why you should visit... PARIS!

PARIS!!!

I think that the reasons to visit Paris are very obvious. It seems that no matter who you are or where you've been already, you still feel the need to go to France. It might be extremely cliché but I've dreamt of going to Paris ever since I was a little girl. It's the city of love and what girl doesn't want to be swept off her feet time and time again while visiting this beautiful city? Here's why you should go! (there's so much more to do then what I will explain but, you get the point!)

The Eiffel Tower is an obvious sight to see. There is no clear way to describe the feeling you get when you catch the first glimpse of the tower. For me, we were turning a street corner on our way from Les Invalides. Which is an amazing museum to visit, by the way. I caught sight of it through the tree branches. It is almost essential that you go visit the tower at lunchtime because it gives you an excuse to have a picnic beneath it. Grabbing a baguette sandwich from a local café would do nicely. It is much bigger than you would expect it to be. Standing in the Champs de Mars you can notice the symmetrical efforts. Everything leads up to the towers in a square fashion; even the trees are trimmed. It's almost as though they want to accentuate the towers curve. It works beautifully.

I wouldn't say that it is necessary to go to the top, especially on a student budget. Its interesting but observing it from underneath can be just as intriguing. I thought so anyway. The parks that surround the tower are breathtaking. With ice cream trollies, blossoming flowers and huge sculptures, you can't ask for better.

Taking a stroll down La Seine is probably the most serene thing you can do. In the middle of a busy city, you find yourself below the action and everything is silent. Although the water isn't exactly sanitary, it’s still romantic. Stopping at Notre Dame is also amazing. The thing that is so great about it is that you can go up the towers and see the most amazing view of Paris. You really feel like you've gone back in time and wish you were Esmeralda or something. Just a few minutes away you will come accross Pont Neuf. It is a bridge where tourists leave their locks on the bridge. For some it allows them to show that they were there and for others it is a sign of love. You see, if you bring a lock that has a keys, as we did, you can lock it on the bridge and drop the key in The Seine. It symbolizes eternal love and that's exactly what we did.

Heading down the streets of Paris, you will notice the unique architecture. The arches and big windows, it's the definition of romance. You will need to visit the Louvre. Heading there 30 minutes before it opens is the best idea because there will already be a line. Everyone has the same goal: to see the Mona Lisa. I'm convinced that they made a point of placing it on the other side of the museum. The staff definitely watches the surveillance cameras and laugh at the silly tourists breathless and wandering on a egg hunt for the painting. It’s pretty funny because you are speed walking and you know that you look ridiculous. It's all worth it though. Some people find themselves disappointed that the painting itself is smaller than they thought. To those people I say: ''but it's perfect''. So don't hate, Da Vinci is ma man! What surprised me is that the Louvre is much more than just art. It's as if the museum of civilization, the war museum and the national art museum was one. It's really interesting, especially Napoleons apartment. That is just unfair.

My last piece of advice is to take the trip to Versailles. It is the castle where French Monarchy used to reside. It is one of the richest castles in Europe and it is so clear why. The outside look like it was painted in gold and the inside is pure elegance. Every detail was executed with such care that it seems like it should be considered a work of art. The gardens in the back are the selling point. With Georgian Era music echoing throughout, the fountains and paths are something of a dream. Eating macaroons is necessary while over looking the spectacular view. Yet again, it is a place that allows you to time travel. You feel overwhelmed with the history that surrounds you that it feels as though it never was. It's a mind game that I wouldn't mind experiencing every day.

The thing about Paris is that it's not only there for the hopeless romantics, it's for anyone who is willing to take a chance. To put themselves into a city full of history and are willing to explore its dept. Staying in a cute apartment allows you to take long walks to the sights, do some groceries and live the true Parisian life. It's a simple one, but worth every penny.

Oh and make it a point to visit l'Arc de Triomphe, Champ d'Élyser leads up to it and that’s where all the shopping is at! (Yes, even affordable shopping! Just avoid Louis Vuitton and Cartier at all costs!)

DD

eating healthy during the holidays? no problem!

Isn't it frustrating when you work so hard on eating healthy and working out for months and months and then a holiday just swoops in full of temptation? Well this past thanksgiving, I told myself that I would do it the right way.

STEP 1 (most important step)

Prepare yourself mentally

Do not over eat! If you look at the meal in front of you, there’s only a couple of things that are really bad for you. The mistake we make is taking HUGE portions and that’s what gets us full. In consequence, we feel really horrible about ourselves and roll around on the floor undoing our pants. So make sure to take a small plate! What usually happens, is that people take out their ''dinner plates’’, which are the biggest ones! Just grab the smaller one and that way you won't feel so snooty for saying ''not too much'' at everything they made! It could be seen as insulting! They might fill your plate, but its inevitably smaller portions.

STEP 2

Veggies Veggies Veggies

Make sure to load up your plate with veggies! It's usually a typical side dish. Even before hand, there’s often a cold plate of veggies and dip. Just make sure to eat a bunch before dinner and that way you know you will be somewhat full on the good! 

STEP 3

Turkey galore!

Take lots of slices of turkey! They say that being on a diet like paleo, turkey is perfect if you're rich! It is the more expensive version of chicken and its super good for you! Here's the downfall: that darn gravy! We all love it! Just take one thin row of it over top of you turkey! Don't drown it!

STEP 4

Avoid the carbs and drink water

Do not take a piece of bread. That will ruin it all! Those little buggers fill you up so much before you even start eating! So instead, just take a little scoop of mashed potatoes because, if you're going to do some carbs, do the good kind! Try not to put any gravy on it either. I know, I know! It's not easy but it’s my advice! Drink a lot of water throughout the meal to fill you up! So you won't be hungry for much more!

STEP 5

The dreaded dessert -_-

This one is hard. It is rare to see a fruit salad on the table for a Thanksgiving of Christmas meal. What it is, take a little slice of it. Smaller than what you would normally take. More importantly, stand up before eating it. Standing up will give you a sense of how full you actually are. If you don’t feel like you can take it, then don't! Most common mistake is eating because it looks good. I'm sure there will be left overs and pick at it the next day if you want! Just so you don't over do it!

Hopefully these tips have helped you a bit. When Christmas rolls around, you will know how to pace yourself! Especially since there are so many occasions to eat a lot! 

DD

(very) small dose of my wardrobe

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Here are some of my outfits from last week. Wasn't feeling too good for most of it so here are the outfits for the days I actually went outside!

Yes ladies, I took my own advice and got myself and leather jacket! Really love it! It is truly the best way to enhance a casual outfit! Just when you think it was made to dress things up, it can also dress it down. Paired with my favorite big fall scarf, I'm in love.

My new booties! They are probably the cutest thing! It is so easy to wear them too. They make a simply outfit fun and they add a little flare! I wore these with my green pants (poor iPhone quality, sorry!) with a white tank and gray cardigan!

For more tips on the perfect boot check out my girl Véronique Bellé's article on Her Campus! All about boots for this fall on a student budget!

http://www.hercampus.com/school/uottawa/trend-report-fall-boots-student-budget

My fancier days and feeling much better! This off white with a hint of peach blouse is very light but has a touch of fall. I wore it with high waisted black shorts and added the scarf for a bit of texture! Sock bun looked perfect with the whole outfit.

A déjà-vu outfit! My favorite royal blue top got paired with my leather skirt this time around! Added a red pearl-esque necklace with matching nailpolish to make it all work! 

DD

pr that means something..

I've had the priveledge and the honor of helping out a great cause in Ottawa. For my special events class this semester, we were required to assist in the planning of an upcoming event. CTV and SchoolBOX are presenting The Amazing People Gala that is taking place on October 27th 2012 at the Ottawa Convention Center. I would like to share this amazing cause to everyone and ask for your support.

It all started when CTV's Kimothy Walker aired a special every thursday evening at 6 that showcased high spirited individuals from Ottawa. The idea stemmed from there and has been a year in the making.

The purpose of the event is to showcase local heroes around the Ottawa Valley region, just as Kimothy did. The evening will consist of a group of 50 amazing people that have marked the community in some way or another. In combination with a panel of judges and online voting, the amazing people will be announced. It will be a wonderful evening full of fun and celebration. However, what is so remarkable about the event is that its second and most important goal is to raise money for a non-profit charity by the name of SchoolBOX.

SchoolBOX is an organization based in Almonte that has a beautiful slogan: making education possible. That is exacly what they strive to do. They raise much needed funds to build schools in Nicaragua. Incredibly, they have already built 32 classrooms in Central America for children that have been living through severe poverty. This was all made possible because of the love and support of their community.

Throughout the Gala, it is expected that they will raise enough money to fund one of these inspiring projects all while honoring people who make a difference around us. I think that, by the end of it all, it will be a source of determination for everyone to live life to the fullest and make a difference. What we will learn is that it doesn't take a huge gesture to make someones day or save a life. Its the little things in life that matter the most and I am thrilled to say that I am supporting an event that transcends that fantastic moral.

Follow us on Twitter: @APGala #APGala

or

visit: http://schoolbox.ca/index.htm for more information.

DD

students are students, got it OC transpo?

The dictionary defines a student as one who is enrolled and/or attends classes at a school, college or university. What OC transpo forgot to read was COLLEGE.

This year, they have restricted the student price to those who are 19 years or younger. This is perfect for any student in high school. Even college students! That is, if they are going directly into college from high school. OC transpo is trying to tell me that because I am a 21-year-old going to college, they don't see me as a student? I now pay 20$ extra a month. How is that even close to being fair?

They shouldn't generalize students. A student should not be defined by their age and, to some extent, their choices in life. I understand that they greatly accommodate the university student. They offer 60% off a month with the student UPass. Did this overly generous offer leave them with even less money than they anticipated last year? Is this why they made the poor choice to put an AGE LIMIT to students? Mind you, I do realize that university students pay double the tuition fees than we do at college and a lower bus rate is the least they can offer. However, its the principle of the matter that is jeopardized. Clearly, a lot of people are suffering in consequence. That feeling of not being at par with a certain standard should not be used along with your age and academic status. It's just plain rude.

Even on the radio you can head an add from the Algonquin College student board insisting that this new rule is outrageous. This issue is getting bigger and bigger and I can only hope that something changes. An organization, whether it is a public service or not, should not have the RIGHT to make me feel like crap for changing my academic route. Where their PR at? Seriously...

DD

a small dose of my wardrobe

Another week has gone by! Here are my outfit choices from last week!



High waisted black shorts are still appropriate for fall if you're wearing sheer tights! Its a super cute combo when you tuck in a blouse! It was actually super comfortable for school and work right after!

My favorite fall piece! Its a oversized blouse from Urban Outfitters! I belted it with black tights to make a super cute dress! It's casual but still work appropriate if you wear it with the right accesories!

A fun way to wear jeans is to add a blazer. This is a very loose off white blazer from Jean Machine. Off white is perfect for fall because if its too white, it looks too sumery. Paired with my favorite leopard flats and big gold jewlery! Always my go-to!

My comfy Parisian pants with a tight black t-shirt. Took out the jean jacket for the first time this fall and it adds a nice touch to my neutral outfit! Mocassins on a cold fall day is THE best! Everyone needs a pair!

Friday outfit! Wearing my sister's over sized white sweater from Top Shop with a dark red tube scarf! Also wearing leather leggings and boots to dress it up a bit!

My first ever sock bun without the sock! My hair is short so I can't tuck it around a big sock. So what I/Sarah and Valeria did is tied my hair up super high and let it fall open in every which way. Then we twisted it clock wise and pinned it in! So fun and cute!

DD

killer ab challenge

Need something new in your workout routine this October? I started this last sunday for a whole week, just to see what it would do! It doesn't seem like much, but it is intense! However, if you just do it cold turkey, it doesn't seem like a workout. Give it a try after running a 5k or doing an hour workout at the gym and you will feel it! I've been seeing some results so I figured that I would share this hidden gem with everyone!

And here are some explanations (because I had to google some of them!):

Russian twists (if you're at the gym or have one handy, use a weight ball):

Mountain climber:

Bird Dog (alternating legs):

Tiger pose (crunch in before extending): 

HAVE FUN! :)

DD