JOSIE'S PICKS Spring Picnic

With all the sunny weather we've been having, I can't stop thinking about having a nice spring picnic with my family. What could be better? The strawberries are coming into season, and the wildflowers have bloomed. I'm thinking I'll pack some yummy quinoa salad and vanilla pudding into some mason jars and we'll be off! Here are some of my favorite picnic picks from Etsy, including one of my favorite vintage books for me to read to Rumi Joon as we lay in the grass. 

What are you picnic must-haves? Any delicious recipes to share? 

AM Radio Vintage Woven Picnic Basket

Handmade Therapy Rutic Linen Tea Towel

Crickets Home Turquoise Mint Chocolate Brown Throw

The Art of Jam Strawberry Jam 

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Rouilly Vintage Metal Thermos

JOSIE PICKS Growing Your Garden

Don't you love the longer days? I feel like spring has officially arrived when I can dig around in the garden until the early evening. The interesting thing about my yard is that it's tiered up a hill so it feels like there are always nooks to discover and patches to help grow and change. It's great to watch Rumi get her little hands dirty and when this baby comes along, hopefully he or she will enjoy sitting outside, too. I imagine the whole family sitting in the spring breeze, enjoying the sunshine all together. How exciting!

Do you have a garden? What do you grow?

Lillys Cottage Vintage Gardening Books

Cushion Chicago Vintage Green Wood Tool Caddy

Every Eskimo Vintage Watering Can

Cubits Organic Seeds

Small batch production Organic Apron No. 1

Callooh Callay Vintage Gardening Tools

JOSIE'S PICKS Winter Night In

Sure, the weather has been balmy here in Los Angeles, but I know for many, it's winter! And there's no better way to spend a chilly evening then cozying up with family while sharing some tea or hot chocolate, cookies and a few books, don't you think? These fun Etsy finds make for a great night in and I'm especially loving the recycled and handmade twig lamp that gives off just the perfect amount of light.

How do you spend winter evenings? Any favorite organic hot chocolate or tea recipes?

Old School farm Vintage Senango Cups

Luncheonette Vintage Drama Queens Book Bundle

Whimsy & Spice Earl Grey Sandwich Cookies

Solstice Home Vintage Wool Plaid Throw

The Light Store Hanging Recycled Twig Lamp

Old School Farm Vintage Enamel Coffee Pot

JOSIE'S PICKS Sparkling New Year

Here's to a New Year's Eve that is a golden affair filled with good things both handmade and special! 

Natasha Newton Original Watercolor Painting

Nostalgie Europe Vintage European Tea Saucer

Scalloped Glitter Garland

Etco Paper Mache Gold and Black Bowl

SD Marie Jewelry Golden Hoops with Triangles

Up in the Air Somewhere Limited Edition Gold Zig Zag Tray

JOSIE'S PICKS Little Creatures

Having a 5-year-old, I'm always on the hunt for toys and fun things that will inspire Rumi's imagination and make her playtime whimsical and interesting. As a family, we really make our focus about creativity through interaction and games rather than teaching her to turn to the TV for entertainment. Yes, she's seen me on QVC a few times in her life, but this is a girl who'd rather run around than stay still under the spell of the tube.

Handmade, these gifts are simple, charming and make for perfect gifts for that little creature of yours. And a little tip, if you do buy the animal set, why not purchase the book The Mitten that they were inspired by? Enjoy!

1. Rustic Patriot Girl Bunny Slippers 2. Frieda's Tierchen Fox Mask 3. Mud Hollow Felt Animals 4. Colette Bream Animal Tails 5. Hi Tree Giant Sequoias 6. Hydra Heart Vegan Shearling Hat

JOSIE'S PICKS Giving Thanks

When you have unique pieces that you really cherish for the table, setting it up for Thanksgiving can be almost as fun as chowing down on the feast. My philosophy? Collect treasures that matter to you so that the meal feels special along with making the day about sharing in general. I know when my family gathers, we babble as much as we gobble remembering holidays past and telling funny stories (sometimes resulting in hilarious embarrassment). Finally, we each go around the table and say something we're thankful for.

What are you thankful for?

1. Organic Feather Tea Towel 2. Brass Candlesticks 3. Vintage Gravy Boat 4. Glass Dessert Dishes 5. Vintage Gold Band Cups and Saucers 6. Woodland Cutting Board

JOSIE'S PICKS Gettin' Spooky

With Halloween around the corner, you can find orange and black decorations in the shapes of pumpkins, witches and black cats easily. But what if you want to decorate in a more subtle, spooky way? I suggest homemade and vintage curiosities found on Etsy so that your All Hallow's Eve is whimsical, eco-friendly and ever-so-grown-up. Used as centerpieces for a festive feast or to pepper your place, these picks will surely set the mood and will last you for years to come. Happy haunting!

1. Vintage Book Trio 2. Handmade Amber Medicine Bottle 3. Vintage Handmade Wooden Cups 4. Nesting Geode Dishes 5. Vintage Owl Print 6. Spooky Autumn Twisted Tree

JOSIE'S PICKS Pie Making

What can feel more like the season than getting your hands dirty by making pies with family? My mom, Roberta, can whip up a pretty mean apple pie and while I've tasted a few, hers just can't be beat. She also makes the best cheesecake in the world, but I'll have to get her to give us the secret before I can share the recipe.

As an ode to autumn, here are my picks for pie making—a few new eco finds, a few vintage finds, all perfect for turning ingredients into lovely, yummy pies. In the comments, send me your links for your favorite organic apple pie recipes!

1. Eco-Friendly Wood Cutting Boards 2. Organic Cotton Apron 3. Organic Pie Spices 4. Vintage Flour Sifter 5. Vintage Apple Slicer 6. Clay Pie Pan

JOSIE'S PICKS Autumn Hike

One of the wonderful things about autumn is going out for a hike with good company especially after being on the go so much. Throw some organic trail mix and a thermos of warm tea into your picnic basket, gather your blankets and scarves into your rucksack and bound out into nature to have a day away.

Here are a few vintage and organic finds for a great seasonal hike.

Happy trails,

1. Infusion Rucksack 2. Vintage Thermos 4. Autumn Picnic Basket 3. Vintage Red Lantern 5. Wheat Colored Neckwarmer 6. Organic Granola