For those who don’t know, Nefesh B’Nefesh is basically the only group that coordinates North American Aliyah, so their numbers are a good reflection on current trends. I do not know of a single America or Canadian who has made Aliyah and not used them, and I mean none. They are a tremendous resource for anyone even contemplating the big move.
Compared to June 2019, when only 399 applications were filed, there is definitely something going on that’s causing such a large rise. We can speculate that it’s Covid, naturally. Of course, applications don’t guarantee follow through, but I think it’s very encouraging news.
The projected number of total immigrants will be 90,000 people by the end of 2021, which is amazing, compared to approximately 35,000 last year. (The majority will come from Europe.)
It is such a joy to see Israel growing and flourishing.
Free coffee all summer long? Yes, Panera is offering it. Simply sign up for a MyPanera Coffee Subscription before July 4th. There is zero cost and you can drink up every TWO HOURS if you like. (I seriously doubt anyone will be doing that on a regular basis, but that’s an incredible deal!)
Please know that you do have to enter credit card info, but you will not be charged the normal monthly fee of $8.99. Make sure to cancel your subscription before it expires on 9/7 so you won’t be charged.
My local store told me that it’s valid for hot or cold coffee and also tea. I don’t know if the tea part is nationwide, or just something around here.
This post contains sponsored content. All opinions are my own.
After a month on the program, I’m ready to offer a final review on Joel Marion’s book, Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight.
From my first post, I mentioned how bad my eating had been lately and that I wanted to lose weight. Sticking to diets in the past has always been really hard for me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. After working my way through the unique steps, I can definitely say that Joel Marion’s Always Eat After 7 PM program makes dieting easy and eliminates 90% of reasons for resistance.
With this program I learned a lot about common diet myths. (Post 2 explores the science behind the system.) Other diets demand restriction, both food and eating schedule. Because that’s something I just can’t do consistently, it wouldn’t work. Or, I should say, wouldn’t work for ME—other low-carb plans do work, if you can follow it to a tee. Most of us need the wiggle room.
Because of conflicting “expert” advice, I was constantly trying diets that didn’t work for my preferred eating style. Always Eat After 7 pm actually encourages eating late. One interesting thing the book discusses is how eating carbs at night induces deeper sleep:
“A research paper published in Sports Medicine in 2014 showed that people who eat the majority of their carbs at dinner actually sleep better. Carb-induced, quality sleep decreases cortisol (a fat-storing hormone) and ramps up the production of your sleep hormones, serotonin and melatonin. Restorative sleep increases fat-burning hormones—the main one being growth hormone—overnight.”
By flipping the script, I was able to follow a new way and lose weight, which was my goal. My constant cravings have diminished, plus my sleep is a little better too. Overall, I just feel healthier, less tired and less anxious.
Over time, I simply began to crave less sugar. I was able to eat some desserts (see my favorite recipes in this post), but it was a treat, not 24/7. If you are also struggling with super-strict diets and/or intense sugar cravings, this plan can work really well.
As for the big question, how much weight did I actually lose? I am down 5 lbs already, with no plans to stop!
Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase. Learn more about the book here.
This post contains sponsored content. All opinions are my own.
Many small businesses are struggling due to extended closures during quarantine. Some have had to raise their prices on goods and services, which is understandable, but the way they’re doing it is pretty sneaky, with vague Covid surcharges being added to receipts without warning.
How to tell if you’ve gotten a Covid surcharge? It could be listed as almost anything from “Miscellaneous” to “Health & Safety Fee” to “Temporary Operating Expense.” If something seems off, don’t be afraid to ask. At a local coffee shop, I was charged an extra dollar. After chatting with the owner, she told me it may be two dollars next month if volume doesn’t increase.
Covid fees are legal, provided they’re clearly disclosed. A business is not supposed to bury it on a receipt, hoping customers overlook it. Customers do have the right to ask for a waiver, however, be generous if you can. A tiny fee is not unreasonable due to the current economy.
Personally, I am more than willing to help small businesses, provided they’re upfront and honest. I just don’t like the sneaky stuff. Either way, always check those receipts!
