Feature Friday by Jennie Fresa

photo credit: adrien broom

beauty wake up call:: Guest Blogger Tracee Dolan

Good Morning!
Do you really think this in the am when you arise from your deep or not so deep sleep? How do you approach your day? Is it with exhaustion, aggravation, are you annoyed with the sun peering into your once dark room.

Re-program your brain and first reaction to your new day- every day by greeting it with appreciation. Break the pattern of the blaring alarm- jarring you from sweet sleep and find a little promise and possibility in the sun, rain, clouds or dew that show each morning. Imagine your best possible day unfolding before you. This is such a small shift and it may change your entire day/week/perspective.

Another morning wake up tip? Stretch. Ever see a cat stretch? It feels as good as it looks. Your body detoxes while you sleep. So if you do a kitty-esque stretch when you arise, you break up the toxins and stuck areas in your muscles and you allow your prana, chi, life force, whatever you call it to flow through your body.



Tracee is availiable for private or group instruction. Please contact traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com

What's Happening Wednesday: Wedding Row Open House-JUNE 9TH

Beauty Tip Tuesday: raise your hand if you're sure!

Don't leave the house with deodorant stains!  I don't know about you but I have tried all the tricks (lint brush, scotch tape, baby wipes, invisible deodorant).... or at least I thought I had....

While on-location this weekend, I happen to notice a pretty cool trick from one of the event coordinators.  As the bridesmaids arrived for pictures, one of them had white deodorant stains on her lovely black, Badgley Mischka dress.  

In a calm, cool manner, Gina (who I believe to be the real Mary Poppins) whips out a man's white sock from the tote bag she had been carrying around all morning.  She carefully turned the sock inside out and gently rubbed the deodorant stain away!  Just like magic!

Who knew?!

XO

Clinique Even Better Clinical dark spot corrector

If you have dark spots, age spots, or acne scars and you are sick of using full coverage concealer everyday, then you MUST try this product!

A client of mine recently reported her experience with Clinique's new even better dark spot corrector.  The results we fascinating!  I saw the difference with my own eyes this weekend when I saw her again after she has been using the product for about 10 weeks.

In clinical trials, this serum created a 53% increase in even skin tone after only 4 weeks.  At about 12 weeks, it promises a visible reduction in dark spots, age spots and traces of acne scars.

How does it work?  Clinique discovered a botanical complex in the lilac family- dianella ensifolia--which works magic in exfoliating and breaking up melanin.  The result is faded spots, and glowing skin.  It also helps to calm inflammation.

Remember to pair this product with sun screen for optimal results!!

XO

Feature Fridays

Wedding Hair Trials by Nedelyn Perry

A

B

A Hair Trial is an opportunity for a bride to see what Hairstyles work with her hair type, bridal accessories (veil, combs etc..) and of course the wedding dress. So here are a few suggestions to get you ready for your Trial:

- A hair trial should be booked at least 3-6 months in advance.

- Bring pictures of styles you like and styles you don't like. I suggest checking out websites like www.style.com for inspiration.

- Bringing a camera is always a good idea.

- If you have your veil and hair accessories bring them along.

- Try not to bring too many people to your trial sometimes "Too many cooks can spoil the pot".

Lastly, don't be shy about asking your Stylist to try more than one look.

As you can see from the pictures above with the help of my lovely model Quincy I was able to go from Style A to B in about 1hr and 15 mins.

Remember, the goal here is to achieve your desired look!

Good Luck!

(Beauty & Fitness) Some Like It Hot:: Guest Blogger Tracee Dolan

To heat or not to heat, that is the question.

Hot Yoga is one of my favorite styles to practice and to teach. When people hear "Hot Yoga" they tend to think of Bikram- but Bikram is not the only option. Bikram Choundry founded a style of heated yoga. The room is heated to 105 degrees and the participants practice 26 asanas (poses) two times each. In lesser words, I would describe the teaching style as scripted. There are other options if you are craving some hot yoga action! But first let me explain the benefits of a heated practice:

• Increase in the release of toxins re: sweat detox
  

• Increase muscle tone

• Increase in flexibility and range of motion
  

There is also much to be said about the mental/meditative state a heated room can help to lull you into.
A hefty portion of my practice and teachings consist of a heated vinyasa (flow style, the style most closely related to a dance, each pose setting you up for the next posture). The room is heated anywhere from 80-100 degrees. The flow may change from class to class but I promise the bliss remains the same. Vinyasa is a yang (active) practice as opposed to a yin (more restorative). I recommend both.
I love love love teaching hot vinyasa classes. It is cleansing, reflective & powerful for both student and teacher. A hot yoga practice 3x a week or more will totally transform your body and nourish your heart and mind. There are moments on my yoga mat during a heated class when I am mesmerized by bliss and a deep love and appreciation for my practice, self, movement and moment.
Sound like something you would like to try? All you need is a water bottle, a towel and a yoga mat.
I teach Hot Yoga on Mondays & Fridays @ 8:30 am at Pure Studio in Branford Center or come practice with me at one of my favorite studio's Balanced Yoga in New Haven. Either option, I assure will provide a righteous hot yoga experience.

To contact Tracee for group or private yoga sessions contact traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com or phone 617.448.5593 mention the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library for a discounted 3 class pack.

What's Happening Wednesday: Attention Brides!!

Mark your calendars for June 9th!  Wedding Row is hosting another fabulous event that you won't want to miss!!  Come meet expert event planner, Karen Bussen and get an exclusive look at the latest collection from Modern Trousseau.  Hair and Makeup by our team here at JFBL!

And, here's more bridal fun to get excited about!  

Here Comes the Bride Giveaway with Scout.  The Official SALE.com Blog

Enter to win......it's simple.

Weddingchannel.com's Here Comes the Bride Giveaway--win this spectacular basket of personalized bridal fun!

Click here to enter the contest!!

Xo

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Fight Frizz

Hi Ladies!  

Here's a quick tip to eliminate dreaded frizz!!  

Stop rubbing your hair with your bath towel!  This motion disrupts the hair cuticle and causes frizz and makes it harder for you to style.

Try wrapping your hair in a micro fiber turban instead.  First, lightly press the turban around hair to absorb access hair, then use a wide tooth comb to detangle.  Then, wrap it up!

XO

Must Have Monday: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

May is that in between season when the weather is just starting to get nice outside and you start dreaming about the beach even though we're not quite there yet.  Most of us feel like we need to loose five pound before we even think about putting a bathing suit on.  Who's with me?

Yesterday I unpacked my summer wardrobe and tried on a sundress.  It wasn't really the most pleasurable experience.  I stared down at my legs which looked like two milk bottles, and thought, "oh my I need some color".  Now, I'm not a big fan of overly tanned skin, but a little glow never hurt anyone, right?  At that very moment, I recalled a conversation with a friend of mine.  She told me about a product that she had been using on her legs when she didn't want to wear panty hose and how she thought this stuff was the best invention since sliced bread.  Without hesitation I was off to try Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

What a great product indeed!  It's easy to use and comes in four shades! It even covered my little spider veins.  My legs looked completely even and felt incredibly smooth.  And, I'll tell ya, I think I may have even looked a wee bit thinner after using it.  I'll be keeping a few cans of this stuff around for sure!  

Find it at CVS!

XO

Feature Friday by Kelly Sharkey

Meet Jennifer Dennis and her bridal party. Jennie and I met Jen and the ladies at the Marriott in Groton on June 21st, 2009, to help them get ready for the big day. The bridesmaids wanted their hair up in modern variations of the classic chignon. Jennifer went for a softer, more romantic feel. We softened her natural curls with a big barrel curling iron and pulled half of the hair off her face. Adding the big flower to the hair really gave it that finishing romantic touch. All make up was done by Ms. Jennie Fresa.

Jennifer and her ladies were a pleasure to work with and they all looked absolutely lovely.

xoxo, Kelly

Guest Blogger Thursday: Tracee Dolan

"How we spend our days is how we spend our lives" is a favorite Annie Dillard quote of mine. This is such a great simple message to think about. Our 'civilized' minds tend to focus on the result. We push towards objectives and we decide to ignore the days that fall in between. We plan, we fuss, we skip the process. This is why I love practicing and teaching yoga. Your yoga practice is where you allow yourself to break it down even further. To the moments that comprise your days. The exact moments of breath. This little iota of feeling good.

As we inhale in our practice, in that moment.. We are that inhalation. We embody the sensations of inhaling fresh oxygen and there is nothing like it. When we exhale in our practice, at that moment... We are the exhalation. Releasing anything (and I mean anything! emotions, thoughts, whatever happened that day-even if it's just Co2 [Carbon dioxide]).

And do you know what happens? You feel good. In that moment- you are not stressing, obsessing, worrying, waiting, anticipating- curious about what the future holds. You are in the moment. You allow breath to fill your postures and allow breath to exist & exit. You are your best you. You rise to a blissful level and you remember who you really are:

You are someone who is meant to feel great. You are someone who is meant to enjoy your days: one moment at a time.

to sign up for a private or group lesson with Tracee, please email traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com or phone: 617.448.5593

What's Happening Wednesday: Meet Emily Denny!

Hi All,

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new team member, Ms. Emily Denny!!

Emily comes to JFBL after graduating from the Makeup Designory in New York City, where she graduated with a special degree in the following areas:

Bridal Makeup

Corrective Makeup

Natural Beauty

Fashion Beauty

Prosthetics

Air brushing Makeup

Avant Garde/Fantasy Makeup

and Hair Stying.

Her experiences range from fashion wardrobing, makeup for photo shoots, hair styling, to on-location bridal beauty!

When Emily first came to me for her interview, she demonstrated her craft and nearly blew the roof off the red house!  Seriously, she is a true talent!!  I have no doubt that she will be in high demand for the 2011 wedding season!!

If you would like to meet Emily, she will be joining us on June 9th for a special event hosted by all of us on WEDDING ROW(Stay tuned for a formal invite)!  She will be doing the makeup for the models that evening, along with Nedelyn Perry and myself.

Welcome to the family, Emily!

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: simple do's for summer!

Hot, humid weather makes it difficult to be stylish.  I am constantly searching for hair styles that look chic but are quick and easy.  Here are a few fun do's that my hair stylist taught me how to create for the summer months ahead!  The best part is, the messier the better!  So, don't sweat it.  If I can do them, you can too!!

For natural looking waves:

Apply a volumizing mousse to wet hair.  Weave strands into thick braids and let air dry.  When hair is completely dry, take out the braids and finger comb hair.  Apply an anti-frizz serum to the ends and off you go!  (If you have 5 additional minutes, hit your hair with a blow dryer and use a small barrel curing iron to add a few more structured curls).

For a basic bun:

Pull hair straight back, off your face.  Make two, low, side by side pony tails.  Wrap each one around each other at the base. ( Like a figure 8)  Secure the bun with bobby pins and spritz with a strong holding hair stray. 

For added flare, use fun colored bobbi pins or skinny head bands with both of these looks!

XO

Must Have Monday: Tweezerman Tweezers

Look what I found right at Walgreens!  Tweezerman tweezers!  The ultimate tool for cleaning up those stubborn little hairs in between brow waxing.

Did you know that Tweezerman has a FREE sharpening policy?!!  Maybe these are a little more expensive but you'll never have to worry about your tweezers getting dull again!  

This mini, slanted version is perfect for carrying in your purse or travel bag.  

XO

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! ONE DAY ONLY SPECIAL at the Beauty Library!

Jennie Fresa Beauty Library is offering a brand new decadent spa treatment!

The FASSAGE: $90

A head to toe experience- 1 hour treatment includes a soothing foot soak, paraffin hand treatment, deep cleansing facial, and stress-relieving massage of the feet, hands, arms and decoltee.

Mother's Day Sale today ONLY!!!  For you last minute shoppers, come by the Beauty Library TODAY, Saturday May 8th, 2010!!!!  10-5pm!

Buy one FASSAGE Gift Certificate and get another one for yourself at 50% OFF!

We are located at 110 East Main Street, Clinton CT 06413

860-469-5325

For more info:  www.jenniefresa.com

XO

Feature Friday: by Lindsay Milan

Happy Friday to you, JF beauties!

Today, I'd like to share with you the lovely Miss Samantha Walters:

Samantha came in to the Beauty Library for her makeup trial not too long ago, and we had a great time together. She has a bright, enthusiastic spirit, and is such a sweetie! In fact, she was kind enough to send along the pictures you see here.

Samantha wanted to keep things looking nautural, but was up for some glimmer and glam, too! My kinda girl! To achieve that fresh, dewy glow, I swept the highlighting shimmer in our JF Minerals bronzer over her cheekbones and browbone.

Now my beauties, if you'd like to try this at home: Make sure you don't over overboard with the shimmer! I know it's tempting, but resist the urge.

Highlight just a few specific areas such as cheekbones, and browbones (that area right underneath your eyebrow) and you'll create that certain 'je ne sais quoi' glow about you, that will catch the attention of potential suitors from across the room!

Here's an insider tip: If I decide to put my hair up for a night on the town, I'll sometimes sweep a bit on the tips of my ears. It's subtle and unexpected - keep those boys guessing!

To finish up Sam's look, we added a bit of pink blush to the apples of her cheeks, and some "mauve-y pink" shimmer gloss (a color I mixed up for Sam using a few different colors of JF Minerals lip gloss). Isn't she gorgeous?

Sam, I am SO looking forward to working with you again in September for your big day! You'll be absolutely stunning!

xo,

Lindsay

P.S. For anyone looking for a last minute gift for mom, I suggest a gift certificate to the Beauty Library for our famous "Fassage" spa treatment! Not only does it make for a fun mother-daughter girls' day out, it's one full hour of ultimate bliss and relaxation. You'll leave with a natural, refreshed glow, and won't even need the extra shimmer!

Check it out here: http://www.jenniefresa.com/s_spafassage.html

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Guest Blogger Thursday: Talene Kelly: Founder of Bowery Baby

Before becoming a mother of two, I felt fashionably hip.  These days, I stick to jeans and a cozy top, as I enjoy spending more time styling my kids (or trying to anyway).  Besides, I am certain my everyday life doesn’t give way to a flexible wardrobe.  But, this Spring, there is one item I really think I can wear while toting around sandy toys, diapers and half eaten food—RUFFLES.  

I am not overly “girly”.  It’s true, buying frilly frocks is unnatural for me.  But, I do like to spice up my jeans and I am completely into the ruffled tops sprouting up all over the place this season.  They are comfortable, pretty, dress up jeans, and most importantly, hide unflattering flabby body parts.   

Ruffles can go a long way with baby girls too.  Ruffled diaper covers, a.k.a bloomers, go perfectly with a funny baby tee.  A tee from Bowery Baby, my embroidered onesie and t-shirt line, pair nicely with ruffled panties.  However, maybe ruffles are not your thing or you have a little guy.  Then I suggest matching a witty Bowery Baby onesie or tee with a pair of jeans, cords or skirt, which can give kids under two an edge and add something unique to their wardrobe.       

So I guess, as a Mom, as long as I have jeans, cute tops, and ruffles for everyone, I’m good to go.

Talene Kelly

Owner

Bowery Baby LLC

www.bowerybaby.com

Contact Email: bb@bowerybaby.com

What's Happening Wednesday: Moms Night OUT!

Hey Moms.......and all ladies!  Get a sitter--this sounds like a fun night out!  Join me for an evening filled with all kinds of beautiful treats.  I'll be stopping by to check out the Spring Trunk Show as well as sharing some helpful spring makeup tips while I'm there!  Hope you can make it too!

Some more details:

What: Spring Trunk Show

Hosts: Alison Illick and Phoebe Styron

Message: Please join us for wine, cheese, great clothes, and makeup!  Cheers!

Where: Chez Illick, New Haven CT

When: May 6th, 4pm - 7:30pm

RSVP: jennie@jenniefresa.com

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: For New Moms!

New moms rarely have any time for themselves.  A trip to the spa seems completely out of reach and a night out with girlfriends is near impossible for most.

Here's an idea!  

Host a HOME SPA PARTY!  Invite 4-6 of your friends and their bambeeno to get pampered in the comfort and convenience of your home!  Parties include foot and hand treatments and mini facials.

For more information, please contact me at jennie@jenniefresa.com!

XO 

Must Have Monday: Mum Hatbox

Mother's Day is right around the corner!!  

Here's a great gift idea for all the mum's of the world!

The MUM HATBOX is filled with intoxicating bath and body goodies.  You can guarantee that mom will feel pampered and appreciated with this adorable set of sweet soaps, strawberry cream body wash and fizzy bath drops.  Ooooh, you'll have one yummy mummy!

 LUSH products are all fresh, hand-made cosmetics.  They are also vegan and do not test on animals.  

XO