Post Vacation Thoughts, Boozy Shampoo & The Kit

Coming back from any vacation always leaves me simultaneously underwhelmed and overwhelmed.

I feel underwhelmed because my daily routine is nowhere near as exciting as free-spiriting it around a new place, and I feel overwhelmed because I have mounds of laundry to attend to, an empty fridge to fill and people to reschedule plans with.

But these are "everyday problems."

While hanging out in Vegas (more on that to come) I was immune to the news cycle for a couple of days and returned to a world that is full of murder, cannibalism, war and wide-spread unemployment.

While it feels frivolous sometimes to blog about shampoo when the world is falling apart, sometimes we all need a break from the negativity.

Today I was featured in the print edition of The Kit in their Toronto Star issue (photo above) as a Kit blogger. I was flattered to have my own little bio in my local city newspaper and it brightened up my day.

Lastly, as per my quip about shampoo, below is my latest hair post for The Kit featuring a product that will get your tresses tipsy. Enjoy! xx

Liquored Locks

Have a pint…on your hair? As the warmer weather brings the familiarity of rickety patios and tall, cool glasses of beer, one would never think that pouring that mixture on one’s head could result in…better locks.

I’m always on the lookout for a shampoo that will help manage my unruly mane, while also steering away from anything that smells too strong or fragrant. I’m not a fan of anything that feels like I’ve dipped my head in a bouquet of flowers or potpourri.

Cue Cynthia Sylvia Stout Shampoo

The shampoo is made with organic vegan stout from a local brewery. Apparently the stout has protein to give your strands a bit of weight and shine, especially when the weather is a bit sticky out.

I love how it smells a bit like lemon, and it definitely doesn’t feel like your dousing your hair in a pint. The yeast from the beer is also good for the scalp and the lemon juice cleanses the hair without stripping it dry. There are also three different sizes, so you can try it out without making the commitment.

Just don’t fall down in the shower.

The Not A Model Travel Kit

When travelling, we all need our own personal kit to arm us for the journey ahead. Below and above are my favourite travel items to get me from one place to the next. Enjoy! xx

• To Avoid Catastrophizing
• There is nothing like being a billion feet in the air to make you start thinking of the "worst-case scenario." I'm pretty mellow when it comes to flying, but I always bring distraction materials. A good magazine and my e-reader can usually divert my attention away from the person beside me watching Final Destination 35.

• To Capture Your Next Great Idea
• Travelling with a basic notebook and writing utensil is the best way to reflect on your next big creative project or adventure. Sure, you can use your phone's electronic notepad but when else will you get the opportunity to practice your cursive skills? 

• To Prevent a Raccoon Face
• I rarely wear any eye makeup on a plane and the rest I keep minimal, if any. I like to touch my face and eyes too much to keep it looking fresh. I remember when a customs officer commented (after noticing my lack of makeup) that my dolled up sister looked like Eva Longoria and I should "really put some blush on." While I was slightly offended (and my sister insisted he was kidding) I don't waffle on this one. Instead, I rely on a good lip balm (currently loving EOS ) and a spritzing toner to keep my skin hydrated (I swear by Caudalie's Beauty Elixir. 

• To Tune out Chatty Cathy
• In movies, the main protagonist (even sans makeup) usually ends up sitting beside George Clooney on a plane ride. In real life, you're more likely to sit beside some sneezing woman or nosy old man who wants to hear your life story. Nothing says "leave me alone" politely like putting on an eye mask and headphones.

• To Reward Yourself
• I'm pretty healthy when it comes to snacking but I break my rules when it comes to travelling. When I'm on a plane, I only want peanut M&Ms. (See catastrophizing) Also, a good pair of socks will help keep your feet snug and remind you that home is just another plane ride away.

I'm off to Las Vegas tonight and hope to have some stories to share upon my return! (Hopefully none of them involving marriage). Until then, what are your travel essentials?

Not A Model Mantra - Change & Comfort

Lately, I've been thinking about change.

The moment you decide to do something instead of just talk about it. That last second when you go forward with option X towards that field of uncertainty.

It's the aching desire to try something new, with the secret fear that the knitted blanket that you've so carefully built and wrapped around yourself is the perfect amount of comfort.

A word that scares me more than change is "comfortable."

At this point in my life, I do not crave comfort. I do not yearn for a blanket. Instead, I want to experience everything to the point that I once again, crave that blanket. It's a cycle.

For this week's Not A Model weekly mantra I quote Mr. Obama:

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”


While this is a more cryptic post, I will share some more thoughts on change for the months to come. It will all make sense soon. Happy Week! xx

Brushing for your Bod - The Kit

As the first long-weekend of the summer approaches, it's time for your skin to make its public debut. 

Below is my latest beauty post from The Kit with advice on how to get your smoothest outer layer yet. 

Have a great weekend! xx

THE KIT -

There are two types of people that can pull off wearing sparkles on their body: Victoria Secret Angels and vampires from Twilight.

While I’m not either (but probably closer to a vampire, let’s be real) I still desire the type of epidermis that makes strangers on the street consciously have to resist the urge to reach over and touch me. Just when I was about to dump a bunch of gooey shimmer on my skin, my roommate tipped me off to dry brushing.

While dry brushing may seem like an insignificant step to a beauty routine, it actually provides many health benefits. Did you know that dry brushing helps improve overall circulation and flushes toxins?

It also helps to tighten the skin, improve muscle tone and even can help with cellulite. Despite the slight discomfort I felt at first, (rough bristles don’t always feel the greatest) I enjoy watching the mounds of dry skin leap off my body and somersault as they combust in the air, freeing the layer underneath to reveal soft, almost toddler-like skin.I also like how it helps me to reconnect with the present moment after a long day.

With routine brushing, the discomfort is gone and the coconut oil that I apply afterward glides on effortlessly, leaving me feeling like I’m almost ready for my angel wings.

Almost.

The Tea Party

Over the weekend my sister, father and I surprised my mom for her 50th birthday. Even though my mom insisted that she did not want any kind of party, we decided to defy her. Since she is the most important woman in our lives, we wanted to do something special for her without pushing her into a situation where she should would feel uncomfortable.

Cue: The Tea Party.

For the past few years, the ladies in our family have started a high-tea tradition around the holidays and we thought that this would be the best setting to celebrate our mom.

From the hand-created floral arrangements to the colour coordinated cake and macarons, the place looked perfect. Upon receiving any sort of praise from the guests, I ensured every single person that the beauty of the room was all due to my amazing sister. She was the one who planned the entire party down to the very last detail. (Note: I know this makes me sound uninvolved, but this is my sister's area of expertise. I tried to pick a colour for the tea pots and was instantly told that they clash! I helped with the set-up, guest list and put my PR and writing skills to use by having the responsibility of saying a speech). 

When it was time for the big unveil my mother was the MOST surprised, surprised party person ever. She even burst into tears. I can't say my eyes were dry either, since I couldn't finish my speech without getting emotional.

It's been said before, but my mother is the greatest woman I know. There is no one whose advice I trust more and spirit I hope to emulate. She's kind, passionate and definitely never boring.

The best kind of woman.

Below are a few snapshots from the party. Enjoy! xx

*If you are ever planning an event in Toronto, consult with my sister Melissa DiPasquale. She has professional experience working in events (weddings, special occasions) and also does gourmet baking. Contact her at melmarie23@gmail.com.

Not A Model Photo Diary - New York

Below is the latest Not A Model travel photo diary from my recent trip to New York through through the lens of my i-phone.

I feel like I've developed some favourite spots in New York since I've been there quite a few times in the past little while and I'm less and less confused as I make my way around the city. A few people even stopped me on the street to ask for directions, as if I naturally belonged there. Maybe they're onto something?

Enjoy! xx

Bedford St, Williamsburg

The Shake Shack

Oh, hello Bon Iver

Magnolia Bakery

The Girls

The Literary Walk - Not A Model Mantra

There are two things I find romantic about large cities: tall skyscrapers and parks.

Most people are puzzled by my belief that skyscrapers are romantic. However, there is a stipulation to this claim: it must be nighttime. When the buildings are slightly illuminated and the streets are washed clean of suits, it's the closest I can get to the feeling of standing next to an ocean, while living in a large, congested city.

Secondly, and more importantly, I adore parks. Whenever I go to New York, I always find a new one to marvel at. I find that the city's parks are the best place to seek solace from the busy streets.

I remember in university when I bought a black and white poster of this famous scene from Central Park called The Literary Walk and The Mall. I pinned the poster on my dorm room wall way before I had ever even travelled to New York. While I've visited Central Park on my previous trips, I had never really looked for it.

This time, I told Stef that I wanted to check it out. When we finally found the spot, I felt like I had walked into the painting, albeit in colour. The enormous elm trees are the main attraction. They weave and bend in a way that is storybook-like and provide a hazy sheltered backdrop to the path. The latter end of The Mall is called The Literary Walk because it features four statues of famous writers and the area is often used when filming movies. There was nothing like walking through this path and watching the tiny leaves from the trees dance in the air. Even with my terrible allergies, I enjoyed every minute.

This week's Not A Model mantra is as follows, "The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself."Henry Miller
  
Now go take a closer look.