Book Club: "Never Sit Down In a Hoopskirt (and other things I learned in Southern Belle Hell)" by Crickett Rumley

Welcome to book club! I love to read, but I feel like I almost never get a change to do so. Recently, I went on an emergency road trip so I had some time to kill!

Naturally, I picked up this little gem from Crickett Rumley. I had been meaning to read it for a while - my father brought a signed copy of her book to me after he met her at a writer's... meeting? It was a while ago.

Check it out on GoodReads!

Plot Summary: 17-year-old rebel Jane Fontaine returns to her hometown of Bienville, Alabama, to live with her grandmother after leaving boarding school. Trying to fit in with the townsfolk, who only want to discuss her mother who passed away many years ago and her father who has since engrossed himself in work, she is ushered into the Magnolia Maids "Achievement" Pageant by her grandmother, and surprisingly, she gets in. Suddenly, she has to take a long hard look at Bienville, the Magnolia Maid program, and herself.

What I liked: I love all things southern belle. I'm embarrassed to admit I skipped debut and cotillion (in hindsight I'm mortified but that's a story for another day!) but oddly, I skipped it for the same reasons Jane felt like she didn't belong on Magnolia Court. It was easy for me to relate to all of the characters- they were all so likable! And, without spoiling the ending, I liked the way the "Mean Girl" character, Ashley, was taken care of, so to speak. Finally, I just LOVED the tone - it felt like a girl my age was really telling the story.

What I didn't like: I wish I had more insight on Jane's father, Cosmo. I also wish I had a few more physical descriptions of the characters, but I feel that was an artistic choice to allow the reader some creative wiggle room. I also wish one of the ending parts didn't end the way it did (gah it made me want to cry and go hug my Mom and Dad) but that's the way life is. There were also a few plot holes that I wish had been filled in (The train on the Queen's dress and the two pink dresses bothered me to no end!)

Overall: Four out of Five stars. Would recommend to other southern belles, but you may be slightly put off by the approach. A nice, easy, quick read!

What are you reading? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Stumped

Hey y'all!

I have a couple blog post floating around my head, but I'm not sure how to execute them. I've been playing with them for a couple of weeks!

I do have a skirt tutorial I will post, as soon as I process my photos, so hang tight!

What do you want to see on my blog? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Bows before bros?

In college, I loved wearing hair bows. When my hair was short and straight, it helped keep things from looking flat. As my hair became curly, I learned that bows weren't needed in the same spots. Now, my bows are bigger and tucked in center of my hair to hide frizz and unruly chunks of hair.

However, I've never worn one of my fluffy bows to work. I have a simple, leather-y one I've sported before, but my favorites have stayed in my drawer.

I thought I would switch to headbands after school was out, but I realized that headbands and headphones can be an uncomfortable pair (darn you, radio headphones!)

Naturally, I'd start wearing bows again. But - is it okay to wear bows to work?

I like big bows and I cannot lie

Bow Pro: The only people who see me at work are my colleagues
Con: When I go out into the field I meet important people from all over the city

Bow Pro: Bows are significantly more comfortable than headbands with headphones on
Con: My colleagues already think I overdress

Bow Pro: They're pretty and I like them
Con: My coworkers might think they're tacky, or rule me out as a typical sorority girl

So, the pro/con list is pretty even. What's a girl to do? Is there a grace period that I can go to work with a bow and no one will bat an eye?

Since I'm new, I'm worried about judgement quite a bit. Unfortunately  I don't think everyone has grasped that I am who I am, bows, dresses and all. I'm worried that they think I'm trying too hard, when really, I'm just being myself. [More on that later....] 

Would you wear bows to work? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

Happy Memorial Day!

Remember that today is not just about barbecues, lake houses and great sales. Remember all the men, women and animals who participated in the ever-long fight to ensure our safety and freedom.

I'm working today, but you can sure bet I'll still be celebrating! I'm wearing red, white and blue, my patriotic hair bow and carrying my "tastes like freedom" cup!

How are you celebrating Memorial Day? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson