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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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The exception is clothes for the hospital. With this baby’s birth quickly approaching, I knew that I did not have to ask Ken for permission to get comfortable clothes, since I am pushing a baby — HIS baby — out.  If he gives me grief for this, we are going to have to have a little (aka big) conversation.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it’s totally RIDICULOUS that I care what I look like in the hospital. But who wants to wear some gown that opens in the back that a bazillion other people have worn in the past? Mothers know what goes on in delivery rooms.  NARSTY!!! SO, like my birth with Cruzzie, it is very important that I have a hospital bag packed with only the best lounge wear items — stylish and comfortable.

These are the items that I ordered and have already packed away in my hospital bag for Little Baby Girl Natori!

Natori Affinity Cotton Mandarin Tunic

When I gave birth to Cruzzie, I had a similar Natori sleepshirt that I was obsessed with. It is long enough to walk around the hospital in by itself, and the buttons provide easy access for breastfeeding. Plus, something about the collar screams “put together” and shows that you are a little less disheveled than you actually are….

I absolutely love the bright color of this sleepshirt. Nothing better to brighten a hospital hallway with some cheery turquoise!

The sleepshirt is the perfect lightweight fabric and is 100% cotton. Comfortable to sit, lie, and walk around in, while looking sophisticated and upbeat.

Natori Shangri-La Robe

This robe is one of the best sellers at Natori, and has been for years. It is also my go-to present for mother’s and friends’s mothers. It is an all around winner — the solid jersey is lightweight and ultra-soft, making it a perfect topper when you are cold or a little embarrassed about the loungewear you are wearing underneath (but if you have all these Natori items for loungewear in the hospital you will NOT be embarrassed. Trust me)

Extremely comfortable -- and the perfect weight for any weather.

This robe is perfect for the home, and is always a Natori best-seller.  Just a classic and perfect robe.

Josie Natori Destine Drape Gown Style S43001

So this item, I splurged on. But I couldn’t help it. Once I saw it, I knew that I wanted it — both for my hospital fashion show, as well as for loungewear at home. It screams AWESOME and WEARABLE and LUXURIOUS and FUN and PRINCESS, so I had to get it. There was no stopping me.

I mean, HOW beautiful is this gown? It is like a grecian ball gown, except made for lounging? Best idea ever.

I am super excited about throwing this on after giving birth to the little girl. Giving birth is no fun at all (or at least, for me, my one experience was far from fun), so being able to treat myself to some soft fabric that has a little special oomph, is great. And I know that this one nightgown will be worn more than just at the hospital. It is a special piece. For a special time!

Natori Feathers Girl Brief Style 756023

I like to have my pregnancy inflated badankadank protected and secure. So these panties have been all I have worn throughout the pregnancy. They are incredibly comfortable — and I actually love the granny panty look to them.

Very retro-esque.

Sheer with lace. Hello booty!

The undies come in 6 different colors too — for different moods and bottoms!

So there you have it, the contents of my hospital bag! Everything is packed up and ready to go…..now the nerve-wracking part….but at least I know I will be comfortable AND cute in the maternity ward.

Have a great end of the week.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
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A picture of a nerd. Not me, though. But did I tell you that when I was little I had a MULLET, a PERM, and BRACES! I was super good looking. The first time Ken saw a picture of me, he laughed hysterically. Tear. But still married me.

This, on the other hand, is an actual picture of me. Pre-braces, but during the mullet perm stage. And what is better than a nerdy picture in some 80's style black and white graphics? LOVE. Proud to be part of the nerd herd.

One of the nerdiest things I like to do is count the number of miles I walk in a day. YEP — true story. I literally sit on google maps at the end of the day and figure out my routes that I walked and what the mileage is. Not that I do it to track my calories or be obsessive about exercise, but I honestly do it because it amazes me so much. In New York, you walk A LOT. And when you work all over the city and have a kid going here and there to a bazillion classes in a day, you end up walking a tush-load (hence the importance of comfortable shoes and a good masseuse). SOOOOOO… recently, I decided to splurge on a device that tracks your mileage FOR YOU instead of having to manually log it on the computer every night.

Google maps is amazing, don't get me wrong, but when you have to sit and point and drag your mouse to find the exact points you were at, it is a little tedious. So why not have a machine that does all the thinking and calculations?

The magic little device is called the “Fitbit.” And it is just that — a tiny little fitness bit. It will change your life (if you are a nerd like me).

And seriously, I am like a little kid in a candy store when I look at my little computer. I love finding out all the stats of my day and comparing it to other days. It is a thrill.

This is the fitbit. A little computer the size of my thumb. But it is a computer. Blows my mind.

So what does it do? The fitbit tracks your activity throughout the day — calculating the number of steps you walk, the number of stairs you climbed, the mileage, the number of calories, and can even tell you about your sleep at night. It is so tiny and discreet that you can place it any place on your body and no one will be able to see it. In a pocket or clipped to a bra are the perfect places for it to be placed (Hello, Natori Company, maybe you guys can get a special deal with them!!!) Once it is clipped on, you go about your day and that is that! SO EASY PEASY!

HELLO SEXY! Here it is clipped into my bra (Josie bra, obvi -- notice the perfect fit!)

Once you get home and want to upload info to the computer, you simply place the fitbit into its little charger and it wirelessly (if 15 feet or closer) connects to the computer. And all your data gets transmitted to the world wide web.

Plug it in! BOOM!

There it is! BAM!

And then you get your dashboard when you log into your account online.

This is the dashboard on your computer that tracks your progress. For those of us who love bar graphs and data, this will blow your mind. What’s better than seeing data about your own progress?

For reals, this is the size of the fitbit.

So honestly, this little piece of equipment gives me so much satisfaction and such a feeling of accomplishment. It is fun but also a great tracker for those who really want to use it to see your progress, track your exercise, or succumb to your OCD. And it is not challenging to figure out (even a blonde like me figured it out in under 10 minutes). The only problem is that because it is so small and tiny, you might lose it. Not that that has happened to anyone I know (cough cough), but I can *SEE* it happening quite easily. You can buy it on their website (comes in two colors: blue and plum) or on amazon.com.

Let me know what you think about the fitbit!

Have a great week!
Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl
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TOP PEANUT BUTTER COMPANY: PB CRAVE

My most recent find is an amazing peanut butter company that specializes in a twist of flavors. PB Crave. Once again — peanut butter with a splash of fun. Right up my alley!

The name is oh-so-fitting, because once you have a teaspoon of this peanut butter, you will end up eating at least five cups. You will *CRAVE* this treat.

And yes, I spend time on the internet searching for “unique peanut butter flavors.” And let me tell you, this peanut butter is AH-MAZING. Seriously, it is dangerous having it in the house because I can easily eat half a jar with a spoon. I eat crackers and bread, just so I can eat the peanut butter and not look as pathetic. It is delicious with anything and everything. For reals.

Another amazing feature of this peanut butter is that you can buy it on amazon. And that adds instant value and awesomeness to any product. Especially peanut butter.

The four flavors (choco choco, coco bananas, razzle dazzle, and cookie nookie) are all scrumptious.

Favorite Flavor: Choco Choco

RUNNER-UP PEANUT BUTTER COMPANY: PEANUT BUTTER COMPANY

A better known company, sold in most grocery stores is Peanut Butter Company. Tasty, straight forward, and simple.

The nut butter is just as straight forward as its name -- Peanut Butter Company.

Although simple, they have 10 different flavors: Smooth Operator, Crunch Time, Cinnamon Raisin Swirl, The Heat is On, White Chocolate Wonderful, Dark Chocolate Dreams, The Bee’s Knees, Mighty Maple, Old Fashioned Smooth, Old Fashioned Crunchy. Classic and yummy.

Crunchy with a hint of sweetness. Perfection.

Favorite Flavor: Crunch Time

TOP ALMOND BUTTER COMPANY: JUSTIN’S NUT BUTTER

First only carried in Health Food Stores, Justin’s Nut Butter is becoming more and more popular, and is now sold in many stores around the country as well as various sites online.

Justin's.

Justin’s Nut Butter was one of the first “gourmet and natural” nut butter companies (Whole Foods is a heavy distributor and advertiser). They carry not only his jars, but also his individual packs (genius). And now, his candies (think a healthier version of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups).

8 Different Flavor Flaves.

Justin’s has 8 different flavors for 3 different nuts (Almond, Peanut, and Hazelnut): Classic Almond, Chocolate Almond, Honey Almond, Maple Almond, Classic Peanut, Chocolate Peanut, Honey Peanut, and Chocolate Hazelnut. How many combinations can one buy? Unlike a lot of other “Natural Nut” Butters, Justin’s does not require any stirring or disposing of extra oil. Everything is just where it is supposed to be. Which makes it easier to deal with — especially when eating straight from the jar.

Good looking jar, too. Kind of like a Mac look for a nut butter. Sleek and chic.

Favorite Flavor: Honey Almond Butter.

RUNNER- UP ALMOND BUTTER COMPANY: WILD SQUIRREL NUT BUTTER

Another more obscure company is Wild Squirrel Nut Butters, which I found when I was randomly searching for unique nut butters (yes, I promise you, I DO have a life).

Wild Squirrel Nut Butter.

I instantly was drawn to this company, not only because it had fun and unique flavors, but because it was founded in my hometown of Eugene, Oregon. A little over a year ago, two University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) students started selling their homemade nut butter — first on campus and online (I was one of the first to buy online — getting the nut butters in old school mason jars with handmade labels). Now, they sell in many Pacific Northwest gourmet grocery stores, and produce in a distribution center (versus their apartment kitchen).

Wild Squirrel Nut Butters come in 5 different flavors: Chocolate Sunflower Almond Butter, Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter, Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter, Honey Pretzel Peanut Butter and Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter. FUN, FULL OF PIZZAZZ, UNIQUE, AND MADE IN EUGENE OREGON? Represent!!!! Delicious!!! Unbelievable!! Amazing!! (Did I mention that the founders are 19 and 20 years old? Wild).

Favorite Flavor: Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter

What nut butter companies do you enjoy? I must add that I actually always have freshly ground peanut and almond butter from Whole Foods in the fridge, too. But these are my favorite “special” nut butters. I tend to use the freshly ground tubs for smoothies, sandwiches, and on bananas. These, on the other hand are consumed mainly by the spoonful, straight from the jar.

Have a great weekend.

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

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