Josh Kilmer-Purcell's Blog, page 61

Smith, Empie & Smith

We love learning about the history of the various buildings along Main Street in Sharon Springs.  Sandy Manko, the Sharon Springs town supervisor is often a go-to-source.

The Smith, Empie & Smith building (1910) was built by Seymour Smith, John Empie and Arthur Smith, who also owned the swimming pool and the Chalybeate Springs.  The store sold the latest fashions as well as souvenirs.

The broken pediment and finial ball at the center of the roof, the decorated stringcourse above the first floor shop windows, and the frieze add to the charm of the structure.  (The unique building to the left with a cantilevered corner porch on the second floor, had to be demolished in 1998.)

The Smith, Empie & Smith building was purchased by Timothy Hayes and George Papadi in 1947.  They ran it as a variety store and soda fountain in the 1950′s and early 1960′s.

Edwin and Mary Lou Lindstrom purchased the former Hayes & Papadi building in 1970.  They operated a mail order business under the name of Windfall Mdse., Inc. until 1978.

Before Jack and Rosalind Smile bought the building, in 1987, it was used as an art gallery.  Initially, Mr. Smile had his jewelry workshop and operated a jewelry manufacturing business, but in November 1994, they hosted a grand opening for their Galleria where other artistans could display their crafts in individual shops. Meanwhile they continued making jewelry and the factory was moved to the second floor.  At the back of the Galleria, was the Golden Knight Coffee House with live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.

After the Smile’s closed their jewelry business, their son Roberto continued to have auctions from time to time.  The central staircase and the wooden display cases from the original retail store are still partially intact and can be seen as soon as you enter the building.

In 1994, approximately 180 buildings were surveyed, including bathhouses, hotels, and homes, including the Smith, Empie & Smith building and were granted recognition on New York State’s Register of Historic Places and also the National Register.

 

Look for this historic building on South Main Street the next time you pass through Sharon Springs

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too! Day 15

Wednesday, December 4th

Did you know physical activity leads to feelings of self-empowerment? A study published in Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport examined previously sedentary women as they participated in a physical activity program. Those who followed the program for at least six months were more likely to make it a priority to feel good about themselves, while those who did not stick with the program reported more negative self-talk and feelings of insecurity and failure. In other words, one of the best ways to adopt a “can do” attitude is to simply get moving!

As you embark on today’s exercise program, remember that exercise has so many benefits beyond calorie burning (although we love the calorie burning!).

Today’s workout is designed to last 30 minutes and is developed so each individual can exercise at his or her own pace. Each exercise should be performed to failure—when you feel as though you can’t complete even one more rep—or to the max number of reps listed.  For example if the exercise is squat jumps and lists a max of 50 reps, you should do as many reps as possible up to 50. If you complete 10 reps and find that you can’t do another rep while maintaining good form, then simply move on to the next exercise.  If you can complete all 50 with good form, do so and then move to the next exercise.

If you get through all 5 exercises in less than 30 minutes (which should be the case), repeat the cycle until the 30 minutes is up.

Please note: Before adopting any new exercise routine, you should consult your physician.

 

Today’s full-body, calorie-burning workout:

Exercise 1: Hand Touch Plank (Perform to Failure or max 30 reps)

Exercise 2: Side Lunge (Perform to failure or max 20 reps each side)

Exercise 3: Arm Pulses (Perform to failure or max 100 reps)

Exercise 4: Scissors (Perform to failure or max 50 reps)

Exercise 5: Squat Jumps (Perform to failure or max 50 reps)

A detailed description and accompanying photo is provided for each exercise below.

 

Exercise 1: Hand Touch Plank (Perform to Failure or max 30 reps)

How to do it: Start in pushup position. Place your hands directly under your shoulders and feet hip-width apart. Keep your core/abdominals tights. Lift your right hand slightly off the ground and place it on top of your left hand. Quickly return the hand to its starting position. Repeat with the left hand. Lift your left hand slightly off the ground and place it on top of your right hand. Quickly return the hand to its starting position. Repeat.

Exercise 2: Side Lunges (Perform to failure or max 20 reps each side)

How to do it: Stand with your feet hip width apart. Place your hands on your hips for balance. Slowly step to the right.  Shift your weight to your right leg and bend your right knee. Keep you left leg straight. Push off with your right foot and come back to the starting position. Repeat with your right leg for entire series of reps. When complete, switch to your left leg and repeat exercise.

Exercise 3: Arm Pulses (Perform to failure or max 100 reps)

How to do it: Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. Place your arms out to your side and parallel to the ground. Face your palms up. Quickly pulse your arms up and down – raising and lowering no more than a few inches. Do 50 reps or until you can’t do any more. Turn your palms facing down and do 50 more reps. Repeat palms up and palms down for 50 more reps each for a total of 100 reps with palms up and 100 reps with palms down.

Exercise 4: Scissors (Perform to failure or max 50 reps)

How to do it: Lie flat on your back with your arms tucked slightly under your hips with palms facing down. Lift both legs off the ground so they are 6 to 8 inches off the ground. Slowly lift your right leg up until it is at a 45-degree angle while keeping your left leg a few inches off the floor. Switch legs: Slowly lift your left leg up until it is at a 45-degree angle and lower your right leg until it is a few inches off the floor. Continue to alternate legs.

Exercise 5: Squat Jumps (Perform to failure or max 50 reps)

How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and arms behind your head. Squat down with knees parallel to the floor. Don’t bend below parallel. Jump up as high as you can while keeping your core tight. Lower back down to your squat position as you land.

I hope you enjoy today’s workout. Please share your feedback with me by commenting below.

 

About the Author:

Dawna Stone is a health, fitness, and wellness expert. Her new book, Healthy You!: 14 Days to Quick and Permanent Weight Loss and a Healthier, Happier You is available on Amazon.com. To find out more about Dawna or to view her Healthy Living videos, tips and recipes, go to dawnastone.com

An American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified Health Coach, Stone has contributed health and wellness articles to numerous newspapers and magazines. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, and her master’s degree from UCLA. An avid runner and Ironman triathlete, she lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband, 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son.

Disclaimer:  This information is intended to provide helpful and informative material and is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any health condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician before adopting a new eating or exercise regimen. The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence of reading this information or participating in the exercises suggested in this material.

Copyright © 2013 by Dawna Stone

Get Cozy!

 

Win a pair of Muck Boots for everyone in your family!

Everyone knows how much we love our Muck Boots and that we can wear them with just about anything (remember the bedazzled pair Swarovksi made for us for Fashion Night Out a couple of years ago?!)

And when we’re out playing in the snow, there’s just nothing cozier.

This year, while every other company is trying to sell you something to stuff in your stocking, we’ve partnered with our friends at The Original Muck Boot Company  to GIVE you something to stuff your stockings into!

We’re giving away a pair of cozy winter boots for each member of your family (up to 5 pairs)

 

Boots for the entire family: (check them out!)


Arctic Adventure – a casual, all purpose winter boot for women.  Go from sledding with the kids to lunch with the girls in the New Arctic Adventure from Muck Boots. These boots are 100% waterproof and will keep your feet comfy and warm, with no compromise on style! 


Arctic Commuter -  a wardrobe staple once the temperature drops. This all purpose winter boot delivers the comfort, warmth, and style that only a Muck Boot can deliver.  The boot features a fleece lining and provides 100% waterproof protection, even in the toughest commute.  


Kid’s Hale – all hale Muck’s new winter boot for kids of all sizes.  The Kid’s Hale will keep your little ones comfy, warm and dry, no matter what they get into this winter.  The boots make it easy for little ones to slip on themselves but the neoprene material snugs gentle to the leg, ensuring the boot won’t come off when it shouldn’t.  


To enter, click here and tell us your tips on staying cozy this winter.

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too! Day 14

Monday, December 2nd

December is here! I love how a city or town transforms in December. Holiday lights and decorations can be found everywhere from your local mall to the neighborhood gas station. Although an incredibly festive month, December also brings on the bitter cold for many of us.

Getting outside to exercise isn’t always easy this time of year, which is why the “Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!” workout is so easy to follow. You can do the program from the comfort and warmth of your own home!

If you started with us on November 1st, you’ve made it through an entire month. Congratulations! You should not only be feeling a sense of accomplishment, but you should also be noticing a change in your body. All the extra calories you’ve burned as well as the load bearing exercises you’ve endured should be having you feeling and looking more firm and lean than when you began. Keep up the good work!

Today’s workout is designed to last 30 minutes and is developed so each individual can exercise at his or her own pace. Each exercise should be performed to failure—when you feel as though you can’t complete even one more rep—or to the max number of reps listed.  For example if the exercise is squat jumps and lists a max of 50 reps, you should do as many reps as possible up to 50. If you complete 10 reps and find that you can’t do another rep while maintaining good form, then simply move on to the next exercise.  If you can complete all 50 with good form, do so and then move to the next exercise.

If you get through all 5 exercises in less than 30 minutes (which should be the case), repeat the cycle until the 30 minutes is up.

Please note: Before adopting any new exercise routine, you should consult your physician.

 

Today’s full-body, calorie-burning workout:

Exercise 1: Arms Above Head Sit Ups (Perform to Failure or max 50 reps)

Exercise 2: Side Lunges (Perform to failure or max 20 reps each side)

Exercise 3: Diamond Push Ups (Perform to failure or max 30 reps)

Exercise 4: Flutter Kicks (Perform to failure or max 100 reps)

Exercise 5: Tuck Jumps (Perform to failure or max 40 reps) 

A detailed description and accompanying photo is provided for each exercise below.

 

Exercise 1: Arms Above Head Sit Ups (Perform to Failure or max 50 reps)

How to do it: Lie on your back. Place your arms straight above your head. Bend your knees and plant your feet on the floor. Tighten your core. Slowly raise your head, shoulders and arms off the floor until you are in a seated position. Slowly bring your head, shoulders and arms back to the floor.

Exercise 2: Side Lunges (Perform to failure or max 20 reps each side)

How to do it: Stand with your feet hip width apart. Place your hands on your hips for balance. Slowly step to the right.  Shift your weight to your right leg and bend your right knee. Keep you left leg straight. Push off with your right foot and come back to the starting position. Repeat with your right leg for entire series of reps. When complete, switch to your left leg and repeat exercise.

Exercise 3: Diamond Push Ups (Perform to failure or max 30 reps)

How to do it: Lie on your stomach. Get in push up position. Place your palms flat on the floor in a diamond shape directly under your chest. Your thumbs and first fingers should touch to form the diamond shape. Push up off the ground so your arms are fully extended and you’re on your toes. Keep your back flat and engage your core. While maintaining a flat back, lower yourself down until your chest hovers over the diamond. Push yourself back up by fully extending your arms. Note: you can make the exercise slightly easier by coming to your knees and performing the diamond push up.

Exercise 4: Flutter Kicks (Perform to failure or max 100 reps)

How to do it: Lie flat on your back with your arms tucked slightly under your hips with palms facing down. Lift your feet 6 to 8 inches off the floor. Quickly kick (flutter) your legs up and down, raising and lowering your feet only a few inches. Note: to make the exercise easier, raise your legs up higher than the 6 to 8 inches. To make the exercise more difficult, keep your feet closer to the ground.

Exercise 5: Tuck Jumps (Perform to failure or max 40 reps)

How to do it: Stand with your feet hip width apart and knees slightly bent. Bend your knees as you come to a squat position. From the squatting position explode up and tuck your knees to your chest.  While in mid air, grab your knees with your hands. Release your knees and extend your legs as you come back down. Allow the knees to bend upon landing. Repeat Note: Do not lock your knees on landing.

I hope you enjoy today’s workout. Please share your feedback with me by commenting below.

 

About the Author:

Dawna Stone is a health, fitness, and wellness expert. Her new book, Healthy You!: 14 Days to Quick and Permanent Weight Loss and a Healthier, Happier You is available on Amazon.com. To find out more about Dawna or to view her Healthy Living videos, tips and recipes, go to dawnastone.com

An American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified Health Coach, Stone has contributed health and wellness articles to numerous newspapers and magazines. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, and her master’s degree from UCLA. An avid runner and Ironman triathlete, she lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband, 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son.

Disclaimer:  This information is intended to provide helpful and informative material and is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any health condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician before adopting a new eating or exercise regimen. The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence of reading this information or participating in the exercises suggested in this material.

Copyright © 2013 by Dawna Stone

The Chatter

We’ve lobbied really hard for Garrison Keillor to give up life in Lake Wobegone and move to Sharon Springs, but thus far he has not answered our letters or returned our calls.

Sharon Springs has beautiful people and above-average children, too, so on to Plan B.

What is a small town village without a small town paper to keep track of what everyone is doing?

Nancy Pfau, the town historian, is now editor of our own little paper.

Each month you can check back here for a new issue and follow the lives of the real village people. If you pay a real visit, you may even want to submit a story idea of your own!

You may not live in small town, but at least you can pretend.

See below for the Nov/Dec 2013 Issue

 

 

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too! Day 13

Friday, November 29th

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Did you make a special dessert from the Beekman 1802 Heirloom Dessert Cookbook? If so, which one?

If you’re like me, you ate more than you should have yesterday. I definitely went to bed feeling stuffed.

Don’t be too hard on yourself! Thanksgiving is a time for overindulging.  Instead of dwelling on how much we ate, let’s just burn off some of those excess calories with another great “Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!” workout. Let’s get started!

Today’s workout is designed to last 30 minutes and is developed so each individual can exercise at his or her own pace. Each exercise should be performed to failure—when you feel as though you can’t complete even one more rep—or to the max number of reps listed.  For example if the exercise is squat jumps and lists a max of 50 reps, you should do as many reps as possible up to 50. If you complete 10 reps and find that you can’t do another rep while maintaining good form, then simply move on to the next exercise.  If you can complete all 50 with good form, do so and then move to the next exercise.

If you get through all 5 exercises in less than 30 minutes (which should be the case), repeat the cycle until the 30 minutes is up.

Please note: Before adopting any new exercise routine, you should consult your physician.

 

Today’s full-body, calorie-burning workout:

Exercise 1: Clap Jacks (Perform to failure or max 100 quick reps)

Exercise 2: Plank (Hold to failure or max 3 minutes)

Exercise 3: Plies Squats (Perform to failure or max 50 reps)

Exercise 4: Mountain Climbers (Perform to failure or max 30 reps each leg)

Exercise 5: Dips (Perform to failure or max 30 reps)

A detailed description and accompanying photo is provided for each exercise below.

 

Exercise 1: Clap Jacks (Perform to failure or max 100 quick reps)

How to do it: Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. Place your arms out to your side and parallel to the ground. Jump your feet out wide while clapping your hands in front of you. Jump feet back to shoulder and return arms out to the side. Repeat.

Exercise 2: Plank (Hold to failure or max 3 minutes)

How to do it: Start in push up position. Bring your body down to rest on your forearms. Your elbows should be directly under your shoulders. Keep your back flat and engage your core as you hold the position. Note: keep your body in a straight line – do not allow your butt to raise or lower.

Exercise 3: Plie Squats (Perform to failure or max 50 reps)

How to do it: Stand straight with you feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Toes pointed out. Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Squeeze your glutes as you push yourself back up to the starting position. Repeat.

Exercise 4: Mountain Climbers (Perform to failure or max 30 reps each leg)

How to do it: Start in plank position—Lie on your stomach. Place your palms flat on the floor slightly wider than shoulder width. Push up off the ground so your arms are fully extended and you’re on your toes. Keep your back flat and engage your core. Pull your right knee forward and under your body while your left leg remains extended. Then quickly switch legs bringing our left leg under your body while your right leg extends back to the floor behind you. Quickly alternate legs. The faster you switch legs, the more intense the exercise becomes.

Exercise 5: Dips (Perform to failure or max 30 reps)

How to do it: Sit on the floor with your knees bent.  Keep your feet hip width apart. Place the palms of your hands on the floor directly behind your hips. Fingers forward. Straighten your arms and lift your hips off the floor. Slowly bend your elbows as you lower your hips an inch off the ground. Push your hips back up by straightening your arms again. Continue to straighten and then bend your elbows as your hips raise and lower.

I hope you enjoy today’s workout. Please share your feedback with me by commenting below.

 

About the Author:

Dawna Stone is a health, fitness, and wellness expert. Her new book, Healthy You!: 14 Days to Quick and Permanent Weight Loss and a Healthier, Happier You is available on Amazon.com. To find out more about Dawna or to view her Healthy Living videos, tips and recipes, go to dawnastone.com

An American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified Health Coach, Stone has contributed health and wellness articles to numerous newspapers and magazines. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, and her master’s degree from UCLA. An avid runner and Ironman triathlete, she lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband, 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son.

Disclaimer:  This information is intended to provide helpful and informative material and is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any health condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician before adopting a new eating or exercise regimen. The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence of reading this information or participating in the exercises suggested in this material.

Copyright © 2013 by Dawna Stone

100K

[image error]

When we first started Beekman 1802, it was our belief that a farm could be bigger than its fences.  What happened on our 60 acres each season could not only inspire us to live a more considered life, but could help others find the beauty in their own backyard and in their own communities.

As Beekman1802.com grew, and we started sharing more and more of our ideas, we made certain to never present ourselves as “experts”.  Rather, we wanted to be “constant learners” and invite others to learn along with us.  (And every day we continue to learn FROM you!)

We would have never thought that the day would come when we would reach 100,000 “likes” on Facebook.   It’s actually very easy to reach this number and even much higher—you can literally buy “likes”–and many celebrities and brands do this.

But we did it the old fashioned way.  We earned each one.

If you see a post on our Facebook page or any of our social media accounts, it comes directly from us and not another employee or bot.  If you get an email with our name on it—we wrote it!

And we often tell other entrepreneurs that social media is a great equalizer between small and large businesses.  It costs us the same to set up a Facebook or Twitter account as it does for Coca-Cola.

Just like all the big companies, you can also find us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram all using the familiar Beekman1802Boys moniker.  We use each outlet in a different way so that even if you follow us on every platform, you’re always getting something unique.

We think of everyone who we meet in our community–either the one in Sharon Springs (population 547) or the one on Facebook (population 100,000) as our neighbors.

Thank you for being part of our world.

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too! Day 12

Wednesday, November 27th

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! Most of us are going to eat more calories tomorrow than any other day of the year. In fact, according to the Calorie Control Council, the average American will consume more than 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat!

Although those numbers are astounding, Thanksgiving shouldn’t be a time for worrying about excess calories. You can control the damage and still enjoy yourself by following three simple tips. First, watch your serving size. Try everything but keep the portions down to small spoonful’s or little tastes rather than several heading spoonful’s. Second, drink water throughout the day. Being even slightly dehydrated can cause us to overeat. And finally, burn some extra calories through exercise.

I may not be with you tomorrow to make sure you watch your servings sizes or that you drink plenty of water, but I can help you burn some extra calories today. Let’s get moving!

Today’s workout is designed to last 30 minutes and is developed so each individual can exercise at his or her own pace. Each exercise should be performed to failure—when you feel as though you can’t complete even one more rep—or to the max number of reps listed.  For example if the exercise is squat jumps and lists a max of 50 reps, you should do as many reps as possible up to 50. If you complete 10 reps and find that you can’t do another rep while maintaining good form, then simply move on to the next exercise.  If you can complete all 50 with good form, do so and then move to the next exercise.

If you get through all 5 exercises in less than 30 minutes (which should be the case), repeat the cycle until the 30 minutes is up.

Please note: Before adopting any new exercise routine, you should consult your physician.

 

Today’s full-body, calorie-burning workout:

Exercise 1: Side Lunges (Perform to failure or max 20 reps each side)

Exercise 2: Side Plank (Perform to failure or max 2 minutes each side)

Exercise 3: Squat Jumps (Perform to failure or max 50 reps)

Exercise 4: Side Leg Lifts (Perform to failure or max 30 reps each side)

Exercise 5: Pulse Ups (Perform to failure or max 100 reps)

A detailed description and accompanying photo is provided for each exercise below.

 

Exercise 1: Side Lunges (Perform to failure or max 20 reps each side)

How to do it: Stand with your feet hip width apart. Place your hands on your hips for balance. Slowly step to the right.  Shift your weight to your right leg and bend your right knee. Keep you left leg straight. Push off with your right foot and come back to the starting position. Repeat with your right leg for entire series of reps. When complete, switch to your left leg and repeat exercise.

Exercise 2: Side Plank (Perform to failure or max 2 minutes each side)

How to do it: Lie on your right side. Place one foot on top of the other. Prop yourself up onto your right arm and raise your hips until your body is in a straight line from your ankles to your head. Extend your left arm toward the ceiling. Gaze slightly up toward your raised hand and hold. Repeat on opposite side. Note: for a slightly easier exercise, rest on your forearm.

Exercise 3: Squat Jumps (Perform to failure or max 50 reps)

How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and arms behind your head. Squat down with knees parallel to the floor. Don’t bend below parallel. Jump up as high as you can while keeping your core tight. Lower back down to your squat position as you land.

Exercise 4: Side Leg Lifts (Perform to failure or max 30 reps each side)

How to do it: Lie on your right side with your right arm at a 90-degree angle supporting your head. Place your left palm on the floor in front of you. Bend your bottom leg slightly. Lift your top leg to 45-degrees and then lower just before you touch your bottom leg. Lift and lower your top leg for the entire series of reps. Repeat on your left side.

Exercise 5: Pulse Ups (Perform to failure or max 100 reps)

How to do it: Lie flat on your back with your arms tucked slightly under your hips with palms facing down. Bring your legs up to form a 90-degree angle as if you’re trying to put the soles of your feet on the ceiling. Pulse you hips directly upward without rocking your legs. (Your legs should remain at a 90-degree angle.) Bring your hips back down and immediately repeat.

I hope you enjoy today’s workout. Please share your feedback with me by commenting below.

 

About the Author:

Dawna Stone is a health, fitness, and wellness expert. Her new book, Healthy You!: 14 Days to Quick and Permanent Weight Loss and a Healthier, Happier You is available on Amazon.com. To find out more about Dawna or to view her Healthy Living videos, tips and recipes, go to dawnastone.com

An American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified Health Coach, Stone has contributed health and wellness articles to numerous newspapers and magazines. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, and her master’s degree from UCLA. An avid runner and Ironman triathlete, she lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband, 6-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son.

Disclaimer:  This information is intended to provide helpful and informative material and is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any health condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician before adopting a new eating or exercise regimen. The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence of reading this information or participating in the exercises suggested in this material.

Copyright © 2013 by Dawna Stone

5 Beautiful Things

 

Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel

When I was growing up we lived in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in the west end of Ottawa. Many of my friends were Jewish and I always loved going over to their houses during Hanukkah to marvel at the beautiful menorahs, sample some delicious latkes (fried potato pancakes) and play Dreidel, the classic Hanukkah game. It is basically a game of chance. The dreidel is essentially a small top that is spinned on a hard surface until it lands on one of four sides. Each of the sides has a Hebrew symbol that denotes a certain quantity: Nun means “nisht” or “nothing” in Yiddish; Gimmel means “gantz” or “everything” in Yiddish; Hay means “halb” or “half” in Yiddish; Shin means “shtel” or “put in” in Yiddish.

Each player contributes some sort of loot (gelt) to a pot; it could be money, candy, pretzels, small toys, etc. Depending on what symbol the dreidel lands upon, the player must either miss a turn (nun), take everything from the pot (gimmel), take half of what’s in the pot (hay) or put something else into the pot (shin.) For a complete list of rules, click here.

It is not so much the game but the dreidels themselves that interest me. I love the design of many items associated with Jewish holidays and dreidels are no exception. I have a small collection of dreidels that was sent to me by my friend Ronnie Elgavish in Tel Aviv – beautiful wooden dreidels that are hand painted with pretty designs. I love them and I put them out on the mantel each year during the holidays. Below are five beautiful variations on the humble dreidel for your consideration this week. Happy Hanukkah and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

Happy Hanukkah!

Check out our B. 1802 hand-crafted, modular menorah.  Click here

A Country Affair

World of Wonder, the production company that so beautifully captured two years of our lives on The Fabulous Beekman Boys, gave us an amazing wedding gift.

They re-assembled the crew that worked on the show and flew them all out to Sharon Springs to film our wedding.  How is THAT for a wedding video?!

And now you can enjoy every second of that day!

You can purchase the DVD or stream the wedding special directly onto your computer via Amazon Prime.  Click here

After watching the video, you get even MORE details about the day right here on Beekman1802.com

Want to know how we got engaged?   Click here

Official wedding photos from Paulette Tavormina  Click here

Candid photos taken by the guests.  Click here

Heirloom recipes from the wedding table.  Click here

The wedding cocktails.  Click here

The special story behind our wedding favors.  Click here

And, the (G-rated) images of our honeymoon on Nantucket Island.  Click here

 

Thanks for being a part of this special day and look for the Country Living Magazine feature on the wedding in the May/June 2014 issue