Happy New Year!!

May Year 2013 bring us all good health, happy relationship and successful career. Thank you for your continued support to my blog.

1. Firecrackers are not allowed here so we have balloons to create noise. 2. Staff who joined the countdown. 3. Me & my BFF 4. NY countdown

Photo credit: www.calconews.com

5 Star Hospital Experience - Al Ahli Hospital

I was discharge from the hospital this morning. I had a lump excision yesterday at 11am.

I was confined in Al Ahli Hospital and I am so happy with the service. From the time of my appointment until the day of the operation, staff were courteous and accommodating. Everybody were smiling and willing to help. 

What I got for Christmas 2012

Hi Ladies,

Just wanna share the gifts I received last Christmas. 

Festive Question Tag

http://sendaiben.org

It's my Birthday!!!

My sister made this collage. How sweet! :)

As a December baby, I normally celebrate my birthday on Christmas day. Even if my birth date is December 19, I always celebrate it on December 25. My parents see to it that I have the cake of my choice and I have a lot of handa. I don't have that much of guests. My frequent guests are my cousins who live within our compound. I remember one birthday I cried to my mom and said "Lagi na lang sila ang bisita ko." Yeah, I had that moment. As a child, you want to invite your friends in your birthday, right? But since we celebrate my birthday on Christmas day, I can't invite my friends. 

10 years of friendship & counting!

Last August, my friends in theatre/church met for a mini reunion. It has been years since we spent time together.

Our friendship started when I join the drama guild of our Parish Church. We attended Basic Acting workshop. We shared a lot of sleepless nights of practices and we shared a lot of fun (and dramatic) memories. 

So last vacation, I met them in Eastwood and treated them for dinner and had some catching up with them. I miss them so much!!

Every vacation, I always ensure I meet them. :)

Restaurant Review: Nusantao Sea Kitchen

I was invited by my friend Albert to eat in Four Season's Nusantao Sea Kitchen. Restaurant is located in the lower ground floor of Four Seasons. Nusantao offers Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Arabic cuisine.


Design:

I love the signage at the entrance. Very chic.

Prost!

Prost is a German word for Cheers. Why? Because this is an Oktoberfest entry.

I know, I know it is pretty late to put an entry about Oktoberfest but I wanted to share with you my Oktoberfest experience at InterContinental Doha.

Enjoy!

Try-athlete!

I started December tried and out of breath. Why? Because I (force) joined a team triathlon. Let me give you a brief background on how I was "drag" into this sport.

ETC Haul

I know this entry is long overdue. Hey! Better late than never, right?

Just wanna share with you all my purchases from ETC Fashion Flea Market which happened last August 26 in Ronac Art Center.

There was an auction that will benefit Cancer Warrior Foundation. Shopping for a Cause! Yey!

Splurge or Steal: Wedge Sneakers

It has been awhile and I have a lot of things to share with you guys.

I know that wedge sneaker is very popular these days. I love Isabel Marant Sneakers and I know how expensive it is. I wanted to try it but my budget wouldn't allow me so I am on the hunt for a "affordable" alternative.

While reading one magazine (totally forgot the name of the magazine) I stumble upon Lee Cooper's sneaker and I fell in love with it. 

Busy as a bee

Last November, I was given an opportunity to volunteer in Doha Film Institute for Doha Tribeca Film Festival.

My friend Albert influenced me to volunteer. He shared his fun experience as a volunteer to this glamorous event. He has been with DTFF for 3 years.

I went online and submitted my CV (yes, you have to). Like any company, they screen the CVs to insure they get the best volunteers in town. And I was lucky enough to be chosen.

Advance Happy Halloween!

Last October 23, our company organized a Pre-Halloween Party for the staff. We had pumpkin carving and costume competition. We also had some balloon popping game, mummy making and powder blowing contest. It was a fun night.

Harry, Me & Mr. Pumpkin Head... lol

Hostess with the Mostess

My first hosting stint was in College and I thought that would be my first and last. 

Of course I host in my friends private event meaning kame kame lang. I am in my own element and I don't need to worry about how I dress, how I speak, I can goof around and tell funny jokes and I don't have to follow any sequence. Kumbaga, ako ang batas. lol...

So, last June, I posted this blog entry. I was thinking if I still want to join the talent competition. My group mate asked me to join our dance group. I was about to say yes when Ariel, Production & Stage Director, informed me that I was chosen to host the competition. O_o HUWATTT?! 

hosting in my friend's birthday

God's Gift

We often neglect to count our blessings. Instead, we focus on the problems we encounter.

We forget to be thankful of God's gifts he generously provide everyday. Beautiful sunshine, warm breeze, fragrant flower and tall trees. We focus so much of the worldly things and issues we have and do not have.

Product Review: Olay Skin Adapt Toner

This would be a short product review of Olay Skin Adapt Toner.

Photo from India Review Channel

Product Name: Olay Skin Adapt Toner

Size: 200ml

Price: QR 15-QR 18 (sorry I can't remember the exact price)

Branch: Carrefour City Centre, Qatar

Yuletide Giveaway

It's been a while!!!

Just a quick update. I moved out of my old room and now I am staying in my new flat! Yey!!! I am still with my roomie, Maribel. But now we're flatmates. Another yey!!! By the way, I have the Master Bedroom... *evil laugh*

Anyhow, it has been 2 months I believe since I had a giveaway. So I decided to do another one. 

You know how I adore Human Heart Nature products. I wanted to share this great product to you all by doing a giveaway. Okay, not all but TWO of my followers. 

Liebster Blog Award

So I opened my blog today and I got a pleasant surprise/comment from Sheena of Walking on Sunshine. Sheena tagged me for Liebster Blog Award. This award has been going around and I have read interesting blog posts about this tag. I have never thought that someone will tag me. For that, thank you so much Sheena. :)

What is Liebster Award?

Liebster Blog award is given to bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is a German word meaning dearest. A word synonymous to kindest, sweetest, nicest and endearing.

Christmas Wishlist # 1

Hi Ladies!!!

Eight two days left before Christmas!! Aren't you excited? Ako, oo!!! 

I already have my Christmas wishlist. Hahaha...

This is my wishlist # 1. I have been wanting to have these items, so much!

Pictures were taken from River Island website, kitchenequipment.blog.com and talknerd2me.org

Let's Move & Let's Love

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
Audrey Hepburn 

Restaurant Review: My Thai

When I came home for vacation, I brought my family to Gateway Mall, one of the malls near our place. There were so many restaurants to choose from. But my sister told me to try My Thai.

I was not disappointed. Food are delish!!! I love the Pomelo Salad with shrimp. I wanted to taste everything in the menu, we ordered more than what we can eat. hehehe... Pho Hoa was next to it so we also ordered beef noodle soup from them. 

We had salad, tofu, fried chicken, noodle soup, fried rice and chicken & pork satay.

Spa Review: Nature's Way Aromatherapy Spa

I am back with another Spa Review. So here's a short review of Nature's Way Aromatherapy Spa.

With all that "lakad" and "gala", my legs need some lovin'.

Spa Review: Facial Plus by Bioessence

A day before my flight, I asked my mom to accompany me to the mall to have some Mommy-daughter bonding. 

After some daughter duties (I accompany my mom to SSS), I treated my mom for lunch then we went to Facial Plus to get a facial. Yey!!

Product Review: Human Heart Nature Lush Vanilla Shampoo & Conditioner

Hi there!

I just wanna do a quick review of Human Heart Nature Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner in Lush Vanilla scent. I have been using these products for a month now and I have to say... I LOVE THEM! Okay... on with the review. :)

Picture taken from Humanheartnature.com

Review: Facial First

I would consider facial treatment here abroad as a luxury. Why? Coz it's so expensive. 

That's why, I did all the beautification thingy that  I can avail of during my vacation.

This would be a review of Facial First.

ETC Fashion Flea Market

Last August 25, I went to ETC Fashion Flea Market to go... of course shopping!

It was a two-day event. I went there with my sister.

Dance to the Beat of your Dream Giveaway

Elevation or Comfort?

When I was a young girl, my aunt would dress me with her cloths, put on some make-up and let me wear her heels. I would pose in front of a camera and pout. lol... For me high heels mean power and authority. I look up (literally and figuratively) to women who can wear heels.

As I grow older, I started to appreciate flat shoes. After years of wearing heels, I turn to flats for comfort. I love how many styles, colors and design a flat shoes have. A simple flat can complete a simple outfit.

I wear heels in the office and flats on casual days.

Since I love flats so much, I want to giveaway a pair of flat shoes to one follower.

See below mechanics.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanksgiving Giveaway Winners!

HI there!!!

Congratulations to these ladies who won my Thanksgiving Giveaway!!!

Enjoy your loot bag.

Thanks to all who joined. Hope you will join my second giveaway.

xoxo,
Katey

Haul: Etude House

I was very intrigued with Etude House brand. I have been hearing and seeing good reviews from YouTube Gurus. And I saw Etude lipstick from my sis as well.

These are some stuff that I purchased.

Liquid Eyeliner, 3 lipsticks, top coat and nail polish

Review: When you see hair, it's time to Lay Bare

I am back!!! I know I have been MIA. I am on vacation and it has been raining here in the Philippines and I was not able to go out.

Today, I was able to go to the mall and have some "me" time. So this post would be a mini review of Lay Bare Waxing Salon.

First Impression:
Catchy name! The place has this friendly atmosphere. Btw, I went to SM City Bacoor branch.

*I was escorted to a private room. The room is green and very comfy.

Restaurant Review:The Noodle House - Enjoy Tasty Tangle

This would be another food entry.

Last July 25, we decided to have our dinner in Noodle House.

I have always consider Noodle House as my favorite "Asian Restaurant" in Qatar. Click Here to see my other favorite restaurants.

Collective Haul: Max, Lotte, Ponds, Koleston, Human Heart Nature, Zara

Its has been a long time since I did a haul entry.

So here it is.

Natasha & Max flats

Chicken Pesto Pasta

One Friday morning, I woke up wanting to cook Pesto pasta. I have the ingredients anyway.

So here's my attempt in cooking Chicken Pesto Pasta.

Featuring: The Bean Girls

I got a pleasant surprise in my email yesterday. My Pinay & Proud entry blog is featured in Human Heart Nature. YEY!!!

Coming Home to Mandaue Foam

I am so excited!! You know why? Because I am coming home for vacation. 

It has been 2 1/2 years since I had a vacation. Though I consider Qatar as my second home, (total of 5 years working in Qatar), Philippines will always be my home. I am so ecstatic that I will be able to see my family.

I look forward to spending quality time with my Mommy & 2 sisters. :)

"Your home, your imagination"

Spa Review: Princess Salon

Hi Ladies,


This would be another review. This time it would be for Princess Salon.


To make this review easier, I would it breakdown to following areas:

• First Impression
• Attitude of the staff
• Services/Treatments availed
• Value for money
• Would I go again?

Pinay & Proud

What makes you Pinay and Proud?

This question should be easy but with all that is happening in our country, this question made it difficult to answer. 

I have been working for 5 years in Qatar. Most Middle East countries considered woman a second class citizen. But I am lucky to be in Qatar as Women Empowerment is encouraged here. You will see Qatari ladies working and are very visible in the community.

A lot has changed in the world in general. Women are making their mark in the society. So, who inspires me? This is easy!!! My Mommy. :) But I have decided to dedicate this post to my fellow Overseas Filipino Worker with whom I am working with. 

Ladies.... presenting.. THE BEAN GIRLS.. (we share the same passion for coffee... get it?) lol

Charisse, Gina, January, Analyn, (Ariel), Raquel, ME, (August), Maribel

These ladies inspire me!!

Representing!!

I have never thought that I will be sent out to have a training outside Qatar. 

This opportunity was overwhelming and humbling at the same time. Most company think that training someone means COST but in reality, it is an INVESTMENT. Staff will be knowledgeable and motivated which will later on result to REVENUE!! (kaching kaching $$$)

Spa Review: Nails Qatar - First impression (does not) last

Hi Ladies!!


My friend and I went to Nails Spa located in Royal Plaza to have our long overdue mini facial and lavish pedicure. We grabbed this deal from Qgrabs. 


Well, let me tell you that we had a hard time getting an appointment. My friend Ate Rax called first and she was told that they are fully booked. I tried my luck and I was able to get an appointment but the date is somehow inconvenient as it is in weekday. We wanted to have it on our day-off but I was told that they are fully booked. 

Thanksgiving Giveaway!! Yey!

Finally!!

As promised, I will be giving away some stuff as a way of thanking you Ladies. 

This would be a small giveaway. I am preparing a better giveaway. If you don't know what I mean, Click Here

There will be two winners for this giveaway. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hope you enjoy my simple giveaway. 

Talk to you soon.

xoxo,
Katey

We are making a difference

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” 
― John Holmes

QAWS

Dance to the Beat of Your Dreams!!!

Hi There!!

Who wants to win one of these shoes?? Comment below. 

Just wanna know how many will love to have one. (Prospect giveaway, thinking of the mechanics )

Looking to hear from you ladies.

xoxo,

Katey

Restaurant Review: Wafi Gourmet

Hi There!!!

Last Friday, my friends and I decided to have lunch at Wafi Gourmet located in Landmark Mall.

Nerdy Me!!!

Hi There!!

Just wanna ask which one looks better on me... B)

I love my eyeglasses as much as I love my sunnies. Btw, I do use eyeglasses as I have poor eye sight. I have eyeglasses since my elementary years. B)

xoxo,
Katey

Helping Hand

I would say that I am privilege to be working with a company that is passionate in helping the community. 

Product Review: Daiso Nose Pack

Hi There!!

I wanted to do a review on Daiso Nose Pack.

I was a bit hesitant coz I am afraid that it may cause allergy or it may not work because it is very affordable. (Misconception about cheap products)

Anyway, I decided to buy one and just use it to see if it will work.

Daiso Nose Pack Review:

Price: QR 7.00

Place Bought: Hyatt Plaza, Qatar

First Impression:

The packaging is simple. It does not come in a box which is fine with me. 

Trip to UAE

Hi There!

In my previous blog, I mentioned that I went to Abu Dhabi to attend a training. The training was held in InterContinental Abu Dhabi. It was my first training outside the country so I was a little scared and nervous coz I am not only there to learn but also to represent our hotel. 

So here are the photos of what happened in UAE. :)

Churp Churp!!

Hi There!


Guys join churpchurp now! Get rewarded for your social networks! It's really cool! ph.churpchurp.com #phchurpchurp

xoxo,
Katey

AUH Haul from Marina Mall

Hi There!!

I went to Abu Dhabi to attend a training which was held in InterContinental Abu Dhabi. I stayed there as well. (will make a separate post)

After our training I ask a colleague to accompany me to the nearest mall which is Marina Mall. Lo & behold!!! The mall is on sale. With limited budget, I manage to buy some stuff.

Bath&Body Works Lotion/Candle, Starbucks Mug, H&M lip balm/nail polish/bronzer/lip gloss, Mac Girl About Town lipstick

I also bought two Abu Dhabi Starbucks Mugs and one Dubai shot glass. (not in the picture). Oh, and I bought a donut bun and eyeglass. I have been meaning to buy one as to keep one eyeglass in my room and one in our office.

Excited to post some photos of my trip to UAE. 

xoxo,
Katey

Planned Giveaway update!

Hi There!

Just wanna update you ladies that I have not forgotten my promise to do a giveaway. I am in the process of buying and looking for good giveaway. I was in Abu Dhabi last July 3-6 and was able to buy some stuff for the giveaways.

I will be giving away some H&M and Bath & Body Works beauty products. I am planning to give a way Marks & Spencer product as well.

I am still thinking of the Mechanics... so excited to do my first giveaway!! :)

Some giveaway items

xoxo,
Katey

Murakami Ego

Hi There!!

Its been a while since my last post.

Last June 23, my friend and I decided to visit Al-Riwaq Exhibition Hall to see Takashi Murakami masterpieces. The exhibition is entitled Ego.

NEW FREE GIFT: The Season's Hottest Hues

Hi Ladies!!!


Another fantastic offer from Sigma!!! :)


Sigma Beauty Affiliate Program: NEW FREE GIFT: The Season's Hottest Hues: 


Get glam with a sample of the season’s hottest hues! Throughout July, Sigma will be sending complimentary mini eye shadow palettes with all purchases over $30. The mini palette features one color from each of our best selling eye shadow palettes, Bare, Dare and Flare.

The shades featured in the palette are: 

Reveal (Dare palette): A deep rust shade with a pearl finish. Great for contouring the eye as an alternative to brown. Also makes a unique smoky eye.

Act (Bare palette): A neutral, medium brown tint. Great for everyday use for all skin tones.

Oversee (Flare palette): A subtle ocean blue with a gold pearl.

xoxo,

Katey

Exclusive Affiliate Discount Code 2

Hi There!!!


Have you purchase your Sigma brushes? Well, another discount is here!!

Take advantage of the discount and enjoy shopping!


xoxo,
Katey

Free Discount Coupon at humanheartnature.com!

Hi There!


Just a short post. Take advantage of Free Discount Coupon at humanheartnature.com!

Enjoy & happy shopping!


xoxo,
Katey

Happy Tummy!!

Hi There!!

Just wanna share my favorite Restaurant/Coffee Shop/Fast Food.

Ready, set, EAT! :)

Exclusive Affiliate Discount Code

Ladies!!!


Take advantage of the exclusive affiliate discount code! The code is STAR2012 will be valid from June 1 - June 30 for 10% of your entire purchase! 

Enjoy the discount!! 


xoxo,
Katey

Swimsuit ready!

Hi There!!


Summer is here!! 


I can feel the fury of Mr. Sun and Ms. Beach is calling me. My heart and mind is ready but my body... Na-ah! I don't want to traumatize the beach goers with my bulging tummy and big thighs. Children might have nightmares. Hahaha... Of course I am kidding! 

Voucher Queen!

Hi There!

I have always considered myself penny-wise or thrifty. Probably I got it from my Dad. (He is Ilocano.. hehehe) I am the type of person who likes to save money. I always have a self-dialogue when it comes to spending my hard earned money. But being a girl who loves all things sparkly and girly, I seldom spend money quite impulsively. And this small voice inside me would tell me "You should have save it!" 

I need to find balance between my wants and necessity. In my younger years, I always get a monthly facial, foot spa, massage and hair treatment. But now, I can't even find time to go to the salon to get a decent haircut. :( I think as you mature you lean towards to spending your disposable income with investment. But hey, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. I need a little relaxation and pampering every ones in a while without feeling guilty.

Since cost of living in Qatar is high, any discount or additional benefits will help my dying pocket.

If you are here in Doha, do check-out these websites:

Jenni Epperson ang peg

Hi There!!!

I have decided to make a separate post on my fave purchase, Century Tuna products.

Trip to Souq

Hi There!!


When you are working abroad, you miss out on a lot of things. These include family gathering, holidays and most especially food!


Here in Qatar, we need to travel to Souq (open-air marketplace) to enable us to buy Filipino products. We even have our own Filipino Souq which has shop names like "Kabayan" and "Manila". 

What I bought:

Indian soap: I use it for my rashes. It is already summer and temperature can reach up to 45 degrees (or even 50 degrees). This makes my skin irritated. Boooo...

Milk Salt: to exfoliate my skin. :) No to dry skin!!!

Sky Flakes & Magic Flakes: My team members (Egyptians) love Filipino food. Tea and Filipino biscuits = Perfect!

Century Bangus Tocino: My fave purchase of all. (will have a separate post)

And since we're in Souq, we have to eat some Filipino food. Yey!!!

Lugaw & Pancit!!!

Sigh... I miss everything about the Philippines, even the traffic!!! Lol..

Till my next post! :)

xoxo,

Katey

Sup?

Hi there!!

It has been a busy week! I attended our monthly Winning Ways (small gathering of all employees of the company wherein we announce upcoming activities, promotions etc.) I went to our sister company to help in system configuration and attended a small celebration of a colleague's birthday.

Here's the photos for your viewing pleasure. :)

Arroz Caldo for dinner, canapes & pineapple, Charles & Keith bag, cereal & apple, coconut juice

Just a short post to keep you updated. :)

P.S. I know I have to think of a better post title...

xoxo,

Katey

Product Review: St Ives Apricot Scrub

Hi There!!

This is a review of St. Ives Brightening Apricot Scrub. 

In my earlier post, I mentioned that I have been using St. Ives scrub since high school. I did a review also in Totalbeauty.com and I have nothing to say but good thing about the product.

Dry Brushing

Hi There!!!

I would like to share with you a beauty/health regimen that I have been doing for a month now.

My friend, Belle, introduced to me dry brushing. You maybe wondering what is dry brushing.

My Skincare Routine

Hi There!!!

We, Filipinas, are blessed with good genes. We normally look younger than our actual age. I for one, is mistaken to be twenty something when in fact I am 30 years old. Yes, I am thirty.

I have been a beauty junkie since college. I have been buying beauty products from Nivea, Ponds and Olay.

Giveaway!!!

Hi There!!!


I can see that my follower count is increasing day by day (thanks to Ate Shebay) 


Because of that, I am thinking of doing a giveaway after Ate's giveaway. (no overlapping, right?)


It would be a token of appreciation for following my blog as well as Ate.


I do hope that my post entertains you in more ways than one.


Thank you for your support. Till my next post. :)


xoxo,
Katey

Collective Haul (MSE, Mark & Spencer, La Senza, Aveeno and Neutrogena)

Hi There!!!

I am back with a haul post.

My impulsive self is getting the best of me and my wallet.

So here are the photos of my purchases for the first week of June.

Restaurant Review: The Cafe - Going International!

Hi There!!!

I am back with another birthday post.

My friend Mickey celebrated her birthday last June 1. She's a Gemini baby!

Her sister Mhavz decided to surprise her by organizing a small gathering to celebrate Mickey's birthday. When you are away from your family, your friends and colleagues become your family. 

DIY: Flower Arrangement

Hi there!!!

This would be an earth friendly post.

I love scented candles! I love how it makes my room smell so good and helps me relax. 

Tikipucapuca Night

Hi There!!!

I am back with another post.

Seems like most of my posts are about celebrating life. People close to me are May babies. :)

My friend Kaka aka Charisse, celebrated her birthday last May 31. What I like about her is her simplicity and humility. She's not materialistic at all. She told us that she does not like any material gift for her birthday. She rather have an "experience". 

It was really hard to give what she wants due to limited resources. She already tried sky diving in UAE and white water rafting in the Philippines. So we were thinking, what should we do to quench her thirst for adventure?