ECO TIPS Bathroom

The bathroom just might be the most useful room in the house! But, it contributes to environmental degradation. To the rescue: a few tips for making your bathroom a little more chicological.

Green your toilet paper: Recycled toilet paper reduces the need for virgin wood pulp, which reduces the need to cut down trees. It's available at most natural grocery stores and many of the chains, too. Here's one of my favorites. 

Get into (tank-free or solar-powered) hot water: More than 10% of your energy bill comes from heating water for your steamy showers. Switch your water heater to a tankless or solar powered version. You'll put out a chunk of change initially, but you'll save energy and money in the long run.

Give your bathroom an organic makeover: Towels made from organic cotton, bamboo or hemp fibers are available everywhere from Pottery Barn to Bed, Bath and Beyond. My fave source, here.

With love,

Josie

Images via: Country Living, Honestly WTF, Modern Hepburn

ECO STYLE Obakki

As a social ecopreneur, I'm all about discovering companies whose founders share my passion for doing well by doing good. Treana Peake and her revolutionary fashion company, Obakki, definitely qualify. Obakki uses fashion to fundraise for clean water and education in developing communities. The clothes are beautiful, and buying them is a great way to treat yourself while doing something beautiful for others. Treana was kind enough to let me pick her brain about her amazing company and her amazing self.

 xo,

Josie

What motivated you to start Obakki? 

I wanted to use fashion (and other forms of creativity) as a medium for change. I've been doing philanthropy and design for many years, inspired and passionate about both. At a certain point in my life I realized that they didn't have to by mutually exclusive. I could apply creativity to philanthropy and give fashion a purpose at the same time. 

Your business model is amazing. As I understand it, it's part for-profit clothing company, part nonprofit foundation. How'd you come up with that idea? 

Obakki is the creative arm that makes the products we use to fundraise. Obakki absorbs all of the administrative fees, from business cards to travel expenses, so that 100% of all public donations and 100% of net profits generated from Obakki sales can go directly to our humanitarian projects. Whether you buy an Obakki product or make a donation to the Foundation, you know your money is being fully used for projects. 

As a sister-ecopreneur, what can you share about what inspired you, who encouraged you, and any obstacles you encountered or still encounter as a businesswoman?  

We spent a lot of time combing the world for direction and inspiration - looking to see what everyone else is doing. Social media has opened up every corner of our world (with one click of a mouse), removing much of the mystery and wonder that we used to experience. I would encourage people to re-engage with the world - seek out real experiences where you are out exploring, contributing, interacting. All of this leads to 'real' feeling that somehow touches a different part of you. My inspiration comes from standing in the middle of a jungle in Cameroon, from a dusty cattle camp in South Sudan or from a drawing given to me in an overcrowded orphanage. I can't find, or feel this from the Internet.  

I’m wild about your designs. How does your company's mission inspire your aesthetic? 

I am really a conceptual storyteller and I'm always looking for ways to inspire others by using some form of creativity. In fashion, I understand that in order for my collections to be sellable, they need to be wearable. Therefore my stories are told in a subtle way - through colour, patterns, silhouette. Each piece references an important element in some way but instead of being obvious, it becomes a subtle layer to a meaningful story. 

Any tips for women who want to start a company--and/or a nonprofit? Any mistakes you made along the way that others can learn from? Moves you made that you're proudest of?

I can honestly say I get up every morning inspired to do what I am doing. I've let my passion mold my career which I think is such an important piece of my success and happiness. Through fashion I am able to connect with a modern consumer and create real positive change in our world. Last year we drilled 300 water wells for South Sudan. If that doesn't get me out of bed every morning, I'm not sure what will!!

CHICOLOGICAL GUEST POST Annie of Bellasugar

Where can you go to learn about everything from Beyonce’s ever-changing hairstyles to the season's hottest lipstick shades? In a word: Bellasugar. So we're thrilled to bring you Annie Tomlin, the mastermind behind this trendsetting beauty site. Beauty director by day, travel blogger by night, Annie has some serious beauty experience under her belt. Check out what she has to say about being acne-free. 

Acne and Natural Beauty

If you have acne, then you know the issue is more than skin-deep. Breakouts can be embarrassing, painful, and somehow almost… shameful, as though it’s your fault for not having a clear complexion. As someone who used to wake up with at four or five new throbbing blemishes every day, I know what it’s like to want to hide your face. Because I’m a beauty editor, having “bad skin” even made me feel like I was a failure at doing my job.

But if you looked at me now, you would never guess that I have skin problems — because, well, I don’t anymore. My skin is clear, my pores are normal, and I get one or two pimples a month 

So what does this have to do with natural beauty? Quite a bit, actually. 

It took a long time to realize that I had to work with my skin, not against it. The team at Skin Salvation, a San Francisco-based acne clinic, convinced me to look at my skin issues from a holistic perspective. I had tried everything — the newest creams, Retin-A, microdermabrasion, antibiotics, light therapy — but this is the only approach that worked for me. The four things that truly transformed my skin were amazingly simple.

1. Ingredients matter. If you have acneic skin, you need to avoid harsh chemicals and comedogenic ingredients. For instance, you’ve probably heard about sodium laureth sulfate, an ingredient that can irritate skin. Guess what? It causes pimples, too. When I switched from my tried-and-true toothpaste to a natural one without SLS, I stopped breaking out around my mouth within days.
2. Eat your way to better skin. This is the big one. If you want to beat acne, you have to treat it from the inside out. Cut out all caffeine, dairy, soy, seaweed, and peanuts for a month and you’ll see a difference — I promise. Eating healthful foods like kale, quinoa, and blueberries gives you more energy, and your skin looks better, too. Win-win.
3. Ice is nice. When you feel a pimple coming on, gently rub an ice cube on your face after cleansing. This reduces inflammation and works especially well on reducing those painful, deep-in-the-skin nodules. And it’s free!
4. Stress less. Stress leads to breakouts, so if you can get a handle on it, you’ll see improvement. Get more sleep. Meditate. Laugh. Exercise. Relax. (This one’s still a struggle for me, but I’m working on it.)

 Look, it’s nice to imagine that one magic treatment can get rid of acne, but it’s just not the case. Getting a clear complexion really does require you to change your lifestyle. The bad news is that clear skin doesn’t happen overnight. The good news is that by being kinder to your body and mind, you can get healthier skin and you’ll feel better in general. I know it sounds a little woo-woo to say that, but it worked for me. And if something works, you know I have to tell everyone about it. It’s my job.

P.S. Be sure to check out Annie’s personal blog. But be warned—it might just give you the travel bug.

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY Getting Sweaty

Every Wednesday when we work out here at the office, we see each other all gross and sweaty—especially on cardio-heavy days like today. But we live with the icky stickiness because we know sweating is so good for us. It helps the body regulate its temperature, helps flush out toxins and chemicals, and... 

Makes skin glow: Every day, toxins and dirt build up in our pores. Sweating breaks down these toxins, cleaning the skin and increasing circulation, all of which makes skin look healthier and be less congested.

Makes you better when you get sick: Sweating when you have a fever is your body’s way of fighting the illness by helping flush it out. Drinking plenty of liquids during these times will keep you hydrated.

Helps you relax and feel good: We sweat when we're overheated; it helps the body cool down. This, in turn,  causes the body to produce hormones known as endorphins, which create a sense of well-being. Warming up and sweating also increase circulation to the muscles, encouraging relaxation and greater flexibility. That's why saunas and steam rooms have been used for centuries: they make you feel happy and help you chill out.

Happy sweating!

VOTE!

I'm a huge believer in voting with your wallet--buying things from companies that match up with your values. So it won't surprise you that I'm asking you to vote today. If you haven't already done it, please: empower yourself! Live your beliefs! Make your voice heard, and VOTE!

With love and true patriotism,

Josie 

Image via: Sass & Bide

JOSIE LOVES Justina Blakeney

Not only is Ms. Justina Blakeney one of my very best friends; she's also a seriously awesome blogger. Justina blogs about all the things she loves most—decorating her jungalow, yummy recipes, boho-fab clothes, and of course, her beautiful new daughter, Ida who was born soon after Indi Joon came into the world.  But unlike a lot of beauty/fashion/lifestyle bloggers, Justina touches the souls of her readers in a way that perfectly reflects her personality—strong, beautiful, and unafraid to ask the hard questions about everything from motherhood to body image. Check out her blog and Pinterest for a truly inspiring experience. 

Warning: you just might fall in love with Justina, too. 

Love,

Josie 

A NOTE FROM JOSIE Hurricane Sandy

This week, while I was in Pennsylvania, spreading the Argan Love on QVC, Hurricane Sandy was spreading destruction across the eastern United States. The damage in Pennsylvania was nowhere near as bad as it was in New York and New Jersey, but it was a harrowing experience to witness the power of nature--the winds and the flooding. I can only imagine what the people still without power, gas, phone service, or contact with their loved ones are going through. Please join me in sending love, compassion, and (if you can) money to those who are still suffering the storm's aftereffects. Even the smallest donation to the Red Cross will make a difference. You can do that here.

With love and gratitude,

Josie

Image via: Mashable

JOSIE ANSWERS Moisturizers

Somehow I'm sure this won't surprise you:  I'm a sucker for moisturizers. When I started using Argan Oil almost 10 years ago, I realized that moisture was what my skin had been craving for years. Stressed by stripping cleansers, drying makeup, and travel, my skin was majorly unhappy. But as soon as I started giving my skin the moisture it was begging for, my complexion cleared right up.

Hydration and yummy skin benefits are what Argan Oil is all about—that’s why I put it into nearly everything I make, and that's why JMC has so many moisturizing products. I get this question all the time: when do I use which moisturizers? Here’s a guide to using JMC moisturizers to help you keep your skin healthy and hydrated from head to toe.

100% Pure Argan Oil: I put Argan Oil on my face, body, nails, hair, and face every morning and every night. I especially recommend it for your face if you have sensitive skin. Most of us do, actually; we're always "face-out," exposed to the elements, not to mention all the products we use. Since it balances sebum production and soothes inflamed skin, Argan Oil is the perfect facial moisturizer. 

Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40: Argan Beauties, you gotta protect yourselves! I know you hear it all the time, but it really is so important to keep your skin safe with SPF. I put on my daily moisturizer with all-natural SPF 40 every morning—I love the sun, but nobody loves sun damage.

Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter: This is the ideal body moisturizer. It’s thick and creamy and loaded with yummy skin soothers like Shea Butter and Aloe Vera not to mention Argan Oil. It's good for all skin types. I put it on post-bath or shower to keep my skin soft.

Argan Balm: This heavy-duty balm is the natural solution for dry or dehydrated skin. I created it especially for rough, dry, or irritated areas, like elbows, knees, and heels. But it also comes in handy in the winter when my face gets raw, and my lips are super chapped. Argan Balm creates a barrier that seals in hydration and prevents damage by the elements. 

Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick: This is my travel skin saver; I've always got one in my purse and in my carry-on. The stick form makes it super portable and easy-to-use. It’s really good for the chapped lips and chafing skin that goes along with airplane travel.

I'd love to know: what’s your favorite way to use any or all of my Argan hydrators?

Here's to your great health and great skin!

Love, Josie

P.S. If you've got a question for me, please write it into the comments section and maybe you'll get your answer in the next "edition" of Josie Answers. 

SENDING LOVE

To the millions of people affected by Hurricane Sandy: WE LOVE YOU AND WE'RE SENDING STRENGTH TO YOU.

JMC is making a donation to the Red Cross in honor of our customers. You can help, too. Text the word ‘REDCROSS’ to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or donate here. 

Image via: Salad Eyes

DO GOOD Breast Cancer Awareness

Hearing that you or someone you love has cancer is life-changing. It's more common than any of us would hope; nearly 40,000 American women die annually from breast cancer alone.  It seems that everyone here at JMC has been touched by cancer in some way—including our founder herself. Josie's grandmother, Rita Maran, is 35-year survivor of the disease. In her honor and in honor of all the Argan beauties battling the disease, Josie put together a special collection of "Think Pink" JMC products. Fifteen percent of sales from each of these products will be donated to City of Hope to support those battling breast cancer. We sat down with Grandma Rita—who at a very young 83 still plays tennis every day to keep herself healthy and fit—to learn about her experience as a breast cancer survivor. 

When were you diagnosed with breast cancer?

My first bout with cancer was way back in 1972, when a hysterectomy was necessary to remove a cancerous uterus. Five years later, a large cancerous tumor in my left breast led to surgery - what was then called a 'radical mastectomy.' That in turn called for chemotherapy for half-a-year, plus a dedicated daily routine of physical exercise to get back into physical - and mental – shape.

What was it like to go through your fight against breast cancer?

I was determined to combine mind (reason) and body (exercise). My attitude was: first came cancer, now comes recovery. I was living in London but had terrific support from family, all of them three thousand miles away in California, and from circles of women- and men-friends in England. I jumped headfirst into a new job doing human rights campaigning work with nonviolent grassroots groups in a dozen European countries. That in turn led to "going back to school" at the London School of Economics, to understand how international human rights law could help accomplish nonviolent social change. I just plugged away at staying healthy and learning what I needed to know about human rights.

As a survivor, what words of advice and support would you give to those affected by breast cancer?

 It's a bummer - no doubt about it. Breast cancer represents a huge challenge to your mind, your body, and your self-image. That's a fact - get used to it. For me, it was a call to pull up my socks, get full command of all my resources, and get to work. 

What does it mean to you to have your granddaughter, Josie, raising money for breast cancer? 

Josie was born first of my four grandchildren. I remember her at three months, when she was still my only grandchild and I was still undergoing chemotherapy. We were lying in bed early one morning, playing and laughing, when the thought suddenly hit me: "It doesn't matter to this darling little girl that I have only one breast. She can only know me as I am." Once that realization was out of the way, I could enjoy my granddaughter - and the three grandsons that followed, and now Josie's two daughters - Rumi Joon and Indi Joon- and her cousin Peter's son - Axel, without cancer getting in the way. Josie's nature is to look at a problem - in this case breast cancer - and dig in to do something positive and life-affirming. I couldn't be more proud or more happy that she is that way and that she and Ali are surrounding their two girls with that sense of respect and compassion for others with whom we share this planet.