Merry Christmas!

"Peace on earth will come to stay,

when we live Christmas every day."

..... Helen Steiner Rice

May you and your family have a wonderful time on this Christmas Day!

A Magical Christmas 2010 at i-City Shah Alam

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world,

and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

..... Norman Vincent Peale

Tonight is Christmas Eve, so I think that this night sky will be an appropriate choice. On this special day, I hope you have your family with you to welcome Christmas Day.

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:

the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other".

..... Burton Hillis

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

For more Skywatch Friday Season 4 Episode 24 pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site.

A Funtoystic Christmas 2010 at Mid Valley Megamall KL

“In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play.”

..... Friedrich Nietzsche 

(German classical Scholar, Philosopher and Critic of culture, 1844-1900.)

When I was a kid, I'd like to believe that toys do come alive at night while everyone is fast asleep. How I wished that I could see them move and talk and enter into world of the Tin Soldier, Ballerina, Golliwog, the Ginger Bread Man, etc and play with them.

What is/was your favourite toy?

This is my entry for Thursday Challenge, the Photo Theme this week is TOYS (Dolls, Games, Stuffed Animals, Athletic Equipment, Construction Toys, Art Supplies,...). To view what others have for today, click here.

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.

Christmas Tree and Snowflakes in a Glass Lamp

Would you like to buy or receive this item as a Christmas gift?

This is my entry for Weekend in Black and White, the link is here. My grateful thanks to Dragonstar.

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.

A Mini Crystal Lamp for Christmas

I spotted this mini crystal lamp at a gift shop. Some of the ceiling lights are being reflected on the glass top.

Do you think it is a meaningful gift for Christmas?

This is my entry for Weekend in Black and White, the link is here. My grateful thanks to Dragonstar.

Entrance to Pavilion KL

How many reflections can you see here?

This is my entry for Weekend Reflections #64. To participate or view what others have posted for Weekend Reflections, please visit here.

Pavilion KL's Christmas Enchantments 2010 - Behind the Magical Curtains

Visitors walking down the Spanish Steps at the main entrance of Pavilion KL will be greeted by this magical scene below the huge velvety curtains.

The event managers must have put in a lot of efforts here to construct such a magical stage with those theatrical curtains, red carpet and dazzling display of tinsel and Christmas decorations.

Are you impressed?

This is my entry for Thursday Challenge, the Photo Theme this week is CONSTRUCTION (Houses, Streets, Commercial, Equipment, Vehicles,...). To view what others have for today, click here.

Pavilion KL's Christmas Enchantments

Are you enchanted?

For today's ABC Wednesday's ..... U,

Do you think this is Usual or Unusual,

Unique,

Utterly amazing?

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.

White Poinsettias

The white poinsettias here are used to decorate Christmas trees with winter snow themes. They look nice with silver edging and glittery centre. I have never seen any other colours except red when it comes to live plants here in Malaysia.

Have you seen real poinsettias plants in other colours?

This is my entry for Weekend in Black and White, the link is here. My grateful thanks to Dragonstar.

Pavilion Crystal Fountain

During this season of Christmas, the Pavilion Crystal Fountain is decorated with a sea of bright red poinsettias and potted plants of live green ferns.

Many people come here to enjoy the view and take photos.

Do you like this view?

This is my entry for the fun and wonderful weekly meme, Scenic Sunday #125. To participate or view other pictures around the world, click on the icon above.

Reflection on a Christmas Bauble

Shoppers at the Aeon Shopping Complex, Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Klang are reflected in this Christmas bauble. This year, once again the Christmas Tree is made of recycled materials, mainly plastic bottles.

According to wikipedia, "a Christmas bauble is also known as a Christmas ball in American English.
A bauble is a spherical decoration that is commonly used to adorn Christmas trees. The bauble is one of the most popular Christmas ornament design, and they have been in production since 1847. Baubles can have various designs on them, from "baby's first Christmas," to a favorite sports team. The Polish name for bauble is bombka which translates as "a little bomb".

Do you like baubles in your Christmas tree?

This is my entry for Weekend Reflections #63. To participate or view what others have posted for Weekend Reflections, please visit here.

Christmas Enchantments 2010 at the Pavilion KL

Christmas came early at the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The theme this year is 'Enchantments'.

The kids here are taking part in the Little Santa Workshop supervised by Santa himself and his pretty assistant Lady Elf.

The activities planned during this period include:
’TIS A SNOWY CHRISTMAS 26 Nov – 26 Dec at 8pm
Catch the countless magical snowflakes of a white Christmas every night amidst a sea of giant baubles, charming gazebos and poinsettias in bloom at Bukit Bintang Entrance.

MEET SANTA & HIS ELF 25 Nov – 25 Dec 1pm & 3pm (except Mondays)
Donate RM10 and get your photo taken by us with Santa on his sleigh at Centre Court, Level 2.

SANTA WALKABOUT 25 Nov – 25 Dec 4pm (except Mondays)
Catch Santa for a photo opportunity around the mall.

LITTLE SANTA WORKSHOP 25 Nov – 25 Dec 11am (except Mondays)
Donate RM10 and join the workshop. Free for Pavilion Junior members when you flash your membership card. Limited to 20 children per session (4-12 years old).

CHRISTMAS STROLLERS 13 Nov – 31 Dec 5pm – 10pm (except Mondays)
Indulge in jazzy festive tunes by our stroller band around the mall.

CHRISTMAS CAROLLERS 26-28 Nov, 3-5, 7, 10-12, 17-19, 21-26 Dec 6pm & 7pm
Serenade to the joyful hymns of the Dithyrambic Singers at Centre Court, Level 2.
*Proceeds from charity go to the Special Children Society of Ampang

For further details regarding the happenings and events this season, you can visit the Pavilion KL website here.

This is my entry for That's My World Tuesday Season 3 Episode 8. MyWorld is the place where we become virtual tourists guides and show others the best of our world! To view what others have in their world, please visit here. 

Thursday Challenge - Accidental Photography

This is my entry for this week's Thursday Challenge Theme which is "Accidental Photography". The photo was taken at The Curve Shopping Mall, Petaling Jaya during 2009 Christmas season. Many people were enjoying the sensation of 'snow' falling from above.

I wanted to capture the beaty of the scene that I was experimenting with my Olympus FE-4000 point and shoot camera. I accidently used auto exposure mode with flash turned off when in fact I should be using 'night mode' photography. I'm quite sure the aperture speed has been set wrongly. Anyway, I find it a real challenge during night photography sessions with my current camera.

I shall be glad if anyone has some pointers for me.

Bedazzled Christmas at the Curve, PJ

The theme this year at the Curve, Petaling Jaya is " Bedazzled Christmas at The Curve". This is Malaysia's first pedestrian style shopping mall.

At the Centre Court area inside the mall, spectacular Christmas trees were adorned with twinkling, bright lights and beautiful ornaments. The colour scheme here centres around gold and copper. There were the traditional Roman pillars and white columns and looking up I could see flying angels and cupids and beautiful sparkling chandelliars. I was spellbound by such a magnificient display of ambiance at the Curve. Sounds of Christmas carols and baroque instrumentals filled the air. One will not run out of gift ideas here. There are so many shops and outlets offering a wide variety of goods, from cookies to clothes, fashion accessories, home decor and electronics. To top it all, there's a SALE going on!

Outside at the Street Market, a Filipino Band entertain shoppers with their melodius singing. Her voice was so sweet singing the sentimental oldies that soon I found myself humming and singing /whispering along. I really liked them.

There are many stalls here at the Street Market with vendors selling Christmas gifts and realted items like ornaments and cookies. There are also many many food outlets, from western to oriental, along both sides of the street.

During the day, this place is decorated like a lush green garden. By nightfall, it is transformed into a winter wonderland. Look! There are many people already gathered here at the Piazza, waiting patiently to experience snow falling in tropical, equatorial Malaysia.

This is my entry for the fun and wonderful weekly memes, Scenic Sunday #76. To participate or view other pictures around the world, click on the icon above.

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Christmas

This year, decorations at many locations in Malaysia have gone green during the Christmas season. We can also consider changing some of our habits to have a more eco-friendly Christmas:

1. Using recycled plastic bottles, used egg cartons, cotton wool from used pillows for Christmas Trees

2. Using recycled plastic bottles in place of hanging chandeliars like in the picture above.

3. Using LED bulbs and LED modules with lights to make the tree sparkle in a spectrum of colours such as purple, blue, yellow and red. LED bulbs and modules can shave off about 75% from the electricity bill for the normal decorations. These bulbs do not get hetaed up, neither do they casue short circuits, melt or become health hazards. E.g. a string of 100 bulbs needs only 7.5 watts of electricity and these waterproof bulbs can be used both indoors and outdoors. The enercy consumption is so low, a huge tree uses only 2 amps compared to a normal Christmas tree that uses 12 amps.

4. Styrofoam can be used to make Santa Clause, his sleigh and reindeers, also Snowman.

5. Turn Christmas lighting off during sleeping hours or when not at home.

6. Don't leave the TV, Hi-Fi or Stereo on standby mode. Turn it off when not in use.

7. Avoid leaving the oven door open to observe the turkey during the baking process. Instead, remove the turkey from the oven to check it and close the oven door. This will keep the heat in, thereby saving energy consumption.

8. Do not overcook. Make sure extra food has cooled before putting into the fridge.

9. When cooking stews, keep the lid on. This will cook quicker, thereby conserving energy.

10. Wait for a full load before using the electric dish washer.

11. Recycle the ribbons.

12. Don't use styrofoam or disposable cups, plates and silverware.

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

White Winter Wonderland Chrismas

Today is ABC Wednesday Round 5

W is for the

White Winter Wonderland !

This is the scene at the Curve Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya. The theme this year is Bedazzled at the Curve Chrismas. The management has set up a snow making machine to create the effects of falling snow.

Over at the 1-Utama Shopping Complex, Petaling Jaya, the theme is White Christmas, another winter wonderland.

Today's post is an entry in ABC Wednesday Round 5, the meme initiated by Denise Nesbitt. For more information and photos, please log on to this site.

Royale Christmas @ Pavillion KL

The theme this year for this shopping complex is Royale Christmas @ Pavillion KL. The stage here is surrounded by gigantic Christmas Trees adorn with bright, colourful baubles, tinsel and glittering ornaments.

Standing on the upper floors and leaning against the transparent glass partitions to take this photo, my feet got wobbly and I actually felt quite dizzy as though seized by a sudden attack of acrophobia! If you look closely, you will be able to see that the glass partitions are transparent from the top to the floor. This makes me momentarily loose my sense of security and balance. Maybe you can try it when you come here.

This is the view when I walked in from the main entrance. It does give me a grand feeling of walking down the red carpet. The hall is so spacious and there is glitter everywhere. I can almost imagine how Cinderella, Snow White and Belle would have felt walking down these steps accompanied by their respective Prince Charmings. What a glamorous setting. Soft music of Christmas songs and carols fill the air and this can easily put one on a festive mood. Why, I am already humming and singing along as I walked around the place looking for interesting subjects to shoot.

I like this scene very much. There is an empty sleigh parked here waiting for Santa to complete his wish-fulfilling rounds. At specific times of the day, beautiful elves will appear to pose and take photos with you. Soon they will take-off to another lucky place. When you look up, you can see more reindeers. They seem to be walking on air or flying towards the stars. I can't seem to recognise Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer. Which one is he?

Nobody can miss this large signage announcing a sale at the Pavillion KL. Brother and Sister here are posing while mum is taking their photos.

I am sure this place will be transformed into a magic wonderland when all lighted up at night. If you are sitting in one of the open air cafes here, you will definitely enjoy the view.


The Pavillion KL is a 1.37 mil sq ft retail haven with 430 outlets offering the finest fashion and home furnishing to entertainment and culinary delights. It also houses flagship boutiques from the world over.

This is my entry for My World Tuesday Season 2 Episode 7. To view what others have in their world, please visit here.

Monochrome Maniacs - Christmas Ornaments

Guess what are these?

This is my entry for Monochrome Maniacs. My grateful thanks to Aileni for hosting this wonderful site. For other MM posts around the world, please click here.