Apple.

In any case, for some reason, I am eating double the amount NOW versus when I was pregnant. I guess it is true that nursing a baby burns a lot of calories, but DAMN ladies, I am literally hungry ALL THE TIME! No matter how much I eat, I still want more…

I was craving a snack that is (1) itty bitty in size (2) sweet (3) healthy (4) easy to make (if you make it correctly).  My raw apple balls actually became raw apple mousse. The mousse *is* delicious…but it’s not the raw apple balls the recipe promised to be. The dough was just too sticky which made it impossible to form balls. I SWEAR IT IS DELICIOUS no matter what the form is, but they are not an easy snacks to eat. I want little balls of goodness!

Ingredients:

Apples, walnuts, dates, almonds, and cinnamon are always on hand in our kitchen. Thank goodness I didn't go to the store just to get these ingredients and then fail!

* 1 1/2 cups dates
* 1/2 cup almonds
* 1/4 cup walnuts
* 3 apples
* 2 tablespoons raisins
* 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions:

* Soak 1 cup dates for 30 minutes to soften. Leave the remaining dates unsoaked. Also, make sure that the pits are removed from the dates.

Soaking the dates makes it easier to blend.

* Blend the nuts together (use a cuisinart instead of the vitamix. Yes, I love the vitamix, but dates in the blender seem to be no good, and the recipe ends up taking a lot longer)

Ground nuts with soaked dates on top.

* Add the soaked and dry dates in the food processor. Blend until chunky.

Sweet nut butter

* Peel, core, and chop the apples.

Chopped apples are delicious...

* Place the apples with the raisins and the cinnamon into the blender with the other “dough” and blend until you feel like it is a good consistency.

Lots of cinnamon to make it have more flavor.

* With clean hands, roll the dough into small balls and put in the fridge.

Because my dough was too sticky and I was unable to roll it into balls, I placed the dough into a mini baking dish and put it in the fridge. My "apple balls" are now a cold mousse...

* If you are feeling extra special, you can dust the balls with coconut or cinnamon. Or leave as is.
* Store in fridge and eat when hungry!

There you have it! Another semi-delicious snack! Any tips or suggestions on my terrible failure? And if not, do you have a healthy snack that is easy to make (and doesn’t take a lot of time)? Also — do you have good snacks that DO NOT INVOLVE NUTS? I know many people with nut allergies, and I would love more ideas on snacks that are nut-free! Please share!

Happy Memorial Day weekend! I am off to Westchester with the two kiddos, the hubby, my mama, and my brother. I am one lucky girl this weekend!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
Follow @JosieGirlBlog

Blog Home Page

Aviator Nation. Aviator Nation's name comes from the creator's favorite type of sunglasses -- aviators. She wanted the feel of the company to be very OP (remember that company???) -- truly a Californian inspiration.

Aviator Nation is a California based company that is oh-so-California. Kinda like the word, hella. It just blasts off the message that it is a California born and bred company. Which is probably why I am obsessed with it. I am a California (and Oregon) type of girl. Basically, Aviator Nation has taken vintage t-shirt and sweatshirt reproduction to the next level. The look and feel of the clothes is retro and worn in. The moment you see the sweatshirt, it is your new, favorite, broken-in, and ultimate dreamy lounge wear. And not only is the material super soft and comfortable, but the looks and colors are so rad (hella rad, to be exact) and bright, that they bring me happiness whenever I wear them.

A zip up hoodie. Classic and wearable daily! (And of course, love the no pants look -- must be a west coast thing).

No hood, but just as wearable and functional. And hip, too.

Pullover.

Some of their options for hoodies. All worn by hot-blonde-surfer-dudettes. HOLLA!

I am seriously obsessed with these sweatshirts. And you will be too once you try them. You can buy online at their website or on various retail sites online. But definitely check them out. They carry sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts and hats for men and women. They are a great present for yourself or for a loved one (if that someone is laid back and capable of pulling off this look). Don’t these sweatshirts make you want to move to California, bleach your hair blonde, only wear flip-flops and bikinis, and start surfing? What a dreamy life…

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
Follow @JosieGirlBlog

Blog Home Page

The band originally formed in Rockville, Maryland, then grew in size and popularity at Ohio State University. O.A.R. developed their following playing shows around campus and then picked up steam through their live performances and word of mouth.  Performing for over 15 years together, the band has reached many incredible milestones including selling out Madison Square Garden three times, having their single “Shattered” certified Platinum by the RIAA, and selling close to 2 million albums.  Their most recent release, King, contains radio hits “Heaven” and “Gotta Be Wrong Sometimes”.  O.A.R. has a rock vibe, with a touch of ska, and is an overall amazing band.

So how did the Josie Girl land an interview?  Funny story.

Ken has been an O.A.R. junkie for the last couple of years, then finally went to his first concerts this year – in San Francisco in January (an 11 person strong group of Ken’s friends), and then in New York in March.  Their music is all over our computers and iPods.  One day, I was in Cruz’s crib (don’t ask), and our little monkey was having a blast dancing to our (and most people’s) favorite O.A.R. song- That Was a Crazy Game of Poker.  That led to the following video on Photo Booth (click on it to play it!)

which led to the following Tweet (yes, my husband is a dork)…

.. which led to the following retweet…

… which led to O.A.R.’s  PR rep emailing Ken and telling him how great the video was. E-mails ensued, an idea of a band interview came up, and now, I have the pleasure of interviewing Jerry DePizzo, O.A.R.’s AMAZING sax player.

Jerry, I am modeling my rock star interview style after Chris Farley.  Hopefully, that’s cool.

So, what’s it like being a rock star?  You guys have sold out MSG, and play packed venues all over the country. How do you explain to normal people what it’s like to play in front of thousands of screaming fans?

My job is pretty amazing…and I say that with perspective and appreciation.  Ten percent of the time I am running around on stage, screaming into a saxophone in front of thousands of people.  The other ninety percent of my life is spent in suburbia mowing lawns and taking my kid to soccer practice.  I think anytime someone can have a career being creative, things are going their way.

Did you always think you were going to be playing music as your career? When did you guys come to the realization that you could make a living out of this, and what was it like?

I always wanted to be a musician, but never knew if I had what it takes to make my “want” into an “am.”  I feel I have exceeded my potential in that sense.  The first time I felt the band could really make a go at being a full time band was when we went to Chicago for the first time together.  It was the first big city we traveled to that had a huge response to our music.  That was back in 2000.  I remember going into the restaurant where I waited tables at the time and telling my boss that I didn’t have to come back.  That was one of my proudest days.

What is your favorite Josie bra?

I’m a fan of whatever my wife is wearing.  She is a fan of the Posh Convertible Contour Push-Up Bra. She likes its versatility.

You have a wife who works in fashion and a young daughter (our friend Ashley developed a crush on you after seeing you play sax in person and was totally bummed to find that out). Has that been really challenging with your tour schedule? How does that work?

I like to think of it as how the tour schedule affects my family and not the other way around.  My wife and I both have very busy professional lives and we both could probably work every hour of every day.  We do our best to balance work with each other.  Our most important job is to be great parents to our daughter.  We don’t let anything get in the way of her regardless of how it affects us professionally.

You guys have a ton of amazing songs, but most people’s favorite is That Was a Crazy Game of Poker, which is one of the best live songs ever.  It’s also amazing how much you guys can mix it up and make it different every night.  Have you ever played a live show without playing Poker?  Will you ever?

We have played a few shows without “That Was A Crazy Game of Poker (“Poker” for short)” in the setlist.  Most of the times when we have done opening sets for other bands or when we have played multiple shows in one city, back to back.  We tried to play a few shows without it a few years ago.  After one of those shows, I snuck out front afterwards to gauge the audience’s reaction.  People were so genuinely upset by not hearing that song that it just doesn’t make sense to play a show without it.  People come to our shows to have a good time and to feel good about themselves.  We are not doing our job very well if people leave angry.

What is your favorite Josie Pajama?

Again, I have to defer to my wife.  She is a fan of the Gio PJ.

Your sax playing is amazing, but by nature of O.A.R.’s music, you aren’t always “on”… there are long periods of songs where you aren’t playing.  How do you decide what to do when your idle?  I think I would be embarrassed that I would look awkward doing nothing, and would just leave the stage, and come back for my solos.  Thoughts? (This question was from my husband.  Truth be told… almost all of these questions are from my husband).

I’ve learned that what I don’t play is sometimes more important than what I do play.  I’ve almost mastered the art of performing while not playing. There are a few tunes that have long periods without the horn, so for those, I disappear behind the stage and pop out for a solo or two.

You guys have stayed authentic and true to your jam-band roots, which is probably a large part of the reason why your following is so loyal.  But you have also come out recently with some more Top 40-type hits.  Has it ever been a challenge trying to balance the two?

I don’t think there needs to be any balance as long as we write music that comes from our hearts.  I feel people connect with the honesty and sincerity of the creative process and as long as an artist creates from such a place, the music will speak and connect with people.

Your lead guitarist Richard On is Asian-American.  Does he realize he is living my husband’s dream, and if so, how does that affect him on a day-to-day basis?

Richard is Asian?  No one told me.  Seriously, it’s ok, I want to be Richie when I grow up too.  I love that Richie and his ethnicity are an inspiration for people.  I hope that people realize that you can do and be anything regardless of where you come from or what you look like and if people connect with that through Richie, that’s fantastic.

You guys all seem to get along really well.  Have there ever been any issues that have led to major conflict?

Not yet.  Fingers crossed.  In all seriousness, we do get along very well and have never had any major issues.

You have notably been great about giving back, and have worked in particular with the Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran’s Association (IAVA), which was started by Ken’s friend Paul Rieckhoff.  Can you talk about your involvement with that group and how that came about?

I feel it is the moral obligation of every American to lend support to our troops and veterans.  My brother serves in the Texas National Guard and one of my very best friends flies an A10 for the Air Force.  I want to show them and every other service member how much their efforts are appreciated.  The IAVA is an amazing organization and Paul’s efforts to raise awareness and gather resources for our veterans is nothing short of outstanding.  We have teamed up with the IAVA on several occasions and every one of them has been a very rewarding experience.

Remember when you played Poker in San Francisco this January and Matisyahu came out for the end of it?

Matis is a great guy.  Nothing was preplanned.  He just jumped up there and did his thing.  It’s always nice when a non-planned plan comes together.

That was awesome.

Yup.

Thanks Jerry, and thanks to O.A.R.!  We look forward to seeing you live next time you are in New York!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
Follow @JosieGirlBlog

Blog Home Page

I am a snacker and a picker and therefore like to pick and eat at food ALL the time. Besides the obvious snacks (fruit), here are my top five favorite snacks to eat throughout the day.

1. Yum Nuts

I used to not like cashews, that is until I had Yum Nuts, and now I am in love. Yum Nuts are sold at Whole Foods or other grocery stores around the country, and come as seasoned cashews or almonds. The cashews come in five different flavors: chocolate, touch of honey,  toasted coconut, sea salt, and cajun. There are three different almond flavors; dark chocolate, cinnamon, and ginger orange.

A great on-the-go pick me up snack!

I cannot begin to tell you how delicious these nuts are. They are just the right amount of sweetness (for us sweet addicts) but have the protein and fat in them to fill you up quickly. They are flavored, but ever so slightly — nothing too intense or overbearing, just a hint and taste of the extra goodness. These nuts are so delicious that I have begun to hoard them (shocker)….You can also buy them online in variety packs and bulk

2. Blue Diamond Salt and Vinegar Almonds

This snack is anything *but* subtle. The taste is so overpowering and BOLD that you can’t eat just one nut. They are incredibly addicting and tasty. The almonds are sweet, but the seasoning is tangy and salty — just the perfect combination.

Nothing better than salt and vinegar together for a crunchy, tangy, salty explosion in your mouth!

Caution: You will eat half the container in one sitting. Might be healthier to eat salt and vinegar chips??? Blue Diamond also has other delicious bold almond flavors such as wasabi and soy sauce, Lime n’ chili, carolina barbeque, and many more. All of them have bold and out-there flavorings. Not for the faint of heart.

3. Almond/Peanut butter on GG Crackers

GG crackers are the health nut’s bread. These crackers are sold in any health food store, as well as on amazon.com (what isn’t sold on Amazon??) and are highly addictive. GG crackers are a bran crispbread with only 12 calories per cracker, 85% bran, low net carbs, low glycemic index, and high dietary fiber. And they don’t taste like cardboard! I swear! I like to smother them with peanut butter or almond butter, cheese and cucumbers, or even eat them plain!

Very European style crackers. These are the types of crackers my parents eat when they are on 20 mile cross country ski trips in the middle of nowhere. Gotta love the hippy dippy Euros that my parents are (hey -- that is how I became ME!)

4. Crunchy Rice Roll

A new favorite snack with a hint sweetness. Popped whole Grains with no fat, lightly touched with Rice Syrup and Natural Cane Juice!

If you like to buy in bulk (which I apparently like to do), these are a great go-to snack for both adults and toddlers alike.

5. Annie Chun’s Seaweed Snacks

Last summer, I bought these seaweed snacks in bulk on amazon.com. Though one might have thought it would have taken me months to eat that many boxes of seaweed, I ate them up surprisingly fast. Once again, this snack has the right combination of sweet and salt, satisfying any craving you might have. The salty and sesame oil flavored seaweed snack is delicious to eat on its own, or even create a mini sandwich with it to make it more adventuresome. And less practical. But more fun. Party-time.

Salty and green!

What are your favorite snacks? Would love more ideas and variation of snacks throughout the day! Let me know!

Have a great weekend,

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
Follow @JosieGirlBlog

Blog Home Page

This was the last shot of my belly pre-birth. Why hello, belly.

Four days before, I had to get all glammed up to attend the Orchestra of St. Luke’s Gala in honor of my beautiful mother-in-law. I felt far from pretty, but I was able to put on a nice dress, some make up and hair, and attend the event.

Party on.

The next several days, I was in and out of a state of anxiety, pain, and calm. I knew that Baby Girl was going to enter the world sooner rather than later. I had contractions here and there, visited the doctor, and knew that things were well on their way. I was so ready to have the baby out of my belly, but so not ready to have the baby in reality. I rushed around with a massive to do list (a lot of the tasks admittedly unimportant, but I HAD to get them done… I am totally OCD). My last day of work was Wednesday. Thursday, I was convinced the baby was coming. But no baby. So Friday, I thought there was no way that the baby was coming.

Friday, I had lunch with a friend (at Le Pain, of course), sat on the median on Park Avenue to enjoy the sunshine, played with Cruzzie in his crib, and tutored. It was during my tutoring session that things changed. Like, my water broke. Hello pee in my pants while tutoring. Water on the chair, water on my pants, it was awesome. After my little tutoree left the apartment, the HOLY CRAP moment set in, and I freaked out. It was 5 pm on a Friday — meaning, the doctor’s office was closed, Cruzzie was at a playdate, and Ken was at work. I was in a state of total and utter panic. Finally, I got through to my doctor, who told Ken and I to meet her at the hospital.

I know, totally weird, but I actually like to sit in between the lanes of traffic on Park Avenue (on the sidewalk in the middle of the avenue). I just stare at people walking by, the cars, the taxis, and think. It might not be nature, but it is fresh air. So it does a body good.

New York Presbyterian Hospital. I have always been amazed by the rooms, service, and staff. I have had great nurses both deliveries -- and we have kept in touch with all of them. Remarkable people.

After talking to my doctor, I waited for Cruzzie to come home. I was a mess with tears everywhere. He started to cry and we just held each other. My little monkey helped calm me even through the tears. He told me he loved me, kissed me “Mama sad, now Mama happy,” and I left as soon as Ken got back from work. I was scared to leave Cruz, but happy to know that I was about to produce something as wonderful and amazing as he is. Another life was about to happen….It was deja vu all over again — same time of the night when I went to the hospital to give birth to Cruz.

So here I was, Friday night, 5:30 pm, checking in to the hospital with Ken to have a baby. Rockin Friday night.

Friday date night at the finest.

Checked in, got a room, talked to the doctors (my doctor is a life saver — if anyone needs a NYC OB/GYN — hit me up. I am in love with my doctor), got situated.

My saint, Dr. Sona Degann.

Had two popsicles for my dinner (a grape and strawberry one, obvi), dealt with some pain, started freaking out, got an epidural, talked to some nurses, told Ken to rest up but then talked to him so he couldn’t sleep. There was some MAJOR drama around 9:30 where the epidural stopped working while Ken was getting coffee and the nurses and doctors were gone…but everything returned to normal 45 minutes later. After enough pain and tears for a lifetime, there was some pushing, some yelling, and finally, a BABY GIRL!

All bundled up like an eskimo. Welcome to the world, miss little Zoe Esther Natori!

I am in a state of pure exhaustion, happiness, ecstasy, and slight anxiety. My new life with my new family. Words can’t really describe all the complex feelings running through my brain, heart, and soul. But whatever they are, bottom line, is that I am truly blessed and happy. Mixed in with some fears, worries, and concerns. But glass half-full, right?

Me and the eskimo. A little shocked in terms of what had just happened, but relieved, and so flipping content.

I mean, don't you love these freebie hospital hats? I am obsessed with the bow. I never thought I would be a bow for a baby type of lady, but SIGN ME UP. BOWS HERE I COME!

The Josie Guy, the toddler, and the baby.

Our angel.

One of my concerns has been, and continues to be, how Cruzzie will react to his new sister at home. Although it has not been perfect, and I imagine there will be lots of hard times ahead, he has been amazing. He has embraced this new challenge of showing his sister how to live life in NYC and has really stepped up to the plate. Makes me love him even more, if that is even possible.

Sleeping beauty. Zoe means "Life" in Greek. I just loved how it sounded with Cruzzie. And if there is one letter in the alphabet that is my favorite, it would be "Z" -- so much fun to write in both script and cursive. My dad's name has a "z" in it, and I have always loved that about his name. And now, both my children have "z's," so my life is fully complete.

The proud lola, Josie Natori, with her little precious granddaughter. She has always wanted a little girl in her life, and now she has one!

Lounging together on the hospital bed. Let me just say how amazing my husband is -- he stayed both nights with me at the hospital -- sleeping with me in a TWIN HOSPITAL BED (just like last time... except that was three nights). He deserves a prize. (Yes, I am sporting the Natori Affinity Cotton Mandarin Tunic, conveniently available at natori.com)

Hanging out, getting ready to get dressed to leave the hospital and enter the real world.

We were able to leave the hospital 36 hours later. It was a whirlwhind of a weekend, to say the least. In and out, almost faster than my whole labor ordeal with Cruzzie.

I am so thankful for everything, and truly blessed to have a beautiful and loving family. Although I worry about dealing with two kids, am exhausted, uncomfortable, in pain, and look 6 months pregnant (thank you to those who tell me I still look so pregnant — because yes, I just had a baby, so yes, I still look pregnant, thank you very much), am swollen and bloated, and do not fit in any clothes or shoes, I am so thankful to have a baby with ten fingers, ten toes, two eyes, lungs, heart… everything I could ever ask for.  A healthy, and happy baby.  Joining my little family, which now makes us a family of four.

A month ago, it was just us 3.5. And now, it is the four of us.

Three + One = Four (good thing I am a math teacher).

Have a great week, back on Friday! And thanks to ALL of you for the tremendous love and support. I know my journey has just begun, and in addition to being so thankful for a healthy baby, precious son, and incredibly supportive and loving husband, I am also truly grateful to all my friends, family, readers, colleagues… anyone and everyone. Thank you!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
Follow @JosieGirlBlog

Blog Home Page

Ken grew up an avid professional sports fan.  His family had Jets season tickets for 25 years, and when we first moved to New York, he always tried to get me to go to a game with him and his friends.  I somehow always found a way out.  It wasn’t that I was totally against it (as long as the weather was warm).  For some reason, it just never happened (including the time when we were about to go and I slammed my hand in a glass door and had to go to the hospital.  Ken still went to the game.)

The Yankees are a) closer to Manhattan, and b) not an all day commitment.  So with thanks to Natori’s factors who gifted us tickets, we recently went to a game.  And it was great fun!

Arriving at the ballpark. For those of you non-sports fans, this is the "new" Yankee Stadium, which the Yankees moved to in 2009. It is right next to site of the old Yankee Stadium, which was demolished after the last game there in 2008.

Gorgeous spring night. That is me in the green hoodie. Strategically positioned so you can't see my enormous pregnant belly.

Inside the Stadium. According to Ken, this is not what the old Yankee Stadium looked like inside.

Great seats! Thanks to Milberg Factors for the tickets! The Yankees were playing the Baltimore Orioles. When I first asked Ken who they were playing, he said the "San Diego Chargers" and started laughing. I don't know why he thinks that's funny. Also, what is the deal with the girl flexing her arms on the Jumbotron? Just noticed that.

While the game wasn't that exciting (to me), the food was! I splurged (or can I say Baby Girl splurged) and had a pulled pork sandwich from Brother Jimmy's. The new Yankee Stadium has much better food than the old one.

Lemonade + pregnant belly. Do you like how I got dressed up for the game? Don't laugh. There were seriously a ton of women in heels there!

Guys Food, Part 1. Cheeseburger parm.

Guy's food, Part 2. Steak sandwich with gravy (+ 15 napkins).

Ken = in heaven. BTW, check out his Yankees hat. His grandfather gave that hat to him when he was 7!! And he still has it! (But it is literally falling apart). Not sure how I should feel about that.

The Josie Girl Blog's new sponsor: Bud Light (joking)

A great night with great friends (unfortunately, the Yanks lost).

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
Follow @JosieGirlBlog

Blog Home Page

Barneys is located on Madison Avenue between 60th and 61st street. Barneys is a high end department store that specializes in high end designers, as well as more obscure and unique foreign brands.

Fred’s is located in Barneys on the 9th floor and is open for both lunch and dinner. The lunch scene is a full on fashion runway show with lots of celebrities, big time shoppers, tourists, and business people. It is always jam packed for lunch with people in the know. Dinners are much more subdued and low key — there is never a wait, never a scene, and one can always get a table (this is why we only go for dinner). Not only can you get a seat, but it is quiet and a perfect location for a tasty, quick, easy, reliable meal in a classy and quiet environment.

Fred's is located on the 9th floor at Barneys. On your way up to Fred's, you can look at all the beautiful (and expensive) shoes on the 4th floor, the modern Co-op floor on 7th and 8th floors, or the handbags on the first floor. It is like eye candy before you eat a meal. Perfect combination of beautiful luxurious clothes and accessories with a great meal!

NY image. I am such a wanna-be photographer. But how cool did this taxi turn out?

Lanvin window currently on display. The windows at Fred's are always so creatively decorated and put together.

Why hello silver elevator.

Sisterly love on our way to dinner together. It is always funny riding an elevator up to a restaurant, but I guess it gives you a minute or two to primp in front of the mirrors beforehand????

Dinner at Fred’s is almost a secret because it is so quiet. The store closes at 8, but the restaurant is open until 9 (except for Sundays when it closes at 6). But the quietness and calmness of Fred’s is one of the reasons we love it so much.

Red menu. I always order off the lunch menu -- which has a lot more options for soups, salads, and sandwiches. You are always welcome to eat lunch menu items at dinner -- you just have to ask them.

Inside Fred's.

Cheers. Party on.

Caprese Salad. Ken and I also have the tendency to ask for prosciutto with it which makes it even more scrumptious and special. In addition to the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, it has roasted red and yellow peppers, too. DELISH.

Fennel Salad is one of Ken's go to appetizers. It is a light, citrus salad, that is also easy to make it at home. Every time my mom visits NY, we go to Fred's (obvi) and she loves this salad, too.

My little sister, Galen in vintage Natori. She purchased this top at a Natori sample sale two years ago! Between $5 and $15 -- what a steal! And what a good looking piece of clothing on a good looking gal.

By far, my single favorite item at Fred’s is the french fries. Normally, I am a fan of small and slender fries (versus jojo style fries — which Ken actually prefers), but these are TO-DIE-FOR. Just the right amount of crispiness. Not overly greasy, just right.

OOC -- out of control French fries.

3 dipping sauces for the fries. Ketchup, mayo, and a spicy mayo. I like to mix together regular mayo and ketchup (with added ground pepper on top) and create my own little special sauce. Ken calls this "cooking" and makes fun of me that this is the only thing I know how to actually cook. Harumph.

Scallops. They look so pretty -- almost like a painting.

Fred's Chopped Chicken Salad but with grilled tuna instead of chicken. I am the biggest pain in the tush when I go to restaurants and like to alter my order in every way possible. Like this salad -- I asked for grilled tuna instead of grilled chicken, no onions, add goat cheese, and dressing on the side. I hope they don't spit in my food because I am such a PIA (Pain in A$$).

Pasta with shrimp. Ken tends to order either a pasta or meat dish for his dinner. Unlike me, Ken needs "hot food" for dinner, whereas, I actually prefer cold food. Tomato, Tomat-oh.

Full belly.

Check out the menu for Fred’s here. If you live in NYC, I highly recommend spending an afternoon or evening at Fred’s eating the food. Simple, classic, american fare. And if you don’t live in NYC but ever visit, this is FOR SURE a place to put on your list of restaurants to visit (especially since you can combine it with a shopping trip to Barneys).

Have a great weekend!

Anika Yael Natori, aka The Josie Girl.
Follow @JosieGirlBlog

Blog Home Page

Yes, I know I’m not going to be able to shop right after birth, because I have to lose the weight, which will take time.  As they say, 9 months on, 9 months off. So the reality of me buying any spring or summer clothes is slim. Plus, I am going to be in Eugene, Oregon all summer with my parents, and who needs to wear anything besides running shorts and birkenstocks there? I for sure don’t.

But here are the items that I would want to get if (1) I was my normal size (2) I wasn’t about to  spend a summer never leaving the house — a dream come true — in Oregon. So here it is! Part 2 of my Spring Wish list! (to see Part 1, click here.)

By Malene Birger Gaidig Eyelet Babydoll Cami

Easy breesy, white, summery, billowy, and goes with anything.

By Malene Birger Askilio leopard-print wool scarf

Hot pink AND leopard = too cool for school.

Josie Natori Kubai Scarf Top

Original top that makes it easy to put together a complete look. There are a bunch of similar drapey tops in the collection and they all look great!

Ilana Kohn Yellow Marble Print Scarf

Silky, yellow, bright, cheery.

Acne Capri Leather Sandals

Kinda 3rd grader-ish. But I secretly want to be a 3rd grader again.

Isabel Marant Dune Broderie Anglaise cotton-blend dress

Isabel Marant is my GOD. Love her like tomorrow. So obvi, this simple black cotton dress made by her is a definite on my list.

J. Crew beach short

Do these look like the perfect short OR WHAT? (and yes btw, I have already ordered these)

Current/Elliot Floral Skinny Jeans

Floral, skinny, pastels, happy, so not happening post-pregnancy.

Castor Pollux Maggie Bracelets

ABSOLUTELY dying to get 1-2-3 or 4 of these for my arm. And have them engraved. In love. Period.

Alexis Bittar Duchamp Spring Green Puddle Earrings

Blue, oval, gold, shimmery, sparkles.

Tsumori Chisato /Paint Print Draped Tee

In love with the shape, color, and look of this sikly blouse. With leggings (or the running shorts), it is perfection

The reality is that this spring and summer, I will be spending all my time and money on this baby girl and my toddler boy. And they are by far the best accessory or outfit anyone could have. So, really, I already have everything off my Spring Wish List.

Until Friday,

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
Follow @JosieGirlBlog

Blog Home Page

I love teaching.  Getting through to a student and making a difference is an incredible feeling.  I am obviously biased, but I think teachers are incredibly underappreciated (and underpaid!).  Especially living in New York where there is so much wealth and so many people who work in finance, it seems crazy to me my mind that teachers aren’t more appreciated, and that there isn’t more of an effort to attract people to education.

Teachers do love being told that they are making a difference.  So if you are a student, a parent of a student, or a friend of a teacher, make sure you do something to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and Teacher’s Day.  A small comment, thank you note, or other sign of appreciation goes a long way. Trust me!!

Who is your favorite teacher and how did he or she affect your life? Tell your story and forward this to your teacher! I can tell you from first hand experience how incredibly touching any thank you, email, note, or hug means. It is those moments that make teaching all worth it.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
Follow @JosieGirlBlog

Blog Home Page

White and green!!!

I knew exactly what Katie and her family should make…Cauliflower-Broccoli mash! I used to make it all the time, but for some reason, it has been years since I last made it. So I was excited to make it again this week! And yes….for some reason, all my recipes (1) end up green (2) are mashed (3) require a vitamix…not sure what that is all about….

Ingredients:

Simple list of ingredients that are usually always in the fridge/cupboard.

* Cauliflower

* Broccoli

* Salt and pepper

* Butter or margarine

* Some type of dairy (unflavored soy, almond, or cows milk)

* Optional: any type of grated cheese (parmesan, gruyere, cheddar are my top three favorite)

Directions:

* Wash the cauliflower and broccoli and then cut them into florets. I would cut the cauliflower into slightly smaller florets than the broccoli since cauliflower can take slightly longer to steam.

Super easy to cut broccoli and cauliflower into florets. Although, it does make a little bit of a mess with all the kernels falling all over the place.

* Steam the cauliflower and broccoli (8 minutes)

Put the veggies into the steamer and let them steam (lid on) for 8 minutes.

* Put the vegetables in a blender/vitamix/cuisinart with a heavy splash of milk and blend!

Could be a spinach smoothie? Or delicious cauliflower-broccoli mash!

* Add some butter and seasoning (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic, etc…)

* Put in dish and add some grated cheese, and voila! Healthy version of mashed potatoes (and way yummier, I might add).

In the blender. So good that you want to eat straight out of it!

In the dish! Ready to serve!

I like to add grated cheese on top -- you can eat as is, or put in the oven for 10 minutes to get a crustier top. Both ways are equally delicious.

Notes:

* To make it more like a gratin with a crusty top, you can melt the cheese in the oven or even add panko/bread crumbs to create a nice firm crust.  I definitely suggest baking it for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees with one of the above toppings, but it is not necessary.

* You can make this vegan if you want (margarine instead of butter, and no cheese) or as full fat as you want (heavy cream, lots of butter, cream cheese instead of butter). Whatever floats your boat.

* You can dress this up anyway you want — with additional spices, garlic (not a big fan), nutmeg (yum), truffle oil (decadent), etc…

Simple, easy, and quick. Great for a side dish for any meal, and a good portion of veggies. Let me know what you guys think.

Have a great weekend!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
Follow @JosieGirlBlog

Blog Home Page