Blog Posts by Martha Stewart

Bottle

My first baby came into the world five years ago -- a little bundle of shih tzu joy. My husband named her Izzy, and she's been a mushy part of our family ever since. Later this year, however, our relationship with our girl will change, because we're adopting an actual baby.

Related: 100+ Baby Shower Ideas

"A baby's appearance, unpredictable movements, and loud, screeching sounds may be unfamiliar to a dog and therefore can be frightening," says Kat Miller, a certified animal behaviorist with the ASPCA. Parents should prep their pet as early as possible before the baby's arrival to increase safety, reduce stress, and enhance bonding for everyone involved, says Katenna Jones, education programs coordinator of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Here are a few ways I'm preparing Izzy.

Little Miss Manners

Because she can't jump on and off furniture on her own, our dog, like many, relies on "notice me" behaviors, such as pawing, growling, barking, and

Martha Stewart Living

Follow this advice and man's best friend will be on his best behavior.

Stealing Food from the Table
Put half of a turkey sandwich on a regular plate on the table that your dog is stealing from. Let the dog go to the table and eat the sandwich. Then, place another plate with a turkey sandwich covered with plastic wrap on the table. Rub meat on the wrap so it smells like the sandwich. Move that plate on top of the plate from which your dog just stole the sandwich. Let your dog go to the table to try to eat this sandwich. When he tries to steal the food, throw something near him, such as keys or an aluminum bowl. Do not throw the object at him. Be sure to throw behind him, so he doesn't associate the sound with you. The sound of the dropping object will startle the dog, and he'll back off. Repeat until he learns not to eat from the table. You may need to repeat this procedure for each table the dog is eating from.

Leash Pulling
Each time your dog starts to pull,

These creative valentines are a breeze to make for a few special friends or an entire classroom of kids.

More from Martha Stewart:

51 Last Minute Valentine's Day Ideas

Chocolate Desserts for Valentine's Day

Creative Craft Storage and Organizing Ideas

19 Tips for Perfect Laundry Every Time

Show your valentine some DIY love with our heartfelt crafts.

More from Martha Stewart:

51 Last Minute Valentine's Day Ideas

Chocolate Desserts for Valentine's Day

Creative Craft Storage and Organizing Ideas

19 Tips for Perfect Laundry Every Time

Button-up upgradeA classic, crisp white shirt is a no brainer when trying to figure out what to wear in the morning... It's pretty much appropriate for all times and situations. But sometimes you may just want that little bit extra, the surprise effect within that proper attire.

So we thought of a few ideas for how you can update that white shirt in your closet (or, it is even worth buying a new one for).

You can find three ideas in our January issue of Martha Stewart Living, but here is one for Rosettes along the neck of your button down.

The flowers are very simple to make; no machine is necessary and a couple of hours later you have a new 'no brainer' for your closet.

Related: 25 Helpful Home Storage Essentials

Rosettes How-To:

1) Tear the fabric, selvage to selvage into strips, and cut to these sizes: 1 by 9 inches, 1 1/2 by 10 inches, and 2 by 11 inches. (Make as many as desired; the shirt shown here has 18 on the front, shoulder, and upper back.)

2) For each rosette, start on a long side,

Easy Homemade Peanut Butter CupsThis simple, four ingredient recipe is almost just as easy to make as to buy pre-packaged. To store, place in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

Related: 27 Easy and Delicious Party Foods to Make and Eat

Yield: Makes 24

Ingredients
4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
12 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted roasted peanuts, chopped

See More: Favorite Hot Drinks Recipes: Hot Chocolate, Cider, Hot Toddy, and Mulled Wine

1. Line two 12-cup mini muffin pans with paper liners; set aside. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate and peanut butter. Microwave, until almost melted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Meanwhile, place semisweet chocolate in another microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, stirring once or twice, until almost melted, 2 to 3 minutes.

3. Dividing evenly, use a spoon to layer semisweet chocolate and

Homemade candy is a traditional Christmas gift that will never go out of style. White chocolate, peppermint oil, and a dozen candy canes are all you need to create this easy, colorful Christmas bark. The bark can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week after making.

This recipe makes 2 1/4 pounds or one 11-by-17-inch sheet.

Peppermint BarkRelated: 42 Prettiest Christmas Cookies to Bake

- 2 pounds white chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 12 large candy canes
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil

See More: 21 Festive Holiday Party Cocktails

Directions

1. Line an 11-by-17-inch baking sheet with parchment, and set aside.

2. In the top of a double boiler, melt white chocolate, stirring constantly. If you don't have a double boiler, use a metal bowl set over a pot of simmering water.

3. With a chef's knife or meat tenderizer, cut or pound candy canes into 1/4-inch pieces.

4. Stir pieces of candy canes and peppermint oil into the melted chocolate.

Bittersweet TrufflesThese delectable truffles make great holiday gifts. For pretty packing, look for mini foil or paper candy cups in the baking aisle of supermarkets or at specialty shops. While the truffles are still slightly soft, roll them in the desired coatings. Kids might like to help with this step.

Related: 42 Prettiest Christmas Cookies to Bake

Bittersweet Truffles

Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: Makes 24

See More: 21 Festive Holiday Party Cocktails

Ingredients

8 ounces best-quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
Assorted coatings, such as crushed peppermint candies, toasted sweetened shredded coconut, finely chopped pistachios or other nuts, and cocoa powder

Directions

1. Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring cream to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat; pour over chocolate. Let sit 2 to 3 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Refrigerate (uncovered) until somewhat firm, about 1 hour.

2. Spoon mounds (2 level