La Petite Noob is a Toronto-based fashion and lifestyle blog and I've had the great pleasure of getting to know its creator, Joëlle Anello, in the last year. I've since discovered we have a lot in common, but there's one thing she's very passionate about that I was never able to relate to – her love for matcha lattes! That's because I had never tried one before and knew she was the perfect person to introduce me to them, so we met up one sunny Sunday morning at Hailed Coffee (one of her favourite cafés) where I tried my first matcha latte (P.S. I loved it) and we sat and chatted for the next couple of hours. Joëlle is friendly and kind, with a playful quirkiness that makes her fun to be around, so I'm very happy to introduce her and share more about her. She's even sharing her recipe for making matcha lattes at home, so read on to see it!
On her blog, Joëlle shares her favourite outfits, beauty tips, and documents her life in Toronto. She started her blog three years ago and chose the name La Petite Noob to describe her small stature (she's 5'2”), and also to indicate her 'newbie' status in the world of blogging (“noob” is slang in the gaming community for a newcomer). Joëlle was fortunate from the start to have access to a photographer – her husband took a photography course for fun about a year prior, and snapping Joëlle's outfit photos was one way to practice and maintain his newfound skill; little did he know that he would be elevated to #instagramhusband status! (All joking aside, it's obvious he's a great photographer, and supportive of his wife and is happy to oblige.)
Joëlle's aesthetic is feminine, soft and pretty; her wardrobe consists of items with floral prints, delicate lace, dresses & skirts, and most of all pink – so much so, that this tone has come to represent her signature style. But her current wardrobe belies a previous career working in an industry where the unofficial uniform is known for consisting of an all-black, understated attire... would you believe that Joëlle spent several years working as a funeral director? It's true. Originally from Ottawa, she began working at a funeral home in her hometown before moving to Toronto to attend courses to obtain her funeral director license. She then helped manage a funeral home in Toronto. She enjoyed the job but the hours were brutal, having to be on call at all hours of the day and night, and eventually she gave it up in favour of a job with more stable hours. Though not blogging full time (yet), she balances her day job with running her blog, an outlet that allows her to pursue her creative passions. Having reclaimed her weekend, she's free to enjoy heading out for brunch and sipping on matcha lattes. Speaking of which, I promised you her recipe so that you can try it out at home!
Joëlle's Matcha Latte Recipe:
Bring 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk to a simmer in a small pot over medium-high heat (you can also use a milk steamer if you have one.)
Place 1 teaspoon matcha powder in a mug.
Slowly whisk in 1/4 cup boiling water to dilute the matcha, then your heated almond milk, tipping cup slightly to help create more foam.
If you're as intrigued as I am by Joëlle, you're going to want to know how to keep up with her: you can follow La Petite Noob on Wantfolio so you never miss a blog post. She loves interacting with her readers, so download the Wantfolio app and follow her profile so you can she what she wants by following her want.boards.
Want more? Here's what We Want To Know about Joëlle:
I can't start my morning without...A shot of espresso! After a trip to Paris years ago, I decided that an espresso machine was a necessity in my life and have not looked back since. I typically enjoy one shot of espresso and 5 ounces of water (so specific, I know!). I then reach for my phone and immediately scroll through my Instagram feed - some may call it an addiction, but I absolutely love it! Once I've answered all of the comments and questions that I've received overnight on my social media channels, I begin tackling my inbox.
I have a weakness for...Mexican food. Show me a burrito and you will see a very happy girl! I also have a weakness for matcha tea lattes and have become obsessed with scouring the city of Toronto in search of the perfect Matcha. So far my top runner for the best green tea latte is from NEO Coffee Bar, however the matcha at Hailed Coffee is a pretty close second!
Most people don't know that I...grew up in a military family and spent the majority of my childhood moving from city to city, and even out of country - we spent years living in Germany! Moving around so often as a child is tough, but it really teaches you to have an open mind to new experiences and helps you to develop a close bond with your family.
Currently reading...Since I'm right at the beginning of my busiest season as a blogger, I'm so sad to say that I'm not currently reading anything at the moment! I did just finish Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and found it to be a powerful, albeit oftentimes heartbreaking read. As soon as I get a moment to unwind after the holidays, I have a fresh copy of The Girls by Emma Cline just waiting to be read!
I want...To live purposefully and to be happy.
Thanks so much Joëlle, for participating in #WeWantToKnow!