Greetings, dear readers! Hope you're enjoying what's left of the holidays. My plans for a blissful 12-day vacation have been waylaid by the flu, sadly. I started feeling aches and chills on the evening of Christmas Day (um, thanks, Santa?) and have been hibernating indoors ever since, camping out on the couch with Netflix, tissues, and lots of tea.
But now that I have some of my energy back, it's time to look back at 2013 and round up some of my favourite posts from what turned out to be a great year.
NYE Hair & Beauty Ideas
Check out these step-by-step tutorials for a DIY blowout, a very easy braided updo, and a braided updo that delivers on drama. And speaking of drama, how about this gold-glitter-infused graphic black liner look from Blanche Macdonald, or a jewel-toned smokey eye created from Lise Watier's limited edition holiday palette? Whatever look you go with, make sure your makeup and mani have staying power by choosing the right primer and the right top coat.
Beauty
As I predicted last year, beauty continues to be a major focus on Solo Lisa. The archives are full of great product reviews and round-ups, from summer essentials to my new favourite place for a facial, Collective Skincare, and my favourite beauty launch of the year, the Dior holiday collection.
Style
I sang the praises of sleep shorts, identified the 5 summer dresses every woman needs, and fell hard for Roots, cocoon coats, and low wedge sandals.Travel
Although I could've used more vacations, 2013 turned out to be a year punctuated by small trips and big opportunities. The boy and I went to Seattle, Portland, and Coupeville and Port Angeles on various long weekend getaways. I also went to Toronto twice this year(!), the first time to shoot a video for Garnier with Glam Media, and the second time for the launch of #BeautyUnited. Here's to more travel in 2014!
Decor
Now that the condo is furnished, it's all about finishing touches and a quick workspace makeover. Meanwhile, this post on balancing masculine and feminine decor tastes has proven to be a runaway hit on Pinterest.
Personal Highlights
Aside from flying to Toronto for Garnier and #BeautyUnited, these moments stand out as bright spots: attending the P!nk concert c/o #BeautyUnited; blogging for the newly relaunched Maison Birks; and landing in an issue of PEOPLE StyleWatch.
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