Pink and White Damask Wedding Cake

I have always admired damask.  For some, it may look a bit oldish (so back in the days) but in my eyes it exudes so much class and style.  I love seeing it on wallpapers, scrapbook materials, notebooks, on pretty much everything.  Oh and most specially on the cakes, wedding cakes.

When this wedding cake project came along, I couldn't instantly think of anything more perfect to complement sugar flowers with than a picture of damask on the background.  Of course I had to get the client's thoughts about it first before getting too excited in finalizing the design, although I was hoping she'd say yes to it.  Lucky enough she did approve my ideas.  Yes!

A week before event date, parcel arrived.  This cost me nearly $30 from Ebay (including postage).  A bit pricey but it was the cheapest I could find.  It came from Melbourne while some of the ones I've seen would have to come from the UK and US.

As for the sugar flowers, I wanted to make something different than the frilly roses I always do.  They're pretty but I find them a bit difficult to attach on the cake when they have already dried.  

Pinterest always has an alternative when you need one.  Found this very helpful tutorial.  

I must haven't done it as perfectly but this is my version.

Now all set for the big project.  Bottom cake is chocolate mud and top is vanilla.  Excuse the low lighting. These photos were taken at around 12 midnight.

Australian Citizenship Pledge Day

Me and the Mayor of Albany, Mr. Dennis Wellington

I'm officially an Australian Citizen!  

Last Thursday, the 16th of this month, I was one among the group of Filipinos together with other nationalities who took part in a very memorable event where we made an oath...

"From this time forward, under God,

I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,

whose democratic beliefs I share,

whose rights and liberties I respect, and

whose laws I will uphold and obey."

Becoming an Australian citizen is a choice and I truly believe that this has to be one of the best choices I have made in my life. 

But whatever I have become, wherever I may be, regardless of this transition, I know I will always embrace and live up to the values I was brought up with.  

Outfit on Pledge Day - OOPD

As soon as I learned that I successfully passed the Citizenship test, my imagination started to wander on what to wear for the ceremony, already.  Don't give me that silly look.  I was just getting intoxicated seeing those ladies on INSTAGRAM showing off their beautifully put together clothes, shoes and accessories.  I envy them.  Envy often connotes evil desire, I might just use the word ADMIRE.  I admire them because they could afford to buy expensive brands.  I admire them because they have the creativity and style to mix and match pieces and still look good.  I admire them because they have barbie-like waistline and hair.  I admire them because they look so chic and fashionable.  I can go on and on saying every little things that I admire about them.  And I think it's a good way to inspire women, ladies and girls to feel good and be more confident about themselves, in one way or another.  

Just for a day, allow me to blog about what I was wearing on my Citizenship Pledge Ceremony.  

Dress: Temt , Necklace: Vintage shop,  Earrings: Guess,
Watch: DKNY, Bracelet: DKNY, Rings: Guess,
Shoes: Guess

The look I was aiming to achieve was more of a classic-vintage.  I opted to wear black because it always gives that "slim" illusion.  So when we went to Perth last month, I looked at every store in Harbour Town for the style I had pictured in my mind.  I wanted something that has lace details but black specifically, but couldn't find any.  Nearly gave up but when I spotted this dress hanging on the rack and thought it would be a perfect substitute for the style I was looking for.  The shoes came later as a bonus when I was doing some online shopping one night.  I already had a pair to wear but it was the lace design that caught my attention.  Didn't waste another minute to think, they were delivered at my doorsteps two days before the date of event.  Some of the accessories are part of my Guess jewelry collection.  The pearl necklace I bought from an antique shop ages ago for only $2.00.

Lipstick: Dior, Mascara: Revlon, Eyeliner: Estee Lauder
Blush: Maybelline, Eyeshadow pallette: Cover Girl

A friend of mine did my hair and make up for the day.  Believe it or not, she did all of it in not more than 30 minutes!  The end result was surprisingly good.  I love that it complements my overall look.  

Project: Barbie cake and cupcakes

I was recently given the privilege to do a cake and some cupcakes for one of our friend's daughter who turned seven on January first.  It's a common knowledge that Filipinos love celebrating birthdays, most especially kids birthdays.  But it still remains unclear to me why the 7th for the girls is always given as much importance as the 18th.  Could someone please explain that to me?  

Hazel, the mom, personally came to our house a few weeks back to discuss with me the kind of cake they would like.  Barbie was the chosen theme for the party so somehow I could already picture out in my head some bits of ideas.  A 3-tier cake with barbie sitting on top would be the main design, while pink being the primary color. 

Another 3-tier would then be added to my portfolio.  Praise the Lord!  

Monday, the 31st, while most of you were probably busy preparing for medya noche, I, in our own little kitchen, was working under pressure.  Had two cakes to decorate, cupcakes to bake and a myriad other tasks to do.  Sigh.  

Surprisingly, covering this cake went all smooth and easy.  Stacking didn't give me any trouble this time. 

I certainly had fun working on this project.  The combination of pink and white gave it a very feminine touch. 

And Barbie, isn't she the prettiest in her deep black hair?

As for the cupcakes, I had to waste one batch of red velvet cupcakes of about 18 pieces because for some reason they didn't rise properly.  It might have been caused by the warm weather that day or there could be any other.  But when I tried another batch lowering the oven temperature from 170 degrees Celsius to 150, somehow the cupcakes came out much better than I expected.  

Didn't get the chance to take some nice macro photos of these cupcakes.  I was too busy working all day trying to finish these projects and then cooking for our New Year's Eve party. 

Coming home at 1 o'clock in the morning, I still had to frost these cupcakes.  Went to bed at 3AM and started work at 8AM.  Such a great way to start a new year!

Cakes by Sheryl is all smiles for 2013

Fresh start of the year for Cakes by Sheryl as it welcomes 2013 with a broad smile, positive outlook and fervor to do its utmost.

Looking not too far back at the year that was, I can't help but feel overwhelmed at all the wonderful things that have come my way.  So many doors of opportunities have opened up for my craft to be known by far greater people than my usual Filipino community, which I am, and will always be, very grateful for.  This has likewise helped me gain just a little bit of confidence, in myself and in my talent.

First quarter of 2012 when Cakes by Sheryl was born.  Took me a long while considering the idea of generating my very own Facebook page.  Do I have what it takes?  Are my cakes even worth a spot in the social media platform?  Would it be able to keep up with the other pages out there? I assumed the answers were yes.  In no less than a week since launching it, I was able to get 50 likes.  90 people have clicked like, at present.  Believe it or not, I have never been so proud of my name than before.  I've always wished I had a different name growing up.  Now more than ever, I just want to embrace my name wholeheartedly for all the recognition it has given me.  I would never trade my name for any other names. 

This isn't an easy task, as you all know, and heaven knows how much effort, patience and hours are required for every single project to get done.  At times I feel like quitting.  But I know deep inside I can't just let my dream, my life, slip away.  I would often complain of physical pain and not having enough sleep but I will never get weary from doing what I love.  Whenever a new client come to me and tells me good words about my cakes, I could just melt in joy.  When I get a simple "thank you" from a pleased client, my hearts gets easily filled with glee.  One way or another, I find sense of achievement and peace of mind.

For 2013,

• Will "try" to learn new techniques in fondant 
• Will improve on handcrafted figures
• Will manage work load wisely
• Will "try" to learn cake decorating using piped icing
• Will try out new and exciting cakes and cupcakes recipes
• Will try as much as possible to be updated with my cake blog posts 
• Will try to be as organized as an OCD with my baking tools and utensils

There you go!  I hope and pray that my bucket list, as far as cake making is concerned, would all be ticked off by end of this year.  Crossing my fingers *wink*

I look forward to more constructive challenges that would help me bring out the best of my ability.  To make this happen, I trust the Lord that more people will continue to believe and appreciate the kind of work that I do.

May the new year bring forth abundance and goodness to us all. Happy new year!

BIG Project for 2013

It's official.  I just accepted an order for one big project - my very first wedding cake.  Woohoo! 

It took me a long while and a lot of persuading before finally saying yes.  I had to think through a million times.  Am I ready for a project this big?  Am I equipped with the right skills and technique?  I can't confidently answer that with a yes but I can guarantee that my passion and determination will help me become prepared.  It's all that motivates me since day one. 

To be very honest I still can't imagine myself being in this position.  Who would have thought that someone like me who has never had any formal training could actually make cakes and sell them too?  Not even in my wildest imagination.  I tell you I've had so many failed attempts in the past that almost made me give up.  But there's always a reason why we make every effort worth a try.  It does help a lot when you love what you do.

Now three years after, here I am more positive than I have ever been.   

"What the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve"

This project may seem intimidating to begin with but I know in my heart this is going to be one exciting and remarkable first for me.  

Thank you Lord for your blessings! 

34th Family Day (Sep 23)

Guess it's about time I start blogging about our weekly family day again.  For some reasons, I've lost track counting since coming back from our much-spent holiday.  Well, I did try to keep up but I just couldn't find time to sit down and sort them out like I used to do in the past.  There are other more important matters I have to attend to, like going back to reading in between breaks from making cakes and household chores.  Fair enough.

Last Sunday, we were joined by Bunso and family over dinner.  The two kids, Charmelle and Ashlyn enjoyed playing with each other.  Quite unusual seeing them having fun, unlike the old times where they would always quarrel over a toy or just anything.  Now they seem to be in a harmonious relationship.  Somehow they have matured in their own little way.

Please click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/34th%20Family%20Day/

Goodbye Apollo, Hello Triton

Anekh and Apollo in 2008

Apollo has been with us since October of 2008, at the time I was getting ready to migrate here.  Hubby knows very well the necessity and convenience of having a service car and that was the main purpose of us acquiring one though we opted to just settle for a pre-owned for practical reasons.  He was still in immaculate condition when we got him from another Pinoy who works at Fletcher as well.

In the last three years, Apollo had been a very reliable companion to us.  But it wasn't until early this year when we started to notice minor troubles.  Sorry if I can't elaborate on that.  I know nothing about cars, the same way that I am not interested in learning how to drive them.  The only thing I am sure of was the cause for him to finally breakdown.  According to the report handed to us by the auto mechanic shop, our car got to the point of a blown head gasket and it would cost somewhere between $1500-3000 to have it fixed.  OMG!  That's a lot of money.  We could have used him still to get around town or nearby place, but engine could just stop any moment and we don't want that to happen. 

Hubby was so bothered.  Clearly there was no other choice but to have it repaired.  While discussing what to do best, we arrived at one common decision.  And that was to get a new vehicle then just get rid of the old one (if anyone would want to buy it).  

That same afternoon, we searched various car selling sites trying to find something that suits our budget.  We have always wanted an Isuzu Navara ute.  But if not too expensive, most of them were on manual transmission.  We were losing hope... One phone call changed everything.  Chad mentioned about an add on the Weekender.  Without wasting another minute, I grabbed my phone and dialed the number.  The next minute, we were heading to McKail to check it out. 

The vehicle was parked right at the front of the owner's house and as we were getting closer I had this weird feeling that the perfect replacement was within our reach.  I let the guys do the necessary checks.  As per Chad's recommendation, the over-all condition is remarkable, apart from minor dent and scratches on the body.  Moments later, negotiation was already made.  

The following day, which was a Friday, after I have finished work, Hubby came to fetch me up driving his new big toy.  It seemed so much different from when I first saw it the day before than seeing it again for the second time.  The colors looked more defined now than it was.  And it felt strange having to clamber up the passenger seat.

Meet Triton.

Triton side-by-side with Apollo

It's been two weeks since he moved with us.  Somehow, we are slowly getting used to having a huge ute.  I know Hubby stills needs more practice with the U-turns and in-between parking.  He is improving.

Triton is now officially a member of the household because we had him blessed last Sunday, by our friend Parish Priest, Father Bong.  

Yesterday, on the other hand, the time has come for us to bid farewell to our much-loved Apollo.  He has to seek a new home that will repair and take care of him.  It's sad to have to let him go but that's the least we can do.  If only I have a strong heart to face my fears and finally consider driving, I would have kept him.  Thank you for the wonderful years we shared together...  Adios Apollo!

Anekh, me and Triton

And thank you Lord for all your blessings!

Click link for photos: http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Triton%20ute%20blessing%2016th%20of%20September/

Project: 50th Birthday Cake

When this order came up, I didn't know whether to accept it or not.  

I've never done a 50th birthday cake before.  Unlike most celebration cakes that I normally do, I find this one a bit tricky.  There isn't that many ideas to choose from, even on the web.  The client has given me free reign but it just makes the planning even worse.  Maybe I shouldn't have said yes to this in the first place.  I was running out of time and initiative.  

Just as I was about to give up, one image from www. flickr.com solved all my troubles.  It wasn't that appealing but with a little bit of creativity it will transform.

And startingly, it did.

Project: Blossoming Daisies Cake

I'd like to share with you this cake I made last Sunday for a friend's mum.  No particular theme preferred, I just thought it might look pretty with cut-out flowers.

Got the idea from the web, I just had to change the colors that I used for the flowers and the cake itself. 

Project: Bananas in Pajamas Themed Cake

Third cake project I made over the weekend.  It's been a very hectic weekend for me.  Had to juggle all my tasks between my own two hands...  Had only a few hours sleep... Had sore legs, feet and hands... All these physical pains don't really matter to me.  What keeps me going is my enthusiasm and the mere purpose of all my hard work.  That is to deliver what the clients deserve. 

Client is a good friend of mine.  She asked me to create this cake for her son's third birthday.

I certainly had a lot of fun making these colored balls.

Would you believe at 3 o'clock in the morning I was still making the final touches for this cake?  Didn't really bother to check the time while I was too engaged in the project.  

In the end it was all worth the effort I put into this project.  Looking at the end result made me so proud.  Most importantly, the client and the little boy were both very please with it.

Project: LV Monogram Cake and Hello Kitty Cake

Two cakes ordered by one client, for her two daughters.

The oldest wanted just a plain square cake with Louis Vuitton monogram.  

 The youngest, another avid fan of Hello Kitty.

Project: Pink booties cake

The first time I saw the design, I didn't know if I should accept it or not.  There was nothing wrong with the design, it just so happened that there were three other orders lined up on my calendar for that weekend, in doubt if I could bear the work load.  But then, the client was a friend of mine, and I guess I just had to say yes. 

Other than the apprehension if I'd be able to manage my tasks wisely, I was also too concerned about how to bring out the best of my ability in order to deliver good results.

While working on this project, I tried doing it slowly but surely.  On the contrary, time was ticking faster than normal that before I knew it, it was almost midnight.  Took me four hours to finish and finalize all the details.

This has got to be one of my favorite projects, so far.  Personally, I love the combination of pink and white.  The pink booties were also pretty.  Have never done name blocks before, client requested them and they were actually easy and fun to make.  

Project: Something blue cakes

Coming back from a much-spent holiday it felt a bit weird making cakes again.  Six weeks break from all the mixing, kneading and decorating.  It seemed so long.  I actually missed not being able to do what I love the most.  

Though oftentimes it could get too draining and I would complain about having too much stuff on hand, still, nothing beats the inner joy it brings to me once all done.  A simple thumbs up could wipe away all the weariness and fatigue.

I was very delighted when these two cake orders came in.  They were both for the same client.  No theme specified.  I just thought I'd call them "something blue cakes".  

Yakimix Buffet Dinner (July 13)

Branch: SM City North-Edsa

I have seen quite a few people put photos of this place on Facebook. Upon knowing that it is a buffet restaurant with korean and japanese food choices, our urge to try it got even stronger.

Together with our good friend, Cloudy, all three of us had the biggest dinner I could ever imagine. As soon as dinner started (5PM), we were one of the first customers on queue at the buffet table. Tried our best to pick only the good ones but they all look so delicious. So we ended up filling our plates with almost every single food item.

I don't really have a big appetite for an eat-all-you-can dining experience but after finishing the first plate, I could feel my belt gradually getting tighter. Then I noticed that Hubby also slowed down because he was feeling the same way. Still managed to fit in some tempura and salmon. Though I personally had to pass on dessert even if it was against my will...

Please click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Yakimix%20Buffet/

Enchanted Kingdom (July 14)

My sister planned of going to EK that Saturday morning together with the kids and us. Even before coming home she was already telling me that she wants to take her kids to experience the magic of Enchanted Kingdom.

Coming from far north to Sta. Rosa Laguna we were lucky to get there before 4PM. It rained so hard while we were at SLEX but stopped after a few minutes so the kids were like "yehey!". I could see joy and happiness in their faces as we entered the place. They wanted to try even the most scary space shuttle, but none among us adults wanted to take the ride with them *laughs*. I had the courage to try it many years ago but I would never wanna try it again. I'm pretty amazed that kids nowadays are inclined to be adventuresome at extreme sports.

We stayed to watch the fireworks. I just noticed it wasn't as extravagant as I had seen it before, few years back. The kids did enjoy it though. We left the place with uplifted spirits because it's not very often that we get to experience this kind of escape.

Please click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Enchanted%20Kingdom%20July%2014/
 

Hong Kong Tour Day 3

Last day in Hong Kong... I wish we had more time to see other beautiful places around.  Those three unforgettable days were over in just a snap.  There were so many things we didn't get to do because of insufficient time, like the thrill of taking the public transportation such as tram, MTR and double-deck buses and ferries; visiting Central's bazaars; trying out noodle bars and a lot more.  I shouldn't be reminding all these to myself.  It will just make me feel bad.  But on a lighter note, I know in my heart that I was able to make Amay happy.  I have never seen her so overjoyed.

Woke up to this fascinating sight again.  Somehow I've come to appreciate the view.  And I love looking at Tsing Ma bridge from afar.

To start our day, we had breakfast at a nearby Cafe de Coral, using our breakfast vouchers.  We had a feast. 

As soon as we got back to the hotel room, we started packing our stuff so we could check-out before 12noon.  The hotel allowed us to leave our luggage at the lobby.  Don't fret.  I had the same concern.  I can assure they were very well looked after.

While waiting for a cab,  Amay and I went camwhoring.

just realized we were both wearing floral summer prints

Headed to Mong Kok street market.  They say it's the counterpart of Divisoria in Hong Kong.  From our hotel, it took us about half an hour by cab.  Got there while most stalls were still being put up so we figured out they don't open until 12 noon.  But there were some that had their items out on display already.  Aimlessly, I picked one wallet to see closely what it was made of but immediately put it down.  We were gonna resume walking when the saleslady called our attention.  Using a calculator in her hand, she typed in a certain amount for the wallet.  Started at HK$200 then went all the way down to HK$50.  But because I had no intention to buy it, I kept saying no to her and tried to walk away but she was so persistent.  To get out of the scene, we just said to her that we haven't gotten any local money but she still insisted on taking us to a money changer nearby and won't let go of my hand.  Hubby then firmly interfered and said we gotta get going.  The lady must have felt the authority in his voice which made her recoil.

Went back on the road to continue walking.  Streets looked so busy, people walking back and forth in all directions.

street foods

After having lunch, we decided to go back to the hotel.  It was still early so we took a stroll through the Sky Garden.  We wanted to come down to the pool area but we couldn't find the path.  

Soon it was time to go.  We were fetched by the tourist coach from the hotel to the airport at 5PM in time for our 7:30PM flight.  It felt sad leaving but I know those wonderful memories will always bring a smile. 

Given the chance, I'd come back over and over again to HK just to eat egg tarts.

Notes:
Rambler Oasis Hotel website -  http://www.ramblerhotels.com/oasis/Index-en.htm
Log pose Travel and Tours Co. - http://mytrip.logpose.com/

Hong Kong Tour Day 2

Woke up to a drizzly Wednesday morning in Hong Kong… The picture of a perfect city tour vanished in my mind.  Putting that aside, there was a far more important reason to smile about and celebrate - our 4 years of wonderful marriage.  That was another reason why we wanted to have this trip.  In the previous years, we always make it a point to do something special together on this day, whether over dinner or a trip somewhere we have never been.  

We all had a good night sleep from the night before. Amay was the first one to get up and had had a shower already by 6AM. As expected, I was the last one to get ready. We were given breakfast vouchers for Café de Coral, but due to inadequate time, we opted to fill up our stomach with some instant cup noodles.

The coach service was meant to arrive at 7:45. They did come on time. There was just a little bit of a wait for another group joining us in the coach. Turned out there were only six of us altogether for the entire tour.

As part of our city tour, a very nice and soft-spoken lady named Olivia served as our tour guide. Bits of info and brief history about Hong Kong she shared with us.

First stop: Avenue of Stars or Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui. Set into the promenade are plaques honouring the most famous Hong Kong celebrities, like Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Bruce Lee.  Some plaques contain hand prints and autographs of the stars set in cement, but most of the plaques only contain celebrities' names as they are now deceased.  The location is also great for capturing a stunning panoramic view of the Victoria Harbour.  

Daytime panoramic view of Hong Kong Island

We were given only 10 minutes to walk around. It was still drizzling but that wasn’t a hindrance for us to make the most of our short stop over. The harbor view made the best backdrop.

Second stop: Aberdeen Fishing Village and Sampan Ride.  Took us ages to reach this point.  We just sensed we were getting closer because of the strong smell of water, mixed with stinky fish odor.  Sorry for the description.  Went straight to a Sampan or boat, where a lady beckoned us to the seats.  I was so amazed at how the driver can manage to smoothly navigate the "boat" in between ferries and fishing boats.  Some old-fashioned junks and house boats where the fishermen live during the season surround the harbour.  There were also the modern yacths.  Sampan Ride was HK$60 per person.

Jumbo Floating Restaurant

Third stop: Hong Kong Jewellery Factory.  If there was one thing about the city that we didn't like at any rate, it  would be our stopover to this shop.  First of all, I honestly don't see the significance of having to go there.  Quite obviously, we had a hunch that it was like an arranged agenda to sell their gold products to tourists.  Sorry but their strategy didn't work with us.  

Fourth stop: Souvenir Shop.  I fell stupid for not remembering the name of the shop.  The tour guide just said we were going to a souvenir shop then the coach brought us to some narrow street in the city which kinda looked like Ongpin.  Small shops that sell practically everything from socks, shoe laces to fancy jewellery and kitchen wares can be found on both sides of the street.  With Olivia leading the group, we followed her up to the third floor of a plaza where the souvenir shop/food store was situated.  Apparently, this was another marketing tactic.  In our own effort to help them, we bought some food items and souvenir shirts, fully aware that their prices were ridiculously dearer than most shops elsewhere. 

The photographer guy who joined us at The Avenue of Stars took this photo of us, along with two other photos of me and Amay and all three of us.  Only to find out that he was gonna sell them for HK$180 per memorabilia plate.  

with the photographer guy and Olivia our tour guide.  Big revelation on the last minute that they were actually a couple, as in husband and wife.

Fifth stop:  Hong Kong Disneyland.  The child in me was rejoicing.  "This is it!"  Thank God the sun was out, just got a bit warm though. We had to walk from the parking area up to the park main entrance,  which was about 20-30 minutes.  Throng of people from all ages, including us, were there all smiles albeit the extreme heat.  As we made our way in, the magic of Disneyland unveiled itself, as if taking us to an entirely different world where only bliss exists. We were very fortunate to get there on time for the fantasy parade of Disney characters.  So full of flamboyant colors, animated dance moves and entertaining music suddenly made everybody stop.  Immediately grabbed my phone and took video of it.  Disappointingly this caused our camera lens auto-function to collapse.

Despite having to manually focus the lens every shoot, the yearning to capture every spot possible continued.  Due to the number of photos we've taken in Disneyland alone, it would be impossible to put them all together in a collage so I thought of categorizing them.  Made a patchwork of images for every park attraction.

Main Street, USA

Adventureland

Grizzly Gulch

 Toy Story Land

Fantasyland

Tomorrowland

Me and Amay with the fairytale castle behind us

It was a long and strenuous day.  I could tell Amay was pretty exhausted from the warm weather and all the walking we did the whole day.  I kept asking her every now and then if she was alright but she never uttered a word of complain.  She enjoyed the trip and that's what matter to me most.

The much-awaited fireworks display marked the culmination of one super memorable day we will surely cherish for the rest of our lives.  I feel truly blessed to have shared it with the two most important people in my life.