Costa Women Blogs

Well it’s Friday! Where has the week gone? Actually… scrap that… where has the year gone? It’s May already!! Ooh hang on… where have the last 4 decades gone!? I’m in my 40s now… yet I still remember, clear as day, sitting in a classroom aged ten… thinking how weird it would be to be approaching my 30s when the new millenium dawned. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not lamenting the aging process…. hey I’m only 41 ffs! But it sure flies by. Yet when I look back, and wonder at how fast it has gone… I realise that it hasn’t really – not when you look at how much we all do in that time. Emigrating to Lanzarote and then to Almeria… attempting a new language (and 2 strong accents)… rescuing 3 grateful doggies… not to mention setting up our own web design business in Spain… and that’s just the last 6 1/2 years! I wonder how I should measure the passing of time, if not in years? Hair colours? Bottles of wine? Husbands? Have a great weekend everyone – and remember…. you’re only as old as the man you feel. *Damn… that makes me almost 10 years older. Now where did I put that wine?* Elle xx

Here´s is yummy round up of Foodie articles I have written The most recent one is How to Eat your way around Spain!   http://www.piccavey.com/blog/food-foodie-blog/   Enjoy!   Molly   P.S have a great week all… the Sun´s finally here

My friend Lala Ema has arranged a very exclusive and authentic trip to our beloved Lecrin Valley ; ‘FOOD & MUSIC BUCOLIC HOLIDAY IN ANDALUSIA, SEPTEMBER 16-20 2013’ included ofcourse a visit Casa Lavanda.(please like our facebook page) Do not miss this unique trip and book now (limited places available so be quick !) Hope to see some of our Costa Women friends in september. Please read the detailed program on Lala ‘s blog: http://mycastleinspain.blogspot.com.es/2013/04/announcing-food-and-music-vacation-in.html

When living in a foreign country we are aware that many things are different. For the most part that is why we are here; because we like the differences. However when it comes to the law we need to make sure we are informed correctly so we are not caught out. Nobody wants to pay more than necessary or receive fines that could have been avoided.   With car insurance there are certain important differences between the UK  and Spain that not everyone is aware of. 1)     Car insurance is automatically renewed in Spain unless you give 2 months notice. If you don’t give notice and decide just not to pay the renewal the insurance company is entitled to sue you for the amount of the premium. 2)     In Spain it is always the car that is insured, not the person. So anyone can drive your car with your permission as long as they are 28 years old and have a full valid driving license for at least 2 years. They don’t need to be a named driver. If someone younger wants to drive your car then you need to consult with the insurance company.   With any insurance, don’t assume that you have been sold the correct cover; read it for yourself. If you don’t understand something, then ask for more information.

Hi everyone! What do you think – St Anthony’s College or Sunland School? Could you run a wee poll for me and share your experiences please. I would love to hear your views and experiences about these schools. Have visited them both and its now decision time! Many thanks Jillian

Energy Performance Certificates Become Obligatory in Spain Marbella, Spain–The Spanish government has finally published the Royal Decree relating to a new legislation which will make it obligatory for all properties being rented or sold after the 1st of June to have “energy performance certificates”. The new decree which was published on the 5th of April is in line with the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings which was introduced in 2007 and part of an overall strategy to deal with climate change and makes energy transparent by “grading” the efficiency in buildings and homes. An Energy Performance certificate or Certificado de Eficiencia Energética (CEE) is a document which states the energy efficiency of a building based on the standardised way the building is used and number of ways in which the efficiency could be improved. The property is given a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’, where ‘A’ is the most efficient and ‘G’ is the least. An EPC contains information on your home’s energy use and carbon dioxide emission as well as recommendations and suggestions to reduce energy use. It measures the efficiency of the property as whole and all energy consuming elements that are integrated in it. Regardless of the final rating, improvements are not mandatory.  However, the moment you advertise your property, you will be required to provide this certificate and failure to do so can result in a fine of €3000 to €6000. In addition, notaries are also obliged to request the certificate when signing over a property and tenants will be required to receive a copy of the certificate. According to Shane Freeman, General Manager of Artica Energy Performance, a Marbella based company which provides energy certifications, “The latest data published by the United Nations shows that Spain is number 20 in a list of countries by CO² emissions, producing just over 1% of emissions worldwide. This royal decree is essential in order to bring Spain up to European levels in the fight to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Energy efficient homes can reduce electric bills and will lead to a higher real estate quality and transparency in Spain.”   10 Frequently Asked Questions About EPC What is an Energy Performance Certificate? An Energy Performance certificate or Certificado de Eficiencia Energética (CEE) is a document which states the energy efficiency of a building or home. Who Needs an Energy Performance Certificate? Every domestic property for sale or rent needs to have an EPC after the 1st of June 2013.  These include the ones that are currently rented out or for sale. Will I be able to rent or sell my house without one? No. After 1 June 2013, all properties being rented or sold need to present an EPC. When will this come into effect? The Royal Decree which will formalize this comes into effect on the 1st June 2013. Who can issue the certificate? Only certified and registered assessors are able to issue the certificate. Artica Energy Performance can do that for you. Can I get one before 1st June 2013? Yes you can. Do I need one if I only rent my property out for holiday lets? Yes you do still need one even if you only rent your property out for holiday lets. What if I rent my property out through an agent? Either you or your agent will need to get a certificate for your property. An agent will not be legally allowed to offer your property for rent or sale without a certificate. Can I advertise my property without a certificate? No as from 1st June 2013 you will need a certificate to be able to advertise your property for sale or rent. How Long Does The Certificate Last For? The certificate lasts for 10 years.   For more info on EPC in Spain, please call +34 95 292 4340 or visit www.articaenergyperformance.es E-mail info@articaenergyperformance.es