Floyd's Friends: Tasty Sweet

We made it to Friday friends!!

I had a super fun work event last night that I can not wait to share with you guys next week...I know the suspense will be hard but try to keep it together. 

And for a weekly Floyd update, he wanted me to tell you guys thanks for taking a look at his list and he is happy to provide his mailing address if you want to make that adorable hat or sweater appear at his crate door.

He does not want me to tell you (or Santa) this but he's been a bit of a rascal lately.

 Case and point.
#FLOYD!!!

I turned my back for one second while making lunches the other night and he thought he would help himself to some turkey and cheese.

This is definitely not the first time this has happened and I'm sure it won't be the last.

We can't keep anything on our counters that he can reach or he is off with it in no time.

So if you are at our house and need a dish towel it is probably in the far back corner of the counter where mister sneakily long legs and surprisingly good hops can't get to it.
(i.e. the red and white striped towel in the corner)

Floyd and I have a definite TREAT for you guys today!

Sara (great name) from Tasty Sweet is here today with her pup Izzy.
It's literally a treat, I mean check out her blog and try not to drool while looking at her amazing creations!
I think these Caramel Apple Crisp Cupcakes may be my favorite. How cute are those mini bushel baskets?!

Take it away Sara and Izzy!
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Hi, I'm Sara and I blog at Tasty Sweet: Chronicles of a Cupcake Artist.  I started the blog just over a year ago to show my friends and family what I was baking.  I've shared some other projects too and photos of my BFF (Best Four-Legged Friend) Izzy.  To be honest, for every photo I take for the blog, there are usually two or three with Izzy somewhere in the background, she is the queen of the photo bomb.  Perfect example here.....

I was taking pictures of my DIY tv stand and there she stood.  It's a good thing she is cute!  To be honest though, the majority of the photos I take are of Izzy.  Of the 1200 photos on my phone, 1099 are probably of Izzy.  I don't have human children, so she gets all my extra attention!  She may be slightly spoiled (mostly by Grandma!) but she brings so much joy to my entire family, I know there are other dog moms out there nodding right now, it's just amazing how dogs do that!

I do feel bad when I'm baking, as Izzy is usually banned from the kitchen as she tends to get under foot, most likely looking for me to drop something tasty!  To make up for it, I've baked some cupcakes for Izzy too!  Yes, Floyd and all his friends will have to check the blog soon for my post on cupcakes for Izzy.  They are made from one of Izzy's favorite special treats, pumpkin!  It's the least I could do for my special pup.

If you want to see more photos of Izzy (who doesn't?) follow me on Instagram, all photos will be either Izzy or food (my two favorite things!).  Thanks to Sarah and Floyd for letting us stop by Total Basset Case today.  To be honest, the dogs of bloggers are usually what first draw me to a new blog.  I'm guessing Izzy is happy I read this blog too, hello? have you seen Floyd's Wish List?  I think Izzy would be happy to receive any of those things.  I'm guessing we'll be working on Izzy's list this weekend!  Me?  I think I have everything I need...

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Oh I think Izzy and Floyd would be fast friends!
He has mastered getting underfoot in the kitchen and a couple of times it has been in his favor.

I know that Floyd and I will be checking Izzy's blog soon for that recipe!!

And you are SO right, Sara...all you really need is love and a dog.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

Enjoy your weekend, loves and go check out Sara and Izzy!

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DIY: Glitter Canvas

 Update: I am linking up with Hi Sugarplum and crew for their Christmas Cheer linkup party!

 This may be the easiest and glitteriest (yep made that word up) craft I've ever done and I'm sorta kinda really in love with it.

I first saw this pin

and knew that something similar needed to make it's way in my home.

Christmas decoration covered in glitter?!
Sign me up.

I ran to the Hob Lob and picked up the following:

 8x10 canvas (any size or varying sizes would work!)

red glitter

white glitter

mod podge or regular glue

pencil 

paint brush

and a dash of hair spray

Instead of the reindeer (which is adorable) I decided to go with a different holiday image...Santa hat it was!

 I googled some images and started tracing the outline.

(I've also recently decided that if it can't be found on Google, Amazon or Pinterest it isn't worth finding.)

I then applied a thick coat of mod podge to the red area of the hat

 and GENEROUSLY covered it with glitter. I let the glitter dry all of the way before I shook it off.

 Once that was dry I did the same with the white glitter.

 I then sprayed the whole piece with hair spray.

Why? Because Pinterest told me that would work and hold the glitter in place.

And who am I to argue with Pinterest?

Ho Ho Ho glittertastic!

I love the way this turned out! 

I am thinking these would make great gifts and could be super cute for other holidays as well. 

*for other Christmas crafts, check out my yarn trees here

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Random Wednesday #3

I can't get enough of these Random Wednesday linkups with Shanna.

I love all things random and finding great new blogs!

1. My birthday is New Years Eve and I am already scoping out dresses.
I mean it's my birthday and NYE, I need a cute dress...that has to be a law somewhere.
I was thinking of using Rent the Runway.

Have you used them and if so, did you have a good experience?

I do know that they will send you 2 sizes of the same dress and I really like that feature.

These are some of my favorites so far.

2. I am in need of new hairspray.
#firstworldproblems
I have heard great things about Elnett but have not been able to part with $13 for hairspray.
Is it worth it?
I'm secretly hoping for an Ulta coupon is this weekends paper (yes I get a Sunday paper, yes I am 90 and yes I cut coupons every Sunday once it hits my driveway) and I'll at least try out the travel size.
Besides, Elnett, any other recommendations for awesome, volume keeping hairspray?

3. I could really use a (week)day at home to get life and our house in order.
I feel like every night is a whirlwind of walking Floyd, working out, dinner, making lunches, maybe crafting, blogging and watching our shows.
And then I fall asleep on the couch.
And the house doesn't get clean and my to do list continues to grow and nothing gets crossed off.  And I LOVE crossing things off my to do list.
Maybe I just need a maid...?

4. I am thinking of braving Target early Saturday morning for the Neiman Marcus debut.
I am also thinking that I may want to sleep in for once.
I just wonder how crazy it will be and if there will be a line at 8am...
What to do what to do?
I missed out on the Missoni debut and am still kicking myself over it.

5. Monday night Floyd graciously woke us up in the middle of the night by HOWLING at the top of his lungs at something outside.
I have NO idea what he heard or saw but I've also never heard him howl that loud.
We were not happy campers.
He continued to huff and puff once he got back in bed.

He is quite tough, you know. 

6. The handle on my car door broke off over the weekend.

 Getting into my car has become quite interesting.
Funny thing is, the Mister used to have the exact same car (same year and model and almost same color, isn't that cute ; ) ) and the exact same thing happened to his car.
No worries, a new handle has been shipped out.
Until then I'm that crazy girl holding 47 things and trying to pry her door open.

Happy hump day, friends!

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Floyd's Wishlist

Floyd came to me last night and informed me he's been thinking about his Christmas wishlist.

See, deep thinking.

Even though it's not quite December, Floyd wanted to make sure everyone knew what was on his list. 

(Little does he know that Santa Mama and Santa Grandma have already done some shopping for him.)

1. Fleece Crate Liner: Floyd thinks that after 3 1/2 years maybe Santa could spring for a new one of these. Maybe even some new blankets for his crate too.
2. Treats treats and more treats: Any size, shape or flavor will do. He does love Blue Dog Bakery treats but will happily eat anything you give him, especially if they are peanut butter flavored.
3. Pet Car Hammock: Okay, there is a chance that I slipped this one in there for him. BUT I do think he would really like it. And save our cars. He loves to be snuggled up and against something when he sleeps so I think this may be ideal for our cars. Thanks to Casey for the idea, apparently Pierre loves his!
4. Pet Hat Trapper: Floyd's ears get really cold in the winter and has been known to collect snow and icicles on them (slobber + freezing tempatures = ol' icicle ears). He thinks that this hat could really help that problem.
Plus he knows he would look just smashing in it.
5. Peanut Butter. Lots and lots and lots of peanut butter.  Preferably the extra big jars from Costco.  If Floyd could survive solely on PB he would. One of the only 'human' foods that Floyd gets is peanut butter.  He can be dead asleep on the couch and you can, ever so quietly, get the PB jar out of the pantry and before you can turn around he is at your feet drooling.
It's quite the art, actually.
I'm going to tape it one day, it will amaze you.
6. Christmas Dog Sweater: Floyd has been scouring Etsy during the day while we are gone and has decided he needs this sweater.
Not to mention he would be the best looking pup on the block.
Plus, how cute is it?!
If that isn't festive, I don't know what is.

Other wishes not pictures: bacon (even turkey bacon will do), unlimited snuggle time, a daily dog walker, a down comforter for his crate, steak every night for dinner, turkey legs, more peanut butter, year round sunbathing and visits from his blogland doggie buddies.

There you have it!
What is on your pup's wishlist?
Anything else that Floyd should add to his?

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Weekend Wrap Up: Stuffed

It's safe to say I am officially in a turkey coma and stuffed from 3 1/2(!) Thanksgivings!

(#1 being our Mini Thanksgiving)

More on each of those shortly.

Our weekend really started on Wednesday and I think that all weekends should start on Wednesday evenings.

 My aunts came to town on Wednesday night and we were able to eat dinner and spend time with them. 

On Thursday we had lunch at Huber's Orchard and it was very, very yummy (and Thanksgiving #2).

Friday we got up bright and early and hit the stores!

We managed to spend 3 hours in Kohls.

Yes, 3 hours.

We then hit up Target and PetSmart and it is safe to say we all marked quite a few items off our Christmas lists.

I know for a fact that Santa picked up a few things for Floyd.

Did you brave the madness of Black Friday?

On Saturday it was time for Mister's family Thanksgiving (#3).

We celebrated at his parent's house and ate like kings once again.

 I made my Derby Pie to take.

 I used a combination of this recipe and this one.

I even made my own pie crust (using this recipe).

The Mister's granny said it was very good and asked to take a piece home.

That wonderful lady has baked some goodness in her life so I trust her judgement.

 Saturday night was spent with some good friends munching on sushi and wine.

Sunday we had Thanksgiving leftovers (#1/2) at the Mister's house and they were just as delicious the second time around.

And now I feel as though I need to run a marathon. 

And take a nap.

Who knew eating and spending time with friends and family could be so exhausting?

Who is partaking in Cyber Monday craziness?

I am planning on exercising my Amazon prime membership to the fullest today and possibly every day until Christmas.

Any good deals you've spotted online that I should know about?
I do know that elf is having get 50% off when you spend $25 with coupon code 50WIDE 11/25-11/27! I am a firm believer that if you are shopping for others, you definitely deserve a little something for yourself!
Speaking of elf, I just picked up this lip gloss stick (in sangria starters) and I am obsessed with it!  It is fun apply (like a big crayon) and the perfect fall color.  I also grabbed their mineral primer on Friday from Target and can't believe I have been living this long without it. 

Linking up with Sami Dana and Leeann.

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Turkey Eve

Yay it's Turkey eve!
The day for seeing all of your friends and family and trying on your elastic waist pants.

I am joining up with Shanna for her second round of 'Random Wednesday'.

I found some really great blogs who had linked up last week so I suggest you get over there and check out all of the other awesome ladies.

1. I'm contemplating using the picture of Floyd at the table with us for our Christmas card.

Would that really make us those crazy dog people?

(see here if you don't know what I'm talking about)

2. I've done my fair share of baking already for Thanksgiving and I can not wait to dive into everything!

(Mister has already taste tested a little- he said it was only right, we wouldn't want to serve something that was bad.)
So far I've made a pumpkin roll (recipe from Kait), PW's Good Morning Muffins and we are currently on our 4th (in 2 weeks) batch of energy balls.

I am also going to make a derby pie for our second round of Thanksgiving meals.

(Is derby pie just a midwest thing? Do you know what I'm talking about?)

3. Who is going shopping on Friday?

We are definitely planning on braving the crowds.

I don't have anything particular that I am on the hunt for but I love being in the middle of the hustle and bustle.

4. Please read this article, you won't regret it.

'The Haters Guide to the Williams Sonoma Catalog'

6. This.

 I mean, there isn't even an explanation. He is just a total weirdo.

Gettin his lean on.

5. Seeing as it is Turkey Eve, I thought it was only right to talk about a few things I am so very thankful for this time of the year

-Family: my boys, my mom, my extended family, my in laws.

I am so thankful to be surrounded by such amazing people.

-Friends: I have an amazing set of girlfriends in my life and do not know what I would do without them.

 These ladies rock. 

 This means you too, my incredible blog friends, as well!

I love you ladies and never expected this blog community to be so welcoming and amazing.

I am so happy to have all of you friends in my life!

-Food and wine: I just really love to eat, cook and be in the kitchen.

And kitchen gadgets. Man, I love a good kitchen gadget.

-Holidays and traditions: I am always excited to reminisce about past holiday traditions and especially glad to start new ones this year at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

-My Job: I have the pleasure of working on some really cool projects and with very interesting products.

I have a very fun project we've been working on coming up to show you guys!

 I could go on and on (diet coke, shopping, sweatpants, ice cream...) BUT I'll stop for now.

I think that is about enough randomness for today!

Floyd and I are taking the rest of the week off to spend time with friends and family.

Follow along on Instagram (totalbassetcase) to keep up with what we are doing. 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving friends!!

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Weekend Wrap Up: Mini Thanksgiving

Oh hey, Monday.

Here you are again....thank goodness it's a short week!

Friday night the Mister and I had our own little Thanksgiving at home.

Just the 2 of us (well and Floyd of course, he's never far behind) and it was so nice!

And the best part was I didn't have to cook the turkey, it was already done!

See last week at work we had part of a morning news show filmed in our event space/showroom and the chefs made a turkey and some sides.

Well, after we nibbled on a turkey a little at work they were just going to THROW IT AWAY!
What?!

I wouldn't stand for it and decided I would take it home.

I knew Mister would eat it if nothing else.

Mister had the idea that instead of going out on Friday we should have our own little mini Thanksgiving at home and that is what we did!

 I warmed the turkey up in the oven and also made roasted paremesan green beans, skinny garlic mashed potatoes (the Yukon potatoes made these REALLY good) and make over corn casserole (all from Skinnytaste).

 Add to that some wine and cranberry upside down cake for dessert and it was a great (and delicious) evening! 

 Floyd even got to join in on the fun (just for a brief second-this is not normal practice)

 And he got a few licks on a turkey bone.

It was a pretty great Thanksgiving for him too. 

'I really like Thanksgiving'

Saturday morning I went to a spinning class at the gym and it was James Bond themed i.e. James Bond theme songs the entire time...it was interesting...

The rest of the day was spent running errands and crafting with Bethany and Autumn.

More on what we made later :)

While crafting we sipped on some sparkling wine + lemonade + cranberry juice (thank you Pinterest).

I highly recommend this drink.

It is perfect for the holidays.  You should probably have some this week

It was also ideal to have while crafting.

Sunday was spent running errands and buying a few Christmas gifts and some new Christmas decor items.

Better get out the ladder, Mister!
Our outside decorations are being taken up a notch this year.

Linking up with Sami Dana and Leeann.

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Floyd's Friends: In Residence

 If the gravy from last weekend wasn't enough,
last night Floyd stole turkey and part of a cranberry dish off the counter last night and had himself his own little Thanksgiving feast.
(more on why I had those items next week)
I am going to document his reaching skills soon.
He is sneakily long and ninja like.

Floyd and I are so so very excited to welcome Anne and Ginger to today's Floyd's Friends.

Anne and I are friends IRL and Floyd and Ginger are soon to be as well!
Their mamas have been trying to get a play date for them organized.

Anne runs the adorable blog In Residence where she constantly has great book reviews, adorable outfits (her pin to present and essentials series are my favorite) and has the prettiest Pinterest boards I've ever seen. 

Take it away Anne and Ginger!

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Hi, I’m Anne, and I blog about life, books, style, crafts, and travel at In Residence. I was so excited to meet Sarah as a fellow Cincinnati blogger, and while I haven’t yet met Floyd in person, I already love him from Sarah’s hilarious photos and stories - plus my family’s first dog was a beagle, so we always have a special place in our hearts for beagles and bassets. My dog Ginger would love to be real life friends with Floyd too, if he didn't find her crazy excitement about meeting new dogs too annoying. My husband and I adopted Ginger two years ago; she’s a sweet and funny pup and never fails to entertain us with her quirks or greet us with a three-foot leap into the air. We think she’s lucky to have us (she can be a little spoiled), but we’re quite lucky to have her too.

Since I work from home and am married to a resident who tends to spend long hours working at the hospital, Ginger and I spend much of our time together. And while she’s always very energetic when we’re out walking and meeting people, she’s pretty much the laziest officemate ever. A typical lazy day in the life of Ginger around our house goes something like this:

6:30 a.m. rejoice that momma* has returned from the forbidden land (aka the upstairs master bedroom)

7:00 a.m. eat breakfast

7:30 a.m. take a morning walk, pretty much rain or shine, followed by some fetch or sniffing in the back yard

8:30-11:45 a.m. start napping, and then do some more sleeping, plus a little dozing

12-1:00 p.m. lounge in the sun or play in the back yard (i.e. chase squirrels) while momma eats lunch

2:00 p.m. nap some more; or, if feeling especially frisky, pounce on a stuffed toy and chew off one of its appendages for a while

3:00-4:00 p.m. have an afternoon nap, maybe under momma’s chair

4:30 p.m. go for a little afternoon walk

5:30 p.m. eat dinner, maybe lick off someone else’s dinner plate (or chili pot) if she’s really lucky

6:30 (or 7:30 or 8:30 p.m. - his schedule is unpredictable) greet Peter’s arrival home from work like he’s been gone for weeks and roughhouse for a while

7:00-10:00 p.m. doze at momma’s feet while she reads, watches tv, or blogs

10:30 p.m. wait expectantly to be told it’s bedtime then trot happily off to bed (clearly it’s been an exhausting day and she’s beat)

Not a bad life for a pup, I’d say… Thanks, Sarah and Floyd, for hosting us today!  
*disclaimer: I never thought I’d be a person who refers to herself as her dog’s mom. As my own mom would say: never say never. 

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Floyd told me that he would like to come hang out with you two everyday (and so would I).

Ginger has it made!

Thanks for visiting with us and we MUST get together soon!

Go visit Anne here! 

P.s It's the last day for the Glamour Me Jewels giveaway
  P.p.s The Holiday Blog Hop is still going on...link up here!

 

Have a great weekend!!

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All Sorts of Random

Hiiiya.

I am all over the board today so try to hang with me.

First up I have my Random Wednesday link up with Shanna (on a Thursday mind you) and my Saw It Pinned It Did It link up with Katie and Steph.

First up my Random Wednesday

 1. This outfit. I randomly threw it together the other morning and actually liked the way it turned out.

{Cardi: Gap, Top: Old Navy, Jeans: JCPenny, Boots: Steve Madden}

What I did not like was when I went to go pose for these shots I fell, stumbled and knocked 2 frames off the wall.

I'll spare you the picture that Mister caught.

2. I heard the TERRIBLE news yesterday that they aren't bringing the Target lady back this year.

Excuse me.

No one asked me about this.

I LOOOOVE the Target lady.

I even had her 'Fa La La La' song as my ringtone last Christmas.

I may start a petition, who's with me?

3. I caught Floyd chomping on a bottle of acrylic paint the other day.
Although he did have enough sense to choose the glittery champagne color, everyone needs some glitter in their life.
Apparently he's jealous of all the DIYing I've been doing and that he hasn't been in on the action.

And now for Saw It Pinned It Do It

 kind of in reverse this week.
I was perusing Pinterest for more outfits to wear my beloved red jeans with and came across the outfits below solidifying the fact that you can wear red and khaki/tan together.

 Phew.
It wasn't just early morning delirium.

So to recap this week I Did It Saw It Pinned It.
Sorry girls...I broke the rules.

4. Don't forget about the Glamour Me Jewels giveaway
5. The Holiday Blog Hop is still going on...link up here!
6. I've already started (and been adding to) my Christmas/Birthday wish list.
Is it too early?!
7. Is that enough random for you?!
Come back tomorrow for an all new Floyd's Friends!

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Holiday Blog Hop!

Hi friends!
It's Holiday Blog Hop day!! 

<center> <a href=http://totalbassetcase.blogspot.com/><img border="0" src="http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee386/TotalBassetCase/holidayhop.jpg"/.</a></center>

We are so excited to see what you have come up with! 

Crafts, recipes, meal plans, traditions, wish lists...we want it all!

First up, is my creation! 

I've seen variations of these yarn strings floating around Pinterest and wanted to try my hand at them.
And I am so excited to have one of my Christmas DIYs already knocked off my list.
I love nothing more than crossing things off my list and this project is no exception!

While I LOVE the way these turned out...let me just tell you they are not for the faint of heart.

I know they look simple but for a girl who hates for her hands to be dirty or sticky this one was tough for me.

You'll see what I mean below.

I followed a combination of instructions from here and here and a little of my own.

Supplies Needed:

-styrofoam trees (well, cones if you want to get technical)

-parchment paper

-straight pins

-cornstarch

-school glue

-water

-yarn and/or raffia

-glitter (optional but why would you not want glitter?)

1. Wrap your trees in parchment paper and secure with straight pens

 2. Mix up half a bottle of glue, 1/3 cup of corn starch and 1/4 cup of water until a thick paste forms (light up spoon optional)

 3. Carefully dip a yard (or more) of yarn in the paste.

(Be careful to not get the yarn tangled) 

4. Slowly pull out the yarn and squeeze off the excess glue while wrapping the yarn around the cones in a random pattern, using as much yarn as you would like.

This is where it gets messy. I may or may have stopped to wash my hands about 47 times.

5. Continue with either a different colored yarn or raffia.

 6. At this point I sprinkled white glitter on my trees to add a little sparkle,

totally up to you but I really liked how it made the trees look like they had snow on them.

7. Set your trees aside and allow them to dry overnight (don't skip this!)

8. The next day, carefully take a knife and separate the yarn/raffia from the parchment paper.

You should be able to rotate and loosen the tree out and then tear the paper away. 

 Ta Da! 

 Now let's see what you have!

Be sure to follow Jamie Dawn and I and link on up!

(feel free to grab our button!)

P.s don't forget to enter the Glamour Me Jewels giveaway! 

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