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.