By Arielle, The Novel Cruncher. This is the beautiful, yet overwhelming sight that greets me every day. Although I try to focus my free time on working through a seemingly endless list of novels, there is one book I turn to every single day. Ladies and gentlemen … I am a cookbook addict. I used to laugh at my mother who hated to cook, yet had an... Read more

Here’s a fun coloring project with a twist. Transform your digital photos into coloring sheets using Picnik. Why not create a family coloring book? Or document your summer fun and trips in coloring book format. My kids especially love to use colored pencils to color in these pictures since there’s a lot of detail. Here’s a before and... Read more

Here’s a deal you know you can put to good use. Back to school is around the corner and that means you’re sure to buy a new pair (or two, or three…) of shoes. Groupon is offering $40 worth of shoes at Shoebuy for only $20. Click here for the Groupon Deal and the full details. Browse Shoebuy.com.   Share| Read More

Devra Ferst has an interesting article in the Forward on how the cuisine at kosher restaurants is reaching a level of gourmet that rivals non-kosher restaurants. She attributes this to an influx of professional chefs and connoisseurs who have become religiously observant and are bringing their expertise to the kosher restaurant industry. Duck leg confit... Read more

By: Elisheva of the Bellabusta blog. Bellabustas are the superwomen who juggle many roles and still take time to foster beauty and spirituality within themselves. Layering is the perfect way to make an outfit modest. Any tznius issue can be easily fixed by adding a shell, cardigan or even an extra skirt. But layers + summer = a sweltering combo. So... Read more

Congratulations to Dvora (comment #12) winner of the giveaway!! Hachai Publishing has released two new books for children, Hashem is Truly Everywhere and Big Small or Just One Wall. Hashem is Truly Everywhere is an adorable book about two curious little boys who look, well, up, down and all around trying to find Hashem. Written by Chaim Altein with... Read more

Another recipe from Bitayavon Magazine. This appealing salad utilizes green beans, mango, basil, and cucumber (all summer produce) in a creative way that will wow your palate. The dressing is great as a marinade for fish and chicken and as a dipping sauce.   Ingredients: 1 pound green beans 2 mangoes, cubed or 3 peaches, cubed 1/2 cup pine nuts 3/4... Read more

The New York Times has an interesting article on how Israel is the world leader in in vitro fertilization. In addition to being a family oriented culture, the Israeli government provides free, unlimited IVF procedures for up to two “take-home babies” until a woman is 45. Perhaps it is then no wonder that Israelis are the highest per capita users... Read more

It is always refreshing to see entrepreneurs from our community using their creativity and cutting edge technologies to produce educational products that our children can benefit from. Young Abraham, a new animated film for children, uses the Midrash as a guide to tell the fascinating tale of Avraham Avinu and how he broke free from his idol-worshipping... Read more

(Image via Centsational Girl.) You can kinda say this picture was my inspiration for this month’s Joy of Kosher tablescape. Except I found this picture after designing the magazine spread. You’ll just have to take my word on it. One of my favorite finds from the tablescape is the Le Cadeaux melamine dinnerware. These triple thick dishes... Read more

If you have a young daughter you are certainly familiar with Hello Kitty, Dora the Explorer and various other Disney-type characters that children can’t seem to get enough of. Utilizing her professional background in marketing and writing, Malky Weinstock has ambitiously created a brand, Lite Girl (which is an acronym for love, inspire, teach, encourage),... Read more

Unfortunately, we live in a world that includes sick individuals, including in our community, who will harm children when the opportunity arises. Below is a parenting workshop entitled “Speaking to Your Kids about Personal Safety” (34 minutes long) conducted by Rabbi Yakov Horowitz, Director of The Center for Jewish Family Life’s Project YES and... Read more

Decorating with red can be tricky. The key to creating a pleasing scheme is balance. In the first space pictured, red is used as an accent color. The rest of the color palette is a range of neutrals from creme, to naturals (such as wicker and straw), and finally black. A few details are worth pointing out: The window gives away the secret that this... Read more

Today is 7/11, and that means Slurpees are on the house. Here’s a list of the kosher flavors: The following Slurpees are Kosher pareve unless otherwise indicated. Some flavors may be repeated for easier identification purposes. If the product is certified Kosher, the DIET, ZERO and/or DECAF version are also Kosher. Slurpee Brand Recommended... Read more

Thanks to Michelle Brodman of Southfield, Michigan for sharing this recipe ! Ingredients: 2 cans black beans, rinsed 1 can chick pea, rinsed 1 small red onion, chopped 1 large red pepper, diced 2 large avocados, diced dressing- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/4 cup olive oil 1 clove garlic, diced 1 teaspoon sugar pepper to taste 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper Directions: 1.... Read more

The David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem seems like the last hotel to become kid-friendly. Yet the new kids’ space designed by Sarit Shani Hay (we’ve mentioned her work before, here) makes this elite hotel a must-stay for kids at play. The 1,000 square foot lounge offers areas for imaginative play and computer stations for the older set. The... Read more

Ingredients: 1 cup whipping cream 6 ice cream sandwiches (3.5 ounces each) 1/2 cup chopped chocolate chips or candy bar Directions: Line an 8½-by-4½-inch loaf pan with a piece of  parchment, allowing the paper to hang over both long sides. In a large bowl, beat the cream until stiff peaks form. In the bottom of the pan, arrange 3 of the... Read more

Congratulations to Sarah W., winner of the giveaway! Bitayavon Magazine, a gourmet kosher cooking magazine,  is all about celebrating kosher in an original and exciting way. It is geared to everyone who has an interest in cooking kosher, and readers feel as if they are receiving a cookbook with articles every time they purchase the magazine. Bitayavon’s... Read more

Amazon just pulled another rabbit out of its hat. MYHABIT is Amazon’s new private fashion sale site offering up to 60% off hand-picked styles from designer & boutique brands, featuring apparel, shoes, jewelry and accessories. New sale events start every day and typically run for 72 hours; product inventory is limited and is available on... Read more

Every year I buy the required box of sidewalk chalk. But what to do with last year’s box of bits n pieces? Turn them into sidewalk chalk paint! Directions: 1. Sort broken pieces of chalk by color into ziploc bags. 2. Break with a hammer (Mom’s job) into a fine powder. 3. Pour powder into small plastic cups and add water. Stir with a paint... Read more