DIY: Paracord Dog Collar

In anticipation of "springing forward" this weekend I thought Jack was in need of a new collar. Paracord dog collars are furbulous for spring, and I have created a simple DIY especially for you.

Material List:
Buckle
D ring
Paracord (Michaels, Walmart, Home Depot)
Scissors
Lighter

Step 1: Measure your dog’s neck. You’ll need a foot of paracord for every inch of the collar.
For example, you’d need 8 feet of cord for a 8 inch collar.  If you are using 2 colors you’ll need half that amount of each color.
For example: for a 8 inch collar, I am using 4 feet of blue and 4 feet of patterned paracord.
2 colors: melt the end of each color and press them togther until they are firmly attached. 1 color: match the ends up so it’s folded in half.
*Note I add 1/2-1inch to each collar.

Step 2: Slide both ends through the end of the buckle.

 {You should now have a loop at the top}

Step 3: Slide the two ends of cord through the buckle and pull through the loop at the end of your cord.

 {should look like this}

Step 4: Add your D ring (see figure 1 below of how this will end up looking). Now slide both ends of the cord through the other end of the buckle. Slide the buckle up to the length the collar needs to be (ex. Jack is 8.5 inches of cord between each cord). 

 {should look like this now}

{NOTE: This picture shows the right color over the left color THIS IS WRONG it needs to go BEHIND the left color!}

Step 5: Take the right color cross it over the middle two and behind the left color.

Step 6: Pull the color from the left side through the hole at the top and tighten. 

{Figure 1: Opposite colors should now be next to each other.}

Step 7: Create a "4" with the left color over the middle and place the color on the right over top the left.

Step 8: Pull the right color through the middle of the "4" like above.

Step 9: Make a "p" with the right color over the two middle strands, place the left color over top the right color and pull through the center like in Step 8.

Step 10: Repeat steps 7, 8 and 9 again, and then add the D ring (in this picture you're looking at the back of the collar - make sure you put the ring on the proper side).

{front view}

Step 11: Repeat steps 7, 8 and 9 until you reach the other buckle.

Step 12: Cut your ends.

Step 13: Melt the ends with a lighter, and press them against the back of the collar until they are attached 

No collar is indestructible, please be mindful and check for wear and tear of your dogs collar. It is the responsibility of the furparent to determine the suitability of the collar for their pet.

Copycat: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

When I lived in Pittsburgh I would make monthly trips to Ikea and Costco and that’s when I discovered Chick-fil-A. Unfortunately when I moved back to Michigan I left Chick-fil-A behind, however I have a friend that works for the company who informed me that the key to the Chick-fil-A signature flavor I love is…. pickle juice! So this weekend I attempted to recreate their nuggets. The outcome was absolutely delicious.

Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 large chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces; season with salt & pepper
¾ cup milk
¼ cup pickle juice
1 egg
1 cup flour *(Forget the flour and make it Gluten Free)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ cup peanut oil (canola or vegetable will work as well they just use peanut)

Directions
1. Whisk together egg, milk and pickle juice.
2. Pour into a large Ziplock bag, add chicken pieces and marinate in the refrigerator for 3 hours.
3. Combine flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, dash or salt & pepper in a large Ziplock bag, shake to combine.
4. Remove chicken from the marinade, and add to bag. Shake to coat chicken.
5. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Test the oil by dropping in a bit of the flour mixture. When it sizzles the oil is ready, if it pops your temp is too high.
7. Using tongs gently place chicken into the oil.
8. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown on one side.
9. Turn the chicken over and allow to cook 4-5 more minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
10. Place chicken on a paper towel lined plate.

Zoya Spring 2014: Awaken & Monet

Zoya Awaken and what I am calling “the game changer” their new glitter topper Monet, take spring to the next level. With dreamy creams reminiscent of childhood favorites, sparkling candied pastels and a glowing gold you won’t want to miss.

Brooklyn is a buttery gold with a pearl-satin finish. Gold is hot for spring and Brooklyn is the perfect way to incorporate into your wardrobe. This polish is kind of streaky so watch your lines.

Cole is a creamsicle orange crème. Loving this shade it’s soft, shiny and a very flattering shade of orange. I used three coats.

Dillion is a pale, seafoam green packed with golden shimmer. The color is gorgeous and reminds me of Lake Superior in the spring. I used two coats.

Dot is cotton candy pink créme. If you love pink as much as I do Dot is definitely the don’t want to miss color of the collection. It’s the best cotton candy pink I have ever been able to find, and perfect for your nails and toes this spring. I used three coats.

Hudson is the pastel version of Pantone’s Radiant Orchid. Packed with silver, gold and pink shimmer. I used two coats.

Rebel is a robins egg blue metallic filled with gold and silver shimmer. The gold shimmer stands out more in the bottle while silver takes over on the nail. This color will definitely have you thinking spring in no time. I used two coats.

Monet (which I am calling the game changer) is a holographic, rainbow glitter topper. The tinted pink base is very thick, which allows you to evenly apply the glitter “polka dot confetti”. You can put this on top of any polish color for an instant confetti party on your nails.

Thoughts: I Love this collection! What do you think?

Brush Up: Doggy Dental Health

 {February 1st, 2013 | Collar from Walmart}

Did you know – February is Pet Dental Health Month, and 80% of dogs develop some degree of periodontal disease by age 3, which in most cases results in a high vet bill for a root canal, dental cleaning and/or having teeth pulled? Do you have a dental routine with your dog?

I buy Jack's toothbrush (I change it every month) and toothpaste (Vanilla Mint - I tried Chicken flavor before, but it really made his breath stink) from his vet.

{bow tie dog collar from Happy Tails Dog Company}

Routine: Each night before I go to bed I sit down on the kitchen floor and say “Jack, come brush your teeth”. He comes running into the room and jumps on my lap.

{My nail polish is Zoya 'Dot'}

Jack recently had his yearly vet checkup and the vet said, “Wow, Jack has no tartar”. As a puppy parent this was music to my ears, and a few hundred dollars that remained in my pocket.

{better look at Jack's Happy Tails Dog Company bow tie collar}

While I have my own dental care routine with Jack, if you don’t have one I highly recommend that you speak to your vet

Pralines

While visiting New Orleans a couple years ago I fell in love with the culture and the food especially the pralines. This weekend I tried to recreate one of my favorite Nola pralines, while it’s not the same I am pleased with the result and thought I would share it with you.

Pralines

Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream
½ cup sugar
1 cup + 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 cup pecan pieces.  

Directions
1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
2. In medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. 
3. Add heavy cream and both sugars.
4. Continue cooking until sugars dissolve.
5. Increase heat to medium and simmer until reaches 240 degrees, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If mixture begins to crystallize add 2 more tablespoons of the cream.
6. Add the pecans and remove from heat.
7. Spoon praline mixture onto prepared baking sheets. 
8. Allow to cool at least 30 minutes before transferring to an airtight container.