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Friday Favourites for 20/4/12

Posted on 20/04/2012 | Leave a comment

All that stands between myself and the end of my first year is one exam on Tuesday – I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. University has been quite an experience academically. I learned quite some bit and am hopefully prepared to do much better in second year. However, I’m ready for four months of no classes and am on a hectic search for a job (if you live in Ottawa and you’re a hiring business … please contact me)!  My posts will be much more frequent once I’m completely done, so make sure you’re coming back!

But because of my final journalism exam, I have to make sure I’m not relaxing too much this weekend. Either way, here are some of this week’s favourites!

My aunt back home in Serbia posted this photo of their golden retriever on Facebook. Had to put it as a favourite – he’s adorable!

I’ve been playing Dark Paradise by Lana Del Rey on repeat all week. Absolutely in love with the song and lyrics. Hopefully she puts out a music video for this song next.

NARS released their Spring 2012 line earlier this week. I checked out their new items on Temptalia a while ago and if I had the money, I probably would have purchased the majority of the products. I’m especially loving the shadow pencil!

I’ve been watching so many haul videos from IMATS NYC as it went on last weekend. Makes me super excited for Toronto IMATS in November; seems like people got some amazing deals!

As someone who worked in customer service and retail, these 12 Tips for Working in Retail Without Killing Everyone Around You are a hilarious read.

Poli Sci Ryan Gosling is a dream come true.

I’m excited to finally have time starting next week to try all the recipes collecting on my Pinterest board. Especially this , spinach and mushroom quiche. It looks delicious!

Finally, I have to include this weeks episode of Glee. It was adorable. I couldn’t stop squealing. Saturday Night Glee-ver was just too good.

Hopefully your weekends are much more relaxing than mine!

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Top Ten Tuesday: Cities I’d like to live in

Posted on 20/03/2012 | Leave a comment

Note: Haven’t updated in a while because of the amount of essays I’ve been attempting to work/procrastinate on. In the next few weeks I’ll try updating as much as possible but exams are coming up and it will conflict with my updates. Stay tuned and subscribe to stay up to date with my posts!

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Since my family escaped civil conflicts in the former Yugoslavia in late 1994, Ottawa has been a semi-permanent “home” for me. There were moments where I would picture myself living here forever, but most of the time, I dream of getting out. This city has just been a place for me to get through my education and some life experience before I actually step foot into something that feels more real to me. I plan on spending a year overseas in Europe for my third-year (unless, God forbid, anything happens to those plans) and as soon as I graduate, I want to move out of Canada.

I can scroll through travel blogs and read the National Geographic forever and just dream of the places I would love to visit, cities I want to live in, and adventures to add onto my growing bucket list. I enviously flip through Facebook photos of peoples’ travels and read about their stories. I desperately want to get out of Canada and see more of the world.

Below are ten cities (in no specific order) where I would love to live, be it a few months or several years.

1. Paris, France

It may be cliché that everyone wants to visit France at least in one point of their lives, but I actually want to spend my entire third year here. This is my first option, and my dream, for studying abroad. I want to absorb myself in the rich history, visit museums and the art galleries, and sit outside on patios drinking coffee and watch people pass by. I want to handle the “snobby French” and find my way around them. Another reason I want to surround myself around the French is so that I can finally master the language. I figure if I’m forced to speak it, I’ll have to become much better at it eventually.

2. Stockholm, Sweden

I’m not even sure where this strange desire for me to live in Sweden came from. I have no knowledge of the language, hardly any idea of the culture or history, and this is one of the European countries where I don’t have any family (I think). All I know is that their economy and social policies are amazing, and judging from my tours there (on Google Street View), it looks perfect. This is a city I can see myself staying for a long time, given that I get a long-term job and pick up on the language. A close tie with Stockholm is Oslo, Norway (which I won’t add on the list because the description would be the exact).

3. Cape Town, South Africa

A metropolitan area that is still inhabited by wilderness and serene views. I could be working away as an average city dweller, but still escape for for a day trip to the white beaches, or head out of Cape Town and do some African exploring. Maybe not the safest idea, but how else will I see things? There is amazing hiking available, a safari not too far from the city, sea kayaking, whale watching … and that’s only several of the things Cape Town has to offer.

4. New York, New York

“Concrete jungle where dreams are made of/there’s nothing you can’t do/now you’re in New York.” Thank you, Jay-Z for those inspiring lyrics. New York’s famous energy, exciting night life, and typical city dwellers is what lures me here. Big publishing companies are located here, and possibly any other company I would ever want to work with. I can imagine myself living in a typical circa-1950s loft in one of the boroughs, taking subway, and going for runs through Central Park (hopefully not pulling a Phoebe). Maybe it’s a just a dream, but let me live in my own thoughts.

5. Monaco

Europe’s best estate may be in the tiny state of Monaco, situated in south-eastern France, near Italy, and along the Mediterranean. Getting a job in Monaco would pretty much guarantee me job security. It’s a wealthy state with a high cost of living, but well worth it. The average life span is in the late 80s for those who live in Monaco, so they obviously relish in a great lifestyle.

6. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Probably not ideal for looking for a job in journalism here, but I would love to retire in Dubrovnik. The coast along Croatia is the most beautiful thing ever. I was lucky enough to go to Novi Vinodolski when I went over to Europe to visit family as a kid. Hopefully next summer I’ll get the change to go back and visit the sea. Dubrovnik is becoming more and more famous as it is attracting celebrities to its beaches and nightlife.

7. Vienna, Austria

Going through several lists, especially those dating back to 2010, they named Vienna one of the top places to live. It’s a great place to live and work, according to viennareview.net. The Austrian government invests millions of Euros on the city’s infrastructure to maintain it. It’s also another European city rich with history and culture, so I would learn lots if I were to live here. It offers change in culture and experience, but not too much that it would be difficult to adjust to.

8. Sydney, Australia

Ideal for business and perfect for pleasure, Sydney sits on most top 10 lists of best places to live in the world. The popular beaches are bustling with activity, the city contains all you need for a quality life, and adventure never lies too far. Whether I visit Australia or come and live here, it’s definitely a destination I need to go to. This is one of my back up options for studying abroad if Paris doesn’t work out.

9. Zurich/Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva

Zurich

Both are highly proclaimed as great living conditions, next to Vienna. I have an uncle who lives in Zurich for several years now and I know he loves it. My family even debated moving there back when I was 12, but I was the one who objected it at the time (I’m an idiot, I know). Geneva is beginning to catch more and more attention toward itself and is becoming an ideal living destination just like Zurich.  I couldn’t choose which of the two to add to my list, so I placed them together.

10. Belgrade, Serbia

My city of birth – it just seems natural for me to come to live here for a while. Belgrade has overcome a lot in the last decade since the fall of Milošević and has been reconstructing ever since. A beautiful city with great food, people, culture and nightlife (known for being the number one party city in Europe), Serbia as a state is still rebuilding its economy. It helps that I’m fluent in Serbian and English, because that would make job opportunities much easier for me. It would also mean I’m much closer to all my family, only being several hours from those in small towns outside of Belgrade, and my family all the way out in Zagreb, Croatia. Ideally, I’d like to also start to raise a family here. Just so I can maintain my heritage.

There you have it, my list of cities where I dream of living! Whether it be for sentimental reasons, standards for quality of life, or simple curiousity, I hope to get a chance and live in at least some of these cities.

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Take a Look at Ottawa: Getting Active in the City

Posted on 07/08/2011 | 1 Comment

Author’s Note: Welcome to my first mini-series being featured on BP, Take a Look at Ottawa! As a (almost) life time local in the nation’s capital, I figured I’d use that to my advantage and investigate/write about the city’s core activities. As many students will be arriving in the fall to begin schooling, or maybe there are people just visiting the region, I’ll be working on this project throughout the summer!

Remaining physical throughout ones life is an important habit to get into, and be able to continue it. Just maintaining a healthy life style can prevent many leading factors of death and disease (e.g. heart attacks, diabetes, clogged arteries).

Ottawa is a perfect place to stay active and healthy. There are various gyms that you can become a member in, paved paths to run and bike on, and trails to hike, ski or snowshoe. Take advantage of the beautiful locations Ottawa has to offer for an active lifestyle while you’re here.

Bike-Friendly City

Rentable Bikes in Ottawa

Recently this year, Ottawa has implemented seven stations throughout the city (mostly the Centretown area) where you can rent a bicycle for a certain amount of time for a small price. I have also noticed in the last several months that there are more spots available for locking up your bike (no need to lock it up to sign or fence anymore!) and new bike paths continue to pop up.

Throughout the summer on Sunday mornings, you will find that along Colonel By Drive, they host “Sunday Bike Days”. From 9am to 12:30pm, there is an approximate 10-kilometer stretch of road blocked off specifically for cyclists (or those who wish to run/rollerblade). Colonel By Drive begins down by Rideau Centre, near the Ottawa River locks and ends at the Hog’s Back locks, all following along the Rideau Canal.

Just Run

There are several great locations in Ottawa where you can run along a paved path. The Rideau Canal path is a very popular one, as it goes through several neighbourhoods and past two of Ottawa’s universities (Carleton University and University of Ottawa). No matter the time of day or season in the year, the canal will always be bustling with people getting in there daily run.

Another popular path is the Ottawa River Pathway. The 30km path starts from Kanata, goes into the Greenbelt of Ottawa’s west end, straight into downtown Ottawa and continues to the Alexandria Bridge (which will take you to Gatineau, QC).

There is a path that circulates the Experimental Farm; the distances can vary depending on what turns you take. Prince of Wales Drive, Baseline Road, Merivale Road and Carling Avenue all border this vast amount of space. Weekends are the best time to run these paths as the road is blocked off to any cars or vehicles that wish to take a short cut.

Don’t feel restricted to just run on these paths; you can also bike, rollerblade or take a walk along them as well. These aren’t the only paths in Ottawa either, just the more popular and larger ones. Feel free to explore the city looking for new paths!

Gatineau Park

Hit up the Gats anytime during the year for a great workout. You can either drive out there to one of the various parking lots, or cycle out there. The numerous trails are perfect for trail running, hiking, cross-country skiing (both skate and classic), snowshoeing, mountain biking and cycling. Of course some activities are better suited for different times of the year – however, if you get the chance, make sure you go out there.

Gatineau Park is measured to be 363 square kilometers; so distances can vary depending on what activities you’re looking to do. The park is also a great place to go outdoor rock climbing and there are several caves you can venture to (the Lusk caves near Lac Phillipe being the most popular).

My favourite seasons to go to the Gats is in the fall for trail running (the forests are beautiful with the changing colours of leaves) and the winter time for some skate cross-country skiing.

Pump Some Iron

As a university or college student in Ottawa, your schools gym is included into your tuition so take that to your advantage! Usually these gyms are large enough for you to enjoy comfortably. Don’t be embarrassed if you’re not sure how to use a machine, just ask any of the trainers who work there and they’ll be happy enough to help.

If you’re not a post-secondary student in Ottawa, there are also many different gyms in the city. The most popular gyms would have to be Goodlife Fitness (with the largest locations on Merivale Road and Walkley Road) and the new Athletic Club at Trainyards. Depending on your budget and what you’re looking for, some gyms are better for you than others. You may want to join a small woman’s gym only or you might like the ambiance of a larger gym with more people.

Om…

 

Yoga is becoming an increasingly popular exercise of choice. Not only are there many studios throughout the city, Lululemon Athletica also hosts some yoga sessions on various days of the week either in-store or on Parliament Hill (for information on the Lululemon’s activities, contact their Rideau or Westboro locations).

With several styles of yoga, there is something for a beginner all the way to a master yogi. Take time out of your week to get in a fantastic workout and to clear your thoughts.

If the rates at studios are too expensive, be sure to check out your local community centre; most of them have yoga classes you can take for a much lower rate than at a regular studio.

Don’t just limit yourself to those options! Ottawa is filled with various activities and along with sports teams to join (it can be a community team, or your school’s varsity/intermural teams!). There are also many different clubs for specific sports you can join such as the Rideau Canoe Club, the Ottawa River Canoe Club, Ottawa Rowing Club, Ottawa Lions Track and Field, Nakkertok Ski Club, Ottawa Triathlon Club and many more.

Now get out there and get fit!

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My Experience at Disney’s Broadway Production of the Lion King

Posted on 03/08/2011 | 1 Comment

Author’s Note: This is my recent submission for Ottawa’s “Centretown Buzz” newspaper. Hopefully some of you will see this in print!

            For several years now, I have been anticipating the return of Disney’s Broadway production of the Lion King, to return to the stage of the National Art’s Centre. Sunday night, I finally had the opportunity to applaud through my dream musical; if possible, it was more astonishing than I had expected.

My first musical experience opened with The Circle of Life, one of the many songs from the original Walt Disney movie. The vocals boomed throughout the auditorium, as a theatrical sun rose on the stage. The various colours that emerged and the set work of the stage was brilliant. At last, the different animals took their place on the stage.

Prior to watching the show, I was concerned with what the costumes might be like. The reenactment of Lion King should feature as little human character as possible. My worries were put to rest once the antelope, giraffe, cheetah and elephants set foot. For most of the show, I would forget that these were humans acting out the animals – all the actors did a splendid job bringing their characters to life.

Young Simba was played by the rambunctious nine-year-old, Zavion J. Hill, who magnificently captured Simba’s curious and adventurous spirit. Sade Phillip-Demorcy, who acted as young Nala, portrayed the charismatic character’s energy. Despite the lack of a lion head (that all the older cast members sported), both actors did a splendid job of reenacting Simba and Nala’s mischievous personalities.

From the various musical numbers, He Lives in You and He Lives in You (Reprise) had to be the most powerful performances. Although Mufasa (Simba’s father) was unfortunately not present for the reprise, his memory was revived to its fullest. Both scenes were emotional and captivating, and the stage setup added to the mystery of the scene.

Several other actors also did a wonderful job of depicting their characters’ personalities. J. Anthony Crane, who played Scar (Mufasa’s power-hungry brother), was perfectly sarcastic and menacing – definitely a character that made me shiver with fear. Older Simba, played by Jelani Remy, acted out his character’s identity crisis and inner torment well and displayed how Simba grows to accept his fate as he discovers the truth.

The last couple scenes, with the fight between Simba and Scar, followed by the Circle of Life (Reprise), ended the musical dramatically and with complicated emotions. We watch Simba avenge his late father’s death and then celebrate the newest addition to the circle of life.

The Lion King is being featured at the National Art’s Centre from July 14 to August 7 this summer. If you did not have the chance to see it while it’s in Ottawa, take the next opportunity you have to view it. There is a reason that The Lion King has become Broadway’s most popular musical.

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Reasons to Rise and Shine

Posted on 08/06/2011 | 1 Comment

Many of us are more than familiar with the never-ending war between yourself and the snooze button. You set it for 6 AM the night before because you wanted a head start in your day. Maybe you wanted to go for a run, read a book or get a headstart on dinner. Whatever the reason, it seemed to have disappeared as soon as that blaring alarm goes off. You know the feeling of rolling over and thinking to yourself Why did I set the alarm so early? all too well; you smash the snooze button several times until you get into the time frame of running late. Now you’re screwed.

Several years ago, I used to love sleeping in. Weekends were meant for sleeping until past noon if possible and I wouldn’t get up for class until absolutely necessary. Thankfully, I’ve thrown that bad habit away and have become an early bird. I wake up at 5:30 AM on weekdays now and sleep in only until seven on weekends. It has changed my life and how productive I am for the rest of the day. Whenever I accidentally sleep in too late (such as, past ten) I hate myself because I feel like I’m wasting away the day.

Don’t feel like there’s a reason to get up early? Well maybe some of the following will change your mind, and you’ll realize what you can accomplish.

1. Morning Workout

If you make time in the morning and actually wake up, getting your morning workout over with is a great idea. This way, you won’t have a chance to make exuses for the rest of the day. Studies show that those who workout first thing in the morning are more likely to be alert, energized and make healthy choices throughout the rest of the day. Don’t make excuses for hitting the gym either – it’s much simpler to go for run outside (and more scenic!).

2. Start the day with some yoga

This can go hand in hand with the previous idea. However, yoga is not only great for the body, but also for the mind. It leaves you with a different feeling than other workouts. With the great weather here, it’s possible to do yoga outside with the sunrise (in your backyard, balcony or anywhere you’d like)! You can get a membership at a studio and practice yoga in a quiet, group setting or look up some different routines online!

3. Read the Newspaper

As an aspiring journalist, I am praying the newspaper does not vanish. Support print journalists and get informed by reading the daily paper. Read it in the comfort of your own home and cook up a great breakfast to complement your paper, or go to your favourite café or breakfast bar.

4. Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important, and fun, meal of the day. Even as a vegan now, it’s still exciting to create some new breakfast ideas. As this is ideally your largest meal of the day, it’s a good thing you decided to wake up early for it! Make sure your breakfast has a good combination of carbs and protein and lots of fruits/vegetables. The benefits of breakfast are that you’re less likely to overeat for the rest of the day and those who regularly eat breakfast are proven to be sharper.

5. Meditating

Although meditating is included in the practice of yoga, you don’t have to be twisting in different positions to meditate. Make some time in the morning to sit quietly without any distractions. Try and clear out all your thoughts and try to just be in the moment. It takes patience and lots of concentration to achieve that state of mind. Once you get it, you’ll feel great for the remainder of your day. You can also take this time just to sit, and reflect over what is going to happen in your day and anything else you wish to take time to think about. Now close your eyes and say Ommm.

6. Jump start on your e-mails or work

If you find yourself scrambling to get anything done at work, or have a bunch of e-mails to reply to, doing some in the morning at home could save you time during the work day. Usually people will tell you to try and not bring your work home with you, but in cases like this, you get it over with much sooner. Along with that, you might get out of work earlier if you’ve already finished stuff up at home! So grab a cup of coffee and check out what you need to do.

If you plan to change the time you wake up, make sure you’re also changing the time you go to sleep. It’s important to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep so that you function properly throughout the day.

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Brighten Up a Rainy Day in a Sundress

Posted on 18/05/2011 | 1 Comment

Eastern Canada has been experiencing ridiculous amounts of rain this spring. It may be dragging down your mood, but you don’t need to drag down your style! Embrace the rainfall and lack of sunshine; make up for it in a bright sundress and staple rain coat!

The outfits I created below all revolve around this lovely coat from Forever21 ($32.80). The coat may not be water proof, but it provides just enough layering. You won’t be too cold nor too warm stepping out in this coat! Matching this cropped trench with a sundress and some colourful rainboots can instantly make the weather seem much brighter.

1. Black is Back

Black can be worn in the spring and summer!
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When pretty pink florals are included, black can be turned into a staple appropriate after May Day. Throwing in some more colour to the combo can make black look much more interesting than as just a shade on its own.

2. The weather is making you blue

Don't let the weather get you down!
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This outfit is perfect for rebelling against this gloomy weather! The bright blues make you feel more calm rather than depressed; I also love the idea of the yellow umbrella! Brings in a feeling of sunshine overtaking all of the blue underneath!

3. Funky boho

Get colourful!
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This outfit has some boho inspiration. The colours of the dress pop right out because of their contrast. I added some more colour with the bright purple wellies and pink umbrella. I don’t know how anyone could be gloomy wearing an outfit like this!

There you have it; the rain does not have to be an enemy. No need to pull out the Helly Hansen’s and fishermen boots. The rain could be refreshing to your style and get you trying out some new things. If you don’t already have a pair of great wellies, I suggest you buy some, along with a patterned umbrella. These key items really make my day when I see others wearing them!

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Book Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

Posted on 23/04/2011 | 1 Comment

                                                  

The American Psychiatric Association’s definition of autism includes ”problems with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and a restrictive repertoire of activities and interests.” An autistic individual usually has a different way of processing, organizing and retrieving information. In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Mark Haddon’s main character, fifteen year old Christopher Boone, is described as an autistic savant. Christopher compares his mind to a computer that is overloaded by multitasking. He handles the world logically with mathematics and physics, and has a vivid photographic memory. When an unfamiliar verbal or visual stimulus occurs, Christopher is unable to comprehend the social aspects of the situation and will shut down immediately. This involves him shutting his eyes, groaning, screaming and getting down on the ground.

The novel opens seven minutes aftermidnight. Christopher is examining his neighbour, Mrs. Shear’s, front yard. Lying on the grass is Mrs. Shear’s dead poodle,Wellington. A garden fork is speared through the dog’s side. Questions immediately race though Christopher’s self-imposed and logical mind, as he goes over to hugWellington. “I strokedWellingtonand wondered who had killed him, and why,” Christopher narrates.

Presented as a mystery/detective novel, it is unlike most other books in its genre. While most detective novels focus on the outcome of the result and who committed the crime, this book deals with the process that Christopher goes through to uncoverWellington’s murderer. Christopher cannot identify with most detectives either, because he lacks what the majority of them have – emotional identification with other human beings. However, Christopher is fond of dogs, and he believes that is a good enough reason.

Christopher’s interpretation of the world around him is an uncommon way of thinking. His inability to tell or identify a lie is what makes it difficult for him to interact socially with others. Mystery novels are the only books he will read because there is a sense of logic to them; he despises other novels because of his distaste for falsehoods. Christopher is imprisoned by self-imposed rules and a private logical order that makes no sense to others. Most of the audience may find Christopher’s thought patterns and development confusing or difficult to follow. Throughout the course of the novel, the reader slowly picks up on Christopher’s perception of the world and will view them as unique and uncommon rather than strange.

The novel’s theme, a struggle for independence, is applicable to a majority of youth and those who have gone through that stage. Christopher’s autism is almost seen as a limitation to most and that is what drives him to succeed in mathematics and physics at school. All he wants is a place in the world and to feel as if he belongs – that is what most people wish for. Christopher has a different way of handling his situations to become independent and the novel focuses on these aspects of his life.

Christopher’s terrifying discovery of Wellington’s murder sent him fleeing from his father’s to his mother’s home. Stumbling upon some messy, illogical and emotionally complicated secrets about the people surrounding his life caused him to shut down. Throughout his journey, he overcomes social limitations, dodged police and got into some interesting circumstances. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is recommended to anyone who is interested in a skewed and peculiar train of thought and who would enjoy a different kind of mystery novel. Christopher stands out amongst many other detectives in this story.

- LP

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