We are back,... oh Summer!

Summer is finally here and I couldn't be happier! We had such a long, cold and snowy winter and almost no Spring weather.

I know, we live in Canada, so we should be used to the snow and the cold weather, but it is so good to have warm temperatures and sunshine :)

A lot has happened during the past months that I did not have time to write/post. I don't know what is happening,... life is so busy, but in a good sense. We are busy with family, work, weekend activities, some family visits,...

Yes, we had family staying with us for the Holidays. Our niece came from Brazil to spend 45 days studying English here. Those were magical, busy and snowy days. We traveled to Ottawa and Niagara while she was here.

Isabella is doing well at the daycare. She loves spending the day with her teachers and friends (by the way, I received some questions on how the process to pick a daycare was, and I am writing about it). Isabella also started ballet classes - it is a 'mommy & me' type of class and we love it! Ms. Jessica (the teacher and studio's owner) is an awesome teacher, but this is old news if you follow us on Instagram, right?

Our family welcomed a new baby girl!!! Yep, I am an Auntie again,... My sister had a beautiful and precious baby girl in the end of March. My mom flew there to stay with them and help with the baby.

After staying a while with my sister and her family, my mom stopped by for a quick visit,... she came to spend the Easter weekend with us. It is always a joy to have my mom around, specially during Easter. Isabella and vovó (grandma in Portuguese) had a great time together.

It was Isabella's first egg hunt,... she was so excited (once she was able to understand how it works). The egg hunt was just for the pleasure of finding 'not so' hidden eggs - because there was no chocolate or candies inside them. We didn't give her any of those things yet.

This is a quick update on a few things we have been doing these past few months! We still have a post about Isabella's 2nd birthday coming soon,.... stay tuned!

Summer Events in Toronto - Jazz Festival & Taste of the Danforth

I love Summer,... don't you? And also everything that comes with it,.. the sun, blue skies, outdoor activities, barbecue, and the street festivals.

There are many street festivals happening around Toronto and GTA during this time and it is a great opportunity to learn about other cultures, meet new people, try different food (and eat again the delicious ones).

Among all the street festivals in Toronto, there are 2 that we used to go every year: Beaches Jazz Festival and Taste of the Danforth.

The Beaches Jazz Festival is an event that celebrates many styles of music. It happens during the month of July, however the main event (in my opinion!!!!) will be happening this weekend - The StreetFest - July 27 & 28.

Basically Queen street east is closed to traffic from Woodbine Avenue to Beech Avenue (almost 2.5 km) and this season over 45 bands will entertain the public that enjoy music. Each band plays 4 times for 30 minutes. It is magical to walk on the street enjoying live music, it is such an energizing event.

This is also a good opportunity to have those munchies from the food trucks or "Street Fest Food". Honestly,... my mouth is watering right now thinking about the corn in the cob, fried cassava and the funnel cake (not really healthy).

This is an event that we love to go, chiefly with our great friends Ana & Jose. And they are up to a new challenge this year: introduce Isabella to the Jazz Festival. She LOVES music since the womb. My only concern is that the music might be a bit too loud for her. I will take her baby earmuffs that we got when we traveled to Brazil last year (the fireworks were too noisy for her).

Baby Banz Earmuffs

I searched on my computer for some pictures from the previous festivals we had been to and unfortunately I couldn't find any photo. This year there will be some pictures (for sure!) and you can see them on our social media channels - follow us on Facebook & Instagram!

For more information on the Jazz Festival click here.

The Taste of the Danforth is a street fest that happens at the east side of Toronto at Danforth st., aka "Greektown". This year it will happen from August 10-12.

Restaurants from the area, usually local vendors, set up small food stations on the street offering taste menus. When in Greektown don't miss the opportunity to try authentic greek food. Usually there are long lines for the gyro - we have one every year at the event. For those who don't know, gyro is a greek dish with meat (cooked in a vertical rotisserie), tomato, tzatziki (greek sauce) and French fries wrapped in a flat bread.

There are also performances from dance groups, artists and bands in 3 different stages along the Danforth.

So, what should you expect when going to this festival? Food, food and more food,... music and Opa!!!!,... the greek atmosphere all around you. It will be very difficult not to have a wonderful time at this event.

For more information on the Taste of the Danforth click here.

Our Baby Girl arrived!

I know I have been away for a while, that's because our little princess arrived!

Isabella (ou Bella) was born on May 29th  after a long labour. It was wonderful having baby Bella on my arms, it was love at first sight.

My husband and my sister (Isabella's Godmother) stayed with us the whole time going above and beyond to help and comfort us during labour and delivery.

The beginning of our life as a new family was full of love, challenges and learning - discovering each other each day. Grandma flew in to help us and spent the first month with us - sweet moments!


We are really blessed to have this little bundle of joy. She is a calm and sweet baby (really cute!!!!!).

I received a lot of questions regarding Kiara's reaction towards the new member of the family. The first time they met was so peaceful - Kiki was so curious when we got home with the baby. She "investigated" and we explained to her that her little sister had finally arrived. During this time we were petting her and reinforcing the good behaviour.

 Since then, Kiara has been around checking on her little sis all the time. They are adorable together.

The day my mom flew back to Brazil, we took this pic and shared with our family: "Since grandma is going back home, mama needed to find another helper" :)

I am truly thankful to our family and friends for all the love and support during this time and specially to my sister and my mom for everything they've been through with us.

Kiara

As you might already know, we have a four-legged daughter (a.k.a dog) and her name is Kiara, however I didn't have a chance to properly introduce her.

Kiara is a 9-year-old Lhasa Apso who loves to play, walk the neighbourhood and travel with us. She is a great companion.

It is so good to get home from work, open the door and ... there she is, happly wagging her tail waiting for us. We take her for a walk everyday. She is a bundle of joy.

Most of the time you will see her with a bow on her hair (stylish). She likes it!

When we moved my first concern was to find a doctor (vet) for her, and mission accomplished! Even before we had a family doctor, Kiara had already gone for a complete check-up.

We are so thankful for having her!

Kiara visiting Ottawa

Graduation day!