“No, I said, please – no,” with an innocent look of genuine disappointment on his face he turned and said “Look honey, I want to get this fixed before we go on bloody holiday. Where on earth are we going to find a recommended electrician in Plymouth within the next 3 days?”

“I have time to do this now,” he continued, “and to be honest I like the idea of fixing it myself.”

“I’ll give you 3 very good reasons why we need to get a professional in.” I said trying not to sound condescending:

1 – You are most likely to get electrocuted – again !

2 – It saves blowing any other sockets or fuses, costing us more money in the long run.

3 – There would be no risk of electrical fire !

“Listen babe,” I said, “I found a website yesterday called Big Builders Bum. It’s a UK wide tradesman register site that has electricians listed in Plymouth. I have had a good read through and it’s honest, secure and so simply to use you will have no bother with it at all. You simply post a job on there, choose what type of tradesman you need and add a short description. The tradesmen seemingly get back to you in no time, and there are reviews on most of them for you to read.”

“You can even add our home phone number” I continued “so the electrician can call us. Remember I am off work now until we go away, and I can remove our number once we have hired someone.”

With a reassuring smile I left him climbing down the ladder as I walked into the kitchen to unload the shopping and put the kettle on.

About 10 minutes later I went through to the living room with two hot cups of tea, to find my husband on the computer grinning like a Cheshire cat.

“I did it” he said, “& you are right, that has to be the easiest site I have ever been on. Funny too, Billy Builder, what a great Mascot they have! You have to remember and go back and post a review on whoever you hire.”

“I know, and I will post a review don’t worry” I replied “It’s a really good way to find recommended tradesman.”

The telephone rang. “Can you get it babe, I want to get the dinner on”. And from the kitchen I heard my husband make an appointment with an electrician for tomorrow at 9am – Sorted !

Would you believe its called www.BigBuildersBum.com !

I have had so much hassle trying to find a recommended plumber in Edinburgh at a decent price to install my new bathroom that I decided to try and see if I could find one online.  This site was one of the first that came up in the searches, it lists tradesmen for all kinds of building and home improvements and people who have hired the tradesman from there then go back and write reviews on their work so it’s genuinely honest.

Anyway, I posted a job detailing the work I want done and uploaded some photos of the bathroom as it is at the moment. I have to tell you I found it really easy to use. The site is very well laid out and there are simple guides that lead you through the whole thing. A real breath of fresh online air.

It’s free to post a job up there too, so I can’t loose. The plumbers listed on the site that are in the Edinburgh area get notified of my job and then send me quotes in a cool internal emailing system so I don’t even have to give my contact details out to anyone until I choose which one I want to hire. So it looks like a fabulous way to find a recommended tradesman and can get my bathroom finished at last.

I wish there were more user generated sites like that. This one really installs a feeling of trust, the design is fresh and clean and you can tell it’s well monitored. The way the text is worded throughout the site is really clear and friendly too. I can’t wait to get quotes in and start using the funky emailing system I have in my member’s area.

I might go back and post a job for some of the other work I was planning on having done to the house. It’s a plumber I need most through, it’s high time this bathroom was finished. What a wonderful way to find a good tradesman, from the comfort of my own desk I will be receiving competitive quotes from plumbers I didn’t even know worked in the Edinburgh area. In my own time I can quietly read through them and even email back and forth asking them questions.

To find most of the night clubs in Marbella, head to the Golden Mile. This strip comes alive after the sun sets, with restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs for you to explore. You will find the glow from the lights makes you forget it is the middle of the night as you dance your way through your favorite clubs. In addition to the clubs on the Golden Mile, you will also find a few in the Marbella Gardens area and also in Old Town.

You can find just about any style of club in Marbella. You can find a traditional discotheque that embraces all that is Spain and helps you remember exactly where you are vacationing. You can also find clubs that offer more than one room to provide you with several types of music throughout your evening. If you vacation in July or August, you may even find some of the night clubs in Marbella move outdoors to offer a dance party on the beach. The city also has an Irish bar with dance area, a club with a casino, and clubs that feature Spanish flamenco music in addition to the current dance hits.

When choosing a club to visit in Marbella, make sure that you understand the culture of the spot. You need to dress accordingly so that you not only fit in, but in some situations can get past the bouncers at the door. Some clubs cater to the needs of young 20 and 30 year olds looking for a relaxed atmosphere to meet others and dance through the night, while other clubs cater to a more prestigious set. If your club regularly attracts celebrities who are vacationing in Costa del Sol, make sure you dress up. Some clubs have a middle-of-the road approach to dress, allowing casual wear but not allowing t-shirts and shorts.

Because of the vast number of night clubs in Marbella, you should be able to get into one without much of a wait. However, if you have your heart set on a particularly popular location, be prepared to wait a while before you get in the door. If you prefer not to wait, check the night club of your choice first, then move on to a less crowded one if there is a line.

To accommodate those who want to go clubbing, Marbella has an excellent transportation system, including taxis that run all night long. Nighttime taxi drivers know the best pubs and clubs, and you will save yourself the hassle of finding parking by taking an alternative transportation option. Keep those you are traveling with safe by traveling with a taxi, rather than driving, while you enjoy the city’s thriving nighttime scene.

Nestled between Torremolinos and Fuengirola sits the thriving coastal town of Benalmadena. This bustling community is just 12 km west of Malaga and offers an excellent opportunity for real estate investors who wish to own a piece of the sunny Spanish coastline as there are some great property for sale in Benalmadena. If you are interested in owning property on Costa del Sol, either for year-round residence or to enjoy when you wish to take a convenient holiday, take some time to learn more about Benalmadena.

About Benalmadena

Benalmadena is approximately 30 square kilometers large and has 30,000 official residents. It is quite popular among British tourists and those who wish to own a holiday home on the Costa del Sol due to its ease of access from the International Airport. The town’s location on the side of a mountain provides spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea, which is its southernmost border.

Areas of Benalmadena

Most agree that there are three major sections of Benalmadena. The southern portion, Benalmadena Costa, is where the majority of the resort facilities are located. Here you will find luxury resorts, hotels, beaches, a golf course, nightclubs and a variety of entertainment venues. Because there are so many tourists that come to this region each year, most of the property available for sale or lease is in the form of high-rise tourist developments. You can find property for sale in Benalmadena Costa, if a condo or apartment is what you are looking for. One of the most popular attractions on this coastal town is the marina of Benalmadena Costa, where over 1,000 boats can easily dock and guests and residents alike can enjoy social activities and entertainment attractions.

Those who are looking to purchase a home that is far from the resort scene may wish to shop for property in Benalmadena Pueblo. This region is located above Benalmadena Costa on the side of the mountain that makes the city’s border. Here whitewashed houses line cobbled streets in traditional Spanish village style. Life is quieter in Benalmadena Pueblo than in the resort region, making it ideal for those moving to Costa del Sol permanently. Those shopping for more permanent residence or something a little more spacious will find many choices here that meet their needs.

The main residential area of Benalmadena is the Arroyo de la Miel. This was originally a separate village but has since become part of Benalmadena. In this rapidly growing region property buyers will find apartments and townhouses for sale near attractions like the Tivoli World Amusement Park and the cable car that runs up the Calamorrow Mountain.

Nearby Golf Courses

While there is much more to do on Costa del Sol outside of the golf scene, most who would wish to move to Spain’s sunny southern coast appreciate the game. On Benalmadena Costa, residents can enjoy the Torrequebrada Golf Club, a par 72 18-hole course designed by Jose Ganzedo. The nearby capital of Malaga has its share of golf courses, including Lauro Golf, El Candado and the famous Malaga Parador del Golf, Costa del Sol’s oldest course. Purchasing property in Benalmadena offers residents the chance to enjoy these and other Costa del Sol golf courses whenever they wish.

Whether your organization is small or large, it is no secret that you need an online presence. You may be getting ready to launch your very first Web site; or, you may have had a site for years that you need to redesign. Whatever your Web design needs, the question exists of whether to seek the services of an agency that you’ll need to work with remotely, or whether to work with a local web design agency on the Costa del Sol. Admittedly there are advantages and disadvantages to both options, but here we will make the case for working with a local vendor.

Price Matters

One of the reasons a firm would choose to work with a Web design agency outside of Costa del Sol is if said Web design agency boasts a world-renown reputation and a prestigious clientele. However, seeking services from a high-profile agency will likely fetch you a big-ticket price tag as well. On the other hand, a local agency will be more likely to work within your budget. It is easier to negotiate pricing, timelines and more with an agency in Costa del Sol than it is with a Web designer that is far away. Local Web design firms understand the local economy and work within its framework, giving your business a more appropriate level of pricing and service.

Face-to-face Contact

Your new or redesigned Web site is a labour of love. Let’s face it, when it’s all said and done, that site will serve as the face of your organization on the Web. The process whereby that “face” is put together involves many decisions on your part. By hiring a Costa del Sol firm to do your Web design, you’ll not only have easier access to your designers, but they will have easier access to you. Remote contact over the telephone and computer along with time zone differences can really draw out the Web design process. Being able to schedule in-person meetings on a regular basis ramps up the productivity of such a collaborative effort.

Vetting the Candidates

Fortunately, there are a few very high quality options for web design on the Costa del Sol. Different agencies have different strengths and areas of expertise. Depending on what it is you are looking to get done, you’ll have different considerations to take into account. Ask to see several examples of the firm’s work. Request references and call the references to ask about the firms work, integrity, work habits, etc.

When working with a local Web design agency, it is supremely important to work with people you can see yourself building a relationship with. Chances are you’ll be in constant contact with your Web design team for a period of time ranging from a few weeks to several months. Make sure to interview each agency you consider in person and weed out those with representatives you don’t think you’ll get along with.

Most importantly, trust your instincts and choose a Costa del Sol Web design agency you think you can trust.

The stereotypical yoga session that most of us envision is that of an individual who twists into impossible positions while chanting nonsensically or espousing Buddhistic Philosophies. Indeed, it is a ritual that can seem bizarre and foreign to onlookers. What most do not understand is that there is a reason and a rhyme to every aspect of the yogistic lifestyle and many who embark on the path of understanding this will reap many numerous emotional and physiological benefits.

For those who are interested in pursuing yoga classes, Marbella in Southern Spain is a great place to start. Marbella, alongside San Pedro or Calahonda can offer spiritual retreats with breathtaking backdrops that can induce the peaceful and harmonious mindset one needs to get the most out of their yoga experience.

Marbella also has the best yogis in the business, who are drawn to the lovely Mediterranean coasts because of the spiritual energy the wondrous waters exude. There are very few people who visit the Costa del Sol who return home unchanged after indulging a class or two that is offered by trained yoga instructors.

In other words, when one is seeking yoga therapy Marbella has a lot to offer the neophyte.

Most people who sign up for Yoga courses in Marbella are surprised by what they obtain from the experienced. The usual agenda is to relax, unwind and obtain a mind melting massage. They soon learn that Yoga is a gift that continues to give should one adopt a daily routine once they leave Marbella behind.

They find the stresses of everyday living mitigated and their body healing. People who suffer from chronic illnesses like asthma or allergies may soon realize that the conditions have mitigated or been eradicated altogether. These individuals soon learn that asanas are not merely studied as a means to perfect stances and obtain bragging rights, but are used to actually unleash the body’s inherent healing properties.

In regards to the yoga instructors in Marbella, they really try to hit home the point of using yoga as a tool for change that can enrich the body and the soul. They also teach that our thoughts as well as our actions can lead us to a path of unhappiness, depression, anger, and dissatisfaction as mankind continues to pursue the things that we are taught will bring us fulfillment, like wealth and prestige.

The yoga teachers in Marbella emphasize that true happiness cannot be obtained by how much wealth we accumulate or the fame we achieve. History has shown us that even great kings and presidents have had the world at their fingertips but have not been able to obtain inner peace.

More than just a catch phrase, inner peace is a state that one obtains when they finally realize what is truly important. These seekers also learn that the power is within them to affect positive emotional and physical changes in their own lives.

To get the best out of yoga therapy Marbella vacationers must look at the all around benefits that yoga can give. Its not just about stress reduction or relieving tension – it’s about a life’s mission to discover the truth about what man can do to heal himself and for the enlightened to guide the way for others who want to get the most out of life.

When I first started thinking about throwing a bachelorette, aka hen party Costa del Sol was not a first thought. However, when I asked my maid of honor about my options, she mentioned Puerto Banus, which is located in the famed Spanish resort area. The idea of visiting Spain did intrigue me as I had always wanted to take a trip there.

She gave me a few brochures on the marina and what I read intrigued me enough to make an appointment with a travel agent.

After talking with him, I knew immediately that when it came to my hen party Costa del Sol would be my destination of choice.

There were many reasons for my decision, the chief among them being:

1. Party Planning : many of the hotels, lounges and bars offered fantastic specials designed for hen party Costa del Sol partygoers. They also had themed celebrations which held a special appeal, especially when most offered a server that promised to be deliciously hunky! All I had to do was sit back and let planners take care of the tedious details.
2. Dinner Cruises : Five star cuisine and a wonderful view of the marina could be had on any of the luxurious yachts that Puerto Banus offered at its rather extensive marina. After dinner, me and the girls were able to stroll down the boardwalk and indulge in another past time that we ladies greatly enjoy, namely:
3. Wonderful Shopping : which could be had at the numerous water front stores and boutiques in the area! We were able to locate some amazing deals in Marbella, which was but a few miles away from the Puerto Banus marina.
4. Resort spas – After a day of shopping (and/or a night of reveling) me and my hen party Costa del Sol wedding entourage were able to enjoy a long day of pampering and massages at a Marbella resort. All I can say is that tensions and cares definitely melt away when you visit the halls of one of these fine establishments. Well worth the money and then some!
5. Fine dining : cafes, bistros and eateries boasted the best coffee and food in Spain and were delivered and presented with such panache me and the girls were totally spoiled!
6. Dancing and clubbing : Outside of my private hen party Costa del Sol offered me and my gal pals some fantastic places for shaking a tail feather. I was also surprised that many of the discotheques had music from all around the world. Needless to say, the girls and I tripped the light fantastic every evening!

The Puerto Banus/Marbella packages offered by the travel agent were cost effective and included fare for the wedding party which was a huge selling point. There are plenty of travel packages to choose from as well, so you can find one that fits within your projected party budget.

For any woman who is wondering where to host her hen party Costa del Sol is the place to go. With a lovely marina, a nearby resort, fantastic food, shopping and glorious night life, you and your wedding group will have the time of your lives!

For those who are looking for Spanish golf holidays, the Costa del Sol is the premier destination, and within this large region, Marbella and the surrounding areas are perhaps the most popular choice. Marbella has all of the amenities that will make a golf holiday truly memorable, including a great nightlife, excellent shopping destinations, fine dining options, and, of course, excellent and challenging golf courses.

Many of the golf courses around Marbella are short nine-hole courses. Playing one of these allows you to save time to enjoy the amenities and views of more courses on your holiday. If your travels bring you to Marbella, be sure to visit these exciting short courses.

Play All Night Long at La Dama de Noche

La Dama de Noche means “Lady of the Night,” and this is an appropriate name for this unique course. The fully lit course is open twenty-four hours a day, and the specially designed floodlights do not cast a shadow, meaning golfing the course at night is almost the same as golfing during the day. The course has no roughs, making it a fast and comfortable game. The nine-hole course was designed by D. Ramon Iruretagoyena and is rated at par 36.

Play Close to the Center of Town at Monte Paraiso

The Monte Paraiso Golf Club is another short nine hole course, and it is just minutes away from the center of Marbella, making it an ideal course for those who are basing their trip out of the region’s center. As with most the Costa del Sol golf courses, Monte Paraiso offers stunning mountain and sea views. This par 27 course is designed to appeal to golfers of varying ability levels, making it a great location for those who are traveling with beginning players.

Natural Beauty and a Lake Add to the Appeal of Greenlife Golf

Greenlife Golf is a course that sits in the Elviria Hills overlooking Marbella. This course winds around an artificial lake and is decorated with lush natural trees, plants, and flowers. This resort is known for an exceptionally friendly staff. The par 27 course is accompanied by a clubhouse that includes a sauna, gym, and famous El Lago restaurant. It is also equipped with a driving range and practice area where you can warm up your skills before you hit the greens.

Beginners Will Fall in Love with El Soto de Marbella

El Soto de Marbella is another nine-hole, par 27 course in the area. This course was designed with beginning golfers in mind, but the fact that Manuel Piñero is the designer means that there is a challenge here for the more experienced golfer as well. El Soto also has a luxurious clubhouse complete with a spa that has a sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi, and fitness center. This is a great place to unwind after a challenging game.

Each of these courses offers golfers the chance to enjoy a short game of golf in an ideal Mediterranean climate. Whether you are trying to squeeze in several courses in one day, have a few hours to waste before dinner, or simply want to leave yourself some time to enjoy the beaches of the Costa del Sol, these courses will give you that extra time you need on your next Spanish golf holiday.