Long Hair Fast - Products, Tips & Tricks

I have always been a sucker for long, healthy hair, although you would never know it from my hair history.  Bleaching, skipping hair trims and a brief love-affair with a sewn in weave had previously left my hair short, sparse and damaged.  That was about two years ago, and after a strict resolve to maintain healthy hair practises, my hair is now long, thick and healthy - and best of all, it's all real!  Read on as I share my best products, tips and tricks to achieve long, healthy hair in no time.

Share:

The Perfect Bold Lip - Featuring MAC's lip primer

There is nothing easier than adding a bold lip to an outfit to look put together, fresh and vibrant.  Previously a sceptic, I would shy away from anything resembling colour on my lips for fear of it highlighting my thin mouth shape (particularly the upper lip).  After seeing so many fun lip colours on the market, I finally decided to join in on the fun - fast forward to today where I won't leave the house for a night out without a vibrant lip colour on.  There are a few steps that I will highlight that are essential when sporting a bold lip colour, but the main element is confidence - just do it.  I still remember the first night I tentatively stepped out with my first ever bold lip on, and all my male companion noticed were that my teeth appeared whiter.  Read on for a step by step guide to achieve the perfect bold lip, that will compliment lips of any shape and size and will last all night.

Share:

30 Before 30: An Update

Bonjour à tous!  It seems as though task number one on my 30 things to do before 30 list (start a blog) has transformed me into a bit of a blogging monster.  Packing lists, recipes, style ideas - it seems as though I've been so consumed with offering up my advice to anyone who will listen, I've gotten away from the very reason I started this blog in the first place.  Such a noob!

The first step in making headway on completing my 30 before 30 list is that I have joined the Toronto chapter of Meetup.com. Have you heard of it?  It's a large network of local people that are organised into groups that suit their interests and passions, with weekly 'meet ups' allowing the hobby-sharing group members to meet face-to-face during planned activities and events. The idea behind this website is genius, and such a great resource for people who have moved to a new city or are just looking to meet some new people and change up their routine.

I think this will be a good start to completing task 17: stop caring so much about what others think of me.  Walking into a room full of new people with the specific goal of making new friends sounds really intimidating; but the reason we don't readily put ourselves in new situations is because we worry about others judgement, and that's something that  I'm striving to lose interest in.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes of my first meet up, how I react, and of course documenting the entire experience.

I have also made strides in tackling task 25: stop being such a slob: I have scheduled a 'get your sh**t together' day where the entire day is devoted to cleaning, organising and just general grown up business.  It may seem like a small step for most, but for someone who's touch can turn just about anything into mess, it's a giant leap for slobkind.  I just may even muster up the courage to post before pictures - maybe.

Here's to a productive start to the week.

-Joelle

Share:

Paris Getaway: What to Pack and Wear in Paris

I don't know about you guys, but nothing banishes the post-vacation blues like planning your next vacation!  It's been only a week since flying back to Toronto from sunny Miami and I've got vacations on the brain.  Luckily for me, my like-minded husband took to the computer and before you could say 'impulse buy' our next European getaway was planned: Paris, we will see you in late September.    

Paris will always have a soft spot in my heart.  I first fell in love during a life-changing Euro trip in my early twenties, and most recently solidified my admiration for the city this past September when I spent a week tearing through the streets of Paris on my honeymoon.  You just cannot describe the Parisian charm, and I highly recommend that everyone's bucket list include a trip to Paris. 

 "Dressing appropriately [in Paris] is not just merely a superficial task - it will actually guarantee you better service and hospitality in any Parisian restaurant, boutique or attraction"

That being said, sitting down and actually planning a packing list for Paris can be a challenge.  The Parisians are a proud bunch, and dressing appropriately is not just merely a superficial task - it will actually guarantee you better service and hospitality in any Parisian restaurant, boutique or attraction (trust me - I have learned this the hard way during my days of short-shorts and flip flops in my early twenties).  Luckily for you, and my trial and error life experience, I can now confidently formulate a list of essentials to pack for a trip to Paris, to stay comfortable and venue-appropriate.

Share:

The Practical Girl's Guide to Packing for a Cruise

There is nothing like jet setting away to a tropical climate during the winter season; in fact, sunny vacationing is this noob's survival strategy to a long icy season.  The last few years, I have replaced my much-loved all inclusive resorts with cruising.  There is nothing like taking to the open seas on a floating wonderland, where the entertainment is first class and the crew are committed like no other to making sure that you're enjoying yourself.  Couple that with the opportunity to visit multiple  sunny locations in one  trip, and you have yourself a perfect cure to the winter-blues.   I can remember back to my first cruise, having only ever done all inclusive resorts, being very confused on what to pack.  Now, with a few cruises under my belt,  I'm equipped with a list of a few necessary items that every practical girl should pack for the cruising vacation.

Share:

30 Before 30 - Drink Champagne

Happy new years from La Petite Noob.  I hope that everyone had an incredible New Years Eve, whether you were celebrating at a large party or staying warm and cozy at home.  Opting for the latter, my night's plans included having a delicious dinner and wine at home surrounded by family.  I thought that this would be a perfect night to check off another task from my 30 before 30 list and start acquiring a taste for champagne.  

Share: