Best Buy November 2015

COVER STORY

Marie-Claire Grima discusses the latest developments in mobility technology, aimed at improving the quality of life and ease of movement of individuals who experience difficulty in getting around. PAGE 3 >

BEST BUY YOUR MONTHLY SHOPPING GUIDE DISTRIBUTED WITH THE TIMES

The TRAVEL and beauty products specialists Move on to the middle floor for travel and leather goods which are on display here, including Samsonite and other well-known top luggage brands to suit everyone’s pocket. Camel Active, Giorgio Fedon, Tony Perotti, Friedrich and other brands specialising in leather and synthetic material for wallets, briefcases, desk items, leisure bags, jewel boxes and watch cases, as well as Gabor handbags in different styles for each season, are always in stock.

Lastly, walk through the wigs department on the top floor for a large selection of wigs, in human or synthetic hair, in different styles and colours, ideal for everyday use and for medical conditions, such as alopecia and thinning of hair, as well as for people undergoing chemotherapy.

Personal and individual advice is given by experienced advisors, by appointment, and in complete privacy.

One can also find a large variety of hair pieces for that special occasion, such as a wedding or a party or simply for a change of hair style.

Monopole Ltd was established in the early 1960s as wholesalers and retailers specialising in beauty and hair products. Over time the company expanded its business into travel and leather goods and, as a result, the outlet in Sliema was refurbished over three floors.

Visit the ground floor for the perfumery and hair products sales point. Besides offering a range of branded perfumes and cosmetics, you can look through a selection of fine, professional hair dryers, straighteners, wands, tongs, heated rollers and other products for hair care.

Monopole, Bisazza Street, Sliema.

T: 2131 3909; www.monopole.com.mt Take advantage of our Christmas Offer!

Spend over €75 on leather goods, luggage or perfumes and you will receive a Beauty Bag gift. The offer is available until stocks last.

Issue 102

November 2015

IN THIS ISSUE...

HOMES Have a gorgeous outdoor area and wish to make good use of it in winter? Martina Said shares ideas on how to heat up your outdoor space and enjoy it on a chilly winter night.

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Company Profile Pierre Bugeja, Managing Director and Senior Conservator-Restorer at PrevArti Ltd, talks about the importance of and value behind restoring an artwork to its former glory. PAGE 23 >

PETS We look forward to Christmas leftovers almost as much as Christmas lunch itself, but, as Sarah Micallef discovers, what’s great for us is not necessarily ideal for our pets. PAGE 30 >

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COVER STORY

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epsa.eu

Making your house a home for everyone

Curved Chair Stairlift by Area

Whether you’ve suffered an injury that makes it difficult to get around, are recovering from major surgery, or have a chronic condition or disability, mobility issues can affect people at all stages of life. Marie-Claire Grima looks into the newest developments in mobility technology, and what changes can be implemented to make life easier.

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any places in Malta are still not as accommodating as they should be towards people with mobility issues. But while there is not much that can be done about the accessibility (or lack thereof) in a number of public spaces, there are several measures that can be taken within one’s own house to make it more comfortable, safe and easy to navigate for people of all ages and requirements, depending on the type and extent of the mobility issues in question.

Simple changes around the house

Even a few simple tweaks to the way that your home is currently set up can make it much easier and less strenuous for people with reduced mobility to get around the house. If someone is on crutches or is using a walking aid or a wheelchair, they need extra room to be able to move around comfortably, so make sure that they have plenty of space to make their way around the furniture. Furniture pieces which are at low or odd heights can be troublesome, so it’s best to set them aside.

Issues of mobility are not necessarily related solely to getting around the house.

Conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or the effects of a stroke can hinder a person from carrying out simple chores and tasks that many of us take for granted on a day-to-day basis. Many of these have solutions that are relatively easy to implement.

For instance, if the tap handles in the kitchen and bathroom are still the traditional kind, they can be replaced with levers which can be flicked up and down. You can also equip cabinet doors with D-shaped handles to make them easier to grip.

TAKE NOTE New developments in stairlifts fitted to curved staircases enable the chair to swivel automatically around the tightest of bends, so any staircase can be fitted with a stairlift.

Joseph Farrugia, managing director of Melfar Ltd, Malta’s first elevator company, also recommends rise-assistance cushions for people who have problems standing up from their chair or couch.

Large-scale developments

If you or one of your family members or close friends has long-term mobility issues, it is worth investing in more permanent solutions for your home. A ramp to gain access to your house, as well as even, level floors inside the home are a must. If you’re thinking of re-fitting your floor to be more mobility-friendly, your best

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COVER STORY rollator which assists a person to walk at a controlled speed selected by the user, whether going uphill, or on flat ground.”

Joseph adds that non-powered stair-aids can also help people to walk up or down the stairs by themselves safely and without the risk of falling.

option is hardwood, as it is durable, easy to maintain and repair, and hypoallergenic.

Thresholds between rooms that can pose difficulty for someone who has trouble lifting their legs or who is in a wheelchair should be removed.

Stairs are a major concern for people who have mobility issues, and if they can’t be avoided completely, a stair or wheelchair lift can help people

move from one floor to another without the aggravation of having to ask for help. “New developments in stairlifts fitted to curved staircases enable the chair to swivel automatically around the tightest of bends, so any staircase can be fitted with a stairlift, making it fully accessible once again to persons with mobility problems,” says Joseph.

“Another recent development is the launch of an electric

Other aspects that need to be considered include kitchen and bathroom access.

Kitchens have to be refitted so that all the utilities are within reach of wheelchair-bound persons. When it comes to bathrooms, a walk-in shower with a stable seat is much more comfortable than a traditional shower or bathtub. Joseph also recommends bath lifts, which can safely and smoothly lower and raise a person inside the bath. The toilet itself should be fitted with sturdy handles on either side, as well as slip-proof mats, to prevent slips or falls.

Child-proofing the home

Small, fragile and highly active babies and small children come with their own particular set of safety and mobility issues, making it necessary for some essential steps to be taken. If your house has multiple storeys, a baby gate

should be installed both at the top and at the bottom of the stairs. All furniture items – including any loose carpets – have to be as close to unmoveable as possible, while surface edges should be rounded or covered with padding if they’re sharp. Empty electrical sockets have to have a protective guard fitted over them, and dangerous items have to be kept safely away from babies and children in locked, inaccessible cupboards if possible. Joseph advises in favour of the installation of fire, smoke and gas detectors connected to an alarm system, which may also be combined with burglar alarms, in order to prevent an innocent adventure from escalating into a disaster.

TAKE NOTE Non-powered stair-aids can help people to walk up or down the stairs by themselves safely and without the risk of falling.

While tummy time is an important part of babies’ and toddlers’ development, they sleep best on their backs. Their mattress in the crib should be firm and covered by a fitted mattress pad and sheet.

Instead of a regular blanket, go for a blanket sleeper, which reduces the risk of suffocation.

The less clutter there is in the sleeping area, the better, and pillows and toys shouldn’t be introduced until the child is at least a year old.

Even with all these measures in place, babies are still learning how to navigate the world around them, and their actions are unpredictable. A first-aid kit should always be on hand in case you need to give immediate assistance.

And keep an eye on the little ones in your home at all times – making sure that there is always someone watching over them is the one safety measure that you just can’t beat. BB

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INTERVIEW

Of music and memories

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With the Malta International Organ Festival fast approaching its second edition, founder and artistic director Joseph Lia talks to Jo Caruana about the event, its place in our island’s cultural calendar, and his undying love for music.

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oseph Lia was a man on a mission. Last year, the well-known baritone wanted to create the Malta International Organ Festival – and he did.

Now it is approaching its second edition, which will be held from 19 November to 7 December.

This year’s programme promises to be truly extraordinary. It kicks off with a performance by Vatican organist Gianluca Libertucci on the organ, accompanied by soprano Olga Makarina, from the Metropolitan Opera of New York, baritone Joseph Lia (Malta) and Gianpiero Cristaldi (Italy) on the trumpet.

It continues with concerts at St Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral in Mdina and another at St Helen's Basilica in Birkirkara, and closes with a grand finale at St Paul's Anglican ProCathedral in Valletta.

How did you get into music and what is your earliest memory of it?

I remember the marching bands that would play during our local festa, and I later started taking music lessons and playing the clarinet with them. I recall listening to my father’s LPs, which introduced me to another style, and I then

joined St Monica’s Choir and the Manoel Theatre Choir, which is where I encountered opera for the first time. I quickly fell in love with opera and it became one of my major interests.

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

Yes. It was the day I got through my audition for the St Petersburg State Conservatory; I was thrilled. That said, music has always been an intrinsic part of me and my relationship with it will continue to evolve over time.

What can you tell us about the Malta International Organ Festival?

I think of it as my baby.

Last year’s first edition was very successful and I was impressed by just how well it was received; it gave me the impetus to develop future editions, including this year’s. I believe it will quickly become established as a must on the cultural calendar.

Last year gave the public the opportunity to hear some of the world’s best international organ players in action, but also gave Maltese organists the chance to travel abroad to play. Some local music has now

even been included in concerts overseas, which is a fantastic opportunity for Maltese composers. In addition, some master classes were held for up-and-coming organists; one, Matthew Schembri, was even invited to study in the Netherlands. It gives me great satisfaction to help young organists and to watch the internationalisation of this genre. After all, the arts have always played a major role in Maltese culture, and it is the festival's aim to create a highcalibre programme that will serve as an endorsement to the event's international status.

Is there anyone who inspired your career?

Music has always been my inspiration, along with the urge to constantly learn more. My inner urges for achievement inspire me too.

What have been the highlights of your career so far?

Singing a major operatic role –

Germont in Verdi’s Traviata – in front of nearly 1,500 audience members in St Petersburg, on a stage where Anna Netrebko performed just weeks before me. It was wonderful. Singing at the Tallinn Bach Festival was also a very memorable occasion, as I love to showcase Maltese talent overseas.

How do you spend your down time?

Sleeping, relaxing and eating out.

What do you love most about your work?

Giving something to other people – whether advice to other artists, music to my audiences or lessons to my students. It’s all about giving.

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

My memories and experiences; they enrich me.

If you could spend time at any music venue in the

world, where would it be and why?

With Italian operatic baritone Mattia Battistini – the king of baritones. He’s lived in St Petersburg for quite a long time, and jokingly credited the perseverance of his good voice to the cold weather in Russia!

Do you collect anything?

Experiences, because they make me richer.

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

Food, love and Aladdin’s lamp.

What would be your last meal?

A lavish three-course meal – ideally cooked by my father, served with good wine and surrounded by the people I love.

What would you never buy?

Things I cannot afford – it makes life easier!

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HOMES

Welcome to the kitchen of the future

Sarah Micallef takes a peek into the kitchen of the future, and discovers, it’s already here!

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icture this. You’re not sure what to cook tonight, so you consult your refrigerator for recommended recipes based on the ingredients you have.

You pick the perfect recipe, but you’re missing a couple of things, so you order them online via the fridge's LCD

display screen. As you run to the store after work, you use your smartphone to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. When you finally get home, the oven is ready and waiting, and the kitchen is spick and span thanks to your robot vacuum. Welcome to the kitchen of the future.

And that future is not quite as distant as you may think. Thanks to brands like Samsung, Miele, Bosch and LG Electronics, high-tech appliances are becoming more widespread, bringing us ever nearer to having a completely smart home. Market developments in areas like entertainment, security and utilities is rife, with new smart appliances and in-home gadgets popping up all over the place. What’s more, now that we no longer have to pay eco-tax on electronic equipment, following regulations linked with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), these hightech additions have become more affordable for the local household.

As more and more technological advancements are made and we become ever more plugged in, it is no surprise that electronics are making their way into the kitchen. In fact, the modern kitchen is one of the areas within the home that is

benefiting from a large chunk of this new technology, with appliances geared towards enhancing both style and efficiency.

From high-tech additions like sensor-activated lights that brighten when the kitchen is in use to meat thermometers that alert your smartphone when dinner is done, the kitchen of the future is well and truly here. And that’s just the small stuff. Appliances like smart ovens and refrigerators allow you to control them remotely via your smartphone, pick a recipe from their inbuilt recipe banks and proceed to preheat (in the case of the oven) or keep an inventory of your items (within the fridge). The smart refrigerator even alerts you when an item is about to expire, or when you need to replace something – if that’s not smart, I’m not sure what is!

Another popular add-on within today’s high-tech kitchen is the hands-free faucet. While this may not be entirely new

technology (you’ve probably come across it a few times in eateries and public buildings), it’s now making its way into the private home, which is particularly useful when your hands are sticky from food preparation.

And that’s not all. New kitchen gadgets are hitting the market all the time, with latest additions including the Pantelligent frying pan, which was funded on Kickstarter. This brilliant frying pan syncs with your smartphone and monitors temperature and cooking time, alerting you when you need to flip your food, turn down the temperature, or add more ingredients.

There’s also a coffee maker that makes you a cup of coffee while you’re still lying in bed, a fork that lets you know if you’re eating too much or too fast, and a countertop scale that gives you a complete nutritional breakdown of the ingredients placed on it. Techfans must be delighted! BB

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HOMES

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

Find your special rug

Heat up your outdoor space for winter quality time What’s the point of having a gorgeous outdoor area at home only to make good use of it for six months of the year? With some clever tweaking and mindful alterations, you can heat up your outdoor space to accommodate star gazing and marshmallow-roasting on a cold winter night. Martina Said discusses how.

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ur sunny islands are blessed with many more months of warmth and sunshine than most other countries can boast, allowing us to make full use of outdoor spaces at home all year round. November may very well be with us, but our thick coats and fleece blankets are still stowed away from last winter. That’s not to say that cold weather won’t strike soon enough, and when it does, it will probably be unforgiving, which is why sprucing up an outdoor area to make it winter-proof will certainly be worth your while.

Given the islands’ relatively mild winters, it shouldn’t be altogether impossible to heat up an outdoor space during winter, just enough to make it comfortable for you and your guests. It will make for an ideal area to entertain, dine and even relax outdoors when light rain is falling

and the air is fresh, provided that warmth, shelter and comfort are part of the deal. Here’s how to bring the heat outdoors in winter.

Cosy fireplaces

Just like a fireplace creates a grand focal point in your living room, it will also be the hub of your outdoor area.

While installing and running a wood-burning or masonry fireplace comes at a significant cost, it will be a worthwhile investment if you plan to make full use of the outdoors during winter. Think about it: nothing is more inviting than the warm glow of a fireplace and nostalgic sound of crackling wood as it burns away on a quiet winter evening – it is a statement piece and the perfect set-up for a cosy and romantic outdoor space. An alternative to this is a built-in gas fireplace with a gas log set, which is typically less expensive than a wood-burning fireplace.

At Maltarugs you are sure to find any type of rug – from Persian and oriental to modern and contemporary styles, in more than 3,000 designs, all under one roof. All the top brands are offered for your convenience, and if you still don’t find what you are looking for, you can give us your design and size, and we will make it for you. Special rugs for children and youths, as well as for the kitchen, bathroom and outdoors are also available.

101, Psaila Street, B'Kara. M: 9982 2866; www.Maltarugs.com; Fb: maltarugs

Internal wall insulation using Jabor

What is Jabor? Jabor is a prefabricated panel consisting of standard gypsum panels measuring 3m by 1.2m by 13mm, and fire rated EPS sheets 20kg/cu.m density. The panels are glued directly to the wall using a Malta Adhesive Glue and anchor bolts, thereby avoiding the use of metal frameworks.

For more information on insulation and finishing products for interiors and exteriors, visit Bitmac Ltd, Tal-Balal Road, l/o Naxxar.

T: 2141 8411/2/3; E: info@bitmacltd.com; www.bitmacltd.com

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HOMES Warm finishing touches

This kind provides a reliable output of heat, more so than traditional ones, and could even cost you a bit less to run.

What you won’t get, however, is the atmospheric exquisiteness of an authentic wood-burning fireplace which engages all the senses.

Pocket-friendly fire pits

Fire pits are less costly to run and more convenient too as they require little to no maintenance. There are lots of options available, from portable or built-in and firewood or gas to pre-fabricated varieties or custom designs in a range of styles and specifications.

Fire pits serve their purpose effectively, and one of the greatest things about them is their ability to gather people around them – the family can enjoy quality time outdoors and swap stories, while friends can sip on hot chocolate and make s’mores – the deliciously indulgent treat consisting of marshmallows and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between biscuits – around the fire while having a laugh.

A wood-burning fire pit requires minimal planning and does a great job of

keeping everyone toasty on a chilly winter evening; you only need to ensure you have a steady stock of firewood readily available. On the other hand, a gas fire pit is reliable, convenient and can be custom designed to blend in with your outdoor space. This option does away with stoking a fire regularly and worrying about whether smoke is bothering your guests, but it is more costly to run than the woodburning variety, which is a factor worth considering.

Inconspicuous heat lamps

Heat lamps can be as incognito or as visible as you would like them to be, depending on which option you settle on.

Electric lamps are installed into the ceiling of say a patio or pool room, making them almost unnoticeable except for when they make themselves felt. Built-in electric heat lamps are reliable, effective and can emit more heat than all other options, but are not a viable outdoor heating solution for a proper (unroofed) open-air

area, which brings me to the next option: portable gas heat lamps. Plain, portable propane lamps are readily available from hardware and home shops, and while they are far from inconspicuous, they still do a good job of radiating a warm, glowing heat from above.

This option is a reliable and convenient one, the biggest downside being that they occupy space and come in minimal design options, so you’ll have to make them blend in in one way or other.

If you’re considering using a patio or pool room in winter, consider installing blinds or curtains to block the wind and add privacy to your space – just be sure your fire pit is a safe distance away from the curtains to avoid disaster. Stock up on inexpensive blankets to hand out to your guests to stay warm and toasty, and add candles around the area for extra warmth as well as atmospheric lighting. If you’re gathering around a fire on the floor, be sure to supply mats, floor rugs and cushions so that you and your friends will not have to sit on a cold stone or concrete floor, and make warmth part of a party theme, such as a funny winter hat or ugly Christmas sweater party.

Without doubt, one of the most effective ways to get warm, and stay warm, is by heating yourself from the inside out – ditch the beers and whisky on ice for hot drinks such as hot chocolate, flavoured coffees and mulled wine, as well as roasted hot dogs or marshmallows, which will give you an excuse to gather around your newly purchased fireplace or pit to stay warm. BB

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Foreword

Has Christmas come early?

There’s something strange about strolling past a flashing Christmas shop in November wearing a t-shirt instead of a coat, or plimsolls instead of boots. We instinctively associate the festive season with the cold, on this side of the world at least – with thick, warm clothes, cuddling up in front of a fire or heater, with bright lights shining on dark nights, and lots and lots of shopping. But such

shops are there to remind us that, yes, Christmas is coming, even if the weather doesn’t prove it yet.

While some individuals might enjoy the shopping rush, it’s safe to say that most people loathe it. And rightly so, as lengthy shopping trips are the last thing you’d feel like after a typically hectic month of work, an excessive amount of social events and Christmas planning.

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

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Publishers

With this in mind, Best Buy has got you covered. Our festive feature on page 16 focuses on how NOT to let a hectic Christmas period get the better of you with the right amount of preparation and foresight, and how to plan from up to eight weeks ahead to ensure your festive season is a manageable one. Good luck!

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 Executive Caroline Gauci Advertising Sales Coordinators Lindsey Ciantar, Marvic Cutajar

NEXT ISSUE:

DESIGN Nicholas Cutajar

DOn'T MISS IT

Printer Progress Press Ltd

09.12.15

FCM Bank: Specialising in savings

Are you trying to save for your future? Perhaps for a new car, home improvements or once-in-a-lifetime holiday?

FCM Bank has the products for you!

FCM Bank is a Maltese bank specialising in helping customers save for their future goals. Over 1,700 clients have already trusted the bank with their savings and made their money work harder for them.

The bank has two specialised products in euro and British pounds: a Fixed Term Deposit (FTD) and a Bonus Savings Account (BSA). The FTD gives you a fixed rate of interest and a choice of terms to suit your needs, as well as an interest rate of up to three per cent. The BSA is a highinterest savings account offering a variable interest rate of 0.75 per cent, plus a bonus of 0.25 per cent per annum if no withdrawals are made for 12 consecutive months. With these options, your future goals could be closer than ever!

To find out more about FCM Bank, or to meet with a member of our Customer Relationship Team, please call T: 8007 3737; E: info@fcmbank.com.mt

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CHRISTMAS

BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

Timeless collections

Portmeirion has an established reputation for fashionable yet timeless collections of tableware and gifts. Botanic Garden and Pomona are two of the most successful patterns made today. Many families started collecting these patterns ages ago and luckily can still replace or add to their sets as they please.

Breakages happen with use, but it is significant that you may order most of the same pieces today even if you had originally purchased them way back in 1972! Together with Pimpernel, the premier brand for placemats and coasters, your table will look just great.

Available from Gio. Batta Delia.

T: 2123 3618; M: 9989 6286; E: patrickdelia@giobattadelia.com; www.portmeirion.co.uk

Sparkly gifts and jewellery

Jolie is a cosy new shop full of breath-taking crystal fashion jewellery and gifts from the internationally renowned brand Preciosa, centrally located in Manuel Dimech Street, Sliema. At Jolie, we also proudly sell hand-made jewellery made by Ruth from RTG Jewels, and offer customised jewellery for special occasions, such as weddings. Come take a look at our vast range of jewellery items as well as crystal gifts and glasses at affordable prices for everyone, and of guaranteed top quality.

Visit our website for more information: www.jolie.com.mt; Fb: joliesliema

A stress-free Christmas The older you get, the more likely you are to look at Christmas as a looming extravaganza of stress and hassle – but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Marie-Claire Grima explains that a little bit of planning magic can go quite a long way.

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hen people say they don’t like Christmas, they rarely mean the day itself. After all, what’s not to like about having family or friends around for dinner, spending quality time together, eating lots of delicious food and exchanging thoughtful gifts? However, a lot of planning, running around and hard work has to happen for that idyllic scene to unfold – and inevitably, stress and worry start to creep in – hardly the festive mood you want to be in come the 25th!

While planning always involves a considerable amount of stress, many of the biggest Christmas-related concerns can be lessened simply by planning ahead. No task is too insurmountable if you break it down into more manageable chunks, and scheduling different items on

your to-do list in advance will help you cope better with the most wonderful time of the year. Here’s how to go about it.

Six to eight weeks ahead

Whether you’re hosting people at your own home, spending Christmas at your in-laws, or going out to eat at a restaurant, you have to decide exactly how you’re going to be spending Christmas. If you’re opening your home to friends and family, let them know early on, so that they don’t make any other plans. If you’re stuck between two or more families or groups of friends to spend Christmas with, you have to settle on a decision as soon as possible – it’s not fair to leave someone dangling and will avoid hurt feelings further down the line.

If you’re planning to go out to eat, or are spending

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CHRISTMAS Christmas abroad, you need to make your reservations well in advance. Restaurants, as we all know, are always packed to the gills on Christmas, and you need to get your seat in as quickly as possible. As for flights, while you can afford to book at the last minute during other times throughout the year, Christmas is one of the most active times of the year for the tourism industry, and everything will get more expensive as the day itself draws closer. Save yourself the worry and just go ahead and book.

Four to six weeks before

By now, Christmas invitations and plans should be trickling in, so make sure you put everything down on your calendar or planner to avoid scheduling conflicts between Christmas office drinks and your children’s Christmas pageant.

You should be doing your Christmas shopping relatively early, especially if you’re ordering gifts online and need to allow time for them to be shipped over. Make a master gift list, put down everyone you need to buy a present for, and

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fill it up slowly. It’s also a good idea to determine a rough budget, so that you don’t end up going very far over the limit.

While you’re in the gift-buying swing of things, you can start thinking about wrapping paper and cards too! Wrap the gifts as soon as you buy them or whenever they arrive in the mail – that’s one less thing to worry about on Christmas Eve.

Three to four weeks before

Christmas decorations start appearing in shops as early as late September, but few people actually start shopping for baubles then. You’ll have more options to choose from if you wait a little bit longer, so use the time before to see whether there are any decorations which you’d like to have replaced, or buy new.

Start putting up decorations sometime early in December, so that you’ll have enough time to soak in the atmosphere without it getting too frustrating or annoying. Now is a good time to start buying or ordering your Christmas hampers, as well as sending out your cards so that they arrive in plenty of time.

Two to three weeks before

Start shopping for any food items you need that won’t go bad – alcohol, tinned goods – and buy or prepare any food which can be frozen. If you’re planning to go out of town, now would be a good time to make sure you have everything in order and start packing, with plenty of time to buy anything that you’re missing. If you’re welcoming guests, on the other hand, now is a good time to give your place a thorough cleaning.

The last few days

The big day is nearly here and with most of the major issues dealt with, you can spend the last few days tying up loose ends. Now is the time when anything perishable that hasn’t been frozen in advance has to be bought. On Christmas Eve, decide when you’ll be dining, then count backwards to determine when to put the main dish in the oven. Don’t forget to factor in anything else that needs to be cooked.

Make sure your devices are all

charged so you’ll have plenty of juice in your phone or battery to record great Christmas memories.

Other than that, there’s not much left to do other than wait for the clock to chime midnight.

Pour yourself a large drink and celebrate the fact that you’re armed to the teeth for an exceptional Christmas. Cheers to that! BB

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WINDOW SHOPPING

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Preventative Hair Loss – Renée Blanche Consistence Kit Since 1970, the Renée Blanche brand has moved through the universe of beauty giving life to advanced hair care products.

The secret behind this brand’s success is the scientific research and tricological speciality of a high level range of products.

Renée Blanche Consistence Kit is a hair loss prevention product with natural active ingredients intended to improve the wellness of your hair in three stages.

• Peeling Cream – a preparatory phase to gently remove build-up and debris from the scalp • Shampoo – gently cleanses and removes impurities, prepares the scalp and nourishes the hair • Fials – a concentrate of natural ingredients that intensifies the microcirculation, feeds the hair follicle and reactivates and stimulates the week and dormant follicle.

Renée Blanche Consistence Kit preventative hair loss treatment may be used two to three times a week depending on the severity of hair loss. Available from hairdressing salons and pharmacies.

For a complimentary consultation contact Mark Navarro Hairdressing.

T: 2134 4563; M: 9943 1964.

For all your window blinds needs With over 30 years’ experience in the market, we know a thing or two about window blinds! Opt for the best quality products at affordable prices.

Choose among a selection of blinds, including roller, vertical, 25mm and 50mm aluminium Venetian, wooden vertical and Venetian, woven bamboo, Roman blinds, curtain rails, panel blinds, walk-through curtains as well as blindscleaning dusters. Choose from a wide range of colours, styles and options, also available motorised. All products are made to measure and made from the best European materials.

Our emphasis on customer service and client

satisfaction over the long term is the cornerstone of our continued success. We consistently pride ourselves on our ability to provide aestheticallysuperior, high-quality blinds at the best price possible.

The best formula for healthy dogs

Call now for free on-site professional advice, with a guaranteed after-sales service.

Sunlock Blinds, Mdina Road, Zebbug.

T: 2122 2083/ 2722 2083; E: blinds@sunlockblinds.com; www.sunlockblinds.com; Fb: Sunlock Malta

Waterproofing specialists for 30 years

WP Ltd is one of Malta's leading names in the laying of waterproofing, rubber spraying and the provision of elastic bituminous and liquid membrane adaptable for metal sheet and asbestos roofs. We specialise in waterproofing services, including maintenance and repairs on old waterproofing membrane, to accommodate every client’s needs for both households and businesses. Our waterproofing membrane – be it reinforced polyester, non-woven polyester, or other types of high quality membrane – is certified to be of the best quality and is available

in various options both in terms of colour and size.

All our waterproofing membrane solutions carry a ten-year warranty. We are here not simply to get the job done, but to get the job done right!

Contact us now for a free inspection.

T: 2143 8326; M: 9944 5527/7981 2784; E: williamm@go.net.mt; www.wpmalta.com

BonmAscota Extrem is a new product of the BonmAscota brand and has been formulated by veterinarians to provide a healthy and balanced diet for pets. It is especially suitable for adult dogs of all breeds that consume lots of physical energy and work under extreme weather conditions.

Its main benefit is its high fat content, which provides the energy needed by a dog during exercise in a continuous manner, to achieve the best performance in sporting dogs.

In addition, it has a high protein level, highly digestible to help

keep the muscle fibres strong, healthy and in shape. Like the other products in our brand, the formula incorporates fresh meat which makes the pet food highly digestible and keeps our dogs in magnificent physical condition and in optimal health. Visit www.bonmascota. com for more information.

For more information and free samples, contact Emanuel Schembri, F/H Tal-Herba, Lapsi Road, Siggiewi. T: 2146 3681; M: 9985 7577.

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WINDOW SHOPPING

Shop online with SendOn this Christmas

A world of fun Slide into a world of fun and education at The Nursery School. The Nursery School and Day Care Club is an open policy nursery school for toddlers between six months and four years of age, guaranteeing fun activities and individual attention delivered by fullyqualified and dedicated staff.

The Nursery School will be opening soon in new locations.

SendOn gives you the opportunity to shop from online stores within the EU and USA, particularly from those which do not ship directly to Malta. SendOn continues to grow, and besides our hubs in the UK and USA, we can now give you an address in Germany and Italy. We also upgraded our UK services by offering a standard service to complement the current priority service from the UK allowing you to shop for items heavier than 30kg from EU online stores. Thanks to these new hubs in Germany, Italy and the UK, you can shop for items of any size, from small electronics to heavy furniture.

shipping prices to Malta • Benefit from an unlimited variety of items found on online stores

SendOn enables you to:

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 6.30am5.30pm.

• Shop for items weighing up to 300Kg within specific dimensions, from EU online stores using the UK (Standard), Germany and Italy addresses

Triq Il-Htajriet, Mosta. T: 2741 8545.

• Benefit from free delivery rates within the EU and USA, and very affordable

• Shop from the comfort of your home or office and have your shopping delivered straight to your door in Malta and Gozo.

For more information visit www.maltapost.com/sendon

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COMPANY PROFILE

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Pierre Bugeja, Managing Director and Senior Conservator-Restorer at PrevArti Ltd

PHOTOS BY ALAN CARVILLE

A commitment to the future

I

n 2005, a young Conservation and Restoration graduate named Pierre Bugeja filed for a VAT number in order to be able to start carrying out works in his garage on a self-employed basis. Ten years later, he is at the helm of PrevArti, one of Malta’s premier conservation and restoration companies, leading a team of experts who specialise in the preservation of paintings, polychrome sculptures and antique furniture.

“Conservation-restoration is an investment, not an additional cost, as many people think.

When conservation and restoration are done properly, by using the services of professional people who are

well-versed in what they are doing, works can be given a new lease of life,” says Pierre.

Over the years, PrevArti has been entrusted with various projects commissioned by the ecclesiastical authorities, state-run entities and the local and foreign private sector. Its portfolio features a staggering collection of names, from Rubens to Guercino, Preti to Favray, Calì to Warhol. One of its most recent and prestigious projects was the conservationrestoration of two Mattia Preti oil paintings depicting the life of the Blessed Gerard in the St John’s Co-Cathedral Oratory, which also houses Caravaggio’s iconic Beheading of St John painting. “We try to always keep building on our own

success and experience, and offer the best service that we possibly can. Besides investing in new technology and keeping up with developments in our field, we also have our own extensive experience to draw upon.”

The company’s laboratory in the Mosta Technopark is one of the largest and most sophisticated on the island. It is equipped with a reverberating electromagnetic chamber, as well as a vehicle for anoxic treatment – the first machinery of their kind in Malta, which allowed PrevArti to extend its services to the treatment of furniture and artefacts against woodworm and insect attack under the name of SalvArti.

“SalvArti has the only entirely

ecological disinfestation and cleaning system for works of art on the island,” he explains.

Pierre is highly committed to demystifying art and conservation-restoration for the general public, and making it more accessible for future generations. PrevArti offers courses in the care, handling and appreciation of artwork, and often opens its doors to schoolchildren to show them what conservation-restoration entails. While well-established in art and heritage circles, it recently became a household name through XjenzArti, a television show on the national broadcaster which allowed audiences to learn about the different processes of conservation-restoration, seen

through the eyes of a team of professional conservators. As the company enters its second decade, Pierre says he would like to expand PrevArti’s reach in order to attract more foreign commissions, while continuing to spread art education and awareness in Malta.

“We still have a long way to go, but in ten years there has definitely been a marked difference in the way that the Maltese think and feel about art and heritage. Conservationrestoration is no longer a task assigned to hobbyists and amateurs. People are finally realising that to bring back to the surface the message and the meaning that the artists intended to convey hundreds of years ago, one that has been lost to time and decay, you need to call in the professionals. And I think that what sets us apart is the sense of duty and responsibility that we feel towards every piece that passes through our laboratory. We are very privileged to be doing what we do,” Pierre asserts. BB

PrevArti Co. Ltd and SalvArti Co. Ltd, F15B, Leiden Centre, Mosta Technopark, Mosta.

T: 2143 4534; E: info@prevarti.com; www.prevarti.com

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EATING & DRINKING

PHOTOS BY Matthew Mirabelli

Indulge in fine flavours

Not ready to pass on a delicious fish plate just yet in favour of heartier food? Well, neither are we. Chef Kevin Mifsud at Melita Gardens prepares this mouth-watering meal using refreshing ingredients, flavourful catches from the sea, and an indulgent dessert to top it all off.

KING PRAWN SALAD INGREDIENTS 3 king prawns 100g spinach 2 medium tomatoes 4 tbsp fresh cream Fresh thyme 1 small onion 1 clove garlic Truffle oil 1 tsp mustard White wine Olive oil Lemon and orange zest, to garnish

Method Peel the prawns, leaving the tail on, and season to your liking.

In the meantime, heat a pan, add one spoon of olive oil and add the spinach. Cook for one minute until the spinach softens.

Next, cut the tomatoes in thick slices, glaze them with truffle oil and thyme, and proceed to grill them.

In a separate pan, place the onions, garlic and olive oil, and pan-fry the king prawns for 30 seconds, together with a dash of white wine. Remove the prawns from the pan, add the mustard and the cream until the sauce reduces.

Start by plating the spinach and tomatoes, and place the king prawns on top. Finish with a drizzle of mustard cream sauce around the plate and garnish with lemon and orange zest.

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EATING & DRINKING

DENTEX SERVED WITH QUINOA Ingredients 250g dentex 1 clove garlic White wine 3 spears fresh asparagus 50g quinoa 1 small onion Fresh dill 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated 3 king prawns 1 cup fresh cream 2 tbsp tomato sauce Fresh lemon juice Olive oil

Method

Pan-fry the quinoa with the grated fresh ginger, garlic, some onion and a teaspoon of olive oil.

Meanwhile, boil the asparagus until they have a crispy texture. Separately, grill the fish and finish it in a pan together with a splash of white wine and a little lemon juice For the sauce, place the prawns in a separate pan with the rest of the onion, garlic and some white wine, and let it reduce. Add the tomato sauce and fresh cream, and leave to simmer until it thickens. To plate, start with a layer of quinoa, place the asparagus on top, and finally the dentex topped with a sprinkle of fresh dill. Drizzle with the cream and prawn sauce, and serve.

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TRIPLE CHOCOLATE DELIGHT Ingredients 150g dark chocolate 150g white chocolate 100ml cream 25ml Cointreau 25ml Frangelico Whipped cream, to garnish Strawberries, to garnish

Method

In separate pots, melt both the dark and white chocolate, bain marie. Once melted, add the Cointreau to the dark chocolate and the Frangelico to the white chocolate. Add half of the cream to each of the mixtures and allow to cool.

Mix half of the white chocolate and half of the dark chocolate in a separate bowl to create a third milk chocolate mix. Place the three flavours in different piping bags and layer in a fancy glass, so that you’ll get three colours on top of each other. Garnish with a little whipped cream and strawberries.

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WHere to dine

YOUR RESTAURANT GUIDE 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

L'AROMA 17, Ghar il-Lembi Street, Sliema.

T: 2131 7633; E: eat@laromarestaurantmalta .com

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.

Situated on the Sliema seafront, L'Aroma restaurant is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Malta's shopping centre. L'Aroma prides itself in the preparation of traditional Mediterranean cuisine using recipes passed down through the generations. The menu comprises mouthwatering fresh fish, fine meat cuts and pasta dishes all at a great value for money. One of the house specialities, the traditional rabbit dish, is regarded by many locals as the best in town.

Whether for a relaxed dinner or a lazy lunch, L'Aroma is a great spot to sit down, unwind and watch the world go by.

Tal-Puzzu Restaurant 11, Triq Gorg Borg Olivier (Main Street), Mellieha.

Reservations: T: 2754 4388; M: 7970 7755; www.talpuzzu.com

Tal-Puzzu restaurant and pizzeria in Mellieha is the first in its area to offer wood-fired pizzas. This family-run restaurant offers tasty and mouth-watering pizzas using fresh ingredients with various toppings such as rucola, Parma ham and Maltese sausage, among others.

Apart from pizzas, Tal-Puzzu offers a selection of starters, salads, platters, pasta, home-made pure beef burgers, grills, rabbit, pork, chicken, duck and fish dishes. Specials of the house are offered daily.

Tal-Puzzu is perfect for meetings and events, an ideal place to meet family and friends, and a great place to savour home-made cooking. It is situated close to all the surrounding hotels in Mellieha and just a few minutes away from the popular Mellieha Bay. Outdoor seating is also available.

Ferretti Restaurant Triq il- Qajjenza, Birzebbuga T: 2165 0247 (Restaurant) / 2166 1422 (Office hours); M: 7944 2223; E: info@ferretti.com.mt; www.ferretti.com.mt; Fb: ferrettirestaurant

Enclosed within historically rich walls, Ferretti serves genuine Mediterranean cuisine and offers an extensive and varied menu that spans a wide range of dishes. For families, groups of friends or even just a romantic night out, Ferretti, with its relaxing, comfortable and upscale ambience provides the tranquillity that is so rare to find nowadays.

Set in the remains of the historic battery built during the time of the Order of St John by Francesco Maria Ferretti c. 1715, the décor combines history with modern motifs, giving the restaurant its unique character. Featuring a moat that surrounds the façade overlooking the sea and a reconstructed bridge with a large outdoor terrace and surrounding patio, Ferretti is a restaurant to be experienced.

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

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Cosas

Ezy Fit

Hand-woven rugs from southern Spain, known as jarapas, are available at Cosas. Due to the artisanal nature of the manufacturing process, each hand-woven rug is a 'oneoff', resulting in a unique product that adds a pleasant sensation of warmth and comfort to any room.

The rugs are available in various colour combinations and in the following sizes (cm): 60 x 120, 120 x 160, 140 x 200, and 170 x 240.

A well-designed, high-quality kitchen should be at the heart of every home.

Ezy Fit Ltd has over 36 years’ experience designing, manufacturing and installing kitchens for satisfied clients. We use the latest computer aided design (CAD) software to help you create your dream kitchen. You can choose from a wide selection of materials and finishes to give your kitchen the unique feel that you want. As well as looking good, we assure you that your kitchen will be highly functional. All our kitchens are manufactured inhouse by our team of dedicated and experienced kitchen makers. Visit our Mosta showroom and we will discuss your requirements further.

Cosas, 55, St Paul Street, Naxxar (opposite the GO antenna). T: 2142 1110; M: 7900 1606; www.cosas.com.mt

197-201, Eucharistic Congress Road, Mosta. T: 21432 904; M: 7909 2605; E: info@ezyfitmalta.com; www.ezy-fit.com

Petlove

GOZO POOLS LTD

It’s that time of year again! With winter and Christmas fast approaching, we all love to see our beloved pets looking snug and warm. Whether you prefer your pooch in a stylish hoodie or in an elegant coat, we have it all. Petlove has been dressing pets all over Malta for the past ten years and our goal has never changed. We aim to keep your pets as comfortable as possible, therefore, each and every garment is carefully selected to ensure maximum comfort whilst looking awesome.

Visit Petlove for the latest in pet fashion, accessories and grooming.

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

Petlove, Gavino Gulia Square, Cospicua; Triq Dun Karm, Iklin. T: 2741 8812.

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.

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

YOUR One-sTOp SHOPPING GUIDE Enduring, quality Gypsum

SHS

When Eric Cortis launched his company, he started off with small domestic gypsum projects which he carried out himself. Today, the company has grown enough to accept not only domestic projects but also substantial commercial and industrial jobs of high standards. By concentrating on each and every individual project, our team of experienced interior and exterior decorators produce products of extremely high quality and pride themselves on the excellent standards throughout. From the very first visit on-site, expert quotations and professional suggestions, we ensure each project takes off to a good start and ultimately finishes on time, every time and with excellent results.

Are you or your loved ones missing your favourite Maltese and Italian programmes? Give a great gift to your family and friends overseas that will allow them to watch all the Maltese and Italian TV and radio stations live! With our IPTV box, you can watch all programmes with a seven-day catch-up as soon as they finish and enjoy hundreds of latest HD movies and TV series on demand – and it works everywhere in the world! Only an internet connection is required! Available exclusively at SHS Ltd.

Amber, Triq Guze' Abela, Zebbug. M: 7960 2316; E: ericcort@maltanet.net

Active Zone We have just launched our special offer!

Book your three months at Active Zone for just €67.50!

There has never been a better time to join a gym and get fit – no excuses! At Active Zone, you will find all the latest equipment and fitness classes, tailored to a variety of tastes. Backed by years of professional experience, at Active Zone we will be more than happy to help you out with any queries which may arise.

Drop by or give us a call anytime! Activezone Health & Fitness Club, Junior College, Msida. T: 2122 8891; E: info@activezonemalta.com

28, Triq Il-Qasam, Swieqi. T: 27/2137 6584; M: 7949 0008; E: piop@onvol.net/shs2@onvol.net; www.shsmalta.com

Ceccarelli Pet Groomer We specialise in cat and dog grooming.

Ideally cats and dogs are washed once a month using appropriate shampoos. If a cat’s fur is not in good condition, meaning it is knotted, the cat needs to be clipped, and can be washed and dried using a blower. The eyes and ears are also cleaned and the nails are cut. In spring, cats tend to start shedding their fur, and we help to remove unwanted hair to avoid them licking it. Bring your cat to be groomed for shows too, and have them look their best!

Call for an appointment on M: 9923 1344.

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PETS

The right festive food for our four-legged friends The festive season is a time in which families gather at their yearly feasts, and pets often dine on the scraps afterwards. But what are the things from our Christmas cuisine that we should avoid feeding our four-legged friends?

Sarah Micallef looks into the dos and don’ts of pet nutrition ahead of the holidays.

L

et’s face it, we all tend to get a little too merry when it comes to food around Christmas time. With all that lovely festive fare on offer, it’s hard to say no to an extra helping of turkey or an extra slice of Christmas cake, and we’ve all been guilty of letting our diets slide during the festive season. Often, the results are reflected in an expanding waistline, but while it may be ok for us to indulge a little during this time of year, it’s not ok to drag our pets down with us.

Much of our food – particularly the richer and fattier dishes that are commonly on our table at Christmas time –

simply isn’t good for our pets’ consumption, and while it can be hard to ignore their little faces under the table, sliding them your leftovers when nobody’s looking is sure to do them more harm than good.

Antonio Satariano, Pet Nutrition Specialist at Sataco Ltd explains that as a general rule of thumb, leftovers which are not fit for human consumption are not fit for our pets either. But that isn’t the only rule we should abide by. Apart from this, he explains, “dogs and cats need a diet based primarily on meat, so food items like grains and cereals are not totally digested by pets, and may lead to malnutrition and obesity.”

Meanwhile, what is safe to give our pets, from our table?

According to Antonio, table foods which our pets can enjoy are boneless chicken, turkey, fish and lean meats. Having said this however, he warns, “pets that are already fed highquality, complete and balanced dry food should be fed a very limited amount of safe table foods. This is due to the fact that high quality dry foods are formulated to deliver the optimal nutritional balance.”

Adding any other type of food therefore, may cause a dietary imbalance and be of detriment to our furry friends.

When it comes to choosing the perfect pet food for your dog or cat, Antonio explains that

the best guide is the ingredient composition and analysis which, by law, you’ll find clearly displayed on every bag of pet food. “The order in which the ingredients are listed is to be noted, particularly the first ingredient which ideally should always be a meat,” he advises.

For further information on the right pet food for your pet, the pet nutrition specialist recommends checking unbiased website www.dogfoodadvisor.com for free and reliable information – here, you’ll be able to check the rating (from one to five stars) of the pet food you are considering for your pet.

Lastly, always remember that you have a responsibility to maintain a healthy diet for your pet – after all, they’re likely not going to say no to something that looks and smells delicious, but might not be the right food for them, are they? BB

Pet Nutrition Specialist Antonio Satariano warns against feeding chicken bones to your pets – “they are particularly dangerous because they become sharp after dogs chew them, and can be lethal.”

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