Lifestyle publication for busy Jewish women featuring recipes, parenting tips, and home inspiration.
Lifestyle publication for busy Jewish women featuring recipes, parenting tips, and home inspiration.
Between Carpools2 hours agoIn the past few months, your sister babysat your kids, baked a cake for your son’s birthday, and brought you a latte. You returned a pair of tights for her. You’ve been on the lookout for an opportunity to be there for her.
You hosted your niece seven times last year, she made one token offer — and you didn’t need a “phew!” emoji to register her relief when you declined. Even if part of you feels resentful, you may also be relieved that you’re the host, not the hosted.
Why do we keep score in relationships, and what does the invisible point system do for us?
It often feels very important to us to know exactly where we stand in a relationship. Who needs who more? Who invests more? Who sacrifices more?
Keeping track gives you a sense of security. Because if you owe someone, you never know when they’ll call it in. But if they owe you? You’re safe. You have money in the bank in case you need it later. You aren’t dependent on their willingness to help.
The score can also give you reassurance that you matter. If someone keeps showing up for you, investing in you, doing for you, you have tangible proof that you mean something to them.
Why do you need security in a relationship? Because if you’re reading this, you’re human. Humans are social beings who depend on each other. So it’s normal to worry that your needs won’t be met, that people won’t show up for you.
The point system is very elegant. You make deposits, storing up relational credit. You make as few withdrawals as possible, and you replenish the credits as soon as you can. If you know you have a big withdrawal on the horizon, you’ll try to earn as many credits as you can first, because the unspoken rule is: Never get into the minus.
It sounds cynical, but it’s actually a fascinating solution to insecurity.
If you feel unworthy of receiving just because, fairly normal fears can quickly escalate. Maybe you don’t really believe others will be there for you if you haven’t earned it first, so you’re at their mercy. They might not come through. So you’ll have to face challenges alone and unsupported. Which, in your imagination, ends up in your worst nightmare.
In other words, feeling undeserving can make you feel unsafe.
And if the solution is to be kind, helpful, and a carpool dream, why not? Go ahead, spread the sunshine and enjoy the acts of giving. Go make someone a tray of kugelettes.
But you may be paying a different kind of price. Because in order to stay ahead, you have to keep score. You always have to know the stats, so you don’t find yourself at a disadvantage. It can make the relationship more transactional, less connected. Instead of being in the relationship, you’re busy measuring it.
If you want to know your score on keeping score, ask yourself:
What happens when you’re in the minus? When you need someone to watch your baby while you wait for your child’s bus in the rain? When you need to ask for favors, knowing you may not be able to “pay it back”? Is it possible that others will help you and take care of you even if you haven’t “earned” it first?
If you can answer those honestly, two points.
Between Carpools1 day agoOur One-Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice is one of our most popular recipes. It seems like everyone made it, loved it, and added it to their dinner rotation.
There are also some very heimish foods that are super comforting and deserve to make it to the menu, especially in the fall and winter–and farfel is one of them.
For those who aren’t familiar, farfel is a small egg noodle–it’s tiny and rustic-looking as is especially good at soaking up lots of delicious flavors. I thought to myself, “This should work instead of the rice in a new one-pot dish!” There’s two types you can choose from. The type on the right is neater and prettier and we used it in the photo. But we actually enjoy the more rustic-looking farfel on the left more–it’s yummier in a way!
Now, some of you might be wondering: BCP loves 9×13 dinners. So why are we making this using one pot on the stove?
I’ve made farfel plenty of times in a pan in the 9 x 13, like in this post. And it’s good. But honestly, whenever I make it on the stove, in a pot, with freshly sautéed onions, it is so. much. better.
There’s something about those onions cooking right in the pot and the farfel soaking up all that flavor that makes this version extra good.
And so, I decided to combine the comfort and flavors of the farfel with the technique of our One-Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice and the result may be one of our simplest and tastiest recipes yet.
So basic. So easy. And so good.
Start by dicing the onion and chicken into small pieces.
It’s the simple step of starting with the sautéing of these diced onions that’s going to give this dish all its flavor.
Once the onions are golden at the edges, add the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
It’ll only take 2-3 minutes for the chicken to turn white and be mostly cooked.
Add farfel and remaining seasoning and mix well, then add water. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring once during cooking.
When most of the water has been absorbed, the Chicken and Farfel is ready to serve!
Heat oil in a medium pot. Add onion and sauté for 8–10 minutes over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pot and stir for 2–3 minutes, until the chicken turns white.
Add farfel and remaining seasoning and mix well.
Add water. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring once during cooking. Check that most of the water has been absorbed. Serve.
Between Carpools1 day agoDr. Bass has been working with complex kids and families for over 20 years–and this class is an overview of the practical tips and important knowledge she wants all parents to know.
In the meantime, start here!
If you have a complex child: a highly sensitive child, a child with intense sensory needs, attentional issues, hyperactivity, social struggles, or learning differences (and more) here are Dr. Bass’s top 3 Things You Need to Know.
When your 6-year-old throws his shoe at your head or your teen slams the door so hard the hinges fall off, it seems like they’re “just being difficult.” Truth be told, when you demand they put on their shoes right this minute or continually knock on the door to remind them it’s time to get up, they think you are “just being difficult.” Just like you are a good person, managing stress as best you can, trying to get through the day, so are they, but with WAY less language and skills. When we really get it, understand the root of the behavior, it lets us set up better prevention plans and gives us more compassion for them.
Of course you have what to work on in your parenting; we all do. But truly complex kids, kids who are stressed out by the demands of everyday living, might have meltdowns or shutdowns even if you were the perfect parent. Persistent difficult behavior usually indicates underlying sensory, emotional or cognitive needs that are unmet. It’s not because you are a bad parent, it’s simply because the needs are big, persistent and can’t always be met.
You’ve lost it with your kid; you feel guilty; you wonder if you are doing enough. This is totally normal for parents of kids with challenging behavior. It is objectively stressful when your child is dysregulated. That stress will show up in your behavior, which creates more stress for them, which creates more stress for you…it’s a never-ending cycle. How do you interrupt it? Support. There is a loneliness to having a complex child AND you don’t have to do it alone. Having people who get it, get you and can help you brainstorm, problem solve and vent is essential to stopping the stress cycle.
If any or all of these resonate for you, join Dr. Bass:
Tuesday, October 13th
for a 90 minute masterclass:
Meltdowns and More: Navigating the Parenting Journey with Complex Kids and Teens.
This class provides a simple framework to understand your child’s behavior, your behavior and practical guidance on how to move forward.
Between Carpools1 day agoIf you have men or boys in your life, chances are you have a fair amount of white shirts in your closets. Some of the most frequent questions we get are about caring for these shirts, so we decided to put it all in one place.
Between Carpools2 days agoChalk is great for summer…what’s a little bit of extra chalk dust on top of everything else when they’re coming inside for showers after a long summer day outdoors? They sit on the pavement and color, or make a hopscotch board and jump…until a neighbor’s game or another fun activity captures their attention. No matter, they’re getting dirty!
Once the fall sets in, though, and kids tend to stay cleaner longer, we might not be so keen on the chalk. And besides, it’s getting cool out. That’s when painter’s tape comes in handy to keep kids creative and jumping.
Our eyes first opened to the creative uses of painter’s tape back in 2016 (10 years!!) when we posted this great activity using painter’s tape to make roads and a virtual city for toy cars.
We use it to create this Name/Initial Art (no matter age your child is, it comes out great!)
Painter’s Tape also comes in handy for lots of hacks on Between Carpools, like labeling tablecloths according to size (we also do this with crib/bassinet sheets), hanging up recipes during your pre-Yom Tov cook-a-thon, and hanging anything from chore charts, to school calendars, to Purim backdrops, to our Chanukah dance game board when we want to avoid damaging walls/floor. It’s super handy in a household, and our rolls do almost everything except help us paint in the lines.
And, today, our kids are using it to play hopscotch. Peeling it off at the end of the day can be the next fun activity.
Between Carpools13 days agoThe Voice of Lakewood presents a complete list of fun and family-oriented things to do and places to go this Chol Hamoed! Note that all travel times listed by each location are from Lakewood, NJ, which is about 1 ¼ hours from New York. Travel times may be less or more depending on your location. Enjoy your trips!
Between Carpools13 days agoWe’ve shared lots about creating a menu on Between Carpools over the years. A while back, Renee Muller wrote a guide to Writing Your Menu. And plenty of you are using our download, this Yom Tov Menu planner, to plan yours. We’ve also shared basic Yom Tov menus of dishes that work well together so you have a starting point (swap, add, delete dishes from these sample menus).
But the single most best source of menu ideas for your Yom Tov is not going to be found here on Between Carpools. Yes, we’re admitting that!
That’s because the best source of ideas for your menu is…your past menus! Those are your best starting points. Those are the menus that work specifically for your family. Or, even better, the best menus are your menus that also include notes about what went over well, what didn’t go, what you made too much of, or too little of.
Most of us begin our Yom Tov menus by adjusting menus from previous years.
If you make your menus with pen and paper, simply keep the printed pages of the Yom Tov Menu planner in a binder or folder organized by year or by Yom Tov. If you prefer more space, use our Shabbos Menu Planner. You can download and print the pages, or order a complete notepad.
You can also keep the menus organized on a spreadsheet like Victoria does here. Each Yom Tov, she simply adds another tab to the same Google Sheets file and has spreadsheets of menus from years back.
But, of course, your menu is done and you’re ready to serve. But when Yom Tov is over, make those notes. You already know those notes come in handy! Perhaps you already write your notes down after Pesach Notes and you read about making general post Yom Tov notes here too: The Note I Make After Every Chag.
So, even if you always toss your menus, this time, keep notes…and get a folder!
Between Carpools13 days agoPicture this: You’ve been invited by someone you love to come spend time together.
You arrive at a beautifully set table. The food is delicious, the wine is flowing, everything feels warm and inviting. And just as you’re about to really connect, your host gets up.
Just one more thing from the kitchen.
They come back. You start talking. They remember something else they need to bring out.
Again and again, you almost get to the part you came for, to share what’s been happening, to tell your stories, to hear and be heard, but your loved one is too busy hosting you to actually sit with you.
And eventually you want to say: I don’t need another salad. I need you.
Welcome to Sukkos.
We women put a lot into Yom Tov. The cooking, serving, decorating, clearing, feeding everyone again approximately 17 minutes after they finished eating.
We want the Sukkah to be beautiful. We want the meals to feel special. We want everyone to have what they need. But somewhere between the soup and the second load of dishes, we can forget what all of this is actually for.
The Sukkah is an invitation into Hashem’s space.
Did you know that out of 613 ways to connect with Hashem, only 3 require our entire being? Living in Eretz Yisrael surrounds us on the broadest level. Mikvah is deeply personal and intimate. And somewhere between the two is Sukkah.
We step inside that space with our whole selves.
We eat there. We talk there. We laugh there. We sit surrounded by Hashem’s presence, joined by the Ushpizin and simply spend time together. It may be one of the most intimate invitations of the entire year, and we can spend the whole time bringing out another salad.
So this Sukkos, at least once, just sit.
Find a few minutes when you’re not carrying a serving bowl. Bring your coffee into the sukkah. Sit down. Look around.
You don’t need to daven. You don’t need to have a profound thought. You don’t even need to do anything.
Because maybe after everything we do to make Sukkos beautiful, Hashem is waiting for the same thing we would be:
I don’t need another salad.
I want you.
Between Carpools14 days agoThere’s a shift in a family that doesn’t happen at a bris or a baby naming: it happens at the wedding. B”H, someone new is sitting at your table, not as a guest and not just for Yom Tov, but as someone who now belongs here. It may be either your son’s wife or your daughter’s husband, and now comes the next stage in life, where everything you’ve been building for the last 20 plus years now becomes the foundation that everything else rests on.
What You Invest Early
The early years in your child’s marriage are about how you show up. You can give gifts, that’s beautiful, and at the same time you don’t have to spend money to make it meaningful, because what you give emotionally is what lasts.
What are some of the things you can give that don’t cost a thing? Compliments. Telling them you’re proud. Telling them (or even texting if it’s hard for you to say it the first time), “I loved having you here.” These little words mean a lot and build something significant. They make your child in law feel at ease, and they send a clear message: You matter here.
Be the Grown–Up
There may be times when things don’t feel “even.” They may not call, or they may not check in the way you hoped. That’s not in your control. The part that is in your control is to be the steady one.
You send the text, you remember the interview they mentioned, you check in before a stressful week, you ask how they’re really doing. You don’t do it because you’re chasing them or keeping score, but because the aura in a family is set by the grown-ups.
When you lead with calm and love, you give the relationship space to grow at its own pace.
Protect the Marriage
For years, you were their first call, and now, your child has someone new who’s that person. One of the most powerful things you can say is, “What does your spouse think you should do?”
Don’t tell your married child what their sibling said, and don’t compare. Not casually, not “just between us,” and not even with good intentions. Comparison chips away at a relationship.
When our children trust us, they’ll come closer. When they feel exposed, or betrayed, they’ll pull back.
When They Are in Your Home
When they come to your home, see it as a bracha. Notice what they like and stock up, i.e. their favorite drink, a candy they mentioned once. These small things say more than a whole speech ever could. You’re telling them: You’re part of this home.
When they leave, text your Mechutanim and share the nachas. It might be something you appreciated about their daughter’s kindness, or their son’s sense of humor that enhanced the weekend. You’re not just hosting; you’re building a connection that lasts longer than we realize.
Love Generously
With our children, we give love naturally, without overthinking it. With our children in law it’s important to create that same warmth.
People come back to places where they feel comfortable, safe, and loved. They’re drawn to a home where they feel valued, and they’ll bring their own children to these spaces.
Not because they have to, but because they want to. And isn’t that what we really all want?
Between Carpools15 days agoThere’s something about September that feels like fall, even when the weather still seems summery. School is back, routines are starting up again, Sukkos is here, and suddenly I’m craving all the cozy flavors.
As much as I love honey cake, this pumpkin cake is such a delicious way to switch things up.
The flavor is somewhere between honey cake and carrot cake, with a slightly more elevated flavor profile from the pumpkin and warm spices.
The pecan streusel is really the star here. It adds the perfect amount of crunch and sweetness and gives the cake so much texture. I love that every bite has a little bit of that sweet, nutty topping.
This cake is perfect with a cup of coffee in the morning, and I also love making it into muffins for an easy grab-and-go treat or mini muffins for a sweet side dish. Just keep in mind that the baking time will need to be adjusted depending on the size you make.
In a 9×13 pan, whisk together eggs, oil, pumpkin purée, non-dairy milk, and vanilla until combined.
Add flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
Mix until a smooth batter forms.
Now let’s make the pecans streusel. If your pecans are whole, you can easily chop them in a Ziploc bag using a meat tenderize.
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, oil, chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt. Mix with your hands until large crumbs form.
Sprinkle on top of batter.
Bake for about 55 min to 1 hour and 5 min, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a 9×13 pan, whisk together eggs, oil, pumpkin purée, non-dairy milk, and vanilla until combined.
Add flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a smooth batter forms.
Prepare the Pecan Streusel. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, oil, chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt. Mix with your hands until large crumbs form. Sprinkle on top of batter.
Bake for about 55 min to 1 hour and 5 min, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If you prefer to make this recipe in a long loaf pan, split it in half and use two pans. The cake to crumb ratio will be better than if you use one pan for a taller loaf.
Between Carpools16 days agoIf you are looking for last minute clothing checkout the latest fashion finds on Amazon.
What else is still on your last minute Yom Tov list?
Are you missing any baby gear to get you through Yom Tov? Read this post!
Between Carpools18 days agoI looked at the whole buffet, trying to decide what I should taste. And this Cauliflower Salad was what stood out to me. After dessert, I went back for more so that I could pay more attention to what was in it.
A friend noticed I was having salad after dessert. “Are you tasting it again so you can figure out the recipe?”
“Yes, of course!”
This Cauliflower Salad feels exotic–yet the components are very accessible and simple to prep. Let’s start.
Even though fresh cauliflower can be used, I tried it using frozen cauliflower as it’s more practical. You get much more cauliflower for the money and we’re roasting it for a while, so I don’t think it will make much of a difference in the end.
Start by thawing your cauliflower just until it’s soft enough for you to be able to slice it thinly. This is easiest if it’s still mostly frozen. If you use mini cauliflower, you don’t have to slice the cauliflower as it’s already small enough.
Add your chickpeas to the baking sheet.
Drizzle the whole tray with the olive oil.
Sprinkle with spices–turmeric is the essential ingredient here.
Then toss it all together.
Bake at 425°F for 30 minutes (check it at 25 minutes as every oven is different).
While the cauliflower and chickpeas are roasting, you can prep the other ingredients. Slice your shallot or red onion very thinly. The green pepper also needs to be very thin.
Now for the parsley. To measure, remove the leaves and add them to a measuring cup. You don’t need to pack them down. Once you have 2 cups, add them to your cutting board and give a few quick chops. You don’t need to chop finely–the parsley can be nice and big in this salad.
If using kosher pre-checked parsley that comes in small (~1 oz) packages, you will likely need two of them.
Our cauliflower and chickpea mixture is ready! It might look burnt to you when you take it out, but it’s not. We want crunchy chickpeas! The flavor on the cauliflower will also be nicely concentrated.
In a bowl, combine the cauliflower/chickpea mixture with the shallot, green pepper, and parsley. There is no mistake that there is no dressing in this salad. The flavor is so concentrated in these ingredients, we find that it doesn’t even need a dressing! If not serving immediately, you can add a little bit of olive oil just to tie it all together.
How to Prep Ahead: Even though this is called a salad, it’s technically roasted veggies, so it’s best when the cauliflower/chickpea mixture is roasted on the same day that you’ll be serving it. The chickpeas lose their crunch once they are refrigerated. But that doesn’t mean you need to do it all at the last minute. You can prep all your veggies the day before. Keep the seasoned cauliflower/chickpea mixture in one container and the pepper/parsley/shallot in another container. Then, simply add the cauliflower/chickpea mixture to a greased baking sheet to roast, then toss with the fresh veggies.
5 from 1 vote
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line and grease a baking sheet with aluminum foil or line with parchment paper.
On the prepared baking sheet, toss cauliflower and chickpeas with olive oil and spices. Bake for 30 minutes (check after 25 minutes as every oven may be different). It might look overcooked and almost burnt, but it’s not. We want the chickpeas to be crunchy!
In a bowl, combine cauliflower/chickpea mixture with shallot, green pepper, and parsley. Toss with olive oil if using.
Between Carpools18 days agoYou bought the Yom Tov outfits. (You did, didn’t you?! If not, read this.) The shoes, the socks, the yarmulkes. Done, right?
Except then you remembered to check whether the girls’ mocknecks fit from last year. And if your son has extra black pants. And if there are any right gender hand-me-downs in size 6-9 in the garage? And does anyone actually have enough pajamas to get through Yom Tov?
Aha. Well, here we are.
Tottini’s stocked with the everyday basics, the in-betweens, and the extras. Below, everything we (okay fine, I) forgot!
Between Carpools20 days agoEven though I work “behind the scenes” at Between Carpools and don’t usually get involved in the recipe development (or rather, the recipe hunting), that doesn’t mean I don’t keep my ears and eyes open when I hear about something that sounds good (hint: citrus + chicken, yum).
After all, I try to be a good team player!
One of my neighbor friends, Hadassah K., always has recipe ideas to share. She’s a speech therapist and culinary enthusiast and I always knew that one day, one of her ideas would be a fit for Between Carpools.
And I thought this was it. It’s easy, pretty, and works perfectly as an oven-to-table dish you can bring straight to the table.
I’ve learned some tips from Hadassah in the years that she’s been my neighbor. She prepares her family’s favorites of course–but she doesn’t “skip herself,” and she also prepares the dishes that she likes, even if she’s going to be the only one! Ladies, don’t skip those dishes!
This chicken is simple and has basic, fresh flavors.
Start by patting the chicken dry (even if you don’t usually do this, it’s important this time). Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large Dutch oven (or any heavy-bottomed pot) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Add chicken, skin side down, and sear for 6-8 minutes, until skin is deeply golden and crisp.
Add the orange, lemon, onion, and garlic, in between the pieces of chicken. Optionally add the head of garlic and thyme to the pan as well.
Add chicken stock and orange juice to the pan.
Bake uncovered at 400°F for 30-40 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Start basting with the glaze during the last 10-20 minutes (don’t baste earlier), until the chicken is cooked through. Don’t glaze earlier or the honey will burn before the chicken is cooked.
If rewarming for Yom Tov, reserve some of the glaze for basting while rewarming.
This can be made 1-2 days ahead and kept refrigerated before rewarming (cover well). It is not recommended to freeze!
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken dry (even if you don’t usually do this, it’s important this time). Season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients. Set aside.
Heat a large Dutch oven (or any heavy-bottomed pot) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Add chicken, skin side down, and sear for 6-8 minutes, until skin is deeply golden and crisp. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your pan. Flip the chicken, right side up.
Add the orange, lemon, onion, and garlic in between the pieces of chicken. Optionally add the head of garlic and thyme to the pan as well.
Add chicken stock and orange juice to the pan.
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Start basting with the glaze during the last 10-20 minutes (don’t baste earlier), until the chicken is cooked through. Don’t glaze earlier or the honey will burn before the chicken is cooked.
If rewarming for Yom Tov, reserve some of the glaze for basting while rewarming. This can be made 1-2 days ahead and kept refrigerated before rewarming (cover well). It is not recommended to freeze.
Between Carpools20 days agoThe men and teens may be out of the house all day, but as a mom of little kids, you have a double task when Yom Kippur comes. Your kids will need you and want you, but you also want to spend quality time with your siddur, making the day as meaningful as possible. Here’s our roundup of tips to help you keep those kids happy so you can have ample quiet time for davening.
Activities
This is the best activity for so many ages. It’s fun and delicious! All you need is pipe cleaners and fruit loops and the kids will be busy. Read the rest of the post here.
Activities
A while back we asked our readers for ideas on how to entertain a toddler. Not all are Shabbos and Yom Tov-friendly but there are a few good ones in there, including:
“Have them set the table with plastic spoons and cups.”
“Sit in a rocking chair with a sippy cup and a favorite book.”
“Buy paper bathroom cups by the hundreds…you’ll be amazed what they can build with them.”
Activities
A roll of painter’s tape may be your solution. Let them set up the course you see here on erev yom kippur (when they’re home anyway) and play on Yom Kippur. Read the post here.
These are our favorite toys for shabbos and yom tov. No lights, no music!
Games
Only have one kid home? Check out these single player games.
Games
Read this post for our favorite board games. Buy it now and have them for Chol Homoed too!
Games
If your child is old enough to come to shul with you, take along these games for just in case situations!
Nothing entertains a child for a longer stretch of time than a good book! Head out to your local store to get stocked up. We’ve got lots of kid’s book recommendations in these posts.
Food
It’s best if you can put up a meal on a Crock-Pot ahead of time so the kids have something to eat during the day. (Just be sure to keep in mind the halachos regarding taking food out of a Crock-Pot while it’s still cooking.)
Growing up, my mother always made a double recipe of kugel on Erev Yom Kippur. Half went into the oven for the pre-fast meal, and the other half went into a Crock-Pot for the kids to eat on Yom Kippur. Fasting while smelling overnight potato kugel is a whole new level of challenge, but if we were lucky, there was even some left for the adults when the fast was over!
Cholent, pareve or regular is always a great option.
Perhaps try something from our Crock-Pot roundup.
It’s also helpful to simply have some wholesome snacks around. If you don’t want to spend time prepping meals, but you still want the kids to have access to nutritious things that will fill them up, I like to boil some eggs and cook a pot of pasta. Here is a great list of ideas.
**Teach Them About the Day
**If you’re home anyway and the kids need your attention, use the time as an opportunity to teach them about the power and meaning of the day.
Even small children can connect to this aspect of Yom Kippur.
And to help keep the day peaceful, brush up on your “getting kids to listen to you” skills ahead of time with these tips.
Gmar Chasimah Tovah!
Between Carpools21 days agoAlthough I’ve been making this recipe for awhile, of course, when it comes time to give it over to the Between Carpools audience, it gets tested again.
Since we held our first Yom Tov photoshoots of the season in July, it made sense that during the Nine Days, when there would be fish on the menu every single night, I would take the opportunity to test it once more.
It was finished to the last bit.
Now really, you could use any white fish you like. We’re just choosing sea bass because it’s Yom Tov and it’s usually the premium pick. But if you like turbot/baby halibut or branzino, or something else entirely, go ahead.
The star here is the parsnips.
You’d think we’re doing magic. But it couldn’t be simpler. The ingredient list here is as pure and basic as it gets. First, sauté your onion until golden in a deep sauté pan. Then add the parsnip chunks and salt. Add water, bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. The parsnips will get nice and soft and most of the water should be evaporated.
When it’s ready, it will be a golden color. Blend using an immersion blender. This can be done in the pot, but it’s easiest in a container. You can also store the purée in the same container until you’re ready to serve it.
We’re also going to prepare a topping for the fish, just to make it “fancy.”
Once upon a time, a pastry chef taught me that when there’s a purée, the garnish should give a hint as to what the purée is. So, this garnish has roasted parsnip strips, in addition to fennel and shallots. Simple drizzle with olive oil and salt and bake.
But no worries. If you don’t like fennel or any of these components, you can skip. And if you’re not in the mood to cut vegetables so nicely, while the topping is nice and pretty and makes this a composed finished dish, it’s not required. The purée certainly stands on its own.
The sea bass is the one component that should be baked fresh. Simply sprinkle with salt, pepper, and olive oil and in the oven it goes.
Our fish looks perfect.
Our topping is also ready.
Time to plate this dish! Start by adding a generous dollop of parsnip purée to the plate and round it out with the back of a spoon.
Add a piece of fish on top.
Add the topping.
Gorgeous…and delicious! You may be surprised, but they will scoop up every last bite of these parsnips.
5 from 1 vote
In a deep sauté, heat olive oil. Add onions and cook over medium-low heat until golden and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
Add parsnips, salt, and water and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the fully tender parsnips have turned a light gold color and most of the water has evaporated. Use an immersion blender to purée until smooth.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Add fish to one baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes.
Add fennel, parsnip, and shallot strips to the second baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes.
To serve, add a generous dollop of parsnip purée to the plate. Spread it out using a spoon. Top with fish and vegetables.
Between Carpools21 days agoThis Elul, we’ve had a recurring conversation rolling around the Between Carpools table. It goes something like this:
‘Why is _____ the only option?’ or ‘How did ______ become the standard?’ or even ‘I’m not sure if ____ is right for us.’
We’ve been thinking about the way other people’s decisions impact us. How something becomes ‘in,’ then it’s just normal, and then it turns into standard, and eventually the minimum. We’ve been considering how much of what we buy, or what we do is actually a conscious choice, and how much we’re just doing, just because that’s ‘done.’
Have you seen the Values over Valuables ads? The goal isn’t to tell anyone what to buy, what kind of lifestyle to live, or how much to spend. It’s about making choices with intention, instead of making them by default.
Making the default choice is just so easy. It’s easy to add an item to our cart. It’s easy to think less and just follow along, because that’s what everyone’s doing.
So, instead of taking the easy way out, the BCP team is taking the Values over Valuables pledge. Each one of us, each in our own way. We’re asking ourselves questions like ‘Do I actually want this?’ and ‘Is this the right choice for me?’
Because if we all take the pledge, to live our lives more thoughtfully, more intentionally, then we’ll start to create change. When we start looking beyond the latest, the biggest, and the most elaborate, we can start to notice other things, things like creativity, intentionality, and balance.
Might it be hard? Of course! But maybe it’s the good kind of hard, the growing kind of hard. And if we all look inward to find the best choice for ourselves, the thoughtful choice won’t feel like the strange choice. It will just be a decision made with clarity.
Values over Valuables is flipping the script on what we consider impressive. What looks impressive from the outside doesn’t necessarily equal what’s meaningful on the inside. And when we start to praise the thoughtful choice, that’s what will become standard.
So this Elul, we’re joining Values over Valuables and taking the pledge. We’re taking the pledge to make decisions thoughtfully, based on what we value. Learn more at www.valuesovervaluables.org, and together we can flip the script.
Between Carpools22 days agoThis is exactly the type of dessert you were looking for. Your family loves the basics. They love your brownie, they love your chocolate cake. But for Yom Tov, you were looking for something a bit more special.
Something that makes you feel like a real balabusta when you’re serving it, right? Or perhaps something that will have them polishing that dessert plate off and leaving the meal with positive feelings and rave reviews.
They also want that familiar + a twist type of dessert. Those comforting flavors they love, with the feeling of “this is special.” After all, they want to have their cake and eat it too.
This dessert does it. To start, you can use any brownie or chocolate cake recipe (depending on how fudgy or cakey you prefer it to be). We used the Chocolate Cake from Dinner Done 2 (recipe below) and baked it in a sheet pan instead of in a 9×13 (we included the recipe card for the cake below; make sure to print both recipes below if you are using it!).
If you are using a brownie recipe, you will likely need to double it. W
Do you remember this brownie hack? For perfectly glazed brownies, slice the cake/brownie before adding the glaze. Didn’t slice beforehand? You can also chill the cake and use a warm knife as instructed in the recipe below.
We used a different glaze here; this one is a bit more delicate and suitable for this dessert.
Smooth using an offset spatula. To read more about offset spatulas and why you need them to frost brownies and cakes, see this post.
The Praline Cream is easy to make and only entails three ingredients. Plus, you can keep it in the refrigerator from now until you are ready to serve the dessert. In the past, we’ve shown you this piping bag hack that makes it easier to fill the piping bag. But what about when you want to close it securely and you don’t have a rubber band available?
First, make sure you don’t overfill the bag. Then, use a scissor to cut the empty portion of the bag in half.
Tie the two sides into a secure knot.
Now you can store this until you’re ready to use it!
For the perfect dessert plate, pipe some of the praline cream on each plate. Place your rectangular chocolate cake on top of it or next to it.
Generously shower the entire dessert with the Pecan Crunch Crumble.
Decorate with fruit and pomegranate seeds.
You’ll be so proud and excited to serve this dessert!
5 from 1 vote
You can use your favorite chocolate cake or brownie when preparing this brownie.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place sugar, oil, orange juice, water, eggs, and vanilla into a large mixing bowl. Beat together until the mixture is completely smooth and slightly pale.
Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and coffee powder. Mix everything together just until the batter is combined, and no dry flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
Pour the cake batter onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it evenly into the corners. Bake for 25-30 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean). Let it cool completely.
In a bowl combine all glaze ingredients mix until smooth
Because you are aiming for that crisp, clean, miniature rectangular loaf look, wait until the sheet cake cools completely. Put the entire baked sheet cake into the fridge or freezer for 20 minutes before cutting.
Once cake is cold, completely pour glaze over cake and top with toppings. Wait until it sets. Slicing a chilled cake with a warm knife will give you razor-sharp, professional edges without a single crumb breaking out of place. Another way to do it is as demonstrated in this post, where you slice the cake first and add the glaze later. Both methods work well.
Once chilled cut into rectangles (roughly 5 inches long by 1.5 inches wide). Divide up and store in the freezer until ready to use.
5 from 1 vote
Add cold non-dairy whipped topping into a chilled bowl of an electric mixer. Whip at high speed until stiff, firm peaks form.
In a separate small bowl, vigorously stir the Baker’s Choice Praline Paste straight into the melted dark chocolate until a completely uniform, smooth paste forms.
Turn your mixer to low speed. Slowly stream the chocolate-praline mixture into the whipped topping. Mix for just 15 to 20 seconds until a uniform, light-brown, fluffy mousse forms. Transfer to a piping bag and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. This can be prepared a few days ahead of time.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour margarine over the mixture. Using a fork or your hands, toss and press the mixture together until it begins to clump into breadcrumbs and small gravel-sized clusters. Do not overmix it into a flat dough paste.
Scatter the clusters evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, tossing gently halfway through, until deeply golden and fragrant. Let it cool completely on the tray to crisp up.
For the perfect dessert plate, pipe some of the praline cream. Place your rectangular chocolate cake on top of it or next to it, and generously shower the entire dessert with the crunchy pecan crumble. Decorate with fruit and pomegranate seeds.
Between Carpools22 days agoThe background of this dish is quite simple.
My mother shared some pictures of what she’s cooking for Yom Tov with me, and this was one of her new creations.
We loved the idea! It was just what we needed. The ingredients aren’t different from your standard deli roll, but still this feels elevated. And as much as we like finding new, interesting recipes to try, at the end of the day, there’s plenty of family members that prefer the basics and we need to please them first of all!
This checks the boxes. The “picky eaters/prefers the basics” people are happy, and you have something to bring to the table that’s pretty to please them.
We enjoy preparing galettes because while they present very well, they’re exceedingly simply to prepare and it’s hard to mess them up. We featured this Cranberry Galette last fall (it’s perfect for now too!), and these Fruit Galettes are a long time favorite. This Apple Crumb Galette is another fall fav, and come Shavuos, you might want to try a dairy version. This is the first time, however, that we’re featuring a savory version.
Let’s start. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 8-10 minutes, until golden at the edges. Add cold cuts–we used pastrami and turkey, but use whatever you like! (Or, use whatever you have leftover!). Stir for 2-3 minutes, then add the ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise and stir a little more.
Even though puff pastry comes in a rectangle, we want to get this into a square so that we can eventually get it into a circle.
To get that square, on a sheet of parchment paper, roll it out, going up and down rather than left and right.
Trim the four corners so that you have a round sheet of puff pastry. (Use the extra dough and filling to make yourself a boureka for lunch!)
Add the filling to the middle, leaving a 2-3 inch border at the edges.
Fold over the edges of the dough while pinching into pleats, forming a circle.
No need to be perfect.
Finally, brush the crust generously with duck sauce.
Sprinkle with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning.
You can freeze at this point if you’re prepping ahead for Yom Tov.
If serving immediately, bake for 45-50 minutes. If you’re baking after freezing (if not thawed), it will take a bit longer.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook 8-10 minutes, until golden at the edges.
Add cold cuts and stir for 2-3 minutes. Add ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. Cook while stirring for 2 more minutes, until well-combined.
On a sheet of parchment paper, roll out the puff pastry to a sheet that’s as square as possible. Cut off the four corners so that you have a round sheet of puff pastry.
Add the filling to the middle, leaving a 2-3 inch border at the edges.
Fold over the edges of the dough while pinching into pleats, forming a circle.
Brush the crust generously with duck sauce. Sprinkle with Everything but the Bagel Seasoning. Galette can be frozen at this point. If serving immediately, bake for 35-40 minutes.
Between Carpools23 days agoSukkah Creations
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Between Carpools24 days agoAt one point or another, each of us had tried this corn soup at Tomahawk Steakhouse in Lakewood, NJ…and we each enjoyed it.
You may have already tried and enjoyed our dairy Corn Soup in Dinner Done–this pareve version, we thought, would be perfect for enjoying this time of year in the Sukkah (enjoy it while the corn is still sweet!)–it’s dressed up with little restaurant touches that add flavor without overcomplicating things.
So, we asked for the recipe. And while our friends at Tomahawk agreed immediately, it took the chef about a month until we had the recipe written down. Why? He needed to figure out how to pare down a big recipe for the home cook.
Like many corn soup recipes, this recipe, which starts with only 4 ears of fresh, sweet corn, doesn’t yield a lot. Feel free to double as needed.
Get your corn ready by slicing the kernels off the cob.
We’ll start the soup base by giving the shallot a headstart.
After 2-3 minutes, add the jalapẽno….
Then the red pepper and corn.
Cook for 5-7 more minutes, until corn is lightly caramelized. Stir in the cilantro.
Add the vegetable stock, raise heat and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes before blending.
And while we are using an immersion blender for the convenience, we know that at the restaurant, they use a Vitamix, which will do a much better job of breaking down the kernels.
When we strained the soup after using an immersion blender, we were left with more bulk and less overall yield.
This is an extra step to get that velvety smooth texture.
Return the soup to the pot.
Full disclaimer. This is a restaurant recipe–so there are going to be some ingredients that perhaps are a little junkier, like non-dairy creamer and corn syrup.
Finely dice more jalapeño, cilantro, and red pepper for a really pretty garnish.
Ladle the soup into bowls and add the garnish. Enjoy!
5 from 1 vote
Heat oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the jalapẽno, corn, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and the corn begins to lightly caramelize, 5–7 minutes.
Stir in cilantro and pour in vegetable stock. Increase heat slightly and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
Using a blender or immersion blender, purée the soup until completely smooth. (For a velvety texture, pass through a fine-mesh sieve or chinois into a clean pot.)
Return the strained soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the creamer, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, until slightly reduced and glossy.
Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with jalapeño, cilantro, and red pepper.
Between Carpools24 days agoYour apples have been dipped, your Yom Tov food has been devoured, and your Rosh Hashana machzor has a few more tears in its pages. Now Sukkos is really around the corner!
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Being hosted? Closeout Connection has lots of beautiful gifts to bring along! We love these Mescente reed diffusers (three scents!) with fragrances inspired by Jo Malone, making an easy and elegant hostess gift. So luxe!
Then there’s the little things to gift that make hosting Sukkos easier, and a little more fun. These are perfect for yourself too! Check out these trays for bringing food in and out of the Sukkah, a gorgeous cake tray on your counter, and beautiful fingertip towels for Yom Tov.
At this time of year, there’s always one more thing you need. Good thing Closeout Connection makes that one more thing easy to find!
Between Carpools27 days agoMonth: Tishrei
Mazel: Scale
Human Faculty: Touch
In Elul, the alarm clock rang out. “Ben Adam, mah lecha nirdam?” Why are you asleep? We attempted to arouse ourselves in the Selichos.
Tishrei is when we jump up from bed, wide awake. We throw off the blanket and choose wakefulness over slumber, aliveness over deadness. We’re not rubbing our eyes while reaching for the snooze button. Rather, we move straight into wakefulness, shedding all vestiges of slumber. It’s not a coincidence that Rosh Hashanah is the only Yom Tov at the start of the month. That’s because Rosh Hashanah sets the tone for the entire chodesh. As the Rambam explains, the purpose of the shofar is “Arise you sleepers from your slumber!” There’s so much to gain! So much to absorb! Take it all in. Next comes Yom Kippur, when we’re once again reminded, through the words Hashem says to the Navi Yona: Stop running away from your mission, from your reality! When Yona fell asleep on the ship, Hashem roused him awake. The message was clear: Be where you are meant to be, in body, mind, and heart.
Saturated with Yamim Tovim that are meant to sustain us for the rest of the year, Tishrei is the time when we want to be constantly present, awake and ready to absorb the essence of every Yom Tov. The month starts with Rosh Hashanah, when we re-accept Hashem’s sovereignty, and segues through Yom Kippur, Sukkos, and Simchas Torah, each of them intended to suffuse us with another spiritual boost. What is our avodah at this time of year? To be present to the spiritual gifts so we can absorb them at their highest capacity.
What does presence mean? The answer is simple: both my mind and my heart are fully engaged in this moment. My mind is clear of distracting thoughts, and my heart is open to feel. We get to practice this experience on the very first day of the year: At tekias shofar. When the shofar blows, all is still. Everyone is uber-focused on one sound—a cry from the heart. A cry that yearns for more. More bracha, more goodness, more closeness to Hashem. The human faculty correlated to Tishrei is touch, which represents closeness and deeper connection—how appropriate for a month that is centered on increasing kirvas Elokim.
This beautiful combination of a quiet mind and a flowing heart is what enables us to experience the nochach pnei Hashem, being present to the Ribono shel Olam. (As well, it is the secret to being present to all other relationships in our lives.)
Interestingly, since presence is the essence of Shabbos, Chazal deemed it unnecessary for the shofar to be blown when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos, like this year. Shabbos is intended to be a time of decreased distractions so the mind can focus exclusively on our relationship with Hashem and coming closer to Him. It is also a time when we are encouraged to feel more pleasure, whether through increased avodas Hashem, or through the seudos, zemiros, and other emotion-inducing activities that Shabbos invites into our life.
Want to tap into the spiritual propensity of this month? Allow yourself to be awake, one moment at a time. It is the only way to amass the riches that this month is here to give us. We don’t want Tishrei to pass over us; we want it to penetrate into our bones and carry us through the year.
Here’s how to maximize the potential of this month:
1.
**Once Per Day This Month.**Make presence your focus for just one minute (the more, the better, but start with this). The good news is that while presence is most easily achieved when our environment is conducive to it—such as a quiet room or a calm place—it is a state we are able to reach anywhere, anytime, as long as our mind and heart are in it. So, either choose to go to a quiet place, or make up your mind to experience presence wherever you find yourself, fading out the sounds and sights around you.
2.
Quiet Your Mind.
Yes, Tishrei tends to be especially busy for most of us—which only makes this exercise even more of a necessity than a luxury. You may find that your mind is overflowing with thoughts about this and that, tasks that need to get done, opinions on those around you… Take a deep breath and allow all racing thoughts to quiet down, to fade into the background.
3.
**Choose One Singular Experience to Focus on.**Be fully present to this particular experience.
For just one minute (at least), channel all your thoughts and all your emotions toward this one singular spiritual experience relating to the Yom Tov you’re preparing for or are currently in. You may choose to have your moment of “wakefulness” when you’re engaged in a mitzvah or minhag relating to the chag, such as while dipping the apple in the honey, doing kapparos, or watching the hakafos. Your focus becomes the internal experience: what thoughts you have around this experience and what it feels like in your heart. This, and only this.
What best enables us to be present in this experience is to use the tool of visual imagery. As Rav Dessler, among other sefarim teaches, our imagination has the power to bring a scene to life both in our mind and our heart. For example, if you’re in the process of cooking or running “just one more” errand before Sukkos, or you’re already sitting in the Sukkah, tune out the sounds and sights around you and simply picture that you’re currently in Hashem’s embrace. As Shlomo Hamelech writes in Shir Hashirim, “His left hand is under my head, and His right arm embraces me.” Close your eyes (even figuratively) and just picture that. Breathe into it. Wow, what a moment! Allow yourself to feel the love, feel the togetherness, to be overwhelmed by the warmth of His embrace. That, my dear sisters, is presence. That, my dear sisters, is being awake.
Doing this exercise is especially beautiful during a month when 1. The mind races non-stop through our oversized to-do list and 2. We may be more emotionally triggered than usual by those around us. It’s the positive, flowing emotions that we want more of. What a gift!
In its root language, the word Tishrei means beginning. May this be the start of a beautiful new year, dear sisters. A year of increased simchah, more fulfilled relationships, and more presence. As we beseech on Rosh Hashanah, “[Hashem], create for me a pure heart and a spirit that is steadfast renew for me…”
When we are blessed to be “awake,” we get to experience life in full color. Every Yom Tov, every ritual, takes on layers of meaning and fills us with such purpose and joy. By giving ourselves the gift of presence as we live through Tishrei, we’ll look back and see how much we’ve enjoyed, grown, and connected to the spirit of the time. That’s true living. A simchas Yom Tov to you all!
Between Carpools28 days agoThe shofar.
That mystical, magical artifact we all have a love–hate relationship with. On the one hand we wait all year for it. We squish into alleys and tight spaces, pack bags of nosh to keep the kids quiet, all so we can hear those long–awaited sounds.
On the other hand, many of us don’t know what to make of those sounds once we finally hear them. We feel something, but can’t quite put it into words. Or we want to feel something, but don’t know what to aim for.
First Question – What Does Teruah Actually Mean?
There’s a pasuk we say in davening: “Ashrei ha’am yodei teruah” Blessed is the nation that knows the Teruah. Isn’t that a strange statement? What is there to know about the Teruah? Well, here’s something surprising. The word Teruah actually is used to describe a joyful shout, a cheer of celebration.
It’s completely different than the whole nail–biting, guilt–soaked panic we usually bring with us to shofar blowing. Yes, the sound of the shofar is actually the sound of cheer. Why would the sound of the Shofar, the sound we associate with judgement be called cheer?
Second Question – What Is The Shofar Actually Doing?
Hashem created a world that is always alive, always moving. And we are no different. Every action we take, every word we say and every thought we think moves us somewhere.
We’ve committed ourselves to a life of constantly moving toward one destination: a deeper, more connected relationship with Hashem and staying away from anything that gets in the way of that. We are either moving towards ideals like Emes, Yichud, and Ahava, or towards the static of Kinah, Sheker, and Ga’avah.
This is the essence of Teshuva. It’s making the choice not to stay stuck. It means choosing to check our direction and allowing ourselves to be moved back into alignment. To let the music of life move through us until we find ourselves back in step with Hashem, steadily moving towards our destination.
Perhaps that’s why Hashem gave us a mitzvah built around sound.
The Sound That Moves Us
Sound isn’t only something we hear. Sound is also movement. When something makes a sound, it creates tiny vibrations that travel through the air. Those vibrations reach our ears and our brain recognizes them as sound.
Sound moves. And when sound is powerful enough, it moves us. If we let it.
This is the secret that Klal Yisroel knows about Teruah. We don’t just listen to the Shofar, we allow its sound to move through us, bringing us back on track towards our goal.
Rosh Hashanah isn’t asking us to reinvent ourselves. It’s asking us to check our direction. Are we moving toward greater connection or greater separation? Greater truth or greater distraction?
So this year, as you stand in shul, (or in a severely overcrowded alleyway, twisting yourself into positions you didn’t know you were capable of), all to hear those sacred sounds, close your eyes, feel the sound and let it bring you back to what you know in your bones to be true. Allow yourself to talk to Hashem, and ask Him:
Hashem, allow these sounds to move through me and realign me to where I want to be. To remove the obstacles keeping me from you and to open me up to feeling you more closely than ever before. Let these sounds stay with me even when I leave this place, so that every choice I make will be one that keeps me connected to You.
Because, that is my ultimate goal, and the greatest source of my pleasure. This is the cheer of the Teruah.
Wishing us all a year of experiencing Hashem’s presence and connection with us as a deeply felt sense of home.
Between Carpools28 days agoWe introduced you to 5One Apparel last season, and petite women quickly got shopping! Clothes that are actually made for your proportions? No sleeves to roll up, no dramatic shortening, no waistline sitting around your hips? Say no more! 5One’s new collection just dropped, and it’s full of the stunning fall pieces you’re going to wear all season long.
The new collection brings that same thoughtful fit to a whole new lineup of pieces, with everyday casual styles and beautiful dressy options for Shabbos and Yom Tov. No reconstructing needed, these pieces fit the first time!
5One offers petite sizing across a wide range, from XXS to 3XL. Every piece is designed with petite proportions in mind, not simply standard clothing made shorter. Once you get used to clothes that fit properly, it’s hard to go back!
Shop in person at 38 Chelsea Road, Jackson, NJ (side door), or browse the collection online at 5One Apparel. Call, text, or WhatsApp 732-930-2770 for hours.
Our top picks, below.
Between Carpools28 days agoWe put together the outfits from head to toe to inspire your fall wardrobe!
Double Breasted Cream Sweater | Plaid Blouse | Plaid Pleated Skirt | Heeled Boots | Leather Cream Skirt | Knit Cream Top
Black Buttoned Jacket | Plaid Top | Plaid Skirt | Checked Midi Skirt | Checked Tie Shirt | Stud Shoes | Ballet Flats
Tweed Sweater | Black Skirt | Printed Blouse | Black Gathered Dress | Plaid Lace Detail Skirt | Grey Buttoned Sweater | Paisley Chiffon Skirt | Black Heels | Black Leather Flats
Knit Button Cardigan | Gray Cardigan | Belted Knit Jacket | Shirt Dress | Checked Grey Asymmetric Skirt | Long Sleeve Dress | Drop Waist Checked Skirt | Belt
Navy Cardigan | Polka Dot Skirt | Pleated Midi Dress | Back Tie Sweater | Checked Midi Skirt | Shoes | Leather Kitten Heels | V Neck Sweater
Red Stripe Sweater | Striped Polo Sweater | Knit Diamond Print Sweater | Blue Striped Polo Sweater | Blue Sweater | Tan Suede Loafers | Brown Suede Loafers | Brown Sneakers
Shirt Dress | Knit Ruffle Sweater | Gray Turtleneck | Brown Floral Slip Skirt | Seam Detail Long Skirt | Croc-Effect Kitten Heels | Blue Shirt Dress
Between Carpools29 days agoRosh Hashanah is a serious time. We stand before Hashem, reflect on the year that has passed, and think about the choices we have made. We speak about teshuva, repentance, taking responsibility, and becoming better people. These are important and powerful messages that belong at the heart of the Yamim Noraim.
But how do our children hear those messages?
If Rosh Hashanah is presented primarily as a time of judgment, fear, guilt, and remorse, our children may begin to associate this beautiful time of year with feelings of sadness and inadequacy. They may focus on everything they did wrong and wonder, “How could Hashem be happy with me when I made so many mistakes?”
And that is not the feeling we want them to carry into a new year.
Teshuva is not meant to make us feel hopeless. Quite the opposite. Teshuva is one of the greatest gifts Hashem has given us. It teaches us that we are never stuck. We can recognize where we have fallen short, make amends, learn from our mistakes, and choose a different path.
Every Rosh Hashanah, we are given the opportunity to begin again.
Imagine if our children could experience that message not with fear, but with hope.
Instead of asking only, “What did I do wrong this year?” we can encourage them to ask, “Who do I want to become this year?”
Instead of focusing only on regret, we can help them focus on growth.
Instead of allowing mistakes to become a source of shame, we can teach them that mistakes can become stepping stones toward becoming the person they are capable of being.
There is certainly a place for yirat Hashem, for awe and reverence of Hashem. Our children need to understand that our choices matter and that we are responsible for the way we live our lives. But perhaps this message needs to be balanced with something equally important: ahavat Hashem, the deep love between Hashem and His children.
Our children need to know that Hashem loves them. He wants them to succeed. He sees their potential. He gives them opportunities to return, repair, grow, and try again.
This may be especially important for today’s teenagers. They already live with tremendous pressure to be successful, to fit in, to look a certain way, and to measure up. They don’t necessarily need to enter the New Year feeling that they are being reminded of everything they have failed to do.
They need to know that they are capable of becoming more.
Perhaps our role as parents and educators is to help them experience the balance of the Yamim Noraim. Yes, there is seriousness. Yes, our actions matter. Yes, there is a call to take an honest look at ourselves.
But there is also love. There is forgiveness. There is possibility. And there is joy in knowing that we have the power to change.
We can ask our children questions that inspire them rather than frighten them. What is one middah you would like to strengthen this year? What is one relationship you would like to improve? What is one small change that could bring more goodness into your life?
Rosh Hashanah is not only about looking backward at the person we were. It is about looking forward at the person we can become.
And perhaps that is the message our children need most: You are loved. You are capable. You are not defined by your mistakes. A new year is beginning, and with it comes a beautiful opportunity to grow, to change, and to become the very best version of yourself.
Between Carpools29 days agoThere are certain personal traditions that show up in our homes just once a year, and that’s what makes them so special. We keep them for that particular time of year because we know that, as the children grow, they’ll remember them, cherish them, and look forward to them year after year.
These little customs are so unique to each family. For Rosh Hashanah, it might be braiding a challah in the shape of a pomegranate, placing special individual honey dishes at the table, baking our legendary honey cookies or doing something simple that becomes meaningful simply because you do it together every year.
Those are the moments that become family memories…the ones that you will hear your children hopefully reminisce about, saying “Remember when Mommy used to do xyz for Yom Tov…?”
Here’s one dessert we thought could be especially meaningful, and fun, for the little ones. It’s a quick dessert idea that can be exciting to prep together and fun to eat as well.
And it’s especially perfect for everyone who doesn’t have time to make dessert…but it’s no less special!
You will need:
**Apples.**Whichever variety and color you choose is fine
Skewers.
You can pick pretty ones to make it more festive, if you like.
**Dipping Sauces.
**We used honey (of course), pareve caramel sauce (we used this one by Tuscanini that we loved), Chocolate Sauce (also Tuscanini).
**Toppings.
**We used mini chocolate chips, Lotus Crunchies (which are crushed up Lotus cookies) and shredded coconut flakes. We stayed away from any nuts since it is customary not to eat nuts this time a year.
From here on it is quite simple. Cut the apples into spears.
Insert a skewer into the apple.
Dip each skewer into a sauce of your choice.
Then into the toppings, eat and enjoy!
This dessert is meant to be eaten immediately, served at the table with sauces and toppings as one would do for a fondue type of dessert.
Between Carpools1 month agoOver the years Devorah, my oldest sister-in-law, has shared so many gems of recipes. Honestly, it’s pretty much as if she has worked for free for me over the years! With a house of picky eaters, she cooks the kind of food that all children (and adults) love.
Some of our family favorites are originally hers. That includes the Tomato Soup with Dumplings, the Tomato Cream Sauce Pasta, these Water Challah Rolls, and this elegant appetizer that’s a favorite, the Skirt Steak Mango Salad. For Pesach, we always prepare and enjoy this version of Cream of Chicken Soup.
At her last wedding that we attended, this appetizer was served–and everyone polished it off. Now while many weddings have great food, it has been a while since I’ve seen everyone really enjoying an appetizer. So, I snapped a photo and thought to myself, “This would make a great appetizer for Yom Tov.”
Fast forward to this summer. I sent Devorah the photo I snapped and wrote, “We all enjoyed this at the wedding. I’m trying to remember, what was the sauce? I want to recreate it for BCP.’’ While this Restaurant-Style Gnocchini with Short Rib Ragout has been a long time favorite on BCP, this new version I tried was completely different. Unlike that version, I knew it would be great with any pulled beef. Plus, it felt light and fresh. I knew you would all enjoy it too!
And Devorah responded, “It was a garlic mayo with lots of parsley in it. I was the one who told the caterer what I wanted to serve.’’
Of course, I should have guessed. It was Devorah’s recipe on the plate all along.
She added, “It was so successful. The caterer told me he received many requests for it.’’
Pause for a minute. For all of you that are true Dinner Done fans (I hope it’s most of you!) you might recall that we have a dairy No-Pot Gnocchi on page 178 of Dinner Done 2 cookbook. Instead of boiling gnocchi the traditional way, we roasted store-bought gnocchi and topped it with parmesan cheese before serving. It’s really good and you should try it if you haven’t.
This recipe uses the exact same method! It’s so practical. Since the Garlic Parsley Sauce and the Shredded Beef you’ll use in this dish can both be easily made ahead, all that’s left to do is roast the gnocchi and you’re ready to serve a fresh, vibrant and filling appetizer.
Add the prepared gnocchi with cherry tomatoes to a baking sheet. Add the oil.
Then season with salt and pepper and toss to coat evenly.
For the shredded beef, you can shred any leftover roast you have, or use our Shredded Beef recipe in Dinner Done 2. Once the shredded beef is warmed up, you’re already ready to plate this!
When ready to serve, top gnocchi with shredded beef. Garnish with some crispy onions, Garlic Parsley Sauce, and some fresh parsley.
Enjoy!
Prep ahead: Shredded beef can be prepared and frozen. Simply thaw and rewarm.
Gnocchi can be roasted and refrigerated until ready to serve. The sauce can be made up to one week ahead (use this piping bag hack when storing it).
5 from 1 vote
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add gnocchi and tomatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, until gnocchi is golden and crisp at the edges.
Prepare the Garlic Parsley Mayo. Add all ingredients to a jar or container. Blend all together using an immersion blender. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
To plate the dish, place gnocchi with tomatoes in the center of an appetizer plate. Top with shredded beef. Sprinkle on the crispy onions. Dollop garlic parsley mayo and some fresh parsley leaves and serve.
Between Carpools1 month agoYou know when you have the top, you have the shoes, you have an idea of that ever-elusive perfect outfit, and then you realize you have absolutely nothing to wear on the bottom?
Meet Dress Code: your number one skirt destination.
Located on 13th Avenue in Boro Park, Dress Code curated an incredible selection of stunning skirts in a huge range of colors, sizes, lengths, styles, and price points. You need it, they have it! Whether you’re looking for everyday basics, trendier options, dressy skirts for Shabbos and Yom Tov, or even for simchas, they stock them all.
And no, it’s not an overwhelming room of skirts. The collection is thoughtfully curated, with trendy picks and classic styles. Every season, they source and find the latest fabrics, colors and styles to keep your wardrobe fresh.
Need help putting together the outfit? Bring your top to Dress Code and the salesladies will find you the perfect skirt to match! Put together your weekday outfits, Shabbos outfits, and evening looks! You’ll find your perfect skirt at Dress Code.
Can’t make it in person? Dress Code’s website is up-to-date and easy to shop! Shop by category, color or length; they make shopping fun! Tip: use their product descriptions to get more info on each style. Follow along on Instagram @its_dresscode to see new arrivals and styling tips!
Sometimes you don’t need a whole new wardrobe, you just need the right skirt! Shop online at www.itsdresscode.com, or find our top picks below.
Between Carpools1 month agoCovered trays and cake plates keep your food fresh, while allowing everyone to enjoy anytime. Some of these options are even practical for everyday use (i.e. those platters of cut fruits and veggies that we bring out after school and put back in the fridge), and some are extra special, just for Shabbos and Yom Tov.
There’s a covered tray or cake plate that’s perfect for the way you host (or giftable for your hostess!) below.
Elegant & Timeless
Silver Cake Stand $99 This one’s elegant for the Rosh Hashanah table. | Martha Stewart Cake Stand with Dome $50 Tea time vibes! | Gold Cake Stand $80 | Lenox Butterfly Cake Stand $125 | Sabrina Marble Footed Cake Stand with Dome (2 Colors) $88 | Black and White Cake Stand with Dome $60
Wood and Rustic Looks
Farberware Wood Tray with Locking Lid $28 We love this for leaving on the counter every single day…from baked goods to fruits and cut veggies. See more about it in this post. | Acacia Wood Rectangle Cake Stand $60 Great Size! | Wood Cake Stand $22 | Mango Wood Cake Stand $92 | Acacia Wood Cake Stand with Dome $42 | Acacia Wood Footed Cake Stand with Dome $62 | Rectangle Wood Tray with Dome $40 | Bamboo Rectangle Covered Tray with Gold Handle $33
Practical Acrylics
Acrylic Footed Plate $50 | Acrylic Rectangle Cake Stand – 2 Pack for $42.99 This one’s perfect for your 9×13 cake baked in loaf pans instead, as shown in this post. | 9×13 Gold & Acrylic Rectangle Covered Tray $60
Jars
For cookies, nosh, candies…they’ll stay fresh and you can leave on the counter or bring them out after a meal, then put them back away.
Glass Jars with Ball Cork $24 For all those nuts that your guests like to enjoy between or after meals. | Labina Glass Jars with Wood Lids 2 Pack for $30 | Cookie Jar with Wood Lid – Gallon Size $25 | Jars with Wood Lids – 4 Pack $34 Also great for those candies and nuts! | Glass Storage Jars Set of 5 $35
Pricier Options for Significant Gifts
If you’re being hosted for a Yom Tov and want to treat your hostess to a bigger gift.
Mackenzie Childs Tray & Dome $225 A magnificent gift for your hostess who will be having you for Yom Tov! | Mackenzie Childs Dome $180 If you or your host already own a Mackenzie enameled dish, turn it into a covered cake plate with this, or place it over any dish or charger plate. | Michael Aram Butterfly Ginkgo Covered Cake Plate $315 Makes the table instantly beautiful | Marble Serving Board with Cloche $139 | Stoneware Cake Stand $199
Between Carpools1 month agoThe best shopping trips are the ones you actually enjoy. Yes, of course, also the ones where you leave with exactly what you were looking for! But our favorite shopping trips are the ones that leave us refreshed and excited to wear our new purchases.
That’s The Weekend Boutique.
Their collection is stunning! Everything is hand-picked, so there’s a really curated feel to what you’ll find in the store: dressy, eveningwear, casual, and everything in between. The Weekend Boutique sources European designers and high-end pieces, along with plenty of options at different price points. Shop designer brands like Marc Cain, Mackage, Self-Portrait and Marella and more casual options from brands like Mun and Parni.
But the clothes are only part of it. ‘Our customers come back season after season for our curated collections, yes, but also for the shopping experience.’ explains Shaindy from The Weekend Boutique. The store is gorgeous! It’s such a pleasure to shop in an elevated, boutique-like environment, with boutique-style customer service too. Dedicated salespeople are available to help you find the perfect outfit, and they really care to help you look your best.
I was curious how Weekend came to be! ‘Apparel runs in our family,’ says Shaindy. ‘The eye comes from generations of fashion experience. My great-grandfather started S&W 50 years ago, and Weekend Boutique is a sister store. We love helping our customers feel beautiful!’
If you’re looking for gorgeous pieces, you have to stop by The Weekend Boutique! Conveniently located on the border of Lakewood and Jackson (1130 E Veterans Hwy), The Weekend Boutique reminds you how fun shopping can be.
Come for the clothes, stay for the experience!
Between Carpools1 month agoWe’ve written so many posts about freezing foods because, honestly, freezing is one of the things that helps us cook smarter. It doesn’t necessarily mean doing more work. It means doing some of the work when you have the time, so there’s less to do when Thursday and Friday roll around.
We’ve shared our guide on How to Freeze Anything, talked about how to keep fried foods fresh and crispy, answered the question of whether you can freeze potato kugel, and shared the things different BCP women always try to have in their freezers, from Esti’s freezer staples to Victoria’s, Leah’s, Shaindy’s, and Renee’s.
And while we’ve mentioned here and there that you can freeze certain dips, we realized we’ve never done a full roundup of the dips we’ve actually tested and freeze ourselves.
So we raided three freezers and collected all the dips we actually freeze to photograph for this post.
Why freeze dips?
It doesn’t take much longer to make a big batch of garlic confit or triple a recipe for techina. Then you have some ready to go in the freezer, and that’s one less thing to do the following Thursday or Friday.
Here are the dips we actually keep in our freezers:
Fully defrost and then stir really well with a spoon.
Process one can of green olives, one can of American-style black olives, 4 to 5 cloves of garlic, and enough olive oil to bring it together.
This is the sauce from the Eggplant Shakshuka in Dinner Done 1. You can freeze it blended or unblended.
Some of us prefer to store it in little aluminum pans so it can easily be warmed. Others serve it at room temperature or place the plastic container on top of the crockpot before shabbos, to warm it slightly.
Not everyone loves the texture of hummus after it has been frozen, so this one is personal preference. If you do freeze it, defrost and stir well.
For this one, freeze the roasted jalapeño mixture. Defrost and mix with mayo before Shabbos.
See the comments on our Roasted Jalapeño Dip recipe for even more ideas and variations from readers who do a similar hack.
We keep all our dips together in one bin in the freezer. That way, we can pull out the bin and see what we have left.
We find that when we have a bunch of small containers floating around the freezer, they topple over, get pushed to the back, and eventually get hidden behind everything else.
The bin keeps everything together and makes it much easier to actually use what we have.
And that’s really the whole point of freezing food. It’s not about filling your freezer just for the sake of having a full freezer. It’s about making the busy days a little easier.
Between Carpools1 month agoMy niece hurt her ankle recently. Nothing dramatic — just enough that she suddenly couldn’t do what she normally does. Almost overnight, she felt off. Not just bored, but thrown off.
She’s a young mom who’s used to daily movement. Exercise is how she resets and how she feels steady again. Suddenly, that outlet was gone. No movement, no release, no familiar baseline, and she started trying to grab control elsewhere.
Like a proper Jewish mother, she decided now was the best time to toilet train, to take away the pacifier, and to get everything together. It sounded productive. But watching her, I realized something important.
This shouldn’t have been a push-forward moment. It was a pull-in moment. What does that mean?
She wasn’t meant to be in do-mode. She was meant to be in recover-mode. She didn’t need a new project, she needed safety, softness, and time to pause.
I was reminded of a phrase I once heard from Rebbitzen Spetner, describing certain stretches of parenting as “no-chinuch time.” Not because values don’t matter, because this isn’t the time for teaching — it’s the season for holding.
That moment with my niece made something very clear: motherhood doesn’t ask the same thing from us in every season.
The Jewish calendar already understands this. There are times of year when the agenda is decided for us. Now we prepare for Purim, now switch to Pesach mode, then it’s Chanukah again. We don’t fight it, we rearrange our energy and our schedules accordingly. We understand that this season has a job, and we show up for it.
I’m not talking about opting out of real life. I’m suggesting something smaller.
Recognize what season you’re in. Notice when you’re stretched thin, and treat that like it matters. This isn’t lowering the bar, it’s working with what’s true right now.
Some seasons are about holding things together. These are the seasons of newborns, recovery, illness, or emotional overload. In these seasons, the job isn’t self-improvement. It’s survival. It’s keeping everyone fed, safe, and loved. When we try to push growth here by overhauling routines, fixing habits, or finally “getting organized,” it often leaves us feeling like we’re failing.
We’re not failing. We’re just asking ourselves to do the wrong kind of work.
Then there are seasons where life begins to feel more stable. Sleep improves, and there’s a little more mental space to notice what’s hard and what could be easier. These are the seasons where structure starts to make sense. Not perfection. Just small steps that make daily life feel less heavy. This is where routines start to carry you instead of the other way around.
And then, sometimes, there are seasons of building. You start to feel stronger, and more capable. You learn skills you were never taught, and you make decisions once instead of every day. Things start running without so much effort. From the outside, it can look like you’ve suddenly “figured it out.” You didn’t skip steps, you arrived here because the earlier seasons did their job.
There are also seasons that look calm on the surface but feel heavy in quieter ways. Teenagers. Emotional labor. Aging parents. Invisible responsibilities no one else sees. These seasons aren’t about growth. They ask you to show up, and not quit on yourself, even when nothing feels particularly inspiring.
The trouble starts when we compare across seasons, when we expect productivity from ourselves when we really need rest, or when we measure ourselves against someone whose life just looks different right now.
You’re not behind and you’re not doing motherhood wrong. You’re just in a different season. Ask yourself: What is this season asking of me? And respect that.
Between Carpools1 month agoIt’s not just a sukkah chandelier. It’s something that brings beauty and joy to your Yom Tov. It’s something you can put away and get excited about bringing out year after year.
As you hang those florals or place them on your table, your heart will leap as you look forward to spending time with your family in a sukkah with a beautiful ambiance.
Everyone will just love being there.
These chandeliers create an Aura…and how appropriately, that the place that helps you attain that aura is Aura Home.
That’s not all that’s new this season. If you love the coordinating pieces on these tabletops, you can find them all here. They’re perfect for gifting for your hostess…or for yourself.
Plus! Aura Home debuts new gorgeous linen sets each season, and we’re going to show you some new and past favorites so you can refresh those rooms in time for Yom Tov.
Love the softness of this season’s color palettes, in pink and the softest of lavenders. The tabletop florals all coordinate with either of the chandeliers.
Let’s take a closer look.
These floral chandeliers and tabletop pieces are designed by Aura Home to beautify your Sukkah. And, yes, they’re faux! Enjoy them year after year and look forward to a sukkah that’s beautiful forever more.
These new tabletop arrangements bring the look full circle. Enjoy them all year round too!
Here’s some picks in shades of pink. See the whole selection here!
Or, you might love this color palette instead.
This lavender color palette might be our favorite yet from Aura. It’s so soft and fresh.
Let the chandelier and florals inspire your color palette!
Newest to debut from Aura Home is the fanciful Paradise Mauve Duvet Set. It brings a fresh vibrancy to a room, all while remaining elegant and supremely pretty. Also available in blue!
More recently released top picks we love include English Garden, Wesley Stripe Duvet Set (available in Taupe and Grey), and the Dune Duvet Set.
One thing we love about Aura home is that they don’t just sell you a linen set. They put the whole ensemble together with their signature throw pillows and accessories, so that the whole look comes together.
Finally, the fall season wouldn’t be complete without something new and precious from Petite Belle, our favorite line of bedding for the littlest ones, featuring whimsical crib sets (including sheet sets for portocribs and bassinets) and twin beds for the siblings.
Now, swaddle your baby in these coordinating and swoon-worthy blankets.
Between Carpools1 month agoYou have questions. Perhaps it’s about honey, or the simanim, or about the minhag to be extra stringent on Pas Yisrael during the upcoming Aseres Yemei Teshuvah.
You have questions, and we’re proud to partner with the cRc and Mint Media in hosting the latest video series!
This series of videos, produced in collaboration with Mint Media, is entertaining, adorable, fun to watch, and so interesting!
What’s to come in this series?
For Yom Tov: Honey | Pas Yisroel | Simanim
Beyond Yom Tov: Coffee | Uber Eats | Dunkin | Starbucks | Medicines
Episode 1: HONEY!
Learn all about honey and which varieties require a hechsher. You’ll also discover some fascinating honey facts: What is the difference between regular honey, lanternfly honey, and royal jelly? What is orange blossom honey?
Look for a new video right here every few days over the Yom Tov season!
Sign up here to make sure you don’t miss a release and to stay current with cRc News and Alert.
Watch the full series as they are released, here.
Between Carpools1 month agoThere is a minhag, found mostly in the Chassidic community, of purchasing a new knife for Rosh Hashanah. It is said to be a segulah for parnassah, so it can only be a good thing! Also, we can all use a new knife once in a while, so why not buy it in time for the biggest cooking marathon of the year?
Knives run the gamut of price points, from single to triple digits. But the best knife is the one you are most comfortable using. It needs to fit your hand and your culinary needs. And your budget.
But, let’s start with the basics. What are the essential knives needed in a kitchen?
The above three types of knives are the bare minimum that you need. These are the three knives that you will use the most and that will get all the jobs done.
These five are the basic knives you need. While you can manage with the three listed above, we do recommend adding:
4. A meat slicer
5. A bread/sourdough slicer to the mix. You won’t use them as often, but you will be grateful to own them. Read more here on the topic of bread knives here:Which Knife Is Best for Slicing Sourdough?
Now let’s share our top picks! We’ve included both our recommended top-of-the-line knife picks for those looking for a long term investment and also our favorite value picks and dupes! All the picks here are tried and true.
More About the Chef’s Knife (Knife #3). Choose a length and weight that is comfortable for you. A heavier knife will give you more control, but it needs to be comfortable in your hand. The Santoku (rounded top and ridges along the blade) is an alternative that some prefer.
Best Quality
With knives, you generally do get what you pay for. There’s a reason high-end knives, like these Shun knives, cost significantly more than what you’ll pick up at a store like Target. They’re an investment, for sure. We did find the Quince dupe to be very very good, and a fair competition to the original. (To be transparent, the Quince has only been tested for a short amount of time, vs. the Shun which we’ve had for many years.)
This one has a different assortment (different knives and no kitchen shears
Best Value + Practical
The main advantage to the colored “kosher knives” is that they’re easy to keep track of. Pick a color for meat, dairy, and parve and there’s less of a chance of mixing them up.
These knives come in several colors, sizes, and styles, and they get the job done. We also like them because they’re inexpensive enough, that once they grow dull, you can simply toss and replace vs. sharpen. We find that Kosher Cook knives are similar in quality to Icel and Victorinox knives, plus they don’t need toiveling so that adds another convenience.
More Kosher Cook Knives, in every color and size.
Another Great Option: Hast Knives
We have been using the Hast knives for years now, and we love these 3 particularly
The Paring Knife, the Utility Knife, the 8-inch Chef Knife (see this post for more on that). The Hast Chef Knife is lighter than most, which is perfect for those who find a classic chef’s knife to be too heavy.
The Meat Slicer
A long meat slicer (Knife #4) is very important if you serve roasts often. The longer blade will give you cleaner cuts every time. A pointed edge slicer is better for cutting around bones, while a rounded edge brisket knife is better for cutting a “falling apart” roast.
Knife Sheathes
If you don’t store your knives in a knife block, using these or similar knife sheathes will protect the blades – and your hands! We do like to use a knife block, though, as they are the best way to protect your investment. There are many types–including this in-drawer version.
One last type of knife we didn’t mention is the steak knife. Unless you serve steaks very often, there’s no need to invest in very expensive steak knives, but having a set will come in handy if you’re hosting or just serving several people at once. We love this type of stainless steel set that looks appropriate on a Yom Tov table. The box makes it a very presentable hostess gift!
One more thing
We have been using Sharpen Up 365 for a while now, especially before a heavy cooking Yom Tov season, to sharpen our knives. The process is incredibly easy and convenient. Sharpen Up 365 sends you a box along with specially designed bags and clear instructions for packing your knives safely and securely. Once everything is packed up, you simply drop the box in the mail. Before you know it, your knives are returned to you freshly sharpened and cooking becomes such a pleasure again.
“For me, it’s become a little pre Yom Tov ritual. Before I even think of a menu, I send out my knives and look forward to getting them back. Honestly, opening that box feels a little like getting a set of brand-new knives all over again.” says Renee.
This is a Jewish owned company, with a heschsher, read more on that on their website.
Between Carpools1 month agoYou find what you think is that ever-elusive gorgeous pair of shoes, only to wear them once and realize you are never subjecting your feet to that again! So you prioritize comfort…and you leave them unworn in your closet because they just don’t look right.
Finding the perfect shoe shouldn’t be this complicated!
And at M. Aviann, it isn’t!
Their A/W collection brings together beautiful, feminine styles that are as comfortable as they are beautiful! The silhouettes are classic and refined, with the perfect amount of detail. These shoes are designed for your real life: elegant loafers and beautiful flats for work, gorgeous Mary Janes for that dressed-up feel, and sophisticated heels for your next Simcha.
M. Aviann’s shoes are designed with comfort in mind: made with high-quality leather and thoughtful styles to take you through your whole day, looking fabulous!
No sacrificing style for comfort. No sacrificing comfort for style. No sacrificing!
Shop our favorites below, and use exclusive coupon code BCP10 for 10% off your new favorite pair.
Between Carpools1 month agoIf your mind is already on Succos, you can start planning.
And even if it’s not, before we talk about this tablescape, take notice of these custom name place cards.
Why? Because they’re the only thing that you really need to order in advance. They take at least a week, and more likely 10 days to arrive, but you don’t want to cut it close. If you can guess what your guest list might be, take care of it now.
For under $1 a piece, the price is right, and they add that custom touch without the big investment.
Whether you place them on the plate or the napkin, they’re a beauty. And they’re perfect on this rustic, warm, and inviting table we’re setting for Succos.
This time, we’re getting very practical. And one of the best ways to be practical while setting a beautiful table is to be able to use the “real” (i.e. non-disposable) items that you already own for an entirely new look. That’s what we’re doing here.
Sure, you can still go disposable for your plate (these Bone China dishes from Crate & Barrel are a blank slate and can be swapped for virtually any white dish), but when the items surrounding it are real and beautiful, no one will notice.
You first saw this Velvet Ribbed Tablecloth that you first saw here last Chanukah. We loved the tablecloth Adorn Your Table brought us for the photoshoot so much, we wanted to own it for real. And we’re enjoying it. It’s perfect for this Succos table.
These napkins were originally featured in our Shavuos tablescape and now they get to work for Succos! They’re so pretty and soft and they don’t cost much more than disposable linen-like napkins. They were a great investment!
Do you rather own a more neutral color that you can use for any Yom Tov without being bound by one color scheme? No worries, Natural, Caramel, Beige…they all work just as well. See? The beige is shown here.
Save them and use them Yom Tov after Yom Tov and they can look different and beautiful each time.
Rattan placemats and napkin rings complete the look. (These placemats and napkin rings are from Crate and Barrel, but you can copy this look with Amazon options as well). These napkin rings work will really well too!
It’s warm and inviting, but still fresh and vibrant…it invokes that feeling of bringing the outdoors in, yet cozier. It’s the perfect Succos vibe.
These flowers come from Trader Joe’s. When you’re using an assortment of vases clustered together, the less expensive flowers really work beautifully. No need for fancy arrangements. Read more about getting maximum impact from minimum flowers here.
We used some of the vases from Chanukah and added a couple of these terracotta vases so we have more height.
One more note before you go…if you order the name tags, you’ll see they come very carefully packaged. Tap them out gently!
Between Carpools1 month agoAmerican cheese has always been a kid-favorite. One of our kids calls it “square cheese.” They love the neutral taste and the easy-to-eat squares. While we may turn to mozzarella or even muenster in most cheesy recipes, American still always had its place. It’s comforting in a Creamy Baked Ziti and lots of us grew up with American cheese being added to a stovetop Mac n’ Cheese.
It’s also great simply melted on crackers or rice cakes. It’s the go-to for tuna melts. And finally, it’s perfectly convenient in a sandwich that we’ll toast in the sandwich maker.
But there were always a few problems with American cheese, and we know that you know what they are.
One, the packages are too big, expensive (we don’t need 108!), and the slices always stick together. Kids take cheese and don’t close the package back up, and then all the exposed slices get hard. There’s lots of waste.
Elyon American Cheese changes all that. Elyon isn’t anything new. They’re actually the cheese suppliers of the restaurants. That grilled cheese you love at your favorite cafe? They’re using Elyon.
Why is it so creamy and good? Elyon’s slices are bigger and thicker–so you only need one slice to fill a whole sandwich. There’s no need to add more slices and piece them together to cover your bread. One slice and you’re done. It’s the perfect amount for your grilled cheese sandwich.
And, yes, the resealable pouch is just what we need to make that package last to the last slice.
The size just makes sense. 2 lbs is perfect. Lower price, lower commitment.
Plus–this will be your favorite part. The slices don’t stick together! It’s so much easier to peel off a slice.
With Elyon, whether you like your American cheese in white or orange, you’ll get the best results, the creamiest, meltiest grilled cheese, and a great addition to your cheesy pasta dishes.
Look for it in your local grocery today!
Between Carpools1 month agoYes, some of us are back in school. New shoes, new backpacks, new pencils. Exciting, but also, there’s homework. Remember homework? We all magically forgot.
Here is a delicious new dinner, one that is exciting to eat, and can be eaten, in a bowl, outside, while soaking in the last days outdoors of the season.
This recipe comes together quickly, and is best served fresh but my children love to take it to school the next day for lunch too, so I suppose it can’t be too bad rewarmed either.
First, and very importantly, cut your chicken breast into tiny pieces. Kids love it like this.
Next, gather your veggies. Don’t get scared off by these gorgeous Beech mushrooms that I found at my local grocery store. You don’t have to include them, any mushroom will do. But, you know, they are kinda cool.
First, toss the chicken with the flour, salt, and pepper. Heat the oil to your sauté pan (if you own a wok, this is a great opportunity to use it). Add the chicken and sear until it’s white on both sides. Remove the pan from heat and remove the chicken.
If you have a picky eater he or she might prefer the chicken plain like this, so set some aside for them and don’t add it back into the pan.
Next, add the onion and garlic (you can add more oil if needed). Give them a couple minute headstart in the pan before adding the rest.
Don’t dump it all in at once. Start with the celery, then the peppers, then the mushrooms and snow peas. Now it’s a party. Keep stirring as it cooks (hence the name stir-fry). You don’t need these veggies to be fork-tender. A bit of bite is expected. It’ll still take these veggies 10-15 minutes to be cooked enough.
Here are our sauce ingredients. Everything except the fresh ginger should be items you already have on hand. Mix ‘em together.
Once the veggies are ready, add the chicken back to the pan.
Then add the sauce.
Then let the whole dish get heated together thoroughly.
Serve over brown or white rice.
This is going to be the season’s favorite weeknight dinner.
Enjoy!
In a bowl, combine chicken with flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. Remove chicken pieces from the flour, shaking off any excess flour.
Heat oil in a large sauté pan over high heat (if you own a wok, use it!). Sear the chicken in the pan until white and slightly browned. Remove and set aside.
Return the pan to the heat; add additional oil if needed. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the celery, followed by the peppers, and ending with the mushrooms and snow peas.
Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often ( hence the name stir-fry). Keep in mind that the vegetables don’t need to be fork tender. A bit of bite is expected.
Prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. If you love ginger we recommend that you cut it small with a knife into tiny pieces as shown, otherwise, and if your kids don’t have such distinguished palates, we recommend you use a microplane to mince the ginger finely. Or, skip the ginger completely, if your family is not into that.
Return the chicken to the pan (set some aside for the picky eater, if you want), give it a mix and toss with the sauce. Heat thoroughly and serve. Serve over brown or white rice and enjoy.
Between Carpools1 month agoThere’s a long season ahead and a little organization goes a long way. It helps to make a plan right from the outset. Once you know how many meals you’re serving, you can also plan to have enough challah and/or sourdough. A dessert or meat you’re making for Rosh Hashanah can be doubled and also used to “fill in” a square on Succos. If you see a bunch of new recipes you’d like to try, you don’t need to load them all into the first Yom Tov. Spread them out so you don’t overwhelm yourself.
Do you want a more generic menu planner that works for anytime? See our Yom Tov menu and shopping list downloads here.
In this download you will find a monthly overview of the upcoming Yomim Tovim. Use this to fill in the dates you want to put away for cooking or just to get a better overiew of the month ahead etc.
There are two pages with each meal broken down by date.
Of course, while not every meal includes these categories (i.e. appetizer, main, side/salads, and dessert), it’s still enough spaces for you to fill in a well-rounded meal, even if you’re serving differently.
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Between Carpools1 month agoEditor’s Note: In different towns, the dynamics of girls’ high schools may be vastly different than those referenced here, particularly when girls attend a school where the elementary feeds into the high school and girls maintain their same group of friends. Some of these tips may be relevant for your daughter, and some not. They were compiled by our daughters and friends, who attend a range of Bais Yaakov high schools in which their high school experience meant a new building and new group of people.
When we heard one of our daughters comment, “Poor things. They don’t know what to expect,” in reference to this year’s incoming ninth graders, we responded, “So write some tips!” Since every school can be vastly different, we had each of our daughters, who attend a diverse range of high schools, contribute.
One of our daughter’s 8th grade teachers ended off the year with the following message: Chazal say “Kol Hatchalot Kashot.” All beginnings are difficult. They specifically say “All.” Could it be that absolutely all beginnings are difficult? None are easy? Yes. Because if it’s not hard, it’s not the beginning of something significant. In order to build a building, you need to dig a deep foundation or nothing will come of it. There needs to be something hard when starting off on something great.
The horror stories you’ve heard about high school–they may have happened to someone at some point, so everyone says them and everyone warns you. But they’re not the norm. Despite the anxiety your daughter may be feeling right now, the beginning of the year is the best part of the year. All the other girls are starting off in the same boat as you and they’re going to be as nice and friendly as you are.
Some of these tips are more emotional, some are more practical, and some may be relevant for you, and others not. We hope it helps allays some of the fears and uncertainty your own incoming ninth grader may be feeling right now. Here goes!
Social
Don’t try to be all cool/macho and better than everyone. It won’t help in the long run. Just be nice to everyone.
While everyone does like the nice girl, you don’t need to be best friends with all 80+ girls in your grade. Be polite to everyone, but in the end you only need 2–3 deep, genuine friendships. You don’t need to force it.
They’re focused on themselves and making “their group.” Relax. Think about other people and those friends will come more naturally without the anxiety.
Real friendships take longer to cultivate. Be yourself and Hashem will send you the right friends you’re supposed to have at the right time.
Don’t get involved. It’s the easiest way to start up the politics.
If it looks like someone else has it all figured out, you don’t actually know what’s going on.
Stay away.
The ninth grade feels insecure and may fall for this. But know that it’s a red flag if an older girl is interested in being friends with you, or if you’re focusing on friendships with older girls. Note: There are exceptions, especially in smaller schools, where girls from all grades are friends with each other. Take note of where it’s the norm and where it’s not.
Don’t feel pressured to join every after school outing your “friend group” does. You don’t have to go to the ice cream store every time. Every third time is enough.
Be yourself and you’ll find your people.
Even if girls know you from previous places, you can start anew.
Academics
So many girls start off not caring about schoolwork and then they fall behind. If you put in effort from the beginning, it’s way easier to keep up.
High school is harder. It’s normal. Also, you’re adjusting to how each teacher teaches and gives tests, and it will get easier for you as you get used to it.
Start using a planner on Day 1 to track tests, project deadlines, and Chumash/Navi quizzes before they pile up.
Often, a girl who is never late could be by her locker getting her books and the bell rings. Don’t panic, you’ll get the hang of it.
After all, it’s the first time there’s no big long school supply list and one needs to decide what they want to use on their own. Most girls end up simply using looseleafs and dividers. Others prefer slim notebooks (clearly labeled!). Each morning, they take from their locker the ones they’ll need for that day’s subjects, and only bring home the ones they need for studying.
It may be hard to get to know so many teachers, but don’t start off calling teachers “Mrs. Navi” or by their last name. You need to feel respect to establish a connection with them.
Your Health & Happiness
We can’t tell you the amount of girls that have headaches every day at 9 a.m.! Eating something healthy in the morning helps. Have some items ready that are wholesome, filling, and easy to grab like: Our Favorite Whole Wheat Muffins, make Acai for the week and freeze, or Yogurt and Granola.
That’s the most likely reason for the headaches mentioned above. Both moms and daughters agree on this one!
Spare yourself from any situation and keep a mini deodorant, pads, ponytail, listerine strips, and other items you might end up needing in a pouch in your locker.
The beginning will for sure be hard, but sometimes things can happen in school that you cannot control and will upset you! That’s ok–but you cannot let these mishaps get you into a rut. Instead of coming home grumpy and staying that way, do things after school that make you happy! It doesn’t have to be so complicated, just talking to a camp friend or going on a refreshing walk can always make you happy, even though you may think that vegging on the couch will make you feel better. A great tip heard from a camp director: Sometimes you will be in a bad mood and even these things won’t help. On those days, shower and go to bed and the next day is fresh and new. But the bottom line is–don’t let things that happen in school affect your happiness at home.
Overall, in all these aspects, don’t compare your high school journey: Some girls adjust immediately; others take a full semester to find their footing. Give yourself grace during the first couple of months!
Between Carpools1 month agoThis school lunch solution was something we came up with back when my daughter was in upper elementary school and lunchtime was about socializing and not so much about eating lunch. She couldn’t “waste” her time sitting and eating lunch – she had other classes to visit and people to talk to! We determined that a smoothie was something she could take with her and actually consume while hanging out with her friends.
So now I have a routine that I do to stock the freezer with a variety of flavors that she can choose from. And whenever I’ve spoken about this on social media, the questions come flooding into our inbox. So here we go – let’s go through the routine and answer the questions that keep getting asked.
I like to use a Ninja Smoothie machine – it just seems simpler to me than a full sized blender. I’m not sure why. Maybe because the ratios are already in my head automatically.
I prepare two blender cups with the same ingredients. This will make four 12oz bottles of smoothies. I generally start with a single fruit and then make a two (or more) fruit smoothie batch afterwards so I don’t have to clean the cups in between.
It’s so simple to just pop the cups onto the blender base and hit the smoothie button. No babysitting needed.
To pour the smoothie into the bottles, you’ll need a funnel. The bottles I buy come with a silicone funnel that works well.
And if the smoothie gets a little stuck, squeeze the bottom of the funnel to get it moving. (Make sure the smoothie is not too thick to pour. If it is, add a bit more liquid and pulse it for a few seconds.)
My basic smoothie recipe (as seen in Dinner Done 2) is a combination of greek yogurt, frozen fruit, milk and sweetener. We like maple syrup best in all our smoothies. We played around with adding protein powder for a boost, and we settled on one scoop (a serving is two scoops but we find that makes the texture too grainy) of this Orgain Unsweetened Protein Powder being the right amount. It adds about 5 grams of protein to each bottle of smoothie. And when making a mango smoothie, you should definitely try adding this mango pulp. It really takes the flavor to the next level. It’s already sweetened so you may not need any additional sweetener, or just a little bit if you do prefer it sweeter.
And, of course, make sure to label the bottles with the correct flavors! The Phomemo easily prints multiples of the same label so it’s really efficient.
On school mornings, just grab a smoothie. Wrap it in a paper towel to absorb condensation and put it in a ziploc bag, just in case. Add a smoothie straw. About 4-5 hours later, it should be at the perfect consistency to just shake it up and enjoy! The bottles can be washed and reused – they even come with a little bottle brush. But if they end up at the bottom of a backpack for a couple of days, they’re cheap enough to toss rather than deal with that grossness.
Between Carpools1 month agoWhether you need a gift for your hostess or want to treat yourself and your own family, there are so many ways to enhance your Yom Tov right here! Browse and be inspired by the resources below!
Set a magnificent table with ease with Parfetty’s new, elegant velvet pleated chargers, complete with coordinating linen napkins, & velvet pleated napkin rings. They’re all real, all beautiful, and all will enhance your Yom Tov table and, of course, your Shabbos table all winter long! Just throw them into the washing machine, and they are ready to be enjoyed again and again. They’re perfect for every Yom Tov meal and make a great gift!
Once again, Parfetty’s gifting options of candy simanim gift trays and napkins wrapped with honey sticks are perfect for your hostess or all of your Yom Tov gifting needs.
Donna Bee Honey is about as authentic as honey gets. Beekeeper Ari Feferkorn harvests raw honey from his own hives, starting with those right in his Toms River, New Jersey backyard and extending to his multiple apiaries throughout New Jersey. He bottles the different varieties produced by the bees in different locations and seasons.
What started as a backyard hobby quickly became a passion, and people who try Ari’s honey keep coming back for more. Today, Donna Bee Honey offers beautifully packaged jars and gift sets featuring distinctive honey varieties, each reflecting where the bees were foraging and the season when it was harvested. They’re perfect for Rosh Hashana, hostess gifts, family, friends, and corporate gifting.
The honey is raw, unprocessed, kosher-certified, and harvested locally with care.
It’s shipped nationwide, from Ari’s hives to your table.
Honey as authentic as the beekeeper.
This Rosh Hashanah, make a beeline for Ari’s honey.
Get the Sweetness at DonnaBeeHoney.com.
Each year, The Nuttery thoughtfully curates a Rosh Hashanah collection inspired by the warmth, beauty, and traditions of the holiday. This year’s collection celebrates the sweetness of a new beginning with an elegant selection of honey and chocolate gifts, beautifully presented honey bottles, handcrafted chocolates inspired by the symbols of the holiday, and Simanim cards to share around the table. From the signature honey bee motif to every carefully chosen detail, each gift and item is designed to capture the spirit of Rosh Hashanah and share the warmth of the holiday.
You love stocking up for disposables at The Closeout Connection, but it’s also the best source for those special items that enhance your table for Yom Tov. Here are some highlights!
The Audrey White Tablecloth in a textured basketweave features a linen-look woven fabric with a subtle grid texture, simple hemmed edges, and enough body to drape nicely. Plus, it’s durable and machine-washable for frequent use. Do you dream of dressing your table with a lace tablecloth? The Honeycomb Lace Tablecloth lets you set a table that feels special before a single dish is placed. It features an all-over hexagon lattice inspired by natural honeycomb with fine net-stitch lace and framed in raised, dotted embroidery. Shop more here.
Finish the table with these Lucite Honey Jars. Really special!
Find These and More at TheCloseoutConnection.com.
A Whole New Honey Experience!
At Senter Honey Bee Farm, Rabbi Daniel Senter, a local New York and New Jersey beekeeper, takes locally sourced New York and New Jersey honey and transforms it into something truly special: rich, smooth, delicious creamed honey.
Unlike traditional liquid honey, creamed honey has a smooth, spreadable texture that stays on your challah instead of dripping off. Through a controlled crystallization process, the honey develops its signature creamy consistency while maintaining the naturally delicious character of pure honey. The result is an incredibly smooth and flavorful treat — the best honey you will ever taste.
Choose from our delicious selection of flavors: Original, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Sea Salt, Esrog, Cocoa, Espresso, and Pomegranate.
This Rosh Hashana, give the traditional apple-and-honey experience a special twist. Put out a selection of creamed honey flavors for dipping apples, spreading on challah, or giving as a beautiful and unique Yom Tov gift. It’s a familiar Rosh Hashana tradition transformed into a whole new honey experience.
Wholesale pricing is also available for supermarkets, gift shops, organizations, and other retailers.
Senter Honey Bee Farm: A Whole New Honey Experience. Under Kof- k supervision
Experience Creamy Honey at NJBees.com
And, most importantly, get the whole family mentally ready for Yom Tov. And there’s no one like Feldheim that helps you do that. You can browse their titles on the Yamim Noraim for both children and adults, or go straight to these picks. For you, titles by Rav Shimshon Pincus speak straight to the neshamah, in clear language that’s easy to internalize. From Moadei Hashanah on Elul and Rosh Hashanah, Nefesh Chaya–a must read for any woman, and more–choose the subject that speaks to you and be inspired. Inspire your young readers with this brand new Young Readers Edition of Rebbetzin Vichna Kaplan or the timeless lessons in these titles for children. Or, see all new recently released titles here.
Browse more amazing titles from Feldheim for Elul, Tishrei & Shabbos for the New Year.
Between Carpools1 month agoFor many years, the idea of teaching young children in our community about personal safety felt uncomfortable. Parents wanted to preserve their children’s innocence, maintain tznius, and shield them from concepts they seemed too young to understand.
Over time, however, with guidance from rabbanim, educators, and mental health professionals, many families came to recognize that teaching personal safety does not conflict with our values. When done with sensitivity, it reinforces them.
These conversations are about helping children understand that their bodies are precious, certain boundaries exist, and they can always speak up if something feels wrong.
Perhaps the biggest shift has been realizing that these conversations don’t need to be formal or heavy. They happen best as part of everyday life – while getting dressed, preparing for a doctor visit, discussing bathing suit rules, or reviewing other everyday safety habits.
Professionals who work with families have found that when these messages are woven naturally into daily life, children absorb them as a healthy and normal part of understanding themselves. Rather than taking away innocence, these conversations quietly strengthen a child’s sense of security.
Another important approach is teaching in small, age-appropriate steps. A young toddler can simply learn that certain parts of the body are private. Parents might say, “The parts of your body covered by your swimsuit are private,” or “Only Mommy or Daddy helps you with bathing or getting dressed.” Preschoolers can begin to understand that if something makes them uncomfortable, they can say “no” and tell a trusted adult. Parents can explain, “If anyone asks to see or touch your private parts, you can say, ‘No,’ leave if you can, and tell Mommy or Daddy right away.” As children mature, parents can gradually build on these simple concepts without overwhelming them.
B’H, parents today have access to resources developed specifically for Torah-observant families – materials that support our values while giving children the tools they need. Since these resources reflect our language and hashkafah, they respectfully open the door for parents and children to begin conversations on these topics together.
By teaching our children that their bodies are a gift from Hashem, worthy of respect and care, we help them develop healthy boundaries, confidence in their own voice, and the knowledge that they can always come to us.
Simple ways to make these conversations feel natural:
When these conversations become a natural part of family life, they preserve the very innocence we hope to protect while giving our children the confidence and safety every child deserves.
Between Carpools1 month agoHave you ever noticed that you have a strong reaction to a certain situation or particular person? Or maybe you’ve surprised yourself by how intensely you judged someone—even if only in your own head.
If a friend didn’t text you back for several days, how bothered would you be on a scale of 1–10? If you were stuck in horrible, unexpected traffic, how much would it affect your mood? Or maybe you overate one night at a wedding. Did you then beat yourself up afterward?
The bottom line is this: “If it’s intense, it’s yours.” This is a famous line from Dr. Richard Schwartz, the founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS). IFS teaches us that when we have an intense reaction, an extreme response, or feel highly reactive, it is often an indicator that something inside of us has been touched.
There is a real reason why some people are more affected by being ignored than others. How you interpret a particular situation reflects your own inner wiring and the messages you have internalized over the years. While what happens to us certainly matters, the meaning we attach to those experiences often determines how intensely we react.
If someone doesn’t respond to your text, one person might think, “She must be sick,” while another immediately thinks, “She must be mad at me. What did I do wrong?” The event is the same, but the story we tell ourselves is completely different.
When your response is disproportionate to the situation, it’s an invitation to do what we call in IFS a U-turn—to turn inward. We do this with curiosity. Curiosity replaces our natural instinct to shame and criticize ourselves or others, which is often our second reaction.
First, we get stuck in unexpected traffic. Then immediately we’re so angry that we start blaming our teenager for distracting us before we left the house, causing us to forget to put on Waze. Or maybe we turn the anger on ourselves: “I’m always late. I never get it together.”
Instead, we can pause and wonder: Why is it that when things don’t go my way—or when I’m late—I get so bent out of shape? Why is overeating, being thin, or eating healthy such an emotionally charged issue for me? Why do I feel so easily insulted or hurt when people ignore me?
Notice that the “why” is asked with a tone of gentle, open curiosity—not with contempt or harshness.
You may be surprised to learn that we don’t have to be angry at ourselves in order to create change. There is a common myth that the harsher we are with ourselves, the more we’ll improve. But believe it or not, it’s much like parenting a child. You may be able to whip a child into shape or scare them into listening, but the change is usually short-lived. Lasting change comes through understanding, not punishment.
The next time you have an intense reaction, pause. Do a U-turn. Instead of immediately reacting to the outside world, become curious about your inside world. Ask yourself, What is this situation bringing up in me? What is this reaction trying to protect me from?
Beneath the intensity, you may discover a vulnerable feeling, an old belief, or a younger part of yourself that has been carrying a burden for a very long time. As you begin to understand your inner world with compassion rather than criticism, your reactions begin to make sense. And from that place of understanding—not judgment—real and lasting change becomes possible.
Between Carpools1 month agoAnd H&M makes it possible with current styles at great price points. We’ve made it easy for you to shop and assemble great outfits by coordinating skirts, tops, and accessories for Shabbos/Yom Tov and weekdays too. (We’ve even taken care of those times you want to be cozy post-cooking marathons.) You’ll love what we found below!
Necklace | Knitted Ribbed Vest | Buckle Shoes | Lace Knit Cardigan | Pleated Polka Dot Skirt | Black Shoes | Ruffle Trim Cardigan | Turtleneck | Polka Dot Mesh Top | Fine Knit Cardigan (more colors) | Headband
Brown Puff Sleeve Cardigan | Bow Tie Shoes | Brown Turtleneck | Printed Skirt | Paisley Shirt | Mauve Floral Skirt | Crochet Top + Matching Skirt | Evening Bag
Brown Cardigan | Suede Loafers | Taupe Vest | Checked Ruffle Shirt | Green Button Cardigan | Sweater Vest | Suede Sneakers | Striped Collar Sweater
Blue Sweater | Checked Mesh Top | Leapord Skirt | Brown Tee | Gray Ruffle Sweater | Maternity Dress | Shoes
Argyle Sweater | Tweed Cardigan | Loose Knit Vest | Loafers | Long Sleeve Tee | Wrap Dress
Cozy Jacket | Denim Dress | Sweatshirt (lots more colors) | Burgundy Sneakers | Ruffle Striped Shirt | Denim Skirt | Denim Sneakers | Striped Loose Tee
Floral Lace Skirt | Velvet Heels | Button Knit Vest | Polka Dot Skirt | Cream Turtleneck | Black Skirt | Navy Button Sweater Vest | Cream Skirt
Gray Pajama Set | Pointelle Set | Striped Set | Heart Pointelle Set
Between Carpools1 month agoAnd, yes, these items will still come on time!
UPDATED FOR 2026
See this post for the top school supplies that teens love. Still looking for a backpack? See our backpack roundup over here.
Read this post to prepare your daughter for her personal needs.
Between Carpools1 month agoI think that we can agree that most of us like muffins. I haven’t met many people who don’t. While some of us prefer the types of muffins that may as well be cake (or how about Double Chocolate Mocha?, and others prefer muffins which feel healthier, at least we can agree that there’s a variety of muffin that appeals to each of us.
Whether you’re a Chocolate Cheese Muffin fan, or you liked these Farina Muffins, or you like a good Carrot Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel, or simply a Classic Chocolate Chip (we make these often!), we’ve got you.
It was Shalva Hoffman who originally got us in the mood for a good, moist Banana Muffin and shared her own version that she enjoys making. We made a few adjustments to make them even more wholesome and moist, but there was one essential ingredient that remained the same.
You see these spotty bananas? If you’re going to make these muffins you need to plan ahead and let your bananas get overripe. It’s because the bananas are so soft and sweet that we’re able to use very little sugar (⅓ cup honey) and oil (¼ cup oil) and still have muffins that taste as sweet and moist as those with much more sugar and oil.
The first thing you’re going to do is mash your bananas completely. You can use a fork, or to make it easier, you can also use a potato masher or gloved hands (kids love doing it this way).
Do you see how liquified our bananas got? Once that’s done, add your wet ingredients, such as the honey, oil, egg, and vanilla.
Then add the dry. We used white spelt flour to up the nutrition factor. Whole wheat or regular flour works as well, but why not make them healthy if they taste just as good?
Spray a standard muffin pan very well and divide batter between the muffin cups. You’ll get 12 nice sized muffins.
For a crispy crust, sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar (you can use regular sugar if you don’t have any on hand.
Finally, add the chocolate chips on top (if your family loves chocolate chips, feel free to add more inside as well).
Twenty minutes later, these look amazing.
Crispy domed tops, moist interior. They’re everything you want in a muffin.
You would never guess there’s such a minimal amount of sugar/honey and oil. Shava even skips the oil completely and while the texture is a little more rubbery, they’re still tasty (our families tasted both versions and while the version with oil was better, of course, they still ate the version without as well).
Note: You can add ½ cup yogurt to these muffins for some bonus moisture and protein if you don’t mind them being dairy. We felt it was more practical to keep them pareve.
Servings: 12
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan really well.
In a medium bowl, mash the bananas until almost liquified. You can do this using a fork, a potato masher, or gloved hands.
Add wet ingredients and mix. Add dry ingredients and mix to combine. Divide batter between muffin cups.
Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with turbinado sugar and chocolate chips. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy on top.
Between Carpools1 month agoYou already know that we fill our kids drawers with Tottini every season. Tottini’s always been known for their adorable coordinating weekday wear and basics. This is their second season stocking dresswear, and after enjoying pieces from their dressy lines all summer, I was so excited to see their fall dressy options!
First, their Onyx line. Plaid is trending for fall, so choosing coordinating fall pieces was a no-brainer. Sets are the preferred choice here currently, so this brushed plaid top for big sis with this skirt started us off.
How to pick our favorite plaid?!
Love this Signature Plaid too.
Little brother is happiest when cozy, so this mock neck will be perfect. Then, this charcoal gray sweater for the baby will keep her snuggly and tie the looks together.
For winter Friday nights, I chose this velour splatter maxi dress. Always get our robes from Tottini! These ribbed velour pajamas are a classic for the pajama age kids, love the rich navy and burgundy.
Next, weekday. I wasn’t sure how I was going to pick a favorite weekday collection, shoutout to the Winter Play collection for making my choice a lot harder! Ended up coordinating the boys in the Plaid Patch sweatshirt because it was too cute to remove from the cart.
Finally, pajamas. After lots and lots of summer wear, a restock is much needed! I love everything Starlight, but the Heart & Star collection was pronounced ‘Sooooo cute, Mommy!’ and was the clear winner. One in every size, please!
Find our favorites here, or shop their whole A/W collection at www.tottini.com.
Between Carpools1 month agoWe’re big fans of washing sneakers in the washing machine. But we also know that most suede sneakers can’t go into a machine. And when my daughter brought home these beige sneakers from camp with blue dye bled all over them, I knew I was in for a challenge.
Turns out there’s a fabulous product for cleaning shoes of more delicate materials – including suede.
It takes a bit more work than other shoes do, but we managed to get these sneakers back to a wearable state. I won’t say they’re as good as new, but at least they’re able to be worn, so it’s a win.
This cleaning set from Jason Markk includes the cleaning foam and a “delicates” brush. You put a generous amount of the foam on the brush and just keep brushing gently in a circular motion. Wipe it with a towel and repeat as many times as necessary until the stain is gone. Just let it air dry and then gently dry brush the suede to kind of fluff it back up.
Between Carpools1 month agoCan you believe Elul is upon us? It feels like we just broke our fast after Tisha B’av, and yet, Elul is well underway. We are still largely in summer mode, so we might not be feeling the Elul awe right away. Still, we don’t want to miss even one moment of these special times simply because they snuck up upon us, catching us unaware.
The beauty of Elul lies in its immense opportunities. Hashem created a time special for us to come close to Him; He is in the field, so to speak, right here beside us and awaiting our return.
For many of us, though, Elul somehow always catches us by surprise, even though it comes at the same time every year. (Like the son’s bar mitzvah we knew was coming for 13 years, and yet we still find ourselves scrambling at the last minute.) And we want to feel close, but we have no idea what that really means, or how to get there, or really how to start wanting it in the first place.
So, for those of us I present, 30 strategies to help us achieve kirvas Elokim, to increase that closeness just a little bit. Some are small, simple steps, easy to achieve and will show Hashem — and ourselves — where our heart truly is. Some are far easier said than done, and we might find them too overwhelming to even contemplate. That’s okay. Stick to where you are holding, what sits right with you, with just the right amount of effort and leaving your comfort zone. Not every tip will work for everyone, and surely you will have ideas of your own. The key is to stick to the journey and keep taking those small steps.
Between Carpools1 month agoWe’re thinking fall and that means we want to be cozy! For you or for your teens, we’ve got lots of picks. With hoods and without, zips, half-zips and pullovers – there’s something for everyone in this list.
Between Carpools1 month agoSome stores you go to for that cute dress your neighbor told you about. Other stores you stop by for basics. Some stores you panic order from when you realize your son lost his last yarmulke or your daughter ran out of tights.
And then… there’s Leader Kids.
Leader Kids is the kind of one-stop-shop that takes your whole shopping list off your hands! Dresswear? Check. Everyday clothing? Check. Basics, shells, hosiery, accessories, outerwear, yarmulkas—and even shoes (in-store only)? Check, check, check!
Leader Kids makes it easy to put your kids wardrobes together, with a large selection of coordinates and adorable clothing at amazing prices. Their selection runs from NB through teens, so you can truly shop all-in-one. And their collections this season are especially good (more on that, below!)
Prefer shopping in person? Leader Kids has seven locations, with stores in Lakewood, Monsey, Williamsburg, Boro Park, Baltimore, the Five Towns, and Flatbush, plus a location at The Address. Wherever you’re shopping, there’s a good chance there’s a Leader Kids nearby!
So whether you’re shopping online or in-store, you’re sure to find everything you need to check off your list. Our favorites, here.
Between Carpools1 month agoWe all have memories of making paper chains for the Sukkah when we were little…and then watching those chains disintegrate and fall to the floor once the first Sukkos rain came in.
And yet, despite knowing that these paper chains would never last, we’d make them again, and again. Why? Perhaps we liked the activity. There’s something about looping the strips together and seeing the chain get longer and longer in a beautiful kaleidoscope of color that was satisfying.
But why didn’t we ever think of using ribbon instead?
That’s what we’re doing this year. And even though Sukkos is still a few weeks away, now is when our kids need a craft activity and there are few crafts that are more productive than making something beautiful for the Sukkah!
You’ll need: simply glue guns and velvet ribbon.
We found it was the most cost-effective to get one variety pack of ribbon like this one. It includes 36 yards and 18 different colors!
36 yards of ribbon will yield about 20 feet of chain and it will keep a few kids busy for a nice amount of time!
We started by grouping the 18 colors into groups of three – colors that we felt looked nice together. This way, each child worked with their own color pattern. There were fall colors, bright colors, shades of blue, pastels…
We started by cutting the ribbon into 6-inch pieces.
Then add a strip of hot glue. We didn’t want to kids to be using our big glue gun, but our 9 and 10-year-olds were able to use these small ones, a 2 pack that comes with glue sticks. Children that were a little younger helped with the cutting. Always use caution when using any hot glue guns and cover the surfaces.
Simply close the ribbon loop. Thread the next piece through the hole and repeat. You know how these chains go!
They’re fun to create and it’s rewarding to see them grow and grow.
Between Carpools1 month agoEditor’s Note: A friend told us about this letter which originally appeared in Mishpacha Magazine and it is reprinted with permission here. Although the letter mentions winter, this topic is relevant for so many of us at any time. Even when not making a simcha, it’s a common sentiment by so many. It’s reassuring to hear that we’re really in the same boat as anyone. Feel free to leave comments at the end to share your feedback and experiences.
Q: I am making a simcha in a few weeks and I’m dreading it. Of course I’m very happy for my son (the bar mitzvah boy) but I know the kiddush at shul is going to be very hard for me personally. This is because my husband davens at a small shul and I have a very small circle of friends and family, meaning it is going to be a very small affair. Moreover, we’re in the thick of winter where I live and I know that some of the people who are invited won’t show up if it’s a cold or snowy day. In addition, I have a daughter who will soon start dating and I’m worrying in advance that her new husband’s side of the family will be enormous AND bring an entire stadium of friends and community members to the wedding while I’ll scrounge to find twenty warm bodies of my own! I’m mortified in advance! And I have younger kids too, so I’m going to have to endure all this again. Do you have any suggestions that can help me cope?
__________________
The “small-simcha-crowd” experience happens regularly for many of the reasons you’ve already noted. A small shul naturally means fewer people will be at the kiddush. A cold or rainy day certainly reduces those who will trudge over from their homes or other shuls. Sometimes the season of a particular simcha means that a lot of people will be away (Pesach, summer or winter vacations, etc.). And your small social circle is also a very common factor in the creation of a small simcha. But here’s an interesting fact – your friend circle is about the same size as everyone else’s! Research shows that people everywhere only have 2 – 5 really good friends, with 2 being more common than 5. You are not short on friends; you’re only short on simcha attendees. So who are all those other people at other peoples’ simchas?
In tight knit communities they may be neighbors or shul members – not friends that one speaks to regularly, but people one shares a street or institution with. Sometimes it’s people one shares a history with – classmates or people from a community one used to live in. Depending on one’s lifestyle, including what one does all day, one may have more or fewer friendly relationships with other people. For example, a woman who is the principal of the local high school may have hundreds of acquaintances pouring into her simchas – staff members, parents of students and students themselves. However a woman who works part-time doing administrative work in the same school office, may have only a couple of her colleagues come as guests. And a woman who works primarily in her kitchen in the privacy of her home and who spends her days tending to the many needs of her growing family, may have only her budgie bird to invite! Similarly, a woman who is married to a man who is heavily involved in community matters may be swamped with simcha attendees whereas a woman whose husband works from home during the day and learns with his single chavrusa in the evenings may not be a rich source of willing celebrants.
In your situation, the shul, your neighborhood, your spouse, the size of your extended family and your own lifestyle have left you with a diminished pool of acquaintances. The small turnout at your upcoming simcha will not prove that you’re unpopular; it will only prove that your daily life isn’t filled with community contact. Nonetheless, you are feeling judged, assuming that others will conclude that you aren’t well-liked. And you might be right about that. You aren’t the only one who thinks that someone can actually have hundreds of friends. There’s no way to stop people from thinking their thoughts, but there IS a way for YOU to stop thinking your own thoughts. Ask yourself if you think you are a good person living a good life. Ask yourself if you want to get a prominent job within the community so that you’ll have more people to invite to your simchas. Ask yourself if you want to start a community initiative of some kind so that you’ll have more people to invite to your simchas. In other words, you can choose to build a larger network of acquaintances in order to solve your simcha dilemma. Or, you can choose to acknowledge you like the life you have and that life comes with a small crowd of “followers.” Once you decide how you want to proceed, you don’t have to think about what others will think anymore.
Between Carpools1 month agoWhen Yom Tov coincides with back-to-school season, as it does this year, we’re most often a little less prepared. Instead of the calm September-long prep, there’s often the frantic menu-making that happens once the kids are safely tucked back in school.
And while we might not associate summer with filling-the-freezer time, we know that even if we get two or three items put away–whether it’s our challah or a baked item or two, or perhaps a dessert–we can approach Rosh Hashanah a little calmer and less overwhelmed.
Let’s start off with the challah….
Even if you’re using your regular challah recipe, and even if you’re not planning on baking challah yet, have these crumbs ready-mixed and ready-for-sprinkling in your freezer.
And if you are baking challah now, you might want to make them in this shape.
Or perhaps you love this version, which you can either make into rolls or also with the honey dish in the center.
There are some things we bake every year, no matter what. The classic. The traditions. It might be one thing or two things on the list, but it’s one of the below.
Another must-bake item.
A breakfast-worthy twist on our favorite honey cookies.
Lots enjoy these even more than honey cookies.
This is our original, classic version that uses an electric mixer.
As time went on, we knew we needed a version that works.
Then there’s the “something different.” The fun desserts. The sweets that aren’t the traditional. The baked goods that simply make your home smell so good. They still feel seasonal and appropriate, but they have just the right twist.
This should be tops on the list this year because really, it’s still ice cream season.
Some of you have been serving these for a decade. You can make some of the components even from now.
We’re a fan of galettes because they’re so much more appealing than pies and easier to make too. You can’t go wrong. See more Galettes we enjoy here.
Pareve was never this good. You won’t miss the dairy here, they’re that good.
A fun, fall item that kids will love. And adults too. Complete with cider-infused streusel crumbs.
If you want to bake with clean ingredients, we love this one.
Or perhaps you don’t and you simply want something that impresses.
An item you can freeze raw and bake fresh. And whether you consider this a dessert or a sweet side dish, it’s up to you!
Between Carpools1 month agobetween carpools · behind the scenes
between you & me…
Think you haven’t missed a post? You still haven’t seen it all. These are the Between Carpools moments, behind-the-scenes, and mishaps we didn’t show you.
swipe to see it all→
01
What names did we think of before we decided on BetweenCarpools.com? Here’s a peek.
see the shortlist →
02
You can see our notes from our very first meeting over here. We’ve stayed true to that mission!
see our first meeting notes →
03
During one of our early days, we had a booth at an event and the ladies there didn’t know what Between Carpools was.
what they asked us →
04
How do we run BCP? We use Asana (and soon Airtable) to organize our content ideas and calendar…
peek at the calendar →
05
But we collaborate on WhatsApp. Can you guess how many chats we have?
guess →
06
We love your love letters and we save them in their own chat! We read every one! It keeps us going!
see BCP wins →
07
We also love Google Docs because it allows us to collaborate. Our Google Docs are saved in ‘Drafts’ folders and they’re moved to ‘Ready’ when they’re ready to be uploaded to the website.
08
Our photoshoots take place in Renee Muller’s basement and we only use natural lighting! See the BCP prop closet!
peek in the prop closet →
09
One of our team members owned one of the very first Doona’s in summer 2015. Here you see it at one of our early meetings.
spot the Doona →
10
We had failures too. We tried to launch a men’s version of Between Carpools called The Mensch. It didn’t take off. We closed it down and moved on.
see The Mensch →
11
You probably haven’t noticed, but we’ve overhauled this website 4 times since we launched. Each version had a new look and upgraded usability.
12
Fun fact — our children range in age from 26 to a 6-month-old! There’s also a few small grandchildren in the mix.
6 months
→
26 years
+ a few small grandchildren
13
How long does it actually take to shoot a recipe step-by-step? A LONG time. There’s the prep, the styling, the photos…and there’s usually a team of three working. We typically get 7-8 posts shot in an average photoshoot day.
see the setup →
14
In 2024, we planned a retreat for our founders and it ended up being a Boot Camp. We spent three days and two nights away from home poring over our processes and fixing all the things we never get to fix.
one more thing… →
15
The BCP logo has gone through some changes to reflect current events.
see the story →
16
One of us hired a baby nurse to watch a baby during photoshoots while we were working on Dinner Done. Since then, she snaps photos of the Dinner Done cookbook and sends it to us whenever she’s working in a different house.
see the text →
17
We received so many requests for more fashion, so, in 2024, we connected you with Shop This That to bring you some more of what you’ve been asking for!
18
Finally, one of us was once gifted a Dinner Done cookbook. We loved the thought. She knew we ran Between Carpools but had no idea that Dinner Done was connected to it. We had a good laugh together.
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Between Carpools1 month agoThis fall, we’re loving pairings that feel a little unexpected but somehow just work:
gray + butter yellow, burgundy + blue, and pink + brown.
It’s such an easy way to take a simple outfit and make it feel fresh, elevated, and a little more “where did you get that?”
This fall, don’t be afraid to mix the unexpected. Sometimes two colors are just better together.
Want more great finds for you? Find more great curated edits, including these focused on you, here on This/That!
Want to see This/That curated edits as soon as they launch? Sign up to their WhatsApp Community here.
Blue + Burgundy
Maroon Ruched Sleeve Blouse | 100% Washable Maroon Silk Skirt | This Boxy Burgundy and Red Striped Polo is more casual option for everyday to match the maroon skirt above. Tie it all together with an unexpected pop of blue in these Blue and Maroon Ballet Flats, or these Light Blue Leather Loafers, or Blue Suede Mules!
This Cotton Polo from H&M is a really easy way to incorporate this color combo of maroon and blue into your wardrobe. For Yom Tov, a beautiful Winetasting Brielle Sweater Dress needs just one blue accessory (i.e. shoes and/or belt!)
GREY + YELLOW
This Bobbi Collared Sweater in Grey is so girly and cute. Want a more mature look? You’ll look chic in this Daphne High Neck Blazer. This ASOS Wool-Blend Set is a pretty look. The matching top is here. The light grey shade in this set coordinates well with these Aritzia Loafers.
Need weekday pairings? This Grey Knit Side Twist Polo or this Boxy Stripe Polo will have you ready for fall Sundays. We also love this Yellow Sweater with Buckle. These toggle buttons closure on this Ribbed Toggle Cardigan are super in right now. Match it with this Grey Pleated Skirt or this Yellow Satin Skirt.
Another pretty skirt is this grey and yellow argyle Mohair Maxi Skirt Mohair Blend, pair with a solid yellow or grey sweater. Finish off any grey or yellow outfit with this Ares Small Leather Crossbody Bag.
Pink + Brown
For shoe picks in this color scheme, we like these Elevated Leather Loafer Mules | Brown Suede Flats | Brown Loafers | Pink Loafers.
And, yes, polka dots are still trending.This Brown Polka Dot Skirt is so cute, all it needs is a plain top. Love ruffles? Style this Ruffle Skirt with a tucked-in brown turtleneck, or tuck in this Ruched Top. For a pink pop to a brown outfit, wrap this Pink Sweater over a brown turtleneck or any brown.
For a weekday look, a Hooded Ribbed T-Shirt is a transitional basic. Pair with a great denim item like this Belt Buckle Detail Denim Midi Skirt or this Julie Pleated Denim Skirt (yes, knee length styles are coming back, pair with boots) can be paired with any of these color palettes.
Between Carpools1 month agoHow did Between Carpools change your life?
Perhaps the best way to answer this question is to ask it of ourselves–in what way did it change our lives?
It could be the posts that changed us in a deeper way, those “little life lessons that stick.”
It could be the posts that changed the way we do things and made everything just that little bit more manageable, from the easier recipes to those “little conveniences that became revolutionary.”
And finally, the most impactful posts were perhaps those where Between Carpools fills its most essential role. The “big sister by your side” type of posts really defined the role BCP plays in being there to help guide you through all your stages…from setting up your home and making your first Pesach…to arranging your first bris or bar mitzvah….to packing up a child for camp, yeshiva, or seminary...through marrying off a child.
We’ve learned from each other, we learn from you, and we’ll continue to learn and evolve whether it’s through little life lessons, great recipes and hacks, or growing together through the stages of life.
If you missed any of these posts…catch them now!
Don’t Start the School Year without Rabbanit Yemima Mizrahi’s Top 4 Essential Tips
2. Tell Yourself, “I Chose This”
Really, all the tips in this January 2017 post on 10 Things to Tell Yourself When You’re Overwhelmed are important. But there’s a few that are at the forefront of our minds almost every day, like “What’s the first thing I need to do,” and telling ourselves, “I chose this.” We don’t choose everything in life, but in most situations, it is a mindset that comes to the rescue time and time again.
10 Things to Say to Yourself (or think about) When You’re Overwhelmed
3. Learning to Listen
It’s so important to go through life knowing that most of the time, it’s not necessary to get that word in edgewise. We learned this lesson in February 2017. Everyone always wants to say their piece–but really, the quality that’s way more valuable vs. being able to speak is being able to stay quiet and listen to others.
4. Davening Won’t Make Your Schedule More Tight
The main message in this post from March 2017 by Shiffy Friedman is with us every single day. In it, Shiffy shares the most important “busy mother tip” she learned from Rebbetzin Kolodtsky, the daughter of Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l: it’s his promise that davening won’t actually take up our time, but rather the time we spend will free up more time later.
How Rebbetzin Kolodetsky Inspired Me to Daven Shacharis Every Day—Even on Purim Morning
5. Moms of Little Kids: It Gets Easier
Our kids had to grow up a little for us to share these experiences and this important insight with you in January of 2018. We realized that the loneliest stage in raising children is when our oldest children were all little. As families grow, even if there’s more children, when there’s “bigger kids” around, it’s easier in a way. Moms of little kids: this one’s an essential read for you.
6. You Also Feel That Way?
This was a breakthrough moment at BCP in February 2023. In lots of situations, often we feel like “we’re the only one who feels that way.” It’s a lonely feeling. One great example: feeling awkward at simchas–like we don’t know who we are supposed to talk to or what we’re supposed to say to a baal simcha. There was one moment where one of us admitted this and suddenly, we all realized we’re not the only ones. And we hope this felt validating for lots of you out there too. You’re not alone in your feelings anymore.
7.Changing Our Attitude Towards “Stuff”
If there was one piece of advice we could give newlyweds and young families when setting up their new home, it’s to avoid acquiring too much stuff. Make sure something has a place before it enters! Yes, there’s the basics. But there’s always those extra items which seem so cool, but in the end, they just take up space. While these 2024 posts on achieving the decluttering mindset and decluttering that doesn’t take time are so helpful, it’s always easier if you don’t acquire the stuff in the first place!
Revolutionary Conveniences
8. The 9x13 That Started It All
We didn’t even realize the revolution that this January 2018 recipe for Oatmeal Squares began. See, the title doesn’t even say 9x13! (Perhaps we should update it?) It kickstarted a whole series of 9x13 recipes and Dinner Done chapters that have saved all of us a lot of time and a lot of mess. We are no longer anxious when our kids want to bake or when we need to make dinner and can’t handle extra dishes to wash. Stock up on your pans, whether real or disposable–9x13 recipes are here to stay.
No-Mixer No-Bowl (Yup, Mix ‘Em Right in the Baking Pan) Oatmeal Squares
9. Easy Recipes, Pantry Ingredients
We all cook so differently than we did a decade ago. Recipes changed. It’s no longer about being the most creative or unique. It’s about meals that work more in sync with our lives, that make our families happy, and that don’t entail extra trips to the grocery. These easy recipes span a decade and two Dinner Done cookbooks, like Garlic Sesame Schnitzel from August 201****6 to One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice from September 2024. Recipes like these make cooking simpler–but just as tasty as ever.
10. Grains in Oven/Freezing Grains
It was eye-opening when we learned that no, we don’t need to take out a pot or wait 45 minutes to have a side dish ready. It was in January 2022 when we figured out we can make almost every grain in the oven. And then the idea really took off when we began preparing sushi rice that way too in February 2023. And then it really came together in October 2024, when we figured out we could freeze the extra in quantities that made sense and pop them in the microwave when needed, whether it was rice, pasta, or most else.
Prepare Your Grains In the Oven and Be Ready for Great Salads Any Time
11. Packing and Unpacking is Different
This isn’t food-related, and perhaps it’s only relevant a few times per year, but packing and unpacking is way different before vs. after BCP because it’s here we learned about packing cubes in July 2017! It’s been such an essential that makes so much sense, it’s easy to forget how the concept first came to our attention.
13. Camp/Yeshiva/Seminary Lists (i.e. most Big Sister-ish!)
This is one area where BCP truly is that big sister you didn’t have. Except that even if you do have a big sister, she didn’t necessarily make you such an organized, well-researched, and up to date list that you can rely on when sending a girl to camp, a boy to camp, a boy to yeshiva, or a girl to seminary. We first posted a camp list in June 2019 and we’ve been updating and refining all our packing lists annually ever since.
13. Pesach with BCP by Your Side
Pesach is the time of year where we are at your side perhaps more than any other time! Simple family favorites you’ll want to turn to year after year: No big ingredient lists. Keep it simple, keep it pure, but make Yom Tov a time to remember. From the Pesach planning, Seder basics, recipe favorites, hacks, and more, we hope BCP has also helped you find joy in the process.
14. Sharing in Your Simcha!
During all our “firsts,” we’ve spent a lot of time making mistakes and figuring things out–but that doesn’t mean that you need to also–especially when it comes to making simchas! Anxiety can also creep in at times of simcha, and we hope our Simcha Guides have given you peace of mind and grounded to-do lists when it feels overwhelming. From Everything You Need to Plan a Wedding, Bris, Pidyon HaBen, to (finally!) our Bar Mitzvah Guide in February 2025, we’re here for you. Mazel Tov!
15. The Big Sister Steps In
There are things in life that no one will tell you. But there are things you need to know, and things that are so, so comforting to learn from someone who’s just a few years ahead of you. We started it off in August 2020 when we shared our favorite “Big Sister” products, and we’re still brainstorming more ways to help you feel that you aren’t alone to navigate this nuanced area of life.
16.And Finally, the Best Part… Being Confident and Happy at Home
Finally, finally…BCP has helped us make home simply the best place to be. Never underestimate the little things that make a woman comfortable in her own home. From when setting up her home, doing laundry, and learning what cleaning supplies she needs, to when she’s organizing or setting that beautiful yet accessible table for her Chanukah party…and finally, and very importantly, to finding time to take care of herself so she can be at her best. Through all these ways, BCP has helped us bring calm and joy to the moments we spend in the very best place: our own mikdash me’at.
Between Carpools1 month agoOne of us was in the market for a new wig. She was ready to try something new. But where to turn?
She wanted to stick to her standards–but still look pretty. No outside pressure was going to make her compromise. She had a reasonable budget–somewhere in the $1500-$2000 area–and for that price, she definitely wanted good quality hair and something that would have longevity. And comfortable? Of course.
She reached out to Lakewood sheital macher Penina Morrison for direction.
First, Penina asked for photos. Even though she knew the customer personally, she hadn’t seen her in some time and wanted to get to know what she’s been wearing lately, what style she wants to go with this time, along with the right color and length.
Photos help a lot! This way, all the back-and-forth could be done ahead of time. She would be able to slide right into the chair and try on the wigs that were most suitable for her.
By the time she arrived for her appointment, the wigs that were the right color, cap size, and length were sitting ready to try on.
“I’ve already said, “No!” to so many wigs you don’t even know about,” Penina told her while handing her the first wig to try on, an Allure made by RX Wigs.
“When one of my customers wants better quality hair and that lower-to-mid price-point, RX’s Allure is my favorite,” Penina said honestly.
We asked Penina if we could quote her–she wasn’t being interviewed, she was just being open and forthright. And she was completely fine with it, “I’m happy to talk about a product that I work with and believe in. And the people behind the brand are so nice and easy to work with too. So I stand by them and I believe in them.”
And so, her customer tried on the wigs. The first one, then the second one. And then the first one again. And she realized that it was that first one that was actually…perfect!
“I’ve been doing wigs for 18 years and selling RX wigs for 8. And in those past 8 years, I’ve never ever had an RX wig come back. It happens to be nicer hair that holds up longer than usual. And the colors are beautiful.”
This customer noticed…the color was particularly spot-on. The cap fit well and comfortably. The hair felt silky and light.
Yes, this felt right. It was time to cut!
She walked out so happy–this felt easy and effortless. Of course, with any new wig, there’s always that doubt in the beginning, “Is this me? Is this what I wanted? Is this how I want to look?” How we present ourselves to the world means so much to every woman.
A few days in, when she was still getting used to the wig, a stranger approached her in a crowded shoe store, “What wig is that? It looks so pretty. It suits you so well.” (p.s. whenever a woman is wearing a non-lace wig of a modest length, those compliments really mean a lot!)
What does she love about her new Allure? For one, the color. Two, it’s a great dressy option, but it also goes up into a pony easily if she wants to wear it back or in a bun. Three, the hair feels different. She can feel the quality of it.
RX’s Allure Wigs are for women at any age and stage who want that refined look. It’s built for the woman who wants a skin-top only, but still wants that beautiful, elegant, refined look. And RX does color so well–there’s such a gorgeous range of shades to choose from. No matter the style–bangs or no bangs, short or longer, whether you wear it down or put it half-up or into a pony…you’ll find your perfect fit.
They also feel lightweight and comfortable, are well-made, and the hair feels exceptionally good! The Allure is an amazing option for the woman with that sensitivity to modesty who would still like to look beautiful.
For those who wear other varieties of wigs, RX has another popular line. The RX Ready-to-Wear line, priced $2,000-$3,000, comes with baby hairs and color already done–you can walk in and walk out with it on the same day. Customers love that there’s no need to wait and wonder what the wig will come out like after a long process.
Want to know where to find an RX Allure Wig?
Call 800-557-6030 to find out who carries RX’s Allure line near you.
New York | New Jersey | Florida | Texas | Baltimore | Los Angeles | Chicago | Detroit | Cleveland | London | Israel
You can also learn more @rxwigs or by following their WhatsApp status (+1 862-290-9608)
The wigs featured in these photos are all the RX Allure, shown in a variety of styles and lengths. The mom in the photos is wearing clothing supplied by Bliss Label. The wigs were cut and styled by Penina Morrison 732.600.2719.
Between Carpools1 month agoIt’s the items we talk about (or the items we should talk about!). It’s the items most of us own and are super enthusiastic about. And altogether, it’s a gift bag filled with $500 of our favorite BCP-recommended products–from items that will make you feel a little pampered, to the super convenient and practical picks, we’re sure you’ll love this collection as much as we do.
And 10 of you will win!
How do you enter to win? See the instructions at the end of this post.
What’s Inside?
We’ve linked the post where each item has been featured. If there is no post, we’ve mentioned it in our favorite finds.
How to Enter:
We want to hear from you! To enter, simply comment below and tell us: What recipe has become a staple in your kitchen? What hack or tip has made your daily routine easier? Or, simply share a favorite BCP memory from the last decade. We are so excited to hear what you have to share! (Be sure to include your email address while leaving a comment, it will stay anonymous. And if you left a comment on Day 1, you’ll be entered for that too!)
Double Entry Options***Share this post on your Instagram Story. Tag us!*****Share this post on your Whatsapp status and let us know via Whatsapp DM.**
*The Newsletter Boost: Sign up for our email newsletter here, and you’ll get an added entry too!
Prizes can be shipped to U.S. addresses only.
The Deadline to enter the giveaway is Sunday night 8/23/26. Winners will be announced Monday 8/24/26.
Between Carpools1 month agoHappy Birthday Between Carpools! 10 years is a substantial number, yet it feels like yesterday when we first discussed our vision, what we wanted the still unnamed website to look like and feel like. Our goals were clear, and looking back, we are proud to say that we haven’t veered from the original plan. Our vision is still there.
Ten years of learning, adapting, and constantly improving (we overhauled our website 4 times, did you notice?) has taught us a lot. We sat together, and took a moment to think: What did we learn in these 10 years? What has Between Carpools taught us? Besides for the best way to cook sushi rice or how to stop fumbling through your passports at the airport.
Really, we asked ourselves, what have we learned from running BCP? We are not the same five women who sat around that table anymore. We have grown and learned so much.
Here are a few of of those things:
(Tap and then scroll down to see all 10 below!)
Between Carpools · 10 Years
a decade of…
A decade ago, five women sat around a table and decided the Jewish world needed one website for the busy Jewish woman. Here’s what running it has taught us along the way.
Scroll through the years
01
Lesson One
He is the source of everything, and we see it daily. One of the most asked questions we get is “How do you keep coming up with content, after so many years?” Yes. We post daily. Sometimes twice daily. How? We do not know. More often than not, we are also amazed.
Inspiration comes to us from everywhere, but really, we know, it’s directly from the One Above. He knows what the women of Klal Yisroel need to hear, we are just a means.
the honest truth →
02
Lesson Two
You, our readers, and not only our readers, women in general, inspire us daily. You do it all, with a smile. And you are always looking for that new dinner recipe that your family will appreciate, or the best way to deal with a hard teenager. You always want to do more.
a little secret →
03
Lesson Three
It literally takes a village, and that village is right here. We help each other, we learn from each other and you have taught us the importance of sharing struggles so that you can get the help you need. If someone has a problem with, say pinworms, or perhaps, overbearing 11-year-old, there’s always someone out there willing to respond with advice and wisdom that comes only from experience.
04
Lesson Four
In all these years, we BH cannot recall one time that we had any argument. Of course, we have different opinions. And strong ones. We don’t see eye to eye on everything (and that is what keeps Between Carpools approachable) but we agree to disagree, or better yet, we agree to focus on what is best for the brand, and for our readers.
We agree to focus on what’s best for the brand, and for you.
05
Lesson Five
To each other. To you. It took some time, but we learned. Your emails, your messages, your DM’s… they all get read. Your feedback is how we keep our pulse on our community.
what we do with it →
06
Lesson Six
A lot happens in 10 years. BH, a lot of life happens. Babies are born. Babies get sick, need stitches, casts, and sometimes just that little extra attention. They grow up and need to get into schools. Then come bar and bas mitzvahs, graduations, weddings or sitting shiva. Husbands change jobs, take on new responsibilities, need more from us, or sometimes just need us to be there for them. Parents come to stay with you. Parents need more help. Parents get older. Life never stands still.
Through all of it, we have been there for each other. We’ve covered for each other, picked up the slack, stepped in when someone needed a little extra help, and done it quietly and happily. Because we know that life comes first.
Our families have always been our priority. And somehow, for 10 years, we’ve managed to build and run Between Carpools without losing sight of that. We can do that because we are a team.
how we make it work →
07
Lesson Seven
In the beginning, we didn’t think it was important to stop and celebrate. To spend time together, marking a milestone. We thought it was better to use that time to get some work done. There was always another content meeting we needed to have, another project waiting. But, we soon realized, we were wrong. We learned to take the time to celebrate and be proud of what we have accomplished. Because there will always be more work to do, but taking the time to celebrate actually fuels us to do more, with more intention. Thank you for celebrating with us.
08
Lesson Eight
In the beginning, we pushed ourselves to do it all. Quickly, we learned that asking for help is a secret strength. And others can teach us how to improve, if we just listened. So we hired help.
09
Lesson Nine
We hired, we trained, and then we took a step back. Our employees and advisers are our new family, and we are so proud of them. Each one has a hidden talent that wasn’t on her resume. Each one goes above and beyond.
Lesson Ten
Between Carpools, to us, is a service to all women out there, no matter where you are at. You are seen, and we support you, as best as we can. Being a woman, a mother, a wife can be lonely sometimes. You’re expected to know the answer to everything: the little problems, the things you don’t know how to do, the things you wonder if everyone else knows except you. We wanted BCP to be the place you could come to and find an answer, a solution, or simply realize that you’re not the only one figuring it out. One recipe at a time. One laundry hack at a time.
maybe that’s our secret…
And ten years later, we’re still here — still learning from you, still looking for ways to improve, daily. Thank you for continuing to inspire us to build this community.
P.S. come back tomorrow for our special giveaway…
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Between Carpools1 month agoWe love seeing the collections that our favorite brands and new brands debut each season. You never know when you’re going to spot the item and know “this is just what I was looking for.”
There’s a good chance you’ll find it among some of the brands we’re spotlighting below. Whether you’re looking for convenience, a fresh new selection, or great prices, start browsing.
Children
Shoes & Accessories
Women
Boys & Men
Outerwear
Maternity
Simcha Wear
Children
Tottini – Dresswear
Tottini’s dresswear collections are designed with Shabbos and Yom Tov in mind, bringing together timeless styles the whole family will love. Each collection features classic plaids, rich textures, and thoughtful details, making it easy to create a polished look for every age. From dresses and rompers to coordinated sibling styles and wardrobe staples, every Tottini collection is designed with both style and comfort in mind. With fresh seasonal colors and styles for babies and children, Tottini helps families dress beautifully for Shabbos, Yom Tov, and every special moment together.
You won’t believe the beautiful selection at tottini.com.
Children
Tottini – Weekday Collection
Tottini’s weekday collection is made for everyday life, with comfortable, stylish pieces that kids can wear again and again. From our boys’ polos and everyday basics to easy-to-mix separates, each collection is designed with practicality and style in mind. Whether it’s for school, play, or everyday outings, our versatile essentials help simplify getting dressed while keeping kids looking put together. With new colors and styles each season, Tottini offers everyday favorites that families love.
Browse and choose your favorite weekday looks at tottini.com.
Children
AliPicks
Alipicks features great collections, every single season–at unbelievable prices you won’t find anywhere else. That’s because Alipicks designs and manufactures their own pieces and sells them through Ali Express at amazing price points. Clothing includes on trend options for everyone in the family, from gorgeous picks for kids for both Shabbos and weekday, shoes, coordinating hair accessories, and super cozy pajamas your kids are going to love!
See the great selection and prices and order online at alipicks.com.
Children
Mofi Clothing
Mofi is a husky boys clothing line. Their mission was to take the struggle out of shopping, because everyone deserves to shop for clothing that fits without requiring extensive alterations. The clothing is designed with comfort, quality and confidence in mind. They are committed to helping boys feel confident while looking and feeling their best. Say goodbye to frustrating shopping trips and hello to Mofi. Our tag line is we like you, for you! and boy do we mean it!
He’s going to look great with moficlothing.com.
Children
Little Loungers
Little Loungers is a Brooklyn luxury children’s boutique with more than 30 years of experience dressing babies and children beautifully. Their carefully curated collection features European designers, heirloom-quality layette, ultra-soft Peruvian Pima cotton, elegant everyday essentials, and distinctive clothing for Yom Tov, special occasions, portraits, and milestone moments. They are especially known for exceptional baby gifting, personalized service, and custom embroidery, including same-day options on select items. Every purchase is thoughtfully presented with complimentary signature gift wrapping, making Little Loungers a trusted destination for parents, grandparents, and gift-givers seeking something truly special. Customers can shop at the flagship boutique at 4809 13th Avenue in Brooklyn or browse nationwide at LittleLoungers.com, with free shipping on qualifying orders and personal styling assistance available by phone or in store.
Shop the boutique from the comfort of home at littleloungers.com.
Children
Leader Kids
Leader kids is your one stop destination for stylish, affordable children’s clothing with everything your family needs all in one place. Their thoughtfully coordinated collections make it easy to mix and match for siblings or to create complete looks from head to toe. From everyday essentials to dresswear to special occasions, Leader Kids offers quality, value and effortless style for every child.
Styles you’ll love…prices you won’t believe at leader-kids.com.
Children
Tiny Treasures
Tiny Treasures is a children’s clothing brand created to make modest dressing beautiful, comfortable, and easy. The collection is designed especially for girls ages 3T–10, with thoughtful modest details including covered knees, higher necklines, and longer sleeves—without sacrificing the fun, feminine styles girls love.
The pieces are made primarily from luxuriously soft bamboo fabrics that are breathable, stretchy, and sensory-friendly, making them comfortable enough for all-day wear. From twirly dresses and cozy skirts to versatile layering tops, each piece is designed to mix and match for everyday wear, Shabbos, Yom Tov, and everything in between.
At Tiny Treasures, girls don’t have to choose between feeling comfortable and looking beautiful. Their goal is simple: soft fabrics, practical modesty, and styles they’ll be excited to wear.
Shop comfortable and easy to wear pieces at tinytreasures.com.
Children
Basically Kids
Basically Kids: Everyday Essentials at Every Day Prices. The new season just landed. But there’s no need to stress. Basically Kids is ready, with the basics of a great season.
Shop polos, sweaters, pants, skirts, and anything else you may need, all at unbeatable prices.
The basics you want. Prices better than you thought possible at Basically Kids.
Children
Seven Cubs
Seven Cubs is your destination for beautiful children’s fashion, thoughtfully curated for every day, Shabbos, Yom Tov and everything in between. Discover an incredible selection for babies through kids, with a special emphasis on gorgeous family coordinates that make dressing everyone beautifully that much easier.
And because shopping should be convenient, Seven Cubs makes it that way: late-night hours until 11 PM, a one-week return policy, free local delivery, nationwide shipping, and easy ordering however you prefer.
Looking for a gift? Their signature gifting takes it to another level, with beautiful options designed to make every occasion feel extra special. For new arrivals, updates, specials & more, follow their WhatsApp Status: 732-994-3946.
Shop in store or online at SevenCubs.com.
Children
Dito Kids
DITO is where timeless children’s style meets modern luxury. Designed for families who appreciate beautiful details, exceptional quality, and effortless elegance, DITO creates premium clothing and pajamas that make every child look and feel special. Each collection is thoughtfully designed with refined colors, distinctive details, soft fabrics, and comfortable fits made for real life. From coordinated sibling looks to elevated everyday pieces and cozy sleepwear, every DITO style is created to be worn, loved, and remembered. Beautiful enough to stand out and comfortable enough for every day—because the sweetest moments deserve something special.
Discover the pajamas your children will love and more at ditokid.com.
Children
Young Timers
Discover children’s fashion that feels distinctive, elevated, and thoughtfully chosen. Young Timers is a Brooklyn-based children’s boutique featuring a carefully curated selection from leading brands in children’s and teen fashion. From refined everyday pieces and effortless weekend styles to standout looks for special occasions, their collection has something for everyone from newborns through teens.
With a wide range of price points, Young Timers makes it easy to find clothing that fits both your style and budget. Whether you shop in their Brooklyn boutique or from home, their goal is to make the experience personal, enjoyable, and convenient. Their website is easy to shop, with a 7-day return policy for refunds, so you can shop with confidence.
Explore the latest collections at Youngtimersny.com.
Shoes & Accessories
Slingers
Preorders are now open for the newest styles! Use code BCP15.
Rain or shine, Slingers are ready for every adventure! Made from 100% waterproof EVA, they’re incredibly lightweight, easy to clean, and so comfortable they feel just like a favorite pair of slippers.
Perfect for every season, Slingers let kids explore damp playgrounds, jump into colorful leaves, splash through puddles, and enjoy weekend outings—all while keeping their school shoes protected from mud and scuffs. Simply rinse them clean, and they’re ready to go again.
Best of all, Slingers are so on-trend and pretty, making them a must-have for every little fashion lover. Stylish, durable, waterproof, and unbelievably comfortable—they’re the go-anywhere shoes kids will reach for all season long.
Use code BCP15 to enjoy 15% off your pairs at slingersusa.com.
This special offer is valid for a limited time during the preorder period.
Shoes & Accessories
M. Aviann
Discover the Winter Collection from M. Aviann, where timeless style meets all-day comfort. Designed for women who appreciate effortless elegance, the collection features classic loafers, refined Mary Janes, chic ballet flats, and versatile everyday styles crafted from premium materials with exceptional attention to detail. Each pair is thoughtfully designed with cushioned comfort, supportive construction, and a flattering fit, making them perfect for work, events, travel, and daily wear throughout the season. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or looking for a polished everyday shoe, M. Aviann offers sophisticated footwear that transitions beautifully from weekday to weekend. Available in a curated selection of rich winter colors and classic neutrals, the styles are designed to complement your wardrobe and remain favorites for years to come.
Find the pairs you’ll live in this season at MAviann.com.
Shoes & Accessories
Perroquet Shoes
Some brands earn a place in your closet. Others earn a place in your routine. Perroquet has become a household name for families around the world. Season after season, mothers know they’ll find quality shoes and enough variety to outfit the whole family in one stop. With 245 styles this AW26 season, there’s options for everyone. If you’re the “skip the stores and shop online” type of mom, their website makes it easy, complete with an at-home fitting video that takes the guesswork out of sizing.
If you are heading to shop in person, you’ll love the new kiosk ordering system–it makes shoe shopping so much easier!
You’ll love the styles, selection, and quality at perroquetshoes.com.
Shoes & Accessories
Dafni Hair
Meet Klix, the world’s first magnetic claw clip-designed to give you a beautiful, secure hairstyle in just one click. Unlike bulky traditional claw clips, Klix sits comfortably and flat against your head, so you can drive, work, practice yoga, lean back, and move through your day without taking your hair down. Invented by an Israeli woman engineer and physicist who wanted a smarter way to create effortless hairstyles, Klix combines brilliant engineering with seriously beautiful design. From the original magnetic clips to statement bows and the newest flower styles, there’s a Klix for every look- especially for back-to-school. Launched just a year ago, Klix has already taken off in the U.S., with more than 200,000 products sold. An instant hairstyle, a smarter clip, and an Israeli innovation worth supporting.
Discover Klix and your new favorite way to style your hair at Dafnihair.com.
WOMEN
5One Apparel
5One Apparel is a women’s fashion brand dedicated to redefining how petite clothing fits and feels. Designed specifically for petite proportions—from shoulder seams to sleeve length—each piece is created from the ground up rather than simply shortened, offering a more precise and flattering fit. The brand was born out of frustration with constant alterations, aiming to eliminate the need for hemming and adjustments altogether. With a focus on sophisticated, polished styles, 5One Apparel blends comfort, quality, and style with effortless wearability. Guided by real customer feedback, the collections are thoughtfully crafted to help petite women feel confident, put-together, and comfortable—right off the rack. It’s fashion that truly fits, the first time.
Find the styles that were made for you at 5oneapparel.com.
Boys & Men
Adonis Shirts
For almost three decades, Adonis Shirts has combined timeless style, dependable quality, and everyday comfort for men and boys. The classic Non-Iron shirts deliver a crisp, polished look with minimal effort, while the Easy Care collection offers practical comfort and simple maintenance. The all-new Super Stretch shirt takes flexibility to the next level, with soft, four-way stretch and anti-wrinkle fabric that moves naturally while maintaining the refined appearance of a traditional dress shirt.
For a performance-driven wardrobe, the Woeve collection features featherweight stretch shirts, flexible pants, and versatile blazers designed to keep up with work, travel, yeshiva, and life on the go.
All products are available in both men’s and boys’ sizing, making it easy to find the right fit, fabric, and level of performance for every age and lifestyle. Adonis has something for everyone!
The newly redesigned website offers a streamlined, user-friendly experience, with clearly organized collections, helpful product information, and simple ordering from start to finish. Also available at upscale mens and boys shops.
Shopping Adonis is now easier than ever at adonisshirts.com.
Boys & Men
A.I.STONE
The secret to selling over a million shirts: You make sure each piece is the best in the market. From fabrics to fabrication, sewing to sizing, threading to tailoring, and even price. A.I.STONE perfected each one, and then perfected it again. Their shirts are the perfect medium between comfort and durability, and are available in countless sizes, fits, fabrics, collars, and sleeve lengths. Treated with their NeverCreaseTM tech, the non-iron finish is engineered to last even longer than your shirt. A lot went into these shirts. And you’ll do a lot in them. Visit A.I.STONE’s Lakewood warehouse or beautiful new Jackson store, or shop online at aistone.com.
No one has perfected the shirt and the right fits quite like aistone.com.
Boys & Men
His Place
Our boys say it best, ‘His Place knows what we want.” They don’t just sell clothing–they create the clothing that fits the needs and wants of today’s boys and men. The results? Clothing that performs better, is more comfortable, is easy to wear, and simply makes it easier to get dressed and look great. From the comfort and breathability of the Performance Blazer and Pants, to the legendary Flex pants, the Sweater Collection, and much more, T.O. is the source of all his favorites. Now you can also shop for hats & shoes at their standalone Hats and Shoes location in Seagull Square Shopping Center in Lakewood, NJ.
The source of all his favorite clothing items, season after season is TheHisPlace.com.
Outerwear
Ruebi
Ruebi brings style, quality, and practicality together in a Fall/Winter outerwear collection designed for every age—from baby through young adult. Known for jackets and coats that are warm without feeling bulky, Ruebi creates pieces that are comfortable, easy to wear, and made to fit beautifully.
Every jacket is thoughtfully designed and exceptionally well made, with careful attention given to each detail, from the fit and finishing to the fabrics and construction. Durable and easy to care for, Ruebi outerwear is made for real life while still delivering the polished, elevated look kids and parents love.
With high-quality craftsmanship at refreshingly affordable prices, Ruebi makes it easy to find a great jacket for every child and every stage.
Find Ruebi at your local retailer or shop the collection at shopruebi.com.
MATERNITY
Nest Maternity
Nest Maternity is a women’s modest maternity clothing brand designed to help you feel like yourself throughout every stage of pregnancy and beyond. We create thoughtfully designed pieces that look and feel like your regular wardrobe—not traditional maternity clothes—so you can stay true to your personal style while your body changes.
Our collection combines modest, flattering silhouettes with quality fabrics, thoughtful details, and accessible prices, making it easy to build a wardrobe you’ll genuinely love wearing. From everyday essentials to elevated pieces, each style is designed with both comfort and confidence in mind.
At NEST, we believe maternity clothing shouldn’t make you feel like you’re dressing differently—it should make you feel beautiful, comfortable, and completely yourself.
Discover the styles that are inherently you at nestmaternity.com.
MATERNITY
Lillie Designer Maternity Wear
Lillie features a curated collection of elevated European designer pieces, thoughtfully chosen to fit your moment.
Request your code for exclusive access to view the collection.
SIMCHA WEAR
By Lisa Gross
With more than 20 years of experience, Lisa specializes in bridal, simcha, mother-of-the-bride and evening-wear alterations. She perfects the fit, adds sleeves or coverage, adjusts necklines and hems, and handles major changes without losing the original designer look. Lisa is warm, patient and honest in the fitting room—and a true perfectionist about how every dress looks, feels and moves. She also created Reworked, transforming old sweatpants (or newly sourced pairs) into signature long skirts. Whether your next simcha is already on the calendar or you simply have an idea for later, text or WhatsApp Lisa directly 917-282-4324 to ask questions or book a private fitting, conveniently located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Learn more about Lisa’s work here.
Between Carpools1 month agoThe shopping is done, her things are labeled, and the suitcases are packed. You’ve been tackling your to-do list all summer; you’re not looking to add anything to your list!
This prep, though, doesn’t need a suitcase. It’s helping her navigate the adult things she’ll need to know when you’re not there to help!
Does she know how to do laundry? Now’s the time! What gets separated, what goes into the dryer and what hangs to dry? Give her a quick lesson in Celsius, kilos, and voltage, before she blows her curling iron. Explain how her phone plan works so she can reach you as soon as she gets her phone! Basics for you, but important for her. Life lessons, unlocked.
Super important to have this conversation before she goes! Will she have a budget? What can she spend your money on, and what will come out of her bank account? Set a budget together. Teach her shekel/dollar conversion rates, and explain the importance of tracking her spending. Between coffee, taxis, froyo trips, restaurants and Shabbos gifts, her money can disappear faster than she realizes!
Will she love all the seminary food? Probably not. Now’s the time to plan how she’s going to feed herself. What basic things can she stock in the dorm to fend for herself? Yes, there’s a time and place for restaurants, but come up with a plan so takeout isn’t the default.
Have the transportation conversation now. Will she be mostly using buses and the light-rail or taxis? Where can she go herself, and where should she only go with friends? Setting clear expectations while she’s still home will go a long way.
Then, explain how to order a Jewish taxi, how to get a Rav-Kav, etc. You won’t be able to explain it all, of course, but she should have some idea of what’s ahead of her.
Bez’H, she won’t need this section at all! And of course, her seminary will help her. But she should know her insurance and who to call when she isn’t feeling well.
Most Importantly, Tell Her to Remember the Year
She doesn’t need to journal every night. But the funny stories, the great Shabbosim, the quote from her teacher that really penetrated, the recipe her hostess shared…she won’t remember them without writing them down. And she’ll be so grateful she did!
Oof, this is the big one. You can’t prepare her for every single eventuality. And you probably shouldn’t. She’s going to figure it out, all of it. Send her off knowing that you trust her to make good decisions.
And if she needs help? That’s where The Sem Life Planner comes in.
Created based on what hundreds of seminary girls said they wished they had known, the planner puts all that Israel info in one place: transportation, healthcare, groceries, restaurants, Shabbos, everyday tips, and so much more. Everything she needs to know, right at her fingertips.
It also has space to set goals, journal, save memories, record quotes, and really remember the year she’s about to have. It’s everything she needs, all-in-one. And the best part? You don’t even have to pack it!
The Sem Life Planner can be delivered directly to her seminary in Israel, ready and waiting when she gets there. You can zip her suitcase, and rest assured that you did everything you needed to do.
You can’t be there to answer every question, but you can make sure she knows where to turn when she has one.
The sem life planner is the perfect gift for ANYONE you’d like to gift at the start of the seminary year. Send them off knowing they’re calm and taken care of.
Order the Sem Life Planner here.
Between Carpools1 month agoChodesh Elul
Mazel: Besulah (girl)
Human Faculty: Action
Yes, it’s that time of year again: The King is in the field. Rav Dessler famously teaches that our calendar is like a circular train route–every station we stop at is another opportunity to load up on specific spiritual gifts. Now that we’ve stopped at the Elul station, let us take a moment to understand the immense potential of this time of year so we can tap into this gift and b”H leave this station with a fully loaded carriage.
The mazel of Elul is besulah, a young girl. The first time this word appears in the Torah is in praise of our matriarch Rivkah, before her marriage to Yitzchak. As the wife of the one whose koach lay in tefillah, who “went out to the field to converse” with Hashem, Rivkah’s koach lay in tefillah, as well. It is the essence of being in a constant relationship with Hashem through our words, through speaking to Him, through turning to Him with everything.
As Yidden, we are in a relationship with Hashem. If a husband and wife don’t converse with one another, what type of marriage is it? True, they may be technically married to one another, but the element of relationship, of connection, of closeness, of “beloved” is painfully absent. Elul, the acronym, for “am I to my Beloved and my Beloved is to me,” is a time when we want to deepen that relationship. Through what? The act of tefillah, of being in constant conversation. Of course, formal tefillah is a fundamental element in Yiddishkeit. Another fundamental element is informal tefillah—it’s about the easy flow, the personal touch, the frequency. As well, the closer we are to another being, the more our conversation moves from the general to the more specific. We don’t only talk about big topics, but also about the detailed goings-on of our day-to-day life. During this month when the potential for a deepened relationship is immense, this is the way we can experience the sweetness of that kind of union.
Want to tap into the spiritual propensity of this month? Keep up a constant conversation with Hashem.
Here’s how to maximize the potential of this month:
Once per day this month, talk to Hashem about something. Look out for a detail that you want to either thank, praise, or beseech for.
In addition to your general requests or gestures of gratitude (for health, parnassah, or a shidduch) or formal prayers, make this conversation more personal. Discuss a detail you’d never thought of bringing to Hashem, whether you felt it was too petty (like a leaking sink or a parking spot) or too personal.
Enter the territory that makes the relationship more intimate, more real.
Talk it out. Go into detail, in the way you would with someone you feel especially close to. Hash out your concerns, dilemmas, and predicaments. Know that He is listening to every word; He wants to hear it all.
Bask in the relationship, and keep talking. As the month moves on, you’ll notice how this prayer habit cultivates more and more closeness. You’ll find that once you get into the loop of turning to Hashem with anything, you’ll start turning to Him with everything. You’ll be standing at the elevator or in line at the supermarket and find yourself just talking to Him in your mind. And that’s how a relationship happens.
Tefillah, we know, is one of the three ways—along with teshuvah and tzedakah— through which we prepare for the new year. We don’t only deepen our “marriage” with Hashem through prayer; we’re also annulling the frightening decrees for the year up ahead. Here’s another incredible bonus: the more real our kesher with Hashem becomes, the more beloved we feel at all times.
When we engage in constant conversation with Hashem, we come ever closer to Him, deepening our relationship and experiencing the special closeness that Elul invites us to bask in. What a wonderful way to prepare for the new year!
Between Carpools1 month agoAs we stand before Hashem, we hope He sees more than what is visible on the surface. We hope He sees the effort behind the struggle, the intentions behind the mistakes, the victories no one noticed, and the quiet battles no one else even knew we were fighting.
We hope He does not define us by one failure, one reaction, or one moment when we fell short. We hope He sees the whole person. The full story. Everything that brought us to that moment and everything inside us that is still trying.
There is something deeply comforting about knowing that Hashem sees beyond what the eye can see.
One of the greatest gifts of Elul is that we’re reminded of what it feels like to be truly seen.
What if we tried to offer our children that same gift?
What if, before defining them by one difficult moment, we paused long enough to look beneath the surface? What if we looked for the effort, the struggle, the intention, and the story we couldn’t immediately see?
The challenge is that we don’t parent in slow, reflective moments. We parent in the middle of real life. Behavior is what we see. It is loud, immediate, and often frustrating. Before we’ve had time to think, our minds have already created an explanation for it.
He’s disrespectful. She’s mean. He’s looking for attention.
What if, before settling on that first explanation, we could train ourselves to pause and consider what else might be true?
There is a simple activity I play with the children I work with that teaches exactly that. I call it The Maybe Game.
I’ll tell a child, “A boy got off the school bus carrying three backpacks.” Then I’ll ask, “Why do you think he’s carrying three backpacks?”
They usually shrug and say, “I don’t know…he’s weird.”
They haven’t stopped to think it through. Instead of wondering why he might be carrying three backpacks, they simply settle on the easiest explanation.
So we play the Maybe Game.
The Maybe Game is simple: Before settling on one explanation, challenge yourself to come up with as many “maybes” as you can.
Maybe… he’s carrying his two brothers’ backpacks because they forgot them. Maybe… he’s bringing supplies for a school siyum.
Maybe… he offered to help classmates whose hands were full.
Maybe… his friends slept over and left their backpacks at his house.
Maybe… the bags are filled with costumes for a school play or presents for his teachers.
Without stopping to think it through, there is no way to move beyond that first impression.
Children who struggle with flexible thinking often get stuck there. They either know the answer or they don’t. The Maybe Game teaches them to stretch their thinking, consider possibilities they hadn’t seen before, and make room for more than one explanation.
As speech therapists, we call that flexible thinking.
As parents, I think we simply call it love.
Because how often do we see one moment and believe we have seen the whole story? Our child ignores us. Our daughter snaps at her sibling. Our son melts down over something that seems so small.
Within seconds, we have filled in the blanks.
He’s disrespectful. She’s mean. He’s looking for attention.
But maybe there is more we haven’t seen.
What if we played the Maybe Game?
Maybe… he is embarrassed.
Maybe… she is overwhelmed.
Maybe… he feels left out.
Maybe… she has been holding it together all day.
Maybe… he is hungry, exhausted, or struggling with something he does not yet know how to explain.
Maybe… the behavior in front of us is only one small part of a much bigger story.
Playing the Maybe Game does not mean excusing behavior or pretending it didn’t happen. It doesn’t mean there are no limits, expectations, or consequences.
It simply reminds us to pause long enough to consider that there may be more to the story than what first meets the eye.
When we change the explanation in our minds, we often change the way we respond. We may still need to address the behavior, but we can do it with more compassion, more curiosity, and a little less certainty that we already know the full story.
The greatest gift we can give our children this Elul may be to let them feel what we hope to feel ourselves.
To be seen beyond what is immediately visible. To be understood as more than one difficult moment. To know someone paused before deciding who they are.
Let’s play the Maybe Game together.
Share a time in the comments when you were able to stop yourself, come up with a few “maybes,” and broaden your perspective before jumping to a conclusion. What possibilities did you consider that changed the way you understood your child?
Let’s encourage each other by sharing the “maybes” that helped us see our children more clearly.
And iy”H, in that zechus, may Hashem see us with that same compassion as we stand before Him this Rosh Hashanah.
Between Carpools1 month agoDoes your school newsletter typically include the following text: “Our Lost and Found is growing!”
The only problem is, all school sweaters look the same. And your 6-year-old has no clue that she lost her headband. And your daughter says that she has no glue sticks/scissors/hole puncher even though you made sure to check everything off the list before the start of the school year (if she dropped it on the floor, who would know it’s hers? It just goes right into the next girl’s supply case!).
We worked together with Label Land to create the perfect package for your Back-to-School labeling needs!
First, we need mini labels for all the pens and pencils (those are the first things that get lost).
Then we needed a variety of sizes for all the other supplies.
Then, we need Clothing Labels for those uniforms too. If you’re a mom who has multiple kids in the same uniform, you know it can be a bit of a job to keep checking the tags whenever you’re putting away laundry or helping them get their clothing out. The “Fried Family” labels that you ordered for camp won’t help you there. (Although you have the option of ordering family labels with your phone number…it’s flexible depending on your needs!)
40 Mini Labels for all your smallest supplies. 34 Assorted Labels for your other supplies. And 20 Stikins Clothing Labels for your uniforms or any other clothing that you don’t want to lose! This is the perfect package!
Wait, there’s more.
They come in fun colors and designs! Let every child choose a different one. They’re bound to have so much fun labeling all their stuff! It keeps getting better. We wanted you to get all get all of this this for a very nice price.
So, Label Land is offering it now for a limited time for $11.95!
Want to order for multiple children, with each one choosing a different design? The price keeps going down with each child you add! (No additional discounts are available).
Between Carpools1 month agoNew school supplies is a funny thing. Kids might be anxious about the start of the new school year, and sad about the end of summer, but fun, cute, fresh supplies just get them excited all over again. That being said, some supplies are better than others! Below are some things that might be on your list, and other things that just might be a help when starting off the school year.
We found some things that will make the little things easier for lefties.
Between Carpools1 month agoEditor’s Note: We’ve updated our top backpacks list with this year’s styles and trends. Our favorites from each brand are listed at the bottom.
If there’s one thing that’s worth a little more investment for quality, it’s a backpack (nothing worse than a strap breaking while your child is carrying that heavy load).
Quality backpacks are studier and wash well, and those things are a necessity considering how much they’re used. But…quality comes at many different price points, from the highly recommended Lands End to the trendy Kipling. Those and lots in between will last more than one year and pay themselves back with time.
Note: There’s different trends in different places!
If your child is in a school where there are no backpack trends, take your pick from lots of great options below. If there is a trend, it’s worthwhile to look for the backpack your child will feel good about carrying.
Note: Check the backpack sizes!
Once your child is in first grade, you need to make sure the bag fits a folder and looseleaf well (this is also relevant in primary or Pre-1A/Kindergarten). The interior needs to measure 14 inches tall for the folder to fit well inside. For second grade and above, it’s best to choose a backpack that’s at least 15 inches tall. Keep in mind that some bags won’t wash well and light colored bags won’t last as long as dark colors.
Quince is known for their great quality at better than compared to prices. We have been long fans of many of their items including these backpacks.
Urban Outfitters has some great and different options for teens and high schoolers.
H&M has some sweet choices. Especially for toddlers.
Children’s Place really stepped up their game with backpacks this season. There is a great sale going on now. Backpacks are priced in the $12-$28 range.
Walmart
They have a nice and affordable collection. We especially like the JUSTICE and EASTSPORT brands.
MAISONETTE
Fashionable – in all price ranges. They have the biggest selection of STATE bags in great colors and prints as well as the full collection of LIGHT + NINE bags. Both of these are long lasting quality brands that will last a few years.
Kipling
Ah, yes, kipling… the backpacks that never go out of style and always make you smile (it’s the monkey that does it). Note that Kipling small backpacks do not fit a folder comfortably. The medium backpacks will work for a wide age range of elementary-aged children and the 17-inch holds a laptop.
LANDS’ END
$23-$39 with discount plus personalization
Lands End backpacks are a fav. They’re known for making backpacks that are indestructible with a lifetime guarantee. The monograms, personalization options, and embroidery is super cute too, and it’s really fun to make one your own. There’s usually a coupon available (currently 50% off), so use it! If you like the personalization options, but none of the styles click for you, try Pottery Barn Kids. They’ll also personalize cute backpacks at a similar price point.
ADIDAS
The bag of choice for boys.
Lululemon
The most common question people have is “what backpack is for high school?” Lululemon bags are geared for adults – so all their options would definitely work.
Below you will find some additional finds.
Curious to know what bags are bestsellers this year? See Amazon’s best seller list here.
Between Carpools1 month agoBack-to-school season is here—which means new shoes, clothing, and school supplies. It also means crowded stores, long lines, tired kids, and endless, “Ma, can I have…?”
Shopping with children can sometimes feel like coordinating a small expedition, with different needs, moods, and opinions all competing at once.
Moms—you’ve got this!
Here are some practical strategies to help make back-to-school shopping a little less stressful—and a lot more enjoyable.
Say “No” Without Feeling Like the Meanest Parent Ever
Do you feel guilty every time you tell your child “no”?
Reality check: “No” isn’t mean. It’s a boundary. And boundaries are an act of love.
Your child isn’t looking for a parent who says yes to everything (even if they think they are). They’re looking for someone who can lovingly guide them and help them make good choices.
One of my favorite parenting tools is to add a “yes” to your “no.”
Instead of simply saying no, acknowledge part of their request first.
“Ma, can I have these shoes?”“Yes, you can when you’re older and they’re a better fit. This year they’re not the right choice.”
“Can I pleeease get them?”“I know you really like them. They’re super cute, but they’re just not the right choice today.”
A few more examples:
“Can I have a sleepover?”“Yes! This week doesn’t work, but let’s plan one for next week.”
“Can I get these 50 glitter pens?”“Yes! They’d be so much fun for a long Sunday. Today we’re shopping for what your teacher asked for. Let’s remember them for another time.”
“Can I get this skirt? Everyone has it!”“Let’s try it on and see how it looks. If it works well and it’s something we’re shopping for, we can definitely consider it.”
Starting with a positive response softens the conversation without changing your boundary. It helps your child feel heard, and people—kids included—naturally respond well to positivity.
Set Loving Boundaries
Stay in the Moment
Clothing Shopping: Tips for Survival, Sanity, and Style
Prepare Before You Go
For example:
“Today we’re shopping for two weekday outfits, one Shabbos outfit, school shoes, and Shabbos shoes. We’re not shopping for boots or sneakers today.”
Knowing the plan ahead of time helps prevent disappointment—and avoids buying a fifth sweatshirt no one really needs.
School Supply Shopping: Let’s Make It Fun, Not Homework
School supply shopping doesn’t have to end in tears at Target or wailing in Walmart. With a little preparation, it can actually be enjoyable.
Prepare Together
Sit down with your child and go through the school supply list together.
Make It Fun
Let your child choose a color scheme or theme. It’s a simple way to give them ownership while allowing them to express their personality.
As they choose supplies, encourage them to ask:
These questions help children make thoughtful decisions while still enjoying the experience.
Remember the Bigger Picture
Practice saying “no” with kindness and confidence. Not every glittery item is a necessity—even if your child insists it is.
At the same time, know your child. Something that seems insignificant to you may feel very important to them because of confidence, friendships, or social concerns.
Set clear boundaries, stay curious, and listen.
Being the parent means balancing firm limits with understanding.
End on a Happy Note
Whenever possible, finish the trip with something enjoyable—a slice of pizza, an ice cream, or another small treat. It doesn’t have to be expensive.
Years from now, your children probably won’t remember which notebook they picked out, but they’ll remember laughing with you, spending time together, and feeling that back-to-school shopping was something you enjoyed as a family.
Back-to-school shopping isn’t just about checking items off a list.
It’s an opportunity to connect with your children, build their confidence, teach thoughtful decision-making, and create positive memories together.
With preparation, loving boundaries, and a little creativity, you’re setting the tone for a confident and successful school year.
You’ve got this, parents. Wishing everyone stress-free shopping and a wonderful year ahead!
Between Carpools1 month ago“Overdramatic.”
“Rigid.”
“Impossible.”
Have these words ever been used to describe your child?
Maybe, if you’re being honest, you’ve wondered the same thing yourself.
When parenting feels like a constant struggle, it’s easy to assume something is wrong. People may tell you, “You have to be firmer,” or “She can’t get away with this.”
Yet you’ve probably noticed that traditional parenting advice doesn’t always work. In fact, it may make things worse.
Here’s the good news: your child may not be difficult at all. They may simply be highly sensitive.
And once you understand what that means, everything starts to make a little more sense.
What Is a Highly Sensitive Child?
A highly sensitive person (HSP), or a deeply feeling child, experiences the world more intensely than others. They tend to notice details, emotions, and sensory input that many people miss. Because they process so much information, they can become overwhelmed more easily and often react more strongly.
Some sensitive children wear their emotions on their sleeves. Others appear quiet, compliant, and easygoing. Beneath the surface, they may be carrying big feelings and absorbing the emotions of everyone around them.
What Does This Look Like?
It can look like:
• A child melting down because their favorite shirt is in the laundry.
• Refusing to walk into a noisy simcha or crowded store.
• Arguing endlessly when plans change unexpectedly.
• Coming home from school exhausted and shutting down for the rest of the day.
For many sensitive children, everyday life can feel loud, busy, and overwhelming. A long school day, a crowded bus ride, a packed afternoon schedule, or a busy Shabbos can leave them emotionally drained before anyone realizes they’re struggling.
So, what can a parent do?
While a peaceful seaside cottage might sound tempting, most of us aren’t relocating anytime soon. The good news is that small, intentional changes can make a big difference.
By trying some of these strategies, you can strengthen your connection with your child while helping them develop emotional resilience and self-awareness.
1. Teach Emotional Vocabulary
Help your child learn the language of feelings. The better they can identify what’s happening inside, the easier it becomes to express those feelings appropriately.
2. Validate Feelings
Validation doesn’t mean agreement. It simply means helping your child feel understood.
“You look really disappointed that the trip was canceled.”
“I can see that you’re frustrated right now.”
Feeling understood often helps a child calm down faster than being corrected.
3. Teach Coping Tools
Give your child practical strategies they can use when emotions feel overwhelming.
Deep breathing, movement, a cold drink, listening to music, taking a break, or positive self-talk can all help regulate big feelings.
4. Build Mindfulness into Everyday Life
Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean sitting cross-legged and meditating.
It can be a quiet walk, stretching before bed, journaling, listening to calming music, or simply noticing five things you can see and hear.
5. Use Curiosity Instead of Correction
When your child becomes rigid or overwhelmed, try responding with curiosity, gentle humor, or empathy instead of arguing.
One especially powerful tool is the word “wish.”
“You wish you could stay home from school today.”
“You wish your brother would stop touching your things.”
Children often relax when they feel understood.
6. Help Them Find Meaning and Purpose
Sensitive children often thrive when they have a special interest, strength, or responsibility.
That might be baking, drawing, photography, music, gardening, organizing, biking, cooking, or helping younger siblings.
Show interest in what matters to them. Check books out of the library together, learn about the topic, or spend time working on it side by side.
Connection often grows when we enter our child’s world.
7. During Meltdowns, Say Less
When emotions are running high, children cannot process long explanations.
Stay nearby. Stay calm. Offer comfort.
Reduce words and increase presence.
Your calm nervous system can help regulate theirs.
Instead of anxiously waiting for the next storm, start looking for small opportunities to implement some of these ideas.
As your child experiences more moments of calm and connection, you’ll begin to see the beautiful strengths that often accompany sensitivity: empathy, intuition, kindness, creativity, thoughtfulness, and depth.
Those qualities are not weaknesses. They are gifts.
Between Carpools1 month agoWhen you think about it, shoe shopping hasn’t changed much over the years.
You find the styles you want to try on. Ask for your size. Wait. Try them on. Repeat.
That was until now…
Perroquet’s Lakewood flagship location has introduced a new shopping system designed to make shoe shopping faster, easier, and a whole lot more enjoyable for busy families.
Here’s how it works.
Browse the displays and choose the styles you’d like to try. Then head over to one of the in-store tablets, select the styles and sizes you need, and place your order.
Now… take a seat.
And don’t worry, there’s plenty of seating in their beautifully expanded 5,000-square-foot flagship store. The kids will be entertained by the screens overhead, and for once, the kvetching isn’t built into the shopping experience.
A few minutes later, you’ll receive a text letting you know your basket is ready for pickup.
Need another size?
No need to flag someone down or start the process over. Simply reply to the text with the style number and size you’d like, and another basket will be on its way while you continue trying on shoes.
It’s simple.
It’s fast.
This season’s collection is Perroquet’s biggest yet, with 245 styles for babies, boys, girls, and teens. School shoes, sneakers, boots, dress shoes… the options just keep going. With so much to choose from, it’s worth taking a peek at the collection online before your visit so you can arrive with your favorites already picked out.
More of an online shopper?
Perroquet has you covered there too. Their website makes shopping from home just as easy, complete with a step-by-step fitting video that takes the guesswork out of sizing. A few quick measurements, a few clicks, and you’re done.
Perroquet has always been known for making quality shoes that last the season.
This season, they’ve done something every busy mom can appreciate: they’ve found a way to give you a little more time back.
It’s one more reminder that Perroquet isn’t just thinking about the shoes. They’re thinking about the families wearing them.
From the 29 seasonal locations, it will be easy to find one near you!
And check out their website to shop or view the collection!
Seasons favorites:
Between Carpools2 months agoWe do things a bit differently in the summer. We tend to be less scheduled, more spontaneous, definitely more relaxed. Late nights, big plans, alarm clocks that are barely used and to-do lists that get pushed off to tomorrow. Is it worth arguing about bedtimes? No, we have learned to save that energy for the school year.
With all that, meals or snacks oftentimes take a turn as well. We wouldn’t recommend this dish as a balanced dinner, but it is definitely a fun one that can happen from time to time, as an exciting change.
These hot dogs wrapped in puff pastry could be for a special occasion, or simply a fun activity on a rainy day (we have been having lots of those!) when we want to occupy little hands while also getting dinner ready.
For this recipe, you will need puff pastry, hot dogs, long skewers, an egg wash and some sesame seeds. C’est tout.
Start by thawing the puff pastry. You don’t want it to be too soft that it gets messy, but also, not too frozen either. Ideally let it thaw on the kitchen counter for about 30 minutes or so.
Unfold the puff pastry and lay one sheet flat on parchment paper. Starting with two hot dogs, place them end to end along one short edge of the pastry, side by side.
Using the parchment paper to help you, begin rolling the pastry tightly around the hot dogs, starting from the edge closest to them.
Continue rolling until the hot dogs are completely enclosed in the pastry, keeping the roll snug and even. Position the seam side down.
Using a sharp knife, slice through and then place the wrapped hot dogs onto a piece of parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining hot dogs, and line them all up next to each other.
Once you have repeated this process with all the hot dogs (we used 10 hot dogs) take a large sharp knife and cut across the hot dogs, making sure you slice all the way through.
Now it’s time to thread the hot dogs wrapped in dough through the long skewer.
Repeat with all the cut hot dogs and then place on a lined baking sheet. Leave some room in between because they will grow while baking. Brush with egg wash.
Generously sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake at 375⁰F for about 30 minutes or until golden and flaky.
Serve with ketchup, mustard and have fun eating them!
Some more easy prep, DIY activities to keep them happy and busy:
This Pipe Cleaner Bracelet Activity is the best activity for so many ages!
Extra challah dough? Kids can get busy making these Cinnamon Snail Rolls.
6 Great (+ Quick to Prep) Summer Drinks Even Your Kids Can Make, and more!
Between Carpools2 months agoWe’re in the thick of A/W shopping. What we’re looking for? On-trend pieces that wear well and don’t break the bank. We’re looking for coordinating pieces to keep the kids looking cohesive, with outfits for everyone in the family. Weekday, Shabbos, Chol Hamoed, the drawers are ready to be filled!
Now that the entire Tottini A/W collection has dropped, let’s take a look at a few of their latest collections.
Talking about the Brushed Plaid collection first, because that one’s my favorite. Obsessed with this look! Nineties feel with a super sharp twist.
Signature Plaid collection next. Love the variety of colorways, all with that delicious winter twist.
Winter Gingham collection is definitely going into my cart! Pair this skirt with one of these Sabel Knit sweaters.
Filling their weekday wardrobe with pieces from the Winter Play collection and Stamp collection. This ice-skate sweatshirt is great!
Are matching pajamas also the way to your heart? Heart & Star Loungewear is my favorite pajama collection. Highly recommend one in each size!
There’s too much to highlight in just one post! Shop www.tottini.com to check out all their newest arrivals, or shop our top picks here.
Love all the color combinations, but burgundy’s my favorite.
Adorable gingham print.
This is the perfect collection to build their weekday wardrobes.
Fresh matching pajamas for the win!
When you’re shopping for a new season, it can feel like you have to compromise somewhere. The affordable pieces don’t always feel special. The beautifully made ones can be hard to justify when you’re shopping for an entire wardrobe.
Tottini continues to make us wonder why that has to be the case.
Their newest drop is filled with the kind of pieces you’ll reach for again and again: current silhouettes, beautiful details, flattering fits, and the quality that keeps everything looking good long after the first wear. And somehow, the prices still feel refreshingly reasonable.
Whether you’re refreshing your everyday wardrobe or adding a few new favorites for Shabbos, this collection makes it easy to shop intentionally. Instead of choosing between quality and affordability, you get both.
And with new arrivals continuing to drop throughout the season, it’s worth checking back often. Chances are, your next favorite piece is about to land.
Between Carpools2 months agoAfter serving as an all-you-can-eat buffet to some lucky mosquito (or a whole family of them), I was losing my mind from the itching. As much as you can tell yourself not to scratch, when there are so many close together, the itching is so bad it will wake you up throughout the night. I’m also not so good about listening to my smarter self.
I knew I needed to find something that really works – and quickly. I ordered everything Amazon suggested and then asked our social media followers for their recommendations, too. I tested them all.
The results I’m sharing are obviously specific to me. I’m sure other people can have different results using different products, but if you end up in my situation, at least you know where to start.
The Bug Bite Thing has a following, but because it needs to be used on a fresh bite, this was not helpful to me in this case. I’m holding onto it and will see if and when it works for me.
Let’s talk about these two types of patches. The Moskinto patches did nothing for me. And they also didn’t stay on well. The Quitch patches didn’t provide much relief, but they did prevent scratching. I’d say if you have one or two bites, this can help prevent the scratching that makes a bite worse.
Then there are the Benadryl and Cortizone creams. They have different allergy-fighting active ingredients, but I didn’t find them to really do much for me. (On a side note, taking an antihistamine medication like Allegra or Claritin is a good first step for calming the itching of a lot of bites.)
Old School Calamine Lotion did provide some soothing relief. (Expired lotion will actually not work – I tested that before the Amazon order arrived.) It’s messy but it does help. It’s best to apply it directly with your fingers and not with a cotton pad. It’ll give you better coverage.
And that brings me to my top three products. I used each of them in different ways so there’s no clear favorite–one of them will work for your needs.
The Beurer Insect Bite Healer seems bizarre. It’s an electronic device that you put directly on the bite and it heats up (ouch!) for 3-6 seconds. It somehow disrupts the itch signal and gives relief for hours. For real! But it is painful in the moment, so I would not use this on a child, and it’s also not realistic to use it on a lot of bites at a time.
The BiteMD pen is kind of like a Tide pen but for your skin. It’s very easy to use and provides some relief for a little while. Enough to take your mind off the itching. I kept this on my nightstand to use on individual bites that were bothering me.
The Dermaplast Itch Spray was what really saved me. It’s messy and a little bit smelly, but you can easily spray a whole area of bites and get enough relief to sleep for a while. If you’re spraying your legs, just stand on a towel while you do, so that the mess is absorbed. And while it did leave marks on my clothing, they came out in the wash.
So there you have it. Hopefully, you won’t need these too often, but it’s probably a good idea to have something in the house. And if you want some protection before the bites happen, this Proven Bug Repellent Spray is my favorite. No bad smell!
Between Carpools2 months agoUPDATED FOR 2026
The girls have their uniforms, and now it’s time to get the boys their shirts for school. Many boys schools require boys to wear shirts with collars. And while button-down shirts work, polo shirts are much comfier, don’t need to be ironed, and they look neat whether they’re tucked or untucked. They’re usually the go-to school attire for boys under bar mitzvah age.
You can find our recommended weekday pants for boys here.
Here are some of our favorites.
Basic Solids
Zara basic piqué polo shirt is always a reliable choice. Slim and nice fit….and the price is unbeatable at $12.90. While there are very few color choices, the basic white, navy, and light blue are covered (we are still awaiting the long sleeve versions). We are really liking these pique polos from Quince which come in three basic colors. They come in both toddler and kids sizes and are great for when you just want to keep things simple. Quince quality is usually spot-on.
Primary.com as well as an endless amount of color choices in both pique cotton and a heavier interlock cotton. Lands End also upgraded their polo fabric with a new “interlock” cotton that doesn’t shrink, pill, or fade. They wash exceptionally well and run true to size, not too full or too slim.
There are also cheaper options (when using discount codes) and a bigger color selection at Old Navy and Gap, but the fit will be looser (great for fuller boys – also available in plus and husky).
Looking for Extra Comfort?
These Polos at J Crew Factory are made from a soft cotton and are a great price (J. Crew also features a jersey cotton polo at a higher price) and these striped polos Primary.com are made from a soft jersey fabric, not the usual pique, they’re extra comfier and breathable, and that’s a big plus. The J Crew shirts are slim, but Primary shirts will look good on bigger boys too; just size up one size.
Polo Shirts with Some More Style
The first stop for cuter polos is Tottini! There are so many polo shirt styles to choose from! There’s a wider range of striped polos than you’ll find anywhere, along with solid-colored polos in pique, knits, sweatshirt, and more in both basic and seasonal colors with cute details.
3 Buttons is a really cute brand, designed by mothers of boys who saw the need for a well-fitting polo. We received great feedback on Three Button shirts! They’re great quality, really comfortable fabric, have a nice fit—and they happen to look really cute too.
Lil Legs also makes beautiful polos for boys in a variety of fabrics. Check them out!
As A.I.Stone’s Best White Shirt’s more casual cousins, their selection of polo shirts offer comfort, durability, and a generous helping of style. The Polar Shirt is their debut winter-weight polo, available in three beautiful colors, and you can snag all three for just $45. Available in sizes 4-16.
Target usually has a very nice and affordable line of polos. See what’s currently available.
Beyond Basics: Color Blocks and Other Styles
You might also like the stylish selection at Mayoral. They’re pricier, but great quality with a little bit of twist.
Finally, Abercrombie Polos are sure to be a favorite but the full long sleeve selection is not yet available. Later in the season nice, thicker polos made of a sweatshirt material are usually available.
Active Polos
Boys now love sport/active fabrics, and there’s lots available with a collar too. J Crew usually has a nice selection of basic solids in performance fabrics. More colors and styles are expected to come.
Our boys loved the JDM Active polos this past summer — the fabric feels amazing — but for now only short sleeve is available from this brand.
For Big Guys:
Tired of compromising on style when shopping for your husky son? Mofi is a boys clothing line designed special for the bigger boys, with looks that are just as in style and sharp as their slim-fit counterparts. See their great line of polo shirts here.
Gap Husky has solid long sleeve polos. Grab them when you see them as they always seem to be out of sizes.
Brooks Brothers is usually a good option for the huskier or bigger sizes.
Which polos are your fav?
Between Carpools2 months agoUPDATED FOR 2026:
Between the five of us, we have quite a few boys. Sure, we have more girls than boys, but we’ve been buying pants for long enough to know what’s good and worthwhile and what’s not. (Plus, we also have all of you readers who fill us in on the rest!)
When it comes to pants and knees, there are all types of boys. We’ve had boys who play sports and rough up their clothing, and we’ve had boys who don’t and still rough ‘em up (then there are the boys who do play but still manage to keep their knees intact!).
If you have boys who don’t rip knees often, or you want a couple of nicer pairs (i.e. Chol Hamoed, etc.), we also have our top quality picks which are all priced around the same.
Note: All of the pants featured here are chino-style. Once boys grow up and want to be more dressed (whether it’s around their bar mitzvah time or a little later), they might prefer wearing stretch pants instead of the chinos. For those, you can see this post on Stretch Pants (only men and teens) or this one on the different types of T.O. Stretch Pants (boys and men)
Do you have more questions about which pants might be the best fit for your son? Read through our reader comments below. Over the years, our readers have offered each other very valuable info and tips regarding specific fits and additional recommendations that might work for you! While we can’t personally vouch for all the recommendations, we trust our readers have great tips for each other as well.
Between Carpools2 months agoDuring the summer, grilling is my favorite way to cook. It’s so much easier than standing in a hot kitchen waiting for the food to be ready.
I host a lot of barbecues every summer, some simple and casual and others a little nicer. One thing I always like to include is these grilled peaches. You may already be grilling your chicken and your veggies, but now we’re going to enjoy dessert on the BBQ menu too.
The bourbon gives them an extra kick, and leaving them on the grill a little longer makes them even juicier. I also love the slightly charred flavor they get from the grill.
Begin by mixing together the glaze ingredients–bourbon, honey, vanilla sugar, melted margarine, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Set that aside while you get going on the grill…
It’s important that the peaches are ripe–but not mushy. Simply halve them and remove the pit. Preheat the grill, lightly oil the grates, then add the peaches, cut side down.
After 3-4 minutes, you’ll be ready to flip them over. You should have some nice grill marks by then! Flip, then brush generously with the glaze. Grill another 2–3 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Brush them again with glaze before removing. (If you still have more glaze left after this, drizzle the rest over the peaches after removing from grill.)
Place on plates and sprinkle generously with granola.
Serve while they’re still warm!
Preheat the grill: Heat to medium-high (375–450°F) and lightly oil the grates.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, honey, vanilla sugar, melted margarine, and salt until smooth and the sugar dissolves.
Grill the peaches: Place peach halves cut-side down. Grill for 3–4 minutes until grill marks form. Flip, then brush generously with the glaze. Grill another 2–3 minutes until tender and caramelized. Brush with any glaze again.
Transfer peaches to plates, drizzle with any leftover glaze if there is left, and sprinkle generously with granola. Serve warm.
Between Carpools2 months agoFinding a white shirt is no big deal. Finding the white shirt, with the right fit and the right feel, the right sleeves and the right collar? A lot harder.
We know how it is! One needs a slim fit. Another needs longer sleeves. One likes a pocket, another would never wear a shirt with a pocket. Ladies, you need to stop blindly buying and returning (and buying and returning) and check out A.I.Stone.
We’ve been shopping A.I.Stone online and at their warehouse for years! Our families love their shirts for their consistent high-quality and comfort, and we know we’ll find what we need. Finding your perfect fit and style is easier than ever in their brand-new, beautiful Jackson store.
The space is bright, organized, and designed to make shopping simple. Try on until you find your perfect shirt, then a robotic retrieval system brings your shirts to the front (at least one part of the trip your kids will look forward to!).
Whether you’re shopping for school, Shabbos, or both, A.I.Stone stocks pretty much every white shirt imaginable. Their bestselling Clean Shirt is treated with stain-resistant technology, so spills bead up and roll right off. Bestseller for a reason! Want it even softer? The Soft Twill offers the same polished look in a softer fabric.
You’ll also find Oxford shirts that are ideal for uniforms, contrast shirts with a subtle pop of color inside the collar and cuffs, French cuff shirts for Shabbos, and a new Chassidish shirt featuring a right-over-left button closure.
We love their inclusive fit options, plus all their other customization options too. Use their website’s live chat if you need help finding the perfect fit. Collar sizes, sleeve-lengths, pocket options…everything is on the table.
Need more than shirts? Their brand-new winter boys’ polo ($30 a piece, or 3 for $45!) is debuting at the end of August. Must-have for back-to-school!
Great quality, great prices, an incredible selection, and a shirt that’s just right for everyone in the family. Win-win! Bestsellers, below.
Between Carpools2 months agoUpdated Aug 2026
They have to wear only dark shoes, black shoes, white soles, black soles, a little color, no color – you know the policy I’m talking about.
Well, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular black sneakers on the market. Hopefully at least one of these will satisfy the rules, your son, and you!
Between Carpools2 months agoIdeally, when we’re cooking for Shabbos, we like to prepare salads that will still taste great by Shalosh Seudos. The problem? Most of our favorites are best enjoyed freshly made. Think Avocado Grapefruit Feta Salad, Easy Summer Corn Salad, Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables, or even the popular Cauliflower Salad from Dinner Done 2.
Looking back, we just realized that almost all of our favorite salads have feta cheese. If you’re not a feta fan, our apologies. But trust us on this one. It adds the perfect salty, creamy bite, and it might just change your mind.
So we set out to create something different: a salad that can sit in the fridge for a couple of days and still taste just as good. It’s the kind of recipe you can prep ahead while you’re cooking for Shabbos, then pull it out for Shalosh Seudos, or pack it for lunch any day of the week. It’s easy to make ahead and just as delicious a day or two later.
Start by prepping your vegetables. You’ll want to scoop out the seeds of the cucumber before dicing.
When finely dicing your red pepper, it helps to slice it first into strips.
Rather than following the package instructions, we prefer cooking the couscous like pasta with an ample amount of water, then draining once it’s cooked.
Add all the veggies to the couscous.
Add the feta and the dressing.
Now here’s the best part.
Except for the avocado, you can store this salad fully assembled in the fridge, for up to 4 days!
While you can add the avocado a day or two ahead and while it will taste great, it will brown a bit. So for the prettiest salad, we recommend leaving that part for when you’re ready to serve.
Plan ahead and add this to your menu to enjoy this coming week for Shalosh Shalosh!
You can cook the couscous according to the package directions, but we prefer to cook it like pasta. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the couscous and cook until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking, and let cool completely.
Transfer the cooled couscous to a large bowl. Add cucumbers, red pepper, scallions, chickpeas, feta cheese, and, if using, the avocado and parsley.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without the avocado, or up to 2 days with the avocado.
We tested the salad with the avocado mixed in ahead of time. While it didn’t stay perfectly green, it still tasted great. If you prefer, you can add the avocado just before serving.
Between Carpools2 months agoWhat was our first reaction when we entered our suite at The Haven before a Shabbos simcha?
“This is perfect. They really designed this perfectly with Jewish families in mind!”
Our suites were spacious, fresh, and modern. The layouts were perfect for a family, with one private bedroom, a spacious living area with a comfortable pullout couch (there was still lots of space, even when it was open),
and a kosher kitchenette that has absolutely everything you need and want. With our bigger family, we had two adjoining suites and there was ample room for everyone. We were so comfortable!
And, yes, while the accommodations were perfect for a simcha (the hotel is next door to the Beru Grand hall), The Haven is that great place to stay whenever you’re visiting Lakewood.
The rates are so reasonable at just $189 a night!
There’s also an on-site cafe and keyless entry available. Book your stay or just learn more!
Between Carpools2 months agoSome of us love to give gifts and have a knack for choosing just the right thing. And if you’re not so good at it but still love to shower your loved ones with gifts, we’re here with a little bit of help.
We’re not talking about the big tickets here. The jewelry, the candlesticks – those gifts depend a lot on cultural and community norms that vary. And we didn’t choose things that are very personal. Chances are you don’t know this young woman well enough to choose a perfume or handbag for her. (If you do want to buy those things, we recommend reaching out to her mother and/or sisters to get some input.)
We put together some ideas that are cute and fun, and some that are more luxurious and pampering. And, of course, we’d love to hear from all of you in the comments. What are some of the best kallah gifts you’ve given, gotten or heard about?
Between Carpools2 months agoThere’s plenty of places you can shop for your kids’ wardrobes. Finding pieces that are on-trend, high-quality, and genuinely affordable? You’re going to want to check out AliPicks.
AliPicks designs and manufactures its own clothing line, then sells it directly through AliExpress, cutting out the middleman. That means really gorgeous, high-quality pieces, without the markup! AliPicks’ collections impress us every season so we were excited to check out their new collections.
Let’s shop together!
For Shabbos, we’re loving the Lace Velvet Collection, available in black and white and a gorgeous mauve. Such a classy collection with a vintage feel.
The Madeline Collection is navy at its’ finest, with a beautiful floral print for the girls and a gorgeous knit for the boys.
For weekdays, the Corduroy Collection is available in chocolate and navy colorways, with a stunning variety of pieces to coordinate the whole family.
And this is just a taste of what’s new! Cozy loungewear, perfect basics, and lots more new arrivals.
And we got a sneak peek at the coats! Although they’re not live yet (keep checking back!), we’re always impressed by AliPicks’ down-filled coats. This year’s design also has a removable hoodie insert, giving you the flexibility to adapt as the weather changes.
Browse the entire collection at www.alipicks.com, and shop more of our favorites below.
Between Carpools2 months agoI once got a call from a mother, Chavy, who was completely overwhelmed.
Her daughter, Bracha, was getting ready to go to seminary. What should have been an exciting and meaningful stage in her life had become a source of tremendous pressure.
Because suddenly, there was a whole list.
Not the official seminary list. The unofficial one.
Girls were talking about what they were bringing. The newest luggage. The nicest linen. The perfect wardrobe. The latest shoes. The makeup. The bags. The accessories. The extras. The “you have to have this” items.
It was as if going to seminary meant bringing your whole house with you. And every day, Bracha came home with something else.
“Everyone is bringing this.”
“Everyone has that.”
“I’m going to look nebby if I don’t have it.”
“Ma, you don’t understand. This is what girls bring.”
Chavy felt completely torn.
On one hand, she wanted her daughter to feel confident. She wanted her to start seminary feeling good about herself. She did not want Bracha to walk in feeling like she was missing things everyone else had.
But on the other hand, the costs were becoming enormous.
It was not one item. It was item after item after item. Each one sounded important. Each one came with emotion. Each one came with the message: If you don’t give me this, I’ll be different. I’ll be embarrassed. I’ll be less.
Chavy was not trying to deprive her. She was not against buying her nice things. She was happy to prepare her properly for seminary.
But she also felt that something had gone too far.
She told me, “I feel like I’m not sending her to seminary. I feel like I’m outfitting an entire apartment. And every time I say no to one thing, she acts like I’m ruining her whole experience.”
And that was exactly the struggle. Because the issue was not really the linen, or the luggage, or the clothing, or the accessories.
It was the pressure. It was the comparison. It was the fear of being the girl who didn’t have what everyone else had.
The first step was not for Chavy to say, “This is ridiculous.”
It was not to say, “When I went to seminary, we managed with much less.” It was not to say, “You girls are so spoiled today.”
And it was not even to say, “Not everyone is bringing that.”
The first step was for Chavy to understand what Bracha was feeling.
Because to an adult, it may have looked excessive. And maybe it was excessive. But to Bracha, it felt very real.
She was imagining herself arriving in seminary and noticing what everyone else had. She was imagining girls opening suitcases, setting up their rooms, comparing clothing, comparing things, comparing standards.
And she was scared of feeling less.
So, Chavy said something like:
“Bracha, I hear that this feels very stressful. I understand that you want to feel prepared and normal when you go. I understand that when you hear what other girls are bringing, it makes you nervous that you won’t have enough.”
That did not mean Chavy was agreeing to buy everything.
It meant she was acknowledging the pressure.
And that matters.
Because before a child can accept a limit, they often need to feel that their parent understands why the limit hurts.
After validating Bracha, Chavy still held the boundary.
She said: “I love you, and we are going to make sure you have what you need for seminary. But we are not buying every extra thing that girls are talking about. We are going to make thoughtful choices, and this is the budget we are comfortable with.”
Bracha was not thrilled.
Actually, she was very upset.
She argued. She cried. She said her mother did not understand. She said all the other girls were bringing more. She said she would be embarrassed. She said, “Why do you always have to be different?”
And Chavy had to tolerate that.
That is one of the hardest parts of parenting.
Sometimes our children are upset because we are doing something wrong. But sometimes they are upset because we are doing something right, and they simply do not like the limit.
A child’s disappointment does not always mean the parent made the wrong decision.
Chavy did not become cold or harsh.
She did not say, “Fine, then bring nothing.”
She did not shame Bracha for caring.
She did not mock the pressure.
She helped her pack. She bought her beautiful basics. She made sure she had what she truly needed. She gave warmth, attention, and love.
But she did not allow the seminary shopping list to become endless.
That balance matters.
Because children need two messages at the same time:
You are loved. And You do not need everything everyone else has.
If we only give love without limits, children can become entitled.
If we only give limits without love, children can feel rejected.
But when we give both together, children slowly learn emotional strength.
At first, Bracha was upset.
It was not easy for her. And honestly, it was not easy for Chavy either.
It is painful to send a daughter off to seminary and wonder if she feels deprived. It is painful to hear, “Everyone else has more.” It is painful to be accused of not understanding.
But over time, something happened.
Bracha realized that she had what she needed.
She realized that her mother was not being mean. Her mother was not ignoring her. Her mother was not trying to embarrass her.
Her mother was giving her plenty. Just not everything. And slowly, Bracha stopped fighting every decision.
She got with the program.
Not because it was easy, but because Chavy stayed calm, loving, and consistent.
Our children will not always have what their friends have.
They will not always bring the same luggage, clothing, accessories, linen, makeup, shoes, bags, spending money, or extras.
And that is not a tragedy.
The tragedy would be if they grew up believing that their worth depends on keeping up. Our job is not to make sure our children never feel different.
Our job is to help them feel secure even when they are different.
So, when your child says, “Everyone is bringing it,” try to remember:
1. Validate the feeling.
2. Hold the boundary.
3. Give love, not excess.
4. Stay calm when they are disappointed.
And most of all, believe deeply that your child is not second best because she does not arrive with every item that every other girl has. When we believe that, eventually, she can learn to believe it too.
Between Carpools2 months agoLimited Supply: Call 1.800.778.5624 or reach out by WhatsApp only at +1 (848) 382-7990 to enjoy the Lucite Sukkah this Sukkos and beyond.
This year the conversation has to start sooner than later, “Do we reuse the same panels from the past few years? Do we finally upgrade? Does anyone actually know how to fix that one bent pole in the garage?
But this year there’s something genuinely new to talk about, and it’s not another color option or a slightly different roll-up wall. National Sukkah Outlet just released a special edition of their Grandeur collection with bigger, heavy duty lucite windows and here’s the part that makes it worth mentioning, no bar blocking the middle of the view.
If you’ve ever sat down at your sukkah table and realized there was a metal support bar running horizontally through the middle of your wall window, cutting the view in half, you already know why this is a big deal. This redesign takes that bar out completely. What you’re left with is clean, unobstructed lucite windows, so when you look out, you’re actually looking out. There’s no “grid.”
It’s also built heavy duty, so this isn’t a delicate upgrade that needs babying through the season.
It’s meant to actually hold up, sit beautifully, and make your sukkah feel like the place you want to linger in, not just eat in.
The one thing to know: this is a limited production run. National Sukkah Outlet isn’t mass producing this design, so if the bigger clear windows are calling your name, the move is to call now rather than wait until the week before Yom Tov and find out it’s sold out.
By the way, if the Grandeur isn’t the fit for your family this year, National Sukkah Outlet still has you covered! The full lucite panels their customers have been enjoying are just as beautiful as always. Customize your modular sukkah with so many beautiful options, including lots of window and door options and 14 different panel styles, from different wood grains, marbles, to lucite.
Their Modular sukkahs are the most beautiful and best quality on the market. And now, with these discounted Modular packages, they are more attainable than ever.
Stacked from 14 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)
Need just a basic? Their Deluxe Canvas Sukkahs are classic, comfortable, and affordable.
Every family, every budget, from sukkahs to schach, they’ve got it figured out.
But this year, the story is the windows.
Call 1.800.778.5624, or reach out by WhatsApp only at +1 (848) 382-7990 to find out if the limited edition is still available.
National Sukkah Outlet. Warehouse and showroom at 20 Brighton Ave, Passaic, NJ. Worldwide shipping available.
Between Carpools2 months agoThis grilled chicken recipe comes together quickly, with ingredients you already have on hand.
Start by soaking your skewers–this step will prevent them from burning once they hit the grill. We like using smaller-sized skewers–they look nicer and are easier and more appealing to eat (kids tend to like them better too).
Like with our veggies, we’re skipping the bowls this summer and marinating in a Ziploc. No mess, no fuss. Add the marinade ingredients first, mix, then add the chicken.
Add the chicken to the skewers.
It’s time to grill. Preheat your BBQ to high. Once it’s preheated, add the chicken–they’ll be quick!
These mini skewers will cook in about 3 minutes per side. You should see nice grill marks on each side.
They’ll likely be grabbed straight from the grill.
But if you do get a chance to plate them,
add a salad, an ear of corn or our basket of grilled veggies and dinner is simple, satisfying and served!
5 from 2 votes
In a Ziploc, combine all marinade ingredients. Mix to combine.
Add chicken, mix and marinate for 30 minutes.
Add chicken to skewers.
Preheat your BBQ on high. Add chicken and grill for about 3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Between Carpools2 months agoYou know what a mad dash it is when your son comes home from camp and heads right back out to the dorm. There’s barely a day or two between the time when mesivta and bais medrash age boys come home from camp until the zman starts.
Plus, if you have a boy going out of town, there’s even less time, as travel needs to be taken into account.
That means, it’s best to plan ahead, and have his favorites waiting for him. (And if he is around, get those favorites in-house now because the stores are crowded).
For boys going out of town, this packing list is a great guide: What to Pack for a Boy Going to Yeshiva Out of Town.
And, of course, there are some items that are important to send along that don’t fit in a suitcase. Yes, he needs to take along some practical tips, perhaps the ones in this Yeshiva Bochur’s Guide to Laundry download. But more importantly, how do we send him off with love and a feeling of connection? You don’t want to miss this post on Sending Him Off to Yeshiva – with a Love That Lasts Beyond Goodbye.
Back to those suitcases! These are some of our recommended picks, both for clothing and odds and ends they’ll enjoy having in the dorm.
Top in the list are those ever-popular favorites, like the T.O. Flex Pants and the Platinum Stretch Shirt (a special item!). New are items our boys are really enjoying, like the Waffle Robe and dorm essentials like the Bronax Slides, the items that make his dorm bed more comfy, and our recommended shampoos, body wash, deodorant, mouthwash, and more.
Between Carpools2 months agoYou already know what’s on your menu for your next BBQ, because it’s usually the same. This kid likes the hot dogs or burgers, the girls like the grilled chicken that has that yummy marinade, the older boys want a steak, if possible.
But what about the side dish? Sure, this purple slaw is a barbeque favorite, but, sometimes, we crave those grilled veggies. But, without all the tedious work please. So here you go: we have the answer. Grilled veggies in a basket.
Start by ordering and toiveling this basket, you will be glad to own it when the next BBQ comes around.
Here we used one red pepper, one yellow pepper, one orange pepper, one green pepper, one small eggplant, one zucchini, one red onion, and a few mushrooms.
Dice up all the veggies, peel and all. Large chunks, any shape will do. This is meant to be quick prep; there’s no need to fuss too much. Then, throw them into a Ziploc bag to marinate.
The marinade is easy and the measurements are more of a suggestion, if anything. Adjust according to the quantity of vegetables you are actually using.
At this point you can marinade all day or only a few minutes, whatever works best for you.
When you are ready to grill, start the veggies first. They need a good headstart. Preheat the grill to medium-low. Place the basket and veggies directly over the fire.
They’ll take awhile–about 30 minutes, mixing in between. We grilled this large bag in batches since we did not want to overcrowd the basket. You want to be able to get nice, charred edges.
Keep stirring from time to time, grilling over a low flame.
When ready to serve, you can remove the whole basket and bring it to the table but lift it very carefully using oven mitts–it gets really hot! Place it on a plate or baking sheet to catch drips.
Add all ingredients to a large Ziploc bag. Marinate for a few minutes or up to 24 hours.
Preheat grill to medium-low. Lower heat and add basket and veggies directly over the fire. Cook at least 30 minutes (depending on the amount of veggies), stirring occasionally.
Remove basket carefully from grill (it’s hot!) when ready to serve.
Between Carpools2 months agoYes, we had the bochurim pull this one together for us. It’s nice having them around during Bein Hazmanim!
This roundup is for the teen boys who attend more right-wing yeshivish schools, where black soles are the only way to go. Within this range, your son will probably have an idea of what’s more accepted and appropriate in his particular yeshiva.
Want to try on in person? Many prefer to try on their shoes vs. ordering online, especially when you’re trying a brand or style for the first time.
And now you can at H & S Hats and Shoe – a new His Place location devoted to shoes and hats at Seagull Square Mall in Lakewood, NJ.
Below are some of our top shoe picks. There’s great options for both weekdays and Shabbos.
A classic style for your big boys. Find Men’s Sizes here.
The basic loafer that’s exactly what he’s looking for. See more from T.O. for both Men and Boys here.
That comfortable loafer for boys that works for weekdays or Shabbos. We also like this buckle style.
Florsheim
a classic for years, at a very reasonable price
COLE HAAN
A simple, plain front loafer with the Cole Haan classic look and quality
Marc Joseph
Another classic penny loafer at a good price. It’s often on sale for under $80
ROCKPORT
A more formal and classy looking loafer
COLE HAAN
For the guy who wants to wear a sneaker but also has to blend into the yeshiva crowd (these are also frequently on sale)
COLE HAAN
This is the ultimate comfortable sneaker option for the guy who can’t be bothered to tie laces
with Elastic Band
If you’re local to His Place, you can visit the store to try them on
COLE HAAN
Or he can tie his laces on this more affordable version
BLUNDSTONE
For inclement weather, the guys prefer these boots (especially in Israel)
BOSS
Classic, dressy loafer for Shabbos
T.O. Collection
If you’re local to His Place, you can visit the store to try them on
BOSS
This dressy Shabbos oxford style shoe has two leather finishes for a subtle detail
CALVIN KLEIN
A dressy loafer style Shabbos shoe with a buckle detail
Between Carpools2 months agoWhen summer begins, many of us imagine something very different from what actually happens. We picture slower mornings, family outings, popsicles on the porch, and quality time with our children. Then, three days into summer, we’re wondering how it’s possible to love our kids so much and be so irritated by them at the same time!
The fighting starts. The constant requests begin. The whining. The boredom. The sibling arguments. The feeling that someone needs something from us every thirty seconds. And suddenly we’re snapping, lecturing, threatening consequences, and ending the day thinking, summer was supposed to be so fun, what happened?!
But that’s the summer parenting trap.
The problem is not that you’re a bad parent, and it’s not that your children are especially difficult. The problem is that summer creates the perfect conditions for us to operate on autopilot. When we’re together more, there are simply more opportunities to get triggered. More opportunities for frustration. More opportunities for our brains to react before we’ve had a chance to think.
Most of us move between two modes of parenting throughout the day: automatic mode and intentional mode. Automatic mode is when your child spills the drink, and before you even realize what’s happening, the words are coming out of your mouth. Automatic mode is when siblings start fighting for the fifteenth time that day and before you’ve had a chance to think you’re already jumping in, taking sides, or raising your voice. It’s fast, it’s reactive, and it almost never reflects the kind of parent we actually want to be.
Intentional mode is different. It creates a small space between what happens and how we respond. And that tiny space changes everything. Viktor Frankl famously wrote, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” The challenge is creating that space when you’re in the middle of a hectic summer day.
That’s why patience isn’t really the skill you’re practicing. You’re practicing the pause that makes patience possible. Imagine you’re driving and suddenly realize you’re heading in the wrong direction. You can’t simply turn the wheel and instantly go the other way. You have to stop, back up, and turn around. Parenting works the same way.
Before we can respond differently, we need to pause long enough to notice where we are headed. The next time your child does something that pushes your buttons, don’t immediately respond. Pause. Take a breath. Say a quick tefillah, “Hashem, help me respond in the way that’s best right now.” or whatever comes from your heart. Before reacting, take a moment to notice the difference between what your automatic brain wants to say and what you actually want to say. They’re not always the same thing. The goal is to create enough space to choose your response instead of letting your response choose you.The pause doesn’t solve the problem, the pause helps you handle the problem.
Your child may still be whining. The sibling argument may still be happening. The behavior may not stop immediately. The pause is not a magic wand. But something powerful happens when we begin to respond intentionally instead of automatically. Our children borrow our calm. They learn regulation by experiencing regulation. They learn how to handle frustration by watching how we handle frustration. This is real life co-regulation. The house won’t necessarily be calm, the children won’t stop struggling, but there will be a parent who models what it looks like to pause, regulate, and respond thoughtfully when things get hard.
We spend so much of parenting trying to change our children. We want them to listen better, argue less, be more respectful and make better choices. But perhaps the real work of parenting begins with us; with a pause, with a breath, and with a tefillah asking Hashem to help us respond in the right way. Because we cannot control our children, and we cannot control every outcome, but we can control how we show up. When we show up differently, everything else begins to change.
This summer, don’t measure success by how often your children cooperate. Measure it by how often you pause before responding. So here’s a simple challenge for this week: choose one moment each day to practice the pause. (You can even set an alarm on your phone.) Pause before responding to the whining. Pause before getting involved in a sibling argument. Pause when your child says something that pushes your button. Take a breath, say a tefillah, then respond. Every pause is a chance to step out of autopilot and respond more intentionally. And those small pauses repeated day after day, can change the tone of your home more than you’d expect.
One pause won’t change your summer. But one pause practiced over and over again just might.
Between Carpools2 months agoReady for your vacation season? Your vacation starts with your first phone call to the Sleepy Hollow reservations desk. Meet a dedicated team waiting to help you plan your perfect stay. Forget ‘I need a vacation from planning my vacation!’ The Sleepy Hollow team takes care of all your planning by helping you find the package and amenities that are right for you!
When the hotel front desk hands you your key-card, you’re off-duty. No beds, no laundry, no ‘What are we dooooing?’ Time to slow down and let someone else take care of the details!
When you check into Sleepy Hollow Hotel, you get that feeling… plus so much more. It’s a real escape: centrally located in Westchester so you’re not too tired from your drive up, and a fully kosher experience, so you can leave your Betty at home.
Enjoy walking in the beautifully landscaped grounds or borrow bikes for an afternoon ride. Unwind at the brand-new spa (or take advantage of spa services in your room!), and let the kids disappear into the arcade. Spend an afternoon by the pool during their separate hours, then head back to your room and nap before dinner: someone else is cooking! More about the amenities, here.
There’s a dedicated kosher office staffed daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. by a team that speaks English, Hebrew, and Yiddish. They’re there to answer questions, help with reservations, and make your stay as easy as possible.
And the best part? You’ll get the resort feeling that you’re looking for at really incredible pricing. Call or WhatsApp 914-358-8200 or email [email protected] to plan your stay!
Planning something bigger? Through Hudson Grand, Sleep Hollow’s dedicated events division, the hotel can host your wedding, your shabbos sheva brachos, your bar mitzvah, or your family reunion!
Take advantage of everything on-site: customizable catering with lots of amazing packages, dedicated event spaces, and beautiful accommodations. Reach out to the events team at [email protected].
Getting away doesn’t have to mean a long drive, lots of planning, or even lots of spending. Sometimes, all it takes is checking into the right hotel! Book Sleepy Hollow, here.
Between Carpools2 months agoThe reason we post about this sale (vs. others) is that it’s unique in that it’s a “pre-season” sale instead of most sales which are “post season” sales. That means it’s new fall items that are on sale–although we know that it’s hard to think about winter right now.
Instead of “Was” and “Now,” you can see what prices will be “After Sale” vs. “Now.” This year, we found that there’s a particularly good selection of fall loafers and sneakers in nice fall colors, and we’re also impressed with the selection of great coats and jackets. There’s also nice embellished sweaters that can create a fresh Yom Tov outfit from last year’s favorite black Shabbos skirt.
Sale picks are mostly listed in order of price within each category.
Between Carpools2 months agoWe’re not quite ready to trade our slides for booties just yet…but we are ready to start shopping. We all know the best kids’ collections don’t wait for the weather to change, and neither do we!
The first Tottini fall arrivals have officially landed, and they’re everything we love about Tottini: easy, coordinating styles, beautiful (and comfortable!) fabrics, and outfits that are just easy to wear.
This season, we’re loving their knits, corduroys, prints, and gorgeous, rich colors that make getting everyone dressed a little more fun.
Whether your focus is back-to-school shopping, Yom Tov outfits, or just want to find your favorites before sizes start disappearing, check out their collections now.
And this is only the beginning! New Tottini collections will keep dropping over the coming weeks, so keep checking back.
Between Carpools2 months agoTraveling can be a privilege or a chore, depending on who you ask. Some travel so often for business they wish they stayed home, while others feel lucky they get to travel for pleasure. For those traveling often some little comforts go a long way to make those long flights or time away more enjoyable. Here are 12 things that we love.
See our FAVORITE Midwinter Travel Finds story with additional links here! And if you’ll be traveling with food, see our Ultimate Travel Food roundup, with Betty Crocker tips and more!
We also have a roundup of our favorite cosmetic bags – for home or travel and this great solution for traveling with wigs!
Between Carpools2 months agoYour drying rack is full, the shower rod is full, and you’re out of places to hang the laundry backlog. This hack (is it really a hack?) was born in my first apartment where I had no space for a drying rack but needed a good spot to hang wet clothes. So… I used my broom!
Rest your broom across the back of two sturdy chairs (higher-backed chairs work best), and voila, instant drying rack. It’s perfect if you’re short on space or just don’t want to invest in another drying rack for a few busy days of laundry. Our broom comes out post nine-days, post Yom-Tov, or whenever I need the extra hanging space.
As long as the toddler doesn’t pick that day to spill out a cereal box, it’s the perfect solution. Any broom works, but hear about our favorites here!
In addition, many of us own extra rolling coat racks that work really well for these times of year with lots – and lots – of laundry. (They’re also great when hosting lots of guests or as extra prep space when making a simcha.)
Between Carpools2 months agoIt was our first night in the children’s hospital and we were in a shared hospital room on the neuro ward. My daughter and I. My daughter was only 8-years-old and had an MRI that morning. Our family doctor told us that they found a growth on the scan and we needed to go to the main children’s hospital right away.
It was dark and late…the beginning of winter and the chill outside matched our dark feelings.
I heard a young boy behind the shared curtain ask his grandmother if she believed in G-d. I stopped what I was doing and my breathing became shallow and I was so afraid of what the grandmother would say.
My body froze awaiting her response.
She said, “No.” She doesn’t believe in god.
My heart ached so badly. The poor boy needed a lifeline to grab onto and he was left hopeless.
I cried inside for him. The finality of the no was too great to bear.
As Yidden we have a lifeline and deep connection with Hashem. And I discovered in the pediatric cancer ward that it was our only lifeline. What else did we have to hold onto except Hashem? There really was nothing else.
It was a place of the deepest pain ever, watching little kids in so much pain and the deep sadness in their eyes. It was unbearable to watch the nausea, multiple pricks a day, weakness, MRI’s, and the never ending hours to pass in the cancer ward.
I couldn’t understand how the other people survived watching their children suffer from cancer without having Hashem to hold onto. I couldn’t understand how they got up in the morning.
Everyday, the only way through was by talking to Hashem.
I had my questions–how could He make innocent kids suffer with such unbearable pain? What did they do to deserve this pain? But I knew I wouldn’t understand. It was too big for us humans to understand.
We will never understand.
My daughter made it through many rounds of chemotherapy, ICU stays with an emergency call, radiation for 6 weeks every single day… Such a blur of the deepest pain. There were many memories that I pushed to the back of my mind and are only starting to surface after a few years. Slowly I will process them.
Hashem was very kind and b”H helped my daughter survive. On Tisha B’Av, I can’t help but think that unfortunately I don’t need the 9 days and Tisha B’Av to remind me that we’re missing the Beis Hamikdash. I have daily reminders. My daughter has a lifelong medical condition as a result of the brain tumor and radiation. Everyday she needs medications 3 times a day and daily injections.
There is still so much to process and get through just to make it through the day. My daughter asks daily, “When is Moshiach coming?” Because then she won’t need all the medications and injections.
Please Hashem send Moshiach quickly.
We can’t wait anymore.
Between Carpools2 months agoWe’ve updated our comprehensive list to bring you all the resources available to inspire us all throughout Tisha B’Av night and day. Note that some options require a donation to watch.
If any videos are hosted on YouTube, those videos are also embedded here so they can be watched without navigating off BCP.
Click here for the What to Watch & Where to Listen – Jewish Kids Edition. We also have a post of good reads.
Did we miss anything? Please leave a comment with other sources of inspiration for Tisha B’Av. (And see other reader recommendations from past years, including helpful call-in options!)
