TLP Beauty: boscia Multi-masking Medley Face Mask Set

boscia is quickly becoming one of my favourite skincare products, and being the skincare enthusiast I am, I definitely had to try out this Multi-Masking Medley from them. It's basically a pack of face masks with four from their different peel-off mask ranges. I'd already tried out the luminizing black mask before (as shown in my previous monthly favourites post - December or January I believe?) and I could not wait to try out their other ones!

So first things fist, the Luminizing Black Mask. I already knew this one works well for me so I was pretty pleased when this one came with the set. There's enough product to last you three uses (at least for me anyway) given that its pretty opaque already. Fair warning, this face masks looks like tar the minute you get it on your fingers and you definitely can't help but laugh as you slather it all over your face. I know I did. Just make sure to warn anyone you live with you'll be using this product so you don't freak them out the minute you walk out of your bathroom. LOL.

This mask does dry up pretty quick, but they recommend that you keep this on for about 30 minutes. Then again that depends on your skin's sensitivity, so do as you please. Anyway, it's pretty easy to peel of this mask (I suggest moving your face and pulling faces prior to peeling it off to make the process easier and more fun!) but because it does cling pretty tightly to your pores, it can be a tad bit painful pulling it off. No major tugging is needed, but there can be a tendency for little parts staying on your face. Nothing a little water can't fix though. I find that this mask really does make my skin feel smoother and softer, so two massive thumbs up for this one! Definitely recommend this for those ultimate pampering days when you really want to get all the dirt and gunk out of your pores!

The Bright White Mask is pretty similar to the Black one. But the consistency is pretty thick - almost like plaster which freaked me out a bit. Again, it's pretty opaque so it's not difficult to cover your face with this. I'd read a lot of mixed reviews on this particular mask over on Sephora, but I decided to try it out myself.

The verdict? Hate it. It did absolutely nothing for my skin! It just kind of sat there on my face, doing nothing. Zip. Zilch. NOTHING. I completely agree with those reviews that found this to be a disappointing product. It didn't pull of any gunk I had in my face like the black mask, it didn't feel tingly or refreshing at all. It felt like literally putting plaster on my face. Granted that there's probably enough product in the pouch for two more uses, I threw it away immediately. Definitely not surprised why the full bottle of the Bright White Mask retails for half the price compared to the other three. 

Alright, on a more positive note, the Cool Blue Calming Mask was pretty amazing. It does basically what it says on the packaging! It felt so cooling and refreshing the minute I put it on my face! Sadly, the consistency is pretty watery and liquidy, so building this up to make an opaque face mask was pretty hard. In fact, I used up 2/3 of the product that there wasn't enough for another use! The picture on the packaging (the box all these masks come in) is a lie!

But despite that disappointment, I love this mask. My face felt all tingly and cool while the mask was on, and this is probably the easiest peel-off mask to take off. So much so you can keep it intact as you pull it off your face! Compared to the black mask, this didn't get rid of all the dirt, but it did leave my skin feeling much smoother, and the redness on my face wasn't as bad. I'd recommend using this for those days where you just want to have a relaxing night after a full day, or even to use as a nice morning mask to get you feeling all lush and refreshed for the day.

Last but not least, the Green Tea Oil-Control Mask was also pretty kickass. There's enough product to last you about two uses and like the blue mask, it's got that tingly feeling as you put this on your skin. In terms of consistency, it's pretty thick but not as much as the black mask. Again, you may need a bit to really make it an opaque face mask.

I definitely feel as though this green-tea mask is similar to the cool blue mask! I absolutely love the tingly and cooling feeling this mask has, and again, this one is really easy to peel off. I couldn't say that I saw results in terms of oil-control, but then again, there's only enough product for two uses. Perhaps a more long-term try will give me a better overview, cause hell, I've got combination/oily skin so anything that keeps the oil at bay I'm all for. But you know, this one did leave my skin feeling all smooth and nice, and like the cool blue mask, I'd recommend this as an emergency pamper product for those 'meh' days.

All in all, I love this multi-masking medley set! For the price ($23 CAD at Sephora), it's definitely worth every penny, as you can try out boscia's different peel-off mask ranges. There's enough product in each pouch for about 2-3 uses to get a good impression on each product. My favourites would definitely have to be the Luminizing Black Mask and Cool Blue Calming Mask. That Bright White Mask though? Never going near that thing ever again!

So, if you're in the market for a face mask and are wondering which ones to try out, I'd definitely recommend this multi-masking medley from boscia! It's a great chance to try out the brand and see which ones work well for your skin before committing to the full-size products!

Happy discovering!

Confessions of a Gleek: The End of an Era...

My god. I cannot believe that after six years, Glee is coming to an end. I'm still in denial that the cast and crew have wrapped up, and soon, I'll be crying as I watch its final episode. Ever. Just seeing their posts on Twitter and Instagram has seriously got me feeling down, and I can't imagine how I'll feel the minute the final credits roll. 

So fair warning, this is going to be a cheesy, but heart-felt, post on a show that changed my life. 

I'll admit, I didn't follow Glee the minute the series premiered. I was probably like, ten or eleven episodes behind until I got into it. I remember all my friends talking about the musical numbers and characters, and soon, I got sucked in pretty bad. A club that was all about misfits uniting and bonding over music? Characters who I could see parts of myself in and high school drama I could relate to? And you know, amazing numbers that make me want to burst out into song as well?

Count me in! 

Glee became my guilty pleasure - heck, it became an addiction once Season 2 rolled in and we were introduced to the Dalton Academy Warblers. Especially Darren Criss. I'd seen him before as 'Harry Potter' from the Starkid productions of A Very Potter Musical (if you haven't seen it yet, YOU MUST!), and my GOD, he's amazing. Is it obvious I've developed a serious crush ever since? Hah! That's not to say that the other guys aren't as good-looking. Or talented. Seriously though, you've got a whole bunch of handsome dudes with amazing voices. Like, seriously. Cheers to the ladies as well. I've got a huge girl crush on both Lea Michele and Dianna Agron, LOL!

Moving back to the point, I connected so much with the characters from Glee. Rachel Berry's drive and passion to follow her dreams, Santana's sassiness and wit, Finn's concern for his family and friends, Artie's smarts and leadership, Brittany's quirky one-liners ... I could go on for days. I laughed with them, cried for them, and sang along with them every single time. Heck, I still do the latter when a song comes up on my iPod. And as much as some of them frustrated me, I loved every single one of them, and it sucks so bad to know I'll no longer see them on TV regularly. 

Of course, that's not to say that Glee was perfect. I admit, there were a few episodes here and there that weren't as great, and Season 4 and the first half of Season 5 was a bit of a let down. Yes, I was one of those who weren't as thrilled with the new characters - especially as they were meant to 'replace' the graduated class to a certain extent. I wasn't too happy about that. But the new characters they introduced this final season? Damn! I wish we could get to know them for longer!

During the weeks I was struggling to adapt and adjust to university during my first year, I turned to Glee to calm me down. I watched and re-watched episodes (yes, I have all the episodes!) and constantly put their songs on repeat. What can I say, I'm a die-hard Gleek. I even have their Glee 3D Concert Movie poster hanging on my wall as we speak. 

And I did learn lessons from each one of the characters (and episodes) about life, love and following your passions. I learned to accept myself as I am - to accept the flaws and focus on my strengths. I learned to forgive and move on, because there's no point in dwelling on past mistakes. I learned that no matter what, true friendship is what matters, especially in times of struggle. I learned to not give up and to not take things, and people, for granted. And knowing that other people learned those same lessons, well, just goes to show how amazing and powerful this show was. 

I think the episode that sticks out the most to me would be the Season 3 finale, when about half of the members graduated - Rachel, Finn, Kurt, Mercedes, Puck, Santana, Quinn and Mike (is it sad I didn't have to look that up and knew who graduated off by heart?) Why you ask? Because I graduated that same year 'with' them. Only a few days apart too when that episode came out. All the emotions they were feeling, I felt. It seems crazy to say, but it was like the show - well, that episode - really got me. The fear, the excitement, the anxiety of having to leave home and face the unknown? Man, I remember crying pretty hard at that 'Roots Before Branches' number at the end. And I remember my parents coming home from dinner and walking in to the living room to find me with my swollen eyes and wet tissues. Yep, I was quite the sight. 

Glee had me feeling all sorts of emotions every season. I laughed so hard when Holly Holiday taught the Glee students about safe sex (or when Sue and Will would go at it like little kids), I squealed so much when Kurt and Blaine finally got together (then back together the countless times they did), I pumped my fist when Rachel received an amazing review after her premiere as Fanny Brice. And how could I forget that Season 5 episode, where they did a tribute to Cory Monteith? Gosh, that was a real tear jerker too. Heck, thinking about it know makes me sad. I remember watching the episode on my laptop and crying about 20 seconds into it. And then again every five minutes. Glee was a roller coaster of emotions, I can tell you that. 

So, as an ode to one of my all-time favourite shows, here's a playlist of my top 10 favourite musical numbers from the series:

Teenage Dream (Season 2, Episode 6 - Never Been Kissed)

Don't You Want Me Baby (Season 2, Episode 14 - Blame It On the Alcohol)

Roots Before Branches (Season 3, Episode 22 - Goodbye)

Cold Hearted (Season 4, Episode 16 - Feud)

Love Shack (Season 3, Episode 13 - Heart)

Hold On (Season 5, Episode 10 - Trio)

Don't Dream It's Over (Season 4, Episode 9 - Swan Song) 

Make You Feel My Love (Season 5, Episode 3 - The Quarterback)

For Good (Season 2, Episode 22 - New York)

Man in the Mirror (Season 3, Episode 8 - Hold On to Sixteen)

And as a bonus, because how could I not include this, 

Don't Stop Believing (Season 1, Episode 1 - Pilot) 

From one Gleek to another, I feel your pain on how this show that meant to much to us is sadly coming to an end. But let's remember all the good times we spent watching every single episode, and singing along to every song. And for the lucky ones who've actually seen them perform live (you lucky bums), remember the happiness you felt as you watched them sing their hearts out. 

And if you aren't as much as a die-hard fan as me, or just flat-out hated the show, well, don't diss my post. Cause it's coming from deep within my heart. And I'm sure there are things out there you love as much as I do Glee. But who knows? Why not give this show a second chance? 

I know this is quite the early farewell, but come March 20, when the characters take their final bow, I don't know if I can handle writing anything about it after watching. Too many feels, guys. I already know it. I'm going to need some time to recover. 

Don't stop believing, guys.

Arianna  x

7 Days, 7 Hairstyles

Because I've been on this 'making up for being so MIA' on here kick, here's another quickie post!

 Because I am quite the kikay (girly and somewhat fashion-forward slang in Filipino), I decided to challenge myself last week and come up with different ways to wear my hair everyday for the next week. I'd gotten so used to merely going about my day with literally an 'I woke up like this' hairstyle, that it felt like I needed to change things up a bit. Granted, that did require me waking up a tad bit earlier to get my hair looking more presentable, but it I think it worked out in the end. I pretty much discovered what hairstyles work for me, and what don't. Then again, what do you think? Hopefully this gives you a few ideas on a few looks to try out for the next week!

On a side note, I'm not one to use products like hairspray and mousse when it comes to styling my hair. Besides the occasional de-frizzing spray after I wash my hair and dry shampoo, I don't like using such products. Not that I'm a stickler for using such products, it's just that I like to keep my hair product-free as much as possible. I mean, considering the fact that it's been all bleached, ombred and stuff, I think I've done enough damage, don't you think?

Monday

 The classic milk maid braid. Nothing new with this really. I absolutely love this hairstyle, but it is a pain securing my hair with about a million bobby pins. But it's so worth it, and I think this hairstyle looks even better if you're currently rocking the ombre. Then again, I may be a tad bit biased. Lol. 

Tuesday

 The 'I-can't-be-bothered-to-do-anything-fancy-but-want-to-look-done' look. Essentially throw your hair into a messy bun, secure with a few bobby pins (a whole butt load if you've got thick hair like me) then put on a cute headband for a somewhat retro feel. Apply some eyeliner and a bright lip, and you're good to go. Done and done. 

Wednesday

 A mini french-braid on one side that merges into one big braid. Is there even a proper name for this? I call this my 'need-to-work-out-and-wash-my-hair-today' hairstyle. No joke. It's super easy to do (no bobby pins required, woop!) and looks pretty chic. It stays put as I go about my day, and keeps the hair at bay while I'm doing my pilates or what not before washing my hair. Hah!

Thursday

So you've probably noticed by now how much I love to rock my braids. This is pretty much the standard french braid on both sides, that wrap around a huge bun at the back. Nothing too fancy, but it sure looks like it. 

Friday

I'd seen pictures of this hairdo about a dozen times over on Pinterest, and thought, hey, when better to try it out than this week? And it's pretty darn easy, provided you've got a bigger mirror to work with than I did. Pretty much just separate your hair into three sections, braid each one, then wrap them up in a bun just below your head and secure with bobby pins. This looks definitely looks much better if your bobby pins actually match your hair colour, and you remember to remove any elastics you used (unlike me, darn it). Nonetheless, a very cute and super quick hairstyle to try out! Perfect for a date or a nice girl's night out.

Saturday

Again, this hairstyle was inspired by a couple of photos and tutorials I'd seen over on Pinterest. You pretty much part your hair into two sections, secure with an elastic band, then loop the rest of your hair through. Then so on until you get this sort of fish-braid effect. It's super easy (and man, I suck so bad at explaining how to achieve this look!) and an absolute no fuss. This hairstyle looks super cute and effortless, and what do you know, it really doesn't take that much effort to do. Perfect for a nice day out shopping or chilling with friends. Try it out - though I'd suggest you try using clear elastic bands unless you like that sort of look (like me!)

Sunday

This hairstyle has definitely got to be the trickiest I've tried, mainly cause of all my hair! The look requires you to wrap your hair around a headband for a chic and vintagey updo, but it is harder than it looks! For me anyway. I probably attempted this three times since during each try, my hair kept falling out of the headband before I could even secure it with bobby pins. LOTS OF THEM.  Nonetheless, once you've got the updo down, it looks so pretty and girly - perfect for a nice Sunday brunch or day out. I opted to use just a simple bronze headband, but I've seen this look done with floral crowns and bejewelled straps, so try it out with whatever you fancy. Perhaps a bit of hairspray or mousse can help keep the updo looking good and in place if you've got a busy day ahead. 

So that's my week done! I had a pretty great time trying out different hairstyles, and as challenging as some of them were for me, I'm super glad I've found what works for me! Try them out and challenge yourself style-wise if you've got the time!

Happy discovering!

February Faves!!

February faves time!

There hasn't really been any discoveries for me in the 'base' part of applying my make-up - I'm still reaching for either my Clinique Stay Matte foundation or MAC Studio Fix Fluid depending on my schedule - but I have been using Revlon's Photoready Skinlights face illuminator to brighten up my complexion a little bit more. It has definitely been doing wonders at making sure my face isn't dull looking, but at the same time not to sheeny shiny. I just apply it with my fingers and pat it on my cheekbones, forehead and tad bit on my nose after I put on my foundation, and voila. Done.

I've also really been loving the Cheeky Blush Trio from Make Up For Ever that came out as one of their limited edition sets for the 50 Shades of Gray franchise. The colours absolutely gorgeous and pigmented, and can double as eyeshadows! You can check out the rest of my thoughts about it here, as well as my review on the other sets part of the collection.

For my eye game, I've been reaching for my Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeliner in Lavish (a bronzy, metallic brown), Maybelline's new Lash Sensational mascara and the new Sephora XL eyelash curlers. These curlers are pretty awesome, and don't pinch my eyelids, so that's a plus! And of course, my Naked 3 palette has been my go to this month - what with my associating February with rose and pink toned everything. And I have fallen back in love with it! And as much as I do like the double ended eyeshadow brush it comes with, I've been using my Sephora crease brush (73) to apply and blend, and it is an absolute dream!

I particularly love Limit and Nooner from the Naked 3 palette together, and for a nice pop of colour, Buzz is amazing placed on the center of the lids!

Here's how they look applied on to the lids (and please don't mind the untamed, undone eyebrows!!!)

Limit all over the lid, Nooner in the crease/outer V, and a bit of Buzz in the center of the lids. 

For lips, I've seriously been on a pinky nude kick! Despite it being the season where almost every girl likes to rock a dark, vampy lip, I've been leaning towards the lighter scale with Make Up For Ever's Aqua Rouge waterproof liquid lip colour in the shade 3, MAC's Oxblood (from the Toledo collection), and BITE Beauty's matte cream lip crayon in Gavi. But you know, I can't resist a nice red as well, and I've been loving the NARS matte lip crayon in Cruella. Did I mention by the way that I'm loving matte finishes too? Hah!

Swatches (l-r): MUFE Aqua Rouge lip colour in 3, MAC Oxblood, BITE Beauty's Gavi and NARS Cruella.

Other beauty favourites have been my boscia Clear Complexion toner (which has really, changed my skin's life and I'm so glad to have it!), the L'Oreal Total Repair 5 hair oil to combat the dryness my hair's been facing with all this cold, and my Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede perfume. For nails, I've been loving the Nails Inc polish in Alexa Cashmere (a textured, light pinky mauve) and my Deborah Lippman polish in Ya Got Trouble (a metallic duo chrome bronze).

For non-beauty related favourites, I've really been loving my blanket scarf from ALDO. With the crazy weather getting to me, this baby has been keeping me pretty warm while I'm out, and I love the fact that it's large enough to use as a poncho type scarf when it gets a bitty chilly during my classes. Speaking of keeping warm, I've been loving Davids Tea's Cold 911 tea - perfect for when you've got a sore throat and feel down in the dumps cause of the weather. For sweet pick-me-ups I've also been treating myself to Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups from President's Choice (not that I don't like Reese's Pieces, but you know, this was on sale) and burning my Bath & Body Works Butterscotch toffee candle. I promise, these four things are absolute essentials for curling up in bed with a good book every night! 

My tune of the month would definitely have to be Neon Jungle's Louder. And my gosh, how have I never heard of them before? This music video came up on my recommendations playlist on YouTube, and my gosh, I'm in love. They're a British girl group that I believe started off on YouTube, and they are pretty kickass! Their single Louder is just amazing - the beat, the lyrics, the melody - just, everything about it I love!! Also go check out Braveheart, Sleepless in London and their cover of Lorde's Royals. Seriously, amazing.

And as a bonus, because let's face it, I can be quite indecisive, my other tune of the month would have to be Nick Jonas's Teacher. While the official lyric video does kind of make me cringe (it's quite sensual and creepy to a certain extent), I still love the beat! It's quite raunchy in its own way, but I can't help dancing to it the minute it comes up on my iPod. Love, love, love me some Nick Jonas. Haha!!!

So that's this month's round up! What have you been excited about this month?
Happy discovering!

TLP Rambles: History and Facebook

Hey guys! So this is a new thing - TLP Rambles. I figured since I was in this thing we call a Journalism program, it was about time I start sharing a few of the pieces I've been working on. You don't have to read through any of it, but hey, if you're interested, I'd be really happy with that. 

Here's something I wrote a few weeks ago during my internship at Muse Magazine. Hope you like it! 

Story telling: If the Internet were around throughout history and how it could change the way we present historical events today

We’ve seen it all before. Friends updating their statuses and uploading photos of their night out. Family members commenting on baby photos and news on who’s marrying whom. Colleagues posting about their workplace woes and planning a little get together after the day is done. This has become the world’s main form of storytelling. By stripping down the walls that divide the rooms we’re in and closing distances between people separated by oceans, social media has made it so that we can tell our stories anytime, anywhere.

But what of the voices of the millions of people who lived before the dawn of the Internet? The men and women (among others) who experienced illnesses, wars and revolutions and just about every other event that has shaped our world today? Sure, historians and writers have published works – both on paper and online – detailing their lives, and dedicated years to uncovering their secrets. But in an age where we rely on getting information on the go (and for some in less than 140 characters or less), who has the time to sift through all that? And yes, museums have been dedicating themselves to increasing their social media presence to keep up with the times and maintain interest, but surely there has to be another way today’s technologies can be used.

Imagine if those said millions of people who helped shape our world, had the ability to speak their minds in the same way we can today. What if they, by some miracle, had access to the Internet? And before you think it absolutely absurd and downright impossible, think about it. Not in terms of how history would have changed with the presence of the Internet (because let’s face it, a lot of the events could have then be prevented had Twitter been available) but in terms of storytelling. How would it impact our knowledge of the events that happened years before we were born?

For one thing, it may be more accurate. Instead of having to decide on which versions of events are right, we would have someone tell us straight up how it happened. Granted, there are always more than two sides to a story, but at least we would know of all the details straight from the sources. Plus, wouldn’t it be interesting to find out what such figures did when they weren’t busy saving (or some may argue, destroying) the world? It would be completely entertaining reading posts from the olden days – it’d give us not only social context, but humour too. Imagine reading tweets from Albert Einstein or William Shakespeare.

But of course, it is not possible to have firsthand accounts of the War of 1812 posted by Laura Secord herself on Facebook or Twitter updates from Christopher Columbus as he set sail to the New World. Well, not entirely. Search ‘if historical events had Facebook’ on Google and you will find status updates and posts from figures like Abraham Lincoln and Alexander the Great. Or better yet, just check out the compilations over at College Humor (fair warning, a few of these examples do contain some swearing).

This concept is not entirely new. Some people have taken it upon themselves to set up profiles posing as these historical characters and posting humorous accounts of what happened years ago. Some are short status updates, and some take up almost a whole Facebook timeline with comments from involved parties. Sure, the actual people behind these profiles set them up as a gag and so they shouldn’t taken be seriously. But as humorous and satirical as they can be, they allow people – more specifically the younger tech-savvy generation – to understand the catalysts of historical events and the sentiments surrounding them, in a much more up to date manner. Just read the comments, and you’ll find users claiming how they learnt more from these sarcastic posts than their history class.

It is an interesting concept, telling historical events from a historical figure’s perspective through the modern tools we have today – Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and every other platform that exists out there. There is something about reading these things in a more up-to-date manner that solidifies how real these people are, the events they took part in and the repercussions that soon followed. The disconnect between the people of yesterday and today could be bridged in the same way we connect people on opposite sides of the world now.

So what if we did take it seriously, and experienced members in the field did dedicate their time not only to writing about these people for history books and online publications, but also to step into historical shoes and educate from a somewhat firsthand perspective? What if we could read about Charles Darwin’s life and discoveries from the ‘man himself’ or the moment Julius Caesar #came #saw and #conquered? By placing these historical figures in a more social and modern context, we’d be able to connect with people – our regular, average folk – who don’t have the same passion or decoding skills of museologists and historians.

Sure, sticking to the real facts and figuring out the myths may prove to be difficult. So maybe the people don’t have to be historically real per se. The Musée de la Grande Guerre du Pays de Meaux in France for instance, created a Facebook page for Professor Léon Vivien, a fictional character through whom the museum could educate the public about the events during the Great War (1914-1918). Professor Vivien served as a representation of the actual people and tragedies. Just because the tales are presented in a more informal manner, does not mean they are any less valid. In Professor Vivien’s case, 66,320 people did not think so.

If more museums adapted such a practice, they would do so much more than just increase their social media presence. They would be reaching out to audiences from all over the world, educating all ages and clearing up any historical misconceptions, while both making history fun to learn and providing entertainment. The posts don’t have to be written in colloquial language with cuss words thrown in here and there to fit in with the youths. It doesn’t require much effort, it doesn’t cost a thing and it benefits everyone involved.

It is not meant to be a shortcut or cheat sheet like SparkNotes for students trying to complete history reports, nor is it an easy substitute to actually stepping into a museum and immersing yourself in the replicated yet accurate worlds they present. But it could inspire future museologists, rekindle interest on the past and show everyone that you do not have to pour through mounds of history articles and documentaries to learn and understand the basics.  

Sure, social media doesn’t exactly have the educational environment that reading books and visiting museums evoke, but it sure is a more entertaining and captivating way of attracting the interests of a generation whose eyes and minds are constantly glued to their smart phones and tablets. And besides, wouldn’t it be cool to have people such as Henry VIII and Viola Desmond appear on your Twitter feed?

What'd you think?

Arianna x 

Ottawa: Winterlude

So one of the biggest events during the winter in Ottawa and Gatineau areas is Winterlude, an annual three-week festival that 'celebrates winter'. It's probably one of the biggest 'tourist' events in Ottawa, attracting quite a lot of people every year. It was first created in 1979 I believe, and the biggest attraction would have to be the Rideau Canal which during this time of year, is the world's largest skating rink. No lie.

In the three years I have lived here in Ottawa, this is probably the only thing I look forward to during the winter, besides my birthday of course. This year's Winterlude took place on Jan. 30 and ran until Feb. 16 and naturally, I tried to see and do as much as I could.

Now, I went on the Rideau Canal my first year for the Paint the Canal Red (a Carleton University event), and god, I really need to learn how to skate. Yes, in the three years I've been here, I still don't know how to balance my sorry butt on a pair of skates. What did I do when I went on my first year? I walked on the side, where the snow was, got off on the next stop and hopped on the bus and met up with my friends at Rideau Centre. Sad, I know. Maybe next year. Or never. We'll see.

The first place I went to was Snowflake Kingdom over at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau. I'd gone with a handful of other international students from Carleton University, and man, it was an experience. I believe it was -30 when we out that day, so I was pretty darn cold. But it made for a great adventure. Not only did we get lost on the way there (like, I'm not kidding - we ended up having to walk on the bridge connecting Ottawa and Gatineau to make sure we ended up in the right place), but we were dealing with the freezing cold. Can you imagine that - eight international students who are from tropical places, playing around in -30C weather. My fingers and toes were so cold! Our hot chocolates weren't enough to warm us up the minute we got to Snowflake Kingdom.

But it was a blast. Granted, one of the reasons I had gone was to write a story about it for one of my journalism classes, but I really did have a great time. I finally tried maple taffy, carved my name in ice and met a whole bunch of cool people. There was so much to do that we were actually quite overwhelmed. There were a whole bunch of super slides to try, a maze, and all sorts of entertainment!  Decisions, decisions, decisions. So despite the cold and the fact I had to write a story about it that same night, it was a great memory.

Funny story here - I had never really had to deal with having to go out in such weather. I'd normally just snuggle up under the covers with tea and a good book. So I was not prepared for the minute both my phones shut down once we got to Snowflake Kingdom. BECAUSE OF THE DARN COLD. Thankfully I didn't have to use them, but it was a pain warming them up and trying to get them to start. So you know, be prepared for that. Cause I certainly was not. 

Maple taffy goodness! If you don't know what this whole thing is, basically they pour hot maple on to the snow (clean, I have been assured) and they roll it up in sticks and you get this amazing sweet treat. And I'm not kidding on how sweet these things are - this is pretty much your whole sugar intake for the month! Each one cost $3, which may seem a bit pricey, but god, it takes a while to eat cause it's so sticky and sweet. Make sure to drink some water after!

One of the other main attractions is Confederation Park, where every year, they've got the Crystal Garden - essentially, a whole bunch of ice sculptures in one place. And the people who make them are crazy talented! 

They also hold a whole bunch of other events here, what with the huge concert stage set up and all that. I remember how in 2013 they had a K-pop night, and my roommates and I went out and danced to lyrics I didn't understand but was pretty familiar with. So, so fun! They didn't have artists or live performances per se (they really just had DJ), but it was so great meeting and dancing with so many other people who like K-pop. Not to say I'm a big fan of the genre, but I do appreciate a good dance beat now and then. 

Maple taffy again!!!

A few of the ice sculptures on exhibit were actually carved out by international artists, such as this one by Julio Martinez, an artist from Mexico. 

The Rideau Canal with skaters!!! One of these days, I will be there. I promise.

So if you're ever in the Ottawa or Gatineau areas during the late January-early February winter, you have definitely got to check out Winterlude. There is no admission to (most of) the main attractions, so you've got a fun, free pass at experiencing what the winter time is like here. Just make sure to bundle up, mentally prepare yourself and keep your electronics warm or else they'll shut off like mine did while I was over at Snowflake Kingdom. I wasn't kidding about the cold. At all. 

Not kidding about carving my name too, by the way, on a big block of snow at Snowflake Kingdom. Haha!

Happy discovering!

Rediscovering My Love: Old Tunes

Hey guys! So here's just a quick post to yet again fill the blogging void that's been going on here. Again, apologies for being so MIA. 

Anyway, I was going through my drawers a few days ago in an attempt to clean my room up a bit and what did I find? My old iPod Nano (6th generation, I believe) that housed all my songs from like, 6 or so years ago. Yep, that long ago. Curiousity got the best of me, and well, I ended up listening to it all night and got almost nothing done. 

If you're confused as to why I have been cherishing this iPod so much, well, the laptop that this iPod was connected to crashed and I basically lost all the music files. So all that's left is this iPod, and I couldn't be bothered to download them all over again. And besides, Limewire ceased to exist by that time (hah! Remember the good ol' Limewire days?) so there really was no point. That really bummd me out. No lie. Since then I've learned my lesson of backing up all my files onto an external hard drive and refusing to give up my little baby. 

There's nothing better than taking a little trip down memory lane by listening to the tunes I loved from my pre-teen days up until I turned 14 (I think that was when the whole laptop crashing fiasco happened). Oh, I can totally remember rocking out and singing at the top of my lungs in my room, pretending I was a famous singer. My gosh. And to think I still do that now, just you know, a little quieter since I've got roommates and all that. 

I just wanted to share a few of the songs I've been listening to that I seriously do not have on my current iPod (well, iPhone really, but what the heck). I'll be honest, some tunes I did end up re-downloading. So think of this as a little nostalgic, sentimental playlist of mine from my 14-year-old self, if you will:

- When You Look Me In the Eyes by The Jonas Brothers (oh my, I swear, this is still one of my favourite love songs of all time. True blue JoBros fan right here, and always will be)

- Apologize by OneRepublic ft. Timbaland

- Memory by Sugarcult

- With Me by Sum 41

- Rainy Day by Janel Parrish (before she became crazy Mona from Pretty Little Liars, haha!)

- Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae

fun fact - this apparently is my top, most played song on this iPod!

- When It Rains by Paramore

- Shake It by Metro Station
- Happy Birthday by The Click Five (admittedly I listened to this on my birthday a few days ago!)
- Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne
- You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift (naturally, the anthem of every single girl out there when this came out!!)
- Feels Like Tonight by Chris Daughtry
- Gotta Be Somebody by Nickelback

- The whole Camp Rock Soundtrack (the first movie of course, where we first met Demi Lovato. My gosh, I loved this movie back then, and now I need to watch it again!)

- Get Back by Demi Lovato (let's be honest, anything from her first album Don't Forget is awesome)

- Why Not, Metamorphosis and So Yesterday by Hilary Duff 

- Rainbow by South Border (perhaps, in my opinion, the best Filipino band there ever was. Uber bummed they disbanded though, they were pretty kickass)

- anything by The Beatles (no joke, they are amazing!)

And my two, hands down, favourites right now: 

Let Me Fall by Alexz Johnson and...

 Pick Up the Pieces, also by Alexz Johnson!

Haha! Do you recognize any of these songs - well, I'm sure you've heard most of them. What are your favourite tunes from the last 10 years or so?

Happy discovering!