Author Archives: The Jewish Lady

Super Savings Saturday – 9/16/17

Welcome to another edition of Super Savings Saturday.

This was a slow week for deals. I skipped the drug stores completely, struck out at Target, and did okay with groceries. Nothing too exciting, but that’s how it goes sometimes…

Shaw’s:

I picked up some 3-Day sale items, found some marked down meat in the clearance section, and collected two stamps good for Rachael Ray Bakeware—only about a million more to go before I earn anything. 😉

1 pineapple, sale price $1.50.

2 cantaloupes, sale price $1.50. Total: $3.00!

2 Eggo waffles, sale price $0.99. Total: $1.98! (There was a limit of two, or I would’ve bought way more to stock the freezer for crazy-busy mornings.)

1 pack sirloin steak tips, sale price $5.88/lb plus $3.00 store coupon. Total: $8.96! (So tasty marinated in Italian dressings.)

1 whole Perdue chicken, sale price $0.99/lb plus $2.00 store coupon. Total: $3.94! (This chicken was monster sized! I pulled off the skin and put it into the slow cooker. It made enough for dinner, plus chicken salad sandwiches the following day.)

Target:

After reading about an insanely good bedding sale on numerous deal sites, I went in looking for Fieldcrest sheets. If you haven’t tried this brand, do so. The quality is excellent for the price. Evidently, I wasn’t the only one in search of new sheets. There wasn’t a single pack left in Queen size. (Mind you, I did check the store locator online, which claimed 5 were in stock. Nope!)

Market Basket:

Very quick trip while everyone waited in the car and I ran in. (It was pouring rain, crabby moods all around and the store was a madhouse.) I forgot my list—ugh!—so I just grabbed almond milk, celery, peanut butter and bread. Total: $8.50. I’m planning a much bigger shop next week when I’m more organized and less frazzled.

 

Have you used any coupons lately?

Minimize Cyber Threats with CUJO Smart Firewall

How many devices in your home are internet connected? Three? Five? Ten? Possibly even more! Between laptops, game consoles, streaming services, phones, and smart appliances, most of us are way more connected than we realize. All of this technology can make our lives much easier and more efficient, but it brings with it the real possibility of cyber threats like hacking, viruses, stolen information, etc.

Keeping my family safe online is very important, especially the children. We have always used the firewall programs that come programmed into the computer, but as our growing collection of smart devices expands, we knew that we needed more coverage. CUJO Smart Firewall is a great option.

This one device is designed to bring business-level security to the home network by securing all devices connected to the WiFi router. CUJO detects and blocks malicious sites, viruses, and hacks. Think of it like antivirus for your entire network. Not to mention, it keeps sensitive data like credit card information, banking info, and personal photos from reaching the wrong sources.

Installation takes just a few minutes and you don’t have to be tech sophisticated to do it. Just plug the CUJO device into your router, then follow the step-by-step guide on a mobile app. Once it’s set up, CUJO analyzes your local network traffic data, locally and in real time. If a threat or suspicious activity is detected, CUJO will send you a notification on your mobile app to confirm it. You can then choose to manually override any of the automated blocks (no worries about CUJO preventing you from websites you know are safe, because you’re in control all the time).

Another thingI really like are the parental controls. Look at these great features:

  • available for all devices
  • internet filter
  • time limits
  • social media monitoring
  • pause internet
  • alerts and reporting
  • remote administration
  • user profiles and settings

With constant news stories about children being targeted through Facebook and Snapchat, we have to stay hyper vigilant about social media, how the kids are accessing it, and who they’re communicating with. CUJO makes it much easier to monitor their activities.

Of course, this type of protection doesn’t come free. Currently, CUJO retails for $249. Is the extra cost worth it? Each family has to decide based on their budget and particular needs. For me and my family, peace of mind is worth every penny. I would definitely recommend installing a CUJO Smart Firewall in your home, because there really is no such thing as being too secure.

Australian Jewish Community Focuses on Suicide Prevention

The Australian Jewish community has launched a new suicide prevention group in response to a number of suicides that have happened in that country.

I think this is a wonderful initiative that every Jewish community, regardless of location, should adopt. Due to the shame, pain, and fear that surrounds mental illness, many folks are suffering from anxiety, depression, and other common disorders that can be treated. In the most serious cases, when no treatment is given, troubled individuals may take their own lives—over 41,000 suicides every year in America alone!

Don’t forget that September is Suicide Prevention Month. By speaking out, forming support groups, and raising awareness, we can all help thousands of people to get healthy.

My 2017 High Holiday Outfits

Selecting the right outfit for High Holidays is something most Jewish ladies agonize over, especially if your temple has a reputation for being a total fashion parade. Personally, I feel better about myself when I’m dressed up, and I definitely want to look as good as the other ladies, which does require some effort and careful planning.

In the past, I have spent hundreds of dollars on special occasion clothes. Inevitably, they would be worn once and then sit in the back of the closet forever. Not only was this expensive, it also made me feel guilty for being wasteful and extravagant. (Sure, I could wear something I already own, but that’s no fun.)

Last year, I experimented with clothing rentals, and it was a huge success. Now, I can get something new, wear it for a day, send it back, and do it all over again. Rent The Runway, my personal favorite, has so many dresses available, it’s actually hard to choose. If I had to sort through everything, it would be impossible, so I filter, starting with Daytime dresses and hem/sleeve length.

I decided on two dresses, one for Rosh Hashanah and one for Yom Kippur, since I normally only attend services those two days. 

Rosh Hashanah: Valentina Tunic Dress by Tory Burch

Blue matte jersey, with long sleeves and a V-neckline. It has a full skirt, hidden side zipper and knee length hem. I really like that it’s fitted at the waist to create the ideal hourglass shape, but not super tight. Rental price is only $60 for a $350 dress!

For accessories, I will be using gray pumps and a gray and navy bag that’s already in my own collection.

Yom Kippur: Prairie Floral Dress by Cynthia Rowley

Black floral printed crepe, with long sleeves and a crew neckline. It has a fitted silhouette with a hidden back zipper. Fully lined with a hemline that hits right below the knee. This one is a nice, modest choice that still looks stylish due to the fun print and excellent shape. Rental price is $65 for a $388 dress!

Accessories will be gold/pearl dangly earrings, black pumps, and a black bag.

To avoid catastrophe, Rent the Runway provides the option to select a 2nd size dress for FREE! (How is awesome is that?) I do read the suggestions in the fit guide, but we all know nothing is guaranteed. Having a backup is so worth it.

And, if it’s your first order, you can receive 20% off with coupon code FIRST. Find your ideal style at Rent The Runway.

 

 

Have you picked out your High Holiday outfits yet? What will you be wearing?