Blog Posts by Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart
If you've ever tried giving medication to your pet, whether it's heartworm medication or an antibiotic, you know how difficult it can be. In an online survey conducted February 2008, nearly 70 percent of all respondents indicated they've had difficulty "pilling" their pets.


The Best Spot in the Mouth to Place the Pill
For a pill or capsule, you have to reach inside the mouth and get it over the base of the tongue. Then you quickly hold the pet's mouth closed and gently give a puff of air in the pet's face/nostrils that will cause the pet to swallow reflexively.


What to Do for a Dog's Sensitive Mouth
It's not natural for most dogs to have their mouth pried open. Plus some dogs might have dental disease and it's painful when their mouth is opened. There are products that the dog or cat will consume readily, thinking of them as a treat, not a treatment. These type of products include those produced from a compounding pharmacy such as flavored tablets or tasty liquids with the

Martha Stewart
These homemade biscuits are sure to make an impression. Pups will beg for more of these wholesome treats!

Ingredients
Makes about 2 dozen
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup brewer's yeast
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Combine flour, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Place canola oil in a large bowl. Add flour mixture to oil in 3 additions, alternating with 1 cup stock; mix until combined.
2. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 2 minutes (dough will be sticky). Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out rounds using a 2-inch fluted cutter. Transfer to baking sheets. Make an indentation toward the bottom of 1 circle using your thumb, then press dough to make an arch of 4 small circles on top of the thumbprint using the tip of your pinky. Repeat with

Nothing smells sweeter or feels softer than a freshly bathed baby, but bathing a newborn at home can be an intimidating experience for new parents. The first few times, it's a good idea for both parents to try it together. Once you become comfortable with the task, baby bath time can be the most intimate and interactive part of the day with your child.

Here are some general guidelines for bathing your baby:

1) Anticipate what supplies you will need for the baby during and right after the bath, and set them out ahead of time. Pick the best time of day for your baby. If a bath stimulates her, bathe her right after she awakens. If it soothes her, plan the bath before one of her sleeping periods. Try not to bathe a very tired or hungry baby.

Related: 100+ Baby Shower Ideas

2) Work at your waist level to provide steady support for a slippery baby. A sturdy kitchen table works well because it is a comfortable height, there is water nearby, and the room is generally

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,