The Magic of Kissing Under the Mistletoe

The Plant
Botanically speaking, the mistletoe is a partial parasitic plant that grows on the branches or trunk of a tree. Its roots penetrate into the tree to absorb its nutrients. Although the mistletoe can produce its own food by photosynthesis and hence is capable of surviving on its own, it usually grows as a parasite.

A Christmas Decoration
Mistletoes are used as a traditional Christmas Decoration.

Mystic and Magic of the Mistletoe
According to ancient European folklore and tradition, the mistletoe was considered to bestow life and fertility, a protection against poison, used to ward off evil spirits and also as an aphrodisiac.

Kissing Under the Mistletoe

"According to Christmas custom, any two people who meet under a hanging of mistletoe are obliged to kiss." Source: Wikipedia here. Oh my!!!

In my world, I get to see mistletoes as a Christmas decoration during the festive season. I have also seen movies and heard stories about the magic of kissing under the mistletoe. The following questions will always come to my mind:

1. Do people still believe in the magic of kissing under the mistletoe?
2. Is it a hope that the couple who kissed under the mistletoe will eventually marry and live happily ever after?
3. Is it just a fun game in Christmas and New Year parties where the guys get to kiss the gals?

Below is a video on how to make a mistletoe.

This is my entry for That's My World Tuesday. To view what others have in their world, please visit here.

Ye Olde Christmas 2010 at 1 Utama Shopping Centre

This is the magical scene at the 1-Utama Shopping Centre's Christmas Town. The centre stage which is a skating ring is surrounded by Old England styled town houses, just like a scene from Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol". Smoking chimneys, snow covered roof tops, cobbled walkways and lighted streetlamps are the features here. The Jolly Band and Bagpippers will be marching around the mall playing festive tunes while fashion shows, caroling, orchestra music and Christmas theme performances are scheduled at certain times.

Today is ABC Wednesday!

V is for.....

The VERY exciting VARIETY of VIVID, VISUAL VIEWS
that will put you in Chrismas mood.

 

V is for Vacation.
V is also for the sounds of melodious Vienna music that I imagine I can hear.

V is for the Vermillion colour of these real potted poinsettias beside the traditional wine barrels.

V is for this Vintage Vehicle that is glistening with Varnish.

V is also for the Vanilla and Variety in the cookies in the festive hampers.

V is for the Vials of perfume, Vintage wine, Volka, Valuables, Violet blooms, Videos and Vacuum cleaners that you are going to buy as gifts for the VIPs in your life.

V is also for the happy Voices that you will hear for a festive Christmas cheer.

ABC Wednesday, Round 7 hosted by Mrs. Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Team of Denise, Roger, Jay, Troy, Barb, Gattina, Sylvia, Annelie, Linda and Helen. To participate and view what others have in mind, please log on to this site.

October is The Month of Holloween

Halloween celebrations is underway at the 1-Utama Shopping Complex, Petaling Jaya. I was admiring the ghostly masks and paraphernalia displayed at the Balloon Buzz stall when I saw this spotting model who was so kind to pose for me.

In case you need to plan for a hassle free theme party, their details are as follows:

Balloon Buzz Party Centre
One Utama Shopping Mall
LG212B, Lorong Ground Floor (Promenade Zone)
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Tel: 603-7710 3827
Email: bboneutama@gmail.com

Services rendered: Party supplies, balloon decor and delivery, balloon printing, clown service, face painting.

Are you attending any Halloween parties?

This is my entry for Weekend Reflections #57. To participate or view what others have posted for Weekend Reflections, please visit here.

LEGO Exhibition At 1-Utama Shopping Complex

In June 2010, a LEGO exhibition was held at the 1-Utama Shopping Complex. It attracted a lot of people, children as well as adults.

Are you a fan of LEGO products?

This is my entry for Thursday Challenge, the Photo Theme this week is "TECHNOLOGY" (Machines, Gears, Engines, Mobile Phones, Laptops, Wires, Toy, Robots). To view what others have for today, click here.

ABC Wednesday - E for Expectations

Guardian Pharmacy's roadshow at 1-Utama Shopping Complex. A contest was being held with a 'Dare You' for shoppers to take the challenge to go to the stage. Many Malaysias, including yours truly are shy and prefer to remain in the sidelines.

Today is ABC Wednesday

E is for.....

Expectations!

ARE YOU MAN ENOUGH ?

Quite often, the EXPECTED answer will be different depending on who asks this question.

a. Your wife
b. The organiser of a contest
c. Your buddies
d. Your rival or enemy

Do you like to be asked this question?

Will you take up the challenge? 

ABC Wednesday, Round 7 hosted by Mrs. Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Team of Denise, Roger, Jay, Troy, Barb, Gattina, Sylvia, Annelie, Linda and Helen. To participate and view what others have in mind, please log on to this site.

Red Orchids For The Hot, The Loud and The Proud #5

These orchids are from the rooftop Secret Garden of 1-Utama. It has an intense red colour which we seldom see in orchids.

“Red Orchids For The Hot, The Loud and The Proud #5”, a copyrighted post, was written for Klang, Malaysia Daily Photo blog by Autumn Belle @ http://mymalaysiadailyphoto.blogspot.com/

To view what other's have for The Hot, The Loud and The Proud #5, a meme by Noel of A Plant Fanatic In Hawaii blog, visit here.

So Many Teddy Bears Today

Hey, if you like me, will you bring me home?

I am SO SOFT, SOFT, SOFT, SOFT, SOFT, SOFT, SOFT, SOFT, SOFT, SOFT ..........

This is my entry for Thursday Challenge Photo Theme which is "SOFT" (Soft Light, Comfortable, Bendable, Fur, Hair, Dandelion Seeds,...)" To view what others have for today, click here.

A Modern Cineplex

This is one of the 13 cinemas located at the New Wing of 1-Utama Shopping Complex, Petaling Jaya. It is owned by Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC), the largest chain of cinemas in the whole of Malaysia.

There are another 7 cinemas run by Tanjong Golden Village (TGV) at the old wing of 1-Utama, making the final total to 20!

The largest cinema chain is located at Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur. It is owned by GSC and has 18 cinemas with a total capacity of 2,899 seats.

While I prefer to watch movies at the comfort of my home, watching movies at cinemas is still a very popular pastime among youngsters and young couples.


This is my entry for Thursday Challenge Photo Theme which is "URBAN" (Buildings, Traffic, Graffiti, Signs, People,...). To view what others have for today, click here.

A Secret Garden Sanctuary

Today is ABC Wednesday

S is for .....

Secret, Sanctuary, Serene, Soothing Scents for the Senses.

A living Sanctury so Serene and calm,

Willows that Softly whispers and Sway in the wind

Tadpoles Swimming, little whirpools Swirling in the pond

A waterfall that Soothes the Senses and Stimulates the mind

Orchids So Sweet and Super gorgeous

Smell the Scents of time, awaken from your Sleeping Slumber

Bask in all the Splendour, Shriek in wonder

A Splendid Scene, the Sacred truth

Seeing is believing!

The place is at the Rooftop Secret Garden of 1-Utama.

Today is ABC Wednesday hosted by Mrs. Denise Nesbitt and the ABC Team of Denise, Roger, Jay, Troy, Barb, Gattina and Slyvia. To participate and view what others have in mind, please log on to this site.

This is also my entry for Watery Wednesday #89. To see what others have posted or to participate, click here.

Vanilla & D24 Durian Ice Cream

This kiosk sells deliciously looking ice cream. The signs says that the favourite blend is Vanilla and D24 Durian. Now, they also have chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and chestnut flavours. Real durians are displayed here.

A promotion sign reads,

"Our Durian ice-cream is extremely good. Some say "Its World's Best." What Do You Say?

They also have ice-cream tepanyaki.

Now, I really regret that I didn't stop by to have a try as I was in a hurry for an appointment. Im sure durian lovers will like this. Here in Malaysia, some people like to eat durian with rice, durian in ice cream, baked durian cake, durian moon cake, durian dodol, etc. What did I left out?

Would you try this?

This is my entry for That's My World Tuesday Season 2 Episode 32. To view what others have in their world, please visit here.

1 Utama Fashion Week 2010

The 1 Utama Fashion Week is on now from 1st -21st May 2010. The theme for this year's annual event is "License To Style: Fashion on 1 2010". There will fashion shows (1st - 9th May) and a month-long retail promotions (1st - 30th May 2010) at many of the participating fashion and accessory stores of 1 Utama.

The picture is taken on 8th May at the Main Stage, Lower Ground Floor Oval concourse. The stage is styled with a chrome look with mirror balls swirling in the background. There were posh cars on display, pretty girls and James Bond action. The theme for the week long fashion shows was "License To Style: From Runway With Style."

This is my entry for That's My World Tuesday Season 2 Episode 31. To view what others have in their world, please visit here.

Happy Mother's Day 2010

This is a scene at the 1-Utama Shopping Complex. Two young ladies playing the violin for Mother's Day celebration.

This is my entry for PhotoHunt, theme, "Mother"

Bees and Wildflowers at The Secret Garden of 1 Utama

Bees love the wildflowers at The Secret Garden of 1 Utama. I wonder how did they managed to make it all the way up to this rooftop garden at 7 storeys high.

This is my entry for this week's Thursday Challenge Theme which is "Small Animals (Pets, Insects, Birds)".

Skywatch - A View From A Rooftop Garden

This skywatch view is taken from The Secret Garden of 1 Utama Shopping Complex, a rooftop garden. Now, I am at an elevation of 35 metres above the ground, 7 storeys high.
For more Skywatch Friday Season 4 Episode 38 pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site.

The Rainforest Waterfall

A oasis of calm and tranquility at the Rainforest of 1 Utama Shopping Mall, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

This is my entry for Watery Wednesday #81. To see what others have posted or to participate, click here.

The Giant Water Lily of 1-Utama Shopping Complex

This picture is taken at the water lily pond of 1-Utama Shopping Complex.

A signage reads:
Victoria Amazonica is a series of flowering plants, the largest of the Nymphaeaceae family of water lilies. The species has very large leaves, up to 3m in diameter, that float on the water surface on a submerged stalk, 7-8 metres in length. The species is named after Queen Victoria of England. Victoria Amazonica is native to the shallow waters of the Amazon River basin, such as oxbou lakes and bayous. It is depicted in the Guyanese coat of arms. The flowers are white the first night they opens and become pink the second night. They are up to 40cm in diameter, and are polinated by beetles.

This is my entry for Weekend Reflections # 26. To participate or view what others have posted for Weekend Reflections, please visit here.

Children's Amusement Park at 1-Utama Shoppinp Centre

This is my entry for this week's Thursday Challenge Theme which is "Round".

The photo was taken at The 1-Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya. These balloons are decorations at the Children Amusement Park.

Leatherware Store Reflection

Can you see the ligh bulbs and red lanterns reflected on the signage of this Leatherware Store?


This is my entry for Weekend Reflections # 24. To participate or view what others have posted for Weekend Reflections, please visit here.

Reflections - Recycle A Bottle

On the right, you can see a reflection of the scenery of the Rainforest of 1-Utama Shopping Complex.

This is my entry for Weekend Reflections # 23. To participate or view what others have posted for Weekend Reflections, please visit here.

The Popularity of Bottled Water

Bottled water is so very convenient it has become the drink of choice for many people around the world. In 2007, more than 200 billion littres of bottled water were sold worldwide. In the US, bottled water has outsold both milk and beer.

How much energy is needed to make the bottled water? Scientists has estimated that the production of plastic bottles to meet the demand for bottled water consumption uses 50 million barrels of oil annually.

Do you think we can change our lifestyle to reduce the consumption of bottled water?

Thank you to Michelle of Rambling Woods for hosting Think(ing) Green Thursday # 34. To participate or to view contributions from other green thinkers around the globe, please visit here.