Black & White Sunday: Put a Name on It

Happy Sun-Nap-day!

Yes, I even put my name on my seat and she still steals it!

13 Candles

My baby is 13 years old today!  Yes, thirteen! 

Happy Birthday Zeus

We have a very special apple oatmeal birthday cake for tonight, as well as "tulip puffs" (hot dogs and cheddar cheese in a puff pastry) - both of which came from a doggy bakery in Massachusetts.  We'll take pics and post next week, but now it's time for our annual photo recap...

I may be biased, but I think my Zeus-Moose is the most handsome big dog around!

He sure can pull off that "I'm Serious" look...

But he's also the biggest ham...

 

  

And Zeus sure knows how to be a couch potato.  I can't even get mad when he steals my NAP pillow and blanket (which happens at least twice a day).

 

Of course he loves his gig reviewing items for the blog...

And while at times they may annoy him, he truly does love his little brother and sisters.

I adore morning coffee with my big lap-cuddle-dog and he sure does makes my selfies look good!

 

Rides are great, even if it's off to see the V-E-T.  After all, Zeus adores all the girls at the vet's office and he loves making new friends too.

 

He's a great co-pilot on those rides... 

 

My boy sure does love lounging in the driveway... 

Zeus loves life and is quite the happy, big 'ole dog!  Despite all of his health issues, he's always got a smile and wagging tail.



Have I mentioned he's a great winker too (yea, sure, maybe he's supposed to keep one eye open, but...)?

 

  

I snapped this pic for "throwback Thursday" earlier this year.  Look at my little 16 week old puppy there!

Happy Birthday Zeus.  I love you more than words can say and thank you so greatly for all the joy you bring to my life, as well as the life lessons you have taught me.  Here's to 13 candles, and many more!

REVIEW: Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits

Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits

by Andrew Schloss

Paperback: 272 Pages

Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (November 19, 2013)

Home brewing and wine making has really taken off over the past few years, but not only are the start-up costs expensive, the time involved is extensive.  Enter homemade liqueurs... the fastest, easiest and most versatile of libations you can make at home.

 

Before we go any further, and in case I'm not the only one who was wondering what the difference between liqueurs and liquors is, "Liqueurs are liquors flavored with sugar and aromatics such as herbs, spices, nuts, flowers, fruits, seeds, vegetables and roots."  Author Andrew Schloss goes over this in more detail in the book, as well as the role of sugar and how to make several types of simple syrups.  Andrew also covers the equipment you will need, which really is just some simple kitchen gadgets. 

 

Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits provides over 150 recipes for both liqueurs and unsweetened infused spirits.  Included are homemade versions of 21 name brands such as Chambord, Bailey's, Limoncello, St. Germain, Kahlua and Cointreau. 

 

In addition to the liqueur and spirit recipes, you'll also find 80 cocktail recipes using your new creations.  Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits is a catch-all for creating fabulous cocktails that you and your friends will love for years to come! 

 

Grab yourself a copy of Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits and you'll soon be enjoying an adult beverage made with your very own liqueurs.  They are fun, easy and safe to create -- and make great gifts!  You will quickly become known for your creative liqueurs among your circle of friends. 

 

Thanks to the great folks at Storey Publishing, I was given permission to share a couple of recipes with you...

 

In Praise of Fraise

Source: Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits by Andrew Schloss

 

You Need:

• 2 pints strawberries, hulled and sliced, or 1.5 pounds frozen strawberries, thawed
• 1.5 cups Simple Syrup (see page 24 of book)
• 1 fifth (750ml) vodka (80-100 proof)

Steps:

1. Muddle the strawberries and simple syrup with a wooden spoon in a half-gallon jar. Stir in the vodka.
2. Seal the jar and put it in a cool, dark cabinet until the liquid smells and tastes strongly of strawberries, about 7 days.
3. Strain the mixture with a mesh strainer into a clean quart jar. Do not push on the solids to extract more liquid.
4. Seal and store in a cool, dark cabinet. Use within 1 year.

Chocolate Coconut

Source: Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits by Andrew Schloss

 

You Need:

• 1 fifth (750ml) light rum (80 proof)
• 3 cups lightly packed sweetened flaked coconut
• 1.5 cups (7.5 ounces) cacao nibs
• 1/2 vanilla bean (Madagascar or Bourbon), split
• 1 cup Simple Syrup (see page 24 of book)

Steps:

1. Combine the rum, coconut, cacao nibs and vanilla in a half-gallon jar. Stir to moisten everything.
2. Seal the jar and put it in a cool, dark cabinet until the liquid smells and tastes strongly of coconut and chocolate, 7 to 10 days.
3. Strain the mixture with a mesh strainer into a clean quart jar. Do not push on the solids to extract more liquid.
4. Stir in the simple syrup.
5. Seal and store in a cool, dark cabinet.  Use within 1 year. 

Disclaimer: Storey Publishing, LLC sent a complimentary copy of Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits to Lapdog Creations for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed in the review are my own. 

Frozen.

Time to get wordless...

Rest in Peace little Mousey... apparently he did not find a warm place to hunker down overnight.

 

REVIEW: Pet Naturals of Vermont

Pet Naturals of Vermont

Daily Best Senior Dog Chews

Where to Find: Chewy.com

We love getting boxes from our friends over at Chewy.com - after all, what doggy wouldn't?  The Lapdogs think Chewy boxes smell dee-lish!  Unfortunately, this was the first month we received something for review that the Lapdogs have not yet been able to try. 

We received a bag of Pet Naturals of Vermont Daily Best Senior Dog Chews for review.  I had high hopes that these would be an excellent supplement for Lola, however I have not yet been able to confirm where the treats are made.  Due to Lola's autoimmune disease, I am very cautious of what I give to her and simply cannot take a chance of giving a supplement that may not be Made in the USA. 

So, while we did not actually try these supplements, I still wanted to follow through with our Chewy.com reviewer duties and tell you all about them. And, if anyone can ever confirm to me where they are made, we just might follow up with a second review. 

 

Daily Best Senior is a comprehensive multiple vitamin/mineral supplement containing nutrients that are important to support immune, cardiovascular, G.I. tract, eye, skin, connective tissue, joint, liver, and brain health. The supplement is specifically formulated to focus on geriatric dogs by combining a balance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants to support and maintain the physical and mental well-being of senior dogs. Daily Best Senior Dog Chews incorporate important components necessary to the health of senior dogs, that are not always found in commercial dog food or ordinary supplements. For instance, the amino acid Taurine is vital for maintaining the health of the heart, blood cells, muscles, and the central nervous system.

From the Pet Naturals of Vermont website: 

Animals have unique nutritional needs. Pet Naturals of Vermont understands that about our own pets, and about yours. That's why we're proud to offer a wide variety of pet supplements for every pet, in every category of health. From hip and joint formulas to calming products, Pet Naturals has a product to support your pet's specific needs.

If you're looking for supplements for your dog or cat, check them out and remember, when you order from Chewy.com, 1-2 day shipping is free on all orders over $49!

Disclosure: Chewy.com sent a bag of Pet Naturals of Vermont Daily Best Senior to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Monday Mischief: Rockin the PJs

Monday already?  Yup, that's what the calendar tells me.  The weekends go by faster and faster, don't they?

Not a lot of mischief going on today... at least not that I know of.  After all, who knows what kind of mischief goes on when the humans are at work, right? 

If I had to guess, the Lapdogs are all recharging snoozing on the couch right now.

They're probably saving their energy for a good 'ole game of King & Queen of the snow mountain later on today.  

As you may know, the Lapdogs have quite an extensive family of foster siblings.  It's been awhile since we've shared some of our updates with you, but I thought these two were cute mischief makers.  

Maverick's sister snapped this picture of him ignoring her contemplating life.  Don't you just love that cute little face?

Cotton decided to try on her human brother's PJ's... what do you think?  I think she's rocking them pretty well, although she doesn't look very pleased with her Mom's mischief.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week.  I'm hoping to get a couple of reviews posted and we have a very special birthday to celebrate on Friday... stay tuned!