Unusual Weather

 Last Friday, we experienced a very unusual weather. Initially, there was RAIN. Then after sometime I heard a sound as if someone was throwing stones at our window..there was HAIL AND THE HAILSTONES ARE BIG!!  After half an hour or so the sky turned orange...there was SANDSTORM and afterwhich the sky turned black. Nakakatakot!!!
Ironically, this only happened within our area while some parts of Riyadh (City Center) didn't experience it. WEIRD!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Hadeel!!!!

It was an intimate birthday dinner for a 1 year old girl, Hadeel.

We enjoyed the party with good food, beautiful music and non stop chatting .

Here are some of the photos during the party. Sorry for the blurry photos because we only used our camera phones!

The Birthday Girl in the Middle with her Parents

Moi with Rania and Leila

Party! Party!

Happy Birthday Hadeel!!

Play Area for the Kiddos!

Munch Bakery

Munch Bakery ~ cupcake mania hits Riyadh by storm!!! As in para silang kabute na nagsulputan hehehe. One of which is Munch Bakery na dati ay sa Jeddah lang and now its finally here in Riyadh. Its been close to a year since they branched out in the city pero super dami ng customers nila.
Yesterday, after we placed the order for Leila's birthday cake syempre kailangan may "to-go" na
cupcake for us :-)
Red Velvet and carrot are my favorite...So yummy!!
And because their staff are almost 90-95% Pinoy we always get the best service *wink*

Red Velvet

Mini Cupcake: SAR 3.00/pc

Regular Cupcake: SAR 6.00/pc

I also love their Munch Pop...so moist and simply delish!!! I have yet to try their other products like their tarts and cookies.

Leila's Birthday Party Ideas

In less than 2 months, my youngest daughter will celebrate her 1st birthday. I am excited!!!! That is why as early as now I am planning her party. We will celebrate here at home and so I have ample time to think and plan the theme and design for the party.
3 years ago,  my eldest celebrated her 1st birthday party in the Philippines it was a big celebration since family members, relatives, friends and former office mates were all invited. I wouldn't deny it that it was also expensive..ouch! From the venue rental, venue decorator, cake, prizes, food, outfit etc..It costs us alot but it was worth it because everyone enjoyed the party.
For this coming party, it will be more intimate since I only have one family member here in the Kingdom (my cousin) and few family friends. I will organize it myself and decorate our house too.

So, as early as now I already have a theme for Leila's party its..."LADY BUG". Black, Red, White and Green color motiff. I have already started practicing on how to make tissue pom poms.

It was a success!!!

I also plan to create a buffet dessert ~ homemade cookies, cakes and other pastries. Last year, I made candy corner for Rania's 3rd birthday party and they all liked it including the adults :-)
So, hopefully this year they would like it too.

Here is the kind of cake that I would order for Leila but the color would be different. It is made up of small cupcakes (Carrot) with cream cheese frosting (from Much Bakery)

I have also made the invitation, food labels, toppers etc.

Busy Weekend

It was a busy weekend for us.We had our usual Wednesday night out but this time we let our daughter decide where to have our dinner and it was no surprise that she chose Mc Donald's hahaha. After dinner, we went to Granada Mall to buy a gift for Baby EJ  ~ she had her 1st party yesterday (Friday).

Just before noon Thursday, we went to IKEA to purchase the dining table plus the side tables too. We still need to go back after 2 weeks because the dining chairs were out of stock.
A visit to Ikea would not be complete without a pit stop to Ikea Cafe. We had Najad Salmon Salad, Herbed Baked Salmon with rice,Mashed potatoes, Muffin and Strawberry Cheesecake. It was all delicious!!!!

Najad Salmon Salad

Herbed Baked Salmon

Mashed Potato

Muffin

We spent the whole afternoon installing the tables. It was time consuming but also served as bonding moment for us = happiness!

Will take photos of our new dining room once everything is properly arrange :-)

Back in Riyadh!!!

We're back once again in the Kingdom after 6 months of long vacation in the Philippines. Overall me and my kids enjoyed our time there. Going to the mall, eating out, spending time with my family especially during special occasions like birthdays and Christmas.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to spend New Year with them because we need to be back before my re-entry permit expires.

We flew back to Riyadh via Saudi Arabian Airlines. And because this is the only direct flight to/from Manila, we often fly with them. Also, as a frequent flyer member (Gold) sayang naman ang mileage *grin* 

Modesty aside, I LOVE flying Business/ First Class not only because of the baggage allowance but moreso because of comfort, spacious seat and service.Hirap kaya to travel with these 2 kiddos for 10hrs na economy lang. 

I had a bad experienced with the lounge receptionist/ staff but i don't want to divulge  on this dahil new year na :-) pero sana mag improve ang service nila especially pag kapwa Pinoy.

Inside Miascor / Saudi Arabian and Malaysia Airlines Lounge

Chicken Adobo, Porridge, Noodles, Soup, Dessert, Drinks and Assorted breads

As for Saudia's service, I would say they have improved (or it depends on the flight attendants on board) They were all attending to our needs especially with my 3 year old daughter. It was a great comfortable flight.

Saudi Arabian Airlines Business Class Seat

Not fancy but i love it. Wide comfy seats and spacious leg room

they have improved. Not the generic kit anymore..it's Salvatorre Ferregamo!

 Menu Card. Yummy food selections

Smoked Salmon and Shrimp with Asparagus..My Starter

Hubby chose this

Ice cream for dessert (sorry was not able to take pics of the Main Course..too hungry)

Black Forest Cake

We arrived safe and sound and on time last January 31. Time to explore the beauty of the Kingdom once again. Belated Happy New Year to all!!!

Rania Invades Red Sand

Its been close to 3 months since my last blog entry. Pardon me! pleeeeease (",) So many things are going on in my life left and right and the ultimate culprit is my pregnancy hehehe..kidding!
I will try to make updates every now and then..crossing my fingers.

Few months back hubby decided to bring Rania to the famous RED SAND here in Riyadh. A breath out for all of us and at the same time to spend quality time with our daughter since he was not "on call" at that time.

So, here are the photos during our short trip.

Beautiful landscape, Fine Red-Orange Sand

 Sunset

Father and daughter enjoying their time

 Fun! Fun! Fun!

Equipped with shovel, pail, water etc.