When I was pregnant, I must admit that my sweet tooth got the best of me. My doctor told me I had enough room to gain weight. Go figure. I was underweight to begin with so I think I compensated and ate almost everything I laid my eyes on... which included those deliciously sinful Bleeding Love cupcakes.

I first tasted them at Bebidas Coffee.Bar then found out later on that these were made by a pretty Paulinian, Gelle Gantuangco, who is years my junior (don't ask how many!) and went to study in Manila to pursue a career in culinary arts. I should say that cupcakes made by someone who is studying to be a chef speaks a lot and will never disappoint! She just updated her blog and you can go ahead and check out this foodie's blog, however, not with an empty stomach I should add. ;)

http://gee-spices.blogspot.com

Gelle Gantuangco is also a fashionista just like her equally lovely sister, Ganna Gantuangco of Secrets of Gee, a budding fashion blogger who is all about bold and bright colors which are sure to brighten your darkest day... or your browsers when you check out her blog for that matter.

http://gee-secrets.blogspot.com

Okay, so what am I getting at? Well, there's a current giveaway going on for local folks here in Ormoc City who don't know what the fuss is all about. In other words, if you want to taste these sweet treats for FREE just do the following:

1) Go to Ganna's Facebook page.
2) Share the PHOTO saying: "I want www.gee-spices.blogspot.com's Bleeding Love Cupcakes! Get it from @Secrets of Gee Blog!" (Make sure the tag works correctly!)

CLICK HERE TO SHARE ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=456338827739461&set=a.377162515657093.86409.377133625659982&type=1&theater

That's it! As simple as that and they'll deliver the cupcakes over to you! I missed them when they came over today because I was preoccupied but nevertheless, I got the cupcakes and they are as yummy as ever and maybe even better than the first time I had them!

This has easily become my favorite cupcake! Microwaved for 30 seconds ;)

Even Little Mao took a few bites! ;)


Thank you so much, girls! I definitely recommend these cupcakes and I think we'll be ordering more of these soon!


What are you waiting for? Gotta try them now!

Reposting from my other blog (www.mrsnoodleboy.com). It was such a blast that I have to share it here! :)


I had 15 days to come up with the best FIRST birthday party for my Little Mao. Although at 6 months of age, I already knew what kinda party to throw. My Mikko loves Sesame Street to my delight because I grew up with the characters so I already envisioned the kind of birthday event we will be having. I didn't want to splurge so much and stay practical so I made a 10K budget to make my SESAME STREET party happen.
Now I have this idea that in order to get things done I must make invitations first and give them early on for my motivation. To save $, I made, designed and printed the invitations myself.



Then I got T-shirts for *ALL* of us...




Everybody happy? That's right!

Along with other printed materials like the party banners and banderitas, I also made the goodie bag tags, play money for use to buy food (just for fun!), gift certificates as prizes for the party games (such as the classic Filipino "pabitin" and break the pot), and props for the photobooth.













And to add more color to the party, we set up a NAIL COLOR "booth" so everyone else can get colorful nails like I did. Kikayness. A sure treat for the yayas and the moms.





Along with the super fun photobooth by SALA Lounge + Café (ahem!) and nail color areas, we rented a local cotton candy machine maker, put up a hotdog/marshmallow table, and bought 6 gallons of delicious local Batangueño (dirty) ice cream. It's not dirty per se but that's what it's called and we kids here in Ormoc City grew up eating this awesome cheap local treat.

The cake & cupcakes were given as a gift from Ninang Ishshah Franco-Kangleon of Buttercup Boutique & Novelty Shop, my pretty sis-in-law and made by Julina Larrazabal-Algarra. The balloons and tables were from This & That, the premier gift shop here in town. Paid for as a gift from Mikko's great grandparents. :P Aren't we lucky? Hehe. We were also blessed by generous sponsors for the food prepared. Also we are fortunate to have people working and volunteering to get the party going. Shout outs to Yaya Mila, Tatay Bobby, Mianne, Liny, Melinda, Diday, Dorothy, Diane, Anrie, Yaya Maricel, Yayo Marjun as well as our cousins, friends, and neighbors Cecil, Rae Ann, Tita Agnes, Celsa, Tita Baday for all your help.

We thanked the Lord above for the gift of life before celebrating Mikko's birthday even though he kept crying and screaming at church either because he got hungry or it was too hot. (Better than a rainy day, right?)



Okay, I think the rest of these photos below should speak for themselves.




























It was indeed a truly remarkable and unforgettable birthday party that I hope Mikko will appreciate when he's older and sees the photos we've taken to remind us all of the fun we had celebrating his FIRST birthday party. It was tiring really but it was all worth it. Anything for our baby boy.

We love you, Little Mao. Wishing you many more happy years ahead!