[chocolate or blueberry?]

How do you like your hotcakes?

If we go by what's usual, it would be with a slather of butter & maple syrup drizzled on top. But McDonald's has brought a new twist to it. I just discovered 2 new flavored syrups to choose from: chocolate or blueberry.

I tried the blueberry. It came in a sachet, an add-on (Php 15.00) to my 3-pc hotcake & sausage meal (Php 115.00).

[because we love MOMMY FLEUR]

Not even an injured toe nor the bipolar weather could stop me from attending my bestfriend's blogversary party at the Sky Lounge at Acacia Estates, Taguig. I just had to be there, come hell or high water. ;)

I arrived at half past 3 in the afternoon. Fleur, sexy in her hot pink blouse & lace shorts, met me with her usual tight hug & 'beso' as I came in. Most of her guests were already there - immediate family members, close friends,  a selected number of her blog readers, & mommy bloggers who I am also friends with: Maggie, Maqui & Sha. Em, Aimee & Dew followed suit, while Ging turned up much later after coming from a blog workshop. There were also two bloggers I got to exchange pleasantries with -Louise & Krisna.

The party, held in a function room at the penthouse level, was all prepped-up in splashes of red, the favorite color of the hostess.

From the paper lanterns

[baked KRISPY KROISSANT]

I first got wind of Krispy Kreme's 'cronuts' from MommyG. But before I could buy a bunch for the house, my thoughtful elder sister shared her box of baked Krispy Kroissants to us.

Yesterday afternoon, Jill & I had these delicious double treats. :)

vanilla cream

[double FRAPPES]

My trip to the grocery yielded me another make-at-home cafe beverage find. 

The frappe mix comes in a single flavor but you get to choose two toppings.

choco & mallows

[pairings with COOKIE BUTTER]

The 'phenomenal' Speculous cookie butter from Trader Joe's has finally invaded our home. Thanks to a high school bestie who gave a bottle for my family to try. =)

[parenting talk with FRANCIS KONG]

At a parents' assembly in Jill's school last Saturday, I had that rare chance to attend Francis Kong's parenting talk. 

Who doesn't know Francis Kong? He is a well-known, in-demand motivational speaker, best-selling author, business columnist, accomplished entrepreneur & radio broadcaster who conducts more than 300 trainings & seminars a year & is featured in major conventions & conferences here & abroad. 

That morning, we were really so lucky & blessed by his presence as he spoke about good & effective parenting. 

The multi-purpose room was jampacked. 

[design peg series: TUFTED SOFAS]

After my 'sectional sofa' phase, I am now into tufted sofas & I want one for the house. ;) 

I first saw them in GUS MODERN.

The regular ones

the ATWOOD

[home fair at THE LANDMARK]

I learned from a best friend that there's an on-going month-long home fair at The Landmark department store, both in Trinoma & Makati.  It started last August 1 & will end on September 2.

great selections on sale up to 50% off

[skewers of affordable goodness at YAKITORIONE]

Last Friday's holiday brought the girls & I to SM Aura. The 3rd time's a charm because we had a easy-breezy time going around. The 'mega crowd' was no longer there & parking slots were aplenty. ;)

After my girls were done with visiting their favorite fashion stops, we met with their dad for an early dinner. We decided to eat at the food court & try the Van Stratens' YAKITORIONE. 

[GOT TO HAVE THIS! series: PATIOS]

I still owe you that blog post about my patio project. For the longest time, whenever I see it in the morning as I look outside our bedroom window, I always tell myself that I should make that 'reveal' soon. It's actually almost good as ready but I haven't yet the time to make the necessary set-up deserving of a blog post. :)

For the meantime, let's just go through some patio design inspirations.

gazebo

source

[store finds: STICKERS, MOUSE PAD, GARDEN SPRAY]

The Japan Home Centre is another shopping 'wasteland' because once you get inside this store, you need to stop yourself from buying all the goodies you can lay your hands on. ;)

source

[the CROISSANT DOUGHNUTS chase]

So much has been heard (& seen) about the 'cronuts', a half-croissant, half-doughnut concocted by Chef Dominique Ansel. This hybrid pastry has taken the world by storm & versions of it have sprouted in various countries, including ours.

After seeing blog & IG posts of the cronuts, I started 'chasing after them' & looked for the places where they could be bought. This article led me to Dunkin' Donuts Cafe, just one of the eight establishments that sell the cronuts. Good thing there is a branch near where we live.