IN THE KITCHEN Go Go Green Smoothie

What better way to start 2012 right then to go a little green, right? And what better way to green out than by starting with changing the amount of greens you get. I came across this recipe in Whole Living and while they just call it Green Smoothie, I'm going to name it Go Go Green Smoothie. It's full of vitamin K (in kale), vitamin C, fiber and potassium which is a great way to start the morning. Trust me, you're not going to notice the parsley or the leafy greens—this smoothie is awesomely yummy and good for you.

Do you have any smoothie or fresh-pressed juice recommendations? I'd love to try them!

JOSIE'S TIPS Argan Balm

Ladies and gentlemen (yes, men can use it too), may I present the newest product in my line, Argan Balm! (Cue applause.) This is more than just a simple salve, this is a fix-all-of-those-dry-spots/cure-redness/make-your-head-shoulders-knees-and-toes-feel-smoothe wonder and we couldn't be more happy to be introducing it to you soon. In the meantime, here are a few of my insider tips on how to make this tin of balmy gold your newest BFF.

-To protect those rough patches, use Argan Balm regularly by scooping out a small dab with your fingertips and rubbing in. This can be used in conjunction with 100% Pure Argan Oil or Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter on the rest of your body. 

-Smoothe cuticles by rubbing in and putting on gloves while you sleep. Or, before if you're out in the elements, rub it in to your hands and fingertips for extra protection.

-Keep flyaways down and mend the ends of your hair by rubbing a very small amount of Argan Balm in. 

-Use Argan Balm on your face and lips along with Argan Oil Daily Moisturizer with SPF 40+ and Argan Lip Treatment for an added layer of moisture. 

And stay tuned to our Facebook for the release of this amazing product!

JOSIE LOVES Sunday Suppers

Karen and Lizzy not only bring their talents to people in person through their cooking classes, fresh and convivial approach to eating and entertaining, but they also share the moments in a gorgeous and vibrant way through Sunday Suppers, their journal documenting their experiences. In sort, they've inspired us to make 2012 a year of healthy eating with the company of our loved ones. Thank you!

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Winner

Happy New Year! We were so inspired by all of your words, but Jamie struck a chord with all of us. To love and accept yourself truly is, in our opinion, the best way to find peace and happiness. Once you're content with who you are, you can then make your surroundings better.

As we march into 2012, we're sending you the strength to always be true to who you are, the wisdom to know that you are loved, and the resolve to do good in the world!

Congrats again Jamie.

Photo by Nuno Serrao.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Giveaway

2012 is on the horizon and here we're thinking about what the year will bring. How will we change? How will we improve? What are the resolutions we'll stick to and what will always stay the same? When I think about balance and how to survive a growing company with grace, I think about finding what keeps me centered and peaceful. For me, it's family and friends that do this. Their love, warmth and support through my endeavors gives me the grounded roots not only be true to myself, but to also change and improve at the same time.

What about you? What keeps you "you" and what about you are you ready to make better? Tell us in the comments section and include your email address and we'll select one winner to receive a bottle of our 100% Argan Oil. The winner will be announced on Facebook on January 3, 2012.

(This offer is open to U.S. and Canadian Residents only).

JOSIE'S TIPS Argan Illuminizer

Sometimes you just need that extra oomph to make you feel illuminated and bright, without the razzle dazzle of glitter or crazy color. Argan Illuminizer is subtle with a shimmery finish that adds warmth and luster to the complexion taking you from golden in the day to the Midas touch for night.

-To accent your makeup, use a small dab or Argan Illuminizer on your brow bone, cheek bones and in the center of your lips.

-Instead of eye shadow, swipe Argan Illuminizer over the tops of your eyelids with your finger, blending ever so slightly.

-Draw attention to your décolletage by swiping a drop or two across your clavicle and right below your neck.

-Mix some in your Argan Daily Moisturizer with SPF 40+ for a hint of shine around your face.

-For an all-over glow, mix with 100% Pure Argan Oil and rub into arms, legs and face. 

WHAT WE'RE EATING New Year's Eve 2011

If you're taking on the task of throwing a New Year's Eve fete this year, we gathered up some inspiration for you in shades of green. We thought, why not start 2012 off a little bit healthy after this past month of eating sweets and stuffing cookies in our (*ahem), your faces? Plus, these recipes work well into spring as they are verdant and fresh. Happy eating and cheers to you!

The Kitchn: Trio of Cheese Balls

Kitchenist: Shaved Asparagus Tartine

Deliciously Organic: Sauteed baby Artichokes with Lemon

101 Cookbooks: Hummus en Fuego

Bon Appetit: Mini Zucchini and Goat Cheese Tarts

Martha Stewart: Lemon Drop Champagne Punch

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

Happy Holidays 2011!

From the entire team here at Josie Maran, we wish you a wonderful holiday and thank you for being a part of our lives and community!

GET THE LOOK Jil Sander Fall 2011

This striking look is even more vibrant and colorful than last week's Get the Look. . .and perfect for the bold girl's holiday festivities! Sure, it takes a little sass to wear both a bright red and a zing of aquamarine, but as opposites, these two colors go together well and will complement your LBD (that's little black dress, if you didn't know). But remember, keep your face the focal point by refraining from large earrings (small ones work) and perhaps adding a vintage bracelet if you wish.

1. Turn your face into a clean palette with our Argan Bear Naked Wipes followed by a touch of our Argan Tinted Moisturizer, finishing with our Argan Pressed Powder in Natural.

2. Using a small eyeshadow brush, line the top of your eyelids carefully with our Argan Eye Shadow in Bali. 

3. Carefully line and fill in your lips with our Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain in Flamenco, followed by a coat of Jive.

4. Finish with a soft coat of Argan Mascara in Brown.