Ice Cream Cake

We gave our daughter  a choice to pick her  birthday cake and she chose  ice cream cake.  It was perfect since it's hot and having an ice cream literally cooled us down on her 14th birthday.

The only thing about having ice cream cake is that, it's hard to slice it as it is frozen.  Running a hot water over  the knife helps though.

Ice cream cake is too rich for me so I just always share with one of my kids.  I can't finish a slice of this sweet!

But anyway, I am kind of sad that my little girl is getting older.  She'll be driving soon, ugh.  She's been practicing  test online as preparation before she take the written exam for her learners permit.  

3 Reasons You Should Visit Montreal this Summer

Whether you’re single and looking for a good time, or a family looking for a safe and beautiful place to go this summer, Montreal is the perfect spot. It is culturally different for you to feel like you’re on a whole other continent. Montreal truly comes alive in the Summer and is one of the most popular Canadian cities for North American travelers for a reason. Here are three reasons why you should visit Montreal this Summer.

The Festivals

Montreal is a city of festivals, and the whole downtown core’s architecture was built with that in mind. Whether you want to soak in some of the city’s French culture and music at the various Festivals (Francofolies, Jazz Festival, Nuits d’Afrique, and so much more), or see some of the world’s most iconic comedians perform at the world-renowned Just for Laughs Festival, you’ll have an abundance of choice. The Montreal Jazz Festival is also a must-see and features performers from all over the world. And though it’s called the Jazz Festival, you can see tons of alternative rock, blues, folk, and even some DJ sets.

The Food

Montreal is the ultimate foodie town and you’ll get to enjoy the incredible diversity and variety of the local food scene once you’re there. Go on the Eastside and you’ll find kebab shops worthy of some of the best places in Istanbul. Or sample some of the delicious Haitian creole cuisine on the north side of town. Montreal is also the place where poutine, the country’s unofficial national dish, was perfected. And no visit to Montreal would be complete without going to La Banquise, which offers some of the wildest and most enormous poutines you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Montreal also has some of the best steakhouses in North America, and they have their unique Montreal Steak Spice . You’ll have no issue finding a great steakhouse & bar in Montreal, even if you’re looking for something more affordable. Bâton Rouge, for instance, is one of the city’s institutions, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. If you’re looking for choice and range when it comes to cuisine, Montreal is definitely the place to be.

The People

But if there’s one thing that really sets Montreal apartis the People. The city is one of the safest major cities in North America, and people’s naturally kind disposition certainly has something to do with it.

There’s truly a sense of proximity and small-town charm to Montreal, so don’t be surprised if a complete stranger strikes a conversation with you on the street. The street life is also something else, and there’s always a party going on in Montreal. If you’re looking for great spots, Old Montreal, St-Laurent Street, and Crescent should be on your list.

Conclusion

Montreal is truly one of a kind and a Canadian must stop. Whether it's the food, people, or the general festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone in Montreal.