I’m going through the list of things required of priests
for jobs in the third temple and realize I’m, probably,
not going to get the job.

I’m okay with not letting my hair go wild, but that
definitely rules out my son who, if you mention
the word haircut is ready to join the other team.

(the team of people who don’t cut their hair.)
I’m okay with not going near a corpse. Honestly
I have so little to talk about with dead people.

But with wine so intertwined with my every
Jewish movement, I don’t think I can roll with
its prohibition during priestly duties.

I’m okay with not eating things that died of
natural causes, but to be fair, I already make
a point of not eating things that were killed.

I’m not sure I’m okay with wearing a linen hat
instead of a wool one. Just feels like we’re getting
awfully picky with the uniform.

I can’t say it’s an issue for me to only marry a
descendent of the House of Israel as I think I’ve
already got that covered. Do they take

married people into the priesthood? I don’t see
anything about that in the job description.
I’m a little concerned about the salary too.

I see the point about not receiving anything but
God. I’m all for God’s presence but I’m not sure
the bank will accept that as a mortgage payment

and, though I’ve never tried to buy a sandwich
using only the Lord as collateral, I’m not sure that
would go well. Is that like a higher level of Apple Pay?

Finally, it seems like it may be a risk taking this job at all.
I don’t have the heart to tell the search committee, there
may never be a third Temple.

And even if there was, if they’re going to put it
where I think they’re going to put it, I’m really not
willing to relocate. Can I telecommute?

My third temple comes when people lift their voices.
It comes when song spills from their breaths.
This is the holy place I will build.

Los Angeles poet Rick Lupert created the Poetry Super Highway (an online publication and resource for poets), and hosted the Cobalt Cafe weekly poetry reading for almost 21 years. He’s authored 22 collections of poetry, including “God Wrestler: A Poem for Every Torah Portion“, “I’m a Jew, Are You” (Jewish themed poems) and “Feeding Holy Cats” (Poetry written while a staff member on the first Birthright Israel trip), and most recently “Beautiful Mistakes” (Rothco Press, May 2018) and edited the anthologies “A Poet’s Siddur: Shabbat Evening“,  “Ekphrastia Gone Wild”, “A Poet’s Haggadah”, and “The Night Goes on All Night.” He writes the daily web comic “Cat and Banana” with fellow Los Angeles poet Brendan Constantine. He’s widely published and reads his poetry wherever they let him.

One of the most popular activities in the arts-and-crafts world right now is painting stones. I can see why people love it so much. Stones are an inexpensive and readily available canvas to create with, and anyone can express their inner Picasso regardless of skill level.

The painted stones can grace your home interior or your garden. Some artists leave the stones in random places as gifts for strangers to pick up. And painted stones can be placed on gravesites as a remembrance to loved ones who have passed.

No matter how you paint the stones or what you’ll do with them, you’ve got to admit that this is a craft that rocks.

What you’ll need:
Stones
Foam paintbrush
Acrylic paint
Paint markers
Clear protective spray

1.

1. Select stones that have a smooth surface, as they are easier to paint. If you don’t have stones in your garden to use, they can be purchased at home improvement stores or crafts stores. Don’t take stones from parks or beaches — that’s not legal. Before painting, wash them really well with soap and water, and let them dry thoroughly.

2.

2. Using a foam brush, paint the front side of the stone with acrylic paint. If possible, use paint that is specially formulated to weather the elements, especially if the painted stone will be displayed outdoors. I don’t bother painting the back, as I actually like the texture of the stone to be visible.

3.

3. To paint detail on the stones, you can use either a thin brush and acrylic paint or paint markers. My hands are too shaky to paint freehand with a brush, so I prefer paint markers. These opaque felt markers are much easier to control. There are various brands to choose from. I like the Uni Posca markers shown here.

4.

4. You can paint illustrations or write words on the stones. If you’re nervous about drawing freehand, sketch on the stone with a pencil first. As you paint, allow the colors to dry before using new ones. And when you’re done, spray the stones with a clear protective coating.

Jonathan Fong is the author of “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.

If you’ve seen the recent advertisements for the upcoming Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival, you might have noticed this year’s logo graphic, which is a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors with the shoelaces tied in the configuration of a Star of David. This graphic was created by yours truly to commemorate the film festival’s bar mitzvah year.

Since the ads started running, we’ve gotten numerous inquiries about how to tie the shoelaces into this formation. Therefore, I’ve put together this tutorial for all you who want to sport this hot fashion look. The instructions are tailored for a shoe with six or more eyelets on either side, which is the case for most athletic footwear.

To help you navigate your way through the tutorial, I’ve numbered each eyelet from one to six, indicating whether it’s the left (L) or right side (R), with the codes L1, R1, L2, R2, etc. Pay attention to the photographs and instructions to see when the shoelace is on the top of the eyelet and when it is on the bottom. Dotted arrows in the photos indicate where the shoelace is threaded underneath.

After you tie your shoelaces into Stars of David, you’ll want to hit the town in your new kicks. And what a fashionable way to celebrate Israel’s 70th.

1.

1. Face the shoe toward you.

2.

2. Start with lace going into top of L1 and R1. Make the right end of the laces about eight inches longer.

3.

3. Bottom of R1 to top of L5. Bottom of L1 to top of R5.

4.

4. Bottom of L5 to bottom of L3. Bottom of R5 to bottom of R3.

5.

5. Top of L3 to top of R3.

6.

6. Bottom of R3 to bottom of R5.

7.

7. Top of R5 to top of L5.

8.

8. Bottom of L5 to bottom of L3.

9.

9. Top of L3 to bottom of R6.

10.

10. Top of R3 to bottom of L6.

Jonathan Fong is the author of “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.

Photos by Jonathan Fong.

Why is this vase different from all other vases? No other vase is as perfect for your seder table as this one, which is not only made from matzo, it’s shaped like a Star of David. Your friends and family are sure to ooh and ahh, and that’s even before they taste your famous brisket.

The texture of the baked matzo works so well here because it actually makes the vase look like a woven basket. And don’t worry, the matzo doesn’t get wet. The flowers sit inside a hidden glass so water doesn’t touch the flatbread.

Instead of flowers, you can also place a battery-operated LED pillar candle in the center for a beautiful — and unique — touch of lighting. However you fill it, this vase will be the star of your seder decorations.

What you’ll need:
Matzo
Hot glue gun
Glass tumbler

1.

1. You will need six square pieces of matzo for this project, but have a few extra on hand to account for breakage. Form a triangle with three upright pieces of matzo and hot glue the ends together to form the inner triangle.

2.

2. Break a square of matzo in half. It will never break evenly, but that’s OK. Use your fingers to pinch off little pieces from both halves until they are the same size — about 2 1/2 inches wide.

3.

3. Hot glue these two halves to one of the standing sides of the triangle to form a smaller triangle coming out of it. Repeat, forming smaller triangles on the remaining two sides of the inner triangle to create the Star of David shape.

4.

4. Place a glass tumbler in the middle of the inner triangle. It should be shorter than the height of the matzo. Fill the glass about halfway with water and add any flowers you desire.

If you make this project, we’d love to see it! Post it on social media with #JJcrafts.

Jonathan Fong is the author of “Walls That Wow,” “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.

Cleaning to help sick proof a home. Photo by Steve C. Mitchell

This year’s flu season is one of the nastiest ever, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, it’s the worst since the big flu epidemic of 2009. And lest you get too comfortable and think you’ve escaped it, remember that flu season lasts through May.

I refuse to be sidelined with the flu this year, so besides getting a flu shot back in November, I have been vigilant against germs, with a bottle of hand sanitizer as my constant companion. It’s hard to control the pesky viruses and bacteria as you’re out and about, but at least there are some things you can do to minimize the risk at home.

Sanitize what gets touched

Think about what gets touched throughout the day — doorknobs, light switches, cabinet handles, refrigerator doors and remote controls. They’re usually touched by multiple people, and they are teaming with germs. Flu viruses can stay on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours, so wipe them down with sanitizing wipes regularly.

Don’t share phones

Phones are one big germ party because you touch them with your fingers and cradle them to your face. Even if you’re the only person who uses your phone, it’s still a good idea to clean it frequently with a sanitizing wipe. And if your household shares a landline, clean that phone every time someone uses it. Better yet, don’t go near it. It’s probably telemarketers calling, anyway.

Clean tabletops

It’s gross to think about, but surfaces like desks and tables can contain up to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. I’m not surprised by that figure. My desk is usually littered with a combination of cookie crumbs, used Kleenex and dog toys. Disinfect these surfaces before sitting down to work or eat. The same goes for desks and tabletops at your place of work.

Take off your shoes

The bottoms of your shoes are collecting bacteria all day long, so don’t bring those germs into your house. Take off your shoes upon entering, and if you really must wear shoes indoors, designate a pair of house shoes that never go outside. Wash your doormat regularly, as well, as they’re germ traps.

Beware of towels and sponges

Every time someone wipes their hands on a kitchen towel or runs a sponge across a countertop, germs can be spread. During flu season, use paper towels to wipe your hands instead of the communal towel hanging from the oven door. And sanitize your sponge on a regular basis by zapping it for a minute in the microwave, or put it in a hot cycle in your dishwasher.

Replace bed linens

If someone in your household is sick, replace the bed linens daily. And when you’re carrying the linens to the washer, don’t hold them against your body. Keep them at a distance, and wear gloves if you have them. I don’t mean to make you act like a hazmat technician, but the flu is serious business.

Tissues in every room

Have a box of tissue in every room so that every sneeze or cough goes into a tissue rather than into the air. Then throw away the tissue immediately. I like the step down trash cans with a lid — the germs are trapped in the canister and you don’t have to touch it. If you can’t get to a tissue in time, sneeze into your elbow.

Use a humidifier

Influenza germs spread more easily in dry air conditions, so raising the humidity level in your home can make it less likely for the virus to survive and spread. Using a humidifier also moistens the cilia, those tiny hairs inside your nose, helping them to ward off bacteria and germs.

Jonathan Fong is the author of “Walls That Wow,” “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.

How many hours do you spend cleaning your home every week? It’s because you don’t want to live in a pigsty, which would be absolutely terrible. Your home might be livable by your standards, but there is a lot more you’ll be able to do.

Don’t worry, it’s not really your fault. There are just some places the majority of homeowners neglect to clean. It’s like they forget they even exist. If you want to ensure your home is spotless we’ll look at a few examples to help you out.

Vacuuming Underneath Your Rugs

Cleaning a large area rug is something everyone will do when they’re vacuuming a room. After all, it’s so big it would be impossible to miss. Most people out there will only complete 50 percent of the job.

Why is it so difficult to clean the underside of your rugs too? It’s going to end up in a disgusting state if you keep ignoring it. Also, it would be wise to call in the professionals every so often.

Inside All Your Cabinet Doors

I’m sure you’ve heard everyone say, “people only care how individuals look on the outside, but it’s what they look like on the inside that counts”. I bet you didn’t think it was possible to compare cabinets to humans.

When cleaning your kitchen I know you want it to look sparkling when you’re done. Spend as much time on the exterior of your cabinet doors as you want. Just don’t forget to open them up to tackle the insides afterward.

Lighting Fixtures Are Beautiful

Beautiful lighting fixtures are a new phenomenon. They were obviously around in the past, but they weren’t mainstream. Everyone has now realized the right kind of fixtures can completely transform the look of a room.

They just don’t bother troubling themselves cleaning them correctly, which will eventually affect how much light gets through. Everyone touches light switches so they should be cleaned regularly too.

The Bathroom Will Become Toxic

One of the worst cleaning jobs is getting down on your hands and knees to clean the toilet. It’s definitely why everyone is terrible at it. Even if it looks clean to the naked eye you haven’t touched behind it.

That would require your face to get even closer to the bowl. You have to understand how important it is to clean the entire toilet. The last thing you want is toxic mold spores finding their way into your lungs.

Painted Walls Will Get Dirty

Can you honestly say you clean your walls? If you said yes, you’re probably slightly confused. It’s a lot more likely you only dust them, which isn’t the same thing. A duster isn’t capable of removing finger marks.

Those marks will slowly build up until your walls look filthy, but don’t worry because there are ways to wash painted walls. If you’re cleaning a tiled wall always remember to scrub the grout until it looks new.

Throw Pillows Attract Dust Mites

Nobody would sleep on the same pillow sheet for weeks on end. It doesn’t take them long to get dirty, so they need to be washed in hot water all the time. It’s an effective way to kill the bugs.

You should start treating your throw pillows the same way. I know you don’t sleep on them at night, but they’ll still attract dust mites. To guarantee you remember, start throwing both of them into the machine at the same time.

Does Anything Jump out at You?

We’ve touched on a few interesting places today, but does anything jump out at you? Hopefully, you don’t really clean any of them. It means once you do it will make a bigger difference. By the way, there are plenty more where these came from.

Festive days are behind us and all we’re left with is the bitter taste of the post-Christmas blues. After we’ve unwrapped all the gifts, savored delicious food, and enjoyed a sequence of different holiday parties – it’s time to get back to the regular life. Although a glance over naked Christmas tree isn’t the most uplifting site, organizing the decorations in boxes and getting your house in order is something you need to do. It might even be therapeutic for you.

Put Away Decorations and Declutter

Most people love over-decorating their homes for Christmas. From ornaments, lights and various cute figurines to wreaths and garlands – you personal space gets easily cluttered, but it does create a warm, cozy, holiday feeling for all the social spaces in your home. Now it’s time to clear up space and restore your usual ambient. As a matter of fact, according to the study by Princeton Neuroscience Institute, decluttering can help you get rid of distractions. You know what they say – cluttered space, cluttered mind. In addition, putting away decorations will help you jump back into your usual routine faster. Here’s a hack to try: when wrapping straps of lights, use a piece of cardboard to prevent them from tangling.

Thorough Bathroom Cleaning

Cleaning the bathroom can be a nasty job and it’s most certainly your least favorite. Putting on rubber cleaning gloves and getting ready to scrub the tub and bathroom tiles can be such a hassle – not just physically, but also mentally. Be time-efficient and savvy: before the actual cleaning, spray proper cleaning products and let them soak in. This way, the chemicals will to a large chunk of work while you’re sorting other rooms in your house. Baking soda is extremely effective for getting rid of stains and dirt, especially when combined with vinegar. If you’re really not in the mood for wasting tons of your time on cleaning different surfaces in the bathroom, you can always consider an option of booking a Long Island cleaning service, let the cleaning professionals help you out, while you organize your wardrobe or throw out things you don’t need anymore.

Take Care of Your Bedroom

Make sure to keep your bedroom well vented and clean. Air quality and overall hygiene can have a huge impact on your sleep. Wash all the sheets, fluff the pillows, and consider introducing aromatherapy for an extra cozy feeling. Scents such as lavender or vanilla can really help you relax and unwind. As for the cleaning part, you may want to get your carpets deeply cleaned since regular vacuuming lifts the dust only from the surface of the carpet fabric. Clean all the flooring and consider using a finish to really polish the surface. Not only will this keep your floors cleaner longer as the surface stays sealed and protected, but the whole room will get a nice, refreshing scent.

Tidying Up the Kitchen

The kitchen is often the main point of socialization, especially if it is based on an open concept. Whether it’s cooking with friends or a casual cocktail party, the kitchen is the place where a lot of spills happen. If you’ve been busy baking and cooking, but not so much thoroughly cleaning afterward – it’s time to face the leftover stains. It’s good to have a system: start by cleaning the top cabinets and work your way down. You can even try making your own homemade kitchen cleaning products: just don’t use vinegar in case you have kitchen elements made out of marble or natural stones. In the very end, sweep and mop the floor, and let it air dry.

During the holidays, we all loosen up a bit: be honest, when was the last time you’ve vacuumed under the bed? We bet you’ll find some confetti there. Getting started is the hardest, but do take our tips in mind and we’re certain you’ll shake the post-holiday blues a lot easier once you enjoy your well-organized, fresh and clean personal space.

In terms of fears, does the thought of organizing your pantry rank right up there with public speaking and clowns? Getting your pantry in order doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here are some helpful tips to get you started on a picture-perfect and well-organized space for your food supplies. And snack on something while you’re working. That always helps.

Empty it out

Begin by removing everything from your pantry and setting it all on your kitchen table. As you place items on the table, group them into categories such as staples, breakfast items, etc. Having an empty pantry gives you a clean slate to start anew. It’s like clearing your mind.

Clean the shelves

Wipe off the shelves with a household cleaner and rag to remove dust, food crumbs and any mystery gunk you might find. Allow the shelves to dry, and your pantry is ready to restock.

Divide it into zones

As you place items back on the shelves, arrange them in the general categories you established when you first laid them all out on your kitchen table. This step might sound obvious, but it’s easy to get into the habit of haphazardly sticking packages wherever you find room and not being able to find them when you need them.

Getting your pantry in order doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

Check expiration dates

Put on your glasses and check the expiration dates of all of your food items. Either discard expired items or eat them immediately. Keep in mind that expired dates on packages such as cans and vacuum-sealed jars do not necessarily mean the food is no longer safe to eat. (But if you haven’t eaten them in all these years, you’re probably not going to now.)

Configure the space

Pantries come in all sizes, so utilize organizing tools such as tiered racks and Lazy Susans to divide the space. If your pantry is deep, the space in back might never be used, and if it is, items will get lost. So reserve the rear space for storage of non-food items such as small appliances.

Clear up things

Transfer dry goods such as rice and pasta to clear glass containers so you can easily see how much you have of them in inventory. Storing the food in clear glass will keep them visible, helping you with meal planning and grocery shopping.

Bin there, done that

Store similar items in bins so you can find things easily. Bins also help reduce spillage on items such as flour and sugar. Just be sure to select bins that are low profile or clear so you can see what’s in them. You can even use old baking dishes — they’re low and shallow enough for most shelves.

Keep perishables visible

Place perishables such as bread and onions in a visible location so you’re reminded to use them before they spoil. Having them at eye level really helps.

Use your doors

Add hooks on the inside of your pantry doors to hold additional items. Just be sure that you can still close the doors afterward.

Keep heavy items on the bottom

Maybe it’s because we’re in Southern California, but I’m always cognizant of earthquakes when stocking my pantry. With temblors in mind, store heavier jars and liquid items on lower shelves so if they fall, they will be less likely to break or make a mess.

Assess it weekly

After your pantry is organized, it’s easier to keep it that way. Go through your pantry every week to determine what needs restocking and what needs to be eaten soon. Move around items as you see fit. Make your pantry work for you.

Jonathan Fong is the author of “Walls That Wow,” “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.

Personal gardens can serve as incredibly soothing sanctuaries where one can unwind and enjoy the fresh air. However, if you live in a more populated area, charging your inner batteries might be interrupted by noisy neighbors and the prying eyes of passers-by. It’s not just the awkwardness of feeling someone might be watching you as you sunbathe, but also about obtaining peace and quiet. Don’t stress out just yet: there are numerous effective ways to make your garden more private.

Install a Portable Partition or a Privacy Screen

Portable partitions or privacy screens can help you bring the most out of your backyard space and contribute to the ambient, both aesthetically and in means of space functionality. There are a few things you need to consider before choosing the best solution for your gardens, such as available budget, the amount of space, the sunlight, and the specific purpose of different parts of space. There are many successful DIY projects you can explore or try to copy. From wallet-friendly bamboo screens and wattle turned into a natural fence to the creative use of the materials you don’t need anymore – the possibilities seem endless. Consider unusual materials such as plexiglass, which blocks the curious views but allows the penetration of light.

Turn To Nature for a Perfect Solution

If you’re looking for a greener way to protect your privacy, planting privacy trees is a perfect choice. Not only is it soothing to relax your eyes on beautiful trees and plants, but the green shield keeps you safe from the unpleasant winds and reduces your house heating costs, while at the same time isolating the street sounds and the chatter coming from the houses next door. According to the Tree Center, the best choices include thuja green giant, Leyland cypress, Italian cypress, and emerald green thuja. Modern breeding techniques ensure fast growth: some species can grow a stunning 10 feet per year until they reach their full height. Surprisingly enough, privacy trees are more affordable than most types of fences.

Build a Solid Stone Wall

If you have money on your hands and are looking for a more permanent privacy solution for your property, consider building a stone wall. Stone doesn’t have to feel cold and or hostile. As a matter of fact, there are various types of stone available on the market today that can give a vintage and rustic feel or on the contrary – smooth and elegant. You can use anything from concrete blocks and stone-veneer panels to fieldstone. Whatever your choice may be, it can potentially transform your outdoor space. Depending on the size and style of your garden, you can even start a bigger landscape project and make small oases or seating areas within the garden from the same stone material so they match the wall.

Try Lattice for Semi-privacy

If you don’t feel like cutting your backyard off from the rest of the world (be it due to feeling a bit too claustrophobic or simply because you’re striving for a more open concept), the lattice is the perfect compromise. Grow small vines (black-eyed Susan, morning glory and cardinal vine look lovely), or climbing roses to integrate the panels into space better. Generally, lattice panels are not hard to find, they will surely fit into your budget so you can arrange your funds easily to pick lovely plants and enrich the space. If you’re not a big fan of plants, you can leave the wooden panels uncovered or play with texture and color, depending on the look you’re aiming for.

Especially today, in the fast-paced world we live in, we need to spend more time outdoors, in touch with both ourselves and nature. The garden definitely makes a perfect scenery for that: take these tips in mind and you’ll realize privacy is not such a hard-to-reach luxury.

Cyan Designs Murano glass chandelier, houzz.com

A couple of months ago, I shared Color of the Year picks from paint companies such as Benjamin Moore, Behr and Sherwin-Williams. But the color announcement that really juices up the creative community is the one from the Pantone Color Institute. And this week, it declared that the 2018 Color of the Year will be Ultra Violet.

In a press statement, Pantone’s executive director, Leatrice Eiseman, describes the color in philosophical terms: “We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level.”

Pretty heady stuff, especially as she adds, “From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”

As expected, the choice pleased some and annoyed others. Purple is polarizing. As much as I love color, I don’t use a lot of purple around the house. I don’t mind the color — it’s just very bold and can easily overpower a room. I do have a purple blender in my kitchen; I didn’t realize I was so on trend.

So how can you incorporate Ultra Violet in your own decorating? Here are some tips, along with some fun décor items that will give your home a nice pop of purple.

Ground it in neutrals

T-Fal nonstick cookware set, kohls.com

Ultra Violet looks fantastic with white, black or gray. This shade of purple can teeter between dramatic and juvenile, and these neutrals push the color to the regal side.

Punctuate with purple

Cobi desk chair, poppin.com

A little goes a long way with Ultra Violet. Too much of it, and people will think you’re Prince (or Miss Piggy). Use it as an accent color in pillows, throws, frames or area rugs. Avoid an entire room painted in this hue. Instead, use it on an accent wall or alcove for a touch of drama.

Mix with other colors

The boldness of Ultra Violet can be softened when it’s presented with other hues in the same color family. Think mauve, blue or lavender. Pastels such as pink and mint also can make this deep purple more compatible to your decorating scheme.

Spray paint with it

Kitchenaid Artisan stand mixer, williams-sonoma.com

If you have an old décor piece that you’re tired of, say an accent table or framed mirror, spray paint it with some high-gloss purple paint. High-gloss spray paint can turn the most boring item into a glamorous showpiece. And when it’s purple — clutch my pearls!

Try it in a small room

Laural Home decorative pillow, overstock.com

Bold colors like Ultra Violet work well in small spaces like powder rooms. You get to experience the drama, but you’re not overwhelmed by a lot of square footage devoted to purple. It could turn out to be your favorite room in the house.

Jonathan Fong is the author of “Walls That Wow,” “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow.” You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.

You’re certainly familiar with this feeling: you’re at work, it’s a quarter to 5 and you simply can’t wait to get home and loosen up. In the fast-paced era, we live in, having a cozy home is an essential ingredient of keeping a sane mind. However, we all know we cannot relax in every environment. If you’re looking to create a more comfortable ambient within your home, here’s a few things you can take in mind.

Upgrade Your Windows

Windows provide our homes with natural light and isolation, so that the air quality is optimal, as well as the temperature. In addition to comfort, proper windows contribute to the wholesome energy efficiency of the household. While it might seem like an expensive venture, upgrading your windows does not have to cripple your budget. You can turn to weather stripping or caulking to reduce air leakage. Glazing is a cost-efficient technique that reduces noise levels, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of your home. If you don’t know how to fight the dullness of a room that creates an unpleasant, heavy feeling – putting a large window will surely transform it.

Opt for Comfortable and Warm Floors

Picking the right type of floor can mean a lot to the overall feel your interior gives away. From color to type of wood and even print designs – flooring industry has come a long way. Hardwood is a long-lasting flooring solution that’s a frequent choice, specifically because of its luxurious appearance. However, it’s not that comfortable as it doesn’t provide that barefoot soothing feel. Fluffy, soft rugs can be of help here, especially in personal rooms where you tend to rest or be creative. If you’re looking for the ultimate coziness, think about installing floor heating. The heat rises from the floor to the higher levels, creating a lovely, comfy atmosphere you can relax in.

Make the Bed Warmer With Pillows and Blankets

Your bed is probably the center of your relaxation zone, so you should try to make it as warm and soft as possible. Goose feather pillows and cushions are very comfortable and made of cotton, which will certainly soothe your skin. Other cozy options include memory duck feather and foam pillows, as well as those filled with cluster puff fiber. Warm blankets are a must for a heaven-like feeling of being tucked in. Choose different designs to make the room merrier. For the super comfort and a good night’s sleep, ensure your mattress provides the optimal support to your back such as Tuft & Needle mattress that also has a cooling system, so you never toss and turn ever again. A good mattress can mean a difference between a well rest and the constant feeling of discomfort due to fatigue.

Make Your Home Greener With Plants

In addition to cheering up your place and making it warmer, plants are also healthy to have around, especially because of the air quality. Aloe plant is known as one of the best air purifiers and it can also signal if the indoor air is too polluted by showing brown spots. Rubber trees are also beautiful and they manage to survive even with little sunlight, which makes them low-maintenance. Snake plants release oxygen during the night, so you may want to put one in the corner of your bedroom to get more of that nice, fresh air. Philodendron, spider plants, and dracaena are some of other common home plants. Having a private little jungle of your own will make your personal space healthier and cozier.

Our personal spaces serve us as sanctuaries that help us destress and disconnect from the world. A little effort and your home will become an irreplaceable fortress of coziness.

Buying a home for the first time is exciting. This big step in life needs thorough preparation. At one given point there are usually many homes in the market. It calls upon you to discuss with your realtor what space and neighborhood you desire to live in, and for what price. Before committing to buy a home, envisage how your life might pan out in the next five years.

Size and location

Between location and size, what is of prime importance to you? You can either choose to buy a small house in your favorite part of the city, or a big house further from the city but at an affordable cost. If you plan on growing your family shortly, then the big home in a suburb might serve you right.

Mobility

A home is a long-term investment. You don’t want to buy and sell it in less than five years; it is financially unwise. So before buying that new home think again where your career is going to take you. In case you don’t get to live in your home for five years, consider renting out instead of trying to sell it shortly after purchasing.

Do a thorough inspection

A home inspection before purchase helps to unearth the beautiful and the ugly details. You can get the seller to repair the defects you spot during the inspection, but if they don’t do this, you better keep looking to find the right home. You just don’t want to buy a house then undergo extra costs of fixing broken fixtures.

Beat down the price after inspection

Every home has some flaws. You can use what you found during your review to get the further price reduction on the property. This way you can save money to do remodeling and add décor that suits your tastes.

Neighbourhoods

Specific amenities in your community may cause the value of your home to appreciate with time. It is a good investment to buy a house near a school for instance. On the other hand, if your new home is in a district surrounded by expensive mansions, you will cough out more money in property taxes.

Financing

How much can you afford to pay every month for your new home? This largely depends on the amount of your income, your assets, savings, and debts. The rule of thumb is this; don’t spend more than 36 percent of your monthly income on a mortgage. Banks might decline you for a mortgage if you have bad credit reports. Credit repair measures like paying your bills on time, maintaining low balances and paying over the bottom line should get you out of the red zone before buying your first home.

Sometimes people use consolidation loans to get another loan. You borrow against your home so that you can use the money to settle other smaller debts so that you just have one loan to service- the house. This is a risky undertaking that might tie your home in an unending debt cycle.

To make the right decision about home buying and get the best deal, first time home buyers need to seek guidance from realtors and mortgage advisors continually.

The author’s childhood home before its recent demolition. Photo courtesy of Rabbi John Rosove

Eighty-three years ago, in the midst of the Great Depression, my childhood home in West Los Angeles was built.

It was a charming California ranch-style home of no more than 2,100 square feet. According to neighborhood code, every home was set back 100 feet from the street.

When I was growing up, 15 mature trees populated the grounds. In the backyard, there were willow, palm, avocado, guava, kumquat, peach, plum, laurel and lemon. In the front yard grew magnolia, jacaranda, paper birch, oak, pine and maple.

Alas, all are gone now except the maple.

As a kid, I loved climbing the tall oak or magnolia whenever I needed to be alone. I also loved to climb onto our tile roof, trying to be careful not to break the tiles, which I did from time to time.

My parents bought the home in 1949, just before I was born. My brother, Michael, left for college in 1966, and after I left in 1968, my mother sold the property. The family that bought it lived there for the next 49 years until this past year.

Not long ago, it was demolished.

I loved that house. My first memories are from the age of 2. I played baseball with my dad and brother in the backyard. Michael and I dug holes lined with tin cans in the front yard so we could putt golf balls. In the back was a built-in, red-brick distressed barbecue. In the service yard behind the garage we inherited an incinerator from the 1940s and used it until the L.A. City Council banned them in 1957.

My dad played the violin and painted in the sunny lanai, a room he named for his pleasant experiences serving in the Hawaiian Islands during World War II as a physician and officer in the U.S. Navy. Our parents entertained with scotch and martinis before sit-down dinners. They drank their coffee black and hot.

My dad bought Michael and me our first bicycles. Mine was a red, 24-inch Schwinn I called “Betsy.” His was black. We rode the neighborhood with gusto. I walked to the bus stop or the mile through back streets to school from the age of 6 without my parents expressing, to my knowledge, any worry.

Our house doors were never locked. Milk was delivered in bottles and placed in a small niche near the back door. The Good Humor ice cream truck drove our streets in the afternoon. I played outside until dark and came home filthy. I knew my neighborhood like the back of my hand and knew most of the neighbors. Dogs roamed the streets unleashed.

As a little boy, I remember following my dad (whom I called “Daddy” and still do) like a puppy in the backyard, picking up the clippings he pruned. I still remember the smell of wet, cut grass and eucalyptus from the adjacent property. We fed California jays (now called scrub jays) and had names for all of them according to their markings. We collected butterflies.

In 1953, my parents bought our first television set, a 24-inch, black-and-white console. They put it in my dad’s study with his bookshelves, medical journals, desk and two red leather chairs and ottoman, on which my brother and I watched cartoons on weekend mornings, Westerns in the afternoons, “I Love Lucy” when we were sick, the Friday night fights with my dad, “The Wonderful World of Disney” and “The Ed Sullivan Show” on Sunday nights.

In 1956, I remember the interview with Adlai Stevenson when the camera caught a glimpse of a hole in the bottom of his shoe. I also recall seeing Fidel Castro on “Face the Nation” in 1959 just after the Cuban revolution; John F. Kennedy delivering his 1961 inaugural address; his Cuban missile crisis speech in 1962; the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963; the entire weekend after Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963, including the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald; Lyndon B. Johnson signing the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act; and footage of the fighting during the 1967 Six-Day War between Israel and Arab neighbors that promised to “push the Jews into the sea.”

I emerged into political and historical consciousness in that house.

On Aug. 10, 1959, my world changed irrevocably. Michael (a year older than me) and I saw our father for the last time that evening as he stood in the doorway of our small bedroom to say goodnight. He hadn’t been feeling well and while we slept, an ambulance came to the house and took him at 2 a.m. to the hospital where he died 23 hours later from his second heart attack. He was only 53 years old.

My brother and I call that house “321,” a reference to its address. It has been our link to our childhoods and father throughout our lives. I visited it from time to time and even knocked on the door 25 years ago and asked to walk through. The owners remembered my family and were gracious. Although it had been owned by others, Michael and I still felt that it belonged to us. I fantasized that maybe either of us would be able and want to buy it this past year when it was put up for sale.

One doesn’t say Kaddish over a house, but its demolition is a death for both of us. As the High Holy Days approach and I ponder the past year that includes the end of my childhood home, I’m left now only with, as Jim Croce poignantly said, “photographs and memories.”

RABBI JOHN ROSOVE is senior rabbi at Temple Israel of Hollywood.

Photo by Sara Budisantoso

Welcoming a new dog into the family can mean a lot of joy, unconditional love and adorable Instagram posts. But a big part of taking care of your fur baby is keeping the little one safe from harm. You may not realize it, but your home can hold many hidden dangers, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. These 13 precautions apply whether your dog is a mischievous pup or a full-grown adult.

And no matter what happens, just accept that there will be accidents, broken items and pet hair everywhere. When you look into your dog’s loving eyes, you’ll know it’s all worth it.

1. Dogs like to chew on things they’re not supposed to, so place tempting objects on higher shelves and cupboards. My dogs love to eat paper — mail, books, facial tissue, you name it — and I have to survey the entire home before leaving to make sure there is no paper within reach.

2. Install childproof latches on lower cabinets to prevent dogs from poking their noses into them.

3. Chewing on furniture can occur when dogs are bored or anxious. Training can go a long way in preventing this behavior, but in the meantime, you can apply some bitter spray to the furniture. These deterrent sprays are available at pet stores, or you can make your own version by searching for recipes online.

4. Use blankets and throws on sofas and chairs. They’re easier to clean than the furniture.

5. Do some research on your houseplants to see if they are toxic. You’ll be surprised at some of the plants that are poisonous for dogs — for example, ivy, aloe vera, philodendron and asparagus fern.

6. Keep toxic food out of reach. Dogs can’t eat chocolate, onions, grapes, coffee, avocados and many other common foods you have in the kitchen.

7. Childproof lids on medications are no match for a dog’s teeth. Keep all your medicine out of reach because Fido may think pills are treats.

8. If your dog likes to drink out of the toilet, keep the seat cover down at all times and avoid using automatic toilet bowl cleansers. Open toilets also are a drowning hazard for puppies. A safe bet is to keep the bathroom doors closed at all times.

9. Change open trash cans to “step on” canisters with lids to keep dogs from doing scavenger hunts through your garbage.

10. Watch out for electrical cords. If dogs chew on them, they can be electrocuted. Wrap them with cord covers and tuck them out of sight.

11. Dogs love your dirty laundry because it smells like you, but if they swallow your socks or other clothing, it can lead to serious digestive tract problems. Now you have another reason to put away your clothes. And invest in tall hampers with lids instead of using open laundry baskets that sit on the floor.

12. Drapery cords that extend to the floor can cause strangulation. Knot up excess cord so your dog doesn’t accidentally get caught in it.

13. Many dogs scratch at the door when they want to go out. Mine scratch the door when I come home and they can’t contain their excitement. To prevent scratch marks on the door, install a plastic or metal kick plate to the bottom. 

Jonathan Fong is the author of “Walls That Wow,” “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.