WORKOUT WEDNESDAY To the Core

We've been really into core workouts lately in our Workout Wednesday classes. Sure, they're pure torture while we're doing them, but afterwards we do feel pretty fit! We stumbled across this adorable little set of core workout illustrations on Pinterest, and we thought we'd share them to help you feel the burn too! Not only do core workouts like the ones illustrated above make your stomach tighter, they have myriad other benefits like strengthening your back, improving your overall balance, and making other types of exercise easier! Give it a try!

Lots of love,

Team JMC

DO GOOD Forgiveness Day

Hi Beauties:

Have you ever had a conflict with someone that’s changed your relationship immediately? One that you just find it really hard to get over? I think we’ve all been there, and the worst part of it is, that the longer you hold on to your feelings of anger and bitterness, the longer it hurts YOU! So today, I want to focus on doing good for yourself. In honor of National Forgiveness Day, here are a few ways to keep your spirit bright and beautiful by practicing a little forgiveness.

Did you know forgiveness could help you achieve:

A healthier body: According to the Mayo Clinic, actively practicing forgiveness can have amazing health effects like lowering your chances for high blood pressure, depression, and even substance abuse! So while you’re eating your leafy greens, think about if you need to forgive anyone. And add that into your healthy green lifestyle!

Better relationships: Holding on to grudges or other baggage can actually affect the way you approach relationships with other people. Being open to new relationships greatly increases your chances of happiness—who doesn’t want to make new friends?

A Free Spirit: By withholding forgiveness and acceptance, we give a lot of control to the hurtful situation. We let it bring us down, influence our thoughts and feelings, and affect the way we act in the world. That’s a whole lot of power that we’re giving away! Through the process of acceptance and forgiveness, we release our spirit from these shackles, giving us greater opportunities to explore the capacity that our spirit has for freedom, love, and compassion.

I hope I’ve given you some food for thought! Now let’s go forgive, forgive, forgive!

With love, compassion, and beauty,

Josie

A DAY IN THE LIFE Planting a Fall Garden

This week the girls and I got started on our fall garden. We planted yummy lettuce, some herbs, and a few other goodies I just couldn't resist. We all got a little grubby, but that's half the fun! Seeing my little earth babies frolic together in the dirt is about as good as it gets.

With love and sprouting seeds,

Josie

GREEN YOUR ROUTINE Relaxation Day

Hi Beauties! Take a deep breath. Let it fill your lungs all the way to the tippy top, then sip in more air. Hold for three seconds. Now exhale very slowly. There! Don’t you feel better? Today is Relaxation Day, so I’m all about getting my calm on! Here are some of my favorite ways to help me bliss out.

Lovely Lavender: It’s no secret that lavender is one of the most calming scents used in aromatherapy. I like to put a few drops of lavender essential oil on a tissue, wrap the tissue around an eye pillow, and drape the non-oiled side over my eyes when I need a little rest. The lavender scent wafts over my face and puts me immediately at ease. Don’t have essential oil? Massage a few drops of my Moroccan Argan Body Oil in Calm onto your temples for a similar effect.

Visualize Calm: Sometimes when I seriously need to relax, I close my eyes for a few minutes and visualize a place that makes me feel serene. Sometimes it’s a beach, sometimes it’s a field, and sometimes it’s a tranquil waterfall in Kauai. I just imagine myself sitting in this beautiful place for a few minutes. When I open my eyes, I’m ready to tackle my challenges without all the negative stress stuff.

Have a Cuddle: Lucky for me, I have two wonderful daughters who are always up for a cuddle. Experts say demonstrating physical affection—to a dog, a baby, or even a coworker—lowers your blood pressure and decreases stress hormones like cortisol, making you feel instantly more relaxed. So if you’re feeling edgy at work, find a friend and give them a hug! You’ll feel better!

With love and deep breaths,

Josie

JOSIE'S PICKS Book Lovers Day

Today is Book Lovers Day! In honor of all the wonderful page turners out there, here are a few of my favorite books.

Wise Women by Joyce Tenneson: I think every woman should own this book. It includes pictures and quotes from women 65 and up about their experiences as women, and their wisdom about aging. It’s always by my side when I need a little inspiration.

Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough & Michael Braungart: This book was very inspirational to me as I was starting my company. It discusses the way the modern manufacturing system creates a “cradle to grave” model that produces a lot of waste, and suggests that innovators approach manufacturing in the same way nature does: cradle to cradle. The idea is to reduce waste, and make every byproduct useful and safe for the environment.

The Passion by Jeanette Winterson: When I want to escape into a book, this one is one of my favorites. It’s a wonderful mix of historical romance, myth, and fantasy. Perfect for snuggling up with for a few hours!

What are your top book recommendations? Share! I'm always looking for something new to read.

With love and beautiful books,

Josie

JOSIE'S TIPS 100% Pure Argan Oil Light

Have you heard the news? There’s a new Argan Oil in town: 100% Pure Argan Oil Light. I spent years working with chemists to create an Argan Oil with a lighter, fast-absorbing texture that has all the same amazing benefits as the original. And we did it! I’m so happy with the results. The only difference between this new version and the original is the lighter texture—so you can use it from head to toe just like regular Argan Oil. Here are a few times in my life that I love using Argan Light!

Under makeup: After talking to hundreds of my customers, I came across a startling discovery: many of my Argan beauties weren’t using Argan Oil in the morning, under makeup. They were worried about looking too dewy. So when I made Argan Oil Light, I made sure it had a more matte look. On days when I want too look a little less dewy, I apply my 100% Pure Argan Oil Light before putting on my makeup. It immediately sinks into my skin and leaves a semi-matte finish. And I still use my original Argan Oil at night when I need something a little richer!

In humid weather: Living in L.A., the weather is pretty much always dry, which makes my dry skin even drier, causing me to slather on a bunch of Argan Oil. But when I spend time in Pennsylvania during the summer where it’s so humid, my skin needs less hydration since there’s already so much moisture in the air. I’ve been addicted to my Argan Oil Light this summer in PA—I know I’m getting all the amazing benefits of Argan Oil with a lightweight feel.

When I’m a little hormonal: Ok ladies, it’s no secret: during certain times of the month, our skin begins to produce a little more oil than it normally does. This is the perfect time for 100% Pure Argan Oil Light. Plus, like my original Argan Oil, Argan Oil Light actually helps balance skin’s oil production, so your skin will actually equalize over time.

Questions or comments about your experience using Argan Light? Please share in the comments section below or on Facebook. I love hearing from my Argan Beauties!

With love and light,

Josie

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY Good Morning Yoga

Usually when I'm on Pinterest, I'm looking for delicious dessert recipes, cute DIYs, and fashion ideas. But I recently discovered this gem from the blog Thoughts by Natalie. I've been giving this little routine a try, and it really makes me feel calmer and more awake before I get my day started. Amazing what a little stretching can do to get the body (and mind) moving!

With love and downward dogs,

Josie

WHAT WE'RE EATING Late Summer Sweets

Like it or not, it’s nearly August, which means summer is slowly winding down. We’re savoring each long day, all the delicious summer fruit, and the warm balmy Los Angeles nights. Here are a few sweet treats we’re indulging in as we celebrate our last month of summertime.

Saffron Raspberries

White Peach, Cassis, and Champagne Floats

Peach and Pecan Sandy Crumble

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Magic Custard Cake

Stone Fruit Trifle with Lemon Mousse

BEHIND THE SCENES JMC Summer Beach Trip

Last weekend, the JMC family took a wonderful trip to Oceanside, CA to spend the weekend by the beach. We sunbathed on the sand, frolicked in the water, and shared delicious meals at night. The JMC kids--ranging from ages 1 to 9 years old--joined in on the fun, happy to have so many friends to play with in the surf.  We can't wait for our next company bonding adventure!

JOSIE ANSWERS Where Did My Favorite Product Go?

Hi Argan Beauties!

My wonderful customer service goddesses, Iesha and Ashley, sat down with me to discuss some of the most popular questions they’ve been getting lately from our beloved customers. The common thread in almost all your questions is: why are my favorite products gone?! I know it can be disappointing when a product that you love is no longer included in our line. Believe me, if anyone understands, it’s me! All of my products are like special friends to me and I hate to see them go. But, in order to make room for new innovation and expansion to our line, we sometimes have to make the tough decision of saying goodbye to older products to make way for new ones! Here are a few of your top concerns about discontinuation, answered front and center!

Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40: Don’t panic! This product isn’t being discontinued permanently. We are reformulating to make it better than ever. My product development team is working hard to make a formula that gives you maximum sun protection while still maintaining the lightest weight texture possible. I’m really excited about this new and improved version. I think you’re really going to love it. We’re still in the process, so I can’t tell you for sure when it’s going to relaunch, but in the meantime, we still have our current formula available in jumbo size on our website.

Argan Blend Concealer: Yes, it’s true. Sadly, this product has been discontinued. But, don’t worry! We discontinued it to make room for our brand new Argan Creamy Concealer Crayons. These are packed with Argan Oil and buckwheat extract, and they blend like a dream. Plus, they’re available in 6 shades so it’s super easy to find the right match. If you love our new Argan Tinted Moisturizer formula, you’re in luck! These concealers were formulated as the partner product to our tinted moisturizer; so if you’re Light 2 in Tinted Moisturizer, you’ll be Light 2 in concealer. Three shades are only available at QVC right now, but the whole range will be popping into Sephora stores and our website in August.

Argan Day & Night Eye Cream: We had to discontinue this little guy to make room for a bunch of new skincare innovation coming in the fall and spring. While you’re waiting for our new launches, I recommend using my Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil as an eye cream. Just use a tiny bit, and gently pat it around your eyes.

Lots of love,

Josie