The Smile:) Magazine Blog

Smile:) Magazine Issue 22 - September 2007

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 22

The timing was right, just before print day. The challenge was worthy, Kayaking by the light of the full moon. Rob from Adventura had even squeezed into his wetsuit for the event but alas, Her Majesty The Mediterranean decided to give us a challenge we couldn’t overcome... Big bloomin’ waves! So, there’s no challenge this month but watch this space. I may just give mother nature a little tête à tête challenge of my own at the end of the next 28 day lunar cycle, the big girl ;)

However we do have a Challenge revisited. Last month we met the chaps at Scubadoo and this month we tell you why.

Laurence of La Parra has managed to shake off his stalker, Gordon Ramsay, and gives us his latest tasty recipe and an update on last month’s.

Plus for the first time ever we’ve taken a couple of our Smile addicts’ input and approved it for a large scale page spread. Annie & Albert both from Nerja send us some of our hottest jokes every month and we wanted to say thank you, as well as a big thanks to all of you that send us your latest funnies. Keep them coming, it’s what makes the magazine in your hands, YOUR SMILE!

And as usual we’ve got less waffle and miles more smiles than anyone else so...

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 21 - August 2007

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 21

When the going gets hot, the Smile:) team gets wet. And we recommend you do the same. That’s why this month we’ve brought you an extra specially wet Smile:). No, it won’t fall apart in your hands, (unlike lesser mags) but this month we jump into Adventura’s front cover feature, Sea Kayaking. And explore the Med with our friends at ScubaDoo for a very special Challenge Smile.

What’s more, La Parra’s Laurence Davey gets a bit fishy with his mate Gordon Ramsay and teaches all of us how to make ‘The Perfect Paella’. Whether you live in Spain or, judging by our web stats, just about everywhere else in the world, you can impress your dinner guests with a real Spanish culinary experience!

This month some of our residential readers will be celebrating the half way point of the extraordinarily and quite unnecessarily long, 12 week school summer holiday. If, by this stage, you’re out of ideas (and patience) then check out our website www.smilenerja.com for a boat load of FREE local activities including directions to Nerja’s secret waterfall, Andalucían beach info, a bit of local history and other ways to stay cool this summer. So don’t sweat it, chill out with your Smile:) and don’t forget to put it down before you go swimming! You mould your Smile:) by telling us what you like, what you don’t like and of course, giving us your best jokes, not by turning it into paper maché!

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 20 - July 2007

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 20

Whilst you peruse your FREE, quality copy of Smile:) Magazine please, spare a thought for our advertisers. For it is our dedicated advertising clients, many of whom have been with us since our early days, who pay for the production and distribution of Smile:) Magazine. Without them, we would have no deadline pressures, no calls at the weekend and certainly no complaints. Oh, and most importantly of course, no Smile:) Magazine! So please remember, if you call them, mention Smile:)! (In some cases you may even get a discount!) And if you didn’t see them in Smile:), tell them you think it’s the bestest magazine ever in the history of the world and that they should be in it.

On with the Smiles!

For those of you who enjoy seeing me cowering before huge animals or crying like a girl at the end of a strip of wax, sorry. This month there’s no Challenge Smile because we’re working on something so big, it might just change the world as you know it... Forever. And no, it’s not Colonic Irrigation which was suggested!

However, we have got our kids working this month. Well they’ve got to start sometime and it is the holidays which, for anyone reading this from the UK or most of Europe are, 3 MONTHS LONG! And, we’ve got another exclusive from The Pun’s Newsdesk, another activity to keep you cool, a restaurant review, some Jellyfish First Aid tips AND 47 really rude jokes (thanks mum!)

Welcome to summer, enjoy your Smile:)!

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 19 - June 2007

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 19

Aside from spending countless hours in the Smile Lab polishing this issue up I’ve been out, climbing through the windows of two subjects who tested the ‘ohno-second’ theory. That is the term used to describe the nerve impulse which triggers in our brains in that split second when the door clicks shut behind you, and you realise you haven’t got your keys. And, after extensive research I can now conclude that falling in through a first floor window wrapped in curtains is equally painful in English & Spanish.

As if that wasn’t enough of a challenge, this month I face up to one of my biggest fears in Challenge Smile as we go Horsin’ Around in the National Park.

We’ve given Laurence some time off, what with all his charity work, running a busy restaurant and being an international TV star, he needed a rest. So instead we went to write about him, did his La Parra restaurant make us Smile:)? Find out on page 36.

The Pun has yet another exclusive, a washed up actor, err, washed up on the banks of Lake Viñuela.

And of course miles more Smiles than anyone else thanks to your great jokes, keep ‘em coming!

Enjoy your Smile:)!

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 18 - May 2007

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 18

If this issue of Smile:) Magazine was a film, it would be the prequel to ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’. And the theme tune would be Aerosmith’s ‘Dude Looks Like a Lady’.

With an intro like that this could only be May’s Issue of Smile:) Magazine!

I’d just like to say thanks to the ladies from the Cómpeta Cross-Stich club for the invite, but that’s not what we had in mind for the second Challenge Smile. Come to think of it, neither is this month’s Challenge Smile! But, we shy away from nothing. And at least we can say that Smile:) is officially the smoothest magazine around and if you don’t believe us check out our waxy experience on page 14.

Out and about elsewhere this month we discovered what Nerja’s got that Italy hasn’t, in ‘This Restaurant Made Me Smile’. We meet Shannon & Denis ahead of their Spanish wedding and find out why they traded-in Ireland for the Costa del Sol for their big day, in the first of a 3 part feature. And Laurence from La Parra talks bull in his ‘Cooking in Spain’ column. (What? I didn’t say a word.)

Plus all your great jokes, every single one sent in by our readers. Keep them coming (especially the really filthy ones, we can’t print them but it does make working in the Smile:) Lab even more fun!)

Enjoy your Smile:)!

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 17 - April 2007

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 17

Sometimes I think we must be so lucky to have a ‘Magic Magazine Machine’ in the Smile:) lab. Yeah, we know we’re not the ‘Number 1’ or ‘Everyone’s Favourite’ because other publications already claim those titles, but we’ve got a magic machine whose big red button we press once a month and out churns another great Smile! It works seven days a week and shrugs off 14 hour days enabling us to just float about having fun. So there!

This month we’ve had lots of fun! and we’ve fed it all to the ‘Magic Magazine Machine’, so in this issue we’ve got:

This restaurant made me Smile:) Revisited. One year on from our first review of Camaleón, just to make sure standards are still, err, up to standard.

Laurence of La Parra visits us, albeit sheepishly, and then we visit HIM to return the favour!

We introduce a brand new feature, ‘Challenge Smile:)’, where we open our-foolish-selves to ANY challenge. [Who’s idea was that?]

And, especially for our online readers a very special Smile:) Online feature which follows on from the massively popular BBC programme, ‘Living in the Sun’ which aired last month following the lives of some of our advertisers who were relocating to sunny Spain. Find out what made them Smile:) or not at www.bbc.smilenerja.com

Plus all your regular favourites so enjoy!

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 16 - March 2007

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 16

One of the most important rules at Smile:) is not to blow our own trumpets. We don’t climb to the rooftops and shout, "We’re number one!", or "We’re everyone’s favourite!" Your comments and emails tell us that you like what we do and that’s enough for us. Smile:) is your magazine and going by this month’s input you don’t need reminding! In fact let us say, officially, "Smile:) readers are number 1!" well you are in our book!

Apart from an inbox busting number of jokes this month (sorry we can’t print the really blue ones... but they do make us laugh!) we’ve had some great letters and really great feedback, some of which you will see acted upon in the next few months.

So what’s in store this month? To start with, we’ve been out and about with the long awaited return of ‘This Restaurant Made Me Smile:)’, we go play in the snow with our cover activity, Laurence gets a bit cheesy in his food column and we introduce a new regular column, ‘Property Matters’, direct from the experts at Eclipse & Del Prado & Partners.

And we’re already working on next month, so why don’t you get on with what you do best... being our number 1 readers!

Oh, and don’t forget to send us your jokes, comments and any feedback (yes even not-so-good) to info@smilenerja.com!

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 15 - February 2007

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 15

Valentine’s is upon us and love is in the air, that explains the chill then!

Did you spot the change on the front cover of this issue? The magic magazine machine in the Smile:) lab has been upgraded and now its reach extends further afield amusing and bemusing readers all along the Axarquía coast, so we thought Smile:) Magazine was more relevant to all of our readers. But the name’s the only difference! The Smile:) you hold in your hands is still full of the stuff you love, and thanks to our readers input, even more of it!

This month Laurence turns up the heat in the La Parra kitchen and introduces us to some rude food for Valentine’s.

Michelle’s emptied her mailbox of all the girly responses to last month’s ‘Men Strike Back’, boys beware!

In an exclusive interview, Andy Devine, Emmerdale’s ‘Shadrach Dingle’ reveals Tom King’s killer. (Actually, not really. But he does reveal everything else!)

And we come dangerously close to reporting real, proper, grown-up news with this month’s cover activity... But don’t panic! Normality is restored with the return of ‘The Pun’.

Plus, all the regulars and of course, ‘Your Jokes’. So enjoy your Smile:) and don’t forget to keep your comments and suggestions coming in!

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 14 - January 2007

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 14

This month’s issue of Smile:) has been entirely produced by a group of elves we saved from redundancy after their boss fired them on December 26th. They tell us working in the Smile:) lab is even more fun than their previous job, we say, "Shut it and get back to work big ears!"

No really though, it is fun and the lab’s magic magazine machine has churned out another cracker of an issue for you this month:

We’ll be exploring some really, really big stuff like a hat-trick of lighthouses and 100 giant bulls, and then pulling out the microscope to take a look at another Animals of Andalucía feature creature.

On top of that Laurence gives us some much needed new year detox tips from his La Parra kitchen, actually from his sick bed - sorry about that Laurence but a deadline is a deadline:)

And our Smile:) news takes on a whole new look in ‘The Pun’ our very own tabloid newspaper!

Plus jokes, puzzles, prizes and all the other great stuff you love and need to pull you up from the depths of the post-Christmas blues. So don’t get SAD get Smile:)!

Enjoy this issue and don’t forget to send us all your comments and jokes, otherwise we’ll send the elves round!

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 13 - December 2006

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 13

If the Christmas festivities aren’t enough to get you excited this month then join us in celebrating Smile:)’s first birthday!

If there’s any truth in what they say about fun and flying time, then we must have been having an absolute ball in the Smile:) lab this year! As I took a recent melancholic look back through the past 12 issues of Smile:) I almost shed a tear to see how fast our baby has grown. And even more so to look at the plans we have in store for the year to come! And it’s all because of you, without you Smile:) would be nothing but a figment of our overactive, and sometimes a little screwed up, imaginations.

So this issue of Smile:) is dedicated with the sincerest of smiley thanks to all our readers, advertisers, friends and supporters and especially to the butts of all our jokes (we didn’t mean it honest, please withdraw your denuncias!).

This month we’re filled with Christmas spirit, obviously I mean the magazine not us (hic!). Laurence gives us Turkey based tips for the traditional and alternative Christmas lunch and tells us how to get a good festive stuffing... Plus all your regular favourites, jokes, puzzles, prizes, Smile:) news and, for the Sudoku fans out there, something to keep you busy for the full 12-days of Christmas - The Samurai Sudoku.

Whatever you get up to this Christmas, even if you forget to take the Turkey out of the freezer...

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 12 - November 2006

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 12

I still haven’t quite got my head round the fact that we only have 2 seasons here. Dry & Wet. As I write this month’s "Ed Says..." it’s chucking it down outside yet just last week I was on the Balcon taking the photos you see on this page (Page 3 of this issue) and the front cover... in the sun. The wet season has arrived overnight, no, it didn’t even take that long, it arrived this afternoon! Still, at least it stayed fine for the Feria this year for the first time ever! Special thanks then to the person who woke up one wet Monday morning, dragged himself to the Aerosol factory where he worked and said, "Do you know what, I think we should put ozone damaging CFC’s in everything we make. Yeah, it’ll be great!"

Anyway, talking about the front cover. Smile:) addicts out there will correctly spot that there’s no Smile:) Activity on page 4, but don’t panic, they’ll return next year when the wet season passes and the dry one returns, we just didn’t think it was safe to send you marching up rivers and climbing mountains, stay in and have a nice cup of tea and a Smile:) instead.

This month something a little bit different from the La Parra kitchen as regular columnist Laurence Davey tells Smile:) just what it’s like to be served a main course of medium-rare Ramsay with a camera team side salad. We go undercover with a bit of a 007 theme to celebrate the release of the latest Bond movie Casino Royale (in theatres this month), find out how everyone’s favourite English Prince manages to upset the whole of Europe in just one sentence and we use our experience to ask if you are truly ready for children.

So enjoy it and we’ll see you all again next month for our first birthday issue!

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 11 - October 2006

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 11 - Look at the Ass on that!

Well, that's a first. Smile:)'s got a topless model on the front cover! What's more, said topless model nearly ate my camera during this photo shoot! (Beat that David Bailey). No, really that's just Connan from the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary, one of Spain's rarest breed of donkeys, see our cover activity on page 4 of this issue.

Not so rare is this month's Animals of Andalucía feature creature, wish they were, but sadly it's shocking to learn there are enough of these chaps to fill every bath in Spain and still be enough left over to crawl into my nightmares!

Equally shocking is the news just in from the European Parliament, don't plan your Halloween parties just yet, and once you do, make sure you take advice from our ‘hack out and keep' Halloween Survival Guide.

Back to reality and Laurence gets a bit selfish (or should that be shell fish?) in this month's Cooking in Spain column, however next month might get a little more scary as Hurricane Ramsay takes a direct hit on his La Parra de Burriana Kitchen! See pages 18 & 19 for more.

Also this month, more stuff to win, more jokes, more local news, more Dear Smile:) letters and basically just MORE!

So click here now and go download it! we're working on the next issue already!

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 10 - September 2006

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 10 - Guaranteed Jellyfish free!

This month we invite you all to join us for a stroll along Nerja's Rio Chillar (Chillar River) past the waterfall we featured in issue 1 (and two other local magazines have put on their front covers this month... get with the programme guys, that's sooo last year) to the Vado de Los Patos or Ford of The Ducks, for a refreshing dip in water guaranteed 100% jellyfish free!

While we're on the subject of jellyfish, we received so much positive feedback on last month's "Jellyfish Sting First Aid" article (see issue 9) and were especially warmed by the comments of one regular reader who not only took our word about vinegar neutralising stings, but also proved it on a trip to the beach with her daughter, that we've evolved it into a new regular feature called "Animals of Andalucía". This issue, something a little less fishy and err, jelly-y...

On top of that we've got the regulars you love, plus this month we bring hope to smokers who want to pack up, give you exclusive local news - unreported anywhere else, your letters and of course, miles more smiles than anyone else!

So click here to download issue 10, which will be out on the streets on Thursday 7th September.

See you next month!

...Remember - Keep Smiling :)

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 9 - August 2006

Click Here to Download Smile:) Magazine Issue 9 - It A'int Arf Hot Mum!

Actually It A'int Too Bad!

I did promise, nearly 3 years ago when we up-rooted and shipped over to Spain that I wouldn't moan about the heat. It's an Englishman's prerogative, surely, that the weather is the single most important topic of conversation and further more, if the subject is weather and the weather is at an extreme of hot or indeed cold, we just can't shut it! Sadly, I broke that promise... within about a day of arriving... It was November. Now it's August and the daily routine of 4 showers, three shirts... and a couple of moans, has arrived. But what makes me laugh is that every UK TV show, radio programme and tabloid headline says, "HEAT WAVE!", Damn, just take your cardigans off! Our night time lows are higher than your daily highs so shut it, have a siesta and make the most of it! it'll be raining tomorrow:)

Anyway, that's me off the rails for a bit (must be the heat), this mag's called Smile:) for one very good reason, that's what it makes you do! So, this month as well as the regular (ahem) HOT topics, Smile:) brings you summer BBQ tips from top chef Laurence Davey of La Parra De Burriana, an 'On The Scene' how to on Jellyfish stings, a Smile:) First with our Local News Roundup and a health alert about a nasty bug which has hit the town. So, when you're done getting your white bits pink, slide on over to Smile:) Issue 9! and download the August issue!

... Keep Smiling!

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 8 - July 2006

It's July and Smile:) Issue 8 is ready for its public!

This issue on top of your favourites we go exploring in them there hills to find a good BBQ spot, experience a little adventurous Spanish dining and give you some diet tips. But it's not all food for the gob, there's food for thought as we publish a leaked report from him upstairs about the new admission standard to heaven... there's hope for us all! And Smile:) climbs all the way to the top of the truth tree to reveal how the internet really began!

Oh and not forgetting (not for want of trying anyway!) I personally say a very sad farewell to something I've grown rather fond of over the last err.. 10 years or so... my twenties!

Anyway, I've got a mid life crisis to be getting on with so enough from me!

They're under starters orders. On your marks, get set... GO GET SMILE:) ISSUE 8!

... Keep Smiling!

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 7 - June 2006

Smile:) Magazine Issue 7 is here!

It's summer and it's a blue issue so this month is dedicated to the Spanish cult classic series from the 80's, Verano Azul (Blue Summer) set in Nerja. Ever wondered why that great big boat over by the market is so popular with Spanish tourists? Or even why the street the market is on has two names? (Antonio Ferrándiz/Chanquete) well then you need to check out Issue 7 right now! Click here, do not pass Go and do not collect your 200 Euros!

Right then what else have we dished up for you this month? Well on top of the regulars, this month Smile:) talks bull (well more sort of cow really) with new columnist Laurence Davey, head chef and proprietor of Nerja's premier steak house, La Parra de Burriana. On roughly the same theme I go head to head with a bull and end up... erm, lets say rare to medium and leave you to decide who won! Plus, by popular demand we see the return of the Smile:) Song Parody! Remember The Curry Song from Issue 4? Well, big fan Kenny Rogers has written to us begging we help promote his new track, The Drinker, so check it out! Oh and while we're on the subject of music, 'About to be' Massive star Sandi Thom came to us for help naming her forthcoming album 'Smile, It Confuses People' (Out Monday 5th June) and we wish her the best of luck (Honest! she did really, really!)

Anyway, enough already! go get Smile Issue 7 NOW!

... Keep Smiling!

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 6 - May 2006

The more astute/sharp/devoted/sad (*Delete as appropriate) of you may notice that the cover of Issue 6 is another red one. And this is for good reason, come here there's more... Smile:) was born red (like me really), that is, Issue 1 back in December was a red one and we thought that for this issue seeing as we're kinda' celebrating what better colour?

So, what are we celebrating? Well for issue 6 we've got something very special for you all. For the first time Smile:) comes to you in FULL COLOUR! (sorry kids, you may as well put the felt tips away now!)

We haven't just added a splash of colour here and there though, the whole thing's been re-made from scratch using all the best bits and adding to them. Yes, I know that's what Microsoft said when they released Windows XP but I promise you, hand on heart, Smile:) isn't full of bugs and it won't crash on you half way through a Sudoku!

The magazine is out on Monday 8th. We truly hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we've enjoyed producing it! See you all again next month for more Smiles:) (and more colour).

Until then... Keep Smiling!

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 5 - April 2006

Issue 5 is ALIVE!!!

I feel like Dr Frankenstein only without the lightning and stuff!

In fact, I5 is more alive than me right now... tell me, did anyone else get up at 5am to watch the Aussie Grand Prix? Not gonna go on about it, but if you did, mail me and tell me how many times you shouted at the telly, "NOT THE SAFETY CAR AGAIN!"

Anyway, for the important stuff... It's here guys, Smile:) Magazine Issue 5!

You know Smile:) is a product of your input, it's as much your magazine as ours, we love your feedback, your jokes, your stories and especially the emails we couldn't possibly print!

Well this month we've returned the favour. We've given you Smile:) Issue 5 zipped to half the size for those of you who don't have the fastest of connections or are limited on your monthly downloads. For those of you who aren't... or simply just don't care, the original Adobe download is still there. (at 12mb)

On top of that this month we've got:

From the front cover: The Balcón de Europa, plus Competition Sudoku!, Why We're Smiling, Urban Legends, Some Special Easter Stuff, Your Jokes (and they're crackers!), BRAND NEW For Issue 5: Computers Don't Bite! and This Restaurant Made Me Smile:) plus more Darwin Awards, So you're buying a property in Spain? & Saving The Easter Bunny, a story to make you Smile:)!. If that's not enough there's also (and we didn't want to draw your attention to this but) The Curry Song from last issue has come back to haunt us... wouldn't be the first time a curry's done that!!

Enjoy Issue 5, keep your emails flowing, we'll see you all again for Issue 6 in May!

... Keep Smiling!

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 4 - March 2006

It's here! Issue 4 of Smile:) Magazine and boy have we got some great stuff for you!

We seriously abuse some science this month with our skyward bound water rockets, kids take a back seat your dad's gonna love this... for entertainment value obviously :)

We've introduced a new quiz which will be bound to baffle and a new regular feature, Urban Legends.

So on top of the regular stuff you all love we're growing thanks to your excellent feedback! Don't forget to drop us a line with your jokes, stories and anything else you want to see in coming issues of Smile:) at info@smilenerja.com

Enjoy issue 4 and we'll see you all again in April for Smile:) Nerja Issue 5!

Until then... Keep Smiling!

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 3 - February 2006

What? It's February already? Where did January go? I must have missed it while worrying about my car which, last month, went bang and all the bits fell off, just like it does every January. (Thanks to Autos Fiesta in Nerja for putting my baby back together!)

Now with January safely behind us we can all come out of hibernation and get on with it. Especially as February is fiesta time, "Just like every other month!" I hear you all shout, ahh yes but this month is a biggie, 3 days of partying followed by burying a sardine! It doesn't get any better than that! You can keep your Hanukahs, Easters and Ramadans. I'll take a traditional Nerja fish burial any day!

Now don't think I've completely lost the plot or that I have an unnatural obsession with sardines. Quite the opposite in fact. It's just that I intend to milk every last droplet of enjoyment out of this month because next month I'm moving house which is the one activity guaranteed to put out my bonfire, if you get my drift.

On a completely different note I'd like to say a big "Li ho!" & "Tervist!" (hello) to our recent website visitors who downloaded Smile:) Issue 2 from Taiwan & Estonia. And you all thought Smile:) was just a little local publication! Today Nerja, tomorrow the world! (well, Torre del Mar at least).

So, whatever you have planned for this month, whether it's world domination or just a spot of sardine burying...

...Remember... Keep Smiling!

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 2 - January 2006

Thanks one and all for the positive response to the first issue of Smile:) Nerja. You either all enjoyed it or were just too polite to say if you didn't! The only negative feedback I had were about my photo. The comments ranged from, "I thought it was supposed to be the Christmas edition, not Halloween!", to, "You look so ugly in that picture, it's horrible!" And that was the comment from my wife! Well, sorry everyone, that's what I really look like. But I bowed to your pressure and decided that looks are everything, so here I am fresh out of surgery sporting my new face transplant! Email me your comments and let me know what you think, or let me know when I see you, if you recognise me!!

May I say congratulations to the winner of the Competition Sudoku (details on page 5) and commiserations to those that were too late. Better luck this time. But please, no asking John for a pen to complete the puzzle whilst you're in the shop waiting to have your hair cut, that's just not fair ;)

By the way, it's our son Oliver's 8th birthday this month so, if you see him in passing, wish him a Happy Birthday he'll be well chuffed and think he's famous.

I look forward to receiving any stories you have and don't forget to send in your FREE Valentine's messages by 19th January and we'll do our best to fit them all in.

Enjoy Issue 2 and don't forget to look out for Issue 3 in February.

Remember... Keep Smiling!

Al.

Smile:) Magazine Issue 1 - December 2005

Nerja's newest and freshest magazine has finally arrived and YOU are the privileged ones who get the advanced preview!

So what's in store this issue?

Well this is the Christmas edish' so you can expect the likes of:

How to survive Christmas Day. Trust me, you need to know this!
Looking for something different to do in Nerja? Try the Rio Chillar Waterfall.
Competition Sudoku! WIN STUFF!
Probably the easiest recipe in the world. Even I can do this but at the very least it will keep the kids quiet for half an hour!
10 ways to...
Darwin award winners. And I thought I did some stupid stuff!
The essential Spanish phrasebook. We're really looking out for you with this.
The truth about Santa, kids... don't read this, it will spoil your Christmas :(

And... tonnes of other stuff, so go download it now!

Click here to download issue 1 now in Adobe .pdf format. (you will need Adobe reader available here if you don't already have it)

So, thanks again, enjoy issue 1 and we look forward to seeing you all again for issue 2 in Jan.

See you all in the new year!!

Until then... Keep Smiling!

Al.