Are you too on a quest for the perfect lip balm?

I've been searching for years, and the newest worthy competitor is totally old school: Carmex. Yep, the kind you find displayed on the drugstore counter, the one with the garish yellow packaging, the lip balm with the words "FOR-COLD-SORES" stamped in bold letters across the lid. [read more...]

Who doesn't love cupcakes? They're so cute and pretty and often small enough to justify eating more than one. They're perfect for parties and ideal for creative, noncommittal types who like to decorate things.

Here are a couple of cupcake tips for do-it-yourself-ers: [read on...]

I actually don't even like honey very much, but when I sampled Andrew's Whipped Honey with Cinnamon at a local farmers market, I was hooked. I tasted it straight off a spoon, and it was delicious. It's also amazing spread on apples or challah, and makes the perfect Rosh Hashana gift. [read more...]

So smart! My brother bought this Stay-Dry Bath Apron & Towel for us after watching me attempt to bathe the baby without (a) getting soaked myself, (b) yelling for someone to help me get James out of the tub, and (c) insisting yet again that there had to be an easier way to do this and if someone hadn't invented it yet I was going to have to do it myself. [read on...]

With tremendous joy we welcome the littlest addition to the Kosher Hostess family, James Atticus Davey! Born on Rosh Chodesh Adar 1, James rang in the new month and certainly increased the joy of everyone around him. May he be blessed with health, love, laughter, and his own unique way of contributing to the world.

We read all sorts of reports in the news about what's going on in Israel, but hearing stories from the people who live there offers not only a different perspective, but a more personal and immediate connetion to the country and the people living in it.

Following is an excerpt from a recent email I received from a friend who lives near Jerusalem: I just wanted to send a little report of how things are in Israel with all of the attacks that you have been hearing about. Day to day life is business as usual but there are little things that we do differently. [read on...]

Until you have been without sleep for several months in a row, it's difficult to appreciate the power of a good night's sleep. I know people laugh at me and say, "Wait 'til you actually have kids," but in the meantime I'll take as much sleep as I can get and I never slept as well as I did with the Back 'N Belly Body Pillow.

It supports your front and back and accomodates you as you move around. It does take up most of the bed, but I think everyone in my family agrees that my significantly reduced level of crankiness is worth it. [read on...]

This gem of a movie pulls at your heart and leaves you sighing, in a good way. It’s the simple story of two people connecting and the quirky, magical music that is born out of their friendship. I finished the movie with a huge smile and tears streaming down my face, and this was only partly due to the fact that I was pregnant.

If you’re in the mood for something that feels real and miraculous at the same time, rent Once. You’ll love, laugh, cry and rejoice at the power of storytelling, song, being open and what happens when you believe in someone else.

Ever look at a magazine cover and feel fat? Or flat-chested, or limp-haired, or boringly brown-eyed? If you have, you're not alone. And you're also not getting the full picture.

"Girl Power" gives you a peek behind the scenes of what it takes to make a cover girl look like a cover girl. Go to their Retouch Website to see before and after pictures of the twelve steps photo retouchers have taken to create "the increasingly exaggerated ideals" that the media--and the world--is fixated on. And maybe it will help shift your view of "reality"--and yourself.

Our talented featured chef, Samantha Garelick, graces the inaugural cover of Jewish Living magazine this month! Inside she shares her take on "Chanukah L.A. Style," including fresh recipes, wine pairings and a special section on fun for kids. We especially love her entertaining tips, which will help you take the stress out of planning a party and encourage you and your guests to truly celebrate! [read on...]