Author: Marielle

Standing in a crowd of strangers, foreign stars lighting up the sky, heat viciously wrapping my body. I was in Cambodia, getting ready to yell the famous countdown. 10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1. Though familiarity was scarce, the energy radiating from people reminded me of home where the hope of renewal with a new year is the same.

How is it that it that life in Asia feels like yesterday but also like years ago? I get flashbacks from life in Vientiane at the most random moments; I can be focused on something at work when suddenly I get a flashback of myself biking to a friend’s place in Vientiane…That place took a piece of my heart – I miss that place with fervor.

Though the past year has welcomed many adventures and beginnings, it has been an emotional roller coaster ride. The past 12 months were home to difficult life lessons and challenges. They have nonetheless showed me the power of true friendship, family and passion.

Perhaps my biggest surprise in 2016 was choosing Ottawa as home, again. It has been an interesting decision as I navigate the old and the new. Life in your early 20’s doesn’t seem to be the easiest thing- am I right?

2017 is shaping up to be a busy year; Canada’s 150th birthday (lots of projects at work), a nomination campaign and travel. Who knows what else will add itself to the list!

Standing amongst friends, with familiar stars lighting the sky and crisp air fogging my every breath, I’ll be ringing in the New Year at home. Throwback to 8 year old me on New Year’s Eve desperately trying to stay up till midnight. Here I am at 23 years old wondering if I’ll make it to tomorrow night’s countdown…just kidding…??!!

Happy New Year everyone! Thanks again for following along 🙂

-Marielle 

Somehow, the concept of washing your hair everyday has become frowned upon. Dry-shampoo trend has marked its territory on store shelves and doesn’t seem to be leaving any time soon.

With life being busier than ever recently, I warmed up to the idea of an extra 20 minutes of sleep every morning instead of a long shower.

I made my own because 1) its cheaper and 2) no chemicals.

Recipe:

• 1/4 cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
• 5 drops of essential oil (optional)

I know what you’re thinking – cocoa powder?! It’s to darken the mix if you don’t have light coloured hair. This cocoa powder situation has been interesting…After applying the mix, I sometimes find my bangs still look dirty so give them a wash and a blow-dry. Enter the smell of brownies. It smells like I’m cooking up a chocolate cake in my bathroom! The funniest was when I was at the gym, sweating up a storm and all of a sudden – BROWNIES. Not everyone can say their sweat smells like chocolaty goodness ;).

I’m surprised at how much I like this dry shampoo thing. I might just stick with it.

Also, cool thing that happened at the grocery store over the weekend: I went through the self-checkout line (bless my innocent soul) and as USUAL the machine started freaking out. Insert cashier assistant that starts keying in all these numbers and transferring me to a different counter. Long story short- I got 60$ off my bill because of the inconvenience. You go right ahead and inconvenience me every week young man.

Here goes another week!

-Marielle

J’espère que vous avez tous passé une joyeuse Halloween. J’ai suffisamment célébré pendant le weekend, ce qui m’a donné la chance d’être une grosse patate sur le sofa hier soir. Ça fait du bien.

La belle cousine de St-Lazare, la seule et unique Kyra, est venue me rejoindre à Ottawa pour participer aux célébrations! J’ai vraiment aimé l’avoir avec moi et de lui présenter à mes amis. Je pense que le temps ensemble nous as toutes les deux changées les idées. Toutes les deux stressées en ce moment, pour différentes raisons, donc un bon 24h de fun était la bienvenue.

J’ai accueilli une quinzaine de personnes chez moi samedi…disons que tout les monde a appris à se connaître rapidement avec l’espace limité de mon appartement.  On a mangé comme des cochons et on a joué des jeux de société comme si notre vie y dépendait. Quoi de neuf?

Quelques photos ont été prises avant le début de la soirée! Vous y verrez des profs d’aérobie des années 1980, un panda, un morceau de bambou, une créature des bois et autres.

Ah l’Halloween! C’est toujours une soirée amusante mais mon doux que ça requiert de l’énergie pour ce trouver un costume!

À plus!

-Marielle

START THE CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’VE GOT HOT WATER, HEATING AND A WORKING DOOR.

I’ve got a few hopes left in my pocket- here’s to hoping this apartment will be worth it after all. With time I’m hoping to finalize the look of the place. For now, I’ll continue to wonder where the days go, for they pass so quickly.

Life is busy these days. The moments at home are cherished as they are rare. Maybe I’ll start staying home more often; now that it’s no longer the pit of Centretown. (exagaration?!)

Halloween weekend is upon us! I have not yet chosen a costume…some last-minute-late-night shopping is about to go down tonight.

Cheers to the weekend – eat lots of chocolate and don’t talk to clowns.

Stay tuned for next week’s post: “How to avoid doing groceries like a pro”. (These ‘stay tuned’ posts are meant to sarcastically highlight pieces of my life, in case you’re wondering.)

-Marielle

HA! I’ve asked myself that question one too many times since settling into my new apartment. The ancient ruin I decided to live in comes with its fare share of surprises and smells.

My favourite scent thus is of the fresh aroma of tobacco. I love how the thick air slithers it’s way through the vents and up to my nose. But the best part of it all, is how it sticks to my clothes- nothing better than free perfume amiright?

With some heavy duty tape, plastic and determination, I’ve succeeded in removing almost all traces of smoke. Looking back, I can’t help but laugh as I remember myself scrubbing walls, ceilings and floors trying to get rid of the stench…hey maybe I’ll be Cinderella for Halloween! I’ll take a picture in full cleaning action and send it to my landlord.

Friends often ask me what kind of natural products I use around the house- so I decided to share a few with you today! To help fight bad odours I’ve been using air cleaners, candles and essential oil diffusers. I think it’s really important for health and well-being to invest in quality products that don’t contain harsh chemicals. The 3 products I’m talking about today are dreamy and so worth the investment.

Stay tuned for next week’s post:  “5 ways to keep warm when your heating doesn’t work”.

-Marielle

Hello, it’s me
I was wondering if after all these weeks you’d like to read
To go over everything
They say that 23 is gonna teach ya
Boy I done much learning

Hello, can you hear me
I’m in Ottawa dreaming about how Lao used to be
When I was younger and carefree
I’ve forgotten how it felt before Canada fell at my feet

There’s such a difference between these lives
And a million miles

Hello from the other side
I must have thought a thousand times
To hop on another plane
But when I think of leaving I can’t do it

Hello from the outside
At least I can say that I’m learning
To see life differently, accept a new start
But it don’t matter my mind is clearly at war

Hello, how are you?
It’s so typical of me to leave I’m sorry
I hope I’ll be well
Did you ever think you’d find me at a desk in Ottawa

It’s no secret that my web usage
Is all about flights

So hello from the other side
I must have moved a thousand times
But this time I’m staying put for a little while
And when I call it won’t be long distance
Hello from the outside
At least I can say that I’ve signed
A lease so don’t worry I won’t dart
But it don’t matter it clearly will take more than that

Ooooohh, Ecuador
Ooooohh, Singapore
Ooooohh, Labrador
Anywhere

Hello from the other side
I must have hauled a thousand signs
That led me to this side of the sun
But it’s ok my memories are a book of delight
Hello from the outside
At least I can say that I’m happy
To tell you I’ve started a new chapter
And it does matter I’m staying ashore

—

I’ve been MIA from the blog for a few weeks but don’t worry- life update coming soon!

Don’t worry about the tone of my Adele cover- I am happy and optimistic about the future. It’s just hard to write a happy Adele song amiright?

-Marielle

***You can find me performing at I-beam on Friday nights. Paparazzi- please keep it at a minimum, it’s been getting out of hand. Security-watch for the tall falang brunette.