Scarf No More

Last Monday, I realized when I stepped out of the shower from the gym that the scarf that's been tied on to my Coach hobo bag is missing. My immediate reaction was, "again!?!" Yes, it's the second time this has happened :(

The first time I lost a scarf was, I  could only presume, from the Emirates Towers walking back to my office building when I had after office drinks with my colleagues. When I got back to the car, the scarf was no longer tied onto my bag. That's the problem when you use a silk scarf. The fabric is so smooth it just loosens by itself and then next thing you know, alas, it's already gone! The recent mishap probably happened when we went grocery shopping the night before we hit the gym. I suddenly remembered it was no longer there when I put my bag down at the couch. I was probably too tired and preoccupied with the groceries that night so I didn't notice it was missing right there and then.

What made me feel sad about those two scarves was that both had sentimental value to me. The first was because it was purchased the first time I stepped into a Coach store here in Dubai. I was prodded by my friend at work, H, to buy it as it was on sale. I still remember how giddy happy I was because I've always wanted a scarf for my hobo so it'll have a different look compared to other hobo bags carried by other girls. The second one I got from the States when I traveled there last Spring. I got it from an outlet store next to the Mexican border, and it was the perfect shade that would contrast my bag. I loved it! It was also the last piece so I literally grabbed it and paid for it immediately. Of course, I only got it real cheap. Of all the things I shopped for, that was my second favorite - next to my Pochette. And now, it's also gone, as well. Haaayy!! I should've put a pin on the scarf to secure it. I never learned my lesson!

Anyway, when I told hubby about my sad (but totally shallow) news, he told me to just get a new one, and then make sure to keep it tied firmly and fasten it with a safety pin to secure its hold. I've yet to visit a Coach store here to see whether they have the color and pattern that would match my bag. I kidded Ryan by telling him that perhaps I should get a new bag to get over my loss but was surprised to hear him say that I should :D so tonight, we'll be hitting the mall and find me a new bag so that I'd stop blabbering about my lost scarf. I guess hubby's ears have gone bleeding already from my endless rants! Hehe!

C Going On 30!

It's C’s birthday and just like me & Ryan, she’s just turned 30, too!

We met up a few days before her birthday to celebrate in advance. Off we went to explore the Old Town in the Burj Dubai vicinity and checked out Dean & Deluca, an American café headquartered in Soho, New York. It was highly recommended by my friend at work, A. We didn’t regret swinging by the place – their food was really sumptuous!

Apart from the good gastronomical experience we had, we also loved the feel of the place…simple, straightforward and clean looking. It felt like being transported to an Anonymous shop with food, pastries and coffee being sold, instead of garments, trinkets and other what have yous.

We ordered their beef stroganoff, baked potato and eggplant pizza. Much to my surprise, the eggplant pizza was delicious! It’s got no weird after-taste and doesn’t leave an itch to your tongue. For dessert, we went for the M&M brownie and blueberry cupcake with buttercream icing. In contrast with their food, their pastries were like so-so.

But we’d definitely go back to Dean & Deluca, especially once the Burj Dubai and Emirates Mall open. It's located right smack in the middle of everything, so i’m certain come cooler months, the place will be packed - by tourists and locals alike. That would be a perfect time to enjoy the café dining al fresco.

To my dear friend, C, happy, happy birthday! I wish you more blessings to come! Thanks for coming back into my life. I hope you had a fun time the other night as much as we did. Xoxo!

Milestone And New Stone

Despite my horrible toothache yesterday, Ryan & I went on ahead to celebrate our 10th anniversary this year. (yes, i’m that stubborn!) Quite unconventionally, our simple celebration was done in reverse. We had dessert first at Haagen Daazs at the DIFC to pass the time before heading for dinner at Shang Palace in Shangri-La Hotel. Despite the 4 scoops of ice cream we shared, we still had room for the delectable Chinese cuisine. No doubt Shang Palace is the best Chinese restaurant in Dubai!

sucker for Strawberry Ice Cream

chocolate brownie fudge

while waiting for the food - love the ambience!

dimsum, claypot beef satay & prawn bread crumbs

But what made the event extra special to me was the gift Ryan gave me.

my new solitaire

It was included in my 30th birthday wishlist. I’m just so pleased I didn’t have to wait that long for it to be fulfilled!

Honey, you’ve made another dream come true for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

One Decade!

“10 years ago, under a coconut tree in Los Banos, Laguna, a boy & a girl made a promise. Little did they know that the promise they made was already the start of their lifetime of togetherness.”
Pardon me for being mushy. I just can’t help it…I’m so overwhelmed and enormously happy with the feeling that envelopes me.

Everything has been going great for us so far. We’ve been very blessed since our courtship days. Our lives couldn’t get any better! And now that we’re nearing our 3rd wedding anniversary, our only wish is to be blessed with a little angel soon. We hope and pray for a healthy bambino that will add joy to our abode.

Happy anniversary to us, honey! And thank you for deciding to celebrate this day still. Cheers to more blissful years to ahead of us!

Fun-Packed Weekend

I’m the type of person who’s never fond of going out on gimmicks every weekend, or bar hop as frequently as the others of my age group. My days of bar hopping had ended when I turned 25, I think. Blame it on my low tolerance for smoke and alcohol. Since then, I’ve shifted from a party girl to a home body person. Parties for me are now synonymous to nook crashing at a friend’s or cousin’s place or casual dinners suitable for a lively conversation. Anyone close to me would agree that I have indeed changed. Either that or I have aged ;-)

So when I said I’d join my fellow Pinay colleagues to go clubbing last Thursday night, they were all so surprised. For one, they’ve known me as someone who’s not into the clubbing scene. Since I’m already married, they were also worried that hubby will not approve of me going out without him. But having been blessed with an understanding and liberated husband at that, I was allowed to go out on a girl’s night out with my friends at work. in fact, he even drove for me, H and M to our meeting point.

We went to Trader Vic’s at Madinat Jumeirah and The Apartment at Jumeirah Beach Hotel for some bust a groovin’. It was sweltering hot on both places as they were packed with people, but even so, we had so much fun that we parted ways at almost 3:00 am.

As if we couldn’t get enough of each other’s company, we met up again the following day. We crashed at Nick’s pad for a get-together over chips, Marry Brown chicken, home-cooked Pochero, Black Forest cake, Brazo de Mercedes, Moist Chocolate cake and Cheese cakes. Just like any other visit to Nick’s, the evening ended up as a karaoke night. Thanks to his karaoke mean machine, the singing prowess of my Pinoy chums at work were unleashed!


After the rest of the ‘singing’ group had left, we decided to play a few rounds of boxing, baseball and tennis on Wii. M, hubby and I left Nick at peace at half past 2:00 am worn out and tired from all the singing and gaming.

It was pretty busy bonding time with friends at work last weekend, but I didn’t mind at all. I had an amazing time with them and I hope there’ll be more in the future! ‘till the next night out and house party!