Meriahnya Syawal, only at 1 Utama Shopping Centre

If you're staying within Klang Valley, well you wouldn't want to miss this exciting occasion! 1 Utama is having their Meriahnya Syawal which will be held from the 26th of June until the 20th of July 2015. So be prepared for some exciting activities and programs that will be happening during the period, which of course, 1 Utama never fails to make it very grand specially their loyal shoppers. From exciting cooking demonstrations, to shopping bargains and even festive promotions and performances to ensure that everyone who's at1 Utama will feel the wonderful festive spirit.

1 Utama mascots in Malay Traditional attire. 

I've personally checked it out myself, and i have to say that their 'makan village' at LG Oval concourse is where you can for charming penghulu house equipped with a full functioning kitchen fitted with high grade appliances courtesy of Belling and Way. And yes, if your up for some cooking classes to surprise your loved ones during Raya with some amazing dishes, there are tons of LIVE cooking demos by celebrity chefs, happening only at 1 Utama  For your convenience, i shall list down the Live Shows schedules happening at 1 Utama to make sure you won't miss it:

1.Chef Jaafar Onn (28th June, 3pm)
2. Chef Sherson Lian (3rd July, 4pm)
3. Chef Zaidah (11th July, 5pm),
4. Chef Sherson Lian (12th July, 3pm)

Sherson Lian, sharing some recipes at the event. 

Arpita who willingly volunteered to assist Sherson Lian to cook. 

Looking steady Arpita ;)

At the Media Preview which i would like to thank 1 Utama and The Butterfly Project for having me there, we had Sheson Lian to show us some cooking demonstration which was around an hour of yummy scents of delicious Ayam Percik, with a slight twist of using yogurt instead of coconut milk. It was an interesting experience watching a live cooking show for the first time. Definitely very tempting, the fact that you can smell the food that he was cooking which made everyone drool for more. Do join and learn expert tips and techniques to prepare local meals with these famous personalities when you get the chance to.

The 'Makan Village' 

Not only that, at the 'makan village', if you're a food lover, then this is the place you should be with tons of variety to bring back home to your hometown. Not to mention that i absolutely love the vibe there too! I took some shots of what you can find at the 'makan village' and of course, i love the hospitality of the sellers there too. It was all smiles when i was there.

Cookies

And More cookies!

Rendang taste nice with a smile

The famous Sangkaya is available at 1 Utama too!

Sangkaya toppings

And front the photos above, i guess you could pretty much tell that 1 Utama has done a good job with the variety of vendors which were there. I personally had my eye on Airi Delight's Store where there were a lot of option of raya cookies as she had tons of variety to choose from. I took some photos below, and as suggested by the seller, she said the must try would be their 'Kenari biscuits' or the ' Biskut Payung' which were said are their best sellers. She was kind enough to offer some testers too but i didn't had time to try it as i was rushing sadly. So do feel free to drop by and ask her for some yummy testers, and it might just get you hooked!

Airi Delight, who were very friendly!

From Left: Biskut Kenari and Biskut Payung (BEST SELLERS)

More options to choose from.

While browsing around through the Raya decorations, i would say that 1 Utama has definitely went all out this year to surprise shoppers with stunning props, like retro bicycles, Vespa scooters and vintage looking knick-knacks at every corner. And in the photos below, you can actually see that i kid you not, that they even had real grass pathways to get you ready to feel like shoppers get an authentic feel of this festive celebration.

The props to add an authentic feel to the environment.

Do i look like I'm at a 'kampung' or what? 

And as i mentioned earlier, REAL Green Grass.

Be sure to drop by Vespa's booth as well as there is a contest happening and all you have to do is to Snap & Win! Its that easy, not to forget that you also get to tell you friends that you 'sort of' rode a Vespa too. Teehee. There will be 9 prizes if you're concern, which would be a Vespa Leather Jacket, Vespa Wind Breaker, 2 Vespa Baseball Jersey and 5 Vespa T-Shirts up for grabs. The most creative photos will win some prizes.

Vespa's booth.

Snap & Win maybe? 

Balik kampung naik Vespa

1 Utama Gift Redemptions

And with1 Utama, thats not all! Without fail, 1 Utama would has a gift redemption promo for spending over a certain amount and for this festive occasion, you would get a complimentary cake stand with RM500 spent (or RM200 for ONECARD members) max 2 same day receipts at participating outlets. There will be 200 units daily! And exclusively for Maybank Cards users, you can receive a pair of cookie jars with minimum spend of RM500 only for the first 3,000 Maybank card members.

Managed to get a shot with Sherson Lian

A thing for Vespa's. 

There are definitely a variety of activities to do if you come and shop at 1 Utama for this coming Raya! And I'm loving every bit of 1 Utama's props. Kudos to the team of 1 Utama cause I'm definitely impressed with the whole deco of the court. It actually made me felt like i was in a 'traditional kampung' just that its with food literally at every corner. haha. Well, before i end my post, I'm going to post some of the activities available so that you (my lovely readers) are able to play your day ahead.

The top 7 festives that you wouldn't want to miss

1. Emoozi Magnetic Photo Giveaway (11 & 12 July, GF Centre Court 10am onwards)
Submit your we chat photo at the insta-machines and get it printed on a magnet memento. First come first serve, whilst stock last.

2. Custome-Made Bracelet Giveaway (18 July, GF Centre Court, 2pm - 4pm)
Choose from a range of designs and receive a cool customised bracelet. First come first serve, whilst stock last.

3. Caricature Badges Giveaway ( 19 July, GF Centre Court, 2pm - 4pm)
Take a seat and get a caricature drawing on a badge. First come first serve, whilst stock last.

4. Choco & Fruitie tart BAking Workshop, Lil'Bento workshop (12th July, LG Oval 1pm)
Interactive cooking sessions exclusively organised for ONECARD Kids for little ones to learn how to cook and prepare food. Pre-registration required at the Customer Service Centre, GF Highstreet. Limited to the first 30 kids aged 5-12 years old. Tools will be provided. 

5. De Weekend Bazaar (11th-12th July, 18th-19th July)
GF Centre Court, snap up the best bargains at our weekend bazaar where 14 stalls will be offering a variety of handmade accessories, arts and crafts, snack, gifts and more.

6. Gaya Raya Fashion Show (12th July, GF Centre Court)
Participating brands are: Calvin Thoo, Nurita Harith, Emerald Brilliant, SA Euphoria, Lynda Rahim, Sri Munawwarah, Cherrielee and Asfa Galeri.

7. Kraftangan Malaysia (26th June - 15th July, LG Oval)
A total of 7 vendors from Perbadan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia will showcase batik and other handicraft products. 

Promotional offers (Photo Credits: 1 Utama's Facebook Page)

Promotional offers (Photo Credits: 1 Utama's Facebook Page)

Well, thats all for now. For more details, do head over to 1 Utama's official website or Facebook Page for more info. And i shall take this opportunity to wish my muslim readers, Selamat Hari Raya in advance :) I hope you had fun reading this post! Tell me what have you shopped for at 1 Utama.

Much love,
Sara xx

Vika is finally available in Malaysia!

The Vika High Tea Party

A short introduction to VIKA, VIKA was created by NAON, a graphic designer and a nail artist, with a passion to crate a brand for those who love nail art that is visually delightful and the heart be touched by experience. All product of VIKA have been directed, designed and materials have been personally selected by her. Authentically found and designed in Korea. (Holla K-pop fans!)

The Variety of designs

We also had Cheryl, explaining on the products.

So i am thankful to be invited to the Vika High Tea Party session to have a fun experimental time to play around with the VIKA gel nail system. As the organisers of the event welcomed some of the attendees boyfriend to join the event, we actually had the boyfriends over to help out on some bonding session with their girlfriends.

Some yummy eateries

Yummy pastries

Drink Menu

We had yummy eateries at the event with complimentary cappuccino, latte or ice lemon tea to enjoy while Cheryl explained to us on how the VIKA gel nail system works. There are 5 steps in total to apply the VIKA Gel Nail systems which i will explain further in this post on the step by step directions. It was claimed that it is really easy to get it done on your own, that even your boyfriends would be able to apply it on your nails without a problem. And yes, these boys who attended the high tea had some serious skills to start impressing their girlfriends.

My top 6 favourite

My top 6 favourite

Apart of that, i was just drooling over the designs they had. And i think you would pretty much know that it was pretty hard for me to decide on a pattern. After a few change of minds, i ended up going for the pink lace skull, cause i think it reflects to me more with my daily outfit. Before we applied it on our own, we had friendly staffs to show an example on how it should be done. They literally left me amazed on how fast that it was applied on DIY mode.

The DIY VIKA Gel Nail System

The chosen design

In each pack of the Vika Gel Nail System, there are 5 items in a bag which would be the Nail Tonic, the Gel Nail Coat, the Touch LED Lamp and Cleansing wipe. You might need to get a pack go graphic nail stickers as well which would consist of 14 pieces of nail stickers and 11 pieces of toe stickers. Now let the fun begin!

The 5 Steps of Vika Gel Nail System:

Applying nail tonic for extra strength

1. Apply Nail Tonic which will protect your nails and help NAILJAM to stick better on to the surface.

Removing excess sticker

2. Stick NAILJAM, where you need to find a nail sticker that fits your nail and stretch it to place on the nail while avoiding creating any crumples. In my case, since my nails are considered pretty small, i had to cut out the sticker to make sure it fits my nails.

3. Next would be to apply gel top coat on nail which was recommended to apply twice to ensure that your nail is well coated around the edge and corners of the nails

The LED touch sensor

4. With the Lamp light curing, with high end touch sensors, you need to leave your nail which will activate the light and let it set for 30 seconds.

5. Last but not least would be to apply the classing wipe to remove the sticky layer on the nail gel and you are done!

*And the end result, drum rolls*

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The end result

Tadaaa, don't you think these are just to die for?! I can't believe that i got it done really pretty despite doing it on my own. But if you haven't realised, i actually added some diamond and gems to spice my nails up a little. And here I'm self complimenting myself on my own nail art skills. haha

More designs!

If you're up for some DIY nails, then you should really head over to The Pop Market, at Jaya One and drop by at VIKA's booth to check out what else they have. They would be glad to get your nails done for you in less than 30 minutes on the spot, or you can just check out on the whole set if you're tempted to get one for yourself at home for some fun girly time with your girlfriends.

What impressed me the most is that the LED light touch can be plugged into a power bank to function it which is a major plus if you're a jet setter like me. Don't have time to get your nails done at a salon? FRET NOT! Cause with VIKA Gel Nail System, you can get your nails done, anytime, anywhere.

With some new friends at the Tea Party

With Cheryl

For more information, do head over to their Official Facebook Page or you could visit their pop up store at Pop Market, Jaya One, Petaling Jaya. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog post, and thanks for dropping by! Do leave a comment below if you have anything that you're dying to ask, and i would love to get back to you ASAP :)

Much love,
Aliza Sara xx

Sunway Pyramid's Raya Anyamans

The Official Deco for this festive Raya season, only at Sunway Pyramid

With Raya just another week left, im pretty sure that you realize that malls around Klang valley are up with their festive decorations to celebrate the festive season together with their loyal shoppers. And recently I was invited to the community engagement event which was held recently, and I have tons of things to share with you guys! Even Fahrin Ahmad, Amber Chia and Deborah Henry was there too!

The Anyaman of a Ketupat.

This year, you might want to drop by Sunway Pyramid to celebrate the festive season where this years’ inspiration would be ‘anyamans’ which surrounds the mall with its delicate yet simple art form to create an ambience like no other for this coming Aidilfitri. We had a lovely traditional performance as well, to officiate the launch of the Raya Theme and promotions happening at Sunway Pyramid too.

Smiles from the performers that evening

Ketupat Anyamans, fund raising for the National Cancer Society Malaysia

Why shop at Sunway Pyramid? From now till 26^th July, the mall will be holding a few exclusive anyaman workshops and exciting redemptions. Not only that Sunway Pyramid will be rewarding shoppers, but they are also giving backt o society with an interactive activity to enjoy with shoppers. We had celebrity attendees and shoppers of Sunway Pyramid folding ketupats at the event where each ketupat folded, Sunway Pyramid will donate RM5 to the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM)’s Childrens Home of Hope. So if you would like to contribute, do make sure you fold some ketupats when youre at Sunway Pyramid.

Kevin Tan gave a speech as the Chief Operating Officer.

At the event, we had Kevin Tan, Chief Operating Officer of Sunway Shopping Malls who said ‘ Shopping malls of today play a pivotal role in the community. They have transformed to become not only a place to shop but also a public meeting place where people integrate, socialize and harmonize.” Well said Kevin Tan.

From left: Deborah Henry, Fahrin Ahmad and  Amber Chia
(Along side with Leona and Leo official mascots for Sunway Pyramid in lovely Baju Melayu and Baju Kurung)

Since children were present at the event, Leo & Leona, Sunway Pyramids lovable mascots made a Raya Roar appearance to keep them entertained. And if you want to bring your kids out for a stroll at Sunway Pyramid, Leo & Leona will be there making an appearance every weekend & public holiday from 27^th June tp 19^th July at 2pm & 4pm. So get your camera ready and get dressed for Raya to take photos with their lovely set up. We even had Kevin Tan and celebrities giving out some 'Duit Raya' and goodie bags to the children attendees from Masjid Al-Husna which was a joyful moment to see smiles every where.

Kevin Tan, giving out 'Duit Raya'.

Amber Chia passing out Goodie Bags with a smile.

Deborah joining the joyful event.

Before the event ended, a video titled ‘Titipan Sayang, Seribu Kemaafan’ was being presented to attendees to share their charitable initiative which was very touching that I shed a tear. For your convenience, I’ve embed the video below for your convince and you will understand the emotional meaningful video which has touched many souls who were there. Or you can personally visit the official page to watch the video by clicking on this link: https://www.facebook.com/sunwaypyramid/videos/10153398976998794/

Titipan Sayang, Seribu KemaafanAidilfitri adalah masanya untuk memohon kemaafan sesama insan. Justeru pada Hari Raya ini, Sunway Pyramid memberi misi istimewa kepada kanak-kanak terbabit untuk memberi kejutan kepada ibu bapa mereka dan dalam masa sama memohon kemaafan. Aidilfitri is a time to ask for forgiveness. This coming Raya, Sunway Pyramid gave an opportunity to children from different backgrounds to create a surprise for their parents. #AnyamanRaya #SunwayPyramid #HariRaya #MaafZahirdanBatin
Posted by Sunway Pyramid on Wednesday, July 1, 2015

The highlight dish at the event, at Tarbush.

Breaking fast 

The event ended with celebrities and guest from Kraftangan Malaysia, Masjid Al-Husna and members of the media were treated to a sumptuous  buka puasa dinner at Tarbush. Thank you Sunway Pyramid for having me and of course, the company was the best. Managed to meet new friends and enjoyed the trill of breaking fast with new faces.

Weaving and selling products by a member from Kraftangan Malaysia

My mandatory shot at the event

The Redemption counter to be redeemed by loyal customers of Sunway Pyramid

So do make sure you make time to drop by Sunway Pyramid this festive season and do not forget to visit the mall’s concourse, where they have transformed the space into a nostalgic Raya vision. On weekends at the Orange Concourse, there will be an exclusive Raya Weaving Workshop by professional craftswomen from Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia, where you can learn how to weave as they will gladly assist you step by step. Raya packets will also be given to those who spend a minimum of RM150, and for HSBC Credit Cardholders a minimum of RM100 in a single receipt while a Dazzling Arabian Raya Glass Set will be rewarded to those who spend RM300 or a minimum of RM200 for HSBC Credit Cardholders.

Managed to get a shot with Amber Chia and Fahrin Ahmad, major credits to Mira Citcit for this shot :*

For more information, head on over to Sunway Pyramid’s Official Website Page or call 03-74943100. Don’t forget to link their OfficialFacebook page too. I hope this was an interesting read for y’all. Do leave me a comment of your favourite moments at Sunway Pyramid when you get the chance to. I would love to know all about it!

Much Love,

Sara xx