Best Buy May 2017

INTERVIEW

Malta’s Eurovision representative Claudia Faniello tells Marie-Claire Grima all about finding her sound, being a good role model and chasing her wildest dreams. PAGE 9 >

BEST BUY

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

EXPLORING THE HISTORY BEHIND DE VALETTE’S DAGGER The famous dagger belonging to Grand Master Jean Parisot De Valette is in Malta for the first time since 1798. As part of the events marking Malta’s 2017 EU Presidency, Heritage Malta is organising the exhibition titled ‘de Valette’s Dagger’ at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. This prestigious artefact is on loan from the Louvre Museum, Paris.

The exhibition ‘de Valette’s Dagger’ explores different aspects of the dagger and the sword which were given as a gift to Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette after the victory in the Great Siege. The exhibition is divided into three sections, and a selected number of other related exhibits from the national collection will feature in the exhibition. A fully illustrated catalogue has also been published to accompany the display.

This much-awaited exhibition is another hallmark in the series of high standard exhibitions organised by Heritage Malta. De Valette’s dagger will also form part of the events linked to the capital city of Valletta. Last year Malta commemorated the 450th anniversary since the laying of the first stone of the city of Valletta, while next year Valletta will be the European Capital City of Culture.

De Valette’s Dagger will remain open at the National Museum of Archaeology till 9th July. Opening hours: 9am-6pm, last admission at 5.30pm every day. Admission included in the museum’s regular ticket price. For more information, visit www.heritagemalta.org

Issue 117

May 2017

IN THIS ISSUE...

MOTHER’S DAY Show mum some extra love this 14th May – Martina Said looks at alternatives beyond gift-giving and cards.

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HOMES It’s the perfect time to give your outdoor space a quick revamp. Jo Caruana presents the latest trends and quickest tweaks for you to try out at home. PAGE 15 >

HOMES What is it about patterned tiles that gives them such enduring appeal? Sarah Micallef finds out all about Malta’s traditional tiles.

PAGE 19 >

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TRENDING

TRENDING NOW

What’s new, where to find it and how to buy it.

Raclette at Brass&Knuckle

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The House of Ho

Celebrity London chef Ian Pengelley’s renowned restaurant The House of Ho has opened in Malta. Offering a dazzling selection of authentic Vietnamese food that’s made for sharing, a green tea chocolate fondant that has to be tasted to be believed, as well as a stunning range of cocktails to wash it all down, this sets a new bar for the local Asian food scene.

The House of Ho, Elija Zammit Street, St Julian’s. Open MonSun 12pm-3pm, 6pm11pm.

Cheese lovers rejoice! Steakhouse and deli Brass&Knuckle is now offering raclette – the divine Swiss tradition of melting cheese and scraping off the melted part on top of your food. Raclette can be served with burgers and salads, so if you want to make your lunch hour extra special with a touch of après ski, you know where to head to.

Brass&Knuckle, Oratory Street, Naxxar. Open Mon-Sun 8am11pm. T: 2722 2722.

Malta Libraries Malta’s public libraries are undergoing a complete makeover to make them more accessible and fun for all.

Besides getting a much-needed branding facelift, the Junior Library in Floriana has launched a talking books initiative to mark National Libraries Day, and library members will soon be able to access their membership accounts via Facebook. Moreover, a very accessible space within the Central Public Library is currently being renovated to host educational sessions for children with autism, besides the weekly reading sessions held in the Junior Library upstairs.

www.maltalibraries.gov.mt

iPhone 7 (PRODUCT)RED™ Special Edition

For 10 years, Apple’s partnership with (RED) has supported HIV/AIDS programmes that provide counselling, testing, and medicine that prevent the transmission of HIV from a mother to her unborn child. So far, over $130 million has been raised through the sale of (RED) products. With the introduction of the iPhone 7 (PRODUCT) RED™ Special Edition, every purchase brings the world a step closer to an AIDS-free generation. Now available from all iCentre shops. iCentre, Dun Karm Street, Birkirkara. T: 2144 2123; www.icentre.com.mt.

Other locations: Sliema, Valletta, Pieta, Paola, Gozo.

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TRENDING

Shoeshack

Branded sports shoes at discount prices? Yes please. Whether you’re looking for running shoes, gym shoes, football shoes or just a cool new pair of casual sneakers, ShoeShack has the footwear you’re after, with a wide range for men, women and children, at prices you can afford.

Shoeshack, Bisazza Street, Sliema. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-7pm.

Comino Tower

Comino’s famous Santa Marija Tower is now open again to the public until the end of October. The tower was built by Grand Master Wignacourt in 1618, and featured as Chateau d’If in the 2002 film The Count of Monte Cristo. The tower can also be booked for a private function, team-building or fund-raising activity.

Open Tue-Sun 11am-5pm, incl. public holidays. Entrance is by donation; children go free. To check specific dates or make a group booking, call M: 9905 1866 or E: carolync@maltanet.net

Nissan Micra

The new fifth generation Micra is bigger and more spacious than its predecessors, and has been injected with a fun and youthful spirit. Engage your own creativity by personalising various aspects of the interior – why not add a touch of bright blue or orange in the cabin? A lot of attention has also been paid to driver comfort, with a lower driving position for a more secure driving feel, a fully-adjustable steering wheel and the optimal positioning of the pedals and shift lever. Cabin space is among the best in class and the gliding-wing shaped dashboard gives the cabin a light, sleek and spacious impression.

Nissan Motor Sales Showroom, National Road, Blata l-Bajda. T: 2596 9999.

the dhalia property search app

The Dhalia Malta Property Search app for mobile and tablet gives you instant access to properties in Malta. Use Malta’s number one property app and experience the convenience of accessing Dhalia’s huge property database from your smartphone or tablet. Whether you are looking to buy or rent, you can find Dhalia’s huge portfolio of properties at your fingertips through the app, which works on Apple and Android devices.

Property seekers can use the Dhalia Malta Property Search app to search for properties to buy or rent by location, property type and price range. The app allows users to search using their own location, via their device’s own internal GPS function.

The location search feature is completely unique to Dhalia. Users can quickly and easily log in to the app using their Facebook credentials, and enjoy features including: • Wishlist, which saves your property for easy reference and comparison • Enquiry history, which allows you to keep track of your activity • The convenience of returning to your property search at a later date • Pre-filled enquiry form, to make the process quicker Download the Dhalia Malta Property Search app now and start your property search. Available on Google Play Store: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.incredibleweb.dhalia and Apple App Store: appsto.re/mt/3I8kK.i

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Foreword

MUSIC TO MY EARS Malta has certainly been preoccupied with a lot of weighty political issues over the past few weeks, so much so that we’ve practically forgotten the fact that our collective favourite fluffy pastime, the Eurovision Song Contest, is right around the corner. Whether you’re an avid fan of the contest or a seething hater, Claudia Faniello’s fate in Ukraine will be the topic of discussion all over the country for at least a week afterwards – so we

caught up with Malta’s charming representative just before the grand show to find out more about the woman behind the mighty voice.

Elsewhere, we’ve got lots of lovely home inspiration to share, from fresh ideas on how to perk up your outdoor space in preparation for summer, to the latest smart homes update to the intriguing history of Malta’s famous and iconic patterned tiles, which are making a stylish

© 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.

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

comeback like no other. As the days heat up, we also have the full low-down on preparing your skin for the warm summer months, including the benefits of semi-permanent make-up, laser treatments and hydrating facials.

And if Mother’s Day has caught you off guard, we have some ideas on how you can spoil that special lady in your life and thank her for all she’s done.

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Publishers

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 Advertising Sales Coordinator Lindsey Napier DESIGN Nicholas Cutajar

NEXT ISSUE:

21.06.17

Printer Progress Press Ltd

DOn'T MISS IT

HOW MUCH FOOD SHOULD I FEED MY KITTEN?

When you bring home a new kitten, it can be the start of a long and happy relationship. However, it’s also a big responsibility. One of the most important things to get right for your kitten is diet – after all, eating well is vital for the growth of a healthy cat!

The first decision is whether you want to feed your kitten dry or wet food, or a combination of the two. If you do feed your cat a combination of both, then it is important that the total daily nutrition is still balanced, so as not to over-feed your kitten.

A good approach is to use wet and dry food of the same brand, then you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions on combined feeding. A complete cat food is designed to provide your cat with all the nutrition and energy it needs, alongside the correct balance of nutrients. This means there is no need to add anything to the diet.

Borg Cardona & Co Ltd. T: 2141 4753; E: sales@borg-cardona.com; Fb: Royal Canin Malta

A PERFECT MATCH FOR GREY ROOTS Keratherapy has created Perfect Match, a reliable temporary cover that is safe for all hair types, instantly covering your grey roots in between salon color services. Perfect Match is water-proof and lasts until your hair is shampooed. It contains 50 per cent more product than other brands.

The Perfect Match Grey Root Concealer is available in five fantastic shades: Auburn Red, Blonde, Light Brown, Medium/Dark Brown and Black. The product blends to your natural colour.

All five shades of Perfect Match Grey Root Concealer are infused with keratin, so that hair receives a natural protective layer for more natural look, helping it to break less and restoring elasticity. It features quick, easy spray-on application to dry hair and lasts until the next shampoo. It dries in the hair after two to three minutes.

Joseph Brincat Ltd. T: 2133 1121, 2180 3624

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INTERVIEW

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Photo: Kris Micallef

THE WINNING FACTOR

Just a few days before the Eurovision Song Contest, the tenacious Claudia Faniello tells Marie-Claire Grima all about finding her sound, being a good role model and chasing her wildest dreams.

How and when did your singing career start?

I started singing at around 10 years old. My brother, Fabrizio, who is seven years older, was already making a name for himself as a singer, and my mother was a singer too although she never pursued a career professionally. At first, she didn’t want me to take part in singing competitions – she’d already seen with Fabrizio how expensive and competitive that world is, and since I’m not a particularly competitive person, she wasn’t sure I was suited for it. In fact, after about a year of that, I stopped, and only started taking part in song competitions again in 2005, when I auditioned for the TV show Hotspot. It was my first television experience and a year later, I took part in the Malta Song for Europe for

the first time, which I would return to again and again.

Most of those times, I wasn’t really trying to win – I still felt like I was too young and that it wasn’t my time yet, but I always enjoyed the journey. Love it or hate it, the Malta Song provides great exposure for developing artists. It was only on my ninth time at the festival with Breathlessly that I won.

What do you think it was about Breathlessly that had the winning factor?

The last time I took part in the Malta Song before Breathlessly was in 2013, and taking a break from the festival for a few years gave me time to find myself and figure out the sound and direction I wanted to move towards. In fact, I wasn’t that interested in taking part in the Malta Song again, and I turned

down plenty of song offers.

But when Philip Vella (one of the composers) played me the song and asked me to record a demo for it, I got goose bumps. I could immediately picture myself recording and performing it – it was that kind of instant connection.

What did it feel like when your name was announced as the winner of the Malta Song for Europe?

Honestly… I had often fantasised about winning and I always pictured myself collapsing in shock. But although I was extremely surprised, I remember this huge sense of calm washing over me. Even the rest of my crew commented about it. It was as if everything had fallen into place.

What was the biggest obstacle you’ve faced as a singer?

Social media has made it really easy for people to go online and shred someone to pieces, and when you’re in the limelight you’re exposed to a lot of cruel comments from people who don’t know you and don’t know your story. I understand that it’s part of any career in the public eye, but I used to find it very hard to deal with. I’ve gotten a lot better at it now and I avoid places online where I know there will be criticism that’s only meant to rip you down and not help you improve. I feel bad for the people who spend their time making nasty remarks about other people. I wholeheartedly believe in karma – what you put out into the world will come back to you.

But social media has its advantages too, right?

Of course! Like everything else, it can be used for good or for bad purposes. It has made self-promotion a lot easier and has provided a way for me to connect with fans. Since the festival, I’ve been flooded with messages – from people thanking me for being resilient and never giving up to others saying how touched they were by the performance. Those are the best reactions I could have hoped for.

Is there anything else that’s hard to deal with when you’re living life in the public eye?

Sticking to the motto of ‘the show must go on’ can be quite difficult. A few years ago, I had a gig booked when I found out that a close friend had

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INTERVIEW If you had to choose (and you can’t say Fabrizio!) who is your favourite singer who has represented Malta in the ESC? I really admire Olivia Lewis – she’s an old family friend and she also had to fight hard for the chance to represent Malta in the Eurovision. I love Chris and Moira, their song is one of my favourite Maltese entries ever. We took part in a reality show together a few years ago and we’ve been good friends ever since. And of course, there’s Ira, but who doesn’t love Ira?

died. I was devastated and I didn’t want to see anyone, let alone perform, but I couldn’t cancel. It wouldn’t have been fair. You have to keep your commitments but it can be very hard.

Your brother Fabrizio represented Malta in the contest twice – has he given you any advice on surviving Eurovision?

Fabrizio was delighted that I won, he knows how much music means to me and he trusts that I’m calm enough not to let myself be easily overwhelmed by the chaos of the competition. That said, he

also warned me not to get too caught up in the hustle and bustle of the moment. People will be coming at you from all sides, because all of us want the song to do well, but what matters at the end of the day is the three-minute performance on stage. That’s all there is to it.

As a singer, you have to be quite image-conscious. Do you have a typical beauty routine?

When I was younger, I had a lot of problems with my body image – as many people know, I was bulimic for six years because I used to put so much pressure on myself to look a

certain way. Nowadays, my full-time job away from singing is as an LSA, surrounded by children and teens, and I find that with a position like mine, I have to do my best to be a good role model for younger people. I go bare-faced unless I have a media appearance because I don’t think you need to be caked in make-up every single day. Of course, there’s a time and place for getting dolled up, and I don’t judge anyone who wears make-up every day – that’s their decision.

But unless I have a media appearance, I prefer my hair and make-up to be as simple as possible.

Besides family and friends, what are the five things you can’t live without?

My shih tzu Leila, my passport, my mobile phone, coffee, and of course, music.

Do you have any pet peeves?

Two-faced people. I really hate it when people aren’t real with me, and I’d prefer it if someone were to be nasty to my face than pretend to be my best friend and then backstab me Who are your biggest musical influences?

Madonna is one of my greatest heroes, not just for her music but for the way she’s managed

to reinvent herself and stay in charge of every aspect of her career for so many years.

I try to model that, improving and changing myself with every new project. Generally speaking, I have pretty broad taste in music – from Savage Garden and Florence and the Machine to Metallica and H.I.M, whom I’m seeing in concert this summer!

What would you like to do after Eurovision?

I don’t want to be one of those singers who is never heard of again after the contest, so I’m not pinning all my hopes on it. Whatever happens, I want to keep working on my music – I want to take it to a wider audience abroad, and I would love to perform at a music festival – the euphoria of having fans who are ready and waiting for you, who know the words to sing along, must be incredible. I’m also going back to University this October – I want to become a psychologist! Not to mention my dreams of travelling the world, going anywhere I can and exploring different cultures. I just have so many things to do! BB

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LIFESTYLE

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8 Ways to Pamper your Mum on Mother’s Day Many women admit that they only realise their mother’s true preciousness once they enter the world of parenthood themselves, when they finally understand their mother’s unconditional love and support that accompanied them through life. Martina Said suggests how to show your mother some extra love this 14th May, beyond gift-giving and ready-made cards.

1. Host a meal at home

Your mother is probably all too familiar with the stresses of playing host – devising a menu, shopping, cooking, preparing and ensuring all guests are happy. This time, return the favour by hosting a meal at home with your closest family, handling the entire day from A to Z – including doing all the dishes and leaving the kitchen spotless.

2. Downsize her to-do list

Be it a long list of errands, chores around the house or something she’s been meaning to do for ages but keeps putting off, rather than guess what your mum wants this Mother’s Day, ask for her to-do list and knock a few things off.

Nothing could be more stressrelieving than taking a weight off her shoulders.

3. Upgrade your childhood album

Mothers love to reminisce about their kids’ childhood memories, and there would be no better time to take a trip down memory lane than on this occasion. Rather than stopping at a baby album revisit though, create a new album filled with photos from more recent years, complete with cute and funny anecdotes in a scrapbook style – a gift she’ll cherish for many years to come.

4. Visit the spa

Rather than buying your mother a voucher to a spa, take her there yourself and enjoy a treatment together. Spending

time together is a precious gift in itself – book her a pampering package, take the day off, and spend the day lazily enjoying one amazing treat after another… think breakfast, indoor pool, massage, steam room and lunch – what’s not to love?

5. Treat her hands and feet

If she’s not a massage kind of lady, consider swapping a spa date with a mani and pedi treatment, followed by a haircut or a visit to a make-up shop for a small make-over. You can make a whole afternoon out of it, and after the treatments, enjoy a spot of shopping together. Encourage her to try something new which she can wear for dinner in the evening.

6. Head out for a drink

Her alcohol tolerance might not be as good as yours given she’s roughly twice your age, but that could make things even more fun, and what starts off as a tame round of Aperol Spritz could end with tequila shots way past bedtime. Remember, she was your age once too!

7. Learn something together

Perhaps you’ve got a mutual interest that you’ve only ever briefly discussed, or know of a craft, hobby or cooking class that your mum would like to try her hand at but isn’t particularly keen on attending alone. Find out what it is she’d like to do, and take her there yourself. Mothers are often too

preoccupied with their family’s concerns to put their interests first, so show her how much you care and listen to what she has to say.

8. Tick something off her bucket list

We don’t mean ‘bucket list’ as in ‘unfulfilled desires in her old age’, but rather something she’s been meaning to do her whole life, but never plucked up the courage to do for various reasons. From a concert overseas to riding a jet ski, sky diving or simply eating out at a restaurant she’s lusted over for years but considered too pricey, indulge your mother on her feast with a meaningful gesture that she’ll never forget.

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HOMES

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

ELEGANT OUTDOORS

Spring Into Outdoor Living As we make the shift from indoor to al fresco living, this is the perfect time to update your outdoor space. Jo Caruana presents the latest trends and quickest tweaks for you to consider.

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lready we can almost feel the promise of glorious summer living: the longer evenings, the unending sunshine, and the chance to exit hibernation and enjoy our outside space. It’s the same routine every year but it’s always equally full of possibilities.

That said, before al fresco life can begin in earnest, you will likely need to update your garden, terrace, balcony or roof garden. After all, there’s nothing like the dust, wind and rain of a Maltese winter to guarantee that your space will need a serious refresh! Here’s our advice on how to achieve that in an easy and step-by-step way, and in the quickest time possible.

Get Comfortable

Outdoor living certainly won’t feel like you’re roughing it ‘camping style’ this summer, as things are about to get comfier – and more stylish – than ever. The expert tip is to set up your patio or garden as though you were setting up your sitting-room indoors. Focus on the sofa or armchairs and create an area where you’ll be happy to sit back and relax. Of course, if you have the room, sunbeds also add a sense of comfort to any outdoor space – and provide that perfect spot for a sunset nap.

Hit the floor

No matter the size of your outdoor space, a custom outdoor rug could be the perfect way to make the most of it. Not only will it add a pop of colour and bring your look together, but it will soften any harsh lines and make it feel more inviting. Some guests may even be encouraged to sit on the floor – in true boho style!

Soft Touch

Complementary outdoor cushions will also instantly give your garden or terrace a lift. Our recommendation is to keep your base cushions neutral so they’ll feel current year-on-year, but to add a pop of colour (or two!) with your top cushions. This season’s most popular colours include blue, orange and yellow. Better yet, if you want to be bang on trend, pick a printed pillow – they’re big news for 2017.

Wood You

While rattan and plastic furniture are good choices when it comes to our harsh sun, this year’s trends are encouraging a return to wood – especially as the ‘all natural’ look continues to dominate everything from home interiors to fashion. If you are opting for wooden furniture, then you may want to take some

Darker tones are a key trend for 2017, even on outdoor furniture. But quality and practicality should never be compromised. Blend the two together and the result is this outdoor dining set in the trendy cement look on a durable HPL top, combined with graphite grey aluminium powder-coated legs. For easy cleaning and a weather-proof, rust-proof solution, the cement look is great paired with chairs in textilene wipe-clean seating.

Brands International Ltd, San Gwann.

T: 2144 4110; E: sales@brands.com.mt

DECK IT OUT

Decking provides a look and feel that can’t be beat. Various options exist depending on the look desired and budget available – real hardwoods exude authenticity and refined luxury, whilst composite decking is maintenance-free and comes in various realistic tonalities. Deck tiles are another option. To complete your outdoor area and ensure your privacy, fencing in pressure-treated wood can be finished in a variety of tonalities and is extremely low-maintenance. Shading solutions are a must, and one may opt for a treated timber structure or large umbrellas.

Brands International Ltd, San Gwann.

T: 2144 4110; E: sales@brands.com.mt

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HOMES vapours to pass through and keep you cool, UV-resistant and very practical when it comes to cleaning without fading. Oh, and if you want the absolute latest in shaded technology, then you might want to consider the Sunflower – a solar-powered smart umbrella that automatically adjusts itself to keep you in the shade. It connects to your smartphone and virtual assistant too, of course!

precautions to keep it looking good for a few seasons to come. Coat it with varnish to protect it, and then recoat every couple of years to prevent it from fading.

Flower Power

No matter how small your balcony, terrace or yard, you can still make it feel fresh and summery. Pots are ideal because they’re easily contained, and you can grow a variety of things – including herbs. Flowers will also add that pop of colour that summer craves, so why not plant some?

The ones that grow best in small pots include miniature roses, begonias and marigolds, while flowers like cosmos bipinnatus, cosmos sulphureus

and nicotiana are all blooms that can take the heat.

Summer Cover Up

It’s important to think about providing options for getting out of the sun in the form of umbrellas or awnings. There are a few things to consider.

First, make sure you get the right size to cover the space that needs it – too big and the umbrella will look ungainly, but too small and it will be ineffective. Next, check that it’s got the right tilting mechanism and is the right height, and that the base is effective enough for it not to blow away when the September winds start howling. Finally, think about the fabric. The latest options are breathable, so as to allow water

Light It Right

Part of turning your home into a summertime haven is having the right lighting, which means you can enjoy the outdoors long into the evening. Landscape lighting is one of the biggest trends at the moment, as it is designed to really complement and highlight your space in the most effective way possible.

While it is best to get your outdoor lighting designed professionally, there are plenty of options out there, including statement lighting, mood lighting, ambience lighting, fairy lights hanging in your trees, lanterns, and even ecolighting that is solar-powered or designed to use very little electricity.

Outdoor Dining

There really is nothing better than sitting out under the stars enjoying a perfectly cooked meal. Thus, it’s no surprise that there are now all sorts of options out there when it comes to putting a meal together outdoors – from traditional coal and gas barbecues, to the more innovative fire pits – where you

and your guests sit around an open fire grilling everything from meat to marshmallows.

However our favourite trend would have to be the woodfired oven. While they won’t suit every space, they make a gorgeous addition to gardens, large terraces or rooftops, and will be the ultimate centrepiece when serving up a home-made pizza or delicious ftira. BB

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HOMES

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IG: tomcamilleri

IG: stephanieborg_art

IG: sassmica

BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

Beauty beneath our feet Patterned tiles have adorned the floors of traditional Maltese homes for generations, but where did they come from, how are they made, and what makes them such a popular option among homeowners today? Sarah Micallef learns more.

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long with the comforting smell of nanna’s cooking and playing hopscotch in the street, traditional patterned cement tiles found in the houses of our youth offer a window to our past and a subtle nostalgia, but it isn’t just this that spurs their popularity today.

Adding a pop of colour and giving an eclectic style to a space, patterned tiles combined with contemporary schemes give a real wow factor, so it’s no surprise that they’re experiencing a revival among homeowners keen to do justice to their traditional homes. What may come as a surprise however, is that the popularity of these vibrant patterned tiles is not exclusive to Malta. Dubbed as one of the major interior design trends of the moment – particularly for kitchens and bathrooms – patterned tiles have garnered a huge international following, spurring tile appreciation blogs and Instagram accounts like I Have This Thing With Floors (@ihavethisthingwithfloors).

But, apart from the traditional Maltese varieties, where do they originate from?

Spain, France, Morocco, Italy, Greece and India all have their own versions of patterned cement tiles. There are varying accounts on where and when the first patterned cement tiles came to be, with some sources pointing to Viviers on the embankments of the Rhône, alongside the first cement works in France in 1850, and others stating that the first reference to the manufacture of encaustic cement tile was in a factory in Barcelona, Spain, in 1857.

Meanwhile, during the early 19th century gothic revival in the UK, an entrepreneur by the name of Herbert Minton is said to have combined his family’s knowledge of ceramics with new methods of production to develop

industrial techniques for producing decorative encaustic tiles made by layering different colours of clay – a similar technique to the one used locally.

As for Malta’s version, the history behind the tiles we associate with our traditional homes is somewhat hazy.

With origins likely to be traced back to Turkey during the reign of the Ottoman empire, the patterned tiles at some point found their way to Spain and Malta. Locally, it may come as a surprise that the use of patterned cement tiles is relatively young – spanning about 300 years.

And despite their continued popularity, the number of artisans still producing them is, sadly, decreasing.

The process used to make these tiles is as fascinating as the patterns themselves. Generally made out of a mixture of powdered marble, white cement and colour pigment, they’re created using a mould of each particular design and pattern, in which colours are poured one by one and left to set. Each tile is made individually, rather than in batches, giving an idea as to how time-intensive this laborious process is!

Once you have them on your floor, Maltese tiles are quite durable and tend to improve with age, although some colours, such as blue, are more likely to fade with time. New cement tiles should be polished to prevent staining. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to achieve the patterned tile effect in ‘wet rooms’ like your bathroom, you may want to consider a more practical ceramic variant, since cement is porous and more prone to staining if put in contact with colours and chemicals found in beauty products. BB

A LIFELONG FASCINATION TRANSFORMED INTO ART

The Malta Tile Pattern Collection by Stephanie Borg features faithfully-reproduced designs taken from old Maltese cement tiles – a subject which has fascinated the artist Stephanie Borg since childhood. Her expanding collection now includes prints, greeting cards, mouse pads as well as mugs, espresso cups, coasters and placemats. Stephanie has also featured the tile patterns in her ink drawings which she depicts very faithfully. However she did break away from the traditional hues in her Mug and Espresso Cup Collections, choosing a more modern palette.

Stephanie explains that by putting these beautiful patterns on objects of everyday use, she aims to revive an appreciation for them and also for the dying craft of cement tilemaking. She is currently working on expanding her range with new products to be launched in the coming months. In the meantime, visit her studio boutique or shop online for that novel Mother's Day gift!

Stephanie Borg Studio Boutique, 33, St Catherine Street, Rabat. Open Tue, Thur 4-7pm.

M: 9916 1469; www.stephanieborg.com

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Patterns from our Past

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or most of us, the distinct colours and patterns of traditional Maltese tiles are associated with memories of homes from our childhood. As building restorer and director at Malta Tiles Robert Lia confirms, colourful Maltese tiles have been used in traditional Maltese houses for generations, and, as these traditional homes regain popularity among local buyers keen on restoring and converting them, so too have these tiles from the past been once again thrust into the spotlight.

Malta Tiles, which produces traditional Maltese tiles, has been under his management for the last five years. The micro-enterprise uses traditional methods of producing hand-made tiles passed over from one generation to another. “All the cement tiles produced by Malta Tiles are hand-made, one by one, using only traditional methods,” Mr Lia says.

The workshop boasts an original press and a large selection of over 180 pattern moulds to make uniquely

designed tiles, giving homeowners a vast repertoire to choose from. “Each member of our staff has undergone intensive training in the unique skill of producing Maltese tiles,” Mr Lia explains, adding that “each hand-made tile is individually checked to make sure it meets the highquality standards Malta Tiles is renowned for.”

Speaking of the services the company offers, Mr Lia affirms that at Malta Tiles, customers will find a great selection of traditional hand-made cement and terrazzo tiles in various colours, shapes and sizes, which are specifically made for use on floors, feature walls, spiral staircases and thresholds.

“We are also able to match the colour of your existing patterned tiles and plain tiles

to replace damaged ones,” he continues – a useful tool for those who are renovating their home and are looking to keep their original tiles while replacing any broken or damaged ones. In these cases, Mr Lia offers one word of warning. “The colour of the replaced tiles will be very similar to the existing tiles, however, a 100 per cent match is almost impossible due to various factors.” After all, this is

what makes each tile special!

He offers a few words of advice on caring for your traditional patterned tiles, before and after they’ve been laid. “Tiles can be left in their original state and gradually build a lustre from repeated cleaning – which is more subtle. However, Maltese tiles are porous and are at risk of stains. We recommend that Maltese tiles that are to be laid on the ground are underlain with a damp proofing layer to stop rising damp from staining the tiles.”

And that’s not all – if you’re looking for a design that is totally unique to you and your space rather than choosing one from their selection, Malta Tiles offers this service too. “For those opting for a personal touch, we can create a new mould for patterned tiles styled based on your unique design.”

BB Malta Tiles, GGEA, Kalkara tal-Gir Alley, Triq il-Karmnu, Fgura. Open Mon-Fri 7am5.30pm; Sat 7am-12pm.

T: 7989 6534; E: info@maltatiles.com; www.maltatiles.com

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HOMES

Making the move towards home automation Smart technology has infiltrated all gadgets and services imaginable, and aims to make day-to-day, mundane tasks fully automatic. Martina Said looks into one of the biggest trends in the tech world, and how to implement it in your home.

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smart technology can help quell certain worries that are all too familiar among homeowners. Did I switch off the lights before leaving the house? Did I set the security alarm? Did I forget to turn the bathroom heater off when I was done? With a glance at your smartphone or tablet, these nagging questions can be answered, and if necessary, resolved.

More and more devices in our homes, from an alarm system to an oven, are being designed with the ability to connect to Wi-Fi, enabling them to carry out certain ‘smart’ chores, such as turning the lights on when you’re close to home, starting up the oven so that it preheats to the desired temperature, or having the heating or cooling system go on at a pre-set time to make sure indoor temperatures are optimal before you arrive – all at the touch of an app.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this trend is that, the more smart appliances you have, the more efficient your system can be, as devices and appliances within your home will not only be able to connect with you, but also with each other. To date, some of the more accessible applications relate to lighting, home security, home entertainment as well as thermostat regulation.

While these gadgets were initially considered quirky, frilly products only afforded by the wealthy, their popularity has sky-rocketed, making them far more affordable than they were ten years ago. And a lot of this success is down to the astronomical popularity of smartphones and tablets, which can be configured to control an impressive range of devices.

he Internet of Things is a growing trend, a movement even, towards the increased automation of everyday objects – objects which are embedded with computing devices that connect to the internet, enabling them to send and receive data. Every year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas – which gathers numerous tech giants and start-ups from around the world, giving them the opportunity to showcase their latest inventions – impresses with new, unimaginable devices that top those displayed the previous year. It’s clear that home automation is going major places.

Smart home technology is becoming increasingly refined, and with every passing year, new gadgets aimed at making the most ordinary home devices a little more efficient hit the market. But it can do more than that –

Broaden your perspective

Your initial reaction to the more high-end automated home products is probably that they’re somewhat unnecessary, over the top, and too complicated to

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HOMES basic questions first to ensure that, before buying anything, you find the right balance between complexity and usability.

Firstly, find out how intuitive the system is for a home user – navigating a basic light dimmer is easy, but a complex alarm system might be a whole other ball game. Ask yourself

whether the device is actually fulfilling a need or filling a void, as a fancy gadget can prove to be a very frustrating toy if you cannot get it to work as you’d like it to. And finally, find out whether the system, and its failures, can be maintained by a local agent, as it could prove to be very costly if no one is locally equipped to make the necessary repairs.

Start with the small stuff

navigate and use. While this may be true of a number of products on the market, there are plenty of devices that will not only make life easier, and perhaps more comfortable, but also prove to be downright handy.

In the case of security systems, if you’re away and are alerted of a fire in your home, but are unable to do anything to protect your house from where you are, a neighbour or family member asleep within the house will be woken up with a fire alarm, smart doors

will be unlocked and the fire department will be notified automatically, while those inside the house are ushered to safety, offering complete peace of mind to the user from a distance.

As for temperature control, smart technology enables users to control, schedule and monitor their home’s temperatures from the office or from the comfort of their very own bed. A smart thermostat can learn family members’ behaviours and adjust its settings accordingly

for maximum efficiency. The more fine-tuned systems will also advise how much energy is being consumed to avoid nasty surprises at the end of the month, remind you that filters need to be changed, and even adjust the functions between different thermostat-regulated devices, such as heaters and air conditioning units.

Do your research

If technology isn’t really your thing but you’d like to take the first steps towards home automation, ask yourself a few

Before diving right into the trend and embarking on a crazed shopping spree, begin dabbling with the basics to test the waters, and assess whether smart home technology is for you to begin with. Some of the most popular gadgets under this vast umbrella include cameras that track your home’s exterior, even in the dead of night when everything looks pitch black; a bed thermostat which can be controlled from an app on your device; LED lights which can be programmed to customise the colour and brightness through an app on your phone; motion sensors, which alert the user when there’s motion around your house, and can tell the difference between pets and intruders; light and appliances integration, enabling you to turn them on and off from your mobile device; as well as door and garage locks which can pick up a signal from your smartphone, and open as you approach.

A number of these gadgets can be bought from tech and gadget shops, as well as online. Before buying, however, verify what technology is associated with the product to make sure that your device and the manufacturer’s materials used are compatible, and whether you’d need an expert to install it. BB

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LIFESTYLE

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Freedom Chair

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR OFFICE FURNITURE

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ffice furniture and seating specialists BSL have been in business since 1988. “We supply furniture, seating and partition requirements, from reception to boardroom, from the lounge area to the cafeteria, from the lecture room to open-plan areas. We specialise in the modern and contemporary, and work very closely with all the leading architects and designers on the island,” says Chris Gatt, BSL’s Marketing Director. “We offer our clients the complete package from measuring their offices,

producing complete layouts, quoting with different cost packages, and finally delivering and installing the chosen furniture and seating. We also work with the clients’ architects and interior designers whenever required.”

BSL represents some of the most prestigious furniture brands in Europe, including Luxy, Quadrifolgio, MDD, Topstar, Wagner, Wilkhahn, Interstuhl and Humanscale.

“The range of these companies allows us to offer our clients all types of furniture and seating, no matter how big or small their budget is, or if they are searching for standard or designer ranges,” Chris says, adding that with people spending more time at the office and working longer hours, the line between office and contract is blurring. “Clients nowadays want office environments that have a more homely feel. As office technology becomes more wireless, freedom of movement within the office is also becoming more popular, and people are now working and holding meetings anywhere, be it on sofas in the lounge, on benches, or even

in the cafeteria. They are not restricted to the same desk in the same place. Many also want have the option to work standing up, and for these we have a range of electronicallyadjustable desks and meeting tables that allow this flexibility at the push of a button.”

In 2005, BSL changed its mode of business completely from a manufacturing concern to an

import and service-oriented company, but its fundamental policy of supplying high-quality furniture remained steadfast.

“We have always held on to our core principle of offering quality products,” says Chris.

“We resisted the temptation of importing cheaper products from China and other Far Eastern countries. We stuck to buying only Europeanstandard quality chairs and

desks. These are companies that manufacture in Europe, and are therefore according to European standards and quality.”

“In the beginning we lost some major contracts to our competitors because we were too expensive. However over the years our clients have come to appreciate our quality of product and service. We offer

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LIFESTYLE International, Gasan Group of Companies, Fenech Group of Companies, Corinthia, Sparkasse Bank, Nectar, Betfair and Betsson.

This year, BSL has a number of upcoming office projects to look forward to, and is pushing further into the contract market which has become a growing segment for the company over the past two years. “I have just come back from the furniture fair in Milan, so we will have some new products for the office, as well as the outdoor/ indoors contract market that we shall be marketing in the coming weeks. We are also a few weeks away from launching our new website, which will be more interactive and user-friendly for our clients and deliver more information about the products and services we offer.” BB

warranties on all the products we sell, and if there is an item that has been damaged, we replace if for free within the warranty period. We also offer our clients the possibility of delivering desks and chairs right away in order for them to operate the minute their order is placed. This way their work goes on without any

interruptions.” In fact, BSL’s top-notch service has attracted swathes of high-profile clients over the years, including the Malta Stock Exchange, APS Bank, Lombard Bank, Fimbank, Engel and Völkers Sarah Grech, KPMG Crimsonwing, Moore Stephens, the Easy Language School of English, Chestertons Real Estate, Frank Salt, MSS

BSL Lifestyles Ltd, Labour Avenue, Naxxar.

T: 2138 2601; E: chrisgatt@bsl-lifestyles. com; www.bsl-lifestyles.com

Media Unit

Archipelago

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PRODUCT REVIEWS

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PERFECT PILLOWS

Mattress Collection pillows provide a super comfortable sleeping surface and help align your head, neck and shoulders for a more relaxing and restful sleep.

Choose from polar gel foam which stays cool to the touch or an aloe vera oil-based memory foam which soothes and relieves aches and pains while you sleep. One can also opt for added holes throughout the pillow, providing extra air circulation and a softer plush feel.

Keep the sun out

Caruana Sunshades & Canopies Ltd is a familyrun business established in 1994, providing all kinds of sunshades and canopies in a vast variety of colours and sizes to suit your needs.

All products are made-to-measure and come with a five-year warranty on canvas, as well as delivery and installation. Caruana Sunshades & Canopies also offer varying degrees of waterproof materials and factors of UV protection for all kinds of projects from small domestic products to large-scale commercial contracts. There are no limits when it comes to customer satisfaction at Caruana Sunshades & Canopies.

Caruana Sunshades & Canopies Ltd, Triq San Gwann tal-Gharghar, San Gwann.

T: 2138 4796; M: 9988 8987; E: mario.caruana@hotmail.com

Mattress Collection pillows come luxuriously wrapped in a 100 per cent organic cotton and hypo-allergenic pillow case with zip, making them easily removable and washable.

Mattress Collection, Tal-Balal Road, San Gwann, Mdina Road, Zebbug. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-7pm, Sat 9.30am1pm. T: 2146 1962.

SPOILT FOR CHOICE ALL KINDS OF BLINDS

A MORE RELAXING AND RESTFUL SLEEP

FOR DEDICATED CHINAWARE COLLECTORS ONLY

Passionate chinaware collectors and the discerning few who still love to use their china may want to replace some items or add to their sets. Look no further than Gio. Batta Delia – if they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock, and it is still made, they can get it for you. New items are added to the Facebook page every week, and if you don’t see it, ask for it!

Gio. Batta Delia, Republic Street, Valletta.

M: 9989 6286; E: pjdelia2@gmail.com or patrickdelia@giobattadelia.com; Fb: facebook.com/Gio.Batta Delia 1901

The Five Mattress is an original in its own right. Thousands of people in Malta already own a Five and they love it. This medium-firm memory foam mattress comes with a top comfort layer of aloe vera oil-based memory foam which conforms to your body shape and supports those pain-causing areas, relieving and treating existing pain whilst preventing future discomfort. The bottom support foam layer provides the right type of support to ensure proper spine alignment during sleep. Simple design, amazing comfort and support for those who prefer a mediumfirm feel.

Mattress Collection, Tal-Balal Road, San Gwann, Mdina Road, Zebbug. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-7pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm.

T: 2146 1962.

At Il-Mithna, you can find made-to-measure roller blinds, Venetian blinds and Roman blinds available.

Il-Mithna is currently offering fantastic prices on Zebra blinds in five different colour options, available from stock.

Il-Mithna, Naxxar Road, Birkirkara.

T: 2144 5051

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Sue Caruana, Founder, Beauty Inc.

BEAUTY FOR ALL S

ue Caruana, one of the most recognisable faces in the Maltese beauty scene, founded Beauty Inc. in 1999 in her sitting room as a part-time job. “I was very good at doing French tips and basic nail art, and in those days there were very few nail techs, so it was easy to grow. As my client list increased, it grew to the point where I had to move to a salon and set up a company, and the rest is history!”

Sue’s speciality is semipermanent make-up. “There are two main methods of semi-permanent make-up – pigmentation and blading.

The end result is the same; however, with blading you cannot create all the same

effects that can be done with pigmentation. Micropigmentation is carried out using a machine and many different types of needles – depending on the effect wanted. You can do very fine hair strokes for eyebrows, draw on full thick eye liner or lip liner, and even recreate nipples for clients who have had a masectomy.” Another variant of semi-permanent make-up is scalp micro-pigmentation, which involves the insertion of very small dots of ink into the scalp with a super-fine needle.

“It gives the appearance of a shaved scalp, so for men it looks like they've had a very short cut and for women it can create the effect of a fuller head of hair.”

“Everyone can have the treatment done, but the techniques will vary according to the skin type and style and age of the client. It involves minimal pain as topical anaesthetics are used, and involves very little down-time with the exception of full lips which can take quite a few days to heal. On average, brows take 20 minutes for the redness to fade, one week for any scabbing to fall, two weeks for the colour to settle and lighten, and five weeks for complete healing.”

Sue says that the benefits for people who opt for semipermanent make-up are many.

“For those who pencil in their brows every day, you will start saving time every morning.

You won't have to worry about your brows slipping away in summer, and swimming won't be a problem anymore either!

For people who suffer from alopecia, we recreate a brow or eye liner for eye definition, which totally transforms the face. As for cancer patients, semi-permanent brows allow them to still look good when going through treatment.”

As semi-permanent makeup becomes more common and more frequently used for a number of purposes, Sue warns that the only downside to it is when it is done badly, as it can be poorly-shaped and the shade can discolour. If it doesn’t fade, the client who has had a negative experience with semi-permanent make-up may

need to resort to laser removal.

Beauty Inc. now forms part of the Niumee Med-Aesthetic Clinic, which offers more than 100 different treatments including hair and beauty, laser, botox, fillers, a brow bar, micropigmentation, scalp micropigmentation and many others.

“In Niumee, I have finally found the correct professional partners to carry on growing my business,” Sue says.

“Niumee is definitely unique in Malta, for a number of reasons – it is the largest one-stop beauty centre locally, and the most modern and beautiful one! I am biased of course, but it’s true!

As a team, we are a group of well-known professionals, all offering high-quality services in our own fields and we try to always provide the best

possible customer service.

We are totally dedicated to our work, to learning and also to teaching. At Niumee, not only do we offer expertise but complete convenience, with free underground parking and the Pure food concept in the reception area. Setting up Niumee has been an enormous project and we are growing every day; and with our main partner and chief Maria Bugeja, who never rests for very long, I'm sure there is much more in the pipeline!” BB

Beauty Inc. at Niumee, Centris Business Centre, First Floor, Triq il-Palazz l-Ahmar, Mriehel.

For the latest promotions and special offers, call Niumee on 2032 0100 or follow Niumee on Fb: Niumee or IG: niumee

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MAKING THE MOST OF THE SKIN YOU’RE IN

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS BEFORE

With the warm months of summer approaching, Sarah Micallef discovers the beauty services available at beauty salons and clinics which go beyond facials, waxing and nail treatments, and gets some expert tips on how best to care and prep your skin for summer.

BOTOX AND DERMAL FILLERS

LASER TREATMENTS

For most women, hair removal is part of a regular beauty routine, but out of the methods available, have you considered laser treatment? Carried out by a technician, it is often considered to be the most effective long-term hair removal solution, but it may take between six to 12 treatments to see results. Treatments are generally scheduled four to six weeks apart, and will continue until the hair stops growing. The duration and effectiveness of the treatment will depend on the colour and thickness of your hair, and how eligible you are for laser based on several factors, so it’s always best to ask for a consultation first, to get a better idea of your particular case.

SEMI-PERMANENT MAKE-UP

Whether you’re looking for fuller or more defined eyebrows that you don’t have to fill in every morning and won’t rub off at the gym or beach, or long-lasting eye liner or lip liner, semi-permanent make-up has become a popular option among women who lead busy lives but still want to look good. The benefits of having semi-permanent make-up done are many – from finally achieving your coveted eyebrow shape that helps balance out your facial features to having more time in the mornings and not needing to do much to look your best. Of course, it goes without saying that you should use a specialised and trained professional who will work with you to achieve the look you want – after all, it will be on your face for a while!

If your skin is looking a little tired, or fine lines and wrinkles are getting you down, you might want to look into Botox or dermal fillers. These injectable products are used to correct wrinkles and other skin depressions.

Apart from helping to replenish lost volume and rejuvenating the face, dermal fillers are also used to enhance face shape. Common areas for treatment with dermal fillers include lips, chin, nasolabial folds, mouth corners and other static wrinkles. Botox, meanwhile, is primarily used to relax the muscles causing compression of the skin, and is most commonly injected in the muscles between the eyebrows and around the eyes. Botox can last for about six months, while good dermal fillers last at least a year.

PREPARING YOUR SKIN FOR SUMMER

A consultant for top beauty company DR. GRANDEL at Reactilab Ltd passes on some tips for beautiful and healthy summer skin. First, a gentle exfoliator is recommended, once or twice a week. “Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps expose new, radiant skin underneath the surface. It's also an excellent way to prepare your skin for serums, creams and sun protection.

An antioxidant facial is also suggested before summer, so that the skin is prepared and protected from the harmful rays of the sun. It also helps create a brighter, smoother and more youthful complexion.” Meanwhile, if your skin feels dry, a hydration facial will help hydrate from the inside, preparing skin for the change in temperature. As for summer-specific beauty products, she lists beauty vitamins and antioxidants, which will protect and strengthen the resistance of stressed skin against environmental influences. “Vitamins A, C and E can effectively prevent such effects and correct them due to their antioxidant properties.” Finally, she adds, sun protection is vital. “Skin cancer rates are on the rise and sunscreen has been proven to decrease the development of skin cancer. It helps to prevent pigmentation and slows the development of wrinkled, prematurely aging skin. It is recommended that you use a light, non-greasy protection serum with quick absorption qualities, which offers an intelligent means to protect oneself against UVA and UVB radiation.” BB

AFTER

ALL YOUR MAKE-UP AND BEAUTY NEEDS UNDER ONE ROOF

Sina’s Beauty Salon in Zurrieq was one of the first beauty salons to open in Malta.

The company specialises in facials using the best products on the market, as well as laser hair removal, intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal, IPL facial treatments, wax and electrolysis, make-up for all occasions, manicures, pedicures, slimming wraps and faradic treatments.

Sina’s is also licensed to carry out semipermanent make-up, including eyebrows, eyelash extensions, eye liner, lip liner and full lips, advanced semi-permanent makeup, camouflage for burns and scars, nipple and areola re-creation and scalp micropigmentation. All treatments are carried out in a relaxing atmosphere and treatments are performed to our clients’ satisfaction.

Sina Spiteri has a BABTAC Diploma in Beauty Therapy and has been in the beauty business since 1982. She runs the salon along with her daughter, qualified beauty specialist Maureen Spiteri. They also give SPMU courses in eyebrows (hair stroke and microblading techniques), eye liner, lip liner and full lip shading, as well as camouflage of scars and burns, and courses in scalp micropigmentation.

Sina’s Beauty Salon, 4, M. Perez D’Aleccio Street, Zurrieq. T: 2164 7858; E: info@cmsbella.com; www.sinasbeautysalon.com

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The Skin Experts

COMPANY PROFILE

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Martina Said chats to Sarah Grech, owner of The Skin Studio in San Gwann, to find out how the clinic came to be, the latest trends in the cosmetic and beauty worlds, and how to keep body hair growth under wraps this summer.

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round springtime each year, when we shed a few layers of clothing and reveal a little more skin, there’s the stark and self-conscious reminder that hair removal treatments need to be carried out more regularly and extensively in order to face the summer months ahead with confidence.

And more than ever before, men and women alike are turning towards laser for a more permanent form of hair removal, with very encouraging results.

Choosing where to do laser treatment, however, is becoming increasingly challenging, as greater demand for the treatment has made it a lot more accessible, encouraging a lot more clinics to offer the treatment. One of these establishments is The Skin Studio, which, as its name implies, is largely dedicated to offering a variety of treatments and services that focus on the skin.

Although it is a relatively young establishment, The Skin Studio has achieved remarkable success since two friends opened its doors a few years ago. “Sarah Cosaitis and I are long-time friends, and got to know each other while studying nursing at University,” says Sarah Grech, the clinic’s owner.

“We always dreamt of opening a business together and when the opportunity arose in 2014, we decided to go for it. When we first started out, The Skin Studio was very small with just one clinic room offering only laser hair removal, so we’ve come a long way since.”

Sarah says that, to date, the company’s biggest milestone was the expansion of their business with the purpose of offering more than one service to clients. While it specialises in laser hair removal by Candela, The Skin Studio also offers a range of other services including pigmentation removal – comprising removal of sun spots, age spots and solar lentigines – facial peels,

Botox and dermal fillers, semi-permanent make-up, podiatry, make-up, nails using acrylic, gel or gelish, as well as beauty therapy services. In fact, besides hair removal treatment, some of the most sought-after treatments at the clinic are Botox, dermal fillers and semipermanent make-up, reflective of the top trends in the beauty world.

Focusing on laser hair removal, Sarah explains that the treatment works by beaming highly-concentrated light into the hair follicle, which is absorbed by pigment in the hair follicle, resulting in the destruction of the hair. The treatment can be carried out on all skin types and on any part of the body. “Hair reduction results are noticeable from the first treatment, and become more apparent with each treatment,” she explains. “Laser hair removal is a tempting treatment for many because it eliminates the skin rashes associated with shaving and the ingrown hairs resulting

from waxing. It is our greatest satisfaction that clients feel comfortable in their skin and are spared the hassles of shaving and waxing, especially now that summer is around the corner.”

Compared to other hair removal treatments on the market, Sarah says that laser hair removal is far less timeconsuming, as sessions are carried out every six to eight

weeks. “Compared to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment – a form of light therapy used for various dermatological procedures, including hair removal – laser hair removal is more permanent, and a higher percentage of hair reduction is noticed after only a few sessions. With waxing, there’s no doubt that results take much longer to be noticed and treatments need to be done more frequently. There’s also cost and time to be taken into consideration, since such treatments are carried out over many years, sometimes over a lifetime. On the other hand, with laser, the cost is limited to a few sessions, while the effects last your whole life.”

At The Skin Studio, Sarah says that all team members strive for client satisfaction, and the specialised services offered are delivered by highly-qualified medical professionals. “As regards future plans, we constantly keep ourselves upto-date in order to provide our clients with the best and most innovative treatments. That said, who knows what our next step might be!” BB The Skin Studio, Triq Bernadette, San Gwann.

Open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 8am-6pm. T: 2136 8694; M: 9936 8694; www.theskinstudio.com.mt

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NEWS SNIPPETS

new development in Gwardamangia/Pieta

• Second-floor apartment with two bedrooms, main with ensuite, open-plan kitchen, living, dining, main bathroom, front and back balcony. Price: €145,000

A new development in Gwardamangia/ Pieta is now available. The area is a prominent one, ideal for rental investments. The block consists of one ground-floor garage, four apartments and a duplex penthouse served with lift which are to be sold finished including bathrooms and doors.

The following units are available: • Very large garage at street level: €105,000 • First-floor apartment with two bedrooms, main with ensuite, openplan kitchen, living, dining, a main bathroom, a front balcony and a backyard. Price: €145,000

• Third-floor apartment with two bedrooms, main with ensuite, open-plan kitchen, living, dining, main bathroom, front and back balcony. Price: €148,000 • Fourth-floor apartment with one bedroom, open-plan kitchen, living and dining, study room, box room, main bathroom, front and back balcony.

Price: €138,000 • Penthouse duplex: a total area of 144m2 , three bedrooms, main with ensuite, open-plan kitchen, living and dining, two main bathrooms (one on each floor), front and back balcony, front and back terrace. Price: €245,000 For more information call on M: 7720 2252.

Introducing the high-quality cleansing line from DR. GRANDEL

Cleansing your skin is a fundamental requisite to healthy skin care. Choosing a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin and leave it dry is an important task. Gentle cleansing products free the skin from make-up, dust and other impurities.

The cleansing line by DR. GRANDEL offers a comprehensive choice of products which prepare the skin optimally for high-quality skin care.

Choose the DR. GRANDEL Cleansing Milk which pampers your skin during cleansing with moisturising ingredients, giving the complexion a clean and well-cared for look, or choose the DR.

GRANDEL Purigel which turns into a skin-friendly foam when combined with water, for a fresher and clear complexion.

The DR. GRANDEL cleansing products are particularly friendly and gentle to the skin and at the same time offer thorough yet mild cleansing.

Available in Beauty Salons and Spas Trade Enquiries: CAREWELL by Reactilab. E: sales@reactilab.com; M: 9982 8498 or 9945 7245.

BDL Books Launches Reading Scheme For Students BDL Books has launched the Aqra Aktar scheme, which encourages reading among students by rewarding them with a voucher for every book they borrow and read, upon returning it to the library. Its motto is Il-Qari Jippremjak – Reading Is Rewarding, since it offers an incentive to promote reading. Students can redeem the vouchers from BDL Books, San Gwann.

in many church and independent schools, and was launched in state primary schools on 27 March at Mgarr Primary School. At the launch, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo emphasised the importance of reading, through which children imagine and experience new worlds full of adventures, dreams and discoveries.

The scheme is fully supported by the National Literacy Agency and the Secretariat for Catholic Education. It has been implemented

For further information about the Aqra Aktar scheme, visit www.bdlbooks.com/aqraaktar or Fb: AqraAktar

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WINDOW SHOPPING

Enrol your child in one of the best summer clubs in Malta scholastic year are divided according to their ages, and participate in all the sports activities during the seven weeks of summer between 10th July and 1st September.

The Sports 4 Kids Summer Club for boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 12 years allows children to enjoy a varied programme of both indoor and outdoor sports disciplines, combined with arts, crafts and cooking so as to keep their bodies active and their imagination alive. The school was the first to introduce the sports summer school concept in Malta when the first edition was held 16 years ago.

The school is located in St Dorothy’s School, on the outskirts of Zebbug on the new Mdina Road, which is easily accessible from all areas. A large car park is also available for pick-up and drop-off. Children originating from different schools in the regular academic

One can choose between a three-day programme or a full-week programme. The school is proud of the quality of the employed qualified coaches/instructors in each respective sporting discipline who work hard to introduce to the children the basic rules and playing/ performance methods and fundamentals.

The school timetable is devised so that each child over the age of six attending the Summer Club will have a minimum of one swimming session each and every day. Activities start daily at 8.30am and go on until 12.30pm with three different 70-minute sessions each day and a 30-minute mid-morning break. Early morning supervision and afternoon supervision are also offered.

Transport is also provided to any part of the island (conditions apply). Our mini buses offer door-to-door transport to those kids who require this service either

for the three-day or five-day programme.

An important feature and much sought-after element within our Sports School is swimming as the school can make exclusive use of its own 25m freshwater swimming pool and adjoining baby splash pool.

Pool sessions are held every day and each class has at least one session every day at the pool under the supervision of qualified instructors. Other sport activities include badminton, hockey, martial arts, football, basketball, yoga, team-building and life skills together with arts and crafts. Special outings are held including visits to the National Aquarium, Noah’s Ark, Esplora, bowling and much more.

At the end we also invite all parents to attend our open days and watch their children participate in various activities. The open days will be held on Thursday 31st August and Friday 1st September during school hours.

For further details call on T: 2146 7153 or 2146 7182 or visit www.edukservices.com

A PLACE FOR ALL SPORTS AT QORMI HOCKEY CLUB Qormi Hockey Club was established in 1971 to offer a home to those passionate about the sport of field hockey. Over the years, the club has grown, and the Qormi Hockey Team is now a successful competitor in both national and international games, with a highquality hockey nursery brimming with talented young players and dedicated coaches.

Recently under new management, the Qormi Hockey Club’s facilities include a newly-refurbished sevena-side pitch, showers, a meeting room, a bar and a children’s play area. The pitch’s new turf is specially designed to allow both field hockey

and football players to make use of the pitch.

The pitch is available to rent for five- or seven-a-side football games, which includes use of shower facilities. The pitch may also be rented for any other activities at request, including dinners and private tournaments. Customers are free to park their vehicles in the facilities’ private parking lot.

We look forward to welcoming you at Qormi Hockey Club. For more information or to book now, call on M: 9974 9155.