What's Happening Wednesday: We are growing....Meet Shelly Dolan

I'm happy to introduce, our new makeup assistant, Shelly Dolan!!

Shelly comes to JFBL with a true love for beauty!  Her passion for makeup started at a very early age.  She has been involved in dance, theatre, film and fitness throughout her entire life.

Shelly holds a degree in broadcast communications and may I add, maintained a spot on the deans list throughout her program!!  In addition to joining our team, Shelly is also working as a spinning instructor part-time.

I have been working closely with Shelly on her makeup training for the last few months.  AND, she is also working with us behind the scenes, sharing her 'other' talent: directing and producing videos and movies!  She is working on a makeup video for our blog as well as some other projects that we have in the works, as I type!!  You'll just have to stay on the edge of your seat.....

I am beyond thrilled to have Shelly join our team!  She is a kind soul with positive energy, a friendly and pretty face, a jill of all trades, a passionate and talented artist!  

Welcome aboard Shelly!

( In case you are thinking her name sounds familiar, it's because Shelly's sis, Tracee Dolan is one of our guest bloggers featured on Thursdays)!

XO 

Beauty Tip Tuesday: How to use a self-tanner

Now, most of you know, I don't advice baking in the sun but I certainly don't expect you to forgo your tan.

If you have used a self tanner in the past, chances are you had some kind of terrible experience.  Whether the color was too dark, streaky or didn't show at all, we have all been there!  Here are a few helpful tips for how to apply self tanner:

First you should understand that these formulas are made with DHA or dihydroxacetone which temporarily stains the skin.  It's a derivative found in natural sugars.  Think about an apple.  What happens to the apple when you slice it in half and leave it on the counter for a few hours!?  It turns brown, right?!

1.) Start exfoliating your skin about a week before.  Any drugstore body exfoliate will do.  I suggest doing this step while you're in the shower.

2.) Liberally apply moisturizer before applying the self tanner.  This really helps with an even application.  Apply a little extra around your ankles, elbows and anywhere else you have dry skin.

3.) Don't shower or shave your legs immediately after you applied the self tanner.  It will last longer if you wait about 12 hours.

Here are some brands that I have used in the past and liked:

Jergans Natural Glow

Loreal Towelettes

Sisley Gel Tanner( expensive, but by far the best and most natural looking self-tanner that I have ever used!!)

XO

Must Have Monday: Fresh Lotus Eye Gel

Fresh products are so dreamy.  Some of my faves are the SUGAR body scrub and Cannabis Santal perfume.  There is one product though, that I always suggest for summer!  

Lotus eye gel is the perfect eye treatment to use in a hot, humid climate.  The gel based formula is cooling, weightless and absorbs quickly into the skin.  The fortified lotus extract helps to calm puffiness and promotes circulation which helps diminish dark circles!! 

Available at Sephora!

XO

Feature Friday by Jennie Fresa

photos by Leslie Dumke Studio

Karin is one of our brides this season.  A natural beauty, isn't she?!

Last Friday, I met with Karin at the Beauty Library to do her makeup for her engagement photo shoot.  Karin is one of the happiest brides that I have ever met!  She is oozing with excitement for her BIG day and let me tell you, it's contagious!

Karin and Carrado met their wedding photographer, Leslie Dumke to capture their fond love and beauty on the streets of New Haven, CT.  The weather was sunny and cheerful, just like this cute couple!  Please enjoy a few snap shots from their day in the Elm City.

XO

Hello!

My name is Jane Ashley, MA, CNC, AADP, and I am a Certified Nutritional Counselor & Health Educator. I am excited to be here and would like to share some tips for you brides-to-be!

I know from my own wedding that I was pretty obsessed with not only creating the perfect day for myself and my guests, but also with how I was going to look and feel for my big day. Well, 10 years later and having worked with lots of women and from my own experience, I know that there are healthy and not-so-healthy ways of reaching that goal. I don’t know about you, but I love food, love to share meals with my family and friends, and love to cook, so I am not about deprivation at all! In fact, I help people make diet and lifestyle changes that are easy to sustain for your life—you will lose weight (and keep it off!), shape up and get energized! Most of us have ridden the yo-yo-dieting carnival ride most of our lives, so now is a chance for you to use your wedding as the springboard to LIFELONG, SUSTAINABLE good health through dietary excellence. On this blog, I will share tips and recipes that will help get you started on the road to optimal health.

Here are 5 tips that I share with the women I coach:

1. EAT 4-5 smaller meals/day. Eat until your tummy is full, but not OVER full. DO NOT starve yourself or skip meals. Food=Fuel. Like a car, we need to feed our bodies fuel to keep it running smoothly. If you don’t eat enough, your brain will keep looking for more food!

2. Fill up on fruits veggies, whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa, and beans. Start each meal with a salad (but leave out the fatty, oily dressings), then move on to the other stuff. You will feel full, ingest less calories and get MORE nutrients into your body.

3. Drink at least 64 ounces of water everyday. We want to flush out the toxins and keep things moving through. Food that sits and sits will putrify and cause unpleasant bloating and other lovely side effects.

4. Minimize or eliminate animal foods and oils. You will save yourself LOTS of calories and artery-clogging fats. If you eat a varied diet with lots of plant-based foods, you WILL get enough protein into your body, as well as fiber, antioxidants, and all the vitamins you need. Don’t be scared of carbs - they are vital to your health and energy levels (except for refined carbs like junk food, processed foods, white flours, white bread etc.)

5. MOVE YOUR BODY! Walking, running, weights, biking—do something you enjoy, and do it for 30 minutes/day. Be sure to give yourself a day of rest in there, or you will exhaust yourself and not have efficient workouts. Alternate days between resistance training and cardio. Also fit in a yoga class every week— very good for mind and body wellness.

Here is a great recipe to try courtesy of my friend Vanessa at nevadawellnessforum.com

Asian Peanut Butter Noodles

1/2 cup vegetable broth

1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

3 tablespoons Tamari sauce

3 tablespoons peanut butter (chunky or smooth)

1 1/2 tablespoons agave nectar

2 teaspoons hot chile paste (optional)

2 cloves of garlic, minced

8 ounces whole wheat or brown rice noodles

1/4 cup green onion for garnish

1/4 cup chopped peanuts for garnish

Cook noodles according to directions. While the noodles are cooking, combine broth,

ginger, Tamari, peanut butter, agave nectar, chili paste, and garlic in a small saucepan.

Cook over medium heat until peanut butter melts and is heated through. Add noodles,

and stir until coated. Garnish with green onions and peanuts.

*You can add diced vegetables, edamame, or tofu to this dish

Try making this for your family or fiance - they will be very impressed!

Ladies, you CAN reach your health goals. I am here to support you and would like to offer you a free health & nutrition session by phone. Please call me at 203-824-5353 or email janescottashley@gmail.com to schedule. Stay tuned for my next entry where I will chare more info on getting lots of fruits and veggies into your bods and burning fat!

Peace & Veggies,

Jane

WellnessWithJane.com

janescottashley@gmail.com

Jane’s passion is to help women create balance in body, mind and spirit. She helps women who struggle with stress, lack of energy and excess weight take action to reach optimal health through good nutrition. She loves to cook, run, teach cooking classes and runs monthly women’s groups called “Feed Your Soul—for Women on the GO.” She also runs corporate wellness workshops and participates in public speaking events. Jane offers women a personalized coaching program or group classes. Special rates apply for fans of Jennie Fresa :) Check out WellnessWithJane.com for more info!

What's Happening Wednesday: Another Clue......

Visual Clue #2

Last week, I started a little game with all of our readers out there.  We are launching a really fabulous idea here at the Beauty Library at the end of the summer.  Can you guess what it is?! Oh, did a mention the dream team that is helping to bring my vision to life:  Two Creatives, Fletcher Design Studio, and Robin Reed!  Seriously, I can't wait to reveal!

In other news.....

I'm putting together a health, fitness and beauty discussion panel this Fall.  I'm so thrilled about the project and especially excited about the line-up of professionals who are already showing interest in participating!  

Today, I would like to introduce our readers to one heath professional in particular, Ms.  Jane Ashely!  

Jane Ashley, MA, CNC, AADP is a Nutritional Counselor & Health Educator. Her passion is to help women create balance in body, mind and spirit. She helps women who struggle with stress, lack of energy or excess weight take action to reach optimal health through good nutrition. She loves to cook, run, teach cooking classes and runs monthly women's groups called "Feed Your Soul—for Women on the GO." She also runs corporate wellness workshops and participates in public speaking events.  Jane will be sharing some tips tomorrow as a guest blogger right here on our blog!  Make sure you come back to visit and hear all of her helpful advice for creating a healthy life style!

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Rituals

I have a confession to make:  I rarely take showers.  That's right, I prefer a bath.  For me, taking a bath is a daily ritual that helps me to unwind after a day of work.  It's 10 minutes of alone time, time to clear my head and just be.  I always feel so good afterward.

Aside from the obvious relaxing benefits of a bath, the hot water helps with bloating and fluid retention by increasing the blood flow.  The steam from the hot water also helps you sweat and dilate capillaries near the surface of the skin.  This is what we call a healthy detox.  You can enhance these effects by adding a few drops of Epsom salts ( available at most drugstores) and/or rosemary essential oil to the running water.  Epsom salt--made of mineral magnesium sulfate-- relaxes muscles and is also a natural sedative for the nervous system!

Now, make yourself a cup of green tea and try it for yourself.

XO

Must Have Monday: Powder Pouch

Now, why didn't I invent this?!  

Here's a useful gadget you will want to carry in your beach bag this summer! This practical little pouch removes sand easily and without chafing your skin!  Here's how it works:  The plush, cotton bag is filled with talc powder and comes in a drawstring pouch.  Remove the bag from the pouch, tap it a few times to release the powder and gently brush it against your skin.  The sand grains just falls right off (without removing your sunscreen)!!  I'm thinking Mom's will LOVE this for wiping all of those little toes after a fun day building sand castles.  I'm ordering one right now just so I don't get my car full of sand after a day at the beach!

www.powderpouch.com

XO

JFBL Guest Blogger: Tracee Dolan: Yoga, Yoga, Everywhere :)

Your yoga is EVERYWHERE.

Yesterday, I was looking forward to my early evening class that I teach on Wednesdays (4:45 hot yoga @ Pure Studio in Branford) and looking forward to my personal practice (@ Balanced studio in New Haven @ 6:45). . After class, I get on the highway and there is Traffic galore! Did I tense up, swear, allow my self to become frustrated -or even entertain the 'woe is me' feeling of nothing goes right?

Heck no!! I got the message that my yoga lesson (class) was still happening, it just wasn't in the studio, as I originally hoped. I opted to breathe, listen to music, think + , affirm, bring my practice to this moment and quite literal "road block". It was 6 pm and I didn't get home or even off of the highway- until almost 8 pm (and this is New Haven, Ct. not LA). I didn't come home with an anger hangover, or even allow frustration & tension to enter my thoughts, heart or body. Sure, it wasn't exactly awesome, but it wasn't the end of the world either. I went with the flow and decided I would go for a run. It was a beautiful night and I practiced more yoga in that car, than I would have ever accomplished on any mat.

Maybe next time you hit a "road block" you can chalk it up as 'living' a little bit your yoga and recalibrate.

photo credit: thetravellingyogi.blog.com


Tracee Dolan is available for group or private instruction. Please contact traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com or phone 617.448.5593. It's summer'ish weather, so feel free to take any class outside :)

What's Happening Wednesday: New Ideas at the Beauty Library!!

Visual Clue #1

We are so excited to be launching a new and unique concept here at the Beauty Library!  Now, I can't tell you too much because I don't want to spoil the surprise but I thought it would be fun to drop a few hints throughout the planning.  

For this creative process, we are collaborating with Two Creatives.  Two Creatives was started by Christine Toner and Trish, the master minds behind Stonington Design and Paperie, a full service graphic design studio located locally here in Clinton CT and recognized nationally.

Ok, so let the guessing begin!!  Stay tuned for more clues over the next few months!!  

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: No more tears!

Try using a chapstick with SPF for the area around your eyes as well as your lips.  This is really helpful if you plan to sweat while riding a bike, running or playing any beach sports.  You won't have to worry about sunscreen melting into your eyes and burning!!

XO

Must have Monday: Purse Cooler!

How cool is this?!!  Yes, pun intended!  

It's an insulated cosmetic bag that helps to keep makeup, medications, or snacks from melting in the summer heat!!

The micro-fiber Cool-it Caddy comes in many different colors and patterns (I'm liking the zebra print myself!). It's reasonably priced at $40.  So, for those ladies who want to touch up their lipstick after a round on the golf course or after a day at the beach, this is for you!  You don't have to worry about a goopy tube of lipstick or melted sunscreen with this nifty little case (which double as an adorable little clutch)!

Just stick the bag in the freezer (there's a built in coolant that keeps the case cold for up to 5 hours) and let it chill!  Once frozen, just add your cosmetics, or lunch for that matter, and off you go....

XO

Feature Friday by Kelly Sharkey

Meet Stacy. The lovely Miss Stacey married her handsome husband on May 15th, 2010 at the Pavilion at Crystal Lake in Middletown, CT. I met Stacy at her mom's house that morning and got to work. While doing her hair and makeup, Stacy was the most relax bride I've ever worked with. She was just taking it all in and enjoying the morning.

Stacy and Mike's photo's were taken by the fabulous Miss Cheryl Cronin, who by the way also shot my very own wedding! The pics are just gorgeous.

Congrats Stacy and Mike.....you make a beautiful couple!

Guest Blogger::Tracee Dolan with Wellness Summer Book Suggestions for JFBL

Nestled under the 'umbrella' of the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library, how about some yoga, wellness & positive- thinking beach reads? I recommend the following well intentioned books for summer: (they are in order from 'light; to 'more light'-meaning more metaphysical-or more yoga centered.. my advice would be start at the top :)

Positively Energetic Reading:

• Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss (I recommend anything! by this author)
  
• Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach Ph.D
• A Course in Miracles by Marianne Williamson
• You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay

Purely Yoga Books:

• Living Your Yoga by Judith Lasater (the founder of restorative yoga)
  
• Insight Yoga by Sarah Powers (a great book on yin yoga)
• Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar (also subtitled as the 'bible' of yoga)

There are a whole! lot more book recommendations where that came from, but this is a great place to start (and please do stay tuned for my Parent Child Yoga book, which comes out this Summer). Happy reading!

Tracee Dolan is available for group and private instruction, please contact traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com or phone 617.448.5593

What's Happening Wednesday: Destination Wedding in VT

This weekend Kelly and I are packing our kaboodles and taking a little road trip!  YeeeHaw!

Our Mission: a destination wedding for one of our lovely summer brides, Lauren.

The wedding will be at the Sterling Ridge Resort in Jeffersonville VT.  The resort is set on 80 private acres, located in North Central VT with breathtaking views of Mt. Mansfield and the Historic Smugglers Notch.  The lodge features activities such as horseback riding, skiing, kayaking, and much more depending on the season.

After a few hours on the road, a nice dinner and a good nights sleep in our cozy cabin, we'll awake Saturday morning to do hair and makeup for Lauren and her bridesmaids!  We can't wait to be a part of this beautiful country wedding!

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Bridal Beauty Survival Kit

There's still room available at our Wedding Row Event tomorrow night!  It's not too late to join the fun!  

With all the wedding festivities happening this week, I thought it would be fun to share a beauty tip especially for brides!

Check out my Bridal Beauty Survival Kit below!

1.) Lipstick and/or Gloss: an absolute necessity.  With all the air kisses, champagne sipping, and eating, you'll need to freshen up your lip color.

2.) Breath Mints/ Floss: Make sure to have fresh breath while chatting with your guests!  Coil up a string of floss and tuck it in your purse-you surely don't want to walk around with broccoli between your teeth.

3.) Mini Hair Spray- Tame any fly away strands.  This is especially important if you have frizzy hair or if it's very humid outside.

4.) Visine: It doesn't just get the red out of your eyes, it also helps tame inflammation from a blemish.

5.) Pressed Powder/Blotting Papers:  If your ceremony is outside or if you have oily skin, this is really important.  You don't want to look shiny in your pictures.

6.) Tissues/Band aids: Just in case you shed a tear or get a blister from those amazing shoes you splurged on.

7.) Safety/Bobby Pins.

8.) Sample fragrance spritzer: doesn't hurt to freshen up after boogying down on the dance floor.

Must Have Monday: Arbonne: Sea Mud Face & Body Mask

Have you all heard of Arbonne? 

It's a botanically based, pure, Swiss skin care line that was developed three decades ago by a team of biochemists, herbalists, and biologists and it's now sold around the globe.

Recently a former bride of mine, Thalia, reached out to tell me she left the corporate world to pursue a new career in the the beauty field.  I couldn't wait to hear more!  After a series of emails and eventually a catch up phone date, I learned that Thalia is still happily married, has two adorable children and is now an independent consultant for the product line Arbonne.  

So, this is where the story gets really good---she offered to send me a few things to try out for myself!  I mean, who's better than me?  A week later I come to home to find a package of beauty products waiting at my doorstep!  Yippee!

For the last several weeks, I have been using the Sea Mud Face & Body Mask on myself and on my skin care clients at the Beauty Library!  The results are amazing!  The detoxifying actions of the sea mud and clay help draw out impurities as they absorb excess oils from the skin.  Say good bye to black heads and blemishes!  This is a great product for oily skin types and for anyone who wants a good cleaning after a day at the beach!

To learn more about Thalia and Arbonne.  Please visit her site:

www.mygreenlife.myarbonne.com

XO

Here's the Arbonne Promise: to deliver pure, safe and beneficial products in line with our botanical tradition.

Guest Blogger::Tracee Dolan: Inner Beauty::Take Your Yoga Outside

Practicing Yoga outside is the best! The fresh air, sun, birds, waves, even the drone of cars as they drive by are all perfect compliments. It's easy and free to start an outdoor yoga practice. All you need is 20 minutes or more. So, grab your mat, slather on some SPF and take it outside.
A basic flow would start in Mountain Pose (Tadasana): plant your feet on the mat or ground, palms face forward, inhale the crown of your head up towards the sky and exhale as you slide your shoulders down your back. Stand here and take it all in. As you fill this posture with your breath; release the frenetic thoughts of the day, tension or holding with each exhale- and with each inhale allow softness to fill every aspect of you & the pose. A few sun salutations, literally saluting the sun, some floor work and a few moments in svasanah (corpse pose or resting pose) and you have yourself an outdoor practice.
If you currently hold a 3 pack of private lessons with me feel free to take it outside. If you don't and would like to start an out door practice; grab some friends and we can put together some class times under a special summer-time donation rate. Outdoor yoga classes work best in the early AM (before noon) and Mid PM (4pm until sun-set) Namaste!

Tracee Dolan is available for group and private instruction. Please email or phone traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com or 617.448.5593 for more information.

What's Happening Wednesday: Planning for Sunday Brunch!

On Sunday I am hosting my very first party in our new home!  

I invited all the JFBL girls over for brunch to celebrate all of our wonderful achievements!  In anticipation of our WEDDING ROW event on June 9th, I turned to expert event planner, Karen Bussen for a few tips ( Karen will be with us on the 9th, signing copies of her latest book, Simple Stunning Bride).  Ok, I didn't actually talk with Karen but I did look at her fabulous book, Simple Stunning Parties at Home: Recipes, Ideas, and Inspiration for creative entertaining. for some ideas!  Here's what's on the menu:

Fruit Salad

Baked French Toast with VT Maple Syrup

Broccoli and Cheese Quiche

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Fresh Croissants with Assorted Jams

Coffee (from Ashlawn Farms)

Mimosas

Can't wait to have some fun with my ladies!!!

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: SMILE

"A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks"

~Andy Rooney

xo