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  • Four of Our Favorite Things for Dogs and Dog Lovers

    Living with a dog, there are a few things we are really happy to have around. Since it's the time of year for gifting, we want to share these ideas with you. 

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    Pawz Dog Boots 

    Poppy gets a lot of attention in her little red boots. (Or "Ruby Slippers" as one woman on Newbury Street called them. We like that term and have adopted it.)

    The photo above is from Poppy's first day wearing Pawz Water-Proof Dog Boots. She accepted them right away and gave them a good workout as she experienced her first measurable snowfall as a wee pup!

    Since they do wear out, you can even give these as a thank you gift to another pup who is a good pal to your dog.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019b00dbe568970d-800wi

    Mambe 100% Waterproof Furniture or Bed Covers

    We have told you about our wonderful Mambe waterproof furniture covers before, here:

    The Mambe Pet Blanket Gets a Paws Up from All Three of Us!

    Has someone hosted you and your dog in the past and perhaps is going to welcome you this holiday season? What could be a better appreciation gift to your host or hostess and a reliable cover to protect their furniture or bedding from accidental wetness?

    Mambes are not inexpensive but they are worth the price and would be great to have at any regular destination. We take a twin size one when we travel to cover the sofa in our apartment or hotel room and to put down the center of the bed at night to make a safe place for Poppy.

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    Headlamp

    Trying to hold a flashlight while examining a pet's ear, paw, or mouth is frustrating. You need two hands for the job and an assistant to distract the critter if possible. These headlamps allow you to direct the light where your eyes are focused. You will find dozens of other uses for them when you are doing DYI or crafts. We also find them useful when taking Poppy for a last walk of the night on a dark beach. 

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    When you have a dog that eats with gusto, you may find yourself with spills and frustration as the pup chases the dish around the floor. For years we used sticky mats to hold the bowl to a tray. Then we found the ezpz line of silicone placemat and bowl combinations. Poppy's favorite is the ezpz Happy Bowl – One-piece silicone placemat + bowl, shown above.

    We wrote about this in more detail here:

    We Found an ezpz Happy Bowl Solution for Poppy, Our Enthusiastic Eater!

      

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

      

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Spread a Little Local Love for the Rest of Valentine's Month
    Ready or Not the Snow & Ice Will Fall

  • Save These “Shadow Hearings Dates,” Boston’s Historic Parks Need Your Voice

    There are two hearings scheduled in the busy weeks ahead on the City's attempt to allow a developer to construct buildings that will cast additional shadows on the Boston Common, the Boston Public Garden, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

    IMG_4723 copy

    Plan to speak up for our precious, historic parks at one of the two scheduled meetings.

    6:30 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH:
     Suffolk Law School, Moot Court Room, 4th Floor, 120 Tremont Street (map)
     
    6:30 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 19TH
    290 Congress Street (near South Station) in the Fort Point Room (map)
     
     
    IMG_1080 copy
     
    The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay has taken a strong stand on this issue, saying: "It is critical that citizens attend these meetings and voice their concerns about the project and the importance of protecting our open spaces. Even if you can't attend the meeting, please express your concerns in writing (by letter or email) so that they are received by the BPDA (formerly the BRA) by January 2nd, the new deadline the BPDA has established for public comments. Your comments should stress the importance of protecting the parks by retaining the existing shadow laws, and should be sent to:
     
    Christopher Tracy, Senior Project Manager
    Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA)
    One City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201
    christopher.tracy@boston.gov"
     
     
    IMG_4903 copy
     
    Here at BostonZest, we'll continue to show you photos of sunlight in the parks to remind you of what's at stake.
     
     
    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Save These “Shadow Hearings Dates,” Boston’s Historic Parks Need Your Voice

    There are two hearings scheduled in the busy weeks ahead on the City's attempt to allow a developer to construct buildings that will cast additional shadows on the Boston Common, the Boston Public Garden, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

    IMG_4723 copy

    Plan to speak up for our precious, historic parks at one of the two scheduled meetings.

    6:30 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH:
     Suffolk Law School, Moot Court Room, 4th Floor, 120 Tremont Street (map)
     
    6:30 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 19TH
    290 Congress Street (near South Station) in the Fort Point Room (map)
     
     
    IMG_1080 copy
     
    The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay has taken a strong stand on this issue, saying: "It is critical that citizens attend these meetings and voice their concerns about the project and the importance of protecting our open spaces. Even if you can't attend the meeting, please express your concerns in writing (by letter or email) so that they are received by the BPDA (formerly the BRA) by January 2nd, the new deadline the BPDA has established for public comments. Your comments should stress the importance of protecting the parks by retaining the existing shadow laws, and should be sent to:
     
    Christopher Tracy, Senior Project Manager
    Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA)
    One City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201
    christopher.tracy@boston.gov"
     
     
    IMG_4903 copy
     
    Here at BostonZest, we'll continue to show you photos of sunlight in the parks to remind you of what's at stake.
     
     
    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Château Tour Grise Saumur Brut – December Bubbles that Even Won Over Penny!

    IMG_3233

    December’s wine selection, Château Tour Grise Saumur Brut Non Dosé 2004, for our monthly “Sparkling Resolution” toast, is one that we thought I would like more than Penny. I’m a longtime fan of Vouvrays made with the Chenin Blanc grape.

    As it turns out this Chenin Blanc sparkler has enough of that Chenin spirit to please me while the crisp finish wipes out any overly floral flourishes that make Penny avoid this grape.

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    Here’s what other tasters think of Chateau Tour Grise Saumur Brut Non Dosé 2004 (ABV 12%) from the Loire Valley:

    “… pure and refreshing with a rounded texture and the telltale honeysuckle, lemon and chamomile flavors of chenin blanc.”  (Wineberry America, New York) (From The New York Time article “Summer Wine: 20 for $20” By Eric Asimov, June 18, 2015)

    “An intense and complex sparkler with notes of ripe pear, deep minerality and possessing tremendous body and length.” Saumur Brut, Non Dosé, 2004 (Joli Vin)

    IMG_3238

    “… astounds with its complexity.”

    “… adjectives from dried flowers to tea to smoke and minerals to honey to fruit …”

    “… for brunch, with lunchtime omelettes, for toasting at celebrations …”

    “… challenging for many palates, but not intimidating.”

    (from 2002 Selection, tastingnotes.com)

    As always, whether you try one of our suggestions or select a sparkler of your own, we hope you’ll join us as we ring-in the month of December! Cheers!

    We purchased our bottle of Chateau Tour Grise Saumur Brut Non Dosé 2004, ABV 12%, $23 at Gordon's Fine Wines and Liquors, Boston.

     

    Remember to:

    Check Out: Our Sparkling Resolution

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

     

    What's on your food lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Mastering Hamersley's Roast Chicken Recipe
    West West Blue Cheese & Brooklyn Brewery's K is for Kriek

  • Château Tour Grise Saumur Brut – December Bubbles that Even Won Over Penny!

    IMG_3233

    December’s wine selection, Château Tour Grise Saumur Brut Non Dosé 2004, for our monthly “Sparkling Resolution” toast, is one that we thought I would like more than Penny. I’m a longtime fan of Vouvrays made with the Chenin Blanc grape.

    As it turns out this Chenin Blanc sparkler has enough of that Chenin spirit to please me while the crisp finish wipes out any overly floral flourishes that make Penny avoid this grape.

    CHE_2481

    Here’s what other tasters think of Chateau Tour Grise Saumur Brut Non Dosé 2004 (ABV 12%) from the Loire Valley:

    “… pure and refreshing with a rounded texture and the telltale honeysuckle, lemon and chamomile flavors of chenin blanc.”  (Wineberry America, New York) (From The New York Time article “Summer Wine: 20 for $20” By Eric Asimov, June 18, 2015)

    “An intense and complex sparkler with notes of ripe pear, deep minerality and possessing tremendous body and length.” Saumur Brut, Non Dosé, 2004 (Joli Vin)

    IMG_3238

    “… astounds with its complexity.”

    “… adjectives from dried flowers to tea to smoke and minerals to honey to fruit …”

    “… for brunch, with lunchtime omelettes, for toasting at celebrations …”

    “… challenging for many palates, but not intimidating.”

    (from 2002 Selection, tastingnotes.com)

    As always, whether you try one of our suggestions or select a sparkler of your own, we hope you’ll join us as we ring-in the month of December! Cheers!

    We purchased our bottle of Chateau Tour Grise Saumur Brut Non Dosé 2004, ABV 12%, $23 at Gordon's Fine Wines and Liquors, Boston.

     

    Remember to:

    Check Out: Our Sparkling Resolution

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

     

    What's on your food lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Mastering Hamersley's Roast Chicken Recipe
    West West Blue Cheese & Brooklyn Brewery's K is for Kriek

  • What to do When the Recipe Calls for a Tablespoon of Tomato Paste

    As a test run for my new Instant Pot, I decided to make this recipe from The Kitchn for Chicken Tikka Masala. Like many recipes that use tomato paste to add depth of flavor, it calls for 2 tablespoons out of the can.

    IMG_5024

    When this happens in our kitchen, we freeze the rest and have one tablespoon dollops ready for the next recipe where it is needed. Here's how Penny does it.

    IMG_5016

    She preps a quarter sheet pan by covering it in a double layer of parchment paper and readies a freezer bag to hold the final product.

    IMG_3215

    She measures one tablespoon portions of the tomato paste using a small rubber spatula as her tool of choice and places them on the parchment.

    IMG_3221

    We pop the sheet pan into the freezer until the tomato paste is frozen.

    IMG_5021

    Finally, she snuggles the dollops closer together, wraps them with the parchment, and tucks the package into their freezer bag. 

    IMG_5019

    The next time we feel like a bit of Tikka, we'll pop out 2 tablespoons as we gather our mise en place.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • What to do When the Recipe Calls for a Tablespoon of Tomato Paste

    As a test run for my new Instant Pot, I decided to make this recipe from The Kitchn for Chicken Tikka Masala. Like many recipes that use tomato paste to add depth of flavor, it calls for 2 tablespoons out of the can.

    IMG_5024

    When this happens in our kitchen, we freeze the rest and have one tablespoon dollops ready for the next recipe where it is needed. Here's how Penny does it.

    IMG_5016

    She preps a quarter sheet pan by covering it in a double layer of parchment paper and readies a freezer bag to hold the final product.

    IMG_3215

    She measures one tablespoon portions of the tomato paste using a small rubber spatula as her tool of choice and places them on the parchment.

    IMG_3221

    We pop the sheet pan into the freezer until the tomato paste is frozen.

    IMG_5021

    Finally, she snuggles the dollops closer together, wraps them with the parchment, and tucks the package into their freezer bag. 

    IMG_5019

    The next time we feel like a bit of Tikka, we'll pop out 2 tablespoons as we gather our mise en place.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Venerable European Beech Tree Has Its Moment in the Sun

    Yesterday morning a slice of sunlight fell on this venerable European Beech tree in the Boston Public Garden along Arlington Street.

    IMG_1229 copy

    "I frequently tramped eight or ten miles through the deepest snow to keep an appointment with a beech-tree, or a yellow birch, or an old acquaintance among the pines." Henry David Thoreau

    IMG_1237 copy

    Don't let developers take away one second of sunlight on the Public Garden.

     Today in Boston: We keep hearing that people miss our cover photos that ran for years in the Back Bay Sun. That assignment was to provide a photo that showed what the week was like in the neighborhood. Often the photos illustrated favorite quotations. Today in Boston is an occasional offering to our BostonZest readers featuring photos along the same theme but taken wherever we happen to be.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny Cherubino  

  • It’s That Time of Year! Holiday Season Pet Safety

    The holiday season and winter, in general, present some dangers and inconvenience for those of us with beloved cats or dogs in our lives. From deicers on sidewalks to ribbons on holiday gifts, we have to be alert and proactive to protect our pals.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340168e789e923970c-800wi

    Curious Kitties

    Playful and curious cats can find a lot of ways to get into trouble around holiday greenery, decorations, and packages. Tinsel is not just pretty, it is attractive and could be deadly to cats.

    The folks at Pet Insurers warn, “The shiny, dangling decoration reflects light and can move in the slightest draft — appearing to come alive to watchful critters.” They explain that if consumed, “… this foreign body ingestion could actually be fatal as it twists and bunches inside your pet’s intestines. Immediate veterinary care is required.”

    The same is true of ribbon. While it might be fun to see your cat or dog play with a piece of ribbon, don’t encourage this dangerous behavior and make sure ribbon is kept out of the reach of those playful mouths.

    Fragile glass ornaments are best placed high on the tree out of the reach of pets. Broken decorations can cut paws or mouths and are a real danger if ingested. Electrical cords and holiday lights pose a risk of shock, if chewed by pets. And candles could be hazardous to everyone if knocked over by a playful paw.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017ee6f167a2970d-800wi

    Danger Outdoors

    Winter is a dangerous time for any animal unattended outdoors. Cats have been known to seek the heat of warm car engines which can put them in peril. Dogs can ingest antifreeze or poisons meant for rodents. Keeping your pets indoors or on a leash is always smart but especially so in winter. A lost house pet would not have the coat or skills needed to survive on its own in sub-freezing conditions.

    Deicers used on roads and sidewalks pose a different type of threat to our dogs. I’ve had two dogs who were very sensitive to salt and were subject to sore, irritated paws every winter. I wash my Westie Poppy’s paws any time she has come into contact with salt or a deicer even if she has worn her Pawz boots.

    In addition to sore feet, salt and chemical deicers can also cause gastrointestinal upsets that could need veterinary care. In addition to cleaning your pet’s feet, ask your building, your neighbors, and the city to use sand and paw safe deicers in place of salt.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401bb081c81d5970d-800wi

    Holiday Plants and Food

    Holiday entertaining can mean leaving food within reach of pets when we are distracted by party preparations or guests. Chocolate, some nuts, cookies, cakes, and high fat foods can all make your dog or cat sick.

    Holiday plants, particularly pine needles, mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations, depression, and even death when ingested. Lilies, often used in floral arrangements, are particularly dangerous for cats.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c7789de0970b-800wi

    Save Time for Your Pets

    Holidays put a lot of demands on our schedules but it’s important to pencil in some special time with our pets. In addition to unconditional appreciation for you and any time you choose to spend with them, our pets help lower our stress levels and blood pressure.

    While it’s fun to buy gifts for our furry friends, they seem to love time spent with us best. Our Poppy always appears happiest when my husband is tossing one of her oldest toys across the room in an endless game of fetch. Or sitting with her cuddled up on one of us.

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • It’s That Time of Year! Holiday Season Pet Safety

    The holiday season and winter, in general, present some dangers and inconvenience for those of us with beloved cats or dogs in our lives. From deicers on sidewalks to ribbons on holiday gifts, we have to be alert and proactive to protect our pals.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340168e789e923970c-800wi

    Curious Kitties

    Playful and curious cats can find a lot of ways to get into trouble around holiday greenery, decorations, and packages. Tinsel is not just pretty, it is attractive and could be deadly to cats.

    The folks at Pet Insurers warn, “The shiny, dangling decoration reflects light and can move in the slightest draft — appearing to come alive to watchful critters.” They explain that if consumed, “… this foreign body ingestion could actually be fatal as it twists and bunches inside your pet’s intestines. Immediate veterinary care is required.”

    The same is true of ribbon. While it might be fun to see your cat or dog play with a piece of ribbon, don’t encourage this dangerous behavior and make sure ribbon is kept out of the reach of those playful mouths.

    Fragile glass ornaments are best placed high on the tree out of the reach of pets. Broken decorations can cut paws or mouths and are a real danger if ingested. Electrical cords and holiday lights pose a risk of shock, if chewed by pets. And candles could be hazardous to everyone if knocked over by a playful paw.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017ee6f167a2970d-800wi

    Danger Outdoors

    Winter is a dangerous time for any animal unattended outdoors. Cats have been known to seek the heat of warm car engines which can put them in peril. Dogs can ingest antifreeze or poisons meant for rodents. Keeping your pets indoors or on a leash is always smart but especially so in winter. A lost house pet would not have the coat or skills needed to survive on its own in sub-freezing conditions.

    Deicers used on roads and sidewalks pose a different type of threat to our dogs. I’ve had two dogs who were very sensitive to salt and were subject to sore, irritated paws every winter. I wash my Westie Poppy’s paws any time she has come into contact with salt or a deicer even if she has worn her Pawz boots.

    In addition to sore feet, salt and chemical deicers can also cause gastrointestinal upsets that could need veterinary care. In addition to cleaning your pet’s feet, ask your building, your neighbors, and the city to use sand and paw safe deicers in place of salt.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401bb081c81d5970d-800wi

    Holiday Plants and Food

    Holiday entertaining can mean leaving food within reach of pets when we are distracted by party preparations or guests. Chocolate, some nuts, cookies, cakes, and high fat foods can all make your dog or cat sick.

    Holiday plants, particularly pine needles, mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations, depression, and even death when ingested. Lilies, often used in floral arrangements, are particularly dangerous for cats.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c7789de0970b-800wi

    Save Time for Your Pets

    Holidays put a lot of demands on our schedules but it’s important to pencil in some special time with our pets. In addition to unconditional appreciation for you and any time you choose to spend with them, our pets help lower our stress levels and blood pressure.

    While it’s fun to buy gifts for our furry friends, they seem to love time spent with us best. Our Poppy always appears happiest when my husband is tossing one of her oldest toys across the room in an endless game of fetch. Or sitting with her cuddled up on one of us.

    Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino