fbpx
Connect with us

holidays

Recognizing Holiday Hazards: 5 seasonal safety tips for pet owners

The holiday season presents opportunities for celebrating with loved ones, and for many families, that includes their dogs and cats. However, holiday foods and decorations can pose health risks for pets and the hustle and bustle may be overwhelming.

Published

on

(Family Features) The holiday season presents opportunities for celebrating with loved ones, and for many families, that includes their dogs and cats. However, holiday foods and decorations can pose health risks for pets and the hustle and bustle may be overwhelming.

To help keep your pet safe amid the jolly chaos, consider these potential hazards from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, which has more than 1,000 locations across North America that cared for more than 4.5 million pets last year.

Decorations
Decorations are part of almost every holiday celebration but making some pet-proofed choices can make your home safe for four-legged guests as well. If you put up a tree (live or artificial), ensure it’s set up securely and use shatter-proof ornaments, ideally hung above tail height and out of paws’ reach. If you have kittens less than 1 year old in your home, they sometimes like to climb up the tree trunk to the top, so extra care may be needed. Hang smaller ornaments toward the top of the tree to reduce potential choking hazards and avoid salt dough ornaments, which may look like a snack to pets but can cause electrolyte problems, and tinsel as it can become lodged in a pet’s gut and cause issues.

Additionally, consider battery-operated candles instead of real ones, which can be easily knocked over by curious pets and burn them or lead to more serious fire risks. Dangling cords from seasonal decor can also appeal to pets, and if chewed while plugged in could result in electrical shock or burn to the tongue, so secure them out of sight and unplug when not in use.

Food
With the holidays comes a delicious variety of baked goods, chocolate confections and other rich foods. However, some of those seasonal goodies can present problems for pets. For example, chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine, a chemical similar to caffeine that’s highly toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion in small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but large amounts can cause seizures and heart arrhythmias.

Other traditional holiday mainstays such as fruitcakes, breads and cookies that contain grapes, raisins or currants can cause kidney failure in dogs. Sugarless gums and candies may contain xylitol, a natural sweetener, which can cause serious conditions like dangerously low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Leftover fatty meat scraps can produce severe inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), leading to abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

Plants
Although live trees are non-toxic, their needles do not digest well, and their water may contain bacteria, mold or fertilizer that should not be ingested. Additionally, poinsettias, which often have a bad reputation among pet owners, can cause upset stomachs if the leaves are ingested though it’s typically milder than the symptoms associated with holly, mistletoe and amaryllis. Daffodils, lilies and narcissi are also toxic to pets.

Guests
An increase in visitors, ringing of the doorbell and extra excitement of the holiday season can be stressful for pets. Try to keep your four-legged friend’s feeding and exercise schedule as regular as possible, and make time for additional stress-relieving playtime and snuggles. To help avoid overstimulation, it may be best to keep your pets in their own crates or a quiet room with food, water and comfortable bedding while you have company. If you need additional assistance, consult with your veterinarian.

Travel
Holiday travel with your four-legged family members requires some extra packing and precautions. If traveling by car, make sure your pet is safely restrained using a secure harness or carrier and placed away from any airbags. Make sure pets are microchipped and their registration is up to date in case you become separated. Never leave pets alone in a vehicle or transport them in the bed of a truck. Also be sure you have updated health certificates from your veterinarian, if required by any states you will visit or pass through, and pack copies of medical records, first aid supplies, food and medications, leashes, collars and favorite toys.

For more tips to make the holidays safe for pets, visit vcahospitals.com.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images


SOURCE:
VCA Animal Hospitals

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Family

Ways to Make Mom’s Day Extra Special

Whether she’s the culinary expert of the home or cooking is usually a team effort, make sure her morning is one of rest and relaxation while you handle kitchen duties from prep to cleanup.

Published

on

(Family Features) Don’t let Mother’s Day pass by as just another day on the calendar. Make this year’s celebration a true ode to the moms in your life with some extra special touches at breakfast and beyond.

Give Her the Day Off
Whether she’s the culinary expert of the home or cooking is usually a team effort, make sure her morning is one of rest and relaxation while you handle kitchen duties from prep to cleanup. These Bacon-Wrapped Egg Muffins are easily customizable to suit your family’s favorite tastes with nearly endless possibilities. Just make sure to place a foil-lined cookie sheet under the muffin tin to make cleanup a breeze.

For a sweeter touch on brunch, these Cinnamon Muffins offer a one-ingredient solution that take just 15 minutes to prepare. Serve alongside the egg muffins or let these ooey-gooey bites bake while mom enjoys the main course.

Add Flowers
Flowers are a timeless Mother’s Day gift for a reason. They provide pops of color on dining room tables, kitchen counters, end tables or even nightstands. Consider mom’s favorite spot in the house and place them within eyeshot for a frequent reminder of how much she’s appreciated.

Create a Personalized Card
Add a special final touch to an already memorable morning with a thoughtful card and handwritten message. Get the kiddos involved and create a card from scratch with construction paper, colored pencils, markers and more for a homemade gift she’ll cherish. If you didn’t fall from the artistic tree, don’t fret – a storebought card means all the same when paired with a heartfelt message that conveys your love.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, mom will appreciate the extra effort to make her day special. Find more family-friendly recipe ideas at Culinary.net.

Bacon-Wrapped Egg Muffins

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

  • 1 pound regular-sliced bacon (not thick-sliced)
  • 10 eggs
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/3 cup half-and-half or milk
  • 1 tablespoon garlic pepper
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh or frozen spinach
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  2. Using muffin tin, wrap bacon around inside of each muffin hole. In bowl, whisk eggs, cheese, half-and-half, garlic pepper and spinach. Pour into each hole, filling about halfway to avoid overflowing while cooking. Cook 40 minutes, or until eggs are golden.

Tips: Place muffin tin on cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil to catch grease and make cleanup easier. If you want bacon taste without lining muffin holes, mix fried bacon pieces into eggs.

Substitutions: Line each hole with hashbrowns then add egg mixture. Use broccoli instead of spinach, if desired.

Cinnamon Muffins

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

  • 2 tubes (8-count each) cinnamon rolls
  1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  2. Grease muffin tin or line with liners. Using kitchen shears, cut each cinnamon roll into pieces and place in muffin holes.
  3. Bake about 15 minutes, or until golden. Let cool then add provided icing.

Tip: To make icing extra special, add 2 tablespoons creamer and mix well before icing muffins.


SOURCE:
Culinary.net

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/
Continue Reading

Family

Elevate Your Easter Dinner with These Top Five Delectable Meal Ideas

“Elevate your Easter dinner with these top five meal ideas: herb-crusted lamb, lemon roasted chicken, honey-glazed ham, stuffed shells, and spring vegetable risotto!” #EasterFeastIdeas 🐇🥚🍽️

Published

on

"Easter dinner with a beautifully decorated table, featuring a delightful spread of lamb, chicken, ham, and other mouthwatering dishes."


Easter is a time for joyous celebrations and gathering with loved ones over a scrumptious meal. If you’re looking to make this Easter dinner truly special, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ve curated a selection of mouthwatering dishes that will leave your guests craving for more. From traditional classics to innovative twists, these top five Easter meal ideas will make your dinner unforgettable.

  1. Herb-Crusted Lamb with Mint Pesto
    For a show-stopping centerpiece, look no further than herb-crusted lamb with mint pesto. Tender and succulent, this roast is complemented perfectly by a zesty mint pesto, which adds a refreshing burst of flavor. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes for a truly elegant Easter feast.
  2. Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken
    For those who prefer poultry over lamb, a lemon and herb-roasted chicken is a divine choice. The combination of tangy citrus and aromatic herbs creates a tantalizing flavor profile. The chicken turns out moist and juicy with a golden, crispy skin. Pair it with roasted asparagus and buttered baby potatoes for a delightful springtime meal.
  3. Baked Glazed Ham with Honey and Mustard
    No Easter dinner is complete without a glazed ham that’s perfectly caramelized and packed with flavor. This baked glazed ham with honey and mustard will leave your guests craving for seconds. The sweet and savory glaze, made from a blend of honey, Dijon mustard, and spices, creates a mouthwatering caramelized crust. Serve it with a side of silky mashed sweet potatoes and honey-glazed carrots for a truly indulgent Easter treat.
  4. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
    For a delicious vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on taste, these spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser. Imagine tender pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, baked in a rich tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Serve alongside a fresh mixed green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
  5. Spring Vegetable Risotto
    Capture the essence of the season with a vibrant spring vegetable risotto. This creamy dish combines Arborio rice with asparagus, peas, artichokes, and fresh herbs, creating a medley of flavors and textures. Each spoonful is a burst of springtime goodness. Finish it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or lamb.


This Easter, unleash your culinary creativity and impress your guests with these sensational meal ideas. Whether you choose a succulent roast, a flavorful chicken dish, a glazed ham, a cheesy pasta delight, or a vibrant risotto, your Easter dinner is bound to be a hit. Celebrate the joys of Easter with the ultimate feast that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and delighted. Cheers to a memorable and delicious Easter dinner!

"Easter dinner with a beautifully decorated table, featuring a delightful spread of lamb, chicken, ham, and other mouthwatering dishes."

“Here are some additional ideas for a successful dinner that you might find helpful.”

https://www.foodnetwork.com/holidays-and-parties/menus/best-ever-easter-dinner/best-ever-easter-dinner

“Elevate your Easter dinner with these top five meal ideas: herb-crusted lamb, lemon roasted chicken, honey-glazed ham, stuffed shells, and spring vegetable risotto!” #EasterFeastIdeas 🐇🥚🍽️

If you’re looking for delicious food recipes and the latest foodie news, make sure to visit our Food and Beverage section.https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/

🐣 Happy Easter, everyone! 🌼🐇
Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and lots of chocolatey delights. May your Easter egg hunts be full of laughter and excitement. Remember to cherish precious moments with your loved ones and savor every bite of those delicious treats. Let’s celebrate the spirit of renewal and new beginnings together. Hoppy Easter! 🥚🌷 #Easter2022 #HoppyEaster #JoyfulCelebrations

Subscribe to our newsletter now and stay updated with the latest articles and tips. Don’t miss out on any valuable information – join our community today!

Want more stories 👋
“Your morning jolt of Inspiring & Interesting Stories!”

Sign up to receive awesome articles directly to your inbox.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Continue Reading

Family

Easy Easter Eats

Published

on

One-pan dishes to make hosting simple

(Family Features) Even if Easter hosting duties fell on your plate this year and added one more thing to your holiday to-do list, that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. After all, Easter is a time meant for fun and fellowship with the food just one part of the celebration.

Building the menu around simple, one-pan dishes can keep the focus where it needs to be: spending time and creating memories with family and friends. These dishes call for short lists of ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry, and simple preparation to create a full spread perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, using only one pan makes cleanup a breeze, so you can get back to the festivities quickly.

A dish like this Easter Roast lets you check both the main course and side dishes off your list, relying on the oven to do most of the work for you after some quick prep work. Similarly easy to prepare, these Refrigerator Rolls can also be made up to six days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake – a perfect complement to the savory roast and veggies.

Finish off your feast with an adaptable dessert like this Blueberry Crumble. Made using just five ingredients and ready in about an hour, you can swap the blueberry pie filling and yellow cake mix for any combination that suits your guests’ tastes like apple pie filling with spice cake or cherry pie filling with chocolate cake; the sky’s the limit when it comes to satisfying that sweet tooth.

For more Easter recipe inspiration, visit Culinary.net.

Easter Roast

Yield: 1 roast

  • Salt
  • pepper
  • garlic powder
  • 1 roast (3 pounds)
  • 1 bag (1 pound) baby carrots
  • 1 bag (1 1/2 pounds) trio potatoes or potato of choice
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 tablespoon garlic pepper
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 bundle asparagus
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Sprinkle salt, pepper and garlic powder over roast and rub into front, back and sides. Place seasoned roast in middle of large roasting pan.
  3. Place carrots on one side of roasting pan and potatoes on other side.
  4. In large bowl, mix beef broth and cream of mushroom soup with garlic pepper. Pour mixture over roast, potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle brown sugar over carrots and add chopped onion. Cover and cook 2 1/2 hours then remove from oven, add asparagus and cook uncovered 30 minutes.
  5. Serve from pan or place on platter for more formal presentation.

Refrigerator Rolls

Yield: 18 rolls

  • 2 packages yeast
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 cups lukewarm water
  • 6-7cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 stick softened butter
  • oil, divided
  1. In large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water. When yeast is foamy, add 3 cups flour. Mix in salt, eggs and butter.
  2. Once mixed well, add remaining flour 1 cup at a time and knead dough into ball in bowl. Remove dough from bowl and place on clean surface.
  3. Wash and dry bowl then grease with drizzle of oil. Place dough in bowl and let rise 1 hour or store in refrigerator if making in advance.
  4. When ready to use, grease muffin pan with oil. Roll dough into hand-size balls and place in each muffin hole; cover 1 hour.
  5. Heat oven to 350 F. Bake rolls 30 minutes.
  6. Note: Dough can be made in advance and stored in refrigerator up to six days. If making ahead, punch down dough, cover and place in refrigerator. Punch down daily until ready to use.

Blueberry Crumble

Yield: 1 cake

  • 1 can blueberry pie filling
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 bag (4 ounces) chopped pecans
  • 1 stick butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • whipped cream, for serving (optional)
  • vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Spread pie filling on bottom of 9-by-11-inch pan. Sprinkle cake mix and pecans on top. Do not mix.
  3. Drizzle melted butter and oil on top of cake mix and pecans. Do not mix. Lift pan and tilt from side to side until cake mix is completely covered in butter.
  4. Bake 1 hour until golden brown and bubbly.
  5. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.


SOURCE:
Culinary.net

Continue Reading

Trending