Santas Grotto Marbella

Here will be a list of Santas Grottos around the Marbella Area.

Normally theres one around Centro Plaza in December.

Hotel Locrimar
From Saturday 12th December, 6€ per child.
Weekdays 3 to 6pm
Weekends 1pm to 2.30 then 3pm to 4.30pm

Email me jomarbella@gmail.com if you know of other Santas Grottos in Marbella and around

Swine Flue Marbella - Swine Flu Costa Del Sol, Spain

I was speaking to a friend today whos friend has recently had swine flu here in Marbella. She got it really bad with vomiting, fever etc etc.

Ive kind of blocked it out as when I do mention it my husband, well he goes a bit mad and starts shouting to me...."jo do you know how many people die a year from normal flu?"

Answer is no, but Swine flu is whats making the news and it sounds absolutely awful.

All last week I had a Migraine, this week my throat has been really bad and my daughter was off sick today too. Now Im wondering if I have a mild version?

Back on goes my scarf around my mouth again! My husband thinks Im mad - when I go on a plane I always wear a scarf around my face and keep my mouth covered - idea given to me by another womaninspain blogger!!!

So where is the best thing to do if you think you have swine flu? i.e doctors, hospital. Whats good to keep in stock in the house? Can you buy the medicine upfront?

Also I really need to know if the drugs come in liquid form - as if I get Swine Flu and only comes in pill Im completely F&%$·"D as I cannot swallow pills.

Have you had Swine Flu Here - if so please do leave your comments with what happened to you. We all read the Medical Website but theres nothing like real information.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_178075

Latest Information NHS on Swine Flu http://www.nhs.uk/AlertsEmergencies/Pages/Pandemicflualert.aspx

The Symptons...
It is important that as swine flu spreads, you know the symptoms of the disease so you can recognise it in yourself and others at an early stage.

Please read this page and consider your symptoms carefully before using the National Pandemic Flu Service mentioned below.

So far, most swine flu cases have been mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu. Only a small number of people have had more serious symptoms.

If you or a member of your family has a fever or high temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms, you may have swine flu:

unusual tiredness,
headache,
runny nose,
sore throat,
shortness of breath or cough,
loss of appetite,
aching muscles,
diarrhoea or vomiting.

How Long to walk from Marbella Port to Puente Romano

I had to take my car to Ford this morning at the end of Marbella. Ive had a bee in my bonnet all week of walking /running all the way home.

As always nothing goes to plan, Ive been under the weather and today my daughter too. But lat minute I went whislt my husband finally used the excercise bike sitting in our basement.

By the time I got out of the garage it was 915am. I had a bit of trouble to start with as they are laying pavements all down that end to continue the Paseo.

But once I got going I ran, walked, ran, walked, jogged and couldnt beleive how quickly I actually got the the Cinema at Plaza Del Mar. Its the next bit that always seems so long.

I had to try and get back for 9.45, Id left the garage at 9.15am and its 5kms or just over to my house!!! Im mental I know, I have absolutely no idea about distance and time! 5km in half an hour lol!!!

But I did get to the front of Puente Romano Hotel at 9.50am....not bad considering Ive not been feeling too good. And if I wasnt that ill, I surely will be now, but it felt great to do it and was back home in Nagueles at just gone 10am.

Who needs buses?

Nochevieja Benahavis - Nochevieja en Marbella

Hi Jo suscrito a su magnitud y su fábrica.
Tenemos un apartamento en Los Arqueros, Ben Havis, no sabe por casualidad si hay algo que pasa en esa zona.

Gracias

S

Hola S,

Fin de Año nos encontramos con un poco extraño aquí. Hemos estado aquí 7 años y nunca hemos salido de fin de año y la mayoría de los lugares que pensamos recoger los precios del cielo.

Es evidente que casi todos los restaurantes tendrán un menú especial y soy seguro que habrá algo en Benahavis. Sigo oyendo acerca de un restaurante llamado La Cocina donde un ex jefe de Gorden Ramsey obras.

Poneré publicar tu pregunta para ver si alguien sabe de otra cosa alrededor de su área. Si usted encuentra algo usted mismo, me deja saber. Esperamos que disfrute de la lectura Considera
Joanne

Gran Fraud Tarjetas de Crédito En Marbella, España

Acaba de llegar a través de este artículo de la BBC News que ha habido un gran fraude con tarjetas de crédito en España.

Se no me sorprende en absoluto como lo conocemos a tantas personas que han tenido problemas aquí, sobre todo en gasolineras.

BBC News el artículoLos informes están siendo investigados de una gran estafa de tarjetas de crédito en España.Cualquier persona que utiliza una tarjeta de crédito Visa o Mastercard, cuando en España puede haber tenido sus datos de tarjeta de peligro.

En Alemania, unas 100.000 cartas se informa que se están retirando. Clientes del Reino Unido será contactado directamente si se cree estar en riesgo. Seguir leyendo El

New Years Eve in Benahavis Marbella

Hi Jo Just subscribed to your mag and its fab. We have an apartment in Los Arqueros, Ben Havis, do you happen to know if there is anything going on in that area for new Years Eve.Many Thanks

S

Hi S,
New Years Eve we find a little strange here. We have been here 7 Years now and have never gone out New Years Eve and most places we think pick prices out of the sky. Obviously nearly all restaurants will have a special menu and Im sure there will be something in Benahavis. I keep hearing about a restaurant called La Cocina where an ex chef of Gorden Ramsey works. I willl post your question up to see if anyone else knows about something else around your area. If you find something yourself, do let me know. Hope you enjoy reading Regards Joanne

Credit Card Scam Marbella - Credit Card Scam Spain

Just come across this article from the BBC Newsthat there has been a major credit card scam here in Spain. It doesnt surprise me at all as we know so many people that have had problems here, especially from Petrol Stations.

BBC News Article

Reports are being investigated of a major credit card scam in Spain.
Anyone who used a Visa or Mastercard credit card when in Spain may have had their card data compromised.

In Germany, as many as 100,000 cards are reportedly being recalled. UK customers will be contacted directly if they are thought to be at risk. Continue to Read On

Marks & Spencer Parque Commercial La Cañada Marbella Abra Hoy!

Así que la larga espera ha terminado y Marks & Spencer La Cañada en Marbella se inauguró hoy.

Llegué sobre las 10.15am y hubo una pequeña reunión exterior. 1, el público en general y luego un montón de "VIP" enfrente de Marks & Spencer como el alcalde de Marbella, un montón de prensa, fotógrafos y otras personas importantes. Lotes de aplausos, anuncios, palmas y un idiota que gritó "¿Podemos entrar ahora, ¿Está usted abierto" honestamente que era una vergüenza de ser británico.

Todos los VIPS entró y una señora vino a público en general a decir No deberíamos tener que esperar mucho más tiempo. Una vez allí, el alcalde ha tenido una mirada alrededor y la izquierda, todos podemos ir pulg

E Im seguro de que todos la verán como una sorpresa .... Corrían bastante unos minutos tarde porque el alcalde era tarde! Sorpresa Sorpresa. Sinceramente, si la reina puede llegar a tiempo el alcalde de Marbella puede ser OnTime!

Así que entrar en Marks & Spencer, todo el personal eran hermosas, bilingüe, couldnt realmente saber quién se Inglés y que era español. Womens clothes a la entrada. Algunos Géneros de punto muy bueno de 15 € uros al alza. Una costilla delgado, con botones era de unos 25 € uros. The Cardigans / Jumper Vestidos 40 - 50 € uros

Buena selección de Per Una, Limited, Indigo y su rango normal también. Pequeña sección de ropa interior. Sección para niños era muy pequeño y me sentía caro. Un par de pijamas creo que eran 25 o 29 € uros!

También tiene una sección pequeña casa con marcos de fotos, lanza, cojines y edredones. Parecía ser bastante una selección de los hombres y luego también regalos y gadgets - estos creo que son mucho más.

El que lo principal que todo el mundo ha querido saber sobre .... la comida.

La comida es a la derecha en la espalda. Tienen galletas, dulces, vino, mermeladas, salsas para pastas, jarabes, té, café, pasteles como Pastel de Navidad y Pudding y ..... Comidas congeladas! mmmm Im no demasiado seguro de por qué soy emocionado como nunca he comprado estos en el Reino Unido, pero tienen las comidas individuales, curry, gambas, pato envuelve, pastel de carne, pastores de pastel. Los precios aún no ha parecen tan malos para la comida .... 1,10 € a 2,50 € para un paquete de galletas, 3,50 a 7,50 € para algunas de las comidas.

Para darle una idea de los precios, un par de polainas he pagado 13,95 € en el Reino Unido son 9,99 libras. Las botas Ugg son 21 € en el Reino Unido de 15 libras. Así, dependiendo de cuánto usted compra, lo que realmente sería más barato comprar en línea y obtener lo envía a través de 10 libras o 5 libras en el momento.
6ft Nórdica es 69 libras en el Reino Unido Sitio web 79 € uros aquí.

Mis pensamientos .... Creo que es grande, se ve grande, hermosa de tener una marca conocida aquí en Marbella. Tienen que ver los precios que nosotros los británicos saben que entregar para 10 libras y en función del tipo de cambio y cuánto comprar podría ser mucho más barato hacer un pedido a Internet. Pero entonces, si la gente va a probar y, a continuación en orden de internet - aún así su dinero y su propia marca! No se como tratar de decir algo en Levis, en La Cañada y luego se ordena su Sitio Web de John Lewis.

Así que te fuiste? ¿Qué usted piensa de Marks & Spencer? Deja tus comentarios

Marks & Spencers Marbella Opened Today - My Review of M&S La Cañada

WARNING: Do not copy this content. If you do wish to use some then email me jomarbella@gmail.com beforehand.

So the long wait is over and Marks & Spencers La Cañada Marbella opened today.

I got there about 10.15am and there was a small gathering outside. 1 the general public and then lots of "VIP" infront of Marks & Spencers including the Mayor of Marbella, lots of press, photographers and other important people. Lots of clapping, announcements, clapping and then some idiot that shouted out "SO CAN WE COME IN NOW, ARE YOU OPEN" honestly it was an embarrasment to be British.

All the VIPS went in and a lady came round to the general public to say we shouldnt have to wait much longer. Once there Mayor has had a look around and left, we can all go in.

And Im sure you will all find this a surprise....They were running quite a few minutes late because The Mayor was Late!!! Surprise Surprise. Honestly, if the Queen can be on time the Mayor of Marbella can be ontime!

So entering Marks & Spencers, all the staff were lovely, bilingual, couldnt actually tell who was English and who was Spanish. Womens clothes on entering. Some really nice Knitwear from 15€uros upwards. A skinny rib with buttons was about 25€uros. Cardigans / Jumper Dresses 40 - 50€uros

Nice selection of Per Una, Limited, Indigo and their normal range too. Small section of underwear. Kids section was very small and I felt expensive. A pair of pyjamas I think were 25 or 29€uros!

They also had a small Home Section with photo frames, throws, cushions & duvets. Seemed to be quite a selection for men and then also gifts & gadgets - these I think are quite alot more.

The the main thing that everyone has wanted to know about....THE FOOD.

The food is right at the back. They have biscuits, sweets, wine, jams, pasta sauces, syrups, tea, coffee, cakes including Christmas Cake & Pudding and.....FROZEN MEALS!!! mmmm Im not too sure why Im excited as I never bought these in the UK but they have single meals, curries, prawns, duck wraps, steak pie, shepherds pie. Prices didnt seem that bad for the food....1.10€ to 2.50€ for a packet of biscuits, 3.50 to 7.50€ for some of the meals.

To give you an idea of prices, a pair of leggings I paid 13.95€ in UK they are 9.99pounds. The Ugg Boots are 21€ in UK 15 pounds. So depending on how much you buy, it really would be cheaper to buy online and get it sent over for 10 pounds or even 5 pounds at the moment.
6ft Duvet is 69pounds on UK Website 79€uros here.

Like all openings there were problems and todays problems was that their tills werent working right so could only pay cash, but this has to be expected on every opening.

My thoughts....I think its great, looks great, lovely to have such a familiar brand here in Marbella. They have to watch their prices as us brits know they deliver for 10 pounds and depending on the exchange rate and how much you buy it could be alot cheaper ordering from internet. But then if people go in try it on and then order from internet - well its still money and their own brand! Not like trying something on from say Levis in La Canada and then ordering it from John Lewis Website.

So did you go? What did you think of Marks & Spencers? Leave your comments


Just found my food receipt...
Honey Roast Cashew Nus 2.75€
Cheese Twist Box 1.95€
Cranberry & Orange Cookies 2.95€
Edamame Beans 1.75€
Fruity Flapjack Cookies 2.75
Creamed Rice Pudding 1.25€
Strawberry Jam 2.95

Pet Insurance in Marbella

Does anyone have pet insurance in Marbella.

We are thinking of getting it but as we have never had a pet before we are not really sure of what to look out for.

So if anyone does have any thoughts, advice and questions that we should ask the insurer please do email me jomarbella@gmail.com

Private Health Insurance in Marbella Spain

Private Health Insurance is big here. We have always had it and we must remember that really insurance is for when something goes really wrong.

For the amount of times we have used our health cover - we have spent far far too much. But we have been lazy and never got round to changing.

But thats going to change this year. At the moment we are with Asisa - National Nederland who have changed name or joined with Estrellas Seguros. Asisa in fairness have nearly always paid up when needed to as we can see which ever doctor we want and claim back 90%.

But, if you get a good insurance company which all hospitals / clinics want to deal with then you wouldnt need to see anyone else.

I cant start a new policy until January 1st. At the moment I pay 157€ per month for 2 of us. I have found quotes as low as 80€ and 104€ per month for 2 of us so thats a huge saving over the year.

Already saving money on our mobile bills too.

It takes time and its not easy trying to save money but once its done its done and will be worth it. Mobiles, Health Insurances, Electric, Gas, Telephone - its worth looking at other companies and options.

Colegios Privados Marbella - El Mejor en Marbella?

Escuelas Escuelas Escuelas - ¿Sabes lo que me vuelva loca?.

Pensé que cuando hicimos nuestra decisión de que sería - pero de vez en cuando surge algo y me pongo a pensar en las escuelas de nuevo.

La mayoría de los problemas a aparecer dentro de una falta de comunicación. La comunicación es todo y si la comunicación era mejor - es decir, más clara y precisa de la información, entonces la gente sabe más información, más informados están sobre las cosas, lo que significa que deben ser las preguntas menos y menos confusión.

En el pasado he dicho que Chicas en la oficina de la escuela puede ser difícil (a veces son y están en todo el mundo en todas las escuelas), pero en realidad no son más que les diga qué hacer de su jefe - que deduzco es el jefe de la escuela.

Así que para muchos de mis amigos que tienen hijos en la escuela pública y creo que tienen problemas con no saber cosas - confiar en mí theres no hay mucha diferencia en escuelas privadas (o algunas de ellas).

La seguridad de mi hija va a la escuela es mi principal prioridad, no tan bien shes leer o escribir y, a veces yo no siento que las personas comprender los sentimientos que los padres atraviesan, sobre todo cuando muchos docentes y directoras dont tienen hijos.

Sólo hace 3 meses pensaba que la gente que trata a sus perros como los niños estaban locos - pero después de 3 meses, tengo mi propio perrito y absolutamente lo quiere y si algo le pasaba sería perturbada. Yo no sentir esto antes de que yo tenía un perro y lo mismo se aplica a un niño - hasta que tenga un hijo sí mismo no creo que pueda comprender plenamente los padres sentimientos.

Las escuelas privadas son empresas y, en ocasiones tiene profesores tratando de manejar el negocio y los negocios que la gente piense que son maestros.

Los empresarios deben apegarse al lado de los negocios y los profesores deben apegarse a la enseñanza.

De todos modos, lo tengo de mi pecho!

Private Schools In Spain - Are they the Best Schools?

Schools Schools Schools - do you know what they drive me mad. I thought when we made our decision that would be it - but every so often something crops up and I start thinking about schools again.

Most problems occure from a lack of Communication. Communication is everything and if communication was better - i.e clearer and more precise information, then the more information people know, the more informed they are about things, meaning there should be less questions and less confusion.

In the past I have said that the School Office Staff can be awkward (they are sometimes and they are all over the world in every school) but actually they are only told what to do from their boss - who I gather is head of school.

So for many of my friends who have kids in Public School and think you have problems with not knowing stuff - trust me theres not much difference in Private Schools (or some of them).

The safety of my daughter going to school is my main priority, not how well shes reading or writing and sometimes I dont feel that people fully understand the feelings that parents go through, especially when many teachers & headmistresses dont have children themselves.

Only 3 months ago I thought people that treated their dogs like kids were mad - but 3 months later, I have my own little dog and absolutely love him and if anything happened to him I would be distraught. I didnt feel this before I had a dog and the same applies to a child - until you have a child yourself I dont beleive you can fully understand parents feelings.

Private Schools are Businesses and sometimes you have teachers trying to run the business and business people thinking they are teachers.

Business people should stick to the business side and teachers should stick to teaching.

Anyway, got that off my chest!

Ofertas Ahora en Hypercor

Hay son algunos de fantásticas ofertas en este momento en Hypercor.

2 por 1 en Nórdicos, los paquetes de sábanas y mantas .... valor realmente bueno.

2 por 1 en algunas botellas de vino tinto

3 por 2 en comida para mascotas.

Acabo de comprar mi perrito trata a sus favoritos. 3 para 2. 9 paquetes sólo me costó 6 €. En la tienda en La Cañada en el garaje que habría sido casi 20 € uros. Hypercor 1,05 € La Cañada 2,10 €!

Cumpliaños en Marbella - El Mejor Sitio

Mi hija salió de la escuela hoy en día muy feliz y contento de que ella va a uno de sus fiestas de cumpleaños los amigos de la escuela y fue en ....

Kids Kingdom

Kids Encanta Kidz Kingdom, y entiendo perfectamente por qué. Los chicos que lo poseen lo han hecho muy bien y lo ha hecho correctamente. Mi hija pasó una hora esta noche diciendo ... ¿puedo tener mi partido en Kids España, ¿Puedo tener mi partido allí!

Entran, el juego de unos 45 minutos y luego pasar a la sala de fiesta para todo su alimento. Esta noche fue Nuggets de pollo con patatas fritas. Luego apagó las luces y los niños tenían un disco pequeño con luces y música, los niños se fueron mental y sólo había divertido tanto, fue brillante.

Entonces su tiempo torta y salir a jugar de nuevo.

Mi fe es restaurada

Ayer por la mañana un amigo / compañero de trabajo se dirigía al trabajo. En el camino de su cartera debe haber caído de su bolso. De dinero, tarjetas de todo lo que se puede esperar en una bolsa de las niñas.

Ayer por la tarde llamó a la comisaría de policía de Estepona, para ver si había sido entregado, pero no la alegría.

Sin embargo, a día de hoy que recibió una llamada del guardia de seguridad en la urbanización diciendo que la policía acababa entregó pulg

¡Qué maravilloso es pensar que alguien lo recogió y se la entregó a la policía ... a pesar de que hizo lo mismo ...

El año pasado, estacionado en Ikea en Málaga y se encontró una gruesa cartera llena de dinero, tarjetas, etc Hicimos nuestro mejor esfuerzo para findout de quién era e incluso ha pedido unos cuantos números en llegar allí, pero aún no ha ninguna alegría.

Nos la entregó en el personal de Ikea.

2 semanas más tarde en nuestro viaje a Australia. Llegamos a Londres una noche y se fue de los padres en mi taxi dejando una maleta con la computadora portátil, pasaportes, documentos - todo en el camino .... 3 horas más tarde nos dimos cuenta de que faltaba y thankgoodness un guardia de seguridad encontrados y que habían en el aeropuerto.

Dicimos en Ingles What Goes Around Comes Around (que va alrededor ven alrededor) y estoy totalmente de creer en buen Karma???

Jimmy Choo Zapatos H&M La Cañada

Soy seguro de que sus niñas de mañana que se pueden obtener en sus manos, probablemente, el más asequible de Jimmy Choo zapatos siempre.

Jimmy Choo es el diseño de zapatos para H & M Hennes y mañana se pueden comprar. Creo que he visto por alrededor de 99 € uros en la ventana.

Soy muy tentado .... me voy? si or no?

Jimmy Choo Shoes Hennes La Cañada Marbella

Im pretty sure its tommorrow girls that you can get your hands on probably the most affordable Jimmy Choo Shoes ever.

Jimmy Choo is designing shoes for Hennes H&M and tommorow you can buy them. I think I saw them for around 99€uros in the window.

Im very tempted....should I stay or should I go???

My Faith is Restored!!!

Yesterday morning a friend / work collegue was walking to work. On the way her purse must have fallen out of her bag. Money, Cards everything you would expect in a girls purse.

Yesterday afternoon she called the police Station in estepona to see if it had been handed in but no joy.

However today she received a call from the security guard in her urbanisation saying the police had just handed it in.

How wonderful to think that someone picked it up and handed it into the police...although we did the same...

Last year we parked up at Ikea in Malaga and found a thick wallet full of money, cards, etc. We did our best to findout whose it was and even called a few numbers in there but didnt get any joy.

We handed it into the staff at Ikea.

2 weeks later on our journey to Australia. We arrived at London late one night and drove of in my dads taxi leaving a suitcase with laptop, passports, paperwork - everything in the road....3 hours later we realised it was missing and thankgoodness a security guard found it and they had it in the airport.

What goes around comes around and I completely beleive in Good Karma

The Best Place for a Kids Party in Marbella

My daughter came out of school today so happy and excited that she was going to one of her school friends birthday parties and it was at....

Kidz Kingdom.

Kids just love Kidz Kingdom and I completely understand why. The guys that own it have done really well and done it properly. My daughter spent an hour tonight saying...can I have my party at Kids Kingdom, Can I have my party there!

They go in, play for about 45 minutes and then go through to the party room for all their food. Tonight it was Chicken Nuggets and Chips. Then they turned the lights off and the kids had a little disco with flashing lights and music, the kids went mental and just had so much fun, it was brilliant.

Then its cake time and out to play again. Gettting them out is pretty difficult and expect some tears!

More information about Kidz Kingdom

Nueva Andalucia Newsletter Response

Hi Jo, Loved your comments especially about the EHIC cards and Insurance. We spend 6 weeks at a time down in Banus and being retired are always a little worried about the "what if's". Actually I am happy that the Hospitals charge, just wish they would do so in England, as every foreign national gets treated here for free, no wonder our NHS is in such a state. Glad to know there is a language school in Nueva Andalucia as I have been trying to learn Spanish and have decided to get a tutor, but this looks like a good option, many thanks. Keep your articles rolling, they provide a much needed service. Regards, Mo

Frutas & Verduras Online y Domicilio A Tu Casa Marbella

Pasé una pequeña tienda nueva llamada La Huerta de María.

Se vende fantastico frutas y verduras y tienen una tienda virtual en línea y entregar GRATIS.

Me Encanta este, absolutamente encanta y no puedo esperar para la próxima semana para pedir algunos comestibles. Me encanta la gente que vaya para él!gente encantadora demasiado, el español y el hombre habla un poco de Inglés.

Sin embargo, el sitio está en Inglés y Español y muy, muy fácil de usar.

www.lahuertademaria.com o www.frutaexpress.com

El Mismo Calle de CEIP Nueva Andalucia en frente Mapfre y Cocos.

Virtual Fruit & Veg Store La Campana Nueva Andalucia

I was on my way to see some friends that have just opened a Bar in La Campana.

I passed a new little shop called La Huerta de Maria.

Sells lovely fruit and veg and they have an online virtual store and deliver for FREE.

I LOVE this, absolutely love it and CANT WAIT for next week to ORDER some groceries. I love people that go for it!

lovely people too, Spanish and the guy speaks a little English. But the website is in English and Spanish and very very easy to use.

http://www.lahuertademaria.com/ or http://www.frutaexpress.com/

The shop is in La Campana at the begining of the road where the CEIP Nueva Andalucia School is.

If you go in mention you saw it on this website.

Great Hypercor Offers

There are some Fantastic offers on at the moment in Hypercor.

2 for 1 on Duvets, packets of sheets and blankets....really good value.

2 for 1 on some bottles of red wine

3 for 2 on pet food.

I just bought my little dog his favourite treats. 3 for 2 9 packets just cost me 6€. In the shop in La Canada in the garage that would have been nearly 20€uros. Hypercor 1.05€ La Canada 2.10€!!!

Friday 13th in Spain

Ahh its Friday 13th. I need to drive to Fuengirola and have a kids birthday party later and another party / bar opening after that - all with a migraine!!!

I am rather supersticious as apparently when I was a baby a gust of wind took me in my pram out of my mothers hands right into the road where I nearly died...and was told this story every Friday 13th - hence I get a little nervous around this day.

Wish me luck!