Lola Hats is a Brooklyn company, created by Lola Ehrlich. Now sold in boutiques and department stores, these hats are simple and chic, with a slight twist and flair. All of the hats are all hand-made in Brooklyn and have a sense of individuality and creativity, while being practical, protective, and classic.

My current obsession: straw hat.

Purple feathers.

Birds’ eye view (sideways).

Side view.

Other side view.

Front view (I AM NOT A MODEL!)

I am also in love this wide brimmed hat with neon accent. A different look than the fedora, but just as unique, bright, and sunny.

Many different options sold at Saks.

Shop here or here for these extra-special hats. Just remember to own the look, and rock it. Have a great week.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
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Matt goes to the bank each week to get his stack of bills for the next week or two. His story about his interest in 2 dollar bills was so touching and elegantly odd (ironic?), that I knew I had to interview him and inspire us all to BRING BACK THE TWO! As Matt likes to say, he does not like to collect twos.  He just likes using them.

Elias, Matt’s 10 month old son, is also highly interested in two dollar bills.

One of Laura’s birthday gifts to Matt this year, was a 2 dollar bill stamp (because apparently, Matt also really likes stamps.)

According to Matt, “Everyday is Mardi Gras for me. Another ‘Fat Twos’ Day.” Love it.

Random and fascinating, here is the interview with Matt! Enjoy! (I want to start a collection that is so unique and obscure that people find my hobby and collection inspiring and touching!)

When did you become interested in $2 bills?

I started on this path in the summer of 1992 when I was living in San Francisco, working in the financial district (I was at Lehman Brothers at the time) and I discovered that my local bank could supply me with $2s. I was hooked. Subsequently, I cashed all my paychecks in $2s. My mantra is to spread the joy of $2 bills and to make transactions and merchant interactions fun and to spread the happiness of $2 bills throughout our system.

Why did you become interested?

Because everyone I meet ascribes some sort of magic, wish, hope or family nostalgia to $2 bills. I love $2s because I love interacting with people. $2s give me a chance to connect with people, and increase the likelihood that I will hear a story, learn something new or just dialogue with a stranger where I otherwise would have no conversation were I to use more mundane bills in my purchase.

$2s keep me humble and remind me that I have something to learn from everyone, and when I keep that In mind I learn something new every day.

Around the corner from my house is a bodega. I go there nearly every day. And have for years. After a couple years and a few hundred $2 bill fueled transactions, the guy behind the counter, an extra nice neighborhood fixture, originally from Pakistan, stops me before I left the store one Saturday morning and said, “hey, Mr. Two Dollar bill. Why do you use the two’s?” I gave him my schpiel, that everyone loves the $2s. And it brings a smile to people’s faces and nostalgia to their mind.” He tells me I’m wrong and proceeds to give me a history lesson on President Jefferson, the racial and cultural significance of conflict of character that Jefferson’s legacy bears.

I walked out of that interaction, got home and studied up on Jefferson. Than on Jackson (similar character flaws).

I loved $2s even more after my conversation with Mr. Bodega manager. He taught me something and set in motion a mini historical research mission I undertook on our country’s presidents.

Until I stop learning, I won’t stop using $2s. Until I stop giving out $2s I will keep on learning.

Interesting facts about the two dollar bill?

The treasury still prints $2 bills . . .they are pegged at 1% of the US money supply and because $2s don’t circulate widely, they are not printed very often. Most likely you will find 2005 or 2003 vintage $2s  that have never before been circulated. I like to think that when I take off the paper band from a pack of $200 of $2 bills from 2005 that I am circulating wishes and good will that has been bottled up for 8 years and have never seen the light of day or never interacted with a human being before.

What are the qualities of a $2 bill that you love so much?

There’s a small grouping of consistent reactions – and it’s the reactions that I love. People reminisce about grandparents giving them a $2 bill, getting one on a special occasion, giving one to a grandchild, making a wish and ascribing some sort of sacred value to this otherwise ordinary currency.

What is the best reaction you have ever received from giving a $2 bill to someone?

A friend’s boyfriend was working at a restaurant and when I gave him a tip in $2s, he started crying and told me a story about how when he first came to America from Turkey he met an elderly woman who gave him a $2 and told him it was for good luck in this country and he still has it to remind him in good and tough times to be hopeful.

Do you feel the same way about a silver dollar coin?

No. I’ve tried coins and people don’t react the same way. Plus they’re heavy. I’ve found that nothing has the magic that $2 bills have.

What is the most common reaction you get?

Telling me a story about receiving or giving one, showing me a special $2 bill they have on them, telling me what they will do with it.

How do you decide when to use a $2 bill versus a normal $1 or $5?

All the time. I don’t decide. It’s all I use. Every week I go to the bank and get hundreds of dollars in $2s and I get to spread smiles and collect stories.

Do you ever save a $2 bill in your wallet (is there an especially special one you love)?

I like getting rid of all of my $2s but I am trying to collect the A through J series so do try to save some.

Are you ever scared that a cash register will not accept a $2 bill?

I’m always a little nervous but to the letter of the law you have to accept it. There’s only been one time that someone has ever refused.

How often do you get $2 bills to carry around?

Every week, usually on Tuesdays (haha – twos-days).

How much per week?
$200-$400.

Because you have such a quirky love for something so fun as $2 bills, what else are you into?

Most of my obsessions have a short shelf life, although one other one is taking obscure photo booth photos. I had an exhibition in a few art galleries and some magazines in Taiwan and Shanghai. I even proposed to my wife through a photo book photo.

Just hanging out at work….

Thank you, Matt! So if you are wondering how you can spread the two, go to your local bank and order (no cost) a stack of bills and then spend them! Helping circulate the bills through transactions will give people more awareness to the two dollar bill and help spread the joy and smiles associated with the bill. And if not interested in two dollar bills, simply learn from Matt the lesson of learning from others and how interaction with strangers and people brings joy and happiness. Have a great week.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
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Mah-Ze-Dahr is a bakery created by Umber and is a Tom Colicchio Discovery brand. Umber, taught at a young age that food is a language on its own, studied genetics and business. She spent much of her career in finance on Wall Street, and then moved to help luxury brands, chefs, and restaurateurs expand their concepts globally. She also started the bakery (the perfect combination of her talents — business, science, and culture!) with Colicchio, the chef/owner of Craft restaurants (as well as a Top Chef judge).

Umber. Isn’t she supermodel worthy? HOLY COW! (Photo taken by Vanessa Rees)

Umber and Tom. Again, another beautiful photo taken by Vanessa Rees.

In Urdu, the word mazedar describes the taste essence of food, its flavor and magic that make it delicious. As Umber describes, it is the “Je-ne-sais-quoi” that describes something wonderful. It is something that one cannot describe but wants to experience over and over again. And the items from Mah-Ze-Dahr are exactly that.

The simple brown box, logo and ribbon is classic and tasteful.

MY FAVORITE! I am still dreaming of this cheesecake. Made from sour cream and cream cheese, it is light fluffy and refreshing — who knew that cheesecake could be so light and airy?

A favorite, Mah-ze-dahr bars that were featured in Food & Wine Magazine an Editor’s Top Ten Pick (February 2013). This bar has an oatmeal cookie base topped with toasted pecans and chocolate bits and covered in a brown butter caramel sauce.

The classic chocolate chip cookie with a salted top. Salty – sweet perfection.

Dark Chocolate Explosion Cookie. Need I say more?

All together — sampling in a box.

Currently, Mah-Ze-Dahr is an online bakery, selling and shipping nation wide. All of the items are shippable, except for the cheesecake which is delivered only in New York (lucky us New Yorkers — to DIE FOR!). Rumor has it that they will soon open a shop up in downtown Manhattan. Mah-Ze-Dahr is also now sold at Intelligentsia at the High Line Hotel. So, expect to hear much more from Umber and Mah-Ze-Dahr! An online business with more to come!

I, along with Ali, had the opportunity to sit down with Umber to discuss Mah-Ze-Dahr and first hand try all her sweets. The treats could have done all the talking, as they really are like no other, but with Umber’s added sweet sophistication, it was the Fleur-de-Sel on top. I am truly excited to become a fan and have Umber’s products become my new go-to-present. And you should, too! To buy the products, go here. Here is an interview with Umber — her answers are beautiful — Enjoy!

What is your most popular item?

Because we get so much press about them, the Mah-Ze-Dahr Bars are the most popular item people order from us.  In NYC, we get a lot of orders for our cheesecakes and Devil In Ganache cakes, which let’s be honest, are amazing.

What is your personal favorite item?

That’s an unfair question.  It’s like asking me to pick a favorite star in the sky.  When I’m working on a recipe, I make sure it’s something that I would be thrilled to receive as a gift and to crave it as a snack at any time.  I’m partial to the tension between sweet and salty, so I tend to gravitate toward those items.

What is the dream for your bakery?

For me, food tells a story and should inspire people to change the world.  I know it’s a lofty dream for a cookie, but that’s where dreams begin.  My intention is to expand the ecommerce platform to reach a tremendous audience, build bakeries in a highly curated group of cities around the world, and create products that people can use in their home kitchens.  Ultimately, this global food brand will become a part of a larger luxury group.  This is because food and the time we spend together consuming it are the ultimate luxuries in our lives.

What aspect of baking do you love most (mixing, developing, tasting, selling, etc..) and why?

I have two favorite moments.  The first is when the timer sounds and I open the oven door.  It’s the first waft of the freshly baked food followed by the overwhelming aroma of what has just happened.  The second is watching people take their first bite of one of my creations.  To watch the face change from an expression of anticipation to one of uncertainty to that of unexpected flavors and culminating in pure joy.  Perfect moments.  Every time.

Bakers always claim that love makes the products taste so delicious. Do you agree?

I believe wholeheartedly in one’s intention going into the food that is prepared.  Making food for someone is, I believe, the most intimate thing you can do for another person.  What you prepare with your hands goes into another’s body, and that energy fuels the person to go into the world.  It’s a big responsibility, to be certain, but one that requires the best of intentions every step of the way.  I do my best to be calm and positive in the kitchen.  Because I am only human, there are times when I’m full of crazy, manic energy.  Those are the times I try not to be in the kitchen.  If I must, I actually sing to myself.  That changes everything.

Who and what is your inspiration?

The people who eat and love my food are my inspiration.  Food is about changing the world through moving the energies of those who consume it.  Knowing that is possible with something that I create, that inspires me.  I also draw energy and inspiration from my travels around the world.  Learning how people use spices and mix flavors inspires me to try things in my baking.

Where do you ship your items?

We ship our food throughout the United States.  In addition to a select group of retailers that offer our products in NYC, we deliver in Manhattan.  We hope to be able to ship internationally soon.

Is it possible to have a successful business selling just online?

Absolutely.  Because we live in a world that is connected electronically, things that were previously only available locally can now be shared wherever packages can be delivered.  Most of our patrons are outside of our local area.  I love that, because that continues to reinforce my belief in food being the ultimate connector.  I also believe in the importance of having physical outlets where one can experience total immersion into our world.  Hence the inclusion of physical stores in our plan.

You work a lot with luxury brands and bringing new restaurants internationally. Do you believe baked goods are a luxury item? If so, how?

Luxury is defined as something that is inessential but conducive to pleasure and comfort, an indulgence in something that provides satisfaction or ease, a condition of abundance.  That is what we do.  So yes, we are a luxury item, but one that is approachable.  Attainable luxury.

What are your favorite luxury brands?

I gravitate toward brands that create a world of which I want to be a part.  Brunello Cucinelli, Maserati, Bottega Veneta, Le Labo, Tom Ford, J. Mendel, Jennifer Fisher.

A lot of celebrities have tweeted and become fans of your food. How did you make those comnections?

My dear friend and hair guy, Harry Josh, has been beyond generous with his love and support.  Many of the more celebrated of my clients are also clients and friends of his.  I’ve become his go-to gift and also send him to shoots and sets with my treats.  I’ve been so lucky that my flavors have resonated tremendously well with everyone!

Because I am a celebrity fan geek, can you tell us who any of your celeb fans are?

I have the utmost respect for my patrons and really want them to tell the world about what they love, eat, crave, experience.  Because of that, I must leave it to them to tell you.

When you open your physical space for the bakery, what job do you plan on doing?

My main focus with the bakery, now and going forward, is to maintain the integrity of the brand and build it into a global brand.  I believe strongly in creating a team for the brand that believes in and will grow it accordingly.  I will spend time building, and also continue to be in the kitchen as much as I can.  That is, after all, where the magic takes place.

When the store opens up, will you continue to ship and sell online?

I am completely loyal to our patrons that cannot visit us in person, so shipping directly to them will continue to be an integral and critical component of our business.  Nobody should be denied treats just because they cannot visit one of our stores.

How important is it to you for the food to look a certain way (vs taste)?

Every one of your senses engages in the experiencing of food.  Before you taste something, you see it.  The visual, therefore, is as important to the experience as the taste.  That being said, I never make something look more than it is.  By that I mean embellishing a confection to appear interesting but not actually making it taste any better.  The natural beauty of my confections reflects the true tastes inside, which make them look exactly as they should—intoxicating and inviting.

Favorite NYC restaurants?

I have more favorite meals than favorite restaurants.  We threw my best friend’s birthday at riverpark.  We sat in the middle of their urban garden and ate like kings.  Mike Anthony at Gramercy Tavern makes this smoked trout dish with cipollini puree which is on my last meal request list.  The gianduja gelato at Amorino.  The guacamole at Rosa Mexicano.  The hen of the woods mushrooms at craft.  The kouign amann at Dominique Ansel. The lamb at my mother’s table.

Favorite coffee to go with your treats?

My favorite coffee is Intelligentsia Coffee.  They are a specialty finder and roaster of the most beautiful coffees in the world.  Beyond sustainable and fair trade, they care about what they do.  The result is the most intense and authentic coffee.  We have partnered with them in their first NYC coffee bar (located in The High Line Hotel) and will also have their full coffee service in our bakeries.  We’ve spent time with them, pairing our treats with their coffees.  Think of it much like you would pair wines with your dinner.  What you imbibe with your food changes the experience in both fundamental and subtle ways.  Coffee does that for our confections.  Try it, trust me on this.

You do it all. Is there anything you CAN’T DO?

So many things.  I can’t do a cart wheel.  I can only tie my shoes using the bunny ear method.  I can’t read the “push” or “pull” sign on a door until I try it for myself first (and almost always guess the wrong way first).  I can’t eat just one cookie.  But there’s only one thing I wish I could do.  If I could keep my beautiful and blessed family out of harm’s way forever, I would trade all my other gifts in the world for that.  That’s what I would do.

Brownies.

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In love? I am! Support Mah-Ze-Dahr for your weekend fun of desserts. Have a great weekend.

Love, Anika Yael Natori, a.k.a., The Josie Girl and Contributing Editor Ali Berlin

Sorry for yet ANOTHER post of this picture, but instead of focusing on the whole image, look specifically at the dress! (It turned out nice on camera, right?)

This white dress is by Mes Demoiselles — an oh so chic and fashionable Parisian line. The dress is a crinkled gauze and eyelet, with a gathered elastic waist, and tiers added to the skirt base. It comes with a cotton slip lining so you don’t have to worry about panty lines. It is a perfection combination of casual and put-together, day and night, easy and effort-less, vintage and new.

You can wear it with or without a belt, too. The belt adds a little more flavor and style, but I also love the simplicity and solid color without the belt.

My modeling career — awkward!

On a real model. PHEW!

Backside, on model. Obvi.

Up close look at the detail.

And the price point is reasonable (in 2013, buying a dress costs a fortune. Harumph), too, making this dress a no-brainer purchase. Buy it on shopbop and wear it all summer. Trust me. And even if the dress isn’t for you, check out Mes Demoiselles — I love ALL of their fun and unique clothes.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
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My favorite picture of the photo shoot!

The article featured both our New York apartment, and our home in Pound Ridge, NY, which the Natoris have owned for more than 25 years (Ken’s parents just completed building another home on the property).  We have spent the past few months redoing and redecorating the house, and are so excited with how it turned out.

Cruz’s bedroom in NYC; my favorite room in our whole apartment. The colors and patterns bring such happiness and joy to the room, and to us!

We worked with 2 amazing interior decorators.  Nicki Hill Rose helped us with the first renovation in New York (pre-Cruz), and Allison Tick did the second renovation (pre-Zoe), and the full project in Pound Ridge. We would not have been able to do it without their help!

Our bedroom in NYC, not shy of vibrant colors.

We are so thrilled with how everything turned out.  The article has a lot more pictures (32 pages!) so please check it out and support Lonny!

Pound Ridge, NY. Master bedroom. Love the LOVE.

Pound Ridge living room, outside. And yes, hello plastic red and yellow airplane. (Cruzzie loves this plane so much he sleeps with it every night. No joke. He cuddles it like a teddy bear. Safe to say he is a dedicated airplane lover).

Cruz’s teepee, Pound Ridge guest room. I found the teepee on etsy and love it more than Cruzzie does. If I go missing, that is where I will be…huddled up in the teepee with a jar of peanut butter and some babka.

Thanks to the amazing Lonny team!  To read the whole feature, go here.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
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Annabel and Josie Natori this past February.

Below is an interview I did with her in April, 2012. She was creative, passionate, and inspirational. She will be greatly missed.

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This past season, Natori has had the opportunity and privilege to work with celebrity stylist Annabel Tollman for fashion presentations and shoots. Annabel has amazing experience, style, and a viewpoint that blows everyone away. A native of England, she has made her mark in the fashion community by dressing high profile celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Mariah Carey, and my all time favorite, the Olsen Twins. I had the honor of asking the lovely Annabel questions, and here are her responses.

Not only is Annabel stylish, but she is beautiful too. Double envy.

Tell us your journey- how did you become a stylist?

I studied Fashion at Central St. Martins and specialized in Communication and Promotion – I was supposed to become a journalist, but after many solitary days spent at home writing (wearing my pajamas and with only the occasional messenger for a chat) I was interning and started assisting a stylist and discovered that whizzing about in her convertible and going on shoots with cool interesting people was much more interesting. Now of course I long for days spent at home in pajamas (albeit silk with a matching kimono). Soon after that I met Tyler Brule, who asked me if I wanted to come and work on his launch venture, which was Wallpaper. I worked for Tyler during the rest of college and went straight back when I graduated.

Man of style, Tyler Brule, is the editor and founder of Monocle.

Who were your mentors along the way?

Tyler Brule, of course, was a huge inspiration. To launch a magazine at the age of 27 is no mean feat. Drusilla Beyfus was my journalism tutor at college, and really taught me how to write. Ingrid Sischy and Sandra Brant, who were my Editor and Publisher at Interview, were and continue to be mentors – I really owe my ability to write and edit to Ingrid insisting that I was the best person at writing fashion copy and locking me in my office until it was finished! Mary Alice Stephenson is a wonderful human being and I owe her an awful lot for her generous spirit giving me some of the simplest and best advice I have ever received. Michael Flutie, who is my manager, teaches me daily that whatever you want to do, you can go out and make it happen.

Who is your style icon?

Anybody who gets dressed every day and makes an effort. I’m not sure what is going on at the moment, but people are increasingly sloppy. I’m not sure that I have a style icon that is a person, but more of a generation. Our grandparents faced great hardships – raised children, ran errands, and fought battles – without need for yoga pants or Ugg boots.

What was it like to work with Natori on their Fall ’12 collection and presentation?

It was so much fun! Mrs Natori is one of the chicest women I have ever met, and also so cool and modern. David Leung (Natori Design Director) and his team took the Natori DNA to the next level. I was very lucky that I got to see the inspiration in development – I just offered a few tweaks and ideas. We all had great fun along the way!

What was your favorite piece in the collection?

There were many good pieces–it’s hard to just pick one thing. I loved the little black lace dress, no. 19. For me personally, the long sequin gold skirt for impact; and, of course, the finale dress for a showstopper. That lantern handbag was really cool too.

Josie Natori Fall 2012 Black Lace Dress.

Gold ensemble.

Tada. The finale dress that blew everyone away.

Who are some of your celebrity clients? What other runway/ presentations have you worked on?

Oh I’ve worked with a lot of people over the years…Liv Tyler, Lynn Collins, Jessica Simpson, Scarlett Johansson, America Ferrera, Catherine Zeta Jones, Pharell….runway shows for Badgley Mischka, Van Cleef & Arpels, Nautica and of course Natori!

The Olsen twins. Do they ever look bad???? NEVER!

Scarlett Johansson. What a curvy hot bod!

What is your favorite project you have done?

Always the next one…you can never look back, only forward.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in the fashion industry?

It always ends well, it’s just a question of how you get there.

What is one thing that you wish you had known when you started your career?

How huge the impact of the internet was going to be on the world.

Who is your favorite designer?

At the moment I am buying a lot of Nina Ricci and I always love the fit of L’Wren Scott. Ultimately I’m always a vintage girl.

A Nina Ricci look. Nina Ricci is a french fashion house headed by Peter Copping, who worked for Louis Vuitton in the past.

L’Wren Scott was founded by L’Wren in 2006. Known for their sexy silhouettes, L’Wren Scott’s pieces are both intricate and unique in their construction and aimed to flatter everyone’s body.

What is your go-to outfit for spring?

I wear a lot of dresses in the spring and summer. It’s so easy – throw on and go!

How do you stay current with what is on trend?

I try not to wear what everybody else is wearing, and to be honest, I detest trends, I find they’re a very lazy yet inefficient way to communicate fashion. People want clothing that makes them feel a certain way, that adds depth and romance and layers to their experience of life. A story or a resonance with a brand or an idea of who it turns you into in your psyche is much more seductive and, frankly, a lot more fun than thinking “oh it’s the shoe of the season so I should definitely buy it”.

What websites/magazines inspire and guide your styling eye?

I find that my styling eye comes from my imagination, but I enjoy looking at W, Love, National Geographic, Pinterest, Garance Dore, Terms of Endearment, Showstudio.

What is your favorite piece of clothing?

So hard to pick one! I have a Victorian mourning cape that is darkly gothily glamorous. It looks great with a t-shirt or something very simple.

If you bought only one item for your closet this Spring 2012, what would it be and why?

I’ve already bought a McQueen houndstooth blazer with a nipped waist and a peplum so I had better stop there! Why? I love that New Look shape, and I hardly ever see really well-constructed peplum jackets. I’ve got tons of summer dresses already, and this will be great to throw over everything and make it all feel fresh.

Top three favorite Spring 2012 trends?

Well, I’ve already said that I detest trends, but just to be totally contradictory, three things that I really like that are available for Spring are: (1) Sherbert colors – they just feel right and look great with a tan (2) Eyelet – always so fresh, very Alaia. Or Bardot. (3) Pumps – down with the tranny shoe! I thought I thought I was turning into an old lady because I’m turning down massive platforms and 6” heels, but as soon as the chain stores start copying a classic pump, I realized it’s not just me.

What a beauty!

There you have it, ladies. Words from the wise. Don’t you wish we all had as much fashion sense as Annabel? I surely do…

———————–

This is all so sad.  Annabel: you will be greatly missed.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
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Ingredients:

* 2 and 3/4 cups almond/soy milk
* 1/3 cup of sugar
* 3 tablespoons of minute tapioca
* 1 beaten egg
* 1 mango
* 1/2 cup of coconut milk
Directions:

*  Mix milk, sugar, tapioca and (beaten egg) in a saucepan and let mixture sit for 5 minutes.

I didn’t listen to my own directions and simply placed the egg into the mixture before beating the egg. WRONG, beat the egg before you place it in the milk mixture.

Blend.

* On medium heat, cook the mixture until it comes to a full boil while constantly stirring.

Boiling tapioca.

Getting thicker. OH MY GOD, watching tapioca form is like finding a split end! And then examining it under the microscope. #highschooldays #itsthesmallthings #obsessive

Thickening.

* While the mixture cools down for 20 minutes, chop up a mango and place the mango and coconut milk into a blender and blend.

Mango puree.

I want to eat this plain!

* When the tapioca mixture is cool, mix in the mango puree (before you eat it all — good on its own!), and then chill.

Pour mango puree.

Mix.

Cool.

* Then, DEVOUR.

Dessert for two!

Top view of heaven.

Have a great weekend. Any fun plans?

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
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Have you ever dreamed of a Flip Flop – Clog hybrid?  If so, FLOGGS may be the shoes for you.  FLOGG is a revolutionary new category of footwear -inspired by the laid back California lifestyle and invented for all women who want to feel good and look fantastic without sacrificing design for comfort.

In the 1970’s the womens’ liberation movement was born. The quest for equality in society made women also yearn for freedom of expression in their clothing. The Europeans influenced American fashion with sexualized glamour, style icons Jane Birkin, Bianca Jagger, Brigit Bardot & Farrah Fawcett made miniskirts and platforms popular silhouettes that keep re-appearing on today modern catwalks.

I love the Cassie:

Swedish clog / high heel / birkenstock

YOWZERS!

Now with FLOGG, retro classic shapes are made more comfortable with the flip flop EVA component.   The cushioned material (ethylene vinyl acetate, or EVA) lays on top of the sturdy natural wood platform. There’s also built in arch support inside of the shoe!

The cushion makes them a great choice for walking around the city or hanging at the beach.  I’m not a fan of being held back by my footwear, but I’m also unwilling to wear running shoes to get around.  For that reason, FLOGGS are an awesome walking companion.

If you want to learn more about how your feet change over time, and how shoes can help to maintain the integrity of your feet, check out this post about FLOGGS with advice from a podiatrist.

I have the Melanie platform sandal in silver.  MULTIPLE people have stopped me on the street (and at Barneys — which means that they are avant garde, cutting edge and cool) asking about my shoes.  They are hip, super comfortable, easy to wear with your whole summer wardrobe.  And, they are very well priced ranging from approx $89-$149. Say what?

The Melanie in silver. A little sparkle to any outfit.

Printed Melanie. More of a neutral print to go with anything! More prints the better.

Gold Melanie. 14K love.

Printed Forte II. Take a look at the support for your foot. A spa pedicure for your special toes and feet. Who needs orthodics when you have these?

So check out more information on FLOGGS on facebook or on instagram. And if interested in purchasing them, they are sold at Shopbop, Lori’s Shoes, Nordstrom, Koko & Palenki, Heels.com, and DNA Footwear. They are honestly a perfect hybrid between flipflop and clog! Great for running errands outside without looking too schleppy! Have a great week!

Ali Berlin

The colorful trio of books.

Not only are these books incredibly informative and practical, but they are also beautiful and special. Put them on your coffee table to stir up a conversation or place them on your nightstand to read before bed!

On shelf.

I bought three books from the series, USA Northeast, USA Westcoast, and 150 weekends in USA and Canada (which is the whole American/ Canadian series in one book. Ken would point out that buying all three of these is unnecessary.  OOPS!).

West Coast Love.

Northeast Like.

USA weekend trips!

Below is a sample of 36 Hours from the Times online.  Auckland, New Zealand!

Auckland, New Zealand

A look inside.

Colorful photos!

The books are stylishly written with bright photographs, restaurant and hotel details, museum highlights, quirky tidbits, and insightful information. Just think it is the more chic, sophisticated, adult version of Lonely Planet! The only draw back to these guides are that you will want to book a flight and trip IMMEDIATELY and will feel so bored and boring with your current life. BUY THESE BOOKS, if only to remind you that there is a life outside your city, house, and life. And you know that these books are becoming the hot present, as they now sell them at Anthropologie!

P.S. Check out the 36 hours in Eugene here and NYC here (my two homes).

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
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The only type of organic bitters sold at The Meadow is Urban Moonshine. So, I happily picked up a bottle and tried it immediately.  The listed benefits of bitters are staggering! Bitters soothe gas and bloating, relieve occasional heartburn, and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.  There are about a million other things they are supposed to help with too.

Three different varieties of bitters: original, citrus, and maple.

Bitters original.

The theory behind bitters is fascinating. Everyone is supposed to consume daily the 5 main flavors: sweet, salty, sour, umami, and bitter. Each flavor has a different effect on the body, and bitter flavor effects the digestion. Unfortunately, current diets focus mainly on sweet and salty, and lack bitter.  So bitter supplements in theory help your body balance.

Dandelion.

I am so excited to make this a part of my daily health regime. It’s only been a week, but my stomach is already feeling better.  I am going to keep going with this, and hopefully my repeated stomach problems will permanently go away.

Digestion relief.

You can buy Urban Moonshine bitters on their website. Happy Spring — a toast to getting our bodies working correctly, and feeling great. Have a good weekend!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
Follow @JosieGirlBlog

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