Tickets 10 with arrival drink
Editor’s Note
Hello February!
It is often labelled the month of love, but in Cyprus it’s about so much more than romance. It’s about connection, community, passion and choosing to build a life that feels good and not just looks good on the outside.
Here at Lifestyle magazine we practice what we preach and fall in love everyday with our lifestyle. We celebrate the people shaping modern Cyprus: the business owners raising standards, the creatives bringing fresh energy, and the residents who have chosen this island as home and are determined to live fully while they’re here.
Come and join us at our networking event at Liquid Bar on 19 February to meet new people, after all, people do business with people
Plans are getting underway for our third fashion show, which will be held at Diamonds Showbar on 14 March, featuring designers from Cyprus and the UK
Don’t forget to get your tickets! You can email me for details - info@lifestylelivingcyprus com
Stay stylish x
Amandaxx
ByPetremerelanicoleta
Let’s start with the awkward question everyone is politely avoiding:
If an image looks real, feels real, and works perfectly for your brand–but no human ever actually created it–who does it belong to?
Welcome to the ethical minefield of AIgenerated stock images. It’s shiny, fast, endlessly productive and quietly complicated
As someone who lives at the intersection of photography, design, and stock content strategy, I can tell you this: the conversation around AI stock images isn’t about whether they’re impressive. They are. The real question is whether they’re fair, transparent, and sustainable for the creative ecosystem they’re reshaping.
Spoiler: the answer is…it depends.
The Illusion of “Free” Creativity AI-generated images feel like magic. Type a prompt, hit enter, and suddenly you have a hyper-realistic nurse, a smiling CEO, or a cinematic cityscape that never existed. No photoshoot.
No model release.
No photographer credit.
And that’s exactly where the ethical tension begins Because creativity doesn’t come from nowhere. AI models are trained on enormous datasets, often scraped from the internet, that include real photographs taken by real people, featuring real faces, styles, and artistic decisions. The output may be “new,” but the ingredients are borrowed Sometimes without asking
In traditional stock photography, consent is nonnegotiable. Models sign releases. Photographers control how their work is licensed. Buyers know what rights they’re acquiring. AI images? That clarity gets blurry
TThe uncomfortable truth is that AI doesn’t understand consent It understands patterns Humans, however, still care deeply about agency, likeness, and dignity. Especially in sensitive industries like healthcare, law, or politics, using imagery with unclear ethical origins isn’t just risky, it’s irresponsible
Stock photography has always been a quiet collaboration. Photographers, models, retouchers, agencies, all contributing to a final image that gets licensed, credited, and paid for.
AI stock images disrupt that chain entirely. Who gets credit when there is no identifiable creator?
Who benefits when there is no human author?
The danger here isn’t just economic–it’s cultural. When creative labor becomes invisible, it becomes undervalued And when it’s undervalued long enough, entire professions quietly erode.
Ironically, many brands that pride themselves on ethics and transparency are now using visuals whose origins are anything but clear
Here’s where things get legally and philosophically messy.
If you write a prompt, are you the creator?
If the AI generates the image, is it the author?
If the model was trained on copyrighted work, who owns the result?
Different jurisdictions answer these questions differently, and many haven’t caught up at all What’s legal today may be contested tomorrow
For brands, this creates a long-term risk that goes far beyond aesthetics.
Traditional stock photography, for all its perceived limitations, offers something AI currently can’t: legal clarity. You know who made the image You know how it can be used
You know the rights are secure. That certainty matters more than most people realize, until it doesn’t exist.
This isn’t an anti-AI manifesto. AI has its place, as a creative aid, a concept tool, even a brainstorming partner But replacing ethical, human-centered stock photography entirely? That’s where things start to unravel.
Stock platforms like Dreamstime are built on transparency: contributors are credited, contributors are compensated, and buyers know exactly what they’re licensing There’s an ecosystem in place, imperfect, yes, but accountable.
And accountability is the real ethical currency here.
When you license a stock image created by a photographer, you’re not just buying pixels
You’re supporting a system where creativity is acknowledged, consent is documented, and rights are respected. That’s not nostalgia. That’s sustainability.
The ethical future of visual content is about choosing responsibly.
AI-generated imagery will continue to evolve, and so will the rules around it. But until consent, credit, and creative rights are as clearly defined in AI workflows as they are in traditional stock photography, brands should think carefully about what they’re trading for speed and novelty. Because the most powerful visuals aren’t just convincing.
They’re created with integrity
Final Thought: Ethics Are Invisible, Until They’re Not
Audiences may not know how an image was made. But they do know when something feels off. When authenticity is missing When humanity is absent
Ethical visual choices don’t shout They whisper. And in a world increasingly filled with synthetic perfection, those whispers are becoming more valuable than ever.
So before asking “Can we use this image?” It might be worth asking “Should we?”
Key Details of the Scam
Method: Malicious text messages (SMS).
Goal: To steal personal data, login credentials, and banking information.
Fake Premise: Messages often claim there is a "problem with your GESY portal connection" or that personal details need to be "updated".
The Link: The links lead to a fake website designed to mimic the official GESY portal.
Persistence: Despite warnings in November and December 2025, the scam continues into January 2026.
HIO/GESY will NEVER ask for passwords, login credentials, or financial data via SMS. NEVER perform financial transactions via a link in a text message.
What to Do If You Receive a Message
1.Do NOT click the link.
2.Do NOT reply.
3.Delete the message immediately.
4.If you have already entered your details, immediately change your passwords and contact your bank if you entered payment information.
feel good earn good
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Help with cortisol levels that can reduce the feeling of being stressed
Keep your digestive system healthy
Antioxidants destroying the nasty radicalized cells
Increased energy
Reduce tiredness and fatigue
Supports weightloss
Reduce snacking
Reduce appetite, feel full from less food and ptimises your metabolism
Breaks down carbohydrates
Helps to turn the fats in the foods you eat into energy
Contributes to the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels
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Help to improve cholesterol levels
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Support brain health
May help to protect against age-related cognitive decline
Helps brain cell regeneration
Better concentration and memory
Helps the body in creating dopamine “happy hormones”
Boost serotonin, helping mood
Help ease mood swings. Can help relieves tension and anxiety because of its calming properties
Supports regulation of melatonin
Supports heart health Help maintain normal circulation and blood pressure
Supports your immune system
Anti-inflammatory properties to help with managing joint pain
Supporting good gut health
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THIS YEAR, GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF BETTER HEARING!
It’s the month of romance so fall in love with clear hearing and new beginnings. It’s the heartfelt conversations that linger, the laughter that lights up a room, the excitement of fresh opportunities, and the stories we carry forward, gaining even more meaning with eachpassingyear.
However,formanypeople,thejoyof thesemomentsfade,duetohearing loss. When sounds become unclear and following a conversation becomes tiring and so life can feel moreisolating.
At Economou Hearing CentRes, hearingcareisn’tjustamoment,itis aLIFELONGRELATIONSHIP.
For decades, we have stood by the side of those who trust us. With personal attention, tailored hearing solutions, and continuous support, we ensure that the experience of better hearing becomes part of everyday life, not only for the holidays,butforalifetime.
That’s why, this Christmas season, choose to offer yourself or a loved onesomethingthattrulymatters:
At Economou Hearing Centres, we provide:
Freehearingtests
A 30-day hearing aid trial, completely free and with no commitment
Ongoing free support and professionalconsultation
“The ability to hear every moment clearly.” Modern,technologicallyadvancedhearing aids: Aresmall,discreet,andcomfortable Providenaturalandclearsound Significantly improve speech understanding Automatically adapt to any environment
With the right hearing care and the guidance of a specialist, every moment becomes more vivid, and more meaningful.
The most precious gifts don’t go under the tree… they are the moments, the conversations, and the laughter shared with the people you love. This Christmas, give yourself the gift of better hearing, because every moment deserves to be heardclearly!
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FEAR OF COMMITMENT: THE MODERN DILEMNA
Fear of commitment is a modern epidemic, whispering doubts just as we're about to leap into love. As a male coach working with women, I've seen it stall even the strongest connections And with Valentine’s Day looming, the pressure intensifies. Cards, roses, romantic dinners, and that unspoken expectation to “have someone” can make the fear feel louder than ever Today, we have the luxury of time to ponder commitment, unlike our ancestors who were thrust into adulthood early. Back then, settling down was the norm: find a partner, build a family, survive together There was little room for hesitation; life demanded it. But now, with delayed milestones like marriage and kids, we overanalyse. The cons, loss of freedom, potential heartbreak, loom large, overshadowing the pros like shared joy and growth. This overthinking makes us feel "not ready," holding back from the jump, especially when Valentine’s Day reminds us of what we don’t have Several factors fuel this fear. Career ambitions top the list, especially for women who've shattered glass ceilings. Many prioritise professional growth over partnership, fearing a relationship might derail their path. Past traumas play a big role too. Previous betrayals or toxic dynamics leave scars, making vulnerability terrifying
Financial independence adds another layer; why risk it when self-reliance feels safe? Fear of losing one's identity is common: in a fluid world, commitment can seem like surrendering autonomy. And societal pressure, glamorised single life on social media, makes settling down feel like settling, particularly when February 14th highlights couples everywhere. Consider an analogy: jumping into a pool In the past, you'd dive right in to cool off on a hot day, embracing the refreshment. Today, we stand at the edge, testing the water temperature, worrying about the depth, or if it's too cold The overthinking turns a simple joy into paralysis, missing the exhilarating swim. Commitment is similar: overfocusing on risks overshadows the warmth of companionship Valentine’s Day can feel like standing at that pool’s edge, watching others dive in while we hesitate.
The key is a reset through self-discovery.
Understand your energy, leader, sharer, or supporter, and seek a dynamic that aligns My Circology® framework helps map this polarity, ensuring commitment feels right, not forced. This February, use the holiday not as pressure, but as a mirror for selfreflection. The love that follows will feel effortless, grateful, and deeply aligned. Andreas
For deeper insights, explore my Circology® framework at www.circology.life. Discover the right dynamic before investing your heart.
Matchcreator
THE CULT OF FRAGILITY
The world is awash with corporate emails about wellbeing, brands posting soft pastel graphics about “being kind to yourself,” and people announcing their emotional state as if it’s a weather report we all need to monitor. Oh please fuck off.
Not bored of mental health, not dismissive of genuine suffering, not unsympathetic to people who are truly struggling but completely fed up with the way we’ve turned normal human emotion into a cultural performance, where everyone is expected to speak in hushed tones, censor themselves, and behave as though we are all permanently on the brink of collapse.
Mental health wasn’t a thing when I was growing up. There were no awareness days or wellbeing officers officers telling us how to breathe. No endless conversations dissecting our inner child. And yet somehow, miraculously, we coped.
We went through breakups without labelling every relationship a trauma. We had bad days without diagnosing ourselves.
We lost jobs without turning it into an identity.
We got knocked down, dusted ourselves off, and carried on because there wasn’t an alternative. Ok, so it wasn't perfect and some people did suffer in silence who shouldn’t have had to. But what we did have was resilience as the baseline normality and not a special achievement. We’ve created a culture obsessed with vulnerability but deeply uncomfortable with strength. Every feeling must be examined, announced, validated, and gently cradled. Every discomfort is treated like a crisis. Every bad week requires a brainstorming exercise. Sometimes you’re not depressed, you’re just having a bad day.That’s life. What frustrates me most is that this culture of tiptoeing quietly teaches them they are fragile. It encourages the belief that emotions are dangerous, discomfort is something to fear, and hardship is something you’re not equipped to handle without external validation.
S Of course depression, anxiety, trauma and serious mental illness are real and deserve proper attention. But when everything becomes mental health, nothing is. Life is uncomfortable by design. It is supposed to challenge you. You can still feel low and still function, feel lost and still move forward, feel overwhelmed and still get out of bed, show up, do the work, and build something better. It's called being an adult. Maybe instead of constantly telling people how delicate they are, we should remind them how capable they are.
Aries ( 21 March – 19 April ) –
You may find new or unusual associations develop through your work situation or you may find that new associates lead to different avenues of work. You‘re shining in an all new way and people will gravitate to whatever you‘ve figured out for yourself.
Taurus ( 20 April – 20 May )Your path is well aspected for rewards both through money and fellowship. For the moment though, concentrate on new possibilities and the best way to learn and apply new skills. Health issues will be important on the path of change.
Gemini ( 21 May – 20 June) –
You need to get some advice that reveals different options, methods or approaches. Some of you will be drawn to risks, gambles or the more speculative venture. Make sure you take advice from those in the know. A change of direction with money could be beneficial.
Cancer ( 21 June – 22 July )Your energy levels shift, moving you subtly towards different patterns of work. You may have success through creative or spiritual pursuits.Those married or with a partner may find themselves experiencing a professional change that affects close or romantic relationships
With Manish With Manish
Leo ( 23 July – 22 August )The art of negotiation will be a key ingredient to finding your emotional happiness and security this month. Set goals for how you want things to improve and then work to reap a dividend.Some of you may make a romantic connection through a working situation.
Virgo ( 23 August – 22 Sep)There may be confusion or difficulty at work that affects your partnership situation. Some of you may opt for a new personal direction because of such changes. There could be shifts of an unexpected nature.This is not a good period for decision-making or fine judgement.
Libra ( 23 Sept – 22 October )The load of responsibility could be a heavy one this month and you may have to balance one activity against another. Make sure you build some beneficial activities into your busy day so that you can keep good health through enjoyable recreational activity.
Scorpio ( 23 Oct – 21 Nov)You may be developing something new or simply exploring other aspects of your inner self.There will be new romance and romantic interests for some. Conduct yourselves in accordance with the highest values or ideals and you will rise in people's estimation
Sagittarius (22 November - 21 December) - Your knowledge of methods or techniques of communication will be to your advantage. There may be dealings with people in authority, especially women. You may hit the big time if you make that last push towards success with long term goals or important aspirations.
Capricorn ( 22 December – 19 January ) - You may find yourself amid a wealth of new connections and people of status or academic standing may be among them. There may be dealings with professional people. Legal or religious matters may feature. You may have important discussions with close associates that offer changed horizons.
Aquarius ( 20 January – 18 February ) - Contact with people of other nations or cultures may play a part in partnership activity. There may be new romance or marriage. For others, partnership will flourish and changed conditions for your nearest and dearest will bring change for you. Such change may bring an elevation of status.
Pisces ( 19 February – 20 March ) –Joint arrangements with regard to money or resources may go through a change.Committed couplesneed to try to bring some romance back into their lives if you feel things are struggling or uncertain. Singles will be yearning for a deep level of companionship to fulfil themselves. .
