Cutty

My second quarantine birthday is coming up.  I had a simple celebration last year.  This year won't be too different.  I didn't get to buy myself a decent gift last year.  This year, I will make up for it.  I had planned on having a birthday shopping spree.  But, with Covid cases on the rise, I decided to postpone that too. I currently lack the inspiration to bake and try out new recipes, thanks to on-going home renovations.  I figured, an online demo baking class will give me inspiration.  So, this morning, I attended a baking class as a gift to myself.  Hopefully, my kitchen gets fixed soon so I can try out the new recipes.  Watch out for those. 

Our youngest, Joaquin Lorenzo, turned 1 last Saturday.  It wasn't a big production like the other first birthdays I orchestrated.  This time, it was a DIY party in our own backyard.  I had two weeks to prepare. As soon as I got back from our Dubai trip, I got hold of suppliers. I got a supplier from Etsy to do the invites: I got Jhoanne of Polkadots to do the decors.  Here are the Elmo lanterns.  I also had ELMO pillars and centerpieces made. Ces Kasilag covered the event.  She and Jhoanne have been helping me over the years.  They both got the shock of their lives to see my kids grown up. Kuya Boyette took care of the tarp design.  You can see it in the photo above.  I ordered food from Hearty Onion.  They weren't availble to cater, even if they were available, I couldn't afford them.  I got the Stuffed Hoisin-Glazed Chicken, Pandan-Wrapped Salmon and Beef Tapa. I made Inihaw na Liempo, sandwiches, green-leaf...

For Bettina's birthday, I asked the photographer I hired to come for a pre-event shoot. We'll be using the photos for her invites, tarps and giveaways. Here are some shots from that early Saturday morning. Ang hirap lang pangitiin. I hope my artist/cousin-in-law will be able to get something from these.