Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Sun Protection 101




I hope everyone had a fun memorial day weekend!  With the official start to summer underway, I wanted to share a few tips for sun protection:

We are all trained to look at the SPF ( sun protection factor) on our sun protection products!  This rating protects you from UVB's ( burning rays) which causes sunburn and sometimes skin cancer.  Did you know, the UVB protection you apply in the morning is signficanly less effective by lunch time?!

TIP: DO reapply your SPF lotion or carry a mineral powder foundation with SPF for touch ups throughout the day.  {Myth: The higher the number the better the protection.  SPF 15 offers about 94 % percent protection while SPF 30 offers 96 %}.

Don't forget to look for UVA protection.  UVA rays are the ones that cut through clouds and glass windows in your car.  They can penetrate deeper into your skin and cause the most damage.

TIP: READ the label!  Look for avobenzone ( a chemical sunscreen that absorbs UVA) or a mineral-based block like zinc oxide, which repels UVA rays off your skin.

* If you're in doubt, just look for the Skin Cancer Foundation's new seal of approval.  This label is verification that the product meets the standards for proper UVB and UVA protection.


XO

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Guest Blogger Thursday: Sami's Bridal Headband DIY


Wedding season is well underway and, though I don't plan on marrying in the near future, I love to read wedding blogs. I especially love the upsurge of DIY weddings — brides handcrafting their invitations, table settings, even making their own gowns. Inspired by this — and because I love crafts and DIY! — I decided to write this guest post on how to make your own bridal headband.



Supplies needed:

  • a headband — I chose to use a thick one for this, so that I could fit more flowers and embellishments on top. This had a bow on it, so I cut it off, but don't worry, we'll be covering it with fabric!
  • at least 3 different kinds/colors of fabric — one must be white tulle or organza (for the veil), the other two I chose were a silky white fabric with glitter and a tougher cream-colored fabric.
  • fake flowers — I bought this baby's breath at a dollar store, but you can use bigger, more colorful flowers if you'd like. Maybe buy some fake flowers that match your bouquet?
  • white thread
  • sewing needle
  • fake gems/other embellishments
  • tacky glue (not pictured)
  • scissors (not pictured)
  • bobby pins or clothes pins — this is just to hold bits together as they glue (see step #5)
Steps:
Part One: Wrapping Fabric Around the Headband

1. place a little bit of glue on the inside of one end of your headband.
2. glue one end of a strip of fabric about 1 inch thick and 5ft long (I chose the glittery silky fabric), to the end of the headband. Tip: if one side of your fabric is frayed, position the frayed side to face inward.


3. wrap fabric tightly around headband.
4. glue the end, making sure a little bit hangs over to conceal the end of the headband.
5. use a bobby bin or clothespin to set the glue.
Optional: cut the little spiky frays of fabric that stick out. I decided to cut them for this project, but it might have been cute to keep them too — up to you!

Part Two: Making Flowers
Here's where I got smart and started using a blue background, making it easier to photograph the next steps. When making flowers to go on your headband, experiment with different types of fabric and different lengths and widths.


6. For this flower, I chose to use a piece of the thicker, shiny, cream-colored fabric to give the headband a little color. I cut a piece of fabric about 2.5-3in thick and 1ft long.


7. Fold the fabric together in an accordion fold and sew through the center. (I didn't have a photo of me doing this step with the thick fabric, so I'm showing the organza fabric here. I didn't end up using the organza flower on the final headband though).
8. Twist the folds of fabric in a circular fashion to create a flower.
Repeat Steps 6-8 to create more flowers, if you'd like.

Part Three: Adding the Veil & Embellishments


9. Sew a piece of white tulle (mine was 1ft x 8in) to your headband, pinching together the fabric as you sew.
10. Add on your flower(s) by sewing the bottom fold of fabric to the white fabric you've covered your headband with. I suggest sewing as closely to the middle of the flower as possible, otherwise you won't be able to "twist" the fabric into a flower again.


11. Remove the stems and centers of your fake flowers and sew them onto the headband by sewing up through the flowers and back down into the headband. You'll want to sew just outside of the flower's center.
12. Glue fake gems to the center of the fake flowers to give the headband a little more color. Be creative! You can even add buttons or other bits of fabric.
13. I had these cute heart-shaped gems lying around, so I added one to the center of my cream fabric flower.


Let your glue dry, and there you have it — your very own, handmade bridal headband! I kept this pretty simple to allow lots of room for customization, so dream big!

xoxo, Sami

~Sami Jensen is the writer of the culture blog, Poor & Pretty. She also makes cupcake soaps, which can be purchased online at the Poor & Pretty Cupcake Soap Shoppe.



Wednesday, May 25, 2011

What's Happening Wednesday: LASH BAR at the BEE!







Tonight is the 1st annual BEE Engaged at the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme!  Who's coming?!



Visit our LASH BAR at tonights event!  Swing by the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library booth ( you won't miss us- just look for our signature turquoise, glitter books!) to have your eyes done up with our latest summer-time collection!!  With any product purchase we'll apply a set of false lashes for FREE! 



XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Yes!

Say Yes to Carrots! Here at Jennie Fresa Beauty Library we are fans! Yes To Carrots is an all natural body care line that is a delicious way to feed your skin and hair!  Infused with dead sea mud and  minerals, as well as organic fruits and vegetables, makes these products super healthy. Yes To is designed to nourish and moisturize, creating the perfect snack for your face (lol!)! The brand focuses on hydrating skin by boosting it's ability to retain moisture. There are many products in the line to try-  Some favorite are the Cucumber for a soothing sensation, Yes To Tomatoes for acne and Yes to Blueberry, to improve fine lines and skin texture! 




xoxo 
Em


Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Must have Monday: Pop of Summer!

 J.crew flip flops are a Summertime essential! I love these flip flops because they come in seven different colors that can be worn dressed up or down. Perfect for the girl on the go!
 Pair them with a Poppy Red nail polish and your feet will beam Summer! 




xoxo
Em




Friday, May 20, 2011

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Guest Blogger Thursday: JFBL Nutrition Coach Jane Ashley & The Benefits of Juice Cleansing


Hello friends!

Here at the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library, we help many lovely brides get ready for their big day by providing in-house nutrition coaching and guidance to reach optimal weight WITHOUT DIETING! 

Crash diets and stressing out over whether the dress will fit on your wedding day is just not worth torturing yourself over!



Periodic Juice Cleansing can be a fabulous way to jump start your weight loss and detox your body. Many cultures have implemented juicing as part of spiritual and nutritional practices for centuries. 

Today, it is becming more and more popular and many people have purchased juicers to get on board with the trend. 

Juice cleanses are a great way to fill your body with nutrient rich blends of greens and veggies. It is so important to give our digestive system a much needed break to rest and clean out! 

Cleansing for 4-7 days allows for deep cellular elimination and repair. When I cleanse using fresh juices, I am amazed at how good I feel, how much energy I have, how much lighter I feel, and how much younger I look and feel (I am 41yrs old—but I feel 29!)

Not only does detoxifying your body aid in breaking habits and cravings, it’s a powerful anti-aging process. When I cleanse, I notice how clear my skin and eyes are, how my senses are heightened and how positive I feel. When removing toxins, the body starts to regenerate and rejuvenate naturally. 

Cleansing often allows us to get in touch with habits and patterns that no longer serve us. It often precedes a change for the better in our relationship to food because we are allowed to notice how our body is feeling and what true hunger signals are actually happening.

In honor of spring and in honor of YOU, I would like to invite you to be a part of our next 5-day juice cleanse from June 6-10. For all Jennie Fresa blog post readers, we are running a special of only $57! (value $257)

Click here for details and to reserve your spot—happy juicing!


Peace & Veggies,








p.s.
Here is my favorite juicer - it’s affordable, works beautifully and is really easy to clean! 

Below are some additional resources on juice cleansing:





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 or connect with Jane on:

Facebook  and  Twitter

What's Happening Wednesday: Coming SOON: Airbrush Makeup at JFBL







The JFBL team just returned from THE MAKUP SHOW NYC and boy are we excited about our new finds!!!!  We are so excited to expand our service menu by offering AIRBRUSH Makeup Applications!

We are taking some time to get used to our new fancy gadget and will let you know when it's officially available!!

XO


Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Beauty Tip Tuesday: sea salt scrub

Skin feeling a little dull? Splash into LUSH: rub rub rub shower scrub!
This product embodies warm, summer days! Not only is it a delicious-smelling body scrub, it acts as a nourishing shampoo too!  Your locks will look like you spent the day at the beach! The formula is infused with lemon juice, orange blossom and sea salts that make for the ultimate ocean experience!



xoxo
Em


Monday, May 16, 2011

Must Have Monday: Ahoy Beauties!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho! 
From land to sea, the Pirates of Caribbean nail collection by O.P.I. are the perfect shades for Spring and Summer! Pastel hues with names like Skull and Glossbones or Mermaid Tears will make all ye hearties wish they had some treasure too! 

xoxo
Em

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Guest Blogger Thursday: Tracee Dolan~ Spring Bodhi Cleanse





Bodhi -  to awaken, become aware, notice, know or understand



I just completed a 5 day spring cleanse with Kai Hersher of Nourishing Habits.  I learned so much. I have done cleanses before but never like this. . Kai Hersher is so knowledgeable and I am so thankful for her presence and business in my life. Each night we would pick up our bag of water, tea, smoothies & soup for the next day. Kai was always on hand for questions and tips. She is a health educator, yoga teacher and masseur. She gave us tips on skin brushing, a great practice for all to try. Dry brushing your skin with a loofah glove or an actual brush to stimulate the lymphatic system & makes your skin super soft. A sample day would consist of a morning berry based smoothie, a green lemonade with kale, sprouts & other high energy high enzyme foods, an apple cleanser drink, the most delicious soups I have ever, ever tasted, an avocado or protein based late afternoon smoothie, & a treat of some sort, peppermint water, tea, even an amazing chia pudding. 


I had a rough time at it, cleansing at the peak of my allergy season- no more allegra D, no coffee, no alleve or ibuprofrin...There were times where it was rough!!
The most amazing part of this cleanse, besides the amazing food & Kai's thorough knowledge of it, was the realization I had of how much time I spend thinking about food! I had all of this time to think about other things. There is so much time and concern placed towards "what am I going to eat?", "how am I going to make it?", It was such a foreign concept to not have to worry about any of it. 
 And the best part? everyone kept commenting on the glow of my skin & the glimmer in my eyes. 

I felt great, It was nice to have the food all set up and to know that it was the best high enzyme, healthy, colorful options of nourishment possible. 

I highly recommend a cleanse with Kai & I recommend that you check out her site and services. 

--
Tracee Dolan
617.448.5593 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

What's Happening Wednesday: Attend Bee Engaged!


Where: The Bee and Thistle Inn and Spa, Old Lyme CT
What: Bee Engaged, 1st Annual Shoreline Wedding Industry Engaging Networking Event
When: Wednesday, May 25th, 2011 6:00 - 9:00 pm




You're invited to join us for this special evening! Meet with local wedding businesses and make connections.


Featured Vendors:


Register Now! Hope to see you there!


xo





What's Happening Wednesday: Complimentary Brow Shaping!





The White Dress by the Shore will be hosting a trunk show with Miami based incredible accessories designer, Maria Elena! From May 19th - 21st, on hand will be Maria Elena’s right hand woman and the head of sales, Gisele delBusto; work with her one on one to find the perfect accessories for your stunning gown! Make an appointment on May 20th and you will receive a voucher for a complimentary brow shaping here at Jennie Fresa Beauty Library and a fabulous trunk show discount (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). To schedule an appointment the for the trunk show, call The White Dress by the Shore at 860.669.4596!






xo







Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Beauty Tip Tuesday: beach waves!

All of the sunshine recently has us daydreaming about the beach! Who doesn't love ocean fresh tousled hair?! The key of course is the sea salt. This aquage sea salt texturing spray is a light weight mist, infused with dead sea salts for effortless volume and soft waves! We love how you can use it on dry or damp hair without having that scrunched, stiff look. 




xoxo, Em




Monday, May 9, 2011

Must Have Monday: Vintage Scarves

Add a little zest to any outfit with a vintage scarf!  Have fun and make a day of it by popping into antique shops in your area.  You can might even find designer scarves at a discounted price!   Scarves are a great accessory because you can wear them so many different ways--as a belt, tied around your neck for a classic look, or even as a head band! Maybe you're not ready to for that sun dress just yet, with a bold floral print scarf, you don't need much more! Here are a few options for how to wear a scarf in you hair:  

Whimsical- with a bow on top ( I love this one!)

Classic- around your head like Audrey

Bohemian -great for beach days!


xoxo, Em

Friday, May 6, 2011

Feature Friday by Lindsay Milan - Vanessa and Saul

Happy Friday, JF Beauties!  


Have I got a treat for you!  Meet Vanessa!  She married her beloved Saul last June at Burning Tree Country Club in Greenwich, and let me tell ya girls, she was just over the moon with excitement!  The absolute cutest!  I had such fun working with Vanessa on one of her most special days, providing hair and makeup.  


Erin Kiernan, of Erin Kiernan Photography, was there as well, and took all the gorgeous pictures you'll see below!  


Vanessa, looking absolutely breathtaking, just before "I Do!"
Photo by
Erin Kiernan


Vanessa's fabulous bridesmaid, looking on as the bride gets ready.
Photo by
Erin Kiernan


Vanessa's mom, Fereshteh, full of love and happiness for her daughter.
Photo by
Erin Kiernan


I created a romantic look for Vanessa by pulling her hair back in sections into a curled, 'undone' chignon of sorts, letting it take shape organically.  Sophisticated, but not fussy in the slightest.  


Tucking miniature white tea roses into the bride's up-do.
Photo by
Erin Kiernan


Vanessa has naturally very curly hair, which was blown straight for the wedding, before I started styling. This allowed for a smoother look, and I added texture and curls back into her updo, using a tapered clamp-less curling iron.  Using this technique, I could add refined curl that held beautifully in Vanessa's hair.


Helpful hint:  Ladies, for your big day, take note of your hair type.  Do you have curly hair too?  Or pin straight? Hairstyles that echo your hair type, as Vanessa's curly updo echoed her naturally curly locks, tend to have longer staying power than styles that fight against your natural texture. 

Love all the "girlie-ness" happening in this photo
- and how awesome is that lounge?!
Photo by
Erin Kiernan


For Vanessa's makeup, I gave her a 'peaches 'n' cream' glow, keeping her look fresh and flawless.  A bit of highlighter in the key places - a touch under the brow bone, and at the height of the cheekbones - combined with peach blush, gloss for a pretty pout, and a swipe or two of mascara created a perfect bridal look for Vanessa.


Amazing!
Photo by
Erin Kiernan


Vanessa, wishing you and Saul the very best... Oh, and congratulations are 'due'!  This darling couple is looking forward to another very special day this summer - they'll be welcoming their first bundle of joy into the world!  How wonderful!


A very happy Mother's Day to Vanessa -  and to all of you JF Beauties!


Until next time!
xo,
Lindsay

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Guest Blogger Thursday: "Defining beauty in the wake of tragedy" by Becky Hatch

I'm so happy to introduce a new guest writer here on the Jennie Fresa Beauty Blog!   Please welcome Becky to our wonderful world of beauty!

Becky is interning with us this spring/summer as one of our beauty editors.  She comes to us with a B.A in English from Uconn and is currently studying Business Administration at the University of New Haven.  Becky will stop by once a month (for guest blogger Thursday) to share her thoughts on the history of beauty.  I hope you will check-in and leave your feedback on these thought provoking topics!  

First up:  An essay on defining beauty in the wake of tragedy.  By Becky Hatch





"Beauty" can be a hard thing to define. Every culture has a different idea of what defines beauty, and what they value. In the wake of a tragedy, be it September 11, 2001, Hurricane Katrina, the tsunami in Japan, the tornadoes ripping across the midwest right now or the devastating earthquake in Haiti, people gather round in a kind of global - human- compassion that is truly remarkable. We watch in horror as peoples' lives are torn apart and we triumph and cheer as they move on and rebuild. There are undoubtedly pictures of destruction splattered across our televisions and newspapers, but occassionally there are also pictures of beautiful things. These pictures and scenes that we see from afar show us the grief and chaos but also the resolve and the determination to go on with life, and rebuild something that resembles the way it was before. People always, always, keep going.
While some may think it's superficial to discuss beauty, clothes, salons, and the like in the same article as such tragic events, I think it goes hand in hand, especially after reading Edwidge Danticat's essay in the March 2011 issue of Allure. The women of these small towns and slums in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, women who began their lives with literally nothing and then had everything destroyed in the earthquake, they wanted to build something that resembled their lives before. They wanted to feel good about themselves again; to feel beautiful in the midst of the ugliness around them.
Ms Danticat recounts her experiences growing up in Haiti with the three most beautiful women she had ever seen - three sisters who painstakingly sew sequins on dresses that are worn by American and European fashionistas. The pride these women take in their work - work that ultimately lands on our hangers, is evident. Some of the first places to be rebuilt - albiet in a rather makeshift way - in the camps following the earthquake in Haiti, were "salons". Women, friends, family, neighbors, helping to make each other beautiful amidst the loss, death, destruction and ugliness that mother nature had thrown so ungraciously upon them. Women who "don't want to look like the chaos around [them]". They want to braid their hair, wear colorful scarves, paint their nails and hold their heads high. Ms Danticat's mother used to tell her that "when you leave the house, you represent everything you're associated with-you represent women, you represent Haitians". Even though these women barely have houses to leave in the morning, they want to put their best face forward, for themselves, each other, their country and to the world. As Ms Danticat points out - "looking beautiful might be one way of exclaiming to the world that you are doing more than breathing, that you matter". It is easy to forget the plight of the victims of disasters; it is human nature to move on from it and to forget in order to keep going. When it is impossible to forget, these women have decided to make beauty out of ugliness.

XO

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

The Royal Wedding Viewing Party

The Royal Wedding was quite memorable for us here at Jennie Fresa Beauty Library.  Last Friday The White Dress by the Shore hosted a viewing party that began with preparations for the wedding at 4 am!  WTNH/ My TV 9 arrived at 4:45 am to set up for a live broadcast that ran from 5:15-8am.  I was there on hand to join for the live coverage and do Beth Chapman and Candice Coppola's makeup!  Throughout the morning, our fashion predictions, commentary on the royal fashion and beauty and future trends sure to be set by the royal wedding were broadcasted.  Cick here to see the article and segment that ran on WTNH.  Beth also received some wonderful coverage from The Shoreline Times; click here to see their article and video.


The stage was set: There were fresh baked scones, tea, and strawberries speared with Union Jacks flying from toothpicks, all provided by Savvy Tea in Madison.  Candice Coppola from Jubilee Events created the ultimate Royal table scape along with Datura A Modern Garden who arranged a stunning centerpiece.  The guests were immersed in the royal spirit while sporting hats and fascinators- many from designer Bijou Van Ness, while photographer Carrie Roseman photographed the event.

Jennie's thoughts on Kate's hair and makeup? 

"After all of the speculation as to how Kate will wear her hair, I was not surprised that she wore it in a classic half up, half down 'do!  After all, when looking back at photos of Kate before the BIG day, I never saw her with her hair up or pulled back.  It made sense to me that she wouldn't deviate from her every day easy, flowing down-do.  And, why would she?  She has the most gorgeous, shiny, voluminous, perfect brunette hair I have EVER seen!  I think it was very important for Kate to look like the best version of herself.  Her long time stylist, James Pryce of the Richard Ward Salon, accomplished just that!

Rumors have been floating around that Kate did her own makeup.  Either way, I think she looked absolutely radiant!  Her skin was glowing.  She balanced her rosy cheeks and pale-pink lips with a well defined eye.  I loved it!  She was a vision of beauty all around!"








                                                        Photo Credits: Carrie Roseman

What's Happening Wednesday: Complimentary Brow Shaping!






The White Dress by the Shore will be hosting a trunk show with Miami based incredible accessories designer, Maria Elena!  From May 19th - 21st, on hand will be Maria Elena’s right hand woman and the head of sales, Gisele delBusto; work with her one on one to find the perfect accessories for your stunning gown!  Make an appointment on May 20th and you will receive a voucher for a complimentary brow shaping here at Jennie Fresa Beauty Library and a fabulous trunk show discount (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). To schedule an appointment the for the trunk show, call The White Dress by the Shore at 860.669.4596.



xo





Monday, May 2, 2011

Must Have Monday: A Day of Beauty for Mom!



Treat your mom to a day of pampering here at Jennie Fresa Beauty Library!

Mother's Day Package

Customized facial
Professional brow shaping
Makeup application
Touch-up lipstick

$165

We are located at:
110 East Main Street
Clinton CT
860-664-3923

Gift Certificates are available!

XO