Time for another edition of Something Special Tuesday. Enjoy!
Something yummy: I think these Instant Oatmeal Packets are a great idea and I hope to make these in the very near future.
Something crafty: Find inspiration for Rosh Hashana and Sukkot crafts here. You won't believe the creativity of this lady!
Something spiritual: Think you can never turn your life around? Think again. Remember this young man's story, thanks to Aish.com for another moving article.
Something financial: With Rosh Hashana approaching, it's a good time to take stock of your finances. This article provides advice and inspiration.
Have a great Tuesday!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
My Zumba class experience
I attended a free Zumba class yesterday and I made a few observations. For those who don't know, Zumba "fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away." It looked like a party from the outside and who wouldn't want to party at the gym?
My observations:
1. Do you know why most workout pants are black? Because it's hard to find yourself in the mirror when you're in a Zumba class in black pants. I was wearing hot pink pants (the black ones were in the laundry!) so I was easy to spot, unfortunately.
2. For a good portion of the time, I wasn't exactly dancing, but I looked like I was being electrocuted.
3. I actually had to laugh out loud during several of the moves. My chest just does not move that way, nor will it ever.
4a. So during the class, I thought that it would be just GREAT to have a similar class set to Zumba-style Jewish music, you know, really upbeat, because I certainly do put in a workout at weddings, and that's in heels and dressed nicely. Surely we can have an exercise class that's with Jewish/Israeli music.
4b. Thank G-d someone had the same idea I had because we actually did a dance to Hava Nagilah Zumba-style, and let me tell you, it was awful (and I don't mean the exercising or the hot pink pants, although the pants may have had something to do with it). Listening to the music and trying to follow the steps actually made say out loud "OY VAY" unintentionally. So glad I did not take this idea and run with it.
5. My brain got a workout too as I was trying to figure out why I always had the wrong arm up (or down) or was stepping with the left (or right) leg when it should have been the opposite. I was having such a hard time following the leader and I prayed really hard that the windows looking out onto the treadmill area were really only one-way.
All in all, it was great, and my body feels like a wet noodle today. It did live up to its promise and it was a lot of fun. I have no idea how many calories I burned, but I would recommend the class if you are interested. Just leave your dignity at the door...
My observations:
1. Do you know why most workout pants are black? Because it's hard to find yourself in the mirror when you're in a Zumba class in black pants. I was wearing hot pink pants (the black ones were in the laundry!) so I was easy to spot, unfortunately.
2. For a good portion of the time, I wasn't exactly dancing, but I looked like I was being electrocuted.
3. I actually had to laugh out loud during several of the moves. My chest just does not move that way, nor will it ever.
4a. So during the class, I thought that it would be just GREAT to have a similar class set to Zumba-style Jewish music, you know, really upbeat, because I certainly do put in a workout at weddings, and that's in heels and dressed nicely. Surely we can have an exercise class that's with Jewish/Israeli music.
4b. Thank G-d someone had the same idea I had because we actually did a dance to Hava Nagilah Zumba-style, and let me tell you, it was awful (and I don't mean the exercising or the hot pink pants, although the pants may have had something to do with it). Listening to the music and trying to follow the steps actually made say out loud "OY VAY" unintentionally. So glad I did not take this idea and run with it.
5. My brain got a workout too as I was trying to figure out why I always had the wrong arm up (or down) or was stepping with the left (or right) leg when it should have been the opposite. I was having such a hard time following the leader and I prayed really hard that the windows looking out onto the treadmill area were really only one-way.
All in all, it was great, and my body feels like a wet noodle today. It did live up to its promise and it was a lot of fun. I have no idea how many calories I burned, but I would recommend the class if you are interested. Just leave your dignity at the door...
Friday, August 27, 2010
Having a bad day?
Having a bad today? Here's what I do:
1. Wear a bright color. You can't feel down if you're wearing something lime, fuschia, or turqoise. It instantly lifts your spirits.
2. Wear some luminescent eye shadow. You know, to make yourself look awake and happier than you really are.
3. Read something funny or listen to a joke. Make yourself laugh.
4. Pack some chocolate in your lunch.
5. Treat yourself and buy a fancy cup of coffee or yummy espesso drink. Sip it slowly and enjoy the frothiness of the milk.
6. End work emails with Have a great day!
7. At the end of your rope and can't get away from the kids? Go to the bookstore or the fancy grocery store or pet store and let the location do the entertaining for you. And feed them ice cream for snack. Ice cream solves a lot of problems.
8. Your day is not nearly as bad as the doctor who was just named in a lawsuit. No, really: I just walked to my office and overheard a doctor's phone conversation. Presto - my day instantly looked better.
9. Count down: it's always "T minus" the days until Shabbat!
1. Wear a bright color. You can't feel down if you're wearing something lime, fuschia, or turqoise. It instantly lifts your spirits.
2. Wear some luminescent eye shadow. You know, to make yourself look awake and happier than you really are.
3. Read something funny or listen to a joke. Make yourself laugh.
4. Pack some chocolate in your lunch.
5. Treat yourself and buy a fancy cup of coffee or yummy espesso drink. Sip it slowly and enjoy the frothiness of the milk.
6. End work emails with Have a great day!
7. At the end of your rope and can't get away from the kids? Go to the bookstore or the fancy grocery store or pet store and let the location do the entertaining for you. And feed them ice cream for snack. Ice cream solves a lot of problems.
8. Your day is not nearly as bad as the doctor who was just named in a lawsuit. No, really: I just walked to my office and overheard a doctor's phone conversation. Presto - my day instantly looked better.
9. Count down: it's always "T minus" the days until Shabbat!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Something Special Tuesday
Wow, I can't believe it's been a whole week since my last Tuesday post and I haven't added another post. Bummer. Where does the time go.
Sorry this is late but here is today's edition of Something Special Tuesday:
Something yummy: The ladies over at Gourmet Kosher Cooking have posted their best Rosh Hashana recipes. If you are feeling daring in the epicurean sense, try one of the chefs' posted recipes. Time to start the meal planning!
Something crafty: I found this blog that has a bunch of activities geared towards toddlers, the age group of my children, and if you're like me, you're always looking for creative ways to occupy the kiddos. I haven't perused the entire site yet but I like what I've seen so far. Of course, crafts are included...
Something spiritual: As Rosh Hashana approaches, we need to remember that it is never too late to turn towards Hashem, no matter what your background may be. Read Rebbetzin Heller's inspiring Rosh Hashana article.
Something financial: I wrote a post about this topic a long time ago, and it's nice to see it repeated by someone else. Speaking of ethnic, two nights ago I made rice and beans for dinner (with leftover chicken). I was surprised at how tasty it turned out, and it was very filling. Not to mention an inexpensive dinner!
Sorry this is late but here is today's edition of Something Special Tuesday:
Something yummy: The ladies over at Gourmet Kosher Cooking have posted their best Rosh Hashana recipes. If you are feeling daring in the epicurean sense, try one of the chefs' posted recipes. Time to start the meal planning!
Something crafty: I found this blog that has a bunch of activities geared towards toddlers, the age group of my children, and if you're like me, you're always looking for creative ways to occupy the kiddos. I haven't perused the entire site yet but I like what I've seen so far. Of course, crafts are included...
Something spiritual: As Rosh Hashana approaches, we need to remember that it is never too late to turn towards Hashem, no matter what your background may be. Read Rebbetzin Heller's inspiring Rosh Hashana article.
Something financial: I wrote a post about this topic a long time ago, and it's nice to see it repeated by someone else. Speaking of ethnic, two nights ago I made rice and beans for dinner (with leftover chicken). I was surprised at how tasty it turned out, and it was very filling. Not to mention an inexpensive dinner!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Something Special Tuesday: 8/17
Welcome to Something Special Tuesday!
Something yummy: I stumbled onto a blog that has fantastic recipes and gorgeous photography - the best of both worlds! I made this summer veggie soup last week and I can't wait to make more; trust me, this soup will make you love veggies.
Something crafty: Rosh Hashana is right around the corner and I love to enhance my holidays with some sort of craft, and this centerpiece from Creative Jewish Mom doesn't seem too difficult to do.
Something spiritual: Need inspiration? Find it in a 23-year old martyr. May his memory be a blessing forever more.
Something financial: For those of you who have always inspired to something greater (monetarily speaking), consider this blog I found and after about 3 months, let me know if you've followed any of the author's tips and how it's worked out for you.
Drop me a line and let me know what you think! Have a great Tuesday!
Something yummy: I stumbled onto a blog that has fantastic recipes and gorgeous photography - the best of both worlds! I made this summer veggie soup last week and I can't wait to make more; trust me, this soup will make you love veggies.
Something crafty: Rosh Hashana is right around the corner and I love to enhance my holidays with some sort of craft, and this centerpiece from Creative Jewish Mom doesn't seem too difficult to do.
Something spiritual: Need inspiration? Find it in a 23-year old martyr. May his memory be a blessing forever more.
Something financial: For those of you who have always inspired to something greater (monetarily speaking), consider this blog I found and after about 3 months, let me know if you've followed any of the author's tips and how it's worked out for you.
Drop me a line and let me know what you think! Have a great Tuesday!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Synagogue Bake Sale!
Live in Houston? Enjoy tasty chocolate chip cookies, mandelbread, or homemade challah? Then please support my synagogue's bake sale by purchasing one or more of these items! All products will be packaged beautifully and freeze great, and they are perfect as hostess gifts or as-is! Make the upcoming holidays just a tad easier on yourself and buy some yummy delights today! Distribution will be right before Rosh Hashana.
Click here for an online order form (which you would need to print out and submit). Questions? Details are on the order form. Thanks in advance!
Click here for an online order form (which you would need to print out and submit). Questions? Details are on the order form. Thanks in advance!
Friday, August 13, 2010
What is a widget?
Anyone who has been to business school - either graduate or undergraduate - has heard this line many times before:
"Lets say you own a factory that produces, oh, I don't know, it produces widgets..."
Back in the day, widgets were the stuff of imaginations in the minds of countless business professors, a handy imaginary product, the production of which was most educational to students of business. Widgets were endlessly marketed and endlessly analyzed, and I remember sitting in class thinking, "I absolutely must look up the etymology of the word because I cannot possibly fathom where it came from."
Going online to search for the word's etymology, the all-knowing Wikipedia offers this:
The widget is a placeholder for an object, or more specifically, a mechanical or other manufactured device.
Apparently, the word goes back to 1924 and may be a derivation of the word gadget.
A Princeton University website offers synonyms for widget:
doodad, gizmo, thingamabob, whatchamacallit are my top favorites.
Nowadays, the term is used to describe a "mini application" used online, like the LIKE button on Facebook. All of those little doodads and thingamabobs that enhance your online experience are known as widgets.
It's interesting how the word went from referring to something unspecified, to something actually very specific and technical.
I guess business school professors now need to find some other word to describe an imaginary object, and business school students will probably spend much of their time utilizing little widgets.
"Lets say you own a factory that produces, oh, I don't know, it produces widgets..."
Back in the day, widgets were the stuff of imaginations in the minds of countless business professors, a handy imaginary product, the production of which was most educational to students of business. Widgets were endlessly marketed and endlessly analyzed, and I remember sitting in class thinking, "I absolutely must look up the etymology of the word because I cannot possibly fathom where it came from."
Going online to search for the word's etymology, the all-knowing Wikipedia offers this:
The widget is a placeholder for an object, or more specifically, a mechanical or other manufactured device.
Apparently, the word goes back to 1924 and may be a derivation of the word gadget.
A Princeton University website offers synonyms for widget:
doodad, gizmo, thingamabob, whatchamacallit are my top favorites.
Nowadays, the term is used to describe a "mini application" used online, like the LIKE button on Facebook. All of those little doodads and thingamabobs that enhance your online experience are known as widgets.
It's interesting how the word went from referring to something unspecified, to something actually very specific and technical.
I guess business school professors now need to find some other word to describe an imaginary object, and business school students will probably spend much of their time utilizing little widgets.
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