Monday, January 31, 2011

Must Have Monday: Ready, Set, Blow!



It's no secret!  I LOVE to get my hair blown out!  On Saturday, Miss Kelly came by the Beauty Library a little early to help me style my hair!  She started by applying--Ready, Set, Blow styling lotion, created by expert stylists at BLOW, the award-winning Blow Dry Bar in NYC voted best by Vogue and In-Style.  This incredible product accelerated the time it took to blow dry my hair and tamed all of my frizzies!  For best results, Kelly taught me to remove excess water from my hair and rake the product though starting at the roots, working toward the crown.
I haven't had the chance to visit myself (yet!) but Kelly promises me I will absolutely love the mega, hot pink and bright white salon as much as the fabulous custom service menu--choose from sleek, straight blow drys or bouncy, glamorous curls! Blow drys start at only $40.

XO

Friday, January 28, 2011

Feature Friday!


photo by Adrien Broom 
makeup by Jennie Fresa

One of my absolute favorite images from a shoot I worked on last year with Adrien!

XO

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

What's Happening Wednesday: Meet Megan!!



I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest team member, Megan Chimento!

We are proud to announce Megan as our In-Studio Makeup Artist!  She is available for Bridal Makeup, Makeup Applications for all-occasions, and Makeup Lessons by appointment here at Jennie Fresa Beauty Library!  In addition to working in our charming studio, Megan will also be assisting me for several weddings this season!

Megan is beautiful inside and out.  Her calm manner and professionalism are sure to impress.  Her specialty is creating flawless skin and polished, natural-looking makeup!  I am delighted to have her represent JFBL!  I promise, you won't be disappointed!

To book an appointment with Megan, please call 860-664-3923.

Megan's hours:
Saturdays 10-5 and Sundays 12-4.

XO

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Blend, blend, blend



Invest in a velour puff!  The powder puff is such an underrated makeup tool!  Make sure you can't see any lines of demarkation by using this one by Trish McEvoy !  It's easy!  Apply your makeup as normal.   Use the puff as your final step by gently rolling the it over your makeup.

XO

Monday, January 24, 2011

Must Have Monday: MAC 7 Lashes

MAC 7 Lash
Yesterday I worked on a photo shoot with the very talented hair stylists at Timothy Pamment Salon  in Madison CT.


The  four looks we created were inspired by divine glamour meets vogue cover model, inspired by the movie Black Swan.  I mean, say no more!!  I had SUCH a blast working with Tim and all of the incredible pros on his team!  It was a great thrill to work outside of the box and really show off my range of skills.


In preparation for the shoot, I headed out to the MAC store for a few supplies.  One of the looks I did was very theatrical and included very pale, white skin.  The eyes were subdued with an emphasis on the brows and lashes.  MAC #7 lashes  made the look!


I can hardly wait to share the images!  As soon as I get them, I will be sure to post them here for you all to see.  For now, please enjoy the photograph that we used as inspiration for one of the looks.


XO

Friday, January 21, 2011

Feature Friday!


In case you missed it, a few weeks ago Jennie Fresa Beauty Library was featured on Style Me Pretty!  (That's ME, focused and in action!!) Please check out the beautiful details of this wedding captured by Scobey Photography  for Carla Ten Eyke.

Our drop dead gorgeous bride is Jacin Fitzgerald, owner and creative director of Lovely Little Details!
If you don't already follow Jacin's fun, DIY wedding blog, I suggest you do so right away!!!

XO

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Guest Blogger Thursday - Sami's Body Butter Bar DIY

Hello lovelies! It's Sami from Poor & Pretty, and I'm back with another DIY just in time for Valentine's Day! Okay, so I'm a little early, but body butter bar does make an excellent homemade gift for your sweetie - just ask my boyfriend! He's a computer technician, so he's always using his hands and working with rough computer parts, which leaves his skin dry and cracked. I made some body butter bar for the first time a few months ago and now he's addicted. So, for an early Valentine's Day gift, I replenished his stock :)


My body butter bars (I know, try saying it ten times fast!) are jam-packed with super-moisturizing ingredients, so it's perfect for anyone with really dry skin (my younger sister uses it on her Eczema) or for those of us with normal skin who just need an extra moisture boost in some places (hands, elbows, knees, and feet). What's even better is that the ingredients are all-natural, which means they contain no preservatives or other harmful chemicals.

Ingredients:

  • 3oz beeswax
  • 3oz cocoa butter
  • 3oz shea butter
  • 3oz jojoba oil (or other carrier oil like safflower oil)
  • double-boiler or Pyrex measuring cup and pot
  • a soap mold or thick-walled plastic container
  • wax paper
  • tape or labels
Directions:
  • melt the beeswax, cocoa butter, and shea butter on medium/low heat either in your double boiler or by putting the ingredients in a Pyrex measuring cup inside of a pot of boiling water (please do this carefully!). See how I did this in my lip balm diy.
  • once the beeswax and butters are melted, remove the mixture from heat and add in your jojoba oil, stirring it in quickly so it blends into the mixture evenly.
  • pour into your soap mold or plastic container.
  • let cool for a few hours (to be safe, I let it cool for about 3-4).
  • pop it out of your mold, cut it up into pieces, then wrap them in wax paper and seal it with a kiss (and tape or labels)!
A note on ingredients: If you can't find these at your local organic supermarket (like Whole Foods), you can buy all of these ingredients online from Mountain Rose Herbs. While everything I used was certified organic and unrefined, I do suggest buying refined shea butter. Unrefined shea butter has a very nutty scent which takes away from the delicious chocolatey scent of the cocoa butter.


Check out the other DIY posts I've written for Jennie: DIY Sugar Scrub and DIY Lip Balm. Also look for my Valentine cupcake soaps hitting the Poor & Pretty Cupcake Soap Shoppe soon!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Maria Elena Headpiece and Accessories Trunk Show

On Saturday January 29th Jennie Fresa Beauty Library will be teaming up with The White Dress by the Shore to offer mini hair trials prior to a trunk show with Miami based accessories designer Maria Elena! Work one on one with Maria Elena’s right hand woman and the head of sales, Gisele delBusto, to find the perfect accessories for your wedding day. Schedule your consultation with team stylists at Jennie Fresa Beauty Library before heading over to the trunk show to get a mini hair trial and professional advice on hair styles that work great with accessories. Also, meet with Jennie for quick tips on choosing the right makeup look for your wedding day! Call the Beauty Library at 860-664-3923 to schedule your consultation.


To schedule an appointment for the trunk show, call the White Dress by the Shore at 860-669-4596. A 10% discount will be granted on the first Maria Elena accessory purchased during the event and a 15% discount on any additional piece of equal or lesser value.



         Photo Credit: Carla Ten Eyck

         Photo Credit: Carla Ten Eyck

            Photo Credit: Robert Norman



Hair: Nedelyn Perry
Makeup: Jennie Fresa

Monday, January 17, 2011

Must have Monday: Crazy Sexy Diet



Our in-house nutrition coach, Jane Ashley recommends that you read this new book, CRAZY SEXY DIET, written by her good friend, Kris Carr!

Please check it out!

XO

Friday, January 14, 2011

Feature Friday!



Checking the mail here at the Beauty Library can be so much fun!  Whether it's a thoughtful, hand written thank-you note from one of our brides, a signed contract from a client or a CD of images from a photo shoot we worked on, it's always exciting to see what's waiting in our little black mailbox!

Recently, I was delighted to find a present so delicately wrapped in baby blue tissue paper and tucked inside a chocolate brown box!  So pretty, I almost didn't want to open it!  I knew this packaging, I had seen it before and I knew there was something reeeeeally good inside!

As I ripped through the tissue paper at lightning speed, I gasped with excitement with what I found!  It was stack of postcards with a picture of our stunning bride ( Kerry Moyer) printed on the most perfect, pearly paper!  And, It gets even better, the cards are printed in turquoise with our JFBL logo on the front and back!  Yay!!

Thank you Justin and Mary Marantz  for sending such a special and thoughtful gift our way!  We can't wait to start sending these out!

Makeup by Jennie
Hair by Kelly & Ned!

XO

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Guest Blogger Thursday - Holistic Nutrition Coach Jane Ashley





Calling All Brides: Say NO to yo-yo diets! 

Looking to slim down for your big day? Say NO to yo-yo dieting once and for all! Eat the right foods and you'll be on your way to an energetic, healthy, in-shape, and happy body. By feeding your body the right stuff, you will crowd out the bad stuff. Along with your healthy eating program in the months leading up to your big day, you can make smart choices on the days right before your wedding to get rid of water retention and amp up the definition in your muscles, too. Here are some tips for those of you hitting the alter in the next few weeks:
  1. Stay away from gum and carbonated beverages —they cause more water retention and bloating.
  2. Eliminate fast food and prepackaged foods. They rob you of your energy and have been depleted of their nutritional components through industrial processing.
  3. Eat high-energy foods like bright, colorful veggies and fruits (not limp, over-cooked, grayish veggies) and food that is local to your area – less time in the truck means more energy in the food.
  4. Stay away from white bread, white potatoes, refined sugar and excess carbs.
  5. Focus on organic protein sources such as salmon— you won’t be as hungry and the omega 3s help your skin, hair and nails and will give you the GLOW.
  6. Green tea and hot lemon water are helpful in getting rid of water retention and moving the toxins out of your body.
  7.  Stick with lower sugar fruits like berries. Cantaloupe is a great diuretic!
  8. Eat lots of asparagus, brussel sprouts, and other green leafy veggies—these energizing foods will help your muscles look leaner and are great for your skin.
  9. An epsom salt bath will draw toxins out of your body—use 1-2 cups of Epsom salts in a hot bath and soak for 20 minutes.
  10. Consistently drink water between meals – by the time you actually feel thirst, it is likely you are far beyond the point of needing water.


A good rule of thumb is this: eat whole foods, cook at home, stay away from processed and prepackaged foods, and eat in restaurants only now and then. You will be doing your health a big favor, as well as slimming down so you look and feel amazing on your wedding day!

Peace & Veggies,










Jane Ashley, MA, CHHC, AADP, founder of Beautiful Body—Beautiful Bride: Nutrition Coaching for brides-to-be, is an innovator in bridal nutrition and holistic weight loss. In addition to her one-on-one coaching practice, Jane is a regular contributor to the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library blog and is a sought-after speaker in the community.

Jane specializes in helping brides prepare for their wedding – not just with a crash diet but by offering a holistic weight loss approach that is sustainable for LIFE – not just until the honeymoon is over.

Brides today are under an incredible amount of stress and need support around health and lifestyle more than ever, and Jane is so happy to bring her expertise to the bridal community.

To learn more about Jane, please visit:
http:// www.WellnessWithJane.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wellness-With-Jane/168576009829583


What's Happening Wednesday: Introducing Beautiful Body-Beautiful Bride


We are so thrilled to offer a new service for all of our brides-to-be! Our goal is to make brides look their absolute best on their wedding day with professional and custom beauty services!  Now, we can help you look good from the inside out!

Jane Ashley, founder of Beautiful Body—Beautiful Bride: Nutrition Coaching for brides-to-be, is an innovator in bridal nutrition and holistic weight loss. In addition to her one-on-one coaching practice, Jane is a regular contributor to the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library blog and is a sought-after speaker in the community.

Jane attended Naropa University, graduating with a Masters in Counseling Psychology. She received her nutrition training and certification at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition earning accreditation from The American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) and Purchase College, SUNY.

Jane helps women all over the country lose the last 10-20 lbs and increase their energy without stress and without starving themselves. She helps women discover how to live a juicy life! She specializes in helping brides prepare for their wedding – not just with a crash diet but by offering a holistic weight loss approach that is sustainable for LIFE – not just until the honeymoon is over.

Brides today are under an incredible amount of stress and need support around health and lifestyle more than ever, and Jane is so happy to bring 
her expertise to the bridal community.

Brides who book with JFBL will receive a complimentary session with Jane!  For more information on Beautiful Body--Beautiful Bride, please contact me directly at jennie@jenniefresa.com.  I would be delighted to schedule a time for you to meet with Jane here at Jennie Fresa Beauty Library.

To learn more about Jane, please visit:
www.WellnessWithJane.com


facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wellness-With-Jane/168576009829583

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

beauty tip tuesday: model-gorgeous lashes


I always recommend curling your eye lashes!  Many women skip this step, and it's a huge mistake!  Having fabulous lashes is the best way to make your eyes stand out!  Here's a tip or two or three on using a lash curler:

1.) Always curl your lashes BEFORE you use apply mascara.  If used after, it could tear your eyelashes out!

2.) Gently walk the lash curler up the length of your lashes.  Gently open and close the curler several times until you reach the end of your lashes.  This motion gives your lashes curve and ensure that you don't get that crimp mark at the base.

3.) Try heating your lash curler with a blow dryer.  {Be sure to let it cool a moment before going to your eye!}

XO

Monday, January 10, 2011

Must Have Monday: Sand Tropez by Essie



Essie's Spring nail color collection, inspired by 60's glamour and appropriately named, "FRENCH AFFAIR" is going to be a hit!  Hues of periwinkle, light blues, pretty pinks, and cafe au lait will bring out your inner Brigitte Bardot!

I can't wait to try these cheerful, opaque pastel shades!  I have my eye on one in particular and can already tell you this will be the MUST-HAVE shade for spring!

Sand Tropez is a slightly iridescent, cool shade of taupe!  It's a neutral color so anyone will be able to wear it and it will to work with any colorful spring outfit!  I'm also predicting this color, along with Topless and Barefoot will be the perfect choice for those toes this summer!

Keep an eye out!  The collection will launch February 1st, 2011!!

XO

Friday, January 7, 2011

Feature Friday by Jennie Fresa: We made the COVER of The Connecticut Bride!!!!!



There are some moments that truly feel surreal.  Seeing my gorgeous bride Danielle grace the cover of The Connecticut Bride is one of those moments for sure!  Words can't describe how proud I feel to have a feature article in one bridal publication and my work displayed on the cover of another--all in the same week!!

Dress:  The White Dress by the Shore
Photography: Carla Ten Eyck
Event: Jubilee Event
Flowers: Blush Floral

If you didn't get a chance to pick up a copy, here is the article on page 182 in the latest issue of BRIDES CT!  I share how to translate Keira Knightly's smokey, red carpet look into a low key look that's appropriate for walking down the aisle!!


I can't forget to give a BIG shout out to JFBL team makeup artist, Lindsay Milan for her fabulous work also featured today on Style me Pretty! !!

I think a celebration is in order!!!!

XO

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Guest Blogger :Tracee Dolan, of Tracee teaches yoga: An Exercise in Gratitude (without even breaking a sweat)



Happy New Year Beauties,

It's 2011 and we are all a buzz with a new year of possibility & change! So, before you decide to harp on the hole in your bank account- from all of that holiday spending!  Take a moment to thank the people in your life that made your holiday & 2010 memorable. Here's what you do:
  • Make a mental note of the generous people in your life this holiday. Was it a gift? A meal? A really great party? A heartfelt conversation?
  • Did someone demonstrate a special type of kindness or thoughtfulness to you during 2010? 
  • Write down the people who you'd like to thank. 
     Now, it's time to make it fun. Find some fancy paper, envelopes, card stock, whatever strikes your fancy. I went to 2 Elms in Madison center. Everything in the store was 20% off so it was a deal. I grabbed a pretty marker, some rounded edge one sided recycled card stock, and ofcourse!  purple envelopes :)

   I sat down, had some tea and really reflected on the feeling of gratitude that these special people in my life evoked. I remember as a kid I was always forced to write thank you cards- and up until my later teens, I didn't really get it.  We all know that giving is a truly gift, but being thankful & taking a moment to thank is a pretty awesome activity & sensation. Treat it like an active meditation. Gratitude is the highest vibration, and it can only attract more things to me thankful for. Take a deep breath & reflect. We are so lucky!

Here's to much more to be thankful for this 2011!




tracee dolan of tracee teaches yoga is available for group and private instruction. please contact traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com




Wednesday, January 5, 2011

What's Happening Wednesday: Sign up for a Beauty Library Card!




Hi Friends!

So excited to tell you about our new lending library here at our makeup studio and mini spa!  We have a fun selection of books waiting to be borrowed!!

Some of my favorites include, Face Forward by Kevyn Aucoin, The 5 Minute Face by Carmidy and The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon.  We also have wedding planning resources, romantic novels, inspirational self-help guides and much more!

With your new, Beauty Library Card, valid for 1 year, you can sign out books, receive special discounts, get free admission to workshops (coming soon!) and automatically be entered to win a GRAND PRIZE (still working out the details for that one)!

Beauty Library cards are being sold for $25.  

OR

You can buy a card for $20.00 if you bring us a gently loved book!  (Offer good until April 1st, 2011)

XO

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Long Lasting Lip Gloss?


Long lasting lip gloss?!  I don't think so.  Tip: Lip gloss is fluid and is not meant to last.  Besides, part of the fun is pulling your tube out from your purse and reapplying it!!  If you want long-lasting color, don't choose a gloss.  Try using a stain or lipstick under your gloss for better staying power.

xxoo

Monday, January 3, 2011

Must Have Monday: A Bouncy Blow-out




My dream hair is that of Annette Funcillo.  I crave, BIG, voluminous hair!  It's sexy!! More women should put down the flat iron and invest in velcro rollers!!  Maybe it's my recent obsession with the Kardashians--these girls always have the perfect blow out, don't they!?  I'm tellin ya, it's the rollers (okay, and having a glam-squad by their side 24/7 helps too!)!!
I suggest Super-Size Plus 3" Rollers to add height and the perfect amount of bounce.  You don't have to leave them in for very long, while you put your makeup on is usually enough time.  Be sure to prep damp hair with a setting lotion first!   You can find them at another on of my favorite beauty sites { attention hair stylists!!} folica.com!

xxoo