Curly que's and the product junkie in me

As the fall approaches, the humidity disappears. And while that's fantastic weather-wise, curly hair tends to fall flat with less moisture in the air!

With Georgia finally catching up to the idea that Fall means cool weather and crunchy leaves (after our disastrous hot, rainy summer) I've found that it's time to haul out the good old blow dryer and diffuser!

I've been playing around with different products for my curls. I've been actively working to empty my cabinets of products, make up and the like so I won't have ghastly amounts of stuff.

Just yesterday I polished off a bottle of mousse for curly hair... I only had about two days of product left in it anyway. Gave me some sassy Carrie Bradshaw-esque hair when I blow dried! I can't believe I never tried to blow dry my hair using that product... no wonder I didn't like it! I wasn't using it right!

So as I continue on my adventure down the curly hair path and as I polish off these products, I'll give you a heads-up on what worked for me and what didn't.

I'm currently testing out the L'oreal Advanced Haircare Power Moisture Moisture Rush Mask. I heard good things about it and I like it so far! I'll feature it in a post when I get further along!

Via

Are you a product hoarder?

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

It's Fall, Y'all!

It's that time again... crunchy leave, thick sweaters and pumpkin EVERYTHING! It's finally fall!

Today I got a surprise visit from my mom, dad and puppies! We celebrated the autumnal equinox by taking a little trip to Georgia's Alpine City- Helen!

We visited my best friend, Kegan, who works at a yummy restaurant up there!

I hadn't seen my mom for a while, since I've been cat-sitting and can't really come home. Unfortunately, the cat and I are on each other's last nerve! I hate that he disobeys me for attention and he hates that I want to cuddle all the time but then don't let him sleep in the bed.

Bedtime is for quitters, says Cairo.

The cat-sitting has been interesting. All I can really say is that while I really like cats, I'm not cut out to own one. I am very controlling and they just aren't meant to be controlled! But even without that, this relationship has been slightly strained. I'll have to do a separate post on that when it's all over.

The excitement for fall has me thinking of doing a little revamp to my front door... I think I need a fall themed wreath! My current wreath, while adorable, is very summery and would look great somewhere in my apartment, perhaps on my den door.

No way this puppy is going into storage!

My plan this week: to create a burlap wreath with interchangeable centerpieces so I can get festive for the holidays! In honor of my little kitten guest, I think I'll paint a little black cat for my Halloween piece!

Do you like seasonal decor? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Julep: Galaxy Mystery Box unveiling!

I ordered the Julep Galaxy mystery box the day it came out because I was mesmerized by Estelle, the sparkly black holographic glitter. Despite the fact I don't wear black very often, I just couldn't pass it up. And I had a gift card.

After waiting patiently (kind of), my box... mysteriously... showed up on my doorstep today. No shipping notification, no nothing. Huh. 

I received the Cosmic box (the middle one at $24) and I received version 1. 

Oh, indeed. Is this why I didn't get a shipping notification? ;)

Presentation counts! 

From L to R: Charlotte, Estelle, Francis, Reiko, Lexie, Blakely

Rockstar hand cream duo! 

I haven't ordered a julep maven box in a few months... Mostly because I had some difficult customer service experiences. However, I'm really pleased with the mystery box I was given. It was as if the colors I liked from past boxes but didn't really feel like it was worth it were all tossed into one box! Plus, the colors will be great for recreating the galaxy nail featured on their website... Which will be the perfect touch of fun for Halloween at the office!

Did you order a mystery box? What did you get? Share with me in the comments below!

Never Forget.

12 years ago, I was sitting in my fifth grade class room watching a television broadcast. We, including my teacher were all silent. Just watching. Another teacher had to come in to tell my teacher that the principal had sent an email saying to turn all televisions off... but no one got it. No one could turn away. We were sent home early.

Today was one of the scariest days for my generation. Shock and confusion turned, 12 years later, into a heated memory that has shaped us- our political opinions, our views on the international world and maybe our views on life itself. We couldn't forget if we tried.

Today, I encourage you to look for the good in the world. September 11, 2001 was terrifying, but remember the men and women who fought so hard to save lives, who dedicated their peace of mind, their bodies and their spirits to protecting our country. Remember those who suited up and shipped out to protect people they've never met, even if they disagreed with the cause.

There are amazing people out there. Be one of them.

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Sunday Funday

I've started moving up the corporate ladder... sort of... by picking up Saturday shifts! The extra hours mean more money, more experience and I get to anchor the shift by myself! 

On the downside, it eats into the weekend, of course. So Saturday has become a work day- at the station and at home! Cleaning and errands have begun to take over Saturdays. This Saturday, my parents brought up my newly reprinted desk! My den/office is coming together! 

                                  

    

So Sundays are my big weekend days! Today, I went to church with my boyfriend then decided I was feeling crafty. I went to my local craft store and bought fabric and made another work skirt out of turquoise cotton jersey. I also finished off a canvas I had started Saturday night! 

                                   

What do your weekends consist of? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,

Alyson

Life Update: Is summer really over?

Well folks, it's the day after Labor Day and could you imagine that here in Georgia it's been hotter than it has for the past couple of weeks!? Of course, once summer clothes are "out" it gets warm! 

Personally, I feel that summer clothes, including white, are okay up until the equinox. Because in Georgia, you can't really guarantee that it'll be cool like it's supposed to be!

I still feel a little weird living on my own, but I've taken in a little house guest.... Everyone meet Cairo the cat! 

He lets me wear him as a scarf. Ad hold him like a baby. And cuddle and play a LOT. He's a sweet little guy, probably only a few months old. I'm watching him for a coworker for about two weeks. I've had him for two days and I'm already head over heels for this little guy! 

Being a "cat person," even if temporary, is a huge adjustment to being a "dog person"! Kitty doesn't go outside to do his business, he's not allowed on the counters (and I actively have to keep him off them!) and he likes to play during the night. It's definitely an adjustment but I'm enjoying the new experience. Who knows? Maybe I'll like it so much I'll take in a little kitten of my own!

As for a new experiencing I'm not enjoying yet? Cooking and grocery shopping. It's shouldn't be that difficult, but being a picky vegetarian with food allergies, it's tough! Nothing looks appetizing when it comes to having to prepare it myself and I'm almost getting bored with pasta, my college go-to. I sure do miss hitting the dining hall!

I also miss my sisters... But I reached out to my sorority chapter and am hoping to get involved as an alumna now that school has started! I'm sending in my alumna chapter dues in tomorrow morning! 

It's almost my first month paying bills since my set up... Surprisingly, it's become a lot easier to budget than I thought it was! And, I've still got room for "fun money" - the take out dinners, smart shopping and miscellaneous adventure fund!

Have you gotten settled now that school is back in session, even if you didn't go back (like me!)? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,

Alyson