Goodbye, Barneys!

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Over the weekend, Barneys New York finally closed. After months of staying open despite a change of ownership, it closed its doors forever over the weekend. Truth be told, I did not visit the store in the past several months as it was too depressing and nostalgic. When I first moved to NYC, Barneys was my favorite store to shop for new dresses and clothes  and, ultimately, where I fell in love with fashion. And not only was Barneys an important part of my life, but the restaurant Fred’s was truly our second kitchen and a part of our everyday life. The matire d, waiters, staff, had been family to us and we felt truly at home. Although Fred’s is still currently open, it no longer has the ambiance and vibe of the past and it is too hard to visit. We spent countless Sunday night Family dinners, nacho parties, birthday parties, friend lunches, drinks, so much more…

 

Iconic building, no longer…..it will be interesting to see what replaces Barneys. It will never be the same and I will miss everything about it!

Bare store windows.

Empty.

Deserted.

So long, farewell.

We will miss you!

 

So many memories, the end of an era. Thank you, Barneys! We loved you oh so much.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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Grimm Artisanal Ales

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Happy Tuesday!  Hope you all had a restful long weekend.  We stayed local and despite some health issues in the household, we had restful days in the city with little excursions here and there (and lots of movie watching when the stomach bug hit).  One of the highlights was a Sunday excursion to Grimm Artisanal Ales in Brooklyn.  Every time we go back to Oregon or Seattle, we end up drinking a lot of sour beer, a new hipster craze, especially in the Pacific Northwest.  The trend is starting to pick up elsewhere, so we were excited to check out this local brewery, which had a bunch of great beers, both sour and traditional.

 

The outside. 990 Metropolitan Ave in Brooklyn, an easy drive from Manhattan, or just off the L.

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Casamigos Mini Bottles

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I love tequila. Always have, always will. When I turned 25, the only drink served at my birthday party was tequila. I claimed that it is because I am half Mexican (true). Now a days, it is EVERYONE’S favorite drink and I am so glad that it is mainstream and you can find good tequila anywhere and everywhere. Even in tiny little airplane sized bottles!

 

A teeny tiny bottle with loads of fun as a result.

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Josie Natori FW20 RTW

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Last Thursday, Josie Natori presented Fall/Winter 2020 Ready To Wear. Unlike previous seasons, my mother in law decided to do a show/ presentation at her home versus renting out a space. The most fun and chaotic part about it is that the models were housed in our apartment to get dressed, hair and make up done. From 10 in the morning until 7 pm at night, our house transformed into a backstage of a photo shoot and runway show. In addition to the show itself, the highlight was having my son and his friends come over in the afternoon to get ready for their dancing school amidst a flood of models, hair and make-up artists, and show staff.

It looks calm at this very moment, but there were 40+ people there. Hair, make up, people who ironed, photographers, etc…

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The Brown Paper Movement

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I realize that it is February and so we are already 1/12th of way through the year, and so you might not be interested in buying calendars, but I am here to tell you that my mom just sent me a calendar from The Brown Paper Movement, and it makes me SO happy that I had to share with you all. It is not too late!

 

Don’t judge my mess. It is unorganized and not very representative of my OCD organization, but regardless, I love the look of my little clipboard calendar. It is neutral and classy.

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Coolhaus Ice Cream

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Hands down, my favorite ice cream of all time is Coolhaus Banana Foster. Decadent, rich, creamy and oh so delicious — it tastes exactly like Banana Foster (my all time favorite dessert) but in ice cream form. Then I found out, *ALL* of the flavors Coolhaus makes are incredible, and that you can’t go wrong. Right now, I am especially fond of their ice cream sandwiches aka “sammies“. And believe it or not, they have dairy free sandwich options so vegans and lactose-intolerant people can still enjoy these scrumptious desserts.

 

You should see my freezer — I like to hoard ice cream. But we also eat a lot of it — 4 pints, 2 boxes of Ice Cream bars, and multiple sandwiches PER WEEK.

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Green Pancakes

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I realize that blogs are a dying breed and have been replaced by instagram, tik tok, snapchat, twitter, etc….That said, I still read two blogs on a daily basis and I love them dearly. I dropped most other blogs when I realized most of their content was sponsored or no longer of interest. But I am thankful for Cup of Jo and Cupcakes and Cashmere that continually publishes authentic, honest, beautiful, helpful, and interesting content. Earlier this week, I found a post on Cup of Jo about green pancakes and I knew immediately that I had to make them. So glad I did because they are DELICIOUS. So whatever you are doing right now, stop, and make the green pancakes. Thank you, Cup of Jo!

 

Ingredients:

 

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Winter To Do List 2020

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I know Winter is almost over (or is that wishful thinking?) but here is a list of activities that I want to do in NYC in the next couple weeks (doesn’t winter feel like eternity?)

 

1. Groove (in my seat) at Hip Hop Dance Performance Off Broadway, Beyond Babel

 

Read about this performance in the NYTImes and I canNOT wait to go. I am buying tickets STAT.

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Cheer

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Like everyone else in the US, I can’t stop watching and talking about Cheer — the mini series on Netflix. It is a highly addictive 6 part series that follows around nationally ranked 40-member Navarro College Cheer Team as they prepare for the Nation Cheerleading Championship in Daytona. Five of the members lives are highlighted and you get insight into what makes them who they are — and you will fall in love with Jerry, as I did. You will laugh, cry, cringe, and binge watch the show. I guarantee you that if you start watching the show, you will finish it in a matter of days. I highly HIGHLY recommend it and can’t wait to discuss with fellow watchers.

 

Part Friday Night Lights (Tim Riggins, #33, I love you), and part Real World.

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Park Lane Pantry Granola

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A self proclaimed snob (and expert) on granola, I recently sampled Park Lane Pantry, and I can’t get enough! Wholesome, delicious, nutritious. And on top of that, the back story of how the granola was created is truly inspiring — read about Elaine here and how she decided to create her own granola after her experience with cancer.

 

Granola perfection. Small batch

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My New Favorite Podcasts

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A New Year and a new commitment to listen to more podcasts instead of music. I love music and therefore listen to it on every run, workout, errand, subway ride, basically anytime I am in the house or walking somewhere out of the house. And although I love this, I also want to become smarter and interested in other things. Several years ago, I was a dedicated podcast listener, but then, I fell off. So now, it is time to get back on the podcast train! Here is a list of my go-to-podcasts as well as ones I want to start listening to more frequently.

 

1. Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations

 

Every person Oprah interviews, no matter if I am interested or not, I leave feeling smarter and more informed. Yes, everything Oprah touches is gold to me, but this podcast is my ultimate favorite.

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Natori Obsession Convertible Bra

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You all know that my favorite bra of all times is the Feathers Bra — it is truly the perfect bra. Yet, in an effort to try something ew, I just purchased the Natori Obsession Convertible Bra. Although it is not an everyday bra like Feathers, it is a great bra and I am happy that I have it in my collection. So if you are looking for some va-va-voom and added oomph in your life, the Natori Obsession Convertible Bra is right up your alley!

 

Thank you, beautiful Natori model!

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Currently Loving January 2020

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2020 here we are! And here is what I am currently loving this month!

 

1. Lovers in Auschwitz, Reunited 72 Years Later

 

I read this article over a month ago when it came out and yet I still think about it. It is extremely powerful and moving — an incredible story that is worth the long read. Gotta love a good ‘ol love story.

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Paleo Style Muesli

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My favorite breakfast of all times is muesli. Whenever I go out to breakfast (usually when on vacation), I will never NOT order muesli (aka will always order). In hopes to eat a tad bit healthier at the start of the New Year, I made paleo muesli every day while on break. Instead of oatmeal based, this muesli is coconut based. Very delicious and easy to make — the key is the Bob’s Red Mill Paleo Style Muesli.

 

Grain free. You just add this with some fruit, cover it with milk, place in fridge and wait until the morning and VOILA, delicious muesli with less carbs.

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RESTORE Face Cream

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As most of you know, I am highly obsessed with anything from Dr. Roger’s RESTORE product line. I don’t leave my house without the healing balm and have a tub of it in every room. I use it on my lips, under my kid’s noses (to prevent bloody noses which they seem to get all winter long due to the dryness), on bruises and scratches (I had a bad fall last week and have been using the healing balm to keep it moist), and I even use the healing balm as a face cream when in super dry climates (high altitude). SOOOOOOOO, I am ecstatic that there is now a face cream that is available to purchase. And even though I just bought it, I feel like I am going to be equally obsessed with it and won’t leave my house without it. RESTORE face cream! Soft, pillowy, and rich!

 

These products make me so happy — they are made with natural ingredients and make such a difference on my skin.

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January 2020 Reading List

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HI! HELLO! HOWDY! Happy New Year! Back in action over here at josiegirlblog.com and ready to post on my regular schedule! I hope you had a great break and feel rested and ready for a new YEAR! Nothing better than starting the year off with some great books — so here are the books I want to read this winter (or year, TBH). Take a look! Most of these books (1-9) were recommended to me by a friend who works at Penguin Random House as a publisher…..

 

1. The Book of Unknown Americans

 

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They Called Us Enemy

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Please, oh please, immediately after you read this post, order the book They Called Us Enemy. It is an ever so powerful and important book and a part of our American history. The graphic novel is the story of George Takei’s personal story of the years he and his family lived behind barbed wires, prisoners due to his ethnic background. Although this story touches me personally due to my own connection to the Holocaust, I was unfamiliar with how the Japanese-Americans were treated in America during the war. It is crucial that we all know about this part of history and how this legalized racism existed, not so long ago.

 

MUST READ. NOW.

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Christy Schnabel’s Bike Path Photographs

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Thanks to friend and interior designer, Lucie Ayres, for the guest post! Always love hearing slash reading what she has to say! Take a look!

 

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Want to know a secret? An interior designer’s hardest job is finding good art for our clients.  It is a process that can take months or even years. Often more than one person is involved in the decision making which is what makes it extra challenging.

 

So, when I saw Christy Schnabel’s Bike Path images, I was floored.  Not only are the colors of the photographs so beautiful – but the characters and details are just perfect. I said we must collaborate! Our clients (and friends and family, I mean almost everyone) are always searching for stunning, unexpected art and photography pieces that can be rendered on a large scale and convey a strong sense of place.

 

To me, Christy’s work celebrates the diversity of Los Angeles in a simple, joyful, and strikingly original way – with the artist’s punk-rock spirit and sense of humor shining through – using one of the city’s most iconic locations as a backdrop. Several of our clients, including one of LA’s premiere fitness chains, have become fans and collectors of Christy’s work.

 

We had a launch event at her house where we framed and hung about 45 pieces and the feedback was tremendous – people engaged and discussed who these characters could be.  The breakout stars from the show were the athletic California woman and the young girl walker below. Both embody a clear female confidence with a good dose of intrigue.

 

Bikini Girl Star

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Suzie Kondi Velour Track Suits

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I am jumping back on the 1990s velour track suit look and I couldn’t be happier! But this time around, it is not Juicy Couture, but instead New York City designer, Suzie Kondi. The track suits come in a selection of color and I want them all. Not only that, but they also come in kid’s sizes, too, so you can match your daughter. It’s as if my dream came true — matching, velour, track suit, comfortable, and rainbow colors.

 

YUP. We are living the dream.

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The Coconut Cult

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Recently, I read about a $20 yogurt all over the internet — and of course, I was intrigued. This is not just any yogurt, but a special probiotic yogurt — more of a supplement. The Coconut Cult is full of probiotics and delicious, made in small batches with 800 billion highly active probiotics into every quart! That is a whole lot of probiotics; which is so good for you and your gut! This yogurt is unlike any other yogurt and you don’t eat it normally (with granola, berries, etc). Rather, you eat just 1-2 spoonfuls per day. It’s like medicine — but tasty and delicious! People are obsessed and rave about how it has changed their digestive system, sleep, headaches, and the way they feel…..I have yet to see a difference (Week 1….) but I am enjoying the sweet and creamy taste. It is like dessert but oh so healthy!

 

Delicious (and cute packaging, too)….

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Innisfree Masks

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Recommended by a friend, I stopped by Korean Beauty store Innisfree last week and FELL IN LOVE! I was so excited that I didn’t know what direction to look at. Finally, I decided that I was going to stock up on masks as they make great gifts (’tis the season of giving) and are affordable, fun, and different.

 

You can get them in a gift box right now, too! 13 sheets for 17 dollars! I plan on taking them out of the box and bundling up 3-4 of them together for little gifts to pass out to people.

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Zesty Z Popcorn

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I am a grazer and am constantly snacking and eat nonstop. My new favorite go-to snack is Zesty Z popcorn. It is flavored popcorn with the perfect amount of flavor and zest. Kind of like a healthy cheeto, but not cheese…but once you start, you cannot stop!

 

Big bag! Big flavor! It is air-popped Mediterranean Popcorn and comes in three different flavors — my favorite being thyme and herbs.  The popcorn has 47 calories per cup, 1g sugar, 2g of protein, and is both gluten free and Non-GMO. So it’s a healthy option for snacking and tastes delicious too!

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Uniqlo Heattech Turtlenecks

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I have always loved Uniqlo as the qualities and prices are unbeatable. And even more specifically, I love any of their Heattech products — they truly make such a difference and keep your body warm. Seems impossible that a tiny piece of clothing can actually keep you warm, but it works. Trust me. And all of a sudden, this Fall, I have been drawn to turtlenecks (a new thing for me) and you cannot beat the Uniqlo turtlenecks. They are actually magic. They are thin, weightless, inexpensive ($19), look great, and keep you so warm! I wear my striped ones all the time, so much that I just ordered two new ones (a yellow and a black one).

 

I love it as a base layer (under a sweater) or as the main top! Can’t go wrong. For sizing — I wear an XS and feel like it is the perfect fit. They are so good looking and can you believe that they cost 20 bucks. 20 BUCKS!!!!

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Natori Fine Jewelry: Indochine Rings

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Natori does it all — bras, undies, robes, towels, sheets, and now FINE JEWELRY! Like real gold and diamonds — a girl’s dream (pair it with feathers bra and you have the ultimate present)! I love this collection so much. Love. Love bold underline exclamation marks italic. It is so good and I want them all.  I ordered the Indochine Diamond rings and a pair of earrings (future post) and ever since I received them (yesterday), it is all I can think about. They are so beautiful and I love them so much! Check out all the Natori Fine jewelry here.

 

Bamboo rings.

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