Female Focus - February 2021

Dep. Legal A-917-1993

E FR E

FEBRUARY 2021

Female Focus Publications serving the English speaking community throughout the Costa Blanca since 1993

Also inside this issue:- Legal - Walk Your Way Well with Niamh O'Sheehan - Finance Recipes - Health & Beauty - Your Horoscopes - Your Local Community News Stage Diary by Benny Davis - Club & Charity News - Proper�es - Local Business Classified Adverts - Puzzles - Prize Compe��on and so much more.....

Jason Fox:

We all have emotions, it’s called being human

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

QUICK

Page 2

www.femalefocusonline.com

CROSSWORD By the PA puzzles team

Across 1. Declare (5) 4. Pirate (7) 8. Terse (7) 9. Surge (5) 10. Delightful (4) 11. Wrestle (8) 13. Float (4) 14. Blemish (4) 16. Rash (8) 17. Entreaty (4) 20. Under (5) 21. Obvious (7) 22. Extract (7) 23. Skinflint (5)

Down 1. Invincible (13) 2. Invigorating (5) 3. Foray (4) 4. Invent (6) 5. Expedient (8) 6. Vindicator (7) 7. Theme park ride (6,7) 12. Disciple (8) 13. Pastoral (7) 15. View (6) 18. Smirks (5) 19. Stable (4)

See classified pages for answers JAGGERY A Irish dance B A coarse, dark sugar C Rough around the edges

MANUMIT A Muslim hermit B Tree that yields oil C Release from slavery

ANSWER: B

ANSWER: A

BY PA PUZZLES TEAM

LANOLIN A Fat from wool B Nut oil C Light cream

ANSWER: C

The word may sound familiar, but do you know what it means?

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 3

Fe�a�e F���� Maga���e Fe���a�� 2021

For years now, we have heard the word Brexit mentioned many, many times. Often, when I spoke to people about Brexit and the possible changes that would occur as a consequence, I just usually got a shrug or “what do you think is going to change – after all, we are British and Spain needs us” but at the end of the day, we are now classed as immigrants.

That of course, is true, but as we can see, there are already changes. Firstly, there is the TIE. If you are a resident, and have the green Residencia document or card, it is just a case of changing over. If you are not a resident, and plan to stay, you need to start this process if you haven’t already. This will require a Padron, proof of income and healthcare.

For those with UK registered vehicles, they will need to be changed to Spanish plates if you are here for more than 90 days, as will your driving licence. There is no alternative if you wish to continue living in Spain.

The Spanish government is now in talks with the UK and there may be some changes at some point, as separate agreements are made, which will include, hopefully an alternative to the EHIC card. But as there is very limited travelling at the moment, due to the COVID situation throughout the world, there is no immediately necessity for this.

My world, like everyone’s has become smaller and very frustrating and I just hope quantities of the vaccine will soon be available to take one factor away, which of course, is fear. I try not to become a recluse, as I so enjoy going out for meals, and looking at the sea, and chatting, but all the time, you are just keeping your fingers crossed, but this has now stopped. I do, however, feel safer in Spain as they seem to be far stricter on mixing and especially the wearing of masks. I do not understand, with such a high death rate in the UK, why mask wearing is not mandatory at all times, like here. I am convinced it does help and anything that helps, must be beneficial. ● For more information, or a quotation, please call one of my offices or visit the website, www.jennifercunningham.net.

Fe�a�e F���� Maga���e Fe���a�� 2021

Page 4

www.femalefocusonline.com

I know I keep saying it but please support your local businesses at this time. I know it is easy to go online and click on an item for it to appear soon after on your doorstep, but if you shop locally you really are helping local families who live, work and in turn support your local community.

During the lockdown I did a bit of siege mentality cooking and filled the freezer with homemade stews and soups. We are now having a lot of 'freezer surprise' meals. If you haven't heard Off Menu podcast featuring Sarah Millican then you will need to listen to it to understand 'freezer surprise', although basically it meant one night having soup with Yorkshire puddings instead of the stew I thought I had defrosted. I really need to label things before freezing them.

Also dating would be good as I am now slightly concerned I will give us food poisoning as I have no idea how long some of that chicken breast has been in there.....

Congratulations to Mrs. Taylor from Jalón who won last month's competition after spotting the Curry On Cooking logo. For your chance to win a selection of Curry Kits this month, see inside for full details. Good luck. Lesley Pick up your next issue on 2 March

Deadlines: Editorial & Advertising - 12 noon - 15 February.

Female Focus covering from Alicante North and the QFocus Magazine covering the Alicante South region.

To discuss your advertising needs with your local representative contact:-

Gandía to Jávea Roddy 688 815 405 or 96 575 6833 roddy@femalefocusonline.com

Finestrat to Moraira Alan 689 358 232 alan@femalefocusonline.com

Female Focus Publications are available from over 1000 distribution points throughout the Costa Blanca, making us the largest Free English language magazine publishers by far!

Like and Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/FemaleFocus/ Office: Mon to Fri. 10am - 2pm Tel. 657 501 055 editor@femalefocusonline.com advertising@femalefocusonline.com classifieds@femalefocusonline.com www.femalefocusonline.com Female Focus is proud to have been voted the third most popular magazine worldwide in the independent Expat Survey Consumer Awards

Female Focus Publications are supporters of www.aldeasinfantiles.es

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Page 6

www.femalefocusonline.com

Jason Fox: We all have emotions – it’s called being human TV’s Jason Fox talks about life after the military, men’s mental health, and why it really is OK to admit you’re having a tough time.

A former Royal Marine Commando and Special Forces Sergeant, Jason Fox is well qualified for his role on hit Channel 4 series SAS: Who Dares Wins, putting ordinary people though punishing physical and psychological tests.

Having joined the army at 16, he worked in hostage rescue, surveillance and counter terrorism among other things, before leaving the military with PTSD two decades later. He’s written several books since, the latest of which – Life Under Fire – looks at building inner strength and resilience.

Here, Fox, 44, talks to us about life after the military, and why mental health might be his most important cause…

Do you have an addiction to danger?

“I enjoy challenging myself, and did from an early age. It gives me a sense of achievement, so I like being in uncomfortable situations.

But I don’t go out of my way to find new and wonderful ways to kill myself; if something looked like it was going to be certain death, I wouldn’t do it. I don’t deliberately push my luck.”

You’ve talked about beating your demons and having suicidal thoughts…

“Demons are like your emotions. Human beings are driven by emotions, and we can sometimes allow them to control us, or be embarrassed by them. That makes us not talk about them, and when I went through my sticky patch and was contemplating suicide, I wasn’t being honest with myself about what my emotions were. I was trying to ignore them, which was just compounding the issue.

They’re my emotions, and it’s up to me what I do with them.”

How would you describe yourself now versus then?

“My description might be different to what others might say, but I’d say I’m a very positive person who enjoys life. I’m glad I went through what I did because it’s made me much more rounded in my approach to myself. I like to think I’m a reasonably aware person – not just of my own feelings but hopefully other people’s too.”

Did you on some level enjoy the chaos of war?

“It’s difficult to understand why soldiers miss it. It’s not that I miss the violence, I think what comes with the chaos is a very strong bond between you and the people you experience it with. That feeling of brotherhood with people you can trust with your life. It’s unfortunate you have to experience it in such dark places, but it is an addiction. It’s the sense of belonging that people miss.”

Do you think you’ve managed to find that again with your work?

“Yeah, I think so. My purpose now is to enjoy life, but also to help people in whatever capacity I can. Whether that’s through talking about mental health, or through my organisation (Fox co-founded Rock2Recovery which supports people in the forces, veterans and their families dealing with stress).

And what do you think Who Dares Wins does for people?

“We all put in an awful lot of effort to give people a life-changing experience. It looks like we’re just screaming and shouting, but there’s a lot more than is shown. It’s an opportunity for people to really push themselves – to see what they’re actually capable of. I love the way all the people who come on are so surprised by what they can achieve.”

What was your journey out of the army like?

“It wasn’t sudden. On my final tour of Afghanistan, there are moments I can pinpoint when I felt strange things. Like lying in a ditch and suddenly thinking about being at home as a 10-year-old boy, when I’m supposed to be a seasoned combat veteran.

By Luke Rix-Standing, PA

“When I came back from that tour, I was so unmotivated. I wasn’t having flashbacks or anything, but I was supposed to be a leader and it just wasn’t right. I tried to explore that, to restore my military mojo, and it turned out I’d contracted PTSD and was in a fit of depression.”

Did you feel a loss of purpose?

“Yeah. I was told the thing that would fix me was leaving the military. I wasn’t totally happy with it, but I had to listen. Then I woke up expecting to feel better, and I didn’t, I felt worse. I’d lost my sense of belonging, and no longer felt part of something that had been a massive part of my life since I was 16. There’s an identity there, so you’re left thinking, ‘Who am I? What’s my purpose?'”

Do you look back on your army days and think about the lives you cut short, or those you couldn’t save?

“Not any more, because it is what it is. The by-product of that job is extreme violence, but I enjoyed soldiering. I enjoyed the sense of purpose, the camaraderie, the different skills. I didn’t enjoy being extremely violent, and I genuinely believe most of the blokes I worked with didn’t enjoy it either.

“When you’re in a gunfight, no one’s angry, no one’s happy – it’s just what you do. And the people I couldn’t save – I can’t change it. I did revisit it for a period and it wasn’t helpful for my mental health, so I learned from that and moved forward.”

You talk a lot in the book about hiding your PTSD. Do you think there is still an inclination among men to close down?

“It’s a by-product of old attitudes. Different things work for different people, but to blanket men with this idea that you just need to shut up and ‘man up’ is not helpful. It obviously doesn’t work for a lot of people, because men are killing themselves at an astonishing rate.

“We need men to know that if they don’t feel good, that’s all right, and it’s a natural reaction to something. It’s called being human.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want it to be an excuse – ‘I can’t do this and I can’t do that’ – you’ve got to find a little bit of grit and determination to help you through tough times. But please, please find the right people you feel comfortable talking to, because that 100% saved me.”

Was it a bit of a revelation when you did open up?

“Yeah. One of the most pivotal moments was on the first series of Who Dares Wins, as one of the main reasons I went on the show was to use it as a platform to talk about mental health. I knew when episode two came out at nine o’ clock on a Monday, it was [going to be] me on national TV saying, ‘I’ve been medically discharged for PTSD and I suffer from depression’. I was so scared, so anxious, and not a nice person to be around that day.

“I had no idea how it was going to be received, but when it went out, the feedback was awesome. I felt such a sense of empowerment, like the biggest weight had been lifted, because I’d admitted something real and said: ‘That’s who I am’. I didn’t need to keep up this façade of being this super tough bloke. I’m so pleased I did it.”

What would your older self say to your younger self?

“If you start to feel a certain way and it doesn’t sit right – address it. Talk with someone you trust. That’s probably the only thing, really – you’re going to go through some things, but it’s OK. Don’t be ashamed of it. Talk to someone.”

Life Under Fire: How To Build Inner Strength And Thrive Under Pressure

by Jason Fox is published by Penguin Random House, priced £20. Available now.

Picture credit: Penguin Random House/ PA.

www.femalefocusonline.com

5 Pilates exercises

Female Focus Magazine February 2021 Page 7 3. Kneeling Side Kick

to beat stress

By Claire Spreadbury, PA Picture credit: Claire Spreadbury/PAPhotos.

Too much work, not enough (if any) work, working from home – we’re living in unprecedented times, and they’re stressful.

Not being able to connect with friends and family as we normally would, the mountain of anxiety caused from the pandemic, which has made many of us experience feelings of loss, loneliness and general low mood. There is (finally) a light at the end of the tunnel, but too many of us are feeling stressed right now.

The connection between the exercise mat and your mental health is real, says fitness expert Laura Williams. Research has shown time and again that exercise can play a significant role in helping manage anxiety, boost mood and increase resilience via numerous, complex processes.

“Pilates ticks many of the mental health boxes,” says Williams.

“For a start, the concentration required to get the simplest-looking moves right will help keep your mind occupied and help you switch off.”

And the slow, precise movement is surprisingly soothing: “As you focus and use limbs at a slower pace, your breathing tends to slow too, which has a big calming effect,” she adds.

“And let’s not forget that core focus: some of these moves require serious abdominal control, which will soon distract you from other concerns.”

These five go-to, mind-soothing moves work wonders for strengthening, stretching and switching off.

1. Resting your weight on your left leg and left arm, place your right hand behind your head.

2. Extend your right leg out at hip height, and sweep forwards before pulsing for a count of two.

3. Sweep your leg back behind you and pulse for a count of two.

4. Do eight kick cycles in total, before switching sides.

4. The Saw

1. Shoulder Bridge

1. Lie on your back with your legs bent.

2. Lift your hips and back off the mat and come up onto your shoulders.

3. Advanced version: extend arms behind you as you come up onto your shoulders. Extend one leg out in front of you and lower towards the ground, twice.

4. Repeat five times.

2. Single Leg Circle

1. Lie on your back with one leg resting on the ground and the other extended above your hip.

2. Sweep your leg out to the side and circle back to the starting position.

3. Do five circles in each direction. Change sides.

4. Minimise movement in the torso: use abdominals to keep your back flat.

1. Sitting upright with arms outstretched, rotate your upper body to the left.

2. Sweep your left hand to right toes, before returning to the centre.

3. Repeat on the other side.

4. Perform five ‘saws’ to each side.

5. Hip Twist 1. From a seated position, extend your arms behind you and your legs out in front of you.

2. Sweep your legs around and down in a circular movement, switching direction at the top.

3. Do a total of 10 circles.

4. Modified version: bend elbows, placing more weight on the arms and shoulders for support.

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 8

Walk Your Way Well

by Niamh O'Sheehan

We’ve all heard the term “Well-Being” bandied about enthusiastically like it’s a new religion right! The world’s gone mad for this latest craze that follows the word of certain gurus, life-coaches and yogis. All these wise guides with the sole purpose of leading their followers to a sound state of physical and emotional well-being.

What’s your take on all that malarkey? I reckon if a person is going to follow a code or devote themselves to a pursuit then they won’t do much harm by looking after themselves better! Shouldn’t we all strive for a more comfortable, healthy, or happy existence? Sounds like a phenomenal belief system to me. The difference of course is that there is nothing supernatural or otherworldly when it comes to worshipping the idea of self improvement and overall general well-being. YOU ALONE HAVE THE POWER! As I write this (too close to final dead-line grunts The FF Editor) I am also juggling full-time work, the 3 kids, Veganuary, a 200km January walking challenge, an online self-development course and living through a global pandemic. I sometimes wonder how I can organise it all. But, I think I know one of the key reasons I manage is that I enjoy A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP. The course I’m doing, with the highly respected Andy Ramage (www.andyramage.com), focuses on 6 skills that, when tackled and enhanced, will lead to a more serene and more successful life. Anyone like to take a guess at the 6 skills? It’s not rocket science but that certainly doesn’t make it easy to conquer them. The abbreviated list is as follows: #Sleep #Movement #Nutrition #Connections #QuietTime #Alcohol Now, every month I harp on about the importance and value of movement (that’s what all that talk of WALKING has been about in case you missed my point!) But, what I might have failed to mention is the obvious connection between Movement & Optimised Sleep. It is essential to acquire a good night’s sleep to be able to operate on full throttle and to your best potential day in and day out. Sleep is vital to ones well-being. And if you are tired then it is possible that you are not looking after other areas in your life (nutrition, friendships, relaxation, drinking alcohol). I’m going to cut to the chase here and give you a MASSIVE life hack; A good old fashioned brisk walk and a blast of fresh air can help you sleep better.

There are many biological reasons that sleep is required including cellular regeneration, energy conservation, improved brain function, increased immunity etc. Sleep is both natural and complex and is a fascinating field of study for those who enjoy learning about what we humans are all about. But, if you just want a quick and easy solution to settle the unwanted twisting and turning then I would encourage you to boot up and hit the hills and highways. Exercise, particularly walking in nature, decreases symptoms of stress and anxiety which lead to sleeplessness. A brisk 30 minute walk a day helps with digestion, heart rate and high blood pressure. All of these issues can upset your sleep pattern.

The key to “well-being” is almost in the cataclysmic chain reaction that takes place as you start to tackle problem areas in your life.

Good exercise is linked to great sleep which leads to less stress which encourages better meaningful connections which prompts you to drink less booze to numb emotions which means you are more mindful about what you eat. All sounds pretty amazing right! So, just imagine where the days path could lead you if you dig out the dusty walking poles this morning and go for a hefty hike. Why not be mindful of how you sleep on your lazy blue days compared to how you sleep on your healthier more active days. I bet you’ll notice a difference. Please give it a try - Walk Your Way to Sleep……..Walk Your Way Well.

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 9

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Investment Trends and Diversification The world is constantly evolving and we as human beings are continuing to change with it. Financial markets are no exception and along with legislation, investment trends also change over time.

An investment trend is a shift of emphasis from investors to a particular stock, sector or market which they expect to grow significantly in the future. The majority of retail clients will, however, have little knowledge about underlying funds and so this highlights one of the major benefits of engaging with a financial adviser.

Whilst some trends can be short-lived events, such as a switch to commodities (in particular- Gold) when markets are volatile, others have a more indefinite timescale. If you can time an investment right into this type of trend, you could achieve some excellent returns over time.

A good example of this was last year when we saw Covid-19 starting to cause a real problem worldwide. As part of our ongoing servicing, we sat down here at Logic to discuss our thoughts on how Covid would most likely affect markets.

We identified not only potential issues at the time, but also investment opportunities for clients moving forward. One of the conclusions we drew was how important Technology would be during this period of remote working and restricted mobility. We recommended that our clients increased their exposure within the technology sector, and they have since benefited significantly.

Looking ahead to this year and beyond, another area which has really come to fruition in recent times is the sustainable energy sector.

It is true to say that this sector would not have been mentioned 10 years ago but is one which has really gathered pace in the last few years. With more and more people aware of the need to invest in sustainable living, we have seen a remarkable shift towards this sector; one which we expect to continue thriving.

Above all, diversification and regular servicing of your investments remain key. It is of no use having money invested in assets which were exceptional 10 years ago but are no longer keeping pace with the changes in life and investment trends. The importance of reviewing portfolios on a regular basis should never be underestimated and we believe that as part of the ongoing servicing of your investments, your financial adviser should be in regular contact with you keeping you informed.

Holding a diversified portfolio of proven funds will go a long way to protecting your investment in the event of a downturn in markets, at the same time as providing you with a solid portfolio capable of delivering positive and consistent returns over the medium-to-long term.

If you would like to talk to us about your existing portfolio, or you are looking at creating a new investment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

â—? Logic Financial Consultants are fully regulated & licensed financial advisers, covering the Costa Blanca, Murcia and Canary Islands. We can travel to you, or you can visit our office at Calle Andres Lambert 24, 1B, JĂĄvea. Tel: 965 020 444.

Email: info@logicfc.com Web: www.logicfinancialconsultants.com.

Fe�a�e F���� Maga���e Fe���a�� 2021

Page 10

www.femalefocusonline.com

The importance of Staying Optimistic and Active during the Pandemic We were all hoping that 2021 would somehow be instantly different from 2020.

Well, that wasn't to be, was it? But most experts are still of the opinion that things will improve considerably as the year progresses, although clearly it is going to take a while yet.

So staying optimistic during times of crisis certainly can be challenging, but it is critical to our mental well-being and to our immune system.

So how do we remain hopeful in this uncertain time? As with any goal in life, it is best to have a plan, or a to do list, or as a minimum have some ideas to work on. So here are some suggestions for uplifting your outlook: Recognise what you are doing well and give yourself credit. Think about the recent struggles and the great way in which you have handled things so far Top up on sleep and get on top of things you usually push to the side. You will feel a massive sense of achievement.

Learn something new. Whichever situation you are in, learning something interesting and challenging will bring rich mental rewards Practice gratefulness. Even when life seems bleak, there are things we still have for which we should be extremely grateful.

Start your day with a positivity routine. Take a few minutes to find yourself – and smile and start your day on a positive note.

Slow down. Don’t rush into things. There is no need to hurry right now. Pace yourself and let go of some usual anxieties.

Relax your body. Check-in on your muscles regularly and if you are tensing up, breathe and relax.

Exercise. Aside from its physical benefits, exercising releases endorphins in your body which triggers feelings of positivity, so be sure to include an exercise routine into your day, even if it’s only a short one.

Create and nurture your digital community. Just because we are social distancing, it doesn’t mean we cannot stay in touch with our family and friends.

Incorporate humour and laughter into your day. Numerous studies have confirmed the benefits of laughter on the human body and mind - laughter is the best medicine.

Walk away from distressful conversations and situations. Don't obsess over constant news coverage, and updates about the spread of the virus. Creating a healthy balance helps us maintain a sense of normality and control over our mental health.

Have faith. Have faith that there will be a life after Corona, and believe in yourself and your endless capacity to love, and to be loved.

● To join, telephone Laure Bolufer the AAEdJ Registration Manager on 96 579 6099. Or call into the office and see her, Laure works from 10am to 1pm every weekday.

The Head Office of AAEdJ is located at Avenida Juan Carlos 1, No 69, 03730, Jávea. (24hr emergency telephone number 965 796 099.) Email: amigos_europeos@yahoo.es

Valentine's Day is named after Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest who lived in Rome in the 3rd Century. There are many stories about St Valentine and over time these stories grew into the legend we know today...

St Valentine's Day is an annual festival to celebrate romantic love, friendship and admiration.

Every year on 14 February people celebrate this day by sending messages of love and affection to partners, family and friends.

Couples send Valentine's Day cards, flowers and gifts, and spend special time together to honour their love for each other.

The Early History of Valentine's Day At the time of Valentine's life, many Romans were converting to Christianity, but the Emperor Claudius II was a pagan and created strict laws about what Christians were allowed to do.

Claudius believed that Roman soldiers should be completely devoted to Rome and therefore passed a law preventing them from marrying. But Valentine, being a priest, began to marry these soldiers in secret Christian ceremonies and this was the beginning of his reputation for believing in the importance of love.

Eventually, Valentine was found out and jailed for his crimes against Claudius. While imprisoned, Valentine cared for his fellow prisoners and also his jailor's blind daughter.

Legend has it that Valentine cured the girl's blindness and that his final act before being executed was to write her a love message signed ‘from your Valentine'. Valentine was executed on 14 February in the year 270.

How did Valentine's Day develop?

It wasn't until more than 200 years later that 14 February was proclaimed St Valentine's Day. By this time Rome had become Christian and the Catholic Church was determined to stamp out any remaining paganism. A pagan fertility ritual was held in February each year and the Pope abolished this festival and proclaimed 14 February Saint Valentine's Day, thus establishing this feast day onto the Catholic Calendar of Saints.

Valentine's Day Symbols The practice of sending love messages developed into people sending special cards expressing their affection. These cards were beautiful creations handmade by the sender and individually designed to show how much they loved the recipient.

Cards would usually contain sentimental verse, proclaiming the beauty of the receiver and how much they were loved.

Saint Valentine's Day cards were traditionally decorated with pictures of cupid, hearts and flowers and trimmed with lace and ribbon. These images are still used today to symbolise love and are recognised all over the world.

And to further show their love and devotion, flowers and gifts were also given.

This year 2021 At this time in our history, with the pandemic so rife, please remember to show love and affection to your partner, family and friends this Valentine's Day and let's try to help our community by shopping local, thinking local and supporting local.

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Page 12

www.femalefocusonline.com

Special February Discount for Cosmetic Surgery booked in February At this time of year we are all beginning to look forward to spring and the warmer weather. Many of us think about going on diets, shedding the winter pounds and improving ourselves.

With this in mind, here at Clinic El Arenal we are delighted to be offering a special discount for all cosmetic surgery procedures booked this month.

Our clinic always offers a warm welcome, and a free first consultation meeting to discuss any cosmetic improvements that you feel you would like to consider.

We offer a wide range of procedures including: - Eyelid adjustment improvement - Ear pinning - Facelifts - Batwing correction and Tummy tucks - Skin tag removal - Mole extraction - Vitamin C natural health boost therapy is also taken at Clinica Arenal. When taken by intravenous infusion this natural health boost enhances your body protection and maintains your immune system, a great advantage against Covid 19.

- Pain relief using CBD oil, and its other health benefits.

These are just a few examples of what we can offer with confidence.

Your first consultation is entirely free, with absolutely no obligation. A friendly chat about what you would like to consider is our pleasure to offer.

Now is one of the best times to consider cosmetic surgery and you could look forward to revitalising your looks ready for Easter as a new you.

Call today for your first free cosmetic assessment, all without charge.

Our general family GP service is also available. â—? Clinica El Arenal, Av Arenal 2, JĂĄvea. Telephone: 966 166 733 or Email clinicaarenal@gmail.com

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 13

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Head-to-Toe Body Scan Reveals the Hidden Cause of Pain and Chronic Diseases The doctors at MedB do not practise 'Guess-Work' medicine. They understand that the first step in treating any disease is knowing the cause of the disease.

And therein lies the biggest challenge in healthcare today and why MedB is leading the way in medical diagnostics.

MedB Health specialises in Whole Body Diagnostic Scans to discover precisely the cause of any health concerns you may have.

The non-invasive scan examines in detail all organs in the body, including the brain, heart, arteries, stomach, liver, kidneys, prostate, breasts, joints and bones. It detects diseases present in organs and causing ill-health.

But most importantly, the scan detects the hidden causes of diseases. These may be infectious viruses, bacteria or fungi, the build-up of toxins such as lead and mercury or a deficiency of crucial nutrients. The scan also looks for other causes of diseases such as food allergies, chemical sensitivity and harmful electromagnetic energies.

HOW IT WORKS You book an appointment over the phone or online and visit the clinic for the scan.

The entire scan takes about 45 minutes, while you're comfortably seated and observing the process on a screen. The data from the scan is processed, and the reports sent to your online patient portal where you can access them anytime you want.

After the scan, one of the MedB doctors or specialists review your reports with you via online video or telephone.

You will also have a 30-minute lifestyle assessment with a MedB doctor's assistant who takes you through a personalised questionnaire. The questionnaire explores the details of your lifestyle, diet and environment to discover harmful factors affecting your health. You will also receive advice and recommendations on the adjustments you should make to improve your overall health.

The doctor's review of your scan will also include any treatment recommendations that you need.

The doctors at MedB are specialists in preventive and regenerative medicine and use science-based natural medications that are clinically proven to heal the body.

The MedB scan is the most detailed and complete scan available today. It is for people who have chronic health problems and haven't found a solution and people who are healthy and want to continue to stay healthy.

At MedB, we care for your health long after you have had a scan with us, and you can get in touch with us at any time for any health queries you have.

To book a full body scan, call +34 865 616 862 or for more information visit www.medbhealth.com. Clinic in Jรกvea, Edif La Plaza, Avda del Pla, 122, Local 5, 03730 and in Torrevieja on Calle Caramujo, 1162, Punta Marina, Punta Prima, 03185. l Article supplied by Karen Gardner at Clinica dental la Plaza, Jรกvea. Telephone: 96 646 1120.

Fe�a�e F���� Maga���e Fe���a�� 2021

Page 14

www.femalefocusonline.com

Don’t suffer with Joint Pain, we have a solution for you.

Joints form the connections between bones and provide the support that helps us to move. Any damage to the joints from disease or injury can interfere with your movement and cause discomfort and often debilitating pain.

Different conditions can lead to painful joints, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, gout, strains, sprains, and other injuries.

WHAT'S CAUSING MY JOINT PAIN? Why wait and continue to suffer? See a Traumatologist now to help diagnose and treat your condition before it deteriorates. They are the specialists in all aspects of joint injury and pain.

• Joint or musculoskeletal pain due to an injury • Progressive pain in the hip or knee that is aggravated when carrying weight • Severe and disabling joint pain • Moderate or advanced arthritis in the knee or hip • Failure of other treatments for joint pain • Need for a joint replacement • Use of Plasma Rich Platelet (PRP) or Hyaluronic acid treatment.

• Stem Cell treatment.

Wet wipes, condoms, sanitary products, nappies and cotton buds do not belong down the toilet

The use of an x-ray, ultrasound, blood test or MRI is often necessary to check the inflammation and degeneration of the joint.

Clinica Britannia can offer a quick and effective solution to any of your pain issues. Contact us for an appointment with our Specialist.

● Clinica Britannia, Ejércitos Españoles 16, 1st Floor, Calpe. Tel 965 837 553 or 607 255 755 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 15

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

"Life was absolutely miserable, the difference that SMP has made to my life is unbelievable" Interview with Mr Glenn Wardle by Female Focus magazine At around the age of 42, Glenn Wardle began to suffer very badly from Alopecia. Having gone from a full head of hair to losing all the hair on the lower part of the back of his head, Glenn felt extremely unhappy.

Every time he queued up to pay at a petrol station, or at the bank, or at the bar in a pub, he would feel people's eyes burning into the back of his head. As the condition worsened and the bald patch became larger, the dreading of going out in public literally brought Glenn out in cold sweats.

For about 10 years Glenn had no option other than to let his remaining hair grow longer and longer in an attempt to hide the bald areas. Not only did this look scruffy, but it also was totally impractical. Every time that it rained or if it was a windy day, the disguise attempts completely failed, and embarrassment ensued.

Eventually it reached the stage where the alopecia was ruining Glenn's life. "It was really dragging me down, to absolute rock bottom. I couldn't go out anywhere on spec, sometimes I would spend an hour or more colouring or dyeing my skin and remaining hair, trying to make them match".

However, with the advent of the internet, Glenn's daughter started looking for a solution for something to help her now desperate Dad. She came across the solution of Scalp Micro Pigmentation (SMP) and she and Glenn began researching for the best practitioner. After consultations with two other SMP specialists, Glenn felt comfortable to undergo treatment with Daz Day, founder of Scalpmastery, mainly because of Daz's many years of experience, and because Daz had gone bald and had himself undergone the SMP journey.

After the redness of the first treatment had subsided Glenn knew without any doubt that this was the best decision he had ever made. "I couldn't have been more over the moon! My daughter and I couldn't believe how good the treatment looked".

And that was after only the first session, where Daz had only coloured Glenn's scalp lightly.

Because more sessions will make the appearance darker, until a close match is achieved.

"The difference that Daz and SMP has made to my life has been completely unbelievable. What was once the number one all-consuming problem in my life has gone to nothing, it is no longer a problem at all. I don't even think about my bald areas anymore."

"I would absolutely recommend Daz and Scalpmastery to absolutely everyone who has thinning, receding or missing hair such as mine."

Photo 1 – Glenn before the treatment, with long scruffy hair attempting to hide the problem.

Photo 2 & 3 – Glenn immediately after (hence the redness) but showing a new smarter self-confident Glenn.

● For more information about SMP please see www.scalpmastery.com or call Daz on (0034) 628 101 711 or landline (0034) 966 670 500.

CLOSING DOWN SALE at THE LONDON BOUTIQUE in JALON The London Boutique in Jalón have announced that after 18 glorious years, they are closing down.

Owner Ann has been doing (as she puts it) “a lot of soul searching” over the past few years and with the impact of the current health situation, it’s now time.

Ann asked if we’d pass on a message: “We’d like to thank our customers for their support over the past 18 years and additionally thank all the girls that have worked for us; Pam, Gaynor, Jenny, Karen, Margaret, Kay and Melva and express how grateful we are for their help and support”.

The London Boutique were one of the earlier advertisers in Female Focus and have become a fixture in the Jalón Valley community. We wish everyone at London Boutique all the best and thank them for supporting Female Focus over the years.

Fe�a�e F���� Maga���e Fe���a�� 2021

AS SEEN ON TV

Page 16

www.femalefocusonline.com

Spicy Masala Oat Pancakes

If you are bored with porridge, overnight oats or bircher muesli try this pancake recipe for a change. Grinding the oats to a fine powder to make these super easy pancakes makes breakfast much more interesting. This is a great alternative for Shrove Tuesday if you fancy a spicy pancake. These can be made into mini drop scones or if preferred larger pancakes. The fenugreek leaves can be replaced with chopped spinach.

Ingredients 85g rolled oats finely ground 2 tablespoons gram flour (chickpea flour) ½ teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon/to taste salt 1⁄2 small onion finely chopped 1 inch ginger grated 1 green chilli chopped optional 1 small carrot grated 2 tablespoons fenugreek leaves chopped optional Oil rapeseed/veg oil Water, as needed Time: 30 minutes. Serves: 4.

Top tip: Any Curry On Cooking spice kit can be used to replace the spices. Use half of the sachet.

Recipe In a mixing bowl add the ground oats, the gram flour along with all the spices; cumin seeds, garam masala, salt, black pepper and mix well.

Add the ginger, chillies, onions, carrots and fenugreek leaves.

Mix everything well and add water to make into a runny pancake batter. Cover and refrigerate for 5 minutes.

In a tawa Indian griddle pan or a non-stick frying pan, heat a teaspoon of oil to a medium heat.

Stir the pancake batter; pour a ladleful on to the pan and with the back of tablespoon spread the batter evenly in a round shape. Keep the heat on low, cook for 4-5 minutes or until the underside is cooked a little. Flip the pancake, cook the other side for 2-3 minutes on lowmedium heat. Flip and cook until it becomes golden on both sides.

Cook the rest and serve with raita or mint chutney.

NEW! JOIN THE CLUB The Spice Sisters have launched a 3 month Curry Club Subscription Club.

Each month your letterbox subscription will contain all the spices and recipes with links to the videos needed to create authentic dishes from scratch. Rustle up a feast to impress. A great gift for a foodie, curry lover or someone you are missing! Find out more at www.curryoncooking.com

● Recipe supplied by The Spices Sisters from Curry On Cooking. Don’t forget to

like them on Facebook 'Curry On Cooking'. You can purchase their currylicious kits from www.curryoncooking.com.

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 17

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Root shadowing, melting, smudging… No, it’s not a dental treatment!

Spring is just around the corner and many people are looking forward with renewed optimism, so lift your spirits and treat yourself to a new hair colour - it’s a great tonic!! Bring on the trends for 2021!

Root shadowing, in this hair colour technique we apply a darker creating a sun kissed, more natural shade to the roots and blend through giving a soft, seamless contrast. look, and can be lower maintenance It's a great way to refresh your look, giving your colour depth and than traditional highlights however dimension, it is often combined with balayage highlights. So if watch for the trend of chunky bold you are looking to enhance your existing root colour or hide a few highlights which is looking to make a comeback for those who like a look of those greys this could be for you!

Colour melting, it is a technique we love, that blends the root with big impact. colour with highlights or balayage to make the base colour look If you watched the popular series like it is melting into the other tones, softening and blurring the ‘The Queens Gambit’ on Netflix you would have seen the stunning red hair lines in the hair colour without harsh demarcation.

Warm sandy and cool beige tones are still very popular with of the lead actress, this has lead to an those who like to keep a beach vibe all year round so if you have upsurge in the demand for these deep light ends from last summer we can elevate the tone and shine by copper red shades. So if you want to applying colour to the roots and blending to your existing colour stand out from the crowd with a bold new look this could be the colour and tone the ends and make a fresh new look. range for you.

Did you grow out your colour and now feel too grey or flat? How about some baby lights to keep a natural look with more of a The expert stylists at Mimis Kru can bring your colour vision to life through "WOW!"? creative colouring techniques.

We are regularly asked to make the colour a bit brighter or lighter We have the best products at our disposal to create dramatic or around the front, the trend from last year, often called the money more natural personalised looks. Discuss with us the looks you piece, continues in popularity so if you feel you need some like, your commitment to time in the salon and budget and we lightness around your face this is a great option! can advise on the best options for you to create that beautiful Balayage, from the French word sweeping, in the hair world individualised look. Call 96 579 3584 and book a free consultation means hand painted highlights. The colour is applied gently away and let us explore your future colour. from the roots becoming heavier along the length of the hair. The Treat yourself for Valentines. Gift vouchers available. lightest shade is applied most heavily at the ends of the hair often ● Local 12, Edificio Caribe, Av del Pla 129, Jávea. Tel 96 579 3584. www.mimiskruhairandbeauty.com Facebook Mimiskru. See our advert on the Horoscopes page.

SUDOKU Here are four Sudoku puzzles of different skill levels for you to try.

It is not a maths game at all - it is a pure logic game.

Fill in the grid so that every r o w, e v e r y c o l u m n a n d e v e r y 3 x 3 grid contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repeats, which means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Page 18

www.femalefocusonline.com

Laila, Podenco/Pointer Cross, DOB 22.05.2009 - 60cm. Laila is very social and sweet and would be good in any new loving home. She loves playing with the other dogs at the shelter. Please call 618 754 635 or visit www.apasa.eu.

Lotita, a Podenco, had to fend for herself for a long time on the streets. We have been building up her confidence. She enjoys being petted and being with people, she will make a lovely family member. Lolita is vaccinated, chipped and has a passport so, please contact today on Whatsapp/phone on 657 689 567 or email akirashelter@aol.com for more information.

Tanamera is a small animal rescue, located in Valencia, Spain, privately run by volunteers who rescue, rehome and rehabilitate ex hunting dogs. For more information email: stichtingtanamera@gmail.com or find them on Facebook (Tanamera Rescue) We have many cats and kittens available for adoption. Shelter open every Sunday 10am 12pm or call Luisa 648 100 629.

Denia Cat Protection League – Aldea Felina http://www.aldeafelina.es Meet Eddie. He is a happy 6 year old who wants to be loved. He is 18 kilos, great with other dogs, spayed, fully vaccinated and blood tested clear.

Please call 650 304 746 or email p.e.p.a.animalcharity@gmail.com

WORD SPIRAL

Meet Our Horses! Join us on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings at APAC Rescue Horses to see the horses and help support us. Everyone Welcome. For more information email apacprotectora@gmail.com, visit www.apac-cv.com or Facebook: Apac Rescue Horses.

This is Elsa, she was found in October with a rope tied around her neck, she was extremely thin and malnourished. She is relatively young and a lovely natured dog. For more information please call 685 524 049. Benidorm Animal Shelter (Protectora de Animales y Plantas Benidorm).

They do not come much sweeter than this older Podenco. Linda is 9 years old and is looking for a quiet life with as much love and affection that you have to give. Linda has no medical issues. Please contact apropego@gmail.com, Tel No 654 616 043.

Calling all clubs and charities - let us know about your forthcoming events and animals for adoption. See page 4 for contact details.

WORDSPIRAL 1 - CLUES

BY PA PUZZLES TEAM

&

Starting from 1, fill in the grid in a clockwise direction with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next word.

If you have correctly filled in the grid there should be a seven-letter key word reading across from 8.

&

1. Takes a seat 2. Celebrity 3. Ostrich-like bird 4. Highest point 5. Revise 6.

Performing trip 7. Harvest 8. Fruit type 9. Bacon skin 10. Twofold 11. Walk unevenly 12. Smoke hard 13. Horizontal 14. Burial vault 15. Soft mass or drop 16. Use one’s teeth on.

Key word clue: Body part.

WORDSPIRAL 2 - CLUES 1. Cod, say 2. Maori war chant 3. Nautical cry 4. Spun thread 5. Unclothed 6. Flat 7. Unfeeling 8. Round sports object 9. Country road 10. Fencing sword 11. Engrave 12. Elevated 13. Take notice of 14. Slightly wet 15.

Conspiracy 16. Tinge.

Key word clue: Surname.

Answers to puzzles in the classified pages

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 19

our ARIES Don't jump to conclusions before hearing the full story. Getting angry will not solve anything and will just make enemies. Find out the facts and then decide on your course of action.

TAURUS Getting out of your comfort zone will lead you to do something you would never have thought of. It will also mean you meet people who you would have never come into contact with. This will lead to new ideas beginning to form and exciting times ahead.

GEMINI With a much healthier attitude towards your to do list you will start flying through the tasks. Making sure you concentrate on each job will mean you don't make mistakes and have to redo it again.

CANCER A friendship is turning into something deeper. Think carefully before taking it to the next level or put some distance between you if you do not want it to go there. Changing the way you do things is the only way things will turn out differently.

LEO A text or email can lead to someone mistaking the tone it was sent in so be careful to let them know how you mean it to sound. Offering help to someone will be more appreciated than you will know.

VIRGO Where you would normally be over careful regarding money you find yourself wanting to take a risk on something you would usually pass over.

Towards the end of the month you need to do some decluttering. For some this means your desk or wardrobe, for others it means some of your 'friends'.

Fe�a�e F���� Maga���e Fe���a�� 2021

oroscope LIBRA As your popularity soars it is a good time to put forward an idea that has been taking shape for a while. Everyone will be more than happy to help you make it happen. Someone close to you needs your help but will not ask - go to them and give it.

SCORPIO Keep an open mind about things this month and you will find yourself listening to new ideas you would not normally have given the time of day to. Work out which are better than yours and then be graceful enough to give credit where credit is due.

SAGITTARIUS Taking more time to embrace technology will open up a whole new world for you. For some it might mean discovering podcasts, for others getting a smart TV. There is so much out there, you will wish you had done it sooner.

CAPRICORN You will need to be clever with your money to make it work for you. You are tired of just going with the flow and need a bit of spontaneity right now. Fortunately there seem to be a lot of friends feeling the same.

AQUARIUS Although you like to be in charge, now is the time to call on the guidance of others to get the job done. It is not a failure to ask for help when you need it, in fact it is the opposite - a show of your strength.

PISCES If you stop worrying about your ability or not to do something and just do it, you will be so pleased with the outcome you will wonder what all the fuss was about. Have more confidence in your abilities.

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Page 20

www.femalefocusonline.com

6 interior trends set to be big in 2021

By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA

&

Design platform Houzz have revealed their top pandemic-fuelled predictions for the new year. Sam Wylie-Harris finds out more.

After an unprecedented year, how will the pandemic have shaped interior trends to come?

There’s no doubt how we used our homes, and what we want from them, changed dramatically during 2020. According to home renovation and design platform Houzz.co.uk, this is already being reflected in popular search terms and design directions.

So, what can we expect to see more of in 2021? Houzz analysed their site data, browsed hundreds of home design photos, and interviewed professionals on Houzz Pro to reveal six key home design trends for the year to come.

Here’s a look, along with tips on how to make them work in your home…

1. The return of the all-white kitchen This neutral, light-enhancing choice for the hardestworking room in the house is growing in popularity again, with searches for ‘white kitchen’ rising significantly during 2020. We’re also seeing many popular photos on Houzz that have white worktops and expect to see more in 2021, perhaps reflecting a pandemic-fuelled desire for clean-looking cook spaces.

“We’re seeing a resurgence of white kitchens but with people leaning towards matte designs rather than gloss, which was favoured a few years ago,” explains Josh Delane, director of kitchen designers, The Wood Works. “It pairs well with metallic accents like brass, bronze, copper and even matte black fixtures.”

In terms of worktops, Delane says: “Veined and marble effect quartz worktops are surging in popularity – a good alternative to real marble, which is porous and can be stained easily, making it challenging to maintain in a kitchen. White Corian is also a popular choice and nice on longer islands, as it can be cut and joined seamlessly.” continued on facing page

1. A TV star, I was born in London in 1909. My real name was Phyllis Pechey.

My father was a novelist and I wrote for the Daily Telegraph in the 1950s. A television chef, I have been the subject of a play by Julia Darling, and in 2006 was played on television by Julia Davis.

and The Grudge 2.

4. A TV writer and producer, I was born in London in 1929. I was born with the surname ‘Abrahams’. I began working on feature films during the 1950s and produced my first TV show in 1957. I am the creator of the popular television 2. An author, I was born in Scotland series Thunderbirds. in 1860. I attended the same university as Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur 5. A singer, I was born in Staten Island Conan Doyle. My plays include The in 1941. I had my first UK Top Ten hit Admirable Crichton and Quality Street, in 1965. Two of my best-known hits are and I created the children’s character Joe Hill and Diamonds & Rust, and my most recent album was entitled Whistle Peter Pan. Down the Wind.

3. An actress, I was born in Santa Monica in 1983. I appeared in the US 6. An actor, I was born in San Francisco soap opera General Hospital for six in 1944. I was the voice of King Neptune years. My father Russ is an Oscar- in The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie nominated actor, and my films include and I played George Bluth Sr in the TV The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants series Arrested Development.

The word may sound familiar, but do you know what it means?

1. OHM A Mystic prayer B Unit of electrical resistance C Man-eating monster 2. PARAMNESIA A False memory B On the edge of intellect C Type of palsy 3. PHACOID A Ancient German coin B Relating to the sun-god C Shaped like a lens 4. MEBOS A Desert canal B Place of pilgrimage C Salted, dried apricots 5. NAVARCH A Medieval door frame B An admiral C Sea shell ANSWERS 1: B 2: A 3: C 4: C 5: B

WHO AM I?

1: Fanny Cradock 2: JM Barrie. 3: Amber Tamblyn. 4: Gerry Anderson. 5: Joan Baez. 6: Jeffrey Tambor.

WHO AM I ANSWERS

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 21

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

2. Outdoor entertainment spaces will reign Unsurprisingly given all the pandemic restrictions, there’s been huge interest in outdoor spaces. Houzz’s pandemic survey back in July showed that, handsdown, the garden was the area most of us wanted to improve, with 30% of those surveyed wanting to make upgrades. Homeowners have increasingly been searching for ‘summerhouses’, ‘firepits’, ‘hot tubs’ and ‘outdoor kitchens’, which have all risen in popularity as search terms. We expect to see more of these features in gardens in 2021.

And it’s not just for summer – professionals on Houzz Pro report an increase in demand for designs that will allow them to use the garden later into the evening and year. “Since lockdown, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in leads through Houzz for our garden design business,” says Paul Dracott of Paul Dracott Garden Design.

“People have rediscovered the importance of outdoor space and how it can enrich modern life. The most popular requests are for outdoor eating and cooking areas, including pizza ovens, and also for firepits to extend the use of the garden into the evening.”

3. Nature-inspired interiors The incorporation of nature into our interiors looks set to continue, with colour experts on Houzz predicting warm earth tones, such as burnt umber, terracotta and clay, and contrasting forest colours like sage, pine and turquoise will be strong choices for 2021. These colours are perfectly complemented by natural materials such as rattan, jute, wood and concrete, which have all featured heavily in the most-saved photos on Houzz lately.

If you’re wanting to embrace natural materials in your home, rattan is a good place to start and will continue to be big in 2021. Omar Bhatti, director of Space Shack, says: “It has a bohemian vibe, which you can mix with any interior. To avoid overkill, my top tip is to use it in moderation. I would suggest investing in a rattan accent chair or small planter baskets and see how you like this in your space.”

Plants are another easy way to incorporate nature into interiors. Bhatti agrees: “You can never have enough plants. If I’m ever in doubt and need to fill an empty space or shelf, I always use plants. This is also a great way to bring the outdoors in and breathe some muchneeded life into any space.

“I’m all about an oversized plant, this is a great way to bring some drama into any room. Banana plants and birds-of-paradise are good options.”

If you’re going to get the paint out, Bhatti suggests a palette of natural neutral tones. Beige and taupes are classic options that work in any space. “I recommend painting all your stark white walls in a light sand or beige tone, which will warm up the space, and you wouldn’t even need an undercoat,” he says.

4. Healthy homes Searches for ‘home gym’ and ‘garden gym’ have both risen dramatically during 2020 too. In 2021, we expect to see more exercise equipment that fits seamlessly into interiors, or furniture that doubles up.

“When thinking about portioning off a room in your home as your dedicated exercise space, it’s important to choose a room that has a fitting purpose, lighting and mood,” advises Joe Robertshaw, director of Place for Humans. “Being motivated to exercise at home also comes down to ease and accessibility, the more hurdles that stand between you and the exercise, the more likely it is to go undone.”

5. Multi-functional spaces One thing 2020 really brought about was a need for rooms to be multi-functional. As a result, we’re starting to see professionals incorporate more hybrid designs, detachable units, and convertible pieces to create a home suited to the ‘new normal’. One example, which saw a surprising rise in popularity as a search term, is ‘murphy bed’ (a pull-down design), suggesting a need for homeowners to hide away large pieces of furniture in bedrooms or spare rooms during the day, so they can double as offices while many of us work from home for the foreseeable future.

“Given the current circumstances, our spare rooms have never been so important. Making spaces work for multiple occasions is critical to being able to utilise every centimetre of space in the home,” says Richard Hobden director of RHJB Architects. “A comparatively easy win is to replace the divan or fixed frame bed in the spare room with a simple folding bed. This can be a stand-alone piece of furniture or built into a storage wall, disguised as wardrobes. This will free up space elsewhere to create a multi-purpose study, home gym or playroom solution.”

6. Luxury vintage Sustainability, climate change and the impact we have on our planet continue to be a big theme for 2021. Professionals on Houzz are reporting a growing interest in high-end, second-hand furniture, which aligns with the interest in sustainability we’ve seen.

When buying second-hand furniture, try to see the item in person if you can (safely, of course). Buying online is very convenient but it’s much easier to hide any serious damage in a photograph than in person. “I like to be able to touch the item and check it’s in good condition, so I’m not too keen on buying from online resources, unless they have an option for you to view it first,” says Bhavin Taylor, director of Bhavin Taylor Design.

And make sure you know all of your measurements – an absolute must for multiple reasons. “There’s usually no returns policy when buying second-hand,” Taylor explains,. “If you buy a piece that’s the wrong size, it’s likely you’ll be stuck with it.” So remember to measure your doorways and other access points first. “There’s nothing worse than buying something and not being able to get it through the front door,” adds Taylor.

Picture credit: PA Photo/iStock.

Fe�a�e F���� Maga���e Fe���a�� 2021

Why I chose t Securitas Direc

Page 22

www.femalefocusonline.com

As a business owner with the premises in the centre of town and then living in a semi-rural area, I wanted peace of mind. With Securitas Direct I found that, not only is it an alarm system but it is also peace of mind…

At home we have the “basic” package which includes the wireless alarm system with the usual motion detectors, cameras (which come with a little cover you can close while you are at home if you wish to), break and enter sensors (they detect vibrations or banging on the doors or windows and set off the alarm before the burglar has even entered), and there is a control panel that is equipped with two-way communication. This means I have an around-the-clock monitoring service so I can tell them what’s happening in an emergency and a trained specialist can help me.

I have this one upstairs in the bedroom, so if something happens upstairs, like one of the kids slip in the bath, I can quickly grab it, go to the bathroom and with the press of the SOS button I am put through to someone who will talk me through the steps I need to take whilst they send help for example an ambulance, if needed, straight to me. The peace of mind this gives me is unreal, I have a 2 year old and a 6 year old whose goals seem to be to try and scare me to death a little more everyday!

Also they installed a wireless alarm control panel downstairs in my kitchen which is constantly checking air quality, humidity, temperature and has an anti-jamming technology so burglars can’t jam the alarm network. All of this for me was a big plus as our heating consists of a gas fire so, as it measures the air quality, if it detects a high gas level we will be notified as well as in case of a fire, high humidity and many other accidents that could happen. There is also an SOS button on this control panel that I can press in case of an emergency.

continued on next page

&

I also installed the APP on my phone so I can check all sorts of things on there as well as arming or disarming the alarm, which came in handy when I asked my mother to check on the dogs but didn’t give her a fob for the alarm….

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 23

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Within the APP there is also “Guardián” which you can activate anywhere and anytime, so for example when I take money to or from the bank or if it’s late and I’m walking alone, I can activate Guardian by introducing where I’m going to and from and how long it is going to take me (aprox), if that time passes and I don’t deactivate it, I receive a call checking all is ok.

This is great personally and for businesses, in my shop I also have the “basic” package which includes all the items I have at home but also a Zero Vision Fog Barrier which in the case of a verified intrusion, they can remotely deploy a fog barrier to generate a situation of zero-visibility, preventing burglars from being able to see and making them leave the premises quickly.

I am so happy with this system, which comes with life time maintenance included - they turned up when I asked them to for installation which only took about an hour and they cleaned up after themselves, like they’d never been there.

● For more information or a free, no obligation visit please call Ryan on 634 318 853

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Page 24 www.femalefocusonline.com At Charlesworth Gardens we enjoy working with wood for lots of reasons, the main couple being we like the fact we can make something that looks really nice and can complement our Article supplied by Lee Charlesworth customers gardens, we also like the fact that using wood allows us to create all sorts of structures of use within the garden.

Wood Structures

What is also amazing is that with a slight tweak to timber shape and layout of the structure you can also make different looking structures for different styles of gardens.

&

From simple log stores, to car ports and pergolas to beautiful cabanas we can do it all. There is something a bit more subtle about wood, we could build a summer kitchen in built materials, but if you build it in timber it has a more elegant natural look and gives it a bit more of a wow factor. continued on next page

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 25

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

I have been dealing with wood structures and decking since building in the UK from about the age of 16, so without going into too much detail, long enough.

Dealing with timber structures is an art form as anyone who handles wood properly knows, it’s not just about screwing or nailing a few bits of wood together, but about jointing and putting the whole frame together in a way that is stable, safe and secure for the inevitable winds we can get in the area.

I custom design all our structures so our customers get something completely unique to them, that fits the space they need it to.

We have also come up with clever ways of using some materials to create the finishes you would have from using far more expensive roofing solutions.

So the next time you are thinking about a nice addition to your house or garden call a company that can create what you need.

â—? For more information please give us a call on 696 283 704, email info@charlesworthgardens.com or visit www.charlesworthgardens.com, www.artificial-grass-spain.com and www.floresgardencentre.com.

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Page 26

Spot the odd one out

All TM Lions are very hardworking. We enjoy working hard to do what we do to raise funds for the many good causes that we support.

A

B

C

D

E

www.femalefocusonline.com

2020 was a difficult year for many.

TM Lions rely on funds raised from the Lions Den Charity Shop and our very popular concerts in La Senieta in Moraira and also on the sea front in the summer. The shop was closed for several weeks during lockdown and concerts are still not able to be held.

One of our members in particular – Janet Dane - did not get downhearted by this. Instead, she thought creatively about ways we could raise funds in these difficult times. Firstly she set up a GoFundMe page to give us a way to raise funds during lockdown. Then, Janet came up with the idea of an online Photography Competition. This proved very popular and provided some much needed cheer. It also provided the photographs for a new venture – a Lions Calendar. Janet organised the printing of the calendars which sold like hot cakes!

Well done Janet and thank you to her and all the other Lions for their hard work.

If you are interested in finding out more about our work and possibly joining Teulada Moraira Lions, you can find more details on our web page - www.tmlions.com.

Volunteering can be a great way to get out & meet people.

We are currently meeting via Zoom - why not give it a try?

F

“To care, comfort and counsel people affected by cancer.”

CB Helpline. 634 311 690 Ass. Treasurer CB 634 374 754 Transport CB 634 303 271 Torrevieja. 602 648 486 www.mabscancerfoundation.com

HELP of Marina Alta

Medical Equipment and Information office: 96 642 7044 Denia Hospital Interpreters and Info desk: 96 642 9346 HELP Coordinators: Benitachell 664 573 360 Calpe 616 237 135 Orba 639 176 812 Jávea 634 388 446 Denia 609 336 473 Teulada/ Moraira 634 318 819 Parkinsons Support 634 301 677 HELP President 686 320 435.

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN

FREE PHONE 900 525 100

pat@samaritansinspain.com If you are a victim of domestic violence call 016 - there is a way out.

www.femalefocusonline.com

Fe�a�e F���� Maga���e Fe���a�� 2021

Page 27

WOODWORM, BUREAUCRACY AND BRASS BANDS

Obstacles the Jávea Players endured during their inaugural years.

By Benny Davis Looking at their chequered and challenging past, maybe the `Jávea Players´ should have been re-named `The Strolling Players’, as they have been constantly on the move since they started around 1976. Beleaguered with a series of condemned, illegal, and totally unworkable premises, It wasn’t until 1997 that they finally managed to secure their future by purchasing their own Studio Theatre. So where did it all begin?

About a year after the end of the Franco regime, Janet Philips formed the Players and enthusiastically set about their first production.

During this politically unstable period, they managed to obtain permission to use an abandoned local HQ of Franco supporters where to obtain the minimum required electricity, they were forced to tap into a streetlight. Also, given the location in the `pueblo´, it was not unknown for bands to march past with individual musicians trying to outdo the other for decibel prominence. Needless to say, action on stage was suspended during periods of noise or electrical failures.

Eventually, the building was deemed uninhabitable, so the Players moved into a disused cinema in Benitachell. Although they had the skeleton structure of a readymade auditorium, changing facilities were unfortunately limited to directly under the stage, where actors had to endure showers of dust from old woodworm-ridden joists during above on-stage activity. Eventually it was discovered that use of the premises was illegal. Undaunted, they accepted the invitation to stage a Shakespeare play in the Jávea Moli Blanc disco under the agreement that within half an hour of the final curtain, they had to erase all evidence of their presence before disco clients arrived for the evening session. This proved to be totally unworkable. Next move was to the Unión Musical de Gata, where the interior met all requirements including a gallery and stage with a proscenium arch. At last, no more wandering. But not ideal as it was not their hometown.

Since Janet Philips’ inspired start, the Players have always strived to meet three important criteria. High acting skills, top production standards and financial stability. Eventually, prudence proved to be the answer to their dreams when in 1999, under the Chairmanship of Tony Cabban, they placed a deposit on a local property. This resulted in the eventual opening of their studio theatre which today encompasses the latest lighting and sound technology enabling them, under the positive direction of Cherry Cabban and her team of skilled technicians, to pursue their creative and experimental dreams. These include thought-provoking plays, comedy, and musicals presented either on the traditional stage, or in the round while still combining their Gata base for larger productions. Happy to say, the `wanderers´ have finally found their theatrical oasis.

Footnote: Sadly, founder Janet Philips never realised the fruits of her amdram dreams. She died before the first ever production in 1998.

Around 1000 euros is donated every year to charitable causes in her memory. Check out: www.javeaplayers.com for more details.

Spot the 11 differences (answers in the classified pages)

t will closed bu e r a e w y n as Sor r ain as soo g a n e p o heck be . Please c w o ll a s n e restrictio r up to dat fo e it s b e our w n. infor matio

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Page 28

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Note from Benny: Nothing new to report this month. Some performance cancellations, some positive alternative bookings, and some adaptations for more social-like activity just to keep things together. The cold weather has made it very difficult for groups to rehearse in the open air, and indoor meetings are banned, so either Zoom, or bubble meetings if possible. Nice to read that a few groups are also trying to adapt to radio and video productions instead of just shutting down until things get better.

We need the amdram and music scene, we need their wonderful charity funding, and we need this true-brit determination to continue regardless that the average age in most groups is in the older high-risk category. Please support these groups wherever they are in whatever way you can.

Caprice Ladies Choir: This Ladies Choir are continuing with their Zoom rehearsals at the moment due to the restrictions, but are hoping to get back to live rehearsals as soon as possible.

They are looking forward to presenting some new songs hopefully sometime this year. For more information, please contact musical director Aileen on 696 514 613 or check their website www.capriceladieschoir.com Cantãmus: The choir, directed by Philip Ashley, were fortunate to be able to present three concerts in December and to give a sizeable donation to the food bank ‘Cáritas’.

They meet each Monday and are about to begin new material so a good time to join them. For information contact www.PhilipAshley.com/Cantamus or call Eileen 607 706 904.

Careline Theatre: So close to opening night, costumes stitched to perfection, props made, backcloths painted, lines perfect (well nearly), dances to be danced and songs to be sung and STOP. Their wonderful panto of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ was forcibly postponed. But a wonderful panto it will be, as soon as possible when both front and backstage safety is not compromised, they will tread those boards for you.

Watch this space. See FB page for updates. More information 686 320 435.

Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir: Although the Choir is no longer able to rehearse due to the current restrictions on social distancing, they continue to post videos from past concerts on their Facebook page.

You can also visit their website www.costablancamalevoicechoir.wikidot.com or contact Mike Evans on tikievans@gmail.com for more information.

www.femalefocusonline.com Jávea Players: The show must go on, but all is still dependent on Covid. With performances not possible in January, ‘Love Letters’ was postponed: new dates to be decided later. Pip Utton hopes to return at the end of February with three of his highly acclaimed one-man shows: Charlie Chaplin, Margaret Thatcher, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, performed on different nights. For more information and exact dates, when available, see www.javeaplayers.com.

Oliva Drama: Benny Davis writes: Once again, Oliva Drama have shown their determination, creativity, and talent to survive during this killer of a pandemic lockdown. Having completed their first ever radio play last month, they have now released a video premier entitled, ‘Tandem’.

An original comedy-short, written around the restricted views endured by a female tandem cyclist’s rear rider of the front rider’s male bum, whilst riding around the Spanish countryside. The final straw was receiving a full-face f**t whilst struggling, head down, up a hill. Well written and well-acted comedy written by Dave Proctor and filmed by Kelvin Jarman. Watch on Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OlivaDrama.

Phoenix Dancers: The Dancers are extremely disappointed at not being able to dance for you.

However, they are not down hearted and are still rehearsing whenever and wherever they are able and are always looking for new recruits to join them. They are planning future shows for when we have a Covid free environment. For all enquiries, please phone 607 290 896.

Sounds Familiar: The Company have their next production ‘Magic Of The Musicals’ planned and hope to start rehearsing soon. If you are interested in joining the group when rehearsals start, or would like more information, please contact Philip on 96 558 1483 or philip@soundsfamiliar.es Valley Voices: The Voices are continuing to rehearse every Monday in sectional groups on Zoom due to continuing Covid restrictions. They continue to expand their repertoire ready to do a concert when it’s Corona safe, hopefully sometime in 2021. If you enjoy singing, have found your inner voice during confinement and would like to meet others who enjoy singing, why not give them a ring on 634 301 483 or email valleyvoicesspain@gmail.com.

If you would like to be part of this band of charitable entertainers, please email editor@femalefocusonline.com.

Deadline for copy is the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Full details of all Stage Diary entertainment groups are available online at www.femalefocusonline.com

www.femalefocusonline.com

Page 29

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

HELP of MARINA ALTA Updates

With all the latest updates and changes in the Valencia Community due to Covid, we have temporarily closed our Charity Shops in LA XARA and TEULADA. Once the Covid curve drops down again to safer numbers we will reopen. We feel that at the moment this is the safest plan for both our customers and volunteers. We have also closed the equipment office for now but calls can be made to the following numbers for equipment: 606 111 455 and 630 950 561 and for information and assistance on 686 320 435.

Our HELP Desk at Denia hospital is also temporarily closed due to the Valencian Generalitat requesting that volunteers are not in the hospital at this time. However the direct number to the HELP Desk 966 429 346 is still operational and has been diverted so you can still call for information and assistance. The hours to call are from 09:00 to 19:00.

HELP does however continue with its work helping people in hospital and in their homes where there are many people in need of our support.

Also bringing some happiness to the children in need in the Marina Alta with new toys and pyjamas and gift vouchers for the Women's Shelter, If you would like to continue to help us, please go to our webpage, www.helpofdenia.com where we have a donate button. Hopefully soon we can return to our normal day to day activities and be able to meet with our family, loved ones and friends.

Age in Spain launches Friendline Age in Spain is a non-profit organisation offering free information and support to English-speaking people for later life in Spain.

Making new friends often gets harder as we get older.

That’s why Age in Spain launched Friendline.

Friendline is a free telephone friendship service for people who would enjoy getting a call from a Friendline volunteer on a regular basis. In a world where new technology can make us feel left out, Friendline is a simple way to make a new friend. “ As we get older there is a real risk that our worlds get smaller and we have less chance to make friends. Friendline is a way to do something positive about that.”

Helen Weir, Director - Age in Spain.

If you live in Spain and are interested in making a new friend through Friendline, or know someone you think might benefit from receiving regular Friendline calls, then get in touch with us at www.ageinspain.org/friendline.

The Blind Cupid Shakespeare Company to host All’s Well as Long as it Ends Well to Raise Funds for Future Performances in the Costa Blanca A virtual Valentine’s showcase consisting of scenes, monologues, sonnets and songs, featuring the theme of “Love” 12 February @7pm GMT on ZOOM For tickets visit: https://tinyurl.com/blindcupidshakes The Blind Cupid Shakespeare Company will be hosting a live performance fundraiser streamed live over Zoom and Youtube on 12 February.

The showcase will feature a range of artists from over the world including America, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and United States.

Attendance is donation based but all proceeds will go towards bringing professional English-Speaking Shakespeare productions to the Costa Blanca region in Spain. Production dates are dependent on the COVID 19 pandemic, but we hope to perform in some capacity in 2021!

The showcase will feature cuts from some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays including Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Merry Wives of Windsor, and, of course, Romeo and Juliet. The show will feature: Sebastian Armendariz, John Bayne, Rosalind Blessed, Zoe Briskey, Josh Davis, Dorothea Gloria, Mike Grenham, Shonita Joshi, Delia Kemph, Elize Layton, Fritz Leonard, Alice Lussiana Parente, Joe Mariani, Gilda Mercado, Chris Pybus, Grace Smith, Joe Staton, Morgan Wardlaw and Diana Westpahl.

Find out more on the company and the event by visiting http://www.blindcupidshakespearecompany.com

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Page 30

www.femalefocusonline.com

TM LIONS HELP Civil Protection TM Lions were extremely proud to have been involved in a project which saw the provision of a specialist shelter to our local Civil Protection team.

In the course of their work, Civil Protection identified that a portable shelter would be a useful item to have. They can use it to provide shelter for their staff when dealing with forest fires. They can use it to process immigrants they pick up on the coast. They can use it to help process candidates for Covid vaccinations.

Whatever the Civil Protection team are called on to do, this versatile item will be put to use.

We have all become more aware of the work of front line services such as Civil Protection during the pandemic & so we were very pleased to be able to help with this. TM Lions donated 4000€ to cover this purchase. There is a video of the team practising erecting the tent which is quite fun to watch. https://www.facebook.com/100001221011673/posts/3718133774903953/?d=n We are unable at the moment to hold our usual presentations and so we are very grateful to Civil Protection for providing this excellent photo. We are very grateful for all they do to keep us safe!

The Lion's Den charity shop is currently closed in response to the level of the virus in our area but you can still contribute via our GoFundMe page. You will find this at https://www.gofundme.com/f/teulada-moraira-lions. This can also be accessed via our Web site or FB page.

If you are interested in finding out more about our work and possibly joining Teulada Moraira Lions, you can find more details on our web page - www.tmlions.com. Volunteering can be a great way to get out & meet people – we try to have fun in all we do! Why not give it a try?

Oliva La Safor Lodge donates to needy families Local Freemasonry, in general, has not had a good year. Virtually all of our meetings have had to be cancelled, along with our usual social events and our many charity events.

Oliva La Safor Lodge however, has had an even worse year. Not only has it been closed down, along with the rest of Spanish Masonry, but, after only being able to have three physical meetings, our newly installed Worshipful Master, WBro. Colin Williams passed away shortly before Christmas.

Following a number of virtual meetings, held over the internet, it was decided that, in Colin’s name, Oliva La Safor Lodge would make a charity donation of eight hundred euros to some of the neediest people in the area.

Four hundred euros were given to four families in the village of Beniarbeig, Alicante. These families were picked by the charity organisation Amigos de Beniarbeig, in association with local Social Services.

These gifts, in the form of one hundred euro vouchers for Carrefour supermarket, were given to Amigos in early January and immediately handed over to the four families in time for them to use the money for clothes, and other items for the children in time for the Three Kings celebration.

The donation was handed over by WBro. Ian Skipper, the Lodge charity steward and Bro. David Clarke, who is a resident of the village.

The second gift will be given to other needy families in a village in the Valencia area at a later date.

Attached photo of the presentation. Bro David Clarke is on the left, WBro Ian Skipper on the right with Sally representing Amigos Beniarbeig in the centre.

Page 31

www.femalefocusonline.com

Fe�a�e F���� Maga���e Fe���a�� 2021

Personal P S Y C H O T H E R A P I S T CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT Psychotherapist for the confidential treatment of anxiety and depression. Plus couples therapy. Phone Tanya 634 35 48 92 to arrange an appointment. Visit www.feelgoodcs.com ARE YOU SUFFERING through another person drinking? Help is available Al-Anon meets every Thursday in Benidorm at 5pm. The meeting is in Calle Jardines not far from the Railway Station. Our contact number is 634 758 539.

Health & Beauty

Wanted I BUY RECORDS LPs, EPs, SINGLES. 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s years.

Good prices paid. Tel. 962 851 809 - 622 750 117.

SUFFERING FROM HAIR LOSS, Alopecia, male pattern baldness, scars? I have helped thousands of people regain their confidence. Non surgical, permanent hair loss solution.

Book a 100% free no obligation consultation. Tel. 628 101 711 or www.scalpmastery.com P S Y C H O T H E R A P I S T CON F I DENTIAL TREAT M ENT Psychotherapist for the confidential treatment of anxiety and depression. Plus couples therapy. Phone Tanya 634 354 892 to arrange an appointment.

V i s i t w w w. f e e l g o o d c s . c o m FREE CONSULTATION - BOOK NOW, Does the weather ruin your make-up. Permanent Eyebrows & Eyeliner are the perfect solution.

Elements Beauty Spa In Denia. w w w. e l e m e n t s b e a u t y s p a . e s elementsbeautyspa@gmail.com Call: 966 424 647.

Misc Sales F L AW E D H E R O - O U T N O W. Looking for the perfect escape after a tough year? What better way than to curl up with a good book. View Amazon Kindle for 'FLAWED HERO' romantic thriller with an edge written by fellow expat Eve Williams.

APPLE PENCIL. (1st.generation) brand new, unwanted gift. 50€ Tel. 665 456 353. Jávea area.

SEWING MACHINE. Husqvarna Sewing Machine Optima 190, also 10 different attachment feet. 45€.

Tel. 665 456 353. Jávea area.

For more classified adverts visit www.femalefocusonline.com

Services HARRIS FURNISHINGS - British furniture store offering a fabulous range of quality furniture including sofas, chairs, corner sofas, sofa beds, recliners, rise-recliners, beds, coffee tables etc. Famous brand names including Parker Knoll.

Pedreguer Ind. Estate. 96 646 9371 sales@harrisfurnishings.com FULLY COMP CAR INSURANCE from 279€. For all your insurance needs: house, home, business, marine, car, health. Call Insurance Altea 96 584 0753 BUILDING & PLUMBING SERVICES. No job to big or small, from a re-grout to a new build. Experienced and all work guaranteed. Call Nicholas 696 949 220.

AWNINGS, BLINDS, MOSQUITO nets, Commercial & Garage doors, Shower screens & doors.

PERSITOLD provide solutions for sun protection and comfort.

Showroom in Gata de Gorgos.

Many examples at www.persitold.es 96 575 6281 / 669 859 572 or email info@persitold.es C O M P L E T E B AT H R O O M REFORMS Whole project managed by in-house team. 24 years experience. Also specialist in shower and bath screens. Many satisfied customers. Call SHOWERMAN. 96 579 2285 / 639 292 081 or email info@showermanspain.com UPHOLSTERY SERVICE Tired or broken furniture? From small repairs to complete recovers for home, garden, car or boat. Indoor & outdoor cushion covers. Pergola and parasol covers. Leather and fabric cleaning.

Pedreguer Industrial Estate.

96 646 9371 or email: sofamedico@harrisfurnishings.com.

Have you booked your space in the Coast's leading Print Directory?

Marina Alta and Vega Baja editions - out Spring 2021, don't miss your chance!

See page 4 for contact details of your local representative

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Page 32

Very easy

www.femalefocusonline.com

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Medium

Easy Hard QUICK CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Utter; 4 Corsair; 8 Concise; 9 Swell; 10 Nice; 11 Struggle; 13 Buoy; 14 Scar; 16 Reckless; 17 Plea; 20 Below; 21 Evident; 22 Excerpt; 23 Miser.

Down: 1 Unconquerable; 2 Tonic; 3 Raid; 4 Create; 5 Resource; 6 Avenger; 7 Roller coaster; 12 Follower; 13 Bucolic; 15 Aspect; 18 Leers; 19 Firm.

ANSWER TO SPOT THE ODD ONE OUT: D

Computers

Autos And Boats

www.femalefocusonline.com Services Cont.

JENNY'S CLEANING SERVICES. Established since 2014. Fully l eg al, refe r ence s av ail abl e.

General house cleaning, change overs, deep cleans and builders cleans. New Fogging Disinfection Service now available. Covering Denia, Javea and surrounding villages. (English and Spanish spoken) Call now 633 624 232 www.jennyscleaningservices.com BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION Specialised in residential property refurbishment. Kitchens/ Bathrooms, Windows /Doors, Reforms/ Extensions, Electrics/ Plumbing, Tiling/ Terraces, Roofing/ Rejas, Tosca Specialists. Over 30 years experience. All areas Gandia to Benidorm and Inland. w w w. s o v e r e i g n - c o n s t r u c t i o n . com 662 097 598 or email: sovereignconstruction@gmail.com GLAZING & AWNING SPECIALISTS All kinds of glazing systems, roofing solutions and awnings, windows, arched windows, conservatories, doors and interior glass doors.

Call 96 645 7878 or email info@amasvista.com NEED A SURVEY? Call Advantage Building Services if you are buying a property, or have structural problems with a property you already own.

Subsidence cases investigated, insurance claims mediated and processed. 653 733 066 or email mrmpaddon@hotmail. com or find further information at www.surveyorscostablanca.com EXCAVATION, GROUNDWORK & CONSTRUCTION Call AD Lawton for all your plant hire needs. Specialist in drainage, groundworks and septic tank systems. 648 052 911 or visit www.adlawtonconstrucciones.com W AT E R F I LT E R S Y S T E M S .

Whole House & Undersink Water F i l t e r S y s t e m s . R e d u c e Yo u r P l a s t i c Wa s t e & H a v e C l e a n Filtered Water From All Taps In Your Home While Also Protecting Appliances From Limescale Buildup. Tel: 0034 681 315 659.

Web: www.aqualyze.es.

GLAZE N SAVE. Convert your single glazed windows and doors to double glazed units without changing the frames. Very cost effective and a clean process. This is not secondary glazing. For more information call Gary on 662 455 960 or 96 671 2832 email gary@glazensave.es. Web: www.glazensave.es.

SKIPS IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE Small, Medium, Large skips for Building, Gardening, Mixed loads.

Also earth, gravel etc available for delivery. Call Contenedores Mata on 96 579 0172 or 679 440 046.

T H E I N T E R P R E T E R, F O R all your English/Spanish interpreting & translations. Based close to Denia Hospital & surrounding medical centres. Emergency 24 hour call out for Denia Hospital.

Please call 686 320 435 or email candidawright@gmail.com.

Page 33

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

P S Y C H O T H E R A P I S T CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT Psychotherapist for the confidential treatment of anxiety and depression. Plus couples t h e r a p y. P h o n e Ta n y a o n 634 35 48 92 to arrange an appointment. Visit www.feelgoodcs.com BUILDING WORK. All types of small or large building work undertaken including bathroom and kitchen refits, patios & terraces, painting, pool repairs, extensions and underbuilds, plumbing & electrics. Call 96 671 2832 or 662 455 960 for a free no obligation quote or email s_sconstruction@yahoo.co.uk MAN AND VAN for hire, cheap & reliable. Jalon valley & surrounding areas. 96 648 0757 (9.30-1.30) or 636 100 873.

COYS RENT A CAR is an independent Car Hire company operating from Alicante airport, Torrevieja and the surrounding areas.

To get a quote, look at our website: www.coysrent-a-car.com COYS PARKING provide 6 month or 1 year contracts to park your car at Alicante airport, look at our website and click on Coys Parking www.coysrent-a-car.com PAUL´S EMPORIUM IN Pedreguer.

Weekly changing stock. Everything priced to sell. Why pay new when you don’t need to? Find us in Pedreguer Industrial Estate. Tel 96 644 7002 or find us on Facebook at 'Paul's Emporium Pedreguer'.

FREE PROPERTY ADVERTS To get your free 3 month property for sale advert send your advert content (up to 40 words) to classifieds@ femalefocusonline.com Please include your name, NIE or passport number and address, this is not for publishing but we must have these details on file.

And remember you can also send a photo to go with your advert that will be published with your wording on the website.

(Wording only in the Female Focus Magazine.)

All adverts must be sent with your Name and NIE or Passport Nº (not published). Email addresses will not be published on the website or in the magazine unless requested or supplied as part of the main text.

FREE CLASSIFIED ADVERTS. Sell your unwanted items for FREE! Free adverts must be emailed to classifieds@femalefocusonline.com. Photos can be sent with your free advert, both will be published online but text only in print. Classifieds that are supplied incorrectly, all in capitals or with missing information may well be deleted.

‘Misc sales’ are for example one-off sales of second hand items to the value of 500€ or less. Maximum twenty words per advert/ item & maximum five adverts per person*, (email & web addresses count as three words). Property rental or any type of service, business opportunities, wanted, etc are not free and will be charged at the commercial advert rate.

Free Property adverts: See property section for more details.

Commercial adverts: Minimum advert length ten words. 35 cents per word plus 21% IVA per month. Payment can be made by credit card or transfer. *Free adverts will be published in print on a space permitting basis. If you want to ensure your advert appears, normal commercial rates should be applied.

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Page 34

Property Services and Sales JESUS POBRE APARTMENT. Private sale of lovely spacious apartment of 70 m2, groundfloor, 1 bed, 1 full bath, open plan kitchen, living-dining area with log burner. Roof terrace with sea- and panoramic views. SOLD with some high quality white goods. 125.000€.

Call for information 966 461 784.

BUY TO RENT PROPERTY Extended Town House La Marina (San Fulgencio). 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen /living /dining room. BBQ, 3 terraces. Close to amenities – supermarket, cafes, doctors. Close to Beach, swimming pool and airport (20 minutes).

Tenant available long term. 75,000€.

Tel. 966 796 236.

MODERN DETACHED VILLA. For sale in PEDREGUER. Lovely 2 bed 2 bath detached villa. All on one level. Neat garden with fruit trees, Olive tree & flowers. 15 minutes to lovely beaches. Walking distance into Pedreguer. 190.000€ or payable in £ or villa swop. Tel: 633 813 774.

FOR SALE – HARRYS BAR, Quesada. Unique opportunity to purchase this well established popular bar /restaurant. Freehold.

Call Joanne for more information on 693 494 951.

ACHIEVE RENTAL INCOME from your property. For more than 35 years Aguila Rent A Villa SL has specialised in holiday rentals in Javea, Denia and surroundings. Trusted and professional. Tel. 96 647 0830 Email: mail@aguilarent.com or visit www.aguilarent.com.

SUPPORT LOCAL SHOP LOCAL SPEND LOCAL

www.femalefocusonline.com

Female Focus Magazine February 2021

Page 35

www.femalefocusonline.com

HOW MUCH IS PROPERTY WORTH

YOUR

(and How Do I know)?

By Karin Mühlemann – Benimo-Villas With current global health situation, many people are thinking about selling their property here in Spain, especially expats from the UK who may also have some Brexit concerns.

One of the big decision factors is knowing just how much you might expect to get by selling your property.

You know what you paid for it all those years ago, but just how much it is worth now?

Many people in this position are also sceptical about which estate agent to use for a valuation and marketing their property, and rightly so. It’s not unusual to get 3 valuations which vary wildly, and there’s always that nagging worry about underselling it!

As an experienced and certified estate agent, I understand these issues only too well and like my clients, I believe there should be an objective approach to property valuation. Recently, I attended a course which gives an up to date, researched approach to solve exactly this problem. There are many factors which must be considered; age, condition, features, location, type, views, size, parking (especially for an apartment), the state of the local market and of course the prevailing economic climate. The course taught me how to put all these together in a kind of formula to come to an objective valuation of any given property. This ensures accuracy, consistency, and above saleability in the valuation.

As a founder member of MLS:03724 – the leading association of collaborating agents in and around Moraira – I have access to more local sales data than most estate agents. We keep a log of sales values of all sales by our association members - I call them ‘witness properties’, - allowing me to ‘sensecheck’ valuations thus giving you, the client even more confidence in my valuation.

It’s always true that vendor’s expectation often exceed reality and I completely understand this. But there’s no point in appointing an agent who has given a flattering valuation to tie you into an exclusive contract, and then have no viewings. There’s a reason we are still selling properties despite the present situation, and a proper valuation is a major factor!

So, if you’re thinking of selling, and would like an honest valuation based on an objective process backed up by experience, local knowledge and professionalism, and a valuation that will generate viewings then let’s talk! See our advert on the back page for contact details.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR OVERSEAS MONEY TRANSFERS Call Sherry Fraser-Currie 96 626 5072 or email:sherry.f@currenciesdirect.com

WORD SPIRAL 1 SOLUTIONS 1. Sits 2. Star 3. Rhea 4. Acme 5. Edit 6. Tour 7. Reap 8. Pear 9. Rind 10. Dual 11. Limp 12. Puff 13. Flat 14. Tomb 15. Blob 16. Bite. Key word solution: PATELLA WORD SPIRAL 2 SOLUTIONS 1. Fish 2. Haka 3. Ahoy 4. Yarn 5. Nude 6. Even 7. Numb 8. Ball 9. Lane 10. Epee 11. Etch 12. High 13. Heed 14. Damp 15. Plot 16. Tint. Key word solution: BENTLEY