Sleeping Beauty

A good morning starts the night before. Many a Monday, when I awake to the usual grog and decidedly roll over onto the other side, in hopes that this will yield the elusive “better side of the bed” feeling...I want to kick myself that I didn't go to sleep the night before with an apt 7.5-8 hours of sleep. The amount of sleep a person requires is to each his own, (according to the National Sleep Foundation; the optimal duration of sleep for adults is between 7-9 hours). I know as your reading this you're probably yawning, so I'm going to break it down SSIMPLE. Read the full breakdown here

Crystal Clarity

Shattered glass is apropos imagery for clarity. When there’s a perception of how things “could've been,” the way we were ;)…it all seemed so “clear,” and then it’s not, a conglomerate of fragmented feelings is what ensues, shattered glass. When you are convinced this is a good opportunity it’s hard to play devils advocate and convince yourself otherwise- of course it’s nice when the decision is made for you- the opportunities that were out of my hands were much easier to get over than the ones where the decision was seemingly my own.

Feel the Heat

Pressure cookers are a funny thing. They get things done, fast. Before you know whats hit you- a change is underway. You feel the heat, and it’s a sink or swim opportunity, because only dead fish float. This challenge isn’t something you would’ve chosen for yourself, probably not even something you would wish upon that friend- because once you’re going through this challenge, it seems almost unbearable, and the newness of this situation compounds the emotional turmoil exponentially. No one should be a “pro” at going through rough times, so when it hits, it hits us hard in a way that we have to change, and rise to the occasion. Occasion, I love how we turn a challenging situation into an “event” as if going through something challenging during Fall can be deemed as “the event of the season.” Read the full post here

How You Project

"So can we count on you to speak at our incoming Freshman Open House?." Gulp. I was deemed “the marketing one” albeit an honor, it still left me feeling uneasy. I'm that person that will raise my hand and say, confidently, “I can do it” however when push comes to shove. I can't respectably speak in public. My eyes seem to pick that one wall spot, and if I do make eye contact, it's with one person, almost as if I've imprinted for the duration of the probably less then five-minute speech that feels like forevveeerrrr. The ability to compose a good talk is a gift, one that is often the brains behind many a gifted orator, but the ability to deliver is almost like a performance, it's a feat. I've been to many a speech/presentation to at least know the key ingredients for what makes a great speech. Read how you can best project here

401K Starts Today

Like many a milestone, a first “real job” can be overwhelming. Adulting does have its perks, one of the more intricate facets in financial planning, or “putting away money for later,” “reserving” as Mr. Ariel Serber, of Lions Financial, so diplomatically states I took Principles of Finance, I read the WSJ (okay the front page), but boy was I in for an eye-opener. Financial planning can seem so complicated, yet with the right guidance and some personal savvy, after all, you have to know something to understand what to inquire about. This is your 2019 jump right it into the vast spectrum of “reserving money for later.”

Of Foodies and Friends: Takeaways from the Kosherfest Trifecta

I've wanted to attend Kosherfest ever since I discovered a career minded foodie is an actual thing. Last year this time, I was relishing to go as a spectator; to no avail. This year I’m fortunate to attend on a dual side of the coin, a member of a brilliant marketing team that targets Kosher Food Brands. I guess regarding full circle, I've come a (kosher) bagel? With the everything topping, please. The Kosherfest trilogy started with Mondays’ Jewish Food Media Conference kickoff. I was so excited to meet all the Instagram personalities IRL, and collect some quality swag (bag ;) Read about the Kosherfest Trifecta here

Go With Your Gut

Decision making based on gut instinct is never easy; it’s like a steaming latte topped with dusty espresso. The first few sips are bitter and hot; leaving you uncomfortable and hesitant to continue further, but then you let the mug rest, and cool. When you take another sip, the bitter aftertaste has left a mocha haze mingled with creamy milk…in the rich warmth you find solace in your decision. Okay, so now that we compartmentalized gut decision making with something light and frothy, let’s get real. Deciding because you can FEEL in hindsight this won’t be a good opportunity; however, you can’t put your finger on the actual why is HARD. Learn to Go With Your Gut Here

What Doesn't Kill...Is Still An Assassin

Sometimes we are endowed with a member of our close circles, who are there, cause they are close and familial, or someone we have to correspond with daily (crazy car ride companions, coworkers, clients- 3 c's of crazy ;) but they are in pain and transcend that pain onto others. It hurts, to wholly comprehend the internal struggle they are battling.

At first, you want to curry their favor. Maybe they're going through an extra hard time right now with x,y,z,…let me be extra sensitive/patient/giving/forgiving.

But then you realize this rollercoaster keeps going up and then drops without notice. Then it keeps on falling, and it's dark. I don't know why amusement parks have such a positive connotation, all I keep thinking of is clowns, pseudo mirrors, projected noises, rickety roller coasters, and a haunted house. Shudder.

A Deer in Headlights

I came across the quote “loving yourself is worth the risk” to me it’s perceived as, if there is a situation in which you need clarity, and you do what a girls gotta do, even if the outcome wasn’t “according to plan” the clarity that ensues is a priceless gift you have bestowed upon yourself. Meaning, put yourself out there if the opportunity is a “No,” you can leave the situation scot-free and know that you tried. Till today I’m so grateful for the inertia I had when I was in a position in which I figured it was worth it to put myself out there.

#MondayMotivation: action v.s. reaction

Sometimes we all need a little extra MondayMotivation. I’m not talking about Mondays in the literal sense but rather as an adjective. You know those days/scenarios/people that are just so Monday? I think this is why we start out each day with a coffee, (or at least those of us who like to think of ourselves as sane do Venti.) It’s a Mussar Haskel for life. In that strong, dark brew you have the ability to add a splash of creamer, some suga’ and customize it to your preference. Whether you keep it dark or show your mug a latte love, the caffeine will deliver the same jolt, but the experience is in your hands. Let's motivate Right Now

Never Fail-Destressors

Because stress can be...stressful. For the times we could use a bit of TLC, here are my quickie de-stressors, e.g., #2: Flex those muscles, a.k.a Stretch. When life feels like it's pulling you limb from limb (metaphorically), combat this by stretching on your terms. Read the full list here

It's a Matter of Choice

There's a reason one of the defining factors between an animal and a person is that one has the ability of choice. To act with intent is what separates humans from an animalistic nature. I think the ability to make decisions for oneself is the biggest blessing, and sometimes it can seem like the biggest curse. That's the struggle with being young, a decision made now can seem monumental, like deciding to work here or pursue this program, or even "Should I eat the cake?" sounds like it can impact a lifetime. However, it also must be put into perspective in the form of hishtadlus: yes, doing this internship will look great on a resume, but it won't guarantee access into the proverbial corporate door. Read the full list here.

Graduation Redefined

I’ve realized that graduating isn’t something that happens by default, but rather something you can strive to achieve. If I were to write a letter to myself, circa May 23, 2017, this is what graduating truly entails. Analytics: Before you take an opportunity, do your homework. My mother often quotes Rabbi Avigdor Miller who said: “Look before you leap, but once you do make the most of it." Otherwise, it will lead to... Bounce Rate: Millennials are infamous for staying at a job for a short period and thinking they gave this position “the best years of their life.” I gleaned so much inspiration from Chaya's blog that sometimes it’s okay to leave a job or a challenging situation. Content: No, not creative content...Learn to be content. Trust me, I shun complacency, and I try to be healthy and - I call it realistic with a smidge of delusions of grandeur - content in every aspect of my career. Dynamic: Keep things interesting, don't stay stagnant, learn new skills whether they pertain to your field of career or interests. It's not about finding a job that's interesting to others but finding something that interests YOU. Read the rest here

My Banana Republic Suit of Armor

Every girls got one. The wardrobe essential that empowers and fortifies. When I’m donned in anything from Banana Republic, it's like I’m wearing an extra coat of armor. I’m nowhere near an ambassador of the brand, but I am a fanatic of quality clothing that embodies empowerment. What's your coat of armor? Read mine here.

When in Rome

Read. The post that started it all "When I finally let go and decided to live in the moment, that's when I was granted my dream bag. If I'm going to leave Italy with a lesson du-jour, it's going to be to relax, and start living in the moment- whether I'm roaming in Europe or swiveling in my desk chair at work because when you least expect it, that's when the magic happens."

What Will You Gain When You Lose


Graduating college means getting a “good job” and making it big…right? As an ad for a religious advertising agency once professed, “Be part of something bigger that makes a difference in the real world.” As if to say, staying within the confines of the “Jewish Working World” is second tier. Regardless, that was my initial thought process. Here I am, age 21, with a degree in marketing; it’s time to do something with my education, submit my resume to “real firms” and see where the wind blows. My first plan of action was to apply through company websites. I knew that if I wanted to work in the nonreligious world, and semi-sacrifice my religious integrity, it should be at a worthwhile company! It was a couple of weeks before I heard back from anyone... What Will You Gain When You Lose?

Calling all Millennials

I basically got into Grad School with this one. Submitted to The New York Times writing competition as well :) Generation Y has earned a bad rep and for a good reason. “If it ain't broke can I still get an upgrade?” is the mentality of a millennial. We’re quick to dispose of, lack patience, tenacity, and discipline. In the same vein, we’re fast. We know we’re not smarter than previous generations, we’re just smart enough to know where to look. The rate at which we consume technology has accelerated, and we have adapted. I understand when people have qualms against my generation (yes, I’m taking ownership, if that means being part of the likes of the future Google, Facebook and Tesla founders, we are one). But we’re smarter than you give us credit. As a millennial, being smart does not connote to know it all. Intelligence in the 21st century is the ability to recognize what you need to learn, and the tenacity to master it. We’re hustlers. We may be the first to throw in the towel, but we’re also quick to bounce back. We see inhibition as an opportunity to conquer.

Seminary Letter

First Featured in Mishpacha Magazine; Dear (not so) little sister

Congratulations sis! It’s finally, "your time”.

I’m excited for what this year ahead will behold. The seminary experience is a privilege. It's an opportunity to build relationships with friends, mechanchos the families you will be fortunate to meet (vice Aversa) and most fundamentally a chance to nurture the relationship within yourself.

If I had an older sister, I'd want her to give me the "Aleph, Beis, Gimmels" of the seminary experience.