13th Family Day

Last Sunday's heat was like summer in its full swing.  A lovely day, I supposed, for most people who were relaxing in the comfort of their own homes and for some who went out enjoying the beach. Too bad I didn't get to go home until four in the afternoon.  I needed to hang on at work though it was terribly boring.

We held our usual gathering at the Umali's, where we shared a feast of four equally filling dishes (see second photo). I reckon this every Sunday affair is gonna make me fat.

It was already dark when we left home to visit Roan Mae. She's been sick for quite sometime due to her health condition so we've decided to see how she's going. Listening to her story and how she continues to courageously fight with all her struggles makes me admire her. Faith can really move mountains.

Project: My very first boobies cake

One of our friends, Vivian, celebrated her birthday last Saturday.  Prior to that, she came over to the Dome to personally ask me if I could make her a cake.  Without a second thought, I said yes. 

my sister's boobies cake

 A couple of weeks back, my sister posted this photo of her latest cake design.  It was a boobies cake in red corset.  It looked so nice and I couldn't help my admiration of how she came up with such creative concept.  She has really gone a long way in the art of cake making and decorating.

The thought of making my own version gave me a thrill of excitement.  My sister would always tell me which design is easy to make and which is not.  And when it comes to inputs, I knew I could only trust the expert.

Cake design makes a cake stand out.  If you want your cake to catch everyone's attention at a party or in any gathering, you have to make it distinct.

I set aside my hesitation.  Before all the ingredients were delivered to me, I started making an outline in my head.  I didn't want to fail on my first attempt.

Making the cake base was easy.  The only difficult part was making the boobies look fuller and even in shape.  If I had the right baking pan it would have been easier but thanks to my resourceful ideas.  I just used two small oven-proof bowls as alternative pans, trimmed off excess of the cake and shaped them.  Covering the whole cake with rolled fondant was another critical point.  I've rolled out the fondant too thin because I wasn't sure if I had enough to cover up the whole cake.  As a result, the surface turned out with lopsidedness and lumps.  Lastly, the most intricate bra design.  I had quite an interesting time working it out because I was so concerned that it won't be pleasing to the eye.  I added a few details on the bra just to make it look more attractive.

my version of boobies cake

Vivian Rey's Birthday Dinner

Last Saturday was such a busy day for me.  After knocking off from work at two, I had to rush home as quick as I possibly could to finish my cake.  From the moment I stepped in the kitchen and put on my apron, I was like a wanna-be "pastry chef".  Not to mention the mess I made around the whole place while engrossed in the process.

I finally got to polish the design on time. When I handed it over to Vivian, I could see the joy in her eyes. And that was enough to ease my exhaustion...  It gives me real happiness when people appreciate and value the work that I do.

Kids Carla and Vianca loved the cake

With other ladies guests

Invasion of the blondies

Wednesdays have been my RDO for quite sometime now, and whenever Kumare (Jeraldine) gets the same day off as mine, she makes it a point to fetch us up for some OP shopping.  Don't even try to imagine how on earth could she manage to fit two babies and three passenger adults in her car.  I tell you, it takes a lot of courage to do that.

On our recent day out, we had a quick stop over at Gigi's place.  Like most women I know, Gigi loves collecting shoes, bags and accessories.  When asked if she's already prepared for Donna's seventies party, she brought out this long curly blonde wig.  No doubt, she's on to it.  Oh m, I almost forgot about that thing, might have to do some googling for outfit suggestions.

I wanted so much to try it on just for fun. So we ended up trying it on. Each of us had at least a couple of photos wearing it. But I've got more than that because I also tried Gigi's gorgeous pair of boots.

Winnie

Mhine

Even Ashlyn

It must have been my lucky day visiting their house for the first time, for she gave me a pair of black boots. She's already got two pairs pretty much with the same style, so she said I could have the other one.

11th Family Day

At this point, the whole family is still at the lowest after Inay's death.  It is a truly difficult circumstance to be miles away from home, especially in times like this where each member needs to be present for one another.  But as much as we want to be with the rest of the family, there are also important matters that we should address while we are here.  I know Inay understands why we had to do what we ought to do.  

In the observance of her wake that was still on going in Lipa, we just had a simple family day get-together at the Umali's. Thanks to our friends who have been with us through all the hard times. Thanks for your prayers, support and sympathy.

Our feast:

Ginisang Munggo with kalabasa ng alugbati by Kumare Geraldine; Fettucine Carbonara by Kumare Geraldine; Tokwa't Baboy by Anekh; Pritong Isda by Chad

12th Family Day

It's been a week of constant sprinkles for Albany, which is not an unusual happening. Most locals believe this town can have four seasons in one day. Its location must have something to do with this being at the very bottom of the continent.

We just stayed indoor throughout the afternoon; nibbled on yummy foods like the food for the gods that Kumare made and potato salad that we brought over. 

Our food for the day

It was still fun playing around with Charmelle.

My Menu for Dinner

It's one of those days when I feel like spending some time in the kitchen to ameliorate my passion for cooking.  I would have love to do it more often but my demanding schedule always gets in the way.

Today after having done all my personal chores I thought of cooking dinner a little bit earlier than usual.  As early as 3PM, I had all my ingredients prepared.  Like what they do in some cooking shows, I placed each of them in small bowls and tried arranging them in order of addition.  That's how I want things done, my way.  It brings back my college memories when we used to do experiments in the laboratory where being systematic and methodical should be observed at all times.  

I was in the middle of sauteing garlic and onion when Hubby came in.  He was surprised to see how I've arranged my ingredients in such manner.   

Modified Chicken Afritada

My dish for dinner.

I made some modification from the original recipe; added some slices of hotdogs.

I think I overcooked the chicken and some veggies a little bit.

My energy level must have been high today... Still managed to cook another meal after the other.

Fettucini Carbonara

For Hubby's smoko.

I just used a small portion of pasta, added some bacon, fresh milk and parmesan cheese.

Kumare Jeraldine's Birthday Dinner

She could be the next Imelda Marcos for having 100++ pairs of shoes.  This gave me the idea of what cake design to come up with.  

The toppers were real chocolate which I bought from Priceline, The brand says Jessica Walker luxury collection.  Was just so lucky to find what I was looking for.

Kumare and her cake

Hubby and I really loved this salad.  It's got crispy noodles in it.

Manag Viring and neice Donna, with Kumare and husband

Project: Birthday Cake for Kumare

She's one special woman who deserves an equally special cake.

I wanted to make her something unique, something that will define her personality.  The first thing that came to my mind was a luggage or bag cake with LV monogram.  But since some food colors are not available here such as brown and black, I instantly got rid of the idea.  I know my skills in cake making is limited to a few designs only but I tried my best to come up with a creative concept.  And so, it just popped out from nowhere. 

Cake:  moist chocolate cake

Icing: buttercream

Topper: pair of shoes made from edible chocolate

I actually got those pair of shoes from Priceline when they had a massive post-Valentine chocolate clearance sale.  Little did I know that it could be useful to me later on.  

Inspired by Kumare's penchant for all sorts of footwear, which if I may say would probably be over a hundred pairs, it would have been a perfect addition to her collection if they were real and wearable.  Needless to say, Kumare was utterly delighted the first time she saw it.  She was just so grateful because she wasn't expecting it. 

10th Family Day

10th Family Day of present year.

Held at Umali's place. This time around, hubby and I made some fruit salad to bring over. The weather was fine that afternoon so we went for a quick trip to The Sanctuary at Lancaster. Charmelle had so much fun running around, picking tiny flowers and all sorts of leaves within her reach. We, on the other hand, enjoyed the mini playground and the spectacular view of the greens.

Location: The Sanctuary, Lancaster

Our foods:

Sinaing na isda (by Chad); Modified Kare-kare (by Kumare); Pansit bihon (by Chad); Fruit Salad (by Anekh)

Charmelle in her underpants after having a wee

Anekh perfectly captured this beautiful flower at the park

Kumare takes the first pose

They're simply having fun

Wondering what was I doing here? *lol

Jimboy's Birthday Dinner

His real name is Gerald Benjamin Rimando but everyone calls him "Jimboy".

Yesterday he celebrated his 12th birthday with a dinner at their place, a small gathering of family friends.

Nearly got blown over by the strong wind

For his special day, I made him a chocolate cake coated with chocolate butter icing decorated with pastel colored sprinkles and tiny bits of chocolate kisses.

Time to blow his candles

Jimboy cutting the cake for his guests

All smiles after a wonderful dinner

9th Family Day

After finishing work that Sunday afternoon, hubby and I headed to our usual venue, at Umali's place. Prior that, I had a bit of hysteria when I found out that the tuna pasta I made the night before got spoiled. I was so disappointed because I put so much effort in making it just to chuck all of it in the bin. Apparently hubby had forgotten to keep it in the fridge all morning.  It was too late to make another dish. Lucky I got to taste some of it that morning for breakfast.

Location shoot: Albany Hartman Gardens, York Street