January’s Best Bargains

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Serious bargain shoppers know that January is an amazing month for rock-bottom prices. While every retailer features after-holiday sales, there are two stores that I never skip:

Target:

Twice a year, in January and June, Target holds their biggest sales. I have seen prices up to 90% off, but 50-70% is more common. Areas with the best deals tend to be Toys, Baby, Clothes/Shoes, Bedding, and Sporting Goods. Don’t overlook endcaps and use the price scanners to double check (often, it rings up cheaper than the sticker).

Another way to save is by using Cartwheel and/or coupons.

Victoria’s Secret:

Similar to Target, VS has two semi-annual sales per year. Some sizes sell out quickly, so going early is better if you have the time. Be on the look out for 50% off lingerie, 40% off loungewear, 60% off active wear, $19.99 or less bra clearance and $4.99 or less panty clearance.

Coupons tend to be less common here, but if you’re on the mailing list or have their credit card, they do snail mail promos periodically.

 

Which stores do you feel have the most clearance?

Healthier New Year Quick Start Guide

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One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is “Getting Healthy.” While that’s an excellent goal, something so vaguely defined makes it difficult to apply. Personally, I need things to be much more specific. Instead of making a general statement, I want actions.

Right now, I am testing some samples of Newport Skinny Tea (look for an upcoming product review in the near future). A Quick Start Guide was included as part of the kit. These healthy tips are so good, they’re worth sharing:

  • Start each meal with a low or no-calorie beverage like tea or water
  • Eat a large salad or veggie soup before meals
  • Include quality protein with each meal
  • Include quality fat with each meal
  • Finish meals with low-glycemic fruit
  • Green smoothies help increase veggie intake
  • Gradually phase out wheat, grain, sugar, trans fat, and most oils
  • Investigate the possibility of food allergies/sensitivities
  • Walk 30 minutes daily
  • Sleep 7 Hours nightly (minimum) in the darkest room possible
  • Improve mindset – try to stay positive
  • Do 3 High Intensity workouts weekly
  • Choose least toxic options in life: relationships, work, food, etc.
  • Find a supportive community
  • Accept your past; take responsibility for the future
  • Believe in yourself – you deserve the best!

Whether you apply every step or even just one or two to start, it can make a big overall improvement. The most important step for me is always sleep since I struggle with insomnia and chronic pain. My goal for 2017 is to be in bed by 10:00pm, wind down for an hour, and fall asleep by 11:00. I can’t guarantee it will happen, but I am going to do my best to try!

Besides sleep, the other tip that spoke loudest to me is about community. So many people these days are living alone, far away from family, are disconnected from friends, and basically have no support at all. If you are in that position, please know that TJL can be your community! Readers are welcome to post anything that’s bothering them in the comments or email me directly (thejewishladyblog@gmail.com). If you need to vent, need someone to care, or have a prayer request, don’t be afraid to speak up. TJL is a blog, of course, but it can also be a warm and safe forum for ladies to communicate and help each other.

notalone

Is an Anti-Israel Bias Causing Hate Crimes?

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Two more incidents can be added to the list of anti-Semitic hate crimes that seem to be never ending: a temple in Arizona and a Chabad center in California have been vandalized.

I don’t consider it a coincidence that these horrible attacks took place during Hanukkah. It seems like every Jewish holiday stirs up animosity. When the U.N. is passing outrageous resolutions that condemn Israel and the Secretary of State is making inaccurate, anti-Israel speeches, it’s no wonder that this continues to happen!

It’s very obvious that a bias exists. When groups and individuals knowingly make false and/or misleading statements about Israel, it hurts the entire Jewish community, no matter where in the world they live. Instead of furthering their own agendas, these folks should be more concerned with the truth…

Like all Jewish Americans, I love both America and Israel. It hurts my heart horribly to see the current state of U.S.-Israeli relations falling to a rock bottom low. I can only hope that the next administration will do things differently. More than ever, Israel needs our support!

Hanukkah Nail Art

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channukiyah-menorah

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I am so impressed with the Hanukkah Nail Art created by the talented folks at Midrash Manicures! I doubt that I’m crafty enough to re-create their designs (I can manage a French Manicure, but usually just do a single color of pink or red.) Even so, it’s fun to look at anyway. Maybe I should try the stick-on decals and forget the paint entirely?