Christmas 2015

Josie Girl 5 Comments

A short and sweet, simple Merry Christmas to you and yours. As you read this, we are somewhere on an airplane traveling from Florida to Sunriver, Oregon to spend a week in the snow with my side of the family.

 

Happy everything!

Happy everything! And yes, those sweaters are hand knit art work created by my mother. Next on her list of projects, a matching sweater for me! I can’t wait.

Happy happy!!!

Happy happy!!!

 

Although most people take the week off from posting on the world wide web, I will be doing regular posts (#JosieGirlNeverStops), so please stop on by! Thanks so much for all your continuous support and viewership (#ForeverGrateful) and have a very Merry Holiday.

Kypris Moonlight Catalyst

Josie Girl 2 Comments

As a female in my late  30s (denial), I constantly feel like I am fighting wrinkles and / or acne. So, I am constantly searching for the right moisturizer, serum, magic potion. I want my skin to be hydrated (decrease wrinkles) while combating acne (no oil).  So when I found out about Kypris Moonlight Catalyst, a night-time serum that helps BOTH, I was over the moon. And highly hopeful.

 

Look at the box! White and gold and sparkly!

Look at the box! White and gold and sparkly!

Continue Reading →

Christmas Celebration 2015

Josie Girl 8 Comments

Hello from (grey and cold) Florida! We had an early Christmas celebration this past Friday night since we were all headed in different directions (Florida then Oregon for us Natori Juniors, the Philippines for the Natori Seniors, and New Jersey for my sister, Courtney). Take a look. And listen to this because it is amazing!

 

Santa visited us (thankfully, I remembered that he was expected to bring presents to the kids -- so darted out to the closest toy store to get MORE presents for the kids, as we celebrated "Christmas' in the morning as our family of four). This Santa, although wearing latex gloves and a little creepy, was BY FAR the best santa that we have seen compared to years past. No flask, no chain smoker, no creepiness.

Santa visited us (the four of us actually celebrated Christmas that morning…. so I had to run out and get more presents for Santa to deliver to the kids!). This Santa, although wearing latex gloves, was BY FAR the best Santa that we have had compared to years past. No flask, no chain smoker, no creepiness.

Continue Reading →

Currently Loving December 2015

Josie Girl 5 Comments

Here we are with Winter Break around the corner (SAY WHHHHHAAAT!!!??) and so here is a round-up of what currently makes me smile, laugh, and blush with love and affection. Like a cuddle or a kiss, this is what I am currently loving (almost as much as a big smooch and embrace from my loved ones)! Enjoy!

 

2015 Pop Music Mash-up

 

On repeat. On you-tube. On my computer. Not the best sound system, but this hit will make you dance and dance and DANCE!

On repeat. On you-tube. On my computer. Not the best sound system, but this hit will make you dance and dance and DANCE!

Continue Reading →

Josie Jewel Road Sleepshirt

Josie Girl 6 Comments

Before I get to the post today (and be sure to read to the bottom for a special treat), I want to share three links. First, I am so proud of my beloved hometown Eugene, Oregon for making it into New York Magazine as a weekend escape. To read all about my hometown, go here. And for you loyal readers (a million thank yous!), I am sure you recognize a lot of the places from previous blog posts (Voodoo doughnuts, Spencer’s Butte, and King Estate). Secondly, here is a great article for  New Yorkers currently dealing with the crazy-traffic-grouchy-tourist-filled-city! Read it here. Thirdly, this Josie Robe was mentioned as a perfect gift in Kylie Jenner’s blog (who knew) so read about it here! And now, a great last minute gift:  this Josie sleepshirt!

 

How fun is the print? Colorful, vibrant, trippy, and oh-so-fun.

How fun is the print? Colorful, vibrant, trippy, and oh-so-fun.

Continue Reading →

Plastic Cups

Josie Girl 3 Comments

Plastic cups; not very glamorous sounding, but trust me these will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. My best friend, Amy (who by the way, introduces me to 99% of what is cool / hot / hip / trendy / important), told me about them several years ago, but my reaction was “HUH WHAT?? PLASTIC CUPS, WHO CARES?” but then, as always,  I listened to her (she = always right and in the know), so I bought them. And sure enough, they *changed* my life. Dramatic, but 13 bucks and you get 16 cups; all super cheery and colorful. You do the math, but I think that is a pretty good deal.

 

Colorful = happiness!

Colorful = happiness!

Continue Reading →

NYC Sunday Brunch: The Standard Grill

Josie Girl 3 Comments

Although it currently feels like Spring in New York, Christmastime is in the air!; bells, fir trees, red, green, tourists,  presents, ribbons, gingerbread, candy canes. We had a terrific Sunday morning last weekend, and I highly recommend recreating it for some family fun.

 

Anything with these two is fun and festive....except when they are poking each other, in each other's faces, whining, complaining, crying, and hitting. #TheJoy

Anything with these two is fun and festive….except when they are poking each other’s faces, whining, complaining, crying, and hitting. #TheJoy

Continue Reading →

Jaffa Dolls

Josie Girl 6 Comments

Thank you for supporting Jaffa Dolls!

 

As a member of the tribe, it is with great excitement that I introduce Jaffa Dolls, a company based in Israel in which Jewish and Arab women come together to make dolls by hand.  Especially during a time when politics are getting OUT OF CONTROL, it is the perfect time to introduce a product that supports co-existence and unity, not discrimination and racism.  Jaffa Dolls support WOMEN and PEACE between two ethnic groups. Peace and women — double your pleasure, double your fun. And to top it off, the dolls are unique, cute, and happy. I had the privilege of sitting down with good friend, Laura Newmark (also the wife of $2 bill Matt), who is the US Distributor of Jaffa Dolls.  Read on to find out about this new venture. Thanks, Laura!

Continue Reading →

Dimes Restaurant

Josie Girl 4 Comments

Dimes has been on my list of places to eat for quite some time, not just because of its cool and hipster vibe, but also for its healthy (and colorful) menu. We recently ventured downtown (49 Canal Street) to this eclectic, health-concsious hippie dippy, hipster minimalist, holy cow delicious restaurant. I was in pig heaven  — so many healthy choices to choose from!

 

Dimes.

Dimes.

Continue Reading →

Josie Natori’s Beauty Routine

Josie Girl 6 Comments

The minute my mother-in-law walks in the door, people stare at her. She carries herself regally, impeccably dressed, and is constantly glamorous and beautiful. In the 12 years (!) that I have known her, I have constantly been in awe of her beauty, grace, and class. So, I decided to ask her questions on how she takes care of herself (with the unrealistic hopes that it would give me the tools and hints on how to be as beautiful as she is). Take a look at her answers!

JCN and me at the CFDA's

JCN and me before the CFDA’s

Continue Reading →

Thanksgiving 2015

Josie Girl 6 Comments

It is rare to find friends that are family; people you love unconditionally and can be completely comfortable with in any setting. Luckily, we have found our New York non-family family, so it was an extra special treat to be invited to spend Thanksgiving with them in Aspen, Colorado. HOLY COW was it amazing, perfect, and incredible. Take a look at our pictures (#humblebrag #sorryimnotsorry)!

 

The kids get along swimmingly. Best friends for life.

The kids get along swimmingly. Best friends for life.

Continue Reading →

Switchel – The New Hipster Drink

Josie Girl 2 Comments

In my search for the best New York Kombucha (because I miss every day, my Humm Kombucha from Oregon), I came across “Switchel.” Switchel, originated in the Caribbean and popular in America in the 17th century, is the new ‘wellness’ drink on the east coast.  I bought a case (very hopeful that it would work out).  Love.

 

Up Mountain Switchel

Up Mountain Switchel

Continue Reading →

NuttZo

Josie Girl 4 Comments

Although I am not currently training for a marathon, I still indulge in nut butter like it is my job; a spoonful in the morning, a slather on toast mid-afternoon, and a cup for dessert. I just can’t get enough. Always on the lookout, I recently came across NuttZo, a nut butter made up of 7 nuts and seeds (a nut-allergy person’s nightmare!), and it instantly became a favorite.

 

Nutz about NuttZo.

Nutz about NuttZo.

Continue Reading →

Natori Cable Knit Sherpa Robe

Josie Girl 6 Comments

Before I talk about my new robe obsession, I have to discuss something that makes me so happy; Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton dating. YUP, I know, totally pathetic and oh-so-weird, but I am a huge fan of The Voice. And I kinda feel like I did watching Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf when they were together – same type of butterflies and happiness.  Gwen and Blake are just too cute, and oh so fun. So watch this. I promise you that you will laugh and smile.

 

Gwen and Blake. My pals.

Gwen and Blake. My pals.

Continue Reading →

Matcha Latte

Josie Girl 6 Comments

I just hopped onto the matcha bandwagon and made myself a matcha latte! What is matcha (besides a word sounding like it is yiddish instead of Japanese)? It is a finely ground powder of green tea leaves. It is also all the hype in hipster, hippy coffee shops. And since I love all of the above (hipster, coffee, tea, Japanese, and hippy), I am now a matcha lover. Plus, it is gentle on your stomach, fights sickness, and makes you smarter. WIN WIN WIN. NO LONGER WILL I BE A BLONDE.

 

What's not to love about a green drink?

What’s not to love about a green drink?

Continue Reading →

Opening Ceremony x Pendleton Coat Redone

Josie Girl 8 Comments

The night before I gave birth to Cruzzie (10/7/2009), I was shopping online (obvi), and I ordered myself a Pendleton x Opening Ceremony coat. I wore it night and day for years. To the ground! After much love, I became a little tired of the silhouette and pregnancy shape, so I retired it to the hall closet. On a mad search for a jacket this Fall, I stumbled upon my beloved coat. So out it came; but it needed some updated tailoring.

 

October 2009 -- one week after giving birth. Love the color, pattern (and kiss), but the shape is outdated, boxy and huge.

October 2009 — one week after giving birth. Love the color, pattern (and kiss), but the shape is outdated, boxy and huge. Hi one week old Cruzzie! Hi same hair style!

Continue Reading →

Smarty Pants Vitamins

Josie Girl 4 Comments

Don’t you love how small the world is and how everyone is connected somehow and someway? Well, lo and behold, I recently was introduced to the CEO of my newest find and obsession, Smarty Pants Vitamins. I first came across them at the Chicago Marathon, where they placed a sample of their vitamins in the goody bag from the race expo. Upon trial (I love freebies with good marketing and packaging), I was hooked! These vitamins are delicious, smart, and healthy. Read more to find out about the company from the founder and CEO, Courtney! Thank you, Courtney!

 

Smarty Pants: First grabbed me by the packaging, and then won me over by the taste, health benefits, and the company itself.

Smarty Pants: First grabbed me by the packaging, and then won me over by the taste, health benefits, and the company itself.

Continue Reading →

Spiralizer

Josie Girl 4 Comments

I shelled out the big dough and bought another kitchen gadget; and I couldn’t be happier. YUP, a spiralizer. What is a spiralizer (good question, kinda sounds like a pencil sharpener)? It is a device that transforms vegetables into “angel-hair” strands as well as spiral cuts, shoestrings and ribbon “noodles” — amazing, right?

 

Spiralizer! Even the name sounds spunky and happy! SPIRALIZE!

Spiralizer! Even the name sounds spunky and happy! SPIRALIZE!

Continue Reading →

Halloween / NYC Marathon 2015

Josie Girl 7 Comments

One of my favorite events in the Big Apple is the New York City Marathon. There is a buzz, energy, and pride that fills the city air. I cry, I smile, I weep, and I am just so happy for all the runners and finishers! And this year, it fell the day after Halloween, making it a BIG weekend for kids and adults. A memorable, fun, and inspiring weekend.

 

Snow Fairy Princess and Hipster Batman brother.

Snow Fairy Princess and Hipster Batman brother. (Neither of the shoes are an official part of their costume).

Continue Reading →

Gwyneth Paltrow Candy Bars

Josie Girl 2 Comments
Readers know that I love Gwyneth Paltrow as much as I love my kids (#joking #notjoking). So here is yet another recipe from her cookbook, “It’s All Good.”  Candy Bars! Hellooooooo healthy-ish Halloween treats! (way better than M&Ms). They are gluten-free and refined-sugar-free…  but heavy duty sweet.   But still healthier than a typical candy bar…..so go for it!
THICK GOOEY AWESOME

THICK GOOEY AWESOME

Continue Reading →

Cotelac Leggings

Josie Girl 5 Comments

Cotelac, one of my all time favorite brands, is a French company with two stores in NYC (Soho and the Upper East Side). It is very French, but more practical, motherly, rustic, classic than the other French brands I am in love with (Isabel Marant, Roseanna, Maison Olga, Vanessa Bruno, etc…). All of the clothes are machine washable and low maintenance. Each season, I buy a version of the tie dye jean which I can never have too many of. In addition to my new jeans, I also bought a pair of leggings which I am dying over. They are unique but subtle, versatile and comfortable, and perfect for layering in the cold winter months.

 

I ordered a size 1 to have it baggy at the ankle (typically, I would wear a size 0 in their clothing, but I preferred the looser look to that of tight leggings).

I ordered a size bigger than normal to have it baggy at the ankle

Continue Reading →