OOTD - Lavender Fields Forever

Have you ever been to a lavender field? I myself went to Terre Bleu Lavender Fields in Milton this past week for the very first time, and now want to make this mini-adventure a yearly affair. There's something so magical about walking along a sea of purple, smelling lavender and hearing the gentle hum of bees flying from petal to petal (and that's saying something, since typically I absolutely hate bugs of any kind!) If you're thinking of visiting a lavnder field this year, definitely check out my friend Krystle of Dine and Fash's comprehensive guide to the lavender fields of Ontario, grab a friend and your camera and just go.

For this particular trip I chose to wear a new piece to my closet, this maxi romper from Morning Lavender. I love that this is half romper, half maxi dress; the shorts make it so I can move around easily, and the large train at the back catches the wind and creates great movement. I also can't seem to get enough of the off-the-shoulder trend for summer, so I'm glad that this piece incorporates that detail.

As much as I love the city, and living in Toronto, sometimes it feels good to escape for an afternoon. Have you been to the lavender fields? What's your favourite place to go outside of Toronto? Let me know!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - We Should Celebrate New Bloggers

Stepping into the world of blogging can be intimidating - I remember the experience myself all too well. It's one thing to announce to the world wide web that you're starting your own blog and sharing ideas; you feel shielded in the safety of how big the online world can be and comforted by the fact that you can remain relatively anonymous. It's a totally different situation when you start getting engaged in local blogging culture. All of a sudden you're face-to-face with an already-established community that you're required to insert yourself into, and your quiet little online sanctuary becomes your real-life link to this new world.

I still remember when I first started attending blogging events in Toronto. Back then the community was much smaller and, as a result, much more difficult to break into. My first few events were painful to say the least, as I may as well have been invisible. I started to bring friends with me, my mom even in some cases, and while that made things easier it was still hard to get a conversation going with other bloggers. Most girls were friendly enough when approached, but rarely initiated an interaction and almost everyone greeted me with a blank stare when I introduced myself - which was confusing, since we would like and comment on each others Instagram photos!

The worst situation happened at an event that I attended with another new blogger. We were so excited to be at a fancy hotel, at an event put on by a large brand! We approached a small group of three girls, one of which we both already knew, and started chatting excitedly with them. While the girl we knew was all to happy to sit and chat, I noticed that the other two girls remained silent. When there was a break in the conversation, one of the two silent girls turned to the other and said "isn't it nice that they're starting to let new people into these things?" The two girls started laughing, turned and walked away.  My friend and I were left silent, stunned and embarrassed.

After that one experience, things started to get better. I started to meet more new bloggers and we became friends. Slowly more and more new people became interested in blogging and joining the industry - girls who were graphic designers, photographers or just naturally gifted in their own right. The quality of work that these new bloggers brought to the table was incredible, and slowly not only did the blogging community start to grow, but the bar for content began to raise. I'm always constantly in awe of what talent that comes from our community of bloggers, and am excited to see how this talent will shape and mould the industry in the coming years.

Now, after years of blogging, I find myself in the completely opposite position as someone who has been in the industry for years and is watching a whole new wave of new bloggers join our community. Rather than feel threatened, I embrace the change.  I know that these new girls and guys will continue to raise the bar for quality, and push the industry to work harder. As creative people, we should welcome anything that challenges us to create and keeps us from becoming complacent.

So my point to this long, convoluted post is to be nice to new bloggers. Celebrate them and welcome them into the community that has welcomed us. Smile, be kind. I would never want to make someone feel like I did when I first started. We're stronger together.

Dress - Lovers + Friends via Revolve c/o, Shoes - c/o Le Chateau

Jewelry from Mejuri

What do you guys think?  What was your experience when you started blogging?  Do you like these more personal posts - I'm very curious to know!

xo Joëlle

Photos  by Laura Clarke Photography

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Review: Infusium 23 Repair + Renew

Do you guys have those beauty products that have been a part of your routine for what seems like forever?  That's what Infusium 23 is for me. I don't remember exactly when I started using the Infusium 23 leave-in treatment but I was young and it was given to me by my mom, who used the product religiously. Back then my only hair worry was tangles from swimming or playing outside, and the Infusium 23 leave-in treatment allowed me to comb through my hair tangle - and tear - free.

Fast forward to today. My hair has definitely changed, due 100% to my own decisions to bleach, process, and heat my mane to oblivion. You guys may have noticed that I've been experimenting with pink colour, which definitely has been fun for the summer but has left my hair even more dry than usual. While tangles aren't my number one hair problem any more, the one thing that hasn't changed is my love for Infusium 23.

I look to the Infusium 23 Repair + Renew line to address my hair needs now, which has been formulated specifically to help strengthen weak and brittle hair. As with all Infusium 23 products, which have been formulated with 23 hair-healthy ingredients to repair damaged hair, the Repair + Renew line has been infused with Hydrolyzed Keratin and Argan Oil.  While previously I had only used the leave-in treatment, I've been seeing better results by incorporating the shampoo and conditioner into my routine now.

If your hair isn't as damaged as mine and dry, dull hair is more of a concern then definitely check out Infusium 23 Moisture Replenisher.  The Moisture Replenisher is another 3-step system that is designed for dry and dull hair, and is infused with Avocado Oil and Olive Oil.

Dress - Privacy Please via Revolve c/o

I've definitely noticed a definite trend this summer for fun-coloured, pastel hair which I have been happy to participate in! Although I love my blush-pink locks, it's definitely taken a toll on how dry and damaged my hair has become. If you're experimenting with hair colour this summer, definitely give the Infusium 23 Repair + Renew system a try.

While I definitely have more hair issues now then just tangles now, I'm thankful that there's a a product like Infusium 23 that has helped with through all of my crazy hair stages. If you're interested in trying this line for yourself, the Repair + Renew and Moisutre Replenisher lines have a deal where you get 35% more for the regular price until the end of July! You can also download this printable coupon for $1 off any Infusium 23 product.

What do you guys think? Have you ever tried Infusium 23? Is there a beauty product that you've been using since forever? Let me know!

xo Joëlle

This post was created in collaboration with Infusium 23. All oppinions and experiences are 100% my own.

OOTD - My Summer Getaway Essentials With Upper Canada

Having just come off of a sunny European getaway and with a few more trips on the horizen, it's official - I am addicted to summer getaways. It's no secret that I love travelling, but this has been the first year that the bulk of my trips fall within the summertime. I've learned that travelling in the heat of summer can make packing tricky, but through trial and error I've come up with a list of essentials that will enhance every summer getaway. Luckily for me, I was able to find every item while shopping at Upper Canada - it's so refreshing to be able to find everything that you need at one stop! Without further ado, here's a list of summer getaway essentials that definitely need to be packed into your suitcase.

Dress - Zara, Shoes - c/o Le Chateau, Hat - Aritzia, Bag - Zara

First things first, you need a summer bag. Myself, I'm usually drawn to leather bags in classic shapes but that all changes when you're travelling in the summer. I love straw or wicker bags that add an earthy element to your outfits, and can act as double duty from beach to city. This mid-sized straw bag that I found at Zara is really the perfect size; it's large enough to fit all of my essentials, including beach gear, but is also small enough to transition into a city bag. 

Next up are beach essentials. I always check Old Navy first when I'm looking for cute bathing suits and flip flops; there's always a lot of variety and you really can't beat their prices.  I've learned that even if I don't plan on visiting a beach during my trip, its always a good idea to pack flip flops - they're nice and simple to slide on and off, and come in surprisingly handy when your hotels or Airbnb don't supply slippers.

A lightweight scarf is another essential, that is surprisingly multifunctional. I picked up this blush pink scarf from Zara and it will come in handy as a blanket or pillow on a plane, to keep warm on cooler nights and even as a beach cover up! 

Having a hat when travelling in the summer is essential; not only does a hat protect your face from the sun and help to prevent over-heating, but they can also be a cute addition to your outfits!  This straw hat from Artizia is perfect, and very lightweight!

Now shown here, but you can probably tell from the overnight glow I have developed, I have learned that a good self-tanner is definitely an essential when heading on a summer getaway. I picked up Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil from Sephora, and it is one of the best self-tanners that I have ever used.  It's a quick-drying oil that smells great, and makes you look like you've already spent a week at the beach - without damaging your skin with the sun. 

I hope you guys like all of my summer getaway essentials that I picked up at Upper Canada! Do you have any exciting getaways on the horizon?  What do you consider an essential that must be packed in your suitcase?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

This post was created in collaboration with Upper Canada. All thoughts and oppinions are 100% my own.

Photography by Laura Clarke Photography

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Update: 6 Months Blogging Full-Time

I'm in disbelief as I sit and type out this sentence, but it's now been roughly 6 months since I was laid off from my office job and made the decision to pursue blogging as my full time career.  Wow, 6 months. In some ways it seems like time couldn't have possibly passed so quickly, but when I look back and think about how much has happened in 6 months it feels as though it should be longer.

These past few months working for myself as a full-time blogger have been absolutely incredible, and I have learned so much about myself - however, they haven't been without lessons. Although I feel as though I've come so far from my anxiety-riddled first month of working for myself, I definitely still am learning new tricks to increase my productivity and lessons on being self-motivated. Thinking back through my journey, there are a few particular lessons that have stuck with me and I hope that sharing them with you will be helpful, or offer you some insight if you're thinking of turning your own blog into your career.

Dress - Tularosa via Revolve c/o, Bag - Ellen and James

Know Your Worth

Oh my gosh, if I could offer you any piece of advice that sticks from reading this post it would one hundred percent be to know your worth. Between writing, to thinking of creative concepts, to taking photos, to interacting with an audience, what we do as bloggers and content creators is a skill and takes time. Your time is valuable. Find a number that you charge as a rate for your work, and stick with it - no matter what anyone else has to say about it. Never give in to the pressure to work for less than your worth, or to devote your time to something that you don't stand behind 100% - I have, and it ultimately leaves you feeling like crap. Don't listen and internalize anyone who says anything to chip at what you stand for - you're your own boss now, your own advocate and you need to fight for your own worth.

Don't Let Your Temper Get The Best Of You - Ever.

Speaking of fighting for your own worth, I've learned that you should always do so calmly and diplomatically - and that goes with any interaction that you have concerning your blog. Myself, I have an unfortunate temper that goes from zero to one hundred real quick and it tends to rear its ugly head if I feel as though I'm being disrespected in any way.  The thing is that once you let your temper get the best of you, whether it be through email, a text or in-person, you can never take those words back and your reputation is forever tarnished to the person that you lashed out on. Instead of reacting strongly in a situation, I now take a step back and wait a good 10 seconds before replying - it's incredible how just pausing to reflect can calm you down and see things in a different light. I also always give people the benefit of the doubt; so if a seemingly rude email or message comes in, I now just assume that the tone is simply lost in translation and respond back with kindness - and I always get kindness back.

Don't Engage in Negativity

Once you put yourself out there as a full-time blogger, or just a blogger in general really, there will be lots of strong opinions - about everything. From what you should be writing about, to how you make your money, down to what you should be calling yourself, there's an opinion about it and oftentimes it's negative. Rather than engage in the negativity, I've learned to simply ignore it and I can honestly say that I'm happier and more focused for it. Get a negative or hurtful comment on your photo or post? Don't respond. See a passive aggressive tweet from another blogger taking jabs at the industry or other bloggers? Mute them. [EDIT - I'm talking blantantly negative tweets, rather than offering constructive critisism on the industry] In a group of people who are bashing someone else? Walk away. Negativity is an energy that is absolutely toxic to goals and creativity, and while it can seem tempting to engage in negative talk and thoughts, just don't. Seriously, try it for a week - I guarantee that you'll find yourself to be a more positive and focused person.

Figure Out Your Own Productivity Schedule

Now, this one I'm just starting to get my groove on but ever since I tailored my work schedule to productivity schedule I've been so much happier and have gotten so much more done during the day. Let me explain: I'm the most productive and focused in the early morning to early afternoon, and then again in the evenings.  That leaves a window from about noon to 4 pm where I know that my focus won't be one hundred percent.  Rather than trying to painfully fight through this period of lessened productivity, I now just work around it; so I wake up incredibly early to get as much done in the morning as I can, reserve the afternoons for errands and catching up with friends, and then resume work again after dinner. Trying to break out of the 9-5 schedule was a lot harder than I thought it would be, but now that I've tailored my work hours to my own productivity schedule I'm getting so much more done during a day - and am way happier for it!

 Stop To Smell The Roses

It's easy to get caught up in the industry and lifestyle of blogging. Blogging is definitely a lot of work,  but there are also a lot of amazing perks and incredible opportunities that come along with being a blogger. While I feel as though I've always been grateful for every opportunity, now I force myself to stop and really think about all of the blessings that blogging has given me and to try and live more in the present. Who knows how long this crazy ride will last. I want to make sure that I'm savouring every single moment.

So that's it!  I hope this post didn't bore you, and you found something to take away.  I would love to know the lessons that you have learned through blogging and any tips and tricks that you use to stay motivated.  I also want you to know how much I appreciate your love and support through the years. You guys have taken my tiny escape from reality and turned it into my dream job and for that I am eternally grateful.

Thanks as always for reading.

xo Joëlle

Amazon Prime Day Is Here + My Shopping List!

Amazon Prime Day is officially here!  Today is the day to to shop literaly tens of thousands of deals on Amazon.ca, available exclusivly for Prime members.  Not an Amazon Prime Member already? No worries, you can always take advantage of the 30-day free trial - just in time for the deals!

There's so many deals going on today in every category, it's defintiely worth heading over to Amazon.ca to check it out!  In the meantime, here's a list of my favourite deals and what I may or may not already have in my shopping cart!

$40 Off Kindle Paperwhite

I am a total ereader convert, ever since purchsing my first one years ago for a beach vacation.  They're amazing for traveling, and great for reading poolside or at the cottage. Kindle is an amazing brand, and all of the books available to download are at a really reasonable price. If you haven't tried an ereader yet, and enjoy reading for pleasure I highly reccomend picking up this Kindle.

Up To 70% Off Select Samsonite Luggage

You guys know that I'm obsessed with traveling, and as someone who's travel style has evovled substacially through the years, I can attest to how important having good luggage is.  Investing in luggage can make all the difference in how comfortable you are at the airport or between destinations, and even how much you can pack!  Check out these Samsonite deals - now is the time to get that amazing carry-on that you've always wanted!

$25 back with $50 Luxury Beauty purchase using promo code PRIMEDAY25

Ummmm... what?! I don't think I have to explain why $25 back with a luxury beauty purchase of $50 is so amazing.  My poor, over-stuffed beauty storage is already afraid!

40% - 50% off Prime Exclusive Fashion

Now is a great time to stock up your summer wardrobe, or get a head start on fall necessities.  Myself, I've been bathing suit crazy lately - especially for one-piece suits. This adorable polka-dot swimsuit is definitely coming home to me - and the best part is with Amazon Prime, I'll have it in time for the cottage this weekend!

I could literaly go on and on, but instead of boring you with my never-ending shopping list I defintiely encourage you to go and check everything out for yourself! Amazon Prime Day only happens once a year, and I plan to take advantage.

Happy shopping,

xo Joëlle

How To Save An Hour A Day

Thank you so much to Aveeno for teaming up with me for this post!

Life hacks; am I the only one obsessed with them? As a busy working gal who tries to juggle blogging with family commitments, a social life, keeping my condo in order and just trying to find time to be creative, time management can be tough. I love developing little tricks, or life hacks, to help save time during the day and maximize every waking hour available. 

1. Make Coffee At Home

I know that my Instagram shows that I'm out getting coffee all of the time, but that's just the magic of social media and in reality, I made my coffee from home 90% of the time.  There came a point when I had to step back and realize that all of those "quick coffee stops" to and from meetings, or to and from work when I was at an office, really added up in time. A ten-minute drive, a five-minute wait in the drive-through, chatting with the employees at your local coffee shop - these things really add up in a day!  Since committing to making coffee for myself at home, I've been able to save at least an hour a day - especially considering I'm a 3-4 cup a day girl!  I've also saved a considerable amount of money, which is always a good thing.

2. Limit Phone and Computer Time Before Bed

Now this one is tough, but it has been essential when trying to save an hour a day - and this life hack has the potential to save hours, plural.  Give yourself a technology curfew.  Think of a time every night that's an hour or two (or even three) before when you typically go to bed and commit to shutting down your phone and computer and going offline. The thought seems terrifying at first, but once you start getting into the habit you realize just how much time can be gained by staying away from technology before bed.  Now I use this time to read, catch up with my husband, browse magazines - anything really.  The time saved makes me feel more balanced, and less panicked that I don't have any time to myself. Besides, one less Youtube video or cat meme isn't the worst thing.

3. Save Time With Your Skin Routine With Aveeno

I am such a spa girl, but unfortunately, my schedule doesn't allow me to get to a spa very often.  Thankfully I was turned onto Aveeno and their Positively Radiant 60 Second In-Shower Facial and Overnight Hydrating Facial and they are just the products that I have been looking for. When it comes to at-home spa treatments I often forget to incorporate them into my routine, but when I can incorporate them into things I already do (shower and sleep) it goes from another step to a no-brainer.

Each Aveeno Positively Radiant product gives you soft, radiant skin while targeting and improving tone, texture, dullness, blotchiness and brown spots - all of which are problems for me. The 60 Second In-Shower Facial is great for adding an extra glow to your skin when you're feeling dull. The product works with the steam of your shower to open pores and gently exfoliates any traces of dirt, oil and dead skin cells. I love the results of the Aveeno 60 Second In-Shower Facial, and especially appreciate that I can skip the extra step and just treat myself to a facial in the shower.

The Aveeno Overnight Hydrating Facial is amazing for me as I love waking up with plump, hydrated skin. The first time I used this overnight mask, I couldn't believe my results in the morning. Usually, I wake up dry and sunken, but my skin was so soft and plump - so plump in fact, that it helped to even out my textured skin!  I'm so impressed with this product that I've made it a part of my travel routine, making sure to apply before boarding an airplane so that I arrive at my destination with great-looking skin. Plus, the fact that I can just maximize the hours that I sleep to achieve these great results is amazing - skincare life hacks, I love it!

What do you guys think?  What do you do to have an hour a day?  Do you have any great life hacks that make your life easier, and help maximize your time?  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

Amazon Prime Day is Coming!

Is it just me, or is shopping in the summer more fun? Maybe it's the sunshine that just puts me in the best mood, but I find myself shopping more in the warm weather. For my fellow summer shopaholics, I have some good news - Amazon.ca is celebrating Prime Day on July 10th!

If you're not familiar with Amazon Prime Day, it's basically a shopping holiday where Amazon lists hundreds of thousands of deals exclusively for Prime Members. This is new for Amazon.ca this year and to celebrate, the Prime Day deals will go live Monday, July 10th at 9:00PM and will last through to July 11th giving you more than 24 hours to shop!

Not to worry if you're not already an Amazon Prime Member. Head over to Amazon.ca to sign up for a 30-day free trial so that you can participate in the savings too! As a condo-dweller in downtown Toronto, I especially appreciate my Amazon Prime membership to not only stock up on my favourite shopping items, but also the necessities too - nothing like getting your household goods delivered straight to your door. If you've always been curious about an Amazon Prime membership, this is definitely the time to try it out.

In the meantime, I've linked some of my favourite pool floats for the summer - because being in a pool, ocean or lake just isn't the same without a fun floatie!

Stay tuned to La Petite Noob July 11th, where I'll be sharing some of my favourite sales and deals from Amazon Prime Day.

Xo Joëlle