|
 |
|
|  Pemberley Antiques Hints and Tips
One of the most distressing things that can happen with your antique furniture is to watch it being eaten from the inside out by wood worm. Even more distressing can be the size of some of the Spanish woodworm (the Longhorn Beetle), the worm can be 30mm long and 8mm wide, and quite loud when munching. It eats exclusively softwood (pine), and when a client recently brought me a specimen worm in a jam-jar, she included a piece of wood for the journey. Just in case it got hungry! The common furniture beetle which, are more familiar within the UK will eat everything except oak, rosewood and mahogany. It lays eggs in crevices, the worm then burrows through the wood for 1 to 5 years. Close to the surface it pupates into a beetle, emerges from a 1 to 2mm exit hole, finds a mate and nature starts the cycle again.
Generally if the exit holes have sharp clean edges and dust comes out when tapped, the piece has live worm, but don’t panic! A client in the UK even burnt his long case clock case in the garden because of worm and then came to me to make a new one. Fortunately he had taken a photo prior to the bonfire.
A visit to the bricolage to buy proprietary woodworm insecticide will hopefully do the job. Complete soaking of the wood is the objective and if unpolished ‘dry’ surfaces are not accessible then we are reduced to ‘injecting’ liquid through the exit holes. Take care though, a jet of insecticide can shoot from an adjacent hole and end up in your eye!
Heating to 55ºC with controlled humidity for 3 hours will also kill worms and eggs, as will freezing, but it has to very cold for a sustained period. These are obviously expensive options and only suitable for ‘important pieces’
On a more cautionary note one of my customers gave a pair of bedside tables to a local chap to treat and he soaked them with diesel. The worm I am told was killed but the tables could not be returned to the bedroom for over 12 months because of the smell.
For more information please visit our website, email or visit our new shop opening October in Jalon opposite the Rastro.
Jeff Howlett
BAFRA (British antique furniture restorers association)
|  Paradises
Looking for a private paradise is similar to searching for happiness.
At the beginning of the search you never know if that paradise is situated in a geographical place, or in a relationship with the person you love or maybe your paradise depends on your dreams and if they become a reality. Spanish artist Concha García de Pablos, born in Madrid, came to Altea looking for the sun and the sea. She found the sun and the sea and she also found love. She met her husband here in Altea, and she also realised an old dream, to become a professional artist.
Concha has named her first solo exhibition at The Fusion Gallery, PARADISES.
In painting, Concha makes use of the encaustic technique, a process of painting that uses molten wax which goes back to the 5th century B.C. She investigated the process and has improved its versatility, incorporating new materials creating a fresh and personal style using this unusual alternative to traditional styles. The colours communicate the beauty of Concha´s private paradise ‘Altea’.
PARADISES feature Mediterranean landscapes, gardens featuring palm trees, views of Altea, views of the Sierra Bernia mountain, and also views of the Mediterranean sea.
Sizes of the paintings vary between 50x50cm up to the largest size of 160x125cm.
The exhibition runs from 19th September until 11th October and the gallery opening hours are Wed-Sat 11-2pm and Friday & Saturday 11-2 and 7.30 - 10.00pm
The Fusion Gallery
1 Calle Jesus
Alicante, 03590
+34 966 880 466
admin@thefusiongallery.com
| | Own Art to take home
Why do people collect? The truth of the matter is that for many it is a party, and everyone loves a party... for others it is a new business venture... and for some it is a lifelong, serious endeavour. But whatever the reason, art colleting is fun, invigorating, exhilarating and mind expanding. The Fusion Gallery ‘Own Art’ scheme is designed to make it easy and affordable for everyone to buy artwork including paintings, photography, sculpture, and glassware. ‘Own Art’ is a scheme whereby you can now buy art through direct debit payments. By putting aside a certain amount of money each month, you can ‘own’ the art that you have dreamed about.
Buying a piece of art for the first time, or even negotiating the vast area of contemporary visual art, can be a daunting prospect, but one which carries many rewards. There is no substitute for looking at art. Apart from being a highly pleasurable and rewarding activity, it is also by far the best training for any collector.
But remember, the most important reason for buying art is because you like it….!
Purchasing Art for somebody else is a completely different ball game. Original art is a wonderful gift for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, christening, retirement and leaving presents. Other reasons for giving art are company celebrations, corporate gifts, and new home presents. But everyone has different tastes, that is what makes is all special….! As nearly all of original art is bought as a gift for others, we have introduced Gift Vouchers. You can now purchase a gift voucher from the Gallery for any amount as an individual or a group.
Many of our customers and business clients have been introduced to original art through a voucher given by a friend or colleague, it is a super way of getting your foot on the ‘Art’ ladder. We have a large database of artists and different styles of artwork available, which may not be in the Gallery or on the website, so please contact either Andrea or myself to discuss your specific needs.
“When you are looking for Art, The Fusion Gallery is the place to start”
The Fusion Gallery
1 Calle Jesus
Casco Antiguo
Altea 03590
Alicante
Tel: + 34 966 880 466
Mob: + 34 696 853 007
Email: judy@thefusiongallery.com
Web: www.thefusiongallery.com
TFG has a mailing list that you can join for free which is a good way of keeping up to date with our exhibition programme. Email
judy@thefusiongallery.com
| |  Continental Interiors high quality products at incredibly low prices
Continental Interiors is a new furniture shop located just off the N332 in Gata de Gorgos, that pride themselves on stocking high quality products at incredibly low prices. The showroom has to be one of the largest in Gata with over 6000 sq feet of shop floor space. Despite the size, the shop still manages to maintain a friendly and homely atmosphere which makes every customer feel welcome and at leisure as they browse through the 16 different ranges and their large home-ware department. The staff are not only friendly but fluent in 4 different languages, (English, German, French and Spanish), meaning they can accommodate almost every customer. |  Government Incentives to Change your Old Car
The Spanish Government’s attempts to make the roads here more environmentally friendly came into force on 18th July of this year. Called PLAN VIVE (innovative vehicle, ecological vehicle) it gives excellent incentives for people with cars older than fifteen years to buy a new environmentally friendly vehicle. Private individuals, self-employed, and small to medium companies can now finance 100% of a new vehicle including the IVA as long as the value of the vehicle is no more than 20,000€. The interest for the first 5000€ of finance is 0% and for the remainder will be a maximum of the annual Euribor +2.5%, this to be revised annually.
To access this opportunity the buyer must cancel the vehicle’s road license when over 15 years old and this cancellation must be after the 18th July 2008. The new vehicle that you buy must have carbon dioxide emissions between the limits of 120gr/km and 140gr/km. If adding security measures it must also incorporate electronic stability control and presence detectors on the front. It must be a M1 category vehicle and not previously had number plates in any other country.
Anyone interested in benefitting from the ICO – Plan VIVE should contact any of the collaborating credit offices to submit their paperwork or speak to the garage where you might purchase your new car. This opportunity will be available until 31st July 2010.
|  Church Kitchens SL Bedrooms and Bathrooms Est 1988
Church Kitchens has now been trading on the Costa Blanca for 20 years and has built an impeccable reputation for service and value for money. Importantly the company is always looking at ways to meet their clients’ needs and in the last 3 years it has:-
*Moved to a stylish 270 sq metre showroom in November 2007 enabling clients to view more Kitchen & Bedroom displays, a wider choice of doors and a greater variety of electrical appliances.
*Opened a Kitchens Express department for builders & DIY with everything in stock to complete their kitchen, offering free 48hr delivery within 20 km on orders over 300€ with a very soon to be available on-line ordering facility.
*Developed it´s web site to enable clients to browse and assist when overseas to organise their home improvement.
*Become an authorised Spanish credit broker representing a major bank offering both 6 months interest free credit and interest bearing credit up to 60 months should a client wish to keep their savings invested.
Church Kitchens offer friendly advice about how to start on your new Home Improvement and have designers who can work with you on all your ideas.
They will produce 3D Cad design, and can arrange other works including tiling, electrical and building work where required.
They also employ an installations manager who will ensure the highest standard of care and attention is given throughout your installation and they are always more than happy to help with any further after sales service.
‘At Church Kitchens we work extremely hard to deliver our promises, should you require our services you will not regret it.’
Please call or visit their showroom. Avenida Europa 17, Benissa (opposite Bonaire Ferraterria )
Telephone 96 573 4585 churchkitchens@telefonica.net www.churchkitchens.eu.com
Open 9.00am – 6.00pm Mon-Fri & 9.00am – 1.00pm Sat.
| |  Awning Problems
The problem with normal awnings is that the fabric (PVA) is not resistant to the ultra violet radiation of the sun. We all like the sun but it will destroy your awning. Of course for holiday use this in not so much of a problem, but for permanent use on a year round plot, problems will arise after a year or two. First, the mould will arrive as black spots on the roof. This mould is bacteria which is eating your roof; not very healthy if you ask me! After two or three years, you will need to seal your roof because it will be raining inside, as well as out! Between the third and fifth year you will need to replace the awning.
This does not sound very good but …… the solution is here!
An awning that is resistant to ultra violet light radiation from the sun is one made of PVC.
STIL is a company, which makes awnings entirely from PVC. This PVC is treated with a substance, which reflects the sun and therefore cannot penetrate it as it can with PVA awnings.
The roof of a STIL awning has 3 layers, the middle of which is carbon to reflect the sun.
You can also wash your STIL awning so that it is always clean. A STIL awning is available at a very competitive price, is the best quality, and will represent value for money for many years.
For more information please call into the
International Campingshop,
call 966 867 525 or visit www.campinshopalbir.com
| |  Summer Time
Following on from last month I would like to complete this topic by talking about the ultimate accessories for your garden (or boys’ toys). One such example is the implementation of entertainment systems in your garden, such as T.V’s, music and the like. Either these can just be rigged outside, or, whole integral systems can be built in to connect the home and garden together digitally and sometimes wirelessly. This allows the use of music outside and controlled externally, but with the expensive equipment safe in your house. Imagine the football is on, it’s the world cup and everyone is coming to your house to watch it. Why sit inside the stuffy house when you can be outside in the fresh air really enjoying it and not worrying about the mess inside. The other garden essential for getting us all outside enjoying the spaces that we have is lighting. I am still surprised at how many people have beautiful gardens built, both small and large, but leave out this really integral part of the garden. We use our garden spaces so much more in Spain than in the UK often sitting outside on delightful summer evenings, yet, how many times have I seen people surviving with the lights from a naya and possibly the swimming pool.
Garden Lighting has several huge benefits, firstly there are practical benefits, such as safety and secondly (although to me as a garden designer and constructor the most important thing), to make gardens look stunning.
Now I’m sure some people may be thinking about the cost involved. Yes, if you have first-rate, extensive garden lighting it can be extremely expensive, but the most important thing with garden lighting is the design and implementation of its use. You do not need a lot of lights and you do not need costly lights to create a dramatic effect. You could also look at fibre optical lighting systems. With these the initial output is high but once installed they are very cost efficient making them a very desirable alternative.
If you are in the position of building your garden from scratch now and you think you may like to have lighting or entertainment systems at some point even if it is not straight away, this is a great opportunity to lay ducting underground and around your garden. This will save you any unnecessary complications or added expense in the future. Ultimately this is all about making your garden a more enjoyable desirable place to be.
Please remember I would love to get feed-back and enquiries about any garden issues you have.
Lee Charlesworth, Charlesworth Gardens.
Tel: 0034 902888184,
Mob: 0034 696283704
E-Mail: info@charlesworthgardens.com,
Web: www.charlesworthgardens.com www.grupocgconstruccion.com
| |  LOOKS LIKE MARBLE FEELS LIKE MARBLE BUT NO
It isn’t marble but an innovative Italian product that allows the recreation of the same aesthetic appearance of Traventine Marble used in Roman architecture. Travertino, used through the ages, is an elegant stone that varies in colour according to the quarry from which it was extracted.
Now the manufacturers, OIKOS have developed a product using derivatives of marble stone emulsified with special binders. The characteristics of this product ensure that it bonds well with every type of wall surface both interior and exterior recreating the effect of real marble. It looks wonderful in bathrooms as well as halls and stairways and is lightweight, versatile in small spaces, modern and easy to apply.
The product guarantees a high level of vapour permeability, is water repellent and prevents the formation of mould and algae. Many have hailed this product as exactly what the building business was waiting for – elegant and versatile but above all it is heralded for its ease of application to reproduce various types of natural stone.
This technique isn’t for the DIY brigade, I’m afraid. Experts from Italy came to the Costa Blanca to train tradesmen with the company A & A Construction and these men are now conversant with this interesting new way to enhance and upgrade your home
Another exciting finish from the house of OKIOS is the Pintura Dorada, an environmentally friendly acrylic decorative paint with special organic and inorganic pigments. Through the application, golden fragments and colours are fixed to the walls thus obtaining a highly prestigious finish.
This product gives incredible possibilities for those who want to create a rich and charming interior. The charm of gold together with a myriad of different shades from which to choose.
Yet another fabulous finish by OIKOS is their Madreperlato, a finish based on lime putty and special pearlesent pigments. After application the green and gold metallic pearl reflections add a touch of prestige to any environment. The presence of sources of light be they natural or artificial, notably enhance the application of this finish whose pigments capture this light and reflect it back in incredible rays of colour.
Again these two wonderful decorative finishes need to be applied by the experts. At A & A Construction there’s a whole team of professionals who can guide you through any building you may want to do from a small project to a whole new home.
They have a team who specialise in very cost-effective airless house painting and now with special interior effects to add to their range of skills this may be the team to lift your home into a class above the rest……
For a no obligation chat with the boss about any of the services that A & A Construction can offer call Antony on 639 418 017.
| |  Enjoy the Sun
We all love the sun that’s why the majority of us moved to Spain, but too much sun is not always a good thing. The sun’s U.V. rays can cause damage to your fabrics and furnishings, making them fade and discolour.
With Solar Guard’s window film this can be greatly reduced by stopping 98% of the U.V. rays just by applying any of their window films.
Another problem is the glare from the sun especially in the summer, however the winter months can be worse as the sun is lower in the sky. This can make it difficult to see the TV without pulling down the shutters or drawing your curtains.
With Solar Guard film fitted to your windows you can stop up to 91% of the glare entering your home. So you can leave the shutters up, watch you TV in comfort or just enjoy your views through your windows without squinting or frowning.
These are just two things that can take the fun out of living in the sun. So, if your fabrics and furniture are suffering or you can’t stand the glare or maybe there’s too much heat coming through your windows why not give Solar Guard a call.
Solar Guard are a family run business that are totally legal in Spain and have been trading on the Costa Blanca since 2002. They only specialise in window films for your home, business or car.
If your are interested in having your car tinted all prices include, 16% I.V.A. , certification, light outside valet and a free drop off and pick up service within a 10km radius. All cars are filmed in their garage in Los Montesinos. If your need any further information, please call them on their office telephone number 966 716 495 or mobile 667 278 108.
Alternatively visit their new website on www.solarguardsl.com to check out their new deals and special offers of the month.
Please note the offers will change on the first Monday in every month.
| |  Privacy
We all enjoy our privacy, but for some of us who have bought a home off-plan or suddenly finding apartments being built where there used to be a green area can bring new problems. Prying eyes, inquisitive neighbours or simply just being too close can make you feel as if the world is looking in on you.
There is another option besides pulling down the shutters or keeping your curtains drawn. If you have Solar Guard apply one of their most popular films to your existing windows you can transform the way the glass works.
Their reflective silver 20 film, stops 75% of Solar Heat entry, 82% Glare and 98 of U.V. Rays, plus the added benefit of daytime privacy due to the film having a metalized layer.
So with the film on your windows there will be no reason to pull down your shutters as you now have excellent privacy without spoiling your views. You can also watch the television without the glare on your screen, or worry about those U.V. rays damaging your fabrics and furnishings.
Also from a safety point of view the film becomes a bonded part of the glass, so the broken glass is held in place in the event of an accident.
Why not contact or visit Solar Guard to find out how they can help you with any issues you may have, whether it is for the reduction of Heat Entry, Glare, Fading or Privacy.
Solar Guard can be contacted on Office: 966 716 495, Mobile, 667 278 108 or visit their new website www.solarguardsl.com to find out more information or check out their new monthly offers.
You can also visit them at Zoco (Quesada), Lemon Grove (Guardamar) and La Marina Sunday Markets.
You can also visit them by appointment at their Office/ Vehicle Tinting Workshop at Los Montesinos.
Remember Solar Guard only specialise in the treatment of glass for your Home, Business or Car and we are not a “Jack of All Trades” which is the unfortunate case sometimes in Spain.
|  Divino
The Spanish for divine and an excellent way to describe Rosie Woodham’s latest venture in the world of furniture and design.
As one of her first customers exclaimed on opening week “ Oh! We used to have a lovely shop just like this back home in Berkhamstead.” To which Rosie replied with delight “Yes, that was mine!” So now we have British chic in Jalon.
To those of you lucky enough to have visited Rosie’s lovely finca when she was exhibiting her stylish furnishings and objects d’art it will be a delight to find her now in her bright, friendly and easily accessible new shop at the Teruela shopping centre in Jalon. Just across from the Tourist Information Office and with a coffee shop next door it’s a perfect place for a girls’ morning out.
Rosie has wonderfully innovative taste in interiors, gifts, beautiful things for your home and now a range of pure cotton, hand-made baby wear.
A lovely relaxed atmosphere in which to browse and choose. If you want a little advice about how to dress your interiors Rosie is on hand. It is very hard to leave without treating yourself to something special.
Quality candles of every possible size; fragrant French soaps and an eclectic collection of desirable gifts as well as furniture, mirrors and different types of candlesticks. One is spoilt for choice in this lovely place.
Prices too are very reasonable and Rosie will soon be displaying all her wonderful Christmas decorations and gifts.
So look no further! Divino may well be your one-stop (well almost!) Christmas shopping venue.
For more information please call 966 480 337.
| Autumn
Well the summer is drawing to a close and autumn is up on us. Whether you have a lawn or are planning one now is the perfect time to start to maintain or create one. If you have a lawn already then you need to call in a gardener or make plans to Scarify (to scratch up old grass and other debris by giving the grass a light raking), aerate (lawns need to be lightly spiked with a garden fork for example every two years to help with drought in the summer and water logging in the winter months) and top dress your lawn (this helps put right any irregularities in the surface of the lawn and will also improve the texture of your soil leading to a much stronger lawn in the future). Unfortunately lawns will always require work as they are a living thing, but they add something quite fantastic to garden drawing us outside. There are many different types of grasses and again there is no grass that requires no work but some require a little less than others but they also provide a totally different look. I love grass and would like to put it in every garden but I always have to think about the client’s needs, do they want to spend money watering and caring for it on a weekly basis as they are not suitable for anyone looking for no maintenance or no watering.
If you would like a lawn then this is best done while the weather is milder. The ground will need to be prepared in advance by the ground being rotavated, rubble removed and organic matter being added to improve the quality of the soil. It will then require levelling and further work before either the turf or seed are laid. You will also need to fit an irrigation system before the lawn is put down.
This will need to be designed in advance to ensure all the lawn receives water. During the hotter weather lawns are best watered early in the morning or later in the evening leading to less water being lost to evaporation in the heat of the day.
If you would like the look but none of the work then perhaps you could consider a replica grass. I have seen a fair few examples in the past and have been pretty unimpressed by them but in the last year I have come across two that I think are very impressive and I would definitely recommend them and have even decided to use some in my own garden.
The initial cost is a little more expensive than that of a lawn but the running cost is obviously much lower.
Replica grass can be used anywhere in the garden, such as on awkward terraced levels, around pools, children’s play areas, or simply on large areas to create lawns. They require no irrigation or weekly maintenance and always look good. With water conservation an important issue replica grass defiantly has its place in the garden.
Lawn areas are colourful and create visual interest. It is also more tactile with a lusher look making the garden a more inviting space and a more child friendly space, where we can go bare foot, compared to gravel for example.
Both real and replica grass have their advantages, but what you choose depends on your commitment to maintain it, but I would defiantly recommend using one or the other in some part of your garden.
Please remember I would love to get feed-back and enquiries about any garden issues you have.
Lee Charlesworth,
Charlesworth Gardens.
Tel: 0034 902888184 Mob: 0034 696283704
E-Mail: info@charlesworthgardens.com
Web :www.charlesworthgardens.comw
www.grupocgconstruccion.com
| |  OPERATION RENOVATION
VISTE CASA in Ondara have the most exciting furniture and furnishings, curtains, rugs, lamps and decorations to suit every taste and style. With the showroom sample sale and reductions up to 40% there isn’t a better time to take advantage, not only of the prices but the expert guidance of their in-store interior designer, IRENE MASON.
Don’t make costly mistakes – ask for guidance in what you are buying and perhaps update one of your rooms at very affordable prices.
It’s amazing how one new piece can update and renew part of your home.
The advice is absolutely free but can be invaluable and the prices, at the moment, will surprise and delight you.
Come along and browse in the store and be advised by an expert. Irene is happy to help you update a room or indeed your complete home at prices you can afford. Give Irene a call on 96 647 6604. | |  1 STOP CONTRACTORS SHOP The name says it all
From general building work to tree felling, all it takes is one phone call and your problems are on the way to being solved and your needs being met. How is that for service and efficiency? 1 Stop Contractors Shop is run by James Mathews and is based in Javea, although it operates throughout North and South Costa Blanca.
James has lived in Javea since the age of twelve and started in the building trade at sixteen.
To gain more knowledge and expertise in the building field, James left Javea and worked for a number of years in Belgium and England eventually returning to Javea, where he calls his “home”.
Spending most of his life in Javea, he naturally speaks fluent Spanish and has built a great relationship with the locals and Spanish tradesmen.
He knows and uses the best contacts in the area. Regardless of nationality, he will only employ reputable professionals and tradesmen, and merchants that provide materials of the highest quality at the best prices.
Timelines, reliability, value for money and honesty are what 1 Stop Contractors Shop is all about. As James says,
“At 1 Stop Contractors Shop, our aim is to take as much of the stress away as we can from the client. They only have to make one phone call and leave the rest to us. I will personally guide them through every step of the work so they are never left “in the dark”. Client satisfaction is our first priority, but when our work surpasses our clients’ expectation, that’s our satisfaction”.
Contact James on 648 632 268
or email: contratorshop@gmail.com | |  ENVIRONMENT WATCH
In our new monthly focus on environmental issues, Martin Wright from health & hygiene specialist ‘Sanovida’, asks the question…
How Healthy Is Your Indoor Environment? Did you know that indoor air quality can be up to 100 times worse for you than the air we breathe outside?
Indoor pollutants such as mould, pet dander and pollen, combine with chemicals in everyday products, making our homes a pretty toxic place to be. As we spend at least 50% of our time indoors (more in winter), we’re actually at risk to allergies, asthma and worse.
Indoor air pollution is easy to manage once you understand where it comes from. In many cases, pollutants and toxic chemicals such as polyurethane and formaldehyde are in the items you bring into your home, such as furnishings, paints and wall coverings. While curtains, carpets, mattresses and other absorbent fabrics can trap airborne chemical ‘nasties’, as well as being breeding grounds for dust mites and other harmful allergens.
Indoor pollutants known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) are all around us. They’re not listed as ingredients, but they’re in most household products, such as cleaning agents, solvents, plastics, even cosmetics. When they vaporise, they combine with other compounds to form ozone, which really isn’t good stuff to breathe.
Remember: if there are chemicals and VOCs in a product, they can escape and they won’t be good for you if they do.
The simplest way to keep indoor air healthy, is through good ventilation. By regularly opening your windows (even in the winter), you’ll replace polluted air with cleaner outdoor air. This also minimises mould and stops harmful allergenic spores being released into the air or recycled via air conditioning units.
Water-based glues, adhesives and finishes will lower VOC levels, while ‘green’ cleaning products help reduce toxins, as citrus & pine-based solvents react with ozone to create formaldehyde. Alternatively, vinegar or baking soda mixed with warm water makes an excellent all-purpose cleaner. Keep pesticides out of your garden, as they’re easy to walk in on shoes and clothing and always keep filters and vents clean, as pollutants can cycle through air ducts, central heating and cooling mechanisms.
For more information on health & hygiene in the home, contact Martin Wright at Sanovida on 900 80 12 12 or visit www.sanovida.es - See main advert on page 15.
By The Numbers…
5,100: the number of petrochemicals available for home use which have never been tested for exposure to human health and the environment.
63: the number of synthetic chemical products found in the average home, translating to roughly 45 litres of harmful chemicals per household.
100: the number of times higher that indoor air pollution levels can be above outdoor air pollution levels.
10 million: the number of dust mites that may inhabit a standard sized double mattress.
1000: the number of dust particles which settle on a square centimetre each hour.
2.3 billion: the weight in kilos of chemicals that the cleaning industry uses each year. | |  If you cant stand the heat
Sitting outside in the sun is great, but when you retreat indoors the last thing you want is the same hot environment. If you are south facing, have lots of glass, conservatory or glazed in naya, or just get the sun all round your home you might want to consider Solar Guard’s window films.
They only specialise in window film so they have many different films to choose from. From films that stop the UV rays, decorative films, privacy films or just the most popular film that stops 75% of the solar heat, 82% of the glare and stops 98% of the UV rays with the benefits of giving daytime privacy. They have a film to suit all your needs.
The company has been fitting window film on the Costa Blanca for the last 7 years and know what film can and can’t be put on your windows or conservatory roof.
So, if you have an issue with the sun or are just fed up with keeping your shutters down, why not call Solar Guard for advice or a free no obligation quotation.
Solar Guard can also tint you car, stopping up to 70% of solar heat entry.
Just call the office on 966 716 495, mobile 667 278 108 or visit their website www.solarguardsl.com |  Want to be your own Boss
Due to the excellent response we have received from the readers of Female Focus we are now looking for agents, distributors and sales people in all areas that the magazine covers. The products you would be dealing with are highly effective and environmentally friendly pest control machines that anybody can use. Various options are available including commission only sales and full franchise opportunities. We have now added a range of machines for getting rid of mosquitoes to our already successful product base. We have a unique machine dedicated to catching flies costing only 49 euros and a machine for catching mosquitoes which will cover up to ½ acre, available for only 120 euros. To find our more please either phone 968171542, 670725672 or e mail: info@insectsaway.com |  Help the Sun is Here Time to call Solar Guard
July is here and the sun is showing its true power. June was the month that started our summer with temperatures rising daily to reach well over 30 degrees. With that thought come memories of stifling heat, sticky and uncomfortable environments, heat exhaustion, wilted house plants and faded furniture. Most of us enjoy the sun when sitting around the pool or on the beach. However, the need for a cool indoor haven seems to elude us. It is now the time to prepare for the heat and not to be ‘caught unawares’ as we were last year and Solar Guard have the answers.
Many customers are now benefiting from Solar Guard’s Sun protective films, at home, at work and in the car. The highly effective film is adhered to the inside of your homes existing glass and the clever technology incorporated into the multi-layer laminate, instantly reduces solar heat entry by 75%, ultra violet rays by an amazing 98% and glare by up to 91%. The film bonds to the glass giving a modern and attractive look and is available in a variety of co-ordinating colours whilst affording total privacy from ‘prying eyes’.
The effects are dramatic and immediate. The environment is cooler and more comfortable and there is no need for the constant opening and closing of shutters or curtains.
Conservatories - Conservatories are an important part of your home, however in summer they become a redundant room. If you have plastic or glass roof temperatures literally go through the roof. By installing Solar Guard´s Conservatory Roof Film, a high performance, metallised PVC coating, designed specifically for polycarbonate and glass roofs, the conservatory can once again become a usable part of the home instead of the ‘no go’ hothouse it was previously.
Cars - The same applies to cars and even those with effective air-conditioning will roast in hot temperatures. Although air-con will cool the interior when the car is in use, it offers no protection against upholstery damage and fading which can seriously affect the value of the vehicle. The environment is safer and more comfortable for passengers and ensures that children and pets are safe from dangerous rays whilst seated in the back. These films are fully legal and certificated for I.T.V. and police.
There is a variety of film available to suit every need and Solar Guard representatives will be delighted to assist in finding the most appropriate for you.
Solar Guard are a specialist window filming company and are legally registered.
They are not a “Jack of All Trades” and they only specialise in window filming and not other activities which is the unfortunate case sometimes in Spain. They offer up to 10 year warranty on all their fittings and will travel all over the Costa Blanca from Javea in the North to Mazarron in the South to fit film to your windows.
Solar Guard can be contacted on Office: 966 716 495, Mobile, 667 278 108 or www.solarguardsl.com.
You can also visit them at Zoco (Quesada), Lemon Grove (Guardamar) and La Marina Sunday Markets. You can also visit them by appointment at their Office/ Vehicle Tinting Workshop at Los Montesinos. |  There are no flies on me
A long, long time ago, a caveman was living in, not surprisingly, a cave. It happened to be in the north of England, which at that time was as hot as Spain is now. As he evolved, he was tired of getting exhausted having to chase his next meal and decided to dig a hole instead. His meals on feet, (meals on wheels weren’t around then), duly fell into the hole on a regular basis.
His wife was most impressed and said how clever he was. “There are no flies on me” he replied smugly. But there were – bloody millions of them or so it seemed.
Over the years man evolved, food came in packets, it got colder and wetter in England, and those fortunate enough to escape moved to sunny Spain – saying as they went “there are no flies on me”. But there were still – bloody millions of them.
Fortunately for us and not the flies, man has continued to evolve and now those incredibly evolved humans at Insectsaway.com have invented a really clever little machine that really does enable you to say that “there are no flies on me”. It´s a mains or battery powered, pheromone based mechanical fly trap, and you can win one this month by filling in the missing word in this well known phrase. There are no ……….. on me! For a chance to win the amazing Flyaway Flycatcher e-mail your answers to info@insectsaway.com or just call 968171542 to register your answer. The winner will be contacted by phone or e mail on the 28th July and the winners name will be printed in next months issue of Female Focus.
No sprays, no swats, no naff pieces of sticky paper hanging form the ceiling, just no flies!
Find out how you can truly say “there are no flies on me” by visiting www.insectsaway.com or by ringing 968 171 542. | Lee Charlesworth August Gardening Tips
Continuing from last month, I hope you are all having a wonderful summer and have had a chance to get in and relax in your garden spaces. There are several options which you can add on to seating areas that I wrote about last month and the first and foremost are areas for cooking and eating. In the summer time it is wonderful to have BBQ’s and cook outside in your garden, but try and make these areas more integral to your garden, rather than an afterthought which has been tagged on. By designing the space in to your garden you can make it work for you and make life a little easier. The more you enjoy cooking and the whole al fresco dining experience, the more you can add. My dream summer kitchen would be a full kitchen designed into a purpose built summer house with seating, outside heating and so on.
Once these features have been planned, you can start to implement planting ideas such as specimen trees. These need to be thought about early on, either to plant in advance to allow growing time, or so you have fewer logistical ( transport, cranes etc ) problems in the long run. If you have large areas of land which you want landscaping or simply do not have the available funds, start small you would be surprised how quickly the right tree, when looked after correctly, will grow at a rate better than expected.
If you want a more instant effect and have the money to plump for larger specimens think about their location and the affect they have on it (from a design perspective) as you only really have one shot.
Areas may then be broken up with terraces and planters. Planters may be built out of the ground, built into the ground, or can be as simple as using differing sized pots. Either way it breaks down the flow of visual and pedestrian traffic, which immediately starts to zone out the garden.
Other things you can use to break down spaces to create more interest are the use of sculpture, art, glass and mirrors in the garden.
You can buy art from galleries, have it commissioned or make items yourself. You may be amazed at how this differing form could add another dimension to your garden.
Please remember I would love to get feed-back and enquiries about any garden issues you have.
By Lee Charlesworth,
Charlesworth Gardens.
Tel: 0034 902888184,
Mob: 0034 696283704
E-Mail: info@charlesworthgardens.com
Web: www.charlesworthgardens.com
www.grupocgconstruccion.com | |  Pool safety
As summer is truly upon us once more pool safety is on our minds once more. Here are some pool safety rules to follow: Pool Safety Rule 1: Always watch children when they are by or in the pool.
Pool Safety Rule 2: If throwing a pool party, make sure at least one adult is designated to keep a close eye on children at all times.
Pool Safety Rule 3: Teach children to float or swim as soon as possible. Experience, however, is by no means a replacement for supervision.
Pool Safety Rule 4: Make sure the pool is surrounded on all sides by a fence higher than 5 feet tall.
Pool Safety Rule 5: Make sure the fence as self-closing and has self-latching gates.
Pool Safety Rule 6: Make sure the latches are out of reach of young children.
Pool Safety Rule 7: Do not keep tables or chairs near the fence, this would allow children to climb over it and gain access to the pool.
Pool Safety Rule 8: Keep pool toys out of and away from the pool when you are not using them, as they might attract unsupervised children to the pool.
Pool Safety Rule 9: Remove any pool covering completely before allowing anyone to swim.
Pool Safety Rule 10: Do not use floatation devices as a substitute for supervision.
Pool Safety Rule 11: Learn CPR.
Pool Safety Rule 12: Never leave children unattended by the pool. If the phone or doorbell rings or you have to go inside for any reason, get the children out of the pool.
Pool Safety Rule 13: Keep rescue tools, like a long, light pole and a floatation ring, near the pool. You don’t want them to be misplaced so let children know that these tools are not toys. Teach everyone in the family how to use the tools.
Pool Safety Rule 14: Use plasticware by the pool instead of glassware.
Pool Safety Rule 15: Remain within arms length of infants and toddlers at all times, so they are easily grabbed in an emergency.
Pool Safety Rule 16: Don’t swim alone or allow others to swim alone.
Pool Safety Rule 17: Keep CD players, radios, and other electrical devices safely away from the water.
Pool Safety Rule 18: Get out of the pool if you hear thunder. Move indoors for the duration of the thunderstorm.
Do not get a false sense of security because you follow all these rules. You should always supervise any swimmers in your pool closely and constantly. |  Is running art or is art running out of ideas
I enjoy running, in fact I love it. I have run two London marathons and I am in training for the New York marathon. In all my hours of running through the mountains, up and down hills, power sprints etc etc, I have never ever considered it to be art, but then I am a long distance runner not a sprinter! As you may have heard, the Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed has arranged for relays of young runners, male and female, to pelt every 30 seconds, one at a time, as fast as possible, from one end of the central Duveen Gallery to the other, while avoiding visitors. Since the stretch is only 87 metres, there’s a pause before the next sprinter appears. And, on weekdays, when there aren’t many visitors, they have a straight-ish run.
His work No. 850 at Tate Britain, is, naturally a surprise, with a slight added frisson of danger. You’re in a museum. This means a social rule is being broken.
If this was happening on a track or in a park, you probably wouldn’t give it much refection. But it’s happening in an art gallery, and so – beyond being surprised – it’s right to apply some artistic considerations, and see if they’re rewarded.
For example, you can pay attention to the work’s structure. You can notice that Work No. 850 involves fixed start- and end-points, and fixed time intervals, and maximum speed – but also a variable path between these points (depending on interposing visitors) and variable pauses between each run (depending on individual speeds). And, if you’re critically inclined, you can wonder whether this is a satisfying structure. Do the 30-second intervals set up a good rhythm? Would it be improved by slower speeds? Would a marked-out visitor-free path be better? How about just a single runner? Or, even if the arrangement is as good as it can be, does this very minimally shaped experience amount to all that much?
Aside from all the technical questions, what does it mean? What’s it about?
Tate explains - “Work No. 850 is about the purest expression of human vitality,” it says. “This investigation into the body celebrates physicality and the human spirit, the constant ebb and flow of nature.”
For me, I am still unconvinced that running is ‘Art’, or that it has a place in a Gallery. I don’t think that I would be relaxed looking at artworks with young runners sprinting up and down, I would be more concerned with my handbag being snatched, or being knocked off my Christian Louboutins!!!!
“When you are looking for Art, The Fusion Gallery is the place to Start”
The Fusion Gallery
1 Calle Jesus, Casco Antiguo
Altea 03590
Tel: + 34 966 880 466
Mob: + 34 696 853 007
Email: judy@thefusiongallery.com
Web: www.thefusiongallery.com
Please note that through August the Gallery will not
be open in the evenings. |  CLASSIC KITCHENS
CLASSIC KITCHENS are a family business owned and run by Adrian and Gail Tomlinson. They are based in Albir and offer an almost unique service that has more than proved itself over the years; it’s a successful formula that agrees with their customers. Although primarily a kitchen company, they also ‘do’ bathrooms, wardrobes, and tiling! They pride themselves on their good reputation and work very hard to justify it. They are extremely proud of the fact that a lot of their work nowadays comes from recommendations.
Adrian has been a fitter for over 25 years, initially fitting windows and then adding kitchen, bedroom and bathroom fitting to his skills. He has lived and worked in Spain for 20 years and it was here that he met his wife Gail, who has been living in Spain for 30 years. Gail initially came to Spain to work for one summer for Thomson Holidays -
10 years later she was still working for Thomson’s, as like a lot of expats, she loved the Spanish way of life and didn’t want to return to the UK. Gail is now fluent in Spanish, which makes dealing with their suppliers on a day to day basis a straightforward part of her position in the company.
Experience has taught Adrian that the key to a successful project, and a happy customer, is continuity. At Classic Kitchens you will only ever deal directly with 2 people; Gail will help you with your design ideas and deal with your paperwork, and Adrian will call to your home to take measurements, talk through your ideas, and ultimately carry out your installation. This system has served the company very well over the years and Adrian finds that the direct contact between customer, designer, and fitter helps iron out any potential problems before they occur.
Unlike many companies in Spain, Classic Kitchens does not employ an army of ‘here today gone tomorrow’ tradesmen - Adrian will always be your fitter, meaning you will know who you are inviting to work in your home. When you choose Classic Kitchens you will have built up a relationship prior to any work commencing.
At the moment one of the biggest concerns for customers is the exchange rate. People just don’t want to convert money into Euros which is why, for a limited period, Classic Kitchens are happy to accept payment in Sterling at an exchange rate of 1.50Euros to the Pound. Classic Kitchens has an extensive showroom, on the N332 between Albir and Altea (opposite the Honda Garage). There you can see examples of different styles, along with their large range of tiles, wardrobes and bathrooms. Call in or telephone 96 686 5684 for more information. |  €uro Gate Automation Effortless Guaranteed Affordable
At €uro Gate Automation we make available the security, comfort & luxury of automated gates available to everyone, in easy payment instalments and with the added benefit of being fully maintained at NO extra cost. Once your gate motor has been installed it is fully maintained & serviced for the duration of your contract. There are no hidden ‘extras’. The maintenance is totally FREE. NO call out charge, NO labour charge & NO parts charge, 100% maintained, 100% free.
Do you currently have to pull up to your gates, maybe leaving you in a dangerous position halfway on the road? Then leave your car, maybe in the dark or in the cold & rain, open the gates, get back into your car, drive through then go back to the gates to close & lock them?
Just imagine the security & comfort of staying in your car, pushing a button as you approach your gates, the gates opening with no further fuss or strain and then closing & locking behind you…without even leaving your car!
AND ALL THIS FROM AS LITTLE AS 1€ A DAY!!
It couldn’t be simpler. Just contact us for a free, no obligation survey.
622 22 99 72
www.eurogateinformation.com info@eurogateautomation.com
We cover from Gandia to Benidorm.
No existing gates? We can also fabricate bespoke automated gates to your specification.
Do you already have automatic gates? We also offer maintenance packages for most makes & models of your existing motors. |  Fusion Gallery introduces Peter Howson
The Fusion Gallery goes from strength to strength and this month introduces the work of Peter Howson. PETER HOWSON, lives and works in Glasgow. Howson is commonly associated with the new ‘Glasgow Boys’, a group of figurative artists who rose to fame during the 1970s and ’80s. His powerful figurative work has made him one of the foremost British artists of his generation. Famous for his portrayals of Glasgow’s down-and-outs, he has gained a vast amount of public and media attention which has resulted in his work being bought by the world’s leading galleries and collectors. His work is exhibited in many major collections and he has a starry list of celebrities such as David Bowie, Sylvester Stallone and Madonna who inspired a number of paintings in 2002. His nude portrait of the singer sold for £100,000.
His work has included a number of themes. His early works illustrate very masculine working class men. He was the official war artist for the Bosnian civil war in 1993. He produced some of his most shocking and controversial work detailing the atrocities which were taking place at the time. One painting in particular Croatian and Muslim, detailing a rape created controversy partly because of its explicit subject matter but also because Howson had painted it from the accounts of its victims rather than witnessing it firsthand.
In recent years his work has exhibited a strong religious theme which some say is linked to the treatment of his alcoholism and drug addiction in 2000.
His work has appeared in other media; with his widest exposure arguably for a British postage stamp he did in 1998 to celebrate engineering achievements for the millennium.
His work has been used on album covers by Live (Throwing Copper), The Beautiful South (Quench) and Jackie Leven (Fairytales for Hardmen).
On 2 May 2008, The Three Faces of Eve, a triptych painted by Howson, reached the hammer price of £300,500, at Sotheby’s, outstripping its guide price by three times.
The triptych shows the three stages of a woman’s life, from childhood, to adulthood and early old age and Mr Howson said it was based on the life of a young woman he saw during a visit to a nightclub in New York.
We are extremely privileged to have three pieces of his work in the Gallery at the moment with access to a huge collection, which will be exhibited later in the year.
Also new for the Gallery are Cultural evenings. Our first cultural event will be on Thursday 4th June, with music from the principal violinist and leader of the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, Carsten neumann (Violin) and the award winning guitarist Carten Linck, who form the Duo Tassai. They will perform Sarasate, Carmen Suite and other Spanish Romances for violin and guitar in their own highly professional arrangements.
Our second event will be on Thursday, 19th June - “Night at the Opera”.
Both evenings will start at 20.00 prompt. Seating is limited so advance booking is recommended. Please phone the Gallery on 966 880 466 or email admin@thefusiongallery.com
For a full list of events coming up please call Andrea at the Gallery or email admin@thefusiongallery.com
We look forward to seeing you, Music and Art, a truly magical combination.
“When you are looking for Art, The Fusion Gallery is the place to start”
The Fusion Gallery
1 Calle Jesus
Casco Antiguo
Altea 03590
Alicante
Tel: + 34 966 880 466
Mob: + 34 696 853 007
Email: judy@thefusiongallery.com
Web: www.thefusiongallery.com | |  Become a barbeque master
There are thousands of tips to be found when it comes having a successful barbeque. There’s a wide variety of subjects that can be covered from how to cook different cuts of meat and what type of grill to use to how to achieve a particular taste for your barbequed foods. But there are some basic tips that can help anyone with the basics and will get you started successfully barbequing. 1. The most important thing you need to do when barbequing is to control the heat. If your fire gets to hot you can easily burn and dry out your meat.
2. Rub your grill with oil before you light it to help prevent your meat sticking. If your grill is already hot you can use a regular spray bottle filled with cooking oil. Just spray the grill before you set your meat on it.
3. Use tongs or a spatula to turn your meat. Never use a fork because piercing the meat allows the juices to escape.
4. Bring your meat to room temperature before grilling. This will allow your meat to cook evenly throughout.
5. Always pre-heat your barbeque. For gas turn on high for 5-10 minutes then adjust temperature as needed. For charcoal light the coals 30 minutes before you intend to start cooking.
6. When using a barbeque sauce wait until the outside of the meat is cooked before applying the sauce with your brush. If you add your barbeque sauce to early it can char and cause flares ups when it drips off the meat.
7. The larger the cut of meat the further away it should be from the heat source. This will allow the meat to cook evenly all the way through.
8. If you are using wooden skewers soak them in cold water for an hour or so to prevent them from burning.
These tips are a great general guideline to follow for anyone wishing to become a barbeque master. |  The Kitchen Company CB
The Kitchen Company CB has been installing kitchens on the Costa Blanca for more than 10 years. Its 3 partners run every aspect of the business from design and sales, through to installation and after sales care. It is a fully legal and registered company and has been so since it first started business. During that time, the Kitchen Company has built up a reputation for professionalism, punctuality, a practical and honest approach, all with a personal touch. These values have resulted in an enviable portfolio of satisfied customers.
However, in the world of business, nothing stands still. New products come on the market weekly, and new ways of doing business and reaching customers need to be embraced in order to remain ‘in-touch’. To this end there have been a couple of important changes in The Kitchen Company in recent months.
The first change has seen the showroom being moved. It’s now above the Linen Mill on the roundabout opposite Lidl on the N332 in Benissa. The new showroom showcases their PWS products. These are UK kitchens with The Kitchen Company being one of the few authorised distributers in Spain, and the only one in the locality.
The second change is the new website
www.kitchenscostablanca.com which has been developed to ensure customers can take a good look at the kitchens on offer. In fact their relationship with PWS is so strong that they have worked together to make sure the website covers all products.
The website also means that the Kitchen Company can work more efficiently on turning around quotes and attending to customers. After an initial survey in the client’s home, a 3D colour design can let people see what they’re asking for, and allowing last minute tweaks before it’s too late!
All in all, these changes are designed to enhance the customer experience, and ensure a high quality, excellent value product is delivered.
Call the Kitchen Company
on 902 887 261 or visit www.kitchenscostablanca.com for more information. |
|
|
