ICA Home & Living - Autumn 2017

IRISH COUNTRYWOMEN’S ASSOCIATION: WE COOK, TRAVEL, CRAFT AND SOCIALISE! ICA HOME & LIVING

Autumn 2017

AL FRESCO STYLE Garden Party 2017 WONDER WOMEN YARN BOMBERS & CRAFTY LADIES

FIRE BREATHING BAKER ALISON CROWZER KICKING THE HABIT FRANCES BLACK

75 FABULOUS FASHION & BEAUTY BUYS BOLD FASHION & BEAUTIFUL SKIN CARE

GUT FEELING TASTY LOW FODMAP RECIPIES

POP GOES THE CAKE

BAKING IDEAS FOR FAMILY GATHERINGS

AUTUMN 2017

Lem e on Meringu

A 2 NEIGAHK T BR

Travel Packing / 48 Hours in Belfast / Convertables / Tech Updates Recipes / Health Advice / Book Club /Kitchen Makeovers / Social Scene

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welcome|resolution “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun” KATHERINE HEPBURN ACTRESS AND ACTIVIST MAY 12, 1907 – JUNE 29, 2003

W

elcome to the latest bumper edition of ICA Home and Living magazine which continues to be very popular among our members and much sought after by non-members.

The summer is not over yet.

Although, the weather hasn’t been kind to us, we look forward to a late ‘Indian summer’. If you’re planning a holiday, you’ll be aware of the exorbitant charges for taking a suitcase. Check out our member, Noreen Bowers’ tips on packing light.

This edition has something of interest for everyone - photographs from our very successful Annual Garden Party are featured, which, according to those who attended, was the best one so far.

However, we don’t rest on our laurels; we have great ideas for next year which will make it even bigger and better.

The ladies who modelled looked absolutely fabulous in their outfits, kindly supplied by Shaws Department Store in Drogheda and Shaws pop up shop, proved immensely popular with members who bagged great bargains.

Thankfully, the weather was very kind to us that day and we sat out in the glorious sunshine until late in the evening.

No part of this may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Opinions and comments expressed herein are not necessarily those of ICA Home and Living . While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this publication is correct at the time of going to press, Ashville Media Group accept no responsibility whatsoever for any inaccuracies that may occur. © 2017/2018

Handcraft Week is also featured in this edition. Wall to wall heritage crafts and more were the order of the week and next year is already booking up fast.

You will all have to try out Mary D’Arcy’s recipe for lemon meringue pie, Mary is an excellent baker and her cakes are mouth-watering and very decorative. There is also a feature on the art of cake painting with Sinead Nolan. The cakes almost look too good to eat.

With cooking in mind, there are also tasty and easy dinner recipes for a healthy gut.

The article on Yarn Bombing is also really interesting and we are hoping that every federation will take this on board so that we can brighten up our towns and villages.

I’m delighted that this edition’s Federation Focus is on Meath, which is one of our most successful federations, who’s guilds participate in a huge variety of activities. They also have a very successful choir who participate annually in national competitions.

There is something for everyone in this edition, apart from the above, you can makeover your kitchen and find tips on how to relieve the pain from back and neck problems.

I have no doubt that you will enjoy reading the many and varied articles.

PUBLISHED BY Ashville Media Group, Old Stone Building, Blackhall Green, Dublin 7.

Tel: +353 (0) 1 432 2200.

Fax: +353 (0) 1 676 6043.

Web: www.ashville.com

A date for your diary is Friends of An Grianán mid-week break 17th-19th October (TuesdayThursday). We plan on having a 60’s disco on Wednesday night.

Marie O’Toole National President

EDITOR Mary Connaughton CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jane Matthews CONTRIBUTORS Conor Forrest, Orla Connolly, Alan McArthur and Jane Matthews PHOTOGRAPHY: Jane Matthews, iStock, Stock Food.

PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE Nicole Ennis

MANAGING DIRECTOR Gerry Tynan SALES DIRECTOR Paul Clemenson CHAIRMAN Diarmaid Lennon AUTUMN 2017 | ICA HOME & LIVING | 1

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Contents 10

20

BAKING LEMON MERINGUE, THE ICA WAY

PETIT FOURS Once you’ve been tempted by these mini sweet treats the real challenge is limiting yourself to just one of these very moreish morsels

Bring some lemon zing to your family gatherings with this elegant and smooth sweet citrus pie

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From fillet steak to risotto, uick, easy and healthy FODMAP recipes to keep you satisified and your gut calm and sensitivity free

Charting her career journey from musician to a senator in Leinster House, Frances Black talks to ICA ome & Living about facing and fighting alcohol addiction and how this informs her work today

WEEKDAY DINNERS

FRANCES BLACK

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LEMON MERINGUE PIE

24

CAJUN SPICED SALMON

57

Your chance to win a luxury spa break in the 5-star Heritage Killenard, where you and a friend can spend a weekend relaxing in the rolling green countryside of Co Laois

COMPETITION!!

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30

INTERIOR TRENDS

IRISH CRAFT

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AUTUMN 2017

10

FOOD 12

16

18

Skills Herb sauces, always a hit at the dinner table Crown Your Cake Make your cake a work of art Nuts & Seeds Nutty nibbles and wine pairings

34

ICA WORLD 34 Yarn Bomb The Louth Federation are bombs away 36 Handcraft Week Crafty creations 38 Federation Focus Olive Carolan on the Meath Federation 84 Crafty Snaps 2017’s handcraft queens 86 Social Update Snapshots of summer at the annual ICA Garden Party

74

INTERIOR WORLD 74 Interiors Kick back with our favourite cushions 75 Lighting Up Putting a spark into that outdoor lighting design 76 Kitchen Heaven Top tips on creating an inspiring cooking space

46

40

FIRE BREATHING BAKER

FASHION & BEAUTY 46 Packing Masterclass How to fit your world in a carry-on suitcase 51

46

PACKING MASTERCLASS

Monochrome Mad Maximum impact meets minimalist chic

53 Seeing Red Spice up your look with the siren 55 Shoe EnvyBringing sandal season full circle 58 Feeling Floral The delicate haze of summer scents 59 Skincare Fight the signs of sun damage 60 Colour Perfection Discover your personal colour profile and find out which hues win wardrobe space

30 ESCAPE

30 Craft Meet the creatives that make up Ireland’s craft scene 40 Business A fire breathing baker turns up the heat 64 Travel Party in the adult playground of Las Vegas!

68 Explore Ireland 10 things to see in Ireland this autumn.

70 48 Hours in Belfast Sights to see in the culture capital of Northern Ireland.

72 Motoring Dropping your top with the latest convertibles 82 Pets Is your cat being a brat?

Regulars 1

Welcome A welcome from National President, Marie O’Toole 5 Tea & Chat Grab a cuppa and settle down, it’s time to relax 7 Little Helpers Tech to keep you in touch with nature 9 Daily Disasters Tackle these common plumbing problems 78 Back Health Spring back to health with expert advice 88 Mental Health Strike a balance between body and mind

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BOMBS AWAY

58

SCENTUAL

ISTOCK

36

HANDCRAFT CREATIONS

On the Cover LEMON MERINGUE

BAKING

10

The ICA PG Way

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Kearns Fruit Farm was established over forty years ago on the family farm at the foothills of Mount Leinster. Originally, we began growing fruit for jam production and the farm has now developed into a large family run business producing and growing for supermarkets and the fresh fruit market.

C- 6% M-14% Y- 35% K- 7%

C- 85% We are Bord Bia approved and members of Good Food M-17% Y- 76% Ireland and members K-of57%Guaranteed Irish. With all our experience, we strive M-100% to produce the finest quality strawberries Y-100% K-10% and raspberries, blackberries , and also produce all our own homemade jam. Fresh as nature intended.

We invite you to try out our freshly picked juicy fruits at any of our stalls in Wicklow town, Avoca Kilmacanogue or in the People’s Park, market in Dun Laoghaire on Sunday’s.

We also work with other local producers and also supply other products like natural fruit juices, cherries, Wexford Honey, Kildare blueberries and Wexford Queen potatoes.

You can also buy direct from our farm outside Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford and all visitors are welcome. Fresh and frozen fruit is available on the farm, where you can also buy fruit for jam and juice making, smoothies etc.

AN BORD BIA APPROVED

Curraghgraigue, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. • sales@kearnsfruitfarm.ie Find us on Facebook www.kearnsfruitfarm.ie. For more details, Office: 053 9255495 Mob: 087 6630347//087 8241978.

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COOKING, TRAVELING, CRAFTING, FASHION, BEAUTY AND SOCIALISING!

231,983

Impressions globally on our digital editions

8.04

49,500

readership nationwide on our printed edition

pages per session on our website. With content this good people linger.

265,100

Twitter reach

11,300

Facebook reach

TO ADVERTISE CONTACT: Jill Geoghegan, T: + 353 (0) 86 268 0180 E: jill.geoghegan@gmail.com

ICA Advertise with us.indd 1

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If you’ve any great photos that you’d like included in future issues of the magazine let us know and we will arrange to get them from you and back to you unharmed! editor@ icahomeandliving.ie

chat|tea

SUN SHADE

We know the sun will make an re-appearance as everyone goes back to school, so make sure you’ve updated your shades and are ready to rock that look at the school gates.

Round black sunglasses, €7.00, Tiger Stores

SALAD JARS Joules tortoiseshell and stripe sunglasses, €95, Vision Express Glitter cat eye sunglasses, €4, Penneys

Hilfiger sunglasses, €135, Littlewoods

Lipsmacking We’re finding it hard to choose betweeen Max Factor’s luscious Matte Velvet lipstick range and Colour Elixir Honey Lacquer lipgloss, with all the pigment of a lipstick but the shine of a gloss.

Both have dense pigmentation for great colour but leave lips beautifully moisturised.

Velvet Matte Lipstick collection, available in 7 shades, €10.99; Colour Elixir Honey Lacquer, available in 8 shades, €13.99

5

THINGS

TO DO NOW

Cook your favourite dish ... and if it’s good for you then so much the better.

Try some of our low FODMAP recipes.

Page 24

Prepare a portable salad jar for work, a walk or an impromptu picnic.

Clean a large glass jar or Mason jar.

Cut things into bite-sized pieces.

Layer at the bottom with the dressing, placing heavier items at the base and working up with the lighter ingredients.

Layer 1 1 tbsp salad dressing of your choice Layer 2 3 tbsp mixed vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, celery or onion.

Layer 3 Sweetcorn, peas or broccoli Layer 4 Cheese, avocado or egg Layer 5 Grains or pasta Layer 6 Leaves and seeds.

Pop the lid on, refrigerate and shake just before serving to dress the salad. For a high protein version try lentils, roasted red peppers and feta cheese. Make a cool and refreshing version with watermelon, mint and feta. Add substance with cumin, roasted sweet potato and spinach.

Try a new craft Ever heard of Taellesyning? We hadn’t either but it was a bit hit at craft week.

Page 36

Edit your wardrobe Are you a warm summer or a cool winter? Check before you chuck.

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Cherry on Top Congratulations to Vivienne Rigley, Arles Guild in Laois who won the Gem Pack Cherry Cake competition in An Grianán in March. Vivienne’s epic chocolate cake featured in the last issue of ICA Home & Living and we will try and persuade her to share her cherry cake recipe in a future issue of the magazine. Well done to Mary Kelly, Camcross Guild, Wexford, whose cake took the second spot and Anne Downey, Clareen Guild, Offaly, who netted third prize. We hope everyone who entered this year really enjoyed the experience. Many thanks to our competition sponsors Gem Pack for their muchappreciated support.

Visit a bookshop Go armed with a list!

Five members review our book club options.

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Book a mini-break Try some falconry in Mount Juliet or learn to fly fish in Ballynahinch.

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Don’t let

MENOPAUSE make you dread the day!

Combat physical and mental fatigue caused by sleep disturbances and low mood. Revitalise your cells and restore balance to your body during this time of great hormonal change.

HYPERTONIC      

Mood enhancing Antioxidant action Combat hot flushes Stabilises blood glucose Aids absorption of calcium Maintains a healthy immune system

Be part of the #MineralRevolution For more information: Email: info@cellnutrition.com Website: www.cellnutrition.ie

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Irish Pharmacy News

WINNER BEST NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH SMALLER BUDGET CELLNUTRITION QUINTON HYPERTONIC

2017

29/08/2017 13/04/2017 15:18 14:56

Tech|Update

Little Helpers SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE WITH THESE LITTLE HELPERS Ideal for outdoor sounds in this changeable season, the JBL Clip 2, (€59.99 PC World) is an light, rugged and waterproof portable speaker providing eight hours of playtime. With the last of the sun we’re glad to give our skin some much needed Vitamin D, but to keep it protected from UV rays apply all-rounder Estee Lauder Resilience Face Cream & SPF and soon see visibly firmer, younger looking skin. Be the envy of the EP camp site with the 2-Person, Picnic Perfect Sandwich Tent (€359.00, fieldcandy.com). A tent that’s as good as it looks, everyone will want a bite. A 4-season, 100% waterproof tent it has been made to withstand extreme weather conditions keeping you dry in a storm and snug in a gale. When you have guests over for a light lunch, spruce up your salads with the Kenwood spiralizer - guaranteed to add a little twist to your seasonal entertaining!

Eco Quandry: Travelling Green

Closing the window shade on the airplane can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Do the environment a service by closing the shade. Lowering the shade helps keep the aircraft cool.

When all passengers help out and do this, the aircraft can be 10 degrees cooler.

Reducing the cooling load saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

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Bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bag.

Toss the bag in the suitcase and keep the water bottle handy for water fountain fill-ups — using both items will help cut down on wasteful packaging during travel.

Packing light saves the planet The more weight trains, planes, and automobiles have to carry, the more fuel they use, and the more greenhouse gases (the kind that cause the planet’s temperature to rise) are emitted into the atmosphere.

WHAT TO PACK

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Play it by ear Looking to create some ‘me time’ on the go? These handy apps transport everyday activities to extraordinary experiences.

Audible

Pocket Casts

Spotify

Mindfulness

Turn any time into storytime. Speed through your commute with a thriller, fuel your next training session with facts, find yourself transported into a realm of romance and intrigue turning everyday chores into some fabulous reading time. With Audible, the storytime possibilities are endless.

We love podcasts and the only thing we love more is Pocket Casts.

With awards like Google Play Top Developer and the Google Material Design Award there’s much to love about this little app. It will even recommend new podcasts based on your previous choices, so once you finish one adventure you can jump right into another!

Want to discover new music? Choose a ready-made playlist that suits your mood or get personalised recommendations. Listen to artists and albums, or create a playlist filled with your favorite songs. With a library full of mood, genre and decade-based playlists you won’t have to worry about finding the perfect party music ever again.

This app comes packed with features, including a five-day guided meditation practice, meditation reminders, personalised meditation offers, and timers for keeping you on track. There’s even a health app integration capability.

If you need a little help relaxing, this is the app for you!

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STEP OUT IN STYLE

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WATCH YOUR BACK AUTUMN 2017 | ICA HOME & LIVING | 7

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NEWTOWNBARRY HOUSE & GARDENS

COMPETITION! We are giving away 3 boxes of BioActive Q10 Gold to 3 lucky readers.

Enter the competition by emailing your answers to the question below (together with your contact information) to ireland@pharmanord.com. Put “ICA Home and Living Magazine” in the subject line.

Alliteratively, fill in the below coupon and post your answer to Pharma Nord, Unit 289, Blanchardstown Corporate park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15

31st October 2017.

Competition ends 30th June 2017.

Question: OPENING HOURS - Thursday 1st June, closing 31st August 2017 • Open Tuesdays to Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays.

• Gardens: 12-6pm • Farm Cafe, Gallery & Craft Gift Shop: 12-6pm Newtownbarry House, Bunclody, Co. Wexford, Ireland.

Tel/Fax:053 937 6383 | www.newtownbarryhouse.com

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✂ Name:

In which organ do you think the largest concentration of Q10 is found?  Skin?  Heart?  Brain?

Address: Town/City: County: Email:

For product information visit www.pharmanord.ie or Call: 01 899 1650

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23/08/2017 11:22

A Fascinating Georgian Estate MULLINGAR, CO. WESTMEATH

Kilfane Glen & Waterfall A pristine example of a romantic era garden dating from the 1790s and covering 15 acres Open to the public daily from 1-6pm.

July 1 – August 31, Admission €7 (Reductions available for students, OAPs and families) Please No Dogs. www.kilfane.com

ICA Template.indd 1

Restored Georgian Villa, 160 Acres of Parkland, Victorian Walled Garden, 4 Children’s Play Areas, Historic Follies, Fairy Garden, 10km of Serene Walking Trails, Café & Gift Shop OPEN DAILY YEAR ROUND WITH SEASONAL EVENTS

Tel: 044 9349060│E: info@belvedere-house.ie│www.belvedere-house.ie

30/08/2017 10:56

how to|fix

daily delights How to

Fix simple plumbing issues Depending on the task, you might feel comfortable with doing a little DIY around the house. Changing a light bulb, tightening a screw on the kitchen press or patching a small hole in a wall aren’t particularly daunting tasks, though you might draw the line at replacing a socket or installing new windows. Plumbing is another area most people will avoid if something goes wrong – you don’t want to loosen the wrong bolt and accidentally ood your bathroom. owever, there are some simple tasks you can take on yourself.

SWAP YOUR SHOWER HEAD Installing a new shower head is one of the easiest plumbing tasks you’ll encounter. Just unscrew the old shower head from the arm (adjustable pliers will come in handy) and clean the arm thread – remove dirt, rust and old thread seal tape (this tape provides a watertight seal). Recover the arm thread with fresh seal tape, applied tightly using about three turns’ worth (press the tape into the threads) in the direction that the head will be tightened. Screw on the new shower head, and tighten using a cloth or pliers. If there are any leaks, you may have to reapply the tape. Always read the instructions with your new fixture there may be additional or different steps you have to take depending on the type of shower head.

CLOGGED TOILET Clearing a clogged toilet is usually an unpleasant but necessary task that can be solved with a pair of rubber gloves and a plunger. If the water doesn’t drain away completely after you ush, wait five or ten minutes until the level recedes, then put your plunger into action. Begin gently, then use more force as you go on. Be patient, as it could take 10, 15, 20 or more pushes before the clog is dislodged. If that doesn’t work, then it might be time to call in the professionals.

SEAL IT IN Replacing mouldy or peeling sealant around your bath, shower or sink is a boring, time-consuming but perfectly doable job. This requires a tube of sealant and a sealant gun (check with your local hardware shop), masking tape, a scraping tool, white spirits, kitchen towels or rags, and patience. First, remove all traces of the existing sealant with a sharp tool, as well as any mould. Clean the surface and allow it to dry. Use the masking tape to tape off either side of where you’ll be applying the sealant, chop the top off the tube (the cut should match the width of the gap you’re sealing) and load it into the gun. Before you begin, use a piece of cardboard to practice making a nice solid line in one go. When your work of art is finished, wet your finger and rub it along the sealant to smooth it out and remove the excess. Remove the masking tape while it’s still wet, and then leave to dry as long as necessary.

BASIC TOOLBOX Keep a number of basic tools on hand to fix common plumbing issues, like a plunger, radiator bleeding key, pliers and plumber’s putty.

TOP TIP Search for your plumbing issue on YouTube to find how-to videos with step by step instructions.

Tweet Tweet your favourite story #loveica

Follow Get the latest updates facebook.com/ IrishCountrywomensAssociation

Send Send us your top tips, queries or advice for our next issue editor@icahomeandliving.ie SUMMER 2017 | ICA HOME & LIVING | 9

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n o m Le

skills|baking

THE ICA WAY

Meringue Pie

A smooth, sharp, citrus custard in a crisp pastry shell, topped with fluffy meringue, is surely one of the most mouthwatering desserts ever invented.

T

here are two schools of thought on where the lemon meringue pie originated, while its known that lemon has been used to avour custards and deserts since edieval times, meringue only became part of the culinary case-book in the 1 the century. ome researchers credit wiss baker Alexander rehse with the earliest incarnation of the recipes in the 19th century. n the other side of the Atlantic, the uaker movement had invented lemon curd in the 1 00s, but it was immigrant li abeth oane oodfellow, a pastry chef and cookery school founder in hiladelphia who is credited as having invented the citrus dessert. hatever the truth, you can’t argue with the appeal of this dessert. n fact, this dish is so popular in the that August 15th is ofďŹ cially ational emon eringue ie ay

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baking|skills MARY D’ARCY’S LEMON MERINGUE PIE PASTRY 110g butter or margarine 200g plain flour 2 tbsp cornflour 2 tbsp icing sugar 2 egg yolks 1 tbsp lemon juice 1-2 tsp water

ieve our, corn our and icing sugar into a bowl, cut butter margarine into small cubes and rub into our mix until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. ( his can be done in a food processor in seconds). ix the egg yolk, lemon uice and water together, add to dry ingredients and mix well to form a firm dough. rap and chill for at least 30 minutes. ightly grease an 0cm loose-bottomed an tin. oll out the pastry to a circle about 5cm wider than tin. ift the pastry by draping over rolling pin and unroll it over the an tin, level gently from the centre out and up the sides paying particular attention to the angle at base and sides. rim away excess pastry and prick all over the base with a fork to allow any air escape. ut a large circle of greaseproof paper and press into a tin and fill with dried peas beans. ake in a hot oven 00 (400 ) or as for 10-1 mins. emove the peas beans and paper and continue baking for - minutes until pastry is crisp and brown. ake out of the oven and allow to cool.

LEMON FILLING 40g cornflour 2 large lemons, grated rind and juice 112g caster sugar 15g butter 2 large egg yolks

n a large measuring ug, blend the cornour with lemon uice, add sugar and lemon rind and enough water to make up to 300ml. our into a small saucepan and cook gently until it thickens, remove from the heat and beat in the butter and egg yolks. our into the pastry shell.

MARY D’ARCY

SECRETARY, WEXFORD FEDERATION Our great recipe for lemon meringue pie comes courtesy of Mary D’Arcy, Secretary of the Wexford Federation. Mary has been a member of the Ballyfad Guild in North Wexford for over three decades and loves to bake. As an active member of ICA she has learned new crafts and skills with the ICA and has made many new friends all around the country. “This recipe for lemon meringue pie is lovely for a special treat, dessert or a party. I use a rich, sweet-pastry, which gives a nice crisp base to the finished dish. The fresh zingy taste of real lemon gives a mouthwatering taste so unlike the packet mix.”

MERINGUE 3 large egg whites 175g caster sugar 1 tsp cornflour

n a clean, grease free bowl whisk the egg whites until stiff, whisk in half the sugar until firm and glossy. ift the corn our and remaining caster sugar together and gently fold into the meringue. pread the meringue gently over the lemon filling, start at the edges and work in as this ensures the edges are sealed and the filling does not get pushed out to the edge. ou can make the surface rough, smooth or spiked, whichever you prefer. ake in a cool oven 150 , 300 or as for 530 mins. his delicious lemon meringue pie can be served warm or cold and is best eaten on the day it’s baked.

TRY THIS If you make Mary’s pie, take a picture and email it with your name, guild and federation to editor@icahomeandliving.ie or simply share it on Facebook and tag @icahomeandliving The best pictures will appear on icahomeandliving.ie

SEE OUR ...

CAKE POPS & PETIT FOURS

20 PG

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skills|sauces

Herbal Hit Herb sauces add a real zing and freshness of flavour that bring the simplest of dishes to life. They don’t require too much effort and they suit the mood for lighter eating with bright, sunny tastes.

The great thing about herb sauces is that many of them require no cooking, they’re deliciously fresh and you can store them in the fridge for up to a week. Herb sauces tend to be light, yet they pack a really powerful avour punch.

BÉARNAISE SAUCE 60ml white wine vinegar 1 small shallot, peeled and finely diced ½ tsp black pepper 2 tbsp tarragon 2 egg yolks 180g butter, melted Salt, to taste A squeeze of lemon juice In a small, non-reactive pan heat the vinegar, shallots, black pepper and half the tarragon.

Bring to the boil then reduce to simmer until the liquid is reduced to approx. 2 tbsp. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Bring a couple of cups of water to boil in a saucepan then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the cooled mixture to a bowl that is big enough to fit on top of the pan without touching the water, add the egg yolks and whisk the mixture together. Place the bowl over the simmering pan and continue to whisk for aaprox 6-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and doubles in volume.

Slowly add the butter beating in a spoonful at a time. Add the remaining tarragon and serve with fillet steak, roast veal, steamed asparagus or rich fish such as salmon or halibut.

SAUCE VIERGE

CHIMICHURRI

100g sweet tomatoes, peeled, seeded and finely diced 1 tsp capers, rinsed if packed in salt ½ lemon, juice and zest 1 small sweet onion, very finely chopped 1 tbsp basil, finely chopped ½ tsp coriander seeds, crushed 100ml olive oil Salt, to taste

100g bunch flat leaf parsley 8 cloves garlic, minced 180ml extra virgin olive oil 60ml red wine vinegar 1tsp lemon juice 1 tbsp red onion, finely chopped diced red onion 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp black pepper ½ teaspoon salt

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix together very gently. Serve with grilled or poached white fish.

MINT SAUCE 30g fresh mint, 1 tbsp caster sugar 4 tbsp white wine vinegar 3 tbsp water Salt, to taste Strip the mint leaves from the stalks, discard the stalks and chop the leaves very finely. Mix the water, vinegar and caster sugar together until the sugar has dissolved. Add in the chopped mint and stir well, pressing the mint with the back of the spoon to release the flavour. Allow stand for at least 30 minutes before serving with roast lamb or to dress a salad of fresh peas, poached broad beans and baby lettuce leaves.

Put the parsley into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse again. Pour into a bowl and serve with T-bone steak cooked rare or roast rack of lamb.

The sauce can also be used to marinade the meat before cooking and for basting meat during cooking.

RIATA ½ cucumber 250ml plain yogurt 2 tbsp mint, chopped ¼ tsp ground coriander ½ tsp ground cumin Salt, to taste De-seed the cucumber and grate the flesh into a sieve. Sprinkle with a little salt and let drain for about 30 mins. Combine the yoghurt, spices and mint in a bowl. Use a couple of sheets of kitchen paper to squeeze any excess water from the cucumber, then chop roughly and add to the yoghurt mix. Serve with spicy dishes or poached fresh salmon.

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sauces|skills BEE FRIENDLY Herbs are a perfect planting opportunity to attract more bees into our gardens. Plant chives, borage (handy for the Pimms), lavender, dill, angelica, lemon balm, thyme and rosemary to keep your garden buzzing and beautifully scented all summer.

PESTO 50g basil 30g pecorino cheese, grated 75g Parmesan cheese, grated 20g pine nuts 100ml extra virgin olive oil 1 clove of garlic 1 tsp sea salt Pick the basil leaves from the stalks.

Chop the garlic and place in a mortar and pestle with half of the salt, grind to a paste with the pestle. Add the basil leaves and the remainder of the salt and grind to a paste, then add the pine nuts and grind into the basil. Add the cheeses little by little and grind into the basil paste with the pestle. When it’s well combined add the oil little by little until it is all mixed. Use on pasta, chicken or fish. The pesto will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

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skills|sauces

Herbal Hit 1

BASIC BUT IMPORTANT

Buy herbs that are completely fresh, dry and free from damage.

Snip the bottom off the stems and store in a glass of water or wrap in damp kitchen paper and keep in a plastic bag in the fridge.

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GROWING HERBS

Most herbs are easy to grow and a small window box or patio tub will accommodate enough to keep your kitchen in fresh herbs all year. Grow from seed or pick up some plants from your local nursery.

Choose a selection that you’ll use frequently. Plant your herbs in groups that require similar levels of water and sunlight. Hardier herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, marjoram, lavender and oregano can be planted together in well-drained soil as they don’t like wet roots. Mint is probably best grown in a pot on it’s own as it’s quite invasive and will kill off other plants.

Soft herbs like parsley, dill, basil, coriander and chives can be grouped together as long as you give them room to spread out. Water them daily in summer but don’t soak them. Ideally if you can sit your pot into a saucer or container and put the water in that then the soil will soak up what it needs.

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PICKING HERBS

During the growing season it is important to pick herbs regularly to prevent them bolting or going to seed too early. Don’t pick the stems from the base of the plant but pinch out the leaves you need from the tips about 5cm from the top and just above a set of leaves.

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DRYING HERBS

When you have a glut of home grown herbs you can dry them and store them in jars for up to a year. Pick the leaves and ensure that they are clean and dry. Lay in a single layer on a metal tray and store in a cool dark place until dried.

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FREEZING HERBS

Just pulse them in the food processor, spread them out on a metal baking sheet and pop in the freezer for a couple of hours, this stops them freezing in lumps. Once they are frozen you can pack and store them in well-labelled freezer bags.

Alternatively pack the blitzed herbs into ice-cube trays, top up with water and freeze.

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Home is the place where memories are made.

There are 5,000 people homeless in Ireland. One in seven people accessing homeless services is a child. By remembering Focus Ireland in your Will, you can provide more people with a place to call home, a place to create their own happy memories.

We understand that when making your Will, you’ll want to care for those closest to you first, but once you have, any contribution to Focus Ireland can make such a big difference. Please contact Pauline Costello in Focus Ireland, in complete confidence, on 01 881 5900. Thank you.

1850 204 205 www.focusireland.ie

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T

Cake

CROWN YOUR

ICA Home & Living caught up with Sinead Nolan of Crown Your Cake for a demonstration in the beautiful art of cake painting. We’re feeling very inspired and are definitely trying out this technique soon.

hese stunningly decorated and highly personal cakes are the creation of Sinead, a trained chef with ten years experience. She came to the technique fairly recently after launching her new business, Crown Your Cake, specialising in bespoke occasion cakes for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and religious celebrations. Her artistic talents include the ability to capture people’s personalities and quirks in utterly charming handmade figures.

On the morning of our shoot, Sinead had a prepared dummy-cake to work on and assembled her tools and colours close to hand. Sinead works with typical artist paintbrushes and uses Colour Splash Pro-gel colours, which she mixes with a little vodka in a paint pallet. A few sheets of white paper are kept to hand to test out the density of the colours and practice the strokes before application to the iced cake.

Vodka is used rather than water because it gives the colour more staying power and as the alcohol evaporates, it dries more quickly, meaning there is less chance of damage to the icing.

Sinead places the dummy-cake on a turntable, ensuring she can rotate it as she works. If you don’t have a turntable, a large platter on an upturned bowl would suffice. ust ensure it’s stable and not likely to tip over.

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decoration|skills “We are going to start off with foxgloves.

Always practice on a bit of paper first. ’ll use a paintbrush that is uite bristly it’s quite hard so it will give a nice effect of petals. have a smaller paintbrush here that have cut the top off ust to give another effect. You can also change the angle of the paintbrush to give a different effect. For instance, turn the brush to make the line thin at the top and thick at the bottom or vice-versa. o create petals, use a broad stroke using one colour. ’m using olour plash iolet. hen, add a darker shade or contrasting colour to the inner part of the petal to make it more realistic. t’s a good techni ue, not difficult at all. ou can create your own personal style and vary the size of the petals.

After you have mastered the techni ue on paper you can try it directly on the cake. otate the cake gently as you go, so the cake doesn’t slide off. o its basically ust dabbing it and that’s the beauty of doing wild owers or fancy owers, its doesn’t have to be botanically correct or too precise. ow it’s time to add a bit of greenery. e have two different greens. oday ’m using olive green and eucalyptus, again mixing them with the vodka. ith these ones you use really thin brushes ’m using the zero-zero and a relatively thin brush tapered at the end. t’s nice to mix different greens together so you get more variety.

Again, ust practice a little and create stems and tendrils.

Bring the design up the sides and onto the top of the cake. f was painting something like foxgloves, the stem would go on the top, the curves and the owers would fall off it and ’d add a few wild, curly leaves as well. t adds a bit of more effect as if there is a bit of wind, a bit of life in it. ow we can try some pansies. ith these we colour with a one-stroke brush it’s an angular brush and makes the ob really simple. hoose three different colours for these one-stroke brushes so you can put say dark, medium and a light which will make it really simple to create these owers. y main colour here is claret, this is my all time favourite again this is a rogel a dark purple and ’m using a red for contrast. oak the whole paintbrush first and ust dip either end in its called the toe and the heel. heck if you need more vodka, soak it up and ust practice it on the paper. hen you’re happy that it looks good start on the cake. crub into the cake for each petal. he colour ust seems to dissolve into the fondant so you will need to add more colour to the cake. eep going until you have a pansy what like about this design is that if make a mistake, can ust say it’s a wild ower or the leaves, use more of a tapered ending brush, si e 10. f you want smaller pansies you ust use a smaller brush with the same shape. Again into the vodka

For the full video tutorial log onto icahomeandliving.ie

we’ll use the two greens the eucalyptus and olive green and see how it looks on paper. ust add in a few leaves at a time, apply a little pressure and turn the brush slightly to create the effect of the leaves being blown. hen draw in the stems. emember, if you make a mistake, you can wipe it away with vodka but sometimes mistakes turn out better than what you had originally planned As the cake is getting more filled in you might need to take a step back or pop out of the room for a minute. hen you come back you’ll see it more clearly and you might not need to add any more to it. f it does need more, start with some small s uiggly leaves or tendrils as they fill in without over-cluttering the design. hat’s pretty much it.

The result is very elegant, ethereallooking cake that would grace any occasion.

Sinead Nolan, Crown your Cake Tel: 086 345 21 67 info@crownyourcake.ie www.crownyourcake.ie

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food|store

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Nuts & Seeds

ALMONDS

FLAVOUR: Sweet and smooth with firm, crunchy texture. USE IN: Ground almonds are the basis for macarons, frangipane and marzipan. Flaked almonds go with trout. Add whole to Moroccan tagines in deserts with apricots and dates and toasted to fruitcakes.

All you need to know

With an ever increasing interest in eating more healthily and getting more plantbased protein into our diet, reducing the amount of saturated fats and increasing the healthy fats we consume, nuts seem like the perfect place to start. They dampen hunger pangs and are great in both sweet and savoury dishes.

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CASHEW

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HAZELNUTS

FLAVOUR: Delicately sweet, fragrant and crunchy with a warmer flavour when toasted.

USE IN: Great in curries, biryanis and Asian stir-fry.

Blended they are smooth enough to replace dairy in ice-cream, frosting and cheesecake. Perfect for dairy allergies or vegans.

ALMONDS go with almost everything but are especially nice with a little Amaretto liqueur or a cold glass of Albarino. Agnes Dei Albarino, RSP €18, Independent Off Licences

Nibble toasted PINE NUTS with a nice Italian Amarone or Barolo. Ca’Rugate Amorone Della Valpolicella Classico DOC, €65, SuperValu Fine Wines and Specialist Off Licences

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PINE NUTS

FLAVOUR: Sweet, resin like with a very yielding texture. USE IN: Toast lightly on a dry pan and add to salads, pasta dishes or sprinkle over vanilla icecream. Try making fresh pesto, see our delicious ICA recipe from this issue on pg11.

FLAVOUR: Strong nutty taste that’s amplified when roasted, with a crunch texture.

USE IN: Beautiful in salads with green beans or broccoli, feta and tomato; heavenly with chocolate, in cookies and cakes. Crushed hazelnuts are great added to muesli and crumble topping.

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WALNUTS

PISTACHIO

FLAVOUR: Slightly bitter from the tannins in the skin with complex flavour and astringent finish.

USE IN: Salads with blue cheese, pear, rocket and honey. Grind with garlic, bread, Parmesan and olive oil to make a pasta sauce.

Good in coffee cake.

FLAVOUR: A cousin of the cashew, pistachio tastes smooth, buttery, rich and sweetly fragrant. USE IN: Add to rice with cardamom; make wild rice salads with pistachio and pomegranate seeds.

Make a fragrant pistachio and rosewater cake; Delicious with cherries, vanilla and chocolate.

Bright, zesty whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Sancerre are great with PISTACHIOS and their cousins the CASHEWS. Two

Chardonnay is rich and full bodied enough to be the perfect partner for HAZELNUTS. Du

Oceans Sauvignon Blanc, RSP €10.

SuperValu and Centra nationwide and Independent Off-Licences

Boeuf Macon Lugny €15.29 SuperValu and Independent Off-Licences Nationwide

Spiced, roasted and salted nuts are the best options for sparkling wines, which handle salt really well.

Marco Oro Valdo Prosecco, €19.50, Independents Nationwide.

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PEANUTS

FLAVOUR: Sweet, beany flavour that’s intensified with roasting and salting. USE IN: Savoury sauces like satay or add crushed peanuts to give crunch to noodle dishes.

Snack on peanut butter and vegetable sticks or make a peanut butter cheesecake with caramel sauce.

Eat MACADAMIA NUTS with rum or pineapple based drinks.

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Reserve your WALNUTS for when you’re drinking a nice light Rosé. Les Fumees Blanches Rose Gris de Sauvignon €13.95 Independent OffLicences nationwide.

If you’re eating PEANUTS you should probably be drinking beer. Boyne Brewhouse Vienna Lager, 33cl, €2.49, O’Briens

MACADAMIA

FLAVOUR: Sweet, rich, and buttery flavour. Their natural oils and lipids hold many health benefits including helping to lower and maintain blood pressure and stabilise blood sugar. USE IN: Delicious on their own as a snack or add to cookies or salads to add body and texture.

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If you’re munching on COCONUT stick to rum! Plantation White Rum, €35, Specialist Off Licences

COCONUT

FLAVOUR: Milky, sweetly oily taste. Fibrous raw but dried or toasted can add crunch USE IN: Coconut milk adds creaminess and depth to fruity and Thai curries. Dried toasted coconut is great in muesli or flapjacks and essential in macaroons. Coconut oil is good for cooking and cosmetic purposes.

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store|food 2

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food|baking

Life is

Have your cake and eat it too with these delectable mini treats, perfect for a long indulgent afternoon.

Though they’re small enough to eat in a few bites, they’re also sweet enough to satisfy any sugar cravings that may suddenly strike.

They say the best things in life are sweet and that rings true with these dainty bites! Brimming with possibilities they can be fun and colourful for visiting children or neat and stylish for afternoon tea parties. Either way, these tiny bites of mouthwatering sweetness will always have your guests creeping back for more.

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baking|food LEAPING LAMBS 230g of vanilla sponge cake 225g of high quality white chocolate 225g cream For the decoration: 500g fondant icing 75ml water Chocolate buttons (for face) Licorice stems (for feet and ears) Desiccated coconut (for wool) / white 100s and 1000s Crumble the vanilla sponge cake with your fingers until the texture is fine.

For the ganache: Heat the cream in a heavy bottomed saucepan. When it reaches a simmer, take it off the heat and pour it over the chopped white chocolate. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes then whisk until the chocolate has melted. Pour ½ cup of the ganache onto the crumbed cake and mix together well. Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, spoon out cake balls and mould into an oval shape. Place on a baking tray lined with wax paper and leave to set in the fridge. For the fondant: Cut the fondant icing into small cubes and place into a standing mixer with a paddle attachment. Churn the fondant adding a splash of water if it’s too hard. Gradually add the rest of the water, until the icing is smooth and liquid. For the decoration: Remove a few cake balls from the fridge at a time, keeping the rest chilled. Dip about 2 cm of the tip of a lollipop stick into the fondant and insert the stick straight into the side of a cake ball, pushing it no more than halfway through. Dip the cake into the fondant, coating it entirely. Tap the stick off the side of the bowl to remove any excess coating. Immediately attach one chocolate button to the front for the face, and four small licorice stems to the bottom for feet. Coat in desiccated coconut or white 100s and 1000s. Leave to dry standing up in a styrofoam block. For facial decoration, use a toothpick to place tiny dots of melted white fondant on the button head for eyes.

MINI RASPBERRY AND CHOCOLATE CONE CAKES 15 ice cream cones (cut down to make them mini if need be) 230g of chocolate sponge cake 225g of high quality dark chocolate 225g cream To decorate: 180g white chocolate 90g milk chocolate Pink food colouring Raspberry essence 15 glacé cherries

Crumble the sponge with your fingers until it’s nice and fine.

For the ganache: Heat the cream in a heavy bottomed saucepan. When it reaches a simmer, take it off the heat and pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes then whisk until the chocolate has melted. Pour ½ cup of the ganache onto your crumbed cake. With a tablespoon or a mini ice cream scooper, scoop out little balls of cake, rolling with your hands if need be.

Place on a baking tray lined with wax paper and set aside in the fridge. To prepare your cones, line them with the ganache.

Stand them upright in a box if possible. Dip the cake ball into a little bit of ganache and place it securely on top of the cone. Set the cones in the fridge until the ganache has hardened and the cake ball is secure on top of the cone. For the decoration: Melt the chocolate in two different bowls. Add a drop of food colouring and raspberry essence to the white chocolate until you have your desired colour and flavour. One at a time, dip your cone cake into the pink chocolate, then once set a little, drizzle milk chocolate over the top. To add a touch of style, finish with a cherry on top!

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food|baking

MINI CONE CAKES 13 ice cream cones (as mini as possible!)

230g of vanilla sponge cake 225g of high quality white chocolate 225g cream To decorate: 180g white chocolate 90g milk chocolate Crumble the sponge with your fingers until it’s nice and fine.

For the ganache: Heat the cream in a heavy bottomed saucepan. When it reaches a simmer, take it off the heat and pour it over the chopped white chocolate. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes then whisk until the chocolate has melted. Pour ½ cup of the ganache onto your crumbed cake. With a tablespoon or a mini ice cream scooper, scoop out little balls of cake, rolling with your hands if need be. Place on a baking tray lined with wax paper and set aside in the fridge. To prepare your cones, line them with the ganache. Stand them upright in a box to set. Dip the cake ball into a little bit of ganache and place it securely on top of the cone.

Set the cones in the fridge until the ganache has hardened. For the decoration: Melt white chocolate and milk chocolate gently in two different bowls. Dip your cake pop into the white chocolate, coating it all over. Leave the set in the fridge. Once all the chocolate has set, add some melted milk chocolate to the top along with sprinkles or 100s and thousands for some colourful fun!

LEMON CURD CAKE BALLS 230g of lemon cake 75g of butter softened 300g icing sugar 1 tablespoon lemon curd 2 tablespoon milk Vanilla candy melts 200g dessicated coconut toothpicks 500g fondant icing 75ml water Yellow food colouring Lemon essence

Crumble the lemon cake with fingers until the texture is fine. In a separate bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add two cups of icing sugar and mix until well combined. Mix in the lemon curd.

Add one cup of the lemon buttercream to the crumbed cake. Mix well until the cake crumbs can be shaped into a ball. Take a tablespoon or a mini ice cream scoop and form the cake mixture into even sized balls. Place on a baking tray lined with wax paper and set in the fridge for 30 minutes until firm to touch. For the fondant: Cut the fondant into small cubes and place into a mixer with a paddle. Churn the icing until it starts to break down, adding a splash of water if it’s too hard. Very gradually add the water. The icing should become smooth and more liquid.

Add flavouring and food colouring to taste. For the decoration: Do the following steps a few cake balls at a time - you want them to remain nice and firm. Place a cake ball on a toothpick and cover it in fondant. You can either dip the cake ball right into the mixture or use a spoon to ladle it over the cake ball. Once covered in fondant, sprinkle with desiccated coconut, and leave on a baking tray lined with wax paper to set. Tip: leave to set out of the fridge to ensure fondant keeps it’s shine.

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baking|food MINI STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM BARS 500g of strawberries 175g caster sugar (plus two tablespoons) 500ml full fat milk 500ml double cream 1 vanilla pod 10 large egg yolks 2 tbsp lemon juice 500g high quality dark chocolate

For the ice cream: Roughly chop the strawberries, put them into a bowl and sprinkle over two tablespoons of caster sugar and leave them to steep. Pour the milk and cream into a heavy based saucepan, add the vanilla pod, split down the middle length ways. Bring the pan nearly to the boil and then take it off the heat and leave to infuse for 20 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and remaining caster sugar until thick and pale yellow in colour.

Take the vanilla pod out of the milk and cream mixture and pour the warm liquid over the yolks, whisking

as you do so. Put the cleaned out pan back on the heat with the cream, milk, egg and sugar mixture and stir the custard until it thickens, then take it off the heat and pour it into a bowl to cool. Puree the strawberries in a processor. When the custard is cool, fold in the lemon juice and strawberry puree. Pour the mixture into a square or rectangular pan (you want the bars to be about 1 inch in height) lined with wax paper and place in the freezer for around three hours. Be sure to take it out every hour or so to mix it through with an electric hand whisk or a food

processor to avoid any ice crystals forming. One it is firm, cut the ice cream into approximately 1 inch squared sized pieces. Remove them from the tray and place on another baking tray, spaced out this time, lined with wax paper and freeze again for about 30 mins until hard.

For the bars: Melt high quality dark chocolate on the hob. Once melted, take a few pieces of ice cream squares out of the freezer at a time and coat in the chocolate. Place onto yet another baking tray lined with wax paper and freeze again until chocolate has set.

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food|weeknights

FODMAPs: What are they?

FODMAPs is an acronym for different components of carbohydrates that are difficult to pronounce! It’s not necessary to remember their names. FODMAPs are neither ‘good’ nor ‘bad’. They are simply food components that people with gut sensitivities find difficult to digest.

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FODMAPs stands for: Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides and Polyols

Portion size: 498g Kcals: 500 Fat: 34g Saturated fat: 6.4g Carbs: 11.6g Sugar: 7.3g Fibre: 5.1g Protein: 36.3g Salt: 4.5g Allergens: Fish

Easy dinners FOR A HEALTHY GUT

These five light and sumptuous dishes promise satisfaction for both body and mind, offering dinner inspiration that will see you through to the weekend.

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MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Cajun Spiced Seekh Kebabs Prawn Salmon with Crunchy Risotto with Radish and Asparagus Tomato Salad

Fillet Steak with SlowCooked Tomatoes

Mexican Chicken Fajitas

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weeknights|food

F

or those living with a sensitive gut or IBS, dinnertime can be even more of a chore than usual. Thanks to Lorraine Maher and Paula McGee, authors of the new cookbook Gut Feeling, we here at ICA ome iving are able to bring you five uick and easy dinner receipes that will undoubtedly set your tastebuds alight, without disturbing the rhythm of your body - or your evening plans! These low FODMAP meals are increasingly recognised as the primary management of and result in a significant reduction of symptoms in over 70% of people who try it. Proving that healthy doesn’t have to be boring, Gut Feeling offers a tantalising selection of 100 dishes that includes healthy seafood, fresh herbs and an assortment of zesty ingredients, ensuring you won’t be stuck for excitement in the kitchen.

Monday CAJUN SPICED SALMON Salmon is an oily fish containing high-quality protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. The coriander seeds give the dish a lemony, citrus flavour when crushed due to the presence of terpenes. It’s recommended to eat at least one serving of oily fish each week for general health.

2 x 150g salmon fillets, skin on 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp Cajun spice (or less if you like) 260g/2 ripe plum tomatoes, diced finely 20g/4 spring onions green part only), sliced handful of fresh coriander leaves and fresh basil leaves 1 tsp crushed coriander seeds

juice of 1 lemon salt and freshly ground black pepper 100g baby spinach 40g rocket 30g bean sprouts, to garnish (optional) lemon wedges, to serve

Brush the salmon fillets with a little of the olive oil and sprinkle them with the Cajun spice. Set aside. To make the dressing, combine the diced tomatoes, spring onions, fresh herbs and crushed coriander seeds with the remaining olive oil, half the lemon juice and some salt and pepper in a bowl. Set aside. Heat a non-stick frying pan set over a medium heat. Add the salmon and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, taking care not to burn the spices.

Transfer to a plate. While the salmon is resting, wilt down the spinach in a separate hot pan with the remaining lemon juice.

Place the salmon on a bed of spinach and rocket. Spoon over the tomato dressing and garnish with the bean sprouts, if using. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tuesday SEEKH KEBABS WITH CRUNCHY RADISH AND TOMATO SALAD A popular Middle Eastern dish. The accompanying salad perfectly complements and balances this simple-to-cook dish.

500g minced beef or lamb 20g/4 spring onions (green part only), finely chopped 1 small green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (if tolerated) 2cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp paprika salt and freshly ground black pepper lime wedges, to serve 50g Greek yogurt, to serve

For the salad: 300g/½ cucumber, chopped into cubes 260g/2 ripe tomatoes, chopped 34g/5 radishes, quartered 4g/1 handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice ½ tsp caster sugar or maple syrup

Put the mince in a large bowl and add the chopped spring onions, chilli (if using), ginger, garam masala, paprika, salt and pepper and mix well. Set aside to let the spices infuse the meat for at least 20 minutes, but all day is fine too. Place all the salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss together. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate until required. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Preheat the grill to high and lightly grease the grill rack. Soak 12 wooden skewers in cold water for 15 minutes. Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal ovalshaped portions. Wet your hands and shape each portion around a skewer, smoothing over the seam. Place the skewers under the grill and cook for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through. Serve the hot kebabs with the chilled salad, lime wedges and a small bowl of Greek yogurt on the side.

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food|weeknights Thursday This risotto is light yet creamy. Make sure you use FODMAP-friendly stock and keep to the recommended portion size of asparagus (1 spear per serving) and celery (½ stick per serving).

FILLET STEAK WITH SLOWCOOKED TOMATOES, SALSA VERDE AND WATERCRESS

Portion size: 560g Kcals: 450 Fat: 15.8g Saturated fat: 5.7g Carbs: 40g Sugar: 1g Fibre: 1.5g Protein: 27g Salt: 2g Allergens: Celery, crustaceans, milk, sulphites

INGREDIENTS 4 x 100g fillet steaks FOR THE SLOW-COOKED TOMATOES: 520g/4 vine-ripened tomatoes or 16 cherry tomatoes 2 sprigs of fresh thyme splash of balsamic vinegar splash of olive oil pinch of caster sugar salt and freshly ground black pepper FOR THE SALSA VERDE: 2 tsp white wine vinegar 4–5 fresh basil sprigs, leaves only handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley 6g/2 tinned anchovy fillets, drained and finely chopped 3 tsp capers 100ml garlic-infused olive oil FOR THE WATERCRESS SALAD: 100g watercress 4 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp white wine vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard pinch of salt

Wednesday PRAWN RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS 600ml homemade low FODMAP chicken stock (opposite) 1 tbsp butter 2 tsp garlic-infused oil pinch of asafoetida powder 60g/1 celery stick, finely diced 100g Arborio rice

100ml dry white wine 200g large cooked peeled prawns 20g/2 asparagus spears, steamed and diced 1 tbsp grated lemon zest 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives freshly ground black pepper

Place the stock in a saucepan and keep on a low heat while you cook the risotto.

Heat the butter and garlic-infused oil in a separate large saucepan set over a low heat.

Add the asafoetida powder, followed by the diced celery, and cook slowly for about 5 minutes, until soft. Add the rice and raise the heat to medium. Stir for 1–2 minutes, until the grains look toasted but not browned.

Add the wine and stir until it has been absorbed into the rice, then start adding the stock one ladle at a time, stirring frequently.

Wait until it has all been absorbed into the rice before adding the next ladleful of stock. It should take 15–20 minutes to cook the rice. The ideal risotto is soft but still has a bite. Use extra boiling water if you run out of stock. Five minutes before you feel it’s cooked, stir in the prawns, asparagus and lemon zest and continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring gently. Remove from the heat when the risotto is done and stir in the chives and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Serve straight away.

Preheat the oven to 120°C. To prepare the slowcooked tomatoes, combine the thyme, vinegar, oil, sugar and seasoning and dip the tomatoes (still on the vine) into the mix, coating them completely.

Place on a baking tray and gently roast them in the oven for 15–20 minutes. Heat a large frying pan over a high heat until it’s smoking hot, then brush with olive oil. Season one side of the steak and put it in the hot pan, seasoned side down.

Cook for 1–2 minutes, until nicely browned. Just before turning it over, season the raw side and brown for 1–2 minutes more. Turn down the heat and cook to your liking. This can take another minute on each side for rare, 2–3 minutes for medium and 4–5 minutes for well done. To make the salsa verde, pour the vinegar into a blender with the basil leaves, parsley, anchovies and capers and blend to a purée. With the motor still running, gradually add just enough of the olive oil to give a sauce-like consistency. To make the watercress salad, simply toss all the ingredients together and season to taste. To serve the steaks, place the slowcooked tomatoes on the side and spoon the salsa verde over the steak. Add the watercress salad on the side.

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weeknights|food Portion size: 308g Kcals: 519 Fat: 45g Saturated fat: 8.3g Carbs: 4.8g Sugar: 4.3g Fibre: 2.5g Protein: 23g Salt: 1.5g Allergens: Mustard, fish, sulphites

The fillet is probably the nicest and most expensive cut of beef. It’s very lean and tender due to the short fibres in the meat. Salsa verde not only contains lots of vitamins, it also bursts with freshness from the herbs and savoury anchovies. With the slow-cooked tomatoes and watercress salad, this is a recipe that will have you looking forward to steak night. Remember to stick to no more than 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar per sitting.

EASY CHICKEN STOCK 1 tsp garlic-infused oil 1 x 2kg chicken carcass, cut up into 6–8 pieces, or use leftover cooked chicken 240g/1 turnip, cut into chunks 180g/3 celery stalks, cut into chunks 130g/2 carrots, cut

into chunks handful of fresh herbs (parsley, thyme and rosemary work well) handful of fresh chives, finely chopped 3 bay leaves 1 tsp whole black peppercorns 3 litres cold water salt

Heat the oil in a large stockpot. Place all the ingredients in the pot, cover with the cold water and season with salt. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 1½–2 hours. As it cooks, skim any impurities off the surface. When the cooking time is up, strain the stock into a large bowl. Pull off any meat left on the chicken for another use, such as salads or sandwiches, and discard the rest of the solids. You can use the stock as it is and store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months for future use. Another tip is to reduce the stock by half by vigorously boiling it, uncovered, then allow to cool, pour into ice cube trays and freeze. When frozen, put the cubes into a ziplock bag and label with the date. When you want to use one, just put it in a jug and add boiling water to dissolve the cube. Voilà – lots of homemade chicken stock!

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food|weeknights Friday MEXICAN CHICKEN FAJITAS This colourful, satisfying Mexican favourite never disappoints and is great for feeding a group, no matter what age. Corn and gluten-free tortillas, as alternatives to wheat-based tortillas, are widely available.

INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp rapeseed oil pinch of asafoetida powder 430g/4 small chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces 160g/1 yellow pepper, cut into strips 160g/1 red pepper, cut into strips 160g/1 green pepper, cut into strips For the spice mix: 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp ground coriander 2 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp chilli powder (optional) For the salsa: 520g/4 ripe plum tomatoes, finely chopped 20g/4 spring onions (green part only), finely sliced ½ fresh chilli, deseeded and chopped (optional) handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped juice of 1 lime freshly ground black pepper

Portion size: 497g Kcals: 442 Fat: 11.2g Saturated fat: 4.4g Carbs: 5.9g Sugar: 12.8g Fibre: 6.3g Protein: 34g Salt: 0.9g Allergens: Gluten, milk, may contain soya, may contain sesame

PLANNING AND SHOPPING Planning your meals in advance can make a big difference to your ability to stick to the diet. If you know what you will be eating for each meal and have stocked up in advance, you are much more likely to eat the right foods.

CORE SHOPPING LIST: Fresh foods ✱ Allowed salad veg (tomatoes, cucumber, beansprouts, chives, endive, rocket, iceberg lettuce, spinach leaves, radishes, red, orange, yellow and green peppers) ✱ Allowed fresh vegetables for roasting and cooking (aubergines, carrots, courgettes, parsnips, olives, swedes/turnips and yams) ✱ Allowed fruits (citrus: limes, oranges, lemons; berries: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries; everyday fruits: bananas, grapes, kiwi, rhubarb, honeydew and cantaloupe melons; exotic fruits: papaya, pineapple, passion fruit) ✱ Lactose-free dairy or suitable rice or soya alternatives (watch out for apple juice sweetener)

✱ Stick to cheese such as feta, Camembert, Brie, goats’ cheese, mozzarella, Edam, Cheddar or a little blue cheese ✱ Fresh herbs (basil, coriander, parsley, rosemary, thyme, green part of spring onion) ✱ Poultry (chicken, turkey) and eggs ✱ Lean cuts of pork, lamb and beef ✱ All white fish, shellfish and oily fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, trout, mackerel)

GUT FEELING

By Lorraine Maher and Paula Mee, €19.99, Gill Books, available nationwide

To serve: 320g/8 mini corn tortillas 100g iceberg lettuce, shredded 40g grated Cheddar 50g Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream (optional) lime wedges For the spice mix, combine all the spices together in a small bowl and set aside. To make the salsa, combine all the ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside. Heat the rapeseed oil in a pan set over a medium–high heat.

Add the pinch of asafoetida powder and cook for about 30 seconds before adding the chicken pieces. Cook for 3–4 minutes, then add the pepper strips and spice mix and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes, until the chicken is turning golden brown and is cooked through.

Meanwhile, warm the tortillas in the oven or microwave as per the packet instructions. Assemble the fajitas by placing some shredded lettuce, a spoonful of the chicken mix, a spoonful of salsa, a sprinkle of grated cheese and a dollop of yogurt on each warm tortilla. Wrap up tightly and serve with lime wedges on the side.

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Stylish & Efficient Beautiful Oil Fired & Multifuel Range Cookers from Firebird

Firebird’s oil fired range cookers allow for traditional cooking, perfect for your Sunday roast as well as your homemade favourites. Our oil fired range cookers come complete with an A rated energy efficient condensing boiler designed to heat your home.

Firebird Heating Solutions Ltd. Údarás Industrial Estate, Baile Mhic Íre, Co. Cork, P12 HK51, Ireland. t: +353 (0)26 45253 e: info@firebird.ie www.firebirdrangecookers.com

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HEATING SOLUTIONS

29/08/2017 15/03/2017 15:24 10:11

craft|inspire DANU CERAMICS Following her graduation from the National College of Art and Design in 2011, Ruth Power was attempting to forge a career from onceoff, highly detailed sculptures which reflected her political beliefs and took some months to complete – but she soon discovered it wasn’t possible to make a living this way.

She began to consider art teaching, but found that she was drawn to creating a product, starting her own business and working for herself. In 2013, Ruth set out in pursuit of this dream from a more practical standpoint. She embarked on a business course at the Ignite Academy, an experience she believes was essential to her future career. “I was transitioning from artist to a designer and businessperson, which for me was a significant difference!” she says. In 2015, Ruth launched DANU ceramics, which specialises in products which are either slipcast (liquid porcelain poured into moulds) or slab built (using templates to cut shapes from rolled out slabs of clay). Her work is inspired by her travels throughout the years, with specific ranges inspired by Rajasthan in India,

Lombok in Indonesia, and Istanbul in Turkey, and by nature – with some aspects of the work coming from unusual sources. “My gold decal work was informed by the not-so-famous Victorian wanderer and naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace, who hugely contributed to the theory of evolution,” she says. “It is my own contemporary take on the pages of his sketchbooks.” If the inspirations behind her work seem somewhat obscure, then her approach to the business side of DANU is certainly more pragmatic. She explains how she completed some wonderful workshops with the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, which helped to speed up the process of starting a craft business. She is also a strong believer in early investment to get the business off the ground. “A little investment can certainly go along way,” she says. “I borrowed money to do the Christmas RDS National Craft and Design Fair and was able to use the profits from that to fuel my business expenses.” “It can be quite daunting at first but it’s necessary. Big shows offer massive exposure and the chance to sell lots of products.” DANUCERAMICS.IE

CRAFT FOR The line between one’s hobby and one’s job is more often than not quite distinct, but there are those out there for which the two are one and of the same. Home & Living meets a number of craftspeople who have taken their passion for creation and have successfully channeled it into their own business ventures.

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inspire|craft WILD COCOON “I wanted people to wrap themselves up in a feeling of comfort and protection,” says Deirdre Duffy, owner of Wild Cocoon. “The security of the layer and the heat of being wrapped up cosy.

Being cocooned, so to speak.” Deirdre produces a range of hand-woven scarves, cowls and blankets from 100 per cent lamb’s wool. “All my pieces are handwoven on wooden floor looms. They are entirely manually powered, with no electrification at all. It can take up to 6 hours per item to get to a finished point. It’s a labour of love that I enjoy very much.” Deirdre’s passion for arts and crafts emerged at a young age, and she has retained to this day vivid memories of her grandmother’s knitting skills.

Having specialised in woven textiles at the National College of Art and Design, graduating in 2005, Deirdre spent six years gaining business experience at Hickey’s Home Focus, before returning to Co. Mayo to finally begin to think about starting her own business. “Initially I set up a craft shop and studio called ‘Stitched In’ in Claremorris. This venture was semi-successful and I kept it open for a year and a bit,” Deirdre explains. “While the shop was going well, it was taking too much time away from studio work and I had to make a decision about the future. At this point I decided to focus entirely on hand weaving and launching a contemporary collection into the Irish market, and then internationally. It took about a year and a half to get to the point where I was happy with the range I had and to rebrand the business into what it is today.” Deirdre took advantage of several resources that were available to her in order to ensure the success of her new venture. “I was helped by the South West Mayo Development Project to purchase a larger loom in order to make blankets. I also attended some business courses ran by LEO Co. Mayo and the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland together. DCCOI have a great programme of mentoring in the industry that is very helpful.” WILDCOCOON.IE

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craft|inspire COOPER HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE

COOPER HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE

CIARAN McPHILIPS, COOPER HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE

Having grown up beside his family’s sawmill, where his grandfather originally crafted wooden cooper barrels, Ciaran McPhilips has known woodcraft from an early age. He developed most of his skills from his father, and spent many years working across the globe in joinery and cabinet-making. It was always his dream, however, to work with hardwoods and to design and handcraft his own furniture range. In 2014, Ciaran’s wife bought him a lathe as a present, and he began to create prototypes. The following year, in June 2015, Cooper Handcrafted Furniture was born. “I wanted to create a range of high quality furnishings that were pared back, functional and timeless pieces that could be handed down through generations in families,” says Ciaran. “Where possible I wanted to create pieces that left the timber in its natural state so that the rawness of the timber shone through. Much of the inspiration for the pieces currently in the range comes from my great-grandfather’s era.” Ciaran’s family quite clearly instilled a love for the craft within him, but he had to seek his own path. Before he had set up Cooper Handcrafted Furniture, he undertook a business start-up course at Monaghan Local Enterprise Office (LEO), as well as registering to the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, both of which were invaluable in setting up his business. He still avails of the services that they provide. This year, as part of participating in Design Ireland, Ciaran attended seminars arranged by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, and received information and networking opportunities which he firmly believes aid his business. “Do as many pop-up shops, markets and trade shows as possible, as these are excellent platforms to help you get your name out there,” he advises a craftsperson considering a business. “Be prepared for the hard work. Trying to wear all the business hats isn’t easy, but the rewards overall are worth it.” COOPERFURNITURE.IE

MELISSA CURRY Success came swiftly for Melissa Curry. Her first jewellery collection, following its successful launch at the 1999 Paris Fashion Week, was snapped up by Liberty of London, which catapulted her work to global acclaim. However, following this early success, a host of changing circumstances forced Melissa to take a step back to reevaluate herself and her work. “I was in a very different state of mind back then,” she says. “I was really rebuilding myself as a career woman, as a designer, and as a mother.” The projects that were to follow directly reflected this new sense of self. The Melissa Curry brand and Build Your Own Success (BYOS) were created with the challenges faced by women all around the world at the forefront of Curry’s mind. “The Melissa Curry brand is very confident and colourful and, I suppose, feminine but strong,” she explains. “They are pieces that equate to a more personal piece of jewellery – a bespoke and personalised piece of jewellery.” The BYOS brand on the other hand, she describes as more everyday – more wearable. “It’s a fine jewellery collection which is very 32 | ICA HOME & LIVING | AUTUMN 2017

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inspire|craft KAROLINA GRUDNIEWSKA, KAROART CERAMICS

BREAKFAST BOWLS, KAROART CERAMICS

KAROART CERAMICS

“I was really rebuilding myself as a career woman, as a designer, and as a mother.”

MELISSA CURRY much more purposeful,” she says. “It’s targeted at everyday women and it has a special message with special values that are highlighted within the jewellery.” A particular highlight of the BYOS brand came in 2013, when a piece from the collection was presented to Michelle Obama upon her and her husband’s historic visit to Ireland.

“Michelle’s confidence as a world leader, as a mother, very much inspired me to step up with my idea, so I called the Taoiseach and I told him about the purpose of this piece.

Both Enda Kenny and his wife adored the whole idea, and they presented the piece to Michelle and her two children upon their arrival to Dublin,” Melissa beams. “I think you’re led by your craft and your passion. I would definitely advise to intern with somebody of value and somebody who has built a strong reputation for themselves, because knowledge is key, and you can learn so much,” she advises.

“If you’re building beauty, why not share it with the bigger world?” MELISSACURRY.COM

karoArt started as a business in January 2011, a year after its owner, Karolina Grudniewska, first began playing and practising with her skills in crafting ceramics. Her interest in the craft came after her partner Jacek gave her clay as a Christmas gift.

“When playing with my newly discovered hobby, I was making pieces that were ending up in a drawer,” Karo says. “I decided to take a few photos and set up an online shop to see if anybody liked them. I used Etsy, the online marketplace for handmade products, as my initial testing ground.” Encouraged by some of those initial sales, Karolina set up a stall at the Saturday craft market in Temple Bar, and soon joined the Cows Lane Designer Studio, a collaboration between several Dublin based designers, craftspeople and artists. Her designs are simple and modern in form, and mostly meant for daily use. However, there is also a highly decorative element to her work, as expressed most clearly perhaps through her more whimsical creations, inspired by nature and organic forms. “Magical realism and fairy stories are influential to my work,” she says. “I’m a huge animal lover and furry or feathery creatures are often a recurring theme of my hand-sketched pieces. In terms of shape, I follow simple geometry of full and half-circles, spheres, squares and tubes.

All my work is easily defined within these few basics. I decorate with bold patches of colour and hand-sketched pencil drawings that are unique to each piece.” Karo has managed to successfully turn a hobby into a career, but advises that craftspeople hoping to do the same should proceed calmly. “My advice would be to keep things low-key at the beginning, not to rush things and go with the flow,” she says. “When I started selling my ceramics I didn’t expect it to turn into a full time job. I think it helped to take the pressure off and allowed me to enjoy the experience. If you don’t expect too much, every tiny success gives you a great motivation and boost of energy to keep going.” KAROART.EU

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members|drive

SPINNING A YARN The International Women’s Day celebrations of the Louth Federation had an explosive effect on Dundalk’s Market Square, unleashing a riot of colour with their Yarn Bomb.

Louth Federation President Susan Potts travelled to Portugal on holiday and stumbled across her next ICA project.

Wandering through the streets she found trees, benches and inanimate objects covered in brightly coloured, intricate patterns of crocheted wool. The whole area had been yarn bombed. Yarn bombing has grown in popularity across the globe.

Susan tracked down the artist behind this installation in a local craft shop. “Despite the language barrier I left the shop with wool and a hook. She even taught me how to do a few stitches. I realised this was a great tool to get people engaged and I thought, ‘I’ll go back and do this at home.’”

2016 was the first year the ICA incorporated a yarn bomb into their activities by ‘bombing’ the Market Square in Dundalk, Co Louth — a feat that garnered tremendous support from fellow members and the local community. The primary goal of the Yarn Bomb Dundalk for Susan was

to celebrate International Women’s Day; but also to unite all of guilds of the Louth Federation in a common project.

“It was my first year in as Federation President so I thought it would be a nice way to get the whole Federation (11 guilds) involved. It is easy to feel fragmented if we’re not meeting all of the time,” says Susan.

“This project galvanised people and created a sense of inclusion.”

The Louth Federation also believe that events like this are tools for changing the narrative associated with the ICA. With the resurgence in the popularity of knitcraft among young women events like this have become a method of attracting fresh members. During the first Yarn Bomb small laminated tags were attached to the pieces. The notes, from members, were their reasons for joining the ICA, the experiences that bring them back every week and the opportunities they’ve been exposed to as a result of their membership.

Susan Potts and Corry diDhalaigh

Corry diDhalaigh of the Blackrock guild credits this with the notable increase in her membership numbers last year. She says: “We had a few members that said, ‘We thought you just sat around knitting in some little corner.’ It made it all very much more exciting and younger and vibrant and more inclusive.”

Along with heartfelt testimonies from members the cards contained the contact details of the ICA — encouraging women to contact and join their local guild. Like Corry, Brenda Leary, Federation Secretary and President of the Blackrock guild also experienced significant growth in her guild this year, which she credits to initiatives like yarn bombing. Brenda explains: “We’ve got ten new members this year. People notice things like this.”

Yarn Bomb Dundalk has grown in both the number of participants involved and the scale of the objects being ‘bombed’. Now along with trees and benches, the Louth members

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drive|members

Deborah, Eileen and Una

Rita Alves and Brenda Leary

Carol Grogan and Bernie Reid

are expanding their operation to stools, brushes and even an expertly decorated anchor. These exceptional pieces aside, Susan notes that even the most inexperienced crafters can lend a hand. “Everybody is able to contribute something, you don’t have to knit and you don’t have to crochet, you can come down and wrap a CD in a piece of wool, do a bit of weaving,” she says.

Along with showing the local community what membership in the ICA has to offer, this event acts as a publicity vehicle for the ICA’s national campaigns, their charity work for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland or Knitted Knockers, their initiative to help women who’ve undergone a mastectomy.

Susan and the Louth Federation are overwhelmed with the support they’ve received from local businesses and community. Following their success with the first yarn bomb, the Louth County Council were happy to welcome the ICA back to Dundalk for International Women’s Day

2017, and while in the previous year they were limited to one week of yarn bombing, the council have now extended that stay from International Women’s Day until after the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Susan says, “Louth County Council have been fabulous, they saw the great response last year. I’d advise people to have proper permits. You also have to take care when attaching pieces to trees, particularly in nesting season.”

In regard to the organising of Yarn Bomb Dundalk, Susan applied for planning permission for this project last August and would advise other Federations to allow plenty of time.

Not only have the local council been of support but the whole community turned out on International Women’s Day in Dundalk. “Women’s Aid were here, they had the One Billion Rising and did a flash dance but they also invited all of the girl’s schools, the co-ed schools and the women’s clubs and dance groups. We had the radio here,”

says Susan. “Myself and Bernie, Federation Treasurer, were nearly hoarse going around all of the people we were chatting to, telling them about the ICA. It was an ideal opportunity.”

Even with the success and growth of Yarn Bomb Dundalk, Susan isn’t ready to set her project aside just yet as she explains, “At our last National Advisory Committee meeting in January as I was giving my report, I spoke of all the things we have done during the year and that I was busy preparing for this. I hope I encouraged every Federation President to do the same and that next year for International Women’s Day we would have a National Yarn Bomb.”

“I think in the bigger counties it would be great, even if you never get a chance to visit each guild, we can all work on something together. This year I went back to Portugal, to Lagos and saw crocheted chimneys. I put it up on Facebook but I think people were afraid I’d have them up steeple jacking!”

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events|handcraft week

Which one is for you?

HANDCRAFT WEEK 2017 PLACED A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON TRADITIONAL SCANDINAVIAN DISCIPLINES AND AS EXPECTED, AMONGST THE LAUGHTER AND GOOD CONVERSATION, THE LADIES OF THE ICA STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE TO SHOW OFF THEIR CRAFTY TALENTS.

Huck work Dating back to the 1600s huck work or Swedish embroidery is a form of stitching carried out on materials such as huck, monk’s cloth or aida. Huck work is completed on the top of the fabric, so the thread never appears on the back.

STUDENT

NUALA STACK, Shanagarry Guild, East Cork Handcraft teacher Nuala Stack from Shanagarry Guild in Cork is skilled in cross stitch, redwork and blackwork, however, Handcraft Week was her first opportunity to learn a new skill, huck work. Huck work is a type of embroidery typically used on monk’s cloth or aida. For Nuala the texture of the material was one of her biggest obstacles while learning huck work. “This throws you, the monk’s cloth material, it’s so soft. It kind of runs away from you. The aida is nice and firm.” As vice president of her East Cork Federation Nuala hopes to bring huck work back to her guild.

SHEILA GAYNOR, Newbridge Guild, Kildare STUDENT

ELEANOR HEWITT

On her fifth trip to An Grianán, Sheila Gaynor from Newbridge Guild was delighted to return to an old love, goldwork. “I think it’s absolutely fabulous. I did it years ago,” says Sheila. “It wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s fabulous when you learn.” While time-consuming, Sheila maintains that goldwork is quite a straightforward craft as you only use one stitch. She explains, “It is detailed but it’s actually quite easy.

You only use the straight up and down stitch and you’re not having to think of counting or anything like that.” Sheila feels that with some basic embroidery skills and patience, goldwork can be mastered by any ICA member. “If you can use a needle and thread you could come in and do this,” she explains.

Gold work Goldwork is usually paired with traditional surface embroidery techniques carried out using metal threads or wires. It has a long history of being used to decorate clothing and fine fabrics.

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handcraft week|events

Taellesyning Taellesyning is a Danish countedthread embroidery that uses white thread against a white background.

The embroidery is carried out on a twenty count and often used for decoration or to make small items like novelty pin cushions.

STUDENT

CAROL LYNCH

MAUREEN MCLAUGHLIN, Taughboyne Guild, Donegal Maureen spent her week in An Grianan learning shadow quilting, pinflair, and taellesyning. “I’m getting on well,” says Maureen, in regard to taellesyning. “I’m thoroughly enjoying it. It’s very relaxing and the fact that it’s a craft from another country as well is very interesting.” Maureen’s experience in stitchwork was useful when she began to learn taellesyning as the craft demands the same attention to detail as this old favourite. “I do something called blackwork and it’s a white background and black thread so it’s not dissimilar,” she explains. With the help of taellesyning tutor Carol Lynch, Maureen has advanced significantly during the day’s class, making a piece that she hopes to display for all her family to see. She says, “I’d like to frame this. It’s very important to acknowledge what you’ve done and the achievement that you’ve had.” Maureen also notes that Handcraft Week as a whole is the highlight of the ICA calendar. “This is a very well organised week. It promotes all the various crafts. It encourages new tutors and it supports us all to do our work,” explains Maureen.

Kirigami Originating in Japan, kirigami is a variation of origami that includes cutting of the paper, rather than solely folding the paper. Typically, kirigami starts with a folded base, which is then unfolded; cuts are then opened and flattened to make the finished kirigami.

BRONWEN MURRAY, Bríne Guild, Tallaght

BRONWEN MURRAY

Having been an ICA teacher for over 20 years, along with a member of the Lacemakers Guild and the Embroidery Guild, Bronwen is no stranger to crafts or Handcraft Week. This year Bronwen was on the hunt for a craft that would challenge her class and finally she settled on kirigami. When it comes to kirigami, Bronwen says patience and a steady hand with a scalpel are key. “Once you’re confident with the knife it wouldn’t take long to learn,” she says.

Patchwork

BRÓNA UÍLOING, Newbridge Guild, Kildare For Bróna, learning new skills in papercraft is time well spent. “I love learning a craft that doesn’t involve stitching,” Bróna jokes.

Upon arriving at Handcraft Week Bróna discovered she would be learning kirigami, a skill she has admired for years. “I got cards from people like this and I often wondered how they did them,” she says. “I have had them years and I never found out. I’m absolutely thrilled.” Thanks to her previous experience with papercraft, Bróna is adept at using a scalpel and quickly advanced in kirigami during the day.

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PAT O’LOONEY STUDENT

Also known as pieced work, patchwork is a form of needlework that involves sewing together pieces of fabric into a larger design, usually based on repeat patterns built up with different fabric shapes.

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federation|focus

BEAUTIFUL

Meath

With four national presidents thus far, the beautiful Meath Federation only goes from strength to strength.

They say behind every well-functioning organisation there’s the women who make it happen (or something to that effect!) and we talk to Meath Federation president Olive Carolan about her time in the ICA and the accomplishments of Meath Federation.

T

he Meath Federation was born in 1958 when, due to an increase in numbers and popularity, Meath ustified a split from outh and began their own independent federation. ince that time four national presidents of the rish ountrywomen’s Association have stemmed from eath, with guilds throughout the county and membership that climbs every year. hen live moved back to reland after working and studying abroad in 19 3, she found that the former (now merged with orace Plunkett) Stackallen Guild lay right at her doorstep. ith her mother a former member, it seemed a natural step for her to get involved with her local guild’s healthy meal’ competition as an ad udicator, due to her work as a dietitian in ur ady of ourdes ospital in rogheda. ollowing that she joined in their next activity, a project on local history and the rest is, well, A history. he reason oined was because was interested in crafts, live explains. t was an opportunity to do some of the things you missed out on in school, particularly art. didn’t have a lot of opportunity to do it when was in school, so was very interested. ndeed this remains one of the key strengths of the A keeping alive traditions that once would have been handed down from mother to daughter. hese include lace making, rish crochet and similar crafts

that take a great deal of practice and skill, but ourish when surrounded by a group of like minded companions. live remarks, n my own area, rushwork would have been very traditional, you’d collect the rushes during the summer, then they’d have to be brought in and dried, which was nice to see in some of the local guilds. As well as craft making, the A all take to the great outdoors and embark on walks, golf outings and trips abroad throughout the year visiting some of the most beautiful parts of urope, recently including ienna and allais. hey also continuously support different charity groups, locally and internationally through fundraising and awareness.

Since 1958, the Meath Federation has grown strong with official membership numbers at a whopping 53 . ith numbers like that, and a total of guilds taking part in events and conducting craft classes, competitions and activities it’s no wonder that their membership rose by 0 strong last year. hese numbers are a testament to the time and dedication of the eath ederation, who often show their strength in numbers at numerous events throughout the year. n ay 015, the ederation celebrated the bicentenary of t ary’s hurch of reland by exhibiting a range of crafts and ower arrangements under the theme of land and sea’. ollowing that in September an international night

to celebrate hinese culture and food was arranged. his all arose from a new member, originally from hina, oining the eath ederation. All the women came in traditional hinese costume, and we had music, songs, dancing and food. e also had a member of the cultural office of hinese mbassy in reland in attendance which was a huge show of support, live explains. he night also included a cookery demonstration, revealing the secret to perfect egg fried rice, provided by a student in ulinary Arts chool and ended with a competition for best dressed which was won by olores watman from orace lunkett uild, and ary ’ ourke from arrenstown rumree uild for most amusing outfit. here’s also the oyal eath how, on in rim in eptember, which is an agricultural event that holds

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focus|federation

“We celebrated Nollaig na mBan this year with a dinner and music” in Killeen Castle Golf Club. Hosted for the eighth year in a row by Horace Plunkett Guild, friends came from as far away as Boston, Finland, Estonia and the Netherlands as well as from neighbouring guilds Athboy, Ratouth, Lismullan and Kiltale. crafts and baking competitions which the ICA takes part in. In 2016 the theme was ‘Out of the Rag Bag’ and members entering the competition took inspiration out of their rag bags at home and, along with a designated colour, entered in different craft items for the competition. Each entry had to include a picture, photograph or a collage, a ower arrangement, and 12 cupcakes. The show also includes a variety of beautiful paintings, embroidery, knitwear, ower arrangements and delicious baked goods ranging from cakes to puddings and breads to pastries all for sale from artisan crafters and bakers.

“Following that there is always an event around Christmas time,” Olive comments, “and we celebrated Nollaig na mBan this year with a dinner and music” in Killeen Castle Golf Club. Hosted for the eighth year in a row by Horace Plunkett Guild, friends came from as far away as Boston, Finland, Estonia and the Netherlands as well as from neighbouring guilds Athboy, Ratouth, Lismullan and Kiltale.

As well as taking part in the many craft

classes, events and activities the guilds also come together to support different local and international groups in need. The proceeds from the Meath Federation’s annual hristmas raf e go to the t. incent de Paul society and they also continually provide support and raise awareness for local group River Rescue which is of particular importance as the river Boyne runs right through the county. They also support the Alzheimer’s day centre through coffee mornings and lunches throughout the year. To add variety, Olive adds that auctions can be quite popular, with local business and members donating unique, bric-a-brac items to raise much needed funds. The members also came together in the past year to knit blankets for refugees eeing yria. ome of the guilds that contributed to the nit a uare for yria’ project were Kiltale, Athboy, Ratoath, Moynalty, Horace Plunkett among others.

Together they created beautiful quilted pieces for the people in dire need.

The future is looking bright and beautiful for the Meath Federation. Coming up in

May, a walk in aid of breast cancer has been arranged in the lovely surrounding area of Trim Castle. Then later in the season a group of the Meath Federation are travelling to the Algarve for a few days holiday - making the most of the sun and a different culture too! As well as these outings, confined to the eath ederation is the Mary Murphy memorial cup which takes place at the end of May. Mary Murphy was a member of the Longwood Guild with a passion for drama, public speaking and debating. In her memory, the Longwood Guild donated The Mary Murphy Cup, which is awarded each year to a member of the eath ederation especially proficient in drama or public speaking. This year the title is A on our’ and takes place in t ames’ all, Athboy on unday th ay.

With all this going on and more, it’s no wonder the Meath Federation grows in popularity with each passing year. If one thing can be said for the women of the ICA, they share a passion for tradition and companionship that extends well beyond handmade crafts and home bakes. The ICA provides women with an outlet for their creative energy, and to see it thrive in such a way is a testament to the women behind the organisation. When asked if the Meath Federation had a motto Olive responded, “friendship, fun and caring,” which seems to me an admirable way of life.

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skills|business

Fortune Cookies E

xcept, she didn’t. Instead, she marched onto our television screens as an investor in Dragons Den and launched a brand new business, East Coast Bakehouse.

Producing a range of premium biscuits, the Drogheda-based start-up went into production in September 2016 with a €15 million investment.

It has already made massive inroads to the lucrative domestic market, which is valued at €170 million per annum. In year one their product range has been listed with every major multiple and many independents around the country. They’ve started exporting too, and plan to grow the business through a mix of exports, domestic sales and by leveraging their manufacturing capacity to produce private label biscuits.

It’s certainly been a hectic 18 months as Cowzer attests. “As with any start-up, regardless of the scale, getting the right team on board is crucial.

We’ve been really lucky to get a really experienced team who know baking, biscuits and the food industry. It’s coming together but like any start-up there’ve been bumps in the road and things don’t always happen as fast as you’d like them to.”

Success at this level is heavily reliant on creating a good team, engaging them and keeping them motivated, factors that she addresses in her strategy of openness. “I think information sharing is crucial, where everybody is aware where the business is going, what the goals are and what’s important.

The old hierarchical structure is out of date. The more information you share with people, the more

inputs you get the more collaborative approach you get. It also helps the working environment if everyone knows what the challenges are, what the opportunities are and how they can contribute to making it happen.”

Brexit must be one of the most perplexing challenges for a newly minted Irish food exporter to face given that Britain is such an important market, consuming £2 billion of biscuits every year. Meeting the challenge of this shifting marketscape requires a particular level of agility and nerve.

It would not be a shock for such a young business to succumb to panic in such a febrile atmosphere, however here is where Cowzer’s experience tells.

“You have to work within the new reality. We always had plans to export beyond the UK, so we’ve upped the pace on those plans and have exhibited at food fairs in Cologne, Dubai and Amsterdam recently.

We’re also building the private label part of our business and have the capacity to grow that further.

“Additionally, I think that an independent business can be a lot more responsive than a large conglomerate where decisions take longer to make.

The entrepreneurial nature of this business means that the decisions are made in this room so we have the advantage of being able to change faster.

The bigger challenges are the systemic ones like tariffs that businesses just can’t address on their own; they’ve got to look at different markets and different models.”

The decision to locate here came after Cowzer had trawled the east coast looking for a viable

JANE MATTHEWS

Having been part of the team that successfully acquired and merged the component businesses that formed the Jacob Fruitfield Food Group and then sold the business on for €80 million, Alison Cowzer could have decided it was time to put her feet up and have a cup of tea.

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3

Things to think about

GENDER BALANCE In politics it’s quite a challenge as we’re only at 22 per cent in the Dáil at the moment and that’s better than the previous government, which was 17 per cent! This is why the 30 per cent quota is a good idea. While I don’t really like quotas, I like what they do. I think it’s probably the fastest way to bring about change and hit the political parties where it matters – in the pocket.

BREXIT Clearly it wasn’t a welcome decision. The reality is that it’s here and it’s here to stay, and like any industry that faces an external shock you’ve got to adapt your plans. The UK market will continue be a major trading partner. However, there is uncertainty and the elements that facilitated a very close relationship may not all be there in the future. We’ll find ways to get through it, we still speak the same language and the market is similar in taste profile to the Irish market, which are big positives.

INTERNSHIPS

Getting a seat at the table is the challenge, once you’re there you’re fine because there’s no issue in terms of competence or capabilities.

When I left school I did three months’ unpaid work experience in a marketing agency. It was an amazing training ground and I learned so much more than if I’d gone into a large organisation where you’d just be slotted in. That’s why I’m such a fan of internships; if you can get in the door you can learn so much. It also led to my first job – when a director set up his own agency he asked me to join him.

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skills|business

4

Business tips

PITCHING TO DRAGONS

The most important thing is know your numbers – we’re investing in businesses not ideas. Reasons to invest are the blend of the idea, market opportunity and the person. So if the idea is there and there is a market opportunity but I don’t feel that I could work with that person then I’m not going to invest. The sweet spot is where each element is right.

Tried& Tested

In the interest of informed journalism we felt obliged to taste test the entire range

O ats a re a h e a lt h ’t f o o d a re n ? ? ? y the

Th e a rg u g i ng me n t s t er V c o c o i l l rage s, n u t.

START-UP SAVVY It’s impossible to do it on your own. If you do it on your own you’ll always be on your own and it will be difficult to grow. There is not always a lot of resources to build the team you want, but mentors and advisors who sometimes don’t cost anything can be invaluable for advice and sounding boards for ideas in a no-risk environment. A startup phase just requires so many different brains to get it right.

BEST CAREER CALL? The best decision I ever made was not to go to college and to take that full-time job. I do remember wrestling with that because I had been accepted for a business course, and the head of the course told me that the worst thing I could do was take a job because whatever experience I’d get at 17 would be worth nothing anyway!

Taking that leap was the best thing. I did do my degree at night and later, in my 30s I took a year off and did an MBA full-time which gave me a more strategic view.

WORST CAREER CALL? The worst decision, I made way back in my early career was to overrule someone who knew way more about something than I did, and it ended up costing the company a lot of money. I don’t know how I wasn’t fired. It was a grammatical error and we had to reprint 100,000 posters. It cost the company almost my year’s salary.

And I’d contradicted the grammar expert! I did learn a very costly lesson about listening to experts.

Jane didn’t get any of these ‘cause she was busy stashing the Stem Ginger cookies, ha! x Mary

t he se s av ing We’re o it rs f o r v is

These lasted the longest ... because Jane hid them!

... a n d y ou ’ ll n e ve r fi n d th e m. x Ja n e

Just the right level of dunk-ability

premises – it needed to be the length of a football field to accommodate the production process. ince finding a 50,000 sq ft unit on Donore Road it’s been full steam ahead. uch was the enthusiasm locally that they received over 3,500 ob applications before they’d even developed a recipe. t’s easy to see why they’ve been so warmly welcomed they’re working with undalk nstitute of echnology on an internship scheme and they’re already actively involved in the rogheda oung nnovators rogramme.

Getting a start-up of this size off the ground smoothly and successfully re uires a particular brand of cool and natural drive. ow er freely admits ualities that drive

her have always been part of her makeup. love work, love business and love what do. f you feel like that you have an advantage in getting things done, because they don’t feel like a chore. can never see myself not working, maybe in different guises. think even as a kid was good at organising things. y family might say was bossy utside of the office Alison is raising two daughters and takes inspiration from her own mother in managing work and home-life. rowing up in a family where both parents worked outside the home, ow er found that normalised work for her. inner-time discussions with her bouti ue-owning mother and mechanic

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business|skills About Alison ULTIMATE ESCAPE? I love getting out and about, we have a little cottage in Connemara and I love to get away there for a change of scene. Seeing friends and family is so important, especially as you get older and you realise that they are the most important things in your life.

FAMILY SAY? Impatient. Nothing is ever quick enough or fast enough. Project driven, I love to get my teeth into doing things. I’m a bit of a planner and like sorting things out. And probably too busy is another phrase they’d use. I’m spread a bit thin sometimes.

BEST READ? Hilary Clinton’s biography, it was probably written ten years ago. I’m a huge admirer of her. I think history will show that she was the right person at the wrong time. It says a great deal about her that she was back speaking at Georgetown University recently about women in politics; it shows immense courage. The world is a poorer place that she didn’t make it.

I love work, I love business and I love what I do. If you feel like that you have an advantage in getting things done, because they don’t feel like a chore.

father often featured insights into work and business life. “My mum was someone who just managed to get things done and drive half the neighbourhood to school on the way to work! That definitely influenced me and demystified work.”

Cowzer seems to emulate her mother in terms of adding significant other commitments into the mix. She’s just completed two seasons on Dragons Den, which she really enjoyed and took some interesting business investments from. She is also on the board of Women for Election, a not-for-profit organisation working to get more women into politics and to address the stark gender imbalance in Irish political life.

The thorny issue of gender imbalance

in business as well as public life receives a pragmatic response that’s incisive and considered. “I think a lot of it is historical, change is coming and happening but it’s slow. We do need a step change. We’re at about 15-20 per cent of senior management depending on the industry; that creates a dynamic in itself. I think when you reach 30 per cent it’s the tipping point where culture and the dynamic begins to change and the systemic approach does too. I don’t think that women face any more challenges then men, they’re certainly every bit as capable. Getting a seat at the table is the challenge, once you’re there you’re fine because there’s no issue in terms of competence or capabilities.”

So if she had a parallel existence what would she do with herself? “I’m very happy with my life, I’m very privileged and I appreciate that. I’ve done some work in the developing world with Goal and other charities in Haiti, Malawi, South Africa and India – you see an incredible energy from the people who work there. The impact that Irish aid workers have is spectacular. I think I would have liked to do something like that.

“I’m pretty content now I have to say.

I’m incredibly lucky to be where I am now. I have two healthy girls, a good relationship and a job that I love. I don’t think I could ask for more than that.”

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interview|music

Following early fame on the Irish folk scene, Frances Black featured on the renowned A Woman’s Heart album, which became the biggest-selling Irish album of all time. Here, she talks with Ruairí McKiernan about her journey from addiction to becoming a Senator in Leinster House.

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music|interview

ON DRINKING “I was on my own with two kids – the marriage had broken up, I was trying to just get by. Get paid every Thursday, get your cheapest bottle of wine, go home, get the kids their dinner and to bed. Then you’d have your bottle of wine. And then the kids would go and stay with their dad at the weekend, and I’d go on the tear.

And that was my pattern of drinking.”

REALISING THERE’S A PROBLEM

“I remember, one night, sitting on the couch at home, and I think I had a glass of wine in my hand. I was looking at it – I was thinking: ‘I don’t really want this.’ And then there was this voice: ‘Well, don’t have it.’ But I couldn’t not have it. I had to have it. So, that was a big eye-opener.”

SEEKING HELP “So I got an appointment (in Stanhope Street), and I sat down in front of the therapist and she gave me this sheet of paper. And I answered the questions as honestly as I possibly could. And she said to me at the end of it, ‘I’ve no doubt, Frances, you’re an alcoholic.’ I was absolutely shocked – because I didn’t see my drinking any different to anybody else’s. Honest to God. I was a functioning person.”

TREATMENT AND RECOVERY “So, I embarked on this journey in Stanhope Street, and I was there for a year. I learned so much about the impact of alcohol, not only on me, not only on my relationships, but also on my children.

That really spurred me on to not drink as well.”

A CAREER AFTER RECOVERY (On

finishing the programme at Stanhope Street Frances joined trad supergroup Arcady. This led her to travel extensively in the U.S and beyond.

Subsequently, she performed The Black Family and collaborated with Kieron Goss before getting involved in A Woman’s Heart in the early nineties.

This became the biggest selling Irish album of all time.) “And then I got offered my own record deal, which I

nearly didn’t take – again, it was a lack of self-belief. It was actually Mary who said: ‘Look, make it. What’s the worst that can happen?’ And so, I released this album, and it went to number one for 10 weeks, in Ireland. I was winning awards left, right and center and I didn’t know what hit me.”

DEPRESSION STRIKES “People would have looked at my life and said: ‘Oh my God, she’s riding on the crest of a wave.’ And inside, I was just dying. Swear to God. I was dying. That’s when it peaked. That’s when my depression started, really badly.

Because I kept thinking: ‘How can I sustain this?’”

into somewhere like here and it is a different language. But I’m good at learning, you know?”

ALCOHOL BILL “I’m really working hard on the alcohol bill and the alcohol issue in this country. Well, the reality is that the Alcohol Bill will work towards changing our culture and our unhealthy relationship with alcohol. And I think it’s vital that we get it through and passed, and not watered down. The alcohol industry is extremely powerful. And they have people in here lobbying, all of the time.”

“I’ll tell you what I learned. Pure freedom is, ‘I don’t give a shit what people think of me any more.’ Whereas, at one time, I would’ve been so stuck in that feeling of: ‘What are people going to think?’ And I think, now, it’s some kind of toxic shame. But I’ve learned, now, that really, I am who I am, and this is it.”

RUNNING FOR THE SEANAD “Some people were saying: ‘She’s running for the Seanad – what would she know about politics?’ But, I kept challenging it. You don’t need to know about politics to get in there and be passionate about the issues that you are passionate about. So I felt I had every right to be in there. And I felt this unbelievable urge to be the voice for people who didn’t have a voice, and who don’t have a voice. And that’s what drives me.”

DRIVING FORCE “You know that feeling of frustration of: ‘What, in the name of God, is going on? Why are there people homeless, in this day and age? Why are people struggling with depression? Why is there not enough support out there for people who have alcohol, drug, gambling issues? Why is there not enough support out there for their families?’ It’s an injustice. And I just felt I had to get in here, and just start talking about it, and really trying to work towards change around it. It’s daunting because you come

COME A LONG WAY “My brother, Martin, often says to me: ‘Imagine, Fran, when we were kids and sitting around the table, us all having dinner and living in the tenements. Did we ever think that you would be a senator in Leinster House? Who would have thought?’ So I look at that picture (of her mother) sometimes, and I think: ‘Well, Ma, what do you think?’”

Ruairí McKiernan’s new Love and Courage podcast features in-depth interviews with thinkers, innovators and activists including Sr Stan, Professor Ivor Browne, Christy Moore and more. You can download it for free on iTunes or any Podcast smartphone App or listen via SoundCloud.

Find out more at www.loveandcourage.org

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break|away

My Bags are packed ...

Navy dress with white detailing, €82.50, Principles

by Ben de Lisi, Debenhams

Black t-shirt, €30, House of Fraser

Seen sunglasses, €39, Vision Express Scarlet red crop top, €139.99, TK Maxx

WE’RE READY TO GO AND EVERYTHING IS IN OUR CARRYON LUGGAGE. DON’T BELIEVE US? OUR RESIDENT GLOBE TROTTER, JENNY HARFORD, TOGS OUT FOR TRAVEL

Hobo bag, €36, Red Herring, Debenhams

Lanzarote

Just under 40 miles long, Lanzarote is culturally rich, has an average temperature of 72°C, and an otherworldly volcanic landscape and a coast line that makes every sailing trip a joy. We based ourselves in Puerta Calero and sailed with Endeavour Sailing. RYA certified, a Competent Crew course (£570stg, includes accommodation onboard) is a great way to get into sailing.

Fully hands on, you’ll come away knowing more knots than Christian Grey. Car hire is cheap and driving is easy, good roads with very little traffic. An evening stroll from the marina to Playa Quamada will take about 40 mins and is a great way to round-off an eveing, sitting in one of only four restaurants and watching the sun slip into the ocean.

Zaneta Ice flat-top sunglasses, €10, Accessorize

Grey linen shorts, €12, Penneys

Navy top, €37.50, Debenhams

White suit trousers, €15, Penneys

Controlwear sweetheart bikini top, €35.00; ruchedside brief, €25.00, both V by Very, Littlewoods Ireland

✱

Blue beach kaftan, €7, Penneys

Holds everything in and disguises bulging bits - love this!

Surfing in Famara

Colour block top, €65, Autograph, Marks & spencer

Jamaica

Sun, sand and sea: a failsafe recipe, but don’t rush straight for the beach. Strawberry Hill, a magical mountain resort is set high in the Blue Mountains, in Irishtown (yes, we get everywhere), above Kingston. For Reggae fans book into Tuff Gong, the chalet in which Bob Marley recuperated after being shot in 1973. Afterwards, head to Treasure Beach, on Jamaica’s south coast. A mixture of dark and whitesand stretches, rocky coves, fishermen’s enclaves and secluded swimming spots, this small town is a favourite spot for locals and travellersin-the-know. Take the trip to Floyds Pelican Bar, a bar built on stilts on a sandbar, in the middle of the ocean (one mile off the coast). Sip a red stripe and eat fish, caught and cooked on the bbq while you wait. Don’t leave the Pelican Bar without carving your name into the wood. Bring water shoes if you plan on swimming as there are sea urchins - oh, and have a wee before you leave your hotel.

Fiji women’s deck shoe, €115, Dubarry 46 | ICA HOME & LIVING | AUTUMN 2017

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break|away

Instanbul

Cruising the Bosphorus

Gold reflective sunglasses, €11.99, New Look

We stayed in the Beyoglu district,

by Galata Tower, a buzzing night life district where you can scarcely hurl a feta-stuffed olive without hitting the young, chic and hipster.

Like most of Istanbul it been transformed in recent years, even the humble kebab is getting a makeover, and old world hammams are being converted into high end spas. By day tour the opulent vaulted chambers of Topkapi Palace or get lost in the Grand Bazaar which has about 60 lanes holding 4,000-odd shops packed to the rafters with tea sets, gold jewellery, backgammon boards and water pipes. Cross the Bosphorus at dusk, for knockout views of the illuminated minarets of the medieval Suleymaniye Mosque, the vast dome of the Hagia Sophia and the majestic walls of the Topkapi and Dolmabahce Palaces.

Yellow print wrap blouse, €60, Autograph, Marks & Spencer

Green ruffle maxi dress dress, €180, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson, Debenhams

Floyds Pelican Bar

Triangle stud earrings, €8, Accessorize

Old Havana mini dress, €12, Penneys

Pineapple bag, €43.50, Floozie By French, Debenhams

Tahiti bikini €17 and brief €16, both Accessorize

Life with less baggage AVOID EXTRA WEIGHT CHARGES WITH NOREEN BOWERS’ SIMPLE PHILOSOPHY FOR TRAVELLING; ‘KEEP IT SIMPLE, KEEP IT LIGHT’.

ALWAYS carry a copy of your passport, in case it get’s lost or damaged. BEADS and brooches can dress up or down an outfit, you choose.

CLEANSER and cotton wool are all you need to save face. DRESSES - two or three is all you need. EAU DU COLOGNE - take sample sized bottles, that’s all you’ll ever want. FACE CREAM - transfer to a small tub to save space and weight. One spoonful for each day you’re away.

GALA EVENING - take a long black skirt, it will travel anywhere. HAIR PRODUCTS, take them in sachet form, they’re much lighter than bottles. IDENTIFICATION TAGS inside and outside your bag is a must. JEWELLERY for that special occasion, wrap it in tissue paper and put in a small makeup bag. That’s what I do with my jewellery! KIT OUT your first aid kit with plasters, paracetamol and sudocrem. I swear by sudocrem! LINEN TROUSERS are lightweight and versatile and they go with everything.

MAKEUP - keep it simple. NIGHT WEAR never be negligent about that negligee.

ONLY take outfits that you feel comfortable in.

PASHMINAS are very versatile. You can use them as a scarf, a shawl if chilly, or a pillow at the window seat. - If you take a carry on suitcase you won’t have to queue. RAIN WEAR- keep it simple, don’t let it rain on your parade. SHOES - you only need three pairs. I only ever travel with three pairs - one comfortable walking pair, sandals for the beach or the pool and one dressy pair for the evening time. TOPS should mix and match with all of your outfits. UNDERWEAR - keep it neutral as it goes with all colours including white linen and light tops. VARNISH - take the little pads, they’re much lighter than carrying a big bottle of nail varnish remover. WRAP SHOES in shoe bags to keep everything clean. XENOPHOBIA - leave it at home. Holidays are a great time to meet new people. YOUNG AT HEART - it’s never too late to try new experiences. ZIP LOCK plastic bag needed for your toiletries - all under 100mls.

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break|away

Less is More THE LIBERATING TRUTH IS THAT BY TRAVELLING WITH LESS YOU DEFINITELY ENJOY YOURSELF MORE!

N

oreen Bowers joined the Blackrock guild seven years ago under very sad circumstances. To distract her from her grief when she lost her mother and her best friend within a few weeks of each other, she joined the ICA. “It was very tough, but I carried on and I’m still working,” Noreen admits. I find it great, and all the women there are such a varied people, with so many life experiences - they’ve been through it all.” With her talent for packing simple and light and her extensive travelling experience, Noreen has been asked to talk to the Blackrock, Malahide, Dun Laoghaire and the Ballsbridge guilds so far in her ICA career. She explains that the art of packing light may seem easy but it’s not for the faint-hearted. oreen travels, five or six times a year abroad and then around Ireland also,” but she doesn’t overpack. Ever. Even if she is travelling by car. She says, “Whether it’s a hot country or a cold country, three days away or two weeks away, I always travel with a carry on suitcase. In fact, I don’t think I’ve checked in a suitcase in 15 years.” The question remains, what is in the suitcase that can pass for carry on luggage with Ryanair but still hold enough items for a 14 day cruise up the fjords of Saguenay? The secret is very simple, and all rooted in Noreen’s philosophy, ‘keep it simple, keep it light’.

“Some people want their shoes to match their bag, every single time they go out but that’s just not for me,” Noreen admits. “I don’t count the number of items that I bring, but I mix and match everything, and often wear things twice!” Noreen says that packing as light as she does is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, from her experience, she has learned that the less baggage she carries, the more fun she has on her holiday. Packing light cuts out the excess time she would spend deciding what to wear, queuing for check in, or waiting at the baggage carousel for luggage that could be lost, damaged or stolen. By carrying on her bag, she allows herself to fully experience the places she lands in, doing various adventurous activities such as

snorkeling on the sand banks of Haiti, para-sailing over the Red Sea, and kayaking in the mangroves of Abu Dhabi to name but a few. Noreen admits that when she goes away she’s, “usually quite wild!” This is a carefree holiday trait that’s made easier by the lack of oversized, distracting luggage. The remainder of 2017 is looking like another period full of jet-setting for Noreen. While already, she has a few weeks in Abu Dhabi under her belt, she also squeezed in a trip to the Salzburg Music Festival at the end of April, with more adventures planned. “Life is very sweet at the moment,” notes Noreen. “I believe in making the best of everything.” This includes cutting excess baggage out her life, both literally and figuratively. ou have to have friends that affirm you as opposed to criticise you and the ICA women are absolutely brilliant,” she says. Though she has no talks coming up, her five sisters are all looking for a talk just for them!) to prepare them for their upcoming holidays.

“We’re a big travelling family, we’ve been all over the world. I’ve been to 55 countries in total,” Noreen laughs.

I can tell she’s looking forward to many more.

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commercial feature

pring into ublin Take a Guided Tour at Glasnevin, it’s Dead Interesting!

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1st Prize winner Best Cultural Experience in Ireland Winner Certificate of Excellence TripAdvisor 2016, listed at #2 of best things to do in Dublin.

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Finglas Road, Dublin 11, Tel. 01 882 6550 www.glasnevinmuseum.ie museum@glasnevintrust.ie

Open 10.00hrs – 17.00 Daily / Public and private tours daily / Re-enactment at 1430 / Pedestrian link to Botanic Gardens

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Visit Our Beautiful 1,000 acre Estate and Enjoy: • 6 Acre Victorian Walled Garden • Restored Rooms in the Abbey • Gothic Church • History Talks and Guided Tours • Woodland & Lakeshore Walks • Café &Tea House, Craft & Design Shop

+353 (0) 95 52001 bookings@kylemoreabbey.com www.kylemoreabbey.com

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WHERE HISTORY & CULTURE LIVE ON

Russborough houses one of the most impressive private art collections in Ireland which may be viewed by taking a guided tour of the house.

The 18th century walled garden has been under restoration since 2011 and is now open for pre-booked groups. For special group rates contact friedaoconnell@russborough.ie For Family Fun there is a Maze, Fairy Trail, Playground & Tree Trail Open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm (last tour of house 5pm) Location: 20 km from Dublin off the N81, 4.5km outside Blessington, Co. Wicklow.

Tel: + 353 (0)45 865239 | Email: friedaoconnell@russborough.ie | www.russborough.ie Sat Nav GPS: Lat 53.135517 Long 6.572386

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Black split sleeve top, €49.99, Wallis

Bright blue shoulder bag, €19.99, New Look

Mesh drop earrings, €50.00, Blaithin Ennis

mono|style

Layered skirt dress, €1,790, Givenchy

Charlie linen tunic, €59, Monsoon CHLOÉ

White bell sleeve cotton shirt dress, €29.99, New Look

Flora lime clutch, €255, LK Bennett

Black culottes with white stitched trim, €16, Penneys

Red leather tote, €225, CarveOn

, 10 s €6 oma , p to Th pe own i r r st B st a, tra Kom n Co vid Da

Mono & Pop KEEP IT CLEAN THIS SEASON WITH A MAINLY MONO LOOK. TEAM WITH POPS OF PRIMARY COLOURS TO ADD PUNCH.

Floral Jaquard A-Line skirt, €1,250, Dolce & Gabbana

Webby snakebite mules, €790, Gucci

Spinnaker cone collarette, €285, Blaithin Ennis AUTUMN 2017 | ICA HOME & LIVING | 51

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‘I inherited a house with it a garden, in a climate favourable to growing less common plants’ – Lord Milo Talbot

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Visit Lord Milo Talbot’s Botanical Collection of Plants at Malahide Castle.

Open all year

round from 9.30am

• 5000 Species of Plants • Interactive Garden Exhibition • 6 Glasshouses • 22 Acre West Lawn • • Avoca Cafe & Retail • Guided Tours of Malahide Castle • Just 13KM from Dublin City Centre. Accessible by DART, Bus or Car. Visit www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie for more information or call 01 8169538.

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my gift to the world Together, we can continue to create a future that is fair for everyone. And make a world without poverty our legacy.

For more information contact OXFAM Ireland Tel: (01) 672 7662 Email: friends@oxfamireland.org Oxfam Ireland is a member of Oxfam International, a world-wide development organisation that mobilises the power of people against poverty. Charitable co. limited by guarantee. Reg. No. 284292, CHY5988

www.oxfamireland.org/legacy

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red|style Scotch on the Rocks, €26, Bobbi Brown

Pork Pie hat with felt bow, €250, Aoife Kirwan Printed A-Line dress €1,550, Dolce Gabbana, Brown Thomas

RJR, €82.50, John Rocha, Debenhams

Rouge Allour, €32, Chanel, Arnotts

Lipstick clutch, €280, Lulu Guinness

Gold lago ring with ruby, €105, Juvi Designs

Red faux leather skirt, €40, River Island

Red Alert

BE BOLD! ADD DRAMA TO YOUR WARDROBE WITH THIS SEASON’S COLOUR. Red suede sandal, €105, Dune

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Energy the natural way

The natural way to maintain your energy levels

BioActive Q10 is the right choice for various reasons.

• The product’s bio-availability and safety is documented in more than 100 published scientific studies • It was the product that was used in the two groundbreaking quality-of-life studies – KiSel10 and Q-Symbio • The International Coenzyme Q10 Association (ICQA) has selected BioActive Q10 as the official scientific reference of Q10 research www.pharmanord.ie - Sign up to newsletter - View product information - Enter monthly competition

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Tel: 01 899 1650 • Fax: 01 885 3893 Email: ireland@pharmanord.com

IE_Q10_AD_ICAHome_210x285_0417

With BioActive Q10 from Pharma Nord, you help your cells produce the energy that you need to enjoy life – even when you grow older. The scientifically documented coenzyme Q10 formula combined with vitamin C, which helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, is the most natural way of keeping your energy levels in their normal range so you can stay active – every day.

09/05/2017 30/08/2017 11:23 11:09

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Ancient Greek Sandals We’ve fallen in love with this quirky brand. Inspired by Greek culture and mythology, these witty designs, bearing wings and golden buckles in a nod to Hermes, Messenger of the Gods, are handmade by skilled Greek craftsmen using chemical-free, natural tan leather.

Mule sandals, €45, Miss Selfridge, Littlewoods.com

Tan block heel, €27, M&S Collection

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Ikaria Mid lace, €185, ancient-greek-sandals.com

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Lacer sandal, €55, Dune, Debenhams

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Klara silver sandal, €225, LK Bennett

peep Show

FEEL THE ULTIMATE SHOE ENVY WITH THIS SEASON’S SANDAL STYLE EDIT.

Black and gold metallic block heel sandal, €38, V by Very Adele, Littlewoods Ireland

Pom Pom And Charm trim sandals wide fit , €39, Sole Diva 33, Simply Be

Tan leather mule, €155, Hobbs Janet 120 embellished sandal, €1,350, Jimmy Choo, Brown Thomas AUTUMN 2017 | ICA HOME & LIVING | 55

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commercial profile Vital for energy Coenzyme Q10 is an essential vitaminlike compound that cells need in order to make energy.

We produce it in our liver, and a certain amount comes from the food we eat. Now, thanks to researchers who have studied how coenzyme Q10 facilitates the energy turnover in cells, we can pop a capsule and turn up the ame, so to speak. oday, millions of people worldwide take coenzyme Q10 as their daily energy boost, and it is completely natural to the body. he increased energy levels enable them to engage in activities that would normally have been too strenuous for them.

his stuff can make you feel young again What happens as you age is that your body gradually loses its ability to make energy because levels of a compound called coenzyme Q10 decrease. The coenzyme Q10 levels of an 80-year old are estimated to amount to about 40% of those found in the body of a young person.

Helps in heart disease Not only can a supplement of coenzyme Q10 help to restore energy levels in the ageing population and counteract problems like lack of zest and physical decline, it has even been shown to support vital functions such as heart function. his was clearly demonstrated in a 2014 study of patients with chronic heart failure, where daily supplements of coenzyme Q10 turned out to boost their heart muscle function so much it actually lowered their risk of dying of their disease by 43%. Q-Symbio, as the study is named, has made headlines worldwide, and cardiologists are seriously considering the possibility of including coenzyme Q10 in the standard therapy for heart failure. However, it is not only people with heart disease who are able to benefit from coen yme 10. Another study called KiSel-10 where healthy elderly men and women were given coenzyme Q10 together with selenium, an essential nutrient that supports the compound, showed that there were 54% fewer heart- related deaths in the group.

Nobel Prize t was originally American scientists who discovered coen yme 10 for the first time. ver the years, it has been investigated thoroughly for its role in human biochemistry. In 1978, the British scientist Peter Mitchell was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for his groundbreaking work on explaining coenzyme Q10’s important role in cellular energy. oday, science has shown that it can be used in the treatment of certain agerelated diseases like Parkinson’s disease and hypertension.

Good for Athletes Even sportspeople have turned to coenzyme Q10 as a completely legitimate way of increasing performance and reducing recovery time.

Researchers have found that high-performance athletes have muscle tissue with nearly twice as many mitochondria as less active people (mitochondria produce energy with help from coenzyme Q10). Higher mitochondrial density in muscle tissue requires a lot more coenzyme Q10 to boost the energy turnover.

Tel: 01 899 1650 • Fax: 01 885 3893 Email: ireland@pharmanord.com

A e to fighting diseases Science has merely seen the tip of the iceberg in terms of coenzyme Q10’s potential in aiding human health. It has limitless potential for boosting energy turnover in all parts of the body, preventing heart ailments, gum disease, autoimmune disorders, infertility and many other problems that involve impaired energy turnover in the cells.

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competition

# log on and

WIN www. icahomeandliving. ie

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A LUXURY SPA BREAK IN THE HERITAGE KILLENARD  5STAR LUXURY IN THE ROLLING GREEN COUNTRYSIDE OF COUNTY LAOIS VISIT ICAHOMEANDLIVING.IE Relaxed and welcoming, The Heritage Killenard has a world-class spa, an extensive selection of luxury accommodation, a wide range of dining options, and a fine array of indoor and outdoor activities.

You can choose to indulge in a restorative spa treatment in The Heritage Spa, a game of tennis on the resort’s court, a refreshing visit to the Health Club with its pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, or just to take some fresh air along the

five-kilometre walking and ogging track.

Whether you’re in the mood for a movie in the cinema at The Heritage or simply to sink into a cosy couch with a good book, you’ll find there is plenty to do in this lush countryside setting.

We are giving you the chance to win a luxurious two-night break in this five star hotel. You and a guest will stay in a beautiful deluxe room for two nights with breakfast on each morning. You can also

spend time with your guest over dinner on one evening in The Arlington Restaurant and you’ll be pampered in The Heritage’s awarding winning spa, where you both will enjoy a two hour spa experience, a sensory ourney that maximises the benefits of all the spa facilities, leaving the body feeling profoundly alive and invigorated.

For more information and special offers call us on 057 8645500 or visit www.theheritage.com

HOW TO WIN

For a chance to win a five-star luxury spa break in The Heritage Killenard, answer the following question and register on the new ICA Home & Living magazine website www.icahomeandliving.ie

What is the name of the restaurant in the five star Heritage Killenard?

The winner will be drawn on 2nd October 2017. Best of luck!

Terms & Conditions: Prize includes 2BB1D for 2 adults sharing a room, non-transferable and not valid during Easter, Christmas or bank holidays. Closing date for all entries is September 29th 2017. Competition is not open to employees of Ashville Media Group or Bloomfield House Hotel. No cash or gift card will be awarded in lieu of prize. Winner will be selected at random and will be contacted by phone or email. Competition entrants must be resident in the island of Ireland. Competition is subject to all of the usual terms and conditions.

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TWITTER @ICAHOME_LIVING

FACEBOOK ICAHOMEANDLIVING AUTUMN 2017 | ICA HOME & LIVING | 57

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beauty|fragrance Elizabeth Arden Always Red Femme, Eau de Parfum, 50ml, €30, Littlewoods

Prada Candy, Eau de Parfum, 30ml, €62.00, The Perfume Shop

Miu Miu Eau de Parfum, 30ml, €62.50, Debenhams

Jimmy Choo Flash, Eau de Parfum 60ml, €44, Walsh’s Pharmacy

Gucci Guilty Intense Eau de Parfum, 30ml, €65, Boots

Marc Jacobs Honey, Eau de Parfum, 30ml, €42.33, Debenhams

scentUAL Jennifer Lopez Live

by JLo, Eau de Parfum, 50ml, €30, Littlewoods

For those not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, Ivanna Moore presents her fragrance edit with scents of freshly cut grass, sun cream and pina coladas. Keep summer in the air with a spritz of some of our favourite floral fragrances.

Vera Wang Lovestruck 100ml Eau de Parfum, €38.50, Oxendales

DKNY Be Delicious Eau de Parfum, €86, Arnotts

Lacoste Eau De Lacoste Sensuelle, 30ml, €39.99, sencity.ie

Britney Spears Fantasy In Bloom, Eau de Parfum, 30ml, €25, McCabes Pharmacy

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holiday|beauty Sun zits

One of my old bosses (with beautiful skin) told me ‘Oil for winter, water for summer’. Avoiding oil-based moisturisers and makeup and exfoliating regularly with a mild scrub like Dr Hausckha Cleansing Cream, (€18.45) or a glycolic face wash, such as Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser 150ml, (€38.50), will help keep pores clear.

Weathered Skin

So you spent far too long on the sun lounger and now your skin is starting to look like a bad knockoff bag? Why were you not wearing your sunscreen?

You need Retin A. Try RoC MultiCorrexion Skin-Renewing Serum, (€25.50). For more sensitive skin, look for a moisturiser with peptides.

Try Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion (€27.99) or Loreal Age Perfect, Hydra-Nutrition – Day & Night Cream, €14.99. These products help stimulate collegen production and plump skin up.

Brown Spots

Prevention is key ... sunscreen, sunscreen, suncreen. However if you do see brown spots starting to appear, then exfoliating regularly with a gentle scrub that contains alpha or beta hydroxy acids, like Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer 35pk (€78.99) will increase cell turnover. Use La RochePosay Pigmentclar Serum 30ml (€23.95), to lighten existing spots. If overthe-counter products are not having any effect, consider talking to your dermatologist about a prescription-strength exfoliation treatments.

Holiday

BEAUTY

We all love a sneaky, off-peak, sunshine holiday. We also want to avoid the rashes, brown spots and shiny faces that sunshine can bring. Ivanna Moore has a few suggestions.

Shine

You need to remove the dead, sticky cells from the top of skin as these hold on to oil. Use a toner like Vichy Normaderm Purifying Astringent Toner, (€13.99) right after cleansing. Mop up excess midday-shine by dabbing over your makeup with a powder-coated blotting paper, like Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper, (€23 for 100 sheets).

Heat Rash

They appear when you are too hot, so simply cool down.

Open the fridge door and stand there for a while. A cool watersoaked sponge can also help alleviate the redness .... or a nice G&T in the shade.

Painful Sunburn

Yes, I am going to say it again – use your sunscreen! However, if you do get caught out and end up the colour of a perfectly cooked lobster, try soaking a facecloth in a mix of full fat milk and water and placing the cloth on your burn. Products containing Aloe Vera also help to ease the pain. Beyond that, treat your skin gently: stay out of the sun; apply multiple coats of a fragrance-free moisturiser (which won’t sting), like Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Fragrance Free Body Lotion 250ml, (€4.66) daily; and when you start to peel, don’t pick.

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beauty|colour

Colour CHAMELEON Dread the thought of traipsing around a department store with the endless rails, the visual noise of competing colours and your head swimming? Always end up grabbing yet another pair of black trousers and a default top? You probably need your colours read.

M

ost of us, except our most well pulled together and polished (annoying) sisters, have been there; the heat, the lights, the awkward changing rooms and armfuls of clothes, none of which will suit you. What is it about changing room mirrors that emphasise everything that you’ve been blithely ignoring at home (where your mirror only sees the bit between your hairline and your collarbone)? No one, to the best of my knowledge, has ever had a body issue with their collarbone.

Occasionally, an extreme rush of blood to the head results in the purchase of a

magenta and turquoise polka dot body suit and possibly a tangerine lipstick — because a pop of colour is good. Right?

What if you could transform this experience? What if you had the superpower to psychologically edit endless rails of clothes and the contents of makeup counters at a glance, without being distracted by the polka dot bodysuit?

Imagine ending a shopping trip looking better dressed than ever before with a make-up kit or new piece of clothing that works with everything in your wardrobe.

We’ll assume that, unlike Beyonce, you can’t stretch to a full-time personal

stylist and make-up artist. But cameraready perfection is not beyond your reach.

We introduced three ICA volunteers to Maria Macklin, of House of Colour, whose expertise in personal colour analysis was put to the test in An Grianán. Maria introduced the concept behind colour analysis, explaining how much of an impact it can have on how you present yourself and ultimately your self-esteem. There’s nothing scary here, just a straightforward approach to testing and analysing the particular shades of each colour that suit you best.

Next to make-up-free skin, Maria places swatches of fabric to discover which add life to the face, even out the skin-tone and enhance the complexion compared to a different shade of the same colour which has the opposite effect. It was interesting to see exactly how much difference the varying shades made and as a group we were unanimous on almost every choice.

Individuals are then assigned a season based on the hues most suited to them.

Within each season there are layers of options ranging from base to accent colours to choose from. Each season has it’s own

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colour|beauty

shades of red, blue, green and so on. Maria then ogged our willing volunteers. his involves refining your colour selection to find the wow colours’ within your season. olours are held against your skin and assigned a percentage and star rating. For example, if a colour is given two stars at 100 per cent, it’s your ideal colour and you could happily wear it top to toe. A colour given a 5 per cent rating would be good as a key piece while 5 per cent would be an accent such as a scarf or hat. deally, you should wear no more than the prescribed amount of any given colour but you can happily wear less, which is a good way of getting people to try

new colours without feeling overwhelmed. ewellery is considered too with either cream pearls and gold or white pearls and silver being your ideal, depending on your colour profile. he next phase involved selecting a range of cosmetics. hat includes a perfectly matched foundation, blusher and a choice of lipsticks that complement your skin tone and can be worn with colours from your season. A top tip in finding the most natural blush, is to match your blusher to the colour of the skin on the top of your ear. he cosmetic session is a simple yet remarkably effective process, giving a noticeably enhanced complexion.

COSMETIC COLOUR PALLET There’s no suggestion that you bin your entire wardrobe, instead, the idea is to add a few new pieces and work with your colour pallet as you replace pieces. The session was a very positive experience and each of the volunteers came away with a better understanding of the colours that work best for them and the ability to work with a more refined pallet resulting in a more pulled-together look and streamlined wardrobe. So, no more polka dot body suits...for now.

THE BENEFITS OF COLOUR ANALYSIS Colour analysis takes your natural colouring and equips you with the knowledge and confidence to look fabulous - effortlessly, every single day.

The House of Colour consultant helps you find the colours that lights up your face and makes you look gorgeously vibrant and healthy. You’ll see the difference for yourself, instantly. You’ll look fresher, younger, with a naturally radiant glow. You’ll feel more confident and alive to new possibilities. You’ll just know that you look great.

Getting dressed in the morning becomes quick and easy. Shopping will be a breeze. No more wasting money on the ‘bargain’ you never wear.

Your whole wardrobe will be co-ordinated. Mix and match, it’s guaranteed to go together.

HOUSE OF COLOUR CONTACT: Maria Macklin.

MOBILE: 087 278 9547.

EMAIL: maria.macklin@ houseofcolour.com

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book|list

BOOK CLUB

THE SUMMER VISITORS

By Fiona O’Brien Hachette Books, €13.49 Reviewed by Anne Devitt

One benefit of lazy autumn days and lovely cosy evenings is having the opportunity to while them away with a good book. Pick from our fine selection and send us your thoughts!

THEY SAY: Summer has arrived to Ballyanna on the south-west coast of Ireland, and so, too, has an American family ...

ANNE SAYS: At 10pm on a

THE BLOOD MIRACLES

By Lisa McInerney John Murray, €20.99 Review by Joanne Allen

THEY SAY: The second novel from the author of the Baileys Prize-winning The Glorious Heresies. Fast-paced, compelling, and thrilling, Lisa McInerney writes the type of fiction that is both beautifully crafted and immensely enjoyable.

JOANNE SAYS: The Blood

Miracles is a continuation of Lisa McInerney’s previous book The Glorious Heresis. This is very apparent as the book is a very slow start and I felt the scene had already been set. It took me the first 5 6 chapters to get into the story. As followed the twists and turns, I had to read each line very carefully as not to miss out on anything t starts with yan, who is a pianist and , with an talian mother and rish father, who is helping establish an rish- talian drug deal in the ork city underworld with his boss an ane. here is a decision for yan to make. o follow his girlfriend arine, give up crime and become her ideal partner or continue making his life a mess with infidelity and drunkenness. verall, he is a 0 year old, out of prison, trying to find himself

unday evening, as readied myself for bed, I looked for a book to read. A few pages usually sends me happily off. was still reading iona O’Briens latest novel at 2am. The Summer Visitors is set in the fair-si ed fictional village of allyanna in o erry and tells the personal stories of Annie ullivan and an ( aniel) ’ onnell. Annie is the daughter of local hotel owners and has recently returned from London with a broken heart, only to be faced with family drama and disfunction. an is an elusive American documentary maker, who comes to Ballyanna to research for a documentary on the transatlantic able tation near Ballyanna. He comes with hopes that a summer in erry will heal his heart from personal trauma. was transported to a uaint village in west erry by delicate yet expansive descriptions of the countryside which brought me back to family holidays of yesteryear.

There are no stereotypes here. Indeed, her affectionate descriptions of erry life and the accent of its locals could be mistaken with those of a long-emigrated erryman, forced to live far from his native sod. could almost smell the salty bree e and see the village along with its inhabitants as they go about their daily lives. iona’s characters are real and their stories tangible.

Better eating THEY SAY: Double the nutrition in every ingredient with this unfaddy blueprint for a healthier life, with more than 80 easy recipes.

ESTHER SAYS: n the words of the author ames ong, his book is

HOW TO EAT BETTER

by James Wong.

Mitchell Beazley, €28.00 Reviewed by Esther Cahill

not about what to eat, but how to eat the foods you love to get the very most out of them . All too often books can preach to a reader on what is best for them, without giving a thought to each person’s personal circumstance; but not this book. In How To Eat Better ames gives in-depth reasons on when it is best, or not, to cook blend or peel certain foods, fruits or vegetables, so we can get the best from them. his book does not call for fancy gadgets, obscure ingredients or a lot of time. ames uses proven scientific studies to back up his claims from one pot meals to booze. Essentially, he is telling us what we have been hearing for years with a new twist, eat lots of fruit and veg and less red meat, fat and sugar. ames is not afraid to try new avor combinations and encourages creativity with what you have in your cupboards. Hot chocolate with beetroot and fruit in salads to boost antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in your diet. rom vegan meatballs and burgers to creamy indulgent cauli ower and potato mash. his ook has something for everyone. really en oyed reading and cooking from this book.

2 more to try

GOODBYE SUGAR HELLO WEIGHT LOSS

By Elsa Jones Gill Books, €16.99

Nutritional Therapist Elsa Jones’ revolutionary programme targets both physical and emotional dependency on sugar.

RECIPES FOR A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN

By Sophie White Gill Books, €24.99

Part cookbook, part memoir, part self-help manual, Recipes for a Nervous Breakdown is a hilarious take on the life of a modern millennial woman.

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THE HUSBAND

by Deirdre Purcell Hachette Books, €10.99 Reviewed by Margot Hennessey THEY SAY: The Husband is a gripping human story of love in its many guises, of losing everything and ultimately of rediscovering the meaning of family.

MARGOT SAYS: I found this story well

written but very sad, very Irish – a real and human story which could happen to any of us. arion’s first husband eter was a doctor and a wonderful man and she knew it, but she divorced him because she fell in love with his colleague, Daniel. She didn’t see through him. She was blinded by love. I believe she was really her own worst enemy but a very strong person who endured a lot of sadness. She had lost her mum, her husband and then her dad, whom she had looked after for a long time. The fact that she was from Chicago made me wonder why she ended up here in Ireland after all her sad experiences, leading me to believe she was punishing herself for her own weakness. I really enjoyed reading this book.

A GAME OF GHOSTS

by John Connolly Hodder & Stoughton, €13.49 Reviewed by Helen Rutter

THEY SAY: It is deep winter. The darkness is unending. The private detective named Jaycob Eklund has vanished, and Charlie Parker is dispatched to track him down.

Parker’s employer, Edgar Ross, an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has his own reasons for wanting Eklund found.

HELEN SAYS: ook 15 in the harlie arker series. hey

are all there, Charlie, Angel, Louis, Sam, Jennifer. A good writer, weaving an intriguing tale, Connolly carries us along, although he does get bogged down by the supernatural elements during the middle section. This book is best not read as a stand-alone but as one in a series. Book 11 ties arker in with oss from the . n this tale, oss asks arker to track down aycob cklund, a private investigator who recently went off the grid working a case for oss. his search is the story which leads into murky depths of the underworld, natural and supernatural. The otherworldly elements of the haunted arker, which breaks through, are re ective of onnolly’s fascination with the supernatural themes in the works of Irish writers such as Bram Stoker.

This book leaves one wondering if the end may be in sight for arker who is feeling his age, and his friends ouis and Angel are fearful of medical indications that all is not well. ven in fiction, old age is not for the faint-hearted. feel overall, that there was too much paranormal activity, some of it beyond the reach of credibility – for me. It is still a page turner and I shall read the next in the series to see where it is going.

HELP!

She generally gave herself very good advice, (though she very seldom followed it).

LEWIS CARROLL

HOW TO COPE

The Welcoming Approach to Life’s Challenges

By Claire Hayes Gill Books, €14.99

In a very clear, practical way Claire shows us how to make sense of our distressing feelings, to become aware of our unhelpful thoughts and our core beliefs, and most of all, to focus on what we can actually do to improve things for ourselves.

YOUR MIDDLE YEARS

list|book HORACE WINTER SAYS GOODBYE

by Conor Bowman Hachette Books, €18.20 Review by Deirdre Connery.

THEY SAY: Horace Winter doesn’t, strictly speaking, have friends. Ever since the long-ago day when the ‘very bad thing’ happened, he prefers to spend his time in the company of moths and butterflies, who are far less likely to disappoint him than humans.

DEIRDRE SAYS: A page turner – I

read it way into the night as I couldn’t put it down. Horace, a bank manager, displayed a lack of intuition and took people at face value. He lives his life consumed by what happened in the past, his sister drowning in the bathroom when he was six, and his father’s heart attack as a teenager. He blamed himself for these two incidents and so did his mother, who was very critical of him all of his life. So he retreated into this imaginary life where he classed people as butter ies (the good people) and moths (the bad people).

He lived a lonely, unhappy, unusual life until near his death when he resolved his difficult past ... or did he That is the question that leaves you hanging in mid-air. Was it all only in his imagination A great read which leaves you wanting more.

Love them. Live them. Own them.

By Kate O’Brien and Paula Mee Gill Books, €16.99

Authors Paula Mee and Kate O’Brien had a lot of questions when they reached menopause. While doctors were matterof-fact and friends had light-hearted conversations about the changes occurring in their bodies, there was no road map for what can, if you’re unprepared, be a turbulent transition.

Your Middle Years provides just that.

tell us what you think HAVE YOU READ ANY OF OUR FEATURED BOOKS? THEN SEND US YOUR REVIEW, POST IT ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE OR SIMPLY SPREAD THE WORD ON TWITTER: HELLOICAHOMEANDLIVING.IE FACEBOOK.COM/ICAHOMEANDLIVING #ICAHOMEANDLIVING

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escape|las vegas

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS MANY GLOBAL DESTINATIONS HAVE ATTEMPTED TO RECREATE THE LURE OF EXCITEMENT, REFINEMENT AND FANTASY CONJURED UP BY LAS VEGAS, BUT POOR IMITATIONS WON’T COMPARE TO HITTING IT BIG WITH THE REAL DEAL.

W

hen landing in egas, off a direct Aer ingus ight, you will be struck by the absence of dazzle at the desert airport location but as you approach the famous Las Vegas Strip, the electricity of this neon jungle will soon rejuvenate your travel-weary body. With over 62,000 rooms, you won’t be stuck for a bed. However, not all Las Vegas hotels are created equal. Each luxury resort is designed around a core theme and you’ll recognise some as the backdrop to iconic films like Casino and Ocean’s Eleven. Caesars Palace, with its very own imitation of the world famous Trevi Fountain and an optical illusion ceiling of a calm sky, leaves visitors with the impression of strolling along the streets of Rome on a bright and breezy summer’s day.

Entertainment and attractions have allowed Las Vegas to become the adult playground of the world - but it’s not ALL sin and debauchery. If gambling and nightclubs aren’t quite your cup of tea, don’t fret, there is still plenty of action to be had away from the blackjack tables. In fact, the highlights of the town rarely include gambling. If hitting the shops gives you a thrill, head straight for Fashion Show Mall at the bottom end of the strip and get lost in the maze of Prada, Louis Vuitton and Tiffanys. With almost 250 different stores you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for, although, I’d recommend carving out some quality time for Macy’s alone. f that isn’t enough to satisfy your shopping fix, most casinos are also stocked with their own Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren or

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The majority of the shows, concerts and even restaurant bookings can be made online in advance of your trip. I’d advise any visitor to select a handful of must see attractions and pre-book them before departing because once you’re there, it’s a town of wonder and distraction.

Good advice

TOP TRAVELLER TIP Don’t be fooled into thinking the Strip is an easy stroll down the street. It’s approximately five miles in length and with a world of attractions to divert your attention, you’re walking shoes will get even more mileage than that. Depending on the time of year of travel, you could be roaming around in a 40°C heat. I’d recommend purchasing a RTC bus ticket that will take you back and forth through the Strip for just $8 for 24hrs or just $20 for three days unlimited travel. Many of the resorts and attractions are also connected via underground tunnels or the monorail, making it easy to get about, or occasionally, get turned about.

las vegas|escape MUSICAL DIFFERENCES Since its inception, superstars have flooded to the desert hot spot and taken to the stage in some of the most legendary residency shows to speak of. Current artists to take up the mantle include Britney Spears, Celine Dion and Elton John. Yet, if your tastes are less musical, you can catch one of the many mind bending experiences performed by a selection of magicians, mentalists, acrobats and comedians alike. Cirque du Soleil is a Vegas institution and while the magical comedy duo Penn and Teller are known to reveal the secrets of their illusions, they never run out of material week after week as they leave their audience at the Rio astounded and asking for more.

Versace. For the shopper with an eye for a bargain, a day dedicated to the north and south premium outlets on the outskirts of town are a must where, with a bit of Vegas luck, you’ll find top brands at bottom prices.

When it comes to dining in this town, you’ll recognise American brands from your favourite shows and find it hard to resist those Krispy Kreme donuts and Denny’s pancakes when their intoxicating scents waft your way. Food is very reasonably priced for a town of high rollers but don’t forget to tip your waitresses or you might find service severely lacking. If you feel like really treating yourself, because you’re in Las Vegas after all, some of the most exquisite of dining experiences in the history of gastronomy can be had along the Strip. For the epitome of opulent French cuisine Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand endeavour to treat their welcomed guests, not simply as customers or even as old friends, but rather as royalty. The Parisian elegance present

TOP TRAVELLER TIP Transfer from the airport is fairly short and inexpensive. If you take a shuttle bus it will cost you under $10 but be aware, depending on where along the strip you are staying, you could spend an eternity in a cramped space and horrific traffic. If there are quite a few in your party, a limo may actually be cheaper, and a significant step up in the comfort department.

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escape|las vegas the low down THE FREMONT EXPERIENCE

Located just a ten minute drive from the Strip, the Fremont Experience is a Vegas hideout not for the faint-hearted.

Accompanied by the neon jungle of lights that you would expect from Las Vegas, the entirety of the street is covered by a screen, used to perform a spectacular light show for all of the street’s inhabitants. Fortunately, if you travelled to Vegas with the hope of seeing a million dollars, then your luck is in.

Binions on Fremont Street have just that amount on display and encourage visitors to come along and take a snap - just don’t get too close, in Vegas there’s always someone watching. Speaking of characters who probably would have tried just that, Fremont Street is also home to the infamous Mob Museum. Although it is officially known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, it’s more colourful moniker is more commonly used. This Vegas highlight will walk you through the town’s illicit beginnings, seedy characters and murky history with organised crime. One exhibit which shouldn’t be glazed over is that of the infamous Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre which not only runs through the horrifying sequence of events that led to the assassination of seven members of Bugs Moran’s gang (allegedly by Al Capone’s men) but it also contains the very wall the men were lined up against before their execution by firing squad, bullet holes and all. If all those guns and gangsters leave you feeling dangerous you can also indulge in the famous Slotzilla Zipwire which will send you cascading across Fremont Street or if you’re looking for something even more life threatening, try the calorific Quadruple Bypass Burger at The Heart Attack Grill.

LEAVING LAS VEGAS

in both food and service has garnered the restaurant a Three Michelin Star title and AAA Five Diamond Award, the only establishment on the Strip to achieve such a feat. If you want an entire night’s entertainment in one spot however, The Bellagio offers the whole package in terms of luxury. A terrace table at Picasso Restaurant isn’t easily come by but if you should be so lucky, you’ll be treated to a medley of Spanish creations courtesy of Chef Julian Serrano, along with a view that overlooks the romantic artistry of the Fountains of Bellagio, one of the most iconic sights in all of Las Vegas.

To follow up with some post-dinner entertainment, visit the casino’s gallery of fine art which proudly holds masterpieces from some of the most revered artists in history, including the restaurant’s namesake himself.

Sadly the only downside of this holiday destination is that it’s impossible to see all it has to offer in a single trip. When you eventually set your sights on the return ight home, don’t forget the most important rule, what happens in Vegas…

If you decide to venture further away from the Strip, the Grand Canyon is an obvious stop.

The South Rim tour of the canyon allows you to visit the Hoover Dam, along with availing of the Skywalk experience (for an extra fee). The Skywalk is essentially a reinforced glass balcony that allows you to gaze at the cascading canyon below, however, there is no personal photography allowed. There are professional photographers who will take your picture for a considerable fee, earning the Skywalk the reputation of a tourist trap. Be prepared to dedicate an entire day to this wonder of the world with a 6am start, (made easier by your body being on Irish time) and arriving home approximately 7pm that evening. As most of this day is actually spent getting to the Grand Canyon, it’s not as physically exerting as one would think. If watching the sights from the sidelines doesn’t appeal there are several companies who will fly you across the canyon to witness this wonder up close but for a hefty price. Still, no matter how you travel, the location boasts views that, even once you’re there, you won’t quite believe are real.

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explore|trips

EXPLORE THE GREEN ISLE WE LOOK FORWARD TO BRIGHT EVENINGS AND FRESH DAYS ALL YEAR, SO MAKE SURE YOU GET OUT AND EXPLORE EVERYTHING THIS BEAUTIFUL ISLAND HAS TO OFFER. HERE ARE OUR TOP TEN THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN IRELAND.

Watch the sun set Hook Lighthouse Jutting out to sea at the tip of the Hook Peninsula on the corner of Ireland’s Ancient East, there is no better place to take in the vast seascapes and glorious colours of the Celtic Sea than Ireland’s oldest lighthouse. The brand new Sunset Tour experience offers visitors the opportunity to take a guided tour up the 115 well-worn steps of the medieval tower.

Tours culminate with the spectacular panoramic views of the rolling seas stretching out while visitors savour Irish mead, prosecco, fresh tea and coffee. The Sunset Tour Experience will be on offer at 8pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until the end of September 2017. General guided tours are on offer 7 days a week at Hook Lighthouse sharing with visitors one of the greatest experiences on Ireland’s Ancient East.

Welcome home

Irish hospitality cannot be beaten, so why not try one of our editor’s choice hotels.

Love Yourself

Wild West

The Heritage Killenard Spa, Portlaoise, Co Laois

Ballynahinch Castle, Recess, Connemara, Co Galway

Treat yourself to a spa day at The Heritage Killenard, one of the foremost spa experiences in Ireland.

Enjoy the tranquil ambiance in this beautifully designed space and emerge completely relaxed and rejuvenated. Luxury treatment rooms, a world class spa treatment menu and wonderful thermal suite are a treat for the senses. The expert therapists make this a relaxing and therapeutic experience that you thoroughly enjoy.

Free your spirit with a stay in this wild-west retreat.

The fabulous Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is a luxurious bolthole hidden away in deepest Connemara. Its stunning location, perched between the lakes and the 12 Bens mountain range will take your breath away. The Castle itself is the perfect base for exploring the region, or to simply relax and enjoy the natural amenities. Learn how to fly-fish or enjoy the woodland walks in the 450-acre estate. Take a short drive to some of the most spectacular and pristine beaches in the country such as Dogs Bay or Gureten Beach with their snow-white strands.

Settle in front of the crackling fire with an aperitif and book before dinner in the restaurant or in the Fisherman’s pub. This place is so idyllic that you’ll never want to leave.

Win an amazing spa break at The Heritage Killenard our competition on page 57 68 | ICA HOME & LIVING | AUTUMN 2017

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trips|explore Island Hop Ireland’s islands are like nowhere else on earth – and while conditions are good, hopping in a boat and bobbing across the waves to visit is a great way to spend a day. Walk along trails hewn by longdeparted Blasket Islanders, check out modern island life amidst the dry-stone walls of the lively Aran Islands, or take a trip in Ireland’s only cable car across the water to Dursey Island off the coast of County Cork.

City Farm

Get Lost

Airfield, Dundrum, Co Dublin

Greenan Maze & Farm, Ballinanty, Greenan, Co Wicklow

Airfield Estate in Dundrum is Dublin’s only 38 acre working farm that is open to the public. It’s to inspire people to refresh their connection with food and the land it comes from. A farm, gardens, café and a heritage experience in the Overend family home offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and learn about food and farming in a unique and relaxed urban environment.

TAKE TO THE WATER Surf School Lahinch, a coastal town in County Clare, holds some of the most exciting swells Ireland has to offer but their premium surf school comes with a stern warning.

Attendance at surf school may lead to, “A serious addiction and fun times.”

Remember, we did tell you! Along with their advanced courses, the Lahinch surf school offers both beginner and weekend surf courses that will see you charging towards your first wave in no time.

Rusheen Bay Windsurfing The waves of the west coast are what put the ‘wild’ in Wild Atlantic Way. Located just 5km from Galway city, Rusheen Bay Windsurfing offer windsurfing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding lessons and rental. Ideal for anyone who wants a guiding hand teaching them how to brave the adventure of the sea, these expert instructors promise to have any new student windsurfing within 60 minutes. Why settle for just dipping your toes in the west when you can jump right in?

The large half acre hedge maze is seven feet tall and is a tricky puzzle to solve, the kids and grown-ups love it! The farm animals are a great attraction and you can enjoy beautiful nature walks by a stream leading to the dragon-fly pond with abundant wild-life. Three traditional farming museums transport you back to a time of hand-made crafts and horse-drawn farm machinery.

Swing Out

Manor Born

Glasson Country House Hotel & Golf Club Killinure, Glasson, Athlone, Co Westmeath, Ireland

Mount Juliet Estate, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, Ireland.

Enjoy the expansive views across Lough Ree as you tee off on Glasson golf course, which has hosted many local and international championship finals including the European Challenge Tour. This course will challenge and excite golfers and it was awarded the IGTOA Golf Resort of the Year in 2011. Relax and unwind with dinner and drinks after a round of golf or make a break of it and stay in the luxury accommodation in the hotel. If you’re not quite ready to tee off on the green you can let off steam on their state-of-the-art driving range which must have the best views of any driving range in the country. It’s also close to Glasson village where you’ll find quaint pubs and eateries.

Relaxed, luxurious, beautiful Mount Juliet Estate is a magnificent, sprawling country estate with a gorgeous Georgian house set at its heart. Full of history, with nuggets of tales of old to be found everywhere, there are intriguing nooks and corners too, both throughout the main house, in Hunter’s Yard and dotted through the substantial grounds – fabulous family portraits and historical images and ornate architectural details. Golf on the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, try falconry, archery or arrange a ride out to work up an appetite for Michelin-starred dining in the Lady Helen, before retiring to the intimate bar. Polished, cosy, elegant, Mount Juliet Estate is Irish country house living at its very best.

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escape|cities

RIGHT: Queen’s University BELOW: Queen’s University Botanical Gardens

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Belfast City Hall; Crumlin Road Gaol; The Titanic Experience

SIGHTS TO BE SEEN: The murals and public artwork that dot the four quarters of the city should be a priority sight for any first time visitor of elfast. he Cathedral Quarter, Titanic Quarter, Queen’s Quarter and Gaeltacht Quarter were established to break down the old traditional, often sectarian divides of the city and the distinctive artwork in each uarter depicts the turbulent events in elfast’s past during he roubles. ouring the streets of each during your travels is a must. As you move away from the city centre through historic spots like The Falls Road and Shankhill you’ll come upon your next location, the Crumlin Road Gaol. uring its colourful 150 years in operation, the aol housed murderers, suffragettes, loyalists and republican prisoners while witnessing births, deaths, marriages, hungerstrikes and riots, making an in-depth tour of the facility an exciting experience. A ten minute drive away, located next to ueen’s niversity, the Botanic Gardens are an important part of elfast’s ictorian heritage and a popular meeting place for residents and tourists alike, holding a collection of exotic wildlife and stunning birds of paradise. n your next stop, come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces with a visit to the Ulster Museum, located inside otanic ardens. ust a 15 minute drive away is the famed Titanic Visitor Centre where you can explore the shipyard, walk the decks and travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of itanic in the city where it all began. e prepared, as you delve into the this harrowing time in elfast’s history, listening to the personal accounts of survivors and witnessing the reconstruction of events that led to ill-fated tragedy, you may need a tissue or two! TASTY BITES AND NIGHTTIME SIGHTS: When your taste buds beckon Deanes Meat Locker in Howard

DAY

HOURS IN...

BELFAST

BELFAST IS WIDELY KNOWN AS THE CULTURAL AND SOCIAL HUB OF NORTHERN IRELAND BUT IN ORDER TO APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF THIS FAMOUS CITY, ICA MEMBERS HELEN RUTTER AND ANNE DEVITT ARE SHOWING US WHERE TO LOOK. 70 | ICA HOME & LIVING | AUTUMN 2017

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cities|escape BELOW: The Old Thatch Inn

ABOVE AND BELOW: Seamus Heaney HomePlace.

Street is the obvious choice for city centre entertaining.

The wide ranging menu offers prime steaks, sourced from Hannan Meats, including sharing dishes, whole roast chicken, lobster thermidor and a Table d’Hotel menu. The warm and glamorous interior, along with the feature meat locker and charcoal grill, both showcase and deliver the culinary delights. For night-time feels, The Belfast Empire is a converted church boasting a comedy club, blues club and supper club. For a trip back in time, Berts Jazz Bar in the Cathedral Quarter encapsulates the sleek elegance of the art-deco era, complemented by the very best in live jazz, fabulous cocktails and mouth-watering food. Find yourself instantly transported back to the chic, intimate jazz bars of 1930s New York as you soak up the sophisticated atmosphere and let the cool jazz melodies wash over you.

THINGS TO SEE: Begin day two bright and early at one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings, Belfast City Hall, located in Donegall Square. The east wing hosts a tourist exhibition, depicting a journey from the city’s past to present, showing the vibrancy and diversity of Belfast City Hall. The Titanic Memorial Garden is situated on the east side of Belfast City Hall where you can visit The Belfast List of those who perished in the fateful tragedy. The Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, Co Derry is located 40 minutes from Belfast City centre, however, it is well worth the trip. The journey itself promotes picturesque views of the northern countryside and takes visitors on an adventure through Seamus Heaney’s life and literature. The impressive interactive exhibition explores Heaney’s poetry and links to his family home. Even if

literature isn’t your thing, this beautifully put together exhibition will ignite a poet’s soul in you. Should you have the time, you can visit the Heaney’s own grave, found in the serenity of the nearby countryside. DINNERTIME: As dinnertime hunger pangs ring out and you return to the city centre, head to Stix and Stones restaurant on Upper Queen Street. Boasting the best steak cuts, theatrically cooked and served on hot stones, this Belfast favourite promises delectably avoursome dishes complemented by custom-made cocktails in a relaxing but luxurious atmosphere. A SHOW STOPPER: With your appetite satiated, the final stop before turning in for the night is a convenient short stroll across the street. The Grand Opera House, which hosts Northern Ireland’s vibrant theatre scene, is another impressive Victorian structure home to a constant offering of concerts, comedy shows, plays and West End productions that endeavour to delight and enthrall audiences from both home and afar.

DAY

FOOD TRAIL To curb that lunchtime hunger the nearby Old Thatch Inn is a traditional cottage-style country hideaway, complete with stone walls and open fires. he family-run business prides itself on serving wholesome, heartwarming dishes and if you’re lucky, they will treat you to a session of songs inspired by Heaney’s poetry as you dine.

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motor|convertible

top

DROP THE What better way to enjoy the fresh days ahead than behind the wheel of a fancy convertible?

Conor Forrest gives the lowdown on some of the best options available.

KICKSTART MY HEART Porsche is one of the automotive world’s most iconic brands, as well known for its convertibles as it is for the hard top range, including the tasty 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. The Turbo S is quite the interesting choice for your summer adventures, thanks to a 3.8L engine with 580hp, propelling you from 0-100km/h in just three seconds with a top speed of 330km/h – hold on to your fascinators if you’ve got the top down. It’s a car with plenty of power that won’t leave you terrified, doesn’t require an in-depth understanding of shifting gears and balancing the throttle to have some fun, is comfortable for daily driving, handles well, and sounds fabulous. Unsurprisingly, it’s not terribly economical, nor is it overly practical, essentially a two-seater with a 115L boot into which you might fit a carry-on bag or two, or several hundred yarns of wool. Your annual tax bill will be a hefty e1,200 per year, though that’s a drop in the ocean compared to the e160,000 price tag. But you don’t buy a drop-top Porsche for its practicality or budget cost – you buy it for the sun and a smile on your face.

Windswept & interesting As a general rule, Ireland isn’t exactly the best place to own a convertible – our sunshine tends to be punctuated quite often with rain, and temperatures are never too high. On the other hand, there is something quite freeing about being able to drop the top and feel the wind blow through your hair as you zip along the road. For those of you who wish to do so, there are plenty of convertibles of all shapes and sizes from which you can choose, no matter your budget or inclination.

Driving a convertible, your skin takes the brunt of what Mother Nature has to offer. With just a few simple steps you can enjoy the feeling of the wind in your hair and the open road without damaging your skin.

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convertible|motor

RISE & SHINE

CALIFORNIA GIRLS

CANNED HEAT

The Ford Mustang is a car for particular petrolheads – for those who like to stand out from the crowd, who prefer powerful cars that announce their presence with a fearsome grumble, who enjoy the odd drag race and are quite happy to fork over a substantial amount on fuel. Available these days in right-hand drive, the 410bhp 5.0L V8 Mustang (e79,500 for a manual version) is exceedingly fun, though not great for blending in as the acceleration is quite intoxicating. Stick the pedal to the metal and the V8 roars, tyres screaming for grip before they stick to the surface and you launch forward at what seems to be an unearthly pace. A standing start to 100km/h will take just 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 250km/h.

Unfortunately, given the cost of petrol these days, you’d have to plan your journey around Ireland’s fuel stations. If you’d prefer to potter around on a summer’s day in a more civilised and fuel efficient version, there’s also a 2.3L Ecoboost with 310bhp that will do 0-100km/ h in 5.8 seconds, starting from e61,500. It’s nice to live in a world where that’s the sensible option.

Though the original Mini didn’t change very much between 1959 and 2000, when the last Mark VII rolled off the production line, the brand’s acquisition by BMW has seen quite a bit of evolution.

Today’s Minis are much larger, more practical and more refined.

But are they as fun? The Mini Cooper S Convertible is very much an argument in favour. Although I’m not a great fan of the design, the quality inside the cabin isn’t disappointing, it’s quite refined when the roof is raised, and there’s even a decent-ish boot weighing in at 160L with the top down (210L when up), which should be just about enough to carry a small stack of purloined gold. Sports mode is what you want when you’ve got the roof down and you’re zipping through the Wicklow Mountains, ramping up a driving experience bolstered by plenty of grip and great driving dynamics, increasing the throttle response and making the best use of every one of the 192 horsepowers on tap. Cheerful it may be, but the Cooper S isn’t too cheap if you’re on a budget, starting at e33,310. On the other hand, it is quite a bit of fun. Fancy a trip to Turin, anyone?

There are certain cars that have become associated with hairdressers, like the Hyundai Coupe, the BMW Z4 or the Mazda MX-5. It’s hard to say why – there are no clear indications as to why certain vehicles attract that particular stereotype. Perhaps, as Top Gear’s Sam Philip has opined, those who look after our follicles are popularly viewed as “a demographic who favour style over substance”.

However, the MX-5 doesn’t fit into that category at all – housing a 1.5L engine that drives like a turbocharged 2.0L with plenty of thrills as you zip around. Nor does the latest version of this two-door roadster disappoint. The MX-5 RF (from e31,495) is a ‘retractable fastback’, a disappearing hard top that provides a more refined drive while the roof is up, and a little more protection against the wind when it’s down. Very important when you’re on your way to a wedding having had your hair done. As with most two-seater sports cars, there isn’t a terrible lot of room inside – boot space is a mere 127L for example, into which you might squeeze two overnight cases, or a few bags of shopping. There’s no doubt you’ll fit the hairdryer.

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1 Restore hair its rightful silkiness after rush hour on the M50. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Nourish Treatment, 250ml, €6.59. 2 Get the sun-kissed (not sun-burnt) look, Max Factor Bronzer, €13.99.

3 Fight the effects of elemental damage, environmental pollution, Urban Veda, Soothing Day Cream, €25.95 . 4 Stay even-toned with this light, mattifying day moisturiser BRYT Day, €24.95, 50ml, (SPF15) 5 Smell great even if you never make it past the Ballymount exit on Friday evening, Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette, €68.60, Arnotts

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48 Hours in Belfast PG

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DRIVE AWAY ...

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interiors|trends 1

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CUSHY NUMBERS NATURE LOVERS EVERYWHERE WILL BE SITTING PRETTY ON THESE COLOURFUL CUSHIONS 1 Llama cushion, €35, John Lewis, Arnotts 2 Otomi embroidered cushion, €47.50, Marks & Spencer 3 Habitat Topsy elephant pattern cushion, €11.99, Argos 4 ’This Bug’s Life’ cushion, €40, Harvey Norman 5 Abigail Aheren/EDITION giraffe pillow, €63, Debenhams 6 Toucan cushion, €8, Penneys 7 Zebra cushion, €15.50, Next 8 Timmy bird print cushion, €24, Dickins & Jones, House of Fraser 74 | ICA HOME & LIVING | AUTUMN 2017

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lighting|garden 2

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS WITH A BRACING FRESHNESS IN THE AIR EVERYONE IS MAKING THE MOST OF THE GARDEN. FIND THE PERFECT AMBIANCE FOR YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE WITH THESE CHIC AND CHEERFUL LIGHT FIXTURES. 1 Glass hanging crackle lantern, £8.99, namaste-uk.com 2 Flamingo string lights, €8, Penneys 3 Charcoal fishing lamp, €101, amara.com 4 White pendant light, €120, amara.com 5 Freedom lamp, £680, gomodern.co.uk 6 Nautical lantern, besselink.com 7 Tea light lantern, £9.95, cuklooland.com 8 Rice paper LED lantern €3, flyingtiger.com 9 Hanging tealight bubbles, €17.91, notonthehighstreet.com AUTUMN 2017 | ICA HOME & LIVING | 75

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kitchen|makeover

70s style herb pots with tray, €61, Orla Kiely, amara.com Porcelain butterfly parade tableware, €46-€304, Christian Lacroix, amara.com

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Paper tropical origami lampshade, €59, en.dawanda.com

ways to bring the seasons into your kitchen

Gilt trailing Leaves mirror, €230.00, Marks and Spencer

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Green woven placemats, £7.99, Homesense Ireland

makeover|kitchen Portmeirion Crazy Daisy Tea for One set, €44.99, Very, Littlewoods

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BUILD A BUDGET The bulk of the budget will depend on whether or not you’re carrying out a major overhaul on your plumbing arrangements and the cost of labour. To avoid the cowboy builders, websites like onlinetradesmen.ie and fixers.ie allow you to search for tradesmen, read reviews from past customers and get detailed estimates.

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OPEN STORAGE Clever storage options mean more than just cabinets or counters. If you’re working within a tight space, overhead hooks can save space for your pots and pans, while open shelving units, adding an openess to the space, will display your favourite china proudly instead of hiding it in a dusty cabinet.

Linen and panama cotton lavender pillows, £15, nutmegandsage. co.uk White oak ladder shelf, €95, littlewoodsireland.ie

Vinyl eclectic Beija Flor flooring, €87, cotswoldtrading.com

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LIGHTING Does your kitchen catch light effectively? If your natural lighting is currently only available from a small, oldfashioned hatch in the wall, try investing in more expansive windows. If this is not an option, keep window sills clear or, while not typical in a kitchen, a strategically placed mirror can illuminate a dark space. Add task lighting under cupboards and shelves. Try to fit these lights directly above key spaces like the cooking prep area and position them to the front section of the shelf for maximum effect. Statement lighting, such as teardrop pendant lighting, in copper and wood, create a natural feel within your space. Yet, one of the easiest ways to add a touch of summer or autumn to your kitchen lighting is by incorporating a floral lamp shade into your design.

4

IN THE AIR Bring the fragrance of nature in by creating ‘simmer pots’ with your favourite citrus and herb ingredients.

Simply chop your favourite seasonal ingredients and add them to a pot of water. Allow the pot to simmer for a couple of hours on a low heat and the scent will waft its way through your kitchen.

Some deliciously fresh combinations for seasonal simmer pots are rosemary and lemon (with a pinch of vanilla to add a creamy fragrance), or mint, clementines and grapefruit. Alternatively, you can place summer inspired lavender bags on your dining chairs. Not only will their design add a fresh comfort to the room but they release delicate notes of lavender throughout the space to keep your kitchen beautifully fragranced.

5

SUMMER FLORALS Summer and florals go together like salt and pepper and and this look can endure well into the following seasons, while plant-life has the ability to freshen up every space of the house, not just the kitchen. Along with adding a breath of air to the room, plants add an array of lively colours at relatively low cost. Bouquets of flowers or hanging plants are a simple but effective addition to a kitchen space.

6

GROW HERBS If you want more practical plant-life that will also add a freshness to your cooking, try investing in some small herb boxes. Easily maintained and fragrant, they add a vibrant pop to your counter tops. If your thumb is anything but green, handy herb keepers will allow you to grow fresh herbs without much effort.

7

FLOORING Natural stone floors will help you transition the rustic feel of the outdoors into your kitchen space. Stone flooring is cool for those hotter days, with the added benefit of being easily cleaned and maintained. Alternatively, vinyl flooring can give a stone effect with only a fraction of the cost. This flooring, while being practical, is also very versatile style-wise.

Unlike with other flooring options, you can incorporate different patterns to suit your new decor.

8

THE LITTLE THINGS Much like with a stylish ensemble, it can be the little accessories that pull your kitchen together. Invest in summer kitchen accessories like floral placemats or don’t be afraid to incorporate some of your own craft skills in this area with homemade woven placemats. Adding florals to your china, teapot range or even a cake stand is an inexpensive way to enhance the fresh feel of summertime tea parties in your brand new kitchen.

Bronze nymph sconce light fixture, €1,600, maison valentina.net

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health|back

BACK TO YOUR BEST Back and neck pain are two of the most common musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

While the causes can vary, we talk to the experts to discover what precautions you can take to prevent self-injury, along with self-care and other treatment options for existing conditions.

William Hauxwell, Osteopath, castlewoodclinic.ie William Hauxwell has degrees in Human Sciences and Osteopathic Medicine and has been treating back pain for over 20 years. William has taught at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Irish College of Osteopathic Medicine, and is on the education committee for the OCI.

WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY? Osteopathy treats the whole body using a non-invasive, drug-free form of joint and muscle manipulation to strengthen the musculoskeletal framework, correcting imbalances that lead to pain, inflammation and restricted mobility.

Qualified osteopaths have undergone a four-year accredited training course followed by 1000 hours of supervised clinical tuition. The Osteopathic Council of Ireland (OCI) is the governing, regulating and representative body for registered osteopaths.

Must patients receive GP referral? Self-referral is fine. steopaths are primary care, which means that they can diagnose. If they are concerned about any potentially sinister problems they will refer a patient to the GP. How do you perform a diagnosis? The main purpose of a consultation is to exclude the possibility of a sinister pathological diagnosis that would re uire referral and would not be appropriate for treatment. This is done through a thorough case history and clinical methods. Clinical methods involve the same medical e uipment a doctor would use stethoscope, patella hammer, blood-pressure cuff. An osteopathic diagnosis involves detailed palpation of the joints and muscles relevant to the area of pain.

What does treatment entail? A typical osteopathic treatment involves deep-tissue massage, specialised stretching techni ues, mobilisation articulation of the joints and high velocity thrusting of joints T. T can induce a cracking noise and is aimed at freeing up tight joints. This is a techni ue also used by chiropractors. There are however a huge variety of techni ues and some osteopaths do not use T. How can people manage pain between treatment sessions? Gentle stretching is useful. ight activity such as walking is encouraged too. Avoid any activity that significantly aggravates the condition. Cold packs help with severe acute pain or inflammation and try alternating hot and cold packs for chronic conditions. earing a scarf in bed or outdoors on cold days can help reduce neck pain. Painkillers can be used if necessary. How can we avoid common conditions? Activity and exercise are vital in preventing lower-back pain.

Any form of exercise needs to be performed three to five times a week. Good ergonomic set-up and assessment are helpful for preventing both neck and back pain.

PHYSICAL TRIGGERS INCLUDE: A lengthy gardening spell during the summer evenings. Dancing for hours at a wedding for the first time in years! Lifting with a twisting motion. Painting ceilings.

Moving house. EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS INCLUDE: Bereavement.

Arguments at work or home. Relationship breakdown. Increased working-hours or workload. Moving house.

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back|health

Dr Mary O’Keeffe, University of Limerick, www.pain-ed.com Dr Mary O’Keeffe is an awardwinning physiotherapist and back pain researcher. She was recently awarded a fellowship by the European Commission to further research treatments for back pain at the University of Sydney in Australia.

WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPY? Physiotherapists use the study of human anatomy and physiology to assess, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders that occur as a result of trauma or lifestyle. Treatments typically include massage, heat-treatment and exercise to increase or restore mobility, reduce inflammation and resolve pain. A chartered physiotherapist is a university graduate who has undergone hospital-based training in the diagnosis and treatment of muscle and joint pain. The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists is the professional body for physiotherapists in Ireland.

Must patients be referred by their GP? They can self-refer.

What should they ask the physiotherapist ? There are a couple of key questions to ask your physiotherapist: 1. Do I really need treatment? Almost everybody in the world will get back pain at some point. While very distressing, it is rarely serious. Like the common cold, the majority of it runs its own course without the need for treatment. A new episode of back pain can run for up to 8-10 weeks so your physiotherapist should be able to reassure you of this and get you back to activity quickly. 2. What can I do myself to help my back pain? Keeping active, avoiding bed rest, staying at work and returning to hobbies is crucial to recovery.

Be sure to ask your physiotherapist for advice on these. What are the causes of back pain? The traditional view is that pain is always a sign of injury or damage. While some back pain may be related to strain or sprain due to a sudden, repeated or heavyloading event, we now know that back pain can be driven up by many other factors. These include physical (unaccustomed activity, minding the back, avoiding movements), psychological (fear of damage/pain or not getting better, low mood/ depression, stress), health (being tired and run down, low energy), lifestyle (sleep problems, low levels of physical activity, being overweight), and social (poor relationships at work or home, work satisfaction, stressful life events like a death or illness) factors. Do specialist devices and supports provide much benefit in terms of back care? Specialist devices and support do not prevent or reduce back pain. Be wary of commercial sites or health professionals that are trying to sell you a product. These include special chairs, desks, electrical devices, pillows, mattresses, lumbar supports, magnets, needles, fancy exercise machines, herbal supplements, fancy shoes/ insoles, stem cell injections and many other potions and lotions.

How can patients prevent back pain recurring? Exercise is the only scientifically proven approach to prevent future episodes of back pain. The best is the type you enjoy. Exercise doesn’t have to be gruelling and involve sweating and panting. It is emerging that the amount of exercise you do is more important than the type of exercise. More than 30 minutes per day has the greatest health benefits but any amount you can manage will result in benefit. The benefits of exercise even include reducing the risk of developing back pain.

THE FOLLOWING POINTS ARE IMPORTANT TO RECOVERY: It would be uncommon to never get back pain so don’t panic. Back pain can be very disabling but 98 per cent of it is not serious. Bed rest is not helpful. Staying off work delays recovery. The back is a very strong structure designed for movement.

MOVE TO IMPROVE: Movement and exercise are good for back pain. You can have back pain without back damage/injury. A scan or surgery is rarely needed. Strong drugs are not needed and do not speed up recovery. There is no perfect posture, vary it. Discs and joints NEVER come out of place. Lifting and bending are not dangerous and while can be sore should not be avoided.

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Advertorial

MAKING

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he menopause affects 260,000 women in Ireland at any one time, but the symptoms aren’t the same for everyone.

Some women don’t feel much different, whilst others find their lives change substantially. The range of symptoms and the severity can be different for each woman. Symptoms are mainly due to reduced oestrogen levels and can last for just a few months or several years.

Do you suffer menopausal symptoms such as hot ushes, night sweats, low mood or fatigue?

Sharon (50), from Dublin, is currently experiencing some of the symptoms and commented, “Hot ushes were waking me up in the middle of the night. I couldn’t get back to sleep. I was feeling really tired all the time.”

Alongside these common menopausal symptoms, reduced oestrogen levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis. If you have a family history of osteoporosis, this can make you feel anxious about your bone health.

Many women turn to hormone tablets for the relief they most desperately need but they often don’t work, causing the symptoms of menopause to persist and the cycle to continue. Synthetic hormones aren’t recognised by the body and also deplete the body of essential nutrients that are needed to metabolise hormones. As a result, although the initial symptoms may decrease, further symptoms may develop. This may leave women feeling helpless, but there is something you can do to support your body and prevent these symptoms impacting your everyday life.

“By taking a mineral supplement your cells receive all the minerals and trace elements they need”

A combination approach of eating a well balanced diet alongside taking supportive supplements can help with these hormonal changes. Quinton is a 100% natural mineral supplement, containing 78 minerals and trace elements. Quinton is bioavailable and mirrors your internal uids so your cells can thrive and achieve optimum nutrition to function properly.

Sharon began to take Quinton to address her symptoms at a cellular level, on her friends recommendation. Although she was not noticing the benefits of taking uinton in the first week, she continued to take it and the effects it had were much greater than she expected. After the first week or so of taking it, I didn’t think it was doing anything for me but my friend told me to stick with it. About a week later the hot ushes stopped completely As the hormonal balance of the body changes during the menopause, our bodies and, in particular, our cells need a sufficient amount of minerals and trace elements so that they can cope with the hormonal changes. Quinton provides your cells with all the essential minerals and trace elements they need, enabling the body to manage the changes it endures during menopause.

Sharon also described how her energy levels had greatly improved whilst taking Quinton.

“I had a particular two weeks when I was out networking or with clients almost every night of the week. It was only afterwards that I realised the difference it made to my energy levels and helped me cope with everything.”

Sharon particularly noticed the effects after she ran out of Quinton and described how

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01/09/2017 10:08

Advertorial

she, “started to get tired again, really tired. I couldn’t believe how tired I was getting. It felt as if the good effects were wearing off. After three weeks the hot ushes returned . nce Sharon started taking it again, she started to feel better, “I started taking Quinton again and the hot ushes went away pretty much immediately. started sleeping normally once more. he reason why haron experienced these positive effects is due to the impact of Quinton on your hormonal balance. Stress, toxins and the levels of vitamins and minerals impact on our hormonal balance. roviding your cells with sufficient minerals and trace elements helps reduce levels of stress with key minerals including magnesium and zinc. his is because they help the metabolism and breakdown of hormones in the body.

Alongside this, uinton helps to support the liver and the digestive system, replenishing the cells with essential nutrients. his is especially important during menopause, due to their roles in detoxification. uinton is 100% natural, helping many women all over the world, including Sharon,

“Many women turn to hormone tablets for the relief they most desperately need but they often don’t work, causing the symptoms of menopause to persist and the cycle to continue.

QUINTON IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT CELLNUTRITION.IE AND IN PHARMACIES AND HEALTH FOOD STORES NATIONWIDE.

manage their menopause through cellular health with no risk of side effects. hat you put in your body can impact on your hormonal balance, a well balanced diet along with the correct supplement can help lead to energised enlightenment so that you can continue to live the life you are meant to be living.

If you are starting to feel the effects of menopause or are already well on your way through the journey, targeting and treating the cause of your symptoms will ensure a smoother transition. Look after your cells and your cells will look after you.

PLEASE NOTE

uinton ypertonic helps with symptoms of exhaustion and fatigue, as the high levels of essential minerals enhance energy generation in the body. uinton sotonic aids symptoms of agitation such as hot ushes and night sweats, by restoring the cells with the correct mineral balance. Quinton is best taken in the morning on an empty stomach and at midday on an empty stomach to aid with absorption.

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pets|cats

FELINE

(Mis)BEHAVIOUR

Your cat may well consider itself master of the household, but there comes a time when you as the human must put your foot down to put an end to their mischievous behaviour. There are certain actions that are unacceptable in your home, and you must find solutions lest you fall into subservience to your feline friend.

Furniture in Tatters A cat is inclined to scratch at your furniture for a variety of reasons, such as to naturally trim their nails, exercise or mark their territory. It is unlikely that they have decided to tear up your fabulous furnishings simply for the sake of getting under your skin, so it is a behaviour that you must accept as natural and before seeking to counter it. Here’s what you should try.

Purchase a scratching post so that the creature might channel its inherent scratching urges against an object made for the task – not your beautiful new couch.

If you’re having trouble luring the cat’s attention away from the furniture and on to the scratching post, rub it with cat nip, and it will soon be the absolute object of their desires.

Get to work making the furniture they love to scratch appear less appealing. Cover it in tinfoil or double-sided tape in order to discourage the cat from scratching at it. Admittedly, wrapping up your favourite furniture in tin foil is not the most attractive means of presenting your home, but it is a mere temporary measure that will save the long-term integrity of your cherished furnishings.

3

Allow your cat to get as much outside time as possible. If the creature is free to roam about outside, then it is highly likely that they will discover a tree to channel their scratching urges towards, reducing their urges to scratch at your furniture.

Domestic Accidents The last thing a cat owner desires is to walk through their home to discover that the air wafting through the building has become tainted by the scent of cat urine. Unfortunately, this is a reality that some of you will be all too familiar with, so what is there to be done?

If your cat has taken to urinating outside of their litter tray, the first thing you should do is take them to the vet. A medical issue such as a urinary tract or infection may be at work, and no amount of training is going to remedy this. If the vet has given the all clear, then further measures will be required.

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cats|pets If the cat has urinated somewhere in the house, clean it up immediately.

Obviously this is an appropriate step for hygiene reasons, but furthermore, cats tend to urinate in the same places, so getting rid of the scent as soon as possible will deter them from returning to that spot again.

Failing that, it could be worth placing the litter tray over the spot that they have taken to using as the toilet. Once they are used to peeing in the litter tray on this spot, slowly begin to edge the tray towards the location you want to keep it.

Creature of the Night Being snatched from your slumber by a crying infant is one thing, but being awoken in the deep morning by a bored cat is quite another.

There is a duty to the child that simply doesn’t apply to a cat pouncing around the room in search of the spotlight, so measures must be taken to put an end to the late-night disturbances.

Ignore them! Cats get bored and crave a little attention. If they wake you up in the middle of the night and you react – even angrily – then they might cherish the attention they have received and begin to do it regularly. Try not to reinforce this behaviour by reacting to them. Ignore them and seek to alter their habits.

Find ways to channel their hunting instincts before bedtime. Play with them until they are tired, feed them, and allow them to groom themselves and eventually go to sleep. Use their nature to your advantage to create bedtime habits that allow both you and your cat to get a good night’s rest.

8

Ensure that feeding your cat is not the first stage of your morning routine. When you wake, go about your business. Have your breakfast, brush your teeth, shower, get changed. Then, spend a few minutes playing with your cat before finally feeding them. This way they won’t directly associate the act of you waking up with them receiving food, thus they will be less likely to try to pull you from sleep in the middle of the night.

THE ICA needs you!

The ICA is Ireland’s largest network of women’s groups and we’d love to welcome you. Join our expansive and welcoming community to learn new skills and enjoy social activities.

Enjoy cooking, crafts or activities such as golf, walking, theatre or dancing?

We have a guild to suit you. Join today and improve your skills, share your knowledge and have fun. Plus enjoy member discounts on 100s of products.

Complete the form below and return to: Central Office, 58 Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

NAME:............................................................................. ..................................................................................................

ADDRESS:................................................................. .................................................................................................. .................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................

TELEPHONE:..........................................................

MOBILE:........................................................................

EMAIL:.............................................................................

Let us help you find a guild to suit your interests. Membership cost is €50 per annum.

I’M PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN: Arts & Crafts Outdoor Activities Gardening Cooking

Social Events Theatre Competitions History

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events|handcraft week LEFT: Mary McMahon and Margaret Houlihan BELOW: Helen Walsh and Kay Roche RIGHT: Dympna Judge

HANDCRAFT

QUEENS

During Handcraft Week 2017, the artists of the ICA used their time at An Grianan to stitch, cut and bead their way through complex Scandinavian crafts. “Not all people have the facility to go travelling to learn crafts, so we strive to bring them here,” says Handcraft Week Co-ordinator Josephine. With the help of their ingenious tutors, these ladies challenged themselves and departed home with exciting new lessons to teach. “The week has gone absolutely fantastic,” says Josephine. “I’d say we had one of the best numbers ever, with about 90 people booked in, we couldn’t take another.”

ABOVE: Josephine Helly RIGHT: Karen Wray BELOW RIGHT: Margaret Clince

ABOVE: Carol O’Keeffe and Anne Gabbett LEFT: Margaret O’Rourke BELOW: Breda McDonald

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craft week|events

LEFT: Breda Bohan ABOVE: Heather O’Reilly

ABOVE: Roisin Lennon LEFT: Ann Murphy RIGHT: Ethel Patterson

ABOVE: Caroline O’Mahony. LEFT TO RIGHT: Averil Eager; Frances O’Reilly; Lily O’Neill. BELOW: Mary Birney

BELOW LEFT: Teresa Armstrong BELOW RIGHT: Ann McLoughlin and Margaret Thompson

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events|garden party LEFT: Annette Magee and Ann Byrne, Coote Summerhill BELOW LEFT: Majella Peelo, Tallaght BELOW RIGHT: Norah Fitzpatrick, Leitrim Federation RIGHT: Siobhan and Margaret Mulligan, Kilcoon

AL FRESCO

STYLE While we require little excuse to pull out our best glad rags and paint on our favourite lipstick, a summer garden party with the ICA would be the ideal occasion. Held on a rare warm and balmy evening this summer, the party was accompanied by the expected parade of elegant fashion, along with an infectious stream of laughter, that beautifully set alight the faces of all who attended.

ABOVE: Mary Campbell and Rita Green, Longford Federation RIGHT: Breda Fitzsimmons and Margaret Walsh BELOW RIGHT: Anne Mooney and Carol Doherty, Coote Summerhill

ABOVE: Vanessa Hornick and Eileen Redmond,, Camross LEFT: Susan Potts, Chair of the National Advisory Committee BELOW: Mary McNamara, National Treasurer

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garden party|events

LEFT: Liz Bloomer and Ann Hastings, Coote Summerhill

ABOVE: Una Byrne, Coote Summerhill

ABOVE: Carol Grogan, Drogheda Guild LEFT: Marie O’Toole, National President RIGHT: Shirley Power, National Secretary

ABOVE: Carmel O’Connor and Sue Tully BELOW: Kathleen Quinn, Geraldine McNally and Mary Cahill, Coote Summerhill

ABOVE LEFT: Margaret Stephens ABOVE CENTRE: Jennifer Mulreed, Kilcloon. ABOVE RIGHT: Esther and Eileen Shanahan, Toomevara. BELOW LEFT: Frankie De Dobbelaere. BELOW CENTRE: Ruth Daly, Coote Summerhill.

BELOW RIGHT: Niamh Donegan

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health|mental balance

STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE TWENTY FIRST CENTURY LIFE CAN BE A HECTIC AFFAIR, FILLED WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY. CONOR FORREST ASKS HOW WE CAN STRIVE TOWARDS MENTAL BALANCE.

MAKE A FEW SIMPLE CHANGES STROLL THROUGH NATURE A stroll through the countryside on a sunny day with a bright blue sky can be an unrivalled tonic for the soul. If you’ve got a pet, bring them along – spending quality time with man’s best friend can help release feelgood chemicals in your brain and ease your overall stress levels. STRIKE A POSE Originating in India at least 1,500 years ago, yoga is a discipline combining meditation, breathing control and specific postures that is practised around the world. Yoga can improve general fitness and also boost your mental health and wellbeing. MUSICAL INFLUENCE Have you ever put on your favourite track and sunk back into your couch or bed, feeling your worries simply floating away? According to the University of Nevada, music can be a very effective tool for relaxation and stress management – instrumental music and the sounds of nature are particularly calming. PICK UP THE CRAYON Bear with us on this one – did you know that adult colouring books can prove to be a great outlet for stress or anxiety? Art therapy is used across the world to help treat a variety of conditions ranging from depression to PTSD, and colouring books are a great option for those with little or no artistic flair. TECH TIMEOUT Switch off your digital devices and enjoy some time in the analogue world – heavy technology use has been linked with increased stress, sleep problems and even depression.

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS Mindfulness involves an awareness of what you’re doing while you’re doing it – living in the present rather than the past or the future, allowing you to enjoy experiences without worrying about what’s to come. There are simple mindfulness exercises you can do no matter where you are, like concentrating on your breathing, or observing a honey bee flitting from flower to flower. “It’s not difficult to understand but it takes practice. We all know how to be mindful when we’re doing something we enjoy like cycling or gardening or chatting to a really good friend.

It’s not that we don’t have the capacity but it needs to be actively cultivated, because often it’s fleeting,” says Josephine. “We’re walking down the canal, we look at the lovely water and suddenly we’re worried again about work. Whereas in mindfulness we actively remember ‘I’m thinking about work but let me come back to where I am, I can’t do anything about work in this moment, but what I can do is just look at the water, be aware of my feelings, but continue’. It’s a human capacity but it needs to be cultivated, to be practised.”

A

t some point we’ve all experienced that feeling of dread, waves of stress, building and building. Stress and anxiety can have quite the impact on your health, headaches, interrupted sleep, lack of motivation or overeating. According to research recently undertaken by NUI Galway, ’emotional upset’ can double the risk of a heart attack, raising blood pressure and heart rate, changing the ow of blood through blood vessels and reducing blood supply heading for the heart. After all, modern life might be a lot easier thanks to technology, but isn’t necessarily simpler. “I often think of my uncle or grandfather going to the creamery every day. They would have 30 minutes or an hour just looking at the countryside on the horse and cart with nobody demanding an answer or an immediate reply. So there was probably, in the past, much more space to daydream, to look out the window, whereas now I think it’s more full on,” says Josephine Lynch, Director at the Mindfulness Centre (www.mindfulness.ie). “We have more luxury items and warmer houses so it’s easier on that level, but maybe on a psychological level we haven’t really caught up on how to manage the demands. I have a friend who worked in publishing in the late sixties and he says he does more now in a day than he did then in a week. It’s a different world.”

FOR A FRIEND IN NEED

The greatest treasure is contentment The greatest possession is health The greatest ease is sleep The greatest medicine is a true friend

For my Friend...in a difficult time

The greatest pleasure in life is love

For my Friend... in a difficult time

Fergus Grimes

Fergus Grimes

The reaction to a declaration or revelation of mental illness is often extremely off-putting. People rarely feel embarrassed about having to take time off work or to seek medical advice for a physical ailment, but when it comes to mental illness there’s a tendency to avoid or skirt around the topic. That stigma is what led pharmacist and psychotherapist Fergus Grimes to pen For my Friend ... in a difficult time, an interesting pocket-sized book that tackles a difficult topic facing Irish society today. The book examines the reasons as to why people may suffer from poor mental health – from job loss and financial difficulties to family breakdown and abuse – how they can recognise the signs, and the steps they can take to get back on track. Written in a simple and easily digestible manner, the book also includes a list of useful phone numbers and websites should the reader wish they seek further help. For my Friend...in a difficult time is available from Veritas Books and Book Haven for €5.

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