Kids Hairdressers Marbella

Hi Joanne, I have clients who have a 6 months old little boy and they have asked whether I know of any hair dressers for children, I haven't seen any but was wondering whether you know of any in the area? Thank you very much R

Hi,Yes in minimi clothes shop in san pedro they had a hairdresser there...not too sure if still doing it though. Regards joanne

Clearing out your Clothes in Marbella Spain

Word of advice.....never ever have a clear out of your clothes in the boiling heat or in the cold. You will throw out clothes in the winter thinking it could never got that hot, youll throw clothes out in the summer thinking it will never get that cold.

Also, dont through things away that you love but just doesnt suit you in the winter. Colours like grey & taupe dont look that great on pale skin but do look good on suntanned skin.

Last night I wore a dress that I love and it looked great, but the colour looked awful on me the last time I wore it which was in the winter with pale greeny skin. It looked so bad I was about to throw it away.

Colours really do look different on suntanned skin and winter pal skin

Puerto Banus

Well summer is here and we took our first walk along the front of Puerto Banus tonight.

Very busy well not as busy as it has been in previous years but busyish...

Lots of different sights to look at, lots of rather short dresses where they are so short you can see the bum cheeks underneath, lots of see-through dresses which they obviously didnt realise was with bad bad dark thongs underneath...lots of dresses that just didnt fit.

A few old men in rather dodgy trousers and shirts...all purple or all in yellow and lots of plastic faces and boobs.

Oh and wagons you will never see anywhere else but Puerto Banus...the biggest yellow hummer thing ive ever seen, Lambos & Ferrari.

All good fun, but I dont think I will rush back there.

Sushi K Fe - Puerto Banus - Sushi Puerto Banus

So tonight was never going to go right...it was just one of those nights.

But ill just get more or less straight to the point...hungry, thirsty walking around Puerto Banus for the first time in ages at night.

Fancied sushi so walked to the new sushi bar where liquid lounge was. Very busy outside, went to walk in...and "the boss" or "acting as boss" just walks passed us as we are looking to sit inside...I say acting boss as he was the one in the photo in one of the local magazines promotiing it.

I walked inside and it stunk...stunk really bad...so we walked up to La Moraga...45 minute wait.

So back to the sushi and sat outside...why oh why oh why?

Honestly it was a joke. We only ordered a water, a gin and tonic, chicken tempura and a plate of 8 sushi....thats it. 3 times our waiter came back to check if it was chicken or veg tempura. Our plates got given to the people next to us, and we were given theirs. Our food comes - no soy sauce on the table...more cock-ups after cock-up.

One minute my husband said...your waters and my gin is coming....it was a few metres away...it took about 5 minutes...honestly until we got them as "the boss" started to talk to the waiter"....come on guys are you running a business or what?

Shame the food itself was quite nice but certainly wont go back there, waste of money. They also have the cheek to charge a cover charge of 1.50€...so certainly no tip for them. 33€ for the 4 items mentioned above.

No good, stay clear and very annoying sitting there outside with looky looky men coming up to you every minute.

Why I didnt go to Wasabi which I havent heard a bad thing about yet I dont know.

Long Term Car Rental in Marbella / Malaga - Long Term Car Rental Costa del Sol

Hi there

I found your blog today & thought I'd drop a line with a question or two, hope that's ok!

I'm moving with my family (husband & 18 month old daughter) to Nueva Andalucia in September, we're planning on being there definitely until christmas, if not for the foreseeable future depending on how much work we get etc. I speak fairly good spanish & my husband is going to do language school to get his up to speed, I'm a qualified english-as-a-foreign language teacher so I'm looking for work doing that.

we've got accommodation sorted & i'm happy to look for work when we arrive; the main issue at the moment is transport...our landlady says we will most definitely need a car but hiring a car for 3 months (til we come home for xmas) is going to cost a fortune as far as i can tell. our UK car is nearing the end of its life so i'm not convinced it will make the journey or survive the heat over there so we're just wondering what other options there might be...

do you know of any long term car rentals in marbella/malaga that might be cheaper than the standard holiday rental companies? or do you know how easy it is to buy a 2nd hand car? i heard that we may need to have residency/employment in order to buy a car and i'm not sure how long that would all take... all feels a bit complicated at the moment!!

sorry, this has turned into an essay!

thanks for all the info on your blog, it's great!!

N



Dear N
Try here http://www.autoscostasol.com/ a local car hire company.

Re buying, you do need paperwork, nie etc and show where the money has come from...not as easy as in the uk.

We find cars second hand here expensive...although we speak spanish, its easier just going straight to a dealer, we always go with ford.

Have a look at www.thesurinenglish.com a paper out every friday but have lots of cars for sale.

good luck with your moving...how exciting.

Regards

Joanne
www.nuevaandalucia.blogspot.com

Toll from La Linea to Gibraltar

So when there is a crisis in Spain or people are skint...what do you do? Put the prices up everywhere....or you could do what La Linea are thinking of doing...putting a Toll so charging people to go from Spain to Gibraltar...

Read the story here on Typically Spanish http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_26766.shtml

Dresscode for Olivia Valeres Marbella

Hi,

I own an apartment in Puerto Banus and would like to visit Olivia Valeres restaurant and nightclub. I have booked in for my next visit, however was slightly concerned as to what the dress code is? Would it be appropriate to wear smart jeans and shirt or would it be recommended to wear a suit?

Kind Regards,
Tom

Dear Tom

I think smart jeans and shirt will be fine for olivia valeres. but you can give them a call incase 952 828 861

Regards

Joanne

Baby Sitters Marbella, San Pedro, Estepona - Marbella Child Care

Marbella Child Care by Roxanne

Last week I was sent a lovely email from a lady called Roxanne, who has set up her own little business of babysitting / childcare around Marbella, San Pedro and Estepona.

Whilst there are alot of people out there that do babysitting in Marbella, Roxanne is the first one that has told us about herself on the internet by creating her own website. When thinking about choosing someone to look after your children, you need to know as much about them as possible.

She is 21 years old and has 3 years experience working with children from 0 to 5 years. She is currently working towards a Diploma in Child Day Care and has started a Child Psychology course.

Whats very important is that she has also completed a first aid course which to me is such an important thing...everyone should do one. I did one a couple years ago. Roxanne is also CRB checked and has a full drivers licence.

So if you are looking for help to look after your little ones for a hour, a day, or a night, give Roxanne a call.

You can read more about Roxanne here at http://www.marbellachildcare.com/ and if you do contact her please let her know that you read about her here on Nueva Andalucia Life.

I hope to use Roxanne soon and will be able to give you a personal review.

Paid Advert for Marbella Child Care - do you want to advertise here?

Comments on this blog

I love it when people leave comments, but please dont leave comments saying how amazing and wonderful something is when you are infact you are the owners of the place, restaurant, bar, shop etc...Its all too obvious.

Nueva Andalucia Blog isnt a glossy website where everything is wonderful, beautiful, stunning amazing...no its real.

So if you are the owner of restaurant, bar, place that has been mentioned on Nueva Andalucia Life then by all means invite us over for a review.

Ashtrays along the Costa Del Sol Beach

Good news to hear that something is being done to keep the Costa Del Sol Beaches slightly cleaner...

15,000 ashtrays are going to be given out along the beach and to bars to stop people from just chucking their butts everywhere.

You can read the full story here http://www.spanishnews.es/20100713-marbella-to-hand-out-15000-beach-ashtrays/id=3007/

Last year in Portugal this was already being done, small ashtrays given out along the beach. Good to see something being done.

Looking for a Job in Nueva Andalucia

Hi Jo,
I hope you don't mind me emailing you, but I have a bit of an issue.
I am living in Nueva Andalucia at the moment, but do not have transport and the nearest bus stop is miles away!
I was wondering if you knew of any work from home jobs or of any jobs going in this area? Or if you knew who I could contact, as the recruitment sites I have signed up to arent very reliable! I am looking for any work really, be it office, customer services or waitressing and full or part time.
It would be really appreciated if you could offer any advice.
Many thanks A


Hi A, I dont know of any jobs at the moment. Many things are word of mouth, walk into places and ask in local offices & restaurants and leave your details and keep calling them. Look at the Sur every friday...there have been a couple of jobs in there lately. Regards Joanne

How to Learn Spanish Verbs - Spanish Verbs!!!

A couple of weeks ago I received an email asking to exchange links. Since learning of the other blog, I have become a regular visiter to it.

It all about Spanish Verbs which isnt everyones favourite thing, but me who is always trying to learn and speak correctly - its a wonderful site to visit. Its very clear and makes many of the things I have read about over and over again, finally make sense.

if you are learning Spanish or interested in learning how Spanish Verbs work have a look at
www.verbs-in-spanish.blogspot.com

Robberies at Malaga Airport - Changing Door Locks

A friend of ours was yesterday the victim of bag theft at Malaga Airport Yesterday. She was going to catch a plane about 1pm. Having a cigarrette a man came up and asked for a light, insisted she took one of his ciggarettes whilst another man came the other side and took her hand bag with Everything in it.

Passport, money, keys to property here and in the uk, credit cards...the lot.

She went to the police who then took her to numerous different station / offices including Malaga and then back to the airport and managed to still catch her original flight without passports. The police she said were very good and gave her a translator and she couldnt fault them at all...this is good to hear.

So today I have been busy with many things including arranging for her locks to be changed. I did speak to one guy who wanted 190€uros!! But remembered Titan Locks who I have used before who came within about 1 hour and changed it all - costing about 100€uros. Very good service.

So please please please take care at the airport. Dont talk to anyone, have your bag with you at all times if possible a cross the body bag with long strap so you can still wheel your suitcases.

Keep keys & address separate and keep your passport on you!

UK Registered Car For Sale in Barcelona

A favour for a friend....

UK Registered Car For Sale

Barcelona

Will Take 8,000€uros. Cannot buy for less than 12k in UK

* Less than 26,000 miles * 7 years old * and will accept €8,000

* I have had this car for the last seven years, and so can verify that the mileage is accurate, as I bought it with approx 10k miles on the clock.

Please let me know of any interest. It is currently in Barcelona.

C

Adana Cookbook Charity

The ADANA Cookbook

Do you have a favourite tried and tested recipe?

Do you want to help abandoned animals?

In that case we’d love to hear from you!

Adana is compiling a special 'Adana Cookbook' with recipes contributed by friends of Adana.

We will be publishing the book in September of this year and we are inviting you and your friends to contribute a recipe. You’ll receive a personal credit and a special opportunity to dedicate the recipe to your pet. In return, we are asking for a donation of just €20 which will cover the printing and distribution costs for the book which will be on sale in local shops and outlets. The book will also be available for download on the Adana website.

All proceeds will go towards helping Adana carry out its vital work. Adana are homing more and more abandoned pets every week and need your help more than ever before.

You can make your donation now either by credit card or bank deposit/transfer, to do so, click here - .http://www.adana.es/adana-cookbook-2010.html

Once you've donated, fill out the form on the website to get your recipe published.

Your recipe should be no more than 125 words (if slightly more don’t worry, send it to us and we’ll happily edit it!). Don’t forget to include your dedication to your own pet – which should be around 10 words!

Please also include your full name and address and telephone number.

If cooking isn’t your thing, but you would like to make a donation, then please contact us and we’ll dedicate one of our own tried and tested recipes to you in return for your donation!

Looking forward to receiving your recipes and donations soon!

The Adana Cook Book Team

Summer the Spanish Way

One of the main things we have always found difficult in Spain is eating late. But this summer so far, we have finally adapted and really enjoying it.

Last night we invited our neighbours over at 9.15pm...even they couldnt beleive us English were asking them over so late!

I had most of the food prepared and just waited for everyone to arrive before I put the salmon in the oven.

I cooked for 11 people last night which is quite alot for me especially "sit down".

I didnt bother with starters and all that picky stuff beforehand as I always stuff myself silly and then feel ill. Ive also realised that sometimes the starters and all the cheese and ham is actually more expensive than the main course.

I had 11 good size pieces of salmon cut (Mercadona), New Potatoes, Green Beans & Brocolli, Coleslaw, loads of fruit and ice cream, lots of drinks, wine etc. At Mercadona yesterday it came to 77€ but still have a whole box of beer and food left. I still think its so much cheaper to eat / cook at home and feed alot of people.

Moving on to Spanish Time really does allow you to enjoy more of your day.

We wake up around 9 / 10.

11.30 / 12 we go to the pool till about 2 / 2.30pm. You must eat a snack around 12 / 1 to keep the hunger away.

Then rest / siesta after lunch.

Back to the pool about 5.30 / 6pm till about 8.30/9pm.

Home and eat about 9.30pm.


The other day we had friends over for dinner about 8pm - which meant I had to leave the pool at 6 to shower, change, prepare dinner.

My daughter is going to bed about 11.30pm (last night 12.30) but as long as they rest they seem ok. It is hard as you dont get much time alone, but its just for a few weeks and these are the moments that you remember - the great Summers!

At the moment, Im loving my time here!!!

Adidas Shop La Cañada

Adidas has finally opened.  Looks good from the outside, but when I went in it didnt seem to have as much as I thought it would have.

But nicely merchandised and if you like Adidas trainers and tracksuits, I think you will be happy.

Adidas Shop La Cañada

Upstairs in La Cañada where the big golf shop used to be an Adidas Shop is opening soon.

La Moraga Beach - ¿Que Pasa?

¿Alguien sabe qué se está encendiendo con La Moraga Beach.

Un par de semanas entré pasar por allí y parecía increíble, todas las camas estaban fuera, el bar parecía increíble, los signos eran todo y parecía que estaban a punto de abrir ese fin de semana.

Nos dijo a sus amigos para ir allí la otra noche, que luego llamó para decir que estaba cerrado. Esta noche nos pasó y "La Moraga" texto se ha ido y ahora sólo dice Beach.

No hay ningún otro signo de La Moraga y su todo cerrado.La Moraga se abre en El Corte Ingles enfrente del Palacio de Congresso y notamos un gran piso de arriba abierto espacio al aire libre ... así que tal vez esto va a ser un gran restaurante.

Sin embargo, su muy extraño que todas las señales han desaparecido de la playa ...Alguien sabe?

La Moraga Beach - closed before its open!!!

Does anyone know whats going on with La Moraga Beach. A couple of weeks ago I walked pass there and it looked amazing, all the beds were out, the bar looked amazing, the signs were all up and it looked like they were about to open that weekend.

We told friends to go there the other night, who then called to say it was closed. Tonight we passed by and "La Moraga" wording has gone and now it just says Beach. Theres no other sign of La Moraga and its all closed up.

La Moraga is opening up in El Corte Ingles opposite Palacio de Congresso and we noticed a big open outdoor space upstairs...so maybe this is going to be a big restaurant.

But its all very strange that all the signs have gone from the beach...

Anyone know?

Scalibor Collar on Pugs - Scalibor Collars Problems

Can any help???

I cant get to speak to my vet till tomorrow. I have a pug just about 15 months. I bought a scalibor collar on advice from the vet. He has been wearing it with no problems except yesterday I noticed a lump.

All under his neck is red raw and now there is something on the neck behind the ears. Its looks awful.

I read a fw things about scalibor collars causing problems...could this be it?

If you have had any problems please let me know.

Primark Wrapping Paper - Good!

I dont know why Im writing this now, after just getting in from our neighbours a little bit tipsy after watching the amazing Spain v Paragua Partido, but I meant to write it a couple of days ago.

I like nice wrapping paper for presents - nice quality that when you fold it doesnt all crack. Last week when I went to Primark I bought the purple shiny paper and have wrapped up numerous presents and think its one of the best wrapping papers I have used here without paying a fortune.

1.50€ a roll...very good quality, thick, lovely colour and folds well. Recommend.

Oh and today I tried on a Beige Mac in El Corte Ingles - looked lovely but was about 350€...Im pleased to say that my Primark 29€ looked and fitted better!

Kool and the Gang Marbella - Kool and the Gang Puente Romano

I have to say I am loving these concerts that are taking place. Ive already booked to see Bjorn Again in Marbella Bullring August 18th.

Now Im about to book tickets for Kool and the Gang at Puente Romano August 6th.

This summer we decided we are not going away on holiday...whats the point? Although it does depend on where you live.

The price of the tickets are about the same as a meal out in a fancyish restaurant and Id rather go to a concert.

You can book through El Corte Ingles

So keep your eye out for more concerts!

My Summer Holidays So Far in Marbella

I havent even got through 1 whole week yet of the summer holidays but so far so good I have to say.

My daughter really didnt want to do a camp and actually I could do with a break from getting up every morning too.

We are gradually changing to the Spanish Hour, last night my daughter went out (6 years old) to her friends a few doors away to watch a film and I went to pick her up at 11.30pm. As soon as her head touched the pillow - she was out of it until this morning at 9.45am!

Yesterday morning I had a patio full of kids all playing, drawing and then the afternoon by the pool.

She is having so much fun with her friends in the evening, going to bed late and waking up whenever.

Only about 11 more weeks to go!!! Maybe Ill change my mind next week!

July 2nd Marbella Weather!

Well if anyone asked me what the weather was like in July in Marbella I would normally say, amazing, sunny and hot.

Except something has gone horribly wrong today and it started of very humid and grey and now its absolutely pouring down.

Its the weirdest weather we have had this year!