Travel: G’Day mate, happy shopping

Hmmm need to do this on another trip down under.


http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/Features/20080613145532/Article

Travel: G’Day mate, happy shopping
By : Hizreen Kamal





All types of bags and shoes at further discount for Shopping Spree Tour members.


A visit to Melbourne is not complete without a Shopping Spree Tour, writes HIZREEN KAMAL.


Spoilt for choice when it comes to clothes and bags.


Have your pick of bargains.
MALAYSIANS in general are known for their love of shopping.

What better to top that other than the opportunity to shop abroad for that elusive bargain, and Melbourne, Australia, which lays claim to be the country’s shopping capital, is just the right spot to enjoy retail therapy.

When I was there recently on a trip courtesy of Tourism Australia, I had a chance to do just that, but with limited time and budget, I did not know where to begin.

Of course, there were popular shopping haunts such Myer’s and David Jones but I was sure there was more to the city than these glossy department stores and high-end boutiques.

I have heard a lot from friends who have been to Melbourne about the city’s best-kept secrets — the many factory outlets and designers’ sample sales, with most located in the outskirts of the city.

Since many are not exactly on the city trams’ route, getting to these places would require one to either self-drive (looking for parking lots can be a hassle), or get into a taxi (which can be a little expensive), as not all the outlets are located in a particular shopping area.

Let’s not even go into the possibility of suffering from sore arms and feet from lugging your purchases, after a day of retail therapy.

But thanks to Tourism Australia, a day of shopping was planned for me. I went on a shopping spree tour, managed by a tour company, which not only operates in Melbourne, but also in Sydney, aptly called The Shopping Spree Tours Pte Ltd.

Founded in 1981, the company has been looking after visitors to Australia for over two decades, specialising in fully escorted tours of Melbourne’s and Sydney’s best factories and warehouses, riding on its larger-than-life hot pink-coloured buses.

The Shopping Spree Tours has won the Koala Award for tourism marketing in Asia, and is a triple Victorian Tourism Award winner.

With approximately 75 per cent of the manufacturing sector of Australia based in Melbourne, I was excited as the company claims that it gives shoppers the best value shopping in the country.

Priced at AU$74 (RM222) for adults, AU$35 for children under 11 years and free for children under the age of three years old, there are six pick-up points in Central City to wait for the bus or coach.

Since I stayed at Oaks Hotel on Market Street, the nearest pick-up location is the Hilton on the Park, which is about five blocks away. So, I made my way there before 8.20am.

I was looking everywhere for the coveted pink bus, but to no avail, until I was greeted by a woman who introduced herself as tour guide Tracie Payne, 50, from The Shopping Spree Tours. She ushered me on board a waiting white coach.

“You must be wondering where our pink bus is today. Well, since we have a small group, we are providing the coach, instead,” she said, as if reading my mind.

Some may think it a tad too small to store their purchases, but it has a storage container on wheels, attached to the back of the coach for convenience. How clever!

“There are three things that Melbourne people like... coffee, food and shopping.

“Since you are all new to Melbourne, the tour will bring you to places that are quite difficult to get to,” Payne addressed some 20 shoppers on the tour.

Since ours was a small group, Payne specially designed a shopping tour based on what we were interested in, and since the majority were female shoppers who wanted handbags, lingerie, sports gears, leather goods and clothes, it was all systems go! (The male shoppers, who numbered four, could not exactly state their preferences since their mere existence on the tour was to accompany their wives.)

On the number of outlets the tour would be covering, Payne who has been a tour guide for slightly more than a year, said: “Well, it all depends on how quick the shoppers are, but the most we have ever covered was 15. So, remember, the faster you shop, the more discoveries you will get!” she said, to the shoppers’ delight.

Also included in the tour is a delicious two-course Italian lunch, and city sightseeing with commentary by Payne.

The tour began at 8.20am and ended about 5.30pm, and within that period the tour managed to cover 14 outlets, which I think is quite a feat. They are leather goods warehouse Sirrico in South Yarra, Peter Sheppard Footwear warehouse, popular clothing outlet Jag, Le Von Lingerie Factory Outlet, jewellery outlet Melbourne Jewellery Warehouse and chocolate outlet Hillier’s all located in Richmond.

Others include Bolle Factory Outlet, lingerie store Brands United and Nike Factory Outlet all located in Collingwood, Handbag Factory Outlet, clothing warehouse Extreme Limits and footwear warehouse Diana Ferrari Clearance Centre in Fairfield, clothing warehouse Beaches in Brunswick and Reebok Factory Outlet in Carlton.

On our journey back to the city, Payne gave out several items she had received from some of the outlets that the tour had covered. Since we were a small group, everyone was delighted when we each received an item.

Back in the city, the shoppers were dropped off at their pick-up locations, and I was the last to get off.

“I hope you have enjoyed the tour, and hope that you will come back again. We would love to see repeaters,” said the friendly Payne, before bidding me goodbye.

Lugging my purchases up to my room, I felt satisfied. The tour was convenient and comfortable. Imagine being free from all the usual shopping problems — traffic, parking, heavy parcels and aching feet, and being driven to all these great outlets with just shopping on my mind, and having a tour guide point out the specials and best bargain buys. It is like having a personal driver and an assistant!

The concept of Shopping Spree Tours is interesting and fascinating, and it is all about power shopping with the experts.

Whether you want fashion, shoes, handbags, leather, knitwear, home ware, watches, toys, chocolates or even electrical appliances, there will be something for you to spend your hard-earned cash on!

The best part would have to be the chance to shop at some of the best factory outlets, warehouses and clearance centres which are only accessible to this tour participants only. Further discount was given to shoppers on this tour.

Apart from The Shopping Spree Tours, there are also other companies who conduct similar tours. However, only the former operates year round, while the other companies run their business from September to year-end, a period Aussies named the “bus season”.

Melbourne is a fantastic shopping destination and the tour makes it a more memorable experience. It is all about hassle free, fun and entertaining shopping with bargains galore.

You just need to get on and off the bus. If you are a newbie in Melbourne like me, all I can say is that no visit to Melbourne is complete without a Shopping Spree Tour. So, let your self be escorted to these hidden gems, and buy to your heart’s content.

angan-angan is not costly ...

source :
http://bagbunch.com

Maxam Patchwork Lambskin Shoulder Bag Luxurious Leather Handbag at an Affordable Price
Posted on: May 26
This stunning patchwork purse from Maxam combines style and functionality.
It’s made from leather swatches in earthy tones stitched together in a contemporary geometric design. These patches are complemented by a braided tan shoulder strap in the same natural shades.
This heavenly handbag has been designed with functionality in mind. The interior is generous, with a zip top closure to keep your goodies safe. The front zippered pocket is the perfect place for stashing any items you need on hand.
With its classic brown and tan shades, this Maxam bag is so easy to pair with any item in your wardrobe.
More Features of This Maxam Lambskin Leather Handbag
Measures 13.5 x 10 x 4 inches
Weighs 1.2 pounds



Coach Wave Gallery Tote Bag | Cute and Colorful Suede Patchwork Purse
Posted on: Feb 20

This is the Coach tote for people who love the idea of patchwork bags, but find the mismatched designs too jarring. This wave pattern uses rich colored suedes pieced together for a stylish and subtle effect.

But this handbag doesn’t just look great. It’s also incredibly functional, with plenty of pockets with handy security features. There are two zippered pockets inside, and the exterior side pockets are fastened with turnlocks.

This colorful Coach creation is so popular it’s no longer available in stores, but you can still find these rare bags online.

Other Features of This Colorful Coach Tote
25 inch burgundy patent adjustable leather handle, with a 6-8 inch drop
Nickel hardware
A “D” Ring for clipping an accessory or keyfob
Leather zip pulls on interior pockets
Khaki large signature fabric lined interior
100% authentic Coach, with Coach creed and serial number
Measures 15 x 11 x 5 inches

Fun Fund

Compare  www.invest.com.my/game/funds/compare

Ap3x :
AMGT  - May 16 2008 ( GD 5 sen per unit)

YEAR-TO-DATE HIGH / LOW NAV
RM0.6000 (11.01.08) /RM0.5017 (17.03.08)

Since 29.08.97, AMGT has underperformed the KLCI by 1.67%
*Source: Bloomberg Professional, 31.03.08
CUMULATIVE PERFORMANCE (%)
Apex Malaysia
KLSE Composite   Growth Trust    Index     
YTD 2008                  -12.51               -13.67
2007                           +14.89              +31.82
2006                           +17.39              +21.83
2005                            -7.83                -0.84
2004                           +3.45               +14.29
2003                           +30.31             +22.84
2002                           +3.76                -7.15
2001                            +7.69               +2.42
Since 29.08.97           +56.76            +55.09

*Source: Bloomberg Professional, 31.03.08
Basis of computation for the cumulative performance figure (NAV vs. NAV)
DISTRIBUTION         Distribution/Unit      Unit Split
                                        (gross RM)
2004 (30.04.04)               15 sen                            Nil
2002 (31.12.02)                Nil                                  1:1
2001 (31.08.01)                8 sen                              Nil
1999 (31.12.99)                 Nil                                   4:1


PiM :
PiGBF - 23 January 2007
Pi1ADF - 3 April 2007
Pi1DF - 14 February 2006
Pi1TTIKAL - 10 April 1997
Pi1EF - 28 May 2003
Pi1OF - 28 June 2005
PiA1F - 22 August 2006
Pi1BF - 20 September 2005
PiGSF - 28 September 2006
Pi1EBF - 28 November 2006

PiB :
PiB1AEF - 8 January 2007
PiBADF - 8 May 2007
PiB1EF - 5 September 2005
PiBGF - 3 October 2002




CaIeMBi

1naz (cash) - DALI - 1hsan - Equity growth fund

High Day - Tomorrow

Monday, Jan 15th, after picking up the kids at school, we quickly have lunch and prayer.
Pakcik H*s*in, our family cabby, arrived promptly at 4pm. Me, #2, #3 and #4 left for Midvalley. We went to MV to make the Misc payment, which amounted to beribu-ribu juga.
By 445pm we arrived at the Midvalley and walk around to find the office. After 2 false directions, we found the place.
Handover the money and was asked to wait for a while. Within 10min, the clerk returned with the official appointment letter.
430pm - 19th Jan 2007.

So tomorrow will be the appointment day . The High Day.

High because we're excited !
High because we're going to go quite high ... 13th floor !



Gayat laaa ...

FOC - Where to go ?

Mr Boss asked why he hasn’t sign my FOC application. Apparently I am the only few who have not submitted the forms.
It didn’t trigger me that my yearly FOC which I earned in 2005 will expire Dec 15th 2006 … in 4 weeks time !!!

Here are my problems :
a) It is difficult to book flight seats at this time of the year, what not with the holiday season.
b) The "ongkos" factor. 2 Eids+school start in a span of 2.5 months ... and no hope of Bonus announcement from Mr MD.
c) The Ayahanda's still-not-finalized plan is yet another major dependency.

I can’t imagine me traveling with the 4 little Wans without another adult. The last air travel (more than 2 hr) was to Melbourne visiting the Doc-sis's family and we had a difficult time trying to keep Uqbah on his seat. Uqbah is a very restless kid plus a bit claustrophobic. He can’t stand being in a confined space for more than 10 minutes. At 2 yrs of age, he's too young to appreciate the Inflight Entertainment. The paracetamol has minimum impact on him. He slept for 1 hour and the balance of the time, he “tawaf-ed” in the plane so many times and we were afraid the food trolley will knock him.

Padan muka sendiri. Plan last minute ni memang memfeninkan kefala, siapa susah ... sendiri juga.

As Mr Tan Sri's bebelan ... "Kan I dah cakap, book 2 3 months ahead, macam I ni ha. Dah settle, November 23rd dah fly ... bye to you" . Ye le Mr Tan Sri, aku yang bersalah .

Last resort is to apply to HR for an extension ... ayooo kena pergi "menghadap". I will leave this for the very very very last option ... just because I don't like to have to "menghadap".

Where would you go if you have FOC air tickets for the whole family on a limited budget and short time like ... 3 or 4 days the most ?



This country do look interesting, isn't it ? No ... that's not Mongolia !
Now who can help me on the "ongkos" part ?

Merdeka 2007 ... God Willing

If fate agrees with plan ... we will celebrate Merdeka 2007 watching KLCC fireworks.

If Ayah agrees to get the furniture, S*r* M*y* inside peek will look like in the picture below ..., else it will be a bare living area just like BJ living area for the last 6 years.




If God's blessing continue to shower our family, we will be a Seri Mayan family, "tukar angin jadi orang KeyEll" ... else we will be contended staying put as "orang Shah Alam - bandaraya roundabout".




BTW ---- Sri Maya has launched buyer-get-buyer programme - get 1% cash/rebate on successful introduction of buyer . So DO DO DO contact me if you are interested to be my neighbour .

p/s1: The Plan(version July05) was to upgrade from BJ-Teja to BJ-Tropika but it has gone through several revision (version BJ-Lag3nda, version SA-S3ct7Kr1st4lK*nd*, version SA-Sect7rumah_teres_sebelah_asrama_tahfiz_azfar, version BJ-T3j*K*b*h_sambung_dapur) until we finalized with The Plan (version Dec05) and we sign up for S*r* M*y*. Dah tutup, habis cerita untuk sekarang.
p/s2: The Apt/Condo plan must have been influenced by mama2beas apartment blog entry.

Scabies

Azfar is infected with Scabies or Kudis Malam or Kudis Buta.

He is now on treatment :
1) Scabies Med
2) Piriton to ease the itchiness
3) Once a day bathing w/ warm water + daun rebusan sirih ... again to reduce itchiness
4) Bedding & Clothing washed in hot water

Really wish there is more that I can do. Pity him, the itchiness is at its worst night time. And during day time he is always drowsy and not so alert due to Piriton.
But at least now, there is no new infected areas. CONTAINED but not 100% cured yet.

My suspicion is that he got infected at his new school. I've yet to speak with the Headmistress, asking her opinion on how to handle this problem. I think I should do it fast. Furthermore he has this sleep-at-school programme this weekend.

Read on to know the devil ...

What is scabies?
Scabies is a contagious skin infection that is caused by a type of mite.

This is the culprit.


Mites are insect-like creatures that burrow, or tunnel, under the outer layer of skin. Mites lay eggs under the skin and feed themselves on the blood from their victims.

This is how it looks on your skin.

Mites are about the size of a dot at the end of a sentence and usually cannot be seen. They are grayish in color and nearly transparent.

What are the symptoms?

Involved skin becomes itchy, irritated, warm, reddened and blistered.
Itching is usually worse at night.

The skin irritation is more likely to be seen in the following locations:

a) between the fingers and toes;

b) around the wrist or navel;

c) in the folds of the elbow, armpit, belt-line, abdomen, groin;

d) in the genital area.

Favorite spots.

Small children or babies may have involvement of the face, scalp, palms of the hands, or soles of the feet.
Itching and rash may not become apparent until as long as 6 weeks after becoming infested. The itching occurs as a result of an allergic reaction to the mites and their waste.
When a person has scabies symptoms, an accurate diagnosis by a medical professional is important in order to ensure appropriate prescription treatment.

How is scabies spread?

Scabies is spread by direct skin-to-skin or close bodily contact.
Even the cleanest person can become infested when there is direct, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies.
Due to the frequency of infestations on the hands, contact with hands, i.e. shaking or holding hands, can spread scabies.
The scabies mite only infests human beings. It survives no more than a three to four days away from the human body. Pets do not carry the mites that cause scabies in humans.

How is scabies diagnosed?

Diagnosis of scabies occurs by close examination of the skin, including finding and recognizing the mite in a small skin scraping and recognizing the mite burrows.



What are the steps for eliminating scabies mites?

Treatment consists of applying an insecticidal creme or lotion and cleaning the infected person’s recently used clothing and bedding.
All household members and intimate contacts should also be treated at the same time as the infected person. Intimate contacts are persons who have had prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who has scabies. Treating everyone at the same time prevents re-infestation with scabies from other persons who might be infected but not have symptoms yet.
Obtain the prescription treatment creme or lotion from a health care provider.

CAUTION!
Always follow the directions provided with your scabies treatment.
Never use the treatment more often than recommended. Some insecticide treatments can be dangerous when too much is used.
Wash and dry all bedding, clothing, and towels used by the infected person within the four days before the treatment was started. Use hot water and the high heat setting on the dryer.
Items that cannot be washed and dried can be placed in a sealed plastic bag and stored for a minimum of seven days to allow time for the mites and eggs to die.
Vacuum furniture and bedding. There is no need to use pesticides or insecticide sprays to control scabies on household objects or in the environment.

Scabie mite lifecycle

Fact Sheet from : http://www.metrokc.gov/health/prevcont/scabies.htm
Graphics from : http://www.dexoprin.com/