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. 

Our Love : 4 Year Anniversary

Today marks our 4 year wedding anniversary and I literally can't believe it.

I still remember our wedding day so vividly and it makes me so so happy.

There are times when I want to live that day over and over again (and wear my dress - which I will 100% be doing tonight).

But at the same time I love that we have 4 years or marriage under our belt.

4 years of growing (well 14 if we are counting from the beginning), 4 years of understanding our marriage and each other, 4 years of owning and running a home, 4 years of making dinner and going on date nights together, 4 years of going through the good and bad and ups and downs, 4 years of love that continues to grow each and every day.  And I can't wait to see what the next 444 years hold. 

Andddd that's enough mushy ;)

Because I am craving a vacation and sunshine like whoa I thought it would be fun to recap our honeymoon.

Our honeymoon was a 100% complete surprise to me.  Mister planned and orchestrated the entire thing.  I had no idea where we were going until we got to the airport and even then I didn't really know what to expect.  I always suggest to my friends getting married to go this route.  As much as I love to plan and be in the know, not having to worry about a single thing to do the with honeymoon made the wedding planning process so much easier.  Mister told me to pack for warm weather and the beach and that's what I did and it worked out perfectly.

We went Secrets Capri in Riveria Maya and absolutely loved it.  It was one of the prettiest and nicest places we've ever stayed.  I mean they welcome you at the door with champagne, it can only get better from there. 

I fully believe that all inclusive is the way to go for a honeymoon.  The less you have to worry about the better! Plus they just keep the drinks comin'!

And...room service.  Possibly the best part ever.

We met 4 other couples while we were there who were also on their honeymoons and became great friends with them for the week and still talk to them to this day.  

It really was just the best time and I would go back in a heart beat.

Can we, Mister?!

Mister and I are big fans of traditional anniversary gifts so I'll have a gift guide up next week for 4th year anniversary (fruit and flowers).  I couldn't have it up this week or it would have spoiled Mister's gift ;) 

DIY Valentine Cards...With A Basset

Because who doesn't want a little basset love in their mailbox?

I was in Target the other day and had a stack of Valentine's Day cards in my hand.

I took a second and thought, 'I have a million craft supplies at home, I can make my own cards and it won't cost me $20.'

And then the wheels kept turning and I thought, 'why not include Floyd in on this fun?'

Because when you look at Floyd, I know you are all thinking he has the crafting gene written all over him.

I gathered a few of supplies and set to work.

We also had to wrangle Floyd to trace his paw.

He really wasn't into it but we got it done because every good Valentine's Day card needs a pawtograph.  

True fact- those are left over wedding invitations.

Then I pulled out my best 1st grade craft talents, folded a piece of paper in half and cut out some hearts.

A little double sided tape and sweet notes later, Floyd's valentines were ready to go out!

And to all of our bloggy buddies, consider this an early Happy Valentine's Day from Floyd and I!

{DIY} : Valentine's Day Burlap Banners

Last weekend my neighbor texted me and said, 'I'm drinking coffee and crafting, want to come over?'

I couldn't gather my supplies fast enough.

Also can we talk about how fabulous it is to have amazing neighbors?

Our neighbors two doors down are out of the park fantastic, sweet, helpful and caring.

It's the best thing basically ever.

Not to mention I came home to a fabric heart banner in our mailbox the other day...I'm telling you, the best. 

So to gear up for the 'ol love day, I thought I'd whip up an easy Valentine's Day craft.

I'm not sure you can even call this a DIY because it is so easy but here we go.

Supplies:

Burlap

Felt

Paint

Hot glue gun

Ribbon

Coffee

I made this up as I went but it went something like this:

1.  Cut a rectangle of burlap and felt.  Make sure the burlap is a little taller than the felt so you can fold the top over to attach the ribbon on the back.

2. Hot glue felt to the burlap (careful! if you felt isn't thick the glue may come through the burlap, don't burn your fingers!)

3.  Paint your design on your burlap.  Wait for it to dry-should only take a few moments.

4. Turn banner over and hot glue ribbon the length you want to the back.

5. Hang up!

See, SO easy and you could definitely make these for all the holidays! Or I think it would be super cute to do multiple ones on a long ribbon. 

Love is in the air! 

Blogtember : An Open Love List

Hope everyone had a great weekend!
We spent it in Fort Wayne visiting some friends and Mister played in a wiffle ball tournament.

Kady and I did same damage shopping on Saturday and early Sunday morning I managed to get my paws on a Phillip Lim bag from Target. Ecstatic doesn't begin to describe my state. 

I may or may not have been up at 12, 3 and 7 stalking the website and after encountering some having some technical difficulties I gave up and slept.
BUT! I woke up a determined woman and headed out to the store.
Thank goodness I did, they ended up having the one I wanted!
There's a large chance there was some jumping up and down that happened in Target.

Day 10: An open love letter 

I think today's prompt could go a lot of ways but since I was possibly or possibly not up at 3, this is more of a love list of things in my life.  Which is actually pretty appropriate but I really, really LOVE lists.

The things that make me smile on the daily and if I could bottle them all up at one time and in one place, I would explode of happiness

-Mister, duh.

-F-man, duh

 -Friends and family

-Girlfriends that mean the world to you

-Diet Coke

-Eating

-A good sale

-Cooking

-Crafting

-Blogging

-Ice cream

-Interior design

-Hair products

-Group texting

-Running

-Coffee

-Basset hounds

-Wine

-Organization

And that's just a sampling.

I like to think that I could get by in life with few things but there are certainly people and things in my life that really make me happy put a smile on my face. 

What are some of the loves in your life?

Girls Night Out: Crushin'

Hey girls hey!
So you may have heard that Erin is hosting a 'blogger crush' link up today.
i.e. a good excuse to gush our guts about our girl crushes.

I can't possibly narrow down all of my favorites (I love you all!!) but I thought it would be fun to plan a virtual girls night out with some of my favorite blogland ladies!
If it's one thing I can gather from all of us, it's that we all enjoy a glass or two of wine from time to time.

So what better than to plan a 'virtual' wine night out with everyone?
 I'm thinking we would start the night at a trendy, yet casual, dog friendly wine bar.
If I am going to meet all of you in person, I certainly want to meet your furbabies too!
Plus Floyd really loves meeting his fans.
 

I have had the pleasure of meeting some of these ladies IRL and can vouch for their awesomeness and how much fun they are at a GNO.

(Bethany Kait Katie)

In no particular order...

*Katie: this girl can have a good time and can throw a party like none other.  And on top of that she's the absolute sweetest.  With really great hair.  And an adorable pup.  And she lives close to me. Win win win. 

*Anne: Skyped with this awesome chica and confirmed my suspicions...she is awesome, hysterical and I desperately wish we lived closer together.

*Shanna: Who doesn't love Shanna? I sure do. And her style and her complete honesty.  She's the total package (plus she's a rock star mama).
I just hope that she knows before heading out, I would force her to pick out my outfit, because we know girlfriend can put together some snazzy 'fits. 

*Kait:I think you guys know my love for this one. If not, check out our blogger meetup/weekend love fest here.  She's my DBSM (dog blog soul mate), we just get each other.  Plus she loves Floyd as if he's her own, can't argue with that. 

*Bethany: This one and I have shared a few glasses or two in our day. And maybe more than our fair share of margaritas.  Bethany is an incredibly loyal friend and I am thankful she is in my life and that I get to see her on a(n) (almost) weekly basis.
*Whitney: We all know this one loves a glass of wine or two.  Plus she lives close to Disney World so I vote our GNO is near her place. 
*Katie and Steph: These are 2 peas in a pod and go together like (yeast free) bread and butter.  I know they would be a blast to spend an evening with.
*Casey: Floyd and I are dying to spend some time with Casey and Pierre.  I can only imagine the shenanigans that would ensue from Floyd and Pierre being together.  I'm betting that Casey and I could get into our fair share as well.  

This is by no means a comprehensive list BUT let's start planning this night out, ASAP.
And if we can't all find a date that works, let's google hangout soon.
I'm for reals about that...I did it last weekend with my college girlfriends...a good time was had by all.
#letsdoit

I'd like to say a big thank you to the blogging gods for bringing me together with these ladies who I am honored to call friends.

Can't wait to see who your crushes are!

Happy Birthday Mister!

Floyd and I are popping in quickly today to say a big 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mister (tomorrow)!!

 I'll spare you guys the mushy stuff but I do want to say to Mister...

I LOVE you so much and am honored to be your wife and celebrate another birthday (the 14th one in fact) with you! You are the bestest husband to me and papa to Floyd.  You make me laugh every single day.  I love your kind heart and that you will do anything in the world to make me smile.  You deserve the best birthday and I hope that is what the weekend holds for you! I may or may not have a few tricks up my sleeve to ensure that it's a good one ;)

Come back on Monday to see what went down over the birthday weekend or follow along on instagram (totalbassetcase). 

 (you can check out Mister's surprise birthday to Chicago last year here and here)

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!! 

Will You...

Happy Valentine's Day from Floyd, Mister and myself!
We hope you have a LOVEly day full of love, hugs, and (slobbery) kisses!
(And flowers wouldn't hurt either!)

And because I reallllly love you guys, don't forget about the Hunter Boots Giveaway

Blog Love & Hunter Boot {Giveaway}

Considering tomorrow is the biggest LOVE day of the year, I thought I would spread some blog love today here on TBC!

So many of the ladies I follow (and adore) have achieved some really awesome things lately and I just wanted to say congrats and share a little love and hopefully introduce you to some new ladies while I'm at it!

*Liz was recently featured in Lucky Magazine for her pencil skirt and girly top outfit!

*Elisa's DIY: xoxo garland was featured on the front page of hellocotton.  Do you guys know about hellocotton? I didn't until Elisa was feature but it is an excellent resource for finding new blogs!

*Shanna started her styling business and it has gotten off to an amazing start! Props to her for following her heart and dreams!

*Lauren has a great style staples series going on right now.  Check out parts 1, 2, and 3.
*Taylor started 'The Browse Blog' that features all the BEST of the blogging world, definitely a great resource to find great new blogs and friends (and she kindly featured Floyd for his recent fashion statement).

and that is just the tip of the iceberg!

What else awesome has been going on?

Happy almost Valentine's Day!

What are your plans for LOVE day?

I'll share what we are doing tomorrow but there may or may not be some heart shaped treats involved that I am going to whip up tonight.

I mean if you can't make heart shaped treats for Valentine's Day when can you?!

**And a very happy birthday to one our bestest friends Chris!!
Go check out his shop and buy your man a tie for Valentine's Day ;)

***One more thing!! Want to win some free Hunter Boots?!
#whodoesnt?!
I've teamed up with some awesome ladies to give a free pair away...GO, enter NOW!

Tess :: Anne :: Jenna  :: Marianna :: Monica

     Sarah  :: Brie  :: Shannon  :: Kelly :: Janna     

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***Please note that this giveaway is only open to U.S. residents***

Linking up with Shanna!

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For Him and Her

So all of a sudden Valentine's Day is next week! 

What?!

The Mister and I don't do huge gifts for Valentine's but we do like to do a little something for each other. 

And the Mister gets extra spoiled because his birthday is 2 days after Valentine's Day.

BUT those are always separate gifts and events.  Just like how Christmas and my birthday are separate.

I love birthdays too much to let them share the lime light with another holiday.

I'm not a huge chocolate lover (give me a pound of gobstoppers or sour patch kids any day) so that is always out for Valentine's Day.  

So instead of the obvious choices (although I am never opposed to flowers), I put together a few non traditional things I wouldn't mind seeing wrapped in some cute hearts and pink paper this year.

(P.s. Target has adorable Valentine's paper and chevron tissue paper in the dollar section.)

I also included a few guy gifts for your man.

Most of Mister's Valentines (and birthday for that matter) gifts have been purchased and wrapped but there a few things that haven't been.
Are those items on this list?! Who knows...
He will just have to wait to find out! 

 FOR HER
1.  Curling Wand: Shanna has convinced me that I need this for luscious, beautiful waves.

2.  Running Leggings: We are still going strong with p90x but once it gets warmer I want to get back to running more.  Plus I really should start working towards that 10k I told myself I'd run...

These pants would probably really help me do that ;)
Or any new work out gear for that matter!

3. Mrs. Necklace: In love with this thing.  

4.MELT candle: I recently picked on these up from Target and I am so obsessed with it.  The smell is amazing, I love the colorful glass jar and it is lasting forever.  I wouldn't mind owning about 7 more.
FOR HIM
5. Anything Reeses: This is a sure way right into Misters heart.
6. Ticket Stub Pillow: Blow up a ticket stub, print it on fabric transfer and make into a pillow!
7. You and Me and the Dog Print: I mean, this is just our life to a T and would be cute in Mister's office.
8.  Cute shirt: Mister doesn't need any help being cute but this shirt would definitely add to his cuteness :)  Target has had some really great guys stuff lately!

 I know some people think celebrating Valentine's Day is silly but we personally LOVE it (yes pun intended).  I think it's a fun little way to show all the loved ones in your life a some extra love.  Plus it breaks up the monotony of the week when you throw such a cute holiday in on a Thursday!

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day?
What is on your list this year?

Happy LOVE Day!

Happy day 'o love, friends!

We love Valetntine's day over here at TBC 

and wanted to share some love with you!

I am very blessed with all of the valentines in my life

especially those 2 adorable boys I live with :)

Hope everyone has a great love day!