Three writers step outside their comfort zones for the day to work a different job. It might look like a breeze, but unskilled work can be quite challenging
 
Zoe Christodoulides takes on gardening
“Got any wellies?” belts out Alexander down the phone. “Um, no.” I know I really should own a pair of sensible shoes but I’m one of those people whose middle name should have been ‘impracticality’.
Shoes are worn to look good, trousers are made to be flattering and handbags are usually dainty. Why else would you spend money on an item of clothing if it’s not to jazz up your wardrobe?... Read on

Whether whipping up a risotto in the kitchen, nipping out for pizza or dinning in style at the numerous Italian restaurants available on the island, choosing an Italian wine to wash down the food is a real joy, mostly because we know how well it will work. Of course there is a certain amount of room for error (ever tried a crisp Frascati with a juicy steak?) but most sensible foodies know that Italian wine has an affinity for Italian cuisine, and indeed, for a lot of international dishes too. Why is it is so food-friendly?... 1 comment

On a recent search for a ‘good’ gynaecologist, I stumbled across a leaflet offering so much more. Sabine Schapals has combined her gynecological and obstetrics practice with naturopathy, which means that regular issues such as menstrual disorders, infertility, labour pains, nausea and vomiting, can all be dealt with in a natural manner. In addition to conventional medicine, a naturopathic gynecologist will prescribe vitamins, essential oils, foods with healing properties and prebiotics to heal the body... Read on

I’m leaving for Scotland tomorrow. It’s the last opportunity to have a holiday on my own without a child in tow – gosh, just writing that feels very surreal. I’m still not quite used to the idea that very shortly I’ll be responsible for a small creature that doesn’t purr, have whiskers, exist solely on Friskies and tuna and require monthly flea treatment. I’m hoping – and relying on – some deeply-hidden, innate natural instincts surfacing and kicking in. Before reaching that stage though I have 10 days of self-indulgent alone time with my dear family and friends to look forward to. Mind you, my getting to Edinburgh involves an epic journey Odysseas would balk at. Good grief... Read on

 
Name: Manchineel (Hippomane manchinalla)
Otherwise known as: Little Apple, Apple of Death
Habitat: A tree member of the Euphorbiaceae family growing up to 15m in coastal soils in central and southern America and the Caribbean. It is a very attractive plant boasting shiny, oval-shaped leaves with spikes of green flowers that transform into the sweet smelling, bright green fruits resembling crab apples. All parts of the tree are highly poisonous... Read on

A Welsh singer has been selected to represent Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest. But who is he and how can he represent a country he has only visited once asks ZOE CHRISTODOULIDES
 
As 22-year-old Jon Lilygreen belts out that ‘Life Looks Better in Spring’ as part of a catchy little number at the recent Eurovision qualifying competition in Nicosia, I can’t be alone in wondering who on earth is this guy? He doesn’t look like a Cypriot, he sure doesn’t sing like a Cypriot, and his name certainly doesn’t ring any bells... 1 comment

When someone tells you they spent five years tracking down every amphibian and reptile Cyprus’ hills, fields and lakes have to offer, two possibilities come to mind: either this person has a questionable adventurous streak or they’re doing it in the name of research. For David J. Sparrow, who has indeed spent the last five years trekking the island in search of snakes and lizards, research was the reason. A passionate photographer, David is fascinated by snakes, an interest that has helped lead to the publication of The Amphibians and Reptiles of Cyprus, a handbook that is the first of its kind for the island... 3 comments

Say the wrong thing, passionate saxophonist tells THEO PANAYIDES

“It’s very easy to regard me as a charming, entertaining and witty boy,” says Gilad Atzmon, putting an ironic twinkle on the word ‘boy’ (he’s almost 47, after all). “But if you get on the wrong side of me, it can be a devastating experience!... Read on

Apparently we have 340 days of sunshine a year here in Cyprus. Even though if this past January is anything to go by we can’t quite live up to this wonderful sounding claim we are all familiar with the giant billboards and ad campaigns usually thought up by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation who so love to draw upon the fact that we’re an island blessed by beautiful weather. And in all fairness, who can blame them?
We may have had our fair share of rainy days in the past few months but for the most part we certainly enjoy far more sunshine than many other European countries. And as the thick of winter passes, there’s much to look forward too as the skies clear and everything around us begins to bloom... Read on

 
Great skin starts with a good cleanser, but many people buy the wrong product for their skin. Whether a cleanser contains new wonder ingredients or not is irrelevant, the secret its consistency needs to be just right for you. After much research, we found the best cleansers for every skin type.
 
Skin prone to blackheads and pimples
Don't use any kind of milky or creamy cleanser or creamy wash. Choose a rinse off gel or wash that is transparent or at least translucent. Cream-based cleansers or washes can, over a period of weeks, settle in the pores and exacerbate the blockage problem.
Use: Apivita Creamy Face and Eye Foam; Avene Cleanance; Ahava Mineral Cleansing Gel
 
Oily and shiny skin... Read on