Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Spring is Here!

Spring is in the here. The weather is beautiful...sunny, and temperatures in the 80's.

So what better time than for 2 little birds to look for a place for their new nest?

I heard a bird singing on the front porch and took a peek out the window.  There was a purple finch and his mate.  She flew to the grapevine wreath hanging on the porch and sat there.  She seemed to be trying it out as a location for her nest.  He flew up higher and then started singing again.

I did not see them later in the day, so I don't know if they found a better location or not.

I guess this is the same pair that built a nest on the porch late last Summer.  They will be a topic of a future post.  Here is a preview of the little baby birds from last year...


Happy Spring!
Carole
[Text and photo copyright Carole of cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

English Setter Cookie Cutter

We are continuing our series on decorating cookies shaped like dogs...
Today, we feature a guest cookie decorator and model (@HankTheDoggy).  Hank is an English Setter and his Mom, Erin, decorated cookies she made with our Setter cookie cutter.

She iced the cookies and then used mini chocolate chips to create the spots.  (Note: since chocolate is toxic to dogs, these cookies are only for people to eat.) She also added a green collar with icing.

I think these cookies turned out great!
Two paws up for Hank's talented Mom...and Thanks to handsome Hank for being the English Setter model in the photo below!


Carole

[Text copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Monday, March 29, 2010

We're In a Magazine!

I am very excited that Cloud K9® Jewelry is featured in the current issue (Winter 2010) of CityDog Magazine.  This magazine specializes in dog-related topics and is distributed mainly on the West Coast.

     
                             



Photos: Our jewelry on Page 12...and a close-up of our Cloud K9® business card case, locket necklaces, and cuff bracelet as featured in the magazine.




Photos: The Cover of the Winter 2010 Issue....and me taking a break from reading the magazine.   
                                                                   
Helping Animals: We just started a new program to help animals!  Simply enter BFAS in the Comments Section of the online shopping cart, and we will donate 10% of the purchase price of the jewelry and business card cases to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
Click on any of the links below to see our exclusive handcrafted items:

Enjoy,
Carole
[ Jewelry designs copyrighted by Cloud K9® .  All rights reserved. ]

Friday, March 26, 2010

If Your Cat Could Read...

The St. Louis Public Library has a great monthly newsletter called Check It Out! (Get it? Check it out!)

This month they feature some books all about cats!

Here are the selections from their list:

The Natural Cat: The Comprehensive Guide to Optimum Care (by Anitra Frazier)

Smitten: A Kitten's Guide to Happiness (by Rachael Hale)

Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats (by T.S. Eliot and drawings by Edward Gorey)

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World (by Vicki Myron)

The Cat Behavior Answer Book: Practical Insights & Proven Solutions for Your Feline Questions (by Arden Moore)

Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul: Stories of Feline Affection, Mystery, and Charm (by Jack Canfield)

Have you read any of these? Do you have any other suggestions to add to the list?

Carole

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Deer Tracks

A blog post of mine from this past Winter discussed footprints in the snow.  This is the Spring version with hoof prints in the mud!

A friend of mine lives in the suburbs and occasionally sees deer in his yard.  I believe they are White-Tailed Deer.  The ground was very wet from the recent rains and, as a result, the deer tracks are clearly visible.

Next time I see Moose Tracks Ice Cream, I think this picture will come to mind! :-)

Carole
[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com   All rights reserved.]

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Spring in the Midwest

After a long, cold winter, Spring has finally arrived in the Midwest!
Here is a quick "walk in the garden" with some of the first flowers to appear in Spring:
The Crocus and the Daffodil.
Plus, a little squirrel that was very interested in what was happening!


Enjoy!

Carole

[ Text and photos copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved. ]

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Scottie Cookie Cutter (Miss Fancy Pants)

I made this cute Scottish Terrier Cookie using the
Scottish Terrier cookie cutter from our Cloud K9® website.

This is a little bit fancier of a Scottie cookie than is featured from our post on February 16, 2010,
so I named her "Miss Fancy Pants."
1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the black decorating icing to the edges of the cookie. Before the icing dries, add black sugar 'sprinkles' to give a sparkly effect. (If needed, you may want to lightly press the sugar into the icing with the back of a spoon for it to adhere better.)  Let the icing dry.
4. Gently turn the cookie upside down to remove the excess sugar.
5. Use yellow decorating icing and a plastic decorating tip (or a yellow icing writer) to make a yellow oval for the eye.  Let the icing dry. (If the sugar has not firmly adhered to the icing, you may need to remove the black sugar where you plan to place the eye, for the yellow icing to stick properly.)
6. Use black decorating icing and a plastic decorating tip (or a toothpick) to make a small black dot in the center of the yellow oval.  Let the icing dry.
7. Use pink decorating icing and a plastic decorating tip (or a red icing writer) to make a small spot for the tongue as shown in the photo above. Let the icing dry.

Carole

We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and pictures copyright Carole of cloudk9.com All rights reserved.]

Monday, March 22, 2010

Basset Hound Cookie Cutter

I made this cute Basset Hound Cookie using the
Basset Hound Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.
4. Add the black markings and nose with black decorating icing as shown in the photo above.
5. Add the brown markings with chocolate decorating icing as shown in the photo above. (Note: Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, so these cookies are only for people to eat.)
6. Let the icing dry.

Carole
We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Friday, March 19, 2010

Can You Find the Hidden Bunny?

You throw a ball and your dog chases it.  This is known as prey drive.  Many animals that are "prey" are aware of predators' instincts and "freeze" when they feel danger is near. 

On our nature walk, a rabbit was sitting up as we approached.  With house rabbits, this upright position is known as "periscoping" (raising their level to see up higher).  I was surprised at how long this little bunny sat in the grass frozen in the periscope position...but, he knew that we were watching him.  Can you see him in the photo below?


Finally, when we turned, he lowered himself and sat very still.  It was still very difficult to see him when he was not moving. I must say he has excellent camouflage!

HINT: See the arrow in the picture below to locate the hiding bunny!
Carole

[Text and photos copyright Carole of CloudK9.com  All rights reserved.]


Thursday, March 18, 2010

In Search of the Elusive Barred Owl

A few days ago, a little before 5 am, I heard the hoot of the Barred Owl.  There is no mistaking this bird's call...often described as sounding like "Who cooks for you?"

Two days later, as evening approached, I heard the hoot of the Barred Owl while a friend and I were sitting on the deck.

So, my friend and I took off for the nature area near my house to see if we could spot the owl.  When we arrived, a woman with binoculars was leaving.  I asked if she had seen the owl, and she said "Yes!"  She described in detail where the owl was sitting.  So my friend and I entered the woods hoping for a sighting.

Within about the first 60 seconds, I spotted a Red-Tailed Hawk in a tree. Unfortunately, the lighting was not in my favor for taking a crisp photo...but when the bird flew away, we knew for sure it was a Red Tail.


As we approached the pond, there was a pair of Mallards. The male lifted his head, realized we were "OK" and went back to sleep.

Finally, we approached the area where the owl was supposed to be. Try as we might, we never spotted the owl.

Hopefully, I will get to see this very vocal owl...if so, I will post the photo!

Carole
[Text and photos copyright Carole of Cloudk9.com  All rights reserved.]

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Dog Cookie Cutter Series: St Patrick's Day (Irish Setter)

What would be better for St. Patrick's Day than an Irish Dog Cookie? Today we feature a whimsical Irish Setter cookie to celebrate the day, made with the Irish Setter Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.



1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.
4. Outline the dog with green decorating icing and a plastic decorating tip or use an icing writer.  Add the green shamrocks and collar as shown in the photo above.
5. Let the icing dry.

Carole

We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Bouvier des Flandres Cookie Cutter


I made this great Bouvier des Flandres Cookie using the
Bouvier Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the black decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.

It's just that easy!
Carole
We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Monday, March 15, 2010

Top 10 Reasons for Making Your Own Dog Shaped Cookies

10. The cookies are fresh!

 9. Have fun in your kitchen!

 8. You can make cookies that look exactly like Your Dog!

 7. Learn a new hobby!





6. The cookies are a great gift for friends! They are also great for Dog Shows, (winners of Best of Breed, Best in Show), National Specialties, Craft Shows, Dog Obedience Graduations, New Puppy Adoptions, etc.).

 5. Enhance your creativity!

 4. Have the satisfaction of saying "I did it myself!"

 3. Bond with friends or family members...it's a great way to spend some time together!

 2. Impress your friends with your talents!

     And the Number One Reason to make your own dog shaped cookies....

 1. Save Some Dough! To Buy PreDecorated Dog Sugar Cookies can cost from $39 to $51 PER DOZEN (not including shipping)! Oh My...it doesn't cost nearly that much to make and decorate the cookies yourself!

Happy Baking!
We have over 80 different breeds of dog shaped cookie cutters on our website.
Carole
[Text copyright Carole of CloudK9.com  All rights reserved.]

Friday, March 12, 2010

Dog Cookie Cutters: A Week of Poodles (Day 5 Rainbow Poodles)

How about making Poodles in a wide variety of colors! These pictures show just a few of many possible colors.  These would be great for a birthday party! (Blue poodle is shown on the right => )


Green Poodle                                        Pink Poodle

Yellow Poodle                                     Purple Poodle

I made these cute Poodle Cookies using the
Poodle Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the decorating icing (in the color of your choice) to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.
4. Add the outlining and eye using decorating icing and a plastic decorating tip, or an icing writer in the color of your choice as shown in the photo above.
5. Let the icing dry.

Carole

We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Dog Cookie Cutters: A Week of Poodles (Day 4 Chocolate Poodle)

Just by using chocolate icing rather than white icing, it changes the whole look of the cookie!
I made this cute Chocolate Poodle Cookie using the
Poodle Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the chocolate decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry. (Note: Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, so these cookies are only for people to eat.)
4. Let the icing dry.

Carole
We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Dog Cookie Cutters: A Week of Poodles (Day 3 Apricot Poodle)


I made this cute Apricot Poodle Cookie using the
Poodle Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9® website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Toast grated coconut according to directions on the package.
4. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and (optional) quickly add the eye and nose with black decorating icing...do not let the white icing dry!
5. Gently press the toasted coconut into the wet white decorating icing as shown in the photo above.
6. Let the icing dry.
7. Gently turn the cookie over to remove the excess coconut.

Carole

We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Dog Cookie Cutters: A Week of Poodles (Day 2 White Poodle in Show Cut)


I made this cute Poodle Cookie using the
Poodle Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and quickly add the eye and nose with black decorating icing as shown in the photo above...do not let the white icing dry!
4. Gently press the grated coconut into the wet white decorating icing as shown in the photo above.
5. Let the icing dry.
6. Gently turn the cookie over to remove the excess coconut.

Carole
We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Monday, March 8, 2010

Dog Cookie Cutters: A Week of Poodles! (Day 1)

This week, we will show 5 different ways to decorate the same cookie! 
We offer very simple and more difficult designs.  You choose the level of difficulty you want to use for decorating your cookies. Make them simple or complex.  Or use these ideas as a starting point and let your creativity take over when you are decorating cookies. Most important: have fun!

I made this cute Poodle Cookie using the
Poodle Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.
4. If you like, you can add the eye and nose with black decorating icing as shown in the photo to the right.
5. Let the icing dry.

Carole
We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Friday, March 5, 2010

Border Collie Cookie Cutter

In honor of the great dog frisbee show in our previous blog post, we are featuring the Border Collie cookie today!

I made this cute Border Collie Cookie using the
Border Collie Cookie Cutter from our Cloud K9®  website.

1. Use the dog shaped cookie cutter to cut the cookie from the sugar cookie dough and bake according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Let the cookie cool completely before icing it.
3. Spread the white decorating icing to the edges of the cookie and let it dry.
4. Add the black markings and nose with black decorating icing as shown in the photo above.
5. Let the icing dry.

Carole

We have over 80 different breeds of dog cookie cutters on our website.

[Text and photo copyright Carole of CloudK9.com All rights reserved.]

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Recycling Reaches a New Level

Recycled Frisbee

Recycling reaches a new level...with high flying frisbees!  Disc-Connected K9s has a clever recycling idea!  Some of the frisbees they sell contain pieces of recycled frisbees! (The streaks of color in the frisbee shown above are the pieces of recycled frisbees.)

Disc-Connected K9s also sells what they call "jaw-tographed" frisbees which show the teeth marks of the canine stars.  They can even tell which dog used the frisbee based on the teeth marks! Amazing!

I love "going green!"  Just another reason to feel good about this great group of amazing frisbee dogs (many of which are rescues)! 

For more information visit k9frisbee.com

(I do not receive any compensation for sharing this information.) 

Carole

Cloud K9

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Disc-Connected K9s ~ Frisbee Dogs

Disc-Connected K9's performed at the St. Louis Home Show!

Some of their dogs are World Frisbee Dog Championships Finalists
and it is easy to see why...!
This dog is literally flying through the air...


and many of the dogs are rescued dogs!
If I remember correctly, this is Easy Rider.
He had been abused by his previous owner...
(I believe his hind leg was broken in 3 places and
the plate and pins are still in his leg). 
Yet, he is a superb athlete!
(See performance photo above.)

Two paws up to Lawrence and his wife for the love and time they devote to their canine kids!
This is an amazing group! If they come to your area, be sure to see them!
For more information visit k9frisbee.com

Carole
(I do not receive any compensation for reviewing this group.)
Cloud K9

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Balloon Garden

The St. Louis Home and Garden Show featured a garden made entirely of balloons.
The garden was designed and produced by Sammy J Balloon Creations.  

The 600 square foot garden had many flowers,
some of which were almost 6 feet tall.



A fun and clever gardening idea!
Carole

cloudk9.com

Monday, March 1, 2010

Adopt a Guinea Pig Month

March is Adopt a Guinea Pig Month!

Guinea Pigs are wonderful pets, if cared for properly.  They live an average of four to five years, but may live as long as eight years.

This link provides some questions to decide if a Guinea Pig is the right pet for you => http://cavycare.net/aspets.php

You can find Guinea Pigs living in shelters or rescues through petfinder.com and on this page => Guinea Pig Rescue Organizations

Guinea Pigs are very vocal animals! So, as the Guinea Pig would say, "Wheeek! Wheeek!"

Carole
cloudk9.com