REVIEW: Maple Sugar: From Sap to Syrup

Maple Sugar: From Sap to Syrup
The History, Lore, and How-To Behind This Sweet Treat
by Tim Herd
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (February 26, 2011)

Maple Sugar: From Sap to Syrup is a perfect gift for maple lovers, young and old!  Discover the history of maple sugaring, learn to identify various kinds of maple trees and discover how to tap your own trees and make your own syrup. 

If you live in New England, you can't help knowing that we're in the middle of maple sugaring season!  I'm sure you've seen the sap buckets attached to trees or the (more commercial means) miles of tubing used to drain sap into a tank that feeds directly to a sugarhouse.  Last weekend was the annual NH Maple Producers Open House and while I didn't make it this year (photos included in this review are from my sugar house visits last year), I am still very much enjoying the season!  I've always loved maple syrup and really enjoyed getting the up close look at the process last year.  The sugar house visits were not only fun, informative and delish (there were samples to gobble up everywhere), but they left me intrigued to learn more about the process.  Maple Sugar: From Sap to Syrup helps me do just that!

With large color photos and illustrations throughout Maple Sugar: From Sap to Syrup, the book is sure to keep the attention span of even the young maple lovers in your house.  It's a fun read and even if you're not into tapping your own trees, there is still a lot to learn... and cook!  Indulge yourself with over 20 tempting recipes from traditional treats like maple nut bread, maple-glazed ham and baked beans to fun beverages like maple egg nog, maple fizz and hot maple apple cider.  No, they didn't forget the desserts... maple fudge, maple cream and maple sponge cakes are just a few of the delights you can try at home. 

Perhaps maple syrup is your sweetener of choice? If not, you might want to consider it... a one ounce serving of maple syrup has just 73 calories, while the same serving of honey has 85! It's not just for pancakes anymore!

Whether you're looking to learn about the history, want to get out there and make your own syrup (keep in mind that it takes 40 gallons of sap to produce just one gallon of syrup - which is why I don't mind buying it from my local sugar houses) or just want some new maple recipes to try, pick up a copy of Maple Sugar: From Sap to Syrup and indulge!

ETA: Maple Sugar: From Sap to Syrup is not region specific, in fact it covers the USA and Canada.  It includes a comprehensive list of maple associations and festivals in the back as well.

Winter Skies...

Happy Wordless Wednesday!  Although the calendar says it's Spring, Mother Nature doesn't quite think so... we had snow on Monday and are expecting more tonight.  These shots are from the end of January...

Picture Perfect Winter

Winter Sky... eery or serene?

Are you glad?

Even though Mother Nature is up to no good in New England, it is Spring.  Today's Ten on Tuesday topic is 10 Reasons to Be Glad It's Spring.... so here we go.

 1. Longer days. It's awfully nice to still have daylight when I get out of work.

2. Robin eggs.  I love discovering new eggs in the nests and keeping an eye on the babies as they hatch.

3. Sheep & Wool Festivals. Who doesn't love to spend some spring weekends outside fondling handspun yarn and furry creatures?

4. Chocolate Bunnies. What better way to take your winter frustrations out than to bite the ear off a chocolate bunny?

5. NASCAR.  Although the season actually starts while it's still winter, I still think of it as Spring...

6. Local Racing.  In karting, Matt's season always started in May, but the Legends series starts in April.  Are we ready for practice on April 2... not quite yet!

7. Open windows.  Letting out all that stale air that's collected inside all winter.

8. Removing a Seasons Greetings slab from the front door and replacing it with Peter Cottontail...

9. Sandals.  Time to get those sandals & flip flops out and let our feet breath!

10. A wet basement... not! My most unfavorite thing about spring!

REVIEW: Simply Fido Nap Mat & Organic Toy

Simply Fido Nap Mat & Organic Toy
Where to Find: Simply Fido

Simply Fido sent us a Nap Mat and an Oliver Organic Ring Toy for review... and both were a huge hit with the Lapdogs!

Both items are from the Simply Fido Bamboo Rayon Collection. These certified non-toxic, environmentally friendly toys and accessories are not only great for our furry friends, but they're great for the environment as well.  Pamper your pets with peace of mind! All of the items are colored naturally with plants and minerals using Simply Fido's exclusive PureWaterWash process. The silky, bamboo rayon fabric is hand-dyed in chemical-free soy water that is purified before it is released back into nature.

The design team at Simply Fido chose bamboo rayon fabrics for this collection because bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials in the world. Bamboo trees release 35% more oxygen into the environment than any other tree or plant on Earth. They have very rapid re-growth and their long, strong roots help to hold the soil together and prevent erosion. I've loved knitting with silky bamboo yarns for years now and think the fabrics created by Simply Fido are just as wonderful to the touch!

Simply Fido Bamboo Rayon Nap Mats are reversible and quilted for extra softness. They roll up easily for travel and are available in two color schemes - pink/yellow and green/yellow. Perfect for puppies, the Small Nap Mat measures 24" x 19" and retails for $34. Larger dogs will enjoy relaxing on the Medium Nap Mat which measures 28" x 20" and has a suggested retail price of $40.

We received a medium size green/yellow Nap Mat for review and although it is far smaller than most of the Lapdogs beds and blankets, they sure didn't mind!  The silky feel of the mat is very cool to the touch and I think that had something to do with it (nevermind that it was something new to lay on).  If I can get the bigger dogs to stop lounging on it, the mat will find it's way into Sophie's crate, as it seems to be the perfect size.  The mats are machine washable, which is an added bonus. 

We also received the Oliver Dog Ring Toy.  This 14" interactive version of their plush toy sure kept everyone busy!  Olive has stretchable arms & legs, four squeakers and a super sturdy ring-body.  He is a sure winner according to the Lapdogs!  He even managed to keep both Lola and Sophie busy for quite some time as they shared Oliver...

The Lapdogs give their official 16 Paws Up Lapdog Seal of Approval to Simply Fido, as does Mama who especially loves the bamboo rayon fabrics!  I highly suggest adding them to your pack's toy and accessory collection.  You can find the Simply Fido Oliver Dog Ring Toy at Petco stores across America, while the Bamboo Rayon Nap Mats are sold at specialty retailers (visit Simply Fido for store locations).  The Lapdogs have already made a list of other toys they want from the collection...  

GIVEAWAY! Simply Fido is allowing me to give away a Nap Mat and an Orgnaic Plush Toy to one lucky winner (US Residents only)! To enter:

1) Follow Lapdog Creations publicly (see "Followers" on the right hand side bar).

2) Visit Simply Fido, then leave a comment here telling us what your favorite item is!

You must complete both steps to enter and you must be a US resident to win. 

You can get extra entries by sending your friends here to enter (be sure to have them mention your name).... blog, Tweet, Facebook and text away!

Winner will be selected by random number generator.

Deadline for entries is Wednesday, March 30 at midnight.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Found... Friday!

Hey look, it's Friday... and it's almost officially Spring (although I know it's spring already... I just have to look in my basement to see the water, sigh...).  Stay tuned for some upcoming reviews, but in the meantime it's Friday Fill-Ins...


The girls say... Bring It On (spring that is)!



 1. I love to go to Charlotte because it's like a second home.

2. It's not the quantity of friends, it’s the quality!

3. The last thing I had to eat was Yoplait Greek Strawberry and coffee.

Not sure which is better - ice or a wet basement?

4. I'd like to think my winter jacket is no longer essential, but nothing is being put away yet.

5. Please take a moment to help those in Japan if you can, both the humans and animals.

6. You're own 2 legs have brought you this far.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a quiet night at home, tomorrow my plans include Shipping up to Boston... whoa, oa, oa.. and Sunday, I want to knit while watching the Bristol race!

Top o' the Morning to You...

from the Lapdog household to yours...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

“Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter.

Lullabies, dreams and love ever after.

Poems and songs with pipes and drums.

A thousand welcomes when anyone comes...

That's the Irish for you!”

We don't want to spoil the happy mood, but since it is Dogs on Thursday, we thought it was important to take a moment to think about the animals in Japan and share this link from Best Friends.  Rescue organizations are working to rescue animals, despite the immense challenges and dangers.... if you're interested, you can find out how to help here. 

ETA. Just learned that today is Paws for Japan day.  Check out World Vets! 

Snow? STOP it.

Happy Wordless Wednesday!  Although it's raining here right now, some of our friends not so much further North are seeing snow this morning.  You know what I say to that?

Because I'm surely done with this until next winter, thank you very much...