5 Must Haves: For 2011

Meet Me! Each Thursday, I ask a gal around the country to share her 5 must haves. It can be absolutely any topic! Fashion, food, fitness, you name it. This week, in a change of pace, I'm sharing my 5 must haves for 2011, which also offers a reflection back on this past year. Some are more light-hearted than others, but all are definitely must haves for me.

Here they are, in no particular order.

Health

This is a big one! As they say, you never know until it's gone. For those newer to my blog, take a journey back to my July post when I fill you in on my adventurous year. Long story short is that this year I was diagnosed with a one in a million neurological disorder called Transverse Myelitis. I'm doing way better -- in fact, so much more than when I wrote that July post -- however it's been a rough road. Just four months after having my little girl, I spent a month in the hospital temporarily paralyzed. After many more months recovering. I have some issues including a super annoying bladder -- it doesn't function properly on it's own (another story for another day). What I've realized? Love the body you have, do not take anything for granted (including going potty!) and recognize that everyone has plenty of crap to deal with, whether you know it or not. So, for me and for you, wishing LOTS of good health!
**I've also become even more grateful for those in my life. My husband is the most amazing, caring and generous man I've ever met, and our family and friends are without-a-doubt angels. 

Blog & Biz "Success"
Woohooo! With bad health, comes opportunities, right? YES! I finally launched my blog in July and a month later, started a public relations/marketing/social media company. Now, I'm hungry for more! While I'm not yet ready to define "success," I'm doing what I love, feeling fortunate to have met so many smart and wonderful women (and clients, of course).

Even more creative outfits!
This year, and especially in recent months, I've gone a little bolder and more creative with my looks. As I say to you: it's just one day! Worse case I look like a fool...the day's over before you know it. No big. In 2011, I plan to invest in more blouses and pieces that will stand the test of time. I'm not buying anything because it's a deal! It's no deal if I never wear it or it doesn't properly fit. I have too many cotton tees and not enough items I totally love. I will get there!



More Q.T. with Family & Friends
I'm making a deliberate effort in 2011 to spend more time with family and friends. We're all always "so busy," yet meanwhile time ticks by. I'm excited to spend 2011 watching the love-of-my-life, my daughter, grow and learn. I want to have long, engaging conversations with my parents and grandparents and continue to get to know them in more than the day-to-day sense. And, I want to spend the same quality time with friends. It's time to invest in those people I really want in my life forever instead of wasting time trying to socialize a little with everyone.

A Vacation with My Hubs

Man, we need a vacay. We went away for a night this summer but it was just 15 minutes away from the house because, for health reasons, I couldn't travel further. Well, now I'm ready to roll! The question is, where do we go? I could sit on a beach....though we were never really good at relaxing! Decisions, decisions.



Well, that's all... hope you liked my list and it got you thinking about your top 5 for 2011! Would love if you shared at least one or two of them here.

See you in the New Year... this gal is enjoying the long weekend with her fam.

xo-- Alyson