All Aboard The Allie Coaster

I am always one for a good roller coaster ride and the last few years of my life has felt like a non-stop trip on the craziest coaster I have ever rode. Tonight I invite you for a short spin on the Allie Coaster...proceed with caution.  

I have always had issues with being hypersensitive to certain smells. For as long as I can remember the detergent aisle at the grocery story made my stomach turn. I had perfected holding my breath long enough to get down the aisle by the time was a teenager. (Sadly a trick I still use today.) Then there is anything that remotely smells like fish. And don't even get me started on the smell of lavender and my daily battle with my lavender loving hubby.

But lately I have noticed I have become very sensitive to touching certain things, especially paper. (Trust me, it sounds as crazy to me as it does you, but seriously it makes my skin crawl just to think about it sometimes.)  I remember construction paper bothering me a little when I was younger, but nothing like what I have dealt with the last 2 weeks. I often joke about being crazy, but this has made me really start to think I needed to be checked into a psych ward - STAT!

As it turns out this is apparently this is another lovely side affect of my ADHD that was kept in line when I was on crazy amounts of Adderall XR. My first thought was I needed to get back on a higher dose of meds because I left like I was losing it.

After calming down I reflect over what I have  been through over the last year to get to the point I am today. A few weeks shy of a year ago, Kipper and I embarked on our journey to become parents. (Original post can be found here)  In the last year I have gone from being on the highest legal dose of Adderall XR to knowing that while extremely hard, I can function without it if I have to.

I wish I would have blogged more about my experience this last year because it is often hard for me to explain it, even though every major step is so vivid to me.  Days I couldn't get out of bed or I struggle to just stay awake even though I had slept 12 hours. The raging food cravings that if I would give in I could eat a weeks worth of calories in one day. The added social anxiety. And the emotional stress it has caused on my marriage. (I thank God everyday I have such an amazing husband who has stood by me at my worst)


Yet through it all, one thing has kept me going. One day, when we finally meet Baby Martin it will all be worth it!  This journey has been  an emotional roller coaster to say the least. While I feel like we have come so far, really we just made it over the first major hill and I know we have a long way to go. I just tell myself everyday to trust God's plan (which truthfully is easier some days than others) and to keep focused on becoming a healthier me.

Allie Facts: Training For A Half Marathon Edition

In 27 days I will be embarking on possibly one of the hardest things, both physically and mentally, I have ever done: my first half marathon. The Cowtown Half Marathon to be exact. During the training process I have realized a lot of things about myself and the training process in general so welcome to a new installment of Allie Facts!


-  Running is just as much of a mental game as it is physical. I can't tell you how often my mind tries to make me quit.

-  I often beat my mental mind games with thinking about the cupcakes and/or wine I am earning.

-  Thank goodness I don't actually  consume those things as much as I actually think about them while running.

-  The longer distances I run, the harder it is to get into sync. It used to take a 1/2 mile, now it can take up to 2 miles.

-  I am terrified of having to go to the bathroom during long runs when there is no where to go... terrified.

-  I have may or may not have had to go to the bathroom in places I would prefer not to admit.

-  You are supposed to feel better as you get in better shape, yet for some reason my body just hurts a heck of a lot more now that I am running several times a week.

-  I am pretty sure Body Glide is one of the most amazing inventions ever.

-  You can only think about what you are going to wear for the big day for so long during runs.

-  I am so thankful that I will have my hubby and great friends by my side on the big day.

-  Because I am a slower runner, long runs only happen on the weekend. And since Saturday is filled with Spring Show, Sunday Funday has been replaced with Long Run Sunday.

-  I miss Sunday Funday mimosas with friends....a lot.

-  I have come to the conclusion that my friends who run full marathon are just plain crazy and might need some sort of therapy.

-  And the only explanation for my friends that do Half Iron Man and Iron Man? They are either robots or aliens because it just isn't human.

-  Actually they have to be aliens because I am not sure waterproof robots are believable.

-  Not going to lie, knowing that dear friends will be at the finish line with mimosas waiting makes this task much less scary! (don't judge...we deserve them!!) 

-  As much as a joke about being crazy for deciding to do this, I am proud of myself for making the decision to do it. When the big day comes it is me against the road. There is no judge who scores you or a teacher to grade your performance. Sure there is the time clock, but not matter what time is on it when I cross the finish line it will be my Half Marathon PR. I will be a Half Marathon finisher. That is something no one will be able to ever take away.

^%*&! Just Got Real!

This time last year in a crazy moment of insanity, I committed to doing Warrior Dash just to prove to Kipper I could do it. (in case you missed that episode here you go!)  I still remember the first day we started training. I couldn't even run an entire mile without walking some and I thought I was going to die....like seriously DIE!

Fast forward a few months I did something I NEVER imagined I could. Along side my hubby and some of my best friends, I, Allie Martin, crossed the finish line of Warrior Dash. It was maybe one of the hardest things I had mentally done in my adult life, but it was amazing and I couldn't wait to do it again.

Over the course of the next year we....

Ran a handful of 5K's

Kipper did his first Tri

And we did our first "official" 10K

Then somewhere along the way I had this brilliant idea we should do a freaking Half Marathon. Yep I thought it would be super fun to run 13.1 miles. (I am pretty sure I was on crack at that moment) But in all honesty I really just wanted to go back to Disney World so I thought we could run the Disney Princess Half. I mean who wouldn't want to do a race where you got to dress up in princess costumes, run through Cinderella's castle and when you finish you get a medal shaped like a crown and they glitter you with a wand?!?!?! See how I got sucked into this crazy idea...it was the glitter!! 

This year is the 5th anniversary of the Princess Half, so it sold out much faster than in years prior. In November we realized we wouldn't be doing the Princess Half so I kind of just stopped caring about the whole half marathon idea. Until Kipper started talking about the Cowtown and how he was going to do it. I would randomly say things like "yea, me too" but I never really gave it a lot of thought. It was the holidays and I was focused on enjoying them and trying to relax. 

Then Monday it all became really real - Kipper signed us both up for the Cowtown Half Marathon! I have roughly 7 weeks to get my crap together, 45 days to be exact! But no matter if I have to crawl across that finish line - I will do it.  Please love me during the next 7 weeks.  If I am cranky, socially lame, obsessive or MIA...I promise it is only for a short time. Time to prove to myself I CAN and WILL do this. I might not be able to walk afterwards but failure is not an option. 

Much Love, 

Allie (who is realizing THIS might be the craziest thing she have ever done...)

Dear Kate Spade, I Love You

Not sure when it happened, but somewhere around my junior or senior year of high school, I feel in love with a simple black, NYLON purse.(enter Kate Spade Classic Sam)

I can still remember the pure joy of opening it on Christmas morning. And I also remember my anger and heartbreak when it was stolen my last semester of high school. :( But then my sweet Meme replaced it as part of my graduation and all was once again right in the world.

Me loving a purse was not a big shocker since Meme bought me my first "designer" handbag in the 5th grade - man I loved that green Dooney and Burke! But thinking back to when I fell in love with that black bag, I still don't really know WHY I loved that bag so much (circle of truth: I still have it tucked away in my closet even though I haven't carried it since 2000/2001. The only one of my "designer" bags from middle or high school that I still have) But there is just something about Kate Spade that resonated with me then and still does today. And how can you not love a brand that is classic and retro, uses vibrant colors, witty sayings AND adorable graphics like this one?

For Christmas this year my sweet hubby bought me the most adorable Kate Spade cross body purse and a new PINK wallet! (He did good...really, REALLY good!)

My new Kate goodies started me off on this trip down memory lane. Over the years there have been several accessories and bags that have be added to my collection, most of which have never left.  I just realized that the makeup bag I carry in my purse, is the same olive green Kate Spade makeup bag I got in college. I still remember the trip to Florida when Kipper bought my travel makeup and toiletry bag. And then I realized the one piece that has really stood the test of time - my multicolored striped satchel!

It was my freshman year of college and I was looking for a cute book bag when Momma and I found this bright colored Kate Spade diaper bag at Nordstrom. Since that day it has been though a lot: attended college, 2 trips to Disney World, made its rounds in New England, visited more beaches than I can count, taken at least 3 cruises, explored the streets of New York, a trip to Chicago, survived multiple Miss Texas weeks, ventured to Vegas twice, over a dozen trips to Canton, a million work events and Kipper's first Tri! And those are just the things I can think off the top of my head!

Seriously, it is one awesome and well made bag!!! 

Now if I can just talked Kipper into getting me my dream bike..... and about 100 other things on the Kate Spade website!  :)

Anatomy Of A Boston Terrier

Via LuLu and Wally

Dead. On. :)

Kipper + OCD + Road Trip = Not A Strict But A Reasonable Plan

Last weekend Kipper and I were blessed to be able to spend an extended weekend in South Padre. We were leaving on Thursday afternoon to drive down and arrive late that evening. On Wednesday morning I received the following e-mail from my sweet husband.  


from:        Kipper Martin
to:          Allie Martin
date:        Wed, Oct 3, 2012 at 8:08 AM
subject:     Driving Itinerary 

Honey,

Here is what I think we will do tomorrow.

Leave Fort Worth no later than 2:00
<135 miles>
Stop 1: Salado around 4:00 (leave at 4:15)
<80 miles>
Stop 2: Lockhart for BBQ around 5:45 (leave at 6:30) [Traffic Concern near Austin]
<134 miles>
Stop 3: Mathis around 8:40 (leave at 8:50)
<145 miles>
Stop 4: Harlingen around 10:55 (leave at 11:05)
<42 miles>
Stop 5: Island Services for key around 11:55 (leave at 11:55)
<2 miles>
Condo: Midnight!!!

This takes into account 10 minute rest stops and 45 minutes for BBQ at Kreuz Market in Lockhart (which is the best in Texas and I have always wanted to go) This is not a strict schedule just a reasonable plan. 

Obviously the quicker we get down there, the sooner we can relax but we can stop wherever on the way down. Also, the sooner we can leave home, the more time we have. 

My favorite line of this e-mail was about how this was NOT a strict schedule. But in all honestly, while we made several changes to the schedule as we went, it did work pretty well. I just like to tease Kipper about his OCD sometimes! But it is just one of things that I love about him...even if it drives me crazy sometimes.

And yes, we had a fabulous trip!

We got to mark off one of the places in 1000 Places To See Before You Die US Edition when we ate at Kreuz Market in Lockhart.

We had an AMAZING view from our condo!

We had so much fun walking along the beach and climbing sand dunes on the undeveloped,  far end of the island.

We enjoyed spectacular sunsets.

We loved spending time at the beach and in the water. 

We got to experience some of the most talented sand castle artists in the world at the Sand Castle Days festival.

We woke up early to experience amazing sunrises. 

We went shopping at the local farmers market for veggies to use in our dinner we cooked at the condo on night. 

We got to experience the wonderful work being done by Sea Turtles Inc. 

 We ate WAY too much!

We might have indulged in a few too many cocktails....maybe.

Like I said we have a FABULOUS time away together!  

It's Fall Ya'll!!

School is back in full swing, football season (or as I like to call it tailgating season) is here, the temps are finally starting to drop and we are chomping at the bit to start wearing sweaters and boots...It's Fall Ya'll!!!

But in the Martin household, it isn't Fall until the Fall decorations are out!  Both Kipper and I love how the Fall decor makes the house feel extra cozy, but I also love the opportunity to get crafty!

Anyone who has ever purchased floral arrangements for their home knows that you can easily drop quite a bit of cash for the quality and look of arrangement you want. This was something I learned very quickly when Kipper and I got married. I had a vision of what I wanted but had very little budget to achieve it. That was when I started to teach myself how to create the arrangements I wanted and I am so glad I did. (Man Pinterest would have sure been helpful then!) I couldn't even begin to tell you how much money it has saved us over the years, without sacrificing on look. 

This year I decided I wanted create a new piece to go on top of our entertainment hutch so I headed to Hobby Lobby one Saturday that they had all their Fall decor and floral 40% off. After 45 minutes of shopping and $21 later I was ready to get started!


Here is everything I had to work with/used:

• 2 berry branches that had wired, curly branch pieces on it
• 4 velvet sunflowers
• 1 Fall leaf vine
• 2 small pumpkins
• 2 large, glitter accented pumpkins 
• A hand full of thin decorative, glittered branches in both gold and orange
• Floral wire 
• Hot glue (which I ended up not using)
• Wire cutters
• Scissors 

To start, I laid out the berry branches and unwrapped the 1 of the wired, curly branch pieces from each one and set those aside for later. 

Next I snipped about 2 1/2 - 3 inches off of each berry branch in order to achieve the right length once assembled for the length of the TV hutch. 

After that I used the the wired, curly branch pieces still attached to connect the two berry branches, creating the base for my arrangement.  

After getting the base assembled I clipped off 2 berry bunches from each end to use when I built the middle of the arrangement. On these particular branches every other set of berries had the mini bunches split into 2 so you could maximize the fullness, so cutting off  2 on each side didn't make it looked like their were big holes etc. 

I set the berry bunches to the side and started pulling the cluster of leaves off the fall leaf vine. Using the floral wire I started filling in around the berry bunches by attaching the leave clusters. In order to have a nice variation of color, I played around with different leaf clusters and locations before actually attaching them. 

After adding leaves onto both ends of the base, it was time to start adding some to the center section. Knowing that I would be adding the pumpkins, sunflowers and the berries and wired curly branch that I cut off earlier, I used the leafs to help shape the area so it would look full once everything in place. 

After playing around with the combination of placement options I decided on which I liked best and attached everything with floral wire. Because the pumpkins were on picks, I was able to forgo hot gluing them and just  just the floral wire. I prefer not to have to hot glue anything  because it makes it harder to change things out and update arrangements after a few years. So if you are creating something that you want to use for several years, try to forgo the hot glue (even though it is faster) because in the long run you will be able to get more life out of your arrangement!

Now that all the major assemble was done,  it was time to put the arrangement on the hutch for final touches!  

Once in place I took both the gold and orange thin, glittered decorative branches and inserted them in to add a little extra fullness and sparkle! This branches are so thin they don't always store well in between years and often break in storage. Because of that I don't even wire them in to arrangements. They are so cheap it is just easier to put new ones in each year! 

When it was all said and done, I was really excited with how it turned out! And the fact that is only cost me $21 and a few hours of time made me like it even better!  Hopefully this "how to" will inspire you to create your own fall floral creation! Just remember, if you are using the floral wire there is almost no part of an arrangement you can't "undo" or change so through caution to the wind and see what you can come up with! 

Now time to light some candles and curl up with a good book and my fur babies! I LOVE FALL!!!!