Author Archives: The Jewish Lady

Roasted Chickpeas

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If you’re looking for a healthy snack that’s high in fiber and low in chemicals/preservatives, try this recipe for Roasted Chickpeas. I absolutely love ’em—especially when a “mindless munchies” attack happens. These are so much better for you than devouring chips or crackers.

To make roasted chickpeas, you will need 1 can of chickpeas (I like Goya), oil, and spices. I used Adobo and red pepper, but you could also try plain salt and pepper, cumin, cayenne, or parmesan cheese.

Drain the chickpeas in a colander and rinse well. Pat dry and put into a mixing bowl. Add 2 TBS of oil, 1 TSP of Adobo seasoning, and 1/8 TSP of red pepper flakes.  Stir until well coated. Transfer to a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast at 400 degrees for approximately 30 minutes. The final product should be crunchy and brown, but not rock-hard.

This should feed 2 people comfortably as a finger food. If you’re serving more, you’ll definitely need to double, or even triple, the ingredients. Roasted chickpeas taste best when fresh, so try to eat as soon as they’re cool. If you do have any leftovers, they make an excellent replacement for croutons in a salad.

National Doughnut Day: Freebies on 6/6!

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If you have a Krispy Kreme in your area, you can get a free doughnut on 6/6—National Doughnut Day!

Last year, Dunkin Donuts gave out freebies with any beverage purchase and Tim Horton’s gave out free stuff, too, so there’s a good chance they will also be participating.

I’ve been to Dunkins many times and Tim Horton’s once, but never Krispy Kreme. If you’ve been to a Krispy Kreme, are they really good? I’d love to try some!

Amazing DIY Shower Favors – Part Three

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Thanks again to my sister, Jackie, for providing this series on amazing DIY shower favors. Her tips and techniques for wrapped plants and seed favors have been a joy to read. Today, she’s sharing her homemade gift bags!

Most people buy gift bags, but I prefer to make them. Not only is it cheaper, it’s also a lot more colorful! To make folded gift bags you will need:
Extra strength glue stick
Construction paper
Scissors
Patterned craft paper

Because I do a lot of crafting, I already had these items on hand. If you need to buy them, Michael’s always has great deals—and coupons—on crafting supplies.

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Start by cutting a piece of paper slightly double the width of the item you want to hold. Place your item down and fold above it to determine the bottom of bag width needed. Make sure the widest part of your item will fit.

Form a tube with the paper and glue the back seam.

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To create side creases, open the bag and fold the sides using the bottom crease as a guide.

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Unfold to starting position.

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Open up and press corners flat creating two triangles. Use the center crease as a guide.

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Fold bottom flap up to the center line. (I like to glue down each triangle for added strength.)

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Fold the top flap down to overlap the bottom flap. Glue it closed to form bottom of the bag.

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Cut and glue a small piece of heavy card stock on inside bottom if your item is heavy.

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Place your items into the bag, fold tops over and secure with tape after filling.

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These bags make wonderful containers for all your Baby/Bridal shower gifts. I used mine to hold seed favors, but they’d work just as well for candy or little trinkets if you don’t craft!

The Ideal Wardrobe – Coats

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Here in New England, coats are worn for at least 6 months of the year. Often, it’s the only thing that people see. When you consider that, coats start to seem pretty important…

I prefer a 3-Season coat, because it’s the most useful and the best return on your investment. It will work most any day, except for the coldest and snowiest. Look for a coat that’s wool or a wool/cashmere blend, with a V-neck collar, that is fully lined. The seams should all be double-stitched to prevent tearing and be fully symmetrical. The buttons should be securely fastened, with no hanging threads. A good coat will include replacement buttons, which you will definitely need if you keep it long enough. I prefer a coat that hits above the knee, but length is personal preference.

I prefer single-breasted coats. Double-breasted tend to add a lot of weight, on every body shape.

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Remember the 2001 Inauguration? The Bushes, in single-breasted coats, look so much leaner than the Clintons. Hillary, in particular, looked so much larger than she really was. This picture is also proof that black isn’t always the most slimming color.

Coats really shouldn’t be bought online. For the best sizing, you’ll need to try on a variety. Coats should be bought one size larger than you are. It’s better to buy a little big than a little snug. It must button comfortably, even over a heavy sweater. If you’re a Petite like me, the sleeves will invariably be too long. This problem is easily—and cheaply—resolved by any tailor. Don’t run around all winter in too-long, sloppy sleeves.

High quality coats are an investment that can last for several years (I’ve kept a coat up to a decade with proper care). These coats are usually made by higher-end manufacturers and do cost a bit more money, usually around $200 minimum, but it’s so worth it! If you average out the cost per wear, it amounts to mere pennies. I’ve found the best deals and selection at Macy’s. My favorite brand is Anne Klein.

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Most Flattering:

A simple black coat is your best choice for daily use, especially if you can only afford one. My only complaint about black wool is that it attracts lint like crazy and needs constant rolling. Other than that, it’s perfect! It coordinates with any outfit you own. If you don’t like black, get any neutral color, like beige.

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I have a beige, belted coat that I adore and wear constantly, in addition to my black coat. I only own 2 coats, but if you can afford it and like them, buy more. For extra pizzazz, put a pin on the lapel.

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Least Flattering:

A short, double-breasted oversized coat in a crazy color. The lady in the picture above looks like she’s drowning in fabric and the color is very limiting. Other coats to avoid include:

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Anything with huge, outside pockets and/or flaps. Look for coats with internal, pockets only to minimize bulk.

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Fake Fur  (unless you want to be human road kill…)

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Prints  (Almost never mix-and-match and often downright ugly)

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Metallics (You will resemble a roll of tinfoil—not exactly a flattering look.)

 

How many coats do you own?