Fashion

Fuzzy Birkenstocks 

Completely and totally obsessed with this new pair of shoes. It’s kind of a slipper/ shoe hybrid with a sort of a cool nonchalant vibe. Best of all they feel, they keep your tootsies both warm and cool at the same time. Like riding in a convertible with the heat on. If you know what I mean. 

Accessories

Liquid bronzer 

For real, since I started wearing this, I’ve been getting compliments and inquiries about what I’m wearing. When I was in Florida, someone at Chantecaille counter, recommended this bronzer, it’s for aging skin, lol. It really works though because it does not get stuck in the creases and gives a little bit of a glow. I put it on with a bronzer brush, and I am loving it. 

Bonus, it’s a big tub and I just use a bit every day. I think it’s gonna last forever.

Entertainment

Noa tishby book

Do you know when something happens three times it’s like ding ding ding, pay attention, it’s important.? 

First, as we were heading to Israel for thanksgiving, and I would tell people, and sometimes would get a “you’re going where?” Kind of look in response. It opened up a discussion about what is heard (or not heard) in the news about Israel. And how misunderstanding there really is among intelligent, well informed and well meaning people. 

Then a friend told me about a situation her high school daughter was having at a semester away program. This young woman is a proud Jewish American and during a visit to Israel she proudly purchased a t- shirt from the IDF (Israel Defense Forces - aka the army). When she wore the t- shirt to breakfast one morning she was berated and bullied by her peers. They accused her of being a racist, and supporting an apartheid state. Her mom told me she didn’t feel she had the tools to respond to those accusations and debunk the propaganda. Truly, many don’t, myself included. And this book has helped equip me. 

Lastly, i had the opportunity to meet Noa Tishby a few weeks ago in Cleveland. She wrote a brilliant book that is easy to read and really, in my opinion, clarifies, in simple, digestible terms, so many of the misconceptions about the state of Israel. For both Jews and non Jews, it’s an important read. 

I’d say, if you’re confused by what you hear about Israel in the news, and aren’t we all, pick this book up.

Food

Israeli salad

As I mentioned, we are in Israel for thanksgiving. It’s not my first trip. I came for the first time at 15 years and have been back probably 15 times. I loved here for a year before meeting my husband and getting married.  Israeli salad is a staple in many Israeli restaurants and homes. Each have their own twist but the constant is tomato’s, olive oil and herbs. The classic version is linked below, it has tomatoes and cucumbers. I often add radishes to mine and leave the pieces a bit larger. Our hotel this trip forgoes the cucumber and adds olives instead. 

Anyway you slice it (pun intended) it’s delicious