Rocky Road Cupcake with Caramel Buttercream Frosting

Cupcake Tower

Rocky Road 8" Cake

with matching Rocky Road Cupcakes 

frosted with Caramel Buttercream 

Cupcake Up Close

A creamy caramel buttercream frosting

garnished with nuts, mini morsels and mini marshmallows

I made these cupcakes for my sister's belated birthday celebration. Belated meaning 3 months delayed. She was actually in New Zealand during her birthday that's why I didn't get a chance to make her a birthday cake. But better late than never as the saying goes. As usual woke up 3am to make these treats and presented it to my sister during our sunday family lunch. I made everybody happy that I actually made a cake for her even though it's not her real birthday. Overall I was very happy!

Catalina Island

Small Boats

Bikes in the Island

Beach Shore

Relaxing Time

Descanso Beach

Golf Cart

More boats

Colorful Kayaks

Rental Umbrellas

Shoppes in Catalina Island

Stop Sign

Casino

Visitor Information

Santa Catalina Island or just Catalina Island is a rocky island about 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles, CA. This Island was bought by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. in 1919. In the spring time the island was also used by the Chicago Cubs, also owned by Wrigley for their spring training. In 1975, Philip Wrigley deeded the Wrigley shares in the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy. (So much for listening to our tour guide huh?)

We went here June of 2010 for my 30th birthday celebration. Going to the island was a pain coz we need to ride a 45 minute speed boat and all of us felt so sick (sea sick). It was cloudy and chilly when we arrived. Now I know that even at summer time I should bring a jacket with me. Overall I had so much fun in the Island and was glad that I finally came to visit.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas

Bellagio

A view from the outside

overlooking Caesars Palace

Paris Hotel and Casino

A signature of the Las Vegas skyline is a

replica of the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower

Our local version of the original one in Paris, France.

One of the most romantic spot in Las Vegas.

Bellagio Reservation Desk

This was taken in front

of the reservation desk of the hotel.

Tulips Up Close

My favorite flower is the star on

Bellagio's Conservatory for this month

Just Perfect

Look how these flowers can just make

my day. =)

Jean Philippe Patisserie

Gourmet chocolate and Savory pastry shop

of a World Renowned Chef

Bellagio Conservatory

From all the flowers among the aisle 

I chose to focused on the dried one.

which I just figured after I took the shot.

This town indeed had became my home for 10 years now. It's the city the truly never sleeps. If you feel the urge to go out and grab a burger or something in the middle of the night there is surely a restaurant that's open to serve you. There's nowhere in the world that can beat Vegas night life. Gorgeous women dressed on their sexy clothes and beautiful men all drooling over them. I learned to appreciate this town with how diverse it is and how energetic the people that lives here. Tourist from all over the world  comes here all the time to gamble and experience the Vegas life. You can see them with their cameras shooting all over the place. However, I can say I'm one of them for I always wanted to stay out and take some photographs of this exciting city I now call home.

Pictures above were taken years ago when I first purchased my Canon 50D in 2008 with my Canon 17-40mm f4L lens. I got so excited and gave it a test run. The two last ones where taken when I tested my favorite lens the Canon 35mm f1.4L in 2010.

Birthday Surprise

Breadsticks 

served before our main course

Cottages

these cottages are also facing the creek 

beside the restaurant

Table for three please

experienced having lunch beside

a running water

A break from the desert

seeing green grass is definitely a

break from seeing rocks from Vegas

Sedona Arizona is one of my favorite places in Arizona. According to urban legends UFO has been cited from this beautiful town. A lot of visitors wanted to come here to hopefully see some "UFO's" and "Aliens". Scary huh? Apart from this, visitors come here to have some R&R.

We went here on March 17, 2010 for my husband's birthday. It was a surprise birthday gift for him since he really wanted to see this place for months. Pictures above were from the L' Auberge restaurant where we had lunch. All captured using my Canon 50mm f1.8L. The restaurant was located beside a creek where the water was flowing from Grand Canyon. Very relaxing place indeed! Below are the pictures from the hotel where we stayed at, Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa. (used lens: Canon 17-40mm f4L)

Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa

the best bed I ever had from a hotel.

definitely 5 star quality

Side view

I would definitely come back to

this place

Sugar Rush

Red Blue and White Strawberries

for the 4th of July celebration

Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake

inspired by Cheesecake Factory

my Mother's Day Gift for my Mom

Maple Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

my version of the "kababayan" in the Philippines

sprinkled with chocolate morsels

Banana Crumb Mini Muffin

the crumbs on top with cinnamon

made this recipe by brother's favorite

Chocolate Cake

the classic recipe for chocolate cake

is my husband's favorite flavor

Red Velvet Bundtinis

A scarlet batter of velvety rich cocoa

topped with creamy whipped cream cheese frosting

my sister's favorite

Taking photographs of food especially sweet food made me more in love with photography. I feel the fulfillment every time a friend says.... "looking at your pictures makes me feel so hungry!!!". I feel like I had accomplish my mission as a photographer and as a baker. I created this blog as my way of expressing my talent and passion from baking to cooking and by taking their pictures before it goes to my tummy. =)
Please join me as I take you to your cravings and hopefully making you gain more weight. =D