My Little Leopard

Sharing a DIY costume of my little one.  Here is what I did with the help of my sis-in-law.

I bought a half yard animal print fabric at the Fabric Warehouse located at Glorietta 5, Makati City. The cloth was sold at Php100 per yard.

For the halter top, I used my baby's old shirt as the base pattern in cutting the cloth into the desired style. Then I temporarily hand stitched the top making sure that there was enough allowance and then tried it on my baby and then made the necessary adjustments. I then attached the garter on the back of the halter top.For the skirt, I use an existing skirt as the base pattern. Just ensure that there is allowance for the garter and a space to attached the tail. For the tail. I decided how thick it should be then cut and sew. I had no foam available at the time since it was a last minute thing. So, I used shredded paper to give body to the tail. Lastly, I cut haphazardly a zigzag pattern on the ends of the top and skirt. Extra cloth was used to tie her hair.

The leopard cape and shoe cover was bought on sale at only Php200. This really made the whole look perfect. Total cost: Php260.00 (leopard cape set + cloth + garter)

Here's the final look:

One more thing, for mommies out there who plan to copy this look. Don't forget to make also a matching undie. That's what I forgot to do. Hope you like this post.

My baby was able to strut her look at Rustan's Makati Halloween event last Saturday ^-^

A Vintage Couple Shower

Together with the Maid-of-Honor and her hubby, Janice Lopez (of EIP), Alan  Mercado, and the venue sponsors,  we planned and organized a surprise party for the soon-to-be-newlyweds, Gelo and Grace.

The concept is "A Walk in the Park" with a classic vintage feel. The party colors were golden yellow and orange.

I am happy to share the party details.

Photos taken by Efren Jamolod

Venue

Condo rooftop sponsored by one of our couple friends, Erin and Alex. 

Table & Chair Supplier: 
Bebe's Balloons in Makati

The plain white table covers were old and had black patches. It was not even white at all. More like off white. Good thing was we  were able to hide it with the gold table covers. The foldable table stands and wooden table tops were old and a bit wobbly.


Below is the price list: 
rectangular 10-seater = 150

rectangular 6-seater = 75

monobloc circle table = 75

monobloc chairs = 12

monobloc chairs w/ covers = 25

table gold cloth topper = 30

delivery charge = 150

Lots of DIY Stuff

Food

Chicken lollipop was ordered from Amber's Restaurant. All else (spaghetti, lumpia, hotdog,  jalapeno, etc.) were made by my dear friends.

Souvenirs/ Prizes

Mini chocolate chip cookies bought from chocolate lovers in mini containers adorned with ribbons. 

Mini marshmallows also from chocolate lovers. 

White and Chocolate pudding made by Cha Ngo.

Chocolate lollipops by Louella Jamolod

Table decors and labels

I downloaded free vintage round borders from Just Something I Made and edited the design using MS word. I used empty glass bottles as flower vases and accented with a ribbon. Tealight candles were sponsored by Chic Ypanto ^-^ Bait talaga

Photobooth decor 

This was Chic Ypanto's idea, from "Everything In Place", she used a regular ladder that we accented with tealight candles and ribbons.

Messages for the couples

I printed out blank round labels for the messages which were strung in a ribbon. These were then passed on the attendees to fill-up and then hanged on the ladder.

I will be posting more pics soon.

My first official client

Made a dozen red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for my first client Ms. Cha Ngo. Thank you and enjoy!

Photo taken by Jeremie Agan

A Glam Rock Party

Sharing the suppliers and DIY stuff at my friend's 30th birthday bash.

Venue: Euphoria Room, Victoria Court Pasay (near Heritage Edsa, Manila)

The celebrant was able to get a promo on their party package inclusive of cocktail food and drinks at CashCashpinoy. Buffet tables, chairs with covers, cake table and the celebrants chair were provided by VC.

Event Coordinator: "Everything in Place or EIP" in coordination with the celebrants' friends (me included)

EIP is a team of good-looking and OC ladies who helped organized the party.

Food: Delivered from  CCME 

The food was a bit bland.

Mobile Bar: Elation 

VS&F Compound Winston Ave., East Fairview Park, QC
Tel : 0917-8249762;9374989
Email :  vsfclassic@yahoo.com

The celebrant was able to get their promo at Php10,500 (good for 50 people). 

They arrived very early for the set-up. I like the fact that the barista's were really approachable and that they wore a uniform. All drinks were neatly arranged on the bar. Looks very nice in the pictures. 

Decors:

Balloons - Ordered metallic balloons (hot pink, black, and silver) from MOA

Fabric decor for the table and cupcake - bought at the "Fabric Warehouse" (VC provided pink table covers, so we just added black fabric for accent)

Damask fabric - already had this on hand 

Game Prizes:

Chocolates and clear canisters from Chocolate Lovers

Starbucks GC's for the best glam rock look

Others were bought from the mall

Birthday Cake: Charlene Ebersole of Babybearsecretbakeshop

We ordered an 8" chocolate cake covered in shimmery black fondant with big silver star.  toppers. She was also the supplier of my daughter's baptism last year.

Souvenirs: Cupcakes by SWEETMAV (That's me hehehe)

Red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting decorated with silver star toppers. Also made a black top with pink ribbon, ring, and a bag as added decor. All pictures were taken by Alan Mercado.

Photobooth props:

Chalkboard

white and yellow chalk

Old frame

Photographer: Alan Mercado

I am fortunate to have such talented friends. The party pictures were just amazing.

Other DIY stuff:
Printed out food labels
Decorated cupcake tower with 1/4" black ribbon

Celebrant's outfit:

Sm Department Store

Celebrant's hair and make-up:
Piandre Alabang

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies on a Rainy Day

Stuck at home due to the typhoon Pedring... I scoured the kitchen for anything that I can whipped up and found left-over instant oatmeal. Yay! Perfect.

Found a recipe that is so simple and easy. Ingredients may already be available in your kitchen.

Soft Oatmeal Cookies (Source: momswhothink)

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups quick cooking oats
raisins or nuts (optional)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, cream together white sugar, butter, and brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

2. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda,and salt. Stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in oats. If you are using nuts or raisins, mix into dough, combining well. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Roll the dough into balls, and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.

4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.


I did not have any raisins/ nuts. But then, the cookie was just perfect. Chewy at the center and a bit crunchy on the side. Also, I made only half of the required. I was able to make a dozen big oatmeal cookies.

Planning a Birthday Bash

I am super excited for my friend's birthday this coming Saturday. Its a glam rock party. So, all attendees are required to come in their glam rock look.

The event coordinator is a good friend Janice of "Everything in Place." She and I will be prepping the venue to make sure that everything will be ready before the party starts.

I will be making red velvet cupcakes. The cake supplier is Ms. Charlene of babybearsecretcakeshop. She was also the cake supplier of my baby's baptism party.

For the decors, we purchased black fabric from the Fabric Warehouse G5 for only php35/yard and black 1/4" ribbons at Carolines G5. Also, bought a hot pink metallic tulle for only php50/yard. I will be bringing my black and white Damask fabric as an added decor.

I finished lining the 3-tier cupcake tower with black ribbon last night. The birthday celebrant bought the cupcake tower from RM Boxes at only php240.00. The store sells, cake boxes, cupcake liners, etc. I think they supply most of the cake shops in the Metro.

Aleina Sofia Turns One

Dora Themed Chocolate Cupcakes

Its my first time to make 2D toppers out of fondant. Using a regular knife, I cut out dora's hair and face. For Dora's skin I combined three colors to make a tan colored fondant. The difficult part I guess was painting the brows and the lashes. I had no fine tip brush so I just made use of a regular tip brush. The Dora topper took me like an hour to make and another half an hour spent on kneading the fondant alone. The number "1" topper was the easiest to make since I had a cookie cutter. I also made a spiraled embossed fondant as a base.

The birthday celebrant with her proud parents.

Oreo Goodness and the Girl in Pink

Sharing my own version of oreo cupcakes.

My first try in fondant molding. I had difficulty in adding the face details. Lesson learn: make sure not to stain your hands with food coloring. I accidentally stained the left cheek of the girl ^-^

A Baby Shower Party

Happy to share pics of the baby shower party of a close friend that I helped organized.

I commissioned a novice artist to make a caricature of the new parents with the barkada. We only met once and then communicated the details via email. I was a bit disappointed with the output because not of the details I wanted were followed. But then, I should have talked to him face-to-face. Anyway, what's important is that my friends and specially the couple really love the outcome.

For the party decor, my good friend, Ron made cut-outs of baby onesies using colored papers and strung with a regular yarn I had sitting at home.

I made a diaper cake for the first time in an hour with the help of instructional videos. For the finishing touch, I used a pink nursing bib to cover the whole cake and pink ribbons to add the "cuteness" factor hehehe.

For the food, we ordered everything from Ambers Restaurant. As for the dessert, I set-up a chocolate fountain with fruit and non-fruit dips. Finally, I made chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with pink and white frosting.

My little darlings' bout of fever

This is a delayed post. It has been weeks since my baby regained her strength back. She had a terrible cold with high fever for 3 days. Below is a detailed account of her illness:

Day 1 - Baby had runny nose with clear mucus

Day 2 - Baby started to cough and her nasal mucus was thick. She had difficulty sleeping due to her coughing and colds.

Day 3 - My baby had persistent cough and colds (thick greenish mucus). Her cough had a pleghm sound. Pedia advised to give nasal decongestant and meds for her cough.

Day 4 - Check-up with another pedia. The pedia advised nebulization and to start on antibiotics.

Day 6 - My baby's orig pedia advised CBC and urinalysis

Day 7 - My baby's coughing lessen. She had runny nose with clear mucus.

Day 8 - My baby still had high fever at around 4pm.

Day 9 - Baby had high fever (temperature range reached 39 degrees around 4pm). My hubby and I then decided to bring her to the hospital. Her orig pedia advised CBC and urinalysis. CBC results seem to show that her illness is not bacterial. Also, though she already took antibiotics she still had fever. The resident pedia advised to continue with paracetamol every 4 hours.

Day 10 - high fever, stuffy nose

Day 11 - Baby's fever went down around 2pm

Day 12 - No more fever. The rashes (tiny red spots, similar to "bungang araw") appeared all over her body. Pedia advised CBC again. Results showed elevated lymphocytes indicating her illness was viral. Symptoms also seems to indicate that my baby had "roseola infantum" (commonly called "tipdas hangin"). Her rashes disappeared in a few days.

When my daughter had trouble breathing due to a mucus plug, I used a reliable aspirator. I also used a baby vaporub for her back and chest. Also, it helps that her head is slightly elevated when she's sleeping.

I also monitored her temperature every hour... religiously gave her paracetamol every 4 hours and when her temp spike to 39 degress we had her checked right away. Its important that CBC be taken to confirm if the illness is bacterial or viral before giving meds like antibiotics.

A Hearty 1st Birthday (Part 3)

Venue Decor

Labor of love by me and the family. I prepared all of the decors weeks before the party. Thanks to my hubby, FIL, sis-in-laws who helped put it all up.

For the stage decor, my hubby and I set-up a colorful party canopy that I bought at divisoria and the happy birthday banner that I made using board papers, colored papers, and red lace. For the ceiling, we hanged tissue pompoms (red, b&w) and red cherubs. My hubby manually aired the balloons which I simply arrange on stage because my baby loves to play with them.

Game Prizes

I gave out bubbles in fruit containers with whistle caps and big bubbles, mallows in heart shaped containers and chocolate balls in small glass jars.

I downloaded printables at the Catch My Party for the prize labels and name labels.

Giveaways

I gave out the cute dollies to my girl-friends and chocolates for the boy-friends who made the party a success. Thanks to Sweets and Ni, the emcees of the party. Thanks to Ully and Ron who facilated the kids and adult games. Thanks to Efren for the photobooth and Alan for the photos. You all gave life to the party.... XOXO

Thanks to Erin and Rose for leading the prayer.

Thanks also to Paul who helped in doing the errands for us when the big boys were not yet home.

For the rest of the guests, hugs to all of you. I gave out cupcakes (definitely made with love). There was more than enough for all of them. Many had seconds and even thirds. ^-^

Invitation

A labor of love by the daddy ^-^ Perfect! Yun lang masasabi ko. Will post pic soon.

Other DIYs

Food signage
Gift signage
Welcome signage
Photobooth signage

Celebrants Attire

Bought at Tutuban mall, stockings at SM, and hair accessory at a nearby tiangge ^-^

Program Details


Welcome Guests
Opening Prayer
Kids game 1
Kids game 2
Prayer
Dinner/ Open Bar
Happy Birthday Song/ Cake Blowing
Adult games
Thank you by parents

Guests were late. Many came by 5:00pm. So we started the program at 5:30pm then dinner at 6:00pm. My hubby and FIL were late 'coz the lechon was delayed.

A Hearty 1st Birthday (Part 2)

Fotomania (Photobooth)

Sponsored by a good friend. This is his baby business. Ofcourse, this was a hit to many guests. I was so happy that they enjoyed using the props I prepared and posing with their birthday message written on a white board.

Pics to follow.

Photos

A good friend, Alan, who loves to shoot, covered the party pics. Two thumbs up.

A "hearty" 1st birthday (Part 1)

My baby is officially 1 year old. I am so happy her self-catered party was a blast ^-^ Everyone claimed that they enjoyed everything from the giveaways, cupcakes, choco fondue, drinks, etc.

This was definitely an impossible feat if not for my family and friends. Kudos to all of you.

Here are the party details.

Food Menu

We prepared spaghetti, chicken pastel, "Humba" a pork belly dish with boiled egg (my MIL's specialty dish), hotdog with mallows on stick, and spring roll (c/o Jm my sis-in-law). Other food items we ordered were fish relleno and cebu lechon.

For the set-up, the venue owner provided only yello and red table cloth for the buffet. We did the whole set-up and decorated the center buffet table by overlapping the yellow cloth with the red one. I also pinned on the buffet Miel's name but we forgot to take a pic. You may view the DIY banner here.


Dessert

I borrowed chocolate fountain from my gorgeous Tita Maricor and just bought ready made fondue from Chocolate Lovers. I bought 2 kilos but only used up 1 kilo. There was even a pint of fondue left-over.

Drinks

Bottomless iced tea for all. I just bought powdered iced tea (800g/pack)... ordered 2 big containers of mineral water with faucet. One for plain water and the other one for the iced tea. I borrowed a cooler for the ice cubes. We actually bought 7 packs of ice cubes at 7-eleven but I somehow overestimated . We had like 4 packs of ice cubes left.

Mobile bar - I actually mentioned in my previous post that I got boozeondmove at a discount rate purchased thru buyanihan. Though it was difficult to contact them because there were either unreachable or they don't immediately respond to your queries. All my requests were done. They arrived early and set-up fairly fast. I expected them to wear matching shirts or uniforms, it would look fairly nice for the party. But then all the guests said that it was definitely a hit. So two thumbs up to them.

Birthday Cake and Cupcakes

Labor of love by the little celebrant's mommy ^-^ So proud to say that it was my first time to make a birthday cake. For a beginner, well I think it tasted yummy according to my little one hehehe and ofcourse my family. I made chocolate cake with white frosting.

For the cupcakes, I made 3 different flavors (chocolate, red velvet, and classic vanilla) and 3 types of frosting (buttercream, cream cheese, and italian meringue). Everyone claimed it tasted yummy. Most of the guests said that their fave cupcake was red velvet with cream cheese frosting.

I was able to borrow a cupcake stand from my Tita. I just bought a styrofoamed happy birthday sign. A friend helped put red glitters since the text color was pink. I decorated the stand with black and red ribbons then used stick-on gems.

I designed and made the cupcake toppers using free cliparts and MS word ^-^ I got printable red damask toppers here.

For the cake table, I used the extra fabric I got for the photobooth backdrop as table cloth.  I placed tissue pompoms I made on the table top and a cutie doll as added decors.

A Cake Disaster

I tried to bake a red velvet cake yesterday but it did not turn out well. I went over the recipe but it just overflowed on the pan...OMG! So disappointed. I quickly spooned all the content into the muffins cups and made it to cupcakes instead. I still got perfect cupcakes in the end. Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!

Cute Dollies

I found these cute dollies at Divisoria. Really perfect for my baby's party.

Smiley Booth

A friend will be sponsoring the photo booth for my baby's birthday. Yipeee!!! So lucky. Anyway, my only concern will be the backdrop for the booth... I was weighing on getting a tarpaulin rather than making one myself... I finally decided on the latter because I do not know what I will do with the tarp after the event. It would not be practical on my part.

I found the perfect fabric design at Ylaya St., Divisoria. It was sold at only 100 per yard. The fabric is think and more like velvet.

To add a bit of fun for the booth. I bought props at a store in Tabora, Divisoria. The funky glasses were sold at Php100 each and the boa feathers at Php50 each.

A Food Supplies Mecca in Divisoria

My hubby and I found a great store in Divisoria which sells all kinds of stuff you might need if you plan to go into the food business or simply for your home.

We were able to buy 4 stainless food warmers and 2 serving trays at a very low price. Also, I got my very own stand mixer with 3 months warranty. I'm so excited to try it out.

If your interested to check out their stuff. Here's their contact info:

Sto. Cristo Food and Bakery Equipment
871 Stp. Cristo St., Binondo, Manila
Tel. no. 247-0052
www.stocristo.t35.com

DIY Tissue Pompoms

Yes! I did it. I made tissue pompoms for my baby's birthday party. The tutorials is all over the net. You can easily google it.

Its so easy. I did not even follow the exact measurements. I just made sure that I folded the tissue into equal parts... cut...fold... then when I saw the size I want... then voila!!!

Here's what I made so far....Tada!!!

1st Birthday Planning

My baby's 1st birthday is 3 weeks away. I have so many do-it-yourself ideas... and I'm crossing my fingers that everything will turn out great.

It will be a "hearty" valentine themed party. I will be using shades of red and black and white for the party decor. I will be requesting all my guests to wear a red top and their fave jeans.

VENUE
The party venue is just near our place. Very affordable. Inclusions: tables and chairs, table cloth and with a built-in sound system.

Very convenient for me, "kaya mega career" ko ang diy.

FOOD
Plan to self-cater... I already planned the menu, the ingredients needed, and the number of serving platters and utensils that we might need. I will be assigning family members to take charge in preparing the party dishes. For easy clean-up, I plan to purchase disposable plates, cups and utensils.

Note: I'm on a tight budget that's why I opted to self-cater.

DRINKS
Since my guests are mainly adults, the first thing I booked was a mobile bar. I was able to get a deal at buyanihan, a group buying website offering discount deals from hotels to anything you can think of. I got a deal from boozeondmove for a 50pax unlimited party drinks for only Php6,000. It is actually my first time to purchase at buyanihan and hopefully the mobile bar will be a hit.

Add-ons: I plan to set-up a drinking station where guests can get iced tea and water, and ice.

DESSERT
I plan to set-up a sweet treats table. Hope I can pull it off like the ones I "googled". I saw a beautiful and elegant set-up by Britanny@GreyGreyDesigns. You may see it here.

BIRTHDAY CAKE and CUPCAKES
Labor of love ng mommy. I started baking two months ago lang. So major major prep talaga. I will be preparing the goodies a day before the party and the frosting on the party day itself.

PARTY DECOR
I made a banner. However, I am not so sure with the color coordination hahaha It doesn't go well with the theme but then I think it looks cute hehehe. I just purchase gift wrapping paper, cartolina, board paper, crepe paper and ribbons.

I still have to make the Happy Birthday banner... I will make another post on this when its done.

For the ceiling decor, I will be hanging tissue pompoms and maybe paper hearts and cupids. For the walls, will decorate balloons too.

We plan to set-up the decor a day in advance. Para on the day of the party yung mga madali nalang.

PROGRAM
I so love my friends ^-^ They will take care of the program activities.

GAME PRIZES
Chocolates???

GIVEAWAYS
I haven't decided on this yet.

INVITATIONS
Labor of love by my hubby.

PHOTOS/VIDEO
By my talented friends. Official photographer is Alan M, he professionally covers weddings and other big events.

PHOTOBOOTH
Will be sponsored by a friend. ^-^ c/o Efren of "iFotomania"
^-^ I only need to provide the backdrop. ^-^

GUESTBOOK
AT first I plan on making one. I even made an initial layout for the book. But then, I think that my baby will not be able to appreciate the messages with just hand writings of guests. So, I though I'll incorporate the message part in the photo booth. How? Well, I plan to buy a message board where guests can write down their b-day message for my baby then post with the message on hand at the booth.


OTHER PARTY AMENITIES
I want everyone to wear party hats and name labels... I searched at divisoria but then all I can find where character themed ones... huhuhu I will try to check at the malls. If not, I might diy again waaaah!



That's it. I hope I did not miss anything.

Walking Wings: A Review

I bought Miel a preloved walking Wings from a fellow n@w sis last month. Got it for half the price. Wow! It looks and feel sturdy and my baby's upper body seems to be well supported. It has an adjustable clasp on the back and a velcro for added support.

My baby just love to walk. However, putting the wings on her takes a bit of time 'coz she seems so eager to walk and the contraptions seems to distract her at first. We just put it on her whenever she wants to explore outside our home.

Will post pics soon.