Puppy Love: Caring Tips for Happy, Well-Behaved Puppies

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Puppy Love

These two have my heart. If it isn’t obvious by now, I’m a little obsessed with my dogs. That’s Angel in the background and Charley up front. I never get tired of how much they adore each other. This photo was taken beneath my desk. Angel often hangs out there, and Charley usually naps on his bed in the office while I work. The other night Charley squeezed himself under the desk while Curtis was taping boxes. For some reason, tape or wrapping paper sends Charley into a frenzy — he runs to whoever isn’t taping and scratches at their leg with his front paw. It actually hurts sometimes. I’ve never heard of another dog reacting like that to tape.

Charley had back surgery two and a half weeks ago, and I’m relieved to say he’s improving. They removed his staples last week — you can see his shaved back — and he had his first rehab session on Thursday. It wiped him out; he was clearly sore afterward. Curtis thinks we should skip most of the rehab or do it just twice a month, but the vets recommend twice a week. I’m leaning toward a compromise of once a week for now. It’s hard to watch him in discomfort, but I know rehabilitation helps. Is it similar to human physical therapy — tough at first but worth it in the long run?

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Skillet Hamburger Stroganoff Recipe — Quick Comfort Dinner

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Hamburger stroganoff is a family favorite at our house. The kids love this easy skillet dinner with ground beef and its rich, comforting flavors. I also appreciate how simple cleanup is when everything cooks in one skillet. We lightened the original recipe and used fortified pasta to make this a healthier option. At just over … Read more

Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars Recipe — Fall Dessert Bars

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Skip the pastry crust and embrace the crumble with these irresistible Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars. Buttery streusel layers sandwich a creamy, spiced pumpkin filling for an easy fall dessert that’s part pie, part bar, and entirely delicious. I’ll admit I’m not the biggest pumpkin fan—my baking heart usually favors apples—but I know how much people … Read more

90-Minute Cinnamon Rolls with Gooey Caramel Frosting Recipe

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Our 90 minute cinnamon rolls with caramel frosting come together in 90 minutes! Soft cinnamon rolls topped with a rich caramel frosting. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. I consider homemade bread my love language. I enjoy making it for family and friends and especially love eating it. These 90 minute cinnamon rolls are … Read more

Instant Pot Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe for Cozy Weeknight Meals

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Turn leftover turkey into a silky, comforting meal in minutes with this easy Instant Pot Turkey Noodle Soup recipe. After big holiday meals, quick and delicious leftover recipes are essential. This soup combines tender egg noodles, soft vegetables, and a creamy, savory broth brightened with a touch of lemon for perfectly balanced flavor. Kristen’s Keys … Read more

Instant Pot Chicken Marinara Rotini Recipe: Quick One-Pot Dinner

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Looking for a simple dump-and-go dinner that cooks in minutes? This Instant Pot Chicken Marinara Rotini is exactly that: flavorful, family-friendly, and ready fast. Instant Pot chicken marinara pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a robust marinara sauce in one pot. It’s an easy weeknight solution that can be on the table in … Read more

Self-Guided Game of Thrones Tour in Northern Ireland

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My sister Kelly is a big Game of Thrones fan and loves to travel. I haven’t watched the show yet, but I enjoy visiting filming locations. When Kelly invited me on a short trip to Northern Ireland in September, I said yes right away and she handled the planning. We did a self-guided driving tour … Read more

Keto Gingerbread Cheesecake Bites | Low-Carb Holiday Treats

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Are you wondering which keto treats to bring to your Christmas gatherings? These Keto Gingerbread Cheesecake Bites are easy to make, travel well, and are sure to impress everyone—even guests who don’t usually enjoy keto desserts. This recipe comes from Dan and Erika, the creators of Have Butter Will Travel, who share their favourite version … Read more

Crazy Good Elote Loco Street Corn Recipe

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If you’ve ever walked past a street food cart in Mexico or Central America—or scrolled through TikTok for recipe ideas—you’ve likely seen elote shining in all its glory. Have you tried elote loco? This bold, addictive take on Mexican street corn is a longtime favorite, and this elote loco recipe is as fun to prepare … Read more

Oven-Roasted Tomatoes with Fresh Basil

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These easy baked basil tomatoes are the perfect summer side dish. It was 7pm on a weekday. I’d just finished CrossFit and got home to Ginger, my dog, waiting at the door, tail wagging and nudging me to take her for a walk. As we climbed the steep hill in the neighborhood (it feels like … Read more