8 Tips for Using Up Your Hanukkah Leftovers

Left with extra latkes, brisket, chicken, and Hanukkah gelt after your holiday celebrations? Here are eight ideas for using up your leftovers and extending the holiday spirit. First, some tips for reheating and storage. If you have more latkes than you can use, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer the pancakes to an airtight freezer bag or container. To reheat from frozen, place them on a baking tray and bake at 350 degrees F for about 15 to 20 minutes. If you have time, I recommend reheating leftover latkes from room temperature. Place them...

How to Achieve a New Year Reset: A Step-by-Step Guide from Career Break Compass

Did you know that 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by February?  That's because most people jump into changes without a proper reset strategy. They dive headfirst into new habits and goals without clearing the mental and physical clutter first. It's like trying to build a house on shaky ground - eventually, everything comes tumbling down. A new year reset isn't just about making resolutions - it's about creating a clean slate and building a strong foundation for lasting change. Think of it as pressing the refresh button on your life, clearing out what's not working, and making space for...

All About Æbleskiver

It was a distinct pleasure to work with Pim on her gorgeous Æbleskiver cookbook, which highlights her creativity and love of this classic treat. From the very beginning, I was inspired by the wide array of traditional and unusual flavors and after seeing her colorful photographs (which drove me out to buy an æbleskiver pan of my own) I wanted to try every. single. one. With the holidays coming, I can’t think of a better cookbook to go to for a festive breakfast or brunch!  Æbleskiver are fascinating in their simplicity and potential. A plate of æbleskiver can be as...

Behind the Book: The Sea Hides A Seahorse

I have always loved the ocean! I love the way the light sparkles on the water, the rhythm of the waves, and the sound of the surf. But what I love most of all is the mystery of what lies beneath its surface and how this hidden world is home to more than a million marine species, most of them still unknown to us. Still, my love of the ocean is not why I wrote my debut picture book, The Sea Hides A Seahorse. The idea for this book emerged from a misconception I formed as a small child. You...

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with Faith Kramer

Did you know the Hebrew calendar celebrates four distinct New Years? * The most important and best-known of them is Rosh Hashanah (literally “head of the year”), observed this year from the evening of October 2 through nightfall of October 4. On Rosh Hashanah, often called the Jewish New Year, individuals attend special services to offer prayers for a year of health and prosperity and affirm their dedication to repenting their misdeeds. They also celebrate in their homes with festive meals featuring foods that are symbolically connected to these same prayers.  While customs and traditions vary across the global Jewish...

The story behind The Knitting Witch

At The Collective Book Studio, we have the unique privilege of bringing remarkable stories to life. In some special cases, the origin story is just as compelling as the book itself. The Knitting Witch is a tale that has woven its way from a cherished family memory into a beautifully illustrated book soon to be placed into the hands of eager readers everywhere. A Rediscovered Gem The story of The Knitting Witch begins in the 1950s with author Norma Kassirer, known for her classic Magic Elizabeth. Before she penned that beloved book, Norma wrote The Knitting Witch and would read...