beauty tip tuesday: it's true lady friends!

XO

This is a quote from a famous and very pretty lady!  Can you guess who said it?!

Must Have Monday: Oribe Texturizing Spray

From one of the most influential stylists of all time-Oribe products are worth every penny!  My new fave is the texturing spray ( it smells so devine, you'll want to use it for the scent alone!)  Unlike traditional dry shampoo, this one is a sheer spray that leaves your hair refreshed and glossy, not powdery.

Local ladies, check out Timothy Pamment Salon in Madison for all the Oribe products!

XO

Style Saturday : Hey Toots!

A sneak peak at a one of a kind Birthday hat for the girl who has everything!

These charming handmade Pin-up hats created by Susie Denny are costumed to fit your inner temptress!

Each hat has vintage jewelry and flirtatious embellishments,

making them the perfect party accessory for a Vixen! 

Hey Toots!

If you would like to inquire more about these hats please email,

heytoots.partyhats@yahoo.com

xoxo

Feature Friday by Lindsay Milan - Taylor Swift Inspired Style

Happy Friday, JF Beauties!

Thought I'd share an updo with you that has been quite popular among both brides-to-be and bridesmaids this year.  It's an elegant, easy to wear style, inspired by Taylor Swift at the American Country Music Awards.

Source

Miss Swift's hair is naturally curly, but this style works for gals with straight hair, too!  I've recreated it here on my darling sister, Sarah.  To create the most natural looking curls, I used a clampless curling iron, and wrapped each section of hair in alternating directions.

After dividing her curled hair into top and bottom sections, I pulled the bottom section into a low ponytail bun, and pinned the curls from the top section haphazardly in place to create an organic, romantic style.

This style is very versatile as it works with both medium and long length hair, of all textures!  Hope this provides some wedding day style inspiration ladies!

Have a gorgeous weekend, beauties!

Until next time!
xo,
Lindsay

What's Happening Wednesday: Win FREE TICKETS to The Wedding Salon New York!

We are busy getting ready for our participation at The Wedding Salon's first New York event of the year, on Wednesday April 27th at Manhattan Center Studio from 4-9pm!  Some incredible names are lined up for the show, and each vendor will be showcasing trends tied into the upcoming Royal Wedding!  Brides will also have a chance to enter to win a magical honeymoon giveaway from Secrets Resorts and Spa!

We would like to offer our readers a very special giveaway! Enter to WIN a set of FREE tickets to this spectacular event!




Here's what you need to do:

Become a Fan of Jennie Fresa Beauty Library and The Wedding Salon on Facebook and leave a comment, tagging both of us saying, "I just entered to win tickets to The Wedding Salon event on April 27th."


We will announce winners on Friday April 22nd!



Good luck and hope to see you there!!!!



 

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Eye Catching Royal Blue Eyes

Don't be nervous when you hear blue eye liner is making a come back...Fashion and beauty trends are very inspired by 70's right now! There are many ways to make subtle hints of royal blue compliment all eyes and truly make them sparkle!  "Midnight" by Jennie Fresa (available at the Beauty Library) is a gel based liner that is easy to manipulate and the perfect color to use for creating a sultry look!  We also like to smudge a bit of "Indigo" shadow ( a purplish-blue shade that we absolutely LOVE!) right one top of the gel to make the look softer.

Tip:

To recreate Emma Stone's look:  line the bottom lash line ( starting on the outside corner of the eye) softening the color as you get closer to the tear duct. Continue the same on the top. The key word to this look is a thin line.   Try a pointed makeup brush or brush 11 by Trish McEvoy!

What's so great about gel liner is that if you mess up, you don't have to worry! Just go over the line you just created with a brush or q-tip and smudge the liner to make it look smokey! To avoid closing the eye in, keep the all-over eye shadow light and apply two coats of mascara. 

Emma's subdued peach gloss looks perfect with her sexy, dramatic eye!  

XOXO

Must Have Monday: Dating a Royal

With the royal wedding less than two weeks away, it seems everyone is trying to find their at-home party favorites!

If you're in the mood to feel royal too, ( who isn't?!) O.P.I makes a nail lacquer called Dating a Royal that resemebes the sapphire hue of the diamond enagament ring that Kate wears and will help you feel majestic! People say they still remember where they were when Charles and Diana were wed, where will you be for this royal wedding?

xoxo

Style Saturdays

A great inexpensive way to bring your wardrobe into Spring is by accessorizing! Just a pop of color is all you need! This set of orange floral hair pins are handmade and available on etsy.

We love these pins because they would look great in a bridesmaids updo or thrown into a messy bun!

Doesn't matter if you're dressed up or down, place one of these hair pins into any hairdo,

your look will beam flirty & fun! 

xoxo!

Feature Friday: A Spring Ocean House Wedding- Watch Hill, RI

The Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island is one of the most magical places to host a wedding!  Our insanely gorgeous bride, Christine wed the love of her life on March 26th and we were so honored to be a part her special day!  I created glamorous eyes for Christine with cool gray and silver tones.  Her skin kept luminous and glowing!  A glossy, sheer pink lip completed the look!   

One of the best parts about our job is working with so many of our talented industry friends!  Making Christine and Tommy's day come to life was Jubilee Event, The White Dress by the Shore and Dantura- A Modern Garden.  Capturing all of the memories, Carla Ten Eyck and Vintage Cinema!!  Congratulations to the super sweet couple!

You have to check out the complete gallery of pictures on Carla's blog!!  Seriously, go check it out!

XO

spring clean your bod!

photocred: breathingtimeyoga.com

We are officially into April- so let's all soften up our jawline, decide to smile & put a stop to the collective weather complaints that have been so omnipresent of late.

(It takes more facial muscles to frown than to smile. Frowns literally exhaust your face!)

I like to think of my yoga practice of spring cleaning my body, all year long. I breathe in, I breathe out. I pull my belly into my spine & at the bottom of each exhale, I make it impossible for stale air to linger as I exhale EVERYTHING out.

The more we let out- the more room we allow for good.

I feel the same way about a sun salutation. It's like pressing reset on my body, my heart & my mind.

There are plenty of other things you can do to spring clean your body.  You can yoga, cleanse/detox, run, sweat, hydrate, rest, get a massage, loofah yourself into a new spring mode.

If you'd like to get on your mat and try one of my classes for yourself- I currently teach in Branford, Ct at Pure Studio: Thursday evenings @ 7pm, Friday mornings @ 9:15 and Sunday mornings @ 10:15
and in Guilford, Ct at Bodi-n-motion Tuesdays @ 9:15 and Thursdays @ 8:15

I am always available for private and small group private lessons as well :)

hope to see you on your yoga mat!

<3

Tracee

Tracee Dolan is available for group and private instruction. Please feel free to contact her at traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com with any questions or appointment concerns.

What's Happening Wednesday: Enter to WIN FREE tickets to The Wedding Salon Event!

We are delighted to announce our participation at The Wedding Salon's first New York event of the year, on Wednesday April 27th at Manhattan Center Studio from 4-9pm!

Some incredible names are lined up for the show including Sylvia Weinstock, Tao, Le Cirque, Vera Wang and many, many more!  The event will feature a couture fashion show, beauty makeup overs ( by our very own JFBL team!), cocktails, cake tastings and a fabulous gift bag for all who attend!

Each vendor will be showcasing trends tied into the upcoming Royal Wedding!  Brides will also have a chance to enter to win a magical honeymoon giveaway from Secrets Resorts and Spa!

We would like to offer our readers a very special giveaway!  Enter to WIN a set of FREE tickets to this spectacular event!

Here's what you need to do:

1.) Leave a comment here on our blog about the event!

2.) Become a Fan of Jennie Fresa Beauty Library and The Wedding Salon on Facebook and leave a comment, tagging both of us saying, "I just entered to win tickets to The Wedding Salon event on April 27th."

3.) Follow Jennie Fresa on Twitter and tweet the same as above!

And, that's it!  We will announce winners on Tuesday April 19th!

Good luck and hope to see you there!!!!


XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: The look of the moment!

Orange is color of the moment!  Spring fashion and beauty trends are all about bright, bold colors this season!  Here's how to pull off a pop of color on your lip!

M.A.C. Cosmetics offers a limited edition lipstick called Neon Orange that is sure to grab attention!

TIP:

To make sure that your look doesn't say caution, down play everything else.  This lip would best be complimented with a soft, muted blush like ADOBE by Jennie Fresa (available at The Beauty Library!).  Keep eyes simple with a sheer, shimmering champagne palette.  This is the perfect time for 2 coats of mascara!  We love Sienna Miller in this cool and cheerful look!

xoxo

Must Have Monday: SPF 50 in a compact!

We love this new, SPF 50 powder compact by Physicians Formula!   What a quick and mess-free way to protect your skin on the go!  The powder is oil-free, last about four to six hours, is fragrance-free and comes in different skin tones!  Check out Target for the complete line of HEALTY WEAR items by Physicians Formula!  All the products are allergy and dermatologist tested.

xoxo

Feature Friday!

A few pics of our beautiful and graceful bride, Aimee!  Amy was married at Chelsea Piers in NYC last May!  Kelly gave her the soft, loose curls for her requested elegant, yet easy-going down-do!  Her makeup was simple and understated with a rich berry lip to dress it up!  One of my most favorite bridal looks!  

photo by Justin and Mary

photo by Justin and Mary

XO

Guest Blog Thursday: Your Nutrition Coach—Jane Ashley

Dear friends,

Today I’d like to share some information from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition about one of my favorite grains - Quinoa. Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has the highest nutritional profile and cooks the fastest of all grains.

Characteristics

• Contains all eight amino acids to make it a complete protein

• Has a protein content equal to milk

• High in B vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium & vitamin E

• Gluten-free; easy to digest

• Ideal food for endurance

• Strengthens the kidneys, heart, and lungs

Uses

When quinoa is cooked, the outer germ surrounding the seed breaks open to form a crunchy coil while the inner grain becomes soft and translucent. This double texture makes it delicious, versatile and fun to eat. To save time, cook a lot of quinoa at once and eat it many times. Quinoa can be reheated with a splash of soy or nut milk for breakfast porridge; you can add dried fruit, nuts and cinnamon for a sweet treat. Add finely chopped raw vegetables and dressing for a cooling salad or add chopped cooked root vegetables for a warming side dish. Store dry, uncooked quinoa in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly closed glass jar for up to one year.

Preparation 

Before cooking, quinoa must be rinsed to remove the toxic (but naturally occurring) bitter coating, called saponin. Saponin, when removed from quinoa, produces a soapy solution in water. Quinoa is normally rinsed before it is packaged and sold, but it is best to rinse again at home before use. Place quinoa in a grain strainer and rinse thoroughly with water.

The whole family will love this recipe!

Jane’s Black Bean and Mango Quinoa Salad:

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

1 large mango (peeled and chopped)

1 red bell pepper (chopped)

1 cup black beans (rinsed)

1 jalapeño pepper (chopped)

1 green onion (sliced)

1 handful cilantro (chopped)

1 avocado (chopped)

1 lime (juice)

1 teaspoon cumin

2 tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Place quinoa in a large frying pan without oil and toast over medium-low heat until a light golden brown color. Be sure to watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Once golden brown in color, cook the quinoa as directed on the package.

Mix the quinoa, red, orange and green bell peppers, mango, black beans, jalapeño, green onion, and cilantro in a bowl.

Mix the olive oil, lime juice and zest, cumin, salt and pepper in another bowl.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Add avocado to the top along with some cilantro sprigs for garnish.

Serve room temp, or cold straight from the frig. 

Happy Eating!

Jane

Jane Ashley, MA, CHHC, AADP

Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach

Jane Ashley, founder of Beautiful Body—Beautiful Bride: Nutrition Coaching for brides-to-be, and “The New Mom’s Rescue” Nutrition Program” is an expert in nutrition and holistic weight loss. In addition to her one-on-one coaching practice, group events and corporate workshops, Jane is a regular contributor to the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library blog, The Eat Right America™ Blog,  and is a sought-after speaker in the community.

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

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/h98e8C

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/janescottashley

What's Happening Wednesday: Girls Night Out in Guilford

I'm very excited to go out tonight for Erica Tannen's e-list Girls Night Out in Guilford! There's nothing better than socializing with friends and colleagues for drinks, discounts, and dinner!

If you haven't already heard, Erica launched Shoreline Perks, her new site within the e-list that features weekly deals on favorite finds along the CT Shoreline. Make sure to check it out!

                                                                             XO

beauty tip tuesday!

April showers bring May flowers.........and, FLAT hair!

Here's a tip:  Keep a rat tail comb handy!  This comb will be your sidekick to maintaining volume even on a rainy spring day!

It's easy!

1.) take 1 inch sections at the crown of your head.
2.) using the comb, rake hair toward the roots.
3.) comb over to smooth the section.
4.) mist hair spray to the back of the comb and gently tame any fly away stands.

XO

Must Have Monday: The "it" nail color for Spring/Summer

This season fashion and makeup trends are all about having fun and mixing it up!  I'm infatuated with punchy colors and wild patterns!

I can't wait to get my hands on this new, brilliant nail color or I should say, this brilliant color on my hands!

The soon to be released, "Mimosa" by Chanel is a cheerful shade of yellow that will surely brighten any gloomy spring day!  

Coming out in May 2011!

XO