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WIN A BE A PLANT & UTIFUL POT FROM DEREK GA R CENTRE O DEN N pg 2
JANUARY 14, 2015
your MONTHLY shopping guide distributed with The Times
IN THIS
INTERVIEW.
HOMES.
MOTORING.
HEALTH & FITNESS.
MEET DOG RESCUER REBECCA GERES
KEEP OUT THE COLD
EXPERIENCE THE NEW RENAULT TWINGO
HEALTH KICK
ISSUE...
Gorgeous hand-crafted soap
Splendid Sardinia Sardinia, although renowned mainly for its coastline and splendid beaches, also boasts a rich architectonic and archaeological heritage, which includes remains that are testament to the island’s interesting history and unique origins that are remarkably distinct from those of the rest of the Mediterranean. Of thousands of archaeological sites, it is now possible to visit some of them which have been brought to light by various excavations. The most important relic of the Nuragic civilisation is without doubt the Su Nuraxi di Barumini, now listed as a UNESCO site - a true fortress with a village located within the territory of Marmilla.
There’s nothing like a bathroom cabinet full of soft fluffy towels and gorgeous hand-crafted soap. Our soaps are made with luxurious organic ingredients which make them suitable even for the most sensitive skin types. Display these beautiful rustic-looking soaps in a wire basket to give your bathroom a decadent feel.
For more information visit www.smsmondial.com.mt or call T: 2277 6100.
Workshop address: 46, St Mary Street, Sliema. T: 9988 3675. Business hours: MondayFriday 4.30-7.30pm; Saturday 10.30am-2pm.
Cost-effective products for homes and commercial premises
The presence of the PhoenicianPunic civilisation on the island has left its mark with several interesting archaeological sites. The Archaeological Park of Nora is just one example, founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century BC as a trading post. During Easter, SMSMondial is organising a five-day tour giving the opportunity to witness the Good Friday processions and sample the atmosphere during Easter. Some very interesting excursions are organised or one can just enjoy a relaxing break at a great resort.
Find out more by visiting our Facebook page 'Soap Cafe Malta' or our online shop: www.SoapCafeMalta.com
manhole covers, gutters, gullies, raised flooring, street furniture and special products for road repair. We also provide all types of skylights, staircases and steel structures that can be customised to fit exact specifications and requirements.
Andrew Vassallo General Trading Ltd stocks a wide variety of products for commercial premises and private homes, ranging from fire doors to expansion joints,
We are currently introducing UPVC windows, doors and roller shutters. Our system consistently delivers costeffective products designed with the environment in mind. Stringent quality control and safety guidelines ensure that our products comply with the highest international standards. Our UPVC products are characterised by low maintenance, enhanced
security, energy efficiency and lower costs. We also have the best raised floor system, comprising of pedestals and wood decking, without any need for preliminary treatment. Furthermore, we have special porcelain tiles which reproduce the look of natural materials such as marble, natural stone and wood, that are available on order. For more information visit www.andrewvassallo.com or find us on www.facebook.com/ andrewvassalloltd For further enquiries: T: 2169 2917; M: 7949 4438; E: info@andrewvassallo.com
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Starting afresh Following a busy and fun-filled December, we approach the beginning of the year with a refreshed and rebooted mind and body. Whether catching up on some much needed rest, enjoying a holiday overseas or eating till we can eat no more, there was no better time to make the most of some free time than during the last weeks of the year. And now, with 2015 ahead of us and exciting prospects to look forward to, it is time to lay our priorities straight and get working on those resolutions (if you made any).
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 Advertising Publication Sales Manager Mark Barbara Advertising Sales Executive Caroline Gauci Advertising Sales Coordinator Lindsey Ciantar DESIGN Nicholas Cutajar Printer Progress Press Ltd
We almost always set about promising ourselves to 'be healthier' at the start of a new year, be it in the form of an exercise routine, improved diet plan or overall lifestyle change. One of our features this month on page 13 should help you improve your diet plan if you’ve set your mind to it, with a focus on tasty, filling and hearty recipes and cooking tips that are easy to follow and beneficial for your general well-being.
Beating the chill in our homes is another thing to set our minds to, and the home feature this month focuses on exactly that. With simple and practical tips, a lot can be done to curb the cold inside our homes, so be sure to have a read through the article on page 7. Finally, don't miss this month’s interview with dog rescuer and avid animal lover Rebecca Geres on page 4, whose facebook page Spot a Stray Dog-Malta has captured the hearts of many, and saved the lives of countless abandoned dogs in need.
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11.02.15 DOn'T MISS IT
Safe as can be Our homes are our castles and we all want to feel safe within their walls. But how can we ensure we are as safe as we hope to be? “Residential burglary is the most common, rapidly growing, costly and potentially dangerous crime in Malta, and it can lead to other crimes,” explains Doris Scicluna from PD Security Installations. “It’s vital to customise your home security system to suit your needs,” she explains. “We offer a variety of solutions – from alarms that can trigger a police response, to video hall
This month we invite you to write in and tell us why you or a nominee deserve to win a great prize from Derek Garden Centre, Malta’s leading garden centre.
The first reply will win a beautiful plant 'monstera pertusum' and polystone square lime, red or matte black pot, worth ¤72.80. The prize is courtesy of Derek Garden Centre, Cannon Road, Qormi. T: 2144 9754/ 2149 3790; www.derekmalta.com. If time is limited to visit the garden centre, browse their attractive webshop www.derekmalta.com/en/products.htm and you will find a wide range of lovely products including bouquets, plants, gardening accessories and much more. Send your contribution and contact details (name, address and telephone number) by not later than Friday 30th January 2015. Write to: Best Buy Competition, Content House Ltd, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel QRM3000 or email info@contenthouse.com.mt
porters, panic buttons and CCTV systems. What people need to remember is that it definitely pays to prevent an attack in the first place, as opposed to having to sort things out in a hurry should the worst happen. The right security system could make all the difference to your safety, and it makes sense to speak to experts so as to find the best solution for you.” Call PD Security Installations on M: 9944 5356/7981 9905 or visit www.pdsecurity.com
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INTERVIEW.
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PHOTO BY MATTHEW MIRABELLI
For the love of animals Martina Said speaks to dog rescuer and lover of all animals Rebecca Geres, about her affection for animals since childhood, her mission to rescue abandoned dogs and her goals on animal welfare.
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ebecca Geres has been driven by a love and compassion for animals since childhood, but her most recent endeavour – a Facebook page she manages called Spot a Stray Dog-Malta, intended to shed a spotlight on abandoned dogs around the islands – has put her on the map as something of an animal hero. Rebecca, 25, was a veterinary nurse prior to leaving her
last full-time job to take up voluntary rescues full-time. “I am currently reading for a UK degree in Dog Psychology, Behaviour and Training, to gain more knowledge on the subject, and the Facebook page, Spot a Stray Dog-Malta, should aid me in my mission. I was obsessed with animals from a very young age and had everything from pet mice to ten rabbits at a time as well as rescued dogs.” Having had different jobs and career opportunities along the years, during which she was successful, happy and earned a good wage, Rebecca says she always felt something was missing. “I wasn’t utilising my maximum potential and making a difference, and what inspired me was rescuing dogs in my free time.” What did your first rescue involve? My very first rescue was with my mother when I was eight years old, but as an adult, I rescued a German Shepherd dragging a two metre chain behind him in Rabat, as he got loose from a wall tie and got lost. I searched for him with my partner’s help in dark fields and found him after 40 minutes. Luckily, he had an ID tag and I was able to trace his owner, who was very thankful. How do you care for and bring back to good health so many dogs single-handedly? I think the passion and the satisfaction make it possible. Sometimes I only get two
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hours of sleep at night to cram every case in, but a lot of people help me with food, bedding, fostering and difficult rescues so I consider myself to be blessed. This help and the satisfaction of it all keep me going and strong. What aspects of this cause have been the most satisfying and the hardest? It is physically and emotionally tiring, but seeing a dog make an astounding transformation with the proper medication, food, love, affection and care is indescribable. Seeing them happy in a loving home as opposed to the miserable life they lived on the streets, scared, lonely and unfed is worth all the hard work. The hardest factor is parting with the dogs as you do create a bond with each and every one of them. It is also hard seeing the state in which they are found and trying to understand how some people can be so heartless to abandon an animal, especially a sick or old one. Have you got any pets of your own? I have two dogs at present – a two-and-a-half-year-old Doberman called Macho and a one-year-eight-month-old Bull Terrier called Bully. What is your earliest memory of loving animals? When I was three years old, my grandmother had a massive cross breed called Tiny (ironically), which I used to ride like a miniature horse. All my soft toys were animals and all my favourite cartoons were animal-related. How do you spend your down time? The little time I have to myself is spent with my partner and my dogs. What would you never buy? Anything that is tested on animals or that is harmful to pets, such as shock collars and prong collars. What are you most looking forward to at this present moment? I am looking forward to my network growing, for animal awareness to increase, for harsher animal cruelty penalties, to making a difference in the legal system and animal welfare laws, for representing the voiceless, and for hopefully achieving my dream of having an Animal Police Squad in Malta.
“seeing a dog make an astounding transformation WITH the proper medication, food, love, affection and care is indescribable.”
If you could give a word of advice to pet owners, what would it be? To research the pet that you are about to adopt in your homes and in your lives, even if it is a hamster or a rabbit. If you are not willing to give a dog or cat 10 to 15 years of a happy family-based life, don’t get one in the first place. Learn about breed requirements and maintenance such as
grooming, exercise, dietary needs and temperament, and do not impulsively adopt from shelters if you are not aware of the background of the dog, as you will be doing more of a disservice than a service. If you no longer want to keep your pet, seek the help of sanctuaries as opposed to throwing them out on the streets. Be patient and invest time and effort in your pets,
and most of all love them. Remember you have your job, your partner, your friends, your hobbies and your social life, but you are all that your dog has, so be worthy of such devotion.
For any pet advice, feel free to contact Rebecca Geres on M: 9906 2306.
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HOMES.
Keeping warm at home A little can truly go a long way when it comes to keeping your home warm and cosy this winter. Sarah Micallef brings you some tips and ideas on how to easily and cheaply create a snug atmosphere in your home.
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ow that the coldest months of the year are upon us, it’s time to retreat to the comfort of our homes for those lovely warm and cosy nights the season is perfect for. While our houses are largely designed to keep out the heat rather than withstand the cold, even the smallest changes could make the big-
gest differences when heating up our homes. Apart from turning on the heating (which could mean a jump in utility bills), here are a few handy tips and practical changes you can make around the house to keep things cosy.
Cosy fabrics Give your home a luxurious wintery feel by swapping your light fabrics like cotton and linen with soft and warm textures. Deck your living room out with fleece blankets, fluffy floor rugs and velvet cushions, and switch your bed sheets with flannel sheets in the bedroom. Most flooring in our homes is comprised of ceramic tiles, which can get seriously chilly at this time of year. Laying fluffy carpets can help keep the atmosphere warm – and don’t forget fluffy socks and slippers! The areas through which the majority of heat escapes out of your home are your windows, so curtains can also enjoy a winter makeover, with thicker, heavier fabrics and insulated varieties doing their bit to keep out the cold. Drawing your curtains on the coldest winter days and nights could go a long Continued on page 8
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SIMPLE MEASURES TO KEEP THE COLD OUT OF YOUR HOME Continued from page 7
way toward insulating your home and keeping the indoor environment warm, but make sure to open them again if the sun is out, as the heat from the sun’s rays is as effective as any heater. Draughts beneath doors and through gaps in windows can also cause a chill, so be sure to block these using a draught dodger or rolled up towel.
Hearty kitchen There’s nothing that warms the cockles quite like warm and hearty wintery dishes at this time of year. Cooking delicious stews and soups will not only fill the house with their tempting aroma, but also heat the kitchen thanks to the heat from the oven, while tasting great and warming your body from the inside out. Warm drinks like tea and hot chocolate are also perfect for relaxing at home
in winter, just take your cup along, curl up with a good book and your favourite blanket, and there you have it – bliss.
Spa haven Prepare your bathroom for the ultimate relaxation experience on a cold winter night by turning it into your very own personal spa. Light some candles, run a hot bath and get ready to kick back and relax. Infuse your bath with luxury bath oils like the gorgeous hand-made ones you can find at The Soap Café in Sliema, and slather on some lotion when you’re done, to keep your skin from drying out. To keep the feeling of luxury going, invest in a heated towel rail for your bathroom for toasty towels, and if you’d like to go the whole hog, underfloor heating will make your feet very happy once you step out of the bath or shower.
Easy ideas for creating a warm atmosphere at home this winter. Install a fireplace A fireplace not only warms your home, but also creates a lovely wintery atmosphere. Choose from the wide variety available, including wood burning, gas fires, wood pallet burning, stoves and ethanol burners, according to your needs and budget. Add layers Help keep your body temperature from going down while you’re relaxing at home by layering up. Apart from comfy jumpers and fluffy socks, wrap a soft quilt or blanket around your shoulders or over your lap to keep out the winter chill. Don’t forget your bed There’s nothing worse than getting into a freezing cold bed in the cold months, so warm it up before you get in using an electric blanket or hot water bottle _ it will make your bed more inviting than ever.
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PHOTOS BY ALAN CARVILLE
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MOTORING.
New Twingo is practical and certainly fun…
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nfortunately for our roads (and perhaps for our sanity too), small cars often tend to be discarded (sometimes fairly, at other times rather unfairly) for being boring, nerdish, box-like or ‘not cool’. The new Renault Twingo is one of the few recently launched city cars that clearly bucks the trend. The Twingo is certainly small but by no stretch of the imagination can it be labelled as boring. I dare say that previous models of the Twingo, especially in its early days, could have fit this not-soflattering description. But the new Twingo is undoubtedly a different little creature. It ticks all the right boxes for practicality but at the same time is fun to drive and equally fun to own. It is also a very cool car aesthetically. Moving on to the practicality dimension of this brand new
city car, the Twingo comes in two models – the EX0.9 and the DY0.9. The EX0.9, which is considered as the entry level, comes equipped with a long list of standard equipment including power steering, front electric windows, ABS, traction control, air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, control central locking, four airbags, USB, AUX, Bluetooth, smart phone dock and height adjustable seat and steering wheel. Let’s face it – that is a lot of standard equipment for a brand new Twingo that will only set your bank account back €11,900! The EX0.9 delivers 75bhp while the more equipped model, the DY0.9, delivers an impressive 90bhp and comes equipped with climate control, 15-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, lane assist, auto lights and auto wipers, electric
mirrors and leather steering wheel – in other words, a long list of standard equipment that is traditionally considered as optional by other car manufacturers. We test-drove the DY0.9 model, that comes equipped with an agile engine that delivers 90bhp, which is a lot for a light and little car like the Twingo. One of the highlights of the new Twingo is its versatile steering – it’s very difficult to recall driving a car that has such a magnificent turning circle that is so tight – so if your driving abilities have you doing what most politicians are renowned for – u-turns – the Twingo is certainly the car for you. We tried a u-turn while driving the new Twingo as well as parked in a tight space and it performed superlatively – its steering deserves top marks. The car we drove is also extremely agile –
the acceleration is very decent and its handling on our not-sokind roads earns the Twingo many points. The handling on sharp corners was equally impressive. One last observation on the practical front – although the car is physically small, its interior is spacious enough for drivers or passengers who are vertically or horizontally more expansive than others to sit comfortably. And that is another critical point that also bucks the trend or perception that small cars are for ‘small’ people. You can view the new Renault Twingo at Auto Sales Ltd – Kind’s in Mosta Road, Lija. For more information call T: 2331 1126/31 or visit www.renault. com.mt
BEST BUY VERDICT: The New Twingo has lost 10cm in exterior length and gained 33cm in interior length when compared to its predecessor. As highlighted above, its steering is impressive and the new Twingo has a record turning circle of 8.59 metres. Putting the engine in the rear is not the norm for small city cars, that are more renowned for practicality. However, this has given the new Twingo strong features and characteristics that make it stand out from similar cars in the city superminis segments. For as little as €11,900 the new Twingo is certainly a Best Buy!
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HEALTH & FITNESS.
Health kick January ushers in the desire to make a fresh start – and health is often a foremost concern. Jo Caruana charts how you can bring health and fitness into your new year.
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anuary brings with it that sluggish feeling (fed by umpteen cakes, chocolates, big meals and lazy days on the sofa), as well as the desire to start anew. And it’s for this reason that the start of the New Year is a great time to take your body on a health kick, to simplify your diet after weeks of indulgence, and to set fitness goals for the year ahead. Mid January is a great time to get going. With the festivities firmly behind you and the stark reality of the months to come stretching before you, it is now that you can get going and
begin a viable plan to make progress. That said, you had better start soon or you risk running out of that ‘New Year, new leaf’ enthusiasm!
So, how should you get started? Well, like with any good plan, you must of course begin with an actual plan. Sit down and take stock of 2014. Over all, were you happy with your health and fitness last year? Did you hit any personal targets? Did you gain weight you would now like to lose? Was your diet as healthy as you would have liked it to be? Once you have the knowledge of where you have been going right and wrong, then you can look straight ahead to what you would like to achieve in 2015. This could be anything from walking more or committing to the gym a couple of times a week, to losing a set amount of weight. Then, with your goals clearly outlined, you may wish to take on some of the following tips to boost your chances of success: Cleanse your kitchen of junk food and other temptations; simply having them in the house could sway you. Give any sugary, fatty, greasy or salty items to friends (so long as they’re not cleansing too) or to a charity that will appreciate them. Instead, stock up on healthy snacks including fresh and dried fruit, chopped vegetables, raw nuts and seeds.
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PLANNING IS KEY TO ACHIEVING HEALTH IMPROVEMENT GOALS Continued from page 13
Think ahead when it comes to healthy eating. Often, it’s quick fixes and last minute choices that make us reach out for unhealthy items, so good preparation could help you overcome this hurdle. Choose from the thousands of healthy recipes available online, purchase the necessary ingredients and cook in bulk. Large batches of vegetable chilli, fresh soup and stir fries
will come in handy if you need something last minute. One of the key pitfalls of any health plan is socialising. Whatever your goals, it is so easy to fall off the wagon if you’re out to dinner with friends or hosting guests at home. While it may not always be possible, suggest healthier options for socialising – such as a walk in the countryside
with a home-made picnic or a restaurant where you know there is a decent selection of healthy dishes to choose from. If possible, get a buddy on board. This could be a friend, family member or your partner; either way, having a cohort will make your new health regime much more fun to stick to. Share your tips, do active things together, try healthy
recipes and be each other’s support system when the going gets tough. Finally, don’t overdo it. Whenever you start something new, the temptation is often to go for it hook, line and sinker – but this can lead you to burn out rather than achieve your goals. Make one small step a day (whether that’s running an extra half mile, or choosing
the salad over the burger) and reward yourself (just not with unhealthy food!). The more little changes you make, the quicker they will become normal. Do you need a little healthy inspiration to kick-start your new diet? We’ve chosen this delicious recipe to inspire you.
Creamy Tomato Risotto Believe it or not, this warming risotto has just 381 calories per serving, so it’s the ideal lunch or dinner if you’re watching your weight. Ingredients 400g can chopped tomatoes 1 ltr vegetable stock knob of butter 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 rosemary sprig, finely chopped 250g risotto rice 300g cherry tomatoes, halved Small pack basil, roughly torn 4 tbsp grated parmesan Tip the chopped tomatoes and half the stock into a food processor and pulse until smooth. Pour into a saucepan with the remaining stock, bring to a gentle simmer and keep over a low heat. Meanwhile, place the butter and oil in the base of a large saucepan and heat gently until the butter has melted. Add the onion and cook gently for six to eight minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and rosemary, then cook for one minute more. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for one minute. Start adding the hot stock and tomato mixture about a quarter at a time. Let the risotto cook, stirring often, adding more stock as it is absorbed. After you have added half the stock, add the cherry tomatoes. After 20 to 25 minutes, the rice should be creamy and tender, the cherry tomatoes softened and all of the stock should be used up. Cover and leave for one minute, then stir in the basil. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan and a good grinding of black pepper.
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