Every woman has a vice, you know, that one thing she absolutely cannot resist. For some women it’s designer handbags. For others it’s high-end cosmetics. Still others would sign away their souls for a killer pair of heels. As for me, I go gaga for gourmet health food.

I know what you’re thinking: HEALTH FOOD? How can that be a vice? And you would be right, as far as the food itself goes. Healthy, organic, nutritious food is great, and great for you. There is a gorgeous nook of a health food store store in the Mercaz called Anise, which makes me giddy whenever I walk in. All I have to do is look at the dark wood shelves stocked with gorgeous, all natural snacks, bottles of vitamins, whole grain flours and breads, exotic juices, Asian seasonings and, of course, my precious tofu, and I’m in heaven. The only problem is, the cost of one spree there could probably buy me a flight back to the States. This is why I like to walk by Anise and sometimes even look at it, but rarely do I ever actually walk in.

Today, however, was a different story. After waking up to find both Shuie and Yonah sick, I knew I was in for an interesting day. School was out, obviously, but I still needed some me-time. While both my boys took a morning snooze, I snuck out of the house to pick up the fixings for a big pot of chicken soup. Maybe it was the fresh morning air, the bright sunshine or the bustle of Ramat Eshkol waking up, but as I cut through the park on my way to the Mercaz, I decided that this caregiver deserved a little treat. So, into Anise I went, and it was glorious. I left one jar of almond butter, one bottle of Apple Vinegar, one bottle of Balsamic Vinegar, one bottle of Cranberry Pomegranate Blueberry Juice, 2 bags of whole wheat pasta and 1 bag of brown rice pasta and 2 packs of tofu richer. Perhaps to you this may not seem the most enviable of bounties, but to me, it is pure bliss, no matter what kind of dent it made in my bank account.

I am so glad I gave myself that little pick-me-up because most of the rest of the day was spent at home, entertaining a very runny-nosed Yonah. By the end of the afternoon I was ready to tear my hair out, so I called my friend Nomi to arrange a playdate with her and Yaakov Moshe (AKA Yanki-Mo). Off we went for a walk and for a visit to the playground, where Yonah went on the seesaw and tried to eat pebbles. We came home for dinner (Yonah had rice noodles with mashed sweet potatoes and carrots and margarine, in case you’re interested), a quick bath and then it was early to bed for little man.

My newest excitement is a Rosh Chodesh celebration for women at Moshav Modi’in in two weeks. I talked to the woman in charge who tells me it’s going to be a full day of classes, music, yoga, and woman power. And the best part? Kiddies are welcome! Yonah and I are so there. If I can round up enough people, I may arrange to rent a Sherut (a taxi/van arrangement), so I don’t have to stress about how to get back to Jerusalem after the festivities are over. As for my own Rosh Chodesh celebration, it is definitely still happening, but probably on the next day. That way, I can steal ideas from the classes I go to on the Moshav. Sneaky, eh?