Happy New Year!

Hello!

 Wow. Today is the final day of the year 2015. This year has gone by unexplainably fast. Although, I feel like there were some moments throughout this year that I thought 2015 couldn't go by any slower, haha.

 I thought I'd do the New Years tradition of listing my resolutions for 2016. These are things that I truly want to change and know that if I make these changes I will be happier with myself, and happier in general.

 So, here are my New Year's resolutions for 2016:

♡ Stop letting other people control me or make my decisions for me

This year, I found myself letting other people influence me in ways I didn't like. Even so, I let them take over. Not in very serious matters, but smaller things. Even so, those smaller things are important to me and I want to be someone who is independent and can think for themselves. In the new year, I am going to take control of my life.

♡ Make more conscious decisions

This kind of goes along with the previous resolution, but I want to make more conscious decisions and become more aware of, well everything. I find myself always getting distracted and not paying attention to things I should be. So, along with making my own decisions, I want them to be smart decisions.

♡ Continue to explore new things

In 2015 I began stepping out of my comfort zone. I actually wrote a blog post on this topic a while ago; you can read it here. Anyway, the joy I got out of doing things I wouldn't normally do was exhilarating and I want to continue feeling that feeling.

♡ Start being more positive and find the light in dark situations
Whenever I have a problem, I go to my mom. And she always seems to have the right answer - no matter what I'm coming to her with. She always looks at the glass half full and sometimes I can't understand how, haha. But I want to do the same - stop focusing on the negative and wasting my energy on things that don't matter, things that already happened. I want to have the mindset of - If there's a choice between looking at the dark or bright side, which there always is, why would you choose dark?

♡ Lastly, enjoy life. I don't think this one needs much explanation. 

 What are your resolutions for the new year? Leave them in a comment below. I hope you have an awesome, bright, and safe new year! Here's to 2016; lets make it a great one!

 Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you in the New Year!

*computer hug*

Grandma's Cookie Recipe

Hello!

 It feels kind of weird not inserting my Blogmas banner at the top of this post, haha. If you didn't know, I blogged every day in December up until the 25th (a.k.a. Blogmas)! And I had a little Blogmas photo at the top of each post :)

 Anyway, today I am bringing you the recipe for my grandmas classic cookies. They're simple and plain, but she makes them every time we come to Israel, sends them to our house when we are not in Israel, and always has a jar full of them in her kitchen. So, as we made them together the other day, I thought I'd share the recipe with you. Plus, it's been quite some time since I did a food/baking post!

 My Grandma's Classic Cookies:

 You will need:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup oil

3 packets vanilla sugar (or, if you don't have it, vanilla extract to taste)

2 packets baking powder (or about 4 teaspoons)

*We didn't use an exact "cup" measurement. We took one small glass and used it for every ingredient so it would be the same unit of measurement. But, you can use an exact cup if you'd like or what ever you have lying around.*

 Also, this recipe makes about 70 cookies. Yes, you read that right - 70. Even though that sounds like a huge number, they are fairly small and in our house they are finished like that! Maybe that's because we don't get to eat them that often, haha. Anyway, you can freeze some of the dough and save it for another time if you don't want such a large number.

Step 1: Pour the flour, vanilla sugar, and baking powder into a large bowl. Although we put flour in first, my grandma says it's actually best to put eggs in first (and all other wet ingredients) and gradually add in the flour.

Step 2: Add in the eggs and oil.

Step 3: Finally, add in the regular sugar. Our recipe says 3/4 cup sugar, but you can increase or decrease that amount to your preference. 

Step 4: Mix, mix, mix! We used our hands, which did not take long at all before the dough formed, but you can use a mixer if you choose. Mix until a dough has formed; it shouldn't be very sticky once it's done and should form one large ball. Knead the dough to make sure it's smooth and all the ingredients are completely mixed/blended.

I got an action shot of my grandma mixing, lol.

Step 5: Form the dough into (very) small balls/pieces. Just pinch off a piece of dough with two fingers and that should be enough! 

Step 6: Roll out each ball into a wormy shape. Make sure it is not thin enough to break off into two pieces. 

Step 7: Bring both ends of the dough worm (lol) together to form a circular shape and pinch the ends together.

Step 8: Line two trays with baking/parchment paper and place the cookie dough on it. There should be a small bit of space between the cookies, but you don't need much because they do not expand a whole lot.

Step 9: Bake at 180° for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to watch your cookies and take them out of the oven just as they turn a golden brown color and have thickened up (picture below); the time will vary so make sure you keep an eye on them because we ended up burning part of the second batch :( 

before

after

Step 10: Let the cookies cool for around 10 minutes. Here is what they look like once they are out of the oven. On the outside, they have a sort of airy texture with some little bubbles (as I like to call them)/dots.

Step 11: We put our cookies in a big jar and tied it off with some polka dot ribbon :)

 That is it for my grandma's classic cookies! I loved making these cookies and I also loved writing a recipe/baking post; I hope you enjoyed! If you decide to make these cookies, let me know!! I'd love to see pictures. Thank you for making these with me, grandma <3

 Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year - Blogmas Day 24

Hello!

 Wow, the final day of Blogmas 2015! Writing posts 24 days in a row has been so much fun - I've been able to test myself and see if I could come up with enough ideas to last the whole month, lol. All of your lovely comments motivate me to keep going and I have loved reading all of your wonderful posts as well, those of you that blog.

 We are only 8(ish) days away from the new year! I thought I'd sort of reminisce about the events of 2015. One of the biggest was going to Playlist Live Orlando with two of my best, best friends. That was an experience of a lifetime, and I can't wait to go again next year - only 120 days!! I also started high school this year, which has been both good and bad. But, more on that on the post I will be writing at the end of freshman year. My blog also celebrated its one year anniversary this November. I didn't think I'd get this far when I wrote my first post more than a year ago, and I am so thankful to those of you who have been there since the beginning, since the middle, even since right now.

 I hope 2015 was an amazing year for you, but I also hope 2016 is even better. I guess I'm speaking to both you and myself, haha. If when you look back at this year and all you think of is bad memories, focus on making 2016 the best year ever, filled with happier memories. Who wants to recall their past when they're older and only remember the horrible things that happened? I know I don't, so I'm going to try and put those bad things behind me and remain focused on the beautiful things I am blessed with - the happy things. That's pretty much a New Years resolution, so I'll have to keep my word ;)

Happy (almost) New Year!!

 To everyone who has celebrated or soon will be celebrating the holiday season, happy holidays! As I said yesterday, I hope you are all in the company of those you love and long to spend time with. Cherish and appreciate the time you have together. That time will hopefully be one of the happy memories you look back on in the future!

 Thank you, again, to all of you; my readers. It means the world that you take the time to click on my blog link or type in the website and read what I have taken out of my brain and put out on the internet. If any of you have a blog, make sure to link it below in a comment, so I can give back to you and read your amazing words. In this new year, I will be working to expand & improve my blog and I hope you will continue to join me on this magnificent journey.

 Yes, this post was kind of sappy and heartfelt, but nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed.

 Well, that is it for Blogmas 2015. I will talk to you again probably in a couple days in a new post! I won't be blogging every day (until next December I'm guessing), but don't you worry! You will be seeing more posts from me soon!

 Also, I've added falling snow onto my blog! On your phone, it will probably look like the snowflake emoji (on iPhones, at least), but on computers it looks like red snowflakes of different sizes. Sadly, I don't know how to change it so they will look the red ones I programmed them to look like on phones, but here's a picture just so you can see :) They will probably stay up through February - I think they make my blog look quite festive!

 Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon. Happy Holidays! xx

*computer hug*

What I Love About Winter - Blogmas Day 23

Hello love <3

 Wait, wait...what?! Blogmas day 23?! Time has flown by so, SO fast! That means it's only 2 days till Christmas and 1 till Christmas Eve! As most of you know, I don't celebrate Christmas, but for those of you that do, I'm wishing you the merriest Christmas of all! I hope you have a wonderful holiday, no matter what you are celebrating, and spend time with those you love - and appreciate that time!

 Day 23 also means only 2 days of Blogmas left, counting this one :'-(

 Today I'm talking about my favorite things about this season. I did a post sort of like this last year, and am curious to see how/if my thoughts have changed.

 I love...

 That perfect balance between cool and freezing - I'd call it somewhat chilly. Where it's not sweltering, there's no blizzard, but there is still chilled air blowing across your face. It's refreshing because you're in a big, warm, winter coat, but doesn't cause your nose to be all red. Now, where I live it's quite warm, and it's very warm in Israel. But, in New York there were times where there was this perfect (in my opinion) weather. I came out of my hotel room dressed in a gloves, a scarf, hat, and puffy jacket and would be so thankful when I was met with a gust of cold wind.

 Traveling to different places and seeing the different weather. I've been in 3 different places the past couple weeks and the weather is different everywhere you go. And along with the weather, I love the fashion. You might already know that I love fashion and styling different pieces together, so when a new season comes around, I bring out different clothing items from my wardrobe and pair them in ways I have and haven't before. Also, dressing up all warm in cute gloves and scarves and hats is always fun (until you start getting super hot).

 Obviously, the decor - both in my home and outside everywhere else. I've mentioned this countless times, but the lights around this time of year are so bright and make everyone around them feel so festive.

 Christmas radio. K 104.7 plays the best range of holiday music! My mom and I turn it (or Michael Bublé radio on Pandora) on while were driving and have a blast. 

 Obviously, Hanukkah. The Jewish community where I live joins together to celebrate the miracle of the light. It's a wonderful time - decorating, eating, spinning dreidels, lighting candles, all of it. It's an amazing holiday full of light and love.

 Those are some of the things that I love about this season. What do you love about Winter?

 Tomorrow is the final day of Blogmas 2015 :( I'm very sad actually, haha. Again, to those that celebrate, Merry (almost) Christmas!

 Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

Taking the Time to Appreciate Nature - Blogmas Day 22

Hello love <3

 Yesterday my family and I took a trip to my uncle Omer's kibbutz: Harduf. A kibbutz is a commune, or collective community. It is so much quieter than any other place I've been; so peaceful. In his kibbutz there was an organic market, supermarket, school, restaurant, café, activity center, and beautiful scenery.

 While I was there, I started really appreciating everything around me. Everything was quiet; I could only hear the sounds of birds chirping as I walked up hills and down paths.

 My uncle is a tour guide; he takes people all over Israel (how COOL?!). So, he took us around his community and showed us what the buildings were and told us some facts about the nature around us.

 I've written about being outside/nature before, and I guess I'm having reoccurring thoughts. There is so much beauty around us, and most of it we don't realize is there. That's why, while we were visiting the kibbutz, I noticed just how much we miss while looking down at out phones: beautiful greenery, lively animals and people of different cultures, the sights and sounds of organisms around us...

 I took a few pictures while there and thought I'd share them with you.

The café had its tables numbered on little wood stumps
and I thought all the decor was simple yet original

Me being me, I ordered some tea 

There was a path leading to this big gate and on the other
side was an archway made of branches and leaves - so beautiful

I made some pita bread dough!

We cooked the pitas on a plate called a taboon 

The finished product

The organic market grows their own produce very close to their store!

Beautiful sunsets in Israel

My wonderful sisters & grandma

For some reason, I decided not to look at the camera...

 Next time we visit Israel, I definitely want to visit Harduf again.

 So, this holiday season and new year, take the time to look at, acknowledge, and take in what is around you.

 Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

Last Minute Gift Ideas - Blogmas Day 21

Hello love <3

 If you haven't gotten all of your holiday shopping done yet, I thought I'd share some ideas with you! Here are a few gifts you could whip up last minute:

• Framed Picture

 If you are out of ideas or are on a budget, you can frame a photo of you and the person you are giving a gift to. If you wanted to take it a step further, you could personalize the frame be decorating it or making it yourself. There is probably a friend or family member of yours that loves sentimental gifts, so this would be perfect for them! (I did get this idea from one of Zoe's recent videos, haha. Thank you, Zoe!)

• Lush Set

 I know I love a gorgeous colored bath, and you probably know someone who does as well. But, if you don't know specifically what scents/products they like, you could get them a bundle of different ones to choose from!

• Pamper Kit

 Everyone likes to pamper themselves once in a while, so if you want to buy something a bit cheaper than a Lush set, you can get a bunch of smaller gifts - a nail polish, one-use face mask, body wash & lotion, etc. (you can tailor it to their preference) and put it all together in a cute jar. I know that I would love a personalized gift like that, and I know others would, too!

I found this on Pinterest :)
The photos on this post are not mine

• Gift Cards & Candy

 If you know someone's favorite store(s), you could get them a gift card! That way, you know they will love what they are going to receive because they bought it themselves. And if you want to go for something a bit extra, buy a few chocolates or sweets to go along with it.

• Homemade Sugar Scrub

  This will literally seconds and it has a personal touch to it. All you need is sugar, oil, and essential oils to add a specific scent (optional). Mix the sugar and oil (olive, canola, what ever you have) together until they stick together and form a scrub-like consistency; the mixture should be compact. If you want to add a fragrance, for example, peppermint for the holidays, you can use a few drops of an essential oil. You can put it into a mason jar or other container of your choice, decorate it with ribbon and stickers, add a gift tag, and voila, you have a homemade sugar scrub that will leave the skin of the person you are giving it to you super soft!

• Movie Marathon 

 Because it's the holiday season, Christmas movies are being watched every minute of every day. You could buy a bunch of holiday movies, and a few bags of popcorn and boxes of candy (like the movie theater) to go along with them, and you have created the perfect movie marathon kit!

 Those were a few last minute gift ideas! I hope they helped some of you if you are not sure what you are going to buy for friends, family, etc. I've  received some of these things myself and know that whoever you are giving them to will love them!

 Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*

New York Photos - Blogmas Day 20

Hello love <3

 My family and I left New York and are now in Israel! As I said I would, I will be uploading the photos we took on the trip! All of them remind me of the holiday season and are an awesome reminder of beautiful New York.

 Also, I am posting at a weird time because Israel is 7 hours ahead than the U.S. so I want to get this post up before I go to bed; I'm so jet-lagged!

View from our hotel room

The first night we ate at this cute little Italian restaurant:
Luna Piena

Their decor was so festive and elegant!

Kind of awful picture from the plane window (lol)

I took a couple photos of buildings I found intriguing

For some reason I really like the buildings with fire escapes

The Subway is my favorite way to travel around NY

Yes, it's blurry because I was walking but I think this looks kind of cool

Radio City Music Hall!

M&M World

Rockefeller Center

Another hotel picture, this time from the morning rather than evening

Standing in front of an ELEVEN FLOORS Macy's store!!

Times Square!

The Disney Store had this beautiful corridor thing staged like the lantern
scene from Tangled! How gorgeous is this?! And the store is two floors!

Dylan's Candy Bar!

Central Park!

The closest we got to the Statue of Liberty 

Our view from the Freedom Tower!

 I hope you enjoyed seeing the photos from my family's trip to New York! Although this post wasn't exactly Blogmas/holiday themed, New York is decorated for the holidays and some of the photos show that. I will be taking pictures in Israel as well :)

 Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you soon.

*computer hug*