Saudi Arabia

At 1:30 pm today, we went to my friend's brother who lives downtown and he prepared a late lunch for us. I truly had a feast of the Sauteed Shrimp, Sinigang (filipino dish) and Baked Fish Tilapia stuffed with massive amount of tomatoes and onions. Starvation leads me no time to take the photos of the delicious dishes. But before we landed, I was able to snapped photos and a video in the middle of a short trip to Al-Khobar downtown.

At the height of the afternoon, the streets are nearly deserted like an aftermath scene of the movie "The Day After Tomorrow". Most stores are closed due to prayer time and regularly reopens after 4:00 pm. People are impressively huge in the evening were temperature is not relatively high.

Have a fun-filled day everyone!

greetings, aileen

Starbucks Coffee / Fast facts about Starbucks Coffee Company

Another Saturday evening. I burnt myself cleaning my space and ironing some heavy creased linens for a few hours. Gladly I took a break and headed to a nearby Starbucks with a friend for a little chitchat. A simplest plan of the evening. The prayer time just ended, I felt lucky that there is no customer yet, so I had my moment and acted like a connoisseur photographer inside. Photography is something I enjoy but I believe that my road to become a successful photographer is forever gonna be under construction. What I like is when I learn something new and be inspired. This time, I decided to free wheel my way and here is my I-Can-Be-A-Photographer attitude quite dreaming to capture the magic of the famous Starbucks Coffee armed with my 'mini' digital cam. Anyways, what's your favorite at Starbucks?

The ambiance is very relaxed with nice lighting all over the place.

Moving close with the subject.

Get closer, oh my! i'm craving for this Milk Chocolate Covered Raisins

I was snapping pictures like crazy while my friend is busy ordering our hot choco.

The Kenyan Barista shares his artistic skill of making coffee with us exactly the way we want.

My Hazelnut Hot Chocolate drizzled with chocolate on top...

Fast facts about Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks Origins

The Company Name

The Starbucks name came from Starbuck, Captain Ahab's first mate on the ship in Herman Mellville's classic 1851 novel Moby Dick, who was depicted as an avid coffee drinker.

First Store

The First Starbucks store opened in Seattle's (U.S.) historic Pike Place Market in 1971. It was set up by two local Seattle teachers and a writer and was originally called Starbucks Coffee, Tea and Spices. The name was later changed to Starbucks Coffee Company.

The Logo

The original Starbucks logo is based on a 16th century Norse woodcut; a two tailed mermaid encircled by the store's original name, Starbucks Coffee, Tea and Spices. The mermaid or siren reflects the seafaring origins of the early coffee traders.

Initial Public Offering

The company was listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange in 1992 and opened its first store internationally in Japan in 1996. There are now over 7,000,000 shareholders who collectively own Starbucks stock.

Global Presence

Though their roots are in the US, today Starbucks Coffee Company is a global company with more than 16,785 stores worldwide in 49 international markets, employing 160,000 partners (employees) worldwide.

Mission Statement

To inspire and nurture the human spirit - One person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. 

Reference : Starbucks Coffee Company's brochure

Movie Review - Flipped (2010)

Today, I had time to visit DVD room located in our accommodation where we borrow DVDs for free. Cinema theater is prohibited in the Kingdom, and we are glad that our company provided us this free advantage to enjoy. I was reckoning for the new movies but they were mostly action-packed and heavy drama. After a very stressful day, I needed a story line that is a funny, romantic and light film, eliminating plots that are too complicated and mind-boggling. My short trip from rack to rack of DVDs brought me back to a 2010 movie that captivates my sight.

Flipped (2010)

Cast : Madeline Carroll, Callan McAullife, Rebecca De Mornay, Anthony Edwards, John Mahoney

Genre : Comedy, Drama, Romance

Directed by : Rob Reiner

Writer : Rob Reiner

My rundown:

Bryce Loski have always been annoyed by Juli Baker since the day of their acquaintance, unlike Juli who developed admiration to him instantly, is hoping that he will be her first kiss. Set on late 50's and early 60's, it remains a beautiful scenarios in a funny exploration of innocence, infatuation, braveness, friendship and misinterpretation of youth feelings, and the important lesson of a family bond despite differences.

My verdict:

This movie takes me to a warm and laid back moment during my early teens. The plot story is pleasantly light but the element of lines and strong performances are so striking and pretty nostalgic. I heartily consider this as my favorite film, simply marvelous and a must-see again and again and again!

My favorite quotes:

Grandfather : You know, Bryce... once's character is set at an early age. I'd hate to see you swim out so far you can't swim back.

Bryce : Sir?

Grandfather : It's about honesty, son. Sometimes a little discomfort in the beginning... can save a whole lot of pain down the road.

Juli : I guess it's something about his eyes or maybe his smile. 
Father : And what about him? 
Juli : What? 
Father : You have to look at the whole landscape. 
Juli : What does that mean? 
Father : A painting is more then the sum of it's parts. A cow by itself is just A cow. A meadow by itself is just grass, flowers. And the sun picking through the trees, is just a beam of light. But you put them all together and it can be magic.

Grandfather : Some of us get dipped in flat, some in satin, some in gloss; but every once in a while, you find someone who's iridescent, and once you do, nothing will ever compare

(photo via netkushi.com)                         

A scene during the Loski and Baker family dinner (photo via netkushi.com)

Bryce Loski and Juli Baker (photo via netkushi.com)

(photo via netkushi.com)

Young Bryce and Juli (photo via netkushi.com)

And, I had a crispy chicken meal served as my early dinner while watching the heartwarming film. my crispilicious goodness!

French fries where art thou? oops.. I need my calorific fries to dwell on my post, lame excuse :D

Well, I told you a lot. I hope you'll watch this film and I will be glad with your input.

Greetings, Aileen 

New York Fashion Week : Rodarte Spring Summer 2012

Yellow is my favorite color, the cheerfulness, vibrancy and sunshine-y mood effect explains it all. 

Sunflower is my favorite flower, the fiery blooms, flamboyancy and apparently its yellow color justifies it all.

So I was enthralled and be-charmed with the Rodarte Spring Summer 2012 Ready To Wear collection during the New York Fashion Week. Vincent Van Gogh, sunflower, silk, tulle, shapes, skirts, turquoise, gold, yellow - Mulleavys dreamy creation is too beautiful and too glamorous to ignore. 

Photo courtesy of Wmagazine.com

Video courtesy of Youtube.com

It's a baby boy for Christina!

The best gift we can give to any new proud parents is our time. So today, I visited my co-worker Christina who just had a new baby boy!

Suddenly, the day that I had my baby spontaneously flashbacking, add it to that, it is the same hospital where I delivered, so as I navigate each corners (though it's not the same room) I can't still forget those mixed emotions. I had a very difficult labor and delivery, BUT it was the most beautiful and happiest moments of my life beyond compare. 

Anyways, the baby is magically cute and cuddly wrapped in a blue baby blanket to keep him warm. And look what my camera and I managed to snapped - wonders of blue goodies!!! yey!

It's a baby boy!

chocolate in blue

Worth it or Regret it! Let your feet do the talking

In a span of almost 4 months, I was such a failure that I did notice I was snapping (well for me) myriad of shoes. I can't help myself every time I go inside a shop and sometimes sale opportunity is knocking my heart. So here I am with my row of shoes (I intentionally not included few of those mostly worn because they look very exhausted, yay!) and telling you if each of this footwear is worth your money or not. 

Topshop (Ankle Boots) - It is so light in an instant. You can even fold them. Worth it!

Koton (Ballet Flats) - Perfect for jeans, skirts and dresses. Comfort is built right in. Worth it!

Camper (Wedges) - As they say, less stock on display in a shop store the more expensive the shoes are, but this time I don't mind. Indeed, very foot friendly and Camper is very attention to detail. The strappy suede are stylish for both work and play. Worth it!

Lyne's (Wedges) -  I was in the mood to look elegant but a little bit sexy the day I bought them. Sadly, my decision to buy is dumb. Having beautiful shoe shouldn't mean killing my feet. Regret it! 

River Island (Sandals) - This would be a perfect break from my office shoes. Worth it!

Nike (Sporty) - The time that I purchased them I was preferring Nike when it comes to sport gear, but the color for me is a risk. Well, it is still Worth it!

Worth it or Regret it! Miss Selfridge Cross Body Bag

There are times that I could be a worst impulsive shopper, because I often engaged myself in retail therapy, and unfortunately, sometimes guilt have no way to stop me. So, I decided to blog the things I bought and see if it's worth buying for or just end up distressing to know that they are just hiding with shame in my closet.  I will address each post - Worth it or Regret it!

Miss Selfridge Cross Body Bag

This shoulder bag is totally worth it, why? well, it's all about the harmony of embellishment and color with elaboration of absolute simplicity. It is also easy to carry in my shoulder. The leather is soft and complements the color. The first time I spotted this bag (in fact, the very last piece) I cannot resist the urge of temptation and emptied my 'almost' empty wallet. But, I am excited to add vintage flair again with hip fantasy in my wardrobe... why not? right?