Holiday Treats and Toys!

Looking for a cute new way to spruce up the normal Christmas decorations and treats? Look no further! We’ve compiled a few cute ideas to get you started on your creative, DIY journey this holiday.

Rice Krispie Christmas Tree – Just some green food dye and M&Ms make a pretty cute—and tasty—display.

Christmas Tree Appetizers – Some guac or coloured humus on a cut of pita bread sprinkled with chopped veggies. Adorable and yummy!

Christmas-shaped Treats – Use cookie cutters to pour fudge and brownies into for festive shapes!

Easy Frosting – Pick up some cheap condiment containers at your local restaurant supply store to store frosting in for easier frosting dispensary!

Fun for the Kiddos – Make some snow slime!

Snow Men Cookies – Just a couple circle pretzels, fruit roll-up pieces, and frosting for this cutesy holiday treat!

Candy Sleighs – Looking for cheap, easy gifts for your kid’s classmates and/or teachers?

Whipped Cream Shapes – These are just a cute, easy way to glam up some boring hot coco. Make up a batch of whipped cream, spread it out on a cookie sheet, stick some cookie cutters in there, and pop it in the freezer. Then presto! Not only do they help cool down your coco, but it’s darn cute.

Cookie boxes – Plastic wrap and aluminum foil boxes make great boxes for gifting cookies!

Easy DIY Holiday Nails – Probably the easiest nail art in the world, even if you’re as inept as I am!

Hope these little treats help to make your holiday a little brighter and even more fun. Everyone here at Sweeney & Sweeney is wishing you a wonderful and safe Holiday!


Pet Holiday Safety

As you hang your stockings on the mantle, mistletoe under the threshold and prepare for the festivities of the season, we want to take a moment to remind our clients about the potential dangers of the holiday. To echo a holiday favorite in light of the season, we have compiled The 12 Holiday Tips – feel free to hum the famous tune with the partridge in a pear tree in your head as you read; but we can’t promise the same melodious effect!

  1. Hang tinsel high on the tree, out of your pet’s reach.
  2. Hide or cover exposed wires from electrical outlets to avoid electrocution.
  3. Keep lite candles away from curious noses and wagging tails.
  4. Consider decorating with fake poinsettias, holly and mistletoe instead of the real things, which are poisonous to cats and dogs. Should your pet come in contact with any of those toxins, please contact ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435 or visit them online.
  5. Forgo edible tree ornaments or decorations like popcorn or candy canes as they are just asking for your pet to jump on the tree to sneak a taste.
  6. Don’t leave wrapping supplies, such as scissors, unattended.
  7. Hang fragile ornaments on the top of the tree where they are not only prominently displayed, but are also less likely to be broken or ingested by pets.
  8. Confine your dog if hosting a party to avoid them escaping through the ever-revolving door or jumping on guests, soiling their festive attire.
  9. Try to keep edible or appealing-scented packages out of reach to avoid seeing the contents strewn across the floor before opening the packages!
  10. Maintain a consistent feeding route to keep sensitive tummies in stride through the hectic holiday season.
  11. Fasten the tree securely to avoid an accidental fall and vacuum excess pine needles often to avoid punctures or consumption.
  12. Give your pets appropriate gifts that make them feel loved on this holiday but don’t upset their stomachs!

Pay attention to these great holiday tips for your pets, courtesy of Valley Oak Veterinary Center! And, as always, everyone here at Sweeney & Sweeney is wishing you a happy and safe holiday season, as well.


Recipes to Make your Thanksgiving Easier

I know that, at least in my family, it can be a struggle to get everything put together and cooked on Thanksgiving day, with that darn turkey taking up oven space all day. Being able to make up a few awesome side dishes the night before could seriously come in handy. I scrounged up a few tasty recipes that can be ready-to-go come Turkey Day!

Green Beans with Almonds – Especially for the holidays, when everything is already stressful enough, simplicity is key. Just a little fresh garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, and chopped almonds to give his modest side dish some flare.

Bleu  Cheese and Pine Nut Puffs – This is an awesome alternative to tradition dinner rolls.

Herb- and Goat Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms – Who doesn’t love stuffed mushrooms? These sound extra delicious!

Mashed Potatoes with Savory Thyme Granola –  Personally, I think these would be better without the granola, but everything else about them sound incredible. I just don’t think crunch in my mashed ‘taters sounds very appealing.

Cheesy Garlic Rolls – I don’t know about you, but I don’t think there are two more wonderful things in the world than garlic and cheese. Another awesome twist on traditional dinner rolls.

Swiss Corn Bakes – These are like little quiches of cheesy deliciousness.

Butterhead Salad with Smoky Ranch – The real delight here is the recipe for the ranch. You could toss it with any of your favourite salad ingredients.

Hope these tasty, quick treats help to make your holidays a little less stressful. Pass the recipes around to your guests for some extra help!