It's my party (and I'll cry if I want to...)

Ria's 40th Birthday Bash Giveaway

2012-02-26T00:00:00.000+04:00

I can't believe I'm saying this but I am actually excited to turn 40! I am turning 40! Hooray!
For that, I am giving away 2 of my favorite goodies to the lucky participants. The mechanics are simple but mandatory and will be tracked by rafflecopter.com.

Like my It's My Party page in Facebook (10 points)
Write about the giveaway and link back (10 points)
Follow msculit at Twitter (10 points)
Click on my Google +1 anywhere in my blog (5 point)
Add all my blogs to your blogroll (5 points)

www.riablahgs.com

www.homefamilyheart.com

www.redlipspinkytoes.com

www.riatravelbug.blogspot.com

The giveaway starts on February 16, 2012 12:00 midnight (UAE local time) and will end on March 15, 2012 at the stroke of midnight (UAE local time). Then give me few days to verify all the gathered entries to announce the winner. This is my first time to hold a giveaway and to use rafflecopter.com so please bear with me. I may still have a hang-over after that for celebrating my "over-the-hill" moment :) This giveaway is open to all bloggers around the world with a valid postal address. All prizes will be shipped regularly via postal services.

The lucky winners will be notified by email so make sure to "like" my page in Facebook so I have a way of contacting you.

Please scroll down to view the prizes and the entry form to fill up. You may use the logo of this giveaway (the on top of the article) along with other photos here as teasers for your posts. Kindly link back.

1st Giveaway - H&M Loot

Consists of:

Big canvas tote bag (with sling handle)

Hand creams (2x 10ml)

Big pouch

Big eyeshadow palette (32 shades)

Manicure set

2nd Giveaway - Bath and Body Works Loot

Consists of:

Sweat Pea Fragrance Mist (88ml)

Sweat Pea Body Lotion (88ml)

Sweat Pea Shower Gel (88ml)

Join now and Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can embed the entry form in your blog article by copying this code:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NzY5NjY0ZWZmMTE3OTQxMmM1ZTFiZmRlMmZkZmIxOjA=/

Thanks! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! :)

Turning 40

2012-02-25T08:36:00.001+04:00

When I was young, I used to think that as soon as you turned 40, you were considered old. What did I know then that I didn't know now? I didn't realize that I would be in the same position - I would turn 40 soon.

I will leave the "thirty-something" group in a matter of few weeks. I am not freaking out because I am turning 40. I am rather feeling uncertain because I will soon become a middle-aged woman. Is there something wrong about that? Certainly not. I think it's normal to feel uneasy because you don't know what the future holds. All I know is, I am adding another year in my existence, more gray hair sprouting from my crowning glory, added crow's feet here and there, slight achy joints and a wider girth this time! Oh, let's not forget the weird mood swings too. Well, I am ready for them but are they ready for me?

40! It's becoming a very big number. Imagine putting that many candles on my cake... I would run out of air blowing all of them just as I am trying to blow away the worries and fears of middle-age. I am convincing myself that it can't be that bad. I have friends who are pushing 50 this year and they managed to stay happy all throughout the middle-age ordeal. This too will pass. On the contrary, I should be happy because my life is just beginning just like the adage "Life begins at 40!" and so is mine.

Oh, happy 40th birthday to me!!! Thank you God for this blessing.

I'm At Bloglovin!

2012-02-24T00:11:00.000+04:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I just listed this blog in Bloglovin today. I like the interface. It's simple and clean to look at unlike other blog directories I have joined in the past. So, if you want to list your blog and follow other blogs as well, just join Bloglovin.com. It's so easy to register and it's free. Installation of codes is very simple too.

The Best Headphone Ever!

2012-02-20T18:08:00.000+04:00

I love my daughter's very hip and funky headphone - Beats by Dr. Dre. It was a gift from our relative to her for Christmas and the headphone has become a part of her anatomy already. I barely see her remove it from her head. I fear that one day, it will actually embed itself on my daughter's head.

I wondered what the fuss was about on that chunky headphone they call Beats until I tried it. It has noise cancellation which is super great because I can enjoy my music without hearing unnecessary noise in my surroundings.

I have tried other headphones in the past. I tried the slim types, the in-ear ones and even wireless ones but I think that Beats is surely one of the best headphones available. It may be a bit costly but the performance is worth the money.

New Department Tomorrow

2012-02-20T17:59:00.000+04:00

When I got the good news about my successful application to another department, I felt like I was on top of the world. Then I waited for 2 months for my notice to get over and tomorrow is the start of a new beginning in my career.

The excitement has actually worn off and I am more scared now than ever because I have no idea what to expect. I have been with the same people for the past 8 years in my now ex-department. I am now going to a place where I barely know the people. I have met some of them. I have spoken to them on the phone but I have not interacted with them in a lengthy manner. I feel like all eyes will be on me for the first few months while I get myself comfortable. Oh my!

Here I am now; opening a different chapter in my life. I thought I would never have the courage to actually jump out of my comfort zone but I did. I just hope I do well and feel that I am part of a new "family" there.

I thought I would not even say this but I am starting to miss my old department... Oh well... Forward, I shall go!

Stop Smoking

2012-02-17T10:37:00.000+04:00

I never understand the reason why people have to huff and puff nicotine. I try to understand as much as I can the benefits of doing so but I just don't get it. Nicotine is an alkaloid found in plants. It has a stimulating effect to mammals and that may have caused the habit-forming ability of people to smoke. That is why a lot of people find it difficult to quit smoking. It is very addictive.

Smoking is a risk factor for the following: heart ailments, stroke and lung cancer. Not only that, it is also linked to cancers of the mouth, bladder, kidney, cervix and others. These effects are only for the smokers. How about the passive smokers who are unwillingly exposed to the ill effects of smoking? They breathe in the harmful substances coming from smoking cigarettes and may trigger asthma and lower respiratory diseases including lung cancer.

This is not something we can shrug our shoulders and move on. I am really thankful that a lot of companies, civic bodies and government institutions are taking part to pass information about the adverse effect of smoking to health. Many public areas are putting up designated areas for smoking. Plenty of malls, offices and public transportation have banned smoking in their premises. We may not be able to stop everyone from smoking but at least we can help some to cut back and others to stop smoking now.

There are ways to help smokers quit this vicious habit. There are help centers out there to provide informative guides, support and counselling to participants who wish to cease the habit. Evaluating Adverse Events in a Global Smoking Cessation Study or EAGLES is just one of the companies supporting the "quit-smoking" campaign. Their trial research aims to assist smokers to kick the habit and live a clean and healthy life.

I don't smoke but I have seen people suffer because of this bad habit. Let us just help out and put a stop to this because smoking is harmful to you and to the rest of us who are not even smoking.

Love Shoes and Be Loved

2012-02-16T16:23:00.000+04:00

There's a new site in the web and it's all about shoes, shoes and more shoes! If you're one of the millions out there who are passionate about shoes and would like more shoes in their collection then head out to LoveBeLoved.com. It's newly launched and gives rewards to people who likes their page in Facebook. Those who like the page will get an intial 20% off on their shoe purchase.

What are you waiting for shoe-lovers? Go and check out LoveBeLoved.Com and be loved in return :)

Gifts For Bosses

2012-02-14T17:39:00.000+04:00

I am not one to buy fancy gifts for my bosses because they are earning ten times my salary and they have every fancy thing a person can have. However, there are bosses who I really like because they are nice and they certainly deserve a great gift.

I searched the internet for fancy gifts to give top executives in the office. I have one boss who loves to smoke so I thought, the best gift to give that person is something related to his or her passion - smoking! Since my budget is really tight, I want to know where to buy cheap cigars so it does not break my piggy bank. That person can use the cigar or keep it for collection or as a decoration on his or her curio but I want it to be appreciated.

There are few cigar stores here in Dubai. Most of them carry very expensive cigars and I cannot afford that. I will check if they sell by pieces so I can just buy few. It's the thought the counts anyway.

Happy Valentine's Day 2012

2012-02-14T17:11:00.000+04:00

Well, I didn't get flowers nor chocolates this Valentine's Day but my husband gave me something for free and will last a lifetime - love and kisses ;)

Photo credit: www.fun-with-pictures.com

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! May your day be filled with sweet love, hugs and kisses :)

" If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love.

Maya Angelou"

My Forthcoming Giveaway

2012-02-13T17:46:00.000+04:00

Hi bloggers out there!
Please join my 40th Birthday Bash giveaway soon! It will be open on 15 February, at 12 midnight, UAE local time. This giveaway is open to all bloggers out there with valid postal address and Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Come back on this blog on Wednesday for the official mechanics and prizes. Good luck to the lucky participatns!

Being Practical At Home Improvements

2012-02-13T17:28:00.000+04:00

I have a very tight quarter in the house. Since we are not permanent residents of Dubai, my husband and I are quite adamant to spend on furniture and other fixtures at home. Our pragmatic approach to home and interior decoration is to buy only the essential and affordable. Oftentimes, this kind of principle overlooks aesthetic results. We just end up what ever is practical to put at home.

There are times when my husband and I would not agree on something like buying new metal cabinets to install in the balcony area. The cabinets will be used a portable storage of our trinkets and tools which we use occasionally but is mandatory to have at home. Instead of buying cabinets, we end up buying storage boxes which we can stack.

The sofa is another issue we have to tackle. I planned to purchase an L-shaped modular sitting furniture to update our living room last year. My husband was against the idea because it was not sensible since we still have a sofa. Few months later, we ended up buying a sofa-bed to accommodate visitors who want to spend the night. The beautification aspect of my desire to buy is always outweighed by the practicality of having to actually buy and replace something that is still useful at home.

Home improvement is something we have to sacrifice here in the Middle East because we are transient borders in this country. My husband is right in believing and enforcing his principle of spending our hard-earned money to our dream house than spending unnecessarily here where we will just end up selling them. To that, I definitely agree!

So Long Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T18:06:00.000+04:00

1963-2012 RIP
Photo credit: google.com/amazon.com

I have been a fan of hers for as long as I can remember. I just know that whenever she sings, she captures my heart. Her voice was powerful and yet very soulful. You can almost feel her passion in every song she sings. And now, at 48, she is gone.

I will miss her and the voice behind those beautiful songs ever sung in our lifetime. Her song and her memory will always live in my heart.

So long Whitney. I hope you finally find the peace you truly deserve. Rest in peace.

My Daughter is Turning 14

2012-02-10T14:00:00.000+04:00

Time flies and it flies fast! It seems like yesterday when I was holding my baby's hand and in few days, she will be 14.

I am already in a place where I tell myself to accept things as they come because one day, that tiny baby I held so close to my heart will one day become a woman. She will meet her man and she will leave us. I don't know if I am just being melodramatic but I think, this is what being a mom is - dramatic.

I take a deep sigh now when I hear my daughter talk to her friends. I am starting to miss those fun times we have where we used to play like little girls. She is an adolescent now and her likes are no long the same Barbie and Bratz dolls she used to love few years ago. She has new set of friends, activities here and there and more phone calls than a call center can ever handle. Yes, I have a teen-aged daughter and soon she will be 14.

I think I am just being sentimental and drama-queen but I kind of miss her playful pranks when she was younger, her slobbery kisses on my and her papa's cheeks, her drawings posted on our closets and the free hugs we get each time we come home. We still get those hugs but they come far in between now. Later on, it will just be "Hi mom! Hi dad!" kind of thing.

Well, that's the way life goes. I can only pray that my husband and I did not fall short in guiding her and imparting wisdom and instilling good values. I also pray that she will grow into a responsible adult, a God-fearing child and a daughter her parents will be so proud of.

Happy birthday our little girl. I know you're not a baby anymore but in our eyes, you're always be our little girl. Enjoy and have fun on your special day.

Steak Lover

2012-02-05T12:37:00.000+04:00

We love dining or eating out and my husband is a big steak lover. He enjoys a sumptuous meal with a medium done rib eye steak complemented with the perfect steak seasoning.

I am really amazed with my husband's appetite. I am not much of a meat eater so whenever we go to restaurants, I skip the meat area and order the salads and seafood platter instead. My husband once cooked a nice steak (well done of course, for my pleasure!) at home and it was soft and moist. I have tasted steaks before too but I really prefer the well-done kind because I am such a fussy eater.

I am thinking of treating my steak-lover husband to a fine dining date this Valentine's Day in one of the nice steak house restaurants here in Dubai. There is Tony Roma's, Outback Steak and other fine restaurants that serve this kind of meal. I just hope I can satisfy my husband's taste.

My Giveaway Logo

2012-02-04T07:04:00.022+04:00

My daughter is so talented. I never knew she was this good, as in really, really good! I asked her to create a logo for me from scratch. Of course, my preferences where given and she asked me for clarification and voila! Here is the outcome:

Wow! I just told her I wanted the momiji kind of characters and there should be cherry blossoms on the side and of course, it should be Japanese-themed because I love Japanese!

She's only 14 but her skills are really beyond her years. I think she will fair very well in graphics and animation. I love my giveaway logo simply because it's beautiful and so me and lastly, my daughter created it from scratch. What a kid!

Cold Weather Is Over

2012-02-03T23:10:00.001+04:00

The cold season here in the Middle East is getting shorter each year. The cold weather did not stay long this time unlike the previous years. So, our winter clothes are barely worn now unlike before where we get to enjoy longer period of cold spells.

The weird thing about this whole seasonal changes is that you really cannot tell how cold it is going to be despite of the forecast. I checked the weather forecast here in the UAE for the next 10 days and it still shows low temperature of 13 degrees Celcius but it does not feel like it is. It feels more of 20 and above.

So with the short cold season, it is advisable and practical to not purchase heavy winter clothing and other cold season accessories like thermal socks, heater, beanie hats and gloves and electric mattress pad to warm your bed. You will not enjoy using all of them because the cold season is not that cold.

Giveaway - Coming Soon!

2012-02-03T18:20:00.000+04:00

I just completed the goodies I will giveaway for my 40th birthday here in my It's My Party blog. I am still figuring out about the mechanics. I still have to tie some lose ends before I can post the final giveaway promo which will run from 15 Feb. to my birthday on the 15th of March.

Why am I doing this? Well, I want to celebrate my "over the hill" moment with my blogger friends. The goodies are some of my favorite things and I want to share it to the lucky winners. Yes, you read it right, winners. I will be giving away 2 prizes so others will have a chance of winning as well.

What can you expect from the giveaway? It will be a simple giveaway. No fuss and it will be open to all bloggers - worldwide! I just hope that if you do win, you live somewhere recognizable! LOL! Not Timbuktu nor Antarctica. I still don't know how I am going to send the goodies but wherever you are, you will certainly get it.

I may get the help of Rafflecopter.com for the giveaway database tracking. I still need to figure out what I want to do with the mechanics though.

So, dear family, friends and lovely followers and bloggers alike, watch out for the launching of my 40th Birthday Bash Giveaway this 15th of Feb.

See you all here in my party zone! I'M TURNING 40!!!! Hooray!

Anniversary Tradition

2012-01-30T16:50:00.000+04:00

We recently celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary last 11 January 2012. I am so happy because my mother and mother-in-law are both here to join the celebration.

We didn't have the usual gift giving because it was not the tradition. For one, I am not really fond of receiving gifts although I will be happy and appreciative to receive one. So, my husband is very lucky because he didn't have to worry about the gift nor make himself worried-sick to find an anniversary gift here in Dubai.

The anniversary was celebrated quietly with my immediate family members. We had dinner at Movenpick Hotel in Deira at the nice Wok In restaurant. It is an Asian fusion kind of restaurant and the food was great!

It has become customary for us to dine during our anniversary. Sometimes it costs more than the actual cost of getting a gift for my husband but the time spent with the ones I love is more than any gift I can have.

Hula Hoop To Whittle Your Waist

2012-01-28T10:38:00.000+04:00

You don't need expensive gym equipment to slim that middle part of your torso. You definitely need not burn a deep hole in your pockets (and wallets!) to enroll in slimming classes like aerobics (although they greatly help too with the cardio) and the gym. There's a cheap and very common equipment you can use to whittle that middle part - the HULA!

Yes, this inexpensive toy we used to love when we were kids is a sure fire hit to a cheap and effective way to tone down your mid core. Doing the hula for 20-30 minutes several days in a week can help burn that belly fat and calories, increase your agility and improve coordination and strengthens your core muscles.

The kid version kind of hoop can do for starters but as you engage in the activity regularly, you may want to upgrade to the weighted hoop you can get from sports shop.

So, what are you waiting for? Start shaking!

This Blog Has A Page In Facebook

2012-01-28T00:04:00.000+04:00

It's a first! I have never created a page for any of my blogs in Facebook. A lot of my blogger friends have done this already and I am a newbie at this page thing. Alas! I have decided to spread my horizon and reach out to more audience in the blogosphere.

So if you're blog-hopping or simply browsing the net and spending time in Facebook, why don't you check out my page and "like" your stay there :)

Music Aficionado

2012-01-27T15:31:00.000+04:00

My husband's family are all music aficionados. They love singing, playing the guitar and the piano and deejaying. They have all sorts of musical instruments at home and the latest gadgets in sound technology and mixing. I think they may even have the gem rp-x equipment because sometimes, I can hear a perfectly played musical piece in different keyboard arrangement.

Their inclination to the field of music does not stop there. Most of my husband's family members love to sing but none are professional singers. They love singing in the karaoke and enjoys going to the concert. They can name songs from yesteryear and even songs from decades ago, even before they were born.

They just love music and I guess music loves them too. I wish I have the same passion as they have when it comes to music. Unfortunately, much as I love singing, I always can't get the lyrics right and carrying a tune is a different ball game. I don't even want to talk about it.

8 Natural Solutions for Removing Tough Stains

2012-01-27T00:38:00.000+04:00

Stains are a part of life. Even the most meticulous households must deal with the occasional stain. If you are raising a young family, then stains are most likely a part of your daily routine. Many stains can be removed with specialized, stain-removing formulas, which often contain harsh chemicals that can make sensitive individuals sick. If you have young children or prefer a more natural approach to stain removal, there are a number of options.

Many common household ingredients are extremely effective at removing tough stains. You just have to know what elements to use on each specific type of stain. For best results, get to the stain as soon as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, which will push it further into the surface it rests on. Always use cold water, as hot will set the stain.

The methods outlined here will usually work on those stains, but sometimes you need some heavier artillery. If these tricks don't work, it's time to bring in the professional carpet cleaning equipment.

Grass Stains
Try this sweet fix for grass stains. Brush any remaining debris from the fabric, then rub a bit of molasses into the stained area. Let the molasses sit on the stain for 8 to 10 hours, then wash normally.

Coffee Stains
Clean up those dark coffee stains with your morning breakfast. Soak up as much liquid as possible by blotting the coffee with a cloth. Then, beat an egg with cold water and spread over the stain. Rinse with cold water and repeat if necessary.

Food Stains on Plastic
There is a simple solution for those stubborn tomato sauce stains on your favorite Tupperware. Wash as usual, and then rub a bit of baking soda or lemon juice all over the stained area. Set the container in a sunny location, and the sun's rays will bleach away the stain. Rinse the container. If the stain is still visible, repeat by placing in the sun again.

Grease Stains
Oily stains can stay around a long time if not treated properly. Soak up the grease by sprinkling chalk dust or cornstarch on the stain. Then, soak the stain in a mixture of baking soda and water. Launder as usual. If that didn't work, try a little rubbing alcohol on the stain before washing.

Wine, Juice, or Berry Stains
Remember to blot as much of the liquid as possible before treating the stain. Then, try to lift the stain from the fibers of the material by soaking it in lemon juice or white vinegar. For red wine, soak in milk, white wine or club soda.

Gum Stains
While gum might seem like a messy stain, it's actually quite simple to remove. Just place the item in the freezer and allow the gum to freeze. If the item is too big for the freezer, place a few ice cubes on the gum. Remove the item from the freezer and scrape off the gum.

Candle Wax Stains
Place a paper bag or a towel over the wax and press it with a warm iron. The wax will be absorbed by the paper or towel. For any leftover residue, use a bit of alcohol.

Chocolate Stains
Remove chocolate by blotting or scraping as much of the chocolate as possible. Then, make a mixture of one tablespoon ammonia and a three-quarter cup of water. Spray mixture on the stain and blot. Repeat until stain is lifted.

When it comes to your health and house cleaning, the old ways are still the best ways. Rather than exposing your family to harsh chemicals, try these methods first. You should only resort to chemical cleaning after you've tried these safer methods.

Leaving Soon

2012-01-26T17:17:00.000+04:00

my two mothers :) taken at Dubai Mall

My mom and mom-in-law spent the holidays here and the days are getting shorter. They will be leaving soon and I am starting to feel sad. It's such a joy to have both of them around. My daughter is thrilled to have them both because she's acting super princess with them. I let her get away with it because she doesn't get to spend long time with either of them whenever she's in Manila for a vacation. It's different this time because they are both here at the same time so it was twice the fun!

I'm having a slight tug in my heart now. I will miss them again especially my mom because I can see how happy she is to be here with us. Her life back home is filled with problems and issues so hard to resolve because they are deeply rooted; having her spend almost 2 months here temporarily uprooted her from the bad stuff.

I am just happy to be able to give her that slight deviation because it means so much to her. I wish I can make her stay her longer. I just hope I'll find the financial means next time to make her stay here permanent. It will happen, in Jesus name...

Crafting Stuff

2012-01-25T17:17:00.000+04:00

I was invited by a friend to her daughter's open school day where I can showcase my handmade cards. My friend rented a booth for her paintings and other ceramic arts which she plans to sell. I feel honored to be a part of her activity this February. So, I am having double-time in making cards I can sell in the open school day.

I want to craft some beaded accessories too but I need to have more materials like curb chain, beads, findings and clasps and hooks. I only have few beads here and nylon cords but I don't think those will be enough to make a decent set of necklace and earrings.

I only have a week left to make a lot goods to be sold. I don't want to compromise on the quality of my handmade cards so I may just settle for few but really high-quality handmade cards.

The Perfect Teen Travel Companion

2012-01-25T17:07:00.000+04:00

Most eReader owners use their devices simply to read, especially when travelling. If you own a device that is not 3G compatible, you may find yourself in situations that preclude downloading a new novel. Fortunately, most eReaders have several other great functions that can allow a user to make the most of travel time.
Parents with traveling kids are wise to offer an eReader as a distraction. It is the perfect item for your traveling child or young adult, whether going away to grandma's, away at teen camp or traveling during a gap year.

A Multimedia Extravaganza
Depending on your eReader of choice, you can get a fair bit of mileage out of the device’s multimedia capabilities. Both the Nook and Kindle are capable of playing music, and both devices are capable of displaying photos (though the Kindle is monochrome-only). The Nook features the ability to view images in full color, and also features video playback capability. No matter what eReader you choose, you can get a good bit of mileage out of its ability to play music or view photos. Be careful, though, as both functions are much harder on battery life than reading.

A Studying Tool
Of course, eReaders are also wonderful productivity tools. Most major readers can display .pdf files, which can easily allow you to take most documents on the go. It is also possible to take notes on several of the major readers, though some do require the purchase of a separate note-taking application. Some eReaders even allow users to dictate notes, the perfect way for your child to journal his or her travels. The current generation of Kindle features a microphone, and it is quite easy to record messages on the device after you do not mind modifying a few files.

A Fun Machine
Not only can you read on your eReader, but you can also play games. Most of the games on the Kindle and the discount eReaders are rather simplistic, but they are wonderful time wasters. The games available on the Nook are a bit more advanced, but all of the games available on eReaders tend to promote creative or logical thinking above button-mashing action. Most games cost a few dollars at most, and both the major readers have a few free games available. These games are great for killing time at an airport or a hotel, though they will likely never win any major awards.

Do your child traveler a favor and give them a device that amuses, informs and connects without taking up a lot of room in the luggage compartment.