Friday, December 18, 2009


So what kind of cookies will Santa get to choose from this year as his treat for visiting? At our home we have chose to shorten our list of cookie baking. For our Christmas party I'll be making buckeyes, peanut butter balls and truffles of white and dark chocolate. I'll also be making fa-la-la-la's, knock you nakeds and maybe a new chocolate pie concoction that I have been eye balling a recipe for. What is on your confection list? And just as important-what's the best way to keep cookies fresh? Visit Cooks Illustrated for their take on how to store your precious Christmas Cookies after all your hard work of making them.

To all our family, friends, customers and business associates we send you warm winter wishes for the merriest Christmas ever. We hope that you are able to relax into the holiday season and enjoy it at its best. Even if only briefly we hope that your worries, troubles, grief or stress will melt away as you listen to the sounds, see the sights and smell the aroma of Christmas all around you. Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Getting There

Are you getting ready yet for the holidays? We had some cooler weather in Florida and took advantage of it by bringing home and setting up the tree. It is always more enjoyable decorating when its not 90 degrees outside. lol

As you prepare your home for the holidays don't put your pets in harms way. Remember that some plants, common cleaning products or prescription medication can be poisonous to your furry friends. While things are hectic around the home and new guests may be staying with you it can be easy to overlook the dangers. Keep in mind that Christmas tree water may contain fertilizer or bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Electrical cords, batteries, glass ornaments and our own special treats need to be considered, as well as, ribbons and tinsel which can become lodged in the intestines (mostly in felines). For their sake {and your sanity!} keep a list of emergency numbers on hand...just in case. If you live in the Manatee/Sarasota, Fl. area here are some numbers.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

Sarasota Veterinary Emergency Hospital (941) 923-7260

Animal ER of University Park (941) 355-2884

Keep those 4 leggers safe while you enjoy this holiday season.