My 1 Year Anniversary in Canada!

 Happy 1 Year Anniversary in Canada to me!

One year ago today I moved to Toronto! Yeah!! I have learned so much about the city, found my favorite places to visit, went to some fantastic events and have met so many wonderful people. This year has gone by so fast- but one of the best moments this year was when I officially “landed” as a Permanent Resident of Canada. What a year! :)



Image Source: http://www.fuelyourmotionography.com/fym-one-year-birthday-giveaway/

Happy Memorial Day USA!

Today is Memorial Day in the United States! This federal holiday is observed annually in the US as it falls on the last Monday in May. “Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War”. (1) I wish I was able to spend some time with family and friends this weekend for the many BBQs, parades, concerts, fireworks and events!

My deepest gratitude to all that have served, are serving, and especially the men & women who gave their lives on our behalf.

Source:

1)    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day

2)    http://cbsmiami.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/memorialday_observe.jpg

Victoria Day with Prince Charles & Camilla

Today is Victoria Day, which celebrates Queen Victoria's birthday (May 24th). Looking up the history it states, “Canada is still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, of which the Queen is head. Victoria Day is always on a Monday, and thus the holiday is part of a long weekend”.

According to CityNews, “This year’s Victoria Day festivities will have an extra royal flare in Toronto with Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cambridge, scheduled to take in the fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park (in Toronto) tonight”. I look forward to taking in the fireworks and celebrating my first Victoria Day in Canada!

 Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are greeted as they arrive in Canada. The royal couple are visiting to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Content/Image Source:

http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/206292--victoria-day-2012-fireworks-events-across-toronto

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Day

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1181780--prince-charles-and-camilla-greeted-by-crowd-at-cfb-gagetown

2012 Stars on Ice at the Air Canada Centre

I wanted to post about the amazing 2012 Stars on Ice show I saw at the Air Canada Centre! I have been a fan and skater myself so I just couldn’t resist a chance to see Kurt Browning, Virtue & Moir, Joanne Rochette, Jeffrey Buttle, Jeremy Abbott, Cynthia Phaneuf, Ashley Wagner, Weaver & Poje, Shawn Sawyer and Davis & White perform!

The show showcased each athlete beautifully and Kurt Browning directed most of the innovative choreography! One of my favorite cast routines was when the ensemble skated to “Dog Days are Over” by Florence & the Machine. It was also a treat to see Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir skate to “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley in a beautiful and strong routine that literally had me mesmerized. To my surprise Davis & White came out and performed their 2012 World Championship routine “Die Fledermaus” by Johann Strauss and it was fantastic!! 

Such a great night for all skating fans out there- I hope to see another show in the future! 

 Stars on Ice @ Air Canada Centre in Toronto!

Miansai Anchor Bracelet by Michael Saiger

In celebration of my Permanent Residency in Canada, I received the most beautiful Miansai anchor bracelet! I was just thrilled to learn more about the creator/founder of these magnificent Miansai pieces Michael Saiger. 

According to his website, he is a New York bred, self taught designer, that incorporates nautical designs that stems from his childhood memories of the beaches of New England. I was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, so his innovation and nostalgia really rang true with me. Each bracelet is handcrafted from military grade custom rope and some metals are used from salvaged machinery. This anchor bracelet is the perfect piece in honor my “landing” here in Canada!