Friday, April 30, 2010

Feature Friday by Jennie Fresa







Meet Kerry and Andrew.  Kerry is one of our July brides.  A few weeks back, Kerry and Andrew met with photographers extraordinaire, Justin and Mary Marantz in New Haven to recreate their very first date at Pepe's Pizza on Wooster Street.  What a clever idea for an engagement photo session!  The timing was perfect too- the sun was shining and the cherry blossoms in full bloom!  I hope you'll enjoy a glimpse into true love with this happy couple!  Oh, and I did Kerry's makeup before the shoot (and yes, her skin really is that flawless, even in person!!).  We can't wait for the BIG day!

XO

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Guest Blogger Thursday: Jack Gordon with Triomph


Tighten, tone, tantalize!

Having spent many years in the beauty industry, I found that whether I was working with a client at Lancome, Mac, or Trish, the common thread that most women shared was “lack of time”. Whether a career in law, a career in fashion, or a career as a stay at home mom, women everywhere felt  applying a “full face” of makeup and taking it all off at night was just too much! So I quickly adapted skincare programs and makeup looks to accommodate these busy ladies.

 Years later after leaving the cosmetics arena and entering the world of fitness, health, & wellness, I heard it again, “Not enough time”! I recently opened my own facility and I am constantly trying and testing various exercises, programs, and ideas in classes and on personal clients to come up with time saving, and results oriented routines. 

Today we are going to start off with three simple (yet very effective) exercises, that truly can be done anywhere at any time (just about!).And P.S. brides to be – these are perfect for you because they will hit all the target spots (butt, gut, tris, & thighs!). I’ll ad some tips to help with form, or to give some challenge.

Do 12-15 reps of a particular exercise before moving to 12-15 of the next. When all are completed, begin the series again. You want to do 4 sets (rounds) total.  Rest 30 seconds between each exercise and one  minute  after each completed set.  More cardio? Intermediate? Go from exercise to exercise and only do the one minute rest between set…and add another set or two!

Exercises

Hi-Low! (core, glutes, legs): Reach high as you can and while at the same time going down into a squat position. Feet should be no more than shoulder width apart, arms parallel with your ears. Come up to a stand, (arms are always reaching upward), and go down again this time stepping backward with the right leg into a rear lunge position, step up again and then squat squat, come up, and go down again this time stepping back with the left leg into a rear lunge. Come up again and squat, then come up again and begin the alternating lunges with squat in between again. Each combo of step back right/squat/step back left = 1rep! Tips: Reach high as if fingers were being pulled to the sky, and when squatting try to get thighs parallel to the floor (like sitting in an invisible chair), and when lunging, try to get rear shin parallel to the floor (like a hieroglyphic picture!).

Creepy Crawlers!(core, triceps(arms), legs, glutes): Stand with feet shoulder width apart, drop down into  a squat, fall forward and crawl out with the hands until body is fully extended into  a pre-pushup position, and then immediately push back with the hands and reverse crawl back to the feet stand and repeat! This one is a doozy! Tip: For more upper body and core toning and tightening, at the end of the crawl out stay in push up position for a count of 10, then crawl back. OR, do a push up, then stay in upward push up position for a count of ten, then crawl back!

Twist it! (triceps, core): Go down into a pushup position. Fingers pointing forward, shoulders directly over wrists. You should look like the number 7 that has fallen forward. Or an upside down check mark. Alternating, bring the opposite knee to the opposite elbow. Each left and right twist is one rep! Squeeze the core and obliques as you twist. Tip: To get the glutes involved, after your twist set, remain in push up position and lift each heel (leg stays straight!) toward the ceiling 15 times each, working the glute only! Don’t swing the hips or bend the core! It’s a tiny movement of about 6-8 inches only.

And there you have it! Quick, effective, and fun! Comments or questions? Contact me (Jack Gordon) at info@triomph.us. And visit Triomph’s website: http://www.triomph.us!




Wednesday, April 28, 2010

What's Happening Wednesday: Fashion and Makeup Trunk Show

I have a busy weekend ahead of me!  To start, I'll be in Greenwich on Friday evening teaming up with Etcetera for a fun night of Fashion and Beauty!  I'll be showcasing JF Minerals and sharing quick tips on how to get the perfect look for summer nights out! 

On Saturday morning, along with Ned and Kelly, we'll be heading to Hartford to do hair and makeup for our lovely spring bride, Alli.  We are so happy to be a part of the "getting ready" process for Alli and her entire bridal party!  I'll even be sticking around on Saturday evening to touch up Alli after her ceremony at the Old State House in Hartford.  This is going to be a stunning wedding headed by event planner, Candice of Jubilee Events.  

Now, off to the Beauty Library for a full day of appointments and to prepare for this exciting weekend of events.....

XO



Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Tough as Nails


The secret to fortifying thin and brittle nails is to use a keratin-rich product on them each week.  Try Duri Rejuvacote.  This formula used by most pro manicurists strengthens and nourishes weak nails.  It doubles as a top coat, leaving a high shine finish and helps polish last longer.  

XO

Monday, April 26, 2010

Must Have Monday: Sprout Wellness All-Over Cream


As many of you already know, I'm on a quest to find a 100% natural skin care line to carry at the Beauty Library.  The research has been a enlightening and getting to sample all of the dreamy products, well that's part of what makes my job so much fun!!  Recently an ole' pal of mine from my "Trish Days" put me in touch was a gal who cooks up delicious holistic products right in her Brooklyn kitchen!  Her name is Adina and she is the owner of SPROUT WELLNESS!!  Her products are created based on holistic principles, using ingredients that are proven to be healing, gentle, and effective for all skin types.  The products are placed in glass jars with homemade labels.  Talk about being green!

One of my favorite products that Adina makes is the All-Over Cream!  It's magic in a jar, and for only $18.  Made with wildcrafted shea butter from the fair-trade Agbanga Karite Women's Collective in Togo, your skin will feel smooth as a baby's bottom!
  
Here's what it does for you:

*Natural sun protection
*Anti-inflammatory
*High in anti-oxidants
*Aids cell regeneration
*Promotes elasticity
*Treats blemishes, chapped lips, wrinkles, rashes, stretch marks and sun spots!

You HAVE to try it!!  www.sproutwellnessnyc.com

XO

Friday, April 23, 2010

Feature Friday: Behind the Scenes with JFBL

A few weeks ago Ned and I made up of the faces of several models who graced the runway to raise funds and awareness for Liberty Community Services as part of Project Style. The event was held at the New Haven Lawn Club.

"The idea was to use fashion as a away to engage the community about our topic- supporting the homeless" said John Bradley, executive director of Liberty.

We got involved through my friend Tracy, of Tracy B Boutique on Chapel Street in New Haven. I thought is was a great way to "give back" while doing what we love most!

The show featured emerging local designers and special guest, Kara Janx of the famed TV show Project Runway. It was such a pleasure to meet Kara, hear her inspiring story and get to do her makeup for the event.

We hope you'll enjoy a behind the scenes look at us in action! Many thanks to our new makeup intern Shelly who captured this footage and put together this fun video! We hope to bring you more videos like this one and even some makeup tutorials in the near future. Stay tuned....

XO



Thursday, April 22, 2010

Guest Blogger Thursday: Tracee Dolan


I don't believe in coincidence. Call me crazy, but I believe the universe conspires to give us everything we ever dream.  A common word I use in my classes is "allow". Sometimes all we have to really do is 'allow' ourselves to feel good. 'Allow' our dreams to come true. Like most people, I spent many years of my life 'swimming up stream' pushing for the wrong things to happen and stubbornly forcing myself to be a certain way (or surround myself with difficult people). One day I woke up. I started to try things that kind of scared me and I stepped out of my comfort zone. I mindfully faced my life with an openness to new experience and allowed myself to be content.  I stopped watching so much tv, became more mindful of what I ate and I also started to read  a lot of metaphysical books :)  (thanks to yoga teacher training).

Yesterday, while driving I was pleasantly surprised by a not so coincidental sound byte from an unknown radio show on a station that I never tuned into before. A man with a sweet Australian accent declared over the silence of my evening drive: "we need to stop externalizing responsibility" and the voice inside my self followed with " and start internalizing possibility". This was no coincidence. We all have things that happen in life that we are not pleased about. Crazy things happen and things do go wrong. But as this man continued to divulge on this mystery radio show: "we need to realize the lesson and move on, and when we do this, we raise our vibration and we grow".  

It really is that simple. Allow yourself to grow and find comfort in the realization that everything you need to complete your goals and wildest dreams is nestled inside of yourself. You could play the blame game for the rest of your life, or you can learn from it- move forward and allow your best self to unfold.  

If you would like to sign up for my next beach meditation group & learn more about raising your vibration and how to allow yourself some possibility,  please contacttraceeteachesyoga@gmail.com and mention the  'jennie fresa beauty library' for a special discount on a guided meditation class. Bring a friend! 

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

What's Happening Wednesday: E-List Review

If you don't already know about the E-LIST, you are really missing out!  What exactly is it, you ask?  It's a FREE weekly e-newsletter about "all good things" on the shoreline--the best in food, shopping, beauty arts, and more!  We are so excited to be featured on the E-LIST this week!  Check out our stellar write-up!!  Stay in-the- know and sign up for the newsletter here!


Jennie Fresa Beauty Library
Clinton
Laura (sole e-list employee) manages to stay ever-so-zen  when faced with my weekly mania and sticks cheerfully to our hairy deadlines. As a special treat, I sent her to the Beauty Library for a Fassage, Jennie Fresa's genius four-part treatment. After a tea-tree foot soak and a peach and lavender paraffin hand treatment, Jennie indulges your skin in a deep cleansing facial with a fruit enzyme peel, and wraps up the hour long treatment with a stress-relieving massage of the feet, hands, arms and decollete. An indulgent Mother's Day/graduation/bridal shower gift for $90. Laura came away oohing and aahing about the Fassage and the charming 18th century Cape that houses Jennie's mini spa. Famous for creating a fresh face for local brides, she offers treatments, makeup and consultations in the pretty red house on Bridal Row in Clinton. 
 


Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Long Lasting Makeup


Taking the time to prep your skin can make all of the difference in the staying power of your makeup!

Using a silicone-based primer will help to give your makeup longevity, erase your fine lines and minimize the appearance of your pores.  You makeup will stay put and you're skin will look extremely even.

If you're like me, you wont use this type of product everyday but it makes a BIG difference when you have a special event and want to look your absolute best!

Try La Base by Lancome.

XO

Monday, April 19, 2010

Must Have Monday: Farmaesthetics Cool Aloe Mist


Last week I was invited by Sarah True to attend a very special event and stay at the luxurious Castle Hill Inn in Newport RI.  Our stay was nothing short of spectacular.  Our ocean front beach house was perfectly decorated with Victorian seacoast charm and we were treated with top shelf hospitality from the moment we arrived.  One of the many special touches during our stay was found right in our room-- a beautifully wrapped gift box filled with FARMAESTHETICS skin care products!  You can only imagine my excitement when Sarah said I could have the box of mini, glass bottles filled with lotions, potions and powders!  It was love at first sight!  Just the packaging alone, had me sold.  

Committed to "Sustainable Beauty", all Farmaesthetic products are 100% natural utilizing certified organic herbs, flowers, oils and grains from American family farms. 

This week I thought I would feature the Cool Aloe Mist.  The cooling mist was raved about on The View, as a MUST-HAVE for the beach bag.  It's also great as a refreshing toner after workouts!!  I use it everyday after I wash my face.

Since my visit to Castle Hill,  I have been using all of the products on myself as well as trying them out in our SPA!!   Let me tell you ladies, these products are amazing!  Not only do they smell delicious, they leave your skin soft, clean and absolutely glowing!  

I already reached out to the company and hope to retail them at the Beauty Library in the near future!  I'll keep you all posted....

In the mean time, the flagship store is in Newport RI or you can order on-line!  

XO



Friday, April 16, 2010

Feature Friday by Nedelyn Perry



These days a lot of brides are not wearing veils during the reception. If you want to wear a hair accessory but still want to keep it simple I suggest Hair pins. Hair pins like these with beautiful Swarvoski crystals are a great alternative to a comb or barrette because you can place them wherever you want a hint of sparkle.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Guest Blogger Thursday: Tracee Dolan



Beauty Library: wellness adjustments...literally.

There is a lot of buzz about EMF's and how they affect our bodies and minds. With the prevalence of wireless internet, cell phone towers and the myriad of electronic devices we use every day, there is pretty heavy evidence that we may be in overload. 

EMF is short for electro magnetic field and the jury is still out. Some say yes yes! they are correlated to health problems and some cry: absolutely not. My opinion is that if it's artificial- chances are it isn't that great for you-electricity, food & chemical- wise, choose wisely.

So, what are you supposed to do about this? Another crazy thing to worry about? No way! Just do your research, form an opinion and take time to reset, literally!  Grounding down is a popular technique. This a way to neutralize the energy and EMF's running through our bodes. What is the perfect way to ground down? Well, it is to literally step your bare feet upon the earth. The earth is believed to neutralize our charge. It literally grounds us 'down to earth". 

Take a moment. Plant your feet onto the ground. Inhale through your nose. exhale through your nose. Feel the sun, smell the air. Imagine that you are tuning in to your most sensible self. Try this before you answer your slew of emails or make those calls.  Pressing reset. Clearing your slate. All of these seemingly cliche phrases have an action that will really help in your well being. Think about it. Besides, grounding down- you can, spring clean, clear your slate, smell the roses.


Tracee Dolan is available for private and group meditation & yoga instruction. Please feel free to contact traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com for an appointment. 
-- 
Tracee Dolan 
617.448.5593 

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

What's Happening Wednesday: The 2010 Wedding Season




The 2010 wedding season is officially upon us!  This weekend, we kick start the season with Karyn and Paul!

With the helping hands and creative mind of event coordinator, Sarah True, this is going to be one dreamy party at Saltwater Farm Vineyards in Stonington, CT.  The overall style of the venue is romantic.  The look is vintage inspired with soft, feminine touches and whimsical accents (think, pink mercury candle votives and butterflies everywhere!)  I love every detail about this wedding--including Karyn herself!  We met a few months ago for a makeup trial.  I immediately fell in love with Karyn's eye for style and attention to detail.  The timing was perfect!  She was meeting Paul at their home in Old Saybrook that evening for their engagement photo session with Joshua Behan!

Check out some of these gorgeous images by Joshua!  Aren't they the cutest couple?!
JFBL (Nedelyn Perry on hair and myself) are so excited to be a part of this special day for Karyn and Paul.  We'll be sure to report back after the wedding and share some more pictures of Kayrn in her amazing wedding dress!

XO 




Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Beauty Tip Tuesday: A Natural Glow


Try out this natural, healthy mask that you can make at home.  It will help to even out skin tone, soften any dark spots and leave your skin looking positively radiant!

1 tablespoon of each:

sandalwood paste
lemon juice
tomato juice
cucumber juice

Mix ingredients together and form a paste.  Apply mask to face and leave on for about 15 minutes.  Rinse, and apply moisturizer.

Try using this mask 1-2 times a week!

XO

Monday, April 12, 2010

Must Have Monday: GREEN Beauty Series #3- Organic Hand Cream


It was a perfect day to work in the garden! 

Today, I met my housemate, Sarah True and my darling, handsome, and super supportive husband at the Red House ( home of Jennie Fresa Beauty Library and True Event) to "pretty" the property and get it ready for the warmer months ahead.  We weeded, seeded, pruned, raked, mulched and planted (which if any of you know me, is a pretty big feat since I don't usually like to get my hands dirty)!  

It was yet another productive day on Wedding Row!  Finally, we are officially ready for business!  Our new sign is perfectly finished with a second coat of paint and the landscaping looks like a million dollars ( well, not quite, but definitely much better than before!)  My poor little fingers are pay for it though!  I thought I would look into an organic hand treatment to use on days I'm wearing my green thumb.  Here is what I found:


I'm a big fan of L'Occitane products.  This "gardeners" hand cream promises to nourish your digits and smooth away any calluses.  It even smells like something you would pick right from a garden-yummy!  Check it out and let me know what you think!!

Now, off to get a manicure!  Until next time.....

XO

Friday, April 9, 2010

Feature Friday by Kelly Sharkey

Last summer, Jennie and I joined forces with the talented Carrie Roseman for a photo shoot at the Beauty Library.


We were lucky enough to have three beautiful models join us and Beth Chapman from The White Dress By the Shore was kind enough to loan us some gorgeous wedding dresses.

We wanted a fun and youthful look and I couldn't be happier with the way things turned out.
Hope you enjoy the photos!
xoxo, Kelly

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Guest Blogger Thursday: Tracee Dolan



Inner Beauty Buzz: De-stress Be Excited!
We are energetic creatures! We light up a room, have a sixth sense, use our intuition & we feel excitement. We are more powerful & more connected to each other, than we realize. 

 I teach yoga & meditation to adults, teens, parents and children together, as well as parents & children apart. Part of my mission as a yoga teacher is to bring this awareness to my students. What you give your attention to, is your life, keep it positive :)

     No one ever really talks about this (outside of the wellness community). Most people seem to relate to the  'negative bias' social model. For a reminder of this, just look over a news feed of your facebook friends. Most status statements are complaints. We learn at a very young age to find comfort in sharing our woes and tragedy- in lieu of our accomplishments, dreams & schemes (re: things that make our heart sing). The middle schoolers I teach; think that if they sit up straight- they are sticking out their chest. They believe if they say they love themselves they are being conceited.  When they enter the room and you can feel their insecurity, self doubt & lack of confidence- you realize how connected we all are. 

  For 2010 rearrange your brain as well as what you bring your attention to. Make the decision to be excited and positive about what is going on in your life, instead of what is missing. It takes 21 days to create a new habit. Start today. Decide to stop stressing, worrying, or complaining. Stress is the number one cause of illness. 

   De -stressing is simple. It's all in your breath. Lengthening an exhale is the secret trick to relaxation. A lengthened exhale cues up your parasympathetic system ( the opposite of 'fight or flight', think: 'rest & digest').  If you are having a hard time letting go of stress or negative feelings. Take a moment. Inhale through your nose with a nice deep long breath. Pause. Then exhale in double the time from your low belly out thru your nose. 

Now that you are relaxed, reprogram your brain and your focus. What are you excited about. Is it the weather? something you're working on? a vacation? the tea or coffee you're sipping? Let that excitement fill your heart, mind and body. Approach everyday with this zeal. Try it for 21 days.





For more meditation or yoga techniques, please contact: Tracee Dolan for group or private instruction. traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com 

-- 
Tracee Dolan 
617.448.5593 


Wednesday, April 7, 2010

What's Happening Wednesday: Working with Karen Bussen

The lovely and beautiful Karen Bussen
Karen's new book! ( cover shot at The White Dress by the Shore)

We are thrilled to be kick starting one amazing (and super busy) 2010 wedding season in just a few weeks!  With close to 100 bookings, we have our work cut out for ourselves, but couldn't be more happy about our growing success!

This May, we are very excited to be working with one of the wedding industry's most sought after entertaining experts, Karen Bussen!  

I had the pleasure of meeting Karen a little over a year ago at a wedding discussion panel at The White Dress by the Shore, where Karen was sharing some helpful advice on how to plan a unique wedding.  

Known in the business as a quintuple-threat, Karen has an extensive background in food, wine, hospitality, flowers, and design!  She creates true, one of a kind events with extraordinary style!  She has been featured on shows such as Regis and Kelly and The Today Show and her advice is recognized in several regional and national magazines.

Karen is also the author of the Simple Stunning Wedding Book Series-- A collection of books brimming with beautiful pictures, ideas, tips, recipes, inspirations and much more!  Her latest book, Simple Stunning Bride, celebrates your style right up to the big day!  It covers everything from bridal dresses and accessories, to tips and advice from top notch fitness and beauty experts!

Thank you Karen and Nicole for thinking of Jennie Fresa Beauty Library!!  We are really looking forward to working with you and your incredible team later this Spring!

For more information on Karen and for some fun, easy recipes for entertaining at home and beyond, visit her blog!

All of Karen's books are available at Barnes and Noble.

XO


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

beauty tip tuesday: Should you worry about Parabens?


We all long for beautiful, radiant skin.  So many products promise these results but are they always the healthiest choice in the long term?  Recently, there has been a lot of buzz about parabens, a common preservative found in many beauty products.  The question is, do we really need to worry about it?

I found an article in real simple magazine that answered a lot of my questions, so I thought I would share what I learned.

Typically, more than one form of the ingredient is used in a product: Here is what you should look for on the labels:

butylparaben, methyparaben, and propylparaben are the most common.

According to Arther Rich, Ph.D, a cosmetic chemist in Chestnut Ridge, New York, "About 85 % of cosmetics have them, they are inexpensive and effective."

In case you are wondering, parabens have been used in products to prevent bacteria growth since the 1950's.  In the 1990's however, parabens were deemed xenoestrogens-- agents that mimic estrogen in the body.  "Estrogen disruption" has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.

Costumer concerns have prompted many brands to manufacture and label their products paraben-free.  Here are some Paraben-free products:


New York City Dermatologist tells her patients that" so far there's no scientific evidence to support any link with any form of cancer.  Currently, the amount of parabens in any product is quite small."  The U.S Food and Drug Administration and World Health Organization consider the chemicals safe at low levels.

So, the bottom line is be mindful but don't have an all-consuming concern of these chemicals.  To put yourself at ease, choose products from the brands listed below and start reading the labels.  Or, play it really safe, use oil-based organic products that come in dark bottles.  

Check out:  Organicbeautyexpert.com for more information.

xo

Monday, April 5, 2010

Must Have Monday: Dr. Hauschka Foot Balm


Continuing with our "green beauty series" is a product by Dr. Hauschka.  All of the products in this delicious-smelling skin and body line are paraben-free! ( be sure to check back tomorrow for some helpful information on just how worried you should be about these common preservatives found in lots of beauty products).  

Go ahead,  get those sandals and flip flops out of the closet and show off those freshly groomed toes!

This foot balm delivers!  It  soothes, stimulates circulation and warmth, absorbs moisture and softens calluses and corns with rosemary and sage essential oils.  A great product to use this summer in between your pedicure appointments!


XO

Friday, April 2, 2010

Feature Friday: by Lindsay Milan


This is Theresa:


She is cute as a button, and is the kind of girl that makes you feel like you've been best friends for years, even after just walking in the door. Not to mention, she is amazingly talented... but more on that later...


I recently met Theresa (and her lovely mom!) at the Beauty Library for her hair and makeup trial. With no specific looks in mind, save for a few ideas and great conversation, we got to work on creating Theresa's wedding day hairstyle.



Theresa wanted a romantic, almost whimsical 'do for her July 'garden party-esque' wedding, and this is the style that happened very organically as we gabbed away. The yellow 'orb' you see in the picture above, tucked into the bottom of her hair, is actually a flower that she'll have included in her bouquet! How cool is that? Of course, the day-of, we'll have a bunch more, placed and pinned throughout her hair...


You might also notice that gorgeous floral headband tied in the front, and perhaps you're thinking to yourself, "Where did she find that, and how can I get one?!" I know those were my thoughts when I first saw it!

Well, remember when I mentioned that Theresa is amazingly talented? She made it! Having seen her work of art in person, I have to say it was beautifully done. It was crafted with such care and attention to detail, using more flowers from her bouquet - and yes, those are real flowers in her headband!


And ladies, listen up! If you're looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind hair accessory for your wedding day, or any other special event, Theresa is a CT-based artist who can custom craft a floral headband for you! She can be reached via email at theresa.santopolo@gmail.com.

Trust me gals, you WANT one of this delicious floral masterpieces! I'm already desperately searching my schedule for the perfect occasion to wear such a beautiful piece of art!

Theresa, I am so looking forward to working with you again on your wedding day. What a fun, gorgeous bride you will be!

That's it for now, JF beauties! Until next time...

x
Lindsay



Thursday, April 1, 2010

Relationship Thursday: Words of Wisdom



Since beginning this relationship blog, I've talked to a lot of people about what being in a happy and healthy relationship means to them. Today, someone shared some great advice:

All couples, whether dating, married,etc, need to have their life together as a couple, and their own separate interests and friendships. It's not healthy to do EVERYTHING together. Having some time apart to do things on your own helps to make the time you do spend together more special. -Anonymous