Sophie @ 7: Her Disney Frozen Themed Birthday Party

Finally! Photos of the party for our little princess who turned 7 last January 16. I tell you, even at this point I still catch myself in awe that I'm a mom of a seven-year old. It's pretty amazing and surreal. Where did the time go?

A background story: even before we decided to have a themed party, we were torn between celebrating her birthday quietly and just the family; maybe a trip to HK Disneyland instead or a birthday bash with all the hullabaloo. The celebrant chose party so we pulled up our sleeves and started working on it. It's a celebration of life and with God's providence, the little girl got her wish.

Here are (a lot) of the photos of the party. We loved how everything turned out - the party details to the compliments we got from guests. Hope you too get inspiration and ideas for your next party as some of the details here were do-it-yourself or DIY.

I got totally inspired by DIY party ideas here and here. I really wanted that kind of party look. Nothing fancy and grand, just crafty, creative and fun.

Except for the balloons, our party decors and the candy buffet were product of months of research on how to come up with a winter themed party without breaking the bank. Thank you to all family members and friends who helped one way or another. It's such a bliss to know Sophie is so loved that way.

an old Xmas decor turned stage decor

Our family pictorial before things got busy. Love these photos to bits. Thanks 5th Door Productions for capturing the special moments.

Sophie's gown made by none other than her lola (my Mom). The only thing I bought for her ensemble was her crown. We also bought Sam's blue polo and a new pair of shoes to go with the matching blue outfits of the fam bam. I'm wearing a dress from H&M and belt from Landmark.

Cake and cupcakes by cakesandcupcakes35.blogspot.com
The toppers I ordered at Shopaholic.com. It was so hard looking for Frozen items in stores after the movie hit the local cinemas, everything was sold out so I had to find a local online store. I didn't dare order from abroad because I was worried the purchase will not make it on time. Remember, we had to change theme at the last minute? We didn't have that much time in our hands.

The cake and cupcakes with Disney's Frozen gang. Isn't Olaf adorbs? :)

icicles made from styropore, glue and epsom salt. Handcrafted by husby :)

The party started off with the introduction of the whole fam and a touching prayer by my Mom. 

Our host Evelyn Peralta started the ball rolling with games for everyone. She also did magic, ventriloquism and balloon twisting for us. So much talent in one bubbly persona. I love her more because she was generous with her ideas, so thoughtful and kind. We met each other once before the party and just chatted for hours. 

 

See the happy faces especially that of the celebrant? Priceless moments captured. Our goal achieved. 

Throughout the preparation, the celebrant was involved in the planning and some of the execution of details. It's important for us that the party was Sophie-approved. We originally booked a different entertainment for the party but she wanted 'lots of magic and games' so there you go.

Prizes and loots for the quick and the bibo :) Bought most of it at National Bookstore while some from Landmark and Divisoria.

Even the adults got too competitive during the games! I swear I was laughing 'til my jaw ached that day :)

Of course, the girls bagged the prizes. Sorry boys!

Sumptuous food and flowing drinks by Verleo. Smiling faces c/o guests. The head waiter said they gave away lots of calling cards so I'm thinking that equates to better business for them.

I totally recommend Verleo - very good customer service, follows through and most importantly everybody loved the food! Even the non-pork eater ate the pot roast. It was that good haha!

And don't you just love the setup? It captured Elsa and Anna's colors. Yes, even the table linens had to be chosen by the celebrant.

 

The giveaways were personalized stickers from Booths Republic. Kids and adults alike enjoyed this :)

We also invited Nestle Ice Cream to the party! What's a birthday without ice cream anyway so we got drumsticks, twin popsies, pinipig crunch and more for everyone. 

Here's ate Sophie being a stage sister to his brother during a game while my dashing Sam busied himself with ice cream. 

Here comes our DIY projects: the stage, candy buffet and more.

The stage made up of old Christmas decors, icicles, beads, sequins and yards of blue fabric from Divisoria. My go to place is always Michelle's in Divisoria mall.The cream silk was from my Mom's fabric collection.

We also bought packs of cupcake liners from Chocolate Lover which we turned into garlands, doilies. Polystyrene for the the name and Olaf and craft paper from National Bookstore. I lost count of how many times I went back to the bookstore to buy paint, paper, glue, etc.

My sister and I separately did snowflakes and other decors and incorporated everything during setup time.

The huge letters that spelt SOPHIA and snowman Olaf was made by yours truly with some paint job help from the celebrant herself and our helpers. They're far from perfect but I got lots of compliment from making Olaf so look alike (he had real carrot nose by the way). Some posed for a photo beside our adorable snowman :0 All but a labor of love.

We covered the stage with foam, the kind that you use to make quilts.

stage base made of silver twigs with cupcake liner garlands, silver Xmas decors, oversized J&B bottle used as vase, pompons, silver confetti and more !

To complete the look, JDF Lights and Multimedia provided the lights. Found this supplier through Sulit. Got the one with the most affordable price and positive feedback.

We even got snow! Yay! :)

I know with Frozen being a hit worldwide, it won't be long before parties are gonna be themed after the movie. Snow machines will definitely give bubble machines a run for their money. 

Our candy buffet- took us weeks of finding the perfect treats for the theme and look that we wanted. I think my sister and I stressed more over this than anything else haha!

I bought white picture frames from SM and placed Sophie's photo in one and a cutout glittered S in another. 

everything looked frosted and cool!

We got them labeled just for fun. Free printable here. Candies from Chocolate Lover and various grocery stores our mileage can reach :) The mallow pops and choco almond tops as well as the jelly cups were done by the family.

Our DIY centerpiece addition. Various frosted glass and glittered snowman made by Sophie and family.

photo by Bangs Mapanoo

We had last minute addition to add more personal touch to the party: craft table (because our celebrant is big on arts) where you can make your own snowflakes, choose your coloring pages or sticker tattoo and a photo gallery of the Sophie's 7 years, from her first room in when she was born until she turned 7. The photos hang on our Christmas tree brought to the venue.

The (not so) little princess blowing her cake. Our pretty Sophie, you will always be dad and mom's baby girl. Don't grow so fast please.

Happy birthday little princess! Daddy, Sam and I love you so much. Always stay beautiful inside and out.

Party suppliers:
Venue: Mapayapa Village I clubhouse, Quezon City
Food: Verleo -  http://www.verleo.com/
Cake and cupcakes: Theresa of: http://cakesandcupcakes35.blogspot.com/
Ice Cream: Nestle -  http://icecreamparty.ph/
Giveaways: Stickers from Booths Republic - boothsrepublic@yahoo.com
Photo and Video: 5th Door Productions -  http://www.5thdoorproductions.com/
Visit their FB page : https://www.facebook.com/5thdoorproductions
Everything else was a labor of love. 

Baking Partners Challenge #5: Plum Cake

This post is late (again) but with a purpose so I hope my excuse is acceptable :) I delayed doing Baking Partners challenge to today to coincide with hubby's birthday. No better way to appreciate a homemade cake than in a special occasion such as birthday.

Yep, this month's baking challenge is CAKE. Honestly, I haven't done cakes this kind and I'm glad I did. I must say that every time I do one recipe from Baking Partners, I learn not only recipes but also techniques along the way. For this recipe I learned how to make caramel syrup the right way (never stir with spoon) and I got to experiment with lime since I ran out of lemon.

The recipe I chose is Plum Cake since I'm a personal fan of this cake and my hubby enjoyed as well (with that touch of rum and all :) ) 

Let's get started with ingredients.

Ingredients: 

1 cup Raisins                      

1 cup Dates, chopped
1/4 c. Candied Orange/Lemon Peel   ( I used lime instead)     
1/4 c Brandy or Rum                                       
1 cup Unsalted Cashew Pieces                        
Few drops of Lemon Juice          (used lime juice as substitute)                
1/2 c Boiling Water                                         
2 sticks (8 oz) Unsalted Butter at room temperature 
2 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar                                      
3 large or 4 medium Eggs (separated)
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract     
2 cups All-Purpose Flour                                     
1 tsp Baking Powder
6 tbsp Sugar
3 tbsp Water                                     
1/2 tsp Cinnamon Powder                             
1/4 tsp. Ginger Powder                                  
 /4 tsp. Clove Powder                                              
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg Powder                                         
Brandy _optional for soaking

Method:
1. In a medium pan, add Brandy/Rum, Dates, Raisins and Orange Peel. Cook for 1 minute on medium heat.
2. Add Cashews and continue to cook for 1 minutes until heated through. Keep aside.

3. In a small pot, add 6 Tbsp Sugar and 3 Tbsp water and few drops of lemon juice. Swirl pan to mix – do not use spoon.
4. Heat until sugar changes color and becomes caramelized. (approx 7-8 minutes).
5. Add 1/2 cup boiling water and swirl pan again to mix well. Keep aside.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and powdered sugar and beat with hand blender.
7. Add one egg yolk at a time to the mix and blend well.
8. Add Vanilla Extract and blend.

9. Combine all dry spices, baking powder and flour and sift it into the bowl, adding little at a time and blending.
10. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. Lightly coat baking pans with spray cooking oil or regular oil.
12. Add caramelized sugar syrup a little at a time into mixing bowl and blend.
13. Add fruit/nut mixture into mixing bowl and mix with a spoon.
14. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until they are fluffy and soft peaks form.

15. Fold beaten egg whites into the cake batter.

I say the egg whites did a lot of transformation on the texture of the batter.

16. Pour batter into greased baking pans and bake for approx 1 hour at 325 degrees F. For smaller pans, baking time may vary.
17. Remove cake from oven and allow it to cool for few minutes

Our Plum cake, dressed simply. I had no time to garnish or decorate since I still did 3 more dishes for my husband's birthday.

First slice goes to the celebrant of course, he loved it! t's a celebration of flavors in one cake, very festive indeed :)

 

Recipe Share : Cupcakes!

Who doesn't love cupcakes? These yummy treats brings out a smile to every kid and makes a grown up feel like a kids again. 

Here's a frosting recipe to share to all of you from the New Gen Baker as shared too from http://www.ourbestbites.com/. I've tried this once and kept making it as requested by the whole family. The frosting is so addicting :) For the frosting below, I added a little red color to make pink frosting and used MAYA brownie mix for the cake. I've done it also with a lemon cake recipe and they're perfect together. Will share that lemon cake recipe in a separate post :)

Here's a recipe to share. Click here http://www.newgenbaker.com/recipes.php?id=25 to get full details. 

Ingredients

3 tablespoons MAYA All-Purpose Flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup REAL butter
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or any other flavor 

Instructions

Whisk together the flour and the milk. Heat in a small sauce pan on medium heat. Whisk continuously until it starts to thicken. I think this is the critical point for any of you who have had problems with this recipe. I have a feeling people are under-cooking this part. Let it cook, while stirring, until it looks like pudding (you should be able to see the bottom of the pan when you stir it). Even though it's thick, you can still it through a mesh strainer (just whisk the mixture in the strainer to push the thick stuff through) and then let it cool completely to room temp. or chill it in the fridge. It needs to be cooled completely. If you don't let it cool completely, it will melt the butter and you'll have runny frosting.

It an electric stand mixer, beat the butter and the sugar for a minute or two until well combined and fluffy. You'll want to use the whisk attachment on a stand mixer, not the flat paddle. Then while beating, add in the thickened milk mixture and the vanilla. Beat on the highest speed you can get to without it spraying all over the place for 7 minutes. Yes, 7 whole minutes, maybe even 8 or 9. I know that seems like a long time, but that's when the magic happens!

You will be scared because it will look like a weird goopy mess at first and you'll wonder what on earth you did wrong. Keep beating and something amazing happens. It goes from that goopy mess to something thick, velvety smooth, and perfectly fluffy.
Use it to fill cupcakes or other pastries, or as a frosting on top. You can't go wrong putting this on just about anything :)  

Happy Monday everyone!

To start the week with a smile, I am sharing with you a new find with a cute touch from our very own Ate Shawie, hehe.
Yup, my fave Maya brings you Celebrations by Sharon (Cuneta, that is, the Megastar).

There's even a recipe at the back of the box.

I was supposed to bake this over the weekend so I can share with you the result but I found out I'm out of paper cups. Anyway, Maya never fails me so I'm sure this will still be great!

Another product that Maya has is the Think Heart, a whole wheat variant of the pancake mix. It taste just like  their Fluffy pancake but in a healthier version. Doesn't that make you smile? :)

Oh, and Happy Parent's Day to all the moms and dads out there! 

Sam's 1st Birthday

Finally! Pictures from Sam's 1st birthday celebration at Oscarrito's last April 10, 2010. Thank you to Oscar (hence, Oscarrito),Weena and Lisa for the accommodation and the wonderful Ilonggo dish that our guests (especially my Ilonggo family) enjoyed. People talked about the porbidang kangkong for days!

Thank you Marga and her team of Gashville for the party needs and entertainment. You personally attended Sam's party despite the personal griefs you were going through. Thank you for the freebies and the photo booth. Everybody enjoyed the booth, it was a hit! 

the venue got ready for the party! 

Painting courtesy of Xtian Borja who also made Sophie's caricature in watercolor for her 1st bday. Thanks X! :)

happy birthday my dear baby boy :)

Thank you to everyone who graced the occasion with their presence. It's nice that family, long lost friends and officemates came to celebrate with Sam.

with the Jugoses

Sophie with Mama Karol

the Lomibaos enjoyed the photobooth

Thank you Theresa of Cakes And Cupcakes [cakesandcupcakes35@yahoo.com] for the Rocket cake and cupcakes. Not only do they look fabulous but they're also yummy. Kids' and adults' EQs were challenged by the tempting Einstein cakes :) Thank you for being patient with me even with last minute changes.

 Leo, Quincy, June and Annie with Rocket - Sam's fave Disney show

cupcakes with picture toppers

More photos of family and friends: 

Everybody was a kid for a day and made fun of themselves at the photo booth. It was momentous to see those dear to us come and enjoy themselves at Sam's birthday.