Layers, Layers and More Layers

Talk about confusing..... Yesterday, the sky was gray, the rain was pouring down and the high for the day was 12 C (53F), while today, it is cool outside but in the sun it still feels like spring and the high is 23 C (73 F). There are days where inside your home you are shivering while outside you could be wearing a t-shirt. On other days you need a sweater or jacket just to walk around but as soon as you get into your car you begin to sweat and need to turn the AC on.

So what does one do? Do I wear a short sleeve t-shirt, a long sleeve t-shirt, a jacket or a sweater…. Ahhh, the daily dilemmas we face getting dressed in the “winter” when you live here in Israel....

But the answer is really quite simple: ALL OF THE ABOVE OR AT LEAST SOME SORT OF COMBINATION.

It all boils down to: layers, layers and more layers.

Depending on whether you always feel cold or warm, you can decide what types of layers work best for you.

Layering is simple and these basic tips should help you out. Start with a light layer and work your way up, for example:

1. A thin layer, a t-shirt, a shirt or blouse
2. A light-weight sweater - cardigans work best
3. A vest jacket, jacket or bulkier sweater
4. A light weight scarf
5. For colder days and evening add a coat or wrap

Remember that layers should be easy to put on and take off. That way, you are ready for whatever wind blows your way.

HOMEWORK and PAJAMAS

For many parents, the beginning of school is a happy time of year. Our children go off each morning and as parents we breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the need to provide them with daily entertainment is over.
Not for me. I actually enjoy vacation and the chance to spend time with them. Sure, my boys are older now and don't need me to plan out each day and keep them busy all the time, so I truly enjoy the relaxing down time with them. During the summer, there is no morning rush, no making sandwiches and getting everyone out to the bus on time followed by running errands all day like a crazy person in order to get home to greet them with a smile when they walk in the door from school.

But as much as I might dread the daily sandwich-making, as I slab something on the bread with my eyes half open while trying to sip my coffee and wake myself up….. the most dreadful part of the day is actually still several hours away….. HOME WORK. Truth be told (and it is a good thing my boys do not read this blog) I hated homework as a child and now I hate it even more!!!! Really - I cannot bear the whole afterschool routine of "do you have homework? Did you do your homework? Sit down and finish your homework!"

So what do you wear while you are busy jumping from child to child trying to help them with their work?

As far as i am concerned, it needs to be something comfortable, relaxed and washable (for those nasty little pen marks).

My personal preference, and this may surporise you, is PAJAMAS; they are relaxed, comfortable and cozy. I put them on as soon as I get home. Perhaps not very fashionable but with todays selection of sleepwear you can easily run afternoon carpools in them too.