This Music Monday features Italian rapper and singer, Fred De Palma, otherwise known as Federico Palana. This 29 year old artist started in the competition scenes of Milano and Torino. Slowly he climbed up the ranks, even garnering a spot on the second season of MTV Italy’s freestyle rap competition programme, Spit, along the way. Now […]
Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of attending Square One’s second annual, “One Night in La Dolce Vita,” a fundraiser benefitting both Oakville Hospital Foundation and Trillium Health Partners Foundation. Once again, no detail was spared on this amazing event, fully immersing guests in an authentic Italian experience complete with great food, decor and music! The […]
Hello October! We are officially knee-deep in the fall season, and I couldn’t be happier! The colours of nature, the crisp air and the fun holidays, make this month such a special treat! To kick off the month, Viva la Dolce has a unique Music Monday song to share. The song is, “Start Again” by […]
With the month of September coming to an end, I am in disbelief at how fast this month flew by! It’s definitely been a busy one here at Viva la Dolce, as we prepare for many exciting fall events! While each month has it’s share of busy moments, September is one of those months filled […]
Hello, and happy September! September is always an exciting month as it marks an unofficial new year and hence, a fresh start. Also, it brings the much anticipated cooler temperatures after a hot and humid summer! With this Music Monday falling on the first week of September, thus back-to-school time, I chose a song […]
I can’t believe the summer has already come to an end! Just a couple of weeks left before it’s officially sweater weather! While part of me will miss the lazy days in the sun, the other part of me cannot wait to bring out the fall fashion! In preparation for the fall, I am researching […]
This Monday brings another Italian summer hit! This song, entitled, “Non ti dico no” (“I won’t tell you no”) features reggae and hip hop group, Boomdabash and the iconic, Loredana Bertè. The vibe of the song matches the chill tone of summer perfectly, while the lyrics reflect the carefree atmosphere that summer brings, where spur-of-the-moment fun […]
So, it’s the last month of summer…are you panicking yet? Well, hopefully not! Many people get a little anxious as they realize that summer is winding down – especially if they haven’t crossed off all their “to-do” items yet. Hopefully you aren’t in that position, but if so, take a deep breath, relax and start […]
This week’s Music Monday post features one of my all-time favourite Italian bands, Negramaro. I have followed this band for quite some time, and am happy to see that their musical talents have allowed them to create hit after hit after hit over the years. This week’s featured song is a slower-tempo tune, that speaks […]
A few posts ago, I introduced you to my niece, Stephanie, who joined Viva la Dolce as a contributing writer. In her first post, she gave us great suggestions for spring dresses; Stephanie is back again with more fashion advice, this time, on the current denim trend. Read on for some great tips and links for […]
There is something special about what a nonna (grandma) bakes. It can be the simplest, easiest dish, but with her touch, it becomes the most scrumptious treat! One such treat is our nonna’s waffles! These waffles are quick and easy to make! They can be enjoyed with some syrup, jam, or better yet, nutella (yum!). […]
Un’estate italiana (an Italian summer), is filled with many amazing things: gelato, beautiful fashion, days and nights by the sea, evening strolls to the piazza, the list goes on and on. However, nothing is quite as special as the music during the summer season in Italy. Maybe it’s the catchy beats, the lyrics that almost always reference “amore” (love) or “il […]
School is out and it’s time to enjoy the long, lazy days of summer! With so much to see and do throughout the month of July, you’ll be surprised how fast the days fly by! Make the most of your summer with some great “dolce to-do” ideas below! * * * * * 1. Dip your […]
Yesterday was the kickoff to the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) in Toronto! It was an evening filled with great food, great fun, and of course great film! The evening began with the opening film, “Like a Cat on a Highway,” or “Come un gatto in tangenziale.” As the stars walked the red carpet, guests […]
It’s June! Pretty soon school will be out, and summer vacation will begin – a time for fun-filled days in the sun and late nights under the stars. For ideas on how to pass the time before summer vacation officially starts, check out the list below! 1. Enjoy some ice cream outdoors: There is something special about enjoying fresh, […]
Happy June! In Canada, June is officially recognized as National Italian Heritage Month. Officially declared in 2017 by the federal government of Canada, this recognition helps to celebrate the richness of Italian culture and heritage, as well as the wonderful contributions Italians have made to the country. Canada is home to over 1.5 million Canadians […]
Straw bags are synonymous with the warmer weather – think beach time, light and airy attire, and it becomes clear as to why. This year the trend seems to be even more popular, with a huge variety of styles to choose from! From classic tote, to cute and circular, to boxy with pompoms, it seems […]