December 2010

  • Our Forced Narcissus (Paper Whites) Bulbs Are Blooming!

    Anyone remember when I told you about forcing Narcissus, Amaryllis and Hyacinth bulbs, about five weeks ago? Well, guess what? My Narcissus bulbs that I put in water just three weeks ago shot up and are now blooming! Very exciting, and gorgeous too. When I stand next to them I feel transported to one of…

  • A Simple Crocheted Granny Square Vest!

    The truth is, I didn't just whip up this crocheted granny square vest, I actually made it two years ago! I guess it was on the big side, because my 8 year old daughter is wearing it now as a dressy winter outfit, with black velvet and rhinestones, and it looks great! And guess what,…

  • Classic Cherry Blossom Kid’s Craft: Anticipating Spring!

    Here's a great Spring/Tu B'Shevat cherry blossom craft project, even for those of you who can't quite imagine that Spring awaits! There's nothing like some pink blossoms to cheer things up a bit! In Israel, we call these almond blossoms, as they are also pink and are the first to bloom, right around the time…

  • Parsha Parenting: The Importance of Teaching Our Children To Say Thank You.

    In this week's Torah portion, Parshas Vayeirah, we learn through Moshe Rabbeinu about "recognizing the good" in everything, and the importance of gratitude and giving thanks. I highly recommend taking a few minutes to read this week's poignant lesson. It will give you that extra push you need to really take the time to teach…

  • Parsha Parenting: Parshas Vayeirah

    “Hakaros Hatov” is the Hebrew phrase meaning “recognizing the good”. This is such a fundamental concept in Judaism, that the word for Jew in Hebrew is “yehudi” which stems from the word “lehodot”— “to thank”. Loosely translated, then, the word “Yehudi” is “one who thanks”. Being Jewish, then, takes on an entirely different meaning when…

  • Great News For Eretz Yisrael Crafters! (A Yarn Sale & A Give-Away….)

    First of all, I just got an email from livyahyarn.com stating that all of their inventory of Lion Brand yarn is now 40% off. Now you can buy that cotton I raved about, or just about anything your little heart desires, since at this price, well it's about the same as you'd get in the…

  • Beautiful Party Decor On A Budget! (For Tu B’Shevat?)

    Got something to celebrate this winter? Throwing a party? Wondering just how to decorate? How about an "anticipating spring" party? You know, pink and white and creme…..evocative of a cherry blossom tree full of delicate blooms. These colors make perfect winter decor and look great with candle light and even a little silver glitter here…

  • Tu B’Shevat is Coming! A Roundup From The Archives……

    Yes, Tu B'Shevat is coming, which means Tu B'Shevat crafts are coming, and of course Tu B'Shevat crafts for kids too, hopefully lots of them, since we're getting a nice and early start! We have almost an entire month to enjoy preparing and creating for this wonderful holiday which celebrates the New Year for the…

  • Slice Of Life: A House In Baka, Jerusalem

    My husband and I were in Jerusalem this week, and I thought I'd share with you a few details from this old 100 year old home (now a  tzimmer—a bed and breakfast without the breakfast…..) in Baka, a historic neighborhood in South Jerusalem. As it turns out, I'm not the only one who loves old…

  • DIY Luminaries from Recycled Cans: Wrap Them With Yarn!

    Make some simple DIY luminairies to light up your darkest corners! Look at that gorgeous glow, and it's just a recycled can wrapped in yarn! Can't get much simpler than that. Right, my friends? Use your yarn scraps, a little glue here and there and wrap. If you want some variety in texture, crochet a…

  • Crochet A Chain Link Garland — A Fun Decoration Anytime!

    Isn't this fun? I saw a chain link baby toy, here, and thought it would be great as an actual chain to hang as a party decoration, or over the head of a bed, or draped from a chandelier for a bit of tongue in cheek winter decorating? (Or super cute in a baby's room!)…

  • Parsha Parenting: Humbling Lessons To Be Learned From Moshe Rabeinu

    This week we are starting a new book in the Chumash, the Five Books of Moses. This week's Parsha Parenting, written by Eydl Reznik, summarizes the important points in the parsha for parents, is moving and powerful, and will give you not only some great food for thought but some great topics to discuss with…