Author Archives: The Jewish Lady

The Vicious Murders of 3 Israeli Teens: Finding Hope In Pain

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My heart, like millions of others, has been aching over the vicious murders of 3 Israeli teens. Quite frankly, I have been so upset over this tragedy, I haven’t been able to find the right words to post. It is so painful to think about 3 promising young lives cut short needlessly. How much did they suffer? Were they terribly afraid? Why did another senseless tragedy have to occur? It is devastating!

I had no answers, but I did have many tears. I wasn’t sure when/if I could find anything hopeful to say in the midst of such agony. This morning, that all changed. I checked my Twitter, and had a new connection, @ElevateOurBoys. If you’re not following them already, do so now! They are proposing that everyone commit to doing Mitzvah (good deeds) in honor of the 3 murdered teens and their ever-lasting memories. A Jewish lady, Miriam Cohen, participated in the most wonderful way by naming her triplets Eyal Yosef, Gilad Menachem, and Naftali Chaim!

How amazing is that? I can think of no greater tribute to the teens, their families, friends, and strangers all over the world who care about this case than to name 3 new souls after the 3 souls taken from us so brutally. Mazel Tov, Miriam!

Even in the greatest pain, there can be hope. The living must continue even when we feel like giving up. We must live to right the wrong, to seek justice, to find a way to bring peace.

Gilad Shaar, Naftali Frenkel, and Eyal Yifrach, you will never be forgotten. Your young lives were not in vain. You brought joy to many, and will continue to do so forever in their memories.

Please join me in prayer, and a commitment to elevate these teens and all the good they stood for. Terrorists can never win when decent people are united in righteousness.

Buying Books For Less

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As my readers know, I’m an avid bookworm who’s always looking to add new titles to my collection. With the cost of a single hardcover hovering near $30.00, it really adds up quickly. Don’t let cost hold you back from reading good books that expand your horizons! Here are the best places to buy books for less:

1.  Library

My local library continuously offers discounted books for sale, plus, they have an annual book sale that’s enormous. I have found classics and new stuff at 90% off.

2.  Paperback Swap

List 10 books upon joining, and you’ll get 2 books mailed to you for free. Each time you mail a book, you can request another. The only cost is the shipping. Use Media Mail to make it cheaper. Make sure to use the delivery confirmation! I had 2 books never credited, even though I mailed them.

3.  Amazon.com

Many older and out-of-print books are available for a penny, plus $3.99 shipping!

4.  Title Trader

Trading site that’s good for books, movies, and DVDs. Get 3 items free with positive feedback.

5.  Half.com

Cheaper than its sister site, EBay. Many good deals. You can buy and sell.

6.  Swapbooks.com

A good site to buy, sell, or swap text books.

7.  Used Books Stores

These aren’t as prevalent as they used to be, so you’ll have to look for the hidden gems. I always find something special at these stores.

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8.  Garage Sales

I’ve seen books for kids and adults going for a dime. Ask for a bulk discount if you buy a bunch.

9.  Side of the Road

Recently, Hungry Bear (my guy) and I were out walking the night before trash pick-up. Someone had left a huge box of very clean, cool titles next to their garbage. Guess who took them all? (You bet we did!)

10.  Book Mooch 

Another excellent swapping site.

11.  What’s On My Book Shelf

Trade books using a simple point system.

12.  Book Look Bloggers

Free books if you blog and are willing to review them. It’s mostly Christian books, but I’ve found a few good titles. You can read my reviews here.

13.  Story Cartel

Free E-books that are available to download in exchange for an honest review.

14.  Project Gutenberg

Over 45,00 free E-books. No fee, but they do ask for donations.

15.  Freebooks.com

Another free site for E-books. Many good cookbooks here.

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I like to keep a running list of books I want to read with me whenever I’m shopping. That way if I stumble upon an unexpected deal, I won’t pass it by. Also, books make the best gifts. If someone specifically asks what you want, send them some sample titles.

 

How do you save on books?

The Easiest Savings Plan Ever

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Have you heard the frightening statistic that the average American household saves $0 every month?

This is not only foolish, it’s dangerous. The overwhelming majority of people will experience an emergency at some point. They may lose a job, get divorced, or become sick. If you have no savings and no income, there is nothing to fall back on. Welcome to Skid Row…

Solution: The easiest savings plan ever!

I originally read about this in Redbook, which is one of the many free magazines I receive each month. It’s called the 52-Week Money Challenge. The plan is remarkably simply. You put away $1 the first week, then add a dollar each week for an entire year ($2 for Week 2, $3 for Week 3, etc). At the end of the 52 weeks, you will have $1,378! (Not bad for a small investment.)

This challenge is doable for almost anyone, even if you’re on a tight budget. For the high earners, this would be a great exercise to teach kids and teens about money.

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The $1,387 could be used to start an emergency fund, take a family trip, or buy a much-needed item. It can also be continued, year-to-year. If you save this money for 10 years, you’d have $13,870! (Not figuring into account any interest that may be accrued.)

Grab a dollar, stick it in an envelope, and get started now. Today is the day, not tomorrow…

No-Bake Peanut Butter Caramel Cheesecake

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Normally, I advocate healthy eating, but sometimes you just need a fabulous dessert. I like to make treats on holidays, and this recipe for No-Bake Peanut Butter Caramel Cheesecake is going to make my 4th of July out of this world! I was planning on Red, White, and Blue cupcakes, but with a 93-degree heat wave, that’s not an option. I wanted a dessert that’s quick, delicious, and involved no baking.

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To make No-Bake Peanut Butter Caramel Cheesecake, you will need:

*  1 9-inch graham cracker pie crust

*  1 container of Cool Whip

*  1 Cup of creamy peanut butter

*  1 8-oz package of softened cream cheese

*  1/2 Cup of confectioners sugar

*  1 jar of caramel

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Pour 1/2 the jar of caramel into the graham cracker crust (caramel should be room temp). Put the pie shell into the freezer and chill for approximately 15 minutes.

Combine the cream cheese, confectioners sugar, and peanut butter in a bowl. Using a hand mixer, blend until smooth. Fold in half of the Cool Whip. Spoon onto the chilled pie shell and freeze for an additional 20 minutes. When the cheesecake seems solid, top with the remaining Cool Whip and drizzle with caramel.

The drizzle doesn’t have to be perfect. Free form can look cool. Mine is like a modern art interpretation. If you want to be fancy, use a pastry bag.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake is extremely decadent. I serve small slices and no one usually takes a second. Keep the rest of the menu light. I love to pair this with a meatless meal.

We’ll be enjoying this Friday, but it would also make a wonderful dessert for a summer birthday, baby/bridal shower, or anniversary party.