Best Buy April 2016

COVER STORY

Family businesses make up the majority of Maltese companies.

Martina Said discovers why everything is relative. PAGE 3 >

BEST BUY YOUR MONTHLY SHOPPING GUIDE DISTRIBUTED WITH THE TIMES

CELLULITE HAS NO FUTURE WITH PUPA This summer, smoother skin can be yours in the shortest time possible, thanks to new formulations with long-lasting beneficial effects.

Issue 107

April 2016

IN THIS ISSUE...

INTERVIEW Soap Café founder Charlene Mercieca talks survival, faith and creativity with Jo Caruana.

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INTENSIVE ANTI CELLULITE SCRUB

contained within

break down fat Increased circulation, less water retention, soft and hydrated skin and decrease the and skin prepared for a long-lasting tan are all beneficial effects formation of new of using a body scrub twice to three times a week. The PUPA fat deposits. Skin Intensive Anti Cellulite Scrub also smoothens and tones the skin by becomes more decreasing the appearance of cellulite, combining all the benefits compact, smoother of a scrub with anti cellulite action in just one product. Caffeine and cellulite is less stimulates the disposal of fats that might settle in adipose cells visible. Applied twice while Escin, a horse chestnut extract, helps the regular functionality daily for four weeks, of micro-circulation and the drainage of excess liquids from the followed by a 30-day skin. treatment-free period.

Daily application may WHITE MUD ULTRA RAPID ANTI CELLULITE then be resumed to PUPA White Mud Ultra Rapid Anti Cellulite has all the benefits of maintain the positive a mud applied in the convenient way of a cream. It contains white effects. clay minerals to purify the skin and green tea extract to protect the skin from harmful free radicals. Applied 5-10 minutes before The above showering, without massaging and without film wrapping required, formulations it rinses off easily, leaving a pleasant scent and immediately visible may either be results. After the first application, treated areas are more toned and used together or legs feel lighter due to the product’s immediate draining action. individually. All PUPA formulations are dermatologically-tested, In two weeks’ time, cellulite will be less visible and the skin will be hypoallergenic, paraben-free and not tested on animals. PUPA greatly toned. products are available in selected pharmacies and perfumeries.

ACTIVE CONCENTRATE ANTI CELLULITE

PUPA Active Concentrate Anti Cellulite is a gel-like, fast-absorbing concentrate which acts quickly on fat deposits. In just four weeks, a 3cm decrease in thigh circumference is achieved, as shown in studies carried out on 70 women aged 18–45. Vegetable extracts

Medimports. T: 2148 3139; E: medeva@go.net.mt; Fb: Pupa Milano in Malta

Eating & Drinking A flavourful Indian feast by Sa Re Ga Ma restaurant awaits.

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HEALTH Keep your eyes healthy and happy with tips from Sarah Micallef.

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COVER STORY

3

In Good Company

Running a business is demanding, and managing a family can be challenging too. But if the two work well together, something incredible can come to fruition. Martina Said speaks to members of three different family-run businesses about the highs and lows of working with the closest people in your life. was already in a family business which was run between brothers and previously founded by his mother, the late Tessie Busuttil under the name Antique Jewellery.”

"a FAMILYRUN BUSINESS MOTIVATES YOU TO PUSH HARDER" Fleur Camilleri, Manager, Antonio's Barber Shop “Antonio, my husband, started operating 15 years ago, by opening up a much smaller, self-run barber shop in Paola, and later, a similar shop in Leicester, UK, before deciding to return to Malta to open up Antonio's Barber Shop in Balzan. I became involved in the business when it became apparent that due to the continued growth of the business, Antonio would need me to help run the business so that he could focus on his clients.”

“The main benefits of being involved in a family-run business are the sense of ownership you have, which isn’t typically found in standard

employment, and which in itself motivates you to push harder to achieve objectives, as well as the ease of discussing issues together. Conversely, familiarity does indeed breed contempt, and arguments tend to become more personal in nature. You also end up taking work home a lot, as the business is always the main topic of discussion.”

“Making the decision to invest our time and resources into the business has been our biggest challenge so far, but it has also encouraged us to bring to Malta the traditions of old school techniques in barbering.”

“Both Antonio and I were raised in families involved in running a business, so we apply the same beliefs and values we learned when dealing with the general public as well as other family members. One particular

value which we uphold is the importance of treating all of our employees and associates fairly and equally. We all come to work with the understanding that a sustainable business benefits all.”

“Our immediate future plan for Antonio’s Barber Shop at this stage is to continue with the success of the business, and to continue with time-tested methods of professionalism and standards. This is the legacy that we hope to retain for future generations.”

"WOrk feels like home"

Elaine P. Vella, Sales and Marketing Manager, G.B. Jewellery “The company was founded 33 years ago by my parents George Busuttil and Joan Josette Busuttil, under the name G.B. Jewellery. My father

“A family business has its pros and cons. The nicest thing about it is that work feels like home. There is no real hierarchy and the opinions of each and every person working within the company is appreciated.

All the staff is considered family and they all give their utmost for the company to grow and succeed. I believe being a family-run business makes the work environment easier and friendlier too.”

“The downside is the difficulty of separating work from family life, even though we try very hard to do so. It is also hard to let go and delegate work to others as you would want to handle it all. This is obviously

impossible and it is here that we rely on our staff to carry out the work as if we were doing it ourselves.”

“One of the biggest challenges we faced as a company and family was the hold-up back in 2012. It was a shock for us, not only because of the goods that were stolen, but because it felt like we had been robbed of the work and standards we strived so hard to achieve. However, it didn’t break us – we worked even harder together as a team and were up and running again within a few days. At every stage of this business we’ve faced new challenges and opportunities, making the whole business venture a triumph for us. Our product portfolio keeps growing each year, and the number of our sales outlets is expanding too, as we now have shops in Birkirkara, Gzira and Valletta.”

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COVER STORY

“Family values do affect our way of doing business, mainly our customer service.

We try our best to serve customers in the most efficient way possible and all our efforts are aimed at offering customers the best product, service and reasonable price. This is not just a job, but our passion.”

“As G.B. Jewellery, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to reach a wider customer base and are currently working on the launch of our updated brand. G.B. Jewellery is now entering its third generation of jewellers which shows our love for the industry. We are now also agents for a number of watch brands, while specialising in wedding rings, pearls and diamonds. Our motto is to always give our clients the best service possible, as without them we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

"A VERY GOOD WORK ETHIC WAS INSTILLED IN US AT A YOUNG AGE" Rubyanne Cauchi, Managing Director, CHI Consultants “My husband and I come from very different academic backgrounds. He

is a mechanical engineer while my background is in psychology and marketing communications. However, both of our families run businesses, and we wanted to create and work in a company of our own, one which reflects our beliefs and perceptions. We wanted to offer an innovative service and go about the dayto-day running of this company as a team, while being of the best service possible to our clients.”

“Since we work together, we understand each other and respect each other as professionals completely.

We both understand that sometimes we need to work very late or on weekends, and that a lot of time and money need to be invested in a business venture for it to be successful. The downside is the difficulty of stopping ourselves from talking about work during family time. When we go home, we take our work with us, not only because we are very passionate about it, but also because it is only natural to talk about something when you are with someone who is involved in it too. Separating work life from family life is something that we struggle

with sometimes.”

“The beginning is always challenging – we had a completely new and innovative service, and people didn’t know that a water leak detection service even existed.

However, we slowly built trust and a positive reputation.

People were referring us and we started getting calls from parents, cousins and neighbours of other clients.

That’s when we realised that the service was here to stay and that we had found a niche in the market.”

“I think our biggest triumph was when insurance companies,

condominium administrators, turnkey contractors, plumbers and so on started engaging us to visit their clients. Work tripled overnight and we could barely cope with the demand, but again we overcame this and now offer a faster service complete with onsite repairs.”

“Having both grown up in families that own businesses, a very good work ethic was instilled in us at a young age.

Individually, we are both driven and hard-working, my husband more than myself. We also try to be completely honest with our clients and we do not surprise them with hidden costs or false promises. If the service

we are offering has limitations (because of any particular reason that may arise), then the client would know about it and we discuss the best way forward.”

“Our team also includes non-family members, who we work well with because during working hours, we try to be two individuals and not a married couple. As for our future plans, we aim to continue improving our existing services through further research and development, while also expanding our portfolio and keeping the CHI family growing.” BB

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Foreword

APRIL WARMTH

Sometimes, things happen which make you reflect on the importance of cherishing the people around us, whether they’re family, friends or coworkers. In some cases, such as our cover story on page 3, as well as our interview with Charlene Mercieca – one of the bravest people we’ve ever met – on page 17, they all happen to be the same group of people. As Charlene says, our life is ours to create; we owe it to ourselves and to those around us to make it the best we can.

© 2016 All rights reserved. Articles appearing in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to print, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

And April has certainly been one of the best months so far; there have been few of the showers it’s famous for, and the sun still shining at closing time, giving us more energy for the evenings ahead. However, there’s no denying our fiery friend can do a lot of damage when it comes to hair, skin and eyes. Learn how to heat-proof your hair on page 19, and then turn to page 30 to learn how to look after your eyes when the temperatures start rising.

Meanwhile, if you’re planning to revamp your kitchen or freshen

Best Buy is the leading shopping guide distributed with The Times every month on a Wednesday.

LEARNING AND GROWING THROUGH PLAY The TLC Childcare Centres are situated in Fgura and Msida. Both nurseries provide a safe, consistent and excellent level of childcare that promotes the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of young children. We accept children from three months up to three years.

We believe childhood is a unique and important stage of life and we are committed to quality care and learning for the overall development of each child. We aim to provide an inclusive, safe, stimulating and caring environment for children. Through play, we encourage, support and nurture each child's physical, social, emotional, intellectual and cultural development.

As a daycare facility we provide and maintain a high level of childcare in

compliance with National Standards.

Our members of staff are fully qualified and dedicated to make each child’s experience a memorable one and are trained in first aid. Both our centres are registered and licensed in accordance with the Malta Child Welfare Agency.

Our premises are safe, air-conditioned, accessible to disabled persons and include an outside playing area.

We welcome you to come visit us so that you can see how we interact with the children in our care, and so we can answer any questions you may have.

M: 7761 0530; E: info@tlcmalta.com; www.tlcmalta.com; Fb: TLC-ChildcareCentre-60720022853

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Publishers up the lighting in your home soon, there are lots of things to keep in mind and some great trends to experiment with, as we found out on pages 9 and 13.

And speaking of kitchens, turn to page 26 and get spicy with a delicious Indian-inspired menu from Sa Re Ga Ma – yum!

Content House Group Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel.

T: +356 2132 0713 E: info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt EDITOR Marie-Claire Grima Contributors Sarah Micallef, Jo Caruana, Martina Said Advertising Publication Sales Manager Mark Barbara Advertising Sales Executives Caroline Gauci, Diane Scerri Advertising Sales Coordinators Lindsey Napier, Marvic Cutajar

NEXT ISSUE:

04.05.16

DOn'T MISS IT

DESIGN Nicholas Cutajar Printer Progress Press Ltd

FINANCIALLY Feasible Energy Saving Measures Altern Limited is a company set up to promote and implement Sustainable Energy Solutions within the local and foreign sector. Today Altern offers services such as Energy Auditing and implements products such as Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, LED Lighting, and Combined Heat and Power (CHP).

Altern is now launching a unique opportunity for businesses of any size to implement PV and LED projects with a payment structure of up to five years.

Such a scheme offers the possibility to generate cost savings today, helping business grow and become more efficient.

Altern LED products are designed, developed and built in Malta, with flexibility integrated into all their products. Altern’s LED lights can be built in different shapes and sizes, using different types of LED chips, with different sizes, colours and

temperatures. This offers a unique opportunity to designers, architects, and home owners to implement light that is personal and custom-designed to the application.

Altern. Your Sustainable Choice.

KW17A, Corradino Industrial Estate, Paola. T: 2099 6465; E: info@altern.com.mt; www.altern.com.mt

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HOMES

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SETTING UP THE HEART OF THE HOME The kitchen is the heart and soul of the home but bringing it all together requires lots of careful thought and consideration. Marie-Claire Grima delves into the process of planning a kitchen.

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n my opinion, the kitchen is the best and most important room in the house. We spend a lot of time there, from preparing and eating food to just pottering about over a cup of tea or coffee, and it’s so quotidian that we’re likely to take it for granted.

With all the activity that goes on in a kitchen, it is a place that is subject to some fairly heavy-duty wear-and-tear, so when you’re planning out your kitchen and choosing what will go in it, you need to make sure that it’s long-lasting, looks good and laid out in a way that will make your time in there practical and enjoyable.

The foundation of kitchen design sees the fridge, the stove and the sink set up in a space that roughly resembles a triangle. However, while this concept is still useful as a starting point, it was devised in a time when most people had small, closed-off kitchens, with only one person usually preparing meals and doing the cleaning up. Nowadays, as the role of the kitchen and the people who work inside it changes, one can find a wide variety of kitchen styles, from tiny spaces taking up a single wall to large openplan kitchens that are nearly indistinguishable from the living room. In this case,

dividing the kitchen into multiple work zones will let you make the most of the time and effort you spend in there.

The most easily-identified kitchen zones can be broken down into five categories.

These are the consumables zone (where most of the food is stored – both the food in your fridge and freezer, and the dry goods stored in your cupboards); the nonconsumables zone (where utensils such as dishes, plates, glasses and cutlery are stored); the preparation zone (where ingredients are prepared before cooking – this can be a stretch of counter top or a

kitchen island); the cooking zone (where your oven, stove, microwave, slow-cooker, convection oven or other cooking appliances are placed) and finally, the cleaning zone (the sink, rubbish disposal and dishwasher area). These self-contained zones should be placed in a way that is in line with your regular routine, and will help you streamline the time spent in your kitchen and use it more effectively.

When it comes to the area where you will be preparing food, the ease of cleanliness and the durability of the surface that you are working on are priorities. “Apart

from the colour and design, hygiene and practicality are the most important factors,” says Anthony Thorne from Seamless Solid Surfaces. “A kitchen top must be nonporous and ideally NSF51 certified for food preparation areas, where sanitation is of the utmost importance. We strongly suggest that you opt for a kitchen surface that is backed by a guarantee – ours have a 15-year limited warranty.

Seamless surfaces also have the advantage of having no joints, allowing you to integrate bowls, drains and wall cladding, and create the design you want right down to the smallest specifications.”

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HOMES

Kitchen trends 2016 SMART KITCHENS

Accessible smart appliances will become more prominent this year, providing comfort and convenience for individuals and families on the go.

MUTED PALETTES

Bold primary colours are saying goodbye for now, with charcoal, greys and placid pastels providing the new alternative to the standard accent colours.

PEDAL TO THE METAL

While steely accents have already made their mark in our kitchens, metal will assume a bolder and more prominent role this year in finishes, fixtures and appliances.

The floor of a kitchen also needs to be able to handle frequent traffic and more than just the occasional spill.

Hardwood floors are a classic and long-lasting choice, especially if you want a lodge or cottage-style look for your kitchen. Laminate floors are popular with budget-conscious customers who want the look of real wood without the cost of upkeep. With a wide range of wood grains and colour stains to choose from, it’s easy to coordinate with the rest of the furniture in the kitchen, and can also help create a unified look if your kitchen has an open-floor plan. Tiles made from ceramic or porcelain are durable and resistant to moisture, staining and mould, but can be slippery when wet and dangerous if you have young children. Another option is vinyl

flooring, which is comfortable underfoot, and comes in plenty of textures and patterns to choose from.

While older kitchens were located in their own rooms, nowadays many people opt for an open-plan kitchen which connects it to the rest of the home’s primary living space. This enhances the kitchen’s status as the heart of the home and makes it more accommodating for either family members or guests when you’re entertaining. A large island or peninsula works well for this, giving people a place to perch and chat over a coffee, or the children a space to do their homework after school, but which also lets you get on with your work – after all, the best kitchens are the lived-in kinds! BB

FARMHOUSE FLAIR

The traditional apron-front sink is not only stylish and timeless, it is also deep enough to hold large pots and pans, making cleanup easier and less messy.

NORDIC STYLE

Get the minimalist Scandi look by choosing to design with light wood textures and clearing away any clutter you don’t need in smart storage spaces.

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

Light it up

The lighting you choose for every room in your home will determine its look, feel and character. Martina Said discusses the main types of lighting used in homes, as well as the appropriate fixtures to go with them.

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reating a balanced and successful lighting scheme for your home requires serious planning and consideration. From natural and general lighting to accent and task lights, you need to ensure that each type of light enhances your living space the best that it can while also creating the desired effect. Here’s a guide to lighting up your home effectively.

Ambient lighting

Lighting for the home could be broken down into three main categories: ambient, task and accent lighting.

Ambient lighting is the most common type, the soft glow that illuminates a space enough for you to be able to perform normal duties. It makes the light of any given room appear as natural and flat as possible, and is not intended to highlight a specific part of a room or shed light on specific areas.

There are various ways to achieve this look. You may opt for pendant lights, a term which refers to any fixture suspended from a chain or cord – including chandeliers – which work brilliantly with high ceilings. On the other hand, track lights – a number of small units of lighting along a rail – can be angled and adjusted to hit a specific area and generally chosen in a metal or colour that matches other materials in the room. Wall sconces and wall lights are mounted fixtures so versatile that they work almost anywhere in the home. However, they should be used sparingly, for instance in hallways or patios, as too many of these fixtures in one location may create harsh light.

Task lighting

As its name implies, task lighting is intended to shed light on a smaller space – the kind of space you’d usually use to get some form of work done. Task lighting offers finer

but more concentrated light, and only works effectively when it’s used as a contrasting light. It’s far less effective and gives much more glare in a room lit up entirely with ambient lighting than in a low-lit room with only a desk lamp, and perhaps dimmed light, turned on. This kind of light makes you more alert and focused, and helps you achieve better results in any task at hand.

Fixtures for this kind of lighting include desk, swing arm and floor lamps, which you can place liberally in various rooms throughout your home, even as accent décor. The main benefit of swing lamps is that they are adjustable and portable, making them ideal desk lamps. For the kitchen, we suggest under cabinet lights, which are ideal for that extra bit of light needed for chopping, decorating, measuring and cleaning, whereas vanity lights are the best choice for the bathroom or dresser mirrors.

Accent lighting

This kind of lighting is used to draw your attention to something specific, such as a piece of art, bookcase, furniture item or an architectural element in your home. It adds style and drama to any space, and illuminates one aspect while shadowing dull areas. Accent lighting could also be used to light up architectural features outdoors, in a garden space and even as seasonal lighting during festive holidays.

Consider wall lights, which come in a range of sizes allowing you to highlight pieces of art of various dimensions; recessed lights, which you could use to illuminate a beautiful stone texture typical of many Maltese houses, as well as spot lighting, frequently used to illuminate an entire wall with light, referred to as wallwashing. Landscape lighting, typically used outdoors, would be the lighting of choice to illuminate a pathway, statue or garden feature. BB

A DIFFERENT COLOUR FOR EVERY MOOD

The new BERLIN Collection allows you to create unique and personal spaces thanks to the wide range of colour rings available.

Create your style by choosing a different ring colour each and every time to suit your mood.

This new downlight is integrated with a 9W LED which provides 760-810 lumens.

It is made of 100 per cent aluminium and produced in Spain.

The Berlin Collection and many other new products are coming soon to D Gypsum and Lights, Tarxien Road, Gudja. T: 2705 2100; E: dambrogios@yahoo.com; www.dgypsumworks.com

BRINGING IN NATURAL LIGHT

Andrew Vassallo Ltd offers custom-made skylights which transform any room by bringing in natural light. Monolithic and continuous modular skylights are available in single, double or triple layer PMMA (Methacrylate) or PC (Polycarbonate) and can be equipped with opening devices, insect screens and blackout. The company is also introducing The A Dome – a system of four walls in PMMA material, guaranteeing thermal insulation performance. It can be adapted to any dimensional requirements.

Andrew Vassallo. T: 2169 2917; M: 7949 4438; E: info@andrewvassallo.com; Fb: Andrewvassalloltd

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COMPANY PROFILE PHOTO BY ALAN CARVILLE

Olvin Galea, CEO, Jet Services

DELIVERING ON TIME, EVERY TIME

J

et Services started off around 22 years ago as a small customs clearance agency which also offered professional and personalised freight forwarding services. The business took off and Jet managed to build up a healthy client base over the years. However, Malta’s accession to the EU in 2004 brought about the free circulation of goods, which meant that cargo entering Malta from other EU member states no longer needed customs clearance. This hit a good chunk of Jet’s business, so the company sought to beef up the freight forwarding aspect of its portfolio, especially in view of the new facilitated access of EU origin cargo into Malta. Relationships with reputable, foreign freight forwarding partners were built, and thanks to the trustworthy and reliable services the company provided, business was soon booming again.

Today, Jet Services prides itself in being able to handle practically any kind of cargo from small packages to oversize loads. The combination of well-chosen international partners, experienced staff and a ‘can-do’ attitude has been a winning formula which saw the company going through one

of the toughest periods in its history – the Libya crisis which started in January 2011 – and emerging triumphant. “Foreign oil and gas companies were pulling out of Libya as fast as they could, with massive efforts being made to bring staff and their belongings back to safety in the shortest possible period. We were contracted to move personal effects of Schlumberger International’s – one of the world’s leading players in the oil and gas industry – staff in Libya back to their homes,” CEO Olvin Galea

recalls. “This was no mean feat, as we were looking after all the belongings of some 60 people with shipments needing to be dispatched to 30 different countries. All this had to happen in a relatively short span of time.”

“The operation had to be done as swiftly as possible given the worsening scenario over there. Shipments were arriving in Malta quickly and we could not afford to keep the cargoes here for long, due to logistical reasons and also to

contain costs. This called for a fast processing and shipping operation with no margins for error, especially in view of the fact that we were dealing with items of a personal nature.”

In fact, Olvin now counts the Schlumberger episode as one of the company’s finest moments. “We are proud to say that the job was done successfully with all the different shipments being handled correctly and delivered to their various destinations on time within the short timeframes required by

our customer. The fact that a small outfit like ours managed to pull off this job proves that we have more than it takes to meet any challenge you can throw at us!”

Olvin says that 2016 will be a growth year for Jet, as the company brings on board new international partners, increases its portfolio of services, takes on bigger jobs and handles a larger volume of business.

“We will be able to provide a more complete portfolio of services to our customers. We aim to be a one-stop shop for all logistics requirements. Since our business is growing, Jet will shortly be moving to larger offices and also begin opening new warehouses, so that we can efficiently handle the larger volumes of cargo. Of course, growth is not possible without adequate human resources, so we are also growing our staff complement. This will ensure that Jet has adequate expertise in the areas of service provided and adequate resources to provide an unparalleled level of service.” BB Jet Services, Frezza Buildings, Notabile Road, Mriehel.

T: 2149 8717/699/708; www.jetservices.com.mt

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INTERVIEW

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BEAUTY AND BRAVERY As she battles cancer, The Soap Café’s Charlene Mercieca talks Jo Caruana through her journey so far – a journey that has already inspired so many.

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harlene Mercieca is well known as the face and founder of The Soap Café – a business that creates beauty products that are so natural they’re practically edible. “I like to think of myself as a ‘beauty chef’,” she says with a smile.

More recently, though, Charlene has become known for her battle with cancer – a battle that she has bravely talked about publicly so as to raise awareness about her condition and to encourage others who are going through the same ordeal to stay strong.

“I was officially diagnosed on 4 January 2016 after feeling a weird lump in my chest last November. It's been a crazy three months since – trying to juggle my business while doing chemotherapy. But, thanks to my family, my friends, my partner Wayne and my work colleagues, I'm managing to live a relatively 'normal' life, except for those periods when I have to spend a few days in hospital.”

And, although this time in her life is proving to be understandably challenging, Charlene has chosen to approach it with an attitude of hope and the desire to help others through her experiences.

“I would like to express a selftaught lesson that might not be easy to understand at first but which will have a powerful impact on your life in the long run,” she says, reaching out to all those going through a rough patch in life.

“When we encounter illness, it doesn't mean that our bodies

given and to face it with an open mind instead of anger and resistance. Use it as an opportunity to look deeper inside you and to truly discover who you really are. It’s also so important to be self-aware – to know your body and to be aware of any changes. It can mean the difference between surviving or dying.

“Life has a 'funny' way of teaching us lessons – the best thing you can do is accept the challenge you’ve been given and to face it with an open mind instead of anger and resistance.” are working against us. On the contrary, our body is trying to send out a message that we have an imbalance in our life – it could be lack of proper nutrition, an emotional blockage or could relate to various external factors. My advice is to take time to get informed, learn about your body and reflect on your life.

This will give you peace and serenity. In addition, have faith that life will grant you what you need. Be grateful for each day, focus on the things you love, cherish your memories, and never wish it was any other way.

“Life has a 'funny' way of teaching us lessons – the best thing you can do is accept the challenge you’ve been

Charlene describes her family and Wayne as her support network. “They’ve been simply amazing. My mum and dad cook for me, my brother handles all my technical needs like organising my paperwork and his partner helps out with transport or the delivery of goods while I’m in hospital, Wayne works to keep my business alive, and his parents help out with whatever else needs tackling.”

“For me, the biggest challenge has been letting go. To let go of the businesses and let someone else run them; and to let go of my perception of the control I thought I had over my mind and body. Prior to this I had never taken much medication as I’m all for the

natural approach. However, since this was a life-threatening situation, I couldn’t just ‘wait it out’. Chemotherapy has its side effects and you can’t escape them – you just have to accept the process and trust that it will make you better in the longrun, even if you watch yourself deteriorating on a daily basis.”

“During this time, I found a valuable outlet in creative pursuits. I’m compulsively creative by nature – I cannot cope without creating 'something' on a daily basis.

However, now I find that my life revolves around creating.

While in hospital I have had so much time on my hands that writing and sharing my experiences doesn't just kill time but helps me focus on more positive things – it's almost like meditating. At the

same time it also serves as a release without the need for me to carry around too many raw materials!”

“However, the most important thing that we create is our own life. Illness has no age, no race, no status – it has been a truly humbling experience to find myself at its mercy. But even though we have no control over when we will die, the rest of our life is ours to make of it what we will.” BB

“Illness has no age, no race, no status – it has been a truly humbling experience to find myself at its mercy.”

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HAIR

19

BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

The 3-in-1 one-stop-shop Hair Studio, Nail Bar and Beauty Therapy – the 3-in-1 one-stop-shop!

SPRING IS IN THE HAIR

As much as we love t-shirt weather, the hotter months of the year aren’t that kind to your hair, especially if your locks are dry and split-prone. Marie-Claire Grima suggests a list of things you need to do before the heat really hits to keep your hair strong, supple and shiny all year round.

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pring is in full swing and if the weather predictions this year are anything to go by, it’s going to be a real scorcher by the time summer rolls around. Temperatures are already rising steadily, and while the sunnier months of the year are always welcomed with joy, the heat can take an unattractive toll on our hair. However, with some simple tips, strategies and precautions, your hair will look as great as the sunshine makes you feel!

First of all, it’s important to regularly maintain your hair with trims and treatments. Dry hair soaks up the extra humidity in the air, which makes the shaft swell up, leading to breaks in the cuticle. As a result, your hair will puff up and go every which way except the way you want it, so it’s important to keep it healthy and hydrated. Hair should be trimmed every six to eight weeks to remove

split ends that can make hair look dead and dull. Don’t make excuses when you’re growing out your hair – a wellcoiffed crop of hair and a neatly-trimmed beard not only look better but grow much faster. Treatments should also be booked in regularly to help your hair lock in moisture and fight the frizz brought about by the increased humidity in the air. Your hairdresser will be able to determine what your hair needs – people with dry hair can benefit greatly from a keratin treatment, while a balancing treatment can work wonders for people whose scalps tend to produce an excess of oil when the heat strikes.

Second, the change in temperature means it’s time for an overhaul of your beauty cabinet. Invest in shampoos and conditioners with moisturising ingredients – olive oil shampoo is particularly good for this purpose. An anti-frizz serum will work wonders to smooth down

Effleurage is a warm and welcoming family-run business. We are certified keratin treatment specialists. We try our best to meet every client’s expectations, and our aim is to satisfy our clients.

For more information call on T: 2137 3607 or M: 7998 9052, email us on E: effleurage.salon@gmail.com or visit the salon in St Margaret Street, San Gwann. Opening hours: Tue 9.30am–6pm, Wed 9.30am–2pm, Thu–Sat 9.30am–6pm; closed on Mondays.

ANTI-HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

DERCOS AMINEXIL PRO is an intensive triple action, anti-hair loss treatment with Aminexil to help anchor the root, SP94 to fortify hair fibres, and Arginine to boost micro-circulation.

This product doesn’t require rinsing and is non-greasy. Hair loss is reduced by 72 per cent after 3 months of use. Dercos Energising Shampoo is a rich and creamy foam with Aminexil and Vitamins PP, B5, and B6. It can be used by itself, or as a complement to the treatment. All products are paraben-free and hypoallergenic. Exclusively in pharmacies.

E: vichy@prohealth.com.mt; Fb: VichyMalta

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HAIR but you’ll also be helping your scalp retain moisture and getting both skin and hair protection for the price of one!

flyaway hairs and static – just make sure you use a peashaped blob and distribute it evenly to avoid looking greasy and crispy. Additionally, a good leave-in conditioner will save you from a lot of long-term damage, especially if you start frequenting the pool regularly and want to arm yourself against the damage brought

about by chlorine. Gentlemen with beards also need to be wary of this – if you’re forever dipping in and out of the water, make sure you keep your beard well-lubricated and treat it regularly with beard wash and oil. It's also a good idea to try to rinse your hair after a swim to minimise the amount of damage done. If there aren’t

any showers nearby, keep a spray bottle filled with fresh water close at hand. Worried your blonde hair will go green after a dip in the pool? Try rinsing out your wet hair with ¼ cup apple cider vinegar mixed with two cups water to get rid of discolouration and dullness.

Speaking of days out at the pool, hair products which have

additional SPF protection are now easy to find in most pharmacies and supermarkets – if your skin needs protection, your hair needs it too! And while you’re making some investments in ray-deflecting products, it’s worth purchasing a broad-brimmed hat for days out in the sun. You’ll not only look very chic and continental,

While this is difficult for me to write because I’m the kind of person who would bring their hair straighteners with them to a deserted island, during the warmer months you should make an extra effort to cut down on heat styling.

Not only is blow-drying and straightening a miserable and sweaty experience when the temperature reaches the 30+ degree mark – it’s also a huge waste of effort thanks to humidity (that’s island life for you) and extra damaging to your hair because there’s already so much more heat present in the atmosphere.

Needs must, of course, and sometimes nothing but a super sleek blow-dry will do.

But for the most part, it’s much easier to spritz on some heat protection spray and put your hair up in a fuss-free pony tail and get on with enjoying the sunshine – even if it’s just while you’re looking out from your office window! BB

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WINDOW SHOPPING

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summer club and kinder programme at SamSam SamSam childcare centre offers unique creative programmes for children, from two-month-old babies to five-year-olds. We have seperate classrooms for each level, creating a warm and caring atmosphere in a spacious clean environment. Our summer club, starting on 1st July till 30th September, caters for children between three and eight years old. The programme will include adventure activities, horseriding, PE sessions, water and pool games, cooking and messy activities, and much more. We also offer kindergarten 1 and 2 programmes. Children learn best with their whole bodies, their minds and their hearts. We aim to provide a programme

that promotes learning, identity, wellbeing, communication and community, providing opportunity for belonging, being and becoming. Parents are given the option to order nutritious meals for their little treasures. We also organise themed parties which include decorations, fun and music games, dance routines, food, coffee tables for parents and an entertainer with a themed costume.

SamSam Childcare Centre, 15, 17, Pietru Xuereb Street, Gwardamangia, Pietà.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5.30am-6.30pm; Sat 6.30am-2pm. T: 2784 8855.

DON'T SHAVE YOUR DOUBLECOATED PETS The double coat found on many pets provides a natural thermal barrier to the heat, as long as it is well-groomed.

Shaving removes this natural thermal protection and puts them at risk of heat injuries.

hair without sacrificing healthy top coat.

There is an alternative solution for: • Shedding fur all over your sofa, beds, clothes and furniture • The embarrassment of fur all over your home when guests come to visit • The endless cleaning and vacuuming • The constant checking and wiping fur off your clothes

Prices start from €20, depending on size and coat type. For more information, send a pm on our Facebook page.

Fb: PurrFactPawsbyJackie

Try our de-shedding treatment! It removes the undercoat and reduces shedding by up to 85-90 per cent! It also removes dead undercoat and loose

We use a combination of tools with no chemicals or sedation involved. Our treatment can be done on dogs, cats or rabbits.

You can also shop online at www. purrfactpawsbyjackie-malta.com.

We are the sole agents for the multiaward winning pet care products Animology Pet Care Excellence.

AN INDEPENDENT LIFE WITHIN AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY

By Dott. Albert Buttigieg, Executive Manager

Equal Partners Foundation is a parentrun, non-profit foundation, set up in 1999, supporting children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and learning difficulties.

Our mission statement is: “to be partners with individuals with disabilities, their families and the community, and to promote and facilitate informed personal choices and meaningful lives.”

This support also extends to the families of persons with difficulties to provide ongoing support and increase the understanding of challenges faced by these families as well as increase their quality of life.

In line with the social model of disability, all our interventions are personalised and delivered within the community.

Emphasis is made on providing support in one’s natural environment; thus our support services are delivered within homes, schools, places of work and recreation, and within the community at large.

Equal Partners seeks to support persons with disabilities in order to achieve a more independent and meaningful life within an inclusive society.

T: 2125 0400; E: info@equalpartners.org.mt.

For more details about our services and programmes, visit www.equalpartners.org.mt or find us on Facebook: ‘We Empower – Equal Partners Foundation’

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WINDOW SHOPPING

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

By Geoffrey Axiak M.Sc. Nursing (Manchester), B.Sc. Nursing, P.G. Dip. Nutrition & Dietetics, Dip. Public Management, Cert. Clinical Nutrition (Leeds) It is easy to say ‘you are what you eat’ but is it that easy to put this into practice? Maintaining a healthy diet, according to the modern, well-researched food pyramid, emphasises the importance of daily exercise and weight control as a baseline of a healthy lifestyle. It shows the importance of choosing fibre-rich food such as bread, pasta, rice and cereals, preferably brown and wholegrain.

Oils coming from plant sources, such as olive oil and sunflower oil, as well as nuts and legumes are crucial to provide polyunsaturated oils that, in small amounts, lower our unhealthy blood cholesterol. It demonstrates the importance

of choosing healthier meats containing lower amounts of fats, such as poultry and fish, and consuming low-fat dairy products. Last of all it advocates eating red meat and fats coming from animal sources in limited amounts, as small doses of fat are still necessary for our body to function efficiently. The secret to maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle is eating the correct amount of each type of food.

M: 9982 2288; E: axiakg@yahoo.com; www.gaxiak.yolasite.com

Prevent hair damage with Eslabondexx

No matter how gentle the formulation, a chemical process always damages the hair, breaking internal bonds and leaving the hair dry, brittle and weak.

Eslabondexx, used in combination with any chemical hair treatment, prevents damage before it can even start, preserving and protecting the hair structure whilst the chemical treatment is in action.

Two brand new products from Eslabondexx In order to keep and make the results of an Eslabondexx treatment last longer, or to boost very weak and damaged hair, Immediate Rescue Spray is a valuable ally. Rescue Shampoo also supports the Eslabondexx treatment, cleansing hair delicately and providing strength and moisture.

Eslabondexx’s active ingredients penetrate the hair thanks to Niosome, an innovative delivery system allowing a deep saturation of the product into the hair cortex. In fact, Eslabondexx not only protects the hair structure but strengthens it, delivering elasticity, strength and an enhanced condition.

Noriva Ltd, 351, Mallia Haus, Htajriet Street, Mosta.

T: 2141 3112; E: info@noriva.com.mt; www.noriva.com.mt; Fb: EslabondexxMalta

REPÊCHAGE EYE TREATMENTS

Repêchage Eye Treatments help brighten the eye area and improve circulation, relieving puffy eyes and dark circles. Repêchage Opti-Firm Eye Contour treatment removes deep wrinkles and puffiness from underneath the eyes while Repêchage Vita Cura Opti-Lift Serum creates a net-like structure which lifts lines and crows’

feet for instant and incredible results.

Repêchage treatments are suitable for people of all ages.

For more information, call Makiba Essence on T: 2180 6922; M: 9944 3761.

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EATING & DRINKING

JEWELS OF THE EAST

PHOTOS BY ALAN CARVILLE

Take a culinary trip to India with MTA Quality Assured-winning restaurant Sa Re Ga Ma’s head chef Lalit Kumar. This piquant three-course meal features flavoursome keema samosas, deliciously creamy prawn alleppey and a sweet rice pudding to round it all off.

Keema Samosas INGREDIENTS 20 spring roll pastry sheets 500g minced lamb Vegetable oil 50g chopped garlic 20g ginger garlic paste 4g fennel seeds Two bay leaves Two green cardamom pods 7g red chilli powder 3g turmeric 8g coriander powder 5g garam masala powder Salt to taste

Method For the keema Heat 10ml of vegetable oil in a pan and add the bay leaves, the cardamom and the fennel seeds. Add the chopped garlic and the ginger garlic paste and cook for four minutes. Add the turmeric, the red chilli powder and the coriander powder.

Finally, add the minced lamb, along with a pinch of salt, and cook until done. Finish by sprinkling with garam masala powder.

For the samosas Cut the pastry sheets into equally-sized strips. Place a small quantity of the cooked keema on each strip, fold the strips into triangles and fry them well in enough oil to immerse them. When finished, serve them with mint and tamarind sauce.

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EATING & DRINKING

Prawn Alleppey Ingredients 120g headless shell-on tiger prawns 150ml coconut milk 40g sliced onion 100g diced tomatoes 50g raw mango 5ml coconut oil A pinch of mustard seed 1 tsp tamarind pulp 3-4 curry leaves 3g coriander powder 3g turmeric powder 2g red chilli powder Salt to taste

Method

Take a pan and heat the coconut oil. Sauté the prawns in the oil and set them aside. In the same oil, toss the pinch of mustard seed and the curry leaves, and sauté the sliced onion. Add the turmeric, coriander, red chilli and salt, and stir.

Add the coconut milk and cook for four minutes.

Finish by adding tamarind pulp, diced tomatoes, raw mango and the sautéed prawns to the mix.

Serve hot, garnished with grated coconut and curry leaves, with basmati rice and naan bread.

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Rice Pudding INGREDIENTS 1l milk 30g rice 50g sugar A pinch of cardamom A pinch of saffron

Method

Soak the rice for 10 minutes before starting the recipe. Bring the milk to the boil. Pour in the soaked rice and cook it on a low flame for 15 minutes. When it reduces, add the sugar and saffron. Finish by adding cardamom. Garnish with crushed pistachio and grated coconut, and serve hot or cold, as you please.

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WHERE TO DINE

YOUR RESTAURANT GUIDE Tal-Puzzu Restaurant 11, Triq Gorg Borg Olivier (Main Street), Mellieha.

Reservations: T: 2754 4388; www.talpuzzu.com

Tal-Puzzu restaurant and pizzeria in Mellieha is the first in its area to offer wood-fired pizzas. This family-run restaurant offers tasty and mouthwatering pizzas using fresh ingredients with various toppings such as rucola, Parma ham and Maltese sausage, among others.

Apart from pizzas, Tal-Puzzu offers a selection of starters, salads, platters, pasta, home-made pure beef burgers, grills, rabbit, pork, chicken, duck and fish dishes. Specials of the house are offered daily.

Tal-Puzzu is perfect for meetings and events, an ideal place to meet family and friends, and a great place to savour home-made cooking. It is situated close to all the surrounding hotels in Mellieha and just a few minutes away from the popular Mellieha Bay. Outdoor seating is also available.

BROWNS MALTA Open Monday to Sunday from 10am till late.

Valletta Waterfront.

T: 2122 7410/2702 0471; www.browns.com.mt

Original, exceptional and tasty food served every time – that’s Browns Malta’s commitment!

Browns Malta is owned and operated by the Mamo brothers – Sandro and his wife Diane run the front of house while Chef Jonathan calls the shots in the kitchen. Specialising in original and tantalising food creations, from fresh fish to premium cuts of beef and more, patrons may treat their taste buds to the finest food prepared by our team, meticulously created using the best of local and foreign ingredients. Browns Malta caters to all kinds of occasions, with tailor-made set menus depending on customers’ budgets and requirements.

Browns Malta is located in the part of the vibrant Valletta Waterfront known as Pinto Wharf. Indoor and outdoor dining is available throughout the year.

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HEALTH

Laser eye surgery: is it for you?

If you wear glasses or contact lenses and are considering surgery to correct your vision, here are a few things you need to know before taking the plunge.

• Laser eye surgery, known as LASIK, cannot be reversed once done.

• Millions have had successful LASIK, but it’s not for everyone.

Eye Care 101

Sarah Micallef looks into the benefits of eye care and maintaining healthy eyes, how often to schedule a check-up at your optician’s, the main causes of eyestrain and how to prevent them, and the importance of investing in good spectacles, sunglasses and contact lenses.

H

ave you ever wondered what it would be like not to be able to see the beautiful world around us? Out of all of our senses, studies have shown that the majority of us would be most affected by the loss of their sight, and it’s hardly surprising. Thankfully, caring for your eyes goes a long way towards ensuring your vision remains at its best for as long as possible.

The first step when it comes to eye care is a healthy diet.

Foods rich in vitamin A such as dark leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, fish and liver are important for healthy eyes, and a severe deficiency in this vitamin is known to cause a condition called xerophthalmia, or drying of the eye, which in severe cases can lead to

blindness. Similarly, a diet rich in antioxidant-packed foods, such as berries, walnuts, artichokes and coffee, has been found to help protect against macular degeneration, a serious eye disease associated with aging.

Aside from eating the right foods to fortify your vision, protecting your eyes against harmful ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun’s rays is a must, especially if your eyes are light in colour. The best ways to protect your eyes from the sun, particularly during the summer months when it’s at its strongest, are by wearing a hat with a wide brim and investing in a pair of good-quality sunglasses with a high level of UV protection. Failing to protect your eyes from UV rays could cause long-term damage to the inner structure of the

eye, leading to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Meanwhile, if you spend a lot of time reading or engaged in an activity that involves focusing on small details, be mindful of eyestrain, which occurs when the muscles around your eyes get tired. To avoid this, take regular breaks from what you’re doing by closing your eyes for a little while every so often. This will allow them to relax.

Aside from these preventative measures, regular eye checkups are also key in maintaining your eye health. Experts recommend getting your eyes checked once every two years, or sooner if you encounter any noticeable deterioration in your sight. Routine eye exams are important as they do more than determine your prescription for

eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Your eye doctor will also check for common eye diseases and in some cases, may also detect chronic systemic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and glaucoma, as well as other conditions like high cholesterol.

If your check-up shows that you require lenses to correct your vision, you then have a choice between contact lenses and glasses. Lenses are not recommended for children below the age of 12 or adults who are careless about their hygiene: inappropriate use can cause serious infections and ulcers which are both painful and difficult to treat.

But if you do decide to go for contacts, they should be used interchangeably with glasses, as you’ll need to give your eyes a rest from wearing contacts from time to time. BB

• LASIK may not give you perfect vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has found that while nine out of 10 patients achieve somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40 vision, 20/40 vision may still not be sharp enough for certain work or leisure activities.

• While LASIK may correct your vision, you are still likely to need reading glasses later on in life, as the surgery cannot prevent presbyopia, which is agerelated.

• LASIK benefits have been known to diminish over time. More than 10 per cent of LASIK patients in the US require a second surgery, called retreatment, to restore the desired vision correction.

This particularly applies to people who were more nearsighted or farsighted, or had higher astigmatism before LASIK.

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