by Liz Apap | Jun 21, 2020 | Blog, Leisure
The wonderful Karma of Yasmine and her Yoga Classes
Yasmine’s Youth
She was born in 1972, in Iran to a German mother and an Iranian father. Thus, in her youth lived in both Iran and Germany and was introduced to multi culturalisme as she was growing up. She also travelled to many other countries.
She originally came to Malta for a weekend break, and loved the island. So, after finishing University in Iran, and between jobs, she came back to Malta to improve her English, and during her stay here met her soulmate, Mark. They were married and have two sons.
Arrival in Malta
It was at this time, that she was introduced to Yoga. Having been brought up in a multi religious upbringing, she was searching for true spirituality, and It was during this time in Malta that she felt spiritually connected to the Yoga principles, as proper exercise, proper relaxation, proper breathing, a balanced diet and positive thinking and meditation, especially at a time when she was overwhelmed by motherhood and having to overcome the sad passing away of her mother, at a sensitive moment in her life.
Meeting up again
Today I met up with Yasmine; we initially made our acquaintance some years back, at one of Debbie Caruana Dingli’s, (artist), art classes that she held at the Siggiewi local council. I knew then that Yasmine had a wonderful Karma.
Since then, Yasmine became a yoga alliance certified teacher, and when i was having some breathing issues about one year ago, I was lucky to meet up with her again; and her beautiful karma beckoned me to her Yoga sessions.
The Yoga Classes
Yasmine is a yoga teacher and pactises and teaches Ashtanga Yoga specializing in dynamic vinyasa, hatha yoga, and yin restorative.
So, here it is important to explain these terms in simplified language:
Ashtanga represents the eight limbs forming a sequence from the outer to the inner self, Yama (abstinences), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breathing), Pratyahara (withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption).
Ashtanga mantras (chants)
The Opening Ashtanga mantra is a blessing of gratitude offered to the lineage of teachers and their students who have enabled this ancient practice to survive through thousands of years so that we can experience its benefits today. The recitation of this mantra cleanses the energy of the space we have chosen to practice yoga, as well as preparing the mind, body and emotions for the forthcoming Ashtanga sequence.
The Closing Ashtanga mantra brings the practice to a peaceful end; sealing in the work done and offering the efforts of our practice to improve the state of the world.
Dynamic vinyasa (a system of breathing and movement)
Hatha Yoga – the Sanscript word hatha means force, alluding to a system of physical techniques.
Yin restorative Yoga – Restorative Yoga helps an unhealthy body, or an injured body, restore itself back to normal, back to being healthy, back to being uninjured. And while Restorative yoga focuses on restoring bodies with particular ailments, Yin yoga works deep into the connective tissues to activate change at that deepest level.
The Mind and the Body
Yasmine’s classes are modeled on creativity and mind-body awareness . She sees yoga as a tool for healing the body, mind and spirit . Her aim as a yoga teacher is to guide her students into the space of renewing, releasing and relieving, and self acceptance of oneself.
No matter if it’s through a physically challenging vinyasa class or a slow paced restorative class, she challenges her students physically, mentally and spiritually.
Her Hobbies
Yasmine is also a very talented artist, her preferences are oil canvas painting and acrylic painting. She is self taught and excels in oils. She has developed her own style, and whatever subject she seems to paint, her paintings let off a sense of calmness to the onlooker.
Yasmine is also a dynamic person and likes to enjoy life!
I sincerely recommend her Yoga classes, where you can tune in to your own needs, and possibly rise to the next level of your Yoga journey. Yoga can be used to understand oneself better and also help oneself grow into an extraordinary person, who can possibly help others along our journey here.
Any equities to
liz@apropertypanorama.com
Attn. Yasmine Craig
by Liz Apap | Mar 3, 2020 | Blog, Interior Design, Leisure
Child Prodigy of the Fire Gods!
Introduction
Today I met up with Alison who owns and runs the company Stained Glass Ltd., a subsidiary of the Amal Group, set up by her father in the 1970s. Her company name ironically refers to stained glass, because her father who had specialized in aluminum structures, had eventually broadened his repertoire to include stained glass windows / panels. But, around the turn of the 3rd millennium, Alison took over and her creativity and courage did not stop there.
The Fire Gods inspired her to create fused glass windows and decorative glass panels, for both the home and commercial outlets livening up the buildings with beautifully colored glass creations. Her beautiful and naughty smile during our discussion, reflects how she truly loves and enjoys her work. Alison is married to Richard and they have two children.
How it all started
Over the past 21 years Alison has put her creativity skills into action and has since acquired much experience both in design and the execution of work. She takes much time to understand her clients needs and after detailed and careful discussion with them, creates bespoke and dazzling works of art every time. 🌈
Glass fusion on a large scale
She prepares the large design pattern on transparent paper, cuts the different colored glass pieces, places them on a clear glass panel according to the design, glues them and then places them into the kiln to go through the firing process…and then holds her breath and 🙏. One never knows the result until they are ready to be lifted out of the kiln …….but the biggest satisfaction is to see the window or panel fitted in the building with sun rays reflecting through the glass and a happy client.
Glass fusing projects, transportations and installations
In 21 years of experience, she explains that there were only one or two minor mishaps, of glass cracking in the kiln, and no breakages during transportation, or whilst being installed. Her preference is to transport the finished project to the site of destination and explain to the aluminium installers or the woodworkers, details about the installation process. That is the level of her brilliance and dedication to her work.
Glass fusion on a small scale
Alison does not stop experimenting and also creates smaller objects as lamp shades, wall light covers, small panels, ashtrays, trinket trays and smaller objects. The techniques for fused glass are endless, using solid pieces, crushed glass, powders, metal wire, stringers and metal foil.
The Fire Gods 🔥
But communication with the Fire Gods during the firing process is definitely the most important of all. Understanding the controlled firing heat levels that goes from 0 degrees F to a maximum of 1500 degrees F; the process of glass fusion, and expansion and contraction of the glass during firing process is not an easy task and requires years of experience and understanding your kiln.
Courses in glass fusion
During a business discussion some two years ago Alison came to realized how glass fusing has become a widespread hobby, and how she can share her joys, passion and knowledge with like minded people. Glass fusion on a small scale can also serve as a good pastime.
In today’s stressful world, taking up a hobby is a good distraction and fused glass is a wonderful option, learning how to shine light through colored glass. So, Alison took on this challenge of organizing and teaching glass fusing courses. I was one of the first to join and followed course after course for some two years. The joys and laughter were endless, we gained knowledge of the joys of life from Alison and the friendly discussions among us students were priceless. Finally, also everyone went home with their special piece at the end of each course.
These courses are still on offer
Alison offers small group 6 session courses each running for one and a half hours. However, she also organizes one off group sessions for companies as part of their Team Building Sessions. Lessons consist of at glass decoration and functional pieces like dishes, bowls, plates, glass tiles, and jewelry. The next course enrollments will start on……..
You may e mail me for more information.
liz@apropertypanorama.com
Attn. Alison Fenech Gasan
by Liz Apap | Feb 22, 2020 | Blog, Interior Design, Relocate Malta
Furniture Styles
The choice of furniture in a property is very important.
by Liz Apap | Jan 7, 2020 | Blog, Leisure
Your safe investment in 5 Star Resorts
Property Investment / tourism
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is now a great place for Property investors, interested in diversifying their portfolio with the rental rate of return of ca.12% per year. This terrain is a true tropical paradise and holidays hotspot, admired by more and more tourists from all over the world.
Sounds interesting?
Last week I met up with The Resort Group Global’s Joanna, their regional director and Steve their CEO, who visited Malta specifically to introduce me to this new world / venture, and discuss the setup of their company, that is based in the UK.
They are offering fantastic investment opportunities not only made available to large companies, but also to the smaller investors. They are investment opportunities in luxurious properties, located in 5 Star beach front resorts, managed by the best hotel brands in the world and located on two beautiful windward islands of Cape Verde – Sal and Boa Vista.
Investment / tourism sounds interesting!
But where is Cape Verde?
(In all honesty, I also had to ask!)
Cape Verde is an island nation of 9 islands on an archipelago of volcanic origin in the Atlantic Ocean, situated south of the Canary islands, and approximately 600 km west of Senegal, sharing maritime borders with Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal. Cape Verde is also subdivided into two island groups, Barlavento (windward) and Sotovento (leeward). Sal and Boa Vista being part of the windward islands.
A Brief history of this island group!
The first inhabitants were the Portuguese explorers, who discovered and colonized the islands in the 15th century; and the Atlantic Slave Trade attracted merchants throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. But, by the end of the transatlantic slavery, in the 19th century, Capo Verde led to an economic decline and there was much emigration, but then gradually was incorporated as an overseas department of Portugal, and by 1951, gained renewed importance as a commercial centre and stopover for shipping routes. The islanders, however, campaigned and gained their independence by 1975, and by the early 1990s Cape Verde grew into a stable representative democracy, and is one of the most democratic countries in Africa. It’s population is circa 540.000 mostly of European, Moorish, Arab and African heritage.
Tourism Destination
Apart from tuna, Cape Verde like many island groups has little to export…but the new Tourism inflow creates a new scenario and attracts over 600.000 tourists yearly; this number is forecast to grow to over 700.000 by 2025.
Such a great influx of people consume plenty of water and circa 51% of the countries energy use, but rather than allowing this to drain on their resources, they are treating it as an asset… So by 2013 TUI Care Foundation and Travel Foundation teamed up to create a ‘destination council’ for the islands and achieved much success to create the Greener Hotels Initiative, to monitor and improve energy, waste and water management for the archipelago. Hotels as also The Resort Group Global Investment properties, on Sal and Boa Vista islands, benefit well from this initiative. These two islands being the most developed.
So, Joanna and Steve patiently explained all this and showed me their brochures, whilst sipping a tasty coffee and I feel excited to be able to share with you more information about this opportunity and tell you more about Cape Verde, its stunning beaches, climate and “No Stress” mantra repeated by each and every one you meet there.
Both Sal and Boa Vista offer you their beauty to enjoy, while your investment will work for you throughout the year, it also allows 5 week stays at your own holiday destination. Enjoying quality time with the family; one can hear children playing in the swimming pool, whose voices echo 🎼🎼 in those quiet surroundings of the beautiful blue sea and sand, while the parents can relax whilst sipping an aperitif 🥂or chatting with friends; these resorts also offering total privacy and full security.
You may be a wind surfer, or kite surfer? Or simply looking for a holiday home for yourself and your family, these property investments offer you all this and many more benefits.
We have now signed a partners agreement with The Resort Group Global
and any enquiries can be addressed to me via
e mail at liz@apropertypanorama
Att. Liz Apap
by Liz Apap | Oct 31, 2019 | Interior Design, Relocate Malta, Slider
Natural and artificial light
Lighting and light fittings
Interior – Natural Lighting
Before beginning to devise a lighting scheme in a home, house, or any building, consider the amount of natural light entering the various spaces. Natural light should be the starting point of any lighting scheme.
When looking at space layouts, the orientation of rooms are also important. Main living areas and kitchens should be south facing to benefit from its warm and bright light all day long. West facing light provides sunlight at the hottest part of the day, therefore these spaces are ideal for late afternoons and early evenings use, thus absorbing the softer light at this time. East facing spaces get much sun early in the morning and almost no sun for the rest of the day, and north facing spaces receive a cool to harsh light. Therefore, the choice of specific spaces should be made, keeping their use and orientation in mind, in order to make the best use of natural light that can play an important part in the overall ambience and feel of a building.
Interior – Lighting and the Building Regulations
According to the EU building regulations low-energy light sources should be installed, as a building should be ‘energy efficient’. And an energy performance certificate EPC certified by an architect has to be produced to validate this. Fluorescent / Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), LEDs or discharge lamps fitted with low energy screw or bayonet bulbs are some examples.
So how much light is needed?
The first step is to calculate the square meters of a space; then each square meter is multiplied by 25 Watts (25 Watts = 250 Lumen), giving a total amount of the wattage. This light wattage need not come from a single source, it can come from a combination of different lights distributed around the space.
Interior – Light sources and their purpose
There are three types of light sources; namely ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent or mood lighting, where a combination of all three may exist in one space.
Ambient lighting is the general illumination of a room as a ceiling hanging light or wall lights. Task lighting provides targeted illumination where a specific activity takes place, as a reading light, cooking lights or any specific lights required for work. Floor lamps, table lamps and desk lamps, specific kitchen lights or mirror lights are all typical examples. Accent and Mood lighting are used to highlight an object. A spotlight directed to a work of art, or special feature, and an LED strip, are some examples. The latter are not a necessary source of light and can be sensor operated to light up only when in close proximity.
General illumination and well being
Well being can be gained from the good use of artificial lighting. Glare-free and uniform illumination can improve productivity and avoid headaches. Daylight is perceived as a bluish white light and has a temperature range of 5000K* or higher. In artificial lighting, a light bulb produces light perceived as yellowish-white at a temperature of 2700K, and as the light temperature increases to around 3000K to 3500K, the light colour appears less yellow and more white. The different light temperatures can impact our moods. Soft white as opposed to bright and cool whites light temperatures are the key to our better wellbeing. The former works better in living rooms and bedrooms and have a calming and relaxing effect, whilst the latter are better in kitchens and bathrooms creating an energetic feeling and invoke more contrast to colours.
Placing mirrors within a space does appear to enlarge that space. However, placing a mirror across from a window helps reflect light around a room maximizing the light. This scenario, the reflection of the window on the mirror also creates an illusion of never ending windows and light…and space.
Natural and artificial light source fittings
In modern times, both natural and artificial light source fittings, apart from enhancing the light source in a given space, also form part of the interior design theme. These fittings have to blend into the design mood and style.
Natural Lighting
Skylights, large windows, bay windows, french windows/doors and mirrors, bring in natural light to an interior space.
Artificial Lighting
Chandeliers and wall lights are the two main sources of illumination of a space.
Floor Lamps, table lamps, desk lamps, and bedside lamps, under kitchen under-cabinet lights, fan lights, and mirror lights are the main sources of task lights. Spot lighting, LEDs are typical examples of accent or mood lighting.
Lighting as part of an interior design theme
Lighting should play an important part in interior design. Both natural lighting and artificial lighting should be well selected and blended, and be positioned carefully in spaces to attribute to a harmonious Deco mood.
*K for Kelvin is a unit of measurement used to describe the hue of a specific light source.