Floyd's Friends: The Daily Tay

I know you know this beauty by name and have most likely laughed your butt off at her blog before 

BUT if you don't...

I am extremely honored to have Taylor from The Daily Tay on the blog today.

Girlfriend is fun-nay.

Like try not to laugh and snicker too hard at my desk on a daily basis type funny. 

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Hey Sarah and Floyd fans!
My name is Taylor and I blog over at The Daily Tay
Like Sarah, my other half is four legged fur boy, as well.
His name is Harlow.
{and I guess I have a two legged boy also, but he's not nearly as fun to blog about.}

Harlow and I live in the great city of Chicago.
Since I have the luxury of working from home, we spend a lot of time together.
And I mean a lot.
I don't know when I crossed the line exactly, but somehow I went from being
a fun, normal dog momma-
to a crazy over-the-top dog lady.
I hate to admit it, but he runs me.
And he knows it.
He demands I take him on at least seven walks a day. Two of which must be off-leash.

When I go shopping downtown, Harlow comes.

When I go to the beach, Harlow comes.

And stands over me, as you can see...

If I try to say no,

this is the look I get:

It's my own fault.
Chris, my other half with two legs, says I "coddle him."
He might be right...

But I swear there's more to me (and my blog) than just Harlow.
I also talk about.... um my love for attending weddings?
But wedding season is winding up so...

So expect more college football tailgating talk.

I also like to make fun of the Improv classes I'm currently taking at
The Second City
in an attempt to someday fulfill my life long dream of being on Saturday Night Live.
I'm one year in... Only seven more to go.

And as long as the Royal Family keeps partying naked
I'll continue to post about that, as well.
And other celebrity events worth making fun of mentioning.

So stop by sometime. I love new visitors.
The Daily Tay/ Twitter/ Facebook
Instagram @taylorgracewolfe

If you aren't already I would highly suggest you run your bootay over to Taylor's blog and follow her along.
I think this is the first post I ever read of Taylor's and I was immediately hooked. There have been MANY since this one but I think it still may be my favorite.

Thanks again Taylor and Harlow!!
We loved having you here!
Floyd has requested an off leash meet up with Harlow.
I don't know if we could trust those 2 alone together though.
They may end up trading tips and running our lives even more than they already do.

Have a great weekend, friends!
I already have a few ladies lined up for 'Floyd's Friends' in the next couple of weeks.
If you want to join in on the fun drop me an email at totalbassetcase {at} gmail {dot} com and we can talk about dates and details!

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Entertainment for All

We DVR a lot and thoroughly enjoy being able to fast forward through commercials.

#whitepeopleproblems

However, lately there was has been an exception to our fast forwarding.

Any time we see this VW commercial we always stop and watch and laugh the whole time.

I mean, how funny is that?! 

We have a soft spot for bulldogs.

They are our 2nd favorite breed, right after hounds (of course)!

A few friends of ours have bulldogs and they are such good dogs...even if they do eat keys.

And speaking of dogs providing constant entertainment...

The beautiful CMae featured Floyd's grocery 'mishap' on her blog yesterday.

She also talked about the funniest website around...Dog Shaming.

Please tell me you've seen this site!

I just submitted Floyd's grocery picture in hopes that it will get chosen.

I'll keep you guys posted if it does!!

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Fall Purchases

The Mister was out of town recently

and I did what all good wives do when the hubs is away...

I went shopping!

Le duh. 

Before I show you my purchases, I have a confession...I have not quite embraced fall yet.

I mean, of course, I have had a PSL (who hasn't??) and my fall candle is out but I haven't put the sandals up quite yet.

I know, I know, everyone loves fall (and so do I) BUT I always approach it cautiously because once it's fall, it means winter is coming.

And I HATE being cold. 

But, fall is slowly growing on me again this year and if it wants to be 70 degrees all fall, that is totally fine with me.

So in order to get my self even more in the mood for fall, I decided I should probably purchase a few fall items.

I mean that just makes sense, right?

1. Polka Dot Peplum: I haven't met a polka dot I don't like and I have been dying to try out a peplum top.  After purchasing this Elle one from Kohls, I am officially hooked on peplum and need more in my life. 

(Plus this top was on sale for $16.99 and I had $10 off!)

2. Red Skinny Jeans: I purchased pink skinnies back in the spring and figured that red ones were only appropriate (and necessary for fall). Plus they were $17, I mean really? Can you beat that?

I purchased mine at Pennys (in the junior department) and their sizes run a little small.  So don't beat yourself up if you have to size up a few...I did and just ignored the number on the tag and went with what fit the best.

3. Black Cross Body Bag: I have been on the hunt for a cross body bag that would hold my camera but not be too big.  I still haven't found the exact right one (and am thinking it may be impossible) but I did find this one (at Penny's as well!) and really love it for fall.
How cute is that fringe on the zipper?

4. Brown Wedges: I can't find these online anywhere but I got mine at DSW on clearance (they are the Tavish by Guess). I know these aren't quite fall but I know I can wear them next spring/summer. And I have a few instances coming up that I think I can squeeze them in before it gets too chilly.

 Also, they just put in a Francesca's (dangerously) close to my house and I have decided I want everything they have.  I've stopped in the one at the mall but I've never purchased anything.  This new one seems different or updated...and I want it all!

There you have it...I am getting in the fall spirit!
Have you made any fall purchases yet?

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Week(end) Wrap Up: Cabinet Crazy

First I want to say a huge thank you to the lovely ladies that guest posted for me...

Britt, Shanna, and Tiff...you gals rock, thanks again!! 

Moving on, I am officially back from the beautiful state of Pennsylvania.

I had never been to PA but I am so glad I was able to go, it was beautiful!

And Hershey is there, so really, what's not to love?

I spent the whole week in class learning about the Wood Mode cabinet line.

And I mean, allll about it.

We were in class all day long and had homework every night.

It was intense to say the least but I am so glad I was able to go.

(Although I really hated feeling so disconnected from the blog world. I missed you, friends!!)

But by Friday, I had passed my class and my brain was full of all things cabinets.

If you need new cabinets/kitchen design in your house, I am your woman!

(one of the displays in the showroom)

One evening after class we were able to sneak over to Hershey, PA to do some exploring.

We arrived about an hour too late and missed the last tour but did our own exploring around town and saw a few sights on our own. 

We grabbed dinner and souvenirs at the Hershey Lodge. 

  For dinner I had cocoa espresso rubbed chicken.

Omgee, guys.

It was chicken, but it had a slight chocolate taste and it was just worked. 

Really, really good.

I mean, when in Rome, get some chicken with cocoa on it. 

 Of course, we had some kisses too and I swear they just tasted better there.

(Much like the Yuengling did.)

Saturday was spent resting, cleaning, working out (after taking almost a week off), and hanging with the Mister.  

He caught a bad batch of strep while I was gone so we laid low. 

I also became an aunt (again!) on Saturday.

One of my very best bff's welcomed their son, Thomas, into the world on Saturday.
I am in love with him already!

 Sunday was spent doing more of the same with some shopping thrown in.
I also whipped up my first batch of taco soup for the fall season and busted out the fall candles.  
And if you follow me on Instagram (totalbassetcase) you may have seen this picture...but Floyd decided to help me unload the groceries.

 And take a bite out of the turkey...while I wasn't looking.

"I was just helping Mama!"

How was your weekend?

 I am linking up with Sami, Leeann and Dana!

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Floyd's Friends: The Coffeehouse

TGIF!
We have a good 'ol fashioned blog swap going on today!

I am over at Tiff's blog

(HI friends that are visiting from Tiff's blog!)

and she is over here at TBC!

Pretty great Friday here in the blogworld!

Take it away, Tiff (and Sherm!)

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Well hello there. I'm Tiff, husband is Dan and lab is Sherman. I blog over at The Coffeehouse; a blog that has absolutely nothing to do with coffee. Instead, I blog about everything, everyone and their dog. Literally. I love dogs.

I can't cook; husband cooks.

I can't sew; husband sews.

And I am still learning how to use my awesome new camera {I really wish I would have paid attention in that little photography class I took}. But, I can tell you that I am great at being honest. Especially when it comes to things I can't do.

And I am also great at loving animals.

And loving animals is more important than knowing how to cook and sew, right?

Sherman says yes. Husband says no.

Imagine that.

So back to my love for animals. I grew up with pets. Pets have always been a huge part of my life. When I was younger, I had dogs, cats, fish, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters and a hedgehog named Henry. So, it’s natural for me to love animals. And it’s natural for me to treat my dog like a kid, right? Right. I knew I liked you guys for a reason. So, what kinds of fun things do Sherman the kid and I do together?

We eat chocolate chip cookies.

We swing.

We go out for ice cream.

And if we do go out for ice cream ...
we always brush our teeth.

We ride in canoes.

We play basketball.

We drink beer.
(but only on the weekends of course)

And once in a great while ...
we'll even have our own little Easter Egg hunt.

Husband says I need help.

But husband still married me … whether I need help or not.

So, I’ll leave it to you to decide whether or not I’m crazy. If you actually do visit my blog ... I'm pretty sure that the answer to this will be "yes". An absolute yes.

Thanks for having us Sarah! And Floyd, thanks for sharing your blog with Sherm.
I know. It's tough.
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Floyd said it was tough but he was happy to do it for Sherm :)
He also said he wants to hang out with Sherm...can we make that happen, Tiff?!


P.s. I am thinking of starting a 'Floyd's Friends' series.
Thoughts?
Do you (and your pooch, if you have one, you don't have to!) want to be featured here on TBC?
Drop me an email at totalbassetcase {at} gmail {dot} com with the subject 'Floyd's Friends' and we will work something out!

Enjoy your weekend, lovies!

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Floyd's Friends: Because Shanna Said So

Hey friends! Hope everyone is having a great week! 

I am still in the midst of cabinet learning craziness but no worries,
I have an extra special treat for you today!

I discovered Shanna's blog awhile ago and she is always a daily stop for me!

Her outfits are always spot on, inspiring, adorable and  and I just love her style. 

Her ability to navigate F21 is incredible...like, someone should award her because she is that good! 

Take it away, Shanna! 

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Hi, I am Shanna from Because Shanna Said So. Here is the low down in case you have NO IDEA who I am. I blog about fashion (a.k.a. my personal outfits), beauty obsessions and random life happenings.

I am so excited to be taking over Sarah's blog today. Isn't she the sweetest and Floyd, don't you just want to steal him?

I thought I would share with you a few fun and affordable fundamentals I found at my most coveted store, Forever 21. If you know me, you are well aware that I have a slight problem, borderline addiction and almost monogamous relationship with this store.

I know many people shy away from shopping there because they get overwhelmed, think they are too old or that the items are not lasting quality. Let me tell you, half of my wardrobe and accessories come from there and have outlasted more expensive brands. I figured, if you aren't ready to take the leap of actually buying clothes from Forever 21, you could at least take a peek at some fundamentals to mix into your wardrobe.

All items can be found by clicking here.

Any items catch your eye? I have the yellow wedges and love them! In fact, I love them so much I bought them in all four colors. Yes, I have issues. I also am dying over all four studded bags.

Thanks again, Sarah, for inviting me over today! I hope each of you stop by and see me sometime!

I love making new friends and discovering new blogs!

Well, I clearly need those wedges, and all of those scarves, and the pink necklace, and...heck, I need want it all!

Thanks again, Shanna for filling in for me! 

Now go check her out!!

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Floyd's Friends: The Magnolia Pair

Happy Monday, friends!

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!
I spent the weekend getting ready for my trip, relaxing and hanging out with friends.

Today I have a very special treat for you, Britt from The Magnolia Pair is here today with an awesome post! 

I feel very strongly about the topic of being and using Eco Friendly items!
I even have my LEED certification and try to do my best to incorporate green design items into my job and lifestyle. 
You are a girl after my own heart, take it away, Britt!

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Hello Total Basset Case Readers, my name is Britt, and I blog over at The Magnolia Pair! I am so excited to be here today! I just adore Sarah's blog and want to kidnap mister Floyd, don't you too? Well, today I am going to be sharing some of my favorite Eco Friendly products that I adore. I hope you enjoy it. Within the past 6 months I have really tried to educate my self in making healthier choices for my family and self. Knowledge is power, and I sincerely was shocked to learn how many dangerous chemicals/toxins were/are used in my everyday favorites. I am not one of those crazy people who buys only organic items, I buy normal things too, because let's face it, it's pricey to live this lifestyle sometimes. What I did instead was replace the most commonly used house hold items and toiletries that I use and swapped them for eco friendly products instead. The way I look at is, I don't need to change my entire lifestyle or buy only expensive organic products. I could make a huge difference in my life if I just swapped my most commonly used items for safer/chemical free products. The things I use on a daily basis and use more than once a day, I replaced. For instance, I wash my face twice a day, put on deodorant twice a day, brush my teeth twice a day, wear fingernail polish usually 7 days per week, and etc. I also chose to swap my cleaning products to eco friendly options since those products hold the most chemicals. I clean daily and wash clothes 2-3 times per week, so swapping these was necessary for us. I know this is a pretty popular topic right now, and every time you go to the grocery you are usually faced with the decision to choose paper or plastic, but really, it is as simple as that. If you make a few changes in your lifestyle it a long way and will benefit the greater good, not only for the Earth, but your well being too. If you are looking to make some changes, I do have a few more items on my list that I couldn't fit here, so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I am not a die hard eco friendly or organic person, but making these few lifestyle changes have already benefited my family and our well being. I hope you found this post helpful, and if you have any questions, please feel free ask :)

Face Wash // Nail Polish // Toothpaste // Deodorant // Surface Cleaner // Laundry Detergent // Dish Soap

Thank you Sarah so much for having me! I hope you are having a good trip with safe travels!

Thanks again, Britt!!
Go check out Britt's blog...she just got a new design and it is beautiful!!

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Fridays with Floyd: Bark in the Park

We have been trying to go to Bark in the Park for 3 years now.

It sells out so quickly and we always miss our chance.

Not this year!
I bought our tickets way back in May and have been counting down the days ever since. 

The Reds really put on a really nice production.

A lot of pet booths were set up, treats and swag galore and even contests to win prizes.

 One of the best parts of the evening was being able to walk on the field.  

We (and about 500 other dogs/families) were able to take a lap around the warning track

and we snuck in a few photo opps too.

When it was time for the game to start we all sat in the stands.

Floyd even had his own seat.

Not that he sat in it, but it was there.

He didn't mind sitting on the ground and sniffing out the peanut shells.

What he really preferred was to sit on our laps.

 At a ballgame.

In not a very big chair.

At one point he was laying across both of our laps.

Ridiculous.

We were pretty tuckered out and left during the 7th inning stretch.

But not before 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'

at which time Floyd started howling/singing along to the song.

It was priceless.

(Rhat was clearly a strike)

We had such a fun time (and so many treats for Floyd) and can not wait to go back next year!

*I am out of town all next week for work (learning cabinetry!) but have no fear,

I have some really great guest posters lined up.

Be sure to come back on Monday to see who I have lined up! 

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Weird.

First of all, thank you everyone for confirming that I am not crazy with my Neo obsession.

And second, thank you Mister for my beautiful flowers yesterday!

 I celebrated my 1 year at work yesterday and Mister sent me the most gorgeous flowers and my boss took us all to lunch!

And thirdly, Whitney posted this pin/Dr. Seuss quote yesterday and I can not stop thinking about it.

(also if you aren't reading Whitney's blog please hop over there and check her out! She's funny and has really great make up tutorials...that's a win win in my book.)

If there was anything that described my friends better I don't know what it would be.

I met some of my very, very best friends in college.

I love those girls (and a few boys :) ) to death and literally can not picture my life without them.

I am a true believer that we were placed in each others lives for a reason

and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Annnnd cut on the sappy-ness.

It's almost Friday, have a great one, friends! 

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Put Some Neo On It

 Sorry for the lack of a post yesterday...Bark in the Park got the best of us.
That and the 100 pictures we took...more on that later this week.

And moving on,
I have a few things in my medicine cabinet that I just can not live without.
Any with all things that I love, I must share them with you!
 

Aside from the usual items in my cabinet: deodorant, gummy vitamins (far superior to regular 'ol vitamins), tylenol, q tips, etc. there are a couple of things I just have to have at all times.

The one I feel most strongly about it is...

Neosporin

I am convinced that Neo heals all.
All.

Whatever it is, you can put Neo on it and it will get better.

I am constantly trying to get Mister to use Neo/put it on his ailments.

To this day, he refuses to do, claiming it doesn't work.

One day, he will come around.

He has stopped telling me about his ailments/bumps/bruises because he knows that I will just tell him to 'put some Neo on it'.

Case in point this conversation happened the other night while I was already in bed:

Me: Mister, will you bring me some Neo??

Mister: Absolutely not, you do not need in bed.

Me: Pllllease.  Just put a little on your finger and I'll swipe it off.
*stares blankly

Mister: You have lost your mind. No.

*turns off the light

 Leaving me to stumble in the dark to get some Neo.

#howrude

What did I want Neo for and what is my #1 use for Neo...

acne spots.

No joke. Has anyone else tried this?

I swear it clears up acne SO fast.
Especially if you put it on over night and it has time to work it's magic

Don't be like Mister, try it, I promise it works wonders.

Floyd is also a victim of my Neo use.
I put it on his paws when he has scuffed them up or played too much at camp.
Works like a charm.
He also likes the taste of Neo, exhibited by the fact that he once ate an entire tube.

Neo, near and dear to my heart.

The second item I feel pretty strongly about is:  Pepogest

Elise introduced me to Pepogest a few years ago and it has been a lifesaver more than once.

Any time I have the slightest stomach ache (or had a few too many the night before)

Pepogest saves the day every single time.

I swear it starts working within 10 minutes of taking it.

It is made of the essential oils found in peppermint and quickly soothes and settles your stomach.

Be aware that it may make you burp and it will make your mouth taste like mint- which is totally fine with me but I know some people hate the taste of mint.

(they are clearly nuts...thin mints anyone?)
I buy mine at the vitamin store or from Amazon.

  
And lastly, but not least by any means, Baby Powder

My mom has always used baby powder but it is a new addition to my medicine cabinet.

Besides it's wonderful smell, baby powder can do wonders for your hair in a magic dry shampoo way.

You guys know my love for the Suave dry shampoo BUT

there are days when the Suave just doesn't make the cut and baby powder comes to the rescue.

Days when I probably should have washed my hair

A sprinkle here and a sprinkle there at your roots and voila!
Just make sure you take the time the rub it in if you have super dark hair like mine.

Any one else have crazy medicine cabinet obsessions like me?

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Weekend Wrap Up: Tunnels to Towers

Ahhh, a weekend at home, again, best. ever.

All in all, our weekend was pretty low key.

Friday night we had a pre-race party for the race I ran on Sunday

Saturday we gym'ed it, had our weekly coffee date and ran a lot of errands.

And, by errands, I mean went shopping.

But as far as Saturday goes, I have nothing to show for my shopping adventures.

Sunday I had my 3rd 5k of the summer and it went really well! 

(more on the race in a second)

I managed to squeeze in some more shopping on Sunday and did come home with a few things for my efforts.

First, the polka dot chambray from Old Navy.

And secondly, a gem from the Loft.

I had been to the Loft on Saturday and filled out a form for a free gift card.

Then, on Sunday, I got a call that I had won!

I contemplated getting something practical (new work pants, jeans, etc.) but in the end, decided to get this fun, lightweight sweater.

 A little background on today's race.

I recently had the pleasure of working with some new clients on their master bathroom. 

(We completely renovated their space- I'll have pictures for you soon!)

 I have really, really enjoyed working with these clients and hope to do more with them.

They are full of life and have the best stories.

Unfortunately, they lost their son on 9/11.

Since knowing them, they have shared a lot of really great stories and memories with me.

They have also been telling me about this 'Tunnels to Towers' race.

The race was started in New York in honor of a fireman, Stephen Siller, who ran through the Brooklyn tunnels to get to the Towers on 9/11, in his full firemen gear.

 Can you imagine??

Ever since 9/11 they have been having this run in honor of him in New York and have been adding more across the country.

They are aiming for 343 races (the number of firemen that were killed on 9/11).

This was the first year for it be held in Cincinnati and I can not wait to see this race grow next year!

As soon as my clients told me about this race, the cause, and of course, the moving stories about their son, I just knew I had to run the race.

The race was an incredible and moving experience.

There were many firemen running the race in their full gear.

 And at the end of the race they had set up posters with each of the firemen's photos on them that had passed away on 9/11.

If the race wasn't tough enough, trying not bawl my eyes out at that point made it even worse.

 The course ended up being mis marked and we really ran almost 4 miles.

That is definitely my longest distance to date! 

But I am happy to say that I did the 4 miles in 38 minutes!

I was so honored to be a part of this race and can not wait to do it again next year.

How was your weekend??

Any fall shopping adventures?

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