Larla's Haven

Welcome baby number 4 - Liam Reign

2017-12-06T18:32:00.001+04:00

It's been sometime that I posted in the blog and then got lazy in doing so but now since I am on Maternity Leave (again), guess it's time to continue this.

It caught us by surprise that I got pregnant again this year as Lexa was born last year in September and during my C section I underwent tubal ligation as well which should have prevented me from getting pregnant. The doctor informed that there is a less than 1% chance of being pregnant with ligation and I am one of the lucky one. And with that, thy will be done Lord, He has has other plans for us and blessed us with another baby. As what my daughter said, the more the merrier.

So on 23rd of November, I was scheduled for an elective C section and we welcome our baby boy, Liam Reign.

So now we are a family of six with 2 boys and 2 girls. Although unexpected, we gladly accept everything with open arms and I could not ask for more.

Dubai Miracle Garden

2017-03-25T09:57:00.000+04:00

During winter season, one of the places worth visiting is the Dubai Miracle Garden. From www.visitdubai.com " Get lost in a one-of-a-kind world of wonderment at Dubai Miracle Garden. The park is home to the region's biggest flower garden with more than 45 million blooming flowers across 72,000sq/m, all showcased in a variety of immense sculptures and designs. Feast your eyes on blooming pyramids, stars, igloos, and hearts. Marvel at the record-breaking wall of flowers, or take a stroll under a ceiling of colourful umbrellas. Bursting with vibrant displays, the park feels more like an immersive art exhibit than a tourist attraction. You'll leave knowing you've truly witnessed a miracle: a mega garden in the middle of a desert"

It's really a nice place for picture taking or if you love flowers. Just a tip though, go as early as you can so there will be not much photo bombers in your pictorial otherwise you'll end up with a solo shot of yourself with a lot of people in the background.

This attraction used to be in Al Ain called Al Ain Paradise and entry was for free although it was not as big as this one, but still having not to pay was definitely a plus factor.

The entry fee is quite expensive for AED 40/ adult, AED 30/ child aged 3-12. It used to be AED 30 when it first opened and there are no group deal discounts (groupon, cobone etc.) for this, tickets are exclusively sold in their ticket counters and ticket purchased outside are not valid. Apart from that, the food is really expensive, so better bring water or just ear after your trip.

Let's photo blog, shall we.

It is a tourist destination and if you are in Dubai, do check it out although this will close during Summer Months.

More information about Dubai Miracle Garden can be found in their website: http://www.dubaimiraclegarden.com/

Global Village 2017

2017-02-22T09:00:00.000+04:00

Every Year we visit the Global Village. It only opens between November - April before the summer begins. The day we visited was New Year's Eve and we waited there for the midnight fireworks.

Global Village is open from 4pm until midnight and we arrived there at exactly 4pm but it was already crowded.

The entrance fee is AED 15 and you are able to tour around the world without leaving UAE. There are a lot of things to do in Global Village apart from taking photos, you can buy items specific only to the country, there are concerts and shows, fantasy island which is like an amusement park with rides and games. Lots of dining options as well but they are pricey. They also have a grassy area where you can bring your mat and lounge around.

The only downside of visiting is the parking, it is really far from the entrance unless you opt to have valet parking which will cost you.We took the transport below from the parking as I was getting tired since I had to go back to the parking again after buying the tickets from the main gate. I was wearing shorts and was not permitted to enter so I had to change into jeans. The fee was AED 5 per person.

Waiting for the fireworks with friends.

Global Village has greatly improved through the years and we will never get tired of visiting.

Global Village is located at Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, Dubai, UAE.

Website: http://globalvillage.ae/en/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlobalVillageAE/

The Outlet Village

2017-02-20T09:00:00.000+04:00

I love shopping is an understatement. So when I saw in the social media that the outlet village is already open in Jebel Ali, I just had to convince my hubby to go.

The structure and facade of the mall is really nice, it's very medieval. As per their website
The Outlet Village is your destination in Dubai for designer label shopping in a scenic & charming medieval Italian town setting.

It sure did not disappoint, it houses a lot of outlet stores of popular designer brands like Michael Kors, Coach, DKNY as well as Adidas, Nike, Under Armour, New Balance etc.

It was very different from Dubai Outlet Mall as this mall has the "sosyal" vibe and it was not too crowded. Parking was very easy however there were limited dining options. We opted to eat in Ihop as it was the only one we knew and of course when you are with kids it's not a good time to try a new resto.

Unfortunately for me but fortunately for my credit card, wala akong nabili. There were a lot of items I wanted to buy especially the Coach bags which were on sale kaso nagpipigil ako since kakabili ko lang din the week before from Coach in Dubai Outlet Mall. There were more choices in the outlet village though sayang!

The Outlet Village is near the Last Exit and Dubai Parks and Resort. So if you happen to go to those places, drop by this mall if not for shopping, to look around and take photos like we did.

It was Christmas season when we visited so there was a big Christmas Tree.

To know more about the outlet village, please visit their website www.theoutletvillage.ae

Last Exit Dubai

2017-02-19T09:00:00.000+04:00

Last December we had a staycation in Dubai to celebrate the New Year. We decided to go and visit the last exit. The concept is really nice and something new in Dubai. It is a unique Food Truck Park concept. You can dine and chill with family and friends.

Unfortunately it was already night time when we went and the weather was very chilly.

We just bought food from chicks n' friends which was really good. We paid around AED 54 for an 8 pcs chicken bucket. We were not able to eat it there though as it was really cold and Lexa was sneezing already.

We hope to go back next time in the morning or mid afternoon before winter ends since most likely this will not be open during the summer season as it will be too hot.

You can bring mats and have a picnic in the grassy area

Location: Interchange 11, Jebel Ali Hills on the E11 highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Website: www.lastexit.ae
Social: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

IMG Worlds of Adventure

2017-02-18T11:50:00.003+04:00

One of the Christmas gift that the kids wished for was to go to IMG World of Adventures. It was also winter break in school so we had the time to go. I searched for their website and found the Ticket Prices which is AED 195 for adults and AED 175 for children. Luckily they do have a promotion ongoing when you use your Mastercard, for every 4 tickets you get 1 free (until 1st of March) which really suited us as we were 5 in total.

As taken from wikipedia, IMG Worlds of Adventure is an indoor amusement park. It is Dubai’s first mega themed entertainment destination. The park is divided into four "epic zones". Two of the four zones represent global brands Cartoon Network and Marvel, while IMG Boulevard and the Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure zones are original concepts created by the IMG Group.

Since it was Christmas time that we went there, the Christmas decorations were really nice for photographs and you really feel the festive mood.

We enjoyed all the zones especially the marvel and cartoon network area.

Breastfeeding Lexa

Photo with Captain America

The Lost valley was quite dark but the dinosaurs were life like.

The merry go round was with dinos

The Cartoon Network area has Ben10, Adventures of gumball, powerpuff girls and adventure time which my kids love.

If you are collecting marvel items, you will truly enjoy the marvel merchandise. They were not that pricey as well.

The food is not too expensive considering it is a theme park. We bought churros, popcorn, ice cream and even ate pizza and shawarma in their restos.


Haunted Hotel at our back.

We really enjoyed the place as seen in our photo below. Kids and kids at heart will surely have fun.

If given a chance I would definitely go back and if you are visiting Dubai anytime soon, this is a place to go to and it is an indoor theme park so visiting it in the summer months will not be an issue.

You can find more details in their website http://www.imgworlds.com/en/

Lexa has grown

2017-02-18T10:29:00.001+04:00

I have been meaning to update this blog as much as I can but unfortunately my lazy self is too lazy to do so, am I making any sense???

Anyway, I will try really, I will, I should and I can.... What's keeping me busy is our little munchkin who never fails to make us smile everyday.

She is really growing up too fast. See how she's grown.

Newborn Lexa

3 months santa baby

She turned 4 months last January 25 and she is a really smiling baby. Her smile in the morning is what keeps us energized through out the day.

She can also now roll over.

She loves sitting in her bumbo seat.

This photo was just taken this morning and she loves to be in a sit down position rather than lying down.

Her siblings adore her especially Lara and she always says that Lexa is so irresistable.

Children are such a blessing and looking at her I just can't believe that she came from me. She is indeed a miracle of life.

Welcome to our new family member, Lexa Skye

2016-10-02T12:13:00.000+04:00

I already gave birth last 25th of September 2016. She came a week earlier than scheduled elective CS supposed to be today, 2nd October 2016. She is definitely most welcome and we have been waiting for her for some time.

Sharing her photos:

Ate is very happy

She is definitely loved and I am very overwhelmed with all the warm wishes and gifts especially from my colleagues in Al Noor - Mediclinic

I am on my way to recovery and I feel better each day. Just looking at Lexa is truly a miracle of life.

Larla

Staycation at Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island

2016-08-12T09:52:00.000+04:00

We had a short and sweet staycation in Ras Al Khaimah recently to relax. And since I will be due next month we just had to grab the opportunity to enjoy the summer season.

We opted to stay at Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island as I got a really good deal being a member of HiltonhHonors. I got a room for around AED 594 per night exclusive of taxes and breakfast. The cost would be around AED 700 or 800 if you are a non member. It is very easy to register, you can click on the link and just fill in your details. You will be alerted by email as well of promotions they have.

It was an easy drive from Al Ain to RAK through Emirates Road and we reached in almost 2 hours. We stopped by Al Hamra Mall for lunch prior to checking in. Al Hamra mall was close by as well so we had dinner there during our stay.

We went on a weekday, Thursday and there were a lot of people. I already checked in online but still had to wait as the room was not yet available, which was frustrating as it was already around 3pm and check in was at 2pm. The receptionist, Rohit, saw my frustration and opted to upgrade and we were given a room at their bay club which was their new extension. It is more expensive than their usual hotel rooms. This calmed the preggy lady who was about to burst and they gave complimentary cookies which were absolutely delicious and I was one happy preggy lady again.

Photo from tripadvisor.com

The room was huge and the view was spectacular.

View from our room

The balcony was really relaxing giving you a perfect view of the place

The bay club rooms have their own infinity pool and the beach was easily accessible.

A walk in the beach at night

What I love about Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is that they have a waterpark for the kids to enjoy which was a definite advantage.


lounging while the kids play at the waterpark

The place was huge and there are lots of swimming pool in different areas for all the guests as well as the huge beach access. There was even a Zumba session free for all guest who wants to exercise. We stayed for 2 nights and will definitely stay there again. It is highly recommended, two thumbs up. You can check out more information in their website, Doubletree by Hilton Resort and Spa Marjan Island.

Update

2016-08-12T09:16:00.000+04:00

Ok so I blogged for a while after 3 years then vanished again and now I am trying to be back again.

If I am not tired or sleepy then I will be able to keep up with this blog. Unfortunately, due to my pregnancy hormones that is not likely to happen anytime soon. Oh, I am very pregnant for our 3rd baby. I am currently on 31 weeks and will be due by late September or early October.

We have shifted to a new bigger house in preparation for the coming baby and have managed to buy all the baby essentials, taking advantage of the sale season.

All in all everything is well, life is how you make it and I am enjoying my life to the fullest with the people I love the most.

Best of the Philippines Ice cream Flavors

2015-08-15T12:47:00.002+04:00

I have a sweet tooth, from chocolate to ice cream or anything sweet, I love it. My daughter is also the same, she loves ice cream.

As an OFW, we long for anything that taste and feels like home. I was in luck as a few weeks ago as I discovered the best of the Philippines Ice cream flavors in Carrefour.

The flavors celebrate the delicacies/ specialties that every region and provinces in the Philippines has to offer.

I have tried the following flavors:

1. Coffee Crumble - Batangas coffee blend with cashew and tablea bits

Image source

2. Mangoes and Cream - A feast of Guimaras Mango blended in rich Vanilla ice cream

3. Kesong Puti -Made with Carabao's milk from Nueva Ecija and kesong puti bits. This is my daughter's personal favorite due to the milky and creamy taste.

4. Pinipig Pandan - Pampanga Pinipig in Pandan ice cream with jelly bits - I personally love this flavor, not too sweet and just right.

Super Yummy

5. Caramel Cashew fudge -Palawan Cashew Nuts in Caramel ice cream

The other flavors available in Carrefour are Macapuno langka and strawberry shortcake.

I want to try all flavors and very intrigue with sili con tsokolate unfortunately the flavors here in UAE are quite limited and I have not seen these being sold in any other grocery shop except Carrefour.

It's a truly refreshing treat to beat the summer heat with flavors you love from the Philippines. Makes it feel like home and they come in colorful tubs as too.

Seafood in a bucket

2015-08-07T13:29:00.001+04:00

Disclaimer: I am not a food blogger and this post is my own opinion and based on my personal experience.

Seafood in a bucket is my favorite "lamon" place.

First tried it in their Karama branch last December 2014 as per recommendations from my friends and I have loved their food eversince.

Since it was our first time we ordered too much and just took it home. We even ordered separate drinks which was huge and refillable.

Then, we discovered their bigger place in Ansar Gallery and we have been going there every time we venture in Dubai.

Kropek (Lara's favorite)


Sully with the huge drinks and appetizer of Kropek

My favorite drink is Apple Cucumber which is a combined twist of an apple and cucumber added with bit syrups and soda to create a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage everyone can enjoy.

Refreshing drinks, Iced Tea, Apple Cucumber and Watermelon

Our usual order is fried tilapia or hamour in black pepper sauce, shrimps in garlic butter, calamari in garlic butter or sweet chili, crabs in sweet chili sauce and chicken wings/ tenders with asian barbeque sauce. All meals serve in a bucket with unlimited rice.

My son totally loves their food.

Add caption

They also serve breakfast with unlimited rice or bread.

Ambiance is great and we have enjoyed eating here a lot of times with family and friends.

If you ever get to be in Dubai, do not forget to try Seafood in a bucket, food is great and definitely value for money.

For more information on their food, check out their website: http://www.seafoodinabucket.com/

Seafood in Bucket Locations:

Ground Floor, New Al Attar Centre, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, Al Karama
Telephone- 04- 388 5219

Ansar Gallery
Karama, Dubai
Telephone- 04 396 8995

Al Ananam Building, Siddique Road

Abu Baker Hor Al Anz

Telephone – 04 269 1014

Update: Just read now that they have opened their newest branch near Deira City Center (Centurion Branch) and are now serving grilled seafood. Will definitely try it soon.

*All dishes are served with unlimited rice!

Dampa Seafood Grill

2015-08-07T12:42:00.000+04:00

Disclaimer: I am not a food blogger and this post is my own opinion and based on my personal experience.

I always wanted to try Dampa Seafood Grill after reading blog posts. We went there twice before to no avail the place was always packed with people on waiting list.

Luckily during our staycation in Dubai, we stayed in Novotel Deira City Center which was walking distance to Dampa. We went there around 5:30pm and to our luck there were still spaces available and no one waiting outside.

I excitedly checked their menu on what to order.

Those highlighted in red are not available

As the kids were with me, they are not fond of seafood, so I was hoping they had an option for kids. They would have wanted the grilled tuna or crispy shrimps but unfortunately they were unavailable which was disappointing. There is another seafood place but they serve chicken which is what my kids always eat. My kids did not eat at all, we ended up buying them Mc donald's in the mall.

We ended up ordering cajun shrimps, grilled squid and crispy salt and pepper.

Pic muna while waiting for the food

They dump the rice on the table then kamayan na lang.

The Calamari was good but I like the calamari from the other seafood place better.

Crispy Salt and pepper Calamari

The grilled squid tastes "sunog" so I did not enjoy it

Grilled Squid

The Cajun shrimps was what I mostly ate.

Cajun Shrimps

The aftermath

Overall, it was not as I expected it to be or I was just so used to the other seafood place. My hubby said at least I tried what people are raving about. If I will go back again, maybe not anytime soon.

We have different tastes and maybe it was just not to my liking, still try it, maybe you'll love it.

Sale Season

2015-08-07T11:45:00.000+04:00

It's sale season once again in Dubai - Dubai Summer Surprises, and our staycation in Dubai was very timely.

There was a Big Summer Sale going on at Dubai World Trade Center.When I see sale signs I am palpitating hahahahaha....

It was a long walk from the parking to the exhibition center so we stop once in a while for photos

When we reach the area it was separated into different stalls of various brands.

Prices were such a steal and cheaper than mall prices.

I love the color of this bag which was only AED 549/ $150/ PhP 6845 . I had to stop myself from buying this.

Michael Kors Bag for less than a thousand

There were a whole lot more but I was too busy looking around to take pics. These were my loots.

I have always wanted a Birkenstock and this was a steal for AED 99/ PhP 1235/ $27

Bought these for 2 for AED 69/ PhP 860/ $19

original price of the shoes bought at AED 35 each

Dubai Outlet Mall also had some great deals. I did not buy any though.

Coach Outlet Store

Sun and Sand Sports outlet store

In Al Ain, we already have an Outlet Mall, Barari Outlet Mall and their Sun and Sand Outlet store were on sale. Fit flops for less than AED 200/ $50/ PhP 2500.

Only AED 99/PhP 1235/ $27

This is a great time/ season to buy your pasalubongs and fill up that balikbayan box! Happy Shopping!

Pandora Lover

2015-08-07T10:53:00.001+04:00

I have always wanted a Pandora bracelet. What I love about it is every bracelet is unique as you are creating your own style with charms which are significant to you. You are creating your own memories.

My Pandora bracelet was given to me by my colleague when I left IBM. They included a good luck and friendship charm which is very timely as I was venturing into a new endeavour and I will always treasure the friendship that I have made working there.

Friendship and good luck charm

Everytime I see my bracelet I remember the friendships that I found working in Dubai.

On Mother's day, my hubby bought me additional charms which were Mom and Love. We call each other love so this was very significant and of course I am a mom of 2.

Just recently, Pandora was on sale for 40% off and who am I to resist the hubby's offer to fill up my bracelet with more charms. This time we got a birthstone (garnet) and rooster charm (I was born in the year of the rooster) and some safety lock in heart design (my fave).

This is how my bracelet looks like

I plan to fill up my bracelet with more charms and create more memories.

This good news of 25 - 70% off till mid of August might be my chance

Rip It

2015-07-18T21:20:00.003+04:00

On the 2nd day of Eid, we had nowhere to go since hubby is on night shift so I spent it ripping my jeans.

I wanted to own a pair of ripped jeans but they are just so costly. A pair in H&M costs AED 149 (PhP 1,835 or $41) while a pair at American Eagle Outfitters cost AED 235 (PhP 2,896 or $65).

What's a frugal girl got to do? Of course, make her own ripped jeans. I don't spend too much money on clothes and even buy them in thrift shops, flea market and on sale.

I searched in youtube and pinterest and decided to just make my own. I own a couple of jeans which I rarely used. With just a pair of scissors, tweezers and effort, I was able to make my own ripped jeans. I did my hubby's as well.

cut the jeans and remove thread with tweezers

Hubby's pants that turned into ripped jeans

So that's how I spent the holidays, got to go now as I still have a couple of jeans to rip.

Eid Holiday

2015-07-18T21:02:00.001+04:00

Yesterday was the first day of Eid so as expected the malls were packed. Hubby was on duty so we were not able to go out but I saw that there are shows in the malls so I asked him if we can go after his work. The malls here are open till 12midnight or even as late as 2am.

We eagerly dressed up to go out as I was really bored at home. It seems that everyone is enjoying the time out during the holidays except me.

OOTD - Me - shirt from mango, skirt from forever 21, bag from mango and fitflops. Lara - Shirt from mango, pants from h & m and shoes from skecher

We started off with dinner at TGI Fridays. I have an entertainer voucher so we had one free main course.

Bottomless Iced Tea

Crispy Shrimp, Sesame chicken strips and cheese quesadilla

Cajun chicken and shrimp Pasta

Blackened Chicken Alfredo

After our meal, we waited for the show, we were expecting the minions but instead there were clowns.

Finally we saw the minions, just roaming around the mall. Of course Lara had to have her photos taken.

It was a short trip to the mall but still we enjoyed it nonetheless.

Kish Exit

2015-07-17T14:15:00.005+04:00

My husband switch jobs and because of that he had to cancel all our visa's as we are under his sponsorship.

I was able to get a new employer who sponsored my visa, so mine was not an issue however for him his visa took time and thus the need to exit.

There are options whether in Oman or Kish. My husband and kids already exited and Oman and still did not get the visa. For the 2nd time around, he chose Kish.

I had to accompany them as he has to wait for his employment visa and I had to bring the kids back on tourist visa. He can only process the kids residence visa after his visa is stamped in the passport.

Prior to going we googled about kish and experiences of Filipino's in Kish.

We got a round trip ticket visa Kish airlines for AED 750 each.

at the Dubai airport terminal 2, waiting to board

It is a Muslim country so if you are a female remember to bring a shellah with you to cover your head and a long cardigan thats covers your butt, no tight fitting clothes as well.

arrival at Kish airport

No visa is required for the first 14 days after which you have to get a visa for AED 100.

Upon arrival at the airport you will be ushered to board a bus going to Farabi Hotel. This is the hotel linked to the airlines. If you opt to change the hotel, you can do so after the passengers are dropped off at Farabi.

As we arrive very late in the night/ early morning, 12am, we opted to just stay in Farabi Hotel.At the hotel, passport will be collected. Then you will be called one by one to pay a deposit of AED 100. The cost of stay is AED 40 per night. First night is free. There is also free breakfast of bread, butter etc. although it is the same food everyday.

You will then be assigned to a room, you cannot choose who will be your room mates as they will assign you to whatever room is available.

For us as we were a family, we took one room to ourselves. Before travelling, we were advised to bring bedsheets, pillow cases and blankets. We read horror stories of bed bugs in the hotels in Kish. Thank God our room did not have any although we had to change our sheets as it was really filthy.

this is how they spend the day

our room

There is a cleaner who knocks every morning to clean your room. Hubby opted to borrow the mop instead to clean the room himself. Although they did clean the toilet. You also can exchange your bedsheets and blankets.

hubby cleaning the room.

There is a restaurant in Farabi with meals ranging from AED 11-15. We opt to go to the nearby Venus Hotel where there is a Filipino restaurant, same price as well. Also a Venus mall near the hotel.

We got a Kish island tour on our first day so we can enjoy the island. The cost of the tour is AED 10 per person and you ride a van which will bring you to tourist spots in Kish. The tour can be booked at Venus Hotel. It was worth it, the weather was just a drag as it was really hot and humid. The kids were complaining.

There was also a beach nearby our hotel which we explored the 2nd day although not allowed to swim but you can enjoy water activities. We just walked in the seaside and took photos.

There is no free wifi at the hotel but you can purchase for 24hours use at AED 20. They will give you a username and password. However this was really painfully slow. You can only check your emails and whatsapp. You can open instagram and maybe post a max of 1 photo. This is helpful if you are waiting for your visa and has to constantly check your emails. You can also purchase an Iran Sim for AED 30 which will give you data. There are also internet shops in the hotel at AED 2 for 1 hour. The internet shops are mostly full.

Once you receive your most awaited visa to travel back to UAE, you go to the internet shop to have it printed at AED 1 per page. Check the email address of the hotel so it can be sent directly there. If you are checked in at Farabi it is very easy to go to the Kish Airline travel agency which is just beside the internet shop, to book your flight back to UAE. If you are early, you can book your flight same day otherwise, you have to spend one more night in Kish.

For me, overall it was not as bad as have read in blogs or forums or maybe because I was only there for 3 days. But for other people who have been there for quite some time, that is a different story. My husband stayed there for a week and he was so bored. What more for people who have stayed longer.

If you happen to exit in Kish, I suggest you enjoy your time, especially if you are sure that you will be leaving soon anyway. Don't let this experience get the best of you rather consider it a chance to experience new things, gain new friends and explore. Just don't go out alone. Also do not forget to buy souvenirs. The popular "pasalubong" is this cheese curls from Kish which you can find everywhere. The cheese curls cost AED 10 at the airport wherein it costs only AED 5 in other shops. And for me who is collecting ref magnets, I had to buy one to remember this by.

I'm Back (hopefully)

2015-07-17T12:29:00.000+04:00

First of all Eid Mubarak to all my Muslim friends!

I'm back, hopefully. I have not been blogging for almost 3 years.

A lot of things have happened, switch jobs twice already, the baby is now a sweet little girl who's 6 years old, Kuya is now 11 years old, hubby switch jobs so we had to cancel all our UAE visa's and exit in Kish and a whole lot more....

Kuya just turned 11 last July 12

Family Dinner

Little girl

I hope to maintain this blog again and write about my adventures, misadventures, family and personal life, fashion finds, random ramblings and anything and everything under the sun.

Family

2012-11-18T19:06:00.000+04:00

Time with family is very precious, that is why at least once a week I see to it that we go out with the kids. Yesterday, we went to Al Ain zoo and the smile on my kids face are priceless. Good thing I had complimentary tickets so our entry was free. We really enjoyed going around and since Nichole is bigger now and going to school so he now knows the animals and really had fun looking at them. Of course, picture taking is included and I must say I am very happy with all our family pictures. It's seldom that Nichole looks at the camera during family photos.

Below are my vanity shots, I will always be my hubby's model. As is super hilig ko mag pa pic no wonder ang anak ko eh manang mana sa akin and I really like to dress up. My dress is thrifted and bought from the flea market. Naniniwala talaga ako na nasa nagdadala lang talaga yan, it doesn't matter how expensive your clothes are pag d mo naman carry.

Thrifted dress, LV Speedy 30 and H and M shoes

Eid Holidays

2012-11-04T21:08:00.001+04:00

We had a long weekend a week back due to Eid Holidays. We decided to spend the day at Atlantis Aquaventure. This is one of the water parks in the UAE that we have not been to. They had a UAE Residents promo wherein instead of paying AED 225, we only paid AED 150. I'll just photoblog how we spent our day.

We went to the park the day after and had picnic. We let the kids play and run around.

It's really nice to relax and spend time with the kids since we are always so busy during the working days.

Breast Cancer Awareness

2012-10-24T11:41:00.001+04:00

Our company is into CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). We had a pink bake sale last week in the office where the proceeds will go for donation. Staff were invited to bring in food items and non food items as well in pink and we also dressed up in pink for that particular day.

Yummy Food and items in Pink

Pink H and M dress with thrifted cardigan

We also attended a Fun Run for the same cause. It was really hot as it happened at 3pm however the kids enjoyed and had fun. I did not join in the run anymore but our participation was more than enough since there were entry tickets that the company paid for. It is a nice feeling to be able to contribute as much as you can for a good cause.

Look what came in the mail today...

2012-10-16T20:05:00.000+04:00

I have been waiting for the base shaper for my LV for a few days now.I was trying to search online but could not find anything so I opted to check out ebay.com I found what I needed and more. I also found a base shaper for my longchamp. I was so happy since it is also free shipping. I got the base shaper from this seller. She is very accommodating and answered all my queries. I thought I will not receive it yet but was surprise that it came in the post today. It was sent last October 8. It was pretty quick for registered mail.

Package came all the way from Singapore

Red for my LV speedy and black for my Longchamp medium short handle

My LV Speedy with the base shaper

Longchamp with the base shaper

Now that I have it, I'm gonna use my LV starting tomorrow.

Bubbles and dots day

2012-10-12T22:48:00.000+04:00

It' bubbles and dots day for my baby girl yesterday. They were asked to bring bubble toys and wear polka dots. I could not find any dress at the last minutes with dots so she just wore her minnie mouse costume.

I just had to pose with her before I left for work. I'm loving the H and M dress I wore below. The cloth is made of chiffon so I had to put an inner tube and it has a half slip already for the lower portion. The belt is included as well. Swear, forgiving sya sa figure, d halata ang tummy. Niloloko nga ako kasi para daw akong mag ballroom dancing. I wore a blazer over the dress naman to make it pang office. I got this on sale for only AED 20 (PhP 225) however when we went to H and M this morning , the same dress was on still on sale but for AED 80 (PhP900). I would not have bought it at that price. Baka nagkamali lang ng tag the last time. Well, lucky for me.

Bagaholic

2012-10-10T18:47:00.000+04:00

I am a certified bagaholic. I love bags more than shoes. I always wanted to own a designer bag, a Louis Vuitton to be exact and just when I was saving up for it, my beloved decided to get me one which made me the happiest girl in the world. Ang sarap ng feeling na bibigyan ka ng wala namang okasyon. I just wanted to drop by LV to check the prices so I can save up for it but he knew it was really my heart's desire to own one. I selected a Speedy 30 Bandouliere in Damier Ebene.

Super Duper Happy

My Bag collection. Aldo, Mango, Longchamp, Aeropostale, Lacoste, Le Sport Sac, Diesel, Guess