GOODBYE WINTER SKIN Giveaway

Hello friends! While Josie is away at QVC, we're here experiencing some rain as if the seasons change in Los Angeles. While we only get winter visiting for a day or two, we know some of you are out there prepping for the real cold. So we want to know, how do you survive winter? Do you slather on Argan Oil? Eat lots of soup? Layer up in long johns? By next Thursday, tell us your seasonal solutions for survival and you may win a little prize (hint: Argan Oil, anyone? The winner will be announced next Friday. And while you're at it, check out our top picks for saying goodbye to winter skin.

Send your photos and stories here. See you Monday!

(We're sorry, but the giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only).

A DAY IN THE LIFE Halloween with Sephora

Our Director of Education, Jessica Camper, sent us a few photos from her Halloween with the Sephora team in Dallas. The entire zombie/fish look on Jordan Cook was created using our REM Pen 2-in-1 Argan Eye Shadow & Gel Liners. Crazy, huh?

What were you for Halloween? Post a photo on our Facebook wall and we'll select a winner to get an awesome prize.

WINNER Think Pink

From the bottom of our hearts we'd like to say thank you to everyone who shared their story for the Think Pink Giveaway. To know that breast cancer has affected so many people as told through their own words humanizes the struggle and the realities of this disease. Like we said before, sometimes its hard to hear the true survival stories through the din of all of the pink that bombards us during this month. We wanted to contribute in the fight through our Think Pink Collection, but beyond that we hoped to connect with our readers and our customers this month. And that we have.

Congrats to our winner Cathy who has shown so much resilience and bravery during her life! We wish you many happy and healthy years.

You can contact us here to claim your prize.

THINK PINK Giveaway

Beyond all of the pink products that bombard us during October, there are stories. Survival stories. Stories of heartbreak or of beating the odds. Stories of coming together in support of a loved one or finding the courage to face breast cancer personally. It seems that everyone has been touched by it and it is so much deeper than just a color or a ribbon. In my own life, I was touched by breast cancer after having a grandmother who was diagnosed with it. Grandma Rita is now healthy luckily (in fact, she's thriving as you can see here) and for that I am so grateful.

For our Think Pink giveaway, I am asking that you share a snippet of your story with us in the comments section. How have you been touched by breast cancer? Out of it, what has given you strength? We encourage you to share and to express yourself in honor of this month of survivors and of those that we should remember. We'll be picking at random one winner who will receive the ENTIRE Think Pink collection.

The winner will be announced next Friday on Facebook and the blog.

Photos from Pinterest.com

WINNER Hello Autumn

Congratulations to Kayla, winner of our HELLO AUTUMN Giveaway. Her photos of how she celebrates fall made us wish we had a true autumn season in Los Angeles! Apple donuts, fresh-pressed cider and picking pumpkins? How fun!! We hope she and every one of you have a wonderful last few weeks of October. We know we'll be stuffing ourselves full of pumpkin soon. In fact, anyone have a good recipe for pumpkin cookies?

Thanks to everyone who submitted entries. It was a tough decision as there was plenty of creativity and lots of lovely photos!

HELLO AUTUMN Giveaway

Hello friends! Recently, Rumi (my sweet daughter), the family and I went to a hoedown at her school complete with dancing, hay bales and plenty of festive food. It got me thinking, how do y'all (I said that after being there awhile) celebrate the season? Do you pick pumpkins? Bake apple pies? Jump around in the leaves? I want to know!

Send me your photos showing me how you get festive for fall and you could win my Fall Magic Marker Cheek and Lip Stain Trio and a Fall Argan Eye Shadow Trio of your choice! Send 3-4 high res photos with an explanation of how you say hello autumn no later than Thursday, October 13. The winner will be featured on the blog on Friday, October 14! Submit entries HERE.

Happy weekend!

WINNER What's In Your Kitchen Giveaway

Congratulations to Francine, winner of our WHAT'S IN YOUR KITCHEN Giveaway. Her recipe entry of natural peanut butter rice treats is simple, family-friendly and as you can see, delicious! We can't wait to test it out in the office.

Natural Peanut Butter Rice Treats
Ingredients
7 cups puffed brown rice
1 1/2 cups crunchy organic peanut butter (no sugar or salt)
2/3 cup agave nectar
1 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract  
 
Directions
Prepare a 9 x 9 pan by criss-crossing wax paper with a 5 inch overlap on each side.
 
Pour the puffed rice into a large bowl, set aside. Melt the peanut butter and agave nectar over low heat (or microwave 1-2 minutes) until liquid. Stir together well then add the vanilla extract. Continue stirring until all ingredients are well incorporated.
 
Combine the peanut butter mixture with the puffed rice and mix well (until the rice is well coated). Pour into the prepared pan. Fold over the wax paper overhang and press down hard to firm up the treats.
 
Refrigerate treats for a few hours before cutting into squares.

WHAT'S IN YOUR KITCHEN Giveaway

Now that I've been giving you a peek into my kitchen, I'm wondering, what's in yours? We're looking for your favorite fresh, organic and delicious recipes + 4-5 original photos in the same style as my Undressed Burrata Salad photos. Think step-by-step photos with ingredients so that the rest of our readers can whip it up in their own kitchens!

The winner of the What's In Your Kitchen giveaway will get a Deluxe 100% Pure Argan Oil ($92 value!) to keep their chef hands and face moisturized. We'll pick a winner next Wednesday, September 28 so turn in your entries by Tuesday, September 27.

Submit entries HERE.

Photos from one of our favorite food blogs, Stonesoup.

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY The Beginning

So how, you may ask, did Workout Wednesday begin? Like Josie mentioned, she believes in balance and that extends to her outlook about her company. How can we possibly be making products that are good for you outside without focusing on the beauty within? How can we support each other in caring about the world around us without looking at our own lives, too?

And so, eight months ago, Workout Wednesday was born at Josie Maran Cosmetics. We huffed and puffed our way through it at first, but over time we saw change. Sure, it was fun to share a plate of cookies at the lunch table, but it was even sweeter to support each other in becoming stronger and healthier; To get each other through running around the block and up the stairs rather than bowing out.

So here is our advice to starting your own Workout Wednesday or Tuesday, or even every other Monday:

-First, start by making simple changes for yourself. Take the stairs, park a little further, pick a grocery basket over a cart. Yes, there are some here who workout more than once a week, but even those who don't have seen changes in their strength, endurance and health simply with one hour a week of activity.

-Find a lunch buddy who will share in healthy choices. Perhaps you bring a big salad and they bring soup to split. Meet each other for a water break to get your proper fill.  Or stock your drawer with nutritious snacks like raw almonds or whole fruit that can be passed around. Whatever the small change, share it.

-Finally, dedicate one day (or more if you can!) to movement. That means a workout, a hike, a walk around the block, or dancing around your living room. Find what is best for you, but most importantly—stick to it.
All you need is to begin.

How do you stay healthy?

Leave a comment and your email address and we'll select one on Friday, September 16 as the winner of an Argan Sun Protection for Body.