These days, even a far drive to a calm, scenic place feels like a nice getaway. During a time when people are feeling confined and a need to get out for a nice day or two, I compiled some NYS attractions to consider. Just driving around upstate is relaxing in itself. Contrary to what New…
Living
11 Tips for Successful Zoom Meetings
Zoom meetings have become the new normal form of communication, but do you know the best way to set one up? For work, school or fun, we’ve all been Zooming the days away. But chances are we’re not always doing it the best way. So we called on a Zoom expert (ok, Esti’s brother) to…
Are You Going to Join the Water Drinking Challenge? It’s Fun for Kids Too!
It’s free, it’s fresh and it’s one of the simplest things you can do for your body! As a nutrition and health coach, one of my strongest messages to my clients is the importance of water consumption. While water in and of itself does not make one lose weight, it certainly aids in the weight…
Basics: What goes on the Seder Plate (keara).
This might be your first time setting up a Seder Plate. Here’s how to do it. We all remember seeing the seder plate on our seder tables since we were little girls, yet when it comes to preparing all the components on our own…we are kinda lost. We end up calling our moms (which is…
Yes, There’s an Easier Way to Get the House Clean!
We can’t come to clean your house for you, but we have some product suggestions to help make the job a little bit easier. Over the years I’ve found a few products that make the daily upkeep easier. Some of them aren’t the cheapest options, and not necessarily the best environmentally friendly choices, but some…
Basics: How to Make Pesach Rolls (Gebrokts)
These Pesach rolls were always a staple when I was growing up. My earliest Pesach memories involve sitting on the steps of the Javits Center during a Chol Hamoed trip eating these Pesach rolls and cream cheese. Before Pesach lunches, my mother would make them fresh and bring them to the table hot out of…
What Does Hashem Want From Me in Quarantine?
He’s behind this. So there must be a reason. Will we accept that? On Thursday morning two weeks ago, after having a difficult night with intense tooth pain, I was eagerly looking forward to my dentist appointment (which I had scheduled a while back). At about 8:30 am, I got a phone call from the…
Basics: How to Make Syrian Charoset
You don’t need to be Syrian to enjoy it, but if you are, this charoset is the number one Pesach must-have. Next to matzah itself, there is nothing more necessary on Pesach than this charoset. In Pesachs past, I’ve packed it in suitcases and brought it with me wherever I went. It’s the reason Korech…
Basics: How to Make Charoses
Learn how to make charoses for your Pesach seder. If you’re making Pesach for the first time this year, you’re going to need to make charoses yourself. This is our favorite version. Use hazelnuts without the peel. If you cannot find peeled hazelnuts, simply toast whole hazelnuts. Rub the nuts between your palms or in…
Your End-of-the-Day Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
Kids growing up? Are they old enough now to help you with kitchen cleanup? It may be time to share the responsibility! One of the easiest jobs I’ve given over to my children is cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. It may sound like a difficult and overwhelming job to give over to a child,…
