January, 2012 | Josie Girl Blog

Josie Natori in Daily Candy

January 31, 2012Josie Girl 1 Comment

HOLLLLLLLLA! Check out today’s issue of Daily Candy Everywhere for a mention of Josie Natori for Target!

Josie Natori for Target Chiffon Floral Print Robe. $35 buckaroos! What a steal.

Go buy it at Target.com before it sells out (the collection is ending soon)! Valentine’s Day is two weeks away!!! A perfect gift for mom, sister, girlfriend, pen-pal, or self! Daily Candy calls the robe perfect “after a bath or just lounging about, Josie Natori’s Eastern-inspired floral number ($35) makes us feel even more relaxed.” I couldn’t agree more — although I have yet to get one.

Until tomorrow, have a great day!

Anika Yael Natori, aka the Josie Girl

A Survivor

January 30, 2012Josie Girl 2 Comments

As people who know me can attest, family means everything to me. And family related by marriage is still in family in my books. So it is with great sadness that I share a story about a family member who is currently suffering and needs support, thoughts, rays of white light, prayers, rainbows and strength. Even from strangers.

My sister-in-law Katie has been a part of my family since 1995 when she started dating my brother back at Amherst College (where they both went with Ken). Now married to my brother with three kids, Katie is my inspiration and model for everything in life: parenting, emotional stability, and balance. And her family helped teach her this. Katie has a sister, Joanna, and a brother, Alex. And although not technically related, they are a part of our lives and I love them dearly. And so I consider Joanna a sister-in-law even though she is my brother’s sister-in-law. Not only is she family, but a friend, a mother to her year old son, Myles, and a beautiful and kind person. So much heart, love, and soul.

This picture is from 2006 -- at Katie and my brother's wedding. Katie is the one on the left and Joanna is on the right. Both beautiful ladies inside and out.

June 29th, 2011 — a week and a half before her wedding to her fiancé, Toby, Joanna was experiencing tremendous fatigue. Her baby boy was six months old, her 34th birthday was a week and a half away, and her wedding was literally around the corner. Thinking her fatigue was possibly Lyme disease, she went to have her blood checked out. It wasn’t Lyme Disease. Much worse, doctors told her she had acute myeloid leukemia. Hours later, she reported to Tufts Hospital to start her first round of chemotherapy, with no choice but to leave behind her baby boy and fiancé, and postpone their wedding.

A family photo of Joanna, Toby, and Myles

November, 2011- Joanna continues an incredible comeback. She successfully fights through all of the demons and devils inside her body and emerges stronger than before. This random awful act of God made her appreciate everything and allowed her to fully take advantage of her life. She followed the path that was unfortunately handed to her, and came out a survivor. She BEAT the leukemia that had attacked her body and mind.

Joanna and Myles this past Fall.

January 2012- After experiencing such an amazing recovery and showing so much strength, Joanna went in for routine bloodwork. Doctors delivered the worst possible news: her leukemia was back. And back with a vengeance.

What a nightmare. So now, Joanna is in a hospital ward for a new round of chemo. She will spend the next 4-5 weeks confined in her room, and away from her boy, her family, the outdoors. After the chemo, she will have to undergo a full body radiation series and a bone marrow transplant.

She will make it. I know she will. But the treatment that lies ahead is a huge undertaking physically and emotionally. And for this, we ache. We can’t imagine the pain and fears she is going through. No one can.

I mean, REALLY, how FLIPPING cute is this little boy? So blonde, so smiley, so cute, so loveable. Even from just a photograph!

And now? I, along with her other friends and family worry and fret and pray and hope that this nightmare goes away and Joanna returns healthy and strong. I can’t sleep much at night because her story brings me so much sadness. Her baby boy? Just learning to say “mama”. As all mothers know, their children are their life, priority, reason for living. And now Joanna is in the hospital — indefinitely — away from her family and focused on surviving.

I know Joanna would appreciate your prayers and thoughts. Please check out more information and her message board here (you will need to create a profile): https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joannarob/

With love and gratitude,

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

Blackberry Farm Granola

January 27, 2012Josie Girl 3 Comments

Deciding where to spend money and where not to spend money can be a challenge. Everyone is different, and has certain things they are willing to pay up for, and other things they aren’t. For example, I love furniture and art as much as the next person, but we definitely won’t spend much money on either. However, one thing that I am willing to pay up for is…. granola! (Yes, Ken realizes this is a great trade for our finances).

Heaven. Delicious straight out of the container... or in a bowl with milk of kefir.

Blackberry Farm is an amazing luxury resort in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The resort is a true farm, and features amazing fresh produce and dairy products, and all of the outdoor activities you can imagine. It is a true mental and physical getaway.

Blackberry Farm

We were invited there once as guests by investors in the farm and had an amazing experience (we were very thankful for the invitation… BF is not cheap!). The farm-to-table food and surroundings were out of this world. Even though I am lactose intolerant, I will never forget how delicious the fresh yogurt and cheese were. Farm-to-table makes such a difference!

The beautiful nature.

In addition to all of the great dairy and meat, their homemade granola was out of this world. So much so, that when I am looking for a pick me up, I go here and order granola.

The granola is also available in a one pound bag -- but why bother ordering a smaller quantity when it is so easy to gobble up. The more the merrier!

Is $28 per 2 lb container (plus shipping) ridiculous? Completely. Is it worth it? It may not be for some, but it is for me as an occasional special treat, as I love me some fresh, organic granola. And in the big scheme of things, paying up for granola is definitely cheaper than paying up for more expensive things!

Have a great weekend!

Anika Yael Natori, aka The Josie Girl

Baby Hood

January 26, 2012Josie Girl 4 Comments

OK, I know I have done a lot of baby stuff this week. But the reality is my pregnancy is dominating my life right now. So here is one more baby related post, but I promise that’s it for a while!

Best purchase ever!

Snood.

Bon Point Hood for your favorite baby in the house! And 40% off now! Worth the money, I swear. Keeps the little one warm, and it is near impossible for junior to pull it off!

Cruz in his hat reading the latest Harper's Bazaar

Until Friday, have a great week! And I promise, I am done with the baby posts for a while!

— Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

Tips for Expectant Fathers

January 24, 2012Josie Girl 19 Comments

Yesterday, I provided some tips to help expectant mothers stay sane (if possible) and fashionable (not really possible, but it’s all relative). While women do almost all of the hard work, pregnancy isn’t necessarily a bed of roses for men either. So with that, here are 10 tips for expectant fathers from Ken.

Tips for Expectant Fathers, written by Ken

1. If your pregnant wife asks you if she looks fat, don’t say no. She will tell you you are lying.

2. If your pregnant wife asks you if she looks fat, don’t say yes. (Hopefully, this is obvious.)

3. If your pregnant wife asks you if she looks fat, don’t clam up and say nothing. She will tell you you are being uncommunicative.

4. If your pregnant wife asks you if she looks fat, either fake sharp chest pains, or start shedding spontaneous tears of joy. (May not work more than once).

5. Pregnancy related hormones are very real, as are pregnant wives’ denials of the existence of pregnancy related hormones. Translation: pointing out that your wife may be feeling the effects of pregnancy-related hormones is a lose-lose battle. (See 1-4).

6. Heard of “push presents” and “babymoons”? You aren’t alone. I hadn’t either. But it doesn’t matter. Pregnant women talk about them and expect them. And playing dumb won’t get you out of them.

7. Yes, your wife is uncomfortable. And yes, it is your fault.

8. Do not plan to move a month before your wife is due… If I had to make a recipe for divorce, it would include two-parts third trimester pregnancy, one-part feeling displaced, with 3 heaping teaspoons of moving boxes and reorganizing your life, and a pinch of debating over redecorating tastes and budgets. (Yes, we moved a week before Cruz was born. And yes, it was all my fault.)

9. Buy flowers. Trust me: I think flowers are stupid. I don’t get it. You buy them, and then they die. But during a time when it is very hard to do anything “right”, buying flowers is about as safe as it gets.

10. Every time you bite your lip or think about how challenging your wife’s pregnancy can be, take a deep breath, and appreciate the fact that you don’t have to push a baby out of your body. When you see what she has to go through in the delivery room, it will all make sense!

Hours after the birth of our son, Cruz in October 2009. Waiting for number 2 due this May!

KCN, a.k.a, The Josie Girl’s hubby

Tips for Pregnant Women

January 23, 2012Josie Girl 13 Comments

I am currently 23.5 weeks into my second pregnancy (and my belly is as big as Rachel Zoe’s was at 9 months pregnant), and let me tell you, being pregnant is HARD WORK. Not that it isn’t worth it, because it 100% is, but DUDE is it still TOUGH. Everything you experience is heightened — your emotions, thoughts, aches and pains, fears, anticipations, and expectations. So here is a little list of lists for those who are pregnant, or those who want to be a good friend to someone who is pregnant. Every pregnant woman deserves a medal, and here are some tips on how to deal with it all.

Five things to never say to pregnant women:
1. You look so huge!
2. You look a lot more pregnant since the last time we hung out!
3. How much weight have you gained?
4. You must be having a girl!
5. You weren’t this big last time, were you?

Get the picture? Every pregnant woman knows that 1. They are big 2. They are constantly getting bigger. 3. They have gained a significant amount of weight 4. There is a myth that girls “steal the beauty from pregnant mothers” (hence the implications if you tell someone you think they are having a girl) 5. On the second pregnancy, their body reacts differently (and not positively). Get it?

First trimester of belly three years ago. Me and my nephew, Axel. We called the baby in my belly “Little Axel” to Axel, so when the baby was finally born and we named him, “Cruz,” Axel was confused why his name wasn’t “Little Axel.”

Here I am, this time around. 20 weeks. Bigger and badder than before.

Five fashion tips for pregnant women
1. Gap.com and oldnavy.com are awesome.
2. Don’t buy fashion trends. Waste of money.
3. Invest in a good looking pair of maternity jeans. Worth the money. And you will wear them all the time. Last time, I got J Brand skinny jeans. And they were great.
4. Comfort is key!
5. Accessories — scarves, jewels, bags, shoes — are a great pick-me-up.

I have found that looking cute during pregnancy is a struggle. Every day, looking through my closet causes some pain or agony in terms of what to wear, what is comfortable and current, and what clothes look like on my large and in charge body. Once you are done with your pregnancy, you will never want to wear the same maternity clothes again, so don’t splurge on unnecessary clothes claiming you will “wear them, post baby” — trust me, you will not. So find some cute, affordable, comfortable clothes that will last for the 9 months and treat yourself with some awesome accessories that will last forever.

Five first trimester tips for pregnant women
1. Buy bigger undies.
2. Buy bigger bras.
3. Indulge in cookies now. If not now, when?
4. Be appreciative and thankful for each moment with the baby inside
5. If you only want to eat Cheetos and challah — just do it!

The first trimester is not fun. The nausea, morning sickness, hiding the fact that you are pregnant, turning antisocial — it is all such a hard process to go through. Although very much worth it, it will become your reality after the baby is born. Friends? What friends? Fatty McGee? Yep, extra lbs still there. Tired? Welcome to parenthood.

This is me in August 2009 — 2 months before giving birth to my son, Cruz. I can’t believe how small I was in comparison to this time around. I am now 23 weeks, and i look BIGGER than I do here. UNFAIR!

Five second trimester tips for pregnant women
1. Sleep as much as possible now before you are too big or too tired.
2. Party like a rockstar (without the actual partying part). Now is the time to stay out late and be social while you can.
3. Travel as much as possible. And use your emerging stomach to help you beat security lines and get better seats.
4. Enjoy the kicks, jabs, pokes, rolls from the baby. Better now when the baby is the size of a spaghetti squash than when s/he is bigger and you are more uncomfortable.
5. Start planning a push present now. And a baby moon. And any other presents you can milk. You deserve it!

I have found that second trimester is the only good part of pregnancy. And that said, some people are pretty miserable the whole pregnancy (cough cough like myself). Don’t get me wrong, I’m soooo excited and blessed and thankful and appreciative of this gift of life, but I’m a pretty whiny and un-fun pregnant lady. Your body changes, your hormones go crazy, you have pains, insomnia, neurotic thoughts, fears, worries… and more!

Literally, just a couple of days before Cruz was born. HOW HUGE was I? LORDIE!!! The belly looks like a rocket ship!

Five third trimester tips for pregnant women
1. Pick up gossip magazines and read them now — you will never ever have the chance and freedom to do so for a very long time. I am still waiting for that time to come now.
2. Reading sleep books and nursing how-to books and parenting books before the baby is born is a waste of time. Do not do it! In one ear, out the other. You will figure it out when you are actually in the war-zone.
3. Hello spa days!
4. Milk everyone for everything NOW. Soon, you will only be the mother, and everyone’s focus will be on the baby. But now, you are still queen.
5. Do not look through your closet and complain about nothing fitting. Nothing will fit. Nothing. So looking at your clothes will just make you depressed.

Oh third trimester….for me, it was worse than the first….not excited to be almost there…but then after all is said and done, the joy of having a newborn is unlike anything else. Pure magic, beauty, bliss and love.

HOW adorable is my cutie-pa-tootie friend, Irene (2 weeks before her baby was born)? I am so jealous because this is what every pregnant woman wants to look like, and yet, in reality, very few pregnant women look this cute. Irene is the exception. Of course. Hate her.

And here are Ken’s Tips for Expectant Fathers!

Have a great start to the week!

— AYN, aka The Josie Girl.

Homemade Almond Milk

January 20, 2012Josie Girl 4 Comments

Almond milk has been my go-to-milk-product for several years. I used to drink soy milk (I am lactose intolerant), but then it hurt my stomach as much as cow’s milk. So when almond milk came out on the market, I converted. Almond milk is a great alternative, as it is rich and creamy, low in calories, and has incredible health benefits. I have a tendency to hoard almond milk in the fridge as I am always scared I will run out of it. So when a friend told me that she makes her almond milk on a regular basis, I was thrilled! I always would rather make food at home than buy it in a store — you see what goes into what you eat/drink, and you have complete control. Here is the recipe:

You can buy raw almonds at Whole Foods or any healthy grocery store. A great snack to eat raw on its own, too!

Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup of raw almonds

* 5 cups of water

* special flavors (cinnamon, sea salt, vanilla, agave) — just to give it some extra oomph

Directions:

* soak the almonds in water for 12 hours

The only real step in this recipe is measuring out the nuts and soaking them!

* when done soaking, rinse the almonds and place them in the blender (I highly suggest a vitamix blender – one of my best kitchen appliance investments ever!)

* add 5 cups water

* optional: add pinch of salt, vanilla and/or cinnamon for flavor

Looks a little odd....I added (a lot) of cinnamon to this batch.

* turn on blender and increase speed every couple seconds; blast on high for several minutes or until almonds look blended.

MILK??? From water??? I KNOW! AMAZING! IT'S MAGIC!

And there you go! Almond milk! If you are used to sweetened almond milk, it will take some adjusting, because homemade almond milk is not as sweet and can be more watery. With time, you will learn to appreciate the natural almond flavor and treasure this homemade milk!

The milk.

Have a great weekend!

(Almond) Milk. It does a body good.

— AYN, a.k.a, The Josie Girl

Golden Globes Dresses

January 17, 2012Josie Girl 10 Comments

If you didn’t see the Golden Globes on Sunday, I am sure you have since looked at all the pictures online. I did both. Multiple times and multiple sites. What is more glamorous and fairy-tale inspiring than oogling at beautiful celebrities dressed to the nines in only fairytale dresses? I care more about the dresses and outfit composition, than the movies and actors. But, who doesn’t?

Here are my top five dresses in order from 1-5.

Top choice: Emma Stone. First of all, I am in love with her. LOVE her. Loved her in “The Help” and even more so in “Crazy Stupid Love.” She is my girl crush. So refreshing, honest, quirky, cute, beautiful, and unique. LOVE her. So it was no surprise when she wore an ensemble that made me jealous/happy/in awe. The eggplant Lanvin plunge neckline fit her so beautifully and made her eyes and hair color pop. LOVE. SWOON. GASP.

Emma reminds me of a beautiful cat.

2. I love Reese Witherspoon as a person (we are sooo tight… jk) and I love her fashion choices. One day she is a sexy real life Barbie doll (like on Sunday night) and the next, she is in jeans and a hoodie. She appears so real and so normal, so when she wore the Zac Posen red va-va-voom sweetheart neck Barbie doll prom dress, she looked even more special. She knows how to dress up and down, and looks fabulous in anything. Only in my dreams could I wear an outfit this hot, because really, I have no boobs.

So confident and happy! Love the classic sweetheart neckline and Barbie doll look.

3. Salma Hayek. Not my favorite actress or celebrity crush, but loved her in the Black and Gold metallic beaded Gucci dress. Geometric, boobylicious, superb fit. Utterly (hee hee) perfect.

Modern day Cleopatra.

4. Nicole Richie. If I could have anyone’s wardrobe in Hollywood, it would be Nicole Richie’s. Or Rachel Bilson’s. But Nicole is my style dream. She knows how to rock any piece and own the look. This silver Julien Macdonald was fun, glamorous, and modern. I loved the way she paired the look with a high ponytail, an armload of bangles, and dark eyeliner. Now, I want to buy the Natori Mukizu dress, as they are very similar in look, shimmer, and shine!

Silver statue.

5. Julianne Moore. I hope that when I am 51 years old, I will look as good as she does. HELL, I hope when I am 35, I will look half as good as she does. First of all, she looks happy and content with life, and when you have that inner happiness, it always shows through on the outside. She sincerely seems happy, and is even more beautiful because of that. And how can you not love her coloring and striking hair??? In terms of her fashion sense, she always pushes the envelope and is a style queen. Remember last year’s Lanvin dress at the Golden Globes? My top choice last year….And this year, she was a stunner in the black-tiered-Chanel-layered dress. WOWZER.

Rocking that body!

So many dresses to lust after! Now only if I had a special event to attend before I become a bigger, pregnant whale…..what dresses were your favorites?

Until Friday, have a great rest of the week!

— AYN, aka the Josie Girl.

At Home Tailoring

January 16, 2012Josie Girl 5 Comments

I know…I am spoiled. I mean, everyone who lives in NYC is spoiled because we have everything at our fingertips. 10 dollar manicure? Around the corner. Green smoothie? 1.5 blocks away. Korean? Ethiopian? Indian? Pizza? Either around the corner, or a few subway stops away at most. Dry-cleaning? Picked up and delivered. Literally, anything and everything is accessible in no time flat.

My latest discovery in terms of an affordable convenience at your fingertips is at-home tailoring! Her name is Rachel Jones and she rocks.

Meet Rachel Jones. Cutie-pa-tootie, tailor extraordinaire!

I know, totally spoiled. But in all seriousness, her prices are just the same as the dry-cleaning place around the corner (where you undress timidly with a sheet wrapped around you and you really never know what you are going to get)… and she comes to your home. Yep, you email her, make an appointment, and voila she is there, fits your clothes, and is on her way! You get them back perfectly tailored in the next few days. Ideal, right? It’s the same price as trekking to your dry cleaner or tailor with better results.

Not only is Rachel a top notch seamstress, but she herself is fashionable, and is also a current fashion design student at FIT. As a result, she has a good eye and knows exactly what to do without your input. There is no questioning, because she knows best. She has been doing this job on the side for the past 2.5 years, since she started school, in hopes of someday becoming a designer or assistant designer after she graduates. She was an intern at Chris Benz in production and then she was hired part time as a production assistant AND then did *all* of the tailoring for his Spring and Fall 2011 shows. Amazing, right?

Chris Benz Spring 2011. One of the many looks down the runway that was man-handled by Rachel herself!

Not only are the clothes tailored to perfection, but her presence and vibe are so positive that you just want to keep her and put her in your pocket. She is professional, yet personable, quirky, fun, and cute as a button. Rachel tailors everything from high-end designs to simple pairs of pants.

Hard at work!

And she can put her spin on anything too, if that is what you want. Last summer, I asked her to change the hem of a dress and make it slightly more dramatic, and she convinced me that it was best to make it super dramatic and really short in front, and long in back. I didn’t second guess her for a second (she is way cooler than me) and I ended up loving the dress and wanting to wear it every other day.

Men and women alike love Rachel and her work!

So trust me, if you need a good tailor and live in Manhattan, e-mail Rachel at rachelwhitneyjones@gmail.com, and you will never go back to having your clothes tailored at a store.

Until Wednesday, have a great start to the week! HAPPY MLK DAY!

— AYN, a.k.a, The Josie Girl

Roasted Red Pepper Salad

January 13, 2012Josie Girl 7 Comments

As I have mentioned before, my mother is a fabulous and inventive cook. She is creative, healthy, and resourceful. One of my favorite recipes of hers is a roasted red pepper salad. Depending on the season and the selection of fresh fruit and herbs, it can be made with pears, apples, nectarines, or peaches. It is great with any combination of the above!

This Roasted Red Pepper-Pear salad is popular in early autumn in southern Turkey and Northern Cyprus. The recipe is adapted from the cookbook by Ghillie Basan, Turkish Cooking, 1997 (St. Martin’s Press).

Red pepper and pear -- what a colorful combination!

Ingredients:

* 2 green or red bell peppers–can be fresh if you want to roast them–otherwise you can get pre-roasted peppers
* 2 large ripe peaches, nectarines, pears or apples
* 2 tablespoons of olive oil
* 2 tablespoons of lemon or pomegranate juice
* A few mint and/or dill leaves, chopped and some salt and black pepper

Directions:

* First, you need to roast the red peppers. Obviously, you can buy roasted red peppers in any gourmet store or in a can, but fresh is always best.

Place the red peppers on an oiled pain (with olive oil) and lightly brush the red peppers with olive oil.

* To roast the peppers, cut them in half, and remove the stem, seeds, and pits. Then, either grill the peppers over a grill (directly on a gas flame), or roast them in the oven on broil setting. Either way, when the skin bubbles up and some brown starts to appear, remove the peppers and place them in a paper bag to sweat for 2-3 minutes. Then peel off the skin under a running tap. Cut the peppers into slices.

After the peppers have been in the oven for 15-20 minutes, they should look soft and juicy. At this point, you put them in a paper bag to let them sweat.

Brown bag

* Cut the fruit, dill and peppers into similar sizes.

Pears and dill, pre-peppers.

* Mix the dressing, season and pour over the peppers and fruit. Toss and serve.

The dressing is simple and refreshing-- lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper.

The rainbow salad!

VOILA! A great side dish for any meal! Tonight, we are eating it with turkey/zucchini meatloaf and a simple green mixed salad.

Tasty!

Have a great weekend!

— AYN, a.k.a., The Josie Girl

Flywheel

January 11, 2012Josie Girl 12 Comments

Shoes I love working out. I feel like I need to sweat in order to have a “complete” day. I am a gym rat that loves doing my workout routine but also love trying out new methods, ideas, classes, and fad workouts. Spinning classes are my current obsession. I used to love Soul Cycle because it was closest to my apartment — but to tell you the truth, the climate, people and atmosphere were so toxic that I stopped going. I loved the workout, but hated the scene — and let me tell you, the Upper East Soul Cycle was a SCENE. Gossip Girl central. SO many complaints that it was not worth the awesome workout.

And then, Flywheel opened up nearby. Just as good of a workout at Soul Cycle, with less of a cult like feel, less attitude, and less of a mob scene. It’s also easier to get into classes (getting into a Soul Cycle class was like getting into Harvard!) and closer to home!

Nothing makes me sweat as much as Flywheel. I leave drenched and refreshed. I always feel like I can climb another mountain after the class, or just sit on my tush all day, and either way, I will be happy as a clam. Classes are 45 minutes long, and push you to the next step. It is a full body workout, with cycling (obviously), and a ten minute combination arm sequence towards the end of the class. Every part of your body gets worked. Although classes are not cheap ($30), they give you shoes, water, and a towel in your little cubby.

Water and towels. Getting ready to sweat!

The bikes are set up in a stadium style, so everyone can see the teacher easily. The room is dark, the music is pumping, and man, is it awesome!

Stadium cycling.

There are three locations in Manhattan (Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Flatiron) as well as locations around the tri-state area. My personal favorite teachers are Natalie C., and Chris T. I try to go once or twice a week, as I love to spice up my normal workout routine with a fun spin class.

The Flywheel lobby

One of the reasons that I love Flywheel so much is that the teachers tells you what torque (power) and RPM (revolutions per minute) to be at — so you know how hard to push yourself and what your goal is. The teacher sets the goal but you can obviously push yourself harder or take it easy depending on how you feel.

Sweaty me after class

I took (i.e. forced) my husband to a class on Christmas Eve morning, and he hated it. Despised it. Was grumpy for the rest of the day. He loves working out, but likes doing so on his own and doesn’t “like people screaming at him telling him what to do.” So, it is definitely not for everyone — but for those who do like to get pushed in a workout, sweat a lot, and listen to loud music, than this class is definitely for you.

Until next time!

— AYN, aka the Josie Girl.

Josie Natori for Target Part 2

January 9, 2012Josie Girl 7 Comments

Josie Natori for Target

The second (and final) collection of the Josie Natori for Target collaboration is now in stores. And just like the first time around, I am obsessed! So many fun sleepwear and panty/bra options at superb prices! They are available in most Target stores, as well as online. Here are my favorites:

Floral Print Cami Set

$17.48 -- um, hello, RUN AND BUY!

Valentines Floral Print Bra

$19.99. Best deal in town for a hot looking bra!

Fluid Snake Print Legging

Only available in stores.

Chiffon Floral Print Wrap Robe

$34.99. A cheerful way to start the morning!

Fluid Knit Butterfly Print Sleep Tee

Can be worn as PJs or as a tee outside! Only available in stores.

Definitely check out this collection — either online or in stores. It is a great Valentine’s Day present (to a friend or to yourself) or just as an extra special pick-me-up on a cold day! Advertisement

Until next time!

P.S.

Here is a picture of me rocking out in my favorite Target Natori Gear. Great for my pregnant belly -- yep, over halfway done! Baby #2 is due in May!

— AYN, aka the Josie Girl.

Healthy Dessert with Avocado

January 6, 2012Josie Girl 4 Comments

So, it is the first week of January and I am sure a lot of people want to “eat healthier” and “omit sugar” from their lives. As much as I would love to cut back on sweets, it is one of my favorite parts of life, so it’s not worth it for me to cut it out. I eat dessert after every meal (is that wrong?). So for people like me, who love desserts but want to be healthy too, here is a healthy dessert: Avocado Mango Yogurt!

avocado

Ingredients:

Four simple ingredients for a yummy dessert. I always have all four of these items at home, so it is an easy go-to treat to make.

1/2 Avocado
A couple squirts of agave syrup
A handful Frozen mango chunks
A small container of 0% yogurt (I use “Fage” brand but any will do the trick)

Directions:

Scoop avocado out (no pit in blender)
empty all ingredients into blender and BLEND!

The ingredients in the blender -- so colorful and cheerful.

Here is my little "helper," "helping" me out. Without a little "helper," this dessert takes about 3 minutes to whip up. But with such extra-special help, it takes 3 times as long.....

Final product -- no, not Guacamole.

So yeah, it is not chocolate truffle pie, but it is still a yummy bite of sweetness (and healthy, too!) at the end of a meal! Husbands, boyfriends, boys: beware, you are probably not going to like this one. Sorry!

Would love to know what you think!

Have a great weekend!

It has been so frigid and cold in New York this past week that I bought a new pair of Uggs for the little monkey. I could not resist sharing a picture of him in his new boots before we went outside for a morning adventure.

— AYN, aka the Josie Girl.

Pendleton

January 4, 2012Josie Girl 12 Comments

Since I am currently going through my homesickness/Oregon withdrawal (which happens EVERY time I leave Oregon), I am still thinking about all of the wonderful products, places, and people that emerge from my home state.

The infamous blue Pendleton label.

One Oregon-based company that I love is Pendleton. Pendleton is known for its Native American motif blankets — the prints are vivacious and unique, and the wool is divine. The company was founded in 1909 in Seaside, Oregon and has been known nationally for its home goods. It also produces amazing (and stylish!) clothing options for men and women. I became a fan a little over 2 years ago (I went into labor the night I placed my first order, hence the reason why I remember exactly when I became a fan) when Pendleton did a collaboration with leading edgy retailer, Opening Ceremony, which helped them land a front cover on WWD!

The cover of WWD that featured the Pendleton Opening Ceremony Jacket.

My first purchase was a coat, one that I find incredibly beautiful and special. To me, it is a piece of art. I wear it a lot in the Fall and Winter, and everywhere I go, I get comments on it. I have even worn it to fashion events and have gotten a lot of compliments! It is perfect for throwing on everyday, or for a special occasion. I love that it is not black and that it is different than the mundane puffy black coats that permeate the streets of New York.

Disregard my snarky facial expression. Here is a picture of me in my favorite coat -- less than a week after giving birth to my son two years ago!

The coat came in three different colors. I debated back and forth on what color to get, and ended up with the turquoise (which I love).

This Hannukah, my mother — also a Pendleton fan — gifted me a sophisticated and unique cape. It was actually a theme for the whole family. The younger generation of men received a shirt, the women a coat, and my father a vest (he looks quite dapper in a vest). We are all very thankful for our presents! A piece of Oregon in all of our closets!

The cape. I love it, although I would not style it with a belt on top.

I love all of the Pendleton products. Especially the ones in which they collaborated with Opening Ceremony — it brings more of a hipness and edge that potentially is missed in some of the classic shapes. They worked together for three seasons and produced some amazing pieces. Many men’s pieces are still available online. Although they do not have a current collection together, Opening Ceremony helped bring a freshness to the brand, giving it more ooomph, pizzazz, and indie spirit!

I mean, really, how AWESOME is this vest???

In addition to the well known blankets and clothing, they also have incredible bags. My mom has traveled with one of them for years, that is until I stole it from her (Thanks, Mama!)

One of the many bags.

A weekend bag.

It’s worth taking a look at! It might not be for everyone — you definitely have to feel comfortable rocking out in bright colors — but it is high quality material and an Oregon business!

— AYN, aka the Josie Girl.

Oregon Holiday Recap

January 2, 2012Josie Girl 14 Comments

Happy New Year’s from the Big Apple! Ken, Cruzzie, and I just arrived back home from our Oregon holiday trip visiting my family in my hometown of Eugene, Oregon. For a medium-sized college town (go Ducks!), Eugene has a lot to offer, so I wanted to share some highlights of our visit. (By the way, the Oregon football team plays in the Rose Bowl TODAY! Not that I care that much about football, but I am an avid supporter of anything from Eugene).

Oregon Wines
While most people think of Sonoma and Napa when it comes to West Coast wines, The Willamette Valley (where Eugene is) has become a growing hotspot for wine enthusiasts. The climate and environment are perfect for growing grapes, and the region has become famous for its pinots in particular (especially because they are more affordable than their California counterparts). Some of the most popular pinots include:

Cristom

St. Innocent Wine

The below bottle is what we had on New Year’s Eve. It was amazing, and only $14.95/bottle! It is an exclusive for our local wine store, Sundance, which you can visit online here. Or you can call 541-687-9463 and ask for Randy.

EUG Pinot Noir -- made by the Sundance Wine Cellars

Sundance ships around the country, depending on your state’s local liquor laws. Enjoy! And next time you are ordering wine at a restaurant, look for Oregon wines. They are delicious… and reasonably priced!!

Wandering Goat Coffee
Oregon is also known for its coffee houses and roasted beans. Wandering Goat — a local and fabulous coffee shop has the most delicious (you guessed it) coffee. This small local joint roasts their own coffee right next door and serves sustainably-grown coffee drinks and homemade baked goods.

Inside Wandering Goat Coffee Shop

They also sell their coffee beans in local stores and online here too. Or if you are lucky like I am, your mother sends you pounds of coffee from Wandering Goat in frequent care packages (yes, she still does that, and yes, I love it).

Perfection.

I have a feeling that Wandering Goat is the next Stumptown Coffee — just a local, low key, laid back, down-to-earth coffee joint that all of a sudden explodes and becomes HUGE.

Spencer’s Butte
By far, one of my favorite activities in Eugene is the quick hike up Spencer’s Butte. Located right in Eugene, a 10 minute drive from my parents’ house, it is the perfect workout in the perfect natural environment. In the summertime when I am off from teaching and visiting my parents, I like to hike the Butte every day.

Here we are this past Summer on the Butte.

My father carrying King Cruz. Hiking backpack is KEY!

The Butte is even great in the wintertime, despite the rain, mud, and not-so-perfect conditions. We had the opportunity to go up the Butte only once this trip, but it was for sure one of the highlights. The views on top of the mountain were breathtaking and a great reminder of why I love Oregon as much as I do. The lush green, the mountain ranges, the sounds of the wind and animals, and the crisp smell of the fresh air are all extremely calming and relaxing.

Ewok Forest, kind of.

Ken and Cruzzie admiring the view from half-way up the mountain. We had no backpack on this trip, so Ken was a super hero and carried him the ENTIRE time. He has HUGE muscles.

Mountain ranges, clouds, Oregon beauties.

Café Yumm – Yumm sauce
Surprisingly, a bazillion different healthy products are produced in Eugene and sold nationally – most of the products these days can be found in any grocery store. Examples include: Toby’s Tofu Pate (delicious), Emerald Valley Salsa (can’t get enough), So Delicious Coconut products (just getting big now), Nancy’s yogurt (a family staple), and many more…

Yumm sauce. YUMMMMMMMMMMM.

Yumm sauce is a hippy-dippy-healthy-unexplainable-sauce that is made in Eugene and sold in many grocery stores and online. The sauce comes in three flavors (original, garlic, and chipotle) and is a great addition to dishes – it adds some pizzazz and spice, and is great if you are a sauce person. We love having it on the side for squash, rice and beans, fish and meat. Give it a shot!

Eugene has several Cafe Yumms around town. One is super close to my parents and is actually walking distance.

Family Time
Family time in Oregon is priceless. I might be one of the few people who loves spending as much time as possible with my parents and siblings, but I can’t get enough of them. Each minute is sacred and special, and I feel so lucky to have them in our lives. Until the next time together…..I will miss them greatly!

One of the family dinners chez home. My mother is such an unbelievably good cook that you never have to go out to eat. She is like a healthy-experimental-no-recipe-Julia-Child. (Ignore me stuffing my face).

Cousins -- Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum.

Until Wednesday, Have a great first week of 2012!