Issue 07 | September 2014

Issue 06 | September 2014

jCreateMagazine celebrating jewish creativity

Make It

classroom feltboard yizkor bookmarks apple dish Rosh Hashanah cards Sukkot hangers

Set your table for the holiday season

Inspirational

new year crafts

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR Dear Readers, I always find it amazing. The summer seems to fly by and there's never enough time. I always look forward to the summer and the relaxed schedule of my family, but it seems to go too quickly. Before we know it school has started and the High Holidays are upon us.

This summer was especially busy for me. I spent these last few months setting up my new studio and opening up my flagship Not 2 Shabbey store just a few blocks from my home in Passaic, NJ. Never did I think it would be as hectic and intense as it's been.

I am so lucky that I have my amazing team behind me.

Without Estee Lavitt my executive director and Mirel Goldwasser my designer extraordinaire, this magazine could not have happened.

Our September issue is chock-full of creative ideas to get you through the Jewish holiday season with ease. Delicious recipes, simple crafts, and family fun tips and tricks are peppered throughout this issue.

We all hope you truly enjoy!

Chag Sameach, happy holidays!

Abbey & Co.

www.jcreatemagazine.com www.facebook.com/jcreatemag www.pinterest.com/jcreatemag www.twitter.com/jcreatemag

On The cover Don’t have a vase?

Lanterns and other props make a great substitute!

Let's get creative!

2

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

Art & Creative Director• Mirel Goldwasser 732.942.3675, info@jewishgraphicdesigner.com

sept 2014

contents

4 Sweet New Year Card 5 Mitzvah notes 6 Simanim Platter 8 Five Questions for Jamie Geller, Joy of Kosher 10 Recipe: Apple Tarts 13 Recreate these Tablescapes

Memories of a Loved One are a Treasure to Hold Dear

20 Infographic: Repentance 22 Holiday Felt Board 24 Infographic: Smooth Yom Kippur with Kids 26 Yizkor Remembrance Bookmark 28 Prayer Pack 30 Fancy the Frock with MimuMaxi 36 Recipe and Plate it: Winter Squash Ravioli 38 Hang Sukkot Projects in Style 41 Trip Tips 45 Edible Craft: Honeycomb Cookies 46 Sukkot Crafts and Pin Board 51 Next Issue

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

3

A Sweet New Year Card

By Miriam Hersh

What you will need: Large clean baby food jar with lid Acrylic paint and brush or spray paint Honey 11” x 4.25” white card stock folded at 5.5” 3” x 3” Shanah Tova Clear Stamp available at www.shalomstamps.com Acrylic block to fit stamp available at Amazon.com, crafting stores or Staples.

Tuxedo Black Memento ink pad available at www.shalomstamps.com Colored pencils (Prismacolor work well) Scissors Hole puncher Ribbon

Directions: Honey Jar 1.

2.

3.

Clean out the baby food jar and remove the label completely.

Paint the lid with desired color acrylic paint or spray paint and allow to dry.

Fill the jar with honey and close tightly with the finished lid. Set aside.

Shanah Tova Card 1.

Mount the clear stamp on the acrylic block and load with black ink.

2.

Press the stamp to the card stock, positioning the image close to the fold.

3.

Color in the image with colored pencils, blending with circular motions to create a smooth, customized illustrated effect.

4.

Cut out the card around the edges of the stamped image leaving a quarter inch margin and room for a hole punch. Make sure to leave the fold at the top.

5.

Write your Rosh Hashanahgreeting inside, and attach the card by lacing it on to a ribbon and tying it around the honey jar.

For a detailed video tutorial, click here.

We love stamps because they are so versatile in the crafting world. Teachers, moms, camps, and schools can be super creative in using stamps to encourage learning and crafting. Stamps can be used on other mediums including glass, cookies (with edible ink only), scrapbooking, clay and more!

Miriam Hersh, a Brooklyn mom and well-loved educator, has been an avid crafter since her childhood growing up in Silver Spring, Maryland. She has experience with many art forms, but found her true calling in crafts when she opened Shalom Stamps, the world’s premiere Jewish Clear Stamp manufacturing company. For more products and project ideas, visit her website at www.shalomstamps.com

4

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

Mitzvah Notes

By Dena Ackerman: Visit Art by Dena or on Facebook

click here to print

My daughter felt like a million dollars when I sent in the holiday themed mitzvah notes!

Thanks so much!

-Dana K. Chicago jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

5

by: Abbey Wolin

�imanim Platter Supplies:

Variety of glass Mod Podge Sponge

E6000 glue Tissue paper

Step 1 - Clean your glass dish.

Step 2 - Sponge mod podge on to the back of the plate.

Step 3 - Lay the paper over the glue spreading it out & smoothing out the bubbles.

Step 4 - Cut the excess paper away from the plate.

Step 5 - Mod Podge over the tissue paper.

Allow to dry for 2 hours.

To create a stand glue the plate to a candle stick, cup, or wine glass using E6000 glue. Allow that to dry overnight or for 8 hours.

6

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

It is customary to eat special foods on Rosh Hashanah as simanim, signs of a prosperous, sweet and successful New Year.

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

7

FIVE

Questions for Jamie Geller 1. What's your favorite high holiday tradition?

Eating sweet foods (any excuse to have dessert as part of the meal makes me happy!) and spending lots of special time with my family.

2. How has your cooking changed most since your move to Israel?

I rely on fewer prepared products and instead lean on lots more fresh ingredients including a plethora of fruits and veggies. Oh and cooking in season -- there is no other choice here -- which is a good thing!

3. All time favorite recipe? AKA The recipe you'd make to impress Gordon Ramsay?

Hubby and I just LOVE Gordon Ramsey - he is our favorite chef! And we always talk about which signature dish we would present to him so I love this Q. Honestly there is not much I think I could present that he couldn't do better with the exception of my Challah. It has 100s of thousands of views online at JOYofKOSHER. com and I have worked hard to tweak the dough to perfection in my new book JOY of KOSHER Fast, Fresh Family Recipes. The new book features 1 recipe for perfect (yes I know I said that already but it really is!) challah dough along with 10 sweet and savory recipe riffs including Challah Jumbo Pretzels, Ooey Gooey Nutty Pecan

8

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

SIX

!

Challah Sticky Buns and Everything Challah Bread Sticks (and really so much more). I can pretty much bet that anyone can impress Gordon Ramsey with my challah recipe.

4. Your thoughts on prepping ahead, frozen foods and other tips to manage the kitchen?

Visit JOYofKOSHER.com for my 9 Tips To Make Your Holiday Cooking as Easy as 1-2-3.

5. Cooking with kids. Yay or Nay? Tips for the readers?

I didn't know it was a question. Absolutely, of course 100% you should cook with your kids - it's one of the great gifts you can give to them (and to you!).

Final Tip: Do not stress. Your family and friends are not coming to critique your food they are coming to share the special holiday with you. It's about focusing on the new year and creating new memories. Remember what's important and don't stress (too much).

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

9

Apple Tart Contributed by Tamar Genger Joyofkosher.com

Ingredients 1/3 cup chopped nuts 1/3 cup raisins 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed 2 medium baking apples, such as Rome or Cortland, peeled, cored and halved 4 frozen puff pastry squares (from a 20-ounce package), defrosted 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 teaspoons honey 1 pint vanilla non-dairy ice cream (optional)

Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch pan with non-stick baking spray.

In a bowl, mix the nuts, raisins and brown sugar. Set aside.

Place 1 apple half, skin side down, on a puff pastry square. Pastry should be pliable enough to twist.

Fill apple cavity with nut mixture, approximately 1/4 cup per apple half.

Bring pastry up and around the apple half to cover. Twist the corners together so it looks like a drawstring purse.

Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with honey. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Place in prepared pan.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until apples are soft. A sharp knife inserted into an apple should slip out easily.

Serve each with a scoop of non-dairy vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Tips For a change of pace, substitute dried cranberries or dried blueberries for the raisins. When the puff pastry is completely defrosted, it is pliable enough to wrap around 1/2 an apple. If you don’t have the patience to wait, you can slice the apples in 1/4s to fit in the semi-defrosted squares.

10

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

Oomph!

Holiday Fashion

Brooklyn 4622 18th Ave Brooklyn NY (718) 871-0016 Brooklyn 1313 Avenue J Brooklyn NY (718) 338-3307 Long Island 396 Central Ave Lawrence NY (516) 569-0035 Lakewood Grebow Shopping Plaza 6784 Route 9 Howell NJ (732) 534-6077

JUNEE JR. STORES Brooklyn 4618 18th Ave Brooklyn NY (347) 295-3245 Long Island 359 Central Ave Lawrence NY (516) 341-0696 Lakewood Grebow Shopping Plaza 6784 Route 9 Howell NJ (732) (732) 415-8755 415-8755

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

11

12

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

Recreate these

Tablescapes

Tablescape by Devorah Deutsch, Papaya Events Photos by Shayna Punim Photography jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

13

Embellish plain napkins with fabric ribbons to match your palette.

Little treats brighten your table and the faces of young guests!

14

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

Organza bags makes an easy, affordable favor.

Organza bags makes an easy, affordable favor. Organza bags makes an easy, affordable favor. Organza bags makes an easy, affordable favor.

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

15

Complement your theme with bright place cards!

Brightly colored fruit in a clear vase adds flavor to any table.

16

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

We found these classy blue glasses to add a hint of spice.

Flower arrangements are a last minute trick to pull together almost any color scheme.

Use colored plates and neutral ones to complement and enhance your look. jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

17

Mix and match your dishes. Embrace your creativity by making do with what you have! Guests will never know!

18

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

Organza bags make an easy, affordable favor.

Catch those drips! Use personal small plates for the apple & honey, buy these at www.not2shabbey.com

Neutral burlap can add a rustic look and feel.

We love a little bit of glitz don’t be afraid to be bold!

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

19

Teaching kids about repentance What does repentance mean to me?

What are the accomplishments I am most proud of this year?

regretting previous wrongdoings and resolving to improve upon them

what mistakes have i made? what have I learned from them?

How do adults repent?

Mom How do I teach this to my kids?

What do I want to do differently this year?

Don’t Do lecture and Admonish

You are lazy and procrastinate about everything. You should work on that!

Your teacher says you dont pay attention.

Pick a quiet time to talk or bring it up at the Shabbat Table. teach that now is the time to think about last year and make improvements for the coming year.

Talk about yourself.

small steps that make a big difference thank g-d for one thing each day

discuss basic personal challenges and how you've worked on them.

control your anger speak positively about others judge others favorably

Set Goals: plan to be a better friend or neighbor

respect elders Ask your child: What do you want to work on this year?

give charity 20

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

Adina Soclof is founder and owner of www.parentingsimply.com, a certified speech pathologist and parent educator.

Oomph! 732.942.3675

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

21

Holiday Educational

Felt Board

Print it.... color it........ back it........ play with it!

by Abbey Wolin

When I was a preschool teacher, my FAVORITE visual tool for my students was the felt board. Not only could I use it to teach a subject, but after my lesson, I would leave the pieces on the felt board for my students to interact and play with. Felt boards provide hours of hands on imaginative fun and creative play!

You can play games or tell a story. The felt board can be used over and over again. Simply add new characters and items to your board. You can have the children color the same images to remember what they’ve learned.

There are so many ways to teach using a felt board!

∙∙ ∙∙

Teaching about: Rosh Hashanahh?

Yom Kippur?

Sukkot?

Simchat Torah?

Make a Shofar and an apple and honey!

Design leather shoes, cream, food and drink... etc.

Build a succah. Add walls, schach and decorations.

Dance with the Torah scroll, flags and give out candy!

How to make a felt board and the cast: Felt and the felt board can be purchased at craft stores such as Michael’s and AC Moore.

1) Find your favorite Rosh Hashanahh, Yom Kippur or Sukkot printable coloring sheets and print them out.

2) Color your pictures in.

3) Cut them out and then glue them onto pieces of felt. Cut the felt around your image, so that the image is now backed with felt.

4) Place the pieces on the felt board and teach away!!!

5) Store in a large zip top bag.

22

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

23

10 tips to make you Yom Kippur run smoothly

#1

with kids

Stock up on books. Create a Yom Kippur library by collecting books from all over you house or trade with neighbors! Tell your children that they can read all these books as long as they return them to the basket.

Have you made your crock pot chulent or stew yet? Just because you’re not eating doesn’t mean they are not. A warm meal goes a long way to avoid kvetchy toddlers.

#3

#2

Put loads of snacks in a basket for the taking.

Write “Yom Kippur Snacks, Please Take One”

on an index card. Attach it to the front of the basket.

No one wants to touch or see food during a fast. Do the same thing in the refrigerator by designating one of the drawers with healthy snack (IE: apples, cut up celery, carrots, and peppers.)

Make sure you are loaded up with games for the kids and that the playroom is tidy and clean.

#4

Now’s the day to make sure it’s neat and tidy. The more organized the playroom - the more they will play.

Deal with the aftermaths once the fast is over and you are more energized.

#5

Of course they know all this, but it’s important to sit your children down and let them know that tomorrow is a fast day and one of the most important days of the year. Be honest with them that you will be tired and hungry and that you need their help. They must try to behave and be kind to one another.

Create a prayer packet with surprises. Pass out to your children right before you are about to pray. This will give you some time to pray in peace.

#7

Play dates are great in the late afternoon; make sure to schedule them so there are no surprises at your door.

Hired help is ideal, but not always feasible. A friend will be more than happy to watch your kids for an hour, if you reciprocate.

Then you can both rest.

#9

#6 #8

Start each child’s day with a cup of jelly beans or chocolate chips. Let them know that any time they misbehave a treat will leave the cup. At the end of the day they can eat whatever is left of their nosh prize. This will hopefully guarantee that you have

#10

listening helpers throughout the day.

Remember that today is about taking responsibility for your actions and being close to G-d. Try to stay focused and calm even if that means that the playroom is messy and your kids stay in their pajamas all day. jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

25

Yizkor

Remembrance

Bookmark

Remember

by Abbey Wolin

Memories of a Loved One are a Treasure What is Yizkor? to Hold Dear Yizkor - The Memorial Prayer is a prayer for the departed, is recited in the synagogue four times a year, following the Torah reading on the last day of Passover, on the second day of Shavuot, on Shemini Atzeret and on Yom Kippur.

Yizkor, in Hebrew, means www.jcreatemagazine.com "Remember." “Remember� is the first word of the prayer and also represents its overall theme.

In this prayer, we implore G-d to remember the souls of our relatives that have passed on in the merit of the charity that we are giving on their behalf.

26

www.jcreatemagazine.com jCreate Magazine www.jCreateMagazine.com

It is customary to list the departed using their Hebrew names, son of parent’s Hebrew name.

click to print this!

Why a Bookmark?

Each time I prepare myself for the Yizkor service, I review all the people that I want to include in my prayer. I began saying Yizkor after my father passed away when I was just 11 years old. Since then, as

also mentioned that he forgot to in- print off your own computer. Write clude one of our relatives. We were down all the names that you want so focused on the emotional task of to include. Once it is all filled in, saying Yizkor for our sister that we take it to your store and laminate simply forgot people whom we have the card so you can use it year after included for years. year. You can reprint to add new names when needed. It makes a For those of you who recite Yiz- wonderful bookmark for your Yom kor, have you ever stood there in Kippur Machzor.

more special people have left this world, I have added them to my synagogue – about to honor the departed – when their Hebrew name mental Yizkor list. suddenly slips your mind?

This past May, I lost my beloved sister. The first Yizkor service fol- At jCreate, we wanted to find a solulowing her passing was merely a few tion to this problem so your mind weeks later on Shavuot. When I left can rest at ease and focus on the imthe service I asked my younger sis- portant task of honoring your relater if she was okay and she respond- tives and friends. ed, "Oh! I forgot to include Aunt My team and I have created a beau-

Karen." When I saw my brother he tiful Yizkor bookmark that you can jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

27

The Prayer

Pa c k CONGRATULATIONS! You've just finished

getting the kids off to school! Packing their book bags was no easy feat. Making sure that everyone has the proper supplies is daunting, but we've got a new bag for u to start packing: The Prayer Pack!

Use any bag you have around the house (we used a camp laundry bag, as it was the only bag large enough to accomodate everything).

Stuff the bag with odd toys from around the house to keep your child occupied while you pray on Rosh Hashanahand Yom Kippur. If you come prepared you can be successful!

Choose the prayer and time that is most important to you for that day and hide the pack until just a few seconds before you start. Whip it out and keep your child occupied for the 15 minutes you need to concentrate fully on connecting.

The pack can include small toys and prizes from the dollar store: we love anything dressup so look at your local dollar store

28

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

for silly glasses, alien headbands, bracelets, hats, costumes and other items that can spur imaginative play.

Collect small games and toys from around the house such as matching games, magnetic toys and board games. Choose puzzles for younger kids and brain puzzles for older children such as Rubiks Cubes or Rush Hour.

Toddlers will love a simple mesh sock bag filled with blocks, cars or figurines. Most of the fun is dumping the bag and filling it back up. Sorting and playing is allowed too!

Always include a snack! Select foods that take a while to eat. Many Fizz candies keep kids occupied, sucking or dipping back and forth. Large lollipops happily keep children quiet.

Healthy alternatives such as raisins in a box and squeeze applesauces are easy to eat and require little adult assistance. Snacks will satiate little tummies until you can feed them a proper meal.

We also included small summer leftover inflatable toys such as balls and pool toys. Kids love to inflate and deflate them, roll the balls around or sit on them.

Remember: Part of the fun is that the pack is hidden until prayer times so simply discovering its varied contents is exciting!

Happy packing! jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

29

30

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

ways to

Fancy the Frock

With Mimi and Mushky’s style tips for their signature MIMU MAXI Frock, your favorite go-to dress can easily takes the stage for date night, a family celebration, the High Holidays and beyond.

Mimi and Mushky, co-owners of MIMU MAXI, designed their

stocking up and “living in” their MIMU FROCK, styling it to their

oversized signature-cut FROCK for the modern and modest femme

whim with every wear. Here, for the first time, Mimi and Mushky use

with a busy (and stylish!) life. Who doesn’t need a comfortable basic

basic black and white to show us some easy ways to dress up our new

dress that works every day, can be worn over and over again, styled

favorite wardrobe staple. Don’t have the “Dress of Your Life” yet?

every which way, and flatters all figures with its loose, effortless shape?

Shop the FROCK at www.mimumaxi.com

Since they unveiled the dress almost one year ago, women have been

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

31

Frock 1.

Statement The easiest, most basic way to dress up your frock is to wear it without any layers and don your favorite statement necklace. The frock is an amazing canvas for all your favorite jewelry, but our suggestion: the bigger the better. A chunky, high-contrast piece will amplify your look, taking you from comfychic to fashion week! Or Shul, whatever!

Mimi’s “Frock Statement” Favorite:

Panacea Geometric Beaded Necklace from Neiman Marcus

Mimi’s “Frock Statement” Find: Holst + Lee Miranda Forever Necklace

32

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

Fr�cks 2.

Ablaze

Make an instant sleek-and-chic impact by slipping on a blazer! We chose a solid white structured jacket to add crispness to the frock-flow, but a floral print or even pinstripes would achieve the same tied-together, dressed-up sophistication. Whatever your blazer flavor, make sure it has some structure to add contour to an otherwise loose look.

Oh, and of course, pointy stilettos always polish off some amazin’ blazin’ style!

BLAZER SAVIOR FINDS Mimi’s favorite:

If you’re feeling more tousled over tailored—think last day of Yom Tov—succumb to a more feminine vibe with a blazer that features flowing florals and an asymmetrical cut.

Tall Georgina Blazer from Topshop

Mushky’s favorite: Wide Cut Jacket from H&M jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

33

Fringe Flair 3.

Add some fringe flair by layering some fringe over or under your frock. It keeps the dress basic, effortless and monochrome, while amplifying your look with some movement and texture.

Fringe Finds Wear under: Fringe Dress from Target

Wear over: Fringe Kimono available at H&M

Clutch Finds:

Mimi’s Fave: Nila Anthony Beaded Clutch, Nordstrom

For a night out, grab a colorful clutch with detail to add some interest—giving the monochrome look a strong focal point.

34

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

Mimi’s Fave:

from Asos.com Tassle Box Clutch Bag

P�p 4.

a Collar

There’s an old saying, “There’s nothing a collar can’t do.”

Okay, well, we just made that up…but it’s true! Adding a collar to an outfit is a subtle change that can make all the difference, especially when formalizing a flowy frock.

Wear your frock over a shirt with long sleeves and a strong cuff and your basic on-the-go dress becomes a sleek showstopper. Because the collared look can veer towards a more stiff impression, have some shoe fun and pair this look with your most strappy, bedazzled chunky heel!

Frock Meets Shirt Finds: Mimi and Mushky’s favorite: Zara Silk Blouse

5.Top It Off Wearing your frock over and over again? Of course you are. So how do you achieve a totally different look without—gasp!—taking off the dress?

Top it off with an oversized sleek cape shirt! An added layer flows and blends with the dress easily, creating a flowy, flawless silhouette.

Top the Frock: Mimi’s and Mushky’s favorite: Kimono Top from Zara

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

35

36

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

Winter Squash Ravioli 36 raviolis

1 (21⁄2 lbs) narrow butternut squash 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 large sweet onion, diced 1 Tbsp salt 36 (3-inch) ravioli rounds • oil, for toasting

HERB SAUCE 1⁄4 cup olive oil 1⁄4 cup minced garlic cloves (10-12 cloves) 2 tsp dried thyme 2 tsp dried parsley flakes

1. Prepare the ravioli: Preheat oven to 400oF. Place butternut squash into a baking pan and bake for 60-80 minutes, rotating halfway through (a thick squash may need more time). Squash should be completely soft. Let cool completely. Discard peel and seeds and add the butternut squash flesh to a medium bowl.

2. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add onion and sauté until golden and caramelized, about 20 minutes.

3. Add onions and salt to the butternut squash. Using an immersion blender, blend until completely smooth.

4. Place a teaspoon of squash onto each ravioli round. Fold in half and seal tightly closed, then pinch the two edges together (see photo). Reserve any remaining squash purée.

5. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add ravioli in batches and cook until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Set aside.

6. Prepare the herb sauce: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add garlic, thyme, and parsley.

Cook until garlic is golden, 1-2 minutes. Toss with raviolis.

7. To serve, spoon some reserved purée onto each dish; top with raviolis. Garnish with fresh thyme and parsley (optional). To make a smoother purée, press squash through a wire strainer or sieve.

Recipes from Starters and Sides Made Easy by Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek Reprinted with permission from the copyright holders: ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

37

Hang Sukkot Projects in Style Supplies Clothespins (make sure they are large enough to support the projects) Twine Crafts and projects Zip top bags Permanent markers (we like BIC Mark-It) Display the projects: 1) Decorate clothespins with the permanent makers.

2) Attach projects to the twine with clothespins.

3) Hang projects along the wall of the Sukkah to add flavor and fun!

Storing projects in zip top bags will safeguard them from the rain and allow you to keep them from year to year.

Your kids will love looking at their old preschool crafts!

38

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

LOTS OF HOLIDAYS

LOTS OF MEALS

OY VeY! order your copy today click here for wholesale opportunities or more info email monthofmenus@gmail.com jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

39

DONATE YOUR CLOTHING TO

Lakewood's Clothing Resale Shop 732.966.0266

40

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

trip tips By: Sara Younger The school calendar was sticking out of my mailbox the last Shabbat afternoon in August. As soon as Shabbat was over, I opened it to see how the school “off days” fell out this year. Next thing I know, the calendar had been borrowed by my children and they were focused on that third week of October when they have a longer vacation week for the intermediary days, known as Chol Hamoed, of the holiday of Sukkot. Their agenda was slightly different than mine.

“Six Flags on Monday, Ma,” my oldest announced.

“Chuckee Cheese’s EVERY day!!” my three year old decided.

“Chuckee Cheese’s is for babies.

You don’t want to be a baby right??

Let’s go to the batting cages,” says another son.

“Maaaaa, did you see this????

Shabbat is the first day of Chol Hamoed! That means Chol Hamoed is short. There is no way that we are wasting our time doing baby things!

We better do good stuff every day this year.”

I’m thinking calendars should have age restrictions. 18 to read. 21 to plan. Seriously, children with a calendar are dangerous!

I need to start negotiating Chol Hamoed plans in August?!?

As in all areas of life, balance is key. There is such a thing as too much fun.

Though I remain firm that Chol Hamoed planning is not for August, a bit of advanced planning will ensure a successful trip.

As in all areas of life, balance is key.

There is such a thing as too much fun. (I can’t believe I just wrote that!

Shhhh!) And there is a problem with being boring!

So the goal is to put together a plan that is suitable for the various age groups in your home while balancing wild fun with wholesome activities that fit your budget. Whoooo, I just set the bar really high!

I divide our days into 3 basic categories. This year, my family will choose one of each. Obviously every family’s plans will be different: Some of you may want more free days while some families don’t do outdoors (but, really, you should give it a try).

Category 1: The WILD FUN Day: That’s the day that usually costs $$$.

This day is usually geared to the older kids. (Younger children are happy with simpler entertainment.)

jCreate Magazine

An amusement park, a concert or show, indoor trampolining...

Tip: Try to choose a venue that does have options for the younger crowd too. Most amusement parks have kiddie areas. Many younger children enjoy concerts. Alternatively, choose something that is advertised as “entertainment for the entire family.”

Category 2: The FREE Day: Yup, a day in which the only cost is the gas to get to,your destination.

Some options can be a park you haven’t checked out yet, Sukkah hopping, free museums, or hiking.

Finding a park that has a playground and sports fields nearby can help keep everyone happy too.

Another great free activity can be Sukkah hopping. Organize a few families that will take turns hosting and visiting. Each family should plan an exciting activity to be done in their Sukkah at a specific time. All the families get a chance to visit others’ Sukkot and a time to host, keeping the kids are busy all day long.

Tip: Free, usually means “make your own fun,” so be sure to do that. Bring along prizes and make a treasure hunt. Use an app that guides your

www.jCreateMagazine.com

41

keep in mind:

Free

Here are some places that work well for a free day:

Book stores: Many larger ones have areas to play and read.

Parks: See above.

Museums: Many have a free day or free afternoon. Just be prepared to battle crowds.

Zoos: Just like museums, many have a free day... just be prepared

to meet every cousin, neighbor, aunt and friend from high school.

ceramics :dnim nipainting peek keep MAlls in mind: Aside from shopping for the older crowd, many malls have activity centers for younger children. Some even have arcades, ice skating rinks or book stores...

Painting is so relaxing! And, it’s physically engaging, so you won’t have to worry about what everyone’s up to. The only down side is that younger children will finish faster. Either pace them and keep them layering the paint or plan to take a walk with them while waiting for the others to finish.

keep Parks in mind: Just plan in advance and bring the right equipment along.

Parks are great for everyone.

42

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

keep in mind: Bounce/Trampolining Either one is perfect for children of all ages! Bounce places are usually more affordable while trampoline venues may excite older children more.

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

43

keep in mind:

adventure. Pack up sports equipment and organize a game. Take bikes or skates along for the family. Borrow some fishing rods and test your luck fishing.

This is also a great day to invite cousins or neighbors. Just having company along adds to the fun.

Category 3: FUN, FRIENDLY and LOCAL: There are so many great places to go that are not crazy loud, or crazy expensive. These are great local venues that are found in most neighborhoods. These may not be cost prohibitive for one or two children but quickly add up for larger contingents, so search for coupons online.

You can try: ceramic painting, bowling, ice skating, an indoor inflatables place, roller skating/ blading, mini golfing, arcades... The list goes on and on.

Tip: The key is to select destinations that will have something for every family member. Some will be more suited for certain children than for others, so be prepared to actively engage all children. Do not assume that once you arrive you will just chaperone your children around (if you’ve got some technique that allows for that contact me NOW!! I’ll be your biggest fan.). Realize that you will be a part of the entertainment.

Even with the best of planning, there are no guarantees. Kids will be kids and that means they will be unpredictable. (Like, “Yes Ma, I did say we should go to the amusement park but how could I know there would be LINES?!? I hate waiting on LINES! We should have stayed home!”) So, if all else fails, go for ice cream. At least you will be happy!

Sara Younger takes fun very seriously.

As the director of Camp Summer Playland and the owner of Playland Parties she is constantly creating fun, balanced programming for children.

44

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

Don’t rush! The days have lots of hours. Enjoy breakfast in the Sukkah. Leave time for everyone to get ready in the morning. Drink your coffee at home. Unless you are heading on a long drive to an amusement park where you want to maximize the hours, there is absolutely no reason to hurry children along.

Pack food! Starving children are cranky children. No one can have fun when they are starving. Pack foods that can be eaten with or without a Sukkah.

Check the weather... before you leave. The rainy day will be better spent indoors than hiking through the mud.

Bring the right gear along.

Younger children? Take a stroller. On the cool side?

Bring jackets. Going hiking?

Sneaker time... yes, even on Chol Hamoed (unless you are trying to work your calves by hiking in heels).

Be the Queen Bee with these adorable honeycomb cookies!

Honeycomb

They’ll be swarming back to the hive for more crispy deliciousness with every buzzy bite!

Cookies

By: Esther Ottensosser

Supplies:

Sugar cookie dough Hexagon cookie cutter Plastic straw

Yellow chocolate-melted /royal icing Edible bees (available at baking supply stores)

Directions:

Roll out cookie dough- approx 1/4� thick.

Using the cookie cutter, cut out the dough.

Using a straw, poke holes in the cookie dough to resemble a bee hive.

Bake according to recipe directions.

Allow the cookies to cool.

Ice the cookies using the melted chocolate or royal icing.

Stick the bees onto the cookies while the icing is still wet.

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

45

FOR MORE CRAFT IDEAS: Check out our Pinterest board at www.pinterest.com/jcreatemag/

8

Edible Sukkah

Flower Power Fall Leaf Cookies My Favorite!

I made this with fresh flowers.

Smelled great!

9 Take Flight Citrus Sun Catcher

Ribbon Fun! 46

For my Bat Mitzvah.

Everyone Looks Great in Pearl Earrings

Call to OrderStuds Today! as low as $30 Get them in Time for the Holidays 14K, 18K, Sterling Silver Free Shipping

732.942.3675

jCreate Magazine

www.jCreateMagazine.com

47

our Pick:

fit all your holiday crafts and newsletters into this neat little bag.

Bag attaches to chair with elastic fasteners.

great for shul and your holiday taBle!

www.not2shabbey.com

Attention Schools, Organizations, etc.

Introducing... Do it yourself

Sukkah Decoration

Craft Kits by:

SURE TO ADD

Elegance & Class TO ANY SUKKAH WALL Kits include supplies and easy to follow diy directions activity time 30-45 minutes // ages 10 and up

the silver sticKers used in these Kits resemble the ornate silver engraving found on many crystal/silver wine bottles and vases

to order: info@estherodesign.com // www.estherodesign.com // 732-757-934049 jCreate Magazine www.jCreateMagazine.com FOR MORE CRAFT KITS PLEASE VISIT WWW.ESTHERODESIGN.COM

Creative Inspiration for the eight days of

Hanukkah craft projects

special

for

hanukkah

Next Issue: December Advertising Deadline: Oct. 5