Best Buy Shopping Guide October 2015

COVER STORY

The traditional wedding as we know it is evolving with the times – but how exactly is it changing? Martina Said discusses this, and where the future of wedding planning likely lies. PAGE 3 >

BEST BUY YOUR MONTHLY SHOPPING GUIDE DISTRIBUTED WITH THE TIMES

The carpet specialist provides protection for the entire family, and especially for toddlers and older individuals.

A carpet also helps absorb all the loud sounds that emanate from a variety of sources including TVs, speaker phones, computers and modern sound systems. Adding a cushion pad beneath your carpet reduces noise even further. Carpets also work as a sound barrier between floors by helping to block sound transmission to rooms below, while carpets placed on stairs help mask the sound of constant foot traffic.

Besides offering a comfortable place to sit, play or work and giving a room an overall warmer feel, a carpet provides thermal resistance. In the colder seasons, in fact, it retains warm air longer, thereby also helping to conserve energy.

Carpets come in a variety of styles and colours, and your ultimate choice will reflect the way in which you choose to personalise your living space. A carpet can serve as a neutral foundation, or can be a focal point with vibrant colours and strong bold patterns and textures – it is all up to your personal choice and style.

A carpet also acts as a passive air filter, trapping dust, pollen and other particles, and removing them from the breathing zone.

Studies have shown that people with asthma and allergy problems have reported improved symptoms with certain types of carpets.

A carpet, moreover, is ideal for cushioning our footsteps, reducing slips and falls, and minimising injuries when falls do occur. A carpet

Issue 101

October 2015

IN THIS ISSUE...

INTERVIEW Well-known Maltese dancer and teacher Janet Vella talks to Jo Caruana about her newly-released book about her life, yoga, jewels and… pizza. PAGE 6 >

Before purchasing a carpet, you should answer the following questions: • How is the room going to be used?

• Will it have heavy or light traffic?

HOMES • Will the room be the centre of activity for the family and will it be used for entertaining?

The emphasis on cosiness as • Is there direct access from outside, or will the carpet be placed the weather gets colder gives us away from entrances? something to look forward to in the • Will the carpet receive direct sunlight? rainy season. Marie-Claire Grima Your answers will help you make your choices, including your choice of colour, carpet construction and more.

Maltarugs is a specialised centre that will assist you to make the right choice. You can choose from a wide selection of hand-made Persian rugs or thousands of modern and contemporary designs in various sizes; and if you need a more personalised approach, bring over the designs and colours of the carpet of your dreams and it will be readily produced just for you. We are renowned for our made-to-measure carpets and rugs.

Maltarugs, 101, Psaila Street, B'Kara. T: 2702 5702; M: 9982 2866; E: info@maltarugs.com; www.maltarugs.com; Fb: Maltarugs / Isfahan carpets

lists the latest updates for your living room. PAGE 12 >

HEALTH Jo Caruana speaks to GP Dr Adam Falzon to discover what you should know about your health and the symptoms to look out for to prevent potential future problems.

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COVER STORY

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

Unique wedding catering

Of weddings past and present The classic wedding day of bygone times has evolved into the fun-filled, contemporary affair we know it to be today – and indeed a lot has changed.

Martina Said discusses how weddings have changed over time, and where it appears that their future lies.

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nyone who has the pleasure of listening through the remarkably romantic and often funny stories recounted by their parents or grandparents about their wedding day way back in time, can probably identify a few differences between then and now. Apart from the unfortunate demise of some wonderful wedding traditions, such as asking one’s future father-in-law for his daughter’s hand in marriage and the bride wearing something old, new, borrowed and blue on her wedding day, wedding receptions of the past and present share very few features.

To some extent, planning a wedding 40 or 50 years ago was a far less complicated affair. To begin with, the choice was immensely limited, with only a handful of venues, caterers and photographers to choose from. The notion of a wedding planner was virtually unheard of and (for the most part) the mothers of the bride and groom had the biggest say on how their children’s wedding turned out, more so than the couple getting married.

The overall look of weddings in the past was altogether simpler, and so, perhaps a touch more elegant.

With a lack of options, there was very little room for disagreement on which theme to pick or what colour scheme to go with. Therefore, the predominant colour of

choice was white for anything ranging from flowers and tablecloths to the wedding cake and the bride’s dress. On the latter, a family member would often contact a reliable seamstress because the number of established bridal shops was way too small, and that same gown was worn for the entire duration of the wedding reception, with no ‘after-party dress’ in sight. Grooms often opted for top hat and tails or tuxedos, and the father of the bride would walk his daughter down the aisle, and foot the bill.

The ceremony would typically take place late in the morning or early afternoon at the local parish of the bride or groom, followed by a reception at a hotel or hall which would wrap up by not later than 8pm. Most newlyweds would change into a smart going-away outfit, and drive off in a car decorated with streamers and metal cans strung to the back of the car.

And now? Well, all aspects of wedding preparations boast far more options now than they did back in the day, with the biggest down-side being that planning a wedding has become far more time-consuming, which is why many couples choose to engage the help and expertise of a wedding planner. Some couples are also moving beyond the traditional church setting and exchanging vows on the beach, in a garden, on a boat or even underwater. Young couples, on the other hand, are taking greater liberty

Your wedding catering should be unique, just like your love story. Zest's outside catering has years of experience in all types of wedding catering, from intimate gatherings to glamorous bashes. We provide exquisite, contemporary food along with smart, friendly and professional service to help your day run smoothly. But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to design bespoke solutions to ensure your wedding leaves a lasting impression. Book before 30th January 2016 and your first anniversary celebration is on us, including dinner and a boutique hotel stay.

Zest, 25, St George’s Road, St Julian’s.

T: 2138 7600; E: info@zestflavours.com; www.zestflavours.com

When only the best will do...

We can provide all the beverages you will need for your wedding – spirits, wine, champagne, sparkling wine, beer, soft drinks, juices and water. We invite you to visit us to discuss your personal requirements. You can also have a look at the full selection on offer by viewing our website or giving us a call.

We offer the largest variety of brands on the island, and free deliveries from Monday to Saturday (terms and conditions apply).

Farsonsdirect, The Brewery, Mdina Road, Mriehel (just past the Farsons Brewery).

T: 2381 4444; E: info@farsonsdirect.com; www.farsonsdirect.com

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COVER STORY

of planning their wedding from start to finish singlehandedly, and paying for it themselves, without depending too much on their parents’ help and generous donations.

Most noticeably, however, modern-day wedding receptions are increasingly turning into one, big party.

Gone are the days when couples stand at the reception entrance, courteously shaking the hand of every guest that enters through the door. The common practice of inviting scores of family friends and distant relatives is also waning, doing away with the awkward meet-and-greet with people totally unfamiliar to the couple.

Instead, there is the mandatory walk through the reception area, eventually followed by a first dance which invites guests to join in the fun. It is at the after-party that the fun really starts though, when the bride and groom change into something a little more comfortable, still ever so stylish, and party the night away with close family and friends.

Couples pull out all the stops to make their wedding an entertaining affair, sometimes with the help of amusing props and accessories, and flip flops

or comfortable shoes for the ladies to ensure they don’t pack it up early due to aching feet (something surely no distant aunt or cousin would be caught doing 40 years ago). It is not uncommon for weddings to keep going until dawn the following day, and for the couple to postpone the honeymoon for a few weeks or even months after the wedding, contrary to the tradition of heading to the airport with a noisy going-away car in times gone by.

The timeless elegance of vintage weddings makes them inimitable, but one of the best parts of modern-day wedding planning is that couples can perfect their day down to the very last detail. They can attend wedding fairs and open days, leaf through local and foreign magazines, and shop from an extensive variety of suppliers for anything from souvenirs to wedding invitations. The wealth of information out there is almost daunting, but undoubtedly exciting, lending couples a helpful hand in planning the wedding day of their dreams.

NEW WEDDINGS PORTAL LAUNCHED

There’s little doubt that the future of wedding planning lies online, as many couples can conveniently surf the net for the latest on all trends and ideas. Among the wedding sites available online is one website which every soonto-be-married and newlywed couple should bookmark.

The recently-launched OurWedding.com.mt, which is Malta’s first fullblown weddings portal, is committed to providing everything a couple could possibly need to plan their wedding day, honeymoon, and future home – with beautiful photos to boot.

This comprehensive portal provides viewers with a wealth of information, including links to local suppliers across all aspects of wedding planning, making the task that much easier and interactive too. And it isn’t just the bride who will enjoy all that it has to offer – future grooms can get up to speed with the latest in men’s

trends ahead of the wedding, including suggestions for the perfect suit and hair styles, to name a few. OurWedding, moreover, offers users the unique opportunity to play an active role by building their own personal wedding website and sharing it with

their friends and family.

If you’ve set the date and are itching to get started with wedding preparations, look no further – OurWedding. com.mt will be there every step of the way. BB

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INTERVIEW

In Her Own Words A beloved teacher and a beautiful dancer, Janet Vella has now released a book about her life. She talks to Jo Caruana about movement, yoga, jewels and pizza.

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nown as ‘the dancer’, Janet Vella has been renowned on the local scene for some time. She is a dancer, movement mentor, spiritual seeker, writer, teacher, eccentric creative, mother of a beautiful soul and founder of KORA7.

Janet lives and breathes yoga and dance. “My life is surrounded by creativity, improvisation, movement, blue skies, bare feet, cats, fiery expression and lots of silence,” she says. “Teaching, moving and inspiring people is what I do all day. It’s what gets me up in the morning and makes me live each day as if it were my last.”

Janet’s new brand, KORA7, encompasses the seven principles it is based on – core stabilisation, spinal alignment, yoga, movement, breath, visualisation, and the yin and yang philosophy.

“Returning to a strong centre, be it in life or in practice, is the main and most potent philosophy of this system,” Janet says. “The ‘centre’ referred to here is not the part of the body built with abdominal crunches at the gym. It is lodged on a much deeper level in the form of invisible strength. It is what keeps you together when an injury threatens your career; when a relationship ends; when illness strikes and when life decides to throw you into a maelstrom.

“This draws immensely from the traumatic life injury I experienced, the many years I spent in dance training and how I used it in conjunction with the silent force of yoga to

heal my own broken body,” she says.

“When I look at my work today I would say that my most exciting project is ‘life’ – and I have certainly packed a lot in over the last few months. I believe I am now putting red lipstick on my career because it certainly deserves it,” she adds with a smile.

How did you get into dance, then yoga, and what made you want to write your book?

I was only seven when my older cousin went to my mum and convinced her to send me to ballet classes. So, in all my tomboy glory, I was being shoved into pink tights and a leotard. I wasn’t very impressed with any of it and I remember thinking that if this was dance, I wasn’t doing it. But I was sold the idea that dance training must start with ballet, and so I stuck with it until I discovered jazz a year later, and then flamenco. Yoga, meanwhile, was always present in my work but it only entered my life potently after the trauma I experienced giving birth to my son. Then, five years ago, following a few life-changing events, my pen flowed to paper and I started to write.

What started as snippets became chapters, and I finally decided that I wanted to write a book to inspire people and change lives.

Can you remember the day you knew dance would be the career path for you?

I don’t think there was a specific day or time. I just knew I didn’t want to do ballet and that I could also excel at other styles. When it came to dance lessons I wasn’t there to make friends or be social. All I needed was for dance to save

me from the chaos that I’d left behind at home. It gave me the freedom to express myself without words. I never saw it as a career path, but instead knew it was a part of my skin, soul and bones.

What inspired your book?

My parents. It is titled Walking in Socks because of the innocence behind the phrase and the complexities that lie beneath it. My childhood wasn’t an easy one and I grew up completely lost seeking what I didn’t get from my parents, always searching to fill a void. Without them, however, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Who is the person who has most inspired your career?

I grew up watching Heather Parisi, an American television presenter, dancer, singer and actress who was one of the most popular personalities on Italian television from the late 70s to the 90s. She was my dance heroine and she allowed me to get lost in her expression. I have also encountered beautiful teachers throughout the last four decades of my career, and Tanya Bayona will always be the mother of dance for me. That said, I feel that it was my innate want to dance that continuously motivated and inspired me.

What have been the highlights of your career so far?

All my dance productions, workshops, individual artistic transformations, teaching in London and India, my students and clients – they all mark quite strongly on my highlight chart.

But one does stand out a little more. A couple of years ago I organised a summer camp for kids for a whole month, and

had the children all to myself.

It was a mixture of yoga, laughter, sun and freedom, and they danced to their own rhythm of drums and beats.

Watching them do their own thing, learning how to breathe, discussing and breaking down life’s stresses, and being free from technology really transformed them. Watching their transformation brought tears to my eyes.

How do you spend your down time?

Watching movies and series. I could endlessly watch Sex and the City, X Factor and Pretty Woman.

What do you love most about dance and yoga?

It’s the intertwining of fluidity and dynamics, and the way they zap you out of a mood and into another. They represent the ever-changing chameleon in me.

What's your favourite thing in your whole house?

It’s tough to choose between my kitchen and TV room. Both are awesome.

What’s your favourite item that you have collected on your travels?

Memories.

If you could spend time at any arts venue in the world, which would you choose?

Covent Garden. It just screams art!

Do you collect anything?

Yes, precious stones – and I could never have enough of them! My sister has a beautiful jewel shop and she gifts me with rings and necklaces all made of gorgeous quartz and other beauties. It is the only jewellery I wear.

What three things would you take with you to a desert island?

A knife, sarong and a massive hat. My son taught me the use of a knife in case of emergencies, and if I am on an island, then I guess the sarong and hat would be the ideal outfit.

What would be your last meal?

Pizza.

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HOMES

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

CEILINGS AND WALLS

Autumn’s top home décor trends to try If your home is in need of a little refresh in time for the new season, there is plenty to be inspired by within some of the most popular design trends of the moment. Sarah Micallef looks at the colours, styles and textures that have been making waves in the interior design world, which can serve as fantastic inspiration for your home.

WALLPAPER

Contemporary wallpaper has moved away from the regal and lavish designs in palatial spaces that most of us would have associated with it a mere few years ago. Things have taken a contemporary turn, bringing wallpaper back into the realm of modern design with a variety of interesting, bold and quirky prints. Another exciting development is that you need not stick to walls alone – cabinet interiors and bookshelves are also getting the wallpaper treatment, and benefiting from a pop of colour and added interest this season.

BOHEMIAN LUXE

Achieving a cosy and laidback air in your space will make it perfect for cuddling up in as autumn becomes winter.

Bohemian luxe is a great design style to achieve this

with, marrying boho patterns and fabrics with upmarket textures and shapes. Look out for sumptuous textures that will give your space a cosy feel such as sheepskin wool, combined with Southwest-inspired patterns in reds, greys and cream, as well as the odd dash of paisley – another major trend that’s doing the rounds at the moment. The best part about these details is that you can go as large or as small as you like – either sticking to a hint of the look through smaller accessories like throw pillows, or fully committing with a beautiful rug.

ARTISANAL GOODS

The renewed appreciation for locally made and globally crafted goods is going strong, and artisanal goods have become major statement-making pieces for the home.

Apart from looking incredibly stylish, artisanal

Rope in the experts for an original design for your bedroom ceilings, and even your walls.

Ceilings and Walls specialises in all types of gypsum board work including flat ceilings, curved ceilings, bulkheads, partitions, wall lining, coving, gypsum plastering, painting, parquet and light fittings, as well as the all-new method used for stretchable ceilings.

Contact Ceilings and Walls on M: 9944 9234 or E: info@ceilingsandwalls.com.mt

Leading garage doors manufacturer

Upward Door Systems Ltd (UDS) has been operating in Gozo since 1996 and has earned a reputation as a leading manufacturer of sectional, insulated, up and over garage doors. All the products are designed and manufactured to aesthetically meet the requirements for residential, commercial or industrial applications.

Upward Door Systems Ltd, Industrial Estate, Xewkija. T: 2156 4456; M: 9942 7391; E: uds@maltanet.net

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HOMES MIX AND MATCH

pieces are extra precious, because of the love and care that has gone into each item as it is being made. Woven items featuring everything from tassels and basketry to macramé and crochet are sure to lend your home an on-trend look for autumn, while ceramic items also make for a beautiful artistic statement. Special pieces to look out for include hand-woven baskets and hanging ceramic items.

Remember when everything had to match? Those days are over. Today, it’s all about mixing materials, textures and metals.

Who says you have to go with one type or colour of metal in the same space? Try pairing polished with distressed gold, silver and copper, alongside wood, steel, matte black or glass… the possibilities are endless! This also applies to colours and textures – combining a cool metal with warm wood makes for an artful blend that will transform your living space in an unexpected way, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

TOP TIP The golden rule when it comes to styling anything from your living room to your outfit is that things don’t necessarily have to match, but they do have to go together. Train your eye to see what items complement each other, even if they belong to different eras, or are different colours, shapes and sizes. Take a risk – it just might work!

RUSTIC STYLE

Infusing a rustic element into your home décor is a huge trend right now, and when it comes to pulling off

the style, raw wood is the top material of choice. Raw, natural wood, reclaimed wood or even driftwood make for the perfect talking point when incorporated into your décor, either as an interesting standalone piece or repurposed into an item of furniture. As for wood’s perfect partner in crime – that has to be copper. Combined with the raw feel of the wood, copper accessories, like a copper lamp atop a rustic wooden table for example, lend an element of sophistication.

RICH TEXTURES

There’s always a certain richness associated with autumn and the harvest season, and its sumptuous deep colours have made their way into our interiors too.

Incorporate saturated hues like eggplant, olive, navy and ruby into your décor to give it a wintry richness, and pair with luxurious materials like leather in deep browns to complete the look. Meanwhile, a fireplace or wood-burning stove will serve as a pièce de résistance.

GRAPHIC FABRICS

Graphic and punchy prints on fabrics are all the rage, with bold colours and patterns infusing energy into an otherwise neutral space.

Reminiscent of retro fabrics from the 50s, 60s and 70s, botanical prints in particular are certainly ones to watch, especially those featuring vintage renderings of fruit, which give off a lovely homey vibe while being incredibly ontrend at the same time.

GEOMETRIC SHAPES

Whether it’s through tiles or furniture, geometric shapes are in, and serve to create a dynamic, modern aesthetic.

Geometric favourites include oversized chevron prints and diamond shapes, which work beautifully in floor tiles. The reappreciation of the traditional Maltese patterned floor tile also comes into play here, and creates a striking effect, particularly in character homes and converted old townhouses and apartments. BB

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HOMES

Show your living room some love

Living Room by Noelle Wright

With Northern European and Nordic designs still flexing their muscles when it comes to furnishing trends, the emphasis on cosiness and ultra-comfort as the weather gets colder is no coincidence, and will help make the transition to cold weather something to look forward to. Marie-Claire Grima lists the updates to look out for when giving your living room a seasonal boost.

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lmost every language in the colder parts of Europe has a special word for ‘cosy’. Germany has ‘Gemütlichkeit’, a word meant to capture the warmth of being in a beer garden surrounded by good friends. Sweden has ‘mysig’, which describes any place or experience where you are content, relaxed and warm.

And Denmark – consistently topping the charts as the happiest country in the world, despite the long wintery nights and the cold, has ‘hygge’; cosiness on a grand scale,

aligned with a peaceful and convivial state of mind. Used as we are in Malta to long, sunny days, the change in the weather can dampen our spirits, as well as our clothes – but when you step into your living room, you should be welcomed by a Nordic sense of well-being and good cheer. Here’s how to do it:

Found objects and material

Found objects and material are popular this season, and the rough, unfinished look is good for tables in particular. The trick is to pair the coarseness

of the found material with something that has completely opposite design values, such as exquisitely-made geometric chairs in a striking colour, or a polished metal or glass surface. This brings out their most individually appealing qualities, preventing your living room from looking like a gamekeeper’s hut, and creating a beautiful space that plays with contrast.

Retro rugs

The 60s and 70s may have been decades of questionable style choices, but the interior design world is turning to them

for inspiration, and it likes what it sees. Vintage Swedish weave, faux fur, shag, rattan and handwoven carpets are back with a bang but with a contemporary twist added to them, ensuring that they infuse colour and heart into the spaces they inhabit. Adding a warm rug to your living room can also help make our notoriously chilly Maltese houses a much more pleasant place to be as the cold sets in.

Bold sofa cushions

If you’re looking to add colour to your living room, but don’t

want to go the rug route, or are simply looking to update a sofa that’s looking a bit tired, you don’t have to break the bank. Invest in a few colourful sofa cushions with bold graphic prints to infuse new energy into your living room space. Look for sofa cushions that are great fun without being too showy, and which are easy to replace when your living room needs another pick-me-up. A warm palette to evoke the comforts of autumn, or a citrus zing to remind yourself that spring isn’t too far away? The choice is up to you.

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Bring in the light The dreariest part of winter is how dark it gets so early on in the day, and if your living room doesn’t have enough natural light to begin with, it can be a very dispiriting space to come home to. Installing oversized lighting works well if the room is big enough, and modern twists on the classic chandelier can work beautifully in this scenario. However, if you’re worried that this kind of lighting will dominate a smaller room, consider adding wall sconces and even metallic lighting pendants or floor lamps to add warmth and project light in interesting ways without gobbling up all the attention from the rest of the room.

TOP TIP Vintage Swedish weave, faux fur, shag, rattan and handwoven carpets are back with a bang but with a contemporary twist added to them, ensuring that they add colour and heart.

Warm metallics

Metal shades have been big for quite some time now, and

you’d better get used to them because they’re not going anywhere. While we usually associate them with industrialstyle kitchens, metallics can also be incorporated into any aspect of your living room.

You can add sheen and depth to your living room through metallic wallpaper, while sculptural pieces or even hanging lamps work very well to offset the strokable textures that are all the rage.

The versatility of metallics has made them season-proof – only the tones change, with warm copper taking precedence over cooler tones in autumn. Their natural reflectivity makes them ideal even to boost the lighting in the living room.

Original handmade pieces

A connection to the craftsman has become a priority for customers when choosing

furniture, according to Polly Dickens, the creative director of Habitat. Whether we’re talking about a vase moulded by a distant indigenous tribe or chairs fashioned by a local artisan, ‘a clear sense of the hand of the maker’ is very desirable when it comes to choosing furniture for your living room. Shying away from machine-made perfection, quirks and flaws are totally acceptable: as a testament

to time, patience and human effort, these add an extra layer of humanity to an already interesting artefact. And besides being original and functional, they make for great conversational pieces for one of those cosy evenings in with friends. BB

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Foreword

For the love of all-things weddings

While the busy wedding season may be approaching its end for the year it won’t be long until we’re gearing up for the next one, although in markedly more tolerable weather conditions.

Those tying the knot are likely counting the days until their set date, while guests will soon be busy fussing over what to wear and what gift to buy the happy couple. Whichever category you fall under,

you’ll find the recently launched OurWedding.com.mt to be a trusty ally for all your weddingrelated needs, even if your dreams of D-day are still nowhere in sight.

This full-blown weddings portal, backed by a brilliant team of editors, journalists, administrators and sales executives at Content House Group – the publishing company behind many of Malta’s

Best Buy is the leading shopping guide distributed with The Times every month on a Wednesday.

top publications and magazines, including Best Buy – offers readers and viewers an attractive escape into the wonderful world of weddings. Read more about it in this month’s cover story, which also delves into the evolution of weddings from past to present.

Together with a range of other interesting reads, we hope you enjoy the issue!

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Publishers

Content House Group Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel.

T: +356 2132 0713 F: +356 2132 0714 E: info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt EDITOR Martina Said Contributors Sarah Micallef, Jo Caruana, Marie-Claire Grima Advertising Publication Sales Manager Mark Barbara Advertising Sales Executives Caroline Gauci, Diane Scerri Advertising Sales Coordinators Lindsey Ciantar, Marvic Cutajar

NEXT ISSUE:

DESIGN Nicholas Cutajar

DOn'T MISS IT

Printer Progress Press Ltd

11.11.15

Stylish, doubleglazed and energyefficient apertures REHAU uPVC window, door and curtain walling systems boast major benefits from both an environmental and a practical point of view. The brand offers a range of stylish double-glazed and energy-efficient systems which reduce heating costs. Our uPVC systems include hinged apertures, tilt and turn and sliding, and can achieve an ‘A’ rating – the highest energy rating when installed with the appropriate glazing unit, making REHAU profile-compliant with the latest building regulations. REHAU systems can also accommodate tripleglazing which can help improve noise reduction.

Security for you and your home is paramount, so all REHAU systems are made from only the highest quality uPVC and have been designed to provide rigidity and strength. This allows the highest performance handles, hinges and locking mechanism.

REHAU uPVC window, door and curtain walling systems are very lowmaintenance, containing a unique

compound resulting in a smooth gloss finish – guaranteeing that they will retain their pristine appearance.

This also means that they will never warp, rot or need repainting. REHAU uPVC profiles hold accreditations and certificates for their products and standards.

For further enquiries T: 2169 2917; M: 7949 4438; E: info@andrewvassallo.com; Fb: facebook.com/Andrewvassalloltd

THE BEAUTY OF MARBLE Marble is one of the most beautiful and timeless materials one can choose for a truly stylish home. And not only is it stunning; it is also highly durable and strong. At Cini Marbles, we specialise in offering quality marble, granite, quartz, travertine and other materials that are carefully chosen from trusted sources.

We also stock a vast range of products for the care of marble and granite.

Whether you are after a kitchen top, staircase, flooring or any other requirement, call or visit us for a quote.

Cini Marbles, Triq tal-Handaq, Qormi.

T: 2147 2714; M: 9928 3131; www.cinimarbles.com

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COMPANY PROFILE

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW MIRABELLI

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Brothers Mark and Kevin Gaglione, Managing Directors at Medcomms Ltd

50 years of Medcomms

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stablished on 22nd October 1965, Medcomms Ltd, which is ISO Certified, celebrates its 50th anniversary this month. Initially opening its doors to cater for the marine leisure market, Medcomms began by offering services like yacht care, going on to enter the navigational world of marine electronics including on-board electrical installations.

50 years on, the company has evolved to offer its customers a vast and wide selection of top exclusive brands related to the marine industry. Among them are Garmin, Furuno, Icom, Jotron, KVH, Thrane & Thrane and Victron.

“Our marine products today do not only cover the leisure and fishing sectors. For some time now, Medcomms has been fully approved and certified to operate within the commercial marine sector too. This side of the market is very strong, competitive and extremely important to us, We have always held a great relationship with our suppliers, and are thankful towards them and our customers for their support over the years,” says Mark Gaglione, who today runs Medcomms, alongside his brother Kevin.

Apart from the marine sector, the company has also become very popular within the fitness and automotive markets. “Garmin have fantastic devices that bring GPS (Global Positional System) to the everyday user,” explains Mark.

“Our additional satellite airtime providers we represent also allow us to offer our customers airtime packages which allow them to have voice and data communication while outside GSM coverage at sea and in remote land areas.”

Speaking of what he believes to be the company’s strength following half a century of operations, Mark puts it down to maintaining a good and compact number of staff members. “We feel that a smaller team is an efficient team. Staff technical training is a must to keep abreast of what happens within our everchanging market, so providing our staff with the correct knowledge keeps us ahead.

That, and being able to provide a good after-sales service is also a must,” he maintains.

He also feels that pricing is very important, given the rise of online shopping. “We believe that offering prices that are sometimes cheaper than those found online, packaged with friendly after-sales service, makes people think twice before clicking that ‘buy now’ button,” he says.

Having worked at Medcomms for just under 25 years, with his brother not far behind, Mark is also quick to point out that they are not the ‘original owners’, maintaining that albeit retired, his father Ronald’s knowledge and experience remain

invaluable to the company’s success.

“Our father, Ronald Gaglione started out as a technician within the company in the earlier years. Over a period of time he acquired enough shares to eventually own the company outright. Both myself and my brother have learnt so much from him, and still call upon our dad’s vast knowledge and invaluable experience.

Although retired today, he is still respected by many who have been in this sector for many years. We just hope that between us, we can keep this respect alive for many more years to come,” Mark says.

Looking to the company’s future, he states that while they are always looking out for new ventures, it is also important to know when it’s best to stick to what you know and excel at it. Despite this, he concludes, “Medcomms has never shied away from projects that may be out of our everyday line of business, and that will surely not change in the years to come.” BB

Medcomms Ltd, 4, Msida Road, Gzira.

T: 2133 5521/2133 0147; E: info@medcomms.com.mt; www.medcomms.com.mt

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WHere to dine

YOUR RESTAURANT GUIDE Il-Veduta Open: 11am-11.30pm daily.

Il-Veduta, Is-Saqqajja, Rabat.

T: 2145 4666/2145 3656; Deliveries: T: 2145 5500; E: info@veduta.com.mt; www.veduta.com.mt

The Oracle Casino Bistro Entry requirements: Maltese must be over 25 years old and foreign nationals must be over 18 years old.

Proof of ID/Passport will be required on the first visit.

Oracle Casino Bistro has the MTA Quality-Assured Restaurant seal.

Oracle Casino Bistro, Islet Promenade, Qawra.

T: 2157 0057; E: win@oraclecasino.com; www.oraclecasino.com

BROWNS Open: Monday to Sunday from 10am till late. Kitchen open all day.

T: 2122 7410/2702 0471; www.browns.com.mt; Fb: facebook.com/ brownswaterfront

Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro Open Monday-Sunday 12.30-11pm.

Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro, 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema.

T: 2133 7367; M: 9984 7713; www.takrisrestaurant.com

Unparalleled views As the name implies, Il-Veduta is blessed with unparalleled views of two-thirds of Malta, directly overlooking the countryside and distant sea. Situated just outside the fortifications of Malta’s old capital, Mdina, the restaurant has become a household name among families looking for the perfect Sunday lunch venue. The spacious establishment, with indoor and outdoor seating, is split on three levels that can cater for large groups of up to 300 people. The third floor can be used for private functions of up to 100 people. The diverse menu consists of a vast selection of delicious Mediterranean fare, with a variety of starters, pizzas, pastas and grills, all modestly priced. Il-Veduta also offers a delivery service, for customers to enjoy the enticing menu from the comfort of their homes. Delivery menus can be viewed on Veduta’s accessible website.

Take time out to enjoy the Oracle Casino Bistro, a place to relax and catch up with friends. The Bistro is a modern, city-style restaurant within the casino itself. We have created an à la carte menu which blends the flair of international dining with the distinct colours and flavours of the Mediterranean. Choose from a variety of antipasti, pasta dishes and fresh fish to a selection of contemporary specialties and grills. With regular themed evenings and nightly live entertainment, the Oracle Casino Bistro provides a unique combination of two nights out in one, offering the fun of the casino and the pleasure of dining.

The Oracle Casino Bistro is open daily for dinner from 7pm till midnight. Reservations are recommended. Look out for special promotions given regularly at the Bistro. The Bistro is also open daily for lunch from 12pm till 3pm. The lunch set menu is only €5 between Monday and Saturday while the Sunday buffet lunch is only €10. On Wednesday we serve our fabulous buffet for €7.

“One of the nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever we're doing and devote our attention to eating” – Luciano Pavarotti... and Browns Kitchen Malta is the place to do so.

Original, exceptional and tasty food is served every time – that's our commitment.

Since December 2012, Browns’ new management and its team have been striving to deliver the best quality food and service possible in order to satisfy all of our customers in all aspects.

We specialise in fresh fish, premium cuts of Irish beef and much more. We cater for all kinds of occasions including staff parties, birthday celebrations, bachelors’ and hens’ parties, large groups and any other functions where we provide tailor-made set menus depending on our customers’ budgets and requirements. Seating is available inside and outdoors, enjoying breath-taking views of the Grand Harbour.

Right in the heart of Sliema lies Ta’ Kris Restaurant and Maltese Bistro, serving wholesome home cooking at unbeatable prices.

Chef patron Chris uses the freshest ingredients to create tasty Maltese dishes like Dad’s Famous Bragjoli, thick beef stew, veal escalopes and rabbit. Patrons are also spoilt for choice with the daily specials ranging from fresh fish to beef fillet and various pasta dishes. All at this price-worthy restaurant is served in the unique settings of a former bakery. Ta’ Kris is one of the best rated restaurants by the Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants.

Sunday lunches; rated 4th best restaurant by the Daily Telegraph; very good value for money.

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HEALTH

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Your Head-To-Toe Health Check Health should be everyone’s top priority, and knowing the symptoms to look out for can help give you advance warning of potential future problems. Jo Caruana speaks to Dr Adam Falzon to discover what you should know about your health.

W

e all know that our health is everything, but are we doing enough to protect it?

With today’s hectic lifestyles we often put things off, choosing the easiest (but not necessarily the healthiest) option and promising that we will do better tomorrow.

However, your health should never be an afterthought. And, as Dr Adam Falzon, a family doctor at St Anne’s Clinic in Birkirkara, tells me, vigilance will help you stay on top of your health so that you can

enjoy your lifestyle as much as possible.

“Speaking in general, prevention is definitely better than cure,” he says. “Most conditions have a long, silent period so, if you manage to catch them during that time, you will be able to prevent them from developing, perhaps by making lifestyle changes.

By being aware of your health and any changes in your body, you can definitely act quickly and hopefully nip things in the bud.”

That said, Dr Falzon explains that some people can become

over cautious, and start to worry too much about developing certain conditions.

“It is difficult to generalise but, as a rule of thumb, if you are keeping up with your peers then you shouldn’t worry, especially in your 20s and 30s.

For instance, if you’re not much more tired than they are, or if you are managing to keep up while doing exercise or while out and about, then there is no immediate cause for concern.

On the other hand, if you notice that you are very out of breath when you wouldn’t normally be, or that you are too exhausted to get through

the day, then it is important to speak to your doctor,” he says.

As you get older, it is also vital to be aware of other symptoms too, such as rapid, unexplained weight loss, blood in your stools or when passing water, and any new lumps or bumps.

“If you lose your appetite all of a sudden or notice changes in your desire for food, then you should also speak to your doctor to explore whether there is anything else going on,” he says.

When it comes to health checks and how regularly you should have them, Dr Falzon

explains that this varies a lot depending on age, gender and whether there are other health problems.

“In general, young women will need to get regular (at least every three years) cervical smear tests once they become sexually active; men on the other hand don’t really need to start screening for things until they are older. As a rule, with regards to younger people, I am more concerned about speaking to them regarding sexual health and smoking habits, as knowledge of both can really help to prevent future problems.

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HEALTH

“Then, as people grow older, though, it does make sense to test for bowel problems, as well as to have blood tests to assess your thyroid function, cholesterol levels, liver and kidney function, sugar levels and blood count,” he continues. “This can help to shed light on potential problems in the early stages, and enable your doctor to gain a better understanding of your overall health, as well as any specific, developing problems.”

He explains that, once you reach 45, it pays to have an annual blood screening and blood pressure test. “Women will also need mammograms every three years, although it’s important to speak to your doctor about your own family history and to see if you are more at risk. Meanwhile, in your late 50s, the Health Department will also contact you with regards to bowel screening.”

Aside from speaking to your GP, there are other tests that you should consider incorporating into your health strategy.

“Your eyes,” he says, “need to be tested if you’re worried about a change in your vision

or if you have a family history of eye problems. However, it becomes vital to check your eyes more often if you are diabetic or have high blood pressure. In addition, your eyes will be screened for ocular hypertension, which is hypertension in the eye (and unrelated to general hypertension).

There are a number of useful tests available, though Dr Falzon issues caution too.

“They can be excellent when it comes to diagnosing coeliac disease for instance, but can be quite vague when it comes to other intolerances.

My advice, as always, would be to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who will then recommend how best to narrow down the problem.”

TOP TIP “If you notice that you are very out of breath when you wouldn’t normally be, or that you are too tired to get through the day, then it is important to speak to your doctor.”

“Dental checks are also important, not just for oral hygiene reasons, but also because bad dental health has recently been linked to other general health issues. One recent study even linked the presence of gum disease to issues of heart disease, so it makes sense to be aware of this and to speak to your dentist about your gum health.”

Food intolerance tests have also become popular among

patients. In recent years, people have come to realise just how linked their health is to

the foods that they eat, and that certain foods can have a very negative effect on their body.

Finally, Dr Falzon explains how technology can also help us stay on top of our health. “I recommend a good quality home blood pressure device for patients with hypertension,” he says. “It really enables them to keep tabs on their blood pressure between visits to the doctor, and to become aware of their condition. Similarly, diabetic devices are really helping people to stay on top of their health; some devices can now even be linked to your smartphone and can automatically send test results to your doctor. This kind of technology can really make a difference to certain patients and your doctor will be able to guide you on what could be right for you,” he concludes. BB

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WINDOW SHOPPING

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InoxyHair Miracle Elixir Did you know that your hair ages with time and that, just like your skin, it requires special anti-aging care? Mark Navarro Hairdressing is glad to present INOXYHAIR, a fantastic hair product that is formulated in Italy's best laboratory. You will feel the difference instantly after the first use, and it is the best care you could give your covered hair.

12 Anti-split ends 1 magic fluid, 12 wonders for your hair!

1 Anti-age INOXYHAIR is only available 2 Shining from fine hairdressing 3 Glossy salons. For product 4 Protective information and trade 5 Restructuring enquiries contact Mark 6 Detangling

Navarro Hairdressing on 7 Hydrating T: 2134 4563; 8 Nourishing M: 9943 1964.

9 Softening 10 Volumising 11 Anti-frizz

Fun in the Photo Booth Photo Booth Malta is the largest and most experienced photo booth company on the island, offering various types and styles of booths.

Photo booths are a great way to capture candid moments on any occasion, from weddings to corporate events and even graduation parties.

They provide your guests with a photo strip that they can keep as a lifelong memento. Every time a guest takes a picture, two copies are printed – one is for the guests to keep as a souvenir while the other is placed inside a guest book where they can also write a personal message for you to keep.

booth and much more. No matter which booth you choose, we guarantee you and your guests will love it and have a great time!

For more information, M: 7906 9716; E: info@photoboothmalta.com; www.photoboothmalta.com; Fb: facebook.com/PhotoBoothMalta

Most people are familiar with a booth that’s closed-off with curtains and fits two to four people comfortably. The open-air booth is the latest twist on photo booths – it allows for a custom backdrop and for more people to get into every shot. All of our booths offer customisable double prints, video, the ability to upload to social media straight from inside the

DOGFOODADVISOR.COM Saving good dogs from bad dog food

Pet owners love their dogs, and most are probably concerned about how to find safe and healthy food to nourish their best friends.

Dog Food Advisor is a free public service website designed to help pet owners make a more informed decision when buying dog food.

Dog Food Advisor’s approach to evaluating dog food is based on one important principle – how can any dog food ever be magically better than the ingredients that were used to make it?

Dog Food Advisor examined over 1,000 dog foods and assigned a rating of one to five stars to each of these. To find out how the products

you are feeding your dog are rated simply go to www.dogfoodadvisor.com and look up the brand by clicking on ‘Brands A to Z’. The service is free and you will not be required to enter any personal details.

Orijen and Acana Pet Foods receive the Advisor’s top rating of five stars. Made from Canada’s best and freshest ingredients exclusively in the awardwinning kitchens in Alberta, Canada – ORIJEN and ACANA are guaranteed to keep your dog happy, healthy and strong.

www.dogfoodadvisor.com

How to maintain a healthy diet It is easy to say “you are what you eat”, but when it comes to applying this in practice, is it so easy? Maintaining a healthy diet can be satisfying but this does not come without some sacrifice. A modern, well-researched food guide pyramid emphasises the importance of daily exercise and weight control as a baseline of a healthy diet and as part of a healthy lifestyle.

It shows the importance of choosing food containing fibre in our bread, pasta, rice and cereals, where brown and wholegrain foods are preferable. All oils coming from plant sources, such as olive oil and sunflower oil, as well as nuts and legumes are crucial to provide polyunsaturated oils that in small amounts lower our unhealthy blood cholesterol.

It demonstrates the importance of choosing healthier meats

containing less fats, such as poultry and fish, besides consuming low-fat dairy products. Lastly, it advocates eating red meat and fats coming from animal sources in limited amounts, as small amounts of fat are still necessary for our body to function efficiently. The secret of everything is eating the correct amount of each type of food to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Geoffrey Axiak M.Sc. Nursing (Manchester), B.Sc. Nursing, P.G. Dip. Nutrition & Dietetics, Dip. Public Management, Cert.

Clinical Nutrition (Leeds)

Geoffrey Axiak, M: 9982 2288; E: axiakg@yahoo.com; http://gaxiak.yolasite.com

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WINDOW SHOPPING

Super Sunday Lunch

Sunday lunches at The Coral Cove restaurant are back and you can once again enjoy mouth-watering buffets while admiring breath-taking sea views. And, following its recent renovation, the hotel will now remain open throughout the winter.

Set in a bright, modern and airy ambience, The Coral Cove is considered a gem by those who like to visit, especially for the magnificent Sunday lunches where you can enjoy an extensive variety of antipasti, starters, main courses and dessert. The buffet price includes free drinks, namely unlimited water, soft drinks, juices, house wine, house beer and coffee.

SPOTLIGHT ON: WHITE WEDDINGS BY SYNERGIX twist to your party. Meanwhile, the White Zen chill out range promises complete elegance, with crisp, white furniture to complement any venue – and Synergix can even custom-create gazebos with long tables and chic cushioned benches.

The setting for your wedding will be one of the most important elements of your big day. Make it as memorable as possible with the wide range of light-up furniture from Synergix, which will instantly provide that wow factor and ultra-modern look.

White Weddings by Synergix’s range includes lightup cubes, chairs and bistro tables, as well as their latest light-up bar, which will certainly add a colourful

This is an ideal hangout for family lunches, social occasions and group celebrations.

A fantastic show cooking display, excellent value for money and tasty food with a difference make The Coral Cove an allinclusive experience not to be missed. Have you booked your table?

The Coral Cove. T: 2157 7101; E: info.seashells@axhotelsmalta.com; www.seashellsresortmalta.com; Fb: Facebook.com/Seashells Resort at Suncrest

Perfect your first dance

So, whatever your dreams for your special day, Synergix will ensure the results are unique. From flooring and décor, to ambience lighting and furniture, they are the specialists, and they have the solution for the set-up you’ve been dreaming of.

T: 2138 0488/9; E: info@synergix.com.mt; www.whiteweddingsmalta.com

Your Dream Wedding at Infinitely Xara Venues At Infinitely Xara, we believe that each wedding we host is unique and truly special – a celebration of love and the beginning of a new life together.

It is this very same certainty that has allowed us to help celebrate hundreds of weddings over the years, keeping firmly in mind that this day is entirely and exclusively all about you: our brides and grooms.

Call Infinitely Xara on T: 2256 7567; M: 7949 3064; E: weddings@xarapalace.com.mt

If your fiancé is really uneasy about showing off his or her dance skills in public, don’t fret! At Plethora Dance, we will create the perfect dance just for you, even if you have two left feet. We provide guidance with basic movements to make sure you are comfortable and confident. During your lessons, we’ll break down every movement and picture opportunity so you will look back on this as a great memory. We promise you’ll be surprised with how well you’ll look dancing with the right tutor.

Your dance lessons are a great opportunity to spend time together in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life and last-minute preparations for the big day.

From charmingly simple to a show-stopping routine you can make a statement that you, your friends, and your loved ones will remember for years to come.

Plethora Dance. M: 9949 0896; www.plethoradance.com; Fb: facebook.com/Plethora Dance

Décor for all occasions more chic ceremonies such as baptisms and weddings, Deco by Mon offers a variety of decorations for all sorts of events.

We’re here to make sure your special day is celebrated as it should be. From birthday parties and baby showers to

We make sure that each reception we manage is tailormade to match our clients’ requests and ideas. Leave it to us to take care of designing, organising and decorating

your venue to create a picture-perfect party for you and your guests to admire.

Using a selection of unique decorations, furniture, flower arrangements and even party games, we’re here to make your party truly stand out. And for those looking for a simpler event, we also offer a wide variety of items that can be individually leased.

If you’re looking to host an event with memories that will last a lifetime, send us a message on our Facebook page; we’ll be glad to help in any way.

Deco by Mon. M: 7901 0787; E: cassar.monique@gmail com; Fb: facebook.com/Deco

by Mon

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS A selection of wigs and hair pieces

Acheck

A large selection of wigs, in human hair, synthetic hair or in a mix of human and synthetic hair, in different styles and colours is available at Monopole. These are ideal for everyday use and for medical conditions such as chemotherapy, alopecia and thinning of hair.

Save on fuel costs (nearly half the price) and reduce emissions and road license fees (terms apply). We use the latest OBD with adaptive fully sequential autogas electronic control unit for continued self-tuning and sealed maintenance-free injectors for low maintenance and smooth engine running, with zero performance losses. Two years warranty on both electrical and mechanical components of the autogas system including parts and labour.

Installation is ready in two days.

Personal and individual advice is given by experienced advisors, by appointment, and in complete privacy. A large variety of hair pieces for special occasions such as weddings, parties or a special evening out, or simply for a change of hair style are also available in wefts, pony tails, clip-ons and more.

We are authorised by the Malta Resources Authority to install LPG conversions and issue certification. Sole agents for AG Centrum, PRINS and Autogas Italia.

Monopole, Bisazza Street, Sliema. T: 2131 3909; www.monopole.com.mt

Acheck Ltd, Triq Tas-Sriedaq, Mosta. T: 2143 2656; M: 9944 1297; E: info@acheckgarage.com; www.autogas.com.mt

Pebbles Beauty Clinic

GOZO POOLS LTD

Pebbles Beauty Clinic offers an extensive range of services, including facials, massages, slimming treatments, waxing, Hopi ear candle treatment, electrolysis, gel nail extensions, make-up preparations and semi-permanent make-up.

Gozo Pools Ltd specialises in everything related to swimming pools and spas.

Call Pebbles Beauty Clinic of Triq il-Kuncizzjoni, Zabbar for an appointment on T: 2167 3382; M: 9942 3731; Fb: Pebbles Beauty Clinic

75, Cappuchin's Street, Victoria, Gozo. T: 2155 4251; M: 9949 3767; E: info@gozopools.com

Whether you require top of the range spas, infra-red cabins, pool tiles, equipment or chemicals, we have all that you need at prices you can afford. At Gozo Pools, our goal is to provide you with courteous, expedient and professional service of the highest level.

At Gozo Pools, the customer always comes first and we will endeavour to reach your expectations with a high quality service.

YOUR One-sTOp SHOPPING GUIDE SPEED OF SOUND - LIVE BAND FOR WEDDINGS How about a band that not only authentically covers a wide range of easy listening and danceable music from the 60s to the 90s, but will also gladly fulfil requests for any tune you desire? You've found it... Speed of Sound!

In existence since 1980, we pride ourselves on loyalty to the original song. We play the versions of tunes that are familiar to everyone. The ability to combine our upbeat style while playing 60s tunes with the same energy as contemporary 90s makes us ideal for any crowd that likes to listen or dance. We keep the young in the groove and the old in the mood.

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Exclusive Weddings Malta Are you getting married and still without a wedding organiser?

Do you want your wedding day to be a resounding success?

Be sure that everything is well planned.

Reduce your stress and let us supervise your wedding.

Call Exclusive Weddings Malta for a free consultation.

Benefit from a â‚Ź25 discount on presentation of this advert till December 2015.

T: 2167 4867; M: 9989 4847; www.theweddingsite.com/speedofsound

Contact Simon Camilleri on M: 7927 3525; E: exclusiveweddingsmalta@melita.com; www.theweddingsite.com/exclusiveweddingsmalta; www.exclusiveweddingsinmalta.com

Tunin Entertainment

Funky Shades Hair & Beauty

After more than 15 years of providing entertainment, organising specialised functions and a portfolio consisting of several thousand events, Tunin Entertainment has a very clear idea of the expectations and demands of clients while also having an eye for detail. With our trademark personal service, Tunin provides you with a value for money one-stop shop for all your entertainment and event planning requirements. Tunin exclusive artists include Crosswalk, Luca Xuereb & Band, Raquela, The Residents and Ozzy Lino.

We are a group of hairdressers who have been entrusted with the hair and beauty care of our loyal clientele for over 10 years. We specialise in hair and beauty care – including a variety of hairstyles and upstyles, hair extensions and beauty treatments, as well as nail care and make-up, all under one roof. We are also proud to have taken care of the overall look of countless brides and their bridal parties.

46, Triq Mikiel Ang Grima, Pembroke. M: 7946 7290; E: info@tunin.com.mt; www.tunin.com.mt

Funky Shades Hair & Beauty, Triq l-Indipendenza, Zebbug. T: 2146 4448; M: 7746 4448.

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MEN

Stay on-trend this autumn

Turn those collars up, lads – the start of the chilly season is here. Marie-Claire Grima reveals how to get warm (but still stay cool) in the months ahead with autumn style tips.

Super-long scarves

With your oversized coat doing most of the work to keep you warm, scarves this season can roam wild and free. One trend that is common to all is their length – whether you’re looking at skinny, aristocratic ones or large, thick woollen ones, always go long. Engage with the 70s revival by opting for bright prints, blanket shapes or even something with tassels at the end.

and cages, the graphics on the sides and the embroidered logo to put on the toe will be all up to you. We don’t suggest you go overboard though – monochrome sneakers are still very much a thing.

Desert boots

Desert boots, or chukkas, are a favourite all-year round due to their versatility. Great with anything from jeans to a suit, they’re especially synonymous with autumn. Make the most of the time window just before the merciless rainy season hits and splash out on a handsome pair in suede, or make an investment that will see you through winter with a sturdy pair in leather.

Oversized coats

When it comes to coats this autumn, cast aside your reservations and go overboard – the bigger the better. Think long, loose shapes that flatter both professional and evening looks. Fabrics to consider for

warmth and detail include shearling, velvet and suede.

With extra length and heavy lapels on your side, you’ll be armed to the teeth for when the cold weather returns with a vengeance.

Customisable sneakers

Nike’s cult favourite and hardto-find Air Presto have recently joined the NIKEiD programme, allowing fashion-forward sneaker-lovers to tailor it to their heart’s content. The kind of fabric you want for the upper part, the colour of the midsoles

Raw denim

Denim devotees have been behind this trend for ages, and it’s high time it reached a wider audience. Raw denim still has the original dye still in place, leaving it up to you to break it down to the last detail. Look for medium-weight denim made from ring-spun and double ring-spun yarn for a soft, strong

fabric which will fade into a gorgeous vintage look. If properly cared for, raw denim jeans will outlive seasonal trends and become an essential part of your personal style, lasting you for years and years.

Conservatively long layers

The humble man-bun recently came under fire after dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon Dr Jeff Donovan revealed that it could cause traction alopecia – a form of pattern baldness common in people who wear their hair back tightly. This autumn, let your hair down and ask your barber for a tidy, layered look – not many men can grow healthy, thick locks, so if you’ve got it, we say best to flaunt it.

BB

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