Meet the creative side of my wife!

Mrs. Martha Joya mentioned she saw the cutest little baked goods on a certain blog called "Bakerella". After seeing how interested she was on the subject of baking, I did what I believe was the best investment EVER for my belly and got her a book called "Cake Pops".

This book is filled with ideas on baking these bite sized cakes that are mounted on a popsickle stick, decorated to your liking, and enjoyed like no other treat I've tasted before.

Once Martha recieved her book that came in the mail (Rush Delivered) we decided to not waste any time and take a little trip to "Michaels" where we purchased all the tools that are needed to make these treats.

Once she baked the cake, crumbled the cake, and shaped the cake to perfect little circles the fun began.

She melted bits of chocolate in a pan that was over another pan filled with water (allowing the steam to melt the chocolate without burning it). Popsicle sticks were put to good use. Once done this was what was created.

If the saying "The way to a mans heart is through his stomach" is true, than men all over the world better watch out if  seeing a lady come his way with a plate of these puppies!

If this was the outcome of Martha reading the first chapter of the book and can't wait to see what's in store as she reads on.....

To be continued  (I hope)

Meet My Grandpa

I write this blog today to commemorate my Fathers Father..... AKA My grandfather. I looked up the word "Commemorate" before actually using it in my last sentence and this is what the definitions states...

Commemorate: "call to remembrance; keep alive the memory of someone or something, as in a ceremony". 


Well I'm writing today NOT because my grandfather is deceased... but because he is suffering from a horrible desease called Alzheimer's. 


Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. 


It's unbelievable seeing him in front of my eyes, remembering all the Christmas  get togethers we used to share, all the Birthdays that became a tradition to share at grandma and grandpa's house, remembering when there were 4 or 5 candles on my birthday cake and growing older to eventually blowing out a forrest fire with more candles then there were cake. 
I looked into my grandfathers eyes on my last visit and it kills me to think he doesn't have any idea of who I am. I would even sing songs he would compose specially for me and got no response. His body is living but with no recolection of his past. 


I'm gonna remember him for who he was and to me he was a living legend. Not only am I here because of him but he did a hell of a job raising all of his children. He was a Landscaper who loved watching episodes of "I Love Lucy" after a long day of work. Loved sitting on his Lazy Boy Rocking Chair in front of his Radio (That I picked out for him at "La Curacao") listening to his oldies and never skipped a moment in which he could school me on what he was doing back in his younger days when the song he was listening to came out. 




Here is my Grandfather with some memory of me and of course acting silly as he always tended to make everyone smile.

Here's my Grandfather in the current state in which he is in. Glad I could still make him crack a smile here and there yet very painful to watch him ask for his wife while she's standing next to him.  

                     4 Generations in the flesh!

                            Baby Josiah     Will (Me)    Dad        Grandpa

Meet Kupkaking!

Iv'e watched several hours of CupCake Wars, Cake boss and ace of cakes on the food network channel. I find it amazing how you can take flour, sugar, eggs, and whatever else they use and create art in food form. Well today I got the privilege to take pictures of a gorgeous cake created by Neya Gilliam. Neya attends "Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts" in Los Angeles. Here she has trained hands on alongside experienced chef instructors who have thought her classic foundational techniques and modern innovations with the fundamental skills that are essential to any cake. She hopes to one day open a full bakery and catering company. As of today she runs her cade designing business out of her own home and is ready to take on any challenge no matter how big the task. 
Here are some pictures of her most recent creation. And Let's not forget to mention... It tastes as good as it looks!!! 

                                                                  

Introducing baby Kayden to the world!

As I walk into the front door of the Baldwin residence I could immediately feel the warmth of the heater (which I suggested we turn up as high as possible since babies love that heat!) and am immediately greeted by 2 lovely sisters. We have a game plan all set and ready to go into action but (yes... there's a but) I misplaced an attachment which allows me to use my large studio soft box AKA Huge white box with a flash inside. Time to do some really quick thinking and play it off as much as possible to not give myself away.... AAAAHA! (As I could feel a little light bulb hover over my head) There's some gorgeous light coming from the screen door by the kitchen. I set up shop and I'm ready to rock and roll. With the help of Brandie (#1 Auntie in the world) we take some hard wood floor I had left over from my living room remodel and place it over the kitchen floor. I have to give it up to baby Kayden for being such a trooper!!! He was placed in two different baskets, had 3 wardrobe changes, and was in his birthday suit for most of the shoot and we rarely got a peep out of him. Momma is one lucky lady to have such a precious little angel by her side. Here are a couple of pics of Kaydens first few days in this world. and if you have a little time check out the slide show... Enjoy

http://animoto.com/play/tnWQ5kwdsd5JQfdHVrOm9A

Happy birthday Aiden

I had the pleasure of attending my Co-workers son's second birthday. My wife had to go to a bridal shower the day of this celebration so I decided to make it a boys night out....

We got to Johns Incredible Pizza and for all the readers who haven't been there yet they call it "INCREDIBLE"  for a reason. If I were to describe it, It's like a Chuck e cheese meeting it's biological body building twin brother for the very first time. Theres an all you can eat buffet which even allows you to request your very own custom pizza which is ready in 10 min or less..... After a very busy afternoon the boys decided it's time for a nap. Aiden received his very own special cape from his Auntie Adda and decided to wear it for the rest of the night.
Josiah had a great time and made a new friend. Hope to share more moments like these... Enjoy

Meet Edna and Greg

As a teenager I spent a whole lot of time at the beach. It's always been minutes away from home and walking distance from my good old Santa Monica High School. My first job was at the 3rd street promenade at an AMC Movie Theater which gave me plenty of time to catch a free movie then witness a beautiful Pacific Coast Sunset to end my night. Haven't been to the beach lately and blame it on being way too busy... If not with work, it's with squeezing quality time with my wife and son.....
I recently got to go back to my beloved Santa Monica Beach with Edna and Gregorio. They were so much fun to hang around with! They were such naturals in front of the camera & I didn't even have to direct them on how to pose or where to stand... We all just went with the flow. They are getting married in the next couple of months in the Philippines and they asked me to create a slide show for their wedding day. I have to admit... I've done several slide shows in the past but this one without a doubt is one of my favorites! Enjoy the sneak peak and if you have time take a look at the Slide show