REFINERY 29 Reserve

I'm back, ladies and gentlemen! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you were able to eat, drink and be merry surrounded by loved ones.

If you haven't been checking up on our Facebook in a while (I encourage you to like us!), then you may not have heard that we teamed up with the oh-so-stylish Refinery29 for a sweet little Reserve deal that is $64.20 for $108 worth of my great products. Get it here before December 19.

Oh, and they also caught up with me to find out my beauty regimen, how I stay healthy (by shaking it out and dancing it up, of course) and where I recommend for the best lunch in Los Angeles. You'll have to read here to find out.

It's good to be back, but I'm off again to the QVC studios for quick hits at 6am and 10pm EST on December 2. Stay tuned.

P.S. Here are more photos of our offices. Next time you're in town, stop by and draw on our chalk door!

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY Play

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I know, I know. . . the last thing you want to do after you've filled your belly with delicious food is to run around. But I urge you, I ask you, I kindly remind you that a few hours after you eat, your heart and your muscles will thank you if you just get up and play. Where there is cold weather, perhaps a little indoor yoga and stretching with family? If in a milder climate, how about a brisk walk or a quick game of backyard tag? Yes, I know it's ever-so-tempting to snooze on the couch, but in the spirit of being with your loved ones and of loving by encouraging good health. . .play!

Happy eating and happy playing! May the holiday be wonderful for you and your family.

And if I haven't told you lately, THANK YOU for being on this journey with me. A little message for you.

JOSIE LOVES La Buena Vida

After perusing around Roost, we've found so many other wonderful journals by equally talented writers and photographers. La Buena Vida, the vibrant blog of Brooklyn photographer Nicole Franzen, is a joy to read and so vivid that you'll feel the warmth emitting from her posts. A vegtarian, she also offers up scrumptious recipes that, even around this time of year, will satisfy both the meat-eater and veggie alike.

In short, we're sure you'll be as enchanted as we are. Happy browsing!

A DAY IN THE LIFE: Elves' Faire

Rumi and I dressed up in our elf princess best this weekend to join the many families at her school for the Annual Elves' Faire, a winter festival starring Father Winter, a Jack Frost Bake Shoppe, this giant bird's nest and of course, many elves (a.k.a. the happy kids running about). It's a tradition we look forward to!

What are your holiday traditions?

JOSIE'S TIPS Margic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain in Mambo

Inevitably, the holidays come and suddenly you find yourself going from must-do to festivity without stopping in between. Well, meet your best friend. Mambo, the burnt orange hue of our Magic Marker Lip and Cheek Stain, gives you a seasonal splash of color on your lips and cheeks and is perfectly portable so you can throw it in your purse for a quick touch up. Here are a few of my tips for this one-stick wonder:

-If you really find yourself sans time to put makeup on in the morning (moms, you know how this goes), take this and rub a bit on your cheeks and lips when you get 5 seconds of peace. A little color goes a long way and will surely make you feel more like you and less ragged-because-it's-the-holidays-and-I-have-20-thousand-things-to-do.

-To bring focus to your lips, skip using it on your cheeks. Line your lips and then fill them in carefully for a stop-and-stare pout that matches the orange leaves around you.

-Not a lip color person? Dab a few dots on the apples of your cheeks with the Magic Marker and blend in with your fingertips. You'll have a fresh, sun-kissed glow that will instantly liven up your face.

WHAT WE'RE EATING Thanksgiving 2011

Being the foodies that we are, we've decided to throw together a little potluck at the office the day before Thanksgiving. Everyone is bringing in their favorite dish and the verdict? It's going to be a "side show" filled with plenty of carbohydrates and a dash of sugar. We recommend a week of dedicated exercise after a party like this. 

What about you? Does your work do anything in honor of giving thanks?

Food + Words: Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar

Tartlette: Drunken Pumpkin Pie

My Baking Addiction: Sweet Potato Casserole

Gourmet: Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Verses from my Kitchen: Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Martha Stewart: Mushroom and Walnut Stuffing

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

A DAY IN THE LIFE Autumn Weekend

After running all over New York City for meetings (with a stroll through the park in between), I got some R&R with the family on Sunday. We perused the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market looking for fun treasures and sipped lemonade to beat the heat. Funny how I went from the falling leaves of the East Coast to the hot sun of the West Coast! Speaking of NY, any recommendations for must-visit eateries or shops when I'm in town? I'd love to get your local perspective so send away!

WINNER Goodbye Winter Skin

How could we resist this face when selecting our winner of the Goodbye Winter Skin Giveaway? Actually, Katherine gave us some great tips for getting through the cold and we thought that Schmoopie and his sweater just added to her great entry. Congrats!

How does she do it? To survive winter Katherine:

• Begins the day with a cup of hot water and lemon to replenish her body and get her blood flowing. 
• Puts on some sunscreen (and sweaters for her and the pup) and heads out for a brisk walk with Schmoopie to get some fresh air and start the day truly awake!
• Drinks room temperature or hot water throughout the day to stay hydrated and warm.
• Eats seasonally to keep her body in balance.
• Treats her hair to a weekly mask for extra moisture.
• Keeps active with yoga (which can be done in the warmth of the indoors).

Wonderful tips and truly a great routine to survive the season. As for Schmoopie, send us more photos Katherine! What a doll.

GET THE LOOK Balmain Fall 2011

The Balmain Fall 2011 line may have been composed of glam rock inspiration a la David Bowie, but the fresh-faced models inspired us to give you tips on having perfectly smooth, even winter skin. Their cheeks were slightly dewy with the sheerest hint of color, while their lips had a only a hint of color as if their lipstain had rubbed off on their pillows. To get this simple look, follow our advice.

1. After cleansing skin with the Argan Cleansing Oil, mix a small drop of 100% Argan Oil with our Argan Oil Daily Moisturizer with SPF 40+ for extra hydration. Let your skin soak it up before applying foundation.

2. Even out skin tone with Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation.

3. Dab the Argan Color Stick in Rosey on the apples of your cheeks and on your lips making sure to blend in lightly for a soft color.

4. Finish the look with a coat of GOGO Instant Natural Volume Mascara.

That's it! Simple. Now go forth and be moisturized.