Holidays are a special time for friends and family. Since pets are a part of the family too, make sure your holiday is pet friendly. Here are some helpful tips from Jill Richardson, D.V.M, one of the pet pros at Hartz, a leader in the pet products industry.
Avoid Holiday Hazards
As you get your house ready for the holidays, keep your pets in mind. There are some holiday items that could be very dangerous for your pet.
* Mistletoe or holly can be harmful if ingested by your pet. Keep these plants out of your pet’s reach.
* Lilies are often used in holiday arrangements and bouquets, but they can be very dangerous for your cat. Certain types of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, even in small amounts.
* Make your holiday decorations pet safe. Avoid glass ornaments, which can break and cut tiny paws.
* Dangling electrical cords can be enticing to curious pets, especially rabbits, kittens, and puppies. If electrical cords are chewed, they could electrocute your pet. Make sure to keep cords out of your pet’s reach.
* Keep batteries out of your pet’s reach. Batteries contain caustic material and if ingested, can cause chemical burns on the tongue, mouth, muzzle, and stomach of your pet.
Keep a Pet Friendly Kitchen
Pet owners may be tempted to give table scraps from holiday meals to their pets as a special treat. There are some types of people foods that can make pets very sick.
* Excessively rich or fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis (inflammatory disease of the pancreas) in pets.
* Chocolate can cause increased heart rate, tremors, or excitation, depending on the type and the quantity ingested.
* Ingestion of uncooked bread dough can be life-threatening. The animal’s body heat will cause the dough to rise in the stomach. Alcohol is produced during the rising process, and the dough may expand several times its original size.
* Some types of grapes and raisins have been shown to cause kidney failure in dogs when eaten in quantity. The basis for kidney failure following consumption of grapes or raisins is unclear, but this is being studied closely in the veterinary community.
* Other potentially dangerous food items for pets include moldy or spoiled foods, coffee grounds, onions, alcoholic beverages, macadamia nuts (dogs), and avocado (birds).
* Keep your pet birds safe from kitchen hazards too. Birds are extremely sensitive to any strong odor or smoke. Smoke from burning foods or overheated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated cookware can be deadly for birds.
Keep your Guests on a Leash
Have a plan for your pets when you host a holiday party. Unfamiliar guests can make some pets very nervous. If your pet does not do well with crowds and loud noise, make sure you set aside a safe and quiet haven for it to retreat to, if necessary. Make sure to bring your pet fresh water, food, toys, litter box, and pet bed so your pet can relax during the party. Toys offer a multitude of activities for pets and will help to reduce anxiety and relieve boredom.
Remember your pet or your favorite pet lover during the holidays
This year, don’t forget to be sure you have the perfect gift for your favorite pet. Remember the four “F”s: Food (rawhide, bones, natural treats), Fashion (fashionable collars or leashes), Fitness (balls, plush toys, catnip, interactive toys), and Fun (seasonally inspired toys and treats).
For animal lovers without pets of their own, consider making a donation to a local shelter or animal rescue association in their name. Helping a homeless pet is a wonderful way to celebrate friendship.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Holiday Entertaining Made Easy
Every year around this time, the number-one complaint people make is that there isn’t enough time to get everything done. You have to put up the lights, decorate your tree, shop for gifts, and send out cards. As if those tasks weren’t stressful enough, a lot of people also decide to add holiday entertaining to the list.
There’s no getting around the fact that putting on a holiday party is going to be a lot of work; but if you plan ahead, you’ll find it makes all the difference. Whatever you do, keep it simple. That goes for everything from decorations to the menu.
“You should spend the holidays enjoying the company of your friends and family, not slaving away in the kitchen,” says “Rosemary,” resident chef at Tastefully Simple, a Minnesota-based company that sells easy-to-prepare gourmet foods primarily through home taste-testing parties. The holiday season is their busiest time of year.
Here are some great party ideas Rosemary thinks will be very popular this year. They feature foods that are gourmet, yet easy to prepare.
* Gift Wrapping Party (for charity or yourself)
Gift wrapping is one of those chores people love to hate. It requires precision and attention to detail, which can make it extremely frustrating at times. To take the edge away, why not turn it into a game. Call up a bunch of friends and ask them to bring a roll of paper each -- along with any presents they may need to wrap themselves. Attach a gift tag to each of the presents so they don’t get mixed up, then have your guests grab from the pile and start wrapping while you all chat and catch up on each other’s lives. The task will be taken care of before you know it. Since everyone will be busy, there is no need to serve a big meal. Offer your guests drinks and easy to prepare hors d’oeurves, such as Pesto Palmiers.
Pesto Palmiers
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
6 to 8 oz. provolone or fontina cheese, shredded
Directions:
Prepare Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto as directed on jar with water and olive oil; set aside. Sprinkle work surface with half of chopped parsley, roll out 1 sheet puff pastry into a 12 inch square over parsley. Sprinkle dough evenly with half the Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto and 3/4 cup cheese; pressing gently into dough. Roll up one edge to middle of pastry sheet; roll up parallel edge in same manner so that the two rolls are touching. Repeat procedure with other sheet of puff pastry. Slice pastry rolls with sharp knife into 3/4 inch slices. Place cut-side up on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly; serve warm. Makes about 26 palmiers.
* Wine/Beer Tasting Party
In the invitation, ask each of your guests to bring along a different bottle of wine or beer. As each guest arrives, hand them a festively decorated bag with a bunch of small cups inside. Have a central place where people can find samples -- and leave ballots near each bottle. Ask your guests to sample all the different drinks, and vote for their favorite.
Your guests will probably be expecting to find cheese and crackers to munch on at this type of party, but why not wow them with Honey Teriyaki dip instead. They won’t believe you made it from scratch.. This appetizer can be served as a spread on a pretty holiday platter with sesame crackers in a napkin-lined basket.
Honey Teriyaki Dip
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 Tbsp. Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic
1 cup chicken, cooked, diced
4 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
1/4 cup Tastefully Simple Honey Teriyaki Sauce
Sesame crackers
Directions:
Combine cream cheese and Garlic Garlic; spread on large plate. Top with chicken, green onions and peanuts. Drizzle Honey Teriyaki Sauce over all. Chill. Serve with sesame crackers.
*Caroling Party
Here’s a great way to spread cheer throughout your entire neighborhood. Invite friends over to go caroling. Print the words to each song you want to perform on a piece of paper decorated with a holiday theme, roll it into a tube and tie with colorful ribbons. As each person arrives, hand them a roll, but tell them not to peek. Then, once you’re ready to go out and sing, divide people into color-coded groups and send them on their way.
When they return to your house, have dessert and coffee or hot chocolate waiting for them. Your guests will think you went to cooking school after they taste your Banana Toffee Coffee Caramel Pie, topped with red and green sprinkles. They won’t believe you when you tell them how easy the pie was to prepare. “I’ve served this pie at my own holiday parties and always get plenty of compliments. It’s one of my favorite recipes in our collection,” says Rosemary.
Banana Toffee Coffee Caramel Pie
4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
6 oz. pkg. vanilla wafer crust or butter shortbread crust
1/4 cup Tastefully Simple Creamy Caramel, warmed slightly in microwave
1 cup chilled whipping cream
1 Tbsp. Tastefully Simple Toffee Coffee
Shaved chocolate (optional)
Directions:
Layer bananas in bottom of crust. Drizzle Creamy Caramel over. Beat cream and Toffee Coffee with electric mixer in bowl until stiff peaks form. Spread over bananas, swirling top of mixture decoratively with spatula. Top with (optional) shaved chocolate and additional Creamy Caramel. Chill at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours. Cut pie into wedges and serve.
There’s no getting around the fact that putting on a holiday party is going to be a lot of work; but if you plan ahead, you’ll find it makes all the difference. Whatever you do, keep it simple. That goes for everything from decorations to the menu.
“You should spend the holidays enjoying the company of your friends and family, not slaving away in the kitchen,” says “Rosemary,” resident chef at Tastefully Simple, a Minnesota-based company that sells easy-to-prepare gourmet foods primarily through home taste-testing parties. The holiday season is their busiest time of year.
Here are some great party ideas Rosemary thinks will be very popular this year. They feature foods that are gourmet, yet easy to prepare.
* Gift Wrapping Party (for charity or yourself)
Gift wrapping is one of those chores people love to hate. It requires precision and attention to detail, which can make it extremely frustrating at times. To take the edge away, why not turn it into a game. Call up a bunch of friends and ask them to bring a roll of paper each -- along with any presents they may need to wrap themselves. Attach a gift tag to each of the presents so they don’t get mixed up, then have your guests grab from the pile and start wrapping while you all chat and catch up on each other’s lives. The task will be taken care of before you know it. Since everyone will be busy, there is no need to serve a big meal. Offer your guests drinks and easy to prepare hors d’oeurves, such as Pesto Palmiers.
Pesto Palmiers
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
6 to 8 oz. provolone or fontina cheese, shredded
Directions:
Prepare Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto as directed on jar with water and olive oil; set aside. Sprinkle work surface with half of chopped parsley, roll out 1 sheet puff pastry into a 12 inch square over parsley. Sprinkle dough evenly with half the Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto and 3/4 cup cheese; pressing gently into dough. Roll up one edge to middle of pastry sheet; roll up parallel edge in same manner so that the two rolls are touching. Repeat procedure with other sheet of puff pastry. Slice pastry rolls with sharp knife into 3/4 inch slices. Place cut-side up on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly; serve warm. Makes about 26 palmiers.
* Wine/Beer Tasting Party
In the invitation, ask each of your guests to bring along a different bottle of wine or beer. As each guest arrives, hand them a festively decorated bag with a bunch of small cups inside. Have a central place where people can find samples -- and leave ballots near each bottle. Ask your guests to sample all the different drinks, and vote for their favorite.
Your guests will probably be expecting to find cheese and crackers to munch on at this type of party, but why not wow them with Honey Teriyaki dip instead. They won’t believe you made it from scratch.. This appetizer can be served as a spread on a pretty holiday platter with sesame crackers in a napkin-lined basket.
Honey Teriyaki Dip
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 Tbsp. Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic
1 cup chicken, cooked, diced
4 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
1/4 cup Tastefully Simple Honey Teriyaki Sauce
Sesame crackers
Directions:
Combine cream cheese and Garlic Garlic; spread on large plate. Top with chicken, green onions and peanuts. Drizzle Honey Teriyaki Sauce over all. Chill. Serve with sesame crackers.
*Caroling Party
Here’s a great way to spread cheer throughout your entire neighborhood. Invite friends over to go caroling. Print the words to each song you want to perform on a piece of paper decorated with a holiday theme, roll it into a tube and tie with colorful ribbons. As each person arrives, hand them a roll, but tell them not to peek. Then, once you’re ready to go out and sing, divide people into color-coded groups and send them on their way.
When they return to your house, have dessert and coffee or hot chocolate waiting for them. Your guests will think you went to cooking school after they taste your Banana Toffee Coffee Caramel Pie, topped with red and green sprinkles. They won’t believe you when you tell them how easy the pie was to prepare. “I’ve served this pie at my own holiday parties and always get plenty of compliments. It’s one of my favorite recipes in our collection,” says Rosemary.
Banana Toffee Coffee Caramel Pie
4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
6 oz. pkg. vanilla wafer crust or butter shortbread crust
1/4 cup Tastefully Simple Creamy Caramel, warmed slightly in microwave
1 cup chilled whipping cream
1 Tbsp. Tastefully Simple Toffee Coffee
Shaved chocolate (optional)
Directions:
Layer bananas in bottom of crust. Drizzle Creamy Caramel over. Beat cream and Toffee Coffee with electric mixer in bowl until stiff peaks form. Spread over bananas, swirling top of mixture decoratively with spatula. Top with (optional) shaved chocolate and additional Creamy Caramel. Chill at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours. Cut pie into wedges and serve.
Gifts with a Purpose
Your holidays will sparkle even brighter when you give a gift that helps make children’s wishes come true. This year, Things Remembered offers a collectible holiday ornament, musical snow globe and star keepsake box -- all benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Make-A-Wish gifts became a tradition at Things Remembered in 1998 when one critically ill child, Elysia, wished to give her family and friends personalized ornaments saying “Thank you, I love you, and always remember me.” Her single wish has grown into an annual program that allows the wishes of children across the nation to come true.
If you’ve got something to say this holiday, Make-A-Wish items can be engraved with your own special message. They are available at Things Remembered stores nationwide and online at www.thingsremembered.com.
Make-A-Wish Holiday Ornament
Made of genuine pewter, the heart-shaped ornament is bejeweled with red and white Swarovski crystals and tied with an organza bow. Available for $17.95, $2 from the sale of each limited edition ornament helps grant the fondest wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Make-A-Wish Musical Holiday Snow Globe
The Make-A-Wish holiday snow globe winds up to play “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Inside the glass dome is a jolly scene of two adorable snowmen and a sack full of goodies. Two dollars from the sale of each holiday snow globe also goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The snow globe retails for $24.95.
Make-A-Wish Star Keepsake Box
An enchanting Star Keepsake Box with inspirational wishing stones is the first-ever, year-round Make-A-Wish gift from Things Remembered. The brushed silver-plated keepsake box can be engraved with a personal message. Inside, five lovely wishing stars are inscribed with the words “Peace, Hope, Love, and Dreams,” with the fifth star adorned with the Make-A-Wish logo. Brilliant Swarovski crystals glitter on each of the star’s five points. Equally brilliant, $5 from each sale benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Star Keepsake Box is available for $34.95.
According to Suzanne Sutter, president of Things Remembered, this sixth holiday season of distinctive Make-A-Wish gifts will bring the total amount raised for the foundation to well over $1 million.
“It is our privilege to carry on this wonderful tradition in honor of Elysia’s memory,” states Sutter. “We’re pleased to be partners with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in its efforts of bringing hope, strength, and joy into the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.”
Make-A-Wish gifts became a tradition at Things Remembered in 1998 when one critically ill child, Elysia, wished to give her family and friends personalized ornaments saying “Thank you, I love you, and always remember me.” Her single wish has grown into an annual program that allows the wishes of children across the nation to come true.
If you’ve got something to say this holiday, Make-A-Wish items can be engraved with your own special message. They are available at Things Remembered stores nationwide and online at www.thingsremembered.com.
Make-A-Wish Holiday Ornament
Made of genuine pewter, the heart-shaped ornament is bejeweled with red and white Swarovski crystals and tied with an organza bow. Available for $17.95, $2 from the sale of each limited edition ornament helps grant the fondest wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Make-A-Wish Musical Holiday Snow Globe
The Make-A-Wish holiday snow globe winds up to play “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Inside the glass dome is a jolly scene of two adorable snowmen and a sack full of goodies. Two dollars from the sale of each holiday snow globe also goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The snow globe retails for $24.95.
Make-A-Wish Star Keepsake Box
An enchanting Star Keepsake Box with inspirational wishing stones is the first-ever, year-round Make-A-Wish gift from Things Remembered. The brushed silver-plated keepsake box can be engraved with a personal message. Inside, five lovely wishing stars are inscribed with the words “Peace, Hope, Love, and Dreams,” with the fifth star adorned with the Make-A-Wish logo. Brilliant Swarovski crystals glitter on each of the star’s five points. Equally brilliant, $5 from each sale benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Star Keepsake Box is available for $34.95.
According to Suzanne Sutter, president of Things Remembered, this sixth holiday season of distinctive Make-A-Wish gifts will bring the total amount raised for the foundation to well over $1 million.
“It is our privilege to carry on this wonderful tradition in honor of Elysia’s memory,” states Sutter. “We’re pleased to be partners with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in its efforts of bringing hope, strength, and joy into the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.”
6 Family Christmas Vacation Tips You Must Know
A family Christmas vacation can be a wonderful experience. It can fill you with wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Christmas is a magical time to be surrounded by loved ones, friends and the spirit of the holidays. It’s also one of the busiest traveling times of the year. But, not to worry - there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a family Christmas vacation. A few tips will make your trip a breeze.
Christmas Vacation Tip #1: Play Santa
If you’re planning a Christmas vacation, be sure to wrap your gifts early if you are taking them for the trip. Always pack each gift carefully, especially if they are fragile, to avoid breakage or other damage. If you don’t have the extra room to travel with a gift, ship it before you leave home. If you ship to the address that you will be arriving at, the gift(s) should arrive within several days and will save you from traveling with them.
Christmas Vacation Tip #2: Don’t Forget
Make sure that you plan a trip that is enjoyable for everyone in the family. Before finalizing any details, sit down with your entire family and make sure they each person has something special to enjoy during the trip. Make sure that your trip is long enough so that everyone can enjoy their favorite activities.
Christmas Vacation Tip #3: Weather Planning
If you are planning outside activities, check ahead with the weather forecast. If you are going skiing, make sure to check with the local ski resort to inquire about their conditions.
Christmas Vacation Tip #4: Arrive Early
When making travel plans, always buy tickets as early as possible. Airlines and other forms of transportation, especially near the holidays, tend to fill up early. If you’re flying, call to confirm that your flight is on time before you even leave home. Upon confirmation, make sure that you arrive at the airport early. The same is true if you are traveling by train. Always call ahead to make sure that everything is on schedule because you certainly don’t want to be left standing in the cold.
Christmas Vacation Tip #5: Don’t Forget The Chef
If you are having a family gathering, which may include Christmas dinner, always pitch in to help with the cooking or clean-up. Catering to an entire family is a real job and it requires a lot of work. Therefore, any extra help that you can provide to the family member, who is acting as chef for the day, will definitely be appreciated.
Christmas Vacation Tip #6: Santa Questions
One of the best ways to enjoy a family Christmas vacation is by simply being together. When your children start asking questions like "How will Santa find me if I’m away from home," have your responses ready and reply with reassurance that Santa is always watching. It’s these little moments that will be treasured forever and nothing will ever take their place.
Christmas Vacation Tip #1: Play Santa
If you’re planning a Christmas vacation, be sure to wrap your gifts early if you are taking them for the trip. Always pack each gift carefully, especially if they are fragile, to avoid breakage or other damage. If you don’t have the extra room to travel with a gift, ship it before you leave home. If you ship to the address that you will be arriving at, the gift(s) should arrive within several days and will save you from traveling with them.
Christmas Vacation Tip #2: Don’t Forget
Make sure that you plan a trip that is enjoyable for everyone in the family. Before finalizing any details, sit down with your entire family and make sure they each person has something special to enjoy during the trip. Make sure that your trip is long enough so that everyone can enjoy their favorite activities.
Christmas Vacation Tip #3: Weather Planning
If you are planning outside activities, check ahead with the weather forecast. If you are going skiing, make sure to check with the local ski resort to inquire about their conditions.
Christmas Vacation Tip #4: Arrive Early
When making travel plans, always buy tickets as early as possible. Airlines and other forms of transportation, especially near the holidays, tend to fill up early. If you’re flying, call to confirm that your flight is on time before you even leave home. Upon confirmation, make sure that you arrive at the airport early. The same is true if you are traveling by train. Always call ahead to make sure that everything is on schedule because you certainly don’t want to be left standing in the cold.
Christmas Vacation Tip #5: Don’t Forget The Chef
If you are having a family gathering, which may include Christmas dinner, always pitch in to help with the cooking or clean-up. Catering to an entire family is a real job and it requires a lot of work. Therefore, any extra help that you can provide to the family member, who is acting as chef for the day, will definitely be appreciated.
Christmas Vacation Tip #6: Santa Questions
One of the best ways to enjoy a family Christmas vacation is by simply being together. When your children start asking questions like "How will Santa find me if I’m away from home," have your responses ready and reply with reassurance that Santa is always watching. It’s these little moments that will be treasured forever and nothing will ever take their place.
Holiday Planning Tips For Busy Moms
Ahhh, the Holidays…… The Thanksgiving turkey comes out of the oven golden brown, with an enticing aroma that fills the entire house. All the china is in pristine condition and not a single piece in the set is missing. The family is gathered for holiday pictures, the children are poised perfectly; hands to themselves, not a hair out of place and their smiles are shining brightly for the camera. Then just as the photographer is about to capture the shot… you wake up!
Let's be realistic ladies. Without proper planning, the holidays are anything but a holiday, especially when past Thanksgiving, here comes Christmas around the corner. Just look at the list of things that need to be done: Shopping, cooking, cleaning, decorating, sending holiday mail, the list goes on and on.
Let me clue you all in on a few key questions that you should ask yourself in order to have a holiday season free of stress and worry, and instead filled with fun and laughter:
What types of holiday celebrations do you want? For example: Do you want to have an immediate family only holiday affair or an extravaganza including immediate and extended family plus a few friends? Once you've thought everything through and decided on the type of holiday gathering you would like, you can then start making your plans.
If you are ready to get a head start on organizing yourself, your family and your holiday check lists, then keep reading:
Holiday Cards: Start early! I use a holiday card list that I derive from saving names and addresses from holiday cards my family has received in past years. I created a simple, computerized list that is easy to edit and print onto address labels. Be sure to stock up on stamps so that when you have your cards signed, stuffed and addressed you can affix a stamp to them and make one, simple trip to the Post Office.
Holiday Gifts: There's nothing like getting a HUGE credit card bill in the mail at the start of the New Year. Many of us tend to want to be generous when shopping for holiday gifts. While your generosity will be appreciated at gift giving time, keep in mind that it is very easy to succumb to "impulse buying" and go all out on your holiday shopping. While your intentions may be good, your pocketbook may be singing a different song. Set a budget and stick to it – your bank account will thank you for it after the start of the New Year.
Wrap it up: Wrap your gifts and place nametags on them immediately after you bring them home, then store the gifts in a secure spot. This will cut down on those late night wrapping sessions that I am sure we ALL have experienced a few times, if not every year.
Baking & cooking: If you will be cooking during the holidays, it is important to plan your meals ahead of time. Be sure to stock up ahead of time on all the necessary non-perishable baking ingredients such as flour, sugar and spices. Create a list of your holiday menus and a list of the ingredients you will need to prepare each of those meals. Also, try to think of a few dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and then frozen as an extra time saving measure
Delegate: This is one of my favorite tips. Be sure to enlist the help of your family or friends. Sit down and discuss what needs to be done then ask for volunteers. If no hands are raised, simply assign small tasks to each of them. Whether it is arranging for a babysitter so that you can escape for a child free day of shopping, passing the shopping list onto another family member or friend so that they can pick up the items for you, or letting the children decorate your home. Be sure to get the whole family involved in the holiday preparations so that you will not be overwhelmed.
Enjoy: Whatever you decide to do, remember to relax and enjoy yourself. You and your family will have much fonder memories of this holiday season if you are not spending it pulling your hair out.
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