6th Family Day (February 5)

Our recent family day would probably be the shortest we've had since we started. Normally we finish dinner by seven and from there onwards, we would just have casual talk in between watching TV or karaoke. Though we all have to work the following morning, we don't part ways until about 11 or 11:30PM.

Last Sunday, was just not the usual. After having dinner, we, the ladies went to see Ina Letty as she just got back from Manila that afternoon. From there, we went to a dinner invitation at Rey Family's new place. The family have just moved to a new house on Friday (the house owned by Lulette at Grevilla Street). Because we were all getting tired from going one house to another, so we called it a night and bid each other good night.

Click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/6th%20Family%20Day/

Project: Ladybird cake

What are ladybirds and why do kids love them?  Ladybirds, also known as ladybeetles and ladybugs, are natural controllers of aphids, scale insects and mites which otherwise damage plants.  It is believed that ladybirds are lucky. Killing one is said to bring sadness and misfortune. The nursery rhyme "Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home" encourages children to catch the beetles and blow them on their way in return for a wish. It is thought this was a way of getting the children to disperse the beetles amongst the crops to destroy pests.  

Now I understand why this little creature is so loved.  I can't say I'm a fan but I do find them really cute.

The client wanted this insect to be the theme of his daughter's birthday cake.  I'm lucky enough to have this book given by my sister, with step by step illustration on how to create this magical little creature.  It was such a big help.  The instructions were so easy to follow.  I had a wonderful time making and decorating because the design itself was so interesting. 

Ashlyn's 2nd Birthday and 5th Family Day (January 29)

The little cutie turns two last Sunday.

The parents Winnie and Bunso invited us for a simple dinner at their place, alongside our weekly family day gathering. I know a big party is being planned (in two weeks time) for her birthday, they just want to wait til Ina Letty gets back from her two-week holiday in the Philippines. Nonetheless, the dinner was great. Everybody had a chance to have a little chit chat. And the little girl did seem to have enjoyed the attention and spotlight all focused on her.

Click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Ashlyn%20Birthday%20and%205th%20Family%20Day/

Project: Hairdresser theme cake

One of our staff at work wanted a cake for her last day working with us.  She quit to pursue an apprenticeship in hairdressing at a well-known salon.  She's such a very nice lady.  It's always sad to see people go.  But, in her case, she will still be around Albany and we might one day bump into each other at the plaza. 

I knew already what I was gonna make for her...

hairdresser cake

Making the toppers was so much fun than I ever thought.

hair dryer

hair curler

mirror

scissors

Project: Booty cake in boyleg

Booty cake

Just got back from Joop Thai Restaurant to deliver this cake.  A lady who works there ordered this for herself, for her 21st birthday. 

On our first talk over the phone, she wanted a cake in the shape of a dolphin.  I didn't want to disappoint her but I had to be honest in telling her that I can't do it.  I could try but like I've always said, my skills are limited to the basics.  She was really nice to instantly change it to a booty cake instead.  Apparently she's seen the cake I made for Krishna and Ivy sometime in December.  So there, other small details were easy to discuss too.  I'm just so happy that in spite of my inadequate skills and techniques, there are still people who choose to believe in my talent.

When I was covering the cake with butter cream, I couldn't help but smile that it kinda looked like a boobs cake upside down.

covered with butter cream

Lastly, notice how I did the word "happy" in the wrong direction.  Silly me... I didn't even realize until I've finished taking a photo.  There was not enough time to change it unless I'd pull it out under the cake which is completely not a good idea. 

Aquatic Fun Time (January 28)

Location: Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre

We had it planned and smoothed out about two weeks ago. Like a kid, I was so stirred up for Saturday to come. In the last three years of living in Albany, I had always wanted to go in the Leisure Centre; not really for a swim but to just have look around keen to see what's in there to enjoy. But for our planned visit, to give myself a relaxing dip into the pool was the main goal.

When Saturday came, the gladdened feeling slowly drifted away on finding out I won't be able to take a plunge into the water. Why does it have to be "it's-a-girl-thing" day on a practically important day? Anyway, I didn't let it spoil the moment. Being at the poolside was worthwhile as I could see them having fun, especially Charmelle. 

Click link for photos: http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Aquatic%20Fun%20Time%202012/

Project: Cricket theme cake

Lulette asked me to make this cake for her son's birthday.  She came down to Albany from Fremantle on Thursday, in time for the Australia Day and Citizenship Awarding Ceremonies, together with her two kids, Kendrick and Keirnan.  

Kiernan loves to play cricket in school.  No wonder he wanted his cake to be in the theme of his favorite sports.  Glad that he liked my design.  He only had one comment though, I spelled his name wrong.  It should have been KEIRNAN.

I honestly have no idea about this game, though I would often hear my co-workers discuss about a recent match between India and Australia at work.  For facts and info about this game, I just did a quick browse through this article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket to give me a better idea of the project I'm working on.  

Toppers consist of cricket pitch (rectangular brown-colored surface), cricket bat, cricket ball, leg guards, batting gloves and wicket.

For a more detailed description, here are some images.

cricket pitch

wicket

 

Australia Day and Citizenship Ceremonies 2012 (January 26)

The much awaited event of the year in Australia has just been recently concluded. This is a BIG day for Australians.

This 2012, a very important transition has taken place, as an astounding number of Filipinos were formally welcomed into the Australian family. Hubby was one of the 54 new citizens that took an oath led by the Mayor of Albany, in front of the crowd gathered at the oval.

Click link for photos: http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Australia%20Day%202012/

Frolicking down the foreshore with Lulette (January 27)

It's not very often that we get to spend time with her since she had moved to Perth a couple of years back. But every time she comes down to Albany, she would always make it a point to spend some ladies' time with us.

On Friday, just before sunset, the ladies went for a stroll at the Albany Entertainment Centre. We haven't been doing the location shoot for quite sometime now, so we were all in a cheerful mood. I guess that happiness oozed out on how the photos came out beautifully.

To complete the night, we had dinner at Three Plenties Palace chinese restaurant.

Thank you so much Bossing Lulette!

Click link for photos: http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Frolicking%20at%20foreshore%202012/

Cupcakes for Australia Day

While most people chose to spend Australia Day yesterday at the beach with such a beautiful weather too hard to resist, we, on the other hand, had a very important event to take part in.  At mid-afternoon, a group of Filipinos, including my husband, had their pledge as new Australian citizens.  

Congratulations Asawa Ko and to all the other Filipinos who are now new Australian citizens!

We had a simple dinner at home together with our friends, after the ceremony.  Since I didn't have enough time to make a cake, I thought of making some cupcakes.

Iced with blue and pink butter cream...

Decorated with festive sprinkles  and tiny OZ flags...

Arranged alternately on cupcake stand...

Voila! They certainly looked patriotic.

in pink and blue icing