First April 2017 by The Malta Independent

APRIL 2017

ON POINTE WITH SANDRINA SPITERI GONZI

POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

Getting your life back after having children

ADOPTION AND CANCER

Line Young Peteri finds her real parents and sister

THROW AWAY FASHION

BAGS

BY:

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NEW PORTO BOUTIQUE NOW ALSO OPEN AT THE HILTON PORTOMASO SHOPPING COMPLEX, ST. JULIAN’S. TEL: 2137 2079 WWW.PORT OMALTA.COM

Photograph by Alan Carville

Strength of mind I have been put to the test recently after my partner decided to go the full hog with Lent – no sweets, alcohol, bread or pasta. It made me panic for him, thinking he would starve, but he is in fact looking and feeling better for it. It has also helped me from over-indulging at the bread bin and to actually think harder about what I eat. I’ve been eating copious amounts of easy one hand/offthe-shelf food since my baby was born 15 months ago, so it is about time! I have never felt that Lent had anything to do with me – it never existed. Now that I am older, and a mother, and with a health freak of a fiancé, I know that I will discuss it with my daughter when she is old enough to understand what it really means... Giving up anything you love so much for 40 days reveals a real strength of character! Ultimately, being a mother can be tough and no one really knows what it entails unless they actually are one. It’s tiring and emotional, as well as rewarding and a blessing. Every second of the day has to factor in where and how your child is going to be. You can’t even use the toilet or have a shower without settling them down or leaving them with someone else – if you are so lucky! It’s demanding, and a real test of character. On the rare occasion that I'm angry with my daughter I feel angry with myself because she is only little and knows no better, but I am always reminded of how other mothers must feel, and those who may feel so alone in their thoughts and isolated in the tiresome task of bringing up another human being. The job of motherhood can require that you forget about yourself – and your life before children – for a good length of time. Life Coach Claire Bugelli shares her thoughts on this after discussing various related problems that affect relationships and self esteem (page 52). We also celebrate children in a colourful shoot at Esplora in Kalkara styled by young mum Arabella Hogg (page 33), and reminisce about our favourite childhood sweets (page 30). I’m sure I’m not the only one who has a weak spot for melted butter on hot white buns and Lindt chocolate balls from the counter at the supermarket – I wish I didn’t, but that’s just the way it is. However, as I mentioned before, I am taking note of my bad habits and swapping white bread for wholemeal and toast for porridge oats. I’m even taking wheatgrass every day! Some of these healthier options are more time-consuming, but I do feel the difference – even if it is only in my head. We take a look at some gluten-free food on page 44. There are only four days of Lent left for those brave souls – and for the rest of us there is always next year!

EDITOR LILY AGIUS LAGIUS@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ADVERTISING & ADVERT PLACEMENTS CLAIRE BONDIN GAFA CGAFA@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT DESIGNER CONRAD BONDIN CBONDIN@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT PRODUCTION MANAGER ANDRE CAMILLERI ACAMILLERI@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ARTWORK COORDINATOR CHRISTINE SPITERI CMIFSUD@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT CONTRIBUTORS ARABELLA HOGG, CHRISTIANNE BORG MANCHE, CHRIS GRUPETTA, CLAIRE BUGELLI, DINI MARTINEZ, DORIAN FLORES, DORIANNE MAMO, DUSHA LIA, ISABEL FEREDAY, JOANNA DELIA, LEILA DELIA, NICOLE CUSHCHIERI, LINE YOUNG PETERI, MARLENE VASSALLO, MATTHEW B SPITERI, PEPPI DELIA, SANDRINA SPITERI GONZI. PUBLISHER STANDARD PUBLICATIONS, STANDARD HOUSE, BIRKIKARA HILL, ST JULIAN’S. TEL: 00356-2134-5888 PRINTER PRINT IT E-MAIL FIRST@INDEPENDENT.COM.MT ONLINE WWW.INDEPENDENT.COM.MT FACEBOOK FIRSTMAGAZINE COVER DETAILS DRESS (¤28) FROM F&F. NOUR NECKLACE (¤35) FROM PORTO. FIRST IS PUBLISHED EVERY MONTH AS A COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE WITH THE MALTA INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY AND IS NOT TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY.

Insidethisissue 8 FIRST WORD

With Isabel Fereday, the vivacious woman who helped put the real meaning of the word ‘fun’ into science at the Espolora Interactive Centre

11 LET THE FEET DO THE TALKING

Ballerina Sandrina Spiteri Gonzi takes to the floor in dance for this issue’s fashion shoot

19 ON POINTE

Sandrina Spiteri Gonzi tells us about her intensive summer training course by internationally acclaimed professional ballet dancers in Malta

34 FUN + GAMES

Peppi and Leila explore, in this issue’s children’s fashion shoot

43 DID YOU KNOW?

Facts – ahead of this Easter’s egg hunt at Explora

46 COELIAC DISEASE

Facts about the disease and how to tell if you have it

48 DESIGN EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHT

A not-to-miss retrospective for the architect and designer Josef Frank at The Fashion and Textile Museum

20 LET’S DANCE

50 SOME YOU TIME

22 FAST FASHION

52 DEAR CLAIRE

Some ballet-inspired fashion items Arabella Hogg defends wearing the same item of clothing more than once and suggests a few quality staples for our wardrobe

Braccialini handbag (¤225, PORTO), Marc Jacobs sunglasses (¤189, O’HEA OPTICIANS), Royal blue tutu skirt (¤68.50, THE DANCE STUDIO)

Perfume and make-up must-haves Dealing with life after having children, with life coach Claire Bugelli

The genius, and bad health, of Yves Saint Laurent

26 STRADA STRETTA

We catch up with actress Taryn Mamo Cefai from the series Strada Stretta

29 CHILD-FRIENDLY TRAVEL

Dini Martinez suggests a few childfriendly destinations around the Med

30 HISTORY OF SWEETS

3INA Eyeshadow Palette (¤14.95)

24 FASHION ICON

Nicole Cushchieri takes us on a sweet journey

Dolce Gabbana sunglasses, ¤270, O’HEA OPTICIANS

45 THE BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS

The best Maltese and English language books for children of all ages that are simply timeless.

54 LAST WORD 6

For as long as she can remember, Line Young Peteri has been trying to work out why her mother abandoned her, and only tracked her down at the age 39 after dealing with cancer and learning that she also had a brother and sister.

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first word

Isabel Fereday is a vivacious media and content producer who is currently taking care of the development and marketing of Esplora, the interactive science centre in Bighi. This positive, hard-driven woman lives happily with her two young sons and her pets, taking each day as it comes.

Victoria and Albert Museum

I would like to learn how... to ride a horse. The book I am reading is...

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante: read it!

My most recent find... is the Quarterdeck Bar overlooking the Portomaso Marina. You will never find me... skipping

The website I will often browse is...

light.

The most beautiful building in the world is...

The best invention is... flight.

The Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

One thing that makes me the most happy is...

The most spectacular city in the world is...

sunshine.

Manhattan, New York. It glistens and never sleeps.

My favourite space in my house is... the roof terrace because I’m closer to the sky.

I always carry in my handbag... red Chanel

The most inspirational person in my life... are

malt whisky.

my two little boys, who fill me with awe everyday!

The most unforgettable place I visited is... Ubud in Bali, because I met the most interesting people.

The last really interesting person I met... was an Austrian puppeteer, who was here training the Esplora team for a puppet tour of Malta’s schools. 8

BBC

News.

a red traffic

lipstick and my iPhone.

An indulgence I would never give up... Ubud, Bali

The last place I visited is... Milan. The last thing I added to my wardrobe is... A Mexx jacket. I like it because it’s arty, colourful and so wearable.

The best gift I have received recently is... a

The thing you will always find in my fridge is... mature Irish Cheddar! If I could get away for the day it would have to be... to my friend Pia’s house to chill out and have some fun.

One thing I never get round to doing and wish to is... to write a novel.

red poncho from my cousin – it’s bright and warm with a touch of boho chic.

If I had no choice but to change my line of work I would love to... design clothes.

The last song I listened to was... Killing Me Softly

My most luxurious habit is... buying tights, of all colours, patterns, opaque, sheer... you name it, I have them.

by Shirley Bassey.

Pama - Sliema - Gozo

STYLING: DORIANNE MAMO (WWW.ASKDORIANNE.COM) I PHOTOGRAPHY: MATTHEW B SPITERI I MODEL: SANDRINA SPITERI GONZI HAIR: BERNICE CATANIA (MARLENE HAIR AND MAKE-UP) I MAKE-UP: MARLENE VASSALLO (MARLENE HAIR AND MAKE-UP) LOCATION: INCITE MOTION SCHOOL OF DANCE, SLIEMA Red dress (造155) and Silk scarf (造55) from 1-2-3 PARIS. Nour earrings (造28) from PORTO. Bloch pointe ballet shoes (starting from 造57.90) from THE DANCE STUDIO. 11

Navy floral dress (¤135) from MONSOON. Dansk Symkkekunst bracelet (¤39) from PORTO. Bloch pointe ballet shoes (starting from ¤57.90) from THE DANCE STUDIO.

Black top (造33) and pink skirt (造43) from RIVER ISLAND. Bracelet (造89) from PORTO. Bloch pointe ballet shoes (starting from 造57.90) from THE DANCE STUDIO. 13

Dress (造165) from 1-2-3 Paris. Earrings (造88) and bracelet (造45) from PORTO. Bloch pointe ballet shoes (starting from 造57.90) from THE DANCE STUDIO.

Jumper (¤60) and floral trousers (¤75) from MONSOON. Nour necklace (¤39) and Nour earrings (¤39) from PORTO. Bloch pointe ballet shoes (starting from ¤57.90) from THE DANCE STUDIO. 15

Shirt (¤28) from F&F. Royal blue tutu skirt (¤68.50) from THE DANCE STUDIO. Nour Necklace (¤140) and earrings (¤88) from PORTO. Bloch Pointe ballet shoes (starting from ¤57.90) from THE DANCE STUDIO.

OUTLET DIRECTORY: 1-2-3 PARIS Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s, tel. 21375781. F&F Daniel’s Shopping Complex, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp, Hamrun, and The Plaza in Sliema. O’HEA OPTICIANS, 191 The Strand, Gzira, tel. 21315590. RIVER ISLAND, The Point Shopping Mall, Tel. 2060708. MONSOON, Bisazza Street, Sliema, tel. 2134 6080. PORTO, Portomaso Shopping Complex, St Julian’s, tel. 21372079. THE DANCE STUDIO, Sliema Road, Kappara, tel. 21388186.

Blush pink culotte jumpsuit, (¤60) from RIVER ISLAND. Earrings, Model’s own. Bloch pointe ballet shoes (starting from ¤57.90) from THE DANCE STUDIO.

BALLERINA SANDRINA SPITERI GONZI, FOUNDER OF BALLET INTENSIVE INTERNATIONAL, IS AIMING TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG DANCERS TO ENHANCE THEIR TRAINING WITH AN INTENSIVE SUMMER COURSE WITH INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED DANCERS

or how long have you been dancing and can you tell us a bit about what being a ballet dancer entails?

Can you tell us about Ballet Intensive International: what is the aim of this course and how did it come about?

I started ballet when I was three years old, although it was only at 13, when I was accepted as a student at one of the UK’s leading vocational ballet schools – Elmhurst Ballet School – and later the English National Ballet School at 15, that my journey properly started. My schedule consisted of a full day of dance training, starting at 8.30 am and finishing at around 7 pm, Monday to Saturday. Becoming a ballet dancer entails having the correct body and mind along with a significant mix of talent, passion and discipline. While you must be strong physically, you also need to be mentally strong and tough, because it is a very cut-throat environment. Given the intensity of the training, it is vital to remain focused, to maintain a high level of confidence and to be mentally strong enough to pick yourself back up during hardships.

I founded Ballet Intensive International (BII) in 2014 with the intention of connecting young aspiring dancers with today’s leading professionals in the industry. As well as the interest I have in identifying and helping to develop potential talented dancers, I also wanted to expand the opportunities available to young ballet dancers in Malta. The intensive is specifically designed to give dancers the opportunity to experience a high level of classical coaching from professional dancers who dance with the world’s leading ballet companies. Previous guest teachers have included Laurretta Summerscales (Principal Dancer with the English National Ballet), Tierney Heap (Soloist with the Royal Ballet), Sasha Mukhamedov (Principal with the Dutch National Ballet), Mari Kawanishi (Artist with Staatsballett Berlin), Yasmine Naghdi (Soloist with the Royal Ballet), and Ruth Brill (Artist with Birmingham Royal Ballet). The two-week intensive is open to Maltese and international dancers aged 10 and above. Over the past four years, BII has built a healthy network of student members who benefit from dance exposure and opportunities in the world of ballet. The programme is tailor-made to expose dancers to pre-professional ballet training as they can take advantage of hands-on skills and one-to-one training from the internationally acclaimed professional ballet dancers. Classes include classical ballet technique, repertoire, solo variations, performance skills, contemporary dance, body conditioning, stretching, pointe work, tutorials in health nutrition and audition techniques. The programme aims to nurture and motivate dance students in an encouraging and fun environment, while developing the dancer’s appreciation for the classical art form. The programme also offers students the opportunity to perform at the end of the course. Every year, BII awards an international vocational scholarship to attend a Ballet School of international repute. For instance, BII’s most promising dancer for 2016 won a place at the summer programme of Elmhurst Ballet School – one of the UK’s leading vocational ballet schools. Our 2017 summer intensive will take place in Malta between 31 July and 11 August and will welcome Soloist Luiza Lopes from the Royal Swedish Ballet and Artist Maria Andres Betoret from the Stuttgart Ballet. We encourage those who are passionate about their ballet training to apply to our 2017 summer intensive. Entry to the programme is via an application and photo audition and interested students can email info@balletintensiveinternational.com to request an application form.

Where has ballet taken you? As a dancer in training and practice for over 20 years, dance is indeed an integral part of my life. I believe my dance training has played a pivotal role in my creative development, artistic appreciation, education and personal growth. Undeniably, I would not be the person I am today without the unique dance training opportunities that I have experienced. While I am no longer dancing professionally, my journey with dance continues to grow and develop. Currently, I am very passionate about my teaching and dedicating my time and focus on sharing my experiences with the dance community. My profound ambition is to use the knowledge I have acquired throughout my time on the international platform to help, encourage and possibly inspire the next generation of young dancers. In doing so I hope to create a nurturing environment and positive learning experience for young dancers which motivates them to reach their full potential. I also continue with my own learning and development. I received a BA (Hons.) degree in Dance Studies in 2013 and I recently completed Master’s degree in Creativity and Entrepreneurship, with my thesis focusing on exploring the way in which skills acquired through dance training can be transferable to other creative ventures. I am also continuing to expand and enhance my teaching qualifications and my practice as a dance teacher.

RIVER ISLAND black dress ¤75

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FAST FASH ION

“

Didn't you wear that already” said a male friend at dinner gesturing to my blue and white pinstripe shirt with black eyes printed all over it, that I had so delightedly purchased for €10 from a high street store during the January sales. “Umm yes” I mumbled, suddenly remembering that I had worn this exact top to our previous group evening outing. I had done it, broken one of my clothing rules – never to ‘outfit repeat’. As I got home and removed the item in question I came to think how trivial this unspoken rule was, I like this top, surely I can and should wear it as much as I want! We have become a society obsessed with consumerism, it has gone beyond materialism (side-note : I don't view being ‘materialistic’ as a negative, in fact I think it is one of life's pleasures to enjoy beautiful things and take pride wearing/using them). We are being urged to "buy buy buy" with such urgency that we don't consider purchases – grab the item, swipe the card, take it home and pray we find somewhere to store it amongst all the other things in our

wardrobes and drawers. Now I know, it is so cliché to refer to the past as rosier days, times when things were good and better, but there is something we can consider when looking back. During WWII and throughout the 1940s, rationing was part of of everyday life, including the rationing of clothing where you would have to collect and use coupons to purchase an item, therefore the item chosen would have been either extremely coveted or extremely necessary. Fast forward to the 1950s, men went back to work and women became housewives leaving people with more disposable income and extra time to shop, this was the beginning of the rise in consumerism. Fashion became more fun, where you could express your personality and interests through your outfit choices, although the element of care was still taken towards clothing – your one winter coat would be used year after year and if your dress tore, it would be mended. The terms ‘disposable or fast fashion’ didn't emerge until the late 1990s where high street brands would instantly and inexpensively manufacture clothing to replicate the very current catwalk styles. Thus providing the customer with cheap,

MY SHOPPING HABITS OVER THE YEARS HAVE VASTLY CHANGED, I USED TO BE A BULK BUYER AND SOMETIMES WORSE, A PANIC BUYER – FRANTICALLY RUNNING AROUND THE HIGH STREET LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO WEAR TO AN EVENT THAT EVENING, EVENTUALLY STUMBLING UPON SOMETHING THAT WOULD SUFFICE OUT OF THE OPTIONS I HAD FOUND fashion-forward clothing to completely renew their wardrobes each season. Over the years, with the evolution of technology and advancement of social media our outfit of the day can be seen, liked and shared with all our friends, family, acquaintances and people you don't even know within seconds. The

impact of social media has greatly affected how often we wear our clothes, as once it's posted for the world to see, it is usually lay to rest in the back of the wardrobe for a while. So what do we do with all this abundance of clothing? Well, if you are like me, you let it accumulate until getting dressed everyday becomes a chore - having to sift through mounds of material until one day you say “enough is enough!” Time for a clear out. Which I then collect a large bin liner and take it to my nearest charity shop. Sadly, not everyone recycles or donates, when discussing this topic with some of my friends, a few of them admitted to throwing them in the bin (sometimes brand new items bought on a whim) and they are not the only ones – a recent study in the US found that Americans throw away 13 million tons of textiles each year. This astonishing statistic made me think about the darker side to disposable fashion. As I researched, I discovered that it has a huge impact on our environment, as the production of clothing needs vast amounts of oil, chemicals and water. One pair of jeans requires 1,800 gallons of

By Arabella Hogg

water to grow the amount of cotton needed. It is also the disposal of clothing that has a detrimental effect, if you want proof â&#x20AC;&#x201C; visit your local landfill site. It is easy to blame the fashion industry and the high street giants for the consumption and disposal of cheap, mass produced clothing but aren't we, the consumer, also to blame? My shopping habits over the years have vastly changed, I used to be a bulk buyer and sometimes worse, a panic buyer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; frantically running around the high street looking for something to wear to an event that evening, eventually stumbling upon something that would suffice out of the options I had found. After wearing it once, it would remain dormant among my clothes. I have learned to master my skills, an almost ritualistic process that I follow, looking for items that I truly love. Window shopping has become one of my favourite pastimes, when I have a spare hour I head into my preferred shops browsing through the latest collections and sale sections, I then pick a handful of items and try them on (this is KEY in choosing the right clothes, things may look great on the hanger but you never

know until you try!) If I then happen to fall in love with something I put it back, leave the shop and if (and only if) the item remains on my mind, will I return to purchase the piece. For all you Francophiles out there, you know, a Parisian woman's wardrobe is the ultimate in minimalist chic. They have a collection of the most essential, quality, timeless pieces which they then accessorize each season adhering to certain trends. They invest in the fundamentals of their wardrobe and use high street shopping to buy micro-trend pieces. So what are the essentials? The key items would be â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a quality leather jacket, a good pair of jeans, a cashmere sweater or cardigan, a quality shirt and of course the ultimate LBD (little black dress). So ladies, we must hone our shopping skills, using discipline when entering the shops. Move away from the bright ultratrendy items, so strategically placed in the front of the store, that will rest in peace in the back of your wardrobe once the style has been banished from the pages of Vogue. Instead search for the timeless, things that you and fashion will never fall out of love with.

YVES SAINT LAURENT By Line Young Peteri

THE APPRENTICE WHO BECAME A LEGEND

A LITTLE BIOGRAPHY • Yves Henri Donat MathieuSaint-Laurent was born in Oran, Algeria, in 1936. • In 1983, he became the first living designer to be given a solo exhibition in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. • The designer died in Paris of brain cancer on 1 June 2008. Forbes rated him the top-earning dead celebrity in 2009.

hen I was a young girl and could hardly afford to buy a fashion magazine, I read an article about Yves Saint Laurent and his muse, the French actress Catherine Deneuve. She represented the perfect women to him. When other designers went for younger and skinnier models, YSL was French sophistication and maturity. It was many years later that I could afford my first Saint Laurent clutch – a special edition tassel bag. With satisfaction I can see how the brand, even after Yves Saint Laurent´s death, still remains faithful to everything the designer represented. Line Young Peteri is the co-owner of Roccamore.com, Investment Adviser at Kickass.capital and Spokeswoman for Dove Malta. Keep up with Line on Instagram and lineyoung.com

IN BAD HEALTH • In 1960, Saint Laurent was conscripted by his home country, Algeria, to fight in its battle for independence. After 20 days in the military he managed to secure an exemption based on health grounds, but when he returned to Paris, Saint Laurent found that his job with Dior had disappeared. • The already fragile young designer was then hospitalised where he was given large doses of sedatives and psychoactive drugs, and was subjected to electric shock therapy. • Saint Laurent smoked about 150 cigarettes a day and also struggled with addictions to alcohol and cocaine and became a recluse, whilst some in the fashion world complained that the designer’s work had grown stale.

CAREER SUCCESS! 24

• As a young man, he left for Paris and quickly caught the attention of Michel De Brunhoff, the editor of French Vogue, who introduced him to the designer Christian Dior, a giant in the fashion world. “Dior fascinated me,” Saint Laurent later recalled, “I couldn’t speak in front of him. He taught me the basis of my art.” • In 1957, at the age of 21, Saint Laurent became the head designer of the House of Dior. His spring 1958 collection almost certainly saved the business from financial ruin – the straight line of his creations – a softer version of Dior’s New Look – catapulted him to international

stardom with what would later be known as ‘the trapeze dress’. • After his discharge from hospital, Saint Laurent successfully sued his former mentor for breach of contract, winning compensation of £48,000. • In 1966 he launched his own fashion label, where his adaptation of the tuxedo for women brought him fame. • In the early 1990s, Saint Laurent found firmer footing. His designs were rediscovered by a fashion elite that had grown tired of the grunge movement that dominated the fashion scene.

Photo by Kurt Paris of Taryn wearing Fendi spectacles from O’Hea Opticians

LEADING LADY

Q&A with Taryn Mamo Cefai – the leading lady in Malta’s most watched TV series, Strada Stretta

hen did your love of acting and the arts begin, and when did you get your first real career ‘breakthrough’?

My mother always said that I was born for the stage. I first became involved with the arts at the age of three, when I began learning ballet as a pupil at the Olivia Dow School of Russian Ballet, from where I achieved an Advanced Level in ballet. However, I first starting acting at my old school, St Monica Gzira, taking part in Prize Day plays and auditioning for the bigger roles as I got older. I think I was very lucky to have attended a school that attached so much importance to theatre, not to mention the wellequipped stage we were fortunate to use on a daily basis. I was instantly bitten by the acting bug and at the age of 14 I secured a scholarship with Stagecoach School for Performing Arts. I knew then that this was where I belonged and what I wanted to do. I think if you’re passionate about the stage, that thrill of the bright lights and the applause of the audience never leaves you. It’s addictive! Being the leading lady in Malta’s most watched TV series Strada Stretta was perhaps one of my biggest plunges into the industry. Having previously played Sarah in Il-Klikka, which ran for three consecutive seasons, featured in the movie 20,000 Reasons and also hosted the opening ceremony for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2016 in the space of just a few years, I think the experiences never stop and that I as a performer never stop growing.

How did you land a lead role in Strada Stretta: what is her name, what is she like, and do you relate to her in any way? The minute Steve and Justin approached me with the idea, I was in! From the concept to the story and the team 26

behind it, I knew the production had the perfect ingredients for a successful run – and without a doubt it was. Lydia is the perfect balance of kindness and determination. She’s lived her life locked away from reality in the safety of her home and meeting Mario allows her to see beyond her safe cage, which is where the story develops. Lydia’s character takes a spin and she begins to realise that there’s more to life than she ever imagined, that her daily routines are just a desire for a fisherman like Mario. Lydia believes in love, and it is something she’s willing to give up everything for. I feel it is her weak point but also her best asset, because with love on her side, anything is possible. Lydia is very similar to me, in certain ways, and I realised this along the way. We’re both very determined, persuasive people: delicate and gentle on the outside but tough on the inside, but I think the most essential qualities I share with Lydia are the ability to be compassionate and the desire for love. This helps me understand her and relate to her better.

How does it feel to be part of a ‘period’ drama series? Lydia is by far the most powerful yet challenging role I have ever played. Of course the difference in period was a big challenge as it proved hard at times to understand her decisions and motives for choosing one path over another. In the first weeks of filming I came to the realisation that, before I could be Lydia, I needed to take on her life. I took to studying the era: the mentality, the expectations of a lady in the 1950s and, most of all, I focused on her emotions. Lydia is very composed and we hardly ever see her lose control. Being used to acting on stage, this was quite challenging to interpret sometimes, but having grown up with role models such as Grace Kelly, the transition became easier than I thought it

would be. On set, I feel I become Lydia and I think that’s the beauty of a period drama. You need to dissociate yourself from the reality around you and become another person in another time but, once you do, the result is magical.

What have been the hardest — and also the happiest moments in your career so far? I think with the idea of being a Maltese personality comes the great responsibility of automatically becoming a role model – to children, developing adolescents and sometimes even adults. We become household names that people can relate to, feel connected to and even look up to. I think the hardest moment was realising that I needed to put myself second to the needs of the people who reached out to me, charities that needed me to contribute and young girls who sent me cries for help in their darkest moments. Admittedly, this resulted in my happiest moments too – the overwhelming support and numerous kind words I have received from the Maltese audience have been incredible. It keeps me striving to stay positive and focused in an industry that is often unrecognised and under-appreciated.

What words of advice would you give anyone wishing to make it as an actor? Never give up on your dreams. Stay determined, be your best self, accept criticism and stay hungry to learn. Every acting experience is so different and yet somehow you can take away something new from each and every project. This is what you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Down time is a luxury in this industry, so try to use it wisely and surround yourself with people who keep you grounded and shower you with love. Taryn is an ambassador for O’hea Opticians

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LIVE LIFE THE GRAND WAY WITH MALTA’S GRAND WINE. GRAND VIN DE HAUTEVILLE BY MALTA’S FOREMOST WINERY.

SIX TOP UNUSUAL

family destinations around the Med

f your perfect family vacation entails an allinclusive hotel with children’s club, theme parks and massive water-slides on end, the list below isn’t for you. If, however, your ideal family holiday includes historic exploration, family-suitable cultural emersions, natural beauty and some secluded, stunning beaches – then read on to find out more about our personal favourites after travelling the Med extensively with our two – now three – toddlers.

Andalucía, Spain

Travelling in an area that culturally embraces children makes any holiday so much more enjoyable and southern Spain stands at the top of that list. No tapas bar will ever give you ‘the look’ when kids are being kids. Across historic plazas, children can roam freely while you sip a delicious glass of Rioja and munch on some olives and tortilla – both favourites with two of our toddlers. Our highlights included a visit to the breath-taking mountain-top town of Ronda, where the children spent hours playing knights in the mediaeval castle; playing goat-whisperers during a hike through the Parque Natural Sierra de la Nieves and giving improvised flamenco performances in the cobblestone streets of charming Seville. GOOD TO KNOW: Free tapas generally accompany drinks.

Madrid, Spain

Spain’s capital is full of fun and discovery for everyone. Little children love running across the Plaza Mayor, whilst grown-ups marvel at the famous square’s architecture. Older kids can get into the arts at the famous art triangle, including the Prado and Reina Sofia – home to pieces by Velázquez, Goya, Picasso and many others. Everyone loves the expansive Parque de Retiro, the utterly unique train station Atocha, full of turtles, ponds and lush trees, and a pause for some churros dipped in hot chocolate at San Gines, the oldest chocolateria in town. GOOD TO KNOW: both the Prado and the Reina Sofia offer free admission during the last two hours of the day.

Route de Napoleon, France

Probably one of the best and most unique family holidays we ever had was travelling with our then one and two-year-olds for two weeks from Geneva to the Cote d’Azur in a motor home. That particularly picturesque part of the French Alps is known as the Route de Napoleon and is tranquil and refreshing, historic and truly French. Most mornings we would go in search of each town’s best croissants. This quest led us across markets with the freshest baguettes and most delicious local wines and cheeses. Disneyland fades into the background compared to the appeal of most of these old towns. On other days we would wake up near pristine rivers inviting us for refreshing swims and a day out with nature. GOOD TO KNOW: France is arguably the most camper-friendly country: almost every town and city has a specific spot where vans can stay overnight free of charge, often with complimentary water and waste facilities.

Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes makes for the perfect history-with-beach destination for families. There is no worry about cars as you wander through its cobbled alleys around the 14th-century fortress. After the impressive Knight’s castle, visit the Acropolis of Rhodes and Lindos. Dreamy Lindos, half-way down the island, with whitewashed cubic houses built into a hillside above a curving sandy bay, is a world away from the big brash modern resorts that dominate many other Greek islands. A hassle-free day trip can take you to the green meadows of Butterfly Valley. Here families can stroll past a waterfall towards a monastery, while marvelling at nature’s beauty and examining the life-cycle of butterflies. GOOD TO KNOW: Stay at the Hotel Ellique, a renovated 14th-century b&b in Rhodes town with connecting rooms for families, a delicious breakfast and a shaded patio with a stunning stone mosaic.

Dalyan Delta, Turkey

The Dalyan Delta, nestled between Turkey’s wellknown districts of Marmaris and Fethiye, is one of the Mediterranean’s largest nesting sites for loggerhead

turtles. Between a visit to the interesting turtle hospital and the stunning rest of Iztuzu beach, several days of family fun and relax are easily had. Similarly, the fascinating Lycian Rock Tombs and Kaunos ruins mesmerise all ages, more so as the sites are reached by an atmospheric boat ride across the river. Get everyone a souvenir without stretching your wallet at Dalyan’s bustling markets. At the end of a full day, grab a family massage deal in one of the hammams or head for the natural version at the hot springs and mud baths where throwing and rolling in mud – for once – is totally ok! GOOD TO KNOW: Baby turtles hatch in July and August.

Reef Mountains, Morocco

The hustle and bustle of Moroccan cities is arguably not for every child, and generally easier to handle with teenagers than toddlers. However, a trip to the quieter Reef Mountains will have something enjoyable for all ages. Expect stunning hikes past pristine rivers and traditional pop-up huts in the middle of nowhere serving up the best tagine you have ever tasted. You might even get lucky and spot some endangered macaque monkeys, a few mountain goats or a fish in the creek. Adventurous families sign up for an organised hike of several days. Our little ones’ favourite was the almond tree near our simple, clean and comfortable cabin. Finding, then cracking open and finally eating the delicious nuts made for hours of entertainment – and plenty of chillout and reading time for mum and dad. GOOD TO KNOW: Internet is unreliable in the mountains, so it’s best to book your stay beforehand. 29

THE

SWEET TRUTH ABOUT OUR SWEET

TOOTH

weets, sweets the joy of sweets! Marshmallows, Lollipops, Fruit Pastilles, Double Dip Sherbet, Popping Candy, Flying Saucers, Opal Fruits, Skittles, Love Hearts, Tutti Frutti we love them all! And it isn’t just their taste that we love. Sweets fill us with the most wonderful emotions. They touch the lives of all of us, young and old, across the globe. We give sweets to our loved ones to demonstrate our love. And not only do they taste divine, they are also colourful and exciting to look at. Our sweet tooth has been around for centuries. Historians have revealed that as early as 8,000BC cavemen would raid bee hives to get their sweet fix. Long before sugar, the Egyptians would dip their fruits and nuts in honey to make natural sweet treats. Liquorice root was also utilized due to it’s the sweet-tasting compound, anethole, which is up to 50 times sweeter than sugar. Evolution, however had a long way to go before we could devour a packet of Liquorice Allsorts. The history of sweets didn’t progress much until the Middle Ages and Tudor period, with the opening of ornate confectioneries affordable only to the very wealthy, due to the extortionate price of sugar. As sugar processing developed, sweet treats became mass-produced instead of intricately sculpted by hand. With the introduction of beet sugar and fructose in the 19th cen-

By Nicole Cuschieri

tury produced at a fraction of previous cost, sweets became available to all, evolving into the sweet production as we know it today. If you were brought up in Malta in the 1980s, you will share some of my nostalgia. Dipping a lollipop into a Sherbet Dibdab, getting a brain freeze from a strawberry Granita, and showing off your very grown up candy necklace, just before munching into it and breaking a tooth. A few months back I was visiting a retro sweetshop and reconnected with one of my childhood wonders…. Popping candy. I poured it ceremoniously onto my tongue and waited excitedly for the popping to start that would fill my head with crazy, unpredictable sounds. When I was growing up, sweets were nothing more than an innocent, joyful indulgence. I can’t help but feel that this Draconian attitude towards confectionary nowadays seems to be robbing children of one of the greatest pleasures of childhood. Some say that the introduction of varying tastes and flavours at a young age is an excellent way to develop and refine your child’s gourmet palate for later life. Others say sweets are wicked

IF YOU WERE BROUGHT UP IN MALTA IN THE 1980S, YOU WILL SHARE SOME OF MY NOSTALGIA. DIPPING A LOLLIPOP INTO A SHERBET DIBDAB, GETTING A BRAIN FREEZE FROM A STRAWBERRY GRANITA, AND SHOWING OFF YOUR VERY GROWN UP CANDY NECKLACE, JUST BEFORE MUNCHING INTO IT AND BREAKING A TOOTH.

and s h ou l d be strictly prohibited. My view takes a more reasonable approach. Children love sweets and we should embrace and encourage their enthusiasm and delight, on the basis that the rest of their diet is balanced, healthy one and that sweets are eaten in moderation. That way no real harm will come to them. As a child growing up in Malta, I was fortunate enough to travel to Britain regularly on family trips, so I got a regular Cadbury’s fix. But many Maltese children at my age were less privileged during Mintoff ’s ban of all sweet yummy foreign goods. Most children had to make do with the foul tasting Deserta, with the occasional Cadburys smuggled onto the island after bribing a customs official with a few Mars Bars. I was 9 years old when the ban was dropped and this was a happy year for all children in Malta. At the time, I was allowed 50 cents worth of sweets a week. I would use it carefully. 16 cents for a Mars Bar and a Snickers, 5 cents for a packet of refills for my Pez, 10 cents for a slice tal-gelat, 6 cents for a packet of Opal Fruits, 5 cents for a packet of Refreshers, 5 cents for a packet of Love Hearts and with the remaining 3 cents I would buy 3 bubble-gum at 1 cent each. This was followed shortly by a bubble blowing competition, resulting in tangled gum in my hair that was impossible to remove. This whole operation was

SWEET TREASURED MEMORIES

We asked the public what their favourite sweet from childhood was “Lemon granita from Balluta kiosk. I'd spend ages eating it and staring at the Balluta buildings imagining living in there.” Martina Guillaumier “When I was 7 or 8 we used to hang out at a club and when the bar was closed they would lower a gate over. So we would climb on to the counter and put pool cues with tape on the end of them through the metal bars to 'fish' for sweets. Eventually they put chicken wire behind the bars, but we had a good run of a couple of weeks!” Anonymous “Tunnock's Snow balls. I loved sharing one with my mum over a cup of tea. She remembers eating them at her school desk and getting caught because of the coconut flake residue” Rita “Candy cigarettes. They used to look like cigarettes so we’d feel really cool holding them before school started.” Carlin Polidano “Twix. Age 12 my best friend and I would search the insides of the sofas and try scrape together 15c (Maltese lira) and when we got lucky and found a pit of loose change we would walk down to our local mini market buy a Twix each and slowly walk home as we ate them. I would have gone through both bars by the time we turned the corner and he would still be on his second bite savouring it. Our discussion was always - me - how do you manage to control yourself and eat it so slow. -him- why don't you eat it slowly and savour the bites. We could never agree on who had the best way. Looking back, he did. ” Jovan Pisani a great introduction to accountancy. I would make my sweets last all week and store them safely in various hiding places around the house. This engrained in me the idea that sweets were like secret treasure which made the whole process even more exciting. To this day I still find myself stashing sweets around my flat when no one is looking. These experiences set forth a lifetime of pure unadulterated delight in anything sweet and colourful. I am an avid traveller, and on my voyages, the highlight of the trip is discovering an artisan sweet shop selling sugared delicacies from a different land. My shelves at home are stacked with antique style tins of bonbons from several countries in Europe and packets of bizarre looking sweets from Asia. I even have a box of camel’s balls bubble gum from a trip to Morocco. Today’s parents are faced with constant worries of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hyperactivity, tooth decay, mental illness, even cancer. They are also confused by contradictory and unfounded claims on the Internet about what is and isn’t a threat. There is a vast inconsistency between proven scientific research and public knowledge when it comes to "demonised" foods, like sweets. All these ailments have all been linked with sugar at some point or other, yet only one - tooth decay - has been backed up with actual scientific data. There is no direct connection between sugar and heart disease, cancer or diabetes. And sugar alone does not cause obesity. Fat contains 3 times more calories than sugar and the fat content in sweets tends to be either low or almost non-existent. And hyperactiv-

ity? No conclusive scientific proof either. In fact, some studies say that sugar can even have a calming effect on hyperactive children. Tooth decay, however, is unquestionably guilty. Sugar is a fermentable carbohydrate that works with bacteria, causing decay that eventually destroys teeth. That said, any fermentable carbohydrate can lead to tooth decay such as un-sugared breakfast cereals, crisps, cereal bars, even bread. If we were to replace sweets with raisins for a healthier snack, we can agree that dried fruits contain nutrients that most sweets don’t have, but they also contain fructose sugars that cause tooth decay, especially if the child is chewing on them all day. The world is a much smaller and scarier place when seen through the eyes of a child. If you consider the pressure that the modern child is faced with from the age of 3; growing up with two busy working parents, faced with 3 hours of traffic every day, hours of homework and very few green areas to play in, most unimaginatively designed and poorly maintained. To top this, children are given bits of dried fruit to eat instead of experiencing the delight of real sweets. For an adult, a sweet can turn a truly rotten day into a more bearable day. For a child, it is a pleasure so intense that it feels like best thing in the world. If only parents could try to reconnect with their own nostalgic enthusiasm for sweets and give them a loving smile as they place a sweet into their child’s hand, instead of a disapproving frown. It may be filled with empty calories, but any child can tell you that a sweet is bursting with magic and wonder.

“Tuttifrutti. I used to find random tuttifrutti at the bottom of my school bag and they'd still taste amazing. ” Franny Schembri “Wagon wheel. I would eat it very very slowly. First the circumference. Then again. Till there was only one bite left - the middle. Marie Briguglio “Kinder Surprise. I liked the chocolate egg but my real memories revolved around building the toys and back then they had tons of parts so it took a good ten minutes to assemble a car or figurine. ” Robert Pisani

SWEETS TIMELINE Chewing gum - 1848 Marshmallows – 1850 Fruit Pastilles – 1881 Fruit Gums – 1893 Candy Floss- 1897 Liquorice Allsorts - 1899 Bubble gum -1906 Lollipops – 1908 Pez - 1927 Gummi Bears - 1920 Sherbet Fountain - 1925 Fruitella - 1931 Lovehearts -1933

Polos - 1947 1942 to 1953 all sweets were rationed. 5 February 1953 was a day of rejoicing for all children! Love Hearts - 1954 Starburst – 1960 Flying Saucers – 1960 (Inspired by Space Travel) Chewits – 1965 Skittles – 1974 Popping Candy – 1975

BEST DRESSED

CELEBRITY CHILDREN

With some interesting names to boot! MARION AND TABITHA BRODERICK

It’s clear that Marion and Tabitha Broderick have mom Sarah Jessica Parker’s fashion gene. The twins both sported different floral (but equally adorable) frocks, headbands, matching beaded necklaces and ballet flats.

ZUMA ROSSDALE With rocker parents Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani who lead by example, Zumma Rossdale played it cool as a little gentleman in a gingham blue buttondown, striped bow-tie, citrus-coloured shorts, two-toned sneaks with a peek of cobalt blue socks.

HONOR WARREN Honor Warren shares mum Jessica Alba's easy-chic vibe, styling her horse-print shift with a black drapy cardigan, ultra-cool Doc Martens and a canvas bag with neon persimmon piping.

KINGSTON ROSSDALE

Mom Gwen Stefani lets Kingston Rossdale choose his own threads. For an afternoon out, the blond youngster injected his inner punk influence on his sweater vest-andkhakis combo with a necklace and rocksteady boots.

ROMEO BECKHAM Like father, like son. Romeo Beckham is as dapper as David Beckham on the red carpet. As the face of Burberry, the charming boy model was decked in the British label, from his tailored suit to his dashing overcoat.

MERCY JAMES CICCONE It's not easy to upstage Madonna, but material girl Mercy James topped her mama in a black-and-white chevron shift dress with floral accents, a pretty pink headband, stacked bangles and white sandals.

HARLOW MADDEN

let’s go

wi3ld

It’s time to let the children explorers the great outdoo n in their ver y owd brightly coloure and floral attire

Budding dancer Harlow Madden left a ballet class in a sugary sweet tutu. Looks like she inherited mum Nicole Richie's standout style!

SURI CRUISE Suri Cruise is all grown up! The everstylish Cruise was out and about on the city streets in a baby-blue floral shift dress and contrasting bright red Roger Vivier buckle flats.

1. Yuki floral playsuit, ¤43, MONSOON 2. Toddler all-in-one, ¤19.95, UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON 3. Boy’s T-shirt, ¤9.95, UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON 4. Valerie floral dress ¤34, MONSOON 5. ‘I love my floral satchel’ bag, ¤23.50, ACCESSORIZE

FUN + GAMES Styled by: Arabella Hogg Photographer: Matthew B Spiteri Models: Brother and sister, Peppi a Leila Wearing: Clothes from Benetton, F&F and Monsoon, and shoes from Nico Passini.

Peppi wears: Mustard jumper (¤19.95), white jeans (¤19.95), blue headphones (¤9.95), white and blue hi-top shoes (¤24.95) all from BENETTON. Leila wears: Navy sleeveless hooded dress (¤19.95), white jeans (¤29.95), white/ blue hi-top shoes (¤24.95), green headphones (¤8.95), all from BENETTON. Polka dot socks (pack of 5, ¤10) from F&F. 35

Peppi wears: Grey hoodie with maroon details (造19.95), white t-shirt (造9.95) and grey sweatpants with maroon details (造16.95) all from BENETTON. Blue and yellow hi-top trainers (造22) from F&F. 36

Leila wears: Glitter bow clip (pack of 3, ¤7.75) and rose gold glitter bag (¤15) from MONSOON. Dungarees and striped top set (¤26), polka dot socks (pack of 5, ¤10) both from F&F. Silver metallic bomber jacket (¤39.95) from BENETTON. Rose gold lace-up Kickers shoes (¤85, on sale for ¤63.20) from NICO PASSINI. 37

Peppi wears: Yellow fluorescent t-shirt (¤9.95), orange/blue backpack (¤7.95), and jeans with green turn-ups (¤29.95) all from BENETTON. Panda faux fur charm (¤7.75) from MONSOON. Andrea Morelli monogram hi-top shoes (¤117.50, on sale for ¤58.75) from NICO PASSINI. Leila wears: Embroidered denim jacket (¤49), embroidered kaftan (¤28), tassel necklace and bracelets set (¤12.50), and tassel gold sandals (¤30) all from MONSOON. Aqua cherry blossom leggings (¤7) from F&F.

Peppi wears: Blue and grey jersey bomber jacket (¤16), camel trousers (¤16), both from F&F. Bunnies amber hi-tops (¤84, on sale for ¤42) from NICO PASSINI.

Leila wears: Glitter bow clips (pack of 3, ¤7.75), heart sunglasses (¤9), both from MONSOON. Grey patch sweater dress (¤14), polka dot socks (pack of 5, ¤10) from F&F. Liu Jo taupe and gold suede hi-top shoes (¤92.50, on sale for ¤55.50) from NICO PASSINI. 39

Leila wears: Flower crown (¤12.50), blue striped daisy dress (¤74), and pastel petals and pearls handbag (¤14) from MONSOON. Andrea Morelli gold glitter ballerina shoes (¤100, on sale for ¤60) from NICO PASSINI. 40

OUTLET DIRECTORY: BENETTON The Plaza, Sliema, tel. 21316966. F&F Daniel’s Shopping Complex, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp, Hamrun, and The Plaza in Sliema. MONSOON Bisazza Street, Sliema, tel. 21346080. NICO PASSINI 8 Cathedral Street, Sliema, tel. 27014323

Peppi wears: White and blue embroidered shirt (¤29) and blue pinstripe shorts (¤37) from MONSOON. Andrea Morelli beige brogues (¤98.75, on sale for ¤54.37) from NICO PASSINI. 41

SCIENCE ANDEGGS! It’s that time of the year again when we try to resist the temptation to devour all the chocolate Easter eggs that were supposedly bought for the children and hidden in the highest cupboard in the kitchen. But don’t fret – preparations are well under way to ensure that the children – and also the adults! – have an exciting Easter at Esplora.

nd here are some fun experiments to try out to incorporate some science in your Easter holidays!

Did you know that you can use vinegar to make eggs bouncy? Egg shells can take up to 20 hours to form through a process called calcification. This is because they are mostly composed of the chemical compound calcium carbonate, which is found in pearls, snail shells and limestone. When added to vinegar, the shell of the egg is broken down by the acid in the vinegar, which also ‘cooks’ the inside and makes it solid and rubbery! All you have to do is place a raw egg in a bowl of vinegar, cover with cling film and allow 24 hours or more for the chemical process to take place and for the egg shell to dissolve. Then lightly bounce or squash the egg. Egg-citing, right? You can also turn this experiment into a project by investigating how different liquids affect eggs. As well as using vinegar, why not try out orange juice, oil, milk, water and any other liquid available in the home? It’s a great way to engage both adults and children in the investigation element of science and a fun way of realising that science is, in fact, all around us.

And while you are eagerly waiting to see what You can also use science to explain what happens happens to the egg shells, why not also investigate to eggs when you beat them. Why do we only beat the science of cooking eggs? Explore the the whites of an egg? And why do egg whites chemical properties of eggs and discover how become light and fluffy? Well, when you beat cooking them brings about chemical changes. Egg whites contain a large amount of protein. These proteins consist of a long chain of tiny molecules called amino acids which are held together by bonds. When eggs are fried, scrambled or boiled, the proteins gain energy from the heat and the bonds are shaken apart, causing the proteins to become ‘de-natured’. What this means is that the proteins are then free to form new chemical bonds with each other, causing the egg to coagulate – which explains why egg whites change appearance from transparent to opaque white as they are cooked. Go ahead, use different ways of cooking your eggs and notice what happens.

egg whites, you are incorporating air bubbles into them. These air bubbles affect the bonds of proteins in the egg white so they are free to form new bonds, creating a structure that includes captured air bubbles which they hold in place. When the beaten egg whites are heated, the structure that was formed solidifies so it does not collapse when the air bubbles burst open during heating. What a great excuse to make an Easter-themed meringue! Explore the amazing world of chemistry through the art of cooking! So go on, explore, think, imagine and appreciate the wonders that science has to offer during Easter and its relevance to our everyday lives.

Egg-splore at Esplora: Esplora Interactive Science Centre is certainly somewhere different to visit during the Easter holiday – and fun can be had as a family or with friends. An Easter event is being held on Tuesday and Wednesday, 18 and 19 April, and since Easter is typically associated with eggs, it will be focusing on how to make science fun, relevant, interactive and engaging to spark both creativity and curiosity through the use of themed workshops. Our ‘egg-citing’ science workshops will undoubtedly help both adults and children fall in love with the world of science. One such workshop is the always popular egg-drop challenge. The amount of physics involved during this fun egg-dropping process is unimaginable, which means this activity is therefore great for children, teenagers and even adults, because it not only encourages ingenuity but it’s also a fun way of working together as a team to brainstorm ideas of how to package the egg and which materials would be best to use to save the egg from experiencing the same fate as Humpty Dumpty! Apart from trying your hand in our long workshops, you will also be able to drop in for our short workshops which target visitors of all ages. Since children love colouring and messy science experiments, the two have been combined for an ‘egg-stra’ special experience at Esplora. Apart from having a crafts section dedicated to toddlers, visitors will also be given the opportunity to paint eggs using scientific principles. Some of the short workshops look at the concept of density and mixtures, whilst others require your engineering and maths skills to launch an egg across the room. If you’re more of a visual than a hands-on person, then we’ve got just the thing for you! Join us in our activity centre for the Science on the Spot activities. These are a great way to interact with one of our science communicators who will be performing a few science experiments involving – you’ve guessed it – eggs! You’ll discover not only how you can squeeze a raw egg without breaking it but also how you can use scientific principles to walk on eggs! The workshops will be open from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Price: ¤10 and ¤5 (includes exhibits and workshops). For more information visit www.esplora.org.mt 43

10 OF OUR FAVOURITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF ALL TIME,

to encourage your baby, child and/or teenager to delve into the magical world of literature

Peepo!

by Janet and Allan Ahlberg This is a glimpse into the world of a baby surrounded by love, the warmth of home and washing drying in front of the fire. The late Janet Ahlberg’s illustrations are designed with holes in each page so you can peek through to the next scene. ‘Here’s a little baby. One, two, three…’. Enduringly and simply charming. In a nutshell: childhood memories. (Ages 0–3)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by Roald Dahl Fantasy and cautionary tale are entwined as Dahl delights in descriptions of Charlie Bucket’s squalid home, the vile children who, along with him, win golden tickets to see Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory and the fantastical sweets they get to try on their trip. In a nutshell: sugar-coated flight of imagination. (Ages 7–10)

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 by Sue Townsend Townsend’s brilliant account of the pimply life of one hapless teenager continues to entertain readers today. Through Mole’s cynical and tormented eyes we see his world – a miserable home life, teenage longing and a firm belief that modern life really is rubbish. In a nutshell: teen angst satire. (Ages 12+)

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien For many, the ultimate fantasy epic, Tolkien’s works span volumes, but this is a good place to start. Bilbo Baggins is a quiet, stay-at-home hobbit who reluctantly finds himself on a daring expedition to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Dragon. Densely written but brimming with humour, magic and adventure. In a nutshell: adventures in Middle-earth. (Ages 11–15)

The Gruffalo

Winnie the Pooh

by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler This duo has produced many of the greats in children’s literature, but The Gruffalo stands out, thanks to a winning combination of characters: a wily mouse who tricks the forest predators who want to eat him and a scary, knobbly, slightly loveable eponymous beast. Donaldson’s lilting, smart rhymes are whipped into magic by Scheffler’s playful drawings. In a nutshell: hairy rhymes. (Ages 3–7)

by AA Milne The simplicity of life in and around the Hundred Acre Wood is evocatively expressed in Milne’s poetic style, as if these were a child’s toys acting out imaginary adventures in the nursery. The silly scrapes that Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and friends get into continue to charm, thanks to the dry humour in the telling. In a nutshell: wise, practical and sweet. (Ages 4–7)

Watership Down by Richard Adams This tale about young rabbits is anything but cuddly. Fiver, Hazel and their companions must leave their warren, but in order to reach the safety of Watership Down, they face immediate dangers – angry former friends, humans and predators – in their quest. A fabulous, poetic and at times heart-breaking read. In a nutshell: friendship in nature. (Ages 9-13)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle A baby caterpillar eats his way through lots of different foods and gives himself a tummy ache. Then he spins a cocoon and rests, eventually emerging as a stunning butterfly. Brilliant for first counting and learning the days of the week, this 30-million-selling classic started life as a doodle when Carle was playing with his hole-punch. In a nutshell: colourful first-book fun. (Ages 2–5)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis Four children evacuated during the Blitz discover a magical land called Narnia, entered through an old wardrobe. They become entangled in a conflict between good and evil and must overcome their fears to save this enchanted world. Despite its specifically Christian undertones, this is a universally loved classic. In a nutshell: it is allegorical fantasy. (Ages 7–10)

The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss When a flamboyant, over-confident, talking cat arrives at their home while their mother is out, two children find themselves in the madcap chaos of a magical, tongue-twisting mess. A rollercoaster to read and a joy to listen to, this book fires the imagination and a lifelong love of language – like all the very best books should. In a nutshell, it is prejudice under the spotlight. (Ages 3–7)

MERLIN PUBLISHERS GIVE US THEIR TOP 10 MALTESE BOOKS, FULL OF MYSTERY, MISCHIEF AND FUN Lupu Lupettu jibza minn dellu and Lupu Lupettu jinvestiga lMuzew

by Orianne Lallemand, translated into Maltese by Clare Azzopardi and illustrated by Eléonore Thuillier Lupu Lupettu is not your average storybook wolf. He is a bit of a scaredycat, he does not like raw meat and he particularly hates howling. His trials and tribulations are the same as those of most children: he hates walking and he is scared of the dark and lurking monsters. (Ages 5 – 8)

Il-Qtates ta’ max-Xatt by Clare Azzopardi. Illustrated by Lisa Falzon The story of Il-Qtates ta’ max-Xatt was born when author Clare Azzopardi was in the playground with her young nephew and he said to her: “If mama dies, can I live with you?” Illustrated by Lisa Falzon, it is a tale of loss in an unconventional way – the main characters of the book are the cats living in a public garden in what looks very much like Sliema. (Ages 4 – 8)

Fittixni by Antoinette Borg Jack spends his summer holidays with his grandmother in a sleepy village in Malta. While rummaging in the cellar, he comes across a photo of his grandmother’s family when she was still a child. Someone in the photo stands out: an unknown little blonde girl. Jack manages to unearth the incredible story of Jessica and her daughter and uncover secrets that have been buried for 70 years. (Ages 12+)

to hit the Maltese bookshelves. Written by John A. Bonello and illustrated by Lisa Falzon, it is a whodunit full of hidden clues, action, suspense and a good dose of humour. (Ages 9+)

Stejjer ma Jitwemmnux millKlassi ta’ Miss Ambrozja Pulis Kiftaranipengini by Audrey Friggieri. Illustrated by José Luís Ocaña Miss Ambrożja is no ordinary teacher. She seems to have magical powers and is capable of transporting the children to different realities to teach them life lessons. Illustrated by Spanish artist José Luís Ocaña, this is a sequel to last year’s surprise hit Avventuri mill-Klassi ta’ Miss Ambrożja Pulis Kiftaranipenġini. (Ages 8+)

Teresa by Deborah Abela. Translated into Maltese by Leanne Ellul and Clare Azzopardi Inspired by her own family’s survival, Australian author Deborah Abela wrote Teresa, the fictional story of a young girl and her parents who, after the war, set sail for Australia, leaving behind in Malta some of Teresa’s nearest and dearest friends and family. The book was a best-seller in Australia and has now been translated into Maltese by awardwinning children’s authors Leanne Ellul and Clare Azzopardi. (Ages 9+)

Imeldina u l-Imbarazz by Sandra Hili Vassallo. Illustrated by Beatrice Costamagna Children and clutter go hand in hand and Sandra Hili Vassallo’s book is about just that. It is a sequel to Imeldina, published three years ago, which tells of a little girl who enjoys splashing around in her red boots.The book is enhanced by the beautiful illustrations of Italian artist Beatrice Costamagna. (Age 3+)

Fil-Kamra ta’ Jonas by Noel Tanti. Illustrated by Matt Stroud Where is Jonas’s father? What happens when the boy eventually climbs the stairs to his room and lies down on his bed? Why does his pet goldfish Feliċ open its mouth so wide and is it going to swallow him? A spell-binding, emotional story by Noel Tanti, brought to life by illustrator Matthew Stroud. (Age 5 – 8)

Irvin Vella: Il-Kaz tasSerqiet Strambi Qrempucu by John A. Bonello. Illustrated by Lisa Falzon Irvin Vella: Il-Każ tas-Serqiet Strambi is the sequel to Irvin Vella Il-Każ Manduca – the first detective in children’s fiction

little mouse who sets off on an adventure-packed journey in search of Cheese Town, has been republished. The new edition of the book includes illustrations by brothers Mark and Nicholas Caruana who created the 3D feature film Qrempuċu for the big screen. (Age 8+)

by Trevor Żahra. Illustrated by Mark and Nicholas Caruana He’s cheeky, he’s cute, he adores cheese and he’s back! The tale of Qrempuċu, the

Jissokta l-Kaz ta’ Saver u Ludmilla De Molizz by Clare Azzopardi. Illustrated by Mark Scicluna Shhh! Our lips are sealed but the longawaited third volume of the bestselling De Molizz series will be out very, very soon! What is Saver up to this time around and who is this ‘Ludmilla’? We can’t wait to find out! (Age 8+)

READING CLASSES FROM 0 – 6 YEARS

ead with Me (Aqra Miegħi) is a free, onehour, weekly early literacy bilingual programme intended for children aged 0 to three and their parents or care-givers. It shares a love of books through fun and playful activities, including the singing of nursery rhymes. The morning and evening classes also promote book-sharing, and encourages the parents to do this with their children. The Magic of Stories (Seħer l-Istejjer) is for children aged four to six and their parents or care-givers and is held in the evenings. These highly interactive sessions are in Maltese and English and are held in local or school libraries and are hosted by local councils, schools and Malta Libraries. It is run by the National Literacy Agency in collaboration with the Centre for Literacy of the University of Malta, Bank of Valletta and Malta Libraries. To reserve a place, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer following a training programme, call 2598 2990 or send a message to aqra.storja@ilearn.edu.mt. More information is available on Facebook pages: Aqra Miegħi/Read with Me and Seħer l-Istejjer/The Magic of Stories. 45

10 FACTS ABOUT CELIAC DISEASE

here are more than 200 known symptoms of coeliac disease which may occur in the digestive system or other parts of the body. Some people develop coeliac disease in childhood, others as an adult. The reason for this is still unknown. People with coeliac disease who eat gluten have higher than normal levels of certain antibodies in their blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system because it views gluten (the proteins found in wheat, rye and barley) as a threat. First-degree relatives (parents, siblings and children), whether or not experiencing symptoms, should always be screened, since there is a one in 10 risk of developing the condition. It is currently estimated that 80 per cent of the coeliac disease population remains undiagnosed.

Hidden gluten can be present in food, medication and non-food products, including: Gluten-free substitutes:

There are gluten-free alternatives widely available for items that usually contain gluten in most grocery stores, and make living gluten-free much easier. It should be kept in mind, however, that minimally processed fresh food is a crucial part of a healthy, gluten-free diet. It is very important to base your diet around fruit, vegetables, meat and other healthy food groups such as poultry, fish and seafood, dairy, beans, legumes and nuts. Many commercially available products are labeled “gluten-free,” but there will be some that

In classic coeliac disease, patients have signs and symptoms of malabsorption, including diarrhoea, steatorrhoea (pale, foul-smelling, fatty stools) and weight loss or lack of growth in children. Studies show that even though patients with ‘Silent Coeliac Disease’ thought they had no symptoms, after going on a strict gluten-free diet they reported better health and a reduction in acid reflux, abdominal bloating and distension and flatulence. Coeliac disease is associated with a number of auto-immune disorders and other conditions, the most common being thyroid disease and Type 1 Diabetes. Some people experience symptoms found in celiac disease, such as ‘foggy mind’, depression, ADHD-like behaviour, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, headaches, bone or joint pain and chronic fatigue when they have gluten in their diet, yet do not test positive for coeliac disease. Some of those with coeliac disease have no symptoms at all, but still test positive on the coeliac disease blood test.

2 3

Did you know..?

1. Modified food starch, preservatives and food stabilisers 2. Prescription and over-the-counter medication 3. Vitamin and mineral supplements

are not, which is why proper label-reading is important. It is also important to remember that “wheat-free” does not necessarily mean “glutenfree so be aware, as many products may appear to be gluten-free, but are not. As a rule, traditional wheat products such as pasta, bread, crackers and other baked goods are not gluten-free. However, there are many glutenfree options available that use alternative flours and grains. Gluten-free bread can often be found in the freezer section and there is usually glutenfree flour and flour blends available in the

4. Herbal and nutritional supplements 5. Lipstick 6. Toothpaste and mouthwash 7. Envelope and stamp glue 8. Play-Doh

grocery section, allowing you to bake your own bread.

Beverages: Most beverages, including juices, sodas, and sports drinks, are gluten-free. Alcoholic beverages, including wine and hard liquor/distilled liquor/hard cider are also gluten-free. However, beer, ale, lager, malt beverages and malt vinegars that are made from gluten-containing grains are not distilled and therefore are not gluten-free. There are several brands of gluten-free beer available in Malta.

Gluten-free cinnamon pancakes I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like pancakes! This is a basic recipe for a sweet option, but I find cream cheese and smoked salmon to be particularly tasty too! Dusha Lia of Baltazar Bistro Ingredients for six small pancakes: 125ml; 250g gluten-free self-rising flour; 1 egg; 1 tsp cinnamon. Method: Whisk all the ingredients together and allow to rest for 20 minutes. Pour a good dollop on to the centre of a very hot pan of melted butter, swirling the pan over the heat to make a small, good-sized pancake. Flip to cook the other side until golden. Stack pancakes high, pour over maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Of course, your imagination is the limit as to how you serve this glorious breakfast – perhaps with chopped fruit as well. 46

PATTERNS FURNITURE PAINTING

nternationally renowned and influential, Josef Frank is best known for his amazingly bright, bold fabric and wallpapers and his distinctive furniture designs for Svenskt Tenn. These iconic designs are seen alongside previously unknown watercolour paintings. The Austrian-born architect moved to Sweden in 1933, where he found expression for his colourful brand of modernism, working with Swedish designer and entrepreneur Estrid Ericson on 2,000 furniture sketches, 160 textile prints, glassware, metalwork and interior design ideas. Together they helped define what is now regarded as ‘Swedish Modern’. In his textile patterns, Josef Frank creates worlds that stand in stark contrast to the reality of the inter-war period and World War II. The lower galleries focus on his eponymous textile designs, his ability to create complete visual worlds inspired by nature with designs that are dominated by beautifully coloured birds, butterflies, plants and floral shapes. His patterns are filled with an optimistic energy, even

where highly abstracted, and suggest the abundance of the world and human possibilities, a world of dreams where species intertwine and different types of flowers grow side by side. Furniture designs are displayed alongside textiles, framed wallpaper and carpets, including a florabyrå (floral chest of drawers). Here we see Frank’s unique combination of functionalism with decoration, as the simple mahogany form is transformed by elegantly decoupage floral prints. Frank’s freer take on modernism went against the tide. When others advocated a simple monochrome functionalism, Frank included the colours and forms of nature, arguing that decoration added richness: “The monochromatic surface appears uneasy, while patterns are calming, and the observer is unwillingly influenced by the slow, calm way it is produced. The richness of decoration cannot be fathomed so quickly, in contrast to the monochromatic surface which doesn’t invite any further interest and therefore one is immediately finished with it.” In 1951, Josef Frank and Estrid Ericson were commissioned to design the

The retrospective for architect, designer and progressive thinker Josef Frank (1885-1967) at The Fashion and Textile Museum in London brightens up a gloomy day

interior of a newly-built house in the grounds of Millesgården in Stockholm, Millesgården being the home of the sculptor Carl Milles. The garden house, called ‘Anne’s house’, was to be the official residence of Milles’s secretary, Anne Hedmark. Plans, drawings and photographs of the interiors of Anne’s house recreate the interiors – showing the textile designs and furniture in situ. Not only did Frank design vast quantities of fabrics and furniture, he was also a watercolourist, which is not so widely known. In later life, he completed more than 400 watercolours and the ones on display in the Mezzanine Gallery depict his travels, landscapes, cityscapes and still lifes and are notable for their distinctive style, which is restrained and delicate. Josef Frank was born into a Jewish family and trained and worked both as an architect and as a designer in Vienna. He was a committed socialist, designing the first Werkbund Estate – an experimental housing scheme on the outskirts of Vienna. As a partner in a successful interior design firm in Vienna, he designed houses, interiors and furniture as well as fabric patterns

before moving to Sweden. He was a functionalist, but his ideas about designing living environments challenged orthodox functionalism. He felt that a home should feel cosy and comfortable and above all be adapted to the wishes of the residents. With soft sofas, hardwood and fabrics with natural patterns in a multitude of colours, the home could truly become a haven and a place for recuperation. Celia Joicey, the head of the Fashion and Textile Museum, says: “Josef Frank’s textile patterns are design classics: his brilliant use of colour, sense of scale and surreal organic forms have remained in fashion for over 70 years. Frank’s collaboration with Estrid Ericson at SvensktTenn in Stockholm is a fine example of how working in a design partnership can create a stronger individual style.” Josef Frank Patterns – Furniture – Painting, is being shown at the Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF – in association with Millesgården, Stockholm – until 7 May. For further information about the museum and its activities, visit www.ftmlondon.org

SOME

YOU TIME

LOOK AND FEEL FABULOUS Here are some beauty item picks of the month

BATHROOM TALK

Dercos Ultra Soothing Shampoo from Vichy is a sulphate-free shampoo that helps relieve sensations of discomfort, tightness, and irritation, leaving a healthier scalp and shinier hair. It sooths the scalp by resisting stress factors for long-lasting comfort thanks to its unique formula – Sensirine, a soothing agent that can reduce feelings of discomfort by directly acting on itching, tingling and burning sensations, and Panthenol, well-known for its ability to strengthen the hair fibre. This shampoo works instantly to soothe the scalp for up to 48 hours. Wash after wash, it cares for coloured hair, irritations are minimised and, after 19 days of use, scalp discomfort is reduced by 60 per cent. Exclusively available from pharmacies. For more information email vichy@prohealth.com.mt

Parafango Treatment is the perfect choice for your weight-loss challenge. It relaxes the body and optimises the penetration of the active ingredients. No water is needed to remove the Parafango and the results can be seen from the first treatment. The Aminofirm multiphase cream for firming and the Lipoaminocel thermo active cream for cellulite are the two products that compliment the Parafango treatment and are available in leading salons and spas around Malta and Gozo. Call Beauty Culture Group, St Venera on 2144 0424, 2744 0424 or email info@beautysuppliesmalta.com for your nearest salon. www.beautyculturecentre.com

Dove Purely Pampering Coconut Milk with Jasmine Petals Body Wash brings you gentle cleansers and delivers skin natural nutrients along with a fine coconut milk and jasmine scent to help you pamper yourself each day. This Dove body wash is moisturising and mild and helps your skin maintain its natural moisture as you wash. The unique NutriumMoisture™ technology gives you softer, smoother skin after just one shower, and the mild formula helps your skin maintain its natural moisture as you wash. www.facebook.com/Dove.

The Dove Nourishing oil care range, including shampoo, conditioner and treatment mask instantly helps to tame frizzy, unruly hair and, with continuous use, gives progressive nourishment over time for healthier hair. The nourishing shampoo, with weightless nutrioils, gently cleanses your hair, instantly making it feel smoother and deeply nourished. The conditioner helps make the hair feel smoother, and, with regular use, progressively nourishes the strands deep inside, so that hair looks and feels supremely soft and manageable with every use. The treatment mask helps smooth away roughness and eliminate frizz, leaving hair looking and feeling soft and manageable without making it feel or look greasy. www.facebook.com/Dove.

COMPETITIONS Invictus Intense

PRIZE 1 A BOTTLE OF INVICTUS INTENSE 50ML PRIZE 2 POLAAR HIGH PROTECTION SUN CREAM SPF50 Both from Ta’Biex Perfumery. If you think you know the answer to the following question: How did cavemen in 8000BC get their sweet fix? – like FIRST Magazine on Facebook and send your answer the good old fashioned way, by post, to: FIRST COMPETITION, The Malta Independent on Sunday, Birkirkara Hill, St Julian’s, by 24th of April, stating which one of the two prizes you would prefer. 50

WINNERS from the MARCH ISSUE

Rita Grech from Xghajra and Claudine Caruana from Qawra

MAKING SCENTS for the women

MAKE-UP ALERT

Three necessities from 3INA for the men

Nina Ricci’s Rose Extase Eau de Toilette Sensuelle is a luminous wave, paced by a rose’s vibration, drawing out a magnetic journey: a blossoming, a velvety sensuality of the skin, quivering beneath a petal’s breath, staring deeply into the exquisite light. Blooming, when desire and sensations melt into a huge respiration, a perfect harmony of music and pictures, of perfumes and emotions. A ravishing, an incandescent impulse, the acceleration of an intense flowering, leading to utter ecstasy.

The Longwear Lipstick from 3INA (€8.95) is liquid lipstick that combines creamy application and intense colour to give lips a silky, long-lasting finish. Not tested on animals. Available from 3INA at The Point, Sliema and Landmark, Qormi.

Powder Pearls from 3INA (€15.95) can be swept across your cheekbones to illuminate skin with an iridescent, light-reflecting shimmer. Paraben Free. Cruelty Free.

L’Homme Prada is a fragrance of pairs, of doubles, of juxtapositions and layers. The classic codes of the male fougŁre are all present in neroli, geranium and patchouli, yet the interchangeable male/female Prada signatures are present, too, in the shape of iris and amber, the principal elements. It is a mix that is both airy and yet purposefully highly sensual.

La Femme Prada is an invitation to emotion. Straying from fragrance’s more familiar routes, a sultry journey is evoked by its frangipani wake. This solar note, a hyper-sensual floral, evokes the dewy humidity associated with the faraway flower. The note is interwoven with ylang-ylang, its spice made smooth with beeswax, vanilla and tuberose. A distilled vetiver finishes the fragrance, grounding and rounding its feel.

Valentino Uomo Intense is for the man with charismatic allure and an assertive dominant masculinity with a distinctive aura. It is an eau de perfume concentration with a long-lasting trail to enhance a man’s everyday charisma or for a special occasion – a suave, leathery fragrance, a deep, unforgettable olfactory signature: black leather and suave vanilla accords.

The 3INA Eyeliner Pencil (€4.95) is an essential for every make-up bag, whether you prefer a light touch or something more intense. Apply along the lash line for a precision liner, or blend into something more smokey using The Eyeshadow Brush. 51

DEALING WITH A DILEMMA

Dear Claire

CAN USING A MOBILE PHONE BE CANCEROUS?

he World Health Organisation has classified mobile phones, and any wireless devices that use microwaves to communicate, as a group 2B risk, which means that they are “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” Many people believe that the evidence is already strong enough to classify mobile phones as definite cancer causers. They point to the increased incidence of cancer in areas of the body closest to where cell phones are carried and used – for example, testicular cancer in men occurring more frequently in the testes closest to where cell phones are carried.

Help Minimise Mobile Phone Health Risks A good rule when it comes to mobile phones is to distance yourself: the further away from your body you keep your phone – both when carrying it and when talking on it – the better. And do not keep cell phones in your pockets, clipped to your belt or stuffed into your bra. Likewise, do not keep a cell phone turned on and near you when sleeping.

We’re not going to stop using them any time soon, so here are five things to remember for safer mobile phone use: 1. Use a headset or speaker instead of holding the phone up to your ear. 2. When you’re using it, hold the phone away from your body. The amount of radiation absorbed by your head and body reduces dramatically in even a short distance. Don’t put the phone in your pocket or clip it to your belt, even when you’re using your headset. 3. Text more and talk less: Phones emit less radiation when sending text rather than voice communications. 4. Call when the signal is strong: Fewer signal bars mean the phone must try harder to broadcast its signal and research shows that radiation exposure increases dramatically when mobile phone signals are weak. 5. Don’t keep your phone in your pocket – or under your pillow: When a phone is on and not in use, it still sends out an intermittent signal to connect with nearby cell phone towers, which means mobile phone radiation exposure is still happening. 52

Seven months ago I was blessed with a son. I am also the proud mother of a beautiful two year old girl. Two toddlers can be very demanding indeed, but I am overjoyed in being their mum. They have filled my life with so much love, and given me a renewed boost of enthusiasm. However, I am also conscious that it may be somewhat different with my husband. By the time he returns from work I am usually exhausted, and I do not have any energy to give him the attention he expects or deserves. The combination of sleepless nights and my slow progress in shedding the excess baby weight makes me feel somewhat unlovable, and has put me off sex. My husband commented that I have become cold and unromantic. Is this normal and how can I get my relationship back on track?

olding the fruit of our love in our arms is a miracle -a miracle which commences at conception and slowly grows throughout the nine months. Whilst the experience is usually a beautiful one for both the man and the woman,unlike her partner the woman inevitably experiences major changes physically, psychologically as well as hormonally. The impact these have on the individuals and their relationship varies and is unique to each couple. The actual delivery takes a major toll on the woman’s body. Every woman needs time to adjust and accept her new reality: changes in the body’s rhythm due to shifting sleeping patterns; altered body image as a result of breast-feeding and baby weight gain. Once born, a baby brings a lot of joy but also many demands.Each couple must adapt to the needs of their child. Moreover, unsurprisingly the child starts taking priority over everything else. In your case, both kids are at a tender age, but maybe not too young to enable you to slowly start regaining your life, both as a woman and as a couple. It is critical that you are both sensitive and aware of each other’s needs. Therefore, make time for each other, and communicate your feelings and desires at this stage in your life. In so doing you are giving each other focused attention. Express any fears or concerns to each other. It seems that your husband is clearly showing that he both needs and desires you. This should reassure you that you are still beautiful and desirable in his eyes. Shedding the baby weight is commendable, and you are encouraged to seek your husband’s support even in this matter. Carve out time during the day when the kids are either asleep or otherwise occupied enjoying a safe activity, to just be together. Truly enjoy and make the best of these instances. Even if it’s just snuggling together on the sofa or having a quick bite, make these moments special. There may be fewer opportunities than before you became parents, but they need not be any less intense. Such instances will help you rekindle your

ONCE BORN, A BABY BRINGS A LOT OF JOY BUT ALSO MANY DEMANDS.EACH COUPLE MUST ADAPT TO THE NEEDS OF THEIR CHILD. MOREOVER, UNSURPRISINGLY THE CHILD STARTS TAKING PRIORITY OVER EVERYTHING ELSE... romance and desire for each other. Once a week or so engage a nanny or ask a relative to attend to your kids, dress up and go out on a date. Otherwise set up a romantic ambience at home, and order a take out. All these are stepping stones to restoring the initial passion for each other. Be patient and understand each other. Even when it comes to sex, it might well be that your tastes and needs have changed. So even in these instances, guide each other as to what gives you pleasure, experiment and be open to compromise. Having your own kids is probably the greatest change you will experience in your marriage, and maintaining an intimate bond is key to a successful outcome. Be compassionate and cooperate. You were blessed with the miracle of childbirth which is the most intimate experience you could have ever shared. The two of you have become one to produce new life and this should lead you to a deeper connection, and take your relationship to another level. You can email Claire Bugelli with any of your questions on Claire@life-coaching.com or call 79579813.

Line Young Peteri shares her life’s journey of abandonment, cancer and meeting her biological family for the first time.

Line Young Preteri hugging her mother

Line Young Preteri

was born in Seoul, South Korea, to South Korean parents who gave me up for adoption. Why, I don’t know and I still try to figure it out. After meeting my Korean mother she told me that she was very poor and didn’t have any money for food and that my father was very abusive. So maybe that’s an answer. I was adopted by a lovely Danish couple who already had a son, but felt they were too old to have another baby of their own. They just knew that they wanted a girl. I consider myself very lucky, since most people who adopt don’t want to adopt a child of the age I was then – I was almost four. I’m not sure how much I remember of the day I was adopted. I have been told so many things, so I’m not sure what are actual memories and what are just something that I have been told. One memory I have is from about a year after I arrived in Denmark (when I was about five), and we went to London on a little cruise boat, and my brother taught me to play Stratego (a strategy game). He told me not to tell our dad, or he would stop playing with me. It made me very proud. My childhood home is still there – my parents still live in the same house – and no matter how stressed I am, I always feel at home there to this day. I struggled in the early years. I always felt out of place and rejected and was always seeking attention and looking for approval from everyone, and I became jealous of my brothers. I have an adopted brother who is very different to me. I remember my childhood as being safe, but me screwing it up a bit. I was not particularly bright at school, but I was good

at drawing. The first school I went to was good and I still meet my old classmates today. I had some good friends, but no one with whom I shared my feelings about being adopted. I think at the time I preferred not to be different, and not to talk about it. Ironically enough, when another adopted girl joined my class I felt extremely threatened by her, and I don’t think I was very nice to her. My children don’t really get it; when I try to tell them that my mum left me, they think she died. The concept of a mother leaving her children is too strange to them. I tried to explain that my mum didn’t have money and we went to bed hungry, but I don´t think they understand that either. My husband has tried to support me, but it is hard for him. I don’t think anyone can really understand the feeling of living your whole

Line Young Preteri hugging her sister

life feeling abandoned and I do feel that this has defined me in all my relationships. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in November 2013 and since I have had six operations, two radioactive iodine treatments and 28 external beam radiation therapy treatments. Most of them have been done in London, so I have done about 130 days of travelling in total and have been in isolation – away from my husband and children – for an additional 10 weeks. I’m now in partial remission, which means it is still there but has shrunk in size. I am not upset that my biological family haven’t been around for this, but I did choose to find my Korean mother because of it, as there was a time when we thought I wasn’t going to make it. I only started looking for my biological mother last year and, by coincidence, she decided to tell my younger sister (I didn’t know I had one) about me. My sister then started searching the internet for me, and found a Korean article about me. I decided that I wanted to meet my sister and brother right away, but I did have to wait a bit to feel absolutely up for it, to see how I really felt about everything. I met them in October last year and we’re still learning how to have a relationship. We all are adults with our own lives, so really we’re strangers trying to connect. My sister and my mum came to Malta to celebrate my 40th birthday. It was an amazing day. I decided to have a full day with an afternoon at Palazzo Parisio and a reception at Oro Lounge. I wanted everyone to meet my ‘new family’ but admittedly I also wanted to show my Korean mum that I have done all right, even without her in my life for 36 years. I was nervous about meeting my biological mother. You can understand that I have imagined this moment almost every day for the last 36 years. That’s a lot of pressure for one moment. On top of that, I had cameraman from Denmark with me (filming for a Danish programme) so that created some extra tension. It was strange – but also good – to meet my mother. I can see that we have a lot of similarities. I have asked her all the questions that make sense. The past cannot be undone, so there is no reason to ask many things which will only rip open old wounds. I feel I have closure and I think that, from this point on, I can finally start accepting myself for being a person and not just a ‘rejected child’. My only regret is that I didn’t meet my siblings before. I think we could have been so close, and we could have supported each other a lot. Since having children of my own, I can now see that my Danish parents brought me up as if I was their own flesh and blood, and not because there was anything wrong with me.