2016

With every high and low in 2016 that I experienced, I definitely think that this has been the most fulfilling, eventful, and evolutionary year I have ever lived. Here is a recap and overview of my 2016; what I went through and where I'm at now.

TATTOO

Thoughts about getting my first tattoo!!

PARIS // SATURDAY

On our last full day of the trip, we hustled to King's Cross Station to make our way to Paris.

LONDON // FRIDAY

Another day spent in London, and needless to say it was wonderful. Here's what we got up to on our last full day in London.

LONDON // THURSDAY

We spent the day in London, downtown amoungst the hustle and bustle. I'm truly having the best time with my friends... I couldn't have asked for better travel companions. Here's what we got up to.

STONEHENGE & BATH // WEDNESDAY

Rise and grind. Today we woke up at the crack of dawn to catch our tour bus to Stonehenge and Bath.

LONDON // MONDAY & TUESDAY

Monday evening my squad and I headed to Toronto Person Airport to board a plane to Europe. Our main travel desination was London, as well as Stonehenge, Bath, and Paris (of course). Here's we got up to during our first day of travel.

REVELATIONS

I just wanted to put all my current thoughts about myself in one space on my blog. You can read if you wish, and maybe we're going through the same thing. Or maybe you can find some comfort in my revelations.

ME TIME

Since school has started up again, I've found that I'm having trouble not feeling guilty about finding time to relax and reward myself for all my hard work. I've decided to try and make a conscious effort in finding time to unwind and get some quality time with me, myself, and I.

I thought I'd share just how I like to spend my "me time".

TENTATIVE EUROPE ITINERARY

I leave for my Europe trip in 5 days, I simply can't contain my excitement. So I've been working on a rough itinerary...let know if you have any suggestions for me!

THANKSGIVING

A list of things I'm most thankful for...

EXPLORE: GATINEAU PARK WOLF TRAIL 62

After checking out the Willson Carbide Ruins, Adam and I kicked off our 8 km long hike. A quick drive from the ruins there's the Wolf Trail 62. 

EXPLORE: WILLSON CARBIDE RUINS

Today Adam and I headed to Gatineau, Quebec to explore the Willson Carbide Mill. Everyone and their dog had been posting pictures of the beautiful ruins there, so I figured it was time to take a gander myself.

BACK TO SCHOOL

While school technically started yesterday I only just had my first classes of my fourth year today.

EXPLORE: PARLIAMENT CENTRE BLOCK TOUR

Not a cloud in the sky on this beautiful Labour Day long weekend. Today my friend and I explored the Parliament Centre Block and Peace Tower for the first time (in a long time at least for me). Once again sharing some of my favourite shots and thoughts.

SUMMER REFLECTION

This solo summer has been filled with highs and lows that I believe have shaped me as a person. Here's a reflection of this summer's evolution of becoming my own soulmate.

LONDON I

I booked something spontaneous and exciting today!

PARLIAMENT HILL YOGA

After working 11 days in a row it's finally nice to unwind on the hill with a good friend. 

EXPLORE: KRICKLEWOOD SUNFLOWER FARM

I made us travel an hour and a half outside of the city to see the Kricklewood Sunflower Farm.

EXPLORE: RIDEAU RIVER

Today my friend Anna and I took the canoe out on the Rideau River. It was the most perfect day for a boating adventure. Here are my favourite shots of the day. 

LIST No. 7

For the past couple days for no particular reason I've been in a "down and out" mood. I decided to make a list of things to be happy about in my life to look at for whenever I need a pick me up. I'm going to be adding to it every now and then as well! Here's too happiness and positivity!

TOP 5 CLASSIC MOVIES

Sharing my list of my favourite classic movies.

LIFE: DRINKS & POTLICKS

Last night I spent the evening at a potlick (a potluck so so good we lick the plates) with some of my best gal pals from work. Rox mixed up some wicked drinks and we stuffed our faces with burgers and gauc. I just wanted to post some snap shots of the evening to look back on when I reminisce my summer of 2016 in Ottawa.

EXPLORE: LAC MEECH // GATINEAU PARK

My best friend Erin and I love hitting up a good beach whenever we get together on a hot summers day. We went on quite the adventure before settling on Plage O'Brien, Lac Meech in Gatineau Park and we even lived to tell the tale...

CURRENT ASPIRATIONS

In no particular order here are a few of my current aspirations for the rest of 2016.

EXPLORE: NORDIK SPA QUEBEC

This past Thursday evening my roommate and I decided to treat ourselves and check out the Nordik Spa in Quebec for the first time.

I thought I'd share my thoughts on the experience for anyone who is considering going to Nordik.

to do list (after the breakup):

inspired by rupi kaur's poem in milk and honey. i wanted to share my own creative version.

EXPLORE: CANADA DAY

Just sharing some of my favourite shots from exploring Canada Day in downtown Ottawa!

OPEN

Being a romantic at heart has lead me to always be searching for "the one". I'm not quite sure I believe in destiny, fate, or if everything is just coincidence- but I know one day I will find love.

I thought I had found that person, but when that relationship ended, the romantic side of me didn't quite know where to turn. I want to share my experience of how to move on and be open to love after a break up.

SPONTANEITY

I've always been a planner, always trying to think one step ahead and prepared for everything and anything. I like being early and I always feel guilty if I ever have to change a plan.

From my unpredictable move back to Ottawa, to being without a job before the school year ended, this summer has tested my ability to be spontaneous and flexible.

BEAUTY: The Body Shop Focus

Today I want to share with you my two most loved the Body Shop products.

WEEK WITH KESSANDRA

Last week one of my dearest friends came to stay with me in Ottawa.

Here's a little ode to our friendship and how much it meant to spend time with her.

EXPLORE: OTTAWA STREET ART

Since spring started I wanted to stroll around the Glebe and take pictures of the street art. 

Today my friend Kessandra and I went out to take some pictures. 

EXPLORE: Doors Open Ottawa 2016

On Saturday June 4th I walked all over downtown to explore 18/120 buildings of Doors Open Ottawa 2016.

BEAUTY: Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser

January 2016 was the first time I took the time to discover Kiehl's. The lovely rep there introduced me to the Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleanser, and I haven't been able to stop using this product since.

YOGA I

During the early stages of my recent break up I turned to yoga to find calm and strength. I wanted to share my new and early yoga journey with you in case you were interested in anyway.

EXPLORE: DOW'S LAKE / OTTAWA TULIP FESTIVAL II

After exploring Gatineau Park, my room mate and I took a quick drive over to Dow's Lake.

EXPLORE: MACKENZIE KING ESTATE

During the Victoria Day Long weekend, my room mate and I ventured to Gatineau Park, Quebec to wander around the Mackenzie King Estate.

VICTORIA DAY LONG WEEKEND

Happy Victoria Day Long weekend folks!

EXPLORE: OTTAWA TULIP FESTIVAL

Today I went downtown to check out the Tulip Festival. The sun played peak-a-boo behind the clouds and the wind blew with passion. These are some of my favourite pictures from the outing.

milk and honey

While killing time in a Chapters (one of my favourite hobbies) before an interview I found milk and honey by Rupi Kaur. I don't mean to exaggerate, but this book called my name from across the room and as soon as I opened it I knew I'd be taking my own copy home.

CHANGE

A couple weeks ago I found myself in the position to do something bold, well as bold and daring as I can get at least.

I had planned on living with my parents over the summer, but when things in my life didn't turn out that way I thought they would I decided to go with the change. I chose to take the opportunity to change course. So I packed my things and went back to my own apartment, where I will be living for the rest of the year now.

I'm hoping that here I can have my own space to bloom into the strong woman I know I can be. It hasn't been easy so far, but I'm up for the challenge.

This is going to be a very interesting summer to say the least. I have a new apartment, roommate, job, scenery.

Everything is going to be just right.

BEAUTY: MY SKIN

For the past year I have been slowly trying different skin care products. I know the stress that comes with find good skin care products that actually show results, and I want to try and save you the trouble of trying more products than you have to. So I'm going to start sharing my experiences and trials with you guys!

SUMMER

While the month of April was completely taken over by school and exams, I am now free from school until September yet again.

I spent this past weekend moving from one apartment to the next, and then moving back home with my parents over the summer. We managed to get my new place all set up; ready to take me in September. I'm already excited for the new apartment, new roomie, and to be even closer to finishing university.

This summer I'm back home working my butt off to save money for school. However, I do plan on having a great summer filled with friends and adventures.

Here's to Summer 2016!

FORWARD

I have found myself in a position I never thought I'd be in.

I'm so thankful to have such great family and friends by my side telling me I will be okay. I know in time I'll be better than okay, but right now things are so difficult. I'm so conflicted with what I want to do with my life.

It's time for me to focus on myself and realize my worth. I deserve more than what I've received, and I know that more is out there waiting for me. Maybe not tomorrow, or in the next month or year... but it's out there and I'm ready to discover it.

Only time will tell where I'll go and who I'll be. When times get tough you have to keep going, staying in place doesn't make things better. I'm going to choose to be positive, to not dwell, and to be happy. I'm going to concentrate on myself, work, friends, and school to keep myself busy... to keep on living my life to the fullest.

Thanks for the memories. I'll always love him, but I love me more.

TASTE: ARTISIN BAKERY

A few weeks ago my roomie and I ventured out to Artisin Bakery (http://www.artisinbakery.com/) for an end of term breakfast.

EXPLORE: WALLINGFORD BACK MINE

This Easter Weekend, my friend Adam and I drove across the Ottawa river to the Wallingford Back Mine in Quebec. (http://www.capitalgems.ca/wallingford-back-mine.html)

BALANCE

Throughout my university life, I've come to the realization that I'm a big believer in a balanced lifestyle. That "work hard, play hard" phrase really started to resonate with me when it came to my everyday routine.

I think having a balanced lifestyle is a definite key to a more peaceful and rewarding life.

VANCOUVER IV

Two weeks ago I went on trip to Vancouver, Canada, to visit one of my closest friends Andrea. I had hoped from the beginning that this trip would teach me things about myself, and allow me to grow as an individual. It was my first solo trip to a city, and province, that I had never been to before. As exciting as I was, I was also really nervous since I would be on my own for the first time in a while.

VANCOUVER // SATURDAY

Saturday was my last full day in Vancouver. Luckily for my last day in the city, the weather was absolutely beautiful with no chance of rain!

VANCOUVER // FRIDAY

On Friday, Andrea and I kept it pretty chill. We slept in, stayed in... I unfortunately had to study for the midterms I had to write and do some assignments. It was a productive and relaxing day for the both of us really.

VANCOUVER // THURSDAY

Stanley Park / Rock Climbing

On Thursday, like most other days in Vancouver, it was calling for rain. Andrea and I decided to make the most of the day and brave the weather.

We started off the day nice and easy, we went to Metrotown to do a little shopping. I didn't pick up anything that day, but Andrea did aha!

After Metrotown we took the bus over to Stanley Park, and to our surprise the weather cleared up! The sun even came out, and as we walked over to Stanley Park all the luscious greenery made it appear to be spring in the middle of February. It reminded me of the type of weather I experience whenever I'd go to the States to visit family.

Unfortunately for me I forgot something...

LUSH SPA

While I was in Vancouver, Andrea and I made a schedule for everything we wanted to do during my visit. We really wanted to go to a spa for a treatment, but couldn't seem to find one in our budget or near by. 

VANCOUVER // WEDNESDAY

Chinatown / Dr. Yat San Sun Garden / Granville Island

VANCOUVER // TUESDAY

Whistler

VANCOUVER // MONDAY

Grocery Shopping (must have food) / Gastown
*didn't manage to make it out to Chinatown due to the rain

Here's what we got up to today after getting our groceries for the week.

SCHEDULE #VANCOUVER

Rough plans for the week.

SUNDAY
Fly to Vancouver

MONDAY
Grocery Shopping (must have food) / Chinatown / Gastown

TUESDAY
Whistler (all day)

WEDNESDAY
Stanley Park / Granville Island / English Bay at Night

THURSDAY
Botanical Garden / Mainstreet / Rock Climbing

FRIDAY
Rest / Escape Room / Friday night adventures

SATURDAY
Pole Dancing Class / Lookout Tower / Suspension Bridge (maybe) / Fly Home

Let's get the adventure started.

VANCOUVER PART III

On February 12th I ventured off to the airport, commencing my trip to Vancouver!! Around 5 pm before I was about to head out, the weather was incredibly snowy and I started to think that I might not have such an easy flight. Not to mention I was pretty anxious to begin with since it was my first time flying completely solo.

Anyways I'm waiting at my gate when the flight agent informs us that we can't take off until Toronto (who has having even WORSE weather) can properly receive us. Of course, naturally I start to get worried because I need to make to Toronto it in time to catch my connecting flight to Vancouver. So I call my dad and he assures me that even if I miss my connecting flight that the airline will reconnect me and I'll make it to Vancouver one way or another.

Long story short, my flight to Toronto gets delayed, I miss my connecting flight that night, and the airline isn't able to connect me until A DAY AND A HALF LATER! Fortunately for me, my parents don't live too far from the city and were able to come save me. As much of a inconvenience as it was to be delayed, I was pretty thankful and happy that I got to see my family before flying across the country.

Finally essentially two days later, I am FINALLY HERE, in VANCOUVER!! I'm feeling so blessed to have amazing family and friends who I can count on. Hopefully the good times start tonight, and I can start posting all our cool adventures throughout the week.

VANCOUVER PART II

Today is the day I take my first ever solo flight.

I'm so excited for the adventure to the other side of the country, but I'm also so anxious about my flight.

I know everything will be okay, and it's going to be an amazing week. I can't wait to explore my love for photography again in a province that is so beautiful.

Bon voyage.

MONTREAL

For our 3 year anniversary, my boyfriend Liam and I decided to take an early trip to Montreal during the Labour Day weekend.

Rather than spending money on gifts, we chose to put the money towards a mini vacation to Montreal, Quebec. I think it was one of the best gifts and time together that we have every spent. Not only did we get to travel to a new city, but we also got to experience it together and make memories that will last us a life time.

21st BIRTHDAY

On January 15th was my 21st birthday. The day was filled with excitement and laughter from myself and those I care ever so dearly about, which made it a wonderful day.

After my classes during the day I went home to start getting ready for the party I was hosting to celebrate. My roommates were sweet as can be and surprised me by beginning to decorate while I was out of the house. They also made me rice crispy squares, which they used as a cake for me to make my birthday wish on. To top it all off they spoiled me by getting me a shower gel, mango soap, and lip chap from LUSH. Seriously, my roommates are too good to be true and I 'm so sad that we'll all be moving out at the end of April (but more on that later).

Then after preparing for the party, we blended up some daiquiris to get the party started.

Throughout the night my dearest friends arrived, and we drank, ate, played games and just had a lovely time.

I was spoiled even more by more gifts from my lovely friends. My sweet sweet boyfriend even got me my first record player! I can't wait to buy some records and start using it!!

It was such a fun night and I owe it all to the amazing people in my life who showered me with love.

I will cherish my 21st birthday party for the rest of my life, so here's to 21.

VANCOUVER PART I

A couple of days ago I finally made the decision to buy a plane ticket to Vancouver, British Columbia. One of my best friends lives there, and I had never been to the city before so I figured it would be the perfect excuse to go and explore.

I'd like to think of myself as an independent and responsible person, however I find that I have become very dependent on my boyfriend for almost everything. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, because I think that I'm so lucky to have a partner that I can rely on and who is loyal to me. However, I still want to feel like I can survive on my own, you know what I mean?

You see, Liam is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be able to travel for school (he's taking a trip to Europe soon). My program doesn't have opportunities like that so rather than just sitting around in my hometown (as usual) I have decide to take an adventure to Vancouver.

I'm so beyond excited to travel, but also I'll admit- I'm scared. I have never flown by myself before, let alone travel recently at all. It's certainly going to be an experience where I will be able to learn more about myself during my time alone. It will also be amazing to catch up with Andrea, and wander all over the city and make some great memories.

I'm excited to go on hikes, dabble in photography, try out new coffee shops and restaurants, and most importantly be able to be independent and free. I can't wait to see what Andrea has in store (she is a pro-travel guide by the way. fun fact: she showed me around Montreal for my first time there).

I'll be updating you guys more about this trip later, safe travels everyone.

PS. thinking of possibly getting my first tattoo there as well (but who knows what this trip will have in store just yet)

UNIVERSITY

For me personally, university... especially engineering has been a challenge and sometimes a struggle. High school came easy, so I honestly never really expected to have any difficulties in university.

Last term during my third year I was the most stressed about school than I have ever been in my life. High school had come relatively easy to me and I never expected university to be as challenging as it was... naive I know.

Whether it was the commute, money, time, work load I constantly I felt like I was drowning, and my mental health was seriously at risk. So for once in my life I decided I should give myself a break, look at my situation long term and slow myself down.

By rushing myself and constantly pushing myself to just make it by, without truly retaining anything was my downfall. I decided to rearrange my school schedule and take an extra term in order to slow down and take my time to really be able to focus and most importantly learn. Then I could potentially have more time for my studies as well as a balanced life style and even eventually enjoy what I'm learning more because I understand the information.

This is where I am now, starting fresh in the second term of third year, seeing how this "slow down" goes.

I've thought about it time and time again, is this program right for me? am I really doing something I will love in the future? and overall what I am studying, the values and theories behind everything I am learning - I can truly say that whatever field I go into that involves the environment, conservation, and sustainability I will be happy. I just need to get through school in order to get to the place I need to be.

MYSELF

Who am I, might you ask?

My name is Angelica (if you couldn't tell) and I'm a 20 year old (going on 21 in two weeks) who is trying to find herself.

Did I mention I'm a cliché? Aha

All jokes aside - I study Architectural Engineering (to keep it short).

Currently I live with two other great roommates in the city.

I also have a boyfriend, and we've been through thick and thin for over 3 years now (he lives near by as well).

My dog Charlie lives with my parents 5 hours away from school, and I miss her cuddles everyday.

I enjoy traveling and exploring my surroundings. Hopefully this year will bring many adventures and I look forward to growing and changing as I discover new places and passions.

Did I mention I'm corney...?

You can find me on Instagram as @angelicamay

So let's see where I go next...

RESOLUTIONS

I've always wanted to start a blog, and what better time than in the New Year ..?

In the New Year, and on this blog, I really want to focus on my resolutions. It's all going to be about my adventures through some much needed self improvement.

Goals / Resolutions:

Above all... being happy and positive about all endeavors yet to come.

improve my...

• university studies
• time management
• study as I go (not cram)
• motivation
• self love
• skin care
• develop my style / closet
• (reduce my) stress / worries
• relationships
• friends, family, and with my boyfriend (enough said)

I assure you that there are more things I wish to improve and explore (so I'll be adding things as I remember them). 

Hopefully through sharing my experiences you can learn from me and perhaps I can learn from you.

So long 2015, and hello (it's me) 2016.