How sweet it is!

When you have a 17 year old who has friends and activities left and right, it's pretty difficult. Moms (or parents for that matter) always don't measure up to friends on the "likability" scale. Neither do little sisters. For about a couple of years now, it's been me and Sabine "against the world" while Ate Anissa continues to discover the world out there. 

So when I was asked, along with other #SoMoms, to join a Mommy and Me Cupcake Making Activity at Cupcakes By Sonja's, I silently squealed victory! Anissa has loved Sonja's cupcakes since the shop opened first in Serendra. There was no doubt in my mind that she would want to go with me. Sabine, on the other hand, would come even if I told her I was going to explore Pluto.

You can check these previous entries here and here to see how much my family loves sweets, particularly cupcakes and the ones from Cupcakes by Sonja's. Until now, we've had to go to Serendra (not too near to us) just to buy them. Every time I have a reason to go there without the kids, Anissa would remind me to grab a few of her favorites from Sonja's shop. If there were times I went home without some, I surely didn't hear the end of it from her. Unfortunately, the little one got sick the weekend prior to the event, I had no choice but to leave her at home. It was bonding time for me and the teenager who doesn't really like hanging out with me hihi.

As soon as we arrived and were done saying hello to all the other #SoMoms in attendance, we immediately got down to business. Errrrmmm ... Anissa did hihi. I have ZERO talent in the art department, so I chose to take a step back, be Mamarazzi and cheerleader instead. 

1st activity : How to create frosting colors

Anissa wanted purple frosting.

Then the huge tray of assorted toppings came and at this point I thought, Sabine would be in heaven by now!

But this was my favorite topping of them all. Need you ask? 

So focused on making those cupcakes and cookies

After all the work ... here's what she came up with

She really IS good with her hands.

It was one activity after another that everyone enjoyed. I can still hear the kids shrieking with delight while they were designing and creating their work.

Hey, Basti! Smile naman! Basti is the adorable son of Eli, ThePaintersWife

Here's ManilaMommy Neva's first born, David, busy decorating his cookie

Yukie who sat in front of us with Mom Cai of ApplesandDumplings .

And here they all are with Tita Sonja, minus my big girl (literally).
From L-R : Yukie, Naima, Berry, Mika, Sam, Basti, David and Sonja of course.

Because the kids were so happy, the #SoMoms were too!

The best part? Making all those cupcakes with her PLUS bringing them all home. Wheeee!

Thank you, Cupcakes by Sonja, for a lovely time!!!

Today, Cupcakes by Sonja is baking something new, something even better. With the opening of its newest store at the second floor Bridgeway of Glorietta 2, Cupcakes by Sonja’s fondness for nostalgic elements is given a fresh contemporary twist. The store counter, which is fashioned out of textured tin and decorated with charming calligraphy, is at the center of the action. The refrigerated display is integrated into the counter but lighted accordingly to showcase Cupcakes by Sonja’s gourmet creations. The dining area features furniture of different heights, materials, and elements all coming together in quiet harmony. Mixed in this panoply of the nostalgic and the modern are a couple of quirky elements like a lighting fixture made of kitchen whisks. More stores are set to open within the year at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Eastwood City, Greenhills, and TriNoma. Cupcakes by Sonja will also be offering new menu items developed with the same passion and commitment to quality and prepared with only the best ingredients as its other signature items.

Incidentally, Cupcakes by Sonja has an ongoing contest called Shoot and Share. You can click here to join. 

The new Cupcakes by Sonja store is located at the 2nd Floor, Bridgeway Glorietta 2, Ayala Center Makati. 

Cafe Publico

I met up with some friends recently and they treated me at this place in Promenade, Greenhills (2nd floor, beside Gerry's Grill). It was my first time and I didn't know what to expect. Normally, I'd Google about a place before going, but on that day, Anissa went to the LSGH Junior Prom and the stage Nanay was busy busy busy. We were there for dessert and/or coffee. I was told that the gelato is a must-try.

I have to admit ... it took a while for me to decide what to get. The flavors all sounded so intriguing. The Gelato Pies (ice cream on top of small cakes) are really worth it. 

Peach-a-Pie Golly Wow (vanilla gelato, peach slices, raspberry sauce and walnuts)

Grasshopper Pie (dirty mint gelato on Oreo cookie crust)

The Italian Job (Ferrero gelato with nutella fudge)

When In Rome (Sophia Loren gelato w/ pistachio and raspberry sauce)

Oreo Cookie Pie (Brownies 'n cream gelato on Oreo Cookie crust)

The average cost of the Gelato Pie is around Php 200. Can you guess which one I went for? 

This, my dear readers, is The Italian Job. And the job of gobbling it all up took no more than 20 minutes, I think. HAHAHAHA. Ang sarap eh!!! 

They have Sundaes and Gelato Frappes which I would love to try next time. They have full meals, too. Check out there menu HERE

CAFE PUBLICO

2/F Greenhills Shopping Center Promenade, Greenhills

(02) 919 0519

Cara Mia Gelateria (Ayala Triangle)

I don't have to have ice cream all the time. It's not a permanent fixture in our freezer at home. But we ARE dessert freaks and when we feel the need for sweets, we run to the nearest option. 

Last night, after dinner at Wee Nam Kee and while walking back to the car, we passed by Cara Mia Gelateria (also owned by Amici, I believe). And because I wasn't too happy with dinner, I had to have something to save the evening. Gelato was going to be it!

The minute Sabine saw the place, there was no stopping her. 

Gelato, Mommy! Ice cream! I want ice cream!!!!

It's always so difficult to choose when you stare too long at the chiller. 

So I went for one of their best-sellers, also because I've been missing Ferrero so much. 

My gelato didn't disappoint!

N went for his usual Pistachio. When was the last time I had gelato here? I was kinda surprised when they said a scoop costs P80. Then again, I think this is already a standard for most local ice cream brands.

Slice at Boni High Street Central

I don't remember the last time I was in Boni High Street. It's been a while because this was my first time to see the new portion. N had a meeting with BFF's hubby, so BFF and I decided to tag along. 

I suggested that we all meet at SLICE because I've been reading good reviews about the place. Funny though that at 3pm, I wasn't really hungry. 

The one on the left is what I had. It was the last piece in the chiller so I grabbed the chance. I've always been more partial to vanilla or lemon-flavored cupcakes. The pink icing really looked tempting, too. My BFF had the Double Choco Yema cake, which is a best-seller. See all that creamy yema on top? This was good, too!

I had to buy pasalubong for the kids. They really loved this.

I got them a small box containing 4 of these. I haven't tried them. In fact, I'm not so sure that there are any left in the fridge after I heard my girls' "ooohs" and "aaahhs" when they tasted it.

I regret that I didn't get to try anything else. I'm so intrigued by their meals, especially their version of Arroz Caldo using brown rice. I know, I know. I'm not really a healthy-eater. But I saw a photo of it and it looks really good. 

Hoping to go back soon.

SLICE is at Bonifacio High Street Central, in between Jamba Juice and Mango

Yesterday

I'm still a bit starstruck after the event I went to yesterday.

That's Judy Ann Santos in the green dress and of course, my good friend, Pia M. We were at M Cafe for the Absolute Mom Awards hosted by Absolute Drinking Water. Pia, along with 4 other well-known Moms were recognized for their accomplishments as mothers. FMF received a cheque donation for being Pia's chosen charity/foundation, so I had to go up on stage to get it (horrors ... I hate being in the spotlight, seriously). But thank you, thank you for this blessing and honor!

Now back to Juday. I was in awe the minute I saw her. I'm not much of a showbiz person. I don't really watch teleseryes or talk shows, but seeing her made my jaw drop. So pretty in person! She also recently lost around 50 lbs by going on the Cohen Diet and doing Barre 3. Amazing dedication. It all paid off. She looked awesome. Literally.

Since we were in the area and had some time to spare, we headed over to Greenbelt 5 to find a place to sit, have coffee, eat and chat. 

Classic Confections was our next stop. Look at these pretty, pretty cookies! My favorite was the popcorn. I didn't buy it though, because I'm not really a cookie fan. 

This was more my type

Butter Cupcake with Buttercream Icing

Did someone say butter? Hee hee.

Koi got the Opera Torte

And this was Pia's Mango Panna Cotta

The icing on all these desserts was, of course ...

The company

CHEEZEBALLS hahaha

Oh but seriously, there is never a dull moment with these two. Can't wait for the next sesh!

Food Discovery : Merry Moo Ice Cream

I went around Eastwood Mall after lunch today because Mother Goose asked me to grab a couple of multi-grain loaves for her and Father Goose. I was sleepy from that heavy lunch in Dampa (Libis) but I was looking for something sweet to eat (what's new?). 

I noticed that there were several people blocking my view of this particular stall. It obviously meant that whatever they were selling there must have been good. I craned my neck to see what the fuss was all about. I originally wanted some meringue so when I found out that it was ice cream, I was slightly disappointed. But I was sleepy and didn't want to go around anymore. Ice cream will do.

I asked the girl what their best-selling flavor is and she recommended Sea Salt Caramel. The name sounds strange and I almost judged it prematurely. I asked her if I could sample it. I did. 

YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY

I never imagined that caramel and salt could go well together. I'm not a huge fan of caramel, so the sea salt flavor really balanced things off. For P70 a scoop, not bad at all. Especially since the size of the scoop is really generous. I can't wait to try their other flavors, but I'm sure I'll keep going back to this one. I didn't hear about Merry Moo before today. Turns out, they've always been in Mercato. No wonder. I've never ever been to Mercato (LOSER). 

Merry Moo is also homemade. Wow!!!

They're in Eastwood Mall on weekends only, by the way. 

I hope you're all enjoying this rainy weekend, so far. 

I love the cool weather for a change!

Heaven in a Box : Nathaniel's Buko Pandan

My Tita who resides in San Fernando, Pampanga brought this over during our 4-day stay in Subic. It used to be that one would have to go all the way to Pampanga just to buy this. If you were pregnant (or the husband of a pregnant woman) with an intense craving for this, that would've been a real challenge for you!

Thankfully, they've decided to bring this to the Metro and have opened shop in Quezon City. A friend of mine also informed me that this is now sold in SM Hypermart (not sure if all branches have it though).

It's best served chilled, not frozen, contrary to popular belief. I have no idea how much this costs today but I'm pretty sure it won't do much damage. It's a perfect potluck party item, if you ask me, because I don't think I know anyone who doesn't like it.

Nathaniel's is at ITC Commercial Complex

Panay Avenue cor. Timog Avenue

Quezon City

I'm craving for it again!

Weekend sweets from my sweet baby bro

DH and I had to forego being with the rest of my family last night for our weekly dinner. But the doting spoilers (aka my parents) insisted on taking Anissa out anyway. They ended up having dinner in Myron's in Greenbelt 5 --- I just casually mentioned this place to my Dad and I didn't know he wanted to try it out right away. Waaaahhhhh! We missed one hell of a meal!

Anyway...later on the evening, I got a text from my DB saying he took out an extra order of Wagyu Steak for me and DH. He actually felt sorry for us hahaha! Then later followed it up with a box of mini cupcakes from Classic Confections for Sabine --- stress on SABINE, because he knows how much I love cupcakes and wanted to make sure I didn't hog the whole box. Well too bad he doesn't live with us so he doesn't know that to date...I have already devoured 5 of these vs. Sabine who has only had 2 hehehe!

Yummy yummy colored icing!!!
P250 for a box of one dozen --- not bad!


The cupcake itself is really moist
I'm sure some people will think that the icing is much too sweet
But that's just the way I like my cupcake frosting

DB will be so mad when he finds out I've touched it
I will definitely go back there myself soon!

I was this close!

When my cousin, Marla and I agreed that we would meet up for lunch today at Angel's Kitchen in Greenhills, I had no idea that the Konbini Store (which sells the famous Royce Chocolates) was right next door! I remember being told that it was along Annapolis St., not Connecticut. So I was pleasantly surprised to see it upon parking my car outside.

After our lunch, Marla and I went over to Konbini. She to grab packs of Japanse pasta sauce which son Gabbie loves and I to snag a box of Royce's Chocolate-covered potato chips. Guess what??? They were out of stock! The store had everything except the one thing I really wanted. Even if I've tried a few of their other variants before, the chips were what I really really wanted to take home.

I was so disappointed I didn't even feel like taking photos of the other chocolates in their freezer to post here. I was told that their deliveries come in once a week on Wednesdays (that was just yesterday!). Does that mean I need to be there early next Wednesday to make sure I'm first in line???

Grrrr.....

Photo credit : DessertComesFirst

The Ice Cream Bar --- Round 2!

DH was intrigued when I told him about my first time here with the girls so he didn't waste a minute. We were back there last night to welcome the weekend with these great-tasting stuff!

As expected, he ordered his favorite Banana Split

And this time I tried their Soft Serve Yogurt (with mangoes, dark chocolate chips, marshmallows and strawberry syrup --- my own concoction hehehe!)

My niece Gia had the Mangga at Suman --- too bad I didn't get to try it

After she had her Caramel Sundae, Anissa declared that she was still hungry and ordered this Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich with real, honest to goodness potato chips (we asked for an extra order of this plus a Creamy Garlic Dip)

This little one just ate off of everyone's orders

Quickie get-together over ice cream

Good friend, Smile is here from HK on a very short trip so as usual, we all made sure to meet up for some long overdue chikahan. The girls had dinner first in Pepper Lunch but I wasn't feeling well today so I skipped that and went straight to dessert!

The Ice Cream Bar by Fruits in Ice Cream at the JOYA in Rockwell


My happy girls while going over the menu


Anissa's Caramel Sundae


My DM had 2 scoops of their Red Munggo flavor


My Strawberry Shortcake (Strawberry is my favorite FIC flavor)


The unbeatables reunited - Pia, Smile and Patty


And the entire gang
Too bad time always seems to fly so fast when I'm with them
Bon Voyage, Smile and see you next month!

The Ice Cream Bar is located at the JOYA Tower, JOYA Drive
in Rockwell (outside Power Plant Mall)