Circles and Circles: A Toast to Bagels!

I'VE ALWAYS DREAMED of going to New York City. Stand in the middle of Times Square. Watch a Broadway musical. And take a stroll down by Madison Square Park in the morning, with a cup of joe and bagel in hand. Yes, that famous bagel that American movies and TV shows always depict to be the must-have for breakfast or lunch. I've always been intrigued by it until I had one in my travels to Asia, but never have I seen it here in Riyadh. Until I stepped inside Circles and Circles. 

It's a quaint yet homey shop located along Exit 9, near the Centrepoint that's across Granada Mall. It's not a fancy shmancy place but what it offers is truly a taste of American flair. Inside, you'll see murals of famous New York City landmarks, like a view of the Empire State building and the Statue of Liberty. You will also be welcomed by one of our kabayans, who mans the shop - along with it's owner who is there every night to attend to customers. It just opened a few months ago and it's been picking up steam. 

A feel of NYC

They have an extensive bagel menu, from breakfast bagels to classic bagels and veggie bagels. But wait! To most Riyadhizens who have never heard of a bagel...What is a bagel, exactly? Well, what makes a bagel different from other types of breads is that as it's prepared in dough form, it is first doused in boiling water for a good 3 to 5 minutes each side before baking it in the oven. This makes for a chewy inside and a crusty outside. They can also come in different doughs, like whole wheat or rye and the toppings can also be varied. 

A special, freshly baked bagel.

So let's begin the bagel journey, shall we? Here's what we had:

The NYC Bagel

Scrumptious!

The NYC Bagel I had was a plain bagel with smoked turkey, American cream cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and arugula. It turned out to be my favorite after having tasted the other bagels later on. I found the bread soft and really delicious while the turkey was light and guilt-free (I'm watching my diet lately). I wouldn't mind finishing off a whole bagel of this one. I thought this would make for a great breakfast serving. Definitely, a two-thumbs up from me!

Salami Bagel

Meaty!

I also tried the Salami Bagel on a special bagel that had garlic, sesame seeds and poppy seeds as toppings. Inside there was a slice of smoked cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, arugula, tomatoes and of course, the salami, which I learned was imported from Germany. This is one fierce bagel choice. It's packed with flavors from the garlic whiff on the bread, paired with the smoked cheese and savory salami - wow! I would say this is for someone with a big appetite. It's quite on the heavy end so if you're hungrier than usual, this will certainly fill you up.  

Bagel and Lox (and a pickle)

This is just begging for you to bite into it.

Next up we have here the Bagel and Lox (Lox is another term for smoked salmon). For this option, it was a cinnamon-raisin bagel, with Norwegian smoked salmon, cream cheese, onions, lettuce and mustard. Now y'all know I love me some salmon. And I can imagine myself living off of it for the rest of my life so what's not to like, right? Well, while I get the flavor logic of the cinnamon-raisin juxtaposed with the smoked salmon, I actually found the bread a little tougher than the rest of the other bagels I tried. I asked them why it was the case, and they said that since it's not the classic recipe of what a bagel is, the additions to make it a cinnamon-raisin bagel affect the chewiness of the dough. I also had to take the onions off because they came across as too strong for my palate. So if you're not a fan of onions too, then you can just ask them not to put it in. Nevertheless, I chowed down every bit of it. I for one would never waste good salmon. :)

All three side by side. 

All of their bagels are made fresh daily and prior to order (for big orders). You can also customize your bagel order, whether you just want a plain bagel or a mix and match of the different items on the menu. They will heed to your wishes and whims.

Pumpkin Latte

Peppermint Latte

As if we weren't full enough already, their coffee menu boasted of some really unique items like the Pumpkin Latte and Peppermint Latte, which we tried as well. We also ordered a Chocolate-Caramel muffin to complete the dessert round. 

I really enjoyed the peppermint latte for the aftertaste that was quite refreshing. The pumpkin latte was rich and savory...it's something I'd like to have on a bad day. I think it's the kind of coffee that's really comforting. Both lattes are accompanied by a little gingerbread, which goes perfectly with the drink. 

As for the muffin, well, it's huge and sweet. Can't say we were able to finish all of it because we were already so stuffed. But, for those with a sweet tooth, this one's for you. 

Overall, I thought everything I tried on the Circles and Circles menu had high quality ingredients, made fresh and were delicious and filling. They offer something new and unique for all us foodies to try out. The goodness of that NYC bagel is still on my mind as I write this and got me craving. It's interesting that bagels aren't that popular in Riyadh yet...this ought to start! Visit this hearty bagel shop that's "so nice, they named it twice!" and get a taste of what I just had. Here's a preview of their menu and a road map for you to locate it:

Click for a larger view

Roadmap

Until our next food trip!

xoxo

Eyecandy

Circles and Circles
Exit 9, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
T: +966-53-005-4113

Website: http://www.circlesncircles.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/circlesn.circles?fref=ts

Instagram: @circlesncircles

Top 5 Suggestions for the Janadriyah Festival (aka Janadriyah 2014)

It's the Janadriyah season once again! I have written that sentence five times now (or more if you count my announcements in Facebook). Can you believe it? I've been attending the Janadriyah festival for YEARS now and don't I get tired?! Haha! I won't beat around the bush to tell you how AWESOME it is. Actually compared to other festivals, especially the fiestas in the Philippines, the Janadriyah is pretty boring. However, since it's the only major festival in the Riyadh province, it's already a feat on its own. There are a lot of reasons why you should go especially if it's your first time. Yes to new experiences please! I won't tell you why you should go in this entry because we've pretty much spoilt that for you in this, this, this, and this entries. 

And here we go again! :)

What I'm going to tell you though are the suggestions that might make Janadriyah more interesting. I know the organizers won't probably read this and will probably laugh at my recommendations since what do I know about organising?! Except for my slight OCD when it comes to travel itineraries, I'm not much of an organised person myself so with?! And in the hierarchy of things in the Kingdom, I am nowhere near the... hierarchy itself. Haha! But I'm just airing my POVs out there. Universe, you are listening right? 

1. An English version of the Janadriyah website with a clear program and schedule please. I am one of those people who went to the official website and was a bit frustrated. Can someone lead me to the English version please? The website can be translated by your browsers sure but isn't it easier if there's a link somewhere that says "English"? A click will lead us to a website that has all the details we should know like schedules and programs. You know how many times I've been asked what time does it start and end? Countless! And I love you, dear Pink Tarha readers, but it gets tiring answering the same question over and over. Hehe. 

Also a schedule of the program would be nice. Like when you go to Disneyland, they publish in their maps the time a performance would start so you can go to the venue ahead of time. I'm not saying Janadriyah is Disneyland (*cough*) but if I want to watch the ardha (sword dance), I want to see it from start to finish and not just chance upon it in one of the pavilions. Also, I want to catch the parade and not just hear it from the other side of the street. Chances are, when you go Janadriyah once, you will not visit again on the following days (because it's faaaar from the city centre) so cramming all the interesting sights and sites in one visit is a must. 

The sights and sites of Janadriyah... sigh... :)

2. More activities in the pavilions. I've been to the Janadriyah five times so I'm pretty much a veteran already. (Or maybe not much considering that this year is the 29th edition.) As much as I love discovering the activities and items on exhibit in each pavilion, they were pretty much the same ever since. Maybe stirring up things a little bit would be nice. Like for the Taif area, maybe free bouquets of roses? Haha! I know there might be rules and regulations and all those things that hinder growth and development but I'm sure every one would appreciate fresh ideas and more fun activities every now and then. It's like going all out since it's the only huuuge festival in Riyadh (and Saudi Arabia). 

But here are the activities you shouldn't miss: 

a. Shoot me baby one more time! Or more like 'just for one time!' LOL. You can fire an air gun at the Ministry of Interior's pavilion but only once. Or more if it's not yet the prayer time and there's no long line behind you. 

Someone enjoyed her time in the shooting range! Haha!

b. Befriend dinosaurs and kick soccer balls to smash the television screen at the King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology. 

We found new friends! Haha!

c. Get a rose from the Riyadh pavilion (when you're expecting the rose from the Taif area) and be surprised that the Riyadh Municipality has a small pavilion considering it's the capital. 

Woot, finally had a rose! And it's pink!

d. Take dramatic photos of the festival from the bridge of the Ports Authority pavilion (one of the most unique pavilions in Janadriyah) and of course, ask yourself why you're standing in a bridge in the Janadriyah festival! 

Love this view!

e. Discover street food, Saudi Arabia style at the Makkah pavilion. The smoke coming from this pavilion enticed us to enter and we didn't regret it one bit because we found a delicious spicy meat snack that looks fried but tastes grilled (awesome yeah?), doughy balls that need to be dipped in a sweet sauce, and Vimto in large vats! 

Freshly-cooked food!

3. More organised entrances, parking, and signages. In the Janadriyah, it's like we're all given a huge piece of empty lot and you can park anywhere and taxi can wait any time. There are little signs at the entrance and parking area that our driver who just dropped us off a few minutes ago got lost on his way back to us (my friend left her phone on his car so he needed to go back). He needed to thread his way in and out cars and people until he just gave up, parked somewhere, and found us on foot. Haha! I suggest you get a map at the information booths first so you know where the restrooms, first aid area, food court, etc. are. This will also prevent you from wandering around aimlessly. Wait, I guess you have to find an information booth first! Haha! 

Here's a map: 

Map of the Janadriyah Village

Please disregard the fact that they spelled a lot of words incorrectly. Ironically, they spelt "Education" with a word that doesn't even exist. 

4. More food choices please. I don't think I have to explain this further. Haha! 

The Janadriyah 2014

5. The Philippines as the guest country. I don't know what their criteria is in choosing the guest country but I think it's about time they consider the Philippines. Am I right or am I right?! Haha! No seriously, it's a great way for the Saudis to get to know our culture and it's a great way for Filipinos to be at the heart of Saudi's culture too. Also, our cultural presentations are great. You should see tinikling and pandanggo sa ilaw. And since women will probably be not allowed to perform on stage, it would be entertaining to see guys dance these cultural dances. Haha! Like Saudi Arabia, the Philippines gives value to folklore and crafts. The Philippines is a third world country, yes, but our traditions, culture, nature, and people are first rate! ;) 

Who ever gets tired of camels?!

All in all, I've seen the development and improvements in the Janadriyah this year. And they're all for the better! Yey! For one, it is tidier! There are trash bins 10 steps away from each other. And if you can't see a yellow garbage can, then there's a cleaner holding a broom and rolling another trash bin. There are more religious police but not the shouting, "I will embarrass you for the sake of embarrassing you" kind. They man the gates so please, just don't be pasaway. When they say it's for ladies and families only, follow it. The food area is more organised and they have sponsors giving out free stuff (hello Maggi, Puck, and Lipton!). The pavilions of the ministries are getting better and better. The people are friendly and welcoming. So...

I looove the crowd because it's so different from anywhere else in the world!

Visit the Janadriyah festival!!! It's open for families and ladies until February 28 from 4:00pm to midnight. Map to the Jandriyah here. It's opposite Selwa compound, just before the King Abdulla Farms. ~ Sundrenched

The Revamped Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day… a lot of people have issues with this day. Some say that first and foremost, it’s not supposed to be celebrated because the saint it was named after was beheaded on this day. Second, it’s one of those Hallmark holidays that just dents and empties your wallets and pockets. Third, it discriminates the single (really?!?). Fourth (and this is pretty personal)... it’s not even celebrated in Saudi Arabia wth? So why the hullabaloo that comes with February 14? For me, I firmly believe that our relationship status has nothing to do with Valentine’s Day. You know what’s a better way to celebrate Valentine’s? By making it GENEROSITY DAY! 

Riyadh+acumen, one of my favorite organizations in Saudi Arabia (I wanted to be a volunteer for them since I stumbled upon their website a year ago), has decided to launch February 14 as Generosity Day in Saudi Arabia. Generosity Day, inspired by Sasha Dichter’s Generosity Experiment - a 30-day trial of simply saying “yes” to everyone who asked for help - rallies everyone to bring joy to loved ones and strangers in spontaneous, random acts of generosity. It can be as simple as helping your mother cook food or opening the door for a colleague. You are required to do only one thing: GIVE. 

Simple acts, elaborate impact!

Riyadh+acumen built the momentum before February 14 and asked people to join them in reaching one million acts of generosity on the day itself. You see, it doesn’t take a lot to be generous… but it does take a lot of practice. I, for one, have been jaded about the beggars in the streets. Should I give because I feel pity towards them or should I not because doing so will only encourage them to beg? Are they telling the truth that they’re poor or are they just pulling my leg? Sometimes, these thoughts hinder me from giving.

A day after Valentine’s, my parents and I went to Batha and did our usual grocery. We entered one store and while browsing, a kabayan approached me and asked me for help. He said that their employer hasn’t paid them salary for several months now. It would have been easy to dismiss him because he doesn’t look like a beggar with his normal clothes but his tired face and the tremble in his voice affected me. I reached for money and gave it to him. No further explanation needed. 

My friend Jou from Destination Riyadh told me about the Generosity Bingo, a kind of bingo that inspires everyone to be kind and generous. It’s actually fun checking the acts I’ve already did (which, I admit, are not a lot for now). 

I have issues with baking. LOL.

So, what have you done for generosity day? Share us your story too and inspire us all to do more, to do better, and be a part of an effort to make the world a better place. 

Hooray for Generosity Day! You know what, let’s not make it just a day! Let’s make it a year! Or not a year. Let’s make Generosity a LIFESTYLE. ~ Sundrenched

Riyadh+acumen

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Livin' La Vida Lanka: Sigiriya and Minneriya 2/3

So, I was reading Arab News several days ago and read their feature on Sri Lanka's National Day. Guess what I remembered? Uhhhh yes, my Sri Lanka series is not yet done! It's February 2014 already, what are you waiting for Sundrenched?! Arghhhh! Anyway, here goes part 2 (I hope you still remember part 1)...

"If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough."

The Sigiriya rock fortress

How is that for a DREAM?!? 

Ever since I started researching for our trip to Sri Lanka, the Sigiriya Lion Rock has been popping up without fail. I ignored it for a few times after reading a Filipino tourist's account on how hard scaling this rock mountain is. She thought she would die but she reached the top anyway. Her entry was littered with "I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die!" That's enough reason to ignore Sigiriya and omit it in our itinerary eh?

I've been apprehensive but then they say, you haven't been to Sri Lanka unless you've conquered the Lion Rock. Who wants to feel that kind of regret when traveling to a new country? It became my dream to reach the top but how?! I was scared. I wasn't physically fit for this! But then again, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site... how can I pass up this opportunity? It's not as if we'll be climbing it the mountaineer's way. It has stairs for goodness' sake! How hard can it be?! Uhrrmmm...

Sigiriya, known as the Lion Rock, is a massive column of rock where King Kasyapa, the second king of the Moriyan dynasty, built his palace. The 200 meters high rock served as the stand for this palace and on a small plateau about halfway to the top, he built a gateway in the form of a huge lion. The site was abandoned after King Kasyapa died and it was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century.

The moat outside the palace complex

The Sigiriya complex is the first order of our second day in Sri Lanka. Because of our Dambulla experience the day before, we were doubtful if we can climb Sigiriya but we just encouraged ourselves. I told my travel buddy that we should still go to Sigiriya and just check the place out. If we feel like we couldn't really do it, then we wouldn't force ourselves. I mean seriously, have you seen that rock?! (Please refer to first photo again and answer me!!!)

When we got there, many tourists were already ahead of us. We bought the ticket which is divided into three parts: the museum, the Sigiriya complex, and the mirror wall located halfway to the top.

Sri Lanka's national flower

We went to the museum first and I must say it was a bit of a waste of time. I was raring to climb the rock already. (Wow, where did I get the inspiration?!? Haha!) My friend and I realized we had to climb it because we were already there. Personally, I firmly believe in going out of my comfort zone once in a while. So what the hell, let's do this!!!...

And then we met two very fit British couple who were huffing and puffing and looked like they're ready to pass out. I think I wanted to back out! Wahahah! Seriously people, what if I die in the middle of Sigiriya?! That would be embarrassing! Not that I can still feel embarrassed when I'm already dead.

But obviously I lived after that ordeal and I'm now telling you the tale. Thank you, Lord.

The Sigiriya Palace complex is a huge piece of land that saw the splendor in its time. The grounds have terraced gardens embellished by canals and fountains which mirror each other. The lavish estate has faded with time but the Srilankans are keen in restoring the area bit by bit. For now, they have excavated half of the gardens. The other half they are leaving to the young generation to restore.

The landscaped gardens used to lie here.

We had a guide who told us the history of Sigiriya and mind you, he helped us in every step of the way. I mean there were parts he had to literally hold me in my arms and drag me up with him. Haha! I wouldn't go so far into telling you all the information about Sigiriya just in case you decide you wanted to die early in its steps visit the historic ruins. Here are the photos though:

Stairs, more stairs...

We used the elephant gate to enter. I have no idea why we do not have a decent photo of the rock formation that looked like an elephant that's why it's called the elephant gate. A series of stairs carved fresh from the old ones serve as the way to the top. Some of the steps were too narrow for my huge feet I had to step sideways. I was already huffing and puffing when I got to the top of this staircase lol.

I have no idea how their ancestors went up here.

The spiral stairs up to the mirror walls.

One of the highlight of the granite rock is the Mirror Wall that leads to the room where the "The Maidens of the Clouds" are. The highly-acclaimed room features smooth light orange walls with fresco paintings of 21 non-identified female figures. This is almost halfway and I seriously wanted to collapse right beneath these paintings:

Vibrant hues, where did they get their 'paint'?

Do not touch!

After going up and down the spiral stairs with just a mesh to separate us from our death the real world, we came to pass through the mirror wall corridor. It is said that during its heyday, the lime plaster of this wall is so smooth and highly-polished that it had reflected the paintings on the opposite rock wall. There are graffitis, poetry etched in the wall, that can still be seen today. 

The ancient way to write graffiti

The mirror wall leads to the halfway point which I call my "oasis"... my very own lifesaver. Because we got to stop, sit under the tree and rest for a while before tackling the Lion staircase. In here, we also get to take pictures where we appear to be fresh from a stroll in the park aka "fake it! poses". Haha!

Phew! Let's take a break please! PLEASE!

We're not there yet.

This used to have the huge lion face but with time, the rock wasn't able to weather the storm. You can still see the feet of the lion now flanking the stairs up.

You only have this to prevent you from falling to the forest below.

And almost vertical stairs that left us "hanging."

The final steps to the top!

Just this flight of stairs and the climbing is over... Finally...

Top 5 Date Ideas In Riyadh (For Married Couples Only)

I have no entry planned for today because you know us, we don't really celebrate Valentine's Day in Saudi Arabia. Do you? I don't know about you but let's not attach "Valentine's" to anything we do on this day to avoid attracting the muttawas. 

However, the other day, I noticed a car in front of ours being harassed by the car beside it while we all waiting on a stop light. Local youths (please, I'm not discriminating because it's obvious they are Saudis) were shouting and holding out their IDs to the other car. I swear, they're IDs... with photos in them. Question, why? Do they have their numbers in there somewhere? And they didn't stop even if the people in the other car were ignoring them. They kept shouting, taunting, and pressing their car; nearly bumping into the other car. Seriously dudes, get a life! Learn how to take rejection well. 

Anyway, this entry is not about that incident. It's a good introduction though because some are getting desperate these days finding themselves with a decent date... but then if you can't be decent enough to introduce yourself, then really? You're expecting to get a decent date? So anyway... legal couples out there... you see how desperate unmarried people are in securing a date? Don't waste your opportunity to enjoy your time in Riyadh as married couples because you have every legal right (literal) to do so here in Saudi Arabia!

I know I should have published these ideas days before but you can try this all-year round! Haha, palusot! Okay so apart from going to dinner, here are my ideas:

1. Enjoy coffee under the desert sky and stars. 

Go to your favorite coffee shop and order take out mugs for you and your husband. There's no shortage of drive thru coffee shops in the city so go ahead and pick one that you pass by in the road. The more unfamiliar the better (shun away from the popular ones so you also get to try something new) and drive to the outskirts of Riyadh. Pick a spot in the desert; not too far from the main road but far enough to not be disturbed by the noise made by cars. Sit on a shawl or a blanket or a mat and enjoy each other's company. Talk anything and everything under the sun stars!

Meet a camel, if you haven't met one. No way, you haven't?! Haha! (via Google)

If you're up for more adventures on the same light, then book a desert safari tour. Check out SCTA-approved tour agencies like Masawife and Haya Tour. Or smaller groups like Riyadh Safari that can take you and your other couple friends.

2. Enjoy the city lights. 

Maybe natural lighting stars are not your thing? You have three viewing decks that I know of: The Skybridge in the Kingdom Tower (SR35 entrance fee, popular, busy, crowded), The Globe Experience in Faisaliah Tower (SR35 entrance fee, less crowded but cold at this time of the year), and The Water Tower (SR10 entrance fee, no crowd but old and cold). Did you know that it's beautiful up in these viewing decks? 

Bright lights

No matter where you choose to take your wife/husband, it will be a beautiful moment. And please, sit and stay. You're no longer a tourist in Riyadh who just comes and goes. You have all the time in the world to admire the city lights and have a good conversation. 

3. Enjoy the sky.

This time, you're really flying up in the air! There are aviation schools and companies in Riyadh that actually offers a one-day discovery flight for locals and expats. They mostly operate in the Thumama area. Try the Saudi Aviation Flight Academy's Discovery Flight (SR1,000) for a one hour flight in a state-of-the-art, technologically advanced aircraft with a certified flight instructor. It is expensive but remember what's said about spending more on experience than on things? This is worth considering if you have the money to spare for your honey.

4. Enjoy a hotel staycation.

Did you know that there are a lot of hotels right now which are offering discounted rates? Of course they're not published as Valentine's Day treat... but more of a honeymoon treat. You will probably consider this as a waste of money since you live in Riyadh. You pay rent to live in Riyadh. Why live somewhere else for a night and pay a whole month's worth of rent? Simply because you're worth it. I mean, is your flat or room a hotel suite? It's not every day that you get to splurge so check out the ideas from Destination Riyadh and Triperna's Ritz-Carlton offer. Find time to enjoy the finer things in life with the love of your life. 

Read Destination Riyadh

5. Enjoy indoor sports.

Like bowling, billiards, and badminton. The Universal Bowling Center is a good place to enjoy your night with your husband and wife. Ladies, lie low on the malls and treat your husbands to sports activities that they will enjoy. We've heard the bowling center in UBC features glow-in-the-dark alleys? How true? And they also have video arcades and Playstations for your gamer husbands. Bring it on! (Map here.)

UBC's bowling alley; credit to the photographer above

So in summary, enjoy your spouse's company in this very special day. You don't have to go through desperate measures to enjoy hearts day in Riyadh. You have the (wedding) license to do so. For the singles, check out Riyadh Acumen's Generosity Day. Do one good deed and you've already spread the love. Find out more here.

Sorry if I'm cutting this entry short because I seriously don't have anything more to say except maybe for... THE PINK TARHA LOVES YOU, RIYADHIZENS! :) ~ Sundrenched

The Juice Journey

Three months ago, I was thinking that it’s just a matter of time and juicing will hit Riyadh too. Juice cleansing is getting more popular in other parts of the world, particularly the Philippines were celebrities are drinking juices named Juju Cleanse, Juice Jab, and Skinny Juicery. I was browsing The Pink Tarha’s Instagram while I was in the Philippines and saw Cleanse and Glow’s account. I was thrilled to find out that the juice cleanse is now available in the haute, hot city! I don't have to wait.

But first, what is a juice cleanse? You know how our bodies are filled with toxins because of our unhealthy habits right? I know that by heart since I’m one of those who eat what I want whenever, wherever. Also, if you’ve been following The Pink Tarha’s Facebook, you’ll know how I discard even the lettuce and tomatoes in my burgers (kids, do not do this at home). So it’s time to detoxify! Doing a juice cleanse can help unleash the body’s natural healing power by flushing out toxins. It floods our systems with powerful nutrients and antioxidants that come from fruits and vegetables. It’s just the first step in a long-term lifestyle change and a jumpstart to a weight-loss program you might want to enter. 

Cleanse&Glow’s juice cleanse gives the body a chance to reset, restore, and nourish. It is a program consisting of 6 freshly pressed organic fruit and vegetable juices designed to give your digestive system a break and deliver a powerful boost of nutrition to the body. It’s available in 1-day, 3-days, and 5-days programs. So how does Cleanse&Glow’s Juice Cleanse work? 

Your only choices

You place an order several days in advance through their number or email address or book online. You will pick up the 6 bottles every day between 8am to 11am, depending on what time you want to start your cleanse, in their store (map below). They only deliver for bulk orders (so round up your friends and juice cleanse together!). 

The juices will replace your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No solid food except maybe raw veggies if you get really hungry (parusa much?!). Drink the juice 2-3 hours in interval and you can even drink hot tea in between (but I swear you won’t be needing this). 

So I told myself I need to try this, even just for one day. I was doubtful though if I will feel any difference in just one day but oh well, what’s there to lose? So I went ahead and ordered a few days in advance. I was advised to pick up my 6 bottles at 8 o’clock in the morning. I received them chilled and sealed tightly. The bottles are numbered. 

1-3 Morning / 4-6 Afternoon-Evening

One pack of Cleanse and Glow

I lined them up in my desk and stared for some minutes. They all look so beautiful and delicious. The vibrantly colored ones look intimidating. I told myself the clear ones will be easier to drink since they have less ingredients thus lighter. 

9:00AM. The first bottle is the one I dreaded because it’s colored green. That can only mean one thing: vegetables. I’m one of those people who don’t eat veggies as much as recommended, especially when they come in the form of a salad (I know, I’m weird like that). So The Green Giant is the bottle I feared the most. It looks menacing in the bottle but that’s just me. My officemate said it looks fresh and refreshing. I know it’s nutritious since dark, green vegetables contain a lot of essential vitamins and minerals that cleanse the kidneys and the liver (VITAL organs yannow). 

Beginning my day with The Green Giant

My fear of the Green Giant was unfounded, that I learn when I took a big gulp. My initial action plan was to down it as fast as possible but it the liquid was too heavy for that. It was indeed refreshing! The flavors of the fruits and veggies combined perfectly. It was like drinking a mocktail or a fruit shake. The fruity flavors overpowered the veggies so that was a plus for me. And pineapple and avocado? I love them! Darn celery though. It’s the aftertaste! 

11:00AM. Bottle number 2 is Watermelonade. This was too easy for me. I love watermelon, I love lemon… what’s there not to like? I mean it’s like drinking watermelon juice all the way! Knowing that watermelon contains the antioxidant glutathione is not bad too. It’s not for its whitening properties that I like this. It’s for the wonderful benefits that my liver can take from it. And you know lemons… vitamin C! ‘Nuff said. 

Minutes with the Watermelonade

1:00PM. Bottle number 3 is wittily named Beet Box. It’s another frightening juice because it oozes red, heavy liquid that already looks powerful in the bottle. But since The Green Giant proved to be delicious, I didn’t brace myself for this deeply red juice. 

Stumped with the Beet Box

What can I say? It has a weird flavor knowing that beets and ginger have pretty much strong tastes. I cannot get the flavor out of my mouth immediately. I was intimidated by both ingredients that it took me 3 and a half hours to finish this bottle. I wanted to gag every time I took a huge swig of this (this is just me because beets are my waterloo; I have them removed from my Master Burger in Burger Fuel too). I had to force myself to finish this though because it gives a powerful dosage of Vitamin A which obviously I need for my blurred vision and tired-looking skin. After I downed my third bottle, I’m already full. It felt like I was eating the whole time because I wasn’t hungry at all. But the drinking gets a bit tiring after a while. I started to daydream of solid food and I made the mistake of writing this entry on Backyard Grill during that time (what the hell, Sundrenched?!? Haha!). 

4:30PM. Bottle number 4 is Spicy Lemon-Aid which most of you might be familiar with. Shoegarfreeruby tried the Master Cleanse before and this is the main drink in that kind of cleanse. The lemons alkalinize the body providing a healing balance to the modern acidic diet. The cayenne pepper boosts metabolism and burns calories faster (can’t I just consume massive amounts of spicy food like Bicol Express and Laing?! Oh right, those are chilis.). 

Chillaxing with a read and a Spicy Lemon-Aid

It’s not too spicy and too sour. It’s just right. However since I’ve been drinking a lot of fluid already for the day, I feel overwhelmed drinking this so I took my sweet time in sipping it little by little. 

7:00PM. Bottle number 5 is Coconut H20. Again, something familiar. Don’t we have this in cans in the grocery marts? Haha! Kidding. We all know how important coconut water is; it’s one of the nature’s great health elixirs. It’s fat-free and full of hydrating electrolytes and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. 

Easy peasy Coconut H2O

It tasted really fresh, sweet, and nutty. What more can I say? I’m sure you already know how this popular drink tastes. It’s great-tasting and beneficial to our health. 

By this time, I am already hallucinating of hamburgers and steaks. I am craving for solid food like crazy but maybe because I am just thinking too much about them. I cannot stop my mind from imagining even if I already locked myself in my room to prevent myself seeing what’s for dinner in our kitchen. Finally, I came to the last bottle…

9:30PM. The last bottle is Smooth As Almonds which nourishes the body with protein and minerals that support detoxification. I am thinking “dessert” when it came to this brown-colored juice. 

Save the sweet Smooth As Almonds for last

This is more or less a packed, ultra-charged chocolate drink. The dates served as a natural sweetener. I’m not sure it’s the perfect end to this juice cleanse because this drink is a bit heavy but since it’s most likely the “dessert” of the group, then it’s a fitting sweet finish.

I didn’t feel instantly healthy or beautiful upon finishing my one-day juice cleanse but I feel a bit lighter and refreshed when I woke up the next morning. I mean I haven’t consumed that amount of fruits and veggies in one day so I felt I’ve done a pretty good job for my body. Most of the juices are delicious and if cleansing is this delicious then I would try it again. 

The one-day cleanse (aka 24-hour health and beauty boost) is SR 225 while the 3-day cleanse is priced at SR 675. For the maximum 5-day cleanse that triggers a deeper inner cleansing and promotes weight loss, it’s SR 1,125. 

This is expensive but most juice cleanses are because they use organic ingredients brought about by farms that specialize in organic farming, a holistic, ecologically-balanced approach in growing fruits and vegetables. While most people can do their own juicing at home, those who work might not have the time to prepare their juices every day so Cleanse&Glow is a convenient way to do this. For more FAQs, visit here. ~ Sundrenched

Cleanse&Glow Juices

Moussa Bin Nusseir Street

(after Cercon Bldg 1, in front of old Alakaria parking lot)

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

T: +966-54-1203016

W: www.cleanseandglow.com

FB: www.facebook.com/cleanseandglow

Twitter: @CleanseandGlow

Instagram: @cleanseandglow

Directions:

Travel in Olaya Road. With New Look in your right side, turn right at the traffic light before reaching Alakaria building. Go straight passing by the Cercon buildings (identical buildings numbered 12 to 1). Just after the building 1, you'll find stores on the right. One of them is Cleanse & Glow's store (it looks empty from the outside).