Beautifying beige walls

Lately, I feel like I am surrounded by beige. My walls and carpet are two shades of the color, and while I have bright accessories all over, sometimes it doesn't feel like enough.

I finally purchased a television console for my living room (meaning my coffee table can go back to being a coffee table!) from IKEA. It's turquoise and metal, with sliding doors. I can change the channels through the doors! I am so pleased with it.

But the empty space above it bothered me. It bothered me when the TV was sitting on the coffee table too, but now I was ready to do something with the space!

I found these Moroccan tile mirrors at Target. They came with stencils and were surprisingly easy to hang correctly!

Cairo helped get them level.

The finished product!

But I wasn't done yet... I knew I could add a little more to my walls. Like in my kitchen. I like my hand-made "EAT" wall art, but it needed a little refresher.

Besides, what if EAT was lonely!?

My parents gave me a vintage plate and a turret that my great grandmother made. Dad and I purchased plate wall hangers for under $5, which came with hardware, and Dad had them up in under 5 minutes.

Spring hangers are your friend!

He's a magic man.

Ta Da!

So simple, but it makes the wall look refreshed and brand new. I'm sure I can find a few more walls to decorate and improve....

How do you decorate your walls? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,

Alyson

Cat-sual Friday

I may be too casual this casual Friday, but for once I don't care. I have had a week.

Monday my car broke down. So the week has been pretty hectic on that factor alone. I have a party this weekend that I've been planning for and looking forward to for a whole month and it almost got muddled by my silly car.

Luckily, the fix turned out to be simple (three shops later.... sigh!) and it's back in my parking lot, longingly hoping for a joy ride.

Wednesday and Thursday were somewhat trying days for me, as work completely kicked my butt. There was so much there but also not much there. I can't even explain it.

And of course, the one week I would really like Friday to be the beginning of the weekend... I have a shift tomorrow. Don't get me wrong, I love money and I love my job, but man I could have totally used a morning to sleep in.

Oh, did I mention? Cairo has been un-banished from my bedroom. He now sleeps with me (because it's getting SOO COLD and my heater doesn't exactly work) or in his little bed on the floor. While this is cute and precious and I love it, he also wakes me up at 6 am for pets by licking my eyelids with his scratchy tongue.

Zzzzzzzzz... for now.

But it all could be so much worse. I'm grateful I've got a cat who has learned not to bite me and can behave in my room now, I'm glad I have a job that not only gives me hours but also money, I'm glad my car is fixed and I'm glad I have a roof over my head, even if the heater is a little behind the times.

What was your week like? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Planning to plan: paper or digital planners?

As the year comes to an end, I feel like I'm at a very weird cross road: My planner is almost used up.

I've been using a Lilly Pulitzer planner for about 2 years now, but now that I'm not a student and don't need/want an 18 month agenda, I feel like it is slightly wasteful. But is a paper agenda as a whole just as wasteful?

I have a serious problem.

I like the environment. I like trees. I like living on Earth and breathing air. I like that there may be water on Mars but it's not vital to our existence if there isn't any water there because Earth still has tons.

So, as an adult who is obsessed with their iPad, should I just skip out on the paper planner all together? Think about how many trees wouldn't make me feel guilty. And what do you even do with a filled up planner? Digitally, you can just delete.

The big downside to the digital planner is you have to take whatever it's on everywhere and my iPad is a little heavier than my past planners. Then, you have to sync it to your phone and computer and all that.

So which is better? I like writing stuff down, it's soothing. But seriously, what the hell do I do with a used up planner!? And just how many trees sob as they watch sorority girls scribble on their family members each year?

Are you a digital or paper planner? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Kitten Caboodle

I took my cat, Cairo, to the (surprisingly expensive) vet this morning. He was amazingly well behaved and only meowed once when then vet went to examine his, uh, manhood.

Me-ow!

Even after two vaccines, blood work and being prodded by some people he didn't know but knew meant well, he was still well behaved. His ears were alert and he was cautious but he also flipped his tail happily.

For a vet visit, it was quite pleasant. I think the last time I went to the vet was to put my good old dog, Snowy, down after a long 16 years. He was also a good boy.

The elder statesman, Mr. Snowy.

So what can we learn from Cairo's trip to the vet today? The nips, pinches and sticks in your skin will hurt temporarily, but it's no reason to act out.

Have you learned anything from your pets today? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

The perfect morning

This morning was almost perfect. Here's why:

• I got to sleep in.
• I woke up slow, checked my email and discovered nothing detrimental was happening at work.
• I released the kitty cat from his room and we spent 20 minutes cuddling (complete with purrs!) on his favorite chair.
• I made peanut butter toast for breakfast, then opened the fridge and remembered I had gone to the store - berries and juice were waiting for me in the fridge!
• I ate my hearty breakfast of berries and peanut butter toast and drank a full glass of water, all while Kitty Man sat with me in the chair opposite of me.

He's quite polite.

• I made the bed (just because it makes me feel productive.)
• I got cleaned up. My hair was still looking fierce from yesterday. (I blow-dried it straight)
• I used the last of my dry shampoo... but still had just enough.
• I put on one of my favorite dresses
• Finally, I grabbed lunch with my Daddy!

Who said Monday's had to be glum? I've had a great day so far... let's hope it stays swell!

What did you do this morning? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself, 

Alyson

Happy Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday folks! I have to apologize for my recent absence. I've been on the move!

For starters, I've been reconnecting with one of my best friends from college. I've never really been a "text your friends all the time" kind of girl but I've really been missing this friend and it's really been working for us! We're not texting back immediately (except on lunch!) so we can still get our work done!

Second, I've been picking up some more tasks at work. Both this week and last week I've had assignments - events to cover outside of the station - but both weeks I've been bumped up to two assignments a week! These assignments are often additional to my work hours, so I get a little extra cash, and it helps me work on my writing and reporting skills.

On top of assignments, I've also been dabbling with some advertisements at work. I think they're super easy, so I've been helping out with their input.

Up next: Kitty Mews

Finally, I've been trying to connect with my little Kitty Man more. I ended up adopting the cat I was sitting, so we've been learning together. Last night he even got to sleep in the bed until 2:30... then he started prowling. I had to put him in his "bedroom" - my office that's cat safe and filled with his necessities.

I've also been watching "My Cat From Hell" for kitty tips and also to appreciate my calm but curious little man.

The weather is also getting chillier here! It makes my outfit choices a bit of a struggle... but I'll get the hang of it soon!

How is your week going? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Life lesons from Kitty: Patience

Yesterday I received a call from the coworker I had been cat-sitting for. His daughter has officially relinquished her ownership of the cat, Cairo, and I was allowed to send him to the humane society I volunteer with.

But... Cairo is really growing on me. He drove me CRAZY for a few weeks, but after bringing him home to meet my family dogs, I learned that it wasn't him who was being crazy.

I wasn't executing any patience. He would jump on the counter and I would scream. He'd bite me in the middle of the night and I would scream. He would meow and I would scream back. I was at the end of my rope! But it was because I didn't know how to talk to the cat.

I realized that dogs and cats are actually very similar, but cats don't understand punishment like dogs do. Cats need patience, just like puppies do. It doesn't end with litter box training.

I learned that he was jumping on the counter because he knew I would chase him. He knew that if he rattled the plate I left in the sink or knocked over the papers I had on the table I would pay him attention. When I took away the papers and washed the dishes and put a little food in his bowl, he stopped jumping on the counter.

Cairo, halfway to Mt. Cabinet.

I also learned the "Ow and Down" technique. When kitty bit too hard during play, or when he bit me lightly while I slept to wake me up, I made a high pitched "Ow!' sound, similar to a yowl, and place him on the ground. He got the message very quickly.

Patience is a serious virtue and a very difficult one to master. I decided to keep Cairo because I knew I needed a lesson in patience and he needed a home willing to love him. I want him to grow up and be a fat, happy cat. I don't know if a humane society would give him that opportunity right away and as a kitten, he is in a critical stage of development. Without the proper nurturing, how could he be expected to be a "good" pet?

I still wouldn't call myself a "cat person" and I'm definitely still a dog person, but I felt that this was the right choice. So welcome home, Cairo! We've got a lot of learning to do!

Have you learned any lessons from pets? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Ripe for the picking

Some people bite their nails, some people never paint them, some people keep them long, some short. Me? I pick at imperfection.

I must get this from my daddy, who picks at his cuticles under stress, anxiety or boredom. But I pick at polish. Dent? Smudge? Chip? Pick it off. All of them. Good bye polish!

I guess it's because of stress, anxiety and boredom, but unless my nails are perfect, they are subject to the picking monster I keep within. And I refuse to be seen with chipped polish or half of a mani... if one goes, they ALL go.

I think my nail picking shows people that I'm a perfectionist and perhaps a control freak. I like things to always be pulled together effortlessly, and bare nails are better than chipped nails.

Do you pick at polish? Any home remedies to stop? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

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!

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

Puppy madness, part 2!

Remember earlier when I said I wanted a puppy? Well, the little guy I mentioned in the post got adopted and unfortunately, not by me.

It's probably good that I don't have a pet, because it keeps my budget in line and I can come and go as I please without worrying about them. But getting used to the sounds of my complex is taking longer than I expected and I sort of wish I had some sort of companion. 

I've always had - and loved - dogs. I'd be happy as a clam with a little dog buddy to snuggle with who will bark at strange noises and potentially keep me safe.

Via

However, dogs take a lot of care. They need time, love and attention. They need to be taken outside to do their business at odd hours. They prefer constant companionship to being left alone. They need shots, grooming and lots of food. They take effort. 

Cats have the opposite reputation. They don't crave attention, do their business is a box and do well alone. I've never owned a cat, so I'm not sure how true this is. Plus, my dad is allergic to cats. Especially the furry ones. 

So I'm kind of in a lose-lose situation. Looks like I'll be sticking with pictures of my dogs from home instead!

Do you have any pets? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,

Alyson

Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale

After logging on and then waiting for a considerable amount of time (too much traffic and not enough bandwidth!) I think I've decided not to buy anything from the Endless Summer Sale, at least for today. 

Why? The prices didn't amaze me, but I think it was more so because the products didn't amaze me. I haven't been too keen on the "new" Lilly and I wasn't in love with the summer line.

I did see a few things I liked (including a tie for my sweetie) that were worth the price and I may buy them later on. The sale does last for a couple of days!

Finally, I felt that some of the other customers were acting very childish and that sort of ruined the fun. People were writing scathing comments on Facebook posts and then when the requests they made were accommodated, they were still mad! I understand this sale is a huge help for those on a budget, but it's just clothes. 

I, too, was disappointed the site crashed so quickly, but I wasn't surprised. Instead of writing nasty messages to the social media team, I closed my computer and did something else. Patience is a virtue that I am working very hard on!

As for today, I think I have enough Lilly to last a while. And if I end up craving something new, I can always A) suck it up and buy it (or put it on my Christmas list), B) scour eBay and Re-Lilly or C) find a similar piece elsewhere. 

How do you feel about the Endless Summer Sale selection? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself (and don't let the sale get your goat!)

Alyson

Uptown girl

I did something really stupid at work the other day. We had a staff meeting and went over some basics with writing, editing and procedure. The boss lady, our news director, went over a lot of little mistakes we've been making. We've got two "newbies" on board, myself included, and some procedure changes so it was more like a reminder session. 

Now here's where I get absent-minded... A few hours after the meeting I was assigned to work on a story, just like every day. And you know what? I made the same mistakes I always make- the ones we had just gone over earlier that day. 

My boss was really nice about it and tried to make it a learning opportunity but I was totally flabbergasted and a little embarrassed. I even took notes at that meeting... Why hadn't this settled in yet!?

The truth of the matter is, this is not the first time this had happened to me and I really don't know how to fix it. (So if you wanted to give some advice today, now is the time!) I have a hard time grasping changes like that and it usually takes a second opinion (or in this case, a proofreader) to help me see what I've missed. 

The weird part about this mistake though was that it made me feel different from before. Usually these things just make me feel a little dumb, but today I really felt like a fish out of water. 

A lot of the things we covered in the meeting were local things that I had no clue about. I didn't know roads and counties or public information officers. It made me miss being home with my parents in the suburbs on the edge of metro Atlanta. We weren't in the perimeter, but a short drive took us to the heart of the city- an urban playground with a daily sense of danger. 

I think the confusion of a local road with one on which my favorite mall is located brought the whole thing on. I was subconsciously missing home so much I wrinkled a news story for two days. 

Dad says the first move is always hard. I definitely believe him... It's nothing like moving to college!

How do you handle mistakes? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself, 

Alyson

Settling in

I've been pretty quiet lately... I've been settling in to my new apartment! 

I got power and Internet hooked up, as well as Netflix, so I've been distracted by that a bit :) Netflix  is probably the best $8 I've ever spent. 

I'm also trying to settle comfortably with the idea of being alone. It's odd being the only one around and I've noticed I've been holding myself accountable for keeping the place nice - putting pillows back in the right place, closing closet doors and making my bed every day. 

I wasn't really like this when I lived with other people... I tried to get used to making my bed every morning but I gave up when I moved home. I guess I'm just really enjoying how nice my new apartment looks and want it to stay that way!

Do your habits change in a new place? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,

Alyson

The Thank You note

The perfect thank you note is a lost art. It sounds so simple, but sometimes it can stump you!

First, it helps to keep a log of who gave what. I make a list with names followed by gifts and then I never forget what someone gave me!

Baby Alyson recommends making a list anyway you know how....

I like to begin by addressing the person or family. Try to include all the names, right down to the dogs (if they're the type of people who sign their pets names to cards.)

Then, I immediately thank them for the item. Add a personal touch - is it your favorite color? Just what you asked for? Handmade with love and intricate detail? 

I always like to finish the "thank you" paragraph with a how thoughtful it was. It really is- if they went out of their way to ask your mother what you wanted for your birthday or put some effort into finding something they thought you'd like, you were on their mind for at least 3 days. If that's not thoughtful, what is!?

When it comes to checks or money, I first thank the person for the card. We all know what it's like to stand in the aisle reading and trying to find the right one. It takes a surprising amount of effort. Plus, if you have family like mind, they manage to find cards that are just perfect - with glitter, pink and beautifully lined envelopes.

Then I thank them for the check or cash and mention what I want to do with the money- savings, towards a new dress, or unsure. If you're unsure, just say "I'm not sure what I'll spend the $25 on just yet but I certainly appreciate having it." Although usually I end up with the new dress answer - I just love a new dress!

Then, I finish off with a sentiment about the event the gift was for:"I enjoyed seeing you over graduation!" "We missed you at graduation but I'm sure we'll see each other soon." "Hopefully we'll see each other during the holidays" or "It's been ages since we saw you! Lets plan for a visit soon." If they like you enough to give you a gift, they want to see you. 

Another possibility, especially if the giver has a child your age, is to comment on their activities. "I hope Kelly has a great time in Turkey, we'll be praying/thinking good thoughts for her!" It's nice to take the focus off yourself for half a second. 

Finally, I thank them again and a "lots of love!" and sign my name. 

It seems odd to create a formula for a thank you card, but once you get rolling it starts coming naturally. As I've gotten older, I've really begun to value thank you notes and regret not sending some over the years. 

I also recommend writing, addressing, stamping and mails your notes the day after you receive a gift. If you're forgetful like me, otherwise you'll find stacks of notes in your room while cleaning (literally stacks- I didn't have postage so they just sat there! How embarrassing!)

Do you have a perfect thank you note? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

T-Minus 4 days!

By this time next week, I'll be blogging from my new apartment!

This is my last week at home. I call my landlord tomorrow and start moving my things Thursday! Over the weekend, my mom and I are going to set up and decorate and make the apartment truly mine!

I have a few ends to tidy up before I go though... for one, I have to pack. BLECH! I hate packing! I am most certainly not excited to do that. I've decided to start with my bookshelf and work down from there.

I also still need to make some curtains and wrangle a microwave. If this was a perfect world, I'd move everything I have ready out first and then do a second wave of moving things after all that was set up. But it looks like I'm going to need to do the Big Move instead!

Do you have any packing tips or tricks? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Puppy madness

I've had a dog for as long as I can remember, or at least, my family has had a dog! So moving into an apartment pet-less is a weird feeling. 

College was the only time I've been dog-less, but even then, I was home on weekends with my family's two dogs. 

I can't stop shopping for pets! I've found quite few dogs and cats that have peaked my interest. One in particular has stuck out, reminding me of one of my first dogs, a cocker spaniel. 

How cute is this little guy!? Photo courtesy of Furkids

But I feel like I should wait until I at least get settled... and with my doubt about whether or not to get a dog, my friends are suggesting I wait. But I'm almost scared to live without one! 

Would you get a pet moving out for the first time? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,

Alyson