Birthday Celebration: Chicago Weekend Getaway

Chicago Getaway: A very special birthday celebrations with my in-laws.

Sweet Hello Everyone :)

First post of the month and couldn't be more happier and excited. Indeed, I missed blogging and missed you all dearly. I was just little busy in past few weeks (I think its a good excuse to have.. wink:) Since, I started this blog (5 years ago) I always do a blog post about my birthday celebration and this year is no exception. It's better late than never right? As you may remembered my birthday celebration last year. Get that excitement coming!! because I'm taking you with me and together we are going to unfold fun birthday celebration with family plus unforgettable Chicago trip with my in-laws.Grab your favorite drink and lets make a toss for awesome birthday 2017 and for memorable experience.

I feel so grateful and super lucky to have such a wonderful family who spoiled me not only on my birthday but everyday. It just felt amazing that my hubby and kids took me to Red Velvet Cafe for the first time. I ordered 4 cupcakes and Mango Bubble Tea for drink. It was so good!

Then, we head out to Bonifacio (Modern Filipino Restaurant) for scrumptious dinner experience. I ordered my ultimate favorite Filipino dish which is Lechon Kawali.. It was so tasty! I really feel like I'm home. Other food that my family ordered were Lumpia Shanghai, Spaghetti and Fried Chicken and Sisig Taco for hubby. Overall food experience at Bonifacio was amazing!

Aside from delicious Lechon Kawali that I ordered. I also got very refreshing drink which I totally forgot the name, kinda taste like lemonade level up because of alcohol content (wink).  Lastly, how about Special Halo-Halo for dessert? Can we all scream!!!! for Halo-Halo? I'm just super excited to have Halo-Halo again. Its been almost two years since the last time I had one,and it was back on our 2015 Outerbanks, NC trip It was indeed such a sweet birthday treat for me. 

.. That's not ALL... Let me welcome you to our Girls Weekend Birthday Getaway at Chicago.....

You heard it right! I'm taking you to Chicago where we celebrated our birthday's together with my beloved in-laws. We flew and stayed at Luxurious Waldorf Astoria, Chicago. The place was amazing, relaxing, and fancy. Then, we head out for dinner at Tavern on Rush. The food was so good and the serving was huge. It was really fun night!

We started early the next day for our Spa & Massage Appointment which is located in the hotel. It was best ever experience! Spa + Sauna = Relaxation.

After a very relaxing experience at Spa, we head out to explore Chicago at its BEST. We eat brunch and stroll around. It was so FUN! The people, the surroundings, noises, the big buildings. 

We, then head out for authentic Italian dinner experience at Volare Ristorante Italiano. I was really good! As you may remembered my Instagram post of the food that I ordered I'm such a huge seafood lover.  Can you tell? wink   

Time goes fast when your having fun and it was our last day at Chicago. But, before we head home we explore the place to the fullest. We hit the bridge that overlooked the big buildings of Chicago and it was beautiful. We walked, took a lot of pictures, and subway experience. Indeed, unforgettable birthday experience. I can sit on the couch and talked about our Chicago trip all day..and forever (hahaha) But, it's about time to take my kids to school. I hope you have fun reading my blog today and learn new things to experience. 

I will see you next time for more fun and exciting post. Have a great day everyone! Stay gorgeous and don't forget to wear that big SMILE! :)

P.S. I would like to say Thank You to my beloved family for being the BEST. To my wonderful in-laws who invited me to celebrate really fabulous birthday experience. To my cousin Lorlyn- salamat kayo sa gift Dai. To my family and friends who greeted me offline and online. Thank you so much for sweet greetings, being so generous, and wonderful. I love you all!

xoxox- Melgie

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Tryazon: Oodle of Fun Cupcake Party

Tryazon: Oodle of Fun Cupcake Party Experience

Thank you Tryazon and Sweet Creations by Good Cook for these Oodle of Fun Cupcake Party.

Hello Everyone!

I still can't get over how awesome my Tryazon: Oodle of Fun Cupcake Party experience was. As food enthusiast trying new recipes and baking is a part of me. I always get excited when I cook food and bake sweet goods that I know my family will love and enjoy. So, Today- I'm sharing with you my wonderful experience with Sweet Creations products by Good Cook. Although, I noticed Sweet Creations by Good Cook before, this is actually my first time trying them out. I must say, these products are pretty impressive and really creates beautiful design in no time. Do you want to know little more background of Sweet Creations by Good Cook?  I bet you do! (wink)

Sweet Creations is new product line under the Good Cook brand. Good Cook has been around since 1987, with an operating philosophy of incorporating quality, value and service into every product. The philosophy has helped the company achieve the number the number one market-share position for kitchen tools and gadgets in the grocery trade. 

Good Cook products are distributed in over 30,000 U.S retail store outlets. With a variety of products ranging from cookware to cutlery to kitchen gadgets, there are many accessible options that can add fun and functionality to your kitchen.For more information on the Sweet Creations line up of products, please visit:  http://everydaycooking.goodcook.com/category/sweet-creations/

If you need anything when it comes to kitchen gadgets and baking essentials. Check out Sweet Creations by Good Cook products now available at Walmart.  Before, I open my party kit pack. Let me share...

What is Tryazon? "Tryazon is the newest way to try out innovative products. Host a party and get free stuff." I hosted many Tryazon parties, and loved it! Its super easy to JOIN and experience the FUN of being a host! Sign Up now for FREE at Tryazon!:) Can't get enough of Tryazon? Check my two latest post of Tryazon: Blount Organic Gourmet Soup and Guidecraft #IOBlocks Party. 

Now that we know about Sweet Creations products and Tryazon. Its time to take a peek what inside my party kit. :)

As one of the lucky host of Oodle Of Fun Cupcake Party. I'm extremely excited, happy, and thankful to received all these wonderful party pack valued at $150+ for free. Join me as we uncovered what inside my super awesome party pack. Let's go!

Oodle Of Fun Cupcake Party Pack Kit

16 Oddle Tip Stars

1 Cupcake Stand

12 Cupcake Dividers

6 Cupcake Corers

2 Cupcake Batter Scoops 

12 Cupcake Boxes

2 (50 Count) Cupcake Papers

$15 Walmart Gift card- for extra party supplies

Party Host Guide- to help carry out party

 

My Oodle of Fun Cupcake Party started when I got accepted to be one of the lucky host. Then, I planed and invited my friends to join me for delicious lunch- then followed by cupcake galore! Oh, YES! it was so much fun.

I started by baking cupcakes 24 to be exact. Then, my friends helped me set up the table, we ate delicious lunch- and have fun taking pictures, decorating our cupcakes, and try different designs by using #OodleTip. Then, we have our FINISHED  product. Together with my friends we created this Cupcake Tower,  which by the way look gorgeous and tasted SO good. Yum!

I love everything about this Oodle of Fun Cupcake Party! The #OodleTip-is frosting bag with an innovative frosting tip that can cut for different and fun design. It makes everything so much easier when it comes to frosting cupcake. Not only that its super easy to use, but also fun and efficient  to help you make delicious, designer-looking cupcake. Then, I use my Cupcake & Cake Pop stand to put the frosted cupcakes.

 

The most fun and unforgettable about this Oodle of Fun Cupcake Party was, my friends decorate their own cupcakes to take home. It was the BEST experience ever! To make everything extra special. I packed them a little goodie bag that has cupcake dividers, oodle tips stars, cupcake corer, and cupcake boxes with delicious cupcake inside. After sampling these wonderful Sweet Creations by Good Cook products- I must say that these products are MUST-have items for me. It just makes everything so much fun and easier! I love everything about this party experience from the products, the baking, decorating the cupcakes and the experience that I'm able to share to my friends. I highly recommend Sweet Creations by Good Cook products. They have wide selections of products that will cater your baking needs. So, grab these wonderful products at Walmart. Have fun baking!:)

I'll see you in few days for more fun foodie escapades. Enjoy the rest of the day! Don't forget to SMILE and stay GORGEOUS!:)

Thank you Tryazon and Sweet Creations by Good Cook for the BEST party experience!

xoxox- Melgie

Disclosure: The Oodle of Fun Cupcake Party Kit was sent to me for FREE courtesy from Tryazon and Sweet Creations by Good Cook in participation of Tryazon: Oodle of Fun Cupcake Party. Opinion express on this review are my own. Thank you #Tryazon #OodleTip

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Baking Party with Splenda

Baking with Splenda Hosted Parties- courtesy from Splenda and Crowdtap:)

Sweet Hello Everyone!

How was your Valentine's Day celebration? I bet it was so much fun. I celebrated mine with my loving family- simple yet so sweet! To add up the sweetness to my Valentines Day celebration. I hosted my very first Hosted Parties courtesy from Splenda and Crowdtap. Wohooo!!together me and my friends baked some sweet treat and goodies to be shared to our family and friends which is so perfect for Valentines Day. Yes! I'm extremely excited to be selected on Splenda Baking Party. As you may all know that I love to cook and bake- When I told my friends about it, they were all excited and the baking party with Splenda is set!
I got everything in the Baking party kit for FREE. Yup! you heard it right FREE. Thank you so much to Splenda and Crowdtap for such a GREAT baking party supplies. :)
Before I revealed my Baking party kit and recipes. Let me share about Crowdtap and Splenda:

What is Crowdtap?-  crowdtap is the place to use your creativity to win gift cards and score free products from big-name brands. Brands will challenge you to discuss and showcase how you use everyday items—through photos, videos, and writing—and then reward the best submissions." 

It's totally free to join Crowdtap all you have to do is sign up. Start exploring the site and let's have fun tappin' together. I been a Member for almost a year now and I LOVE and PROUD to be Crowdtappers. Everything about Crowdtap is great and fun part you'll get a chance to win gift cards at the end of the month. ( Thank you much Crowdtap!)


 Splenda Sweetener Products  Its Zero- Calorie sweetener that taste like sugar but it isn't and its good for baking and cooking!! for more awesome information about Splenda check out their humble beginning HERE.
Its so much fun exploring the site and I love the story behind Splenda Sweetener... Such a sweet information that give me excitement to create my own sweet creations using Splenda! Are you excited as well? Come let's take a look on my super glorious Splenda Baking Party Kit.

- The package is packed really good and delivered on my front door. It was awesome opening the package and exploring everyone of them. As you see the photos above: ( Thank you Splenda )

Splenda Baking Party Kit includes:

• 1 Bag of SPLENDA® Brown Sugar Blend
• 1 Bag of SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener
• 1 Bag of SPLENDA® Sugar Blend
• 1 Set of SPLENDA® Brand Coupons
• 10 SPLENDA® Brand Cutting Boards
• 10 SPLENDA® Brand Spatulas
• 10 SPLENDA® Brand Measuring Cups
• 10 SPLENDA® Brand Jump Ropes
• 10 SPLENDA® Brand Aprons

How generous! I got a lot of stuff that makes my baking party with family and friends so much FUN~
Now, that we have the supplies, all we have to do now is make some sweet zero calories sweet treat that everyone will love and enjoy. Lets bake together with some sweet treats using Splenda. Check out recipes below.:) Enjoy!

Binangkal " Fried Sesame Seed Balls" with Splenda Brown Sugar Recipe

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cup flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

5 tbsp Splenda Brown  Sugar

2/3 cup water

2 tbsp oil

sesame seeds

Oil/ Deep fryer- for frying

Directions:

1.) Shift together dry ingredients. Set aside;

2.) Mix brown sugar, water, oil. Add slowly the dry ingredients into the mixture. Mix it well.

3.) Using teaspoon, take bits of batter, roll into little balls and roll into sesame seeds.

4.) Fry it deep hot oil until brown.

5.) Serve it hot or cold along with your favorite drinks and ENJOY!. I like mine with hot chocolate.:)

 Note: The recipe for Brownie and the Mini cupcakes are the same. I divided the batter into half and make 2 sweet treats. I followed the recipe from Better Homes and Garden Cook Book and substitute the sugar with Splenda Granulated Sugar.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup butter
3 eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup Splenda Sugar Blend

Directions for Chocolate Brownie's with Splenda Granulated Sugar
1.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.) In large bowl, combine flour,cocoa powder,baking soda, salt. Set aside
3.) In large mixing bowl beat the butter with electric mixer to high speed. Gradually add the Splenda granulated sugar, add the eggs, and the vanilla and mix well.
4.) Add the dry ingredients slowly until well combine.
5.) Spray the 9x9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour half of batter into the pan and bake it for 15-20 minutes depending on how thick your brownie is. Adjust the baking process if you need to.
6.) Let the brownie cool down. You can sliced the brownie into bite size pieces or leave it as a whole. Sprinkles the brownie with Splenda Granulated Sugar. Yum! Share it your family and friends and Enjoy!

Directions: ( Mini Chocolate Cupcake with Splenda Sugar Blend)
1.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.) Using 24 mini cupcake pan. Line them up with muffin cups and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Scope enough batter to fill up the mini cups.
3.) Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the toothpick came out clean. Adjust the baking time if needed.
4.) Let the mini cupcakes cool down. Put the frosting and sprinkles. Enjoy your mini cupcakes with your family and friends.

Sweeten Pork Stew with Splenda Bown Sugar Recipe

Ingredients:

Pork

Garlic

Onion

1/4 cup soy sauce

4 tsp vinegar

2 tbsp Splenda Brown Sugar

water- depend on how much sauce you want

Directions:

1.) In large pan, combine all the ingredients. Pork, soy sauce, vinegar, Splenda brown sugar, spices and water.

2.) Let it cooked until the pork is tender. Add water if you need to. You can also add your favorite vegetables.

3.) Once the pork is tender. Add salt and pepper and taste according to your preference.

4.) Serve sweeten Pork with rice and share with your friends. Enjoy!

The recipe above is my creations using Splenda,  But there's a ton of scrumptious recipe that you might want to give it a try check them out http://recipes.splenda.com/recipes. Yum! The  classic carrot cake recipe and Chocolate Dunk cookies is next to my list for sure.
- The whole baking party experience is so FUN! Me and my friends enjoyed the baking process and our kids are having fun playing with Splenda Ropes. The AWESOME part is able to eat and share such a scrumptious dessert using Splenda Sweetener products to our friends and family. I hope you guys give this recipe a try or check out Splenda site for more delicious recipes. I'll promise you its so good and sweet! Keep browsing on my blog. I'll see you in few days for more awesome recipes. Stay sweet and warm everyone!

Thank you so much to Splenda and Crowdtap for making this Baking party so much and able to share the experience with my family and friends.

xoxox- Melgie

Disclosure: I received all the product mentioned above for FREE courtesy from Splenda and Crowdtap. Opinion and experience shared is 100 percent mine. Thank you so much Splenda and Crowdtap #SplendaSavvies #Splenda #Sponsored #Crowdtap

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Glimpse on my 25th Birthday

My 25 Birthday Celebration

 

I was so happy and excited to celebrate my 25th birthday. I was thankful for my 25th year existence on this wonderful world, for having loving family and great friends. I couldn't ask for more in life.

 So this how I celebrate my 25th Birthday!

Soup for the day

 Entree

First stop, My hubby treat me for dinner on my favorite restaurant OUTBACK Steakhouse. I love steak!
It's good thing I tried their walkabout soup that day. It's very delicious! It just creamy bake potato soup with bacon bits, cheese and green onion on top. It's very good birthday dinner I would say:)

Meatballs and Rice

 Flowers and Balloons

Next stop, Birthday party with family. My mother in-law make my favorite meal Meatballs and Rice. It's the best meatball I've ever tasted in my 25 years existence. ( lol ) no kidding. Also, I was showered with glorious gifts, flowers and balloons. My Mother in-law also make a chocolate cake with vanilla icing, ( picture on very top) Thank you much for making my day extra special.:)

 We have Lumpia, cassava cake, carbonara, monggo, fish, dried fish, cupcakes, cakes, eggplant, fish sauce, and sinigang na hipon. 

 Sinigang na Hipon- Made by Rose

 Red Velvet Cupcake- made by Cherry

 Rachel- for this yummy cake

Third stop, Surprised Birthday celebration with my good friends, Rachel, Cherry and Rose. So, It's like fiesta again none stop eating, videoke and playing cards. It's always fun hanging out with them, The fun part is was surprised birthday bash.
Thank you so much for glorious gift, great friendship and much more!

- Word can't explain how much I'm thankful for everything for making my life so special and fulfill with happiness. I love you all:)