[Shopping] Freeport A'Famosa Outlet Village - Style on a Shoestring

Freeport A'Famosa Outlet Village - The Facade

Yet another outlet mall has opened it's doors to eager shoppers recently on the 5th of December 2015. Freeport A'Famosa Outlet Village, located in Melaka is just over an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur City Centre via the Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan / E2.

The Dutch inspired interior

You can actually walk up, stick your head out the window and snap a pick

Commenting on the opening, Chris Milliken, Commercial Director at Freeport Retail who are the long term managers of the centre said, “We are absolutely delighted to officially welcome customers to the outlet. We are sure that they will find a visit to the centre a fun experience where there is something for everybody whether that be those living in the region or the many tourists who visit Malacca and the A’Famosa Resort – they are all very welcome at the outlet”.

Something for the kids

To kick-start the opening of this new mall, 40 Bloggers were chosen and given the privilege to participate in the Style on a Shoestring Contest. We were divided in to 2 groups - Stylish & Casual. We were given RM350 and 2 hours to prove that it is possible to look like a million bucks even on a tight budget.

Themodelmom & other blogger friends as we arrived at A'Famosa Resort for the forum

2 hours does sound like an ample amount of time, but it is not really enough to comb the whole area that offers over 60 fashion, sport and accessories brands in some 180,000 sq.ft. In fact the line entering Nike seems to never cease as everyone tried to get their hands on the heavily discounted items.

Left to Right: Malaysian Celebrity & Influencer Xandria Ooi, Sue Lynn @ Bangsar Babe - the famous veteran in the blogging sphere, Pam the forum moderator, NYC based Malaysian Blogger The Ambitionista and blogger Bwincessnana

Before we were set free to roam the outlet, we were given some pointers by some veterans in the influencers and bloggers sphere. Thanks to Freeport A'Famosa Outlet, we were also given the opportunity to ask these amazing ladies anything we want about being a professional blogger.

Themodelmom seizing the opportunity to ask a powerful question to the esteemed panel.

Here are 3 tips that I took away about looking stylish without busting a hole in your pocket:

i.   Only shop during sales or at outlets

ii.  Never spend a fortune on something that you will only use once

iii. Invest on staple pieces that are versatile

As you can see Themodelmom really enjoyed this interactive session haha

My Shopping tips:

i. Visualize what you want before you go shopping to avoid spending hours looking at random things if you are pressed for time

ii. Take a picture of the outfits that you like to simplify selection process

A group shot with all 40 of us pre-shopping

After our inspiring session with these awesome ladies, we were given a tour of the village. The outlet is set in an open air mall featuring a lake, fountains, carousel and windmill with architecture loosely themed on Malacca’s Dutch heritage. Brands open at the moment include Nike, Cotton On, Esprit, Puma, G2000, Carlo Rino, Clarks, Forever 21, Samsonite, Folli Follie, Sacoor Brothers, Melinda Looi among others. We were told that more brands will open in the coming weeks and Phase II that will be ready in 2016 will offer another 40 shops!

Discounts on top of discounts

I started by checking out Luv Lux that sold luxury brands such as Moschino but couldn't find what I was looking for. I was a bit hesitant to go in to Melinda Looi boutique as designer clothes are usually way beyond budget. However, I was pleasantly surprise that you could get things for under RM150! But again, it wasn't what I was looking for for this particular contest. I did make a mental note tho to come back if I need something to wear for an extra special occasion.

Finally get to wear designer labels. No one will know you got it at a steal. Unless you be like a Malaysian & tell em :p

Themodelmom in Forever 21 ready to try on her choices

I spent most of my time in Forever 21 (which I kind of already expected). It was hard to keep focused on my theme but I had visualized that I wanted to get some shorts and dress it up with a jacket or a long sleeved shirt. Oh, so that is my little secret of shopping. I always visualize what I want first and work around it. If not you will end up spending hours looking at random things (well, unless that is what you want). So, I managed to match my outfit and gave it to the girl at the changing room to reserve as I went to checkout other shops for options.

Forever 21's crazy deals

After walking to the end again and trying on some shorts and tops from Esprit that were 40% off, I ended up going back to Forever 21 to get my first choice! 

I wanted to send this pic to my FB and ask Yeay or Nay before  purchased however the signal was not so strong. 

Worn out by all the walking about and thinking, it was time to recharge at Zang Toi Cafe which was the only eatery open during the time of our visit. Everyone was looking really good in their own way after the shopping spree.

Iced Lemon Tea and an assortment of cakes from Zang Toi Cafe

Here are our group shots....

Group A - Stylish

Group B - Casual

And...

here is my look! 

So, What do you think?

Jacket from Forever 21 @ RM90
Sequin Top from Forever 21 @ RM90
Shorts from Forever 21 @ Free (N.P. RM 79.90)
Clutch Bag from Forever 21 RM50
Ear Stud from Forever 21 - Buy 5 @ RM20
Aviator Shades from Cotton On @ RM25
Total Cost : RM275

I conquer with the words of Chris Milliken “Outlet shopping is a day out and bargain hunt and it is meant to be a fun experience for all the family." Or friends :)

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Freeport is one of the pioneers of the outlet industry in Europe having been the first company to bring the outlet concept over from the USA. It opened its first outlet back in 1994. Since then Freeport has opened 12 outlet villages either as sole developer and investor or in joint venture with third parties. Freeport has opened 5 outlets in the United Kingdom and others in Portugal, Sweden, Italy, Czech Republic and Slovakia and is currently developing a major new outlet in Lyon, France. Freeport A’Famosa Outlet is the company’s first project in South-East 

Visit Freeport A'Famosa Outlet Village's Facebook page for updates on sales and upcoming events such as the nightly fireworks display for the new year and Chinese New Year.

https://www.facebook.com/freeportafamosaoutlet/

TRIKSTARS - Masters of Trickery only from 5 to 20 December 2015

Running out of ideas for date night? Stumped for what to do during this school holidays? How about some magic? 

Casts with local celebrities during the Premiere of TRISTARS - Masters of Trickery

Head on down to Sunway Lagoon and catch the highly acclaimed TRIKSTARS - Master of Trickery by Dion & Randall Productions. TRIKSTARS is not any old magic show but a show featuring internationally acclaimed magicians and illusionists showcasing their unique blend of spectacular stunts, magic, and comedy! However this 2 hour show filled with entertaining 3D effects, amazing stage props, and breathtaking pyro techniques is only going to be in town from 5 to 20 December 2015 and will run every Wednesday to Monday at 8:00pm.

When I got invited to the Premiere on 5 December 2015, I thought it would be a novel idea for a date night. You see, it's very easy to forget that you are a couple when you take on the role of a parent you know (especially moms). So, my husband had suggested  a couple of weeks ago that we need to make some time at least once a week to hangout out ...just the two of us. 

We arrived at 6.30pm at Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach entrance and headed down for early dinner at The Lighthouse. After filling our tummies we took the feeder train to the Sunway Lagoon Amphitheater where the fun was awaiting us. Actually, the train ride itself felt like an amusement park ride (in a good way) and the view of Sunway at night was simply breathtaking. 

Snuggling like you should during date night. That's the opening band in the background.

We were warmly greeted at the entrance of the amphitheater and we chose our preferred spot as it was free seating. You may want to go early for this reason. As we waited we were entertained by a very up beat and cheerful marching band that played latest hit songs such as 'Good Girl by Robin Thicke' as they cheekily swayed their hips and moved to their own music. There was about 2,000 people at the Amphitheater for the premiere including some celebrities such as Sasha Saidin, Muhammad Haslam bin Abdul Rahmad, Elizabeth Tan, Brian Lim and local rock band An Honest Mistake. I also saw a glimpse of the boyishly cute Sonaone hehe. Yes, because he is cute he gets a separate mention lol.

We ran in to some friends at the event - fellow bloggers Jason & Clarrisha

The event started with an opening speech by Mr. HC Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Shopping Malls and Theme Parks. He said, “Being a strong brand that is well recognized in the International and Malaysian theme-park market, the partnership between Sunway Lagoon and Dion & Randall Productions is a strategic one, and a great way for us to put forth another fantastic event for the benefit of our customers. Through TRIKSTARS we are taking the audience on a fantasy journey of escapism, giving people the opportunity to spend quality time with their friends and families, something that Sunway Lagoon holds very dear,”
 

Phelston Jones - the guy with super quick hands

There was a total of seven performers all the way from from Las Vegas and Europe. The show was started by Phelston Jones who captivated audience members with his mix of magic and satire. Honestly I felt a bit uneasy at first but I think it is because he got in to character so well that I believed it was real or maybe it is real? lol. 

Sylvester the Jester - Real life cartoon

Then there was this guy, an American magician Sylvester the Jester who was a real life cartoon who was pretty adorable.  He dazzled viewers as he brought a cartoon character to life.

However my favourite was Magus Utopia and the King Charles Troupe followed by Award winning dance couple Sebastian and Kristina who did the quick dress change among other tricks. The quick dress change is amazing! To see it on YouTube and to see it live before your eyes is something else!

Magus Utopia - one of the nightmare scenes

Magus Utopia, an award winning act kept us all at the edge of our seats with their dark spin to magic. They were perfect! Their act was called Nightmares and they succeeded creating a real life nightmare with their dramatic and believable costumes, storytelling, strong visuals and illusions. 

The King Charles Troupe - Super cool & entertaining

The King Charles Troupe played an awesome game of high-energy basketball played entirely on unicycles to some real cool hip hop music as the crowd cheered them on.

Rudy Colby, The Coolest Magician on Earth - great audience interaction 

Last but not least I enjoyed watching The ‘Coolest Magician on Earth’ Rudy Colby's act. I mean, I kinda know the science behind the act but he is so good that he still managed to fascinate me.

J'aime Holland and the dancers in one of their performances

So in a nutshell, Themodelmom not only puts her chop or approval but recommends that you catch this show! Oh and in between the acts be prepared to be wowed by famed songstress J’aime Holland and the Vegas styled dancers as well as B-boys. Other than magic, be prepared to enjoy the extravagant costumes! Ok, I said nutshell. It's a big nut I guess hehe.

Magus Utopia in another chilling scene

Note: I don't recommend this for very young children as there are some scenes that would be too scary or dangerous (in case they try it at home you know).
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TRIKSTARS – Masters of Trickery is produced by Dion and Randall International founded by Adam Dion Bahoudian and Nina Randall Bahoudian who bring with them over 35 years of experience in stage, theatre, film, television, music, costume design and talent management.

“This is our first collaboration with Sunway Lagoon and not only are we proud of this partnership, we are very excited to have learnt that tickets are selling out quickly indicating just how well the show has been received. Sunway Lagoon is a leader in the family entertainment industry and we are delighted to be working with them, in a partnership that has great potential for success,” shared Adam Dion Bahoudian, co-founder of Dion and Randall International.

TRIKSTARS – Masters of Trickery runs every Wednesday to Monday from 5^th December to 20^th December 2015 at 8:00pm. Ticket prices are available from RM 70 for children and RM 100 for adults. Book your tickets now at ticketcharge.com.my.

TRIKSTARS – Masters of Trickery is proudly sponsored by Coca Cola, Nestle, Milo and 100 Plus.

For more information, kindly contact Sunway Lagoon at +603-5639 0000 or log on to Sunway Lagoon’s website at www.sunwaylagoon.com or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SunwayLagoonMalaysia.

The Parenthood Family Park - Play, Learn, Shop, Relax, Dine

1st London Street Family Park in Malaysia

On the 5th of December 2015, 'The Parenthood' will be opening it's doors to the public. The Parenthood is Malaysia's 1st London Street Family Park. Me and my little family were invited to experience The Parenthood before they officially open their doors to the public.

Located on the 2nd Floor of Sunway Putra Mall is a place for modern day parents & kids to hangout

Do you remember 'The Mall' opposite Putra World Trade Centre, PWTC? Well is now Sunway Putra Mall. The Parenthood is located on the 2nd floor of this upgraded mall. The Parenthood is very suitable for young families with kids between 0-12 but actually pre-teens may find stuff to do as well.

You will find many places to stop and snap pics of your munchkins

The Parenthood is designed with a London theme and would definitely make for a nice place to take pictures of your kids.  It is very nicely spaced out with shops nestled along yellow marked 'tar' roads against the backdrop of an English castle. There is the Big Ben, the Red London Bus, British Flags, Red Post Boxes and Red Telephone booths (that will soon house ATM machines) among others that will fascinate your little ones.

The family oriented hangout comprises 4 main components as below:

Relaxation & Leisure 

Family Fitness Room - offers WiO Express's Power Plate (if you like to just stand there and like a machine to exercise you) and other fitness props for the whole family.

A Beauty Secret - hair care products & services, facial, massage, pedicure & manicure for both parents & kids!

A Beauty Secret Studio offers a whole range of services for the whole family

You could be relaxing here while the kids are being taken care of

They had a special of offer where parent hair cut is 20% Off & kid gets a free cut

Some of the many nail colours and medication for pedi mani

Educational Activities & Play 

Activities engaging parents & kids such as workshops, take home kits and enrichment programs

Do you know you can actually paint these by yourself? The kit is number coded so it's pretty fool proof

After your plant grows, The Parenthood will organize further classes for example cook your own homegrown Tomatoes! (for your kids to participate)

My son having fun at the Zoo Moo interactive screen while waiting for his lunch

My Kingdom playground by The Parenthood - The ultimate way to tire out your kids while you kick back and relax. Just wait till they go home or knock out in the car! The best part about this is the 'Drop & Shop' concept for kids 4 years and older. Each child that enters and their parent will be given a coded wristband. The child will only be allowed to leave the premise with an adult wearing the matching code number which is keyed in to the system. The child will be kept under the watchful eye of one of the many assistants on duty. They also have 2 units of X-Box 360 for the bigger kids to play. The playground has many difficulty levels and could be a hit for bigger children too.

Assistants are constantly watching over the kids

A variety of obstacles with varying difficulty levels make this a fun place for a big age range

So here is our lil 0 Year old enjoying herself on something 

The joy in the faces that shall soon be fast asleep =)

Kids get a complete workout

Dining

At the moment there is only one cafe there that claims to offer healthy food. The cakes were mouth watering to look at and my hubby had a nasi lemak which was not too bad either. However, I was not too impressed with the nuggets I ordered for my son as it look like the store bought ones.

My son with his favourite drink and a bucket of nuggets & fries which he didn't really have much of

Looney Tunes Cafe - Coming soon!


Shopping

33 retailers offering products & services for mom, babies, toddlers & kids. You can expect brands such as Pigeon, Pureen, Grolier, Faber Castel, Hasbro among others. There will be special discounts and bargains offered from time to time. In fact, the latest one is happening this weekend 5 & 6 December 2015 in conjunction with the opening. Checkout the discounts at the end of the post!

Board games store

They have a party room too so you can actually just get your deco in this shop. Very convenient.

Affordable and well stocked baby needs by Pureen.

A costume shop for the costume party that you are about to throw?

Other facilities
Unisex toilet and kiddy toilet which my son insisted to SIT on instead of the usual stand and shoot haha.

2 TVs opposite the cafe to watch your kids play.

2 ATMs - coming soon!

Baby Room with two changing tables & two comfy sofas. I would have liked it to be more spacious so that I can park my stroller somewhere. The Parenthood is definitely pro breastfeeding though since they will have a Lactation Counselor on call soon!

The baby room

For your breastfeeding convenience. 

For it's Grand Opening Carnival, The Parenthood is offering discounts up to 70%. Here are some of what you can expect!

~ Drypers Wee Wee Dry at only RM29.90 for all sizes.
~Pet Pet Tape Mega Pack at only RM29.90
~iBaby Playgym RM75 for all models
~Maxi mum discount up to 70%
~Philip Avent up to 35% discount
~Autumnz breastmilk storage bags at only RM10.50
~Autumnz storage bottles at only RM31.90
~Pureen baby wipes 2x80's at only RM8
~Pureen liquid cleanser at only RM9.90
~Babylove bedding accessories having up to 30% discounts
And many more!!

Whole day entrance to My Kingdom Playground by The Parenthood is only RM35 on weekdays instead of the usual weekend price of RM45!


For more info, please visit: The Parenthood’s social media pages and watch out for events & discounts.

https://www.facebook.com/The-Parenthood-983915141672761/ 
http://theparenthood.com.my/ 
https://www.facebook.com/jepkingdom/