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Christmas Is Coming

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          Stella Margherita Online is the latest online store I have partnered with for my ongoing giveaway and I was so thrilled when I received the dress I picked straight from their October collection on their Facebook page! I've been saving this dress for a special occasion as I haven't really been able to go out due to the hectic schedule of exams at school that went on for weeks before the Christmas break began. So when my good friend Zabeth told me that she'd having a birthday dinner at Guernica's Tapas Bar & Restaurant, I didn't think twice about what to wear! 


The Alexi dress from Stella Margherita both dainty and light. It's perfect for when you're in a rush to put an outfit together when your mind is just a big ball of clouds.


I paired the dress with an elegant neckpiece from Mademoiselle Manila



I adore the Peter Pan collar on this dress! :)




Bag from Michael Kors 


Pleats add flair to the red-orange dress. 


This is my first time reviewing make-up on my blog mostly because I don't wear heavy make-up. I prefer the natural look. Whenever I go out, I just apply lip balm. But when Stella Margherita sent me this NYX lipstick (yes, cosmetics are also on their list of products), I was unusually excited to try it out!  My lips chap easily so it's important that the lipstick I put on not only enriches my lips has a moisturizes it too and this item does both!


I have the Frapuccino shade and it suits me perfectly! There are, however, other shades that you might want to try out and see which one will fit you best. Perhaps you would like to go for a bolder look this holiday season? Check out Stella Margherita Online's cosmetic collection here

Want to win the dress I'm wearing in this outfit post? Join my ongoing giveaway here! Last day of entries is on December 17, 2012. :) 


Southern Dessert Stop: Larcy's Cupcakerycafe

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         The first cupcake stop in the B.F. and Alabang area has finally opened! Passing by Aguirre Street every so often, the huge signboard with the words "Larcy's Cupcakery Cafe"was enough to intrigue residents and even those who just happen to drive by the area. A first of its kind, Larcy's Cupcakerycafe has just fed the cupcake trend even more by giving enthusiasts a chance to select a freshly baked cupcake on the spot, sit down, drink a nice cup of coffee or maybe pair it with a nice meal (they also offer savory dishes). 

          When it finally opened, my aunt suggested that we give it a try. Of course, I would never say no to dessert..or anything food-related for that matter. So on a sunny Sunday afternoon, we headed off to check out the newly opened cafe. Upon entering, I noticed that it was well-lit, with added lighting from the huge windows facing the road. Everyone was busy either eating, picking out the cupcake they wanted to try or being acquainted with the cafe's  interior.




        I mentioned earlier that Larcy's Cupcakery Cafe also serves savory dishes. You'll find in their other menu, which is hung on the rightmost part of the counter, breakfast entrees such as Vigan Longganisa with scrambled eggs, Smoked Bangus Belly with scrambled eggs, Mushroom Truffle  pasta, and even sandwiches with either pandesal or ciabatta. Why not wash down all those desserts and palatable servings with either seven coffee drinks to choose from or shakes. 


These are the packaging options customers have in case they wanna take some home or give the cupcakes as gifts. 




A small spot of the cafe is dedicated to the merchandise, such as shirts and mugs, available for sale to reminisce about your cupcake experience at Larcy's. 


Some of the cupcake flavors on their baby pink wall boards.


            Next to the counter, you'll be able to watch the staff "bake behind the scenes" and see how the cupcakes and cakes are made. I always enjoy eating places that give their customers the a glimpse of the ingredients and process that all the food has to go through before putting it on display or serving it right before our very eyes. I've always loved Willy Wonka and being able to gawk at food this way makes me feel like I'm one step closer to winning the golden ticket. Perhaps one day I'll eventually get to fly to an actual chocolate factory and drown in fudge. Hmm. Anyway, let's not wander off too far now. I'll save that adventure for another post. 


Cream cheese frosting being piped on the Pink Velvet Cupcakes



You can to hold onto these cute pink buttons while waiting for your orders.  

Larcy's Chocolate Obsession Cake, P125
         A chocolate cake with a thick fudgy center and an even thicker topping, the Chocolate Obsession Cake is enough to feed two or three people because each bite carries itself swiftly into your mouth like a 3-pound morsel. Plated on a thin bed of cream and a little drizzle on top helps create a certain evenness between the bold taste of the cake and the lightness of the cream. I feel like I'm describing a Yin and Yang attraction here, where opposite forces interrelate wonderfully. *laughs*

Pink Velvet Cupcake
              The term "cupcake holder" was taken to a whole different level as the cupcakes we ordered were served on dainty stands of different heights. Notice how there are light pink sprinkles atop and each cupcake is lined with  pink and shimmery liners. I don't think you'll have to think twice as to why it was given the name Pink Velvet Cupcake, which is also dubbed as their "Cupcake for the month of December."


             As I undressed this well-received dessert, I couldn't help but ogle at the color of the cupcake. The shade of red was hypnotizing, but the real star here is the frosting. Once you sink your teeth into the cupcake, you wouldn't care for the base as much as the topping. It's that good. But of course, the cake is not to be underestimated - both make a good pair. I must confess, I was trying to see if I could spot the ingredients they used in making cupcakes since I bake myself. I let out a mental "AHA!" when I caught site of Anchor butter as one of their main ingredients. That explains the richness and creaminess of their icing! 


My cousin Neo and his Oreo Freeze

           Not only are the cupcake holders fancy, but their water bottles are just as lavish. At first, it would seem like we were having wine to go with our cupcakes but don't let the photo fool you, this is just a luxurious approach to hydrating ourselves. 

Larcy's Oreo Freeze
           Tall, (slighty) dark and delicious are three words to describe the perfect man..I mean, milkshake. It's been a while since I've had one of these babies and I think that if I wasn't too bashful to sip the whole shake in one go, I would have. Milkshakes always have this certain effect on me - they remind me of diners and my childhood. So as I sipped away, it was a delightful mix of recollecting and basking in the taste of the shake.
















Larcy's Cupcakery Cafe
178 Aguirre St., 
BF Homes, Paranaque

Sweets For You by Lyza Syiaco

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I love how the month of December is my favorite excuse to indulge in sweets. Then again, I don't really need a reason to luxuriate in anything that satisfies my sweet tooth. When I sense my mouth starting to water at the site of a dessert that catches my fancy, there's no stopping me. Eating comfort food should be both fun and guilt-free despite the number of calories you consume and Lyza Syiaco of Sweets For You does a good job at making me feeling like I can down as much of her sweets as I want minus the worry of everything landing straight to my thighs. Putting a smile (and a few crumbs) on her customers' faces is top priority for this 20 year old culinary student, "My goal is to make my customers smile and to give an impression that the sweets were made especially for them. So every now and then, when I bake, I always keep in mind that this dessert should be perfect and of course, delicious.

I got to sample her revel bars, assorted cupcakes (both of which are her best sellers), as well as her triple chocolate chip cookies.

Chocolate Revel Bars (P25/piece, P200/box of 8)
I've always fancied revel bars - it's a cross between a cookie and a bar and when you unify oatmeal and chocolate, it becomes a tiny block of awesome. I've tasted several revel bars before but I have to say, this is the best one I've tasted yet. Each piece is big in flavor AND in size, which appears twice as big as the ones sold commercially. 


Each serving doesn't skimp on chocolate filling and remains fudgy and gooey on the inside, which for me is important in picking the ultimate revel bar. You'll have to go easy on this one because settling for one piece won't be enough. These babies toss you off into oblivion and next thing you know, you catch yourself eating more than your stomach can handle. It's no surprise this is one of her best sellers! 


Lyza beams with immense passion and youthful enthusiasm caught the baking bug as young as 8 years old and would sell products to school mates, friends and family, "I remember when I was a kid, I always joined my mom whenever bakes. I was the one who would pour milk into her cupcake batter and put marshmallow for the toppings. I am a 100 percent sweet lover, imagine I was 156 pounds back then. I am very "magastos", that's why my parents taught me how to earn my money and how to depend not only on them but also on myself. So I asked my mom to bake a brownies and asked her if i could sell them. They were totally happy because they really felt that I was really standing on my own feet and willing to do anything just to get what I want."  I also love how she's just as delightful as the treats she sells!

Chocolate cupcake with hazlenut frosting (P55/piece)
One thing I noticed about the cupcakes Lyza makes is that the sugar content doesn't overpower and overwhelm my taste buds. Most desserts, when eaten in excess, gives off the "umay" feeling. This bunch of sweets, however, are an exception. The hazlenut frosting adds a perfect touch to the delicate chocolate base without crossing the chocolate-overload-o-meter.

Assorted cupcakes (P330/box of 6)
 Each box of assorted cupcakes contains 2 pieces of Cookie Dough, Chocolate Cupcake with Hazlenut Frosting and Red Velvet Cupcakes. 

Cookie Dough cupcake (P45/piece)
 Ahhh, cookie dough is one of the few uncooked foods I find irresistible. I usually get my dose of cookie dough in ice cream in chunk form but not all ice cream parlors carry that flavor. So when I found out that Sweets For You offered a Cookie Dough flavored cupcake, I was so eager to taste it! Just like the revel bars, the cupcake did not disappoint. There was a chunk of cookie dough tucked on the inside and topped with cookie dough frosting and chocolate chips. I enjoyed every bite of this moist cupcake. This is definitely going on my list of favorite treats. 

Red Velvet cupcake (P55/piece)
I don't think there exists a dessert business with cupcakes on the menu that doesn't offer the famed Red Velvet cupcake. You can tell from the photo that the cream cheese on top adds extra moisture to the cake base and the candy sprinkles add a playful touch to it. Light, delicious and lip-smacking are three words I would use to illustrate Sweets For You's take on the "dessert of the year".

Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies (P25/piece, P270/dozen)
A chocolate chip cookie with chocolate chips inside and topped off with white chocolate chips. 


Sweets For You also offers paper cake (cake made out of layers of crepe with chocolate ganache filling, and coated with white ganache, candy sprinkles topped off with cocoa dust), cake pops and Oreo cake (4 tier chocolate fudge cake with Oreo cream filling). In addition, Lyza caters to events such as debuts, weddings, baptisms and provides options for giveaways and souvenirs. 

Below are ways in which you may contact Lyza for orders. You can check out her Facebook page to find out more about what sweets you can purchase and get a glimpse of her other products!



Sweets For You
0927-945-4241/0922-81829-21
Instagram: sweetsforya

Crazy About Kim's Cupcakes!

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People's intense and widely shared enthusiasm for cupcakes has undoubtedly helped make this iced petite cake incredibly sought-after. As a child, I never expected the popularity of cupcakes to surpass most desserts and Kim's Cupcakes is giving dessert lovers another reason to stay loyal to this craze. Kim Jao has been selling cupcakes since she was in high school and had already been joining bazaars and supplying school organizations and a food stall at her school. Interestingly enough, it was her economics teacher who helped her discover her niche, "She taught us how to bake in class back in third year and I got inspired. After that, I started exploring the world of baking. I sold to my classmates and schoolmates back in high school. In college, I supplied for various events and fund raising activities of school organizations. Now that I've graduated, I've been focusing on how to make my business grow and how to get more people to try my cupcakes." 

Kim's Cupcakes are divided into two sets of flavors - classic and special. Classic flavors include Vanilla, Strawberry, Espresso, Cookies & Cream, Lemon Cream and Mint Chocolate all of which are P40 each while her special flavors include Tiramisu, Red Velvet, Chocolate Ganache, Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter and Yema are P50. 

Classic Flavors
Cookies & Cream 
Eye candy!

It's hard to miss the bright-colored icing on these cupcakes and the tiny edible peearls atop it. These remind me of the waves in the ocean, only this time, they're for human consumption.
Vanilla

If you want a simple cake base with a decorative top, you'll enjoy the fine taste of the Vanilla cupcake. The fine taste can be attributed to Kim's use of quality ingredients, "For me, it's not really about how many of my products I sell but how many customers come back for more. I really put my heart into making these cupcakes for my customers."
Mint Chocolate Chip
Lemon Cream

Sunshine in a cupcake is what this is. The tanginess of the lemon cream wasn't overwhelming and balanced it off with the level of sweetness. Now, I know that cupcakes have been getting so much attention lately for obvious reasons, but that didn't stop me from asking Kim why she decided to venture into the tiny cake business when there are so many other dessert choices to choose from. Apart from convenience, Kim delights in the many cupcake flavors you can come up with to suit different palettes, "There are so many things you can try making. You can combine a buttermilk cake with a chocolate icing, chocolate cake with cream cheese icing, chiffon cake with caramel icing. The possibilities and combinations are endless with cupcakes."
Special Flavors (clockwise): Cookie Dough, Red Velvet, Chocolate Ganache,  Yema, Tiramisu, Peanut Butter


This two-tone cupcake bunch made me wonder where Kim gets inspiration and ideas for the flavors of her cupcakes, "I'm a dessert lover myself. I love all kinds of desserts. I try to think of my favorite desserts, turn it into a cupcake and voila!"
Chocolate Ganache

Kind of looks like a Ferrero cupcake, doesn't it? Chocolate cream atop a chocolate cupcake can never do you wrong. Its as sinful as it looks, although don't let its tempting exterior fool you. The cupcake base is light and delicate. 
Tiramisu


I love how the top is smothered with what tastes like caramel and is sprinkled with cocoa. Cramming all the flavors of the famous Italian dessert into a tiny cake can be a bit tricky, although you can definitely savor the different ingredients that are used in an original tiramisu. The sifted cocoa has a bitter taste to it but the rest of the cupcake willingly makes its way to your mouth as you try to explore the different layers.
Red Velvet, Tiramisu, Yema

My personal favorite has got to be the Yema flavored cupcake - I mistook it for the Vanilla cupcake at first given how light and sweet each bite was. Yema, originally popularized in Bulacan, is a kind of candy made of egg yolks, condensed milk and crushed peanuts. In the end, you have a custard-like candy shaped like a pyramid. I could taste the condensed milk and loved the sweet center. I could eat 10 of these in one sitting without breathing in between each cupcake. Okay..maybe I'd gasp for air a few times.

You can order by phone, email or catch Kim's Cupcakes at these bazaars to instantly get your cupcake fix: 


* Emporia at Glorietta 3: December 7-8
* AMA Mall at Ateneo Zen Garden: December 10-14
* Bazaar for All Seasons at UP Bahay ng Alumni: December 14-15



















Kim's Cupcakes


149 Katipunan Avenue. 




Saint Ignatius Village, 




1105 Quezon City
0917 835 8886