Expat Lifestyle Magazine February 2023

Happy Valentines Day!

MOIRA’S KITCHEN

LOVE YOUR HEART

with Moira Carmenate with elite wellness group

4 - 9

10 - 11

12 -13 OF LOVE

GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT

SPOTLIGHT

VALENTINE’S GIFT IDEAS

14 - 15

16 - 17

Hello everyone,

Welcome to February, the month where love and romance is highlighted on the 14th when many celebrate Valentine’s Day.

TALKING

WHAT’S ON

28 - 29

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Personally, I like the Latin American tradition of celebrating Love and Friendship. Many of you will know that my husband is Cuban and in Cuba, 14th February celebrates love and friendship, showing your appreciation of friends and family.

In our western culture, where it’s all about romance, often people feel left out, isolated, or sad on Valentine’s Day, especially if they have lost a partner or split up from a relationship, and this month my wellbeing article focuses on self-love as many of us don’t take enough time for ourselves.

As well as focusing on loving yourself, why not reach out to others who may be struggling or lonely. When you positively direct your attention to others, you will feel better about you too. Do you know someone who has recently lost someone close to them? A small gift on Valentine's Day would mean a lot and would make you feel good as well. Even a small gift of homemade cookies or a little bunch of flowers or just taking the time to be with them can make all the difference in the world.

So, let’s follow the tradition of celebrating love and friendship and make the world a happier, kinder place.

Adver�sing

Expat Lifestyle Magazine is published by The Expat Centre. Whilst the publisher has taken all reasonable precau�ons and effort to ensure the accuracy of material contained in this magazine at the �me of publishing, no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage will be assumed by The Expat Centre or its employees. All condi�ons, rates, specifica�ons and policies are subject to change without no�ce. Expressed or implied authors’ and adver�sers’ opinions are not necessarily those of the editor and/or publisher. All material produced and/or published by Expat Lifestyle Magazine in electronic, printed or other format is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the express wri�en permission of the publisher. The adver�ser assumes all responsibility for a�aining copyright permission for any material not produced by Expat Lifestyle Magazine.

Le�er from the Editor – Moira Carmenate

Talking

Wine

with Moira Carmenate, Expat Lifestyle Editor

Blonde Golden Flakes Sparkling

This Valentine’s Day, why not try something different. With the growing array of new wines to hit the market, Spanish wine makers have been ahead of the game with a vast array of non-alcoholic wines and now they have introduced quirky but popular wines with gold flakes.

Those of us of a certain age, will remember Gold schlager, a Swiss cinnamon , produced in the 1990’s.

Now the craze for gold flakes in drinks, has found its way into winemaking and Bodegas Verdúguez, a winemaking family located in Villanueva de Alcardete, Toledo, Spain have created a sparkling white wine called Blonde.

Verdúguez have achieved a vast array of awards for their quality wines, including fine wines, sangria, organic wines, non-alcoholic wines, and sparkling wines like Blond which achieved the Golden Medal in Frankfurt International Trophy 2019.

Made with a blend of Airen, Chardonnay, Muscatel grapes and 11 % alcohol, this light and fresh sparkling wine pairs well with shellfish, non-oily fish, appetizers or to sip alongside some snacks. Around 15 euros for a bottle and worth a try on Valentine’s Day.

If you want to push the boat out and go for something more pricey and even non-alcoholic then you should try Espora Wines.

A relatively young business, Espora sells a wide range of non-alcoholic wines online. Their spectacular Espora 24k gold sparkling non-alcoholic wine is made following the traditional Champenoise method and is a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Macabeo grapes. Chardonnay gives a touch of dryness and overall, the combination of the two grape varieties create fruity, citrus blossom aromatics, citrus flavours, and a soft creamy texture. This 24k gold masterpiece will cost you around 115 euros for a bottle.

Happy Valentine’s Day

HEART SHAPED SHARING BREAD

Ingredients

1 full Camembert cheese in wood container

480 g White bread flour

15 g Milk powder

15 g Granulated sugar

8 g Instant yeast

300 ml whole milk

28 g softened butter

1 tsp salt

Method

1. Warm the milk in pan to no more than 110 degrees (or touch to check it’s just warm) – don’t overheat the milk as it will kill the yeast when you add it.

2. Add the yeast and granulated sugar.

3. Leave to sit for 10 minutes until the yeast has fermented (it will froth slightly on top of the milk).

4. In your mixing bowl, add flour, salt, milk powder and add in the fermented milk mixture.

5. Knead with a dough hook if using a mixer for 7 minutes. If making by hand knead for at least 10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and tacky.

6. Add in the softened butter and knead for a further 5 minutes.

7. Oil a large bowl and transfer the dough into the bowl. Cover with cling film, leaving a little gap so oxygen can get into the bowl and cover with a clean tea towel.

8. Leave to prove for at least an hour in a warm place or overnight in the fridge.

9. If you leave overnight in the fridge the dough will rise slowly and you should remove it from the fridge in the morning and leave at room temperature for at least an hour before handling.

10. Place the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and cut into small portions about 32 grams in weight and roll into balls.

11. Create your shape on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper leaving space to put the Camembert. You can use the lid of the camembert box to give you a guide.

12. Once you have placed all the balls onto your tray. Cover with a cloth and leave in a warm area for the dough to rise again. Depending on the temperature of your kitchen this could be 30 minutes to an hour.

13. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees c. Brush the rolls with milk.

14. Remove the paper from the Camembert, cut the top of the skin of the cheese and place the cheese in the wooden container onto the baking tray, now surrounded by the dough balls.

15. Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

PRAWN COCKTAIL & SMOKED SALMON STACK

Ingredients

Chopped iceberg lettuce

Sliced cucumber

Sliced avocado

Sliced smoked salmon

Cooked small prawns

Cooked large prawns

2 tbsp mayonnaise

1 tbsp ketchup

1 dash Worcester sauce

1 Lemon

Sprinkle of paprika

(Large cookie cutter or chef’s metal ring)

Method

1. Make sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcester sauce and squeeze of lemon juice. Set aside.

2. Place your cookie cutter or metal ring onto your serving plate, then layer everything within the ring starting with lettuce (press well into the ring making sure no gaps) and then layer smoked salmon, then cucumber, then avocado.

3. Put the prawns into the sauce and gently spoon on top of the layers.

4. Leave in fridge for at least 15 minutes until you are ready to serve.

5. Garnish with sprinkle of paprika and slice of lemon.

6. Remember you can add or remove whatever you fancy to your stack.

You could make with diced chicken instead of prawns and eliminate the salmon.

Ingredients

1 large cup risotto rice (Arborio)

1 large leek washed and sliced

½ chopped white onion

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp oil

1 glass white wine

2 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1 small pack saffron

Grated parmesan or white cheese

Ground black pepper

Garnish with chopped parsley or basil

Method

1. Melt butter and oil in large pan and add chopped white onion and sauté gently.

2. Add the rice and coat well with the oil and butter mix, add the chopped leek and gently sauté.

3. Add the saffron keeping a little back to use near end of cooking time.

4. Add the white wine and let the rice absorb the liquid.

5. Gently add the stock little by little until it’s all been absorbed into the rice.

6. Cook on a gentle heat until the rice is soft enough and to your liking.

7. Add the remaining bit of saffron and then the grated cheese.

8. Let the risotto rest for about 2 minutes and then add more cheese, black pepper, and garnish with parsley or basil.

FILLET STEAK WITH CHEESE ON A BED OF POACHED PEARS

Ingredients

Fillet steak

Pears

Soft Cheese (blue cheese is great with this but if you don’t like you can use your favourite soft cheese)

Red wine (large glass)

2 tsp brown sugar

Cinnamon stick

Oil/butter for frying steak

Method

1. Peal and core pears and place in pan.

2. Add red wine, sugar and cinnamon stick and poach the pears until soft and wine reduces slightly.

3. Pan fry fillet steak to your liking and leave to rest for a few minutes. Place the cheese on top of the steak and pass under hot grill until cheese melts.

4. On your serving plate, arrange the warm poached pears, top with the steak and drizzle over the red wine sauce (discarding the cinnamon stick).

5. Garnish and serve.

Ingredients

Cake

2.5 cups plain flour

1.5 cups granulated white sugar

3 tbsp cocoa powder

2 tsp Baking Powder

1.5 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

1 tsp salt

1.5 cups sunflower oil

1 cup buttermilk (or milk & squeeze of lemon juice)

2 large eggs (room temperature)

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp white vinegar

¼ cup red food colouring or 1 large tube

Frosting

1cup icing sugar

1 tub cream cheese

50 g unsalted butter (room temperature)

1 tbsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees.

2. Grease and flour your heart shaped cake tin. If you don’t have a heart shaped tin you can use an 8 inch square tin and an 8 inch round tin - cut cake in half to have 2 half circles.

3. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together and bring it to a smooth batter.

4. Bake for 45 minutes or until skewer comes out dry.

5. Cool in tin for 10 minutes and remove cake and cool on rack.

6. Make frosting by creaming together cream cheese, butter, and icing sugar. Add vanilla extract.

7. Coat Cake and leave to set for 30 minutes before serving.

5 minute Strawberry Mousse

3 ingredients - 1 pack strawberries, 3 tbs sugar & 200 ml cream

Wash and trim strawberries and put in blender or food processor with the sugar and puree. Whip double cream to stiff peaks. Pour some of the strawberry puree into glasses. Gently fold the remaining puree into the cream and add to the glasses. Chill and enjoy.

CHEESECAKE

Ingredients

(quantity depends on size of tin)

For a 9 inch round tin:

1 pack digestive biscuits

1 tbsp ground ginger

4 oz melted butter

350 g cream cheese

100 ml double cream

1 bar white chocolate

3 pieces of ginger in syrup

3 tbsp caramel sauce (from tin or jar)

Method

1. in a food bag bash digestive biscuits into crumbs.

2. Melt butter in pan and add the crumb mix with the ground ginger.

3. Press the buttered crumb mix into greased baking tin.

4. Place in fridge while you make the filling.

5. Whip the cream until stiff peak, add in the cream cheese and beat together.

6. Add the diced pieces of ginger into the cheese mix and a little of the syrup.

7. Melt the chocolate in microwave or in a bowl over a pan of simmering water.

8. Add chocolate to the cheese mix and combine well.

9. Spoon the mix onto the biscuit base.

10. Drizzle caramel sauce and grated white chocolate over the top of cheesecake.

11. Leave in fridge for a couple of hours or overnight (if you can).

Moira Carmenate, The Elite Wellness Group

Love Your Heart

IDENTIFY AND MANAGE YOUR RISK FACTORS

Make this Valentine’s month an opportunity to focus on your own heart.

According to cardiologists, heart attacks and strokes remain a major cause of early death, with high cholesterol being a main factor.

Most of us are aware of the impact our lifestyle has on our health and longevity and yet many chose to ignore the dangers, until it’s too late.

If you stop for a moment and really understand the risk factors that are relevant to you, it is possible to make positive changes that can prolong your life.

What risk factors?

Some of the main risk factors associated with heart disease include –

SMOKING

A major contributor to heart disease. Smoking makes the walls of your arteries sticky from the chemicals, so fatty materials can stick to them. The arteries carry blood to your heart and to your brain and if they get damaged and clogged, it can lead to a heart attack and stroke.

The good news is that it’s never too late to quit smoking and increase your chances of a longer healthier life.

STRESS

Recognising and understanding what’s making you stressed is the first step to reducing your stress levels. There are times in our lives when matters are taken out of our hands and can cause negativity and anxiety in our lives, e.g. divorce, death, loss of job, money concerns. Whilst we can’t always change what has happened, we can be mindfully aware of how we are reacting and dealing with these events.

Don’t suffer in silence – reach out and talk with someone – sometimes you just need to get things out rather than allow them to build up inside of you.

Poor dietary choices can shorten your life. Eating unhealthily can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or Type 2 diabetes. All these conditions can increase your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases.

What you choose to consume, affects how you feel and how healthy you are. Eating the right type of foods and small amounts is one of the most important changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. We all know what we should be eating, but we often grab on the go and eat for convenience which doesn’t always mean healthy.

Planning can prompt better shopping habits when selecting what you need for healthy meals.We all know we should be eating 5 fruit and veg portions per day and sometimes we just need to remind ourselves. Risk to cholesterol build up also comes from too much salt and unhealthy fats in our diets. Swapping the bad fats for the good fats is a major step forward in maintaining a healthy heart.

The different types of fats are:

Monounsaturated fats / Good

Avocados, olives, olive oil, rapeseed oil. Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios and spreads made from these nuts.

Polyunsaturated fats / Good

Oily fish, corn oil, sesame oil, soya oil, and spreads made from those oils. Flaxseed, pine nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.

Saturated fats / Bad

Processed meats like sausages, ham, burgers. Fatty meat. Hard cheeses including cheddar. Whole milk, cream, butter, lard, ghee, suet, palm oil and coconut oil.

Trans fats / Bad

Fried foods, takeaways, snacks like biscuits

OVERWEIGHT

Being overweight increases the work the heart has to do and it leads to high blood pressure and abnormal levels of fat in the blood. It’s also associated with diabetes, respiratory disease, gall bladder problems and some cancers. Eat smaller portions of healthy food and eat more often…yes more often.

ALCOHOL

Too much alcohol can affect blood pressure and cholesterol and can cause weight gain. Like smoking, alcohol causes damage to your arteries, creates fatty material which can block the flow of blood and oxygen and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Many turn to alcohol to manage tiredness, stress, anger, boredom or when they feel they have had a bad day. Be consciously aware of your feelings and what is happening and make other choices, e.g. meet with a friend for a cuppa, go for a walk, go to the gym or take up a new hobby.

INACTIVITY

Being physically active can keep your weight and blood pressure down to healthy levels. The American Heart Association suggests 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week and 75 minutes of rigorous exercise. Walking is a great way to start.

The good news is all of the above risk factors can be controlled by you and small changes to your daily routine can make a positive impact to your heart health.

Start now - When it comes to making a change, it’s important just to make a start. Now is always the best time. Small steps - Small changes can add up to a big difference: Patience - You won’t see changes overnight. It may take time for some benefits to start showing, but you should soon notice an increase in energy, feel healthier and sleep better.

What are you waiting for!

Talking Wellbeing

Moira Carmenate, The Elite Wellness Group

THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF LOVE

Valentine’s day falls on 14th February every year and love it or hate it, it isn’t going away. For centuries it has been a religious celebration, an ancient ritual day and in some places a commercial holiday. In recent years it has been commercialised as a day romantically celebrated with the exchange of gifts, flowers, and chocolates.

Mind you, it hasn’t always been celebrated with flowers, chocolates, and romance. On 14th February 1929, Al Capone arranged for his gang to kill a group of men in Chicago during Prohibition, and this became known as the Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Different cultures around the world celebrate in different ways. In some parts of the world, Valentine’s Day is observed as a day of love and that love is for everyone. Celebrating love between friends and families with gifts to acknowledge kind acts of appreciation.

This type of celebration reminds us to be grateful for those around us and show how much we care, even if it’s making them a cup of tea or just acknowledging your gratitude for their existence.

But what about you? What about your love for yourself?

I hear you say -that’s selfish. It’s not selfish, it’s essential.

When you give yourself permission to take care of yourself, to put yourself first, you will live your life in a more positive manner.

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” Buddha

How can you love others if you can’t love yourself?

The Law of Attraction starts with us. We attract what we believe. We will be loved if we believe we are lovable.

So, what about self-love? What is it?

Firstly, to understand and experience self-love, you need to control and stop the negative thoughts that drain your energy and stop you moving forward in life. The more you allow negative thoughts to consume you, the stronger they become, blocking everything in your path.

You may recognise some of these negative actions and thoughts:

Beating yourself up when you make even a small mistake

Constantly apologising for who you are

Reminding yourself about your flaws

Engaging in self-destructive activities showing your lack of self-worth

Not considering your needs as a priority

Aways finding reasons to talk yourself out of your dreams as if you are not worthy

Clinging to people who do not have your best interests at heart

LIFE IS AN ONGOING TRANSFORMATION

YOU ARE UNIQUE – YOU ARE YOU WHATEVER IS IN THE PAST, IS IN THE PAST

“See the positive side, the potential, and make an effort.”

Dalai Lama

TODAY IS A NEW DAY – A NEW JOURNEY – YOUR NEW JOURNEY

Start your day with a smile and gratitude

When you get up in the morning, look in the mirror and smile. Be grateful that you are alive and think of some things you have in your life and thank your God or Universe. It’s hard to be negative and grateful at the same time, so let gratitude win the day.

Remind

yourself about your dreams

Before you get caught up in the day, take a few minutes to remind yourself of what you want from your life, what your goals are and what steps you have taken on your journey. This is your journey to a successful, happy, and positive life, and each day and each little step takes you closer.

Feel great about yourself

Praise yourself for your achievements and feel good about who you are and the journey you are on.

Let go of any mistakes and forgive yourself

You are human. The past is in the past and you have learned from any mistakes. Those mistakes have strengthened you and helped you to become the better, stronger person you are today. Be grateful.

Create

healthy habits

Not only are you creating a healthy mindset, but you are also reminding yourself that your body is a temple and what you consume, whether it be food or drink, must be beneficial for your health. A healthy diet contributes to your overall physical and mental wellbeing.

Be confident and strut your stuff

You are courageous, focused and every day is part of your happiness and self-love journey. Wear your confidence! Shine brightly and focus on yourself and living a great life – we only have one!

Remember to have fun

Socialise, break out from routine, laugh, dance, smile.

song

As the

says –“Learning to love yourself, is the greatest love of all”

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

Talking Travel

with David’s Coach Trips

The second largest region in Spain, Andalucia is also the most populous with a population of around 8 million people. The coast of Andalucia stretches for some 1100 kilometers from Huelva in the far south west to Mojácar in the north east.

Mojácar is one of the iconic "pueblos Blancas" (white villages) of this large, diverse region. How beautifully the delightful village was constructed on what seems an impossibly steep location for building. Row upon row of sturdy white houses reach for the clear blue sky, This impressive village overlooks the sparkling, blue seas of the Mediterranean.

Golden sandy beaches stretch for miles in both directions along the part of the town known as Mojácar Playa. (Mojácar beach). In common with much of the Spanish coastline, it was first the Phoenicians and then the Greeks who colonised the area. Being mainly traders they were attracted to the area by the presence of precious metals, particularly silver in the nearby mountain. Later to be replaced by the more warlike Carthaginians, Romans and Visigoths.

But again as so often is the case in Spain, it was after the Moorish invasion, that the castle and city walls of the upper village were built.. Sadly the castle suffered considerable damage during the earthquake of 1518.

The upper regions of the town still offer that wonderful imagination, stirring sense of history which is so present in Spanish towns, cities and villages. A visit to Plaza Nueva rewards the visitor with stupendous views of the surrounding mountain ranges, The sea, the valley of pyramids and neighbouring villages.

The unusual 16th Century Santa Maria Church has a strangely fortified look to it. Although serving as a church it also provided sanctuary in times of attack or invasion. The city gate, dating back to the 16th century replaced the original Moorish gate, which at the time was the only way in or out of the village. Providing a checkpoint against the entry of invaders.

Mojácar Playa on the other hand, as the name suggests, is more of a holiday resort. Tasteful hotels, bars and restaurants line the long stretches of golden beaches.Giving the visitor the best of both worlds. Getting around is easy with a 10 minute bus ride separating the two quite distinctive parts of this unusual town.

February is Carnival time in Spain. Which offers a brilliant opportunity to combine the delights of Mojácar with a visit to one of the most highly regarded carnival celebrations in Spain in nearby Aguilas. The origins of carnival celebrations are quite simple. Celebrated in February, they are timed to provide fun and laughter before the demands and deprivations of observing Lent. The word "carnaval" as it is spelt in Spanish is derived from "carne". The Spanish word for flesh. Lent involves forgoing the pleasures of the flesh. While carnival suggests the opposite. Thus was born the carnaval.

The town of Aguilas (Meaning eagles), although bordering Andalucia, is actually in Murcia Region. The Aguilas carnival is amongst the most famous in Spain, if not the most famous. Known to date back to the 19th century, and believed by some to even date back to the court of King Carlos III in the 18th century. Thousands of colourfully dressed locals, wearing a huge variety of different costumes, swagger and dance through the streets to the sound of bands and lively music. Fireworks go off, and everyone parties.

The main characters of the festival are the serious, god fearing Dona Cuaresma who struggles with the irrepressible, fun loving Don Carnal. At first Don Carnal wins these theatrical battles and so the festival is full of fun. But it finally ends in his defeat at the hands of the righteous Dona Cuaresma. Thus the Carnival comes to and end and Lent begins. The festival closes by the Symbolic burning of a doll of Don Carnal.

Davids Coachtrips offer a short break to Mojácar taking in the Aguilas carnival – 24th-26th February on a full board basis with wine and water included at mealtimes, staying at the 4* Hotel Puntazo II in Mojácar with an excursion to Aguilas for the carnival on day 2, for only 199€ per person based on 2 people sharing.

There is also an afternoon/evening trip to Aguilas for the carnival only – 17€ per person

Both of these trips can be booked online at www.coachtripsonline.com or by calling the office on 966785910

Valentines Gift Ideas

Dealing with Grief and Loss

Moira Carmenate, The Elite Wellness Group

When you lose a loved one, it’s natural to experience grief. Whether it was an expected death or a sudden death, the pain will still be there. Anticipatory grief, i.e., knowing someone is going to pass away, as they had a prolonged illness, gives some time to prepare, but it still doesn’t take away the pain.

With a sudden death, often the shock and unexpected tragedy, leaves the survivor feeling confused, not knowing what to do, and triggers a range of emotions, including anger and guilt as well as pain.

Grief shows itself in different ways and for some adjusting to the loss can take many years.

Many people, although not all, who are dealing with a terminal illness, are willing to discuss the issues of death and dying. The practical issues of how the funeral will be paid for, whether they wish to be buried or cremated, what they would like to be done with their ashes as well as practical issues around finances, wills, banks accounts, pensions etc.

Unfortunately, when these things have not been discussed, and planned in advance, it leaves a major headache for the surviving family members, especially if they live here in Spain where the system is more complex, and cremations happen within 48 hours and bank accounts frozen.

What are the different stages of grief?

The stages of grief will vary from one person to another. We are all different and the grieving process will present itself in various ways and take different lengths of time.

The stages of grief can include, but not limited to –

Shock Sense of isolation

Guilt Physical pain

Anger Headaches

Panic Inability to sleep

Depression Flu like symptoms

Acceptance

If you feel you are experiencing these symptoms for longer than you should, or you feel you can’t cope, reach out and seek some help and support, either from counselling, or your doctor.

Grief Model Background

Throughout life, we experience many instances of grief. Children may grieve a divorce, a wife may grieve the death of her husband, a teenager might grieve the ending of a relationship, or you might have grieved the loss of a pet who was a key part of your family.

In 1969, Swiss psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross described five common stages of grief, popularly referred to as DABDA. Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance.

If you are dealing with loss, you could be at any stage of this grief curve, and it is a normal part of the grief journey.

Acceptance

The last stage of grief identified by Kübler-Ross is acceptance. Not in the sense that "it's OK that my husband died" but rather, "my husband died, but I'm going to be OK."

In this stage, your emotions may begin to stabilize.

You understand your loved one can never be replaced, but you move, grow, and evolve into your new reality and move your life forward.

I GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION TO BE OK

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Talking Legal with Costasea

legal advisers

The importance of being well advised in the inheritance process.

The death of a loved one is a difficult time for all family members, which can be even more so if we do not have the legal support of professionals specialised in inheritance matters, who have been able to advise them, even before the death.

Why do I mention this? Because something as insignificant as making a Will in Spain can avoid complications for the beneficiaries, considerably lengthening the inheritance process.

Every inheritance process consists of three important phases that must be advised by specialists in the field: the preparatory phase with or without a will, the inventory and distribution of assets and the payment of inheritance tax.

The preparatory phase consists of compiling the necessary documentation. At this point it will be a great relief if there is a will in Spain, as we will compile the documentation in Spain and move on to the next phase. If there is no will, we will also have to collect foreign documentation, such as the marriage certificate if the deceased was married, as well as legalise and translate it.

The phase of inventory and distribution of assets will also depend on whether he has made a will naming his beneficiaries and the distribution of his assets among them. When there is no Will, other factors must be taken into account, such as whether or not the deceased was resident in Spain and the entry into play of Spanish inheritance regulations regarding forced heirs in order to proceed with the distribution of assets. Therefore, the best advice we can give you is to make a Will if you have assets in Spain.

The last phase depends on the previous one, i.e. who your heirs are and the value of the assets that your heirs receive. In Spain we have a regulation that allows us to benefit from the payment of inheritance tax, or directly, exempt us from paying taxes if we meet a series of tax requirements.

From CostaSea legal advisors, we have marked a line of advice that begins in the will, prior to death, but being aware of how complicated it is, the best advice we can give you is to contact lawyers specialising in inheritance issues that offer a complete accompaniment taking into account the tax effects of the process.

e last few years have presented various challenges, which perhaps makes it more important for us to take control where we can, particularly with our long-term nancial security. What steps can you take in 2023 to protect yourself and your family well into the future?

Blevins Franks has 45 years’ experience managing our clients’ capital. We provide a range of integrated nancial services to give you peace of mind. Our investment recommendations are personalised for you and designed to be tax-e cient and meet your estate planning wishes. And with our regular reviews, you’ll know your savings are well looked after.

Think of your health and tness like a savings account. Every time you eat nutritious food or do some form of exercise you are investing in yourself.

If you make small deposits daily, big returns will happen over time.

Eating healthy doesn't mean removing foods out of your diet, it just simply means being more mindful of the foods you consume and having a treat every now and then.

Prep2u are helping people across the Costa Blanca through all walks of life improve their eating habits, making their life a little easier, a lot tastier & in some cases even saving them money!

What can you expect from our ranges?

Prep2u - Calorie controlled to help you achieve your health & tness goals. Your favourite dishes from around the world all nutritionally balanced to t your needs. Perfect if you want to eat healthier, lose weight, improve your health.

Grandma Kate's Kitchen - Traditional meals made with love. Just like Grandma would cook. These meals come frozen... see preview menu above.

Viva Vegan - Our Frozen Vegan range - Plant based meals, ash frozen & delivered to your door. We even do fresh veggie packs as an add on.

Take a look online ---- www.prep2u.es

Prefer to speak to someone? Contact us on: +34711037421

USE EXPAT at checkout for discount!

What’s On

Feburary 2023

Feburary 11th and 18th 2023

Valentine's Day Gala Benidorm Palace

An international cast made up of nearly fifty artists will be in charge of guiding us through this particular tour of the world and showing the viewer all the artistic wealth of this show, designed to surprise once again the most loyal audience at Benidorm Palace. and also to those who visit us for the first time. www.benidormpalace.com

Feburary 26th 2023 at 10:30am.

Treasure Hunt La Ruta La Costa

Spend a fun morning finding the Treasure of the Costa Blanca South. The hunt will take you a tour of some of the interesting place along the coast north of Torrevieja, with a few challenges along the way.

www.facebook.com/events/577912693769707

February 21sh 2023 at 7pm

Buble and King of the swing - QUESADA Lakeview Bar & Restaurant

Josh Hindle returns as to the area by popular demand after he took the Costa Blanca by storm in 2022. An amazing, versatile entertainer who brings the era of Swing to life. From Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Harry Connick Jnr to Michael Buble, Come and join us as he lights up the stage once again with this stylish, sophisticated era of music.

Chiefs on Broadway Quesada Line Up

4th February Chloe Leigh 60´s 70´s and Motown

11th February

18th February

24th February

Ben Valentine

Andy Winwood - Guitarist/singer Variety of songs

Jonnie Scott - 60´s 70´s night

25th February Chloe Jones ‘Tribute to the stars?

Sunday February 12th, 2023

Torrevieja Great Carnival parade

Saturday 4th February

21:00 Drag Queen National Contest in the International Auditorio

Sunday 5th February

12:00 Pets Fancy Dress Parade in the Parque de las Naciones

Sunday 12th February

16:00 Grand Carnival Contest Parade starting from Plaza María Asunción, along Calle Ramón Gallud to the intersection with Calle Orihuela.

Saturday 18th February

18:00 Carnival Evening Parade starting from Plaza María Asunción, along Calle Ramón Gallud to the intersection with Calle Orihuela.

Local Markets

Monday Santa Pola

Market Square

Tuesday

San Fulgencio

Calle Gabriel Moro

Wednesday

Guardamar

Main Street

Thursday

Rojales

Av. Juso Quesada

Friday Torrevieja Behind the Water Park

Saturday

Playa Flamenca

Calle Nicolas de Bossi

Sunday

Zocco Market Behind BP garge at the AP7

roundabout

Lemon Tree Road Market

MEMORIAL JEWELLERY

“Always in your heart”

We are delighted to announce our collaboration with a fantastic jeweller, to bring you beautifully hand-crafted memorial jewellery. All the items are made using highest quality materials and available in yellow or white gold, silver and platinum.

Each creation is made using your loved one’s ashes. We handle every piece with love and respect, creating a beautiful treasure that will last forever.