Lifestyle Cyprus December 2022

What a year it’s been! I have made some wonderful friends and enjoyed one of the best summer’s of my life. I have realised I am stronger than I thought, having to deal with tough situations and emotional upheaval. But you know, that’s life isn’t it and I am grateful fo be alive and living it to my fullest potential. Hard times are meant to test our resilience and make us appreciate all the good in our life.

I have enjoyed some incredible moments, sharing my time in Liverpool and Cyprus. I enjoyed the Positive Awards earlier in the year and looking forward to that coming around in the April next year. It is so humbling and inspiring to hear other people’s stories of resilience and determination to improve themselves. In September I ran my first fitness bootcamp with Papa Luckman and

really looking forward to next year’s events. We’ve added many dates to the bootcamps in 2023, there’s no better place than to workout alfresco by the gorgeous sea. I also had Liverpool Fashion Week and the Lifestyle Awards, both returning next year along with my Los Angeles Lifestyle Fashion Show. The world is a small place when you dream big.

Whilst 2022 has been a testing time for business, I have survived another year and I am so grateful for the all the support from my readers and advertisers. Without you I would not be here, living this wonderful life on this beautiful island. As the saying goes.

“Motivation is what gets you started. Determination is what helps you finish what you started.”

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled will health, wealth and happiness.

Stay stylish,

Lifestyle chats to freediver, Jaroslav Pupak

Where are you from? I am from a beautiful country in the heart of Europe - Slovakia. Country with stunning nature but unfortunately for me without the sea.

Why did you choose to live in Cyprus? Two years after my high school I wanted a change so I came to the work agency in my hometown Trencin and the lady there offered me a job in Cyprus. Of course it sounded good to me and I accepted the offer. And till now I am grateful to this lady in the agency. So Cyprus has chosen me.

During the first few years I was still wondering if it is the country I want to stay and live in but slowly I was falling in love with the island and especially after discovering my passion for the sea and freediving. How did you get into freediving?

In 2011, I had friends who were spear-fishing which is also a kind of freediving and they invited me one day to go with them. They gave

me a mask with snorkel, pair of fins and I started snorkelling around and watching them. Somehow I was not attracted by spear-fishing itself rather than watching how they are able to dive under the water so effortlessly just on a single breath. It was beautiful to observe and something in me was touched. So as almost every snorkeller I started to try to submerge myself deeper under the sea and really wanted to know how to be able to do the same. Since that my journey into the freediving world evolved. I went to the sea more often although with

some other friends with the vision of being capable of going deeper and being more comfortable staying underwater longer. Slowly we were able to go deeper about 20 meters and we started to take it more seriously. We realized the best way to make bigger progress and being still safe is to take a freediving course.

What is freediving?

Sometimes referred also as apnea which derives from greek word apnoia meaning without breathing. So in a simplified way it is diving on a single breath without using any equipment that would help you breath under the water.

How long can you hold your breath under water?

It depends as there are 8 different disciplines and for every one of them you have to create different amounts of effort meaning different oxygen consumption which means different drivetime-breath hold.

There are different times for every discipline but the one where you can hold your breath longest is in static apnea . Where you are holding your breath face down in the water without moving. Although I am not focusing on this discipline, when I did my freediving course I was able to hold my breath for over 5 minutes.

Did you have to train for this? Yes, like in any other sport you need to train for this when you want better results.

Freediving is 90 percent mental sport and relaxation is one of the most important skills you have to practice. There are exercises that you can do to help prepare you mentally and physically for freediving. There are many types of dry training including breathing techniques, breath hold exercises,yoga and stretching, meditations etc. But also any kind of outdoor activity like running or cycling has a good benefits for freediving. Also a pool training can be vital throughout the winter months to maintain and improve the skills. Personally, I spend and train as much time as possible

in the sea as I think there is no substitute for that.

Which waters in Cyprus are the best for freediving? Cyprus is very gifted with one of the best visibilities all year around ranging somewhere to 30, even to 40 meters. Specially the waters from Limassol all the way to Protaras. Generally the sea in Larnaca and Limassol is quite shallow close to the shore so you need a boat to be able find some depth. But there are some awesome shipwrecks. The most famous one is Zenobia located in Larnaca sometimes called Titanic of Mediterranean.

But personally for me the best waters are around Cape Greco. Area with many different nice locations offers nice deep blue waters very close from the shore. Also here we have few very nice shipwrecks. As it is a national park surrounded by beautiful nature freediving here has always very special vibes.

Is there a favourite time of year you love to dive and why?

Even though it is possible to dive in Cyprus all year around the best time for me is from September until November. The air temperatures are not so high anymore like in July and August and the sea is still nice warm .But I also like a bit lower water temperature around 22-23 so even in December or May and June.

How deep do you go?

My personal best in Free Immersion discipline where you are pulling yourself down and back up the dive line was 63 meters. In the discipline CWTB where you are using the bi-fins to swim down and back up along the line I did 55 meters. This dive

I actually did during a freediving competition here in Cyprus in 2019 and it brought me a gold medal in this category.

However lately I am not working so much on my deep dive training rather than spreading and sharing my passion for freediving with others.

What training do you offer?

We are mostly training in Protaras area.I am offering training for beginners as well as experienced freedivers.I am organizing depth training on the line where we practice correct freediving techniques and skills. Apart from that I am organizing fundives where we go to shipwrecks, underwater sea caves, underwater museum…..

I am also doing snorkeling trips with some introduction to freediving for people who are interested.

What does it feel like to freedive and why would you recommend it? It is hard to express these feelings by words but imagine the feeling of being free, imagine the feeling of being weightless in gravity free environment, moving whichever directions you want in profound silence, feeling that you are part of the environment, feeling of free fall, sense of feeling of peace and tranquillity in the very different environment we are used but the one that covers 75 percent of our planet.

There are so many reasons why I would recommend but if we skip the part how beautiful the sport itself is and the environment where it is done. Then also how we can bring those skills to land. One of the most important parts of freediving is breathing and relaxation. We use specific breathing techniques and knowing those techniques helps not only in the freediving world but also on the land. As proper breathing and knowing how to relax is shown to decrease stress for example. In freediving we learn to control the mind over the body which helps us to better cope with stressful situations in everyday life.

If someone wants to freediving with you how should they contact you? Anybody who would like to learn freediving or just to join us for some training and fundives trips can contact me on FB Jaroslav Pupak (Freediver). On Instagram @jpupak_freediver or underwater. journeys.

In summary:- A divorce does not revoke a Will and it will remain valid, even if death occurs years after the divorce causing serious issues.

HOW DOES DIVORCE AFFECT A WILL? Following a divorce, if a Will is not updated nor the situation of divorce is covered in the Will, the ex-spouse will not inherit but instead be treated as if they died on the date that the decree absolute was granted. This means that the any gift made to the exspouse will fail. This may be what the deceased wanted, but that is not always the case and so it is important to update a Will in light of a divorce. Also, “gifts over” remain operative notwithstanding the divorce or annulment. For example, after a divorce,” a gift to my wife and if she predeceases me to X” will take effect as a valid gift to X !

Where the former spouse was due to inherit all (or a significant part) of the estate, then because of the above and without any provisions in place to circumvent these issues, nobody will inherit. This means that intestacy rules come into play and can result in the estate not passing to the people the deceased intended. This can particularly be an issue where

the deceased remarried and had a new family. Dividing the estate following intestacy rules is both complicated and expensive, often resulting in an outcome that is not satisfactory to those involved and that does not honour the wishes of the deceased.

DEATH BEFORE DIVORCE FINALISED If divorce proceedings have been initiated but not completed before one of the parties die, then the Will remains valid and the other party will inherit under the Will. This may not be what the deceased intended in light of the fact they are getting divorced and so Wills should be something that are considered at the start of proceedings.

ISSUES WITH EXECUTORS

Another implication is where a former spouse is named as executor. This appointment is automatically revoked unless it is specifically covered in the Will for them to continue after divorce. If the ex-spouse was the only executor this will cause issues since there will be no valid executor.

DOES A FUTURE MARRIAGE REVOKE A WILL? Unlike divorce, marriage automatically revokes a Will meaning that it is no longer valid. This means

that when the person dies, the law of intestacy determine how the estate is divided if a new Will has not been executed. The only exception is where the Will specifically refers to the contemplation of marriage and states it will not revoke it.

DOES A CLEAN BREAK SETTLEMENT AFFECT A WILL? Although a clean break settlement does not affect a Will from being valid (as described above) it does prevent either party from making a financial claim against the other party at any time in the future. This means that a party will be prevented from making Inheritance Act claims on the death of an ex-spouse or from contesting the Will, unless they are receiving financial support at the date of death.

EFFECT OF JOINT OWNERSHIP ON A WILL

Care has to be taken where assets, particularly the former matrimonial home, are owned jointly - the death of one owner means that their share automatically passes to the other. Changing the type of ownership to “tenants in common” can get around this issue and allow for provisions to be made in relevant Wills dictating who will inherit their share on their death.

For further advice on this complicated topic, please contact Wayne Barnett of

There is a common misconception that a divorce will revoke or nullify a Will. Divorce has serious consequences on a person’s Will that are often overlooked. It is always important to update a Will where there has been a change of circumstances and that includes following a divorce.

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CHRISTMAS

Christmas cleaning tips for a stress-free festive season

Christmas is a magical time of year meant for family, homemade food and presents, but according to a poll conducted late last year, the average Brit spends between four and five hours cleaning their home in preparation for Christmas Day, and the national press have suggested some homeowners go so far as cleaning their homes for over an hour on Christmas day (Source: Mirror Online).

Cleaning expert and Director at cordless vacuum cleaner brand ROIDMI UK Geoff Johnson has revealed his top tips to help you get your home prepped for a stress-free season so your home can stay cleaner and fabulously festive for longer.

Geoff says: “Christmas should be spent enjoying time with friends and family, not worrying about mopping and vacuuming. Spending

a bit of time prepping your home for the big day in advance will give you more time to take part in all the festive fun.”

Pesky pine needles

"Vacuuming keeps your home looking and feeling fresh but fallen pine needles are a daily battle over the festive season. When vacuuming, make sure to never use the brush head, especially on hard floors, as this can send those pesky pine needles flying across the room. Only vacuum small sections at a time and remember to empty the bag regularly to avoid blockages. Top tip: Try using a lint roller or Sellotape, this also works on soft furnishings!"

Deep clean the kitchen

“Christmas is a time of year we tend to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so it’s a good idea to prep your kitchen for all the heavy-

duty Christmas cooking. A week before the big day you should clean out the fridge and cupboards and throw out old products.”

Clean your decorations

“Christmas decorations spend most of their time hidden away in dusty attics waiting for their time to shine. I recommend giving them a good clean before hanging them up, so they look good as new and impress your guests on Christmas Day."

Invest in cordless

"A cordless vacuum cleaner such as the ROIDMI X30 Pro makes cleaning up Christmas day mess more convenient than ever and will make light work of pet hair, pine needles, and spillages. They are light and easy to use and will mean you can spend more time with your feet up watching Christmas movies and less time cleaning.”

THE ROYAL ANTEDILUBIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOES

(Known at The Buffs) - Under the Grand Lodge of Cyprus

What is Buffaloismn?

The RAOB is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organisations. It is a brotherhood, or society, of men from all social and economic backgrounds that come together for the sole purpose of not only making themselves better men, but also try and better those with whom they meet, not only for themselves but for the benefit of their families and communities.

What do the Buffaloes do? One of the primary goals is self improvement, which is a natural by-product of a member’s experiences and membership. As a fraternal organisation, bonds are formed which result in lifelong friendships. We share many similar values despite our different backgrounds. You could be a company

director or a retired farmer or builder or refuse collector, it makes no difference to us. We aspire to create harmony between brothers by enlightenment and toleration.

What sort of organisation are we? We are not a charity but supporting charities is of prime importance to us. We have our own charitable venture known as Holiday of a Life Time. For many years this has brought underprivileged children, together with carers to Cyprus for an experience they could not have otherwise afforded and we hope they will never forget. This is fully funded by us even before they leave the UK. We will pay for their passport if needed and every expense right up to their last ice cream!

This has taught us to be mindful of those who are less fortunate than ourselves in the community. Through a series of well organised fundraising events by us, consideration is given to many worthwhile causes. The size of the beneficiaries of our events is of no importance, wther it be an individual or substantial registered charity. It gives us personal satisfaction knowing we have helped.

What does being a philanthropic mean?

It means we care and back up our thoughts with deeds. Brethren, Lodge members are as important as the causes we help. Once a member, you’re always a part o the brotherhood. We pull

together and if in need we will not turn our backs. We assist and support each other.

The range and activities we are involved in is extremely varied and encompasses people of all ages.

Should we make others aware of what we do? We have chosen to do things by stealth.

In conclusion, I have to say that although we are a men only body, everything we do or organise is planned to

include our wives and girlfriends. After all, they are our partners, friends and support when we need it. Their importance to us cannot be understated, we love them.

Papa’s Top Tips for Winter Training

There is nothing worse than waking up and looking outside at the puddles on the pavement, grey gloomy clouds above and a chill in the air thinking I have to get active today. Before you know it you are turning the lights on, putting the heating on full belt and it is dark outside. If you live in warmer climates then the adjustment is to the season finishing, beach cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs closing until April 2023. It all affects our motivation but an easy excuse not to continue with all the hard work you have put into staying active during the summer. I do not like mentioning the word but Christmas is the easiest excuse not to exercise and lasts until 2023, before you know it you feel sluggish and your clothes tighten.

So to help you keep focused here are Papa’s Top Tips: As a minimum make sure you can stay active at least 3 times a week

• If you go to the gym change your workout routine, more reps less weights, look into various types of training techniques, mix up your cardio with strength conditioning training, but just do short burst of cardio 1-2 minutes, do shorter but more intense sessions, challenge yourself to use every single bit of gym kit in one session for 1 set of 15 reps, try exercise

machines that you wouldn’t normal go on; go to an exercise class.

• If you workout at home, try a pre-recorded on line session, shorten your sessions, try exercises that you have never done before

• Running, cycling, walking and swimming change it up. Leave your house and explore a different route, put in some intervals like getting up those inclines on your route quicker and then have a slow walk to recover; sprint between lampposts and slow it down between the next. Run, walk, cycle your usual route in the opposite direction.

• Speak to a friend and see if they want to team up and do something together, take part in each other’s exercise routine

• If you really cannot be bothered just put your scarf and gloves and go for a walk

• Look ahead into 2023 and see if you want to book onto a challenge as this will focus your kind and keep you motivated. Better still look at attending one of my Bootcamps in Cyprus!

PAPA IN YOUR POCKET –

Your personal trainer who can go where you go

I have a new Personal Training service so I can be with you

virtually at the gym. All you need is your mobile phone, some headphones and a selfstick stand. I will then guide you around the gym and be your new gym buddy. If you are nervous about the gym, then take me with you as your new gym buddy. I have tried and tested the concept with Amandamosspr training at a gym in Larnaca, Cyprus…..it was perfect.

What is next for Papa in 2023

I am the only personal trainer in the UK who does Sports Specific Training for Speedway, Grasstrack and Flat Track riders. My pre-season training will run for 3 months from January – March 2023 where we will progress from general strength and cardio conditioning to Sports Specific exercise, finishing in March with Race Specific sessions in your kit helmet and all. The only way to improve your performance is not by going faster but by getting fitter for the demands of racing.

For more details on all my fitness bootcamps and retreats go to: www.papaluckmanfitness.com

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook: @papaluckmanfitnessgroup

Lifestyle

meets property expert Panayiotis Peklivana, owner of My Prop Man

What is My Prop Man?

People think they need to save money but it’s more than that, the package is all about its usability and compliancy of the property, it makes you compliant of the laws of Cyprus and of managing a complex.

We are property management company running for 16 years , in first instance the first 3 or 4 years of running the company found it difficult as no actual property management package to help and assist me and it was very time consuming and laborious, After 6 years I decided we needed a bespoke package for Cyprus. People don’t think they need this but they really do.

I used a condominium management package from the USA but it was only 30% correctly worded, but because in USA laws are differently it weren’t good enough for us, I went through 15000 euros of packages in 2 and a half years but then I and started to put together the software program on paper, I knew it needed to be done. Found the laws, calculations and formulation for the programme in line with laws

of Cyprus, by putting in these bits of into the system does it all for you, it’s very easy.

It puts everything 1 place 1 order.

My Prop Man also calculates tables for voting rights and % what you pay towards expenditure, it has a calculation sheet for expenses, monthly and can divide between the owners legally, it generates a paper request and sends to each owner. It keeps all the accounts for you, and all the services such as gardening and maintenance. Everything is on one system so owners to track what is being spent on in their complex.

By law in Cyprus the management have legally got to send a statement out to the owners every 3 months and this does everything for the

management company, it’s official and saves time.

Owners get their own passwords to log in any time so they can track every cent of their money too which is also essential under Cyprus law.

I have tested it for two years and made it really really user friendly, the system has been designed for everyone; management committees, so takes away the need for a management company, owners can use it.

My background is I am IT professional, I am a Microsoft certified service engineer but I hardwire computers and I can hard wire whole buildings. I know how things link together so I have been project managing the whole software project with my IT team, it had to be does correctly in right time in accordance with property management law.

For more details email ppeklivana@gmail.com or visit www.mypropman.com

Have Your ELF a Very Merry Christmas

With just a few simple ingredients you can make your own bathtub festive gin just in time for Christmas. Here is one of my favourites. Imagine a bottle of this in your Christmas stocking!

Boozy Christmas Cake Gin

• 700ml bottle of basic Gin

• 100ml Amaretto OR 50gms Muscavado sugar & 1 teaspoon Almond extract

• 200gms Candied peel

• 350gms Raisins

• 200gms Dried Cranberries

• 5 strips of Orange Peel

• 1 Vanilla Bean - sliced and the bean paste scraped and added to the mix (the skin can be also used but remember to remove later for the cake!)

• 1 Cinnamon stick

• 2 Star Anise

• ½ Nutmeg

For this boozy mix, add all the ingredients to a large sealable jar. Put in the fridge for 3+ days plus 1 day at room temperature, then strain all the ‘solids’ and strain the juice through several coffee filters to achieve a clear (ish) liquid. Bottle in a sterilised bottle and serve sparingly - it really is That good!

& Then Let Christmas Be GIN

• Don’t waste all that gin soaked fruit you have used for the Christmas Cake Gin! Add it to a Special Ginned Christmas Cake and try the following recipe

• Ingredients

Use all the strained fruit from the Christmas Cake Gin (it

can be frozen if the spirits are made prior to the cake)BUT remove the Vanilla Pod skin, Orange Skin, Nutmeg, Cinnamon Stick and Star Anise.

• Zest & juice of 1 orange

• Zest & juice of 1 lemon

• 250gms butter at room temperature

• 200gms of soft brown sugar

• 200gms sifted plain flour (I have even made a mistake and used self raising and this cake Still comes out perfect so don’t panic if you only have one or the other)

• 100gms ground almonds

• 2tsp mixed spice

• ½ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp baking powder (omit if using self raising flour)

• 4 large room temperature eggs

• A few flaked almonds and dried apple slices OR Maraschino cherries for decoration (not necessary if adding a marzipan and rolled icing)

Line a deep 20cm cake tin with parchment, then mix and beat the sugar until creamed, finally adding lightly whipped eggs in a large bowl. Fold in the flour carefully. Lightly. Then fold in the ginned fruit mix. Spoon by spoon gently. When combined, use a spatula to fill & level in the tin. Next you can bake in a preheated oven (150C/130C fan/gas 2) for 2 hours OR for a moister version, place the tin in a slow cooker on an upturned saucer with 100 ml water for 1-2 hours, and then

Stanna Wieclawska Kyriakou

transfer to the preheated oven (same temperature as before) again for 2 hours. Use a fine skewer to test the mixture. If it’s too sticky, cook a little longer. If you are not decorating the cake, raise the temperature to 180C for another 15 mins to ‘brown’ the cake. Cool on a wire tray, remove paper and then store in a tightly sealed tin. You CAN keep adding 10ml of Boozy Christmas Cake Gin every week if you want a really boozy cake ;)

Remember - Gin is for Life, not just Christmas!

The Ginnolier

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (21 MARCH–19

APRIL) Your career related decisions will go very smoothly. Ambitions to study, teach, travel, write, move or export your ideas will take off this month. The desire for a warm and harmonious relationship gives you a tender, kind and affectionate behaviour.

TAURUS (20 APRIL – 20 MAY)

This is an excellent month for budget-making, asking for a raise and discovering new ways to boost your income. Office milieu will be great and new creative ideas will make your month. You will be forging many new friendships that will bring fun and even love into your life.

GEMINI (21 MAY – 20

VIRGO (23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER) This month will see you getting more experienced and clearing all the differences of opinions to work in collaboration with colleagues. Your ambitions would be very high, nourishing your wish to succeed. You’ll be very sensitive emotionally speaking and your need for love will be accordingly.

JUNE)

Work is a scurry of activity and this period also favours stepping up physical activity or health routines. Creativity, information and ingenuity are the most valuable trump cards on your way to success. Your charm runs very high and a love relationship reaches new depths of understanding.

CANCER (21 JUNE – 22

LIBRA (23 SEPTEMBER –22 OCTOBER) You’ll focus energetically on profession and social accomplishment and this period will give you the opportunity to advance, to gain authority, admiration or fame. You will become more understanding and caring and will make your close ones very happy by expressing your feelings.

MANISH’S ZODIAC PREDICTIONS

JULY)

Your innovative ideas and skills will come into limelight professionally. Sharing is the key to a happy life this month. You are feeling very contented on the home front. You will win hearts of all your loved ones by showing them love and affection.

LEO

(23 JULY – 22 AUGUST)

You’ll have to cope with a very demanding, tiresome and stressful period. This is a month for putting in that initial effort that will yield positive results in the future. Love will be subjected to analysis and maybe even become a reason for worry.

SCORPIO (23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER) This is an excellent month for personal finances. It is a time of gathering your resources for the days ahead. Your communication skills will come into light which will bring you gains. A lover or partner pays a lot of attention to you and it feels fabulous.

SAGITTARIUS (22 NOVEMBER -21 DECEMBER) You will have a happy time on the personal front. With spouse or love, a great time is indicated as you will get to express your deep feelings, which will bring closeness and intensity in your life. Professionally, you will have a happy state of mind.

CAPRICORN (22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY) This is the time to join forces with someone who shares your financial, property and business goals and then pursue the outcome.

If you are in a relationship this is the ideal time for making a long term commitment to that special someone in your life.

AQUARIUS (20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY) You’are likely to enjoy your increased exposure and recognition on a professional level. Increased responsibilities continue to be an issue in your life, but you feel more in control. You are romantic and imaginative, but other interests will pressure you and you won’t be able to manifest freely.

PISCES (19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH) A busy month that involves plenty of errandrunning, tending to paperwork, and attending appointments is in store for you. Love this month is rather business-like as well, or could be found through professional contacts. Friends and group activities would be strong in the last week.

MANISH

LIFESTYLE

Notes and reflections of a woman creating her best life

STEFANIA BONGIOVANNI

How many times have you set intentions at the beginning of a new year and you ended up forgetting about them just a few weeks later?

Last month we spoke about the importance of letting go of what no longer serves us for making space for something new to come in. Whether it is de-cluttering your house or working space, or getting rid of limiting beliefs, this process is essential to allow abundance to get into our lives.

I’m sure you have diligently done the releasing part, so now it’s time to manifest love, success, money, health and any other desire that you feel is in alignment with your life purpose and that is for your highest good! Here are some tips for you on how to do it.

Grab a notebook and write down your goals for the new year, and anything that serves your well-being, your professional and personal development, and that will bring joy into your life. Write sentences that start like this:

In 2023 I will not procrastinate any more over... (there’s always that one thing that you know

you should start doing now but that you postpone).

In 2023 I will say YES when... (this is about trying something new and leaving your comfort zone).

In 2023 I will say NO when... (this is about setting boundaries).

In 2023 I will give priority to... (put yourself first or prioritize what is related to your goals).

In 2023 I will not be affected by... (this is especially about being unapologetically you, without fearing other people’s judgement).

In 2023 I will stop... (smoking? gossiping? Eating junk food? Choose one or more bad habits that bring negativity into your life and that are not good for your health).

Have fun creating your very personal intentions, including for example places that you wish to visit, new experiences or activities or hobbies that you would like to try, daily routines to implement, goals to achieve, dreams to fulfil.

Bring out the notebook from time to time, and

check where you are up to with your list. Keep yourself motivated by highlighting the goals that meanwhile you have manifested. Add new ones and delete those that, after a few months, no longer resonate with you.

Trust the process, vibrate high and get ready to welcome something new and better!

And now, gorgeous, just go out there and start living your best life!

Who am I? I’m an Italian living in Cyprus and loving it crazily. My name is Stefania Bongiovanni, some of you will know me as the founder of The Girlfriends’ Circle, but as well as the woman who believes in #sisterhood and in #womensupportwomen.

MUSIC

TRADITIONAL TIMES CALL FOR TRADITIONAL MUSIC……………. MONSIEUR DOUMANI

The unusual name of Monsieur Doumani makes you wonder whether the award-winning trio are French, but I assure you they are not. Formed in Nicosia in 2012, the talented trio all grew up and have strong roots in Cyprus. They have been described by The Guardian as ‘one of the most entertaining, confident and inventive groups in this scene’. Their unique music is full of fresh compositions, unusual, sharp witted and savvy lyrics, with powerful messages expressed through their music. I describe their music as Cypriot music with a twist – Cyprus Avant folk; quirky, happy, joyful but with

emphasis on their choice of content and lyrics. The band has released four albums to date and their music progression has led to their last album sounding more psych folk with a raw edge.

Monsieur Doumani draw inspiration from contemporary Cypriot society with the base of their music being traditional Cypriot music influenced by various genres of music, including Greek Rebetiko (so called Greek blues) music of Southern Italy, west African music, jazz, and Baltic music. The result is the amalgamation of different styles around the

Cypriot traditional music core. With the addition of their various musical backgrounds and Cypriot folklore influences, their ideas and inspirations of their songs are born from political issues of the island including reunification and peace, Cypriot society and problems of racism, xenophobia, environmental deprivation, corruption, and injustice, where they attempt to confront these issues through their music.

The initial identity of MD is determined by the adaptation of Cyprus traditional influences using subject matter from 70 - 80 years ago. Their sound is not the traditional Cypriot music ensemble and does not belong to any genre of music but is greatly influenced by Cypriot roots. Their goal was not to revive Cypriot music, but the simplicity and originality helped them to create their music and get them where they are today.

Monsieur Doumani have ventured into an untouched

Music expert Drew Andreou, who organises Cyprus Rocks, gives her insight into the music scene around Cyprus. If you want to be included email info@lifestylelivingcyprus.com

Photo by: Michalis Demetriades

territory of music and with the addition of their choice of instruments; the acoustic guitar, trombone, flute and the tzouras; used purely because these are the instruments that they know how to play. Together the combination has proven successful and with the presence of the traditional instrument, the tzouras enables the artist to express feelings which reaches his soul and psych. “I was so relieved the moment I realised that I don’t need to force things…to pretend….to just be myself.” Antonis Antoniou

Their unique sound has attracted diverse audiences worldwide for the last ten years. They have performed in festivals and venues across the world,

including France, Denmark, Slovenia, Belgium, Netherlands, also in London and Japan, which was a dream fulfilled for them. They have received many awards and in 2018 received the Transglobal World Music award for best album 2018, which received international interest and acclaim.

Monsieur Doumani are Antonis Antoniou, Demetris Yiasemides and Andys Skordis.

The trio will be performing on the 9th of December at Savino Live, Larnaca, so if you are looking for something traditional, something Cypriot and some interesting and entertaining music then this may be the concert for you. Come and see the continuing

and exciting journey of Monsieur Doumani and be assured, you don’t need to understand the lyrics to appreciate the music.

To brighten up this Christmas season even more, feast your eyes upon this great line up of events offered by Savino Live music venue over the festive season. From Live music to DJ events, performers from Cyprus and Greece, English and Greek Rock, Pop, Metal, Hip Hop and RNB….

Christmas is a time to celebrate and come together and this is accomplished through music!

Merry Christmas music lovers!

Photo by: Eric Van Nieuwland

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Secure Corporate and Domestic Storage in Cyprus - Peter Morton Removals Ltd

Sixteen years ago the Morton Family relocated from Essex to Paphos, with four young children.

Soon after arriving Peter and Debbie started PMR Cyprus. At first it was only going to be a small man with a van service but they soon

saw a huge gap in the removals industry. This was something Peter had done when he first left school.

They employed their first couple of staff and started taking on the larger removals.

Within a short timespan customers were

asking them to ship their goods primarily back to the UK.

They looked in to the option of this and found it was another service they could offer. Leading on from this they found partners in the UK to start importing customers personal effects back to them in Cyprus.

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Facebook: Peter Morton Removals for Cyprus and PMR UK for England Instagram: peter_morton_removals – petermorton.removals – petermortonremovals for Cyprus and pmrbranchuk for England

Email: Cyprus – headoffice@petermortonremovals.com England – ukbranch@petermortonremovals.com