All about Manjula

Welcome to my blog!

I am so glad you could stop by to see what's baking, what's sauteing, what's in fashion, what's chic, what's worth buying or just trying, and all my sources of inspiration!

I'm happily married to the world's greatest man, and am a proud mother of two wonderful children!

Most describe me as helpful and kind, artistic and fashionable, a woman with spice and a tooth for sweets.

For a long time now I've been making it a priority to pursue the hobbies that I am passionate about - baking, painting, sewing, fashion design and few other pastimes. I am so thankful for the support that I've received from family and friends along this exciting path!

I've always wanted to have a a way to share with others the things that I enjoy and the things that I have learned on these adventures. And now, I do!

Friday, March 26, 2010

A Divine Love

"Radha and Krishna" was indeed the theme at my niece's party.  My beautiful niece who depicted the "Radha" character brought back all my childhood memories where I heard these wonderful stories about this famous legend of all times.  Doesn't she look adorable??

Start your Engines - On your mark, Get set, GO!

Vroom Vroom........and shift into gear.  It was a zooming party and my cutest little nephew who turned the big "one" took us on a ride around the race track.  Check out his customized name plate;)


Class of 2009

Congratulations to my nephew on graduating from high school.  We are very proud of him.  He is very shy in nature so I was surprised to see him turn into a social butterfly at his graduation party.  On the otherhand, maybe that was my first time seeing him interact with his friends.  The weather did not cooperate that day; as you see in the picture below, the cake top began to collapse at the front.  Memories like these will never fade ;)

Barbie for my Doll

A Barbie for my lovely doll Ishika's 7th birthday.  She was speechless when I surprised her in the morning.  Anything for you sweetie..

Youngest Couple!!

It is truly a testament to love when 20 years come and go, and a man and wife are still growing fond of one another.  The couple I've in mind is always smiling. They look so young still; it is hard to believe they are parents to 2 teen aged kids.  This cake was made with wishes for many happy years ahead....(I can already hear my cousin giggling when she reads this article).

Arangetram....Marvellous Achievement

First of all, I would like to congratulate both my cousin's kids(boy and girl) on their wonderful achievement.  The siblings simply enthralled the audience with a stunning performance!  This is my way of saying, "Well done!" Hoping my daughter will perform one day.

It was a double celebration!!

Yes, you read that right.  It was my brother and sis-in-law's anniversary and baby shower the same day.  The guests had plenty of cake to eat that evening.  It was a night I will always remember, and cherish. Wishing them all the very best...

Bibs & booties, diapers & pins!!

Everyone in the family was excited when we learned there was going to be a baby boy in the family.  The cake shown below was for my wonderful brother and sis-in-law's baby shower.  Never thought I would put it all together.  Only the night before I was pulling out my hair in frustration as the fondant kept falling apart. Things don't usually work out the way you want them to when you are in a hurry but I was happy with the final result.  All it needed was a little "patience". Anything for family!

To a fantastic brother and sis-in-law

Nothing could have kept me from missing this day of days - a night to remember! Creating this fairy tale piece was as magical as any Disney movie; and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the process in creating this piece.   I wanted my brother and sis-in-law to feel like a king and a queen on their special milestone anniversary.  Love them....

Baby Shower

This was the first Baby shower party that I was invited to after I started this passion and I was mighty impressed with the outcome with very limited time on hand....hopefully, it was a good memory for the couple's special day.

Dora for my niece

My niece was an ardent fan of Dora at one time, so decided to make this cake for her birthday.  You should have seen the sparkle in her eye when she saw.  I was so delighted to see her bubbling with enthusiasm as she was showing off to her little friends..... This was my first time to try out neon colors.  I will try posting a better view of this cake.

Aksharabhyasam

Ever imagined a cake for Aksharabhyasam?  Well, here it is....   More than me, my friend was thrilled to pieces when I took it to her son's Aksharabhyasam's event.  It was well worth the time and effort.  She still hasn't stopped thanking me.  Hmm..  There is a chalk piece that goes with this slate as well.  I will try to locate that picture and post it ;)  For those who do not know the significance behind the Aksharabhyasam event, it is a ritual to introduce a child to formal studies by taking the blessings of god and everyone around.


Cake Topping

This cake was made for a very special friend and a dear neighbor who trusted me to make something special  for the family party she was hosting.  Hope I didn't disappoint her.    Where ever I go shopping,  I keep an eye out for interesting cake toppings; the one shown here is from just such a spree! Never know when I get into the baking mood.

My first attempt to make a Barbie



Before I make it for a real party, wanted to try it out.  Not happy but I know how I can improve the next time around.....;)

My Niece's birthday

I was happy to make this cake for her very special day and she thoroughly enjoyed it.

Best friend's 10th Anniversary

Here it all began my passion for creating cakes.  I was surprised and excited with my first creation.    Cannot forget the day where I was showered with compliments.