Best Buy June 2017

LIFESTYLE

Time to embrace the sunshine – Jo Caruana makes a list of activities and events the whole family will enjoy. PAGE 3 >

BEST BUY

Malta’s Leading Lifestyle & Shopping Guide Distributed with The Times

SDMO - the generating set specialist

Issue 118

June 2017

IN THIS ISSUE...

Combining advanced technology and efficiency

SDMO designs, manufactures and installs generating sets from 1 to 3300 kVA for its standard range of products, thanks to its highperformance production plant and research and development unit.

In addition, SDMO puts its engineering expertise into practice by designing tailor-made power plants and offers additional services with high added-value: training, after-sales service and spare parts.

Whatever the power needed or the purpose of the generating set, a commitment to quality is guaranteed by an ISO 9001 certification, ensuring on-time delivery and high-performance for all products.

HOMES Designing an open-plan kitchen, living and dining room? MarieClaire Grima has the answers to your questions.

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This technological expertise combined with high-tech manufacturing procedures give SDMO the necessary skills to master the design phase of all products, including those intended for sensitive industries.

National coverage, international presence

45 years of experience

Founded in 1966, SDMO Industries is today the third biggest player worldwide in the generating set market. Established in Brest, France, where it is still based, SDMO has three plants extending over more than 31,000sqm, excluding logistics.

SDMO power-generating sets and electricity production plants are aimed at diverse audiences. Private users will be directed towards portable or domestic power generators from the Portable Power range, while building tradesmen and professionals will find suitable products in the professional Portable Power range.

FOOD & DRINK

SDMO is continually strengthening its leading position through its solid structure as an international group.

Today, SDMO is built upon a distribution network present in over 180 countries, with six subsidiaries, eight representative offices and four storage platforms. The company is committed towards service, ensuring rapid reactivity whatever your location. Through the extensive web it has spun, SDMO is able to penetrate new markets and ensure its continuing development.

Summer days are made for enjoying a refreshing cocktail.

Sarah Micallef rounds up a few favourites to try for yourself.

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A. Falzon Energy Projects Ltd, 89, Cannon Road, Santa Venera.

T: 2147 0265; M: 9949 5860; E: info@energyprojectsmalta.com; www.energyprojectsmalta.com

Don’t let the summer heat cramp your beauty routine – Martina Said learns how to protect skin and hair from sun damage.

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BEAUTY

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LIFESTYLE

Family Fun This Summer

Summer is now well and truly with us, so Jo Caruana thinks it's time to embrace the sunshine and look forward to activities and events the whole family will enjoy.

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he sun is high in the sky, so it’s time to pack away the woollies for a few months and look forward to some family time. With the kids off school, this is the perfect time to plan some fun activities you can all enjoy together – perhaps learning things as you go, or simply relishing in the fact that you don’t have to set the alarm quite so early!

Of course, swimming is our number one recommended activity for the season, but you don’t have to limit yourself to a day at the beach or by the pool. To see our islands from a different angle, why not book a day trip on Hera Cruises? You’ll leave early in the morning and enjoy a whole day out at sea, stopping for lunch in Comino and for a lovely swimming session in the cool blue waters. It certainly beats having to jostle for sunbed space on the sand!

Kids love a mystery and you could create one for them.

While they’ve put their history books away for the summer, you could craft a history or geography-themed treasure hunt. Simply set a list of questions like ‘how many statues can you spot on this road?’ or ‘how many chapels are there here?’ and wander around finding the answers. They will love it! Especially if you plan this in the early evening, when the temperature has dropped a bit.

Similarly, a day at a museum will get you out of the heat, while still keeping the family entertained. Many local museums have become more family-friendly in recent years and some, like Palazzo Falson in Mdina, even have

special activities for little ones to complete while touring.

Other options include the updated war museum at Fort St Elmo in Valletta, the Mdina Dungeons in Mdina, St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat and, of course, the new Esplora Science Centre in Kalkara.

If you’d like something more adventurous and outdoorsy, then why not try climbing or abseiling? Younger kids will be able to join in and can be guided by club leaders at the Malta Climbing Club, while you can also test your abilities. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to get to know the more rural parts of Malta, and to develop an appreciation for the countryside.

Alternatively, for another fun outdoor activity, a morning with the Bidnija Riding Club makes for an excellent introduction to those thinking of taking up horse-riding – and it’s lots of fun! And, if the whole family enjoys taking care of animals, then you could volunteer at a local animal shelter. Whether you’re taking the dogs for walks or cleaning out the pens, it’s a fun way to spend some time together while also doing something good for the community.

Finally, once evening falls, there’s nothing like a walk along the promenade for easy summertime enjoyment.

We’re blessed with a number of lovely walkways to enjoy, including the ones in Sliema, St Julian’s, Bugibba, Marsascala and Marsalforn. You could easily while away a few hours walking here, stopping for an ice-cream or to meet friends for a play-date on the nearby swings. It’s Mediterranean summer bliss! BB

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Foreword

BRING THE HEAT Summer is here at last – as the saying goes, hair gets lighter as skin goes darker, water gets warmer while drinks get colder, music gets louder as nights and days grow longer, and life generally gets better.

It’s a season filled to the brim with activities, outings and events, from family days out (p3) to relaxing evenings drinking cocktails with friends (p13).

It’s a season for cooking and

entertaining, out on the terrace or on the roof, or simply in your open-plan space (p7-8), where you can be part of the conversation while cooking up a storm for your guests to enjoy.

It’s a season where there’s lots of skin on show, so everyone is keen to look and feel their best (p22) one way or another!

Publishers

the most of it while it lasts – when the three-day spells of rain and sleet start up again, you’ll really wish you were still on the beach or by the pool with a cocktail and a good deckchair read in hand.

Enjoy!

Best Buy is the leading shopping guide distributed with The Times.

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

T: 2132 0713 E: info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt EDITOR Marie-Claire Grima Contributors Sarah Micallef, Martina Said, Jo Caruana Advertising Publication Sales Manager Diane Scerri

It’s also the hottest, sweatiest and smelliest season, so it’s not popular with everyone, but make

© 2017 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.

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Advertising Sales Coordinator Lindsey Napier DESIGN Nicholas Cutajar

NEXT ISSUE:

06.09.17

Printer Progress Press Ltd

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Summer months are a time for outdoor activities, swimming and fun. However, fun in the sun can lead to premature aging and permanent skin damage.

Prolonged exposure to the sun is a dangerous risk which is often taken very lightly, so make sure you don’t regret the time you spend in the sun by protecting your skin well.

The BioBalance® Sun Protection range provides a broad spectrum

Ranges from SPF 20+ to SPF 50+ are complemented by the BioBalance® Aftersun Lotion, which caters for the needs of both children and adults.

BioBalance® is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

Available in pharmacies and leading retail outlets. For trade enquiries contact Reactilab Ltd. T: 2141 2673; E: sales@reactilab.com

CARING FOR YOUR HAND-MADE RUGS Many people think that vacuuming is the proper way to clean an oriental rug, but that’s not really true. While vacuuming cleans the dust deposited at the top of the carpet, the finer dust that accumulates at the base of the knots remains, and eventual invisible stains will be unaffected. On the other hand, the chemicals used in dry cleaning will dry the natural oil (lanolin) present in the wool. Consequently, the wool, instead of bending will break, hence wearing out the carpet quickly.

Furthermore, the machines used for onsite cleaning will only clean the 2-3mm at the top of the carpet;

therefore the dust at the base of the knots will remain there.

The only way to thoroughly clean any hand-made carpet is to wash it with water, using appropriate neutral detergents. Maltarugs is the only place in Malta that specialises in handwashing and restoring your precious hand-made carpets.

Maltarugs, 101, Psaila Street, Birkirkara. M: 9982 2866; www.maltarugs.com/cleaning.html

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HOMES

The facts about open-plan design

Got questions about designing an open-plan kitchen, living and dining room?

Marie-Claire Grima finds out the answers to all the questions you have but are too afraid to ask.

Are all homes well suited for open-plan design?

While nobody can stop you from turning your house into an open-plan home, some types of houses suit an openplan design better than others. For example, in small, cottage-style houses, cosy enclosed spaces are part of the house’s personality, so going open-plan may make the house feel different – in a bad way. On the other hand, modern builds lend themselves better to openplan spaces, as many were designed with that intention in mind, while terraced and semi-terraced houses with simple interior design schemes can easily be opened up.

Can all layouts be turned into open-plan spaces?

Not all layouts can be transformed simply by knocking down a wall. A load-bearing wall, for example, supports other elements of the building, such as the roof, floor joists or a wall above, so you can’t simply remove it.

To find out which walls you can knock down, seek professional advice from a structural engineer, architect or building surveyor, who will be able to determine if a wall is load-bearing. In that case, they can then design a beam to replace it and bear the loads held up by the original wall.

Do I need planning permission to change the internal layout of rooms in my home?

You need to contact the Planning Authority before starting any work. Planning permission most likely won’t be required for moving internal walls, unless the building is listed. However, you will most likely need approval for any major internal changes to a house – removing or partly removing a load-bearing wall or a beam, for example; or if creating an open-plan layout would affect fire precautions or escape routes. If you go on to sell the house, you’ll need a report that will include a date when any walls were removed, so make sure the paperwork is kept on file.

Will combining my kitchen and dining room add value to my property?

Open-plan homes often feel more spacious and lightfilled than those with individual rooms. If done well, knocking down internal walls to create a larger, openplan living space can make your house look more contemporary and add value to it. However, with an open-plan layout, you’re offering the potential buyer a particular lifestyle, so do be aware that some

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HOMES

potential buyers may prefer a more conventional layout. Furthermore, any home improvements must be well thought-out and carefully detailed, and finished to a high standard. While taking down a wall may not be too costly, other expenses related to remodelling the space will soon follow and pile up.

Where do I start with planning my space?

Think carefully about where to position key activity zones such as those for cooking, eating and entertaining. Arrange the

layout so you face into the room while you work, so that you can keep talking to family and friends. An island unit is a great way to naturally divide a kitchen from the entertaining or dining area and you can use it for preparation, cooking and storage. The size of dedicated work zones, such as for food preparation or washing-up should be limited – this way, you’ll have plenty of space for key pieces of furniture such as a dresser or sofa.

Ventilation in an open-plan kitchen is vitally important, so choose a powerful (but quiet)

extractor fan to stop moisture and cooking smells from lingering around.

Position your eating area as close to a natural light source as possible – this makes it a more useable and sociable space, and can also save you electricity bills.

Finally, make sure that people sitting round the table will have enough space to comfortably pull out their dining chairs.

How should I light my openplan space?

Light can help to provide invisible barriers and, in openplan layouts, it is possible to reinforce separate zones with distinct lighting for each area.

The key to a successful lighting scheme is to design it at the earliest opportunity by thinking about furniture layouts and picturing positions from the outset. People often leave it until the last minute and then realise that they’ve planned

lights in the wrong place.

Instead of overhead lighting, consider using efficient task lighting in the cooking and preparation area, low-hanging decorative pendants above a dining table and dimmable wall lights and/or lamps to create ambient lighting around seating areas. The most effective lighting is discreet, so do look into lights that you can dim and brighten as the situation calls for. You can also layer different effects by combining lamps, low-level uplighters and halogen lights to focus attention and make rooms more exciting. Good lighting can transform a room, so don’t skimp on it!

I’m re-designing an old house, how can I make sure I respect the original space?

If you’re opening up a house of character, avoid removing or replacing original tiles, plaster mouldings, internal joinery and windows. They give your home its character and add to its value, so plan alterations around them or think of creative ways to reuse them elsewhere in the building. BB

Pros and cons of open-plan design Pros: • Sociable and perfect for entertaining – more room for guests to circulate within the same space.

• Sliding doors can offer compromise, enabling rooms to be reconfigured if privacy is necessary.

• More windows will mean that more natural light reaches the space during daylight hours.

• A simple colour scheme for floors and walls will create a unified look.

Cons: • More open space, so each corner needs to be kept tidy – everything is on display all the time.

• Privacy may be compromised if everyone is eating, cooking and working in one big space.

• Furniture needs to be on a bigger scale to suit the size of the space.

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PETS

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I NEUTER MY CAT? Neutering older cats

In some situations, you may find yourself owning an older cat that hasn’t been neutered or spayed. If you want to have an older cat neutered, this shouldn’t be a problem. Cats can be neutered at a later age if they missed out on the procedure during adolescence. Again, speak to your vet and they should be able to help.

Want to know more?

If you've recently added a kitten to your family, you may be wondering when to get it neutered.

Equally, if you’ve just got a new cat – particularly in the case of some rescues – you may also be looking into neutering.

In this article we’ll answer questions around age and neutering.

At what age can kittens be neutered?

Cats are usually neutered at roughly five or six months of age, around the time they reach sexual maturity.

There are multiple health benefits to having your cat neutered – your vet will likely bring this up in your initial appointment with your kitten.

Unless you are intending to breed your cat, we highly recommend having him or her neutered/spayed.

We hope this answered your questions about the right age to neuter a cat. However, if you have further questions about neutering, cat health, or any other questions about felines, then we’d like to help.

Contact us on E: sales@borg-cardona.com or Fb: Royal Canin Malta

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FOOD & DRINK

Summer cocktail perfection

The hot days and balmy nights of summer are made for enjoying a refreshing cocktail. Sarah Micallef gathers a couple of favourites to try for yourself.

PEACH BASIL MOSCOW MULE

ROSEMARY-INFUSED HONEY SIDECARS

ELDERFLOWER WINE COCKTAIL

Ingredients: • ¼ cup fresh basil • 1 large lemon (quartered) • 8oz peach vodka • 24oz ginger beer

Ingredients: • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary • ¼ cup sugar • 8oz honey • 16oz cognac • 8oz lemon juice

Ingredients (serves 10): • 1 bottle Fumé Blanc • 4oz elderflower liqueur • 4oz vodka • sprigs of fresh mint • club soda

Preparation: Pour rosemary-infused water into two ice-cube trays and freeze. Coat rims of eight 8-ounce tumblers with honey and sugar, and set aside. Combine the cognac, lemon juice, and remaining honey. Add rosemary-infused ice cubes and stir until honey dissolves and liquid is well chilled. Pour through a strainer into prepared glasses. Garnish each glass with a rosemary sprig and serve.

Preparation: In a large pitcher, combine the wine, elderflower liqueur and vodka, and refrigerate until chilled, about one hour. To serve, muddle a few mint leaves in each glass. Add ice, fill two-thirds with wine mixture, and top with club soda. Garnish with mint sprigs.

The Moscow Mule is a cocktail classic that’s been making a major comeback in trendy bars worldwide.

This summery twist takes it to the next level.

Preparation: Fill four glasses with ice – ideally copper mugs, if you have them! Add 2oz vodka and 6oz ginger beer to each glass. Squeeze one quarter of a lemon into each glass, then add a couple pieces of fresh basil. Stir all of the ingredients together.

Another twist on a well-loved classic, these are as pretty to look at as they are tasty, and are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

This light and refreshing cocktail is subtly sweet, and is easy to mix up ahead of time, before your guests arrive!

JACK'S TENNESSEE HONEY GINGER Wilfred Camilleri, Marketing Manager at Charles Grech Co. Ltd passes on his recommended cocktail recipe.

Ingredients: • 1½oz Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey • ½oz freshly squeezed lime juice • ginger ale • lime wedge, for garnish

Preparation:

Fill a glass with ice and add the measures of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey and lime juice. Top with ginger ale, garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

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COMPANY PROFILE

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Living the high life at sea

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ummer is here and there’s no better time to take to the sea. Hera Cruises offers a variety of boat excursions, trips and cruises to help you enjoy the sparkling blue waters, including the Hera Exclusive Cruise, Hera Three Bay Cruise, Harbour Cruise and weekly boat parties.

M/S Hera yachts are also available for exclusive charters, serving as the perfect backdrop for special events, cocktail parties, staff parties, incentives, engagements, weddings, presentations or product launches.

“Creating quality events at sea is our passion,” says Hera Cruises Operations Manager Malcolm Dalli. “It is an intrinsic sense of quality customer service combined with the natural beauty of the Maltese coast and the azure Mediterranean waters that make a trip on board one of our vessels a must this summer.”

Summer activities on board the Hera include the round Malta cruise – an unforgettable

full-day trip which showcases the beauty of the Maltese coastline. “We depart from Sliema Ferries and cruise close to shore, catching glimpses of the impressive cliffs and other spectacular views, including a chance to see the breeding ground of the blue rock thrush, Malta’s national bird,” Malcolm explains. The yacht then heads towards the famous Blue Lagoon in Comino where you can spend time exploring the island or swimming in the tranquil turquoise waters.

“Later, we continue our cruise and anchor in another secluded bay where you can choose to take a refreshing dip, snorkel around the rugged coastline or simply lay back and relax, and take in the sun from our spacious decks.”

Another summertime favourite is Hera’s Three Bay Cruise.

Departing from Sliema Ferries, this cruise first heads to the Blue Lagoon in Comino, followed by a selected bay in Gozo and another in Malta.

Meanwhile, private events on Hera’s yachts promise to be equally unforgettable, ranging

from weddings and hen or stag parties to private functions and team-building events. “If you’re planning a wedding in Malta, you must consider our special wedding package,” Malcolm says. “Ideal for intimate to medium-sized weddings, both Hera vessels provide you with the best possible solutions for an unforgettable venue, great entertainment and mouthwatering catering options.”

Hen and stag parties are also the company’s bread and butter, he continues, adding, “anyone can organise a hen or stag night party, but organising an unforgettable fun-filled event aboard one of the hottest

venues on the island is our specialty. Our vessels offer a unique and intimate venue for you and your close friends to really let your hair down and make it a night to remember.

Our event planners can help you come up with a theme for the night and all you have to do is turn up with your loved ones and let us take care of every other little detail.”

At Hera, the team leaves no stone unturned when it comes to hosting memorable parties and events, be it a staff party, themed birthday party or any other special occasion.

“We believe that it is our job to create a quality event that

reflects your ideals. Hera vessels are accessible from the stern, port and starboard sides. We have fully-stocked bars and catering facilities onboard each vessel,” Malcolm continues.

Finally, Hera’s yachts also provide the perfect backdrop for team-building events and parties, operating with the belief that teams that play well together will work well together. “Every company serious about results needs to think about developing their team, and today companies around the globe are realising the importance of effective team-building events within their organisation. Our vessels offer an ideal venue at sea for such exercises. We offer a number of different options for popular team-building events and we are flexible enough to allow you to let your creative juices flow and create your own great event,” the Operations Manager concludes. BB Hera Cruises, Triq l-Abate Rigord, Ta' Xbiex. T: 2133 0583; www.heracruises.com

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TECHNOLOGY

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Ahead of the curve

DataTech’s CEO Paul Baldacchino heads one of the leading companies offering and implementing SAP products in Malta. He shares his experience of moving DataTech from a start-up to a major company, growing its list of services and beating the competition.

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ince its early days as an IT risk consultancy firm, established in 2003, DataTech Consulting Ltd has come a long way. The company began by providing on-boarding services to IT gaming companies looking to set up shop in Malta, and over a bit more than a decade, it has evolved its services profile, entering the IT solutions sector and offering ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementations.

DataTech’s CEO Paul Baldacchino says the company’s breakthrough came in 2012, when it won a major contract in Libya, and hasn’t stopped expanding since, specialising in the provision and implementation of SAP products and IT integration.

The company is also a member of DataTech International, a global firm with offices in eight countries that offers services

across three continents.

He explains that SAP is a German software company based in Waldorf, a global leader in business software.

“Well-known for its ERP software products in the 80s and 90s, today, SAP is leading in the provision of business applications, analytics software products, Cloud and mobile technology. With over 258,000 clients on its flagship SAP ERP (known as R/3) product, 24 vertical industry solutions and over one billion users worldwide, SAP remains the number one business software choice for many businesses.”

“As an ERP implementer, you have the choice of either specialising in one industry or working as a general implementation company,” says Mr Baldacchino. “The challenge is to secure onboard expertise in industry verticals as works evolve. SAP revolutionised the freelance

contracting sector like no other company.”

Mr Baldacchino explains the various ways that SAP implementation may work.

“Teams for SAP implementation vary in numbers, depending on the client. Work for one client may be completed with one consultant only for instance, and typical customers here are small businesses that require a straight-forward implementation known as ‘out-of-box’. Medium implementations vary in size and level of detail, and such projects may require the work of five to 10 consultants for outof-box financials, materials and sales. Then, services for larger projects could require between 50 and 100 consultants.”

“For many projects, you build teams according to the needs of the client – this not only provides added-value in the form of experience and

knowledge transfer to your client and your own team, but it also balances the expense bill. DataTech has worked in several industries in this regard, and our portfolio includes FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods), logistics and distribution, automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, utilities and financial sectors.”

“Our teams work on some of the most complex projects one can come across. For instance, we are currently working with a client to consolidate the financials of over 90 international companies that operate under holding companies or direct. We’re talking of over three billion US dollars in investment. To be entrusted with such projects, you need to have reached a certain level of quality. We are also a very aggressive company in terms of ‘can do’ attitude. We have taken on a few so-called ‘dead

"We have taken on a few so-called 'dead projects', abandoned by other consulting firms for technical or logistical reasons, and brought them to life."

projects’, abandoned by other consulting firms for technical or logistical reasons, and brought them to life.”

Speaking of the main challenges and opportunities ahead, Mr Baldacchino asserts that SAP itself has presented DataTech with a big challenge.

“For the last 40 years, SAP has developed and

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TECHNOLOGY "We believe we now have the experience and success stories to help us penetrate new markets and win larger projects."

DataTech to become the number one SAP partner, and a major player in the ERP market in both Malta and North Africa. “For the long term, our focus will be to expand our partnership network and create sustainable revenue growth from our current DataTech member firms in Europe, Middle East and Asia,” he adds.

“We believe we now have the experience and success stories to help us penetrate new markets and win larger

sold a product which is used by more than 250,000 clients worldwide. Now, SAP has come up with its next flagship product, which is based on Hana. DataTech will be implementing its first Hana-based ERP platform in Malta by the end of 2017, and our challenge here will be to train our consulting team on these new business products, in order for us to continue providing added-value to

our current and future clients.

DataTech is also embarking on some very exciting projects with its partners, which we hope to reveal in the coming months.”

Last year, the company witnessed a growing interest in its SME products which led to discussions with several local SMEs and the subsequent securing of a number of projects. “As for this year, we’ve

developed a Maltese payroll system that integrates with SAP all-in-one platform, making it a great tool for international companies operating SAP HCM in Malta. Our SAP Hana business is also taking off, and we’re in the final stages of completing major SAP certification that will broaden our competence, expertise and recognition.”

Mr Baldacchino wants

new markets and win longer

projects. The next moves are very interesting – we’re looking to become more active in the integration and bespoke market, and entering the digital market is also on our to-do list.”

BB DataTech Consulting Ltd, Vaults 13-15, Valletta Waterfront. T: 2203 0000; E: info@datatech.com.mt; www.datatech.com.mt

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WINDOW SHOPPING

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AN ARTISAN TOUCH

The selection of hand-painted ceramic wall tiles you see here is just a fraction of the tiles available at Cosas, with countless patterns, colours, sizes and special finishing pieces available. Visit Cosas to explore the whole range.

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

The Leading USBCharging Brand In The U.S. Join the 20 million+ powered by America’s leading USB charging brand, Anker.

NEED A DREAM CREAM?

Hydro-Complex PFS comes in formulas for dry or oily skin to suit everyone, anytime, and at any age. The lightweight cream contains physiological filtrate of seaweed (PFS), our proprietary seacomplex to help nourish, re-mineralise and hydrate skin. This humectant cream is the antidote for the effects of everyday stress, changes in climate and travel on the skin, restoring skin vitality and youthful appearance.

Makiba Essence, Shop 14, Dawret it-Torri, St Lucia. T: 2180 6922; M: 9944 3761.

The five-port USB charger will help you charge faster with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, which combines with Anker’s proprietary PowerIQ and VoltageBoost to deliver the fastest possible charge to almost any USB device.

This comes with a hard-wearing matte finish, high-gloss detailing, light-blue LED, and cool-blue USB ports which combine to make this a truly premium charger.

The Multi-Port charger’s five ports pump out 63W of power — enough for the whole family to simultaneously charge multiple devices at the highest speed possible.

Anker products are available from agents A&A Mizzi Limited in Mriehel.

You can contact them on 2148 8160; email on info@aamizzi.com or shop online at www.myshopmalta.com

STYLISH CERAMIC LAMP BASES

Cosas offers a number of beautiful ceramic lamp bases, available in many shapes and sizes, both classic as well as modern.

Over 40 different colours are available to order – why not visit Cosas to choose your favourite?

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

SPOILT FOR CHOICE

SET THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE

Arctic Air Conditioners are guaranteed to set the temperature right for you this summer – available at unbeatable, incredibly low prices and equipped with the latest energy saving inverters, these A++ sleek and stylish air conditioners are super silent, helping you get the good night’s sleep you deserve. The indoor unit provides a temperature display, several mode functions including cooling, heating, three different speed settings, as well as a timer function.

Available in three BTU sizes to cater for all-sized rooms and with a five-year warranty on all parts and labour. Opt for Arctic and set the right temperature this year.

Contact A&A Mizzi Limited on T: 2148 8160 or E: info@aamizzi.com for more details or to arrange for a free on-site visit.

GROOMING GORGEOUS PETS

Ceccarelli Pet Groomer specialises in cat and dog grooming. Cats and dogs should be washed once a month using appropriate shampoos. If a cat’s fur is not in good condition, meaning it is knotted, the cat needs to be clipped, and can be washed and dried using a blower. The eyes and ears are also cleaned and the nails are cut. In spring, cats tend to start shedding their fur, and we help to remove unwanted hair to avoid them licking it.

Bring your cats and dogs to be groomed for shows too, and have them look their best!

Call Ceccarelli Pet Groomer for an appointment on M: 9923 1344.

DO YOUR PORES NEED A SHRINK?

Stop your oil crisis. Deep cleanse and tone with Repechage® Hydra Refine® Gentle Cleansing Mousse and astringent.

Formulated to deep-clean and minimise oily skin, they also fight blemishes with lily of the valley. The refreshing astringent purifies while liquorice leaves skin looking brighter. Aloe vera and allantoin soothe skin, so use twice daily and relax.

Makiba Essence, Shop 14, Dawret it-Torri, St Lucia. T: 2180 6922; M: 9944 3761.

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BEAUTY

Your summer beauty checklist

Summer brings with it lots of beautiful things – gorgeous sun tans, sparkling sea and a certain joie de vivre that is notably missing in winter. It also brings with it dry and damaged hair, and skin that gets affected by the elements if not cared for. Martina Said finds out how to stay healthy this summer. from sea water, pool water is rich in chlorine, which is known to be damaging to the skin and hair. It is always advised to spend limited time in contact with chlorine, and to rinse with tap water every time you leave the pool to wash the chlorine off.”

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e’re all too familiar with the problems associated with dry and damaged hair and skin that start to emerge as early as July thanks to our scorching summers – and our bodies are not to blame considering the temperatures they have to contend with. But being aware of the factors that affect hair and skin can go a long way in helping you protect them.

Lyon Xuereb, Manager of the Pharmaceutical Division at Reactilab Ltd, says sun, salt water and chlorine are the main culprits. “Sun rays are a good source of Vitamin D for the skin, but too much exposure leads to irreparable skin, scalp and hair damage. A dermatologically-tested sun cream with high SPF will help protect the skin, although it is always recommended to avoid staying in the sun during the peak hours of the day. Just like sun protection creams, the application of scalp and hair protectants will help protect the hair and scalp against sun damage.”

As for salt water and chlorine, Lyon explains that while a good swim in the sea is known to help soothe skin irritations and sterilise wounds, overexposing oneself to salt water causes skin to dry and hair to tangle and dehydrate. “Apply a hair conditioner before taking a dip in the water, as the conditioner helps to protect the cuticle from absorbing too much salt water. Differently

With an increase in health awareness, people have adopted a healthier approach which is not only diet-focused, but also directed towards the types of cosmetics they choose. “Chemical products such as SLS in shampoos and parabens in skin products are two of the most common chemicals found in hair and beauty products. Until recently, many were not aware that long-term exposure to such chemicals causes allergic reactions and irritations, but we’re noticing that the trend is shifting towards opting for more natural products.”

“Natural sun creams, designed for the protection of the face and body in adults and kids, are essential. Sun damage on the skin is one of the major factors that contributes to premature aging, and natural sun creams offer a delicate touch to the skin while at the same time thoroughly protecting skin against the sun,” says Lyon.

Following this are natural hair products. “One of the most common problems in both men and women is hair loss. Although hair loss in men is a predominantly genetic condition, in women it tends to be caused by various factors, ranging from pregnancy to stress or chemical damage. Natural hair products help to reduce hair root damage, resulting in stronger, healthier hair.”

Lastly, facial and body moisturisers rich in vitamins are worth stocking up on. “Vitamins help the skin maintain its radiant look. The daily application of natural, vitaminrich moisturisers for both face and body help to reduce wrinkles while keeping the skin moisturised,” explains Lyon. “Daily application of moisturisers also helps to improve circulation in the body. Blood circulation helps to maintain oxygen-rich blood flow to body extremities, which in turn helps the skin look healthier and aids cell growth.” BB

JUNE 2017

bEst buy

JUNE 2017

bEst buy

24

WINDOW SHOPPING

Scouting: More Than Meets The Eye While people might think that scouting is about uniforms, camping and discipline, in reality it is much more than it seems. Scouting focuses on personal development and learning through fun, and our members join to have fun and to do things with their friends. It aims to encourage the S.P.I.C.E.S – social, physical, intellectual, creative, emotional and spiritual development of our members. The scout programme is balanced in these six areas of development, helping our members build a healthy character and enabling them to take a constructive place in society as responsible citizens and members of their communities.

This is done through various fun activities such as camping, nature hikes, community work and cultural visits, as well as weekly meetings.

During the meetings members learn to plan ahead and learn some of the skills needed for the outdoor activities including first aid, mapping

and fire lighting. However, through fun, scouting also prepares young members for life in the adult world by teaching them responsibility for their own actions and progress. The various meetings and activities are used for members to learn and practice teamwork, confidence-building and other skills such as decision-making, budgeting and time-management.

Scouting is about having another family, making new friends, having fun, sharing experiences and making unforgettable memories. But it is also character-building, continuous learning, finding oneself, reaching out of the comfort zone, dreaming, achieving and finding a different way of living all together.

E: info@scout.org.mt; Fb: maltascouts; www.scout.org.mt

A healthy diet ahead of your wedding Every bride wants to look great on her big day – and a healthy and balanced diet is key. This type of diet allows your body to burn enough calories without losing too much weight.

If you follow a balanced diet, consisting of small and regular portions of healthy food, you will automatically be helping your metabolism.

Start with a good breakfast, followed by a small portion of food at lunchtime and a good meal in the evening. In between these meals it is recommended that you nibble healthy snacks such as fruit, yoghurt, some nuts or a low-calorie item. Each meal, on the other hand, should feature vegetables and fruit, a small amount of bread, small amounts of brown pasta with sauces that are low in fat, and lean meats such as chicken, as well as fish. Red meats and sweets may be eaten but in small quantities.

In order to look and feel great, the bride-tobe should also exercise regularly – at least half an hour of brisk walking or relatively intensive exercise every day. This brings about slow but steady loss of weight.

The secret of a good diet and stable weight is balance – in the choice of food, the amount of food consumed and the way in which portions are spread throughout the day.

Geoffrey Axiak M.Sc. Nursing (Manchester), B.Sc. Nursing, P.g. Dip. Nutrition & Dietetics, Dip. Public Management, Cert. Clinical Nutrition (Leeds) Geoffrey Axiak, M: 9982 2288; E: axiakg@yahoo.com; http://gaxiak.yolasite.com