and lastly, add a little clip inside to make it fan out just right.

Other ways to keep cool? A swingy cotton dress with a little stretch, flats or sandals, and a denim jacket to toughen up the look when you find some A/C.

I styled this outfit with a bauble necklace and bright leather bag as well. Add some more color!

What trends do you love to keep cool? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Wednesday Inspiration: A small tribute to Maya Angelou

Happy Hump Day! Here's a little something from the late Maya Angelou that hopefully, will keep you in full gear until the weekend!

Do you have a favorite Maya Angelou quote? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Happy Birthday, Julia!

One of my high school classmates died last year following a car accident. She was leaving her house in Peachtree City hen she forgot something and stopped her car. However, she didn't put the car in park. In a strange twist of fate, she opened the door and tried to put her car in park and hit the brakes as it slowly rolled down a hill. But instead, the car crushed her. She went into cardiac arrest, and later, a coma. A week or so later, she passed away. 

When I saw Julia's story on my Facebook, and later, in my own newsroom, I fully expected her to make a full recovery. I though, "Wow, what a crazy story this will be when she pulls through." I never expected this to be the end for her. 

Julia Tarter and I met in high school. She was hilarious and kind and laughed a lot. 

   

                       We look like babies... Stevie, Brooke, Julia and myself in 2009.

We lost touch after my graduation, mostly because I left high school behind like a bat out of hell. Julia eventually graduated two years after me. Then, God gave me an opportunity I didn't take: Julia pledged Phi Mu at another school. 

In hindsight, this was my opportunity to rekindle a friendship I wished had been stronger. This was a very direct sign that was leading me to the right people. I regret every day that I did not take that guidance. 

Julia was kind, generous and God-loving. She led by example and was a true Christian: not one who judged or urged you to repent. She showed you love and compassion and prayed for you. When I think of a true Christian, Julia is one of the people who pops into my mind.

Julia did a lot of things on Earth that I wasn't involved in, so I can't really compare those experiences. But if God calls you to Heaven when your job on Earth is done, it's no wonder Julia left us at 20. 

So while we weren't very close, Julia's soul touched me like few others could. I will remember her compassion and joy and try to put a little Julia into my every day. Maybe one day we will meet again. 

Happy 21st birthday Julia. You are deeply missed and eternally loved, but you knew that already. 

                                

                                            From Julia's Facebook page 

Stay true to yourself,

Alyson

Fashion Friday: Jeans Day

Casual Friday often translates to either polos and khakis or, at my radio station, promo shirts and jeans. While I like to wear Lilly on Fridays, I'll tend to take my casual Friday early. Here's what I wore with my jeans.

Featuring: Draped tank top blouse, polka dot jeans, nude kitten heels, bauble necklace and tan blazer.

What do you wear for casual Fridays? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself, 

Alyson

PS: Here's an earworm for your weekend... It's a guilty pleasure. Just embrace the awesomely badness.(But hey, this kid has a music video and I do not... so take it as you will. Also she's like 11, so be nice!)

PPS: "Hahaha... jack my swag."

Daughter's Update

As you may know, I've applied to become a member of the DAR, or Daughters of the American Revolution.

I received a letter early last month asking for more information. Unfortunately, that information was not enough and my link to a specific ancestor hasn't been established firmly enough to go forward.

I was pretty disappointed, so much so that I haven't even called back the membership director. It's embarrassing too, because I'm not sure how to fix it, and it's getting so confusing. My dad has been a major player in establishing my ancestors and with 4 people (yes, 4!) with the exact same name it's been an unusual task.

I'm sure we'll establish the link, but it's taking longer than I had hoped! Luckily, I have other ancestors that could be possible matches, but it feels like I am so close but so far away.

Lilly Pulitzer's Sparklers pattern! A great homage to Independence Day!

I'm mostly dealing with the disappointment by ignoring it, but I have to face it. Tomorrow, I'll call the membership director and discuss the problem with her. Afterwards, I'll talk to my dad about firming up that silly link!

But in the meantime, I'm going to continue to remember why I wanted to be a member of the DAR - I wanted to show everyone just how magical it is to be an American Citizen, whether your ancestors fought for this country over 200 years ago, or if you are the first one in your family to step foot on our great land.

So until my links can be established and my application accepted, I'll fly the flag high and get excited for the upcoming patriotic holidays this summer! My first task? A red, white and blue wreath!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Fashion Friday: Casual pin up dress

Welcome to Fashion Friday! I'm trying to get better about posting frequently and I love to style a great outfit, so each week I'll be posting a fabulous outfit I have styled for work or church!

What I wore: A black and white striped pin up dress, nude flats, a classic denim jacket and a skinny pink waist belt. 

This outfit could easily be dressed up with a fascinator, heels or a blazer!

How would you wear this look? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself, 

Alyson