Birthday Surprise: Blooms, Phnom Penh Cupcakery

The weekend before Talia's 10th birthday we went to Kid City in Aeon mall. Ben had looked up what Kid city had to offer and saw a rock climbing gym and science lab. We walked all over Aeon trying to find those as she loves both science and climbing. Ben finally asked the people at the soft play area of Kid City where that was and we found out that there's another Kid City... not in the mall... on the other side of town. Everyone enjoyed the playground that was available, however, and had a great time. On her actual birthday she got to have a pizza date with Ben.

She was embarrassed when they played her the birthday song and gave her a slice of Oreo cheesecake to share in front of everybody, but she enjoyed her prize as long as we were trying it. She's very uncomfortable with keeping something yummy to herself. We didn't mind tasting a little either. ;)

A few days later, her friends took her to Blooms, a cupcake restaurant in Phnom Penh that helps train women and gives them a job. For the business part of Talia's homeschool she  wanted to actually run a business. She decided to focus on cupcakes and make a website and YouTube channel about making cupcakes from whichever part of the world we happen to be in. Her fellow homeschool friends knew this, so Blooms was a great place to investigate!

 As soon as we entered the restaurant we were greeted by a gargantuan decorated styrofoam wedding cake. It was taller than we were! The case was full of fancy cakes decorated in Noah's ark, super heroes, Disney tales and much more. Then we got to the counter and had to choose which cupcake to try. There were many!

Talia chose a rainbow cupcake, dressed in her favorite colors of lime green, purple and blue; it was fitting.

I chose a salted caramel-stuffed chocolate cupcake with cheesecake icing. 

I'll just say: one is plenty for one day! They were delicious!

Plus, look at the cute decorations. This one was a jam-filled "doughnut" cupcake.

Besides cupcakes, her friends have her gifts of beginners knitting supplies; something she's been asking for for a long time. 

Talia is very blessed with friends and family and she fills our lives in return with love and laughter. Welcome to the double digits, Talia! We love you!