Maie's A Missus

Last Thursday, we attended the wedding party of my former team mate and friend at work, Maie. O finally had the chance to meet the lucky one, A, and was pleased to see that they look blissful together. The party was held at the upper deck of the Barasti Bar in Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Jumeirah Beach.

When we arrived at the hotel, hubby and I proceeded to the room where the bride was being made up. My friend covered the event so we had the privilege to actually see them prepare for the evening. While Maie’s hair was being done by the stylist, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. I remembered my very own moment not so long ago. I imagined she was feeling so excited about everything, too.

feeling so excited for the bride, with hubby looking on

After her hair was fixed and her veil set in place, I saw that beautiful, twinkling look in her eyes. I think every happy bride has that distinguishing look. I felt like crying when she finally turned around with her gorgeous white gown and flashed her cheery smile! Since there were no other people in the room except for her husband (they got married in a separate ceremony), the photographers and Ryan, I had the honor of helping her put on her shoes. I was like a pseudo-bridesmaid!

helping the bride with her shoes

When we finally went out to see the place for the party, we were bowled over by the romantic look of the place. There were luminaries along the steps and all over the place. Calla lilies added a touch of life and glamour to the tables. Gold chiffon draperies hung on the trellis and were illuminated by soft, white rice lights, giving the place a romantic feel. It had a view of the harbor and the ocean.

I knew most of the guests as they were also colleagues from various departments. I was able to introduce Ryan to them who was by now quite popular at work because of his baked goodies. One of them couldn’t stop raving about the carrot cake when she spoke to the husband, and another was even begging for the recipe.

It was also an opportune time to catch up with former colleagues who had moved on to other companies. Hubby and I had a nice time chatting with Y, who came alone as her husband JP was unfortunately not feeling well that evening so he couldn’t come.

It was a magical evening filled with laughter and dancing. Everyone came in their festive mood, which made me very pleased as I saw in my friend that she was really happy. I could not wish for anything else for my dear friend, Maie and her husband A. I trust that they’ll stay happy together for many, many years.

A Date With Myself

Hubby was dragged to a photo shoot last Friday at Four Seasons Golf Club as part of his practical training with our photographer friend. Since I had time on my hands, I decided to stop by the mall to shop for some dresses i need for a wedding we’re attending tomorrow, and for my trip next week.

Before I immersed myself into some serious shopping, I thought of buying some books first at Magrudy's. I managed to get three paperbacks, and one of which i started to read while sipping my current fave, Strawberry Banana Smoothie at Caribou Coffee. I paired it with a yummy Blueberry Muffin that was big enough to fill me. I got sidetracked with my plans to shop because I ended up staying in the café a bit longer than I had planned.

Anyway, I was successful in buying the dresses that I had in mind, plus with accessories to boot (successful meaning I got them all without going over the budget!). But what made the day eventful for me was the idea that I finally had my “me time”. I went to every shop I fancied, read a book in quiet corner, looked for some nice dresses without needing to rush – practically did what I used to do when in a mall alone back in the days. It felt truly liberating!

Sometimes, a girl really needs to reconnect with herself again in order to fight back the stress of everyday pressure. A pause is so much a necessity, and doing something as plain as taking a trip to the mall by myself is by far a welcome treat for me already. I hope there’ll be more days like this because I definitely missed my own company!

Reminiscing London

My highschool friend Laine posted her recent visit to London by herself, which prompted me to post here my super late London story. 

My visit to ‘The Green City’ was the week of the 20^th May last year. I spent four days there to attend a conference, and stayed at The Grange City Hotel, which is right next to the Trinity Square and just across Tower of London. i arrived in the morning via London Heathrow airport. Since the hotel’s check-in time was at 3:00 pm, I had a few hours to spare to check out the vicinity.

I didn’t immediately realize that I was right smack in the middle of the ‘insurance & reinsurance’ district. Add the fact that it was Sunday, I had not much options in the area as every establishment was closed. I was desperate for a mobile chip because I needed to call hubby to let him know I arrived safely, and I know for certain that in London, people either walk or take the tube to get to where they wanna go. Anyway, I went for the first alternative and checked out the stalls nearby to see whether they have any mobile chips available. Since there was none in the area, I just decided to have a look around and take advantage of the pleasant weather.

Tower Bridge

St. Katharine's Dock

Trinity Square

Lloyd's of London building

After an hour of walking, I took a bus to get to Oxford Street as I've been told that stores would be open there even on a Sunday. True enough, every store was open, and the street was buzzing with busy shoppers. When I got my mobile chip from Orange, I immediately phoned home, and then took a short detour to Primark for some great deals & bargains. New thing I knew, I was on the tube with my shopping bag, and after a few minutes, had gotten off at the Westminster Station. After a little walk-about at the area, I found myself at the Earl’s Court to see my Dad’s nephew (my cousin) who owns a popular Filipino salon. Wanting to feel like a Londoner for a few days, I got me an Oyster Top Up Card as I knew I’d be hippity-hopping for the rest of my stay!

The weather was great during my visit – mostly sunny days, and sunset was at 9:00 pm. after each day’s session, I’d hurriedly change clothes, and head out to explore the city. What I liked about London is that everything is almost pretty much right next to each other. I saw Elizabeth Tower from the Houses of Parliament right in front of me as I walked up from the Underground. and then there was the Westminster Abbey on my right, and London Eye on my left. If you make a little turn to your right, you’ll get to Downing Street, and will not miss one of London’s most popular address - 10 Downing Street - the historic office and home of the British Prime Minister. If you walk a bit, you’ll see the horse guards parade grounds, and if you walk towards the end, you’ll see the Trafalgar Square. From Trafalgar Square, you’re not far from the St. James’s Park, the Victoria Circle, and of course, the Buckingham Palace. Walk a little further south from Buckingham Palace, and you’ll find the Duke of Wellington Plaza and Hyde Park. from there, you’re only a few steps away from Knightsbridge, where Harrods & Royal Albert Hall are. Amazing, isn’t it? 

By my 2nd day, I was already familiar with the tube system that I even went about my sight seeing taking the underground all the time. I knew which lines and platforms to take for all my destinations. Being the ultimate ‘lakwatsera’ that I am, I also managed to meet up with Laine and her then fiancé Merc (now her husband) at Harrods in Knightsbridge without any help for directions. They were very kind to treat me to a sumptuous meal at one of the Korean Restos in Piccadilly Circus . As an added bonus, they toured me to Leicester Square, too. I really appreciated their effort as they went out of their way to see me, despite the distance from their place to the city. (thanks again, Laine!)

Piccadilly Circus

My flight back to Dubai was scheduled in the afternoon so in the morning of my departure, I went to see The Monument, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower of London - the only museum I managed to see. After that, I had my last meal in London. I didn't leave without tasting their famous fish n' chips!

at the Tower of London grounds

sharing a table with a golden girl

All in all, it was a memorable trip for me. In just a few days, I managed to see a lot of sights around London – mostly all by myself. I always felt worn out at the end of each day from all the walking I did, but I had a marvelous time. I hope to revisit London again soon but on a holiday and definitely with Ryan. I promise to catch a show in the West End, see all the museums I've missed, and take a ride at the London Eye when I come back!

Long Overdue Gift

I recently got my bonus for last year's performance, and guess what was the first thing I bought?  Nope, it's not an LV bag which I usually buy during bonus season.  In fact, it wasn't even for me.  It was a much coveted toy for my better half.  

Since it’s launch last year, Ryan wouldn’t stop talking about this particular digital SLR camera. He’s been so generous to me since he found a job here so I thought of giving him something special, even without an occasion. And this is what I got him:

…hubby’s very own Canon EOS 40D - the perfect SLR camera in this desert country! Thanks to its built-in Integrated Cleaning System that includes a self-cleaning sensor unit, he’s not gonna be bothered when it’s hazy and sandy outside. Other cool features of the camera are its magnesium-alloy exterior, 10.1 megapixel image quality, and a 3.0 inch LCD monitor with Live View functions. And did i mention it’s super fast? More about the camera can be found here.

I also got him a BG-E2N battery grip and an 18-55 mm lens to go with the body. I promised to get him the 17-85 mm lens and lens hood when I fly to the US this April.

My hubby’s friends are into photography, thus, the influence. In fact, two of them are freelance photographers here in Dubai. Ryan simply wants to make photography his new hobby, so I’m hoping to get him a seat to some of the sessions in the upcoming Gulf Photo Plus Photography Workshop so he could learn a thing or two about basic photography.

While hubby tinkers with his new toy, I’ll enjoy our good old Canon S3IS and keep it with me in all my business travels and lakwatsas.

Yes, we’re such Canon lovers. Can’t help it – we just love things that work!

3 Years

…is how long I’ve been with this company, and today's my anniversary. wow!

I feel like celebrating so I asked the husband to have a leisurely breakfast at Starbucks at 21st Century Tower this morning. It was considered a treat because we rarely eat out for breakfast due to limited places that serve breakfast here before 8:00 am. For some reason, they serve it here after 8:00 am -- so much for the ‘early bird gets the worm’ proverb! Anyway, it was a lovely morning -- not too hot & not too cold either. We talked about the local news, our plans over the weekend, and even had a nice chat about – guess who??  Boy & Marc Jacobs…hehe!

Anyway, I told hubby that I’d like to take him out on a date tonight to continue with the celebration. We’ll have dinner first, and then catch a movie (I get to pick the flick, and actually am torn between ‘Fools Gold’ and ‘The Reservation’). I'm craving for Thai food, and I'm highly considering the Lemon Grass in Oud Metha as I’ve heard so many rave reviews about it.

We will be starting our weekend right tonight, and I can’t wait. Hubby says I can buy a gift to myself, and I’m already going crazy thinking of what to get. Nothing too fancy as I'm saving up for the US shopping end of this month. Tee hee!

Having said that, happy weekend & be safe y’all!