Packing tips for Pessach in Israel

For those of us staying home for Pessach, we will be cleaning, sorting and cooking in the countdown leading up to the Chag, lucky us!

But for those of you who are going away, whether you are just driving to your destination or flying over to spend the Chag here in the Holy Land, you will be figuring out what to take, getting it into your bags and trying not to take too much.
To make your packing easier here are several tips that will allow you to have everything you need without overpacking.

General rules about Pessach in Israel:
1. Leave your winter clothes at home. No matter where you will be, pack for spring and summer and bring along a shawl, sweater or light jacket just in case it is cooler where you will be.
2. Smart casual looks better then too dressy.

What to take for the week of Pessach?

· Seder outfit (this can be dressier then the rest of your looks for the week)
· 3 skirts (Shabbat/Chag)
· 3 Tops (Shabbat/Chag)
· 2 easy dresses to dress up or down (for dinner or Shabbat/Chag afternoon)
· 2 casual bottoms (pants or skirts)
· 2 T-shirts
· 1 hat/scarf for shul
· 2 tiyul outfits (top, bottom, socks hat)
· low dress heel
· high dress heel
· hiking shoes
· 1 slides/flip-flops (for the pool)
· exercise clothing (top, bottom, socks, sneakers)
· 2 bathing suits
· 1 cover up
· 1 sunglasses
· fun jewelry
· shawl or sweater
· PJ's
· Underwear
· Toiletries and makeup
· pool bag/tiyul bag

After you pull out the items you would like to take, put them on your bed and make sure you can put together several looks with each piece - if you can't, then take it out and put it back!

HAPPY PACKING
Need more help packing? Contact Individual Style

What to wear when working out?

How you present yourself to the world is how people will see you.

Oftentimes people save their ratty old t-shirts for the gym. Although I agree that you must ALWAYS be comfortable while you exercise, it does not mean that you can not also look good!

Today, the variety of exercise clothing on the market is enormous. One does not need to choose between comfort and style - you can have both!The selection in the stores and on- line offers everything you need and the modern-day materials are perfect for all types of weather.

I am not against wearing an old t -shirt and shorts if they are clean and not fraying, but it is not the wisest choice. Cotton does not absorb sweat and does not dry quickly and therefore does not allow your body to stay comfortable during a workout, making your time at the gym even more difficult. The clothing labeled DRI-FIT is best for all sorts of workouts (winter and summer) - try it and you will notice an instant difference.

With all this said: This is absolutely not the time to follow trends. I find it laughable to watch women come to the gym in the latest workout looks, with their hair and makeup all done. There is a time and a place for everything and this is not it.

My advice is if you find items that you love, they fit well, look good and are comfortable, buy a lot. It is completely not important what the latest cut, design or color is.I have been an exercise lover for many years and rarely change my style. I have been wearing the same style running pants and tank-top since I cannot remember when.

Exercise, whether you are at home, in the gym or outside, is about working out and not about a fashion show.

Keep in mind the following tips:

1. clean and neat

2. comfort

3. proper fit (especially tanks and sports bras-bouncing around is a big no-no and quite painful to see)

4. Lots of sun cream for outdoors

You will look good and feel great crossing any finish line.

Oh and make sure that your tops and bottoms meet, it is best to keep muffin tops for later and have them with coffee.

For local shopping options contact:

Hadara Baranovitz at 054-5500176 and tell her Individual Style sent you

Or visit: Time Trail, 15 Kfar Street, Rishpon

Pre or Post Pessach Beauty

As we are getting ready for Pessach and focusing on all that needs to get done around the house, don't forget about yourself.

Here are several beauty tips, because it is not just about your clothes.

Facial: Eti Wolf, 09-957-7120 Eti is in Herzliya Pituach, in the industrial zone. The facility is simple and clean . Eti is from Holland and was trained in Europe, but is completely Israeli. Her facials are customized to your needs on the day of your appointment - they may include acid washes, special moisturizing creams and/or anti-aging masks. Although you may not know what to expect at the start of your visit, you will, without a doubt, leave with your skin looking fabulous.

Eyebrows: Smadar, 052-382-8910 Smadar is based in Raanana and works out of her home. She can completely take care of you from head to toe, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, massage and more. I think her specialty is eyebrows. She uses the THREADING method and is able to perfectly arch your brow and remove all the unwanted little hairs. Yes it hurts, but it is worth it!

Hair: Miki Buganim, 03-546-3242 Miki works out of his own hair salon in Tel- Aviv. He is known for ALL of his abilities: cut, color and style. The salon is also well-known for their hair extensions, both permanent and semi-permanent ones. Miki and his staff are kind, efficient and across the board excellent. In terms of color: Miki himself does not mix your color (unless you book him directly) but he will oversee the work that is being done and ensure you will not come out with the "Israeli red or purple" tint in your hair (unless you want it). While you are being cared for you can sit back, drink a coffee and watch the "who's who" of Israeli society stop by.

Massage: Sonya, 050-556-0056 Located in Raanana, Sonya will massage away any aches and pains you have. She works out of her apartment or will come to your home. Either way her technique is sheer perfection. I walk in feeling tight, knotted and tense and I leave feeling relaxed, calm and tranquil. Her hands are magical.

When making your appointments tell them Sarah Freund from Individual style sent you

Fashion in Israel

For those of you who read Hebrew please check out the the Israeli fashion website http://www.bamoda.co.il/ it is full of great fashion advice.

Also see the link below, an article about Individual Style

http://www.bamoda.co.il/styling/Articles.aspx?id=593