Mhine's Birthday and 17th Family Day (April 22)

Another birthday dinner... This time it's our friend, neighbor and kumare, Mhine Umali. They prepared lunch earlier so Lulette could join before going back to Perth. Then they had another set of guests for dinner and family day, as well.

I sure missed a lot of fun for coming a bit late yet family day will always be the same. Just being with a bunch people who laugh so genuinely at silly jokes; enjoy doing the same old stuff every time; make you feel like you belong no matter what - to me, that's more than enough affirmation of how having a family makes a lot of difference, even when you're far away from your true family.

Click link for photos: http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Mhine%20Birthday%20and%2017th%20Family%20Day/

Project: Hello Kitty cake and cupcakes

Made this project for a special little girl who is very close to my heart.  She turned seven on Saturday where a big celebration was held at the New Camfield Hall.  This was one big event and I was given the privilege to be one of the "Seven Gifts".

The cake.

Photo taken using my iPhone

 The cupcakes.

Photo wasn't very nice but these cupcakes were a hit

I am very disappointed realizing that I have totally forgotten to take a descent photo of both the cake and cupcakes.  How did I manage to do that?  I do have my own sequence of tasks when making these projects.  Normally, as soon as I finished the whole project, which includes cleaning up my mess, washing tools and then putting them back where they should be, I make it a point to take photos using my phone for my Instagram account.  Proper photos I usually take with my DSLR, subject to editing and watermarking.  Regrettably, I was in running late for work that Saturday morning.  Still quite lucky that I did have a few shots saved on my mobile. 

Charish Allaine Rey's 7th Birthday (April 21)

Three years ago, this little girl would hang out with me every afternoon while her parents were at work. This setup went on for only a few weeks.

In that span of three years, she has grown up so fast and now she turns seven.

On Saturday, a big celebration fit for a princess was held at New Camfield hall. She was so beautiful in her gown. Truly stunning under the spotlight. One very unforgettable evening of wonderful memories that she will remember forever.

Dinner with mates from Dome (April 19)

The idea of having this dinner just popped up on Wednesday while we were all at work. Pauline and Marco, the french couple who has been working at the Dome for over a month now invited us for dinner at their place. They live at Stanley Street which is just on the other side of the highway from our place.

I cooked sweet and sour meatballs and special fried rice to let them have a taste of some Filipino foods. Narni and Suresh brought with them buttered chicken, curry chicken and curry lentils. And Pauline made some salmon and spinach quiche, apple pie and lemon tart.

It was really a fun night, though Marco wasn't there when we arrived because he had to work, he managed to come home before we left. 

16th Family Day (April 14)

Sundays have become the most important day of the week for all of us. It has become an obligation that we have embraced freely to fulfill in spite of our conflicting and busy schedule. And I must say that every gathering has always been a wonderful time for us to relax, laugh and enjoy some good food. I guess that's what we all need to have a balanced social life. Once in a while we need to loosen up and free our minds from all the toxic at work or around us, and just imbibe good vibes and happy thoughts. 

Project: Blooming with daisies cake


Image above is what the client wanted her cake to look like.  Had to tell her some details can't be copied exactly the same due to limited resources and tools.

Tried the best that I can to make it look closer to the original.  You be the judge.

my version

15th Family Day (April 7)

Few good points about this family day gathering:
...sumptuous dinner, all main dish prepared by Chad. Whatever he cooks, it just tastes so good.
...decadent desserts, Kumare made some chocolate cake and banana cake while I tried to make my very first red velvet cake.
...karaoke time, we haven't been doing this for a while and it really adds to the fun when the machine gives a high score after every song.
...unexpected visitor, Father Dom joined us which was quite unusual because most of the time it was Father Bong. We don't always get to hang out with Father Dom but it looked like he would be our frequent guest every Sunday. He stayed til late and he enjoyed singing along.

Project: Wonder woman inspired cake

When the order came through, I have to admit I was a bit hesitant to accept it.  Because of that one thing that always restrain me... 

The fact that I'm just a beginner and that I can't do most crafty stuff.  

But, still, I am very thankful because there are a few people out there who choose to believe in what I can do.  I learn a thing or two from every project given to me.  And if it wasn't for the support and appreciation, I would have stopped dreaming and aspiring that someday I'd be proud of what I have achieved.

Going back to the cake I am talking about, here it is...

Wonder Woman inspired cake

I let them pick out which design they like.  Among the five choices this was the least difficult.  I just didn't expect they would consider it over the other designs.  

Project: Madonna-inspired boobs cake

Madonna-inspired boobies cake

This is by far the most in demand design among all the cakes that I make.  In the last twelve months since my first attempt, I've already made four.  This would be the fifth.  

My manager at work ordered this as a present for one of the supervisors birthday.  She wanted it to look like Madonna's iconic cone bra, to go well with the 80's theme party. 


Tried to make the boobies more pointed, as they were supposed to resemble cones, but failed to do so.  I just thought it might look better with stars on top.


14th Family Day (April 1)

Palm Sunday... Start of the holy week... A simple dinner with the rest of the gang. It's been over a week now and as far as I can remember, we just watched TV shows on TFC while doing our nails. It has become a part of our Sunday routine lately that all three of us put some nail polish, not necessarily of the same color though. I find it really fun to do. I've never been so concerned about my nails until just recently.

Vivian's Birthday Dinner (March 31)

Another birthday for the last day of March. 

This year we were invited to be once again be a part of her special celebration which was held at their new place in Yakamia. Unlike the previous years, this one was a bit more private, I would say. Not that many guests were at the dinner, quite obviously there was the absence of people who are close to her. Nonetheless, the night was still fun. Everybody did have a wonderful time, full of plain laughter and a lot of singing. 

Project: Pink and girly cake

Pretty in pink baptism cake

Second project over the weekend.  This one was for a christening held last Saturday.  

I love the simplicity of this design.  Sometimes less details make a cake stand out.  The bows, on the other hand, added a more classy look to it.

fondant bows


Project: Make-up kit theme cake

cosmetics pouch

Made this for a friend's birthday.  I've always known her for being a well made-up woman, so the whole idea of this theme came out in an instant.

The pouch itself wasn't very hard to make.  And for the first time, I was quite happy with the outcome of the RED liquid coloring.  

mini make-up set

Had to use non-edible permanent ink on some writings.  No need to freak out about it because I've advised them beforehandIt shouldn't be taken in.


13th Family Day (March 25)

Long overdue upload... Seems like I've been really busy over the week... Well, I was. Had two cake orders due for pick up on the same day... Apart from that, I had to do extra hours at work for training. It has been a pretty draining week. Can't wait to have an Easter break.

We had a variety of food for dinner, grilled squid and bangus that we haven't had for quite a while.  Isaw barbecue, which is a personal favorite and we've also got ginisang mongo. How do you resist the temptation of eating more than what you need to take inn when these foods are just so inviting? Seriously, I don't know.

Chad and Father Bong went out to go "crabbing". Nearly three hours after, they were back with 11 pieces of big crabs. The following day, we had dinner at their house again because Chad cooked some crabs in coconut milk and Sprite. Yum!