Price for Self-Esteem fitness not fashion ... what !?!?!

Workouts are supposed to be fun. Dress for them! During my years as a local news anchor the news director had me begin to pen a series Josie Koler’s Notebook. In Sample Script No. 4 I outline the problems I had with Mercy Medical Center touting a new program Fitness Not Fashion. Over one decade ago I write feeling appalled a health organization would encourage those who made their New Year’s Resolution to workout not to splurge on proper clothes and attire.

Au contraire I concluded making the following points:

  1. Working out produces seratonin
  2. Enchanting ensembles make one smile
  3. Exercise is an investment

In addition, the incorrect or incorrect clothing and gear is a determining factor in all sports in how easily one moves and once you work up a sweat whether or not you can keep going. Constrictive clothing and gear won’t allow one to.

Some pics Photog and Photojournalist Kim Kidinger captured this summer season. Smile, feel good, and know you can buy self-esteem. Sometimes this happens in the form of exercise gear.

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Josie in Paradise, which contains BOTH, segments on F A S H I O N and F I T N E S S every Sunday night at 9:30 p and on the Ohio X5 Roku Channel and coming soon, right here.

Into the water and onto the courts yoga studios are not all you'll see

Pics by Denise DeCrow and Travis Yednak

There is a notable fitness segment in the show, Josie in Paradise, and on my website. We do hit a couple of yoga studios straight off of the bat for local shoots; but definitely know this, we are not going to to stop with showing only a yoga or Pilates studio. Remember being immersed with me in The Dive Report with Divers Direct.

This segment is sure to submerse us all, including myself, into a wondrous and adventurous world.

Here’s what to expect: most of us don’t think about how many calories are burned in a batting cage.

Or, realize the swim training involved if the desire is to dive into ocean depths at one-hundred and twenty feet plus.

How about tumbling and tennis?

Have zero fear, the fitness segment is going to educate the masses from everything from “Birdie Girl Golf” to the Oriental Martial Arts Studio. Make space for a sports locker and plan to start ditching your desk for some activity.

 

Write a Mystery in a Wrap Anukshah label emits exotic vibe

All pictures by Kim Kidinger

“Such a perfect summer ensemble,” the marketing Director for The Mermaid’s Tale comments via Instagram.

“The look” isn’t orchestrated. The Panama Jack topper is by the Augusta Hat Co. The shades are Vera Wang and flip-flops are from the hard to access St. Hazards Waterfront Resort & Brewery gift shop on Middle Bass Island from the 2016 Hangin’ 10 on Lake Erie promotion.

The bangle charm bracelet a showcases a blue full moon from The Mermaid’s Tale’s Moonglow collection. The jewelry line touts marking momentous life occasions by wearing the moon phase from which they occurred.

In the end, the Indian-inspired resort wear, Anukshah, stole the show during this shoot at Dock’s Beach House Bar & Grille. This outdoor eatery is nestled on the western edge of Ohio’s oh-so-vogue vacationland.

 

Anukshah is a native of India and is inspired from her travels abroad and her native country. She loves to use colors and beautiful trims. She studied design at Fort Lauderdale Art Institute and interned in New Delhi under Kamaali and Miami’s Rene Ruiz. The latest fashion show hit Nikki Beach (Miami Beach). Her designs are sold exclusively at boutiques and resorts around the globe.Visit Anukshah’s website or follow her on Instagram. This is a for this must-have label for the ladies who love the ocean, lake, sun, sand, and salt.

 

Father’s Day Hot Tub Brats meat to make men rave

There isn’t be a more appropriate holiday to make a mark with meat other than Father’s Day. I already tested this dish twice. I serve up these succulent Hot Tub Beer Brats at a party and then, text my dad’s girlfriend in all caps that I have the BIGGEST SURPRISE.
The surprise: I purchased a meat product and then prepared the delicacy for the grill.
These can be steamed in the oven, too.

Check out my video captured at Marblehead Estates & Yacht Club or follow the simple instructions. If I can wow my own father with this marvel which requires only a few basic ingredients and a bottle or two of favorite brew, anyone can be the star of this supper or lunchtime show.

Steam for twenty minutes and then brown for ten on the grill. Using the oven doubles the steam time. The broiler can be used to crisp the outer shell. Serve with sauerkraut, potato salad, pickles (or dill relish) and spicy brown mustard.

Happy Father’s Day everyone. Dish adapted from Deep South Dish using Commodore Perry India Pale Ale.

December’s Sine qua non Made in the USA boots socks, moisturizers and fur fashion

Besides my 1st Generation iPad from Holiday 2010, loaded with Kindle and The Chester Josie Style for the Home faux fireplace, (that story here) there are several fundamentals which have made my holiday on glacial ground splendrous.

For the perfect cup of cocoa I am spooning up heaping servings of Godiva Dark. I took off on nearly all of my evening hike’s with a cup. Dark chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants. Underneath one of four pairs of boots I’m rotating I went with Made in the USA boot socks from Amelia’s Organic Legwear from The Kroger Co. They’re super soft and offer the right amount of added warmth, plus stay up! I picked a pair up in every color. 

On my face I have been applying a coat of Sarah McNamara’s Skin Transformer Miracle balm on at night and again in the morning. The soothing scent is described as a warm botanical aroma. When the winds are whipping up I apply another layer of Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream on top; namely as a protective shield on my cheeks.

Note: This ointment is safe to rub on the bottom of your pup’s paws to shield from ice scrapes.

These items keep me healthy and happy when the elements have the potential to wreak havoc on an otherwise healthy system. Plus, I could never wait to get home to curl up under The Chester faux fireplace in layers of down. I added the Pedastal Space Heater by Lasko that provides 1500 watts of comforting warmth

All this and don’t forget the fur.

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Josie is on the Coastal Ohio Trail for Holiday 2016 proving The Great Lakes Region is great indeed!

Perfect Cup of Cocoa decadent dark cocoa, homemade cream, & surprising ceramics

A fast from chocolate didn’t last this season once the region was pummeled with the white stuff. Instead I splurged on a close to a pound of powdery Godiva Chocolatier Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa. Touted as “luxuriously rich”, this confection made my two-walks a day with the puppy dog into the tundra hours to look forward to.

So simple to make. Boil almond milk or regular milk (I used the microwave) in a favorite (microwaveable) mug. Add two heaping scoops of powder and stir, stir, stir. The powder has a tendency to stick to the spoon. Keep at the task at hand until the powder dissolves.

The reason I said microwaveable…

We have these vintage Looney Toons coffee mugs to celebrate the Chevy Chase Christmas Vacation we all know we’ve had! Remember he was swinging one of these around the office! These can not be microwaved! They’re so festive and fun. Simpy heat your milk on the stove and then whisk in the powder. For the whipped cream I make this fresh every day.  Keep a stainless steel bowl in the freezer or refrigerator and then top your cocoa or coffee and add sprinkles.

 


I’ve been using this Twinkling Trees Sprinkle Mix on everything. Check out the candy-coated apples that showcase this sugar splendor. All of these elements showcase Let it Snow, Christmas on the River 2016 and how Christmas happened in the kitchen with Josie Style for the Home. We’re going to head over there for how to chart out a holiday cocoa and coffee station.

 

Faux or Bona Fide either fur remains oh so vogue

There are many items I can’t seem to live without here in the nation’s Great Lakes Region this December. Now that the mercury has plummeted and the terrain has turned to tundra number one is fur. Whether worn or used to fashion the home, real or simulated to save the animals, I can’t surround myself or drape myself with enough of the everlasting look, luxury and warmth.

 

The Vintage Sage Fox Fur coat is available online and sets the tone for stepping out in the glacial domain. The worn-before garment is priced anywhere between one hundred and twelve hundred dollars depending which style and company is chosen. Splurge to stay sizzling when everyone else suffers slightly in a polyester wool blend.

This year I dressed up the mantle and tree in faux fur to compliment a “Let it Snow” holiday decor theme to celebrate Christmas on the River. There are two options which can’t lead the home stylist off-target. Components from Michaels Shimmer Noel Collection or invest in Nicole Miller white soft luxury. I mixed up the two labels throughout the home for a pleasurable experience.

Especially at a time when the outside elements are clearly not so pleasurable these tricks show the North Pole-like climate is conquerable and also one to celebrate.

Josie is spending Holiday 2016 at the family home located on the Coastal Ohio Trail  where temperatures are barely hovering in the double-digits. The land, and river, is frozen.

 

Adoring these Cold Weather Comforts featherbeds and Josie Style for the Home

The mercury will barely be in the double-digit range today across Coastal Ohio and the Lake Erie Islands. There is a wind advisory and the sun is shining! Cold weather and ice doesn’t have to equate to all out inquietude. Find glee in the gear. Here’s what I can’t live without for these next couple of weeks starting with my first generation iPad.

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The iPad was given to me as a Holiday 2010 gift. I use as a Kindle for reading. I just downloaded three new books last night including Settle for More by Fox anchorwoman Megyn Kelly. $9.99 gives readers a month of unlimited downloads.

featherbedSnuggle up and read or rest on a feather top mattress topper. This one is from LL Bean. The added warmth and fluffy feather fill keep feelings of being frigid at bay. Cover with more down for added icing of comfort.

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Next to the bed I have a Josie Style for the Home white faux fireplace. Here the hearth not only emits ambiance, the furniture acts as a bookcase, and this time of year is appropriate for knitted stockings (twenty-year vintage Macy’s). (Stocking holders are vintage Kroger Co.) Originally designed for space in Chester Avenue Lofts in downtown Cleveland to fill in blank space, this home element, The Chester Fireplace equals upscale Ohio.

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The Luxe of Limoncello add zest to your holidays

Semplice, delizioso and the perfetto after-dinner digestivo!!!

Everyone colto and sofisticato knows they have found themselves at the dinner party of all holiday dinner parties when a bottle of homemade Limoncello is brought out once the dishes are cleared. Limoncello won’t burn the stomach and isn’t sickly sweet.

This delicacy is the second most popular drink on the Almalfi Coast second only to Campari. According to Walks of Italy no one knows specifically where Limoncello originated just that this distinct drink was clearly sent from the heavens. So, it makes sense to think its origins are in a convent or monastery.

Drinking digestives after a meal can be traced back to the ancient Romans. Hippocrates, a Greek physician of the age of Pericles, indulged after meals as a way to assist his digestion. (Again that information from Walks of Italy).

On the Lake Erie Islands, resort owner, developer, and former City of Euclid Council President Ed Gudenas realized he had an entire case of lemons left over from a sensational summer season. A few moments of researching made us realize these leftover lemons were going to realize a holiday spectacular of spirits typically forgotten.

The reason it is so important to make this now: time is of the essence. The peels need time to steep to release the oils. The more time, the more potent your potion.

Here is what you need. We used the recipe from Food Network’s Giada De Laurentiis from her Everyday Italian show Summers in Capri episode and adapted the infusion time.

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Removing the rinds and pith from the lemons is time indulgent. Some suggest using a vegetable peeler. After two batches I determined the easiest way to approach this task is to cut the lemon in half, remove the seeds and squeeze all of the juice out into a container to later use for lemon water.

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Then, pull the majority of the pith out with your fingers. Lay the rind flat on top of a cutting board. With a small vegetable knife begin whittling away the remaining pith.

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Aim for extracting as many of the little white bubbles as possible. Set aside in a dish.

img_05921Once ready with all ten lemons add them to the container and soak in a favorite vodka spirit.

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Once vodka is poured over the peels, cover with plastic wrap and push back into the corner where sunlight won’t reach the container.

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Infuse for at least four days. The majority of the infusion happens in these days and even this short timeframe will fructify a flavorful refreshment. More days make for a more bold blend. Take up to a month for the infusion.

When ready, create the simple syrup.

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Bring to a gentle low boil while stirring the water and sugar together continuously to dissolve. Once sugar granules can not be seen turn off the heat and move to a cooling place. Let cool completely and once the sugary swig is back to room temperature incorporate into the infused vodka. Let stand overnight.

The next day, grab your bottles and begin to fill with gioia.

I placed a mesh sifter over a glass pitcher and poured the vodka and simple syrup into this container. The spout on the glass pitcher made transfer of the Limoncello into the bottles an ease. Seal and refrigerate.

I purchased multiple sizes from local craft and outlet stores. The tags and ninety-nine cent ribbon is available at Hobby Lobby. I picked out the eye-popping Red Quatrefoil Grosgrain and Red Striped Satin Ribbons available in the scrapbook section to make memorable tags.

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Recipients will be exultant they are not being presented with another paper plate of cookies. These bottles are ideal to gift to your ring of professional associates such as your realtor, banker, investment manager, bartenders, and public relations managers. Plus, aunts, uncles and cousins will enjoy the effort.

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Having a bottle in your own home adds a nice touch of cheer you already have to offer guests. Serve in chilled cordial or shot glasses. Buone Feste my friends!

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Josie in an award-winning journalist and tenured lifestyle reporter. Her southeastern European roots are that of the Adriatic and Black Seas.

 

 

Packing for the Lake Erie Islands clever tricks to trim the load

Either an invite has been sent or a place booked on an island in the waters in between Ohio and Canada. Reservations are the first priority to tackle when taking on the remote island system inaccessible via car.

You may want this posh South Beach-style one-one on MBI.

The next is to pack.

I added swimwear and several pairs of sandals (flip-flops) and workout gear. The mercury can fluctuate anywhere between 55° and 95°. Suggestion: pack a pair of sturdy Key West Kinos and, or, starfish sandals by Kirsten’s Kloset from DK’s Style Hut. Dancing is highly likely. Flip-flops fall apart.

Guys, this is the perfect opportunity to wear a flashy, collared button-down shirt depicting your tourist-like, under-the-radar status.

Go Tommy Bahama or opt for any loose clothing depicting your sailing adventures.

The official Florida Turnpike shirt captures the island essence.
The official Florida Turnpike shirt captures the island essence.
Crisp white yacht club polos set the tone.
Crisp white yacht club polos set the tone.

(Call 863-216-5744 or send an email to [email protected]. to order your Fla Turnpike shirt. Visit Florida Marina Clubs here.) The idea is to leave the Tribe, Browns, and Cavs gear where it belongs for this soiree. Live the island life.

Line the bottom of your tote bag, or suitcase with the shoes.

Then roll all of your clothing up to keep wrinkles to a minimum.
Roll all of your clothing up to keep wrinkles to a minimum.
Place any intimates and swimwear in travel bags.
Place any intimates and swimwear in travel bags.

Place these bags and hair essentials such as a hairdryer, straightener, or curling iron on top.

Toss in a passport too.
Toss in a passport too.

The nearness to Canada means impromptu international travel is more likely than less. ((I like this I’m Outta Here case form Ban.do)) from the Banyan Box Shopping Container pop-up in Cleveland’s Warehouse District.))

For the ladies, in an oversized tote like this white-zippered Style and Co. Purse from Macy’s first slide in a notebook computer (if you plan to work. Internet service is unpredictable.) Then a rolled up bath towel, toiletry case, make-up bag and a clutch containing driver’s license, debit and credit cards, business cards and cash.

The front compartment fits chargers and internet hot spot.
The front compartment fits chargers and internet hot spot.

Remember if a car isn’t being taken onto a ferry, or a personal boat isn’t available to load all of your weekend gear onto, each person is responsible for carrying the clothing from the parking lot, to the ferry, onto the shuttle, and to accommodations.

For the gentlemen, have a watercraft stocked with Cruzan or El Kraken Spiced Rum, beer and limes.

Luxury on the lake means packing all the gear of a smooth sailor.
Luxury on the lake means packing all the gear of a smooth sailor.
Plus, pack plenty of beach towels.
Plus, pack plenty of beach towels.

Cheers to Summer 2016.

Car reservations can be made two days in advance. In this event, fill up the vehicle with the essentials and groceries from the mainland for easy breezy transport.

Josie is a former TV anchorwoman and award-winning journalist. She grew up on Coastal Ohio and continues to explore all of the nooks and crannies which make the region spectacular.
Josie is a former TV anchorwoman and award-winning journalist. She grew up on Coastal Ohio and continues to explore all of the nooks and crannies which make the region spectacular.