Best Buy December 2015 by Content House

COVER STORY

Marie-Claire Grima catches up with three individuals who sacrifice Christmas Day for the sake of their profession, and finds out what it’s like for them to treat December 25th like any other day at work. PAGE 3 >

BEST BUY YOUR MONTHLY SHOPPING GUIDE DISTRIBUTED WITH THE TIMES

Don’t miss this year’s magical Manoel Theatre pantomime

Issue 103

December 2015

IN THIS ISSUE...

Christmas Special Merely weeks ahead of one of the most anticipated December events each year, H.E. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca praises the team and concept behind L-Istrina exclusively with Best Buy. PAGE 7 >

Mercieca, the show will star Stephen Oliver, Maxine Aquilina, Sarah Mercieca, Tiziana Calleja, Marco Calleja, Renato Dimech, Antonella Mifsud, Sarah Mercieca, Franco Sciberras, Victoria Hubers, Lisa Mifsud and Michaela Farrugia, as well as an incredible all-singing, all-dancing chorus!

FM Theatre Productions is gearing up for its highly-anticipated 2015 panto at the Manoel Theatre, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood. It will star theatrical legend Edward Mercieca in the hilarious role of the Dame, and promises to be a spectacular show that the whole family will love. Based loosely on the story of the legendary and heroic outlaw, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood will see King Richard setting off to the Crusades in the East, leaving his evil sister in charge of the kingdom. With taxation at an all-time high, and the two heirs of the throne at her mercy, it’s up to Robin Hood and his merry men to save the day. Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is a fast-paced, traditional, laugh-a-minute pantomime, with a great mix of music ranging from big 2015 hits to songs from musical theatre. It promises to be the must-see show of the Christmas season, all set in the magical surroundings of the historic Manoel Theatre. Along with Edward

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood will take place at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta on 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 December 2015, and again between 2 and 4 January 2016, at both 3pm and 8pm. Tickets cost between €18 and €27.50, and can be purchased from www.teatrumanoel.com. Special offers are currently available!

Homes Still unsure of how to decorate your home for Christmas? Martina Said chats to an interiors expert to discover this year’s festive décor trends, and how to implement them in your home. PAGE 11 >

HEALTH Sarah Micallef catches up with physiotherapist Samantha Bonnici to find out how you can prevent skiing injuries before hitting the slopes on your winter ski trip. PAGE 37 >

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COVER STORY

WORKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

From left: Luca Xuereb, Marie-Claire Pellegrini and Isaac Saliba Photo by Alan Carville, shot on location at Caffe Cordina

While most of us look forward to Christmas Day as a chance to kick back, relax and let go of some of our most pressing work-related responsibilities, we couldn’t possibly enjoy Christmas without the people who have to sacrifice the holiday for the sake of their profession. Marie-Claire Grima meets three people from very different walks of life for whom Christmas is often just another day on the job. Marie-Claire Pellegrini, 31

Nurse at Mater Dei Hospital “A typical day for me is very hectic! I get to hospital at 6.30 in the morning and after a small prayer and short morning assembly of the staff to get a handover from the night shift, it's all about tending to patients' needs and reply to any queries the relatives may have. The nurses are on the patients' side... we care a lot and will always do what's best for the patient. In fact, the

most satisfying part of my job is definitely seeing someone transition from being unwell back to a fully functioning member of their community, and being able to go back to their families,” she says. “I am a bit of a Christmas freak – I love mulled wine, Christmas jumpers and lights and decorations! What I really love about Christmas though is the festive atmosphere, everything is just more special. We decorate our ward beautifully, so it's really

Christmas 24/7! However, the worst part about working over Christmas is the fact that you march to the beat of a different drum in comparison to the rest of society – you miss out on family get-togethers and if you go to parties with friends you can never stay too late because most probably you will be on duty the next morning.” “Christmas Day at hospital is pretty much like any other day. But on a personal level, I try to wish every patient a merry Christmas, especially those who

have no relatives or visitors on Christmas Day.” She has a final word to the wise for spreading cheer during the festive season: “this Christmas, don’t forget your elderly – pay them a visit if you can. It will make their day. Actually, their universe.”

Isaac Saliba, 30

Chef and owner of SALT kitchen and lounge, BuGibba “I start the day early each morning by immediately taking inventory of the food and making sure that all produce

deliveries are fresh. After that, I go to the fish market to choose fresh fish for the day, according to the bookings made. In the early afternoon, the rest of the kitchen staff arrives; we check what needs to be done and prepare the mise en place for the day. We cook something and eat together, then get ready for service. The dinner rush involves a great deal of activity in the kitchen, all of which must be supervised and co-ordinated. My duties during this time of day can be compared to a conductor

DECEMBER 2015

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COVER STORY

leading an orchestra. At the end of service, we clean up, review how the evening went, place any necessary orders and get ready to do it all over again the next day!” Isaac says he doesn’t really mind working over Christmas, or indeed any other holiday. “This is the career I chose, one that I’ve wanted since I was 13 years old, and I’ve had plenty of time to get used to the schedule. I’ve always been ambitious and passionate about it – when I was 16, I once worked a 24-hour non-stop shift, as I offered to replace someone who had called in sick. It’s a tough but rewarding career. I feel the same joy that enticed me into the industry, especially whenever I get to craft new dishes with the exciting ingredients that I selected – and seeing my clients satisfied with the food that I present them with is the best part of my job.” “I usually celebrate holidays the day after or in many cases, a week later. The only time I regret not working ordinary hours is when there’s a special occasion, like the wedding of a friend on a Saturday evening. It’s the busiest day of the whole week and there’s no way you can go – especially when you have your own restaurant!” he says with a smile.

Luca Xuereb, 26

Singer and pianist in hotels, and an exclusive singer, pianist & band leader with Tunin

Entertainment “The most satisfying part of an entertainer's job is seeing your crowd hyped all night and getting paid to do what you love. There’s a strong sense of achievement in getting to know lots of people from all around the world.”

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He has had his fair share of celebrity encounters as well – “Sir Alex Ferguson’s niece got married in Malta and I played at her wedding. Imagine my shock when I saw Sir Alex and Ryan Giggs in front of me at the reception. My band and I were only about 19 years old then – we didn't even take a photo!” Performing is in the blood of the Xuereb family, and Luca understood from a young age the toll that this can take on family time. “My dad is also a singer and musician, so he was never with us during Christmas and New Year’s and now that I am a performer too, the worst part is obviously spending Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve alone without the family. But then we meet up for drinks afterwards, so it’s not that bad.” After the Christmas period passes, Luca is free to enjoy a calmer pace of life – at least for the first few months of the year. “I know that I won’t have as much work to do in January and February, so this is why I work so hard during this time of year. My girlfriend also understands that I have to work at this time of year, so in January, we always plan a short getaway somewhere together!” BB

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DECEMBER 2015

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

PHOTO BY ALAN CARVILLE

Time for L-Istrina! As the festive season kicks off, H.E. the President of Malta, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, praises the team and the concept behind L-Istrina, as it gets ready for another showstopping televised event in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.

“

I believe that no matter what may divide us throughout the year, L-Istrina brings us together to raise funds for a noble cause. Each year, it brings out the elements that matter most to us as a nation, and I would like to thank each and every person who so generously donates towards helping our brothers and sisters in need.” Those are the words Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca exclusively used when she spoke to Best Buy to sum up the nation’s attitude towards L-Istrina – and given past facts and figures, she’s most certainly right. For many years now, the Malta Community Chest Fund has entered our homes through a televised, 12hour telethon that keeps us company on Boxing Day. Every year, the nation is asked to come together in a show of solidarity towards those who may be less fortunate or who may need help; and every year the population of Malta and Gozo answers this call. Back when we still had the Maltese Lira, the Lm1,000,000-mark (€2.3m) was the ultimate goal. Since the first time that aim was reached, the final sum has kept increasing on an almost yearly basis, with a staggering €3.6m collected in 2014 . But where does this money go and who benefits from it? The Malta Community Chest Fund receives 200 new applications for assistance each

and every month. These requests can be diverse in their nature, and the MCCF offers help for specialised chemotherapy and special treatments for chronic diseases, assistance to Maltese and Gozitans living in poverty, financial help to relatives who may need to accompany patients undergoing treatment abroad, and even mobility aids for people with special needs, to name but a few. All this requires constant funding, and every person who has donated has helped out. The plea this year remains the same: a small gesture from each of us can make a world of difference to those who are in need. Yet L-Istrina is not only a feast of solidarity that ropes in many through goodwill, but also one of Malta’s most highly-anticipated televised events, bringing together the islands’ biggest names in show business, along with high-ranking people in politics, business and the Church. Every Boxing Day, in fact, many of these people slip into something uncomfortable and leave the confines of their comfort zone all in the name of charity – and from taking part in various spoofs and skits imitating other big names, to performances and games, L-Istrina seeks to be a family show that also unites those who are watching. Of course, as a yearly occurrence, L-Istrina must also seek to be innovative and not fall into a rut. To ensure

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Photo: DOI - Clifton Fenech

that, this year’s edition of L-Istrina will be televised live from the Cottonera Sports Complex, and will be under the executive production of John Bundy. Also, for the first time ever, F Living TV will be showing a special live transmission from Gozo. There will be other firsts too. It will bring numerous local singers together to create a 60-person choir to perform an especially-created medley of Maltese songs, which is sure to go down well with viewers. Moreover, fans of magical illusions will get to see Malta’s

best-known illusionists and magicians perform together to create something never seen on our shores; while local celebrities and politicians have been asked to join forces for this spectacular show. Ultimately, however, we must not forget the main aim of L-Istrina and those who you could help with your generous donation. As always, you will be able to donate by phone or SMS – on the numbers that will be continuously listed on the screen. Those who make use of the BOV Mobile Pay service will also be able to use the

application to make donations directly and securely. Even so, there will be many other ways in which you will be able to participate and donate in this year’s edition, including hairdressing stands at the Cottonera Sports Complex, with the money going towards the MCCF. The list is much longer, of course, but all will be revealed closer to the day. So, this Christmas, as we all take a much-needed and deserved break from the daily grind, it would be great to remember those of us who, for one reason or another, can’t,

Photo: DOI - Clifton Fenech

such as those dealing with an aggressive illness, or who live in poverty.

those who are less fortunate. The reward will be greater than you think. BB

What we ask of you this year, is the same as every other year: switch on your television screens, take some time to unwind and relax, and help

L-Istrina will be aired on TVM on Saturday, 26 December 2015 from midday to midnight.

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HOMES

Bring out the baubles

BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

GIO. BATTA DELIA

While we no longer have a retail outlet for our gift and tableware business, you may still purchase gifts of quality by getting in touch with us directly. We will soon be launching our website and Facebook page, where you can browse through our range of gifts which are in stock. We may then deliver these gifts to your home. You may also want to order specific items which are not currently in stock that we can get for you. Contact us on T: 2123 3618; M: 9989 6286; E: patrickdelia@giobattadelia.com

Decorating your home for Christmas is one of the best parts of this entire season, but with so many options and colour palettes to choose from, getting it right is a little hit and miss. Martina Said shares some tips.

he festive season stirs a distinct sense of anticipation within us that few other annual events can boast – one which has us pulling out dusty boxes filled with decorations, bags brimming with Christmas lights and the good old Christmas tree well before the cold weather sets in. Decorating our home for Christmas is fun and exciting, and gives us permission to use a dash more sparkle and glitter than any other time of year. There is, however, a fine line between tacky and tasteful when it comes to decorating your home for the festive season. Jonathan Bonnici at One Two One Interiors offers a few words of wisdom on how to achieve that balance without going overboard. “I always favour elegance over anything overly fancy, and this year I’m going with what can be referred to as ‘silver sparkle’ – an elegant hint of sparkle on a palette of greys, creams and whites that evoke a magical winter landscape, one which is dearly missed in sunny Malta,” says Jonathan. “Whatever you choose, make sure it complements your current décor so

that your décor creates a serene ambience for yourself and your guests over the festive season.” In the run-up to Christmas week, our homes become a reflection of the anticipation we feel at this time of year. “Many homes really come into their own with a mixture of cherished inherited decorations, newly-bought ones and some treasured antique finds,” explains Jonathan. “While I always like to adopt the less-is-more approach, at Christmas time, sparkle and decadence help create a Christmas spirit, so that little something out of the ordinary is called for. If your home has a neutral colour scheme, then this is a perfect foil for a sparkling collection of decorations. On the other hand, if your home includes myriad colours, then pick a favourite and use it for your decorations throughout.” In between planning a Christmas day menu, stocking up the fridge, shopping for gifts and making travel plans, it’s not hard to see why this is one of the busiest times of the year. The last thing you need to be worrying

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HOMES

about is how to deck out your home with decorations, especially when it’s meant to be a fun and rewarding activity. “Sticking with simple decorations will save you time and money,” he suggests. “Rather than a clutter of holiday craft projects, try an artful decorative accent, like your favourite ornaments arranged in a bowl.”

a festive feel. You may also use Christmas-inspired scented candles, such as cinnamon ones, to further enhance that spirit. Adding little details makes all the difference, such as coordinating your candles with the under plates and table linens, and once you pick a colour, you may present it in different tones.”

“Along with the Christmas tree, decorating the dining table is one of the highlights. Choose a table setting that enhances and does not compete with your décor. What’s most important is that you don't use disposable silverware, no matter how much of a Christmas spirit you think it portrays, and swap paper napkins with sophisticated serviettes. If there's ever a time to break out the good china, it's now. A beautiful table makes for a memorable family meal.” Jonathan adds that while red and green are the go-to Christmas colour combo, you can always turn to other hues for inspiration, such as gold, pink and navy blue, applied to your ornaments, wrapping paper as well as wreaths for a twist on tradition.

With all the attention given to the dining room and other focal points throughout the house, it’s easy to neglect decorating other important rooms, such as the guest bathroom. “With company dropping in, give the guest bathroom a quick once-over. Make sure there's enough toilet paper, clean towels and soap at hand, and you may even try adding a candle or small bouquet of berries to add a festive touch.” BB

Before setting out on an extensive shopping spree to impress your guests, however, take a minute to put things into perspective. Set a budget to establish how much you’d like to spend on Christmas ornaments and stick to it. There’s no point in going to town with decorations for your home if it forces you to cut back on food and drink supplies, which we all know are way more important. “Creating an inspiring Christmas atmosphere should not cost an arm and a leg,” says Jonathan. “If you already have beautiful centrepieces on your dining and coffee tables, simply dress them up with candles, pine cones and inspiring baubles for

Christmas home décor trends for 2015 Copper accents

Copper has been a prominent colour trend throughout 2015, applied extensively to kitchen décor, bathroom faucets and statement lighting. If you love the colour and want to apply it to your Christmas décor too, this year would be the right time to go for it. Copper exudes warmth and elegance, and can be your colour of choice for tree baubles, wreaths, vases, candles and ribbons. You could also combine it with other colours such as silver, gold, black, as well as dark blue for a tasteful and refined touch.

Pretty pastels

We’ve seen pastels used widely in wedding décor as well as soft furnishings for the home throughout spring and summer, but soft shades of mint, turquoise, pink and purple would also invoke an uplifting mood for Christmas décor, albeit a

calmer one in comparison to the typically deeper shades of the most popular festive colours. Pastel baubles and candles appear youthful and fresh, and pair beautifully with sleek furniture and modern homes.

Bring nature indoors

Besides the popular use of pine cones, wood and other natural materials to decorate your home, introduce ornaments, statues and decorations featuring different animal prints, however farfetched they may be for our Mediterranean island. Look out for cushions, throws, statuettes, tree baubles, garden items and decorative features for the dining table in cute prints featuring owls, penguins, doves, squirrels, cats or elephants too. Christmas is also a time of make-believe, so set your imagination free and have fun in the process.

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Foreword

Cheers to that!

Another year of Best Buy draws to a close with this month’s issue, which wraps up an exciting year marked by milestones and new beginnings for your favourite shopping guide. And, just like previous years, the team here has spared no effort to ensure that you breeze through the festive season like a pro.

Get to know our three cover personalities on page 3, who let us in on how it feels to work on that one day of the

year that is best enjoyed in the company of those closest to you in an atmosphere of merriment and cheer, and how they cope with it. For those who’ll be taking to the slopes this winter, take heed of physiotherapist Samantha Bonnici’s advice on page 37 on how to gear up and prevent skiing injuries while on holiday.

Publishers

the home complete with handy advice from an interiors expert on page 11, and much more. With that, on behalf of the Best Buy team, I wish our readers a fun and food-filled festive season enjoyed in good health and happiness. Cheers to that!

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

If you’re an avid Christmas home decorator, we’ve got you covered with the latest décor trends for

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

Advertising Sales Executive Caroline Gauci Advertising Sales Coordinators Lindsey Ciantar, Marvic Cutajar

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DESIGN Nicholas Cutajar

DOn'T MISS IT

Printer Progress Press Ltd

13.01.16

Carpets inside out Add sparkle to your celebrations with Paradise Bay Resort Malta

A carpet provides thermal resistance. In colder weather it retains the warmth indoors longer, which is an energy conservation benefit. Carpets also provide a comfortable place to sit, play or work and give a room an overall warmer feeling. Moreover, a carpet is ideal for cushioning our footsteps, reducing slips and falls, and minimising injuries when falls occur.

With so much choice on the market, it is sometimes hard to find the right venue for your Christmas event. To help guide you, we have put together a dedicated Christmas brochure showcasing a variety of menus and packages. This festive season, add sparkle to your celebrations with our buzzing ambience, tasty food and tipples and enough cheer to last well into 2016.

detail to make it stress-free, fun-filled and entirely unforgettable. And why not turn a party or dinner into a special winter break by staying with us too? We invite you to celebrate with friends, family and work colleagues, and we promise to make Christmas and New Year your best yet!

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? • Will the room be the centre of activity for family and entertaining? • Is there direct access from outside, or will the carpet be away from entrances? • Will the carpet receive direct sunlight?

From lunches to dinners, banquets to sensational private parties, we invite you to indulge in a feast of festivity, and rest assured, we shall take care of every last

Paradise Bay Resort Hotel, Marfa Road, Cirkewwa. T: 2152 1166; E: events@paradise-bay.com; www.paradise-bay.com

Your answers will determine many of your choices, from colour to carpet construction and more. Maltarugs is a specialised centre to assist you in your choice. You

can choose from a selection of handmade Persian rugs or from thousands of modern and contemporary designs in various sizes; and if you still need a more personalised approach, bring over your designs and colours of the carpet of your dreams and it will be readily produced.

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CHRISTMAS

Pamper with a Hamper

BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

Soap Café

Pamper your loved ones and yourself with beautiful, natural gift packs, handcrafted by local artisans with organically-sourced ingredients. Bespoke packages also available. We are open from Monday to Friday 4.307.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10.30am-2pm. The Tulip Hamper from Vini e Capricci's Connoisseur Set

The hamper is no longer a random collection of items thrown in a basket associated with charity or parish raffles. Instead, the modern hamper is a thing of luxury and sophistication, which seeks to spoil the persons receiving them by showering them with a little bit of everything that they like. Marie-Claire Grima learns about the history of the hamper and gives some handy hints for preparing the best hamper ever.

hamper has always been a handy way to carry something around. The term itself comes from the Middle English term hanaper, which means ‘a case to hold goblets’. Medieval farmers found them to be a good way to bring their crops back from the fields and to the market. Due to its sturdiness and lightness, wicker – the woven material used to fashion most hamper baskets to this day – could be carried around on the farm labourers’ backs and used to transport heavy produce including potatoes and cabbages. Hampers were elevated from their lowly status in the early 18th century when Fortnum & Mason – still amongst the most famous purveyors of hampers the world over – started creating special hampers for wealthy clients who would be travelling to their country estates. These fancy folk did not want to subject themselves to the relatively poor food at the inns along the way, so Fortnum’s would

pack their baskets with delicacies including game pies, cheese, scotch eggs and fruit cake. Hampers became terribly fashionable among the artistic set at the end of the 18th century; the rise of the Romantic Movement encouraged people to go outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the countryside, and a hamper proved to be the perfect way to pack a moveable feast. In England, during the Victorian era, the ‘London Season’ consisted of a great number of outdoor events, from cricket matches, to regattas to derbies – and what better way was there to enjoy a stylish outdoor happening than by feasting on some luxury treats in a picnic basket as the games unfolded? The practice of giving a hamper as a gift also started in the Victorian era. Rich Victorian families would give a hamper to their staff at Christmas, which would often contain clothes and utilities to last them throughout the coming year. In many communities, it was and still is

Soap Café, 46 St Mary Street, Sliema. Contact us on info@soapcafemalta.com

Ta Karla Cash & Carry

Ta Karla Cash & Carry, operated by JNM Micallef Limited, is one of the most established wines and spirits cash and carry outlets on the island. Our retail outlet, offices and stores are grouped in one whole premises situated in Rabat. Ta Karla Cash & Carry stocks a wide variety of spirits, local and foreign wines and beers, soft drinks, juices, mineral and sparkling water, tobacco, sweets, foodstuffs, frozen food, ice flakes and cubes and disposable table ware. View the complete catalogue on www.takarla.com Vincenzo Ciappara Street, Rabat. T: 2145 4876/2145 9925; F: 2145 1079 E: info@takarla.com

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CHRISTMAS One such local purveyor of exquisite gift hampers is Abraham’s Vini e Capricci in Gozo’s Agricultural Village, which has been offering tailor-made hampers for more than 24 years. “Hampers remain extremely popular – they are a practical gift and can be customised according to anyone's taste and dietary requirements,” says managing director Abraham Said. “Our clients’ tastes are as individual as our personalities, and the hampers we sell are a reflection of that. In fact, many of our clients choose to customise their own hampers. How much they spend on a hamper also varies – it all depends on their budget.” The company offers delicious and indulgent hampers on a year-round basis, but for a particularly special Christmas gift, Abraham recommends a hamper from the Connoisseur Set. “As the name suggests it is a section dedicated to the epicurean and includes the highest quality wines and food pairings. It has everything I would like to receive if I were to receive a hamper myself!”

the means through which people could donate to the underprivileged, among them by supplying them with food, and many a hamper has been used as a prize in a charity raffle. However, with the advent of the railways as well as more widespread private transport, fresh food could be delivered quickly and would reach the recipient in due time, and the contents of the gift hamper grew more and more elaborate, to include chocolate, wine and other sweet and decadent delights which we can expect to find in a modern-day hamper.

What you pack in a hamper doesn’t have to be restricted to food – it can be fully tailored to the interests and tastes of the person receiving the present. If your gift-receiver loves pampering themselves, why not present them with a sumptuous hamper full of lotions, soaps and perfumes? Or if they’re a bookworm, including a title you know they’ve been after for a long time could be a great addition to the package. “When you give a book as a gift, you’re giving someone a present that is durable and has great cultural value,” says David Bezzina, general manager of Horizons book shop in Qormi. “It can even be enjoyed by many of their friends and family members,” – fitting for the season for sharing. BB

TIPS FOR PACKING A GREAT CHRISTMAS HAMPER Make it stylish

First impressions count, and the more attractive and appealing your hamper looks, the better. If you’re packing it yourself, you can line the bottom of the hamper with a piece of fabric that you like, strew it with hay, colourful shredded paper or sprigs from a fir tree and add in sequins and glitter for the festive touch. For the final finish, put a pretty ribbon around the middle – it will also help keep those thoughtful gifts where they should be.

Go for complementary treats While everyone enjoys receiving a picnic basket full of random goodies, it makes far more sense to gift along a theme. For example, if your hamper is heavily

cheese-based, treat them to something which pairs with it well – sea salt or nigella seed biscuits, a pot of chutney or a homemade preserve, and a delicious bottle of wine.

Get personal

It’s tempting to pack a hamper with all the things you yourself would like to receive, but it’s important to keep the person who you are gifting in mind when considering what foods or items you would like to put into the basket. It will mean so much more if you make an effort to remember what their favourite items are and stuff the hamper with them – if in doubt, ask a friend or a relative what you think they’d prefer.

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GIFT IDEAS FOR HER CLÉMENT LUXURY HOME JEWELLERY

Neoderma

Complete your look with this luxurious strand of cultured pearls with an intricately detailed silver or gold clasp.

The festive season is a time for giving, and a selection of gift packs from Neoderma Cosmetics would be the ideal gift for your loved one this Christmas. It is an ideal solution for that special someone who loves to feel good, with products available for all skin types. Plants and herbs have extraordinary beautifying properties and have been empirically utilised to treat mankind for thousands of years. At the advanced Neoderma Research Laboratories, we select the finest and most effective herbal extracts to formulate exceptional beauty products, unifying the highest scientific practices along with traditional knowledge.

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Monopole If you’re short of gift ideas for the special women in your lives, Monopole can solve your problem thanks to the large selection of gifts available to satisfy any woman. Gabor handbags, wallets in leather by Fedon or Toni Perotti and Gabor, jewel cases in leather and other materials, travelling jewel pouches, watch cases, portfolios, briefcases, beauty aluminium cases, luggage, perfumes and more are just some of the gifts available. For this year’s Christmas Offer, we are giving away a beauty case with every €75 or more spent.

For more information, call Makiba Essence on T: 2180 6922; M: 9944 3761.

UniqONE™ ALL IN ONE: Super10r Hair Mask Super10r Hair Mask is a repair mask that nourishes deeply, strengthening hair from the roots to the ends, restoring it to its natural condition in just a few minutes. It should be applied once or twice a week, depending on how frequently hair is washed. Distribute it evenly through wet hair, leave for three minutes and then rinse thoroughly. It is especially appropriate for weak, damaged hair that needs to be strengthened, restructured and repaired.

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

Contact Jon Abela on M: 9949 7030; E: jonabela@vol.net.mt; www.revlon.com

Amrita Footcare & Wellness Centre

PUPA

Organic and Natural Products Purchase a special gift for your healthconscious loved ones this Christmas! Buy a voucher to be exchanged with a luxurious organic facial or elegantlypacked face and body creams made with organic and natural ingredients. The Pearls, Platinum and Diamond ranges are the cosmetics of thriving beauty with a selection of ingredients tailored to the specific age requirements. The products boast an elegant, airy texture and are a pleasure for the senses.

Make-up kits represent Pupa’s soul, its creativity and design. The clean and simple packaging is made unique by elegant graphic patterns and clean cut lines, amazingly combined with the color explosion of the products inside.

Amrita Footcare & Wellness Centre, 6271, Giovanni Papaffy Street, Ta' Paris, Birkirkara. T: 2122 3665; M: 7922 3665; www.amritamalta.com; Fb: Amrita Foot Care

Pupart XXL is the largest and richest kit of the collection to amaze even the most demanding women. Italian design and high quality products make Pupart the professional beauty tool needed to create endless make-up combinations. Available from selected pharmacies and perfumeries. Medimports, 104, St Sebastian Steet, Qormi. T:2148 3139.

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Gift Ideas for Him

Monopole Need some help deciding what to buy your loved one this Christmas? A visit to Monopole can give you some ideas. You’ll find items ideal for the classical man or the more casual one, such as briefcases, wallets, watch cases, tie cases, desk sets, leisure bags in leather and other materials, as well as perfumes, suitable for everyone’s pocket. For the man on the move or the family man taking a travel break with his family, you’ll find a good selection of luggage in different materials available in our store. Take advantage of Monopole’s Christmas Offer: spend €75 and over on the above and you will receive a free beauty bag.

European Pilot Academy - Malta Want to give something different this Christmas? How about a trial flight around Malta on a small aircraft? This flight gives the person on board the opportunity to fly a training aircraft under the command of an experienced instructor pilot. Give an unforgettable experience this Christmas of becoming a pilot for a day!

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

European Pilot Academy-Malta, Falcon Alliance Group, Security Gate 1, Malta International Airport. T: 2125 7127; E: matthew@falconalliance.com

SIR EDWARD MENSWEAR

Show the men in your life some love this Christmas with some great-quality clothing from Sir Edward Menswear, renowned for its top-quality items for men who care about the way they look. Choose from a wide selection of tailored smart and casual shirts, as well as great fitting trousers, jackets, tops and much more. Be sure to also check out the new Autumn-Winter 2015/2016 collection by Webb & Scott now in store, boasting an on-trend shirt collection with a range of collars and fittings that are versatile for all occasions.

Show the men in your life some love this Christmas with some great-quality clothing from Sir Edward Menswear, renowned for its top-quality items for men who care about the way they look. Choose from a wide selection of tailored shirts as well as great fitting trousers, jackets, tops and much more. Be sure to also check out the new Autumn-Winter 2015/2016 collection by Webb & Scott now in store, including a complete knitwear range which complements the fabrics in the rest of the collection.

Sir Edward Menswear, Triq il-Wilga, Paceville. T: 2137 2938.

Mx Pro Android TV Box

Drone Quadcopter with Camera

The Mx Pro Android TV Box is the revolutionary technology to turn your TV into a smart TV operated by Android 4.4 KitKat and 2GB RAM. You can watch all your favourite TV channels, live sports, movies, browse the internet, use Skype, Facebook and even play games on your TV. Visit us for free demonstrations on the Mx Pro, eco-box, smart bulbs, wireless camera packages, mobile phones, disposable e-cigarettes, two-wheel scooters and gift ideas this Christmas.

Welcome to the future! Get a fun drone with a 6-axis gyro, easy to fly and control. Record fantastic flying scenes with the 0.3 Mega Pixel camera (included), up to a distance of 150 metres. Navigate your copter inside or outside and take advantage of LED lights for night flights. The copter contains 2.4G technology with antiinterference and can be flown for around 8 to 10 minutes. Videos can be saved on an SD Card and charging is easy through a USB cable.

Maltadeals4u.com, 223, The Strand, Gzira. T: 2131 3736; M: 7998 1098; www.maltadeals4u.com; Fb: maltadeals4u

Available from Mystuff, Eucharistic Congress Road, Mosta. T: 2142 3572; E: info@mystuff.com.mt

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS Galea’s Art Studio At Galea’s Art Studio, we’ve put together a selection of little Christmas bags to save you the hassle of choosing the right art materials to give as presents – namely sets of paints with a selection of brushes and a little pad, pastels with fixative and blending stumps, clay sets with modelling tools and many more interesting combinations. They are nicely presented and ready for you to give as a gift, and you will also save on the total price. Gift vouchers for materials and art lessons are also available. Give some creativity this Christmas! Open: Mon-Fri 9am1pm, 4-7pm; Sat 9am-1pm.

CLÉMENT LUXURY HOME JEWELLERY These beautifully-crafted decanters from the Crystal Decanters Lovers collection make for an ideal gift for fans of both red and white wine. What’s more, their stylish design will be sure to make them the central focus of any dinner party.

70, South Street, Valletta; 221, Strait Street, Valletta. T: 2123 7455/2122 4776; Fb: Galea's Art Gallery

Clément Luxury Home Jewellery, Birkirkara Bypass, Birkirkara. T: 2149 4654, Fb: ClementMalta.

Funky Shades Hair & Beauty

Petlove

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.

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.

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

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

YOUR One-sTOp SHOPPING GUIDE Enduring, quality Gypsum 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.

Baby Metro & Toy Metro The largest selection of top quality brands under one roof! At Baby Metro & Toy Metro, we offer a range of top quality toys at unbeatable prices, including battery-operated cars and bicycles, the largest selection of board games in Gozo, and a range of pushchairs, high chairs and cots, which are only a few of the items we have in stock. Guaranteed to find that perfect gift for any baby and child.

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

For further information, visit us at Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria, Gozo. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-7.30pm. Contact us on T: 2155 2913; M: 7926 8651; E: babymetrotoymetro@gmail.com; Fb: Baby Metro & Toy Metro

SHS

Challenger Gym

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.

Give a meaningful gift this Christmas with a Challenger Voucher!

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

Challenger Fitness Centres. T: 2149 7265; E: challengermalta@hotmail.com; www.challengermalta.com

There is no excuse not to get fit. At Challenger Fitness Centres, we truly believe in giving our clients the choice to work out at a time and at one of the Challenger locations which best suits their needs. Our strategically placed gyms located in Qormi, Paceville, Cottonera and Valletta all enjoy early opening hours and late night closing. We are now offering a one year subscription for only €170, which includes the use of all four gyms, professional personal trainers and use of facilities, including the sauna, steam room and more. What’s your excuse?

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EATING & DRINKING

PHOTOS BY Matthew Mirabelli

Flavours of India Wow your guests with a mouth-watering meal as Chef Rawat at Shakinah Restaurant in St Julianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shares some of his best-kept secret recipes, using the freshest and most authentic of Indian flavours and ingredients.

SAMOSAS INGREDIENTS For the dough: 50g self-raising flour A pinch of carom seeds A pinch of salt 20ml sunflower oil 50ml water For the filling: 60g potatoes peeled and cut into chunks 20g fresh or frozen peas 10g finely chopped fresh garlic 15g finely chopped fresh ginger 10g chopped fresh coriander leaves 1 tsp Indian spices Vegetable oil

Method For the dough, start by mixing the flour, carom seeds, sunflower oil and salt in a bowl. Add the water a few tablespoons at a time until the dough forms a ball. Knead the dough for five minutes and leave to settle for 15 minutes. For the filling, begin by boiling the potatoes until tender. Place the peas in hot water, barely cooking them, and put aside. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a pan, add the garlic and ginger and cook for two minutes. Add the Indian spices and salt and cook for another two minutes. Combine with the mashed potatoes, peas and chopped coriander and mix well. Place some filling within the dough, sealing the dough carefully at all sides. Heat the vegetable oil and deepfry the samosas until they turn golden brown. Place on a paper towel to drain any excess oil and garnish with fresh coriander.

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EATING & DRINKING

GULAB JAMUN

A traditional Indian dessert of spongy, milky balls soaked in honey scented syrup

CHICKEN TIKKA Ingredients 250g chicken pieces (chicken breast) 30g fresh garlic, crushed 30g fresh ginger, minced 50ml fresh natural yogurt A pinch of ground cumin 1 tsp mustard oil Salt Pepper 1 tsp mixed Indian spice 15g fresh coriander

Method

Grind the garlic, ginger, ground cumin, mustard oil, salt and pepper into a paste. Blend the paste with yogurt to make the marinade. Marinade the chicken pieces for a minimum of four hours. Place the marinated chicken onto a skewer and cook in a Tandoori clay oven or place the chicken pieces on an oven rack at 180 degrees with a drip tray underneath. Cook well for 15 to 20 mins, then brown under the grill for another five minutes on each side. Place the chicken tikkas on a platter and sprinkle with Indian spices and fresh coriander.

Ingredients 300ml full-fat fresh milk 1 tbsp butter ghee 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour Vegetable oil for deep frying 5g almonds, chopped 5g pistachios, chopped 5g cashew nuts, chopped Syrup

Method

Stir the full-fat fresh milk on medium heat. In a separate bowl, melt the ghee, then pour in the milk and continue to mix until the batter is balanced. Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat for at least three minutes. Knead the dough while mixing it with flour and form into small balls. Reduce the heat of the oil to low and fry the balls. Once the balls start to float and expand to twice their original size, increase the heat to medium and keep turning them frequently until they are lightly golden in colour. Place the balls in sweet syrup for 10 minutes. Serve the balls with syrup and sprinkle with almonds, pistachios and cashew nuts.

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WHere to dine

YOUR RESTAURANT GUIDE Il-Mithna Il-Mithna Restaurant, Triq il-Kbira, Mellieha. T: 2152 0404; M: 7947 8896; www.mithna.com; Fb: Il-Mithna

Melita Gardens Melita Gardens, Triq Idmejda, Balzan. T: 2147 0663/4; E: info@melitagardens.com.mt

Il-Mithna Restaurant is a converted 17th century windmill built by the Knights of St John, boasting a striking location in the village of Mellieha, which has recently come under new management. Il-Mithna Restaurant hosts all diners by presenting a culinary style which respects the individual tastes of each dining guest. Bookings are now open for staff parties and festive days, as well as a New Year’s Eve party featuring a live band, open bar and freeflowing champagne. Call us now to make your reservations.

Melita Gardens is truly one of a kind – its vast gardens, spanning over 5,000 square metres, sit proudly and directly next door to San Anton Gardens, and since undergoing a change in management in July 2014, its popularity has continued to grow. To those unfamiliar with the establishment, Melita Gardens offers such a delightful surprise behind its imposing walls. Its sheer size leaves you speechless, yet the magnificence of its gardens instantly gives you a sense of peace and tranquillity. Three separate entrances lead to a different area of Melita Gardens, all of which are interconnected. There is the main formal restaurant, the cafeteria/pizzeria and the Mezzanin Wine Lounge, all with both indoor and outdoor seating. Open all day, every day from 10am (except for Mezzanin Lounge which is closed on Monday), Melita Gardens is always buzzing with energy and attracts crowds of all ages.

Trattoria Cardini Tower Road, Sliema For reservations call T: 2133 2324; M 7933 2324.

Trattoria Cardini, named after Cesare Cardini, the man who invented the famous Caesar salad, offers clients the best and freshest possible ingredients, and presents dishes prepared with unique flair by our team of dedicated chefs. Our extensive menu caters for all tastes and appetites ranging from fresh fish, meats, salads and pasta to a mixture of platters and a vast selection of pizzas, many of which have become our signature dishes. Situated on the seafront, with its enviable location and views, it is a charming venue and ideal for quality time, be it with your friends and family or your business colleagues. Free parking is available at the CCCP carpark. We are also accepting bookings for staff parties and offering set menus.

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 tranquility 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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COMPANY PROFILE

Fabio Muscat, Chief Executive Officer at OzoSystem Ltd

PHOTO BY ALAN CARVILLE

Successfully continuing the family business

zoSystem was started in 1996 by Mario Muscat, who commenced the company’s operations from a small office in his son Fabio’s bedroom. The company’s main activities were upholstery and soffit cleaning – however, he dreamt of creating a leading service company in the cleaning and hospitality industry. The dream has come true, says Fabio, now at the head of the company which employs more than 1,000 people.

“Over the past 20 years, we have sustained our growth path through dedication and hard work. We have tackled seemingly impossible jobs and introduced solutions which nowadays have become the industry standard – for example, we were the first in Malta to introduce a chewing gum removal system. We obtained a Master Dealership in Malta for cleaning local stone and ceilings without damage or business disruption. We have worked hard to introduce environmentally-friendly cleaning practices, and the introduction of our vast array of services has allowed us to secure major contracts with large enterprises, including the majority of hotels in Malta and other prestigious companies. We have grown from a one-man operation into market leaders with a strong commitment to quality standards,” Fabio says.

The company has gone from strength to strength and its various accolades prove it. In September, it was crowned National Champion for Growth Strategy in The European Business Awards and selected as a contender for The ELITE Growth Strategy of the Year in Europe, as Malta’s representative. Its quality assurance guarantee is also evident in the company’s recent acquisition of ISO 9001:2008 certification, which ensures that the company satisfies its customers’ and stakeholders’ needs while meeting statutory and regulatory requirements. “It was obtained through endless hard work and attention to

detail – every department and working system was put under a microscope,” says Fabio. “It took us almost one year to achieve the standards required. New systems and practices were introduced using ISO standards to ensure that our quality of service reflects the certification.” The company’s crew of hardworking and well-trained employees is a major part of the reason behind OzoSystem’s success, and in 2014, the company launched its own training academy for current and potential staff. “Having our own training academy helps us ensure that our people

are taught according to our high standards. Our training combines both theory and practice. We present different scenarios which our people will experience at their place of work, enabling us to streamline our processes and continuously improve our service. To achieve this training, we engaged professional personnel to coach our team on various subjects, including customer care, advanced cleaning methodology, health and safety and personal grooming, among others.” “We give all our people continuous training to help them do their job the best

they can. We also invest in their careers by organising supervisory courses so that they can assume more responsibilities and roles. Training also motivates our people – and when the employees are content and well-informed, they are more likely to do a good job, which in turn leads to client satisfaction. This helps us meet our challenges, improve our offerings and grow.”

As it enters its 20th year, OzoSystem will keep growing under Fabio’s stewardship, whilst maintaining the good name and excellent service which it became renowned for under his father’s wing. “Locally we intend to continue to expand further within our industry – our professional reputation with our clients will allow us to expand in manufacturing our own line of amenities related to the tourism and hospitality industry. OzoSystem also has plans to expand its brand beyond Malta’s shores, both in Europe and in the Middle East.” BB

OzoSystem Cleaning Services, 6, Triq L-Iskultur, Qormi. T: 2147 2552; E: info@ozomalta.com; www.ozomalta.com

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WINDOW SHOPPING

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.

Affordable, quality healthcare solutions with MedinaHealth 100 per cent cotton, natural, organic and biodegradable niches. The company has successfully collaborated with the Italian Association of Gynaecologists (AOGOI), with the products being supported by gynaecologists and consumer associations. Special attention is paid to quality, social accountability and sustainability.

Corman spa, founded in Italy in 1947 as a manufacturer of textile medical devices, has successfully developed and sold feminine hygiene products, leading the domestic market in pharmacies with a 100 per cent pure cotton, hypoallergenic product line for women with sensitive skin. Corman’s mission is excellence in development and manufacturing of both feminine hygiene and adult light incontinence products, covering specific markets including hypoallergenic pads and tampons,

Organyc is the only feminine hygiene product line that is healthy for women as well as the environment. The range was developed to respond to health and environmental concerns, such as dioxin pollution caused by chlorine bleaching, the use of pesticides with conventional cotton and plastics in feminine hygiene.

For further details contact Medina Health Care on T: 2132 0963; M: 9945 2433; Fb:OrganYcMalta

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.

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

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

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

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WINDOW SHOPPING

The best of what nature can offer… It’s never been easier to add essential herbs, vegetables, fruit and more to your dog’s daily food, forget hours making your own, searching high and low for the perfect mixture — and dogs love it!

It can be difficult to prepare a sufficiently varied mix of suitable vegetables for your raw fed dog and many people are looking to save time and effort. SmartBarf is a blend of over 50 different herbs and vegetables, seeds and nuts, fruits and berries, and pulses for a 100 per cent natural source of essential and varied oils, minerals, nutrients, vitamins and other phytocompounds.

• No need to add coconut oil • No need to add kelp • No need to add hemp oil • No need to add vitamin C supplements • No need to add omega 3, 6 and 9 rich oils • No need to add lecithin • No need to add prebiotics • No need to add brewer’s yeast SmartBarf provides the same nutrients in one fell swoop – just add meat and the meal is complete.

Glad Enterprises Ltd. T: 2744 7799; www.glad.com.mt; Fb: SmartBarf Malta

Long-term plans for your retirement

This year the Private Pension sector opened up and the Government agreed to allow the provision of PPPs (private pension plans) by local insurers. The plan offers flexibility both in premium payments and investment paid. A key aspect in this matter is the tax rebate of 15 per cent on the premium paid per annum (maximum €300 for 2015). The new pension plans are designed to invest into a fund which will be converted into pension income on retirement. This is the opportunity to make long-term plans for your retirement. Those who invest in a private pension can avail themselves of a programmed annuity at retirement age with the aim of retaining same levels of standard of living.

PPPs may be arranged either by individuals or as a group. Employers are also seeing an opportunity in offering added value to their workforce by introducing them to Private Pension Plans. Mediterranean Insurance Brokers (Malta) Ltd is an enrolled company regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

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COMPANY PROFILE

PHOTOS BY ALAN CARVILLE

Ing Mario Schembri, CEO at GreenPak Coop

Making it easy to be green

hen Malta joined the EU in 2004, companies on the island were suddenly faced with the responsibility and duty of recycling all the packaging generated by their business. Very few businesses back then did so of their own volition, so a quick and effective solution was needed to tackle this new challenge. GreenPak, founded by Ing. Mario Schembri with the endorsement of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, was founded in response to those same demands; 11 years later, the company provides recycling services not only to 1,300 businesses but to the vast majority of towns and villages in Malta and Gozo on a daily basis – around 72 per cent of the population. Ing. Schembri has been working in the environmental field for 20 years, and has been

involved in many projects related to waste management, energy, transportation and habitat protection over the past two decades. “The GreenPak system works on a simple principle,” Ing. Schembri explains. “When a company sells a product, it sets aside a small amount of money – as little as a fraction of a cent – for packaging recycling. This money is sent to GreenPak, which in turn uses it to finance the ‘Bring-In Sites’ services and the ‘Recycling Tuesdays’ bag collections offered to those communities whose locality is enlisted with GreenPak. As GreenPak is a not-for-profit organisation, any surplus money left at the end of each year is given back to the Cooperative Society members.” Driven by a young and dynamic team whose aim is to provide environmental sustainability and economic viability for the benefit of the public and industry, GreenPak also

apportions some of the money it makes through its recycling drives for education purposes, school projects as well as other environmental projects. Modelled on the Extended Producer Responsibility, GreenPak fulfils its objectives by engaging the industry, the authorities, and the community to work together towards sustainable recycling. Ing. Schembri himself has also been instrumental in setting up the international organisation Extended Producer Alliance (EXPRA), which promotes the not-for-profit concept that producers are best placed to recover end-of-life products, where he now sits on the Board of Directors. This year marks the fifth edition of GreenPak’s ‘Nirriċikla għallIstrina’ campaign, which was set up in 2010 with the aim of collecting funds for the annual l-Istrina charity event by gathering and recycling plastic

bottle caps. “This year’s edition was launched in April to allow participants time to collect plastic caps – this way we can increase the final donation we make to the Malta Community Chest Fund,” Ing. Schembri explains. The scheme has been a runaway success – so far, over 138 schools and 30 business organisations from various sectors including financial services, manufacturing, education, governmental entities and sports clubs are actively participating in the drive to collect, with GreenPak actively collaborating with the Malta Community Chest Fund and the Directorate for Educational Services to help it reach an even wider audience. “We believe that through this campaign we can deliver a positive message by connecting two socially beneficial activities – recycling and charity. And with over five million plastic caps already collected, this year’s edition

of Nirriċikla għall-Istrina is set to break its own record,” Ing. Schembri beams. The next major challenge for GreenPak lies in helping Malta implement the Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Compliance Scheme, which was launched in July. Electrical and electronic waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the EU, and is expected to grow to more than 12 million tonnes by 2020. “We are also seeing a growth in the number of companies joining the Cooperative – this can only bode well for the future of Malta’s circular economy,” Ing. Schembri says. BB

GreenPak Co-operative Society Malta, 18, St John Street, Fgura. T: 2166 0233; E: info@greenpak.com.mt

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HEALTH

Staying safe on the slopes

It’s the perfect time of year for a ski trip, but before you jet off, you need to make sure you’re well prepared. Physiotherapist Samantha Bonnici speaks to Sarah Micallef about how you can prevent skiing injuries by taking the right precautions before, during and after hitting the slopes.

n countries where temperatures plummet to below freezing, the winter months bring snow-capped mountains and bright ski-slopes, making it the ideal time for a skiing vacation. But while enthusiasm and zeal may not be lacking, many of us Maltese don’t have too much experience with snow and skiing, so before heading up to the slopes, it’s important to physically prepare ourselves so as to avoid getting hurt. Physiotherapist Samantha Bonnici reveals that she sees an increase in skiing injuries over

the winter months, including knee ligament injuries, skier’s thumb injuries and upper body fractures or injuries. “For those of you hitting the slopes for the first time this winter,” she warns, “I recommend that you head to the gym or start some cardiovascular workouts at least six weeks before you travel, to increase your cardiovascular fitness.” According to Samantha, cycling and step machines use some of the muscles used in skiing. Apart from these, she recommends a functional pilates class or a pre-skiing

strengthening exercise session which can be devised by a physiotherapist or personal trainer to help you work out the specific muscles you’ll be using. “Especially if your job entails sitting in front of a computer all day, the muscles needed during skiing are very different from your office day-to-day requirements,” Samantha maintains, adding that it is also important to train the muscles in the position required in skiing (standing with knees slightly bent). “It is useless training your quads sitting down on a machine or in a lying

down position, because these are very different postures to those required on the slopes,” she says. If you’re a first-time skier, Samantha recommends taking skiing lessons and taking time to perfect your turning skills and your ability to stop before you challenge yourself on harder runs. Having said that, you’re not completely in the clear if you have some past experience. “If you’ve skied before and sustained an injury, especially a knee ligament injury or tear, I suggest that you wear a knee brace to prevent

re-injury,” maintains Samantha. “To avoid injury, I like to do a biomechanical and positional assessment and make sure that people are aware of their alignment on the slopes. People who have incorrect knee cap alignment won’t be able to carve properly on the slopes and are more prone to knee injuries. I also check the strength of the quadriceps and the gluteal muscles – these are the two main power muscles used during skiing, and strength here is crucial. Most people who have office-based jobs have very weak gluteal

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HEALTH arm circles and jumps – I don’t recommend static stretching (holding a stretch in one position) on the slopes as it can increase risk of injury,” she says.

muscles, and this can make them prone to injury. Squats, lunges, glutes exercises and core exercises are ideal, always in a standing position which mimics the skiing position and in correct alignment,” she continues. Another part of pre-skiing training that Samantha draws attention to is balance and proprioception, which is the body’s sense of position. “Having good proprioception is imperative, especially when skiing visibility is not good. Practice standing on one leg for one minute every day, three times a day and then practise this with your knee slightly bent (similar to a skiing position) or else whilst brushing your teeth,”

she recommends. Meanwhile, Samantha continues, teaching patients weight distribution is also a major part of preventative rehabilitation. “The weight balance should be at the centre of the skis,” she explains, maintaining, “if you sit back too much, it puts too much strain on the knees and can also cause loss of control.” Once your pre-ski training is done, it’s time to hit the slopes – but once you’re there, a good warm-up is essential. Samantha advises that a brisk walk or jog should be sufficient to get the blood flowing. After that, “do some dynamic stretching like lunges, trunk rotation,

When you’re all warmed up, it’s time for a practice run on an easy slope – this prepares your body for the skiing motions and warms up the necessary muscles. According to Samantha, the crucial injury times on the slopes are the first two hours of the day, after lunch and the last hour of the day, and this is when you have to be especially careful. “This is mainly due to fatigue, the body not being warmed up, and skiing conditions. So take it easy at the beginning of the day and stop before you are completely exhausted. Stay well hydrated and stop to rest every couple of hours,” she advises. Finally, once you’re done for the day and it’s time to wind down, the physiotherapist recommends, “do static stretching of your quads, gluteal and any other muscles that feel tight. Also, opt for a nice massage if available, to help you get ready for the next day.” BB

Top Ski Resorts in Europe Fancy a skiing holiday but don’t want to go too far? Europe offers a wealth of fabulous destinations. Here are our pick of the most popular.

Switzerland Among Switzerland’s top resorts are Interlaken, which features some of the most spectacular skiing in the Alps, and Gstaad, which is sought after for winter leisure travel thanks to its glamorous atmosphere. Arguably the most renowned however is St Moritz, which is deemed the oldest winter holiday resort in the world. Elegant and exclusive, you’ll find world-class hotels and restaurants, and chic shopping, as well as a plethora of leisure and sport happenings.

France France is another favourite among European skiers. Among its top resorts are Méribel, which offers luxurious chalet-style lodgings and a varied terrain to suit all abilities, and Megève, a pretty cobbled village that is rife with excellent dining options, as well as some of the most scenic skiing in Europe.

Meanwhile, Chamonix-Mont Blanc, which was the site of the very first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, is also worth mentioning – certainly another spot for world-class skiing.

Austria Another country that offers a good number of skiing options is Austria, and one of its most well-loved resorts is Sölden. Boasting perfectly groomed slopes and numerous trails for all levels, it continues to be a greatly sought-after winter sport destination.

Italy Of the skiing destinations Italy has to offer, highaltitude Cervinia is the one with the best snow record. With runs most suited to intermediate and beginner skiers, the town comes alive at night, when the slopes close, offering a variety of entertainment options, shops, restaurants and bars.

DECEMBER 2015

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DECEMBER 2015