Alice Allen...say that five times fast

We're okay...

2011-04-29T14:32:00.000-05:00

I've failed to post since Christmas. Maybe I'll get around to posting that yummy dessert recipe here soon...I'm sorry.

I just wanted to let what I'm sure are a few blog followers left out there that we are alive and well. My sister in law and cousin were both mere yards away from the damage in Tuscaloosa and in the comfort of our family's arms. Pray for them, will you? My sister in law lost a pledge sister. Pray for us all around here.

Our home was spared and we are most gracious that it is. Chase was out of town on Wednesday morning when Winston and I were awakened by sirens at 5:00. We spent the morning in our basement thankful we lost nothing but a large tree. The evening was just as scary without Chase there. I walked next door to my dear friend and neighbor's house and hunkered down in her basement with Winston and her 3 month old baby for yet another violent storm. We're still without power in our neighborhood, but we're happy to have a neighborhood with neighbors all with us. Others were not as fortunate.

Thank you so much for your prayers. God bless y'all.

I think I may have forgotten to mention something to you dears....

2010-12-16T10:19:00.000-06:00

Last Monday, I drove home from work like it was a Friday afternoon. Never mind the fact that there was a strange man, in a strange car, in my driveway. I had to ransack my mailbox! (CA had failed to mention that Jeremy, the gutter guy, was coming to clean out our gutters!) Poor guy must have thought I was crazy jumping around in the driveway celebrating as I tried to call everyone I knew.

I passed my NCIDQ exam....all three parts. Now I'm an official certificate holder and a bonafide interior designer. Watch out now!

It's been a busy week, but I promise to return with a good recipe I'm trying out on my bunco group tonight. I'll also update on my super busy weekend approaching. With Chase flying out to Vegas for a guys weekend, I'm packing up my bags and heading to see Garth Brooks in Nashville. Then Saturday morning, I'm heading out to spend the weekend at my happiest place to be on Earth. Camp.

Until then my little peppermint heads...

Y'all c'mon in...let me show you around!

2010-12-13T20:24:00.003-06:00

Hello y'all! I'm joining up with Kelly's Korner (Do y'all frequent her? She's a breath of fresh air!) and Nesting Place's 2010 Christmas Tour of Homes. It's so neat to be able to see homes from all over the United States without having to venture out into the cold!

Growing up, my mother decorated (and still does) over the course of about a week. I enjoy drawing out the design process, because it mimics my personal design philosophy, "Don't make it to look like you did it all in a day." In fact, I was still doing a little tweaking around the house tonight. This year I blended my traditional decor, with a little whimsical (and y'all, I'm NOT a whimsical person!) and pieces of the outdoors. After all, the best decorations are the ones you find outdoors.

The Outdoors

Nearly every home in Mountain Brook has a decorated mailbox. I joined in on the fun this year and strung together juniper branches and magnolia.

I finally did it up right this year with the wreath. I have always half-heartily displayed one that was the rear end of all my Christmas decor. This fall, I found this "Joy" gem at the Tennessee Valley Fiddler's for only $17! The rest was found at Garden Ridge (a very dangerous 3.5 miles from my house!) Though I went out of my comfort zone and did the whimsical theme (I am very simple & fresh) it has become one of my favorite creations!

The Foyer

This year I took an old galvanized pail from our wedding decorations and filled it with fresh juniper, (that my mom and I nearly froze our tails off retrieving!) holly from our tree in our yard and magnolia leaves.

The staircase is pre-lit garland strung with my "re-purposed" tree ribbon from several years back. I found the stockings for $2 a piece last year at World Market and the cones are from our wedding decor as well. I filled those with fresh greenery from our yard as well.

The Living Room

Rather than putting away all my everyday treasures that adorn our mantel, I decided to leave them out and adorn them with pine garland with berries that I score at Hobby Lobby.

I grew up in a house with an artificial tree (mainly because everyone in my family was allergic to the real deal), but Chase and I always get a real Frasier Fir. Our living room has to be one of the best smelling rooms in our house! I'm not the biggest fan of themed trees, but those that reflect nostalgia.
(Schnauzer not included in decor...he's a permanent fixture. In this spot. All day. Rescue dog my tail!)

The Kitchen

I strung together the gathered juniper branches with floral wire and created a swag above my kitchen sink. I treated it to a few silver and white snowflakes, since that will probably be the biggest snow we see in Alabama.

Simple centerpieces of cranberry wreath and candle for the breakfast nook.

The Dining Room

I continued this year using garland and silver berries to sit atop my china cabinet.

I added a little glitz to the garland using glittery reindeer from Garden Ridge.

Merry Christmas y'all! Join me tomorrow for a quick season in review as I make my return to the Five Times Fast!

Ozarks Honor Flight

2010-10-20T09:22:00.001-05:00

Yes, I'm back! Back and hopefully a fresh start on blogging. I've missed it, but I have been so uninspired lately. I'm still seeking purpose for the blog...because I don't think that my personal life that I do share is necessarily the most interesting thing on earth! Let's face it, my dog is a cuties, but he doesn't do cute things like your kids do! He is all Chase and I have though! I've still kept up with all of your lives for all my blogging friends out there! Now....onto something pretty nifty!

A few years ago, our family was blessed to have sent my maternal grandfather on the Tennessee Valley Honor Flight. The honor flight is a wonderful program that sends and assists World War II veterans to Washington D.C. for a whole day to see the World War II Memorials throughout the city, including the new memorial that opened in the Summer of 2004. It's moving to see video and pictures of those vets seeing THEIR memorial, because the sad fact is that most of these men and women are unable to travel on their own to go see it.

Yesterday, our family was blessed to send off my paternal grandfather on that same flight with my aunt as his traveling companion. We are so proud of Papa and the service he gave to the Navy and our country.

Be on the lookout for the man walking by the camera about 1:55 on the time frame! He's famous!

Happy Birthday!

2010-07-16T10:44:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my sister, Sally!!

Oh the laundry!

2010-07-09T13:37:00.000-05:00

I had that much linen laundry left from the lake and our house for the week

and like the Little Red Hen said, "I did it all by myself!"

Well maybe a little help from a "paperweight" dog.

Have a good weekend and stay cool!

The results are in....

2010-07-06T10:38:00.001-05:00

It's been a grueling three months at our house....waiting nearly 14 weeks for results of the BIGGEST test of your life is not an easy task. It certainly wasn't any easier leaving for the lake on Friday and finding out from a friend that results came to Birmingham on Saturday.

I opened the mailbox yesterday fresh from the lake to that envelope on top, staring and burning an anxious hole my brain.

I PASSED the two hardest sections!!! Guess what? I retake the easiest in October! That was the test I felt the most comfortable and the two I passed, I thought I bombed!

What are the odds? Take a look at the 2009 results release:

Section I (Principles and Practices of Interior Design): 74% RETAKE! Section II (Contract Documents and Administration): 66% PASSED! Section III (Schematics and Design Development): 68% PASSED!

I am beyond relieved, excited and pleased with my results. Studying this time around will be a lot easier to handle and the best part....I'll get to enjoy football season!

Honey Lavender Ice Cream

2010-07-01T15:13:00.001-05:00

Many of you are friends of mine on Facebook and I have had several requests for the recipe for Honey-Lavender Ice Cream I had on my status update. I thought I'd go step by step and share with y'all my newest favorite flavor of ice cream!

This past Christmas, my parents bought Chase and me an ice cream maker that can be used as a good old-fashioned, hand-crank or use the motorized crank. Since Derby Weekend (for those not on the Kentucky calendar, the first weekend in May) we have made about 4 batches of ice cream ranging for a berry blend to peach.

Have you ever seen It's Complicated with Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin? They eat a honey-lavender concoction in the movie and from that moment, I was curious! I researched recipes for a few weeks and found the perfect one from epicurious.com. Wow! It was amazing and I didn't the expect much reaction from my taste testers. However, my number one fan (Chase) found it to be an odd combination, but he loves it, as well as his sister and mom.

It's a very simple recipe to follow and freezes quickly in your ice cream maker to a very custard-like texture. One thing that really set it apart from other homemade ice creams is that once it has set in your freezer for several days, it's consistency takes on ice cream from your favorite chain parlors and not a grainy, frozen texture.

I highly recommend Epicurious.com to those of you who are kitchen fans...I've found some really good recipes from their website!

I'm famous in my family for "doctoring" up a recipe and adding my own touches, however I didn't stray too far from the recipe this time. However, I'll highlight my changes in lavender.

Honey-Lavender Ice Cream
Yield: Makes about 1 quart
Active time: 20 minutes
Start to finish: 8 hours (includes steeping, chilling, and freezing)

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup half-and-half

2/3 cup mild honey (I bought mine from the farmer's market to ensure freshness)

2 tablespoons dried edible lavender flowers **I used a 2 T + 1/2t (I found mine at Whole Foods)

2 large eggs

1/8 teaspoon salt

Special equipment

A candy or instant-read thermometer; an ice cream maker

Preparation

Bring cream, half-and-half, honey, and lavender just to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, then remove pan from heat. Let steep, covered, 30 minutes.

Pour cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and discard lavender. Return mixture to cleaned saucepan and heat over moderate heat until hot.

Whisk together eggs and salt in a large bowl, then add 1 cup hot cream mixture in a slow stream, whisking. Pour into remaining hot cream mixture in saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until thick enough to coat back of spoon and registers 170 to 175°F on thermometer, about 5 minutes (do not let boil).

Pour custard through sieve into cleaned bowl and cool completely, stirring occasionally. Chill, covered, until cold, at least 3 hours. (I let mine set overnight and put into the ice cream maker the next evening.)

Freeze custard in ice cream maker. Transfer ice cream to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden. (We're the impatient type at our house and we ate right away. It was a smooth, creamy and fluffy texture!)

Midwestward Ho!

2010-06-30T15:07:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned in yesterdays post, I just got back from my trip to southwest Missouri, where my dad grew up. My grandfather and several (and that is an understatement) family members still live.

The highlight of the trip was our 48th Annual Cuendet family reunion which celebrates the lineage of my great-great grandfather. Our family is of Swiss decent and has a strong sense of heritage. We're passionate, fussy and traditional people.

I also got to spend a good amount of time with my extended family that is spread across Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

I would much rather you see, than read my rambings.

We watched a lot of Cardinals games...

We spent time catching up with old family....

...and meeting new family.

We did a lot of "back building" sittin'...

Flagging down the ice cream truck for Firecracker pops...

Were inspired by the World Cup....

...and did a lot of World Cup supportin'.

We were all amazed at Papa's tomato plants.

Took a lot of pictures...

Visited childhood favorites....

...and stood in the same creeks we played in as kids.

But most of all, we enjoyed the lazy days of summer.

Back and refreshed!

2010-06-29T13:27:00.000-05:00

Hello dear blogger friends! I'm back from a wonderful trip to the Midwest to visit my family out there! I spent many hours not worrying about work, household chores, what's for supper and getting up early. As an added bonus, I feel revived and ready to jump back in the blogging world with lots to share and new ideas. Stayed tuned....all this not worrying has me held back a little a work this afternoon! How I wish I could turn back the time just a little and have a few more days of luxury!

Happy Belated Father's Day!

2010-06-21T11:32:00.000-05:00

I'm tardy on my post, because I was too busy spending Father's Day with this guy. He's my daddy and he's the BEST in the world! I love you Dad!

Happiest two years....

2010-06-14T14:05:00.001-05:00

Chase and I are celebrating our big TWO year wedding anniversary today! I would be lying if I denied that there have been trying times, but 99.9% of our marriaged, we have been blissfully happy!

We celebrated on Friday night by treating each other to tickets for the Zac Brown Band show and then headed out to the lake house to soak up the sun and relax.

I feel truly blessed to have had this wonderful, loving, Southern gentleman as my husband and look forward to the many more anniversaries to be celebrated!

On the road again...

2010-06-11T13:31:00.013-05:00

Well, it's summertime, which means we're never sitting around on the weekend! A weekend at the lake for Memorial Day weekend got us off to a great start!

Last weekend, one of my besties, Laura and I ventured up to Lexington, Kentucky for our best friend and sorority sister ~~Laura Beth's~~ son's first birthday! Sweet little Jacob had a wonderful ocean themed party. It was so nice to see my besties (even though we had two missing, but were there in spirit) and spend time together.

On our way back to Horse Cave and Bowling Green, Laura and took a detour home from Lexington and pretended we were on a 4th grade Kentucky History class field trip. We stopped and ventured the closest we had ever been to what Kentuckians know as The Castle in Versailles.

We then rounded the corner in Bardstown to stop and do a drive by of My Old Kentucky Home and making a circle around downtown Bardstown about four times. (Had we been in company of a designated driver, there would have been a taste testing of Maker's Mark!)

Once we finished with Bardstown, we took the back roads back to my hometown, stopping off at Knob Creek, near Hodgenville, to take a photo opp of Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home. (This is not to be confused with the birthplace, which is a few miles more down the road.)

Just when we thought we had made it back to my hometown....Laura exclaimed that she had never seen Hidden River Cave that is literally located in downtown Horse Cave. So we stopped off for a quick view of the cave.

During the twists and turns of our trip, we have decided that our tight knit group of friends that are known as The Brownies should start the planning phase of a touch-and-go tour of our home state. How lucky am I to have grown up in a state rich with a love for God, family, horse racing and bourbon!

Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to thank a Veteran and say a prayer thanking God for all those who have kept this country FREE.

I thought I'd share a very moving poem written and recited by the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals, the late Jack Buck.

The 108th Post

2010-05-28T14:51:00.004-05:00

During my studying hiatus, I failed to recognize that I posted my 100th blog. I had big plans, but obviously those got pushed to the wayside. So for my 108th post, I give you 108 Things About Me. I've always been skeptical of doing one of these, but after seeing several other blogging friend join in on this fun, I decided to go for it!

1. My origins begin in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky in July of 1983. It’s a National Park…home to the longest cave system in the world.
2. My parents met working at Mammoth Cave National Park. Dad was a cave guide, mom worked in the ticket office. Coincidentally, my sister was a guide there for two summers and I worked in the ticket office for two years.
3. Did you know I have a sister three years younger than me? Her name is Sally. She’s the blog’s biggest fan.
4. I’m a lefty.
5. My all-time favorite song is Gladys Knight and the Pip’s “Midnight Train to Georgia”
6. The summer “I found my true self” was in the North Woods of Minnesota in a little town called Cass Lake. I worked at the oldest girl’s camp in the state. I played for a living that summer….I blame bad working habits of playing for my lack of interest in working during the summer months.
7. I met the love of my life on October 4, 2003 and I married him on June 14, 2008. Two and a half of those years we lived four hours away from each other.
8. Speaking of the love of my life…we have so much fun! Every day is an adventure!
9. My cousin Mac, who was four months older than me died as a result of a drunk driving accident when we were juniors in college. He was the coolest person you would ever meet. Don’t ever drive drunk. It’s not cool.
10. I love the smell when you walk into The Fresh Market. I can’t describe what it smells like, but if I could get my house to smell like it all the time I would never leave!
11. My dog is the only child I need right now thankyouverymuchnosylittleladyatchurch. 
12. I’ve never been a girly-girl and Chase likes it that way.
13. I love to cook….it runs deep in my blood. I’m proud to say that I was taught to cook “southern” not “country”. There is a BIG difference.
14. I’ve become a recent fan of Cook’s Country magazine. Yum!
15. My favorite items in the kitchen to cook with are my grandmother’s Pyrex bowls. Y’know what I mean? There are four of them that nest. The large is yellow, the second largest is red, the next is green, followed by a small blue one.
16. My favorite thing to cook and eat is Catalina Chicken on rice. Chase’s is Cayenne Rubbed Chicken with avocado salsa.
17. My lunchtime favorite is Raw Multi-Grain Spicy Tuna from The Fresh Market.
18. I loathe a dirty kitchen and/or bathrooms.
19. I just started a garden this year….I’m patient waiting the fruits of my labor to ripen so I can eat it with salt.
20. I’ve named every car I’ve driven. My new car’s name is LaFawnduh….she’s named after Kip’s internet babe in Napoleon Dynamite.
21. My favorite movies are those which are directed by the late John Hughes.
22. I do like Justin Bieber’s music…..no snickers, I know you do too!
23. My best friends live miles and miles from me…. Bowling Green, Kentucky; Lexington, Kentucky; Louisville, Kentucky and St. Louis, Missouri.
24. I’m a drafter for a local homebuilder in Birmingham. It’s a pretty sweet gig drawing houses all day long!
25. I graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2006 with a bachelor’s in Interior Design.
26. I was and forever will be a KAPPA DELTA! I bleed green! AOT!
27. My sister is also my “sister”. She’s a KD too!
28. My grandfather and mom will tell you that I am my grandmother’s personality made over.
29. I like to sew.
30. I was born and raised a United Methodist.
31. My graduating class had 54 people. Our school system had one elementary school and one Jr. High/High School. We all knew each other for 13 years!
32. I’ve been reading The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. I recommend it.
33. I hate taking showers…hate it. I still do it though. Yes, I realize I am asking for someone to call me a dirty hippy. Don’t worry, my mom and husband do on occasion!
34. Contrary to the above statement, I do like being clean…but being dirty doesn’t gross me out.
35. Speaking of bathing habits…in the summertime at the lake we all head down to the water and take baths. The water is so clean! Don’t worry, we all still keep our suits on!
36. I’m low maintenance.
37. My grandfather on my mother’s side was a torch bearer for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He ran the torch for a ¼ mile in Nashville. Our entire family and several friends went to watch him. At 75 years old, he ran the entire way…he out ran us following him. It was one of our family’s proudest moments.
38. Love, love, LOVE Sarah Jessica Parker.
39. Love Sex and the City too.
40. My all time favorite book is Summer Sisters by Judy Blume. My all time favorite author.
41. My dog is a rescue. He was a “door dump” outside a shelter in the middle of the night in Memphis. He’s my tough street dog! Haha!
42. My dog is so cool. I truly do think that he’s my four legged soul mate.
43. I have been a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan.
44. There aren’t too many positive role models in professional sports, but I truly believe that Albert Pujols, 1st baseman of the St. Louis Cardinals is the ultimate sports role model.
45. I have favorite colors….they always change.
46. I cried when I sold my car. Cried….like a baby.
47. My best friends and I call ourselves the Brownies. I’m not really sure how we ended up like that….somehow at my wedding, my friend Paige in somewhat of a “fun” state needed “brownie snacks” and we couldn’t figure out what she was talking about. Thus rather than being called Alice, Laura, LB, Meagan and Paige….we became the Brownies. The brownies are also my sorority sisters!
48. I’m attracted to junk of all kinds. I love junk!
49. My husband on the other hand does not like junk.
50. In design, I cannot stand for things to be symmetrical. Things have to be interesting and original. However, it must all FLOW.
51. Another theory I follow. I do not buy matchy matchy furniture sets. I don’t want my rooms to look like they were bought in a store in one day. My philosophy is to design a room that wasn’t put together in one day. I promise I will not judge you if you do matchy matchy. My best friend is the QUEEN of matchy matchy.
52. I have two amazing neighbors who I am formed wonderful friendships over the past two years.
53. Rachel is the first and I have known her now almost 2 years.
54. Renee is the second and I met her a year ago.
55. Renee is the friend that’s always up for coming over at 9:00 on a work night to watch a movie with me.
56. Rachel is the friend that’s always up for lunch with her precious daughter Ali.
57. I listen to Cosmo Radio’s “Wake Up with Taylor” every morning. LOVE HER!
58. My parents are my heroes.
59. I feel guilty spending money and leisurely stuff.
60. I’m a Netflix addict. Love finding old movies you can’t find on the shelves anymore!
61. I have a daily calendar with quotes from “The Office” on my desk. Sometimes I scan them and send them to my husband for a good chuckle.
62. Something foul stinks up my sink. It’s driving me crazy.
63. If it weren’t for Chase, we’d be looking for my cell phone all the time. He always picks it up for me.
64. We still look for my keys all the time.
65. I’m quite scatterbrained
66. I can’t stay on one task for too long. It’s a good thing that my boss recognizes this trait.
67. I love being on the lake or the river!
68. I was a lifeguard in high school.
69. I love a good sing-a-long.
70. Chase and I talk about “when we have children, we’ll …” though neither of us is ready to have them yet.
71. I wonder if we’ll ever be ready? We have too much fun with each other.
72. We have season tickets to all the home Alabama Crimson Tide games. I get worn out about November, but I still roll with the punches and have the best time.
73. Speaking of football….we love to tailgate! My favorite part? A little concoction called a Yellowhammer.
74. I have four female soul mate….their names are Laura, Laura Beth, Paige and Meagan. They were God’s present to me in college to help me through the good and bad times of life.
75. This list is getting hard to write!
76. I’m scared of snakes, but unafraid of spiders.
77. Chase is the opposite of that.
78. I don’t care for self absorbed people….I always try to be self aware and think of other’s before I act.
79. I don’t always succeed.
80. I have an amazing God and Savior!
81. When I was little I had a pair of puffy, pink snow boots. I would wear them all summer and my mom could never figure out why. I just revealed in the past year I thought I was Rainbow Brite in those boots.
82. I’m quirky.
83. I’m so quirky that when I was four I thought when you picked all the boogies out of your nose you had to go buy more at the store. I really am worried for my future children.
84. My imaginary friend when I was four was Chubby Gray. He was one of Peter Pan’s Lost Boys.
85. My first “smoke” was a hit off of my uncle’s cigar in high school….
86. Ironically, my first sip of alcohol was when I accidently picked up that same uncle’s bourbon and Sprite at the ripe old age of four (man, I was a busy four year old!) thinking it was ginger ale. I went inside to inform my mom that she gave my uncle a rotten ginger ale and he needed a new one.
87. I kept my middle and maiden name once I got married. I am now officially Alice Cuendet Caldwell Allen.
88. I can sing every song from the musical Annie.
89. My family’s origin is Swiss. One day I hope to visit Switzerland.
90. My favorite smell is a cool limestone spring. Nothing better.
91. My dad taught me to turkey call when I was seven. I can still call.
92. My back porch is like a little outdoor living room. I love spending time out there.
93. I’m a fan of Hallmark’s Maxine character. She reminds me of my grandmother.
94. I hate talking on the phone. I’d rather see you in person.
95. I love all things Charles Schultz.
96. My dog is terrified of thunderstorms. He hides his head under the bed when it’s really loud.
97. Both mine and Chase’s parents are still happily married. His for 35 years and mine for 29. That’s 64 years worth of inspiration for us both.
98. I really do think I picked the “one” and at that…the “right one”.
99. I took piano lessons for 9 years.
100. Because I love junk, I now have no room for my piano in my house. It’s still in Kentucky
101. I LOVE KENTUCKY.
102. I don’t like peas.
103. I have been growing my hair out since last June. It's now down to my shoulders....the longest it's ever been. I like it!
104. Chase asked me to marry him on an Etch-a-Sketch right before heading to a St. Louis Cardinals game. It was the cutest thing ever!
105. I believe a cold beer and pretzels will cure almost any ailment.
106. I’m a Parrothead.
107. Chase refers to my “side of the bed” as Amen Corner after the famous hole at the Augusta National. What’s ironic, is my side of the bed is not very well kept.
108. I feel slightly self absorbed writing this, but yet I’ve always wanted to.

God Bless YOU if you're still here to read this!

Confessional

2010-05-19T10:37:00.003-05:00

I can't stop thinking about it. It happened nearly a year ago....only once, Chase was out on the ski slopes. Too far away for it to happen on a regular basis.

It's true, I had/have a love affair....with a sandwich. Did you really think I was scum of the earth and have an affair outside of marriage? Shame on you!

Anyway, last spring when we went skiing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Chase's mom, his sister and I went shopping while the boys were out on the slopes. We happened upon this little sandwich shop in downtown Steamboat called Backcountry Provisions. It wasn't fancy, but the sandwich was WONDERFUL. It was a build your own type....all my favorites. Roast beef, asaigo cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickles, sprouts, mustard, mayo and olive oil, all on sour dough bread. I have tried ohsohard to recreate it, but it just doesn't come out to the perfection I once tasted.

Yes, this is all I have to write about, but that sandwich is consuming my mind. Chase, dear, all I want for my birthday is a sandwich from this place.

Never have I ever...

2010-05-14T14:37:00.010-05:00

Never had I seen my grandfather's homestead where he was born in a hollow just across the state line... (Look closely, the chimney's still there!)

Never had I seen the first church that same grandfather joined as a young man...

Never in my life have I seen nature as bold as I have in Alabama...

Never has my dog been cuter...

OK, never has my dog and husband snuggling together been cuter...

Never have I grown my very own garden, but my corn is popping up in perfect rows...

Never have I found a snake in my house, but sure did a few weeks ago...

Never have I strung lights outside my house other than the Christmas Season...

Never have we been more excited on this little guy's arrival into the world! We have the best friends ever!

Springing new life...

2010-04-22T10:53:00.003-05:00

Just like these Tiny Mice growing on my back porch, I too am coming out of hibernation to enjoy spring! (Heck! It's almost summer!) I have emerged from the books, the note cards and the practice drawings and stored them away! It's time to play again! Stay tuned...I'm posting an update very soon!

We're down to the wire...

2010-04-07T14:29:00.004-05:00

I'm in a fog....I'm not sure if it's the Americans Disabilities Act Codes or the POLLEN that has loomed and overtaken the deep South. All I know is both should hopefully clear up by the week's end. Rain will hopefully wash down the pollen and my NCIDQ examination is Friday and Saturday.

Will you please say a prayer for me? I have been preparing for this exam since January. I've lived it, breathed it, slept it...and if osmosis worked by putting a book under my pillow at night I would have done that too. (Still not ruling that one out!) Just ask Chase....we've worn out our options on bag meals and my house will tell you it hasn't been thoroughly cleaned since Christmas. Anyway, I can only rely that the good Lord will pull me through this one when I think my knowledge can't carry me anymore.

God bless you all and thank you for all your support. I look forward to gracing your presence in the blogosphere next week at a more attentative rate! :)

Spring doesn't seem to have gotten it's sprung...

2010-03-23T10:10:00.006-05:00

This weekend was an absolute teaser! The warm sunshine, 70 degree weather...it left me high and dry. Did spring just not feel like sticking around? Typically, if you don't show up for your job for two days in a row, it is assumed that you have resigned your position, but I will not accept these shenanigans! 40 degree weather is not welcome any longer around here!

This weekend had me continuing my bucket list of post-NCIDQ projects. Oh how I can't wait. Thank you all for your continuing support and prayers. I can feel them working as I am still so focused and fine tuning my skills!

I did manage to steal a break and enjoy the spring preview that Saturday had to offer. Chase turned 29 on Friday so we celebrated with his mom and dad at their house for part of the weekend. Yummy steak dinner and Chase's favorite Oreo cake were on hand for the birthday boy!

Saturday Chase played golf with his dad and his mom and I enjoyed sitting on their back deck reading, while Winston chased chipmunks under the deck.

Only 15 more days until the test starts and freedom lurks around my corner!

Baby Season has arrived....

2010-03-09T09:57:00.007-06:00

It's upon us and there's no hiding from it! It seems like at least 50% of our friends are having babies. I've been drinking bottled water!!

This past Saturday, my friend Catherine and I (with the help of our husbands and another couple) put together a shower for our dear friends Todd and Amy. Baby Landon is expected to make his arrival in mid-April!

Because of Todd and Amy's love for all things Alabama, Landon's nursery is outfitted in a very classic red and grey. Cat and I decided upon a palette that would compliment their color scheme and went from there.

Between the 60 degree weather and sunshine and two blissfully happy parents, the shower was a success!

Did I mention he can do anything?

2010-03-04T10:36:00.007-06:00

Chase, the boy wonder... In my eyes he can fix anything, make anything, do anything. I'm serious when I say that, because I really think he can. You know who he gets it from? His mama. She can pretty much fix anything, build anything, do anything.

We got a Big Green Egg for Christmas. When his parents mentioned that it didn't come with a grill stand the wheels started turning for Chase and plans for a new grill stand were coming into place. He's got a plan to have three sections that can be broken down and moved if necessary. The first phase of the Big Green Egg Habitat have commenced.

Without further adieu....Mr. Fix It and his great design!

Stay turned for further updates!

Sayonara Conan!

2010-03-01T13:41:00.003-06:00

Welcome back home Jay Leno to The Tonight Show! Chase and I have not watched The Tonight Show (our nightly ritual since well....I don't remember not watching it with him!) since Conan's first night on the job. We just couldn't handle the loss of Jay, nor could we bear to watch Conan!

Our nightly ritual will be restored once again tonight with Jay's return! Hooray!

She emerges from the rubble...

2010-02-26T10:08:00.004-06:00

I am alive, although at the beginning of the week I doubt you would have thought so.

Let me preface by saying that I spent a total of 24 hours in a classroom learning how to take the NCIDQ examination. One person might say that it would make you sick being in a classroom that length of time. Well guess what? I got sick-sick, sick! Starting Sunday night until Wednesday morning I ran a fever of at least 100 and had a horrible cough, chills and chest congestion. I don't think I moved much of this week!

With all that being said, my life at work and at home has been consumed with getting better and caught up. In attempt to keep my life I choose to share on here as "real" as possible, I share with you my reason (as if I should have to have them!) why you have not seen me.

The mounds of laundry that mysteriously built up...

A kitchen who got a little too messy for it's own good...

I've been cleaning up little "trails" of dog food, because my dog likes his plate "to go". Guess he doesn't like the view... If that's the case, he must hate the front window, because he keeps peeing on my handmade window panels!

Long story short, it's been a long week. I would not have made it through without Chase cooking supper, folding laundry and taking care of me. Lord knows I've needed it. Life is about to start back full force with studying and once again, I will be back to weekly posts until April. I ask that all my dear blogging friend please pray that I can focus, understand and retain my information I study and PASS my exams! I will need all the prayer warriors helping me out!

Off to pack for the lake....we're getting away for the weekend!

Snow Big or Go Home!

2010-02-15T15:08:00.008-06:00

I've lived in Alabama now for almost four years and it has taken me four years to experience a snow day! For the entire week, the weather report forecasted accumulative snow! Yeah right! They always say that and it never happens. Well it did...and Birmingham had two inches!

Chase flew in from New Orleans on Friday just in time for it to start and me to get home from work. It snowed for FIVE hours! (I used to be acclimated fairly well with snow growing up in Kentucky, but Alabama has me adjusted to their "state of mind" when it comes to snow now.) I was beside myself as I dragged Chase out with my camera through the neighborhood to snap shots of this rare occasion...and our first ever snow day together! While out on our snowy stroll, our neighbor Rick escorted us down to the creek, just a street over from our house. We knew it was there, but had never hiked down, and wow, was it worth it! The most gorgeous thing I've ever seen! How had we not been down to visit this after 6 year of living on the block?!

Friday night, my parents "slid" on in to Birmingham with my sister in tow for a visit. Dad and Chase went to T'town for the A Club BBQ cook-off and the Alabama vs. Arkansas game on Saturday. Mom, Sally and I piddled around town and then came home and made Valentine's Day cookies for my grandfather. (I might add that this was the ONLY Valentine's celebrating that I did!)

After my family left on Sunday, Chase and I hung around the house and waited for the yes, SECOND round of snow that was suppose to bring 2-3 inches! We woke up to no snow and the remnants of last nights whipping winds that brought down a very large pine tree in our backyard. Back to typical Alabama snow predictions... Hey Bama, snow big or go home!

Still hanging in there...

2010-02-12T09:12:00.009-06:00

I'm becoming quite the Friday poster here! My substance for blogging material has been rather bland. I'm quite sure you all aren't interested in my study habits I've developed or my slight encounter with two razorbacks in our work parking lot this week. (It was no encounter, but rather sighting of them heading for the hills...I'm not kidding! Our work property...in the middle of 280 Birmingham backs up to the Waterworks land preserve.)

I'll recap last weekend and hopefully I will have something wonderful to tell you all this week....

Last weekend, one of my childhood best friends and ~~tribal~~ sorority sisters, Alecea and her fiance Josh came for the weekend. We all went to the Brad Paisley & Miranda Lambert concert on Friday night. It was hands down one of the top five concerts I've been to! Saturday was spent staying warm and watching SEC basketball. We blended Alabama and Tennessee fans well in our home!

Sunday, Chase's parents came into town to celebrate their birthday with all the Allen kids and significant others. We convinced them to spend the night with us and had an impromptu Super Bowl party. Who dat! Chase smoked a butt on the Green Egg and I made the BEST BBQ nachos ever. I'm tooting my own horn on this one, because they were awesome....I have to give it up to Emeril Lagasse for the recipe. I found the recipe on MarthaStewart.com. Click here for the link!

I also finished painting my front door to give our front facade a little "pop" as you drive down the street. I can't resist a red front door!

Well, that about sums up our weekend. I've spent the rest of the week with my nose the Interior Design Reference Manual and Chase has been in New Orleans for work since Wednesday. We're awaiting our predicted BIG SNOW today and the arrival of my parents and sister from Kentucky this evening! It should be another enjoyable weekend! I hope yours is too!

My Reception! My Reception!

2010-02-05T11:06:00.015-06:00

Have you ever visited Sweet Tea & Biscuits? It's my newest blogging discovery. All things Southern, any belle's dream! ST&B hosts a series called "Sips of the South" that focuses on a southern "feature." This week, it just happens to be southern weddings.

Since I started this blog after I got married, I've never shared my wedding photos with ya'll and I thought being a part of this series would be the perfect opportunity!

June 14, 2008
Historic Beaty-Mason House, est. 1826
Athens, Alabama
(my grandfather's neighborhood)

My wedding was everything I had visioned it would be and I enjoyed the day so much! Despite the 80% chance of rain, it stopped magically and the sun came out in time for the show to go on! The wedding was in the front yard of the President's home for Athens State University and the reception was in the backyard...a true garden wedding. We had about 200 guests in attendance, and I don't think one left without dancing or at least two cocktails in them....we danced ALL NIGHT! By no means was this event formal, it was anything but. Formal would have not been in our taste. Rather it was casual, relaxed and involved quite a few drinks! True Southern style!

The Dress Code:
I bought my veil and dress for....brace yourself, $155 total! My bridesmaids dresses were helped pick out by a dear high school friend of mine and bridal consultant at Bridals of Regiss Park in Glasgow, Kentucky. Chase bought a new linen suit for the occasion. Rather than having the grooms pay outrageous prices for a tuxedo that they would have to get returned by such and such time, we each had them wear their own black suit and bought them ties to match Chase's. Easy as pie!

The Flowers:
All of my arrangements were the brainchildren of Chase's very two talented aunts and three of his cousins. They were all arranged on site the day of the wedding and came from their own personal gardens, my grandfather's garden and a cotton field a of a good friend. The bouquets were done by Ron & Mark of InBloom in Huntsville, Alabama.

The Food:
I won't mention the horrible woman who catered my event, but she could cook. To be quite frank about it, she didn't like any of my arranging, the recipe on my favor bags or my daddy. Hadn't she ever heard the saying, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you!" (Needless to say, my mom dealt with her and sent Dad and I to complain to each other. Otherwise she would have had to bail out the bride and the Father of the Bride from the Limestone County Jail.) I never ate a bite of the food, but Chase claims it was awesome!

Cheese Grits

Broccoli Salad
Vegetable Pizza
Grits Casserole
Artichoke/Spinach Dips with Bagel Chips

The Band:
Gino of Nashville, Tennessee.

The Photographer:
The talented Clinton Lewis.

This would be mommy dearest getting down with my best friend's dad!

A little Friday morning math problem...

2010-01-29T08:27:00.009-06:00

I have been on a high this week with the excitement of going home to Kentucky for the weekend. A line up of visiting my bestie, a basketball game at my alma mater's Diddle Arena and a heavy helping of country ham and biscuits from Mammoth Cave Hotel. Not so fast! Take a look at the local station's weather forecast.

Now, let's do a little math problem:

It is exactly 302 miles from Alice's house in Birmingham to her house in Horse Cave. The snow and ice precipitation is to begin somewhere along the Alabama-Tennessee state line. We'll use Athens for our precipitation commencement. From Birmingham to Athens, it is 106 miles. Using the illustration below and the information provided, approximately how many miles will Alice drive in un-safe conditions.

302 Total miles from Point "A" to Point "B"
-106 Total miles from Point "A" to point of precipitation commencement

Grand total of 196 miles of travel in un-safe conditions. Now we know that this number may not be the exact total, so we'll round to the nearest tens place, making it approximately 200 miles of un-safe travel.

Logic: Alice is staying home in Birmingham this weekend for more studying, note cards and painting my front door red.

On a completely different note, congratulations to Abby and JR on the birth of their son Baker!

Picture Credits: The Weather Channel & WBKO 13, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Scribble, Scrabble...

2010-01-27T09:46:00.005-06:00

I had quite a comical post lined up on how the XBox had made it's way up from the man room downstairs to the main level in the living room. To put it the nicest terms possible, it's become quite a touchy subject that I've decided not to post about. (I still love my husband and his XBox!) Rather I am going to post pictures from one of our favorite past-times that Chase and I both enjoy thoroughly. Scrabble is what we love and our games become quite the heated, friendly competition. Rarely do I win against him, but I come up with some pretty high scoring words. Take for instance 'Janitor'. It won me a whomping 42 points the other night. Play the board right people and you'll win.

Writer's Block

2010-01-21T17:58:00.003-06:00

I'm having it big time...

Leave it to the:
-reading and note card making as I prepare for the NCIDQ
-major changes at work that require my full and undivided attention
-a semi-absent husband, as he has had to travel a lot lately for work(Life isn't near as interesting when he is gone)
-lack of anything interesting happening in my life
-lack of any new recipes because we decided to "finish up" the pantry this week

Does this qualify me for a post-Christmas funk? I think it does.

Despite all this lack of posting, there is one thing worth sharing....one of my Brownies is moving back SOUTH after taking a 4 year hiatus in Indiana! Can't wait to have her within driving distance and closer to me! Congrats Laura (and her sweet husband Scott) on their move back to the South!

Craving Chocolate!

2010-01-18T21:10:00.008-06:00

Did you have a good weekend? I sure did! Nice, enjoyable and good quality time with that sweet boy Chase! Speaking of sweet, my friend Catherine brought over these scrumptious Mini Fudgey Chocolate Cakes for dessert on Saturday night. She found them over at Epicurious.com. Oh wow, they were wonderful!

After a long day at the office, I needed a little something to perk me up. I wanted to make the cakes that Cat had made, but was short on a few items...mainly an egg. (Blame it on the cornbread I made the other night in my cast iron skillet!) I researched recipes with what I had in my pantry and found a recipe similar on the same website. I did a little switcheroo on a few items to make it my own and WOW!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients together and pour into a small oven safe dish. (I used a 16 oz round Corningware dish.) Bake for around 20-25 minutes, starting to check the dish at 20 minutes.

4 tbs flour
8 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1-1/2 tsp shortening (butter flavored Crisco works WELL!)
4 tbs buttermilk (yep, you guess it...out of milk too!)
1 tsp of orange extract
2 tbs cocoa powder
handful of semi-sweet chocolate morsels
pinch of salt

If the batter is a little too thick, add just a small of water or a little more milk to thin it out...but not too thin!

Enjoy, it's like reliving the Christmas season with the warm, chocolate and orange scents in your kitchen!

This past week...

2010-01-15T09:54:00.009-06:00

I haven't posted in a day or two. I don't have much to say, so I'll just recap my week a little in pictures...this new camera goes with me virtually everywhere.

Dubya and I took a few ~~cat~~ dog naps....

I discovered a missing pair of shoes in one of our guest room closets. These kept my toes warm and toasty several walks up the Hill in college.
We begged Chase not to leave as he packed for

Dallas on Saturday night. Our begging was unsuccessful.

Chase bought me a new cast iron skillet...
(A must have for every true Kentucky girl.
Or Kentucky transplants for that matter...
Alabama girls need cast iron skillets too.)

They made our homemade crab cakes taste wonderful.

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend! TGIF!

My Pilot

2010-01-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

Did anyone watch The Bachelor last night? Did you see the date where Ali went up in a Cessna 152 with Jake flying her to Palm Springs? Yeah, he ain't got nuttin' on my personal pilot who took me to Palm Springs for our honeymoon! Isn't my pilot adorable? (I sorta miss him a little....he's in Dallas this week!)

Bet Jake didn't take her around Talladega Speedway...

*Note: These pics are from 2005. Just a hair old.

My Happies!

2010-01-11T18:09:00.011-06:00

Well, I wondered and waited when this day would arrive. It did yesterday actually and I didn't realize it until today. I received my first blog award! Yeay! Thank you to Angela at Short Southern Momma! She is a sweetheart! Ya'll must check her blog out, it's too cute!

In the tradition of this blog award, I am following the rules and handing it out to some worthy gals!

The rules are:
List 10 things that make you happy.
(try to do one of those things TODAY!)
The second part of the rules are to tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day.
Make sure to link back to the person that tagged you!

My Happies:

#1: God and my Savior, Jesus Christ.

#2 & #3: My husband, Chase and my sweet dog, Winston. #4: My family. #5: The Brownies: My best friends and Kappa Delta ~~tribe~~ sorority sisters.
#6: My cozy living room...any season of the year.
#7: My hometown. Horse Cave, Kentucky. Population 2,500. I'm not kidding! #8: My Justins. I find a reason to wear them to work at least once a week.
#9: My grandfather's Riv-ah camp in North Alabama. Especially when Brownies are involved!
#10: My job. Because it's pretty darn cool....and yes, I cheated. #11: Alabama Football. No pictures necessary. I think I've taken good care of that this year!

And now, the awards go to....

Laura Beth at Bump Watch

Meagan at Rabbit in the Moon

Laura at Movin' Shakin' Shonks

Rachel at Grasping for Objectivity

Lauren at Babbles About Brian

Courey at Fashion Passion Report

Tiffany (A brand new mom!) at Life As I Know It

Ashley at Harper Party of Three

Abby at Baby Heltsey

Melodye at Team Phelps

Congrats ya'll! Your sweet blogs always make my day!

Process Complete.

2010-01-09T16:56:00.001-06:00

How about a New Year's card?

2010-01-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

My aunt, she's brilliant. Why send out Christmas cards when you have plenty of time in the New Year to send them out? What a perfect message from a perfect spot on Earth...Woodstock, New York.

From the inside looking out...

2010-01-07T13:27:00.001-06:00

Warm and cozy inside my office...wishing I was home.

Tide get ready to Roll....

2010-01-07T08:34:00.004-06:00

I can't blog much today. I'm too excited to blog, work, do anything. Tonight can't come fast enough!

We're hoping for one of these tonight. Roll Tide Roll!

PS. On a totally different note, I just saw a BOBCAT outside my office window! We have woods that backs up to our parking lot. Yep, confirmed bobcat.

Another football post...

2010-01-06T09:49:00.003-06:00

I'm sorry if you don't care too much for football. My feelings will not be hurt if you don't care to read this post, but I had to share my newest piece of flair that I have for the National Championship! I made it myself and had Zazzle turn it into a Gameday button! I'm still in the works and planning stages of my Gameday attire that I plan on wearing to the office tomorrow! My lucky shirt is not quite up to business casual status! Whatever the dress code is tomorrow, it's sure to turn our rival Auburn fans in the office the color of my shirt! Roll Tide!

Snow Dance!

2010-01-05T10:10:00.002-06:00

I'm doing my snow dance today and tomorrow! Yes, Central Alabama has a good chance of snow in our forecast! I haven't done a snow dance since maybe high school and haven't had a snow day since my sophomore year in college. Get in your kitchen and do your snow dance for me!

Baby It's Cold Outside...

2010-01-04T22:02:00.003-06:00

The thermometer reads this and it's rapidly dropping.

So I pulled out my aunt's Brunswick Stew recipe and made my mama's biscuits.

And we built one of these in the living room...and of course watched football.
Meanwhile, Dubya is snuggled up in his new bed. Spoiled.

Stay warm and bring your Dubya's inside!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T21:18:00.002-06:00

Best wishes to all my blog readers in the New Year!

What are you doing New Year's Eve?

2009-12-30T13:59:00.008-06:00

Wow, doesn't it seem like yesterday that we were embarking on Y2K? I was only a junior in high school, who happened to invite a few too many friends over at the last minute as my parents went out to celebrate. (My mom was born on NYE, just about an hour and twenty minutes short of New Year's Day!) Now I'm grown up....and and still inviting as many friends as I please to ring in the new year!

Don't you just love a reason to pull out the sparkle? New Year's Eve has always been a favorite of mine. Parties, bands, good food....champagne!!

Throwing a good old fashioned house party? Why not try a few of these?

I went out and bought several party hats and noise makers. While Martha Stewart suggests using a cake stand, mine is temporarily being housed by my winter centerpiece in my dining room. Instead, why not pull out one of the many pewter pieces you have stored away? It's already shiny and happy! If you don't have any tinsel handy, sprinkle confetti across the table and platter and arrange your party loot! Simple, huh?

I think I already mentioned champagne. I love champagne! If you bring me a bottle, I will love you forever....and mix you up something good! Remember that Christmas party we had a few weeks ago with friends? I dug up a good ol' recipe from the December issue of Martha Stewart Living. It's easy, frothy, sweet....it's down right delish. Plop a teaspoon of soften sherbet or sorbet in a flute and fill the rest with champagne. Heaven in a glass.

Don't forget the traditions of all traditions...Auld Lang Syne. Print out the lyrics on pretty paper and hand them out to your guests with the champagne. One of my all time favorites versions is Mairi Sine Campbell's. Maybe you heard on the Sex and the City movie?

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,and old lang syne ?

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne.

We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Whatever you plan to do, do it up right and have a drink for me!

**Pictures courtesy of Martha Stewart.com

Three Christmases

2009-12-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

Winston's expression says it all! I am exhausted! Christmas about took it OUT of me this year!

Growing up we went to only ONE set of grandparents house. Depending on which year it was, we'd travel to Alabama or Missouri! (Remember, I grew up in Kentucky!) I was slightly jealous of the kids at school that could easily travel across town to visit to either set of grandparents. Well...I'm taking my jealousy back! I finally got what I asked for...Chase's family (both sides) live 20 minutes away from my Alabama family. Yep, I finally got my taste of 3 family Christmases! It was purely joyful...but not even two cups of coffee could revive me by days end!

After Chase got off work on the 24th, we loaded up the Honda and headed to North Alabama to his parent's house in Decatur. From there we had Christmas Eve dinner with his dad's side...man that family can COOK!!

Christmas morning was enjoyed at my in-law's house. For the first time, I participated in Christmas morning festivities as a true Allen. Chase's family has a tradition passed through the ages...you don't come downstairs until mom ~~plays~~ sings, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear and you all walk down the steps together. This tradition started with Chase's grandmother nearly 90 years ago!!! What a tradition! Santa was very good to us at our first stop...the highlight was our new BIG GREEN EGG!!!!

Next stop....Chase's aunts for Christmas brunch with his mom's family! Again, this family can cook!

Nope, we're not done yet! We headed for our next destination 20 minutes north in Athens to my grandfather's house! We greeted my parents and sister and got to open our second Santa loot! Once again, he treated us well and decided we needed an ice cream maker (electric and hand cranked) to go with our new grill. (Really, I think ~~our parents~~ Santa's elves just want more homemade meals when they come to visit our house in Birmingham!) After our annual family swap, we headed to my aunt's house (which thankfully is only one block away) and we enjoyed Christmas dinner with my family and close friends. Now my aunt can cook....in fact, it was my favorite meal of the day!

Christmas was wonderful this year. I enjoy being surrounded by family and friends. It may sound cliche, but it's the truth. I hope yours was every bit as magical.

Is your family as photogenic as mine?

2009-12-28T15:36:00.006-06:00

I'm still wet behind the ears when it comes to working my new camera. I forgot to take it off automatic timer....it actually took about 10 times!

The best are the homemade...

2009-12-28T10:23:00.001-06:00

It's HIS birthday! Rejoice!

2009-12-25T01:00:00.001-06:00

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." -Luke 2:9-14

Blessings to all my blog followers...Merry Christmas!

The Polar Express..We Believe!

2009-12-24T08:00:00.003-06:00

I know I should stop blogging about Alabama Football, but we're still a ~~little~~ really excited around here. None the less, as I was watching the Polar Express this afternoon while wrapping presents and I got a little tickled. If you've ever seen the movie, you'll remember right before Santa makes his big entrance, the elves start singing and having a big pregame entrance by the entrance of the reindeer, the famous sleigh bells and the doors of Santa's home are closed with screams of anticipation of his arrival. I couldn't help but notice their excitement, the fanfare and the singing and wailing of arms reminds me of Bama fans as our pregame video is played and the doors to the locker room are closed waiting for Coach Saban and the Tide to take the field! See for yourself!!! Roll Tide Santa!

(Helpful hint....scroll through the timeline to 7:45 on the clock for Santa's entrance!)

4th Annual Christmas Dinner

2009-12-22T15:37:00.007-06:00

Have I mentioned that Chase and I have a wonderful circle of friends here in Birmingham? Most of our friends here were his fraternity brothers at the University of Alabama. Over the years, almost everyone has gotten married (and some even have families!) and we have become close friends. We are truly blessed with such wonderful (and quite comical) friends.

Every year we all get together the weekend before Christmas and have a Christmas dinner together. It's quite an orchestrated event to say the least. We take turns hosting between us and our friends Rod & Catherine. Everyone brings a dish, wine is poured...even their beloved housemother comes to join us! (God bless Miss C, none of us wives could have ever handled our husbands in college better than she could!) This year we were given a wonderful opportunity to share the Christmas Spirit with a family from the Middle East that converted from Islam to Christianity. We had a wonderful time shopping for their children and the parents as well as Christmas Angels.

Darby's Dishmats=Christmas Gift Success

2009-12-22T15:24:00.010-06:00

Now that I know that all of my Christmas gifts have been sent and received in Indianapolis, Louisville, Lexington and St. Louis, I can share with you!

About a month or so ago, I mentioned finding a slice of blogger heaven with Edie at Life on Grace's 12 Days of Christmas tutorials. Edie featured a tutorial of belonging to another must read on my Google Reader....Fly Through Our Window's writer, Darby. Darby's dishmats were a hit with my girls!! I spent many hours at my sewing machine to perfect their gifts. (I even gave my mom one, because she heard so many not so nice things from behind the sewing machine a few weekends ago in Kentucky!)

I highly recommend trying these sometime...they're fairly easy to sew and your friends will love them!

**Sorry for all the links, but linking is so much fun and there is a lot of credit due to some creative minds who helped me through my gifting this Christmas Season!

More ramblings...

2009-12-22T14:59:00.006-06:00

Want to see what other shenanigans I've been up to? Following up on a previous post, these are a few other cards I designed this Christmas Season for dear friends and family! Thank you all for your support!!!

I've been hiding out...

2009-12-22T09:59:00.002-06:00

Think I've been avoiding you all? I'm sorry. I've been trapped behind my desk, taking no lunches and working at home on a new, exciting and draining work project. The reward? I'm off the rest of the week after this afternoon! Will you please come back later on (say tomorrow?) and I will fill you in on the Christmas happenings happening in and around the Allen house?

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus....

2009-12-07T15:50:00.004-06:00

...and he's a Bama fan!!!

Apparently Santa works a few Christmas miracles early. Not only did Bama win.....the 32-13, and we made Tim Tebow cry. (Santa, I didn't know you were a devoted reader!) I think he's is also working on bringing Mark Ingram a stiff armed trophy next week too...we'll find out! Apparently he knows we've been that good this year!

We're goin', goin', going', back to Cali, Cali, Cali...ROLL TIDE ROLL!

**Pictures courtesy of Chase....lucky boy got to go to the game!

Dear Santa,

2009-12-05T10:00:00.001-06:00

Dear Santa,

I have an early request that needs to be filled urgently. You see, I sent my husband off to Atlanta this afternoon with his dad. They both have tickets to see the Crimson Tide play in the SEC Championship game against the Florida Gators. I know you're particularly fond of the Crimson and White color scheme....I've even heard you're a pretty big fan of the Tide.

Do you think you could find it in your heart to bring all us Tide fans a Christmas Miracle tomorrow afternoon for all the Tide fans? We would all be very gracious!!!

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,
Alice

P.S. We need someone to shut the media up about Tim Tebow as well. If you have time to pull a few strings, that would be appreciated too!

Christmas Decorations at the Allen House

2009-12-04T22:31:00.011-06:00

As promised, I am sharing my Christmas decorations in my home with you all! I just got a new camera, a Canon EOS Rebel T1I. I'm a tad bit excited....if you can't tell by all the pictures I took! Enjoy! The Christmas Spirit is alive and well in the Allen House!

Christmas Card Updates

2009-12-03T13:30:00.004-06:00

Here are a few Christmas Cards I've had the pleasure of designing for a few friends and their families. Thank you for your support!!

I will share a few more in the following days!

Our new home...

2009-12-03T13:20:00.004-06:00

We have a new home here in Birmingham! (Rachel, don't panic!) Chase and I officially joined Trinity United Methodist in nearby Homewood. After visiting with Trinity for nearly a year and a half, we both transferred our memberships from our churches in our respective hometowns on Sunday and took vows at Trinity. We are very excited for this new chapter in our lives. Prayers for our new transition are warmly accepted! What a perfect way to start off the Advent season!

Give me an extra day or two, and I will come back with a photo filled entry with all our Christmas decor! I've been working hard as a busy bee!

True Meaning of Christmas

2009-12-01T08:00:00.001-06:00

I received this email about a month ago from a colleague. I have so much to say on the CHRISTmas Season, and rather than pulling out my soapbox, I feel that this poem is fitting and declares all that I believe.

Jesus Christ is the reason I celebrate Christmas. While I firmly believe without the birth of Jesus Christ, we would have no reason to celebrate such a holiday, I have great respect of those who choose to celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa....or whatever. However, I do feel that Christmas should not be shunned from the spotlight. If I can be respectful of other's beliefs, can they do the same for me?

*Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Obama, Now Daschle, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
not Happy Holiday !*
Please, all Christians join together and
wish everyone you meet during the holidays a
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!

Just a peek...

2009-11-18T09:51:00.003-06:00

Just a sneak peek at a new Christmas card design. I know, turkey before the tree...but in a world where you are designing cards for people to send out during the season, it's good practice to have a few things on hand. If you are interested in ordering information, please feel free to contact me at fridgeartinvites@gmail.com or alice.c.allen@gmail.com. I would be THRILLED to help you out!

2009-11-16T15:26:00.007-06:00

See Point A (if you can) and see where Point B is? Yup, I'm traveling 10 hours for a turkey....and the best family on Earth! Tiny, little town of Monett, Missouri, old stomping grounds of Daddy Rich. There's not much to this place, but what they do have to offer is a lot fun! I've been hoarding birthday money to pick out my new pair of cowboy boots at the Justin Outlet, saving the majority of my stocking knick knack purchases for Modern Variety, the old five and dime that still has hot, roasted cashews at the counter. It's also home to my favorite pharmacy/Hallmark that carries the Hallmark keepsakes.

Bless that sweet husband's heart, he's driving all 10 hours with me. (You didn't think that there was an airport close did you?) He's also sacrificing watching the Iron Bowl in the state of Alabama for the first time in his 28 years on this earth! If that ain't love, I don't know what is.

Just starting to get a little excited and thought I would share some of my favorite things about Thanksgiving. I've never spent one at home in Kentucky. How crazy is that? What are your plans for the Thanksgiving holiday?

Christmas Gifts

2009-11-12T08:16:00.004-06:00

I am starting what I consider "early" Christmas shopping this week. I know that many Christmas ~~Crazies~~ Enthusiasts have already completed their shopping, but I'm trying to simplify my life and pocketbook by slowly getting presents together. In fact this weekend, I plan on nestling me and my sewing machine around the table out at our lake house to start my Christmas presents!

What?! No shopping mall you ask?! That's right, I opt many a times for the handmade and homemade. They're more heartfelt and have more meaning. If you think you might be receiving a present from me, refrain from what I am about to show you, or you'll ruin the surprise! (Hint: Laura, Meagan, Paige and Laura Beth, I said NO!)

If you're super interested in Christmas gift tutorials, I highly suggest you visit Edie over at Life on Grace. She has been hosting the 12 Days of Christmas, a guide to homemade gifts. I wish I could take credit for any of these tutorials and pass them off for my own, but that would not do justice for the creative minds that have helped host this. These gals are brilliant!

Off to work! Have a blessed day!

Happy Veterans Day!

2009-11-11T07:34:00.007-06:00

Happy Veterans Day America!

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving season, I am reminded of how thankful I am for our country's veterans. Young and old, thank you! You are the people who have fought the HARDEST for our great country. You are the reason we're free!

I have had so many friends and their families that have been affected by the war in recent times, and I am thinking and praying for you today. I also want to remember my two favorite Navy Veterans today, my grandfathers. (Wow! They were so handsome! No wonder my grandmothers fell for them!)

"Papa"

"Poppy"

Santa's elves are working...

2009-11-10T08:54:00.006-06:00

Pardon my absence! Santa's ~~basement~~ workshop has been busy working on Fridge Art Invites' Christmas collection! I have been working super hard to design several order ready Christmas cards, photo cards, etc... Chase has been diligently working on my website that will hopefully launch sometime next week. (We have been ironing out a few kinks!) In the meantime, you can always visit my Facebook group. This gives a sample of some of my work from last year. I hope that this year will be even better! If you're interested in my unique approach to ordering "print your own" cards for the Christmas Season, please feel free to email me at alice.c.allen@gmail.com or visit my Facebook group!

The Struggles of a Foodie

2009-10-28T10:14:00.002-05:00

I’ve pondered this question for so long and I need some enlightening. The topic: Picky Eaters. I’m surrounded by them!

Yes, at one time I was a rather picky eater, but refusing to try something was absolutely out of the question. Some of my mother’s most famous words were and still are, “You don’t have to like it, but you have to try it.” Because of this, I’ve learned that I could not stomach my grandmother’s sausage and noodle dish, meatloaf, eggplant or beef stroganoff. How did I figure this out? Surely not making an assumption, but I TRIED them.

I can’t fathom eating the same thing over and over and over again. {I love food….I am a self-proclaimed foodie. I love cooking new things, sharing recipes and trying new restaurants!} Are you a picky eater? Maybe you can make me aware why you choose not to try new things. I’m trying not to judge one’s choices in cuisine, but when the picky eaters I am surrounded by can’t give me an answer other than “It looks gross...smells bad...etc…”, I have a hard time accepting that as a valid answer. JUST TRY A BITE!

When you come back to me again...

2009-10-27T12:04:00.004-05:00

As you may recall, back in August I made a horrible discovery...my Bible went missing! This was the one that made it's way through the first 2.5 years of living in Birmingham and discovering it's missing status trouble me!

Well, rejoice! My Bible is back! My mom called me this morning to tell me that my Aunt Betsy had called and said she had a red Bible with my name on it. Mom said Betsy quoted, "She probably hasn't missed it." Mom assured her we have been on a raking search for the beloved Bible for nearly 3 months now!

The funny thing is, it went missing well before I thought it did. Easter Sunday to be exact! I went to church with my family in Athens that day and I guess during the excitement of going home to my aunt's house to devour Easter Sunday lunch, I left it in the pew. Someone in their Sunday School found it and after a few weeks of searching for someone that knew "Alice C." realized that I belonged to Betsy.

Thank you for those who prayed for it's safe return! My dear Book will be back in my hands this weekend! Now if only Chase's wedding ring would magically appear, we'd be in great shape!

Happy 112th Birthday Kappa Delta!

2009-10-23T09:18:00.003-05:00

Happy Founder's Day to my fellow Kappa Delta sisters out there reading! I am honored to have been a part of one of the top collegiate chapters, the Delta Gamma Chapter of Kappa Delta at Western Kentucky University! I am now a chapter advisor to the Birmingham-Southern College and a member of the top alumnae chapter in the United States!

As cheesy as it may sound, my ~~tribe~~ sorority was an instrumental part of becoming an adult. The values and lessons learned are literally indescribable and the friends I made are there for a lifetime. They saying, "Looking from the outside in, you can never understand it. Looking from inside out, you can never describe it" could not be a more fitting description.

Happy Birthday Kappa Delta and thank you for all the opportunities you have brought me over the past 8 years!

Ta Kala Diokomen...Let us strive for that which is honorable, beautiful and highest.

She's a super freak...

2009-10-22T10:22:00.003-05:00

I have to admit something. Since this is a personal blog, I feel that I should share something personal. Don’t worry, it’s not too personal…but since many of you are strangers, I am sharing this with you. I tend to put icing on things in this blog, but I want my readers to know that I am a real. I have struggles, bad days and even though I enjoy my job, I don’t necessarily want to work every day! My house is only clean on Fridays, {only because we’re gone every weekend and I hate coming home to a messy/dirty house!} we need a new roof and my chimney is smelling up my house. {Whew, that felt better!}

Both of my parents will tell you and now I will finally admit to it….I am ~~100%~~ 110% CONTROL FREAK. {Think Margaret Wade from Dennis the Menace!} I love to be in charge, in control and bossy 99.9% of the time. That’s a terrible characteristic to have, right? I’m working, working, working on this so that I’m 85% in control of things. {50% is NOT feasible at this time!} Blame it on me being a Leo. We love to be the center of attention, in control….

My controlling tendencies have grown to not letting Chase cook dinner {because I feel it’s my job}, cleaning the house without asking for help and even getting territorial over my work on my desk from my co-workers. Are any of you finding this familiar? What do you do to “take it down a notch?” All I can do is pray and bite my lip these days. I’m really trying…really I am. I will take any constructive criticism you wonderful readers have to offer!

A return from my brief hiatus...

2009-10-19T11:13:00.004-05:00

I've finally returned from a brief hiatus from blogging. No reason other than I've been a busy bee!!

To re-cap, my parents came down for the weekend for Alabama's homecoming. To say it was frigid, might have been an understatement. It felt more like December for the 6:45 kick-off! Needless to say, the Tide pulled off and ugly "W" that made their rankings hop up to #1 in the country. My parent's had a great time and I enjoyed their company when Chase went to stand and watch the game in his "quiet place" as I like to call it.

Sunday, my dear friend Amy and I took our pups to Birmingham's new and first ever dog park. If you live in the area and are a dog owner, this is a MUST! Winston and Ruthie (his fellow schnauzer gal pal) had a ball running and sniffing around with new friends! Located in George Ward Park off Green Springs, the park holds two large fenced in areas. One for large dogs and one for small. It was so funny to watch them play. They acted like little children would at the park...both a little timid, they hung close to mom before venturing off. A few wild dogs would run over and try to coax them into a little game of chase and they would run off. Every few minutes they would run over to check in with us, let them know about their new friends and take off again. To see pictures by the Birmingham News, click here!

I hope everyone is enjoying their fall weather! I will be back soon to share some of my new recipes and Halloween decorations in the coming days! Enjoy your Monday!

With this ring...

2009-10-05T13:17:00.007-05:00

This past weekend, we went with several other couples for a long weekend in Grayton Beach (I will post on that later!). The trip was much needed and much enjoyed. On Friday morning all the boys woke up to play golf and the girls off to lunch and splitting up for beach time and shopping.

Upon the boys return from the golf course, they met us out on the beach. Much to my surprise, when Chase returned with them, he was missing an important item, his wedding band. {Before any conclusions are made, I must brag on this boy....he NEVER takes it off with the exception of two events. Xbox in the basement and golfing...and trust me, if you saw the yucky callus/cut that thing gives him, you'd be happy to let him play sans ring!} Somewhere between the time he put his ring in his safe-keeping pocket of his golf bag, the ring fell out. He played it off rather well, because he had his suspicions on two very suspicious and fun-loving friends that might have taken it as a joke. Needless to say, it has not made it's way back to his finger.

We have since then bought him a "temp" ring and at an Everyday Low Price and crossing our fingers and saying prayers for the original's return. While I'm sad that his ring is MIA, I must say that sweet Chase has handled this with grace. He was pretty upset that his ring was gone. On Saturday night he insisted that I make him an aluminum foil ring so he wouldn't feel so "naked". How joyful and happy is my heart that my husband is so proud to display his promise to me all the time. Although we have talked about it just a piece of metal, it is a proud display and comfort to possess when we can't be with each other. Does it get any better than that?

Say a little prayer for me!

2009-09-30T15:10:00.003-05:00

I have a request for my readers/blog stalkers! Will you please say a prayer for me?

Recently I have decided that it is time to finish pursuing my goals in becoming a licensed & registered interior designer. I've completed the first two requirements, that which are obtaining a degree in interior design and completing a few thousand hours of interior design experience. Check. Next, examination time!

I have two prayer requests....the first the ability and drive to study, study study! It is the most crucial part of this 3 fold, 2 day test. Some content I know well, the others I can't remember at all! I've had friends that have passed and some that failed. The majority passed with exceptional study habits. The test is in April 2010, but I have to register by December.

This brings me to my second request. I have reviewed a professional career development profile with my boss to put all my goals out there on the table. After reviewing the process with him, he is in full support of my decisions. This is excellent news, especially since it is being decided in the next week whether my company will financially support this decision. While I never want to ask for handouts, I would graciously accept any financial help that might be offered my way. This test is not cheap....at all, and if you fail, you pay and take it again. Loverly, huh? If you can please lift another prayer for the right decisions to be made on everyone's part in order for this to take place. Times are hard economically in the building business, so this would be a big offering from my company if granted.

Thanks for remembering me. I'm super, super nervous about this entire process. I want to pass on the first try...and be licensed!

Opening a new door...

2009-09-29T07:49:00.010-05:00

See this happy little boy in the window? He's so excited (and his momma too) that he finally has a new front, storm door to look at and howl at neighbors a little too close to his curb! We would like to thank Chase for the hard work, a few beverages and hours of frustration to get that thing up! I've been asking for a replacement for 5 years, after Hurricane Ivan inconveniently thought we didn't need one any longer!

Hallelujah, sunlight reigns in our hallway again!

Happy National Pancake Day!

2009-09-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy National Pancake Day!

I'm beating myself up right now because I somehow managed to tell myself I didn't need any of the The Fresh Market's Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle mix. How delicious does this sound on a cool, fall weekend morning? (Not that it's cool here....it's still in the 80's well into October!) I think I may have to swing back by there this weekend to pick up a package! It's on sale this week for $3.50.

Stella & Dot

2009-09-25T14:44:00.009-05:00

Want to know my newest obsession? This fabulous, affordable line of jewelry...maybe you've heard of it? Stella and Dot! Obsessed! My dear friend Leslie introduced it to me. Leslie is Chase's dearest gal pal from college and we became good friends the minute he introduced us! She is the mom to twins Addy and Braedon....all while selling this fabulous little line!

Stella and Dot has become quite a hit with celebrities, include Jillian from The Bachelorette. Here are a few fabulous pieces I have invested (right Chase?) this summer. Love, love, love them all!

Interested? Click on Leslie's name and it will take you straight to her blog with her Stella and Dot information!

Penelope (Chase bought this for me for our anniversary!)

Bloom Flower Ring

(I love the little ladybug in it! I bought this for my bestie's birthday!)

Grace Pearl Bauble Bracelet

Gimme Shelter!

2009-09-24T09:21:00.006-05:00

Considering a new pet? Ever considered adopting a shelter pet? They make great ones....just ask me. I have one that lives with me and he's the greatest pet ever!!! In fact, he's not even a pet, he's my baby.

But you want a puppy to grow up with your children? They have those. Don't give me the excuse that you want a purebred...yep, they've got that covered too. So many pets these days are being abandoned by their owners, because they don't want them anymore, or they can't afford them. Take Ollie, my parents new rescue his previous owners just couldn't care for him any longer.....or Rosie, their other rescue, a puppy mill dog, unwanted. What about my Winston? Abandoned and tied up outside the shelter overnight. {We knew he had practice at that pitiful face before we got him!}

I received an email from the Humane Society of North America this morning. {No, they're not PETA....don't worry.} Right now there is a movement on the rise....adopting shelter animals. Please check out The Shelter Pet Project for more information and the cute campaign commercials. And while I'm on the subject....I might as well introduce you to Kelly. She's a wonderful soul that I've never met, but I have become involved in her pet rescue transportation system called Kelly's Pet Dog Rescue Transports. They take shelter pets from all over the country and transport them to foster homes and shelters that can't keep pets in them long enough because gosh darn it, those folks in those towns are smart and adopt! If you are unable to have a pet, this a great way to help out!

I can make a promise to you, there will be joy in your heart when you adopt a homeless pet. They will let you know everyday that in some little way what a difference you made in their life. Pledge to adopt your next pet.

Winston....he's the sweet boy.

Rosie...she's the Princess

Ollie B. ~~Good~~ Bad....he's not really, just mischievous!

The Three Rescue Musketeers!

When it rains, it pours....

2009-09-23T08:22:00.004-05:00

...and we've had quite a bit of rain literally. Going on a week solid, although we had a nice break with some blue skies, sunshine and typical Alabama mugginess.

Anyway, after much ~~begging~~, ~~whining~~, convincing my dear Chase, I went and finally got my rear brakes repaired....after 3 years of needing them replaced! {Boy, was I lucky!} I can finally go down all those hills in Mountain Brook with ease and not have my delightful car singing vibrated! So I pick my car up....oh yeah, it rains when it pours. 3 tires are needing to be replaced very soon. {Only 2/32" left!} It never ends with an older car!! Pray that I hit the lottery {when I hit the Florida state line in a few weeks, shame on you Alabama for being so ~~stupid~~ naive on the benefits of a lottery} or we sell the lake so that my precious car can be repaired, or replaced.

Holiday Hopping...again.

2009-09-22T15:05:00.002-05:00

I'm doing it again! Everything I stand for, but with all good intentions aaaaaaaaaand reason! HOLIDAY HOPPING! I'm listening to a few Christmas tunes, because I am trying to get my sweet little business of Fridge Art Invites Christmas 2009 Collection together! I'm seeking inspiration for the frugalista Season Greeters! I have YET to start and I'm hoping to get a little ahead of the game! I will be posting as I go along, so look for some new content to this blog besides my personal life! :)

Also, Chase and I are in the midst of getting Fridge Art's website up and running!!!! FINALLY! I will make a formal announcement in the next few weeks!

Happy Autumnal Equinox!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a Pirates Life for Me!

2009-09-19T07:00:00.002-05:00

Top of the mornin' ye blogger buckos! It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Don't believe me? Aye it's true! I was introduced t' this holiday by me favorite college professor, Tracy. She came into ID studio talkin' like a pirate and continued t' remind us annually o' this day!

Would you like t' know more about this hilarious holiday? Check out it's website t' learn more and brush up on your pirate lin'o.

By t' way...Roll Tide Roll! Arrrrrrrrrr!

September visit to Kentucky

2009-09-18T12:58:00.008-05:00

I try to get home as often as I can. For this busy body, it's sometimes hard, but I ALWAYS make time to go home. There's something about the smell of your childhood home, sitting in your living room...it gives me warm fuzzies. Nostalgia kicking in again...

Elk Creek Vineyard Amphitheatre

This trip was jam packed with good times. On Saturday, Mom and I went to celebrate my birthday a little over a month late in Owenton, Kentucky at the Elk Creek Vineyard. This is Kentucky's largest vineyard...and it's beautiful! What did we do there? Oh, my sweet parents got me tickets to see THE TEMPTATIONS! They were amazing! There is only one original living member and he still performs with them! We kept cracking up, because one of the members looked just like Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Belaire. I kept waiting for him to break out and do "The Carlton" on stage the entire night. Upon arriving and getting settle into our amazing seats, I noticed that many folks were carrying around wine, so my nosed sniff out the concessions and came back to my seat with an amazing $10 bottle of wine in an ice bucket! Can't beat that!

Sunday we were heathens and skipped church to go eat Sunday lunch at the park during dad's lunch break. {Mammoth Cave National Park for non-South Central Kentucky natives} I ran into old friends, and went and visited my old colleagues in the ticket office! {I really do miss working in the Visitor Center!} After lunch, we headed back home so that we could visit with my best friend Amy, her daughter Ellie Kaye and Amy's mom, Kaye. I have known Amy's family my entire lives, as they are some of our family's best and dearest friends.

As sweet as she is....she didn't make me catch a fever!

Ellie Kaye and her sweet Mama! She looks just like Amy's baby pictures.

This weekend, though I wouldn't mind going home for another visit, I am staying home for the first time since June! I'm pretty excited for a weekend of football, church and hanging out with Chase!

Did I mention that we had these three, grey ankle biters all weekend long?
They definately are the Three Musketeers!

I'm still here...buried under construction drawings!

2009-09-17T07:43:00.003-05:00

Hello out there! I promise I'm still around and have lots to share. I've been SUPER busy at work this week with 10+ new floor plans! I promise to try and share before the weekend! Don't lose faith in me!

Where were you?

2009-09-11T07:00:00.003-05:00

Minton Hall (formerly Central Hall), Western Kentucky University--photo millermz (Flickr)

I was leaving my dorm room in Central Hall on my way to class. Only 18 years old, a freshman at Western Kentucky University. I spent the afternoon at the sorority house with my sisters glued to the TV. Glued was the only reaction I had. Disbelief...I'm still am in disbelief.

It's hard to believe that just 8 years ago, 3 planes crashed into the World Trade Center buildings and the Pentagon. It's still so fresh in my memory. I pray today for those who lost loved ones, that gave their life to rescue those who had survived as well as those who perished and especially those who are fighting overseas to protect our great nation.

Today is Patriot Day. Fly that flag out in front of your house (Screw the neighborhood association that will fine you for doing so...others are paying a much heavier price for you to fly that flag!) Lift up a prayer to God. Be proud that you are an American. Remember and don't ever forget that freedom is not free.

Cayenne Rubbed Chicken with Avocado Salsa

2009-09-10T10:49:00.010-05:00

I'm an avid Martha Stewart Living Radio listener. I listen to most of their programs throughout the work day. One particular spot I listen to is Everyday Food with Sandy Gluck. Amazing I tell ya! (Don't miss Whatever Martha with Alexis and Jennifer either....they will have you in stitches!)

Back in the spring their What's for Dinner Tonight? recipe was Cayenne Rubbed Chicken with Avocado Salsa. I have a weak spot for anything spicy, hot or avocados. This recipe has been one of my favorite "go to" meals and was in instant hit with Chase. For a print out you can visit Martha Stewart's website.

Cayenne Rubbed Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

Ingredients
Serves 4
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 to 8 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium red onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 Hass avocado, pitted and cut into chunks

Directions
-In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and cayenne; rub all over chicken.
-In a large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add chicken, and cook until browned on the outside and opaque throughout, 8 to 10 minutes per side.
-Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine onion and lime juice; set aside. Just before serving, fold avocado chunks into onion mixture; season with salt and pepper. Serve chicken topped with salsa.

Alice's Notes: I add fresh cilantro and an extra tablespoon of lime juice to give a little more flavor to the salsa!

{I also took pictures of what I actually cooked recently, but the pictures have disappeared! I guess my documents folder thought it looked yummy and ate it!}

I ain't never been nothin' but a winner...

2009-09-05T09:00:00.002-05:00

I can't say much right now, because I'm speechless.

Chase's annual Gameday CD is complete. We're at the lake. The Tide kicks off at 7:00. It just doesn't get any better than this! I've got chills already....FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE!!!

I painted this picture of the legendary Bear Bryant as a "Football Season" present for Chase. Because as he says, "It's like Christmas and I'm too excited to sleep!" Merry Football Season Chase! Go Bama! Roll Tide!

Holiday Hopping!

2009-09-04T11:28:00.011-05:00

Holiday Hopping - My uncle Linc defines this as one who skips important holidays and moves ahead to another. IE) The people who put their Christmas decorations up before Thanksgiving. I will never understand why Birmingham Magic 96.5 FM decides to play their Christmas selection from November 1st-December 31st. Yes, you heard me correct.

Well friends and neighbors, I have committed a crime of Holiday Hopping! All on accident of course! I was perusing the Martha Stewart website and her Halloween decorations caught my eye!!! Yes, I looked, I learned, I loved!!
See for yourself!

I love this! My dining room center piece!

Finally! A use for those horrible "Gagamaggots" {Remember those horrible orange & black wrapped candies that you never ate from your Halloween loot?!}

It seems as if here lately my mind has been wandering towards the fall season that is rapidly approaching and I've started my research on great Halloween decor. {Blame it on the unseasonably mild Alabama weather we've been having!} One of my frequent follows in my blog roll is Urban Grace Interiors. My dear friend Meagan introduced me to Erika's amazing blog that displays her talents. In no way do I want to take any credit for her amazing entry on Halloween decor, so please check out the link.

What are some of your favorite fall decor? I would love to see any of your ideas....some that you wouldn't mind seeing duplicated with gratitude at the Allen house this fall. {You can bet though, I won't have up my Halloween motifs until October 1st!}

{Disclaimer: I am sorry if you are one of those people who loves to get the season started early but I simply CANNOT do this! It is a pet peeve of mine! I like for each holiday to be enjoyed to it's fullest extent and not have their thunder stolen!}

From the Funny Papers...

2009-09-01T15:54:00.006-05:00

I love reading the funnies in The Birmingham News during lunch. I still read them...yep, perpetual kid. Don't hate.

Anyway....this Dennis the Menace reminds me of my childhood, only it was both parents reserving the TV. This is all Chase can manage to talk about the past month!

Only 4 more days till the Crimson Tide kicks off!!! RTR!

Flashback Friday: Dirty Dancing Soundtrack

2009-08-28T08:23:00.008-05:00

I haven't done a Flashback Friday in eons!! I figured it was time to bring it on back! What better topic than the above mentioned title?

I recently re-discovered my Dirty Dancing soundtrack the other night. (Frantically searching for my MIA Bible) I listened to it on the way to work yesterday morning and it was instant feel good sound! I'm sure many girls that grew up in the 80's still have a slight obsession with this movie as do I! I can remember dancing to this at slumber parties with all my friends and arguing over who would get to be Baby

What was your favorite song from the soundtrack? I have a few flashbacks posted below to show you my two favorites

{Note: I was not allowed to watch Dirty Dancing, but a certain cool babysitter, ahem, Amber...didn't seem to know that. And we never told her any different!}

The B-I-B-L-E! Where on Earth could my Book be?!

2009-08-27T09:13:00.004-05:00

I cannot find my Bible anywhere!!! I am extremely distraught by this. I was presented that Bible by my favorite pastor ever, the Wonderful Rob Stout, from my church I grew up in. Now, some would tell me that it's just a Bible, but to me, it's the last little physical piece of my old church I have with me. True, I have my confirmation Bible presented by Rob as well, but it's not mine that has traveled with me through the first 3 years of the "real world." Please pray that I find it, or someone finds it. I have several eyes looking for the possible places it could be.

In the meantime I have been borrowing a copy of Chase's. It's getting me through, but I just started Beth Moore's newest study, Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman. I would really like to have mine back!!! Do you have any suggestions for a good, affordable (I never understood why the Bible can be priced so outrageously! ) NIV version. I would appreciate comments and suggestions...and a prayer to find mine, because that is what I prefer!

Salt air it ain't thin, it'll stick right to your skin. It'll make you feel fine, make you feel fine...

2009-08-25T21:25:00.007-05:00

Don't you just love a good Jimmy Buffett song? Tin Cup Chalice has to be my absolute favorite. I grew up on that stuff. Anyway...

Chase and I ventured down to the Gulf Coast this weekend to spend some quality time with his family. I have to admit, I really love living a quick car ride after work down to the beach! We didn't do much special, just spent quality family time together. I am very thankful for the wonderful family I married into. I have always felt right at home with them...and that's a good, warm feeling to have!

Chase and me

Chase

My sister in law Taylor and me

L-R: Madison, Valerie, Hunter, Barbie, Eddie, Taylor, Chase, Alice

Cheyenne

2009-08-24T07:43:00.013-05:00

I got this email from my parents this weekend and I had to share. It's an amazing story of a man, a dog and God's love. It reminds me of a prayer that took a few years to answer.

For several years I had suffered from anxiety. Taking any necessary route to get my life back on track was a goal for me. My parents, Chase and friends were always there to lend any support necessary. Many of those times I had thought too quickly that I had defeated this battle, only to have a set back. I prayed so hard, everyday, sometimes hours for God's help.

After moving to Birmingham, my troubles started to disintegrate, but I was always waiting for the setback. I continued to pray for my health and that it God would ward it off. I was determined to kick this lingering anticipation once and for all. During this time, Chase and I adopted a rescue dog...Winston to be exact. Just like the daughter praying for her dad in this story, Dubya was in many ways the answer to my prayers. Since his adoption, my fears of anxiety and it's return have diminished. I guess you can say that he and I take care of each other...(We also take care of Chase and he takes care of us as well!) I hope you enjoy this heartwarming story.

CHEYENNE

By Catherine Moore

'Watch out! You nearly broadsided that car!' My father yelled at me. 'Can't you do anything right?'Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle.

'I saw the car, Dad.. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving.' My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt. Dad glared at me, then, turned away and settled back. At home, I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him?

Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon . He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess. The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day, I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man.

Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived. But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned and then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone.

My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation.. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon, I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session, he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done, and it was up to me to do it.

The next day, I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered. In vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, 'I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article.' I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.

I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one, but rejected one after the other for various reasons, too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen, a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hipbones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.

I pointed to the dog. 'Can you tell me about him?' The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement. 'He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him; that was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow.' He gestured helplessly. As the words sank in, I turned to the man in horror. 'You mean you're going to kill him?' 'Ma'am,' he said gently, 'that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog.' I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. 'I'll take him,' I said. I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house, I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch. 'Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!' I said excitedly. Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. 'If I had wanted a dog, I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it' Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house. Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples. 'You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!' Dad ignored me.. 'Did you hear me, Dad?' I screamed. At those words, Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate. We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when, suddenly, the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw. Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then, Dad was on his knees, hugging the animal. It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne . Together, he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet.

Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then, late one night, I was startled to feel Cheyenne’s cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe, and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night. Two days later, my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind.

The morning of Dad's funeral dawned, overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And, then, the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers.' 'I've often thanked God for sending that angel,' he said. For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article. Cheyenne ’s unexpected appearance at the animal shelter… his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father… and the proximity of their deaths. And, suddenly, I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all. Life is too short for drama & petty things, so laugh hard, love truly, and forgive quickly. Live While You Are Alive. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

Chase...The Husband Wonder!

2009-08-19T21:25:00.010-05:00

As I sit with my feet propped up on the back of the couch, trying to make sense of the senseless parents on TLC's Toddlers and Tiaras, Chase is standing up on a ladder installing ceiling mounted speakers. My dear husband has a well rooted love for quality sound and high definition. After two days of asking me how I felt about him installing the speakers, I surrendered my reservations just as I did with our fifty something inch TV. He loves his toys. The only condition that I asked was that there would not be a gaping hole in our ceiling and that it look professional. Who was I kidding? Everything he does looks professional!!

I must brag for just a moment on Chase and give him credit where credit is due. Besides being a natural Mr. Fix It, he is quite domesticated. Last night I came home and he had picked up groceries for supper and made it all himself. It was such a special treat and very delicious. Taking a break from laundry, cooking and all my other tendencies at home was a nice vacation. He frequently helps me clean, repairs things I somehow "mess up", cooks....he's a catch! {Easy though, he's already been caught!}

Chase truly has a heart of gold and I feel truly blessed to have him as my husband. God sure had a pretty brilliant idea in pairing us together. {Thanks Big Guy!}

On a completely different note, I finally purchased and have completed all the embellishments on my market basket I bought with my birthday money! With the monogramming help of my colleague Ashley and a little sewing I did after I got my basket back from her, here is my finished product!!! I present my "Gameday" basket! I absolutely cannot wait to take this precious thing tailgating with me this year!!!

{Post Script : We have a wonderful finished sound system that got it's full scale approval by testing the waters on the 2008 Alabama vs. LSU game. It sounds GREAT!}

Meet Me in St. Lou-eeeey, Lou-eeeey...

2009-08-16T11:39:00.000-05:00

Meet me at the fair! Don't tell me the lights are shining any place but there!!

Ah, this past Thursday, Friday and Saturday Chase and I went for our much anticipated trip to St. Louis. This city is one of my favorite places on Earth! Why? I'm a HUGE Cardinals fan. Our family made a trek to this town on the mighty Mississippi every summer for a quick vacation, sight see and eat peanuts at Busch Stadium. It's also the town where my parents, as well as Chase and I got engaged! I guess you could say it holds great sentimental value.

We left Birmingham on Thursday morning and a short 59 minute flight later, we were there! Chase had a few work meetings on Thursday and Friday, but that keep me boarded up in our hotel. We stayed in St. Louis' Union Station Marriott. Union Station in it's heyday in the 40's was one of the busiest train stations in the United States. The architecture is unreal...very Romanesque. You know me... if it has flair, good bones and architecture, it's good enough for me.

Thursday night we met up with my sorority sister, Paige and her husband Christopher, who are city dwellers. We had an amazing dinner at this great neighborhood Irish pub called McGurk's. I would highly recommend if you are traveling to St. Louis soon. Very local....and we love local!

Friday, after a nice brunch with Paige and Chase's meetings, we ventured to the the St. Louis Zoo. A free zoo! How nice is that?! Because we have both been to STL several times, we ventured beyond past visited landmarks such as the Anheuser Busch Brewery, the Gateway Arch and Grants Farm. Friday evening, we met up with several of Chase's business contacts at Mike Shannon's for dinner and drinks and then on to a Cardinals game!! I must say that this trip was paramount because it was my first time to ever see the Cards win a home game....and that's about 16 years worth of ballgames!!
The trip went by without any flaws...well except one true emergency. After Chase and I celebrated the Cards win over more drinks, we returned to our hotel about 1:00 AM to nestle into those comfy Marriott beds. Little did we know that at 5:00 that morning would the hotel fire alarm sound. I was slightly alarmed, so I made Chase get up and take the proper exit routes with several other sleepy eyed guest. He was reluctant to get up, but after convincing him that we might possibly get stuck in our hotel room if there was a fire, I pried him out of bed. How you might ask? Only after brewing a cup of coffee to take with him while we waited. If we could hook him up to a coffee drip, we would. Turns out someone who probably had too much fun at the ballgame the night before pulled the alarm as a prank.

Since arriving home yesterday afternoon, we've literally been posted on the couch! It's a yucky Sunday afternoon, we've already been to early church, ate breakfast and now enjoying the paper while Dubya takes a nap between us. Could it have been a more perfect long weekend?

Summer Tomatoes on the Windowsill

2009-08-11T11:48:00.010-05:00

A good portion of my life, I have been told that I’m an “old soul born a few decades too late.” I enjoyed being a child of the 80’s and 90’s. I was a Cabbage Patch crazed kid, watched Full House and imitated Steve Urkel, but whenever we would visit my grandparents in North Alabama, I would become the little girl who longed to have grown up in my mom’s place…or even a couple of decades before then.

My grandparents lived in a historic district (and my grandfather still resides in that home) in a turn of the century home that they completely gutted and restored with their own two hands. To a child, an old home with 6 fireplaces, a secret passage to the basement and closets of treasures was pure enchantment. Both of my grandparents grew up poor, so most of their belongings were those in which they worked hard to buy…including their home. My cousins, sister and I would always be on the snoop in the closets to find fun things to entertain us. Though all those discoveries were amusing, one of the things that I always will remember about my grandparents is the everyday things in life they did.

I have recently discovered the influence these wonderful people in my life. They have crept into my home life slowly without realizing. It’s not the way I fold my laundry, or the meals I cook, (but I do those too) but rather the smaller things that sometimes are un-noticed. My grandmother ALWAYS had a bottle of Windex for cleaning and Ivory soap to wash her dishes with. Please, someone report me to her in Heaven if I they are ever absent in my home!

Possibly one the most notorious actions I take was kindly pointed out to me by Chase the other night. On recent trips to Athens, my grandfather has sent me home a dozen or so tomatoes from his garden....as he has done for 26 years. Rather than placing them in my vegetable basket when we get home, I line them up along my kitchen window sill. Chase asked me the other day why I always do that. My Poppy would tell you it’s to help ripen them for better eating, but I do it because that’s what Poppy does.

I’m sentimental and nostalgic, I know this all too well, but it truly does amaze me all the family traditions that are handed down through the years. Some more prevalent than others, but none the less, they are a part of your own special threadwork. Be proud of who you are and where you came from. It’s your richest possession.

Rollin' on the Rivah

2009-08-09T19:46:00.015-05:00

This weekend my best friends (and sorority sisters) in the entire world came down to see me!!! In my very first blog entry about a year ago, I explained my wonderful pals. They are the infamous Brownies. (Now how we came to the name ourselves the Brownies is a very long story, that which will find it's appropriate place in a future blog.) For further character explanation of the Brownie, please refer to Laura's blog entry.

Friday, after a long and stressful day, Dubya and I packed down my car and headed up 65 to Athens to my grandfather's rivah camp. It's a slice of Heaven on Earth. Don't believe me? See for yourself! We spent our entire weekend basking in the sun on my birthday present....an island raft! We ate wonderful food, drank tasty concoctions, talked, talked, talked, jumped off the dock, danced to Michael Jackson, visited to with my Poppy....I could yammer on, but I won't bore you anymore.

After spending long weekends with friends that I don't see near enough, it really makes me step back and thank God for all the blessings he has placed in my life. I have a husband who does more than any other husband I have heard of, a great job, and a wonderful family that doesn't get caught up in material things in life and focuses on the things that matter. Though I wouldn't rate my blessings in any order, my Brownies are one that I pulled out all the lucky cards on. Life is good.

{On a side note, my sister Sally got engaged this weekend!!!}

Curbing my Enthusiasm

2009-07-30T15:08:00.004-05:00

Oh bother! My brain hurts terribly and I am feeling quite claustrophobic at the moment. Maybe it’s because I had one of the most paramount birthdays ever! My parents were here, Chase doted on me, I received countless phone calls and lively Facebook messages….and then came today. I woke up thinking it was Friday, perhaps my happy high was coming down since my parents had to go back home today, or maybe it was because I am completely drained (damned staying up too late playing Rockband with Chase!) and brought into our CEO’s office first thing. No, no, no! I wasn’t given a pink slip, just the exciting task of getting creative on a day where it is absolutely obvious that my brain has not hit full power yet. (I am LONGING for my couch clothes and about 4 or 5 reruns of Lipstick Jungle on my couch tonight!)

As I hit up some marvelous design blogs today, I did become inspired to start my very own design blog. My great friend Meagan has a wonderful design blog for her store in Louisville’s Summit, Rabbit in the Moon. As I went to some of her frequent reads, I realized that my job in the housing industry has somehow managed to put my creative interior design degree on the backburner. Today I have decided that Fridge Art Invites will debut a blog all of its own and convey my designs, as well as décor, fashion and general creative inspiration.

Be on the lookout. It may be 2 weeks, it may be 2 months. Ya’ll know I don’t like to be hurried about anything. We’ll get this ball rolling soon and I can share my design interests with the world!

Today is my un-birthday....until tomorrow!

2009-07-28T12:08:00.007-05:00

Is it obvious? I’m quite sure it is. It’s only summer and I’ve only been home ONE weekend since May. Yep, you read that correctly. So I’m sorry dear blog for being slightly neglectful the past few weeks I wish I have something cool to share with you from something fabulous I found on the web, but unfortunately that would be a lost cause at the moment. How about a few anecdotes to keep you busy and up to speed on our demanding life?

Since my last posting, we’ve been to 2 more weddings. I won’t thrill you with the details, but congratulations to Jackie & Bill and Taylor & Jamey! We have OFFICIALLY ended the Allen’s Summer Wedding Palooza 2009 Season!! Hip, hip hooray!!! Although weddings are over for us, August has officially been filled to the max. That’s okay because ALABAMA FOOTBALL KICKS OFF IN 38 DAYS! HIPHIPHIPHIPHIPHIPHIPHOORAY!

A few weeks ago, I went home to visit God’s Country. My sister turned 23, I made special visits to meet new arrivals Jacob and Ellie Kaye and catch a fabulous production of Red, White and Tuna. My hometown has a live stage theatre that has an extremely talented cast. I can’t even begin to describe how bad my side hurt from laughing at this play. The only words to describe it are the ones belonging to the Kentucky Repertory Theatre itself, “The much anticipated third installment in the Tuna trilogy takes the audience through another satirical ride into the hearts and minds of the polyester-clad citizens of Texas’ third smallest town.” Enough said? Thought so.

Today I await the arrival of mom, dad and their new dog, Rosie. They’re coming to celebrate my birthday with Chase and me. I have a trip to St. Louis with Chase in a few weeks I can’t stop squealing about and my parents got me tickets to see The Temptations in September for my present. I think they’re trying to pad the fact that I’m getting older too… I’m thinking my excitement of birthdays may be drawing to a close. Yes, I’m excited to open my cards, hopefully find a little cash in a few of them, but turning 26 has made me realize that I’m closer to 30 than I am 20, and I don’t like it. I find myself trying stay the mid-20, but the inevitable is happening. I’m turning into my mom and aunt. (Lord give me strength!)

Regardless of turning a year older tomorrow, I am looking forward to the many things that the end of summer and fall seasons are bringing to the table. I have a wonderful husband, good friends and family, and I have season tickets to all the home Alabama Crimson Tide games. Life can’t get much better for a 26 year old.

Happy 2nd Anniversary Winston!

2009-07-07T12:34:00.007-05:00

I couldn't sleep the entire night. It might have been that we had spent the night at Chase's parent's house and it wasn't my bed. Perhaps the Sundrop I drank a little close to bed, but I think the thing that kept me awake too late that night was that I was going to meet my new best friend the next morning.

Chase and I woke up super early to meet a representative from Schnauzer Love Rescue, Inc. in Tupelo, Mississippi. I can't describe the feeling that I had that morning in the rainy, Cracker Barrel parking lot. I remember seeing this sweet little face looking up at me from the red VW Beetle and I was instantly in love. Little did he or I know all the fun we would have together.

We don't really know much about the first 5 years of Winston's life. We know he came from Washburn, Missouri, which is only 20 minutes from where my dad grew up. He came to the Bartlett Animal Shelter in Barlett, Tennessee somewhere around May 10, 2007. He was tied up to the front of the shelter, or as they workers at the shelter called him, a "Door Dump," As sad as it sounds, a wonderful woman who volunteers with SLR by the name of Nita came to his rescue. A few weeks from his rescue from the shelter, he went to live with Miss Dottie, his other foster mom. From there, it was only a matter of weeks until Winston would come to Birmingham with us to live in his "furever" home.

I owe Winston's life to SLR. Without them, he may have been brought back to another terrible experience, euthanization or a life on his own. They help bring spunk back to his personality, restored his trust in humans and got him on the track back to being a normal dog. I cannot express the joy adopting a "rescue" dog has brought to my life. I have been given the job of bringing a scared little dog back to life. True, puppies from a breeder have the cuteness and knowing where they came from, but they'll always get a home. Rescuing gives such a sense of accomplishment, improving another being's life. I urge you, if you're looking to get another pet, seek out a rescue group or your local animal shelter. These animals have such gratitude for you....it's written all over their faces and in their wet kisses!!!

Happy Anniversary Winston...County....Little Man...Dubya, you are the coolest dog ever! Chase and I love you very much!

Leaving the Bartlett Animal Shelter...just adopted into Schnauzer Love Rescue.

Meeting for the first time on July 7, 2007

One of his favorite pastimes...

Busted!

Happy Birthday America!!

2009-07-06T13:55:00.014-05:00

I am a very patriotic person! Political...somewhat, but I LOVE the USA! I am a proud American and I love our country.

This past week/weekend, Chase along with about 12 other friends of ours spent the weekend out on Smith Lake. Rather than giving a long play-by-play, I think pictures with captions will do just fine!

We saw the infamous Buck Moth Caterpillar...my neighbor Rachel knows all about Buck Moths.

Rowen kept all the boys on their heels this weekend with stories, snacks and dancing.

We all floated in the lake during the day...and took our lake baths in it at night.

We took naps on the dock.

I decorated the Bayliner with festive decorations for our second attempt at the Annual Brushy Creek 4th of July Parade.

Only to get outdone.

Bet they didn't have a patriotic schnauzer aboard...

We topped the weekend off with fireworks and sparklers!

Happy Independence Day everyone!

Ronald 'Ron' Thompson: EARTHQUAKE! Nick Szalinski: No, worse...LAWNMOWER!

2009-06-22T08:57:00.011-05:00

The weekend came and left like a flash of lightening! We married off two great friends on Saturday! Congrats to Adam & Shane!

When Chase and I arrived home (still with only one car, but a few prospects of a new driveway mate for Rhonda the Honda) our yard looked like it could be the set of "Honey I Shrunk the Kids!" The grass in our yard hasn't been cut in OVER a week, and went up past my ankles. Chase pulled out the not so trusty lawnmower yesterday evening and got about half of our yard done and then the mower pretty much kicked the bucket. This now leaves us with one car, one lawnmower short and a half mowed back yard.

As Chase was scanning Home Depot's website last night for a deal on a mower, we ran across a "Robo Mower" that mows your yard all on it's own! For $1500, you can have your yard mowed by something that resembles a Rumba!

I became slightly fascinated with this contraption and I asked Chase to search it on YouTube, because I needed to see this thing in action! It was quite the comedy, though I'm not really sure whether or not I'm completely sold on this newest invention!

As our grass keeps growing, I think I'll stay out of the heat and watch Rick Moranis try and zap his kids back to normal size!

Summertime is always busy!

2009-06-17T10:06:00.016-05:00

Whew, I just realized it's been nearly a MONTH since I've blogged! I was doing so well too! Just to clarify that I wasn't being lazy or having writer's block, I am taking the time to write a personal update in our lives...and attempt to explain my absentees.

We spent one WET Memorial Day weekend at the lake. I'm talking REALLY wet, but good times were had by all. We had good food, good beer and lots of Wii Bowling!!! This just jump started our summer!

We have a hand full of weddings this summer, and as always a few parties here and there for the bride and groom, so off to the farm for Chase's cousin Emily's engagement party the weekend after Memorial Day.

This brings us to the first week in June! My mom "graduated" from teaching this year, as well as my sister Sally "retiring" from college! We threw them a joint party at my parent's house in Kentucky! Kudos to Sally for landing a job at the Hilton in Bowling Green and getting a new apartment! My mom is thoroughly enjoying retirement and she and my dad have been renovating the kitchen, putting up a fence in the back yard and ADOPTING A RESCUE SCHNAUZER! Rosie will be here July 3rd to land in her "furever" home at the Caldwell's! They are super excited!

This brings me to the last of the updates... This past weekend was our FIRST wedding anniversary! Chase and I spent another rainy (with a few spots of sunshine) weekend at the lake. We managed to find the sun for a little swimming back up in a creek, a few beers on the swim pier, and a good old fashioned swimsuit lake bath! It was a spectacular, RELAXING weekend and we have really enjoyed our first year of marriage. We came home on Sunday night to attempt to eat the top layer of our wedding cake, and yes, it was DELICIOUS!!!

In the midst of all the fun and wonderful things happening, I must share a bit of sad news with you. We are now a one car family! Yes, Chase sold his beloved 4Runner on Monday night and we handed over the keys and got the check yesterday for the old girl! She has been with him since his SENIOR year of high school!!! I told him that it would probably be a good idea to NOT show up in the same vehicle you left your graduation in. Hopefully in the next few days, we'll be able to land a good deal on a truck or SUV for us!!!

I have a few more good stories to share this week, but I'm saving them for future blogs this week, so tune back in!!!

Week of May 17th...You're getting the PINK SLIP!

2009-05-22T14:34:00.004-05:00

Dear Week of May 17th,

I regret to inform you (not really) that you are to be dismissed as of 3:00 PM this afternoon. (Thornton's going home early!) I am very disappointed in the way you turned out and I am letting you go and hope that you do not return next week to work.

From Sunday morning to find out not so good news from Athens, to the pile of work that consumed my desk the ENTIRE work week, you are no longer welcome. We can't forget how you brought the slamming of my thumb in my desk drawer on Wednesday which completely sent my moodiness/funk this week to an all time high. (Chase REALLY doesn't like you now!)

No Week of May 17th, I'm not going to miss you. In fact, once I leave my office, I hope that you will pack your things and leave. In fact, the Weekend of May 23rd is being welcomed with open arms and taking over your position effective immediately. The weekend has much more to offer than you brought to the table. She brings good food, good friends, beer and the lake. I will bask in the sun (should it decide to join the fun) and forget all about you.

Week of May 17th, you're getting the pink slip!!!
Salut, Adieu, Auf Wiedersehen, αντίο, adiós, sayonara, GOOD BYE!!!!

Cordially,
Alice

PS. You did bring good things on Thursday, as I enjoyed my lunch with Rachel and Ali!

The Art of a Thank You Note

2009-05-19T09:37:00.008-05:00

As promised in my New Years Blogging Resolution, I am sharing as Martha Stewart would say, "Good Things" with you!

Good things in my book come in a definition of many things such as fresh cut flowers, odds and ends found in nature, silver linings...my list could go on and on. Perhaps though one of the best "good things" in my list would be a good, hand-written thank you note! (I know, I'm an old soul!)

I recently got a simple, sweet thank you note from my friend Laura Beth and let me tell you, she can write one fantastic thank you note! Now any thank you note goes down with a gold star in my book, but the ones that I LOVE are the ones that thank you for the item/deed/whatever you did, how much you enjoyed/enjoy it, and then adding some personal line to it. She covered em' all!

It's not the glory of knowing you picked a wonderful present that I enjoy in a thank you note, it's excitement of receiving old fashioned [lost] art in your mailbox. Hand-written correspondence is slowly being lost due to instant messaging, phones and email.

Snail mail is the best! I enjoy heading to the Post Office anytime they release an new, interesting stamp and usually, I will head to Hallmark and find a card to send to someone for some reason or another.

So next time you receive a cool gift (or any gift for that matter), think of a friend you haven't talked to in awhile or need to send out birthday wishes to someone, make sure you send them a good hand-written note. You can still use any of the aforementioned technologies, but go that extra step and do something that will give them the excitement of "fun mail" to stand out among all those unpleasant bills!