Lots of new acts in 2026!
Cheers to a year of sequins, sass, and unapologetic sparkle
Editor’s Note Amandaxx
Happy New year and hello January!
Welcome to the first issue of the year and our 6 year of publishing! January always feels like a fresh page, full of possibilities, and this month we’re celebrating all the ways to start anew without the pressure of perfection. th This month is a time of reflection and healing a it’s all about choices that make life richer, not harder. We’re also exploring the art of “cool” that quiet confidence that doesn’t shout but quietly commands attention. Because in 2026, the most compelling lifestyle is one lived intentionally, with taste, ease, and authenticity Here’s to a year of living well, unapologetically you, and embracing the small pleasures that make every day a little brighter. I am so excited to announce our finalists in our first Cyprus Lifestyle Awards which comes to town on 7 March, in association with Napa Radio. This is a replica of my very well established Awards which I have been running in Liverpool for 17 years. It is a fantastic networking opportunity for the community, to celebrate the achievements of small businesses around the island. And you all work so hard so it’s a perfect way to welcome in the start of the 2026 season.
Go to www.lifestylelivingcyprus.com to vote for your winners now!
Wishing you a happy New Year and may all your dreams come true in 2026.
anexclusiveinterviewwithLifestyle
Can you tell us the story behind Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus and how it started?
Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus began very organically, rooted in a shared feeling that our fashion heritage was slowly fading and that young designers lacked a space to explore it in a meaningful, contemporary way. Four years ago, through a collaboration with the Royal Commonwealth Society, our director Christina Dymioti founded FHNC as a youth-led platform where young people including designers, heritage researchers, and creatives could come together, learn from one another, and reconnect with Cypriot traditions while reimagining them through sustainable design. What started as a small initiative has since grown into a vibrant, volunteer-led community spanning Cyprus and the diaspora
Today, FHNC brings together more than 30 active volunteers, working alongside approximately 10 emerging designers each year. Our volunteers are organised into dedicated teams covering social media, events, curation, heritage research, translation, and coordination, forming a multidisciplinary network of designers, researchers, artisans, and creatives committed to preserving and reinterpreting Cypriot fashion heritage.
What inspired the creation of a platform dedicated to Cypriot fashion heritage?
A lot of the inspiration came from everyday memories, things we saw in our grandparents’ homes, textiles that carried stories, and techniques that once felt ordinary but were slowly fading away At the same time, sustainable fashion was not really part of the mainstream conversation on the island. We felt there was a real opportunity to connect these two worlds, heritage and sustainability.
This is where our guiding motto emerged: If our ancestors were sustainable, why can’t we be too? That idea sits at the heart of FHNC For us, tradition is not something static or nostalgic, but something living that can be reinterpreted and carried forward by new generations through thoughtful and responsible design.
Describe your mission and values?
FHNC is about care: care for heritage, people, and the environment. Our mission is to preserve and redefine Cypriot cultural heritage through contemporary and sustainable fashion, while keeping it relevant to today’s social and environmental realities We are guided by four core objectives
The first is preserving Cypriot cultural heritage by researching, documenting, and reintroducing traditional garments, techniques, and materials in new ways. Innovation is equally important to us, as we encourage designers to experiment, reinterpret tradition, and push creative boundaries responsibly Youth engagement sits at the centre of everything we do. We create opportunities for young people all around the island and the diaspora to learn, collaborate, and grow, while also using fashion as a tool for peacebuilding and intercommunal dialogue. Sustainability connects all of this, drawing from the inherently circular practices found in Cypriot heritage and applying them to contemporary design. Through collaboration, education, and openness, we believe culture can create connections where words sometimes fail.
What makes Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus unique compared to other fashion brands on the island?
We don’t operate like a traditional fashion brand. FHNC is more of a platform and a process than a product. Each year, we design a year-long programme that allows emerging designers to learn heritage techniques through practice rather than rushing toward fast production. This year, for example, we paired young designers with local artisans who still practice traditional Cypriot techniques. Over several months, they worked side by side through lessons, workshops, and mentorship, learning each craft from the ground up before translating it into contemporary, sustainable garments.
The focus was on understanding the process, respecting the material, and allowing ideas to evolve naturally. What makes FHNC special is this hands-on approach, which brings together different
Walk us through the process of creating a heritage-inspired piece. It always begins with learning. Designers first spend time understanding the technique, its history, materials, and limitations before any design decisions are made. In this year’s programme, for example, this meant working closely with artisans and learning each craft step by step, from how the tools are used to which textiles the technique can be applied to Only once the designers truly understood the process did they begin designing. Many pieces evolved slowly through trial and error, often using reused or repurposed fabrics. The final garment carries not just a design idea, but also the time, patience, and shared knowledge behind it
How do you blend traditional craftsmanship with modern fashion?
We encourage designers to respect the technique, but not be afraid to question how it’s used That might mean applying embroidery to unexpected materials, creating modern silhouettes, or combining heritage methods with zero-waste practices. The aim isn’t to copy the past, but to let it inspire something new.
How do you see your role in preserving and promoting Cypriot fashion heritage?
We see ourselves as a bridge between generations, between communities. Locally, we work to keep traditional techniques alive through learning, practice, and handson engagement, while highlighting the sustainable values already embedded in Cypriot craftsmanship. Internationally, we aim to show that Cypriot fashion heritage is not something static, but something deeply relevant and contemporary, offering sustainable alternatives and inspiration for the future of fashion
Housing prices continue to grow, reaching levels not seen in the market in over a decade, since before the banking crisis of 2012-2013, although the pace of growth appears to be moderating. Limassol is seeing exceptionally high prices, closely linked to sales of high-value properties, mainly purchased by foreign buyers.
The most popular regions among property buyers are Paphos, Limassol, Nicosia, Southern Famagusta, and Larnaca. By investing €300,000 or more, property owners can get permanent residence in Cyprus. This program’s terms allow them to rent the properties out and earn passive income.
with Trauma counsellor Emma Cranston
Healing
While on my healing journey, I quickly realised that you can change your outside world all you want, move house, get a new job, redecorate, surround yourself with different people but if you don’t change your inside world your thoughts, your beliefs, your reactions, how you handle emotions, it makes absolutely no difference.
I often wondered why I knew what I should be doing in my head, yet my behaviours didn’t match the version of me I was craving. It’s like telling a child over and over again not to do something, and they keep doing it anyway. The knowledge is there, but the behaviour doesn’t line up.
Looking back, I saw the same patterns repeating in my life it was chaotic, I had toxic relationships, same people, same dramas, just different faces. That’s when I really understood that your internal state shows up in your external life.
I tried everything I could find cacao ceremonies, howling at the full moon, rituals, anything that could help me feel present. These things are amazing, and I still do full moon ceremonies they helped me reconnect with myself, and that’s how my healing journey began
Then came the moment that hits hard it’s all on me. My reactions, my trauma, my behaviours, my choices. Everything I’ve been through shapes the problems in my life. And yeah… that realisation is scary.
Doing the work on yourself takes strength, courage, and a big set of balls Healing is messy, amazing, and transformative all at once. As you strip back the layers, you start recognising yourself again. You remember what you enjoy, find new things about yourself you forgot or never knew. Relationships shift, some are rebuilt, some are brand new. You start living a life you didn’t even realise was possible.
The past doesn’t disappear. It never will. But now, it’s in a pretty little box in my mind. It no longer controls the show It no longer ruins relationships or creates drama.
As we step into 2026, remember this: You’re not broken You’re just buried under layers of trauma, abuse, programming, and conditioning.
Healing isn’t a destination. It’s a becoming.
Look out for my podcast The Game, launching 1st January starting the year as New Me.
feel good earn good
Reduce water retention
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Help with cortisol levels that can reduce the feeling of being stressed
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Antioxidants destroying the nasty radicalized cells
Increased energy
Reduce tiredness and fatigue
Supports weightloss
Reduce snacking
Reduce appetite, feel full from less food and ptimises your metabolism
Breaks down carbohydrates
Helps to turn the fats in the foods you eat into energy
Contributes to the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels
Helps with digestion
Help to improve cholesterol levels
Support bone health
Reduce hot flashes
Support gum and teeth health
Support brain health
May help to protect against age-related cognitive decline
Helps brain cell regeneration
Better concentration and memory
Helps the body in creating dopamine “happy hormones”
Boost serotonin, helping mood
Help ease mood swings. Can help relieves tension and anxiety because of its calming properties
Supports regulation of melatonin
Supports heart health Help maintain normal circulation and blood pressure
Supports your immune system
Anti-inflammatory properties to help with managing joint pain
Supporting good gut health
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Supports eye health
Helps you produce your own collagen Improve skin appearance.
Helps fight cell-damaging free radicals in the body “2 weeks ago this dress didn’t fit me. In just 2 weeks of drinking Fitlife activize I feel incredible and the bloating has gone. ” 2 weeks ago this dress didn’t fit me. In just 2 weeks of drinking Fitlife activize feel incredible and the bloating has gone.”
Protect skin cells from sun damage
- The Definition in 2026
Cool has quietly evolved. It’s no longer about being the loudest voice in the room or the most visible face on a feed Today, cool is subtler more considered, more intentional. It’s the person who arrives unannounced and leaves early.
The one who knows exactly what they like and doesn’t apologise for it.
The person who understands that style isn’t about labels, it’s about edit In a culture obsessed with speed and saturation, cool has become selective. It shows up in the way people choose their time, their clothes, their homes, and their company In fewer plans, better conversations, and wardrobes built on pieces that last rather than trends that shout.
Cool is comfort with self. It used to be about being the loudest in the room but confidence is carried quietly. It’s not needing to document everything It’s choosing quality over quantity, in experiences, relationships, and possessions.
“Ultimately, cool is invisible to those chasing it — but unmistakable to those who notice it.”
There’s an ease to people who are comfortable being predictable in the best way. They know what works for them be it their coffee order, their walk, their circle and they stick to it. In a world that constantly demands reinvention, cool is often simply knowing when you’ve already arrived.
There’s a growing appeal to understatement. Neutral palettes Clean lines Quiet confidence Whether it’s a well-cut coat, a beautifully made coffee, or a home that feels lived-in rather than styled, modern cool favours authenticity over perfection. It also comes with boundaries.
Saying no without explanation.
Logging off without announcing it
Understanding that presence matters more than performance.
Perhaps the most refreshing thing about cool now is that it isn’t age-specific. It belongs to anyone who’s done chasing and started curating their life, their space, their energy Cool, in its truest form, is ease And the people who have it? They’re not trying to prove it.
THIS NEW YEAR, GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF BETTER HEARING!
New Year is the season of people, moments, and new beginnings. It’s the heartfelt conversations that linger, the laughter that lights up a room, the excitement of fresh opportunities, and the stories we carry forward, gaining even more meaningwitheachpassingyear. However,formanypeople,thejoyof thesemomentsfade,duetohearing loss. When sounds become unclear and following a conversation becomes tiring and so life can feel moreisolating.
At Economou Hearing CentRes, hearingcareisn’tjustamoment,itis aLIFELONGRELATIONSHIP
For decades, we have stood by the side of those who trust us. With personal attention, tailored hearing solutions, and continuous support, we ensure that the experience of better hearing becomes part of everyday life, not only for the holidays,butforalifetime.
That’s why, this Christmas season, choose to offer yourself or a loved onesomethingthattrulymatters:
At Economou Hearing Centres, we provide:
Freehearingtests
A 30-day hearing aid trial, completely free and with no commitment
Ongoing free support and professionalconsultation
Flexible and interest-free payment options
“The ability to hear every moment clearly.” Modern,technologicallyadvancedhearing aids: Aresmall,discreet,andcomfortable Providenaturalandclearsound Significantly improve speech understanding Automatically adapt to any environment With the right hearing care and the guidance of a specialist, every moment becomes more vivid, and more meaningful.
The most precious gifts don’t go under the tree… they are the moments, the conversations, and the laughter shared with the people you love. This Christmas, give yourself the gift of better hearing, because every moment deserves to be heardclearly!
Tolerance in Love: Embracing
Diverse Dynamics in a Fluid World
Love has always reflected the times, and in our fluid modern world, tolerance is its cornerstone. As a male coach working with women, I've seen how embracing diverse dynamics can transform relationships from rigid expectations to harmonious partnerships. But what does tolerance in love really mean? It's about accepting that what works for one couple may not for another, celebrating the unique ways we connect without judgment.
Consider the shift over the last 60 to 70 years Once, love followed a patriarchal script: the man as leader, the woman as supporter, with little room for deviation. This model, rooted in survival needs where strength and roles were fixed, served its purpose in traditional societies But as feminism, social changes, and greater equality took hold, love evolved. Today, relationships aren't confined to gender norms. Same-sex couples, non-binary partnerships, and fluid arrangements show that dynamics are about energy, not stereotypes. A couple might thrive with a clear leader and supporter, like one guiding decisions, while the other nurtures. Others flourish in equal sharing, collaborating on everything from finances to dreams. And some blend both, adapting as life unfolds.
This diversity is beautiful, but it requires tolerance. Without it, we judge: “Why does she let him lead?” or “Why aren’t they more traditional?” Such views stem from outdated ideals, ignoring that love is personal. In my coaching, I’ve seen intolerance breed resentment, while acceptance fosters growth.
My Circology™ framework highlights this through a polarity spectrum, showing how energies –leader, sharer, supporter –interact. It encourages tolerance by helping you understand your role and honour others’ When we accept diverse dynamics, love becomes inclusive, free from judgment. In a world of evolving roles, tolerance isn’t optional; it’s essential for harmony Embrace it and watch your relationships thrive.
Tolerance means recognising that a leader-supporter dynamic isn’t oppressive if consensual, just as equality isn’t chaos if balanced In same-sex relationships, where gender isn’t a predictor, this is especially clear: one partner might embody bold, directive energy, the other receptive and intuitive, or both share equally The key is mutual respect, allowing each to be authentic. It’s not about one way being better; it’s about what brings harmony to that unique pair By embracing this, we free ourselves from societal pressure and open up to love in all its forms.
For deeper insights on your role and compatibility in real life, explore my Circology™ framework at www.circology.life. Discover the right dynamic before investing your heart.
Andreas Matchcreator
I OWE NOBODY ANYTHING
As a new year starts, there’s a familiar pressure to reflect and forgive and to wish everyone well. To be gracious at all costs. But as this year draws to a close I’m not carrying everyone into 2026.
This doesn’t come from bitterness. Quite the opposite, it comes from peace. For all of my life, I’ve been polite to a fault. I always smile, say hello. I always absorb awkwardness so no one else had to. I mistook that for kindness for years.
Last week something shifted. When I returned to Liverpool I was in town Christmas shopping and I saw someone I used to be close friends with. Someone I helped in business, someone I supported emotionally during her turbulent times. This friendship ended years ago, not through anything I did, but through circumstances, loyalties, and a life that no longer exists after our husbands had a disagreement. In the past, I have smiled at her and said hello in the supermarket aisle. Performed civility out of habit. This time, I didn’t. I looked straight through her and carried on with my day. And I felt great.
That moment told me everything I needed to know about where I am now. I simply didn’t register her as someone I needed to carry forward. That’s what healing actually looks like - not dramatic, just an absence of obligation.
As we get older we realise how many relationships were situational. Built around marriages, proximity, shared routines, or versions of ourselves we’ve outgrown. When those structures fall away, so do some people. And that’s not failure, it’s honesty.
We are not required to drag old dynamics into new chapters just to prove we’re nice. Politeness should never come at the expense of peace. Growth doesn’t always look friendly.
Sometimes it looks like quiet non-engagement. So as 2026 approaches, I’m being intentional. I’m carrying forward the people who showed up when things were uncomfortable and the ones who respected my boundaries.
I am not required to shrink or explain.
I can proudly count my close friends on one hand now. These are my confidants, my friends who don’t require conditions.
ISometimes the most powerful end-of-year ritual isn’t gratitude, it’s discernment.
It’s a healthy place to be at. Calm, clear and not fake AF.
The constitutional amendment providing voting rights at 17 will be implemented comprehensively for the first time for the 2028 presidential elections. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou welcomed the decision but noted that the government had intended for the change to take effect from the 2026 parliamentary elections rather than the 2028 presidential vote
The minister pledged to continue efforts to simplify and modernise the electoral process, stating: “We trust our young people and want them to have an active role and voice in state decisions. elections.
Persons residing legally here who are not Cypriot citizens are registered onto different electoral rolls
If the new arrangements were put into force immediately, a total of 92,129 Cypriot citizens aged at least 17 would be eligible for registration on the permanent electoral roll.. Until the new arrangements kick in, the number of such persons eligible comes to 85,235
Aries ( 21 March – 19 April ) –
You may find new or unusual associations develop through your work situation or you may find that new associates lead to different avenues of work. You‘re shining in an all new way and people will gravitate to whatever you‘ve figured out for yourself.
Taurus ( 20 April – 20 May )Your path is well aspected for rewards both through money and fellowship. For the moment though, concentrate on new possibilities and the best way to learn and apply new skills. Health issues will be important on the path of change.
Gemini ( 21 May – 20 June) –
You need to get some advice that reveals different options, methods or approaches. Some of you will be drawn to risks, gambles or the more speculative venture. Make sure you take advice from those in the know. A change of direction with money could be beneficial.
Cancer ( 21 June – 22 July )Your energy levels shift, moving you subtly towards different patterns of work. You may have success through creative or spiritual pursuits.Those married or with a partner may find themselves experiencing a professional change that affects close or romantic relationships
With Manish With Manish
Leo ( 23 July – 22 August )The art of negotiation will be a key ingredient to finding your emotional happiness and security this month. Set goals for how you want things to improve and then work to reap a dividend.Some of you may make a romantic connection through a working situation.
Virgo ( 23 August – 22 Sep)There may be confusion or difficulty at work that affects your partnership situation. Some of you may opt for a new personal direction because of such changes. There could be shifts of an unexpected nature.This is not a good period for decision-making or fine judgement.
Libra ( 23 Sept – 22 October )The load of responsibility could be a heavy one this month and you may have to balance one activity against another. Make sure you build some beneficial activities into your busy day so that you can keep good health through enjoyable recreational activity.
Scorpio ( 23 Oct – 21 Nov)You may be developing something new or simply exploring other aspects of your inner self.There will be new romance and romantic interests for some. Conduct yourselves in accordance with the highest values or ideals and you will rise in people's estimation
Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December) - Your knowledge of methods or techniques of communication will be to your advantage. There may be dealings with people in authority, especially women. You may hit the big time if you make that last push towards success with long term goals or important aspirations.
Capricorn ( 22 December – 19 January ) - You may find yourself amid a wealth of new connections and people of status or academic standing may be among them. There may be dealings with professional people. Legal or religious matters may feature. You may have important discussions with close associates that offer changed horizons.
Aquarius ( 20 January – 18 February ) - Contact with people of other nations or cultures may play a part in partnership activity. There may be new romance or marriage. For others, partnership will flourish and changed conditions for your nearest and dearest will bring change for you. Such change may bring an elevation of status.
Pisces ( 19 February – 20 March ) –Joint arrangements with regard to money or resources may go through a change.Committed couplesneed to try to bring some romance back into their lives if you feel things are struggling or uncertain. Singles will be yearning for a deep level of companionship to fulfil themselves. .
Winning a business award might seem like a moment of applause and a shiny trophy on a shelf — but its impact runs far deeper. For many companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, an award can be a powerful catalyst for growth, credibility, and new opportunities. First and foremost, recognition builds trust. In a crowded market, prospective customers are constantly looking for signs that a company is reliable and delivers on its promises. An award, judged by an external panel, serves as an independent endorsement of your work. It positions your business as a leader in its field and offers instant reassurance to clients who may be comparing you with competitors. For new businesses still carving out their niche, this credibility can be invaluable. A nomination alone can put your business in front of influential audiences that may not have otherwise discovered you. Winners often receive additional PR support, helping your brand story reach a wider market without the costs of a traditional marketing campaign.
Awards can boost morale and strengthen company culture. Being recognised validates the hard work of your team and creates a sense of pride that encourages even higher performance. It can also enhance your ability to attract top talent; people want to work for organisations that value excellence and innovation. From a business development standpoint, awards open doors. They can spark conversations with potential partners, investors, and clients who view award-winning companies as lower-risk and more forward-thinking. Many businesses report that after winning an award, they see an uptick in sales enquiries, event invitations, and collaboration opportunities.
In short, a business award isn’t just a moment of recognition; it’s a strategic asset. When leveraged well, it can elevate your brand, inspire your team, and accelerate your growth long after the applause fades.
