Family Life by Belfast Telegraph

F MILYLife YLife at Christmas

✱Tasty tips and tricks for making the most of leftovers

✱All Cate wants for Christmas is a lie-in! ✱Church leader on future hopes ✱How to throw the perfect party

Plus: Gifts, glorious gifts; events to add ﬁzz to your festive season, fashion & beauty and much more…

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

2 | Family Life

Contents 4 How Cate’s Christmas is shaping up

6-7 Church leader Charles McMullen on Christmases past and hopes for the future 8 Bringing the festive season home 10 Home decor goes moody 40 Gifts that keep on giving...

12 How to throw the best parties

42 Calls to domestic abuse helpline soar after Christmas

14 Old favourites back for Christmas TV

Meeting Santa and Mrs Claus at the

50 Ulster American Folk Park

Havethemost wonderfultime

Only 3 weeks to go!

he festive season is upon us and it’s amazing how suddenly it seems to arrive each year. For people like Presbyterian Moderator Charles McMullen it’s always a busy time and he loves that lull before new year when he can catch his breath and focus on spending time with the family. He is also mindful of how hard this season can be for many people . For Q Radio presenter Cate Conway, the lure of a long lie-in in the morning is part of the appeal of Christmas, as well as spending quality time with her loved ones. Most of us are hoping for a cracking Christmas, socialising with friends, colleagues and family. If you’re thinking of throwing a party to celebrate the season, Newry woman Una Hughes has it down to a tee. Her daughter, Katie, spills the beans on her mum’s tricks for successful get togethers. Another mum, Colette Crossan, has turned her expertise in creating fabulous fragrances into a thriving business and she shares her tips for using scents to add festive ambience to your home. We also look at the rise of colour in home decor trends this winter and creating a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere for family and visitors. It’s a magical Christmas for Davina Gordon as it’s her first one as a mother and she’s looking forward to lots of quality time

with baby Sonny and husband Andrew. A huge part of Christmas at home is spent in the kitchen and private chef Jayne Quigg has been hard at work, giving us a peek at her favourite Christmas recipes. With a step by step guide to the perfect Christmas dinner as well as fantastic recipes for left overs and edible gifts, you’ll have no problem keeping the foodies in the family satisfied this year. Pro chefs such as Paula McIntyre tell us about the go-to gadgets they can’t do without. Would that food blender make a good present for someone? We have scoured the shops finding gift ideas for you, from the top toys this year to gifts for all ages and budgets as well as gifts that benefit those in need. Books and games are always popular buys and we’ve had a look at the latest releases. ‘Tis the season for days away for shopping trips – why not make it an overnight break and take in some of the festive entertainment? With Christmas markets, craft fairs, pantos, theatre and shows, there’s something to suit every taste. And with the emphasis on going out over Christmas, we have a step by step beauty guide to have you looking your best as well as our style edit for days and nights out. Finally, all of us at Family Life wish you a merry Christmas, full of blessings, and a happy new year.

44-45 Make the time to make memories

16 Make scents work for your home

46-50 Entertainment and festive fun

18-19 Tastes of Christmas with chef Jayne Quigg

20 Making the most of leftovers 22-23 Party food and edible gifts

52 Great reads for giving (and receiving) 54 Red Dead Redemption supreme among games

24 Our first Christmas with baby Sonny 26 Top 12 toys making Santa lists this year 27-28 Gift ideas for all tastes and ages 30 Quirky gifts and reasons to go the voucher route 31 Chefs’ favourite gizmos and gadgets 32-33 Fine fragrance and skincare gift sets 34-35 Chic looks for days and nights out 36 Make-up to help you shine 38 Help your skin weather the winter

Published by Belfast Telegraph Clarendon House, Clarendon Dock, Belfast, BT1 3BH FAMILY LIFE MANAGER Jackie Reid Belfast Telegraph j.reid@belfasttelegraph.co.uk EDITOR Fiona Rutherford Realtime Editing & Design NI Ltd f.rutherford@redni.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Jayne Quigg, Davina Gordon, Maeve Richardson, Ruaidhri McCarney, Maureen Coleman, Patrick Murphy DESIGN Susan McClean and Robert Armstrong INM Design Studio, Belfast PRINTING INM, Newry

4 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

BY MAUREEN COLEMAN

or her first full-time job on the airwaves, Cate Conway didn’t do too badly when she landed the breakfast slot on Q Radio alongside co-host Stephen Clements. That was three and a half years ago and since then their chemistry and camaraderie has helped establish them as firm favourites with the listeners. But Cate’s career path to presenting was far from straightforward. There were many twists and turns along the way before bagging her dream role as breakfast show host. “I had a really good, secure marketing job at Belfast Met and I was there for 10 years,” she says. “But I wanted to do something different. I’d always fancied the idea of doing voice-overs, so when a friend got a job in U105, she talked someone there into giving me a try. I did voice-over for a few ads and loved it. “I headed off to London to put together a voice reel. I learned a bit more about doing different styles of voice-overs, hard sell ads, soft sell ads, that type of thing. I did get more work after that but because I was in a full-time job, I wasn’t always able to say yes.” Cate then decided to take the plunge and leave her marketing job. Looking back, she says she knows it was a huge risk but she was feeling stifled and needed a change. “I was leaving to move into an industry I had little experience of and with hindsight, I think it was probably a mid-life crisis,” she says. “I just felt like I was in the wrong place and that I wasn’t going in the direction I was meant to be going in. On paper I had everything, but I felt awful.” The 42-year-old Carryduff woman, who lives in Dunmurry, also took on work as an ‘extra’ and with the Northern Irish film and TV industry so vibrant, she got herself a few appearances in shows like Game of Thrones, the BBC1 drama Occupation and political drama Mo. “I was in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones but most of my appearance was cut out,” she laughs. “I was gutted.

Julie Walters’ wig

“I was also in Mo, starring Julie Walters. I was the person who sold her a wig. It was just myself and Julie in a scene where I had

from traditional weddings to more unusual styles. The pair organise wedding fairs twice a year. Their first event, held in the Black Box, attracted 33 companies and around 130 guests. Now they hold their fairs at the Waterfront Hall and hundreds attend.

‘Best friends’

Allbreakfastshow’s Catewantsfor Christmasisalie-in! to fit a wig onto her head. That was pretty cool.” Cate’s career trajectory took another turn when she went to work in London for shopping channel QVC. Although she admits the job as a guest presenter, selling kettles, toasters and soda streams, was rather ‘naff’, she enjoyed the experience,

Cate is spending Christmas in Carryduff with her parents Roy and Maura McDermott

flying back and forth to London twice a week. Around this time she also did a bit of part-time marketing work for a local gym which led to her setting up a new business with the gym’s owner, Quirky Weddings. The business has taken off with more and more people interested in stepping away

But it’s the breakfast show on Q Radio that has really made Cate a household name and even now, she says she has to pinch herself. “When I was doing auditions for voiceover jobs I got so many rejections, so to land the breakfast slot as my first radio job was pretty surreal,” she says. “I’ve learned so much from Stephen over the last few years. I was thrown in at the deep end but I knew I’d be fine with him and that he’d keep me right. “He’s like a brother to me. We can and do say anything to each other. We bicker too, but it’s always playful. We’re very different but we get each other. I think it’s fair to say that he’s one of my best friends and I just love working with him. It’s my perfect job.” Cate, who gets up around 4am each morning to begin her breakfast show slot, is looking forward to a well-deserved rest over Christmas. She’ll spend the day with her parents back home in Carryduff and is delighted to have a week and two days off work to relax with her family and friends. And she already has made up her mind about her New Year resolutions. “I’d like to lose a bit of weight, spend less time looking at screens and learn how to swim in the sea. Don’t ask me why, it’s just one of those other things I’ve always wanted to do.”

Cate at work with funnyman Stephen Clements

6 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Charles and Barbara McMullen

Whatmakes

Christmasspecial for familymanCharles Church leader reflects on happy times and looks forward to a productive new year By Fiona Rutherford

or most of the population, those twilight days between Christmas and New Year can seem grey and empty. For Charles McMullen, they bring a cast-adrift-on-a-heavenly-cloud level of bliss. “I adore that week as life is quieter and there’s time to reflect. It’s a wonderful time of year for me - it’s time to catch a breath and recharge the batteries as the first part of the month tends to be crazy.” If the normal run up to Christmas is demanding, this year it will be even more so as the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church fulfils engagements around the country. The chances are come Christmas Day, the Right Rev Dr Charles McMullen will never want to eat another mince pie. However, when we met on his home turf of West Church, Bangor, he was looking forward to the season. “Christmas is very special in our house,” says Charles, as he prefers to be known. He and his wife Barbara have a quiet day with just Barbara’s mum, the only surviving grandparent, joining them and their children Lydia (24), who is training to become a midwife at Queen’s and is planning to do a placement in Malawi early next year, Samuel (22) who is working in Belfast and David (21) who is studying Divinity at Union College. The festive season means carol services, Christmas dinners and visiting church members – particularly those bereaved during the year. Charles particularly loves the Christmas Eve Communion service which runs just beyond midnight and then Christmas morning’s relaxed, family-centred service. “Once we go home there’s the wonderful sense of closing the door and enjoying Christmas lunch.” His job is setting the table and washing up afterwards. “When Barbara and I got married we had a deal that whoever was home first cooked the tea. It took her about two years

to realise I was never home first so I always do the washing up.” Afterwards the day is spent as it is in houses up and down the country, “watching TV and eating too much”. He likes to listen to Classic FM and should Mama Mia be on TV, he and Barbara won’t be complaining. Childhood Christmas He recalls childhood Christmases at home in Omagh and the sheer excitement of coming downstairs on December 25 to see the presents in the front room. “As an only child, I was probably spoilt rotten.” They would visit his maternal grandparents at nearby Seskinore later on Christmas day where even more gifts awaited. “In the evening there would be a party. My grandmother would’ve played the violin and there would be waltzes or polkas in the kitchen and the good room would be used that night and the fire would be lit. On that farm in the 1960s there still wasn’t electricity so it was a world apart.” Boxing Day saw Charles and his parents go to Belleek to his father’s family farm where the star of the day was his grandmother’s cooking. “Nobody ever made plum pudding like hers,” he recalls. Boxing Day afternoons would involve a long walk on the vast strand at Bundoran with his father and grandfather. “As a child it seemed totally strange to be there at Christmas instead of in the summer.” He loved that sense of three generations of males being together and cherishes the close relationship he had with his father. “I remember sitting down to write a sermon based on the unconditional love of the Father one Friday night. I type with two fingers and sometimes it doesn’t come easy – there can be a lot of perspiration and coffees, maybe a walk or a trip to the gym and then coming back to it – but on that occasion it was non-stop. I could hardly keep up with my

Charles and Barbara with Lydia, Samuel and David

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 7 through that she couldn’t speak about it. He is acutely aware of how comfortable his own life is and says his prayers felt superficial yet when he taught a group of students from the psalms, God’s word was powerful enough to speak directly into their lives. “I remember the vicar of Baghdad, Andrew White, coming to West Church a few years ago and saying those who are being baptised are often signing their own death warrant. It’s commitment at a terrible cost but somehow there’s a transcendent love and joy shining through.” Another striking revelation was how many of the refugees had found their faith strengthened when they had lost everything else. “A lot of people who were nominal Christians in their own communities found suddenly, when they had to run for their lives, that their faith had come alive. We evidenced that a lot.

writing. Later that evening I had a phone call from my father’s nursing home telling me he was dying.” Charles arrived at the home for his father’s final minutes. He wasn’t able to preach that Sunday but touched many hearts when he preached on the unconditional love of the Father a week later. His father was very patient and forgiving of him – although he never went through a teenage rebellion as such. “I’m still open to the possibility of that,” he jokes. Charles McMullen left Omagh to study languages at Trinity College, Dublin, and then to Oxford to read European History. When he returned to Northern Ireland, it was train for the ministry at Union College. Whirlwind romance He was an assistant minister in Harmony Hill in Lisburn, when he met and fell headlong for Barbara in 1990. The normally cautious Charles had proposed within five weeks and they were married eight months after their first date. Their honeymoon period coincided with his taking the reins at Legacurry Church, Lisburn, which they both loved and where their three children were born. The move to Bangor, in 1999, was a huge wrench but the family has put down deep roots in the community, not least through Barbara’s career at a local primary school. “She jokes that she taught P4 because she couldn’t do sums any harder than that.” She decided to retire only weeks before Charles was appointed moderator, a role in which she has been happy to support him. Any concerns they might have had about being on the road together so much of the time have been laid to rest. “It’s been fantastic having her with me all the way,” he says, adding that he hopes by the end of his year in office they will have become better time-keepers. The pair complement each other well with his wife’s bubbly personality and Charles’ measured, gentle manner. Now half way through his year at the helm of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), this self-effacing minister is getting used to being away from his beloved West Church, Bangor, family. Having had to call on all his natural abilities as a peace-maker as the church navigated a course through some thorny issues, he is looking forward to focusing on his theme for the year. “I just want to concentrate as much as possible on the core message which is ‘Building relationships – Christ’s love compels us’. There are always going to be issues in the church and the danger is that they can become all consuming.” Conscious of pain He empathises very much with people for whom Christmas is a tough time.

“Especially at Christmas there can be an increased sense of loneliness, brokenness and pain, in individuals and families. Against the rise of individualism, the world revolving around self and people shouting rather than listening to one another, we have a message of hope and real peace in the here and now through the gospel. We’re able to place our hope in Jesus to take us through the ups and downs of life, bearing in mind that he has walked this way before us. As Corrie Ten Boom says there is no pit in which the love of God is not deeper still. “My favourite scripture at Christmas is the prologue to John’s gospel – In the beginning was the Word... and the Word was God. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness.,,, “I’ve always loved hearing that read there’s a mystery behind it; there’s a beauty, transcendence, there’s majesty and yet the reality of the light shining in darkness. That Jesus comes into this dark world and anyone who receives him becomes his child.” People struggling financially are also on his mind. “I fear that there is so much commercial pressure associated with Christmas and the danger of pushing ourselves into debt. Sometimes less can be more, however we can achieve that.” His church is involved in a number of local initiatives, including providing heating oil and grocery vouchers and toys through its own Abba Trust, and the wider Bangor joint churches initiative, Storehouse. PCI also organises a special appeal and divides the proceeds between Christian Aid and Tearfund, to support projects all over the world. Impact of Jordan His view of what’s going on farther afield was deeply impacted on his recent 10 day trip to Jordan. While he loved visiting Mount Nebo, where Moses is believed to be buried, and the Moab Mountains, where he viewed the Promised Land – the trip opened Charles’ eyes in a new way to life’s extremes. One church, in the capital Amman, despite having only a couple of dozen members, supports many refugees from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. “During the week they had a doctor and a dentist running surgeries. The dentist had been about to be murdered by ISIS but his Muslim neighbours pleaded for his life and he was saved. He was a refugee himself and is now helping in this church. They also run a school, educating up to 40 refugee children with support from teams of volunteers from across the world. The Boys Brigade in Northern Ireland is currently fundraising for a playground at the school. The church also offers counselling and ministry for people who have come through terrible trauma.” He met one mother of three who was so traumatised by whatever she had been

Stories shared “That is the privilege of being a minister - you come alongside so many people who bless and encourage you through their own stories. I have felt as moderator, as I have been going around various places, that there’s actually so much good news out there.” As well as undertaking civic duties such as Remembrance Day services, he has been visiting local presbyteries, schools, hospitals, police stations and army barracks and community groups and has been impressed by stories of regeneration and transformation. A visit to Maghaberry Prison, through the chaplaincy, was another surprise. “There is an openness with those people as they have nothing to hide.” He’s met some wonderful characters in his time in post. “We’ve been doing a fair number of visits to people turning 100 – mainly women, which is a bit disconcerting from a

male point of view.” Meeting politicians He was among the group of leaders of the four main churches, along with Brian Anderson, chair of the Irish Council of Churches, who brought the leaders of the political parties together. “We felt it should be a morning, not for recrimination but for encouragement; we wanted to give them an opportunity to share and remind them of progress that had been made, to remind them of the common good and to remind them that the legitimacy of the other party had to be taken on board. The meeting wasn’t to get into the depth of the politics but just to give them an opportunity to be together. When we met them at the end of September that was the first time they’d been together in one room since February and it was interesting to hear them talking over lunch about their families. “To go back to my theme for the year, building relationships, obviously as church leaders we can’t be involved in party politics but we can set the tone and stress the importance of words like grace, mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation and so on and we were encouraged by the politicians themselves to continue this process.” In January, the church leaders, who enjoy a very good relationship themselves, are beginning a round of regional meetings, this time bringing local MLAs together in their own areas with the same purpose of building relationships. “Some politicians elected to the last Assembly haven’t even had the opportunity to be in the chamber.” He expects the remaining six months of his term as moderator to be as unpredictable as the first. “It’s been surprisingly busy and relentless but on the whole really, really good.”

8 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Bringing the FESTIVE SEASON HOME

hristmas is upon us and whether you like to entertain over the festive season, or are purely focused on having everything perfect for Christmas Day, there’s no time to waste in getting your home looking its sparkling best. Do a mental walk through and you’ll soon know where your priorities lie. Imagine friends and relations arriving at the door. The porch needs to be clean and tidy and swept of cobwebs. You welcome your guests into the hallway – is there a mat for wet and dirty shoes to be wiped off? Is there space to hang up coats or is a spot of decluttering in order? You lead the way into the living room where there’s a blazing fire in the grate or a warm glow from the wood burning stove. The lights are twinkling and the atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful. Many an hour is passed over mince pies and

Check you have all the tableware you need

drinks or over dinner in your clutter free and delightful dining room and they leave, having enjoyed a lovely evening with great food and excellent company in convivial surroundings. If that’s how you would like this Christmas to play out, the chances are there are a few items on your to-do list.

Clear the way

The first and most important problem to

tackle when getting your home ready for the festive season is mess. Find a place for everything and have everything in its place. If you find you don’t actually like that ornament or that you’re forever moving that cushion from room to room because it doesn’t fit, why not seize the moment and give it away? Put together a box for the charity shop or post the contents on a social media site for sale. You might raise more than you expected and even a few pounds is welcome at this time of year.

Decorating time

It’s getting late in the day for any major home improvement projects on time for Christmas, but certainly there is time for any decorating or straightforward DIY tasks. Often the Christmas season puts pressure on accommodation, especially if you have more than the usual number of people staying over. If your spare room tends to be used for doing the ironing or your conservatory doubles as a greenhouse, why not give those rooms some TLC and turn them into somewhere that visitors – and your own family – will enjoy using? New cushions, floor rugs or accessories such as a lamp or a small coffee table can completely transform the feel of a space. Think of it as a gift to yourself too! Go the extra mile with sorting out guest towels and matching bedlinen and while you’re at it, check that the duvets on everyone’s beds are doing the job. If you don’t want to invest in heavier winter duvets, or have a family that gets too hot when they’re sleeping, a quilt is super handy and versatile for throwing over the bed. They’re also extremely useful for keeping pet hair, sand and muck off the linen if you have a pet dog or cat who likes to sneak up onto the beds when people are out.

Dining in style

Christmas is one time when every piece of crockery is likely to be called into use so plan ahead and make sure you replace anything that might have been broken during the year. Perhaps you have been putting off getting a new dinner service or set of cutlery or glasses? Serving dishes and sauce and gravy boats are the sort of thing

that can be easily done without during the year so check your supplies before the Christmas rush. Don’t forget to include table cloths and napkins in your checklist. If you need a new dining table and chairs, start looking now and you will love dining in style come Christmas.

Cosy up

Winter in general and Christmas in particular, are when lights come into their own. Candles and table lamps make for a relaxed, feelgood atmosphere, whether you have company or are enjoying time alone. Fairy lights, around a mirror, under shelving, around the perimeter of the conservatory and pretty much anywhere in the kitchen are style essentials. You can even leave them up all year round.

Best foot forward

Floors suffer a pounding at this time of year, with rain and mud being tramped through. If yours are looking shabby, get them professionally cleaned. Make sure you have runners in the hallway and good, hardy doormats to minimise the mess throughout the season.

Decorations up

Get everyone involved in buying the tree or if you use a faux fir, in putting it up. Make sure, if you’re buying a fresh tree, that it is the correct size for the space you want it for. Check the lights are working before you get the tree so you don’t have any frustrating delays in getting on with the fun part. If the children have made Christmas decorations, do show them off. Make a party of the decorating session with Christmas music and shortbread and hot chocolate when everything is finished.

Outside in

Don’t forget the garden when you’re planning the perfect Christmas. There are lots of shrubs and flowers that look great throughout the winter, such as wallflowers, heather, cyclamen, violas and polyanthus – perfect for planters by the front door. Pick a colour scheme that complements your door colour and don’t forget that most Christmassy of finishing touches, the wreath.

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 9

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10 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Sunburst mirror, £39.95, House of Bath

Caruso Rug from Dutchbone, £589, Cuckooland

Bloomingville fine bar side table, £239, Amara

Studio statement chair, £899, Harvey Norman

ark, moody and positively smouldering – that’s the way increasing numbers of us like our homes. Deep, romantic shades of aubergine, rose, burnt orange and midnight blues are wonderfully embracing and comforting and look amazing in the glow of lamps, a flickering fire or candles. Or take it up a notch and go for another key theme this winter – vibrant jewel colours from ruby to emerald to sapphire or muted versions of olive, teal and mustard. You can mix and match with bright pops of colour against a very dark background. Go for gold and black if you dare, but do your homework first and apply restraint so you don’t end up with something more gauche than gorgeous.

Reflective

The richer the colour scheme, the more important those elements that add or reflect light become so maximise the use of those essential mirrors and metallics whether you love gold or rose gold, copper, brass, bronze or silver.

Patterns and plants There are lots of vigorous florals about, whether they’re fresh or faux and in a vase or popping up as a pattern on fabrics

Makea MOOD STATEMENT… and walls. Plants are also a must-have accessory while they appear as motifs in botanical patterns. Festive modern and traditional tartan, geometrics and animal prints are also on point.

Luxury touch

For winter warmth, be liberal with the addition of textures with wool, velvet, fur and faux fur and sheepskin covering anything from cushions to seats. A sheepskin rug thrown over a seat will make it a quick family favourite. Rugs are adorning walls these days too, as the swerve away from pared back minimalist interiors continues apace. Pompoms and tassles soften harsh outlines and look great on cushions and throws.

contrasting dark wood and deep berry tones offset against white backgrounds to the enduringly classic grey end of the neutral spectrum or the newer kid on the neutrals block, peaches and creams. There’s no need to stick to one theme throughout the house either. Lots of people have a dark bedroom or living room and bright kitchen – whatever works for you.

Make a statement

The over-riding theme of the new colour resurgence is personality so whatever you go for, don’t be afraid to let yours shine throug, whether you’re letting your favourite colours do the talking, or giving

Light’s still fantastic too

Geometric floor cushion, £80, Monsoon Home a shout-out to your artistic side with stunning statement pieces! Have a browse around your local gallery and pick up some original art or a limited edition print – it’s not only a wonderful way to find the perfect finishing touch for your scheme, it’s also the perfect antidote to all that frantic Christmas shopping.

Kinship floral chair, £125, Oliver Bonas

If you find the darker hues depressing and the jewel trend too overpowering, there are many other styles to draw inspiration from, from crisp Scandi rustic style with

Gold chevron velvet throw, £125, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams

Berry square sheepskin cushion, £50, Oliver Bonas

Noble table light (gold), £65, Debenhams

Copper candlestick, £9.99, TK Maxx

Watching, oil on card, 5.5” x 6.5”, by Markey Robinson, £1,750, Gracehill Gallery

12 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Howtohostthebest partiesathome Newry schoolgirl Katie Hughes (16) loves Christmas at home when her mum Una puts her creative talents to work and throws open the doors to friends and family...

hristmas has always been a big thing in our house growing up, especially the parties! The general buzz about the house before friends and family arrived was exciting as well as the anticipation of getting to stay up way past our bed time. The woman who continues to make this all happen, the hostess with the mostest, is my mother, Una Hughes. I asked her the secret to throwing a great Christmas party.

Pick a theme

Her first tip is to think about the theme. “You have to let your guests know what they are getting into – do they wear sparkles, it’s always nice to have sparkles at Christmas, or is it just a casual, wear jeans kind of party.” In terms of how you invite people, “It all depends on how formal your party will be. If it’s just friends and family give a ring or a text to let them know. “Along with the theme is the choice whether it’s a sit down dinner party, or a stand up with lots of nibbles party, with the former starting around 6pm and the latter at 8pm.” While I remember vividly lots of people coming to our house, I was reminded that it’s really important to consider how many people you can accommodate comfortably. “Furthermore, if your friends and family have children, decide whether or not you want to have them running about.” We always had a separate room for children and one for adults, and we tended to watch a movie or play on the Wii, which kept us entertained as long as there was a constant supply of nibbles.

Keep it simple

When you know roughly how many are coming then you need to budget, as Una explains: “It can be easy to go overboard so make sure you have a limit. The key to organising a party is keeping it simple.” In a budget it’s important to factor in napkins, paper plates and cups (if you choose to use them), “No one wants to drink wine out of a paper cup so make sure you have enough glasses for everyone!” Something else to think about would be seating – if it’s a sit down party, have you got enough chairs? However, “If it’s a stand up party, chairs, stools, sofas, anything goes! And if you’re stuck ask your friends to bring some extra stools with them.” In order to help your guests find which house they are going to in the dark, Una recommends “lights at the front door, especially glass lanterns put outside with those candles that burn for eight hours.”

Create an atmosphere

My mother likes to decorate! In our house there is the Christmas tree, and then there is Mum’s Christmas tree, squeezed into the hall with shimmering purple and silver baubles which we were not allowed to touch! She is full of ideas to brighten up the house at Christmas, such as throwing some baubles in a glass bowl and setting it on a window

Una’s Christmas tree ledge, or placing holly leaves and foliage up the centre of the table. She says decorations should be included in the budget but again simplicity is the way to go, “A set of battery operated fairy lights running down a table can really bling up a plain table cloth. Sprinkling confetti over the table is a nice touch. Also, if you get those little inexpensive glass milk bottles and put flowers in them, one big bouquet of flowers will go a long way, plus they don’t take up too much space on a table.” Creating the right atmosphere for a party is about all the senses. “To make the house smell nice, I would normally burn a couple of scented candles for an hour or so before

the guests arrive.” Lighting is another factor, generally we would have a few lamps on, much to my father’s dismay at the cost of the electricity bill! For music, “You can play the Winter Wonderland type of Christmas music, but maybe not all night. As a rule of thumb, I think it’s a good idea to have different types of music, that keeps everyone happy!”

What to eat

On to the major player in any party – the food. This can seem daunting but Una has a few tricks of the trade, which will have you cooking up a storm in no time! First things first, in our house we are very conscious about dietary requirements because my mother has coeliac disease, so it’s important to have food everybody can eat. If you are going for a sit down dinner, perhaps place a few nibbles on the table first such as crisps and nuts and olives, that will give you time to finish cooking the dinner. A Thai green chicken curry with rice is a good option and Jamie Oliver has a great recipe, only Una uses cut up chicken breast rather than chicken thighs, and she uses bought green curry paste, because “Life’s too short!” To save time she cooks the curry in a big pot the day before, which coincidentally, “helps bring out the flavours,” and when she’s reheating it the next night she adds in some coriander for taste, baby sweetcorn and mange-tout “to give it a nice bite.” If you have a rice cooker, by all means use it so you can interact with your guests as opposed to “slaving over the cooker the whole time.” For dessert, my mother is known by our whole neighbourhood and all of my friends for her brownies. “Brownies are great because they are so versatile.” The secret to these addictive, melt in your mouth chocolate squares of joy is Nigella Lawson’s chocolate brownie recipe. However, Una uses half ground almonds and half gluten free flour and adds chocolate chips but you could add cherries and hazelnuts or chopped mixed nuts for a bit of a crunch. “For a dessert you can heat them up and serve them with ice cream, or for nibbles you can stack them up and sprinkle icing sugar over the top.” For a stand up party little nibbles are best – nuts, crisps, crackers, olives with feta cheese, cocktail sausages and mini sausage rolls. You could make your own savoury tartlets, “These are very easy to do but they look impressive. I buy ready rolled puff pastry, and roll it out a little thinner. Then I cut the pastry with a scone cutter, into circles. I put one basil leaf, one sun-dried tomato and a very small slice of goat cheese (it can be quite overpowering)

Katie and Una Hughes

Una and Katie, party ready onto each circle of pastry. I drizzle some olive oil on top of each tartlet and pop them in the oven at 180 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. For a bit of variation you could also do the same using pear, blue cheese and walnut.” Baguettes are another staple at our Christmas parties; if they are sliced up and put on a table people can help themselves and spread pâté, tapenade or even just butter on them. “Later in the evening I put out some sweet stuff. Again, brownies work, cupcakes are also good, a big bowl of raspberries or strawberries is an excellent choice, and it goes down well with anyone who’s watching their figure! Sometimes I cut a pineapple up into cubes and add finely chopped fresh mint along with a tablespoon or so of caster sugar.” For presentation of the food it’s easy on the eye if all the serving platers are one style or colour. This isn’t essential, but, as Una says: “We eat with our eyes, if something looks nice we are more likely to enjoy it.”

Go for games

All this organisation could be overwhelming. Una’s tip: ”I write down a list of all my timings for the oven, and tick things off when I have done them, because I have a head like a sieve! Don’t be afraid to get your friends and family to help out, they could even bring a dish, to take some of the weight off your shoulders, or if you have children less lazy than mine, you could convince them to help out!” (Apparently “sitting up in your room and getting ready the whole time” does not qualify as helping out? I thought I was being useful.) To keep our guests entertained, we play a board game, usually it’s Articulate, but you could play Charades, anything really! You might read this and laugh, but as Una quite rightly puts it, “It’s surprising how competitive people are after a few drinks, even against their own children!” It is an effective way to bring everyone together towards the end of the night after the food has been eaten, and it’s generally a bit of a laugh. After a few drinks, there tends to be a sing-along, that doubles as entertainment, although it can be hard on the ears depending on who is singing... “If you know anyone who plays guitar, get them to bring it along and sing, that’s always good fun!” At the end of the day having a party at Christmas time is all about enjoying yourself and having a great night with friends and family.

14 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Movies & shows fortheholiday N etlix and the movie channels have given lots of homes a headstart when it comes to Christmas viewing. There’s always a sense of anticipation about what we’re going to be sitting down to watch over the Christmas holidays, with old favourites like It’s A Wonderful World, Elf and Home Alone a vital part of the festive mix and all showing on Netflix. While at the time of printing, most of the TV companies had yet to announce their schedules for Christmas week, the BBC has something for everyone. For laughs, catch Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show while Stephen Merchant and Asim Chaudhry star as two mismatched neighbours in the new BBC One comedy Click & Collect and the Beeb is also showing a documentary on comedy legend Billy Connelly. The other big specials include Strictly Come Dancing, with returning stars Caroline Flack and JLS singer Aston Merrygold, Call the Midwife and Mrs Brown’s Boys. The Doctor Who Christmas Special starring Jodie Whittaker will be aired on new year’s day. Take That mark their 30th anniversary with a special one off programme for BBC One. For children, there’s animated adventure with accident prone dragon Zog and David Walliams’ The Midnight Gang, as well as a new interpretation of Watership Down, in two feature length episodes. For drama, there’s the return of Idris

Rose McIver and Ben Lamb in A Christmas Prince on Netflix Elba in Luther and don’t miss awardwinning screenwriter Andrew Davies’ sixpart adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic Les Misérables, starring Dominic West, David Oyelowo and Lily Collins. John Malkovich is Poirot and Rupert Grint is Inspector Crome in a three part adaptation of The ABC Murders, Agatha Christie’s classic 1936 title, by Sarah Phelps. Festive food programmes include Nadiya’s Party Feasts amd Mary Berry’s Christmas Party while Channel 4’s Great

British Bake Off at Christmas on December 25 is a must watch. Channel 4’s popular Big Fat Quiz of the Year is on Boxing Day. Ryan, Graham and Yaz bring in the New Year on BBC1 with special guests Madness and the Kingdom Choir rocking Big Ben while Jools Holland is expected to bring his annual Hootenanny to BBC Two. Mark Gatiss brings the Christmas ghost story tradition back to life with The Dead Room for BBC Four starring Simon Callow, which tells the tale of a long-running radio horror series of the same name. Movies showing on the BBC include The Princess and the Frog on the 31st and The Croods on January 1. ITV has How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and it’s also running a Love Island Christmas Special. For the new year, Cold Feet will be returning to ITV, as well as the new series of The Voice. Netflix has a wealth of great movies, not least Billy Murray’s Scrooged and the original White Christmas with Bing Crosby, the Muppet Christmas Carol and The Santa Clause with Tim Allen. The Holiday, starring Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law and Cameron Diaz is the perfect festive rom-com and The Family Stone is another good Christmas watch, packed with A listers like Sarah Jessica Parker, Clare Danes and Rachel McAdams. Netflix also has some wonderfully naff offerings,

Comedy legend Billy Connelly

Caroline Flack is back on Strictly for Christmas such as A Christmas Prince, For little ones, there’s The Snowman, Arthur Christmas and Frozen. Like Netflix, Sky Cinema is showing all the Christmas big hitters as well as Sleepless in Seattle and Fred Claus with Vince Vaughn.

Jude Law and Cameron Diaz in The Holiday

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 15

7stepstohavinga happy Christmas

lmost a week into December and the festive season is in full swing! It really is a most wonderful time of year, with the Christmas lights breaking through the winter gloom and plenty of opportunities to catch up or party with family and friends. There’s a huge emphasis on eating out, socialising and of course, shopping for everything from gifts to food and drink to add the finishing touches to the festivities. Here’s our checklist to help you keep on top of the demands of the season:

Get organised and plan what you need. Pick up your stamps when you’re buying your cards and you’ll be less likely to write lots of cards that never get sent. Work out a budget as well as lists for your food shops and for gift shopping so that you don’t overspend or even worse, find you have forgotten something important come Christmas day!

Get your house in order. Give it a severe de-cluttering and a good clean. Your Christmas decorations will look so much better when you can actually see them. Lots of people will have got any major

repairs of refurbishments out of the way before the festive season but there is still time to add the finishing touches to any rooms which need them.

Be beautiful! The festive season brings a huge increase in opportunities to go out socialising, whether that’s for the office party or a reunion with old friends. Make time to get your hair, make-up and wardrobe updated before things get too hectic. If you don’t want to splash out on a new outfit for different parties, simply switch up your accessories and you should be fine.

Be careful. It can be easy to overdo the food and even moreso, drink consumption at this time of year. Pace yourself and plan how you are going to get home before going on a night out. Don’t wander off on your own and keep an eye on any friends who might be prone to doing that. Above all, don’t drink and drive.

Be kind. Christmas isn’t fun for everyone. Lots of people have lost someone during the year and are quietly dreading the holiday, while loneliness

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Come along and enjoy: • A visit to Santa’s Grotto where the kids can write a letter to Santa, receive a gift, see the elves and, of course, meet the man himself. • Various activities on the mall including a festive trail every day in the run up to Christmas, available to collect in Guest Services. • Up to 70% off high street prices and designer brands including Kurt Geiger, Adidas, Jack Wills, LK Bennett, Gap, Timberland and M&S. • Free parking and late-night shopping until 9pm every weeknight until Friday, December 21. Santa’s Grotto is open from now until December 16 on Thursday and Friday from 3.30 - 7.30pm, Saturday 11 - 4pm and Sunday from 1 - 5pm. From December 17 - 21, the grotto will be open weeknights from 3.30

- 7.30pm, Saturday 11 - 4pm and Sunday 1 - 5pm. Santa will also be stopping by on Christmas Eve for one last time before he flies back to the North Pole from 12 - 4pm. Santa’s Grotto is priced at £5 which will include a charity donation. To find out more, visit www.the-boulevard.co.uk or connect with The Boulevard on Facebook facebook. com/theboulevardbanbridge, on Instagram @theboulevardbanbridge or on Twitter @ theboulevardni.

has been identified as a major problem, particularly among older people. Why not call in or give someone who you know doesn’t have much company a ring?

roads, in the shops and on the streets – and you’ll be doing your own little bit to add to the season of peace and goodwill to all men, women and children.

Spread the cheer. The busyness of the festive season can make people tetchy. It takes little effort to be courteous – on the

Finally, don’t sweat the small stuff. If everything doesn’t get done by Christmas eve, it’s not the end of the world.

16 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Create a festive mood WITH SCENTS

This is the most wonderful time of the year for Colette Crossan, who loves to unwind and relax with her husband and three children, when she’s not working or creating her beautiful, hand-crafted Tulip Moon candles…

Another favourite, after a long stressful day, is Lavender, Bergamot & Lime.

My favourite scent at the moment is Cinnamon, Clove Bud, Sweet Orange & Lemongrass. The spiciness blended with the citrus scent promotes a warm and cosy environment. The cinnamon provides a Christmassy feel and the clove essential oil is said to encourage feelings of love and acceptance. Another favourite, after a long stressful day, is Lavender, Bergamot & Lime. Lavender is a relaxing oil that promotes sleep whilst bergamot is an uplifting scent which is thought to reduce feelings of anxiety. Frankincense, Peppermint & Lavender is another candle I love to light. The mintiness of the peppermint is refreshing, while the woody aroma of the frankincense helps to relieve any stresses after a day spent shopping and rushing around. As well as burning more slowly, soy wax maximises the benefits of the essential oils. It’s a natural non-toxic material, therefore the candles provide a cleaner burn which is better for your walls and your lungs! I’m off now to put on my fluffy socks and light my candle!

from a stay at the luxury resort including an indulgent breakfast in the Catalina Restaurant and access to the Infinity Pool at the Thai Spa. The package is available any night in December up to December 23 (terms and conditions apply). Midweek (Sunday-Thursday) one night from £265 per person sharing; Weekends (Friday and Saturday) one night from £305 per person sharing. A mini version of the package is also available consisting of an overnight stay in a lodge guest room, Home Alone 1 & 2

movie supplied with mini tubs of Glastry Farm ice cream for both guests along with sweet and salted popcorn – perfect movie snacks. The price includes an indulgent breakfast the next morning and use of The Infinity Pool at The Thai Spa. Available up to December 23. Midweek overnight from £120 per room; Weekend overnight from £199 per room. All offers are subject to availability. For further information please visit www.lougherneresort.com or telephone 028 6632 3230.

Colette and Michael Crossan with (l-r) Eva, Cormac and Eoin

love the cold dark nights at this time of the year. Every year I say this to my husband, and every year he gives me a puzzled look and says “I don’t understand why… give me the summer all year round!” But I love winter. For me, come dusk, it’s time to batten down the hatches, put on my ‘comfies’, pour myself a hot drink (or a white wine), light the fire, light one of my scented candles and relax for the night – what’s not to love about that? Scented candles are a great way for me to create this cosy atmosphere at home. I’ve been making my own soy wax and essential oil candles for quite a while now. I get a lot of satisfaction from

experimenting with various blends of oils to promote different moods. Soy wax burns more slowly than paraffin based wax candles, thus allowing the scent of the essential oils to be more gradually released into the room. There is no immediate release of a strong fragrance (which has been known to give sore heads in our house) thus providing a more pleasant, relaxing atmosphere.

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five-star resort in Ireland has released details of an exclusive, limited-edition Christmas package, inspired by one of the all-time festive movie favourites. The Hotel Alone: Lost at Lough Erne package at the Lough Erne Resort is offering the ultimate seasonal getaway to fans of the cult 90s Home Alone films. Guests will live like Kevin McAllister for the day, enjoying an in-suite trolley laden with bowls of Glastry Farm ice cream complete with a selection of toppings and sauces, and candy jars full of cookies,

marshmallows and jellybeans. A cheese pizza will be delivered by room service before settling down in use of bathrobes to watch Home Alone 1 & 2 in the comfort of one of the resort’s loughview suites. The resort has also partnered with Ireland’s famous Belleek Pottery to create its own ‘Turtle Dove’ Christmas tree ornaments made famous by the second movie as a keepsake for all who book the package. The one-night get away comes with all the usual trimmings that can be expected

18 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

TastesofChristmas,with chefJayneQuigg THE MAIN EVENT –

CHRISTMAS DINNER

This year why not make the most of all the wonderful ingredients that go into a Christmas dinner and make them go that little bit further. We are trying to make the best use of the oven and the whole of the bird. Many people either buy the crown, which works out as expensive as the whole bird, or end up with tough, overcooked legs which are not pleasant to eat, so this year we are getting the whole bird and using the whole bird. We are transforming the leg and thighs into a rather succulent but light starter, by confiting them, and we are using the tips of the wings, gizzards, neck and offal to make the stock for the gravy. The oven is on and set at 180C/400F/Gas mark 6 so we are using it as much as possible. I only have two shelves in my oven, so I put a couple of old baking tins upside down on the bottom to act as a third shelf.

JAYNE’S CHRISTMAS MENU STARTER: Confit turkey leg with a star anise, cranberry and orange sauce MAIN: Traditional Christmas dinner

with buttered carrots, roasted parsnips, bacon sprouts, chestnut and sausage stuffing, not forgetting the pigs in

blankets, cooked ham, Turkey crown, mash, roasties and lashings of gravy

DESSERT: Apple terrine with shortbread

crumb, mince pie ice-cream and mulled syrup

I always do some prep on Christmas eve so that I spend less time in the kitchen on Christmas day, however, this is up to you. The confit legs need to be started the night before, and the stock needs made too, however neither are time consuming jobs. Personally I always par boil my potatoes for roasties and steam the sprouts for frying the next day with bacon. If we are feeling energetic we also peel and chop the veg for tomorrow and leave them in bags in the veg drawer, but only if I have volunteers, otherwise we do it together on the day. Don’t trudge away on your own at Christmas – it is about sharing time together, not making yourself a martyr. If you are purchasing your turkey from the butcher they will happily remove the leg and thighs for you so that you can confit them. If you have a sharp knife, however, it is not difficult to do on your own.

STARTER:

CONFIT TURKEY LEG WITH A STAR ANISE, CRANBERRY AND ORANGE SAUCE Prep time 10 minutes, cooking time 2-3 hours Ingredients Kosher salt Tsp crushed peppercorns Tsp coriander seeds 1 litre vegetable oil Dried cranberries 1 orange or jar of cranberry sauce

4 bay leaves 2 star anise ½ tsp chilli flakes chicken legs ½ star anise Salad leaves

The night before Christmas, crush half of the spices lightly and mix with 1- 2tbsp salt depending on the size of your turkey. Line a tin or plastic container with baking parchment. Sprinkle on a third of the salt mixture and place the turkey legs on top, sprinkle over another third of the mixture, turn the legs and use remainder of the mixture to ensure legs are fully covered. Cover and leave in the fridge overnight. Next morning rinse those bad boys thoroughly, pat dry with some kitchen towel and place in a deep small roasting dish, add the rest of the spices and cover with the oil. Cover with cling film and now they are ready to be

cooked for 2-3 hours at the bottom of the oven. Bring out at least half an hour before serving and remove from the oil, place on a dry clean oven tray and stick on the top shelf if you have room, to crisp up for 20 minutes. You can make your own cranberry sauce or alternatively thin down two heaped tbsp cranberry sauce with juice and zest of half an orange and add a star anise. Heat this gently bring to the boil, and set to the side once done. (This can be done the night before). Once cooled, drizzle this over salad and turkey.

saves a mountain of time. The same with ice cream. Traditionally this terrine is served on puff pastry, however I never have the room in the kitchen or oven at Christmas time so I use a shortbread crumb. I use mulled wine syrup. Ingredients 6-8 firm apples 50ml Calvados /brandy(optional) or 2tbsp mulled wine syrup 50g butter 2-3 good quality mince pies 500ml good quality ice cream Shortbread

DESSERT:

APPLE TERRINE WITH SHORTBREAD CRUMB, MINCE PIE ICE-CREAM AND MULLED SYRUP Apple terrine is quick and easy to make, with all the taste of Christmas. My advice is to buy an apple corer, to save time. If you have a mandolin great, if not a sharp knife will do. It is important that you use crisp apples for this – Pink Ladies are great as they contain so much pectin. I generally put in the odd layer of Granny Smith simply because I enjoy the contrast. If you make home made mince pies all the better, however, there are so many good quality varieties now, it is fine to use shop bought and

✱ On Christmas eve, leave the ice cream out for 5-10 minutes until it has softened slightly, then eat two table spoons as you need to create space. Now crumble the mince pies up into a bowl, add the ice cream, stir together and put it back in the tub. ✱ On Christmas morning, core, peel and finely slice the apples. ✱ Cover a 1lb loaf tin with baking parchment ensuring that there is enough to go over the top twice ✱ Gently heat the syrup and butter until the butter is melted, place a layer of the apples, brush with the butter mixture and repeat until all the apples are used. This should sit about 2-3cm higher than the top of the tin. If there is any butter mixture left pour it over the top. Now cover with the rest of the parchment paper and place in the bottom of the oven beside the confit for three hours. After 90 minutes, remove the parchment lid, allow it to continue cooking uncovered.

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 19

THE MAIN EVENT

For Pigs in blanket, either wrap cocktail sausages in bacon, or buy them ready done.

I always make the stuffing the night before. You can always buy perfectly good stuffing, however, we love our own.

VEGETABLES

STUFFING

BUTTERED CARROTS:

Prep time 20 minutes

Use carrots cut the way you like, just covered with water, and a heaped teaspoon of butter. Cover with foil or butter paper, and place on the lid, simmer for 10-20 minutes, depending how big your carrots are cut.

Ingredients 1lb (453g) sausage meat 445g breadcrumbs 200g chestnuts dried cranberries 1 Spanish onion sage parsley butter

ROAST PARSNIPS:

Steam the parsnips for five minutes, glaze with honey and mustard, then roast in the oven for 20 minutes.

✱ Melt the butter and cook the onion on a low heat. Add the herbs, set aside and allow to cool. Once cooled combine with the rest of the ingredients. ✱ Cover and put in the fridge until it is ready. You can leave the cranberries out and added a little grated apple from the cores of the dessert to add a little extra moisture if you prefer.

ROAST POTATOES:

I always think it’s best to par boil the potatoes the night before until they are just about to fall apart, drain them and dry them out. Season them with salt and pepper, and whether it is healthy spray oil, or beef dripping, heat it in the oven tray before putting the potatoes on it. Roast for 45 minutes.

TURKEY Ingredients Turkey crown 1 carrot 2 stick celery stuffing

SPROUTS:

butter ½ onion herbs if desired tin foil

✱ If you want to have your turkey wrapped up ready for the oven the night before, use unsalted butter as the butter draws out the moisture. ✱ Make sure you take your turkey and butter out of the fridge, (or in my case garage) at least an hour before you are putting it

into the oven. ✱ Tease the skin from the breasts of the bird and force up the softened butter (you can add herbs to the butter if you like) ✱ Place the stuffing up the back of the bird ✱ Lay the veg on the oven tray along with the bird and some peppercorns ✱ Season the top of the bird ✱ Place a double layer of foil over tray, folding it first in the middle to help trap the steam ✱ Cook for 35 minutes per kg and 10 minutes over. Always allow at least a half hour resting time before serving.

GAMMON Ingredients Gammon joint peppercorns 1 tbsp honey

bay leaves coriander seeds

✱ Prepare your gammon joint up to three days before Christmas. Place in a pot with cold water, bring to the boil, discard the

TURKEY GRAVY Ingredients 2 bay leaves 1 bottle of beer tbsp roast garlic oil celery stick roughly chopped all the trim from turkey peppercorns 1 carrot roughly chopped 1 tbsp oil pinch coriander seeds half onion 3 cloves sprig thyme parsley star anise 2 litres water 1 tbsp plain flour or cornflour ✱ Heat the oil in a heavy based pot, fry off the trim and inners from the turkey until golden. ✱ Add the veg to the pot and herbs, fry for a

couple more minutes, add the water and pinch of salt. ✱ Bring to the boil and reduce to a simmer for three hours, or do it in a pressure cooker for one hour. ✱ Drain the stock from the pot and set to one side. You will use have of this for the gravy. ✱ Once the turkey is cooked remove it and the veg from the tin and pour the juices into a large pan, ✱ Deglaze the tin with the bottle of beer (I used a local IPA), add to the pan of juices ✱ Add half the stock, and remove the fat from the top of the gravy. ✱ If using plain flour mix 1 tbsp butter with 1 tbsp plain flour, stir into the gravy mixture until thick. ✱ If using cornflour mix 1 heap tbsp cornflour with some cold stock until it forms a thick paste, add this to the boiling gravy whilst whisking for a less calorific gravy ✱ If desired pass the gravy through a sieve before serving.

water, then cover again with cold water, add the bay leaves, peppercorns and coriander seeds. Boil for 40 minutes per kg. remove from the water, and allow to cool for five minutes, then clingfilm as tightly as possible and put in the fridge overnight. Next day glaze with honey and mustard, place under the grill.

It’s important to trim the sprouts well. Cut the large ones in half, steam them over the potatoes you’re using for roasties, then allow to cool, sprinkle with a little pepper. Place a little oil in a pan, cut up the remainder of the smoked bacon, or use lardons, and brown with a little chopped onion or shallot, add the cooked sprouts, and heat through.

MASHED POTATOES:

Freshly made is best.

20 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

HOWTOMAKE THEMOSTOF LEFTOVERS

any people look forward to the Christmas sandwich as much as the real event but there are many other ways to transform the leftovers from Christmas Day. For a lot of these recipes you will need a deep, non-stick frying pan, If you don’t have one they are worth putting on your Christmas list. Any leftovers including salmon, prawns etc can be used for a main meal.

FRITTATA

I love frittatas, however, if you prefer quiche you can simply throw all the ingredients into a pre-blind baked pastry case and cook in the conventional way. I haven’t done an ingredients list for this in the usual way because each time I make it, it varies according to what I’ve got left over in my fridge. I always put in fried onions, leftover roast potatoes, some leftover veg, cherry tomatoes and meat of some kind, either bacon, sausage meat, gammon, and/or stuffing, depending on what’s available. I think this makes a fantastic Boxing Day brunch – I plonk on the table in the frying pan, allowing everyone to dip in. Ingredient suggestions ½ large onion chopped tomatoes 6 eggs chopped herbs plus leftover stuffing, roast potatoes, roast parsnip, pigs in a blanket, gammon and cheese from cheese board Method ✱ Start by getting a heavy-based frying pan. Turn the cooker ring on to three quarters of the way, add some oil (I generally

use roast garlic) and add the onion. It is important if you’re using any raw bacon or sausage meat to add it to the pan here. Meanwhile, preheat the grill to the top setting. ✱ Next, add the roasted potatoes chopped up and allow them to heat through a little. Once the onions start to go translucent, add the cooked meat and veggies. It’s important not to move them around too much so that you get crispy bits and soft bits. ✱ Then whisk six eggs and season well. ✱ Add the egg mix to the pan and stir with a non-stick spatula, being careful to clear the sides and base of the pan. Once the egg is still soft but not too runny, crumble on leftover cheese along with some freshly chopped herbs and quickly stick it under the grill until the cheese is bubbling. Now it’s ready to serve. ✱ We generally have it with hot buttered toast but as a lunchtime dish it works equally well with salad.

QUESADILLAS

Tastesof Christmas with chefJayne Quigg

These are a great way of using up stale wraps, and I love Christmas ones cut into triangles dipped into heated cranberry sauce to nibble on whilst watching Christmas movies. Simply heat a dry pan, add a wrap flat side down, lay on your favourite toppings, add a little cheese, some herbs and place another wrap on the top. Heat through, turning. Once the cheese is melted, cut into triangles and eat. The only thing limiting the fillings is your own imagination or what you have left in your fridge. My personal favourite is refried beans or a nut and bean roast salsa and guacamole. Brie and cranberry are classic combinations too.

THE HUMBLE PIE Pies are traditionally made all over the country with leftover turkey dinner. This pie is made with hot water crust and is a celebration of all the flavours of Christmas. I frequently make this pie with roast vegetables and make a setting jelly with carrot juice and agar-agar so it does

work equally well for vegans. This pie can be served hot or cold and the defined layering makes it very attractive. Vary your layers according to your leftovers – for instance: turkey, Cranbury, ham, carrots, stuffing, turkey, Cranbury, ham, sprouts, stuffing, turkey, Cranbury, ham, roast parsnips. I use a hot crust pastry here, as it works particularly well, however if you have other pasty that needs used up by all means do that and replace the loaf tin with a pie dish. Once you have made the pastry, set aside to cool. Grease a loaf tin and take two thirds of the pastry and line the tin. Then start the layering process. Pour about a quarter of a pint of good quality stock into the pie – this has to be jelly stock, not stock cubes although reheated gravy works well. Once you have layered to the top, cover with the pastry lid and make a vent for the top. If you are feeling creative you can cut seasonal shapes to decorate the top, however, the most important thing is to make sure the pastry is sealed the whole way round. Water or a little left over gravy works well for this. Place in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve straight away or allow to cool and serve cold with salad.

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 21

FRYING PAN PIZZA

This is something fun to do with the children, and something I have been making since I was a child myself. Alternatively, if I can’t be bothered making the base this works really well in soda bread. Ingredients 200 to 300g of self raising flour, depending on how thick you like your base 1 tablespoon of natural yoghurt 80-120 mls of milk mild salsa/ tomato sauce grated cheese stuffing made into many balls finely sliced gammon Diced up turkey Any other pizza toppings you have lying around.

TURKEY CURRY Bridget Jones’ Diary made the leftover turkey curry an official part of the season’s celebration. Personally, I love making my own curry paste, however, Christmas time is all about spending extra moments with the family so don’t feel guilty about opening a jar of your favourite paste. I often mix 1tbsp of the paste with 2tbsp yoghurt and mix it through the choppedup meat and veg the night before to bring out extra flavour. Personally, I find parsnips work particularly well in curries because of the sweetness they bring. Ingredients 1 onion chopped 3 tbs of curry paste leftover turkey meat diced bell pepper chopped

tin of chickpeas tin coconut milk/tomatoes fresh coriander teaspoon cumin seeds spring onions chopped frozen peas half tsp ground coriander two mugs of boiling water salt and pepper one mug of Basmati/long grain rice 2tbsp yogurt Method ✱ Chop half the onion finely. Place it in a heavy-based pan with a little oil, add half the cumin seeds and dried coriander and cook gently until translucent. ✱ Chop the other half of the onion coarsely and place into a deep frying pan with the curry paste.

✱ Add the rice to the onion and spices, sauté for a couple of minutes. Add the two mugs of boiling water plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Put the lid on once it has reached the boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat without lifting the lid and leave until the curry is ready. ✱ Add the turkey and veg that have been marinated and the spiced yoghurt to the pan along with the chopped bell pepper and the tin of chickpeas. Add either tomatoes or coconut, depending on the style you want for your curry, along with peas. Bring to a rapid boil and allow it to bubble for five minutes. ✱ Add the chopped spring onions to the cooked rice to add a little freshness. Serve with minted yoghurt and fresh coriander if you like it.

QUICK AND EASY PASTA

Pasta is a staple and found in most kitchen cupboards. Here are two quick and easy pasta dishes. The grated ham was inspired by my son-in-law Lewis.

HAM AND CHEESE PASTA Ingredients 100g of gammon grated 1 veg stock cube leftover carrots oil stuffing finely grated scallions

50g cheese

butter chopped herbs 400g pasta

CREAMY TURKEY AND BACON PASTA Ingredients Spring onion 2 tbsp cream 1tbsp flour bacon quarter tsp mustard 400g pasta

250ml milk 1tbsp butter turkey fresh herbs 60g grated cheese

Cook as you would any other pasta dish. Top with bread crumbs or left over bits of crisp smashed up.

22 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Partyfoods VOL AU VENTS

Though seen as a throwback to the ‘70s these are great party food. The turkey filling for the pasta recipe works really great here, or a simple béchamel with ham, mustard and cheese.

SPRING ROLLS

These are a fun and easy thing to make. If you can’t get spring roll pastry, filo pastry will do and they can be savoury or sweet. ✱ For my savoury filling I use confit turkey leg, Cranberry sauce, grated carrot and shredded spring onion for that little bit of freshness. If you’re not sick of the Christmas flavours, turkey, ham and stuffing spring rolls with Cranberry dipping sauce can go down really well. ✱ For a sweet twist, Christmas pudding can be softened down with the remainder of the custard and formed into little spring roll crackers. ✱ The filo pastry can be oven-baked or deep-fried. Once cooked, dust with icing sugar and serve either with Chantilly cream or melted marmalade and/or chocolate dipping sauce. (One part marmalade and one part water or add cocoa for a chocolate hit.)

MASHED POTATO SQUEAK AND BAKES Very often it’s the potatoes I’m left with and a little of the meat and veg. which I either turn into a bubble and squeak or potato bake. ✱ For the bubble and squeak simply grate the sprouts, remaining veg and roast potatoes, although mashed potatoes do fine here. ✱ Gently heat a non-stick frying pan, mix all the ingredients together and place them quite tightly in the pan. Leave to cook through and until the crust has formed, then turn over and crisp up the other side. I like my bubble and squeak served with poached eggs. The simple secret to a good poached egg is to make sure your eggs are as fresh as possible. ✱ For the potato bake put the oven on at 180C, make a béchamel sauce and add stuffing and turkey along with pinch of mustard powder, a good dash of Worcester sauce and either fried onion or finely chopped chive. (You can use leftover sauce from the turkey and bacon pasta dish). Don’t forget to season well. Butter your casserole dish, then layer it up, I start with either mash potatoes or sliced roasties, then any leftover veg, followed by the sauce and repeat, finishing with a top layer of either sliced roast potatoes or mash and a generous lashing of cheese. Place it in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes until it has heated through and the cheese is bubbling on top. I serve it with warm sliced gammon and steamed broccoli.

FRITTERS

These are a great way of using up any leftovers. I make a simple batter of self-raising flour and a little milk and yoghurt. To that I add whatever leftovers I have that need used up, generally the little bits that are too small to be used in any other significant way. Always do a test one to check for seasoning, and adjust accordingly. I heat some oil and pop in the fritters. I prefer

them small. Turn them once crispy. Once they’re cooked on both sides, place them on kitchen roll to drain. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce. Again, these make fantastic movie food, or just for sharing at parties. If you fancy a sweet fritter simply add some cake or Christmas pudding crumbs and finish off by dusting with icing sugar and serve with brandy or orange cream.

GAMMON & CARROT RISOTTO For this you will need good quality stock Ingredients one glass of white wine 1.5 litres stock 10g butter spring onions 1 mug of risotto rice (I usually use arborio) 20g hard cheese 40g soft cheese fresh herbs (I love parsley) 1 stick of celery, finely chopped 1 medium raw carrot, finely chopped grated cooked carrots left from Christmas dinner leftover grated gammon ✱ Place 1ƒ pints of stock in the pot and bring to the boil. Add the rice and cover with a lid. ✱ In a large, deep, frying pan add 10g of butter and drizzle of oil to prevent it from burning, finely chopped stalk of celery, carrot finely chopped, and onion, chop these as fine as you can. Sauté for a couple of minutes, add the white wine, increase the heat, boil rapidly for 3-5 minutes, or until almost completely evaporated. Using a slotted spoon, take the rice from the stockpot and add to the frying pan, reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is almost dry. Add a ladle of stock and repeat until the rice is cooked. Add the grated gammon and carrot and two types of cheese, stir in the fresh herbs and serve immediately.

MULLED WINE GRANITA

This is a great way to use leftover mulled wine. For every litre of mulled wine add 200g of sugar and a pinch of salt to a pot. Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved then allow to cool completely in the pot. Pour into a freezer-proof container and put into the freezer. After an hour, take it out and run a fork through it, Put it back into the freezer and repeat every hour for three hours or until set and ready to serve.

VEGAN BEAN ROAST Cooking for vegan family of friends this Christmas? Try my take on the traditional Bean Roast. Many of my vegan friends don’t like the texture of skin on the beans so I purée them down to make a smoother roast finish. Ingredients 1 onion diced finely 3 tins of mixed beans 1tbsp sherry 2 tbsp roast garlic oil half pack chestnuts 2 sticks celery 3 cloves roast garlic chestnut mushrooms 1 medium carrot 2 tsp chopped parsley 1 tsp chopped/dried sage cup breadcrumbs 1 pint veg stock 1tbsp cornflour Method ✱ Add half of the garlic oil to pan, along with the diced onion and half of the finely chopped stick of celery and carrot, Sauté gently on low heat until the vegetables are starting to go soft and the onions are translucent. Take half the mixture out of the pan and set to one side. ✱ To the pan add the chopped chestnuts and sage, cook for a further five minutes. Add the breadcrumbs and bind together with a little of the veg stock until the stuffing can form a ball. Roll into a sausage shape the length of your loaf tin and set to one side to cool. ✱ Chop the chestnut mushrooms finely and combine with the remainder of the vegetable and onion mixture. Add the rest of the chopped parsley. ✱ Place half of the mushroom and onion

mixture into a pot, add three tins of mixed beans of your choice. If you don’t like the texture of beans and prefer them pureed, do it it this stage before adding to the pot. Add the roasted garlic and quarter of a pint of stock and cook until thick and gloopy. Season to taste. ✱ Add the remainder of the garlic oil to the pan, cook off the remainder of the onion and mushroom mixture until the mushrooms have sweated down, turn up the heat, add the sherry and cook on a high heat until all the liquid has evaporated. Add the remaining veg stock, turn down the heat and allow to simmer for five minutes, then puree (this is your gravy). ✱ Line a loaf tin with baking parchment and paint with a little roast garlic oil. ✱ Place a third of the bean mixture into the bottom of the tin, placing the stuffing mix on top in the centre, use a quarter of the remaining mix down either side of the stuffing, using the rest of the bean mixture to top the tin. Cover with greaseproof paper and place in the oven for 20- 30 minutes. ✱ Once the roast is ready to come out of the oven, set it aside to rest for five minutes and reheat the gravy. Mix the cornflower with the cold water and add gradually to the gravy to thicken it to the required consistency. ✱ Place the bean roast on a serving plate, decorate with roast vegetables and if you like, top with fresh cranberry sauce. ✱ If you love cranberry sauce and know your guests will too you can place the cranberry sauce in the bottom of the loaf tin before you start layering. ✱ Just to reassure the non-mushroom lovers the gravy and roast does not taste of mushroom, it just adds some umami.

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 23

Food made with love

Edible gifts are always a bit special, whether they’re presented in a bespoke jar or as part of a hamper. Jayne Quigg shares some of her favourite recipes MINI FLORENTINES

I love these decadent treats and if you can get the green and red cherries all the better as they look so much more Christmassy. Feel free to tie them with ribbon so they can be attached to the Christmas tree, providing there isn’t anyone with nut allergies that is. They are gluten free. Ingredients 45g salted butter 60g demerara sugar 60g candied peel, chopped

45g dried cranberries/sour cherries, roughly chopped 45g dried fruit, roughly chopped (sultanas, raisins, cherries) 20g pistachio kernels, roughly chopped 60g flaked almonds 1tsp cornflour 1 tbsp double cream 200g dark chocolate, broken into pieces Method ✱ Pre heat oven to 180°C ✱ Use baking parchment on baking trays ✱ Melt butter and sugar in a pan over gentle heat until the sugar has all dissolved. ✱ Put the nuts and fruit into a bowl and coat with the cornflour. ✱ Add the melted butter and sugar to the fruit and nut mixture, combine in the cream ✱ Place in small teaspoon dollops onto the baking parchment. ✱ Place in the oven and bake for 7-9 minutes or until just golden at the edge. ✱ Allow to cool. ✱ Melt the dark chocolate in double boiler or microwave. ✱ Carefully dip the flat side of the Florentine into the chocolate, until coated, set on the other side to cool.

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CHOCOLATE AND GINGER FRUIT CAKE I blitz the fruit in this to keep the cake super moist but remove the bits so many people hate. If you like your fruit whole by all means leave them that way. Ingredients 450g dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, cherries, apricots) 350g dried prunes 175g self-raising flour 175g dark Muscovado sugar 175g butter 3 free range eggs 90g crystallised ginger (chopped fine) 1 tsp mixed spice 1 tsp dried ginger 75g cocoa powder 75g ground almonds 100ml of mulled wine syrup, or coffee liqueur Juice and zest of two oranges 1 tsp baking powder

Method ✱ Chop prunes very fine, soak all dried fruit with half the dried spices and liqueur overnight. ✱ Turn oven on to 170°C, grease and line a 9” round tin ✱ Blitz fruit into puree if desired ✱ Add fruit, butter, sugar, spices, orange juice and zest to a large pan and heat gently until the butter has melted. Add ginger. Set aside to cool a little. ✱ Whisk the eggs ✱ Sieve the almonds, flour, baking power and cocoa into a bowl. ✱ Add the eggs to the slightly cooled mixture, gently fold in the flour. ✱ Place in a baking tin, bake at 170°C for 20 minutes, turn down to 150°C and bake for a further hour or until cooked. ✱ Once cooled this cake can be eaten as is or decorated in any way you like. Personally, I love marzipan and it brings out the flavour of the almonds.

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Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Christmas with Sonny BY DAVINA GORDON

Davina Gordon with baby Sonny

hristmas will be extra special this year. It has lost its magic year on year since I was a child, filled with giddy anticipation and the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning. Now I have an adorable baby boy, it’s becoming magical again. Sonny is fascinated with twinkling fairy lights and bright colours so our decorations are an endless source of wonder and amusement. Although, at a tender six months of age, he is too little too young to know what is going on, I’m as excited as that child of my youth, spending our first Christmas together as a family. It still feels a little surreal. In fact, since I became pregnant, it felt too good to be true. I had a pleasant, uncomplicated pregnancy and a beautiful, healthy boy. I feel incredibly lucky and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I count every blessing. We will be spending Christmas Day in our home, just the three of us. We’re planning Chateaubriand steak with all the trimmings. The wood burning stove will be on and the dining table (which has

been doubling as a changing table) will get a festive makeover. We’re not going to go crazy with presents for Sonny. It will be a few good, carefully chosen quality toys that will last. Personally, I can’t stand tonnes of bright coloured plastic that scatter around the living room, creating an eyesore – and a health hazard. There’s no doubt he will

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

be spoiled by close and extended family too. It’s magical to witness how much joy he brings to everyone he comes in contact with – and me and Andrew, of course. It’s beautiful to see Sonny and my husband bond and there’s no better feeling in the world than when Sonny squeals in delight when he sees me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s tough too. Motherhood isn’t what’s in the movies, or what you see in magazines. It’s hard work, but ultimately, it’s incredibly rewarding. Christmas has always been about family for me, and this year, that means even more. I can’t wait to spend the holidays with mine. Far better than any presents will be the quality time spent with our beautiful baby boy and watching the delighted smiles he elicits. And there’s the mince pies, sweets and mulled wine too of course… Follow Davina’s motherhood journey at mumofsonny.blog Also Instagram and Twitter: mumofsonny

Family Life | 25

Kennedy Centre introduces ‘SilentSanta Sunday’ initiative

SPONSORED

✱

For west Belfast’s Kennedy Centre, making the Christmas experience as inclusive and accessible as possible is of the utmost importance. That’s why, for the second year running, the Centre has extended support for children with additional needs when visiting the Christmas Dome to meetand-greet with Santa Claus. Every Sunday until Christmas, between 9.30am and 1pm, Kennedy Centre will be opening its doors for Silent Santa visits. These visits are for children with additional needs should they require extra support, or for children who might potentially become anxious in the face of excessive noise, queues or crowding during busy opening hours. For the duration of these Silent Santa visits, stores will remain closed and

no music will be played in the centre. It will be a completely relaxed environment designed specifically to reduce fear and anxiety. Should a child become anxious, frightened or if access issues arise during their visit, Santa will greet them at a more convenient point around the Christmas installation for photographs. Centre manager John Jones said: “Kennedy Centre has always been a cornerstone of the community here in west Belfast. We are a communi-

ty-based shopping centre and with that we have a responsibility to ensure that we take adequate measures to provide support for members of the community with additional needs.” Of course, Kennedy Centre will be operating as normal outside of ‘Silent Santa’ hours, and there are many great stores to shop for Christmas ideas, including: Sainsburys, Argento, Blue Inc, CEX, JD, O2 and many more! Kennedy Centre relaxed Santa sessions take place every Sunday (9.30am – 1pm) until December 23.

26 | Family Life

Top12toys thisChristmas

anta always has his ear to the ground and knows exactly what children want – whether they’re naughty or nice. For the rest of us mere mortals, we can turn to the DreamToys list. The Toy Retailers Association, supported by members of the British Toy and Hobby Association, publishes DreamToys each year. Gary Grant, chair of the selection committee, says: “This year’s DreamToys list captures the real wonder and anticipation of Christmas time. Play is something that is very important to a child’s development and the toys selected for DreamToys 2018 promote many key play values while maintaining the excitement that comes with unwrapping a favourite at Christmas.” Stocking fillers include collect them alls like L.O.L, Lego Minifigures, Soft ’n Slo and Fortnite. “Collectables remain one of the most popular trends in the playground,” adds Grant.

wands for a duel with Draco Malfoy. Climb the moving stairs to explore the Grand Staircase tower, master the art of potions in the classroom, discover changing reflections in the Mirror of Erised and help Harry, Hermione and Ron battle the evil Basilisk and defeat Lord Voldemort.

dressed in a mystery disguise, unbox each layer to discover who’s inside. The disguise becomes multiple fashion accessories. Mix and match outfits for tons of new looks. For ages 6 plus years.

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Cra-z slimy super slime studio, rrp £30 The Super Slime Studio Includes everything you need to make your own slime combinations – glitter-effects, rainbow colours, plus much more. Mix, invent and create. Encourages STEM learning. Slimes are quality checked and made with safe fun in mind. For ages 6 years and over.

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

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Paw Patrol Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck, rrp £70 Save the day with Marshall’s Ultimate Rescue Fire Truck. This vehicle is equipped with an extendable 2ft ladder, flashing lights and sounds. Using the water cannon launcher at the bottom of the cab and back of the truck send water cannons (included) flying. The Ultimate Fire Truck also features a mini fire hose and extendable working claw arm for small missions.

Barbie Ultimate Kitchen, rrp £40 Barbie’s Ultimate Kitchen playset has multiple play spaces with real working lights and sounds for young chefs to re-create their favourite dishes. From baking a pie in the oven with a timer that dings, to a stove that makes boiling sounds for the saucepans of food. Fill the fry press with dough, then close and press the top to make fries and hear them sizzle. Also includes min-fridge, five dough colours, additional cooking accessories and Barbie doll in a cute polka-dot print apron.

DREAMTOYS TOP 12:

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Untamed Jailbreak T-Rex Playset, rrp £25 What happens when Fingerlings Untamed dinosaurs get a little too… ferocious? You give them a time-out in the Jailbreak Playset! This special cage comes with Infrared, an exclusive T-Rex with eyes that glow in the dark and a fierce desire to escape. Contain him if you can but beware – if you pull the lever, Infrared will bust out of his cage. The Jailbreak Playset holds up to two Fingerlings Untamed creatures.

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LEGO Hogwarts Great Hall Harry Potter, rrp £90 Build and recreate a magical fantasy realm from the Harry Potter movies with this detailed 4-level LEGO Hogwarts Great Hall Harry Potter building kit. Gather for a feast in the Great Hall and the sorting ceremony, then draw

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Laser X Twin Pack, rrp £50 The ultimate high tech game of tag, the Laser X Blaster works from over 60 metres away with pinpoint accuracy. Gameplay allows unlimited players so you can play one-on-one or add in unlimited blasters. As you are hit your Receiver vest will gradually change colour, hit eight times and you’re out. For each minute you are not hit you earn one hit back. Complete with Voice Coach Guidance, full colour lighting effects, stereo sound and music. Set contains 2 Laser X Blasters and 2 Receiver Vests.

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Poopsie Surprise Unicorn, rrp £50 Each time you feed your surprise unicorn and sit her on her glitter potty, she creates surprise, collectible unicorn poop (slime). Transform your unicorn poop over and over again with Unicorn Magic. Over 20 magic surprises included with each Surprise Unicorn. Four unicorns to collect.

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Boxer, rrp £80 This plucky little bot is the perfect mix of playful and cheeky, responding to hand movements and interacting in silly ways. This interactive AI robot buddy is jam packed with technology, fun games, and an awesome personality. He has tons of play right out of the box with his included game cards, ball accessory, and IR remote control as well as interactivity through gesture, sound, and touch controls. The Boxer app will allow for extended play with additional games that can be unlocked the more you play as well as video tutorials that teach users how to interact with Boxer to his full potential.

Monopoly: Fortnite Edition game, rrp £22 In this edition of Monopoly, inspired by the popular Fortnite video game, players have to claim locations, battle opponents, and avoid the ‘Storm’ to survive. Choose a character and pick from 27 awesome outfits, buy iconic Fortnite locations, pick up loot chest cards, and earn Health points (HP). Roll the action die to pick up health packs, build walls, and damage opponents. Game includes game board, 27 character outfit skins, 15 storm cards, 16 loot chest cards, 8 wall cards, 1 numbered die, 1 action die, 110 health point chips, and game guide.

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L.O.L. Surprise! Pop-Up Store, rrp £40 This 3-in-1 playset, display and carrying case lets you take your dolls out on the town. Play areas include chic café, fashion boutique, and pizza parlour. Display holds 55+ dolls and accessories. Includes exclusive L.O.L. Surprise! doll. For ages 3 years plus.

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L.O.L. Surprise Under Wraps Doll, rrp £15 L.O.L. Surprise! Eye Spy Series UnderWraps dolls have 15 new surprises. Unbox the spy glass to find codes and unlock surprises. Each doll is

Wizard Training Wand, rrp £25 The wand recognizes motion to know when kids have cast their spells. The wand provides sound feedback that the spells have been cast correctly. Each wand includes five modes of play: two modes of standalone play and three modes to play with a friend. The 5 light-up button allows you to select which mode to play. The cast button allows you to cast spells. Wizard Tag (requires 2 or more wands) - play with 1 or more friends. Who can you tag? Rewind time to start again. 3 AAA batteries included.

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 27 How cute is this baby’s Christmas outfit? £18, M&Co Peaky Blinders fans will thank you for something like this knitted flat cap, £18, M&Co

Novelty Christmas tree earrings, £4, M&Co Penguin socks, £3.50, M&S

Super stylish bottle for hot or cold drinks, Stelton Collar Thermo Bottle 0.75L, £54.99, www.cloudberryliving.co.uk

Little ones will love an Elf Rewards Kit. It includes nice list certificates, reward chart with stickers, arrival letter, letter to Santa, mini report cards and the elf himself. This kit will promote good behaviour in the lead up to Christmas and is a fun way to get a little one excited for Christmas, £19.99, www.GettingPersonal.co.uk

Gifts, glorious gifts…

Whether you’re on the look out for Secret Santa gifts for a fiver or a tenner, seeking something special for the love of your life or searching for great gifts for teens, we’ve done some of the legwork for you and come up with some ideas to give you much needed inspiration. Have a look around your local high street for these and similar options… Personalised gifts are always keepers, like this cushion, £19.99, gettingpersonal.co.uk

The Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit contains 16 tools including a Miniature Gerber Multi-Tool and a light. Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit, £62.99, www.farrar-tanner.co.uk

Kids love merch from their favourite shows like Dr Who, movies and YouTubers. My Hero Academia mug, £8.99, Eason

For someone whose job or hobby involves a lot of shivering, Heart hand warmers in pink, £8, FatFace

Justice League heat changing latte mug, £14.99, Eason Darcy Deer earmuffs in aqua, £10.50, FatFace

Metallic gold & white earthenware candle holder, £11.50, www.iansnow.com This rechargeable electric seasoning mill enables fine or coarse precision grinding at the touch of a button. Vintage rose Cuisinart seasoning mill, Vintage Rose, £50, www.cuisinart.co.uk

Love Your Hair Professional Brush, £43, FARO

Blurring multiple colours and a crackle effect make this Artland set of two neon DOF tumblers special, £18.50, www.notjustjugs.com

Magazine or newspaper subscriptions make for great presents, especially for people with a specialist hobby. Every month, when the latest issue drops through the door, they’ll be reminded that you were thinking of them. BBC Gardeners World, about £56 for one year

Gingerbread Spice, £39, Too Faced

Manor Orangery Scented Candle, by True Grace, £28, The French Bedroom Co

Silver Hammered Crystal Wine Cooler, £94, www.marquisanddawe.co.uk

28 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Bulova ladies watch, £349, Very and other stockists

Nike Zoom Matumbo 2, unisex distance spike, rrp £115

This bluetooth speaker is waterproof, has up to 10 hours battery life and you can daisy chain it. When wireless Bluetooth isn’t an option, connect your device to the speakers with the cable. JBL Clip 3 Portable bluetooth Speaker, £49.99, Curry’s and other stockists

Instax SQ 6 Instant Camera, £124.99, Argos and other stockists

Vintage looks but modern performance mark out this briefcase record player. it features three speed turntable, auto stop function, built in speakers and manual pick up arm, plus it also comes with a USB stick so that you can record your vinyl records on the go. GPO Ambassador turntable, £109, cuckooland.com

Garmin Forerunner 35 in Frost Blue lets you track how far and fast you run with GPS accuracy, measures calories burned and heart rate, even while you sleep. Stay in touch with text and call notifications and keep track of fitness goals, £159.99, Curry’s and other stockists

Giftguide

Tech and its accessories as well as sportswear tend to be dead certs with older kids and active adults. Pop into your local stores to find great deals on the leading brands Powerbeats3 Wireless bluetooth earphones for workout freedom. Take calls, control your music and activate Siri with RemoteTalk, rrp £169.95

Apple Watch Series 3 brings smart activity coaching, an enhanced Heart Rate app, your favourite playlists, built-in altimeter and a more powerful processor that lets Siri speak to you, rrp from £279

Nike JDI Backpack, £16.99, at Deichmann

UE Blast, Alexa enabled Bluetooth speaker, £199.99, Very and other stockists

Mustard ring front camera bag, £10, Matalan

A new phone always goes down well for someone special, such as the new Samsung Galaxy A9, £549

Adidas backpack, £24.99, at Deichmann Get better photos with a fish eye phone lens like this one, £5.99, TK Maxx

101 Things To Do Instead Of Playing On Your Phone Book is packed with activities to keep kids occupied and phone free, £5.99, gettingpersonal.co.uk

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Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Gift GUIDE

Fun and funky, traditional and zany, there are so many potential presents out there. It’s simply a matter of looking...

William Morris inspired comfort trays have a cushioned base, perfect for breakfast in bed, £22.95, House of Bath

Vouchforsuccess

Sometimes it is impossible to find the ✱ right gift for your fussy family members or friends. Why not get them a gift voucher?

Ignore that inner voice telling you it’s a cop out and instead, listen to the one that’s reminding you of previous gift disasters – that T shirt you thought hilarious but had them visibly cringing? Or that perfume you thought was perfect for your 20 year old, only to discover it’s a best seller among octogenarians? Believe us, if you struggle to find the right gifts, they will thank you! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

1. A gift-card for their favourite shop – fashion or sports are best for young uns whereas a department store is a safer bet for everyone else. 2. Voucher for a weekend away at a beautiful hotel. Buy it for your other half and hopefully, they’ll choose you to share the treat. 3. Voucher for dinner or afternoon tea. It’s the perfect post-Christmas pick-me-up. 4. Tickets to a gig. It could be anything from the opera to a grunge-fest to theatre or comedy. A few discreet enquiries should give you an idea of their preferred options and then all you need to do is see who’s touring. 5. Tickets to a game – football, rugby, Gaelic, ice hockey – take your pick… 6. An experience. This could cover anything from go-karting to sky diving to cookery or wine tasting classes.

Irish Vintage Map 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle, a fascinating way to get to know the island, €15, Harvey Norman

Dinosaur Sticker Book from the Natural History Museum is full of facts, puzzles and games, £4.99, www.nhmshop.co.uk

Delightfully illustrated, there are 16 puzzle pieces to make a fun Fire truck scene, suitable for age 3+. Djeco Fire truck puzzle, £8, www. daisypark.co.uk and other stockists

Who doesn’t love a secret message set? Keep one pen and give the other to your bestie. The set includes invisible ink and a UV lamp and batteries. NPW Secret Message Writing Set, £5.50, John Lewis and range of stockists

Cat lover’s playing cards, £9.95, Annabel James at a range of stockists

Now that we’ve given you some ideas, perhaps it’s time to start dropping some hints of your own. Now, who’s on at Glastonbury next summer?

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 31

Chef’schoice W

e all have our go to gadgets, whether that’s a rice cooker, George Foreman grill or slow cooker. We asked those in the know – the professional chefs, what machines they most rely on to help them work their magic… They might inspire you with the perfect gift for the talented cooks in your life! Well known TV and radio chef Paula McIntyre says: “The kitchen gadget I couldn’t do without is my Magimix food processor. It’s over 15 years old but good as new and stands up to a lot of use. I use it to make pastry, pasta dough, breadcrumbs, making fish or meat into mousse, chopping nuts... the list is endless. It saves so much Magimix C3160 time and is always Food Processor rrp £229.99 consistent. I know

Paula McIntyre you get lots of attachments with it but I just use the main blade. My late granny gave it to me so it has sentimental value too. My mum is onto her second Magimix – the first one lasted for over 30 years. I’m hoping I’ll have the same longevity with mine!”

Private chef Jayne Quigg: “I definitely can’t do without a potato ricer. My other must-haves are a knife sharpener and my Thermomix!” Oxo Good Grips Potato ricer, rrp £27

Jayne Quigg

Lantana Smart Sharp Knife Sharpener, rrp £21.99 Thermomix, rrp £925

Pauline Carson

Kenwood Stick Blender HDP308WH 800 W White/Grey, rrp £95.99

Baker Pauline Carson, of The Little Bake Shop: I would say my hand blender as I use it for everything – soups to whipping cream. It’s a Kenwood and I’ve had it for years but I love it!”

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Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018 02

FORHER 07

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01 My Fifth Avenue, £45 for 100ml, Elizabeth Arden 02 12 Days of Christmas Calendar, £115, Mugler 03 Beautiful Belle EDP, £100 for 100ml, Estee Lauder 04 Cologne Rose, £62 for 100ml, Compagnie De Provence 05 Elizabeth Arden Fragrance Gift Set, £12, very.co.uk 06 Personalised Design Your Own Fragrance, £49.99, gettingpersonal.co.uk 07 Gold EDP, £8 for 30ml, Next 08 Bonbon EDP, £105 for 90ml, Victor & Rolf 09 White Moss & Snowdrop Cologne, £96 for 100ml, Jo Malone 10 Limited Collection Butterfly Garden EDT, £14, Marks & Spencer

Festivefragranceforeverybudget

It doesn’t feel like Christmas unless you’ve got a brand new bottle of perfume or cologne to spritz on your gorgeous Christmas outfit or adorn your bathroom shelf. Here is our pick of the best on the high street for your loved ones (or you, of course). It doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. Here are some great options if you’re planning to splurge or if you’re on a strict budget. It’s the thought that counts, right? 01

FORHIM 09

08 10

01 Breath of God, £25 for 30ml, Lush 02 Happy For Him, £60, Clinique 03 Cologne Woody, £20 for 10ml, Compagnie De Provence 04 Man EDT, £15, River Island 05 Collezione Nero EDT, £15, Marks & Spencer 06 Personalised Design Your Own Fragrance For Men £49.99, gettingpersonal.co.uk 07 Orange Bitters Collection, £96 for 100ml, Jo Malone 08 Versace Eros EDT, £69.99, Argos 09 Joop EDT, £44.95, House of Bath 10 Marine Aftershave, £10, Topman

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 33

Smoothlydoesit withskincaregifts f you’re super organised and have all your Christmas shopping done, give yourself a pat on the back! If you are in need of a little inspiration, here are some collections to spoil someone with – or even treat yourself to!

skin. Apply Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm as you would a moisturiser for an all over glow, or tap over makeup for targeted, subtle highlights. Use fingertips to gently pat Extra Eye Repair Cream under eyes. Swipe Extra Lip Tint on bare lips.

1 Hydrating Beauty Secrets, £42.50, Elemis *worth £70.50

3 ageLOC transformation, £357.54, NuSkin

Revitalise dry skin with this deeply hydrating, moisture-rich collection – this set contains everything you need to cover all your bases and commit to a nourishing skincare routine. Includes: Cleansing Micellar Water, Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser, HydraBoost Day Cream, Peptide4 Night Recovery Cream-Oil.

2 Ready, Set, Glow Extra Skincare set, £68, Bobbi Brown

Designed for those days when your skin needs something extra, this limited-edition set includes Bobbi Brown’s most reparative, intensively moisturising formulas for your

If you can afford to splurge and really treat yourself, this complete and comprehensive skin care system cleanses, purifies, renews, moisturises and reveals younger looking skin in eight ways - for a more youthful and healthier looking you. Contains: ageLOC Gentle Cleanse & Tone, ageLOC Future Serum, ageLOC Radiant Day SPF 22, and ageLOC Transforming Night

4 Beauty Sleep, 15g, £15, ESPA

Enjoy a restful slumber and wake up to a radiant complexion with ESPA’s mini Overnight Hydration Therapy.

5 Christmas Party, £18.95, Lush

The best and brightest washes have converged for a party of epic proportions so lather up with bright lemon and lime, shower down with fresh apple infusion and chase away the cobwebs with luminous tangerine and grapefruit. Set contains: Ectoplasm Shower Jelly and Baked Alaska soap.

6 Bergamot & Jasmine Shower & Hydrate, £36, ESPA

Indulge in the refreshing and skin quenching formulas found in ESPA’s Bergamot & Jasmine Body Wash and Body Lotion. Whether preparing for the day ahead or looking to relax in the evening, these shower essentials will fit seamlessly into your routine.

7 Sea Lavender Stars, £29, Elemis *worth £47

Delicate ocean-inspired aromas of sea lavender and samphire gently cleanse and moisturise your body, leaving skin soft and beautifully scented. Includes Sea Lavender & Samphire Shower Milk, Sea Lavender & Samphire Hand & Nail Balm.

Pucker up–it’s mistletoe season! Extra Lip Tint – Bare Blackberry, £25.50, Bobbi Brown

Available in a six shades, including Bare Raspberry, Bare Nude and Bare Melon. A nourishing oil blend, comprised of olive, avocado and jojoba oils, plus Vitamin C and E, to envelop lips in rich moisture and hydration, smoothing, and softening lips for a supple, plush look and feel. Use solo for a burst of balmy moisture or apply under your favourite lipstick for a moisturising and brightening base layer.

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

34 | Family Life Grey window check skater dress, £32, Apricot

Rust satin cowl neck cami, £12.99, New Look

Houndstooth print pencil skirt, £30, M&Co

Snake skim lace up boot, £29.99, New Look

Berry vinyl trench, £70, Next

Blue tartan mini skirt, £35, River island

Leopard fur crombie coat, £69, Dorothy Perkins

chic CHRISTMAS

HAVEA

hristmas fashion is all about keeping warm while looking stylish. The heritage look is stunning this year and can work for all ages with tartan mini skirts perfect for young pins. Pinafore dresses are also in for teens in soft cord. The heritage look is big on checks and fine natural wool-based fabrics which lend themselves perfectly to being layered up for extra warmth on a cold winter’s day. As far as colour

Mustard dress, £35, Dorothy Perkins

palettes go, red, green, purple, burgundy and blue are on trend, as you’d expect for Christmas, but so too are pink, mustard and rust. If you can’t resist animal print, there’s a lot of leopard and snakeskin out there in everything from coats to skirts to shoes and accessories. Skirts and trousers can be tight as you like or wider than they’ve been since the 1970s. Go wide for a funky look for nights out, either trousers teamed with a tight top or trendy jumpsuit.

Burgundy button cord pinafore dress, £35, Miss Selfridge

Black detailed high neck jumper, £36, Wallace

Camel shearling coat, £55, Dorothy Perkins

Leopard print dress, sizes 14-28, £45, Evans

Snake Print Plisse Culotte, £32, Lipsy London

Autograph coat £119; M&S Collection jacket £69; Jumper £12.50; Top £15; Trouser £45; Shoes £29.50, M&S

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 35

Shineon...

For parties and big occasions, glam up with sparkling sequins and lace or sophisticated velvet with elegrant heels or on-trend ankle boots Red stripe velvet wide leg jumpsuit, £29.99, New Look Ombre sequin dress, £75, Abbey Clancy for Lipsy Sequin T-shirt dress, £25, F&F

Black sequin jumpsuit, £24.99, New Look

Burgundy sequin long sleeve dress, £46, Glamorous

Kitten heel sequin bow boot, £49, Next

Petite navy wide leg velvet trouser, £45, Miss Selfridge

Sequin Wrap Dress £69, Peacock Lace Dress £120, M&Co

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Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Sparkle like the star you are thisseason BY DAVINA GORDON

our sequinned LBD is hanging up and you’ve bought those killer heels you’ll probably only wear once but what about the main attraction – your face? Sparkling eyes and a gorgeous smile will you get noticed at all the festive soirees but how do you make sure your best assets are highlighted perfectly? With this step-by-step guide of course! Here, we’ll take you right from your bare face to being selfie-ready. It’s all about the base. If long days of work and late nights of play have left your skin looking more dull than radiant, this is your instant cure. Hangover from Too Faced is a revolutionary primer infused with coconut water, probiotics and skin revivers to replenish tired and overworked skin while locking down make-up. You can also get fantastic primers from Stila and Mii Cosmetics. The next step is a great foundation. Magic Foundation from Charlotte Tilbury has all the ingredients to give you flawless skin whilst treating problem areas and boasting anti-ageing benefits. Next up is the eyes and ‘tis the season for high drama. It’s all about highly pigmented eyeshadow and Spice of Life from Zoeva offers both variety and spice. With shimmer, matte, and metallic finishes and

shades ranging from vanilla to cinnamon, this mix-and-match eye makeup collection will spice up your look in endless ways. If you want to go all out, try MAC’s Pro Glitter in Copper for eyes that really pop and sparkle. If you shy away from bold colour then Clarins’ Ombre Iridescente in Silver Grey is perfect, especially with blue or green eyes. Enhance the shape of your beautiful peepers with liner. Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner from Stila offers precise application and results in beautifully defined eyes that will leave a lasting impression. Your eyebrows frame your face so don’t overlook them. Chocolate Brownie Cocoa Powder Brow Pencil from Too Faced conditions brow hair while offering perfectly defined and groomed brows that last for 12 hours – all with a subtle chocolate scent! For bold and beautiful lashes you need lashings of black mascara. We love Legendary Lashes Volume 2, a brand new reformulated mascara to give you volumised lashes in a longwear, smudge proof, humidity resistant formula that increases volume after just one application. Next up is highlighter, a very important step in your regime to hotness. Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Beauty Light Wand is a dreamy rose gold highlighter inspired by Hollywood and the flawless filters of social

media. Treated pearls boost brightening and highlighting to give a luminous complexion with a soft-focused finish, with light reflecting particles for a natural glow. Nothing says healthy like rosy cheeks. Blush Couture by Artdeco is a tricolour blusher in an exclusive, limited-edition design. With its vibrant colour and chic design, the Blush Couture is a top player in every makeup bag. The delicate texture also makes it ideal for use with every powder brush. Check out Mii Cosmetics and Stila for other fab blusher choices. You’re almost camera ready! Next up is choosing your shade of lipstick. Lipliner is the start to the perfect pout. Sharply define and shape your lips with Zoeva Graphic Lip Liners. With an ultra-precise and highly pigmented texture, this amazing pencil gives long-wearing lip definition with high opacity. Now for the all important lipstick. You can go nude or red, glossy or matte. We adore D for Danger by MAC and Lip Lacquer in Seductress by Elizabeth Arden. These little treasures would also work well as stocking fillers! Finally, make sure all your hard work sticks and spritz some Fix and Glow Lightning by Obsession, a steal at just £6! Now you’re picture perfect, it’s time to hit all those Christmas parties with confidence. All you need now is a glass of fizz and plenty of energy for the dancefloor.

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

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01 Hangover Replenishing Face Primer, £27, Too Faced 02 One Step Illuminating Primer, £26, Stila 03 Magic Foundation, £32, Charlotte Tilbury 04 Velvet Radiance Face Base, £26.50, Mii Cosmetics 05 Spice of Life Eyeshadow Palette, £17.50, Zoeva 06 Pro Glitter in Copper, £16.50, MAC 07 Ombre Iridescente in Silver Grey, £19, Clarins 08 Chocolate Brow-nie in Deep Brown, £19, Too Faced 09 Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Intense Black, £16, Stila 10 Legendary Lashes Vol 2 in Black Vinyl, £25, Charlotte Tilbury 11 Hollywood Beauty Highlighter Wand, £29, Charlotte Tilbury 12 Convertible Colour Dual Lip & Cheek Cream in Petunia, £18, Stila 13 Blush Couture, £32.30, Artdeco 14 Uplifting Cheek Colour in Cheer, £16.50, Mii Cosmetics 15 Heaven’s Hue Highlighter in Incandescence, £29, Stila 16 Mineralize Skinfinish Powder in Cheeky Bronze, £25.50, MAC 17 Chocolate Soleil, £25, Too Faced 18 Graphic Lips in Earthbound, £5.50, Zoeva 19 Lip Lacquer in Seductress, £18, Elizabeth Arden 20 D for Danger, £17.50, MAC 21 Fix and Glow Spray Lightning, £6, Obsession

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Begoodtoyourskin 12

by Maeve Richardson

1 CLEANSERS

You can spend a fortune on luxurious moisturisers and serums but if you haven’t cleansed properly first you are just asking for clogged pores and dull skin. Whether you wear a full face of make-up or go bareskinned, a good cleanser is a must, and these are among the best on the market.

removes pore-blocking elements. Exfoliating helps to improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture and with regular use, you will be less likely to get pimples and blemishes, as pores will no longer be clogged with dead surface skin cells. Leaves skin soft and radiant, and with a brighter complexion.

Absolute Cleansing Oil, 100ml, £20.47, Kinvara Skincare The multi-award winning cleansing oil is a gentle, non-strip ‘waterless formulation’ made with 100% plant oils, ideal for those looking to use pure, preservative-free skincare and will remove all make-up – even mascara!

CBD & Hyaluronic Cleansing Milk, £38, MGC Derma This soap-free cleanser contains surfactants (cleaning agents) to gently remove oil, dirt and makeup to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. It is also enriched with high-purity Cannabidiol (CBD) derived from the hemp plant, to support and help the skin to appear firmer, younger and revived.

Purifying Pink Clay Detox Mask, £40 Emma Hardie A botanical-rich, purifying and detoxifying clay mask to deeply cleanse and balance the skin, refine pores, exfoliate and remove impurities. Australian Pink Clay improves the skin’s natural moisture levels, and moringa seed oil is rich in Vitamin C and E, providing antioxidant and environmental protection.

SCRUBS/MASKS

If you want to get the most out of your products it’s important to work with a smooth surface. For those prone to oily skin, you could use a scrub 2-3 times a week, while for the rest of us, once a week should do the trick.

Elemental Exfoliating Scrub, £31.17, Kinvara Skincare The unique and gentle marine-based formula of the Elemental Exfoliating Powder is enriched with five vitamins and seaweed minerals. Its non-abrasive gentle formula gently removes dulling, dead skin cells to leave your skin feeling like new, an it doesn’t contain any micro-beads.

Exfoliant Scrub, £21.79, NuSkin This gentle scrub comes in an aloe vera base, which conditions and guards vital moisture levels. It

15 14

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Creamy Hydrating Masque, £28.68, NuSkin This nourishing face and neck mask revitalises, soothes and moisturises dehydrated skin. Saccaride Isomerate acts as a moisture magnet, binding moisture to the skin, reducing dryness and bringing out a natural glow. Cactus and pine cone extracts contain nutrients which soothe and nourish the skin. Apply liberally to face and neck area after cleansing and continue your normal skincare routine. Can be used two to three times a week.

SERUM/MOISTURISER/NIGHT CREAM

Using too much product can lead to oily skin and blemishes, so don’t forget that a little goes a long way, but don’t neglect your neck and décolleté!

Hyaluronic Youth Boost, £20.47, Kinvara Skincare Kinvara have added to their multi-award winning cruelty-free brand with the Hyaluronic Youth Boost. This easily-absorbed, fragrance-free gel combines the proven plumping action of hyaluronic acid and the superfood properties of certified organic turmeric, to plump skin and soften fine lines. Apply before your moisturiser/serum.

Bye Bye Redness Calming Moisturiser, 60ml, £35, IT Cosmetics Developed with plastic surgeons, this moisturiser helps soothe the look of redness while providing deep hydration, and is gentle enough for even the most sensitive and dry skin. Crammed with anti-ageing, skin-soothing colloidal oatmeal, aloe, cucumber, chamomile extract, avocado, chrysin, turmeric, collagen and peptides. The best part about this cream is how it feels on your skin, it’s incredibly soothing and leaves me confident enough to face the day without make-up!

Multivitamin Super Cream, £45, Alpha-H With less than 1% of orally ingested vitamins reaching our skin, this topical multivitamin in a jar provides the epidermis with a much-needed boost to bolster its antioxidant capabilities and protect against environmental pollution, while also targeting premature ageing Densitium Rose Eclat, £36, SVR Densitium Rose Cream is the first dermatological anti-ageing treatment incorporating a double anti-gravity action and anti-yellowing. It targets the six parameters of skin ageing: flexibility, firmness, density, hydration, maintenance and radiance. Silky, non-sticky and pleasantly scented, this fresh emulsion revitalises devitalized skins.

Power Duo Serum, £110, W=Hb2 This two-phase, triple action skincare treatment helps promote balanced skin health, beauty and protection. A radiant, supple complexion and adaptable protection is achieved through a complex. Use twice a day, morning and evening on cleansed skin, before completing your normal skincare regime. The best part about this product is that it is climate adaptable – taking you around the world and through the seasons.

17 BODY LOTIONS

I’m on an eternal quest to find the perfect body moisturiser and love trying new offerings. As someone who always needs a little extra help getting off to the Land of Nod, I love moisturisers containing lavender for evenings, while I love a fresh product with a little zing for mornings, here are two of each!

Aromatic Body Lotion, £21.50, Neal’s Yard Contains balancing geranium and relaxing lavender, infused in nourishing pumpkin seed oil, for skin that’s soft to the touch with a naturally soothing, subtly floral aroma.

Beauty Sleep Body Butter, £23.00, Neal’s Yard A rich, luxurious body butter containing calming ylang ylang and patchouli essential oils, great to use just before bed to help promote a relaxing night sleep. It works overnight to leave you waking up with skin that feels soft and beautifully pampered.

24hr Rosehip Face Serum, £29.39, Kinvara Skincare Designed to provide intensive hydrating care to even the most demanding skin, this concentrated formula is packed with antioxidants and super-hydrating and calming organic plant extracts such as jojoba, rosehip and aloe vera, especially ideal for dry, dehydrated and irritated skin.

NCEF Night-Mask, £60, Filorga A highly regenerating gel formula that provides tired, stressed skin with the equivalent of eight hours sleep! More than just a night cream, this sleeping mask combats lack of sleep through its action on melatonin and maximises the benefits of sleep by the same active ingredients as those used in mesotherapy injections – penetrating the skin for super activated regeneration overnight. It also contains hyaluronic acid to plump fine lines. ageLOC Transforming Night, £72.30, NuSkin A rich hydrating cream that dramatically reduces the look of fine lines, wrinkles and pores, so you wake to glowing, smooth, supple skin. This exclusive cream features ageLOC® to combat the ultimate sources of ageing. Plus, ultra-mild ingredients that mimic the skin’s own structure, working with its natural night-time renewal process for deeply hydrated, rejuvenated, youthful looking skin.

Moisture Rich Body Lotion, £31, Clarins A rich, creamy lotion with a seductively appealing fragrance, which effectively rescues dry skin. To the touch, skin becomes softer, smoother and more supple. To the eye, skin becomes firmer, brighter and more youthful. An enzyme called keratolin and controlled fruit acids gently refine the surface of the skin by encouraging exfoliation, while candlenut oil and orange blossom wax strengthen and restore the skin’s natural protective hydrolipidic film, for healthy, glowing skin.

Pomegranate and Argan Oil Body Lotion, 250ml, £19.00, Crabtree & Evelyn Autumnal pomegranate seeds, argan, coconut, pistachio, grapeseed and sweet almond oils offer dry skin a quenching daily fix. Light and easily absorbed, it glides onto skin quickly and smoothly leaving nothing but softness in its wake with a scent to nourish the senses.

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 39

SPONSORED

Aiming high at Hazelwood Integrated College!

This young Hazelwood player has a bit of growing to do!

he levels of excitement rose amongst our Year 8 students who stayed behind after school for the visit of the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds Basketball team on November 28. Eight College Basketball teams from across the United States were in Belfast for a few days for the Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic 2018 held at the SSE Arena. Hazelwood were lucky enough to be selected as the link school for the Blackbirds. Students gathered in advance of the visit to watch the famous basketball movie ‘Space Jam’, then the noise levels escalated when the coach carrying the team arrived at the College. The students gave the players a fabulous Hazelwood welcome and then got the opportunity to train with the team and also participate in a Q&A session, where some very interesting questions were asked! The players very generously distributed lots of their team merchandise and

The Hazelwood IC pupils gave the Brooklyn Blackbirds a rousing welcome signed autographs for the students. The Hazelwood students then sent the team off with a guard of honour, wishing them the very best of luck for the competition ahead. Two days later, 220 students and 10 staff had the fantastic opportunity to take in the

action at the SSE Arena. Hazelwood Integrated College is a fast-moving, forward-thinking school that offers all students the opportunity to excel. Make Hazelwood your school, your first choice!

42 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

ready to leave. But we are here to provide that support, not just at Christmas time but every day of the year.” The 24/7 Helpline was set up in 1995, following research carried out by Monica McWlliams which highlighted a need for a 24 hour crisis service for victims of domestic violence in Northern Ireland. The Helpline was initially volunteer-led but expanded over the years and currently is covered by 10 staff and up to 20 volunteers. They also provide face-to-face support.

It’snotsuchafestive seasonforfamilies afflictedbydomesticabuse By Maureen Coleman

hristmas may be a joyous occasion for most people – a chance to reunite with loved ones, eat, drink and be merry – but for victims of domestic abuse, it’s just another day in their ongoing trauma. While it’s traditionally a busy period for the PSNI, who report a spike in domestic violence incidents around this time of year, many victims struggle on through the holidays for the sake of their children, only reaching out for help when Christmas is over. Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland manages a 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline which operates every day of the year. And Helpline manager Sonya McMullan is keen to point out that support is available throughout the Christmas period, day or night. According to Sonya, who has worked numerous Christmas shifts since joining the organisation as volunteer coordinator 18 years ago, callers to the Helpline over the festive season are oblivious to the fact that it is Christmas.

“Domestic violence happens every day of the year, not just Christmas or holidays,” Sonya says. “Yes, it can be heightened by the added stresses and strains of Christmas and increased alcohol consumption, but those who call our Helpline looking for support don’t even mention that it’s Christmas. They are dealing with ongoing trauma and Christmas doesn’t register with them. It’s not on their radar. Christmas Day is just another day for victims of domestic abuse. “It can also be a very lonely and isolating time when a parent might be without their children for the first time since a relationship break-up. We also deal with issues around child contact when children haven’t been returned after the Christmas break.

“But what we find is that callers often try their best to hold it together over the Christmas period to ensure their children have as enjoyable a Christmas as possible. Then we notice a spike in calls after Christmas and around the New Year period. The start of a new year tends to be a reflective time for many people and sometimes that initial call to the Helpline can be the first step in the pathway to change.” Forced to flee Of course there are cases when victims of domestic abuse have no choice but to flee their homes around Christmas and this is when the Helpline staff and volunteers step in and help them into one of the refuges located throughout Northern Ireland. Over the Christmas period last year domestic violence forced 57 women and 43 children to leave their homes to live in one of three refuges managed by Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid, not to mention the women and children who were housed in the organisation’s other refuges. Sonya said: “Many of the callers to our Helpline still live with that ‘hook of hope’, hoping that the violence will end. They may still love their partner and not feel

Walking on eggshells Last year the PSNI launched its Christmas campaign around the message ‘If you feel like you’re walking on eggshells, that’s domestic abuse” and it’s gearing up to launch its 2018 campaign. Detective Superintendent Ryan Henderson, from the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch, said: “Domestic abuse just doesn’t occur at Christmas. It happens all year round. We respond to an incident of domestic abuse every 18 minutes. It is our job to keep people safe. We know that domestic abuse is a frightening crime which can affect anyone, often leaving them feeling isolated and alone. However we know that many incidents of domestic abuse still go unreported.” Last year the refuges, which are also open 365 days a year, provided shelter to 717 women and 485 children across Northern Ireland. At this time of year, donations of new toys, toiletries, make-up and other gifts, are particularly appreciated for women and children forced to leave their homes and belongings to flee to a refuge. Anyone wishing to make a donation of a gift to the refuges can contact one of the nine local Women’s Aid groups across Northern Ireland. To contact your nearest group, log onto www. womensaidni.org/get-help/local-groups for details. Contact the 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline Call 0808 802 1414 Text support to 07797 805 839 Email 24hrsupport@dvhelpline.org

Giveahelping handtotheelderly

sad fact of the festive season is that many elderly people throughout Northern Ireland will be waking up alone on Christmas morning. They may not have any family members remaining or their relatives might simply live too far away to visit.

And so there’s nobody to open presents with, nobody to make Christmas dinner and nobody to enjoy a good movie with after having lots of food and drink.

If you know of anyone in this situation, there are ways you can help to ensure their Christmas is more cheerful. Here are 5 tips that can brighten up the life of someone who’s all alone this Christmas:

1. Help with their shopping: Many older people have less mobility and so trekking through the busy shops at this time of year can be very hard. So if you are tech savvy, you could show them how to use the internet for shopping — they could find more bargains online too. 2. Help put up the decorations: This will give their home a more festive feel so they can get into the spirit of the season.

Many elderly people will be alone this Christmas 3. Pull out the photo albums: Ask if they have any Christmas photos from years gone by. It will be good for them to reminisce and tell you what Christmas was like when they were younger. 4. Help write the Christmas cards: They may still have people they want to send cards to all over the world. You can help older people get these organised so they are sent out in time. 5. Invite them over for Christmas dinner. There’s usually so much to go around that they will be doing you a favour by preventing good grub going to waste.

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Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Belfast Christmas market

Maketimeto make memories…

top the clock and enjoy time out from the festive season’s frenzied busyness with a few days away. Or how about planning some recuperative R&R in the new year? Being kind to yourself doesn’t make most people’s new year resolutions and perhaps it should. It would be an opportunity to process the highs and lows of 2018 and plan for the year ahead. Even an overnight trip or relaxing family day out provides an opportunity to switch off and focus on the people who matter most. Or how about parking the children with their grandparents and enjoy some quality time as a couple – you could make it your Christmas gift to each other. Getting away from being parents and reconnecting as a couple is important and the kids will benefit from your relationship getting back onto its happiest footing. Book into an hotel with a reputation for fine food and a wonderful spa and immerse yourself in its relaxing delights. While away a day taking Afternoon Tea by a roaring fire or save yourself for a sumptuous evening meal followed by a few cocktails. Many spas now cater for couples so you can relax and rest together. Or go with friends or the wider family for a fantastic weekend away packed with walks through forests or along beautiful deserted beaches. Head for one of the cities or a great shopping town and fit in some Christmas shopping during your

trip. Or take a more relaxed approach and combine sightseeing with a browse around a Christmas market – don’t forget to fit in a hot drinks pitstop. Take in a show or a gig and make a special occasion of it. Can’t bear to leave the kids? Lots of hotels have facilities for children apart from the pool and play areas, some run holiday clubs over mid term and Christmas and many are in locations packed with fun things to do, from Santa’s grottos to winter wonderlands, fairs and even seasonal ice rinks – a great way to stay warm and have a lot of laughs. Should you decide to spend the Christmas holidays away from home, you don’t need to worry about the children missing Santa as he always knows where to turn up. Hotels love to spoil their guests and they go the extra mile at Christmas, creating a magical atmosphere, laying on entertainment and the best of everything as far as food and drink is concerned. Imagine getting out of bed on Christmas morning without a thought for putting the oven on or prepping the veg. Saunter down to the hotel’s restaurant at your leisure and enjoy a sumptuous Christmas dinner that you had no part in cooking. No washing up, no tidying, no collapsing in an exhausted heap on Christmas night. Dress your festive best and end the day with a twirl on the dance floor or go away for the new year and ring in 2019 in the best of style. A break could be exactly what’s needed for a very happy Christmas.

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Christmas in Dublin

Enjoy time together as a couple

Family Life | 45

46 | Family Life

The festive season is well underway, with something for everyone from arts to music, comedy to panto. For family days out and seasonal fun, all the usual attractions, from W5 to Titanic Belfast, Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry, open farms and Castle Espie WWT, have spiced up their events for the season. Here are some more special places to visit to add to the festive feels...

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

At the launch of the Hillsborough Christmas Market are Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee is joined by Kay Armstrong, Deli Muru; Barbara Erwin, Foliage Works; Carole Wallace, In Klover and Jonathan Laverty, Wolf and Woodsman

Christmascrackers and festivefun

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Belfast Christmas Market is bringing festive cheer to Belfast City Hall until December 22. It is open Monday– Wednesday from 10am-8pm and Thursday to Saturday 10am-10pm (closes at 6pm on Saturday 22 December) and on a Sunday at 12pm – 6pm. www.facebook.com/ BelfastXmasMark.

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Winter Wonderland has come to the Hope Street Car Park (beside The Holiday Inn) with ice skating, a Gandey’s Greatest Snowman Circus and all sorts of Christmas themed funfair rides and food stalls.

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Belfast City Council is upping the festive spirit with attractions to draw shoppers to the city centre and support the #YourBelfast campaign. There’s a stage outside Castle Court on Royal Avenue with local choirs and pro performers such as Peter Corry set to perform over the coming

Ice skating at Belfast’s new Winter Wonderland at Hope Street weeks as well as musical performances and carousel rides at Castle Place. Over at Donegall Place there’s a giant snow slide and there are also fairground rides at Cathedral Gardens. Take a break from the shopping and pop into the Pop-up

Christmas Cinema at Bank Square, Bank Street, Belfast, this weekend. Screenings begin throughout the day from 10am to 7pm. See www.belfastcity.gov.uk for details, or better still, have a walkabout and soak up the atmosphere.

Frock Around The Clock returns to the Belfast Castle for the spectacular Magical Christmas Fair from 12-5pm on December 9. This event will feature 50 sellers of beautiful and original handmade crafts and vintage treasures, including fashion accessories, jewellery, homewares, collectables, textiles and decor, artisan food, art, crafts and gifts, beauty and wellness, Christmas decorations and much more. It will be the perfect place to finish off your Christmas shopping in style, from a superb selection of sellers. Admission costs £2 for adults and children go free.

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Be sure to wrap up warm as the Christmas Twilight returns to St George’s Market on December 11 and 12, 4pm-11pm. Visitors can sample local food, drink and craft stalls, as well as enjoy a programme of live entertainment and cookery demonstrations. All Twilight Market events are strictly over 18s after 9pm.

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 47

SPONSORED

ARENACROSSIS COMINGTOTOWN

he Arenacross Tour is a threehour, highly-charged and fastpaced night of non-stop action, that will keep the whole family entertained, and hollering for more! The 2019 Tour will open at The SSE Arena, Belfast, on Friday, January 18, and return on Saturday (19th), for two-nights of ultra-competitive motocross racing, with world-class and homegrown talent battling their hearts out. Above the arena floor – some 60-foot high actually – a bunch of the craziest Freestyle motocross athletes will thrill and delight the crowd with their incredible skills as they whip and flip both man and machine through a series of unbelievable tricks. Arenacross isn’t just indoor motocross though, it’s an entire night of choreographed entertainment that includes a great sound-track, pyro, lasers and live-screen back-stage action. AX fans can expect bigger and better from the 2019 Tour as they can win bikes, catch some giveaways, bet on riders, grab an autograph, get to meet the stars, walk the course and go back-stage too. The double-header at The SSE Arena will be unique in that it is the only stop of the Tour to cater for a huge number of local riders. To this end, it will host the All-Ireland Cup on both Friday and Saturday evening. The Cup will see the

Arenacross is a whole evening’s entertainment

Arenacross is full of crazy Freestyle MX antics best motocross racers from the leading Irish Motocross Championships, go head-to-head in bar-bashing fashion, in a series of short and sharp races to crown the inaugural 2019 All-Ireland Arenacross Champion. There’ll be plenty more for a partisan crowd to cheer, as Martin Barr, from Ballyclare, arguably one of the fastest motocross racers to come out of Northern Ireland, will contest the full six-round 250cc Pro Lites championship, as will Glenn McCormick (23) from Larne. On the youth front, 14-year-old Drew McCreanor from County Armagh was one rider, from among 100 young hopefuls, lucky enough to be selected for the firstever Team Green Supermini Cup. He will join 11 other youngsters in their quest

The best racers from around the world will thrill the fans

The whole family can enjoy a behind the scenes tour

to be crowned the 2019 champ, and will be relying on the support of the Belfast superfans to lift him all the way to the podium. Belfast is also unique in that it will make history when twin racers from Ballymena take to the Arenacross dirt. Ten-year-old brothers Cole and Robbie McCullough will be bursting with pride when they put their mini 65cc machines through their paces – it’s a safe bet that there’ll barely be a dry eye in the audience when they get introduced to the crowd.

There are great ticket options available with fantastic savings on Friday evening tickets, and substantial additional discounts for a weekend pass. Family tickets start from just £60, for two adults and two children, and kids can go for a little as £12! In short, it’s the perfect present this Christmas! For the latest news and to secure the best seats, or book an Arenacross Racenight VIP Experience, go to www.arenacrossuk.com.

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Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018 Snow Patrol

Derry’s Christmas Procession

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December 8 – 9 is Christmas movie Weekend at Project24, Bangor, with free showings of Home Alone and Home Alone 2 on consecutive days at 4pm. Also, the popular Sundown Market returns to Bangor seafront, at Project24, Bangor, on December 15.

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Lisburn is blazing a trail with over one million lights bringing a dazzling spectacle to the city centre. Lisburn Light Festival which runs from now through to January 25, 2019. Artistic light installations together with audio-visual technology and festive music will allow visitors to the city to experience a new type of festival.

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The first Hillsborough Christmas Market which will be held on Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort on Friday, December 14, from 3pm- 9pm. The festive market is showcasing the best local and seasonal artisan food and crafts to enjoy throughout the festive season.

The Grand Christmas Procession in Derry~Londonderry on Saturday, December 15, from 6pm - 7pm will be the highlight of Christmas celebrations in the city. The procession will see a light filled Christmas parade of around 40 performers moving through the Old City streets and gates. The Ulster Museum has several events on and prepare to take a big step back in time, with the skeleton of Dippy the Diplodocus dinosaur being the biggest attraction for families. Having made the journey all the way from the Natural History Museum in London for

Tara Lynne O’Neill and Chris Robison star in On the Shelf

the first time since 1905, Dippy will be in the Ulster Museum from now until January 6, 2019. The exhibition is free, but pre-booking is recommended due to high demand. The 137th RUA Annual Exhibition is also running at the Ulster Museum, from now until January 6, 2019. It is an excellent opportunity to admire a wide variety of contemporary paintings, sculptures, film, printmaking, installations and photography from RUA academicians, established artists and also gives emerging artists a chance to showcase their work. See www.nmni.com.

PANTOS AND CHILDREN’S SHOWS

Panto season is underway with the big productions in Belfast always a big draw. At the Grand Opera House, May McFettridge is Dame May Trot in Jack and The Beanstalk, along with two-time Olivier award-winner David Bedella as the giant’s henchman, Fleshcreep. Jack and the Beanstalk opened on December 1 and runs until January 13, 2019, www.goh.co.uk

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The Lyric has Alice: The Musical, a musical rendition of Lewis Carroll’s beloved children’s classic Alice in Wonderland, on from now until January 5, 2019. Marvel at the wide assortment of wacky characters you will meet as you travel through Wonderland on Alice’s musical journey down the rabbit hole, lyrictheatre.co.uk.

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Belfast Waterfront’s panto is Beauty and The Beast, running until January 6 with a relaxed performance on December 20, where the environment is more comfortable for people with autistic spectrum conditions, anyone with sensory and communication disorders or people with learning disabilities. It promises to be a fun and engaging performance with larger than life characters, produced by

50 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018 The Elves and the Shoemaker

Christmas spirit, which is on between now and January 5, 2019, lyrictheatre.co.uk.

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The Elves and the Shoemaker bring Christmas magic to The MAC from now until January 6. Cahoots NI is lifting hearts and tickling funny bones with its take on the story about the kind-hearted cobbler who gets a helping hand from a party of nocturnal pixies. Expect laughout-loud capers and keep your eyes out for some of the fairyland’s best-known characters who just might pop up to make it Belfast’s funniest, festive family show.

FOR LAUGHS

✱ TGBL Productions. See waterfront.co.uk or call 028 9033 4455 for further details and tickets.

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Join Peter Pan, Wendy and the Darling Family on their spine tingling adventures to Neverland where they meet Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, and his murderous motley crew as Peter Pan comes to the Millennium Forum in Derry until December 30. With a powerful

mix of music, dance and plenty of audience participation, it’s guaranteed to entertain and delight children of all ages. www.millenniumforum.co.uk

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The Charles Dickens-inspired show, with a Belfast twist, Bah, Humbug! is at The Lyric Theatre. Ebenezer Scrooge has the fright of his life when met with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in this fable of

Laugh your way through the festive season with On the Shelf at the Grand Opera House. It stars Derry Girls’ ma Mary, actor Tara Lynne O’Neill as Paula, recently dumped, fast approaching 40, and not happy about it. This Bridget Jones-style comedy runs from December 10-22 and has a 16-plus rating, www.goh. co.uk

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Accidental Theatre, at Shaftesbury Avenue, Belfast, returns with the latest hilarious instalment in the successful Michelle & Arlene plays starring Maria

Connolly as Arlene Foster and MaryFrances Doherty as Michelle O’Neill. It’s on tonight, December 7 and on Thursday, 13th, as part of the Human Rights Festival. Details from www.accidentaltheatre.co.uk.

MUSIC

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Northern Ireland superstars Snow Patrol will then cap things off at the SSE Arena with two unmissable gigs on December 7 and 8 in support of new album Wildness, their first in seven years. Since their 1998 debut, Snow Patrol have racked up 15 million global album sales, 1+ billion track streams, five UK Platinum Albums, and plenty of awards.

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Co Down singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan brings his largest ever Belfast headline show to the Ulster Hall on December 21. He will also support Snow Patrol in Belfast.

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Handel’s Messiah is an annual must see for many people. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience all the glory, celebration and joy of this timeless masterpiece. Catch it on December 7-8, at Belfast Waterfront. Admission for under 16s is free, see www.waterfront.co.uk.

Traditional Christmas all wrapped up

Victorian Christmas at the castle Visitors to Hillsborough Castle are in for a treat with its Irish Victorian Christmas programme.

It’s 1895 and Lord and Lady Arthur Hill are decorating the castle for their Christmas and New Year celebrations. Join the household each day from now to December 23 as they prepare for a festive bazaar and plan their musical entertainment. Enjoy the elegant State Rooms, gorgeously decorated and lit by candlelight. Then make a wish and steal a kiss under the mistletoe kissing ball in the Stair Hall and enjoy the festive music around the traditional Christmas tree. Christmas decorations will adorn the State Rooms including exquisite paper cut artworks by local artist Emma Davison. The castle’s explainers will introduce the castle’s characters and their stories as they guide you through.

LIVE MUSIC AND FESTIVE FOOD

Each weekend, costumed interpreters will bring the castle to life as its residents above and below stairs prepare for

the festivities. There will be live music from local musicians including Downshire Brass and Sestina, and the kitchen staff will provide Twelfth Cake and Wassail Cup to sample as they describe the menu for each occasion.

FESTIVE FAMILY FUN

Workshops for all ages will explore wreath making and paper cutting while Father Christmas will be in residence in the castle on December 15-16 and 22-23. Listen to a storyteller before dipping into the Bran Tub for an authentic Victorian Christmas gift. All of these family workshops are included in your castle tour ticket for the date specified. There is no need to book, although spaces are limited. Suitable for children aged 5+. All children must be accompanied. For details visit www.hrp.org.uk/ hillsborough-castle

National Museums NI is celebrating a truly traditional Christmas this year with a series of Christmas events at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra and the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh throughout December.

returns to the Folk Museum on Fridays at 7.30pm. This popular evening of traditional carols and seasonal readings takes place in the atmospheric surroundings of the Omagh Meeting House. Booking is essential for this part of Spirit of Christmas.

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Take some time out and leave the hustle and bustle of the high street behind and explore the Folk Museum’s candlelit Ballycultra village at their Spirit of Christmas events on Friday evenings and weekends from December 7 – 21. Experience an Edwardian Christmas with the sights of traditional holly and ivy wreaths on the doors, seasonal smells of cinnamon toast on an open hearth and hear the rousing, seasonal anthems performed by brass bands and carol singers. Find out more about Christmas from bygone days with costumed guides making traditional festive crafts and sharing tales of past times. Add a bit of Christmas magic to the day and book a visit to see Santa too as he stops by at the Ulster Folk Museum. Booking for the Santa experience is essential.

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As part of the Spirit of Christmas events, the popular Carols by Candlelight

Meeting Santa and Mrs Claus at the Ulster American Folk Park

The service of Nine Lessons and Carols is held in the atmospheric, candlelit setting of the Folk Museum’s Kilmore Church on Sunday, December 23, 4pm – 5pm. Reservations are free but essential.

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Take the family back in time this festive season to Omagh’s Ulster American Folk Park and experience the magic of a traditional Christmas with their Days of Christmas Past tours from December 8 – 16. Gather around the warmth of the turf fire and enjoy readings from The Night before Christmas, singalong with the Christmas Mummers, taste seasonal treats and meet Santa and Mrs Claus in his workshop. Booking is essential for all tours and Santa. For a full list of details of all National Museum NI events and for bookings visit www.nmni.com/whats-on.

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ome of us love a stylish coffee table book, while some can’t be parted from our Kindles. For others, however, there is a timeless joy to opening the pages of a brand new book and savouring its physicality and the anticipation of disappearing into a fantasy world for the next few hours or possibly days. For fans of country music, there’s a feast of books from The O’Brien Press - from a tribute to Big Tom, King of Country, to Keep It Country, a celebration of the genre in Ireland. Elsewhere, the international best selling authors have been hard at work. As well as a new Jack Reacher story from Lee Childs, thriller supremo David Baldacci has a new instalment of the Amos Decker series and Ian Rankin is back with the latest adventures of Detective John Rebus. CJ Cansom has another doorstopper of a hardback starring his 16th century hunchback lawyer Matthew Shardlake. And of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without new books by John Grisham, James Patterson, Jeffrey Archer and Stephen Fry. Here are some of the other titles worth a peep…

ADULT READS Paprika By Frank McGuinness Hardback This award-winning master storyteller writes above all about freedom: freedom to love, freedom from hate, freedom to speak, freedom to silence. In hypnotic, spellbinding prose, Frank McGuinness hears the voices and sees the visions of his own troubled times in his first collection of short stories. Fire and Blood: 300 Years Before a Game of Thrones (A Targaryen History) (A Song of Ice and Fire) By George R. R. Martin Hardback With all the fire and fury fans have come to expect from internationally bestselling author George R.R. Martin, this is the first volume of the two-part history of the Targaryens in Westeros. Milkman By Anna Burns Winner of the Mann Booker Prize for 2018, this highly original work set in Belfast is a tale of gossip and hearsay, silence and deliberate deafness. The nameless characters play out a story that is hilarious and frightening in turns.

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

Greatreads togive(orreceive) thisChristmas The tattooist of Auschwitz By Heather Morris Rave reviews have followed this heartrending love story of Lale Sokolov, who is tattooing the ID numbers on prisoners when he falls for Gita and becomes determined that both will survive. So begins one of the most life-affirming, courageous, unforgettable and human stories of the Holocaust. The Librarian By Salley Vickers A Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller, this post war story is of librarian Sylvia Blackwell who wants to engender a love of reading among the small town’s younger population. However, her relationships, including an affair with a married GP, provoke local prejudices which threaten her future and that of the library.

TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS Blazing a Trail Irish Women Who Changed the World Written by Sarah Webb, Illustrated by Lauren O’Neill Salute the remarkable Irish women who changed history in this beautifully illustrated book, winner of the Children’s Book of the Year (senior) in the Irish Book Awards 2018. From adventurers to inventors; explorers to warriors; from designers to writers; rebel leaders to presidents, this book is a true celebration of Irish Women. A thousand perfect notes by C. G. Drews When Beck meets August, a girl full of life, energy and laughter, he glimpses a way to escape his bitter and abusive mother. Highly rated.

Tomi Tomi Reichental’s Holocaust Story By Eithne Massey The incredible true story of how a small boy survived BergenBelsen concentration camp. An accessible and honest account of the Holocaust that provides lessons that are relevant today. Turtles All The Way Down By John Green This is a coming of age story by the author of The Fault in Our Stars. Aza has her struggles with OCD and anxiety but when her friend Daisy sets off on a quest, she finds herself meeting the geeky but cute Davis.

CHILDREN AGE 9+ Rose Rivers By Jacqueline Wilson The latest instalment in the much loved Hetty Feather series introduces Rose Rivers, the daughter of a wealthy artist who despite having everything, is missing a friend. You’ve Got a Friend By Judi Curtin This follow-up to Time After Time and Stand By Me features 13 year old pals Molly and Beth trying to find a solution to Molly’s dad’s loneliness.

The Ice Monster By David Walliams Just in time for Christmas, this ‘mammoth’ tale has Elsie, an orphan on the streets of Victorian London, wondering about the mysterious Ice Monster – a woolly mammoth found at the North Pole. A chance encounter brings Elsie face to face with the creature, and sparks the adventure of a lifetime.

CHILDREN AGE 4+ Mad Grandad and the Kleptoes Written by and Illustrated by Oisín McGann Things keep disappearing down the back of Grandad’s sofa. When Lenny and Grandad discover the Kleptoes and their hideout, things turn nasty. Mary Poppins Returns Deluxe Picture Book Hardback The supercalifragilisticexpialidocious new Mary Poppins film starring Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda has prompted this new picture book. Inspired by the PL Travers originals, it tells the story of the practically perfect in every way nanny coming back to visit the grown-up Banks family.

CHILDREN AGE 0-4 Wonkey Donkey By Craig Smith & Katz Cowley The picture book behind this year’s YouTube video sensation featuring the granny who reads ‘Wonkey Donkey’ to her grandson. Julia Donaldson Picture Book Collection The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on the Broom… when it comes to books for toddlers, Julia Donaldson can’t be beaten and you’ll find all these and more in this brilliant 10-book collection.

7 December 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Family Life | 53

HOMESPUN TALES And Life Lights UP Moments that Matter By Alice Taylor, Photographs by Emma Byrne A favourite down the years, Alice Taylor guides us through the steps and ways to live a conscious life and focus on the goodness of the world around us. Belfast Walks By Seth Linder A must for locals and visitors alike. Belfast Walks covers everything from the surrounding countryside to the Titanic Quarter, George Best and Narnia creator C.S. Lewis.

Don’tsendyourcat crackersthisfestiveseason

ats Protection’s Belfast Adoption Centre would like to remind pet owners that the festive period can be hazardous to cats. To help keep your puss safe and happy this Christmas, the charity has come up with eight top tips:

1: Decorations can be dangerous to cats if

broken or nibbled, particularly items like glass baubles, tinsel and fairy light cables. If your cat can’t keep his paws off them then it is best to keep him out of the room unless supervised.

2: Noisy parties can be stressful for cats. If you are planning a full house ensure your cat has a safe, quiet room where he can retreat to avoid all the fuss. Many cats are startled by the sound of loud bangs so try to keep him out of harm’s way when it comes to pulling crackers, letting off party poppers and general commotion. 3: Holly, ivy and mistletoe are potentially toxic to cats so if you choose to have them in the home, position them well away from your cat’s reach. If you receive any plants as Christmas gifts, check that they are safe for cats. A full list of potentially harmful plants can be found on the International Cat Care website at icatcare.org/advice/ poisonous-plants

4: If you are thinking of offering your

cat a treat, remember that cats normally appreciate attention or playtime with their owner more than titbits. If you are giving a food treat in addition to your cat’s meals, remember to limit the amount given so your cat doesn’t gain weight. It is best to stick to cat food treats rather than leftovers or raw meat, although a little bit of wellcooked fresh chicken or fish is okay.

5: Clear away Christmas presents. After

opening presents, be sure to completely clear the room of wrapping paper, elastic bands and ribbons to prevent your cat from nibbling at them.

6: If going away at Christmas make plans for your cat well in advance, particularly if you are planning to put him in a cattery. 7: Screen away open fires and supervise your cat if you have a lit fire.

8: As New Year approaches, make

preparations if you expect there will be firework displays nearby. Try to reduce outside noise by keeping curtains drawn, which will also reduce awareness of any flashes. Playing soothing music or having the TV on may also help. A pheromone plug-in diffuser can be used to decrease anxiety and can have a calming effect.

54 | Family Life

Belfast Telegraph | 7 December 2018

HHHHH

Stunning RedDead Redemption2 raises the bar for games

PS4,XBOXONE

BY RUAIDHRI McCARNEY

ed Dead Redemption 2’s vast, stunningly crafted open-world and the story of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang’s desperate attempt to cling on to an outdated way of life meld seamlessly together to create a new benchmark in videogames. From the very first minute, it’s hard not to be impressed with how gorgeous the setting is. The depiction of the final years of the wild west spanning flatlands, untamed mountains and budding new cities is jaw-dropping in its execution. It is a world filled with endless detail that continues to impress right up until its final moments. Arthur Morgan shines as a protagonist just as brightly as the detailed world in Red Dead Redemption 2. Our first impression of Arthur is one of an angry, hard-headed outlaw. However, over time we see glimpses of his self-deprecating humour, his

appreciation for nature and how deeply he cares for his closest friends. As the story progresses and Arthur develops as a character, he earns a spot at the table of the most memorable game protagonists. Few games, if any, have portrayed a changing world and character growth over the course of its story as convincingly as Red Dead Redemption 2 does – and that isn’t limited solely to Arthur either. The unravelling of Dutch Van der Linde, the gang’s leader, is as compelling to watch. His downfall from a charismatic beacon that the group follows faithfully to a paranoid shell of his former self is stunning, while also being echoed in the group’s dynamic

GAMESROUND-UP

✱ FIFA 19 – PS4,

XBOX ONE, PC

FIFA 19 is what FIFA games have been for some time now: a fun arcade-style version of football that is expertly presented nearly beat-for-beat how we are used to watching it on TV. It also retains its title as the best game couch multiplayer game you can play with friends. If you have enjoyed previous FIFA games you will almost certainly enjoy FIFA 19. However, the Ultimate Team mode and its mobile app-like monetizing mechanics are still problematic and worth taking into consideration if you plan on getting FIFA for a child this Christmas. ✱ SPIDER-MAN – PS4 Everyone’s favourite friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man swings his way onto the PlayStation 4 in a brilliant new open-world adventure. This new Spider-Man tale has you playing as an experienced Peter Parker as he takes on some of his most notorious nemesis, webswinging through a stunning portrayal of New York City. ✱ GOD OF WAR – PS4 His vengeance against the Gods of Olympus behind him, Kratos now lives in the realm of Norse deities and monsters.

This excellent reimagining of God of War combines all the hallmarks of the iconic series — brutal combat, epic boss fights and breathtaking scale — and fuses them with a powerful and moving narrative that reestablishes Kratos’ world. ✱ SHADOW

OF THE TOMB RAIDER – PS4, XBOX ONE, PC

Experience Lara Croft’s defining moment as she becomes the Tomb Raider in the final chapter of her origin trilogy. With a greater focus on raiding tombs, supported by massively improved stealth combat, Lara’s race to save the world from a Maya apocalypse makes for one of her best modern adventures. ✱ CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 4 – PS4,

XBOX ONE, PC

Call of Duty’s flagship series Black Ops returns with a sole focus on delivering its best multiplayer game in years. The usual multiplayer modes are back feeling as tight are ever, while Zombies gets its biggest offering to date. However it’s Blackout, the newly introduced battle royale mode that steals the show.

and surroundings. Over time the camp setting gets physically darker, with barely a ray of light reaching through the shadowy surrounding. The soundtrack also changes as the gang gets more desperate, becoming more sparse and sinister, while the camp sing-alongs, guitar playing and songs from Dutch’s gramophone disappear. Each little detail adds to the growing tension that reaches boiling point in the final hours of the story. It has its flaws of course – no game is perfect. Story missions are rigid in their design, which clashes with the openness and freedom of the rest of the game. Some will find the methodical pace of

✱ ASSASSIN’S CREED ODYSSEY – PS4,

XBOX ONE, PC

Building on the change in direction brought about by Origins, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has you at the centre of an epic open-world adventure set in ancient Greece that features characters, combat, story and scope a level above anything the series has attempted prior.

most of the game grating, especially if they are coming from fast-paced games like first person shooters, competitive online games etc. However, how much these inconveniences stand out will vary from player to player. All in all, Red Dead Redemption 2’s combination of a gorgeous, living world and an engrossing story of a man and a gang out of time with a world that has passed them by, is masterful. It is so inexhaustibly full of places to explore, things to do and discoveries to make that by the time the credits finally rolled, I couldn’t wait to set up a new game and start my journey with Arthur all over again.

GAMES FROM EARLIER IN THE YEAR YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED  DRAGON BALL FIGHTERZ – PS4, XBOX ONE, SWITCH, PC

The best fighting game to come out this year with a spot-on depiction of Goku and friends.

 MONSTER HUNTER: WORLD – PS4,

XBOX ONE, PC

Hunt down and battle a host of fantastic beasts, building your way up to conquering the game’s biggest behemoths.

✱ FIFA 19 – PS4, XBOX ONE, SWITCH, PC The best-selling sports video game in the world returns with another flashy and fun take on the beautiful game and now boasts the glamorous European nights of the UEFA Champions League. Control your favourite team and lead them to glory, and battle your friends for the title of FIFA king in the new Kick Off modes.

An intense co-op adventure that follows two prisoners, Leo and Vincent, making their daring escape from prison.

✱ PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2019 – PS4,

 CRASH BANDICOOT N. SANE TRILOGY –

Though PES 2019 lacks the licenses of some of the top-tier competitions, it continues to do its talking on the pitch and produces one of the best playing football games yet. While it falls short of the competition’s off the pitch polish, the once dominant franchise looks to be gearing up for a comeback for top spot once more.

Everyone’s favourite bandicoot is back in this incredible remake of PlayStation’s cult classic platformer.

XBOX ONE, PC

✱ FORZA HORIZON 4 – XBOX ONE, PC Undoubtedly the best driving game money can currently buy. Taking place in a reimagined UK, Forza Horizon 4 has you experience a shared world with dynamic seasons that will change how you drive, explore beautiful scenery and collect over 450 cars and become a Horizon Superstar.

 A WAY OUT – PS4, XBOX ONE, PC

 YAKUZA 6 – PS4

The brilliant conclusion to Kazuma Kiryu’s engrossing crime drama.

PS4, XBOX ONE, SWITCH, PC

 GUACAMELEE! 2 – PS4, SWITCH, PC

A charming and rock solid metroidvania game that tasks luchador Juan with saving the world yet again.

 CELESTE – PS4, XBOX ONE, SWITCH, PC

A tricky and creativity platform game following Madeline and her beautiful melancholy story.

 THE BANNER SAGA 3 – PS4, XBOX ONE,

SWITCH, PC

The epic conclusion to the sweeping viking saga that challenges you to survive as the world crumbles around you.