Irie Music Festival

If you are in the mood for some great music, food and dance this weekend in Toronto- the Irie Music Festival is an event to visit! Starting today there are live performances at Queen’s Park and Yonge-Dundas Square that features music from Salsa, Reggae, Soul, etc! If you want to see the IRIE Music Awards kick off event you can purchase tickets and head to the Phoenix Concert Theater tonight. 

According to the website the celebration of music, “is presented in association with dance, immersion, spoken/word/literature, visual arts exhibition, movies, and delicious tropical food & drinks”. You only have until August 1^st to take in the festivities!

Image Source: http://www.torontokiosk.ca/festivals.html

Edge Walk at the CN Tower!

Canadian Press reporter Alexandra Posadzki leans back 1,168 feet over Toronto

Scary Treat!

As I posted last month I have a fear of heights when it comes to going to the top of the CN Tower. For those that are even more adventurous (and not scared of heights) this week is for you! Edge Walk has opened and you can start to get your tickets to literally walk around the outside of the CN Tower via a trolley and harness system (pic above). It is the first of it’s kind in all of North America, and I’m sure to be a fantastic tourist attraction here in the T-Dot!

Per the website, Edge Walk will operate from May- October and in all weather conditions except for electrical storms and high winds. It may be just me- but I wouldn’t walk around the tower if it was raining, snowing or anything in between! However, if you can do it- I think it would be an amazing experience! Good luck thrill seekers!

Image Source: http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton

Art Battle! (Cont)

 At the start I couldn't wait to see what this would become!

 Stunning!

Here I am walking around enjoying the Art Battle!

Jacqueline Poirier beginning her painting

 The end result is beautiful! Gets her into the final!

 Chen Cao was amazing to watch!

 Cao's painting got him into the final!

 AB Final Round: Champion...Jacqueline Poirier! Beautiful! Can't believe she did that in 20 min flat!

“Going to Battle” Treat!

As I posted yesterday about the Art Battle taking place in Toronto- I am happy to post today that I went and was blown away by the creativity and talent of the artists that competed! The Battle started with 2 rounds of 8 painters that had 20 minutes to complete a painting (no theme- just pure talent)! While the artists were painting, those in the crowd were able to walk around and get up close to the artists and watch their masterpieces unfold. As you waited with anticipation, some artists were talking to friends, people gathered at the bar and some just stayed in place watching a particular painting unfold- all while listening to some awesome tunes by the in house DJ.

After 20 minutes had gone by, I could not believe what artwork had emerged! Each person that entered the building then had a chance to go around and put his or her vote into the ballot box of the painting/artist that they believed deserved to get to the final. An artist I was amazed by was, Chen Cao, (picture above) who created amazing portraits that seemed to emerge with each brush stoke. What really astonished me what that Cao not only was AB 15 Champion (and I learned sells his paintings at high value) but also was born with cerebral palsy. He was just amazing to watch. In the end, a definite favorite of mine, Jacqueline Poirier, won the championship with a painting done in black and white, with a splash of red to showcase the tree that emerged from drippings on her canvas (picture above)!

One of the best things about this event was that after each round the paintings were auctioned off. (I am quite sad to admit that I placed a bid on a painting and it was sold for a higher price). However, on the flip side to auctioning off some amazing pieces of work- those paintings that didn’t have a bidder were destroyed in what they called, “true tradition of the Art Battle”. I also want to mention here, big thanks to Fred Espina- it was a great event!  

Art Battle!

The Battle Begins!

"Battle Treat"!

I just learned about a great event called Art Battle featuring 16 painters that go head to head tonight at The Great Hall in Toronto 7:30pm. But you may ask- what is an "Art Battle"? According to their website, “Art Battle is live competitive painting. The audience watches, cheers, votes and bids in support of the artists and their paintings. All paintings created at AB are auctioned. Paintings that fail to meet the minimum bid may be destroyed”.

If you go to their website, this event looks really exciting to watch! I have never seen anything like this before- but with the brackets and competition that ensues each round- I’m sure it’s quite intense. I can’t even imagine the pressure and adrenaline rush that these artists go through while painting. I’m hoping to try and make it tonight if I can!

Image Source: http://www.artbattleto.com/#742636/Snapshots

It’s Getting Hot Hot Hot!

Beat the Heat!

Toronto is finally feeling like the weather I’m used to in the States! Normally, I wouldn’t have thought Canada could get so hot in the summer- but I have been proven wrong! The temperature this week keeps climbing and our nights are filled with stagnant humidity. I’m still getting used to seeing Celsius on the news but this week has been quite an experience seeing what 40 degrees actually feels like. It’s hot out!

Even though the air-conditioning is running this is the first time since I have been here that it’s been on night and day. For me, (during late July) this is a joyous treat! Normally, the cool air would have been pumping the last month non-stop because extreme heat is what I’m used to. (Hey, DC was built on a swamp)!

I’m heading to the States this weekend, so I will be able to extend this heat wave experience as I continue to travel south. I hope it starts to let up soon, but at least I know a pool is waiting for me. Good luck beating the heat anyway you can!  

Image Source: http://blog.silive.com/weather/2008/06/the_weekend_weather_54.html

Baseball & Peanuts!

 A huge bag of peanuts we brought in (with our drinks)- Love it!

What a way to watch the game!

“Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Peanut Treat!

Remember when I posted about the Jays last month? Well, I went to a Jays game at the Rogers Centre in Toronto last night and I learned another new lesson: you can bring in any food/snacks into the game you want! It’s true!! I’m thinking it may have something to do with high costs for families to go out and enjoy a ballgame (even with a few bottles of soda and snacks that can really add up)!

So before the game our group went to the store and loaded up on a huge bag of peanuts (picture above) because in baseball you just have to have peanuts! I then bought a Vitamin Water still expecting to have it thrown away at the gates. When we approached the stadium everyone showed their drinks (and our huge bag of peanuts) and they waved us through! I couldn’t believe it! 

Now this is the way all ballparks should be! It was a great relief to our wallets and I’m sure this makes it a lot easier for the families that go to games as well. Now if only we could bring that to Citizens Bank Park for the Phillies!

Summerlicious

“Prix Fixe” Treat!

For someone like me who is constantly trying to find new unique places to visit and dine in Toronto- this is the week to try new restaurants for quite the bargain! It’s Summerlicious in the city and 150 top restaurants in Toronto are offering 3-course prix fixe menus at low costs. Normally I may not try the higher priced restaurants on a whim- but this is the last week to take advantage of such deals around the city (ends July 24^th)!

Whether you are looking to try a new spot for lunch or dinner- these deals around Toronto can’t be beat! Lunch prices range from $15-25 and dinners range $25-45 per person. So get out there and try something new! 

Image Source: http://www.mediummag.com/2011/07/07/summerlicious-2011/

Squirly's

 

Squirly's

 

The mermaid

A "Squirly’s" Treat!

I have found another new "treat" called, Squirly’s! This bar/restaurant is a place in Queen West that you can find a mix of people eating from a diverse menu, listening to a great mix of music and enjoying a microbrew from local areas. When you first walk into Squirly’s you may notice the red and black leopard chairs, paintings on the wall, graffiti downstairs and gigantic mermaid over the bar (picture above). It’s an eclectic spot that is a staple of great food at good prices throughout the week as well. One of my favorite deals is a $4 margarita drink special every Tuesday. I may have mentioned this before but I’ve been on the lookout for a fantastic margarita in Toronto since I left the US (Alero in Washington, DC has the best so far).

The other part of Squirly’s that I enjoy features a heated and covered back garden which is now open to the patio for the summer. The tables in the back garden incorporate the red and black leopard couches and artwork found inside as well. Squirly’s is honestly one of my favorite places to go for an easy night out in Queen West and I highly suggest it! 

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/anomalyzer/page9/ , http://216.129.193.100/lifestyle/story.cfm?content=174004&archive=29,28,2010

Huron Country Playhouse & Blood Brothers

The renovated Huron Country Playhouse! I'm here to see, "Blood Brothers"!

I just love Guys & Dolls!

"Theater" Treat!

This past weekend I was back in cottage country at Grand Bend. It was a beautiful weekend for some sun, relaxing on the beach, and theater! I didn’t know about the Huron Country Playhouse before but I must say it’s a great place to visit! 

I received a gift to see Blood Brothers which was a captivating musical about separated fraternal twin boys who fall in love with the same woman but go through serious obstacles in life (one boy is raised in a wealthy family while the other struggles during the onset of the depression). This tragic love story tears at the heartstrings as we see their friendship challenged by how they grew up and what they try to make out of life. Charlotte Moore, Amanda Leigh, Laura McCarthy, Paul McQuillan, and Tory Doctor really stole the show! They were fantastic! If you get a chance to see this production- I recommend it!

The Huron Country Playhouse itself is tucked away in Grand Bend and has been completely renovated to include another playhouse (picture above). The next productions for the 2011 season include, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, “Italian Funerals & Other Festive Occasions, “Blue Suede Shoes: Memories of the King” and “Guys and Dolls” (which is one of my favorites)! I had such a wonderful time at the theater- I look forward to seeing more shows here!

The Lakeview, Tom Cruise, & Fried Mars Bars

 Tom Cruise in Cocktail: Elisabeth Shue works at "Jerry's Diner", which is the Lakeview in Toronto

 The Lakeview Restaurant Today

“Diner” Treat!

Last night I went to a newly renovated staple in Queen West called the Lakeview. It’s open 24 hours with an eclectic vibe that showcases great art, music, food (breakfast 24 hours), and drink specials. And something else about this place is that the movie Cocktail filmed there. If you remember the young days of Tom Cruise, then you would remember this 80s movie where Elisabeth Shue works at Jerry's Diner, which we now know is the Lakeview (picture above). And yes they even have Nachos Tom Cruise on the menu! Some other recent movies filmed there were scenes with Samuel L. Jackson for The Samaritan and recently spotted Robert Pattinson with Cosmopolis.

As part of the Thirsty Thursday Shenanigans, we went to the Lakeview late last night. One thing on the menu that I thought was quite funny was the fried mars bar dessert. I found it quite interesting that someone would fry a candy bar and slather it with ice cream but they do here! I was not the one to order it at our table but let’s just say someone did and the bite I had was delish! Who would have thought?! I’m not one for dessert (except crème brulee on occasion) but this was a very interesting mix of thinking “that’s disgusting”- but loving it once I took a bite! As my brother says, don’t say you don’t like something until you try it!

Image Source: http://thelakeviewrestaurant.ca/

The Toronto Distillery District

 The Gooderham and Worts Distillery (1859-1860)

 Present Day: Explore restaurants, patios, shops, cafes and art galleries

A beautiful picture of the Distillery District at night

A “Historic” New Treat!

If you are in the Toronto area and are looking to step into a historic district renovated into a place where artists and businesses are combined- the Toronto Distillery District is the place to be! I recently visited the area and it felt as though I was stepping back in time but also it invoked an energetic scene of restaurants, art galleries, cafes, shops, theaters, and patios.

According to their website, the history behind the 47 renovated buildings (known as the Gooderham & Worts Distillery) “represents the largest and best preserved collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture in North America”. They also state that the, “Stone Distillery is the oldest remaining building on site. It was constructed between 1859-1860 and by 1877 The Gooderham and Worts Distillery had become the largest distillery in the world”.

It was a great place to visit and I really enjoyed the names of some of the spaces such as “The Boiler House” and “The Fermenting Cellar”. If you want to blend a great night out with a historic twist this is the area to come to!


Image Source: http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/gallery.php

The Toronto Fringe Festival

"Toronto Fringe Festival" New Treat!

I just came across an amazing event! It’s the Toronto Fringe Festival and it’s the last weekend that you can enjoy it before it wraps up for the summer (ends July 17, 2011). This festival seems to have a bit of everything for all to see!

According to their website, “The Fringe Festival, is Toronto’s largest theatre and performance festival. 140+ productions are featured at 25+ venues across the west end of Toronto, drawing more than 70,000 people over 12 days each year. There’s something for everyone, with musicals, comedies, family programming, drama, dance, improv and anything else you can imagine or offer. Don’t miss the Site Specific productions that take place in unexpected locations like backs of cars or down hidden alleys”. That sounds fantastic right?! They also showcase 8 visual artists throughout the week in the first annual, Visual Fringe. 

If you have time on your hands this weekend, check out their website and support the arts (100% of the sales go back to the artists)! I can’t wait to check it out!

Image Source: http://www.blogwaybaby.com/2007/05/toronto-fringe-festival-2007.shtml

The Pita Pit

Owner John Konstantinidis @ The Pita Pit on King Street

 "Healthy Treat"!

Today is a post about one of my favorite spots in Toronto called, The Pita Pit! It seems that everyone in Toronto knows of this chain, but for me- it’s a new spot that I just love to visit! An added bonus is that it’s open until 3am- so if you happen to be out (late night), there’s ample time to still get a pita!

One of the things I like about this "healthy treat" is that you can choose your meat (or vegetarian options), salads, grains, toppings, and dressings each time. No pita is previously made- so your pita is always fresh. Plus, they throw your selected ingredients on the grill first, which I feel adds to the flavor of your pita. The owner of the store on King Street in Toronto is, John Konstantinidis, and he moved from Queen Street to the King Street location 2 years ago. He helped me create a fantastic "Greek style" pita with: chicken breast, romaine, feta, sautéed mushroom, tomato, cucumbers, tzatziki, and olives. Yum! This is a must try location and a great spot for a quick and healthy treat. Thanks John for the wonderful hospitality- that pita was delish! νόστιμο τροφή!!

Image Source: http://pitapit.ca/consumer/corporate/news

Going Barefoot

 

As people were arriving (dressed for the event)- all heels came off!

 Remember the Sex and the City Episode: A Woman's Right to Shoes?

"The Barefoot Dress Code"

This past weekend I went to a party in Toronto and I learned a Canadian lesson: Never plan your outfit around your shoes. That may sound silly for some, but I have a wide variety of heels that I like to coordinate around my outfits. Now, to my defense I have learned that in Canada you always take your shoes off at the door (so your not tracking dirt around somebody’s house). However, I thought at least when people are dressed up for events in the city- one would not expect to take off your shoes as if we were sitting around the TV or something. Well, I learned quite quickly that I was the only girl still wearing heels at the party- and I took them off by the door (I didn’t want to be disrespectful). I was taken back by how many shoes had accumulated at the front door by then (picture above)!

This is something that I really have to get used to- but I feel that when you wear summer dresses- heels are a part of that outfit! I felt awkward padding around the event barefoot and to be honest the female leg looks much sexier in a heel! Looks like I’ll have to at least match my nail polish to my summer dresses when I go to an event in the city because I know (to my dismay) I'll have to leave my stiletto's at the door all night. 

Burgershoppe Quality Meats & The Red Light

"Thirsty Thursday"!

The weekend couldn’t come soon enough- and last night was a randomly inspired night out. I had dinner at Burgershoppe Quality Meats on Ossington Ave and the food was delish! The menu had many options for prime cut steaks, burgers, sandwiches, poutines and beer. (Our waitress even suggested their famous homemade mac-and-cheese). If you’re looking for a nice place to sit outside, they have a great patio on Rolyat Street too!

Later in the evening, I was able to go into another new place on Dundas West called The Red Light. It’s a small intimate bar decorated in dark reds and golds featuring guest DJs that play everything from Bollywood to Reggae. Reading up about it on Toronto.com they state, “The décor evokes a French bordello, with upholstered couches and vintage lamps flanked by old paintings of landscapes and saucy women with bedroom eyes”. It really was a great place to visit! I highly recommend it! 

Goodbye Prince William & Kate!

The news has been keeping it’s eye on the royal couple as they crossed Canada on their first official royal visit as husband and wife. They showed their final day at the Calgary Stampede this afternoon and I must say it was nice to see all this coverage! They are now off to the US where they will land in California! I hope they enjoy the US as much as they seemed to enjoy everything they did in Canada! 

I really enjoyed watching this royal tour and the festivities with the Calgary Stampede. I have traveled to Calgary before (briefly) but I never knew exactly what went into this event. For instance, I had no idea that little kids train on sheep when they first get into the sport of one day riding an actual bull! It was really quite a cute site to see! One day I would like to put on a cowboy hat and go see the Stampede up close and in person! 

Image Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/8613826/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middletons-royal-tour-of-Canada-and-the-US-live.html , http://www.burgershoppe.com/gallery_oz.html, http://www.toronto.com/article/636970--new-trendy-the-red-light

Toronto Police Mounted Unit

This is what I am used to seeing in DC- The US Park Police on horseback in front of the White House.

 This is what patrols my neighborhood in Toronto- literally, cops on horseback!

 Really?! This police officer galloped after this taxi and is giving him a ticket from his horse!

“To protect and serve”

I wasn’t an American coming to Canada thinking there were Mounties patrolling the streets (I know, groan with the stereotypes!). However, I didn’t expect to see cops on horseback in my neighborhood! I have only been privy to seeing the US Park Police in Washington, DC (where they seem more ceremonial or for crowd control). When I first came to Toronto, I was quite surprised to see cops on horseback patrolling the streets and hearing stories of them galloping after (and pulling over) motor vehicles! I couldn’t even imagine such a thing- I had to see it!

One day, I witnessed such an instance where a mounted police officer pulled over a taxi (right in front of my building). I couldn’t resist an opportunity to take a quick picture of this event, so I have included it above. I was astonished to see a cop galloping behind the taxi and writing a ticket from the horse. I mean, the taxi driver had to step outside of his own vehicle to stand by the horse awaiting his ticket! I do see police patrol cars as well, but when I see the mounted police unit around town- I just can’t help but stop and stare!

Getting Caught in Stormy Weather!

 Is it getting dark? Is there a storm coming?

 Umm.... I think the sky is telling us something. What is with this weather?!

Everybody on the beach better run inside! Thunder & Lightening! Look at that cloud!

Where did that storm come from?

This past weekend while celebrating Canada Day in Grand Bend Ontario, there was ample time to sit and relax on the beach. I have mentioned in previous postings that there are some crazy storms that suddenly appear coming off the great lakes. However, one of these thunderstorms came in while we were on the beach and it was definitely a site to see!

After a day of sun, swimming and bocce ball- the sky suddenly turned dark. In a matter of minutes the waves were cresting and the wind kicked into high gear! After scrambling to gather all beach towels, chairs and bags- the sky was turning black. Running with all these materials toward the house for cover was a bit frightening but also quite exhilarating! The pictures above show our group running toward the house just trying to beat the dark cloud engulfing the area. When they say that the storms roll in quickly- they really mean it! Good thing we missed the heavy rain, wind, lightening and thunder that started as soon as soon as we stepped inside! Whew! Can you believe it?!

Booster Juice

"Booster Juice" Yummy Treat!

Some days you just feel like you need a little boost! I have found a wonderful place in Toronto called Booster Juice! It is a fantastic juice bar that serves a delish fresh fruit smoothie in every cup! It reminds me of a place I left behind in the US called Robeks (which served fantastic fruit smoothies- a place I just loved to visit)!

I was wondering where Booster Juice started and per their website they state that, in 1999 two friends from Portland (USA) and Alberta (Canada) were camping and thought that Canada did not have any juice bars. 5 months later they opened up a Booster Juice Store in Sherwood Park, Edmonton and it was a hit! Now, they share Booster Juice across boarders and still growing!

Just as my beloved Robeks in the States, with each smoothie at Booster Juice you can add some “Super Foods” (as they call it) that give your smoothie that, well, add a little boost! You can choose from green tea (Matcha), a power berry (Acai), plant energy (Wheatgrass), or Boosters (like cardio and energy supplements). What is my favorite juice? I just love the Brazilian Thunder, which features strawberries, raspberries and bananas. It’s a great "antioxidant filled" treat that is simply delish! Enjoy!

Image Source: http://www.cluburb.com/images/stories/jreviews/1407_BoosterJuice_12757317651.jpg

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Birthday America!

Today is one of my absolute favorite holidays in the US- it’s the 4^th of July! Even though I am missing it on US soil this year- I still will have a celebration at home in Canada! For any one reading this blog today (that may not be familiar with the 4^th of July) this is a celebration that dates from 1776 when the US gained our independence from Britain and where Democracy was born. Today is a great day for friends and family to gather, watch parades, BBQ and watch firework displays around our nation. Friends, food and fireworks- it's a great day all around!!

I think it is quite fitting today that I link to the words to our National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) and our Pledge of Allegiance too. If you don't know them- today is a day that you should look them up!

How about this- do you know what the American flag stands for? Referencing the USA Flag Site, “today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies; the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice”.

Even though I am in Canada now (and I just celebrated Canada Day), I surely have my friends and family on my mind for this great American holiday! I love fireworks so I’m hoping that they see some great shows tonight!

Image Source: http://www.google.ca/search?q=July+4th&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=q7n&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivnsu&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=7vsRTpezCsu20AHC0oGJDg&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CCAQ_AUoAQ&biw=1235&bih=701

Time for a Mott’s Clamato Caesar! & Wimbledon Update #9

“Mott’s Clamato Juice- Caesar” New Treat!

One of my favorite drinks when going out for brunch is the “Bloody Mary”- however, here in Canada it is called a “Caesar” made primarily with Mott’s Clamato Juice. You can purchase this drink ready to drink (in the bottle) or get the mix extra spicy, or spicy with horseradish. According to Mott’s website, the story of the Canadian Bloody Caesar was, “invented in 1969 to celebrate the opening of Marco’s Italian restaurant at the Calgary Inn (now the Westin Calgary). Resident mixologist and food and beverage manager, Walter Chell, was commissioned to develop a new cocktail. He took inspiration from the flavors of Spaghetti Vongole (spaghetti with clams), and combined sweet (tomato juice), salty (clam nectar), sour (lime), spicy (Worcestershire sauce) and bitter (celery salt) into his new concoction. After naming it for the Roman emperor, legend has it that he served one to an Englishman who exclaimed: "That's a good bloody Caesar!"

Almost every gathering I have been to in Canada, I have been offered this drink- and I love it! The celery salt makes the taste (that’s why I don’t like to drink out of the bottle unless I have that celery salted glass)! It’s refreshing and something that you can enjoy any time of day. The difference between a Bloody Mary is that it's made with tomato juice and the Caesar is made with clamato Juice. There is just something about this mix (possibly the Mott's secret spices) that makes this cocktail delish!

Since it’s a rainy day in Grand Bend (can’t lay on the beach), I think it’s time to head indoors and have a nice Caesar with lunch! Yum!

Wimbledon Update #9

Sharapova lost today in straight sets to Kvitova! The match seemed to end quite quickly 6-3, 6-4 but honestly I was anticipating a battle that would potentially last 3 sets. Good to see Kvitova take home her first grand slam title and equally nice to see Sharapova in a Wimbledon final again! The Bryan brothers are in the final men’s doubles match now- so if you are watching too- I’m pulling for a win here!

Image Source: http://thelifeofasuburbanprincess.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html , http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/photos/2011-07-02/201107021309619378877.html

Happy Canada Day! & Wimbledon Update #8

"Canada Day" Treat!!!

Happy Canada Day!! As an American, I am used to July 4^th (our Independence Day) but this year I am able to celebrate Canada Day since moving to Canada. I didn't know much about the history of Canada Day, so I wanted to do a quick Wiki search and find some interesting facts.  What did I learn? I learned that Canada Day, "marks the joining of the British North American colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into a federation of four provinces (the Province of Canada being divided, in the process, into Ontario and Quebec) on July 1, 1867. Canada became a kingdom in its own right on that date, but the British Parliament kept limited rights of political control over the new country that were shed by stages over the years until the last vestiges were surrendered in 1982 when the Constitution Act patriated the Canadian constitution”. Now that I know some history about Canada Day- what are some things that I will need with me to celebrate?

Since there are many parades and gatherings in Canada today, I definitely need a Canadian flag. But where did this flag come from? According to About.com (Canada),  “It wasn't until the 1965 inauguration of the maple leaf flag that Canada had its own national flag. In the early days of Canadian Confederation the Royal Union flag, or Union Jack, was still flown in British North America".

So, what else do I need to learn today? How about the lyrics to O’Canada?! Now that I can recite the song you can bet that there will be BBQ’s tonight, gathering of friends/family, and fireworks! I can't wait to sit by the bonfire on the beach, make s'mores and watch the fireworks tonight!

Today there is also excitement over Prince William and Kate’s visit to Canada! All over the news they are following the royal visitors in Ottawa as they celebrate Canada Day. Prince William is expecting to speak today and there are thousands waiting on Parliament Hill. Watching the news- they both look stunning with their red and white fashion (and I just love Kate’s red maple leaf hat)! Now, its time for me to head to the beach and wish you a Happy Canada Day!

Wimbledon Update #8

Djokovic won in 4 sets against Tsonga 7-6, 6-2, (7-6), 6-3. I was hoping that Tsonga could at least bring it to 5 sets but I am happy to see Djokovic get in the final and now have the #1 ranking in the world. Later today Nadal will play Murray- and I bet that match will be one you do not want to miss! 

Image Source: http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/photos/2011-06-29/201106291309360799492.html , http://ca.eonline.com/uberblog/b250299_kate_middleton_prince_william_kick_off.html