Alison
Alison is a Florida transplant who came to Atlanta just in time for the '96 Olympics. She married her husband Travis that same year and is the proud mama of daughter Carolyn, 23, and son Emory, 21. She is a 5th grade teacher, with a side hustle as a graphic designer, and is an avid rooster enthusiast. She enjoys blogging, watching her kids follow their dreams, and spending as much time as possible on her back deck.
Giving Back Begins at Home: How to Engage Young People in Service
My 17-year-old daughter and I have been members of the National Charity League since she was in seventh grade. The group offers a variety of opportunities for mothers and daughters to work together in...
Rumor Has It: How to Help Your Teen Deal with Haters
"Look at all these rumors surroundin' me every day" - Timex Social Club
In the 80s, there was a little-known and short-lived band called the Timex Social Club, who received moderate success for their song...
The Compliment Box: How to Spread Love Around Your Home
I was listening to NPR the other day, and a piece came on about a new app called "Brighten." You can send virtual compliments to loved ones with it. The creator was inspired by...
Dear Nana; How to Say Thank You the Old-Fashioned Way
I was browsing around some of the other City Blogs when I stumbled across a post about thank you notes. The writer was describing her horrifying discovery of finding the notes she had written...
Holidays with Teens; How to Find the Magic Again
My family celebrates Christmas, and when my kids were little, my husband and I experienced it entirely through their eyes. The joy they found in the traditions, the food, the music, and the wonder...
Is it Bad if I’m Bleeding; Or, How to Parent on a Weak Stomach
When I was anticipating becoming a mom, I assumed that some of my natural responses to the smell/sight of poop, pee, snot and other bodily fluids would disappear. "It doesn't bother you with your...
When Your Kid Isn’t Special: Or, How to Embrace a Duck Butt
My son made this picture when he was in 5th grade. It may have been for one of those fundraisers where your baby creates a masterpiece and then you have to buy it from...
Flaming Cabbage: Or, How to Be Like Betty C.
One of my latest fixations has been my vintage copy of Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book, circa 1950. My love of it has absolutely nothing to do with cooking because I hate to cook. ...
The Year of Me: Or, How to Take a Mommy Time Out
Picture it: Atlanta. December 31, 2015. I am sitting on a couch with some friends, declaring to them that 2016 will be the Year of Me. I pledge to them with passionate resolve that...
Nurturing in Nature – Or, Trapping Teens in the Wild
When you have little kids and you want to spend time with them, all you have to do is: 1) Go to the bathroom; 2) Lay down for a nap; or 3) Get in the...