Northern Woman August 2019 by Helen Wright

Editor’s Letter

i all, Welcome to our August issue. This month’s fashion spread was shot in the gorgeous Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort. The luxury hotel and countryside setting provided the ideal backdrop for our accessorythemed shoot, and I’m dreaming of returning for a spa break soon. In other fashion, see ‘Seven ways to wear satin’, colour blocking inspiration, our wrap dress roundup, and more. Also in this issue, Jamaican author, motivational speaker and coach, Dr Ava Eagle Brown, talks to Northern Woman about her book The Mango Girl, plans to make it into a movie, and how she has come to call Northern Ireland home. Journalist Roisin Carabine interviewed Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter, who is starring in Fame The Musical in The Grand Opera House, Belfast, this month. I caught up with County Down featherweight Leah McCourt, before she takes to the cage for her next big fight. And Simone Hadfield – a coach, and yoga and meditation teacher, writes about her personal experience of a doing a ten-day silent meditation. As cities across Northern Ireland host events to mark Pride this summer, Jade Beecroft speaks to members of the local LGBTQ

Photo credit: Closet London. For fashion inspiration see pages 6-24

community about why it’s still so important. This month, Jade also looks at household budgeting and how to stretch those pennies further. In beauty news, journalist Claire Craig rounds up the very latest skincare and makeup launches. Our Blogger Corner guest author, John Lewis, champions three of his favourite skincare essentials and explains why we should incorporate them into our daily regime. We have another amazing subscription offer running this month; get 11 issues of NW delivered to your home for only £15. The price includes a fantastic free gift; the Iconic Bronze Medium Lotion RRP £10.99 and Luxury Tanning Mitt RRP £6.99. In addition, we bring you readers’ weddings, local events, interior décor ideas, travel reviews, movie listings, recipes, and a lot more. 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, Instagram: @northernwomanmagazine, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/northern-woman, and Twitter @NorthernWomanNW

CONTENTS AUGUST 2019

STYLE 08 CRACK COLOUR-BLOCKING 10 THREE SQUARES Check, gingham and tartan are trending 11 7 WAYS TO WEAR SATIN 14 ALL WRAPPED UP Transitional wrap dresses 16 IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL This month stylist Lesley Macaulay showcases accessories FEATURES 26 DR AVA EAGLE BROWN talks about The Mango Girl and more 28 BY JORGIE SHE’S GOT IT Jorgie Porter stars in Fame The Musical at Grand Opera House 30 8 SIGNS you’re officially getting older 30 WHY PRIDE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER 34 RETURNING FROM A CAREER BREAK BEAUTY 36 THE BEAUTY EDIT Makeup bag and skincare must-haves 38 SUN SEEKER Boost your holiday glow HEALTH AND WELLNESS 41 THE REALITY IT The mental health implications of appearing on reality TV 44 KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE Jess Dornan talks to NW about Afterbook 46 FIGHTING FIT We catch up with mixed martial artist Leah McCourt 48 BEETROOT AND MINT HUMMUS Sal Hanvey shares another of her healthy recipes 50 SILENCE IS GOLDEN A reader’s experience of doing a ten-day silent meditation 54 PROFILE: KINESIOLOGY

Cover image from Vero Moda www.veromoda.com For fashion inspiration see pages 6-24 Photo credit: Massimo Dutti

Boost your holiday glow with travel-ready beauty must-haves on pages 38-39 Photo credit: Mango

ESCAPE 56 TEN REASONS TO VISIT TAYTO PARK THIS SUMMER 58 24 HOURS IN INSTANBUL 60 EXTREMADURA A Spanish region to try LIVING 68 DOUBLE UP Designer doubles 70 MAKING AN ENTRANCE How to create a haute hallway 74 WEALTH AND HOME Household budgeting tips IN EVERY ISSUE 63 LET’S DRINK TO… Jawbox Gin

64 66 76 83 92 94 95 96

THE SOCIAL 10 Local events not to miss MOVIE ROUNDUP LOCAL WEDDINGS THE ALBUM Social photos NELSON KNOWS Is your family complete? HERE & THERE BLOGGER CORNER John Lewis’ skincare essentials NORTHERN MAN Jeff Meredith takes a 500-mile trip around Scotland 98 WIN A stay at Radission Blu Hotel Athlone

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 Art Editor: Helen Wright Sales Executive: Julie Patterson Editorial Contributors Claire Craig, Clare Bowie, Eunice Nelson, Jade Beecroft, James Oliver, John Lewis, Jeff Meredith, Lucy Norris, Paula Gracey, Sal Hanvey, Sinéad Sharkey-Steenson, Róisín Carabine and Victoria Evans Independent News & Media © 2019. 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

Image credit: Photography Kenny Whittle; stylist Jamie Russell; model Palmira Rendilheiro; all clothing from CastleCourt Shopping Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new-season campaign We Are These Streets

Britton heels from Kurt Geiger £146

Pair solid colours together to create bold and vibrant outfits. Avoid prints, instead opt for two colours that are opposites on the colour wheel e.g. blue and yellow, or green and red. Try not to use two colours that belong to the same family e.g. yellow and orange. Alternatively choose a different colour for your accessories, other than the main colour of your outfit. North south shopper bag from Oasis £30

Yellow loafers from Dune at House of Fraser £85

Seashell buckle belt from Mango was £19.99 now £9.99

Marc Cain

CRACK COLOUR-BLOCKING The easiest way of all to colour block, is to choose clothing and accessories that feature two or more contrasing colours.

Colour block track jacket from DKNY £60

Colour blocking dress from Monki was £30 now £15

Sinead colour block sweater from www.sugarhillbrighton.com £49

Swimsuit with ties from H&M £12.99

Shoes to rock technical mesh and suede sneakers from Pinko £230

Slip dress from Zara £29.99

Textured bandeau bikini top from Bonmarché £14

Green pleated skirt from Miss Selfridge was £35 now £20

Dusty pink utility boilersuit from Pretty Little Thing was £35 now £28

A flattering way to rock the trend, is to go head-to-toe with various shades of one colour – think grass green, vivid lilac and sunshine yellow.

Suede slides from H&M £34.99 Top £32 and skirt £34 from Vero Moda

Button top £25 and trousers £39 from Monsoon

Mustard clutch bag from Primark £6 Libon suede sliders from Accessorize was £22.50 now £15.75

Nicole net bag from Monki £20

Slip dress from H&M £14.99

Satin finish skirt £25.99, leather flats £29.99 and ruffled knit top £25.99 from Zara

Blue gingham slingback kitten heels from New Look was £23.99 now £12

Lilac gingham midi dress from Miss Selfridge was £42 now £30

Gingham cami dress from M&Co £29

Chessie check print jersey dress from Monsoon was £60 now £40

Three SQUARES

Gingham flippy belted shorts from Bonmarché was £16 now £12

Checked demi ankle strap sandals from Marks & Spencer £25

Check, gingham and tartan are trending, and now is a great time to pick up a sale bargain Ellaria checked blazer from Ted Baker was £199 now £119

Grey check blazer dress from River Island £68

Navarro checked shorts from Ted Baker was £119 now £59

Popi from Mango was £29.99 now £15.99

Top from Stradivarius £15.99

Shrimps gingham towel dress from Warehouse was £55 now £35

Most from Mango £35.99

Yellow gingham dress from Miss Selfridge was £39 now £15.60

Floral check prom midi dress from ASOS £55

ways to wear satin

Satin dress from French Connection at House of Fraser £100

Marigold tropical satin blazer playsuit from Glamorous £35

Here’s seven easy ways to nail the trend that’s taking centre stage this season; silky smooth shimmering satin BY LUCY NORRIS

White satin double breasted blazer from Wallis £55

Leopard print satin wide leg trousers from PrettyLittleThing was £25 now £16

Rose gold satin blazer from Dorothy Perkins £45

1. THE SUIT

Don’t hold back and dress yourself from head to toe in satin. Whether it’s a matching twinset or clashing prints, anything goes. Let the luxurious material hang,and pair a blazer with silky slacks for an elegant look that took the SS19 runways by storm. Choose complimentary primary block colours or crazy patterns, and turn heads as you strut into the office on Monday morning. Whatever the occasion, a satin suit is sure to hit the mark.

Jerry satin skirt in luxe pink from Superdry £49.99

White skirt from Zara £29.99

2. THE MIDI-SKIRT

We’ve seen them before and we’re guaranteed to see them again, the midi-skirt is the ultimate capsule piece that’ll never let you down. Adding an elegant edge to your outfit, a satin midi-skirt will take you from day to night in one fowl swoop. Experiment with prints or play it safe with one colour for an effortlessly chic ensemble. Team the midi with a plain white tee for daytime, and throw on a satin cami or bodysuit with a pair of strappy heels when the sun goes down.

Tan ruched cheeta print midi skirt from Miss Selfridge £32 Jacquard satin skirt from V by Very £28 Rust satin shirt dress from Wallis was £48 now £20 Satin dress from Primark £15

Brown spot satin jacquard midi dress from New Look £27.99

Abbey Clancy x Lipsy satin halterneck dress from Lipsy £60

3. THE SLIP

Another transitional piece, the satin slip dress is your next best friend. An outfit all on its lonesome, you simply need to pull it over your head and are ready to hit the town looking like a million dollars. For a more casual vibe, wear a t-shirt underneath, drape a denim jacket over your shoulders and pull on some white trainers.

Blue stripe satin frill hem slip dress from River Island £40

4. THE SHIRT

Tie front satin blouse from Lipsy £39

Putting a twist on the classic button down, satin shirts are it this season. Coming in all shapes and sizes, in every shade of the rainbow, add a pop of colour to your wardrobe with a pink or orange shirt. Tuck yours into a pair of neutral shorts, or wear an oversized version over a pair of skinny jeans, for the ultimate casualcool look.

Rich orange silk satin blouse from Pure Collection £99 Juni layered satin shirt from Elvi £45

Pink satin shirt from Miss Selfridge was £30 now £12

Boted bag from Dune London £78

5. THE BAG Satin knot bag from Accessorize £25

Make a subtle statement and incorporate this killer trend into your handbag collection this season. From oversized, sack-like knotted satin pieces to petite clutches, the material adds an air of sophistication like no other.

Dusty pink sateen clutch bag from T.K.Maxx £14.99

Satin ruche front clutch bag from Laura Ashley was £25 now £10

Satin edged court shoe from V by Very at LittlewoodsIreland £40

6. THE SHOE

Lead with your best foot forward and pound the pavement in satin clad shoes. Swan about in silky smooth satin trainers or slide into dinner in shimmering heels. Adding a little something extra to your outfit, satin shoes are the new glass slippers. Satin mules from T.K.Maxx £31

Safia satin bow mules from Monsoon was £45 now £22.50 Pointy flat mules from Bon Prix £15.99 Black hairband from M&Co £7

Neckscarf from Primark £2.50

Satin double bow cherry blossom headband from Accessorize £9

7. THE FINISHING TOUCHES

If wearing full-length satin is not your thing, style the look into your wardrobe through your accessories. Don a neck-scarf, tie a satin ribbon round your ponytail or keep your hair out of your face with an eye-catching headband.

Satin scarf from H&M £17.99

Snake print twill dress from Pinko was £350 now £175

Light lavender frilled maxi wrap dress from Glamorous £34

Jersey short sleeve wrap dress from Pure Collection £90

Stripe cami wrap dress from Warehouse £39

Floral wrap dress from Warehouse £55

Pistachio linen look frilled wrap dress from Glamorous £35

All Wrapped Up Universally flattering, transitional wrap dresses will see you through seasons. Here’s some of our faves Jackie Havana midi frill wrap dress from www.sugarhillbrighton.com £65 Floral print dress from Zara £29.99

Buttoned wrap dress from Monki £35

July from Mango £35.99 Berry frill wrap dress from Oasis £46

Tan polka dot frill midi dress from Oasis £48

Lemon dress from Zara £19.99

Choker £59, earrings £45, top £189, skirt £299 (take 40% off listed prices) Cubana, Lisburn Road; clutch £199, Honey, Lisburn Road; shoes £349, Labels, Lisburn Road

DETAIL It’s all in the

Forget ‘less is more’ when it comes to accessories this season – Northern Woman stylist Lesley Macaulay showcases seven impactful looks Shot on location at Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort

All rings £29, Labels, Lisburn Road; earrings £59, Cubana, Lisburn Road; shirt dress £135, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria Square; scarf £95, www.hopemacaulay.com

Scarf £149, red belt £45, black belt £59, Honey, Lisburn Road; white shirt £75, jeans £110, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria Square; waistcoat £189 (take 40% off), Cubana, Lisburn Road; shoes stylist’s own

Large red bag £395, lips red patent shopper bag £49, floral perspex French clutch £199, Honey, Lisburn Road; tartan bag £125, small bag with green strap £199 from Labels, Lisburn Road; yellow bag £105, pink bag £115, blue bag £85, large blue tote £115, shirt dress £135, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria Square; scarf £95, www.hopemacaulay.com; earrings £59, Cubana, Lisburn Road

Lemon quartz earrings £120, lemon quartz and topaz hair comb £340, pink cubic zirconia pendant £290, blue cubic zirconia ring £190, garnet ring £180, baguette cut cubic zirconia ring £230, moving pearl ring £320, Sarah Elizabeth Jewellery, Bangor; dress £325, Please Don’t Tell, Lisburn Road

Hat £20, Jude Law Boutique, Magherafelt; dress £149, boots £99, love bracelets £29 each, large bracelet £99, Labels, Lisburn Road; necklace £95, Honey, Lisburn Road; earrings £59, Cubana, Lisburn Road; bandeau top stylist’s own, briefs model’s own

– LOCATION – Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort 028 2588 1001 www.galgorm.com – PHOTOGRAPHY – Brendan Gallagher 079 0063 8365 brendangallagher.net – STYLIST – Lesley Macaulay 078 6680 9031 www.instagram.com/lesley.macaulay – HAIR – Eoghan Gallagher, Andrew Mulvenna Hair 028 9024 9191 andrewmulvenna.com – MAKEUP – Samantha Weightman MUA 078 6631 5279 www.samanthaweightman.co.uk – MODEL – Fiona Hurley, The Style Academy 028 9033 2345 www.styleacademy.com

Large bird brooch £59, large round brooch £59, blue brooch £35, owl brooches £29 each, Labels, Lisburn Road; sash borrowed by stylist; jacket £65, skirt £60 and headband £29, My Sister’s Closet, Victoria Square, shoes £349, Labels, Lisburn Road

Dr Ava Eagle Brown Photo by ReinisB

Dr Ava Eagle Brown

Antrim-based Jamaican author, international motivational speaker and coach, Dr Ava Eagle Brown, talks to Northern Woman about her book The Mango Girl, plans to make it into a movie, and how she has come to call Northern Ireland home BY CATRIONA DOHERTY

uthor of The Mango Girl, Dr Ava Eagle Brown’s life story sounds like something from a Hollywood movie, so it is perhaps unsurprising to learn that the book is being turned into a feature film. “The Mango Girl is a story that chronicles my life of sexual abuse, domestic violence, poverty, education as a passport out of poverty, resilience, tenacity, and courage under fire,” Ava beings. “It chronicles my whole journey and through that it’s telling a story of a little girl who was born in Jamica, who was sexually abused, and raped at gunpoint in front of her daughter who was three at the time. But it also looks at my childhood and how, although it was impoverished, it was such a beautiful experience when I look at it now, compared to when we lived in London and it felt as if my children were almost in a glasshouse. The story talks about the strength and the relationship beween some amazing women; my mum, myself and my daughter. “I told my story very honestly and candidly. I was freeing myself and healing myself, and in doing that I have now been healing and helping other women. It ends with the book becoming a feature film, which really is something that I think is so rewarding. “What I hope readers will take away from The Mango Girl is that the word ‘impossible’ means ‘I’m possible’. I think

that where you are from, doesn’t determine where you end up. I don’t believe that what you have been through has to define who you become. If anyone is an example of that, it’s myself. “I want you to understand that within you there is so much resilience, and that what you go through sometimes is preparing you for something bigger. In the moment maybe you can’t see that because things just seem so grim. “Also, education is a very big passport out of many situations. I think, as women, sometimes we get so bogged down with – we are wives, we are mothers, we are everything – and we lose ourselves in the process, but it is never too late to pick yourself up and go after your own dreams. “You can have it all, but probably not all at the same time.” US film production and distribution company Blue River Productions have acquired the story, and Ava is hopeful for a Northern Ireland film premiere in autumn 2020. “A LA studio have signed The Mango Girl, the film is in development, we are just waiting on a particular director to say ‘yes’ and then we are all ready to go. It will be filmed over eight weeks; three in Jamica and five in the USA, and we are aiming for an autumn release date. I would love for it to be premiered in Northern Ireland and I have my fingers crossed for that.” I ask: “who is going to play you?” “I am not privy to say, I have signed contracts so I can’t talk about that,” Ava replies. Ava is currently writing a sequel to The Mango Girl; The Woman of Steel and Stone. “In my second book I’m going to be even more naked that I was in The Mango Girl – although I told my story in it, there were just some elements that I couldn’t touch, and there are things that have happened to me since. So it’s going to be totally naked and very vulnerable. The book can’t come out until after that film, so that will be released in 2021.” Ava is writing The Woman of Steel and Stone from her new home in Antrim, having relocated to Northern Ireland from London five months ago. “Why did you decide to move to NI?” I ask. “I moved to Antrim because I had a really nasty divorce, I also had a really bad business deal that went wrong, and I was in a place where I needed to come off the

Chakai products

Dr Ava Eagle Brown. Photo by ReinisB treadmill of London,” Ava replies. “My cousin lives in the south of Ireland and I had been coming here back and forth. I wanted to get away somewhere I felt like I could be supported, and because I have family here, I have the support. As a person, I needed replenishing, rebirth, and it just seemed the natural thing to do. When I came, I had a look around and it made sense – it felt like Jamica. I feel like I’m on this long-term spa break and I am happy here.” In addition to writing a book, Ava is currently working on an impressive portfolio of other projects spanning charity work, local partnerships, motivational

speaking and coaching events, and she has just launched a new beauty business: Chakai homemade hair and body products. “When my marriage went badly, I started making body butter,” Ava says. “It was very therapeutic for me. Sometimes, as women, we don’t realise that when we go through some stuff we need therapy. I understood that because I am into personal development, but in that moment I didn’t want a coach or a shrink, I needed something that was going to almost feel like it was extracting from me. So I started making body butters for my family. Chakai the business was born. We are really into hair and skin products, and we are now looking for the right investor or business partner.”

The Mango Girl is available from Amazon for £15.36. Chakai products are available to buy online from: www.chakai.co.uk. For more information on Ava Brown’s coaching services, visit: www.avaeaglebrown.com

BY JORGIE, SHE’S GOT IT

From soap stardom to a stint in the jungle, via success skating on ice and now stage, Jorgie Porter talks to Northern Woman about touring the UK in the critically acclaimed Fame the Musical BY RÓISÍN CARABINE

he’s an actress and model who is perhaps best known for her role as the feisty Theresa McQueen in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks and racy photoshoots in lads’ mag FHM, but having spent the last year touring the UK in the smash-hit West Ender Fame the Musical – which comes to the Grand Opera House, Belfast, this month – Jorgie Porter has proved that there’s more to her than meets the eye. When she finally answers my call on the third attempt she laughs when she realises I’m not phoning about miss-sold PPI, then excuses herself to rush off to the toilet. Ten minutes later and the infectiously bubbly 31-year-old Mancunian is ready to talk ballet, flying pumps and crying, lots of crying. “This is definitely not a show that people expect me to be in and I love that. I love to shock, to push the boundaries,” enthuses Jorgie who is every bit as dedicated as she is down-to-earth. “Everyone is really surprised that I can actually dance. I don’t think even my agent expected me to be as good,” she laughs. The ‘fat, spotty school kid’ (Jorgie’s own

Fame the Musical

words) is living the dream and loving every minute of it. “Honestly, it’s the best job I’ve ever done. I’ve always wanted to be on stage. This is what I’ve trained for; I’ve just gone the long way about it,” says Jorgie who first started learning classical ballet at the age of three in her local church hall. In the show which charts the ups and downs of students dreaming of stardom at the New York School for the Performing Arts, Jorgie plays Iris Kelly. “She’s a spoilt, stuck-up ballerina who everyone thinks is rich but actually she’s really poor. Then she falls for Tyrone Jackson and we get to see

the real Iris. She will do anything for dance. She just wants to make it and be famous.” It’s a role that Jorgie can relate to. “As a kid I always wanted to be famous. I thought I’d be a background dancer. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up. My dance teacher used to give my mum money to pay for my auditions. Luckily I got a scholarship for the Hammond,” (School of Dance in Chester). “I have a national diploma in dance,” she says proudly. Ballet fell by the wayside when Jorgie’s career took an unexpected turn in her late teens when she was plucked from

Fame the Musical

obscurity in 2008 to play Theresa McQueen in Hollyoaks – a role that was meant to last three months, but which she enjoyed for eight years. Later screen success saw her skate to the final of the seventh series of Dancing on Ice in 2012, and parachute into the jungle on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2015. Theatre has been a new challenge for the star and a completely different beast to her previous gruelling 14-hour day soap schedule. “Rehearsals were so intense,” she says. “There’s like a movement for each note, each word. At times it would all get

too much and I would think, ‘I’m not good at this’ and take myself off and have a cry. “I still get really nervous,” she admits, “but I love it. On stage you’re open and vulnerable; you can’t hide behind anything.” She also loves the high energy and drama of each performance. “I usually get bored and distracted easily and even though I’m doing the same show every day and night, each one is different; you just don’t know what to expect or how the audience will react. I had one of my ballet shoes fly off the side of the stage recently, but luckily no-one noticed,” she giggles. So what can NI audiences expect? “Lots of singing and you’ll definitely be up dancing,” says Jorgie who stars alongside soul singer Mica Paris (Miss Sherman) and Any Dream Will Do runner-up Keith Jack (Nick Piazza) in the 30th anniversary tour of the 1980s phenomenal pop culture movie that inspired both the musical and the hit TV series. She’s too young to remember the film. “I did watch it, for research, and I used to watch the TV series on Channel 5 and Sky Plus One,” she says. “Fans will love it – the ‘80s outfits and hair – but young people will also get it. It’s a bit gritty but it’s real. The show deals with a lot of the same issues that kids’ face today: identity, racism, dyslexia, homophobia, drugs – just in legwarmers and leotards.

“The cast is amazing, so incredible,” she gushes. “Seriously Micha Paris knows everything. She’s like a mind reader. And the dancers are all so talented – and so young. I’m like one of the oldest actors on set,” she laughs. The TV star is excited for her upcoming performances in Belfast and if Dublin was anything to go by she’s expecting audiences “to be loud and fun. This show’s big on audience participation.” No pressure then. As for future plans, Jorgie says she’s still wants to surprise and prove the doubters wrong. “The West End was always my dream. Now I need a new dream. Maybe football,” she jokes. “I’m definitely up for a funny comedy role now – she was cast in the BBC’s Are You Being Served revival 2016 – or a psycho film. Yeah, that would be cool,” she squeals excitedly. Not that Jorgie is in any hurry to exit stage left any time soon. She’s in her element dancing and singing. “It really is my favourite thing. I just love it,” she says again. We’ve got a feeling you ain’t seen the best of this one yet. Remember the name. Catch Jorgie Porter in Fame The Musical at Belfast’s Grand Opera House from Monday 19th until Saturday 24th August. For more information, visit www.goh.co.uk

8 SIGNS

you’re officially getting older BY CLARE BOWIE Night out preparation

You do like a night out but it definitely seems a little more complicated than it used to be. It now takes about a month to organise, in order to suit all schedules, shifts, partners, kids, school events etc. and it takes another week to decide what to wear. You want to look amazing but that needs to be achieved in the most comfortable, stretchy not clingy, fashionable yet individual, tailored but effortless, arms covered yet alluring, way possible and you will realistically only have about 20 minutes to get ready. Makeup is done swiftly and fake tanning is now an ankles and neck scenario - gone are the days of full-body exfoliation and all over precision application.

Actual night out

There’s a small piece of you wishing you

could just stay home because, you know, you’re a bit tired and you do love your own sofa. Once the night gets going and you get over the fact that you’ve nearly lost your voice from shouting over the noise, then you feel so glad that you came out. This is great craic altogether – as long as you know you can get your taxi early, and don’t drink too much because there’s things to do next day, and maybe you shouldn’t have that Prosecco in case it gives you the bloat, or that Espresso Martini because the caffeine will keep you awake (mentally counts hours of sleep left in the night). So yeah, you’re feeling totally relaxed about the whole night - so worth it!

Next day

Hangovers can last a good day or two now and occasionally, you think you’ve got away with it and then it hits you at 1pm because that is a thing now. Your body

has slowed down recently and even the hangover takes a while to catch up. You have vague memories of waffling on far too much (standard) and one of your friends definitely confided in you about something extremely personal, but the truth is it was very noisy and you didn’t really hear all of it and you actually can’t remember. Oh well, her secret will deffo be safe with you. You feel extremely tired all of the next day. *falls asleep on sofa at approximately 8.45pm

Generation gap

You’ve started to feel the gap more and more these days; you have no idea who most of the celebrities on Strictly are, and you’re still a bit unsure about this ‘strong eyebrow game’ phenomenon. Between threading, tinting and blading, your tweezed brows are waaay worse than everyone else’s. You’re not quite ready for Radio 4 yet, but the very thought of a music festival makes you feel queasy, slightly damp and grubby. Plus, your kids ask you questions about your evacuation experience in the war for their history project, which makes you feel super fresh.

Kids

You realise how different your childhood was to theirs and it makes you feel so old. They will never know what it’s like to share a family phone, to have a phone without

a camera, hair without straighteners, a world without Google and takeaways without apps. It blows their tiny minds when you explain that you used to have to queue up in banks before online banking and contactless payment was not a thing. They will never have to budget for a night out, making sure that they have enough change left for a taxi, a taxi that you had to contact from a payphone. They will never know any of this - they cringe at your emoji knowledge and you’re sad because all they really care about is YouTube, and it’s become harder to understand their world and their homework TBH.

Parents

You talk like your parents now, in a totally non-ironic way. You go on a lot about not wasting food, potential and money, you love to lecture about the importance of having respect for possessions and people (usually while simultaneously opening a window and switching off a light). Hardly a day goes by when you don’t say: “eat your dinner”,

“don’t forget your coat”, or “tidy your room”. You try to impart life lessons without sounding like an awkward teacher, trying to navigate this new modern world but it’s hard to relate when they have no idea what an iPod is or who Take That is. When older people die you’ve started to say, “they were so young”, because young now means anyone under 78.

You forget things

You put stuff in ‘a safe place’ but will never see it again. You forget how bad your eyesight is getting and fool yourself that you can thread a needle without squinting at it for at least 10 minutes. You put the washing in the machine but forget if you’ve already put the tab in (you get through a lot of washing tabs due to the doubling up). You kinda lose track of things like cups of tea, and you have that awful moment when you realise that you’re actually a year older than you thought you were. You forget how old things really are and still refer to the new bridge, new leisure centre, new pizza place

or new shopping centre, which were all built 10-15 years ago.

Time and sleep

Everything is about time and sleeping now, these are your two most precious commodities. All you talk about is how much time you do or don’t have in the day, or how much sleep you do or don’t get. You don’t sleep well for a few days, you feel bad, you look bad, you’re as stiff as a robot, and you tell everyone all about it; and then, you do get a good night’s sleep, which inexplicably makes you feel even more tired! You consider a lie-in to be 8am and a late night is 11pm. If anyone phones at night you feel shocked and alarmed, “Who would be calling at this hour of the night?” (It’s 8.30pm). There’s just no tiiimmmeee for anything and you say stuff like: “I haven’t had time to sit down all day”, before saying how tired you are. At least the ‘older and wiser’ thing is going to kick in, any day now! Right?

THE PRIDE ORGANISER

Megan MvIvor

Why Pride is more important than ever Cities across Northern Ireland will host events to mark Pride this summer. Jade Beecroft speaks to members of the local LGBTQ community about why it’s important THE NEXT GENERATION

Full-time student Megan McIvor, from Glengormley, identifies as a “queer woman” and has been with her partner for 18 months. The 18-year-old says she’s always been open with regards to her sexuality, and her mum has always supported her. “I came out quite young and so found it easier to be accepted,” she explains. “However there have still been issues, especially in the earlier days. I had friends who disagreed with my ‘choice’; I’ve had people tell me they could ‘convert me’ to being straight. “Being gay isn’t difficult or a challenge or something that needs commending – it’s dealing with the people who are against your very existence that makes loving another person seem so daunting.” Megan has been an advocate for the LGBT community through her work with a local LGBT youth organisation. She admits that sometimes it’s the reactions of strangers that can be difficult.

“The issue I feel at the moment is that I am unwilling to say that I am in a relationship with a woman at times for fear of a negative reaction,” she explains. “I refer to her as my ‘partner’ rather than ‘girlfriend’ or by her name if I don’t know the person I am speaking to well. “Pride is important because it provides a safe place for allies and those in the community to come together and celebrate how far we have come since Stonewall. There are still many countries today where homosexuality can be granted the death penalty. I advocate for marriage equality, equal rights and the freedom to love who you were made to love.” And she has this advice… “Support your loved ones. Let them be themselves and unafraid to express it. If you can bring any comfort to your child, sibling, grandchild, niece, nephew, friends or colleagues it will make all the difference. Your support can change the narrative of someone’s life entirely.”

Eimear Willis is one of the organisers of Foyle Pride, which takes place in Derry for a week from August 17th, cumulating with a parade through the city on Saturday August 24th. This year’s theme is marking the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Eimear, 24, explains: “Stonewall happened in New York in 1969. Members of the gay community took to the streets to demonstrate against the police raids of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar. The demonstrations were the starting point for the Pride events we have worldwide today. “Pride is about looking outwards. Whatever your sexuality, it’s very likely that you have a friend or family member who is LGBTQ – even if you don’t know it. It’s about showing solidarity for all members of the community, and calling for equal rights for all, which we still don’t have in Northern Ireland. “At Foyle Pride we believe we have a responsibility to continue calling for social and political change. That said, we’re also very community-focused, with events to appeal to all, including a family fun day after the main march. Last year about 2,000 people were involved in the march, and we’d love to attract even more this time.” Belfast is also hosting a huge Pride celebration this summer. Events run from Friday July 26th to Sunday August 4th, with a parade through the city on Saturday August 3rd. For more information visit: www.belfastpride.com.

Diane and Andrea

THE LOW-KEY COUPLE

Eimear Willis

THE DRAG KING

Claire Simms, from Belfast, uses several aliases – CJ, Gita and Carl ConnieLingus, for when she is performing in male drag. The 35-year-old explains that she is a BioDrag King and has been taking part in an Irish competition called The Ringmasters Drag Race, hosted by Paul Ryder. She explains: “I identify as a Non-Binary Pansexual – basically I don’t care about gender. I genuinely fall for personalities, it doesn’t matter what people have between their legs. I take any pronoun, including they/their, he/him, she/her, thon/specimen. “I have never personally felt threatened about my sexuality or preferences, I’ve

Diane Marks and Andrea Hope live in Newtownabbey. The pair are both blind and met when their guide dogs made a bee-line for each other at a charity event. The ladies are now engaged, but are waiting to tie the knot until Northern Ireland gets marriage equality. Diane, 46, explains: “I think about three quarters of the population now support gay marriage, but it’s the politicians that are holding things up. It’s time for us to move into the 21st century. “It’s a real shame because a few years ago we led the way, we were one of the first to offer civil partnerships, but now we’ve totally stagnated. We’re going backwards and letting ourselves down. Andrea and I know we could have a civil partnership, but we want to be married. “Why should we have to move away from our home to do that?” Andrea, 37, adds: “Whoever you are, you should be proud and just be yourself. That said, we’re low key when we’re out in public, there’s no need to be an exhibitionist. I think some gay couples are a bit OTT and that’s what gets people’s backs up. You don’t really want to see anyone snogging someone else’s face off – gay or straight! Whatever your sexuality, there’s no need to be ‘in your face’ about it. We all just need to be more accepting of each other.”

had it quite easy in that sense. But I have seen it far too many times with friends and even strangers, and I’m the type to step in, because there is never a need for ignorance or bullying. No one should ever be or feel alone, it’s the worst feeling ever.” CJ says there are many issues that need addressing in our society, including samesex marriage, trans rights, and abortion rights. “Amazingly this year we have seen Alliance and the Green Party succeed; that has given myself and loads of others hope,” she says. “It can be more than red and white, and blue and green; we can have a better life for everyone in Northern Ireland

EQUAL RIGHTS IN NORTHERN IRELAND Equal rights for LGBTQ people in Northern Ireland are some of the most limited in Western Europe, and certainly lagging behind the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Civil partnerships have been available in the UK since 2005, and the province actually led the way, with one of the first ceremonies taking place in Belfast in the December of that year. But since then we have fallen behind. Same-sex marriages, which put homosexual couples on the same footing as heterosexual couples, were performed in England and Wales for the first time in March 2014, and in Scotland in December 2014. Same-sex marriage became legal in the Republic of Ireland in 2015, following a referendum. The issue has been voted on five times by the Northern Ireland Assembly (when it was sitting) and was passed by a narrow majority in 2015, but then vetoed by the DUP using a petition of concern. With the collapse of the power-sharing government, LBGTQ campaigners fear that equal rights issues will fall even further behind. Each year, the number of countries worldwide legalising same-sex marriage grows.

and Ireland as a whole. “We have an opportunity to change things around, make them right and then everyone can live with some piece of mind that they have support, safety and most of all love. Isn’t that what everyone wants after all. “Our politics and beliefs are so distorted here, that’s our biggest fight. When these people realise that everyone is equal then the world will be perfect. “My message is simple: never apologise for being a powerful woman. A strong woman loves, forgives, walks away, lets go, tries again and perseveres... no matter what life throws at you.”

re you on a career break? Maybe you’ve taken time out for caring responsibilities, children, ill health or redundancy. The thing is, it can feel impossible to go back. The doubts are huge; I’ve been off too long; I have no skills that anyone would want; my confidence is on the floor; everything has changed; I can’t remember how to work. It’s no surprise. Many organisations have traditionally been pretty hard on potential returners. From asking for three years’ management experience in the last five, to being very dismissive of the gap in people’s CV. But there’s some great news, things are really starting to change. Many industries are experiencing major skills shortages, particularly those in STEM. You are the answer to the problems of many businesses across Northern Ireland and the UK. There are a number of myths about returners that need addressed:

I have nothing to offer

Returning from a CAREER BREAK How to get back out there

BY SINÉAD SHARKEY-STEENSON Just because you have taken a break from working, it does not make your previous interested in any of these skills? You can use your past experience in detail. Often we experience redundant. Remember your first a functional or skills-based CV (rather than forget how much we’ve done and that has day at work and how quickly you got up a chronological one) to highlight what you a big impact on confidence. A career coach to speed? It will only take you a few weeks have, and showcase some of what you’ve can also help in this regard, what we do is to get back up to speed with the changes been doing whilst on your break, help you be the best version of you – and that have occurred since you last such as taking courses. your confidence will increase as a result. worked. Even with fast-moving technology, returners usually have refreshed their skills I can’t go back at the I won’t get the flexibility I need and are as competent same level (or even Thankfully businesses are more open to as anyone else in their flexible working than you think. I’ve had higher) business. In fact, I heard clients negotiate flexibility in companies Why not? Tech companies a VP of HR for Facebook where they outright said they don’t do it. especially cannot fill speak at an event and say Know what you need and what you want. their gaps. They’re that the rate of change is Is it flexibility to work at home or flexible relying on graduates who Sinéad Sharkeyso fast for everyone, that a hours? You will be pleasantly surprised if aren’t equipped with the Steenson break makes no difference, you actually ask the question rather than same skills, knowledge, and we’re all having to learn and rule yourself out before you have applied experience to manage teams, refresh as we go. for the job. If they don’t consider it, then it’s build strong customer relationships, probably not the type of place you want to and the maturity to deal with all the hard work anyway. stuff the workplace can throw at us. You They won’t see past the gap in my CV might not be up to speed in every facet of What skills have you gained whilst off? the business but you don’t need the same Have you been sitting in an empty room not Sinéad Sharkey-Steenson is the co-founder level of nannying that a university graduate interacting with any other humans? I met with Lisa Strutt of Career Reboot; a would need. This is your USP. Own the a woman in the USA who was looking to business dedicated to supporting people skills, knowledge, and experience that return to work after a 27-year career break. who want a successful return to work after you have. They need it so don’t undersell She was convinced nobody would even a career break break, and she works with yourself. look at her. We had a chat about what she’d organisations who want to make the most done in those 27 years. She raised a family, of this talent. As a successful career coach which has a whole set of amazing skills. She I don’t have the confidence to go back who has supported thousands of women had chaired the PTA, been on the board or Take some time to remember the types of to success in the workplace, working with committees of multiple organisations, had things you were doing before you left the returners is a natural next step. If you would been a fundraiser or many of them, helped workplace. Meet up with old work friends like to know more about Career Reboot, out with the books at her husband’s and or an old boss. Get their feedback and email: Sinead@rebootu.co.uk other businesses, was tech savvy, and much recognise how you’ve learned and grown more. You think an employer might be

since you’ve left. Take some time to review

BEAUTY

Credit: Tommy Hilfiger at House of Fraser

THE DARK SIDE

To celebrate its 15th birthday he-shi has released an Ultra Dark version of its best-selling Express Liquid Tan. Perfect for an intense, dark tan, the formula is incredibly hydrating, lightweight, dries in seconds, and lasts up to 10 days, so it’s ideal for getting your glow on before a holiday. A blend of natural ingredients including Avocado, Argan Oil and Vitamin E and zero parabens or alcohol help keep skin super-hydrated and make it the safest way to tan this summer. Ultra Dark Express Liquid Tan from he-shi £23.50

POWDER POWER

If you hate the feeling of sun cream but know the importance of protecting yourself from harmful UV rays, then this Dry Sunscreen from Jane Iredale might come as something of a revelation. Suitable for face, body and scalp, the SPF 30 broad spectrum sunscreen comes recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. Available in four shades, pomegranate and pine bark extracts help nourish and calm the skin – making it perfect for soothing sunburn and it is water resistant for up to 40 minutes. Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen from Jane Iredale £36

HAIR CARE

Give damaged hair the kiss of life with this intensive mask from Leonor Greyl. Infused with mongongo oil to regenerate hair, it deeply moisturises for immediate and long-lasting softness and shine on coloured, natural, straightened or frizzy hair. Use as an everyday conditioner or leave on for twenty minutes as an intensive weekly treatment. Masque Quintessence from Leonor Greyl £84

BRONZE GODDESS

This versatile liquid bronzer from the new Clean Glow Collection at bareMinerals, is infused with lightreflecting pearls that create a natural, customisable glow with a luminous finish. The featherweight fluid can be worn alone or mixed with other liquidbased formulas – like foundation, primer or moisturiser – for radiant colour that stays put for 16 hours.

Barepro Glow Bronzer from bareMinerals £23

The Beauty Edit BY CLAIRE CRAIG

The latest makeup, hair and skincare summer must haves I CARRIED A WATERMELON

Quench sun exposed skin with this hydrating Watermelon Sheet Mask designed to cool and revive your complexion. Perfect for holidays, pop it in the fridge before use for added benefits.

SUMMER SCENT

Soft vanilla, creamy sandalwood, pink peppercorns, and crisp vert de bergamote collide in this alluring new fragrance from Tom Ford. Sensual and mesmerising, it’s perfect for warm summer nights and making new memories.

Watermelon Sheet Mask from Masque Bar £4.99

Métallique from Tom Ford £98

GOLDEN GIRL

Taking inspiration from the African goddess Oshun, this beautiful palette from OPVBeauty features 12 covetable golden tones. Containing a variety of creamy shades in matte, metallic and chrome finishes, this buildable and long-wearing palette is perfect for creating flawless looks that last from day to night. Oshun Eyeshadow Palette from OPVBeauty £29

SAVE FACE

Sunshine and humidity can wreak havoc on your perfectly made-up face, so give makeup some staying power with this Matte Fixing Spray from Misslyn. The ultra-light formula wraps itself around your makeup, and works like a protective shield, meaning your makeup won’t budge. The fine mist spray allows for a matte complexion, and thanks to its handy handbag sized bottle it’s perfect for on the go use. Matte Fixing Spray from Misslyn £8.25

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Iconic Bronze Medium Lotion & Luxury Tanning Mitt Iconic Bronze brings together all you need for that elusive glow we crave, offering a high-quality lotion formula that is easily absorbed with minimal drying time, it promises streak-free results and delivers a beautiful olive-toned glow. Consider it the next must-have beauty item on your list this summer. It’s more than just tannourishing and paraben free, Iconic Bronze is enriched with sunflower oil to aid moisture retention and improve

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hydration levels within the skin. Omega 6 and 9 enhance the complexion – the secret to visible radiance – and improves the skin’s texture and softness. If that wasn’t enough, it also boasts a beautiful floral fragrance that instantly puts you in a summery frame of mind. Forget what you normally expect from a false tan’s fragrance; here you have top notes of fig, mandarin and orange blossom, heart notes of fig leaf, jasmine and frangipani, with base notes of amber, cedar and musk - all of which give Iconic Bronze the perfect floral scent. Consider it a radiance booster, hydration hero, bronzing lotion, and a fragrance all-in-one.

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Take 3: Travel minis On the lash

MAC make-up is a staple in my bag – it’s a best-selling make-up line for a reason. Its formulations, textures and pigment levels really are legendary. MAC has an entire Mini MAC range – miniature size versions of its cult classics – and MAC False Lashes Mini Mascara is one of my top picks for luscious lashes. The product is vailable from MAC stores nationwide and maccosmetics.com False Lashes Extreme Black mini mascara from MAC £10

Glow getter

SUN SEEKER Boost your holiday glow with these travel-ready beauty must-haves

BY RUTH GRIFFIN

oliday season is well underway which means the fun of packing begins. Am I the world’s best packer? Mmmm, to be honest with you, I would say I’m more of a work in progress! I avidly read all the top tips on streamlining your luggage, just as I follow all the nifty little space-saving hacks from well-journeyed jetsetters, and swear each year that I’ll be as organised and put together as those coolas-a-cucumber travellers I watch sailing through the airport each summer. The trouble is, I do follow all these tips and always start off so well on my luggage packing, but then I get caught up in whatifs.

It’s usually something bonkers like, “What if I get invited to a black tie ball on my beach holiday? I better bring a few sequin gowns and all my sparkly eye shadows – just in case.” The reality of course is that I become a sun-drenched sloth and end up wearing the same three summer dresses and go barefaced and make-up free on my beach holiday – every time. For this article, I have focussed on desert island beauty products – the best multitasking make-up goodies that are so small they can literally fit in your pocket. These beauts won’t let you down on holidays and will help you (and me!) look like seasoned jetsetters when we sail into the airport, proudly showing off our teeny-tiny, underweight luggage.

For a pop of golden/nectar-toned bronzer to your face, one of my faves is the best-selling Benefit Hoola Bronzer which also comes in a handy travel size. Benefit has a ginormous range of travel size beauts – nearly its entire range can be picked up in compact versions. The bronzer is available from Boots, department stores and Benefit stores nationwide. Hoola matte bronzer travel size mini from Benefit £13

Cherry on top

Aveda is a long-standing favourite haircare line of mine. I use it when I feel my hair is thirsty and a bit wrecked from too much dye and over-styling, and in need of some natural nourishment. I’m chuffed that its new Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo is now in a travel size. Wait till you smell it! The full-sized shampoo is available from department stores, hair salons nationwide and aveda.com, from £17.50. The Cherry Almond Travel Essentials kit costs £20 and contains a miniature shampoo, conditioner and texture tonic. Cherry Almond Softening Shampoo from Aveda £20

SUPER SUNSCREEN

IMAGE Daily Matte Moisturiser SPF 32+ is oil-free but never chalky, goes on like a dream (no pasty white pallor), melts into the face in a flash and gives all-round sun protection. A gem! If you fancy travelling like a VIP, check out the IMAGE First Class Skincare Travel Kit. It contains this SPF, a serum and a facial cleanser in one travel kit. The kit is £41.50 and can be purchased from IMAGE stockists and imageskincare.ie.

Seven of the best: Travel essentials FORGET ME KNOT

For a good quality hairbrush that’s small enough to chuck into your hand luggage, try the Tangle Teezer Compact. The brush is Tangle Teezer Compact priced at £13.50 Styler in lilac gleam £13.50 and is available from Dunnes Stores, pharmacies nationwide and www.tangleteezer.com

SKIN SAVIOUR

While coconut oil is a multi-purpose beauty product, I tend to use it mostly when my skin and hair are feeling very thirsty (like after a long day at the beach or pool) and in need of some extra-hydrating TLC. This is the perfect holiday skin saviour - and you’ll smell like the tropics after using it. Vita Coco Coconut Oil travel size (50ml) is £2.99 from health shops nationwide, Holland and Barrett is now offering 30% off and the product is retailing at £1.99. Vita Coco Coconut Oil travel size £2.99

HAIR HERO

If you’re on the lookout for a truly hard-working holiday hair helper, look no further than this legend. Pureology Colour Fanatic Multi Tasking Hair Beautifyer is a spray-in treatment with no less than 21 uses. It protects hair colour from fading, assists blow-dries and detangles in a jiffy. Perfect for all year round but particularly good for holiday hair. The product is available from Peter Mark salons nationwide. Colour Fanatic from Pureology £25.25

MAKE-UP MULTI-TASKER

If you can’t deal with lugging a bulging makeup bag on holiday, think about bringing some make-up multi-taskers instead. Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Lip Quad pens have four lip tones making them a handbag hero of mine all year round, and a holiday make-up must-have. The Lip Quad is £24.99 and available from department stores, pharmacies including Gordons Direct, and sculptedbyaimee.com Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Lip Quads £24.99

First Class Skincare Travel Kit from IMAGE £41.50

TRAVEL PRO

Decant your favourite lotions and potions into these handy little plastic travel bottles. You’re guaranteed no spillages or breakages of your favourite fancy creams when using these - and you’ll look like a seasoned traveller too. The travel set retails for £5.10 at Boots stores nationwide. Travel Set from Boots £5.10

BEST BUG ZAPPER

If you’re looking for an insect repellent that keeps bugs at bay naturally, without a massive dose of chemical nasties (that aren’t good for you, the insects or our air), check out A Vogel Bioforce Natural Insect Repellent. Neem oil is the key ingredient here - both mosquitoes and midges hate the smell of it, and it’s suitable for sensitive skin. The repellent is £5.99 and can be purchased from health stores nationwide. Herbal Insect Repellant Spray from A.Vogel £5.99

Yon-ka Paris

he Yon-ka brand was created in 1954 in France. Yon-ka products provide ingredients which give your skin benefits from the most precious part of plants. They are full of essential oils, vitamins, fruit acids, polyphenols, peptides, oligoelements, essential oils, lavender, geranium, rosemary, cypress and thyme. Lotion Yon-ka’s customised solution has the promise of a striking an immediate visible result. One hero product, is the Lotion Yon-Ka invigorating mist facial toner. It is a treatment mist which rebalances and repairs the skin. It is an alcohol free, phyto aromatic fountain of beauty which tones and purifies, as well as giving a sense of well-being. Since 2014, Yon-ka has implemented a genuine action for nature. Since then, world renowned designers have collaborated with Yon-Ka to design a Limited Edition Lotion Yon-ka, the brand’s most iconic product, in association with Un Toit Pour Les Abeilles. Yon-ka are donating €1 from the sale of each Limited Edition Lotion Yon-Ka to the organisation. This year, Yon-ka has teamed up with the passionate illustrator Roxy Lapassade for it’s limited edition of Lotion Yon-Ka. The bottle Roxy designed is subtle and refined, with a touch of humor and poetry. The design features hearts and bees to underline the connection between the brand, it’s clients, and the protection of bees. The Yon-Ka honey farm is based in the Gorges de Daluis, South Eastern France on a bioclimatic honey farm situated at an altitude of 1,300m, built from local larch, straw and earth, and using thermal solar energy creating Yon-Ka organic lavender honey. Limited Edition Lotion Yon-Ka is available to purchase from Yon-Ka salons and spas nationwide or online at: www.renaissance-skincare.com/yonka

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

hile the ITV phenomenon Love Island has drawn in a peak viewership of 3.7million this summer, it is as divisive as Marmite. You could say: “it is what it is” – a simple form of entertainment and if you don’t like it, just switch off. But should we be so superficial? With regard to the mental health impact of appearing on the show, we cannot ignore that two previous contestants committed suicide. While this cannot of course be directly linked to the show, and certainly as a psychologist I am very wary of assigning responsibility for a personal act outside the person, it does perhaps raise questions over:

Appropriate support and aftercare

Can contestants ever be prepared for the overwhelming interest (and extreme emotion – both positive and negative) expressed about them? We know how many actors or footballers struggle to cope – and they have often had both training and gradual exposure.

24/7 scrutiny

The reality is... As things hot up in this summer’s Love Island, TV psychologist and author, Dr Audrey Tang, explores the mental health implications of appearing on a reality TV show labour’ in the 80s to describe the emotional behaviours one had to display within a job role as it ‘came with the uniform’. She spoke of the teacher who has to remain calm although dealing with a volatile student. This need to manage our emotions causes extra stress and if there is no support including a place to take a break, it can lead to burnout. Participants in reality TV are performing such labour 24/7.

The effect of unconscious projection

On a reality TV show, not only are participants As humans we connect is being filmed in an with what we see, unusual situation, but and our brains have the camera rolls while trouble separating asleep too. This gives no fantasy from reality when respite. There are no secrets. it comes to experiencing Dr Audrey Tang Worse still, we are not the emotions. We can get as editors of our own story. 24 hours invested in soap characters as of footage is condensed, perhaps taken out our own relationships, because empathy of context, to create a narrative over which often means we simply experience the we have no control. emotional reaction to their story without fully appreciating that it is not related to us personally. 24/7 time spent with others This can cause many problems if we Problematically too is spending so much have been through what we are seeing (or time with others. We may struggle to think we are seeing), remain ‘nice’ or even polite because in the especially if it was a real world we can walk away... on a TV show negative experience there’s still the camera. This can lead to for us. If we have not us suppressing our authenticity, as well as worked through our potentially being in an environment which specific experience, breeds aggression. Let us not forget that the understood our role premise of most reality TV is a contest, so in what happened competition already exists. (even if we were not Hochschild coined the term ‘emotional

to blame), any residual anger or negative emotional memory can be unconsciously or otherwise directed onto the person we see as behaving in the manner that hurt us. This is damaging to both ourselves and the object of our projections.

Unpredictable audience reaction

While audiences discuss and analyse – and produce quite cruel memes and hashtags about contestants – are they forgetting they are talking not about characters written in a drama, but people who might see them? One thing I would concede is that at least it is opening the dialogue over healthy and unhealthy emotional behaviours... but at what price? As I write, one evicted Love Island contestant is in a safe house following audience perception of coercive behaviour. Whenever I deliver training, I emphasise that while one can do the best they can to put across a certain message, it is still left to the recipient how they perceive it. This potential for a huge negative reaction would trouble me ethically within a social experiment, let alone entertainment. I have to question, is this type of unpredictability in any subsequent ‘fame’ what any contestant would ever knowingly and reasonably consent to? If it is, what does that say about our current world?´

From more from Dr Audrey Tang, see her book The Leader’s Guide to Mindfulness, £14.99.

KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE Jess Dornan Lynas, sister of Jamie Dornan, talks to NW about Afterbook; a free-of-charge online platform that enables people to tell the life stories of a loved one

BY CATRIONA DOHERTY

EDxStormont is returning this August with an impressive line-up of 18 speakers, one of whom is Jess Dornan Lynas, founder of Afterbook. “Afterbook is a digital platform where users can tell the life story of, and build a legacy of a loved one, and indeed tell their own life story,” Jess begins. “Curating a profile is a very cathartic experience; in the form of journaling if you are telling your own life story, and creating meaningful and mindful content. We know from industry experts that remembering a person, and talking of a person who has passed away, is a very healing tool and a very big part of the grieving process.” At the moment Afterbook is a free-ofcharge service, used by more than 1,200 people in 62 countries across the world. “We would love the reach to be greater because the feedback we get from our customers is just wonderful,” Jess says. “The idea of a digital memorial is not necessarily new, but certainly something as multifaceted, as cathartic, beautiful, respectful and mindful as Afterbook - was lacking, and there is definitely a space for it in the marketplace.” Tragically when Jess was 19, her mum Lorna died of pancreatic cancer. The effect that Lorna’s illness and death had on Jess and her family, was the defining moment of her life and eventually led to the founding of Afterbook. Jess says: “My Mum died nearly 21 years ago, and ten years ago I started my own family – I have two children. I was having an evening with my father and we were taking about my Mum which we try to do as often as possible, but we all live busy lives, and live in different countries, so it’s difficult for us to get together and have dedicated time to tell stories of Mum and remember her. My father and I were lamenting this - over a few bottles of wine I have to admit,” jess jokes. “We looked at what was available. If someone passes away, on Facebook you can put their site into ‘in memoriam’, but it’s not really the dedicated and respectful place that you want to remember someone. We talked about having a digital space and we didn’t really know how to make it happen. That was 2ƒ years ago and we’ve now got this brilliantly functioning NVP with all these users and positive feedback that there is a real yearning for this, and a real need for this. “My children obviously didn’t get to know their nana Lorna, but Afterbook is a way from them to connect with her, and for me to document the stories of her life, for my children and grandchildren, so that it’s always there.” I continue: “Your bother Jamie said: ‘through using Afterbook I have been able to find out more about my mother that I ever even knew’. Did you create the account for your Mum alone, and usually would more than one person contribute to

an Afterbook account, so that a variety of stories and footage can be shared?” “That’s just it, you might have maybe heard a titbit of one of these stories in passing, and maybe you forgot it,” Jess says. “The platform provides a way of having it recorded and curated for generations. “I’m the gatekeeper of my Mum’s account, so I write the long-form chapters. Other family members or close loved ones can contribute, and you could be the one to upload if you like. “There is a chapter section, there’s a memory wall section, and a ‘light a candle’ availability, so people with whom you have shared the profile with, can light a candle and send a little message. “The chapter section is where you as the curator, can write the long-form content of their life. So I have chapters on my Mum’s childhood, and her love of art, fashion and creativity, homes we lived in, and special holidays we used to go on.” “Users can add to the memory wall, they can add photos, videos or audio that they might have of the person. And actually that was part of the impetus for this. My father just happened to bump into someone who had 25-year old video footage of my Mum singing at a christening, and had he not

bumped into that person we never would have never seen it. It was taken at the christening of a baby my Dad had delivered, and not a close friend. There’s footage of my siblings and I dancing with our Mum and Dad, and my Mum singing with the band. It was a very laboured and coincidental way that we were able to see it.” Jess has spent countless hours researching the effects of grief and how to live well with it. “For NW readers who are grieving at the moment, what would you say to them? How can they begin to live with the reality of having lost a loved one?” I ask. “Accepting the person is gone is one thing, but then reflecting on their life. So being nostalgic and being reflective, and really honouring that memory by celebrating their life, and celebrating the highs and good points in their life, is very important. “I’m well away from the ‘stricken with grief’ time of my life, so I can look back with a smile, rather than with a tear. That’s not to say that I’m not often bowled over by tears, of course, and that’s healthy, that’s really healthy, but having people around you that you can talk to about that person and keep their memory alive is very important. “We have talked about it for centuries, that the best way to keep the memories alive of people who have gone before, is to keep talking about them. I mean, why else are we here, but to have impact on each other’s lives, and to be impacted by other people in our own lives. And I think that’s really important and the least we can do to honour those people is to talk of them and talk of them well.”

TEDxStormont returns to The Great Hall, Parliament Buildings, Stormont on 31 August 2019. The theme this year is ‘Imagine’ with 18 speakers taking to the famous red dot to present their Ideas Worth Spreading. For more information, visit: www.tedxstormont.com

FIGHTING FIT We catch up with County Down featherweight Leah McCourt before she takes to the cage for her next big fight

BY CATRIONA DOHERTY

emale mixed martial artist, Leah McCourt’s weeks consist of daily return trips from Belfast to Dublin, and 2-3 gruelling training sessions per day – but she wouldn’t have it any other way. The 27-year-old mother-of-one first started training in a MMA gym to get fit following the birth of her daughter when she was 18, and discovered a natural flair and passion for the sport. Leah now competes in the Bellator women’s featherweight division and holds a

professional record of two wins and one defeat. She is also a former International Mixed Martial Arts Federation amateur world champion. And she will take on Kerry Hughes in Bellator’s Dublin card on Friday 27th September at the 3Arena. “I started judo as a child, I competed on the Northern Ireland team and always had a real interest in martial arts,” Leah begins. “After I had Isabella I started training in a MMA gym just to get fit again. The guys had heard about my background, and I was picking up the striking really well, so they encouraged me to have a fight in MMA. It

was the female fight in MMA in Northern Ireland in June 2014. My career went from there and now I am professional.” “What is it about MMA that has you hooked?” I ask. “Obviously it’s my job now, but I just love the amount of work that you need to put in, I love how technical it is, I love martial arts all martial arts in general. It really demands you to be the best – the best physically and mentally – before you enter into the cage for a fight. It makes you be the best version of yourself.” And how does Leah ‘be the best mentally’? “You know it is a real mental battle being able to fight in this type of sport. People ask me: ‘are you scared of getting hurt?’ but I have never once thought about getting hurt. It’s always maybe the fear of losing – you have to overcome that every day in training,

Photo credit: Bellator MMA

Photo credit: Bellator MMA and I get my confidence from knowing how hard I train, outside the cage and outside fights, and how much I dedicate to learning and improving, and that’s what helps me mentally get stronger.” Leah’s dedication to training sees her drive to Dublin to train every day. “I’m training in MMA sessions and I also train in individual martial arts; the likes of boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, judo, Brazilian jiujitsu. We do sessions in those and tie them together in our MMA sessions and sparring. I am also doing strength and conditioning. I train every day, 2-3 times per day – it’s a crazy, crazy week!” All of that training comes at a cost. “Regular injuries happen as you are constantly grappling and wrestling. There is a lot of contact and you are constantly putting your body under stress, so different injuries come up – just like any sport. But I have never really been hurt fighting.” Leah is a pioneer for women’s MMA in Northern Ireland and wants to introduce more women to the sport. She runs ladies MMA classes at Queen’s University, Belfast, and the next six-week block begins on Monday 2nd September. “Women from all walks of life, from all over Northern Ireland, come to learn martial arts and self-defence. We get ladies coming from the age of 16 up to 60, a lot of

Photo credit: Bellator MMA

MMA Fact File The sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) combines various combat sports and Olympic disciplines including Muay Thai, boxing, judo, jiu-jitsu and wrestling. The objective is to secure a win over your opponent. A bout can finish in three ways: via TKO/KO, submission or judges’ decision. The sport of MMA has enjoyed a huge rise in popularity in recent years, with the growth of global MMA promotions such as Bellator and the UFC. Bouts are three, five-minute rounds, with championship and main event bouts lasting five, fiveminute rounds. Bellator is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Tickets to Bellator Dublin are on sale now and are available to purchase through Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com, as well as the 3Arena box office.

mums and daughters come along and it’s great for them to do something together it’s a real laugh. “I think the classes give people confidence and self-esteem, they come and make friends – it is just a really special class. I think for a lot of women, stereotypical ‘normal’ sports aren’t really interesting people to stick at them and carry on, whereas when they come to MMA they are learning something new every single week, and it’s really practical because it is self-defence. “I have an intermediate group and a beginner’s group, so if you want to carry on, you can. “I always say to the girls, if you are being attacked, people aren’t going to box – they might grab you or they might pull you to the ground. And that’s all the different type of techniques you use in MMA, because you can wrestle, you can clinch, you can do jiu-jitsu on the ground… we cover all types of martial arts – the striking, the grappling, that type of self-defence.”

For information on Leah McCourt’s selfdefence classes, visit: www.facebook.com/ leahmccourtmma.

Beetroot and mint hummus This month Sal Hanvey shares another of her healthy recipes for you to try at home

am sitting down to write this piece while out in the garden, on this beautiful fine summer’s evening. I have taken my shoes off and am loving the feel of freshly cut grass under my feet. Long, light, dry, warm evenings are a rarity here in Northern Ireland, so I have to grab the opportunity while I can. As mentioned in my article last month, I am growing an array of vegetables - 20 in fact and ten varieties of herbs. One of them is my partner Jack’s favourite vegetable:

beetroot. I particularly love their earthy taste and texture, he prefers beetroot pickled. Beetroot is so delicious and nutritious. The versatile vegetable has many health benefits and can be eaten in so many ways; roasted, pickled, grated, raw, baked, fried, sautéed, steamed, boiled, juiced, etc. Personally, I love it in a hummus. One day I had no hummus in the fridge – usually I have a roasted red pepper one or something similar as it is a real ‘go to’ snack for me. So I checked what I had available in the

garden, and I saw beetroot that needed harvested, and mint leaves. I made beetroot and mint hummus and it was delicious. You can buy all the ingredients required for this recipe from your local supermarket, or if you have mint and beetroot growing in the garden and never thought of the flavour combination before, then give it a try and let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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

Photo credit: Ken Haddock

Health benefits of beetroot

Beetroot and mint hummus

• Researchers have found drinking eight ounces of beetroot juice daily lowers blood pressure. Nitrates - compounds in beetroot juice that convert into nitric acid in the blood and help widen and relax blood vessels, are thought to be the cause. • Beets are high in immune-boosting Vitamin C, fibre, and essential minerals like potassium and manganese (which is good for your bones, liver, kidneys, and pancreas). • It contain Folate (Vitamin B9) which is important for normal tissue growth and cell function. Folate is particularly important for pregnancy. • Beetroot juice supports the liver. The liver can become overloaded due to a poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to toxic substances, or having a sedentary lifestyle. Beetroot juice helps in the detoxification process because it contains betaine, a substance that helps prevent or reduce fatty deposits in the liver.

(serves 2)

Ingrdients

1 can chickpeas (430g/15 oz), drained and rinsed 2 medium cooked beetroot, cut into quarters 2 cloves garlic 1 medium lemon zest and juice 2-3 tablespoons tahini 2-3 tablespoons olive oil ¼ teaspoon salt 1 handful fresh mint A few parsley leaves A twist of cracked black pepper ½ teaspoon ground cumin

Method

Sal Hanvey

• Place dry ingredients in the food processor for one minute or until blended. • Add all of the other ingredients. • Add more water or tahini if you would like a less thick consistency. The hummus will last 3-4 days in the fridge if put in an air tight container.

Silence is GOLDEN No contact with the outside world, 10.5 hours of meditation every day, no technology and 4am starts… Simone Hadfield – a Belfastbased health and life coach, and yoga and meditation teacher, shares her personal experience of a ten-day silent meditation in Louth

recently went on a ten-day silent meditation retreat; the Vipassana Meditation course, in Drogheda. Having suffered with anxiety in the past, I had previously used breathing techniques and meditation to help alleviate my symptoms and allow me to gain perspective when I felt overwhelmed. This sparked my curiosity in meditation and during my studying I came across a lot of research and first-hand accounts of how helpful meditation was in allowing people to calm the mind. Research has shown that meditation can reduce anxiety, pain and depression, reduce stress, boost your immune system, boost energy levels, provide deep relaxation, lower blood pressure, promote peaceful sleep, increase wellbeing, improve concentration and promote greater clarity of thought. Although I had had some exposure to meditation, I was often still finding myself feeling stressed, overwhelmed and unable to cope in what was seemingly normal situations. Having heard some accounts of the Vipassana Meditation course, I was inspired to give myself this opportunity to try and retrain my mind.

What’s involved?

You arrive on the afternoon before the course begins. After settling into your dormitory and a quick meal, you are given a brief talk on the rules and asked to confirm again that you are prepared to stay for

Photo credit: Jasmin Bell the entirety of the course and stick to the rules. Rules include; silence, no technology, no writing materials, no contact with the outside world, to only eat the meals provided, no male to female contact, and to attend all the meditation sessions. Next the bell sounds and the silence begins. From the following day for the next ten days, we were awoken by a bell at 4am each morning and started meditating at 4.30am. All in all, we meditated for around 10.5 hours a day, with some breaks and meal times. Meals were simple and light, no indulgences, and in the breaks you most often slept or went out to restricted grounds to walk. In the evening time we would watch a video of the technique, which included inspiring stories and the philosophy behind meditation. This often boosted my energy and made me feel able to face another day of meditation. Bedtime was 9.30pm and then the following day it all began again. I’ve described the process of sitting and meditating as, at times, a form of compassionate mental torture. It is in these

instances we see how unruly our mind really is, how often our thoughts run away with themselves, blowing situations and memories out of proportion. Sitting with these feelings and thoughts, shows you how physical some of those thoughts and emotions can be – how when we think those thoughts our gut tightens, breathing gets quicker, heart beats faster, and so on. This was how I often felt when suffering with anxiety attacks in the past, and I knew that my thoughts were creating these physical symptoms but I had no idea how to alter the thoughts. Some sittings I would be able to clear my mind, focusing on the breath and when the mind wandered (which of course it will) I patiently brought it back to the breath. At other times, I would feel agitated, obsessing about the time and how much longer I had to sit there, I would let my thoughts run away, only to notice 20 minutes later that I had been on a complete tangent. For me, it felt like I was undergoing a mental detox, this was by no means a lovely retreat where you relaxed, surrounded

showed me that I am actually stronger than I thought, and that discipline when it comes to your mental health, is so important. It is consistency that is the key, even on the days when it feels harder than others, it’s about returning again and again to your mat, breathing and calming the mind. We let our bodies rest when we sleep, take a nap, sit down or lie on the couch each evening, but how often do we give our minds the opportunity to relax, process and rest? Once our mind relaxes it is amazing the clarity we then feel when going about the rest of our everyday lives.

Lessons learned

The day I returned home, everything seemed in technicolour, noises were really intense because of the silence I’d become accustomed to, and it really gave me some perspective on how frantic our modern lives are, my speech was more intentional and measured. Since the retreat I have felt so much more confident in my meditation practice, I now know first-hand how powerful it is, and it has made me appreciate my daily life so much more. I’m more present in my

connections with my friends and family, and I switch my phone to airplane mode regularly now. I’ve not felt overwhelmed in the same way, this is due to the experience I had on the retreat but also to coming home and meditating on a daily basis. We don’t all have to go on a retreat to feel the benefits of meditation, but a daily habit is crucial even if only for ten minutes. Meditation is like taking a shower in the morning – you’re getting rid of the mental grime you’ve accumulated the previous day and giving yourself a chance to feel refreshed and ready for the day ahead. I feel inspired to talk about meditation due to it helping with my own anxiety, especially after I suffered a burnout in my mid-twenties which led to me quitting my job in PR and social media, and leaving my relationship and home, to figure out what I needed to feel content and calm in my everyday life.

Simone Hadfield is the founder of Calm Therapy. Services offered classes in Belfast, and life and nutrition coaching. Calm Therapy helps women to manage stress and anxiety incorporating guided meditation, relaxation, gentle breath work and healing reiki techniques. For details visit: www.simonehadfield.com For more information on the Vipassana Meditation course with Dhamma Ireland, completed by Simone, visit: www.ie.dhamma.org

by luxuries. It was very much a process of peeling back an onion, bit by bit to reveal an inner well of peace and calm, but it required discipline and focus to get there. Often in life I’d been quick to remove myself from situations that became too taxing but for this I vowed to myself that I would trust the process and see it through. Of course there were times I felt like running away, but I knew that without understanding my mind better and learning how to let go of its grip on my day-to-day life, I would simply be returning home to more of the anxiety I created for myself daily. It was undoubtedly one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but definitely one of the ones I’m most proud of, both for simply attending the course but also because of the huge shift I experienced in my outlook and mind-set.

Overcoming challenges

The discipline of sitting down to meditate each day and then return again and again, knowing that each time it may be different, that was the hardest aspect of the retreat. It

Photo credit: Jasmin Bell

The National Register of Reflexologists (Ireland)

T  ADVERTORIAL

he National Register of Reflexologists (Ireland) is a non-profit professional body dedicated to regulating the practice of reflexology as a complementary therapy in Ireland through qualified registered members and training centres. It was established in 1998 and since then we are working hard to make Reflexology available to the public at its best. Throughout all these years we have managed to put this wonderful therapy on the top of all the commonly available holistic treatments. Currently we have more than 600 active members throughout the country and they all are highly trained, fully insured and accredited by major private health insurers (VHI Health, LAYA Healthcare and Irish Life Health). Many of them are working in hospices, cancer care centres, and also for HSE as nurses and even GPs. The objectives of the NRRI can be summarised as follows: 1. To compile and maintain a national register and referral list of qualified reflexologists. 2. To establish the educational criteria

necessary to qualify as a professional reflexologist and maintain a system of continued professional development. 3. To maintain a national register of accredited schools of reflexology. 4. To establish and enforce a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for the benefit of members and their clients. 5. To promote professional standards of excellence and competence. 6. To provide up-to-date information on all aspects of reflexology. 7. To encourage research and publish findings of research into reflexology. 8. To publish a quality eNewsletter. 9. To facilitate professional indemnity and public liability insurance for members. 10. To represent the interests of members and of reflexology in all sectors and at all levels. 11. To disseminate accurate and up-to-date information on all aspects of reflexology to the public, the media, and other interested groups and official bodies. In the past few months we have started a co-operation with Judy Buckley, who is a highly successful reflexologist based on the border between Bundoran, Co. Donegal, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh and further

afield and together we have agreed that we can increase the awareness, the quality and accessibility of Reflexology on the island of Ireland if we all get together. Just so you know our association is open to all reflexologists from Northern Ireland wanting to become a part of the NRRI family (you just need to hold a diploma in reflexology). We offer discounts on CPD training, information leaflets and most of all - you will become a part of a big family of Reflexologists. Until the end of the year we will be offering special discounted registration fee (£100 /€120) for those wanting to join us. Together we are stronger...

For more information and registration information please check our website: www.nationalreflexology.ie or contact our registry office o: 086-8159855 or via email: info@nationalreflexology.ie. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.

THINKING ABOUT A CAREER IN REFLEXOLOGY? FANCY GAINING YOUR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION IN REFLEXOLOGY OR REFRESHING YOUR REFLEXOLOGY SKILLS? JUDY BUCKLEY SCHOOL OF REFLEXOLOGY will be delivering courses in Professional Reflexology to students under the auspices of the NRRI from September. Judy Buckley is a qualified advanced Reflexologist, with some 11 years experience delivering outstanding and unique solutions for people facing the most difficult medical and psychological challenges. Her tailormade techniques have been designed to address symptoms such as stress, anxiety and insomnia associated with ADHD, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and anxiety disorders. Judy’s area of expertise is in the treatment of children experiencing ASD, ADHD, Downs Syndrome and experiencing Social/ Behavioural issues. Through her many years working with these children in some of the North of Ireland’s most prestigious special schools and organisations, Judy has learned the most successful techniques for establishing a vital connection with these children. This then allows her to deliver life changing therapy, alleviating years of stress, irritability, sleep pattern difficulties and digestive complications, amongst a plethora of other symptoms. As a 3-Time past Chairperson of the IRIL, Judy is acutely aware of the difficulties and daily challenges faced by Professional Reflexologists in Ireland.

She now seeks to assist these Professionals and new recruits to the profession, by delivering her own bespoke approach and delivery methods, enabling Reflexologists surmount the difficult scenarios encountered in the provision of client therapies. Judy Buckley is also an awardee of a business all star in the area of SEBD. Speaking at the summit, Dr. Briga Hynes, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Chairperson Adjudication Panel summed up the entire process by reminding the enterprises honoured with All-Star that: “‘Judy Buckley Reflexology has demonstrated an ability to innovate and has impressive growth plans which no-doubt reflects the resilience and optimism that are the hallmarks of Irish entrepreneurs. Judy Buckley Reflexology bring a real inspiration for what is possible in business in Ireland and provide important role models for the many aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small firms,” This experience alone, differentiates Judy and her work from all the other Reflexology Course providers, as she reveals her unique perspective and trains her students in this vein. Not only has this provided a much improved standard of daily life for her patients, but also transformed the lives of these patients carers, families and those who interact with them on a daily basis.

DATES: Friday 13 September 2019 Friday 11 October 2019 Friday 8 November 2019 Friday 6 December 2019 Friday 10 January 2020 Friday 14 February 2020 Friday 13 March 2020 Friday 17 April 2020 Friday 15 May 2020 Friday 12 June 2020 (Students must attend ALL course days to be awarded the qualification) This course is affiliated with the NRRI *

For more information please go to: www.judybuckleyreflexology.com Or call +353879956961

Photo credit: Association of Systematic Kinesiology

Tried & Tested

PROFILE:

Kinesiology

Northern Woman experiences kinesiology

BY CATRIONA DOHERTY

and improve health and wellbeing. This inesiology, which means plan could include dietary changes, ‘study of movement’, is nutritional supplements, or emotional an alternative medicine release techniques.” technique based on muscle So what can kinesiology be used to treat? testing. It works on the Lynsey explains: “It can be used to help premise that muscle testing improve a range of ailments including can be used to examine a person’s health. migraines, acne, repeated infections, low During a session, the kinesiologist asks the immune system, aches, digestive health, client to place their arms, legs or head in hormone-related problems, sports injuries, different positions, before applying a light anxiety, to support mothers-to-be through pressure against the muscle that is being pregnancy, and more. tested – in doing so, they aim to identify “Systematic Kinesiology is suitable for imbalances in the person’s physical and all ages and can be applied directly from emotional wellbeing, and work to correct the age of six. I find that children love them. how kinesiology works, and are Systematic Kinesiology NI’s fascinated by how the muscles Lynsey Rebbeck explains more can be ‘turned’ off and on. about a typical treatment: For children under six “During an initial years, including babies, consultation, we would a surrogate can be used discuss your medical to muscle test for the history and the reason child. The surrogate for your visit. I tap into can be anyone who has the body’s bio-feedback permission of the child’s mechanism via muscle guardian.” testing, to gain information For best results Lynsey on any nutritional, Lynsey Rebbeck recommends clients book three emotional, or structural sessions, although she says “it is imbalances in the body. very much dependent on the individual”. “The responses to the muscle testing In some cases the person’s symptoms will gives an indication of how to proceed. Each clear up after one visit, other times three time a relevant factor is introduced the or more sessions may be required – when muscle’s response changes. The feedback treating gut health issues for example. from the muscle testing enables a plan to She advises attending a review/follow up be created that is attuned to the individual session every 6-12 months. needs of the client, to correct imbalances

I attended a session of kinesiology with Lynsey Rebbeck, with the goal of curing a pain I was experiencing in my left shoulder. Situated in Lynsey’s practice in Holywood, Systematic Kinesiology NI was really easy to locate. Firstly I completed a questionnaire and talked through the reasons for my visit. Next I made myself comfortable on the treatment bed and Lynsey got to work. I lay on my front and then my back, while she applied gently pressure on various parts of my body, explaining what each area corresponded to as she worked. At one point she used her fingers to “stretch out” the rhomboid muscle on my right shoulder which she said felt tight. Next Lynsey took out a box full of mini vials containing a range of substances, and she guided my hand to lightly touch each one individually. She asked me to keep my arm stiff, but on a couple of occasions when touching a particular vial it felt weak, as if suddenly drained of energy. Apparently this is the body’s way of saying it doesn’t tolerate that substance. It transpired that my body was saying ‘no’ to the multivitamins I had been taking for over a year; those particular vitamins didn’t agree with my gallbladder and the kinesiologist recommended I switch them out for another reputable brand, available to buy from a health food shop or online. The testing process also indicated a build-up of mercury in my body – which could have been caused by a number of factors such as silver dental fillings. I was advised to take 500mg of spirulina daily to counteract this. Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria — often referred to as blue-green algae, that grows naturally in oceans and salty lakes, and is considered a superfood as it’s full of nutrients and antioxidants. Lynsey explained: “research has shown that the organs are linked to the meridian, muscle and lymphatic points. The rhomboid muscle is in the liver meridian, so if general toxicity is causing imbalances in the liver, this can effect the muscles causing tightness or pain. Quite often an imbalance will impact the gall bladder. “Mercury and taking the wrong supplements can be considered as toxins.” After an hour or so, my session came to a close and two weeks on, my shoulder is pain-free. For more information visit: www.systematickinesiologyni.com or call 077 7099 1717.

ESCAPE

Credit: The Blue Mosque, Istanbul

ayto Park, Ireland’s favourite theme park and zoo located in Ashbourne, Meath, is the place to be this summer with a host of exciting new rides and attractions to thrill the whole family. If you need any convincing, here’s ten reasons why Tayto Park should be top of your list for a fun-filled family day out while school’s out…

Tayto Park is easily accessible from anywhere in Northern Ireland, and is only a 90-minute drive from Belfast. If you’ve a few days planned in Dublin over the holidays there is also a bus from the city centre.

Tayto Park is home to Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster with an inversion, the Cú Chulainn Coaster. The 32m-high rollercoaster features the mythological legend Cú Chulainn leading his passengers through an epic and thrilling experience like no other, as speeds of 100km per hour are reached.

3 4

From thrill-seekers to little tots, there are over 25 theme park attractions for all ages at Tayto Park, including two new rides for 2019. A first of its kind in Europe with two zip line tracks, the brand new Sky Glider is an adrenaline rush for children and adults alike. Soar overhead like a superhero and take in a bird’s eye

Ten reasons to visit Tayto Park this summer view of Tayto Park – tandem harnesses are available for those who need are a little nervous flying solo.

Also new to Tayto Park is Flight School. The airport-themed ride is a gently paced but exciting ride for youngsters, reaching speeds of 46kmph and set to give young pilots a real experience of what it is like to take to the skies. On arrival back to the flight terminal, flyers will also have the option to leave with their very own Tayto Park pilot driving licence – who doesn’t love a good memento?

Tayto Park also offers an exceptional and diverse collection of over 70 breeds of animal, including many

conservation dependent species. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including bigcats, meerkats, monkeys and birds of prey.

The all-new Lemur Woods at Tayto Park lets you get up close to furry ring-tailed friends. Set in a natural woodland enclosure, visitors journey along the looped pathway, seeing and learning about the endangered species in a whole new immersive way.

The unmissable World of Raptors show is a spectacular free flying bird of prey exhibit, featuring some of the world’s magnificent and majestic birds. In Tayto Park’s purpose-built open-air seating arena you’ll experience dynamic

aerial displays featuring the world’s largest eagles and impressive vultures, the fastest and most cunning birds of prey, as well as lovable owls.

Worked up an appetite enjoying all Tayto Park has to offer? There are seven food outlets and restaurants at Tayto, from a tasty roast dinner to freshly fired pizza and flame grilled chicken to sweet treats. And don’t forget the infamous Twisted Chip.

Tayto Park is open every day over Summer 2019 and what’s more, returning customers in 2019 will receive 25% off their second visit. What are you waiting for?

For full park opening dates and hours, visit: www.taytopark.ie

9am: The Blue Mosque

Though Istanbul is a sprawling city, the big hitters are all contained in a relatively small area. Start your day at the Sultanahmet Camii, to use its Turkish name – synonymous with the skyline of Istanbul, the mosque got its moniker for the blue tiles that line the striking interior. Bear in mind that you’ll need to take off your shoes, and women must cover their hair with a scarf. Admission is free.

11am: Hagia Sophia

24 Hours in Istanbul

Istanbul offers a blend of Asian and European cultures, and a shot-of long-haul exoticism, just 4.5 hours away from Dublin. Follow this itinerary to make the most of your trip

Take your time wandering around the corner to Hagia Sophia, stopping for a fresh pomegranate juice (€2) from one of the stalls along the way. The walk in to this domed cathedral-turned-mosque is awe-inspiring – the light spills in from high windows, casting a dusty stream across the weathered ceiling. Walk up the seemingly endless stone staircase for the best views, and don’t miss the Ottoman sultan tombs. Entry costs €9pp.

a smear of the spicy red pepper sauce in a torn chunk of warm flatbread. Try a slab of the sticky halva if you’re in the mood for something sweet.

from Turkish delight to giant woven rugs. But in the middle of it all is a dreamily peaceful little book market, Sahaflar Carsısı.

1pm: Meatball mania

4pm: Grand Bazaar

The Bosphorus runs through the city, dividing the Asian and European sides. Head out on the water and you’ll take in all of the city’s skyline in one fell swoop. Some of the cruises can be a little tacky, but set off with Istanbul Cruises and you’ll sail in style

Sometimes the best restaurants are the ones that do just one thing, but do it right. At Tarihi Sultanahmet Koftecisi, that thing is meatballs. And boy, are they good – succulent, slightly charred and best with

BY NICOLA BRADY

Take a deep breath and weave your way through the vortex that is the Grand Bazaar. One of the oldest (and largest) covered markets in the world, this is where you’ll find all the souvenirs you could ask for,

8pm: River cruise

Inside the historical architecture of greatest basilica of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia

Three to try TURKISH SPA

Blue mosque and hagia Sophia

You’ll feel as fresh as a daisy after a Turkish bath at Cagaloglu Hamami (from €50). Start by unwinding in the sauna, before being led to a marble platform where you’re scrubbed and massaged under a wave of bubbles - all in an incredible domed room that dates back over 300 years.

PROFITEROLES

Take a wander out to the district of Beyoglu, where you can amble between teahouses, boutiques and sweet shops. Don’t miss a trip to Inci Pastanesi - this patisserie was established by a man who claimed to invent the profiterole, and here they come swathed in thick lashings of silky chocolate sauce.

The Grand Bazaar

TOPKAPI PALACE

A weaver makes traditional Turkish carpet on the streets of Istanbul

A trip to the Topkapı Palace could easily steal hours of your time. Between the various courts, palace kitchens and the Imperial Treasury bursting with ancient weaponry, you’ll find yourself transfixed. Don’t miss the lookout point from the back, either – you get a great view of the city.

Bosphorus Bridge

DON’T MISS

In its heyday, the Hippodrome was the setting for chariot races in what was Constantinople. Nowadays, you’ll find fragments of the third century in the form of obelisks and the remnants of a giant serpent statue.

GET THERE

Fly from Dublin to Istanbul’s brand new airport with Turkish Airlines, from €325 economy or €1,035 in business (turkishairlines.com). You need to apply for an e-visa (€18) prior to travel – see evisa. gov.tr.

on a swish yacht with a slap-up meal to boot. Prices start from €45.

10pm: Rooftop bar

Head up for a nightcap with a view at Mürver, where you can pitch up with a cocktail on their breezy terrace, overlooking the Topkapi Palace. They have a good selection of Turkish wines too (glasses start from around €5).

Where to sleep

Fancy sleeping amongst history? The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is located in a former prison, with neoclassical features and a great location, just steps away from Hagia Sophia.

Turkish pizza

EXTREMADURA Done Catalonia and Andalusia? Try this Spanish region next

he best way to describe the little-known Spanish region of Extremadura; it offers all the spectacle and fun of Europe’s most popular tourist spots, but without the

crowds. With castles, Roman ruins, modern art and stone walls, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve arrived in Rome, Edinburgh, Berlin... at times, even Connemara. I visited for five days – and ended up wishing I could have stayed even longer. Extremadura sits southwest of Madrid, bordering Portugal (we flew into Seville, before travelling onwards to Mérida). It’s not as well-known as other Spanish regions like Andalusia, Catalonia or the Basque Country, but it has lots to show off - starting with its capital city. Mérida is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will quickly take the fancy of

BY SORCHA O’CONNOR history buffs. Simply strolling around this charming city gives you a taste of the Roman Empire’s influence, but there are plenty of deep dives too; the brilliantly excavated amphitheatre and public gardens, for instance. And did you know Mérida is home to the longest surviving Roman bridge in Europe? But it’s not all historical detail, of course. After taking in the sights, a highlight of the holiday for me was dinner in Espezia, a local establishment that gave us the chance to get to grips with dishes of the region by making them from scratch ourselves. Gathering in the cookery school, our group tied on the aprons and got to work rustling up some grub. We started with gazpacho – a cold, Spanish soup we made on this occasion from blended tomatoes, strawberries and cucumber. For our first main course, there was a choice of courgette ravioli stuffed with prawns, or a pork ragu. These

were delectable, topped with toasted mayonnaise. Our second main (the Spanish don’t do dinner by halves) was risotto. Banish any thoughts of soggy, bland rice we used black garlic to create a rich brown dish that was then freshened up with a zing of lime and topped off with goat’s cheese. We finished off with some cheesecake and stewed berries before rolling home. The whole experience was really fun, and would be great as part of a family holiday or a night out on a girlie getaway. If you don’t feel like cooking yourself, however, check out La Carbonería restaurant for tapas and their speciality deep-fried aubergine. Mérida loves to celebrate its Roman roots, no more so than with Emérita Lúdica – a week-long festival held every June, where everybody does as the Romans did, dressing up in togas and tunics. We had a similar experience in Hotel Aqua Libera, a short drive from the city. Stopping by for afternoon tea with a difference, we dressed

Trujillo cathedral, Extremadura

Merida roman theatre

GET THERE

Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Iberia fly from Dublin to Seville, while Ryanair flies from Madrid to Dublin.

TOP TIP

Check out turismoextremadura.com. This site serves up plenty of inspiration, as well as practical tips to do with everything from train travel and restaurant hours – essential reading for anyone unused to the Spanish siesta!

WHAT TO PACK

I clocked up 13,000 steps on the pedometer in one day – so pack a comfy pair of shoes for the walking trail at Los Barruecos Natural Monument, and the quaint, meandering city streets. Outside of summer, a few extra cardigans wouldn’t go amiss in the evening.

The smoke from the shoot could be seen 12km away in the city, we were told – and the work was so dangerous and firey that apparently extras were paid €500 a day. This can all be admired during a guidedtour, so pack your walking shoes. Nearby is a quirkier attraction – an art gallery set up by the German artist Wolf Vostell, who married a woman from Extremadura. There’s some thoughtprovoking stuff inside, but the standout piece for me was a simple wooden door in the middle of the museum – open it up and you’ll see why. The local scenery took my breath away as I looked out on a glistening lake set against a bright blue sky. It was like a scene from Jurassic Park or Lord of the Rings, a place of other-worldly beauty contrasting with the noisy environment of the museum. This is definitely not just another art gallery, and a guided-tour is highly recommended. There’s also something enchanting about the city of Caceres itself. We stayed in NH Collection Cáceres Palacio de Oquendo – a hotel quite literally fit for a king, being a refurbished 16th century palace… not to mention where some of the Game of Thrones cast stayed during filming. The rooms were huge and it was a dream to stay in – if it was good enough for Daenerys Targaryen and Jaime Lannister, it was good enough for me! Much like Mérida, it’s the history of Caceres that makes it such a brilliant

place to visit. With everything from Celtic influences to the Spanish Civil War shaping its architecture, the best way to take it all in is by foot. As you navigate the meandering streets, the place might look a little familiar to fans of Game of Thrones. Scenes from King’s Landing were shot here too. To sample more of Extremadura’s vibrant food and drink scene, we also visited Habla winery as we headed for our final city, Trujillo. If you don’t quite know your Crianzas from your Reservas going into this charming bodega, you certainly will coming out. Visitors can embrace their inner sommelier with a wine-tasting session, all the while learning about some of the most cutting edge ways in which wine is now being produced – for Habla, that includes being matured under the sea. Trujillo was the last stop on our trip; another city steeped in history. We spent a glorious afternoon walking around learning about its many famous noble residents – and one mischievous stonemason, who carved the crest of football club Athletic Bilbao into the tower of the city’s church during restoration. All too soon though, it was time to head home. Boarding the bus to Madrid, we bid adiós to one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. It mightn’t have a coastline for sun worshippers, but Extremadura proves that holidaying in Spain can be much more than just sun, sea and sand.

Natural monument of Los Barrueco in classical Roman clothes and tucked into a traditional feast before chilling out for a few hours in the baths. It was a thumbs up from me as something a little bit out of the ordinary. Two nights for two people with breakfast, an hour-long massage, private spa in the Roman baths and Roman lunch in traditional costume, costs €300 inclusive. Further north in Extremadura is Caceres – a city that, like Seville and Dubrovnik, has benefited hugely as a shooting location for Game of Thrones. In fact, it’s seen a 26 percent jump in tourism since filming for Season Seven took place at Los Barruecos Natural Monument. We stood at the very spot where Daenerys Targaryen showed signs of the power thirsty tyrant she would become – Los Barruecos was where she burned Randyll and Dickon Tarly to death.

 ADVERTORIAL

Lough Erne Resort offers just the tonic for the summer season

alling all gin aficionadas. Lough Erne Resort, the fivestar luxury retreat in County Fermanagh has partnered with neighbouring distillery, Boatyard, to create an exclusive package for the discerning gin lover. The ‘Gin’s the Tonic’ package offers guests the chance to tour the newly-launched Boatyard distillery on the shores of Lough Erne, where they’ll gain insight into the distilling process, as well as unlocking some of the secrets that make this gin one of Ireland’s most popular brands. Prohibition style cocktail inspiration

and neat tastings await visitors during the 90-minute tour who will also take home a 50cl bottle of Boatyard Double Gin and a branded glass each, complimentary return transport to and from the distillery is included from Lough Erne Resort, where you will enjoy an overnight stay in a luxury guestroom. The resort’s renowned indulgent breakfast by Noel McMeel and his culinary team is included, as is access to the infinity

pool, Jacuzzi and sauna at The Thai Spa. Guests can also enjoy the stunning Collop Walk around the resort grounds while in residence.

Prices start from £104.50 per adult, per room (July and August), based on two guests sharing. For more information, visit: www.lougherneresort.com

Danielle Lloyd wears Insanity Tan for Dubai Wedding

 ADVERTORIAL

V personality, and former Miss Great Britain winner, Danielle Lloyd tied the knot at a lavish ceremony in front of the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, and chose local Northern Irish tan brand Insanity Tan to keep her looking golden for her big day. Danielle regularly takes to Instagram to sing the tan’s praises, favouring the Rapid Tan Bronzing Mousse. In fact, Danielle loves all Insanity Tan’s colours and trusts their clean formulas, listing it as her tan of choice during pregnancy with youngest child Ronnie. Insanity Tan products are comprised of only the finest natural and organic

ingredients, and their hypoallergenic formulas work in perfect harmony to nourish skin so it’s sensationally soft to the touch. Plus, they are infused with an expert blend of ingredients, including anti-ageing white tea extract and aloe vera. And, they’re even free from parabens, alcohol, sodium laurel sulphates, perfumes, and all other nasties commonly found in other brands. Insanity Tan products are available in five stunning colour options, including a light Bridal tan and a Rapid Tan which provides a beautiful glow in as little as one hour; but can be left on longer for darker results. Danielle and her new husband Michael O’Neill honeymooned in the Maldives, with Danielle posting images on her social media

showing off a darker shade of Insanity Tan so she could take to the beach with confidence.

Insanity Tan is available in salons nationwide. To find your nearest stockist, visit: www.insanitytan.com

LET’S DRINK TO…

Wine Recommendation from Rebecca Robb: AMALFI COAST LIMONE SPRITZ

Jawbox Gin

BY PAULA GRACEY

ard to believe, I know, but there was once an occasion when I was less than excited to see my beloved Jawbox Gin. We’d just landed in our Costa del Sol local, The Red Dragon, on Torreblanca seafront, looking forward to draining the Spanish gin lake. It is the highlight of my holiday, finding a new version to sip as the sun goes down. But what did our generous mine host, Andy, plonk on the counter? Only a bottle of Jawbox he’d gone to great lengths to track down after I’d raved about it on my last visit! Talk about a busman’s holiday? Spanish gin tasting duties were put on hold as we cracked open the Jawbox and it didn’t last long as the regulars indulged their curiosity, leaving me to get back to my sole purpose of visit. Jawbox creator Gerry White clearly forgave my momentary lapse as he invited me to sample the latest gems in his every-growing collection over cocktails in Belfast’s Stormont Hotel. Jawbox has taken the gin world by storm over the past few years, and has already been declared Best Gin in the UK at the Quality Drinks Awards. Made just outside Belfast, it is triple distilled “very, very slowly” in copper stills, in small batches to produce the classic dry style. The original Jawbox is a classic dry gin, which means lots of big, bold juniper, as well as coriander and clean citrus aromas and flavours. To spice things up a bit, Gerry created ‘The Perfect Swerve’ for his baby – Jawbox Gin in a glass with ice, topped up with refreshing ginger ale and a wedge of lime – really refreshing and way too easy to drink. He even serves it in one of those old ceramic mugs with the blue line around the rim. Gerry has also created two new liqueur gins; Pineapple & Ginger and Rhubarb & Ginger – 20% alcohol and the cocktail-making possibilities with both are endless. Pineapple & Ginger smells of Caribbean pineapples, and is sweet and delicious with warming ginger to jazz it up. Jawbox Rhubarb & Ginger smells of fresh zingy rhubarb and fragrant spice, and on the palate you get sweet and tangy rhubarb flavours with pleasant warming ginger on the finish. Try a Rhubarb Collins by topping up 50ml of Rhubarb & Ginger and ice with soda water and 15ml of lemon juice – another great summer cocktail. I could go on but Spain is calling again. I’ll leave you to have a chinwag around a Jawbox Gin!

on’t you think August is just the most exhilarating of all months! For many of us it is the holiday month. Be it escaping to climes exotic or having a stay- cation, it’s a month for celebrating life, family and love. For me cocktails are the epitome of summer fun-- that hedonistic blend of perfectly matched tipples just sends me into a whirl of happiness every-time. Watching a dedicated cocktail maker weave his or her magic is one of life’s little pleasures. Somehow it doesn’t matter if you are not on the Amalfi coast- with a cocktail in hand you can be transported in your wild imagination to the destination of your choice! This month I would like to introduce you to our fabulous Amalfi Coast Limone Spritz. Made using Malfy’s con Limone Italian gin and Limoncello it is quintessentially Italian, bursting with boundless citrus joy. Malfy’s use only premium coastal grown lemons from Amalfi and Sicily to create a zingy gin that marries so well with the sweeter Limoncello in this delightful cocktail. At the distillery it is a very typical Italian “famiglia” affair with two generations of the Vergnano family at the helm. Husband and wife Carlo and Piera bought the “Torino Distillati” in Moncalieri in 1992 and proceeded with the help of their children Rita and Valter to produce modern, fresh gins in their heritagestepped distillery. Master distillers Beppe Ronco and Denis Huni have championed the vacuum distillation method to great effect, producing gins that hold steadfastly their flavours due to no heat being used during distillation. Botanicals include, as well as the predominant lemon peel, coriander, cassia, liquorice, grapefruit and orange peel. The juniper in the gin (“ginepro” in Italian) originates from Tuscany, ensuring the gin is patriotically Italian! On the nose citrus oil and orange rind delight, followed by a palate of unmistakeable tangy lemon, coriander and juniper. The use of Limoncello in this cocktail adds not only a lovely balance of sweetness, but also more lingering lemony flavour due to the use of the lemon pulp and juices in its production. Incidentally, the modern distilling methods used at Malfy means there are no “heads or tails” left behind after the product is complete and therefore no waste. A great plus for any business in our current environment! I really hope you get a chance to come and join us at Fratelli to sample our Limone Spritz! If, however you decide to throw a little cocktail evening at home, you will find below the necessary instructions! To partner our refreshing gin spritz I have chosen chef’s gorgeous Pear and Walnut Gorgonzola Salad. Light and easy to make because, let’s be honest, it’s really the cocktail making that is going to keep us most occupied this summer!

PEAR AND WALNUT GORGONZOLA SALAD Ingredients: 100g walnut pieces 100g water 100g sugar 2 baby gem lettuce, washed 100g rocket salad 100g gorgonzola cheese roughly broken up 1 bulb fennel thinly sliced 2 stalks table celery washed and cut into small pieces 2 small pears peeled and thinly sliced or use tinned pears for extra sweetness Method Boil walnuts, water and sugar together until liquid has evaporated, put on a non-stick mat and bake in oven for 18 minutes 180 degrees, then cover in brown sugar. Place all ingredients into large mixing bowl keeping some cheese and walnuts back. Mix together with a citrus dressing and arrange in a salad bowl, scatter the remaining walnuts over the top and randomly place the left-over cheese on top.

AMALFI COAST LIMONE SPRITZ Ingredients: 35 ml Malfy con Limone Gin 15 ml Limoncello 10 ml sugar syrup Soda Prosecco Lemon slices Mint Method Measure Gin, Limoncello, and sugar syrup in a globe gin glass and stir. Top up glass three quarter full of crushed ice. Top up with equal parts of soda and Prosecco. Garnish with lemon and mint. Enjoy! Have an amazing summer! Ciao until next issue.

THE SOCIAL 10

Victoria Evans rounds up this month’s most exciting events The Grand Opera House Summer Youth Productions is back for its ninth year. The project gives young aspiring singers, actors and dancers a chance to be on the iconic Grand Opera House stage. From 1-3 August, Bugsy Malone will be performed. With a cast of 150 talented 10-18year olds, the large-scale production of Bugsy Malone features an unmissable blend of classic gangster movie and slapstick comedy. Tickets cost from £15.75. For more details, visit: www.goh.co.uk/whats-on/bugsy-malone

On Sunday 4th August, Rademon Estate Distillery in Co. Down will host a gin-tastic afternoon of blues and Shortcross Gin. Featuring Ronnie Greer and his band of saxophone players, keyboard wizards, bass players and drummers – listen to their chilled blues soundtrack while sipping on a G&T. Relax on the terrace by the Shortcross Gin Bar, where you’ll find a full bar service in operation offering a plethora of cocktails and shorttails. The £20 ticket includes a Shortcross G&T on arrival.

Voted Ireland’s ‘Best Small Festival’, Stendhal Festival is back for its eighth year from 15-17 August in the scenic surroundings of Bullymully Cottage Farm, Limavady. Visitors can enjoy a varied and creative weekend programme consisting of music and dance, poetry and comedy, contemporary and traditional arts, and theatre and street performances. Stendhal is renowned for being a family-friendly festival that seeks to introduce the arts to a new generation. For tickets and camping packages, visit: www.stendhalfestival.com

Voted as ‘The Coolest Place on the Planet 2017’ by NatGeo, it is well-worth making the trip to Donegal Town for the annual food festival - A Taste of Donegal. The three-day celebration takes place over the bank holiday weekend (23-25 August). Head north to tickle your taste buds with an extensive programme of culinary wonders, cookery demonstrations and gin masterclasses. The event will finish with a bang with a fireworks display over the beautiful Donegal Bay.

Families, residents, and visitors to the Ards Peninsula will be in for a treat with the inaugural Copelands Summer Fete taking place in Donaghadee on Saturday 24th August. Belfast Central Mission (BCM), is building Copelands: Dementia, Nursing and Residential Care outside Millisle, which is due to open early 2020. To raise awareness of Copelands, BCM is holding a family fun day in the grounds of Killard House School from 10am to 2pm. Attendees will enjoy giant games, face painting, arts and crafts, and there will be hot food trucks, a coffee van, a variety of market stalls, and live music throughout the day.

This month Belfast’s Botanic Gardens welcomes the return of Mela; a celebration of culture and diversity. On 25th August the park will be transformed into a global garden filled with worldwide spectacles. Expect a welcoming and exciting atmosphere, multicultural sounds and sights, music, dance , art, and a truly global experience right in the heart of Belfast. Adult admission is £7 and under 16 admission is £6.

The Auld Lammas Fair takes place in Ballycastle on the last Monday and Tuesday of the month. With traditional music and dance, bric-a-brac and artisan market stalls, it is unsurprising the fair attracts hundreds of locals and tourists alike. Make sure to try local delicacies such as Yellow Man (honeycomb) and dulse (a red edible seaweed). It’s always a popular day out for young and old.

Carnival of Colours lights up Londonderry at the end of the month. This is a two-day circus, music and arts festival. Saint Columb’s Park showcases local and international talent in shows that are suitable for the whole family. By night the carnival becomes a spectacle of comedy, music and cabaret, with many of local bands performing.

Credit: William Cherry Get your dancing shoes on for the 28th Annual Bluegrass Music Festival, at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh. The weekend festival, running from 30 August - 1 September, features some of the biggest names in Bluegrass and old-time music. With live music from acclaimed American, European and Irish acts, it is sure to be a jamming weekend.

The AW19 season at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre opens with the much-loved comedy Shirley Valentine on 31 August - 5 October. Patrick J O’Reilly’s modern take on the 80s film has been described as “the funniest and most heartwarming play”. Starring Tara Lynne O’Neill from the award-winning Derry Girls, you’ll be in stitches following her rendition of Shirley’s voyage of selfdiscovery to Greece. Ticket prices start at £12.

Fast & Furious: Hobbs and Shaw

Movie roundup James Oliver’s selection of new films coming to a cinema near you this month

Fast & Furious: Hobbs and Shaw

Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw (of previous F&F films) get their first outing as a tag team. They come up against a geneticallyenhanced enemy with superhuman capabilities who is seeking to bring about a drastic change to the human race. Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba and Vanessa Kirby Release date: 2nd August

Blinded by the Light

Set in Luton against the backdrop of Margaret Thatcher’s reign of Great Britain in 1987, a young teenage boy of Pakistani decent finds a new lease of life and what it means to laugh, love and dream big, when his friends introduce him to the music of Bruce Springsteen. Starring: Velveik Kalra and Meera Ganatra Release date: 9th August

on life and love find themselves drawn together in an unexpected romance. A hopeless romantic whose future in medical school is uncertain, meets a tough young lady who doesn’t believe in love. Starring: Yara Shahidi, Anais Lee and Charles Melton Release date: 9th August

Transit

As fascism spreads, German refugee Georg flees to Marseille and assumes the identity of the dead author whose transit papers he

The Kitchen

The wives of New York gangsters in Hell’s Kitchen in the 1970s, continue to operate their mobster husbands’ rackets after they’re sent to jail. The women soon get a taste for the fast life and easy money, and become a force to reckon with. Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Tiffany Haddish and Domhnall Gleeson Release date: 9th August

The Sun is also a Star

Two young adults with opposing views

Transit

is carrying. Living among refugees from around the world, Georg falls in love with Marie, a mysterious woman searching for her husband – the man whose identity he has assumed. Starring: Paula Beer and Franz Rogowski Release date: 16th August

Crawl

When all residents are advised to evacuate the area due to an impending hurricane, one young woman tries to make it to her father in order to ensure his safety, only to come up against starved alligators looking their next meal. Without help or any backup to assist, it’s up to her to save herself and her father before they fall victim to the alligators and the storm. Starring: Kaya Scodelario and Barry Pepper Release date: 23rd August

For more movie review and news from James Oliver see: @jamesoliverfil1

LIVING

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

SAVE

Argos Home Farmhouse Table in solid pine (ref: 8659862) from Argos £249.99

SPLURGE

Ribbon Easy Fit Lamp Shade from Matalan £30

Iona Large Dining Table in solid pine and pebble grey from Made.com £499 Dar Lighting Rawley 12-Light Ribbon Pendant from Thelighting-company.co.uk (for local stockists) £402.60

Black Origami Rhino Ornament from George Home @ Asda £12

Origami Rhino geometric ornament from Hurnandhurn.co.uk £33

Metal & Wood Round Wall Shelf from Melodymaison.co.uk £22.75 Alana Round Mirror in brushed brass, 50x50cm, from Made.com £119

Kaveri Cushion in 100% cotton from Swooneditions.com £29

Menu ‘Darkly’ Brass Wall Mirror by Nick Ross, 40cm, from Nest.co.uk £370

Florence Alfresco Trieste indoor/ outdoor flatwoven polypropylene rug, 160x230cm, from Modern-rugs.co.uk, £63.36

Eichholtz Abstract Chevron Cushion (set of two) from Sweetpeaandwillow.com £94

Kempsey Wood & Metal Round Wall Shelf from Artisanti.com £229

Arlo Chevron Polyester Rug, 160x230cm from Matalan £140

MAKING AN ENTRANCE

First impressions count. Create a haute hallway with these quick and easy updates BY RÓISÍN CARABINE

STEP TO IT

Stairs painted in Crown Teal, Duck Egg, Powder Blue, Moonlight Bay & Clay White matt emulsion, from £14 for 2.5L

Hallways are the perfect place to experiment with colour – and not just on the walls. Transform a simple staircase into a style statement by painting the risers in varying shades of a single colour, starting with a darker shade on the bottom and gradually getting lighter as you ascend. It’s always best to use a specialist floor paint on the treads as they will be subject to more wear and tear.

IN THE FRAME

As the first area of your home that visitors see and one that you pass through on a regular basis, a hallway is the ideal location for the things you want to display. Transform yours into a gallery with a collection of framed artwork or photographs. For a cohesive, structured look stick to the same colour and size of frame and make sure your spacing is perfect. Framed images from £26 & Ferm Living plant box £179 from Nest.co.uk

‘Rivington’ in yellow wallpaper from Woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk, £99 a roll

PRINTS CHARMING

Often devoid of character, hallways can look rather sad and soulless. Wallpaper is an ideal way to add a design feature and inject personality without taking up space. For walls that wow, team a striking patterned paper with woodwork and trims in a contrasting shade. Avoid over stimulating the space by painting furniture in the same colour as the woodwork and keeping the flooring simple.

STYLISH STORAGE SOLUTIONS Keep hallway clutter under control with these hardworking pieces

Giro industrial coat stand with shelf from Cuckooland.com, £205

Lipsy mirrored console from Next, £199 Verena Large Sideboard in solid mango from Cultfurniture.com, £649

Grimas yellow pendant lamp from Ikea, £50

Demelza pendant from Debenhams, £250

OF THE BEST STATEMENT LIGHTS

Add instant drama with pretty pendants and oversized shades.

Trikonasana 3-arm ceiling pendant from Dowsingandreynolds.com, £139.99

Helix chandelier from Johnlewis.com, £350 Novamobili easy system modular clothes rail mirror drawers tray (GM-Easy-15), from Gomodern.co.uk, £1,020

ON REFLECTION

Mirrors are a great way of reflecting light and giving the impression of space – especially useful in hallways which tend to be long and narrow and often dark. In a small hallway play with scale with an oversized mirror or create the illusion of an endless corridor with a full length mirror on the furthest back wall.

Gold sunburst pendant ceiling lights from Audenza.com, £298

FLOOR SHOW

While hallway flooring should be practical and hardwearing, that needn’t mean boring. Create drama underfoot with an eye-catching floor covering that draws the eye from the door through the hallway and beyond. A modern take on the traditional carpet runner, tile runners are very on trend and can be created using patterned tiles in the centre of the floor surrounded by a coordinating tile. For easy installation, choose patterned and plain tiles from the same range, that way all tiles will be the same type and thickness. London Funk Wave 20x20cm tiles from Bakedtiles.co.uk, from £54 per square metre

Wooden settle bench with hinged lift up seats from Gardentrading.co.uk, £495.

OH SIT DOWN

Elevate your hallway from a mere corridor to other rooms to a space to stop and sit with the addition of seating. It will also make the everyday routine of putting on and taking off shoes a lot easier. Where space is tight consider multi-purpose seating that also doubles as storage or wall hung, flip down seats.

Wealth and home In the second feature of our new series on managing your money, Jade Beecroft looks at household budgeting, and how to stretch those pennies further

ands up who remembers their grandmother cutting money-off coupons out of the newspaper, or making three different suppers from a leftover roast

chicken? As a society we’ve moved away from that ‘make do and mend’ mentality, and our household budgets are all the worse for it. Some are still savvy enough to keep a weekly groceries list and meal plan, swap our utility providers every 12 months, and have a wallet full of store cards. But for those of us guilty of “hangryshopping” (falling into Sainsbury’s at the end of the work day to desperately grab something for dinner), who can’t bear

the thought of meerkat-related price comparison sites, here’s a few things you can do to keep your household budget in better check.

Stock up on loyalty cards

You need to be a bit careful here. Taking out a store card to get 10% off a clothes purchase and then forgetting to pay the balance does not make good financial sense. But if you shop somewhere regularly, and they offer a loyalty scheme with incentives, it makes sense to sign up. Northern Woman met a Tesco cashier recently who proudly explained that she covered her entire Christmas food bill with the points saved from her weekly shop. We signed up for a Tesco Clubcard the very next day.

And it’s not just supermarkets; think about all the places you shop regularly. You might get your make-up and toiletries from places like Boots or the Body Shop, dog or cat food from Pets at Home, supplements from Holland and Barrett, books from Waterstones, or DIY goods from B&Q. All those places, and many, many more, offer loyalty schemes. If you have a regular lunch stop, restaurant or coffee haunt, they often offer cards to be stamped too, making your tenth hot drink or burrito free.

Download an App

These days there’s an App for everything. But if you’re struggling to work out where your last tenner went, or you’re looking down your bank statement, realising you appear to be in a committed relationship with your local Co-Op, then making a note of where every penny is going can be helpful. Most money saving experts advise keeping a diary, but the modern version is

still come with a warranty. Also keep an eye on sites like Gumtree and eBay – waste not, want not! If you regularly use the same supermarket, try to make a habit of visiting at the time when you know they discount a lot of fresh food.

Don’t be brand loyal

at your fingertips on your mobile phone. There’s loads of money diary apps to choose from, which should allow you to record all your incomings and outgoings on the go, as you’re spending, so you don’t forget anything.

Grocery shop like a badass

There’s so many ways to save money on your groceries, if you’re willing to dedicate a bit of time to it. Money-off coupons and vouchers still exist, but the trick is to make sure you only keep the ones for things you would have genuinely bought anyway. Savvy families make a weekly list and meal plan, and stick to it. If you’re one of those people who nips into Tesco to buy a couple of items, and comes out with a bulging basket of impulse buys, then you might find shopping online better. Footing the couple of quid delivery cost could still work out cheaper than dropping things you don’t really need into your trolley when you’re browsing in store.

You can save a packet in discount supermarkets, but you can take that approach to your household bills, subscriptions and other outgoings too. From home and pet insurance to phone bills and media subscriptions, make sure you shop around each time they’re up for renewal to get the best prices. And don’t be afraid to haggle. When replacing the tyres on your car, for example, ring around several garages to get the best deal, then go back to your favourite mechanic and ask them to price match. And when renewal letters drop onto the doormat, take a moment to consider whether you still need that particular service. If you signed up for a TV package last year to watch a certain show or sports event, and that’s no longer relevant, then there’s no need to stick with it.

Do your homework

When making significant purchases, such as a new fridge, washing machine or television, always look online before you head out to shops. Read reviews to decide on the make and model that you want, then look at what price deals are available. Also keep in mind the time of year… is there a sales season coming up soon? There’s no point in making a big purchase two weeks before Black Friday, for example. And don’t be snobby about secondhand goods. You can get reconditioned items or factory seconds from reputable outlets for a fraction of the price of new, and they often

Use a savings account

Last month we looked at long term savings and investments, but having a short-term pot of cash or ‘war chest’ in an easy access savings account can be really helpful too, because it eliminates the panic-factor when something breaks. If you have a bit of cash set aside, you can take advantage of bargains when you see them. If you know your vacuum is on its last legs and have a savings account to dip into, then you can snap up a good deal when you see one. If you don’t, you’ll just keep hovering until it finally gives up, probably on the morning the in-laws are due to visit, and then you have to dash out to the nearest electrical store for a panic-buy. Desperation never saves money!

Upcycle and mend

Hands up who feels a pang of envy when they admire a friend’s coffee table, bedroom furniture or curtains, only to be told “oh that was a nasty pine cabinet belonging to my grandma, I’ve just sanded and painted it”. With the internet at our fingertips, it’s never been easier to fix or refurbish. You can find a YouTube video for just about every household DIY project, and Pinterest and Instagram is teaming with photos of barbecues made from old drums, ironically painted dining chairs and bespoke bookcases. We’re tempted to say that you should never throw anything away until you’ve typed the name of what it is, plus the word ‘upcycle’ into Google Images or Insta. Come to think of it, you should be throwing out anything you could flog on eBay, Gumtree or your local car boot either. Be an environmentalist as well as a savvy saver.

Mr and Mrs Photography by The Three Bears

erry bride Jennifer Lee and Down groom Richard Cranley met at Queen’s University, Belfast, almost ten years ago. Richard proposed in Paris on 15th April 2017 and the couple set the date for 1st December 2018. “I liked the idea of a cosy winter wedding, and Larchfield Estate is a stunning venue, which was made even more stunning by Kim from Victoriana Floral whose installations were fabulous,” Jennifer says. “There was no theme as such, really just a classical style winter wedding with lots of foliage and blooms.” Jennifer looked sensational in a Viktor Rolf dress. “I knew it was the one for me when I saw it online, and when I saw it in person with a couple of my best friends, it was confirmed. I Facetimed my Mum and even the dog, Bailey, approved. My Mum and her sisters then went to see it with me for a fitting and were delighted with it.” Ebony Letterpress created the stationery, Niall Hanna performed during the ceremony and at the drinks reception, and The Bentley Boys took to the stage for the evening reception. The couple were delighted with the photos captured by The Three Bears, Jennifer says: “the photographs are fantastic, they really tell the story of the day from start to finish capturing the spirit of the wedding”. Jennifer has lots of great memories of her wedding day but one stands out: “I remember a moment when everyone was going into the room to sit down for dinner, Richard and I had a glass of champagne and looked around and thought how great it was to have everyone we love all together for a party.” The newlyweds enjoyed a minimoon in a “Christmas village”; Colmar in France a few days after the wedding. They later honeymooned in New York, New Orleans and Antigua.

Venue: Larchfield Estate, Lisburn Wedding dress: Browns Bride, London Bridesmaids’ dresses: Adrianna Papell, online Groomswear: Hire Class, Belfast Cake: The groom’s parents - Brian and Maura Cranley Flowers: Victoriana Floral, Whitehead Makeup: Tippy Logronio, Belfast Hair: Ceire Smith, Whitehead Photography: The Three Bears

In the September issue of Your AW capsule wardrobe Five shades of grey Ground control â&#x20AC;&#x201C; flooring options Female referees in the spotlight

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

Credit: Mango

Mr & Mrs Stevenson

Photos by Karen Grattan Photography

magh bride Alison Nixon and Annalong groom Mark Stevenson both swiped right in October 2015, they went to the cinema for their first date and “clicked straight away”. Just over two years later Mark got down on one knee on Christmas Eve and proposed with a rose gold ring with a morganite stone. The couple set the date for 6th April 2019 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford. Perfect Day Print, Ballymena, designed the stationery featuring Mark’s pet dogs Indie and Millie; Baked Blessings, Lurgan, created the four-tier wedding cake and Alison’s aunt made a fruit cake; The Phillips Sisters, Kilkeel, played during the ceremony and The Professionals performed at the evening reception. The bride looked stunning in a Mori Lee gown, accessorised with flowers in her hair and her sister’s veil as her ‘something borrowed’. “I visited several bridal shops and found dress shopping quite hard as I really liked lots of different styles, but when I tried this one on I just knew it was the one,” Alison says. “It was perfect; I loved everything about it and felt like a princess.” Mark’s friend Karen Grattan captured the wedding photography which the couple absolutely love. “Karen made us feel at ease and we had so many laughs doing the bridal party portraits; we cannot recommend her enough,” Alison says. Mark’s favourite memories of his day include: “The journey to the hotel on the Carlingford Lough ferry. It was so nice - everyone out on the ferry having the craic and enjoying the good weather. Our videographer Screenscraft Productions captured some amazing drone footage of the ferry which we love.” Alison loved seeing all of the couple’s plans come together on the day, such as the floral pillars outside the church, and “walking down the aisle to my future husband of course”. The newlyweds honeymooned in Miami and went on a Caribbean cruise - the highlight of which was a visit to Barbados where they enjoyed a private boat trip and swam with turtles.

Venue: Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford Wedding dress: McElhinneys Bridal Rooms, Donegal Bridesmaids’ dresses: Petticoat Lane, Hillsborough Groomswear: Red Groomswear, Belfast Cake: Baked Blessings, Lurgan Flowers: Ditsy Floral Design, Loughbrickland Makeup: Julie Quinn Make Up, Kilkeel Hair: Caoimhe Poland, Chameleon Hairdressers, Kilkeel

THE

ALBUM Amee Hannigan and Darren Boyd pictured at Down Royal Racecourse, Summer Festival of Racing. Photo by Kelvin Boyes, Press Eye

Karen McGarvey, Matt McRoberts and Julie Hastings

Claire Craig and Emma Deighan

Grand Central Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first birthday Hastings Hotels is celebrating the firstyear anniversary of the jewel in its crown; the Grand Central Hotel Belfast. During its opening year, the Grand Central has welcomed Their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Irish President Michael D Higgins, the Home Secretary Sajid Javid, and a host of stars from around the world including Shania Twain, Jodie Kidd and Jamie Dornan. A whopping 78,000 beds have been made, and 38,000 cocktails served in the Observatory.

Damien McDonald, Stephen Meldrum, Ian Jameson, Deborah Galloway and Damian Tumilty

Photos by William Cherry from Press Eye

Cara Cowan and LesleyAnn Diffin

Leanne McCandless, Fiona Brown and Nadine McCallum

Tara McLoughlin and Sasha Wylie

Fionnuala Kearney, Elanna McGowan and Debbie Magennis

SPAR NI’s Summer Food Fiesta

Steven Kennedy, Brenda Mulligan, Fionnuala Kearney, Bronagh Luke and Darren Murray

SPAR NI held a summer food fiesta in Belfast’s Revolución de Cuba recently to showcase their offering of fresh and local foods that are perfect for any summer occasion. Guests enjoyed tapas and dips, from SPAR’s own red pepper hummus and cream cheese stuffed peppers, to toasted pitta breads and SPAR Spanish olives with manchego cheese, followed by sizzling steaks, seasoned succulent chicken and an array of salads from the Enjoy Local and The Greengrocer’s ranges, produced in collaboration with local farmers, growers and suppliers. Photography by Marie Therese Hurson, Stills Photography

Bronagh Luke, Brenda Mulligan, Lucy McCormack, Laura McKee and Sara Murphy

Jayne Dempster

Louise Hart and Melissa Smith

Beth Morrow and Connor McKee

Ulster University Graduate Fashion Show Ulster University showcased Northern Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exciting emerging designers at its annual Graduate Fashion Show which took place at St Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral. 31 Ulster University students showcased their work from a range of disciplines including knit, weave, print and embroidery, with influences taken from nature, sustainability and equality. Photos by Robin Cordiner

Macy Stewart and James Morrison

Susanna Hall, Abigail Mateer and Courtney Campbell

Claudia Maxwell, Adelaine Maxwell and Janette Rooney

Christine Aiken, Hannah Creaney and Lynda Brown

Maddie McRoberts and Lauren Irwin

Ellen Mooney, Kerry Phillips and Shannon Donnelly

Shannah McGuire and Jana Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hagan

Antony Nicholson and Catherine Alvarez

Kathryn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien and Emily Hancock

Jonny McPherson and Samantha Giles Karen McGarvey, Olivia Johnston, Joanne Harvey, Fiona Brown and Julie Hastings

Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards

Northern Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unsung heroes who have worked selflessly to transform communities or help people, have been honoured at the annual Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards. Sunday Life and Specsavers teamed up for the annual awards, which were held at Titanic Belfast. There were 10 categories, including awards for Unsung Hero, Charity Champion, 999 Hero, Spirit of Health, Spirit of Education, Spirit of Youth and Spirit of Sport.

Marc Mallett and Conor Bannon

Photos by Kelvin Boyes, Press Eye

Martin Breen and Jenevieve Devenny

Alison Clarke and Alana Fox

Gary Fearon and Abi Brown

Matthew and Joanne McKenny

David and Tara Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dornan

Mary Bovaird and Stephen Clegg

Gaynor Faye, Diane and Patrick McCourt, Katherine Dow Blyton and Chris Nelmes

Ryan Burnett and Lara Milner

Sean McAuley, Julie Smyth-Leddy and Donna Marie Logue

Mark McClelland, Robyn Lennox, Christy Hunter and Michael Hall

Dino Paludini and Karen Devlin

Down Royal Summer Festival of Racing Racing fans and Ireland’s style elite showed off their fashion credentials at Down Royal Summer Festival of Racing, with Suzanne Gallagher from Sligo taking the Best Dressed Lady title in association with Jack Murphy Jewellers. Suzanne took home an amazing prize package worth £3,500 including spectacular jewellery from Jack Murphy Jewellers to the value of £3,000, as well as a case of Tattinger champagne and a host of other goodies. Photos by Kelvin Boyes, Press Eye

Louise Kelly, Shannon Bosilac, Anne Devlin and Michaela Kelly

Claire McElduff, Aisling Muldoon and Danielle McLernan

Kate and Lynn Burns

Claire Rutherford and Emma Meehan Fiona McFall, Laura Fry and Louise Reith

Rebecca Smylie and Sarah Smith

Belle Azzure and Annette Kelly Ellena Magowan and Kim Kelly

Suzanne Gallagher, Best Dressed Lady winner

Tori Hargan and Demi Lafferty

NELSON

K N OWS

Is your family complete? Are you ready for another child, or has that ship sailed?

BY EUNICE NELSON

re you finished? Sure you’ll have another. These sentences should be reserved for the dinner table, but anyone who has ever had a child will know better. As soon as we start to reproduce, the world and his wife has something to say about how many we should have, the gap between each one, and our decisions to stop. I knew soon after I had my second child that I was finished, although it took my husband slightly longer to come to that conclusion. I have done my bit to make sure my wonderful genes are being carried on, and now I’m done. There was a point when my biological clock started to get a bit loud but I just took the batteries out. Problem solved. So if you’re not quite sure if you’re done having babies, here are my eight helpful signs to watch out for.

1. The shop test

Picture the scene, you’re in Primark, you hear a baby crying and it’s not yours. If you feel your heart clench in longing, then you’re not ready to stop having babies. If however you are swamped by relief and giddy with happiness the child is not yours, then skip on to

the shoe section because you are done with a capital D. Enjoy your child-free shopping trip, try on clothes, and have a coffee after.

2. Fantasising about vasectomies

If you die tomorrow and someone checks your Google search history, there will be eyebrows raised and questions asked. Every facility that performs vasectomies within a two hundred mile radius has been thoroughly researched, and you even have your very own spreadsheet of locations and prices. Maybe if I make a colourful flow chart and bar graph I can actually convince my husband to go through with it, but if not I’m sure there are some great YouTube tutorials out there… I am really good at DIY after all.

3. Skipping the baby aisle

Do you still wander through the baby section in your local supermarket just to get a whiff of that baby smell that you love so much, or do you skip right past it because it’s right next to the off licence (not a coincidence people)? It has now been so long since I saw the baby products aisle that I almost forgot that part of the shop existed. This does not make me sad, I don’t mourn the loss of all the pastel coloured baby lotion bottles any more than I miss having a newborn. Yes my heart is probably made of my stone and my uterus has a ‘no trespassing’ sign.

4. Newborns and cold sweats

When my first child was around six months old I was in the doctors for an appointment and came across another lady who had a tiny baby with her. The baby couldn’t have been more than a few days old and I literally broke out in a cold sweat. I almost left the waiting room. I realise now that it was a reaction to the traumatic birth of my little girl, but I still have no desire to go back to that stage of parenting. Give me my mouthy ten year old and hyperactive five year old any day.

5. Everything must go

Your Facebook page now looks like the Babies R Us catalogue because you’re selling every single thing that your kids have grown out of. You refuse to be put off by all the stories about women who sold their prams only to get pregnant right after. Let’s face it: with your current devotion to contraceptives your garden gnome has more chance of getting pregnant than you. So it’s time to bundle up the baby clothes, clean off the car seat, and pimp up the pram. You’ve got money to make and shoes to buy.

6. Maternity bonfire

I swear there was no chanting or incense involved, but I did actually burn my maternity wear – both times – yes I’m a maniac in case you’re wondering. After a very tough birth the first time around it was for therapeutic reasons, but second time around I did exactly the same thing, knowing I’d never be wearing it again. I admit I do miss the jeans that come up to your boobs, but like every long term relationship – it’s best to make a clean break. This does not mean you should set fire to any previous boyfriends, just the ugly clothes.

7. Secret smugness

All babies are beautiful, precious little bundles, especially those belonging to your friends and family. Everyone loves to visit the new additions and goo and gaa over the new little person who has entered the world. When you do manage to tear yourself away or your husband starts shifting awkwardly because the new mummy is breastfeeding, you say your goodbyes, smother the baby in compliments and head for the door. If you’re getting all misty eyed and broody then you’re well on the way to another baby, but if you close the door with a sigh, grin at each other, and run like hell then please don’t procreate anymore. You are delighted to be past the baby stage and nothing is bringing you back there.

what’s missing is probably the smell of vomit. No one has got sick in your house for quite a while, a sure sign that the kids are growing up. The only downside I can see to the lack of child smells is that I now realise the house smells like dogs. Whether you’re at the beginning of your parenting journey, just contemplating it, or knee deep in toddlers, it really is amazing. I won’t say it’s all magical but it’s usually entertaining enough to stop you trying to sell the kids along with the steriliser and the bouncer.

8. The smell of success

One day you will wake up and your house will no longer smell like a mixture of bodily fluids, unless you have teenagers that is. You might be able to smell what you had for dinner the previous evening or the air freshener you picked up last week, but there will be an absence of something too. You might not be able to put your finger on it right away but sooner or later you will realise that

Send us your photo! 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 and email your photo to NW editor Catriona: c.doherty@independentmagazinesni.co.uk. Every month one reader will win a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pic of the Monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; prize, so well done to Ellen Keegan who has won an Ayu goodie bag. AYU is an Irish online company, supplier of professional make-up brush sets, palettes and individual brushes at affordable prices.

Aoife Kane, Genevieve Lenaghan, Katie Kearney and Aine McVeigh, from Brennan MisKelly McCormick School of Irish Dancing, taking a break from competing at the Irish Nationals

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R E G BLOG CORNER BY JOHN LEWIS FROM @irishskincaregeek

My skincare ESSENTIALS

s we are in the midst of summer, I wanted to share three of my skincare essentials that I can’t live without. I feel there are so many products out there, that we as consumers are bombarded with - it can all get a little confusing sometimes, knowing where to begin with skincare products. On that note here are three of my favourite skincare essentials that I recommend you incorporate into your skincare routines on a daily basis, to protect your skin and also give it a little glow.

Sunscreen

Arguably the most important product in your skincare routine, sunscreen is your best friend in the fight against ageing and should be worn 365 days a year. It is said that 80% of the visible signs of skin ageing is caused by the sun, so this is why we must wear sunscreen every day. There are two types of sun protection – chemical and mineral. Chemical is designed to absorb into your skin whilst mineral sunscreen sits on top of it Mineral is best for sensitive skin as it doesn’t absorb into the skin therefore is less likely to cause irritation. Chemical sunscreens usually contain additional skin beneficial ingredients and are generally more moisturising so if your skin is on the drier side, this may be the more suitable type for you. The minimum SPF you should be using is 15, but try and aim for B-Protect SPF 50+ products with sunscreen by Avène £13 SPF 30+.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a skincare wonder product and one we should all be using in our routines in some form. It is an antioxidant which helps fight free radicals caused by air pollution and it helps combat and protect your skin against the harmful effects of sun exposure. When using Vitamin C, over time it should also help reduce fine lines,

wrinkles, and the complexion of your skin will be brighter and more even in tone. Vitamin C in skincare comes in many different forms and I personally love using it in a serum formula. You can either use a Vitamin C serum in your morning or evening routine. I always apply it in the morning and follow up with Vital C Hydrating my sunscreen for Anti-Aging Serum by IMAGE Skincare £78 that added bit of protection.

Self-Tanning

Let’s face it, we all feel better with a tan, but there’s too many health risks associated with getting a real tan. Self-tan formulas have dramatically improved in recent years and gone are the days when people looked like an Oompa Loompa film extra when using one. Don’t be scared of applying selftan if you’ve never used one before, as you will find one that is perfect for you.

One of my favourite self-tan brands is HeShi and I’m loving their Overnight Ageless Tanning Balm. What makes this product stand out is the fact that it contains antiageing ingredients alongside 100% natural DHA, which is the primary tanning agent. The formula itself is gel-like and it just glides on to the skin. It contains jojoba protein which conditions the skin, hyaluronic acid which plumps the skin, and smoothing and soothing almond oil, leaving a dewy, soft, satin finish. Colourwise it’s natural looking and it is buildable so if you want a deeper tan, you can use it for 2-3 nights in Overnight Ageless Tanning Balm by a row and your skin He-Shi £22.50 will be glowing. For more from John Lewis visit: @irishskincaregeek on Instagram

NORTHERN MAN

Loch Lomond

Jeff Meredith celebrates a big birthday

Girvan Beach

i folks, If you read my column regularly, you’ll know the health and fitness journey I’ve been on, and you’ll also know this is a golden year for me, the year of the big 50th birthday. The marathon has been and gone but at the time of writing this, the birthday is just days away, and there’s a big party to celebrate it. Like any birthday, it needs celebrated, but this one is different than the rest, it feels huge, a proper milestone event, half a century! How do you cope with these big milestone birthdays? I once dreaded this one, but now with it almost here, I’m very happy and excited to have got this far. Actually, every day deserves to be celebrated whether it’s a birthday or not. Waking up in the morning is worthy of a high five. Seize the day and make the most of it with a smile on your face. Fill your lungs with fresh air, breathe, and give the day your best shot. In June I went to my first ever day at the races for the Down Royal Summer Festival of Racing weekend. It was Ladies Day, so most were dressed to the nines with beautiful dresses and hats; I was kitted out in a suit gifted to me by local company

Remus Uomo. I didn’t expect it to be so much fun, the roar of the crowds as the horses raced over the finishing line was exhilarating. The horses were beautiful creatures to watch before and after the races and it was also a great people-watching event; who doesn’t love a bit of people watching? If you’re about on any of the 12 fixtures this year, why not try a trip to the races, you can jump on the bus from the city centre, pay at the turnstiles, and have a fun day out. I was also invited on to the Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas for lunch and a tour, while it was docked in Belfast for the day. It’s a beautiful ship but me being me, I’m not interested in what the rooms looked like or the bar, so I escaped up on deck to play crazy golf and have a try at basketball. The waterslide was closed for the day or I would’ve been buying some trunks in the shop and whizzing down it. I definitely chose the fun option don’t you think? Have a great August.

A 500-mile road trip around Scotland

BY JEFF MEREDITH

t’s a two and a half hour Stenaline ferry trip across the sea to reach Scotland; if you take your car a whole land of adventure opens up for you to explore. Departing from Belfast on a Monday afternoon and returning on Thursday afternoon, gave me ample time to explore 500 miles of the vast and stunning country. Once I arrived in Scotland I headed north towards Girvan and stopped at its beautiful beach for a run and splash about in the sun before heading up to Glasgow. I’d booked two nights in the Easy Hotel. The rooms and bathroom were compact, but amazing value and right off Sauchiehall Street. Parking in the multi-storey across the road cost just £4 between 6pm and 8am.

New Cumnock Swimming Pool

Nordic Spa on Stenaline

The running route up Ben Nevis

Feeling alive in Glencoe

Walking route in Glencoe, Scottish Higlands

Whitelee Windfarm Monday night’s dinner was in Stereo; a great vegan restaurant on Renfield Lane close to Glasgow Central Train Station. By 7am on Tuesday morning I was driving north towards Loch Lomond then Glencoe. You think thats beautiful, until you turn a corner and a sign welcomes you to the Scottish Highlands and they appear in all their glory. You have to drive this route once in your life. I stopped the car and went for a walk up the mountain, before visiting the National Trust Glencoe site to learn more about the area. After lunch I headed towards Fortwilliam and to Ben Nevis where I changed into my running gear and ran halfway up the highest peak in the UK – you can of course choose the saner option and walk it!

After that I went back to Glasgow and dined on the best vegan burger I’ve ever tried. That was served in The Flying Duck – an underground restaurant on Renfield Street. On Wednesday morning I bought a cool bag in M&S and filled it with Plant Kitchenfood, before heading east towards central Scotland and The Kelpies at The Helix in Falkirk; the world’s largest equine sculptures. At the other end of The Helix park, approximately four miles away (you can drive or walk it) is the Falkirk Wheel, a massive feat of engineering connecting canals. Google it to read more about it. Both attractions are very impressive. Next I drove south to visit the Scottish Power Whitelee Windfarm. Whitelee covers an area larger than Glasgow, there are many miles of walkways and trails underneath the wind turbines and it’s worthwhile visiting. Wednesday night’s accommodation was the Lochside House Hotel and Spa. My final day started with a swim in one of three outdoor pools in Scotland. New Cumnock Swimming Pool is only a mile or so from the hotel and attracts visitors from all over the country. The rest of the day was spent driving around the hills and coastline of Dumfries and Galloway, before visiting Stranraer and going to Carnryan to catch the Stenaline home. If you want to do it in style, for £10 you can get access to the Nordic Spa onboard the ferry. Trust me, it’s worth it.

The Kelpies in Falkirk

Falkirk Wheel

Win

A two-night stay at Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone

 COMPETITION

e are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a two-night break at Radisson Blu Hotel in the heart of the maritime town of Athlone. The prize includes two nights’ accommodation including dinner in Elements Bistro on a night of your choice, and a super buffet breakfast each morning, plus complimentary access to Synergy Health & Leisure Club which features an indoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped gym with views over the river, a sauna and steam room. Located in the heart of Athlone, guests will have no shortage of sights to see and visit in this maritime town. Take a scenic boat trip on the Shannon, or visit Athlone Castle and Luan Art Gallery located just across the river from Radisson Blu Athlone. Fashion-followers will be thrilled with the selection of individual boutiques and high street stores on the doorstep of the hotel. History buffs may be more interested in a visit to Derryglad Folk Museum, just outside Athlone or in Clonmacnoise, just a 20-minute drive from the hotel. After a morning spent sightseeing or shopping, Radisson Blu Athlone is the perfect place to relax and unwind – take a swim, enjoy a drink on the terrace overlooking the river, or sit with a coffee and the paper in the Quayside Bar & Lounge. With a selection of fantastic offers available throughout the year visit: www.radathlone.com

TO ENTER Simply complete the sentence. The prize of a two-night stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel, includes dinner in which restaurant? Email your answer and contact details to: competitions@northernwoman.co.uk before 5pm on Friday 30th August. T&Cs: The prize is for 2 night’s b&b with one dinner midweek for two guests, it’s subject to availability and is non-transferrable. It is not valid on bank holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Year. INM T&Cs apply.