Turkey is in Town

On my way to work this morning, I noticed that there are visiting neighbors once again:

On the road: you can see the Faisaliyah Tower vaguely at the back.

Flag of Turkey

I've been at the mall all weekend and I haven't been abreast with the news lately so I wonder why Turkey is coming for a visit. It's customary here in Riyadh to adorn the roads with flags of visiting countries (especially the routes of which they delegations will pass by) as a sign of welcome and hospitality. Hmmm...I wonder if I should visit Assaraya Restaurant* this week?

Anyway, I need to sort my day for now. Later.

*Assaraya Turkish Restaurant is an excellent restaurant serving delicious Turkish mezze and barbecued meats. It's a very popular restaurant and has been around for more than 20 years. Their babaganoosh (a mediterranean eggplant dip) is to die for!! And...if rumor serves me correctly, they have attractive waiters there too. ;)

Assaraya Turkish Restaurant
Thalatheen Street - 464 9336

The 9SR Fab Finds (Yes, They Exist!)

Okay, so 9 riyals is 112.50 in Philippine peso but 9 riyals here is just 9 riyals! And when you're shopping in two of the Kingdom's famous malls, and you happen to chance upon shoes and shirts for 9 riyals each in branded shops, you shouldn't waste any time in buying not one but as many as you want. Yeah, even if it means buying the same kind of style over and over. So what? They come in different colors anyway, yes? (The thinking of a shopaholic, mmmkay?)

That's what I did when I stumbled on these items:

Tank tops by Stradivarius (Faisaliyah Mall branch) and matte high-heels by F&F Mode (Hayat Mall branch). Yep, 9SR each!

The top's original price is 39SR. I like their fit. And the shoes... gawd, I love them! They're surprisingly comfortable (I'm rockin' those two inch heels! Hehe!) Original price is a little over 100SR a pair.

The shoes come in two colors (Notice that Eyecandy23 and I bought the red and black versions of one shoe style because it's just the way it is, LOL) only so I'm pretty much solved with the idea that I got both pairs while the tank tops... Hmn, should I go back for the forest green one? But you've probably beaten me to it by now.

Sale season will be over this week. Hey, you're still reading? Stop and go to the mall!

Now! As in HURRY!

I'll see you there! ;)

Feet Candy: The Story of a Crocs Convert

During my vacation in the Philippines last December, I would frequent SM San Fernando which is my second favorite place next to our home. Passing by the Crocs store, I would always be amused by the crowd of people inside which convinced me to finally check out their new stuff. Crocs are still selling like pancakes, that's for sure! I am one of those who have resisted Crocs since the hype of them two years ago. I was not willing to pay that much for rubber footwear and thought they won't last me the next five years.

And then I saw these...

Crocs Malindi in cotton candy
PHP 1,850

I knew then that these have to be mine! Without much contemplation (or forgetting my reasons for resisting Crocs in the first place), I decided to buy them. However, they were not available in my size as expected. And so I rested my intention of owning a pair, thinking they were not for me.

We were then at the Manila domestic airport for our Dumaguete flight, browsing through the dutyfree shops to kill time. And there they were, the cotton candy Malindi. It did not help that they had my size and were the last pair! I grabbed them before somebody else did, like a little kid seeing her favorite candy. My sister who was the same size as me wanted the same pair too, and she had to buy hers at Eastwood branch since most stores are out of stock. So much for saving cash for our trip!

I've seen Crocs here in Riyadh and are available in almost any sports store (the stocks I saw in Granada Center recently were on discount). Although their designs are quite limited here, I haven't really scouted for Crocs in Riyadh as much as I wanted.

Here they are handcarried specially to Riyadh...

*'Jibbitz' bought from SM Department store (San Fernando branch). They're not the original Jibbitz from Crocs. Sold for PHP 50 for a pack of six.

Confessions...

I didn’t want to go to work today. I’ve been feeling lonely with this thing going on at work lately that I just wanted to experience that “ignorance-is-bliss” feeling. Just as well, I’ve been bugging my aunt to go shopping with me since last week and when she called last Tuesday eagerly asking me to join her this Wednesday (which is a workday) for an all-out shopping bonanza, I jumped right on. I still had a free day from our Eid vacation last year so I decided to make use of that one day today.

This post is titled so because I didn’t tell my girls what my real reasons were for not going to work today. I’m afraid this whole situation at work is eating me up and I just wanted to be with someone that wasn’t involved in all of it. Don’t get me wrong, I love my girls…but being away for a day I guess was something I just felt I wanted to do. I'm sorry guys, I hope you understand. =s

^^
Moving on....

A short backstory on my aunt: She’s a hardworking nurse married to an equally hardworking nurse. The only difference is, my uncle is SUPERDUPER thrifty. It’s admirable to a tee, but sometimes, I just want my aunt to have a little fun with her hard-earned moolah. Being a nurse in Riyadh is hardcore. RESPECT and REPRESENT to all the nurses out here. The off-days are as precious as diamonds, and to think that my aunt has a one-year boy to take care of at home as well…go figure.

So, just imagine our excitement to be running wild in the mall as early as 9am! Yes! You read it right..9 A-M. We practically opened the shops. My aunt is really the one who’s gonna do all the shopping. I’m there only as a guide, enabler, gossip girl and for my own escapist indulgence. We roamed most of Sahara Mall with dropping jaws at the massive sale. All stores with big RED signs, (like the one you see here from ALDO) declaring their intentions for us to practice our incapacities as consumers and minions of the capitalist movement.


My aunt got loads of stuff! Mostly for her baby boy and the rest for herself. We had lunch at one of my favorite places to dine: Tony Roma's. We ordered the Tony Sampler (half serving) and my favorite Kickin Shrimp* for appetizers. Roma Rack Ribs for me and Rib Eye Steak for my aunt. I also tried their Bahama Mama cooler drink.

The Roma Rack-Bountiful Beef Ribs with sauteed string beans with garlic. I tried their signature sauce of Tony Roma's Red Hots. Spicy..just how I like it. 65SR. Good for the hungry.

Rib eye steak..Medium rare for my aunt. 12 oz. of pure American BEEF. I think this was around 72SR. Good for three petite ladies.

My favorite, Kickin Shrimp. It's tempura-like prawns served on a large margarita glass with chopsticks for you to eat them with by poking the shrimp and putting it in your mouth…what’s not to love? 30SR. Good for two.

The Tony Sampler consists of Buffalo Wings, Spinach Dip (heavenly) and TR's signature Onion Loaf (basically a onion rings' cake if you will). With fresh celery and carrots to boot. At 45SR, it's a good price. ;)

Meet the Bahama Mama..really a pink drink. Made out of various fruit juices. I found it too sweet for my liking but I bet the teeny boppers will love it! 15SR. Can act as dessert later on.

^^

We thought we were as full as a pregnant cow but all the shopping left to be done was enough to burn all the calories we ingested. We finished around 5:30 PM and just waited for the limo to pick us up.

Oh, and I did a teeny weeny bit of shopping myself. I’m disappointed at myself because I already got two new shoes since the year began, and its more than what I need, really. But—BUT—you know what I’m gonna say ladies. A girl can never have enough shoes! Aaargh! I first saw these red court heels and decided that the other pair in black may need an adoptive parent too. So I got them as well. Oh, and I also got a good find for my brother.

The red and black court heels are from Peacocks. Price before: 120SR Now: 40SR (each). The jeans are from Next which I got for 65SR from its original price of 200SR.

I was huge fan of Super Mario and now I'm regaining all that mania back with my brother's Nintendo DS which he lets me play with from time to time. he enjoys Mario too, so I got him this vintage-y Super Mario shirt from Next also...Before 120SR, then 80SR, then when I was gonna pay for it at the counter, the guy said it was now for 40SR!!

Retail therapy much?

Actually, tinipid ko ang sarili ko kasi may lakad kami nila Mama sa Mamlaka tomorrow. We’re gonna go to the Skybridge! Finally! (Coincidentally, Shoegarfreeruby blogged about it just now). We'll see if there will be more shopping madness tomorrow. But for now, I'm feeling relieved. And that was my goal.

Goodnight reader.
:)

City Skyscraper

The Kingdom Center or Al Mamlaka in Arabic is one the best shopping destinations in Riyadh. And yes, it is one of The Pink Tarha Team's favorite shopping spots! Located at the busiest streets of the city in King Fahad Road and Olaya, this beautiful structure houses a three-level shopping center (the third floor exclusive to women), business offices and the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. By day, it resembles a tower of mirrors and is illuminated by colored lights with hues constantly changing at night time. What makes this landmark allthemore interesting is the towering Skybridge located at the 99th floor of this skyscraper. The Skybridge is a public viewing deck suspended at the hallow opening of the tower.

(Photo courtesy of wikipedia)

I was only able to visit the Skybridge two years ago when a friend invited with her family. To think that the tower was built in 2001, the same year I first arrived in Riyadh, it was only six years later that I was able to finally go there. This shot was taken then with my 2mp camera phone...

The view was indeed breathtaking. Like a miniature Riyadh or a shot from google earth, only for real! The triangular tower with a 'ball' on top is the Al-Faisaliah Centre (top center of photo). Sorry for the low res image though. Cameras were not allowed inside, but they allow taking pictures with camera phones only. I'm not sure what the difference is in principle, really. Although they have an 'in-house' photographer who can take your souvenir photo with the view as background for a small charge.

See Riyadh at night here (Photo courtesy of wikipedia):

I think most of the expatriates here, especially our Kababayans do not realize that the Skybridge is worth seeing. I know for one that my dad who's worked here for 25 years has never been there. You think, what's there to see aside from cars and monochrome buildings? See for yourself! For a small fee of SAR 25, the sight is worth every halala. You will surely appreciate Riyadh and its beauty. Not recommended for the acrophobic though!

Let's Go Japanese!

When I arrived in Riyadh eight months ago, my first worry is the food. What if I wouldn't get accustomed to the original shawarma? What if I'll be forced down to wolf on kabsa forever? What if I'll be craving for pork every day of my life? Okay, so these thoughts are obviously unfounded because there's lots of the usual fast food in this place, sans pork products.

Believe it or not, I like the Middle Eastern cuisine. I can eat Persian and Turkish food every other day. But... I love Asian food more! While Filipino, Chinese, and Thai restaurants are easily found in almost every nook in Riyadh, finding Japanese food (which I've been craving for since the day I landed in the Kingdom) was a bit of a struggle.

Good thing, the members of the Pink Tarha Team introduced me to a Japanese restaurant located in the food court of Faisaliah Mall. Samurai Japanese Food Restaurant satiated my sushi / maki / tempura craving! Now, I see to it that whenever I go to Faisaliah, I always buy something from Samurai.

Last week was no different:

Salmon sashimi (3 pieces, SAR15) and tempura roll (3 pieces, SAR10).

When you're craving for Japanese food, Samurai is your go-to stall. Try their beef teriyaki as well! They have branches in Faisaliah and Mamlakah (Kingdom Center).

Samurai Japanese Food Restaurant
Al-Faisaliah Tower (food court) - 2734386
Kingdom Tower (food court) - 2112402

Fashionably Late

If this was a paid magazine, I would have been fired by now.

I've been assigned to write something for our blog since last week, but I have been unable to squeeze some creative juice out. I was hoping the piece would come to me like an epiphany, but its been 3 days and the masters of fate have been deaf to my pleas. Perhaps it was meant to be this way. XP

--

The year-end sale in Riyadh has been in full swing since last week with all of my favorite stores dwindling down their prices to 70-80% off. It's one of my favorite holidays where I have the ultimate license to shop because the prices are so mind-boggling the stores are practically PAYING ME to take away their stuff. However, since the sale-ala-palooza began, I experienced a "shopper's block" (if you will). Two weeks passed with me grazing the halls of Mamlaka and Hyatt Mall with nothing to show for it. As in N-O-T-H-I-N-G! I couldn't believe myself, it was like I had no appetite for the items I saw on sale. And so last week, I declared to the girls that this was the week that I HAD to get something. I've been bummed about having to stare at my closet every morning thinking "I have nothing to wear". And so, being the good friends that they are, we headed out last Tuesday back to Hyatt Mall and I was determined to slash out a hundred bucks out of my wallet.

This I say, would have to be my best buy of the night:

From 199, to 139 to 50SR!! Almost 1/4 of its original price!

A dark gray, double-breasted check jacket from New Look. For 50SR, I consider this a steal. It's practical for the current winter season, can last for a year or two (if laundered properly) and it can be worn at work or out with friends. Anyone else thinks otherwise? :p

Apart from the jacket from New Look, I was able to score a whole lot of other stuff from Dorothy Perkins and G2000 since my goal was to have something to wear for work. Given my delayed response to the shopping spree of the year, I didn't go home disappointed. In fact, I'm hungry for more! Good thing salary day is two days away and if rumor serves me right, there's only 2 weeks of maniac shopping left...Ladies, are you thinking what I'm thinking???

Cheers!

Roxy Ginger Cracker

I am so happy today because I consider myself as an official Pink Tarha blogger! Wow I’m a blogger now! A member of the community! Gracias to Sundrenched, who came up with this idea and to my two other colleagues [Eyecandy23 and Shoegarfreeruby]. I’m not really into writing and posting. I don’t have any experience on it and I’m not actually sure if my writings can attract millions of readers and bloggers. I must admit that at first I’m afraid to join the team because I’m not sure if I can contribute ideas but I figured out I should give it a try before underestimating my capabilities. Check out my post:

Photo courtesy of hardcloud.com

Roxy Ginger Cracker Bag

This is my sister’s bag and I think this will match to Sundrenched “sassy” tank top. It’s very flexible and has a trendy color, you will love the Roxy logo on it, this is very useful you can use it whenever you are goin’ to the mall wearing the “sassy” tank top and a white short. Also when you go to the beach, because of its big size you can put your Roxy 2 piece, your Havaianas or Ipanema slippers, SPF 30 sun block and other stuff.

*You can find this bag in Localizer Mall in Tahaliyah Street, Riyadh or Al-Faisaliyah Tower.

Proud to be Sassy!

Just the item I need for my first entry on this fab project:

"Sassy" tank top from CityMax*

It's the perfect item for my very first entry because 1. it's yellow, the lucky color of the year, and the color that best describes being sundrenched, 2. it's a very versatile piece of clothing which can be worn on its own, or under or over another shirt, 3. it has cute little details of sequins and a dog logo in A, and 4. it says SASSY, which best describes the Pink Tarha team!

And oh, it only costs 10 rials!

What more can I ask for? :)

* City Max Department Store is popular in Saudi Arabia. Branches can be found all over Riyadh. It's very much like our SM in the Philippines but smaller. I frequent the City Max branch in Thalateen street in Olaya because there's fewer people even on weekends. Go here if you're finding the latest in fashion that won't make a huge dent in your wallet.

Pink and Precious

My first entry is a tribute to my favorite Finnish shoe designer, Minna Parikka. My ‘Grace’ shoes come in the prettiest shade of pink (magenta/fuchsia). These are made of real suede and the little heart detail is Swarovski-encrusted, from Minna's Spring/Summer 2008 collection. Their list of stockists say they do have Minna shoes in Las Boutique, AlThraya Building in Al-Khobar. Since Al-Khobar is five hours drive from Riyadh, my incapacity to go there on my own pushed me to opt for other means...online. I got these from cocoviolet on discount (thanks to Lou for being so helpful and making sure I get the right size!).

Minna Parikka's Grace shoes

Adrenaline rush started from the moment the mail room guy called me to pick these up. I was literally running in the hallway! I was just blown away when I first saw these pretties. I do hope to post outfits with these when I finally decide to wear them. For now, I'm just happy they're finally mine! Meet my first shoe-love...

Introductions First

Life in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia isn't that bad. In fact, we happen to cherish it. Where else in the world can you buy 9SR platform heels, a signature top for less than 2 bucks and a box-load of accessories for only 1/4 of its price? Only in Riyadh sweetie. Only in Riyadh. For what is left for us ladies to do here in this city but shop, eat, and shop some more? From the high-end to the ukay-ukay grounds, I guarantee you that the line "Shop 'Til You Drop' totally applies in this area code. (What?! Did you actually think wearing the abaya and tarha* can prevent us from looking fabulous and doing what we want?!)

It's time to shed some light to your misconception about this country, baby! And we're here to help!

We are 100% Pinays currently working here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As far as we're concerned, we're making the best out of it. This blog is about the lighter side of our stay in this city amidst the desert. Our daily life includes: work, friends, family and things that we enjoy--fashion, shopping, food and cute guys-- all will be a regular topic.

What's it like for 20-something Pinays in a city like Riyadh?

Read on to find out. :)

*The "TARHA" refers to the veil, also known as hijab, used with the abaya usually worn by women when going out in this part of the world. And the "PINK" is, well, anything sugar and spice and everything nice!

The Pink Tarha LIKES

Anything under the sun... and everything about us and you.

We know some of you might be curious what we really look like. We're saying now that we're not really sights to behold. But if there will come a time that you'll see us personally and find us beautiful, then we will thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Hahaha. In the meantime, while we hide our faces behind strips of boxes and blurs, get to know us better through things that define our personal style. Whether it be the contents of our bags, our closets, our shelves, our desks... anything! We're opening 'em to you so close-closan naman tayo kahit paano. :P

Also, in this category are entries we couldn't categorize anywhere else. Na-lost in space na. Haha.

1. What's Inside M's Bag

The Pink Tarha STYLES

Fashion... it's such a complicated word but we'll make it simple and wearable for you!

We couldn't even begin to explain it to you but you know it because each and everyone of us has our own definition of fashion. The thing with the Pink Tarha, we do not pretend like we are supermodels who can walk the ramp any given time of the day. But one thing we have is the confidence to show off our real figures. We embrace who we are. We're of different sizes and we're not ashamed to admit that we're probably your ordinary girls when it comes to 'figure.' We see that as a good thing because seriously, who can pull of all those which are modelled in the catwalk... or even huge ad billboards?! Ours is reality (may ganon?! LOL).

Collage Week
1. Solids and Pastels
2. Bling Fest
3. Substance and Style
4. Chill Out
5. Corporate Appeal
6. Our Tribute to a Great Woman
7. Berry Romantic

Inside Our Closet
1. Sweet Valentine (Style Cocktails 1)
2. Sunny Days (Style Cocktails 2)
3. 50's Doll (Style Cocktails 3)
4. Topshop vs. Citymax Origami Blouses (Spend vs. Save 1)
5. MNG vs. Citymax Butterfly Tank Top (Spend vs. Save 2)
6. Holiday Glam

Others
1. The Abaya Special
2. Winter Essentials
3. Winter in South East Asia

The Pink Tarha LOVES Pinas

Mag-balikbayan!

We love the Philippines so much we'd like to give you pieces of the homeland through entries that talk about places we visited and things we miss in the Philippines. Maybe you want to visit these places when you go for your vacation or maybe you just want to see the other side of the beloved country devoid of poverty and corruption. Let's not dwell on the ugly things, o'rayt? The Philippines is one beautiful place and you miss it, aminin! If you have more specific questions about the subjects we'll feature, drop us a line.

1. The Pink Tarha Loves Team Pacquiao!
2. Kami Mismo
3. Proud Pinay: Note to God (Charice Pempengco)
4. Para sa mga Migranteng Pinoy
5. Tie A Yellow Ribbon
6. Ang Tunay na Katas ng Saudi
7. Pacquiao's Diamond Belt
8. Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact
9. Can We Expect Any Justice?
10. Season's Greetings

The Pink Tarha LOVES Riyadh

We heart Riyadh!

Riyadh is our second home. Every day, we are finding reasons to love this city more. By that, we mean we scout places in and around Riyadh province that entices the traveler and tourist in us. Who knows this oasis in the middle of the Arabian desert can be so interesting? It offers a whole new world.

Also, we'll feature our collection of photos (of whatevers) taken all over Riyadh. We're sure they'll fascinate you the way they caught our attention when we first saw them. Besides, you just don't know how much of a hassle it is for us to take these photos because er, it's not encouraged here to take pictures in public. It's even prohibited to take photos of government buildings! So yeah, effort kung effort 'to! ;P

You don't believe us? Read to believe!

1. White Sand? We Have Red!
2. The Globe Visit
3. A Trip to Riyadh's Cultural Sweet Spot (1 of 2)
4. A Trip to Riyadh's Cultural Sweet Spot (2 of 2)
5. Slices of This Desert City (1 of 2)
6. Slices of This Desert City (2 of 2)
7. Hawks of the Peninsula
8. Funny Words
9. The Globe Visit
10. I Saw The Signs
11. Green Saudi Day
12. Happy Eid!

The Pink Tarha TRAVELS

Gawd, desert! What's there to see?!

You'll be surprised once you change that way of thinking. True, it's all desert here, but it doesn't mean it's just sand out there. What are oases for then?! Travel with us when we comb the city of Riyadh and leave it for our vacation! We'll take you to places we've been so you'll have an idea where to go when you'll be taking your leisure days, whether for your weekend/holiday getaway or for your annual vacation. If you fancy going to a place we've featured, just ask us anything about it and we'll get back to you!

Share us your travels too. We'd love to become envious on the trips you'll make with your loved ones. Let's see the world together! :)

1. Jeddah's Best
2. Eyecandy in Jeddah
3. White Sand? We Have Red!
4. Experience in your Eyes
5. Dammam Here We Come!
6. The Pink Tarha Goes to Dammam
7. The Globe Visit
8. A Trip to Riyadh's Cultural Sweet Spot (1 of 2)
9. A Trip to Riyadh's Cultural Sweet Spot (2 of 2)
10. Slices of This Desert City (1 of 2)
11. Slices of This Desert City (2 of 2)
12. Hawks of the Peninsula
13. The Allure of Al-Khobar Part 1 of 3
14. The Allure of Al-Khobar Part 2 of 3
15. The Allure of Al-Khobar Part 3 of 3
16. A Picturesque Jeddah
17. The Wetlands of Wadi Hanifa

The Pink Tarha GUIDES

SOS?!

It's a natural feeling to be afraid of Saudi Arabia. It's very different from the Philippines. It's a 180 degree turn from what you were used to. So we can just imagine how shocked you'll be once you try and grapple with the realities of living in the world's most conservative country. Let us help you in our own little way...

We present you the how-tos and tips in living a fab life in Saudi Arabia! We can't say what specific topics we'll post because er, we're the spontaneous kind of people. Hehe. But we'll make sure they'll be beneficial to you or your loved ones and friends in Saudi Arabia (or soon to be here). For the record, we are not (professionally) experts on these topics. We're basing it on experience! (Of course, that varies.) Haha. Enjoy!

1. How To Celebrate Valentine's Day in Saudi Arabia
2. How To Make A Long Distance Relationship Work
3. Queer Eye for the Wrong Guy (How Not to Fall for the Wrong Guy)
4. The Basic Dont's (How to Survive in Saudi Arabia)
5. How To Land in Riyadh Fashionably
6. The Five A**holes You Meet on the Road
7. How To Exercise Your Right to Vote
8. An Expat's Guide To Ramadan
9. How to Spend Your Eid Vacation
10. How To Keep In Touch
11. How Hajj is Performed
12. The Flight Home
13. How To Celebrate Christmas in KSA
14. Taxi Talk
15. How To Be More Than Just Desert Housewives

The Pink Tarha EATS

Where to eat?

Tired of hearing the usual "kahit saan" answer? Then find read our write-ups on the restaurants in the city. You'll see mouth-watering photos of food, which will surely make your tummy grumble with hunger (or longing, if you're not hungry yet). Ask us further questions if you're not satisfied with our reviews and comments on the eating places (or wherever there's food!) by leaving us a message at the comment box.

So far, we've been featuring "foreign" restaurants but wait 'til we get started with our own Filipino restos scattered all over the city. We'll surely leave you missing and craving Pinoy cuisine. Er, just don't expect us to bring you pork or alcoholic beverages or anything related. This is Saudi Arabia!

1. Let's Go Japanese! (Samurai Restaurant)
2. Confessions... (Tony Roma's)
3. Chocolates Forever (Patchi)
4. Cravings Satisfied (Assaraya Turkish Restaurant)
5. This Has Nothing To Do With Apples and Bees (Applebee's)
6. Thank God It's Food! (TGIF)
7. Love Ko 'To (Mc Donald's)
8. From Tokyo to Riyadh (Tokyo Restaurant)
9. Again, The Name's Tony Roma('s)
10. The House of Steak
11. Fun, Cool, Hip Asian Food
12. 44 Pizzas and a Lasagna
13. Food Rockers
14. Dining DUO Style
15. DUO, Round Two
16. This Way to Fajita Avenue
17. Sushi for the Adventurous
18. Freshly-Baked Bake Fresh
19. The Villa Restaurant
20. Checking Off Cafe Ceramique
21. Pork'et Nasa Pinas

The Pink Tarha SHOPS

Is there a better word than SHOPPING? We girls love to shop (an understatement) but here in Saudi Arabia, shopping for ladies is life. It's not that we're not too busy with work or our social life (meron tayo nun?!) but shopping is currently our hobby, because seriously, there's nothing else that's as fulfilling (kababawan to the nth power?! LOL) and as rewarding. But don't get us wrong, we ONLY SHOP during the SALE SEASON. We do not shop at the expense of our families, friends, marriage (for one of us), and jobs. We are still cheapskates you know. We're on the prowl for the latest bargains too! We are your SALE queens!

Saudi Arabia has three in a year: mid-year, mid-season, and end of the year. The first and the last are the best! So, here's our shopping escapades. We'll bring you the latest SALE signs we'll encounter and show you what kind of havoc that sale brought to our wallets. Haha. Join us in our forays to retail therapy...

1. Pink and Precious
2. Proud to be Sassy
3. Roxy Ginger Cracker
4. Fashionably Late
5. Confessions...
6. Feet Candy: The Story of a Crocs Convert
7. The SR9 Fab Finds (Yes, They Exist!)
8. Can't Resist
9. Official Holiday
10. My Debenhams Loot
11. An Ode to the Sale Season's End
12. IKEA Love
13. The Final Steals
14. My Weekend Finds
15. Happy Thriftin' in Abu Riyalin
16. Heart Things I Heart
17. Remnants of the A/W Sale Season
18. H&M is Coming to Town!
19. Open Sesame!
20. The H&M Riyadh Experience
21. I Bought a Skirt and a... Sando!
22. Seeing Red
23. Vintage Musings
24. Search for the Mismatched Shoes
25. SALE Alerts and More
25. Miss Little Black Dress
26. Stop at the Red Signs
27. Shoe-wariwap (We're Back!)
28. Power Shopping. Bow.
29. The Imeldific Day
30. That Little Something Something
31. Power Shopping Part II
32. Etsy Handmade Finds
33. Mid-Season Sale Alert
34. More Sale Alerts
35. Exposing Haraj

About the Pink Tarha

It was January this year when we, four Pinay friends, ventured out into the world of blogging. Individually, we are way too different from each other but as a group, we jived well enough to form a "shopaholics" team that wrote about our (mis)adventures in what else? SHOPPING. You may think this is an ordinary blog of girls who go gaga over fashion and sales, it is... but with a twist! We are living and working in RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA... arguably the most conservative country in the world! So this is not so ordinary after all. ;)

Welcome!

Life in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia isn't that bad. In fact, we happen to cherish it.

We are 100% Pinays currently working here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As far as we're concerned, we're making the best out of it. This blog is about the lighter side of our stay in this city amidst the desert. Our daily life includes: work, friends, family and things that we enjoy--fashion, shopping, food and cute guys-- all will be a regular topic. So, let us become your handy guide to a light, fresh, and kikay lifestyle in Riyadh.

What's it like for 20-something Pinays in a city like Riyadh? Find out from your resident kikay bloggers:

Shoegarfreeruby, our 100% Pampaguenia bloggera, is a certified shoe addict. She will work for shoes. Seriously. She loves everything girly from untrendy to sassy. Her freetime is mostly spent scouring through racks of stuff on sale and ending up with a good find. Her morning coffee is a daily maintenance to keep her neurons intact. She adores the vintage-style but could not afford to keep old stuff.

Raised and aged in the city of Riyadh, it was until the age of 16 that Eyecandy first set foot on her native land. It was her five-year stay in UP Los Banos that awakened her sense of nationalism, freedom and independence. Shopping and fine dining are her therapeutic traditions to a boring or stressful day. Year-end sales are considered a personal holiday from budgeting duties. Makeup and accessories are her favorite style features.

True blue Bulakenya Maryhadalittlehump loves to shop and bond with her loved ones. She's a cyber addict and an IT enthusiast who cannot live a day without facing her monitors. She is also a lady with a prodigious dream of travelling across the globe to explore its every nook and corner.

Sundrenched, a native of La Union, was a normal kid who loved siopao for snack when she was 6, cursed when Peter Pan got off the air when she was 8, and got embarrassed frequently when she was 11. She kindda grew in high school. Sundrenched loves writing... and spending during the sale season. As if that's two similar passion she can mix and match.

We are all living and working in Riyadh, a city which we mostly refer to as "hot and haute," "ironic," and our own "city of lights."

*The "TARHA" refers to the veil, also known as hijab, used with the abaya usually worn by women when going out in this part of the world. And the "PINK" is, well, anything sugar and spice and everything nice!

DISCLAIMER: All entries are the views and opinions of the contributors/authors of this blog. Offense in whatever form is not intended.

The PEBA 2011 Photo Contest Full Mechanics

 Marching to the Pinoy Expats/OFWs Blog Awads 2011 theme of "home", this year's photography contest is about where your heart is.

"Home is where the heart is..." is probably one of the biggest clichés in the world. That's because it has always been true. We're giving you the chance to interpret and show us where your heart truly lies through this year's PEBA Photo Contest. Where is your home? Is it deep in your birthplace of Laguna, Cebu, Batanes, Sulu, Davao...? In the midst of your wife and children? In the colorful, cold city where you're at right now? In the people you see everyday at work? In your lone sanctuary after you call it a day? Whether you've found your slices of home in places, people, and things, we're giving you this PEBA venue to share!

Remember that a "home" is not just a place. What is it to you is your entry! Show us where your home is... where your heart truly lies with the lens of your cameras!

Full Mechanics

1. WHO MAY ENTER

* The contest is open to all Filipinos living and working outside the Philippines aged 18 and above. Officers and volunteers of the Philippine Expats/OFW Blog Awards and their immediate family members are not eligible to join.

* Contest is open to all casual, amateur, and professional photographers.

2. HOW TO ENTER

* Each entrant can only submit 2 photos. All entries must be submitted and received by August 01, 2011 at 11:59PM Philippine time. An email of receipt and acceptance from the official email pc@pinoyblogawards.com will be sent once your entries are received.

* Submit your entries in an email to pc@pinoyblogawards.com. Include the following details:

* Full name:

* Current Residence (city and country only):

* Address in the Philippines (province only):

* Email Address:

* Alternate Email Address:

* Age:

* Photo Title:

* Photo Caption (a brief description/explanation of your photo):

* Camera (that was used in taking the photo):

* Camera Settings* (used in taking the photo): [shutter speed] and [aperture]

* *NA when using mobile cameras.

* Once submitted, entrants agree that the data above, especially name and address, may be shared for the purposes of the contest. Email address will be kept confidential. Entrants can edit their data by sending an email to pc@pinoyblogawards.com.

* Photographs must be in digital format, taken with any mobile, manual, or digital camera. All digital files must be higher than 1 Mb (not more than 5 megabytes), must be in JPEG or JPG format, and must be at least 1,600 pixels wide (for horizontal image) or 1,600 pixels tall (for vertical image) with a resolution of 300dpi.

* Photographs must have been taken within 3 years before the date of entry and may not previously have won an award in any photography contest worldwide.

* Minor editing and cropping are acceptable, as is with effects taken with the camera (for example: fish-eye effect taken with a lomography fisheye 35mm camera). Effects created in/with Photoshop or any photo editing software is not permitted. Post process is allowed for color enhancement, cropping, gamma adjustment, focus adjustment, color balance and correction. Major image manipulation is not acceptable.

* Photographs must be taken by the entrant himself/herself and does not violate any copyrights, trademarks, moral rights, rights of privacy/publicity, or intellectual property rights. It must not contain obscene, provocative, defamatory, sexually explicit, or otherwise objectionable or inappropriate content.

* Photographs must not contain any personal watermark. The PEBA committee will place a watermark on the photo after submission to ensure that photographs will not be distributed without credit after photos are published in the Facebook pages of PEBA, The Pink Tarha, and Globe Kababayan. All entries will become property of PEBA and Globe Telecom, until January 2012, or when the PEBA 2011 wraps up. PEBA will be given the right to use the photos in any PEBA-related publication and events with full credit given to the photographer.

3. CRITERIA OF JUDGING

* All photos will be uploaded in one album at the PEBA, The Pink Tarha, and Globe Kababayan Facebook pages. Photos will be properly labeled. A set of judges (men and women who are passionate and professionals in photography) will be chosen to judge the photos according to the following criteria:

a. Originality 40%

Pertains on the unique interpretation of the theme as well as creativity, relevance, and substance.

b. Quality 40%

Pertains to technical consideration of the photo.

c. Overall Impression 20%

The number of likes obtained by the photo in the Facebook pages (PEBA and Globe Kababayan) of the contest.

Note: Likes by individual without profile photo, or no friends and/or no activity will not be counted. PEBA will have the right to disqualify any contestant found manipulating the number of their likes.

4. AWARDS

Only three winners will be chosen: one grand winner and 2 runners-up. Most Liked photo will also receive an award. Per judge's decision and discretion, other special citations and awards will be given.The first 50 persons to join will each receive Globe TipIDD cards worth P300.

5. PRIZES

The winner will receive a certificate from PEBA and a Samsung Galaxy Tablet from Globe Kababayan. The runners-up will receive a certificate from PEBA and a Blackberry 3G Curve. Other prizes will be announced soon. Prizes should be claimed sixty (60) days upon notice. Failure to claim will automatically forfeit the prize. Two (2) valid IDs must be presented to PEBA MANILA upon claiming the prize.

If you have more questions and suggestions, don't hesitate to contact us pc@pinoyblogawards.com and thepinktarha@gmail.com. We'll be happy to get in touch with you. Happy shooting (photos only, okay?)! Good luck!

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