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 Carpools15 hours 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 Carpools19 hours 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 day 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 Carpools3 days 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 Carpools3 days 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 Carpools3 days 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 Carpools4 days 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 Carpools4 days 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 Carpools5 days 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 Carpools6 days 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 Carpools7 days 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 Carpools9 days 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 Carpools9 days 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 Carpools10 days 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 Carpools11 days 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 Carpools11 days 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 Carpools12 days 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 Carpools12 days 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 Carpools13 days 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 Carpools14 days 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 Carpools14 days 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 Carpools15 days 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 Carpools15 days 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 Carpools16 days 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!
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 Carpools17 days 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 Carpools18 days 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 Carpools18 days 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 Carpools20 days 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 Carpools20 days 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 Carpools21 days 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 Carpools21 days 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 Carpools22 days 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 Carpools23 days 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 Carpools24 days 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 Carpools24 days 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 Carpools25 days 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 Carpools25 days 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 Carpools26 days 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 Carpools27 days 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 Carpools28 days 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 Carpools28 days 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 Carpools29 days 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 Carpools1 month 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 Carpools1 month 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 Carpools1 month 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 Carpools1 month 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!)
Between Carpools1 month agoFind the aspect of the churban and galus that speaks to you below – and print and read so that it’s just not another week, and just not another day. Thank you to Shiffy Friedman and Fradl Adams for being those inspiring voices here on BCP.
Between Carpools1 month agoYou want your children to have something to do—but it should feel right for the day.
Finding something that’s engaging without losing sight of what Tisha B’av is about isn’t always easy.
That’s why The Circle, the magazine we all love, created Captive City.
Set in the Old City of Yerushalayim during one of its darkest chapters, Captive City follows one young girl and her family as they struggle to survive while holding tightly to their emunah and hope.
It’s a beautifully produced, cinematic story that children will genuinely enjoy while giving them a glimpse into the atmosphere of Yerushalayim and the resilience that has carried Klal Yisroel throughout our long galus.
If you’re looking for something your children will be excited to watch—and you’ll feel good about putting on this Tisha B’av—Captive City is just that.
2-day streaming rental for the whole family: only $24.99.
Purchase Captive City today and enjoy it with your family this Tisha B’av.
Between Carpools1 month agoWhether you’re baking something special, or simply want filling and nourishing foods your family will enjoy, one of these ideas might be just the item you’re looking for to include on your menu.
If you want tips for balancing the healthy dishes and treats well while avoiding that overstuffed feeling, see this post on Tips for an Easy Fast and Healthy Break-the-Fast.
Want to add a refreshing salad? It’s a great idea to round out the menu. See our picks here.
Cinnamony baked goods especially get our family looking forward to sitting around the table after a fast day, hoping for sweeter times and geulah.
A quicker version of cinnamon buns with no filling. Works for a crowd, too.
If you’re down with steps and simply want the best version.
A pareve, quicker version to get your post-fast cinnamon bun fix.
Dairy, buttery, and oozing with chocolate.
Now for the real food. Freshly baked bread tops the list, especially when it’s topped with healthy fats and protein, or paired with a nourishing, satiating soup. For more soups, see our picks here.
The perfect finish to your freshly baked bread.
The perfect item on top of your toast.
We chose these spelt rolls (an early BCP fav!) because it’s quick to rise and bake and are a great option if you didn’t plan ahead but still want fresh bread.
If you’re not a sourdough baker but still want artisan bread (needs to be prepped from the day before).
Sina’s version is pareve, but you can easily upgrade this to a dairy version but swapping olive oil for butter and adding your cheesy crostini on top.
Our go-to for a basic vegetable soup, but better.
If you’re looking for a creamy potato soup that’s just a little lighter, this version, which uses leeks, Japanese sweet potatoes, and cauliflower is velvety and delicious.
We know the health experts say that we should be getting lots of hydration and proteins after a fast, many simply enjoy those comforting cards, especially when there’s cheese involved.
Between Carpools1 month agoThis is a family staple that my mother has been preparing for close to 40 years. When I was growing up, my friends would wait for me to bring them to school just so they could taste a piece.
And the tradition continues, as I make them for my family and my girls share them with their friends.
Aside from preparing these Cinnamon Twists a few times a year, we don’t miss baking them during the 9 Days or on Tisha B’Av itself. It’s perfect activity and everyone enjoys eating them after the fast.
You can make them milichig or pareve, either way. We do something in between, keeping the dough pareve and them using butter in the coating. That’s the combination that’s our favorite…not too heavy and just the right buttery flavor.
If you aren’t enjoying these the same day you prepare them, store them in the freezer in smaller portions and take out as needed.
The dough comes together very quickly–simply add all the ingredients to the mixer and go. A note on the yeast! When I told the BCP team that I use fresh yeast in the dough, they promptly told me, “Absolutely not! There is no reason why we can’t use dry yeast!” Technically 2 oz of fresh yeast is 6 and ¾ tsp of dry yeast , but it works fine with 2 tablespoons of dry (which is pretty close). So, if you want to prepare it the original way, go ahead, but you can also trust the BCP team that dry works just as well.
After 1 ½ – 2 hours, your dough will be doubled in size. If you feel like the dough is sticky, don’t worry–this is supposed to be a sticky dough.
Divide dough into 5 parts.
Roll each part into a rectangle that’s 3-4” wide.
Then, cut each rectangle into 1” strips.
Now comes the fun (or messy) part. Bowl 1 gets sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon. Bowl 2 gets the melted butter.
Dip each strip into melted butter individually, then dip the strip into the cinnamon sugar mixture, while twisting.
Place twists close together onto a lined baking sheet.
The full recipe should yield approximately 1 ½ baking sheets of twists.
Bake for 350°F for 25 minutes and voila.
We know what you’re baking today.
5 from 2 votes
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine all dough ingredients. Knead until fully combined (the dough will be sticky). Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 ½ – 2 hours, until approximately doubled in size.
In a large bowl, combine all “Bowl 1” topping ingredients. Add melted butter to a second bowl.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Divide dough into 5 parts. Roll each part into a rectangle 3-4” wide. Cut each rectangle into 1” strips.
Dip each strip into melted butter individually, then dip the strip into the cinnamon sugar mixture, while twisting.
Place twists close together onto a lined baking sheet. The full recipe should yield approximately 1 ½ baking sheets of twists. Bake for 25 minutes.
Between Carpools1 month agoHow do you build a meaningful life when life doesn’t go at all according to plan? How can you carry grief, uncertainty, disappointment, and still choose joy?
This Tisha B’av, available now, Rising Stronger 3 (The Women’s Tisha B’av Event) brings together four extraordinary women whose lives took unexpected turns, and shares their unforgettable stories of resilience and faith.
Tanya Friedlander’s husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at just 37 years old. How did she find the strength to grieve the future she’d always imagined while still embracing the life she had?
Batya Feigenbaum was born paralyzed, and wasn’t expected to survive even infancy. As the years passed and her friends moved on, how did she build a fulfilling life and continue to choose joy every day?
Shani Waldman lost her husband at just 37 years old, and raised her six daughters alone. How did her loneliness become the catalyst for supporting thousands of women walking the same road?
As a first-time mother, Rebbetzin Esti Hamilton was thrust into the world of special needs, where she learned to care for her son. How did she find the strength to build her family… and inspire thousands of women along the way?
At face value, their stories are all different. But the lessons they share are ones every one of us can relate to, whether we’re facing a life-changing challenge or just one of life’s harder seasons.
Watch The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation’s Rising Stronger 3, available now. With access to Hidden, their main Tisha B’av event.
Between Carpools1 month agoHere at BCP, we’ve thought we already covered every tip we could possibly share when it comes to packing and preparing food for your family while traveling. If you’re planning a getaway in the near future, this Travel Food Roundup has all the resources you need in one place, from a complete guide to Vacation in a Kitchen-Less Hotel Room to all the recipes that work in a Betty Crocker.
When we first saw these Betty Crocker Insert Pans, we knew it would deserve a spot on our travel items must-haves.
Some might find them handy for day-to-day use.
You can cook an item in the Betty, take it out and leave it in the tin, and cook something else and let the tin act as your serving platter.
But we find that they’ll come in even handier when on the road, because that’s when Betty really gets to work hard. When we’re at home, we might not be using Betty for the messiest jobs. It might be pizza and done.
But when we want to serve hot meals on the road, Betty is pretty much taking the place of all our pots, like you see here. From pancakes to fish to creamy pasta to cheesy fries and more, it needs to help us out from one dish to another. And that’s when a liner is really essential.
Imagine preparing a creamy pasta, like this one featuring the new dairy sauces from Tuscanini. They are the absolute perfect item to bring on your trip for authentic, fresh pasta. As you’ve already learned here, they’re shelf-stable so they don’t need to take up precious space in your mini hotel room fridge.
Yum! Penne Alfredo on the go. And the Betty Crocker is clean! Cook and serve in one tin! And then go ahead and cook something else and there’s no clean-up needed.
Between Carpools1 month agoWhen we shared our sunscreen roundup, several readers asked if we could include more options for those looking for products with simpler ingredient lists and fewer ingredients they prefer to avoid. We heard you.
Sunscreen is an essential part of our daily routine and we had lots of favorites. The face sunscreens we included in our roundup were ones we genuinely feel good about using every day. As for body sunscreen, we typically use it less frequently, so clean ingredients hadn’t been as much of a focus.
Deodorant, on the other hand, even though it’s something we use daily year-round, it was harder to find versions with cleaner ingredients that we were confident worked well. So, we tested a lot of options with simpler ingredient lists—but only a handful performed well enough to make this list.
We’ve gradually moved away from aerosol spray deodorants. While they’re convenient, they can be inhaled during application, so we generally prefer stick or roll-on formulas. The one exception is Shabbos, when many people prefer a spray because sticks and roll-ons can raise halachic concerns related to smoothing the product onto the skin.
It’s worth noting that current scientific evidence has not shown that aluminum-containing antiperspirants cause cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. Still, many people choose to avoid certain ingredients based on their own preferences, and we wanted to offer great options for those readers.
So we schvitzed for you.
And if you’re really into ingredient deep dives, we also checked every product in the Yuka app. Yuka scans ingredient lists and provides a rating based on its analysis of the ingredients, making it easier to understand what’s inside the products you’re using.
These were the “better for you” deodorants for daily use that actually work.
BETTER FOR YOU
Good for you and for your sensitive skin, with a light floral non-toxic fragrance.
BETTER FOR YOU
This is a clean ingredient spray deodorant that we like for Shabbos.
BETTER FOR YOU
Native Deodorants are our personal favorite, including this better-for-you Shabbos option. See more about Native below.
BETTER FOR YOU
This is another personal favorite; read more about the Savvy brand below.
TOP PERFORMING
The more natural and clean ingredient deodorants are not antiperspirant, so if you’re looking for that protection, we like the way Degree keeps you drier.
TOP PERFORMING
On Shabbos, we use the spray version of the Degree deodorant/antiperspirant mentioned above.
TOP PERFORMING
RUNNER UP
Although the “good for you” reviews on this one aren’t great, we decided to include it because it is a full body deodorant that works well.
Native is one of our favorite brands and the reliable go-to. The whole line works well, has a good rating, has beautiful branding, and smells great.
Savvy Fit Soaps Natural Deodorant is a good-for-you line that works! Small batch, locally made, this deodorant smells great and keeps you fresh all day long, without the questionable ingredients and fragrances. Our personal favorite fragrance is Lavender & Patchouli but they are all good.
Men and Boys
Our men and our boys have different needs. Some deodorants will cause yellow staining in white shirts, but we have solutions for that.
This is the deodorant you need to use to avoid yellow underarm stains. See this post for more on that.
Here is the stick version
Between Carpools1 month agoIn the past, I was a makeup minimalist. But after hosting and attending a string of simchos in a row, I realized that I felt better about myself at the events where I was wearing professional makeup. Not because I’d spent the money – that didn’t necessarily feel great – but because I didn’t have the makeup and tools at home to create a more dressy look on my own. This isn’t to say that everyone needs to wear more makeup – or any makeup at all – to feel good at a formal event. But that’s how I was feeling.
So, I made it a mission to actually accumulate and learn to apply a full makeup look. With some virtual help from Esti Morgenstern and quite a bit of time at Sephora, I finally put together a full personal makeup kit.
But now that I had all this makeup and learned how to use it, I needed a better way to store it. After trying a few different makeup organizers, I realized that I like to store all my makeup products in one case that allows me to see it all at once. But I don’t want anything on my counters.
I turned to our followers on social media and asked for recommendations. We got quite a few, but the overwhelming favorites were the two shown here.
I already owned the Prite bag – the style that opens into two “triangles.” I used it for my toiletries when traveling. I had both sizes and preferred the larger one (I don’t pack light).
This kind of bag holds a LOT. And if you’re using it to contain and transport your makeup, it’s a really great option. There are pockets and a zippered section that can help you organize different sized items, too. But I recognized that this style doesn’t work for me and makeup. Because I want to use this for my everyday storage and use, I preferred the ease and accessibility of the other bags featured here. In my experience, you could only keep one side of the Prite organized because when you open it up, it has to be standing on one side to keep the items upright. And there isn’t enough organization detail to really hold the small things right. I do still love the style for toiletries, but not for makeup.
The Afform (formerly Parallelle) bag was highly recommended by Shaindy Menzer and lots of the followers who responded to my quest. I bit the bullet and ordered the Medium Traveller. Bit the bullet because it’s pricey. But it was for the greater good of informed reporting, right?
This bag has a rigid structure that stands upright and when you open the zipper.
The two sides fold down – and stay that way – so that everything inside stays upright and is visible and accessible. The partitions inside are adjustable to suit your products.
The features are exactly what I need. Literally. Organized, easy to see and access, all in one case. BUT the medium was too small for the amount of makeup I now have and actually use. Not every day, but I don’t want to have separate cases for different makeup looks. So I bit another bullet and ordered the Large size. And that one is absolutely perfect. (The price is the only feature that isn’t perfect. It’s a real splurge. It makes a great gift – for yourself or a loved one.) The medium size is actually great for my travel toiletries for the same reasons I like the large one for makeup. Fold down the sides and you’re good to go as soon as you get to your destination. No need to unpack anything.
So there you have it. Two styles, two sizes. Each works well for a different user.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option, this one fits the same amount as the larger Afform Traveller bag. It’s just impossible to organize. If that doesn’t bother you, just toss it all in and go!
Between Carpools1 month agoThere’s a moment every mother remembers. You’re holding your new baby, counting her fingers, watching her sleep, and you feel it: this is perfection. Not because she’s done anything. Not because she’s earned anything. Just because she’s her.
Then life happens. She grows up. She goes to school. She starts comparing. And somewhere along the way, that certainty you felt in the hospital room gets harder for her to hold onto.
This is the moment Atzmi was built for.
Who Atzmi Is
Atzmi is a nonprofit dedicated to the mental health of Jewish girls, helping them build healthier self-worth, stronger self-compassion, a positive body image, and real emotional resilience, before deeper struggles have the chance to take root.
Through their My Best Self Project, Atzmi combines Torah values and hashkafah with methods that are actually proven to work. Girls learn to recognize their own strengths and gifts. More importantly, they learn that their value was never something they had to earn, measure up to, or compare their way into. It was there from the beginning.
As Reb Nachman teaches, the day a person is born is the day Hashem says the world could no longer exist without them. That’s the message Atzmi is working to make sure every girl actually internalizes, not just hears once and forgets.
And the research backs up why this approach matters. Culturally and religiously relevant interventions are consistently shown to be among the most effective ways to help girls build genuine self-worth, and they’re significantly more effective at preventing eating disorders and other mental health struggles than generic programs.
The Numbers Behind the Mission
Right now, Atzmi is already active in over 80 schools, reaching more than 3,800 girls, along with the mothers and educators around them. Among the girls in the program, 80% report improved self-image. And every bit of it is 100% Torah based and sensitive to how our community actually thinks and talks about these things.
That’s not a small footprint. But it’s not enough either, not while there are still girls sitting in classrooms who haven’t heard the message yet.
How You Can Be Part of It
This is where it gets fun! Atzmi is inviting women to become campaign ambassadors, and all it takes is raising a minimum of $250 toward the mission. Every ambassador page opened brings the message to more girls, more schools, more communities.
And ambassadors get something special in return. On August 29, Bracha Jaffe is headlining a concert benefiting Atzmi, built entirely around the importance of healthy body image. Ambassador page holders get access to the concert, a night that’s as much a celebration of the message as it is a fundraiser for it.
Become an ambassador. Raise money for Atzmi. Join us at the concert on August 29. Help more girls hear the message every daughter deserves. Let’s go.
Between Carpools1 month agoMonth: Av
Mazel: Lion
Human Faculty: Hearing
Mishenichnas Av mime’atin besimchah. When Av enters, we decrease our merriment. This is the month in our calendar when we are encouraged to feel the pain of the Galus, to mourn the destruction of the Batei Mikdash and all of the repercussions of the Churban: the ensuing persecution that Klal Yisrael has endured through the ages, our aloneness in this exile, and most of all, to feel the pain of the Shechinah, who’s been bereft of her home for centuries.
In Yiddishkeit, sadness does not equal despair. The kind of sadness we are encouraged to feel these days is not one that closes the heart, that leaves us feeling despondent, alone, or depressed. On the contrary, it is a kind of sadness that opens the heart. It is yet another means through which we reach our singular goal as Yidden: connecting more deeply to our Av Harachaman, our merciful Father, as alluded to in the name of the month.
This is the time of year when yes, we should be giving our galus existence more attention by looking at our lives and truly feeling what pains us as a result of being so distant from Hakadosh Baruch Hu, of being banished from His home. And then, instead of falling into an abyss of self-pity or despair, we want to move on to the next step, by tapping into the special koach of this month. Sefer Yetzirah teaches that the month of Av corresponds with the sense of hearing. Listening, we know, is an art. It’s not just about the sound waves bouncing off our ear drums; it’s about fine-tuning our hearing so that we derher. That’s the Yiddish word for hearing what lies underneath the actual words, for discerning the deeper message.
And so, after feeling the pain where it hurts most, whether in the minor or more major circumstances that keep reminding us that life in this world is not perfect, we want to move on to Step II. Want to tap into the spiritual propensity of this month? “Fine-tune” your hearing by listening to Hashem’s call in everything that happens in your life.
Here’s how to maximize the potential of this month:
1. Once per day this month, when you feel sad, disappointed, or frustrated, whether due to a minor or major challenge, stop and take a deep breath. Allow yourself to feel the pain/discomfort in it. Every kind of brokenness is a direct result of our status as galus Yidden.
2. Seize this opportunity to connect more deeply to your Av Harachaman through this difficulty by fine-tuning your hearing. Ask yourself: “What is the message from my Father in this? What is my avodah right now?”
Is this hardship here to teach me to trust more, to let go more, to acknowledge more deeply that He is the One in Control? Is there an area of my avodas Hashem that can use an upgrade? Perhaps this is my chance to simply cry out to Him, to forge a deeper bond through tefillah?
3. Bask in the closeness you feel at this moment. The greatest galus pain is the pain of aloneness, the Eichah yashvah badad. But even in galus, when we connect to the Ribono shel Olam through our hardships, we feel heard and seen, and thus less alone. The more we engage in this work of infusing our struggles with purpose—by listening to His messages as we go through our day—the more we will find that we live a more elevated, joyous life.
Recently, some of the bedrooms in our apartment were suddenly infested with an interesting fly-ant creature. As part of our hishtadlus to treat the issue, we looked into Perek Shirah to find out: What might Hashem’s message be for us through this creature? Incredibly, the morning after we made certain kabbalos as a family, there was not one of these insects to be found…
As Yidden, we speak to Hashem through tefillah, both formal and informal. And Hashem speaks to us through His Torah, and through every single detail of what happens in our life. When we choose to hone our hearing and derher our Father’s messages in everything that transpires, we merit to experience the unparalleled joy and radiance that only a life of connection affords.
The mazel of Av is a lion, which alludes to Moshiach ben Dovid, who will be born on Tisha B’Av and is a descendant of Yehuda, whom Yaakov Avinu compared to a lion. In the merit of our avodah of finding meaning in our sadness and using it as a vehicle for deepened connection, may Tisha B’Av be a Yom Tov this year with the coming of Moshiach, and may we be zocheh to experience the ultimate connection in the Bais Hamikdash very soon. Can’t wait to meet you in the Ezras Nashim!
Between Carpools1 month ago“I’m never going on the bus again!” – This was Miri’s tearful declaration to Mom. “ Yael called me ‘stupid’ because I caused my team to lose the spelling bee and then everyone started laughing. I HATE her! I hate ALL of them!” The tears kept coming as Miri ran to her room and slammed the door.
Chani froze. She knew that Miri struggled academically and that it was very possible her incorrect answer caused her team to lose a contest. It wouldn’t be the first time. But watching her daughter fall apart because of something that so clearly wasn’t her fault – it was too much. Although she might not have been the brightest in the class, Miri was definitely the best of all those girls! She was good hearted, generous, kind to a fault. She’d help anyone any time of day or night. How dare some nasty kid put her daughter down like this! How could anyone do this to such an innocent, wonderful girl like Miri?
As the anger and indignation started to pour through her veins, Chani came back to life. “I’m going to do something about this!” she thought. “I’m going to get on that bus and give them what for! Nobody is going to do this to my child and get away with it!” Chani started planning her campaign – how she was going to get permission to speak to the girls, what anti-bullying advocates she could round up to join her presentation, what resources were at her disposal. Should she make it a schoolwide endeavor? She needed to think this through – keep it small and focused or go all the way? So many mean kids. So many big mouths that need to be stopped in their tracks! Chani’s mind was racing, filled with visions and ideas, when all of a sudden, she remembered Miri. “Oh no! Has Miri been in her room crying all this time?” Chani realized that a good twenty minutes must have passed since Miri first burst through the door. “Oh no! I have to go see if she’s all right!”
Now let’s think this through together. Let’s imagine that Chani runs up the stairs to Miri’s room only to find the door locked (okay, we don’t know why a 9-year-old has a locking bedroom door, but she does, alright?). Chani pounds on it, shouting her daughter’s name but Miri, still sobbing heavily, screams at her mother to go away. “You don’t even care!” the distressed kid shouts. Now Chani, doubled over in guilt, tries to explain: “No I do care honey – I really care! I was just trying to figure out what I’m going to do to make sure this never happens again. I’m so sorry honey, I should have come up to you right away. Please let me in, sweetie. Please open the door for Mommy!” And then let’s imagine that this anger and explaining routine goes on for another 10 minutes or so, and eventually, a sullen, sulky Miri opens the door.
What would you have Mom say at this point? Should she 1) reassure her daughter that she’s not stupid (although, as we said earlier, she does have academic challenges….) or 2) point out how awful her ‘friends” are (leaving her feeling even more friendless than she already feels….)? Or 3) talk about “bullying” and “abuse” (ensuring that Miri views herself as a helpless victim….) and promise, through her upcoming campaign, to put an end to it (a promise Chani shouldn’t be making because she can’t actually control the world…)? Or 4) talk about her own bad childhood experiences? Or what?
Now let’s go through these possible responses together:
1. Reassuring her that she’s not stupid is not going to address the issue at hand: pain
2. Pointing out the bad behavior of her friends is also not going to remove the pain
3. Identifying the abusive nature of the event will also not ease the pain
4. Talking about her own painful experiences will not lift her daughter’s pain
5. What will address the pain? Acknowledging and accepting it.
One of the hardest parts of parenting is watching our children go through pain. We do everything we can to make their pain go away – everything except confront it and confront our helplessness to prevent it.
Rejection is part of everyone’s life experience and is certainly a universal part of the childhood journey. Knowing how to respond to it is an essential parenting skill to cultivate. Although there is much more to be said about what that skill entails, it starts with parental courage – the courage to say, “That really, really hurts.” Because starting with the bare truth is the only way in.
Between Carpools1 month agoIt’s not a fashion show, but we do need to wear something on our feet. While most of us do have something that works, it’s a good idea to make sure that everyone in the family has something that currently fits.
If you do need to take inventory and make sure that every member of the family has what they need, it’s best to make new purchases before the 9 days and get that taken care of now.
We rounded up some of the most popular options (be sure to check delivery dates) for Tisha B’Av and Yom Kippur:
Between Carpools1 month agoWe admit, when we received this email from Leah Kletski sharing her technique for 9×13 penne alla vodka, we were a little skeptical.
Sure, we love anything 9×13 just as much as the rest of you. They save the day so often. This 9×13 Baked Ziti was one of our earliest 9×13 recipes and it practically started a revolution (right after these all-time favorite 9×13 Oatmeal Squares).
They’re absolutely perfect for when you’re short on hands-on time, but have just a couple moments around 90 minutes before dinnertime to toss things together and pop it in the oven. In Dinner Done 2, you’ll find another pasta favorite in a 9×13 version: Stuffed Shells.
If there’s one drawback, though, like One-Pot Pastas, these types of pastas, while great when served fresh, tend to turn mushy if left sitting.
Leah’s technique, though, changes that. We’re not sure why the texture of this pasta turns out just like pasta prepared in a pot, but the bottom line is, you will not need any pots or any dishes at all the prepare this delicious penne and receive rave reviews.
Begin by adding one pound of penne to a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Cover with water. For us, this was 5 cups. Cover well and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven, and using the foil cover to help you, drain out the water as best as you can. You will not need a strainer. At this point, the pasta will seem al dente.
Add marinara sauce. Renee chose this gourmet version which is “piecey” but I find that the kids prefer the smooth non-piecey Gefen Vodka Sauce.
Then add heavy cream and salt.
Mix well and cover again!
Return to oven and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes. Note that we only tested this in a disposable; baking time may be different if using a real 9×13 (although that would defeat the purpose, wouldn’t it?).
Cooking Instructions with Tuscanini Vodka Sauce!
Here’s an even better solution if you need to make 9×13 Penne Alla Vodka and you don’t usually have heavy cream available. Keep a container of Tuscanini Vodka Sauce on hand. We first introduced you to this revolutionary summer-saving product in this post (shelf stable and deliciously dairy and authentic!).
The jar seems small, but it will cover a whole pound of pasta! Note! Cooking instructions are different when using the Tuscanini Vodka Sauce. Bake pasta with 5 cups of water covered for 45 minutes. Drain (it’s ok to leave a bit of the pasta water on the bottom). Then, add the sauce and salt and mix. Optionally, cover and return to oven for just 5 minutes to warm up the sauce.
Enjoy! You can use the same hack with any of the Tuscanini Sauces if you prefer!
There you go. Creamy, perfect penne that’s as good (or better) than the restaurant, as simple and easy to prep as can be, and not one bit “gummy” or “mushy.” We’re not sure we’d ever be inclined to take out a pot again!
5 from 4 votes
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Add pasta to a 9×13-inch aluminum baking pan. Cover with water. Cover well with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove pan from oven and drain water as much as you can. It is not necessary to use a colander; simply pour water into the sink using the foil to help you keep the pasta from falling out.
Toss with vodka sauce, heavy cream, and 2 tsp salt. Cover and bake an additional 45 minutes. Uncover, season with remaining salt (or to taste) and enjoy.
Between Carpools1 month agoChani stepped on the wet towel in the hallway and froze.
There were bathing suits dripping over the railing, freeze-pop wrappers stuck to the counter, a sunscreen bottle leaking onto the table, and a child calling, “Ma, what’s for lunch?” even though breakfast had ended forty-five minutes ago.
Somewhere in the house, someone was crying because one of her jacks was missing.
And Chani, who had once imagined summer as slower, softer, maybe even fun, felt her whole body tighten.
Wasn’t summer supposed to be relaxing?
So why did it feel like she was running a hotel, day camp, restaurant, laundry service, and travel agency out of her kitchen?
The travel agency part was the worst.
Vacation. Even the word made her tired.
Chani had browser tabs open for day trips, bungalow rentals, hotel deals, splash pads, indoor activities for rainy days, affordable outings, and “family fun near me that doesn’t cost a fortune.”
Every idea had a problem.
Too expensive. Too far. Too crowded. Too boring for the big kids. Too hard with the little ones. Too complicated with food. Too much packing.
Too much everything.
And then Avi came home. Calm. Pleasant. Normal.
That was almost the most irritating part. His life looked exactly the same.
Winter, spring, summer, fall, he got up, went to shul, went to work, came home, ate supper, took a phone call, learned, and went to sleep.
Meanwhile, Chani’s entire world had been turned upside down. And somehow, he could not understand why she was so uptight about wet towels.
He walked into the kitchen and saw her standing there with a laundry basket on her hip.
“What happened?” he asked.
Chani gave a short laugh. “What happened? Summer happened.”
Avi looked confused.
She pointed toward the hallway. “There are wet towels everywhere. The kids are totally off schedule. Nobody is sleeping. Everyone needs food every five minutes. We have no vacation plan. Everything is expensive. And you’re walking around like everything is normal.”
He paused. “So tell them to hang up their towels.”
That was it. Tell them to hang up their towels.
Chani stared at him.
Because she was not hearing a practical suggestion.
She was hearing, You’re making a big deal out of nothing.
And suddenly, the towel was not a towel. It was the whole summer.
It was the pressure to create memories while staying on budget. It was the guilt that the kids were bored. It was the endless snacks, late nights, laundry, packing, fighting, planning, and decision-making.
It was the feeling that if she did not think of everything, nothing would happen.
And if she did think of everything, she would be the one carrying it all.
Chani wanted to say, “Must I explain why this is stressful?”
She wanted to say, “Do you have any idea how much I’m doing?”
She wanted to say, “Why am I the only one thinking about vacation?”
And honestly, every sentence felt true.
But she had said versions of that before, and they never landed the way she hoped.
Avi would get defensive. Or quiet. Or practical. Or hurt.
Then she would feel even more alone.
So this time, Chani did something small.
Not dramatic or spiritual-looking. Not even especially impressive.
She put down the laundry basket and took one breath.
And instead of explaining the entire emotional history of summer, she asked herself one question:
What do I actually want?
At first, all she could hear was irritation.
I want people to stop making messes.
I want him to notice.
I want someone else to think for once.
But underneath all that, there was something simpler.
She was tired. She wanted help. She wanted one piece of summer to feel manageable.
So she said, quietly, “I would love to go on one simple outing this week.”
No lecture. No, “because I plan everything around here.”
Just the desire.
Avi looked at her.
She waited.
After a minute, he said, “Okay. What were you thinking?”
That question could have opened another browser tab in her brain.
She could have listed every option, every price, every reason nothing worked.
Instead, she said, “I’m not sure. I would just love something easy.”
Avi nodded.
“Maybe we can do something local one afternoon,” he said. “A spray park and a picnic supper.”
It was not a dream vacation.
But Chani exhaled.
Because for the first time all day, she felt a tiny bit less alone.
She had not handed Avi a complaint.
She had handed him a small blueprint for making her happier.
It was not perfect.
But it was different. And in marriage, different matters.
Sometimes the hardest part of summer is not the mess.
It is the meaning we attach to the mess.
I am alone.
Nobody sees me.
His life stays normal while mine falls apart.
That story is exhausting. And once it starts playing, even a wet towel can feel like an insult.
But a simple desire changes the conversation.
“I would love a quiet walk after the kids are asleep.”
“I would love to order pizza tonight.”
“I would love help cleaning up before bedtime.”
A desire is not a guarantee. It does not mean everyone will cheerfully cooperate.
It does not mean the towels will magically disappear, or the vacation will plan itself.
But it gives the people around us something much easier to respond to than resentment.
Before you explain, defend, complain, or prove how much you are carrying, pause and ask yourself:
What do I actually want?
Then say it as simply as possible.
“I would love an early bedtime tonight.”
“I would love to go out for ice cream.”
“I would love extra cleaning help.”
Summer may still be messy. The kids may still be off schedule. The finances may still be tight.
And yes, there may still be wet towels on the floor.
But one softer sentence can change the whole feeling in the room.
And in the middle of summer, that can feel like fresh air.
A small reminder that even in the chaos of summer, you do not have to lose yourself or your connection to him.
If this summer has brought out the worst in you, it does not mean something is wrong with you or your marriage.
It may simply mean you are carrying more than anyone can see.
Between Carpools1 month agoMost of these picks are from H&M and Target!
You’re not in the mood for a big project. Just something small to refresh one small space or another during the few quiet days that you might have this summer.
Sometimes little efforts to refresh a space yields lots of enjoyment all summer long. So whether it’s a front porch, an entry way, how you set your table, or a children’s bedrooms, there’s lots of great values out there during this season, especially at H&M and Target.
Let’s start with the outdoors.
Start at the entrance with a pretty mat. Then add flowers! The hanging planter box is wide enough to be the focal point of your porch. You’ll enjoy the view whether you’re inside or out. There’s coordinating floor planters too in a calming shade of green (+ other colors). Coordinate with a throw pillow on your porch chairs. Here’s also a classic planter box option that’ll have you enjoying looking out your window all season long.
Jute Doormat | Oblong Planter | Large Plant Pot on Stand | Wide Plant Pot with Stand | Hanging Planter Box + Coordinating Planter Box | Beige Striped Outdoor Pillow Cover (Available in more patterns!) | Outdoor Bolster Pillow Covers
Love this whole seagrass/straw collection from H&M – so summery and country!
Seagrass-Cage Beverage Glass | Seagrass Carafe | Coasters | Bamboo Serving Bowl | Bread Baskets
Pretty woods and ceramic with an organic look brings the outdoors feel to your table all week long.
Wooden Cutting Board | Melamine Serving Bowl (A great bowl for sides and salads!)| Anthro Bowl for Fruit | Footed Serving Bowl | Stoneware Serving Board | Egg Cups (so cute for dips) | Linen Blend Tablecloth
Earthy browns, greens, and beige-toned accessories add a natural feel to your space.
Wall Mirror (Great as an entry mirror, over a vanity, in a bathroom or bedroom) | Linen Blend Cushion Cover | Swirled Glass Mini Vases | Small Textured Bud Vases | Large Textured Glass Vase | Marble Book Ends | Rechargeable Cordless Lamp | Pendant Lamp
You can refresh the little boys room on a budget with this adorable set. The other variation, a light blue with airplanes – is just as precious.
Cars Duvet Set | Cars Cotton Bedspread | Cars Cotton Fitted Sheet | Road Playmat | Toys Storage Basket with Lid
H&M has a whole collection of children’s room bedding and accessories with adorable cherry detailing. Choose the items that suit your child’s age and stage, from the linens, to the storage, to the wall art.
Cherries Storage Basket | Cherries Toy Basket/ Hamper | Cherries Fitted Crib Sheet | Cherries Wall Art | Cherries Bolster Pillow | Cherries Seersucker Duvet Set | Embroidered Crib Duvet Set | Cherry Rattle | Fruit Market Play Tent
Enjoy the most adorable nursery decor well beyond the summer and all year long.
Baby Gym | Storage Basket with Lid | Bear Storage Basket | Teddy Fleece Storage Basket | Soft Toy Rattle | Children’s Reading Bench | Lion Rug | Alpaca Rug
Between Carpools1 month agoAs this medical parsha entered my life without an invite, so did all the gifts that came with it!
Some were great, and truthfully, some went straight to the garbage!
My mother-in-law took it upon herself to send me a gift once a week. Seeing the package on my bed after every hospital treatment got me wondering, “What gift would she get me next? Hasn’t she already given me all the gifts there were to give already?”
To all gift givers, thank you for thinking of me! Being at the receiving end, though, I learned which gifts were really appreciated and useful.
1. The Right Connection. The most important! No, this is the most vital thing that your friend needs: Someone to talk to who has gone through, or is currently going through, the same thing. It’s calming and soothing for her to connect with another who can really answer her questions and quell her fear about the future. So connect her to someone (with her permission of course!) This definitely ranks as the best gift she could possibly receive!
2. Be Well IV Crewneck. During chemo, some patients require a port or pick line on their chest or upper arm.To retain dignity and tznius, this top is a real game changer! Besides for being simply cute, the easy accessibility makes all the difference. I remember the nurses coming over and asking me where I got it and if they could recommend it to the next patient. I couldn’t promote this enough! (It is 100% the best, most useful gift I received. I used and abused this top so much that my friend bought me another crewneck in a different color. Check out this hoodie version as well. (I never got this, but it would definitely be useful for long treatment days. If your friend has a port, go for the hoodie version and not the sweatshirt).
3. Miracle Ride. Up at night…can’t sleep in the day…give your friend the book that will feel like a guiding hand. The Miracle Ride is a story of a young girl batting Hodgkins. With all the anxiety that comes with a diagnosis, the unknown is one of the hardest parts. This book taught me everything that was to come in terms of treatment and the author’s positivity is contagious. You can ask my husband, I was laughing the whole way through reading it! (Great for teens!)
4. Jumping in Puddles. This book kept me up so I could finish in one night. Then I handed it to my mother-in-law who finished it the next night! It’s written so refreshingly and really makes you see the Yad Hashem in everything.
5. The Longchamp Tote. Running back and forth to chemo while being Jewish means bringing everything but the kitchen sink to the hospital. It requires a gorgeous bag to do so. This Longchamp was my savta simcha bag and came wherever I went. Why not let your friend travel to hospital in style?
6. Silk-Lined Beanies. This pretty knitted hat’s interior is made of silk, and you can be sure your friend will love it! I received this as a gift from an organization and tossed it in the back of my closet. It was only a while into treatment when my hair was thinning that realized how useful and comfortable it was!
7. A Stanley. Drinking is a big requirement for chemo days, scans and the like, and if your friend is travelling far this couldn’t be more helpful. A big Owala also works.
8. Pyjamas. After a long draining day, this is just what will make her smile (thanks to the one who gave me this…it gave me something to look forward to after a long chemo day!)
9. An Artscroll Pocket Tehillim couldn’t be more useful and appropriate. It will be in her clutch more than you realize. I also loved using this gorgeous Tehillim. Instead of giving your friend everything, hand her the key to everything! Thank you sis for this gift!
10. Boten Sunglasses. Your friend is most probably extremely sensitive to the sun; these are a pretty pair.
Our guest author is a 20-something-year-old young woman with one baby who wishes to remain anonymous.
Between Carpools1 month agoMornings can be a whirlwind. Between getting everyone packed and ready, coordinating carpools, and doing all your drop-offs, there’s a lot to keep track of before your day has even started.
So when we heard about KIDO’s check-in system, designed to help make sure no child is left behind in a car, we knew we wanted to share it with you.
KIDO is the brand-new system adding one more layer of protection by helping daycares confirm that every child actually made it into the building. Created alongside a parent who lost his child left in a car last year, KIDO set out to prevent this tragedy from ever occurring again. Since launching, the system has already alerted the families of six children who were expected at school but hadn’t been checked in.
How does it work? It’s so simple. Every child has a small KIDO tag attached to their backpack. As children arrive, their Morah taps each tag at the KIDO terminal. It takes a second and confirms the child has arrived.
If a child hasn’t been tapped in by the daycare’s designated time, KIDO automatically notifies their parent, either by phone call, text message, or email (whichever notification method the daycare chooses). If there’s no response, the alert automatically escalates.
It’s not a burden to teachers; they don’t have to take attendance, check who’s missing, and start calling or texting parents. It’s one tap, and KIDO takes care of the rest. The system doesn’t need internet to work, making it accessible to all!
The terminals are provided at no cost, and the monthly service fee is just $3 per child, a fee that parents are happy to cover!
There’s another reason to look into KIDO now. If your school or daycare is a 501(c)(3), grant funding may be available to cover the entire cost of the system, including the terminal, tags, and setup.
Note current grant deadlines:
New York SCAHC Grant: July 8
New Jersey NSGP Federal Grant: July 15
Need help applying? KIDO works with Yaazoru, a grant consulting firm that has helped schools, shuls, and nonprofits secure tens of millions of dollars in funding. They’ll guide eligible organizations through the application process from start to finish.
Reach out to your children’s daycares to make sure they register and your child gets a KIDO tag.
And Morahs and daycare directors, schedule a call with the KIDO team to learn how KIDO can help keep your students safe, here.
The ones already signed up, above.
Between Carpools1 month agoFor a long time, I thought about how children first learn happiness—not as a mood, but as a skill.
Long before children can articulate what they feel, they are already learning how to think. And what they learn to notice, becomes a bigger and bigger part of their lives.
One simple story I once wrote decades ago has stayed with many families for exactly that reason. A young boy is unhappy with what he has. Nothing dramatic is missing from his life— it is only the familiar human experience of wanting more, and feeling dissatisfied with what is already present. His father notices this and gives him an unusual tool: a cardboard box, left over from a new washing machine. He calls it the boy’s “Happiness Box.”
The instruction that comes with it is simple: inside the box, he can only think happy thoughts.
At first, the boy is confused. Happiness cannot be summoned by rule. It does not obey instructions. But he begins with something simple: he tries to notice what is already good in his life.
At first, the thoughts are small. Ordinary things. Easy-to-overlook moments. But one thought leads to another, and slowly something begins to shift. He discovers that happiness is not something he has to search for—it is something he can practice, through noticing.
The box becomes a place he returns to again and again. Not because of what it contains, but because of what it trains him to do.
Then comes the moment of realization. One day, when he is feeling sad and that box is not anywhere near him, he suddenly understands something that had been forming quietly all along:
The box was never the source of happiness. It was the reminder. He realizes that the “Happiness Box” was never really outside him at all.
It was always “above his eyes and below his hair.”
And then comes the simple truth that remains with him: “It’s a Happiness Box if you let it be.”
Gratitude as a Way of Seeing
In Jewish life, gratitude is not a momentary feeling—we get to practice gratitude in a great variety of ways throughout each day. From Modeh Ani upon waking, to the blessings woven throughout the hours, awareness and appreciation opportunities become available to us.
These exercises train our attention.
What a child repeatedly notices becomes what they naturally see.
And what they see becomes how they experience life.
Why Early Training Matters
Modern neuroscience has given language to something Torah life has long understood: the brain is shaped by repetition. Neural pathways strengthen with use. Attention becomes habit.
In other words, gratitude is not only taught—it is trained.
When children learn early to notice what they already have, that pattern can become deeply embedded. Over time, it becomes less of an exercise and more of a way of being.
This is one of the quiet gifts of early childhood learning: not just information, but internal orientation.
A Message That Grows With the Child
What begins as a simple story for young children often reveals itself to be something more enduring.
The idea that happiness is not hidden somewhere “out there,” but formed through attention, is something that can accompany a person at every stage of life.
The box in the story was never magic.
It was a mirror for the mind.
And perhaps that is why The Happiness Box from over thirty years ago continues to resonate. In every generation, we can learn to notice more fully what is already good—and in doing so, discover that happiness is not waiting for the next purchase or achievement.
Joy can be found right here this moment, in our very own Happiness Box – if we let it be.
Between Carpools1 month agoOver the years, we’ve featured lots of labeling tips and hacks here on Between Carpools (see our labeling roundup below!).
It’s one of the little things in life that makes a home run smoother and gives us equanimity. It helps our families know where to find things, where things go, and give a sense of order.
And while recently, we’ve been enjoying using the Phomemo printer, we admit that the Brother is still useful in many cases (see lots of those tips and posts below)!
Both printers offer labels of different colors as well as clear labels options.
If you’re someone that’s really into organizing, you probably want to own both.
Why We Like the Brother
–The Brother is best for your long term labels, like those on pantry canisters, bottles of condiments, storage shelves, etc. They’re washable and easy to wipe down, and will last as each item is cleaned again and again.
–You don’t need a smartphone. The typewriter is on the device itself.
–Because the tape is on a roll that’s cut at the end, there’s no length limit.
Cons:
–It’s annoying to peel off the backing of the Brother labels.
–While there’s different widths of label tape, all labels are long and thin.
–There’s less layout flexibility than there is with the Phomemo.
Why We Like the Phomeno
–We like Phomemo best for when we’re stocking our freezers. You can print your entire cooking list and use the labels as your to-do list, peeling away as you add each item to the freezer. They stay well-affixed to any types of items in the freezer (they won’t stick to items that have already been frozen, so be sure to label before freezing).
–You can print multiple quantities of one label very quickly.
–They stick more nicely to both aluminum pans and disposable plastic containers. Yet, they will still peel off nicely and easily.
–You can add more information in different sizes of text on each label. The layouts are more flexible. (i.e. if it’s a storage bin, you can list the items stored in the bin).
–There are so many shapes and sizes of labels!
Cons:
–Phomemo labels turn black in the oven. A good tip is print two of the items of which you’re rewarming so that you can relabel and refreeze leftovers.
–The Phomemo labels are designed on an app and print via Bluetooth, so it does need a smartphone (it connects via Bluetooth to the labelmaker). It does not, however, need WiFi or phone service, so once you have the app downloaded, an internet connection is not needed except for app updates.
–Because they use thermal printing, Phomemo labels will fade over time. If you’re using them to label outdoor equipment, they’ll fade in the sun and will need to be replaced. Also beware of fading if you’re using them to label small but valuable items, such as digital cameras, MP3 players, and the like. It’s fine short-term, but a new label will need to be added every so often.
Between Carpools1 month agoYou’ve been dreaming of that ideal playspace that makes your backyard the place to be. Day after day, whether it’s after school or camp, or on weekends, the kids run out to play. Friends come over, friendships are made, and kids spend the healthiest time being active…swinging, hanging, sliding, climbing….
Your Swing It playset is an investment in good, wholesome, healthy family time.
All children love swingsets, every family enjoys different features, and everyone has a different amount of space to spare! It’s a good thing that Swing It designs swing sets that work specifically for you.
A design expert will work with you to customize your layout. They’ll help you map out the right size, placement, and features. You’ll get to see the finished product in a 2D or 3D rendering! (There’s no extra cost for this personal design service!). Plus–turnaround time from design to delivery is fast!
And the quality? It’s exceptional. There is none better. Once you invest, you want it to last. Swing It playsets are made in the USA with exceptional craftsmanship and durability. While your playset comes with a 20 year warranty, we believe the next generation will continue to enjoy it as well!
At Swing It, safety is at the highest level built to ASTM safety standards, and designed by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector. Parents can be 100% confident!
Complete the playscape with customizable surfacing and border options to match your family’s needs. Choose from artificial turf, rubber mulch, rubber tiles, poured-in-place rubber surfacing, or wood chips, along with customizable edging options including FlexWall borders, railroad ties, or a clean border-free finish.
Worried about financing? Swing It offers financing options with no interest for 21 months! Swing It playsets are meant to grow with your family. So, even if you start with a basic playset, you add to it as the years go on. If you dream of that expansive set, but it’s more practical to start with a starter set, you’re not limited. Now, there’s no reason to delay!
Transform your backyard into a place that brings the ENTIRE FAMILY outdoors. It’s not just the kids. Swing It truly makes the backyard the place to be.
Shabbos…Yom Tov…weekends…after camp and school. No screens can compete with the excitement of Swing It. No matter the time, whenever the weather allows, it’s Swing It time.
Get in touch now!
Visit: SwingItPlaysets.com
Call: 833-752-9738
Between Carpools1 month agoSee more organizing tips from Devorah here. Want to know which label makers the BCP team likes and why? See our post coming tomorrow.
Dear Devorah
Every organizing picture I see is full of labels, but I don’t really get the hype. Do I actually need to label every bin, or is this just something organizers do because it looks nice?
– Sticker Skeptic
Dear Skeptic
I love this question, because labeling might seem like a small detail, but it’s actually one of the most powerful things you can do for your home. Not because it’s pretty – but because it keeps your system together long after the organizing glow wears off.
Labels aren’t accessories. They’re the instruction manual.
You can create the world’s most beautiful pantry… but if no one knows what goes where, it will fall apart in six days. Five if there’s a rainy day.
Labels matter – especially in the real spaces: the toy room explosion, the laundry room you avoid, the pantry with 17 different types of snacks, and the cabinet where everyone shoves things at 10:30 at night because they’re too tired to deal with it properly.
Let’s talk about why labeling works, how to choose the right kind, and what makes labels effective in everyday life.
Forget aesthetics for a second. Forget matching fonts. Let’s talk about daily survival.
With labels in place, you’re no longer the family’s human GPS. You don’t have to remember where everything lives or answer the same “Where does this go?” question twenty times a day. One clear label does the talking for you – suddenly everyone knows where the batteries, scissors, or lightbulbs belong.
A labeled home means fewer questions, fewer piles, and fewer “I didn’t know!” moments. Kids can clean up without guessing. A husband can find the Tylenol without texting you from across the house. A babysitter can tidy without rearranging your entire pantry.
Now everyone’s working from the same map.
A great organizing project isn’t about the setup – it’s about whether the space stays functional in real life. Labels make that possible. When a bin says “Snacks,” it takes a lot of confidence (or chutzpah) to drop a screwdriver inside. Labels create gentle boundaries that prevent categories from blending and keep the system intact.
Labels aren’t about being fancy. They’re about making your hard work last.
Before choosing labels, think about the people interacting with the space. The best label isn’t the prettiest – it’s the one that makes sense for the user. When the label fits the user, the whole system runs better.
If your cleaning lady handles most of the cleanup, label with her in mind.
That often means:
• labels in Spanish, or
• using both Spanish + English labels
I also recommend labeling the shelves, not just the bins. The clearer the instructions, the more consistent the maintenance will be.
And while Google Translate works in a pinch, the best method is walking the space with your cleaning lady and asking what she calls each category. It avoids misunderstandings, makes her feel included, and keeps your home looking the way you want week after week.
Kids don’t think in categories – they think in pictures. Their labels need to be obvious, visual, and a little bit fun.
In their spaces, I might add:
a cute symbol from the label maker
a sticker next to the their name
a design that makes the space feel inviting
These small touches make kids far more motivated to put things back.
Playrooms need labels that kids can understand instantly. Here are a few ways to get there – and you can mix and match depending on your space:
Start simple: print a basic label (or handwrite one) and add a small sticker or icon next to it.
For younger kids, that tiny visual cue is everything – they don’t need to read “Cars” if there’s a little car sticker beside it. It’s quick, cute, and makes cleanup much easier.
Amazon sells adorable preprinted toy labels, but they rarely cover the toys our kids actually use, like magnatiles, clics, or mitzvah kinder sets.
If you like this option, I recommend making your own in Canva or Word. You get the exact categories you need, they look great, and you’re not stuck trying to match “magnatiles” to a cartoon fire truck.
This is the next-level method. In some playrooms, once everything is organized, I take photos of each bin with the actual toys inside, laminate them, and tape the picture to the inside front of the bin.
Kids (and the cleaning help) instantly understand what belongs where because the label matches the real contents.
It takes more effort upfront, but it creates a system that really holds up over time.
Some homes function better with bigger, louder labels – not because the people are messy (which is why this section isn’t called “for messy homes.”) Life is busy. When you’re juggling work, kids, appointments, supper, and a hundred moving parts, even great systems fall apart unless the labels are extremely clear.
For these homes, I choose labels that are:
• large
• clear
• straight to the point
Bold labels remove the guesswork – and make it far more likely that things end up where they belong, even on the busiest days.
If your home already runs smoothly and people generally put things back where they belong, you can get away with something more subtle.
These labels can be:
These homes don’t need loud reminders – just a touch of clarity and polish.
Even once you know who you’re labeling for, the label still needs to stick – literally. Different materials require different types of labels, and choosing the right one makes all the difference.
These are the easiest surfaces to label. Almost anything will adhere well: white labels, plastic labels, chalkboard labels, printed labels, handwritten labels – if it’s smooth, it will stick.
Best options:
Standard mailing labels
Label-maker labels
Chalkboard labels
They stay put, look clean, and don’t require anything fancy.
Traditional stickers will peel, curl, or look like they’re trying to escape. They simply don’t stick to uneven textures.
On these surfaces use:
clip-on basket tags
string-tie labels
slide-over labels that hook onto the basket
These options stay secure and look intentional without competing with the texture of the bin.
You do not need a Cricut machine, a professional label maker, or calligraphy training to have a beautifully organized home.
You can have a perfectly functional system labeled with:
The point is clarity – not luxury. If the label tells people where things go, it’s doing its job.
Labels are absolutely worth it. You don’t need anything fancy or expensive. Just choose labels that make sense for the people using the space and ones that actually stay put on the surface you’re sticking them to. With that in place, your home becomes far easier to maintain, even on the days when life feels a little upside down.
And if someone still tosses something into the wrong bin even though it’s labeled in 72-point font? Take a breath, reset it quickly, and remind yourself: the system is working. The people.. well they’re a work in progress.
You got this! Happy organizing
– Devorah
Between Carpools1 month agoThen you’ll be so happy you discovered JUNP.
Visit JUNP’s Amazon store here.
If you’re not already sold on electrolytes, here’s more about what they do for you (especially on these hot days!). You’ll realize the reason that so many turn to electrolyte drinks to hydrate before a fast and all summer long (it’s so important!).
Electrolytes help water get absorbed into your cells for more efficient hydration, maximizing the benefits of the water you drink!
When you’re well hydrated you feel much better in all areas.
JUNP tastes great, everyone in the family will want to drink! Either make a big pitcher with scoops of JUNP, or enjoy the convenient individual power packets that you can add to your personal water bottle.
Make a pitcher, or simply add a scoop to your water bottle.
Shake and refresh!
Here’s a cute hack that your kids will enjoy.
Add ready JUNP to silicone ice pop molds. JUNP ice pop molds are available with purchase in stores where JUNP is sold. But you can use any molds, or even a cup to make JUNP ices!
When the kids are “so hot” this is the perfect solution!
JUNP is available in many flavors, find your favorite.
Available at your local grocery store, health food store, on Amazon, or at junphydration.com.
Between Carpools1 month agoWhen it’s too hot for the outdoors, mom needs a few tricks up her sleeve. And preferably, we like the tricks that don’t entail any shopping.
How about a new craft using items we already have at home?
And one that doesn’t cause much mess, if any at all.
And doesn’t need us to help!
That’s what we need! And this is perfect.
All you’ll need is some paper (watercolor paper or cardstock works best; regular paper works but it will get crinkly), baking soda, paintbrushes (any will do), turmeric, and hand sanitizer. Got ‘em? Good.
We know you have turmeric in that spice cabinet. If you’ve ever made Susie’s famous Cauliflower Popcorn, the popular Sticky Honey Garlic Pargiot, or some of the more exotic (but still easy!) dishes here on BCP like the 9×13 Bukharian Rice and Beef (yum and hearty) or the 9×13 Chicken and Eggplant, The elegant Chicken and Green Beans dish uses turmeric as does our Moroccan Fish. (Note that shawarma seasoning contains turmeric, and sometimes we call for that spice mix instead).
Start by diluting the baking soda with a little bit of water. Then paint your invisible message or picture. Don’t have paintbrushes? You can use sponges, Q-tips…
Once “the paint” dries, it will seem a bit grainy. Don’t worry, just shake it off.
Next, mix together the turmeric with hand sanitizer (this works because it contains alcohol). Mix the two together until the mixture becomes liquified (it will…keep mixing).
Now it’s time to reveal your message!
Paint (it helps to use a thicker brush or sponge) using the turmeric mixture over the paper. Your secret message will be revealed.
Why does this work? When turmeric and baking soda are combined, there’s a chemical reaction which changes the turmeric from yellow to a deep red color—note that turmeric and baking soda should not be used together in food recipes!
But for a craft, it’s perfectly good.
Do you have older kids and want something more sophisticated? You’ll love this Salt Painting Craft.
Between Carpools1 month agoThere comes a moment in many women’s lives when they find themselves standing in the kitchen, wondering why they walked in there, while simultaneously sweating through their pajamas in the middle of July with the AC blasting and suddenly feeling irrationally annoyed that someone is breathing too loudly.
We all know it’s coming, yet somehow no one actually explains it.
We prepare girls for puberty. We teach kallahs about marriage. We talk about pregnancy, birth, nursing, and postpartum recovery. But menopause? It often gets summarized with one sentence: “You’ll probably have hot flashes.”
Well… yes.
But that’s a bit like describing motherhood as “occasionally being tired.”
Menopause is officially defined as twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period. But the transition, called perimenopause, can begin years earlier, often in your forties (and sometimes even your late thirties). During this time, estrogen and progesterone don’t simply decline in a neat, orderly fashion—they fluctuate dramatically. Think less graceful sunset and more emotional roller coaster.
That hormonal unpredictability affects nearly every system in the body.
Sleep may suddenly become elusive. Anxiety can appear in women who have never considered themselves anxious. Mood swings become less “I’m emotional” and more “I cried because the grocery store rearranged the cereal aisle.” This explains why you might wake up sweating, spend the afternoon freezing, forget your best friend’s phone number, cry during a commercial, and feel completely normal again by bedtime.
Memory may feel less reliable. Concentration becomes harder. Energy changes. Joints ache. Migraines may appear or disappear. The body stores fat differently. Skin changes. Hair changes. Libido changes.
And yes, sometimes you feel hot enough to roast marshmallows.
Menopause often arrives during an incredibly full season of life. Many are caring for aging parents while still raising children. Some are becoming grandmothers. Careers are demanding. Community responsibilities continue. There are simchas to celebrate, meals to prepare, guests to host, and everyone still expects you to remember who needs white shirts for tomorrow. Oh, and it’s somehow Thursday again, and Shabbos somehow still needs to happen every single week.
It is no wonder that so many women assume they’re simply “not handling life as well as they used to.”
But this isn’t a character flaw: it’s biology.
The good news is that these symptoms are highly treatable. Whether it’s simple over-the-counter products, prescription medications, pelvic floor therapy, or working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider, help exists. You don’t have to simply live with it. And this list is only the beginning.
A Few Things You Can Do Today
You don’t have to figure everything out overnight, but there are a few evidence-based steps that can make a meaningful difference:
• Don’t suffer in silence. If something feels different—whether it’s sleep, mood, memory, hot flashes, or intimacy—bring it up with your healthcare provider. These symptoms are common, and many are highly treatable.
• Know that hormone therapy has changed. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) isn’t right for everyone, but for many healthy women it is both safe and remarkably effective for relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. An informed conversation with a knowledgeable provider is worthwhile.
• Move your body. Regular strength training, walking, and weight-bearing exercise support bone health, muscle mass, mood, sleep, and metabolism—all areas that can be affected during perimenopause.
• Protect your relationships. Your spouse can’t understand changes that haven’t been explained. Honest, compassionate conversations about what you’re experiencing can reduce misunderstandings and strengthen connection. Remember that this season belongs to both spouses. Perimenopause affects your body, but open communication can protect your marriage from unnecessary loneliness and misunderstanding.
• Give yourself more grace than criticism. You’re navigating a major hormonal transition while often caring for everyone around you. Rest isn’t laziness, and asking for support isn’t weakness.
Perimenopause isn’t only a medical story, it’s also an identity story, and the emotional changes that accompany this change deserve attention too. Many women describe feeling as though they’ve become strangers to themselves. The strategies that worked for decades suddenly don’t. Patience feels shorter. Resilience feels harder to access. Confidence takes unexpected hits.
Judaism understands transitions remarkably well. We mark them with rituals, blessings, community, and reflection. Yet perimenopause often happens quietly, without acknowledgment, leaving many women to wonder if they’re the only ones struggling.
You’re not.
If you’re finding yourself forgetting words, sleeping poorly, crying unexpectedly, avoiding intimacy because it hurts, or wondering whether you’ve somehow become “less yourself,” know this:
You are not failing. Your body is adapting to one of the most significant hormonal transitions of your life.
While that transition can be challenging, it can also be navigated with good medical care, accurate information, compassionate support, and—perhaps most importantly—a healthy sense of humor.
Because sometimes the most spiritual response to waking up drenched in sweat at 2:00 a.m. is simply changing your pajamas, laughing at the absurdity of it all, and remembering that you’re not at the end of your story. You’re not fading. You’re changing. And there is still so much life waiting to be lived. Generations of women have walked this path before you.
Between Carpools1 month agoMy mother has been making this potato salad for years in the country. It makes its way out every time we’re grilling. It’s our official summer salad.
It makes enough for everyone. And everyone always begs for the recipe.
Even the owner of a big supermarket offered to pay for the recipe (even thousands of dollars!) so he could sell this potato salad in the takeout department.
But we could never give it out.
Not because we don’t want to share. We totally would. But we didn’t have a recipe! We literally never even measured what we did, not even once.
And because I’ve been making it with my mother since I was a little girl, I knew how to prepare it and not measure too.
20 or 25 years ago, after tasting it in a restaurant, we came home and tried to duplicate it, and have been preparing it this way ever since. I tweaked two things – the addition of pickle juice and Montreal seasoning instead of pepper.
This potato salad is very forgiving. Anything summer needs to be flexible. If you know that you’re going to be busy and want to stay sitting in the circle in the bungalow colony or want to stay by the pool, you can simply cut the potato pieces larger so they take longer to cook. And if you’re in a rush? Cut them smaller.
My mother would make all the parts of this salad in separate pots, but I like to do it all together so I only need to use one pot.
Start by peeling and cubing the potatoes and peel and chunk the carrots. Add them to a large pot, cover with water, add salt, and bring to a boil.
Optionally, you can put the eggs in the same pot now (wash them well if you do), or simply cook them separately. Bring to a boil. Remove the eggs after 5 minutes and add to an ice bath.
Continue cooking the potatoes and carrots until you can poke a fork through them easily but they’re not falling apart. The time depends on the size of your cubes. This pot of potatoes took about 15 minutes (go back out to the circle and come back!). We personally like when there’s a longer cooking time because the carrots get sweeter.
If you do shmooze too much and overcook your potatoes, simply drain and put in the fridge so they harden up a little more before mixing. (But if your circle is extra shmooze-worthy, you’ll end up making mashed potatoes instead.)
After draining, let cool (if you’re in a rush, put them in the fridge). If everything is mixed while it’s still hot and steamy, it will turn to mush. Let it cool off for at least 20 minutes (unless you prefer it mushy).
Chop the carrots finely and add the potatoes and carrots to a large bowl.
Chop 3 eggs and 5 yolks (save the whites for another use).
Then chop the Israeli pickles (don’t get rid of the brine just yet, you’ll it). Add to salad along with ½ cup of brine.
Finally, stir in the mayonnaise.
Add Montreal steak seasoning and a bit of salt.
Now enjoy with all your neighbors.
5 from 1 vote
Add potatoes and carrots to a large pot, cover with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Optionally, you can put the eggs in the same pot now (wash them well if you do), or simply cook them separately. Bring to a boil. Remove the eggs after 5 minutes and add to an ice bath.
Continue cooking the potatoes and carrots until you can poke a fork through them easily but they’re not falling apart, about 15 minutes.
After draining, let cool for at least 20 minutes. Chop the carrots finely and add the potatoes and carrots to a large bowl.
Chop 3 eggs and 5 yolks (save the whites for another use).
Add pickles and brine.
Finally, stir in the mayonnaise. Add Montreal steak seasoning and a bit of salt and stir to combine.
Between Carpools1 month agoWhen the weather is nice and warm, it gets harder and harder to stay indoors. For adults, I already know–dinner will run late because I’ll likely be outside longer than planned (no problem, we can grill quickly later).
For the kids, though, I want to be able to feed them something right after pickup and before we head outside to the park. On those days, I need something quick, easy, and nutritious for my toddlers without having to think too much about it.
I know these ideas work best for smaller families, but they’ve been working great for us.
I don’t find that “Sunday meal prep” works for me. Rather, whenever I’m already cooking something, I simply make extra and put it away for another day.
1. For school, I prepare their sandwiches in advance and freeze them. It makes mornings so much easier, and they thaw perfectly by lunchtime. See this post with frozen sandwich tips for all the specifics.
2. The Breakfast Protein Waffles from Dinner Done 2 are a freezer staple in our house. I make a large batch and freeze them in baggies for an easy grab-and-go breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
3. Also I freeze pasta for an easy grab and go for school that can be dinner too. I serve the pasta with a bolognese sauce. I freeze the sauce (similar to how this raw ground beef is frozen) in a thin flat layer in Ziplock bags, making it easy to defrost (lay them down on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, you can store standing up). You can also add veggies and because of the sauce kids never know!
4. In general most grains freeze beautifully. Here are the tips for microwaving frozen rice.
5. Frozen Schnitzel is great too! You can freeze it already fried/baked. My kids would only eat it fresh so I put it in a container with layers of parchment paper and take out what I need it takes a few minutes to defrost and once I am putting it in the oven, I either add some frozen veggies or French fries for a full meal.
6. For vegetables, my kids prefer simply fresh, raw cut up peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and fruit, the simpler the better (Editor’s Note: we find this to be true with kids of all ages, not only toddlers).
7. This grilled chicken schnitzel freezes beautifully so I make a big batch and freeze it already cooked.
8. In the winter time, I love making soup and usually add shredded chicken. I freeze it in one-pound containers and pull one out as needed for a quick meal for the kids.
9. Is the freezer empty? If you don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and you’re cooking today, make enough for the next day too. This especially works for sides because then only a fresh main is needed. The younger ones are usually fine having Monday’s dinner on Tuesday.
10. And probably the most important one of all—fed is the goal. If your child likes pasta, yogurt, eggs, pizza, or the same thing every day for a week, don’t stress. That’s okay. It’s better for them to eat something than nothing at all.
Between Carpools1 month agoCamp has started, and along with it comes trip season.
You know what that means: negotiating with a seven-year-old over how many sour belts is too many sour belts. But guess what? You’re the grown-up. You’re in charge. You have your house rules and a firm voice that works…sometimes.
The nosh does not have to run the show. Here are a few ways to keep things under control:
Give them a budget, an amount they can spend. Or use a “pick three plus one drink” rule: one snack, one treat, one chocolate, and one special drink. The rest can be filled in with whatever snacks and drinks you normally stock at home.
Set a timer because we are not moving into the grocery store. For kids who have a hard time deciding, let them know ahead of time how much time they have in the store so they can think about their choices before they get there.
Create a summer snack stash at home and use it as currency for good behavior. If there are behaviors you’d like to work on over the summer, such as getting into bed on time, listening the first time, or helping around the house, use the extra trip nosh as an incentive.
Use this as an opportunity to pack way more than snacks. You can teach boundaries, planning ahead, decision-making, and self-control. What looks like a simple trip to buy nosh is actually a chance to help your child practice important life skills. Every time your child works within a budget, follows a rule, makes a choice, or handles disappointment when they can’t get everything they want, they’re building skills that will help them far beyond camp season.
For more tips, tools, and practical parenting ideas, join the Heart and Mind Matters Parenting Chat or visit Heartandmindmatters.com
Between Carpools1 month agoEvery time I stand at the fish counter, I remind myself that there are many fish in the sea, not just salmon and tuna. And then, once again, I buy tuna. Or salmon.
So when a friend mentioned that she was trying a new recipe using branzino, I listened.
I had tried cooking branzino a few times but somehow never repeated the recipe (by the way, that is my way of telling if a recipe has what we call “staying power.” Sometimes we try something once and never again. Yes, it might have been delicious. But, if you never made it again, you know: It’s simply a recipe that you don’t need in your life. And those recipes, don’t make it into BCP.)
Up until that moment, branzino was something I ordered in restaurants. But that was about to change.
This recipe has become my Thursday night dinner, the one the adults eat while the children have the tradition of eating pizza and French fries (because otherwise how would we even know it’s Thursday night?).
Try this dish and you will see. This recipe has staying power.
Place the cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning in the bottom of a 9×13 pan or oven to table.
Drizzle with half the lemon juice and half the olive oil. Toss to coat.
Place the branzino fillet over the vegetable mixture, skin side down touching the vegetables. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil,
sprinkle the salt and pepper,
and then with the remaining lemon juice.
Bake until golden and browned to your liking.
2 from 1 vote
Preheat oven to 400℉.
Place the cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning in the bottom of a 9×13 pan or oven to table pan (this is the perfect dinner to bring to the table, its so pretty!)
If you don't have “Italian seasoning” handy, you can use a combination of dried oregano, parsley, basil and thyme.
Drizzle with half the lemon juice and half the olive oil. Toss to coat.
Place the branzino fillet over the vegetable mixture, skin side down touching the vegetables. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper, and then with the remaining lemon juice and olive oil. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and browned to your liking.
Place a fillet on each plate and top with the tomato and olive mixture. Enjoy!
Between Carpools1 month agoEditor’s Note: Ever since we read this post by Sara Yoheved Rigler, one of us began saying, “V’Nishmartem…” each time when putting on a seatbelt (even if it’s just for a short drive).
Hashem created the world because He wanted a relationship with us. But we are so busy shopping, cooking, working, and answering emails that we don’t really have the time for Him. Hashem gave us the mitzvahs of the Torah as 613 ways to connect to Him, but we do them like chores on our to-do list—check, check, check. Hashem loves us—all the time—more than anyone ever has, but whenever our computer malfunctions or our children get into trouble or our husband is in a grouchy mood, we feel unloved and abandoned.
Pursuing or deepening our relationship with Hashem takes nothing more than mindfulness. For more than fifty years of my spiritual journey, my relationship with Hashem was intense and focused during morning davening/meditating, sporadic during the rest of the day, and non-existent when my credit card company kept me on muzak for fifteen minutes only to cut the line.
Then I discovered the teachings of Rabbi Asher Baruch Wegbreit. He taught that even drinking a glass of water could be a mitzvah of the Torah—the mitzvah to guard our health “very much”—if we only have the kavanah that it is. And mitzvahs done consciously connect us to Hashem. No extra time or energy. Just mindfulness.
Putting in a laundry? The mitzvah of chesed (a branch of the mitzvah of “loving your neighbor as yourself” according to the Rambam).
Eating a salad? The mitzvah of V’nishmartem me’od l’nafshotechem, taking very good care of your health.
Watering your plants? The mitzvah of emulating Hashem (repeated eight times in the Torah) because Hashem has compassion on all His creatures.
Driving your mother anywhere? The mitzvah of kivud av v’eim.
Making a full stop at a stop sign? The mitzvah of taking care of your body.
Listening to a friend’s woes? The mitzvah of chesed.
Not taking too much time at work for personal matters? The mitzvah of not stealing from your employer.
Waiting in line to check out at the supermarket and feeling grateful for all the items in your shopping cart? The mitzvah of remembering Hashem’s kindnesses. [Devorim 8:2]
Using the bathroom when feeling the first urge rather than waiting? The mitzvah of “not making yourself repulsive.” [Orach Chaim 3:17]
Putting on your head covering in the morning? The mitzvah of “keeping the camp holy.”
Buying bugless lettuce? The mitzvah of not eating insects.
And—most important of all for a person with a short fuse like me—not getting angry at the credit card customer service employee who finally picks up? The mitzvah of accepting tribulations with love. [Devorim 8:5]
All of these mundane actions can be mitzvahs that connect us to Hashem just by prefacing them with a short, conscious statement of intention. Rabbi Daniel Garfinkel, in his ground-breaking book Ka’asher Tziva Hashem, recommends before doing any mitzvah to say or think, “I am doing the mitzvah of _________, as Hashem commanded me.” I love his book, as do dozens of my friends. But when I turned to Chapter 14, “A Listing of Common Daily Mitzvos and their Kavanos,” which started with Tzitzis, Tefillin, and the blessings on the Torah, I knew I had to write a version for women.
Women’s spiritual path is different from men’s. Men’s most important mitzvah is to learn Torah. We women have no mitzvah to learn Torah (although when we do, we are fulfilling the mitzvahs of yiras Hashem and ahavas Hashem). The daily lives of today’s women look like this: driving carpool, picking up groceries for a parent, working in an office or school, shopping for children’s shoes, exercising at the gym, taking their husband’s suits to the drycleaner. All of these can be mitzvahs of the Torah with just the mindfulness that comes by a short statement of intention. Because women were created with the koach hachibor, the power of connecting, I tweaked the formula to: “I am doing the mitzvah of ___________ as You commanded me, Hashem, in order to bond with you.”
It takes just 8 seconds to say or think these words. None of us busy women have time, but all of us have eight seconds.
It works to fill the black hole of our God-forgetting day. Every time you say the intention sentence before doing the action, you give yourself the appropriate virtual charm on a virtual charm bracelet.
Here’s feedback I received from women who are doing it:
“I do a lot of very local driving, and pass an extreme number of stop signs every day. I am also ka”h very busy managing many, many things for my own children and children in my class. I know I shouldn’t, but I often use my time in the car to dictate text messages, emails, and make phone calls.
“But when I said, “V’nishmartem me’od to connect to You,” at 5 stop signs in under 3 minutes and then reached for my phone…yikes, that felt so wrong! I DID have to make that phone call, but I resolved that next time, I would call from the parking lot before I start driving. Thanks to you, I am now a much safer driver. And more connected to Hashem.”
***
I just double checked my salary for May and emailed the bookkeeper that it looks too high, and I said the intention sentence. Thank you so much for helping me turn this into a mitzvah!
Rav Shimshon Pincus taught: “When you think about Hashem, you are actually with Hashem.”
My days are different now. Just as busy with family, work, exercising, and emails, but now Hashem is with me, or I’m with Hashem, throughout the day. My days have gone from black & white to technicolor.
Between Carpools1 month agoA couple of weeks ago, we posted our favorite Athletic Pants for boys. A bunch of readers commented that we missed one important one that’s their favorite: JDM Active.
(The first reader is referring to the JDM too, which are also available in your local stores, including Marcy’s.)
We can always count on our readers to make sure we have all the bases covered (thank you readers!). Once you brought our attention to this brand, we had to look into it and try it out for ourselves.
So we looked into the brand, which makes not only the popular NIX Ultra Lightweight Performance Pants, but a complete line of the softest, most comfortable, most lux feeling sportswear we’ve ever gotten our hands on.
Let’s talk about these pants. We had our boys try them on to give a complete review. After all, we wanted all the picks in our roundup to be absolutely “tried and true.” One of our sons took out his Fabletics pants and showed us, “Look, ma, you can’t compare. The JDM’s feel so much better. You can tell they’re much better quality.” We officially had a new go-to.
The comfort, stretch, lightweight feel, and fit–this is really a premium product. The pricing we were happy to learn is reasonable for the higher quality, better item that it is–the pants cost the same as current season Tiros and only slightly more than Gym Sharks. If your son will be adding a couple of better pairs of lightweight athletic pants to round out his summer supply, these are the ones. Plus–we love that they’re available at local stores (see below), not only online, so if you want to try on and get them ASAP, you can.
JDM Active is the clothing that boys and teens actually want to wear. Everything is made with performance fabrics that are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and so super comfortable. When we felt the fabrics, we were thinking, “Hey, we want a women’s line too!”
The NIX is the lightest pant and most popular product at JDM Active. They call it the “Feels Like Air” pant because that’s the feedback they’ve been hearing over and over from customers. The athletic skinny fit has a neat look while still being comfortable.
While the pants are in Men’s Sizes, there’s a wide size range, starting at XXS, so your younger teen is covered.
The MARX Pant is known for its stretch and comfort. The fabric is lightweight and extremely flexible, and the slim fit keeps it looking neat. It also has a subtle textured appearance that gives it a more elevated look while remaining incredibly comfortable. If you want to know the difference between the MARX and the NIX, it’s outlined here.
Once you’re getting your pants, you’ll want a couple of the JDM Active tops and tees too, plus great tees and polos for your younger boys too. We can truly say that the polished look and comfortable feel of the fabrics are unsurpassed. The entire line of JDM Active is polished, yet so comfortable as athletic wear.
JDM Active is available online at wwe.jdmactive.com and is also carried in these retail locations:
Marcy’s Lakewood – 10 America Ave
Gents – Brooklyn – 1999 Coney Island
2020 Mens – Brooklyn – 702 Kings Highway
2020 Mens – Deal – 329 Main St
Maestro – Crown Heights – 419 Kingston Ave
Or, shop online now at JDM Active and use your exclusive code Bcp10!
Between Carpools1 month agoSummer is filled with so much that children love. There are camp trips, swimming, late bedtimes, special activities, and a welcome break from the school-year routine. Many children thrive on the excitement and novelty that summer brings.
But summer is also a season of change.
For children who are naturally more anxious or who prefer predictability, all of that change can feel overwhelming. New schedules, different staff, unfamiliar peers, shifting routines, and unexpected surprises can leave them feeling unsettled.
The good news? Summer also provides a wonderful opportunity to help children build flexibility in real time. While we can’t eliminate every change, we can prepare children for it and give them tools to navigate it successfully.
Bedtimes shift. Meal times shift. Carpools change. Some children are in camp, some are home, and some seem to spend half the day in a bathing suit.
In many ways, summer is an exception to every rule.
Except one.
Children still thrive on predictability.
That doesn’t mean they need rigid schedules or every minute planned. But they do benefit from knowing:
When those pieces are in place, children are often better equipped to handle the inevitable surprises that summer brings.
One of my favorite ways to approach summer is with a simple mindset shift: Same, but Different.
I’ve used this model with my own children as well as during parent consultations.
Let’s use this strategy for a second grade boy who’s attending a “big camp” for the first time, with new peers.
What’s staying the same?
Identify which routines and expectations will remain consistent. This may include some classmates, similar morning and lunch schedules, similar rules.
What’s different?
There are many differences, but we’ll focus on basic differences such as counselor vs. Rebbe/teacher, camp vs. school rules, and varied activities which focus on sports and swim.
Helping children see both sides of the picture can make change feel much less intimidating.
Here is a sample Venn diagram that can be used as a visual for the above scenario.
One of the easiest ways to help children navigate summer is to prepare them for transitions before they happen.
A simple preview can go a long way:
“After breakfast I’m walking you to camp. After camp we’ll come home, have supper, and then head to night swim.” (bungalow colony setting)
Visual schedules can also be helpful, especially for younger children or for children who become anxious when a new setting feels uncertain.
Another strategy is to give advance notice before transitions.
Instead of saying, “Swimming ends this minute” try:
“Five more minutes in the pool, then we’re heading out”. (A timer can be helpful)
Or:
“Because tomorrow is Erev Tisha B’Av, there’s a half day, which is like a Friday schedule.”
Children often do better when they have time to mentally prepare for what’s coming next.
You can also create small routines around recurring summer activities.
“Every day we hang out our bathing suits on the back porch after we’re changed.”
Familiar routines create anchors, even when the larger schedule changes from day to day.
Lastly, when plans change, try modeling flexibility out loud.
A cheerful singsong voice can work wonders:
“Looks like we’re changing plans! We thought we were spending Sunday with our Cohen cousins at the farm, but instead we’re going boating with our Stern cousins.”
Children learn flexibility by watching us practice it.
So while summer may be an exception to many of the usual rules, it can also be an opportunity to strengthen adaptability, build confidence through change, and create wonderful memories along the way. After all, the goal isn’t to eliminate every surprise; it’s to help our children feel prepared enough to enjoy the adventure.
Between Carpools1 month agoEnjoy the Anthro sale PLUS use our exclusive code on any full-priced items you love!
Use code CARPOOLS20 for 20% off orders of $100+. Valid until Sun Jun 28 11:59 PM
Here are some non-sale picks we liked! What will you find?
Between Carpools1 month agoMany of us entered our preteen years by being introduced to The Wonder of Becoming You: How a Jewish Girl Grows Up, the classic book by Dr. Miriam Grossman.
And if you have a daughter that’s pre- or post-bas mitzvah age, it could be the right time to introduce this book to your own daughter.
Often, we don’t know what to say when approaching the topic of development with our preteens–especially if our preteen daughter is our oldest, it’s our first time having this conversation, and there’s no older sisters.
What information do we share? What is appropriate for them to know at this stage? What are they wondering about? Often, girls don’t want to talk about it with their mothers–yet the conversation must be had!
In 1988, Dr. Miriam Grossman penned this classic book. It’s a short, easy read–yet so comprehensive. It covers all the bases of everything your daughter would need to know at this point in her life, including the beautiful things to look forward to.
Dr. Miriam Grossman gives girls an appreciation for the capability that her developing body will have in nurturing her own future generations as she continues to grow up. Yet, it’s completely appropriate for this age and stage.
As Dr. Grossman developed based on speaking to other preteens in schools, she knows what questions girls have, and she answers them in clear language that they understand. Every girl, no matter if she’s a reader or not, will find it interesting and easy to read.
So whether you were introduced to this book while growing up, or you weren’t, it’s time to introduce your daughter to the beauty of herself.
Between Carpools2 months agoI’m always looking for new salad ideas for our Shabbos morning seudah. We have our regular favorites. The Ramen Crunch Salad with Turkey, the Panko Topped Kale Salad (I sometimes replace the kale with other greens) and the Pea Shoot Salad are requested over and over again.
The funny thing is, the kids are usually perfectly happy eating the same salads each week. I’m the one who gets bored and starts looking for something new.
One of the salads I’ve been wanting to adapt to a meat version to add to that Shabbos afternoon rotation is a newer favorite–the Avocado Grapefruit Feta Salad (enjoy it for shalosh seudos or during the week).
For this version, I kept the same delicious dressing, swapped the veggies and feta for tomatoes and salami, and it was polished off just as quickly!
Skip the pot and prepare the quinoa in the oven as instructed here!
Prep the quinoa and dressing before Shabbos, then the rest comes together super quickly before the meal.
You can even chop the red onion ahead–simply add it to the dressing. I found that the kids actually prefer the onions when they sit in the dressing ahead of time and get lightly pickled. It softens the sharpness and gives the salad an extra little something. Fresh works great too, depending on your preference.
In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients until well mixed.
To assemble, toss the salad ingredients together and add your desired amount of dressing. Serve and enjoy.
Between Carpools2 months agoAmazon Prime Day is the annual shopping holiday that’s exclusive to Prime subscribers. This year, Prime Day officially launches on June 23rd. We’ll be posting here through the end of Prime Day week with all the good deals as we find them.
If you don’t have Amazon Prime, you can sign up here for a free trial just to take advantage of the deals. Did you know that adults 18-24 – and students – can get a Prime subscription at no cost for the first six months? And it’s half price when those six months are up!
Before you start shopping, take a look at this message we like to share as a reminder before every Black Friday or Prime Day.
Here are a few of our favorite deals. Keep refreshing as we will be adding to this list throughout the upcoming days.
Disclaimer: As part of the Amazon Affiliate program, we may earn a small commission on any purchase made through links on this site.
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Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station
$399.99 $799.00
(if you have frequent power outages or you go camping, you want one of these)
Marshall Acton III Bluetooth Speaker (so gorgeous!)
$179.99 $299.99
Toniebox 2 With 4 Disney Princess Figures
$124.99 $209.96
Shark ChillPill Personal Fan with Mister
$99.99 $129.99
$18.69 $21.99
Sun Bum Products are also 40% off. We love this face mist!
$11.39 $18.99
$9.98 $16.64
$9.59 $15.99
Dove products are 40% at Target today only!
$6.59 $10.99
5×7 Scalloped Acrylic Picture Frame 2pk
$13.27 $16.59
$26.39 $33.99
Floafers (Adult Sizes)
$39.71 $55.00
$9.97 $19.99
Welly Color Changing Bandages Refill Pack
$14.99 $18.99
Lots of Welly products on sale!
$45.59 $59.99
Nespresso Vertuo Next and Aeroccino Frother Bundle
$125 $229
Franklin Sports x-40 Pickleballs 50pk
$54.85 $109.71
$71 $142
$105 $150
Sol de Janeiro Travel Body Spray 2pk with Pouch
$25 $50
$33.23 $44.99
Oreo 2-Cookie Snack Packs 20pk
$6.56 $9.86 if you subscribe and save and clip coupon
Carter’s Short Sleeve Undershirts 8pk
$12.74 $17.00
(these have a nice narrow fit and are very thin)
$79.99 $129.99
$84.00 $140.00
$16.14 $22.47
$127.99 $199.00
LEGO City Car Carrier with 3 Cars
$69.99 $99.99
Kettle Chips Variety Pack 20pk
$7.50 $11.99
Sunny & Fun Deluxe Inflatable Water Slide
$284.99 $379.99
Smaller Water Slide for younger kids
$169.99 $199.99
Miele Guard M1 Canister Vacuum Cleaner
$389.35 $599.00
$9.49 $11.49
$18.99 $23.99
Sol de Janeiro Travel Shower Ki
$20.40 $34.00
$29.99 $49.65
$339.32 $499.00
$16.10 $23.00
$5.99 $9.99
$9.59 $15.99
Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
$56.97 $69.97
David Archy Men’s Underwear 4pk
$25.89 $36.99
Women’s Long Sleeve Long Button Down Dress
$28.37 $30.50
Neoprene Luggage Handle Wraps 5pk
$7.99 $9.99
Zariz – the latest cookbook from Adeena Sussman
$23.07 $35.00
Ribbed Glass Tealight Holders 4pk
$23.19 $28.99
$28.04 $32.99
$9.79 $13.99
Allulose Zero-Calorie Sweetener (if you want to use no-sugar drinks in a slushi machine, you’ll need allulose for texture)
$5.80 $7.25
$2.63 $3.09
$7.19 $9.99
lots of prints
$15.10 $18.88
3 Colors
$12.91 $19.99
Lansinoh Lanolin Lip Balm 2pk (great for people on Accutane)
$11.04 $12.99
$28.03 $32.98
$6.19 $9.99
Anker 25,000mAh Portable Charger (good for computers)
$91.19 $119.99
Pelican (high quality brand) Waterproof Phone Pouch
$18.74 $24.99
Donner Digital Piano (Full Size)
$459.99 $659.99
$4.22 $5.49
$25.49 $29.99
Trendy Queen Lightweight Cardigan
$19.99 $36.99
Project Cloud Women’s Sneakers
$24.90 $39.90
Our Generation Dolls and accessories from Target
40% off today!!
$18.20 $26.00
Greenworks Cordless Electric Lawnmower
$219.44 $349.99
Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste, Travel size 24pk
$16.46 $23.76
$6.71 $8.39
25 in 1 Soldier Playset Tried and True!
$28.49 $39.99
Make a Face Sticker Sheets 36pk
$6.62 $9.99
Lots of Styles
$13.59 $15.99
Frameo 10.1″ Digital Frame with WiFi
$47.49 $69.99
$36.88 $44.99
$24.49 $34.99
Black and Decker Pivoting Dust Buster
$59.99 $89.99
Bath Crayons 12pk
$11.19 $13.99
LEGO Friends Paisley’s Room Set
$13.99 $19.99
365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks Book
$11.20 $25.99
YumEarth Organic Lollipops 60pk
$9.43 $11.10
$61.66 $89.99
$79.95 $105.95
$28.48 $37.99
Frigidaire 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner
$309.99 $479
$259.99 $399.99
$189.98 $499.99
White Resin Folding Chairs 4pk
$104.95 $139.21
$18.99 $27.88
$24 $30
Nature Valley Granola Bars 30pk
$8.55 $11.27
$5.12 $9.99
Dunkin’ Refreshers Zero Sugar Individual Powder Packets
$6.49 $12.98
$17.67 $21.36
Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm
$17.60 $22
$161.26 $225
Certain Dri Antiperspirant Wipes 10pk
$8.05 $13.97
$50.27 $84.00
$5.60 $7.99
$11.97 $19.98
Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Grass Seed and Fertilizer
$16.99 $23.99
$20.59 $25.99
Tomcat Mouse Killer Trap and Bait Refills
$7.66 $11.99
Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops
$6.10 $8.49
$16.00 $31.50
$19.60 $28.00
$23.99 $29.99
$8.68 $10.99
$16.10 $23.00
$23.74 $33.99
We have these and they are amazing! Fold down to nothing when not being used but hold so much. 60L size holds a full week of clothing for one person. Get a different color for each member of the family. Perfect for road trips cuz they’re easily smushed into a trunk.
Kleenex Tissues 8 (larger size) boxes
$16.53 $20.49
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes 25pk Individually wrapped
$4.95 $8.29
$19.07 $27.49
Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods 57pk
$15.28 $22.94
Little Tikes Inflatable Bouncer
$174.99 $374.99
$50.92 $59.90
Michael Kors Gold Crossbody Bag
$97.90 $178.00
$11.39 $13.59
Several colors available
Goldtoe Women’s Casual Crew Socks
$11.96 $21
PopCorners Individual Bags 20pk
$16.12 $21.86
$9.19 $11.49
$13.85 $19.79
$7.69 $10.99
Hellmann’s Mayo Squeeze Bottle
$3.49 $5.97
lots of sizes on sale, including individual packets
The Only Bean Roasted Edamame Snack Bags 10pk
$12.08 $14.97
Extra coupon if you subscribe and save
Vanity Fair Everyday Napkins 4pk
$7.99 $9.99
$12.91 $19.99
Sol de Janeiro Body Cream Trial Size 4pk
$32 $40
$56.98 $79.99
Charlotte Tilbury Mini Hollywood Blush & Glow Glide Palette
$17.40 $29
Lego Creator 3-in-1 Modern House
$69.99 $99.99
Ninja CREAMi Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream Maker
$279.95 $349.99
$12.80 $16
$12.80 $19.99
$79.99 $99.99
3pk
House Bedside Reading Lamp and Night Light
$15.99 $19.99
puredown® Euro Pillow Inserts 24 x 24 (Pack of 2, White)
$37.59 $46.99
Several sizes available
Listerine Mouthwash Individual Packets 30pk
$11.04 $15.98
Brother P-Touch Label Maker Bundle (4 Label Tapes Included)
$52.24 $69.99
Brother P-Touch Handheld Label Maker
$19.99 $24.99
$20.18 $24.99
$23.69 $39.99
8FT Walk in Closet Systems Starter Kit
$159.99 $199.99
Magic Water Elf Toy Kit with 20 Magic Gels and 24 Molds
$22.09 $29.99 after the coupon
Toy Spray Mop Set – really works!
$17.69 $29.99
$19.49 $25.99
$13.95 $24.29
$8.49 $9.99
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint
$20.80 $26
$16.14 $35
Excellent book that looks good on a coffee table
The Essential Calvin & Hobbes, Volume 1
$10.46 $19.99
Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater – Large Spray Bottle
$25.49 $29.99
Lots of sizes on sale
Cliganic 20 Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets for Adults & Kids
$15.99 $19.99
good for laptops
Clear Plastic Storage Bin 2 Pack
$20.99 $25.99
Anne Klein Women’s Leather Strap Watch
$23.98 $75
$43.36 $64.99
Loop Engage Kids 2 Ear Plugs (6-12yrs)
$27.96 $34.95
Bunmo Pop Tubes Sensory Toys 8pk
$6.08 $9.99
$12.99 $24.99
SpaceAid 8 Pack Bed Sheet Organizers and Storage
$37.95 $52.98
Bala Bangles Wrist & Ankle Weights
$48.75 $65
several colors available
Nylon Knee-Length Compression Socks
$23.80 $33.99
This one is for adults
HelloBaby No WIFI Video Baby Monitor
$59.99 $99.99
our favorite!
$111.99 $139.99
BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Jogging Stroller, Double Stroller
$668.99 $899.99
$183.99 $229.99
$7.99 $9.99
$699.99 $1299.99
$20.99 $27.99
Graco DuetConnect LX Portable Baby Swing and Bouncer
$139.99 $199.99
$18.50 $21.79
$7.99 $9.99
Life360 Tile – Bluetooth Tracker 4pk
$49.99 $83.99
Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
$43.50 $58
$284.99 $369.99
jbl Xtreme 3 Bluetooth Speaker
$199.95 $329.95
LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Forest Animals Red Fox
$34.99 $49.99
$218.49 $349.99
Momcozy KleanPal Pro Baby Bottle Washer, Sterilizer & Dryer
$239.99 $299.99
Iceman by Chefman Slush-Ease MAX 90oz Slushie Machine, 64oz Liquid Capacity
$149.99 $349.99
Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
$49.99 $109.99
Snyder’s Gluten Free Pretzels 24pk
$13.82 $17.28
$5.94 $6.99
$265.95 $349.95
U****GG Tazz II (only the blue is on sale)
$90.20 $144.95
$9.99 $14.99
$16.99 $24.99
Drawer Dividers (taller size) 5pk
$18.99 $23.99
$68 $85
$19.51 $22.99
$8.07 $19.99
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Between Carpools2 months agoBut first, let’s take a look at some of the highlights!
The softest pajamas are 50% off at Jack & Becky!
Slingers are on BOGO, buy a loafer, get a slingback!
The entire summer collection at Tottini is 65% off or more (excluding basics). Pajamas are 50% off (excluding cotton pjs), and layette is 35% off!
And there’s more from our favorite brands, like 15% plus free shipping on tablecloths from Adorn Your Table (that never happens!), 20% sitewide on knives from Hast, 20% off at Luxe Party, 15-25% off at Label Land, a $30 for new subscribers from Toveedo!
plus there’s more from Dott Child, Lil Legs, and Lovely Littles. See details below!
Oh, the Places I’ll Grow is the seminary Shabbos journal is 10% off with code BCP.
Between Carpools2 months agoSure, 9×13 dinners are great. There’s minimal mess and minimal time. But now, it gets even better.
Once summer comes, we want to spend as much time outdoors, and great hacks are always welcome! And hacks that allow us to get the family fed without a run to the grocery for fresh ingredients are especially valuable.
These new dairy sauces from Tuscanini are a must to have on hand. You can certainly plan your pasta night with these sauces–they’re high-quality with no compromises.
But they’re also super perfect for when dinner needs to be ready in a pinch and you don’t have time to plan. They’re your dinner lifesaver that is there, ready and waiting for you when you need them most.
Until now, if you wanted to prepare a great dairy pasta, you at the very least needed to run to the grocery for fresh heavy cream, or at the very least, butter and milk. While pasta sauces don’t have too many ingredients, they do entail using a pot and perhaps making a roux (butter and flour mixture that helps thicken the sauce). There’s definitely some time and stovetop splatters involved.
These sauces from Tuscanini change everything. They don’t need to be refrigerated until they’re open so you can save them until that dinner emergency (or simply craving for great pasta) pops up.
They’re super handy to take along on that summer trip! They’re also perfect for when you need only a little bit for that picky eater and don’t want to prepare a whole separate meal.
This is the first time the chalav Yisrael market has seen anything like this. The ingredients are pure–real cream, real butter, and real cheese.
Boil your fettuccine (Tuscanini pastas are excellent–we tried them and they’re a real upgrade vs. standard dried pasta!) and add the Alfredo Sauce.
Or, prepare your elbows and enjoy a restaurant-worthy, authentic Mac n’ Cheese. There’s more in a jar than it looks! While the jars are compact at 14.5 ounces, the sauce is thick and loosens up when heated, allowing each jar to generously coat a full pound of prepared pasta. And, of course, the Vodka Sauce is bound to be a staple and fan-favorite.
For more depth of flavor for gourmet tastebuds, pair your Mushroom Alfredo with Tuscanini’s Parpadelle pasta!
There has never before been a shelf stable dairy sauces on the chalav Yisrael market. And there’s a good reason why.
The process began with many mashgichim visiting the dairy farms in Europe to supervise the runs of heavy cream, milk, butter, and cheeses. But sourcing the quality ingredients was only the first step. Most other shelf stable dairy sauces are stabilized by adding preservatives or acids. But–that results in an acidified taste.
Tuscanini wanted their sauces to only taste just like fresh sauce. They had to taste creamy and utilize only fresh, pure ingredients–and be something you wouldn’t hesitate to feed your family.
Pasteurization without preservatives often results in separation issues–this would also be a non-starter. It took many years, many recipes, and test runs at multiple factories until the perfect creamy sauces with the freshest ingredients were achieved!
Now, after all that effort, we get to enjoy a break from the stovetop this summer. Enjoy!
Look for Tuscanini products wherever you shop for kosher groceries.
Between Carpools2 months agoWe pack them up and send them off, hoping that they’re having the time of their life, and that they’re so, so happy in camp. But what do you do when you get that first phone call and your child is homesick?
Kids are more connected than ever, and that increases the homesick tendencies than in years past. Still, we need solutions to empower our children.
We turned to veteran camp mothers, who are most experienced in dealing with this. They see how children acclimate quickly and get over initial homesickness…and they see the children who don’t. And, most often, it’s how the parent responds to the child that empowers them to adjust or not.
To our dear camp mothers–thank you for all you do for our children! And thank you for sharing the tips and tools so we can best deal with homesickness…and help our children move forward to have an amazing summer.
When you first get the call from your child and hear that she is homesick, empathize. Know that any child can have this feeling–even if that child was so excited about camp all year. The feeling can hit whether it’s their first year in camp or whether they’ve been in camp before. Validating feelings can solve part of homesickness; it’s ok to miss your mother and your home! Stay calm and encouraging. Don’t say, “You’re not happy?” but rather, “Tell me about some things you enjoyed.” Another good way to convey empathy in a healthy way is, “We know it’s hard, but we know you can do it! We will work this through and are here for you!”
Never, ever tell your child, “I’ll take you home in a few days if you’re not happy.” When a child hears that, it prevents them from acclimating and giving camp a try. When a parent says that, they’re feeding into “When I can’t cope, I’ll just give up.” Eventually, she will calm down and feel more safe in camp, but when she hears that she can come home, she starts packing in her mind.
Know that this is part of their growth, homesickness and all. Your child is in camp. There is no harm. Sometimes, things are uncomfortable and not perfect. The camp will help your child work through it, but when your child learns to cope even when things are not perfect, they’re gaining a tool for life.
Call the camp mother and make a plan. For example, sometimes a camp mother will encourage the child to participate in camp activities, with the incentive that she can call her mother the next morning–but not today. Yes, you can call–but not on a whim. Don’t tell your daughter to “call whenever she wants.” It’s best when those extra phone calls are a privilege after she works hard to be distracted. Work together with the camp mother to keep things moving forward, until the homesickness fizzles out.
Is your child crying and crying? You feel guilty hanging up. But she will be crying afterwards regardless of how long you drag out the conversation. It’s best to cut the conversation with your expressions of empathy and confidence (see #1…“We know you can do this! I will be in touch with the camp mother to check up on you.”)
Both parents should be on the same page. Sometimes one parent is more of a softie than the other. Get on the same page before you communicate with your child (if your husband is the softie, show him these tips!).
Your child is most often not as miserable as she sounds. Sometimes when they are just a bit unhappy, hearing mom’s voice awakens those homesick feelings and makes it worse. It might sound like their voice is cracking and they’re about to cry. This can happen even with kids who are not homesick! It’s very common that they’re having a blast with friends, but sound completely different when speaking to you.
Should a child call home? Every camp has a different policy regarding calling home in the beginning. In some camps, it’s before the first Shabbos or after the first Shabbos, but not in the first few days. Other camps have the children wait longer, as most often, homesickness resolves itself within a week. As far as calling home after that time period, if calling home makes a child feel better, great. If it makes them feel more homesick, then perhaps it’s better to call less. See the above tip regarding using phone calls as a privilege/incentive.
Don’t spend time with a homesick friend. Crying is contagious, so if two of you are feeling homesick, it’s best to separate for the time being and spend time with other friends until you both acclimate.
Participate in all camp activities. The best way to get over homesickness is to be busy and distracted. For younger children, sometimes the hardest times are when there’s downtime. Very social kids know how to make themselves busy during unstructured time, but for others, it’s a good idea to send along a card game so they can initiate an activity. Even though it’s not good to be sitting with a book when they should be participating in an activity, it’s a good idea to have one on hand for that time right before lights out–they can be distracted instead of thinking about their homesickness. Some camp mothers have a supply of games and books to borrow.
Preempt if you think homesickness will be a concern. Always be in touch with the camp mother or nurse if there is anything going on at home before you send your child to camp because that may contribute to homesickness.
Sometimes, homesickness is just a nature that doesn’t go away, even with age. There’s such a thing as “Happy and Homesick.” Some children and even teens simply will always have their moments when they feel homesick. They could love camp–but they still get sentimental. One camp mother shared that even as counselors, some former campers still had their moments. It’s healthy to be able to sit with it and know it’s something you just have to get through–and that you’ll love camp nonetheless.
It’s not always homesickness. Note that most phone calls are timed (kids are pressured to hand off the phone to the next friend) and in public places. If your child doesn’t sound right and it’s out of character, it could be that she has something simple and private to share, but she is uncomfortable. It could be something physical and she just needs information. If you suspect that your child is holding back, you can reach out to the camp mother to find out if your child needs a quick phone call with privacy.
Be aware that homesickness can manifest itself in physical symptoms. Headaches, stomachaches, nauseousness can simply be signs of homesickness. If your child has gone to the nurse and is otherwise fine, often the tips above can cure the symptoms more than any medicine.
It’s you the parents who are integral in your child’s success this summer! We hope these tips and information help you give your child the most amazing and meaningful summer where they grow and shine.
Between Carpools2 months agoThere’s never been a place quite like this. The Wiggle Room is healthy fun–in a gorgeous, immaculate, dream-like setting. It’s a must-go destination. Go! And go often!
Summer special! No screens, no way: Keep your kids entertained in a healthy way when you need a break from the summer heat. The grand opening special is very discounted–The Wiggle Room unlimited summer family membership is just $200 for up to 5 children (pays for itself in less than 2 visits) or $60 for individuals (pays for itself in less than 3 visits).
Monthly special! Use code BCP10 for 10% off your monthly membership. Code expires 7/4/2026. The discount is in effect for as long as you keep your membership! (More info below).
Yes, this is the perfect destination for your upsherin or birthday party. It’s the perfect place for that mom with lots of little kids to let their kids unleash their energy. We visited recently so we could tell you all about it!
When we first entered, the foam bit and the ball pit beckoned and our children leaped right in.
They climbed, they slid, they raced through the playhouses…they were really in dreamland. There’s endless amounts of healthy activities that are just pure fun. The Wiggle Room is screen-free once you enter, and it was specifically designed to be a calming experience for both adults and children.
It’s great fun without being overwhelming for kids. The atmosphere has such a relaxing and pleasant vibe.
As parents watching the fun, we enjoyed ourselves too! It’s a delight to see our children having such a good time–but not only that. The Wiggle Room is a comfortable place to be. The seating for parents is well thought out and the floors are soft and padded. So, even if you’re following your kids around, you don’t get tired from being on your feet.
Later, we headed downstairs to the Dramatic Play area. But going downstairs is part of the fun. Sure, you can take the colorful stairs. Or you can take the slide (such a fun slide!). Or you can climb down a rope tunnel.
Never underestimate the importance of dramatic play in a child’s development. Once downstairs, our children were delighted to dress up–they dressed up as princesses and posed in front of the castle, then they dressed up as doctors and took care of babies in the hospital.
They went grocery shopping just like their mommies do. They drove cars and filled them up with gas.
They went to the farm, picked fruit from the trees, and gardened vegetables and flowers.
Nursing mothers are also comfortable at The Wiggle Room!
Also downstairs are two super adorable party rooms. This is a no-brainer for your upsherin!
There’s no need to wait until after dinner to come enjoy The Wiggle Room. The cafe features pizza, fries, ice cream, hot pretzels, drinks, and other snacks. And on Thursday nights, pizza, fries, and drinks are included free with entry! It’s an amazing value.
Usually parents leave outings like this tired–we felt refreshed and pumped! Everyone was so happy.
Attention ABA, OT, and PT therapists: The Wiggle Room also has a state-of-the-art gym room available for private therapy rental. It’s a dream space to maximize results with your clients.
The Wiggle Room also has ABA Therapists, OTs and PTs on staff who can work with your sensory child in their multifunctional gym. Or, bring your own therapist and take advantage of all the bonus amenities The Wiggle Room has to offer.
There’s So Many Ways to Enjoy The Wiggle Room
Here are more details you want to know!
—Sign up for the Summer Unlimited Family Membership for up to 2 adults and 5 kids for just $200 for July and August. Pays for itself in less than 2 visits!
—-Want to visit often? This can be the best outlet for your active child. Monthly family membership is an introductory price of $130/month for a minimum 3 month commitment (up to 2 adults, 5 children). Pays for itself even if you only visit once per month (but come often!). Rainy days, solved. Use code BCP10–the discount applies for as long as you keep your membership. Code expires 7/4/2026.
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–Want to invite friends to celebrate a birthday or upsherin? Membership has perks. Get 10-15% off birthday parties too! Let them play, eat lunch or dinner, and enjoy the Cotton Candy Birthday Cake at the end!
–Join Mommy and Me with your baby or toddler on Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m.! Enjoy open play and sensory activities, with lunch included.
Between Carpools2 months agoYour baby is crawling all over the house and his stretchie is getting dirty. By the time you’re ready to leave, it’s practically grey.
Or, he’s wearing a skimpier summer outfit without legs, and he’s crawling around…and those knees are getting scratched…ouch!
Or, perhaps you want to spend time outdoors. You’re watching him to make sure he doesn’t go where he shouldn’t, but he’s definitely getting into more dirt than he did when he simply sat in his bouncer. After all, he’s crawling and discovering.
The solution is simpler than you think. Simply keep a pair of leggings on him when you’re at home. This will protect his clean outfit and protect his knees.
Then, when you’re ready to go out, simply peel them off and he’s clean and ready to go. No grey or scratchy knees!
Between Carpools2 months agoApplying makeup with the right tools (in this case, brushes) is really going to make all of the difference when achieving that finished look. Here are my favorites (including the products I use them with!).
See Reizy’s top lip colors for summer here.
See how we use a Foundation Brush to make it easier to apply sunscreen in this post.
FACE
Makeup by Mario Foundation F4 Brush
Use the larger side for foundation and the smaller side for concealer or cream blush or contour. Blends beautifully + so easy and flawless.
Real Techniques Ultra Plush Brush
For setting all over the face and bronzer (don’t use this for blush, it’s too big).
Sephora PRO Blush Brush
This is a great quality brush with a flatter shape. I dip the flat side of the brush into the blush (rather than the tip). Then, I apply the flat against my cheek starting at the apple and blush upwards.
Powder Puff Set
Use powder puffs for setting under eyes and oily areas. Pat into setting powders and then pat onto face for a flawless look.
EYES
Real Techniques Setting Brush
This is the perfect smaller size and density for setting under eyes or eyelids with loose or pressed setting powder.
Morphe “Eye Want It All” Set
Great quality and price. Every brush you might need for eyes!
Morphe M331 Fluffy Eye
If you want to keep things simple, you only need this and the Morphe M382 below. Try this easy eye look: apply a thin layer of concealer or primer on a full lid and set with powder. Swirl the M331 in bronzer and brush over the eye lid, focusing on the crease and down. Apply pencil liner—I like brown! Smudge with the smudge brush to buff it out a bit.
Morphe M382 Smudger Brush
This is the best brush to smoke out pencil eyeliner. Just apply pencil on the upper lash line—it doesn’t need to be neat. Then buff it out with this brush for an easy effortless look.
24/7 Liquid Gel Eyeliner + Brush
I’m really enjoying this eyeliner that has a smudge brush on the other side. It’s not as fine a brush as the M382 but works great for easy everyday use.
Between Carpools2 months agoLast week, we shared our favorite sunscreens in this post. But, even if we find the best and most convenient, and as important as sunscreen is, when it comes down to it, it’s not fun to apply.
Kids squirm. They don’t like the feel of being rubbed. And we don’t like the feeling of greasy hands, no matter whether we’re applying it on ourselves or our children.
This hack changes that! At first we thought it was a bit gimmicky. But we were quickly convinced otherwise because once we tried it…there was no turning back. Using a flat-topped makeup brush to apply sunscreen gave us more accurate coverage and control (dedicate it specifically for this purpose). The sunscreen doesn’t get in your eyes–you can easily rub it under the eye and over the eye.
Kids don’t mind the feel of it. They actually appreciate that no one is touching and rubbing them. Plus: Your hands don’t end up dirty and sticky.
Now, the makeup brush stays right next to the sunscreen. Keep them together and you’ll see the sunscreen routine will be much more consistent!
Between Carpools2 months ago*Kallah packages starting at just $4,999!* Visit Homeset Furniture Showroom at 1876 Route 9, Toms River
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Between Carpools2 months agoWe all know that every grocery trip involves two categories of items. There’s the items we planned to buy…and the items we didn’t. Those are the items that somehow end up in our cart for lots of other reasons.
One grocery shopping trick I’ve found surprisingly helpful is using different parts of the cart for different things.
Everything that’s actually on my list goes into the main basket. Anything unplanned, whether it’s something I suddenly remembered we need or just a fun little extra, goes in the front section where a baby would usually sit.
Before I get to the checkout line, I can take one last look at my “bonus” items and do a quick reality check.
For the fun extras, it turns those impulse grabs into real choices. If there are a few fun extras, I pick my favorites and return the rest to the shelves.
What about the stuff I thought I “needed?” More often than not, I realize that while my fantasy self may be the most geshikt balebusta, my real self is probably not whipping up three elaborate recipes this week. Often, we overplan what we really have time to cook.
While it’s a little annoying to run around the store that first time returning items to their places, simply by keeping that “planned” and “unplanned” separate makes us shop more intentionally from the beginning and helps avoid adding the impulsive items to the cart from the beginning.
With that pared down cart, I leave the store feeling treated and intentional, rather than impulsive or guilty.
It’s such a simple little system, but it helps me shop more realistically while still leaving room for indulging myself.
“Ma, I Need Candy for My Trip!” How to keep the supermarket shopping trip from getting out of hand.
How Shopping Once a Week Saves Time Money and Waste, Tips for Sticking to a Food Budget, Practical Tips for Sticking to a Budget, and Is It Possible to Budget for Pesach? These 8 Tips Might Help.
It’s A Week-Long ‘No Spend Challenge’ Are You In? and How one reader stretches her dollars and always has everything she needs.
Between Carpools2 months agoAt some point, a reader (or perhaps it was many of you!), asked us for a tuna salad recipe. One of you specifically asked us for “bagel store-style tuna.” While we were all for discovering and featuring a great tuna salad here on Between Carpools, we knew that you wouldn’t be happy to discover what’s really in most bagel store tunas.
So we left the topic on the side for a while. That doesn’t mean we haven’t devoted any attention to canned tuna in the past. This tuna salad “salad” on Between Carpools is a great one (definitely a shalosh seudos go-to), but you can use any prepared tuna salad that you like. There’s also a popular Kale Tuna Salad in Dinner Done 2, but again–it’s about the salad. There’s some tuna salad tips courtesy of The Cookie Corner (i.e. use the pouches vs. the cans for creamier results), but in that one as well, you can use any prepared tuna.
Then Renee tasted this one by Yocheved Shvarzblat, the creator of TastynSimple. And she told the rest of the team, “I think we found our tuna.” Yocheved is a very talented recipe developer with really approachable recipes–some of you might be familiar with her column in Whisk by Ami. And Yocheved was happy to share the recipe with you!
Renee felt that this was the recipe that really upgrades tuna into something more special. Tuna can have a reputation for being boring…that kind of thing that you eat because you want to be healthy and tuna is always reliably there to provide a nice amount of protein. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Tuna can be something you really, really enjoy.
The #1 secret to this tuna, Yocheved tells us, is starting with good quality tuna. This solid yellowfin tuna by Tuscanini is a better tuna and you’ll taste the difference.
Once you have your tuna, you do have to do some dicing, but it’s worth it.
The flavor and texture here is spot-on.
This will turn your tuna salad into something you look forward to…something you’re excited to have for lunch, bring along to the pool, or serve for shalosh seudos.
Whether you enjoy it in a salad or a sandwich, it upgrades the meal!
5 from 3 votes
Author: Yocheved Shvarzblat from Tastynsimple.com
Drain the tuna and place in a bowl.
Add celery, shallot, and gherkins.
Season with salt, pepper, and dill.
Mix in breadcrumbs and mayonnaise until combined.
Enjoy in a salad, sandwich, or simply with crackers.
Between Carpools2 months agoMonth: Tammuz
Mazel: Crab
Human Faculty: Vision
Tammuz is the time to exercise our feminine vision to see others—and ourselves—at the core
And just like that, the summer is upon us! The word Tammuz is an expression of heat in Aramaic, as it appears in Sefer Daniel, because during this month we experience the hottest days of the year. In these slower-paced days lies an incredible opportunity for accelerated growth. As commentators explain on the words of Eichah, “Kol rodfeha hisigiha bein hametzarim, All who seek her seize her between the narrow straits,” rodfeha refers to those who seek Hashem. The Three Weeks (known as Bein Hametzarim), which start during Tammuz, are auspicious for spiritual growth.
Which area of growth, in particular, do we want to focus on during Tammuz? We’re here to rectify that which has most been tainted davka at this time of year: the faculty of vision, which the Sefer Yetzirah associates with Tammuz. It was on the first of Tammuz that the Meraglim set out to scout out Eretz Yisrael, and it was during their espionage journey that they corrupted their sense of sight to see that which would most repel and frighten them and all of Klal Yisrael back in the Midbar.
The Meraglim’s greatest fault was that they looked at the surface. For example, instead of realizing that Hashem caused the giants to die so that they wouldn’t have to be frightened by them, they saw it as a blemish of the Land. The truth didn’t dawn on the Meraglim because they didn’t tap into this koach of this month, the koach of true vision, thus changing the course of our history…
We women, however, are inherently gifted. As discussed here, the women did not participate in the cheit because we have that innate koach to see beneath the layers, to turn a blind eye to that which isn’t the essence and go directly toward the core.
Want to tap into the greatest spiritual propensity of this month? Put on those Tammuz lenses. What type of prescription do they offer? In one word: truth.
Have you ever paid attention to how easily and quickly we go down the resentment/victim/negativity path if we simply slide along with the surface vision? Someone disappoints us in any which way, and before we know it, we’re painting them in shades of black and grey in our mind. All we see is their faults, their long history of misdeeds, their awful habits, their hopelessly irredeemable traits —just bad, bad, bad. With that kind of vision, our mind becomes a virtual breeding ground for anger, discord—and our own loneliness.
This month, dear sisters, we don’t want to see what hits us at first glance. We want to look beneath the surface, to peel away some layers, and get to the core. When I teach this concept to the women in my learning groups, we call it “ultrasound vision”—we’re looking toward the core in a very gentle, non-invasive way.
The Navi Zecharya promises that these days of Churban will transform into days of sasson and simcha—on one condition: “Veha’emes vehashalom ta’ahavu, love truth and peace.” This is the time to take inventory of how we can bring deeper peace not only among Klal Yisrael, but particularly within our own home.
By looking with eyes of truth to find the essence in others, we are tapping into the koach of Tammuz, ushering in more achdus among Klal Yisrael and in our own world, thereby hastening the Geulah.
Here’s how to maximize the potential of this month:
1. Once per day this month, when you catch yourself looking at someone—or yourself— with “surface vision,” (the sign? You’re feeling more and more agitated, upset, and thus more distant from them) first stop yourself. If my view leads to simmering, sulking, and the likes, I’m probably just looking at the surface. That’s not what I want to do, especially not in Tammuz!
2. Now, peel away some layers to get to the core. Access your Tammuz lenses, and ask yourself, “With my desire to usher more peace into this world/my home, what am I choosing to see? What may I have missed in my frustration/anger/heat of the moment?”
It’s then that a new picture unfolds: Perhaps I see someone who’s trying their best, someone who’s human, someone who could so use a good word right now, someone who wants connection but perhaps doesn’t know how to make it happen, or their way of asking for it is very different to ours. The Tammuz vision does not necessarily call for deep psychological analysis, just simple wanting to see the good in the other (and ourselves!).
So many negative traits can be reframed when tapping into the Tammuz vision is our priority. What at first glance appears as lazy, obnoxious, anti-social, irresponsible, self-centeredness, etc. can be understood so differently when we’re wearing our Tammuz lenses. “Wow, he really is trying his best…” “Wow, this really is hard for her.”
A parent called me the other day, expressing fury and outrage at what her child had done. The moment she took a step back and chose to see her child through a more understanding, wholesome lens, she was able to make room in her heart for this child. The results—and the improved relationship—that this incident ended up giving way to were breathtakingly beautiful.
(If we’re trying to exercise this Tammuz vision toward someone whose behaviors are causing us untold pain and it’s thus too difficult for us to see their good essence, [in addition to seeking help] we may find it helpful to exercise this Tammuz vision toward Hashem and the way He runs this world.)
3. Watch what happens next…
The incredible beauty of choosing to see the good core in others is how people—especially our husband and children— actually live up to the way they’re perceived. When we view others with eyes of understanding, it also opens our own heart to feel more love, compassion, and appreciation toward them.
Often, this desire to truly see another leads to conversations and ensuing revelations that we otherwise could have easily missed. The child who can’t get his act together? The husband who isn’t providing what we desperately need? The sister-in-law who takes up all the space in the room? When we are focused on understanding them and their struggle, a whole new world opens up for us.
Tammuz, Av, and Teves are considered Yarchei D’Eisav, months that are prone to galus and churban, when we’re more vulnerable to our enemies. By tapping into the deep potential for inner growth during these months—especially by repairing the disunity and “surface vision” that brought about the churban in the first place— we can reclaim them and turn them into months of simchah and Geulah. Let’s make it happen, dear sisters, by looking at others—and ourselves— with Tammuz vision.
Make this your most serene summer yet!
Join Shiffy Friedman’s Summer of Serenity, a 40-day program based on Sha’ar Habitachon (starting Rosh Chodesh Tammuz). You’ll receive a daily uplifting & thought-provoking 5-minute message (vial email and phone) and PDF, along with other exciting features. To sign up, click here, email [email protected], or call 929-589-2371. You won’t believe how much calmer and at ease you can be—today.
Between Carpools2 months agoWe’ve just rounded them all up in one place! Once these are on hand, you’re ready to start the summer fun.
Between Carpools2 months agoIt’s that time of year again. School is wrapping up and we’re preparing for summer vacation. In addition to sending kids to camp, many of us are also planning family vacations. Whether you’ll be traveling to Israel, somewhere else in the world, or more local, a family trip is a tremendous opportunity for family bonding and teaching our children important life skills and ideals that can help to carry them through life.
Let’s start with the beginning.
**Why are We Taking a Family Trip?**We want to build our family as a group, as a team! During the year, everyone does his/her own thing. Each child is in a different grade, a different class and parents are at work. Now we’re taking time off to spend time together, to get to know each other better in a relaxed and unpressured environment. The more we feel good as a family, the more pride we will have to be part of Family Ploni. And the more pride a child has in his/her family, the more self-confidence he/she will have in other social contexts as well. This can help him/her to make good decisions and reduce social pressure, preventing bad decisions, i.e. “ I’m a proud member of family Ploni. We don’t do such things.”
So can I make a small suggestion? Take the extra step. Print personalized water bottles or some other sort of useful swag for your trip. Sometimes it’s the small things that can really add to the family camaraderie!
Count Down
As a tour guide, I know that the anticipation and excitement for the trip is an essential prerequisite for a great time! The more we look forward to it, the more special it will be for us! (We have that in halachah as well. We count the days to Matan Torah, we start learning about Pesach 30 days before, as women, we count as well….) So my recommendation is: share the planning with your kids! Talk about where you’ll be going. Build excitement! You can even ask older kids what type of activities they’d prefer so they feel like active participants. The more your family looks forward to this trip together, the more incredible it will be!
Are We Consistent?
The trip itself is an incredible opportunity to teach kids so many practical life lessons. It is here that our children will be watching us and seeing how we act when we’re not on our regular routine. Are we consistent with our values even without the usual social pressure? (Whether it’s davening , how we dress, kashrus etc here’s where we tell our kids what is truly important to us all of the time, anywhere in the world. Does G-d come with us on our vacations?)
True Values Shine
And then there’s our social interactions. How do we handle when things don’t go as anticipated? Even a perfectly planned trip is going to have its glitches. This is how we teach our kids how to handle disappointment, how to react when things don’t go our way. Will we lose it and blame everyone else or will we tell our kids “This is what Hashem wanted. Let’s make the best of it!”? Trips are an incredible opportunity to teach our kids how to make lemonade out of lemons and see the siyatta dishmaya (Divine Intervention) in every situation. This skill will help our children go far in life instead of being discouraged by life’s inevitable setbacks.
May we be zocheh (merit) to have awesome and empowering family summer vacations with memories that will carry our children throughout life!
Between Carpools2 months agoYour child needs a waterproof bag to stash his or her stuff all summer long. Here are some cute (and inexpensive!) options that work.
Between Carpools2 months agoNote: This post is mostly relevant to boys attending chareidi style camps.
When we talk about packing for camp, we tend to focus on the girls. With good reason – girls tend to be much more into fashion and trends than boys are. But the boys definitely do have some clothing needs and preferences, and we’re here to help you cover the bases. (For the other kind of bases, you’ll want to see our post about sports equipment.)
We have a post to help you shop for sneakers, but we do focus on black ones. If your son’s camp allows it, he might prefer a more colorful option. And if you need help choosing joggers, we have some more info for you.
Between Carpools2 months agoIn previous years, we devoted this post to explaining the differences between different versions of Tiro Training Pants, rounding up the best places to get both current styles, along with previous seasons styles at a discount.
And while all the key Tiro information you need will still be here, it’s not the primary option anymore. Now there’s a variety of basic athletic pants that boys are wearing and enjoying at a range of price points.
But no worries–his extensive Tiro stash that are still good from previous years (and those hand-me-downs) will still be put to good use! There’s no need to do an overhaul. But if you’re buying some fresh pairs, you can try a few of a different brand, and our favorites are rounded up below.
**About the Tiros Fit
**Adidas pants are known to run large. The sizing chart is not particularly accurate. A boy who is a size 8-10 will start to wear a size small (until he reaches size 12 likely). A medium will fit a boy who is wearing sizes 12-16. We found that the larger boys’ sizes are larger than the smaller men’s sizes. So, if your son needs something bigger than a medium, but the large is too large, try the mens’ XS. That will be smaller than a kid’s large. The kid’s large and the men’s small will be similar in sizing, except the kid’s one will have a shorter length.
There are also toddler/little kids sizes and they likely overlap with the xx-small and x-small in the kids sizes. You might need to buy a couple sizes and return the first time.
Between Carpools2 months agoWhen I was a child, divorce wasn’t a taboo subject. It wasn’t a subject. Period.
When I was seven, my aunt approached me and suggested that maybe I had some questions for my mother about the reason that I lived only with her. Or, perhaps I wanted to know the reason that we lived in the same building as my grandparents?
I looked at her like she was off the wall because the truth was that I had no questions.
Life as a child in a single-parent home was the only life I knew, and I didn’t expect any different. Honestly, I didn’t even want any different.
All of my basic needs were cared for and that was enough.
But there were chips in my armor. Like when I was eleven years old and we learned about the prohibition against hurting a widow or orphan. “What about parents and children of divorce,” I wondered. “Do they get special treatment too? Do they receive special mention?”
As I grew older still, I began to wonder about shidduchim. Would raising a family be different with my background?
I was a high-achiever for the most part, and I didn’t allow these questions to plague me—but they were there.
Fast forward 30 years. The world as we know it is full of organizations. There are organizations for widows, organizations for orphans, and yes—there are even organizations for children of single parent homes and their parents.
Sometimes I wonder whether, had these organizations existed when I was a child, the world would have felt safer, happier, and more inclusive to me.
There is no simple answer to that question. The world has changed. Conversations that once stayed private or unspoken are now discussed more openly, and emotional wellbeing has moved to the forefront.
Yet, often people need space before they can accept support.
Introverts, especially, are less likely to gravitate toward an organization than toward an individual. It’s hard for them to put themselves “out there.” It would have been hard for me to put myself out there.
But if I had to pick five things I would have told my younger self–or if I can get onto my soap box now and tell them to parents instead–they’d be:
An important message for kids is that every child struggles in some way. For some people that struggle is outward, for others it’s inwards. But no one gets to coast through life without challenges. That’s not the way that Hashem set the world up, and there is meaning to every struggle.
For parents and educators: Give this message over gently. Not in a heavy-handed lecture sort of way, but trickle, trickle, until it penetrates. Because when a child’s in a difficult situation that may be all that they see–and they need their parent’s wider perspective to help them see that bigger picture.
When my mother eventually remarried, I refused to tell my friends about it. Instead, I carried that load around for so long–it became an extra weight for no reason. Shame is counterproductive. Divorce is so, so hard. But from the countless children of divorce whom I’ve spoken to, it has emerged that those who share their “status” with the world and don’t try to hide behind it have a far easier time socially than those who don’t.
For parents and educators: Encourage your child to share. Tell them it may be a one-time difficult conversation, but it will ultimately make their life so much easier.
There are good people around. Truly. Divorce, and other difficult childhood experiences, make kids wary. It makes kids distrust the adults who “did it to them.” But there are good people out there. Lean into that.
For parents and educators: Understanding distrust when you see it, identifying it and empathizing with it, are great ways of telling a child “I see your struggle and am with you.” But then go a step beyond that struggle and actively point out the good people: teachers, therapists, Rabbanim, and mentors, whom children can gain from. Of course, it goes without saying that adults must actively believe this first before they can pass it on to children.
Divorce can jerk a child out of child territory. Put on them an onus that they never asked for. But there’s nothing wrong with still being a child. Remaining involved in age-appropriate games, crafts, etc. Not as a way of “proving yourself,” or “escaping,” but as a fun outlet.
For parents and educators: Deliberately protect the space of your child. They need it, they deserve it. And eventually, they will grow from it. But prompting children out of that space and into adult territory, by oversharing, asking for more help than a child can give, or simply by letting on that you “can’t,” isn’t going to build the child up. It may look like it temporarily, but cars zooming at a thousand miles per hour eventually crash.
One of the lines that jolted me most as a child was this: Ein Chadash Tachas Hashemesh. There is nothing new under the sun. Everything that I’m going through, my struggles, difficulties, and emotions–have existed already, and there is likely something out there to help me through it. Be it a teacher, a club, or a book. All that I need to do is find it and tap into it.
For parents and educators: Connect children to the resources that exist and don’t expect a one-size fits all answer. Some children connect better to individuals, others to groups, and still others to books, magazines, and the written word. Help exists. It’s simply a question of connecting each individual child to the type of help that suits them best.
And then stepping back to breathe and daven. Because sometimes, presence is more powerful than words.
Between Carpools2 months agoAfter Caesar and Greek, one of the most popular basic salads is a great grilled chicken salad. There’s lots of great versions, and when we look through the selections on Between Carpools, we get excited. They’re such a feel good meal–light, filling, flavorful. They’re always a hit, especially that Ramen Chicken Salad from Dinner Done #1. It seems that everyone makes it regularly and enjoys it!
Could we change things up to make another favorite light summer dinner?
We could. And putting that salad in a wrap is always a good idea.
In this recipe, seasoned chicken is cooked until golden, then tossed with a creamy homemade Caesar-style dressing.
It’s then wrapped up in soft wheat wraps. The dressing comes from the Dinner Done cookbook, with one small tweak—we skip the water for a thicker, richer consistency that’s perfect for wraps.
Honestly, the team preferred this recipes as a taco, like in the Creamy Chicken Tacos, but we made wraps since many people love wraps, and they’re often more practical (as they’re neater and portable)–but feel free to enjoy them any which way you like.
In the photos, we tossed the salad components together. If you prefer the lettuce not to soften, layer lettuce, chicken, vegetables, and dressing directly to the wrap rather than tossing everything first with the dressing.
If you have a fleishig Betty Crocker, you can warm them up and give the wraps some nice grill marks. You can also use a grill pan.
Refreshing, light, and family-friendly. Who doesn’t love Caesar salad and fresh grilled chicken?
Not in the mood for wraps? Or find it hard to wrap wraps? You can also serve this taco style as shown here. Use smaller wraps and grill before filling. These taco plates are a fun serving idea if you’re serving them for a special occasion. Enjoy!
5 from 1 vote
Prepare the chicken: Toss chicken with paprika, parsley, garlic powder, and salt. Grease and heat a grill or sauté pan and cook until cooked through and lightly browned. Slice or chop into bite-sized pieces (alternatively, use prepared grilled chicken).
Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or container, whisk together mayonnaise, oil, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire (or soy) sauce, and salt until smooth. (The original recipe includes 1 tablespoon water, but we prefer to leave it out for a thicker dressing.)
In a large bowl, combine lettuce, chicken, onion, tomatoes, and dressing. Toss until evenly coated. Alternately: If you prefer your lettuce extra crisp, skip the tossing step. Instead, layer the lettuce, chicken, onions, and tomatoes directly onto each wrap and drizzle with dressing before rolling.
Divide the mixture among the wraps. Fold in the sides and roll tightly pulling it in. Heat a grill pan over medium heat and drizzle lightly with oil. Place the wraps seam-side down on the grill pan and cook until lightly toasted. Turn and grill the second side until golden and crisp.
Slice in half and serve immediately.
Between Carpools2 months agoEditor’s Note: Back in 2017, Leah Schapira wrote a post on 10 Things to Say to Yourself When You’re Overwhelmed. It proved to be a classic post that we kept referring back to over the past (almost!) decade. One of the tips was telling yourself “It’s not in my control: Don’t worry about things you can’t control. Deal with things you can control, and throw off the burden of worrying about the others.” In this post, Chana Halpern goes deeper into why we worry, separating the efforts we can do, and effectively letting go of everything else.
The Worry Trap
We all worry. It almost feels like our birthright as Jewish women. And there are so many things to worry about, especially as Jewish mamas!
Worry is essentially a healthy and normal response to stress and is designed to protect us from harm, ensuring that we deal with our problems. But worry can also be crippling. Worry can keep us tossing and turning all night. Worry can paralyse us from seeing the situation logically so that, paradoxically, we end up hurting ourselves even more.
Shira was so worried that her twelve-year-old was hardly talking to her that it took over her every interaction with him. She found herself walking on eggshells, getting defensive, questioning his every move and desperately smothering him with attention. Her worry stopped her from seeing her son in a more reasonable light – which only exacerbated his distance and withdrawal.
Daphne was so worried about her finances that she could barely think straight. Her money problems hounded her every moment and she kept on replaying the same frightening figures in her head. She was tense, irritable, and unable to focus – which prevented her from stepping back, analysing the situation rationally, and finding resourceful solutions.
Worry keeps us in a closed loop. When we let go of worry, we open ourselves up to see the bigger picture, more possibilities and other options that we simply weren’t able to see before.
What If He’s a Murderer?!
Worry and imagination are best friends, and many of us can conjure up all sorts of nightmare scenarios to worry about. We take the worst possible outcome and use our imagination to fill in the graphic details. Worry feeding on imagination uses ‘What if…’ to build a house of horrors.
What if she ends up staying too late at her friend and it’s already dark? What if she loses her way coming home? What if her phone battery dies? What if a stalker is watching that specific street? Or what if she falls and hits her head? Or –
I’ll leave the story there. You get the gist.
Worrying like this keeps us trapped.
Illusion over Reality
The fact is that we live in an uncertain world. The fact is that we have no control over our lives or the lives of our loved ones. The fact is that nobody can ever guarantee our health, our safety or our success.
These are facts. They are the objective truth.
We don’t like any of these facts and so we go to great lengths to pretend they aren’t true. We try desperately to feel like we’re in control and one way we do that is by worrying. Worrying keeps us in the driver’s seat. It gives us the illusion of control. It makes us feel like we’re doing something (even though all we’re really doing is wrecking our night’s sleep).
Taking Back the Reins
It’s tough to let go of worry, just like it’s hard to let go of control.
When you find yourself overcome by worry, the first thing to do is to ask yourself one question: What part of this is in my control?
There’s almost always something that’s yours to manage – and plenty of things that aren’t. Often, we have an inflated sense of control (feeling that we can make things happen) or a deflated one (feeling there is nothing we can do).
Here’s how to break the cycle:
I can’t make my son have friends. I can bring him to a social skills club, encourage him to invite friends over, show him I love him exactly as he is.
I can’t make Prince Charming appear. I can speak to shadchanim, reach out to a dating coach, do the inner work so I can recognize him when he shows up.
I can’t make someone hire me. I can update my resume, work on my confidence, and improve my skills.
But the part that isn’t, the part you can’t control… means it’s time to let go and let G-d. It’s time to acknowledge that you’re not in control. That you can’t make it happen. And that Hashem will do as He sees fit.
Living the Truth
Worry grips us so tightly because we feel a sense of responsibility to deal with the situation, yet we also feel helpless to affect change. We know deep down that we can’t make it happen, yet we also feel that we should. Separating between what is and what isn’t in our arena of control allows us to stop worrying relentlessly over the same issue again and again. It identifies what we can do and what we can’t. It gives us the clarity to know when it’s okay to step back and allow life to unfold.
It feels vulnerable to let go of the reins. It feels like a leap of faith into the unknown. But the truth is, letting go is just being honest. You’re just aligning yourself with reality. Clinging to worry might give you an illusionary sense of control, but it’s just that – an illusion. Paradoxically, giving up control and living the truth feels so much more grounded and secure than gripping desperately onto fantasy.
So, be brave. Do what is yours to do. For the rest? Choose to trust. Choose to hope. Choose to be open to all the possibilities ahead—not just the negative ones.
So the next time your mind starts mapping out a worst-case scenario, take a breath, do what you can… and hand the rest over.
You’ll be surprised by how liberating it feels!
