10K Followers on Instagram! Let’s celebrate with Hanzel and Gretel Bakers

I don’t usually celebrate social media milestones but after the year we’ve had, I’ve learned to appreciate the small things and not take anything for granted. 

I love creating content and experimenting with photography so it’s nice to know that people are enjoying it. 

10.2 K followers on Instagram is awesome and I want to thank everyone who supports my page. Your comments and kindness inspire me to continue.

Over the years I’ve connected with many amazing brands and I’ve made wonderful friendships. 

Socializing may be limited during the pandemic but Instagram has been a great outlet to share my interests, help small business, stay connected and expand my brand. 

To honor this milestone I’m celebrating with one of my favorite home bakeries – Hanzel and Gretel Bakers. Special thanks to them for creating this stunning cake.

The stenciling and gold accents are exquisite and I love the fresh donuts.

For this masterpiece we decided to go with their decadent chocolate cake. It is rich, moist and mouth-watering. She even made the icing in my favorite color! 

All of their desserts (cupcakes, cakesicles, chocolate covered Oreos) are absolutely delicious and they always add so many gorgeous details!

The bakery specializes in custom desserts for all occasions and works closely with clients to create fun, vibrant designs. They also make beautiful strawberry towers and delectable sweet boxes that are perfect for gifting. 

If you’d like to support a small local business, DM @HanzelandGretelBakers on Instagram and follow my page - @DiaryofaTrendaholic to stay connected.

Crinkle Mingle By Sharie - Homemade Filipino Desserts

Recently my family and I have been enjoying more quality time together. The pandemic has really put things in perspective and reminded us to appreciate the little things in life.

The best part of every dinner party, barbecue, birthday celebration or special occasion is dessert and if you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, order from Crinkle Mingle by Sharie.

I discovered this wonderful home bakery on Instagram and learned that Sharie is a nurse who recently made the switch to stay at home mom. She specializes in traditional Filipino desserts that will knock your socks off. Her crinkle cookies are the BEST in the city (I can’t stop eating them).

These yummy crinkles are dense, rich, soft and extremely flavorful. The texture is a scrumptious combination of cookie and cake and the colorful boxes make great gifts (buy extra because you won’t want to share).

Flavors and colors:

Pink – strawberry

Brown –mocha

Green – pandan - a tropical leaf used in South Asian cuisine

Purple – ube (purple yam)

Deep brown – chocolate

If you’re wondering what my favorite is, it’s ALL of them. Order the assorted box and thank me later.

Summer is pie season and my family is obsessed with Crinkle Mingle’s Buko Pie made with tons of yummy coconut. We also love the Egg Pie stuffed with creamy custard - the texture is combination of flan and cheesecake.

I like that the fillings are not too sweet and the buttery, flaky crust is baked to perfection!

If you show up to the family function with one of these pies, it will be devoured in the blink of an eye.

For orders and inquiries, contact @crinkleminglebysharie on Instagram or Facebook (curb-side pick-up in Richmond Hill).

Contribute to COVID-19 Relief by Stuffing Your Face with Delicious Courage Cookies

I’ve been quite busy with work, road trips and new projects but I want to take a minute to let you know about a fabulous company that is giving back to the community by donating a portion of their sales to COVID relief.

The pandemic has affected the economy, crippled the health care system and taken a toll on many families. Courage Cookies is a Canadian bakery dedicated to spreading kindness and hope with delicious family recipes.

The cookies are thick, soft, decadent and addictive! Choose from a scrumptious selection of mini egg, choco chunk, New York stuffed red velvet, Reese’s + peanuts, Nutella s’more and brown butter Rice Krispie square (I recommend one of each!).

I took the cookies on a day trip yesterday and they were gone in the blink of an eye (my family can’t get enough).

If you’d like to treat yourself, send a care package or surprise loved ones with a much deserved treat, head to the bakery's Instagram page (link HERE) to place an order for pick-up, delivery (within the GTA) or shipping within Canada.

Prices and info can be found on their website - couragecookies.ca