Costa Women Blogs

Ask a random group of people how they’d each spend a €1,000 windfall and nine out of ten will reply, “On a holiday!” With record hordes of happy holidaymakers hotfooting to the Costa del Sol, the European Commission’s new European Tourism Quality Principles aim to ensure value for money for visitors to Member States and from outside the EU. One of the most competitive, fastest-changing service sectors, travel and tourism are quality-driven by necessity. Niche encounters offering flexible and affordable flights, accommodation and transport packages feed increasingly demanding customers at every price level. The Principles cover:*Training supervised by a quality coordinator*Effective customer complaints handling*Cleanliness and maintenance*Reliable information in the main customer language. A win-win for consumer and  trade, quality tourism helps travellers differentiate among competing products, make informed choices and overcome language barriers. Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: “Tourism service providers will be able to assure customers of the high quality of their services, which means a strong competitive advantage for businesses, especially SMEs.” Rome-born Tajani met Junta de Andalucía President Susana Diaz on his visit to Seville, Zaragoza and Mérida on 3 April. M%C3%A1laga%20sunrise%20%C2%A9%20Chris%20Dove.JPG

      As a keen knitter and being on the larger side it is with great pleasure to have found such a lovely pattern for me to wear especially during the cold winter days here is Spain – (not that they are really cold) however we do feel it after out summers here. I am in the process of receiving some samples of the yarns that I am interested in using and would like to share them with others on the coast. Whether you be a machine knitter or hand knitter there is a wide range to choose from.  The patterns are really lovely and am going to be receiving a catalogue for people to browse through. If you are interested in learning more and seeing the samples please feel free to contact me.  suecaroline@hotmail.co.uk – I live in Estepona.

Just published THE SHINING CITY on kindle This is the story of a city, a city that is now in ruins: Madinat al Zahra.  The year is 947 AD, a time when southern Spain is under the rule of the Moors.  The ruler, Caliph al Rahman III is rich, powerful and cultured.  His lands are, at long last, at peace and the capital, Córdoba, is considered to be not only the most beautiful city in the civilised world but also the seat of learning and culture.  Against this background we meet the artisan Qasim – he and his family have moved to Madinat al Zahra to make their fortune as potters.   Qasim is a good husband and father.  He works hard, says his prayers and keeps out of trouble.  But Qasim has a secret; his past is not what it seems.  When a stranger arrives asking questions about him, he is worried that his secret will be discovered and everything he has worked for will be destroyed.  He has to take action. http://www.amazon.com/Shining-City-Joan-Fallon-ebook/dp/B00JCT1B0S/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396621717&sr=1-1&keywords=the+shining+city+joan+fallon

It happens to all of us. We have been hibernating during the Winter, and all of the sudden Spring is upon us, at which point we find out, we are simply “out of shape” not to mention hungry, thirsty and in need of much-wanted nourishment. And it is not just about the body, but the mind and emotions tag right along with it, as well as the “I” word…(shhhhh…Intuition!) – Such a marvelous word, amazing gift, wonderful companion, and yet, so many of us tend to ignore its power, usefulness, and all together, GPS guidance system that takes us places we never knew existed; especially, when we come out of hibernation…no matter the season. Do you agree? Mystery builds when we don’t know where higher guidance is coming from and yet, it simplifies itself when we ask for clarity and as if by magic, clarity appears, to be the guiding light to our path to development and best lives ever. This is all part of you being in spring training. You need to learn how to be fit in all areas of your life, so that you can be ready to tackle what’s yet to come. Hibernation is easy, coming into Spring needs training. Let’s get ready, shall we? CONSIDER: Do you feel like you’ve been on ICE way too long? Are you hungry for a new way of life? Are you ready for a new of being? Do you have a support system? Are the people in your life ready to be there for you NOW? OPTIONS: Choose new beginnings. (The past is PAST.) If your phone rings and the PAST is calling, tell them to go to voice mail, you’re sure there’s nothing new for them to say. Be picky who you spend your time with, as they could be joining you in your next hibernation! Your time is NOW, not tomorrow. Exercise…your right to move, to think, to speak, to gather, and to think out-loud. LAUGH! – Uncle Albert in Mary Poppins wisely tells us to do so. “The more I laugh, the more I feel with glee, the more the glee, the more I’m a merrier me.” (Mary Poppins – 1964) Spring will spark your creativity. Give it a try. This is where you can really begin to grow, nurture and display your greatness. Be happy that you are who you are, and not somebody else’s version of yourself. Strategize. These are your most fertile months to forward-think into how your future will look like. ACTION PLAN: Always know where you’re going. Get a coach or mentor to help you design your future now. Lack of clarity is lack of light. No one can live in the dark for long. Find a way to turn on the switch. Identify those who can help. Ask them to join you. Know that what you have to offer is of great benefit to others. Honor YOU and what you’re worth! Always be grateful. Much love, Ali http://AliRodriguez.com/programs – See more at: http://alirodriguez.com/2014/03/stepping-spring/#sthash.lHt6AiGX.dpuf

This week I started the 5×50.org challenge and my bum  hurts!  Are you allowed to say bum here? The reason why … sciatica! Can’t seem to shake it, so probably heading off to the chiropractor this week. Anyway, enough of my moans and groans  I also completed another  Handbag and Shoes video (Hangout on Air) with a lovely lady called Marion Dias. She talks about her book “Why did the Cancer disappear?” It was a fun session as Marion is so bubbly, and although I tried to keep it to our 15 minute guideline we ran over as it was great to hear her story. You can find out more about Marion by visiting her website Dynamic Perceptions and watch the video via this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT30t0jUtB8 ; NB. If you watch the video and then click “subscribe” to my channel I would really appreciate it Using the Hangouts has lead me to learn a lot more about Google+ and I am getting really keen on this platform to expand my “circle” of knowledge and interests. In the coming weeks I will post some top-tips on how to get the best from it. In the meantime, as per the title, let’s talk about Facebook … it’s time for a Spring Clean! I enjoy using Facebook for business and pleasure. I know it’s not for everyone but following some basic rules and applying yourself little and often can pay huge dividends when it comes to connecting with people and helping you to broaden your own personal horizons, and by default your business connections. I wrote a small article recently about a Facebook Spring Clean and you can read it HERE Along with Joy Fahey, I am planning to present a workshop on Facebook Basics (title to be confirmed), so please keep an eye on all your Costa Women messages for more details soon.

On 13th March 2014 I went out with a group in Granada to the Templo del Flamenco in the lower Albaicín This week I have written a detailed review of my experience their.   Here´s the link http://www.piccavey.com/templo-del-flamenco-granada/ If any Costa Women visit Granada, live in Granada or love Flamenco this is highly recommended by me.   Enjoy the weekend all, Olé   Molly