The Modern Savvy

AMAZON PRIME DAY! It's been far too long here -- I miss this FB community (this girl has been stretched thinnnnn).

MY FAV DEALS HERE: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/vw2Wf_prime2024
Ps: when you shop through my link, even if you don’t get one of these items, I get a small commission which I’m crazy grateful for.

What deals are you scoring??
I got hangers, lol, the digital picture frame for my little dude (he's been dying for one!), two of my anastasia brow pencils, another color of my favorite pumiey bodysuit, a sol de janiero spray for my girl, and more of our pups favorite freeze dried meal mixers -- something for everyone!! 😆

Alyson Seligman // The Modern Savvy's Amazon Page - Amazon Prime Day 2024 Shop recommended products from Alyson Seligman // The Modern Savvy on www.amazon.com. Learn more about Alyson Seligman // The Modern Savvy's favorite products.

The Nordstrom sale has begun… and we really don’t need most of it! Anyone over all the product pushing? Im avoiding all the fall dresses and cardigans and jackets (as it’s 93 degrees w 100 percent humidity!) however there are a few favorites worth sharing —->

HERE: https://liketk.it/4elqy

The sneakers so cute I wish I had a girl (or they had my size!

Actual cool girl sneakers that are ultra comfy and perfect for casual or dresses.

The most universally flattering lip color, pillow talk!, in the best set. I bought last year and in my cart again.

The best setting spray to keep your makeup on your face! Great to split w someone or gift the second one.

I know hanky panky gets all the hype but these un**es are seriously the best. More seamless under clothes, flattering and incredibly comfortable.

And the blanket we own in multiples! So cozy, love the fringe detail and versatile. I’ve also gifted this with a book, wine etc for housewarming, after a surgery, etc.

Just a quick yet bigger than big thank you. Thank you for being here. For supporting me. With your words. With your clicks on my links over the years. I’m no mega blog however each time one of make a purchase through one of my links it truly helps.

My full time job in PR (I consult mostly for nonprofits) only gets me so far and this extra truly helps this mama. Focused this year on finding ways to create more income for increasing costs and supporting my kids and my Amazon storefront and LTK shop is one really helpful way.

So is speaking - speaking to businesses / nonprofits / conferences about invisible illness, particularly in the workplace. If you ever know of an opportunity, I’d be so grateful to be considered.

I’m super passionate about nonprofits, empowering and connecting women, and creating a voice and platform for this living with conditions that are invisible yet very real.

Long winded (per usual 🥴)… but thank you. Truly. Often think how lucky and life changing it has been that social media and my little spots on the internet have connected me to so many phenomenal, kind-hearted, badass women. ❤️

Who’s shopping AMAZON PRIME DAYS?? Here are my top picks (ordering Laneige lip!, and anyone use that Bissell cleaner? Have been debating for ages) —->

Alyson Seligman // The Modern Savvy's Amazon Page - Prime Day 2023! Shop recommended products from Alyson Seligman // The Modern Savvy on www.amazon.com. Learn more about Alyson Seligman // The Modern Savvy's favorite products.

“Create margin.”
My therapist shared this recently, amidst my scattered talk about constantly rushing around, feeling like I have no time and am always exhausted.
Margin. We need it.
Just like we need it on the paper when we’d write stories in school, right?
We need margin - space - to help make everything, our stories and what’s important in our life, more clear.
So logical.
How can we know what’s important and what brings us joy if we have no margin to appreciate it?
We need the moment, the space, the time, to just… be.
It has started small for me, because when you’re trying to create space from zero, it’s still a lot, at least for me… so sharing this because maybe, hopefully, this can help you too.
Give yourself time to transition.
Stop the frantic rush.
Two minutes, friends. Don’t pretend you don’t have it. You’ve just been scrolling on Insta.
Two minutes after you workout or you take a class to simply slowly stretch, or just sit or breathe. Two minutes to appreciate what you did before moving to the next.
Two minutes after a work meeting to gather your thoughts before grabbing your phone or checking your email. Let the thoughts and ideas. Why are we all opening up our phones as we are barely walking out the door?
Two minutes after a date or girls night to sit in the car and soak in a few moments that brought you joy. Smile, appreciate them.
Two minutes after the morning chaos if you’re a mama getting her kids to school. Just breathe, transition, create margin before you move on to the next.
It sounds so easy and yet it’s not. To just… be. To sit, to not do “something.” The funny thing is - we are really doing exactly what we need. Two minutes at a time. ✨

Feel pretty. Just not too pretty.
Be confident. Just never seem like you have an ego.
Love your body. But not too much.
Speak up. Yet know your place.
Feel comfortable in your own skin. Just don’t show it.
Be proud of yourself. But why are you always bragging?
Share your insight. Just never come across as smarter than someone else.
Do everything to stay as youthful as possible. Just, please, act your age.
Don’t focus on what everyone else thinks. But wait, that girl is so rude - she doesn’t care what anyone else thinks.
Prioritize yourself. But why are you so selfish?
You get it, right? 💥

I’m such a different woman walking out of this apartment than I was when I walked in three years ago. I didn’t notice the fear in my face in that first photo (scroll over) until today. That girl was starting over, three months before turning 40 and after 15 years of marriage, staring at a very empty apartment and a world full of unknowns.

Yet, as much as we can be standing in a world full of unknowns, we are equally standing in a world filled with possibilities.

I’m fighting back tears thinking how far I’ve come - how much more brave and confident I feel than that girl three years ago. And the thing is - she was more brave than she realized, simply because she was standing there. Just getting there and taking the first step is always the hardest.

So as I handed back the keys yesterday to this apartment, it felt bittersweet in a way I wasn’t expecting. So much growth and joy and fun and laughs and even tears happened here. So many memories, so many moments where this woman with the big smile had the time, comfort and courage to begin to emerge. Now to the next chapter… 💗

It would be so much easier if someone’s depression, anxiety, grief or hurt was this easy to see.

It rarely is.

It often looks like a smile, a friendly face, someone constantly busy or burying them in something to avoid what comes with stillness.

It’s devastating today to hear that a person, a father, who radiated such light, was clearly struggling with such intense darkness.

And it’s the only reason I’m sharing this photo that I’m candidly not even sure why I took except as a personal reflection opportunity for when I needed to see how far I’ve come.

I took us months ago on a particularly rough day, when my run turned into an outpouring of emotion.

Why do we feel shame when we have feelings this big? Or when we realize we need help beyond ourselves and seek therapy? It’s strong to admit that you’re not doing great all the time. It’s really f’ing brave.
I’m proud that I have therapy as a non-negotiable on my calendar.

I’ve had such incredible joys this year, many that I’ve documented here. But it would be a lie and unfair to you to pretend I didn’t have days like this. Days where I’ve missed someone so big, where I wish certain things were different than they were, where I wish my body was just healthy, where I wish things felt easier, or maybe less lonely.

Where grief felt so big I could no longer hold it in. When I rescheduled something, likely using work or kids as an excuse, when the reality is I was too exhausted to suppress so many emotions with one more smile.

If you’ve never felt this way, I’m so happy for you. Maybe for you mental health can be feel hard to understand.

Please check on your people, even the happiest ones. Don’t be too scared to hear the truth, without judgement, that you avoid it. And maybe let’s all be a little less worried about showing the real, unfiltered moments.

You know never how it can help you, or someone else. Starting now. 💗

I realized I don’t talk here much my divorce often. I’ve debated it over the years however in large part, it’s private. That’s for us. And I’m grateful that we are doing life and parenting after divorce pretty well. That said, somehow nearly three years later I’ve received several DMs lately of women navigating various stages of divorce. I remember how isolating and scary it can feel, with dozens of unknowns and worries and particularly if kids are involved.

Just know it’s really brave to take that leap, to realize any part of your life - relationship, work, where you live, anything, isn’t working. It’s really f’ing brave. Admitting that and verbalizing and realizing you need to live your life for you and not look back 40 years from now with regret you didn’t make a choice, makes you really strong. And someone you love realizing even the life you thought was right wasn’t right for them is brave of them to admit to you. I fully believe it’s easier to fix it if someone was wrong than live your life with wonder. A partnership deserves more.

I’ve learned an infinite amount in these last few years about myself, about partnerships, about what I seek, my non negotiable and what a partner deserves from me. Whether you’re happily in a relationship or really struggling, these are areas we should be taking stock of probably more often. Life can get really busy. Its important that we make sure it’s only busy with what matters most. Should I share more about divorce, and life after it here? ❤️

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 Fifth year being those ridiculous people who get up early to run a few miles. What’s awesome though - someone asked me why we (me and the bestest bro !) do this and the thing is, we started it somewhat accidentally but five years ago this was my first race several years after becoming paralyzed, with doctors never sure if I’d walk, let alone run, again. I don’t remember much from my month in the hospital but I do remember laying there, unable to move my feet or legs. She said it’s possible, yet the optimism wasn’t there.

To cross this finish line - at any speed or time - with my brother gives me more to be thankful and grateful for than words can describe. So as you’re shopping for deals or stressing about something today, I encourage you to pause… look at yourself, find gratitude for what works, if you’re able to take one step in front of another, if you’re able to use your arms to hug someone you love, or use your hands to make a family recipe. If you think about it, really incredible right?!

This is 9! 🎂 It’s so true when they say the days are long and the years are short. I vividly remember us, painfully waiting for his arrival, his birth mother, with a scheduled C-section. And I was given the ultimate gift to be in the delivery room as he was born. By the way, Evan was almost born on 11.12.13 - would have been so cool, right? 😆

Evan loves crazy big, is ferociously inquisitive, the best cuddler, totally pushes me to my limit, makes me laugh more than anyone, has a smile that lights up my world, says mommy more times a day than I thought was humanly possible, is obsessed with stuffed animals, is my favorite barista, and has discovered occasionally calling me Alyson will really get my attention.

Every birth day, I find myself celebrating him while equally reflecting on another mother’s ultimate selflessness that enabled us to complete our family.

He is such a gift to the universe. If you’ve been here a while you know our story. And every day I’m grateful a higher being knew we were destined for each other. Happy birthday to our sweet boy! 💙

It’s ok to be this happy and yet simultaneously feel overwhelmed or hurting or lost or dealing wit some big s**t. I’ve been there deeply. I am there. Feelings don’t work solo. And yet… you don’t have to let the bad stuff stop you or make you feel guilty for having the good.

It’s been a season here. A freaking season. A really good season where I feel such gratitude. And yet also one where there’s been a lot on my emotional plate that I’m trying to navigate.

And in this season I find myself going back to what my therapist said. It helps me daily, and hope it can help you ➡️ if you’re willing to see one side, or one narrative (particularly in response to how you *think* someone will react or respond), be willing to see the other. Be willing to see the positive, the possibility, the good. It’s really helped me reframe so much. I love wise women.

Also, realized I’m automatically happier w cowboy boots, cooler weather and cotton candy skies, so there’s that lol. 😌💗🍂

AMAZON PRIME DAY! What are you all shopping for?! My top picks here… a few favorites plus what I ordered: https://liketk.it/3RzyQ

This lash serum has changed my lashes- https://rstyle.me/cz-n/gy2c23ujv

Finally ordered this blazer, perfect fall upsets — https://rstyle.me/cz-n/gy2cpdujv

And this leather jacket (how good is the all black hardware?!) — https://rstyle.me/cz-n/gy2csiujv

Been using this lip balm for two months, has made my lips look so soft and love the shine
- https://rstyle.me/cz-n/gy2c3eujv

And because sleep is everything, can we get excited about this pillow deal?! I ordered two.

https://rstyle.me/cz-n/gy2cyhujv

Who’s shopped Target Deal Days?? These cozy pieces, sets and pjs are such a steal! —> https://liketk.it/3R8o9

These cropped sweatshirts are so cute and soft (I have two!): https://rstyle.me/cz-n/gyf5vtujv

Pjs that are so soft, look like eberjey and yet are now under $18: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/gyifytujv

Ordered this sweatshirt jacket, love the wash: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/gyg56hujv

And the best coffee machine ever, lowest price I’ve seen: https://rstyle.me/cz-n/gyfu38ujv

Seven magic mountains… if you’re in Vegas, check out this amazing art installation in the desert just outside the city (plus, as my bro said, it’s every instagrammers dream 😂). 🌈🌵🥰

Any other mamas exhausted all day, promise yourself you’ll go you sleep early, and then stay up way too late… again? 🫣🤷🏼‍♀️ Notoriously guilty here, need the “me time” even though this morning’s dark circles are not keeping my secret. 🤣 Started watching Partner Track on Netflix and really into it. Other times I’m down a tiktok rabbit hole lol. What are you up to when you stay up far too late?? And please tell me I’m not the only one!

I felt really defeated just 30 minutes before this photos. Real life… I had been excited all day to wear another dress and when I put it on, I couldn’t even zip it. Well, I barely could but couldn’t breathe. 😕 Another dress was too tight in my b***y. Another just felt so clingy and pulling in all the wrong places. A pile quickly mounted on my closet floor as I felt frustrated and upset at my body.

This has been happening more and more lately with clothes I’ve had for a while. My body has changed in the last two years. And mostly in incredible ways. Im so proud of how my body has changed as a result of prioritizing my health and having fun strength training. I’m also about 15 pounds more than I was after I got divorced (though looking back, I was too thin for me for a bit). It’s also this reason I don’t own a scale because the number can be triggering, but was recently weighed at the doctor.

I feel strong, I have muscles and tone and do have more of a b***y than I did when I bought those clothes. Dead lifts paying off! I’m also enjoying a summer of travel, sharing meals, cocktails and experiences with my favorite people.

So my body is different. I had to remind myself my body is perfect just as it is, with both muscles and cellulite and everything else.

It’s not our bodies that don’t fit - it’s the clothes. It’s not about the size, it’s about finding clothes that make us feel good. And maybe it’s not ones we had before and that’s ok. I broke up with those dresses - already in my donation, poshmark or friend pile! — and found a dress that made me feel good and smile. Our bodies are a constant work in progress, on the outside and largely on the inside. I simply want to feel stronger, healthier, calmer and more content than I do the day before.

So… let’s make room for what serves us and toss the rest, in every way. ✨

“Bad decisions make better stories”… fun bringing out my spicier side for a hot night out in Cancun! 🖤

… out of office. 😎

… those summer nights… 🌛🥰🌴 Truth — the critical part of me first saw my bulging forehead vein and wrinkles instead of seeing some awesome quad and bicep muscles and a really happy girl. Stop the negative narrative - there’s plenty of f’ing happy and awesome if you’re willing to see it! 💗

I may be left handed… but I’m always right! 😉 Happy National Left Handers Day…who else is a lefty?? 🙋🏼‍♀️ These righties have no idea how much we’ve overcome! 🤪 — btw, how many other left-handed, redhead Jewish girls you think are out there?? 😂 lol have always been curious! // photo:

… when the Wall Street Journal uses a photo of you as a stock image…. from a 2014 Palm Beach Post story. Outfit is killing me lol. 😂🤦🏼‍♀️

Gotta be honest, totally loved how this dress made me feel kinda sexy and brought out my confidence… as much as wearing oversized sweatpants and stretched out, super soft and holy 8th grade camp tee I def still own makes me feel so cozy and safe. 🥰🙌🏼 I so love how clothes can impact our mood and vibe (hello, freedom = ripping bra off 🤣)… anyone else?

A few days away from Instagram and stories. Wanted / Needed. And truth is, everyone obviously survived without knowing what meals I had, where I was, what I was thinking or what I was wearing. 😆 Never shy away from stepping away to prioritize who and what matter most. 💗 #42

For a while I started have feelings of failure with each run. I’m out here, seemingly seeing all these people able to 9, 10 minute miles and barely getting under 11 or 12 minutes. Part of me didn’t care, I was enjoying, feeling the fresh air, moving my body, sweating out stress while listening to favorite music.

So why did I care what other people are doing and posting? I realized other people’s vision of success was taking away from mine. I wasn’t basing a “successful” run on speed and yet I was letting, and largely subconsciously, other people’s capacity and their goals, take from my joy. It’s so easy to do, in obvious and not so obvious ways.

These days, I’m doing run / walks, without any guilt and with all the joy for what I want to accomplish with each step forward. If you’re at the gym, or in a workout class, or at work or anywhere, remind yourself what YOU are looking to accomplish and grow. Everything and everyone else is irrelevant. 💗

AMAZON SALE PICKS! Nine favorite picks from the sale, including a few of my holy grail beauty products (I def stocked up!)! Shop it all here —> https://liketk.it/3K51k

- Lip mask is so good overnight, or wear daytime for extra hydration.
- Resurfacing peel pads have been a game changer for my skin.. makes it feel so smooth and clean. Cut in half (or use opposite sides) to double usage.
- Lash lengthening serum that WORKS. My lashes are so long, use daily and then every other night once you see results.
- the cutest crop bra tank - been wanting for months and today under $20!
- cold brew maker! The kids got it for Adam for Father’s Day and it’s been a huge hit.
- loafers that are actual stylish swim shoes. A huge hit for the men.

Popular Florida Lifestyle Blogger | The Modern Savvy The Modern Savvy is the creative outlet for Popular Florida Lifestyle Blogger Alyson, who shares motherhood tips and thoughts, the latest trends, styling tips and much more.. Click here now for the latest posts!

Land of the free, because of the brave. ❤️ Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸