2020 was a year I will never forget... like many of you, possibly the most challenging. But, it was also my favorite because it was the year of Lola. Thank you SO MUCH for supporting our family despite what you may have been going through this year. This community is something special and I hope I also make you feel supported, understood, and like yourself, because that’s how you make me feel ❤️ (I used an app called CreatorKit for this, and don’t recommend lol. Paid $2.79 because I didn’t want to wait for the bestnine website to process 🙄) 
Exactly how I want to spend 2021. Couldn’t choose just one 😍 
Merry Christmas Eve, love from The Sousas ❤️ 
Traditions at Christmas are my fave part, and this year especially, they are essential to making this Christmas feel connected to our loved ones ❤️ Sugar Cookies (the crunchy kind!) were always my grandmas fave. I bought some royal icing from @wholefoodsbc, added some sprinkles, and I think they turned out ok for this cookie decorating rookie. Next year, maybe Lola can join me in making them! I shared the recipe I used in my COOKING 3 highlight if you want something cozy to do. Merry Christmas 🎄 
An accurate representation of me IRL in 2020. Leggings, wet bun, mask, phone. I have a feeling I’m not alone 😜 Thanks for snapping this photo of my day on @shopwest4th with @vitadaily.ca, @alyssacdawson 🙌🏽 
If you’re doing some Christmas baking this weekend, these Twix Bars are a family fave and I’ve shared the recipe in stories if you’re looking for a good one! 🍫🎄 
Where 2020 started vs. where it’s ending! ❤️ One year ago on Christmas Day 2019 and I was two months pregnant after our second IVF embryo transfer. We took this photo to hopefully be able to announce our pregnancy at some point but were still extremely scared about potentially losing another baby. What a difference a year makes - Lola is here, in her jingle jammies, and all smiles 😍 I know this year has been so so rough for a lot of us - ours meant I spent my pregnancy in lockdown, Roberto being off work because his salon was shut down, we’ve mourned the loss of many things... we adapted to many things, but mostly did our best to enjoy the time together as a family of two, preparing for our little one to arrive. There were many uncertain moments in 2020, but Lola will always be the bright light of this year and our life! Never doubt what a difference a year can make. 2021 is going to be a fresh start for all of us ❤️ 
CHRISTMAS BAKING RECIPE 🎄Now more than ever, we need to make new holiday traditions. We need to get cozy, do things that make us happy and focus on the GOOD ❤️Last year, I shared my mom’s pretty darn famous Cinnamon Swirl Loaf and you guys loved it so much. This was my most saved post of all time and you tag me when you bake it, which I LOVE! It’s really the recipe that defines Christmas for me... and Christmas baking is one of my fave things to do... especially to get those magical Christmas feelings. If there is ONE recipe I’d have to say defines our Christmas, it would be my Mom’s Cinnamon Swirl Loaf! 🎄I baked two double batches this weekend and it’s now officially Christmas! I will miss my family so SO much this year... but this little recipe will help me feel a little closer to them. I can’t wait to make it with Lola one day! Enjoy! ❤️🎁🎅🏼 MOM’S CINNAMON SWIRL LOAF (makes one large loaf) 1 cup sour cream 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 cup butter 1 cup white sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp real vanilla 1 3/4 cup flour 1 tsp baking powder TOPPING: 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tsp cinnamon HOW TO: * Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line loaf pan with parchment paper or grease well * Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in small bowl * Mix sour cream and baking soda in a bowl, set aside * In large mixing bowl, blend softened butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until fluffy * In separate bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Alternate with sour cream mixture into your butter mixture ensuring you don’t over mix * Layer batter into your loaf pan: one layer batter, sprinkle liberally with cinnamon sugar, swirl with a knife, add second layer of batter and sprinkle top with cinnamon sugar, swirl with knife * Bake for about 45 min, checking with a knife for doneness. If it’s not done, continue baking watching closely and checking often This recipe doubles and freezes beautifully! ❤️#momscinnamonswirl 
GIVEAWAY 🎁 I'm so excited to be teaming up with @misschrisycharms + @canvascandleco for a little holiday gift juuust for TWO of you! Two of you will win a $100 gift card to @canvascandleco... that means you can treat yourself or buy gifts for your fave people! 🌟 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Follow me, @misschrisycharms + @canvascandleco Tag your friend in the comments with a little LOVE 🤍 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Winner announced December 10th! GOOD LUCK 🎁 
She is the best thing to happen in 2020. We all have to dig deep right now and focus on any glimmer of joy... I don’t pretend to know what you’re going through, but even if it’s the sip of a hot coffee today... try to find it. This little one is all of my joy right now 🤍