DIY Cupcake Frosting

My children had been requesting chocolate cupcakes for their sister's birthday on September and I wanted to make it by myself. Unfortunately, we do not have an oven here so I came up with a bright idea.

You guys better watch out for the transformation of this regular cupcake we have been buying at the grocery store! I don't even have to think of those costly pastries and cupcakes we order from most bakeshops. As I've mentioned earlier, we do not have an oven so I can't bake and a ready-made is good enough. We have a toaster oven. Can that help? Ha ha ha!

Ever heard of Caro & Marie? They have all the good stuff from cake decors, ingredients, etc.! I discovered this back when I was in high school, they were located just beside the grocery store at the lower ground floor of SM City Cebu. I loved their plain chocolate bars which were sold at 25 pesos! But now it came up to 60 and up. Too bad. Anyway, they moved at APM Mall, the mall beside SM. I bought a couple of stuffs there all ready for Marie's party. The plan to buy some frosting will be next week (maybe), at this very convenient store.

Anybody else want to frost a ready-made cupcake? 'Coz I think I'm the only one. (LOL)

About Marie's Party

In 6 weeks and 4 days, Love Marie will be two. Oh how time flies! I wanted her visitors to enjoy the party, mainly the kids.

When people celebrate their children's birthday, all they ever think about is how the older guests would think about the party. Well, not to mention "This party is so fancy, this sure cost a fortune!" or "Why don't they have this and that, blah blahhh" . It's all about having fun and making it memorable since it's a KIDS' PARTY.  I didn't mean to be so rude, I just hate the fact that "people" wanted to impress people through material things. I don't care if it stresses me, as long as I'm happy with what I'm doing, and as long as my kids enjoy what I'm doing for them. Don't be hatin'.   ;)

Moving on, I'm thinking about cooking for her big day and rent a clown, maybe? I have never tried having a clown in all my kids' birthday parties. I did have Jollibee and other mascots, but not a clown. Not yet. Marie is afraid of clowns! I don't want to scare her but on the other hand, I may be able to reconsider. I just pray that it won't frighten her that much so she can really enjoy her day.

I have prepared everything except for the food and drinks. How about finger foods? I honestly didn't want to include rice on the menu but that always makes every Filipino enjoy the food. I know it's a bit early, however I am doing it by myself, I think I've got a lot of time to prepare (noo you didn't expect my husband to help, did ya'?? ha ha ha!). Okay.. All I have now is: crepe paper, cartolinas, art papers, ribbons, construction papers, glues! And oh, I nearly forgot! Love Marie and I went to the city last week to have the printer cartridge refilled and unfortunately there's something wrong with it. Well I'm not sure if it's the printer or the cartridge. Now we will be heading back to the city to have it checked and fixed (again, not sure if I'll bring the cartridge only or the printer). So you get the idea, I haven't been working on printed art yet.

Candies, chocolates, and everything sweet and nice on the day of the party! And since my baby girl is not familiar with our neighbors, every kid is invited to come and have fun.

See you!

Our Reviews were Paid Off!

Kisses to my baby boy, got a perfect score 100/100 from his 1st periodical test. Asked him what he wants like : ice cream, cake, fries, scooter.. He replied; "ma i just want 2 pieces of chewing gum." THATS WHAT I GET FROM PREVENTING MY KIDS FROM EATING JUNK FOODS. :)

Marie & Marie with Kittens

Good evening kittens! Today I  found out how creative I can be when I just put my mind to it. I tried every applications I can find on the computer because I thought it would help me with my daughter's invitations for her party this September.

I WAS SO RIGHT! I AM AWESOME! I can't take my butt off the PC, I'm always busy editing! Although in college I had the opportunity to take Photoshop, I didn't because I thought it was a waste of time & that I wouldn't need it. Now I'M SO WRONG ABOUT IT.

Here's one example of my work, added a few kittens on the original picture of Marie, not Marie -- my daughter.. But Marie from The Aristocats movie. Yes fortunately I named my daughter after a cat. Ha ha ha! (fact: my second name is Marie as well).

One thing I can't share for tonight.. My compiled art. Anyway, have a wonderful night!

Main Dish?

Bonjour!

I'm just dropping by to ask something.. If there are adults to feed, shall I serve a main dish in a kid's party (3-5 pm probably)?I'm so confused about everything. I even made a birthday planner already so I can organize stuffs.

My compiled recipes are found here on my multiply site, click click click!
http://maclovesjo.multiply.com/reviews

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

A common social issue people have.. Making friends! Whether you're having a break at a coffee shop, reading books in a library, grocery shopping, working, having a cruise, etc., you are indeed one friendly being.

*Pictures were taken inside the Roble ship, when we were on our way back here in Cebu City after a short vacay. *

Baon For School

Why are healthy lunches and snacks important at school? This is the main question I have been asking to myself ever since.

I myself give my boys whatever food they can eat as long as it is healthy. I give them junk food and candy, yes, but I know when they've had enough. I let them have rice sometimes because they would tell me to do so, and I very much agree especially when they eat their lunch early (like 10:30 am to 11:00 am early).

They are in different schools, different levels, but the same schedule. 2 - 3 hours a day, 5 times a week.Starts at 1 o'clock in the afternoon until three.

Marie's Accessory Case

Sharing my new D.I.Y (do-it-yourself) project for my baby girl's accessories to keep them organized! I'm proud to be boasting about it tonight even if the outcome is not that good. But little did I know how it would come together perfectly! BTW She already has one Hello Kitty case however her accessories are increasing that's why I'm making a bigger one.

First off, husband and I spray-painted some sides with neon pink (we ran out of spray paint that's why the drawer below was still in off-white hue). Second, I went out to buy some art stuff and crafts for the decorations and when I got home, I quickly designed every single spot. Lastly, glued some of Marie's pictures.

Here you can find headbands, hair clips, ribbons, earrings, bracelets, jewelry, baby combs, bobby pins and many more. Oh sorry haven't filled the case yet but I will be posting pictures of them in it soon. It's fun to have kids when you're all grown up, you get to do cool stuffs like a kid sometimes and be very creative!

Before I forget, can you guess what this box was before it transformed? Hi hi hi hi.. And spot the "M"!

Call Me Lazy

Too bad my mood didn't work quite well with our messy room today! We've been back home since July the 1st and up until now, our room looks as if an earthquake dropped by.

"I need a motivation.", I would always say. From the moment I wake up, bathe my kids, feed them, wash our clothes or anything.. My body feels helpless and I just wanted to lie down all day. I'm also thinking that it would only take an hour or two fixing everything at home however, the fact that I know it would be that quick, my mind tells me to do it another day. Pretty lazy, huh?

Any of you have suggestions on how to make me motivated to do something?

Mama's & Babies' Date

After picking up my 2 boys at school, we went to Gaisano Minglanilla and we brought Love Marie with us. No helpers, no PAPA (was and is always on his computer desk).

I decided to bring them with me for a date. Because in the past, I used to bring them to the park, or some mall, etc. without anyone but us. Everyday, they tell me how much they miss going out with their mama then I would reply "We are always together, at home, at school, even in the shower when I bathe or clean you!".

Yes I truly understand the needs of my kids now. I never would have guessed that it was the thing I was longing for before I bore a child.

My 2nd Yr Blogiversary

Just remembered something! It's my 2nd year here on blogger! I really have learned a lot and shared A LOT to everyone who reads my blog and who are randomly directed here. Hoping to get 2 more years.. And two more.. Then 2 and 2 and forever!!!

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY TO ME AND MY READERS.

I wish I was that official and/or popular so that I could share giveaways. But on the other hand.. I keep track of my blogs so that I can publish a book for my children! Too excited for it rather than being popular! LOL

I can't believe I've been here this long. My daughter's turning 2 years old this year as well. Thanks to all of you and thanks to me! 

My Doll House is Hers Now

Lookie here.. We've found my old Doll House in our stock room in Ormoc! I had fun, Papa had fun, she had fun!!! Do you know someone who wouldn't? 

Love Marie plays my Doll House as if she's one of the dolls in it. 

In our third night at our house there, I decided to let my baby girl play with it and watch her enjoy herself. She's not yet capable of doing it right but I'm glad my Aunt and Uncle didn't let me play with it when I was younger. If it wasn't for them, my daughter couldn't have inherited this from me.

The whole Doll House was still complete although many of the pieces weren't already there. But that's A-Okay, it can be bought in department stores.

My husband and I were just amazed when she sat right in the middle of it, combed her hair with the doll's hairbrush, placed the fish on the frying pan, dressed up all the dolls, and even put the tiny pillow on her head. Children really have ideas of their own. And we know there are more to be discovered!

Throwing A Party

Today my baby girl turns 1 year and 9 months old. She's not yet in school, this will be happening on a Friday and also everybody knows that Friday is a school day. I'm getting excited about her 2nd birthday that's why I am currently searching for the best theme and I was wondering if any of you can suggest something unusual?

She may be interacting with other kids on her birthday but I know she wouldn't understand just yet since she's still a toddler. I know most children at her age doesn't care about the party as long as he/she sees other kids playing around but I wanted this to be extra special.

I even thought of cooking by myself and until now, my husband disagrees because he doesn't want me AND OBVIOUSLY HIM to be stressed out at the party.

Here are some ideas I have been thinking for a while. How about celebrating it in her elder brother's school? I mean, just sharing spaghetti, hotdogs, cupcakes and juices.

Or.. Just here at home, an hour and a half party with a clown? Home is usually the easiest place to throw a party. Not renting, I'm not sure yet because I know not everyone will be available! 

Or.. Maybe I can just sing a birthday song to her the whole day and get over it! Ha ha! Nah, I know I can just do that however she's my first baby girl, I wouldn't want her to feel bad about it when she becomes a teenager, trust me I know! *wink*

I'll accept comments and suggestions, you can message me on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/jdjclovejo ) and I'll update you  guys.. It's 2 months away, so just holler! 

Swim, Swam

We brought our small pool in Ormoc so that the kids can have fun splashing waters while we were in our vacation. I expected many others to join us however it was a full failure.

Filled the pool with only little water, just enough for a little fun and just enough for safety. I think they were in it for half a day and you know what? The water in the pool was very useful for doing my laundry. Ha ha ha! I DARE YOU NOT WASTE AND CONSERVE WATER PLEASE!

Anyhow, I am sharing only these since I got tired of having my eyes on the computer for several hours now. I figured I have had 6 blogs today already. Hafta get back to my kids, catch you some other time readers!

Little Misses

Who says these smiles cannot turn your frown upside down?! These are the two little misses that can take your worries away with just a single smile.

Meet my daughter's cousin named Xandy Leigh, born last January of this year. People talk to her, make her laugh, make her smile, does just the ordinary things babies do.

Yeah.. About these extra pictures below.. Hmm.. Can you guess who they were?

I'll give you guys a hint. These were the pictures of that two little misses' mothers! See the resemblance? Or can you see the differences?

My Ting Tings

Will all humans one day be the same color? I seem to be a bit guilty of the fact that even my uncle, my mother's older brother, wears the same color and the same outfit as my kids are wearing.

His real name is Narciso Edwin, nicknamed Titing, and all of his nieces and nephews call him "Daddytatay". White t-shirt tucked in jeans is always his favorite. He says it can be both worn as a semi formal attire or even at the market.

One time before heading to Ormoc City (my uncle resides there), I let my eldest wear the same clothing and guess what he told me! "Mama I look like Daddytatay!" with a frown face. Ha ha ha.