A Weekend In Music City

This past weekend Mister and I traveled to Nashville with Katie and Derek and our friends Emily and Nick and had the BEST time. 

Live music, perfect weather, delicious food, good friends - what more could you ask for?

Friday night we went to dinner at The Pharmacy and I am not even kidding when I tell you that I had, hands down, the best burger of my life.

Burger. Country ham. Friend egg.

I'm still drooling.

Their bier garden was pretty amazing too but, seriously, the burger.

After dinner we headed to the famous Bluebird Cafe for some live music.  We did not see the cast from Nashville there but it was still a really, really great show! 

Saturday could not have been a more beautiful or fun day!

We started out with brunch, caught of a bit of the Nashville half and full marathon going on and spent the rest of the day going to different bars and listening to great live music and enjoying the beautiful weather.  

Dinner Saturday night was almost as good as Friday night.

We ate at The Southern and we all went all out.

I had the chicken friend chicken, mac and cheese and goat cheese butternut squash.  My lanta.

And a blackberry moonshine sweet tea to drink.  I don't think you could get much southern.  

Mister chowed down on a huge burger with homemade pimento cheese.  Again, southern fabulousness. 

And as a side note, we used Lyft quite a bit while we were down there and loved our experience every time.

Have you guys heard of Lyft? It's very similar to Uber.  And very, very similar to a cab. 

But much cleaner, safer, faster, cheaper and all around more enjoyable.  Plus they give you bottled water and jolly ranchers, you can't beat that. 

P.s. - Cincy ladies - Lyft just launched here last week! Whoo! 

And that was our boot scootin' boogeyin' weekend in a nut shell!

We can't wait to go back again and explore even more!  

Berry vs. Berry

This story was sponsored by Yoplait, but the best yogurt was determined by me.

My colleagues at work can attest to my love obsession of Greek yogurt topped with the best homemade granola ever.
Every. single. day.
10am on the dot, I whip up a bowl.
And sometimes at night too with agave and fresh fruit.
To say the least, I've tried a LOT of Greek yogurt in my day and there have been misses and hits.

So when given the chance to do a taste test between Yoplait Greek 100 Strawberry and Chobani Simply 100 Strawberry you can say I was just a little excited.

And to make things 100% fair, Mister switched up the cups while I was blind folded.

But before I dug in, I removed the lids and mixed them up.
The Chobani did not have much fruit to mix up and the Yoplait had a lot more fruit to mix in. 

And now for the taste test.

Excuse the blurriness - these are legit action shots.

And also I started laughing because Mister was taking a million shots in a row and I knew I was looking ridiculous.

Just be thankful you don't have to see the outtakes.
(and these shots make me want to repaint that wall...)

And my favorite was....drumroll....
Yoplait!
Which, in truth, really surprised me.  I am usually a Chobani girl and often get the big boxes of them from Costco.  But, to me, the Chobani Simply 100 was very artificial tasting and had a strange texture.
The Yoplait also had a bit of an artificial taste but not nearly as much as the Chobani and it was much fruiter and sweeter.
But with both, you can't beat 100 calories or the amount of protein that Greek yogurt packs!
And! Yoplait comes in 12 flavors, you can taste a new one every day!

So now it's your turn!
Have you tried either of these?
Do you have a preference?

And next time you eat yogurt, don't forget to top it with the best granola EVER.

Recipe : Poppyseed Tortellini Pasta Salad

Are you ready for the easiest, yummiest, quickest pasta salad recipe that will be a hit at every single one of your cook outs this summer?

Well look no further.

I can't believe I haven't shared this recipe with you yet!

My mom and I whipped it up for Easter brunch with Mister's family and, once again, it was a hit!

Ingredients :

(we made a double batch, ingredients listed are for a single)

-1 package frozen tortellini

-1 can mandarin oranges, drained and chopped in half

-1 cup grapes, chopped in half

-1 bottle poppyseed dressing

1. Boil pasta until tender and drain

2. Transfer pasta to larger bowl to mix

3. Combine oranges, grapes, pasta and poppyseed dressing and mix until well coated

4.  Cover and let rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours

(salad may need re-tossed before serving after sitting in the fridge)

See, could not be easier! 

Enjoy! 

The Younique giveaway winner is : Anne!

And one more thing, I am participating in a great J.Crew gift card giveaway over at Because of Jackie!

Please tell me you are reading her blog, it is all sorts of fabulousness.  A great mix of adorable fashion and honest truths.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Memory Lane Date Night

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Tony’s Pizza, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #tonyspizzeria http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV.

Remember Friday or weekend nights when you were younger and it was automatically deemed pizza and movie night?

Or you just KNEW the menu at school on Fridays would say Tony's Pizza and that was not a day to bring your lunch?

I sure do and when it wasn't on the menu at school, I knew it would be at home.

#thanksmom!

Fast forward a few years and Mister and I are always on the hunt for inexpensive, fun, delicious, entertaining date night ideas and meals.  

Pizza is always a favorite and no brainer to us. 

And so is watching our old, favorite movies.

Because, honestly, what's better than pizza and movies on your own sofa?

And coming off the Easter holiday weekend last night, Tony's Pizza and some of our favorite movies were just the ticket for an easy, no fuss evening. 

(Why are holiday weekends so exhausting?)

And let's not forget Floyd is a very important part of our date night considerations.

It takes him approximately 3 days to recover from a weekend so he's a fan of us staying close to home, curled up on the sofa with yummy food he may get a bite of. 

And with such a fun, childhood memory filled evening planned, who are we to say no to the basset hound?

I swung by Walmart, used a handy coupon and picked up a couple Tony's Pizzas for dinner.

(Grab your coupon here and save $.75 on any two Tony's multi serve pizzas, in the freezer aisle, while supplies last.)

We picked out movies to watch and our date night was on the fast track to fabulousness. 

Not a bad way to spend a Monday if you ask me. 

Bring it on, Tuesday, we are ready for you! 

What is your favorite date night idea?

To learn more about Tony's Pizza check them out on Twitter and Facebook! 

Hippity Hoppity

We've had a whirlwind of a week around the house.

So this is going to a short and Easter bunny sweet wrap up.

Our weekend started on Thursday with Bethany's going away dinner.

It was a bittersweet event but you can really never go wrong with Mexican so that made up for it.

Friday we headed to our home town for Easter festivities.  

I started Momastery's 'Carry On, Warrior' on the way home and finished it the next afternoon.

I'll have a full review up soon but just know that I loved it and can't stop thinking about it. 

Saturday my mom and I know how to do lunch and it's called froyo with as many toppings as your cup will hold.

(lemon dress is recent from Old Navy)

Sunday was full of Easter church services, lunch, egg hunts and tormenting our Easter basset.

*remember the Younique giveaway is still going on!

Oh La La {Younique Makeup Giveaway}

Mascara is probably my favorite part of my make up routine.

I love building up big, full, voluminous lashes.

As we all seem to be, I am always on a hunt for the perfect mascara.

I had recently resorted to layering 2-3 mascaras to achieve the look I wanted from multiple mascaras.

It was really becoming quite the process.

Well ladies, I have a solution for this issue, look no further.

My friend Tatiana just recently introduced me 3D fiber lashes from Younique.

This mascara is a SHOWSTOPPER.

It literally makes you look like you have false eyelashes on.

And who doesn't want that?

The mascara is made up of two different components (gel and fiber) and three, easy steps for application : gel, fiber, gel.

And repeat if you desire.  

The more you build, the more dramatic the look.

1 coat is great for work

2 for a night out

and 3 for a really special evening or party 

(in my opinion)

I will tell you the fiber step was a little strange to me at first.

The gel looks like a normal mascara and then the fibers are literally fibers on a tube (not a wet product).

So in expanded terms, the gel creates a base for the fibers, the fibers attached to the gel and build up the volume and then repeating the gel secures the fibers to your lashes.

It works best if you work with both tubes open in your hands so you can move quickly.

It is also advised that you complete one eye before you move to the next one.

And because seeing is believing, here are some pictures of moi without mascara and with.
Please be warned of two things, 1. it's really hard to take photos of mascara and look natural and 2. I hadn't had my coffee yet when I took these so my eyes aren't fully awake.

1. No mascara
2. One eye with, one without
3. One coat on both eyes
4. Two coats on both eyes

See! Fake lashes!

AND if seeing isn't believing for you, how about trying it out for yourself!
Tatiana has graciously offered to giveaway one set of 3D Fiber lashes mascara to one lucky Total Basset Case reader.
You know the drill, rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Giveaway runs through next Wednesday, winner announced next Thursday)

Contact Tatiana if you have any questions! You can also host a virtual Younique party with Tatiana via Facebook!

You can guarantee this mascara is going to look great with whatever dress I pick for our upcoming big event.

So are you sold?

Decisions Decisions

We have a black tie optional event coming up soon and I have been beyond torn about what to wear.

From the beginning I have been leaning towards a long gown, but nothing too formal. 

I want to look elegant, but fun and springy and not stuffy.

And I would prefer not to wear black, just for something different.

But there are a few short options that are catching my eye too.

So after consulting with a few girlfriends, I think I have some options narrowed down from Rent the Runway.  I went back and forth with buying something vs. renting but I haven't been able to find anything yet that wasn't a million dollars so I think RTR it is.
Though it does hurt my money saving heart to pay for something I can't keep...

I have never used RTR but I have heard nothing but fabulous things about them and I love all of the reviews and real life photos they have.

So here is where I need you!

Help me decide on a dress!! 

1. Gold sequin  - I love how fun and sparkly this one is and the back is beautiful.

2. Pink and red - I can never say no to pink.  I'm not 100% on those sleeves though...

3. Red floral - I think with some great, big gold earrings this one could be fabulous. I love this shade of red, not quite stop sign red but has a bit of pink in it. 

3. Blue tribal - I enjoy that this one can go either fancy with some great earrings or a bit more casual

4. Lilac - In love with the color of this one and the back is so, so pretty

5. Short black and gold sequin - Now this one is just fun, spunky and totally out of my comfort zone but I love it.

And those are what I have it narrowed down to!

Regardless of what I wear, I am very excited to get dressed up!

What is your vote?

And what shoes?!
And what does Mister wear?
So many decisions...

Weekend Wrap Up : Soak it Up

Well HELLO Spring.

We were overjoyed to see you this weekend and spent 90% of our time outside.

And the rest of the time was in the house with the windows open.

And it was amazing.

It's incredible what a bit of vitamin d does for the soul.

Saturday morning I headed downtown for a practice run on the Flying Pig course.

The countdown to the big race is just around the corner!

It was also Bethany and I's last long run together :(

She is off to bigger and better things in Boston and while I am SO excited for her and her husband, my heart is so sad to lose my running buddy and BFF. 

Thankfully, it was a beautiful day for running in Cincinnati.

And then to continue our day of spring goodness, we headed to the Reds game with Katie and Derek.

And because we couldn't have all of the fun, I made Floyd some pupcakes for his continued birthday celebration.  I used this recipe and according to Floyd (and Mister) they were quite tasty. 

And that was our weekend in a nutshell!

Were you able to enjoy this fabulous weather?

Come back later this week to help me decide on a dress for an event I have coming up!

Floyd Turns 5!

It's a special day for the star of the show around here.

Today is Floyd's 5th birthday!

I seriously can NOT believe that he is 5.

There are days that he acts like he's the grumpiest old man and then there are days when he acts the same as he did as a puppy.

He is the light of our lives and makes us laugh, smile and shake our heads at him all at the same time - every.single.day.

It's never, ever a dull moment with this hound in the house.

And we wouldn't have it any other way.

And now for, Floyd's top 5s for his 5th birthday

5 Favorite Foods

1. Chicken

2. Eggs

3. Peanut butter

4. Popcorn

5. Peanut butter treats

5 Favorite Activities 

1. Walking

2. Snoozing

3. Rascalling

4. Eating

5. Snuggling

5 Favorite Places

1. Grandmas

2. Golf course

3. Park (but not to play)

4. Sonic drive thru

5. His aunts houses

You can bet there is going to be one spoiled little man at our house this weekend ;)

He's thrilled, can't you tell?

Happy birthday Bubba, we love you!!

A Perfect Pairing

Thank you to Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate for sponsoring this post and allowing me to share my perfect pairing. 

Just like most of us ladies out there, I enjoy a really great piece of chocolate every once in a while.

And pair that with a full bodied red wine and I'm really sold.

It's a simple, yet, never failing in deliciousness, combination in my book.

Ghirardelli's Intense Dark chocolate bar is the perfect choice for this pairing.  We were at a friends over the weekend and had delicious burgers from the grill and ended our meal with chocolate and a glass of red wine - perfection! The dark chocolate is just the right amount of flavor, not overpowering at all. There are many ways to enjoy dark chocolate but I think one of the best ways is with others - if you have a mouth watering chocolate bar in your purse, you just have to share that goodness with your friends! It would be unfair not to! 

Those are the makings for the perfect evening right there.

Intense dark chocolate? Check.
Red wine? Check.
Good friends? Check.
Solid evening! 

For other intense dark chocolate flavors and perfect pairings, check out Ghiraradelli's site. 

Chop Chop

Another action packed weekend at our household.

Friday night started off with a fabulous body scrub at a local spa.

Talk about heaven.

Saturday I was up and at 'em early for a 12 mile run.

It actually went pretty well but I didn't hate that it was over.

After my run I headed to my hair appointment.  My hair was in desperate need for a cut and I had planned on cutting quite a few inches off of it.  And after talking to my stylist, she mentioned that if I went a bit shorter, I could donate it.  Which, I am always for.

So don't mind me, I'm just over here trying to figure out how to style this new bob.

I had one minor moment of 'omg it's so short' and then I got out my curling iron and hairspray and all was right again in the world. 

Sunday was a door open all day, planting new flowers, baking, ice cream run with my neighbor and nap taking day.

All perfect things to me!

I also spent the day asking Floyd what kind of cake he wants for his birthday.

Our baby turns 5 (!) on Thursday! #wahhhh

He spent his weekend helping me garden. And snooze. So much snoozin.

How was your weekend?

Just Perfect

And now I am finally around to recapping our anniversary.

Mister and I had really, really been looking forward to our anniversary dinner date night for quite a while.

We don't tend to go out to eat too terribly much so when we know we have a dinner out on the schedule, we get very excited.

#hugedorks

But before we headed off to dinner and drinks, 2 things needed to happen.
1. Dress putting on

and 2. fruit and flower themed gifts

Which I did a terrible job of photographing but I promise they happened.
Ironically Mister and I had very similar ideas for each other and almost ended up getting each other Nutribullets but changed our minds at the last minute.
I ended up getting mister and 'Apple' iHome with a radio so he can listen to Reds games in his office.
And Mister gave me an 'Apple' iTunes gift card to download music for running a Lowes gift card to buy flowers to plant this spring.

Then we headed out to Boca for drinks and over to Sotto for dinner.

Both places were new to us and I can't believe we hadn't been to either before but it certainly won't be the last time.  The interior of both places are amazing and I could have spent all night looking at the architecture and light fixtures.

And the food.  My lanta I'm still thinking about it.  Is there anything better than handmade pasta?

And that's a wrap on our anniversary, just a perfect night.

Fruit & Flowers : 4 Year Anniversary Gift Guide

My 3 year anniversary gift guide was a huge hit last year so I am back again this year with a 4th year round up.  

And for a little back story, at our first year of marriage, Mister and I (let's be honest I did) decided that we would attempt to go the traditional route with gifts each year.  

We both love the challenge of coming up with creative, clever and thoughtful gifts this year.

And here we are at year 4 and the traditional gift is...are you ready for this...

fruit and flowers - at first glance, not the easiest of prompts

And the 'modern' gift is appliances.

Well lucky for both of us, we did invest in new appliances for ourselves back in January.

But we still wanted to go the traditional route (and on a budget) on our actual anniversary.

Let's get the obvious gifts out of the way...

Wine and flowers.
Easy peasy, done and done.
And I honestly don't think any girl would appose either of those.

But! Let's take it a few steps further and get a little more creative.

A few of these may be a stretch, but let's just call them extra clever.

Wine of the month club (great for girls and guys)
Edible Arrangements (I mean it's fruit in the shape of a floral arrangement)
Apple products (iPhone, iHome, iPad, iPod, iTunes gift cards)

Fruit themed kitchen towels/accessories (Target or Crate and Barrel are good places for these)
Seeds to plant apple, orange, banana, etc trees
Nutribullet, Ninja, Vitamix (to make fruit smoothies)

Flowers/landscaping items- a 'day in the yard' gift basket

Kate Spade often has fruit and floral themed items - bags, wallets, clothing etc.

Cologne/Perfume (floral scents)

Garden tools (to plant flowers)
Fruit flavored olive oils

And there you have it, fruit and flowers!
What ideas do you have for 4 year anniversary gifts?

Come back by tomorrow to see what Mister and I gave each other and how we spent our anniversary.