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!
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!
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
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.
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!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Feature Friday: Behind the Scenes with JFBL
"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
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!
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.
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.
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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!
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!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Must Have Monday: GREEN Beauty Series #3- Organic Hand Cream
Friday, April 9, 2010
Feature Friday by Kelly Sharkey
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Guest Blogger Thursday: Tracee Dolan
Inner Beauty Buzz: De-stress Be Excited!
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
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Tracee Dolan
617.448.5593
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
What's Happening Wednesday: Working with Karen Bussen
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?
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).
Friday, April 2, 2010
Feature Friday: by Lindsay Milan
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