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“Go with the Flow”
Carlow Now Magazine
EDITOR’S LETTER
Published by: Hello and welcome to the very first issue of Carlow Now magazine! Carlow Now is a free will in paddle along theand oldisnavigation Go with the Flow - River Adventures islifestyle adventure as thethat beautiful Barrow to cuts Clearpoint Media Ltd. publication is distributed everywe home Carlow town filled with used by the Guinness barges to deliver a specialised adventure outfitter based its way to the sea. There is even an 1st Floor interesting and local content. We have recognised what an up and coming, booming and Ireland’s great favorite tipple. This is thestories type onNewtwn the Barrow opportunity to learnis and howlook to swim theto delivering 24a Park river in Carlow. Usingvibrant area that Carlow forward quality articles, news of experience that provide a lifetime of a fleet of 2/3 seater Canadian canoesand rapids Ballykeenan. Splash battles and Blackrock reviewsinfrom your town together with showcasing some fantastic local businesses. memories. Everyone should this and a team of experienced guides we wave hopping all the way, Hens and Stags Co. Dublin We are delighted to have a fantastic lead article on one of our own, Kathryntake Thomas. journey at least once in a lifetime. provide the most exciting River SafariesKathryn have has consistently voted our adventure done Carlow proud over a number of years and has created a massively in01 Ireland. No 1 for the last career 15 years. Freeone - Zero to most in demand presenters at the moment. Tel: 205 6700 successful television being of the ofinour trips and adventures are Hero digital photo album provided for Email: info@clearpointmedia.ie She talks about her current roles, the future and All living Carlow! available to complete beginners - no The rapids of Clashganny are sure to all Parties !. If you’re looking for a real www.clearpointmedia.ie Thinking of a spring shopping trip? Look to London for a trip away with the girls you experience necessary. And all safety thrill the brave. We will be shooting adventure natures way Call Now! Editor: Sally Harding will never forget! It oozes an understated coolness, sophistication and unmistakable equipment is supplied. book call orIf weirs and riding the waves on an epicatmosphere that could only be that palpable in one of the world’s finest To urban capitals. email Charlie. See you on the river. For those with more time, take a float you’re still unconvinced that London is the place to go here are some reasons to grab the the magical Goresbridge girlsdown and discover this fabulous boom town.to Published by: Clearpoint Media Ltd. All Graignamanagh valley. This wooded rights reserved. Reproduction by any means With a successful recent appearance on Dragon’s Den securing a much coveted investment Competition in whole or in part without permission of the haven is full of intrigue and nature. This from the show’s entrepreneurs, Julie Cobb’s style coaching business has taken off in big way. publisher is prohibited. Whilst every effort historical is bubbling withfish. has been made to ensure that the information She tells Carlowwaterway Now the story behind Style Go with the Flow - River Adventures is stories and tales of heros gone by. You contained within this magazine is correct at All that and much more including some important Carlow for your giving awaydates a family passdiary! to include 2 the time of print, the publishers accept no will pass beautiful hunting lodges, old responsibility whatsoever for any inaccuracies Adults and 2 Children for an excellent lockkeepers cottages, cascading weirs that may occur. We hope you enjoy! adventure on the Beautiful Barrow (some of which we will shoot) and river. All you have to do is email the stunning dramatic scenery. Our trail will Like us words “Beautiful Barrow Adventure” to take you through the old McMorrough on charlie@gowiththeflow.ie estate home of the high King of Leinster -past the grave of one of the most inspiring Winner will be contacted by email. yet physically person, ever We would love to challenged hear your feedback so iftoyou have a query, suggestion or something of live.toThere will be asally@clearpointmedia.ie famine church and interest report email
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Tv’s Sweetheart Carlow’s Kathryn Thomas has carved out a hugely successful career for herself over the past number of years and is now the hottest property on Irish television. Sally Harding speaks to the TV beauty about her accomplishments, being in demand and memories from growing up in Carlow. From travelling the globe with No Frontiers to filling enormous boots on Operation Transformation to being the face of the one of the world’s most innovative talent formats, The Voice, Kathryn Thomas clearly has a rapport with the public.
an amazing career in television that began back in the 90’s, how does it feel to be one of the countries most successful and sought after television personalities?
But what is it about the RTE star that makes her so appealing? On No Frontiers, it felt like she brought us on her journey’s and showed us the true heart of her destination with the genuineness that could only belong to her. On her second series of Operation Transformation Kathryn was there every step of the way with the participants on what was an extremely emotional jaunt. In essence, Kathryn captures the mood of the audience and communicates it on our behalf. With such a busy schedule, we were delighted to catch up with the Carlow Native.
I just feel very lucky to be working right now, let alone working on two shows. I am still in the freelance business and nothing can ever be too certain in terms of where the next job is coming from. Operation Transformation and The Voice have been rating winners which means I can be more positive about RTEs decisions next year.
Kathryn,
you’ve
had
such
You were chosen to be the presenter of a hugely successful international TV format, the Voice of Ireland, are you
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enjoying this experience and in what ways is it better from other reality talent shows, in your opinion?
think about it. I do believe in grabbing opportunities if they are right for you. I generally follow my gut.
I’m loving the Voice at the moment and it’s great to be back in it again with the live shows as most of our filming was done prior to Christmas which meant I could concentrate on Operation Transformation completely until the end of its run. I love the format of the voice, I love the jeopardy, I love the interaction amongst the coaches and I loved at the blind audition stages where the contestants had the power handed to them to choose which coach they wanted. I got a bit tired watching the X Factor last year. I only really watch it for Louis Walsh who is brilliant on it and always makes me laugh. The talent that we have found on the Voice is unbelievable and finally we are getting to see young Irish artists on TV who are of international standards.
What do you think makes a good television presenter and what do you think has been the secret to your success?
Have you any ambitions to go abroad and work? You can never say never but right now I am happy working here in Ireland for RTE. If the right opportunity came along I would
I think it’s about a connection with the audience, making them comfortable and that they believe that you are being you. Irish people are generally warm and like to talk a lot, we were made for this business, that’s why we have done so well overseas as well from Conan O’Brien to Terry Wogan to Graham Norton. You’ve always said how proud you are to be from Carlow. What are its best attributes? Definitely it’s people! My family and friends still live there though I don’t get back home nearly as much as I used to. It’s got beautiful walks which I discovered more recently and I have been recommending people to do them. Up until then I was recommending all the great pubs and bars which I still do as well. Its’ a great town for a night out!!!
What’s the best memory you have of Carlow from your childhood? Long summers playing in the fields behind my house, fishing and swimming in the river, then heading into town for a chocolate Sunday at the ice cream parlour on Tullow Street! What programme have you enjoyed presenting the most and what would be your ideal show to present? It would definitely be No Frontiers. I grew up in my 20’s travelling the world. It was such an incredible opportunity to see so many places and learn about many different cultures What’s ahead for Kathryn Thomas? Get to the end of The Voice, grab my backpack and disappear for a month! I also want to do a lot more radio. I loved filling in for the John Murray Show on RTE Radio 1 last summer so hope to do more of that. Watch The Voice of Ireland Sunday @ 6.30pm on RTE 1.
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Look!
Get the Kathryn Thomas Kathryn Thomas is probably one of the most recognisable faces on television and this lady can turn her hand at anything from scuba diving in No Frontiers to a glamorous wardrobe on Winning Streak. We have to say, however, that we are loving Kathryn’s new funky style for the Voice of Ireland. It’s young, fresh and quirky and utterly suited to the RTE babe. To achieve this look, go for flirty shift dresses, miniskirts, casual denim jackets, boots and skinny jeans. Don’t be afraid to accessorise with bangles, scarves and drop earrings. The key to this look is casual yet ultra glam. Look amazing with the impression that you haven’t even tried! This look is city cool and can be worn during the day with flats and dressed up for night time with some mega heels and smokey eye makeup. This style is grown up and has no time for frills or fuss but buckets of attitude!!
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1. pink scarf @ river island, 2. knitted mini dress by diana vickers @ littlewoods €55 . 3. clutch @ river island 4. Zip front Colour Block Patches Dress in Black @ pilot €25 5. boots @ littlewoods 6. crafted bleach denim gilet @ republic 7. colour block play suit @ penneys €19 8. Mid Length Sleeve High Neck Pleated Dress in Red @Pilot €25
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Style STYLE YOURSELF GORGEOUS! With a successful recent appearance on Dragon’s Den securing a much coveted investment from the show’s entrepreneurs, Julie Cobb’s style coaching business has taken off in big way. She tells The Carlow Magazine the story behind Style fish. If you have looked in your wardrobe recently and wondered what the hell you were thinking of when making some very questionable purchases consisting of things that not only have you never worn but that probably never even suited you in the first place, then maybe it’s time you summoned a little bit of inspiration in the form of Style Fish, a unique seven week girly course focusing on all aspects of style, that will give you the confidence to shop for clothes that will show off your true beauty and not leave you cutting up your credit cards! Julie Cobbe started her career in law but soon realised that she was more interested restyling the courtroom than representing the clients, and started a different career path completely! The style queen moved to London where she worked as a wedding coordinator with Virgin brides in London (yes Richard Branson’s baby), working on a number of high profile weddings including that of former All Saint Shazney Lewis, ran a hugely popular wedding website back on Irish soil and she can also take the credit of being a prominent organiser of Billion Dollar Brides, Ireland’s first ever Designer Wedding Dress Sample Sale. Having been exposed to the glamour and fashion of the bridal business Julie wanted to further explore her passion for fashion, and got out her cap and gown again and head back to the books, qualifying as an image consultant and style coach. Style Fish was born! Carlow 10
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DRAGON’S DEN
Earlier this year, Julie took a brave step and applied to get a chance to pitch to the fire breathing dragons on the RTE programme Dragon’s Den. With some initial criticism from a couple of the spiky business gurus, Julie ended up stealing the hearts of publisher Nora Casey and media tycoon, Gavin Duffy. Appearing on RTE’s Dragons’ Den in March, Julie faced the dragons, along with one of her Style Fish graduates, and convinced Casey and Duffy to invest €30,000 jointly for 40% of her company. Norah Casey said: “Julie has the passion and drive to push this brand forward and I feel I can add real value to her business through our women’s magazine portfolio and events.” Gavin Duffy said: “I can see Julie commanding the screens in the not too distant future advising the nation on their style sense.” Participating in a show like that is a risky move as if it backfires it could seriously damage your reputation, luckily for
by Sally Harding
Julie she impressed all round. “You don’t know what they are going to throw at you but I don’t think that I was asked any particularly sticky questions. It was a surreal experience. I was running on adrenaline but when I came out, I couldn’t walk down the stairs, I nearly fainted,” she said, adding, “I want to grow the business in Ireland and the UK and develop the online side of things. The dragon’s have access to people that can bring my business to the next level. Things have been moving very closely since the show and I have been working very closely with Norah on a new one day course called Style Safari in Dundrum Shopping Centre. “
THE COURSE Style Fish runs Ireland’s first dedicated Fashion School for women, covering all the most popular One-to-One Consultations (Your Body Shape, Your Colours, Make-up Lesson, Hair Styling, Personal Shopping) over seven weeks. “ It is a fun, Interactive and extremely practical Style Journey, developed to show you how to have confidence & fun with your clothes and make-up, how to develop your style & most importantly to save
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you money on Individual Consultations and the wrong choices,” says Julie. The first couple of weeks the course focuses on body shape and colour which is fully personalised for each woman, and for the rest of the time at Style Fish you are building on this. “The third week we look at fashion trends and bring in a lot of clothes from the high street which the ladies can try on. I try to inspire them by encouraging them to put outfits together, think up ideas for mixing colour, accessorising and choosing colours that are right for them and their body shape. The package also includes a make-up lesson on how to change your look from day to evening and achieving a sexy smoky eye! You will of course need a fabulous new hair style to accompany your dashing new wardrobe and flawless skin, and will be treated to a lesson at a top hair salon where you will learn how to blow dry your unruly bangs and finally bust the elusive ghd curls!”
DON’T WORRY YOU WON’T HAVE TO STRIP! Julie says she has received many calls from women asking will they have to bare all in front of mirrors like they do in Trinny and Suzannah’s show, but Julie ensures us that all participants remain fully clothed! “It is a really informal class, better than anything else that is out there because we just don’t bring the women in to have a chat. Women that
come to the class are not bad with shape or colours but we all get stuck in a rut and go towards the same things when we are shopping and sometimes you feel you know what suits you but you are never quite sure,” Julie adds, “We aim to inspire confidence in your style, so you can look in your wardrobe and identify what is not right for you, how you can update the clothes you have.
HEN PARTIES If the whole L plate, feather boa, stripper thing isn’t your scene then consider Style Fish for your last hooray of single life! Julie is also available for private bookings and offers a three hour fun styling session where you can find out your style personality, and avail all be it on a more general scale of the wonderful exercise Julie hands out to having you looking the belle of the ball, or the wedding!
TOP TOPS FROM JULIE •
•
Everyone loves black, but it is a difficult colour to wear for most colouring unless you have very dark hair and eyes as it can be very harsh and draining on us. Be careful about the colour that you are putting up close to your face as it can change how you look dramatically. Start off and choose classic pieces like a black dress and a good pair of jeans that you can build on. A black dress can be worn during the day at work and you can really play it up with accessories and shoes for a night time look. We have had so much money for so long that are used to going out and buying clothes without really thinking about what we need, resulting in a very mismatched and confused
wardrobe. All items that you are spending money on, especially now, literally need to earn their keep in your wardrobe. Julie tells me that she gets such a buzz from seeing women really enjoying the class, seeing their confidence developing and getting to know each other as the weeks go on. “It is a real fun girly evening Class is built for every age group, shape and size. If you think that you need a little inspiration and direction to make the most of yourself then this might be for you.” It is that absolute belief and confidence in the difference Style Fish has made in women’s lives that helps you get past the fear of walking up those stairs for Dragon’s Den.” Julie guarantees you will walk away feeling excited about your Style, your Make-up, your wardrobe & yourself! Style Fish is passionate about helping women to feel confident about their style, to inspire creativity and to show women how they can have fun with style and to really understand what suits them – not just to be told but to actually really learn how to put it all together! It is a really exciting time now and the response since the show was aired has been more than I ever expected. “You may be wearing the same clothes in one week as was in week seven, but in week seven you will be walking with your shoulders back, smiling.” At just 28 years of age and in the midst of the worst recession ever to hit Ireland, Julie Cobbe has succeeded in building a credible and brand going forward with two dragons on board. Check out information.
stylefish.ie
for
more
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Getting Even with In 1995, Patrick Combs, a university student heavily in debt, lodged a fake cheque he received in mail as a joke. Five days later, to his astonishment, the cheque cleared and $95,000 became legally his. What followed was a David V’s Goliathlike real-life adventure of dramatic show downs with the bank, national legal experts begging to get involved and world- wide media attention resulting in events that would change his life forever. Sally Harding spoke to the man in question as his one man show, “Man 1, Bank 0 returns to Ireland following its phenomenal success last year. What would you do if you received a junk mail cheque in the post? Most of us don’t even bother opening such mail anymore but Patrick Combs, an American born motivational speaker explains that a playful stunt followed a story that Hollywood would struggle to concoct. Man 1, Bank 0’ explains the astonishing legal twists which ensued after the incident; and worldwide media coverage (including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Good Morning America and calls from Letterman & Leno). Man 1 Bank 0, his first solo show, has enjoyed smash hit, sold out runs OffBroadway in New York, at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, at HBO’s Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, at the NZ Comedy Festival in Auckland, and at more than 200 theatres around the U.S. Son, for $95,000 they will kill you!! “I got what I knew to be a fake cheque in the mail and I had gotten them before Carlow 14
Banks so I was feeling a bit silly that day and I really thought that depositing it would be funny to the bank. I never ever thought it would cash because it was so obviously fake. I thought that I made it clear that it was a joke but when I checked my account five days later, I could not believe that the money was there. It was so crazy for a fake cheque to cash but that was just the tip of the iceberg and the least crazy thing that happened!” Combs sent the bank into a tail spin as senior management digested the enormity of the mistake they had just made. A normal guy cashes a fake $100,000 cheque and gets away with it due to their negligence and a number of loopholes in the law. The cheque turned out to be accidently real due to a footnote change in the law a couple of years previously. When “sample” is printed on an otherwise real cheque, it still qualifies as a genuine cheque. What were the chances! It seems Comb’s mother Patrick summed things up when upon hearing the details of his windfall said, Contrary to being someone that wanted to steal money from the bank, Patrick found the whole situation enthralling and fully expected the bank to call him up explaining the terrible mistake they had made and intended to hand the money back. The bank on the other hand was not feeling so amused “The bank was really being angry at me. At one point, I
was actually considering calling the show angry bank,” laughs Patrick, adding, “What they should have done when they realised that they had cashed a ridiculous $95,000 cheque was called me and said, Mr Combs, we notice that you haven’t spent any of the money yet, we have made a terrible mistake could you come in and talk about it. I would have come in and discussed it and most likely given the funds back. Instead, they were yelling, screaming and threatening to send me to jail. I had been a customer for 12 years and even had a card saying that I was a valued client. I became aware very quickly that the banks have mercenaries working for them, men in black suits with no necks, even ex navy seals and the first phone call I got regarding this situation wasn’t from a bank manager or a teller, it was from one of these guys trying to intimidate and threaten me. Patrick requested a letter be sent to him to at least confirm that this person contacting him was actually from the bank but to no avail as the bank was not willing to put any such thing in writing about they had messed up. His show is an amazing story of what subsequently happened with Combs acting as 12 hilarious different characters that he encountered during this incredible ordeal.
INSPIRATIONAL Aside from the phenomenal success of his one man show, Combs dedicates his
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time coaching and motivating people to reach their potential through encouraging them to get out of the cocoon of comfort so many of us are happy to remain in. As a motivational speaker he has inspired more than one thousand audiences at universities and companies nationwide including Shell, Motorola, Visa, Stanford, Penn and NYU since 1992. His writings, posted on the internet, have been read by millions and designated as “What’s Cool” by Yahoo! and many more. He is the author of three best-selling books and is also former TV personality for Paramount’s hit shows, Real TV and Hard Copy where he was the star of humorous hidden camera segments. Patrick is cofounder of two global companies, his latest called MIGHT, which helps creative mavericks and the foolhardy ones rock their dreams. And he has appeared on many national TV shows including Good Morning America, CNN, The View and The Late Show. HBO named the show one of the funniest comedies they have seen when it was first staged in the U.S. September 2003 and Patrick found himself rubbing shoulders alongside the likes of Chris Rock, Jack Black, Diane Keaton, Larry David, Sarah Jessica Parker and many more after this great accolade. “There are so many people that have not chosen a job because they love it but because it’s practical or safe. They want to
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love their job but it takes courage to choose a job that you love because the more you love a job, the more it will make you afraid,” says Combs, “ That is resistance but the more you feel it, the more that you are pointing in the right direction. There is nothing I’ve ever enjoyed doing more in my life than going to a theatre and telling someone a funny story that makes them laugh but there has never been anything that I’ve been more afraid of doing. I was so afraid of doing this theatre show that I put it off for years,” he adds.
Might Club Might Club is Patrick’s brand new company evolving from his many years in helping people succeed. Might club is a supportive community that encourages creative mavericks to go the distance and achieve their dreams. Patrick says that the key to changing your life is taking the first step and not being a victim to fear. “Resistance is very real. The voice of resistance is going to say, yeah do something you love, but do if after your vacation. It is such a seductive and sneaky voice. The time to start your dream is always now. I know people have such a hard time starting a step because we all need support. “Wake up, feel the resistance and do
it anyway. I tell people that the most successful people on earth are taking more action than them. Wake up every morning and just do three small steps towards your dream. We will probably go months without taking a step towards our dream. I teach people that they have to learn that resistance is very natural when you want to do something you love. You have to go through it and the reward at the following end is your greatest life. Since Patrick is such an instrument of inspiration for others, I wondered what got him out of bed every day. “My deepest motivation has always been that I feel that I was born to do something with my life and many times I don’t know what it is. I’m less afraid of failing and more afraid of not doing what I was born to do. I’m so afraid of having regrets in my life that I do what I fear anyway. Although Patrick has no known Irish roots, he says that the Emerald Isle has definitely captured his heart. “It is a land of story tellers and I’m honoured to be here. The show is taking me all over the world and I have performed over 200 shows. What happened in the end? Well I’m in Ireland!!” Log on to www.man1bank0.com for details of where to catch Patrick on stage .
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Mr.
Style
Darren Kennedy is a presenter, fashion columist and blogger. From working his way up the entertainment ladder over the last few years, Darren has forged a hugely successful career in Ireland and the UK where he has appeared on many high profile TV shows on RTE, BBC, Channel 5 and on ITV’s This Morning a long side Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. Ireland’s style hero took some time out recently to give Sally Harding an insight into his inspirations, the best places to shop and what every woman should know about fashion What made you want to be a stylist? Looking back at it, I always had a very natural interest in design and was quite creative and loved art and painting growing up. My mam is a very stylish lady with a fantastic eye and a natural flair, so she instilled a lot of that in me. I studied a four-year degree in International Business and Languages and lived in France for two years before moving into TV full time. Working on screen, style in every sense is a big part of it and for me it marries my two passions. I also attended London’s premier fashion college Central Saint Martins that was an incredible experience. What inspires you? My life, my travels, my work and nature all play a part. Colour and
texture are very important to me in. I used to work in Paris and love the rich architecture and way of the life which is reflected in how people there dress. What we see around us in nature is constantly growing and changing as well as being cyclical. I like to think of style as the same. What are three top style tips you could give to any woman? 1. Always dress for yourself and be comfortable in your clothes. Confidence is the biggest factor in achieving timeless style. 2. Always prioritise wearing wellcut, good quality fabrics with an excellent fit. Attention to detail really separates those with a true sense of style from those that don’t. It’s not rocket science but subtle details will really up your style kudos.
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3. My mantra - All life is a stage and how you portray yourself is how you are perceived. Don’t be afraid to take risks but always keep in mind what works for you. Where is the best place in the world to shop? I love the markets and boutique shopping in Paris around Le Marais and Les Halles area. One of my best finds here is box cut tan brown leather jacket. It’s buttersoft and always makes me feel great when I wear it – full of fond memories of early autumn in Paris. I got it for less than €50, and I still get so much wear out of it! At the moment I’m based in London and while I’m generally not a big fan of shopping centres, Westfield is converting me. It’s has an amazing selection of shops and tones of natural light. It’s only 2 minutes from BBC Television Centre so it’s a little bit too convenient at times! In your opinion, who are the three most stylish people in the world, past and present In menswear, James Franco, Tom Ford and Justin Timberlake always look great and importantly very at ease in what they wear. In women’s, I like Angelina Jolie for a bit of old world glamour, Rihanna for her boldness, Daphne Guinness & Florence Welch for their quirky sense of style & fun and Jennifer Aniston for her every day femininity and sophistication. What’s the best thing about your job? The variety in each day and the people I met. It’s always incredible to see how style can change and shape our view of the world. Ultimately I always aim to work hard and bring laughter into each day.
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Who would you love to work with? Oprah; Tom Ford; Philip Schofield (I’ve actually appeared on This Morning with him which is awesome!); Anna Dello Russo, the mad as a brush editor-at-large for Vogue Japan. What has been the most exciting moment in your career so far? The first day I arrived at the iconic BBC Television Centre in West London was incredible and I had to pinch myself. Filming my first series of Project Parent with them was such a fantastic experience. What is your favourite trend this season? Personally I love how fashion is returning to traditional, old school glamour and retro inspired looks. The 60’s and 70’s continue to be a massive influence, so looks that are tailored, feminine, sassy and sophisticated. Also texture, texture, texture! If I have to say one piece, it’s a small box satchel – take inspiration from the Mulberry Polly Push Lock. These bags are functional, sophisticated and I always feel they add a little panache to a daytime ensemble, so are well worth the money in my opinion.
a grump!). Prior to making the move to the UK from his native Ireland, Darren cut his teeth as a presenter on radio and TV with the Irish National Broadcaster. Renowned for getting up to all sorts of hi-jinks on the infamous ‘Gerry Ryan Show’ (one of country’s most listened-to daily radio programmes), Darren also presented on RTE TV’s biggest ratings success weightloss programme ‘Operation Transformation’. He has also hosted on flagship programmes Four Live, RTE2’s TTV, Off The Rails, Ireland AM and Xpose. Widely regarded as one of Ireland’s top style influencers, he is a style addict and fashion columnist with the Irish Independent. In his weekly ‘Style Dilemma’ page he has become a hit with readers for his straight talking, no-fuss approach to fashion. A successful blogger, Darren is passionate about all things styleorientated from fashion to the latest piece of tech kit (it’s thought he’s surgically attached to his iPad). In 2009 he combined these passions to design, conceive and launch online magazine www. helpmystyle.ie, which has rapidly become Ireland’s top style bible.
About DARREN Darren is the founder of online magazine www.helpmystyle. ie. An accomplished presenter and producer, his infectious personality, wit and relaxed interview style has already given him the thumbs up from Tommy Hilfiger, Ronaldo, JLS and Louis Walsh (OK, Louis was less complimentary but that’s to be expected, we all know he’s a bit of Carlow 19
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A step by step guide to creating a fun, spring party look!
Step 1: Cleanse, tone and moisture the skin with products suitable for your skin type. In order to prepare the models skin I used all Vichy products followed by a Gosh primer designed especially for dehydrated skin. Both the moisturiser and primer were applied with the MAC Stipple Brush. Primer helps your makeup stay on for longer and is especially useful for those who suffer from dry or patchy skin.
Step 2: In order to cover blemishes, I used the Catrice Colour Corrector Concealer. This product is especially useful for dark circles Carlow 22
under the eyes or red pigmentation on the skin. I applied it with a concealer brush but it can also be applied with the tips of your fingers.
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse in shade 060. Contouring adds structure and instantly defines and slims the face.
Step 3:
Step 5:
Choosing the correct foundation suitable for both your skin type and colouring is crucial in creating any makeup look. Most foundation brands have either a yellow or a pink undertone. Irish women most commonly have a pink undertone but false tans create a yellow undertone. Therefore it is important to consult with a makeup professional when making this purchase. When you have selected a foundation suitable for your skin, apply with either a flat foundation brush (in a downward motion) or a stipple brush (in a circular motion). Personally I prefer to use the Stipple Brush as I find it blends the makeup better. In order to create this particular look I used Lancome Photogenic Lumessence in shade 01. This foundation created a luminous, dewy base perfect for any spring party!
I applied Vichy Dermablend Translucent Loose Powder to set the foundation and eliminate any shine from oily problem areas. The product was applied with a Lancome Powder/Fluff Brush . It is an excellent powder as due to its lack of coloured pigment it does not alter the colour of the foundation
Step 4: To create a high fashion look, I contoured the models cheekbones with a darker foundation-
Step 6: Using a large eye shadow brush or a Smack Blush Brush I applied the Elizabeth Arden Highlighter underneath the brows and along the models cheek bones. Highlighter is a excellent way of drawing attention to your features and it makes skin glow, especially on camera. In order to create a more natural, fresh look I applied MAC blusher in shade Mocha to the apples of the cheeks located to the outside of the iris of each eye. This is an extremely important application process in order to avoid an overpowering drag queen look!
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Step 7: Defined eyebrows are important as they shape and frame the face. They also are responsible for making the eye socket appear wider. To create the models perfectly defined brows I used the brown segment of the Gosh Brow Kit. It is important to choose a colour half a shade lighter than your natural brows so as to appear more natural and unlike the recent phenomena of the “Scouse Brow”.
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eye and drag out and up toward the socket line of the eye to create the perfect flick. Rejoin the liner with the inside of the socket.
Step 10: To create party ready eyes I coated the lashes with the New Lancome Hypnose` Doll Eyes` Mascara.
To add length and volume to the models natural eyelashes I applied individual lashes to the outside of each eye. This resulted in a ‘fanning out effect’ and widening of the eyes- suitable for both a day or evening event.
Step 11: To complete the look I chose a feminine, spring lip liner and gloss- Chanel in shades 167Confetti.
Rachel McGovern Professional Make-up Artist and Hair Stylist When looking for someone to do your hair and make up for a special
Step 8: I choose a dark gold eye shadow for this look and applied it with a flat Smash Box Eye shadow Brush. Gold is an excellent choice for any party look as it can go from day to night and can make any eye colour pop!
occasion or professional event, you want someone that you know will do an exquisite job and can work with you to create your own unique style. If you want a true artistic professional look no further than Rachel Mc Govern. Having recently finished a course at the prestigious L.A Make-up Academy Rachel has been working regularly on photo shoots with a variety of esteemed photographers such as Hugh Chalonar and Alex Hutchinson both renound for their innovative style. The talented Meath native continues to get work through L.A Makeup Academy as she was chosen as one of their star bar trainees, meaning Rachel can have free continued training and experience with the L.A. team by assisting in classes, body painting for different venues, high profile events, fashion shows and some even get the chance to work for R.T.E. “My inspiration is Alex Box. She’s a creative genius and I love her work.”
Step 9: I used Mac Gel Liner with an angular liner brush to create the fun, flirty flicks in this look. Always start gel application in the middle of the
Rachel has trained in a number of specialist areas including Bridal & Contemporary bridal make-up, high fashion, specialist TV film and theatrical, period, theatre, special effects, face & full body painting, lighting and effects on make-up and much more.
Rachel is available for make-up and hair styling work including all occasions. For further information contact Rachel on 085-7365723
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Londons Carlow Now 2012
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Calling By
Sally Harding
area, too. Most importantly you get to taste lots of chocolate and any you want to buy to take with you, you get a discount on! You honestly haven’t tasted chocolate until you do this tour! Night life
Go off the beaten track to experience the true heart of an iconic city London is the largest metropolitan city in the world with just New York and Paris on par with its buzzing atmosphere, word class shopping, top night life and dynamic restaurant scene. The London Eye, Buckingham Palace and Westminster are iconic landmarks synomonous with this British capital but when I spent time in this dazzling city recently I discovered a London experience less travelled, some hidden gems and a perfect get away for a girly weekend! London is massively under rated. Unlike its rivals the flight is ridiculously short, low cost and convenient, freeing up your purse for some serious spending! It oozes an understated coolness, sophistication and unmistakable atmosphere that could only be that palpable in one of the world’s finest urban capitals. If you’re still unconvinced that London is the place to go here are some reasons to grab the girls and discover this fabulous boom town. Calling all fashionistas EVER wanted to see fashion’s most important sites but didn’t know where to start? A group of qualified tour guides have come up with a new London tour that maps the industry’s key points of interest from Savile Row to Selfridges to the recently opened Louis Vuitton store. The walk features a trip to the studio that belonged to the Queen’s dressmaker and a stopCarlow 26
off at Vogue headquarters in Hanover Square. Visit the world wide famous Harrods and stop by the London School of Fashion! As one of the world’s most fashion forward cities, London’s street style, wealth, and laid back attitude make it a city rich with fashion finds. Located off the beaten track this gives you the knowledge normally reserved for insiders. End the day at Selfridges, every fashion lover’s dream! Treats Hidden in one of London’s most hip areas is Soho’s Secret Tea Rooms. This charming bygone themed establishment invites you to indulge in sumptuous 1950’s style afternoon tea. Choose from delicious homemade cakes, scones with jam and clotted cream and other delectable delights! Soothed by the sounds of original 1940’s jazz on the gramophone records this is an ideal way to spend an elegant afternoon with your friends. Dress up in your finest lace blouse, gloves and pearls and enter another era! For all you ladies with a sweet tooth the Chocolate Ecstasy Tour shows you the best chocolate in London as you will be guided around the exclusive Knightsbridge district by a certified chocoholic guide who will escort you all to some of London’s finest and most exclusive chocolateries together with collecting little bits of history of the
With film premieres, concerts, fashion shows and football matches galore, London is a great place to catch a glimpse of the rich and famous. Whether you want a riotous night with the Royals, White Russians with the Wags, or a secret speakeasy experience, there’s a perfect style bar somewhere in London! A classic celeb haunt, The Ivy is the first place that springs to mind for star spotting in London. Located in Theatre land, not only does it serve up traditional British dishes in cosy surroundings, but it does so with style. No wonder celebrities flock here in droves. Mahiki is known as much for its celebrity crowd as its fabulous cocktail menu. Popular among London’s rich and famous, this Tiki bar brings a little touch of the Pacific to Mayfair. Try the Coconut Grenade, Honolulu Honey, Bikini Blast or the notorious Treasure Chest, a mixture of spirits and champagne served in a wooden chest! The Rob Roy near Paddington Station is a traditional Scottish pub in the heart of London and one of the city’s finest public houses with amazing food and an electric
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atmosphere. Famous for showing world sport events whilst browsing their specialised Scottish menu of Haggis imported from the Highlands, Scottish Pies Stews and of course Black Pudding. Enjoy a wee dram from their extensive selection of Scottish Malt whisky or try a Deuchars I.P.A traditional ale imported from the Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh. Tony as his crew will certainly look after your every wish. It’s definitely one to visit. Shopping
Oxford Street is Europe’s largest high street and one of the world’s most famous shopping streets brimming with prestigious British brands and trademark stores. A trip to this fashion epicentre is a must, but for me, there is nothing more exciting than the London markets. Here you will find something truly special with amazing vintage stores offering stunning one off pieces, exotic food, modern art, antiques and trendy cafes. These sprawling markets capture the essence of modern London and are a magnet for budding artists, designers and would be stars. Camden Town Market is an inspirational area and has to be at the top ranking of London’s eclectic markets. Stroll up Camden High Street and breath in the amazing ambience of an area filled with people of all backgrounds coming together to get a taster of the many stalls, market arcades and goings on of the world wide famous town. Inside the stable markets you will find an Aladdin’s cave of stylish and alternative goodies and where I discovered a lady selling
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fabulous circular handmade leather bags with retro images adorning the centre. “Loluna” trade daily at Camden and Portobello and this is the one item I purchased on my trip that stands out as something so unique and memorable of my stay. You can’t go to London and not visit Portobello Road in Notting Hill if to simply just enjoy a day exploring and people watching the many tourists, locals and travellers of all origins that all seem to have a story about why they came to London. Making your way through Notting Hill to the market road you pass some exquisite properties, boutiques and book shops (remember Hugh Grant’s snug book haven in the movie) A lesser known place in the city a little off the beaten track is Brick Lane situated in pure east end London in the heart of the cities Bengali community. This little area is full of character, charm and diversity and situated in a location you wouldn’t expect to host such a distinctive and special district. The best day to visit Brick Lane Market is on Sunday when the bustling artistic hub comes alive with an array of quirky offerings. The great thing about Brick Lane is that you never know what you’ll find from cheap leather clothes, kitsch collectables and art deco furniture. I came across the best vintage stores in London here and a fantastic boutique called the Fashion Exchange where you can buy, sell or trade your modern, designer and vintage clothing. I scored a genuine cream leather 80’s coat for just £15. London created vintage and if you love it you’ll adore Brick Lane. Another one not to miss is the £1.8 billion Westfield Stratford City retail project in the east of the city that will be the gateway to the London 2012 Olympic Park and is the largest urban shopping centre in Europe with 300 shops ranging from Primark to Prada within 1.9million sq ft. You have to see this!
This just scratches the surface of the weird and wonderful activities that London has to offer. Whatever your criteria for a break, London has it in abundance. Tips DO stay off the beaten track – Apart from the huge price difference in accommodation prices, this will allow you to get a taste of real London life and you’ll be surprised at the interesting stores and places of interest you will find. The K West in Shepherd’s Bush is an amazing but affordable boutique hotel located in a smart residential area just a few stops from Oxford Circus but just out of the rat race. The K West boasts a fantastic Spa, gym and exceptional restaurant. The rooms are spacious and contemporary and the perfect sanctuary after a hard day’s shopping! DON’T get caught commuting in outrageously priced London Cabs. The Underground is a superb and reasonable way of getting around the city with trains at the platforms literally every few seconds. The bus is also another fantastic way to see the city. DO book flights well in advance. I paid just €80 for two flights taxes and charges included and if you’re very clever, pack so you won’t have to book a bag on the plane. Of course, if you’re anything like me there might be need for one coming back! www.visitlondon.com
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What’s
On
Naked Ladies and played Blues with Jeff Healey, Jerome Godboo, The Blues Brothers, and also jazz with Bill Frisell, Holly Cole, Molly Johnson. His musical projects have him travelling the world, most often as band leader and guitarist with Mary Margaret O’Hara. Most notable shows were in London, New York and L.A. with Mary, sharing the stage with music icons Sting, Lou Reed, Marianne Faithful, Steve Earle, and Elvis Costello and TV appearances that include N.B.C.’s Night Music’, BBC ‘Top of the Pops,” and Much Music. Along the way Rusty has found time to hone his craft as a songwriter and is devoting more time to finding his niche in the performance world, and it’s being appreciated. In fact, Rusty’s song “Baking A Cake” has been included in the upcoming film ‘Autumn’ - starring the late David Carradine, and written film scores for BRAVO TV’s “A Taste Of Shakespeare.” www.gbshawtheatre.ie
Rusty McCarthy – 23rd March – George Bernard Shaw Theatre Rusty McCarthy - Singer, songwriter, producer, engineer, and one of the finest Blues and Jazz guitarist on the
scene today, with a career spanning three decades and having shared the stage with some of the finest performers in the world. As a free-lance guitarist Rusty has jammed and played with pop’s Alanah Myles, Tom Cochrane, Bare
The Chocolate Garden of Ireland Heaven for lovers of chocolate and ice cream everywhere, the Chocolate Garden of Ireland offers Chocolate Workshops regularly, hosts Birthday Parties, and has a delicious coffee shop (serving
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Irelands best hot chocolate!) and an ice cream parlour at its chocolate and ice cream factory. Set in beautiful South-west Wicklow, close to Tullow, The Chocolate Garden has become popular with all ages - from school tours and pre-school groups to active retirement groups, everyone is a kid when it comes to delicious chocolate. Connoisseurs of coffee travel to enjoy our award winning coffee and fans of quality ice cream and chocolate drool over our delicious recipes.
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Sandra’s HAIR STUDIO Unit 2, Sandhills S.C. Carlow
059 9137622
Treat yourself to an Amazing
SPECIAL OFFER
20% Off ALL Colours & Highlights
Any trip to the Chocolate Garden is guaranteed to please, whether you participate in a workshop or just visit for a hot chocolate or milkshake. With plenty of parking, seating and mouth-watering temptations, this is a must visit. If you book in for a workshop, you can look forward to learning about all things chocolate and ice cream; enjoy demonstrations, tastings and hands-on work with chocolate - a thoroughly enjoyable hour and forty minutes! Make your own chocolate product and get to keep the mould. www.cholocategarden.ie
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CATERING TO YOUR SECURITY NEEDS What does AP Systems offer to its customers in Carlow? A new addition to the streetscape of Carlow town is a new security showroom/retail security outlet at the Castle Hill Centre, Castle Hill. It is owned and operated by AP Systems Ltd and is an expansion of the company’s existing security business. The company has been in operation since 1987 in Kilkenny city serving counties Carlow, Kilkenny and Laois. Originally based in John’s Quay, Kilkenny, AP Systems opened new showrooms/monitoring centre in the Hebron Business Park in Kilkenny in January 2007. A modern and sophisticated security showroom at this level was a first for the southeast of Ireland and has proved very popular with both the company’s domestic and commercial customers. In demonstrating its commitment to its customers in Carlow, AP Systems decided to open a showroom in Carlow town. The company is confident that this new facility will be well received by all its customers in Carlow and surrounds. What is available in the new AP Systems Ltd showrooms in Carlow?: Customers visiting the showrooms in Carlow can view the latest in security systems, including wired and wire free intruder alarm systems, access control systems and CCTV systems. AP Systems also provide and install a full range of automated gate systems and barriers together with a full range of accessories including intercoms, keypads and GSM units. The company has recently been appointed as the Carlow Dealer for all FAAC and GENIUS gate automation products. All accessories for these systems are available to purchase at the trade counter. AP Systems also stocks a selection of telecom equipment and interesting electronic products. By visiting the showrooms customers can make an informed choice before purchasing any system. A customer with a residence or commercial building at design stage can bring in their plans for consultation, advice and a quotation. Drawings can also be marked up at design stage for electrical contractors showing wiring requirements for all systems. All design, advice and assistance with cable requirements for any project is provided free of charge.
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The security solutions offered by AP Systems Ltd extend from the design and installation of the simplest domestic systems to the more complex solutions associated with major projects. It incorporates a full range of the very latest security products incorporating the most up-to-date technology available. All monitored alarm systems installed by AP Systems Ltd benefit from the company’s ability to carry out engineer functions remotely. This has proved to be a huge benefit to the customer allowing many issues to be dealt with without the customer having to pay for a call out charge. Systems are constantly tested by routine automatic test calls and events like tampers, fuse faults and low batteries report are transmitted instantly to the company’s monitoring centre. Reports are then automatically emailed to the AP Systems’ service department before the customer may even be aware of them. AP Systems Ltd has recently launched Homewatch which is a fully wire free system monitored over the telephone line or GSM plug on card. Unlike other wire free alarm systems in the marketplace the HomeWatch system has a separate keypad and control panel allowing the main control panel to be located in a secure environment. The system also boasts a real external bell box and not just a dummy box as in the case of many wire free systems. Why use AP Systems Ltd.? AP Systems Ltd has vast experience, extensive technical expertise and renowned customer support and these have been key factors resulting in many major south-east businesses, government agencies (county councils, hospitals, state bodies) and thousands of
domestic customers choosing AP Systems as their security partner. The company employs a highly skilled team of engineers and ensures that they are excellently positioned to meet and exceed the highest customer support expectations. AP Systems Ltd – the leading security specialists in the south-east – guarantees that your investment with the company will be given the commitment and the technical expertise required to give you exactly what you require - excellent value for money and a professional security solution. AP Systems Ltd has an EN51031 licence, a PSA licence and a SR40 licence, which is the quality control standard specifically for the security industry and administered by the National Standards Authority of Ireland. AP Systems Ltd also installs alarm systems which comply with the new Garda policy on verification (Gardai will only respond to a verified alarm activation). AP Systems Ltd – Management and staff: AP Systems is owned and managed by Denis Hughes, who has over 20 years experience in the security business. Peter Holland, who has been with the company for over 15 years, is the Operations and Service Manager. Peter’s key role is to ensure that the daily running of the business is carried out a high standard and also all projected completed by AP Systems are maintained to industry standards and is responsible for all maintenance and customer service matters. The company employs 13 staff including 8 engineers. Contact details: AP Systems Ltd, 4 Castle Hill Centre, Castle Hill, Kennedy Street, Carlow. 059 9130030
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New Year New You!
We’ve opened and polished off the multiple boxes of roses, demolished granny’s trifle and triumphed the almighty Christmas dinner with the hundreds of turkey sambo’s after to boot! And while we enjoyed every minute, the party is over! But don’t worry we are here to show the many fantastic ways to create a happy healthy you for 2012! Unfortunately the saying no pain no gain has some credibility in regards to getting fit but creating a healthy body and mind needn’t be something to dread any longer. Our body is an amazing thing that allows us to use it in so many unbelievable ways and we owe it to ourselves to keep it in the best possible condition. SEVEN BENEFITS OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY You know exercise is good for you, but do you know how good? From boosting your mood to improving your sex life, find out how exercise can improve your life. Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than exercise. The health
benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. And the benefits of exercise are yours for the taking, regardless of your age, sex or physical ability. Need more convincing to exercise? Check out these seven ways exercise can improve your life. No. 1: Exercise controls weight
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. You don’t need to set aside large chunks of time for exercise to reap weight-loss benefits. If you can’t do an actual workout, get more active throughout the day in simple ways — by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or revving up your household chores. No. 2: Exercise combats health conditions and diseases Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This onetwo punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and
concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls. No. 3: Exercise improves mood Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. No. 4: Exercise boosts energy Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores. No. 5: Exercise promotes better sleep Struggling to fall asleep? Or to stay
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asleep? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to fall asleep. No. 6: Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. But there’s more to it than that. Regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less
likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don’t exercise. No. 7: Exercise can be fun Exercise and physical activity can be a fun way to spend some time. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, try something new. THE BOTTOM LINE ON EXERCISE Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. As a general Carlow 36
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goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns. What suits you? Yoga - Physical Benefits Flexibility: Stretching your tight body in new ways will help it to become more flexible, bringing greater range of motion to muscles and joints. Over time, you can expect to gain flexibility
in your hamstrings, back, shoulders, and hips. Strength: Many yoga poses require you to support the weight of your own body in new ways, including balancing on one leg (such as in Tree Pose) or supporting yourself with your arms (such as in Downward Facing Dog). Some exercises require you to move slowly in and out of poses, which also increases strength. Muscle tone: As a by-product of getting stronger, you can expect to see increased muscle tone. Yoga helps shape long, lean muscles. Better Breathing: Most of us breathe very shallowly into the lungs and don’t give much thought to how we breathe. Yoga breathing exercises, called Pranayama, focus the attention on the breath and teach us how to better use our lungs, which benefits the entire body. Certain types of breath can also help clear the nasal passages and
even calm the central nervous system, which has both physical and mental benefits. Zumba Zumba is a popular type of group exercise class that has grown in popularity in the recent years. This class incorporates a number of different types of traditional dances into a fun, group exercise class format. No matter if you want to improve your cardiovascular system, lose weight, improve your coordination, or boost your mood, Zumba dancing may be just what the doctor ordered! Zumba Fitness® is the only Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends redhot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and contagious steps to form a “fitness-party” that is downright addictive. Since its inception in 2001, the Zumba program has grown to become the world’s largest – and most successful – dance-fitness program with more than 12 million people of all shapes, sizes and ages taking weekly Zumba classes in over 110,000 locations across more than 125 countries. Spinning Spinning is a cardiovascular cycling workout on a stationary bike on which the tension can be increased, decreased, mileage and lapsed time is kept by a small computer, and calories burned and heart rate can be tracked by using an inexpensive additional heart monitor. It is very individualized since each individual controls his or her own bike. You literally work every leg muscle during each cycle stroke. Additionally, the heart (actually a muscle) is worked and the lungs increase their capacity over time. Pole fitness This is an amazing fitness program that will have your body moving in ways you didn’t know it could!
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A good pole fitness school / course will have many levels and will be similar to gymnastiques in its movements. Pole Dancing increases muscle tone, body sculpts, Increases flexibility, builds stamina and strength improves circulation and increases selfconfidence and body awareness while bringing improved body posture and grace! You are what you eat Experts agree the key to healthy eating is the time-tested advice of balance, variety and moderation. These 10 tips can help you follow that advice while still enjoying the foods you eat. • Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Your daily food selection should include bread and other whole-grain products; fruits; vegetables; dairy products; and meat, poultry, fish and
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other protein foods. • Enjoy plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Look through cookbooks for tasty ways to prepare unfamiliar foods. • Maintain a healthy weight. The weight that’s right for you depends on many factors including your sex, height, age and heredity. • Eat moderate portions. If you keep portion sizes reasonable, it’s easier to eat the foods you want and stay healthy. • Eat regular meals. Snacking between meals can help curb hunger, but don’t eat so much that your snack becomes an entire meal. • Reduce, don’t eliminate certain foods. Use the Nutrition Facts panel on the food label to help balance your
choices. • Balance your food choices over time. Your food choices over several days should fit together into a healthy pattern. • Know your diet pitfalls. Write down everything you eat for three days. Then check your list according to the rest of these tips. • Make changes gradually. Begin to remedy excesses or deficiencies with modest changes that can add up to positive, lifelong eating habits. Remember, foods are not good or bad. Select foods based on your total eating patterns, not whether any individual food is “good” or “bad.” Eat in moderation, and choose other foods to provide the balance and variety that are vital to good health.
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