How To Make a Cupcake Tower

For our son's recent birthday celebration, hubby made a simple 3-tier cupcake tower from scratch. It was fun and relatively easy to do. Even the birthday boy helped out.

Interested to make your DIY cupcake tower? Here are the materials and simple steps.

You will need: 
2 large Styrofoam boards
2 even sized Styrofoam squares
ruler or measuring tape
marker
decorative paper (or fabric)
scissors
cutter
tape
glue
long and thin wooden stick (BBQ stick can be used)

Procedure:

1. Cut 3 Styrofoam squares measuring: *8x8, 10x10 and 12x12. Use a ruler or measuring tape to get precise measurements. Use a marker when making measurements so you can easily cut the proportions using a cutter.

2. Cover the Styrofoam boards and squares with decorative paper or fabric. For paper, you can use craft glue. For fabric, it is better to use glue gun.

3. Connect the pieces using wooden sticks. You also have the option to glue them permanently.

4. Clean the surface of the tiers. You can gently wipe the decorative paper or fabric with paper towel. Arrange the cupcakes starting from the last level going up.

Enjoy!

* You can also use round Styrofoam boards or ready made cake boards measuring: 1×8″, 1×10″, 1×12″. Replace Styrofoam squares with cylinders.

10 Years Together

I remember waking up on this day exactly 10 years ago. It was raining hard and the wind was blowing hard. Two typhoons decided to hit the country that day. That couldn't dampen my spirit. Instead I looked upon it as a symbol of twin blessings.

Happy Anniversary my love.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to my Dad, hubby and all the wonderful dads around the world! I would like to share this Father's Day card that Yohan made for his Dad. As you can see, he was inspired by the FIFA World Cup.  Hubby is a big fan of FIFA. He stays up until the wee hours of the morning watching the games on TV.

How To Make a Race Car Using a Box

Transform a big cardboard box into something fun and useful.  You can make a race car using a big box. It's a great project for the family. 

Materials:

• Big cardboard box
• 6-7 paper plates
• 4-6 red cartolina (poster board)
• colored paper or construction paper
• glue gun (ordinary glue if you don't have a glue gun)
• scissors

Procedure:

1. Fold the two long flaps of the box inside. Do the same with one of the short flaps. Glue them permanently using a glue gun.  Another option is to cut the three said flaps.
2. Fold the remaining short flap at the middle and form into an inverted V.  Glue the lower sides of the flap to the box.
3. Cover the outer box with red cartolina (or any preferred color).  You can use the rest of the cartolina to cover the inner box. 
4. Enjoy designing your own wheels using paper plates. Use colored/construction paper and cut-outs to make desired details. Simply attach the four wheels on the box using a glue gun.
5. Make a steering wheel using paper plate if desired. You can glue the steering wheel or secure it with a button fastener just below the dashboard.
6. Use two paper plates for the headlights.  Adjust the size by cutting it into smaller circles.  Use red colored/construction paper for the outer border and yellow for the inner circle. 
7. Cut red and yellow circles and glue them at the back of the box to serve as tail lights.
8. If you have a printer at home, you can search and print pictures of a speedometer, fuel gauge, tachometer (rpm gauge), etc. Glue them on the dashboard.
9. Have fun adding more details to your car.  

My son requested for a Ferrari.  It was fun watching my husband and son create a cardboard Ferrari. All I did was print the Ferrari emblems. When it was done, Yohan grabbed his small chair and placed it inside. He hopped in and he let his imagination take him to his destination. Vroom ... vroom!!!

You can also use this cardboard race car as a toy chest.  I'm sure you can use this project to encourage your child to be responsible by putting away his toys after he play time.

Soccer Summer Fun

Kids nowadays prefer to stay at home.  Inactivity among kids is often fueled by television, game consoles and computer games.

My son used to be a homebody.  His activities were not limited to television and computer games because I made it a point to interject activities like drawing,  painting, educational games and fun crafts.  However, I realized that something was missing.  He lacked agility and flexibility.

This summer hubby and I enrolled Yohan in soccer.  I admit I wasn't keen about the idea at first. I was concerned that the summer heat would be a problem since soccer is an outdoor sport. However, Yohan was insistent and his dad backed him up. I knew Jules would support Yohan's choice because he is after all, a soccer player himself.

I gave in and bought him soccer shoes. That sealed the deal. It was my way of saying yes. Both boys were happy. :)

I'm happy that Yohan chose soccer for his summer activity.  I've seen him in the field and I'm so proud of his developments. Soccer has definitely improved his motor skills. He is more agile and flexible. I also noticed that he has more endurance for physical activity. The running and sprinting will surely help build his muscles and strengthen his bones. The best thing about soccer is that Yohan is enjoying himself. He also made a lot of new friends.

I talked to Yohan's coach and he said that soccer will help the kids learn about coordination, determination and self-discipline. It's also a good way to promote teamwork and camaraderie.

Sports like soccer can help encourage kids to turn off the television, set aside computer games and get some much needed exercise.

Find out what sport your child is interested in.  There are a lot of great choices like soccer, tennis, basketball, badminton, Taekwondo, swimming and more.  Summer is a perfect time to enroll your child in one.

Top in Class and a Valedictorian

His family’s love for good food and his mom’s delicious home cooked meals helped fuel his passion for cooking at a young age. He was inspired to do his own cooking and he learned to experiment with his own dishes through the years.

He has always wanted to take up Culinary Arts but he was sidetracked to another field. When a culinary school opened nearby, he took it as his cue to pursue his interest in Culinary Arts. He's grateful that he was given a chance to learn new things and hone his skills in cooking.

I'm very proud of my husband for completing his 6-month course in Culinary Arts at MOST Institute. He graduated top of his class and best of all, the Valedictorian of the graduating batch.

Congratulations Jules! I'm happy that you are following your dreams.

Yohan's First Camping

At first, I was not keen on the idea of my son going on an overnight camping. I felt he was too young for such an activity. I was reluctant to let him join the Prep camping. We had a family talk about it and ...

I was outvoted by the boys. Jules had no problem with it. He said it will be great experience for our son. Yohan was thrilled about the thought of camping with his classmates and teachers. He told me he would be sad if I didn't let him join the group. It was two against one so I conceded. Hubby and I also went to school to talk to our son's adviser. She reassured us that the camping activity would be safe and fun for the kids. It was a good way to teach the kids a little independence.

(Night Before) I felt a little sad as I prepared Yohan's things for camping. I packed his clothes and labeled them accordingly. I guess you can tell that I love zip bags. :) I made sure Yohan had enough drinks and snacks.

(At Bluroze Farms, Lipa) Jules and I brought Yohan directly to the camp site. I felt better knowing that the kids would be sleeping in a house rather than tents. Yohan was welcomed by his teachers and classmates. Yohan asked where his bed was and I saw his face light up with excitement.  Hubby and I kissed Yohan good bye. With a reluctant heart, I walked away from the house. As I followed the path leading to the parking area, I couldn't help but look back every now and then. On the road, I silently prayed for my boy's safety.

(Camp, Day 1)  Yohan told me that he had a great time on the first day of camp. They had a nature walk around Bluroze Farm. All the Prep students were given small bags so they could collect little treasures along the way to remind them of their camping experience. Yohan's treasures were feathers, plants and flowers.

Using leaves they found in the nature park, the kids did their own t-shirt painting.

Laughter filled the campsite during the evening. There were fun games, camp fire and hotdog grilling.  Meanwhile, at home, Jules and I couldn't sleep. It was not easy being away from our son for the first time.  We had a DVD marathon and slept early in the morning.  

I asked Yohan if he slept well that evening and he said "I cried silently that night because I missed you and Dad very much." His teacher told me that Yohan had a hard time sleeping at first because the lights were on. His classmates, on the other hand, couldn't sleep with the lights turned off. Dilemma! The teacher turned off the lights when most of the kids were already asleep and Yohan finally dozed off.

(Camp, Day 2)  The kids enjoyed singing, story telling and making arts and crafts. They also made pizza and dessert.

(Reunited again) Yohan gave me a very tight hug when we picked him up the following day.  I noticed he was teary eyed. I felt a tug in my heart. Awww ... my little boy missed me as much as I missed him. Before going home, Yohan showed us inside the house. His face was beaming with pride.

I'm glad we let Yohan join the camp. It was a fun and enriching activity after all.

Majority of the photos courtesty of Yohan's teachers.
Camp site: Bluroze Farm, Lipa
Camping period: Jan. 26-27, 2010

Birthday Haiku For Jules

Today is special,
Blowing wishes in the air,
Grasp, hold tight for keeps.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Birthday Jules! I love you.

Weekend Snapshot #82

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Last Saturday, Jules and Yohan made apple pie together. It was a father and son bonding moment.


Yohan had fun helping his Dad knead the dough and sprinkle the nuts. Ironically, my son doesn't like apple pie. He just loves helping his Dad make it.


I had the privilege of having the first slice...


It was yummy!

Weekend Snapshot #82 - Yohan's 6th Birthday

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Yohan turned six years old last July 18. It has been six meaningful and wonderful years. Jules and I are grateful to God for giving us such a fun loving and sweet son.

Below are some photos of Yohan's birthday celebration at home...

Yohan's Transformer Cake

Hubby cooked all the food for the birthday dinner ...

Birthday celebrant with a big smile

Carbonara

Chicken Fingers

Mixed Tempura (shrimp, crab stick and assorted veggies)

Kamameshi Rice

California Maki

Tamago (Japanese omelet)

Apple in Red Wine with honey and nuts

Blowing of the birthday candles ...

Yohan's Tito Norman lighting the birthday candles

May your wish(es) come true.

Dinner time

One of the highlights of the evening was the game Yohan prepared for his grandmas, aunts and uncles. The game was called "How well do you know Yohan?" I helped my son prepare simple questions about himself and numbered them accordingly. I prepared small pieces of paper with nos. 1-14 and Yohan asked each guest to draw a number.

Yohan served as the Game Master. He read the questions one at a time. Each correct answer was equivalent to one prize. The prizes consisted of small practical items like mug, foldable hamper, lotion, powder, cologne, post-it pads with pencils, hand sanitizers, cellphone holder, chamois, etc. Guests who provided wrong answers were asked to return the numbers inside the container. There was a second round of question-and-answer for those who didn't make it on the first one. At the end, everyone got a prize. It was a simple yet fun game. Everyone had a great time especially the Game Master himself.

Two possible answers: Optimus Prime and Bumblebee

Jules preparing the last dessert for the evening.

Chocolate Salami served with Kapeng Barako (Batangas coffee).

Yohan was very happy with the gifts he received that night...

Transformers and Ben 10

Weekend Snapshot #79 - Bratz Party

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My family and I attended the 7th birthday party of my niece, Alex last Saturday. It was a Bratz theme party. We all had a wonderful time especially Yohan.

The host of the party did a magnificent job providing the entertainment. He was a funny comedian, a great balloon twister, a great game master and a terrific magician.



Yohan joined a lot of games and he won many prizes. Below is a fun game of "chef on the go". The kids were grouped into two. The kids took turn wearing the chef hat and holding the frying spatula with a toy egg. Each participant had to run around a chair before handing out the props to the next kid. Yohan (wearing the printed blue shirt) is on the move in this shot.


Even the adults had a great time participating in some of the games. Below you can see my cousin (wearing green) and hubby (wearing gray) participating in the "guess the title of the movie". The host played songs from random movies and the participant who hit the buzzer first got the chance to make a guess. Each correct answer gave the corresponding group 1 point. When I took this shot, the score was 2-4 (in favor of hubby's group). Hubby and his group mates won this game.


Here is Alex's lovely Bratz cake with matching Bratz cookies. For party favors, mini back packs with fun goodies inside were given away (pink for girls and blue for boys).


Yohan got one Bratz cookie and gave it to me. We brought home these chocolate giveaways too. It was a great and fun party. We gave the birthday celebrant a cute Bratz magic eight ball (unfortunately I wasn't able to take a picture of the present).