Yo Gabba Gabba Cake Pops!

By far the most challenging little suckers! And yet the most rewarding! It took several days of preparation to make but in the end it was worth it.

They are not perfect but for the first time making them, not too bad! 

Strawberry Cheesecake (The busy mom's version)

I was trying to get creative with the easy version of baking a cheesecake, because simply put, I am mother and a student and a full time employee so therefore "Ain't nobody got time" to be making a fancy Martha Stewart cheesecake! With that said, I went to my local grocery store and purchased the pie crust, two Philadelphia's (or whatever store brand cream cheese) whipped topping and strawberries. I made the cheesecake (using directions in cream cheese box), added semi sweet chocolate chips in the mix (why not?, I love chocolate) and baked. Once it cooled down I spread whipped topping on top and finished it off by arranging the strawberries (as shown above). Viola! It was delicious, to say the least. And most importantly, it was so easy, time-friendly and finger-licking good. =)

Owl Baby Shower

I have been wanting to share my baby shower party here but unfortunately did not have many photos to commemorate the special day. Luckily my wonderful friend Roxana from MKR took photos to put on her blog. She helped me with my banner, made my personalized toppers and invitations. 

As you can see, I went with the Owl and bird theme here. I had to think fast, yummy and creatively considering that I gave birth exactly one week after my baby shower. 

 So I decided to do some yummy cupcakes with my favorite cream cheese frosting, chocolate dipped Oreos, candies, Rocher chocolates and pecan tarts. I loved my tree branch idea, not only because it perfectly suited the theme, but because of its functionality. It held the pale with to go baggies and plastic tongs for the goodies. 

 Perusing through Michael's one dollar bin I came across pink felt shaped birds with a little faux diamond eye. Perfect. While Roxy made my scalloped cupcake holders I glued my little birds onto them. I just love the details.

Thanks Roxy from MKR for your wonderful paper creations and for taking pictures. 

Edible Graduation Leis

I was trying to come up with a creative lei (aside from the candy and money ones) for all my nieces. One was being promoted into the seventh grade, the other was graduating middle school and the third one was graduating high school. The girls LOVE baked goods. So I decided to experiment. I baked each their favorite cookies. I then wrapped them using ribbon that matched their school colors. Attached was a note that read: "You're one smart cookie". 

They loved it! 

Vintage Carnival Theme

ELY'S 1ST BIRTHDAY

 My dear and creative friend Ronalyn thought of the Vintage Carnival Theme for her daughter's first birthday (May 2011). I was excited when she asked me to help her put together a small sweets table. I decided to go with some simple yet yummy cake pops, pretzels, cookies and candy. It a was success! The wonderful images and paper designs were captured and made by Ronalyn. 

 I used striped paper from Michael's and Styrofoam to place the vanilla cake pops. 

Happy Birthday, Ely!