Vanilla Mist

Online Magazine

Anthony

How to Have Successful Holiday Emails

A lot of business owners know that the holiday season is very hectic. This is the time of the year when people are also looking for gifts that they are going to give to their loved ones. Giving timely emails can be effective to make people notice your company and what you can offer.

The issue that you may have is that people will be subscribed to a lot of other companies. How sure are you that your email will stand out. There are different email examples that you can find wherein you can become inspired to create a holiday email of your own.

You should know some tips now on how you can create successful holiday emails that will be clicked on by your subscribers:

  • You can create emails that are segmented to two different types of shoppers. There are some shoppers who would like to purchase ahead of time. There are also some who love last minute shopping. You can create emails for both so that you can target these two types of shoppers effectively.
  • Perfect the marketing message that will help people know what you are talking about. It can be hard to begin any email especially when you are promoting something. You cannot create an email without making a plan. You need to be sure about the following things:
    • The subject line
    • The length of the email that you are going to send. Make sure that the email is not too long or you will bore your subscribers.
    • Decide on the other forms of media that you will add to the email. You can place some images or videos. The colors and the font that you will use will matter a lot as well.
  • Know when you are going to send your email. You need to get started in creating your emails right now and make sure that you will schedule when the emails will be sent to your subscribers.

If you would follow the above-mentioned tips, you will have the ability to create successful holiday emails that will make a lot of your subscribers take interest. This can be good for your business too.

 

Recycling in the Age of Global Warming

 

For centuries we used natural resources to make into goods and products that made our lives easier: cars, paper, plastic and so much more. For so many years we benefited from these inventions, but we did not think about what they would do to the environment. As we depleted our natural resources, global warming developed. It is the change in global temperature brought about by pollution – noise, air, water and land pollution that man created. In the past decades, there were initiatives to reverse the effects of global warming by organisations and governments around the world.

Recycling

Recycling was one of the initiatives started decades ago. People began to segregate garbage – biodegradables, non-biodegradables and recyclables – solid waste that could still be useful and made into other things that people could enjoy for more years to come. Many countries made recycling the law to oblige their citizens to do their share in helping reverse the effects of global warming brought about by pollution.

How recycling helps the environment

When you recycle, it means that you are not using raw material sourced from a natural resource. It means that you no longer have to exhaust natural resources to make another product. All you need is available from recycling and scrap yards near you.

Metal scraps

Metal scraps from products such as refrigerators, washing machines and cars are just one of the recyclable materials that we can make into other useful things, such as benches, trash cans and the like. If you have an old car that you can no longer sell, you can let companies recycle and process your metal waste. You can go to sites like JandSMetals.com to learn more about how you can help reduce your waste.

Can we still reverse global warming?

There are worldwide efforts to save the environment from destruction. The global temperature increase is alarming, and each one of us has the responsibility to contribute to the reduction of pollution that can cause rising temperatures all over the world. You may think that taking your old car to the junkyard for recycling may not mean much, but it will actually have a significant impact later on. Besides recycling, we can do more to save the planet: plant more trees, volunteer in ocean clean-up drives, carpool to save on gas and reduce gas emissions into the atmosphere. The list is endless. We must do as much as we can.

It is never too late to start doing our part in helping save the environment; recycling is just one way. We can also reduce our use of plastics in our everyday lives. There are so many ways if you learn about reducing your carbon footprint. The future generations will thank you for doing your little bit toward saving the earth for their benefit in the coming decades. Saving the planet starts at home. The little things you do to recycle – segregating trash, recycling plastics, metals and paper will have a huge impact in the grand scheme of things.

Designers That Strive For Genderless Fashion

Why can women wear dresses and men cannot? Why are there sweatshirts for men and others for women when they are exactly the same? Why can’t we choose our clothes based on what suits us best and on what we really like without having to make a statement regarding our sexuality?

Blue is not for boys and dolls are not for girls. Society is slowly leaving behind these kind of stereotypes and fashion has been one of the first sectors to join the movement. Neutral gender, unisex fashion, genderless… a lot of words can define this concept where the most important idea is to abandon labels such as “masculine” and “feminine”.

Nowadays, genderless fashion is accepted and is even trendy, but there was a time when wearing “girl’s clothes” when being a boy and vice versa, was truly revolutionary and even mischievous and risky. One of the most famous figures who dared travel down that road are people like Coco Chanel who introduced the wear of pants by women in the 20’s or even rock stars like David Bowie and Mick Jagger in the 70´s.

Like Coco Chanel, other world-renowned designers operated daring changes within the sector. It is the case of Jean Paul Gaultier who normalized the use of skirts and corsets in his men´s collections or of Yves Saint-Laurent with his tuxedos and military clothes like the gabardine and the Saharan jacket for women. As for Rudi Gernreich, not only he refuted the concept of gender in fashion but he also fought for gender inequalities and the acceptance of nudity in his creations.

Today, the genderless tendency is more popular than ever. In 2015, Selfridges, the famous department store of London, dedicated three of his floors to genderless fashion as part of a campaign called “Agender”. Low-cost brands also joined that trend: In 2016, Zara launched the collection “Ungendered” and in 2017, H&M created the line “Denim United” with unisex clothes where the only label was the price one.

Although Menswear and womenswear collections still dominate the runways of the fashion weeks everywhere in the world, some contemporary designers are introducing changes in the sector: collections 100% unisex, men walking for womenswear, proposals that break all stereotypes and gender barriers. We have prepared for you a selection of one of the most daring designers who have strived for that tendency for the last few years.

1. Rick Owens

The style of the Californian designer Rick Owens, is characterized by a black line with gothic elements that combine esthetical references to grunge. Almost all of his clothes are free of any classic label related to gender and can adapt to both men and women’s wardrobes.

2. J.W Aderson

As the Art Director of Loewe but mostly through his own line, J.W. Anderson, the young designer from London, the child prodigy of the British fashion, makes sure to abolish differences between men and women when designing. His masculine collections incorporate shades and feminine silhouettes and most of them include references to the androgynous aesthetic.

3. Pedro Lourenço

After 3 years of absence, the Brazilian designer that was previously the Art Director of La Perla, has launched his new label, Zilver, during the London Fashion Week of this year. He gave us a collection of genderless clothes that are also sustainable and respectful of the environment and the economy.

4. Gareth Pugh

The collections of Pugh stand out as much for there spectacular aspect as for their staging. The clothes are designed for men and women without any consideration of the conventions and of the politically correct.

5. David Delfin

One of the last campaigns of the Spanish designer before he passes away, highlighted the inequalities and the injustice that suffer women from men all around the globe. Under the motto “Fashion to be free”, Delfin brings forward a genderless collection that dresses women with clothes associated to a masculine wardrobe.

6. Yohji Yamamoto

Through his collaboration with adidas Y-3 and his own brand, the Japanese designer aims to create unique garments that adapt to both men and women bodies.

7. Rei Kawakubo

The Japanese designer, founder and Art Director of Comme des Garçons, ignores any concern about gender when designing her clothes. Her collections are focused on a conceptual aesthetic and carry messages where the question of sexuality is secondary.

Christmas Shopping in Edinburgh: A Festive Guide

A guide to the best Christmas shopping in Edinburgh on your CLC World holiday. From dedicated stores to festive displays, the city is magical in winter.

Get into the festive spirit this season with a day trip to magical Edinburgh from CLC Duchally Country Estate

Edinburgh is a magical place to visit at any time of the year, but there’s something particularly special about a Scottish holiday over Christmas. The beautiful architecture, quaint cobbled streets and scenic surroundings make this much-loved city an idyllic backdrop for Christmas lights, magical markets, music and more – read our short guide to Christmas shopping in Edinburgh to find out what not to miss if you’re planning a cosy holiday to CLC Duchally Country Estate for the festive season.

The Best Christmas Shops

No visit to Edinburgh during Christmas would be complete without a visit to the famous Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe on Canongate in the centre of town. This cheerful grotto is – you guessed it – a yuletide sanctuary all year round! Selling everything from traditional hand-crafted decorations to historical gifts, exquisite miniatures and ceramics, it’s perfect for stocking up on Christmas adornments for your home.

If one dedicated Christmas shop in Edinburgh wasn’t enough, you’ll be very excited to hear there is also The Nutcracker Christmas Shop selling all the festive accessories you could wish for. This Edinburgh address is actually run by the same family that have two Christmas stores in the village of Crieff, a mere ten miles from CLC World’s Duchally Country Estate.

Festive Christmas Markets

Without a doubt, the best way to fully immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit in Edinburgh is to head down to one of the bustling Christmas markets and warm up your hands with a festive mug of mulled wine. The most popular market is held in East Princes Street Gardens and is a treasure trove of hand-made goods, crafts, unique artisan gifts and delicious food and drink. When it comes to shopping for family and friends, this picturesque market is the perfect place, since there’s something to cater for every taste and interest – along with plenty of refreshments to keep your energy up as you shop.

A Little Post-Shopping Adventure

What could put you in the festive mood more than taking a spin on an ice-rink in one of the UK’s most beautiful cities? Glide along to festive favourites at the ice rink on St Andrew Square, surrounded by the bright Christmas lights to help you unwind after a long day of retail therapy..

A Very Famous Tree

The Jenners Christmas tree is truly the stuff of legend. Every year, the department store raises its magnificent tree bedecked with lights and tinsel in its central foyer, which is several stories tall and can be viewed from each level of the store. Grand and glorious, this is a much-loved local tradition and is very much worth a visit during your Edinburgh shopping excursion from CLC Duchally Country Estate.

The Best Boutiques

One of the many lovely things about Edinburgh in the Christmas season is that every store gets involved in making the city feel as festive and atmospheric as can be – from the very largest department stores to the smallest independent boutiques, everywhere lights up, decorated like a winter wonderland. Adventure down whichever charming cobbled streets take your fancy to be rewarded with the best independent shops for special, one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones.

Christmas Shopping in Edinburgh: Where to Stay

Edinburgh is an easy day trip from CLC Duchally Country Estate, which is located 54 miles away in the heart of the Perthshire countryside. The perfect tonic to a Christmas shopping in Edinburgh excursion, you’ll unwind and relax in the lead-up to the festive season in romantic surroundings. Mornings are spent relaxing in the resort’s leisure centre before cosy afternoons pass sipping whisky around an open fire and wrapped up warm to stroll through the resort’s 27 acres of parkland. A choice of both elegant rooms and self-contained lodges make Duchally Country Estate the ultimate destination to soak up the magic of the festive season in Scotland.

How to Manage Your Money Better Every Month (Family Version)

Who actually enjoys budgeting money? Okay, someone out there somewhere does enjoy it. If you have a family and need to budget your money better, you need these tips in your life. There has to be at least one person in the family that manages the money and they can always do better. No one should take this as an insult, but we can all do better! Here’s how to manager your money better every month.

(1) Don’t spend more than you make

This is pretty common knowledge, but so many people don’t follow this basic principle. Don’t spend more than you make! Try your hardest to only spend what you make. This can be hard, but it’s not impossible. One of the simplest principles for budgeting is to NOT spend more than you make!

(2) Pay attention to what you’re spending

How many of you go buy whatever you want and don’t pay attention to what you buy? Save your receipts for a week and you’ll be amazed at how much money you didn’t even realize you were spending! This is a true wakeup call to those of you who spend money without tracking it. It will also light a fire under you and make you want to manage your money better every month.

(3) Write down when your bills are due

The average person misses out on hard earned money because they paid their bill late. One way to combat this issue is to go buy a calendar that’s made of paper. Put this paper calendar on your wall and then write down all of your bill’s due dates! This may seem like a monotonous task, but it will help keep you on task with paying your bills on time, so you can AVOID those late fees and keep more money in your bank. Not to mention, you don’t want to be left scrambling while trying to figure out how remove collections from your account.

(4) Now is the time to set up that budget

Let’s be honest, money is hard and sometimes you don’t want to deal with it, so don’t. A budget can help put your money to work for you. Every time you get paid, you put money where it needs to go. This may take some serious discipline, but it’s worth it. It works well if you get paid every week. This allows you to split your bill into fours.

  • If your house payment is $600, every time you get paid, you will put $150 away until the bill is due.
  • If your car payment is $240 a month, you will put $60 away every week until the bill is due.
  • If your utilities are $300 a month, you will put $75 back each week until the bill is due.

Pretty simple and doesn’t require a lot of thought. It does, however, require actually following through with your budget.

Another part of budgeting is only spending your budgeted amount on items. Here are a few examples:

  • $100 for groceries, you can’t spend more than that, no matter how tempting it may be.
  • Put away money for gas and only use that amount
  • Budget for “fun” and don’t spend more than that

Half the trouble of budgeting is making sure you don’t spend above what you budgeted for. After a little time has passed, you will be way better at budgeting than you are right now.

(5) Have budget meetings every month

It’s really hard, as a family, to be the only one who cares about the budget. If you’re married or have a partner, you need to consider them a part of the budget planning to. You need to have a budget meeting once a month. Talk about what you the budget will be in every category! The more you can talk and communicate about the month that’s being spent, the better off your money will be.

Just know what you can always do better next month. Maybe you went over on your eat out budget or you couldn’t agree on a eat out budget for this month, it will always get better. The more practice you have with budgeting and managing money, the better you will get.

(6) Use cash when possible

It’s hard to manage your money when you don’t know what you’re spending. You can manage your money better every month by using cash. If you take out a certain amount to spend and only use cash, you can’t spend more than that.

Credit cards and debit cards give us a false realization about how money can be spent. Stop and think about using cash only and see how big of a handle you can get on your finances.

Managing your money better every month starts with being proactive! Pay bills ahead of time, so they’re not late. Use cash, instead of credit, so you don’t overspend.

Preparing for Your First Trip to South Africa

South Africa is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent. Located towards the southernmost part of Africa, this country is home to ethnic diversity and is rich in culture and tradition. If you are yet to visit Africa, you want to head to South Africa first. It is a rich, safe and wonderful country that tourists love visiting. On your first trip, here are some tips you need to remember.

Find the right places to visit

It helps if you research where you are going, and which areas are worth your time. From museums to shopping malls, South Africa can make your days interesting. Make sure though that you only visit places that are safe. Avoid places that are too crowded or if you can hear angry demonstration mobs coming. You also don’t want to wander around aimlessly and stick to the places on your list.

Avoid being flashy

Like any other country, you want to act like you are one of the locals. Avoid getting too much attention. You don’t want to be too flashy by using several pieces of jewellery when you are only heading to a local market. You also don’t want to show how much money you have when paying for items you buy in a store.

Determine how you can have internet access

The good thing is that in various parts of the country, the internet signal is good. Therefore, you won’t worry about internet coverage. You can buy a sim as soon as you arrive at the airport to have a mobile internet connection. You can also find hotels with Wi-Fi access.

Rent a car

To avoid using crowded public transport, you can rent a private vehicle. Car rental for daily use is quite cheap in South Africa. You can also hire one with a driver so that you can visit the places that are on your list without any problem. If you are driving the car, you need to follow the traffic rules and think of safety all the time. The refuelling stations are not self-service. It is customary to tip the people helping refill the car.

Open yourself to the experience

You can research a lot about the country online, but you will find out that the real South Africa is so much more. Therefore, you need to open yourself up to this experience and ensure that you take home a wonderful experience. You might have stereotypes about the country right now that are quite unfair. When you go there, you will forget all these stereotypes and enjoy every part of the experience. Most of all, you need to appreciate the locals who will try their best to welcome you.

South Africa is not all safari and jungle. It offers a lot more as it is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Take your time to understand the country and go back home feeling satisfied with your experience.

Image: Unsplash.com

Check out more travel tips from the Vanilla Mist Blog.

Málaga: The Enchantment of Southern Spain

Going to Spain and not visiting the city of Malaga would be a huge pain considering that it is the sixth most populous city in the country, and its charm lies in the tourist attractions that have been formed thanks to the centuries of history that have left indelible footprints.

There are several monuments that have been standing for thousands of years and are examples of the passage of civilizations such as the Phoenicians, the Punic, the Roman, the Arabic … The beaches of Malaga are also tourist attractions highly prized by its own people and by foreigners as well.

The incredible historical monuments

The first thing any tourist would likely want to do when after arriving in Malaga is to visit its monuments. Then it is best to rent a vehicle from a company that provides services near the airport such as DELPASO car hire Malaga airport

Thanks to the settlement of millenary civilizations, in Malaga you can enjoy great historical sites that allow you to know the way of life of ancient societies such as the Roman or the Arabic.

Strolling through the historic center of the city of Malaga is a journey through time that evokes the way of life of the last 3000 years while walking down Alcazabilla Street, there is the Palace of Customs with access to the Alcazaba, and to the Roman theater that is observed completely from a balcony viewpoint. The remains of the ancient Phoenician wall can be seen in the basement of the Renaissance palace of the Counts of Buenavista.

The park of Malaga, simply known as the Park, is a botanical garden with an extension of almost one kilometer where you can visit small stays, statues, and plants from the five continents, this park is considered unique in Europe.

Surrounding this botanical park is the Consistorial House, the headquarters of the Bank of Spain, the Casa del Jardín Mayor and the Palacio de la Aduana. There are also two historic gardens nearby: Pedro Luis Alfonso Gardens and Puerta Oscura Gardens.

To visit each historical site of the city of Malaga a long-term stay is needed, after all, there were several civilizations that left footprints in every corner of this city. But the main attraction of this province is not only in the vestiges left by ancient communities but also in the fact that Malaga was the birthplace of the famous painter Pablo Picasso.

Marvelous beaches

Malaga is located to the west of the Mediterranean Sea and in the south of the Iberian Peninsula a few kilometers from the Strait of Gibraltar, which places it in the center of a bay surrounded by mountains and rivers that flow into the Mediterranean.

For those people who going to the beach is the first thing to do when landing feet in any seaside city, but don’t have the slightest idea of how to get there, then the best option is to rent a vehicle with a driver who will be pleased to meet the requests of the visitors. In Malaga airport transfers Driveeyou this type of service is possible.

There you can get the benefit of combining the monumental, museum, cultural, gastronomic heritage in one place with sunbathing or simply strolling on a beach, that is possible only in a city like Málaga.

Thanks to its geographical location, Malaga has 16 beaches where you can enjoy the ardent sun of the Mediterranean and with access to wonderful amenities depending on the one chosen.

La Misericordia, La Malagueta, San Julián, San Andrés, El Palo or Pedregalejo are some of this group of beaches that are part of the coastal area of this province, they have a series of facilities that make them more accessible and safer.

You can choose some more urban and visited, such as La Malagueta, Pedregalejo or San Andrés and other more isolated as Guadalmar, suitable for nudists, you can even choose a charming corner as the Baths of Carmen or Peñón del Cuervo.

Likewise, many restaurants can be easily found during the maritime trips surroudinng the city limits, where authentic places of good traditional Malaga cuisine will be found, such as fried fish and sardine skewers.

The best thing about walking along the beaches of Malaga is that you can do it any time of the year.

Malaga, the birthplace of world-renowned painter Pablo Picasso

That Pablo Picasso was born in this magical city undoubtedly makes it even more interesting and attractive for tourists and art lovers. Picasso’s birthplace is located in the Plaza de la Merced, in the historic center, where you can see an exhibition some objects from the painter’s childhood.

The Picasso Museum Malaga is located in the Renaissance Palace of the Counts of Buenavista, it has 276 works that allow traveling through the eighty years of the creativity of the famous Malaga painter. It also has a yearly schedule of temporary exhibitions. In 2013 this museum had more than 400,000 visitors, of which seventy percent were foreigners. Nowadays it’s the museum with the highest visit count of Andalusia.

Information of interest

Taking into account that this city is one of the most visited in Spain, and mostly by foreigners, it is important to have any good information at your disposal, however insignificant it may seem. The highways in Malaga are of high quality and, as in the whole peninsula, driving is on the right side, the maximum speed on the highway is 120 km/h and in urban areas minimum 25 km/h maximum 50km/h. The minimum age allowed to rent a car is 21 years.

If you plan to rent a car, it is likely that an international license will be requested. The agencies that offer rental services have a fleet of new and well-equipped vehicles. The client can choose the model that best suits their comforts.

In 2013, the public bicycle loan service has been adopted. There is a bus station that serves different locations in the metropolitan area. The vehicles that provide public service are identified in beige color with a green stripe. On the other hand, taxis are colored white with a blue diagonal line and show the Málaga shield on the front doors.

Reasons to Not Fear Medical Testing

You might only go to your doctor to have medical tests if your job requires you to, or you are applying for a visa. You need these tests since you might not get what you want without one. However, it is important to consider getting medical tests even if you are not using the results for any transaction. You might only want to know whether you are healthy or not. Don’t feel complacent that you are feeling okay right now since things could quickly change. Your body might not show any symptoms yet, but you might already have an illness. Getting tests is the only definitive way to know if you have problems.

It is better to know now than later

You need to book a doctors appointment now and go through the tests for early detection. Several people have survived a deadly disease because of early detection. For instance, early detection can help prevent cancer cells from spreading. If there is a need for surgery, you can schedule an operation right away. It is better to know the results now and take the necessary action to save yourself than wait until it is too late.

Results have an interpretation

When you receive the results, you need to listen to what your doctor has to say. Positive or negative test results don’t mean anything unless you understand the underlying explanation. There are also tests that come back in numbers. You will receive a legend that states whether or not you are under the normal bracket. Despite that, you still need to listen to the explanation to know your real health status.

You can sleep well at night

Sometimes, even if your body is doing okay, you end up getting sick because of stress and anxiety. You think of several negative thoughts, including your health. To let go of this issue, you need to get tested. You might be worrying for nothing. The test results will calm you down and let you sleep well. Even if the results are not favourable, it is okay. At least you know what is wrong and you can now focus on how to get well.

You can save up

Some illnesses require thorough medication that results in high expense. You need to know the results now for you to find out how much you need to spend on recovery. You can consult with your health insurance provider to determine how much they will cover for surgery, medicines and other treatments. You can even open a fundraising page if you can’t afford the expenses based on your savings and insurance. Many people around the world die from a disease not because they are in the late stage, but because they can’t afford medication.

Be courageous enough to book an appointment now and hope for the best. Once the results are ready, and you need to change your lifestyle, you need to do it. If the results were not what you were hoping for, you should take it easy and compose yourself, and then enquire about the next steps to take.

Image: Unsplash.com

 

Illnesses Human Growth Hormone Therapy Can Treat

You might not realise it, but hormones play a crucial part in your bodily functions. Without these hormones, you will face different illnesses, as they regulate the glands in the body. Human growth hormone or HGH is one of the most important hormones in the body. It is responsible for making you tall, and in building your bones and muscles. With HGH, human growth and development are possible.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have their bodies produce a generous amount of HGH to maintain these bodily functions. Some people need HGH therapy to inject the hormones into the body and avoid these potential illnesses.

Chronic kidney disease

The kidney is a crucial part of the body. It screens toxins and other waste the body produces. Some kidneys don’t function well because of a lack of HGH. Therefore, this therapy helps in making sure that the kidneys work well and avoid possible chronic disease.

Short bowel syndrome

It happens when the body fails to absorb the necessary nutrients. It may be due to intestinal issues or the removal of a large portion of the intestines due to surgery. With HGH, people suffering from these problems have the hope of living a normal life again.

Anxiety and depression

The production of HGH also has something to do with mental health. The brain controls all the movements of the hormones in the body. Therefore, a lack of HGH may also affect one’s mood and emotions. The therapy helps ensure that people become emotionally stable again.

Love handles

The excess fat on the side of your belly and lower back are also known as ‘love handles’. They are the most annoying fat in the body since it is not easy removing it. Even if you try hard, you can’t get rid of it. The good thing is that with HGH therapy, the body functions well, and it could lead to proper absorption and use of nutrients. Hence, you might soon get rid of that unwanted fat. Of course, you need to couple it with exercise and diet, but it helps to have this therapy available.

Heart disease and stroke

Several issues cause the existence of these problems, which are usually fatal. The therapy might help improve heart and brain functions, which could reduce the risk of suffering from these diseases. Proper blood flow is also another product of HGH therapy.

Reduced ability to think

Your mental functions may also have something to do with the hormones released by your body. When you can’t think well, you might want to consider this therapy to help improve brain functions. It does not magically make you smart, but it can at least improve your thinking processes.

HGH therapy is getting popular these days because it holds potential to cure tons of diseases. You might want to give it a try if you suffer from any of these illnesses. Given how safe it is, and several people can attest to its effectiveness, you need to consider it.

Image: Unsplash.com

For more health tips from the Vanilla Mist Blog, click here.

The Top Reasons Why You Should Live in Sunny Spain

 

Spain has plenty in store for visitors, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular tourist spots on the European continent. If you have ever been to Spain, you will readily agree that it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the Mediterranean, and it boasts sunny, temperate climes almost the whole year round. But what else makes Spain so special, and why should you even consider living there? Whether you’re looking to move to Spain for a job opportunity, are planning to live somewhere else when you retire or are merely looking to change your environment for a few years, Spain will always be an excellent choice. Here are the top reasons why you should live in sunny Spain.

The diet

The Spanish diet is remarkably healthy, with its abundance of olive oil, fresh tomatoes and other vegetables, olives, seafood, and meat. Spanish cuisine is comprised of tapas and paellas and hams that are sure to whet your appetite, but the Spanish people are still some of the healthiest in the world. There may be different reasons for this, but you definitely can’t go wrong with the Spanish diet. Did we mention the wonderful seafood yet? Oh, yes, we did – and you’ll be happy to know that the cost of typical Spanish fare is not so exorbitant, either. Anyone can dine well in Spain.

The lifestyle

The Spanish lifestyle is unique in that people love spending time together. Be it a family gathering or a tête-à-tête with friends, Spanish people love to socialise. And when people socialise, expect lots of food and drink as well. You will hardly be on your own in Spain – there’s sure to be a friendly face at almost every turn, and since there are now more British expats and retirees in many parts of Spain, you’re guaranteed not to be too homesick, either.

The weather

Since the weather is generally good, expect to spend a lot of your time outdoors – whether you’re just walking around and taking in the neighbourhood, eating al fresco in a restaurant, enjoying the beach, spending time in a park, or going for a run along the shore. All the time spent outdoors can no doubt serve you well. And in the Costa regions, sunlight is expected an average of 320 days every year, so you will definitely have your share of sunshine. Compare this to the dreary British weather, and you’ll be in heaven just because of the pleasant warm climate.

The cost of living

When you live in Spain, as mentioned, it’s relatively easy to enjoy yourself and delight your palate. The cost of living isn’t as far removed from the UK, but when you factor in the better quality of life and the better lifestyle, you come out winning. Also, the cost of property in Spain is noticeably lower than that in the UK – in fact, you can get a luxurious villa with a pool for very reasonable prices compared to those in the UK, as confirmed by the Moraira property specialists from www.watkinswilson.com. And to add frosting to the cake, the wine, beer, and alcohol are less expensive in Spain, too.