The Pink Tarha For You 2/2

It's been a hiatus of two months and up to now, I don't know how to restart writing. There'sTa huge writing block boulder on my path. Maybe I need an iMac. Haha! Okay, what's the connection?! that's a running joke between my friends and I. When I was thinking of The Pink Tarha Mornings, the ideas in my head won't come out... until I got my hands on a Macbook Air (which I've been using since then). I got really productive thus The Pink Tarha Mornings happened. So now, when I got back in Riyadh after a two-month stay in the Philippines, I had a feeling I wanted an iMac. So maybe I need an iMac to recharge my creative side. What an expensive whim. Impossible too since I'm broke. LOL!

Anyway, I owe you a lot of restaurant features and how-to guides. But I need some inspiration right now before I can even begin writing those. So, I look back at the beautiful feedback some of our readers gave The Pink Tarha during our fifth anniversary celebration. You've read the what the winners have to say (with a funny feedback from by brother too) but I haven't published the second part. After all, it does say The Pink Tarha For You 1/2. One of two. It needs the 2/2 NOW. 

Reader Catlyn, one of the first who replied, said "Your blog is very influential. Your feature on food and restaurants makes me want to try the experiences you've had. My husband would always ask me 'Is this the new restaurant you've read from The Pink Tarha blog?' Thank you for sharing your experiences." 

One of these days, we'll probably receive an official complaint from a husband of one of our readers asking us to stop publishing places that their wives suddenly drag them into. Hahaha! But it would be better to have husbands turning Pink tarha readers because of their wives. Like what happened to Adnan. He said, "Your blog is really amazing. My wife told me about The Pink Tarha and I thought it will be very girly… but hold on guys. Even men find your site very, very informative. I really enjoy reading it now." Meanwhile, Enelyn shared that before, her husband was always wondering where she gets her ideas. When he learned about The Pink Tarha, he's now the ones telling her to check the site! Hahaha! That comment just gave me an extra dose of happiness. I love our guy readers! I love men who appreciate pink. Hahaha! 

I love our readers who can't get enough of our articles because despite of their hectic schedule and almost non-existent day off, they manage to read our blog. Glenda wrote us, "The Pink Tarha is interesting! A day without reading Pink Tarha articles, even the old ones, is not complete. Sometimes, I keep on reading and reading until I don't notice, I'm already asleep!" For reader Zhariya, the blog is already a part of her routine. Her browser's default page is The Pink Tarha! Yey! 

The blog's how-to guide category is my baby. If you notice, I mostly write the guides and how-to entries because it's what I have envisioned for this blog: to be the ultimate guide for expats (and locals) in their journey to and around Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. When I thought of creating The Pink Tarha with the girls, I imagined the days before I went to Riyadh in 2008. I was lost and could not find any information on what it's like for women/expats to live in Riyadh. So I vowed to share my experiences and learnings. Hence, the guides. I'm feeling happy that some people actually use them! Loulwa, a blogger like us, who moved from Beirut to Riyadh in 2012 shares, "I was an active blogger and social media trainer/consultant back in Beirut. Yet when I came to Riyadh, I found no "blogging" activities and gatherings. When I googled, I found your blog on the top and was quite amazed by the quality, consistency, and innovation of your blog. It is quite unique. And it truly beats up all the blogs I follow in Lebanon and worldwide! The writers/bloggers have a very optimistic and happy tone that brings a smile to me each time I read!" 

Optimism and positivity has always been the central theme of this blog. It's our core, so to speak. The Pink Tarha was the first one to blog about happy happenings in Riyadh. Reader Medylene said, "The Pink Tarha blog and its social media sites gave rise to a new kind of blogging and information-sharing among its viewers. The fun, giggly, unconventional, and comical (witty), way of presenting topics is already an art in itself. An art that is never boring!" while reader Malou said "You have made us realize that living here in Riyadh is fun too if we just open ourselves to the possibilities and opportunities this place has to offer." Reem said that the blog is very helpful especially for those coming to Saudi Arabia who are thinking that they're burying themselves aline in going here. This made me laugh out loud. HAHAHA! 

We're glad to spread some happy vibes! We're actually amused to find some bloggers in Saudi Arabia who were writing rants, complaints, and negative comments before jump into the positivity bandwagon by writing about food and travel entries already. Amazing how looking for the good brings about the good isn't it? 

Reader Ameera is like Eyecandy and Sampaguita Pride who grew up here in Riyadh. She said that growing up in this place is not exactly fun that's why when she came across the blog, she thought it's an amazing blog that is exciting and informative and written by her kabayan. She considers The Pink Tarha as her oasis in the desert. Hannah, who also grew up in Riyadh suggested we add a list of fun lived experiences of expat children who grew up here because in her words, "I think it would add to the things that might give awareness. Your blog has been really successful in sharing information that cnages the stigma towards Saudi Arabia." On the other hand, reader Madeleine sees The Pink Tarha as a one-stop shop because of its content. Rahma thinks that The Pink Tarha is the solution to all girls' problems. Hahaha! She refers to our page before she goes shopping. 

One of the sweetest comment we received is from 14-year-old Gen (wow 14!!!). "I started reading the blog just a few years back and I have to say, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The blog and writers are very friendly and hospitable." Reader Nabiha even went as far as declaring The Pink Tarha as the best blog in Riyadh. Woot, woot!

Again, thank you very much for all the readers and feedback! Some of the responders are not mentioned here because of the lack of space but be rest assured that we're grateful and we love you! Now I realize I have no reason at all to whine and complain about a writer's bllock. Pffft writer's block, whetevahhh. Hahaha! Now I realize that The Pink Tarha is one thing I've always been passionate about. Which brings into mind what we discovered a few days ago... Arab News publishing photos from the blog (particularly this entry on Buffalo's) in their newspaper without permission! We got the shock of our lives... especially when we saw that they even printed the photos with our watermark on them!!! What an unethical and irresponsible act from a major news organization in the Kingdom. (I mean don't they check the proof before they go into the printers?)

Like what I told them when I wrote them our email, we respect Arab News for their service in the community. It is hard to write news and features everyday. We can't do anything like that ourselves. But as bloggers and writers, we also take pride in what we're doing. It is never okay to steal someone's hard work. We're still waiting for the official reply of the editorial team of Arab News. Well, I hope we get it because if not, well that's a shame.

Anyway, The Pink Tarha has changed my life and I wish that we continue changing or improving the lives of others with our experiences. With these comments, I am reminded why I write and blog. So, yes, expect more entries to come. And some improvements. It takes quite a while for the updates and changes. Probably because I was spoiled with what our reader Hina answered when we asked for suggestions to make The Pink Tarha better. She said, "Nothing. YOU ARE THE BEST. Perfection can no longer be improved. Love you." Awwww. My heart melted right there. ~ Sundrenched

The Pink Tarha For You 1/2

I was tearing up on the third response (and the first one was the test response I did which just said "test")... that's the effect of your replies to The Pink Tarha's Fifth Anniversary Ultimate Giveaway survey to me. I honestly have to refrain from reading further because I was still at work. That's a problem not only because crying out of nowhere will elicit weird stares in my direction but also... what am I doing reading non-work stuff during working hours?! Haha! Anyway, I settled not to read the responses sheet until the contest time expires (12 midnight of January 24). But then again, I don't exactly have the EQ to stop myself (I swear I have EQ most of the time, please don't judge). And what do I read next? 

I didn't see the name of the commenter immediately so this weird comment baffled me at first: 

"OMG! G R R R... I lurveee this blog! Nyahaha! Anyway, this blog is so madaya. Bakit di ako pwedeng sumali sa contest na ito eh reader din naman ako?! At Riyadhizen din naman ako?! Paki-explain? Love you. Wahahaha! :)"
[Translation: Oh my god! Grrr! I love this blog! Nyahaha! Anyway, this blog is so unfair. Why can't I join in this contest?! I'm a reader and I'm also a Riyadhizen! Please explain. Love you.] 

I swear I blinked a couple of times before it dawned on me to look at the name of the sender. It said "brother/driver/bodyguard of Sundrenched." I laughed out loud! Okay, so this is my younger brother commenting about The Pink Tarha (because the older one is on vacation)... finally! I knew he was such a fan. Haha! He definitely serves as my driver and bodyguard sometimes when I had to go to an obscure store or restaurant looking for whatever. 

I posted The Pink Tarha Ultimate Giveaway in my personal Facebook page and mentioned there that my brothers can't join because well, they're family and most contests don't let their first degree family members join so I had to prohibit them. Not that I think they would actually join but oh well. It's so funny. By the way, the brother wants to read all about the lugaw (congee) in Batha and the suman (rice cake) in Batha and Suleimania. He wants me to do a review! Hahaha! Thanks, bro! I can always share with you my Entertainer coupons because you won the sweetest comment, hahahaha!

So the questions in the survey were: What do you think of The Pink Tarha and our social media sites? What do you want to read next in The Pink Tarha? What can you suggest to make The Pink Tarha better?

I simply asked you, our readers, to write them in creative, unique, and substantial manners. I obviously made the judging difficult for me because what am I basing my decision with? I didn't have a criteria on the selection of winners. Well, you all know that The Pink Tarha is personal for me. The other ladies are always saying that The Pink Tarha is Sundrenched's baby. It's true. So I decided to go with gut feel. I decided to read the answers and the ones that struck me most will be the winners. 

I had to give the second runner-up award to Hygeia Abellanosa because she did not only give the longest answer, she gave one of the most substantial one. 

“I remembered back then, during the very first time I bumped into your blog, I was searching into how and where I can send money back home. I found myself reading the article from this eye-catching blog. I didn’t even notice that I spent so much time reading your other articles. I became one of your avid fans, to the point of stalking Eyecandy when I saw her in Panda before. LOL! My search for Enjaz and Telemoney had somehow led me to a great and inspiring blog which made my stay in Riyadh a whole lot different.” 

You think that’s long enough? There was more!!! Well, I couldn’t put everything in here but Hygeia went on describing who the The Pink Tarha is for her (statements in clauses are mine, because I couldn't help making side comments, really, haha!): a. Living GPS (that’s my mad direction skillzzz!), b. Crafty Cultivators (I knew many people love Sharpies!), c. Shopping Mamarazzis (I thought she was referring to us as “mama” [mothers] already, good thing she cleared it up or else… haha!), d. Pig-Out Hunters (did she just say pig this time?! LOL), and e. Ready Jet Set Go!!! (She likes our vacation entries, I like them too.)

Every title was explained well. She also wants to read a lot of future topics. Her suggestions include monthly meet-ups with The Pink Tarha ladies, an event in the Philippine Embassy, trainings and tie-ups with sponsors, and a blog magazine. Wooow, we’d love to but you all know that The Pink Tarha is not our day job right? Hahaha! Some of you share her suggestions. More events, more workshops, more contests… We want them all too! We will try our best to do some of your suggested happenings this year. *cross fingers* 

First runner up Mohammed Ameenuddin won me with his poem. I mean, it’s a stanza but it’s a stanza written by a man so it’s a winner in my books already. Effort! Here are his four lines for us: 

"Pink Tarha, you girls are really best in the desert land
With your blog, I barely feel the boring heated sand
Knowledgeable, interesting you bring a lot of smiles
I am sure you guys will move ahead a million miles" 

See, it's so simple but I asked for a unique feedback right? This one is the most unique. ;) I just wished he used "girls" instead of "guys" but oh well, we're cool. We're good. LOL. He wants the Pink Tarha to organize women meetings because he believes that our amount of experience would help women, especially the new ones. Again, why not? We will try our best, promise! ;) 

And the ULTIMATE WINNER’s answer really got to me. It shed some light on what The Pink Tarha is now to others, how some people are really taking our suggestions at heart and living it. It’s interesting when people just say we’ve inspired and influenced them in their shopping and traveling choices. It’s much more amazing when it comes to life choices. 

Ammarah Zafar shared this: 

“I accidentally stumbled upon The Pink Tarha blog while researching online about Riyadh, the day I found out about my husband being offered a job in Riyadh. My first reaction to the offer was “no thank you!” I did not want to move to a veiled society where I had no information about anything. When I started reading your blog, it helped me calm down and I realized maybe it wasn’t such a bad place. I remember that was in 2012, I immediately emailed the link to my husband who was at work in Lahore, Pakistan. I think we read your entire blog that night. It’s one of the deciding factors for me to finally say yes to the move.  

And even now that I’ve been here for 7 months, The Pink Tarha is my comfort zone. I know it sounds funny but every time I’m down or depressed (which happens way too often in Riyadh), I read your blog and your Facebook page. It cheers me up and helps me plan things. It reminds me that this place has a life too and it’s not too bad. I’ve written to you a few times for advice and information. Thank you so much for just being you. And thank you for helping people like me who feel a bond with you in a faraway land.” 

Wooow, just wow. When we wrote our first blog post back in January 2009, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. And now here we are… influencing and inspiring others huh? It’s amazing and interesting to know that we’ve become a part of someone's deciding factor in going to Saudi Arabia. It shows me how far the blog has come in the five years that we’ve been online. It’s also scary, of course. To influence people on their decisions, especially ones that involve moving to Saudi Arabia. I remember one time when we received an email from a Moroccan lady asking us if we think marrying her Saudi boyfriend is a good decision, I got anxious. What will our reply be? It’s like holding one’s life, one’s future in our hands. And the funny thing? We don’t even know her personally and she’s a thousand miles away from us. 

The aim of The Pink Tarha is to inspire others with our writings.We want to provide as much value as we can. And also, to bring to light the good things in living in Saudi Arabia. Like what I wrote in our anniversary post, Riyadh is not exactly the best place to be in but we're already here so let's make the most out of it. 

We’re being surprised at how much our words are lifting and helping them. Truly, sharing our stories and experiences with each other helps us feel less alone in this land faraway from home. 

The rest of the comments were very enlightening too (and I'll write part 2, promise!). I must admit, sometimes, writing for the blog gets repetitive and tiring but getting your comments boosts my confidence and motivates me to write again, and again, and again. Our readers are awesome!!! YOU ARE AWESOME!!! This blog is no longer just our diary. It’s yours too. You’ll always find an online home with us. Cheers to more years of sharing and inspiring each other! :) ~ Sundrenched

PS. Our anniversary cake is from Nadia Tariq of Bakefresh, the first homebaker in Riyadh we featured in the blog in 2009. I sent her the idea that I had and she created this beautiful, beautiful cake! Look at the amazing details here:

The first one are real flowers, the inspiration of the anniversary cake.