[REVIEW] Nescafé Gold Blend Barista Machine

The Nescafé Gold Barista Machine

If youre a coffee lover, you came to the right place. Today i'll be talking about the Nescafe Gold Blend Barista Machine and i'll be sharing a thing or two about what i think about it. This barista machine has been designed to be paired with the Nescafé Gold Blend and alternatively other freeze-dried coffee options. The idea of this machine is basically to make sure that coffee lovers will be able to get the freshly grind coffee being made available at home.

Nescafé will be launching Nescafe Gold Blend Barista Machine on the 14th of September 2016 which will be available on Lazada, so be sure to stay tuned on that as theres a special launch promotion happening for a limited time, and its definitely cheaper than the original retail price.

MACHINE OVERVIEW

Nescafé Gold Barista Machine's User Manual

Machine Overview

Every box of the Nescafe Gold Blend Barista Machine comes with an easy to read user manual. And i  admit that i love pictorials instead of the wordy kinds, making it easy to understand on how to use it without making mistakes (or maybe minimizing on mistakes instead) haha.

IMPRESSION

Preparing Beverages

After about 3 weeks of using this Barista Coffee Machine, i have to admit that i love that it makes five different styles of coffee at a touch of a button, namely espresso, lungo, Americano, cappuccino, and latte macchiato. So imagine waking up, and it would take you less than 5 minutes to prepare your morning cup of coffee. Saving you the time from boiling water, getting the right measurements of your coffee and sugar, and milk out of the fridge. Doesnt sound too bad ey?

FIRST TIME USE PROCEDURE

The Water Tank

Be sure to fill the water tank at least 1/3 full

Before using the machine, you may need to rinse it through first. To do so, fill in about 1/3 of water into the water tank and dont forget to place a cup under the coffee outlet. Be sure to put drinking water in the tank to prevent any errors.

Click the espresso icon to rinse

Then once you have filled the water tank with water, switch the machine on and wait for about 25 seconds for the machine to warm up. Once the green blinking stops, touch the espresso icon and let the rinsing begin. Also, a gently reminder to make sure that you have a cup at the dispenser, cause once you've touch the button, hot water will be rinsing through. After rinsing is done, machine is ready for use!

ADD YOUR NESTLÉ GOLD COFFEE

Remove the Coffee Box

Remove the cover

Add in your Nescafé Gold Blend

But of course, you cant make coffee without the coffee right? So here's a pictorial on how i added my coffee in. Push the top cover and open it and remove the coffee box. Remove the gold cap and add the Nescafé Gold Blend, (in my case, i used the funnel provided in the box so that it avoids spilling my coffee as im a little clumsy). Next, once you've filled your coffee box with coffee, re-attach the cap and insert the coffee box back to the machine. Easy no?

MAKING YOUR CUP OF COFFEE

Preparing your beverages

Add milk first if you're preparing a cappuccino or a latte macchiato

Now for the fun part, preparing your coffee. Im not a fan of pure black coffee, so i would prefer either a cappucino or latte macchiato. But these two drinks requires milk. Since there is no milk dispenser, you may need to add the milk in the cup first before making your coffee. You can choose to use a measuring cup to measure the suggested amount of milk, or you can do how i do it. The malaysian 'spontan' way. 

Touch icon once your cup is prepared.

When preparing a cup of cappuccino or latte macchiato, again, a reminder to add fresh milk into your cup first, then let the machine amaze you by creating milk foam instantly right in front of your eyes. The machine literally shoots pulses of hot water into the cup to steam and froth the milk to the necessary texture, before dispensing coffee. I have to say that it was rather fascinating to watch my coffee being prepared for me without need me putting any other effort.

Machine shooting pulses of hot water to create foam

Coffee layers added

And viola! Its as easy as a push of a button, literally. I love how the aroma tempt me and of course the fact that i can control how milky i want my coffee to be (since i like it extra milky) Hehe. Also, please note that you may also need to add in sugar once your coffee is done, unless you like it without sugar.

VERDICT

And my cup of latte machiato is complete!

As a verdict, i would say that Nescafé has made it super convenient for coffee lovers to prepare their own Barista Style Coffee at home via DIY. It will be launched exclusively on Lazada on the 14th of September 2016 with a launch promo where when you buy the Nescafé Barista Machine with 1 Nescafe Gold Blend 200gm Jar with 1 Nescafe Gold Blend Refill Pack, it will only be priced at RM239.00 (For a limited time only). The original retail price will be at RM399, so if you've been looking for a barista coffee machine, be sure to stay tuned for the launch and get yourself this Nescafé Gold Blend Barista Machine at a promotional price today! 

You can purchase your Nescafé Gold Blend Barista Machine by clicking : HERE

AirAsia X SimplySiti Collaboration

AirAsia X SimplySiti Collaboration launch

AirAsia BIG Duty-Free proudly announced a collaboration with SimplySiti, and if you're a fan of Siti Nurhaliza, you would definitely be familiar with this hugely popular beauty brand. Being a frequent traveler, I think most of us would always have AirAsia in mind ever since they made it possible to fly almost anywhere at the lowest cost. (Thanks, AirAsia) And I am truly proud that AirAsia has taken another huge step into including our homegrown brands like SimplySiti to be available on flight and on their online stores.

The AirAsia Edition of SimplySiti

In conjunction with the collaboration, SimplySiti has decided to have an exclusive range for AirAsia which would be the 'Simply Elegant 2 Way Cake - AirAsia Edition' and the 'Simply Elegant Lip Gloss Duo - AirAsia Edition' which will be available on board all AirASia and AirAsia X flights from  1st September onwards. Both these products also features an exclusive signature mark of Siti Nurhaliza to add a little exclusivity to the collection too!

Simply Elegant 2 Way Cake with Exclusive signature by Siti Nurhaliza

Coverage swatch

To celebrate the launch of the collaboration, the Korean-made products will be sold at a promotional price of only RM54 each on board AirAsia and AirAsia X flights from 1st September until 30th September 2016. Or if you prefer to purchase via online, you can always head over to the website at bigdutyfree.com. Both the special edition products are from SimplySiti's best-sellers range of products and are not available for purchase elsewhere making it entirely exclusive.

Simply Elegant Lip Gloss with Exclusive signature by Siti Nurhaliza

Swatches of the gloss duo

AirAsia BIG Duty-Free is AirAsia's travel retail portal which promises the biggest selection of duty-free brands and merchandise product, big deals and big surprises for its online shoppers. And personally, I love how its tax-free and its super convenient as I admit that I would pre-book my purchases conveniently to be delivered to my seats on my next flight on AirAsia X. YASSS! (WHY YOU DO DIS TO ME AIRASIA) Haha. I'm spending more than I should, but whateves. YOLO guys.

Mandatory group shot of the VIP's

And there you have it, guys, now you won't have to worry if you forgot your compact or gloss cause you can simply purchase it on AirAsia flights. For latest updates on promotions and activities, please follow AirAsia's facebook at facebook.com/airasia.

Nivea Men X Rizman Ruzaini Pop Up Store

Pop Up Store // 7th to 13th September 2016

Gents, or if you're a lady reading for the man of your life, we both know that deodorant stains are mood spoilers, especially when once the damage has been done, its impossible to restore. BOO! Why do some deodorants leave stains? Well, that's because due to the chemical reaction between antiperspirant ingredients, sweat, and detergent, it basically leaves stains on your favorite shirt. But you don't have to worry about stains anymore when you have the Nivea and Nivea Men anti-stain range.

The official launch ceremony

Pop-Up Store launched

On the 7th os September, Nivea Men launched its first ever Black and White pop-up store in conjunction with their "Don't Stain Your Favourite Outfit" campaign in collaboration with high-end fashion house, RIZMANRUZAINI. With Two mega-sized Black and White Deodorant Spray and Roll-On mock-ups in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, it would definitely catch your attention while you're around the area.

The Black and White Nivea and Nivea Men

The collection by Rizman Ruzaini in collaboration with Nivea Men

The launch of the Nivea and Nivea Men anti-stain range that helps resolves stains issues on clothes had inspired Rizman Ruzaini to design 12 different limited edition black and white street wear designs together with Nivea Men. Its the first time Rizman Ruzaini designed male collections exclusively in collaboration with another brand. Lucky passerby's on the day were lucky enough to witness a street walk fashion show showcasing both the launch and collection and if you missed out on that, fret not, cause I took photos of RIZALRUZAIMAN's Limited Edition pieces which were truely stunning.

Rizman Ruzaini's Limited Edition Designs

Rizman Ruzaini's Limited Edition Designs

Rizman Ruzaini's Limited Edition Designs 

Rizman Ruzaini's Limited Edition Designs

In conjunction with Nivea Men exclusive fashion collaboration with Rizman Ruzaini, and as a gesture of appreciation, loyal NIVEA/NIVEA MEN users will receive a 25% discount voucher for RIZMAN RUZAINI's limited edition collections upon purchasing any NIVEA/NIVEA MEN products. The discount can be used at the pop-up store or via Fashion Valets website. And if you love freebies, the first 300 consumers who have purchased RM30 and above worth of NIVEA/NIVEA MEN products will get a personalized B&W designer shirt by Rizman Ruzaini.

Promotional offers

Snap and Win contest!

If you love joining contests, well there will be a selfie contest where its open to the public to stand a chance to win RM100 worth of Nivea hampers when you snap and post a selfie with the gigantic deodorant at the B&W pop up store with the hashtag #NIVEAMENBLACKANDWHITE. Along with the campaign, NIVEA MEN has held a nationwide contest from 1st September to 30th September 2016 where participants stand a chance to win RM40,000 worth of prizes including Rizman Ruzaini collections with their personalized quote on it. For further information, log on to NIVEA MEN's facebook page at www.facebook.com/myniveamen.

Shoppers shopping for their favourite pieces

Featuring Rizman & Ruzaini 

The 12 different collections will be available for purchase exclusively at the NIVEA MEN Black and White pop-up store which is held at Fahrenheit88 Outdoor Walkway, Bukit Bintang starting from the 7th of September 2016 to 13th September 2016 as well as on Fashion Valets website. The NIVEA/NIVEA MEN deodorants are available at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets, and hypermarkets nationwide. Well, better get your *ss to the heart of Kuala Lumpur if you have nothing to do over the weekend.

Sara xx

[EVENT] NESTLE OMEGA PLUS Walk a Mile 2016

After completing my walk-a-mile

If you havent heard, September is the world's heart awareness month, thus I decided to get myself involved in the Nestle Omega Plus Walk a Mile 2016 over the weekend. Every 15 minutes, there is one death caused by heart disease in Malaysia and despite being 24 this year, and that does worry me a little. We both know that the general perception of heart diseases only affects the elderly, but think again! Research has proven that Malaysians under 30 have ageing arteries similar to people in their seventies due to their lifestyle. *My jaw litterally dropped* So gais, truth be told, we NEED to start taking care of our health now.

Event Agenda and Directory

T-shirt redemption area

Free flow of cereals anyone? 

This year happens to be the 15th year that Nestlé Omega Plus has organized the annual Walk-A-Mile event in collaboration with Yayasan Jantung Selangor Malaysia making this event the longest-running event for heart health advocacy in this country.  With 3,800 people present over the weekend, not only that they 'saved' their own lives by joining, but its also all about spreading the awareness by sharing on social media saving more than triple the amount of the participants. 

Related Post: [LIFESTYLE] Prevent Health Problems | Managing Cholesterol

Zumba presentation

Event space and participants

In 2015, the Ministry of Health highlighted that 47.7% of Malaysian adults aged 18 years and above have high cholesterol, which has increased from 32.6% in 2011. Thus why, by having the Walk a Mile campaign, this would encourage more and more Malaysians to practice regular exercise, healthier eating habits, and trigger a change of heart and mind set among Malaysians on heart health. 

VIP's from Nestlé and Yayasan Jantung Malaysia

Happy participants excited for their walk

At the event, we were told that one way to reduce the risk of heart disease is to manage our cholesterol levels by adding plant sterols in our diet. Plant sterols can be found in minimal amount in grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds but you may need to consume very large amounts in order to meet the daily requirements of 1.2g plant sterols in order for it to take action to your cholesterol levels. Sounds  a little tough, but that's why we have the Nestlé Omega Plus. 

Free flow of Nestlé Omega Plus

Nestlé Omega Plus has made it convenient to meet the daily requirements. With two servings of Nestlé Omega Plus milk a day, it is equivalent to plant sterols found in 255 tomatoes or 126 carrots, and did you know that Nestlé Omega Plus is the only milk that has Acticol, plant sterols that help lower cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream? I say YAY to that.

Fun Station 

The Lock Down Cholesterol Station

The Foosball station

Block Cholesterol station

This year's Walk-A-Mile concept featured various surprise challenges along the route, health screening, lucky draws and many more fun activities throughout the morning. Chew Soi Ping who was the Executive Director of Nestlé Malaysia presented a cheque from Nestlé Omega Plus of RM30,000 to Yayasan Jantung Malaysia (YJM) towards continuous support on the efforts and dedication of YJM to educate the public on heart health matters.

Health Screening station

Mandatory photobooth shot

It was definitely a memorable morning with Nestlé Omega Plus at the Walk-A-Mile and I learned a lot on how to control my cholesterol levels despite thinking that im already practicing a healthy lifestyle. So friends, family, and strangers, if youre reading this, it doesnt really matter how old you are, but its always great to know a thing or two about cholesterol, and if you dont have high cholesterol, its always better to learn how to prevent it. One of my ways to prevent high cholesterol levels is to consume Nestlé Omega Plus in my daily diet, what about you? 

For more information on Nestle Omega Plus, and Yayasan Selangor, visit www.facebook.com/nestleomegaplus and www.yjm.org.my.

Sara xx