Congrats D&G

Congratulations are in order for Di and Gerwyn on their engagement and the purchase of their new home. Luckily they kept our pact by not moving out to the 905's (no offense Mae and Glenn) and instead trading in the downtown condo for a beautiful brick home in Leslieville. We were lucky enough to take a sneak peak and we were full of excitement and awe as we moved from one room to another. I can already picture the Christmas tree in the living room, the wonderful smell of food coming from their huge kitchen and the football party G would have in their cozy basement. Such an exciting time in their lives. A house. A wedding. And a... Well, you know what they say. Things happen in 3's.

Cheap Date

We've been meaning to take advantage of the matinees available at the AMC theaters just down the street at Dundas Square. Since my baking course was postponed until next week, we took advantage of the day and watched an 1100 am showing of Julie & Julia. We were not only excited about the measly $12 we spent (for two people!) but we were also surprised to find some extra tickets for free popcorn and a drink. Bonus! This morning we went back to AMC to watch Norm's movie pick, the Hangover (go figure). It was a hilarious movie that had us in stiches all the way through. Looks like we have re-discovered the joy of movies and at such a great price!

Great Wolf Lodge

Do you ever feel the need to be a kid again? To have no worries in the world. To just eat, sleep and play. We did just that at Great Wolf Lodge with the company of some of our favourite little friends. Catching the waves in the wave pool, racing in the lazy river, playing basketball in the little kiddie area, racing down the water slides, and sneaking off with Norm to ride on the Niagara Rapids tube ride. I did not want the weekend to end.

Do you remember being on vacation with your family and wanting to eat 'out' but your parents/relatives would bring everything from home including the kitchen sink? Well, i hate to admit it but we are now those parents. We brought empanadas, siopao, tocino, longanisa, palabok and of course a rice cooker! It wasn't at all that we were trying to save money. It's simply because our food is better.

Before our drive home, we found a community centre where the kids can play and where the boys can nap. Trae gave the green light for the kids to wet their feet but before we knew it, the kids were soaking wet from head to toe. Leave it to the filipino kids to run around the splash pad in regular clothes. I think the kids had just as much fun here as they did at GWL.

Ah, to be a kid again. A filipino one.

Welcome Baby Eric

Baby Eric surprised all of us by coming into this world 3.5 weeks early. This gorgeous little boy weighed in a 5.6 lbs and despite his premature entrance to this world is doing amazingly well. Congrats Ev & Stu. We look forward to sharing this new adventure with you.

Remembering you...

I remember the times when you would call us and talk to us for hours - always asking such intelligent questions and leaving us questioning ourselves. I remember hanging out upstairs on our rooftop patio and taking pictures of you holding the CN Tower. I remember our trip to Centre Island and how you were content with just hanging out with us instead of going on the rides. I remember you always hiding from the sun because you didn't want to get dark. I remember your love for nicely packaged snacks, most especially pocky. You never ate them. You considered them art but everytime I would come over you would offer some to me. I remember your adoration for your little sister from the moment she was born and always showcasing her new antics as she got older. I remember your determination in school and how proud we were of you. I remember when your grandparents were here to visit and instead of hanging out at the hotel, you chose to come home with me and to protect me as I walked home that night. But what I miss most is your smile. It didn't matter what kind of day you were having, you always smiled and greeted us with a kiss and a hug. You were always so courteous of your elders - even though you said I was more like a "friend" because i looked so young. There's not a day that passes by without me thinking of you but this day is special. Today is your birthday and we miss you so.

Surprise!

Mae, Di, Sally and myself were busy putting together a surprise shower for Ev & Stu. We all know how sharp Ev is so to be sure she would not have any suspicions we told her it was a surprise birthday party for Glenn and for a little humour we added that it was an 80s themed party. Not only did Ev make transformer cupcakes for Glenn and came bearing gifts but she also came dressed in the 80s with her homemade t-shirt with a whole bunch of pins and Stuart was a hit with his David Bowie t-shirt and a mullet hair-do. Mission accomplished. Our guests were treated to a culinary treat: Di's kalbi, salmon on a cedar plank, chicken souvlaki, pasta, salad and lots of dessert. I took the opportunity to expand my cupcake repertoire with tiramisu, carrot and chocolate chip cupcakes and Sally provided guests with a ice cream sundae bar. I am so happy that the party went smooth and that Ev was truly surprised. Today little Eric surprised all of us by coming earlier than expected. Ev went into labour Sunday morning and gave birth to a healthy baby boy at 6:25 pm. Congratulations to the new parents!

CNE

There were so many new things to see at the Ex this year. We watched the professional surfers on the FlowRider as I ate the infamous tornado potato. Norm did not have his speedos otherwise he said he would have showcased some of his many talents - belly flopping is a favourite. The food building had some new additions such as Webers and a UK booth that housed the Marks & Spencers shrimp chips! That's right ladies, get them while you can! We did not stay too long this time. Just a visit to the food building and a walk up the midway. It was a busy night with the $1.75 entrance fee. We plan on revisiting the EX sometime this week so we can eat those now expensive Tiny Tom doughnuts ($5/dozen!) and so I can challenge Norm to whack-a-mole.

Harbourfront

Everyone should make a trip down to the Harbourfront before the summer comes to an end. It was a beautiful day on Saturday and it was even sweeter near the lake. Ella enjoyed walking on the boardwalk, chasing the birds, eating ice cream, watching the boats, sticking her feet in the water and doing some art work at one of the exhibits. Meanwhile, Kuya Freddie had food on his mind as he followed his nose to the smell of street meat and grilled calamari, ice cream for dessert and coconut juice to wash it all down. Norm spent the day working as he is trying to beat his month end deadline but he found some time to join us for dinner at Wah Sing. In my opinion, that's always a perfect way to end the day.

My rooftop patio

When the weather is this beautiful who wants to stay indoors? There are a million things to do around the city but sometimes you just want to simply enjoy the weather.  I recently rediscovered my rooftop patio - oh how i love it up there.  We have a beautiful 180 degree view of our city that faces south towards the lake.  I had a day off on Friday and it was spent reading a book upstairs. It was perfect. No work. No phone calls. Just me and my book. We only have a few more weeks before the end of summer so that's where I'll be if you're trying to find me.  

Harper's Baptism

A summer full of weddings, baptisms, showers and BBQs...it's neverending.  It was not in our plan to make it to South Carolina for Harper's baptism but Norm and I decided last minute to drive down to Buffalo, hop on a plane and make an appearance.  We're glad we did because we had a chance to spend time with family as we prepared cupcakes, chocolate covered pretzels, fruit pizza and even my 12 year old cousin Josh contributed by preparing a beautiful fruit tray. The reception was a success.  They had two food stations:  filipino and southern.  I went straight for the southern station and filled up on shrimp with grits, sweet potato hash and fried green tomatoes. Usually my trips to South Carolina consist of shopping but instead I traded it for a trip to the beach. It was perfect.  Norm was happy. And besides, I managed to sneak in some shopping in Buffalo on our way home...

Cupcakes galore!

I spent most of Thursday morning baking cupcakes.  I was a little nervous not just because it was my biggest order, but because it was for Sally's wedding.  We didn't actually sit down and discuss all the details.  Their only request was to make them vanilla and Sally wanted me to incorporate their monogram.  Everything else was up to me.  Where do I go from here?
As you can see, my designs are fairly simply.  I piped pink flowers and added silver balls to the white cupcakes.  To the pink cupcakes I made white chocolate disks and added their monogram.  
My finished product.  I added fresh pink roses and white orchids to add some freshness.  To top it off, I had bobbleheads of Sally & Ron!  Special thanks to Ev for her cupcake stand, to Charissa for the cupcake boxes, and to Norm for his help.  A special thanks to Sally & Ron for allowing me the honour of making their cupcake wedding cake!  

Mr & Mrs Padua

Brian & Bernice definitely know how to throw a party.  The wedding party introductions was amazingly different and very much a B&B production.  Anthony & the rest of the Neil McNeil boys created an awesome video of the brotherly romance (aka "bromance") that these guys share.  Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gys7kedId0  It was an awesome night with my Dame girls, including my girl Diana. As the house music played I could see old house moves come back to life.  I tried to bust out my old TriUnity moves but I quickly realized that I was getting too old.  I couldn't slide the way I used to but I sang my heart out as I danced in one spot.  It was a great wedding and a wonderful reunion.

Congrats B&B!

Mr & Mrs Soriano

On July 17, 2009 Sally became a Soriano!  Sally is definitely the toughest gal I know (besides myself) and she proved it by walking and dancing the whole day & night with a broken ankle! Nothing stops this girl. If anything, it makes her stronger.  But behind her tough demeanor, I recently discovered her sweet, sensitive side.  At the end of her speech she thanked her husband and poured her heart out in front of all their guests.  This is not the Sally I know but it is certainly something that I can get used to. I hope the two of you continue your outwardly affection towards each other. Love is definitely in the air...and it's contagious!

Congrats Mr & Mrs Soriano!  Have fun in Italy!

Zoe July 13, 2003 - July 9, 2009

Zoe Licious Umali Barrientos born on July 13, 2003 third youngest of a litter of 13.  Zoe was a big part of the Barrientos family.  She will never refuse a snack no matter how big or small. Often found perched beside Seyla awaiting any loose pieces of chicaron.  Loved to lick any salty surface. She is known to 'sleep around' but especially loved to sleep in the perfect space between Great-Grandma's bow legs or on Timmy's beer belly.  Wins over the hearts of all - especially with her sweet demeanor and gentle kisses.  She will be missed by big brother Cisco, parents Cecile & Vic, best friend Seyla, Godparents Mel, Norm, Tim, Lou, Fran, Trae, Paul & Cha,   Grandparents Nitz & Virgilio, Great-grandparents Purita & Tim and the whole Barrientos clan.  Zoe will remain always in our hearts.  May you rest in dog Heaven. 

Roadtrip 2009

Roadtrip!

Norm and I usually kick off the summer with an anniversary trip so this year we packed our Subaru and took the streets of Montreal, the rolling hills of Vermont and the seaside city of Boston.  Here are some highlights of our trip:

Montreal

We stayed in a boutique hotel called Saint Sulpice in old Montreal.  Our suite was as big as our condo and we were steps away from the old Montreal square and behind us was Notre Dame cathedral.  For dinner, we found a beautiful Italian restaurant called Da Emma which was off the beaten path, about a 15 minute walk from the square.  Normally you would need reservations but Norm used his charm and managed to get a table after sitting at the bar enjoying a much deserved drink to kick off our vacay. The food was absolutely incredible and the atmosphere was perfect.  It was located in the basement of a building and although I was a little worried as I walked down the stairs, it was a pleasant surprise to see a restaurant so alive and full of people (mostly Italians) who share the same love as we do:  food!  The next day we visited Jean Talon market where we enjoyed merguez sandwiches - lamb sausages in a french bagette.  Very tasty and it was the perfect snack to tide us over to our next stop...Vermont.

Vermont

What a beautiful, green state!  The highways were lined with little green mountains.  I say 'little' because it does not compare to the rockies in the west coast, but still they were a pretty sight and i can only imagine what the fall foliage would look like.  Our first stop was Burlington, Vemont.  If you sneeze, you'll miss the main square - which was closed off to cars and offers visitors a selection of shops and restaurants. An hour away is a little town called Warren, Vermont - home of Sugarbush ski resort and the town of 'covered bridges'.  Unfortunately the rain would not stop so we had to forego our hiking, zip trekking, and waterhole swimming plans.  Instead we woke up early, had a wonderful breakfast at a local cafe and headed south east to Boston.

Boston

I was glad to turn the wheel over to Norm right before the Mass turnpike.  I'm not a fan of tunnels so imagine driving in one?  Here we stayed at the Fairmont Battery Wharf at the north end of the city.  It was walking distance to Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, little Italy and of course, the Barking Crab.  Norm was excited to revisit this place and was so pleased with the lobster that we came back on our second night for another round of lobster and sangria.  We took the the Duck tour that takes us around the city and ends up in the water (similar to TO's Hippo tour).  If you ever visit Boston, I highly recommend the Duck tour as it was a great history lesson and the best way to see the city both on land and on water.  I also want to mention another great find - Mike's pastry.  There was a long line up that was out the door so naturally what would you do?  Get in line!  I wasn't sure what I was lined up for but I knew it was something good.  As it turns out, they had the best cannoli's you can find in Boston!  Sweet ricotta cream creations - with the perfect cookie shell.  We revisited Mike's pastry for breakfast, lunch, snack and a late night dessert. 

The trip home was a long haul but i managed to find some "rest stops" - conveniently located at the outlet malls. All in all, it was a great trip - especially since we made frequent stops to visit different places.  Personally, i would rather fly.  Norm, however, loves the freedom of driving. I guess it's not so bad as long as we get to stop, shop and explore along the way.  

Sally

Only 2 more weeks to go until Sally gets hitched.  Here are some pics of the fun we had over the last couple of weeks.  Yes, the cougars were loose in the city of Toronto - but it was fun and well worth the aching feet and pounding headache the next day.  Looking forward to your big day Sal!  

Sally's Pre-wedding Adventures

Welcome to the family

Congratulations to Paul & Charissa who got married on June 13th, 2009.  I know you have been waiting patiently for me to post pictures so here they are!  Enjoy!

Charissa & Paul tie the knot!

Carrot Cake

Norm and Mikey had a slice of carrot cake before I had a chance to take a picture.  Although Norm thought that the carrots were real, they were actually made from almond paste.   Carrot cake is one of my favs and I can't wait to refine the recipe to my liking.  The cake itself was light but the icing needs to be a tad sweeter.  Once I perfect it, I'll be sure to save you a slice Ev!

Hello Kitty

These cupcakes were a special request from one of my biggest cupcake fans.  Marianne celebrated her 5th birthday with a Hello Kitty theme.  I was a little nervous making these cupcakes because I had the idea all planned out in my head, but as we all know, not everything goes as planned.  This was my first time using fondant. It was fairly easy to use and very forgiving.  I tried to incorporate kitty's whiskers but I decided against it because it looked like a scary kitty.  In the end, I think Marianne was happy with the end result and that's all that matters.  Happy Birthday!