Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 396

My Favorite Pet Gifts Under $25

First, I should tell you that I had some canine assistance for this post--my own dog Monkey (who was secretly hoping to score some swag from the endeavor) tagged along and played the role of Chief Sniffer. It was not a hard sell:



Second, let me say that I am amazed at how many pet toys could stand to benefit from human supervision. I say this not to alarm anyone but to suggest reading the instructions, product information, and reviews before you buy.

Third, let's consider the question of whether or not a pet can distinguish amongst his/her toys. I would say yes, though it varies by degrees. You really must watch this National Geographic segment in which a rescue Doberman Pinscher dog arranges his toys in artful combinations--in triangles, all Monkeys, all face-down. Dr Barbara Smuts of the University of Michigan was called in to study and verify this unusual behavior. I couldn't help but spot the fluffy orange Orangutan toy. This happens to be Monkey's favorite and he will select it from a pile of toys every time that he wants to communicate that he is ready for his dinner. I do not jest. It even trumped his brand-new-that-day toy (see below).



With this in mind, let's talk about the dog gifts and cat gifts that are sure to hold a special place in the hearts of your four-legged friends. Dogs first. Sorry, cat lovers, but Monkey doesn't always act the gentleman.

1) Dog Toy: Orange Orangutan
 


I'm not sure if it's the tactile feel of this toy, its life-like size, or the fact that it doubles nicely as a head rest, but this toy does not dissapoint. Orange Orangutan, available at Doctors Foster and Smith for $13.59 (half what it costs at an Upper East side shop in Manhattan!)

2) Dog Toy: Kong Classic

You cannot go wrong with a Kong. Here's why: they're durable and well-made (as product-tested by a voracious consumer of dog toys, Thunder), and you can fill them with treats or frozen wet food to mentally challenge your dog, make him work for his food (a good thing), or occupy him while you're away from home.


Kong Classic Kong Dog Toy, Large, Red, available at Amazon for $7.21.

3) Dog Toy: Ball-Launcher

Playing fetch with your dog helps keep him fit and healthy. The farther you can make him run, the better. One of my surprising skills is the ability to throw a mean hardball, sidearm, and yet, with this device, I can throw a tennis ball much farther than I otherwise could. Just ask Daisy the chocolate lab.


Chuckit! 18M Ball Launcher (colors vary), available at Amazon for $4.99.  

4) Dog Toy: Ball-Launcher (eco option)

The Planet Dog Wood Chuck® with Orbee-Tuff® RecycleBALL® is made with sustainable bamboo and reused cork scraps and has a charitable component. (Two percent of Planet Dog proceeds go to the Planet Dog Foundation which supports canine service programs). Available at Planet Dog for $24.95.

5) Dog Gift: Travel Bowl or Treat Bag

We all know it's good to keep your dog well-hydrated. For road trips, pack this foldable and fashionable water bowl:


Lapper Travel Bowl, available from OllyDog for $12.

If your dog is more food-oriented, or if you're looking to train your dog wherever you go, carry a treat bag for consistent reinforcement of good behavior. Treat Bag Plus, available in a variety of patterns from Olly Dog for $14, features a key stash pocket, three ways to wear the treat bag, large easy access opening, and a magnetic closure, helpful for one-handed operation if you have a dog that pulls (I'm speaking hypothetically of course). This product is also available from REI for $14.50.

Tip: If you're looking for an edible gift option that will disappear fast but nonetheless be much appreciated, I suggest Merrick Flossies Spiral Chew Dog Treats ($3-$5 at Petco for a delicious beef taste that helps free a dog's teeth from tartar-causing plaque) or a good old-fashioned cow bone (uncooked). The former buys you about 5 minutes of pet-focus, the bone a solid 20 minutes plus.

On to our fine feline friends. For cat lovers, it will come as no surprise that a good cat gift has to "do something or smell like catnip to get the interest of a cat" according to Pauline Gratt of Calling All Pets (the helpful pet shop pictured atop this post). As evidence, see a bewitched Buddy playing with my gift of catnip-filled felt:



1) Feather Cat Toy

Ever since I bought my brother's cat a feather cat toy, I catapulted into the category of Best Cat Toy Gift Giver Ever. His cat was such a fan of this toy that he loved it to death, requiring the ordering of replacement parts. We believe it was a Da Bird feather toy. You can watch the product video to see it in action. Petco.com's users have rated it 5 out of 5 paws. When it wasn't available, we tried out the Purrfect Feather Cat Toy (pictured below). While it looked quite similar, it just didn't elicit the same amount of interest from his cat. We believe it's all about the fiberglass wand. Plastic just won't do.

Runner-up: Purrfect Feather Cat Toy, available from Cat Connection for $10.99.

2) Cat Toy: Cat Dancer

This is the "old standby" according to Ms. Gratt. According to my brother, "It's a piece of wire and some cardboard bits, but your cat will never get tired of it. It's the best-conceived cat toy ever." So is the price. (Why are cat toys so much less expensive than dog toys?)


Cat Dancer, available from CatDancer.com for $2.75. Also available from Amazon for $2.93.

3) Cat Toy: Fling-ama-String

No assembly required. Just hang the toy on any standard doorknob in your home. It's said to be irresistible to cats, even those who would rather sleep all day. The good news? This toy is highly interactive and engaging. The word of warning is that you must supervise your cat's interaction with it. The Fling-ama-String cat toy is available for $22.49 from Amazon. Watch the manufacturer's video of a cat playing with a fling-ama-string.

4) Cat Toy: Bolt™

We all know that cats like to chase anything that moves. Now picture a dancing light that will drive your cat into a frenzy (in a good way). This product is intended for pets, not for children. Read the warning label before using. This automatic laser light toy requires 4AA batteries, not included.


Bolt™: Available from FroliCat™ for $19.95.

5) Cat Toy: Ping Pong Ball
  
Don't be deceived by the basic appearance of this ball. When a cat pounces on it, the ball bounces and glances off the floor and makes a sound, all of which prove captivating. Just make sure you supervise the action.



A similar product is available in a four-pack and a brightly-colored design for $1.50 from Amazon.

Tip: At the end of the day, when it comes to cats, crumpled up newspaper is sure to delight and the price is right.


Happy shopping! What are your favorite gifts for pets?

Which TV Doc Do You Trust the Most?

Seems like there are more docs on TV than ever, and I'm not talking about the actors playing them on shows like House, Grey's Anatomy, or Private Practice. I'm referring to the talkin' heads on the news, on chat shows, and on programs devoted to medicine and health.

We've got Dr. Mehmet Oz on his eponymous show every single day; there's a panel of three physicians on The Doctors (including Dr. Travis Stork, who was a contestant on The Bachelor!); psychologist Dr. Phil dispenses his tough love every afternoon; Dr. Nancy Snyderman is the chief medical editor at NBC and Dr. Sanjay Gupta deciphers the health news over at CNN. I know I'm missing many more, but at some point, I just don't know how to feel about these docs.

In one sense, they have mastered the art of delivering health information in a way that people can understand and make even rather mundane stuff feel compelling. On the other hand, I'm not totally sure I'd want to be their actual patient. After all, I wonder how they have time to stay up-to-date on certain practices when their time actually caring for patients and (in the case of surgeons) honing their craft is so slim, in comparison to all the time they are on air or prepping for media appearances.

I mean, for example: Dr. Oz is EVERYWHERE. He's got columns in magazines, he's quoted in other publications, he's on TV every day, and he writes books. Oh AND he still sees patients and performs heart surgery! (One day a week.)

Don't get me wrong, I find him caring, sensible and really, really smart. Yes, I am sure he has many assistants to help shoulder his load, but I wonder...if you were having a certain surgery, would you want the guy who does 10 of the operations per week, or the guy who does just one or two, due to his schedule??

And when you're at home watching the "doc in the box", which one gets your most keen attention?

The Postmistress: Part One

Happy Thursday, bookies!

 

I hope you're enjoying The Postmistress so far; I was intrigued based solely on the introduction penned by Frances Bard. Maybe I'm showing how rooted I am in the digital age here, but I didn't feel the same kind of outrage over the idea of someone not delivering a letter—at least I wouldn't in this day and age. But maybe that's because most of the mail I get consists of bills, and I know that if one failed to arrive there would be another one shortly behind it. Plus, there's about a million other ways to get in touch with me (phone, email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Did you have the same kind of reaction I did, or did you react like the characters in the book?

 

Once the story gets started, we meet our three main characters in pretty quick succession, and they all seem to have a completely different perspective on life. What are your first impressions of these characters? Is there one that you identify with more than the others?

 

So far I really love Frankie's part of the story. I'm especially fascinated by the transcripts of her radio broadcasts. The descriptions really make me able to picture the scenes about which she is reporting. But I can't quite tell where her story is going to go yet.

 

I find Emma a bit frustrating because how naive she is, but I feel bad that her new husband has gone off so quickly after they got married. What do you think will happen with Will and Emma? Do you think he's running because he can't deal with the fact that he wasn't able to save Maggie? Do you think he'll make it back from London?

 

And finally Iris. I don't know what to think about Iris yet. I feel like we haven't gotten the full picture of her. We know that she's the one who holds onto a letter instead of delivering it, but we don't know much more than that. Based on her character so far, I feel like she must have had a pretty good reason for not delivering that one piece of mail, but I'm curious to know what that reason is.

I'll also be interested to learn how all three of these lives intertwine. Right now, it's obvious how Iris and Emma are connected, but I don't know how Frankie will come to know them. Maybe she'll just stay as the voice on the radio. But then how would she come to know about Iris and the letter? Anyone care to make any guesses?

 

For next week, we'll read from Winter 1941 up to Summer 1941. Until then, bookies!

 

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50 Holiday Cookie Recipes for Your Viewing, Baking, and Eating Pleasure

A few weeks ago I gave you a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of our holiday cookie photo shoot. Well, the final photos and recipes are in! Take a look at the gallery, featuring our 18 brand-new holiday cookies along with lots of old favorites, and let us know which ones you're going to try.

 
I personally can't decide between the Raspberry-Walnut Crumble Bars, Lemon Bars (I'm always a sucker for a good lemon bar), and the Angeletti (those colored sprinkles—so cute!). And there's nothing quite like a Chewy Spice Cookie around the holidays. I guess I'll be tackling all four…anyone want to host a cookie swap?

 

 

(images: Victor Schrager)

YOU ASKED: How can I (politely) invite myself to someone's Thanksgiving feast?

This question came from a friend of mine who lives in California and whose family used to come to my house for Thanksgiving—until this year, when I moved to New York.

"It seems rude to just call someone and say, 'Hey, I heard you make a mean turkey, do you need help eating it?'" she told me the other day.

Well, yes, if you put it that way. But you shouldn't have to. Let's look at your strengths as a potential guest. For one thing, you represent another person to whom a host can assign a dish— pie is always in demand, so I really can't overstate the importance of playing up the pie angle if this is your specialty.

More important, of all the major holidays, Thanksgiving is the most inclusive; it's about being grateful for bounty and for the people you love, and wanting to share the first with the second.  When you close your eyes and imagine the ideal holiday, you flash on a Norman Rockwell scene -- a rowdy, crowded dining room where multiple generations laugh together.

To create that magical atmosphere, a host generally needs some buffer guests—the neutral, pleasant outsiders whose presence makes even the most difficult family members at the table behave better. That's where you come in.

So, typically all you have to do is troll casually:

You: What are you doing for Thanksgiving?
Host: Having people over. What about you?
You: Not sure yet. All I know is I make a killer pumpkin chiffon pie (Note: This dialog is customized for my friend in California, who actually does make a killer pumpkin chiffon. Feel free to substitute your own lure.)
Host: Really? Why don't you join us?
You: What can I bring?

And if by any chance you find yourself still scrambling on the day before Thanksgiving, come to my house. We can always squeeze a another person onto the piano bench at the foot of the table. Bring pie.

Suggestions welcome: Do you have a special strategy for securing a Thanksgiving invitation?

(image: Omar Omar, courtesy of flickr)

Do I really need to turn off my electronic devices?

For as long as there have been airplanes and electronic gadgets, there has raged a debate about whether or not passengers REALLY have to turn off their devices. Many of us will probably remember the scene in The West Wing when Toby Ziegler argues about this very issue:



Flight Attendant: Sir, I'm going to have to ask that you turn off your cellular phone.



Toby: We're flying in a Lockheed Eagle Series L-1011. Came off the line twenty months ago. Carries a Sim-5 transponder tracking system. And you're telling me I can still flummox this thing with something I bought at Radio Shack?



- Wikiquote



I read recently that the electronic device ban is largely a United States rule (I think it was in the Wall Street Journal, but I can't find the original article). A Google search revealed that in 2007 the European Union lifted the ban on mobile devices in airplanes (I'd love to hear from anyone in Europe who can confirm this fact). And one of my favorite shows, Mythbusters, proved that cellphones couldn't, as Toby suggested, "flummox" an airplane's systems.



I don't know if it's because I've been traveling more, or because I'm carrying more electronics with me, but I've been thinking about this a lot.



After receiving some feedback from Manic Mommies listeners on the topic, I understand why airlines don't want me talking on the phone or listening to music while the flight staff is trying to convey important flight information. I'm also perfectly happy not to be sitting next to someone who is chatting on their mobile phone. But why can the lady sitting in the next row read her book, while I sit twiddling my thumbs because I had to turn off my Kindle or my iPad?



That's not to say we haven't made progress. Case in point, I'm writing this post on my laptop as I fly over Rochester, New York on my way to Detroit, thanks to gogo inflight wireless available on my flight.



What do you think? Is it better to have a zero tolerance policy on electronic devices, or should the FAA start relaxing the rules to

Reader's Fashion Challenge: "I Can NEVER Find Clothes For My Body Type"

 

A few days ago we got this (see below) reader comment on the Real Simple Facebook page from Kristina Waters Ulrey!

 

 

"I have a challenge I want to extend to you. I can NEVER find clothes for my body type. And whenever I see magazines that say they have clothes that fit every body type it makes me think that I am a complete freak of nature. I am 5'11, long torso, no hips, no butt, skinny legs (by comparison) oh-but my stomach, broad ...shoulders. People have called it the apple figure, I prefer oval-shaped. And I have spent hundreds of dollars trying to find a pair of jeans. And I have a MIL who loves to point out in public in front of strangers, how I have no fashion sense. Because the legs and butt are so baggy. I can't shop thrift stores, even though my budget is tight. And the only pair of jeans that fit me are 3 years old, ragged around the hem and covered in paint splatter. So while I love Fall, I have no clothes. And a very active toddler that chase inside, outside and all around his activities. So I hope you can take up the challenge so I can know what kind of clothes to wear."

 

First off...I happily accept your challenge Kristina!

 

Secondly...You are FAR from a freak. You are beautiful woman that just needs a little direction :o)

 

So, if you have a similar body type as Kristina---pay attention to these tips and picks:

 

1. Try a Wrap Dress: The diagonal lines will create shape and make you look longer. The v-neck draws attention down from your broad shoulders.

 

2. Look for A-line or flared hem blouses to balance out shoulders and will skim over your tummy. Boot-cut, flared and wide leged pants/jeans also balance broad shoulders.

 

3. Wider necklines accentuate broad shoulders--Sooooo choose turtlenecks, narrow V-necks and U-necks instead to pull the gaze in.

 

4. Avoid empire waists---they will make your torso look longer.

 

5.Tucking in a shirt and adding a belt at the waist of your trousers or skirt will break up the body more and give the look of a defined waist.

 

6. Avoid details on sleeves and shoulders. No pockets or frills on the arms, and no shiny details on the shoulders either. A raglan sleeve or unstructured shoulder helps minimize broadness.

 

7. Look for a slim silhouette with a fitted bodice and waist, darts and seaming will help create an ultra feminine shape. Pleating or ruching at the hips and bust with add dimension and maximize your curves.

 

8. A long waisted sheath is the best style for a taller frame. Try the ingenius designs at Long Tall Sally.

 

9. Subtle rouching in the midsection serves to provide some great optical trickery. Pattern also does the same thing and helps to hide any additional weight around the waistline. 

 

10. Jeans: A straight figure should look for styles that are slimmer through the hips that do not have a contoured waistband, which often creates the unflattering muffin top effect.  If your straight figure is coupled with a flat seat, we recommend jeans with flap pockets or slightly embellished back pockets to create the illusion of a fuller butt.

 

Note: Many of these fabulous tips are straight from the ingenius site--- MyShape.com.

 

 Check out some of these items that you can buy NOW and following all the points outlined above:

 

Davis Silk Charmeuse top by Zelda, $140

 

Crepe De Chine top by Michael Michael Kors, $79

 
Tall Graphic Print dress by Ann Taylor, $118

 

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique faux wrap dress, $138

 

  Pine IV Kyoto jeans, $112

 
Laurel Canyon jeans by Paige Denim, $189

How Much Time Is Clutter and Disorganization Costing You?

I want you to try a one-day challenge to track how much time you spend wasting your energy on clutter and disorganization in your life. What you'll need:


Piece of notebook paper
Pen
Stop watch


From the moment your alarm sounds for the first time, start a running log of all the moments clutter and/or disorganization slows you down. Are you hitting the snooze on your alarm clock? How many times? Are you taking unnecessary steps in your kitchen to get your morning cup of coffee? Do you have to search for your car and/or house keys? Is your cell phone dead as you head out the door? Did you miss your bus? Were you late to work? How long does it take you to start working once you arrive at your office? Did you forget to call someone back? Do you have to search for a file in a stack of papers? Do you stress over what you'll have for dinner or need to make a last-minute run to the grocery store for missing ingredients? Did you forget to sign the form for your child's field trip tomorrow?



At the end of the day, calculate how much time you lost during your day because of clutter and disorganization. Are you comfortable with this number? Or, is this number a wakeup call to get started uncluttering and organizing the different aspects of your life? If you're diligent about keeping track of your time during the day, I think you'll be surprised by how much of an impact clutter and disorganization can have on your life.

A Delicious Fall Risotto

I am risotto obsessed. As soon as the weather starts to turn chilly, I happily swap out salads and light, no-cook meals for hearty fare. To me, risotto is one of the most lovely dishes: Its soft, tender texture and creaminess always seem to hit the spot, particularly on a fall night. But even a dish seemingly so perfect has a downfall: It takes too long to prepare! Lucky for us, the Real Simple test kitchen created an almost-hands free recipe, so you can do something else (like actually take a minute to kick your feet up and relax) rather than hover over a pot of Arborio.

The recipe, Low-Maintenance Risotto, is the perfect base for adding your own seasonal ingredients. Made just with a little butter, an onion, white wine, chicken broth, and Parmesan, it's a simple mixture that tastes delicious on its own or bulked up with fresh vegetables. I had Swiss chard and mushrooms in my refrigerator, so I decided to fold them in, which gave the dish a meaty, satisfying texture. But the possibilities are endless: you could add squash, sweet potato, a leafy green, the list goes on. Below, my experience, in pictures.

 

Must-Have Thanksgiving Dish: Rosemary Buttermilk Biscuits from EatMakeRead

For the month of Novmember, we have asked some of our favorite food bloggers to share recipes for their must-have Thanksgiving dishes. Join us to see what will be on their tables this year and for years to come.

Rosemary Butter Milk Biscuits by Kelly from eatmakeread

One of my clearest Thanksgiving memories from growing up is watching my cousin Katie walk around my grandparents house shaking a jar filled with cream. During dinner we'd reap the rewards of her eager shaking skills by spreading creamy fresh butter over rolls or biscuits.

Now that I'm the one in the kitchen whipping up Thanksgiving dinner, I've carried on the tradition of making my own butter. Instead of shaking cream in a jar, I've taken to just pouring it in my food processor and letting it do all the hard work. Not only do you get amazingly tasty butter with the press of a button, but you get buttermilk too. (See Kelly's recipe for homemade butter and buttermilk.) And let me tell you, biscuits made with fresh buttermilk might just steal the show. Especially if you jazz them up with a little fresh rosemary. They're light and crumbly on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside. In my house, it's not the turkey or the potatoes that I wake up the next morning thinking about, it's these lovely little biscuits.

Since I've been making these, I've found there are a few key tips that help make a perfect biscuit, regardless of whether you use fresh butter and/or buttermilk:

Tip 1: Make sure the butter is super cold. The butter is what creates the flaky layers of the biscuit.

Tip 2: Work the dough as little as possible. You don't want gluten to form because it will prevent the biscuits from rising and will create heavier biscuits.

Tip 3: After the dough is just mixed, plop it on a sheet of parchment. Pull two sides together until the dough forms a log. You can help it along a little, but it should naturally form into one by pulling the parchment then gently rolling it a bit. Instead of using a biscuit cutter, you can just slice the biscuits into 1/2-inch to 1-inch slices.

Rosemary Buttermilk Biscuits
makes about 12-15 biscuits

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1/4 cup (2 oz.) butter, preferably homemade, very cold and cut into small pieces

3/4 cup (or more) buttermilk, preferably homemade

1. Preheat the oven to 500°.

2. 
Lightly grease (or spray with cooking spray) a 9-inch cake pan.

3. 
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and rosemary.

4. 
Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or two knives. The butter pieces should range in size from a large pea to a little lentil.

5. 
Add the buttermilk, gently stirring until the dough starts to come together. You will have a fairly wet dough.

6. 
Place the dough on a piece of parchment and form into a log. (See Tip #3.)

7. 
Slice the log into 1/2-inch to 1-inch wide biscuits.

8. 
Place the biscuits on a baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.

9. 
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown.

Kelly Carámbula is a graphic designer by day, a maker, baker and blogger by night. In addition to eatmakeread, Kelly designs and publishes a food magazine, Remedy Quarterly.

(recipe and images by Kelly Carámbula/eatmakeread)

What is your must-have Thanksgiving dish?