Currently Loving January 2019

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Back at it again….here is what I am currently loving this month!

 

1. The Dawn Wall

 

 

Recommended by a friend to watch, I saw this movie before we went to see “Free Solo” — another exhilarating and amazing film that I highly recommend. I loved everything about “The Dawn Wall” — and the message of how you don’t know anything is impossible until you try to make it possible. Tommy Caldwell is inspiring, strong, talented and a serious bad a$$. Since watching “The Dawn Wall,” I have read every article about Tommy and listened to every podcast that he has been in. Incredibly addicting and mesmerizing.

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Down Leg Warmers

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I know, I know, I included these down leg warmers in a post last month, but they are so good that I needed to create a post devoted solely to them. As I mentioned before, a good friend gave them to me saying that “they were so me.” And she was so right — they are so me — anything that shimmer and shines I love (metallic, sparkle, sequin) AND they are practical and useful (I am one of those devoted sneaker wearers because heels are not practical). Since New York is freezing cold in the winter and I continue to run outside in the winter months, these leg warmers are a game changer. This past week, in 22 degrees (where it actually felt more like 13 degrees), these leg warmers kept me toasty warm. I never feel cold when I am wearing them! So if anyone is a runner in the cold weather and wants to be warmer — these are a must. A MUST.

 

Yep, down leg warmers. They literally make your (almost) naked legs feel so toasty and warm!

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Battle! Hip Hop! Met Museum

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This past Friday, a friend invited me and the kids to join her and her daughters to see a Battle of Hip Hop dancers inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And holy smokes — it was amazing. Riveting. Exciting. Enchanting. Incredible. Ridiculous. One of my all time favorite activities I have ever done. Period.

 

First of all, I love street dancing and hip hop so much — always have — and this was a performance of an urban dance organization “Dancing in the Streets” of the South Bronx. They have perfected a series of dance battles, which are now held inside The Met’s Arms and Armor department — truly remarkable — both the location of the performance and the performance itself. The freestyle dancers wore armor, battled between each other, and gave an amazing show. I felt incredibly lucky to be able to attend this event (and for free!) and the kids were mesmerized and in awe of the whole show.

 

Location

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Palm Springs January 2019

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In my last overly-personal-post, here is my round up of pictures on our second week of vacation in Palm Springs, California. Thank you in advance for looking at the photos and learning more about Palm Springs — and I promise you that next week, we will be back to NORMAL posts that are not overly personal or sappy……After Sunriver, we decided to spend a week with our best friends from Stanford (who live in San Francisco) somewhere warm(ish), so we picked Palm Springs. I actually spent time in Palm Springs growing up as my childhood best friend’s parents had a home there, so I had fond memories. Although NOT warm this year, we had a wonderful time exploring a new place for the family and quality time with our friends — they are friends that are family, where they  know you so well (that they can give you unsolicited feedback) and will always be close to us despite the fact we live on different coasts.

 

Palm Springs is really retro and is a serious throwback to older times. We had amazing meals, all arranged by our friends (who did the research and reservations — thank you!).

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Sunriver December 2018

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So before we get *totally* back to regular posts, I want to show pictures of our first week over Winter Break in Sunriver, Oregon. For the loyal readers, you know that Sunriver is a place that I have gone to my whole life, and as a result is truly a special spot. Not only is it gorgeous, but I have loads of fun memories of skiing, relaxing, and family time with the whole Proskurowski Family. I love that I get to share this place with my kids now, and that they get to experience the beauty and perfection of Winter Wonderland in Oregon. Take a look at the pictures!

 

We were fortunate enough to overlap with my brother and his kids (unfortunately, my sister in law had to work) for a couple of days. The kids love each other deeply…cousin love is REAL.

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New Years Goals 2019

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NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED but those past two weeks went by in a flash / blur / second, and I didn’t post at all! OOPS! It is not that I didn’t have lots of down time — I did — but I chose just to sit instead of working….but now, I am back….and HELLLLLOOOOO 2019! Here we are!

 

2019, we see you, because, we are HERE.

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Currently Loving End of December 2018

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A belated Merry Christmas! I hope everyone who celebrated found a way to find some joy and happiness. Right now, we are in Sunriver, Oregon with my family and have been leading a very slow paced and relaxing week. We are spending a lot of time eating, sleeping, skiing, and being together! I can’t believe how fast the time flies…..With less than a week left of December AND 2018, here is what I am currently loving!

 

1. Whole Foods Peanut Butter Trail Mix

 

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Top Natori Sleepwear Gifts

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Recently, a lot of friends have asked me for my top Natori sleepwear gifting ideas.  Here you go!

 

 

 

1. Natori Enchant PJ

 

Young, flirty, and comfortable.

 

A classic for summer or winter, I love the short and cami of this set. It comes in several colors, all great choices. Ot is a great set to wear around the house, or on vacation, and will always make you feel sexy, cool, and fun.

 

2. Natori Ginza Embroidery PJ

 

Special flare.

 

This new pajama set definitely will make anyone feel special. The regal red and the chic gold dramatic embroidery add to the special feel of the set. It is also extremely comfortable with drawstring shorts and a long sleeved button up. A great set as a present.

 

3. Natori Luxe Shangri-La Notch PJ

 

One of the most comfortable pajamas you’ll ever touch.

One of my all time favorite Natori groups is Shangri-La — all of the robes, chemises, nightgowns and pajamas are incredibly soft and comfortable. They are simple and understated, but soft and sensual. You can never go wrong with these pajamas — they are just classic and reliable.

 

4. Natalie Pants

 

VELVET and LACE.

 

These pants are velvet and lace —  the ultimate combination. The front has an elastic waistband with drawstring and the lace applique at pant hem looks super beautiful. Great for a lounge piece or to wear out at night!

 

5. L’amour Chemise

 

HOT

 

I love this l’amour chemise. I mean, Natori in general makes the most perfect chemises, but this is to die for gorgeous. Silky satin, delicate lace, ever so romantic. I can’t get enough.

 

So there you have it, my top 5 favorite Natori sleepwear gift ideas.  Happy final days of holiday shopping!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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Tabio Socks

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I have been a big fan of Tabio socks for the past five years when I found them in a little store in the Marais district in Paris. Every time I went to Paris, I would stock up on them myself and buy presents too (nothing says I love you more than socks…). But I just discovered that Tabio is now sold online in the USA! Hands down, these are my favorite socks in my closet.

 

The socks arrive in this great origami package. A present within a present. All the little details are so Japanese — and so beautiful.

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Beyond Yoga Velvet Workout Pants

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I am loving velvet this season. Not sure if it is the major influence of the 90s or the holiday feel, but I love everything and anything velvet — especially when it is unexpected. So when I found velvet workout pants, I knew that I needed them. And not just normal velvet but CRINKLED PINK velvet workout pants.

 

I saw them folded on the table like this, but I knew immediately that I needed them. I love how they twinkle with the light — and just glow and are so happy.

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Chicago Skates Pulse

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The internet was down in my house for four days so I apologize for the silence on my end. It still amazes how we ever lived without the world wide web — no music, no TV, no internet browsing — just quiet complaints about why there was no connection….But alas, all has been fixed and now back to reality of writing posts, sending emails, buying presents, and spending too much time connected. So here we are in the middle of Hannukah, a holiday that my family celebrates, along with many others. It is a simple holiday with just lighting of the candles, a prayer in hebrew, and gift giving. My favorite present for the season so far is this pair of metallic light up skates. I saw them at a always-in-the-know-super-cool-and-chic-friend’s house and instantly knew they were something I needed RIGHT AWAY. And sure enough, they have added so much value and happiness and joy into my life.

 

Metallic, light up, cool sneakers ON ROLLER SKATES. How could this not make you smile and laugh and want to be on skates?

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Iles Formula

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Hands down, my newest favorite hair and conditioner set is from Iles Formula. My hairstylist (Chelsey — who I LOVE) told me that she was approached by the creator of these hair products, and was told that “she was going to fall head over heels in love.” Chelsey was skeptical and didn’t believe this woman….until she tried it. And sure enough, once she used it, she couldn’t get enough of it. And that is exactly how I feel. IT IS HAIR PERFECTION IN BOTTLES.

 

Pretty — simple and chic.

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Sage + Palo Santo

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Over Thanksgiving weekend, we had a slew of friends in and out of our apartment. Some were spontaneous get togethers, others were planned (Thanksgiving), but there was a lot of different people over at different points. Twice, we had people take random falls, including one that led to a trip to the hospital and stitches.  Given what happened, we decided we needed to clear some negative energy. Luckily, I always have a bundle of sage on hand (see old school post from 2015), and so that was easy to do. Unfortunately, sage gets rid of ALL energy — good and bad — and clears the space.  A friend from Los Angeles told me to get Palo Santo, a sacred wood, that clears that space but then BRINGS in positivity, creativity, and love. Thankfully, not only did Mary inform me about this ritual, but she also brought it over as a gift. Thanks to my west coast hippie friends for always knowing the exact right thing to do!

 

Just call me a shaman.

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Domino Park – Tacocina

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Yesterday, we went on a little adventure to Domino Park in Williamsburg (in Brooklyn). This new park opened in June and was created in the ruins of the Domino Sugar Factory. Designed by the same firm as The High Line (James Corner Field Operations), this water front six acre green space is a terrific new addition to the city. Although we froze our bottoms off, it was great fun to run around, breathe fresh air, and look at the views of our incredibly beautiful city. I can’t wait to come back on a sunny Spring Day (which will not happen for half a year….)

 

These cranes previously occupied the site remain, and have been painted in the park’s signature turquoise.

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Austin 2018

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This week, I went to Austin, Texas with a friend from New York to visit two other dear friends that live there. We left on Monday post kids drop off and then returned back to NYC for pick up Wednesday. It was a quick trip but so good to get away and see friends I have not seen in a long time. We did nothing special or extraordinary other than spend quality time together with loads of nachos and tequila. I told them that all I really wanted to do was eat as many nachos as possible — and literally, that is what we did. We came home with both our bellies and hearts full. Worth the travel and logistical planning just to be with friends I don’t get to see enough of. Here are pictures of all the nachos I ate!

 

Margarita #1. We got off the plane and went straight to lunch….and margaritas.

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Playroom Bulletin Board Wall

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One of my favorite parts of our Pound Ridge home is the bulletin board wall in the playroom. Although we don’t spend much time in the room, it screams happiness. When we were re-decorating our home five years ago, I wanted a place to display the kids’ artwork, so we came up with the idea of having one full wall in cork so we could easily tack pictures. While I unfortunately haven’t updated the artwork in years, I just love the dimension, character, and color the wall brings to the room and house.

 

Color clutter! Although I am obsessively neat and like to have everything completely organized, somehow I love this little splatter of chaos and confusion. I am surprised that the last time I re-did the art wall, I didn’t organize it by colors…

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Fall 2018 Running Playlist

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Is November Fall or Winter? Officially it is Fall, but with Christmas decorations in stores and freezing temperatures, it kind of feels like Winter.  Now that my two Fall marathons are done, I am resting and recuperating before starting to train for my April 2019 Boston marathon. That said, you always need good music for runs or workouts or inspiration! Here you go.

 

Last week in Central Park, I took this picture on a walk. Every day when I am in the park, I am thankful for its insane beauty and colors.

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Currently Loving November 2018

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And just like that, here we are in November. This Fall has sped by so fast and I am in disbelief — wasn’t it just SUMMER?!?!?!? Here is what I am currently loving!

 

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1. Benny Blanco and Calvin Harris’s new song “I found you” but even more specifically the video when Francis Farewell Starlight dances with Benny Blanco.

 

GAWD, I love these two guys. First of all, I have been a fan of Francis and the Lights for several years — the music makes me so happy. And Francis is just the cutest, most random dude ever. So the fact that he is in this video (he is not involved with the music or lyrics or production of it in the slightest) makes me so happy. I want to learn how to do this dance. It is so FUN. And life is about having FUN!

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NYC Marathon 2018: Achilles Guide

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This past Sunday, I ran as a guide for Achilles International, an organization for disabled athletes. Although it was my overall 12th marathon, it was my first marathon as a guide. It was an incredibly difficult, overwhelming, emotional, and beautiful experience. I was paired with a 25 year old blind runner, Eddy, who I had met with twice beforehand. Before our marathon together, Eddy showed me his spirit of positivity, gratefulness, and sincerity, so I knew that that would help carry me through our run together. And it did.

 

 

Me and Eddy after the marathon (and after the shower) at his family’s apartment on Roosevelt Island. Yes, I took a tram after running a marathon, but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

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11.11 Eau de Parfum

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I am a cult follower of the fragrance 11 11 by Lake & Skye. Ever since it first came out, I have been buying it nonstop and wearing it every second of every day. I basically shower in it. People always comment on how I smell (to toot my own horn); for example last week, the Lottery ticket salesman said I smelled so nice, and then a young couple on the subway told me the same thing…(on a side note, it reminded me how nice it is to give compliments to strangers). The original 11 11 is an essential oil in a small tube with a roller ball. I carry it everywhere I go and apply it when I need a quick pick me up. That said, because it is an oil, the smell disappears quickly. So I was thrilled when I found out they released an eau de parfum in a larger size.

Pretty classic bottle, simple and bold fragrance.

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Seattle Fall Weekend 2018

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The past two Falls, I have made a trip out to Seattle with my son to have special alone time with him and his cousins. My brother lives in Seattle with his wife, three kids, two dogs, and two cats. As a lover of the Pacific Northwest, I love this trip to go visit him and just spend quality family time together. We don’t do much while there but it is nice to be all together. Here are some pictures of the weekend.

 

My brother’s house. ISN’T IT SO CUTE? Even with the scary decorations (my brother’s kids wanted it to be the spookiest house in the neighborhood), it is so cute. And so Fall.

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