Lagoa's Xmas Tree

One of my favorite things in December is to rent a paddle boat and go see Lagoa's floating xmas tree from very very close! I It's been a city tradition for over 10 years, and they always come up with something different. Last year they had pictures of Brazil's famous landscapes. This year is pretty traditional xmas colors, lights and decorations and I LOVE it! I pass by it everyday since it's right by my house and I can't get enough :)

the nut cracker!

Cooking grandma's nut cake - 2 of my favorite things :))

I have to say Vivi has a natural talent for the kitchen and she was amazing with the mixer!

It turned out perfect, just like hers, and tasting like childhood Xmas!

xmas shopping

PRESS PLAY É preciso saber viver - Roberto Carlos

Victória is so enthusiatic about the blog! She is often posing for feet pics. We were on the mall this week and she was the one who found this lovely floor at a store! So cute :)

Later on we watched a coral singing a song I LOVE, that says something like "you need to know how to live / if there is a rock on your way, you can remove it..." and Vivi actually knew the lyrics!

This song is by Roberto Carlos, called "The King" here in Brasil. He is a very famous song writer and singer and he is been a huge success since the 60's, with him romantic songs. Every year the TV has a Xmas special with him.

Lillies :)

got ink done today! :D still buuuurns...

PRESS PLAY Lilly - Pink Martini

...actually I recycled an old tattoo I had there for 15 years, and it really wasn't me anymore... now it literally is! And I LOVE it!

Victória and Valentina's party!

December is for sure an emotional month for me. It's my mom's and grandma's birthday, and they are both not here anymore to celebrate with us, but it's also Victória and Valentina's birthday, and that is guaranteed fun!

Our friend Barbara had to rescue little Lara from the ball pool, I took a ride on a seahorse, girls had fun playing with the table decoration and were literally climbing walls! The one looking at the camera is Julia, Vivi's best friend, in her princess costume. Victória didn't bother to look, she was too concentrated playing with the Barbies (which by the way I LOVE) and when I told her I wanted a picture for my blog she just gave me her dirty foot! :P

My sister now loves to put her feet on my pics, and Barbara wanted to show off her red sole hills :) Too bad they are not Louboutins!

Happy birthday girls!

tiny dancer

PRESS PLAY História de uma gata - Vanessa da Mata

Last weekend it was Victoria's first ballet presentation :)) She was in three choreographies, and she played an Angel, Little Red Riding Hood and a Cat! It was soooo cool to see her dance one of my favorite childhood songs!

My sister was travelling for work, so I did the backstage preparation - make up, hair, costumes... she really wanted my red lipstick, and it I had a hard time convincing her it wouldn't look good with the angel outfit! These girls today are impossible! :D

setting up the xmas tree :)

I LOVE Christmas! Always have, since I was a kid, and I guess it's because of my grandma's great parties, with all my cousins, delicious food and her inimitable Santa Claus song when it was time to open the gifts :)) A tear wants to come down, just for thinking about it...

Also December is the month of many birthdays in my family - my grandma, my aunt, my mom, and now my two nieces! - and it is definitely the time to celebrate. I have to say it's not been easy, since mom and grandma recently passed away, but I do try to keep the spirit alive.

One thing that my tree can't miss is my grandma's traditional Christmas card! The other things my xmas will always have are all the loving memories, the wonderful taste, since I got her hand for cooking, and the love and the joy, because I will always believe in Santa and in magic, and in miracles :)