Hi Guys!
I’m writing this on a flight to Vegas! I’m heading to that concrete artisan course that I posted about HERE.
If you recall, the course is taught by Countertop Solutions in Las Vegas. Not only will I be learning how to make counter tops, but also concrete fireplace surrounds, Mantles, Hearths, showers and tub surrounds, concrete tiles, flooring, stairs, window sills… You name it.
AND
You can follow along with me in my concrete class here on Instagram! I’ve had an instagram account for some time, but I haven’t posted much on it. So this class gives me the perfect opportunity.
During the class we end up building a mini kitchen. So keep an eye on our progress! My Instagram handle is DIYFunIdeas1 (big surprise, right?) or you can just click HERE.
Now, about the monster. Guess who’s making her first trip to Vegas? Yep, the little monster. That was kind of a give away.
Traveling with Lily wasn’t part of the plan, but my puppy care fell through and I had no one to take care of her. In the past I have tried taking her to one of those over the top doggy spas. I’m talkin’ private room with a TV screen and online streaming video so I can check in on her anytime. They also had large and small dog play rooms… I know, I know… spoiled little girl. But the problem was that she got so stressed out. When she was in the playroom I could see her online cowering in the corner. When I picked her up, they told me that she wouldn’t stop shaking. So for the two days that she was there, she basically ended up spending most of that time sitting on the lap of the front desk person just because she was too freaked out to be alone or be with the other dogs. And at night, the cleaning guy let her follow him around. He sort of fell in love with her. I can’t blame him. She’s just a little snuggle bug.
I was a little stressed out about how bringing her on this trip this was going to work. I’ve taken her on airplanes plenty of times using a Sherpa travel bag that goes under the seat in front of me. And she is used to going with me to lots of places around town. At home I usually this canvas saddlebag that I picked up at the Gap a few years ago for taking her around with me. It’s not made for carrying pets (i.e. no mesh breathing holes) so when she goes out with me she usually has her head sticking out. But the bag has no structure so if I put it down it just flops. And that wouldn’t work for my trip.
But I found this really cute dog carrier that looks just like a purse, only with mesh on the sides (breathing is good). It’s a very inconspicuous bag. You would never know there’s a cute little monster lurking inside. Oh, and did I say it’s really cute? This brand of pet carrier was used in the movie Legally Blonde and usually runs several hundred dollars, which is way out of my price range. But I found one of their discontinued models on Amazon for $36! Needless to say, that bag was going to be mine. And with that I could take her along to the class with me and nobody will know that I’m inappropriately bringing a tiny little 5 lb dog to class… Umm, that is unless they read this… In which case… well, I didn’t write any of this. I don’t know anything about it. Somebody must have hacked into my account and posted this and is pretending to be me.
And here she is in her cute little bag…
Well, you can’t see her, but she really is in there…and quite comfortable too. When I opened up the bag, she just stuck her head out for a moment and then laid right back down inside.
Here’s another…
I did have some major customer service issues with this order. But with persistence (and one hour and four minutes on the phone with them) I got it worked out. More on that story in a follow-up post which will be called Getting What You Want From Customer Service (or something like that).
Until then, don’t forget to follow along with my concrete class on Instagram HERE!
so fun to meet you yesterday! your blog looks so fun!
It’s was really great to meet you too, Brittany! (And Lily says hi too!) You’re husband told me about your new blog, The Franklin Project. I’ve learned so much this year about the business of blogging so if you have any questions, I’d be glad to try to help so please don’t hesitate to let me know. :-)
Such a cute post! I came over because I saw that sweet little face on a linky party and just had to see what was going on! I too have a little love bug (a three year old yorkie named Bitty), Lily is so stinking cute! I just love that you brought her with you! Bitty has a doggy purse or two (ok like 10) that I’ve picked up on sale over the years… people rarely, if ever, can tell she’s in her purse. Just had to share, I’m off to look at the rest of your blog!
Hi Betsy! You’re comment put a great big smile on my face and cracked me up. Yep, I sneak Lily every where with me. She goes to restaurants, movie theaters, you name it. She’s really mellow and doesn’t make a sound, so it’s easy. I have to say that I’m glad to hear I’m not the only obsessed pup lover out there. Bitty is a lucky baby!
Hey there, I’m just about to check out your instagram photos but was wondering what your impression of the course was after the fact? We don’t live in the US but my husband is thinking of going up there for that course, and we are wondering if it is really sufficient to gain enough info for him to start doing this from home? Also, are the materials used in this class readily available? Just hoping to get an opinion from a student as opposed to a course provider because each one says their method and courses are the best. :) Thanks in advance
Hi Shannon, Yes, the course is definitely enough to be able to do this from home. What’s also great is that after taking the course you can call Ben (the instructor) anytime if you have questions and he always gets back to you pretty quickly. As far as the materials, some of the materials are exclusive to Ashby and will need to be shipped to you, the rest you can get at a Home Depot. If you want to see more about the class, I’ve actually written up a full tutorial HERE.