Northern Woman August 2018 by Helen Wright

Dominica, page 57

Editor’s Letter

i all, Welcome to the August edition of Northern Woman. I’m sure, like me, you are probably loving the sunshine at the moment – the warm weather always puts me in a better mood. To look good and keep cool during this amazing heatwave, you’ll need some key pieces to update that summer wardrobe. This month’s issue features stripes, ligthweight co-ords, the latest sandals and short styles. I’m just back from the holiday of a lifetime in the Caribbean island Dominica. I wasn’t really sure what to expect as the island is still recovering from Hurricane Maria, but I absolutely loved the place and it was definitely worth a little extra travelling time to get there. It was my first time to visit the Caribbean and I’m dreaming of returning someday. Also in this issue, we bring you two gorgeous local weddings, a home interior with a difference, budget beauty buys, mustn’t miss local events, and self-tanning tips and tricks. Local artist, writer and educator, Aly Harte, shares her ‘steps to self-acceptance’ and encourages readers to try and live in the present, while journalist Lucy Norris advises us to rethink our attitude to Mondays. Celebrity makeup artist Aimee Connolly brings you her guide to applying false lashes for a doe-eyed look.

What colour is your front door? The hue could say a lot more about your personality that you realise explains Northern Woman’s interiors expert Róisín Carabine. ‘A growing army of women are using the transferrable skills gained through motherhood to launch successful businesses’, writes Jade Beecroft who caught up with some of Northern Ireland’s thriving mumtrepreneurs. Jade also interviewed Sky Sports News Presenter, Orla Chennaoui, to hear about her journey from Draperstown to the bright lights of broadcast journalism in London and beyond. We are running another fantastic subscription offer this month. Get 11 issues of NW delivered direct to your door for only £15/€15, and the price includes a free He-Shi Rapid 1 Hour Liquid Tan worth £23.50. So you save £12.50 plus get a gift worth £23.50 (p.23). 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 and Instagram @northernwomanmagazine: Tweet us at: @NorthernWomanNW.

CONTENTS AUGUST 2018

STYLE 08 SHORT & SWEET Short styles 10 THE CO-ORD Go matchy matchy with a co-ordinate set 12 STANDOUT STYLES This summer’s sandals 14 SUMMER STRIPES Our top picks FEATURES 24 WHEN ORLA MET… NORTHERN WOMAN Presenting Orla Chennaoui 28 WEDDING WEIRDNESS Some ‘I do’s’ and ‘I don’ts’ 30 MUMTREPRENEURS Local businesswomen pave the way 32 SUMMER HOLIDAY SURVIVAL Top tips for making it through BEAUTY 34 THE ANDREW MULVENNA EXPERIENCE 37 HOLIDAY HAIR Hero hair products 38 SELF TANNING 101 Tip and tricks from the experts 39 PROFILE: Obagi Radiance Peel 40 SUN CARE SAVIOURS 41 7 UNDER £7 Budget beauty buys 43 APPLYING FALSIES Aimee Connolly explains all HEALTH AND WELLNESS 45 PROFILE: Soul Encounters guided tours 46 ME TIME & COOL IN THE POOL 47 EASY LIKE MONDAY MORNING Turn your week inside out 48 STEPS TO SELF ACCEPTANCE 50 FAT LOSS LOWDOWN 52 BARBECUE VEGETABLES Sal Hanvey visits River Cottage 24 CONQUER YOUR FLYING FEAR

Credit: River Island

Cover image from www.only.com

Credit: Mango

ESCAPE 57 DOMINICA The Caribbean Island is back in business 60 MACK TO THE FUTURE The Glasgow Mackintosh experience 62 THE KINGDOM OF KERRY Why County Kerry should be on your bucket list 68 PRIDE 2018 LIVING 73 DOUBLE UP Designer doubles 74 WHAT DOES YOUR FRONT DOOR SAY ABOUT YOU? 78 BARGE LIFE Inside a reader’s home 70 THE SOCIAL 10 Local events not to miss

IN EVERY ISSUE 64 LET’S DRINK TO… Sunny Spain and Tanqueray 65 HYUNDAI KONA Tried & tested 66 MOVIE ROUNDUP 82 LOCAL WEDDINGS 87 THE ALBUM Social pics 94 HERE & THERE 95 BLOGGER CORNER Too many tabs by Anna Corry from Blossoming Birds 96 NORTHEN MAN What Jeff Meredith loves about St George’s Market 98 WIN A stay at Hillgrove Hotel Leisure & Spa

Publisher Independent News & Media Ltd Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3GB T: 028 9026 4264 Production Manager: Irene Fitzsimmons Editor: Catriona Doherty Design: Robert Armstrong Sales Manager: Ciara Hedgcock Art Editor: Helen Wright Editorial Contributors Aimee Connolly, Aly Harte, Anna Corry, Claire Craig, Clare Bowie, Eunice Nelson, Jade Beecroft, Jeff Meredith, Lucy Norris, Paul Keenan, Paula Gracey, Rita Doherty, Sal Hanvey, and Róisín Carabine 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.

STYLE

Credit: Kurt Geiger

NORTHERN IRELAND SCHOOL OF MODELLING www.northernirelandschoolofmodellinguk.co.uk

Northern Ireland School Of Modelling models visited beautiful Portugal on their recent photo shoot with winners of Miss International MSC 2017 Hannah, Miss Teen International MSC 2017 Catriona and Little Miss International MSC 2017 Bria.

MODEL: YASMIN

MODEL: MEGAN

MODEL: RHIANNON

MODEL: MISS TEEN INTERNATIONAL MSC 2017 CATRIONA

MODEL: SCARLETT

MODEL: LITTLE MISS INTERNATIONAL MSC 2017 BRIA

MODEL: MISS INTERNATIONAL MSC 2017 HANNAH

Northern Ireland school of Modelling trip to Portugal April 2018 Location: Albufeira Formal & Occasional Wear by She’s Fabulous Boutique Garvagh Children clothing by ‘Oh So Pretty’ Belfast Makeup by Jenny Mc Donagh Ederney Hair by Becky McClaughry Irvinestown Photographer on location was TV’s Noel Thompson Ann Connor Tel: 07877 292 189 Email: annconnor10@gmail.com

Tel: 07877292189 annconnor10@gmail.com

www.ohsoprettyonline.com Tel: 07870315849 Add: 1st Floor, 7 Glen Road Belfast, BT11 8BA E: gkohsopretty@mail.com/ salesohsopretty@mail.com

Killykergan House, 1 Killykergan Rd, Garvagh, Co. L/Derry, BT5 14EA Tel: 075908 13801 E: info@shesfabulous.co.uk/ www.shesfabulous.co.uk Facebook.com/shesfabuk

Becky McClaughry Hairdressing, 5 Mill Street Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh, BT94 1GR Tel: 0286862 2353 E: Bexmcclaughry@hotmail.com/ Facebook@beckyhairdressingmcclaughry

4 Magheraculmoney, 35 Ardvarney Rd Ederney, BT93 0EF Tel: 077161 79647 E: jennybritton21@hotmail.com/ jennymcdonaghmua@hotmail.com Facebook@jennymcmakeup

noelt912@gmail.com

Striped Shorts from Monsoon £35

Linen Rich Striped Casual Shorts from M&S £22.50

POWER SHORTS

Button High-Waist Shorts from Mango £35.99

Tie Waist Shorts from Oasis £32

This season clean-cut, chic tailored shorts can look formal but are still playful enough for a night out on the town. On the runway Saint Laurent paired highwaisted styles with silk blouses and tulle tops.

Collman Cotton Pleat Front Shorts from French Connection £45

Belt Line Shorts from Mango £29.99

SHORT & SWEET Shorts for summer 2018 Khaki O-Ring Shorts from Dorothy Perkins £22

Metallic-Effect Bermuda Shorts from Zara £29.99

Denim shorts from Vero Moda available from very.co.uk £22

Polkadot Shorts from Stradivarius £19.99

Embroidered casual shorts from M&S £25

Embroidered shorts from Dorothy Perkins £20

LIFE’S A BEACH

Kickback and relax in low-key shorts that are perfect for the beach. Striped, check, distressed denim and polka print are key trends to look effortlessly chic poolside. Pom Pom Distressed Denim Shorts from Matalan £14

Pink Tweed Diamante Trim Shorts from River Island was £40 now £30

Blue Distressed High Waisted Shorts from River Island £32

Floral Shorts from Stradivarius £12.99 Red Floral Pleated Shorts from New Look £15.99

Stripe Linen Shorts from Next £20 Stripe Shorts from Matalan £10

Trousers from Zara £29.99

Jacket from Zara £59.99

The CO-ORD Go matchy matchy with our collection of this summer’s co-ordinate sets

Cornflower Jacket from Lipsy £32

Flippy Hem Shorts from Lipsy £28

Per Una Top £27.50, Per Una Trousers £35 from M&S

Orange Floral Pyjama Suit Top from Dorothy Perkins £28

Orange Floral Pyjama Suit Trousers from Dorothy Perkins £26 Giorgio Armani, Paris Fashion Week. Getty Images

JourNe Show, Paris Fashion Week. Getty Images

Blazer from Mango £69.99

Print Trousers from Mango £49.99

Print Culotte Co-Ord from Lipsy £32

Print Blouse from Mango £39.99

Bardot Print Top Co-Ord from Lipsy £30

Top was £60 now £36 and Trousers was £80 now £60 by Issa London from House of Fraser

Mayara PJ Blouse from Kitri £85

Polkadot Top from Oasis £39

Polkadot Skirt from Oasis £42

Cream Chain Print Tie Front Top from New Look £17.99

Cream Chain Print Wide Leg Trousers from New Look £19.99

Paisley Print Wide Leg Trousers from River Island £40

Paisley Frill Sleeve T-shirt from River Island £28

Wheeldon PJ Trouser from Kitri £85

Massimo Dutti

This summer’s sandals feature bows, pompoms and tassels – in metallic and Crayola bright hues

S ta n d o u t

Seafolly, MercedesBenz Fashion Week. Getty Images

styleS 02

04 05

08 09

11 12

13 14

01 Blue Tassel Sandals from Dorothy Perkins was £23 now £7 02 Leather Crossover Sandals from Zara £25.99 03 Rose Gold Sandals from Bon Prix £18.99 04 Dries van Noten Metallic Feather Print Jacquard Mule from Envoy of Belfast was £290 now £203 05 Espadrille Trim Stripe Stacked Flatform Sandal from Dune was £120 now £96 06 Faith Silver Leather Jarb Mid Flatform Heel Sandals from Debenhams was £49 now £39.20 07 Polly Pom T-Bar Sandal from Monsoon £45 08 Mustard Raffia Flatform Wedge from Office £52 09 Green Slides from Oasis £25 10 Blue Stripe Slider Sandal from Peacocks £10 11 Rainbow Sandal from Oasis £26 12 White Laser Cut Bow Espadrille from River Island was £30 now £12 13 White Strappy Sandals from George at Asda £15 14 Mambo Striped Sole Two Strap Sandals from Office £39 15 Embellished Sandals from Karen Millen were £55 now £41.25

Summer Flattering vertical stripes have always been a fashion favourite. Classic, chic and timeless, these striped pieces will look good in your wardrobe for years to comeâ&#x20AC;Ś Shot on location at Rademon Estate Distillery, Downpatrick

Shorts £190 from Tommy Hilfiger, House of Fraser, Victoria Square; top from Reiss £55

Top from Reiss £95; trousers from Miss Selfridge £28; shades from Stradivarius £12.99

Jumpsuit £25.99 and bracelets £12.99 from Stradivarius; belt £15.99 and shoes £49.99 from Mango; earrings from Marmalade Lisburn Road, Belfast £12

Shorts from Reiss £115; tee from Miss Selfridge £14; shoes £29.99 and hairband £7.99 from Stradivarius

Dress from Warehouse £42; bag from Mango was £29.99 now £19.99

Trousers from Miss Selfridge £25; top from Marmalade, Lisburn Road, Belfast was £45 now £22.50; bag from Kurt Geiger £199; wedges from Karen Millen was £145 now £95

– PHOTOGRAPHY – Brendan Gallagher 07900 638365 brendangallagher.net – HAIR – Adam Lee @ Andrew Mulvenna 028 9024 9191 andrewmulvenna.com – MAKEUP – Ciara Daly 028 9066 7171 www.ciaradalymakeup.com – MODEL – Rebekah Shirley @ ACA Models 028 9080 9809 acamodels.com – STYLING – Catriona Doherty, Northern Woman 028 9026 4265 – LOCATION – Rademon Estate Distillery (home of Shortcross gin) Downpatrick Tel: 028 4483 0001 shortcrossgin.com

Top £99 and trousers £125 from Karen Millen; chain from Warehouse £8

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When Orla metâ&#x20AC;¦ Northern Woman BY JADE BEECROFT

Orla Chennaoui presenting for Sky Sports News

hen Orla Chennaoui was a little girl growing up in Draperstown, she dreamed of making it to the Olympics. But little did she know she’d be holding a microphone. The Sky Sports News presenter was an athletics nut; a keen hurdler who, in her teens, became Irish Triple Jump Champion. But a combination of people skills, a law degree and a French romance took Orla in a completely different direction, away from her Northern Irish home to London and the bright lights of broadcast journalism. In addition to her obvious love of sport, the 39-year-old is a natural storyteller, driven by an innate desire to find out what makes her subjects tick. She’s now putting this curiosity to good use in her new series of podcasts ‘When Orla Met’ talking to some of the UK’s best known sports personalities about their drives, desires and demons – both personally and professionally. And with parenting tips from Judy Murray, self-belief lessons from Maggie Alphonsi, and advice on pushing yourself to the limit with AP McCoy, you really don’t have to be a sports buff to enjoy listening into these intimate chats. “I’ve always been fascinated by the personal journeys in sport,” explains Orla. “We all know about the thousands of

pounds that make a premiership footballer get out of bed in the morning, but I’m fascinated to find out what makes the rower get up at 4am to practice in the dark. It’s the stories behind the successes that really interest me.” Orla is something of a success story herself. One of four siblings, she was educated at St Mary’s Grammar in Magherafelt and her childhood dream was to represent Great Britain in athletics at the Olympics. When reoccurring shin splints dampened those ambitions, Orla turned to her other love – reading, writing and telling stories. She studied Law with French at Queen’s University Belfast, believing that law was a good route into journalism. But the degree also brought her personal happiness in the form of Mourad, a handsome French scientist she met during a placement year. “I was only 21 and he barely spoke any English,” she laughs. “But we just had a connection.” The couple ended up studying together in Edinburgh – Orla for a postgrad in journalism – before relocating south where she got her first job at Radio 2 Ten in Reading. “I loved the intimacy and immediacy of radio,’ she explains. “Print is often held up as the gold standard of journalism, but I realised how much crafting went into broadcasting.” Continued on 26 ➤

Orla presenting for Sky Sports News

By the time Orla began working for Sky, in 2005, initially as a news journalist and Ireland correspondent, she and Mourad were married. And that degree continued to come in useful; Northern Woman was extremely impressed when Orla interrupted our interview to speak to her three-year-old daughter Eve in fluent French! It was the London 2012 Olympics that provided a pathway back into sport. Sky wanted to appointed an official Games correspondent and in 2009 Orla landed the job. “It was absolutely perfect,” she remembers. “I covered all the build-up, the politics and finance, and it was a brilliant opportunity to meet people and learn about so many different sports.” By the end of the Games her contacts book was bulging and she’d been able to indulge her fascination for the stories behind some of the world’s best athletes. “We spent such a long time getting to know everybody,” she says. “From there I became a presenter and reporter for Sky Sports News.” The ‘When Orla Met’ podcasts began as a personal project this January, allowing Orla once again to merge that passion for people stories with her impressive connections in the sporting world.

Orla trains to be a racing driver for the Celebrity Race at Silverstone Classic

µµI’ve always been fascinated by the personal journeys in sport∑∑ Orla co-hosting the British Olympic Association Gala Ball, pictured with GB athletes So far she’s interviewed the world’s most successful jump jockey AP McCoy, transsexual cyclist Pippa York, tennis mum Judy Murray, World Cup winning rugby player Maggie Alphonsi, and cyclists Lizzie Deignan and Mark Cavendish, with many more still in the pipeline. “There’s been so many stand-out moments,” she laughs. “I think I take something away from every one of them. AP McCoy, for example, was disarmingly open about the aspects of his personality that he takes to the nth degree.

“Maggie Alphonsi was wonderful too, she has such a positive attitude with her ability to turn things around and always see the lessons in failures. “And Judy Murray is a heroine of mine so it was such a privilege to spend an hour with her talking about how she raised her boys. After our interview I took my daughter, Eve, to the swimming pool and for the first time ever I insisted that she carry her own bag, a little Moana sack.

“Mourad said ‘but she’s only three’. So I told him that if it’s what Judy Murray does then that’s good enough for me!” Orla’s shift patterns prevent her from playing team sports but she tries to stay active; going to the gym, cycling, swimming and doing yoga. “I feel it’s important to do that for my daughter,” she explains. “I want to introduce her to as many sports as possible. “For me, sport is a great leveler. It doesn’t

matter what background or class you come from, or who you know, in sport everyone is the same and it’s about ability, attitude and hard work. “For girls especially it can be really positive; they can get sweaty and muddy, it doesn’t matter how they look. It develops confidence, physical strength, and is great for mental wellbeing. “Sport can be really life-affirming and it teaches valuable life skills too, such as

striving and looking at best practice.” During her chats, Orla talks with her interviewees about being the best journalist she can be. She tells Northern Woman that motherhood has helped her find the balance between professional and personal, because “Eve doesn’t care about my work, she just wants me to play with her”. But with her busy schedule juggling the demands of mother and wife with her presenting for Sky Sports News, the

podcasts, and regular visits to see her family back in Northern Ireland and her husband’s relatives in France, she admits life can be chaotic. “I’ve taken up yoga and meditation,” she says. “That’s helped massively. When I feel overwhelmed I meditate a bit more and try to call home regularly.” And with some of the UK’s top sports personalities sharing their secrets for success, Orla’s not short on mentors. Surely she’s picked up a tip or two along the way? “I think I take a little titbit away from every interview I do and try to apply these things to life,” she laughs. “For example, when an athlete tells you to run your own race and look straight ahead, you know you can use that attitude to life as well as sport. “For me, I’ve learned not to take life too seriously, to surround myself with people who matter and only care what they think of me. It’s okay to just be what you are. “The most important thing is to remember that all we really want out of life is to be happy.” n

To hear all Orla’s interviews you can download and subscribe to When Olra Met through iTunes or other media players. A new episode is released fortnightly on Tuesdays.

To mark International Romance Awareness Month this August, we’ve complied some ‘I Do’s’ and ‘I Don’ts’ for your big day

Wedding weirdness BY EUNICE NELSON

uring a recent home renovation project I came across the disposable cameras that I had placed on the guest tables at my wedding ten years ago. For those of you not of a certain age, disposable cameras are small plastic, single-use cameras that you had to pay an extortionate amount to have developed only to discover that your pictures were blurry and horrible. No deleting and retaking, no filters and definitely no cartoon dog ears or flower halos. As I suspected, most of the decade old pictures were dark and practically unrecognisable, but it did make me think about how much has changed when it

comes to wedding extras. Here are some questionable wedding trends that are in fashion now:

Kings of the castle

For anyone who has tried out their kid’s trampoline after a night on the town, I think the wedding bouncy castle will be just up your street. Picture the scene; you’ve been drinking since the service ended sometime around two o’clock, you’ve had a four-course meal featuring egg mayonnaise, salmon and chocolate cake, and now you have decided to jump up and down in a large white inflatable castle which is probably the tackiest thing known to man. Let’s face it – it’s a total recipe for disaster

but none of us would have the willpower to stay away from it. I imagine there will be similarities to a kid’s party; someone will end up hurt and/ or crying, underwear will be accidentally flashed to all the other guests and someone will vomit inside the castle. But unlike most kids parties the festivities will probably come to an end via a stiletto.

Video nasty

Because photo booths weren’t humiliating enough now there’s the video booth. Don’t get me wrong, I am always first in line for the photo booth. I’m right in there with the big sunglasses and inflatable guitar. It’s only when the pictures have been printed that I realise I can’t seem to improvise facial

expressions. Everyone else seems to have a different look in each picture but there I am, in every frame, looking like a grinning fool in a different hat. But forget my lack of facial variety, now there is a new and interesting way to humiliate yourself that will last even longer than a picture; a video message. So here’s the plan, get all your family and friends together, load them with alcohol and ask them to record heartfelt messages for you and your betrothed on the most magical day of your life. What could possibly go wrong?

Engaging pictures

My engagement photo is a picture of me and my future husband in the pub, tastefully placed in a frame with ENGAGEMENT written on it, and it’s not even from my actual engagement. How times have changed. Current trends dictate that just in case the wedding invitation didn’t tip people off to the fact that you’re deeply in love, now there is another way to really hammer home the fact that you’re so sickeningly happy; an entire professional photo shoot. In order to get the engagement pictures right you will need; a beautiful background (because lord knows you often walk hand in hand through a field grinning), the ability to look lovingly into one another’s eyes (not the way you usually glare at each other), and eerily similar outfits (this is why everyone wears jeans). Now everyone you know and love will have a preview of your wedding album, yay.

Crazy Kodak moments

Another interesting trend is dressing your bridemaids in matching pajamas, or in matching shirts and pants - no trousers needed for those ‘getting ready’ photos. I don’t care how hot you and your bridesmaids are, no one wants to see a picture of you in oversized shirts and little else. Wedding albums are very subjective

and everyone’s taste is different but try to remember that you will have to look at these photos for the rest of your life. So when your photographer suggests getting a shot of the groom with his head up your dress then just say “no” for all our sakes. One look online and it appears there is no end to the mortification that can be brought about by bad pictures. So keep it classy folks and don’t overshare on social media - there are only so many snaps of your interlocked hands or your bridal bouquet that anyone wants to see.

µµUnlike most kids parties the festivities will probably come to an end via a stiletto∑∑ Compliments are appreciated

The one thing that I really wish had been around when I got married is overflowing baskets of everything you could possibly need in a wedding emergency. Don’t forget the giant flip flops – that probably cause more injuries than your heels ever could. Deodorant, in case you start getting a bit whiffy during The Siege of Ennis or Rock The Boat. The sewing kit for when the boob tape comes unstuck and you have to sew yourself into your dress, and not forgetting plasters for all those postscrum injuries after the bouquet has been thrown. And please don’t forget to stuff a

few condoms at the bottom of the basket, far enough down so your granny won’t see, but accessible enough for any frisky guests.

Do me a favour

Whatever happened to forcing your bridesmaids to spend hours putting sugared almonds in little bags and tying them with ribbon? That tradition of spreading stress and misery throughout your wedding party was the only real chance you had to exact your revenge for the ugly stripper they hired for your hen party. But alas times have moved on and wedding favours now range from hangover survival kits (epic choice) to jars of jam (I don’t get it either). Everything you ever thought of can now be personalised and gifted to the lucky bunch you are sharing your big day with. My advice is, don’t drive yourself nuts thinking about it because your guests are only concerned about how much wine is on the table, everything else is just a blur in their peripheral vision. The most important thing is that it’s your day and if you want to make your bridesmaids enact a scene from Mama Mia then that’s your prerogative. So personalise those napkins and get the cute chalkboard to count down the days to your wedding if that’s what makes you happy. But remember not to stress yourself out because in the throws of your wedding euphoria you won’t even remember the heart shaped confetti that you desperately wanted, all you will be thinking about is your newly minted spouse and your happily ever after. n

A growing army of women are using the transferrable skills gained through motherhood to launch successful businesses. Jade Beecroft talks to some of Northern Ireland’s thriving mumtrepreneurs

Devon and Rex

MUMTREPRENEURS

Jennie Wallace

When Jennie Wallace found herself facing redundancy at six-months pregnant, job hunting seemed impossible. After all, who wants to employ a woman about to go off on maternity leave? She and her self-employed husband Jonathan were very worried; they had a mortgage to pay, not to mention all the additional costs that come with a new arrival into the family. Then Jennie, 36, hit upon an idea. She’d been manager of a skincare clinic and the branch was being closed, leaving a gap in the market in Belfast. She and a colleague, Gillian Lowe, decided to start up their own business and take their clients with them. But they were up against the clock, meaning Jennie couldn’t put her feet up as her baby bump grew. “We couldn’t just leave it until after I’d given birth because we didn’t want to lose our client base,” she explains. “They’d go elsewhere in the meantime. We knew that if we wanted to make a success of it we’d need to set up straight away.” With Jonathan’s support, Jennie got a business loan, found premises, and contracted builders to turn it into a clinic. She was working right up until her due

date, and even found herself sending emails from the delivery room. “After a while Jonathan gently suggested putting the laptop away,” she laughs. “I had a 24-hour labour and I stopped emailing the builders when things really got going.” Baby Cleo was born on June 26th 2016 and Jennie’s clinic, Beyond Skin, on College Street, opened seven days later, on July 4th. Jennie actually ended up missing the

Jennie, Jonathan and Cleo

opening day because Cleo was rushed into A&E the evening before with digestive problems. But she was back in work, with her newborn in tow, the very next day. Music composer and stay-at-home dad Jonathan drove to the clinic several times each a day with Cleo so Jennie could breastfeed. And her hard work has already started to pay off; with a turnover of £250,000 in Beyond Skin’s first 18 months.

TOP TIPS FOR STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS • Find a gap in the market: Do your research to make sure your idea is original and that there is a need for it. • Play to your strengths: Use your own experiences to your advantage by thinking of what you would find helpful, or what you can do. • Work out your budget: There are lots of support grants and loans available for start-ups so do your research. • Make the most of your maternity leave: Those hours spent breastfeeding could also be a chance to research, brainstorm and dream big. • Work out how you will split your time: Running your own business can be demanding, especially at first, so figure out the finer details of childcare in advance. • Sort social media: These days a good social presence is a great way to give your business a head start.

“I want Cleo to grow up knowing that the sky’s the limit,” says Jennie. “As far as I’m concerned I have two babies… my little girl and my business, and they’re both thriving!” Jennie is one of an increasing number of mumtrepreneurs running successful business start-ups alongside motherhood, and using the many transferrable skills that parenting brings.

Devon Manning

For Devon Manning, her own birth experience gave her the inspiration to set up her company Precious Placentas from her home in Lisburn. Devon, who has a history of anxiety and depression, was warned that she was at high risk of suffering postnatal depression when she fell pregnant with her son Rex, now 18 months old. After researching online, the 27-year-old decided to have her placenta turned into capsules to take as a supplement post-birth. She explains: “Placenta contains vitamins, minerals and pregnancy hormones. These drop off steeply after birth, which has been linked to triggering PND, so by supplementing you lower your risk. “I took my placenta in capsule form after Rex was born and really noticed a difference; my mood was positive and my energy levels were so high. I’ve kept the leftover capsules in the freezer to help me through my menopause.” Devon was so impressed that she

enrolled on a training course to learn how to process placenta, and then set up a small lab in her home. She now collects the placentas of women from all over Northern Ireland, offering a bespoke service to turn them into capsules and even smoothies. “My clients receive a collection kit, with bags of ice, to take into the delivery room,” she explains. “Then they text me when they’re in labour so I know to prepare for a collection. “Once I’ve got the placenta, I slice it into thin pieces and place it into my dehydrator, before grinding it into a powder. “I launched Precious Placentas in October 2017 and word is slowly spreading; I’ve had 20 clients so far and they’ve all been really positive about the capsules.”

Shauna Smith

Another mum inspired by her own parenting experiences is Shauna Smith. The 35-year-old set up her business Wedding Crechers last year, after turning the idea over in her head for a while. Shauna, who is mum to Tiernan, eight, and Oisin, five, explains: “We’ve had a couple of family weddings a year since Tiernan was born. They can be great days but – yes there’s a but – it can be quite stressful for parents of small children as it’s a long day. “The gap between the wedding ceremony and the meal was the hardest part for my boys. Most hotels have little to offer toddlers and small children; I found my husband Ryan and I simply had to take it in turns to walk the children around the grounds. “It’s also very easy to lose track of a small child amongst a big crowd. At my own wedding my youngest sister was flower girl and just as were about to take to the floor for our first dance she appeared soaked –

Shauna, Ryan, Tiernan and Oisin having fallen into the edge of the lake at Harvey’s Point!” Her business idea was to provide entertainment for youngsters at weddings. “Brides and grooms spend a small fortune entertaining adult guests with photo booths, roulette tables etc., so why not spend a little on the small guests too?” she explains. “I could see a gap in the market and working on the basis of how I would want my children cared for I devised Wedding Crechers.” Shauna is currently still working full time, alongside growing her business, looking after her kids, and studying for a Masters in Management. “There’s never a dull moment in the Smith house!” she laughs. “I have a very supportive husband, we have a good partnership and work well together.” Mums are, by nature, brilliant multitaskers, but Shauna says focusing on the present is important. “I give 100% to whatever role I am tasked with; be that as mummy, business owner or employee,” she says. “Focus on the task in hand, no shortcuts, and then you are always moving in the right direction.” For other would-be mumtrepreneurs she has the following advice: “Go for it! I think there is an entrepreneur in everyone. “As a working mum there is always a level of guilt about not being there enough for your children. I think by running your own business you set the rules and you can break the 9-5. Everyone’s family situation is unique, but look at the times of your day you don’t mind sacrificing and see if you can make your idea work during that time. “Finally, don’t give up, it’s not easy setting up a business, you will face many hurdles but keep looking ahead, put your head down and weather the storm; it will be worth it.” n

our thoughts on day one: Yes, you’re a varied group but what could possibly go wrong? The WhatsApp holiday group chat was all kinds of hilarious and you know this trip is going to be the perfect mix of relaxing and partying. Fun in the sun, here we come! Your thoughts on day ten: Oh dear God, why do they have to breathe so loudly though? Follow these top tips to survive: ALCOHOL: Drink lots of cheap nondescript holiday wine; enough to forget how annoying your friends and relatives are – but not enough to feel the need to tell your friends and relatives how annoying they are. DON’T BE A MARTYR: Don’t moan about always being the one to get the drinks, bring in the towels etc., just be upfront at the start and agree everyone tidies up their own stuff. No big deal, right? I mean it’s not like they would leave all their glasses on the table overnight (every night) and expect someone to gather them up, wash them, dry them and put them away is it? Hypothetically speaking... GET YOUR OWN SHAMPOO: You may be related but you haven’t shared a bath for many a long year so stay outta my room and get your own sunscreen, shampoo, toilet roll, cheap nondescript holiday wine, local lothario etc. And if you’re not related by blood don’t even go there; that’s just plain wrong. STAY CONNECTED: Sharing with these people can feel bad enough but staying in a Wi-Fi free zone is plain lunacy. Never mind worrying about your house being burgled while you’re away, or wondering how you can avoid your holiday companions forever when you get back, you now have to contend with an unhinged social media feed as well. KEEP IT BUTTONED: Evidently some of your nearest and dearest are not familiar with new-fangled notions of UV rays and skin cancer, and feel it would be wrong to go home without a nose that Rudolf would be proud of, but it’s probably best to just let them baste it out rather than sunburnshame them. After all, “going for the burn” and getting a good peel going is the trademark of a successful holiday in their book. They also firmly believe that “eating is

Summer holiday

SURVIVAL Top tips for making it through a shared summer holiday without an emergency Jeremy Kyle intervention BY CLARE BOWIE

cheating” during all-day drinking sessions and generally embarrass you so much that you start to wish you could just go back to work. #notfuninthesun BE NICE: You find yourself rehearsing what to say, desperately trying to swallow your passive aggressive stream of consciousness: “Is it ok if I just quickly use the shower first tonight hon?” (since you take 45 minutes, use all the hot water, make a massive squeeze dent in my Molton Brown Blossoming Honeysuckle and White Tea shower gel, and don’t think that I haven’t noticed my Bioaqua Nourishing Nutrition Essential Oil conditioner hasn’t got suspiciously low either missy). The effort required to be so ‘on form’, tolerant, and nice all the time is totally exhausting. Why do people have to talk so much? *weeps into sangria* POOL VERSUS BEACH: You can learn a lot about a person when you discover their watery preferences. Poolside people are a bit more uptight, they like to look good and abhor the thought of a sancial (sand facial). They will not be found slumming it on the dirt with only a beach towel for comfort or dipping a toe in those filthy unchartered waters. Once you’ve cracked this distinction

you know what you’re dealing with and how to handle them. Knowledge is power and all that. EATING HABITS: There’s always one who takes forever to get ready. Was she always this self-obsessed? By the time you get out you’re all hangry and end up having to eat in the classy restaurant with the pictures outside. “Thin brown holiday steak please and by the way, what’s the deal with the never-cleaning-your-toilets policy? Bet you don’t put that image on the picture board!” Retch much? COMPROMISE: Probably best to accept that the whole trip will have to be about compromise as you all have differing notions of what a holiday means. Making a few ground rules or taking it in turns to do shopping is one thing but drawing up a ‘kitty spreadsheet’ based on accumulated expenditure and laminating a cleaning rota is quite another. Relaxing with a book and not a mojito does not make your friend a bad person. Consistently ‘forgetting’ to buy the drinks, assuming the sunscreen is communal, never washing dishes or repeatedly borrowing clothes, do, on the other hand make your friend a bad person. Happy Holidays x n

BEAUTY

Credit: Zara

A historic building with a modern twist inside

Judith McKay works her magic

Catriona Doherty pays a visit to Andrew Mulvenna’s Belfast hair salon

THE

ANDREW MULVENNA EXPERIENCE

 ADVERTORIAL

visit to Andrew Mulvenna on Victoria Street is quite the experience; from the unique décor to the high-standard of service, this spacious salon oozes inner city cool, real character and style. The three-storey, red sandstone building dates back to the 1800s and was used as a bank in it’s former life. Nods to the building’s past are evident throughout the space – from the one-of-a-kind ‘bank vault’ men’s salon with its thick heavy-duty steel door, to the delicately restored tiles on the original fireplace upstairs. This establishment has an edginess about it – it’s a modern city salon that wouldn’t be out of place in London or New York. Add in historic décor touches and professional friendly staff, and you get one unique salon - located right in the heart of Belfast. My hair was styled by the talented Judith McKay. With 17 years’ experience under her belt I knew I was in good hands. A haircut was long overdue and my locks were badly in need of some TLC. I sank back into the comfy Wash-Pod

The pièce de résistance - the ‘bank vault’ men’s salon

chair in a bright and airy room as Judith cleansed my hair. And this was no ordinary chair; it featured head-to-toe massage technology, light therapy, and Bluetooth technology should you want to listen to your favourite tunes and relax even more during your pampering session.

µµthis spacious salon oozes inner city cool, real character and style∑∑ Judith carefully selected a combination of luxe Kérastase and L’Oréal Professionnel products tailored to revitalise my damaged hair. She took the time to explain the

benefits of each one, which she gently massaged in. Regarding the cut, I was happy to follow the expert’s advice – which was to go for a straight blunt style with layers, and I was absolutely delighted with the end result. I came into the salon with lifeless hair and I walked out with a pep in my step; my tresses totally transformed. The Andrew Mulvenna experience is pretty special, go along and check it out for yourself. To make an appointment call 028 9024 9191 or email info@andrewmulvenna. com. Visit andrewmulvenna.com for information on the salon, blowdry bar, male grooming and product lines. n

Andrew Mulvenna  161-163, Victoria Street, Belfast, BT1 4PE  028 9024 9191  info@andrewmulvenna.com  andrewmulvenna.com

Luxury basins and an array of product to choose from

KĂŠrastase, SHU UEMURA and many more luxe products are available to buy from Andrew Mulvenna

Catriona Doherty and stylist Judith McKay

Catriona sinks back into a Wash-Pod

The bright and airy Colour Studio

The colour, cutting and styling space

Andrew Mulvenna Academy area

Have you visited the new salon yet? Photo credit: Kiera McVicker Photography www.kieramcvickerphotograohy.com

Holiday HAIR Sun, sea, sand and chlorine are not the friends of our follicles and these products will be your holiday hair saviours

FOR BEACH WAVES

Embrace those natural waves and curls with a spritz of Bed Head’s Beach Me Wave Defining Gel Mist. The mist contains marine algae extract to enhance natural texture and provide perfect oceanic curls. Apply a few pumps of Schwarzkopf’s Got2b Twisted Lightweight Styling Oil from the tips to the roots of your hair. The product contains anti-frizz ingredients and helps to smooth and tame curls.

Power Dry Me by Anti-Frizz Serum by Design.Me £14.95 Nougthy £6.99

Got2b Twisted Syling Oil by Schwarzkopf £4.07

Beach Me Wave Defining Gel Mist from Tigi £16.25

DAMAGE LIMITATION

Cut down on blow dry time with Power Dry Me from Design.Me; a blowdrying mist that reduces the amount of time it takes to dry hair. It offers heat and UV protection, and conditions hair. Revitalize dry hair with Noughty’s AntiFrizz Serum. The serum contains Trametes Versicolor Extract which is described as “the magic mushroom for your hair that protects hair from heat up to 220°C”.

REPAIR

Sea salt and chlorine can dry hair and make it vulnerable to breakage. To ensure this doesn’t happen and to restore your hair to its natural PH level after a day of swimming, use Great Lengths Anti-Tap Water for healthy locks. Apply L’Huile de Leonor Greyl to dry hair, leave it on for up to ten minutes over overnight for an intensive rehabilitative treatment.

L’Huile de Leonor Greyl by Leonor Greyl £29.20

Anti-Tap Water by Great Lengths £13.84

Photo credit: Oysho

OUR EXPERT SAYS… “Summer is approaching fast so that means sun, sand and plenty of heat,” says Emma Finlay, Proprietor of Couture Hair, Omagh. “This all sounds like heaven but, unfortunately, not completely for our hair. “If you are going on holiday you really need to be protecting your hair against all the elements, there is no point spending money on your colour if you are not going to protect it. “I would recommend JOICO K-PAK Luster Lock Multi Perfector Spray (£21.90); a true hero product that has built-in UV protection, heat protection from styling tools, and it repairs split ends too. In the STYLE STORIES Sea evening, when you Spray by ALFAPARF want that Aussie Bondi Milano £10.75 Beach ready hair, I would recommend using the new STYLE STORIES Sea Spray by ALFAPARF Milano. It boosts hair texture to instantly create defined and tousled looks with a ‘sea effect’ look. “So, there you are jet setters - my two must-pack JOICO K-PAK Luster hair products for Lock Multi Perfector summer 2018.” n Spray £21.90

101

Self-tanning Self-tan tips and tricks from the experts

He-Shi tanning expert Antoinette Champ’s number one top tip for perfecting a golden tan is: exfoliate the day before applying self tan. She says: “For flawless skin you need to remove dead skin cells that sit on the top layer of your skin. Exfoliate two to three times a week, concentrating around the knees, the backs of the arms and elbows, will help to lift and buff off those dead skin cells. For a more intense exfoliation apply the product to dry skin and wash it off in the shower.” Lynsey Bennett Co-Founder of Lusso Tan says: “For best results do not use a moisturiser before tanning as this may stop the tan from developing. “For perfect hands, feet and face, mix a little oil-free moisturiser with your tanning lotion, use a makeup brush to apply to hands and face, and smooth onto your feet using a Lusso Tan Mitt – on the tops of the feet only. Remember the sides of the feet and heels do not tan naturally in the sun, so there is no need to apply tanning lotion to those areas.” In terms of aftercare, bBold Marketing Executive Shannon Hegarty advises: “Moisturise every day and begin lightly exfoliating around three days after application; this will help your skin to stay hydrated, while removing dead skin cells for a longer-lasting tan and a more even wear off.” n

Bellamianta Crystal Clear Rapid Self-Tanning Mousse £19.99 It was my first time using a clear self-tanning product without a colour guide and I was struck by how easy it was to apply the mousse. It went on quickly, easily and dried almost instantaneously. Once the colour developed, the mousse gave my fair skin a natural looking olive glow without transferring onto my clothes. It’s ideal for self-tan novices and experienced tanners alike, providing a good, even colour on all skin types. FMcG

Vita Liberata 10 Minute Tan 150ml £30 I put the product on before my shower and washed it off after 10 minutes (leave it on for 20 if you want a darker shade). It gave me a lovely, natural colour, especially on my legs and feet which I have had trouble getting an even finish on using other products. There was no odour from this lotion at all, and applying was really easy. I would definitely recommend this product and will continue to use it over the summer. IF

BPerfect 10 Second Tan Mousse £19.99 I used the BPerfect double-sided luxury tanning mitt to apply the mousse and it dried quickly and streak-free. The Medium Coconut shade was the right choice for my pale skin. The next morning I thought it looked a little dark but when I pat dried after my shower it was a perfect match for my skin. I would recommend using the BPerfect mitt; it is good quality, machine washable and will protect your hands. CH

He-Shi Rapid 1 Hour Liquid Tan £15.60 I loved the colour, the liquid applies so easily and dried really fast. I have used this on my face too and it didn’t caused a breakout which is often a problem for me when using self tan. I would buy this again because I felt it was easy to apply and delivered a streakfree finish. SG

B Bold Tan Lotion £14.95 This tanning lotion was fool-proof to apply. It is a thick lotion that absorbs quickly and is tinted which makes blending so much easier. The lotion is subtly fragranced and the result was a natural bronzed glow which gradually faded evenly. At £14.95 for a 250ml bottle, the B Bold Tan Lotion is good value for money. CG

Credit: He Shi

Tried & Tested

PROFILE:

Obagi Radiance Peel

This month Irene Fitzsimmons reviews Obagi Radiance Peel

15 Skin Clinic offer a variety of treatments to enhance the appearance of skin, I went along to review the Obagi Radiance Peel. Skin Therapist Aimee Haggan explains all: “The Obagi Radiance Peel is a medium-depth facial chemical peel procedure performed by trained specialists to help reveal younger, healthier-looking skin - one layer at a time. “It is suitable for everyone unless you have an allergy to aspirin, as there is salicylic acid in the peel. The treatment is not painful; the peel emits heat that can be slightly uncomfortable but that

feeling doesn’t last long.” You can expect to notice results immediately after the first session and the maximum impact is reached within seven to ten days. “For best results a course of three treatments is recommended, to be taken at least four weeks apart,” Aimee adds. “Post peel use a broadspectrum SPF every day and Obagi Hydrate Moisturiser every day for one week afterwards to minimise dry skin.” n The treatment costs £75. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/115skinclinicbelfast or call 028 9074 1478.

Lately I had noticed that my skin seemed dull and lifeless and I decided to do something to add a little radiance. A friend had visited 115 Skin Clinic on the Holywood Road for some treatments. The improvement to her skin was amazingly evident, so I decided to pay the clinic a visit. I was recommended the Obagi Blue Peel Radiance by experienced therapist Aimee Haggan. She explained the process thoroughly beforehand so I knew exactly what to expect. Firstly Obagi Foaming Gel Cleanse was applied to my face and then toned with blue gel radiance preparation solution. After this came the first application of Blue Peel Radiance. Aimee advised me to wait to feel for the peel to ‘peak’ – she said I would feel the tingling of heat when it reached a certain temperature befre quickly reducing in heat. After the Blue Peel was applied Aimee cooled my face with a little fan, which worked extremely well. Once I felt the heat reducing, a second application of the Blue Peel Radiance was applied. When the heat had peaked for the second time, my face looked as though it had a little frosting covering it and my skin felt soothed. The timer which had been running in the background buzzed after 12 minutes; the Obagi Peel had done its job! Aimee cleansed and toned my face, applied Retinol 1.0 cream, a hydrating moisturiser, and most-importantly a SPF 30 with a high star rating of UVA screen. I was strongly advised to keep my face out of direct sunlight and to ensure I use an SPF30 or higher every day – winter included. Aimee said my skin may feel slightly dry and red for a couple of days, and mild peeling should start to occur with 48 hours which could last 2-5 days. My skin didn’t go red at all, but the good thing was I noticed a very slight drying of my skin with a mild peeling which is of course what was expected. I applied the hydrating moisturiser and even with the slight peeling, after only four days my skin already felt more hydrated, softer and glowing. I definitely noticed a definite reduction in fine lines and the radiance I had hoped for is certainly visible. I enjoyed the treatment at 115 Skin Clinic and would recommend the Obagi Blue Peel radiance for anyone wishing to improve the appearance of their skin and to look more radiant.

For many women the sun is synonymous with irritated skin, redness and sunburn. Sensitive skin is particularly vulnerable, naturally less able to protect itself and requires special attention. For these reasons, Lancaster has created its Sun Sensitive range. The collection reinforces sensitive skin’s natural resistance to the sun, and is formulated with fewer ingredients than other ranges, in order to minimise the risk of skin allergies and irritation. Sun Sensitive Softening Body Milk by Lancaster, £24

Help minimise the sun’s ageing effects with Clarins’ Sun Wrinkle Control Cream. Suitable for all skin types, the non-oily formula won’t block pores, it protects against dehydration, and provides sun protection with photostable and heat-resistant UVB-UVA filters. Sun Wrinkle Control Cream by Clarins, £21.50

A great remedy for skin that’s been over exposed to the sun, Tropic’s Sun Balm with SPF50 contains tamanu oil which helps to heal sunburnt skin while ensuring no more UV rays get through. Sun Balm by Tropic, £16

Palmer’s Eventone Suncare range optimises the skin-friendly properties of cocoa butter while helping to prevent age spots, uneven skin tone and premature ageing. Perfect for easy, non-messy application or on the go, the spray lotion uses a 360° spray mechanism to ensure all of the body is completely covered for optimum sun protection. The range has been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and has received the Active seal, making the itsuitable for extended sun exposure. Cocoa Butter Suncare Spray SPF30 by Palmers, £12.99

SUN CARE

Saviours The must-have products to help keep all skin (and hair) types safe in the sun BY CLAIRE CRAIG

The world’s only self tan with SPF 50 broad spectrum protection ,Vita Liberata’s organic self-tanning Dry Oil applies with a subtle tint. It gives a gradual tan for up to 10 days with buildable colour, so you can choose your perfect shade for you. Unique macro molecule chemical SPF won’t penetrate the skin layers while anti-age extracts repair and nourish skin. Marula Dry Oil Self Tan SPF50 by Vita Liberata, £39 Filorga’s Après-Soleil Anti Face and Body is a nutrientrich tan-maximising gel which melts into an oil when in contact with the skin. This triple-action gel does not contain self-tan but boosts, enhances and prolongs the tan even without UV due to the tan simulator complex. Après-Soleil Anti Face and Body by Filorga, £35

Protect your tresses from sun damage with Kérastase’s Soleil Voile Protecteur. A special blend of mineral oils and longlasting shine polymers leave your hair feeling natural and radiant and protects it from sea, sun and chlorine. Soleil Voile Protecteur by Kérastase, £22.90

Dry, stressed or damaged hair? Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor deep conditions to leave the most parched of locks feeling silky and hydrated. Plus it smells amazing. 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor by Aussie, £4.99

under

£7

Good skin starts with a good skincare routine. No cleansing before bed? No excuses! This Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil is quick, effective and easy to use. Suitable for sensitive skin, the rinse-off formula is made with 100% pure grapeseed oil and infused with skinloving ingredients such as Vitamins A and E. Kind to Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil by Simple, £6.99

An oldie but a goody; Rimmel’s Sun Shimmer should be a staple in every bathroom cabinet. Perfect for those unexpected nights out when you haven’t had time to tan or to enhance a naturally sun-kissed glow, the ultra-blendable formula is water resistant, goes on evenly and washes off easily. Sun Shimmer by Rimmel, £6.99 Glossy nails complete any look but when it comes to picking a polish you want something that will last the distance. Max Factor’s Glossfinity Nail Polish comes in 26 gorgeous shades and promises glossy colour for up to seven days; plus this Cute Coral tone looks just peachy with a suntan. Cute Coral Glossfinity Nail Polish by Max Factor, £5.99

Budget beauty buys that won’t break the bank BY CLAIRE CRAIG Boujois’ iconic Little Round Pot eyeshadows have all the softness and coverage of a cream but with the vibrant colour and silky finish of a powder. Available in a host of shades from nicely naturals to smoking greys and greens, these petite pots offer 12 hour coverage and even come with a built-in mirror and applicator.

Not only does a good hand cream moisturise your mitts, it can also help to prevent signs of ageing such as sun spots and wrinkles. With notes of strawberries, mandarin and vanilla, Soap & Glory’s Hand Food feels and smells great, and is just the right size for your desk or handbag.

Little Round Pot by Bourjois, £5.49

Hand Food by Soap & Glory, £5.50

No makeup bag would be complete without a good lip balm. This creamy light lip balm from Weleda leaves a subtle sheen and flush of colour for a naturally pretty pout. Vegan friendly and packed full of essential oils, it can be worn on its own or over your usual lip colour for a glossy finish. Berry Red Lip Balm by Weleda, £6.95

Sea Salt

ELIXIR SUMMER SPA EXPERIENCE

Oh, Go On... Spoil Yourself! Luxurious Spa Experiences available from £109 per person For Reservations The Spa at Culloden on 028 9042 1135 The Spa at Slieve Donard on 028 4372 6166

hastingshotels.com

115 Skin Clinic Are you concerned with skin conditions such as Acne Rosacea Photodamaged skin Fine lines and wrinkles? Contact us to book a complimentary consultation We Provide • Courses of Environ skin treatments • Collagen Stimulation Therapy • ChemicalPeels • Dermaplane • Dermal Fillers • Anti Wrinkle injections • Lip Augmentation • PRP (Vampire Facials) • Laser Teeth Whitening We Sell • Environ products • Advanced Nutrition Programme Supplements • Obagi Skincare Products

115 Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 3BE Tel: 028 9047 1471

@115skinclinicbelfast

SELECT YOUR LASH

Nowadays we are spoilt for choice, whether its individuals, strip lashes, full bodied or natural... you name it - we have it. It’s important to choose a lash style you like and one that also suits your eye shape. If you wear a lash that’s too heavy it will close your eye and no one will be able to see your eye makeup. For today’s article I’m using a strip. Ardell Demi Wispies £3.95

LET IT BREATHE

Before even thinking about your lashes I would always pop some glue out on to my palette, table, or hand and let it sit. Having the glue out in the air allows it to get tacky so it’s easier for the lashes to set. This makes a huge difference and is an important step to remember. Duo Glue £3.79

TRIM, TRIM, TRIM

Nobody wants to be that poor girl at 3am in the bathrooms with half a false eyelash hanging off the side of her eye so it’s really important that you trim your lashes to fit your eye shape to avoid this happening. Hold the dry lash up to your eye, check how much (if any at all) needs to go and trim to this using a small scissors. Always cut from the outside in so that you don’t lose the flexibility of the lash band on the inner corners.

Applying FALSIES Celebrity makeup artist Aimee Connolly gives her top tips on applying eyelashes We’re taking a bit of a specific angle this month, all about how to apply false lashes, because even a little lash makes all the difference regardless of the look. There are definitely a few tricks in the book that are important to remember to avoid lash or glue fails, which can definitely ruin a look.

For more from Aimee visit: www.instagram.com/aimeeconnolly_com or www.facebook.com/AimeeConnollyMU

GET IT ON

Using the end of a pencil or small applicator, line some glue along the lash band. A thin and even amount is best to make sure that all parts stick nicely. If ever you apply too much glue, press the lash band back onto your hand so that it catches the excess amount.

LASH IT ON

When sticking the false lash to your eye I would aim for the centre of the lid, make sure it is sitting right in-between the hook of the lashes and the lid, and then proceed to fit the sides around it. Once it’s nice and tight, the glue should dry after a few seconds and this is when I would apply the mascara to make sure all your own lashes blend nicely. I prefer to do mascara after the lashes are applied but it is a personal choice so do whatever makes it easier for you. Et voilà - your lashes are good to go! n

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Tried & Tested

PROFILE:

Soul Encounter guided tours

This month Jade Beecroft tries a Soul Encounters bespoke tour

“W

land she’s finally “returned home”. ho do you “Sacred sites are a place of awe and belong wonder,” she explains. “You’re literally to?” That walking in the footsteps of the ancestors. question is “They are areas that were treated with one many great respect, shaped by ley lines, water, of us are rocks, trees and hills. They were trying to answer, according to Reiki used for healing, ceremonies, master and spiritual teacher burials and divination. Maura Brookes. “Thousands of years later Maura, from County these places can still inspire Tyrone, specialises in and help people make tailored guided tours of connections.” some of Northern Ireland’s Maura creates tours most ancient and spiritual that are tailor-made to suit sites; and she certainly knows different groups and needs, so her stuff. Maura Brookes each experience is bespoke and Finding out about our personal. Sites she visits include the Christian and pre-Christian history, Beaghmore Stone Circles, near Cookstown, and developing an understanding of the Ardboe and Tullyhogue, as well as sites in energy in the land can give us a sense Armagh, Down, Donegal and Fermanagh. of belonging which is deeply settling, For more information visit according to Maura. The 61-year-old was born not far from the www.soulencounter.co.uk. Prices start from western shores of Lough Neagh, and after around £200 for a full day tour designed a career that took her far from her native specifically for you or your group. n

Pulling up to the ancient Ardboe burial site on the western shore of Lough Neagh, the first thing I’m struck by is the imposing and weathered stone cross standing at the entrance to the ruins of a seventeenth century monastery and abbey. As we pick our way past the graves towards the shore, an old priest dressed in black silently appears and falls in with us to chat. To say this place is atmospheric would be putting it mildly! Maura explains that the Ardboe High Cross dates from the tenth century, and the cross within the circle signifies the meeting of two religions – the Christian cross within the druid symbol for the sun. The name “ard bo”, she explains, literally means “hill of the cow” and comes from a legend that the monastery was built from the milk of a magic cow out of the lough. “Don’t believe me?” laughs Maura, before showing me what appears to be a hoof print set into the stone at the foot of the cross. Many of the graves are surprisingly modern, but one of the more battered old headstones is that of an old monk. Maura confesses that his ghost is known to walk around the ruins at night. “Have you ever seen him?” I quiz, trying to make out the inscription. She hesitates, before replying: “Yes, when I’ve visited in the evening. But I believe he means no harm; he’s just looking after the site.” Forty minutes’ drive away we arrive at our second stop of the day; the Beaghmore Stone Circles which stand on an exposed hillside in the Sperrin Mountains. There are three pairs of two circles, each with an accompanying burial cairn, and then a seventh circle standing alone, dotted with jutting rocks like a strange megalithic nursery. The power of this place is immense; we’re the only ones on the hillside and as we walk from one circle to the next Maura explains that these historic monuments date back to the Bronze Age. Why they are here, or how they were used by ancient people, are questions we may never fully answer. Astoundingly, until the 1940s they were actually covered by bog, and were only unearthed during an archeological dig. There may be many more just like them littering these mountains. After doing a spot of dousing to gage what energies are moving in the land, Maura instructs me to step alone out into the middle of one of the circles. It’s a powerful pull; I swear I can actually feel my legs tingling and the sky starting to spin as I contemplate the ceremonies and divinations our ancient ancestors must have once held on this very spot. Northern Ireland is so rich with history; it really does pay to get off the beaten track. Why battle with the crowds at well-known attractions when you can stand utterly alone on a hillside surrounded by such wonder?

eam Northern Ireland swimmers, Jordan Sloan and David Thompson, put me through my paces during a special media day held at Aurora Swimming Pool, Bangor as part of Forest Feast’s #nutsaboutswimming campaign. The champion swimmers shared invaluable tips on how to perfect my technique. While the pair said my backstroke was quite strong, David suggested that I roll my shoulders and body from side to side in order to use less energy and add speed. On adjusting my stroke I immediately noticed an improvement. Forest Feast’s campaign was inspired by research findings that one in every three 11 year olds leave school unable to swim. #nutsaboutswimming was launched to educate families on the importance of swimming. “We’re passionate about supporting Northern Irish swimmers across all levels”, says Forest Feast Marketing Manager Andrea Cahill. “It is really inspiring to see local Commonwealth Swimmers Jordan and David helping others build their water confidence. The campaign is all about encouraging people to incorporate swimming into part of a healthy lifestyle. “With the support of Swim Ulster, we wanted to attract some of Northern Ireland’s media folk into the water. It is never too late to build confidence and

Jordan Sloan, Andrea Cahill, Ciara Hedgcock and David Thompson

Cool in the Pool Ciara Hedgcock took a dip with two Commonwealth swimmers, in partnership with local snack brand Forest Feast

who better to do it with than our brilliant Commonwealth swimmers.” Forest Feast are giving away a course of swimming lessons, enter online at

forestfeast.com before 12th August 2018. Look up Forest Feast on Facebook and Twitter for more information on #nutsaboutswimming. n



ME TIME

Ciara Hedgcock visits the Clarins Skin Spa at House of Fraser, Belfast 46

Tucked away from the bustling beauty department within House of Fraser, Belfast, is the Clarins Spa. I completed a quick iPad questionnaire with my therapist Emma before my 70-minute Clarins Signature Facial. Emma analysed my skin and asked me what I would like to achieve from my facial so she could personalise my treatment. I had a choice of five Signature Facials, each costing £70. I selected the Radiance Reviver to revitalise and recharge my skin, whilst delivering a dewy glow. The facial involved a cleanse, suction cleanse, two face exfoliations, an arm exfoliation, an eye treatment and facial massage. While my Radiance facemask was working its magic, Emma gently massaged my arms and hands – pure bliss! Emma was knowledgeable and obviously passionate about Clarins and their treatments. She explained that Clarins products incorporate the purest plant extracts and aromatic essential oils and are three times the strength of the retail counter products. I arrived home feeling relaxed and ready for an early night. My skin looked rejuvenated, and the little makeup I put on the following morning looked better than usual. The Signature Facials are ideal for your overall wellbeing, to treat yourself before an event, or to give as a gift to a loved one. The Clarins Skin Spa opening hours within House of Fraser offer evening appointments on Wednesdays or Thursdays. The Spa is not usually open on Sundays, but the team will accommodate a Sunday appointment if required. For more information call: 028 9088 3773. n

The medina of Essaouira

Easy like Monday morning Monday is this year’s Friday and it’s about time everyone got a piece of this life-changing mantra; follow these tips to turn your week inside out

BY LUCY NORRIS

e all know the feeling; waking up with a start, stumbling round the room (praying it’s your own) in search of the toilet, mouth dry like the Sahara desert, and a troop of jackhammers going off in your head like there’s no tomorrow. Frantically pulling at the corners of your memory to catch glimpses of the night you’d probably rather forget and realizing you’ve spent next to all your money on vodka shots and the deadly Jägerbomb. Ah yes, the hangover is no laughing matter and it was this little feeling on a Sunday morning not too long ago that birthed my newfound appreciation for a fresh week and the possibility of a sparkly new Monday. For as long as I can remember there has been a stigma around Mondays. Coined as the most dreaded, horrible day of the week; Monday has a bad rep but this is all down to perception.

When you really give it some thought, you start to wonder, why are we all hating so hard on the one day of the week that grants us a do–over? I mean, isn’t that what we’re always looking for anyway; the chance to it all again but this time make it better? Monday offers a clean slate.

µµMonday has a bad rep but this is all down to perception∑∑ Granted Monday can be the bearer of bad news and brings a close to the weekend, but trust me it has its redeeming qualities. There are multiple reasons why changing your relationship with Monday is the best thing since Beyoncé’s Coachella performance. Mondays deserve some love. Let’s all remember that long weekends would not exist without our friend Monday; think of how miserable we would be if there was no such thing as our coveted three-day mini break. Also for all you coffee addicts

out there, Monday is the best excuse to overindulge in caffeine as it’s that one day if the week that requires the most focus and productivity. Monday is a planner’s dream and it can set up positive vibes for the next six days, bringing a week where a feeling of satisfaction is inevitable at the end of it. Now, I’m fully aware that your affection for Monday will not be a love at first sight kind of scenario but I promise, with these little tips, you’ll be head over heels in no time:

 Dress for success. Feeling good on the outside is guaranteed to boost your confidence and make you feel like taking on the world before 9am.  Make time for playtime. Set up fun outings/ meetups throughout the week and schedule them on Monday so you have something to look forward to. This way you’re not living for the weekend.  Pencil in a Monday morning workout. Yes we all know the benefits of exercise, but how many of us skip the gym on a Monday? Visiting the gym or taking a walk will release those feel-good endorphins and have you living your best life.  Create a Monday playlist. Mood-boosting tunes are must-have to get you out of that morning slump and pumped up for the day ahead.  Plan a meal with friends or family, or cook your favourite dish at home to reward yourself for getting through Monday and collapse into bed later on a high note.  Unplug from technology at the weekend to give your brain a well-deserved rest so it’s fired up and ready to go for the new week. n

Steps

to Self-acceptance BY ALY HARTE

n January my cousin passed away. She was my friend as well my cousin. In our youth, after both of our fathers died, we became close, and she had recently moved to my neighbourhood which meant this closeness stretched into our kids. During the last stages of her very quick and very aggressive battle with cancer I visited her in Marie Curie hospice. At this stage the sensory was difficult for her to cope with. Although she was on a concoction of drugs and the nurses were very attentive she fought the pain as much as she could. The cancer had moved into her brain and her spine. This was difficult to watch. One evening we turned the television off, had a soft close on her door and I held her hand in the darkened room. Her gorgeous smooth skin in the palm of my hand. The

hand of the same woman who taught me how to horse ride and took me motorbiking. Just six months previously we had been bouncing on a bouncy castle at a family party. This scene near the end – when her body was riddled with cancer, her strong heart kept beating and she continued to make jokes – was profound.

µµThe power and influence of our mind is a wonderful thing∑∑ The stark reality of the situation by her hospital bed reminded me that whenever I lose perspective in day-to-day life I must remember that life is to be lived.

We are only ever in the present, not tomorrow or three months away. The here and the now is where life is at it’s richest. At times I become wrapped in self doubt, worry and anguish which clouds my vision for real life, the life right before my eyes. Perhaps you are the same. When a business meeting hasn’t gone as planned or you have spent months running after futile friendships to no avail. Your jeans no longer fit and you shout at your inner self for having eaten the extra slice of cake. So often we get so caught up in over analysing and self-criticism that we become crippled with anxiety. Fear and doubt eat into our days, our sleep and our ability to live our best life, holding us back from our potential. Today I want you to think about a time in your life when you realised life was for living. It may not be as recent or as extreme

When our words shift, our perspective changes and we can feed the wellness in our souls.

I could hear soothing waves and revisit the feelings of worth and happiness that I experienced in Hawaii on my honeymoon was so important for focus. The power and influence of our mind is a wonderful thing. When people are on a weight loss or muscle gaining journey they find success in taking a photo at the beginning. A single image in front of us, whether that be on our phone or in our mind, can conjure up a million feelings. Those words and feelings can build us up or they can tear us down. Therefore it is important that we keep the positive thoughts and imagery as close to the forefront of our minds in order to live our best life. So that when life throws us into a whirl and we start to doubt ourselves we are armoured with a few ways to stop this spiralling. In a world of social media filters and contrived imagery I believe that self acceptance – feeling comfortable in our own skin, knowing ourselves really well and recognising our own capabilities – is vital to live life in the here and now. I’m cheering you on from the wings singing the lyrics of ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman movie: “I am brave, I am bruised I am who I’m meant to be, this is me.” I believe there are three elements of selfacceptance; words, workouts and wellbeing.

as my moment of clarity, mixed with extreme sadness sitting with my cousin in the Marie Curie hospice. Maybe it was a happy moment like the birth of your child. Or a seemingly everyday moment when you remember the hilltop you never thought you would climb, but you did. Hold onto that time. I watched as hypnotist Paul McKenna encouraged a person on morning television to break their fear of flying by grappling to a real moment which had brought them joy and purpose; a time when they felt alive and aware that they had purpose and a place. Bringing moments like this from the memory bank aid the process of change and keep the mind focused. I used a similar method during the labour of my three children, especially during my third child’s labour. The method of taking myself to a place where

Words

We can be really unkind to ourselves, can’t we? Words like: “You will never meet anyone special”, “Your muffin top is disgusting”, “You’re not worthy of good friends”, “You’re unloveable”… and the list goes on. We cast hundreds of negative comments our own way every day. For every negative we need at least six positive comments to counteract that. How very sad that this unfolds in our minds when we allow it to. So let’s change that. Try to get in front of your train of thought before it is out there. Add a positive as you look at yourself in the jeans or before making the phone call: “Today I am strong and healthy and I know that I have worth.” Think of the summer holiday you have planned, the coffee pod you know you have in the cupboard for tomorrow’s brew, or the happy words you once held dear.

Workouts

You do not need to run a marathon tomorrow or swim across the ocean. I simply encourage you to add movement to your daily grind. Our bodies are designed to move. We may not be lugging stones to build walls every day like our ancestors. However, we feel better and we get to know ourselves the more exercise we partake in. Try squatting or holding a plank while the kettle boils, or a walk at lunch with a colleague. Download the couch to 5k app or sign up to a sprint triathlon or a new yoga class at your gym. The sense of achievement you feel with adding movement goals to your life will feed positivity in your life.

Wellbeing

Now that you are choosing better thoughts, are using kinder words to yourself, and are exerercising – why not share it with someone? Science has proven that when human beings connect socially they thrive. How magical to know that we can improve our wellbeing by simply spending time with a friend or taking a minute to phone someone and to hear their voice. Lastly, take a moment to be thankful as you sit and hear the birdsong over breakfast. Snippets of gratitude throughout our days for even the small things, keep life and our thinking process in tact. This allows us to know self worth. So from today let’s make a change. You are equipped with your moment of clarity, your kinder words and your movement. Know that you have a place in the world and that you can share and you can live your best life whatever stage you are at. Enjoy the journey and know that I am cheering you on from the wings as you head forward in your road to self-acceptance… singing (and dancing) to The Greatest Showman lyrics! “I’m not scared to be seen I make no apologies, this is me”. n Aly Harte is an artist, writer and educator who is passionate about helping women to love themselves from their mind to their body. For more from Aly visit: alyharte.com

Fat loss lowdown “30 Days to Fat Loss is a way of eating and training that will enable you to achive permanent results that are 100% sustainable,” writes Antrim-based PT Paul Keenan - Volume Fitness director

n case you didn’t know, nutrition will count for about 80% of your results. That’s right 80%. I had a client, let’s call her Sandy. Sandy was so enthusiastic in the gym, working hard with me twice a week and never missing a session. I can’t forget the look on her face however when she found out that she only lost 2lb and half an inch from her waist after her first four weeks; she was so disappointed. She nearly quit after she shouted at me in capital letters by text message. “Have you read the recipe and nutritional advice I gave you?” I asked. She hadn’t. But I already knew that. I’m pleased to say that once Sandy had become fully aware of the importance of nutrition for fat loss, we were able to make some important changes. 28 days later she was 14lbs down and almost two dress sizes smaller.

Structure, planning, simplicity, and accountability; that’s what the majority of people I deal with on a daily basis want and need. I believe in providing every client with the tools needed to bring about change. Lifestyle changes take longer than 30 days; that’s reality. I help clients overcome the most common barriers to fat loss, which include time, money, anxiety, confidence, motivation, and bad habits. Everyone wants to change. Most will make a decision to change for their goal. But few will make a committed decision. A committed decision means that nothing else will do but achieving your goal. I want you to improve your lifestyle and your health, without removing everything that you enjoy. Enjoy your wine - by the glass not the bottle. Enjoy your biscuit with the morning coffee - but not the entire packet. Have a meal out and don’t feel

guilty. I like balance and so does your body. Below I have included my Golden Rules that work for health and fat loss. 30 Days to Fat Loss is a way of eating and exercising that will enable you to start achieving permanent results that are 100% sustainable. This change has to be permanent, so it has to be both straightforward and above all enjoyable. The good news is that my guide will show you how quick, easy and tasty eating this way is. It will form the foundations to changing your lifestyle.

Golden Rules

1. Eat fewer calories than you burn - eat less and move more. 2. Eat more fruit and vegetables because they are rich in antioxidants and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). 3. Eat plenty of protein for maintenance and repair of lean tissue, and to keep you fuller for longer. 4. Be consistent with everything you do.

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Preparation

Be prepared. When you’re cooking at home, always cook more and freeze it. I keep things simple by having, preparing and freezing meals without carbs. So basically I cook protein and vegetables, then add the carbs in later. Always consider your fibre intake; 10% of total calories is a good measure. Include a range of healthy fats too. I always found having a ‘grab bag’ in work was handy for staying on track if you end up away from the office unexpectedly or forget some food one day. In it I keep protein bars, dark chocolate, coffee, cutlery etc.

Breakfast

5. Drink plenty of water, 2-3l per day, to naturally detox the body, keeping the brain and body hydrated, and so it can function properly. 6. Sleep 7-8hrs every night . 7. Lift weights or use resistance machines 2-3 times per week. 8. Limit processed foods, artificial sweeteners and preservatives. 9. Walk at least 10,000 steps every day. 10. If you’re serious about permanent change then make contact with a coach.

I generally encourage clients to try and stay away from carbs in the morning, foods such as toast or cereal. They aren’t as filling as protein and will elevate your blood sugar in the morning leading to a slump later in the day when you’ll reach for sugary foods which are high in calories. Oats are great at night because they will release serotonin and make you sleepy.

Snacks

Snacks are not meals between meals. We recommend limiting snacks to two small handfuls of your chosen snack per day.

Lunch and dinner

Think protein first; one piece the size of your palm. A range of non-liquid protein is recommended. Fill half of your plate with vegetables of various colours, then add the carbs.

Your target

We will set your target for this article’s guide at 1400-1600kcals. This is a daily target which you should aim to achieve within 10%. An app like MyFitnessPal can record your food very easily. Recording in this way is accurate and means you can reach your goal quicker. I would suggest splitting this over 4-5 meals or whatever works for family and work, avoiding hunger and cravings. If you don’t want to record your food then focus on making every meal like your lunch or dinner, with the majority protein. Limit to four meals per day, and two small snacks.

Love yourself and love the process

Lastly, enjoy your journey. Think where you would be and how you would feel in 30 days looking back on where you started, if you just made the decision to go for it. n

For more information visit: www.facebook.com/volumefitness.online

What to avoid

n Shake diets - I believe they are not sustainable, nutritional, enjoyable, or sociable n Ab crunches - you need fat loss and fat comes off all areas, not the area you work on n Removing whole food groups from your diet n Over-restriction of foods you enjoy; this is why you’ll crave them

How to recognise change

My clients take all their own measurements. We never focus on scale weight, because as you know a female’s scale weight can fluctuate from week to week depending on stages of the menstrual cycle, not to mention fluid retention due to foods consumed. Being consistent in how we record these stats is the important bit.

Barbecue

Vegetables This month Sal Hanvey visits River Cottage

ith barbecue season well underway, it is no surprise that we are thinking of all sorts of culinary delights to throw on

that ‘barbie’. Barbecues are mostly associated with all things meaty, but what about the vegetarians out there? Or the more healthconscious eater? Well I love vegetables; so many colours, flavours, textures and shapes and sizes. They are extremely versatile and packed with nutrients, can be steamed, roasted, grilled, baked, boiled or simply eaten raw. But if ever there was a time to barbecue them, it’s now. August brings lots of amazing seasonal choices to the culinary table; peppers, courgettes, fennel and tomatoes for example, are all in season. Here in Northern Ireland, we can’t always grow certain types of vegetables. For instance, sweet potato prefers sunnier climes and a lot of humidity. However, there is an array of vegetables, which are seasonal and readily available from many

local vegetable grocers and the likes of St George’s Market in Belfast city centre. It may seem that I am always mentioning that market, but it is great. It has a fantastic variety of fresh and seasonal produce all year round at affordable prices, so this is a good place to start. This summer I had the great privilege of going to River Cottage on the Dorset/Devon boarder in England to complete some research for the cookbook I am writing. This enterprise was founded by the great Hugh Fernley Whittingstall who I regard highly. The course I attended was a glutenfree cookery course and the teacher Naomi was a great source of knowledge. I couldn’t rate her or the course high enough. While I was there, I was fortunate enough to grab a chat on a beautiful sunny afternoon in the gorgeous, rich, yet modest garden with Will Livingstone, who is the head gardener at River Cottage HQ. I class myself as a ‘virgin veg grower’. I have always wanted to have the space and time to grow my own produce and take back a certain element of control over the fruit and vegetables I eat.

Will Livingstone. Photo by Sal Hanvey Now is the time. This year is the first year I have been able to do this - and what a journey it has been. I am slowly learning about this side of nature and there is much to learn. I love to forage and use what is on the

River Cottage “Non-organic farmers will add artificial fertilisers to their crop, whereas we compost organic matter and feed the soil that way. If you grow strong plants they are more likely to recover from pest damage. Removing habitat is very important. So keeping clean edges and a tidy garden and cleaning the base of plants and removing the places where slugs and snails may hide, breed or proliferate”. Will was a fountain of knowledge, and it was a pleasure to meet him. To gain insight from someone who really knows what they are doing and in such an ethical way, was invaluable. I will be back for the advanced gluten-free course in September for sure. So whether you decide to grow your own veg, or source local and organic or simply go to your local supermarket, vegetables are a great source of potassium, vitamin C and A, and they are full of fibre. This leads me on to my recipe inspiration for this month – BBQ vegetables with halloumi cheese and guacamole dip. n

Recipe photos by Connor Tilson

BBQ vegetable and halloumi skewers with guacamole dip By Sal Hanvey

Skewers ingredients (serves 2)

River Cottage land and available to us. However, I thought it was about time I put back into the ground also. When I caught up with Will at River Cottage, I asked him for some advice and tips on starting out. “With organic growing we create compost from the waste from the garden and the kitchen, and we rot that down and put back what we took away,” Will explains.

Sal Hanvey specialises in reflexology and acupuncture for fertility and maternity. She is also a nutrition advisor. To contact Sal call: 078 0147 6048, email: sal@naturalhealthni.co.uk, or visit: www.naturalhealthni.co.uk

An array of vegetables such as courgette, peppers and red onion Halloumi cheese Mixed dried herbs Sea salt Cracked black pepper

Method

Sal Hanvey. Photo by Connor Tilson

1. Peel and chop up the veg and cheese. 2. Put the pieces onto the skewers 3. Barbecue for 10 mins approx. and turn occasionally. Add salt and pepper.

Guacamole dip ingredients 1 avacado 1 bunch of coriander Juice of 1 lime 1 green bird’s eye chilli Sea salt Cracked black pepper

Method

1. Peel and cut the avacado 2. Juice the lime 3. Chop chilli and add all ingredients to a tall jug or container 4. Blitz until smooth 5. Add salt and pepper

Conquer your FLYING

FEAR

Fear, phobia and anxiety expert Christopher Paul Jones debunks common flying myths

lying phobia might sound silly to some but it can really be a problem for people who need to fly for work or would like to go overseas. And millions of people suffer from this phobia. Even for people who don’t have a phobia, many of us will admit to being a little nervous when flying. There are numerous myths about flying; let’s take a look at the top ten and then consider the facts:

Myth 1: Flying is dangerous

Myth 2: If an engine fails the plane will fall from the sky

Fact: A plane is simply a big glider and planes can be flown and landed without an engine. So, even if your worst nightmare does happen and the engine fails, you can relax, safe in the knowledge that your pilot will have gone through rigorous training to land this big glider.

Hands up who thinks that flying is dangerous? Even those of us who don’t have a phobia will probably raise our hands for for this one. But when you are told that the odds of you actually being involved Christopher Paul in an accident when flying Jones is 1 in 11 million (similar odds to you becoming an astronaut), it Myth 3: Turbulence is might make you question why you were dangerous ever scared in the first place. Fact: Turbulence does not increase the odds However, phobias are not based on of an aircraft accident. logic, and that is why they are irrational. We’ve all been there, enjoying a nice Irrational and illogical they may well be, glass of wine on the plane, when whoosh, but for some of us, they feel totally rational turbulence hits and we start to feel nervous. and logical. When caught in the middle of a For most of us turbulence is just annoying, panic attack because of a phobia, things will but for some people it can bring on a real feel very real indeed. fear that the plane could be brought down.

Actually, the worst you can expect from a bout of turbulence is wet clothing and an empty wine glass.

Myth 4: Lightning can bring down a plane

Fact: No modern plane has been brought down by lightning and they are designed to withstand a lightning strike. So all you need to do if lightning does strike whilst you are flying is sit back and enjoy the view. It can be pretty spectacular from that height.

Myth 5: The wing of the plane might fall off

Highly unlikely. Wings are stress tested before a plane is allowed to ever take flight. Boeing conducted a ‘wing flex test’ that had the wings of a Boeing 787 flexed upwards by approximately 25 feet. This proved that the wings of a plane can handle even the most extreme forces - up to 150% of the most severe eventualities that a plane would ever be expected to encounter during a normal operation.

Myth 6: It does happen to somebody

Of course it does, things happen, but – and here is the big but – if you are going to use this logic then you would need to worry about driving 220 times more than you would flying because getting killed in a car crash is a lot more likely.

Myth 7: If an aeroplane crashes it’s over

Here’s a fact: you have a 95.7% chance of walking away from a plane crash.

Myth 8: The airline companies aren’t affected if we crash

Actually, the plane that you are flying in alone is worth around £100,000,000 and the compensation that an airline company would need to pay out to survivors, or the families of lost loved ones, would also cost millions. No company worth their salt would want an accident to happen as it could mean them going bust.

Myth 9: Worrying keeps me in control and prepares me for the ‘what if’ You cannot control everything and trying to do so creates stress and OCD. So the best thing that you can do is to seek help for your phobia, so that you can soon stop worrying.

Myth 10: Plane crashes happen a lot because I keep seeing it on the news

µµLife is short, and there is a wonderful world out there waiting∑∑

You see them on the news because they are so rare that when they do happen, they make the front page. There are 100,000 flights per day, think about that in comparison to how many actual crashes you hear about. The trouble is that phobias are not logical or rational. The part of your mind that deals with fear is not the same part that deals with logic. A phobia is an irrational fear, and that can make it all the more frustrating for the person who is experiencing it. On a logical level, they know that their fear may not have any substance behind it, and that it is based on emotion rather than logic, yet the human brain still does its best to rationalise everything and make sense of it. Once you look at a flying phobia in a rational way and think about these facts and figures, you realise that, actually, most of what we believe can be attributed to myth. This can be quite sobering and, perhaps, when this realisation hits home, it’s time to think about actually working on your phobia with a skilled therapist. Therapy can set you free from your fear of flying and change can happen quickly. But phobias require a therapist who specialises in them, so be sure to seek out someone who can work on the illogical and irrational subconscious part of your mind in a way that you cannot independently manage. Stop being the one who misses out on overseas travel. Life is short, and there is a wonderful world out there waiting. n

ESCAPE

Boeri Lake, Dominica

Don Mitchel – the spearfishing legend

Dominica Nine months on from Hurriance Maria, Catriona Doherty discovers the Caribbean island is back in business for holidaymakers

riving through Dominica I saw homes without roofs, rusting boats shipwrecked on sandy shores, trees devoid of leaves or branches – some snapped in two, and many other markers of an island battered and bruised. I also saw the most incredible rain forests that blanketed the land, cascading waterfalls, steaming hot springs, and houses painted in every colour under the sun, from bubble-gum pink to canary yellow, and many more vibrant shades. Hurricane Maria stormed though Dominica last September, packing winds of over 160 miles per hour. The Category 5 hurricane claimed the lives of 30 people and

caused damages estimated at US$1.3 billion. Maria devastated, but did not destroy, Dominica. I discovered a country that is back in business, with so much to offer tourists.

Fort Young Hotel

During a week-long holiday in Dominica this June, my other half and I stayed in Fort Young Hotel, Roseau, for four nights and in Tibay Villas, Prince Rupert Bay, for three nights. The Fort Young Hotel’s amenities include an outdoor Jacuzzi on the water’s edge, an infinity pool and dive shop. Palisades Restaurant specialises in Caribbean dishes such as seafood sancoche, pumpkin and ginger soup, and provision pie. Warner’s Bar

is the perfect spot for sundowner cocktails and their rum punch is legendary. Set along the coast of the Caribbean Sea in Dominica’s capital city, Fort Young Hotel is ideally located for exploring the south of the island. The first day of our trip was spent soaking up the rays on the hotel’s sun deck. The Caribbean is renowned for its tropical climate and the weather was glorious, with an average daily temperature of 30°C. To our surprise we were the only people sunbathing by the pool. Later the General Manger Marvlyn James told us we were the only tourists staying in the hotel that week and other guests were business travellers. She said the majority of holidaymakers stopped visiting Dominica following the hurricane and business had not yet picked up. That saddened me because Fort Young Hotel has so much to offer. The Fort Young team go above and beyond for their guests, they are friendly, warm and accommodating. Part of the hotel was closed for renovations but that didn’t impact us in any way. Our room was pristine, spacious and overlooked the sea, floor-to-ceiling glass doors opened out onto a private balcony and I woke each morning to the sound of the waves lapping below.

Continued on 58 ➤

Tibay Villas

Emerald Pool

On day two I prised myself off my sun lounger to venture out and discover what turned out to be the highlight of my holiday; the Emerald Pool waterfall grotto. Local guide, Shane Reid from KHATTS Tours, led a half-day trip to Morne Trois Pitons National Park; a tropical forest and significant area of volcanic activity. The World Heritage Site is famed for its Valley of Desolation, a region of boiling mud ponds and small geysers; the Boiling Lake, Titou Gorge and Emerald Pool. The Emerald Pool is a 30-minute gentle hike through the forest. It took us a little longer as we kept stopping along the way to look at unusual vegetation and wildlife; stick insects, iguanas, land crabs, hummingbirds and a multi-coloured parrot caught my eye. Thankfully I didn’t spot any resident boa constrictors – they are nocturnal I’m told. I turned a corner and spotted the shimmering pool below, it looked so inviting and I couldn’t wait to take a dip. The water seemed green under the treefiltered sunlight, hence its name. This was my first time to swim under a waterfall and it’s one of those life experiences that I will remember forever. The water felt so cool and refreshing under the heat of the midday sun. The tiny lake was quite shallow at the edge and around 1.5 metres deep in the centre. As I neared the waterfall the force of the water felt a little strong against my face, so I decided reversing was the best approach to take. I slowly stepped backwards against the flow and sat on the rocks, positioning myself under the cascading water for an all-natural neck and shoulder massage. The experience was invigorating, therapeutic and unforgettable. I didn’t want it to end

Secret Bay

Emerald Pool but in the end I started laughing so much that I got water in my mouth, and swam to the natural grotto behind the waterfall to relax in there instead.

Shane told us that Emerald Pool was once the most-visited natural attraction in the Trois Piton National Park and it became particularly packed when cruise ships pulled into port. We were the only visitors and had the whole place to ourselves to enjoy at our leisure. An amazing day was topped up that night as we dined back at Fort Young Hotel. Visiting Jamaican chef Kevin Broderick delivered a five-course meal ‘showcasing the unique flavours of Dominica’. From soup served in a coconut shell to deconstructed tamarind cheesecake with piña colada sauce, the menu was creative and different.

Tibay Villas

All too soon it was time to check out of Fort Young, next on the itinerary was Tibay Villas. Located within steps from the sand and sea in Prince Rupert Bay, Tibay Villas consists of six fully-furnished apartments set amidst the natural beauty of Dominica’s

FACTFILE

Getting there: I flew direct from London Gatwick to Antigua with BA - flight duration 8hrs 30mins. I flew from Antigua to Dominica with LIAT- flight duration 30 mins. Accommodation: Fort Young Hotel rooms start from £155 per night, for more details visit: www.fortyounghotel.com. Accomodation at Secret Bay starts from £533, for more information visit: www.secretbay.dm. Tibay Villas rental starts from £106, contact: info@secretbay. dm. For more information on Dominica visit: www.dominica.dm Fort Young Hotel Can you guess the name the locals give to this rock? Clue: it has something to do with an animal!

Fire rowing down the Indian River north-western coastline. Our apartment home featured sweeping views of the sea and rainforest, and the wraparound terrace provided the perfect vantage point to soak up the sunshine and panoramic views. I loved the close proximity of the private beach, it meant I could take a stroll down to the sea whenever the mood took me – the beach was not really ‘private’, it just felt that way because we were the only people on it. We shared it with a shipwreck; one of Maria’s victims. Tibay Villas are serviced by Secret Bay which is currently closed for renovations. Secret Bay is an award-winning boutique resort with six sustainable luxury villas that are totally immersed in nature. The exclusive destination is popular with honeymooners and those seeking a secluded luxury break. It is due to reopen in November 2018.

The following day Don took us out on a traditional fishing boat. During a snorkelling pit stop he demonstrated spearfishing. In a jaw-dropping move that made me feel as if I was in an episode of Bear Grylls, Don went freediving down with a spear, stabbed an unsuspecting lionfish and leisurely swam back up to the surface with his catch of the day. “Lionfish have spines that sting and the pain is five times worse than any bee sting,” Don explained as he whipped out a pair of scissors and began trimming off the “venomous” spines, while treading water. n

A shipwreck on the beach by Tibay Villas

Prince Rupert Bay

The highlights of my stay in Prince Rupert Bay were two day trips led by Don Mitchel and Fire of the Secret Bay team. Fire took us rowing down the Indian River. This proud Dominican regaled us with stories of a childhood spent playing amongst the coconut plantations and climbing on vines Tarzan-style. The Indian River had a movie-set feel to it and it was easy to see why the Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest crew came to film here.

Secret Bay

Champagne Central

Mack to the Future

Ciara Hedgcock experiences Glasgow’s Mackintosh at 150

arrived at Dakota Deluxe boutique hotel and received a warm Glasgow welcome. I walked to Singl-end Café & Bakehouse, the menu was a creative choice of flavours and combinations. I opted for the Singlend Eggs Florentine and coffee, both were great. This local café was the perfect spot to fuel up before my first tour of the day, ‘Mackintosh at the Glasgow School of Art’.

Day One Adventures

Glasgow’s most celebrated designer and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh had extraordinary creativity and originality. He worked at a local architect’s firm and studied at the Glasgow School of Art at night. There he met Margaret Macdonald, whom he later married and the couple continued to design and collaborate throughout their careers. Mackintosh had passion for architecture and design, and with his distinctive vision he eventually became highly respected. My 45-minute tour was in the Glasgow School of Art building directly opposite the iconic Mackintosh Building, which was damaged by a fire in 2014. Extensive refurbishment was in progress. Scaffolding surrounded the building and a highly skilled team of artisans has been involved with the £35 million restoration project over the last three years. The guide was proud that Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s

Mackintosh at the Willow masterpiece was scheduled to reopen in summer 2019. Following the fire one of the art graduates, Franki Finch, made an intricate model of the original Mackintosh Building. As the guide pointed out features of design in the model, she explained the specialist techniques that were being used to recreate Mackintosh’s original vision. With photographs, it was easy to imagine how the building would look in all its original glory when completed.

I got to see highlights of the Mackintosh’s furniture collection and rare artwork. I could see how the designer was inspired by Scottish traditions, the flourish of Art Nouveau, and the simplicity of Japanese forms. Unbelievably, since my trip to Glasgow to experience the Mackintosh history and legacy in celebration of his 150th anniversary, another massive fire broke out and sadly destroyed the building once again. The destruction is on an even greater

Dakota Deluxe boutique hotel , Glasgow

level than before. It is heartbreaking for Glasgow and all involved with the restoration project, students, tourists, and the art world globally. My next tour was of The Mackintosh House at the Hunterian Art Gallery which comprises the reassembled principal interiors of the mid-19th century endof-terrace house lived in by Charles and Margaret from 1906 to 1914. The house offers a unique insight into how their designs created a beautiful functional home, which also acted as a showroom for potential clients. A lot of attention was placed on light, lighting, fireplaces and stencilling. The striking furniture is a skilful mix of dark stained and white-painted pieces.

Art Lovers

The House for an Art Lover located within the magnificent grounds of Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park was my next visit. The house, completed in 1996, had been inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s portfolio of drawings of 1901, which he had submitted as a competition entry to a German design magazine. It is a permanent exhibition of decorative furnished rooms originally designed by Mackintosh as an elegant country retreat for a person of taste and culture. An audio guide described all the intricacies of each room as I made my way through the house. It is a fusion of styles, simple and ahead of its time. Mackintosh’s vision for how people could live was exceptional. It continues to stimulate public interest in art, design and architecture. I stayed for a delicious two-course lunch at the Art Lovers Café, a perfect setting overlooking the terrace and gardens to relax after a busy day, before returning to the Dakota Deluxe. My luxurious room was a blend of contemporary greys creating a sophisticated and relaxed vibe.

Corinthian Club Dome quirkily to one wall, and retro hanging plants decorated the windows that overlooked busy Central Station. It was 6pm and the place was already buzzing. The manager told me about the illustrious guests who had stayed at Grand Central including Winston Churchill, JFK, Mae West and Frank Sinatra. The hotel is synonymous with romantic encounters. To celebrate Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s 150th birthday, the Grand Central bartenders have created five cocktails inspired by the great Glaswegian designer and his classic rose motif. My favourite, The Yellow Rose, was superb and included rosewater mist that the bartender spritzed over my cocktail from a vintage perfume atomiser. I felt it was a lovely attention to detail and another nod in Mackintosh’s honour. Next up was the Corinthian Club, originally built as a bank during the Victorian era in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant city. I enjoyed dinner in one of the comfortable booths in the Tellers Bar & Brasserie. Frequently the iconic dome caught my eye, as it filled the restaurant with grandeur and light. My food was beautifully cooked and presented. As I was leaving, a pianist was playing to a busy front bar, a nightcap was considered but I decided to return to Dakota and enjoy a good night’s rest

Cocktail o’clock

Next up I walked to Glasgow’s famous Grand Central Hotel where I climbed the beautiful staircase and admired Europe’s longest chandelier suspended over the stairwell. I headed for Champagne Central; a charming and recently refurbished lounge. Open and closed books were stuck

Mackintosh at the Willow

before continuing my Mackintosh tours the following day.

Day Two Adventures

I was looking forward to my tour of Mackintosh at the Willow (formerly The Willow Tea Rooms) on the famous Sauchiehall Street. The only remaining original Tea Rooms designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh are regarded as one of the world’s finest examples of an Art Nouveau scheme. A £10 million refurbishment programme has been completed to restore them to their original design and splendour. This has been a labour of love for all the local and international craftsmen and women involved in the 200 seat restaurant over three floors. My next visit was, to the ‘Charles Rennie Mackintosh: Making the Glasgow Style’ exhibition, which will be at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery until 14 August 2018. The Exhibition spans the lifetime of Mackintosh and presents the very best of his works held by the city. It combines highlights of his work including stained glass, ceramics, mosaics, textiles, book design, metalwork, furniture, stencilling, interiors and architecture. It summed up all that I had learned about Mackintosh over the course of the two days. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an exquisite building and is the centrepiece of Glasgow’s Art and Culture, a favourite with locals and a must-see for tourists. A perfect finish to my Mackintosh Glasgow tour was at Six by Nico on Argyle Street. Every six weeks Nico and his team curate a brand new six-course tasting menu themed upon a different place or memory. My experience was themed on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The flavours were fantastic, daring and clever. Six by Nico is a small but memorable restaurant, with a confident front of house team. There is a screen to watch the chef’s meticulous final preparation of the plates, which is helpful as they are likely to appear well beyond your expectations! n

For further information regarding attractions mentioned in this feature visit: www.glasgowlife.org.uk

Lakes of Killarney

The Kingdom of Kerry Why County Kerry should be on your bucket list this year

BY RITA DOHERTY

ow that we are well into summer many of you will already have had a holiday, some in warmer countries than ours. For those who have not yet been away or are considering an extra few days break, why not go to County Kerry in the south of Ireland. Nicknamed the Kingdom, Kerry is a fivehour drive from Belfast (approx. 280 miles), with motorway almost all the way. The prime attraction is Killarney. Killarney is famous for its scenery and has been referred to as Beauty’s Home. Its famous lakes make up a quarter of the National Park of 10,236 hectares. It is surrounded by the Macgillycuddy Reeks which includes Carrauntoohill; the highest mountain peak in Ireland. Muckross House, a 19th century Victorian mansion, has been welcoming visitors for decades. The house is furnished with much of its original furniture, art works and household items. The dining room curtains were commissioned for Queen Victoria’s visit back in 1861. The elegance of these rooms contrasts with the servant’s quarters in the basement. Two kilometres from Muckross is Torc

Waterfall, approx. 20 metres high and best visited after heavy rain – not usually a problem in Kerry! The Ring of Kerry or the Iveragh Peninsula is a tourist trail through the most beautiful and unspoilt area of Ireland that starts and finishes in Killarney. It is a photographer’s paradise where the view can transform before your eyes with the changing weather. The area is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits such as golf, water sports, walking, cycling, horse riding and river and sea fishing. It can be travelled in a day but take your time and savour the sights, and go off the beaten track. One of the best known vantage points is Ladies View; a panoramic view of the lakes which derives its name from the pleasure expressed by Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting.

Ballybunion. Photo credit: Rita Doherty

Activities on offer include water cruises on the lakes, jaunting car rides, golf, mountain climbing, bird watching and a 200km walking trail. For children there are two farms; Muckross traditional farm and Kennedy’s pet farm, a sports and leisure centre and cycling trips in the National Park. Killarney and Kerry in general have no shortage of accommodation, from spa hotels to bed and breakfasts, and caravan and camping parks. The INEC centre in the grounds of the Gleneagle Hotel is the largest venue outside Dublin for hosting a wide range of big name touring bands and stand-up comedians. Tralee is the county town of Kerry. It is an ideal base for touring Kerry and the surrounding area. It’s home to the international Rose of Tralee festival which

Dingle Harbour

takes place every August. There’s a great variety of activities for children in Tralee including the Pladium, the Aquadome and Bowling Buddies. Tralee Bay Wetlands centre is a waterfront natural area with pedal and rowing boats, and water zorbing. Siamsa Tire is home to the national folk theatre which produces a wide range of folk theatre productions, national song, dance and drama. Crag Cave is located 19km from Tralee. It was discovered in 1983 and thought to be over one million years old. It is a colourful wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites.

µµSandy shores and wonderful beaches are in abundance in Kerry∑∑ Dingle is the gateway to the Dingle peninsula 50km southwest of Tralee. It is a Gaeltacht town where traditional Irish music can be found in the pubs. It is a fishing port and has a famous resident Fungie – a Bottlenose dolphin. He courts human company and performs for boatloads of tourists. Fungie loves to interact playfully with swimmers, surfers, kayakers and divers in the water. Fine examples of early Christian archaeological monuments can be found on the Dingle peninsula and all over Kerry such as, passage tombs, standing and inscribed stones, ogham stones, early Christian monastic settlements, Viking houses, beehive huts – also called clochains – and ring forts. This rich history is waiting to be discovered by those interested. More

information can be found in the Kerry Museum, Tralee. More recently an island off the coast, Skellig Michael, was made famous by the filming of Star Wars, though part of the filming took place on the Dingle peninsula. The seventh century monastic remains on Skellig Michael are a world heritage site. The Great Blasket Island, uninhabited since 1953, can be reached by boat from Dingle. Some of the abandoned houses have been restored and provide accommodation. Listowel in North Kerry is one of Ireland’s 26 Heritage Towns because of its architectural heritage and historic importance. The town developed around Listowel Castle which was built in the 15th century; a substantial part of which survives today standing at almost the original height of 15.3 metres. It overlooks the river Feale and marks the start of a lovely peaceful walk to the town park. The river surrounds the race course where horse race meetings are held every September. This year’s meet takes place on 9-15 September. The St John’s Theatre and Arts Centre is a Gothic-style church that stands in the centre of the square. Annually a variety of events are hosted here featuring arts, music and exhibitions. Kerry writer’s museum, also in the square, presents the works of great north Kerry writers John B Keane, Bryan McMahon, Brendan Kennelly, George Fitzmaurice and Maurice Walsh. Writers Week on the June bank holiday has been hosted in Listowel for 48 years. Competitions and awards are held each year to give recognition to new and established writers. Look it up for next year and you

may discover an outlet for your talent. Listowel has many pubs with live music. The dynamic Billy Keane, son of the late author John B. Keane, presents pub theatre on Tuesday and Thursday nights throughout the summer in John B’s. Fermanagh man Mick McConnell is a regular musician there too. Downpatrick band Ash are Kerry-bound for Revival Listowel Music Festival on August 11th this year. Tickets can be bought from ticketmaster.ie. Sandy shores and wonderful beaches are in abundance in Kerry, with its five peninsulas on the 450km Wild Atlantic Way from Kenmare to Tarbert. Kerry beaches, including 14 blue flag, are too numerous to detail. The nearest beaches to Killarney and Tralee are Glenbeigh, Banna, Fenit and Derrymore, however my favourite is Ballybunion with its golden sand, high cliffs, caves, cliff top castle and stunning cliff top walk. Whereever you go you will find a range of water sports including exhilarating challenges for serious surfers. Taste Kerry is a marketing group for the artisan food and drink producers of Kerry and you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to locally produced food. The website of the same name, lists restaurants, bars, hotels and cafes that serve local produce. Some of the local brands include Dingle Gin, Torc Brewing, Killarney toffee, and Murphy’s Ice Cream, to name just a few. Follow in the footsteps of The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall who visited Kerry in June. You will not be disappointed, and who knows you just may be lucky with the weather. A stranger greeting you with: “It’s a soft day, thank God”, could get a conversation started. n

Skellig Michael

LET’S DRINK TO…

Sunny Spain and Tanqueray

BY PAULA GRACEY

hose who know me already will testify to how much I love Spain – it’s like my second home, where I escape to relax, soak up the sun, swim in the pool and enjoy the fabulous Spanish food, wines and (of course) gin. Spain has thousands of gins (I am doing my best to work my way through them all) but I was super-excited to see that iconic gin brand Tanqueray recently released their new creation, Tanqueray Flor de Seville, using bittersweet Seville oranges and orange blossom alongside the four botanicals of a classic London Dry Gin. Founder Charles Tanqueray began making gin in the 1830s and was a definite innovator and pioneer, never afraid of mixing it up with over 300 recipes inspired by his travels around the world. It is said that Tanqueray Flor de Seville was created by Charles Tanqueray after his travels through the sun-soaked orange groves of Seville in the 1860s. You can’t miss this new version of Tanqueray, a vision of sun-kissed loveliness, still in the iconic bottle shape resembling a three-part cocktail shaker, but it’s the colour of the gin and beautiful label that draws your eye and demands a try. It is sweet and citrusy, with a tang of tangerines as well as those hints of juniper and coriander to balance it out – I love it! Tanqueray is already a bartender’s favourite as it is perfect for cocktails, and this golden liquid would be ideal with ice and plain tonic, but even better with one of the new Mediterranean flavoured tonics now available, to bring out the joyous citrus flavours. I have been recently perfecting a Negroni, comprising of equal parts Gin, Campari and Martini Rosso with lots of ice, (small but powerful)! But this new Tanqueray Flor de Seville just takes it to another level, straight to Seville, in fact, sitting under the trees taking in the aromas of those beautiful orange groves... heaven. Diageo are the local distributers of Tanqueray Flor de Seville but look out for it on your travels if you still have your holidays to take – a true taste of summer. Salud! n

Wine Recommendation from Rebecca: Bianco Critone Calabria Incredulous as it may seem, it has finally happened. Summer and I mean proper summer, with sunshine, balmy warm winds and day after day of glorious rays of golden warmth has at last embraced our little island. Everyone is smiling, everyone is happy. Every outdoor terrace and balcony in the city is brimming over with carefree guests, chatting, relaxing and drinking in the marvellous atmosphere as they share food and wine with friends. In this blistering heat, my tipple of choice has to be a bottle of perfectly chilled white. This month I have chosen Bianco Critone from our wine list at Fratelli Belfast. The Librandi family bring us this white beauty of grace and depth from Calabria in the “toe” of Italy. The climate here is perfect for growing Chardonnay which constitutes 90% of the wine, partnered effortlessly with 10% Sauvignon Blanc. The stunning untouched wildness of the Calabrian terrain of limestone and clay has given birth to a complex wine with rich flavour and satisfying length. An appealing pale straw lemon colour in the glass leads onto a nose of apple, pears, and delicate wildflowers, with the comforting grassy aroma we know so well from the Sauvignon grape. The palate opens with a symphony of apple, pear and peach balanced with subtle yet refreshing acidity. Critone incidentally was Socrates the philosopher’s favourite pupil. Especially apt then that this innovative wine producing family have named their wine thus, as they strive bravely in their pursuit of knowledge in their field. I have selected chef’s Smoked salmon linguine to accompany this Calabrian treasure. In the words of our great Belfast songster Van MorrisonThese are the days of the endless summer, These are the days, the time is now, There is no past, there’s only future, There’s only here, There’s only now. Live in the moment! Enjoy your summer! Ciao until next issue.

SMOKED SALMON LINGUINE Ingredients • 150g oak smoked salmon, shredded • 100g green beans, washed • 50g cherry tomatoes, chopped into halves • 200g of spinach, washed • 1/2 lemon • 200 ml white wine • 150ml double cream • 50 ml olive oil • 200g linguine pasta • Salt & pepper • Handful of parmesan for garnish (optional) Method for the Sauce • In a pot, bring salted water to the boil. Add pasta and cook between 8-10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.

• In a separate pot blanche the green beans for 5 minutes and stain into ice water • In a large pan, bring up the heat and add the white wine. Once the wine has reduced by half add in double cream and reduce heat. Add in the olive oil and the juice of ½ a lemon. • Drain pasta and add into the cream sauce. Now add the chopped tomatoes, green beans and spinach, combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes. • To finish, flake in the smoked salmon, add salt & pepper to taste and toss. • Serve in warmed bowl and garnish with a parmesan shavings.

Buon Appetito

HYUNDAI KONA Ciara Hedgcock takes the new KONA 1 litre SE T-GDi on a test drive

his month I had the opportunity to review an eye-catching, sporty SUV – the Hyundai Kona. Here’s what I loved about it:

Safety first

During the drive I felt extra safe thanks to intelligent features such as Blind Spot Detection and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert. A feature I was previously unfamiliar with – Lane Keep Assist (LKA), uses the front camera to monitor the lines of the road in case of unintended lane departure. It warns the driver and can apply counter steering to safely guide the car back into lane. A steel space saver spare wheel comes as standard – which means you won’t be caught out should a puncture occur.

The look

On the road I felt the SUV stood out from the crowd – it comes in a range of vibrant colour choices and has a cool grille design.

Infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The 17” alloy wheels, which are standard on the SE, make this KONA all the more distinctive in appearance. The roof rails are a nice touch and act as an incentive to go for that bike ride you have been putting off. The KONA is ideal for weekend escape and the KRELL premium sound system delivers stellar sounds to enhance any road trip.

The technical bit

Rear parking sensors and rear view camera

I loved the easy to use 7” touchscreen display audio. Everything I needed for ease and comfort was readily accessible thanks to the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions. The 1 litre T-GDi comes with six-speed manual transmission optimised for greater fuel efficiency. Diesel models are available in manual and automatic. It is highly responsive and fun to drive.

The rear-view camera and guidance system takes any stress out of parking.

And finally…

The KONA is value for money based on its high standard specification. Hyundai include a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, five-year annual vehicle health checks, and five-year roadside assistance. The all-new KONA Electric will be available from November 2018 and will be the first compact electric SUV in Europe.

Cost

A 1 litre SE TGDi starts from £17,750. For more information, call the Hyundai Team at John Mulholland Motors, Randalstown or Campsie on: 028 9447 3903.

BlacKkKlansman

Movie roundup New films coming to a cinema near you this month BY JAMES OLIVER Disney’s Christopher Robin

Having been busy with commitments to his work Christopher Robin (who’s now all grown up) once again encounters his childhood friend Winnie the Pooh, who helps him rediscover the joys of life. Release Date: Friday 17th August Starring: Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell and Jim Cummings

The Equalizer 2

Four years on from the first film Robert McCall is back, tracking down those around the globe who need to be brought down for their wrong doings. Dishing out his own means of justice for those who are oppressed, how far will he go when it’s someone he loves whose life is taken? Release Date: Friday 17th August Starring: Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and Bill Pullman

on the case in this no-holds-barred adult comedy. Release Date: Friday 17th August Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Elizabeth Banks and Maya Rudolph

BlacKkKlansman

This movie focuses on the story of Ron Stallworth, a now retired African American police officer from Colorado who managed to successfully infiltrate the local KKK clan and become their leader. Release Date: Friday 24th August Starring: Adam Driver, Laura Harrier and John David Washington

Slenderman

Having been created on an internet forum, the Slenderman has been the reason behind several real life incidents involving children and teens who attacked classmates to impress the fictional character. This fictional horror film looks at the mythology of the Slenderman and how he gets into your mind when a young teen goes missing overnight. Release Date: Friday 24th August Starring: Joey King, Javier Botet and Annalise Basso

Mile 22

Mark Wahlberg heads a top secret tactical command unit. His only objective is to smuggle a high profile target with secret and sensitive information out of the country. Release Date: Monday 27th August Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Lauren Cohan and Iko Uwais

Searching

The Happytime Murders

When the cast of Sesame Street start turning up dead at the hands of an unknown assailant, one disgraced LAPD detective puppet turned private eye takes

The Happytime Murders

Mile 22

When his teenage daughter goes missing, a desperate father breaks into her laptop to try and obtain clues as to her whereabouts. He must trace his daughter’s digital footprint before she disappears forever Release Date: Friday 31st August Starring: John Cho, Debra Messing and Joseph Lee

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Pride A 10-day programme of events is set to cumulate with a huge parade and street party as Belfast marks Pride 2018. Jade Beecroft finds out why it’s so important

arching through Belfast city centre waving a rainbow flag or carrying a ‘love is love’ placard is just for LGBTQ people, right? Wrong, actually, according to the many cross-community groups and individuals behind this year’s Belfast Pride, who are determined to make it an event for everyone. Whoever you are, whoever you love, this is your chance to stand up for the rights of your LGBTQ family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Pride events are held in cities across the UK, but with Northern Ireland lagging behind in marriage equality and other

issues, it’s also an opportunity to peacefully get involved in the campaign for equal rights. Gavin Boyd is policy manager at the Rainbow Project NI, an LGBTQ organization which is running a number of events throughout Belfast Pride 2018. “Pride is still the only time when some gay or trans couples feel comfortable holding hands with their partner in Belfast city centre,” he explains. “In Northern Ireland we’ve come a long way in changing for the better, and Pride is an expression of that, but we’ve still got a long way to go and more work to be done. “The Pride parade is a great day out, it’s family-friendly and there’s a party atmosphere, but it’s also a demonstration of

what we want for our society. “There’s a 10-day programme of events, including talks and lectures, a Big Gay Pub Quiz, family fun day, a hate crime seminar, self defence lessons, and sexual health clinics. So come along, engage, ask questions and get involved.” Belfast Pride 2018 runs from Friday July 27th to Sunday August 5th, with over 100 events across 10 days. The showpiece Pride Day parade through the city centre will start at 1pm on Saturday August 4th, with the build-up beginning from 11.30am in Custom House Square. Pride’s official website explains: “The Belfast Pride Parade is the biggest cross community parade in Belfast and the single biggest parade in the city, the main event in

AND THERE’S MORE Belfast won’t be the only place in Northern Ireland tasting the rainbow this summer. The Foyle Pride Festival runs in Derry/ Londonderry with a parade through the city on Saturday August 25th. At the time of going to press full details had yet to be released, but last year’s run of events included a Comic Fest, theatre screenings, workshops, open skating with the Maiden City Fliers Roller Derby team, exhibitions and much more. For information visit www.foylepridefestival.com

the LGBTQ calendar and the one of the key events in Belfast Pride festival. “It is a protest and a celebration, a call for equality, a stand for solidarity and a celebration of the lives of LGBT people in Belfast and is about LGBT messages and expressing support for LGBT people.” This year the parade will follow a new route through Belfast, passing along High Street, Bridge Street, Waring Street, Donegall Street, Royal Avenue, Donegall Place, Donegall Square East, May Street and Victoria Street, starting and finishing in Custom House Square. There will then be events running on into the evening in the square and at the Pride Village in Donegal Quay. Pride is a celebration of the LGBTQ community – which stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer. Adrianne Elson, 47, from Belfast, is a transgender woman who was heavily involved in organizing June’s Trans Pride event with her partner. She will be walking in the Belfast Pride 2018 parade. “The trans community owes the LGB community a debt of gratitude,” she explains. “I’ve had more support for who I am from the gay community than from

anywhere else. “Northern Ireland is now one of the least progressive places in Europe when in comes to equality, so events like these, with their friendly carnival atmosphere, are important for activism.” And Adrianne would like to see everyone getting involved. “It doesn’t matter what political or social class you are,” she says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re gay, straight, trans or anything else. These issues will affect you or somebody you know – a family member, friend, coworker or someone in your community. “Gay and trans people still suffer appalling mental health because of the way they’re treated. Pride is a chance for us all to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised. “LGBTQ people just want acceptance, equality and the opportunity to celebrate who they are and who they love.” Last year’s Belfast Pride was named ‘Event of the Year’ at the GALAS Awards in Dublin, and organisers are hoping 2018 will be even better. But behind the colourful party atmosphere there are serious issues at stake – not least the hot potato of marriage equality.

“Many of the people celebrating Pride today will have a story to tell about prejudice or denial of rights and that we still have work to do to address the outstanding equality issues,” says Dr Evelyn Collins, chief executive of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. “Earlier this year, we published findings of our latest Equality Awareness Survey, which showed that negative attitudes towards LGB people have fallen from 21% in 2008 to 6% now. Yet institutions and civic structures, and the law itself, have lagged behind the heartening change in people’s attitudes. “Other research we published this year shows inequalities experienced by LGB people, particularly bullying at school and inequalities in housing, where LGB people can face harassment and intimidation. And Northern Ireland remains unique in the British Isles where LGB people do not have the right to marry. “The overall intention of the sexual orientation equality legislation is that people should not be treated less favourably because of their sexual orientation. The Commission believes that permitting same sex marriage here is in keeping with this intention. It remains a concern for us that, as the law stands, lesbian, gay and bisexual people continue to be treated less favourably in Northern Ireland than in all other parts of the United Kingdom or Ireland because of their sexual orientation. “The annual Pride celebrations have grown every year, and the voice of LGB people has never been stronger. Pride is a day when all of us have a chance to speak up for equality, respect and dignity for all people, gay and straight.” n

For more information on Belfast Pride 2018 visit www.belfastpride.com

THE SOCIAL 10

Northern Woman’s round up of August’s most happening events

The award-winning Twilight Market returns to St George’s Market on 1st August with a real summer vibe, hosting over 100 traders specialising in local foods and produce from around the world, handmade arts and crafts, some of the best live entertainment in the city, and chef demonstrations. The market runs from 4-11pm.

Thousands of country music fans make their way to Inishowen for the annual Clonmany Festival on 5-12 August. From treasure hunts and talent competitions to other family entertainment, and a busting bar scene – there’s something for everyone.

Belfast rooftop bar Babel has turned traditional afternoon tea on its head with the launch of the new Tipsy Tea. The menu pairs delectable sweet and savoury treats with a selection of signature cocktails. Guests can enjoy Babel’s Tipsy Tea on Saturdays and Sundays (12pm - 4pm) for £29.50 per person with gin cocktails, or upgrade to Champagne cocktails for an extra £15 per person. Tipsy Tea is available throughout August (and beyond) every Saturday and Sunday.

Art and history fans will love The Danger Tree; a ground-breaking visual arts exhibition marking 100 years since the end of WWI. The month-long exhibition opens at Titanic Belfast on 2nd August.

The 6th Open House Festival in Bangor by the Sea is on for the month of August. Boasting142 events across 31 venues, the eclectic line-up of free and ticketed events includes music, books, film, theatre, food and drink, talks and tours, comedy, local history, visual art and crafting.

Sample Downpatrick’s own Shortcross gin in the Gin Experience Tour. This distillery, located thirty minutes from Belfast City Centre, regularly welcomes guests from around the world. Pre-booked tours run weekly from Tuesdays to Fridays. See how the gin is made and enjoy a guided tasting.

Multi award-winning music and arts event Sendhal Festival takes place on 10-11 August. Set amidst the scenic surrounds of Ballymully Cottage Farm in Limavady, the event celebrates all things creative and the programme features an eclectic weekend of poetry, comedy, dance, theatre, contemporary and traditional arts, craft workshops and more. For tickets visit: www.stendhalfestival.com

The Auld Lammas Fair returns to Ballycastle this year on 27-28 August. The fair provides street entertainment and market stalls, two days of trading, bartering, busking and street entertainment in the beautiful seaside resort of Ballycastle. Don’t come home without some good old yellow man!

The Portavogie Seafood Festival is a mustn’t-miss for seafood lovers. Situated around the harbour, the event will celebrate Portavogie’s rich fishing heritage with a programme of cookery demonstrations, maritimethemed activities, family entertainement, tastings and more. The festival takes place on 11th August and admission is free.

Love tattoos? Maiden City Ink, the biggest tattoo convention in Northern Ireland comes to the Everglades Hotel, Derry/ Londonderry on 24-26 August. This is the perfect opportunity to get inked by award-winning artists from all over the globe. Whether you’re looking to get tatooed, show off your body art or indulge your curiosity, you’re guaranteed a weekend full of great tattoos, great craic and great atmosphere.

LIVING

Credit: nest.co.uk

DOUBLE UP Shop this month’s designer buys and purse-friendly lookalikes BY RÓISÍN CARABINE

SAVE

SPLURGE

Denia Sun Lounger from B&Q, £97

Klevering Oil Can Watering Can from Printerandtailor.com, £11

Skagerak Riviera Sun Lounger from Nest.co.uk, £1,349

Orla Kiely Watering Can in Stem Yellow from Cuckooland.com, £49.95

Parc Two Seat Metal Folding Bistro Set from Habitat.co.uk, £95

Heritage Bistro Set from George Home at Asda, £49

Salvadore Outdoor Rug from Carpetright.co.uk, from £14.99 Elephant Planter from Very.co.uk, £21.99

Vitra Eames Elephant from Nest.co.uk, £179

Dash & Albert ‘Sprout Green’ Outdoor Diamond Rug from Cuckooland.com, £129

Bloomingville Cotton Deck Chair from Amara.com, £165

Navy Blue Deck Chair from George Home at Asda, £55 (2 pack)

Bamboo Lantern from Matalan, £18

Torii Bamboo Cage Lantern from Artisanti.com, £37

What does your front door say about you? Your front door isn’t just an entrance to your home, it’s a portal to your personality and says more about you than you realise writes Róisín Carabine

V presenter Christine Bleakley and her footballer husband Frank Lampard have a pair of imposing brown ones, actor Jamie Dornan has a smart grey one and New Zealand-based actor Sam Neill had a charming red one growing up in Omagh. We’re talking front doors. According to research by Dulux

Weathershield it takes us less than 10 seconds to make an assumption about a person just based on the colour, style and state of their front door. If you thought yours was simply an entrance into your home, think again. Just as the eyes are the window to the soul, turns out, your front door is the portal to your personality. At least that’s the word from a recent study carried out by international

colour consultancy Pantone and London estate agency Marsh & Parsons, which looked into the psychological associations between door colour and the impression it gives visitors. According to their findings door colour says everything about who you are and how you live. Indeed, your chosen hue can reveal whether you’re outgoing, creative, authoritative, down-to-earth or even trustworthy. Of course the evidence isn’t scientific but it does suggest that if you want to make a good first and lasting impression it helps to be shade savvy. So what does the colour of your front door say about you? BLACK: According to Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Colour Institute “black (or Black Onyx, as we refer to it internally)… is imposing, sleek and chic.” Those who choose black for their front door likely want to give a prestigious and powerful first impression. It’s no coincidence that the most famous front

 Rondo ve80 pivot door painted in RAL blue 5013 with handle option 11 from www.urbanfront.com  Farrow & Ball’s exterior eggshell paint provides a durable front door finish. This dark grey door is painted in guttering-inspired Down Pipe No 26 and is available from Homebase.co.uk door in the world – No 10 Downing Street – is painted black. In 300 years it has only changed its appearance once when it was an ‘unlucky’ dark green for a brief spell at the beginning of the 19th century. GREY: “Castor grey is timeless and classic, so doesn’t run the risk of going out of fashion,” says Laurie. A person with a grey front door is style savvy and likely showing off their trendiness. NAVY: This colour is regarded as ‘authoritative and trustworthy’. A navy front door is likely to be preferred by individuals in a position of power. GREEN: This colour portrays feelings of “calm, quiet and soothing,” says

 Fuschias £2.99, Ivy leaved Geraniums £2.99, Diascias £7.99, Nepeta £2.99, Silver Helichrysum £2.99, Petunia Surfinia £2.99, Mop-Head Hydrangeas from £16.99, Scabiosa Pink Mist £7.99 and Nemesia from £4.99 from Dobbies Garden Centre, Lisburn. For a similar door colour try Little Greene ‘Dorchester Pink – Mid (286). Visit www.littlegreene.com for stockist details Laurie. ‘Greenery’ was 2017’s Pantone colour of the year and is still trending in interiors. PURPLE: A home with a purple front door suggests an owner with a penchant for the dramatic, according to Laurie. Recent research by leading UK composite door specialists Truedor revealed the statement shade to be the most popular front door colour for 2018, closely followed by steel blue at number two and light violet at number three. Black came in fourth, with white not even making the top ten.

Continued on 76 ➤

 Door painted in Farrow & Ball Yellowcake No.279 Exterior Eggshell from www.farrow-ball.com PINK: A front door is the perfect place to express your inner craving for colour, though it’s a brave homeowner that chooses to paint theirs pink. If you plan on making a statement with pink you’d better be prepared for the attention that comes with it. In Palm Springs, California, there’s a bubblegum pink front door that’s so distinctive it has spawned its own hashtag and has a fan following in the thousands. Such is the pulling power of #thatpinkdoor that its owners were recently forced to put up ‘no photography’ signs on the front lawn to deter fans from taking selfies. Individuals with pink front doors are thought to be youthful, spirited and a bit mischievous. WHITE: “Brilliant white is simple, crisp and pristine and often favoured by those going for a minimalist look,” says Laurie. RED: A red front door calls attention to your home’s exterior and is instantly recognised as welcoming and offering good cheer. Laurie suggests that those

who paint their front door red are likely to be “commanding, dynamic and engaging individuals”. According to urban myth, people in Scotland used to paint their front door red to celebrate that they had paid off their mortgages, (though just how true this is is open to debate). In Irish folklore, it’s thought that painting one’s door red keeps away bad luck and wards off evil spirits. Followers of Feng Shui paint their front doors red to draw the positive energy associated with the colour into their homes. YELLOW: A yellow front door is warm, welcoming and instantly uplifting. It conveys a sense of optimism and is a great colour for making a first impression. NATURAL WOOD: A front door with a natural stain is seen as rustic and comforting according to Laurie, and is a particular favourite with us Northern Irish according to research by Dulux Weathershield. When it comes to front door colours it seems we’re the least expressive, with 90 percent of us either having a brown, white or cream front door. n

 Easy-to-apply printed etched effect window film with a traditional Victorian pattern from £45 per sq metre from www.purlfrost.com. For a similar door colour try Ronseal external Royal Red Gloss wood paint, £18 from B&Q

“The Welcome Aboard ring is another original feature of the barge.”

“Our green chair was bought from Laganside Auctions – you can feel the history in its leather.”

Barge life

Northern Woman visits a Scandinavian-inspired barge with a French feel

uirky, stylish, with cracking water views, David and Gillian Campbell’s barge is a home of dreams. Having spent more than 25 years’ living in far-flung destinations including Singapore and Shanghai, the couple returned home to Strangford three years ago. They bought a barge last May and so began a labour of love.

“We moved the barge to Bangor boatyard to carry out renovations,” Gillian says. “We spent time finding a team to work on the steel hull and the renovations inside. We hired fantastic local guys who had expert knowledge and guided us all the way. “It took a couple of months to get back to the bare steel and begin the treatment process necessary to preserve it. The process to build the frame was engineered by Brian Larmour and the men from the

“Use of space is paramount and the maximisation of light along with a water view from every window, made the best of this small space. Whitewashed wooden walls give texture and velvet navy sofa added comfort. The chair and table were sourced from Lagsnside Auctions along with the plans of the Titanic.” East Belfast Yacht Club. Alongside them, father and son team Ivan and Gary Jackson, carried out the amazing transformation inside the barge. Their attention to detail shines through in the finished product.” Having lived in Copenhagen, Gillian developed plans for the exterior of the barge inspired by the houseboats she saw on the canals there. “Those barges were beautifully finished with thoughtful nautical colours and wood combinations,” she explains. “The interior style is a combination of Scandinavian influences with a French feel. It’s great to find a spot for many of the items David and I collected over the years; it’s a little piece of Europe right here in Belfast. “What I love the most about the barge is being able to see the water from every window, and the view of Titanic Belfast is just incredible. I love seeing it light up in the evenings and it’s a privilege to look at one of the world’s most beautiful modern buildings day after day.” For more information visit: www.bargeattitanic.com n

Photography by Michael Bradley 78

“The Danish swinging chair is decorated with silk cushions from Singapore. We spent two years in Copenhagen and the fur throws add to the Scandinavian feel.”

“The glass window is an original feature of the barge, which was formerly a charity boat that operated on canals in Glasgow. It was used to bring disadvantaged kids away on weekend trips. The barge is named ‘Nolly’ after Glaswegian slang for canals.”

“Greenery is very important on barges, and colourful window boxes and interesting plants add to the deck. The potplants and laterns were picked up in flea markets in France, however it’s the Titanic Belfast building that adds the most impact!”

“A bit of New England style paired with amazing water views, make for the most unique living room in Belfast. It is cozy but bright with a projector and screen for movie viewing.”

“Clever use of design on the vinyl means the tiny space feels bigger, and strong colours help to add depth to the bathroom.”

“The nautical theme was incorporated in to the barge in many ways. Here some leftover rope was put to good use in the stairwell.”

“Champagne buckets bought in France add charm to the table setting.”

“This bedroom features a raised platform king bed with sumptuous duvets and a water view. There is plenty of storage with clever use of cabinets below the bed. It contains old books and knick knacks picked up on our travels over the years.”

“I wanted to use nautical colors but with a twist. I added laminate parquet flooring to the walls to add warmth and sophistication. The accessories were sourced from a variety of suppliers including Dunnes Stores and charity shops.”

“This room illustrates clever use of space and has a bright and airy feel. Although every bit of space is used, no one feels cramped in here. The White Company linen feels crisp and is so comfortable.”

Mr & Mrs Alexander Photos by We Can Be Heroes

shared loved of history brought Heather Taylor and Simon Alexander together when they were students in the University of Ulster, Coleraine, and both went along to a History Society meetup. “I entered and spotted Simon sitting at a table at the opposite end of the room and I was hooked,” Heather says. The couple began dating shortly afterwards in October 2010. “I found myself constantly laughing when I was around Simon. I felt I could be my whole, weird self. When he didn’t bolt as soon as he knew the real me, I knew he was a keeper. Laughter is a huge part of our relationship and it was something we built on from the early days.” Simon popped the question on the couple’s five-year anniversary as the couple retraced their footsteps of that first date along the Portrush beachfront. When planning their wedding the pair had three themes in mind; purple, vintage dresses and ‘geek’. “We’re both huge geeks and love pop culture so Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and many other things played a role in our wedding,” Heather explains. Sarah from Yummy Mummy Cakes created the mouth-watering model of Minas Tirith from The Lord of the Rings, Tom from We Can Be Heroes did the wedding photography, and The Palais Swing Band ensured the dance floor never emptied all night. The bride looked stunning in an Amanda Wyatt gown from Naomi’s in Ballynahinch, accessorised with a headpiece also from Naomi’s. Heather’s favourite memories of her wedding day include walking up the aisle and feeling emotional, she recalls “as soon as I grabbed Simon’s hands I was calm, grounded, and ready for anything. Walking back down the aisle as Mr & Mrs to a Star Wars theme under a procession of lightsabres and wands was totally epic, and to have wonderful Star Wars cosplayers waiting for us at the end with a lightsabre salute was just magical. The Force was strong with us!” n

Venue: The Westville Hotel, Fermanagh Dress: Naomi’s of Ballynahinch, Down Groomswear: McCalls of Lisburn, Antrim Bridesmaid’s dresses: Divinity Bridal, Lisburn Cake: Yummy Mummy Cakes, Moira

Mr & Mrs

Photography by Sudheer Pattambi and Fraser Stewart

t was love at first sight when Indian groom Sree Kadalayil first saw his Belfast bride-to-be Jude Pollock at a party in March 2013. A first date was organised to go for tapas on Botanic Avenue. Sree recalls: “We spent the entire evening chatting away about everything under the sun and completely lost track of time. I didn’t even realise they were playing live music, that’s how much I was taken by her.” Jude says: “Sree is the kindest, sweetest, most fun person, and I love how he sees the world, his creativity and passion. It helps that he has such a handsome beard too!” Four years later Sree popped the question during a coastal walk in Portrush with their dog Hendricks. The couple had two wedding ceremonies; a Brahmin Hindu ceremony on Christmas Eve 2017 at Sree’s ancestral home in Kerala, followed by a reception at Riverdale Barn, Craigavon, two months later. Jude says: “We hoped for a colourful day filled with love and laughter, and we got it twice over!” Jude’s brother bought her “the perfect dress” which she could dance and relax in. Jude accessorised the Modeca gown with ‘something borrowed’; her sister’s veil. Kelly White styled Jude’s hair and Claire McEvoy did her makeup. For both weddings, in keeping with Sree’s family tradition, Jude wore a thalli gold leaf pendant necklace. The couple’s “international decorating committee of loved ones” gifted their skills – from music to the videography, rainbow cupcakes and more. “People gave so much, we were so lucky to look around and everything had a personal touch,” Jude says. Wedding singers Dave and Fiona from Him and Her Belfast “put on the most wonderful performance” for a fun-filled night. “Our two marriage services were magical. When making my commitment to Sree – I felt we were further entwining the roots of our lives together. On both wedding days we were wrapped in a bright bubble of love. My Dad passed away ten years ago this year but I knew he was there with us. The atmosphere, the sound of nonstop chatting and laughter, Sree’s smiling face and killer dance moves – all made for an unforgettable day.” One of Sree’s favourite memories is of seeing Jude, “as she entered looking like the most beautiful woman in the world”. n

Reception venue: Riverdale Barn, Craigavon Dress: Amore Bridal, Cork Groomswear: Reiss, Belfast Bridesmaid’s dresses: ASOS Cake: The couple’s friend Kat Gaw Flowers: All Seasons, Dunmurray

— COMPETITION —

Win

Afternoon Tea for four at The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa

o celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week (14th - 20th August) Northern Woman has teamed up with the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa to give readers the chance to win a delightful Afternoon Tea for four people in the stunning Oak Restaurant. At the Slieve Donard, great pride is taken in tradition and what could be more traditional than Afternoon Tea with steaming teapots, china cups, pretty piled high plates of finger food and sweet treats? Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches made using the finest local ingredients, an assortment of baked goods, and a medley of cakes and patisseries which will no doubt tempt the taste-buds. Afternoon Tea at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa is served Monday to Friday from 2pm to 5pm, and Sundays 3pm to 5pm, for only £25 per person. Don’t worry if you aren’t the lucky winner as you can book Afternoon Tea at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa by calling: 028 4372 1066.

TO ENTER Simply complete the following sentence: Slieve Donard Resort and Spa’s Afternoon Tea is served in the stunning…

Email your answer and contact details to competitons@northernwoman. co.uk before 5pm on Friday 31st August. T&Cs: The prize is as detailed and no alternative will be offered. It must be used before 30th December 2018 and is subject to availability.

Christmas 2018 Brochure now available

Contact 028 9044 2080 for details

10% Discount* for bookings booked and confirmed by 31st August 2018 *Terms and Conditions apply

THE

ALBUM Charlene Byers. Credit: Press Eye

Ryan McFarland and Two Booth

Katie McKeever and Lydia Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

Down Royal Summer Festival Down Royal summer festival was a glamorous affair as local trendsetters stepped out in the very latest summer style. Despite stiff competition Kelly Maginn, who is from Lurgan, walked away with the Best Dressed Lady prize. The sun shone all day and it was an fun-filled day of racing, fashion and fascinators. Photos by Press Eye

Aoife McGeary and Una Barrett

Emily Ferguson and Rachel Fisher

Pete Snodden and Chris Suitor

Sophie Smyth, Rachel Jones, Naomi Rainey and Bethany Swann

Alan Greer and Liz Paton

Kate and Lynne Burns

Deirdre and David Chestnutt

Olivia Black and Laura Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hare

Kelly Maginn, winner of the the Best Dressed Lady prize

Jennifer and Jason Forstythe Norah Marr, Grace-Ann Fallon, Barbara Dunn and Allison Gavin

Grand Central Hotel Hosts Global Forum Welcome Reception Hastings Hotels held a welcome reception in the newly opened Grand Central Hotel for the delegates attending the prestigious Hosts Global Forum. The forum, which was secured in a combined effort by Hastings Hotels, Tourism NI and Moloney & Kelly, saw over 200 meeting and incentive professionals from the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading destination management companies and agents, visit the city for the first time. Photos by Kelvin Boyes, Press Eye

Kimberly Dorony, Garrett Power and Jonnell Gailey

Tamara Jesswein and Ron Jesswein

Julie Hastings (right) with Liz Pritchard, Caitriona Lavery and Dianne Ilstrup

Micheal Reid and Jordan Boyd

Yasmin Al-halabi, WaiYeing Wong, Jay Tinsley and Katie Tinsley

Chapter 35 Launch Party Bloggers, local business people and fashionistas alike visited Holywood for the launch of the town’s newest boutique – Chapter 35. Guests were invited to enjoy Prosecco and canapés as they browsed the range of previously-loved designer clothes and accessories on display. Photos by Brendan Gallagher

Courtney Keane, Kerrie Hollinger and Ellie Millar

Kerri Bogues, Rachael Duffy and Melissa Buchanan

Nicole Hollinger, Julie Hollinger and Kerrie Hollinger

Meagan Green, Brian Maxwell, Ashleigh Cole, Lucy Spratt

Martin Breen and Jenevieve Devenny

AC Hotel Belfast: Solstice Party The summer solstice was a fitting theme for the official launch of the AC Hotel Belfast. Hosted by AC Hotels by Marriott, the event celebrated the opening of the first AC Hotels on the island of Ireland. Located on the waterfront, the establishment opened its doors in April. The ÂŁ26million property, owned and developed by Belfast Harbour, is the first built-to-specification AC Hotels by Marriott in the UK. Photos by Brian Morrison

Jean-Christophe Novelli and Marianne Hood

Lisa Steele, Diana and Jim Fitzsimons

Michelle Denver and John Toner

Alana Johnston and Clare Johnston

David Hamilton, Jenny Winder and Brian Muir

Liberty IT Summer Party The Liberty IT Summer Party took place at Malone House recently. Guests were welcomed by a fruit punch reception before taking part in Spy Squad. Partygoers tested their problem-solving and creativity skills by competing in a range of covert operations around the grounds and buildings in the ultimate Treasure Hunt. Photos by Press Eye

Claire Hughes, Clea Allen and Rachel Shearer

Garden Party to honour Baroness May Blood

TV presenter Maxine Mawhinney and her husband John Clare hosted a garden party in honour of Baroness May Blood, who is retiring from Wesminster but will still continue her role as campaign chair of the Integrated Education Fund in Northern Ireland. Film star Liam Neeson payed tribute to the Baroness via video message saying that she is one of his heroes. Photo by John Clare

Baroness May Blood

Send us your photos! Thanks to all who submitted photos for Here & There. To be featured simply take a photo of you with Northern Woman out and about locally or abroad. Every month one reader will win a ‘Pic of the Month’ prize – so well done to Edita Mikutenaite who has won a Shiseido sun protection goodie bag worth £75. Email your photo to NW editor Catriona: c.doherty@independentmagazinesni.co.uk

F PIC O THE H T MON

Edita Mikutenaite pictured at the stunning Carrickfergus Marina

Sandra McIvor pictured with her copy of Northern Woman in Belfast

HERE & THERE

Ellie Cleland pictured at the Big Fish, Belfast

June Armstrong goes for a stroll at Murlough Bay, Newcastle

Elizabeth Cherry “relaxing on the patio in the sunshine with a glass of fizz and my favourite magazine”

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To sponsor Here & There contact Ciara Hedgcock on 077 69951 595 or email c.hedgcock@independentmagazinesni.co.uk

R E G BLOG CORNER

BY ANNA CORRY FROM BLOSSOMING BIRDS

’m talking about the tabs that stay open on your internet browser. I read that the average woman has 100 different things going on at once. What happens though when too many are open? When that extra tab is just too much and it turns from organised tabs (be that mum, wife, work, friend, housework, health, school… whatever) to just chaos, white noise when you just can’t even hear your thoughts clearly? Can we freeze and then shut down like a computer or device? I think we can and it happened to me recently. I had so much on my plate; an ever-growing workload, changes of plans for one aspect of life that impacts on all others, trying to be a good mummy and the demands from every other area. The time I actually got with the girls when I got home from work wasn’t quality, they were cranky and I was burnt out. I know the norm on social media is to be positive and upbeat, people have their own issues and when they get five minutes to escape they don’t need to be reading the moans of others. Except I have 44,000 people that follow my snippets of life on social media. If I said that I juggled high pressured work, two young children, writing and a home while having a smile painted on my face like Coco the Clown every day, I can just imagine how inferior that may make others feel. I know I’d be wondering what the hell I was doing so wrong. I like pretty pictures, I like inspiring, I also like realism and I think that’s quite

Too Many Tabs different to negativity. I know this can sound very ‘first world problems’. But it’s important not to discredit when people are finding things tough or ever feel ashamed to speak up and say: “I’m not feeling ok”. So recently in a bid to be everything to everyone I had a mini melt down (you know, ugly crying).

µµsometimes we need to take stock and realign back to where we want to be∑∑ But it’s ok to freeze and shut down. It’s about how we restart and what we do to prevent it in the future. I don’t believe there is really such a thing as a work/life balance but more work/ life navigation. I believe that’s much more attainable. It’s always a journey that may

take different directions but sometimes we need to take stock and realign back to where we want to be. I reminded myself of the tabs I needed to leave open and those I could shut down as they were unnecessary, that as much as I want to say “yes” to everything often when I do I am saying “no” to two little people that really need my time. Now I give more time to what tops up my cup and clears my mind. Sometimes it doesn’t take much to get back to thriving on the juggle. We are all Wonder Women, wondering how on earth we are going to make it through the day sometimes but we have a 100% success rate so far! Just watch that while we are trying to burn so bright for everyone that we don’t burn ourselves out. Ctl - Alt - Del / Restart. n

NORTHERN MAN Fit for 50

St George’s Market

Belfast Beard Company

nd so it’s midsummer! Let’s hope you’re having the best one and enjoying the long days and summer holidays. It’s been a bit of a crazy holiday year for me. We returned for a spring stay in the beautiful Yurbban Trafalgar and Yurbban Passage in Barcelona. We were in one hotel pre-cruise for a night and one post cruise. The two hotels are the beginnings of a super-cool local hotel chain with another one opening soon. Trafalgar seems to be aimed at the younger traveller with a very trendy and current vibe, next door in the Passage you move up a star in ratings for a spa hotel and a more sophisticated yet fun vibe. Both are definitely worth checking out. The highlight of our mini breaks has to go to a four-night Azamara cruise around the Balearic Islands stopping off in Ibiza for an overnight stay in the middle of ‘opening party season’. Ibiza old town is a stunning place to dander around and soak up the great pre-opening party atmosphere. Most parties start at 23:59 hours and you’d better be ready to dance ‘til you drop, right into the early morning sunrise. But I couldn’t possibly forget to mention our most amazing party of the year, an eighties cruise from Southampton. Now that was a mega party! With Sarah Cox DJing, we dressed in neon, we dressed as eighties pop icons (I’ve never seen

so many Madonnas in one place), and we met Tony Hadley and Kim Wilde. What an amazing atmosphere enjoying seven nights of 80’s music and performances by Tony and Kim, Go West, ABC, Belinda Carlisle and a host of tribute acts. Just wow! I’m still grinning from ear to ear at the memories. But it’s time to focus on August and the Bangor Open House Festival. Now in its sixth year, the Festival takes over the seaside town a little more each August. I’ve decided to volunteer at this year’s Open House so keep an eye out for me in my volunteer t-shirt. Goodness knows what my role will be, but I’m looking forward to trying something different. No doubt it’ll be all over my Belfast Times social media. If you’ve been following my fitness progress this year, I’m still at it. With less than a year now until I’m 50, I’m going all out to be fit for 50. I’m running, learning yoga moves, climbing mountains and walking and putting 100% effort into being fitter than I’ve ever been in my 49 years, wish me luck. Thanks for reading and have an amazing August. n

The Record Stall

Belfast Times

Quirktique

Handmade cushions and blankets by Sew Personal

Locally made chocolate by Nicho

Photography by Jeff Meredith

Alec the goose

TOP 10

Things I love about St George’s Market

BY JEFF MEREDITH

t George’s Market is one of the top attractions in Northern Ireland. With over one million visitors in 2017, it’s increasingly popular with local visitors and tourists. Built between 1890 and 1896, and refurbished in 1999 thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, the market has gone from strength to strength and has

A taste of Portugal at Jam & Ollys

won many awards along the way. As a trader at the market for seven years at my Belfast Times stall, I sell my typography designs of Northern Ireland architecture and a collection of products featuring a lot of local phrases you all know and love. Phrases which we know so well, but that I have to explain to tourists every weekend. They ask: “What does ‘Craic’ mean? Do you really say ‘wee’ that much? What’s a ‘melter’?” It’s hilarious and generates a lot of laughs. I have a lot of love for the market, so here are my top 10 things about it: The market is a big community of traders, friends, creatives and small businesses. We have all ended up there for whatever reason, all coming together in a beautiful mix of people supporting each other and providing encouragement and positivity.

We always have the best time. Every weekend we turn up and have fun with each other and with our customers. The market is oozing with talent, ideas, inspirational and creativity. We have top artists, designers, sculptors, makers, cooks, singers: the list is endless. You’re spoilt for choice for food. Take your pick, from the biggest selection of fresh fish in the country to fruit and veg, award-winning butchers and bakers, organic, artisan… I could go on. There’s a reason why the Belfast Food Tour starts in St George’s every weekend. The market has the best atmosphere with live music on all three trading days, and trader banter that customers come along to enjoy all year round. Alec the goose: The famous goose who used to visit the market in the early 1900’s was a bit of a legend in his day – in addition to being a regular at the market, he apparently used to walk children to school. These days Alec is remembered with a bronze statue outside the market. The Victorian premises is a beautiful redbrick building and the last remaining market in the once extensive retail area. It has quite the history and once was used as a morgue! Winning so many awards speaks volumes and St George’s has been named Best in Britain, Best Large Market in the UK, and Best Food Market. Our visitors come from Northern Ireland and beyond. Increasingly the market is a major attraction for overseas visitors. Tourists arrive from all over the world, sometimes finding my stall, asking questions and learning our own special language. I couldn’t list my top 10 things without mentioning my own stall Belfast Times as one of them. Hopefully you’ll come in and visit me soon and enjoy some banter! n

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