contests, freebies and free things

Like I said before, I'm a fan of anything free. But, who's not?
I like contests and the fun part of winning :)

Everyday I pick up my daughter from her Nursery/DayCare and from there we would go to the nearby station to take the Metro (Train) to Mall of the Emirates and we will have some 30mins to an hour to wait for my hubby. That is our daily routine, yes it's tiring but might as well take the fun in it :)

And since Ima frequent MOE visitor I get the chance to see and experience free things while there. I like visiting the galleria area where there will always be kiosk to visit. Some 2 weeks ago, My daughter had fun visiting Kraft Kiosk. Once you register, the kid could play (they have computer games) and color plus they would give the kid the chance to make their own sandwich

(the kraft booth) (one of the Activities- Coloring!)

(the printing of free pictures) (it's almost there..)

(and viola!! Jasmine's lovely pic!)

(this is the most fun in the free part- gotta taste the Arabic bread with the Kraft spread, it's so YUM! high five to that!)

(Kraft cheese spread on Arabic bread). The part which I love the most is they would take a picture of your kid and print it for free! I really love the Marketing strategy of these companies. This week, there's the Sneakers and Evian kiosk opposite each other on the Activity area of the mall. I'm so chicken to join the Evian, but hopefully we could try this afternoon. I also would love to let my kid try the Sneakers, but I think they have the most fans since the booth is not too fancy compared to Evian, it's more like audience-friendly :)

We also love Ikea Play Area, they revamped it, so they cater to even bigger kids now. The look of the play area is not too fancy but every kid will definitely love being there, it's like every kid's imagination of a play area. My daughter loves visiting and us too! Get this- they also have this cool card that needs to be updated everytime she checks-in and along with that after 5 play times she will be receiving a free meal! how good could it get! Imagine doubling the fun, having to play and having a free meal. I wish we have that when we were kids, that'll be a lot lot more fun! And joining contest will be easier coz it's like almost weekend of exercise in the Ikea Play area.

(the excited girl who loves Ikea play area)

Speaking of contest I joined a Maybelline Contest in Frontline Fashion and guess what, I won! I did not win the 1st price but I received a Maybelline loot! It made my day :)

(my happy face with my loot) & (here's what's inside the bag :))

Not all contest brought me joy, I joined my daughter in this local magazine contest in facebook. But as time goes by, I began to see disappointments. They changed dates of announcements, they changed categories, etc. It feels like, they don't have a concrete plan of the contest itself. The mirror of not being ready. So I just let it go, after all I joined my daughter there just for the fun of it. It's just that somehow, I just wanted some straight forward honest and true-to-form answers.

So this afternoon, I will try to visit OPI's booth in Mall of the Emirates. They sent me this.

See you there!!
And if you want to win something for yourself visit Grace at Sandierpastures, it's every girl's idea of pampering oneself :)


Well, C'est La Vie. It's how we make it. And let's make it happier!
Keep doing what we love to do. Keep joining contests if you love to and just keep the joy overflowing for you.
Have a blessed day everyone.

Of Life

Sooner or later our life would go and pass. I came to realize that life of course has it's beginning and it's end. Sound cliche'- yes. And we ought to do our purpose here while we still can. And having that direction to that very purpose God has given us.
When life starts- we celebrate! It's all happy faces everywhere and the universe is also smiling at you.
But at the end of every tunnel- there's always tears. Often times it's always harder to come to terms with this reality. Sometimes it gets a while to getting used to. when someone who's always been there and someone you cherish, someone also important to you has been there... and from this time on... is never coming back. You tell yourself, yes, she is in a happy place with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ now. No more hurt. No more pain. That is better- even the best place to be.
Whether we like it or not, this too will happen to us. Think of it as this- afterlife is really After Life from all the hurt- because it transcends the beginning of our Journey with our Lord. Sure there's celebration in heaven for a new beginning- a new Worshiper has joined God's kingdom.






You will be missed Tita Yeng.
We love you.
Be in God's Loving Shelter now.

Easter 2011

Happy Easter everyone!
Jesus Christ our King has Risen! Let's celebrate the good news!

Where will you celebrate today?
I'm currently in the office- yep I'm working today, but I heard a good news this morning that'll gonna have a half day today, yipeee! I hope that's true. I would very much want to celebrate Easter Egg hunt for my kid here. But then again, we're thinking it's not practical since next month hubby and me will be celebration our 6year Marriage! weeee! But yeah, that would be for another post.
Still we would be going out tonight with family and friends. We're still going to have dinner out, I guess minus the Easter egg hunt for my daughter (hopefully that would come next year).

In the meantime, here are some I've seen in the world wide web that I'm currently liking.
Have a blessed Easter everyone! God bless.

Will definitely try to check this out tonight, maybe it's still not too late for some bunnies. Hamleys.

I know my daughter's 5th Birthday is still 5 months far, but am digging personalized m&m's as a give-away for her party already.

Would love to change my Profile pic yet again & this looks a pretty good idea.

Currently reading this.

And now, for that eating-out almost every weekend including tonight, here's what we need to do the next day.

Have an awesome day & Lovely week everyone.

x

Welcome Free things!

Don't you just love freebies and the likes?

Stumbled upon this kiosk in Mall of the Emirates last night. And met Dr. Gerry Nastasia Jr.
This kiosk has free Chiropatic check-up. Never heard of it, but since I saw the spinal cord mock-up I pretty much had an idea.

According to Wikepdia Chiropatic is a form of alternative medicine[1] that emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, under the hypothesis that these disorders affect general health via the nervous system.[2] It is generally categorized as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM),[3] a characterization that many chiropractors reject.[4] Although chiropractors have many attributes of primary care providers, chiropractic has more of the attributes of a medical specialty like dentistry or podiatry.[5] The main chiropractic treatment technique involves manual therapy, including manipulation of the spine, other joints, and soft tissues; treatment also includes exercises and health and lifestyle counseling.[6] Traditional chiropractic assumes that a vertebral subluxation or spinal joint dysfunction interferes with the body's function and its innate intelligence,[7] a vitalistic notion that "brings ridicule from the scientific and health care communities and confusion within the chiropractic profession."[8]

And since I've a been into a bit of neck probs, I feel it could be related with the spinal. Dr. Gerry was quite a fast-talking Doctor. I read in the Emirates European Medical Centre's brochure that he is American board certified. Quite a conversationalist for a doctor (which is not a bad thing, of course), he even joked when he asked me what could have been my problem, I told him I have left back problems- but just blame the muscles and wrong posture due to slouching. I'm more concerned with my neck than the back. Then he told, maybe I could be in his place of being the Doctor, but then he told he was just only joking. I joked back, it would take some schooling since I'm a Civil Engineer lol! Then he asked me to take-off my mommy-duties bags and stand straight. Which I did. Then he made me move my neck looking from left to right doing the farthest I can. And made me reach my toes (and yay! Was I able!!!). he said my neck should suppose to be shaping almost like a "C", but mine's too straight that it doesn't have much to take shock of the chores I'm doing. It should suppose to act like a spring so it could act as a shock absorber. And that goes on left shoulder since it's also a bit higher than my right. Then he gave me his business card. He said that my prob is minimal and can be corrected easily. I guess I would try to find time to visit or save first before visiting afterall my company has not secured me with health insurance yet and I doubt if it will be covered just in case. I was just happy to know even just a bit why I feel a bit of brittleness on my neck, now I can breath and maybe will do some work out that would help me better this part :)


On another note.

Don't you just love digital magazines?

Been reading Rue, Matchbook and High Gloss magazine!

Page 34 of High Gloss Magazine, lovin' the Orange background :)

They're pretty insane! Love the interior ideas, love the outfits, the beauty and style. It's a complete lifestyle rolled in one.
In Dubai, I read The Dubai Mall's magazine. It's also packed with things to see in the mall and of course other surprises. My first encounter of Mall Mag would be the Burjuman's. I say, it's pretty stylish. Am really glad Dubai has this kind of things for their people & visitors, it's a complete advertisement that caters to the crowd and benefits the businesses.


In the meantime, see y'all tonight at

Been invited for their opening! & am pretty excited! yay!

debacle

Photo Credit

There's so much going on right now.
The only thing I could think of is PRAY.
Times really have changed, or may be not.
Maybe the sin of the nations has been going on for the longest time now.
Maybe we're just not aware of it.
We're in the middle east right now and it seems that the region has been in political chaos since the Egypt turnaround. Libya. And now KSA.
There had been rumors that they also want some changes here.
But as far as I'm concerned, this government has been good and equal.
Of course there has been some loopholes and gray areas, but who said there exists a perfect governance? This place has been good with their locals and expats alike.
As long as you respect them, chances are, you could get that as well in return (well, yeah, there will be some occasions that it doesn't occur, esp. on the road... just like what I said, PRAY).

Though I have never been to Japan (and I still want to see it), my heart breaks upon this current disaster. I was also hurt with what happened to Churchill in NZ.
But this is a call to all the nations of the world.
Let's repent. Let's pray to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Be always reminded of John 14:6-7

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know^b my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

May God bless us.

Back to Nursery

My 4 y/o daughter is now officially back to nursery or should I say daycare.
A few months back we decided that she won't be in nursery/daycare (the case being was because we don't have a nanny for her) for maybe a month or so. Then today she's back. Then I came across this old newspaper of reports where a child was molested by the school driver and conductors. I've been hearing about it but didn't bother much to read. Then now, am feeling a bit paranoid about it.
My daughter is very innocent and most of the time naive. I think this news is also an eye opener to parents to teach their children to say and teach their kids to mind how they're being dealt with. Just around 12 quarter, I called my daughter's nursery/daycare to check if she's already there. But she's still not, because her bus usually arrives at 12:45pm - 1pm, so I think I better call now.
I always pray for her safety and I think It's also high time for me as a parent to help and give her some awareness.

tint

Don't you just love colors!

Inspired by the interior design blog community with so much affluent and vibrant blush!

so I made this, sorta art work (well, I could have it printed in canvas style and hang on my wall).
Maybe I should do some more :)


These were my inspiration:

this one was featured in Rue mag




this one was also featured in Rue Mag




seen from decor8

Happy February everyone!

Happy Year of the Rabbit Dragon!

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

Prepping mahself and fam for the Chinese New Year this Thursday (it's Tuesday today, btw).
Planning to go to Dragon mart this afternoon for that needed Ang Pao (Chinese Envelope used when giving money). We learnded from yesterday's tv show that it's good to give money because it means giving blessings and that means you have enough and more to give. Ahhhhh! the joy of giving. I'm no Chinese, albeit mistaken as one. So I thought why not play the part? Afterall we all like celebrations, so we'll party the coming of the Year of the Rabbit as what Chinese calls this
2011.




If we are in the Philippines these envelopes would be easily available. But what I would be missing most is the food! I mean Tikoy (that cake made from glutinous/sticky rice) love Eng bee tin's! We'll be having Kuntsinta (yum!) instead, it's also made with sticky rice, but is a Filipino deli. I'm thinking of also cooking spagh and may be buy some extra fruits. This Friday, may be if we have time we'll invite some friends over and dine in. I'm so excited!

May this year be field with good health for me and my family, love for each other, peace with each other and abundant blessings that comes only from our one true God, our Creator, our Lord of Lords Jesus Christ.

Have a happy celebration!


x

Xcited!!!

Can't wait to start!
first stop: Magrudy's :)

2011

2010 was a good year for me.
I was able to find a new job that I really prayed for.
Me and my family were able to have our vacation back home and even
went to HK for 3days and visit Disneyland and other nice places.
Chinchin is in FS-1 one now :)
We were able to move to a new nice spacious place.
I dropped 2kg! weeee!
And there are lots of other things I could thank God.
It always is nice to count your blessings.
Sure there were some probs before the year ends.
but now, all I want is to take a chance and think Happy!
Afterall we are the ones responsible for our own happiness and joy.

I hope this 2011 brings us more blessings, good health and more love.
I wish you all the same. And let's always pray.

x

Joyful, Merry, Happy, Successful, Properous, Lovely, Spiritual 2011

hi everyone!
I'm missing a lot of writing these days.
but, I wont miss this for the world ;)


as we bid farewell to 2010,
I would like to greet everyone
A Very Wonderful, Prosperous New Year
ahead of us!
May God bless us all the more.

Cheers!

Warning: It's a Kikay Post :)

yeah, you read that right ;)
So I'm a bit well now and my eye's not much crying when I go in front of the laptop or tv.. that means I'm gettin' bettah ayt? But I still have loads of used tissue paper in front of me. Not much of coughing but still some sneezing. and hey, at least my temp's been on normal now.
That must be the weather- winter is almost here, had friends and colleagues who also got sick last week..
lesson learned - "do not stay up late on the weekends, it will take it's toll on you eventually!"

Ok back to the subject.
This is pretty much late, but since there's not much to do but read some blogs, and then what do you know, you come across a beauty blog.. then was inspired by ms. beauty that leads to this ;)

A month ago a friend and I went to the Dubai Mall for some cosmetic hunt- we crossed a Clarins kiosk just in front of Sephora and was given some Clarins freebies. That includes these

(ok, it's not the best Photo I could have, but was not able to take some before using.. sorry..)
Kinda reminds you of med tablets right?

I tried to use them I think a week after receiving. Just because I saw them inside my bag and bubble thought: why not try 'em? I'm not a big lipstick user, I'm fine with Benefit's Benetint. But sometimes a girl could always experiment. And who knows what look- could look good on you!?
As you could notice the Clarins 116 Coral Tulip is empty- and yes that was my favorite! It has a hint of a peachy shade but just enough for my complexion plus it's not too striking- I'm all for a simple look. Then just this last weekend, I told myself- why not try the 121 Red Prodige, wow! I never thought it would fit me. I always thought I look so flirty and loud wearing too red lipstick, but this one looks fierce and rouge but at the same time, stunning! a bit flirty, yeah but they suit me! I think I finally found my kind of lipstick. Benetint will always be my fave but at least there's something for that going out night :) A different look once in a while wont hurt, right?
Btw, I also splurged on a Chanel's Vitalumiere Eclat, ok, I know it's too much- I don't usually do this and I know it's not practical- I just want to have a rest from my usual MAC's Studio fix or my Maybelline Powder. I think it's awesome! Can't say I blame those who indulge in so much make-ups and stuffs.
Sometimes I don't want to go to Debenhams for that girly hunting- it's sinful hahahaha! I also had a free make-up from Guerlain, the make-up artist was very very good! (that would have to go for another post- that is if I remember writing about it, haha!)
Guerlain also has nice foundation and powder! Not to mention how she did my eyebrows! Even the hubby raised his two-thumbs-up! (he's not all for make-up). Maybe I would also try Guerlain's Foundation sometime, and I hope I could breath with their hefty price. Tatiyana's (the make-up artist) wearing a nice red nail polish, I asked her about it.. she told me it was Lancome. You see since I'm beginning to embrace some girly stuffs, I have a thing with nail polish now! I blame fashion magazines and beauty blogs now LOL!

Anyway, the hubby purchased his Chanel's Allure for men.
It has been his signature scent since oh-seven, and yep, I like it on him :)

sweet tooth

Yes, call me that, but I just most of the time can not control my needing for sweets.
Here are/were some of my favorites (I'm trying to cut on these as I need to get back on a desired weight ;))

A healthier option of course is those fruits rich in Vitamin C and has Anti-oxidant. You can usually catch me in blackberries and strawberries now :)
I'm not trying to sound like a very "I watch what I eat" person, but sometimes when your body is telling you that things are not the same as they used to, it's time to think out of the box and move that lazy a**.

I could not say, it's a love/hate relationship with chocolates and sweets. I'm sure anybody or should I say any girl could agree that "giving-in" sometimes is the only way to go.
I'm not saying that girls should follow me, this is just me. But I really don't indulge on that much sweets anymore, afterall, I think I'm used to not think or crave too much of them any longer :)
I just give in say, once or twice a month- just that.
Given that, I would love to share some sweets for my sweets :)


featured- cupcakes available at Dubai Mall (click the pix to for the link see page 112)




My daughter's Cupcakes for her 4th Birthday soiree! Delectable!



BR! Me and my daughter's fave, be it ice cream cake or just ice cream on cone, you name it, we lurve it! lol!



Ok, Candylicious is the most popular candy station/store in the UAE, could you blame us for that? They have ice cream, cupcakes, and the never-ending chocolates of different sizes and figures, It's the chocolate haven, my kind of place ;)
Here's a pic of me and my friend Maan about to pay our ordered caramel popcorn, it's yum! Actually those popcorn brings back childhood memories, not that we have the same brand, but it somehow tasted the same. We would usually have those before Christmas just roaming around the metro.

I would love to try these though


they look too good to eat, plus the shop looks a bit intimidating. too fancy eh ;)

but for healthier option, I settle for these


and for-the-so-much

Patchi Chocolate's the best!



Are some of these sweets ring a bell to you?
What's your kind of sweet?
I would love to try new things, maybe just a bite or two, promise, I'll be in control :) Believe me when I say that, I have much self-control now.

Pen

The pen is mightier than the sword
~Edward Bulwer-Lytton

I really like to you write.
But I noticed as the time pass, I'm not the same eager person from before. And quite frankly, I can't write interesting happenings anymore. I dont think that I write well in my blog. I only could count in one hand some stories I shared that's worth reading. I used to love to write. I remember when I was in gradeschool and highschool, that's when I can't believe that I wrote something. And wrote it well.
I remember that I also read and wrote poems.
But may be it's actually true, once you forget or does not practice about something-that you do well or should I say something you have passion about, it would most likely blew away.
I don't think i still have the skill to write well. To make simple experience appear interesting in my blog. I honestly envy those who're able to do that. It feels like every bits of experience they have are far worth out of the ordinary. It sound, like, a distant past. I'm not saying my life is less appealing, I actually have plenty of things to share- but I guess, I don't know how to put them to writing.
But still I can't deny that I love reading, well most of us love that :)

Maybe it goes with age.
There's a time when you want to pour and burst your reaction, emotions to something.
And then there will come a time when you will just want to listen and be silent for a time.
May be that is one form of maturity.
You stop mumbling or you take a pause and just notice what surrounds you.
Afterall everything is not about you.

Cheers to being 34!

* I know it's kinda late coz I had my Bday for like 3months back, it takes a while to getting used to ;) besides I still feel like I'm 24 ;P*

trip

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, there are Hospitality tents just about everywhere. Here for one- can be found in Mercato. They have someone who plays an instrument and someone who hands you moroccan coffee (they say, it's strong!). I find it very nice to listen and just take a time to sit with them, there are also free dates on the table, it's very middle eastern, but I kinda like it. The tent is not exclusive for Muslims, everyone is invited, that's the true spirit :)



And after that day of fasting, one should drink. Found these at carrefour.


fancy a drink?



or Indulge with some Chocolate cake, it's very moist inside- a chocolate overload with a bit of kick from the Strawberry. We had this for free (the perks!) at PF Changs in Mirdiff City Center.
PF Changs has amazing food! And they would teach you to make sauce from 3 types of liquid, it's just awesome! We had Philips Lemon Chicken and Mongolian Beef and some Dimsum (sorry, I was not able to take photos of the food, but I tell you they're gastronomic!) No wonder, the store's slogan is, "the best Chinese restaurant in U.S" I hope i got that one right ;)

I call this The Decadent Chocolate overload Cake with a kick. Yum!
{I know it's sinful, but I guess it's ok to have some once in a while, don't worry I didn't eat much of it ;) }



and when it's the morning after, it will be Fasting again. So when your head is feeling a bit low or havin' some ache, do some massage. It will help you throughout the day.



Innovative Head massager found at Virgin Store.


Eid is just around the corner! I wonder where we will be heading? But it's hard to say, because Eid will just be over the weekend and then we're back on the usual timings.
May be we'll just dine outside again.
I remember last year we were at Hilton RAK.
But just the same it's nice to have Ramadan Timing once in a while.


--------------------------------------------------------

BON ANNIVERSAIRE to my Lovely Daughter Jasmine Eirene!
She turn 4 today!
God bless you sweetheart, may you have the desires of your heart.
Mom and Dad loves you so much!

beautiful things

Currently looking at pretty things on the net, they make my day ☺
Just because of the girly-girly stuffs I'm reading, I think I'm into white and pink ♥
Just this post is not about colors, but this idea of trendy-ing your furniture (thus your home) is just awesome!

on the table

the duvet, on the bead

lovely!

guess it's not only us, ladies, who can get to wear these ;)
even our dining table and bed can be fashionable and trendy too..

(I'm just currently blogging things in fashion, ID and the likes, I feel different, lol!)

there's something about shorts ;)

these are some looks I'm digging.
they're somewhere in between summer and fall.. summer minus the tights/leggings/stockings..
I'm hoping to channel some similarities in the days to come :)

and guess what, hubby approves :)

credit: J.crew