For The Dog: Pumpkin Spice Biscotti
Fall is right around the corner and I am already thinking about pumpkin spice cookies, bread and more. With the most basic season just days away, I couldn\’t help but include Jack in on the fun. If you\’ve been following my blog for a while you know that I prefer to make Jack homemade dog treats, because I like knowing what is going into my dog treats. Plus, once you learn how simple it is to make all-natural dog treats, you won\’t want to ever buy them again. So, what did I decide to make Jackers in honor of fall? Pumpkin spice biscotti or pumpkin spice biscotti as he likes to call it, and let me tell you he can\’t get enough of them. The recipe is quick, easy and simple to make. Your dog will love these all-natural homemade dog treats. Jack\’s pumpkin spice fall dog treats have only six ingredients and are packed with plenty of flavors. These coconut flour pumpkin dog treats are sure to be your pup\’s favorite fall treat. Stay tuned for more fall-themed all-natural dog treats coming at you this winter and fall.
Why I use coconut flour in dog treats
1. Gluten-free and hypoallergenic
Coconut flour is gluten-free which is a common allergen among dogs.
2. Rich in dietary fiber
Coconut flour contains about 35% fiber and will help improve your dog\’s digestive health.
3. Great protein source
Coconut flour is not only a great source of protein for vegetarians and vegans but also great for dogs.
4. High in healthy fats
Healthy fats are said to help destroy bacteria in the stomach that can cause ulcers, dental cavities and more.
Ingredients
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
½ cup old fashioned oats
2.5 cups coconut flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
3. Shape the dough into two logs, about two inches wide each.
4. Place on a cookie sheet that has parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat on it.
5. Bake the dough for 20 minutes.
6. Move to a cutting board and slice the dough into biscotti-style biscuits, about ¼ inch thick.
7. Place back in the oven and bake for another 20-30 minutes. If you want these to be crunchier, turn off the heat and leave them in the oven.
8. Cool, before serving.
9. Store in an airtight container for up to three days. In the refrigerator for seven days or in the freezer (this is what I do) for up to six months.
*I am not a veterinarian always consult with yours before feeding your dog something new.
Bouldering Aladdin\’s Cave of Wonders
It\’s official, both the original animated classic and the new live-action version of Aladdin are available for you to bring home and watch. Aladdin was released in Digital HD for download and streaming on August 27 and released on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD on September 10.
As a child the first time I saw Aladdin it really gave me a sense of wonder and wander. Have you ever thought about climbing up to get the lamp in Aladdin as well as maneuvering your way out of the Cave of Wonders? I know that I have. After watching the live-action version of Aladdin a few months ago, it really had me dreaming of going rock climbing and I was lucky enough to be presented with that very opportunity this past Friday.
On Friday the 13th, I was invited to a \”Cave of Wonders\” rock climbing event to celebrate the in-home release of Disney\’s Aladdin. The event took place at Planet Rock in Madison Heights, where we were invited to take on new heights. Upon arrival at Planet Rock, we were given a rock climbing lesson where we learned the basics of bouldering, rope climbing, knot tying, belaying and of course gym safety. The class was instructor-guided to make sure we would have a safe and fun experience while we were at Planet Rock. Once the class was over we were able to go through some of the physical challenges Aladdin might have gone through on his quest to get the lamp out of the Cave of Wonders.
Planet Rock is a world-class indoor rock climbing facility designed for all types of climbers. Planet Rock offers bouldering, top ropes, lead climbing, and auto belays. No matter what your climbing preference is, Planet Rock is the perfect place for you.
When it comes to what you should wear at Planet Rock I would suggest that you dress for comfort. Rock climbing is very physical, therefore you really want to wear something you can actively move in. Your clothing does not need to be form-fitting, however baggy pants will not fit very well underneath a harness. If you are going to borrow shoes from Planet Rock, you\’ll need to make sure you have socks with you.
This was my first experience with rock climbing and I absolutely loved it. I don\’t have any upper body strength at all, and while rock climbing takes some upper body strength it is highly center around your leg strength. I did find that I got tired quickly, but with time and practice I am sure I can become as strong as I would like to be. Planet Rock will definitely be seeing me often as a scale to new heights, and hopefully, get confident enough to go on a real rock climbing adventure out west.
Step into a whole new world when you bring home Disney\’s Aladdin.
Where to Stay in Petoskey – Holiday Inn Express & Suites
During a recent trip to Petoskey, Michigan I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Petoskey. This is my go-to hotel that I stay at while I am adventuring around Petoskey. Looked near Little Traverse Bay, this hotel is conveniently located off Hwy 131 and provides easy access to golf courses, ski resorts, wineries, a casino, golf courses and of course Petoskey beaches. Since I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites so many times they upgraded me to the Presidential suite and let me tell you it was impressive. The hotel offers free high-speed internet which makes it great for a business trip or a vacation.
Some upscale amenities Holiday Inn Express & Suites Petoskey offers include but are not limited to private balconies, a fitness center, indoor heated pool, whirlpool, and dry sauna. There is even a free stretch-limo shuttle for guests between 3:00-11:00pm that will take you to any area attraction within a 10-minute radius.
Even though you will probably spend more time outside exploring than you will inside the guest\’s rooms are jam-packed with some great amenities. Guest rooms have a private balcony, 42 inch HD LCD TV, free high-speed WIFI, microwave, refrigerator, ceiling fan, and a pillow-top mattress.
Other Amenities
- Black-out Shades
- Rollaway Bed/Cot Available
- Crib Available
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Separate Hanging Closet
- In-Room Heating and A/C Controls
- Sofa Bed/Sleeper Couch
- Bathroom/Personal Care
- Private Bathroom
- Bathroom Amenities Available
- Hair Dryer
- Bathtub
- Separate/Walk-in Shower
In-Room Features
- Mini Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Coffee Maker
- Flat-screen TV
- Work Desk with Lamp
- Desk-level Electrical Outlet
- Free Local Calls
- Cable/Satellite
- Premium Channels
- Stereo/Radio
- Direct-dial Phone
- Two-line Phone
- Phone with Voicemail
- 120DC
- 120AC
- Complimentary Morning Newspaper
- Windows Open by Guest
Added Value
Connecting Rooms Available
Eat & Drink
Full continental breakfast buffet is included, as well as complimentary coffee in the lobby and off-site restaurant delivery is available.
Pool
Heated indoor pool
Indoor Whirlpool
Fitness Center
PetoskeyHoliday Inn Express & Suites has a complimentary Fitness Center features everything you need to stay on track while you are on vacation. Within the Fitness Center, you will find an elliptical machine, two treadmills, a stationary bike, free-weight machine, dumbbell set, half-dome balance ball, exercise mat, and a scale.
Dog Running Pictures
Does anyone else crack up when they see pictures of dogs running? This past weekend I had so much fun taking pictures of Jack running. His hair blowing in the wind, the crazy facial expressions – seriously dog running pictures are my favorite. Some of the pictures I took were absolutely crazy, while others were crazy adorable. I think the neighbors thought I was nuts with how many times I made Jack wait, and then had him race to me so I could get the cutest captures possible. Have you ever taken pictures of your dog running?
Coming to Detroit: August Wilson’s Jitney
Winner of the 2017 Tony Award for Best Revival of Play, August Wilson’s Jitney will appear at The Music Hall, in Detroit, November 12 – 16, 2019. Broadway In Detroit is presenting the show in partnership with The Detroit Public Theatre.
Fashion meets Food 