Corporate Appeal

How hard is it to pull off a corporate look? It takes a lot of effort especially if you're one of the Pink Tarha Ladies. We do not like wearing the executive look because they're way too much effort-ful to conjure. We're doubtful if we can last a day in it. Our Collage Week on neutrals was the most formal we can get ourselves to wear. Corporate dressing? Not for us. We only wear them once in a blue moon, or when a challenge to power dress comes. Like last Monday!

The challenge was to come to work in a power dressing aka corporate mode. We had visions of tight pencil skirts and sky-high pumps like those working girls you see in the Makati Central Business District but of course, we have to subdue everything here. Subtlety goes a long way anyway. Here's how powerful we can get:

The Pink Tarha Ladies Tigresses
(Mary is still absent due to sickness. But she's doing well now, folks!)

Shoegarfreeruby's eclectic mix of colors

Batwing cardigan H&M Blue and white smock dress CITYMAX Black slacks (old) Gladiator sandals H&M Bag BETSEYVILLE by Betsey Johnson Black headband BERSHKA Earrings MS. SELFRIDGE Watch CASIO BABY G

Even if black and white is the main theme of the day, R ventured off the world of usual power dressing by incorporating color to her wardrobe. Her bag is definitely not something you'll see in the corporate ladder but so what?! If you have a bag like that, don't you get the attention worthy enough to get you to the top?

Eyecandy's touch of 'rock it!'

White polo and black round vest MARKS&SPENCER Ash gray plaid slacks RED HERRING (Debenhams) Black patent mary jane PEACOCKS Red crocodile purse LIZ CLAIRBORNE Black lace headband FOREVER 21 Grey plastic bangle CITYMAX Dogtag necklace CENTREPOINT Crystal drop-earrings ACCESSORIZE

Black, white, and grey... learn the most basic in corporate attire but don't stop there. Take E's cue on making the look yours by infusing your own style. She's still the rockin' and rollin' girl with her go-getter, always upbeat attitude. The red clutch, the floral headband, and the dangling earrings make quite a statement don't cha think? They catch the eyes of the beholder... and those looks will probably linger for more than just a while.

Sundrenched's classic approach

Blazer MS (Centrepoint) White tee ZARA Black wide-leg slacks NEW LOOK Black pumps F&F Mode Layered bead necklace PROMOD Black hand bag Thrifted from HARAJ

She's the only one who wore the blazer but to minimize the formality of it all, S chose to scrunch her sleeves to 3/4 and wore a basic white tee under. With a layered necklace and high heels, who cares if her black and white ensemble is your ordinary take on corporate look?

It might take a while for us to wear the corporate attire again but it sure is hell fun to become "powerful" for a day. Where's our whips? Whapakkkk! ;P

The 'Imeldific' Day

Mightydacz commented on a previous post that we're turning "imeldific" with our love for shoes. (Thumbs up for a guy who knows the adjective! Yey! :) While it's true that we love shoes and that we have several entries to show that, we're still quite not done (yes, shoes ko pong mahabagin talaga!). Our appetite for 'em is insatiable, and we're not quite apologetic about it. Okay, I'm an addict, so shoe, este, sue me! Hehe.

I know I already got my gladiator shoes from New Look with a mary jane to boot but I went crazy (again) the other weekend with New Look's Buy 2 Get 1 Free promo. You'll never guess what I got from this mall errand... and for how much! Okay clue: SHOES.

Six pairs of shoes to be exact!

You may think I may need to starve myself for two weeks but I just have to cut down a little on my eating spree (good for my so-called diet) because do you know how much these six gorgeous pairs cost me? SR160! Yes, 160 riyals for the whole lot!

SR160 for all?! How can I resist?!

You see, each pair costs SR40 now that New Look has further reduced their prices. So that's a total of SR240. But wait, there's more (or less because of the promo)! Since there's an ongoing promo of getting one free if you buy two, then two of these pairs are free! So I get to pay SR160 only! It's like buying one pair for its original price and getting five more pairs free! I acquired a mild headache when I computed the total if these shoes were bought in their original prices... SR1,084!!! Wow! From SR1,084 to SR160! I told you they were such a bargain.

Can't get enough of the shoesies!

What do I like about these shoes? They are made with real leather (whetever that means, it just sounds so er, real!). They have heels (shorter than the glads I got) but they're very comfortable. I used two of these pairs this week just to break into them and I didn't have any problems walking (more of sashaying) in our hallways. They create this awesome sexy sound every time I walk, making the illusion that they're way more expensive than their price. (Ilusyunada?!)

This too much praise for shoes deserves me a good whack in the head from the saving guru. But if Imelda wasn't given a good whacking for her overwhelming indulgences, why do I, a lowly shoe-loving gal, get to be sorry for this once in a year (yeah right) "imeldific" urge?! :P C'mon, you turn "imeldific" once in a while too, diba? Guys, I'm talking to you, too! How much was your latest pair of rubber shoes again?! Teehee, umamin! ;P

Power Shopping. *bow*

Let the title suffice.

The following contents of this post cannot be justified other than the simple reason that:
"IT'S BECAUSE IT'S THE SALE SEASON, YA'KNOWW"

Shoes: Black, sequined T-sandals from Milano, 50SR (purchased from their Buy 1 Take 1 promo on my first visit) I couldn't find anything else I liked so I grabbed a pair of flip-flops as my free item (not pictured).

Bronze, sling-back, wedged 4-inch heels. 135SR from Milano (purchased from my SECOND visit during their Buy 1 Take 1 promo). I got the same ones in black as my free item. (So thats 135SR for two pairs basically! :D) And I'm a girl who loves heels!

Even before the sale season began, I already had my eye on these beaded, gladiator-inspired sandals at Parfois. So imagine my delight when I saw that they were 75% off! Originally priced at around 150SR-170SR, I only got them for 43SR! So I bought two. I have another pair of the same style only in white. (I have yet to identify this "disorder" of mine of wanting to buy the same items in different colors)

SUPER PURCHASE: Naturally, I wouldn't splurge on such a tiny little thing, but call it 'love-at-first-sight'...or in my case, love-at-FOURTH-sight! Yeah, when I first saw this clutch I was smitten and conflicted at the same time. Smitten because it was just too adorable to pass on and conflicted because it cost 97SR (previously priced as 195SR)! Two prayer times and four comebacks to Accessorize later, I finally grabbed the clutch, marched to the cashier and paid with my eyes shut! As I walked out, I cradled the clutch to my chest and said, "You're mine!" Haha. Check out the matching earrings too!

Blouses: Subtle pink, plaid top, with ruffles on the front: 40SR
Hot pink, plaid blouse: 50SR Debenhams' Collection at 70% off.

Dyed-green, boho top with tassles from Red Herring, 60SR (70% off).

Casual grey top from Next, 35SR (70% off). I'm loving the feather details on this one.

Cardi-Love: Black, knitted, short-sleeve bolero from Debenhams' Collection. 90SR from 230SR. I am a sucker for boleros and cardigans. *dreammmy*

Black wrap-around cardi from the line Rocha John Rocha for only 50SR! (originally priced at 140SR)

4 pants and a skirt: Black denim pants from New Look (40SR), denim flare jeans from New Look (50SR), charcoal high-waist slacks from New Look (50SR), ash-grey plaid slack from Red Herring (26!SR) and beige+white boho plaid skirt from New Look (30 SR).

Accessories: Ala-diamond studded "O" and "oblong" earrings from Coast. Check out the prices! Masaya magmukhang mayaman (kahit na hindi) *apir!*. Unless I would meet someone willing to give me the outrageously expensive versions of these, pwede rin! ;P

Cocktail rings from Dorothy Perkins, all 10SR each.

In the middle of this post, I got a call from my "informant" on this weekend's mega sale. Debenhams will be having a Buy 1 Get 1 promo with all items that are 70% off for three days only! That's tomorrow KSA readers: 29-31 July 2009. So, should you expect a Part 2 of my Power Shopping series? Hahaha, my wallet will be the judge of that!

I need a drink.


Cheers y'all!


-ec-

What's Inside M's Bag

They say that you will know a girl's personal style through the bag she carries everyday. The Pink Tarha Ladies say it's what inside the bag that matters. We can always replace our bag every day but the essential items we carry inside are a staple. Things we use daily speak a lot about our personality. Are you carrying a filled kikay kit? A stash of gadgets perhaps? Books, notepads, and pens? Or just the bare necessities? Can't leave the house without the tarha and the iqama?

The Pink Tarha Ladies are raiding each other's bags in the What's In Your Bag edition. Will they dare spill it all?

First up is July birthday girl Maryhadalittlehump.*

As you all know by now, our resident little miss sunshine is funny and laidback most of the time but can panic like crazy! Hmn, does her bag and its content reflect her fresh, sunshiney personality or is she the seemingly basic but deceptively simple gal? Let's find out shall we?

The Bag
White Dorothy from the Kipling Basic Collection

Truly, M shows us how simple and laidback she is with her white sporty shoulder bag. It's basic but very dependable. "This bag is a favorite. It's versatile and roomy. I can put anything inside," M says of her favorite bag.

Take a Peek

M's bag contents are neatly organized and placed in her bag. Smaller items are placed in smaller kits. Gawd, no clutter?! Amazing yes? M says, "My bag is a girl scout's bag. Laging handa dapat. Kung anuman ang kailangan ko, madudukot ko kaagad!" Well, with this kind of organization, we're sure M gets whatever she wants from her bag in five seconds flat. Scout's honor!

Spill It!
1. Kipling Bag 2. GAP wristlet 3. Tarha (veil) 4. Ballpens 5. Woven kit 6. Vogue eyeglass case 7. Wallet 8. Nokia cellphone 9. House key 10. Kokology book

What's Inside the Insides

Kikay Kit
1. Woven pouch / 2. Comb / 3. Mirror / 4. The Body Shop Lip Balm (Cranberry)

Hygiene Kit
1. GAP wristlet 2. Napkins (laging handa remember?) 3. SebaMed creams

Wallet and eyeglass

Containing cards, ids, photos and the one thing we can never leave home without, the iqama. Trivia: M was issued the a wrongly colored iqama. Hers is green when it should be a maroon booklet! Her eyesight is 50/50.

Stripped to its most basic essentials, M's bag shows how low-maintenance she is. Any other fashion accessory is missing. True enough, M is the least shopaholic among the Pink Tarha Ladies. But that is not to say she's lacking on style. If you meet this girl personally, style is just one of her best assets. It's her laughter and smile that prove to be infectious. She's so fun to be with... simply beautiful and happy!

* Mary is sick right now but she's on her way to a full recovery. Get well soon, M!

Shoe-wariwap! (We're Back!)

Sorry for the lack of posts. The Pink Tarha Ladies are buried under a pile of work or down with sickness or lost in the euphoria of the mid-year sale season or all of the above. Kakaibang multi-tasking davah!

Anyway, I'll jump start this blog again with an entry on shoes, as you read on my rather not-so-creative title. That or "shoe-wawa". What do you think makes a better title? Okay, enough of the trying hard to be witty titles. :P

So, how did you cope up with the sale season, people? Had a blast or remained oblivious to it? The Pink Tarha remained excited and hyper amid the ongoing downtime because we resorted to retail therapy (with our families and friends, of course).

For this sale, I zeroed in on shoes. I've been lemming for gladiator shoes ever since they became popular. I saw nice ones from New Look on their Spring/Summer collection but they were too expensive then. I decided to wait for the sale season. True enough, blessings come to those who wait! When Eyecandy and I and a friend went to New Look in Hayat Mall last week, the place looked like it was ransacked by a hundred bandits. But whatever, we headed to our spots. I went directly to the shoe section at the second floor. Look what I scored:

Gladiator shoes

They were of real leather. They were priced SR269 each but were down to SR40!!! I think I went delusional that I barely paid attention to the height of those heels. I grabbed 'em, tried 'em on, headed to the cashier, and paid for... er wait... I was sidetracked by another pair of shoes:

Navy blue and white shoes, from SR159 to SR40

Seriously! This pair is gorgeous. Looks like a tuxedo or something. I should have gotten the red and white pair too! Oh, why did I remind myself of that?! Now I'll be sulking for not getting that pair! Hehe, just kidding.

When my mother saw me on those glads, she said they looked good but I know on the back of her mind is the question "Makalakad kaya 'to sa heels na yan?!" Naman, mother! Of course! In short walking distances nga lang! Hehe. I can always resort to my flats when my feet complain to me. wink, wink

Speaking of flats, I bought another one from Parfois... plus a wedge that I've been meaning to buy since forever. This wedge is really light so kahit na ang taas nito, go pa rin!

Colorful straw wedge, SR43 / Maroon studded flats, SR45

That's 70% off from the original price! What more can I ask for? (Er.. 99% off?! Hehe.) I heart Parfois! I'm still waiting for their huge discount on bags.

C'mon spill! Who got the same pairs of shoes as mine? Lemme see you wear 'em! Send in your photos? Please? I would love to hobnob my shoes with yours. No, I will not feel offended if we're wearing the same shoes in the same event. I will be honored. Pareho tayo ng taste! Yey!

You think I'm finished?! Haha, this is just the first part people. The other Pink Tarha Ladies are also getting ready to share you their tales of their latest sale season escapades.

Wait lang, I just dedicated an entire entry to shoes. Whoah! Am I turning into Shoegarfreeruby?! Nah... I don't think so! Wala pa ako sa kalahati ng pagiging shoe addict n'ya! Hehehe.

Food Rockers

Last Wednesday, the school my mother works for had a teachers bonding celebration done at Fuddruckers. Luckily, my father and I were invited to go with her to intermingle with the rest of her friends. The co-teachers of my mother were very polite and fun to talk with. Everybody enjoyed the night especially the food.

It was my first time in my four years of stay here in Riyadh to eat in this resto. Finally, my dream to taste the much talked about cuisine of Fuddruckers was realized. I do not regret the day that I dined in Fuddruckers; the meal was sumptuous and yummy.

The restaurant was closed for prayer when we got there so we decided to stay and wait inside the car. I got the chance to take a picture of the restaurant.

Fuddruckers Restaurant

Company Logo

Fuddruckers opened around 7:05 that night, thank God that we made our order in advance (a day before went). We just waited for a few minutes and the food was served.

Wow, the appetizer? I really enjoyed their salad, a temptingly rich mixture of lettuce, potato, cabbage and red radish. It didn’t take me long to finish a plate of it and I kidded, “I can go now, I’m already full!”

A mixture of lettuce, potato, cabbage, red raddish and cheddar cheese.

For the main course, Sir Albert tried the Chopped Hamburger Steak, my father got his Buffalo Chicken Salad, My mother and Sir Leo ordered Miniere fish fillet and of course I got my Grilled Chicken Barbeque. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to take pictures of the food that my mom’s co-teachers ordered. Sayang, kaunti lang tuloy photos ko!

Chopped Hamburger Steak, (SR47)
2/3 Pound chopped steak topped with sauteed mushrooms and grilled onions, served with fresh steamed veggies and baked potato.

Buffalo Chicken Salad, (SR36)
Crispy chicken, mixed cheese, pico de gallo tossed with ranch dressing and topped with franks buffalo sauce.

Fudds Choco Milk Shake, (SAR 15.00)

Miniere Fish Fillet
Cojun seasoned hammour, served with garlic bread, fresh steamed veggies and baked potato.

Fudds Iced Tea, (SAR 7.00)

Grilled Chicken Barbeque
Grilled chicken barbeque with texas barbeque sauce, served with garlic bread, fresh steamed veggies and baked potato.

Undoubtedly, we had to refuse dessert because we're too full. We took a rest for 15 minutes and after that, we said goodbye to everybody. I loved meeting the new folks and as always it was great seeing everyone. I can't wait to be with the mentors again and invade other restaurants here in Riyadh. I wish we could visit and dine in a Thai Restaurant soon.

☮Mary

Fuddruckers
King Abdullah Road
Exit 10
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia

*Description under each food item is from the Fuddruckers menu.

Happy Birthday, Mary!

Our very own Maryhadalittlehump turns 24 today! As you know, Mary is our in house good girl. She's truly sugar and sugar and everything nice. Yep, you read that right. No scandalously hot spice on this Pink Tarha lady. (She also hates spicy food.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY M!!!

Syempre busog na naman ang PT Girls... sa pagkain at sa katatawanan na hain ng Bulakenya slash Manilenyang Pink Tarha lady na ito. It's actually not advisable to eat and drink unguarded when dining with Mary because she takes us by surprise with her hirits. Kaya naman, drink with caution ang beauties namin when eating with her. Pero kung minsan, hindi pa rin umuubra ang aming pagiging careful dahil hihirit at hihirit pa rin sya... at mabibilaukan pa rin kami! Hehe.

Despite the jokes and how she makes us want to spit water out from our mouth with laughter, we're so darn proud of Mary because she's truly one of a kind. Very supportive ang kagandahang ito. Maganda na, mabait pa! San ka pa?! :) Maswerte ang mapapangasawa nito! :P

Thank you, M!

Stop at the Red Signs

The SALE SEASON is here! Actually, we're late in posting but if you hurry, you'll probably still get lucky to score the items you've been wanting to get at popular brand stores at lower prices. MNG started the sale season with a subtle green discount sign on their glass windows (Eyecandy and Sundrenched saw them first at the Al Rashid Mall in Al-Khobar during their train trip to the Eastern Province). Other stores have followed suit.

Debenhams

Promod

Topshop / Topman

There are more stores on sale. The good news is, they'll still be lowering their prices anytime soon (maybe a week or so from now). Our advice is this: when you go to the mall now, enter the shops and browse. If you saw a dress or a blouse or anything that catches your attention and you feel that you cannot sleep at night without it safely tucked in your closet... then grab the darn piece and pay for it in its first discounted price. The problem with waiting for the bagsak presyo week is that you might not have the item in your size anymore or the style might just be gone. Stocks are not forever yannow. But if you can still live another week to let go of an item, then wait until the stores drop their prices to 70%. After all, patience is a virtue. :)

We're guilty of saying we're not going to buy until they're waaaaay below their original prices but hey, we're girls... we can always change our minds... especially when faced with hot, hot red sale signs all over. :P

How To Exercise Your Right To Vote

Register first.

Mary and I went to the Riyadh International School last Friday to register for the Overseas Absentee Voting. We went with our fathers on different times. I went around 2 in the afternoon while Mary was a buzzer beater at quarter to 4pm.

As for my experience, the process was finished in ten minutes, half of it was spent in filling up the application form and laughing at my father's answers. (Officer: Sir, kelan po kayo huling bumoto? Father: Er... 20 years ago?! Officer: Ay bakit naman po? Father: Eh wala kasi akong time. Ako: Huh?! Sa years na yun, wala kayong time?! :P)

It was a feat that I dragged my father to register and I am darn proud of myself that I did. During the past couple of months that the OAV registration was being advertised, I keep on telling him that we need to register. His answer was always "Eh bakit pa tayo boboto?! Baka magamit lang sa dayaan yung boto ko." Hay, exasperated me would dish out my reasons. Number one of which was that we are given a right to vote. Why not exercise it?!

I know a lot of Filipinos are very much jaded about our country's government and politics but if we lack care and concern, what will happen? We are Filipino citizens whether we like it or not are in the Philippines or not. Our duties and responsibilities do not stop once we step out of the country. There are many great articles out there that tackle the issue of suffrage and why we should register and vote. The Pink Tarha Girls do not need to elaborate on them. We know that you know it is your right to vote. Sayang naman kung wala ka na lang pakialam diba?

Boboto sila, wee!

Para sa mga magpaparehistro pa (dahil may oras pa, hanggang August 31, 2009 pa ang registration mga kabayan!), eto ang mga dapat tandaan:

Registration on going.

How to go about the OAV registration
1. Know the venue and exact date and time of the mobile OAV registration in your area.
2. Arm yourself with a photocopy of your passport and a pen (optional, para lang hindi hassle).
3. Go there. Best time is in the afternoon (in our experience) because there will be less people. Malamang tapos na kasi lahat dahil mga huling linggo na ng registration.
4. Get an application form (OAVF No.1) and fill it up. Write legibly. Follow one letter per box okay.

Oo, nakakaduling ito.

5. Pass the application form to the officer and wait for your name to be called.
6. When called, sit beside an officer and wait for his/her instructions. You will be asked to place your right and left forefingers (index fingers) and thumbs (syempre hindi sabay) on the fingerprint scanning machine. This will be repeated. Wag mairita dahil normal lang yan para masiguro ang identity mo. Look in the camera in front of you. Say cheese! :P Pwedeng ipaulit ang picture kung hindi mo magustuhan ang hitsura mo but be mindful of the people waiting in line. Kung walang linya, eh di isa pa! :P
7. Verify that your information are correctly typed. Check your name's spelling.
8. Get the stub and do not lose it!
9. Kalas! Go home. You are now a registered voter. Yey!

The whole process do not take long, unless nagkukumahog na ang lahat ng mga OFWs and their families to register (we doubt it because 1. tapos na sila or 2. ayaw talaga).

For election 2010 information and coverage, check out these sites:
Commission on Elections
Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Inquirer Politics My Vote. My Turn
Ako ang Simula: Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo
Youth Vote Philippines

44 Pizzas and a Lasagna

Nope, we did not eat 44 pizzas to make up for the recent lack of food posts. The post on Zyng Asian Grill Resto made up for it, yes? :)

We are fond of pizzas. We've tasted pizzas from every pizza-churning shop in our area - Domino's, Pizza Inn, Little Caesars, Pizza Company, Papa John's, etc. - except for one. Four T Four. What 44? Yeah, with a name like that... who would have thought it's a pizza parlor?

Because we're such curious eaters, we decided to try their pizza. Four T Four is located in Thalateen Street just across Citymax. Like most pizza chains, they offer the combo of two pizzas plus drinks and an extra item.

Gluttony entices next:

2 medium-sized pizzas (thin crust) + Pepsi + small tub of coleslaw = SR55

Seafood pizza.

Hawaiian pizza.

Lasagna with garlic bread, SR 27 (large)

Hmn, we were not that impressed. My picky eater of a brother was complaining on how salty and rather sour this pizza tastes. That's his impression on the first bite... down to the last... up until he's stealing spoonful of pasta from my lasagna. Still salty and rather sour. I agree but despite the sour pizza sauce used, I enjoyed the saltiness of the special gooey cheese mix they used on their pizzas and lasagna. They're generous on the cheese! That for me is love already.

They offer eight pizza flavors: vegetarian, margarita, seafood, meat lovers, pizza deluxe, pepperoni, chicken, and hawaiian. The small size goes for SR22, medium SR32, and large is 48. They also have sandwiches (beef steak, cheese mix, deluxe, and grilled chicken) for SR22 served with fries and a drink. A bunch of side orders (garlic bread, salad bar, potato wedges, and fries) is available for the super hungry. They only have a bachelor section but you can always order to go or for delivery.

If you want to stay away from the usual pizza brands, try Four T Four for a different kind of tastebud tickling. Er, I have no idea why it's called Four T Four though. Any guesses? :)

Four T Four
Thalateen Street, Suleimania
Tel. Nos.: 217-8844 / 464-2776