Thursday, September 30, 2010

thursday guest blogger: Madly in Love With Me! by Tracee teaches Yoga

   
               tLast evening on a whim, we were lucky to meet 3 fabulous ladies at a workshop called 'Madly in Love With Me" held at Crowning Glory a brand new jewelry boutique in the center of Branford, Ct (1080 Main St).

 The event was held by Laura Weisbart Campbell & Janice Christopher. Laura is a Divorce Expert, Life Reinvention Coach & founder of the D Spot LLC click here.  Janice is a Strategic Attraction Expert, a Certified Passion Test Facilitator and the founder of Life by Design Coaching. click here

The workshop recap in a word? fabulous.

     A group of like minded women all attracted to this self loving event- in a beautiful newly opened jewelry boutique owned by Sandy Goodkind..

We started with a chakra clearing meditation and proceeded to go over a template of Christine Arylo's book "Choosing Me before We". It was informative, reflective, intimate & fun. We went over affirmations, new manifesta's and made some vows to help reprogram the way we think about ourselves.

I highly recommend this workshop and the coaching of both facilitators. I also highly recommend a visit to Crowning Glory for some jewelry and fancified purchases. YOU deserve a treat!



Wednesday, September 29, 2010

What's Happening Wednesday: Taking off NYC Seminar & Photo Shoot



Ned and I are gearing up to work with one phenomenally talented group of wedding pros in just a few short weeks!!  Above is one piece of inspiration for the shoot, yes, a vintage valentino dress!  My wheels are turning!

Rob and Kathleen Trenske are hosting their second TAKING OFF seminar and photo shoot in NYC on October 11-13th!  We are so excited to join all of the creative energy for what is sure to be an amazing collaboration!

We are looking forward to working with:

Rob & Kathleen
Event Jubliee
The White Dress by the Shore
Dantura~ A Modern Garden
Ana Parzych ~  TODAY SHOW WINNER FOR BEST WEDDING CAKE!!  CONGRATS ANA!
Robert Norman 

Ooooooh, we can't wait!!!

XO



Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Pretty Hands!




We spend so much time focusing on how we can improve our complexion, we often forget about the other areas that need attention too.  Our hands, for one, take such a beating!  Think about how much you wash them, how much they are in the sun, and all of the other things we do using our hands ( change diapers, type, wash dishes, the list goes on and on..... Your hands are a dead give away on your age ( not that I think anyone should hide their age by any means)  but why not treat them right!

A great way to keep your cuticles soft, the skin smooth and tight, and lighten any age sun spot is to use a retinol cream on your hands at night.  Any facial retinol cream will do.  Then, layer on some vaseline and put on some cotton gloves before bed!

Wait 'till you see what a difference this makes!!  

XO

Monday, September 27, 2010

Must Have Monday: Deep Moisture Dove



Everyone needs a little more hydration during the cooler months!  Get rid of scaly, dry skin by using a moisturizing body soap in addition to a daily moisturizer!  My absolute favorite is this one by Dove!  I prefer the liquid form over the bar.  A little drop on a wash cloth suds up nicely and leaves your skin super soft, without any yucky residue!

Available at Walmart!

XO


Saturday, September 25, 2010

Feature Friday by Lindsay Milan - French Braid Tutorial

Good morning, JF Beauties!


Happy, happy Friday to you all!  


I've been getting lots of requests from friends and family for lessons on how to do a "french braid", and actually, it was my Aunt Missy who gave me the idea for a video how-to. (Thanks Auntie Miss!)  My family is from the midwest, and since I don't get a chance to get out to see them very often I thought, what better way to say hello and offer a few french braiding tips to my aunt than a 'vlog' post?


So, here it goes: 
(Disclaimer: My apologies in advance for the poor video quality, I'm working with an unfortunate point-and-shoot camera here, people.)

A simple, 'un-done' french braid how-to - just for you!


Feel free to chime in with other tutorial requests, beauties!  Would be happy to help :)


Have a great first weekend of Fall!  


xoxo, 
Lindsay

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Guest Blogger Thursday: Tracee Teaches Yoga: 3 rock manifestation exercise

Pebbles On Beach by Petr Kratochvil
  
 This is the best time of year to go to the beach (well, anytime is the best time to go to the beach)! I re-implement my beach walks once September rolls around and it is bliss. I was lucky enough to stumble upon a manifestation meditation that compliments my early fall walks & personal goals. It's a 3 rock manifestation exercise. You may do this as a physical or visualization exercise.

Imagine or actually pick up 3 rocks. Either visualize yourself or actually stand by the ocean. Take a moment and pick 3 goals that are important to you. I usually pick a career/success goal, personal goal & matter of the heart.  Envision and actually feel what it would feel like to accomplish each goal while holding each of your rocks. Feel the sensation of achieving these goals and then when ready, throw one (at a time) or all 3 of the rocks into the ocean. Once you throw them into the ocean figuratively or physically feel the sensation of handing the goals over to the universe. This takes away all of the worry and only leaves you with the sensation of accomplishment.

You are halfway there. You are on the road to manifesting the goals and dreams that are most important to you.


The only thing you have to do now is feel the excitement of your wildest dreams coming true :)

Tracee Dolan is available for group & private yoga instruction. Please contact traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com for any additional information


Wednesday, September 22, 2010

What's Happening Wednesday: Wedding Row Event Coming Soon!




Us ladies on Wedding Row are at it again!  We will be hosting out next Wedding Row Event on Wednesday October 27th!  Mark your calendars (formal invites coming soon)!

On Monday Nedelyn Perry and I joined forces with Sarah True of True Event, Beth Chapman of the White Dress by the Shore , Stonington Design and Paperie,  Robert Norman, and Hana Floral for an fun and completely original photo shoot over at Venetucci  Home in Westbrook CT.  To change things up a bit, we'll be hosting our next event at this amazing home furnishing store!  We'll be using the photo's from this shoot to promote the event........we can't wait to share them with everyone!!

More to come....

XO

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Tricks for preventing spit ends




Today I went for my routine hair trim and got chatting with my stylist about split ends.  She offered some helpful advice that I thought I should share with you all!

1.) Brush your hair BEFORE you shower and shampoo.  This will help prevent tangles and minimize the chances of getting spit ends.

2.) Condition regularly!  Try adding a little extra dallop of conditioner to your ends and leave it on while you shave your legs.

3.) Don't over wash your hair and try to limit the use of heating tools.  If you can, let your hair air dry every once in a while and if you are planning to use a heating tool such as a flat iron, use a thermal protector first.  Try John Frieda Frizz-ease Thermal Serum!

XO

Friday, September 17, 2010

Feature Friday by Jennie Fresa: A boudoir session....


Today, I would like to share a few shots from a boudoir photo shoot that I worked on last year!  Do you recognize the gorgeous model?!  It's Sarah True of True Event ! Thank you Carrie Roseman for capturing these alluring images!

Boudoir photo shoots are so much for fun for brides and for all of you daring ladies out there!  They make a wonderful anniversary gift to your husband or as keepsake for yourself!

JFBL team is available for boudoir photo sessions and we LOVE doing them!  They are a fun chance to "play" a little and dare I say it, go for that sexy drama that wouldn't ordinarily do!

XO

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Thursday guest blogger: ask yourself a question!

Meditation can help us answer life's toughest questions but sometimes we need a little jumpstart to zero in on what we truly desire!
The classic book for business minded people "Who Moved My Cheese" brings up a powerful question that leaves nothing up to chance, so ask yourself:

What would you do if you weren't afraid?

The answers may surprise you :)





Tracee Dolan is available for private & group yoga instruction, feel free to contact traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com with any questions.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

What's Happening Wednesday: New Fall Makeup Colors are IN!!



The Fall JF Mineral Collection has arrived!!  And, I promise you won't be disappointed!  Come stop by and see for yourself!

6 new eye shadows:
Antique Brass ( my fave!)
Taupe Tan
Mauve Quartz
Olive Slate
Emerald Mist
Cat's Eye Quartz

1 new blush
Rose Bud - mauve-pink, suitable for any complexion!

Midnight Gel Liner ( a striking mix of colbot blue and navy!!)
Navy Mascara ( a total MUST HAVE for this season!!)

6 new luxury lipsticks
colors ranging from heavenly nude to temptress red!!  The texture is so silky smooth!!

For more information on JF Minerals or to book and appointment at the Beauty Library, click here!

XO

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Prevent Spider Veins



Spider veins can appear anywhere but are most common on the face around the nose and on your legs!  They are caused by the back up of blood from standing for long periods of time or over exposure to the sun.  In some cases, they are also caused by hormones.

To treat and prevent spider veins you can try the following lifestyle changes:

1.) wear sun screen daily  (even in the winter months!)
2.) control weight with moderate exercise
3.) Try a diet high in fiber and low in salt
4.) Don't cross your legs for long period of time; avoid wearing heels everyday.
5.) Elevate your legs as much as possible, especially after a long day on your feet

You can also try using Arnica oil ~ infused with sweet soy & Vitamin E

Arnica in it's purest form, is known to be natures best remedy for external bruising, swelling, and spider veins.

Try Arnica Remedy Oil by Farmaesthetics ($21.50; available at the Beauty Library) !  Massage a capful onto desired area or add a few drops in a hot bath to soak.  Use regularly for best results!!

XO

Monday, September 13, 2010

Must Have Monday: OPI Ski TEAL we drop


It's a little soon to be thinking about snow but this new nail color has skiing on my mind for sure!!  I'm SO lovin' OPI's latest fall/winter color, Ski TEAL we drop!!  I took it for a test drive last week and was eating up all of my compliments.  Surprisingly versatile and loads of fun!

Buy it yourself at The Nail Store or for you local ladies, visit Mrs. Nails in Branford!  I'm a tough critic when it comes to my manicures and I'm telling ya, this place is THE BEST!  They are friendly, meticulous and they rub you from the moment you arrive to the final moments under the dryer!

365 East Main Street
Branford, CT
203-483-0638

XO

Friday, September 10, 2010

Feature Friday by Nedelyn Perry 







For the Mother of the Bride a.k.a. M.O.B.

 Although, all eyes will be on your daughter on the Big Day you will also be getting plenty of attention so you'll want to look your absolute best!
Usually, a bride will come to see me for a hair trial and she brings  her mother along for advice. However, I've noticed a trend at the Beauty Library lately........Mother/Daughter trials.
I think it is a wonderful "beauty" bonding experience to have along with helping her choose the right dress!
On the wedding day you want your hair to look more formal and special than your everyday style.
For one M.O.B. I decided to go with a very classic style, the "French Twist".
I wanted to give it a little something extra so by using one of my favorite curling iron's the Infiniti by Conair I was able to create a soft, natural-looking curl which I sculpted into two medium size pin curls above the twist itself. Last but not least, I placed a sparkly accessory to add glamour for the special day.  I like the idea of wearing a simple comb or a bobby pin with pretty crystal beading like these found at www.etsy.com :
  

Remember mom's you are a very special part of this wonderful day too!
xo

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Apple Crisp on a crisp fall day!



Hi everybody!

As summer winds down and fall seems to be upon us, I am really feeling the need to pick some apples and get more in-season fall foods into my body! Apples are especially important for good health. Not only full of fiber and cancer-fighting phytochemicals, apples are a filling, low-calorie snack that is mobile and lasts well. They’ve been shown to prevent Alzheimer’s, asthma, lower cholesterol and aid in weight loss. In fact, a Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples or pears per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting. Check out this amazing recipe for Apple Crisp! Happy Fall!

Apple Crisp  
Taken from Clean Food by Terry Walters
Filling:
12 apples (peeled, unpeeled, or both) cored and sliced
¼ cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup dried currants
1 tablespoon whole wheat pastry flour or brown rice flour

Topping:
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour or brown rice flour
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ cup maple syrup
½ cup canola oil

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
To prepare filling, place apples in large bowl. Fold in syrup, cinnamon, and currants. Sprinkle on flour and gently fold until combined. Spread mixture into a 9 X 12 baking casserole. 
To make topping, use the same mixing bowl and combine oats, flour, nuts and cinnamon. In separate bowl, whisk together syrup and oil, add to dry ingredients and mix until crumbly. Spread topping evenly over apples, cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes or until apples are cooked through. Remove from oven and serve. 



Peace & Veggies,
Jane

Jane Ashley, MA, CNC, AADP, is a Nutritional Counselor and Health Educator. She is also the Director of Consumer Communications for Eat Right America™. Her 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 a personalized coaching program or group classes. Special rates apply for fans of Jennie Fresa :) Check out WellnessWithJane.com for more info!


guest blogger thursday: the most perfect quote from a yogi!


"You don't get happy when you get there, you get there when you're happy." - R. Gates

from one of my favorite yoga books: Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates. 

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

What's Happening Wednesday: Makeup Demo at the Madison Rotary Club




I'm so happy to participate in the weekly meeting held by the Madison Rotary Club this Thursday September 9th!  I'll be sharing age appropriate makeup tips while doing a fall-color makeup lesson on one lucky member chosen at random!  The Madison (CT) Rotary Club has been going strong for 83 years and is based on the motto "Service Above Self".  The Club represents the community, it's interests and the people.  As a new comer to Madison myself, I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to meet the members and share my talents with them!  It's going to be one great event!  I'm really looking forward to making some new friends!

XO


Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Cherry Chaptsick, it's not just for Katy Perry!



Red lipstick is not for everyone and even though we all want to try it from time to time, finding the right shade can be somewhat of a challenge.  Should you wear a blue-red or an orange-red?  What's right for your complexion?  What's in this season?

This tip is for all of my bare-boned ladies who aren't quite bold enough for a red lipstick but still want to try something with a little pop, maybe for that special night out!

Try cherry chapstick with a clear or sheer red gloss on top!  It's fun without being too over the top!

I tried it out this weekend on a bridesmaid.  She requested a  20's style look but just couldn't swallow the idea of a bright red lip, so I whipped out my cherry chapstick and topped it with a raspberry gloss!  And, guess what?  No, she's didn't kiss a girl (hehehehe!) She loved it!

XO

Friday, September 3, 2010

Feature Friday by Kelly Sharkey

Hello all you JFBL beauties and Happy Labor day weekend.  I wanted to send you off on your fabulous weekend of fun with a little peak at the lovely Ms. Susanne.

Susanne and Dan were married at Saltwater Farm Vineyard on August 7th.  I met Susanne and her wedding party at the Inn at Stonington (where I'm praying that my husband will take me for a romantic weekend....hint, hint) and the festivities began.




Susanne wanted a loose side bun so to acheive the look, I curled her hair first with a large barrel curling iron.  I twisted a small section of hair into a mini-bun which I then used as an anchor to create the finished product.
For makeup, Susanne wanted a clean look with an emphasis on the eyes.  So of course I had to use false lashes....my favorite!  I used the individual lashes for this gorgeous lady.  They created a softer more natural look.


Susanne and her wedding party were so much fun to work with.  And check out the above picture of Susanne and her sis Elizabeth.  Don't you just love a girl who isn't afraid of a bright lip color.....Fabulous!!  The flowers were created by the ever talented Yumiko at Hana Floral Design in Mystic and that gorgeous dress the bride is wearing is from The White Dress by the Shore in Clinton.


I had such a good time with these gals!  I didn't want the morning to end.  Luckily, I have these fantastic photos from Norman Photography.

Congrats Susanne and Dan!  I wish you both nothing but a lifetime of love and happiness!


Thursday, September 2, 2010

Guest Blogger Thursday: Chef Frank Giglio









After years of working with people in and out of the health industry, I have come to learn that the best way to create a healthier lifestyle is to simply ADD in better food choices.  Adding in healthier choices to your current diet will help lead to a healthier body.  Without making major changes, which for some people, can often lead to binges and even more less than excellent food choices, just simply add in the goods!  

No matter what you are eating, try to step up to the best sources of those foods.  For example, if you are eating conventional produce, start purchasing organic.  If you are a meat eater, look for grass-fed and chemical free sources.  Wild fish is a healthier choice than farm raised seafood.  Instead of buying boxed grain dishes which usually contain high salt seasoning packets, begin to create these dishes from scratch using whole foods and organic ground spices and seasonings.  

The ADD Program - 10 ways to add to your lifestyle and see results!

1-Water: Many of us are not drinking enough water.  There is no magic number of exactly how much to drink, because it really depends on your activity level throughout the day.  A good idea is to try and start your day by drinking a quart of water.  Do your best to seek out natural springs of acquire a high quality filter system for your home.  
2-Organic: By switching foods that you and/or your family eat to those that are grown organically, we can ensure the elimination of harmful chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, and more from entering our bodies thru the food system.
3-A Salad A Day: Consuming one good sized salad a day can be a excellent addition to your lifestyle.  Eating a wide variety of fresh greens delivers of host of vitamins and minerals.  Enjoy your greens with your favorite veggies, nuts and seeds. Make this the main dish of that meal and add to it, as opposed to it being a side dish.
4-Fermented Foods: So many people suffer from the inability to properly digest what we eat.  Eating ferments like sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, and kefir will aid in mineral absorption as well as provide a host of beneficial bacteria called probiotics.  These friendly bacteria help to build gut flora which will ease the digestion of food.  Many vitamins like B and K are found in fermented foods that would normally only be found in animal products.  So it is important, especially for those on a more plant based diet to regularly consume fermented foods.
5-Seaweeds and Algaes: Seaweeds like nori(sushi), dulse, and kelp are very easy to add into your diet and offer up a high mineral rich food source.  Seaweeds are so easy to add in to your diet.  Dulse flakes, for example are often sold in bottles and can easily be sprinkled onto any meal.  Kelp is a fantastic assistant in proper thyroid function.  Algaes like spirulina and chlorella provide a high level of protein and boost the levels of chlorophyll in the body.
6-Herbal Teas: Simple and easy. Drink 1 cup of herbal tea daily. This doesn’t mean you have to give up your morning coffee routine. There are many tea herbs that are delicious and would make great bedtime teas. Pau D’arco is one that is found in many stores in the boxed tea section, and it is a great anti-fungal, anti-viral herb. Dandelion Leaf is another easy one found in most stores that is a great liver tonic and cleanser. 
7-Whole Grains: Add in whole grains. Instead of refined flour, refined carbohydrates, refined pastas, and refined breads (i.e. “white”), stick to Whole Grains. If you eat bread, try a sprouted whole grain style such as Ezekiel. If you love pastries, try making your own from scratch and use spelt, almond, or coconut flour. Look for “Gluten Free” options at the store. Instead of white rice, try brown or wild rice, quinoa, amaranth, millet, or buckwheat.
8-Alternative Sweeteners: There are many alternatives to using sugar or sugar-like substances as a sweetener. Next time at the store look for - raw honey, stevia, xylitol, maple, molasses, or brown rice syrup. All of these are better options than sugar or any heavily processed sweeteners, like aspartame, Sucralose, or high fructose corn syrup. 
9-High Quality Animal Foods:  For those of you consuming animal foods, I feel it is absolutely essential to source out the highest quality products possible.  Factory farmed animal foods pose a threat not only to the environment, but also to our well-being.  Animals are meant to feed on grass and when given an unnatural diet(soy, corn and grains), the nutritional profile is completely threatened.  Choosing pasture or free-ranged animal foods included meats, eggs, and poultry, will allow to receive the try healing properties of the food you consume.
10-Easy on the Soy: As an alternative to flesh foods, people are told that soy is a fantastic vegetarian source for protein.  Continuous studies now show that excess consumption of soy can lead to overly high levels of estrogen in the male and female body.  These means, that boys raised on soy formulas may actually develop breasts when they get to their teen years.  Woman's hormonal systems are being thrown out of whack due to the excess estrogens.  Fermented soy like MISO, Tempeh, and small portions of soy sauce are you best bet for soy usage because of the fermentation process.  

For more information on Frank and Frank's Finest Foods, please click here! 

Frank is also the Executive Chef and Contributing Editor at www.TheBestDayEver.com 


XO

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

What's Happening Wednesday: Introducing The Sweet Milk and Lavender Bud Facial








A delightfully refined facial treatment to deeply cleanse, exfoliate & wholly hydrate the skin.  This proven infusion of powerful herbal antioxidants & natural nutrients will address & correct skin texture & tone, so important to age management.  A luscious, relaxing facial with lasting results to visibly brighten skin!  This is the perfect treatment to get skin ready for the change of season or for anyone who simply wants to get an immediate glow!


50 minutes/ $85


At the Beauty Library, we use and sell Farmaesthetics , 100% natural skin care made with organically grown herbs, flowers, oils and grains.  No artificial preservatives, dyes, parabens, or talc.


XO