A new year is the perfect opportunity for new books. At our house, we have a tradition of getting each child the book of their choice. (For littles who are too young to read, I pick something to read aloud.)

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency has created a round-up of 6 new titles that look fantastic:

• Once Upon an Apple Cake: A Rosh Hashanah Story
• Whale of a Tale
• Shanah Tovah, Grover
• Creation Colors
• Jackie and Jesse and Joni and Jae
• The Elephant in the Sukkah

Sesame Shalom is a series that I’ve blogged about before that we absolutely adore. The Apple Cake one looks really good, too. FYI: All of the above are intended for kids under 10.

If you have any book recommendations, please share.

Have you ever spent two hours wandering through Hallmark, trying to find the perfect card for a birthday or anniversary? I sure have! Normally, I can’t find what I want, or if I do find something suitable, it’s very overpriced.

Even though I’m not a skilled artist, I do enjoy crafts. Instead of buying, why not try creating, using Make Your Own Greeting Cards & Gift Wrap as a guide. Written by the talented Vivienne Bolton, this book is awesome.

With over 50 Step-by-Step paper crafting projects, there really is something for every secular occasion. All you need is the book and some basic supplies to start creating. Projects vary from beginner level to advanced, so even if you’re not crafty, it will still be fun.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• Wide range of designs for lovely cards, boxes, bags, wraps and pouches.
• Clear and concise instructions.
• Each project includes illustrations and color photos of the finished pieces.
• Advice on choosing materials and decorative items.
• Handy templates to assist in both the card and gift wrap-making process.
• Practical instructions guide you through all the techniques used throughout the book.
• Inspirational galleries illustrate how one design motif or tool can be used to create a variety of different results.

Purple flower fans, you’ll love the gift set and the foam card. Neither project seems too complicated, based on the directions, to complete on your own, or you could invite some friends over for a craft party.

Make Your Own Greeting Cards & Gift Wrap is available in paperback or kindle version. Personally, I always prefer an actual book, but the choice is yours. Definitely worth the investment—of time and money.

Sesame Street for Passover? Yes, it’s true, with a lovely new book called A Seder for Grover.

According to the publisher: “Very young readers will be introduced to Passover traditions with friends from Sesame Street. Big Bird, Moishe Oofnik, and Avigail join their friend Grover to celebrate. Together they eat matzah, read from the Haggadah, and find the afikomen.”

Author Joni Sussman has created four other Sesame Street books with a Jewish theme and a Yiddish book for youngsters.

A Seder for Grover is part of the Shalom Sesame collection. The website has recipes, crafts, songs, videos, Educator Guides for parents, and a ton of other useful info.

I wish that fun stuff like this had existed when I was young. In so many ways, it’s easier now than ever to be Jewish and to raise Jewish children. No matter where you live, even in the most rural area, you can connect to the global Jewish community and find resources.

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you’ll know that one of my mantras is “keep it simple.” Most of us have a tendency to overspend, over-complicate and overwhelm ourselves; in the process, we miss out on some of the beauty of simplicity.

Last night, I was sifting through my bookshelf and case across something I hadn’t read in years, Frugal Luxuries. To call it a good book is an understatement. Originally developed as a newsletter, Tracy McBride gathered her best tips into a single volume that makes for a delightful read. I really enjoy how she stresses the difference between being thrifty as opposed to miserly, and shows how you can pamper yourself without spending a lot of money.

There are tidbits about food, interior decorating, clothing, travel, etc. Sound advice like “buy less in general, but only the best quality you can afford” will never go out of style. 

Here are a few frugal luxuries that are within everyone’s reach (for $10.00 or less):

• Take a hot bath
• Take a walk at sunset or sunrise
• Pick up a bouquet of flowers at the grocery store
• Grab a sweet from the bakery
• Paint your nails
• Try a new lipstick
• Wear soft slippers around the house
• Drink a fancy coffee or glass of wine
• Replace your hairbrush
• Decant liquids into a pretty container (soap, olive oil, etc.)
• Wear bright colors
• Spend 2 hours by yourself
• Write a pen-and-paper letter to a loved one
• Buy a goldfish
• Sit in a quiet room – no TV, no radio, no talking

Are any of these ideas revolutionary? No, but everybody needs an occasional break from the hustle and bustle. By taking a breather and cheering yourself up with a little treat, life seems a lot less scary and the simple life is the most manageable of all. 

Remind yourself to slow down, to actually enjoy the day, rather than rushing through it and crossing to-do’s off a list. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured!