Northern Woman August 2017 by Helen Wright

CONTENTS AUGUST 2017

54 STYLE 8 AUGUST UPDATES Key pieces to update your look 12 GO CAPSULE 10 items you need in your life 14 LUST LIST This month’s most wanted 15 AZTEC INVASION Tribal-inspired accessories 16 STREET STYLE Get the look FEATURES 26 WHY UNA HEALY is no longer playing the waiting game 30 I KID YOU NOT When you have kids first 32 JOBS FOR THE GIRLS 34 SHAME AND BLAME Exploring ‘women hating on other women’ BEAUTY 38 MAKEUP EDIT The latest makeup bag must-haves 39 #BEAUTY INSPO Hot off the catwalk 40 JUST BROW-SING Your guide to brows 42 BRUSH UP Tried and Tested HEALTH AND WELLNESS 46 FOOD SENSTIVITY TESTING Tried and tested 50 FEMALE RACERS Gear up 54 ME, MYSELF AND BMI Talking about body image

Cover image featuring Una Healy Credit: Stradivarius

Credit: Vila

ESCAPE 58 PORTUGAL Wine, sun… and a bit more wine 60 HONKY TONK WOMAN Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans 62 BAGS OF STYLE Seriously stylish cabin bags 63 PAMELA’S TRAVEL TIPS Pamela Ballantine’s top 10 64 THE SOCIAL 10 mustn’t miss events

LIVING 68 THE DECORATING EDIT This summer’s hottest buys 73 DOUBLE UP Designer doubles 74 HOUSE ON THE HILL A self-build in Scarva 80 LOCAL WEDDINGS 83 THE ALBUM Social pics 96 NORTHEN MAN 98 WIN A spa break

Publisher Independent News & Media Ltd Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3GB T: 028 9026 4264 Editor: Catriona Doherty Designer: Robert Armstrong Manager: Eileen Doherty Art Editor: Helen Wright Editorial Contributors Jess Whitley, Emma Deighan, Claire Craig, Jeff Meredith, Róisín Carabine, Clare Bowie and Jade Beecroft Independent News & Media © 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means; electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of Independent News & Media.

Editor’s Letter

i all, Welcome to the August edition of Northern Woman. We’re spoiling you this month with another £1 issue and a free Sleek MakeUP Lip VIP Lipstick worth £5.50 – enjoy! This month the glamorous Una Healy, who is performing at the Harvest Country Music Festival, took time out from her hectic schedule to chat to Northern Woman about being one-fifth of The Saturdays, her new album, and juggling family life alongside an incredible career. Fashion wise we bring you the latest buys to update your look this August, from Mom jeans to tie-sleeves, Aztec-inspired accessories, street style and more. There’s some serious fashion going on in our social pages too – flick to The Album to see if you, or someone you know, was snapped out and about. As always the issue is jam-packed with stories written about, and by, inspiring local ladies. Eunice Nelson gets real about body image and encourages women to be kinder to themselves, Emma Deighan questions the culture of ‘slut shaming’, and Jade Beecroft meets the women excelling in ‘traditionally male’ roles. Ahead of the Ulster Rally and Ulster Grand Prix, I catch up with the local ladies who’ve a thing for speed and my personal favourite photo of the issue

Behind the scenes stylist Amy Cartwright preps Phoebe Tan

features a jubilant Jackie Elliott standing on top of her rally car post-race #girlpower! If you’re heading off on holidays be sure to check out jetsetter Pamela Ballantine’s top travel tips before you go. If you’re staying put, see our Social 10 mustn’t miss local events. In addition to that, we also bring you the very latest interior trends, beauty news and advice, travel reviews and much more besides. Enjoy the issue, don’t forget to tweet or email us your thoughts, and check in our Facebook page for daily updates. Until next month,

Catriona Doherty Editor Northern Woman

Contact me at: c.doherty@independentmagazinesni.co.uk. Follow NW on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/NorthernWomanMagazine. Tweet us at: @NorthernWomanNW.

STYLE Credit: Pull & Bear

Nora Mid Retro from Dr Denim Jeans £50

Mom Fit Jeans from Pull&Bear £25.99

Black Label Bondage Jeans from The Ragged Priest £110

August updates

Is your wardrobe in need of an overall? Just a few fashion forward buys will update your look

MOM JEANS Are we revealing our age if we admit we remember our Mum wearing Mom jeans’? Straight out of the eighties, Mom jeans are back big time. Goodbye thighs, hello waists – as these jeans have waist bands that sit near the natural waist, and feature an ankle crop, tapered leg and thick denim. Wear yours rolled up at the ankles, or with ripped knees, embroidered detail or in faded colours. If you dare to bare, team them with a crop top, alternatively opt for a high-neck bodysuit or shirt tucked in. 8

Open Thigh Bleach Wash Mom Jean from prettylittlething.com £28

Original Mom Jeans in Adelaide Wash from ASOS were £35 now £21

Mid Blue Wash Mom Jeans from River Island £42

Sophie High Rise Jeans from boohoo.com £28

THE WHITE TOP A classic choice, the crisp white top has been modernised with corset-style lacing, embroidery and back-revealing detail. Looking ahead to the autumn, we’ll all be wearing Victorian-style high neck white tops featuring feminine frills and ruffles. Lace Blouse from Vila £40

Shirt from Berskha £17.99

Charlotte Rose from Monsoon £59 (out October)

White Shirred Corset Waist T-Shirt from New Look £14.99

TIE SLEEVES Feminine, summery and just plain pretty, tie sleeves are very much in at the moment. 2017 has been the year of the statement sleeve; from billowing bells to the exaggerated cuff, and this month we just can’t get enough of the tie sleeve.

Tie Sleeve Strapless Dress from Lavish Alice was £74 now £37

Poplin Tie Strap Cami from Miss Selfridge £25

Stripy Top from H&M £24.99

Rose Gold Barely There Sandals from JD Williams £30

ANKLE STRAP SANDALS

Kelly in Perforated Nappa Leather in Black from Jimmy Choo £775

Effie Heel Light Caramel from All Saints were £178 now £106

Gold Embellished Strappy Court Shoes from River Island £52

Peep those toes in a barely-there sandals, or opt for strappy court shoes, in metallic shades, floral print or with heel detail, featuring a dainty ankle strap. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your metallics, as seen in the gold and silver River Island pair pictured… after all ladies, rules were made to be broken!

Missguided Ditsy Floral from Schuh Were £25 now £9.99

FLATFORMS Love them or loathe them, flatforms are in. These comfy shoes are ideal for ladies who want to lift their look without having to wear heels. Nail the minimalist trend with flatforms teamed with ripped denim for a grunge-chic edge.

Black Flatforms from H&M £19.99

Flatforms from Zara £49.99

Rainbow Stripe Flatform from Dune London £115

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The must-have jacket A leather jacket can be worn with anything. Purchase a plain black jacket, this is way you can wear it in AW17. A leather jacket will never date and is my investment piece.

ast year I turned 30, and I decided to make a list of 30 things I wanted to do in my 30th year. The list had a range of things on it, from investing in a good eye cream (I really should have been using one five years ago, eek!) to building myself a capsule wardrobe, and I don’t mean assembling one from a certain large Swedish store! A capsule wardrobe is ‘a way of minimising your clothes into a small collection’ that easily mixes and matches, instead of stuffing your wardrobe with items you barely wear. I took a good long look at my wardrobe and the pieces I already owned. I took action and donated to the local charity shop what I had not worn in the last year to make room for a fresh start. I began to rebuild and refine my wardrobe with a style that truly reflects where I am in my life and career.

Leather Jacket from La Redoute £179

The Breton top You can’t get more classic than a striped Breton top, think French chic. Kate Middleton is a huge fan of this staple.

Boxy Stripe Top from F&F Tesco £10

The little black dress The LBD is a must for every wardrobe; it’s the perfect little number for every occasion. Dress up with jewellery or dress down with flats and a leather jacket.

Go CAPSULE The top 10 things you need in your life, for a complete capsule wardrobe BY JESS WHITLEY Editing your clothes down to just the essentials makes picking out your morning outfit so much easier. The key is to have a small number of items in your wardrobe and discover different ways to pair the staple pieces without wearing the same outfit twice. Invest in timeless pieces, and you’ll never be at a loss for what to wear whenever the occasion calls for something special. If you are a thirtysomething like me then your social calendar is most likely filled with attending your best friend’s three-year-old’s birthday party and your work colleague’s engagement drinks. One must always have an outfit ready to celebrate over cake or Prosecco (or both!). Here are my 10 musthave items that every stylish woman should have in her wardrobe. n

Casey Lace Dress from Monsoon £89

Skinny Jeans A capsule wardrobe would not be complete without a pair of skinny jeans. Make sure you choose a pair that suits your body. If you are curvy then go high waisted. Embellished Jean Mid Wash from Very £35

A statement bag A statement bag can transform any outfit. You can add a ‘notice me’ bag to your work or your weekend wardrobe. This leopard print style is edgy and on trend.

Beau Pumps from Crew Clothing £59

Nude court shoes Valentio-inspired edgy nude heels will go with everything. This pair from Dune are quite the bargain!

Nude Court Heels from Dune London were £85 now £34

Flats These pretty pumps are perfect for the school run or for a brunch date! Casual footwear can still be cute.

Leopard print bag from M & Co £20

Black Floral Ruffle T-Shirt from Dorothy Perkins £26

White shirt from J by Jasper Conran £39

A white shirt One of the most versatile pieces you can own is a white shirt. This fashion staple can be styled down for day, up for night, and a myriad of ways in between. My favourite way to wear is with a statement scarf.

Japanese Cross Stitch Scarf from White Stuff £27

A statement scarf I’m obsessed with scarves. A scarf can make an outfit and it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Now that’s a wrap with my top 10 items!

Dressy top Florals are all about having fun with fashion and embracing the joy and romance of summer. This top is all about having fun in the sun.

George’s Girl

For more from Jess check out her fab fashion and beauty blog George’s Girl, visit: www.georgesgirl.com 13

Lust List Local buys – this month’s most wanted

Inbetween Necklace from RoCo Boutique, Holywood £59

Aquazzura Tropicana 105 Heeled Sandals from Cruise, Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Belfast £295

Sunlasses were £18 now £9, necklace was £20 now £10, both from Next, The Outlet, Banbridge

Rox Jacket from Reiss was £250 now £160 Timeless Remix Strand bracelet from Swarovski, Foyleside Shopping Centre £59 (out August)

Bathboard from Mr & Mrs Bathboards £25, photo credit Blossomingbirds

Irish Bog Oak and patinated copper earrings from The Ballyloskey Collection by Maureen Mc Ghee, www.maureenmcghee.com £29

Rose Goldplate Bangle from Newbridge Silverware, Arthur Street, Belfast £47

Chic Chi London dress from Menarys £63

Shell Bead Necklace from Mango was £17.99 now £8.99

Chanel Cruise 2017 2018 Runway Pascal Le Segretain/ Getty Images

Choker from Bershka was£9.99 now £4.99

Faith Sandals from Debenhams were £49 now £24.50

Tassel Flats from Deichmann £19.99

Lazier from Dune London were £70 now £49

Aztec Invasion

Tribal-inspired patterns, bold colours and natural materials create the Aztec trend. From earthy shades to bright neons and geometric prints, Aztec-inspired accessories are where it’s at Seed Bead Tassel Hoop Earrings from Topshop £12.50

Craft Drop Necklace from M&S £19.50

Tribal Earrings from Oysho were £12.99 now £9.99

Long Beaded Necklace from Bonprix £17.99

Orange Aztec Jewel Embellished Choker from River Island £12

Street STYLE Contrasting textures, vibrant shades and a focus on individualism, this month we bring you the most eye-catching street style looks Shot on location at Aether and Echo

Trousers £39.99, trainers £27, bag £10, from TK Maxx; Marc Cain jacket from Peel, Bloomfield Avenue £209 ; ring and vest stylist’s own

Top from Topshop £25; jeans £16.99 from TK Maxx; beads from Threaded Stone Designs; ring and belt stylist’s own

Dress from TK Maxx ÂŁ59.99; jacket, bag and accessories stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own

Skirt £49.99, top £16.99, bag £14.99 from TK Maxx; ring stylist’s own

10 Feet Army Jumpsuit was £129.99 now £65 from Rio & Brazil, Wellington Place; necklace £35, Riani sandals £277 from Peel, Bloomfield avenue; scarf, ring and bracelets stylist’s own

Essentiel Antwerp sweatshirt £168, Essentiel Antwerp skirt £190, scarf £85, from Peel, Bloomfield Avenue; boots from Topshop £65; bracelets stylist’s own

Skirt £20 from Topshop; Essentiel Antwerp brooch £56 from Peel, Bloomfield Avenue; top £9.99, handbag £14.99, shoes £13 from T K Maxx; ring stylist’s own

Essentiel Antwerp top £168, Essential Antwerp collar £42, from Peel, Bloomfield Avenue; boots £65 from Topshop; jeans £16.99, bag £29.99, from TK Maxx; bracelets and socks stylist’s own

– PHOTOGRAPHY – Khara Pringle 028 9182 6000 www.kharapringlephotographic.com – HAIR – Amy Cartwright Paul Stafford Hairdressing staffordhair.com – MAKEUP – Ellen Lunney from Make-Up Studio 02890 434007 make-upstudio.co.uk – MODEL – Phoebe Tan @ CMPR www.cmprireland.com – STYLING – Roisin O’Donnell 07742 065574 www.facebook.com/TheRoshCollection – LOCATION – Aether & Echo, APOC, cocktail, speakeasy, Belfast aetherandecho.com

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+44 (0)28 8772 6684

info@thelinengreen.co.uk

WHY

Una Healy IS NO LONGER PLAYING THE WAITING GAME

BY CATRIONA DOHERTY

na Healy’s sound has evolved over time, from The Saturdays pop princess to acclaimed singer songwriter with a ‘country twist’, Una has now achieved her lifelong dream of bringing out an album of original tracks. “The waiting game is finally over,” Una smiles, “I have always wanted to bring out an album of my original songs since I was 12 years old. I have a song on the album called The Waiting Game and when it came to naming the album I felt it would be the perfect title.” ‘What can fans expect from your new album?’ NW asks. “It is my debut solo album with 12 original songs that I wrote and co-wrote,” Una explains. “It is essentially a singersongwriter album and many people have said it has a country music sound running through it. My country music inspiration comes from my uncle Declan Nerney, who is a country and Irish singer. We always had country music on in our house growing up. As a teenager I loved going along to his shows where he would often call me up to sing a few of my original songs before he went on himself. The album has songs about my life and others close to me; I have drawn inspiration from them and their life experiences. I like to write songs that everyone can relate to and make their own.” For example, Battle Lines which was co-written with Sacha Skarbeck, examines the ups and downs of relationships, “It has definitely a more positive vibe than some of the other love songs on the album,” Una adds.

Yin and yang

Speaking of love, we ask the Tipperary native about meeting her husband, English rugby union player Ben Foden. “I clicked with Ben as soon as I met him,” Una says, “there was obviously a physical attraction there too but that is no foundation. We enjoy each other’s company so much and he is my best friend. We have very different personalities but I think that is why it works so well. I love a bit of yin yang! “We recently celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary and went on holiday just the two of us for a week. I think it is important to spend time as just a couple from time to time as it is so full on with work and family life you have got to make time for romance.” Una and Ben are proud parents to fiveyear-old Aoife and Tadgh who is two. When asked about how she manages to juggles such a busy career with being a mum, the star replies:

µµThe Saturdays were such an important part of my musical journey∑∑ “I have found a really great balance juggling both and with the support of my husband Ben and help from family, we manage like any other working parents. My daughter is in school every day and my son attends nursery so my time is now a lot freer to work during the day than when they were very young.”

Continued on 28 ➤

Harvest Country Music Festival

Una who lives in Northampton, is Northern Ireland bound this month for the Harvest Country Music Festival which take place in Enniskillen on August 26th, and Westport on August 27th.

µµI used to do acoustic gigs in the Duke of York on a weekly basis before I joined the Saturdays; it is such a legendary place!∑∑ “I am really looking forward to the festival,” Una enthuses, “The line-up is so good! Northern Ireland has such a great country music following and has done for many years so I am sure the crowd will be amazing. I will be performing an acoustic set with original tracks from my debut album along with a couple of well-known covers.” During her visit Una plans to get out and about in Belfast. “I have a good friend from Belfast who I always try to meet up with

when I have gigs up there,” she says. “There are some great bars and restaurants around too. I actually used to do acoustic gigs in the Duke of York bar on a weekly basis before I joined the Saturdays; it is such a legendary place!” From playing acoustic sets in the Duke of York to being on-fifth of The Saturdays singing alongside household names Frankie Bridge, Rochelle Humes, Mollie King and Vanessa White – ‘What was your lucky break?’ we ask. “There were a few things that happened along the way in my musical journey and one led to the other,” Una explains. “Before The Saturdays I had won the Glinsk Song Contest in 2004 and again in 2006. This really built my confidence as a songwriter and gave me the determination to keep it up. The Saturdays were such an important part of my musical journey so far.” Although the artist has many ‘amazing memories’ of her time in The Saturdays as they ‘did so much’, two of the most memorable moments include filming E! reality TV show Chasing The Saturdays amidst the bright lights of LA, and celebrating the band’s first number one with Sean Paul. Considering her high profile career, we imagine Una must get recognised a lot out and about. “I live in Northampton in England and people know I live here, so I

never feel I am being recognised anywhere I go,” Una says, “It’s really nice to feel at home here and I feel no different to anyone else just because of what I do.”

Woman to woman

‘Live every single day as if it’s your last there’s a lot of things out there so give them all a blast’ These are the lyrics from a song called This Is Your Life written by the artist when she was only 15 years of age, and it certainly seems as if Una lives by those words considering her incredible career to date. She shares the following advice to young singers who are just starting out: “Keep practising and rehearsing, gig and get out in front of a crowd as often as possible. It is not an easy path to take but if it is your passion and you are determined enough you will achieve your goals. Be prepared for a lot of disappointment along the way but don’t let this hold you back, use it to help you become even more determined.” n

Una will perform at the Harvest Country Music Festival on Saturday August 26th in Enniskillen and Sunday August 27th in Westport. For tickets visit www.harvestcountrymusicfestival.com

kid not you

16 things you only find out when you have children before your friends do BY CLARE BOWIE

o you’ve reached the kiddie milestone before your bestie, and of course there’s been a massive shift in lifestyle and priorities but you have to learn how to navigate your way through, so it’s not ‘hello baby and goodbye friends’. Here’s what to expect…

1 2

Shopping together is so different now. She tries on the silk duster jacket, whilst, finding a coat with a good hood is now top of your wish list.

When she talks about shots, it’s more likely to be tequila, not MMR, so you need to remember not to relive the trauma of the double baby jabbing, which still brings you out in a sweat BTW.

3 4 5

While you’re mushing up carrots, she is most likely instagramming her perfectly spiralized courgette noodles or dining in a new restaurant on a random Thursday night, just because she can. Sigh.

Her eyes glaze over when you go on and on about how cute ‘onesies with ears’ are, or how adorable it is when your child says am-in-als instead of animals.

Your eyes glaze over when she agonises over the wording of a single text message to her new man and wants to discuss and reword it 13 times. Like it really matters or something!

She looks at you really oddly when you mention that you, ‘just popped up to see your child’s nursery teacher again’ to talk things through, for the third time this month.

You look at her oddly when she spends £150 on make-up at the Chanel counter and has a total of three tiny black boxes in her (albeit beautifully scented) bag.

You return from holiday and accidentally tell your friend how ridiculously impressed you are with the familyfriendly buggy station at the airport, while your friend looks at you with pity in her eyes.

Your friend returns from holiday refreshed and tanned and looks at you, with that same expression.

10 11 12

She says she’s tired and you just laugh. A very strained, mirthless, emotionally and physically drained kind of laugh, laced with disgusted intolerance. She organises a night out and books the table for 9pm! Duh! The whole point of going out is to avoid bedtime routine! You arrange a weekend coffee catch up for 9am and she is flabbergasted. What’s wrong with that? You’ve been up since six and are usually craving your second cup by 9am! #differenttimezones

13 14

You literally talk a different language now; you accidentally break into jolly phonics, nappy talk and snack traps while she witters on about her new Loveflutter app and bikini arm warmers. Wwhhhaatt? She thinks you’re being distant but you’re just massively distracted and trying to get through the day without spag bol splatters. You need to explain that when you said you’d call her back in 10 minutes you thought it was clear that, that meant three weeks.

You judge each other a bit. Did your friend always seem so self-indulgent? Can we stop talking about your hair now and why on earth did she give your child a massive, useless teddy bear, to clutter up your house with?

She thinks you’ve turned into a ‘mummy martyr’, shoving your multi-tasking prowess in her face and taking the assertive mummy thing to the limits, it’s not her fault if she can’t decide between Indian or Chinese takeaway within 20 seconds. Eye roll! Oh well, hopefully she’ll have her own kids soon and you can be mummy bores together! n

Jobs for the girls When choosing a career path, women were once urged to steer clear of ‘jobs for the boys’. But now there are more females working in traditionally male roles than ever before BY JADE BEECROFT

rom plumbers and carpenters to bankers and company CEOs – there was once a whole list of careers that were seen as off-limits to women. Not any more. Northern Ireland is proudly leading the way when it comes to seeing females taking on traditionally male roles – from our political leaders to the workers who collect our bins. So what’s changed? Lynn Carvill is Chief Executive of Women’s Tec, a North Belfast charitable organisation offering training in non-traditional employment. Courses include joinery, electrics, plumbing, tiling, painting and decorating, and carpentry – all hands-on skills leading to professions that were once male-dominated. Lynn says that whether you’re a teenager making career choices or a woman returning to work after a career break or having a family, these roles have a lot to offer. “The first thing to consider is how flexible they are,” she says. “If you’re an electrician

or a joiner you often have the option of being self-employed or working for a small firm, which makes it easier in terms of flexitime and childcare commitments. “Skilled trades also tend to be comparatively well paid. And there’s a huge demand for women in these roles. There are householders out there – perhaps elderly, single or vulnerable women – who would much prefer to be visited by a female tradesperson. “There’s a real market for it, and employers are starting to recognise that too. Diversifying the workforce and having female staff can be really positive. Women have a great work ethic and eye for detail.” Women’s Tec tutors often take groups of female students on site visits, and the reaction on construction sites has been overwhelmingly positive. But Lynn says there’s a lot of work to be done in terms of changing the attitudes of society. Parents and teachers still push girls down typical female career paths such as nursing, or hair and beauty. “As a parent, if your 14-year-old comes

career in the financial sector, I would say go for it – nothing ventured, nothing gained. You have to be brave in life and commit to what interests you. Your gender shouldn’t be an issue.”

The Football Coach

Nadine Murphy home from school and says she wants to become a plumber, it’s really important to think about your response,” she says. “Plumbing is a lucrative and secure career, and female plumbers are in increasing demand.”

The Joiner

Women’s Tec tutor Louise Anson Louise Anson has been a joiner for over 20 years, working on everything from cabinets and furniture restoration to building renovations and shop-fitting. “Being in a skilled trade is a sound career decision,” she says. “There’s so much work out there. Sometimes I’m the only woman on a construction site, but it’s never an issue. “These are also useful skills for life – I’m a farmer and landowner, and it’s so empowering being able to do my own maintenance work.” For Louise, gender has never been an issue. She explains: “I grew up in a family where I was not limited for being a girl. My dad was a farmer and he passed on a lot of his skills. Now I want to give something back and show other women that gender is irrelevant when it comes to finding a career that you love.” And it’s not just in skilled trades where women have the potential to make a positive impact – the business sector is thriving now it has an increasingly balanced gender mix.

The Chief Executive

Mum-of-two Darina Armstrong is Chief

Executive of the Progressive Building Society, having trained as an accountant and spent some 25-years working for the firm. As a schoolgirl in the 1980s Darina said the options for girls were much more limited than they are now. “I went to an all girlsschool and at that time there was no option to take classes in economics or technology,” she explains. “Even though they were on offer at the boys’ school next door. “I approached our principal with a group of friends and asked if that could be changed. She didn’t really respond so I just thought ‘that’s that then’ – but the following September we were offered classes in economics and computing for the very first time, and I was one of the first students to take them.” However, Darina also says she occasionally feels frustrated at being referred to as a ‘female chief executive’ and the priority when recruiting should always be finding the right person with the right Darina Armstrong skills for the job – regardless of gender, age or ethnicity. “We live in a diverse society and that should be reflected in the workplace,” she adds. “It would be nice to move forward from the gender debate. “To women out there considering a

Unfortunately gender certainly was an issue when football coach Nadine Murphy was growing up. With three brothers, she loved sports, but her mum didn’t approve. “She did everything she could to stop me,” laughs Nadine. “She’d ground me if she caught me playing in the street. I had to hide my football boots outside and put them on after sneaking out of the house.” Luckily, when she was 13, Nadine’s mum realised her daughter’s interest in the beautiful game was more than just a passing phase and relented. It was obvious the teenager had talent, and at 18 she won a football scholarship to study Physical Education at Lee University in Tennessee, USA, where she met her husband Tuda, a goalkeeper. Now back in Lurgan, football is still her life. Both her sons are addicted, and she’s scored her dream job working as a primary school coach for the Irish Football Association. “I’m so proud to have made a career out of my passion,” she says. “I’m in different schools every day, coaching both girls and boys, and I hope I can be a good role model. “You can’t allow intervention from others to get in the way of your dreams. I adore my mum and I know she regrets trying to stop me playing football, but I think her resistance only made me stronger and more determined.”

The Binwoman

Martina Bellow is also a lady used to raising a few eyebrows. After a career as a roofer, she is now Belfast City Council’s only binwoman. “People used to look up at me and I knew they were thinking ‘What’s that woman doing on that roof?’,” she laughs. “Now they do a double take because they’re just not used to seeing a female binman. “I get loads of positive feedback though; people are always commenting when they see me at the back of the recycling lorry.” Martina, who has a degree in construction engineering and management, was out of work for almost two years before applying for the role of recycling operative with the council. “I really enjoy my job,” she says. “I work with a great team of lads. “To any woman entering a male dominated profession, I’d say don’t fret about it – just get on and do your job. People will soon see what you’re made of.” n

Shame and blame

It’s 2017 yet the culture of ‘slut shaming’ is shockingly prevalent. ‘Why?’ asks Emma Deighan as she sets out to get answers and solutions to the phenomenon that is women hating on other women.

lut shaming is an action described as ‘stigmatising a woman for engaging in behaviour judged to be promiscuous or sexually provocative’. The above definition reeks of inequality. Why, in so many different areas of life do we stand up to gender imbalance, yet continue to tear other women down for, what life-coach and mentor, Gail Love Schock describes as ‘an assumption on how much sex someone has had or is having’? “We’re still fed the ‘be a good girl’ crap,” began Gail who refers to herself as a ‘spiritual wheeler dealer’. “When we’re kids we can run free, play, gather our tribes and imagine all sorts of magic in the world. Along comes puberty and suddenly it’s ‘cover yourself up, you

should be ashamed showing your body, don’t act on your natural instincts and sex is dirty.’ It’s confusing, demoralising and leads to a lot of therapy bills later in life. “Pay gaps, religion, corporate ladders, patriarchal hangovers, we’ve come a long way, but there’s still more to be done. It starts with saying, ‘No thank you,’ to any type of bullying, sexual harassment and slut shaming in any environment. Calling time on this BS is what will alleviate the power that has been given to the words,” she advised. Canadian research shows that women engage in slut shaming when they feel threatened competitively. The gatherings from Tracy Vaillancourt and Aanchal Sharma at Ontario University showed that women who exhibit behaviour they believe men like, receive more hostility and less cooperation from other women.

Taylor Swift. Mike Coppola Getty Images

Amber Rose. Earl Gibson III Getty Images

µµThe messages women receive starting from a young age are incredibly damaging∑∑ The findings also revealed that ostracising and manipulating those who don’t conform to sexual conservatism was very much a struggle to keep women from being attractive to other men. “Feeling fear and lack, as if there isn’t enough to go around, this might be food,

money, men and indeed women creates an illusion of competition which leads to this idea of ‘outdoing’ another person to make sure you ‘win the prize’,” added Gail. “It’s a bizarre practice of objectification and moves us away from connecting to people we can relate to, love and nourish and into relationships which we use for entertainment and plasters on emotional wounds. “We see this when women compete for the same experience, thing, person… there’s a sense of, ‘If I miss this, I’ll never find another like it.’ This objectifies the individual being fought over and disempowers the choices of those in competition,” Gail went on to explain. Feminism believes that competition is primarily driven by social mechanisms which means we, as women, are definitely able to put a stop to this habit through recognition. It starts with parenting and teaching to the present day awareness created by many celebrities tackling the slut shaming phenomenon. “It’s imperative to shift the messaging around women having or thinking about having sex, enjoying their bodies by adorning them as they wish and expressing themselves. The messages women receive start from a young age and are incredibly damaging,” continued Gail who advises fathers to bring their sons up to be respectful as opposed to controlling their daughters’ desires to express themselves. “Some fathers can remember how much they disrespected women as young men and in the agony of this truth, seek to control their daughters, as opposed to bringing up their sons to respect, adore and support women,” she said.

Amber Rose SlutWalk

Among the high profile names fighting against slut shaming is Amber Rose,

American model and actress. Amber, 33, who admitted she was a stripper at the age of 15, was called out by Khloe Kardashian on Twitter in what many followers believed was an act of slut shaming. Khloe denies her comment was of the slut shaming nature and a direct response to Amber’s dig at her sister Kylie who happened to be dating Amber’s ex Tyga at the time. “‘I was a stripper since I was 15 years old,’ Amber Rose told Foxx. Please don’t worry about my sister who has a career & her sh** together at ONLY 17,” Khloe, 30, wrote on Twitter. Khloe later told Complex Magazine: “I just feel like it was unnecessary for her to say anything, and I used her own quote back. It was from her talking about when she became a stripper so I’m like, ‘How are you judging and saying Kylie should have a curfew?’ What I thought was crazy was she was telling my sister to act a certain way or have a curfew, but [she wasn’t] doing the same. So just don’t comment.” She added: “How was I slut shaming by saying don’t throw stones at glass houses? There was no slut shaming. I am not one to slut shame, I have done slutty behaviour myself,” she continued. Amber explained that it’s social media spats like this that encouraged her to set up the Amber Rose SlutWalk hashtag in a bid to tackle the social issue. “I deal with it every day. I deal with it via social media. People out on the street. They don’t quite understand why I post what I post and how I speak on social media,” Rose said to ET, explaining how slut shaming has hurt her and many other women. “I’m sick of it and I’m here for my girls and we’re gonna do the Amber Rose SlutWalk this summer and it’s gonna be awesome.”

Continued on 36 ➤

Khloe Kardashian. Alberto E. Rodriguez Getty Images The third Amber Rose SlutWalk, which begins in Downtown LA, will take place this October. The event’s mission is to ‘deliver a flawlessly executed event geared toward raising awareness about sexual injustice and gender inequality and to impact and uplift, while shifting the paradigm of rape culture’.

Beware of your words

Other stars who have been at the receiving end of slut shaming include Kim Kardashian who fought back to social media comments stating ‘I will not live my life dictated by the issues you have with my sexuality’. Taylor Swift has been slut shamed and accused of slut shaming others. In her Better Than Revenge track she sings, ‘She’s an actress, but she’s better known for the things that she does on the mattress,’ allegedly about another woman who ‘stole’ one of Taylor’s boyfriends.

µµWe’re still fed the ‘be a good girl’ crap∑∑ Swift has also faced the wrath of the media which often depicts her as a promiscuous heart breaker, jumping from boy-bander to socialite, to DJ, to whatever. On the surface slut-shaming appears little more than a verbal or written war of belittling comments but the dangers can be far more serious expressed Gail. “Let me be clear we do not have time for this. It is a distraction and we need to evolve beyond the point of name-calling. In shocking cases women have committed suicide. Beware of your words,” was her stark instruction. Gail also believes that if women work on themselves, they limit competitiveness in

Kim Kardashian. Pascal Le Segretain Getty Images this arena. She is a strong advocate of selfexpression and looking after our own being.

Reclaim yourself

“Reclaim yourself, by this I mean figure out who you are, what you like and don’t like. Don’t listen to other people’s BS. Remember who is slinging the verbal mud is not in a good place. It’s not about you, it’s about them.” And when self slut shaming becomes a bi-product of societal shaming, she added, “Take time for you. Forgive yourself if you feel you need to, accept your choices as yours and as learning opportunities, opportunities to again reframe where you and what you want. “Seek professional support and guidance if you feel you need to heal some old wounds, habits or patterns. Know that change takes time and this can mean changing friendship groups, sometimes even jobs and locations, but also know this a fresh start begins in the mind first.”

Looking to the future, Gail has high hopes for a world in which women’s liberalism is celebrated rather than shut down through name calling and societal derogation. “Let’s come up with a new phrase, let’s call out the women who are living a noble life. Women who are living a life of laughter and fun, taking responsibility for their own path, family and ideas, who are having great orgasms and adventures. Let’s celebrate the brave and courageous, the sisterhood and the men who also support women. Let’s shine a light on the magnificence of women whether you are practicing safe sex, thinking about having sex or not. “What would the opposite of slut shaming be? A word to describe a woman in her power, owning her decisions, enjoying sex, dressing for herself, happy and healthy and using her voice. Alive,” she concluded. n

For more information on Gail and her work visit http://gailschock.love/

BEAUTY

Image credit: Zoeva

Eyeshadow palette from the UD Jean-Michel Basquiat collection at Urban Decay, £35

KEEPING UP WITH KIM

Kim Kardashian West has created her first makeup line, KKW Beauty. The range launches with a Crème Contour and Highlight Kits, including two crème formula sticks and a dual-ended blending tool containing a kabuki brush and beauty sponge perfect for achieving Kim’s signature, sculpted look. The range is available exclusively at www.kkwbeauty.com.

EYE SPY

Part of the UD Jean-Michel Basquiat collection from Urban Decay the Tenant Eyeshadow Palette (£35) features eight exclusive bright shades inspired by the work of the groundbreaking NYC graffiti artist. With tones based on Basquiat’s paintings each shade features the brand’s Pigment Infusion System for blendable colour that lasts.

Credit: Primark

The makeup edit BY CLAIRE CRAIG Skin Illuminator from Tom Ford, £33

The latest makeup bag must-haves and limited edition launches

PUCKER UP

THE HIGH LIFE

Trystal Pressed SelfTanning Bronzer from Vita Liberata, £25

Inspired by the look of skin bathed in summer evening light, this portable Illuminator from Tom Ford (£33) casts a peach/pink glow that flatters every skin tone. Use on bare skin to enhance a tan or mix a couple of drops with your usual foundation for a dewy finish. We were big fans of Vita Liberata’s original SelfTanning Trystal Minerals loose bronzer but the news that it’s now available in a pressed powder version (£25) is a make-up bag game changer. The compact gives an instant golden glow that’s ideal for daily use and has a gradual self-tan effect that lasts for 3-7 days.

Lip Sleek from Chantecaille, £34

Skinnydip X Carmex Lolly Lip Balm, £2.69

Carmex has teamed up with Skinnydip to create these summer inspired limited edition printed pots of its bestselling Lolly Lip Balm, £2.69. Chantecaille’s super glossy Lip Sleek pens (£34) have an oil-ina-stick formula that’s perfect for quenching dried-out summer lips. Available in five shades, the sleek metallic pen releases colour with one click while the nourishing formula provides moisturise and luminosity.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring Summer 2018. Frazer Harrison Getty Images

Trending – beauty looks hot off the runway LOOPED PONY

You’ll need long hair for this look, or fake it ‘til you make it with a clip in pony. Simply brush out your hair and secure in a low ponytail. Add a pinhead of serum to your palms, rub together and smooth away any stray hairs before looping back up. Secure with Kirby grips, before wrapping a strip of hair around your bobble – simples, honest!

Chanel Paris Fashion Week Fall Winter 2017 2018. Pascal Le Segretain Getty Images

MINIMALIST

At the Christian Dior Fall 2017 Couture Show, Paris Fashion Week, the models strutted their stuff with bare faces and messy, untamed curls. The minimalist look is in – this calls for hitting snooze on the alarm clock ladies, enjoy the lie in!

Christian Dior Paris Fashion Week. Pascal Le Segretain Getty Images

BOHO SIDE BRAID

We love the side braid, as it’s a style that’s so simple to recreate. Use a wide tooth comb or your fingers for a less than perfect parting. Spritz your hair with a texturizing spray to boost texture and hold. Fasten the braid with a clear elastic and Beth Ditto, Gucci Cruise leave out wispy tendrils 2018 Fashion Show. to frame the face. If Vittorio Zunino Celotto your hair is too fine for the Getty Image chunky braid you want, add a clip in extension to bulk it up or tie a shorter braid with a long, floppy ribbon to add length.

TURBANS Gucci Cruise 2018 Runway. Pietro D’ApranoGetty Images

London Fashion Week Men’s. Tristan Fewings Getty Images

Functional and fashionable, turban headbands are this season’s must-have hair accessory. Ideal for hiding uncooperative hair, the turban has surfaced on numerous Fall Winter 2018 runways shows. n

If your brow game is looking less than strong then we’ve got you covered

JUST BROWS-ING BY CLAIRE CRAIG

YOUR GUIDE TO BROWS ON FLEEK BRUSH UP

Gently comb your hairs upwards to see where needs attention, look for gaps or sparse patches this is where you’ll focus the product. A spoolie is a fundamental tool in your eyebrow armoury. 1

1 Eyebrow Filler Mascara from Karjara, £13.50. 2 Ready Set Brow from Benefit, £20. 3 Brow Palette from Clarins, £35. 4 Eyebrow Enhancing Serum from RapidBrow, £37. 5 Brow Pencil from Too Faced, £19

f the eyes are the window to the soul then eyebrows are the frame. And they’re evolving. From barely-there 90’s brows to the full, heavily defined look of the last few years and now the focus is shifting again. They’re still voluminous for 2017 but softer and more textured – less insta-brow and more bohemian. While plucking and shaping is best left to the pros (a good eyebrow technician is worth their weight in gold), thankfully for those of us that weren’t blessed with naturally bushy brows there are a whole host of products to help cheat our way to Cara Delevinge-esque face framers.

GET IN SHAPE

Using an eye pencil or brush as a ruler, your brow should align with your inner tear duct, with the arch above the outer rim of your iris and the brow ending at the outer corner of your eye. These three points provide the structure to your shading.

FILL IT IN

Use a matte shadow and a finely slanted brush to colour underneath your hairs, creating an illusion of fullness without product overload.

FAKE A FULLER FINISH

With a brow pencil use short feathery strokes to imitate individual hairs and give a naturally full effect.

READY, SET, GO

Finish and set with a clear brow gel using a sweeping upright arching motion to keep the hairs looking soft. n

Brush UP ‘A

Revamp your look by rethinking your brush collection

n artist is only as good as their tools’ my art teacher told me many moons ago, and the same rule applies when it comes to choosing good quality makeup brushes to perfect a polished look. “You can achieve a good makeup using high street brands if you use good quality tools, but you can’t achieve good makeup using luxury brands and poor quality tools,” advises Ciara Daly, founder of Ciara Daly Makeup. Ciara has developed a leading brush range, the most acclaimed of which is the Hero foundation applicator. ‘What do we need to consider when choosing the right foundation brush?’ we ask this Belfastbased entrepreneur. “You need to think of the finish it gives,” Ciara advises. You want a streak-free flawless finish that goes on fast; a kabuki brush is best for that. Synthetic hair is best as it doesn’t absorb liquid products meaning your products last longer and go on smoothly. “To apply foundation ensure that face is fully prepped. Pump the foundation straight

onto the brush, dot around the face, buff in circular motions, and build coverage as needed.” Director of Kohl Kreatives Trishna Daswaney adds, “Makeup brushes are the beginning of your masterpiece and should certainly be an investment.” We ask Trishna to share her top tips for lipstick application. “With lipstick the more hydrated your lips are the better,” she says. “Start off by applying a lip balm and letting it settle in. Then line your lips with a colour of your choice, usually one to complement your chosen lipstick and fill in your lips with it. Use the little square brush to enhance your cupid’s bow and to perfect your application regardless of whether it’s a bullet, liquid or gloss.” Trishna concludes, “Kohl Kreatives is a non-profit organisation, and while we make amazing products our charity is still at the heart of everything. We run free workshops internationally for those going through gender transition or experimenting with their gender, and work with the cancer care communities creating features they have lost as a result of treatment.” n

15BJF/S from Inglot Cosmetics £22 This brush was dense and quite fluffy. I used it for applying blush but it can be used for applying pressed and loose powder, and bronzer. VERDICT: Very soft yet precise application and easy to blend with. With cheaper brushes the hairs can shed, but you get what you pay for with this brush. Not one hair has shed with it. I would buy more from the Inglot range as I was impressed by this brush. SAG

Powder Brush from Look Good Feel Better £12.99 This is the first brush I’ve used from this brand and I never knew a brush could be so good! The bristles are unbelievably soft with lots of flexibility; perfect for my sensitive skin. I used it to apply powder and bronzer, and both went on evenly with a natural looking finish. It is amazing the difference a good quality brush makes! VERDICT: This is a high quality, sturdy brush and I love that it supports the Look Good Feel Better global cancer charity. CG

MultiTech Collection from Real Techniques £30 This set of four brushes are just what I need in one little package; they have a range of purposes including lip blending, applying smoky liner, concealing, colour correcting and more. The smallest one I used for lip liner and filling. The eye brushes are a great shape and easily pick up product and blend well. I used the larger one for an all over lid colour and crease colours, it’s also nice for powder application. VERDICT: A great set of brushes; I would definitely recommend them. IF

The 3ss3ntials from Kohl Kreatives £34.99 These three brushes cover all the bases, from foundation to lipstick and everything in between. The big circle brush I used to apply my cream foundation and it created a perfect finish for the rest of my makeup. The round head was easier to control than my regular foundation brush and was very gentle on the skin. My only concern was that the brush shaft felt a little bit fine. VERDICT: Overall I loves these brushes. ED

Foundation brush from Charlotte Tilbury £30 My usual foundation application regime up has involving pumping foundation into the palms of my hands, rubbing them together and applying like a moisturiser. Since using this brush, I only use half of my foundation! The application is fast and thorough, the product glides on and reaches all areas, resulting in a smooth base. VERDICT: I’m loving this brush and think it probably is worth the £30. I am assuming you get what you pay for and this brush is well worth every penny. SB

Hero Brush from Ciara Daly £25 In comparison to my usual thin, flat foundation brush, I found this applicator much better. As the surface space of the brush is quite large, this reduces the likelihood of foundation streaks forming, plus it effortlessly skims over the jawline and other potential ‘problem areas’ where unsightly foundation lines could appear. The bristles felt so soft against my skin. VERDICT: If you have not tried the Hero Brush yet, give it a go; you’ll love it! CD

2 Style Eyeliner Brush from Art Deco £12 Ideal for creating wined eyeliner, this brush is perfect for applying eyeliner using eyeshadow. The finely tapered tip enables a precise lash line and if you want a more dramatic line you can hold it on its side. VERDICT: I liked the subtle eyeliner look created using this brush. Sometimes it can be difficult to correct smudged liquid eyeliner, however with this tool you layer up the line as you go, and can easily correct any power smudges if they occur. MD

Nashy Blending Eyeshadow Brush from beautybay.com £5.95 A fluffy eyeshadow brush, this tool seamlessly applies and blends colour over the eyelids. I liked it for applying creams as it results in a diffused, softened edge, but it works well with power eyeshadows too. VERDICT: I thought it was reasonably priced in comparison to some of the other blending brushes on the market. £5.95 is great value for money as the brush feels soft and luxurious, and doesn’t shed hairs. JM

Spectrum Brushes Glam Clamp from Beauty Spotlight, House of Fraser Belfast £59.99 Prior to buying this matching brush set I owned an assortment of brushes, so I felt like a real professional after upgrading to this kit. The set contains 10 brush essentials for face, lips and eyes, enclosed in a gorgeous clam shell clutch. VERDICT: A fantastic set! The B03 was ideal for concealer, the A05 blended like a dream, and the A17 was perfect for filling and defining brows. CD

Meet the Practice Manager, Denise Shields Fitzwilliam Clinic on the Lisburn Road, Belfast I am extremely proud to have been selected to join Fitzwilliam Clinic at the start of the year as Practice Manager. This is why: Following 12 years of business, the Clinic’s reputation as a centre of excellence for Plastic Surgery in Northern Ireland continues to grow, strengthened by the fact that the clinic is owned and operated by renowned Plastic Surgeons, Mr Stephen Sinclair and Mr James Small and reinforced by our local, reputable and extremely experienced team of Surgeons. While breast augmentation remains the most popular form of surgery, we are witnessing growth in procedures for men in recent years. Surgeries are carried out for a variety of reasons at our theatre on the premises; our specialist Plastic Surgeons receive excellent feedback for reconstructions and cosmetic procedures. Often surgery is required following injury, burns and cancers which allows patients and their families the confidence to return to life as it was before trauma. As a reputable and responsible patient focused clinic, we ensure that patients understand the extent of the procedure they are requesting and that outcomes will be natural and subtle.

All our surgeons are local, providing patients with peace of mind that our fully qualified and knowledgeable medical team is available 24/7. This ensures that the patient has an excellent and consistent level of care by the Surgeon from the initial consultation to reviews and discharge. The business has grown generically, mostly by word of mouth recommendation – the best kind of referral which reinforces our consistently high levels of care. Despite other trends globally which may show a decline in plastic surgery we are experiencing growing demand. In fact Fitzwilliam Clinic is currently the biggest client in Northern Ireland for the leading brand of breast implant. Demand is so great that we have engaged with additional Plastic Surgeons to join our team. The requirement for Botox and fillers is also increasing. Again these procedures are carried out using only the highest quality, branded products and applied only by skilled Plastic Surgeons using their extensive knowledge to ensure the best possible results. Thanks to the Team at Fitzwilliam Clinic and after reading this, I’m sure you will understand my pride and privilege to be working with the very best in this field.

OTher PrOCeDureS: Patients are often surprised to learn the cost for private treatment is less than they thought; the ability to agree dates is a big plus, especially with the current waiting list delays at the NHS. The team of 3 Vascular Surgeons are increasingly busy treating varicose and thread veins. This also is true for hernia repairs, as carried out by Partner, Mr Andrew Kennedy, General Surgeon. A recent patient remarked that the speed and cost far outweighed the lack of income due to inability to work, exercise or holiday. Our free to attend open evenings for Dupuytren’s, carpel tunnel, hernias, varicose veins etc allows potential patients to be informed of procedures, to meet the Consultant and decide if treatment is right for them without incurring any cost.

We are looking forward to looking after you.

Fitzwilliam CLINIC Fitzwilliam Clinic | 70-72 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 6AF | 02890 323888 www.fitzwilliamclinic.com

Health + Wellness Image credit: Only

Tried & Tested

PROFILE:

Food Sensitivity Testing Northern Woman reviews food sensitivity testing

BY EILEEN DOHERTY

ega testing, which detects food sensitivities, was developed in Germany in the 1950s and is based on the theory that all foods have different electrical patterns. It’s a fast, safe, painless way to gather information about your body. So how does it work? Here’s the technical bit; ‘In order to access the electrical field, a circuit is created between the machine, the test technician, and the person being tested. The Vega machine detects changes in skin resistance on the skin surface in response to food allergen in

the test vial added to the circuit’. The Vega method of testing is noninvasive as is the Asyra Pro machine which is also used to test for senstitivities. The machine ‘reads’ the body’s response to different foods to find out which ones may be disturbing your body and which ones are not. The Asyra Pro machine, which I was tested on, can be used to check for intestinal flora imbalance, and to screen organs which are ranked on a three point scale; healthy, stressed and very stressed. Pre-testing clients are advised to drink plenty of water, eat what you normally would and arrive well-rested. n

Having recently been unwell for a period of time and left feeling tired, I decided to pay a visit to Framar Health on the Lisburn Road to see if what I was eating was having an impact on how I felt; as I’m often quoted ‘What you put into your body is what you will get out’. I was greeted by Stella one of the practitioners who tests and understands food sensitivity. Stells uses the Asyra Pro machine method to detect sensitives, and this can also indicate vitamin and mineral deficiencies you may have. Firstly Stella asked me a few general health question and then asked me to hold two brass hand pieces which monitor the responses from the body and transmit data back to the system unit. The process was completely painfree and the responses were displayed on the screen immediately as the items were tested. Fifty different items were tested, including wheat, dairy, colourings, flavourings and a lot more besides. My results instantly showed that I was dehydrated and had a hormonal imbalance, I was also sensitive to the following foods; wheat, tomatoes, hard cheese and hydrogenated fats – foods such as bread, pasta, pastries, wheat breakfast cereals like Weetabix, fish and chips, and pizza. I was advised that I also should check the ingredients in products like baked beans, coffee, custard, sauces, canned and packed soups. The good news is, there are food alternatives for those things I can’t eat, such as corn pasta. What does this mean for my body? It means that my digestive system doesn’t process these food items easily and therefore my digestive system becomes sluggish. By eliminating these foods completely or for a period of time from my diet I should have increased energy, sleep better and feel more rested. For more information visit www.framarhealth.com. The cost is £38 for a 30-minute food sensitivity session.

RevolutionaRy new treatment foR women in noRtheRn iReland Cosmetech is now offering the award winning THERMiVA treatment at the Maypole Clinic in Holywood. Fresh from the USA this innovative new treatment offers a non-surgical, non-invasive solution for the alleviation of conditions associated with childbirth and the natural aging process. Giving birth can sometimes cause stretching and loosening in women post pregnancy. The effects of the menopause can also cause physical and functional changes such as excessive dryness, pain and urinary incontinence. Leaks prior to using the bathroom, during exercise and reduced sexual sensation are all areas of concern to many women. Contrary to popular belief these are not just issues that affect older women and can impact younger mothers lives as well and can cause a loss in confidence. For years’ women have suffered in silence but now a solution is available to what can sometimes be an embarrassing problem. How does tHermiVa work? The treatment works through the delivery of radio frequency heat through a small disposable wand to gently promote the production of collagen which slowly tightens and firms the vagina. Treatment lasts around 30 minutes and only 3 sessions are recommended, meaning you can get back to your best in no time and at an affordable cost. what are the benefits? • No surgery • No downtime • No anaesthesia • Comfortable in-office treatment • Three 30 minute sessions, one month apart • May resume sexual relations same day/night • Noticeable improvement after 1st or 2nd session tHermiVa is now aavailable in Northern Ireland. Sessions are carried out at The Maypole Clinic in Holywood and are carried out by renowned Gynaecologist, Professor Jim Dornan.

cosmetech

THERMIva

Rediscover your younger self

Do you suffer from any of the following post childbirth symptoms? • • • • • •

Mild to moderate incontinence Urinary urgency Vaginal laxity Pelvic prolapse Dryness Sexual dysfunction

THERMIva®, a new non-invasive treatment, is now available in Northern Ireland at Cosmetech. “THERMIva® offers a non-surgical solution to many common gynaecology problems that can arise after giving birth. Rediscover your younger self today” - Professor Jim Dornan MD (Hons) FRCOG FRCPI

Interested in finding out more? Call us on 028 90 423 200 or email cosmetech@me.com for more information on our introductory pricing or to book your consultation.

www.cosmetech.co.uk 3ﬁvetwo.com

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PROFILE:

Ultherapy

This month NW takes a look at Ultherapy available at Martina Collins Dental & Skin Clinic

“U

ltherapy is the only non-invasive procedure FDAcleared to tighten and lift skin on the lower face, neck, under the chin and above the eyebrow,” says Ultherapy Technician Kirsty McGarvey. “Now also FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the décolletage, Ultherapy can help you achieve a fresher, more youthful look from your brow to your chest.” The treatment harnesses the power of focused ultrasound to transform the brow, chin, neck and chest. Ultrasound, of course, has been used safely throughout the medical field for more than 50 years, and Ultherapy has been established as safe and effective in clinical studies and in over a million treatments worldwide. Ultherapy relies on ultrasound energy

to deliver its collagen-boosting treatment. It also incorporates traditional ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue they are treating, ensuring the treatment energy is delivered to where it will be most beneficial. Best of all, downtime is not necessary after the treatment says Kirsty. “Some patients notice a slight redness posttreatment and in some cases patients have reported minor swelling, but for the majority of people downtime is not required.”

What to expect

For those interested in exploring Ultherapy, visit Martina Collins Dental and Skin Clinic for a consultation with the team. “During the joint consultation Martina and I would scan the patient’s tissue,” Kirsty explains. “Ultherapy works at different layers of the skin, so we need to ensure your tissue is the correct thickness,

also everyone’s tissue depth is different and we work to create bespoke treatments which are individually tailored.” On the day of your treatment photos are taken pre- and post-Ultherapy, in order to clearly document skin changes. Following that, ultrasound gel is applied to the skin. “The client will feel a sensation of heat as the ultrasound is being delivered,” Kirsty says. “Ultherapy focuses ultrasound waves to precise, well-defined areas in dermal and subcutaneous tissue which causes the creation of distinct Thermal Coagulation Points (TCP). The collagen denatures at these temperatures and then stimulates a massive regeneration of Type 1 collagen, which is the best quality collagen we produce in our younger years. Studies have proven Ultherapy to cause a 30% increase in Type 1 collagen. As we age, collagen loses its elasticity and effectiveness, Ultherapy can counteract this.” n

For more information on Ultherapy at Martina Collins Dental & Skin Clinic, Lisburn Road, Belfast, call 028 9066 6684, email info@martinacollins.com, or visit martinacollins.com

Skin Solutions. We offer the ultimate treatments in ultrasound and laser with minimal downtime. Solutions for: / Collagen Loss

/ Acne Scarring

/ Sagging

/ Red Veins

/ Rosacea

/ Pigmentation

/ Plus many more...

Book a skin consultation today at Martina Collins Skin Clinic on 028 9066 6684.

www.martinacollins.com

Sarah Boyle

Female Racers Ahead of the John Mulholland Ulster Rally and the Ulster Grand Prix this August, we catch up with the local ladies who’ve a thing for speed BY CATRIONA DOHERTY Sarah Boyle

“Racing is my escape from life,” says awardwinning motorcyclist Sarah Boyle who lives in Ballymena. “When I am racing I think about nothing else other than the road ahead of me and what the bike is doing. I love the speed and the feeling of getting a corner right and racing with other riders out there; more than anything I just love racing my bikes.” Sarah comes from what she describes as “a typical racing family”, and grew up surrounded by bikes, watching her Dad compete. It seems inevitable that she would one day race. “I think it was bound to be in the blood,” Sarah explains. Despite this conviction, Sarah’s father took a little convincing she explains: “My Dad made it pretty difficult for me to start racing. He didn’t want me starting before I had finished school and college, as he knew once I began I would never concentrate on anything else, and to be fair he was right!” Sarah’s father said she could start racing if she saved enough to pay the competition entry fees and bought her own bike and gear – and then he would help her. “I think it was a bit of a test to see how committed I was and just how badly I wanted it, and looking back I’m glad I did it

all myself,” Sarah says. “My Dad didn’t want me doing a sport like this half-heartedly and I can completely understand his reasons. So I went and got myself a full-time job, grafted and saved every penny I could and two years later I had gathered up enough to buy myself my dream bike; a Honda RS12. A week before my 21st birthday I competed in my first race at Cadwell Park and I haven’t looked back since.”

µµI don’t want to get hurt, but it is a risk I accept as a racer∑∑ Sarah has had numerous competition successes, to mention just two; she was the Auto66 125GP Clubman’s Championship Winner and came second in the Auto66 125gp Road and Track Championship. For now she has her sights set on the Ulster Grand Prix. “The speed of the place is unreal but what I love most is just how much the

circuit flows and is so smooth,” Sarah enthuses. “Some circuits are so stop start and heavy on the brakes whereas the Ulster Rally isn’t like that, it’s just so flowing and you can really get the bike singing round there and it really produces some close, exciting racing – it is the fastest road race in the world after all!” Motorcycling can been perceived as a dangerous sport, we ask Sarah to comment on that. “Of course there is an element of danger in motorcycle racing but there’s equally a lot of danger in plenty of other sports or just everyday life,” Sarah replies. “I don’t want to get hurt – no one does, but it is a risk that I accept as a racer. I try not to think of that side of things, I do my best to ride within my capabilities and use my head to try reduce the risks to a minimum and the rest is just down to having a bit of luck on your side. It is best to try and focus on the positives and keep yourself as safe as you can – the organisers these days work incredibly hard to make the circuits as safe as they possibly can and are always looking for ways to improve on this which is great. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank my sponsors who have helped me this year – without them, this honestly wouldn’t be happening,” Sarah adds.

Yvonne Montgomery. Photo credit Les Young Photography

Yvonne Montgomery. Photo credit Norman Bell

Yvonne Montgomery

A punctured lung, five broken ribs, a fractured shoulder blade and torn thumb ligaments, wasn’t enough to deter Yvonne Montgomery from racing, such is her passion for the sport. “During my first race in 2005, I made a mistake and was thrown off the bike causing severe damage to myself,” Yvonne recalls. Despite this, the plucky Belfast motorbike enthusiast picked herself up, recovered and tried again. She went on to have numerous racing successes including

winning the Fastest Lap by a Female Trophy at Kirkistown, and being awarded the Harold Johnston Memorial Cup for ‘achieving best performances during the racing season’. Yvonne discovered her passion for motorbikes quite by accident. She was at a barbeque and a motorbike was parked in the yard, she commented that she had never been on one and the owner said he would take her for a spin later. “So kitted out in some of his gear, I climbed onto the back of the VFR750 and we went around the Mourne Mountains area,” Yvonne says. “It was an amazing experience and I never realised the acceleration from a standstill that a motorbike has. All too soon it was time to go back home again. A few weeks later I decided I wanted to learn how to ride so I started taking motorbike lessons during my lunch break.” Yvonne joined a motorcycle club because she “didn’t have a clue about motorbikes”. She says, “My first experience of racing was spectating at the 2005 Easter Saturday races at Bishopscourt, and little did I know then, the following year I would be on the grid

competing in my first race at 48 years old!” Proud owner of a ZXR400 #57 and a GXSR600 #34, Yvonne is looking forward to competing in the Ulster Grand Prix this month, she says: “The UGP is a fabulous course with very fast flowing corners and long straights. It is my favourite race over here. There is a great atmosphere around the paddock with spectators getting access to the riders and the big screens around the circuit give a full view of the all races. “I am grateful to those who have helped me in many ways,” Yvonne adds, “thanks to the volunteers who work for weeks preparing a road race, and to the medics, marshals and track personnel who are invaluable to the running of the race. Lastly my thanks to the public who support road racing by buying programmes and coming to the races. I can assure you that I love to see all the race fans who are enjoying the racing as much as I am when I’m competing. “Thanks to all of you and it would be great to see you at the Ulster Grand Prix!”

Continued on 52 ➤

Jackie Elliott

“I absolutely love the sport and the feeling of commitment from a driver to what you are telling them is indescribable,” says Jackie Elliott from Fivemiletown. “I am a co-driver so I have competed in many different cars, but most recently and in which I have had the most successes, is in a Toyota Starlet driven by Shane McGirr. Midway through a rally stage you don’t think about much other than the notes you are calling to the driver but the adrenaline you feel is fantastic.” Jackie joined Enniskillen Motor Club back in 2001 as friends of hers were involved in the sport, “Also I am originally from Ballinamallard - the home town of Bertie Fisher, so I grew up knowing of his successes in the sport,” she adds. “I started to navigate occasionally and in 2005 I began competing on a frequent basis. “My favourite memory is competing in Rally Trinidad along with Shane McGirr. We finished fourth overall and top two-wheeldrive car. It was an opportunity of a lifetime to ship the car to Trinidad and travel there to compete. Three drivers from Ireland went; Shane McGirr, Frank Kelly and Paul Fitzgerald – the craic we had was brilliant!” While Jackie has other fond memories of competing in the Ulster Rally, she has just given birth to baby Orla and has her hands full being a mum at the moment. She adds, “I have competed in this rally in the past and in 2013 Shane McGirr and I finished up third overall in the national rally. The Ulster Rally is known for its brilliant stages and organising team so it is always a great event to compete in.”

Emma Mckinstry

“I have been very lucky to be brought up with motorsport from I was born,” says Emma Mckinstry from Banbridge. “My father has been rallying all his life,” Emma says, “we were always bundled up into the car and taken to events all over the country. I used to hang about the garage all day just waiting on a rally car starting so I

“One of the not so good moments at the Ulster Rally” says Emma McKinstry. Photo credit William Neill

could get in and go for a spin with whoever was taking it down the road for a run. I co-drove for Dad on a few ‘proper’ rallies when I was old enough to get a competition license.” Emma’s favourite facing memory was of finishing third overall at the Tyrone Stages last year, she says, “This was a massive achievement for me, even to be up there doing the same times as the ‘big boys’. We were also joint fastest on one stage with the current Northern Ireland champion Derek McGarrity - to be standing on a podium third overall was fantastic.” Emma drives a WRC (World Rally Car) S14 Subaru Impreza, “This car is just the bee’s knees. It’s one of the last WRC to be built and Mad Ostberg drove it before we acquired it,” she enthuses. Emma has competed in the Ulster Rally on many occasions but is giving it a rain check this year as she’s expecting a baby with her other half, co-driver Kenny Hull. Emma adds, “The Ulster Rally is extremely well ran and has a great selection of excellent stages. It always felt like one of the biggest events of the year for us as it was a two-three day event and it was always an achievement to make it to the finish line.”

Patricia Laverty

When it comes to motorsports Patricia Laverty would describe herself as a ‘Jack of all trades’. “I am a marshal, a stage commander and a timekeeper, not only for my own club but for a lot of others, both north and south,” Patricia says. “I am just back from the Donegal International where I was timekeeping over the weekend, next up will be The John Mulholland Motors Ulster Rally where I am assistant Stage Commander, after that will be our own club event; The Mc Geehan Motorsport Sunset

µµThe adrenaline you feel is fantastic∑∑

Emma McKinstry. Photo credit William Neill

Rally where I will do Chief Marshal.” Patricia competed in the past and has fond memories of racing a Sunbeam back in the day with her husband. “When we changed the car to a Peugeot 307 we competed in the Peugeot Challenge, along with the late great Richard Burns,” Patricia says, “that championship took us to Belgium, France, Wales and England; it was a great experience. Since the Peugeot we have had a Sierra Cosworth, which was built into an Escort Cosworth after a ‘mishap’, a Ford KA, a CR2, a Mitsubishi and a few more. I started racing the Peugeot and local girl, Bridget Averall, navigated for me at the start. Ruth Mc Cracken took the navigator’s seat after a couple of years and we continued to race together for around five years. Currently my husband has a Fiesta; however I say I have retired from competitions, but… no I definitely have retired,” she jokes. n

Patricia Laverty being awarded Volunteer of the Year 2016

Image Credit: Oysho

Me, myself and BMI Body Image: It’s not you (media), it’s me BY EUNICE NELSON

ack in 2009 Kate Moss revealed that one of her mottos was, ‘Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels,’ and almost fifteen years before that the icon that was Prince sang, ‘It’s flyer to be hungry than fat’. So before the cult of Kardashian and before life was lived vicariously through Instagram, we were still obsessed with how we looked and with body image. In fact I’d like to think that the phrase, ‘Does my bum look big in this?’ originated from a cavewoman who didn’t have a mirror and needed some validation.

My normality

So let’s be real here, have you ever watched an American talk show just because everyone on there was fatter than you? Have you ever thrown an almost full packet of biscuits in the bin just to stop yourself from eating them (then taken them back out and eaten them anyway)? Have you ever woken up feeling great about yourself only to step on the scales and let those numbers dictate how shitty your day was going to be? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above then congratulations you’re normal, if only by my standards.

and a joy in simply dressing for yourself and not to impress others. There is delight in enjoying the company of friends on a night out and never wondering if someone in the pub might be eyeing you up, although on occasion it would be nice to have my ego stroked even if nothing else is going to be.

My own worst critic

Although my body image has changed for the better over the years, every once in a while my old insecurities like to rear their heads and my confidence plummets. For instance, when I’m doing certain exercises in the gym and my top rides up to reveal my less-than-toned tummy, or recently when I ventured out in a bikini for our first family holiday. On these occasions I panic buy green tea, skinny tea, and rice cakes

µµmy self-image had more ups and downs than I care to admit∑∑

and vow that the junk food in my shopping trolley is just for the kids; I have become adept at lying to myself. It is only when these moments or sometimes days have passed and I can think logically again that I am plagued by the same question. Why is it so difficult for us to be kind to ourselves? Why is it acceptable to look in the mirror and tell yourself things that you wouldn’t tell anyone else? Under threat of torture I wouldn’t utter to my daughters, my sister or my friends the things that I routinely say to myself. I am a fully paid-up member of the fan clubs for all the people I love, but when it comes to me I find it difficult to accept a compliment let alone succumb to any of the scant selfpraise that sometimes rattles around in my head (an example being after a particularly tough yoga class I actually had abs for a few days, a proud moment indeed).

Continued on 56 ➤

Aging and invisibility

I will readily admit that I’m much more content and confident in my thirties than at any other time in my life. I was never one for outward displays of teenage angst but I had my fair share like anyone else. Between my teens and twenties my weight and therefore my self-image had more ups and downs than I care to admit. It’s the usual story I suppose: enter a relationship = put on weight, end relationship = get skinny again, enter another relationship = gain weight back, plan a wedding = skinny once more. This has been a pattern for me, I’m a real ‘all or nothing’ girl so I’m either very dedicated or completely off the wagon. I have always found the balance difficult to achieve. My thirties were definitely a turning point for me and I don’t think it had anything to do with being married or becoming a mother, what I really think is that I stopped caring what others thought of me. Socialising in your thirties can be a slow exercise in invisibility. Remember back when you were partying in your teens and early twenties (I know it’s a long time ago but wrack those brains for me), did you ever notice the thirtysomethings in the bars or clubs? No, me neither and that’s because after a certain age you begin to become transparent in the eyes of others, another object that’s not as visible as it once was, like the cigarette machine I suppose. I was once the teen that didn’t realise there were slightly older people in the vicinity and now I am one of the invisible people that are rarely noticed and no longer catch the eye of the younger people I pass on the way to the bar or the bathroom. This was a huge adjustment for me but there is also a certain freedom in it. There is a freedom

Image Credit: Oysho

µµenter a relationship = put on weight, end relationship = get skinny again∑∑

I can’t speak for anyone else but for me I know it goes deeper than the usual self-deprecation i.e. when someone tells you that they like your dress and you immediately reply with the fact that it’s ‘dirt cheap/years old/is from Primark’. For me, somewhere deep inside and rarely seen, I am still the short, chubby girl in a gang of friends that to me will always personify perfection. Intelligent, accomplished, talented and yes beautiful, if I didn’t love my friends so much I’d probably hate them. But I refuse to be that person, I am someone who delights in the successes of those I love and I will never stoop to the bitching that seems endemic within female circles. I’m proud of all the people in my life so what I need to work on is being proud of me.

Doubts and delusions

Even the most confident among us will have moments of doubt when it comes to our looks. Whether it’s the signs that our bodies are aging and our looks are fading, whether it’s the effects of childbearing or illness on our bodies, whether it’s some moron on

Image Credit: Zara Instagram who dictates that posing in a position to expose your ribs or to look like your limbs are splayed like Bambi (yes this is a thing), everyone has a sore spot about how they look. So don’t be disheartened if opening every weight loss link or recipe on Facebook is your guilty secret, because it’s mine too. And don’t feel bad if you could have a wardrobe of designer bags with the money you’ve spent on weight loss classes, you are not alone. Or if you work like a woman possessed in the gym then decide that you have burned enough calories to deserve that chocolate bar, who cares, and

besides a tiny bit of delusion never hurt anyone. So take some unsolicited advice, don’t let your self-worth be decided on by how many likes you get on a profile picture and don’t hate yourself when you look at a photo of someone that has probably been filtered more times than a good vodka. Next time someone heaps praise upon you or offers a compliment, fight every one of your natural instincts to disagree, take a deep breath and just say thank you. I promise you that the results are immediate and amazing. n

ESCAPE 57

Portugal: Wine, sun... and a bit more wine BY ELEANOR GOGGIN

s I get older I’ve become a great advocate of holidays with a purpose. The purpose on this occasion being wine tasting – something I can take on with due diligence. And what better place than the Alentejo region of south-central Portugal. Alentejo occupies nearly one third of Portugal and is roughly the size of the Netherlands. Once home to vast grain farms, it is now renowned for its abundance of wineries, many of which have sprung up in the last 20 years or so. It seems a tad debauched and hedonistic to start tasting wine in the morning, but that’s what we did. After all, people were handing it to me and exhorting me to proffer my opinion, and I like to oblige. Our first port of call was Herdade da Malhadinha; a family-run winery where traditional methods of producing are mixed with technology, and it’s an oasis of tranquillity. The owner’s children have designed the motifs on the wine bottles. Laughing cows,

colourful fish, peacocks, sheep and much more. After a wonderful lunch, on the terrace, of tapas, huge chunks of pork fillet and ‘pyjamas’ (various small desserts) and copious glasses of gorgeous wine, we were more than sated.

The finer things in life

There’s a vast choice of estates or herdades and hotels in the area and we spent our first night at the Vila Gale Clube de Campo, a family-oriented hotel, where we again indulged in great food and wine. There’s a picture starting to emerge. Food and wine. Wine and food. Crispy traditional sausage with muesli and caramelised orange, followed by sautéed wild boar with stuffed potatoes and wild berry sauce proved a favourite meal. (I’m seriously relieved to be the proud owner of copious amounts of stretchy jeans that expand with my stomach.) Herdade dos Grous was the first stop off the next day, where again people were enthusiastically exhorting me to imbibe. More wonderful wines and lunch of tapas

and cod served with onions in a divine sauce and again the pyjamas. A staple on the pyjamas medley is a mixture of sugar and egg yolks which was invented by nuns who used to starch their headgear with egg whites and ended up with more egg yolks than they knew what to do with. Herdade dos Grous, like many of the estates, is home to many animals. We spoke at length to cows, black pigs and horses. Joao, who was in the stables, was straight out of a Jilly Cooper novel – minus the whip but with the same skinny jodhpurs. He was more than happy for us to feed his charges. We were more than happy to gaze at his lovely tanned countenance. There’s plenty to do in the area besides eating, drinking and gazing at handsome horsemen.

The lovestruck nun

Beja is a pretty city with cobbled streets in the old town. The Convento de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, which is now a museum, was once home to a lovelorn nun whose story had us all enthralled.

Monsaraz Village, Alentejo

Évora, Alentejo region

chocolate shop Mestre Cacau is a must. Monsaraz is a tiny medieval walled town with no less than three churches, two of which are still functioning. A walk through the cobbled streets with their sweet whitewashed houses and a stroll up to the castle was a great way to walk off some of the hedonistic fare.

of Herdade de San Miguel. Caldo Verde (green soup), followed by neck of pork and eggs and sugar from the nuns, surrounded by family photos of more show-jumping handsome devils out of the same Jilly Cooper novel. In fact they were practicing – ‘riding out’ I think is the phrase – right outside the window.

A country retreat

Herdade de Sobroso was next on the agenda. This country house, owned by the charming Sofia and Filipe Machado, is rightly described as a hidden treasure. And that’s most certainly true. We tasted wines with Filipe (another candidate for a part in a Jilly Cooper novel), and enjoyed a wonderful dinner of clams with pork. Fit for nothing else but bed after another day of amazing food and wine, I retired to my suite and its four poster bed, and thought how wonderful it would be to retire to Alentejo. I could get used to these herdades very easily. The people here are so laid back they are nearly horizontal. Evora is another walled town, boasting some 20 churches, one of which is the grisly Church of Sao Francisco and its 16th century Chapel of Bones. Here, the skulls and bones of 5,000 monks decorate the interior walls. A gruesome inscription at the door translates as “our bones are here, we await yours”. Charming. We had lunch in the family dining room

Back in the 17th century, Mariana Alcoforado, looked out from her window in the convent and fell in love with a French knight, the Compte de Saint Legere. We’ll ignore the vow of chastity bit here, but they became lovers before he returned to France. Mariana wrote him five letters which were unanswered by the heartless cad, but they later turned up in print. They are known as the Portuguese Letters, and the window, known as Mariana’s Window, has been preserved. The Castle in Beja and also the Archaeological Museum are well worth a visit, and the wonderfully traditional

µµThere’s plenty to do besides eating, drinking and gazing at handsome horsemen∑∑ Our final winery was the picturesque Monte da Ravasqueira, where the owner proudly showed us their amazing collection of vintage carriages. After a lunch of lamb with onions and small potatoes and the most sublime dessert of layers of pastry with red fruits and melon, it was time to reluctantly take our leave of this wonderful area of Portugal. Our trip had proved a wonderful way to see a country. A few days in one estate, move on to another and submit to stunning rural vistas, wine and luxury. It’s the way to go. n

Portuguese pork clams

Lower Broadway, Nashville

Honky Tonk woman On the holy trinity – Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans

BY EMILY HOURICAN

ew York, apparently, is not America. Which means that, until very recently, I had never been to America. I only really understand this when I find myself having breakfast in a hotel that has 3,000 rooms – and this does not make it the largest in the country – surrounded by a quite astonishing number of people, with the sound of water cascading from a small waterfall nearby, while overhead thousands of tiny lights twinkle. Then, I get it. This is America, loud and proud. Trump-supporting, flag-waving, war-veteran-cheering, BBQ-eating America. And I love it. Thanks to Insight Vacations, I am on the music-lovers’ trip of a lifetime: Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans; otherwise known as a whistle-stop tour through the three great strands of American music: Country, Blues, Jazz – guided by the charming and indefatigable Ann Harness, or ‘Miss Ann’ as we like to call her.

The King of Rock

We start with in Nashville with Country – or, more specifically, RCA Studio B. This is where Elvis recorded Love Me Tender on one of his regular all-night sessions, during which he would start with gospel songs to warm up the vocal chords, then launch into

the recordings – sometimes 13 or 14 takes in a night, fuelled by burgers and milkshakes, and the odd karate kick to keep his energy up. Are You Lonesome Tonight was created in the pitch black at around 4am on April 4, 1960; I think you can hear it on the record. The group I’m with get to record our very own version of Can’t Help Falling In Love to take away. We aren’t very good, but it is day one, and none of us has met before. I feel we might have done a better version on the last day of the trip, after we’d had a few bonding sessions over tequila shots and bad dancing in honky-tonk bars.

µµIn Nashville people swear there’s only two types of music – Country and Western∑∑ Later, we meet Richard Leigh, country music songwriter, who tells us he’s going to, “sing some of the good ones. The ones that did something. That made a lot of money for my ex-wives”. Among these are That’s The Thing About Love, which he wrote for Ray Charles but that ended up as a number one for Don Williams, and Don’t It Make

My Brown Eyes Blue, recorded by Crystal Gayle. The Country Music Hall of Fame is a riot of sequinned costumes and personalised Cadillacs, of Johnny Cash memorabilia alongside Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, right up to Garth Brooks. There’s even the Taylor Swift Education Centre – yes, the mind boggles somewhat.

Inside Graceland

Graceland in Memphis was interesting for its modesty. Yes, it’s gloriously full of garishness and bling – thick white carpets, stained glass decorated with peacocks, the jungle room with its seats upholstered in various animal hides, the den, where all the action took place (girls, mainly, it seems, rather than drink or drugs) – but really, this is a nice, manageable, family-sized house. A far cry from the monstrosities with their scooped-out basement gyms, pools and home cinemas that celebs of even average standing live in these days. We get the grand tour from George Klein, one of Elvis’s oldest friends – they met in the eighth grade at Humes High School – who has plenty of anecdotes and memories (including one rather risqué one about Ann-Margret, who

The Krewe of Rolling Elvi, New Orleans

TAKE TWO: Top Attractions Arnaud’s

Dishing up classic Creole cuisine in a turn-of-the-century building for over 100 years now, Arnaud’s is elegant, gracious and delicious! Their Sunday jazz brunch is particularly legendary (try the alligator sausage). See arnaudsrestaurant.com.

Go walk-about

New Orleans lends itself perfectly to a good long wander – with more than enough history, culture, curiosities and gorgeous buildings to keep you moving. The best of the city will come more easily in company with tour guide Jim Besse, thanks to his remarkable knowledge. See nolatourguides.org. starred in Viva Las Vegas with Elvis), and a fine recall of detail. But for all Klein’s careful scene-setting, the garage is where I most clearly feel the ghost of Elvis. All those cars – Rolls Royces, Cadillacs, Chryslers, Stutz Blackhawks – lovingly polished up and waiting. Here, we eat the best bbq of the trip, which I feel is just as the King would have wanted it.

The home of the blues

As so often in my life, I feel I’m at least 25 years too late; that only the pale ghost of a scene remains, something put on for tourists and out-of-towners. But later, a tour of Sam Phillips’s Sun Studio, and the bars on Beale Street – the energy, passion and sheer brilliance of the musicians – persuades me otherwise. The city undoubtedly has its problems, but this is still, very much, the heart and home of the blues. You cannot journey through the south of America without confronting the question of race. It is all around, in the most obvious manner, with a kind of informal segregation still very much in evidence. We get a chance to explore the roots of this, with a trip to the Frogmore Cotton

Plantation, where owners Buddy and Lynette Tanner have preserved the old antebellum slave quarters and cotton gin, alongside a thoroughly modern, fullyfunctioning, cotton plantation. Lynette’s knowledge, along with her ability to recreate the story of slavery and the Deep South, is mesmerising. The details of the daily lives of the slaves and their plantation owners – what they ate, where they slept, the hours they worked, the songs they sang – are as much a part of the fabric of Frogmore as the physical remnants; the ice house and smokery. We spend one night in a historic plantation house, Monmouth, now a luxury hotel, where we eat the food of the Old South – fried green tomatoes, arugula salad, Louisiana beef – and take a tour of Houmas House plantation and gardens. A visit to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis where Martin Luther King was shot and killed on April 4, 1968 formalises the civil rights story – and it leaves most of us in tears. This begins with life-size models of

slave boats, and progresses through the tragic, enraging history of American Civil Rights, up to and including the present day.

New Orleans

The jewel in the crown of the trip was undoubtedly New Orleans, a magnificent port city even more seductive and exciting than I had imagined. Whatever physical devastation was wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 has been mended, although the emotional and social impact lives on, not least in the number of still-empty city centre apartments, abandoned by people no longer willing to trust to nature or the US government’s good intentions. A tour of the city, taking in the American Quarter, the Saint Louis Cemetery and a trip down the Mississippi on an old paddle steamer, sets the scene perfectly for this most dynamic of cities. Then later that night, we go on a jazz hunt, starting with the famous Preservation Hall, a tiny, wooden-framed shack where you can take your own booze, sit on wooden benches or the floor, and hear the most remarkable jazz, played by a bunch of (mostly) elderly men, who make music matter in a way I have never heard before. After that, you would think everything else would be a downer, but the Spotted Cat holds its own, as do the many more bars and clubs we try that night. If this is America, I’m in. n

GETTING THERE

Luxury Gold’s nine-day Southern Grace itinerary visits Nashville, Memphis, Natchez and New Orleans, and is priced from approx. £2,982 per person. The price is based on twin share and includes eight nights of luxury hotel accommodation, daily breakfasts, 13 signature dining experiences, sightseeing, luxury coach transportation with business class legroom, arrival and departure transfers, fast track and lounge access, and the services of a dedicated travelling concierge throughout.

Flux from Samsonite £149

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Atom Cabin Suitcase from Antler £199

Dickins & Jones Vintage Trunk Red 8-Wheel Cabin Suitcase from House of Fraser £115

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Jude Cabin Hot Pink from Revelation £65

Linea Hexalite Aubergine 4-Wheel Soft Large Suitcase from House of Fraser £109

Soundbox from American Tourister £125

Pamela’s

TRAVEL TIPS

Heading off on holiday? Make life easy for yourself with jetsetter Pamela Ballantine’s top 10 travel tips

I like to travel with hand luggage only, so preparation is important. I am lucky enough to have friends with homes abroad so it is easy enough to travel with hand luggage if I am staying with them as the only liquids I need to bring in the plastic bag are make-up, toothpaste, cleansers and moisturisers. However if you are staying in a hotel or apartment then either buy toiletries at the airport or a local supermarket when you arrive, as I find the travel size bottles you can buy to decant liquids into, are even too big for the plastic bag permitted in hand luggage. If you are travelling with friends you can share products.

Make-up counters are usually very good about giving you samples these are ideal for holiday packing. If you are at an event and you get samples in goodie bags then keep them for holidays. If you stay in a hotel and use their shampoos, lotions etc. then bring what you haven’t used home with you and keep them too. I stockpile travel size items like toothpaste when I see them, and I order them online too. Keep them in a box or bag so you can easily put your hand on them when you are heading away.

3 4

Bring wipes for make-up removal and a block rather than aerosol or roll-on deodorant.

For phones, tablets etc. buy a charger with interchangeable travel heads; this saves bringing adaptors. Most hotels and apartments have hairdryers so there’s no need to bring one, but double check before you travel. If you need to bring one and you are travelling with friends just bring one between you.

5 6

I love reading on holiday and can easily get through five or six books in a week, so my e-book reader is great and I load it up before I go which saves bringing bulky books. Beach towels take up a lot of space. Usually for as little as €5 you can buy one at the resort, this is much cheaper than booking a suitcase.

I like to use a case with a soft rather than hard shell as it is easier to put into an overhead locker. Make sure you know your baggage allowance, if you are only allowed one bag in the cabin bring a very small handbag that can fit in your hand luggage and you can remove it once you get on board the flight. If you are allowed two bags, then use whatever bag you are planning to use as a beach bag as your second one (with the small handbag inside it) as you can load it up.

Wear the heaviest or bulkiest items of clothes or shoes you are bringing with you. Layer up. Even if you are going to a hot country it is usually quite cool on the plane.

Find the local supermarket and stock up as soon as you can when you get there.

Take an extra empty purse as when travelling with mates it is useful to keep a kitty. However don’t do what we did recently and that was sorting the kitty out on the way in to the supermarket, local bad boys obviously spotted us doing this and stole the purse out of my handbag as we were shopping. I have recently got a travel money card from the Post Office which you can load up with whatever currency you are going to be using and you can top it up via an app when you are away. n

THE SOCIAL 10 From markets to Muse, you’d be mad to miss what’s on offer this August in Northern Ireland BY CLARE BOWIE Kick-start August with a night of good craic and crafts all under the one roof! St George’s Market invites you to a summer beach party inside the city’s oldest market. The Summer Beach Party Twilight Market runs from 4pm-11pm on the 1st and 2nd August. Enjoy live music, chef demonstrations, food and drink produce, as well as arts and crafts from local talent. The event is free but strictly for over eighteens after 9pm. Cheers!

EastSide Arts Festival is an annual summer festival that runs from 3-13th August and promises to showcase, ‘the brilliant creative talent that lies within east Belfast, as it serves up a sizzling feast of events’. Various locations will throw open their doors to present an array of music, comedy, movies, theatre, workshops, exhibitions, poetry events and heritage tours. #inspiringbelfast

The Grand Opera House promises a night to remember with its new musical Angela’s Ashes. It’s said to ‘bring you to tears one minute, and have you laughing out loud the next’. This adaptation of Frank McCourt’s bestselling memoir is, ‘an uplifting story of hope, fortitude and family’ featuring ‘unforgettable songs and melodies.’ The show runs from 1st-5th August.

Satisfy your inner magpie with silver this summer. Craftswirl at Armagh Visitor Information Centre is the venue for two beautiful exhibitions in August. Local silversmith and artist Claire Hart, and Theresa Kelly of Carrickmacross Lace will be showcasing their work and giving you the opportunity to find a unique gift designed by two of Ireland’s best creatives. Ireland’s biggest community arts festival August Feile returns on 3-13th August, promising 10 packed days of music, film, exhibitions, sport and drama. This year’s highlights include UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey, Boyzlife, local comedian Jake O’Kane, traditional Irish band Altan and many more. Get yourself down there, you know you want to!

Photo by Jesse Grant Getty Images Emile Sande is coming to Custom House Square. The Scottish singer/songwriter will take to the stage on Wednesday August 16th to showcase the amazing talent which earned her the Best British Female Solo Artist award at this year’s Brits. Hump day has never looked this good!

Get squeaky clean at the Ibiza Foam Party in Mandela Hall, Belfast. Yip, you read that right, Ibiza comes to Belfast on 19th August for a #FoamOnYerDoam party. Doors open from 9pm until 2am, starring Dru R and Tommy B and a two hour set with DJ Stevie B.

Scrum time! Belfast’s Kingspan Stadium will play host to the 2017 Rugby Women’s World Cup semi-finals and final this August. Running from 22-26th August grab your chance to witness rugby at its best! 12 teams will compete across 30 matches to determine the world champions of women’s rugby. Finals day will feature three games with ticket prices starting from £15 for adults. #BRINGIT

Calling all music lovers! Get strumming at the City of Derry Guitar Festival on the 25th to 27th August at the North West Regional College. This unique festival welcomes players and composers of all ages and abilities, to attend concerts, workshops and master-classes, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. It offers an allfemale classical guitar line-up, a flamenco guitar workshop and an electric guitar course dedicated to legendary rockers Black Sabbath. What are you waiting for?

There will be mud! Don’t miss this year’s Vital Festival at Boucher playing fields, Belfast, running on 23rd and 26th August. Catch headliner acts; Muse and Biffy Clyro, Nothing But Thieves, Fangclub, Tiesto, Clean Bandit and more for live music at its best. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Muse

In the September issue of

Autumnal style Whirlwind romance Back to the books

Interiors, relationships, beauty news, health & wellness, reviews, travel, local events and lots more

Image credit: Noisy May

LIVING

Image credit: Jan Constantine

The decorating edit Shop this summer’s hottest trends with our pick of the latest must-have buys from the high street and online BY RÓISÍN CARABINE

LIVING ROOM LUXE LIVING George Sofa in Isla Velvet Mallard & Arthur Large Footstool in Jack Stripe Mustard from Neptune, Belfast, from £1,730 & £520

MIRROR MIRROR Nogu Vintage eyeshaped mirror from Laredoute.co.uk, £55

 STYLISH STORAGE Flow Magazine Rack from Oliver Bonas, £30

 BOTANICAL INSPIRED Graham & Brown Tropical Parakeet wallpaper from Grahambrown.co.uk

 DIFFUSED LIGHTING Calligaris Sextans table lamp from Uno Modern Living, £329

HALLWAY  PANTONE GREENERY Green Wool ‘Liberty’ Rug from Debenhams, £230

STATEMENT SHELVING Habitat Tingo small shelf, £795; Habitat Optic Vase, £45; Habitat Kirkwell Candelabra £40; Habitat Zelda Vase with handle, £35; Habitat Duffield Basket, £40

BATHROOM

ON REFLECTION The Mindy Brownes Riva gold painted mirror, 36 inches diameter, from CFC Interiors, Cookstown, Derry & Newtownabbey, £174.95

 LUXURY LIGHTING Areta Antique Brass Table Lamp from Beaufort Interiors, Moira, £235

INSTANT PRIVACY Frosted Window Film Frostbrite (FB068) from The Window Film Company, windowfilm.co.uk, from £30

 WATER & LIGHT Gold Axor Nendo Jet Ceiling-Mounted Showerhead with Lamp from hansgrohe.co.uk, from £1,854

 SMART STORAGE Large Bamboo Ladder Shelf with Laundry Bag from Argos, £28.99

 PEARL INSPIRED Södersvik LED bathroom wall lamp from Ikea, £65

LUXURIOUS TOUCH Living by Christiane Lemieux Zig Zag border emerald towels from House of Fraser, from £12

KITCHEN  COLOUR COOL Touch Bin 30L, available in 14 colours, including matt and brilliant steel from Brabantia.com, £89  FRESH BREW Stelton Theo French Press Coffee Maker from Maven, Belfast, £64.95

DURABLE & WATERPROOF Planet Black Marble Roller Blind from Englishblinds.co.uk, from £28.99

DINING ROOM  SMOOTH CURVES RJR John Rocha Grey Marble Serving Board from Debenhams, £20

 SINK SAVIOUR Umbra Tub Dish Rack in teal from redcandy.co.uk, £15

SCANDI STYLE Bodahl Firenze Dining Set, available in various finishes and chairs in various colours from CFC Interiors, Cookstown, Derry & Newtownabbey. Firenze dining table 204mx1.1m, £2,199; Firenze Bench 2400x400x450 in Old Bassano, £995; Sabina Armchair, £499

 FINE DINING Rose Gold 12 Piece Dinner and Set of 4 Mugs from Jdwilliams.co.uk, £35 & £12

CUPBOARD LOVE Stockholm 2017 rattan and ash cabinet from Ikea, £295  ANIMAL ATTRACTION Gold Giraffe Place Card Holders, two pack from Marks & Spencer, £15

BEDROOM

GEO TREND Elements Colour Block duvet cover and pillowcase set, Dunelm, £28

IN PLUME Plumage White Feather Table Lamp by Young & Battaglia (also available in jet black) from Frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk, £395

 COSY COMFORT Velour Chair (available in 5 colours) from Søstrene Grene, £49.94

 METAL HIGHLIGHTS Copper Trellis Wallpaper from the Apex Collection by Fine Décor, from Nobletts of North Street, £8.99 a roll

armatile innovation in tile design

Armagh Belfast Newry London

Station Road, Armagh, BT61 7NP

028 3752 7007 www.armatile.com

DOUBLE UP

Give your home a quick chic update with these fab design doubles BY RÓISÍN CARABINE

SAVE

SPLURGE

Stag Head from George Home @ Asda, £10

Stag Head Wall Art from Marks & Spencer, £99

South American Cast Iron Casserole Dish, 5.3L from Sainsbury’s Home, £45

Le Creuset Signature Volcanic Orange Cast Iron Casserole Dish, 5.3L, from LeCreuset.co.uk, £219

Copper Effect Wire Lamp from George Home @ Asda, £30

Sword Copper Table Lamp With Black Cotton Shade from Darlighting.co.uk, £102 12 Piece Copper Cutlery Set from Next, £38 Perspex Chair from TK Maxx, £99.99

Matthew Williamson Pineapple Cocktail Shaker from Debenhams, £18

Newberg 16 Piece Copper Cutlery Set from Made.com, £129 Kartell Louis Ghost Armchair from Nest.co.uk, £240 Gold Pineapple Cocktail Shaker from Oliver Bonas, £34

ost of us fantasise about building our own home, but only a plucky few actually take the plunge. One such duo are the owners of this spacious 3,000sq four-bed property nestled into a sloping site, on a hill in the small village of Scarva, County Down. The end result took diligent planning and meticulous attention to detail – and wasn’t without its stresses – but what Laura and Richard Faloon have achieved is a forever home for themselves and their two boys, Nathan and Reuben, that’s a sophisticated blend of modern country meets Scandi aesthetic. The overall look is elegant, uncluttered and effortlessly chic. Painted grey walls (Farrow & Ball, Elephant’s Breath) and grey flooring throughout (a mix of carpet from Martin Phillips and strip tiles from Armatile) provide a neutral backdrop for Laura’s furniture and accessories (almost all locally sourced) which take their colour cue from the views that invade the space via huge expanses of floor to ceiling glazing. Inherited treasures from Laura’s granny and upcycled pieces from The Yard, a Helping Hands outreach programme that works with vulnerable people in the community, which Laura is involved with, add character and charm. While some might have been tempted to create a sparkling show home Laura has managed to achieve a sense of space and serenity with the architecture that’s not austere, but lived-in and loved. n

Read more about Laura’s new build journey on her blog havenonahilltop.wordpress.com

At home with Laura What’s the best thing about where you live? The location; you really feel at home with nature here. Favourite room? The open plan living/kitchen/ dining space. We spend most of our time here. Describe your style in three words? Individual, modern and a bit quirky. What’s the last thing you bought? The 8-drawer sideboard from J McCourt Furniture, Banbridge. Favourite interiors shops? The Yard, Portadown, Søstrene Grene and Ikea.

House on the hill

A plot of land on a hill in Scarva with views of the Mournes and patchwork fields was the ideal blank canvas for Laura Faloon’s dream self-build project BY RÓISÍN CARABINE Photography by Michael Bradley

Light and bright. The chartreuse coloured sofas are from DFS. The rustic black metal and rope chandelier is from Homelava.com

TOP

The exposed stone fireplace is made from reclaimed brick from an old barn, sourced from Trinity Stone, Drogheda. The mantle beam is from Wilson’s Yard, Hillsborough. A Charnwood Stove from Portadown Fireplaces adds cosy character.

MIDDLE

This wooden 8-drawer sideboard on hairpin legs was a savvy find from J McCourt Furniture, Banbridge and adds a touch of Scandi chic. The cloche is from Søstrene Grene, upcycled frame from The Yard, the basket is from Fortnum & Mason and the blanket is Laura’s granny’s.

BOTTOM

A trolley from Søstrene Grene has been used to create a beautifully curated memory corner for Laura’s collection of her grandparents’ treasures; her grandad’s paintings and granny’s teapot, books and embroidered pictures.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about the beautiful tile flooring (from Armatile) in the chic utility room. A rustic style bench from The Yard, Portadown (see Facebook for September launch details) adds handmade character.

Laura and Richardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-build makes the most of the surrounding views with its mix of reinforced triple glazed floor to ceiling and double height windows in a bespoke putty colour, supplied and fitted by JP Duddy, Omagh. The feature curved field stone wall is by Trinty Stone, Drogheda.

The en suite is a soothing sanctuary with a feature freestanding sculptural bath in a contemporary mocca and complementary mocca-coloured and wood, wall mounted cabinets with basins from Bassetts Bathrooms, Portadown.

The serene master bedroom, with views of The Mournes, opens into a generous en suite. The simple bed and side tables are from Ikeaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hemnes collection. The bedside lamps were picked up in Next. The bedlinen is by Gray & Willow from House of Fraser. Streamlined and clutter free, the integrated painted cream solid wood kitchen with black granite worktops is from Make Kitchens, Belfast. The large feature black wall clock was picked up in Bottom Drawer, Portadown. The walnut dining table, chairs and bench are from Harvey Norman. The Roman blinds in Voyage material are from Blenheim Fabrics, Portadown.

Better Music

Mr & Mrs Gordon Photography by Brendan Gallagher

own couple Alison and James tied the knot on their eight-year anniversary. Alison knew early on that James was the one for her, “James had a bad motorbike accident a couple of months after we got together – coming close to losing him made me realise that I didn’t want to be without him.” James popped the question at Lough Eske Castle. Alison recalls, “There were lots of candles lit and rose petals scattered, then James got down on one knee and produced the ring. I was so busy trying not to cry that I didn’t actually answer him!” The couple booked the Larchfield Estate for 27th April 2017 and opted for a rustic theme. They chose Brendan Gallagher as their wedding photographer because “He’s amazing to work with, puts everyone at ease and is great craic!” Alex says. The pair designed their own stationery which was made by Paperworks, and Lily Pink Bakery created the three-tier cake. Alison looked radiant in an Allure gown. “I wasn’t even going to try it on because I hadn’t wanted that style of dress, but I kept being drawn to it in the shop and the girl convinced me to try it on – it was love at first sight!” Alison loved her day “from start to finish” and particularly enjoyed the photo shoot. The groom’s favourite memory from his wedding day was, “Turning around at the altar and seeing Alison in her dress for the first time.” The newlyweds went on a mini-moon to Lough Eske, and are jetting off to New York, San Francisco and Hawaii on honeymoon. n

Venue: Larchfield Estate, Lisburn Wedding dress: Cathedral Gowns, Downpatrick Groomswear: Red Groomswear, Belfast Bridesmaids’ dresses: Reflections Bridal Studio, Lisburn Makeup: Christine Patterson, Lisburn Hair: Salon 68, Saintfield Flowers: Scarlet and Crimson, Holywood Cake: Lily Pink Bakery, Belfast

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THE

ALBUM Photo by Press Eye

Carmel Scott and Aislin Scott

Eden McAllister, Fionnula Mooney and Rebekah Shirley

Style Sunday Downpatrick Racecourse Fashionistas from across Northern Ireland and further afield attended Downpatrick Racecourseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renowned Style Sunday. Vibrant block colours, colour clashing, high low dresses, and statement headpieces were the order of the day.

Stephanie Butler

Photos by Press Eye Mr Ireland Darren King and Miss NI Anna Henry

Emma McMullan, Keely Brennan and Donna McLaughlin

Helena Gervin, Charly Taggart and Mary-Lou Coyle

Marie Conlan and Jeanelle Conlan

Stephen Davison and Shellee Bowman

Conor Lynch, Jessica McQuillan, Sarah Evoy and Ally McParland

Ale Walsh and Simone Corvin

Brown Thomas unveils CREATE Brown Thomas unveiled CREATE 2017; a showcase of the very best in Irish design today, welcoming a host of exciting new talent and the return of some of the country’s much loved designers. Participating designers including Lainey Keogh, Sarah Murphy and Blaithin Ennis. Industry experts, fashion press and top stylists were all in attendance for the launch in the Grafton Street store.

Sinead O’Dwyer

Shelly Corkery and Leonora Ferguson

Leslie Horgan and Marie Kelly

Sara O’Neill

Sandra Maxwell, William Maxwell, Geoff Kemps, Adam McElnea, Michele McElnea and Davy McElnea

James Street South Celebratory Event Leading figures from the hospitality, tourism and education sectors attended a celebratory event at award-winning James Street South, as its Apprentice Programme participants graduated from the 2016/17 scheme, with six securing full time jobs within the restaurant group. The completion of the third Apprentice Programme, created by chef and restaurant owner Niall McKenna, gave 12 students the opportunity to learn first-hand the skills required to work in the industry, while undertaking classes at Belfast Metropolitan College.

Niall McKenna, John McGrillen, Conor Shields, Jim Wilkinson and Gerry Lennon

Adam McElnea, David Gillmore and Michele McElnea

John Kerr, Karen Kerr, David Gillmore and Jack Kerr Sandra Maxwell, Rebecca Maxwell, David Gillmore and William Maxwell

Claire Shaw, Tim Smith and Les Hume

The Institute of Hospitality NI

Pamela Ballantine and Jilly Dougan

Tammy Stephenson and Andrew Laverty

The Institute of Hospitality NI hosted a celebratory event in The Ivory, Belfast, to mark the resounding success of their 22nd annual awards which were held in Titanic Belfast. The event simultaneously congratulated the winners and thanked the many sponsors and press, who supported the event. Photos by Darren Kidd

Tracey Hall and Siobhan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan

Marianne Hood and Michael Cafolla

Ashling O’Hea and Christina Conlon

Hadyn Duffy and Lee Coates

Louise Vance and Chloe Henning

Avoca Belfast Summer Showcase

Charlotte Fogarty, Paige Jackson and Zara Parkes

Avoca Belfast threw a Summer Showcase event to highlight the fabulous food, fashion and beauty offerings available in store this summer. The event was attended by fashion and lifestyle media, social influencers and stylists. Guests were greeted with a choice of Prosecco or elderflower pressé, and bite-size takes on Avoca classics such as pepperade tart with Fivemiletown goats’ cheese, salt and pepper hake, and mini beef burgers.

Danielle Smith and Josh Gilmore

Stephanie Patterson, Emma McKeown and Jo Mckeown

Magners Ulster Derby The fashion and flair associated with Down Royalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magners Ulster Derby Summer Festival of Racing, was on point. Victoria Corr from Galbally, Tyrone was picked from thousands of racegoers as the Magners Best Dressed Lady competition winner. Victoria wore a red bell sleeved pencil dress and hat by Laura Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hanlon Millinery. Photos by Press Eye

Chanelle McCoy, Victoria Corr and Julia Galbraith

Carmel McName and Victoria Corr

Meabh Lenehan and Nicole McKeown

Gail Johnston, Diane Martin and Amy McKeown

Laura Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hanlon and Coreena Burns

Patrick McPolin and Jennie McMinn

Rebecca McKinney and Pete Snodden

Trazanne Norwood and Mariah Koczarian

Rebekah Munn and Orlaith Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill

Naomi Callahan, Anna Callahan and Zeeola

Monet Hair launch Monet Hair located on the Lisburn Road, Belfast celebrated its official launch recently with guests enjoying Champagne and canapés, as well as an introduction to some of the salon’s exclusive offerings. Cathy Martin

Hannah Rooney

Claire Hart and Anna Hart

Katie Andrews

Sophia Ewing, Hannah Rooney and Rosie O’Reilly

Patrick Mone and Lauren Foley

Andrea Polly and John McMullan

Charleen and Ali Gordon

Summer Styling Showcase

A model on stage

Lizanne Matthews, Patricia McCrickard and Chloe King

The Spa at Slieve Donard held its annual Summer Styling Showcase event in association with Victoria Square. The event was attended by over 200 lovers of fashion, make-up and style, with members of The Spa taking to the catwalk to model this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s styles from Victoria Square. A fantastic ÂŁ1,850 was raised in aid of Daisy Lodge.

Carol Wilson, Heidi Graham, Heather Hamilton and Lynne Cullen

Natalie One, Chloe Wilson, Kerri Nelson, Chloe Nellins and Carla Jones

Business Awards

Lisa Thompson and Bernie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill

Katrina Belshaw, Sharon Fleming, Leah and Natalie Calvin

The inaugural Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Business Awards recently recognised and rewarded companies across the region with 16 hotly contested accolades, in association with principal sponsor Almac. Local business leaders, entrepreneurs, team members, stakeholders and councillors attended the gala black-tie event at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre.

Ciara Judge, Brendan and Denise Crealey

Rebecca and Eimear Kelly

Adrian Dunbar

Brian Small, Anne Morrison, Cecilia Gallagher and Maxine Mawhinney

IEF Summer Drinks reception Top media executive and former editor David Montgomery and his wife Sophie, alongside actor Adrian Dunbar, hosted a Summer Drinks reception for the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) in Kensington to highlight the relevance of integrated education in Northern Ireland. Local actor Stephen Hagan and his wife, comedienne Wendy Wason, Google Communications Director and Belfast native Peter Barron, BBC broadcaster Maxine Mawhinney and Baroness Blood were all in attendance united by a motivation to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;put something back into the society they grew up inâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

David and Sophie Montgomery, Baroness Blood and Adrian Dunbar

Caireen McCluskey and Shauna and Teresa Mulligan

Erin Elkin and Tony McGaharan Brian Small, Stephen Hagan, Wendy Wason and Adrian Dunbar

NORTHERN MAN

Jeff Meredith talks fashion, travel and skincare

ey folks, it’s my third column already, I hope you’ve been enjoying my ramblings. If you’ve been following Belfast Times you’ll already know it’s been a busy summer for me, but for this column I thought I’d focus on three things; fashion, travel and skincare You might remember I wrote about a personal shopping experience in CastleCourt in Northern Man last month. It’s not something I had ever thought about trying before but I enjoyed it so much I thought it was time make an appointment with the personal shopper in Victoria Square. Three hours and £45 later (that’s for the experience, not the price of the clothes), my afternoon with Katherin Farries was fun, informative and very successful. I went in with the expectation of not finding anything to fit, but I was proven wrong and Katherin found a full capsule wardrobe for me which will take me through this winter. With picks from Huge Boss, H&M, Ralph Lauren and Linea, following advice and guidance from Katherin, I came home having spent well over budget but extremely happy and excited with some new AW17 fashion which I can’t wait to wear.

Now that it’s August, you might have already enjoyed your summer holidays. Since my last column, I have travelled to the Costa Brava with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays for a three-night tour along the stunning Costa Brava coastline and a day in Girona. You might know Girona from Game of Thrones because the old town was used for a number of scenes in Season 6, and much like Northern Ireland, it has become a big tourist attraction. One of many the many highlights from our short visit was a boat trip from Tossa de Mar to Lloret de Mar; what a beautiful coastline! I also loved our cookery class in Girona at www. localmarket.cat, if you ever visit Girona and have an afternoon free, and want to do something different then I’d recommend it. Finally, let’s talk skincare and grooming for guys. You always want to look your best and make the most of what you’ve got, it’s something I’ve become increasingly aware of over the years and have developed a daily, yet basic, routine which involves facewash or exfoliator, moisturiser and haircare. Have a look at some products I use over there on the right. Thanks for reading, Jeff

Hair & Body Wash by Jason Shankey from Jason Shankey Salons £13

Exfoliating Scrub by Jason Shankey from Jason Shankey Salons £10

All In One Day Face Cream Dermot O’Leary 24 hr Grooming for Men from Marks & Spencer £15

Face Scrub Dermot O’Leary 24 hr Grooming for Men from Marks & Spencer £7.50

Dermot O’Leary

Jack Dean Travel Kit by Denman from Garry’s Barbershop, Holywood £20

Beard Care Starter Pack by Belfast Beard Company St George’s Market or www.belfastbeardcompany.com £29.95

Men’s grooming and skincare BY JEFF MEREDITH

Belfast Beard Company. Photo credit DJA Photography

Face Scrub and Shave Foam Gel by Refinery from Galgorm Resort & Spa £24 & £18

You need to protect your skin, and not just from the sun in the summer months, it needs looked after all year round because the weather and life takes its toll on your skin and hair 24/7. The new M&S Dermot O’Leary products are fantastic and have immediately been added to my collection of core products in my daily routine, but others include local brands I love include Jason Shankey and Belfast Beard Company. Here’s a few of my favourites…

Post Shave Balm by Refinery from Galgorm Resort & Spa £35

— COMPETITION —

orthern Woman have teamed up with The Heritage Killenard to offer readers the chance to win an indulgent two-night spa break in this five-star hotel. Located just an hour from Dublin city centre, this luxurious hotel has Kildare Village shopping outlet on its doorstep, and is set amidst the rolling green countryside of county Laois. The Heritage Killenard boasts a world-class spa, an extensive selection of luxury accommodation, a wide range of dining options, and a fine array of indoor and outdoor activities. There is plenty to do in this lush countryside setting whatever the weather, from a game on the resort’s tennis court, to a refreshing visit to the Health Club with its pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, watching a movie in the cinema at The Heritage, following the five-kilometre ground-lit walking and jogging track, or indulging in a restorative spa treatment in The Heritage Spa. One lucky readers will win a two-night stay with breakfast on both mornings, a delicious dinner on the night of your choice in The Arlington Restaurant, and a pampering session starting with the two-hour Spa Experience; a sensory journey that maximises the benefits of all the Spa facilities leaving the body feeling profoundly alive and invigorated, followed by a 60-minute ESPA treatment – choose between a relaxing massage or a facial. If you’re not lucky enough to win on this occasion visit: www.theheritage.com for more information on their packages or call +353 (0) 57 8645500.

Win

A spa break at The Heritage Killenard TO ENTER Simply answer this question: Where is The Heritage Killenard located? Email your answer and contact details to: competitions@northernwoman.co.uk before 5pm on Friday 18th August. T&Cs: The prize is non-transferrable and subject to availability. INM T&Cs apply.

fultons

New Showroom & Restaurant Now Open at Queen Street Lurgan Featuring our collection of furniture Exquisite French Bespoke for you

Showroom Hours Mon. – Sat. 9.30am- 5.00pm

Web: fultons interiors lurgan

Tel: 028 38 325768