magic monday

Happy Monday! Pascale here, receptionist at Freshair Boutique, and your new Monday Blogger. I have all sorts of posts lined up for you guys, so stay tuned and be sure to subscribe in order to keep up with all things FRESH.

After a solid few weeks of holiday-induced bad habits, I've started to feel pretty sluggish and lazy. So sluggish and lazy, that after a long day of work, I just can't be bothered to do anything more than eat my roommate's leftover perogies and my go-to snack of smoked oysters and sour cream on Triscuits.

Whenever I feel myself getting into this funk, I know it's time to turn to my beloved Braun MP80 Juicer.

I inherited this juicer when my parents made the upgrade what I believe is the Holy Grail of juice-extracting machines, THE BREVILLE.

These days, living such fast-paced lives as we do, it can be difficult to get the necessary nutrients from our foods. Nutrients that are important for whole body, as well as hair and skin health. For those of you who aren't super-fans of those dark leafy greens (rich in iron, zinc, and essential B vitamins) adding a few leaves of kale, a handful of spinach or a few florets of brocoli to a beet/apple/carrot juice is a great way to get your servings of veggies while limiting the 'yuck factor'.

I picked up a copy of this great book, Juicing For Life, courtesy once more of my brilliant mama, who is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to all things health and wellness.

This book, (which I understand now has a much more chic, updated cover) has pages upon pages of information on how juicing can benefit those with disorders or ailments ranging from Varicose Veins to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Eczema.

I find that within a few days of steady juicing (and easing up on the cheese burgers) there is a noticeable improvement in my skin and hair, as well as my energy levels. Here's a few of my favorite juices, for you to try at home!

Cherry Lime Fizz

This one is less of a juice, and more of a great, sugar-free alternate to soda. I added the cherries to give it a bit of colour, but feel free to use any fruits you have lying around. Peaches, grapes, lemons, pears, and melons all taste great.

Juice the following, pour it over ice, and top off with sparkling water.

1 lime (depending on your juicer, you may want to cut off most of the peel) 1 apple 5-10 cherries, pitted

Beauty Spa Express

This is a great mid-day juice, full of B vitamins. The carrot and apple really steal the show.

one handful of spinach one handful of parsley 4-5 carrots 1/2 -1 apple, seeded.

Fresh Complexion Express

A great morning juice! Pineapples aren't exactly in season, but they are a great source of Vitamin C.

2 slices fresh pineapple (with skin) 1/2 cucumber 1/2-1 apple, seeded

Ginger Hopper

Don't be afraid to add more ginger to this one!

1/4 inch slice ginger root 4-5 carrots 1/2 apple, seeded 1 small beet

Any of these recipes can be used as a rough guideline, don't be afraid to experiment! As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, 'All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.' Try adding half a lemon and an apple to a particularly heavy vegetable juice, or a beet to lend some depth to a light, fruity juice.

Leave any juice suggestions, or questions you have below, and be sure to stay tuned this week for more posts from the Freshair team!

xxo

pascale

Renée's Aesthetic

KNITS & LEATHER

These happen to be two of my favourite textures. Pairing a knit top with a leather bottom (or vice versa), will make you feel like you've just stepped out of the most recent issue of VOGUE. The simplicity of this style, not only seems, but is pretty much effortless. Investing in quality pieces like the ones below, will benefit your wardrobe in a million ways. I must admit, I love shopping at my local thrift stores but I have also come to appreciate the value in a quality made clothing item. They're like a piece of art. If you take care of it, it'll last you forever.

-né

Renée's Aesthetic

NAIL ART

the simple & understated.

Nail art is becoming more and more popular every day.  A manicure with one colour will ALWAYS be in style, but fortunately we have a ton more freedom to express creativity with nail art design.  I wanted to show a few pictures for us folks who want to bridge the gap between classic and outrageous polish.  A happy-medium in the nail art world can mean something as easy as a few contrasting colours, clean lines and simple shapes.

Just a thin outer edge really brings these two contrasting colours together to create high fashion nails.

Rather than the classic french manicure, why not try it with different colours and put the tip on the side?  I really love this, plus anyone could pull it off.

Instead of having a busy polka-dotted nail, try a more subdued version like this one.  Simply take a flat polish and pair with a glossy version in the same tone, and voila!

Colour-blocked nails have become wildly popular.  To replicate a version similar to this one, just choose two very soft/pastel colours and pair them with one bold polish.  That will give your nails that extra punch.

-né

Renée's Aesthetic

PERMANENT POLISH     ...the long-lasting manicure Hey lovelies!

Going on my 6th year as an esthetician in the beauty industry, I've definitely had the experience figuring out the best products and services for my clients.  I've been a huge advocate for Gel Polish/Shellac since it has originally been launched.  A lot of my clients simply want to enhance what they have, so this is the perfect product.  We, as industry professionals, and clients as well have to understand that nothing is permanent.  This product (whether it be OPI, CND, LCN etc.) is fantastic, but may not be for everyone.

There are a ton of factors to take into consideration when it comes to our nails.  For example: stress, damaged nail beds, proper application, wear and tear, climate, oily nail beds, and at home maintenance to name a few...  These can ALL play a role in the game of "well-being" for our nails.  So here are a few pros, cons, tips and tricks from myself, to hopefully help all of you out there have a more thorough understanding of the "go-to manicure-permanent polish."  It is always better to be educated about any product or service you're about to receive.

Pros

• Can last up to 3 weeks (new application recommended after 2 weeks)
• Great color selection!
• Stays shiny and color true the entire time
• Does not damage your nails (as long as you DO NOT pick them off yourself)
• Looks natural (goes over top your natural nail, no nail enhancements)
• No drying time, dry as soon as the service is done!
• No damage (if properly maintained throughout and after)

Cons

• Time spent (removal 20 minutes, application 30-45 minutes every 2-3 weeks)
• Cost, $10-$20 more than a regular manicure (dependent on removal or not)
• Can possibly peel, chip or lift if not careful
• Doesn't last the anticipated 2-3 weeks (see above comment)
• Possible nail damage (if you do not get them soaked off professionally)
• Drying (if not properly maintained throughout and after application)

Tips

• Permanent polish/shellac is best suited for clients who want to maintain a natural looking nail using a product that lasts longer than regular nail polish.
• Most permanent polish products are not well suited to clients who have extremely damaged nail beds, splitting, peeling, or brittle nails.
• WEAR GLOVES, at all times.  If you are doing dishes, cleaning the house, gardening etc, gloves are a crucial item that can help ANY manicure last longer.
• DON'T pick.  I know it's hard, but trust me, picking will only encourage chipping/lifting.
• Have an honest, open relationship with your esthetician.  This way, the two of you can figure out the best course of action for your future nail goals :)
• Apply cuticle oil everyday, even with the gel polish on, around your cuticle and directly under your free edge.  This will help prevent drying.
• Get them professionally done/removed, always.  There's a reason why we went to school to learn about these services and products.  We truly care about the end result and the well-being of your body.
• The harder you are on your hands, the more chance of it not lasting. (But heck, 2 weeks without a chip is way better than any time I've had regular polish on...)

Hope this helps!

-né

Freshair Boutique's hair trends for 2013

It's a new year and therefore, time for some new hair?  Everyone wants to know what the new trends are anticipating that they will be able to partake in something exciting. Last year I can think of three main trends.  Ombré, long thick bangs, and top knots.  We will still be seeing these looks but just modified a bit.  Winnipeg is not the hot spot for trend setting but when we are comfortable with a look we will rock it (even though it may be 6-12 months behind).  It's okay 'Peg city, at least we try right?

This season look for short blunt bangs.

Ombré will be modified to fade to unnatural colors, similar to last year, but also full heads of unnatural colors as well.

At the shop the trends are a bit different.  We've been doing the pink and the violet thing, and are starting to grow out the fringe area for a more a nineties bang.  We call it the nineties flip.  I love this look because it's so versatile and can work on most hair types.

Stay tuned for some more looks as the trends roll out till the spring.  By the spring time I hope that you may have found a little something to try!  Chat with your stylist about what trend might suit your hairs!

Peace

Renée's Aesthetic

I admit, it is a blast to get caught up in all the glory of the holidays.  We want to purchase new outfits, get our hair done, try new makeup techniques etc.  Although, I truly believe sometimes simple is best.  Don't get me wrong, get out there experiment (I FULLY encourage it) but perhaps when time is a little more forgiving.  We, as women are beautiful  to begin with.  So why don't we bring it back down to earth, and let that inner beauty shine.  A few simple touches on the outside is all it takes ladies (classic black liner, a pop of color on the lid, bright/bold lips, or some gold shimmer).  Don't be scared to showcase your natural self.  No one else out there can do it except for you.  Here's a handful of inspirational/breath-taking photos of some stunning women.

So why don't you join me this holiday season, for some LAID BACK BEAUTY.

-né