Birthday Cakes

I spent my birthday more than a week ago. It was a day filled with laughter, friendship and family. I was also fortunate enough to have two birthday cakes on 2 different days. On my actual birthday I had a moist chocolate cake from Cafe Mary Grace.

And on another day, my office bought me a salted chocolate cake from Wildflour Cafe + Bakery. Both were very delicious but the latter was humongous. It was huge enough to reach my chocolate quota for a month and a half. 

And here's a selfie photo of me on my special day. Thanks to a good friend who did my eye makeup. 

I am feeling grateful for having another year added in to my existence, for all the people who remembered me and for all the experiences of the past year. I hope my only birthday wish comes true this year. Fingers crossed.

Wish me luck!

Goodbye Summer

So many things to do, so little time. But luckily we caught a break and was able to spend last weekend at a beach nearby to relax, unwind and finally say goodbye to summer.

Goodbye summer! Till next year!

Snacking on Speculoos

We don't have Trader Joe's here in Manila, I got my very own Speculoos Cookie Butter 11 ounce jar from The Food Bin. I was skeptical at first to try it. I usually wait for the hype to die down before I try something but I was intrigued. Maybe it had something to do with being a cookie fanatic. So when the opportunity for procuring one came, I ordered one.

When I tried a teaspoonful of this spreadable Speculoos cookie wonder, I was immediately hooked. Considering that this is about Php 150-160 in the US and being sold here in Manila from different sources for about Php 450 - 500. It's a bit pricey but because this is not always available locally, we have to consider the cost it took to get it here. All I can say is that it's worth it! 

My next project, Trader Joe's Wasabi Mayo.

Notes to Self: Just Do Your Best

We've been postponing a lot of things in lieu of a bigger plan but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't be doing our best in where we are right now. 

Thank you Soulseeds for the inspiration! 

{Image from Soulseeds}

The Cupcake Party Project

We hosted a going-away cupcake party for a friend last Monday. But we served more than just cupcakes. We had French macarons, Italian food, enormous chocolate chunk cookies and lemonade. Arts and crafts are also included.

I bought a box of 6 cupcakes from Sonja's. A local cupcakery built out of the baker's passion for cupcakes. By the way, Sonja previously worked for the famous Magnolia Bakery in NYC.

I just couldn't stop admiring the display on their shop's window. It's sooo cute!

After careful consideration, I have decided which flavors to buy:Vanilla Sunshine, Chocolate Surprise, Chocolate Overload, Chocolate Cream Cheese Swirl, Lemon Drop and Red Velvet Vixen to be specific.

I finally made use of my Kikkerland paper straw stash and baker's twine again. Woohoo!

The flowers on the paper straws were personally handcrafted by my friend Anna and she didn't stop there. She also made labels and a cute backdrop. It's such a nice feeling to get to know another kindred spirit. The lemonade was courtesy of Caye. The glasses above were from Meryl who is actually the celebrant of this going-away cupcake party. She also brought the flowery cupcake holders and the chocolate chunk cookies that are to die for.

Plate and Photo courtesy of Anna

The French Macarons came from Patricia and the rest of the logistics were taken cared of Jennifer.

The whole feast (Italian food were ordered from Pasto)

Photo courtesy of Anna

It was a fun evening filled with good food, good conversations, non-stop laughter and packed with calories. It was fabulous to celebrate with the girls but a little sad to be wishing farewell to a good friend.

{Printable Labels from Eat Drink Chic}

How was your weekend?

Mine was awesome! =)

I spent last weekend at my sister's place. It was only me because Mike had to attend their firm's summer outing.

Saturday:

It all started when I posted a view of my room's window on Instagram. My good friend and fellow blogger: Phoebe, responded to my post and invited me for breakfast. She just got off from work and was in the area. She had a blueberry scone and coffee while I ordered a steaming cup of Vanilla Ceylon tea from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. We talked about people who inspire us, career, relationships, the Apple I-pad Mini and Candy Crush.  Next was...

- Tried to figure out how this whole makeup thing works. Especially how to apply and blend eye shadow. Finally found the time to practice.

- We invited Uncle Gerry and his family for lunch. We had Chinese food delivered from Mr. Choi's Kitchen. I love their dim sum!

- Family dinner at Ma Maison Greenbelt 2. Most of us ordered tonkatsu. It was delicious!

- Ice blended drinks and chocolate cakes again from CBTL with Rhea and my god daughter Heaven.

Sunday:

- Brunch at Cafe Mary Grace Greenbelt 2. We ordered our favorite Vigan longganisa with fried rice dish, a glass of apple cinnamon honey iced tea for me and brewed coffee for my sister.

- Went shopping at Promod and got a new pair of pants that I posted about a week ago. Oh, it was for free. It was my sister's treat.

- Spent 30 minutes on the elliptical machine.

- Picked up the hubby at the office located in BGC, had ramen for late lunch.

- Skipped dinner in exchange for a long slumber which basically caps my weekend off.

I hope you had a good weekend too!

Beef with Broccoli and Baby Corn Stir Fry

These past two months I've been busy with my new career, domesticity, family time and errands. Time has been flying by so fast, it's such a giant hazy blur. Anyway, I wanted to share another quick recipe that leaves a yummy impression in your tastes buds!

My husband likes beef dishes and I am still in the process of training him to eat more vegetables. This dish certainly hits two birds in one stone. This is just a variation of the classic Beef with Broccoli recipe but I added baby corns. 

  

Ingredients:

Marinade:

• 1/4 kg sirloin 
• 2 Tbsps soy sauce
• 2 Tbsps water
• 1/2 tsp of minced ginger
• pepper
• 2 Tbsps vegetable oil (for frying)

Sauce:

• 2 Tbsps vegetable oil
• 3 cloves of garlic crushed
• 1 small onion minced
• 2 Tbsps soy sauce 
• 3 Tbsps oyster sauce
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp water
• salt
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of broccoli (wash and drained)
• 1/2 cup of baby corn 

Directions:

1. Cut the beef into thin slices and combine the rest of the ingredients for the marinade. Marinate the beef for 30 minutes.
2. With medium heat, saute the some of  the garlic and onion and fry the slices of beef for 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
3. Add the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the work or frying pan saute the remaining garlic and onion then add the broccoli and baby corn. Sprinkle salt and sugar over these vegetables then combine the rest of the ingredients. Stir fry everything until the vegetables are cooked. About 5 minutes.
4. Return the beef slices to the pan. Cook and stir for another 2 minutes.
5. Serve over hot rice.

Makes 4 servings.