Tag: hanukkah 2014

Blogmas 2014 – Come Light the Menorah

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Levin, Alex. Magnificent Light of Menorah. Web. 17 Dec. 2014. . Calvin College openURL resolver

Levin, Alex. Magnificent Light of Menorah. Web. 17 Dec. 2014. <http://www.artlevin.com/page409.html&gt;.
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Chanukah Sameach readers!!  In honor of the first night of Hanukkah, I want to give you a VIP tour through my favorite Jewish holiday.  If you did not read my post last year, here is the story of Hanukkah: The Jews were, at one time, oppressed by a Greek king; he killed Jews, outlawed their religion, and defiled the temple, their place of worship.  Despite their small number and “underdog” status, Judah Maccabees and his army were successful in their rebellion.  The temple was restored, and a celebration took place.  There was only enough oil to light the temple menorah for one night, but the lamp miraculously burned for eight straight nights.  That, ladies and gentlemen, is why we celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.

Read or recite the following:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, Asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav, Vitzivanu, L’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah – Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who made us holy through your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, Sheh’asah nissim la’avoteinu, Ba-yam ha-heim, Ba-zman hazeh – Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in those ancient days at this season

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu, v’ki-y’manu, v’higiyanu, lazman hazeh – Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has given us life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season  (“The Hanukkah Blessings”)

If you want help with pronunciation, follow along with this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fb-tkAet5A&list=PLcRF_zFl6hpHXnmP-CaCK2OO-3xfmm1kg

I hope you have enjoyed Hanukkah 101.  Now go make latkes and play dreidel.  Stay kosher readers!!  (See what I did there??)

– Lauren Michele :)

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ ”  – John 8:12

 

Works Cited:

Levin, Alex. Magnificent Light of Menorah. Web. 17 Dec. 2014. <http://www.artlevin.com/page409.html&gt;.

“The Hanukkah Blessings.” myjewishlearning.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2014. <http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Hanukkah/At_Home/Candlelighting

/Blessings.shtml>.

 

***My links:

Art Blog: https://laurenmichelephotography.wordpress.com/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lagirl93/

Tumblr: http://laurenmichelephotography.tumblr.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCic1VLw_OuW2fzDQ88oi_AA/feed

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Blogmas 2014 – Artmas 2014

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Artmas 2014

Good evening readers!  I am not really in a blogging mood tonight.  However, I wanted to let you know that I am participating in Blogmas 2014 on my art blog for the next ten days.  I am calling it “Artmas.”  All of the art will be Christmas and/or winter related  Here is a link to my first post: http://laurenmichelephotography.wordpress.com/2014/12/16/artmas-2014-danbo-the-robot/   If you would like to read posts related to art year-round, subscribe!!  I will be back tomorrow.  Stay merry readers!

– Lauren Michele :)

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”  – Pablo Picasso

 

***My links:

Art Blog: https://laurenmichelephotography.wordpress.com/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lagirl93/

Tumblr: http://laurenmichelephotography.tumblr.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCic1VLw_OuW2fzDQ88oi_AA/feed

 

 

Blogmas 2014 – Candles Candles Candles

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Candles Candles Candles (Please excuse the bad quality phone picture)

I hope your noses are in tip-top shape because tonight’s post is all about CANDLES!!  Today was the sacred day that die-hard Bath & Body Works shoppers crave the other 364 days of the year, leap years excluded.  Today was “$8 Candle Day.”  I cannot tell a lie.  This whole “I need a gazillion candles in my life” craze is new to me, but I caught on quickly.  First of all, the store was absolute chaos.  California women do not mess around when it comes to sales, even if they are holding one or more babies.  I was poked, prodded, stared down, and 100% overwhelmed.  Even the employees were getting trapped by the sea of shoppers.  Despite my “fear”, I was more worried about the candles.  People were moving about as if the store was full of cotton instead of fragile candles.  Take a chill pill!!  If you can’t already tell from my dramatic narrative, I am NOT a crowd person.  Fun fact about me: I will not go to a store to wrestle over an item in person.  However, I am a master online shopper; I will bid to the death.  Perhaps I will share some of my wisdom with you another time.  Back to the topic at hand.  I made it out of the store alive with four candles.  At $8 apiece with the inclusion of a $10 off coupon, I paid a little more than twenty-three dollars total.  That is the amount I would have paid for ONE candle on a normal shopping day, and I walked out with FOUR candles.  Hallelujah, praise Jesus.  I love saving $$$!!!  I will end this post with a description of each candle, including Marshmallow Fireside which was purchased last month.  FYI: These descriptions come on the bottom of each candle; I cannot take credit for the text in quotation marks.

Cranberry Woods – “Fresh tart cranberries, blackcurrant, and warm cinnamon bark combine in a delightful fragrance inspired by the magic of the woods during harvest time.”  I chose this candle over “Frosted Cranberry” because the scent was more delicate.  Despite the absence of citrus, the scent has a citrus quality that cuts the harshness of the cranberry.  This scent is ideal for any Thanksgiving table.

Gourmet Espresso – “The fragrance of rich espresso delightfully brewed with artisan coffee beans is the perfect complement for your homemade holiday treats.”  Coffee lovers need this candle in their life.  I am not a coffee aficionado nor do I drink pure coffee, but this scent is absolute heaven.  This candle was made to be lit in your kitchen every morning.

Holly Jolly Christmas – “Have a holly jolly Christmas with this festive blend of bright mandarin, red pomegranate, and fresh balsam.”  Christmas-themed scents tend to be too spicy for my taste.  If you are like me, this is the candle for you.  The notes of fruit add just enough pop to the fresh balsam without being overpowering.  A “Fresh Balsam” candle is also available, but I chose this candle instead because the scent offers more than one note of Christmas.

Marshmallow Fireside – “A sweet toasty end to a long cold day – toasted marshmallows and sumptuous vanilla cream blend with the comforting aroma of rich smoldering woods.”  I am not a huge fan of sweet scents because they can be very nauseating.  While this scent is very sweet, in small doses it is a pleasant pick-me-up.  You know that scent from bonfires that makes your eyes and nose burn?  Hints of that toastiness are present and break up the sweetness a little bit.  This scent is 100% dependent on the first impression.  You either like it or you don’t; there is no compromise.

Mint Mocha Bark – “Wrap this delectable medley of creamy smooth mocha, vanilla, and icy mint in a bow and give it to your nearest and dearest.”  Plain and simple: if you want to have the scent of a Starbucks peppermint mocha frappuccino within reach at all times, this is the candle for you.

Now go forth, shop, & fill the air with fragrance.  Stay merry readers!

– Lauren Michele  :)

“It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.”  – Eleanor Roosevelt

 

***My links:

Art Blog: https://laurenmichelephotography.wordpress.com/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lagirl93/

Tumblr: http://laurenmichelephotography.tumblr.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCic1VLw_OuW2fzDQ88oi_AA/feed

 

Blogmas 2014 – Sleep in Heavenly Peace

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Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Good evening readers.  I am feeling especially rested today after my NyQuil-induced sleep last night.  That stuff should be illegal!!  Though I am not yet 100%, I am feeling well enough to listen to Christmas music and write a Blogmas post.  I am not sure if you remember this, but I tried out life as a Youtuber earlier this year.  After my college graduation, I decided to take a break because I was not feeling as excited about it as I was when I started.  Today, out of the blue, someone commented on one of my videos and requested a makeup tutorial.  I know it is only ONE comment, but as a small Youtuber, it is both an accomplishment and motivation.  Sooo… I am thinking about going back to Youtube and filming the requested makeup tutorial as well one or two special Christmas videos.  I will let you know when that happens so that you can tune in if the videos interest you.  Perhaps this time around my perfectionist ways will not alter my personality.  :P

I hope all of you are having a very merry Christmas thus far.  Surprisingly I am having a very difficult time getting into the Christmas spirit.  I am currently dealing with a lot of changes and emotions so that could be the cause.  I also blame the “Sunny all the time” California weather.  Not Christmasy at all!!  I need to remedy this problem because time is running out.  I started my Christmas festivities way back in October, and I still feel like time went by too fast.  I might have to start in September next year!!

That is all for now.  Stay merry readers!

– Lauren Michele  :)

“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there

The children were nestled all snug in their beds

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.”

– “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, Clement Clarke Moore

 

*** My links:

Art Blog: https://laurenmichelephotography.word…

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lagirl93/

Tumblr: http://laurenmichelephotography.tumblr.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCic1VLw_OuW2fzDQ88oi_AA/feed

 

 

Blogmas 2014 – Pumpkin Pie, M.D.

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Pumpkin Pie M.D

Well, well, well.  What do you know?  I am behind on my Blogmas posts.  Deja vu!  I do have two excuses, the latter being much better than the first.  On December 4th, I kept procrastinating and ultimately forgot.  On December 4th, I was out and about for the first half of the day and ended up back at home sick (Very unexpected considering I was just sick for three weeks).  I decided that instead of pushing myself to write three Blogmas posts whilst sick, I would just post one and hope for the best.  I apologize for the unexpected circumstances and promise to try much harder in the coming days.  Moving on to the title.  I LOVE pumpkin pie.  Actually, that is an understatement, but, for the sake of sparing you from a pumpkin pie lovefest, I digress.  I was not able to have pumpkin pie with my Thanksgiving meal so today was the day to make up for that.  As I mentioned before, I am really sick, and since I love pumpkin pie so much, I was hoping that it would miraculously heal me.  I don’t feel better, but the pie was delicious so it wasn’t a total waste of time.  Side note: I had to bake the pie in a toaster oven.  That was interesting.  I was freaked out that I would blow up the apartment, but all went well.  Fun fact: It is possible to bake an entire pie in a toaster oven.  Perhaps you already knew that, but I did not so this is a fascinating discovery.  I am in desperate need of sleep so I will end my rambling here.  I hope my pumpkin pie story was entertaining enough for December 6th.  I will try my very best to post tomorrow.

Stay merry readers!  Only 19 days until Christmas…

– Lauren Michele :)

“Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.”  – Jim Davis

Blogmas 2014 – Merry Shopmas

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Merry Shopmas

Happy December 3rd readers!  Despite the cloudy weather I experienced today, my Christmas spirit is not drenched (See what I did there??).  I actually enjoy cold, rainy weather.  The first half of my day was spent doing laundry.  Exciting stuff.  However, a mommy-daughter lunch at Coco’s made up for 3 1/2 hours of washing, drying, and folding.  After that, we made a quick stop at the store for some essential groceries A.K.A. salted caramel hot chocolate and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.  What is it about the holidays that makes our shopping carts so unhealthy??  One word: tradition.  That one word can justify all things unhealthy, ranging from eggnog and hot chocolate to cookies and pies.  Well, it doesn’t really justify, but, in the spirit of Christmas, the details are blurred.  Some say “Holiday calories don’t count.”  Tell that to my body when it is screaming from pain after post-Christmas workouts.  Thank God Christmas only happens once a year.  Oh the struggle!!

Only 22 days until Christmas.  Stay merry readers!!

– Lauren Michele  :)

“We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup. ”  – Buddy Hobbs, “Elf”

Blogmas 2014 – Christmas Without You

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Light a Candle

Good evening readers!  I had my title and subject all figured out for today, but the passing of a dear family friend changed my plans.  I do not want to make this post long because all I would do is ramble, and that would be neither productive nor comforting.  With utmost sincerity, I dedicate this blog post to those who have lost loved ones around this time of year.  May we all embrace the joy of Christmas and honor the memories.

 

“Although it’s sad to reminisce, On Christmases we knew, This year I shall celebrate, In memory of you

I’ll put aside my sorrow, With every unshed tear, And concentrate on all the joy, We shared when you were here

Our time together taught me, What Christmas time is for, And that’s what I’ll remember, Until we meet once more.”

– “Christmas Without You”, Unknown

 

– Lauren Michele :)

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

 

Blogmas 2014 – Christmas Time in California

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Christmas at the beach

Long time no “see” readers!!  Allow me to offer an explanation for being M.I.A.  After I graduated from college in September, I unexpectedly lost my desire to write.  I not only stopped blogging but also journaling and writing poetry.  I was shocked but had to allow myself a period of rest considering I had just survived a three-year college grind.  I have been unable to motivate myself… Until now!!   I am sure it is obvious from my enthusiasm last year that I LOVE Christmas.  I couldn’t let every other blogger and vlogger have all the fun so I am reviving my blog just in time for all the December festivities.  Today is December 1st, day one of Blogmas, and this post is all about location, location, location.  For the first time in twelve years, I am spending the holidays in the Golden State.  Despite the fact that I am a California girl, born and semi-raised, Texas has spoiled me with cold temperatures and mild snow.  I used to hate the cold because I was used to sun year round, but once I adjusted to the lower temperatures and discovered new fashion choices (boots, scarves, sweaters, etc), I was obsessed.  In fact, my favorite time of year is November 1st – January 1st.  Being on the west coast again is a bittersweet experience.  I love the sights and people, but getting into the Christmas spirit is hard to do when the sun is shining 24/7.  All I can do is be thankful for my family and a place to live and pray that God sends cooler temperatures my way as a Christmas gift, preferably during the daytime and not at night when I am sleeping.

I hope this blog post finds each and every one of you warm, snug, and merry.  I shall be back tomorrow for Blogmas day 2.  Stay tuned!!

– Lauren Michele

“When little children in the East
Are playing in the snow,
I live in California
Where winter roses grow.

While they are sliding on the ice,
And snow is on the land,
I am playing in the ocean waves.
And digging in the sand.

No sleigh bells ever tinkle,
There are no snowbells here,
But oranges grow on the trees,
And flowers all the year.”  – M.S. Hosmer