Best Buy February 2016

COVER STORY

Wine, trekking, foot rubs – how do some of Malta’s brightest stars celebrate Valentine’s Day? Jo Caruana sits down for a chat with three high-profile couples. PAGE 3 >

BEST BUY YOUR MONTHLY SHOPPING GUIDE DISTRIBUTED WITH THE TIMES

Issue 105

February 2016

IN THIS ISSUE...

Homes Doing up a brand new house or just looking to freshen up a few rooms in your home? Sarah Micallef gets inspired with 2016’s top home trends. PAGE 9 >

Give your Valentine the gift of spa Valentine’s is the season for loving, and the perfect reason for pampering, and there is no better way to celebrate love than to spend a special spa day at a memorable Valentine’s retreat. Myoka Spas, with their exceptional service and state-of-the-art facilities, are the ideal place to treat your loved one.

Unplug for once

Visiting the spa allows you to indulge in some much-needed ‘me’ time, encouraging you to switch off, separate yourself from all external stimuli and relax completely. Whether you’d like to treat that special someone to the ultimate relaxing experience, or use the time together with a couples package to reconnect, Myoka Spas have crafted the ultimate pampering packages.

Winter is not your skin’s friend

February is symbolically known as the month of love, but it also happens to be the harshest time of year. The cold temperatures, high winds and lack of sun yield dry skin, brittle hair and nails, and a generally sallow appearance. Myoka has adapted its treatments to suit the time of year, with a series of revitalising spa treatments,

including facials to rejuvenate skin and deep-tissue massages to increase blood flow circulation.

Relax with a spa day With four different five-star spa facilities across the island, Myoka Spas offer myriad gift options for the special person in your life ranging from gift cards to therapeutic and relaxing massages, as well as soothing facials and beauty services, including hair and nails, with all treatments offering full day use of all spa facilities.

Your loved one will leave feeling recharged, relaxed and refreshed – because after all, love isn’t love till you give it away!

Valentine’s Spa Packages are now available at www.myoka.com or by visiting any of Myoka’s four locations including Lotus Spa at Le Meridien St Julian’s Hotel and Spa, T: 2137 0163; Sands Spa at The Radisson Blu Golden Sands, T: 2356 1191 or the Dolmen Spa at Dolmen Resort, Qawra, T: 2157 7500.

Weddings Is your summer wedding around the corner? Martina Said asks the experts how to avoid a last-minute meltdown ahead of the big day.

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Eating & Drinking Frank Farrugia, chef at Blue Creek Restaurant in Siggiewi, creates a three-course meal which will certainly thrill seafood lovers.

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COVER STORY

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Sean & Ira

Be My Valentine

As we head towards the most lovey-dovey day of the year, Jo Caruana asks three local celebrity couples to share their stories of romance.

IRA & SEAN

Award-winning singer and this year’s Eurovision star Ira Losco and her boyfriend, chef Sean Gravina look forward to Valentine’s Day, though they also find ways of injecting romance into their relationship every single day.

took things very slowly and dated when he was in Malta for holidays. “We ended up together quite naturally after a while,” she says.

Ira and Sean have known each other for a long time, as Sean’s dad and Ira’s late uncle were best friends. “That said, I don’t think we ever imagined we would end up together!” smiles Sean. “But a few summers ago, I sent Ira a message to wish her a happy birthday… and the rest is history!”

The couple do enjoy Valentine’s Day, although they say it is ‘just another day’ for them, as they try to be as romantic as possible, as often as possible.

“We really enjoy our time together,” continues Ira. “We’re both extremely busy so every second we spend together is valued, and we don’t inject lots of fuss into the things we do.

That said, we do get each other little gifts on February 14, just as a surprise.”

Ira explains that Sean was living in the UK at the time, so they

The pair say they are both romantic in their own ways,

though Ira admits that Sean really does go out of his way to make her feel special. And spontaneity is very important to them. “One of our favourite dates ever was totally off the cuff,” Sean says. “We started with sushi and wine, and didn’t feel like going home after that, so we thought it would be fun to head to a nearby casino and try our luck at roulette.

We didn’t win anything but it was fun all the same. We then went back out into the night for ice-cream and a walk along the Spinola seafront. It was the perfect evening!”

VALENTINA & CARLO

Actress and model Valentina Rossi and her DJ/producer

boyfriend Carlo Gerada look forward to any time spent together away from their busy schedules. This year, Carlo has

something special planned for the two of them.

Valentina and Carlo met

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COVER STORY CLARE & PAUL

Simshar actress and TV presenter Clare Agius is looking forward to another wonderful Valentine’s Day with her husband Paul – although it will probably revolve around him rubbing her feet, as they are currently expecting their second child!

Clare and Paul are fast approaching their fifth wedding anniversary, and they were together for a year and a half before that. They first met when Clare decided to re-join the gym that Paul manages and, after a few ‘professional’ meetings, they started dating.

through mutual friends, and have been together for nearly three years. “I think we were drawn to each other because we lead quite similar lifestyles, so we’re very understanding of one another,” says Valentina.

Asked about their first Valentine’s Day as a couple, Valentina recalls a relaxing evening spent in Valletta. “We were still getting to know each other at the time,” she says, “so we really enjoyed the fact that it was just the two of us.”

Asked about the day-to-day romance of their relationship, Carlo admits that Valentina is the more romantic one, even though he does try.

“On one occasion I planned a trip to Taormina and I wanted everything to be absolutely perfect. It was magical from the get-go but I do have a habit of forgetting things – and, true to form, I forgot where our hotel was!”

Valentina laughs at the memory. “We spent two hours wandering around asking for directions, but no one seemed to know if it even existed! We finally found it after a threehour trek and it was absolutely perfect. It actually turned out to be the best holiday ever.”

As for this year, Carlo has something up his sleeve – but he’s not giving away any details.

“This year, Valentine’s Day will mark our third anniversary and I know that Carlo has a surprise planned – so who knows what could happen?” Valentina adds. “As long as we’re in each other’s company I won’t be complaining!”

“Beyond the initial attraction we shared, we soon realised that we happened to both be at the same place in our lives in terms of what we wanted.

Had we met a few years earlier we wouldn’t have been ready to commit to one another, get married and start a family. We both felt exactly the same way and knew we wanted to be together for the long term.” A year into their relationship, Paul proposed while they were on a trip to Alaska and Clare said ‘yes’ – after a few moments of hysterical giggles.

Asked about their first Valentine’s Day together, Clare laughs, admitting that neither of them can quite remember the details. “We probably went for a nice meal and enjoyed getting to know one another,” she says. “We would definitely have laughed our way through it as Paul has an incredible sense of humour.”

Since then, their Valentine’s rituals have evolved – Clare appreciates a meaningful card and some flowers, while Paul usually finds a way of hinting which little gift he would like that year.

“Paul constantly cracks me up,” continues Clare. “Just recently, our son was enjoying a play-date at our house with an adorable two-year-old Belgian girl. As the kids played in the toy kitchen we had set up for them, the little girl offered Paul some ‘broccoli soup’. He smiled down at her and said: ‘well, honey, a few years back a blonde French-speaking lady may have tempted me with soup, but now I’m happily married so I will say no, ma chérie’. It was hilarious!

“This Valentine’s Day, as always, we’ll be looking forward to each other’s company. That said, Paul will probably also be giving me a back rub and foot massage, as it will only be a few weeks shy of my due date for our second child!” Clare adds with a smile. BB

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Foreword

FABULOUS FEBRUARY

Love is definitely in the air this February! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we sat down for a chat with some of our favourite Maltese stars to find out how they spend the most romantic day of the year. And for those lovebirds whose summer wedding is drawing ever closer, we’ve asked the experts what you need to have in place for when the time comes to exchange vows – check it out on page 20.

Romantic love is not the only sort

© 2016 All rights reserved. Articles appearing in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to print, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

there is – climbing Kilimanjaro to raise funds for a school in Ethiopia, as David Schembri and his team did, was a labour of love of a different kind. You can read our interview with him on page 19. And speaking of labours of love, the invigorating weather we’re having sets the perfect atmosphere for taking up a new project, whether it’s the task of flipping a home for profit, giving your own home a stylish makeover or simply re-tweaking it to make it more mobility-friendly.

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

Take inspiration from our homes section starting on page 9.

On a final note, a great big thank you goes out to Martina Said, the amazing editor of Best Buy for more than two years. She has left some pretty big shoes for me to fill, but I’m excited to take up the role of bringing you the shopping and lifestyle magazine you know and love.

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Publishers

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

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

NEXT ISSUE:

Advertising Sales Coordinators Lindsey Ciantar, Marvic Cutajar

09.03.16 DOn'T MISS IT

DESIGN Nicholas Cutajar Printer Progress Press Ltd

MORTEM – AN OPEN DAY AT ST PAUL’S CATACOMBS Heritage Malta will be treating adults and children alike to a day of culture and entertainment in an event entitled ‘Mortem’ at the newly-renovated St Paul’s Catacombs on Sunday 21 February.

Turn a regular TV into a Smart TV with an Android box Our Android boxes use revolutionary technology to turn a regular TV into a smart TV, allowing you to watch all your favourite TV channels, as well as live sports and movies. You can also browse the internet, use Skype, Facebook and even play games on your television set.

Our Android boxes start from €95 and use the Android 5.1 Lollipop OS with 2GB RAM. Each box is fully loaded with free IPTV and no recurring monthly fees.

Updates are carried out automatically over the internet.

Visit Malta Deals 4 U for free demonstrations of our Android boxes, as well as eco-boxes, smart bulbs, wireless camera packages, mobile phones, disposable e-cigarettes, twowheel scooters and much more.

Malta Deals 4 U, 223, The Strand, Gzira. T: 2131 3736; M: 7998 1098; www.maltadeals4u.com; Fb: Maltadeals4u

‘Mortem’ is being held on the last day of what used to be known as the Roman feast of Agape.

Romans and early Christians would hold an ‘Agape feast’ to commemorate their deceased loved ones.

With events kicking off at 9am, attendees of all ages and tastes will be able to participate in a jam-packed varied programme, including special tours, events and lectures, ending at 5pm. There will also be a number of re-enactments, food stalls and performances. The re-enactments will include a parade and drill by the Legio X re-enactment group and a short performance depicting a Roman funeral. Those present will also have the opportunity to taste the type of food served during such a celebration.

On the day, St Augustine’s Catacombs, which up until now are still closed to the public, will be open to visitors.

This is another event organised

by Heritage Malta in its ongoing endeavour to make Malta’s cultural heritage accessible to everyone.

The price for the event is only €2 per person. For the full programme, visit Heritage Malta’s official website www.heritagemalta.org or Fb: HeritageMalta

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HOMES

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

Photo by KOKET Studio

CEILINGS AND WALLS

2016’s Top Trends For Your Home

If you’re doing up a new house or are looking to renovate a couple of rooms in your home, current interior design trends are a great starting point.

Sarah Micallef finds inspiration in 2016’s top home trends.

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hen decorating your home, your aim should be to achieve the best balance between personal taste and the latest trends. While you’d want to stay away from fads that will age quicker than you can say ‘mason jar’, it’s also nice to keep an eye on modern designs and new trends – they might just serve as the inspiration you need to get you going! With that in mind, here are my pick of 2016’s top trends for your home.

FORMAL DINING ROOMS

The recent trend within new builds has been for kitchens, dining and living rooms to be combined, saving on space and resulting in a merge in the function of each area. An interesting development among homeowners however is a reversal of this trend, making way for the return of the

formal dining room. Reminiscent of houses of character and old townhouses, the formal dining room is making a comeback, and if it can encourage more sit-down family meals rather than TV dinners, it might not be such a bad thing!

LUXURIOUS BATHROOMS

Bathrooms often tend to be overlooked when you’re decorating your home, resulting in dull, functional spaces that aren’t particularly pleasing to be in. That’s all about to change in 2016, with bathrooms increasingly being looked at as an extension to our living spaces, meriting a little luxury of their own. From comfy chairs to fresh flowers and pretty little features to brighten things up, bathrooms are going to look a whole lot nicer from here on out.

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

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

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

DESIGNS TO SUIT ALL TASTES Dimech Enterprises have recently moved to a new showroom in Valletta Road, Luqa. We invite you to come see our range of doors, glass railings and awnings. We have over 50 doors on display with designs to suit all tastes.

We also supply made-to-measure awnings and shading systems, as well as frameless glass balcony railings. We look forward to welcoming you at our new location!

Dimech Enterprises Ltd, Valletta Road, Luqa.

T: 2132 0433, 2132 0434.

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HOMES

BLACK STAINLESS STEEL

trend forecast for interiors features nine key palettes highlighting the colour combinations that are going to be big this year. Among them are neutral shades taken from natural sources like rosy clay and sheepskin beige, a dichotomy of opposites playing off each other, delicate pastels, smoky muted colours, joyful shades like vibrant greens, pinks, oranges and yellows, as well as jewel tones and eclectic prints featuring bold colours. Whatever your style or preference, there’s bound to be a combination for you in this exciting menagerie.

MISMATCHED CABINETS

STATEMENT BATHROOM MIRRORS

Popular appliance colours change just as much as favourite cabinet finishes, and polished stainless steel has been the favourite colour among appliances for a few years now. But, that looks set to change in 2016. No, we’re not seeing a return to white or pastels. Rather, the new appliance trend on the block will tempt us over into the dark side. Sleek black stainless steel is set to lend a modern touch to kitchens this year, and I’m looking forward to see how this will translate locally.

Who said your kitchen cabinetry has to match? While uniform kitchens can still look stylish, this year’s emerging trend when it comes to cabinets is mixing two different styles together, giving an eclectic yet stylish feel. Whether you do this using a colour, texture or finish is up to you – the results are equally stunning and on trend.

UNEXPECTED COLOUR COMBINATIONS

Pantone Colour Institute’s 2016

While there’s no escaping the functional element of a bathroom mirror, there’s no need for it to be boring.

Bathroom mirrors are increasingly moving away from rectangular, no-fuss shapes in favour of interesting shapes and frames that can really make a statement and add a little something special to your bathroom. Look out for round, oval and bevelled styles, as well as interesting frames in both classic and contemporary styles.

FIREPLACES

Traditionally, fireplaces were often the focal point of a room, but in recent years, had begun to fall out of favour. The trend has certainly been reversing over the past year however, with 2016 set to see the return of the fireplace as a must-have item and charming accent in the home. Gone are the days of the TV being the focal point of the living room (and we can’t be happier) – the fireplace will once again take centre stage, with furniture being arranged so as to make the most of this handsome focal point.

MIXING MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY CARPETS

Carpets and rugs are a great way of softening the look of your home while bringing in a little warmth. In 2016, Malta Rugs’ Payam Akhtarkhavari affirms that the main trend will feature “a vintage look with a mix of modern and contemporary rugs used together to create a unique and very personal mix.” Meanwhile, he maintains, the colours of the moment will include different shades of green. Going on to give his expert advice on the best rugs for Maltese homes,

Payam explains, “the best material for our homes – which are not served with central heating – are the rugs made of wool, as these provide insulation for humidity and

have a warmer feel than manmade fibres used in carpets.

Generally, carpets need to have a certain thickness to be useful in providing the cosiness that is expected from a rug.” BB

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What you need to know before flipping houses Flipping houses – the practice of buying real estate, doing it up and reselling it at a profit – is gaining ground locally, but just like any other investment, it involves its fair share of risk. Martina Said speaks to Frank Salt’s Patrick Xuereb to find out what flipping houses really entails.

"

The practice of flipping houses is a fairly common trend overseas, but there’s much greater potential for this market locally,” says Patrick Xuereb, Northern Regional Manager at Frank Salt. He highlights a number of incentives brought about by this year’s budget measures which might help tip the scales: stamp duty paid on property bought in an Urban Conservation Area (UCA) has been reduced by 50 per cent to 2.5 per cent – as long as contracts are finalised by the end of 2016 – and the rate of final withholding tax that will be levied on transfers of restored property within an UCA effected in 2016 will be reduced from 8 per cent to 5 per cent.

“Malta has a good number of properties that would make excellent homes, but which unfortunately are in a

very poor state,” says Patrick.

“Many would consider these properties but hesitate because of the work required to restore and convert them into habitable residences.

Such properties offer property flippers a good investment potential, allowing them to buy the property at very good value due to their state, invest in their conversion and then resell them at a solid mark-up.

Rental properties are also worth considering, whereby one would purchase a ‘basic’ unit, finish it for added value and resell it as a buy-to-let.”

For those looking to flip their first property or take a second chance on a previously failed house-flipping project, Patrick suggests seeking the guidance of a professional estate agency with experience in property transactions first and foremost.

“One needs to determine the market value of the finished

property, estimate the value of the restoration and finishing works involved, allow for an acceptable profit margin, and given that the asking price of the property in question equals or is less than the remaining balance, then it should be considered as an investment.

One also has to keep in mind the level of demand for the property in question, to ensure a quick sale once it is ready for resale.”

Patrick points out that finished properties account for a much larger share of sold properties than those sold on plan or in shell form. “Locally, the tendency is to sell property unfurnished or partly furnished, as local buyers tend to prefer bringing their own style to the property. However, a substantial number of buyers are looking for something ready to move into, as it saves them the time and stress of

prepping their new property.

Foreign buyers tend to favour this system as well, particularly for finishing, but not necessarily for furnishing.”

One of the main aspects that will determine the completeness of a flipped home is budget. While finishing a property from beginning to end would be most ideal, there are ways to go about a restricted budget, such as by focusing on areas of the house that are most important.

“Concentrate on the areas which will make the greatest impact and which are a priority in terms of living within the property,” advises Patrick.

“These include the living area, the kitchen, a bathroom and the master bedroom – and the façade of the property in the case of houses. If the property boasts an outdoor space, this area should also be given priority, as it will certainly be a

selling point for the property.”

From ensuring the property is structurally sound and furnished, to finishing it to a standard of one’s choosing, the extent to which you should consider doing up a house for resale is completely subjective to the property and the eventual buyer. BB Incentives in this year’s Budget: • stamp duty on property bought in an Urban Conservation Area has been reduced by 50 per cent to 2.5 per cent, as long as contracts are finalised by the end of 2016.

• the rate of final withholding tax levied on transfers of restored property within an UCA effected in 2016 has been reduced from 8 to 5 per cent.

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COMPANY PROFILE

PHOTOS BY ALAN CARVILLE

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Matthew Formosa, CEO at JF Group Ltd

BUILDING ON A LEGACY OF QUALITY SERVICE

J

F Group started out as JF Security and Consultancy Services Ltd nearly 20 years ago, in 1997. The founder, Peter Formosa, bought out an existing company and strove to establish it as one of the leading players in the market. When the competitive edge was obtained, the familyrun firm where Peter now sits as chairman branched out into various sectors, leading to the creation of JF Group, which is now under the stewardship of his son, Matthew. The core business of the Group is service-based and involves the provision of personnel services in various sectors. While

its flagship services are JF Security and JF Cleaning, there are several other subsidiary companies. The Group services the hospitality and construction businesses with personnel, while a logistics company and a temping agency also form part of the Group.

The fact that JF Group is a family-owned business gives the company a different mentality and perspective, Matthew says. “The advantages of dealing with a family-run business are evident. Our approach is hands-on, we place an emphasis on meeting the client and the employee face-to-face in order to get

to know them better, and we guarantee professionalism in whatever service we offer. We deliver excellent results to our clients by understanding their requirements and delivering on all our promises. JF Group are players in several challenging industries, and we approach each new task with the same amount of pride and expertise.”

With its involvement in so many different sectors, Matthew says that JF Group puts a priority on looking after and training the workforce on whom the responsibility for maintaining its reputation for quality service rests. “JF Group is a large organisation, but on the

market, it is competing against even bigger players. Hence, training and orientation are pivotal within our organisation; a subsidiary company of ours, Aurelia, operates as a Certified Trainee Academy, offering courses ranging from fire-fighting and first aid to customer care and many others, as well as issuing security licences.”

“The Group also provides onsite training to all personnel, even specific to various clients of ours. We firmly believe in listening to and supporting the employee in the best way we can, and we will go out of our way to find a solution to any problem or setback.

Additionally, we offer our employees continuous support through meetings held to understand difficulties they may face on site and discussing possible solution scenarios.

We also have dedicated management teams in place; operation managers command vast experience within their respective fields and all operations are supported by a 24-hour control room together with duty managers for both day and night shifts.”

Having grown up with the company, Matthew says that his proudest moment was seeing the Group develop into what it is today. “Becoming one of the frontrunners within our industry required a lot of commitment and determination on my

father’s part. Our present status as industry leaders as well as the future developments we have planned could not have taken shape without all the hard work carried out in the past. Our mission today is to maintain our status at the top level. Witnessing the growth that we have registered puts our company on a par with many of the bigger companies operating in our market – this was supported by the accreditation to ISO 9001 certificate of all our activities.”

Speaking of future developments, the outline of a new JF Group subsidiary has already started to emerge.

“Healthcare services are essential for our country and we believe that there is a space for our organisation to contribute towards this sector.

As of this year we began showing our presence within the industry,” Matthew says.

“In the meantime, we plan to continue servicing our clients in the best possible way, creating more jobs within the market and contributing to Malta’s continuous economic growth.”

BB JF Group, Vinci Buildings, B Bontadini Street, Birkirkara.

T: 2069 1053; www.jfgroup.com.mt

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS BOUX AVENUE

Pandora

Turn to Boux Avenue’s collection of luscious lingerie and nightwear this Valentine’s Day! From seductive strappy numbers and classic lace sets in romantic red hues, to silky pastel chemises and cami sets, Boux Avenue has the perfect Valentine’s gift.

Celebrating love is a beautiful thing so give your love a moment in the spotlight with Pandora’s new romantic jewellery line.

Now located at The Point, Sliema, Boux Avenue offers a complimentary bespoke in-store bra fitting service, to ensure the perfect fit and support, plus an extensive size range from 6 to 18 with cup sizes available in 28 to 38, A to G. Boux Avenue, The Point Shopping Complex, Level 0, Sliema. Open from 9.30am to 7pm. T: 2137 3630 (ext. 2); E: sliema@bouxavenuemalta.com; Fb: BouxAvenueMLT

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Filled with the emotions of love and romance, this heartinspired range is crafted from sterling silver, bold enamel, delicate glass and shimmering stones, allowing you to wear or share your heart on your sleeve. Create your own romance by purchasing the latest love-inspired charm, necklace or ring for your loved one or share your wishes through the Pandora Club at pandora.net/en-mt.

Our collection may be found at Pandora Sliema, Valletta and Gozo.

T: 2122 1982.

Petlove

HANDKRAFTS TOYS & MODELS

At Petlove, we have everything you need to show your furry friend how much you care! From warm apparel, innovative paw wear, posh collars and harnesses to comfortable bedding, stylish bowls, cool carriers and strollers, you can give your four-legged Valentine the life they deserve.

If you want to demonstrate how much you love and appreciate your other half this Valentine’s Day, skip the flowers and instead delight and surprise them with a die cast model of their dream car, a bike or a model kit.

If your baby already has it all, why don’t you book them in for a pampering session at our grooming parlours in Iklin or Cospicua? You can also use our self-service dog wash to join in the fun! For more information or to make a booking, call us on T: 2741 8812.

Pet Love (Right Deal), Triq Dun Karm, Iklin; Gavino Gulia Square, Cospicua.

Handkrafts specialises in a range of more than 3,000 diecast models, offering you the opportunity to find the perfect gift for your Valentine.

Finding the right gift at Handkrafts you know you've come to the right place!

Handkrafts, 83, South Street, Valletta. T: 2122 1160; E: sales@handkrafts.net

YOUR One-sTOp VALENTINE'S GUIDE Exacta Mobiles

Schere Spa

The perfect gift is calling – find the present you’ve been looking for at Exacta Mobiles! We offer a vast selection of mobile and fixed line phones with a generous warranty and fantastic after sales service. This Valentine’s, we’re giving away free mobile phone pockets and a free SIM card with every phone purchased.

At Schere Spa one can enjoy a unique spa experience as a couple, surrounded by the beauty and tranquillity of natural caves. One can also indulge in luxurious spa treatments, a relaxing Jacuzzi bath – that can also be privately-booked – and a wide range of holistic, hair and beauty treatments. A day at Schere Spa is the perfect gift for your loved ones. Gift vouchers are also available.

Exacta Mobiles, 111, Main Street, Birkirkara. T: 2147 0225; M: 9950 9509.

EHEIM aquastyle nano-aquarium The EHEIM aquastyle nano-aquarium from Akkwarjumalfa is a very special gift for people who love a beautiful and stylish accessory.

The trendy full-of-life glass cube is an eye-catcher on a shelf, a sideboard, a desk or in a suitable cabinet as a stand-alone attraction. You can run this attractive mini-aquarium simply as a plant aquarium or with small fish and colourful shrimps, and there are three tank sizes (16l, 24l and 35l) to choose from.

Schere Spa, St Anne Street, Mellieha. Open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm (café); from 9am to 7pm (salon). T: 2152 2904; M: 7752 2904; E: scherespa@gmail.com; www.scheremalta.com

Ferrari Man in Red Man in Red is a bold and intense scent that represents all that is thrilling about Ferrari. Refreshed by the lively opening notes, the composition gently leads us to a fruity-floral heart, where notes of golden plum, refined orange blossom and unique lavender will reveal their character. At the base, smouldering cedar, tonka bean and warm labdanum give a leathery and intensely masculine backdrop to this unique fragrance full of contrasts.

With EHEIM aquastyle you know you’re acquiring classic design, the highest quality and the best components.

Spoil the gentleman in your life with a Ferrari Man in Red gift set this Valentine’s; choose between the 50ml EDT and 200ml shower gel gift set, or 100ml EDT and 200ml shower gel gift set.

Akkwarjumalfa, Testaferrata Street, Ta’ Xbiex. T: 2133 5214; Fb: Akkwarjumalfa

Ferrari fragrances are exclusively distributed by Chemimart. T: 2149 2212.

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INTERVIEW

PEAK PERFORMANCE

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David Schembri, 29, led the intrepid team all the way to the summit in this year’s Kilimanjaro Challenge. He tells Marie-Claire Grima all about altitude sickness, standing on ‘The Roof of Africa’, and how a clinic in Ethiopia left a bigger impact on him than conquering the mighty mountain.

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fter leading a team made up of people from different walks of life, David feels that each person brought something different to the group. “On the whole the team dynamics were fantastic. We would trek up to four times a week as a group, apart from individual training. We all made it to the top together and helped each other when the need arose. I believe we left Malta as a team and returned as a family.”

For the first nine days after they arrived, the team’s only impression of Tanzania was the majestic Kilimanjaro itself.

“We started trekking up the Machame route, stopping at various camp sites along the way. Each day was completely

different; the first day we trekked through rain forest in relatively warm weather, reaching camp at an altitude of 3000m. The next morning we set off to the Shira camp (3840m); as we ascended, the temperature dropped to a chilly 5oC during the day and well below freezing at night.

The next camp we visited was the Moir hut camp. The views from this camp were amazing; we could clearly see over the border to a neighbouring Kenya.”

“From Moir hut we climbed up to Lava Tower (4557m) and descended to the Barranco camp (3950m). We had a very interesting ‘Barranco breakfast’, a 257m climb which is practically vertical – that’s almost three times the height of the Portomaso Tower! From

there on it was a relatively easy trek on to Karanga Valley camp and then off to Baraffu camp.

The next day we reached camp at around noon where we had to rest in order to prepare for that evening’s summit attempt to Uhuru Peak – the roof of Africa, the highest point on the continent.”

David says that the toughest part of the climb was summit night, especially in the early hours. “At 6am, we saw the first ray of sunlight which immediately boosted our morale; however, a huge cloud swooped in a few minutes later, completely covering the sun and hitting us with rain that freezes solid as soon as it hits you – one of the most miserable feelings I have ever experienced. We had been trekking for seven hours in

the blistering cold, and we had absolutely no feeling in our hands and anything below our knees.” With four members struggling with altitude sickness, it sometimes felt uncertain whether they would make it to Uhuru Peak as a team – but they did. “Seeing everyone there was definitely the best and happiest moment of the climb.” It took the team a further two days to get down from the mountain and back to civilisation: conversations ranged from what drink they would order from the bar to how long they planned to spend in the shower!

One of the factors that helped the parents – who were less than impressed by their children’s decision to brave the difficult climb – accept the challenge was the realisation that it was all being done for an extremely good cause: the Kilimanjaro challenge was paired with a mission to fund the construction of a school in Ethiopia. “In addition to our training we also had to find time to organise fundraising events in order to raise the €70,000 needed to build the school,” David says; in this, the team members’ parents often played key roles.

After spending a few more days in Tanzania and Zanzibar, touring villages and exploring natural reserves, the team flew to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they joined challenge coordinator Keith Marshall and spiritual director Fr George Grima. After an 11-hour bus ride to Aramo, which is a remote village towards the south of Ethiopia, they met two nuns, Sister Grace and Sister Harshinit, who run a clinic which tends to 12,000 patients per year. “The few days spent in the region left more of an impression on us than the mountain did; to me it was the biggest game-changer and the most affecting part of the trip,” David says. “A couple of days working with the nuns and Fr George opened our eyes to a completely different reality which none of us could comprehend before. I have no doubt that I will soon be visiting Ethiopia again.” BB If you’re interested in taking part in the tenth edition of the Kilimanjaro challenge, contact Keith Marshall or Austin Cachia on Facebook or visit the Kilimanjaro Challenge Facebook Group – KilimanjaroChallengeMalta

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WEDDINGS

BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

THE WEDDING DRINKS EXPERTS

At Antonio Piscopo Wines and Spirits, we offer our customers free expert advice on the quantity and vast range of beverages required for their wedding day. We offer free delivery to anywhere in Malta. A pick-up service may also be provided upon request at a charge.

For further information, send an email to weddings@piscopo.com.mt or visit www. piscopo.com.mt Antonio Piscopo Wines and Spirits, 115, Zabbar Road, Paola. T: 2169 7074; Piscopo’s Cash & Carry, Triq L-Erba’ Mwiezeb, St Paul’s Bay. T: 2157 0375.

SWEETEN UP YOUR WEDDING DAY

Make your wedding a sweet one with a candy bar, cart or carousel that will not only make your guests feel like kids again, but will also brighten up the venue. Candylicious has gained a reputation for offering a lavish and unique sweet display for your wedding, birthday party and event. We can create a beautiful display in a particular theme or colour range, and you can take your pick from a rainbow of yummy sweets. Our displays are all designed with you in mind and to suit your budget – something different, unique and unexpected for your guests that will make their lasting impression a sweet one.

Candylicious, 8, St Francis Road, San Gwann.

T: 2702 9117; E: candylicious_cp2@yahoo.com

The countdown to your summer wedding With only a few months to go to the wedding, it's just a matter of time before plans and preparations are in full swing and the real countdown to your big day begins. Martina Said speaks to the experts to find out when you should be finalising your wedding arrangements to avoid a last-minute meltdown ahead of your nuptials.

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lanning a wedding is an organisational nightmare, or dream (for only a few people, I’m sure). Whichever way you see it, those few weeks leading up to the big day itself are stressful and chaotic at the very least, and after spending some serious money on your dream wedding, you wouldn’t want it falling apart due to bad planning. This is where the importance of a detailed checklist comes in to make sure you’ve left no stone unturned.

A number of important preparations revolve around the wedding venue – from sound and lighting to flower arrangements and catering, to name but a few. Therefore, setting up a meeting with a representative from your venue first and foremost will help you establish the groundwork for many other aspects of the wedding, such as where to place decorative lighting, where to set up the bar areas, where to place flower arrangements, and what

you will use as a backup in case the weather turns its back on you.

Mark Vella, director at Synergix Events Group, which supplies furniture and entertainment equipment for weddings, says it is standard for them to meet clients three to six months before their big day to find out what they have in mind to decorate their venue of choice.

“After finding out what the couple is after, we evaluate how much work their ideas involve and the length of time needed to plan. If what they want is basic lighting and décor, this can be done within a short timeframe.

However, if they request extensive or tailor-made décor, it requires more time as we’ll need to take measurements, discuss ideas, come up with designs, check all the logistics and get the go-ahead from the client before we start manufacturing.”

A fair share of Maltese weddings take place throughout

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WEDDINGS summer, and a couple of months from now, you’ll be counting the weeks until the arrival of your very own big day.

In view of this, you and your suppliers will be busy finalising preparations which cater for the season, such as setting up shaded areas outdoors and ensuring there is adequate cooling indoors to keep guests comfortable in hot weather.

When it comes to lighting and sound, Mark says one of the most important things to account for at any venue – be it a palazzo, villa or beach – is whether or not there is adequate access to a power supply. “We’ve catered for all kinds of venues, and when power supplies aren’t available, we use our own generators, as well as wireless uplighters which do away with unsightly wires and create a beautiful ambience. One must also look into noise restrictions at the venue well ahead to avoid disappointment.”

Irene' Zarb Adami, marketing and PR manager at Infinitely Xara, says it’s paramount for couples to research every detail in advance, with the aim of having everything in order by one month before the

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A must-have summer beverage A summer wedding wouldn’t be complete without a refreshing range of beverages. And what better way to get your guests in the mood to celebrate than with a Campari Tonic or Negroni, fresh off a designated aperitivo table? wedding. “Once you’ve done your part of the preparations leading up to the wedding, the rest will be taken care of by the caterer and suppliers you’ve booked on the day. Having said that, a final on-site meeting one week before the wedding for a run-through with the couple, best man, bridal party and wedding planner is also vital, so as to avoid any last-minute hiccups.”

Worrying that things might not run smoothly on the day is a natural and expected part of the process, but be careful and avoid overdoing things for fear of not having done enough.

For instance, you might think there aren’t enough flower arrangements decorating the

venue, or an underwhelming number of lanterns decorating the outdoor area – get someone you trust to quell your concerns and have them give you an objective perspective on those issues concerning you most.

“One of the most common misconceptions that many clients tend to have involves lighting at the venue,” says Irene'. “Closer to the day, they start to worry that there isn’t enough lighting and so they request to add more lighting at the last minute, mainly for the sake of getting better photos. What they might not realise is that this changes the atmosphere and can be a nuisance for guests who end

up with lots of bright lights all around them.”

With the wealth of venue options available nowadays, making up your mind between a villa and a palazzo or a ballroom and a garden could turn out to be more of a headache than you expected.

To this end, the following factors might help sway your decision. “The location is very important, whether it is residential or not and whether ample parking facilities are available for guests,” says Irene'. “Most importantly, whether or not the venue provides a suitable back-up in case of bad weather should influence your decision – it must be one that comfortably

With its colour, aroma and flavour, Campari has always been a symbol of passion.

Campari-based cocktails, such as Negroni, recently re-emerged as a popular classic option for drinkers, and make for a classy and alternative option as a welcome drink for guests at a wedding.

Campari is marketed and distributed by Farsons Beverage Imports Co Ltd. T: 2381 4400. fits the amount of guests and that the couple is happy with in the eventuality that the backup has to be used on their wedding day.” BB

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WINDOW SHOPPING

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Dispose of your electronic waste sustainably Exclusive design

elements for your brand At LogoGrafix, we have been at the forefront of the local graphic and signage industry for over two decades and continue to serve our very satisfied returning clients.

Our products range from matt-black vinyl wraps and carbon fibre wraps for car enthusiasts to full-colour customisation wraps for companies that wish to brand their car fleet, including vans, trailers or trucks. Our skilled design team are not only able to use vinyl decals, lettering or basic branding on the exterior of your vehicles but

can also customise a full vehicle wrap, with exclusive design elements so that everyone can recognise your fleet.

The state-of-the-art printers and equipment available at LogoGrafix will also ensure the best possible finish and durability of your wrap.

LogoGrafix, 392, Cannon Road, St Venera. T: 2149 8829; M: 7949 8829, 7979 1515; E: info@logografixsigns.com

WEEE Recycle provides a dedicated recycling service for electrical and electronic equipment in which we reuse and recycle your waste, including small household appliances, laptops, printers, computers, electrical tools, toys, video games, servers and other electrical equipment. We firmly believe that recycling raw materials obtained from used objects is the best way to save this planet and to create less waste whilst diminishing costs when purchasing new objects.

Since the start of its operations, the company has already recycled over four million tons of electrical and electronic waste on the Maltese islands. WEEE Recycle management and staff recognise that our activities

have a direct impact on the national obligations and targets, and are committed to continually improving our operations in order to minimise our environmental impact and prevent pollution. To implement these services, we have adopted an Environment Management System, based on the requirements of ISO 14001:2004.

E: info@weeerecycleltd.com; www.weeerecycleltd.com

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WINDOW SHOPPING

Kaindl laminate flooring – new on the market Market leader M. Demajo Timbers Ltd is proud to introduce one of its latest products – Kaindl Endgrain laminate flooring which is the first of its kind.

Decades of experience in the laminate flooring sector lie behind the Kaindl collection, which features trendy designs with the most up-to-date product attributes, ranging from soundproofing to antistatic and antibacterial surfaces.

The full range can be found at M. Demajo Timbers Ltd.

M. Demajo Timbers Ltd is also highly active in the provision and supply of bamboo flooring, outdoor decking, solid parquet, engineered parquet and wooden staircases.

M. Demajo Timbers Ltd, Olive Square, Qormi. New opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7am-11am. T: 2148 7078, 2144 1501; M: 9943 0330; E: timbers@demajo.com; www.demajo.com

A balanced diet for the bride-to-be Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, and a balanced diet is the key to looking healthy and beautiful.

Experts recommend eating small meals frequently throughout the day – a decent breakfast, a light lunch and a hearty dinner, with a snack in between mealtimes, which will help keep your metabolism going strong.

So what should you eat? A mixture of fruits and vegetables, wholegrain bread and pasta and lean meats such as fish and poultry are all part of a balanced diet. Snacks can be fruit, yoghurt or a handful of nuts. Red meat and sweets are best avoided or eaten in small quantities if you’re trying to lose weight.

Exercise is also a vital part of getting in shape. At least half an hour every day of vigorous exercise is enough to start boosting the

body’s fat-burning capacities. With this sensible plan in mind, the weight will stay off, even after the wedding day has passed. The secret to maintaining a healthy weight is balance and selfdiscipline – everything can be enjoyed in moderation!

Geoffrey Axiak, Nutritionist, 32, Triq ix-Xitwa, Mosta. M: 9982 2288; E: axiakg@yahoo.com

Flipping town and country houses Many town and country houses in Malta are deteriorating and in need of tender loving care. When designed and detailed in an appropriate manner, these properties can be re-structured and re-furbished to sometimes double their existing value.

As the founder and lead designer of Design Hub Malta, I take great pride in the re-structuring and re-designing of these kinds of properties for local or foreign clients, enabling them to invest in a contemporary build, either to live in or to make a profit from. Our clients can infuse their vision and individuality within these older, historical spaces – the great increase in their capital investment is the cherry on top of the cake!

While I love designing modern and functional elements for clients, I also

have a passion for stitching in these similar elements within an older building. The contemporary mix between the clean flawless surfaces and historical detailed elements gives a completely different aura to the space. The warm design values found in the past are coupled with the recent ingenious ways of maximising space and in the abundant choices of materials, allowing the clients’ dreams to be fully realised.

By Sean Cassar, Design Hub Founder and Lead Designer M: 9944 1703; E: sean@designhubmalta.com.mt; www.designhubmalta.com.mt; Fb: designhubmalta

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EATING & DRINKING

SEAFOOD DELIGHTS

PHOTOS BY ALAN CARVILLE

Despite the beautifully sunny weather we’re having, it’s still far too cold for most of us to go swimming – but that doesn’t mean the sea can’t come to your plate! Chef Frank Farrugia at Blue Creek Restaurant shares a marine-inspired starter and main course, topped off by a fruity and fabulously decadent dessert.

CRAB PAUPIETTE INGREDIENTS 15g garlic 1tsp olive oil 25g chopped onions 50g chopped tomatoes 50g avocado 100g crab meat 1 soft-shell crab Salt and pepper Parsley

Paupiettes are a staple of Normandy cuisine, but the delicate flavours of crab and avocado in this version of the recipe are offset by the zingy garlic, tomatoes and onion, making for a gorgeously Mediterranean flavour.

Method Fry the garlic and onions in olive oil, add the tomatoes and avocado, and then blend them all into a pâté. Mix the crab meat into the pâté.

Season the soft-shell crab and deep-fry it for a few minutes. Butter a square mould, pipe the crab meat pâté into it and let it set. Once set, garnish with the soft crab, the salt and pepper and parsley.

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EATING & DRINKING

KING PRAWNS WITH SAFFRON RICE Ingredients 15g garlic 25g onions 25g salted butter 1 shot of Pernod Fish stock 5 large king prawns 100g rice 50ml prawn bisque Pinch of saffron A few sprigs of parsley

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices that you can buy, but a pinch goes a long way and it gives the rice a very fragrant aroma and a subtle kick. Pernod goes famously well with seafoodbased dishes and flaming the king prawns with a shot of the liqueur will help bring out their natural taste.

Method

Chop and toss the garlic and onions in a pan, and fry with some butter. Add the king prawns and flame with the shot of Pernod. Let the mixture reduce.

Remove the prawns from the pan, add fish stock and rice to the pan, let it reduce and add the prawn bisque and the saffron seasoning.

Serve the king prawns on top of the bed of rice.

Garnish with the sprigs of parsley.

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CHOCOLATE AND RASPBERRY MOUSSE ON A BROWNIE BASE INGREDIENTS For the brownie base: 95g unsalted butter 95g best dark chocolate 45g plain flour 20g cocoa powder 25g white chocolate 25g milk chocolate 1 1/2 large eggs 140g golden caster sugar For the raspberry mousse: 2 cups frozen/fresh raspberries 1 tbsp unflavoured gelatin 1 tbsp lemon juice 4 cups whipped cream 1/4 cup sugar For the chocolate mousse: 225g chocolate chips 90ml water 10ml vanilla 500ml whipped cream 60g confectioner’s sugar

Method

Start by making the brownie base. Melt the butter and chocolate on a bain-marie, and whisk the eggs and sugar until creamy. Combine them and mix in the dry ingredients, then put in a tin and bake for 35 minutes at 160°C. For the raspberry mousse, cook the raspberries with the sugar and lemon juice until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has a liquid consistency. Add the gelatin and let it cool. Whip the cream and fold it into the mixture.

To make the chocolate mousse, melt the chocolate in the water, add the vanilla, and allow it to cool. Whip the cream and sugar and blend with the melted chocolate.

To assemble, put the brownie base in a mould and layer first the chocolate mousse. Leave it to set, layer with the raspberry mousse and leave it to set completely in the fridge.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Zeri's Restaurant Portomaso Marina Complex, Portomaso, St Julian's.

Open daily for dinner, and also for Sunday lunches.

T: 2135 9559; M: 7957 3333; E: zeris@maltanet.net; www.zerisrestaurant.com

Located at the prestigious Portomaso Marina — the first restaurant at the top of the stairs leading to the marina — this highly-acclaimed restaurant presents an imaginative menu that reflects Zeri's (as chef-patron Mark is known) skill at creating dishes full of traditional Mediterranean flavour. Zeri's specials include an array of fresh, high-quality meat, pasta, salads, antipasti and fish, while the wine list boasts over 170 wines. Great food and a relaxed yet buzzing ambience make Zeri's the place to go for business or pleasure.

Zeri's also caters for staff parties and private dinners and lunches.

Free parking at Portomaso. Reservations recommended.

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HEALTH

Retaining independence

As we grow older, it’s normal for us not to be able to do as much as we did when we were younger, and if we’re living alone, there may come a time when we need to consider revising our living arrangements. This is one of the reasons it’s so important to think about your retirement from a young age – taking out a life insurance plan or saving up for when you really need it will help ensure you make the best decisions when the time comes. Sarah Micallef looks into the options available to help the elderly retain their independence well into their golden years.

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epending on your situation, a few simple tweaks to your existing home could make living there much easier if you have difficulty getting around but only require minor adjustments. If you need a walking aid, ensure that your home has ample room for you to comfortably navigate your way around, and if stairs are a concern, installing a stair or wheelchair lift can help you move from one floor to another with ease. Other small

adjustments to your kitchen and bathroom may also be necessary if your mobility is limited, including ensuring all utilities are within easy reach, and installing a walk-in shower with a stable seat in place of a traditional shower or bathtub.

You may also choose to install a bath lift if you’re fond of a good bath, as well as sturdy handles on either side of the toilet and slip-proof mats to prevent slips or falls when the floor is wet.

Another option available for elderly people who are starting

to feel overwhelmed by their home’s upkeep or cut off from transport or social facilities is moving in to an independent living facility or retirement home. In contrast to a nursing home, an independent living facility is aimed at older adults who are not particularly in need of assistance when it comes to their daily life, so the majority do not offer medical care or nursing staff. This sort of facility offers activities and services that would otherwise not be available to the elderly person living at home. Facilities like recreational centres where residents can connect with peers and participate in community activities, facilities that encourage them to remain active like a swimming pool or fitness centre, as well as other services including daily meals, basic housekeeping and laundry services could make life a great deal easier.

Housing within such facilities also varies greatly depending on your needs and means, from apartment-style living to freestanding homes.

Whatever the size, housing arrangements are designed to

be more comfortable for older adults: they are generally more compact, with easier navigation and no maintenance for them to be concerned with. And if you start to feel like you need that little extra help, most facilities also make in-home help available as required.

“Look into retirement and pension plans as early as you can, so that when you have to make use of them, you won’t be caught out of pocket.”

While it’s quite natural to want to stay at home as you grow older, there are certain

things that you should take into consideration when making the decision to do so. Mobility issues shouldn’t be the dominant concerns controlling your life, but it will work in your favour if you can take a step back and consider whether you really have the support system and means to be able to do this. Several factors will influence your decision, starting with location and accessibility of your home, medical conditions and finances, as well as whether you are lucky enough to have a close network of nearby family and friends to help you should the need arise. That’s why it’s important to start looking into retirement and pension plans as early as you can, so that when the time comes that you have to make use of them, you won’t be caught out of pocket.

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