Mama Favorites {& a giveaway!}

I haven't done a favorites round up lately and there are definitely some things I am really loving lately.

I am also planning a baby centered favorites post as well.  We have definitely found some winners in the baby department.

But first, in the mama department ;)

Now that I am home for a few weeks comfort is key and these pants have been on constant rotation.

Libby sent them to me in a little care package, along with this shirt, both are winners.

(they are so soft they put babies right to sleep!)

I generally am not a fan of sleeping in pants but these guys are a total exception.  They are SO soft and just light enough that they don't make me too hot and feel like I am not wearing anything at all. 

 I would add them to your Christmas list immediately.  I wouldn't be mad if Santa brought me another pair...I mean they are on sale and they are SO many cute options.  Just throwing it out there Santa ;) 

Another cozy item I am loving are these baseball tees from Walmart.  Mister spotted them one day and somehow now I own 3 different ones.  They are also super soft and comfy.  I sized up a medium for a roomier, lounge around fit.  So comfy I wore one the day we brought Little Mister home.

And what comes with lounging?  Snacking! Duh.

Being home all day is dangerous you guys.

First up I literally can NOT stop eating these treats, in fact I am making another batch as soon as I finish this post.   Mostly because I ate 95% of the first pan and Mister the other 5%.  They are perfect for grabbing on the go.  Or every time you open the fridge, whatever floats your boat.  I did use gluten free pretzels but I do not think that is crucial.

Another item I cannot stop eating are the Peppermint Pretzel Thins....enough said.

And one more that I think would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving treat table is Rigoni di Asiago's Nocciolata Dairy Free spread-think hazelnut goodness to put on just about anything your heart desires.  Yes please.  I haven't tried it yet but I think on top of my chocolate chip banana bread with your morning coffee Thanksgiving morning while watching the parade sounds delightful. 

If you would like a chance to win your own jar simply comment below with one of your fall favorites and Little Mister and I will randomly select a lucky winner next week!

To round out the (current) stay at home mom favorites list, we have to include tv shows. Duh.

Currently I'm catching up on Gilmore Girls before the new ones come out and The Good Wife.  Mister and I also started Good Girls Revolt.  Any other recommendations?  

PS Little Mister is 2 months old today!! Don't worry I'll have a full post dedicated to it ;)

Floyds Mistaken Identity

I hate to admit it but until recently we had committed a cardinal sin.

It's the last week of October and we had not been to the pumpkin patch yet.

I know, I know I am breaking all of the blogger rules.

 I did pick up a teal fantasy pumpkin at Traders Joes weeks ago so that was tiding us over.

Along with our hoards of mums. 

Thankfully we corrected that this weekend!

Phew.

Every year of Floyd's life we have made it a mission to take Floyd to a patch.

He loves the smells, we love the photos ops and bassets just look adorable surrounded by orange.

Plus wrestling a basset hound while juggling pumpkins is always a good workout.

Floyd's floppy ears and happy demeanor always warrants a lot of laughs, points and general 'awws' from fellow pumpkin patch goers. 

He knows it too and puts on a little swagger.

Well this weekend as we were approaching the patch a little boy across the way yelled 

'that doggie looks like Charlie the Ranch Dog!' 

The highest of compliments for Floyd! 

Floyd was honored, I was honored and now I think Floyd and Charlie really need to meet.

After his semi famous encounter, we continued to drag Floyd around and make him pose with Fall things like the good parents we are.

And then Floyd helped me with something he thought I had on my face.

And that wraps up our yearly visit to the patch, better late than never.

Plus know maybe our pumpkins will last longer!

P.s. did you see the Cards for Canines giveaway?

Mums the Word

I mentioned on Monday we picked up some mums over the weekend.

I cannot get enough of them.

I love the bright colors, the fullness and the punch of color they add to our yard.

Who knew mums came in such amazing colors?!

Now we just need some pumpkins to round out our fall decor!

But in the mean time...

The witch has landed! 

Of course my helper is never too far behind...

Weekend Wrap Up : Low Key

We traveled every single weekend of September (Boston, Marge, Taylor and home).  And while they were all fun trips and jaunts to see friends and loved ones, we were tired.  And homesick for our home.  And waking up in our own bed to a lazy weekend morning.

Mister and I had been looking forward to this past weekend immensely.  With just about 0 plans on our agenda we settled in for a low key weekend.

I am happy to say we were successful with that low key-ness.

Friday night we grilled delicious bison burgers and set up shop on the sofa to watch Wild.

We had listened to the book tape version a few years ago so it was nice to see the film version.

Saturday I was finally able to make it back to bootcamp (thank goodness) and get an excellent work out in.   The rest of the day was full of general housekeeping and all those pesky tasks that stay undone when you are never home.  

Later that evening we had a fabulous dinner out with the neighbors to 20 Brix.  We have been talking about going to 20 Brix for years and I am so glad we were able to make it.  The amazing steak I had made it very worth it.

(OBSESSED with those new shoes)

We ended the night snuggled on their couch with wine and brownies (for them, not me) and once again being thankful that we can easily walk home and right into bed.  

Sunday we started the day with church, picked up even more mums (we can't get enough!) and finally scored some new booties at DSW.  

All wins if you ask me!

Cheers to low key weekends and actually starting the week with all of our laundry done.  

#smallwins

How to: Make a Dog Chef Costume

First of all, Floyd says lots of thank yous for all of your kind words on his costume.

He is patiently waiting for next year when his mother will torture him with a costume again. 

After some googling (and insight from my mama), I decided upon the components I needed for Floyd's costume.

I was going to cut a t-shirt Floyd has from his Halloween of being a personal trainer that I was going into a chefs jacket.  Then my mom suggested a kids apron from Amazon and it was perfect! The 

length was just right!  And for $6, the price was right!

There's a chance I might start putting it on him every night while I cook.

The scarf was some extra fabric I had around, cut into a triangle.

And the hat, the hat, was my favorite part.

For the hat you will need:

card stock

tissue paper

tape

ribbon/string

1.  Start by cutting your card stock about 2" wide.

2.  Measure your dogs head and tape the card stock so it is a ring shape.

3.  Cut a circle in the tissue paper and start taping it to the inside of the card stock ring.

4.  Keep gathering and taping the tissue around the perimeter until it is poufy.

5.  Tape the ribbon on the inside of the hat and tie under your dogs neck.

Dinner is served!

Sous Chef Floyd

Because I am a certain kind of crazy, I love making Floyd's Halloween costumes every year.

And even though we are past Halloween and full into November (I broke down and turned the heat on!), the blog world still needs to see the big reveal.

If I do say so myself...

 Sous Chef Floyd in da HOUSE.

If we are in the kitchen cooking, Floyd is there 100% of the time.

Without a doubt.

The number of photos we have of this is probably somewhere in the 500s.

Sadly you do not get to see these because generally I am in old and most likely mismatched pjs (lucky Mister).  

If you've never cooked a full meal straddling a basset hound under your feet, you've really not lived.

To Floyd's credit, camping out in the kitchen works out for him sometimes.

Like the time Kait dropped an entire piece of prosciutto on the floor at Casey's house on New Years Eve. Happy New Year, indeed! 

 And because he is so stinkin adorable, his mama gives him scraps as well every once in a while.

Lately it's been ham because I've discovered an awesome ham 'n veggie soup that I need to share with you soon!

Surprisingly he kept his costume on most of the night.  Hat included!

The apron is a kids one from Amazon and I made the rest.
Be sure to come back tomorrow for the how tos ;)

   We call this one, 'Steak n' Shake employee', with a tiiiiny bit of drool'. 

5 on Friday

And now for five things that sort of have to do with the number 5 on a Friday.

1.  I reached my goal of running 500 miles this year earlier this week...2 months ahead of schedule!

I think this calls for some Lulu or Lorna Jane...you know, more running gear so I can run more because I am nuts! 

Honestly I was scared I was not going to be able to reach this goal.  It felt awesome to cross this one off our list! 

2.  I have about 50% of our Christmas shopping done and it is SUCH a good feeling.  It is my plan to continue to knock more out and avoid the Christmas crazy rush. 

3.  Mister and I carved pumpkins with some friends the other night.  Can you guess which one is mine?  There were 5 pumpkins and 1 cantaloupe carved - the cantaloupe was a very cool twist on traditional carving. 

4.  At 5 years old, Floyd's Halloween costume for this year may be my favorite of all time.  I can NOT wait to debut it.  Make sure to keep an eye on instagram for the big reveal. 

5.  50+ the approximate number (probably more!) of trick or treaters we will have tonight,

Happy Halloween! 

Blogtober14 : Favorite Fall Recipe

I could not pass up todays #blogotber14 prompt from Helene and Taylor.

Favorite Fall Recipe

Last fall Mister and I discovered this chili recipe and have made it approximately 47 times since.  

Mister deemed it 'Best. Chili. Ever.' and I couldn't help but agree with him.

Every time we make it is turns out slightly different but the base is the same.

I think the sweet potatoes are the secret ingredient if you ask me.

We've already whipped up our first batch of the season and I know it will not be our last.

We are huge fans of trying new soups/chilis when cold weather strikes.

I have pinned (and tried!) a few new chili recipes that have been definite winners thus far this fall season.

Mexican Lime Soup with Chicken (the more lime the better!)

Paleo Turkey Crockpot Chili (works in dutch oven too!)

and next on our list is, BBQ Chicken Chili 

Do you have a good soup/chili recipe? We are always looking for new ones! 

Fridays with Floyd : Pumpkin Patch Photo Shoot

Say that 5 times fast.

For the past few years we've taken Floyd to the same pumpkin patch to grab our front porch pumpkins.

From what we can tell, he LOVES it.  

The smells and animals galore, the people and of course, the pumpkin patch sniffing. 

Last year we had an impromptu photo shoot with him there and why should this year be any different? ;)

Skeptical

Sniffing

Sassy

Floyd says, 'TGIF friends!'

Weekend Wrap Up : Hello Fall!

With the temperatures this weekend, now is really feels like fall.

If it could not get too much cooler I would be a happy camper.

To fully embrace fall this weekend we knocked out quite a few fall activities.

...a great 12.5 mile run (love fall running weather)

...broke out the cold weather gear

...pumpkin patching (come back Friday for Floyd's pumpkin patch photo shoot)

...chili making

...football watching

...outside decorating

...pedicures (not really fall but necessary after that run)

...dog parked it with Floyd 

...dinner with friends

...researched how to make Floyd's costume

(thanks for all of your votes, we have made a decision!)

What fall things did you do?

Playing Dress Up : Floyd Edition

I never miss an opportunity to dress Floyd up for Halloween.

And this year will be no different.

You may recall last years costume...

 The sassiest Eeyore you've ever met.

This year I'm taking guesses on what you guys think Floyd will be greeting our trick or treaters as on Thursday.

1. Sherlock Hound

2. Scrub a Dub Bub

3. Lost and Hound

4. Sigmund Floyd

And if you need a good chuckle, here are 57 basset hounds in costume.

Floyd has some stiff competition.

Vote away and come back on Friday to see his costume revealed.

I will give you one hint...I ordered his costume from Target but it wasn't from the dog costume department...

 

All Fall

These weekends and the lure of Sunday snuggling are really getting the best of me. 

We had a weekend FULL of all things fall and I LOVED it. 

Friday after work Mister and I took Floyd on an extended walk around a lake near our house. 

 Although Floyd was pooped after, he loved it! All new scents and a plethora of new leaves to smell, it was his version of heaven.

Saturday Mister planned a fun day trip for us to Yellow Springs. I had been wanting to go there for a while now and it worked out perfectly because they had a street fair full of crafts and booths going on.  We had the best day walking around, trying local goodies (beer, coffee and pizza - yes in that order, we are strange) and just soaking up a gorgeous day.  We drove home with the windows open the whole way and had the best afternoon.

Saturday night we had the most delicious homemade pad thai (recipe coming later this week) and a fantastic wine we'd been saving from Casey.

Sunday we ventured to the pumpkin patch with Floyd in tow.  We have a tradition of taking him and this year was no different.  We took him out into the actual patch this year and he was in scent overload happiness.  It's a toss up if his nose was in the air sniffing or down on the ground sniffing more.  I'll have more of our pumpkin patch photo shoot with him on Friday.

 We picked up quite a few pumpkins and couldn't leave without caramel apples!  Well rounded lunch, right?

Sunday afternoon I ventured out on a pants hunt.  After many hours, many dressing rooms and a close call with throwing a fit in the middle of the mall out of frustration...I found ONE pair (on sale, thank goodness) at The Limited.  

I told you this may take me until next fall. 

I tried on and fell in love with these jeans at Nordstrom but couldn't justify the price.  Santa may see them appear on his list in a few weeks. 

The search continues.

Bottoms Up

As the air turns crisper in these parts and as I stood staring blankly into my closet this morning, I came to a realization....

I am seriously lacking in the fall pant department.

I have been rocking dresses and skirts as much as I can and I think that time is coming to somewhat of a close.

I donated quite a few pairs of pants and jeans last Spring and now am left with only a few options for work.

I really hate dress pants so now I am officially on the hunt for new jeans, chinos and/or cords.

(love these gray pants Shanna wore!) 

Skinnies have been my favorite for awhile now, I love that you can wear them with tall boots or booties.

Any suggestions on your favorite fall pants are more than welcome! 
Here are a few I have my eye on.
1| 2 | 3 | 4

I say this search shall take anywhere from the next 2-12 weeks to find something that I like and fits me correctly.

Now wish me luck as I plan on taking Nordstrom by storm this weekend.

I'm taking guesses for how many pairs of pants I try on versus how many actually come home with me.  Place your bets now!

Blogtember : Hide Your Wallet

Day 7: Favorite online shops

This is a very, very dangerous prompt.

And by dangerous, I mean awesome.

I can't wait to stalk everyone's lists. 

I have a serious case of 'it's almost fall I need all new clothes' fever.

It's a serious illness you guys.

I mean the booties

the oversized cardigans

the skinny cords and chinos

the cranberry colored everything

the cold weather running gear
the blazers

I need it all.

Need, right?!

Here are some favorites I have my eye on lately

Blazer | Blouse | Sweatshirt
Booties | Skirt | Cords | Heels (sold out)

While I have a serious love for stores like Gap and Old Navy, I also really love supporting great Etsy stores and small business owners. (also represented: Ruche and Piperlime. Lulus has had some really great pieces lately too.)

I also stalk Groopdealz, Sassy Steals, Very Jane, Brickyard Buffalo and StyleLately on the (almost daily) for deals.

And whenever I buy anything online I always use Ebates.  Free money for shopping, yes please!

What are your favorites? 

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.

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!!