Costa Women Blogs

    This is an invitation to all my Divine and Passionate Brothers & Sisters who love to write…. to feature as my Magnificent Guest Blogger/Author 2018. Not only is it an opportunity to share yourself, your passion, your inspiration and your creations with many others… but to write about your feelings on Consciousness vs Artificial Intelligence and create together a Free E-Book that will help inspire others to choose consciously how they want to move forward… as free, powerful and sovereign Beings or as limited, powerless and controlled beings.   We can all see the world polarising, as Love and Fear expands to the extremities. The drive to perfect society and the HumanBeing out of the fear of lack and annihilation has brought about AI that works as fast as lightening.   Yes faster than our Human Potential but faster than Divine Consciousness?   How do we choose to live? Do we have a choice? How can we, as Consciousness bring ourself to a place of experiencing ‘as fast as lightening’?   I do love a challenge and connecting with old and new friends around the world AND I ThankYou for your participation in creating yet another sacred space to inspire others about ‘The Evolution of Consciousness’.   If you would like to join this writing challenge… or know of friends who might… please let me know in the comments or by email to (barbara(at)memymagnificentself(dot)com and i’ll give you the next available date to be published.   Please arrange to send me a week before your date the following information…   Your written feelings on Consciousness VS Artificial Intelligence (+/- 1200 words)Photo of YOU (JPEG)Photo of YOUR latest Book, Workshop/Course/Class, Blog, CreationLatest BIO about YOUSomething new, funny, wow experience about YOU, I can share with othersLink to purchase YOUR latest CreationLink to YOUR websiteLink to 3 (max) of YOUR social media platforms   Our previous writing challenges and free e-books we published are listed below, click on imagine to download…            True Awakening Experiences Part I ©2014              True Awakening Experiences… Part II ©2016                What Is Compassion? ©2017    You can also find some of my friends and my books to purchase via my website… Divine Books to inspire you   Barbara Franken… Creative Visionary & MasterCreatorInspiring New Energy Consciousness   A paperback and Digital Book is available from all Major online stores…Amazon and Apple   I share my own magical journey, exploring Who I AM with the help of nine Elemental Beings and expand from a world of fear, struggle and limitation into a New Energy Consciousness of love, grace and freedom. It is in this loving space that I discover my Divine and ALL LOVING self and allow myself to integrate together as one Body Consciousness… a DivineHumanBeing… and Magnificent Master Creator who expresses and creates heart and soul passion on the physical plane and beyond.           Join my MasterCreator Class and emerge yourself in the celebration of life through dance, song, art, relaxed inner journeys and beyond everything known… preparing yourself for your NEW role on New Earth.   There is no time like the present moment to Sign Up and give YOURSELF this magnificent gift… More Info: MasterCreator Class           All the money raised from my books and classes go to my ‘Creative Art Project’ The Magnificent Consciousness that I bring to our little ones… inspiring them to explore, discover and express life and their part in it ALL.  

So, we’ve decided to move out for the UK to Spain. Health issues, lack of sun and urge to learn new language. Now boxes are half packed, transport is organised and in a week time we’ll be in the sunny land.    Moving with small kids is a challenge, but also an adventure. I’ll be a full time mother for the first time since maternity leaves (that lasted only 12 months and I had to go back to my job and kids went to nursery).   Well….I’m optimistic and positive 😉

Will it be easy bringing your BFF overseas? NOPE. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. I am here to give you step by step instructions on how to take your fluffy companion from the USA to Europe. Please bare in mind, this process will be different for other parts of the world. Also, please note, that though this was our experience, there is almost 100% certainty, it will not be your experience. Seems that though rules are in place, they are not necessarily followed, depending on the day of the week or the weather or if the person in front of you is cranky or not. STEP ONE: Long before you even think about getting your flight reservations sorted, take your dog to your local Vetrinarian. Tell them your plan, and if they are not already up to date on international dog travel, have that conversation. The EU has a link to forms and information you will need, depending on the country you are landing in. Sadly, I have found that each country you potentially would be arriving into, will have a different set of rules. Your pup needs to be micro-chipped to EU standards, which in many cases is not what you had done in the USA. This needs to be done prior to being vaccinated for Rabies and it needs to be signed in BLUE ink. The Rabies certificate MUST have the microchip number listed as well. Your Vet must be a USDA accredited Veterinarian. Each state is going to have their own rules as well, see attached information from Washington State ( the USDA office here also covers Alaska and Oregon). We were on our way to Spain, stopping into Germany first. A simple Google search will help you narrow down to the documents you will need to have filled out. If you happen to be in Washington State, anywhere in the greater Seattle region, I cannot recommend enough, for you to go to Family Pet, located right off i-5, in Arlington. The entire team went above and beyond for getting us sorted for our trip. They made the chaos and stress much more manageable. I cannot thank them enough. **With that all said, my originally micro-chipping was not compatible to the EU and was not signed in BLUE ink. If you need to re- microchip, this means you also have to re- vaccinate for rabies, which also means you need to wait an additional 21 days before you can travel. You also need to have your dog’s health checked within 10 days of landing into Europe, by said USDA accredited Vet. I suggest calendaring and organizing yourself as much as you can, as early as you can, to accomplish these items. Additionally, you need to take your dogs health certifications and all the other documents for EU entry, vaccinations, and micro-chipping, to your local USDA office. Yes, it is possible to overnight them for approval, but I do NOT recommend this….as I have found that almost 100% of the people who make an appointment, have something wrong with some aspect of their paperwork. If you are standing there in person, they are much more likely to jump through whatever hoops to get you approved. STEP TWO: Research the best airline for your specific needs. We were flying to Málaga Spain, in which there are zero direct flights. Seattle did have direct flights to Amsterdam, London*, and to Frankfurt. Now to narrow down which of those airlines would accept dogs and the price points associated ….as well as travel time and ease of logistics. I found that Frankfurt had a number of non- stop options to Spain, so ended up booking a flight on Condor. Travel is hard on humans, even more for dogs, so I wanted to make it as easy as possible for JeliBën. Travel to Germany, hang out for a few days, detox and get over jet lag, then head out for a short flight south. * LONDON…heading into the UK requires even more tests which need to happen within a specific time allotment. Based on my research, it is much easier to get into England, if you already have a pet passport for your pooch, from an accredited EU Vetrinarian. Keep this in mind while traveling. STEP THREE: If your dog is not already crated, it’s time to learn. I suggest a few months of getting used to enjoying their “space”. Most airlines which allow dogs, will let you bring yours, if less than 15 pounds, into the cabin with you, as long as they are in a container with good air flow and it can fit under the seat in front of you. Unless you have a service dog, this is the only way you can bring fido on board. They must stay in this carrier for the entire flight. My dog is closer to 25 pounds, so needed to go into the hold. Yes, there are some horror stories out there, but they are few and far between. Folks who show dogs have been transporting via airlines for decades, and most airlines are happy to charge you to fly with your best friend. If you have never crated your dog, this is another great time to do a google search on best practices. Never force your dog to do anything, you will regret it in the long run. Put a bed and food and water inside your IATA approved crate, give your pup love every time they go inside. Remember that each airline may also have specific crate requirements, so know yours, before you purchase. STEP FOUR: Assuming you have sorted out and are properly micro chipped and vaccinated, make an appointment to have your dog health certified with your USDA accredited Vet. Once you know this date, then make your appointment with your local USDA office, to take your paperwork, and have it authorized and given a stamp of approval. When arriving at your local office, though you have an appointment, be prepared to wait. They did not like my paperwork, and though they called my vet and got the problems fixed, I was there for close to 3 hours. Be prepared to lose a day in travel and wait time. Remember, you need to complete both of these steps within 10 days of landing into Europe. If you haven’t already guessed, all of the above come with a price. Whatever you have budgeted know it will end up being more. I suggest doing everything in duplicate and also scanning all documents onto your smart phone, prior to travel. Yay! You’ve managed this whole process, now it’s time to fly! Your dog crate should have a well loved bed, absorbent material to lay underneath everything, and both food and water bowls. I used small tupperware containers, which had lids, and also included a toy and something to chew on. Additionally, I wrote her name and my contact info on a card and included with copies of all our paperwork, and placed in a ziplock back taped to the top of the crate. BRING zip ties! More on this below. ** Our trip did not go quite as smoothly as one would hope, in that because we had to get re micro-chipped and re – vaccinated, I had to change all of our flight and hotel plans. When re-booking, the lovely lady at Condor, forgot to mention this would no longer be a direct flight. She also forgot to carry over the whole “dog traveling with me”, including fees, I had already paid. Please be sure to check all of your travel plans before heading to the airport so you are not surprised at the gate. In our case, we were now heading to Las Vegas on Alaska Air, and had to pay an additional dog crate fee, as well as had a 9 hour layover, before our next flight to Germany. I also learned in this adventure, that US airports are doing away with baggage holding areas, so we would be unable to leave the airport for our length of stay. FLIGHT ONE | Alaska Air: Two hours was not nearly enough time to get us checked in. I am going to suggest that if you are departing from a busy airport, especially if during the holidays, you give yourself another full hour for getting yourselves ticketed and sorted. Keep all of your dog’s recently certified paperwork with you, just like you keep your passport. You never know when they will be asked for. Alaska Air had a separate dog check in area, which was clearly signed. Once the lady at the counter got me ticketed, she told me where to take my dog and crate, to get them sorted. She never asked to see any of my paperwork, but did place several documents on the crate, including tear off vouchers, which she informed me, I would be given to confirm that JeliBën was onboard. We then found the next phase, which included being taken into a room where a man removed everything from the crate and then inspected it with some sort of reader, before telling me to put everything back into the crate, along with my dog. He then told me to zip tie the doors closed, assuming I had the ties with me, without any real direction, and rather gruff and unpleasant. Without another word, he dismissed me and motioned for the next person to come into the space. On that note, be sure to have your dog well run, fed and watered, before arriving at the airport, as you may not have a chance again. Off I went to get through security and find my gate. Arriving after most folks had already boarded. I had to ask if JeliBën had made it, as none of the airplane staff acknowledged it in any way; so much for the idea of a tear off voucher. Arriving into Las Vegas, I knew I had to retrieve my bags, but had no idea about my dog. Once in baggage claim, there was an Alaska Air office, and the young lady told me that someone would bring my dog to that door sometime soon. About 15 minutes later, sure enough, JeliBën was being wheeled my way. Once again, nobody asked for any paperwork or even requested me to prove my dog and crate belonged to me. I of course did not have scissors to cut the zip ties, so I asked the counter. They were happy to provide, but gave me the impression, it was an odd request. Because you cannot store your luggage anywhere, my hands were quite full as we then attempted to find the suggested dog walking area, I was told, just outside the doors. Learning quickly, that Nevada’s idea of a dog walking enclosure, is not my idea of a dog walking enclosure. We survived our long layover, and before you knew it, time it was to check in for the next journey. FLIGHT TWO | Condor Air: Check in was a lovely experience. They treated both of us like rock stars. Though they did ask for the rabies certificate, which includes the micro chip number, it was only to make a copy to place with my ticket. They did not read it, nor acknowledge any of my paperwork in any way, even though I had completed everything in German, just in case. We were then escorted to a nice young man, who didn’t do anything, other than check that the bar code placed on the crate, matched the bar code on my ticket. They then asked if I wanted her to go now, or if I needed to walk her or feed her…I opted to give her more water and then have them take her away. At this point, they zip closed the door of the crate and off both of us went on our separate ways. This was a very long flight, 10 hours. We ended up being delayed for another hour and had some weather to go around over the Atlantic, making our flight closer to 13 hours. With the check in time, this meant JeliBën would have been crated for close to 16 hours. Upon arrival into Frankfurt, I was barely even acknowledged by the immigration dude, and had to ask where to find my dog. Once again, nobody asked for any paperwork or if I was even the owner of the crate. Scissors were not to be found anywhere, though there were many other dogs being delivered. I ended up borrowing someone else’s nail clippers and decided I too would use this idea on my next flight. Finally released from her enclosure, not soiled in any way, and generally happy to be with mom again. No sign of stress. We gathered our luggage, and ventured out to our pre booked taxi. No customs check. No paperwork check. Arriving at our dog friendly hotel and a city which was virtually closed for the holiday. We both had a bit of jet lag for a few days, but all in all, she recovered quickly and seemed delighted to be able to pick up the many sights and smells of a new country. FLIGHT THREE | Lufthansa: Several days later, our final flight ensued. It happened to be New Years Day, so I had purchased some nice chocolates to give to the check in staff, as I assumed it would be a difficult day of work for them. Lufthansa too, had a special dog check- in counter. The young lady was non- plussed about the gift and her and her co -workers were clearly not happy to be shifted that morning. Regardless, she managed to check me in as well as physically measure our crate. All was going well, until she asked where my food and water dishes were. I explained that I had both, and pointed them out. She then asked how staff was supposed to give my dog water, and that it was flight regulation, that both were hanging. Hmmmm. I must have missed this tidbit. We ended up agreeing that I could hang one of my tupperware containers (thank goodness for having a plethora of zip ties!), and that she would approve me, but that it was a far cry from standard operating procedure. She asked that I place JeliBën into the crate, it was not inspected in any way, nor was any of my paperwork asked to be produced. This was a short flight of less than two hours and we would be in Spain soon enough. This time I was wise enough to carry nail clippers with me, and hoped I could get through security with no problems. Off we both went. Security did not seem to notice my clippers and our flight took off on time. Landing into Málaga, I was given a curious look when asking where to find my dog. It turns out that at this airport, your dog just comes through on the revolving belt, like all other luggage does. Ready to cut loose her crate door, we were out in the sunshine within 30 minutes of landing. Her water bowl was empty, just like when she boarded, such is the life of rules. Once again, our pre hired ride was ready and waiting….we were off heading into Mijas Pueblo long before sunset. Happy our trip was complete. NEXT: Now that we are settled, the next step is officially getting your EU Pet Passport. I found a lovely Vetrinarian a short distance from our flat and just happened to walk in within a few days of landing. The entire staff is fabulous, even speaking a fair amount of English. They quickly found JeliBën’s microchip number and went online to update her records for Spain. We were informed that there were a few vaccines for this area of the Costa del Sol which are recommended and after answering a few questions, her official Pet Passport was completed, all in the same day. Now she can officially travel anywhere in Europe, without any issues or additional paperwork. As mentioned before, if she does go to the UK, she will need to have a tape worm test prior to arrival, and it is suggested to arrive via an official pet transport company, rather than flying. With everything here so close, I am not overly worried. Looking for our forever home, we may end up in Spain, or perhaps another one of the many gorgeous countries within the region…..who knows. She is healthy and happy and has adjusted quite well to ample sunshine and warm ocean breezes. WOW….well there you have it. Questions? I’m sure you have a plethora. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any help for the logistics listed above. Stay patient, the process can be frustrating. Most importantly, remember to have fun! Hello@accordingtouna.com Tags: dog travel pet pet travel eu Europe United States airplane air travel rules how to bring your do how to fly

Create goals that you WILL achieve! Learn HOW. ·         What will you be doing in 10 years? ·         Where would you like to be? ·         What is keeping your from achieving your dream or goal? Many people have resolutions and goals every year, but only few people achieve them. It seems  like somewhere, along our path, things happen, life gets in the way, and soon, we find ourselves going in another direction and diverted from our goals.  Maybe you recognize this, or maybe you DO achieve your goals and you have more dreams you want to realize. What can you do to stay on track and follow your path? This is a 3minute compilation of my TEDx talk ”Your Next Step”. You want more? Check out the link to the original talk (13 min)  below the video. Some of us are stuck in their daily life and belief they can never change. I had those feelings too, but I achieved my dreams and I keep having new dreams. How did I achieve them? In this talk, I go through the steps you can take to achieve your goals and stay motivated. What is keeping us stuck? One of the reasons is that we think too much. With 80,000 thoughts per day, it’s normal to have many thoughts, but sometimes these thoughts are so negative, they bring us down. “I’m not good enough’’ , ‘’ I can’t’’, ‘’He’s better than me’’,… You can find the original version of my talk here: —TEDx Talk #1-Your Next Step: http://bit.ly/RachelSmets-TEDxTalk –TEDx Talk #2: ”Stop Comparing. http://bit.ly/RSmets-TEDx-Comparing   Rachel Smets is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, Lecturer International Business, and Cross-Cultural Trainer. As a trainer in cultural diversity and integration, she helps people to understand their surroundings and build their confidence level to achieve their dreams and goals to become the person they want to be. Questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch.  

  The colourful sky was Mother Earth’s last gift as we prepared to leave our experiences of 2017 behind AND walk with open hearts and senses into a new year… welcoming in the NEW and receiving NEW energy… NEW potential that is so ripe now, to come and serve our Grandest Dream.    To live a Healthy, Youthful, Wise and Abundantly Happy life sensing unity, joy and harmony with ALL… here on Mother Earth.    The NEW ENERGY is so vibrant, rich, radiant and colourful… it is full of everything beyond our Human imagination. Everything exists and is available to experience. It only waits for CONSCIOUSNESS, the Human to claim their sovereign and natural loving power and choose to ALLOW the Master and Creator to step forward, make a wish and receive an abundance of MAGIC to play with and enjoy.   All experience begins with a wish… so what are YOU wishing to experience in 2018?   Remember, no matter how your life appears to be… you can choose to change your perception and intend to bring in new surroundings… new feelings… new growth… for YOU to live a life of joy.   Most of you know the last 2 years has been challenging for Tom and I, but throughout it all we have stayed true to our wish… of discovering a new home in Benalmadena AND spending quality time with our family who live all around the world. Trusting that at the most perfect moment all would come to fruition.   We both had old fears and ways of being to uncover, embrace and transform… before more of our grand dream could unravel AND here we are in the beginning of 2018, surrounded by loving memories of seeing all our family this last summer and now enjoying our new home. It is a beautiful Spanish complex that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, beautiful and colourful garden, tranquil yet not secluded and our ground floor apartment has a lovely spacious view and inside so cosy, yet spacious to truly feel at home.     Unpacking all our belongings this last week has been a truly abundant experience. Not only were all our own decorations, shoes and clothes a welcome gift to unpack, but the apartment has been cared and nurtured well and is full of beautiful gifts… an example is how the washing machine has a short washing programme and a drying programme… pure luxury.  Just knowing that we have allowed it all into our reality… especially trusting the process and being grateful for everything we have ever had, gives us a warm and loving feeling of joy.   Our hearts beat loud with love and gratefulness for being part of The Magnificent Tapestry of Life.   Now onwards and upwards we gently raise our level of joy and bliss, allowing ourselves to descend on New Earth that we are creating from within. IAM not sure what’s in store for 2018 as a whole… All I know is… we are totally surrounded by the high vibration of NEW energy & potential that allows more and more people to awaken and recognise their own place in the creative world, choose to join the army of love and be inspired to discover new ways of coming together in communities for continued support and inspiration.   Yes its time to have creative fun together.      I have a few new ideas that I want to look at and prioritise to undertake this year… It has to do with my word for this year… CONNECTION… and expanding how I connect with people and energy through my facebook live each Wednesday at 5 to 5 (Madrid UTC +2) and our New Earth Community facebook group. To allow more Awakening people to come together and support and inspire one another with our own journeys and creations. Please come and join our interactive adventure! AND in the meantime, I feel it’s important for me to stay calm, open and receive the continuous stream of new light codes that are coming in fast and furious into the physical plane and the physical body/mind.     An Invitation to be part of this years Guest Blogger/Author FeatureI always love a challenge so I invite my passionate Divine writing friends to be part of this years Guest Blogger/Author Feature. To write about your feelings on Consciousness vs Artificial Intelligence and the choice each person has to make about their journey forward.   We will again create a Free E-Book at the end of the year to share with others… to help inspire them of the choice each person has to make. It is also a way to keep our connection strong and a chance to promote your latest book, workshop and blog. Please let me know in the comments or by email at Barbara(at)memymagnificentself(dot)com if you would like to join and I’ll give you the next available date.   May you all receive continuous magic throughout 2018 and experience dreams coming true. Until next week.   Barbara Franken… Creative Visionary & MasterCreatorInspiring New Energy Consciousness   A paperback and Digital Book is available from all Major online stores…Amazon and Apple   I share my own magical journey, exploring Who I AM with the help of nine Elemental Beings and expand from a world of fear, struggle and limitation into a New Energy Consciousness of love, grace and freedom. It is in this loving space that I discover my Divine and ALL LOVING self and allow myself to integrate together as one Body Consciousness… a DivineHumanBeing… and Magnificent Master Creator who expresses and creates heart and soul passion on the physical plane and beyond.           Join my MasterCreator Class and emerge yourself in the celebration of life through dance, song, art, relaxed inner journeys and beyond everything known… preparing yourself for your NEW role on New Earth.   There is no time like the present moment to Sign Up and give YOURSELF this magnificent gift… More Info: MasterCreator Class           All the money raised from my books and classes go to my ‘Creative Art Project’ The Magnificent Consciousness that I bring to our little ones… inspiring them to explore, discover and express life and their part in it ALL.    

    On the Piccavey blog this month we have an Exciting Giveaway. Open to anyone with a UK or European address A great opportunity for those planning to travel in 2018 Enter until Sunday 14th January 2018   Also on the blog read about a Foodie getaway to Huelva. Organic strawberries, great wine and delicious Iberian Ham are just a few of the gastronomic delights from this western region of Spain. Discover my tips to enjoy Expat Life in Spain. Keeping up to date with whats going on home while I live full time in Andalusia. After 20 years abroad some of my habits are simple, yet they are very important for me.   Coming soon in the next month are new articles about Spanish Cosmetics Brands Shoes Made in Spain and more Andalusian travel information   Have a great new year Molly @piccavey