The new year doesn't need to mean a make over

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas and holiday! I won't be posting a "Christmas haul" post nor have I been very available since I had an intense work schedule this month, so apologies for both of those things! 

I wanted to talk a little bit today about the "New year, new you" mentality. Before you step on the scale, clear out your closet or sign up for hundreds of hours of community service (not that any of these things are bad, by the way,) remember that you are enough. 

Say it out loud: "I am enough."

         

While the new year is a great reason to do something, well, new, don't be caught up in change. Despite your weight, your clothing choices and your stress levels, you don't need changing. 

If you want to change things, great! I know I want to clear out my closet and donate or sell my gently worn clothes that don't fit or I haven't worn enough to really want to keep around and I also want to learn how to cook (the latter is more urgent.) 

But before you make a long list of New Year's resolutions, remember: You are enough. 

Stay true to yourself,

Alyson 

Mani-mergency

With all the cold, plus some stress, my nails have flailed down a dark path of despair.

It probably started when I began polishing them maybe 2 or 3 times a week in an effort to "regain control." I literally read that in a magazine once - painting your nails gives you a sense of control. Okay. I'll take it.

But, the control freak in me, partnered with some unusually brisk weather for this time of year has left me with a mani-mergency. My normally nice nails are peeling and the cuticles are chapped and slightly overgrown.

My fighter nail... the thumb (and his new friend, mysterious white spot.)

I began this regimen to get things back up to snuff today:
-Get more sleep
-Drink more water
-Wear gloves or put my hands in my pockets when I'm outside for more than a minute
-Use cuticle oil before bed
-Become a slave to hand cream
And the worst one:
-No polish (until things improve)

I did put on a few coat of Essie's Rock Solid to try and protect what's left and I treated myself to a cuticle remover cream to help tackle some of those cuticles that are hanging on for dear life.

Do you have a hard time with your hands in the winter? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

40 degrees with a chance of laziness

As it gets colder outside, I have a harder time getting out of bed. I have a harder time putting on proffessional clothes (though technically I could wear a sweater, jeans and boat sheos to work everyday) and a harder time staying focused.

What gives? Is it the cold? Is it my longing for the college life when the cold meant finals, and finals meant Christmas break, where I could go home and cry about how hard my life was? Yes, I've definitely done that. I didn't really know how easy I had it then!

But I also have it pretty easy now. The most stress I've experienced lately is balancing time with my cat, who no longer is allowed to sleep with me because he can't leave the Christmas tree alone. And my car is acting a little funky -but with a commute in walking distance I don't have much to complain about.

Such an adult! My own tree!

Yes, the post-grad life is both easier and harder than college. No Christmas or spring break - wah! But I traded a week off to travel back home in exchange for all the Saturday's in December and the early shift on Christmas morning (yawn!) which, I think, was a great bargain.

How do you stay motivated when "the end" is nowhere in sight? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson

I'm a turkey for not posting on Thanksgiving!

I had a jam-packed day yesterday so I was unable to write anything inspiring, so here I go today. Happy (belated) Thanksgiving! It took an eternity to get here his year, but despite that fact we have much to be grateful for all year round. Here's a quick version of what I'm thankful for each and everyday: my family, my friends, sorority sisters, my kitten-cat, my wonderful boyfriend, my job, my coworkers, being financially sound (no debt!), being able to pay my bills, enjoying my job and getting to see my extended family!

What was that last part? Extended family? Oh yes! Yesterday, I worked a shift at the radio station (and got to watch both the Macy's parade and the dog show! A big bonus since I've decided against cable) and then bolted home, grabbed the cat and headed home for a long weekend! Both grandmothers, a second cousin, her daughter and her daughter's friends (long story) were all able to get together last night! We had a grand total of nine people at our table and three dogs and a cat at our feet!

Blast from the past - I love hand turkeys!

But, as the Christmas season begins, remember to stay grateful. It's a jungle out there! We are all so blessed - perhaps not in the same way but we can all find something to be thankful for each day. Having a roof over our heads as the weather gets colder, a friendly pet, and a closet full of beautiful clothes are things I think about everyday. 

Which brings me to... Black Friday. This is the first one I haven't worked in several years! I even got the day off at the station- another blessing! I was starting to get a little cold too, so I'm extra grateful for my long weekend! 

My mother and I sometimes go down to Phipps Plaza because it's never as crowded, but with family in tow, most of my shopping has been online. J. Crew Factory is having a to-die-for sale though, I may have to sneak a bit! 

Where are you shopping this Black Friday? Share with me in the comments below!

Stay true to yourself,
Alyson