Natori Sleek Bralette

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I am a prude and hate to show skin, but a fashionable friend convinced me to buy the Natori Sleek Bralette as it was a must have for layering…..so I did, but then had no idea how to style it. Thank goodness for genius ideas, because she told me to wear it under a blazer with high waisted pants. So last week, on my mother-in-law’s 72nd birthday, I decided to wear one of her creations for her dinner…..YES daring, YES out of my comfort zone, but YES fun.

 

It comes in two different colors: white and black. I decided to purchase the black because it was less out of the ordinary for me, and because I was already taking a risk, I wanted to make it more manageable.

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Tusia Photo Shoot

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Our next door neighbors run fashion house, Oscar de la Renta, and so when they approached us to see if Tusia would like to shoot for their kids ad campaign, we couldn’t say no. Although I am not a fan of the modeling business (what kind of message does it send the child? Is beauty more important than school? etc….), I felt that this was a once in a lifetime experience that we couldn’t pass up — not many people can say that their first and only photo shoot was for Oscar de la Renta. Last Friday was definitely a learning experience for the two of us — surrounded by new things and processes…  I am not sure I love any of it — regardless, I am so happy that we did it. And absolutely everyone involved in the photo shoot was kind, loving, and thoughtful. Take a look at the behind the scene pics — and as soon as we get the final photos (if she doesn’t get cut — you never know!), I will share!

 

First, we had a fitting two days before the shoot. During this fitting, it was also a try out for the other models. The other four models were professional and hired children models — a very dark and weird place (IMHO).

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Ralph’s Coffee

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After months of hearing about Ralph’s Coffee, I finally made it inside. And it is even more divine and fabulous than I ever imagined — chic, beautiful, and old school glamorous. Located inside the Ralph Lauren flagship store on 72nd and Madison , Ralph’s Coffee is a relaxing and delicious place to grab a drink and snack (Ralph Lauren partnered up with the team at La Colombe to create Ranph’s Coffee’s signature blend). It also helps that the people inside are just as beautiful as you would expect, making for great people watching.

 

Sidewalk art signage. Although the store does not open until 10 am, Ralph’s Coffee opens at 8 am. I can’t wait to go back!!!

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Brene Brown

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Brene Brown is all over the place right now; podcasts, netflix specials, books, and even billboards. And there is a reason why. She is wise, relatable, informative, honest, and real. Known as a researcher and story teller, she is a self help guru that anyone and everyone can learn from. I watched her ultra famous Ted Talk (one of the top 5 Ted talks of all time — over 40 million views!) years ago, and find myself re-wathching it every year to relearn all that she has to share. She has spent years researching shame and vulnerability and shares it in an honest and approachable manner. And her most recent talk, a netflix special on courage (“The Call To Courage“), shame, joy, and human connection is amazing.   I found myself crying, laughing, and wanting immediately to REWATCH it all over again. It is that good.

 

Watch it now. Although, if you haven’t yet watched her 20 minute Ted Talk on Shame, that is where you should start. THENNNNNNN, you should watch this hour plus talk on Netflix. It is new (came out on April 19th — a couple weeks ago).

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Nupie Sandals

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One of my favorite purchases from my recent trip to Paris was a pair of Boho Chic sandals. Peruvian ribbon, Italian leather, French company….makes sense, right? I am so happy I discovered Nupie . They are colorful (at Bon Marche, the sandals were offered in three different color ways and I wanted all three), comfortable, practical, and unique. I love how the ribbon is distinctively Peruvian (and made in Peru) and that the soles are high quality leather Italian so they feel like well made classic sandals. I can’t wait to wear them all summer long.

 

I chose the green pair but was SO close to buying the pink one. But I liked them just as much the blue pair….ahhhh the options!

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Quick Paris Trip With Josie Natori

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This past weekend, I was a true jetsetter and flew to Paris for a getaway with my mother-in-law. Yes, spoiled. Yes, privileged.  Yes, extravagant. But oh so fun and wonderful. As I age (thank you, 40), I realize that time together with loved ones becomes more and more important. And even though we live in the same city, I rarely have the opportunity to sit down with my mother-in-law just to be together.  We had a great time, simply walking around, shopping, eating, drinking champagne, conversing, and soaking up the beauty of Paris. Here are pictures. Enjoy!

 

I am a giant compared to my oh so glamorous MIL….

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Sakara Daydreamer Dressing

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Creamy and oh so dreamy. This salad dressing from my new favorite cookbook “Eat Clean Play Dirty,” is great to make for the week ahead and drizzle on crudites or any salad. It was so good that immediately after I made the first batch, I QUADRUPLED the recipe to have more to grab for any and every salad!

 

Ingredients:

 

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Screen Cleansing Wipes

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After being introduced to these screen cleansing wipes last week, I was instantly grossed out thinking about my phone screen. I can’t believe I lived so long without these in my life. Makes me want to throw up thinking about all those germs and nastiness that were on my phone beforehand! As soon as I got in contact with these wipes (aka borrowed one to clean my gross screen), I instantly ordered a 12 pack of these Well Kept Screen Cleaners.

 

They come in a cute packet of 15 wipes. Easy to throw in to a bag or leave on your office desk.

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Currently Loving April 2019

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AHHHHH April….Spring, but in terms of the school year, feels like almost Summer. From April to June, it feels like a sprint to the finish line of the year: so much going on with recitals, meetings, wrapping it up. Often times, I forget how to breathe during this time. So, I need to remember to be in the present and here is what I am currently loving!

 

1. Eat Clean, Play Dirty Cookbook

 

If I eat like the authors do I become beautiful like them????

 

One of my besties gifted me this cookbook last week and I cannot wait to make all of the recipes, which are uber healthy, vegan, plant based. A great way to start off the Spring – Summer in a healthy detox way. I especially want to try the breakfast recipes and the salad dressings — they all look so good.

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Boston Marathon 2019

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This past Monday, I conquered my fear, and ran the Boston Marathon. Ever since last year’s difficult weather and race conditions, I have been very afraid of the Boston Marathon. So on Monday, my goal was not a personal record, but just to have a redemption run. A run where I erased my negative experiences of the previous year, and tried my hardest. And that I did. No marathon is ever easy (or maybe for some it is?), but running 26.2 miles is difficult for me. No matter how many times I do it, it is always a challenge. And on the Boston Marathon course, it is even harder — the Northeast weather conditions are spotty, the start line is far away and requires a marathon of sitting and waiting BEFORE the marathon, and the course itself is extremely difficult with so many hills — TOUGH TOUGH hills. But I did it — I went out there, tried my best, had a fun (yes, I did), challenged myself (ohhhhh yes, that, too), and ran a good race.

 

Expo. One of my best college friends lives in Boston, and so she was a wonderful host and driver. She picked me up at the airport, drove me to the expo, cooked me the perfect dinner, and then drove me to the start line. Thanks, Gigs!

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Prince Street Pizza

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I was introduced to my new favorite pizza place by my out-of-town-brother this past week and now I am dreaming of the pizza nonstop. My brother is one of those people that knows everything about a place even when he doesn’t live there. He also loves food, reading about food, and is always right. So when he was visiting this past weekend and suggested trying Prince Street Pizza — I knew that it was going to be good and worth the trek down. And YUP, sure enough, this tiny little pizza shop is where it is at. I can’t wait to go back.

 

Located in Nolita, on Prince Street, this tiny little shop is c harming, crowded, busy, and has oh so delicious pizza.

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Supergoop Sunscreen

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Super sunscreen is Supergoop Sunscreen! It’s not a shock that I am very particular about sunscreen that I use. I don’t like overly sticky, too white, bad chemicals, etc. So I have searched low and high for the best sunscreen over the past several years. Finally, last year, I came across Supergoop and there is no going back.

 

Yes, so true.

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Basquiat Exhibit

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Last week, on a beautiful Spring day, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the new Basquiat exhibition at the newly opened branch of The Brant Foundation in the East Village. Tickets are free, but you must register beforehand, and unfortunately the exhibition is currently “sold out.” That said, if you are interested, put yourself on the waitlist, and chances are you will be able to get a ticket. Not only did I find the exhibit special, remarkable, beautiful, and different, but the building itself is incredible.

 

The exhibition starts on the 4th floor of the 16,000 square foot townhouse. The room itself is unbelievable, with a gigantic sky roof with water flowing on it to give beautiful waves and light.

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Ole & Steen

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The Scandis always know how to do everything right. Especially bakeries. One of my nearest and dearest friends is Norwegian, so when we decided to meet last month for coffee, she told me about a new Danish bakery, Ole & Steen. And holy shmoly, is it unbelievable. Everything about it is perfection; the breads are to die for, the pastries, the porridge, the coffee, EVERYTHING. I am not sure what exactly it is about their baked goods, but they are beyond delicious and my new favorite thing to eat.

 

I dare you to go in to the bakery and try to buy one thing. Impossible.

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Tony & Tina Coconut Bliss

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Yes, I have written about my love of this coconut oil before, but it is oh so good that I need to write about it again.  Tony and Tina Coconut Bliss is unlike any other body lotion. Seriously, it is the perfect consistency that just melts into your body and hydrates it to the core. This coconut oil is even better because it is also infused with bergamot and lavender oil, so it smells divine and relaxes your mind. I know, I know, essential oils is very hippy dippy, but I believe.

 

Big jar of heaven.

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Spring Break 2019 Part 2

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Last week, we finished off spring break with good quality fun in Central Oregon with my parents. Generally when we are in Central Oregon, we go to Sunriver, but this time, we went to Black Butte Ranch. Beyond beautiful with spectacular views, we had a great time skiing, walking, lounging, watching movies, building puzzles, and being together. Enjoy this oversharing of family photos!

 

Family — the one shot that we got (minus Ken, who went back to NYC)!

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Spring Break 2019 Part 1

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Spring Breeeeeakkkkkkkk! After a long and grueling cold winter in New York City, nothing feels as good as warm weather, sunshine, and the beach. For the first week of our break, we went to Imanta in Punta de Mita, Mexico with my in-laws. It was rustic AND luxurious, eco friendly, secluded, beyond beautiful, and very relaxing. Take a look at the pictures, enjoy the sharing overload!

 

The kids are at a great age where they can play in the pool alone and not be supervised at all times…..The kids loved to go skinny dipping in the pool (good old Hippy Roots!)

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The Vessel at Hudson Yards

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Last weekend, we played tourists in our own city, and decided to visit “The Vessel” at Hudson Yards. After many years of construction and 200 million dollars, this new landmark and public structure opened up last week. Located outside Hudson Yards — a development of retail stores, office space, apartments — this structure is quite the site. It looks like a pineapple, or a honeycomb, and is the newest Instagram hotspot for all.

 

Pineapple. Shining and shimmering in its brand new splendor.

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Currently Loving March 2019

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Another month is almost over….slow down, time, SLOW DOWN! It is now Spring Break for us, which means, the end of the school year is around the corner and HELLO SUMMER. Until then, here is what I am currently loving this month! Take a look, here is March 2019.

 

1. Evil Genius

 

4 episode TV series on Netflix

 

An easy series to watch in a weekend about a crazy lady and murders and crimes. Dark but not too scary as it is narrated in a witty and upbeat way. And you can’t stop watching because you want to know all the weird things that happen.

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My Go-To Sandwich

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Every week, I find myself at the counter of Epicerie Bouloud to pick up my favorite sandwich in the world. Aside from cucumbers and granola (my other go-to foods), I could eat this sandwich EVERY MEAL OF EVERY DAY and be happy as a clam. Not only does it remind me of Paris, but it satisfies all my taste buds — butter, ham, cheese, bread — THANK YOU, GOD.

 

BIG! You can split this….or you can eat it all for yourself! (Like I do!)

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Funny Text Message Exchange

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So if you follow my husband, Ken, on instagram, you may have already seen this whole post. But if you are NOT on social media, or do NOT follow Ken, or do NOT look at stories, then take a look at the below. Quick synopsis is that last Thursday night, there was a text message exchange between Ken and our 9 year old son, Cruzzie, in which Ken thought it was me…pretty funny — take a look. And good job, Babers, on being able to recreate the situation in a way that makes sense and is funny (I wouldn’t be able to do either!)

 

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Mt. Washington / Tuckerman’s Ravine

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This past weekend, Ken had the chance to climb Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast (not in Washington State like I first thought…..thank you #blonde).  The mountain is also known for its erratic weather, and had the world record for highest windspeed (231 mph) from 1933-1996.  Yikes!  Despite a dicey looking forecast earlier in the week, Ken and his group had terrific conditions, and a successful climb (and a great time).  Enjoy the pictures!

 

Minimal avalanche danger. Always a good thing….

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Arizona Love Tevas

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Last summer, I splurged on Chanel Tevas — and I wore them all day every day. They made me so happy because they were the perfect mixture of how I see myself: half city girl, half hippy chick. That said, I never wanted to hike in them because although they are technically tevas, they still are Chanel and are not hiking worthy. So last month when a friend introduced me to Arizona Love tevas, I fell in love AGAIN and knew I had to buy two pairs immediately. Arizona Love tevas are a true combination of uniqueness and practicality. A little bit of flair and a whole lot of comfort. LOVE LOVE LOVE them.

 

My issue was that I couldn’t decide on just one, so I had to buy two. But knowing me and my summer lifestyle, I will get  use out of both of them.

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Rummikub

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For the past year, my favorite board game has been Rummikub. It is the perfect game for kids, families, or even adults to play. It is easy enough to play with kids, but also challenging and smart enough for adults.

 

Family game — that you can also put in a bag and travel with. We took it over Winter Break and it was the perfect downtime activity.

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