Happy Halloween!

Oct 31, 2012

Happy candy day, friends!
Who is ready for the trick or treaters?
Floyd sure is!
He had a trial run in his costume yesterday.
The full reveal will be tomorrow!

I picked up a boatload of candy last night but still have no idea if it'll be enough!
I guess if we run out, we run out!
 And secretly I hope we run out at the end of the night so that it's not sitting around our house afterwards.
#donotneedit

Katie is coming over to help us hand out candy and stuff ourselves on taco soup and spiked cider.
And probabbbly a few pieces of candy...

*Frosty Paws giveaway winners have been emailed
Congrats to you and your pooches!

Happy Halloween!!

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NOLA

Oct 30, 2012

Sorry for my absence yesterday friends, I was in a gumbo coma (or maybe it was the getting up at 5am for our flight)
Anyway, Mister and I spent the long weekend in New Orleans and had the best time!
We had been wanting to make it to NOLA for quite some time now and our friend Sam and Celeste's wedding was the perfect opportunity to book a flight! 

We left early Thursday morning in hopes of maximizing the amount of meals we could squeeze in during our trip. 
#notajoke 
We did not have a shortage of restaurant recommendations (this girl was extremely helpful!) for our trip and we were so excited to eat such great and iconic food.
We definitely succeeded in eating our fill. 
I think we are still in a food and drinking coma. 
(I.e. it's chicken and salads for us for awhile.)

When we got off the plane on Thursday we headed directly to Cafe du Monde. 
It did not disappoint. 
They really aren't kidding about those beignets. It reminded me of a bigger and doughier funnel cake, absolutely covered in powdered sugar. 
 After picking up some more friends at the airport, we headed to Parkway for lunch and po boys. This place could definitely be called a hole in the wall but was a great find and had an extensive selection of po boys. I had the sausage and Mister had the fried shrimp. 
Both were top notch and a great introduction to NOLA food. 

After lunch the boys had to pick up their tuxes and we discovered the magical land of drive thru daiquiri stands. Yeah you read that right, it's a drive thru and they only serve daiquiris. Who know such a thing existed??
Thursday night we headed to dinner (see a theme developing?) in the French Quarter at SoBou. Holy delicious food (and very cool decor). We sampled quite a few of the tapas items on the menu and then I had a small burger and their mac and cheese. 
SoBou also had these amazing wine machines where you stick in a card and can choose what wine you want and then it pours a taste, a sip, or a glass. 
They also had the beer taps at the table. 
Very, very cool. And also a little dangerous. 
 After dinner we took our first jaunt down Bourbon Street. We didn't stay out very late that night but it was very interesting to see what Bourbon Street was all about. 
Just about anything goes down there.
Halloween was quite the the site to see and experience.

Friday morning the boys were off shooting guns and doing boy things so I went exploring. Our hotel was right on St. Charles and all down St. Charles are the most beautiful homes and buildings. 
I kept spotting beads everywhere.
Trees, power lines, lamps posts, balconies...I can only imagine how many more there are around during Mardi Gras.

The architecture around there is just incredible. I had a great time just wandering around, staring at the homes and wondering if any of them would let me move in. 

That night we had the reversal dinner at Zea and had the most amazing ribs and cheesy grits. True southern goodness. 

Saturday morning we decided to explore the French Quarter a little more. Besides the fact that the temperature dropped about 20 degrees from the day before, it was a great morning. I think I could spend a few days just wondering the streets and on and out of the little shops. 
  Saturday evening was the wedding and it was so beautiful!
It was held outside on the the golf course at Audubon Park, it was a little chilly but a quick and lovely ceremony followed up by a very fun evening.
 The food at the reception was so, incredibly good (shocking I know).
Mashed potato bar, praline brie, mini corn cakes with pulled pork...
And to top it off, the grooms cake was a doughnut cake!
How cute is that?!
Those are maple bacon doughnuts at the top...I am not normally a doughnut person but I had to taste one of those and it was out of this world.
The perfect combo of salty sweet.
 
Sunday morning the Mister and I met some friends at Surrey's Cafe and Juice Bar.
I am still thinking about that meal.
I had creole baked eggs with sausage and the most delicious biscuit that has ever been a biscuit.
After brunch Mister and I walked up and down Magazine Street just popping in and out of shops and enjoying our day.
Later in the day we took the street car around to see more of the houses and ended up walking around Tulane and Loyola.
We really had a nice afternoon and enjoyed our time together.
 Much to my dismay the street cars were not as I pictured...i.e. they didn't let me hang off the side like the Rice a Roni commercial.
However, It was still a very fun way to see the city and a form of transportation I could get used to.

We wrapped up our evening with dinner at The Irish House.  
Their chef, Matt, just recently won Chopped!
Again, stellar food.
#brokenrecord

And that was our first jaunt to NOLA!
We are already talking about going back.
I mean, there are about 468 more restaurants we need to try!

How was your weekend?
Have you been to NOLA, what was your favorite part?

Don't forget you have until tonight to enter the Frosty Paw's giveaway!
Winners will be announced on Wednesday

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F is For Fridays: Part 4

Oct 26, 2012

Happy Friday lovahs! 

Who is Halloween-ing it up this weekend?
I can't wait to see what everyone dresses up as!

Floyd and I have extra special guests for you today!
 Elise and I have been bffs for many, many years and Floyd and I are more than happy to share the blog with her and her pups today!!

Take it away, Elise!
______________________________________________________________________
Hello TBC-ers! I’m Elise and I’m so happy to be over here with you all today! Sarah and I go way back. So far back that it feels really weird calling her by her first name and not her maiden name, which is how myself and all our other BFFS know her! The stories I could share with you all…
(Oh the stories...one day we will share :) )

But that’s not what I’m here to do today! Today, I’m a fellow blogger and write over at
RomanticHippie.com all about different recipes I whip up, house projects, gardening, and a little bit of life in general. When it comes to life-blogging, the main stars (other than my husband Ben and his mad baking skills) are our two pups, Finnegan “Finny” and Honey.
 This is us.
and these are our dogs!

We’ve had Finny since he was 8 weeks old and have been in love ever since. He is 3 ½ so pretty much through the puppy phase. Honey, on the other hand, is 5 but we’ve only had her a whopping 2 full months! Yep, adopted a little later in life, Honey is new to our crew so we’re all still getting adjusted.
 Honey rocking her new collar from Big Paw Collars

Funny story, I met Honey before I even knew Finny existed. A few years ago I babysat for a family member while they were in the hospital having their newest baby and Honey was their dog. Around that time we were looking to adopt a puppy but didn’t know which breed. After spending a couple hours with Honey I informed Ben that we would be getting a Wheaten Terrier like her!

Fast forward almost 4 years later and things were a little crazy for Honey. She was really stressed with all the kids around her and started to get scared and snippy. She needed a change of pace so that’s when we stepped in. Now we are a dog-loving family of four and couldn’t be more thrilled.

I’ll be honest, adopting Honey and totally changing things up for her hasn’t been easy. The initial stress she was experiencing caused some health and behavioral issues she’s still dealing with. It has taken some time and, I’ll be honest, funds to make it work but we’re getting there and it is absolutely worth it!
Honey is the most incredibly loving and respectful dog out there. Seriously, she waits until she is invited to jump up into bed with us or sit on the couch.
 
What a ham.

Finny on the other hand….he is the first so he clearly owns the joint. Since we haven’t talked about him too much, I’ll include that his favorite pastimes include operating as neighborhood watchdog in our front window, and getting excited when we say some of his favorite words: Wally (his pal), Rod (my dad), Ride (loves them!) and Nordstrom Rack (I kid you not and have no idea why! He hasn’t even been there!).

So there it is, a full introduction to Floyd’s friends, Finny and Honey. I hope you’ll stop by and visit me from time to time to catch up on how they are doing and try a few of my recipes or projects! I’d also like to extend a warm welcome for you to join me on Facebook, Twitter (@RmnticHppieBlog) & Instagram (@eliseshrockmannies). See you around, TBC-ers and thanks again for having me!
____________________________________________________________________________
I sure do love that family!
I mean seriously, how cute are those pups?!
Not to mention they both look like teddy bears and I could just snuggle them up all day!
Thanks again, Elise!!

Speaking of celebrating adopted dogs, don't forget to enter the Frosty Paws giveaway!

Now go visit Elise and her pups!
I'd check out the recipes over there too if I were you...just sayin...
if you like delicious things...

Hope it is a spooktacular weekend for you guys!!

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Pumpkin Patchin

Oct 24, 2012

We I really wanted to cross visiting the pumpkin patch off our Fall Bucket List and that we did!
We visited to the same patch we did last year and had a great time!

We love taking Floyd (well, anywhere) but to the pumpkin patch!
I think he really loves all of the smells and, of course, the attention.

Guys I don't think that's another doggie...
Possible Christmas card contender.
But there will probably be another photo shoot...
Sorry boys :)

We went the non traditional route with pumpkins this year...well until I saw the most perfect, littlest pumpkin that has ever been.
And then him and his squash friend had to come home with us.

Have you been to the pumpkin patch yet?
Did you pick up non traditional pumpkins like us?

Also we facetimed with Kait last night and it may have been the best part of our week.
 God bless blogging. And technology. :)

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Frostys For You

Oct 23, 2012

I have a very exciting giveaway for you guys today!

Floyd and I were recently contacted by Frosty himself of Frosty's Paws (well I think he had some help typing).
They were gracious enough to offer a giveaway to all of you Total Basset Case readers!

They are doing this giveaway in honor of October being National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!
How cool is that?
We are more than happy to help them celebrate and recognize National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!
Floyd has a lot of shelter and adopted dog friends!
You will have to come back on Friday for Floyd's Friends to meet one of my bestest friends and her newly adopted pup! 

Do any of you have shelter dogs?
I can only imagine there are some great stories out there!

Now on to the good stuff...
there will be 10 (!) winners!
Each winner receives a plush Frosty dog and 2 coupons for free Frosty Paws!

Floyd is personally a HUGE fan of Frosty Paws!
 He knows he has his own special stash of frozen treats in the freezer.
(Right next to Mama's ice cream).

Just follow the Rafflecopter prompts below to enter!
Even if you don't have a dog in your house, maybe you know one that would love these awesome Frosty Paws prizes!
The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, the 30th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Disclaimer: Frosty Paws provided me with these prices to give away to you. 
Giveaway limited to US residents only. 


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Weekend Wrap Up: Best

Oct 22, 2012

We had just the best weekend.
A little bit of alone time with the Mister
and a bit of time with the besties.
Best of both worlds.

Friday night the Mister and I decided to have a low key date night.
We went to the movies (hadn't been in forever) and saw Argo.
Guys, oh my.
It was SO good but SO stressful.
We both really, really enjoyed it but I bit off all of my nails in the last 30 minutes because it was so intense.
Remember how in Apollo 13 the last bit of the movie has you on the edge of your seat?
It was just like that...only more stressful.
After the movie, we needed something to settle us down so we went to Orange Leaf.
Froyo makes everything better. 
 You think he got enough Resses?
 
Saturday morning I got up bright and early and headed to Indianapolis for Butler's homecoming.
(Almost) all of the besties were there and it was just such a fantastic day.
There were a few key players that we dearly missed but we know they were there in spirit and they better come next year :)

We are never ones to do anything on a small scale. 
 I am pretty sure we had enough food and drink for all of Butler.
I am very lucky to be graced with friends that are such amazing cooks.
We had everything from bacon jam to apple pie spice puppy chow.
 
It was just the best day.
Good times, good friends, good memories, good laughs.

Sunday we took a family trip to the pumpkin patch once I got back to town.
Here's a sneak peak...I'll have more on our trip later this week! 
Floyd picked out some pumpkins
and came nose to nose with a donkey and some turkeys.
He was a little unsure of both.
 
How was your weekend? What did you do??
 
Linking up with Sami Dana and Leeann.
 


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F is for Fridays: Part 3

Oct 19, 2012

We made it to Friday, friends!
Congrats!
Let's all grab a glass of wine.
Well, unless you are at work and then maybe that's not the best idea...but after work, that bottle glass is all yours!

And I would like to say a special hello to all of our new friends!
And if you haven't entered the giveaway I'm participating in over at Shanna's blog
 I suggest you march your bootay over there and enter!! 

Floyd has been in rare form lately...this is a prime example of how things with him have been going lately.
 I'll have more stories soon...I promise they are good ones.
#hesneezedallovermyfacetoday

 Today please welcome Jen from Life, Love & Puppy Paws to Floyd's Friends!
Jen is a fellow Ohioan and has 3 adorable pooches; Bryn, Abby and Napoleon.
Jen has a fantastic blog including delicious recipes and her recent adventures of moving in with her boyfriend and her Houdini of a dog, Abby!
Take it away, Jen! 
___________________________________________________________________________-_
Hi Total Basset Case friends! I am Jen from over at Life, Love and Puppy Paws. I started my blog a few months ago to share my journey of moving in with my boyfriend, and the combining of our 2 furball families. Over at Life, Love and Puppy Paws, you might find posts about:

Chicken heads
Photobucket
…and fashion models
Photobucket
 …and even a few escape artists and kitchen thiefs.
Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App
You might even find a Puppy Product Review, kind of like Puppy Reports (the puppy version of Consumer Reports).
Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App
But what you will also find a lot of posts about these three cuties:
Photobucket
{ Bryn, Abby & Napoleon }

So to tell you a little about my pups there is:

Abby
Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App
Abby is my pup and she is such a sweet girl. She is a very smart little pup, but that always seems to get her into trouble. She is our little kitchen thief and likes to get into the pantry and the refrigerator. I keep telling her it’s a good thing she is cute, or else she wouldn’t be able to get away with all that she does. One of Abby’s nicknames is “Beagle,” or “The Beagle.”

Napoleon
Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App
Napoleon is one of Rick’s pups and he is my little buddy. He likes to follow me around the house and anytime I sit down he can be found sitting on my lap. The one funny thing about Napoleon is that he is a little tattletale and is always telling on the other two when they get into trouble. He is a sweet little guy and one of his nicknames is “Little Man.”

Bryn
Photobucket
Bryn is Rick’s other dog. She is a funny little dog. She’s also the laziest Jack Russel you will ever meet. She loves to cuddle, especially with Rick, and she also loves to lick your face if you are not careful. Bryn’s nickname is Bryniqua.

I would like to thank Sarah, and especially Floyd, for letting us stop by today. Happy Friday everyone!!

Thank you Jen, Abby, Bryn and Napoleon!
We are so honored to have you here today! 
Please so visit Jen's blog and give her some love!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

P.s. Want to be a part of Floyd's Friends?? Shoot me an email at totalbassetcase{at}gmail{dot}com and I will get you on the schedule!

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Brush 'Em Brush 'Em

Oct 18, 2012

Surprise! 
We have an extra dose of Floyd today!
(Don't worry, he will be back tomorrow for Fridays with Floyd/Floyd's Friends as well)

Mister snapped these photos and I just could not wait to share them!

I think I have told you guys before about how Floyd brushes his own teeth.
I don't know when or how this started but one day he started accumulating toothbrushes.
At one point, we counted 8 different toothbrushes in his toy box. 
I guess this also tells you that we switch out our toothbrushes quite often.
Our dentist should be proud. 

Floyd knows no boundaries when it comes to finding toothbrushes.
One time we were at our friend Whitney's house and Floyd nudged open a closet, found their extra toothbrushes and proceeded to drag and chew on them all over their house.
#doggiemamashame

Let's just say it isn't safe to leave your toothbrush where Floyd can reach it.
It's best to zip up your luggage if you are at our house. 

We never force him to brush his teeth, he just always gets the brushes out of his toy box.
It is actually quite helpful to us.
Plus he holds it on his own. Win win. 
Whenever we take him to the vet, she is always amazed at how clean his teeth are. 

 And this a pretty regular occurrence at our house.

Does your doggie brush their own teeth?

And we want to say a big hi and hello to everyone visiting from Because Shanna Said So!!

I am participating in a group giveaway over there and if I were you I would go enter...there is some really great stuff being given away and there will be 9 winners in all!
Go! Now!!

Happy Thursday, friends!!

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