twinkle toes

who knew dorothy was such a trendsetter? whether your ruby slippers are classic red or winter silver,  it's time to get your glitter on. and there is no shortage of sparkle. from louboutin to miu miu to steve madden, your perfect pair will be hard to miss.  go sleek stiletto and don't just save them for your holiday party.  afraid of heights? no problem! jcrew has a variety of glitter dusted options.  from casual to couture, click your heels and enjoy the fantasy.

burn baby burn

the festival of lights flares wednesday evening so get your chanukiah (chanukah candelabra) ready for eight nights of escalating illumination.  whether you go contemporary and sleek with nambe's chic metal "illume menorah" (available at bloomingdales.com) or cute and crafty with a homemade creation, be sure your chanukiah is kosher.  just follow these steps and you'll be ready to strike your match: your chanukiah should have eight branches for the chanukah candles (and an optional ninth branch for the shamash which is a candle used to kindle the other candles), the main eight branches of your chanukiah should all be the same height and in a straight line, there should be enough distance between the candles so each individual flame is visible, and if you have a shamash, it should stand out so it's clearly not one of the main eight candles.  ready to glow? place the candles in their candelabra from right to left, and light the candles from left to right, one candle the first night, two the second night, three the third night, etc., for eight nights.  don't forget the blessings and be sure to light by a window to publicize the miracle. happy chanukah!

silver palate

whether or not you were fed with a silver spoon you may have a taste for a silver treat.  that's right, even candy is going glam.  jordan almonds (those yummy sugar coated candies) are now available in kosher metallic flavors including silver and gold (available at ohnuts.com).  looking for sweets to sprinkle around your chanukah party? these shiny almonds will dazzle your decor and your guests.  don't forget to say the blessing before you take your first sparkling bite.  

flower shower

looks like fall showers are bringing november flowers. thanks to the photographic artistry of harold feinstein, a rainy day can be styled in a beautiful way.  an image of one of his vibrant oversized flower photos is printed onto each of his umbrellas (available in two sizes at www.haroldfeinsteinstore.com). with a choice of daisy, gerbera, sunflower, or tulip, every drop of rain will be shielded by your blossoming cane.  your new accessory may leave you secretly waiting for a day for the rain to stay. rain, rain, don't go away!

sleep your heart out

tired of getting your zzzz's on on your boring bedding? it's time to find your favorite print and give your dreams a wake me up. lucky for you brits, h&m uk is offering an online home section flaunting enticing items at a peekable price. i recommend the heart print duvet cover set in organic cotton. available in both white and purple with black hearts, this print will bring out your feminine flair.  not a hearty londoner? no problem. pb teen and ikea are offering bold colored prints in a variety of shapes and textures. when styling your bed don't forget to add some cozy faux fur throw pillows (available at pier 1) for the finishing touch. your dreams will thank you! (image via h&m)

unhappy halloween

costumes and candy can be very tempting, but before you trick or treat, think about the history of this hollow eve. also know as "all saints day," historically, jews were murdered and brutalized on halloween as part of the celebration.   originally a pagan holiday, but also absorbed into many churches (as much of paganism has), jews were an easy target to torture since we were (and are) non believers and therfore considered evil.  afraid you will miss out on the fun?  no worries! just wait a few months until purim when we celebrate the miracle of the jews in persia being saved from a death degree.  a holiday of both meaning and masquerade, trust me that your year will not be shortchanged!  

home seat home

if you're an avid entertainer you may be thinking about adding new chairs to your lair.  it's time to trash your clutsy folding frames and find a more suitable touch for your tush.  go casual and contemporary or glam chic with decorators' latest love.   meet the pouf.  conceived in morocco, these cozy cushiony pieces are both whimsical and practical. made of leather and hand stitched, they are available in tons of colors and sizes. bring a punch of color to your space or go metallic and make it a statement seat. for the real deal (with a real price) check out moroccanprestige.com. looking for the same look for less? the famed nate berkus is now offering the metallic pouf in both silver a gold on hsn.com.  so get your dinner party invites out and your new poufs in. your guests' bottoms will thank you!  

in the trenches

if you haven't already fallen for your fall staples, get going! and what better way to start than with the classic trench. always chic and always in style, it's my number one must have this fall.  whether you want a timeless khaki or an eye popping fire engine red, be sure to choose a hue that is you. don't go too trendy or your coat will end up a one season wonder.  my favorite pick: h&m's neutral colored ruffle trench.  with a mini ruffle adorning some of the seams, it's classic with a touch of class.  and for under $60, burberry beware!

be dazzled

the rumors are true! the original bedazzler is back and i don't know how long they will be available this lifetime around. so stop spending on those embellished tops and studded berets and start bedazzling (again).  i know you know how it works and what to do. so start gathering up all your gap t's and neon puff paint and have a slumber party. rock your 80's studs with your 50's thrifties and you'll be sure to be the coolest jewess. (available at www.mybedazzler.com)

think pink

october marks breast cancer awareness month.  there are so many ways you can wear to care!  whether you're donning your handmade pink ribbon or ralph lauren's cashmere pink pony, don't forget that pink is the link.  looking to add a little sparkle to your statement? vera wang's collection at kohl's includes a shimmering hot pink pin whose five dollar pay goes straight to the race.  help kiss goodbye to breast cancer with avon's lips for life tote (only five dollar available at avon.com). will you be walking for a cure? don't forget your reebok pink ribbon sneakers (available at reebok.com). ready to go luxe and donate more than a few bucks? ralph lauren's limited edition pink alligator bag will make a high end difference (with a price tagged at $16,995). so whether you pin, pucker, or lace up for the cause, wear more than a wink of this precious pink!

please don't go

just when you thought sukkot week was coming to its close, the celebration continues! tonight marks the start of shmnini atzeret (literally meaning eighth day of assembly). G-d added this day to the holidays because he wants us to be close to him just a little longer.  this is a day for us to focus on celebrating and enjoying our personal relationship with our creator.  shmini atzeret is followed by simchat torah when we celebrate endings and beginnings.  on this day, we finish reading the final words of the torah (divided into portions and read every week in synagogue) and also begin reading the torah from the start. this day of intense happiness and celebration is filled with dancing, singing and parties to honor our torah. in jewish communities, streets are often closed so we can dance in the street and celebrate with verve. so hold onto the holidays as long as you can and before the sun sets on friday evening, escort the holiday season out with a bang and welcome in shabbat with your holiday high!

shake shake shake

this sukkot (which starts tonight at sunset!) don't forget to shake your lulav! we call it the lulav, but we actually shake four different plants together. the lulav (palm), hadas (myrtle branch), arava (willow branch), and the etrog (citron). we lift these all together and shake in all directions symbolizing G-d's mastery of all creation. everything in judaism has significance and symbolism, so why these specific species?  the lulav has taste but no smell, representing jews with torah, but without good deeds.  the hadas has a good smell but no taste, representing jews who have good deeds but don't study torah.  the arava lacks smell and taste, representing jews without good deeds and without torah.  and the etrog has a good smell and good taste, representing jews with both good deeds and torah. by putting all of these species (which represent all categories of jews) together we are sending a few messages: we believe all jews should come together, we should love each other, we are all working together to grow and build and strive to be like the etrog. the etrog represents the ideal jew, the heart of judaism (no coincidence it's shaped like a heart).  so this sukkot, think about the four species and bring your friends and family together to celebrate this beautiful holiday.  

sukkot spirits

sukkot is coming! this year, be sure to squeeze everything out of this fruitful holiday.  i'm talking about the etrog (citron) of course. this ancient middle eastern fruit actually flaunts lots of flavor.  haven't had your first taste? bartenura is one of the only brands offering an etrog liqueur. its flavor is extremely sweet and tart (face squinch!) so sip slowly.  don't forget to think about why this fruit is so fortunate: it has both good taste and good smell, symbolizing jews that have both torah and good deeds (what we strive for). so don't forget to bless your etrog, and if you're lucky, drink it too! 

the mad hatter(ess)

whether you're a hair raising fashionista or a married jewess fulfilling the mitzvah (commandment) of covering your head and hair, you'll be excited to flirt with the fall fifties inspired looks including fabulous hats.   they've made an appearance over the last few years but now have finally fallen to the head.  we all wear many hats, so whether your style is urban chic or uptown glamour, there is a look for you.  for a downtown feel, urban outfitters has a variety of faux fur fedoras and crocheted berets and often replenishes their stock with new styles. looking for a clutch cloche? forever21.com's felt cloche hat is adorned with a large bow and a low price tag. if you're a fearless fashion lover ready to strut your runway you must have a haute hat available at www.hautehat.com.  their couture look combines vintage styles with a contemporary flair.  each piece is handmade and adorned with ribbons, jewels and other trimmings hand selected from paris.  every hat has a one-of-a-kind look, but if you really want to be the belle of the ball, custom hats are available by appointment.  take your hat off to that!  

angels in the infield

tonight at sunset marks our entry into yom kippur. on every other day of the year we embrace the material world to elevate it to the spiritual.  on this day of self reflection and repentance, we release ourselves from the physical and, just like G-d's angels, we try to embrace the spiritual exclusively.  by refraining from food, beverage, marital relations, wearing leather shoes, and anointing ourselves with oils and lotions, we are preparing our bodies to allow ourselves to get closer to our own souls and closer to G-d through prayer.  without the physical distractions, our spiritual side has a chance to be heard louder than usual, giving us a greater ability to repent with even more sincerity. it is customary to pray in synagogue tonight as well as all day tomorrow until after nightfall when the sound of the shofar indicates the transition from yom kippur to the new day. go to www.myzmanim.com for the exact times of when yom kippur begins and ends in your city.  if you don't belong to a synagogue, it's not too late to find a place to pray! there are many services being held around the world that don't require annual memberships.  go to www.nomembershiprequired.com for services in over 50 cities in the united states. some locations do require a reservation (and some request a fee) so be sure to make your reservations as early in the day as possible.  have an easy and meaning fast and you should all be inscribed in the book of life for the new year!

in loving memory

today marks the first yahrzeit (anniversary on the hebrew calendar of the passing of a jew) of bracha elisheva bat avraham, also known as kirsten. on the day of her 29th birthday (according to the gregorian calendar), this young wife and mother of a new baby boy, was taken from this world to the next.  bracha elisheva was a light force in this world, a well of positive energy, and lived each moment of her life with full appreciation of G-d's kindness and blessings.  Her warmth and love touched thousands of people internationally as she journeyed internally and externally through the enriched and beautiful life she created.  bracha elisheva was a magnet of happiness and refined character. she was saturated with so many qualities it was impossible for them not to overflow and spread among anyone she encountered.  whether you knew her personally or are now learning about her for the first time, it is likely that you were touched by her in some way, directly or indirectly.  bracha elisheva brought a light to this world that still glows and will continue always. it is a custom on this day to not only remember bracha elisheva, but to elevate her soul by doing acts of kindness in her merit. do an extra mitzvah today, learn torah, or say a prayer in her merit.  as we take our final steps into yom kippur, think about who you are, who you want to become, and take the steps to elevate yourself and your potential.

signed, sealed, delivered

if you've already got the ring and wedding plans are in swing, don't forget one of the most important things.  the ketubah is one of a jewess's most precious possessions received at her wedding.  it is the marital contract that outlines the husband's responsibilities towards his wife. a jewess's rights are so significant that the marriage is not considered complete until the ketubah has been signed by two kosher witnesses (there are specific guidelines as to who is considered a valid witness) and is given from the groom to the bride.  because of the significance and sanctity of this document, it is often elevated in handwritten calligraphy and surrounded by beautiful artwork.  make your ketubah unforgettable with the artwork of zeesi available online at www.zeesi.com. her magnificent work has touches of floral femininity combined with expressions of israel, where she resides.  the artist is even available for commissions of original works of art for your ketubah. choose a piece that will beautify not only your wedding, but also your home and your marriage. thank you zeesi!  

new year's resolution: get married

you've dated everyone on jdate, gone to the matzoh ball annually, and may have even dated all your mom's friend's cousin's neighbors.  somehow, you may still be single!  don't worry, you are not alone and comedic actress/jewish dating advocate, michelle slonim, is doing something about it.  founder of the "date my jewish friend party," michelle has started the jewciest trend in jewish dating and it is spreading.  so here's how it goes: each guest must bring a friend of the opposite sex and "pimp each other out," says michelle. no more coming alone to singles events or huddling in the corner with your girlfriends.  now everyone has a wingman to introduce each other around more naturally.  the party has become so popular, the "date my jewish friend play" is in the works.  the next event, the sukkot sizzle, is scheduled for september 28th in new york.  for more information about upcoming events, or to start a party of your own, check out www.datemyjewishfriendplay.com.  your new year's prayers may have been answered!

frills attached

fashion week is here. even though the spring lines are being strut, let's focus on fall and prepare our wardrobes before the chill spills.  adding an everyday long skirt to your lineup will add that kate hudson boho-chic flare (not to mention, your modest attire will give you major mitzvah points before yom kippur!).  zara's fall fashion, now viewable online on their relaunched website zara.com, has a pile of longer skirts to play. i recommend touching the toes with their frilled long skirt (available in black and grey).  the ruffles from thigh to floor will give you a long and slimming look and will go with just about everything.  pair it with your favorite chunky knit, metallic touched cardigan or faux fur vest for a more contemporary silhouette. rachel zoe would be proud!

fast. pray. love.

two days of rosh hashana plus one day of shabbat equals eight meals, lots of honey and one stuffed tummy!  it is no coincidence today is the fast of gedalia.  from dawn to dusk, we refrain from food and beverage to commemorate this day of tragedy in jewish history. on this day, a righteous jew named gedalia was murdered (along with many others). in charge of the jewish territory in israel after the destruction of the first temple, some jews didn't agree with gedalia's willingness to cooperate with nebuchadnezzar (who conquered israel around 2500 years ago).  this lead to his murder which was followed by the fleeing of the remaining jews from israel. as we take our first steps out of rosh hashana, take some time today to appreciate who we are, the love we should have for all jews and our connection to the land of israel.   

apple picking

did you forget to send out rosh hashana cards?  no problem! the sweet juices at marshall haber creative group are always being squeezed. with their adorable customized electronic rosh hashana greetings, you can send "apple-grams" in many delicious ways (and it's free!).  just go to shanatovacard.com and follow the simple instructions. you will be sending apple-grams in no time and your recipients will never know it was a an after bite.  shana tova!

oh, honey honey

by now your rosh hashana should be getting really sticky, but don't just eat your honey, drink it too! honey liqueur is the newest rosh hashana buzz  (pun intended). i recommend koval's kosher and organic chrysanthemum honey liqueur (www.koval-distillery.com).  drink it straight, on the rocks or martini style (no need to chill), but be prepared for its sweet sting (it's 20% alcohol). garnish your glass with some honeycomb or sliced apple, dip the rim in honey, and your guests will be sure to "bee" very happy! the blessing on non-wine alcoholic beverages is: baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech ha’olam shehakol nihiyah bed'varo. blessed are You, L-ord our G-d, King of the universe, by whose word all things came to be.

to life, to life

we've seen the gefilte fish, the matzoh ball soup, maybe some brisket, but there is one course, traditional at many shabbat tables, you may not be used to (yet). i'm talking about the l'chaim course of course.  there is a custom to have a separation between eating fish and meat, so alcohol is sometimes used to cleanse the palette of the fish. we don't eat fish and meat together because of a source in the talmud explaining its spiritual dangers. the talmud is a combination of the mishnah (parts of judaism's oral law that was passed down from G-d to moses and to the jews at mount sinai) and the gemara (books of discussions on the mishnah as well as other writings).  in many homes this "l'chaim" is more than a sip.  so take out your bar tools and start stirring and shaking. don't have bar tools?  z gallerie boasts its exclusive glamourous black and white striped cabana bar set (available at zgallerie.com) with all the posh tools necessary to create your house special in style. l'chaim!    

honey smackers

we all want luscious soft lips and have tried almost every product to get there.  look no further.  burt's bees lip shimmer softens and heals chapped lips and also gives you that pouty voluminous look.  don't be afraid of the shimmer! it's actually very subtle and gives your lips more depth.  they come in a variety of colors ranging from rhubarb to papaya.  if lip color isn't your thing, stick with the champagne - it's almost colorless and highlights your natural look  (my personal fave).  no more hiding under those glosses that mask the problem (and sometimes make it worse) - this time heal your lips and wear them at the same time.  burt's bees shimmer is natural, not tested on animals, and is packaged in recycled plastic (yay).  the shimmer is also made with beeswax so keep those bees busy! (available at drugstore.com)

wedding wednesday: worth every penny

looking for a photographer for your next event or personal photo shoot.  steve worth photography, a husband and wife duo, will capture every moment of your special day from head to toe (literally).  whether it's a wedding or stroll in park, this team doesn't miss a click.  their photo journalistic style will tell the tale of your event inconspicuously.  you will barely even know they are there (no more bossy photographers!).   if you are looking for an album filled with more than just poses, go to steveworth.com where your inner beauty is exposed.  this time, two is way better than one, talk about double exposure!

bedtime stories

let's be honest. some of us don't know hebrew because we never studied it and others have studied it but still don't know it.  regardless, the jewess tongue should speak the holy language lavishly, so let's start at the beginning. i mean, who wouldn't enjoy prancing around the plaza with an israeli style eloise. and if she lets, maybe you'll even follow her along to paris (you may need your dictionary for this one).   just take your favorite childhood book and see if there's a hebrew edition available. many, including good night moon and the giving tree, are available at amazon.com.  but even more are out there, so just keep googling. just don't jump into the hebrew harry potter.  be forewarned, you will have to decipher the hebrew from the wizard language (in hebrew) - not so simple for a muggle!  

pump it up

i know you've been holding on to your ballet flats for years, but it's time to rise to new heights.  the heels should be going up, and in a big way.  take a few inches at a time and add a small platform if you're a little wobbly.  if you are new at this, go for the classic peep toed pump for fall.  if you're ready to flaunt those feet, i recommend newport news's new silver leather metallic clogs (available at newportsnews.com). the studs around the perimeter make this classic look more contemporary. and with grey being the "it" color this fall, these are the perfect pair.  when dressing, it is a mitzvah to put the right shoe on first.  the book of leviticus (the third book of the torah) has a number of phrases giving preference to the right side of the body. there is also kabbalistic significance to the right side symbolizing chesed (giving). so start your day off on the right foot!  

l'objet of my affection

i know these just look like glamourous salt shakers, but these have been elevated both physically and spiritually.  adorned with platinum and semi precious stones, l'objet's handmade objects have been transformed into lavish tableware.   when used on shabbat, they are sanctified even higher, into holy vessels containing the salt that is customarily eaten with our challah.  why salt?  salt was offered in the temple with every sacrifice so we want to keep this tradition shaking. it is used because it never spoils, which is symbolic of our eternal relationship with G-d.  It also enhances the taste of our food, just as we want to enhance our relationship with G-d.   so the next time you eat salt with your bread, think about your relationship with G-d, enhance it, and beautify l'objet with l'objet.

dazzle your doorway

what if i told you that you could take a mitzvah and make it sparkle (literally!). now you can with designer devora libin's handcrafted mezuzah cases available at devoralibin.com. decorate you doorway with her swarovski crystal embellished mezuzah cases encrusted with gorgeous patterns and prints.  check out "the katz meow" with a leopard pattern made with over 800 crystals and an amethyst colored hebrew letter shin. these beautiful mezuzahs will surely bring the light of the mitzvah into your home.  just don't forget to buy and insert the klaf (the actual mezuzah parchment inscribed with specific verses from the torah). you need a kosher klaf on every doorpost (minus the bathroom) to fulfill the mitzvah of mezuzah (available at most judaica stores).  so be sure to get a mezuzah for every doorway - we don't want any to be jealous!  

wedding wednesday: something blue

i know it isn't a jewess tradition to have something blue on your wedding day, but blue has significance in judaism too.  signifying purity, depth, and divinity (to name a few), having the right blue item may actually enhance your day. the folks at feldheim publishers have come out with a baby blue book of psalms (poems written by king david), that are customarily recited by a jewess bride on her wedding day (available at judaism.com). brides should also say prayers of forgiveness because the wedding day is a rebirth. we pray for forgiveness for all our sins, and we are forgiven and start fresh as a new complete unit with our husband.  when we walk down the aisle and circle our future husband, G-d is with us, and he is close.  take this time to pray strong and hard for yourself, your husband, your marriage, your future children, and all that is important to you.  prayer is one of the most important elements of our wedding day so do it with love, speak your heart out to G-d, and use a prayer book that makes you feel bridal, to separate this day and these prayers from all others.  

paint the town torah

looking to line your walls with torah? if every corner isn't already covered with torah books, use the extra real estate for some jewish themed art. when looking for art try to be original. purchase something that reflects your personal style but isn't that same print that everyone has.  i know this may seem expensive but it doesn't have to be.  check out etsy.com, where everything is handmade and anyone can showcase their work.  since you are purchasing directly from the artist, prices are lower.  you may even find a piece you love from an artist that isn't well known.  just search for "jewish" under the art category and some interesting works will come up.  be sure to check frequently as artist are constantly creating new art.  if you're a real colorful jewess, think about creating your own masterpiece, even if it's your first time.  trust me, know one will know!  

broaching the brooch

there is a jewess custom to beautify ourselves for the holidays.  while many of us spend weeks to find a new outfit for every meal, totally unnecessary!  sometimes, more is more, but this time, go for less.  there are so many ways to renew your rosh hashana wardrobe. i'm obviously talking about accessories.  they can make or break you so be careful. find something that makes you feel like you and also play on this seasons trend of mixed media.  we've worn the flowery jeweled headbands (totally over but still adorable) and seen the crystal and fabric bib necklaces (kudos if you've worn them), but try something that holds the trend without being too trendy.  you can approach the brooch or jump right in. for those willing to take the risk, check out express's beautifully adorned oversized brooch made of fabric and rhinestones.  the statement is both bold and subtle since the color palette is dark but sparkly.  pair it with a black sweater jacket or long jersey vest. just keep the rest of the look simple and classic and you'll be the apple of someone's eye. 

graze those calves

vuitton is strutting it, jacobs is posing it, chloe is clothing it and cameras are clicking it. the calf-grazing skirts are back, finally!  whether you dress according to traditional jewish law or you just like treading the latest trends, this season, you won't have trouble covering those knees.  this skirt is here and has already been picked up by more affordable retailers including zara.  mostly being shown in grey and brown wools, the skirts are full of fabric and volume.  since the skirts are coming down, make sure the heels are going up. pair yours with some patent beige pumps or tight sleek knee high boots. thank you louis!  (photo courtesy of imaxtree)

butterfly kisses

this year, rosh hashana (which is two days) goes straight into shabbat.  that gives us three days in a row where, according to jewish law, we are not permitted to apply regular makeup (because we are not permitted to color on shabbat and certain holidays).  to keep those lashes long and lasting, i recommend using loreal carbon black waterproof mascara (before the holiday - it will last for all three days).  i have tried many mascaras and this one is my top pick, both for shabbat and holidays, and for everyday use (for everyday, non-waterproof is recommended).  the secret to making your lashes look extra volumimous: apply lots and lots of layers.  someone will be sure to catch your eye!

when i dip, you dip, we dip

many of us are familiar with dipping apples in honey for a sweet year.  this year, take some time to elevate your rosh hashana table with a presentation that will be sure to sweeten more than your apple.  when setting the table, prepare each setting with the bread and butter plate (the little plate we often use for fish).  squeeze a few squirts of honey on each plate (so it makes a circle) and top it with a lady finger apple (they look like mini apples and can be found at many grocery and produce stores).  voila. thank you my lady! before eating the apples and honey be sure to say the blessing: Barukh ata Ado-nai Eloheinu Melekh ha‑olam, bo're p'ri ha‑etz. the translation: blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the ground. 

wedding wednesday: present your present

when preparing the customary gifts for your bridesmaids, put thought into the presents' packaging. it's a divalicious day for them too so give them a bridesmaid brag bag.  many of the wedding websites have them, but my favorites are the pink totes (by port and co) stamped with the word "bridesmaid" in black with a coinciding image (available at target.com).  fill it with your precious gift(s) and let the bag keep on giving.  perfect for the beach or books, your bridesmaids will feel honored toting their title everywhere. also available for the maid-of-honor and the bride. so don't forget to get one for yourself to carry all your wedding day necessities. you won't want to feel left out! here come the bridesmaids! 

wear your essence

there is a jewish concept that your hebrew name, given to you shortly after your birth, is your essence and has divine inspiration.  if you have a hebrew name, learn more about it, what it means, and who and what it represents. you may come to better understand yourself and your traits.  if you were never given a hebrew name, don't worry, you still have an essence.  just meet with your local rabbi and together you can choose a name and and make it official (contact us if you need help finding a rabbi).  once you better understand who you are, you may feel like wearing yourself on your sleeve, or in this case, on your heart. Sima Gilady designs sterling silver disks hand stamped with your hebrew name.  each necklace can also be adorned with a bead or crystal to give it that femine "ess" touch.  necklaces can be purchased at simagilady.com.  wear your name proud.  

wrapped in teri

the more precious and valuable something is, the more we safeguard, cover and protect it, right? think about it. do you keep your fine jewelry lying around the house, or is it resting in a velvet lined jewelry box? what about your synagogue's torah scrolls? i bet they are covered with embroidered velvet, gold crowns, adorned with jewels and placed behind an elaborate satin or velvet curtain. now think about how we protect our most precious gift, our bodies. we are more valuable than any jewel, yet we don't always treat ourselves that way. the next time you are buying clothes, think about wrapping yourself up more modestly and also more beautifully (all jewish women are queens)! need help? teri jon often has modest high fashion pieces in her line. for a fall fabulous gown check out www.terijon.com. her slogan says it all: "a woman's body is a gift and teri jon is the wrapping."

c'est la vest

if you haven't yet gone "bananas" over rachel's zoe's line of faux fur vests, it's about time.   with your fall wardrobe starting to line up, the new silver style (choices also include chinchilla, black, and red fox) will stand right out!  every season needs that one "i die" item that can be worn with everything and always look chic. for those of you who don't know the zoe, rachel is a celebrity stylist turned reality tv star turned designer.  with the help of qvc, now almost everyone can enjoy her fabulous line.  so go to qvc.com for the latest styles and tune into bravo tv for the latest season of the rachel zoe project.  if this jewess can vest, so can the rest!

light brite, light brite

turn on the magical shabbat light. i know it was the coolest 80's toy, but it also has a really practical shabbat message.  shabbat candles have a lot of spiritual significance, but one of the reasons why we light them does have to do with their bright light.   going back in time, without shabbat candles, those jews observing shabbat would have had a difficult time seeing around their home (and this could have caused a lot of stubbed toes).  so we light to bring not only spiritual, but also physical peace throughout our homes. brighten your home tonight, light shabbos candles, and continue to illuminate your elul.  lighting the candles are one of the three main mitzvot (commandments) given to women, so after we light and say the prayer (listed below), this is a very special time for us to be closer to G-d (and he is closer to us).  so take this time for personal prayers and conversation with G-d, he is really listening. here is the blessing you say after you light the shabbat candles:   
Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat.  

happy birthday to jew

i know how ambitious you get when your friends' birthdays arrive, but it isn't always easy to bake that perfect happy birthday cake.  we know you do something with eggs, and there is also frosting and of course you want to decorate it with pink icing and rainbow sprinkles, but...where's the cake! (remember that scene from sleeping beauty when the fairies try to bake?)  so take out your wand, make a wish, and poof, the cake of your dreams has arrived at the birthday girl's doorstep.  bake me a wish has made it almost that easy.  it is one of the few kosher online bakeries and the cakes are actually decadent and delicious (tried and tasted personally). after all that hard work, you may need one for yourself. well lucky you, you get 10% off when you buy two or more cakes. now that's a happy birthday! www.bakemeawish.com

tip top tips

the french manicure gives the finishing touch to just about every look, but sometimes you don't want to spend the time or money at the nail salon.  now you can always be perfectly polished with sally hansen's french manicure white tip pen (imagine a paint marker with white nail polish inside).  i recommend a coat of essie's ballet slipper, then your white tips, then another coat of ballet slipper and voila, a ten minute manicure.  the pen is great for touch ups too.   and trust me, not hard.  you may need to practice a little before you flaunt your fingers but you will be meticulously manicured before you know it!

here's the skinny

everyone wants perfect skin, but who knows what products to use.  it just so happens that the best skin products i have tried are made by sabon, a company that was started by a couple in the backyard of their farming town in israel.  using natural herbs, flowers, oils, and properties from the dead sea, the products make your skin glow.  with all the tantalizing choices, let me help you get started.  for the body, you must try the patchouli lavender vanilla shower oil.  the smell alone will make you melt (i'm not kidding).  this combo of shower gel and essential oils will cleanse your body but also give you the moisture we don't always apply (don't worry it goes on smooth but not greasy).  looking for something to keep your face fresh, clean, and young? the seaweed cleanser is your pick, especially if you are a makeup wearer or sometimes get breakouts.  the seaweed (which is high in vitamin a) also helps prevent wrinkles.  for those of us not living in israel, there is no longer a need to stock up your suitcase with these delicious delicacies. sabon products are available in the states too so visit  http://sabonnyc.com/, or find your local retailer (sabon currently has stores in new york, boston and chicago).  i would tell you that the products make great gifts, but once you buy them it's hard to let them go (i haven't been able to)!

illuminating elul

the jewish month of elul begins tonight.  this month, the 30 days before rosh hashana, is our time to prepare.  it's our time to reflect, repent, forgive, learn, return, and live with good intention.  when rosh hashana, the day of judgement, arrives, we are not being judged simply for that day, but for who we are, and for who we became this year.  the month of elul is an opportune time to think about how we want to be judged and to live accordingly.  have we been gossiping lately, have we blown up at a sibling, have we been lighting shabbat candles?  think about the mitzvot (commandments) and whether or not we could be doing a little better.  don't overwhelm yourself or try to be perfect, just try a little.  remember, G-d doesn't only look at where we are, but very importantly, what direction we are growing.  G-d wants us to be close to Him, and He wants to be close to us.  He is on our side and loves us. so use elul as a time to check that your baby steps are going towards your father.

eat your heart out

baking someone a cake always shows them that you care, but what if you make a heart shaped cake?  that must be true love.  nordicware (sold at bed bath and beyond) not only sells the heart shaped bundt mold, but it is also non-stick.  so if you forget to grease the pan (like i did) your heart may still turn out perfect.  whatever recipe you use, try to be patient (tough, i know) and let the cake cool for as long you can hold out (at least an hour).  the heart cake is also a great idea for bridal showers, sheva brachot (for more info see "sheva brachot bling")
and anniversaries.  hearty baking!  

haute challah

be prepared, this one is a splurge, but i know some of you take hiddur mitzvah (beautifying a commandment) very seriously! so take out your wallets because tiffany & co is now featuring a sterling silver challah knife with a braided handle that looks just like a shabbos challah.  the knife is sold out online but can be purchased over the phone or in stores (where available).  also makes a fabulous wedding gift.  your challahs thank you.  http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/item.aspx?custlastvisit=5%2F2%2F2009&sku=13204004

precious pomegranate

there is no longer a need to spike your pom juice this rosh hashana (it is customary to have pomegranates so our blessings will be as numerous as the seeds in a pomegranate).  the genius scientists at rimon winery in northern israel have squeezed everything out of this one.  from wines to port to oils extracted from the seeds, a visit to the winery is a must on your next playdate with israel.  if you aren't able to make it up there before the holiday, don't stress, their wines are available online at www.rimonwines.com.  drink responsibly, the port has lots of sugar and 18% alcohol. perfect for the start to your sweet happy year. l'chaim!

three spoons full of sugar

you thought a spoon would suffice. well then you haven't tried three tablespoons, the bakery that is not only kosher, but healthy too.  calling themselves the "smart baking company" is just a sprinkle of what you need to know.  their goodies are actually baked with ingredients that are good for your body and your soul (because they are kosher, duh). all the products are vegan and allergy-friendly (no eggs, dairy, soy, nuts, and wheat) and they have many gluten-free options too.  so stop pretending it's your birthday and go buy yourself some green tea chocolate chip cookie dough! check out their website http://threetablespoons.com/ for local retailers.

sheva brachot bling

when hosting sheva brachot (one of the customary festive meals honoring a bride and groom during the week after their wedding), be sure to distinguish the newlyweds. they are king and queen for the night so glam their dining up black and white.  honor them with nothing less than the bride and groom "pimp cups" (which i call "sheva brachot goblets") by homewetbar.com.  don't forget to pack them up for the couple to use for the festivities every night during sheva brachot week!  

to jew or not to jew

we all know the answer to this question but somehow, we don't always jew it.  i'm going to let rabbi jacobovitz tackle this one.  in his book, perfect strangers: redefining intermarriage, he clearly lays out what it means to be jewish. from defining the deeper questions in life, to understanding judaism, to what it means to intermarry and its effects.  this book is a must read for anyone jewish who wants to better understand themselves and what a real relationship is all about.