Fridays with Floyd: Spoiled

It may be a tad evident, but Floyd is kiiinda spoiled.

I mean, not by much...

It's not like:

-he gets carried to bed every night

-gets 2 treats on Tuesday mornings because it's Two Treat Tuesday (as declared by Mister)

 -gets a tiny bit of peanut butter every day

-sleeps in bed with us. Under the covers. 

-has his bones held by us while he chews on them

Nope.

None of those things ever happen.

But Floyd did get extra spoiled last weekend.

Pepper's parents came over and gave him a puppy ice cream treat.

He was in heaven!

(The gas he had afterward was not, tmi?)

Mister caught these shots.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

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Recipe Binder Organization

I have a problem.

 I like recipes.

I really like cooking.

And I love eating.

It has been on my list to organize my recipe binder for a long time.

For at least 2 years.

#procrastinator

I began this binder about 4 years ago and have been adding to it ever since.

At point I did organize it into sections.

And then I got lazy and just started shoving print outs, magazine tear outs, and recipe cards in there.

And, as you could imagine, it was a HUGE mess.

This past Saturday I decided to finally sit down and organize it all.

The good, the bad and the ugly.

 I divided all of the my recipes into categories:

-appetizers

-sides

-pasta

-chicken

-beef 

-soup

-treats

-drinks

-party foods/ideas

-floyd

 Once I had the recipes divided out into sections I

3 hole punched them all. I attached the smaller recipes to pieces of paper and 3 hole punched those.

To make the section dividers I used cream colored card stock.

I used silver card stock for the tabs and labeled them with labels from my, beloved, label maker.

I love that pretty lady of a label maker.

 I then started cramming filling up the binder.

 Who spots my helper?

This was Phase I of the Recipe Binder Organization.

I am already planning Phase II of this project.

Phase II will be:

-dividing the recipes into at least 2 binders

-organizing the sections into more detail

i.e. types of desserts and genres of food

But for now, I am happy with the way it is.

And I can't wait to start cooking more recipes from my organized binder!

One day we will talk about my cookbook collection...

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What's In My Bag?

Make up edition.

I have been trying out some new elf items lately and wanted to let you guys in on my favorites.

I'll show you my every day go to items. 

I don't use every single one of these every day but most days you can find a combination of these on my face. 

1. Elf Mineral Foundation in Warm

Okay, I was skeptical of this but decided to try it out knowing it would be way cheaper than my beloved Bare Minerals.

Verdict: I love it.

I think it is almost identical to BM.

My only complaint would be that it is a little harder to get out (there isn't a dial, just openings)

and they don't carry it at my Target so I had to guess a little with the color.

 I mean, for $5 can you really go wrong?

2. Bare Minerals Warmth

I love love love this bronzer.
This is one BM item I will continue to buy.
I hate when bronzers are sparkly or have glitter so this one is perfect because it has neither, just a great color that is easy to build.

3. Elf Blush in Mellow Mauve

I was using Elf's Pink Passion blush but wanted a more fall/winter color blush.
(that may be the girliest thing I've ever said.)

I ordered Mellow Mauve on a whim and it is perfection.

I think it is the absolute best blush color I have come across in a long time.

4. Elf Eye Brightener
This stuff is downright amazing.
Especially on those mornings you need to feel and look extra awake.
I use it on the inside corners of my eyes and underneath my lower lashes.
Instant wake up!
5. Elf Eyeshadow in Pebble and Oatmeal
Sometimes I use these two together and sometimes I only use the pebble.
The pebble is a great every day, basic brown for your lids.

6. Elf Mineral Eyeshadow in Confident and Temptress
Two more of my favorite colors.
These have a bit of a sheen to them, I usually reserve them for weekend wear.

7. Elf Cream Eyeliner in Black 
I know this eyeliner has been talked about to death but there is a reason for it.
It's amazing!
Many moons ago I had the Stila gel eyeliner and loved it.
I have to say this one is almost identical and way cheaper.
I mean, it's Pink Lou Lou approved, it's gotta be good then, right? 
8. Elf Mineral Eyeshadow Primer in Sheer

This primer is great and really helps their mineral (and regular) eyeshadow stay on all day long.

9. L'oreal Volume Collagen Mascara

I recently purchased this mascara on a trial basis and I am so glad I did!

It is really great at building your lashes up and creating volume.

Those are the 2 things I am always looking for in a mascara and I am so happy to find both in one product.

 10. Bare Minerals Mineral Veil

This is one item that I do not use every day but I still love it.

It is such a great finishing touch and helps your makeup stay set throughout the day.
Again, more of a weekend item.
#whenthingsgetcrazy

11. Elf Makeup Mist and Set

This spray really keeps my makeup in place throughout the day.

If I am feeling crazy I will use the Mineral Veil and the Mist and Set and my face isn't going anywhere!

Honorable Mention:

Elf Lip Exfoliator

I just received this gem and I can't get enough of it. 

I have been using it before bed and letting it work it's magic overnight.

It also tastes delicious so that is just extra bonus points in my book! 

There you have, that is what is in my make up bag!
I have clearly developed a full blown elf addiction.

I mean with their variety of products and their prices who can blame me??

What are some of your favorite elf or make up items?

One last thing!
I am guest posting over at The Daily Tay today.
Please tell me you read Taylor's blog.
If you aren't you are really missing out.
And a special hello to everyone visiting from The Daily Tay!

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Weekend Wrap Up: Check Check Check

Phew. 

Weekends, why are you so tiring?

So fun but so tiring.

Our weekend was jam packed with activities and getting items crossed over our list.

Here's how it went down via Instagram

(follow me: totalbassetcase)

 Floyd was headlining in Oakley on Friday night, apparently. We went on a 'walk' after work, and he promptly just sat down. We stayed in after working around the house. I fell asleep approximately 10 minutes after I Instagramed this.

All 3 of us have been going to Starbucks on Saturday mornings and sitting outside. I kinda love it. Mister and I went to Hobby Lobby so he could get his DIY supplies.  My friend, Pam and I at the Tate of Blue Ash. That was some delicious corn. Probably because they dunked it in a bucket of butter.  Dino had a new surgery.  This time called for a skin graft i.e. a new patch.

During the past 3 weekends we were able to cross A LOT off our list

and I have to say I am very proud of us!  

Not every single thing was crossed off but we also accomplished a few things that weren't on the list.

#success

• Install new fan in the Mister's bathroom -in process
• Fill holes on deck
• Patch hole in my bathroom
• Paint my bathroom I've decided to wait on this one
  
• Organize recipe binder post coming soon about this!
• Clean up yard for fall
• Put away (and blog about) inherited items post coming soon about this
• Deep clean sofa
• Create new art for over bed in process
• Clean both of our cars 
• Mount TV
• Get rid of a few big items- Craigslist/Ebay/Goodwill run in process  

And what wasn't on the list that we completed:

• installed a new toilet seat (super exciting)
• cleaned the outside windows
• took care of some blog business
• shampooed carpets
• more!

Check. Check. and CHECK!

How was your weekend?

Linking up with these lovely ladies

Sami Dana Leeann

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Fridays with Floyd: Fetch

Gretchen from Mean Girls has a better chance of getting fetch to happen than Floyd does.

As I said last week, Floyd isn't so great at 'dog' things.

Here are 2 examples of his non dog abilities.

1.  Catching a ball thrown to him

Can't do it. Won't do it.

2. Fetch

Floyd has never, ever, in his life, played fetch outside like a normal dog.

He sometimes, sometimes plays inside down our hallway.

But only on his terms and only when he wants to and only for about 30 seconds at a time.

And then sometimes, not at all.

(please, please refrain being jealous of my outfit and wet hair.)

Like, I've said, he's much better at sleeping and eating peanut butter.

We are just going to focus on developing those skills further.

One day I'll tell you the story of the time we entered him in a basset hound race.

Happy weekend, friends!
Make it a great one!

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Vested.

This vest may be the new bubble necklace.

I have seen it all over blogland and decided that I neeeeded it.

This obsession started a while time ago, thanks to Lauren.

She has rocked this vest in so many ways.

She always looks stellar in it every.single.time.

(great example here and here she tells you are crazy for not buying it-hint, she's right)

THEN Liz had it on at the blogger meet up.

Sold, again.

And she had it on her blog here, looking adorbs as well!

And the final nail in the coffin was seeing Courtney in it.

I mean, seriously, could she look cuter?

And p.s. can I puhlease have her hair.

Guhhh, it's so gorge.

There are lots of other great examples all over blogland. 

(here, here, and here)

So after searching high and low today 

(and by that I mean calling every Old Navy in Cincinnati)

I found it!

Word to wise that Liz gave me: it runs a little big so I would size down.

I purchased a small. 

I have a green cargo jacket from quite a few years ago from Target.
I wear that jacket constantly in the fall so I think this vest is just a natural progression.

#justification

I am beyond excited to incorporate this vest into my wardrobe

(and maybe even with my bubble necklace).

Here are a few outfit ideas I've already put together

 And the options are endless!

Light weight sweaters, cardis, layered shirts, scarfs, scarfs and more scarfs.

What have you seen lately in blogland that you just had to have??

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3 Things Tuesday

Just a quick post today.

First and foremost- the giveaway winner is:

Britt from The Magnolia Pair

Congrats, Britt!
I'll shoot you an email :)

Secondly, the request for more Floyd was overwhelming from the giveaway.

If you guys insist :) 

Here is my most recent and favorite picture of him

I mean, just get out of town.

And lastly, I took advantage of elf's $1.98 shipping last week and stocked up on a few things. 

I purchased a few items I am already in love with and can't wait to share them with you!

(A 'what's in my makeup bag' post is coming soon!)

I think I have found the perfect shade of blush. 

I also purchased their version of mineral foundation.

I am pumped to see how it compares to my beloved Bare Minerals. 

Have you guys used their mineral foundation?

Thoughts? Verdict?

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Weekend Wrap Up: So Fresh and So Clean

Our weekend was BUSY.

We managed to accomplish a lot around our house

and crossed a lot off our list.

 

Friday night we had a wild and crazy date to Lowes.

We picked up a few items for the house

and rented a carpet shampooer.

#crazykids

A majority of our weekend looked like this:

 We shampooed our entire sofa and cleaned the floors to the max. 

Saturday was more of the same.

After our weekly Saturday morning date to Starbucks with Floyd

and a stop at the park to see friends.

 

I am pretty sure that every square inch of our house is clean.

Floors, bathrooms, kitchen, carpets, everything.

Even the outside windows.

Looks like a brand new sofa!  

Floyd was helpful, as always. 

Saturday night we stayed in and had pizza and beers and watched

'The Girl Who Played with Fire'.

Sunday Mister surprised me with Sunday Funday.

On Saturday he told me that we were going to do something spontaneous on Sunday.

I said okay and was so curious as to what we were doing.

Sunday morning he told me to write down what I wanted to do or thought we were doing

and he was going to write down the same.

 We switched pieces of paper and his said:

 He had arranged for Katie and Derek to come up (without me knowing)

and we had a fabulous day at the pool. 

Bud Light Limes + fire crackers + sunshine + pool time + friends = great Sunday

Phew. 

I need a weekend from my weekend.

How was yours?

Linking up with Sami, Dana and Leeann

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Fridays with Floyd: Like a Human

For being a dog, Floyd doesn't do a lot of 'dog' things.

• He can't (and won't) play fetch
• He can't catch a ball (he ducks his head if you toss one in his general direction- I'll post a video of this soon)
• Walking him is a feat in itself. Heaven forbid, he gets on a scent...

He does have a lot of human qualities though

• Sassy and dramatic antics
• Suns himself on the porch
• and my favorite, sleeps like a human 

 Mister took these pictures the other night.
He (Floyd {well Mister too}) just melts my heart.
And I'll just tell you, that fur on his neck under his ear is by far the softest thing in the entire world.
If I could somehow bottle it up and mail it to you all I would. 

And how appropriate that he is laying on the basset pillow.

And a funny Floyd story to end on...
The other night he demanded dinner
and so Mister gave him his food and told him to 'come here and eat'.
Floyd began walking over to his bowl and halfway there just laid down on the floor.
Like flat out, on the floor, on his side
LAID. DOWN.
on the way to eat.
He proceeded to lay there for a few minutes and then mustered the energy to get up and eat.

Have a great weekend, friends!
And don't forget to enter the giveaway here!

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Four Hundo: Giveaway

You guys rock, plain and simple!

400+ friends!
What?!

So to show my appreciation, thanks, and love for you guys

I am giving away this super fun, printed dot scarf!

(p.s. I only wore it for a nano second for the picture-tags are still attached!)

The color is a muted hunter green with cream colored dots.

I think it's adorable and the perfect scarf for fall!

(I'm seriously contemplating going back and getting one for myself!)

I think paired with a chambray shirt or even just a plain white tee would be so stylish.

So get to entering!

Just follow the Rafflecopter prompts below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway P.s. my friend, Elisa, just started a super cute blog so go check her out here!

P.p.s. I had the pleasure of having dinner with Jacqueline a few nights ago and she is as sweet in person as she is on her blog! Go check her out here if you haven't already!

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Products I Love: Hair Care

I have a mild obsession with hair products.

I love anything that promises me volume, volume and more volume.

I do try to control my purchases and not buy every product on the block,

but I sure would like to.

I have tried some new products lately that I am really loving.

I figured I would share my finds with you lovely ladies.

!. Bumble and Bumble Styling Cream- I have recently started using this instead of mousse and I am in l.o.v.e.  It gives me so much volume/lift (that lasts all day), shine, and makes my hair feel just down right amazing.  Every time I use it I feel as though my hair looks like I just left the salon.

2. Redken Wool Shake 08- This 'slush gel' is perfect for helping create those beachy waves we all love.  It does not leave your hair crunchy as some products can.  It is great at creating texture and extra volume and I am obsessed with the way it smells.  

3. Loreal EverPure Shampoo and Conditioner- My mom gave me this shampoo and conditioner and boy am I glad she did.  First of all, it smells amazing. Secondly, it is definitely making my hair smoother.  It is for color treated hair, which I do not have right now, but I have really been wanting to get mine ombred, so maybe soon!  Regardless of that fact, I think it is a great shampoo/conditioner.

4. Dove Damage Therapy Volume Boost Shampoo and Conditioner- This shampoo and conditioner create great volume and that, I love. I often rotate between a couple different shampoo/conditioners at a time.  This one will probably continue to be in my rotation for a while.

5. Turbie Twist- My friend Maggie has always sworn by the Turbie Twist and I should have listened to her earlier.  I have just recently gotten my hands on one of these and its such a lifesaver.  It cuts down drying time and it also great to use while putting on make up/getting ready.

Have you used any of these products?

What are your favorite hair products?

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Weekend Wrap Up: Blogger Meet Up

Oh, Monday.

Here you are again.

Let's talk about more exciting things...

Like what we did this past weekend.

Friday night Mister and I went to see The Campaign.

We thought it was very funny but felt like a lot of the funny
parts were shown in the commercials.  

In order to save money we snuck in homemade popcorn (recipe coming this week)

and 2 44oz Sonic vanilla Diet Cokes in my purse.

 And to take it one step further, I had 2 coupons for 2 FREE 44oz drinks from Sonic.

AND we got another one when we were there.

#score

Saturday morning we all 3 had a coffee date at Starbucks, 

visited some friend and ran errands.

i.e. ate our way through Costco.

Saturday night I met up with some very lovely Cincinnati blogger ladies

for dinner and a night out on the town.

We had a great time together and it was so nice to put faces with (blog) names.

I absolutely adore meeting up with fellow bloggers and Saturday was no different.

It is just so nice to connect and chat with women of a similar age with

similar interests and desires in life. 

 

Anne, Liz, Allison, Katie, me.

Sunday was spent running errands, snuggling Floyd and at a cook out

at Floyd's girlfriends house.

Floyd played nonstop with 3 other dogs for about 4 hours and
came home exhausted.

#success

How was your weekend?

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Fridays with Floyd: Rainy Day

We finally got some rain (yay)

but boo for Floyd because that meant we 

couldn't go on his usual walk after work.

Well, let me back up.

The Mister and I would suffer through a walk in the rain 

if Floyd would walk in the rain. 

He absolutely refuses to go outside when it's raining. 

Puts on the brakes.

Will. Not. Do. It.

So instead, he sat longingly in his window and pondered life. 

Don't worry, the sun came out later and he got his walk :)

3 more things:

1. You should probably come back next week because there is 

 maybe possibly (most definitely) going to be a giveaway.

 2. I found out some realllllly exciting news yesterday..

there is going to be an ALF MOVIE!!!

 I have always always always loved ALF.

Like, obsessed.

I can barely contain my excited over this.

July 31, 2013.

Don't worry, I've already started a countdown.

3. Have an FABULOUS weekend!!

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Running Regime

Last week Bethany texted me the other day and asked if I wanted to go to

happy hour with her after work. 

I replied, yes but after I went to the gym to run a few miles

What?! Who am I?!

She's the marathoner not me.

Don't worry I rewarded those 2 miles I ran with a glass of delicious Pinot.

Anyway, now that I've completed 2 5k's and crossed that off the list,

I have been wondering what the next step (pun intended) in my running life should be. 

After talking it over with Bethany (over wine of course), I have decided to focus on

getting better and faster at 3.1 miles and to gradually adding more miles to my runs.  

In this awesome humidity that Ohio has been having, I still

can't run a full 30 minutes outside without taking some sort of a little break.

That is really my ultimate goal at the moment.

Now if I'm on the treadmill, I can go for days. 

Especially if I have Real Housewives to watch. 

I do have a race in September I am working towards

and the Color Run is coming here to Cincy in October 

so I will most likely do that again.

For now though, I think my working out plan will be as follows:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Run (aim for at least 30 minutes, gradually adding)

Tuesday, Thursday: Abs, arms and a Pinterest workout

Saturday, Sunday: Run or Pinterest workout on one of the days

Pause. Can we make it a rule that working out on Friday-Sunday

counts as burning double the amount of calories?

K, thanks.

I am slowly easing myself into the idea of downloading the 

Couch to 10k app...

That seems like the next logical goal but I am not sure yet.

So, to all of you runners out there...

do you have any suggestions for me?

Should I pull a Forrest Gump and just keep running and running and running? 

Give me your tips, suggestions and/or advice.

Seriously, I never thought I would give this much thought to running...

who am I?

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We're Around

The Mister and I are on the go a lot.

Like, a whole lot. 

But, by nothing short of a miracle,

we are home (as far as I know) for the next 3 weekends!

This is unheard of for us and I could not be more excited! 

While we do love to go go go, see friends and family and travel,

being home is just as nice sometimes.

Because of this we have put together

(an ever growing) list of some things we want to

accomplish while we are home.

I'm hopeful that a lot of these things will get done

but I know that life (and fun with friends) can 

always come up and derail those plans.

BUT here is to hoping and being successful! 

Here is our list:

• Install new fan in the Mister's bathroom
• Fill holes on deck (we had a carpenter bee issue that I am NOT happy about)
• Patch hole in my bathroom (we had a towel bar go awry)
• Paint my bathroom (I just came up with this one...)
• Organize recipe binder
• Clean up yard for fall
• Put away (and blog about) inherited items
• Deep clean sofa
• Create new art for over bed (This is going to be a Mister DIY- I smell a guest post) 
• Clean both of our cars      
• Mount TV
• Get rid of a few big items- Craigslist/Ebay/Goodwill run

Here is hoping and the motivation to get these things done!

I'm sure that this list will continue to grow...

 

P.s. I got my 'Keep Calm and Blog On' shirt last night that I ordered from Steph.

 I LOVE it! 

Any tips for making sure we get all of these things accomplished?

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Weekend Wrap Up + August Meal Plan

Happy Monday, friends!!

We had a great weekend in our home town.

We ventured home for a family reunion and to spend 

time with our families.

Floyd absolutely loves going home to Grandma's.

He follows her around non stop and just 

stares at her when she talks to him.

It probably doesn't hurt that she gives him extra food 

and treats every time he does something.

Or nothing.

But that is what Grandma's are for,

aren't they? :)

 Every morning he sits outside her door

until she gets up.

He will not move from that spot until she opens that door.

And then his day is made. 

He always comes home exhausted, full

and ready to move in with her. 

Alright, meal plan time!

(as always, subject to change)

August 5th-11th

There's a 'stuffed' theme this week

(and a special thanks to my mama for venturing to Kroger at 9pm 

Saturday night to do my grocery shopping with me.)

Sunday: I have book club- Mister is on his own (i.e. frozen pizza)

Monday: Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Breasts + Corn

 Tuesday: Leftovers

Wednesday: Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats + Brown Rice

 Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Turkey Stuffed Peppers + Roasted Squash

 Saturday: I have a girl's night out blate! Eee!

Can't wait to tell you more about it!

August 12th-18th

Sunday: BBQ Chicken + Corn

Monday: Parmesan Ranch Chicken + Salad

(p.s. how have I just now discovered Ruthie's blog??)

  Tuesday: I have a dinner/drinks blate with Jax!

Wednesday: Burgers from my new Rachael Ray cookbook

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Linguine with turkey sausage and peppers + Salad

  Saturday: Hopefully going to the Reds game!

August 19th-25th

Sunday: Buffalo Chicken Salads

Monday: Leftover salads + baked sweet potatoes

  Tuesday: Cheese, Veggie and Bacon Frittata + Good Morning Muffins

 (did you see these muffins on PW's new show??)

Wednesday: Leftovers + pancakes

Thursday: Pasta with pesto, potatoes and green beans (+ chicken)

Friday: Leftovers

  Saturday: Date night :) 

August 26th- 31st

Sunday: Crock pot magic: recipe TBD

Monday: Leftovers

  Tuesday: Homemade Sausage Pizza

Wednesday: Southwest Summer Pork Chops + Brown Rice

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Date Night :)

And there we go!

If anyone wants help with meal planning, let me know!
I am not an expert by any means, I just enjoy doing it! 

I am happy to whip up a week's worth (or more) if you 

want me to!

Let's have a great week! 

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