Decorative Jewish Pillow Giveaway

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Homes serve a function for the families that live in them, but I think they should also be a place of beauty. Choosing the right combination of paint, furniture, and curtains can certainly turn a dull room into a haven.

While most folks don’t have the desire—or the budget—to redo their entire home from top to bottom, investing in a few well-chosen, high quality pieces can be transformative. The easiest (and most affordable) place to start is with an accessory.

I absolutely love decorative pillows! My couch is mint green and so many other shades compliment it. In the past, I’ve used striped pillows, pink pillows, and green/blue dotted pillows as an accent. Each of these looks was fun while it lasted and when I got sick of the designs, or the pillows became worn out, it was no big loss to replace them.

Solid colors and patterns are great, but any time I can incorporate Judaica, that’s a bonus! Unlike most other pieces of Judaica, a decorative pillow can be enjoyed often. It won’t tarnish, it won’t break, and it’s used daily, not just for a special occasion.

Hamsa Hamsa, a Tel Aviv based company that features clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home décor items, makes some of the most adorable pillows I’ve ever seen! They offer 14 different styles to choose from, with a little something for everyone.

I’d certainly enjoy any of their original creations, but two, in particular, really speak to me: Love and Amen. The unique designs have both English and Hebrew writing, sturdy construction, and thick, durable fabric that can withstand constant commotion from kids and dogs.

They would make a lovely addition to a couch, a bed, or a chair, and the neutral colors work well for men and women alike (my hubby is always complaining about “fussy” and “girly” accessories I pick out, but he loves these pillows!).

Hamsa Hamsa has generously offered to make them available for a giveaway. One winner will receive the decorative pillow of their choice (Love or Amen). Entries will be open thru 6/11/17. Good luck!

 
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Memorial Day Party Savings at Dollar Tree

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I was compensated for this post. It contains affiliate links. I’ll be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking them.

Planning a party is fun…paying for it is not! Whenever possible, I try to save money by looking for bargains, especially on disposable items. Since everything at Dollar Tree is so affordable, I’m picking up lots of supplies for my Memorial Day party.

For a cute decoration, it’s hard to beat flags, banners, and buntings. It’s so easy to hang these up on the patio deck and add a patriotic centerpiece to the table. In less than 15 minutes, I’m able to create a festive mood.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without food! In addition to grilling chicken and steak, I’m planning to serve potato salad, watermelon wedges, green salad, and rolls. Other than cooking the meat, everything is a snap to prepare ahead of time, letting me minimize kitchen work, so I can enjoy more time with my guests.

Did you know that Dollar Tree also sells red, white, and blue sunglasses, hats, headbands, and necklaces? (Yes, all the stuff that kids love!). Best of all, everything can be ordered online or shipped for FREE to your local store, ensuring you’ll have a spectacular celebration with a minimum of fuss!

 Shop Patriotic Party Supplies at DollarTree.com

Milk and the Message of Shavuot

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If you’ve ever wondered what we’re supposed to eat on Shavuot, why these foods are significant, and where the tradition originated, this insightful guest post written by Dr. Chavi Goldberg from CyberSem will shed some light on this lesser-known holiday:

 

One of the most beloved customs of Shavuot is eating dairy foods. Many families serve an impressive spread of desserts like ice cream and cheesecake for the holiday meal. But, besides the delicious taste, there is a spiritual component influencing our dietary choices.

From the many reasons that I read, I would like to share one that has a profound message for us. Before Matan Torah (the Torah was given) several mitzvot had already been given to the Jewish people; for example, the laws of Shabbat had been given at a place called Marah. What was accomplished at Mount Sinai? A duplication? No. When the Torah was given, it nullified the mitzvot that had been taught previously. We give a brit milah to our sons not because Avraham Avinu made a brit for Yitzchak, but because we were commanded to do so when the Torah was given on Mount Sinai. The laws given at Matan Torah took precedence over any other previous instruction.

Parenthetically, it does not mean that the other commandments do not mean anything to us, just because Matan Torah over rides them. There is always an eternal lesson in every letter and detail of the Torah. In the case of the food that was served on the day that the Torah was given, any meat was rendered non-kosher because it did not conform to the Kashrut requirements, and there weren’t any Shochtim (ritual slaughterers) to prepare fresh meat for consumption. The only choice was to eat dairy.

What happened at Matan Torah that brought such a dramatic change? The Giving of the Torah was a pivotal day in the history of the Jewish people. The mitzvot that were given at Har Sinai were different than those given prior. How? Because after Matan Torah, when a physical object would be used to perform a mitzvah, it would become infused with spirituality. That did not happen before.

So while we’re all enjoying our ice cream sundaes, kugels, and cheesecakes during Shavuot, let’s not forget the symbolic importance of what these dairy foods represent.

About the Author:

Dr. Chavi Goldberg is the creator of CyberSem, an online-only women’s seminary. She first conceived the idea of CyberSem when completing her Master’s in Curriculum Development. Surprised that one could do most anything online except attend seminary, she sought to fill that void. Driven by her belief that irrespective of age, life stage or background, CyberSem can help women make learning an ongoing, meaningful part of their lives. She is passionate about sharing her own love for learning and empowering other women to excel in their journeys.

She holds a Bachelor of Jewish Education from Talpiot College and a Master of Science in Graduate Teaching and Curriculum Development from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Goldberg completed her Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education at Nova Southeastern University.

Find more info about Dr. Chavi and CyberSem on the website.

25 Two-Ingredient Marinades

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There’s nothing wrong with a plain piece of chicken, steak, or fish, but it sure tastes better with some flavor added. By using a simple marinade, even the cheapest cut of meat can be transformed into something that tastes gourmet.

The quickest marinade of all is just olive oil and vinegar. I’ve used that many times—always with good results—when there’s barely anything in the kitchen. When I’m well stocked, however, I love to try these easy combinations:

  1. Grainy Mustard and Ale
  2. Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil
  3. Honey and Lime Juice
  4. Olive Oil and Smashed Garlic
  5. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
  6. Worcestershire and Soy Sauce
  7. Coca Cola and BBQ Sauce
  8. Dijon Mustard and Sriracha
  9. Olive Oil and Citrus (Lemon or Lime works best)
  10. Soy Sauce and Italian Salad Dressing
  11. Olive Oil and Herb (Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, etc)
  12. Balsamic Vinegar and Whiskey
  13. Peanut Butter and Chili Sauce
  14. Soy Sauce and Grated Ginger
  15. Brown Sugar and Olive Oil
  16. BBQ Sauce and Honey
  17. Peach Preserves and Grainy Mustard
  18. Coconut Milk and Lime Juice
  19. A-1 Steak Sauce and Italian Dressing
  20. Pineapple Juice and Olive Oil
  21. Cilantro and Lemon Juice
  22. Ginger Ale and Mustard
  23. Sliced Scallions and Olive Oil
  24. Apricot Jam and Soy Sauce
  25. Honey and Mustard

 

Have a tasty marinade you’d like to share? I’m all ears!