Alyson’s Obsessions // March 2017

It’s Alyson’s Obsessions, March 2017 style! I can’t believe we’re officially into Spring. I say I can’t believe it because while Florida is again experiencing 80 degree weather, I saw snow last week in Nashville (insane!) and I know many of you are braving the storm to the north. Hope you’ll feel sunshine and warmth very soon.

As for this month, again, in true fashion, here’s a random assortment of things I’m loving this month, from beauty and style to new reads, and more.

 

Year of Yes: I’m nearly finished with this book and it’s like it’s speaking to me. Written by TV writer, Shonda Rhimes’ (Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder), she decides to say yes to everything for a year after realizing she’s no’ing her life away. An excellent, quick and insightful read. I honestly might read it again to take notes or at least make post-it notes from a few of her best remarks related to career, motherhood, friendships and life in general.

Scalloped Espadrilles: found, your spring/summer shoe! Fully obsessed with this designer look-a-like (seriously, check these out)… actually moreso than the original… the slight platform is perfect! I saw these on Instagram and had a DSW gift card so felt compelled to order. I’m such a flats girl, even more than sandals, so I loved the closed-toe springy vibe of these in that peachy hue… though the black pair is equally as cute! Sizing tip: if you’re between sizes, go down. I’m between 8.5-9 and the 9s were a little too big.

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? This book was referred to us a few years ago by our daughter’s now former early childhood school director. I LOVE the message, about how you can fill people’s invisible buckets when you say and do kind things, and how you empty other people’s buckets (and your own) when you do and say mean things. It makes talking about feelings really tangible. I still tell Sarah how her kindness filled my bucket, or that of someone else’s. The book has been in Evan’s little bookshelf/library and he now asks us to read it to him nightly. One of our favorites!

 

Target’s current BOGO sale! Seriously… there’s a BOGO 50% off sale happening on all women’s and girls’ dresses, handbags, wallets and jewelry (including the BaubleBar collection!). Check the scroll bar above for my favorite items from the sale.

 

Why Social Media is Ruining Your Life. The article speaks to me. In fact, I feel like I wrote it, or could have written it, or might have previously written something just like that. Social media creates such a need to document and share moments, from the everyday to the most special. If we don’t share on social, did it really happen? I’m actually posting a lot less content on my personal Facebook and love it for so many reasons… this article on The Everygirl pretty much sums them all up.

The perfect spring maxi! I was recently in Nordstrom recently browsing through the dresses — we have two weddings and a ton of random events this spring — so I casually took this floral maxi in the fitting room for fun. Ah, I’m so in love. I didn’t purchase it because it doesn’t fit my current needs (#priorities #budget), however if you’re on the hunt for a beautiful dress for a spring wedding, a chic baby or bridal shower or going on “spring break,” I love the idea of having a dress like this in your closet to pull from. I find it runs true to size (I’m wearing a 2), likely doesn’t require a bra (the halter holds you in and up) and would look fab with a statement earring and wedge. This print is also gorgeous, as is this for $55 and this for under $50 (I have this dress in another print from a few seasons back — it’s as good as the reviews say!).

 

PS… are the confetti donut holes the most genius idea ever? Pick up a few dozen donut holes, stick them with a lollipop stick, add glaze and then dip in sprinkles? See them here.