dbxcakes

Correction.. I brought my heart with me to San Francisco. ;) We were really afraid the forecasted rain would put a damper to our mini trip, but today was a beautiful day. We had a slow start and missed our scheduled tour to Alcatraz, but we had a fine time roaming the city by foot and shopping! We started off the day visiting Len at her shop at Posh Bagel where she made us yummy sandwiches. It was nice to be able to chat with her even though she was working. We also just came back from dinner with Niner's cousin, Lisa, and her fiance at Georges down the street from our hotel. It was my first time meeting the both of them, and Niner hadn't seen Lisa since she was six! It was definitely nice getting to know them and meeting another of Niner's family member. (There's been a lot of that lately.) Unfortunately we got so caught up in conversation I forgot to get a pic. No worries though.. there will definitely be a next time.. and pretty soon, in fact.  Look

It was so tasking for me to pack for some reason, but I'm finally ready for my vacay! The next three weeks will be awesome. :)

The first time I met Valerie, she had me cracking up with one of her jokes. I have to say that she is just the same way she was about 15 years ago. Her excitement for those around her and her smile is pretty contagious. With the craziness surrounding each of our lives these past few years, its comforting to know that she'll always be there. Since her birthday on Valentine's Day, she's had a few celebrations through out the month. We were finally able to celebrate her 30th with her on February 26.  Consistent with the theme HATS, I made some special red velvet cupcakes for the birthday girl. :) Randy and Cookie Monster Jen Viking DB and Robin Hood Niner I haven't seen Englebert in years! It was nice to have my couz there. Blowing her birthday candles a top her top hat cake. The girls enjoying my cupcakes. Love it! The boys: Randy, Jaime, Richard The same night we headed over to V-Lounge in Santa Monica to celebrate an

My maternal grandparents had always been a huge part of my life. In fact, its probably safe to say that they made the most significant impact on me during those vital years of childhood. When I was growing up they either lived next door or lived with us. They took care of my brother, Jon, and I for years when my parents first came to the U.S. And it was my Lola that I clung on to when I refused to finally come to California to be reunited with my parents. It's no surprise why, as an adult, I feel such a need now to return the love and do as much for my Lola and my late  Lolo. On January 13, we celebrated my Lola's 76th birthday. We had a little dinner at Kyoto Seafood in Glendale. I got my Lola a Victorian-like frame with a copy of her wedding photo. The only copy she has left of this photo is in the Philippines and it is old and torn. I had Jon scan it for me the last time I was there. It meant a lot to me to see her smile. I'm so proud of how strong she