gifts

Favorite Candles

Josie Girl 18 Comments

I know people think that candles are an impersonal gift, but I personally love them and can never have too many. To me, they are the PERFECT gift. A little token of love that keeps on giving! Every time I light a candle, I remember where / who / what and think back to a memory with the given smell. I also have a cabinet of candles, as you never know when you need a last minute gift. So, here is my list of favorite candles!

 

1. D.S. & Durga Big Sur After Rain

 

One of my favorite scents — have it as soap, hand sanitizer, and as candles. It is light and refreshing and I never get sick of it.

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Innisfree Masks

Josie Girl 4 Comments

Recommended by a friend, I stopped by Korean Beauty store Innisfree last week and FELL IN LOVE! I was so excited that I didn’t know what direction to look at. Finally, I decided that I was going to stock up on masks as they make great gifts (’tis the season of giving) and are affordable, fun, and different.

 

You can get them in a gift box right now, too! 13 sheets for 17 dollars! I plan on taking them out of the box and bundling up 3-4 of them together for little gifts to pass out to people.

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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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Dermovia Individual Face Mask

Josie Girl 2 Comments

Beauty Masks are having a moment right now. They are catchy, sweet, and functional all at the same time. Recently when at Barney’s picking out my MIL’s birthday present, I decided to buy one and try it myself. See below for more on the Dermovia Rejuvenating Collagen Lace Your Face Mask.

 

It comes in this little packaging which is perfect for traveling or a care package.

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Currently Loving May 2018

Josie Girl 2 Comments

Memorial Day is right around the corner, but it still feels like unpredictable-March-like weather in NYC. I am having a hard time remembering what month we are in because the weather truly makes it feel like early Spring and not LATE Spring. But here we are. Sitting. Waiting. So here is what I am currently loving this month! Take a look:

 

1. Chanel Healthy Glow Lip Balm

 

Chanel + Moisture + Color = Perfection

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Truly Madly Guilty- Interview with Liane Moriarty’s Literary Agent

Josie Girl 3 Comments

Don’t you love how small the world is? I was raving about Truly Madly Guilty this summer, and the next week Ken discovered that his friend’s wife, Faye Bender, is the literary agent for Liane Moriarty (not to mention a number of other authors).  I had the privilege of interviewing Faye and finding out more about literary agents and the writing world. Take a look!

 

Meet Faye, Literary Agent Extraordinaire.

Meet Faye Bender, Literary Agent Extraordinaire.

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Best Pens: International Arrivals

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I have a daughter who loves to draw and color, and as a result, I have bought many and many sets of pens, pencils, markers, and paints. For whatever reason, she only uses certain sets (picky about everything in life) and ALL of these sets are from a company called International Arrivals. Now I know not to bother buying any other type of pen. These coloring sets are fun, unique, and great for gifts, too.

 

Our typical breakfast routine....eating while coloring.

Our typical breakfast routine….eating while coloring. And as you can see, she is much more interested in her art than her food.

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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!

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Self Help Books for Kids

Josie Girl 5 Comments

Self help books for kids???? Sounds a little new-age-y and crazy! But let me tell you….they are AWESOME! A bundle of self-help-positive-books were given to Tusia for her first birthday (which if you can do the math, is two years ago) by a dear friend, and I find myself enjoying the books just as much as my kids do. They serve as good reminders, and help me have positive discussions with my 3 year old, 5 year old, and myself! So much that I wanted to share them with you all, too! I feel that these books give me the tools and ability to talk with them about being mindful and what really matters.  NAMASTE.

 

The perfect bundle -- how special and perfect is this assortment of books?

The perfect bundle — how special and perfect is this assortment of books? (A lot more unique and touching than a beautiful onesie…)

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Little Circus

Josie Girl 6 Comments

Totally biased, but I tend to think my kids are the cutest little munchkins in the world (#humblebrag) and people always ask me where I buy my clothes for them. EASIEST ANSWER EVER: Little Circus! Little Circus is an e-commerce site for kids clothes, toys, and gifts. It really has everything and anything that you want to buy for kids, and better yet, it is created, owned, and operated by my dear friend, Jenna Lonstein. Jenna is a hip, young, fashionable mother of two, who started this company several years ago. (Read on for a special promo code for Josie Girl readers!)

 

Jenna and her gorgeous family.

Jenna and her gorgeous family.

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Currently Loving….

Josie Girl 3 Comments

Almost February (and there’s a blizzard coming…. SAY WHATTTTTT?), here is what I am currently loving (other than my husband, kids, parents, siblings, friends, sunny warm weather, cheese, chocolate, peanut butter, granola, and television):

 

The Wet Brush

 

This brush is a miracle worker. It allows you to brush your hair (and your kids’ hair) when the hair is wet (or dry) without tear! It detangles the hair quicker and more easily than any other brush around. Cheap and effective.

 

wet brush

The “wet” brush

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Currently Loving

Josie Girl 5 Comments

Now that it is the second week of December (heart palpitations….so much to do! gasp!), I am running trying to whittle down my growing to-do list….so since I am in the listing, bullet type of writing, here are my current loves!

 

1) My mother-in-law’s jewelry

 

I have an insanely generous mother-in-law who not only GIVES me presents but lends me her own jewelry from her personal jewelry collection. I am one lucky duck wearing these drop dead diamonds galore (and my husband is lucky, too, since he doesn’t feel the need to get me my own jewelry).

 

jewels

I was lent some pretty spectacular jewels by my mother-in-law to celebrate her award at the ACC (Asian Cultural Council) several weeks ago. It was a cinderella moment…..and I made sure to return them before my children lost them! (Has happened before – temporarily….nerve wracking!)

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Tabio Socks

Josie Girl 3 Comments

Thanks to everyone for all your encouragement and support in regards to Ken becoming a rock star for the day…..Still feeling buzzed and pumped by the experience. Seriously, I am in love with the guys of OAR….and now I can’t stop listening to Peace. On repeat. Ten million times in the last 3 days. Call me obsessed. Watch out, Babers, you have COMPETITION. Anywho, back to reality. That reality, is socks. Yep, socks.

 

My mother’s go-to-present for everyone in the family is socks. Handmade knitted socks, skiing socks, everyday socks, fancy socks, socks, socks, socks, socks. As a result, I am fond of socks. I can never have too many and am always on the lookout for the new, best, prettiest, cutest sock (odd, quirky, and so me). So it was a perfect coincidence when I stumbled upon a sock store in Paris in October (was that really 2 months ago??). And not just any sock store — but a hip, high-end, and luxurious store. Tabio, is considered the hot and trendy sock. The sock is actually made in Japan by a crafts person. They come in all shapes and colors: ultra trendy, thigh highs, as well as models in cashmere, angora, lace, super soft wool. To view the various sock options, go here.

 

socks

One of the pairs of socks that I purchased. Of course, it looks avant garde, tie dye, and artsy. It is the perfect thickness and height (not too high, not too low…Goldilocks a la socks).

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Wind and Willow

Josie Girl 10 Comments

Happy Monday! Nothing better to start the week than to look at some beautifully handmade spoons! And these spoons are HANDSOME! Created by Wind and Willow, these are an updated version of your grandmother’s kitchen spoon. They are part wood, and part rubber. The rubber is soft, food safe is easy to grip and comfortable to use. And the colors are vibrant, fun, and cheery. A more modern and chic look to your everyday kitchen needs.

 

Wind and Willow

Wind and Willow

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2014

Josie Girl 8 Comments

Mother’s Day is around the corner….literally, 6 days away! So time to get online, double click, and get yo mama some Natori gear! And this year, there is so much goodness at Natori that it is hard to dwindle down a selection. Everything at Natori is on fire right now. Seriously, you could go to www.natori.com, close your eyes, randomly start clicking on items and voila, you would have the perfect gift for your mother. All of the items are beautiful, luxurious, stylish, comfortable, and must have. But since that is not reality, here is my MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE. Enjoy, and special treat: you get 20% off orders of $250 or more with the code LOVEMOM2014 at checkout (through May 11th)!

Happy mother's day!

Happy Mother’s day!

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Wee Can Too

Josie Girl 6 Comments
Art from the start. As soon as they can hold on (or eat), give them some chalk.

I am a huge supporter of small companies from Eugene, Oregon. Although I live in NYC, I still feel like a true Eugeneian, and am always so proud of local companies that sell products across the country (and globe!), like Nancy’s Yogurt, Toby’s Tofu, and So Delicious, just to name a few. I am especially in awe of Wee Can Too, a kids art supply company, created by a high school classmate, Sarid Ditton, and her partner Nicole (go South Eugene!). Sarid and Nicole are current examples of exemplary women with a goal and a dream (The Josie Natori of Art Supplies!). Trust me, the products are truly amazing!

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Currently Loving…

Josie Girl 6 Comments

Happy last week of January. Can you believe we are almost 1/12 done with 2014? WHOA. Speaking of randomness, here is a random grouping of (random) items I am currently loving…..Enjoy!

 

600 Hours of Edward

I devoured this book over the weekend…highly recommend! It is heart wrenching, thoughtful and an enjoyable overall read.

600 hours

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Strolby

Josie Girl 4 Comments

Need a present for the upcoming holiday? Want to support small stores with beautiful products? Then stroll by, Strolby, an online shopping site focused on items sold in Brooklyn (New York) but sold on one platform to people across the country! The site, which is aesthetically appealing and unique, helps local small shops with truly beautiful and original items reach big audiences (so the neighborhood can still feel small).

 

strolby

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Knock Knock Products

Josie Girl 6 Comments

Before I get to the post, one quick note: my fabulous mother-in-law Josie Natori will be on HSN launching N Natori Ready-to-Wear and selling exclusive N Natori loungewear styles.  Be sure to tune in!  Times:

Tuesday, 10/29:

2 AM EST

7 PM EST

8 PM EST

The collection is actually already available online at HSN.com here.  Happy shopping! On to the post!

As a compulsive organizer, I rely and *need* to write down and organize my thoughts. Jotting down my errands, tasks (and yes, I do write “Take a shower” on my to-do-list) is an essential part of my day. And not just on any type of paper, but on pads and posts from Knock Knock.

HALLELUJAH!

HALLELUJAH! Thank goodness for all these tools!

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Back to School

Josie Girl 8 Comments

Having been a math teacher for 10 years and a student before that, this will be my first Fall without going back to ‘school.’ Freshly retired, (I will still be private tutoring, and of course, writing the blog!) I still love the feeling of buying school supplies, starting a new year, and becoming (more) organized. Here are my favorite supplies slash beauty products slash accessories, for  “Back to School.”

Knock Knock To-Do Note Pad

Knockknock

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