Leila's Ladybug Party Details

We had Leila's 1st birthday party last Friday (20 April) and it was a blast! We all enjoyed every minute of it. The hosts and the mascot both did a great job *clap! clap*
So, here are the details from Leila's Ladybug Birthday Party.

Simple Ladybug Party Invitation (DIY)

Beautiful and Delicious Cake/Cupcakes from Munch Bakery
I made the design myself

Our Dining Room Turned Into A Party Area

(All decorations ae made by yours truly with the help of my cousin and a friend)

I Call this Leila's Corner. This is a small bar/nook converted into a Sweet Treat Area for Kids and Kids at heart. We have Cotton Candy, Mallow Pops and Popcorn. Next to it is the Face Painting Area.

The Blackboard is from IKEA.

Party Favor for Kids (DIY)

Personalized Cookie Pop (DIY)

Party Favor for Adults ~ Ladybug Sugar Cookies

Personalized Water Bottles (DIY)

Tissue Pom Poms (DIY)

I used Paper Flowers and Wooden Letters to decorate the wall of our 2nd living room

DIY Birthday Banner

This was place at the entrance from the main living room.

I bought the twigs and added the designs afterwards. I also put Leila's photos.

We bought the Red, White and Black Balloons and just inflated it. The Balloon Sticks that we used are from Rania's previous party.

Prizes!!!

Cotton Candy Maker

We were torn between a Popcorn Maker and this Cotton Candy maker. Obviously, the latter won :-)
We find this cute and useful for Leila's Party. The kids at heart will definitely enjoy this.

Not only you can use sugar but also hard candies. How cool is that???

Our Dining Room

Finally, our dining room is half way done. We got the extra chairs plus the side table.

We still need to install a pendant lighting, although this will take a back seat for awhile.

I want something like this ~Simple and Sleek

Or something like this.

We also need to change our rug/carpet into a bigger one since we have a 12 seater dining table now :-)

Accessories to follow...wala ng pera LOL

Dining table and chairs, side table, candle holder all from IKEA

Lengua De Gato

Yesterday, I was in the mood do to simple baking. Yes, you heard or should I say "you read it right" hahahaha. I know the process of baking is not a simple thing so, I think it is more appropriate  to say simple ingredients...that sounds better.
I remember baking this yummy cookie years back kaso di na nasundan.Kaya i tried making it again.

I only have here the final product in the jar. I wasn't able to take photos of the step by step procedure. I will do it next time.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar (some calls for 1/2 cup but i prefer my cookie to be a little sweeter)
2 egg whites
1 cup all purpose flour, sifted
1/8 tsp salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Cream butter then add sugar
3. Stir egg whites, salt and flour
4. Place in a piping bag
5. Pipe (3 inches long) in a baking tray lined with wax paper/baking paper.
6. Place in the middle rack of the oven. Bake for roughly 10 minutes or until the edges of the Lengua is brown.
7. Let it cool and place in a container. Enjoy!!!

** I've read a different recipe that includes whole egg**  Will try it next time

This Made My Day!

At times when i feel tired, exhausted and drained....surprises like this eases it all.
My 3 year old daughter drew this beautiful work of art :-) She came to me showing her drawing while pointing herself in the picture with Baba, Mommy and her sister Leila.

Priceless!!!

Shape Up

I've been a couch potato for almost a month now, and it's only yesterday I went back to my walking routine. While we were in the Philippines (6 months) for vacation, I took the opportunity to be physically active, also, my body is telling me to do so. I usually do my morning walk around 6 in the morning and a little jogging. I lost weight and I am happy about it. But more than vanity reason, I really want to be healthy and fit not only for myself but for my family.
I had hypertension for quite sometime after my pregnancy but thank God I am doing well now. Thank you to my cardiologist who helped me go back in track and to normalize my blood pressure again. I was advised to stop if not, lessen my salt intake (mahilig kasi ako sa "patis/fish sauce") , to exercise (need to shed off my post pregnancy fats) and to eventually lose weight. My cholesterol level was elevated and I have to watch out for my diet too!
I hit  the treadmill again...I walked for 30 minutes, and in between a little jogging. I feel refreshed! I do hope I would always find time to do this everyday. A time for myself..my quiet time.