The Ruff Life

Canada has a total of 6 million dogs a pets, and the number is growing (Psychology Today, 2012).  Canadians love their dogs and the services and products available in the pet industry is proof we consider them as part of the family (at least I do!). A lot of us are willing to spend whatever for our beloved four legged friends, so why not indulge your dog with their own house as a sign of deep affection? 

Dog houses have been around for years and is nothing out of the ordinary. But what about an architecturally designed, custom built house that your dog could call its own? Whether your dog practically lives outside all the time, or just likes to occasionally have their freedom, dog houses are a great buy for pampering pet owners. 

(my dog Bella) 

This brick estate dog house was designed by Alan Mowrer, who is known for creating the most fashionable dog houses in the world. This upscale doggie abode is estimated at $25,000 and includes running watering, lighting, air conditioning, and heat. 

This custom-made dog house will have you guessing it's a real home at first glance. It includes real materials, a wooden deck, and a bone shaped pool.

This modern dog house is a spacious cubix home that can be built for any sized dog. It is available in three sizes: small, medium, and large and sells for $5,800-$6,300 depending on size.

This mini-mansion dog home owned by the one and only Paris Hilton is any pets dream house come true. It has two floors: the downstairs consists of the living room, while upstairs there is a bedroom and a closet to stash the many outfits of her pooch’s. This pet playhouse was designed to resemble Hilton’s own home and includes mini furniture designed by Philippe Starck, as well as heat, air conditioning, and even a black crystal chandelier. The price? Only $325,000. 

I think it's safe to say most of us dog owners will be sticking to the original 4x4 plywood dog houses!

Citations

Coren, S. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201209/how-many-dogs-are-there-in-the-world

The 10 Best Ways To Use Your Outdoor Fire Pit

The sight of a fire on a cool evening, or a summer night can bring people together so nicely. Sitting by an outdoor fire is a great way to relax with family and friends and can be a simple feature to add to any home. You can choose to build your own stone and concrete fire pit, either at ground level or elevated, or keep things simple and purchase a metal fire bowl. Today, i’m going to share the 10 best ways to use your outdoor fire pit. 

Before you set up an outdoor fire pit, make sure to observe some basic safety guidelines (City of Vancouver, 2012). 

• Check local rules for concerning fire pits
• Always site the pit well away from any structures
• Avoid windy conditions that can blow embers 
• Always have a bucket of water nearby before starting the fire

1. Make S’mores - nothing beats this simple snack. All you need is graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Roast and enjoy!
2. Hot Dipped Bread - using a long fork, heat up slices of bread and dip them in a tasty assortment of spreads. I recommend jams, Nutella, or Cookie Butter.
3. Grilled Chorizo - a bit more upscale than your basic hot dog, slice a chorizo sausage and grill up! 
4. Hot Hot Cider - if you have a grill cover and an iron pot, you can use your fire pit to cook some nice cider. 
5. Pop some popcorn - again you can use a grill cover and an iron pot (coat base with cooking oil) and pour a couple cups of popcorn seeds, or you can still but those old fashioned popcorn poppers that work over the flame.
6. Grilled Banana (my personal favourite!) - Cut a slit in the peel, stuff with butter and sugar and then throw back on the grill until it’s bubbly. 
7. Fire up some potatoes - Slice up some potatoes add butter, salt and dried herbs. Wrap each potato in foil. Throw into the fire pit or on top if the grate. Turn occasionally and let cook for 15 minutes. 
8. Grilled Corn - Soak corn on the cob, husks on, in water and then throw onto the grill and cook.  Have a bowl with some salted, melted butter and dip cobs right in for a warm, tasty treat. 
9. Make a Pizza - Make your own wood fired pizza right in your backyard! Using a grill cover and a pizza pan will cook small pizzas just fine. Set out a variety of toppings out as well!
10. Sit around and enjoy! Cooking food is well, good, and tasty sometimes, but the best way to enjoy a fire pit is to just sit and relax. 

Citation

http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/outdoor-fire-safety.aspx

Natural Outdoorsy Scents

Air fresheners, candles, perfume, soaps, and other artificial scents can be overbearing and filled with harmful ingredients. But there are times when your home or your car need a little freshen up. There is a simple, all natural, lovely solution to fix those fishy problems. Fill your home with subtle scents of spices and herbs. These inviting aroma’s go a long way to leave a good first impression of your home. I especially recommend using natural scents if your house is on the market. A family friend relator had once told me they advise their sellers to bake cookies or boil cinnamon in water right before a potential buy drops by to create a good first impression. 

There are many different natural scents one can achieve in their home. Today I will be going over how to use pine or cedar twigs/needles to create a natural room scent. These scents that are pleasing to one person may not be to someone else, so consider what perfume, soap, and candles scents you like and customize this technique to what your nose likes. 

Ingredients: 

• pine or cedar twigs 
• bay leaves 
• nutmeg 

Combine the ingredients into a small pot on the stove top (on a low heat setting) and cover with water. Keep uncovered to release the natural scent and create a pleasant scent throughout your house. Add more hot water as needed. As the water evaporates from the pan, top it off with additional hot water. It needs to be hot when it added so that it doesn’t cool down the temperature of the scented water.

higher heat = more fragrance 

These cooked scents can be reused 2-3 times. After they have been heated and simmered for awhile (the water will become cloudy and some of the ingredients will lose their colour). Store the natural scents (with the water) in jars and keep them refrigerated in between uses. 

Other scents you can make are citrus, herbs, extracts, and spices

DIY: Stacked Flower Pots

Stacked flower pots are a great way to create dimension to your home garden. Maximize limited spacing for growing plants and flowers while adding a whimsical feeling. In just a few steps, you can create a tipsy-turvy planter. 

Materials: 
- One 8" clay flower pot
- Three (or more of your choice**) 6" clay flower pots 
- One 62" rebar piece 
- A bag of dirt
- Potted flowers 

**I do not recommend alternating more than five pots as it will be hard to water and the tower could become unstable.** 

Step 1: Stake your piece of rebar at least 2' into the desired location. This is very important for stability as the pots being stacked on it will be heavy with soil, water, and plants. 

Step 2: Thread the 8" clay pot through the rebar until it reaches the ground. Fill the pot with soil, leaving and inch or two at the top.


Step 3: Slide a 6" clay pot over the rod until it reaches the soil of the 8" pot and tilt it on its side. Fill the pot with soil leaving at least two inches at the top. 

Step 4: Continue stacking the 6" pots on the rod alternating the way they lean until you run out of rod. 






Step 5: Plant flowers in each pot. You may need to add a little more soil around each plant as you plant them, but leave at least an inch at the top of each pot so that when you water, the water does not run out too fast.

To water, start at the top and water slowly. Continue until all pots have been watered. Wait several minutes and repeat the process. You may need to water the tower twice a day if you live in regions above 90 degrees. 

Backyard BBQ Recipes

I absolutely love barbecued food and just even the essence of backyard barbecuing. BBQ's are a great way to entertain family and friends, while also making great food. This summer I came across a few recipes that are not your typical barbecued food but they are to die for. And that's saying a lot from me considering i’m a very picky eater. Enjoy!

Entrée: 
Grilled Brushetta Chicken
Time: 3 hours to marinate + 20 minutes to grill
Yield: 5 servings 

Recipe 
4-5 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 C Kraft Light Zesty Italian Salad Dressing (or any other Italian dressing you’d prefer) 
1 pint grape tomatoes 
3 cloves of garlic
1 T olive oil
2 t balsamic vinegar
freshly cracked salt and pepper 
1 1/2 T fresh basil
2 C mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 C Parmesan cheese, grated
8 oz. spaghetti noodles 
2 T butter
salt and pepper 

Directions

1. Throw your chicken breasts and 1 C of the salad dressing into a gallon sized ziploc freezer bag. Carefully seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.  

2. Just before you are ready to grill your chicken, make the Bruschetta. Chop all the tomatoes in half and toss them into a medium sized mixing bowl.

3. Peel your garlic and chop it into rough pieces. Then also chop your basil. 

4. Pour in your balsamic vinegar and then drizzle the olive oil over the top. 

5.  Sprinkle some freshly cracked salt and pepper, stir it all up and then taste it. If your tomatoes are lacking in sweetness then add just a bit of sugar, but don’t over kill it with sweetness. Adjust the salt and pepper as well if needed. 

6. Grate the mozzarella cheese.

7.  Head out to the grill and cook your chicken up over medium high heat. While it’s cooking boil some water and cook your spaghetti noodles.

8. When the chicken is cooked through, turn the grills temperature down to low. Place a disposable 9×13 pan onto the grill. Put your cooked chicken into the pan. Cover the chicken with the Bruschetta.

9. Sprinkle it with the Mozzarella cheese and then cover the grill.Let it cook for 7-10 more minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese in nicely melted.

10.  Toss your cooked pasta with 2 T butter and sprinkle it with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pasta with this beautiful chicken and bruschetta. Sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. 

Sides: 
Roasted Root Vegetables 
Time: 15 minutes prep + 30-40 minutes to bake 
Yield: 8 servings

Recipe
1 medium sized yam
4 red potatoes
3 large carrots
1 medium onion 
3-4 T olive oil
salt and pepper 

Directions

1. Peel and chop all of the vegetables.

2. Spread them out evenly on a large cooking sheet.

3. Pour the olive oil all over the top of the veggies. 

4. Sprinkle with fresh ground salt 

    and pepper.

5. Using two spoons, toss the vegetables making sure they are all evenly coated with olive oil, salt and pepper. 

6. Bake at 350 degrees, until the vegetables are crisp and tender. This

should take 30-40 minutes. 

Bacon, Cheese and Pea Salad
Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Recipe 
3/4  head iceberg lettuce, chopped

5 strips bacon crumbled
1/2 C peas
1/2 t sugar
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
3/4 C Swiss cheese sliced
2/3 C chopped green onion
1/4 C Miracle Whip Salad Dressing
1/4 C Mayonnaise

Directions
1. Chop up the lettuce. Put it in a large mixing bowl. Put the peas, green onions, and cheese on top. 
2. In a small bowl combine the Miracle Whip and mayonnaise. Add the salt, pepper, and sugar and stir until well mixed. 
3. Just before you are ready to serve the salad add the dressing mixture and bacon to the the lettuce, cheese, peas and green onions. Mix it all up with a large pair of tongs. 

Dessert
S’mores Cookies
Yield: about 90 minutes
Yield: 48 cookies

Recipe 
1 package graham crackers 
6 T butter, melted
1 T sugar
dash salt
1 C butter, softened
2 C brown sugar
2 eggs
2 T milk
2 t vanilla
1 t baking soda
2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
3 1/2 C flour
2 1/2 C milk chocolate chips
24 large marshmallows
4 small 1.55 oz Hershey bars 

Directions

1. Break the graham cracker crumbs up into pieces. You can crush your crackers into crumbs by placing them in a gallon sized ziploc bag, sealing the bag securely and then smashing the crumbs with a rolling pin.
2. To your crumbs add 6 T melted butter, 1 T sugar, and a dash of salt. Set aside. 
3. Place your softened butter and brown sugar into a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until the ingredients are nicely creamed together, about 2 minutes. 
4. Add your eggs, milk and vanilla and mix for another 2 minutes. 
5. In a separate bowl combine your baking soda, baking powder, salt and flour. Add it to your creamed mixture and mix until combined. Toss in your chocolate chips and mix yet again, just until the chips are evenly distributed.
6. Grab your graham cracker crumbs and pour them into the cookie dough. Using a wooden spoon, or your hand, smash them into the cookie dough.
7. Roll the dough into 2 inch balls, place them on a lightly sprayed cookie sheet and bake at 350 for about 6 minutes, or just until the cookies begin to crack. 
8. While your cookies are in the oven, cut the large marshmallows in half.
   
9. Press a marshmallow piece into the center of each hot cookie. Return the sheet to the oven and bake for about 1 1/2 more minutes allowing the marshmallows to puff up.
10. Remove the sheet from the oven. Let the cookies sit for about 2 minutes, then press one Hershey bar piece into the centre of the marshmallow.
11. Remove the cookies from the sheet and allow them to finish cooling on a wire rack.

Indoor Outdoor Living

The natural elements are great inspiration for designing rooms. Earth, wood, water, and fire are four key elements used in design to help balance a space. By taking these natural elements, you can bring the outdoors inside, making a room feel refreshed and calm. An obvious way is to just directly bring plants into your living space to create an outdoorsy ambiance, but here are a few more ideas to add more of a natural setting to your home. 

Fabrics, Textures, and Patterns

Using natural materials made by nature, such as Wicker, Hemp, and Rattan, will give a more comfortable and relaxable vibe in a space.

Natural Flooring

Installing natural cork, bamboo, linoleum, or wood materials into your home will bring a pure, warmth, inviting aroma in your space. Natural flooring is also sustainable, so it's eco-friendly. 

Colours Inspired by the Outdoors

Grass, water, and fresh flowers can all influence natural interior paint colours which will help create a light and fresh feeling in your bathroom, living room, or kitchen. The more well known term “Earth tones”, which is a colour scheme that consists of the colour palette of browns, tans, warm grays, and greens, exemplifies this. 

Natural Lighting 

Not only is natural light free and vitamin D enriched, it is a great way to pour the outdoors into your home. Lighting is also key part of a design and can instantly set the mood of a room. 

Nature as Decor

The littlest things from a wooden framed mirror to jars of beach sand bring the elements of the outdoors in. Photographs are also a great substitution for some elements are not in reach. 

The Rain Chain

Living in Vancouver it can get pretty wet. Annually, we receive about 1117 mm, or 44 inches of rain per year. This is equivalent to the average height of a seven year old boy or girl (Sasamat Outdoor Centre, 2010). Dealing with the rain in style may be tough, but here’s a trendy way to upscale your old gutter downspout in your yard. 

What is a rain chain? A rain chain is an appealing yet functional alternative to the more traditional gutter downspout. Guiding rainwater from your roof to the ground, this method creates a pleasing water feature with its lovely waterfall sound. 

How does a rain chain work? A rain chain works the same as a gutter downspout. Rainwater will travel down to chain where the downspout is located. From there, the rainwater will continue to travel down the chain into copper or brass cups. These cups and chains can come in many different shapes, truly making each rain chain unique. The rainwater follows the continuous pattern of traveling down from chain links to a cup until it reaches the ground. 

Why should I get a rain chain over a gutter downspout? Rain chains create a visual experience. They can be very mesmerizing and add a nice charm to your outdoor space. Also, rain chains are much more functional as they do not clog your drain system with debris and will not leave you with that annoying droplet sound. 

These little waterfalls are great for places like Vancouver who get rain 9 months out of the year. They are a great accessory for any outdoor living space. Here are a few websites that I found had the best designs: 

-   rainchains.com
-   rainchainsuperstore.com
-   hayneedle.com/rainchains

Citation
Unknown . "Get Outside - It’s Raining!" Sasamat Outdoor Centre. 20 April 2010.<https://sasamat.org/cgi/page.cgi?aid=63&_id=29&zine=sh>

5 Ways To Reuse Fall Leaves

Since Fall has arrived and leaves are falling like rain, here are three ways to reuse those leaves in an eco-friendly manner.
   
 1. The Leaf Latern

This is a project I remember doing for arts & crafts in elementary school. It’s very fun and easy, and the final product creates a warm glow making the perfect fall decor. For this project, you will need:

• dried, pressed fall leaves
• regular Mod Podge
• a jar 
• a brush

Step 1: To create dried, pressed leaves, place them in between the pages of newsprint and let them sit for about a week (the longer the better). If your leaves are wet, dry them off before placing in newsprint. 

Step 2: Apply Mod Podge all over the sides of the jar. Do not apply to the bottom or the grooved lid area. I recommend using a foam brush to cover large areas like this. 

Step 3: Place your dry leaf onto the jar and press into place. Brush over the leaf with more Modge Podge until it is covered. 

Step 4: Continue to add leaves and Modge Podge until your jar is covered. Keep in mind that if you do overlap leaves, that will reduce the light that can pass though.

Step 5: Let the jar dry for several hours or overnight. Overspray with acrylic spray to set everything in place and give it that glossy coat. When done, place a tea light in the bottom and you are done! 

2. The Fall Leaf Wreath

Wreath’s are a great way to bring the lovely colours of autumn to your home. It can add warmth and vibrance to any space. For this project, you will need:

• preserved leaves (about 5-7 stems of leaves)
• a basic wreath frame (from grapevines, a coat hanger, styrofoam, etc..)
• floral wire or hot glue gun 
• ribbon (optional)

Step 1: If you wish to make your frame out of a coat hanger, simply stretch the coat hanger out into a circle. Pull the wire down from the middle of the straight part of the hanger, and then gently push the sides of the hanger inwards to make the wreath frame as circular as possible. Leave the hook part of the hanger intact so you can use it to hang the wreath up. You can purchase a grapevine or styrofoam frame from your local dollar store or craft store. 

Step 2: Attach the leaves, by branch or individually, to the wire base. This can be done by hot gluing the stems onto the frame or by using floral wire and tying the leaves to the frame. 

Step 3: Continue to attach the leaves all around until you can no longer see the frame. 

Step 4 (this step is optional): Make a bow out of ribbon and attach it over the the section where the the hook or any other hanger is located. This will give your wreath a more finished look and hid the remaining wire. 

  3. Leaf Art

This is a great arts & crafts project for kids. I always used to do this activity with the kids I babysit as it is super easy and allows them to be creative. For this project, all you will need is:

• soft, not too crisp leaves
• any size/colour paper 
• a black marker
• glue stick 

Step 1: Collect different coloured and sized leaves. 

Step 2: Glue leaves down on your piece of paper with and animal or person in mind. 

Step 3: Now add more leaves on top to create the features, or use a black marker.   

4. Stuff-a-pumpkin

Just in time for Halloween, this is a great way to get rid of those leaves that are stacked up in your yard right now. All you need for this project are Halloween leaf bags, which can be purchased at your local dollar and crafts stores, and a rake. With a few simple steps, your yard will become spooky in no time!

Step 1: Rake leaves into piles. The more leaves you rake, the more fuller the objects on the bags will become.

Step 2: Stuff the Halloween bags with the leaves to create simple Halloween decorations. 

If you like this idea, but cannot find the right Halloween leaf bags, simply take a garbage bag (and follow the same steps above) and you can spray paint a jack-o-lantern face on it to get the same effect. 

5. Leaf Silhouette 

This project can create great fall artwork for your home. I love silhouette’s because they can be so simply and featureless, but make beautiful compositions. For this piece, you will need:

• a canvas or piece of paper
• dry leaves
• paint (colour of your choice)
• toothbrush

Step 1: Cover your work surface with old newspaper and place the leaves as you wish on your canvas or paper. 

Step 2: Dip a tooth brush into paint. Hold over your project and use your finger to brush across the bristles, splattering the paint onto the canvas or paper. Splatter a good amount of paint across the leaves. 

Step 3: Carefully remove the leaves and leave to dry.