Entertainment

Beat the Bomb

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Beat the Bomb – an immersive group experience! I have heard amazing reports about this interactive activity, which is a mixture of an escape room and a video game, so I signed up and took some kids to have some fun. Absolutely everyone had a blast and it was the perfect rainy indoor day activity. Located in DUMBO in Brooklyn, Beat the Bomb is a privately owned company that started five years ago. It was first built for adults, for group bonding activities and fun, but after the pandemic, they realized that kids were wizards at ipads. So now, it is 50% adults, and 50% kids.

 

When you get to the space, you have to put on a hazmat suit. Blurry photo, but gives you an idea of what the suit looks like.

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Pier 57

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New York City’s newest largest rooftop park! This past weekend, we explored new outdoor space and loved seeing the city from a different perspective. Pier 57 is located on W 15 St. & Hudson River Park — a mixture of office space (Google), public park, and soon a Food Hall by James Beard Foundation (JBF).

 

It is hidden and a little more discreet to get to. It is located just north of Little Island, so you can hit them both up at the same time.

Walking along the pier to get to the entrance of the park.

Great views, even more you go to the roof.

The elevator to get to the park. YES, AN ELEVATOR!!! I found that part so amazing. And I love the colors in this photo — Ukraine Flag colors.

This made me laugh — a button for the park.

The rules — you *CAN* bring dogs, which I didn’t know, but they need to be nice dogs.

Great views of Little Island and southern Manhattan.

The city up high.

Grassy area.

Views to the North.

A wedding was happening! A very small wedding, but we loved seeing the bride and groom.

You could rent this out for an event!

Then we crossed the street and went to Chelsea Market and had doughnuts and tacos for lunch.

 

Definitely worth doing on a beautiful Fall day — incredible views, great use of space, and something different!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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Vegan Zucchini Bread

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Zucchini bread and pumpkin bread symbolize FALL like no other. Since I posted about my favorite pumpkin bread a couple years ago, I thought I should investigate zucchini breads. I fell upon this NYTimes Vegan recipe, and since my husband is not currently eating dairy, I thought it was a great one to try. And I love the outcome — so definitely recommend!

 

Ingredients:

 

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Good Eats

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Through a friend, I was introduced to Good Eats, a program that feeds elementary school children, every weekend. Sadly, all over our country, there are children that eat all their meals at school through government subsidized programs. As a result, over the weekend when they are not in school, they do not eat. Good Eats comes in to schools where there is a need and gives students a package of food to put in their backpacks for the weekend. Often times these kids do not have can openers or fridges that work — so the food has to be nonperishable and have a shelf life. Yes, the goal is to change the world through KALE (don’t get me wrong, I LOVE KALE), but the reality, is that the food needs to be accessible and easy for the kids to eat. Basic hunger.

 

A distributor that is partnered with Good Eats, delivers the food to the school once a month. We were supposed to meet him at 830. He did not show up until past noon…..but grateful even more so.

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Shadow Box

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From the age of six months old, Tusia wore amber necklaces around her neck at all times. As time went on, she never took them off and instead added more to her pile. FOR TEN YEARS, she wore 3 amber necklaces and only took them off once (for a ballet recital when she was in Kindergarten). They were a part of her body, her vibe, her look. And yet, this summer, she told me she no longer wanted to wear them. It broke my heart and I told her she had to…..(to which I was told that I was not “pro choice” if I controlled some one else’s body….) so I realized that it was in fact her choice, and I could no longer control her necklace situation. Because they were such a huge part of her life (and mine), I decided to put them in a shadow box, frame them like art, so that we could always have them to look at.

 

Tusia this summer with her necklaces.

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Grace Street – Shaved Ice

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I LOVE SHAVED ICE — not the snow cone with sugar syrup, but the Asian Shaved Ice with condensed milk and so much flavor and taste. It is my favorite thing in the world — so much that when I was in Undergrad, I would drive with all my friends to a place in LA and get Taiwanese Shaved Ice in the middle of the night — I have so many fond memories of that place (wish I could remember the name!) and all the times I had shaved ice with tapioca balls, red beans, mango and shaved ice with condensed milk. So, fast forward to this summer, when I was in Seattle with my family, we went to an incredible Shaved Ice place, Snowy Village (go if you are in Seattle!) and I fell head over in heels. I tasted my college experience!

 

Seattle shaved ice — Snowy Village. SO good and tasty, loved every single bite.

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Mister Dips

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If you happen to be in NYC and want an adventure, I highly recommend going to Mister Dips, an all-American restaurant that serves (supposedly great hamburgers) and ridiculous soft serve ice cream downtown on South Street Seaport.

 

We decided to make it an adventure — so we took the East River Ferry that loads at 34th Street (and the East River) and then got off at Wall Street. It was an extremely hot and humid day in the city, so the 15 minutes on the boat felt marvelous. Highly recommend doing just the boat trip!

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Currently Loving August 2022 Part 2

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It is so true that January and February creep by — each day seems sooooo long, and then July and August just whizzzzzz by. So here we are, end of August, and here is what I am loving.

 

1. Good Quote

 

Seen on a hike, “Expect noting. Celebrate everything.” I love this quote and think about it often.

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Natori Summer Blues

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Every summer, we go to our dear friends’ home in Sonoma to celebrate a weekend with many of our Stanford Business School friends. It has happened the past 8 summers and is always one of the best weekends of the year. We lounge, hike, eat, indulge, rollerskate, and laugh. OOOHHHH we laugh and it is so fun. It is also our second time we have picked a theme of an evening — in 2019 we did Sunset Hues.

 

Sunset Hues. That was our guideline — and everyone could dress how they wanted to.

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BeReal

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I spent the past week with my teenage nephew and niece, and not only do I love the time together because I adore them, but I also love that they introduce me to what is hip / new / relevant in their life. Currently, what is hot in their social circle for social media is not instagram or tiktok, but rather BeReal (and Snapchat). I had never heard of BeReal so it was fascinating to learn more about it.

BeReal sends you a notification at different times each day and asks you to photograph in front and back of you in the 2 minute time limit. There is no way to track the number of friends you have and there are no “likes.”

 

BeReal is a French social media app that was released in 2020. After a couple of years of relative obscurity, it eventually gained popularity rapidly in mid-2022. More specifically, BeReal is a photo-sharing app that allows users to post one photo per day in real time.

An example of my BeReal. I was sitting at the pool with the kids — and it took a shot of what is in front and what I looked like.

You can look at both as the main photograph.

 

Currently, I have two friends (one is the sister of my ex boyfriend who is married to Amy Schumer, and one is my niece — my nephew does not want to be friends with me on this app….). So it is obviously not yet popular with my age group….

 

Another example….And it is important to note that you can only see other people’s daily BeReals if you post one that day yourself, and previous ones disappear from the feed.

And another.

 

Who knows if it will take off as a huge mainstream social media app, but I appreciate the authenticity and realness, and how it is different and unique…..To read more about BeReal, go here and here and here.

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Pizza Calzone

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In the constant search to find new recipes and things to eat, my-sister-from-another-mister told me about an easy pizza calzone recipe from NYTimes that everyone in the family loved. Not only was it super easy, but also very tasty. I altered the recipe (shocker) to include more greens, but it is one of those recipes that you can do what you want with it, and it will turn out delicious.

 

Ingredients:

 

filling!

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Summer 2022 Running Playlist

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The hot, humid, and slogging runs have begun! Here is what I am enjoying listening to on my runs recently.

 

I saw this advertisement on a run this past week and it made me smile. Super clever.

 

Summer 2022 Running Playlist

 

More (Jan Blomqvist)
Sign of the Times (Nore En Pure)
I’m Not Alone (Calvin Harris, deadmau5)
Spotlight (feat. Sarah Ikumu) (S.A.M, Sarah Ikumu)
Treat You Better – Cassian Remix (RUFUS DU SOL, Cassian)
Sonnentanz – Sun Don’t Shine (Klangkarussel, Will Heard)
Calabria 2008 (Enur, Natasja)
Original Sin (Sofi Tukker)
I Just Wanna Dance (Coldabank. Freedo)
Problems (Don Diablo, JLV, John K)
Let You Go (Diplo, TSHA, Kareen Lomax)
When The Summer Dies (deadmau5, Lights)
Behind The Sun (ODESZA)
Red Lights – EMBRZ Remix (Lane 8, Emmit Fenn, EMBRZ)
Losing It (Fisher)
Belly Dancer (Imanbek, BYOR)
Silence (Dark Heart, NEUBAUER)

 

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Happy running! Happy June! Happy almost Summer!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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Currently Loving May 2022

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Memorial Day weekend here we come, which means summer is around the corner! Here is what I am loving this month.

 

1. Basiquat Exhibit: King Pleasure in NYC

 

An absolute must if you are in NYC. 200 never been seen pieces. Well put together, interesting flow, and great commentary and information. Highly recommend!

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L’industrie Pizza

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In my constant search of  “the best pizza in NYC,” I landed at L’industrie Pizza in Brooklyn. Ranked by all the food websites as one of the best slices in NYC, we decided to make the trek to Williamsburg to try it out (and by trek, it is really not that far — it is just the mental jump from one borough to the next). And sure enough, it was ever so delicious and worth going to.

 

We placed the order online ahead of time so that it could be there when we got to Brooklyn. (We knew ahead of time that there would be no seats for us, so we wanted to have a picnic in the car).

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Brooklyn Drive In Movie

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I always claim that we are a Manhattan family that spends more time in Brooklyn. For whatever reason, there are so many different activities and adventures to go on there! Last Friday night, we went to the Brooklyn Drive In Movie Theater, Skyline Drive In, and I cannot wait to go back again! It was a super fun adventure for everyone in the family (although I am a rookie at the drive in game, and need to step it up next time with what I learned). Skyline Drive Inn is located right on the East River in Greenpoint with killer views of Manhattan (if it is not foggy….) and plays two different movies on two screens — one current film and one old school film that changes daily.

 

Skyline Drive In.

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Natori x Kasama Rum

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This past week, we celebrated my mother-in-law’s 75th birthday, my daughter’s 10th birthday, and the launch of Natori x Kasama rum. YEP, you read that correctly — RUM! Natori is doing a collaboration with Kasama, a rum company!

natori-kasama-rum-d1a
Both Kasama and Natori are female-founded Filipino brands! They came together to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a partnership that gives back to the Philippines. Natori designed the beautiful limited-edition rum bottle, which you can buy on Kasama’s website.

Look at the gorgeous bottle!

My mother-in-law with my kids — wearing the same print as the bottle!

Even Stevie has a matching print Natori ouftit! And check out my mother-in-law’s tall heels in the background. I wouldn’t be able to stand in them.

The whole Natori family with the Kasama lady — another Filipina!

Ken with the Natori model.

Me and Tusia — unintentionally wearing a floral jacket — I had no idea!

 

Unique and fun collaboration — but love how two Filipino female brands came together to support one another!

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Rolo’s

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After a personal recommendation AND reading about it in the NYTimes, we decided to trek to Ridgewood, a neighborhood in Queens, to try out the restaurant Rolo’s. Definitely a trains-plane-automobile situation to get there, but the food and adventure was worth it. The restaurant was started by 3 ex-Gramercy Tavern chefs (an old time favorite and Classic NYC restaurant) and every bite was delicious. If you are up for a different neighborhood and scene, definitely check it out!

 

And of course, on the 10 minute walk from the subway station, we came across a Biggie Smalls mural, which I love…because I love Biggie and most of all, 90s hip hop.

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Breathe Magazine

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I have had a difficult 2022 where I have simply had to relearn how to breathe and stay still. It has not been an easy process but I am learning to try to stay in the present, breathe, and be kind to myself. As cheesy as it sounds, my mother sent me several issues of “Breathe” magazine, and I absolutely love reading them and having them remind me of these tools and meditations. I love to sit and read them (again and again and again) from cover to cover, or just a page here and there.

 

Three different issues, all with the same concepts and tools. It may be obvious and basic, but they are great reminders and terrific for anyone who needs and wants them.

Gratitude — so easy, yet so hard.

Breathe kindness.

Lots of tools to help with self growth and discovery.

Activities, essays, quotes — all great.

Love this.

 

So if you find yourself in need of activities, inspiration, a guide to wellness, self compassion, self care, I HIGHLY recommend these magazines full of ideas and care. Just little bits that help ever so slightly.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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Jordan Nassar Exhibit

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If you happen to be in NYC any time between now and May 7th, I highly suggest that you visit the artist Jordan Nassar‘s work shown at the James Cohan Gallery. And even if you DON’T make it to the gallery, I recommend becoming familiar with Jordan Nassar! Jordan Nassar is a 37 year old native New Yorker (The Collegiate School graduate) and his artwork is mainly hand embroidery.

 

I did a solo trek down to James Cohan’s gallery on Walker street in TriBeCa. As someone who needlepoints and has a mother AND a daughter that both love to embroider, I appreciate looking at other people’s creation. And Jordan Nassar is unbelievable — his creativity and colors blew me away.

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Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace

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As a die hard roller skater, it made me so very happy that NYC opened up its first Roller Skating Rink, Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace, this past weekend. So sure enough, the kids and I ventured to skate and dance on opening day. It was such a great hour and I cannot wait to go back — pure simple family fun. Located in the heart of Manhattan at Rockefeller Center, it is a great place to people watch and soak up the energy of the city.

 

Smack dap in the middle of the city! So much fun.

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Papier Journals

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Check out this beautiful paper company, Papier, that makes customizable journals and notebooks with beautiful backgrounds! I love them all so much that I had difficulty choosing which ones I wanted. So many options — lined, plain, dotted, and hard or soft cover, and what to personalize them with! AHHHHH the choices!

 

My gratitude notebook and my journal.

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Currently Loving March 2022

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And just like that….April here we come! Here is what I am loving at the end of March

 

1. iphone Case with cardholder

 

A friend recently had this Australian Company phone case that stores 3 credit cards, and I am DYING for one….problem is that they dont have one for the current model of my phone…but I am obsessed and want to get a new phone just for the case!

 

2. Seaglass hunting

 

I AM IN LOVE WITH LOOKING FOR SEAGLASS. Another one of my COVID hobbies (that, obviously, only works when and if you are on a beach). We had great luck when we were in Mexico, less luck in Florida. We have beautiful jars of it at home that store so many great memories of us walking and collecting. There is nothing like the simple joy of spotting a piece of seaglass on the sand and in the water.

 

3. Little Twig Detangler Leave In Conditoner

 

A friend who knows everything about non-tocic beauty products, swears by this for her children. It is mild, effective, safe, and actually works (one of my greatest pet peeves is brushing my daughter’s hair that is basically a dread lock most of the time)….

 

4. MJ The Musical

 

In March, I was able to see three different broadway shows — hands down, my favorite was MJ The Musical. My kids didn’t like it as much as I did, but I found it fun with incredible dancing and acting. Highly recommend (especially if you are my age and not my kids’ age)…

 

5. Eminem Killer Remix

 

As an hip-hop lover AND an Eminem lover, I am obsessed with this song. It is great song to run to.

 

6. Friends from College — Season 2

 

I know that this series is old (2017-2019) but I recently binged the second season in two evenings and laughed out loud hysterically at every episode. I didn’t love the first season (I didn’t even finish it), but some reason, the second season was hysterical. I am very upset that the show has been canceled and will not have a third season….

 

7. American Idol Season 20

 

Back in my Stanford days, I religiously watched American Idol every week with our best friends. Then, when I moved to NYC, I continued to watch religiously. But in the past 12 years, I have never turned it on….until now. And I LOVE IT. LOVE. A great family TV show and I love the judges (who are new to me) and the positivity, optimism and talent it brings. SO. MUCH. JOY.

 

8. Scotch & Soda Sweatshirt

 

My favorite new hoodie is my son’s Scotch and Soda (given to him by his fashionable grandmother). I love the embroidery on it — can’t wait to try to embroider on a plain sweatshirt and copy this!)

 

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That is what I am loving right now — well, that and love and care. Hope you are having a great week!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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McEvoy Ranch Olive Oil

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Recommended to me by a friend who is the connoiusseur of everything and anything, McEvoy Ranch Olive Oil, is THE olive oil to use. She says it is the best of the best, and because I trust her with my life, I just placed a huge order of olive oil for my kitchen (and we go through a ton of olive oil, so I can’t wait for this order!) This olive oil is “Rooted in Italian craftsmanship with a bold Californian approach,” — and Italians and Californians, they know their EVOO!

 

A mixture of all the different olive oils.

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