Fish Hotel

How modularly awesome is this Fish Hotel??

I'm totally smitten by the simplicity of taking something as common as the concept of a goldfish bowl and turning it into modern interior art! What a great way to liven up a dead corner - plant life or aquatic life; we now have options. :)

Also, seeing this made me think that this would be such a fun and hands-on way to teach children about the Jewish custom of "tashlich". Not necessarily through this particular fish residence, but just by buying a goldfish/beta fish or two and letting the kids explore the science and nature of these simple water creatures (they don't close their eyes when they sleep, for instance etc.). Viewing things first hand makes each custom much more personal and memorable. Just a thought...

Fall In

Can't believe the start of this weekend is heralding the beginning of yet another new season! I feel like summer flew right on by and fall is suddenly upon us! Not that I'm complaining; I always find myself looking forward to all the cozy goodies that come with the autumn weather (not to mention holidays spent appreciating autumn bounty and cool nights spent outdoors with family surrounded by scents of cedar and fern)!

Can't wait to get this season started with deep red lipstick, chunky knit sweaters, and seasonal shades of laquer!

Wishing you all a happy leap into this fabulously cozy season! Happy weekend ladies!!

P.S. View more beatific apple orchard photos here.

Gettin' Twiggy With It

Give caramel apples a bajillion times more character this holiday by using naturally rustic twigs instead of sticks. Looks especially awesome if you can find some with leaves still intact! Found this deliciously edible ode to the autumn season here.

Tip the Scale.

While I didn't have the energy to trek out to Lakeshore for a kid-friendly balance scale, nor the extra $ to fund this little experiment, I was surprised at how easily we were able to put one together out of regular household items.

DIY Scale

- 1 hook

- 1 hanger

- 2 matching bags, baskets, or boxes

- string

What I loved most about this was that I was able to leave it out all week and let her mess around with how how ever she wanted, with all different toys etc. She would go over and play with it whenever she wanted, and because it was so cheap and simple I wasn't worried about her putting in things that were too heavy and breaking it - she had total freedom to experiment however she wanted.

While I did talk a bit about good side/bad side, and how Hashem measures our mitzvos, this did generally seem too advanced for her (even when I put in a marble every time she did a mitzvah etc.) and pretty much went right over her head. Good to know for next year though. We'll take 2 when she's 3. :)

Honey Hive for the Home

This modern clear glass honey jar made me swoon.