Costa Women Blogs

Only ten days to go before the latest in the Detective Inspector Paolo Storey series, Someday Never Comes, is released by Crooked Cat Publishing on 16th August 2013. Don’t miss the online party. There will be games, quizzes, music and lots to keep you entertained – as well as a few giveaways as prizes (including an opportunity to win £300). Click here to join the online party Want to know what the book is about? Read on … Has Detective Inspector Paolo Storey come up against a criminal he cannot defeat? Paolo is determined to shut down the syndicate flooding Bradchester’s streets with young prostitutes. When a child is murdered, Paolo becomes aware of a sinister network of abusers spread across Europe, and spanning all levels of society. But Joey, the shadowy leader of the gang, always seems to be one step ahead in the chase. Praise for Someday Never Comes “A taut, tense thriller, this novel is a masterclass in plotting and character development. Paolo Storey is a wonderful creation: human, flawed and vulnerable. Fans of Tania Carver and Karin Slaughter will adore di Plino’s clever, original crime series.” Sheila Bugler, author Hunting Shadows “Dark and uncomfortably believable, Frances di Plino’s gritty thriller set in the underworld of organised crime cranks the tension all the way up to eleven. Don’t read this on the train – you’ll miss your stop.” JJ Marsh, author of The Beatrice Stubbs series

Way before I became of age, seven years old, that is, I always knew that I wanted to help people. In fact, I wanted to be a Doctor, a Healer, or someone that will make other people’s lives better in any way I could. My mother thought this was a very strange thing for a child to want. Yes, I was only 6 years old and I already knew what was in my heart to be my truth, and the way I wanted to be when I grew up. It took me more than a little while to get my head wrapped-around this kind of inner knowledge. In fact, perhaps years as I grew into adulthood. The part I did NOT know was how to execute it. Heck, I did not even know what that meant at the time, other than I had this deep desire to create an action plan and put it to work. Little by little, my leadership inclinations kicked-in and I started to recruit different friends from the neighborhood to get things done, mind you, some were younger, 6 or less, some were older 7 or 8. I remember my Mom being horrified at the amount of influence I seemed to have over these children. However, I never saw it as “influence” on others. I simply saw it as “collaboration.” I saw it as a job that needed to be done and someone had to do it. So what was the JOB? Bringing kids in the community together to conspire and inspire about what or who did we really want to be when we grew up, and in many instances, helping each other achieve some of our dreams! It used to drive our parents nuts. Then, a more defined job started to evolve, which was that of helping others help themselves. All of the sudden, it was no longer a JOB, it was a PASSION and the importance of having a “dream” became monumental. We actually used to “dream” out-loud. We were kids, we had no idea what we would turn out to be; however, we all had a very clear view about our deep desires of being in the service of others as we would be in the service of our own destiny. The thought of it alone was exciting, it was also overwhelming. Remember, we were only 7 years old. There was no denying how our leadership abilities were beginning to manifest and take shape. We understood our individual roles, and more importantly, we understood each other’s roles. We learned how to delegate, we knew how to ask to get something done, and we learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration, as without it, not much can get accomplished. And let’s face it, there’s super strength in numbers! Those were very happy childhood times. But do not dismay, as what you were then, it is probably an awesome reflection of who you are today. Now I can tell you with complete certainty that you are here for a reason. This is a subject not open for doubtful thinking. Do not question your existence on this earth. Embrace it, so that you can understand the importance of living your life out-loud. Make it a point to have a life well-lived and continue joyful on this amazing path called LIFE! If ever in doubt, remember…. you were 7 once!

True happiness comes from within. I know this is true because it has become my experience. However, in order to understand and learn how to cultivate inner happiness, I had to first of all confront my own mind. You see, although I have cast aside certain materialism: I don’t have or need so many ‘things’ to make myself feel happy, the truth is, what I have been doing, albeit it subconsciously, is making conditions with myself: ‘I will be happy when the clouds make way for the sunshine’. ‘I will be successful when I can spend all my time doing the work I truly love’. ‘I will be happy when I feel successful’. ‘I will be happy when I live in a peaceful home’. I will be a success when I have the means to do all the things that make me happy’. And so I have waited in the shadows of joy for my dependants to bring me happiness and success. Further investigation into the art of happiness has illuminated a clearer perspective, which is best relayed in these few words: the key to happiness and success, is being able to feel it before it arrives! The sensation of happiness and of feeling successful arises out of a personal choice, founded on where we decide to place out thoughts and focus our minds. My dependants have been founded on my beliefs about what will make me happy. But, these beliefs are not the truth; they are just ideas in my mind formed from my early conditioning and blinkered perceptions. When I opened my mind to a broader perspective, encompassing my inner world, what I discovered is that I can make choices about how I think and feel, in this very moment, even if the sky is grey. It took battling anxiety to find this ability to make choices. In this sense, what challenged me, is becoming a liberating and empowering gift to learn and to share. I learnt that just as our brains may release adrenalin in response to fear triggers, through conscious decision making we can also generate feelings that make us feel calm, and happy and successful, through the images and perceptions we hold in our minds eye, and the thoughts we choose to tell ourselves which in turn affect our natural chemicals. Happiness and success is a chosen perspective created in our minds. When we make this choice to hold positive perceptions, thoughts and feelings, they becomes our experience. So now, ‘I am happy, because I choose to spend my free time on developing the work I love’. ‘I am successful, because I can create happiness within’. I am happy, because I choose to live in a place where the sun shines often’. Of course, I have my goals; I still want the sunshine on cloudy days, wonderful success with my career, and I’d love the financial means to do and achieve many more things in my life, but I am already feeling happy and successful, before these things arrive. And so now my only dependent is my own mind, which I am slowly learning to master. Cultivating this ability to improve perception and focus the mind, even in stormy times, is indeed an art that I suspect may take at least a life time to master. I am glad that I have begun.   www.antoniabehan.com

250 Women celebrated Costa Women Marbella’s 1st Anniversary Party on Friday 26th July at La Veranda-Verde in the Royal Tennis Club in El Rosario. The night was a celebration of the new Costa Women’s Russian Costa Women group and its fusion with representatives of the 57 other nationalities that comprise the Costa Women community. Costa Women were delighted to be supported by Luks Marbella – Russian Social and Networking Club, who organised and sponsored the event. The evening raised 1,320€ for Bancosol Alimentos, to enable a donation of 22,000 kilos of food into their Food Bank for the Malaga region.  VIP tables, a silent auction of baskets of TIGS candles, nail art from Estrella Diamante and jammed packed gift bags thanks to 19 sponsors (see below for list) were sold to enable fund raising success. The evening included entertainment thanks to music from Veronica Malka, an Oriental Dance Show by Natasha Lunar and Salsa Cuba Show from Ramon and Marika Silverio, as well as world famous Alejandro Rodriguez with a Flamenco performance and magic tricks from Mago Seneco.  DJ for the night was ‘Rob Rocks the House’ with Russian Radio Costa del Sol broadcasting live from the event.  Displays of beautiful TIGS Candles and creations from the Lladro collection adorned the venue. The chance to taste luxurious olive oil from Verde Esmeralda, French wine from fun Designer wine-handbags by Marbella Wine Warehouse, desserts and patisserie from Café Canela & Miel and carrying on the Russian theme, canapés from our hosts La Veranda Verde. The ‘fashionistas’ enjoyed couture by Yamaia and exclusive jewellery by Roger M Boutique who generously arranged a prize draw for an exquisite piece of jewellery. Ali Meehan, Founder of Costa Women said, “Costa Women were delighted to be joined by members from our Costa Russian Women’s group.  Wherever we have arrived from, Women expats essential face the same challenges.  The event provides a chance to connect, network and share our stories as well as give back to the Spanish community through a donation to Bancosol”. Marina Nitzak of Luks Marbella said “I feel extremely fortunate and very grateful to be able to combine my different passions, friendships and interests under one happy roof today – fusion of my Russian origins and my business, with my international friendships, network and very fun fundraising for a fantastic and very topical cause of our local Foodbank“ Costa Women were also celebrating this week the arrival of their 2000th member.  The community has members in most parts of Spain as well as Women who want to move to Spain as part of longer-term goals. Gift Bag Sponsors Luks Marbella – www.luksmarbella.com Marbella Wine Warehouse – www.marbella-wine-warehouse.com NahrinMarbella – www.nahrin.es Jo Sellers Mijas Natural Estética Estilismo – www.mijasnatural.com Moscow Delicatessen Herbalife – www.herbalmarbella.com VOM FASS Fuengirola – www.vomfass-fuengirola.es Intimalook – www.intimalook.com Christine Heckel – www.christine-heckel.com Mesto Vstrechi – www.mestovstrechi.es Clínicas Premium – www.clinicapremium.com Dr. Ezequiel Panno – www.drpanno.com Barceló Estepona, Thalassotherapy & Hotel – www.barcelo.com Salotto Restaurant – www.salottomarbella.com‎ Tanino Restaurant – www.salottomarbella.com Virginia Florista – www.virginiaflorista.com Vision International – http://english.vipgroup.net/production-new/catalog/tea/ OfiPrint – www.ofiprintmarbella.com Entertainment Russian Radio Costa del Sol 98.8 DJ: Rob DJ – www.robROCKSthehouse.com My Cheeky Butler Marbella – www.mycheekybutlermarbella.com Veronica Malka Natasha Lunar – www.natashalunar.blogspot.com.es Ramon and Marika Silverio – www.espectaculoblancoynegro.blogspot.com.es Sara Bara with Alejandro Rodrigues (flamenco) Fashion and Jewellery Fashion – Yamaia Jewellery – Roger M boutique – www.rogermjeweller.com Nail Art – Estrella Diamante Tastings Marbella Wine Warehouse – www.marbella-wine-warehouse.com Verde Esmeralda – www.verdesmeraldaolive.es La Veranda Verde Marbella Café Canela y Miel – www.cafecanelaymiel.com Decor: TIGS Candles – www.luxuriouscandles.com Lladro   Photography and Video Sergio Kapusta for Luks Marbella TV – www.luksmarbella.com Aleksandra Olejnik Photography – www.aleksandraolejnik.com

Summer is now in full swing, with plenty of BBQ, beach time, and most of us are spending a lot of time basking in the sun, either sun bathing or exercising outside. However, in Southern Spain the sun rays are strong and the heat can be intense so it is important to take extra precautions this season. Summer may be a time for fun and parties but it also holds risks such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, skin cancer or food poisoning to name but a few. Early signs of heat exhaustion can creep up on us if we do not stay well hydrated.  Children, the elderly and those of us weakened by illness are more likely to suffer from it but it can affect any of us and some symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy Fatigue,weakness Headache Nausea and possibly vomiting Cool,clammy and pale skin It is extremely important to drink plenty of fluids, to stay in the shade especially in the hottest hours of the day and to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.  However this may not be sufficient and the intake of proper nutrients can aid in optimizing your health during these hot summer days. How do you know what foods are beneficial in the summer time? Chinese Medicine advocates that in order to preserve health one should eat in accordance with the seasons and summer is perceived as a time when energy is abundant and the mood is high. This season is about expansion, growth, activity and creativity. Seasonal fruits, brightly coloured, reflect this principle, and so should our daily consumption of foods. As with every season, it is beneficial to eat foods according to their energetic qualities. Chinese nutrition does not look at foods based on their calories, carbohydrate, fat or protein content. Rather, food is classified according to its energetic temperature, taste, ability to moisten and strengthen or to calm and reduce excesses. In the summer months, when heat is at its peak, foods that are energetically hot or heating in nature are usually best avoided and they include foods such as ginger, garlic, chicken and lamb.  Similarly, foods that have cooling properties and that will help clear heat, reduce toxins and generate body fluids will be beneficial and some of the “cooling” fruit and vegetables are:  Tomato Cucumber Mung Bean Asparagus White Mushroom Lentil Sprouts (alfalfa, mung bean) Peas Spinach Courgette and Summer Squash Bamboo Shoots Bok Choy Turnip Broccoli Watercress Millet Corn Pearl Barley Watermelon Apricot Melon Grapefruit Lemon Orange . For the salad lovers, summer is a good time to enjoy a light refreshing summer vegetable or fruit salad. Indeed, in this season we are more likely to crave a light and cooling meal.  However, for people suffering from excess cold (feeling cold all the time and tendency to a sluggish digestion and loose stools), the intake of raw foods and cold foods (e.g. ice cream, iced cold drinks) should be limited as they could worsen your symptoms.  For optimal health, it is best to eat according to the seasons but also to your constitution. Tips to prevent dehydration and alleviate thirst Keep a pitcher of water with slices of lemon and/or cucumber and fresh mint around the house. Blend watermelon with water to make a delicious watermelon juice drink. Make cold or hot tea with mint or chamomile. Cook foods quickly, either by sautéing, steaming or simmering quickly. Cook with small amounts of spicy or pungent spices to balance the cooling properties of foods. Eat in moderation. Over consumption of any food, especially cooling foods, can lead to food stagnation and phlegm accumulation, which leads to sluggishness and possibly diarrhoea. Do not leave your food out for too long. The hot weather tends to increase food spoilage. Stay away from dairy and from heavy, greasy or fried foods. Keep in mind that these are general summer nutrition tips applicable to everyone. It is important to acknowledge that you are your own unique individual and your diet should reflect this principle regardless of the season. The strength of Chinese therapeutic nutrition focuses on the individual person. The trendy “one size fits all” diets out there do not fit all. Chinese nutrition takes into account what type of person you are and what conditions you might posses. If you tend to run warm and are thirsty all the time, you want to incorporate more cooling fruits and vegetables in your diet. If you are the type who complains about being cold all the time, it is a good idea to add some warming spices or foods like ginger in your summer food preparation. Have a happy and healthy summer!

  My third and last post about My city break in Stunning Cordoba.   I wanted to discover the city beyond the Mezquita: http://www.piccavey.com/cordoba-cities-of-spain/ Have a great week Molly