Month: February 2017

Keeping Lola and Malcolm Safe

So, I have to admit that some sketchy things have gone on in the Zottola household lately and they involved both Lola and Malcolm.

first-snuggle

  1. Malcolm found floor vents that weren’t covered yet in our closet room and was casually wandering around the air ducts in our house. He emerged unscathed and was thankfully only covered in dust.
  2. Lola ate raisins (which can be fatally toxic to dogs) while Jimmy and I were at church two weekends ago. I had left my purse at home and it had a snack-sized box of raisins in it. She got into my purse and the pouch I keep granola bars and snacks in and at a small box of raisins along with two granola bars.

Thankfully, Malcolm’s little jaunt in the air ducts was nothing serious, but Lola really scared us. She was acting fine when we got home from church, but I called an emergency vet for advice and eventually Jimmy and I found ourselves in this situation:

  • Me holding Lola on the couch so she wouldn’t run away.
  • Jimmy putting a turkey baster filled with hydrogen peroxide in Lola’s mouth.
  • Lola throwing up raisins and whatever else was in her stomach within minutes.

Needless to say, I wouldn’t be surprised if I found a few gray hairs on my head with the antics Lola and Malcolm have been pulling lately 😉

The craziness of our cat walking in our air ducts and our dog eating fatally toxic food got me thinking about how I always have to be aware of keeping them safe. Sure, they’re both microchipped, registered, spayed/neutered, not allowed to roam the neighborhood unattended, and see a vet at least once a year.

Little things happen, though. Dogs like to dig through garbage (at least Lola does…) and curiosity really can kill the cat. I have to constantly consider things like whether or not Lola will jump on the counter to reach food or what I’ll do if Malcolm slips outside while a door is open.

lola-the-garbage-picker

When SimpliSafe, a home security company, asked if I wanted to share a pet safety guide, I was all on board. Their wireless security system is pet-friendly, and I figured if it could save even one pet owner from having to force their dog puke or lure their cat out of air ducts, then it’s totally worth sharing!

simplisafe_pet_safety

Do you have any pets? If so, have they done anything that scared you?

Mint Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies

What do browned butter, pure peppermint extract, and dark chocolate chips have in common?

Combined with your typical cookie dough ingredients, they make an amazing cookie. The fresh minty taste, along with rich dark chocolate has quickly made these cookies a staple in our household.

mint-dark-chocolate-chip-cookies mint-dark-chocolate-chip-cookies-2

If you’re a fan of Thin Mints and chocolate chip cookies, I have a feeling you’ll love these!

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
2 large eggs
1 cup dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate, cut into small chunks

Directions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until butter forms browned specks on the bottom of the pan. Pour butter into a large bowl and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
3. Add sugars and peppermint extract to butter and beat on medium speed with a hand mixer until combined. Add eggs, one at a time and mix on medium speed until well blended.
4. Slowly stir in flour mixture with a large spoon. Add chocolate chips or chunks and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
6. Bake 9 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Cool on cookie sheet for two minutes and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

mint-dark-chocolate-chip-cookies-3