Sweet/Savory Delights

There are times that you feel a need to be alone. Especially us, ladies. Right? I have a lot of those moments. In Manila, it's easy to find a coffee shop or a bakeshop that I can go to and be alone. No one would wonder why I'm in this kind of solitary confinement moment and I can go on sipping my coffee, biting my pastry, and typing away in my laptop or reading a book. It's kind of hard to find such a nook here, unless you're a bachelor. Most coffee shops in Tahlia cater to them. The family section of a restaurant is most of the time crowded and filled with kids. I have nothing against kids, seriously, but it's hard to focus when there are a bunch of them running around and shrieking and playing, don't you think? 

I found a solution to that problem. The Crepe Cafe in Thalateen Street. 

I don't want to give away this secret because you might flock this place with your friends (and your kids) and I would be forced to look for another "me" nook but you know The Pink Tarha cannot resist sharing good finds! And I'd like to share this space because we, ladies, can use more lady-friendly establishments around here. Do you agree? :P

You might know of The Crepe Cafe in Riyadh Gallery. Their concept is so popular that they had to extend their dining area to the other side of the garden. And they still had a line waiting every time. The ladies and I liked Crepe Cafe there but I think we like the new branch better because it's tucked in a corner, it has wifi, and my friends and I can hear ourselves better. I bet I can even hear myself better when I'm alone and there are fewer people in this coffeeshop.

Bright interiors

French-lovin' cafe

The "me" booth I like, hehe

The bright interiors of the family area is an apt place to dine in. The food is good too. My favorite would have to be the banana caramel crepe just because it's no-fuss and simple. It's sweet, of course, but paired with bananas, this crepe is the right one for me. E tried the philly steak crepe and she liked it too. Their savory crepes are nice and fills the tummy just right. We also tried the salmon omelet and while a little bit bland, it's adequate. Our waffle-loving friend tried the ones with berries and ice cream. She was neutral on the buttery batter used. She likes her waffles fluffy and light but The Crepe Cafe's aren't. Still quite yummy though.

Picture time!

Comfort food

Yummy!

Savory love.

Lots of smoke salmon bits

All the good things in a plate

So here's why The Crepe Cafe is perfect for your "alone" time... it's quiet during non-rush hours. It has free wifi (just ask the waiter for the password). They have a nice selection of coffee. Their very affordable 'breakfast' food comforts. There are a few establishments around it that you can go to and browse products while waiting for your driver (ex. Golden Brown, Candy Bouquet, Chocolate Dream, etc.) So, you know where to go now when you're hit by a "me time" craving. Or if you and your girl friends just wanted to have a mini getaway (from the crazy urban landscape) to yourselves. ;) Of course the mall makes perfect sense too. ;)

The Crepe Cafe

a. Thalateen St., Suleimania, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

b. Riyadh Gallery, along King Fahd Road

www.thecrepecafe.com 

Sundrenched

Women Entrepreneurs of Riyadh

Two weeks ago (I know, this is an awfully late entry again but please continue reading and let me make up to you...), I attended the Ladies 4 Networking Breakfast at the Outback Restaurant in Localizer Mall. It was my first time to attend such an event in Riyadh and I didn't know what to expect. The invitation from Ms. Sabina, the beautiful event organizer whom we first met at the Lush event against animal testing, says that the event is a way to promote and discover products, businesses, and brands. Entrance fee is SR 15 inclusive of light breakfast from sponsors Golden Brown and Cannelle, goodie bag from Make-Up Forever and Candy Bouquet/Chocolate Dream, and short workshops. 


This event is of course, for ladies' only. I arrived around 9:30 in the morning and the place is already packed! One part of Outback's bachelor section was turned into a session hall while the other half was turned into a mini bazaar where tables were set-up to accommodate ladies selling their wares. The family section was for breakfast. 

Jampacked! 

{Disclaimer: Dear ladies who attended, I did not take a photo of your faces. And I did not take this photo to be distributed in the intarwebs or offend anyone. This photo is to just show how many ladies attended the event.}

Before the start of the talks, prices were raffled off. I was lemming for the MUFE bag but no such luck. :P I took the time to go around the bazaar to check out the products. Here is a list of the vendors for your reference. Because you, dear readers, are fond of asking us where you can buy this and that, this list of entrepreneurs might be right up your alley! :)

Spencer W. Tart Artworks

Pieces of Arabia

So detailed!

Artist Spencer W. Tart lived in the Saudi Arabia in 1979. His works featured prominent scenes from the desert and the Middle East. His watercolor and pencil paintings have been exhibited and sold in the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar. Not surprising as his works are so detailed and captivating. Judi Mathur is the artist's local agent in Saudi Arabia so if you want these Tart limited edition prints, she's the lady to go to. Contact her at +966540613705 or jvvanura@gmail.com.

Art Classes + Moroccan Argan Oil

Are you an artist yourself or would just like to pursue your passion or interest in the arts? Then, Saida is the answer to your prayers. She offers art classes including silk painting, decoupage, porcelain flowers making, pewter and drawing techniques, and painting using oil, watercolor, pastel and acrylic. Her classes are perfect for your kids too.

The fountain of youth?

And have you heard of the Moroccan Argan Oil? The beauty world is all abuzz about this youth elixir. It treats skin, nails, and hair problems like psoriasis, eczema, etc. and aids in blood circulation. If you're interested on either the art classes or the Moroccan 'liquid gold', contact 0564005054 / saidaohaibi@yahoo.fr

Pottery, Art, and Accessories

Handpainted

Intricate details

Love the colors!

Interested in bringing home more crafts, this time in pottery and accessories? Najah Arts is the place to find them. I've seen this lady in the bazaar in our workplace and her creations are fabulous. From eye-catching necklaces to delicate ceramics, she has it. Contact artist Najah Yaiche at latunisoise@hotmail.com or 0569974814.

Alternatifs and Edens Corner


Riyadh is not far behind when it comes to recycled, organic, natural, and sustainable products. Admittedly, they are hard to find. That's why, a "Green" event supported by ladies who are promoting a healthy and environment-friendly lifestyle is a breath of fresh air.

Lovely, lovely

Edens Corner offers minerals and stones set in your favorite jewelry. Be it rings, necklaces, and even cuff links. They have lapis lazuili, meteorite (wow!), tourmaline, sapphire, peridot (my birth stone, yey!) and more. Some of their products can be found in Sada Shop.

Natural, organic skin care

ALTERnatifs is a local business that brings organic and sustainable products here in Riyadh. They sell Australian line Miessence whose products range from skin care to bosy care to hair care and even a babies' line for your sweet little darlings. 

More products

In cute tins

What interested me the most in Alternatif's offerings is the Natural Patches of Vermont. These patches are more than just your ordinary Salonpas. NPV brings the therapeutic benefits of aromatherpay and essential oils. The Arnica or soothing aches and pain and the Lavender for a sleeping sleep are the formula I'd like to try next time. Contact Alternatifs manager Ferial M. Abbas at +9661201441 or ferialalternatifs@gmail.com.

Cake Detail Baking Classes

What's a ladies' bazaar without the goodness of baking? Cake Detail offers baking and decorating classes for beginners and advanced students. Their cakes on display were amazing! I didn't have time to take photos though but you can visit their Facebook page for more details. If I have more time in my hands, I'll take a class on the Wilton Method. Classes are kept small so you'll be sure to be given utmost care and attention. Contact baking and decorating instructor Muna Snobar at cakedetail@gmail.com.

Candy Bouquet

Speaking of things all good and yummy, Chocolate Dream/Candy Bouquet was also present in the event. These are good alternative to folowers. Imagine, you don't have to bring flowers and chocolates separately. They come in one gorgeous package! Perfect as gifts for all occasions! Contact Candy Bouquet at 01-4197237. They have a branch in Dabab St. 

Magrabi's Lasik Technology

Maghrabi's presentation

Magrabi Hospital, one of the main sponsors of the Ladies Networking event, presented their newest lasik technology. There were doctors and several nurses on standby to check the grade of the eyes and give free consultation. Their slideshows were informative. I've always wanted to have my eyes corrected through lasik but the 8,000 to 10,000 SR price is too much for my meager income. I'll have to, ehermn, save more. For consultation, contact the Magrabi Eye, Ear, and Dental Hospital at 01-4705656.

Tchibo
Tchibo, another event sponsor, is a German company that recently opened their branch in Granada Mall. And even before I came to knew that fact, I already visited that store and found it practical: it's like the IKEA of apparel. Shirts, pants, and lingerie are available in packs and boxes at affordable prices. They also have some home stuff like pillows, towels, pots and pans, and fairy lights!

Make Up For Ever

Newest MUFE lippies; samples in photo

The highlight of the event for me was the Make Up For Ever's how-to talk. Surprisingly, most of the ladies opted to have breakfast already. I stayed at the session hall to listen to MUFE's make-up artist. MUFE trainees were there offering samples of their products. One applied the Aqua Lash eyeliner on my lids and mascara on my lashes. They instantly brightened up my eyes making it look bigger and sexier. Hello, lashes! I've always been fascinated with how Arabic women put on their eye makeup. They do a terrific job! I also tried their newest Natural lipstick, which is smooth and fine. It's my new My-Lips-But-Better lipstick.

Yummy cupcakes!

I went to the breakfast hall to find cupcakes and assorted pastries. I gobble up Golden Brown's blue velvet and banana cupcakes (my fave) and a cheesecake. Delicious! I thank Sabina for a great morning and went on my way. Ooops, lemme show you what's in the goodie bag:

MUFE samples and chocolates from Chocolate Dream

So, if you're interested in any of the activities and products above, please contact the numbers and email addresses I've provided. And don't forget to tell them you heard about their products and services from The Pink Tarha. Haha. If you're a seller or vendor and want your services and products to be featured in The Pink Tarha blog, don't hesitate to email us at thepinktarha@gmail.com.

Happy Wednesday!


Sundrenched

Mom's Day 2012

I LOVE YOU, MOM! :)

"No language can express the power, and beauty, and heroism, and majesty of a mother's love.  It shrinks not where man cowers, and grows stronger where man faints, and over wastes of worldly fortunes sends the radiance of its quenchless fidelity like a star."

It's your turn to tell us where you're gonna take your mothers today! Will you have dinner at some fancy restaurant or will you bond over shopping? Whichever way you celebrate Mother's Day, don't forget to show your LOVE to your mom, nanay, mama EVERY DAY. :)

All About Expats

The Pink Tarha has long been a member of Expat Blog, a platform that gathers expatriates' blogs around the world and lets expats share experiences. It was created 7 years ago by Julien Faliu's passion for discovering new cultures. He launched the Expat Blog to help expatriates and since 2005, it has become a support website for expats and those who are planning of moving abroad.

The Expat Blog

The Pink Tarha has benefited from the Expat-Blog community. We read a lot of blogs of fellow expats here in Saudi Arabia. They make a good resource of first-hand experiences and learning from living in the Kingdom. The forum section, which we rarely visited before because we are not that good in maintaining a forum account, is also helpful. You can get advice from fellow expats and gain friends. We are, however, slowly getting into the forum groove and just started participating last month.

Expat Blog has launched two new sections which will further help expats, especially in Saudi Arabia. It now has sections called Jobs and Housing in Saudi Arabia.

Looking for work?

In the Jobs section, you can post or discover job opportunities in Saudi Arabia, per type of job (more than 100 jobs and fields), create your CV, and find the right job for you.

Looking for a new house?

In the Housing section, ads are available by kind of accommodation, whether you're looking for or offering places for/to rent. These new sections will surely help expats in Saudi Arabia to look for these essential needs in living and working here in the Kingdom.

Visit Expat Blog and you might just find what you're looking for. Whether you want further great reads in living abroad from bloggers' personal experiences or want to find friends or looking for answers to some specific questions you might have about the country you're in or want to get insights into a country you'll go to or just looking for the right job and the right housing... Expat Blog is your answer. And we're not just talking about Saudi Arabia. Any country you're in or any country you want to be in can be found in their directory. :)

Fancy Bags at Victoria's Secret

Ola, Wednesday! You're here! 

Before we jet off to our weekend getaways (as if), we're leaving you with some eye candies from Victoria's Secret. Because really, we need beautiful things to look at every day! ;)

Envelope clutch, iPad cases, and business card case

These are so classy!

Leather totes

Totes with long handles are perfect for traveling. We can totally see ourselves using this for a trip outside Riyadh paired with a weekend bag. Now, if only we have a trip outside Riyadh this weekend...

Sequined stripe canvas totes

Ooohlala, what bling you've got there! This is a usual bag type but the sequins make it extraordinary!

Nylon weekender luggage

A good friend will totally kill for this. Lol. She likes everything with animal prints so this will be perfect for her. Rawr!

These accessories are available only to Victoria's Secret Beauty & Accessories stores which are mostly found in the Middle East. You can't buy these collection from the VS full assortment stores in the US so consider yourself lucky if you have one! *wink* The Pink Tarha ladies will have to settle by staring hard at the photos for now because these don't come cheap. But they're all so pretty... sigh.

Victoria's Secret stores are located in Kingdom Mall and Hayat Mall.

Where are you headed this weekend, friends? Care to take these bags with you if ever? Take us too! Lol. Have a good weekend!!!

Btw, it's World Blogger's Day today. We didn't prepare anything fancy dahil huli na naman kami sa balita! Haha. But to our fellow bloggers and to us... happy world bloggers' day! To our dear readers, kindly visit our fave blogs in our LINKS page. Thank you!