THE GLOW

One of our treasureyourself project members (who has a fabulous blog here) shared a link on our facebook page to a website and I have only just had the chance to have a look at it and I LOVE IT. It is called The Glow. Founded by supermodel Josie Maran - she interviews inspiring, fashionable and successful mothers – actresses, stylists, artists and designers – sharing photos of their homes, thoughts on motherhood and some completely gorgeous photography. It is sort of like what I am trying to create here: a collection of inspiring stories & families, a place to celebrate Motherhood, as well as a (not so subtle) undercurrent is that you can be a wonderful Mother AS WELL AS be successful in other areas of your life. Have a look!THE GLOW Josie Maran burst onto the modeling scene at the tender age of 12, and was working full-time by 17. Supermodel status followed thanks to a decade-long Maybelline contract, countless magazine covers, and appearances in the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Little did the world know that Marans biggest career accomplishments were still to come. While pregnant with her first child, the eco-conscious mom-to-be realized she couldnt find "healthy makeup that was good enough for a makeup artist." True to her trailblazer-spirit, she created it herself. Six years later, Josie Maran Cosmetics has become the go-to eco-beauty brand. Marans love of nature influences every aspect of her life—she delivered daughter Rumi in the lavender-filled field of their Laurel Canyon family compound and plans to give birth to her second child, due next month, at the Pennsylvania farmhouse theyve decamped to for the summer. Its all about balance for this earth mother, though in some cases, Maran admits, extremes win out, "Im either in 4-inch heels or barefoot." "At every big moment in my life, theres been someone saying, Theres no way you can do this. You cant be a supermodel, youre too short. You cant run a company, you have no experience. You cant create a line thats high-performance and natural. I’m most proud of the fact that I always believed in myself, and that through love and a lot of elbow grease, I’ve made my way successfully by staying true to who I am.""I wish someone had told me that I didn’t need so much stuff to raise a happy baby. Before Rumi was even born, we’d collected a mountain of stuff, and hardly any of it ever got used. As we speak, Rumi’s running around outside, picking wildflowers, staring at ladybugs, swinging on an old rope swing. No stuff required!" "I wish I was better at everything! Isn’t that the essence of being a mom—trying to do everything better every day? Just the thought of her lifts my spirits and motivates me to be a better person and leave her a better world."A Few of Her Favorite Things...1. “Messy painting, drawing or any form of art that doesn’t come out a kit.2. Playing superheros (and taking it seriously), and any dance costume parties (animal masks required).3. Hutson Salon Day: we apply temporary tattoos, paint rainbow nails (Val likes a superhero palette for fingers and toes), and, on special days, we dye Lowe’s hair pink.4. When Lowe takes Polaroids until the film runs out. She’s a better photographer than me.5. Chocolate-chip pancake Sundays. I am now required to make each one no larger than one inch."6. Friday movie night—we take it seriously. The living room must be built out of every bit of fluff in the house, it has to be very dark, with lots of popcorn and candy."“I made the decision long before I had children that they will grow up in an environment that’s as much theirs as it is ours. I added additions for them throughout the entire house to make them aware that this is their home as well. Each room has a childish touch. I want the whole house to be fun for everybody—I don’t like when people have serious rooms and then the kids have to play upstairs.”Visit The Glow