Guest Blogger Thursday: Colonial Influences by Becky Hatch

Growing up, I was flat out obsessed with all things to do with weddings. Mainly, at 5, I loved the gowns. In the late '80s and early '90s, the big poofy Princess Diana sleeves and gowns were all the rage, meaning wedding dresses (as glitzy, glammy and beaded as can be) looked a lot like the big southern belle style dresses worn in "the olden days", as I liked to call them. When I realized that I had a lot of living left to do before I could get married (finish second grade for instance), I moved on from Princess Di and my aunts' wedding videos to reading Gone With the Wind. And so my Scarlet O'Hara influenced craze began.

Although I would no longer call myself obsessed (it would be inappropriate to wear a prom dress to work every day), I am still incredibly passionate about all things to do with Colonial and early Victorian fashion. The more that I learned about these time periods in high school and college, the more I realized reality was a lot less romantic than the image I had in my head. For instance, I had no idea how heavy a lot of these dresses were. For most women, gowns were made out of wool and the undergarments made out of linen. Women wore at least three to four layers, even in the summer - with no air conditioning mind you. Hoop skirts, petticoats and crenolin gave them the ballgown-like skirts, which were often held up by suspenders. They also wore corsets (or stays), made from hard materials such as whale bone. In the practical sense, these corsets helped with posture and acted as a sort of back brace when carrying heavy items such as children or buckets. For the wealthy, these corsets also helped to give them the desired sillouhette of a cinched waist line. For Ms. O'Hara, she would probably have at least three outfit changes a day, including a morning dress, an evening dress and a walking outfit. Her dresses were also made from silk, brocade, velvet, damask, chiffon, etc. Most women, however, only owned three or four dresses in total, meaning they barely got to change once a day. Bathing-also not very popular. I guess I'll take my 21st century existence over life on a plantation after all.

Lucky for us, corsets are no longer a health hazard (fainting), and have become a special treat! We now have more modern shape-wear that helps give us the figure we want and we can save corsets for feeling sexy and beautiful-while still being able to breathe. For those of you who are getting married (or just want to treat yourself to something special underneath your t-shirt and jeans), check out Beneath the Gown. This store is located right near the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library in Clinton, CT and features fine European lingerie. Contact Josie or pop in to have her help you find exactly what you're looking for!

XO!

beauty tip tuesday: 5 tips to consider before a bikini wax

NO ONE looks forward to a bikini wax and for good reason, it hurts!  Well, if done correctly by a professional aesthetician, it doesn't have to be so bad.    Here are a few tips to ease the pain.

1.) Schedule your appointment about a week AFTER your period, your threshold for pain is higher.

2.) Make sure the salon/spa uses "hard wax".  It actually is more gentle than soft wax.

3.) Exfoliate the night before.  Removing any traces of dead skin helps the wax remove hair more easily.

4.)  Take Advil or some kind of pain reliever about an hour before your appointment.

5.) Remember to breathe and try to relax!  I used to hold my breath and it only made me focus more on the pain.

XO!

must have monday: coco butter

Coco butter is rich in Vitamin E making it hydrating, nourishing, toning and very healing!  It's the ultimate after-sun lotion.  I stock up on a new tub every summer ( it's only $5 at your local drugstore)!  It's great for smoothing out stretch marks and scars too.  And, it smells divine!  I can go on and on or you can try it for yourself.....

GO. GET. IT. NOW!

XO

Feature Friday: by Jennie Fresa

Lauren and Colin's Wedding

May 28th, 2011

Eolia Mansion at Harkness Park

Photo's by Orchard Cove Photography

Beauty: Jennie Fresa Beauty Library

Makeup: Jennie Fresa

Hair: Nedelyn Perry

Flowers: Hana Floral Design

Dress: Judd Waddell from The White Dress by The Shore

To view a full gallery of stunning images, please check out the Orchard Cove Photography blog!

The morning started at Lauren's parents house in Old Lyme where Ned and I set up beauty stations in the kitchen and got fast to work!  Lauren's makeup look is classic and fresh.  She really wanted to keep her skin luminous and draw attention to her beaming brown eyes.  I used neutral shades of brown and plum on her eyes and a soft pale pink on her lips.  What a beauty!  Much love to the happy couple!  We can't wait to hear about the honeymoon in Italy!

XO!

Guest Blogger Thursday: Sami's Green Tea Skin Remedies

I love tea — I love drinking it and I love that it has beneficial health effects when added to cosmetics. Today, I'm going to share a few tips on how to — and why you should — work green tea into your beauty routines.

Green tea is high in antioxidants, so it helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun by protecting skin cells from the inside, thus preventing your skin from further tissue damage. I like to think of antioxidants as shields, but they do wear off, so it's important to replenish your skin's supply of antioxidants.

According to Herbs: The Healing Nature, green tea also boosts your body's immune system and aids in the prevention of the flu, hypertension, infections, and reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Green tea has shown to have positive effects on the liver, womb, breasts, peptic system, lungs, and teeth.

Julie Gabriel, founder of Petite Marie Organics, writes in Green Beauty Recipes, "Green tea [is] a great all-purpose skin toner, face mask and scrub filler, eye soother, and baby skin rinse if your little one suffers from eczema."

So, start drinking green tea! And here are a few very simple ways you can use green tea to improve your skin's health:

Green Tea Toner
This one's pretty easy. Make yourself a cup of green tea, let it cool down, then pour it into a sanitized glass or plastic container. Apply to your face with cotton balls, and let your skin absorb the tea (i.e., don't rinse it off).

Green Tea Eye Mask
Those tea bags you used for your tea? Don't throw them away! After they cool down (I recommend sticking them in the fridge for a bit), place them on your eyes for 10-15 minutes to reduce puffiness.

Green Tea as an Addition to Facials
You can also work green tea into your face masks or cleansers. Cut open a bag of green tea and add the leaves into your daily face cleanser, exfoliating scrub, or facial mask. If you're looking for a mask to make yourself, check out the Avocado Mask post I wrote a few months ago. Green tea would make a great addition to this!

xoxo, Sami

~Sami Jensen is the writer of the culture blog, Poor & Pretty. She also makes cupcake soaps and bath bombs, which can be purchased online at the Poor & Pretty Bath Sweets Shoppe.

what's happening wednesday: CHANGE

"you have brains in your head.  You have feet in our shoes.  You can steer yourself any direction you choose.  You're on your own.  And you know what you know.  And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go......"

Dr. Seuss

XO!

beauty tip tuesday: keep the bugs away!

there's nothing more unattractive than skin full of little red bug bites!  don't forget to protect your skin before heading out on summer nights!  I recently found this organic bug spray, ECOSMART, that doesn't have any hash chemicals in it so it's safe to use, even for children!  or you can make you own by mixing a dew drops of rosemary, lemongrass and cinnamon oil with water.  keep in a misting bottle and shake well before using.

XO

Must Have Monday: whimsical turquoise brush roll!

How adorable is this turquoise brush roll from EcoHip on Etsy!?  It's made from a 100% cotton so it's easy to wash!  I love the whimsical pattern and pretty, grosgrain ribbon!  Makes a lovely bridesmaid gift!

XO!

Guest Blogger Thursday: JFBL Nutrition Coach Jane Ashley

Food Focus: Fruit

A healthy lifestyle is the key to longevity, optimum weight, abundant energy and balance. By using fruit to satisfy our taste for sweetness, we can leave behind the use of chemical, processed and refined sweeteners. Fruits are easy to digest, are cleansing and cooling and are great for those who are overstressed and overheated from excessive mental strain or hot climates. Fruits are filled with fiber and liver stimulants, which act as natural, gentle laxatives. Whenever possible, buy fresh, locally grown fruit as opposed to imported fruits shipped from far-off places. This keeps you eating in season, and more in harmony with your environment and climate. 

Eating raw fruit in summer months is highly cooling, while baking it in the winter months neutralizes the cooling effect. Fruit in the form of juice is a great choice for cleansing the body, but be aware that juice rapidly raises blood sugar levels, leading to an energy crash soon after. Frozen, whole, puréed or juiced fruit can make great summertime cool-down treats. Try frozen grapes, banana-coconut smoothie popsicles or lime juice ice-cubes in iced tea!

Whether you are having fresh fruit for a light early morning breakfast, a midday snack or evening treat, enjoy nature’s sweetness and whenever possible buy organic. Here are a few summer fruits and their health benefits:

• Apricots: Great for lung conditions and asthma; used to help treat anemia due to their high copper and cobalt content.
• Bananas: Help to lubricate the intestines, treat ulcers, detoxify the body and manage sugar cravings; are rich in potassium (which helps hypertension).
• Cherries: Slightly warming in nature; increase overall body energy, remedy arthritis and rheumatism and are rich in iron, which improves the blood.
• Grapefruits: Treat poor digestion, increase appetite during pregnancy, alleviate intestinal gas and reduce mucus conditions of the lungs.
• Papayas: Tone the stomach, act as digestive aid, moisten the lungs and alleviate coughing; contain carpaine, an anti-tumor compound.
• Raspberries: Benefit the liver and kidneys, cleanse blood of toxins, regulate menstrual cycles, treat anemia and can promote labor at childbirth.

Recipe of the Month: Fruit Nut Smoothie

Prep time: 5 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:

1 banana

1 cup soy or rice milk

1 cup berries

1 cup diced melon

1/2 cup almonds

2-4 ice cubes

Directions:

Mix in blender for 1-2 minutes and serve.

Note: You can add other ingredients for added nutrition such as a spoonful of bee pollen, coconut oil, flax seed oil, spirulina powder or a scoop of protein powder.

Peace & Veggies,

Jane

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 or to schedule a complimentary Nutrition Breakthrough Session (by mentioning this blog), please visit: www.WellnessWithJane.com

...and pay us a visit on Facebook 

and Twitter!

What's Happening Wednesday: Welcome our new Studio Coordinator, Jess McCann Nana!

We are so happy to announce that we have just hired a new Studio Coordinator here at Jennie Fresa Beauty Library!  Please welcome our newest team member, Jess McCann Nana!

Jess graduated from Sacred Heart University with a BA in Media Studies. She also graduated this past May from Quinnipiac University with an MS in Interactive Communications. Her love for everything social media, blogging and her tech savviness has brought her here to JFBL to work on all things media-related.

Jess’s experience in the wedding industry began in 2009 while planning her own 2010 destination wedding in Mexico. The experience inspired her to launch her own destination wedding blog, Destination Inspirations (make sure to check it out!!). She fell head over heels for all things wedding related and that passion is what led Jess to us. As of June 1st, she will be overseeing our social media, SEO and all bridal inquires.  You can reach her at jess@jenniefresa.com

In addition to our new studio coordinator, we are also hiring on our traveling beauty team!  Here is what we are looking for:

Shoreline Makeup and Skin Care Boutique ( that's us- Jennie Fresa Beauty Library!) is looking for professional, enthusiastic and reliable individuals to join our traveling, bridal makeup team.  Candidates must posses a passion for makeup, fashion and the bridal industry.  Additional skills (i.e brow shaping, facials, waxing, styling) are a BIG plus.  Must have 2 years minimum experience in either a makeup retail setting or working as a freelance artist.  Weekend availability and a valid driving license are required.  

We are looking for serious candidates only.  If you are interested in this position or know anyone that might be, please have them send their resume and portfolio to: jennie@jenniefresa.com  We are holding interviews throughout the summer.

XO!

beauty tip tuesday: fuzz-fighting

Here are a few tricks of the trade for achieving stubble-free skin at home this summer!

To avoid razor burn and ingrown hairs, try using a blade designed for men.  I like the Gilette Fusion Pro Glide Razor.  The 5 blades make all of the difference!  You'll get a super close shave in less passes, without irritation.

Remember to shave at the END of your shower!  The warm water causes blood vessels to dilate, causing the skin follicle to open easily.  The warm water also helps to soften hairs, making them less likely to break and cause in-growns.

Using a hydrating shave cream (look for formulas with shea butter) helps too!

XO!

Must Have Monday: Non-Chemical SPF

Have you looked at the ingredients on your sun products?  Most are loaded up with all kinds of chemicals that are more harmful for your skin than the sun itself!  I discovered a new product from Aveeno--Natural Protection Mineral Block-- that is made from 100% natural sun protecting agents ( zinc oxide ).  The formula was designed for sensitive skin types or anyone looking for a healthy alternative.  The lotion is oil-free, fragrance-free, waterproof and non-whiting ( the selling point for me since most zinc oxide lotions are thick and super chalky on the skin!).

You can find it at more drugstores!

XO!

Guest Blogger Thursday: Synchronicity by Tracee Dolan

One of the most difficult practices for me, as a yoga teacher is to  
'go with the flow of  life'. I find myself, at times clinging to a set  
of expectations of how I think things should/would play out- and at  
times, possibly hindering what great options could possibly be ( that  
I haven't even considered). In yoga we call this attachment, and it is  
everywhere! We attach to expected outcomes, I even attach to where I  
place my yoga mat down when I practice!

A fun exercise for your brain would be to detach from expectation,  
practice going with the flow & observe where any signs of  
synchronicity may occur.

Synchronicity is the experience of two or more events, that are  
apparently causally unrelated or unlikely to occur together by chance,  
that are observed to occur together in a meaningful manner.

It's those little things that add up- and you think: is this a  
coincidence?

Carl Jung was one of the first people to coin the concept of  
synchronicity. It is something that I am absolutely in love with!  
Synchronicity is what I like to think of as little hints or ever  
better- a little nudge from the universe that let's you know you're on  
the right track. When you detach to expectation and open your eyes to  
the presence of synchronicity in your everyday- you need not dwell or  
brood over seemingly unanswerable questions. You need only to consult  
with yourself and the cues all around you to ascertain that you are  
doing what is right for your: everyday, love, career & family life.

Enjoy these early summer days! The universe wants you to!

tracee teaches yoga is available for private & group instruction.  
Please contact traceeteachesyoga@gmail. com with any questions or  
scheduling information.

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Maintain your hair color

The summer sun and salt water can cause some serious damage to your hair.  Try a these at home remedies to add some shine and maintain your color a little longer:

1.)  After you shampoo your hair, rinse with a capful of apple cider vinegar mixed with 3 cups of water.  This DIY treatment is a great tonic for cleansing your scalp and also sealing in your hair color.

2.) If your strands are looking a little fried and dull.  Try this hydrating mask to bring back some shine.  Mix 2 raw eggs, a table spoon of olive oil and a capful of vinegar.  Apply to hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.  Rinse and shampoo as normal.

XO

Guest Blogger Thursday: Who Inspires you? By Beck Hatch

Who Inspires You?

These days, fashion magazines, the internet, celebrities and models flood our culture and our vision every single day. Images of our culture's ideal standards are virtually impossible to escape. But what did people do before photography, the internet and TV? Before we had beautiful actresses and models strutting the runway, who inspired fashion and modeled the ideal beauty standard? The answer, especially in Elizabethian times, was royalty, or at the very least, the artistocrats. For those in Elizabethian England, the beautiful, fair haired and pale skinned Queen Elizabeth was the ultimate standard of sophistication. Her naturally red hair, pale skin and bright eyes were painstakingly sought after. Light hair and pale skin are common beauty standards (today many still consider blonde hair to be the ultimate beauty), but the Queen was the face of the age. A high hairline was also very popular, and women would pluck the hair on their hairline back as much as an inch (sometimes more) to have a higher forehead. Pale skin was popular throughout Europe for centuries. People who worked out in the fields had tan skin, which is why the paler your skin, the wealthier you were thought to be (also, the more plump you were, the wealthier you were). To get the fair hair, women would sit in the sun for hours, wearing visors to keep their skin from getting tan. If a woman (or man!) wanted the proper hair without all the effort, wigs were used (and very, very common). Elsewhere in Europe, the Renaissance was in full swing and the standards of beauty were very similar. Women would adorn their hair with jewels or ribbons, especially if they didn't want to lighten it. What did people do before Sephora? They got their desired skin tone (practically white, no bronzer needed) by using powders that often contained lead, and lip and cheek stains made from berries and mercury.



So how can Queen Elizabeth inspire you? While I don't recommend trying all of the beauty tips I learned from reading about the women of this time (i.e. the lead and mercury, or urine to bleach hair which was used because it contains amonia), I think we could learn something from our pale friends in the past. This summer, kick the SPF up a notch and save yourself the sunburn, the potential cancer, and tell everyone you are channeling your inner queen. Also, if you want to adorn your hair with something fun and you don't have a lot of precious jewels lying around, find a headband with flowers or fake jewels, feather or ribbons, which you can find practically anywhere.  A good place to check is http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=headband#24_25 because you can search tons of stores at once and find exactly what you're looking for.  If you need a good sunscreen, check out Aveeno's sunscreen line.  It is highly recommended by doctors, easily available and it even smells great! http://www.target.com/ is a good place to start.

xoxo, Becky

What's Happening Wednesday: NEW Skincare Line at The Beauty Library

Dr. Alkaitis Organic Skin Care products are made with edible living ingredients--certified organic/biodynamic and wild crafted herbs, fruits, sea vegetable and virgin cold-pressed vegetable oils.  These are sourced solely from vetted individual farmers and wild-crafters worldwide.  All of the products and herbal extracts are made in-house without the use of chemicals.  The outcome is a dynamic and healthy 'living' skin care line that produces instant visible results.

Dr. Saul Alkaitis, PH.D., Founder, is a world renowned physical chemist, research scientist and molecular biologist.  His scientific expertise and extensive research in the healing of properties of living plants has resulted in the creation of one of the most dynamic holistic personal skin care products ever made.

We are proud to use Dr. Alkaitis products in our facial treatments and sell his products here at our boutique.  Please visit The Beauty Library for a FREE sample.  (while supplies last!)

www.alkaitis.com for full press reviews, blogs, interviews and more...

XO