Northern Woman February 2017

NORTHERN WOMAN

woman NORTHERN

NEW LOOK NEW YOU

February 2017 £2.50/€3.95

Real-life romance How we finally found our true soulmates FEBRUARY 2017

SINGLE LADIES

Meet the women who don’t need a man to be happy

A LASTING LEGACY

The NI mums campaigning in memory of their daughters

GIRL POWER

What it’s like being in business with your sister CAPED CRUSADER

Co Down’s Sara Hall on dressing the stars

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

Inside luxury home of NI couple who left city life behind

VOLUME 33

Fall in LOVE

NUMBER 2

... with fabulous fashion, dream weddings, candlelit dining & Fifty Shades’ film star Jamie Dornan

#WCC

ST YULAED SQ

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Contents Hot look: fashion new trends P27-30

Top tresses: new trends P68-72

Real-life love: couples share their stories P19-24

Inside February Publisher Independent News & Media Ltd Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3GB www.northernwoman.co.uk T: 028 9026 4264 Editorial Consultants Gail Walker Stephanie Bell Design Consultant Heather Byrne Designer Raymond Esteban Manager Eileen Doherty Art Editor Helen Wright Pictures Peter Rainey Production Manager Stuart Gray Editorial Contributors Una Brankin, Helen Carson, Davina Gordon, Lee Henry, Alicia Clarke Sophie Donaldson Cover photo: Jasmin Bell for Belfast Fashionweek Independent News & Media © 2017. 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

Interview: Sara Hall P8-13

✶ PEOPLE

Your new loolky month rn Northe n Woma

8 SARA HALL Northern Ireland’s hottest new fashion designer on how her luxury collection of capes has captured the eye of Hollywood’s leading ladies and the secret of balancing running her business and looking after two young children 25 JAMIE DORNAN As his new movie Fifty Shades Darker hits cinemas, why Jamie Dornan’s a true star

✶ LIFE 20 REAL-LIFE LOVE STORIES Three couples reveal how they found romance...and what makes their relationships work 72 CAMPAIGNING MUMS Two NI mums share their stories of how the heartache of losing their daughters prompted them to help improve lives of others

Country living: Stephen and Rachel Morgan, with daughters Ezara, Farrah-May and Saoirse, open the doors of their beautiful Co Down home, P48-52

✶ BEAUTY

46 THE BIG SEDUCTION Helen Carson’s hot guide to achieving the look of love 68 LATEST HAIR TRENDS Northern Ireland’s top stylists give you a head start on 2017’s key looks

✶ LIVING

48 CITY TO COUNTRY Rachel and Stephen Morgan moved from Belfast to Co Down and not only created their dream Swing out sister: what it’s family home but a new like running a business career working together with your sibling P34-38 14 GIFTS TO WOO ...

54 KEEP IT COSY Stuck for ideas for February 14? We have Roddy Clarke’s guide to fend off the choosen special gifts for Him and Her blues of these chilly, shortened days and with something to suit all budgets keep your home cosy 55 SINGLE & HAPPY! Three women on why they definitely don’t need a man to make them feel good about life

✶ SHOPPING

27 WHAT TO WEAR NEXT With the countdown on to Spring/Summer Belfast Fashionweek, we get a sneak preview of what will be on the catwalks

✶ MY WAY

40 A FOOD LEGEND Daniela Morelli-Kerr whose family have been bringing us delicious ice cream

for over 100 years shares details of her favourite foods 42 FOOD OF LOVE Woo your partner with our recipes for a romantic three course meal or surprise them with one of our sweet treats 92 NORTHERN MAN Lee Henry on romance and how he won his sweetheart’s hand without having to break the bank!

85 OUR BIG DAY Four couples open their wedding albums and share their special memories PLUS Five pages of the hottest VIP events in Northern Ireland

Do you want to tell your story in Northern Woman? Contact us by emailing: info@northernwoman.co.uk #northernwomanmagazine

4 Northern Woman

www.facebook.com/ NorthernWomanmagazine

@NorthernWomanNW

This month

Helen Carson checks out the top events, cool places and go-sees to have a fun-filled February

Life

what’s happening Must See

Don’t…

Miss

OH MR GREY...

He’s back and more menacing than ever in the much-anticipated Fifty Shades Darker.

The movie sequel to Fifty Shades of Grey starring our own Jamie Dornan is back on the big screen this month — this time he appears more vulnerable.

The plot reveals that a wounded Christian Grey trying to entice a Catch up with Co cautious Ana Steele Tyrone’s answer to (Dakota Johnson) Derren Brown who back into his life. But, is currently gigging she demands a new provincewide. arrangement before INSIDE Dale Thomas will beguile you with his mind-bending antics. The 28-year-old she will give him another Claire Williamson chance. As the two begin on why there is more is a master hypnotist, illusionist and mentalist who has a celebrity following including Radio to build trust and find to Jamie Dornan One’s Danny Howard and rapper Wretch 32 stability, shadowy figures than his smouldering among others. from Christian’s past start good looks...

Dale will be working his trickery at The to circle the couple.

P25-26 Planters Tavern, Waringstown in Co Armagh on Saturday, March 4 with another two gigs planned in Lisburn and Kilkeel.

For details visit dale-bookings@live.co.uk or tel: 07849 783 314

IT’S A LITTLE MAGIC

COUNTRY SOUND

Keep ‘er lit with the hoedown of the year when the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival get together for the 13th BelNash in March. Expect no fewer than 30 live music events featuring the likes of Kimmie Rhodes and Paul Brady (above) among a whole host of country talent. Running across five days the Clayton Hotel in Belfast and the Empire Music Hall will host over 100 local and international artists in 30 concerts from March 1-5.

EDUCATING RITA Willy Russell’s award-winning comedy Educating Rita — but with a local spin — comes to the Market Place Theatre in Co Armagh this month.

It’s 1980, and Susan ‘Rita’ White, a wise-cracking, no-nonsense hairdresser from the working-class streets of Belfast is tired of her job, her prospects, her husband and wants a change.

She wants to be the sort of woman who knows the difference between Shaw’s Bridge and

IN CONCERT Scottish songstress and three-times BRIT award winner Eddi Reader celebrates her 30year career with the release of her first career spanning compilation Eddi Reader The Best Of. She returns to our shores for a gig at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre on Sunday, February 26, as part of for her ninth consecutive nationwide tour.

She will be joined by her regular band members John Douglas (guitar & vocals), Boo Hewerdine (guitar & vocals), Alan Kelly (piano accordion) and Kevin McGuire (double bass & vocals).

With her captivating and powerful performance, Eddi Reader has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers.

Best know for her hits with Fairground Attraction the critically-acclaimed artist is set to rock the Lyric with show starting at 7.45pm.

Tickets cost £21 from the box offic, tel: 028 9038 1081

PROMS ON SONG The Peace Proms, which were established in post ceasefire Northern Ireland, will be in the SSE Arena later this month where the Cross Border Orchestra for Ireland (CBOI) will be striking a positive note.

The highly acclaimed youth orchestra with over 120 members from here and the Republic will be in Belfast on Sunday, February 26 for the musical and cultural celebration.

The performance begins at 3pm and tickets cost £15.50 with a family ticket (four) priced £55, tel: 028 9073 90974

George Bernard Shaw, and enrols in an Open Learning course in English where she meets her tutor Frank. He has his problems too. Divorced, an alcoholic, and sick to the back teeth of the pretensions of academic life, Frank and Rita make an unlikely pair, but could they really show each other a way to a better future?

Don’t miss this performance at the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh from February 28‑ March 1, 8pm. Tickets from £14 visit marketplacearmagh.com for details

Northern Woman 5

Style

Helen Carson knows what you need,

woman

NORTHERN

February 2017

Real-lifece roman How we finally found our true soulmates

SINGLE LADIES

en Meet the wom a who don’t need man to be happy

A LASTING LEGACY

The NI mums campaigning inir memory of the daughters

BEST BOOK

W YOU

NEW LOOK NE

The author who penned the psychological thriller Behind Closed Doors has worked her magic again with her second novel, The Breakdown.

Prepare yourself for an edge-of-the-seat read which is full of intrigue and moral dilemmas. Heroine Cass Anderson has a secret which all started one night in the woods when she didn’t stop to help a woman in a car... now the lady is dead. Ever since, silent calls have been plaguing Cass and she’s sure someone is watching her. The writer BA Paris, (above) weaves a tale of remorse and recriminations — but how will it all unravel for Cass?

The Breakdown, BA Paris, £7.99, Amazon

£2.50/€3.95

GIRL WER PO What it’s like

being in business with your sister CAPED CRUSADER

Co Down’s Sara Hall on dressing the stars

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

e Inside luxury hom of NI couple who ind left city life beh

Fall in LOVE

fashion, ... with fabulouscandlelit dream weddings, des’ Sha dining & Fifty Dornan film star Jamie

BEST BEAUTY

Welcome

to a great read that you're going to love

T

here is nothing like a little romance to help brighten the last dark days of winter which is why we have really enjoyed putting together our special Valentine edition this month.

From our fabulous fashion shoot, seductive Valentine makeup looks, gift guide for Him and Her as well as recipes on how to create the perfect romantic meal we have been feeling the love and we hope you do too.

Also very much in love are three local couples who opened up to us about their relationships, the ups and downs and how they keep the magic alive.

For those who will be alone on February 14, be inspired by the three strong women in our feature on singletons who explain why they are not looking for love right now.

It has been a very special year for local designer Sara Hall whose new business creating luxury capes has become an instant global hit. Sara from Co Down talks about her ever expanding celebrity client list and her idyllic lifestyle with her family in Spain.

We talk to four sets of sisters on the ups and downs of running a business with family.

And two inspirational mums who lost their young daughters tell us how they found a way to heal through helping others.

Also don't miss our special hair, bridal, fashion and interiors features spotlighting the trends which will be big in 2017.

6 Northern Woman

BEST FITNESS Still dreaming about being the next Mo Farah or Usain Bolt... well, while few of us will ever be as fast as those two, anyone keen to get up and running can do so with Jog Belfast The organisers offer a free 10-week Couch to 5k programme all over the city which was set up originally with the help of BelfastRunning.

The aim of this is simple — to get everyone outdoors and enjoying a run, and it doesn’t matter if you’re an absolute beginner either as many of the group’s members had never ran before joining.

So, there in no excuse not to get outside, pull on your trainers and join in at an event near you. Jog Belfast operates three times a year; January to March in Winter, April to June in Spring and September to November in Autumn.

Online registration is three to four weeks before the start of each new programme attracting 1,000 registrations for up to 700 places in Belfast.

Visit belfastrunning.com/jogbelfast/

Whether you’re jetting off for a long haul trip or a weekend break, airport shopping just got a whole lot better. Aelia Duty Free at Belfast International Airport has unveiled its MAC Cosmetics travel counter.

The 20sq metre pop-up offers a collection of the gorgeous make-up we love from MAC, so no need to leave without your favourite Ruby Woo lipstick or Mineralize Skinfinish.

Get to the airport early and the professional make-up artists at Aelia Duty Free can let you try out the luxury brand’s products before take-off.

BEST DAY OUT CS Lewis Square is a magical public space which brings charm to inner city east Belfast with everything from seven enchanting bronze sculptures from the author’s famous book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to a cafe where you can enjoy a cup of artisan tea. The Belfast-born Chronicles of Narnia creator lived in this part of the city. You can also drop into the Eastside Visitor Centre and enjoy coffee and a snack. .

BEST TECH If you’re tired of getting all tangled up with wired headphones a pair of wireless headphones could be the solution.

Sony MDR-1000X, £329.99, from JohnLewis.com, offers excellent noise cancelling, allowing you to pick out fine details in the music even while walking down the street at rush hour. The ambient noise feature is useful, dimming your music and enabling you to hear voices with ease. Meanwhile, the touch-sensitive controls, also on the right can, which allow you to play, pause, skip and change volume, are responsive and simple. Expect comfort too. Gives around 20 hours of battery life.

Sounds good: Sony MDR1000X wireless headphones

w

ed,

Style

what you want and what you should be doing

this month

what’s hot

Bra, £24, short, £10, Boux Avenue

Vamp it up this Valentine’s Day with a sexy red dress and black heels...not to mention all those truly lovable accessories

Shoe, £35, Very

Jewellery tray, £5, Paperchase

Helen Moore faux fur heart keyring, £27, amara.com

Diamond Essentials 18-carat gold heart bracelet, £180, Links of London Heart-shaped candles, threepack, £10, Sainsbury’s Home

Dress, £120, Star by Julien Macdonald at Debenhams Clutch, £25, Debut at Debenhams

Champagne saucer, set of two, £32, House of Fraser

Love light, £12, Primark

Northern Woman 7

THE CAPE CRUSADER

Joanne Lumley virtually sleeps in hers and now Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Alba are hoping to add one to their wardrobes ... they are among just a few of the stars who have become fans of Northern Ireland’s hottest new fashion designer

Contemporary look: Cocoon Luxury Wear Founder and designer Sara Hall from Co Down

8 Northern Woman

Interview A selection of the stunning capes, from Cocoon Luxury Wear

Living the dream with her husband and two children in sunny Spain, Una Brankin catches up with Sara Hall whose luxury cape collection is catching the eye of the world’s most fashionable women Continued on 10 ➤

Northern Woman 9

S

ara Hall’s luxurious capes drape the shoulders of the rich and famous. Joanna Lumley loves her Sands & Hall tweed cape so much that she’s wearing it around the clock these days. And even more excitingly for the designer of the elegant outerwear, style icon Olivia Palermo has promised to wear hers in New York over the winter.

“It’s absolutely amazing — it’s hard to get my head around, to be honest,” says Newry-born Sara Hall, one half of the exclusive brand. “I’m hoping to see a picture of Olivia in her cape popping up at some stage, and none other than Joanna Lumley is a big fan. “She has our Hepburn Earth original cape and sent me a lovely email about it, saying tweed’s one of her favourite materials and our cape has become such an indispensable garment for her, she’s virtually sleeping in hers, she loves it so much.”

Sara, a niece of the famous musical Sands family, has also had requests recently from A-listers Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Alba and Emilia Clarke of Game of Thrones fame — not bad going for a new collection started out as a small range of children’s wear.

“We’ve been approached by Boutique One in Sloane Street in London, and other stores, too, but it doesn’t sit right with me. I prefer to keep the business online.

“We have some very loyal customers and it’s better for customer relations. I wouldn’t want to get carried away going into these big stores and lose our base. Our customers are a lot like me — lots of young mums.

They identify with me as a person.”

To this end, the designer has carefully crafted a sophisticated image with the help of London-based branding and marketing experts. Tall and blonde, she exudes an effortless elegance, always looking chic without trying too hard.

She and her husband David, an advertising expert from South Africa, have an enviable lifestyle to boot. Home is a beautiful villa with a swimming pool in Javea, a scenic coastal town near Alicante in Spain, chosen for its good weather and proximity to the UK. The couple had been living and working in Vancouver — Sara in public relations — where they met via a dating website, but wanted to be nearer home after their first child, Ariana, now four, came along.

Canadian-born Ariana now has a four-month-old baby sister, Evelyn, born in Spain just as Sands & Hall’s latest collection was reaching peak demand.

“Maternity leave? I got none!

Well, the bare minimum,” Sara laughs. “I did get to spend Christmas at home in Mayobridge, though, which was lovely. We had the annual Sands family tradition of road bowls, which is a gathering of

10 Northern Woman

Family life: Sara Hall and her husband David. Below, on their wedding day with daughter Arianna

Musical roots: Sarah’s father Hugh is the only non-musical member of the famous Sands Folk group

us beside my parents’ house, throwing bowls as far as we can up the road, followed by eating and drinking and music.

Brilliant fun. The only time I missed Christmas at home was in South Africa and I was miserable the whole

time. We wouldn’t be keen on the weather all year round but it’s great to be able to fly home so easily from Spain.”

Sara’s father, Hugh, is the only nonmusical member of the famous Sands family. Before he took over the family farm in Mayobridge, Hugh worked in Sara’s younger days in Canada, which gave dual citizenship to her and her brothers, Owen and Hugh. Sara took advantage of the status for a year out, after working for PR agencies in Belfast and Dublin, but ended up working in communications in the

Interview

‘I met David online and we were friends for a year before we dated, it was a true modern love story’ Chamber of Commerce in Vancouver.

Despite her successful PR career, she always had an interest in fashion design.

And although she grew up as a horse-mad farm girl, she spent many happy hours as a teenager sketching dream dresses for her school formal at the Sacred Heart Grammer School in Newry. Her innate sense of style was also encouraged by a favourite aunt.

“I was always into vintage clothing and never led by trends,” she recalls. “My aunt Breda (right) was and is a big influence. She’s my mother’s sister and she took me under their wing when I was younger and living in Belfast.

“She’s always been sophisticated and classy. In her heyday, she wore quite bold colours — her style was individual and experimental. We’re really close — she’s a second mother to me. She and my uncle John looked after me and fed me when I

was studying at the University of Ulster.”

Sara met David on her year out from her studies. She first came across him online, on the Plenty of Fish dating site she’d joined before the big move to Canada in June 2010.

“I was travelling on my own and knowing no one there, I was trying to meet some friends online,” she recalls. “I wasn’t particularly looking for anyone romantically. I met up with David and we were friends for about a year before we started dating. It’s a true modern love story.”

Originally from Botswana, of English parentage, David popped the question on a sky lift on top of Grouse Mountain in the Rockies, presenting Sara with a beautiful family heirloom, a stunning 1940s vintage ring. The couple’s first child, Arianna, was born in September 2012, and played a central role in their wedding in Mayobridge the following year.

The rustic ceremony was held on the family farm with vintage style festival

atmosphere. Bails of straw were used as seating for the proceedings and the men of the wedding party wore Harris Tweed jackets complete with elbow patches, and with flat caps.

Sara had grown up wearing Harris Tweed hacking jackets, right up to and including her university days. She fell in love with the look all over again at her wedding — and the seed was planted for her new design venture.

“I was back in Vancouver, looking after Ariana full-time, when someone asked me what my ideal job would be,” she remembers. “It was just random — I said I’d love to make capes for kids. I’d got one for Arianna and I couldn’t find another anywhere when she grew out of it.

“So, I got some stunning ex-designer material and made her one, and that led to a small collection of fully lined capes to fit one to four or five-year-olds. We called it Cocoon Bay Wear and we sold out in two weeks, through Facebook alone.”

Continued on 12 ➤

Northern Woman 11

Cocoon Baby Wear gave way to the Sands & Hall womenswear collection, after Sara started receiving multiple emails and messages asking if she could make a lady’s cape. She began working on designs with slouchy hoods and pockets, and quickly had a flourishing new business on her hands.

The collection is made up of womenswear capes in Harris Tweed, Donegal Tweed and 100% cashmere, and features fitted styles alongside the original swing version.

Recently, the fitted style has been requested by the agents of Hollywood leading ladies Olivia Wilde and Tilda Swinton, Downton’s Michelle Dockery (top left) and singing superstar Christina Aguilera.

Spanish siren Penelope Cruz (bottom left), has ordered a cashmere one and Demi Lovato, an original.

Hand-sewn in a small factory in Bulgaria, the capes’ prices range from £300-£400 for one of the original tweed versions to

‘I was never that fashion conscious, I always preferred timelessclothes and I think that shows in the collection’

David and I did try sharing an office but I found that I needed my own space several thousand pounds for a cashmere cape. Sara says: “The most popular choice for the celebrities is the fitted cape — it’s the stand-out style of the new collection.

Customers save up for it. My own favourite is the original cape. I like to keep it simple — I wear it with a pair of skinny jeans a plain top, so the cape is the stand-out piece of the outfit.

“I was never that fashion conscious — I always preferred timeless clothes and I think that shows in the collection. I don’t remember wearing a poncho as a child but my kids are going to remember wearing their capes!”

After her scant maternity leave, Sara’s back to work this month on half-days, while David’s planning to re-focus on his internet advertising business. She admits that working together full-time has had its challenges.

“We did find we were in each other’s pockets! We tried sharing an office but I couldn’t do it — I need my own space. So, I work from home and David goes to the office.

“I’m more on the design end; David’s area is the website, graphics and advertising.

What I do now is 100% more fulfilling than working in a PR agency. I really want to modernise tweed and bring it back into fashion, and doing what you really love in life is amazing.

“I can’t say money isn’t important but the

12 Northern Woman

Loving life: husband and wife team David and Sarah with little Arianna

freedom to work wherever we want in the world is more important to us,” she adds.

“Our villa is five minutes from the beach and fishing port. The old part of town has amazing restaurants with wonderful, cheap Spanish food and there’s a modern quarter with good shops.

“We found it on Google, as did many ex-pats here. We wanted somewhere coastal, not over-run by ex-pats, with a strong sense of Spanish culture. We came for six weeks to try it out and loved it.”

To shed the baby weight, Sara has a Spanish personal trainer and is currently hitting the gym.

“I didn’t bother trying at Christmas — there’s no point,” she admits. “Just relaxed

and enjoyed it. I decided to wait until I get back into my work routine. I’m quite fit and healthy — I’m into kale and green juices. I work out and do yoga.”

Little Ariana goes to nursery school in Javea and is fluent in Spanish. “She has a larger than life personality — David laughs and says she’s like her mother. Evelyn’s a quiet wee thing, so far. They both look like me but David has the strongest genes ever.

“Evelyn has a ginger tint like Dad and blue eyes like me, though. Number three?

Never say never, but two’s enough for the time being.

“I want to keep building the business but have a healthy balance with home life.

That’s the most important thing.”

Interview

Loves & Loathes

SARA’S

✶ LOVES: “My ultimate style icon has to be Jackie Kennedy — she oozes class and elegance, and I can’t wait to see the new bio-pic movie with Natalie Portman, (right) . I’ve always loved Brigette Bardot, too. As for contemporary women with style, the model Gigi Hadid never puts a foot wrong. And the actress Daisy Ridley always looks amazing.” ✶ LOVES: “Over-sized coats. They’re everywhere and I adore them, especially in tweed and velvet.” ✶ LOATHES: “Real fur. I can’t stand it. It’s not necessary. There are so many amazing fake furs.”

How to be successful with style Sands & Hall have progressed from making 30 capes to 4,000 over the past year. They recently expanded the team to include a designer and several customer-services experts, with a marketing recruit soon to join the fold.

Established in 2015 by Sara and David via Facebook, the brand grew almost overnight into the most sought-after label for luxurious, tweed capes. The focus to date has been on designing and producing ready-to-wear capes in fine Irish and British tweeds and cashmeres for women and men, trailblazing the ongoing trend for the garment and creating pieces that reflect Sands & Hall’s key values of luxury, versatility and timeless elegance.

The decision to specialise in capes was simple; both Sara and David believe in the transformative quality of the cape and its ability to keep wearers warm, on-trend and well presented.

“Working so closely with my husband hasn’t always been easy — being a man, he wanted to put pockets on everything,” Sara laughs.

“Fortunately, we have complementary skills.

I’m quite impulsive, whereas he’s is more thoughtful, so we balance each other out.”

Sara’s ambition is to become the go-to brand for capes both in the UK, where they hope to have a strong presence in leading boutiques as well as online, and in key parts

of Europe and Asia. “We feel that capes really are the new coat,” Sara adds. “Capes are timeless and highly versatile; they are perfect for layering up all year round and offer a more unique, individual look where outer wear is concerned. This for us is the essence of what we are here for.”

For pre-order discounts, see www. sandsandhall.com

✶ LOVES: “Knee-high boots. I really like the white platform pair worn with the cashmere cape in our latest shoot.

It’s a sort of Jane Fonda look. And I love Chanel ballet flats, (right) — I have to make a trip to Madrid to buy them.” ✶ LOATHES: “Clogs.

I can’t say glittery stillettoes as I wore a gold pair at my wedding!” ✶ LOVES: “Dark skinny jeans. I can’t get out of them.” ✶ LOATHES: “Boyfriend-cut jeans. Not flattering! I prefer structure.” ✶ LOVES: “A decent handbag as an accessory — Celine or Mulberry (above) or vintage. I like to keep very simple, and I prefer small pearl earring to anything big and chunky. ✶ LOATHES: Chokers, especially bling ones. Very constricting.” ✶ LOVES: “Understated make-up. David jokes I was a tad orange, back in the day, but now I just use a tinted moisturiser and I get my eyebrows shaped subtly and tinted in Mayobridge. “ ✶ LOATHES: “Crazy big eyebrows and obvious contouring. I wouldn’t know where to start.‎ I do use a Mac strobe cream for a bit of a glow but I wouldn’t have time for going the whole works. Same with berry coloured lipstick — it’s OK for a big night out but not for every day. And you need colour in your face for that look. I’m quite fair skinned and I don’t expose my skin to the sun in Spain. Daily SPF 50’s a must for me.”

Northern Woman 13

Gift Guide

Stuck for what to buy the special someone in your life this Valentine’s Day? Our gift guide offers plenty of ideas for both Him and Her with something to suit every budget Eadach Pirate Queen Sunset Silk Scarf, £170, www.eadachby saraoneill.com

Axelle in Rising Sun from Marie Jo, Bra £83.95, Short £43.95, www. orchidlingerie.co.uk

Filthy Velvet Scented Candle, Studio Souk, £9.50, www.studiosouk. com

Michael Kors trainor, Victoria Square, £130, www.victoriasquare.com

Sea Urchins tea light holders, Red Earth Designs, Black Canvas Gallery, £30-£85, www.black-canvas.com

Thalia in Candy from Empreinte, available in cup sizes D-G, Bra £81.50, Short £49.50, www. orchidlingerie. co.uk 6 Ciara Daly Complete Control Gift Set, £125, www.ciaradalymakeup.com

Forher

Dufferin Coaching Inn, one-night stay for two in a premier room with en-suite and one of Dufferin’s famous cooked breakfasts starts at £85, www. dufferincoachinginn.com

Ciara Daly Phoenix Gift Set, £60, www.ciaradalymakeup.com

Howes Love Your Skin Collection, £45, www.howesorganicandvegan.com

Bardot Blue Donegal Tweed Cape, Sands & Hall, £695, www. sandsandhall.com

Esmara Bra, £4.99, Briefs, £4, available at Lidl

14 Northern Woman

Esmara Kimono, £9.99, available at Lidl

Eadach Pirate Queen Sunset Silk Dress, £400, www.eadachbysaraoneill.com

Gift Guide Roofty Roohah T-shirt, Studio Souk, £15, www.studiosouk.com

Horse Head by Sharon Regan, Black Canvas Gallery, £125, www. black-canvas.com

Ricky Parker Cathedral Quarter Print, Studio Souk, £20, www.studiosouk.com

Muscle Trainor, Lidl, £16.99

Forhim Superman

by Colin Scullion, Framed Black & White Mixed Media, £695, www.black-canvas.com

Howes Conditioning Body Oil, £20, www.howesorganic andvegan.com

Black Russian Beard Care Set, Studio Souk, £27.95 www. studiosouk.com

Dundalgan Irish Whiskey, Lidl, £15.99

Unisex Sports Wrist Watch, Lidl, £5.99 Western Gold Bourbon Whiskey, Lidl, £11.49

Northern Woman 15

Style

Three page fashion special on the hottest looks for 2017 top trends

Dress, £65, Miss Selfridge

Valentino , Winter 2016/17

the look of love

Rochas, Spring 2017

Dress, £225, Unique at Topshop

Dress, £99, Debut at Debenhams

Get in the mood for romance with some perfect Valentine styles

Dress, £25, Little Mistress

Dress, £110, Littlewoods Blouse, £45, Miss Selfridge

Bag, £60, Dune

Dress, £49, Rare

Dress, £40, Dorothy Perkins

Dress, £70, Very

16 Northern Woman

Dress,£220, Jenny Packham at Debenhams

Bag, £29, Therapy at House of Fraser

Style

Three page fashion special on the hottest looks for 2017

Ryan Gosling as Sebastian and Emma Stone as Mia in the film La La

Dress, £175, Unique

Coat, £24.99, New Look

Dress, £68, Little Mistress

La-La Land yellow

Emma’s Stone’s dress in the poster of the movie for the Old Hollywood musical has made this cheery shade a huge trend

Leather-look skirt, £34.99, Bon Prix

Dress, £16, George at Asda Dress, £50, Dorothy Perkins

Bag, £40, House of Fraser

Blouse, £34, Topshop

Skirt, £109, Monsoon

T-shirt, £29.95, White Stuff

Skirt, £27.99, New Look

Mules, £14.99, New Look

Shoe, £59, Topshop

Linen jacket, £162, Jaeger

Northern Woman 17

Style

Three page fashion special on the hottest looks for 2017 top trends Dress, £65, Autograph at Marks & Spencer

Runway Spring 2017

Skirt, £40, Dorothy Perkins

Runway Spring 2017

Frill factor

Dress, £55, Wallis

With ruffles abounding, it’s time to flounce into Spring

Top, £27.50, Collection at Marks & Spencer

Blouse, £28, Very Shoe, £80, Dune

Top, £17.99, New Look Top, £19, Topshop

Blouse, £55, Monsoon

18 Northern Woman

Top, £35, Miss Selfridge

Sweater, £99, Jaeger

Dress, £65, Oliver Bonas

Real life

Jen Curran & Tony O’Neill

Vicky Blades & Peter Wilson

Laura & Michael Briggs

Our true love stories Three couples tell Alicia Clarke what makes their relationships so special Continued on 20 ➤

Northern Woman 19

Tony was my personal trainer but we spent months getting to know each other before we dated

T

ony (33) and Jen (29) first met through work.

Introduced by a mutual friend, Tony became Jen’s personal trainer as she prepared to compete in a national body building competition.

They were friends for a long time before they became romantically involved and they both admit they were ‘playing it cool’ while all the time being attracted to each other.

Jen says: “I was writing a three month series of articles for a newspaper exploring female body building and Tony was my personal trainer.

“It took us months of getting to know each other as friends before we got together.

We went on a few friend dates after we finished work. I just loved spending time with Tony, he’s infectiously passionate and charming. Even though we were playing it cool, I always knew I fancied the pants off him.”

It seems that the feeling was mutual.

Tony remembers: “It took a long time to get together, Jen was an awkward turtle. When we eventually did, I knew she was a keeper.

We’re just so similar — we like the simple things in life.”

20 Northern Woman

Once they made it official — a memorable date for Tony as it was the night Barcelona beat his team Manchester United in the Champions League Final — they knew it was going to work as they were both so similar, enjoying the simple things in life.

In 2013 they decided to move to Australia which at the beginning was a challenge for

them individually and as a couple. It was tough to secure their first apartment and freelancing jobs. Jen was selling popcorn at a market and Tony struggled to get a job in a café.

Jen says: “The first few months there were a challenge but eventually we got ourselves sorted and loved the place. I

Real life

think it made us stronger as a couple.”

After a few months settling into life down under Tony popped the question. He even asked Jen’s dad for his blessing.

It was a wildly romantic affair with lots of tears, a bespoke ring designed in Australia and a cake with cacao avocado frosting.

Since returning to Northern Ireland in 2015, Tony and Jen have opened their own restaurant ‘Tony & Jen’s’ on the Lisburn Road in Belfast. They have also bought their first house, all the while remaining strong as a couple.

Tony says: “We’ve managed to open a business, buy a house and not kill each other all within the same year.”

The ethos at Tony & Jen’s is that food has the power to make us look and feel awesome, inside and out. The wellnessfocused restaurant boasts an exciting menu with all dishes designed to help visitors thrive. Food is explored on a daily basis and

its goodness released, creating new flavours every day.

Tony says: “For the first year we didn’t take one day off and worked around the clock. We were just so focused on making the restaurant a success.”

Jen is well-known as one of Northern Ireland’s leading models, representing Northern Ireland in Miss Global.

She has always been very close to her family and enjoys working with her two sisters in the restaurant. Her parents visit for food each week and she says their love and support is priceless.

Tony is enjoying spending time with his expanding family, recently becoming an uncle and also works as a personal trainer alongside running Tony & Jen’s. He famously helped Stephen Nolan lose over five stone and appeared on BBC hit shows, Going the Distance and Dead Fat. He says: “My gran is like my second mum and two of my sisters have recently added

We’ve managed to open a business, buy a house and not kill each other all in the same year

babies into the mix so family life is rapidly expanding, but it’s a lot of fun!”

Together they try to make time for dates.

They enjoy visiting the cinema and are even happy to squeeze in a walk along the Lisburn Road.

Tony says: “Our idea of a date is going to the movies with a bowl of our healthy ice cream and a bar of Green & Blacks dark chocolate. Jen has an obsession with continually trying out new recipes. We’ll finish a really long week in work and next thing; she’ll appear with some new creation at midnight. The latest is a healthy pop tart.”

And Jen adds: “Our greatest achievement has to be making it through our first year of business together and still loving each other. Tony has the loudest laugh you have ever heard.

“If I am in the kitchen and the blender is on, I can still hear Tony’s laugh as he walks through the door. It is nice getting time where it is just the two of us. I don’t know if it counts but we do have the odd gym date as well.”

Continued on 22 ➤

Northern Woman 21

The best thing about getting together at our age was that we both knew what we wanted Pictures by Philip Magowan

Vicky Blades & Peter Wilson

A

s they were both approaching 40 Vicky Blades, an actress, and Peter Wilson, a Belfast-born humanitarian aid worker, had each presumed their chances of finding love were running out when they met through online dating site Guardian Soulmates in 2008.

Vicky admits: “I was a struggling actress in a very boring temping job so decided to fill in my profile — not realising I had to pay. My housemates persuaded me to give it a go even though I could ill afford it. Pete was my second date. I always joke that I either got the best value for money or the worst, depending on your view!”

Meeting each other at this stage in life meant Vicky and Peter knew exactly what they wanted in a partner and had their futures pretty well planned out.

Vicky says: “We always say that the best thing about getting together at our age was that we knew what we wanted.

(The downside is that we are also a bit stuck in our ways!)”

They soon realised that they lived only a few streets apart in London and that both hoped to start a family. Fast forward six months and the happy couple were expecting a baby. Alfie was born in London and they began to settle into family life...but not for long.

When Alfie was only five months old Peter went out to help with the earthquake crisis in Haiti. Peter is trained in emergency response and felt compelled to go and do what he could to help those in need.

Since then he has travelled all around the world with his work. Vicky and Alfie accompanied him on a trip to Kenya and spent four years in Myanmar (Burma). The family also welcomed their second child Oscar, who was born in Bangkok.

22 Northern Woman

Soul mates: Vicky Blades and her husband Peter Wilson. Below, the couple on their wedding day with their children Oscar and Alfie

In 2014 Peter and Vicky moved to Northern Ireland and married in Ballyclare.

Alfie had just started primary school when the Ebola crisis hit and within days Peter had left to travel to Liberia. Vicky’s relationship with Peter’s family helped her through these difficult months while her husband was away. She enjoyed settling into their home in east Belfast with the help of Peter’s family who she says have been amazingly supportive: “Moving to Belfast has been great thanks to family and the fact that the country is beautiful, the people are friendly and it is generally a great place. I fell in love with Northern Ireland the first time Pete brought me for a visit.”

Since moving to Belfast, Vicky has started acting again and, through her agent from Independent Agency, has secured worked with Cinemagic and Tinderbox Theatre and will be taking part in their theatrical production ‘Convergence’ at the

end of February. She says: “It’s been great to get back to my acting career and I’m really enjoying being part of a very small but thriving industry here. Almost as soon as we arrived, I auditioned for, and got a place in Wonder Frog, a comedy improvisation group, and we perform every month at the Black Box in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. We’ve been the same line up of six members for over two years now and I can quite literally say that Wonder Frog saved my life when Pete went off to Liberia during the Ebola crisis. Being able to go to rehearsals and get back to working — and having a laugh — was invaluable when life was so stressful in our new home.”

During his time working overseas Peter has been admitted to hospital on a number of occasions.

He once suffered from life threatening deep vein thrombosis and on another occasion contracted Dengue Fever which is a mosquito-borne tropical disease.

He has also been diagnosed with ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder.

He says that Vicky has helped him come to terms with his diagnosis: “Living with Vicky for these last eight years has required me to open my soul, be honest with myself and learn to manage my inner demons.

“Thanks to her support and therapy I have been diagnosed with ADD and I continue to work on myself. Best of all I no longer feel depressed, frustrated or angry — and that is a relief.”

After nine years, seven cities, five countries, two continents, three serious health scares and two children later Vicky and Peter are still going strong and looking forward to their next adventure.

Vicky says: “Whilst Pete would be the first to admit he’s not always the easiest person to get along with, I know that underneath the gruff manner is a deeply loving and caring man who is utterly devoted to me and our children. From the

Real Life

“From the moment we met he started making all my dreams come true .”

Laura & Michael Briggs

L Pull quote dp dp d pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd

Dream team: Vicky and Peter Wilson

moment we met he started making all my dreams come true (travel, going on safari, kids!) and we share the same sense of adventure and commitment. When times get tough I remind myself of all the things we’ve achieved so far and know that we can work it out somehow.”

Peter adds: “The theory behind our success, for me, has been to realise that not

only is Vicky my knight in shining armour but that I must follow the accompanying rescue plan. The next eight years? Well that would be to reciprocate the empathy and polish my own shiny suit.”

Vicky writes a blog on family life and you can find out more by visiting www.wilsonblades. wordpress.com

I remember going to meet Michael for a walk and not being sure what he looked like

L

aura (26) and Michael (31), both from Dundonald, first met at a ‘Big Fat Gypsy Wedding’ fancy dress party six years ago.

They decided to catch up the next day and from there their relationship began.

Laura admits: “I remember going to meet him the next day for a walk and not being sure what he actually looked like.”

Always one for fun and games, Michael proposed at the end of a long treasure hunt he designed for Laura and the pair tied the knot on August 15, 2014.

Laura recalls: “Michael brought me to

Continued on 24 ➤

Northern Woman 23

Real life

“Our future holds many more years together enjoying and teaching games”

Game changer: Laura and Michael Briggs from Dundonald

We will be spending our Valentine’s working in the cafe, sharing our love of board games with couples his caravan in Groomsport on October 20, 2013. We started going out on April 20, 2011, and to keep in line with the 20s theme, he had a treasure hunt of 20 fizzy drink bottles with clues in each one all over the caravan and Groomsport beach. Each bottle led me to the next one.”

Michael says: “I spent the night before drying all the bottles with a hairdryer as the ink was running when I put the clues in.”

The treasure hunt ended with rocks spelling both of their names in the sand and Michael got down on one knee with a ring.

For their first holiday as a married couple after their honeymoon they travelled to Romania for a mission trip. On their trip they celebrated their one year anniversary and Michael, ever the romantic, recited a poem to Laura in front of the whole mission team. Together the couple enjoyed working to help others on their trip.

Michael says: “We spent our time in homes for the elderly, children’s homes, food visits, holiday Bible clubs and doing physical work. We couldn’t have spent our anniversary in a better way.”

The couple also share a mutual love of board games and started a collection shortly after they met.

In late 2016 they turned their hobby into a business when they opened a board game café, Jack Straws, on the Upper

24 Northern Woman

Newtownards Road in Belfast thanks to £12,500 funding from a Kickstarter campaign.

Michael says: “We never thought of opening a café until we went to a board game café in London. We loved it and came home knowing Belfast needed one.”

The café caters for young and old, with games for couples, families and groups. With a menu offering breakfast, lunch and platters you can call in for food without playing a game but with the wide selection of over 400 games lining the shelves it would be impossible to resist. Adults are welcome to bring their own alcohol in the evenings and spend a date night, birthday or catch up over some games.

Michael adds: “We wanted to provide an environment for both families and adults, where people are brought together over a game or two.”

Laura says: “I’ve loved board games all my life; I’ve grown up with family board game nights when I was younger and then met my husband who also grew up with family board game nights. We just love games.”

Working together as a team and sharing

the responsibilities of business life, Laura and Michael are enjoying their new adventure. Laura is a qualified dentist and works full-time in Ballyclare and joins Michael in the restaurant in the evenings.

She says: “It’s been very challenging, but rewarding at the same time. The biggest challenge is the long hours. We are open 10am to 11pm so no more date nights for while I think.”

Together the couple are looking forward to years of sharing their love of board games and starting a family.

Laura adds: “Our future holds many more years enjoying and teaching games at Jack Straws and hopefully children in the long run.”

In a world full of technology and digital communication it is easy to become more and more disconnected from one another. Laura and Michael want to change this. Personally and professionally they strive to increase the amount of quality time families and friends spend together.

For Valentine’s Day Laura and Michael have planned a romantic night not just for couples but for singles too.

Says Laura: “We are running a date night with chocolate and strawberry platters and two hours of two player games. In the function room we are hosting a team night were you can come with your own team or sign up as a singleton or with a friend to compete in teams in lots of different games.”

Michael adds: “Laura and I will spend our Valentine’s working together in the café, sharing our love of board games with couples.”

You can find out more about Laura and Michael’s café at www.jackstraws.co.uk

Star focus

As Hollywood heartthrob Jamie Dornan hits our screens in the next instalment of Fifty Shades, Claire Williamson looks at why the Northern Ireland actor has such a loyal fanbase and discovers that there is more to the Co Down star than just good looks

Hollywood star Jamie Dornan who will again be steaming up cinemas soon as Christian Grey

Jamie set to get pulses racing

J

amie Dornan — the utterance of the name alone is enough to set hearts fluttering and pulses racing around the world. And the humble Holywood man who became a Hollywood heartthrob will once again have millions of his fans swooning as his new movie, Fifty Shades Darker, the next instalment of the Fifty Shades trilogy, steams up cinemas around the world.

Whether he’s portraying a sinister serial ladykiller, a brooding millionaire with a penchant for red playrooms of pain or a Czech soldier, his legion of fans can’t get enough.

I discovered Jamie Dornan relatively late compared to his swarms of admirers.

His smouldering modelling days, which saw him front campaigns for Calvin Klein and Armani with the likes of Kate Moss, had somehow passed me by.

It was only when I heard the buzz around the hit BBC drama The Fall that I thought I ought to give it a try.

Dornan played serial killer Paul Spector who stalks the city streets for his female prey and, strange as it may seem,

managed to build an even bigger fanbase among women apparently unbothered by the graphic depiction of how he liked to torture and kill them.

Dornan says he owes his success to The Fall and as its third series aired last year he told how he would have played the role “until his dying days” if he could.

Now as the world prepares to welcome Christian Grey back into their lives again just what is the appeal of the Co Down man?

The 34-year-old has become the director’s go-to choice for an actor to

One of the good things is that he doesn’t forget his roots. He hasn’t gone all Hollywood on us. He likes to keep the connection here which is nice”

portray dark, brooding and somewhat damaged characters.

Shortly after his controversial turn as the troubled and sadistic Spector, his big film break came when he was cast as the infamous Christian Grey. This year the release date of the latest instalment in the Fifty Shades trilogy once again coincides with Valentine’s Day. One Northern Ireland woman who knows what makes his fans tick is Saranne Hardiment, from Carrickfergus. She runs the Jamie Dornan NI Facebook page which has more than 100,000 followers.

What started out as a bit of fun has become a must-visit site for those who want to devour all the latest news on their favourite actor.

She says: “The Fifty Shades trilogy first brought him to my attention. Whenever I realised he was from here I thought ‘that’s great, our little country is being given a worldwide boost by having a local actor in such a high profile role’.

“I created the page so that Jamie would be represented by a site based here in a respectful way and that was how it all

Continued on 26 ➤

Northern Woman 25

Star focus started. People may first see him in the Fifty Shades films and they are then interested to discover what else he has done.”

But while Dornan is undoubtedly easy on the eye and already this year has reclaimed the top spot on Glamour Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive list, there is clearly more to his popularity than just good looks alone.

Saranne agrees: “Obviously people say ‘oh yeah he’s a good looking guy’ and you wouldn’t get to be a model for the big brands he has worked for if you weren’t.

“But once you read interviews with Jamie or watch him talking about himself you start to get a real insight into his true of pain influenced the sort of roles he is character and personality. attracted to now as an actor. “[It’s] not “He’s an honest, humble down-to-earth that I’m some kind of broken bird, but I am guy with a brilliant sense of humour. He drawn to characters that are wounded.” seems completely unaffected by his fame He has since shown support for a local and he doesn’t court publicity though he fund set up by a young woman who lost knows thatcomes with the job. her mum Annie at the age of 54 in 2014, “I love when he is being just seven months after she was interviewed and he swears — diagnosed with the same cancer he just says it as it is.” that claimed the life of his She adds: “Jamie mum. Grainne O’Neill (24), is a typical guy from from Armagh, set up the here and he’s not all Fight on for Annie fund in Hollywood, USA. he’s a bid to raise awareness of Holywood, Co Down, the disease. She reached via the Cotswolds out to Jamie’s dad with where he lives now.” her story. She says: “I knew When Jamie that Jamie had lost his mum returned to film the when he was 16 to pancreatic third series of The Fall cancer which is why I tried to get he was by then a global in contact with him. I contacted his star. dad and shared my story.

At home he got his face Super fan: Saranne “He took our wristbands over to on a Translink bus when he Hardiment meets Jamie London when he was going over was voted a Northern Ireland to see Jamie and got a photo of the two of legend, beating the likes of Eamonn Holmes them wearing them which he sent to me. and Carl Frampton.

“About two weeks after Fifty Shades of And such was the excitement when Grey came out I got the photo. I initially filming The Fall in Belfast that fans flocked put it on Twitter and it just exploded. It was here from all over the world to try and crazy with people messaging asking what catch a glimpse of Jamie. the wristband was.

He was more than accommodating, “His fans from all over the world were happily posing for photographs with them buying the wristbands, people from Hong on his lunch break.

Kong, Thailand, all over Europe and Saranne was lucky enough to meet him America. It was crazy, everyone wanted to then too. support the cause because he had shown She says: “It was great, as a fan it his support and because he had been was nice. Obviously you see lots of fan personally affected by it. pictures and you aren’t quite sure what the She adds: “It was so overwhelming, it experience would be like. was amazing.

“I found him to be really quite shy.”

She adds: “One of the good things is that he doesn’t forget his roots. He hasn’t gone all Hollywood on us. He likes to keep the connection here which is nice.”

Back home in Holywood, Co Down, Jamie’s family remain his biggest fans.

The youngest of three, he was born to obstetrician Professor Jim Dornan and nurse Lorna.

However, Jamie suffered tragedy at the age of 16 when his mother died from pancreatic cancer.

In interviews he has said how this Jamie and his dad Jim with Fight early experience for Annie wristbands. Left, Grainne O’Neill who started the campaign

He’s an honest humble down-to-earth guy with a brilliant sense of humour and he seems completely unaffected by his fame and he doesn’t court fame

26 Northern Woman

“It got people talking about my fund and pancreatic cancer and that’s what we need — people talking about it. Many people have never heard about pancreatic cancer and it’s only been in the past year or two that a light has been shone on it.”

Jamie is extremely protective of his own family and is very guarded about his wife Amelia and their two daughters.

He has described his role as a father as his most important one yet.

So from the outset it’s not hard to see the worldwide appeal to Jamie Dornan.

The actor has now taken on a wide range of roles, most recently starring alongside Peaky Blinders’ Cillian Murphy in Anthropoid as a soldier in a story which centres on the plot to kill SS beast Reinhard Heydrich, one of the architects of the Holocaust. He has also depicted the historic role of Commandant Patrick Quinlan in The Siege of Jadotville based on the true story that depicts the 1961 siege of the 150-strong Irish UN A Company of the 35th Battalion.

But as millions around the world are set to catch Fifty Shades fever again it seems the thing his fans appreciate the most is that, despite all the fame and fortune, Jamie Dornan remains a regular nice guy who hasn’t forgotten his roots back in Northern Ireland.

Style

new

Hot pink Skater dress, price on request, Diamond Dolls

looks Candy stripes, gingham, pink and romantic ruffles herald a soft feminine style for this Spring/Summer 2017

A

s excitement builds ahead of this season’s West Coast Cooler Fashionweek, Northern Woman gets an exclusive preview of the trends which will be hitting the runway.

These looks, and many more, can be found on the BFW runways during the four day fashion fest which runs from March 23-26.

To secure your seats or for further details go to www.belfastfashionweek.com or www.facebook.com/BelfastFashionWeek

Continued on 28➤

Northern Woman 27

Style Striped maxi dress, price on request, Nor Lisa

Stripes and checks

Gingham jumpsuit with cold shoulder detail, £38, ASOS

Right, red and white Breton roll neck, stylist’s own, black and white Breton maxi skirt, Nor Lisa Left, pink striped top, £19.99, candy striped shirt, £19.99,Zara, striped trousers stylist’s own

28 Northern Woman

Style

Kevan Jon dress, price on request, Blush

Zingy lemon Top right, BOSS pleated maxi skirt, £179, ASOS, faux leather biker jacket, £39.99, DV8 Right, gold metallic peplum top, £29.99, Zara, BOSS pleated maxi skirt, £179, ASOS

Northern Woman 29

Style Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Left, Pink tiered colour block maxi dress with corsage, £30, ASOS Right, nude tulle tiered midi skirt, £50, ASOS, nude blouse, £29.99, Zara

Romantic ruffles

Photography: Jasmin Bell Hair: Amy Cartwright and Shane Quinn at Paul Stafford for ALFAPARF Make up: Rebecca Bryson and Gill McCann for KARAJA Styling: Cathy Martin

30 Northern Woman

Best

Boutique

Fashion Advertorial

Discover some of the best fashion brands in our special three page NI unique store guide

guide

Kalissi Boutique, 14 Church St , Enniskillen.

Tel: 028 6632 3687 Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5.30pm

Kalissi Enniskillen T

Evelin Brandt Belfast E

velin Brandt is a contemporary boutique on the Lisburn Road in Belfast.

A spacious and attractively presented store, it boasts a wide range of modern fashion labels. These include Evelin Brandt, Bitte Kai Rand, Alembika, Crea Concept, Cristina Gavioli, More & More, Mos Mosh Jeans, Sarah Pacini and Summum Woman.

The shop offers an eclectic mix of fashions for work or play and for women of all ages. To complement your outfit chose from a wide range of keenly priced accessories, Evelin Brandt, Cadogan House, 322 including jewellery and Lisburn Road (opposite bags. The friendly, expertly M&S), Belfast, BT9 6GH. trained team are on hand T: 028 9020 7020. E: to assist with any fashion info@evelinbrandt. dilemmas, ensuring that co.uk you are dressed to impress whatever the occasion. The shop’s full Spring Summer collections are available to view online at www. evelinbrandt.co.uk, where you’ll also find an informative Style Blog offering lots of inspirational ideas. You can also follow Evelin Brandt on facebook, www.facebook.com/ evelinbrandtbelfast for details on all new season arrivals and in-store promotions.

wo local ladies with extensive experience in the fashion industry have combined their respective talents to open ladies fashion boutique, Kalissi, in Enniskillen.

Gillian Monteith and Daphne Gibson opened their new boutique towards the end of last year. The store features an eclectic mix of brands for both the young and the more mature customer at affordable prices.

The boutique aims to offer an alternative option for the shopper who is looking for something a little different. Gillian and Daphne identified the need for a contemporary boutique with a twist aimed at the fashion savvy ladies of Fermanagh.

They have assembled some exciting new

collections which include Salsa, Mos Mosh, No2Moro, Jessica Wright shoes, My Sister’s Closet, Linea Raffaelli, Villagallo, ACCESS, Relish & Garcia Jeans,Bitte Kai Rand & Alembika, plus many others. Specialising in both local and international labels, Kalissi is dedicated to delivering quality statement pieces that can translate into any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for something special for a formal occasion or want to dress up for a night on the town, you will find what you need at Kalissi.

For further information visit www.facebook. com/Kalissi or follow on Twitter www.twitter. com/kalissiboutique, and instagram kalissi boutique

Magowans Ballynahinch M

agowans ladies fashion shop in Ballynahinch has been attracting customers from all over Northern Ireland for many years. Customers love the huge choice on offer with a large variety of labels available all year round.

The shop has been carefully laid out over two spacious floors to help make it easier for customers to see what’s on offer.

Downstairs is devoted to occasional wear, scarves, jewellery and underwear while upstairs you will find dresses, Magowans, jackets, hats and special occasion Main Street, pieces. Trained staff are always on Ballynahinch. hand to offer assistance.

Tel: 028 9756 2471.

Open Tues - Sat Elegant, individual and 9am-5.30pm sophisticated womenswear for any occasion has been the key to the success of the shop.

Parking is available on the main street and there is a public car park near the back of the shop.

Continued on 46 ➤

Northern Woman 31

Fashion Advertorial

Rebecca Jane Crossgar

Saretta Moy

R

I

ebecca Jane is treasure trove of stylish fashion and accessories in Crossgar village, 20 miles from Belfast.

Proprietor Blagheen Davey opened the shop in 2003 and immediately established a reputation for offering a range of competitively priced global fashion brands which are on trend for all occasions. Whether it’s a leisurely day out with friends, a wedding or a day at the races, Rebecca Jane caters for every eventuality thanks to its unique collections of casual and occasional wear.

Make your outfit complete by choosing from the shop’s wide range of shoes, handbags, jewellery and bespoke millinery.

Occasional wear outfits are limited to ensure exclusivity and customers are guaranteed a one to one personal shopping experience as staff Rebecca Jane, pass on their styling tips 26 Downpatrick and honest opinion.

Street, Crossgar.

Labels you will Tel: 028 44 83 29 21 find in store include www.facebook.com/ Darling, YaYa, Rene rebeccajabecrossgar Derhy, Christine Gavioli, Anonyme Designers and Ashling Maher Millinery.

For further information on what is available follow Rebecca Jane on Facebook and Instagram

32 Northern Woman

f there was ever a reason to visit the village of Moy, Saretta has to be it. This on-trend boutique, which is celebrating its 11th year in business this year, offers a modern,stylish interior where you can leisurely browse the beautifully presented rails of stylish seasonal pieces.

Proprietor Claire O’Connor and her team offer a high standard of customer service and are always on hand to offer advice and ensure you leave looking fabulous in your Saretta, new purchase.

17 Charlemont The fitting rooms are spacious Street, Moy. and offer seating for any shopping Tel: 028 8778 9955 companions in need of a rest. You’ll www.facebook.com/ find lots of stylish brands in store sarettamoy including Noa Noa, Part Two, Hoss Intropia and Gustav, alongside some amazing new collections which have been added for this season.

Dresses range from approximately £80 upwards and all accessories are keenly priced.

S

ituated in the vibrant town of Holywood, White Bicycle takes prime position in the High Street, always with a fabulous window to catch your attention and entice you through the door. Once inside you won’t be able to resist treating yourself to at least one gorgeous item.

The boutique is warm and welcoming and the friendly expert sales advisors will go out of their way to help you find what you are looking for, and maybe something you weren’t.

Tori and her team are mindful that ladies want great collections as well as first class customer service which is what they strive to achieve, ensuring you are happy with whatever you buy.

Their mantra is “only buy the things you love and make you feel great”.

With superior jean and cashmere collections sitting alongside the higher fashion brands, there is always something to catch your eye at White Bicycle. This season saw the arrival of some fabulous new labels and you will find old favourites sitting alongside fresh new collections. One of the favourites this season is the stunning new bag collection from Tissa Fontaneda.

White Bicycle has also expanded its footwear range with a beautiful selection from Geox and Andioa Fora which complements the clothing collections perfectly.

If you can’t make it instore, then check out the website www. whitebicycle.co.uk and get the perfect item delivered straight to your door.

White Bicycle Holywood White Bicycle 59 n High Street Holywood Tel: 028 90428435 facebook www.whitebicycle. co.uk

Fashion Advertorial

Sitara Morgan Portadown

All Marvellous & Lavery Cookstown

S

itara Morgan was established Sitara Morgan in 2009 as a 10 West Street, shoe heaven for Portadown. fashionistas Tel: 028 38 354907 offering a wide www.mysitara morgan.com choice of casual, every day shoes to completment the glitz and glamour of any occasional wear outfit.

Due to the shop’s phenomenal success it was decided to expand and launch a clothing department, making Sitara Morgan a one stop shop for all occasions. In 2015 the store also underwent a major renovation increasing the size by 30-40% allowing for more stock and a larger fitting area. The aim at Sitara Morgan is to source fashion and footwear women want to wear and which make them feel fabulous.

The staff take pleasure in getting to know customers and provide the best service which is also extended to online customers too.

All Marvellous & Lavery Kilycolp Road Cookstown Tel: 028 8676 2391

Orchid Lingerie Belfast

Orchid Lingerie 663 Lingerie Road Belfast Tel: 028 90 381313

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very woman knows that wearing gorgeous underwear helps you feel confident from the inside out making Orchid Lingerie, Belfast and The Lingerie Room, Dungannon the places to visit. As leading lingerie stores in Northern Ireland, the teams are on hand to offer friendly advice for all your needs, should it be for everyday wear or a special occasion.

With specialist collections for bridal lingerie, maternity and mastectomy ranges, the stores provide a fitting service for all cup sizes and shapes. Their collections are sourced from the UK and Europe and are chosen because they offer a fantastic fit and luxurious look with ranges to suit all budgets. Marie Jo, Prima

The Lingerie Rooms Linengreen, Dungannon Tel: 028 87723181

Donna, Wacoal, Fantasie, Freya, Lejaby and Chantelle are just www.facebook.com/ some of the fabulous orchidlingerieand thelingerieroom brands to choose from.

Swimwear ranges are also available such as Seafolly, Gottex and Feraud.

Gorgeous nightwear collections will make sure you also go to bed feeling lovely in pure cotton and silk fabrics from well-known brands Hanro, Rosch and DKNY. Fitting consultations are free of charge and available without appointments so call in and browse the lovely collections soon.

A

ll Marvellous & Lavery on the Kilycolp Road in Cookstown offers unique wearable fashion at affordable prices.

AML brings together a truly eclectic mix of womenswear with a strong emphasis on unique blouses and occasion wear.

With brands from around the world such as Minueto, Mos Mosh, Carolina Cavour, Claudio Lugli, Sarah Luna, MdM, Point Zero, Kala Berlin, The Line Project and many more, cusotmers are sure to find the perfect outfit for any special occasion.

Next month AML is launching its own brand label, Lily-Mae which has been inspired by runway labels such as Gucci and D&G. Our friendly team who have an extensive knowledge of fashion will create a really enjoyable shopping experience.

The shop is open seven days a week , Monday to Saturday from 10am - 5.30pm and Sunday from 1pm -4.30pm. For more information please visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ allmarvellousand lavery

Northern Woman 33

Relationships Holly Harrison (left) and her sister Zoe who run a fashion shop in Belfast

The ultimate sister act Linda Stewart talks to four sets of sisters who have taken the bold step of going into business together

34 Northern Woman

Holly Harrison (32) lives in Belfast with husband Jim (31) and two daughters Coco (2) and Gigi (6 months). Zoe Harrison (31) lives in Belfast with partner Mark (44) and daughter Savanna (11 months)

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edigree will always out — and that’s true in the case of sisters Holly and Zoe Harrison, who grew up dressed from head to toe in Benetton. The pair, who originally hail from Portrush, grew up with their mum running a Benetton concession and have gone on to run their own fashion store — Harrison — on Belfast’s Lisburn Road.

Holly (32) says: “Mum was into fashion, so she dressed us in Benetton — bright and colourful and oversized. I used to wear age 4 when I was one.

“I was into fashion from when I about 15 or 16 and I took fashion management at London College of Fashion.”

Holly went on to spend three years in Glasgow, during which time she opened two Benetton stores in the city. Meanwhile, her sister Zoe studied at Chelsea Art College and went on to earn a degree in Printed Textiles at Belfast Art College before going backpacking in Australia.

But the pair had always dreamed of opening a multi-branded store. Holly decided she wanted to move home to Northern Ireland and do something new, so she launched the Harrison store and was soon joined by her sister.

“When I was at university doing my degree, I did a presentation which was all about opening a store — what you would do, what brands would you sell,” Holly says.

“It was weird, because I founded the store years later and it was just the same thing. At the time there weren’t many stores in Belfast selling premium denim.”

Holly says it is now much easier to find premium denim brands like Hudson Denim and Paige in Belfast but they were hard to track down at the time.

She decided to offer a mixture of price points, featuring premium denim and lower cost tops to go with it - despite the advice she had been given.

“People thought you should target the higher end or the lower end of the market. But we would buy the odd high end item but also more reasonable things to go with it. It was trial and error, finding

kThe boutique owners

“Working together is like hanging around with your best friend ” Photographs by Kevin Scott what brands work for us,” she says.

There are 15 months between the sisters and they say they have always got on.

For bigger events such as shows, they work closely together. Holly tends to concentrate on the management and staffing issues, as well as much of the buying, while Zoe is more creative and does the visual merchandising.

Holly says Zoe spurs her to make more adventurous decisions.

“It’s good because I’ve been buying for so long now, and you can get a bit safe,” Holly says.

“If you know something isn’t selling in certain years you avoid it the next year — but that’s wrong because people adapt to trends eventually. So I would rein her in and she would be a bit more adventurous.”

Zoe says the store caters for a wide range of age groups.

“My nanny has dressed from it, but there are still really young girls as well. We did not specify a target age group,” she says.

“Holly would have a vision of what she wants when she is buying, and I would be more visual so I would do all

the merchandising in the windows — we complement each other.

“It’s really bizarre — at one stage, we were working together, living together, our friends were the same. We were never really apart.” The sisters have also opened a Harrison concession in Coleraine and have just launched a new Harrison store in Ballymena. Their latest venture is a new menswear area in Harrison Belfast.

Holly says their business partnership proved to be a great advantage when they had children. Holly now has two daughters, Coco (2), and Gigi (6 months) with her husband Jim (31), while Zoe has an 11-month -old daughter, Savanna, with her partner Mark.

“When I was away from the shop, at least I knew she was here — you know someone else is there that cares as much as you,” Holly says.

Zoe says the key to working with your sister is that you have to get on as people.

“We are both very laid back — we would never fall out,” she says.

“You spend all your time with this person.

It would be very exhausting if you butted heads all the time. If you do get on, it’s the best thing ever — it’s like hanging around with your best friend.”

Holly adds: “We’ve always been very close and I suppose we never take ourselves too seriously. She wouldn’t offend me if she said ‘What were you thinking?’ We don’t really take any criticism too personally, so that works. Neither of us is competitive.

“If you do that, it’s fantastic. I would never go into business with anybody else.”

For more information, visit www.harrisonfashion.co.uk

Northern Woman 35

Relationships

“We only clash because we care so much about what we do” Philippa (30) is seeing James Dickey (31), a web designer, and Jolene (28) is engaged to lawyer Ronan Marlowe (28). The sisters live in Finaghy

S

inging duo Philippa and Jolene O’Hara say they were rarely picked for performances in school — but they are certainly making up for lost time now.

Philippa (30) was the one who chose to train in performing arts but found herself drifting away from it, while Jolene (28) studied at Queen’s University for a degree in engineering and then found herself gravitating towards music.

But the pair went on to launch a joint business called Songbirds which has proved hugely successful.

“We were both always singing — we came from quite a musical family. I was singing from a really young age, but I didn’t know you could have a career in it in Northern Ireland - I am a homebird so I stayed here,” Philippa says.

“I took a drama course at BIFHE and it was good training because it was a practical degree. Then Jolene started to get professional acting work, while I drifted away from it.”

Philippa says she was put off for a while by her experience as a contestant in Over the Rainbow, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s BBC search for a new Dorothy, in which she reached the final 20.

“It was a really big confidence-destroyer — it was heartbreaking,” she says.

“You were living in a bubble and then the bubble burst and I didn’t want to do any acting or singing again.

“But people seemed to think it was really special when Jolene and I sang together and the gigs just started to come in. We’ve never been out of work in the last two years and we’ve been extremely lucky.”

The sisters do plenty of jobs separately and together, ranging from children’s princess parties and weddings to major gigs like pantomimes, last year’s Lush 20th anniversary concert with the Ulster Orchestra and the recent BBC drama My Mother and Other Strangers.

Jolene, who is engaged to lawyer Ronan Marlowe (28), says the pair were always

36 Northern Woman

kThe Songbird singers

singing in the house, but never got picked at school.

“I had one solo at Christmas one year, but it was mostly singing to ourselves and torturing our parents,” she says.

“It was that 90s thing with the MTV music video channel, teaching ourselves how to dance to the Spice Girls, Steps, Christina Aguilera and NSync.

“It’s the most bizarre thing to put ourselves forward — we wouldn’t be the most confident of people and then you go responding to emails within an hour and out and sing in front of people and it’s fine. bookings have increased by about 400% as “I graduated in 2009 and then auditioned a result. for a couple of acting jobs and thankfully She says it’s great working with her sister. got a few. “Things kind of spiralled from “We love each other and hate other in there — I got acting auditions and from equal amounts. We’re both really passionate that I got the odd singing job, so we decided big characters and we come to blows to give it a go, put the two of ourselves all the time, but within minutes together and do weddings.” we’re back together on the same One of the busiest times for page,” Philippa says.

Songbirds is the summer “We only clash because we when they earn a lot of really care about how we are wedding season gigs, seen and our performances. and they tend to work I wouldn’t have it any other separately around way. I work with my sister Christmas, when every day and it’s great.” they are involved Jolene says there is a in Christmas huge amount of admin shows. Last year, and the singing is the Jolene played easiest part of the job.

Princess Jasmine She advises anyone at Aladdin at Jolene O’Hara considering setting up the Waterfront, (left) with her business with their sister while Philippa sister Philippa to be prepared for all their was Candlewick at conversations to be about Pinocchio in The business.

MAC. “A lot of your relationship “It makes things with your sister will be about complicated — we business, but it’s lucky for need to have regular us that our business is good meetings to catch up,” fun.”

Jolene says.

Philippa adds: “Running A key part of the our own business is business is having a extremely hard work and professional website, you have to be prepared to projecting the right image put in the hours to see any and making sure email kind of positive results, but enquiries are answered the opportunities we’ve had quickly, as brides will often from singing have been amazing.” look elsewhere if they don’t For more information, visit hear back quickly.

Philippa says they set www.songbirdsni.com themselves a target of

People thought it was special when we sang together and the gigs started to come in...we’ve never been out of work

Relationships West Belfast born Ciara Daly (38) is the mother of Jay (9) and Darcy (8). Her sister Ashley Daly (32) lives with her partner Daniel Waldron (31)

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make-up artist with a difference, Belfast’s hardworking Ciara Daly (38) has been in the industry for more than 10 years and has blazed a trail in training up other aspiring young make-up artists.

But it was only a couple of years ago that her sister Ashley joined her in the business — and that has taken away much of the administrative burden.

Ciara says she set up her business after recognising there was a gap in the market for a new make-up school in Northern Ireland with more innovative forward-thinking ideas.

Sisters Ciara and “I did lots of other jobs in Ashley enjoy a my 20s and then I went and good working trained as a make-up artist,” relationship in the she says. make-up industry “Make-up was my passion and I was enjoying doing it but at the time there was nowhere in Northern Ireland that was offering the type of make-up course that I wanted to deliver.”

Ciara recognised that the industry was changing and decided to set up her own make-up academy. Since then she has trained more than 1,000 girls and her courses book up months in advance.

“I could see how the industry was changing and I wanted to offer something that was different. It was my passion to help these girls to become successful businesswomen,” Ciara says.

“Part of the secret of my success is that I want to see my students going on and doing well. I’m passionate about staying in touch with my students and helping them to achieve their goals and feel like I’m winging it!” dreams.”

Since the academy on Belfast’s Lisburn But it wasn’t easy, she adds.

Road became established, Ciara has realised “It was July 2009, slap bang at the start her dream of launching her own range of the recession and I was a single mother of professional and affordable make-up with two children under the age of two, so I brushes. was trying to juggle with that,” Ciara says.

Two years ago, she asked her sister “I had my own personal battles to deal Ashley, now 32, to join her in the business. with and my mum had passed away a Ashleigh had finished a degree in psychology couple of years previously to that. I had to at Queen’s University and was working for build my career round my two children.

Santander as a select manager looking after “You feel like you’re winging it and you’re some of its top customers. not sure where to invest your money and Ashley explains: “Ciara had somebody your time. I didn’t have a mentor as such — working for her, but she left to go on and I was just doing it on my own. I had good do her own thing. So she asked me to come support from friends and family, but it’s still and help her run the academy as well as the scary. When you start to employ people, it’s retail side of things. not just your mouth you have to fill — I still

kThe make-up school duo

I could see how the beauty industry was changing and I wanted to offer something that was different

“Rather than working for a big faceless corporate business, I felt like working for family and working in a smaller company — you would have a bit more space to use your initiative and come up with ideas. It could be a challenge and be lots of fun.

“We work really well together — we have quite different personalities, so we bounce off each other very well.

“I love coming to work with such a great team and getting everybody going in the morning, organising everything, especially on course days. It’s brilliant fun getting all the excitement going.”

Ciara says it’s the contrast in their personalities that is a winning combination.

“She’s everything I’m not.

I am fiery and outgoing, the talking machine, the risk taker, the decision taker, but my weaknesses would be anything paperwork related,” she says.

“She couldn’t do what I do, but I couldn’t do what she does.

We’ve had a couple of bumps in the road along the way, but it has worked out well. She looks after all the admin stuff — the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes is incredible.

“We have different personalities and it’s just about working out what each other’s strengths and weaknesses are and appreciating that. It’s about not putting her under pressure for stuff that is not her strength. And it’s about having someone you trust 100%.”

And Ashley has some valuable advice for sisters who are considering working together: “The best thing is to discuss what our roles are and who has the last say, what’s appropriate in front of other staff members and what you have to leave at the door when you go into work and separate that from your family relationships.”

For more information, visit www.ciaradalymakeup.com

“It’s about working out each other’s strengths and weaknesses”

Northern Woman 37

Relationships

“Dad’s hobby was makingfudge,wedo it on a bigger scale”

From left, sisters Jenny Lowry, Dorothy Bittles and Cathy Johnston who run The Melting Pot

Cathy Johnston (51) is married to bank official Niall (51) and has three children, Kerry (23), James (22) and Conor (20).

Jenny Lowry (49) is married to medical rep Kevin (51) and has three daughters, Jessica

T

he three sisters who run The Melting Pot credit their dad Patrick as the inspiration behind the award-winning fudge that they make.

But it was their mum Isobel who taught them the basics of running a food business. She blazed a trail setting up one of Belfast’s earliest and best known delicatessens, Cargoes.

Jenny Lowry (49), says they all worked at the iconic deli during the summer holidays and also helped out with their mum’s side ventures, supplying salad and wheaten bread to other businesses.

“When she sold Cargoes, she kept that on and did it from home and we started helping with the business,” she says.

Her sister Cathy Johnston (51) says that 30 years ago there were very few delis where you could buy high quality food.

“It’s really through my mother that we were reared in it,” she says.

38 Northern Woman

kThe artisan fudge makers (22), Charlotte (20) and Emma (18) Dorothy Bittles (43) is married to Eddie (46) who works for Charles Hurst Jaguar in Belfast and has two children, Isabel (15) and William (11)

Jenny studied marketing and Cathy earned her degree in social work but both joined to help with the salad business.

Their sister Dorothy Bittles (43) trained as a teacher but also ended up joining the business, which was very successful and was eventually sold as a going concern.

It wasn’t long before they were planning their next venture.

“After four months of sitting at home getting fat and bored, we decided to set up a business making fudge,” Jenny says.

Dorothy explains that when their dad Patrick, a quantity surveyor, lived in

There are never any arguments or falling out, we are all very fair and it works out

Dundrum, he used to make fudge and sell it in the local post office.

“We all have a terribly sweet tooth and dad had always been making fudge. His hobby was making fudge and eating it — I think he used it as an excuse!” she says.

“So we decided to see it would work on a bigger scale. We made it in my sister’s house in Belfast.”

The sisters worked out of the kitchen for about a year after setting the business up in 2004 and then decided to invest in a property to make the fudge in — a building attached to a church hall in Ballyhackamore.

“We started selling into the UK — we got a few wholesalers in the UK and then it grew quite organically from that.

We joined Invest NI and did some trade missions from there and that is how we got into exporting,” Dorothy says.

By this point, the business had outgrown the building and they bought new premises closer to town — but the fudge is still made the way Patrick did it.

“Everything is done by hand in the traditional way. Our dad would have made it in an open pot with a spoon, beating it by hand just as we make it. There’s no palm oil or emulsifier,” Dorothy says.

Dorothy has adopted an admin role, while Jenny and Cathy are more on the production side. They have now been joined in the business by Cathy’s daughter Kerry (23). Meanwhile, many of the younger children are getting a good grounding in selling and marketing by taking on summer jobs at the family stall in St George’s Market.

The Melting Pot now offer 15 flavours, 10 of which have won Great Taste Awards, and the bestsellers are traditional butter and salted caramel.

The Manuka honey flavour was nominated for best specialist product this year by the Guild of Fine Foods. Blackthorn Foods now exports to the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, the US and the United Arab Emirates.

Dorothy says there are advantages to working with family especially when you have young children. Jenny adds: “The reason it works is probably that we’ve very separate job roles. It works because it works for us.”

Cathy also says it has worked out well for her: “There are never any arguments or falling out. I think we are all very fair and it seems to work out,” she says.

“But I would think long and hard before doing it. I’ve heard so many people saying they started a business with family and it hasn’t worked out and now they don’t speak. But we do vote on things, so I think three is a great number for a business.”

For more information visit, www.blackthornfoods.co.uk

Living

My Food…

Daniela Morelli-Kerr As a member of the famous North Coast Morelli family, whose ice cream has been a favourite here for over 100 years, Daniela’s family life has revolved around food since she was a little girl

N

ow sales & marketing director at her family firm, Morelli’s Ice Cream, Daniela (36) lives in Portrush with her husband Adrian (52) and son Leonardo (3). Morelli’s Ice Cream was established on the North Coast in 1911 and today makes over 50 flavours of ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet at its factory in Coleraine which it supplies to family owned stores, franchises and retail partners all over Ireland.

What is a meal you will always remember?

We attend many trade shows and exhibitions and the biggest is in Rimini, Northern Italy. One of our suppliers invited us to a celebration meal at the Grand Hotel Des Bains in Riccione last year. This annual meal has a real international feel as the company invites customers from all over the world. We had 10 courses of fish — everything from calamari to scallops and an individual drinks trolley for each table. Needless to say, the craic was great and it’s a miracle I remember anything about it!

What was your defining food experience?

Being Italian, food has always played such a huge part in my life. My mother was a fantastic cook and everyone loved her food. Her ‘Sugo’ (pasta sauce) was legendary. We always had big family meals on a Sunday with pasta, meatballs, wine and craic. There was always a pot of Sugo on the go and there was always someone visiting or passing through. I remember visiting an Italian supermarket in Dublin with my Mum and Dad when I was a kid and thinking it was like Aladdin’s Cave.

My Mum was in heaven. My Dad, not so much when he had to pay!

What was the first dish you ever cooked?

40 Northern Woman

Daniela Morelli Kerr at Morelli’s in Belmont Road in east Belfast. Below, Morelli’s first ice cream parlour Peter Morrison

I can so he gets his very own special Sugo. Pasta is so versatile, fresh carbonara is lovely, and I also make a vodka sauce and one with chilli and white wine called ‘Amatriciana’. A glass of red is also a must!

The first thing I made was probably ice cream, but the first meal I made was a dodgy curry in home economics at school. There are a lot of firsts in our house as I like to experiment. My husband says I’m a great cook but I always make far too much mess and the washing up is never as fun at the eating.

What is your comfort food?

Definitely pasta. Pasta, (right) is perfect for quick, tasty meals on these dark winter nights. We eat pasta about three times a week and my son Leonardo loves it. I try to sneak as many disguised vegetables into his sauce as

What is your hangover cure?

Two scoops of our mango sorbet and a Resolve. That always does the trick for me.

What do you drink?

I absolutely love red wine (top left). I’d have a glass most days. I really didn’t know very much about wine until last year. My husband and I became interested after going to a Wine and Game evening as part of the Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week. We had wines from the Torres Winery in Spain that were all gorgeous so we stocked up for Christmas.

I love an Italian Red and recently discovered Banfi, a Tuscan winery.

I tried the Brunello di Montalcino and fell in love. You have to plan it in advance

Living though, it’s best opened at room temperature for a few hours before you drink it.

I love the fact that both Torres and Banfi are family businesses. I like to support family businesses.

I’m also getting more into gin; I like Monkey 47, my brother introduced me to that. I’m also partial to an Aperol Spritz. I do occasionally drink water too!

We have some of the best quality produce in the world, especially dairy.

16. What are some of your favourite restaurants?

My all-time favourite restaurant is Osteria Del Tempo Perso in Casalvieri, Italy. It’s very close to our home in Italy so we go when we’re there. It’s owned by a local family and run by two brothers and their mum who does the cooking. It’s fresh, simple food but with a special local flavour and the best antipasti I have ever tasted. The menu is changed daily and consists only of what’s in season.

My next favourite is The Orchid in Harrogate.

Their Thai prawns are to die for.

The Abacus Chinese restaurant in Belfast is one of the best around and holds special memories as my husband used to take me there when we were dating.

I also have a new favourite, Cheesy Tiger in Margate. Everything has a cheesy theme — calorific but oh so tasty.

If you could only eat three things for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

That’s difficult! Ice cream for sure. I’d really be in trouble if I didn’t say that. I eat so much ice cream, but at random times and almost always for breakfast. If we are doing a tasting, it’s better to do it with a clear palate so it always happens in the morning.

This time of year is good because we’re always experimenting and looking for new ideas for the season. My favourite flavour is difficult to pin down, I love them all. I couldn’t live without pasta, that’s our staple diet. I also love seafood, so I really couldn’t do without that either.

I love getting into Sawers in Belfast and foodie markets for local produce

How important is food to you?

Food is hugely important to me. I associate food with family. I love to cook for others. The kitchen is definitely the heart of the home and I really do believe that the family that eats together

What is your guilty pleasure?

I love black pudding and I’m not ashamed. I love it any which way but my new favourite way is to crumble it on top of my carbonara. Lush! stays together. I will teach my son to cook too, if he has those basic skills, he’ll never go hungry. It’s important for kids to understand where their food comes from too. I love to buy local produce — there’s nothing I love more than getting into Sawers (above) in Belfast and also the local foodie markets.

If you decide to eat healthy what is your regime?

I don’t believe in depriving yourself of anything. If I decide to go healthy, I’ll reduce the carbs, increase the veggies and overload on salad and fruit. That only happens in the summer though. For now, I’m a proud foodie.

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Northern Woman 41

of

Recipes

The food of LOVE

Planning a romantic meal this Valentine’s Day? Serve up these delicious dishes for two from Lidl Northern Ireland. You’ll be wooed by how quick and easy they are to prepare

er Start

Middle Eastern prawn cocktail Serves 2 Ingredients ♥ 1 packet Ocean Sea Fantail cooked prawns ♥ 1 tub Meadow Fresh red pepper houmous ♥ 1.5 tbsp Dairy Manor butter ♥ 1 tbsp Batts sweet chilli sauce ♥ 1 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice & a little lemon zest ♥ Handful of Meadow Fresh baby leaf salad ♥ Handful of fresh mint ♥ 2 Rowan Hill pitta breads, to serve ♥ Kania salt and pepper Method Divide the houmous between two glasses. Melt the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat and add the prawns to warm them through.

Add the sweet chilli sauce and cook for two minutes, stirring occasionally.

Take off the heat, season with salt and pepper and finish with the lemon juice and zest. To serve, divide the prawns between the two glasses, finishing with the mint and baby leaf salad.

Drizzle a little of the sauce from the pan over the leaves and enjoy immediately with some toasted pitta bread.

42 Northern Woman

M

rt Desse Easy Eton Mess Serves 2 Ingredients ♥ 4 meringue nests ♥ 200g fresh berries of your choosing ♥ 250ml Coolree Creamery fresh cream ♥ Handful of Oaklands mint

Main

Herby crumbed hake with mashed baby potatoes & sauteed broccoli Serves 2 Ingredients ♥ 1 packet Inismara hake fillets ♥ 75g Connell Bakery breadcrumbs ♥ Handful of fresh parsley, chopped ♥ 1 clove of garlic, peeled and crushed ♥ Zest of a lemon ♥ 3 tbsp Meadow Fresh pesto ♥ 200g broccoli ♥ 250g baby potatoes ♥ Handful of Alesto almonds, chopped ♥ 2.5 tbsps Primadonna extra virgin olive oil ♥ Kania salt and black pepper Method Preheat your oven to 200C and brush a baking dish with a little olive oil.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 5-6 minutes, or until just tender. Drain well and return to the heat for a minute to steam dry, shaking the pan every few seconds. Transfer to a large baking tray.

Method Break the meringues into large chunks and place in a large bowl.

Whip the cream and stir into the meringues then add the berries and mint leaves and stir to combine.

Divide the mixture between glasses and top each with another mint leaf.

Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to crush each potato slightly. Drizzle them with olive oil, season generously with salt and black pepper and roast for 25 minutes or until golden.

Meanwhile, place the breadcrumbs in a bowl and add the herbs, garlic, half the lemon zest and some seasoning. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and stir to combine.

Place the fish in the prepared baking dish and spread some green pesto over the top of each fillet. Press half of the herbed breadcrumbs on to the top of each fillet and bake for 12-15 minutes.

As the fish & potatoes are cooking, simmer the broccoli for 5 minutes then drain and stir fry lightly in 1 tbsp of oil. Add the chopped almonds & the remaining lemon zest and keep warm.

When the fish has turned white throughout & flakes easily with a fork, serve immediately with the smashed potatoes and the sautéed broccoli.

Northern Woman 43

Recipes

Sweet treats to woo your Valentine Chocolate and caramel Red velvet cake cupcakes with cream cheese icing Makes 12 Ingredients ♥ 200g butter ♥ 200g caster sugar ♥ 125g self-raising flour ♥ 75g cocoa powder ♥ 75g melted chocolate ♥ 4 eggs ♥ Dulce de leche ♥ 250g butter ♥ 500g icing sugar ♥ 150g milk chocolate Method Preheat oven to 180C line a 12 hole cupcake tin with liners Sieve together the cocoa powder and self raising flour in a bowl and set aside Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, into this add the melted chocolate Lightly beat the 4 eggs and add gradually into the creamed butter and sugar, ensure everything is well incorporated then carefully fold in the flour and coco mixture.

Meausre the mixture into the liners about half full and bake in the preheated oven for aprox 20 mins While the cupcakes are cooking beat together the icing sugar and butter until light and pale in colour, gradually add in the melted chocolate and mix well.

Once the cupcakes have cooled take a portion out of the centre with an apple corer and fill the hole with a generous spoonful of dulce de leche The cream can either be piped or spooned on top followed by a final drizzle of dulce de leche to finish off.

Ingredients ♥ 270g flour ♥ 20g natural cocoa ♥ 1 teaspoon baking soda ♥ 1/2 teaspoon salt ♥ 230ml buttermilk, room temperature ♥ 1 teaspoon red food colouring paste ♥ 1 tablespoon white vinegar ♥ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ♥ 300g dark brown sugar ♥ 110g butter ♥ 2 eggs ♥ 400g icing sugar ♥ 340g cream cheese, room temperature ♥ 90g butter ♥ 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Method Preheat oven to 170C. Line a 12 hole cupcake tin and set aside.

Whisk the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt together in one bowl. Whisk the buttermilk, food colouring, vinegar, and vanilla together in another bowl and set aside.

Cream the brown sugar and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed until lightened in colour and fluffy. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Return the mixer to medium speed and slowly add the eggs

Asda Heart Biscuits Makes: 22 Biscuits

Cooking Time: 20 minutes Shopping List: ♥ 115g Dromona butter ♥ 55g caster sugar ♥ Few drops of vanilla extract ♥ 150g Neill’s Plain Flour ♥ 25g Asda cornflour ♥ 250g Royal icing sugar ♥ Food colouring, to decorate

44 Northern Woman

Recipes ll

by Jill Conde n o d le a of the C io d tu S e Cak see page 65

and beat until they are fully incorporated.

With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl between each installment. Mix on low speed until smooth, for about 30 to 45 seconds. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake until the cake springs back when pressed.

This should take approximately 20 minutes.

Combine the cream cheese and butter on medium speed, just until blended. Add the vanilla and beat until combined. With the speed on low, add the icing sugar a little at a time, beating until smooth between each addition. Refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes before using.

Method: Mix the butter, caster sugar and vanilla extract until just evenly mixed. Stir in the flour and corn flour. Wrap in cling film and chill for about 30 minutes.

Roll out the thickness of a £1 coin and cut out different sizes of heart shapes with cutters – 6cm, 5cm and 4cm wide at the widest point.

Bake at 180°C /160°C Fan / Gas Mark 4 for 10 minutes. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

Mix the icing sugar with 4 tbsp water.

Divide into small bowls to add pink and red food colouring before decorating the biscuits.

Serve with a chocolate dip.

Top models turn on the glitz and glamour Glitz and glam was the dress code for a recent get-together of CMPR Models.

Company director Cathy Martin and team hosted some of Northern Ireland’s top models as well as clients, media and

influencers in the ever stylish Baltic, bar in Belfast’s Bullitt hotel.

Guests enjoyed welcome drinks and danced the night away to some of the team’s favourite tunes.

Lauren Kirkwood and Emily Martin

Ellen Lundy, Erin Davies and Claire Gunn

Karen Birnie and Amiee Boyle

Joy Ellis, Cathy Martin and Lidia Sadej

Lucy Burns and Rachel Jones

Christopher Wilson and Sheena MacAuley

Caolan Woods and Rebecca Maguire

Amiee Boyle, Cathy Martin, Tiffany Brien and Rebecca Maguire

Ellen Lundy and Claire Gunn

Photographs by Stephen McCracken

Northern Woman 45

Beauty

The big seduction ♥ ♥ ♥♥♥

♥♥♥

Dior Diorskin Star Studio makeup spectacular brightening weightless perfection foundation, SPF 30, £32.50, Boots

Find the look of love with shimmering nude eye colours and a pretty pink pout.

By Helen Carson True romance beckons on the most romantic night of the year.

So expect rosy pink hues aplenty in the current loved up palette of cosmetic colours.

Natural beauty rules when it comes to creating the right mood for love.

Forget crayoned in brows and vampy lips... it’s time to channel your inner princess with sparkling eyes and an effortless look.

Keep skin flawless with foundation to enhance your complexion rather than overwhelm it, and a simple pop of blush.

A blacker than black eye liner is the only drama to bring to this party for two with beautiful nude shadows adding just enough glimmer to let you shine.

For kissable lips... choose a gorgeous girly pink.

Now you’re irresistible.

LABEL LUST

Charlotte Tilbury Valentine lipstick, £23, House of Fraser

♥ ♥♥♥

Bobbi Brown Sultry Nude Palette, £48, House of Fraser

Chanel Calligraphie de Chanel longwear intense cream eyeliner, N°65, hyperblack, £25, Boots, Debenhams, House of Fraser

♥

Heart-shaped lipstick , £6.95, Kiko Milano

♥♥♥

Benefit Dandelion blusher, £23.50, Boots

Matte Nail Lacquer, £3.95, Kiko Milano

Coleraine-born actress Jayne Wisener is the quintessential Northern Irish beauty

Star look 46 Northern Woman

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation, SPF 15, £32.50, House of Fraser

L’Oréal Paris Exclusive Pinks Collection Color Riche Lipstick, Naomi, £6.99, Boots, Tom Ford Extreme Mascara, £35, House of Fraser,

No7 Shimmer Palette Rose, £13.50, Boots,

Rimmel London Exaggerate Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, £5.29, chemists and supermarkets,

Beauty

Get kissable lips for Valentine’s Day. Pippa Bailey rounds up the most ravishing reds to suit every complexion 1. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in Rouge Vinyle: £26, Yves Saint Laurent

2. Nars Audacious Lipstick in Shirley: £24, Nars Cosmetics

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We tested this in several different colours and it was our favourite formula across the board — great pigment, a nice smooth application and it doesn’t leave your lips dry and flakey after a few hours.

Number 72, Rouge Vinyle, is our colour of choice; a slightly pinky red that goes on a little lighter than it appears in the stick, you can easily wear it for both day and dinner a deux with your beau.

5. Dior Diorific Lipstick in Diva: £25.65, Escentual Dior’s lipsticks have that fabulously retro, slightly floral scent that reminds me of my mother’s lipsticks when I was a child.

The shade is remarkably vibrant and long-lasting considering how light and hydrating it feels to apply, and also gets top marks for being most true-tocolour in the stick as it is on your skin.

5

This lipstick from Nars looks particularly good on those with brown or auburn hair and is just dark enough to feel wonderfully wintery without being OTT. The formula is thick and slightly glossy, meaning that while it doesn’t set and dry out, it does need reapplying every four hours.

Our go-to lipstick for lovers.

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The ultimate last-minute lipstick to keep in your handbag, Tom Ford’s duo has a matte twist lip liner in one end and a slim, sheeny lipstick in the other. Wear one or the other for a matte or slightly sheer finish, or use together for the full statement lip. Secret Escort is on the pink side of classic red, meaning it particularly suits paler skins.

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4. Bobbi Brown Lip Colour in Burnt Red: £21, Bobbi Brown If you’ve always liked the look of a berry lip but aren’t sure you can pull

3

it off, this sexy, slightly vampy colour is an easy way to darken your red a little. We found it suits blondes as well as brunettes, which is unusual for a darker shade.

Fall in love with romantic reds 6. Mac Lipstick in Ruby Woo: £15.50, Debenhams This classic, reliable, Marilyn-esque red regularly features in red lippy halls of fame and is easily our most worn shade. It’s a matte finish and therefore can emphasise chapped lips so do load up on balm before.

We find it’s best applied with a brush so it doesn’t drag.

8. Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge in Caprice: £25.50, Lancôme

8

3. Tom Ford Lip Contour Duo in Secret Escort: £39, John Lewis

We know you shouldn’t buy a product based on the packaging, but for what it’s worth, the clever click-release on the bottom of this lipstick is a lovely touch.

The shade is a statement, vibrant, true red and it applies creamy and smooth like an Absolu dream (see what we did there?).

7. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Red Carpet Red: £23, Charlotte Tilbury

6

We have yet to find anyone who doesn’t look amazing in this lipstick. It’s a little darker than classic pillar box with a blue undertone, meaning it doesn’t highlight red tones in skin and makes yellowed teeth look brilliantly white. It’s very flattering.

10. Topshop Lips in Hazard: £8, Topshop

9. Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy Matte Lipstick in Volatile: £25.50, John Lewis If you’re already dreaming of summer or just thinking ahead to a warm winter break, Volatile is your shade. This orangey red is crying out for a tan and sun-drenched evenings. For a matte finish, it’s remarkably non-drying, too.

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For the price, this is an absolute cracker. The formula is a little drying but it goes on satin, doesn’t bleed round the edges and stays put just as well as more expensive numbers. The shade, fire-engine red with a blue undertone, is a near-perfect dupe for Mac’s Russian

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Northern Woman 47

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A new life in the country Rachel and Stephen Morgan not only got the home of their dreams but ditched their jobs and launched a new bridal business when they made the move from the city to the tranquil Co Down countryside. The couple give Stephanie Bell a tour of their bold and beautiful family home Photographs by Peter Morrison 48 Northern Woman

Interiors

We both love fashion and decided on a bridal boutique and opened The White Gallery six years ago

W

hen Rachel and Stephen Morgan got the chance to build their dream home seven years ago they had no idea it would also lead to a drastic career change for both of them.

Rachel gave up a successful career in public relations and Stephen walked away from his busy plastering business to run a bridal salon together from their new home in Burren outside Newry.

The White Gallery specialises in unique bridal gowns and designer labels not seen before in Northern Ireland and the idea for the business came about when the couple realised that their new home offered much more space than they needed.

A section of the large property which was intended to house their “good living room”, a library and guest bedroom has been transformed into a beautiful bridal salon with changing rooms. As it is located off the main hallway the business doesn’t encroach on the rest of the house.

The couple moved from the city to the countryside when the opportunity arose to build a house next door to Rachel’s parents’ home in a beautiful rural location just outside Burren.

Having worked in the building trade all his life Stephen had a clear idea of how he wanted their new home to look on the outside while Rachel and he both worked on the interior layout.

At the time they had a baby and toddler to think about and now their family has grown to three girls Ezara (9), Sarrah-May (7) and Saoirse (5).

Rachel says: “Stephen had a great vision for how he wanted the house to look. He wanted a pitched roof and Bangor Blue slates and he knew what brick he wanted and the brick we used had to be brought in from Belgium.

“Stephen managed the build and we

started in 2009 and moved in at Halloween 2010.

“We designed it so that the key living spaces inside all flowed. The kitchen is the hub and we wanted a separate dining room and also wanted the kitchen to flow into the living area. It was very open plan at the start but in the end we built a wall across the living room so that it was semi concealed.

Continued on 50 ➤

Northern Woman 49

Interiors Stephen had a great vision for how he wanted the house to look. He wanted a pitched roof and Bangor Blue slates and he knew what brick he wanted and the brick we used had to be brought in from Belgium

“I only wanted one en suite in the master bedroom and one in the guest bedroom because there would be too much cleaning otherwise although now with three girls that’s a decision I could live to regret when they are all fighting over the shower.

“We also have a den where we spend time as a family. The front of the house where the bridal salon is located was intended to be the good living room which every Irish house has and you only use at Christmas and special occasions, a library or study and a guest bedroom.

“When the house was finished we realised we didn’t need all of that extra space and it gave us the idea of using it as a business. We both love fashion and decided on a bridal boutique and we opened The White Gallery six years ago. It has just taken off, and we love working from home.”

Stephen’s influence in the design is also apparent in the beautiful main hallway which rises up to the ceiling and other design touches such as the feature arched windows in the bridal section of the house.

There are two staircases, one which leads from the den to the four bedrooms upstairs and an extra large and elegant family bathroom.

Bold use of colour throughout the house

50 Northern Woman

We designed it so that the key living spaces inside all flowed shows a natural talent for interior design.

The couple have also blended ultra modern pieces with antique finds from one of their favourite salvage yards – Wilsons near Dromore – to create a charming and stylish bespoke home.

The kitchen makes a huge statement with sleek plum gloss units, bold black patterned wallpaper and black gloss floor and wall tiles.

Rachel says she was torn between this

ultra modern look or a more traditional hand painted kitchen but is thrilled she opted for the former.

She says: “I love traditional hand painted kitchens but also loved the modern high gloss look. We ended up going for this very modern deep purple gloss.

“It is German style and a friend helped us to design it and a local company built it for us. We just decided we are both young and why not go for gloss and I’m so glad we

Interiors

The house really is a mix of styles and there is a mix of modern as well as retro and traditional

did as we love it. We papered one wall in black wallpaper with purple swans inspired by a lake across the road which always has swans on it.

“We also have one wall in black wallpaper with a gold stripe.”

The kitchen opens to the dining room where Rachel’s love of retro styling is apparent in the black gloss table with green accent chairs, Terry Bradley print in pink and purple tones which ties in

with the kitchen and beautiful black and grey wallpaper which has a subtle sparkle through it.

You then step into the living room which is a calmer space and while the colours are mainly neutral, the couples’ love of bold colour is injected with an accent wall painted a deep petrol blue.

A cast iron antique fireplace from Wilsons salvage yard which the couple painted cream makes a lovely focal point

and sits perfectly with the pitched pine floor reclaimed from the University of Ulster at Jordanstown which also runs through French doors into the den.

Rachel says: “The living room is very calm and minimalist and I like to keep it clutter free which is easy because we have the den and all the children’s toys are in there and that’s where we would chill out as a family.

Continued on 52 ➤

Northern Woman 51

Interiors I love traditional hand painted kitchens but also loved the modern high gloss look

“I love the den because it is where we spend most of our time and I’ve furnished it in my favourite retro style with a pink chair and a blue chair and a sofa.

“We have an exposed brick feature wall and we painted the staircase which gives easy access to the bedrooms.”

Even the back hallway which leads to the downstairs bathroom and utility room has a chic designer feel with a chandelier, blue accent wall and Terry Bradley print.

Upstairs and the bedrooms have an elegant air as does the show stopping bathroom.

The couple were left with a large space on the first floor which they decided would make a great family bathroom.

A traditional look has been achieved with floor to ceiling wood panelling painted a pale dusky pink.

A step down leads to a second large space which showcases a beautiful roll top ball and claw foot free standing cast iron bath.

Two striking pieces of antique furniture –

52 Northern Woman

an old wash stand with a marble top and a tall record cabinet – add extra character to this sophisticated space.

Styling the house was a labour of love

and Rachel is thrilled with the end result so much so that she struggles to single out one room as her favourite. She says: “I just love my kitchen as I don’t know anyone else with a plum kitchen and I also love the den because it’s where we just chill out and relax.

“The house really is a mix of styles and there is a mix of modern as well as retro and traditional. One of my favourite finds is the antique French cabinet which sits in the hallway. It is 15ft high and very ornate and beautiful and dates back to the 1900s.”

The attention to detail continues outside in the immaculate and extensive grounds which are a passion for Stephen. As well as looking after manicured lawns and flowerbeds he grows a range of vegetables and collects his own fresh eggs from the family hens.

Rachel adds: “It is a beautiful place to live and as much as I like my home to look beautiful it is not a showhouse but a home which we enjoy living in with our kids.”

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This rug has a neutral design where natural texture and tone take the place of bright colours or patterns. The rug is 77 per cent wool, which is just enough to maintain the cosy feeling and quality of a wool rug. A mix of cotton, viscose and polyester makes up the rest, making this rug a touch more affordable and easier to care for.

Home Multicoloured Wool Rug: 1 Zara £229.99, Zara Home

Moroccan-style Berber or Beni Ourain rugs are having a big moment. The minimal patterns and shaggy piles of these tribal rugs contrast well with contemporary furniture. Zara Home’s version is an affordable compromise. Yellow lines, rather than the traditional black, give this muchaped style a new spin.

Karise Rug: 7 Urbanara £279, Urbanara

The Karise rug’s deep 2cm pile is the first thing you notice – the hand tufted finish gives it a thick and luxurious feel.

This 100 per cent new wool rug is made in India and certified by fair trade scheme Care & Fair.

Blasco 2 Gandia Canevas Flowers

Wool Rug: From £590, Houseology

This unusual rug

by Valencian brand Gandia Blasco has to be seen close up to be appreciated. Woven to resemble a giant cross-stitch with a floral design, the rug neatly blends traditional decoration with a modern touch.

Pinocchio Rug: 3 HAY £178, Really Well Made

Danes know Pinocchio as a type of colourful, sugared liquorice ball; a sweet treat that inspired HAY to create a round rug with some real eye candy. The rug is made from individual balls of pure wool that are felted and strung together by hand by artisans in Nepal.

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Anthropologie Crewelwork Nelia Rug: £78–998, Anthropologie Crewelwork is an ancient type of wool embroidery where different types of stitch are used to bring basic shapes to life. The Nelia rug beautifully updates the style with a dense tangle of flowers, leaves, young buds and seed pods .

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Flair Rugs Prism Rug: £80-230, House of Fraser

Hand tufting gives this pure wool rug an extra-plush feeling. The thick pile is divided into triangles of complementary colours – mustard yellow and forest green – which are designed to give the rug a threedimensional effect.

Interiors

Habitat Kygo Rug: £160, Habitat

Top Ten Rugs Make your room cosy and add a splash of colour with a new rug

Diano Bedside Rug: £59, 8 LaLa Redoute Redoute Perfectly-sized for the side of the bed, this pure wool rug from La Redoute is a treat for bare feet. The wool is a decent quality for the price; the knitted effect adds extra comfort and the irregular shape makes it look handmade.

Rug Company Jessica Rug: 9 Plantation £350-770, Plantation Rug Company Loops of pure wool give the chunky rug its superior comfort factor – it’s one you’ll enjoy sinking your toes into day after day. Not the most practical rug, the light colour and soft texture mean it suits the bedroom best: marks and spills are bound to happen in more welltrodden areas of your home.

Nothing beats the feeling of sinking your feet into pure wool. A good wool rug brings comfort and warmth to wood or tiled floors – essential as the nights get colder – and can be used to liven up your living space with areas of colour, pattern and texture.

First check the area where you require a rug - bold designs look best given some breathing space, while neutral rugs can happily overlap with furniture. Natural wool is delicate too and requires extra care, as most, if not all, are dry clean only.

Regular vacuuming in the direction of the pile will also stop your pure wool rug from pilling.

And don’t forget that underlay or rug pads may be required to stop rugs slipping on solid floors –this often isn’t included and needs to be bought separately. Here’s our pick of the best wool rugs.

Copenhagen Oona 10 Normann Carpet: £179.90, Normann Copenhagen

The shape of this 100 per cent New Zealand wool rug makes it unusual.

The long oblong with smooth, rounded edges gives it a striking look, with just one black line contrasting with the background. The rugs are handmade and tufted for a plush effect.

Northern Woman 53

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From ambient lighting to choosing wall paints, Roddy Clarke suggests ways to fend off the blues of these chilly, shortened days

I

t’s always good to stay positive throughout the winter period and there is no better way to do that than treating yourself to some of the latest trends of the upcoming season. From adding a literal splash of blue to wrapping up in winter woollens, here’s how to get through winter.

Embrace colours - Adding a splash of blue can bring a lovely depth and surprising warmth to your home. Dulux has announced “denim drift” as its colour of the year – it has a lovely soft blue tone with hints of grey. It works well with natural woods and soft fabrics to add a luxurious and welcoming feel to any room. A natural palette perfectly complements denim drift – a good option is the lovely Berlin sofa, in tanned leather from Swoon. At a reasonable price, it’s the perfect addition to any living room.

Create a warming atmosphere with lamp light. Creating a suitable mood and atmosphere within a room is extremely important and one of the biggest factors which influences this is lighting. In winter more than ever, a cosy feel is needed for the darker evenings. Lee Broom is a leading lighting designer and has created some amazing products. For ambience and a striking aesthetic, look no further.

Loft Wrap it up - It is Oval Mirror important to stay cosy as £69, M&S the temperature drops. One of the best ways to do this is to add layers in the home with throws and blankets. Materials such as cashmere, wool and velvet bring comfort and keep you snug.

One of my favourite throws at the moment is from the recently

launched Perch & Parrow.

The Herbie throw in teal is made of 100 per cent Irish wool and guaranteed to keep you warm as well as looking stylish. It’s the perfect winter investment.

 Roddy Clarke is an interior stylist and founder of Concept Creatives.

Shades of Loft Leaning Tripod Lamp £95, M&S

winter Olin Chaise in Malan Weave £429, M&S

Lena Coffee Table £149, M&S

Denim Drift from Dulux will add warmth and depth to your walls

For instant snugness, incorporate throws and blankets around your home

54 Northern Woman

With great designs, Lee Broom is a leading light in the lighting world

Real Life

As couples get ready to celebrate St Valentine’s Day this month, Davina Gordon talks to three women who are not looking for love and say that you don’t need a man to feel fulfilled

WE’RE SINGLE AND SO HAPPY

T

o some, Valentine’s Day is an over-commercialised, sickly saccharine event, a day to bestow chocolates and flowers on our significant others because it’s a widely accepted norm. With all the Cupid’s bows flying askew, we rarely stop to think about the somewhat controversial origins of the day, there’s evidence that there was at least three Saint Valentines, martyred for their selfless services to the ‘L’ word. Adding to the intrigue, there’s a school of belief that medieval marvel Chaucer invented ‘Seynt Valentyne’s day’ in his elusive work, Parliament of Foules.

However the day came about, there’s no

getting away from From left, talking about the singletons four letter word Rachel that has everyone in McLaughlin, such a lather. Love.

Helena Kelly Tina Turner lamented and Leanne about it being a Edens second hand emotion — and she was singing from experience. It didn’t end well for the celebrated literary lovers either; love didn’t win the day for romantic Romeo or hot-headed Heathcliff.

The plain truth is that for many women, February 14 is not all about Cupid’s arrows, heart-shaped balloons and puppy-eyed soft toys.

Here, we talk to three women who will be celebrating the day as an ode to themselves.

These independent women are not actively looking for love and believe that you can feel truly fulfilled without a man in your life.

They’re sisters doing it for themselves. It may sound clichéd, but Sarah Jessica Parker nailed it in her career-defining role as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, the TV series that revolutionised the way women think about love and sex. “The most challenging, exciting and significant relationship is the one you have with yourself,” she said. Let’s meet the women for whom that quote rings particularly true ...

Continued on 56 ➤

Northern Woman 55

Real Life Right, visiting Brussels and exploring Iceland with sister Chloe

Rachel McLaughlin (23) from Donegal, online magazine editor “To be single is not to be unluc k in love; you are y on of the lucky one e s.”

R

achel is a reporter, feature writer and editor of an online magazine for women in Donegal. Since taking the role at the end of 2016, she has been fully focused on building a network for all women that is entertaining, informative and empowering.

To Rachel, her career “is everything” and a chance to make her mark on the world.

“Working in media takes a lot of selfmotivation, but it’s fun and I get so inspired by learning about what other women have achieved.”

Career woman Rachel loves the freedom that comes from not being tied down to any one person or place.:“I love being able to travel and dedicate myself to a specific plan or goal without the worry that I’ve been neglecting someone else.”

Sometimes, she admits that she feels she doesn’t have time for a man in her life: “I make time for what’s important, like my family and friends and I spend any spare time working on being my best self – whether that’s chilling out or working out.”

It’s not like she’s short of offers from admirers. She describes a memorable date that was like a mini staycation: “We had Sunday brunch before a road trip to walk through a forest park in northwest Donegal, followed by some drinks in the sun outside a beachside country house – bliss!”

Of course, where there is yin there is yang and she describes her worst date as being at a museum where the gent made her pay for the tickets. Ah chivalry...

Refreshingly, confidence is not something Rachel is in short supply of. “A man doesn’t determine my confidence. I’m surrounded by people and friends who are all so driven and that’s what empowers me. I’ve

56 Northern Woman

In Paris with sister Chloe and (left) paragliding at Clearwater Beach, Florida

always been independent and never uncomfortable being by myself.”

At the moment, Rachel’s priorities are to learn more, travel more and experience more.

While she is not looking to settle down anytime soon, when the time is right, Rachel would like someone who is driven and dedicated but who also knows how to take time out and have fun. “Having someone who is genuinely interested in how your day went or how you’re feeling is a lovely thing, but that, of course, can come from friends too,” she adds.

I think we know the answer to this one, but does she need a man to feel fulfilled?

“Absolutely not. I find fulfilment in my achievements and helping others through

my work and my personal life – no man required!”

She doesn’t see herself exchanging vows anytime soon, but she won’t be dodging Cupid’s arrow – when the time is right.

And to the perennial unlucky in love, “to be single is not to be unlucky in love – you’re actually one of the lucky ones. You don’t have to be with someone who makes you happy – just be the someone who makes you happy!”

Real Life Helena Kelly with her two sons Jack (9) right, and Charlie (6)

Helena Kelly (43) from Belfast, schoolteacher

H

elena, a teacher and dedicated mum of two adorable boys, Jack, 9 and Charlie, 6 has been divorced for almost a year. She is finally happy and embracing her independence, having learned some important lessons in love.

“The break-up has taught me that I can deal with anything. My mantra is ‘find your rainbow’.”

Going through a relationship breakdown is probably one of the hardest things any of us can face; it’s easy to see why it might put you off ever having another one. Helena’s experience hasn’t hardened her, but she grins, it would take “some man” before she’d give love another chance. “I’d be a lot more choosey,” she affirms. “My kids are my priority and my life is dedicated to their happiness. It would take someone truly special.”

Helena describes being in “shock” when it hit her that the relationship was on the rocks. Somehow, though, she found the “pride and decorum” she needed and decided it was time to move on.

As the dust settled on the separation, Helena says her confidence was low.

However, she acknowledges the experience helped her grow as a person and now she knows “what is and what isn’t acceptable”.

On a lighter note, she says the best thing about being single is “not having sport on TV all the time!”

Fulfilment has to come from within. You need to know what makes you tick She enjoys the fact that she can listen to music and socialise when she chooses – when she’s not being mum to her two boys who are “the best thing” to ever happen to her.

If she could give her younger self advice about the opposite sex, she’d tell her to

“not believe in every word men say” and to always “retain your independence”.

She adds: “It’s so important to have a strong family behind you.”

She describes the abject pain of being in a bad relationship. “It’s terrible; it has a massive impact on your self-confidence and self-worth. It is a waste of your time. You’ve only one chance to be your best.”

And being her best is something Helena is working on. She has successfully completed a course that will allow her to apply for a professional headship.

With her career looking rosy, the door is not closed on Mr Right but he must possess a few special qualities. “Honesty and generosity of spirit are key,” she nods.

“My priorities will always be the boys so patience, lots of it, would be good too.”

In answer to the age-old question of whether we need a man to feel fulfilled, Helena is emphatic. “No. Fulfilment has to come from within. You need to know what makes you tick.” She stresses the importance of always setting “little goals” for yourself and to keep striving to become better and better.

“I don’t think another person can give you that.”

Finally, what advice would she give to someone who has gone through a similar experience to herself? “That’s easy,” she smiles. “Find your rainbow, everything happens for a reason. Chin up and soldier on.”

Northern Woman 57

Real Life

“I’ve learned the importance of being happy in your own company and that in itself teaches you to be more understanding and patient” Leanne Edens (40) horse riding instructor, from Larne and now based in Saudi Arabia

F

or the past three months hard-working Leanne has swapped inclement Northern Irish weather and grey skies for blue skies and bountiful sun of Saudi Arabia. There, she teaches women how to ride horses as it’s not customary for men to teach women due to religious beliefs. “It’s a very different culture to what I’m used to, but you get used to it soon enough.”

Leanne would definitely consider spending a few years in Saudi Arabia, but isn’t sure if she would make the move permanently. “I might consider residency in another Arab country as Saudi is one of the strictest countries. However, I’ve met some beautiful people who will be friends forever.”

On affairs of the heart, Leanne quips that it’s “not a great story to tell”. She has had a number of relationships that haven’t lasted, “or I would not be participating in this article,” she laughs.

In the last 10 years, Leanne has had two relationships, both lasting around three years each.

She feels that the breakdowns were partly due to “lack of honesty from the beginning” and differing expectations of the relationship. “There were outside factors as well,” she acknowledges, “but I’ve come out the other side”.

Her best ever date was being taken to New York for her birthday. “It was not a

58 Northern Woman

new relationship but one that I won’t forget as it meant so much to me. The thought and commitment I felt from him at the time was overwhelming and beautiful.

“I’ve never been treated like that before in such a compassionate way and the love I felt at the time was amazing. The best thing about a relationship is having company and sharing things with someone who loves and respects you.”

With her life as busy as it is, does she feel she doesn’t have time for a man? “The last three years have passed relatively quickly. I was getting over the last relationship and I am not a quick healer. Other things happened too so I haven’t had time or wanted to have anyone in my life.”

Leanne disagrees that it gets harder to meet someone as you get older. “I don’t think it has anything to do with age. I think its personality and what both parties want out of life.”

Like the other women in this article, Leanne’s confidence is not dictated by having a man. “I feel confidence in myself and my own abilities, a man has never given or taken that away from me. I’ve learned

the importance of being happy in your own company and that in itself teaches you to be more understanding and patient.”

Leanne lists compassion and having respect for herself and others as her best qualities and right now, she is working on making herself the best she can be. “Breakups can leave you feeling vulnerable and doubting your own abilities in life.”

Despite the disappointments in her love life, she is still open to dating again. She giggles that she definitely wants “a man, because a lot of them are boys inside!” and for that person to be someone she can rely on and trust.

She lists “trust, compassion and kindness” as the top three qualities she would look for in any prospective partners.

The most important lessons she has learned in love is to always be herself. “If they don’t like me when they meet me, they never will, so why would I change me to suit them.”

It’s a resounding “no” to the question of whether you need a man to feel fulfilled. “It can be lonely, but fulfilment does not come from a man alone, she says. “It comes from the whole package, whether you’re in a relationship or not.”

P Specialising in Mother of the Bride and Groom, Wedding Guests & Occasion Wear

Perfect Night 94 William Street, Lurgan 028 3834 2069

www.facebook.com/perfectnightlurgan

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Bridal Feature

Simple, elegant and sophisticated – the 2017 bride-to-be

We take a look at the latest bridal fashion trends for the coming year. What fabrics are in and what are out? What colours will bridesmaids be wearing?

What styles are mothers of the bride opting for? Claire Williamson finds out 60 Northern Woman

3846 L Erne NW Advert HALF Pg St1 copy.pdf

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Bridal Feature

Simple, elegant and sophisticated - the look for brides in 2017 The dress takes centrestage as brides go for simple jewllery and hair styles . (Below left) Kate Middleton chose classic lace when she married Prince William

Strapless dresses and parred down elegance is the look for brides this year

L

ace has been an enduring trend for brides in recent years especially after it featured in a number of high profile weddings.

It was favoured by Northern Ireland presenter Christine Lampard (Bleakley) and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and while relatively timeless, 2017 is expected to see a slight shift away from lace with brides-to-be opting for crepe in plainer styles and softer satins.

Perfect Day bridal store owner Bernie O’Neill says brides are opting for

62 Northern Woman

something a bit more “plain, elegant and sophisticated”.

Also strapless dresses are set to make a comeback as showcased by Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara.

But regardless of style Bernie says there is still “plenty of bling” about for some brides.

“People are reverting back to veils, the traditional veil. Small head pieces as opposed to big pieces and small clips both sparkly or pearls,” she says.

“And hairstyles are quite soft rather than very severe.

“Brides are opting for really soft curls with just bits coming around the face in nice soft strands.”

As 2017 is set to see things staying simple, jewellery and accessories will also be minimal.

All the attention will be turning to the shoes with top choices among this year’s brides from Jimmy Choo, Ted Baker and the

Irregular Choice brand which have a special bridal range.

And as the bride opts for a sophisticated look, what are the top tips for dressing bridesmaids?

Bernie says 2017 will see lots of long/ short dresses which are longer at the back and shorter at the front: “They have a more

Bridal Feature simple dress with a stand out headpiece.

Bernie says: “It’s all very elegant; a lot of them want a nice simple dress. They don’t want to be like the traditional mother of the bride.

“They are teaming a nice dress with a big massive statement headpiece.

“It’s great when you can help them find the dress and they are so excited.”

And if you think weddings in 2017 will be a one day affair, you could be in for a surprise.

Laura Hanna, events coordinator at Slieve Donard which is part of the Hastings Hotel group says that more and more brides and grooms are making a weekend of their big day.

If the wedding is on a Saturday, couples will have a dinner on the Friday or an away day, then the wedding on the Saturday followed by a private breakfast or a barbecue on the Sunday.

And a large part of the couple’s wedding budget now goes on dressing the room and putting their own stamp on it.

Attention to detail, such as bringing in their own chairs, is becoming a focal point.

Laura said: “Gone is the fascination for chair covers and instead couples are bringing their own chairs.

“I have heard there are a lot of people talking about bringing in their own furniture, like their own sofas and tables, they are spending the majority of their budget on dressing the room.”

And while guests can’t knock down walls in the venues, they are pretty free to do what they want to make sure they achieve their unique day.

“They can do different things in the room. Our grand ballroom has wood panelling on it and they can dress that room completely and make it

“Brides and grooms are trying to make their weddings more personal”

centres go for nd hair t) Kate classic married William

relaxed kind of feel to them and can be fitted out with pockets in them.”

Chiffon is still overwhelming popular and satin is due to make a comeback this year.

Another exciting new look will take the bridal party away from the traditional block colour says Bernie: “Another trend is the floral bridesmaids which will be quite big. The dresses are the same style and shape but they are a floral pattern.”` And bridesmaids too are availing of fabulous shoes.

Says Bernie: “It seems to be all down to the shoes now and keeping the shoes very simple.

“The whole look is more simple for 2017. Years ago when I started off the

Christine Bleakley looked stunning in classic lace when she married Frank Lampard (above) and (right) mothers-of-the brides are now favouring simple dresses with statement headpieces

bridesmaids all had tiaras or head pieces to match the colour of their dresses. Most of them all just have a small earring and a bracelet now, and very little in their hair, if anything, it will just be a wee tiny clip.”

For many, the vision that surrounds the mother of the bride outfit has also changed dramatically.

Gone are the stand up collars and ruffle jackets which have been replaced by a

Northern Woman 63

Bridal Feature look like the inside of a marquee.

“A lot of brides and grooms are trying to make their wedding more personal, telling people their love stories rather than it just being a traditional wedding.”

There are some things you are less likely to see this year such as chocolate fountains and the traditional receiving lines which appear to have gone out of fashion.

“Now the bride and groom want proceedings to be more relaxed and just to have a big party,” says Laura.

“Weddings have become more and more about the bride and groom enjoying themselves and it’s just not as stressful, it’s all like a big party to them and not everything has to be perfect.

“It’s more relaxed and about celebrating their love story.

“Hastings strives to make sure everyone’s wedding is personal to them. Every individual bride is unique and they all have their different needs and wants. You won’t do 10 weddings in a row that’s the same.

“It’s unique and fabulous locations such as off the bottom of the Mourne mountains, the Culloden Estate and Spa, Ballygalley, the Europa or Stormont and the Everglades as well as making sure their wedding is unique to them.”

Weddings are more about brides and grooms enjoying themselves 64 Northern Woman

Lough Erne Resort to host Wedding Weekend

F

ive-star Lough Erne Resort in County Fermanagh is inviting happy couples from across Ireland to a unique ‘Wedding Open Weekend’ as it celebrates being awarded the title of ‘Top Rated Wedding Venue’ in both Northern Ireland and Ulster as voted for by brides and grooms of WeddingDates.ie.

The event offers couples either engaged or thinking of getting married the chance to explore the stunning resort and extensive grounds which are set against the backdrop of Castle Hume lough.

The venue boasts a championship Faldo golf course, unique Thai Spa and the outstanding culinary talents of Noel McMeel.

The wedding and events team will be on hand to show visitors around the resort whilst taking the opportunity to reveal the stunning new Ross Suite which will have undergone an extensive £200,000 transformation.

Selected bridal experts will also be in attendance to advise on the exclusive discounts for couples booking Lough Erne Resort for their special day.

Lough Erne Resort will also have an exclusive offer for anyone booking wedding during the event.

The unique ‘Wedding Open Weekend’ comes after Brides and Grooms from across Ireland rated Lough Erne Resort as their top choice for the perfect wedding, in a double award win that names the luxury resort as ‘Top Rated Wedding Venue’ in Northern Ireland and Ulster.

The awards were certainly no mean

feat with thousands of newlyweds having reviewed their chosen venue on the popular WeddingDates.ie website.

Ciara Crossan, CEO of WeddingDates said: “The awards are based on real wedding experiences and are key for couples in making the decision as to where to host their big day.

“The team at Lough Erne Resort work tirelessly year-round to ensure each and every wedding that they host goes smoothly and the reviews from past couples are a testament to that. “ Speaking ahead of the Wedding Open Weekend, Lough Erne Resort General Manager, William Kirby said the wedding team can’t wait to show off the new Ross Suite to couples planning their big day.

“We are investing heavily in our wedding facilities at Lough Erne Resort to ensure we have real standout across Ireland.

Our investment will also help ensure we continue to exceed the expectations of our brides and grooms who recently named Lough Erne Resort as Top Rated Wedding Venue not just in Northern Ireland but in the whole of Ulster, which is fantastic news.

“All of the couples who choose Lough Erne Resort to celebrate their marriage receive a bespoke service from our experienced team, with memories that will last a lifetime.

“The new Ross Suite is the perfect setting for a wedding celebration, and we look forward to welcoming couples to our Wedding Open Weekend in March.

The event is being staged on Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and 12 from 12 noon until 6pm each day.

Launch Party

Caledon Cake Studio owner Jill Condell celebrating the launch of her new business with husband Jonny Condell

Emma Hobson From left, Cathryn Agnew, Rachel Hanna

and

New Cake Studio for Caledon

From left, Cathryn Agnew, Emma Hobson and Rachel Hanna

Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador Jenny Bristow and her colleague Anne Holland joined over 50 guests for the recent opening of The Caledon Cake Studio in the Georgian village of Caledon in Co Tyrone.

Its owner Jill Condell, a mum of three, was joined by her husband Jonny to welcome guests for a live cookery demonstration hosted by celebrity cook Jenny.

Jill, 33, worked for over 10 years baking cakes for one of Ireland’s first ever commercial cookery schools, Ella’s Barn.

Ella retired in 2016 after 30 years and her protégé, Jill Condell, is now fulfilling a childhood dream by transforming an old village house into a bakery school which will attract groups of baking enthusiasts, hen parties, stag parties, birthday parties, or whatever the group occasion, to put the fun back into baking.

From left, Anne McGill, cook Jenny Bristow, Eunice Moffett and Ethel Armstrong

From left, Linda Mullan , Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador Jenny Bristo w and Doris Hobson

From left, Sandra Doran, Elaine McKenna, right, with Jenny Bristow

From left, Jenny Bristow, Laura Hook and Rachel Mullen

From left, Hilary Jenkinson, Caledon Cake Studio owner, Jill Condell and Sarah Jenkinson

From left, Rachel Hutchinson, Naomi Hadden and Jenny Bristow Pictures by Richard Trainor

Northern Woman 65

Hair

Sharp chic: actress Coco Rocha and (right) Emma Stone

The bob is back

bombshell look this month as does Myleen Klass.

Side sweep — a simple and effective look — is another trend favoured by A listers as seen on Emma Stone in a recent red carpet appearance, Kourtney KardAshian, Olivia Palermo and also Game of Thrones Sophie Turner.

Our award winning columnist Keris Weir on the most requested trends for 2017, the A listers who are sporting them and how you can achieve them at home

I

t’s the top of the hair style request list with good reason! Yes the bob is back and not only does it look hot on straight or curly hair, it is easy to manage, stylish and oozes sophistication.

Here are some off my favourite A list bobs. Coco Rocha — how cool is this super blonde clean cut bob!

The stunning Mollie King who usually opts for longer locks looks fresher and bang on trend with this shorter style which has been layered to add texture and movement.

Emma Stone recently sported her new sharper look on the red carpet. Her beautiful red hair complimented the look with its healthy high shine.

Hair colour takes over BALAYLAGE seems to be sweeping the nation. This is the biggest trend bomb shell to hit the hair industry in some time.

66 Northern Woman

Sleek and straight

Straight glossy healthy hair can look stunning — think Gwyneth Paltrow!

Take time to properly blow out your hair, smoothing each section.

Keris Weir Use a small amount of of MG Hair silicone free hair serum Boutique throughout your hair to de frizz and add gloss.

What is Once it is 100% dry and BALAYLAGE? It is smooth you can apply a free hand highlights spray shine or gloss serum designed to give to finish before running a natural, sunis a Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the the straightening irons kissed, sexy Year and All Ireland Hairdresser of the Year over it to lock in your look to your three times. She is also a British Hairdressing style. The finished hair.

Champion, British Bridal Champion, British Ladies result — healthy This Cut & Blow-dry Champion and Goldwell Master shining hair perfect technique is Colourist. She also helps women coping with hair loss for your Valentine carried out as a result of treatment for cancer, via the Macmillan date. by a trained Centre at Craigavon Hospital. You can call her at professional MG Hair Boutique, tel 028 3832 5543 to get an hair stylist appointment at the salon which is located at and not Short hair I think looks 153e Union Street, Lurgan. You can see recommended for its best when straight, examples of Keris’s work on her Facebook page, Keris Weir home colouring. sleek and polished.

So if you’re ready to Apply a smoothing cream bin the full head foils and evenly through freshly washed hair highlights, ask your stylist about and be careful not to overload as these this new art of free hand hair colouring. products tend to be heavy and can look Singer Katie Perry debuts a new blonde greasy if you apply too much.

Keris

Short and edgy

Hairds Tren

TOUSLED LOCKS Mollie King

Make sure you apply evenly throughout hair then blow out smooth until it is 100% dry.

Then apply a shine spray or glossing spray lightly and use straightening irons to polish off the look.

To finish use a small amount of pomade wax to shape. Also a deep shade in your hair can also compliment this style.

SLEEK LINES Gwyneth Paltrow

SIDE SWEEP Olivia Palermo

Best new styles and how to achieve them The women who exude the most sex appeal often seem to be the ones who care least about what other people think.

The hottest and easiest hair

ideas keep you looking amazing all year round like the Mila Kunis (left) effortless beach wave look.

The trick is to not over think this look. The aim is to make it look like you have made minimal effort.

Use a sea salt spray and

simply spritz evenly through freshly washed towel dried hair. You can also apply a volume mousse for extra root lift.

Blast hair 80% dry then use curling irons to define and polish some random sections — the messier the better for this look.

Revolutionary new treatment for women in Northern Ireland 3fivetwo Healthcare is now offering the award winning THERMiVA treatment at the Maypole Clinic in Holywood. Fresh from the USA this innovative new treatment offers a non-surgical, non-invasive solution for the alleviation of conditions associated with childbirth and the natural aging process.

Giving birth can sometimes cause stretching and loosening in women post pregnancy. The effects of the menopause can also cause physical and functional changes such as excessive dryness, pain and urinary incontinence.

Leaks prior to using the bathroom, during exercise and reduced sexual sensation are all areas of concern to many women.

Contrary to popular belief these are not just issues that affect older women and can impact younger mothers lives as well and can cause a loss in confidence.

For years’ women have suffered in silence but now a solution is available to what can sometimes be an embarrassing problem.

How does THERMiVA work?

The treatment works through the delivery of radio frequency heat through a small disposable wand to gently promote the production of collagen which slowly tightens and firms the vagina.

Treatment lasts around 30 minutes and only 3 sessions are recommended, meaning you can get back to your best in no time and at an affordable cost.

What are the benefits?

• No surgery • No downtime • No anaesthesia • Comfortable in-office treatment • Three 30 minute sessions, one month apart • May resume sexual relations same day/night • Noticeable improvement after 1st or 2nd session THERMiVA is now available at 3fivetwo Healthcare.

Sessions are carried out at The Maypole Clinic in Holywood and are carried by renowned Gynaecologist, Professor Jim Dornan.

Interested in finding out more? Call us on 028 9068 8872 or email one2one@3fivetwo.com for more information on our introductory pricing or to book your consultation.

Northern Woman 67

Hair

68 Northern Woman

Get ahead with the hot new looks for hair in 2017

Hair

From conservative to punk, classic to Americana, plus a little 80s nostalgia, Linda Stewart talks to some of Northern Ireland’s top hair stylists to find out what the must-have hair trends are for spring and summer

I

t was an economist back in the 1920s who first coined the term ‘The Hemline Index’, asserting that hemlines acted as a barometer of economic health, rising and falling with the stock market.

Now, as we lurch from one politically turbulent year to the next, the unsettled times are being reflected in hairstyles everywhere, from red carpets to social media hangouts.

In 2017 we’re seeing a compelling mix of conformity and outsider, with a touch of nostalgia thrown in for the beloved celebrities we’ve lost in the past year, such as Prince, George Michael, David Bowie and Carrie Fisher.

Leisa Stafford of Stafford Hair in Belfast and Dublin predicts 2017 is going to have two major stories -1980s and Americana.

“The 80s influence is strong, with texture and colour becoming more disjointed, almost DIY,” she says.

“Expect to see even more dreadlocks, plaits and braids, combined with disconnected pixie crops and more than a hint of androgyny - think Annie Lennox and early Madonna. The look is ironic and fun, like the 1980s itself.

Styles from Leisa Stafford ‘s The Frontiers Collection and (below) Annie Lennox whose pixie style is back

Expect to see even more dreadlocks, plaits and braids, combined with disconnected pixie crops and more than a hint of androgyny — think Annie Lennox and early Madonna

“A more serious look is the Americana vibe, reminiscent of the Marlboro man or Ralph Lauren’s iconic styling of the 1980s, but combined with 1950s rock ‘n’ roll hair – sexy, loose curls piled carelessly high or ponytailed. Volume and movement will be essential, though it’s important to remember this is no retro styling.

“The colours will add a modern twist with pink pastels or petrol blues washed or placed strategically for maximum effect, or chunky busted fringes pre-lightened and toned for a fiery rockabilly feel.”

Continued on 70 ➤

Northern Woman 69

Hair

We’ve got the Americana look coming through where conformity is strong and the classics like Gucci and Prada prevail 70 Northern Woman

Interestingly, the recent Golden Globe awards were dominated by a more political vibe and the minimalist styles reflected the wider mood, Leisa says: “When there is political and economic uncertainty, two trends emerge the conservative and the punk.

“We’ve got the Americana look coming through, where conformity is strong and the classics like Gucci and Prada prevail, because if people are going to spend, they are going to spend it on something they know will last.

“Then there’s the 80s, but a street 80s – big hair, big attitude. There are a million people at this moment hit by austerity, embracing anti-fashion, making their own clothes, cutting their own hair, sticking two fingers up at the Establishment.

“They are not looking to the celebrities or the catwalks for inspiration but tuning into the trailblazers on Instagram and Snapchat.”

Both those 80s and Americana looks are about big, glossy hair, and stylists in Northern Ireland are narrowing these into

Hair Celebrity trend setters: clockwise (from left) Sarah Jessica-Parker, Cheryl, Kim Kardashian, Andrew Ridgeley, George Michael and David Bowie

out, there’s been a flush of nostalgia around “great little haircuts” with lots of shine and them, with their work being revisited,” she shape, Leisa says. says.

“The sense of being a bit on the outside “Is it a coincidence that in the weeks that pervades Belfast and Northern after George Michael died and people Ireland means many people are pushing started sharing his greatest moments on for greater individuality, and the coming social media, that we are suddenly seeing a trends are ripe for that sort of individualist ramping up of the big 80s vibe?” interpretation,” she says.

Meanwhile, Julian Dalrymple from Leisa’s latest collection, the Sitting Room Hairdressing in Frontiers, is a tribute to her Ballymena, who has just been heroes, real and imaginary named Northern Ireland — strong, inspiring Hairdresser of the Year at women who pioneered the British Hairdressing a change in art, music, Awards, is also picking up history and mythology, on that sense of nostalgia. like punk goddess Patti “I think we have Smith, Queen Meabh started to see it a bit with and Fantine from Les the recent death of Carrie Miserables.

Fisher. With the release But the loss of some of of The Force Awakens, we our most iconic rock and were already feeling it — braids pop stars is also impacting have been such a big thing for on the new styles that are awhile. At the Golden Globes, filtering through, she says.

Julian Dalrymple from for example, you had Sarah “As the likes of Bowie and The Sitting Room George Michael have bowed Hairdressing in Ballymena Jessica Parker with the braids

As the likes of Bowie and George Michael have bowed out, there’s been a flush of nostalgia around them, with their work being revisited wrapped around the head,” Julian says.

“Even the whole David Bowie thing - with hairdressing, you have a lot of influences from that creative side and the death of these really iconic people have influenced styles. David influenced fashion for so many years and his fashion changed constantly.

You’re even getting that softer version of a mullet now, with a grown-out fringe — still layered but softer.”

However, Julian says the big predictor for what will be in vogue for the year ahead is still the circuit of fashion weeks and London Fashion Week in particular.

“It will always reflect what is happening in hair. If you are doing a photoshoot, you’re watching what’s happening on the catwalks,” she says.

“It may take a year to filter through and in a more toned down way, but that is the lifeline for fashion and hair fashion comes from that - it’s a big inspiration to us.”

One of the bigger trends in colour is what Julian calls the ‘Balayage takeover’, that graduated blending of colour that has been everywhere.

“It’s almost a slightly worn out feeling in colour. It’s going to be huge — I see balayage going nowhere,” Julian says.

“Another trend we see at the minute is contouring. It’s about where you can highlight areas and create shading. If you’re doing balayage for a client, you might want to create a bit more contouring round the face. It’s about highlighting someone’s best features, something like little lighter panels place round the face to create emphasis.

“At the other extreme, last year we saw so much rainbow hair — it‘s everywhere. I think there are going to be lots of different colours about — we’ve had the greys and blues, now we have the denim look which is going to be really big again in summer.

“The little cheeky one that will be coming in this year is green hair. We’ve had lots of pastels and pink over the last few years and there is still a bit of rose gold peeking through, but I think we’ll be seeing a really chalk-like green — it will be a bit faded and a bit more minty. Mauve is very big too — chocolates and mauve are lovely for the darker heads.”

As for texture, one of the big trends is going to be extremely long poker-straight high-shine hair, as sported by Rihanna.

“If it’s long and straight, it must be shiny,” Julian advises.

Continued on 72 ➤

Northern Woman 71

Hair “On the other hand, curls are going to be corkscrewy and messy, looking like naturally curling hair that has been left a bit untreated, so it has that frizziness and that slightly untamed feeling.

“A big one for the summer is fringes. It’s an amazing way for someone to just transform their look and personally I’m looking at a slightly grown out fringe look.

If they’re having a day where they can’t be bothered, they just need to flick it a bit and it still looks cool.”

Meanwhile, Newtownards stylist Sharon Malcolm, who won Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the year in 2014, says her most requested look from clients is for cuts, styles and products that will help them to achieve full-bodied and glossy locks.

“Inspired by celebrity looks such as the glossy mane of Kim Kardashian-West and the luscious locks of Cheryl Cole, people want to sport long, healthy hair with a high shine,” she says.

“Sophisticated, great cuts and full-bodied colours will always be in demand, will survive trends and will be better for your hair health in the long-run.

“From long, glamorous waves to slicked-back pony tails, relaxed side plaits and messy up-do’s, long hair will continue to dominate this year. A long, healthy and well-kept mane of hair offers so much versatility from day to evening and can change your look in an instant. Again, with long hair, a great cut is essential for maximum impact,” she says.

Sharon has just launched her Butterfly collection of styles, featuring butterfly-like touches such as vivid flashes of colour and delicate yet strong styling.

“Over the past few years, there was definitely a decrease in the demand for high maintenance lighter colours and highlights, due in part to the financial climate and the commitment to the upkeep of these styles,” Sharon says.

“2017 will see a resurgence in popularity for lighter colours – blondes, soft reds and everything in between. Trends such as balayage and ombre colouring will continue to be popular, offering less permanent ways to lighten up your look.

“Curls are also well and truly back in fashion - expect to see curls of all shapes

72 Northern Woman

e Get tkh: loo

and sizes in 2017. Big bouncy curls, tight corkscrew curls and tousled boho curls are all back on the scene. Rollers, curling wands or straighteners will all create different styles and there’s a curl for every occasion,” she says.

But there’s no need to rush into a radical overhaul to keep up with the catwalk, as classic glamour is back in vogue, Sharon says.

“There’s also a real nod to the past with the glamour of long, bouncing curls continuing to prove popular for events, weddings and formal occasions. This is especially popular for evening looks, with a paired down, more relaxed look for day times. It’s not so much a trend as classic glamour, that never dates,” Sharon says.

2017 will see a resurgence in popularity for lighter colours – blondes, soft reds and everything in between

Kim Kardashian, left, and Rihanna, have inspired a trend for long healthy hair

Boho Luxe from Sharon’s Malcolm’s Butterfly collection  To create this look, shampoo, condition and blow-dry the night before to ensure it’s not too soft on the day when you’re recreating the look.  Take small sections and prep with a styling spray, then dry off with hairdryer  Take each section and individually wand using GHD straighteners, wanding the hair direction towards to the back of the head.  Secure the sections using clips  Once all sections are wanded, remove the clips.  Using a soft bristle brush, gently brush out the waves and tease hair into place  To finish, spray your hair lightly with hairspray.

Styles from Sharon Malcom’s new Butterfly collection

Brave battle: Christina Glenn with a treasured family picture of her late daughter Sorcha, who lost her battle with cervical cancer

Lasting legacy: Rosemary Channing with a picture of her daughter Corporal Channing Day, who was killed on duty in Afghanistan

The mums

campaigning in their

daughters’names Faced with the heartache of losing their beautiful daughters two remarkable mothers — Christina Glenn and Rosemary Day — tell Lee Henry how they have found comfort in working to save and enhancethe lives of others Photographs by Kevin Scott and Martin McKeown Northern Woman 73

Campaigning mums

‘I cried at Channing’s passing out parade, I was so very proud’ Brave Army medic Channing Day, from Comber in Co Down, died in a hail of bullets while serving her country in Afghanistan. Now, thanks to her family, war veterans are getting the support they need to overcome mental health problems

‘T

Photographs by Kevin Scott

he last thing that Channing wrote to me on Messenger from Afghanistan was ‘I love you, Mum’. Something I already knew.’ They spoke regularly, Rosemary Day and her 25-year-old daughter, or as often as they could. It was Corporal Channing Day’s second and final tour of the Middle Eastern Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and her time was precious. But there was always time for mum.

“She was a smiley, happy wee soul as a child, and though shy as a teenager, Channing had turned into a beautiful person, inside and out,” Rosemary recalls.

She says the whole family — Channing’s father Leslie (56), brother Aaron (27) and sisters Laken (28) and Lauren (31) — were incredibly proud of her. “She had become the soldier she always dreamed of being. I was happy for her.”

As a medic in the 3 Medical Regiment, Channing Day spent her time on duty tending to fellow soldiers injured in the field, mucking in with the mundane errands necessary to keep a British Army camp running smoothly, and enthusiastically played her part in the battle for hearts and minds.

In fact, she was en route to deliver first aid lessons to members of the indigenous Afghan police force in the Nahr-e Saraj district in Helmand Province when her patrol came under attack on the morning of October 24, 2012. It was her twenty-

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third day on tour. Fired on from two separate positions by Taliban fighters while patrolling on foot, Channing was killed along with 27-year-old Hampshireman Cpl David O’Connor of 40 Commando. She was the third British servicewoman to lose her life since the beginning of the Afghan conflict in 2001.

“Like any mother, I worried about the dangers that her career entailed,’ adds Rosemary, who raised Channing, along with her brother and sisters, in Comber, Co Down. ‘She did her first tour of Iraq shortly after phase two training, and when she returned home she didn’t talk much about her experience. We could tell it had had an effect on her, but she had great spirit.

“She subsequently bought a house and went off to Afghanistan the next day, in fact, leaving me at home as her PA to sort everything out,” jokes the 54-year-old. “We were never so glad as when that tour was over. It had been tough for her also.

“When she left for her last tour of Afghanistan, Channing wasn’t concerned about going back out there. They had put a lot of work in and were ready.

But that time felt different for Aaron and I, especially. I don’t know; we just had a bad feeling about it. What you can never be prepared for, however, is that knock on the door...”

While it has been understandably difficult coming

to terms with Channing’s untimely death, the Day family have taken comfort in the remarkable support shown them by the people of Northern Ireland and beyond.

Rosemary is still thankful for the “mindblowing” attendance at Channing’s funeral, when over 1,000 mourners paid their respects as the Comber native was buried with full military honours, while thousands of others subsequently signed five books of condolence presented by Comber Council.

As well as that, the Day family have led an incredibly successful campaign to raise funds in aid of Combat Stress, the mental health charity working with veterans and families dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and anxiety.

So far, over £70,000 has been donated to the Combat Stress cause. “More veterans have taken their own lives than have been killed in Afghanistan,” explains the Day’s inspirational matriarch. “We need to get them the help they need.” The Days’ campaign suitably kicked off with a charity football tournament, which “exceeded everyone’s expectations” by raising £3,400. It was an event, Rosemary reveals, “that would have been close to Channing’s heart”.

She says: “At school, her sporting side began to show, and she played netball and was the only girl in

Campaigning mums As a family we are all at different stages in the grieving process

Rosemary Day and, right, Channing in party mood and, below, in her army uniform

the football team. Football was a great love of hers, as was gymnastics. We were always busy running her to all her different sports.

Later, she took up ice hockey and played with the boy’s team in Dundonald, and when she joined the Army cadets, she won a gold medal competing in the triathlon in England. In the army, football, rugby and skiing were her passion, as was dancing and partying in her spare time.”

It was always an ambition of Channing’s to join the Armed Forces. From an early age, she dreamed of following in the footsteps of her forebears, several of whom served in various regiments and eventually “pestered” recruiters with such persistence that they let her join the Army cadets a year early, aged just 12. She impressed her superiors from the very beginning.

“It was clear to see that the Army was something she was interested in,” Rosemary confirms. “As a little girl, she’d march around and get us to show her how to salute. Her confidence grew when she joined the Girl’s Brigade. After making sergeant in cadets, she made plans to join the regulars at 16. The Engineers was her first choice, having passed her physical and tests at Palace Barracks, but her height was a problem. She was 2cm short. So we sat her down and went through the jobs she could do and she decided to be a frontline medic.

The morning her dad took her to England to join the Army, I was heartbroken but I suppose it was in her blood. I can remember her passing out parade. I cried my eyes out. Leslie and I were so proud of her.”

After Channing’s funeral, Rosemary recalls turning on almost every electrical appliance in the house to “block out my thoughts” And she found that keeping busy helped to ease the pain, or at least distract her from it. “Counselling was too soon for me in the early days,” she says. “I was still in shock for quite a while. It was the same for the girls; it’s a slow process for them.

As a family, we are all at different stages.

I could very easily have stayed in bed, but when you have other kids, you have to put them first. So I threw myself into fundraising. I don’t see myself as anything special. I’m just trying to cope the best way I can. Fundraising has helped me to move forward.”

Rosemary admits that her faith has taken a dent since Channing’s death. “I have become a little bitter and have lost some faith but, given time, that may change.”

She has found solace in the experience of others in similar positions, however. People like Gordon and Susan Dalzell, whose son, Ranger David Dalzell of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment, was killed in

Afghanistan in 2011.

“We were lucky enough to have been put in touch with Gordon and Susan, and they have been a Godsend. We know what it feels like to lose a child in combat. We meet regularly for coffee and we all know that we can lift the phone anytime we need to talk. Anniversaries, Remembrance Day, birthdays and Christmas are killers. It’s a roller coaster with more downs than ups.

But you learn to cope. Channing is never far from our thoughts.”

It is the act of keeping the memory of their daughter alive that drives Rosemary on. She spends her days working and her evenings dreaming up ever more interesting events to keep the fundraising wheels turning. The next such event on the horizon is a masquerade ball taking place on March 18, to celebrate what would have been Channing’s 30th birthday.

“It’s all progressed from that first football tournament,” says Rosemary, with a smile.

“We’ve had cinema nights, 70s and 80s disco nights, Halloween-themed nights and coffee mornings. We had badges made and other memorabilia that we sell at our stall, which we tour around various events.

Channing’s friends have helped there massively.

‘Losing Channing made us realise that tomorrow really isn’t promised to anyone.

Channing packed so much into her life, so we have to make sure we live our lives to the full, that we make a positive from a negative. I am sure, if she’s looking down on us, seeing her gran and granda getting dressed up at Halloween and winning bestdressed couple, for example, would have given her a giggle. Keeping her memory alive is important to us. We hope that Channing would approve.’

Northern Woman 75

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

‘My heart cries out to parents who lose a child ... it is a dark and lonely road that we walk’

Since losing her daughter Sorcha to cervical cancer at the age of 23, Londonderry mum Christina Glenn has helped save many lives in her campaign to have smear tests made available to women of all ages

Photographs by Martin McKeown

C

hristina Glenn describes herself as “ordinary, nothing special. Just your average Derry mammy”. And in many ways, that is true. In others, however, it is most

certainly not.

A mother of five, a wife, a worker, Christina lived the majority of her life like the rest of us: as quietly as possible and with a smile on her face, most of the time.

But in the autumn of 2014, her world was turned upside down forever, when five became four.

“Sorcha was the same as any other child,” Glenn recalls of her late daughter, who passed away from cervical cancer aged just 23. “She was funny, loving, adventurous, curious and talkative. She liked to laugh and she had such a dirty laugh, too. She was a true friend. She never gave up on anything.”

Both of her grandmothers had died from the disease that would ultimately claim her,

76 Northern Woman

and Sorcha feared the worst. In June 2013, she requested a smear test from her GP, but was refused. Although cervical cancer is preventable if discovered in patients early, in the UK women outside of the 25-64 age bracket are not eligible for free screening.

Sorcha recognised an injustice and raised her voice. It was heard far and wide — by women who knew her and others who didn’t, by mothers and daughters and sisters and wives — and many have survived the disease due to its influence. Her story featured in publications all around the world, including in the Washington Post.

Although Sorcha was finally given a smear test a few months after her initial request, by then it was too late. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 2013 and died in her boyfriend’s arms after collapsing at the Foyle Hospice on October 24, 2014. She truly left her mark on this world. Her legacy keeps Christina strong as she continues to “manage” life without her fourth-born.

“I am not, nor will I ever be, the person I was at the time of Sorcha’s terminal diagnosis,” she reflects. “We have all changed. We as a family, ourselves along with Matt Lynch, Sorcha’s incredibly supportive boyfriend, were privileged to

Campaigning mums Christina Glenn with members of Team Sorcha, (from left) friend Louise Kyle, Sorcha’s brother Cahir Glenn, friend Dermot Ward, sister Keelin Glenn and aunt Patricia Glenn

have Sorcha in our lives. We take it one day at a time; every day is different. We are all forever grateful for knowing and loving that young woman.”

Before she died, Sorcha appeared on radio, gave newspaper interviews and campaigned hard and fast to have what Christina refers to as an “outdated” NHS healthcare policy, in place since 2004, overturned.

“Sorcha believed it was important that women know that a smear test can 100% save their lives,” she explains. “For her, a smear test was akin to a bikini wax, not as painful nor anything to be embarrassed about or frightened of. She wanted women under 25 in particular to be able ask for and receive a smear test. She did not want another young woman to walk in her path.”

With the help of Sorcha’s father, Vincent, brothers and sister, along with a host of friends, family members and fellow campaigners, Christina has continued Sorcha’s fight. The Team Sorcha campaign has already scored some notable victories.

To date, a petition calling for the NHS to provide smear tests on demand, regardless of patients’ ages, has raised over 118,000 signatures and is currently in the possession of Mark Durkan, SDLP MP for Foyle, who, Christina reveals, “will bring it to the Petitions Committee in due course”, while a multitude of women of all ages have contacted the campaign to give positive feedback.

Their correspondence makes for emotional reading. Christina keeps them close at hand and reads them often, deriving motivation from them when times get tough. One message on the Team Sorcha Facebook page reads: ‘My mum had a smear test after reading about Sorcha and had cancerous cells taken away. If it wasn’t for Sorcha, our mum probably wouldn’t be here today.’

“Many of those women who contacted us have had smear tests done, which have saved them from enduring invasive surgeries and possible cancer,” Christina adds. “But, as with all governments, there is red tape, and I am sad to say that many families are still affected.

“Yet we carry on what Sorcha started.

Last year, ten members of Team Sorcha took part in a charity parachute jump, and this year we did a sponsored walk in Sorcha’s name. We hope that this will become an annual event. I have taught all my children that you never truly fail at anything big or small until you give up.”

Just an ordinary, average Derry mammy on one hand, an extraordinary leader, campaigner, motivator and fundraiser on the other, Christina was born in Scotland in 1956 but brought up in the village of Ballymagorry, a “proud Co Tyrone woman”. She relocated to the Waterside

area of Derry after tying the knot. She spent many years working as a director of Oakgrove Integrated Primary School, and subsequently raised five children, along with her husband Vincent — Orlagh, Emmett, Keelin, Sorcha and Cahir — as a stay-at-home mum. Since Sorcha’s passing, she’s become the figurehead for Team Sorcha, the public face of the campaign, appearing on the Ireland AM programme and forging partnerships with other cancer charities.

In recognition of her tireless campaigning, and the positive, proactive response she has had to losing a child, the Belfast Telegraph awarded Christina the Mum of the Year Award in June 2016 during their Woman of the Year ceremony at the Culloden Hotel. It was a night to remember for the 60-year-old, but, with typical Derry humility, she is quick to deflect praise and attribute the success of Team Sorcha to others.

“The Mum of the Year award was totally unexpected,” Glenn admits. “I was overwhelmed, to be honest. To be in a room along with so many strong women was an honour in itself and I truly did not expect to receive the award. I try to be a spokesperson for Team Sorcha campaign. I am always on hand to speak to the media, schools and groups. But there are so many others involved.”

Sorcha was the same as any other child, she was funny, loving, adventurous, curious and talkative...I am not, nor will I ever be, the person I was at the time of her terminal diagnosis

In Derry, Glenn has become a respected member of the community. Her charity work as not gone unnoticed, and neither have her innate warmth, wit and charm.

She credits the people of her adopted hometown with helping her to move on as best she can from the “confusion, helplessness and sorrow” brought on by Sorcha’s passing. “For their support, their kind words and their generosity in the sharing of the Team Sorcha message via social media, the people of Derry can never be praised highly enough,” says Christina.

Elsewhere, Sorcha’s memory and example is being kept alive by CLIC Sargent, a cancer charity for young people, who marked Sorcha’s passing by naming a room after her in one of its new care homes in Belfast. For families living with cancer in Northern Ireland and all around the UK, Christina has sympathetic words, but also a rallying call. “My heart cries out to parents who have their child or children taken from them. It is a dark and lonely road we all walk but we must learn to manage our grief and use it until the system changes.

“Do not hold it back. Do not feel guilty for the laughter nor the tears. Sorcha remained positive throughout. When treatments failed, she said, ‘OK, that did not work. What’s next?’ And that should be an inspiration. She never ever gave up, and neither should you.”

Northern Woman 77

Health

F

rustrated by your inability to fall asleep? You’re not alone.

An estimated 15% of us suffer from insomnia, a sleep disorder that can adversely affect the mood and impair emotional regulation. If you’re at the end of your tether, or you feel as though you’ve tried everything, perhaps it’s time to take an alternative approach.

1 TAKE AN EPSOM SALT BATH

Magnesium is known as nature’s Valium for good reason. It improves nerve function, relaxes muscles, and may even reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. If you want to get a better night’s sleep, the best way to take magnesium is in the bath. When Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is used as a bath soak, a small amount of magnesium is absorbed through the skin, and it’s often just enough to relax the body and induce sleep.

2 DON’T LOOK AT THE CLOCK

Those who habitually lie awake at night will know that insomnia can sometimes be a fear of not falling asleep, as much as it is an inability to fall sleep. This is known as ‘psychophysiological insomnia’ — the pressure to fall asleep — and it triggers a self-perpetuating cycle.

Sleep experts advise that insomnia sufferers don’t compound the anxiety by looking at their clock during the night.

It’s also important to use soothing selftalk. Instead of thinking ‘I’ll be exhausted tomorrow’, assure yourself that you have functioned perfectly well on limited sleep in the past and there is no reason why you can’t do it again.

3 REDESIGN YOUR SLEEPING SPACE

15

steps to

sweet dreams Katie Byrne has self-help tips to help you get a better night’s sleep

run), consider a getaway that allows you to sleep under the stars.

The Sleep Foundation has outlined specific standards for the ideal sleeping environment. A bedroom should be cool — between 15C and 19C — and free of any noises that can disturb sleep. They also recommend blackout curtains, eye shades, ear plugs, ‘white noise’ machines, humidifiers, fans and other devices, if necessary.

6 START A GRATITUDE DIARY

4 YOUR BED IS ONLY FOR TWO THINGS…

If you are in a cycle of taking prescription sleeping pills, consider transitioning to a non-addictive natural alternative.

Integrated medicine pioneer Dr Andrew Weil recommends the sedative herb valerian, which has been used since the age of Hippocrates to treat insomnia.

You can find it in most health food shops. Take one to two capsules half an hour before bedtime. Check with your doctor first.

…sleep and sex. All sleep experts are united in this advice. Avoid the temptation to watch movies or work on your laptop while lying in bed. This will help you associate your bedroom as a place of rest, rather than work or recreation. Additionally, sex is proven to induce sleep. It has to do with the ‘cuddle hormone’ oxytocin, which is released during sex.

5 SLEEP UNDER THE STARS

A fascinating study published in Current Biology found that a week of camping (without exposure to artificial light) resets the body clock. When we are exposed to natural light, our internal body clocks align with solar time, the study found. If you’ve been working night shifts (which can wreak havoc on the sleep schedule in the long

78 Northern Woman

Arianna Huffington, author of The Sleep Revolution, recommends writing a gratitude diary as part of your bedtime routine. “Write down a list of what you’re grateful for before bed,” she says. “It’s a great way to make sure your blessings get the closing scene of the night.”

7 NATURE’S SLEEP PILL

8 PRACTICE MINDFULNESS Mindfulness meditation has myriad benefits, better sleep being just

one of them. According to a study that was recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine, those who practiced mindfulness had less insomnia, fatigue and depression, when compared to another group who had completed a sleep education class.

9 COUNT NUMBERS, NOT SHEEP

The tired old cliché about counting sheep probably won’t help those who have difficulty falling asleep. However, counting numbers can be surprisingly effective, says sleep expert Dr Vicky Seelall, who recommends counting backwards from 100 in multiples of 3 ... 99, 96, 93, 90, 87, 84 etc.

10 EXERCISE EARLIER IN THE DAY

Exercise is proven to enhance sleep quality, but the time of day that you work out is crucial.

Vigorous exercise within three hours of sleep, when the body should be going into wind-down mode, can overstimulate the metabolism.

11 WEAR PYJAMAS

It’s all too easy to fall into bed wearing tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt. However, sleep experts suggest that our sleep wear can act as an external cue that signals to the brain that it is time to fall asleep.

12 LEARN TO SELF-SOOTHE

Try placing one hand flat across your forehead and the other flat across your lower belly (just below the navel).

Hold for 2-3 minutes. Then, keeping one hand on your belly, press the tips of thumb, index and middle finger of the other hand together, and hold lightly at the hollow at the base of your throat. This connects your energies in a way that dissipates stress, allowing your body to relax and drift off to a natural sleep.

Exercise, yoga and meditiatio n can all help you to relax

13 WIND DOWN WITH YOGA

A number of postures can be done just before bedtime.Postures that promote good sleep are mostly seated forward bends. The forward motion of the spine has a very calming effect on the nervous system. There are an array of postures that one can choose, including Balasana (child’s pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward dog), Janu-Sirsasana (headto-knee forward bend), Badhakonasana (butterfly pose) and Sukasana (easy pose), to name a few.

It is also important to balance all the forward motion with a simple backbend.

Something like bridge posture is a good choice here as it isn’t as intense as some of the other backbends that can invigorate the nervous system.

14 PRACTICE 4-7-8 BREATHING

The 4-7-8 breathing technique is known as a tranquilliser for the nervous system. Dr Weil says it can help insomniacs fall asleep in 60 seconds, although that claim may be a touch farfetched.

Nonetheless, it’s a powerful breathing technique that induces a deep state of relaxation. With your mouth closed, inhale quietly through your nose for a count of four.

Hold your breath for a count of seven.

Finally, exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound, for a count of eight. Repeat the cycle two to four times, or until you feel relaxed.

15 SCENT TO SLEEP

Certain essential oils can calm the mind and relax the body, leading to a better night’s sleep. Try the following blends: Blend 1 • 1 drop geranium • 2 drops palmarosa • 2 drops lavender • 10ml grapeseed carrier oil Mix all the ingredients and

use the blend for therapeutic massage or in a diffuser (without the carrier oil).

Blend 2 • 1 drop sweet orange • 2 drops lavender • 2 drops geranium • 10ml grapeseed carrier oil Mix all the ingredients and use the blend for therapeutic massage or in a diffuser (without the carrier oil).

Northern Woman 79

Health

I

didn’t see Coronation Street last Wednesday. It is too soon for me to watch anything that even remotely resembles my own experience.

In the popular soap, Michelle Connor, played by Kym Marsh, went into labour at 23 weeks, her waters breaking at her baby shower in true soap style. She was rushed to hospital and delivered her baby to his inevitable death, in a maternity ward surrounded by the sound of crying newborns.

By all accounts it was well handled and sensitively portrayed, unsurprising given that the actors involved have experienced late miscarriages — both Kym Marsh and Simon Gregson, who plays her husband Steve McDonald, lost babies at 21 weeks.

Social media was awash with women praising the storyline and sharing their experiences and the media responded to the interest by calling on miscarriage and stillbirth support groups to advise people on how to respond to women in a similar situation. Women like me.

Last March I gave birth to a boy at 19 weeks, but his heart had stopped beating a week or so before that. Maybe I am imagining it but I believe I can pinpoint the very moment he died. It was a Tuesday evening. I was lying in a warm bath and I felt a couple of slow movements and then nothing. Experts will say that it was too early to feel anything at that stage of

Those moments I spent with him opened a vortex that can never be closed” pregnancy, but I thought I had been feeling flutters from about 15 weeks. I started to get a horrible sense of foreboding at about 17 weeks and that night in the bath I just knew that the baby I was carrying had perished.

My husband told me I was worrying too much and reassured me somewhat. He’s right, I told myself, all pregnant women worry — particularly 41-year-old pregnant women. I took comfort in remembering what the consultant had told the 12-weekspregnant me at my check-in visit at Holles Street: “At this stage, there is a less than 1pc chance of anything going wrong with this pregnancy.” I tried to put all thoughts of doom out of my mind and went to bed.

As soon as I dropped my then three-yearold daughter to creche the next morning I rang the Merrion Fetal clinic to book a scan. I didn’t have a consultant to call as I was a public patient at the midwife-led clinic at the National Maternity Hospital, as I had been with my daughter. I made an appointment for a ‘reassurance’ scan for the Friday and busied myself with work and mothering for the intervening couple of days.

A colleague dropped me to the hospital after a meeting. I mentioned half-jokingly that there would probably be bad news. I went in and sat in the waiting room until I

80 Northern Woman

The silence shocked me.

That horrible, empty silence that is every pregnant woman’s worst nightmare As the Queen’s granddaughter Zara Phillips and her husband Mike Tindall come to terms with the heartbreak of losing a baby and Cornation Street tackles the pain of miscarriage, Yvonne Hogan tells her own tale, and explains that while other people’s stories can offer solace, it’s important to also remember that grief is individual was called. I lay on the bed as the midwife applied gel on my stomach and asked me if I wanted to know the sex. I just want to see if the baby is alive, I told her. She went quiet.

As she moved the transducer over my stomach we could see the baby curled up.

There was a bit of movement and for a tiny moment I started to hope. But it was just my pulse. The silence was deafening.

That horrible, empty silence that is every pregnant woman’s worst nightmare. It sucked the oxygen out of the room and I felt as if I had been punched in the stomach.

Even though I had been expecting bad news, the silence shocked me. I forced myself to stay calm. “It’s dead, isn’t it?” I said. “I knew it would be dead.”

I can’t remember exactly what she said after that but she was so very nice to me.

And I felt sorry for her having to share in this horrific moment. I felt sorry for the other women in the waiting room who had to see my face as she led me in to the special room they have for people whose babies will never take a breath. I felt sorry for my devastated husband when he came to get

Health suggested. I didn’t want to name the baby, I didn’t want to take pictures, I didn’t want to have a funeral, I didn’t want to see him, I didn’t want it to be real.

But I trusted them — and the advice of my amazing friend who had herself recently lost her baby — and I did some of those things. And as it turned out, naming the baby has made it much easier for my daughter to process the event. But, unless it comes from her, I dread hearing that name.

It hurts every cell in my body to hear it. It hits me at a visceral, cellular level, in the same primal place as did my daughter’s newborn cries.

Lasting heartache: journalist Yvonne Hogan and (below) Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh as Michelle who suffers a miscarriage

t me after I broke the news and I felt most sorry for my three-year-old daughter who would be so disappointed that she was never going to meet her much anticipated brother or sister.

I chose to spend the weekend at home before I went in to the hospital to begin the process of delivering the baby and I will always be grateful that I had that precious time. To say goodbye, to try and get my head around what was happening, to give the poor little mite inside me some time with his family.

I don’t let my mind go back to the rest of the story. It is still too raw and too scary. It is too precious and it is too soon to share.

I will some day, because the only thing that got me through the experience was reading the stories of others who had lost babies so late. I Painful time: wanted Mike and Zara all their Tindall with intimate daughter Mia gory Grace

details so I would know what to expect.

The thought of delivering a dead baby scared me so much and reading their stories helped me. It made me feel less of an anomaly — and less alone. It gave me a context for the horror and the disappointment and the shock. It wasn’t just me. This happened to other women, too, and they survived.

But the majority of experiences I read, while they did help me feel less alone, they also made me feel like an outlier. Because unlike Michelle in Coronation Street, I wasn’t desperate to meet my perished baby and hold him tight for as long as I could. I was terrified. Terrified of what he would look like. Petrified of my reaction. Horrified at the idea of unleashing the tide of overwhelming grief and trauma that I am still keeping at bay.

I didn’t want to do any of the things that the wonderful bereavement nurse and the incredibly kind chaplain

T

he advice given by some of the support groups in the wake of the Coronation Street story suggests using the baby’s name when talking to bereaved parents. To me, that would be like a sucker punch. That name reminds me that maybe everything I believed about myself was a lie: that I was strong, that I was healthy, that I was lucky, that life would be good to me. It brings me to a place where I feel like damaged goods, like a faulty woman because I failed to sustain that poor little baby’s life and in that I let down my husband, my parents, my daughter, our family — all the people who were excited at the thought of our new baby, the baby that would have been their son, grandson, nephew, cousin, their baby brother.

Which is why I decided to write this piece. Not to criticise that advice — because I know that it is good advice probably for the majority of women — but to add another voice to the conversation. To share a part of my still unfolding story in the hope that it might be a balm to some other woman reading this who doesn’t want to talk about her baby with anyone, even her closest friends. To give something back for the stories that helped me.

One piece I read in particular soothed me. It was an essay by the American writer Ariel Levy. She too gave birth at 19 weeks, in a hotel bathroom on a press trip to Mongolia. Her baby lived for a few minutes and her essay is one of the most compelling, honest, irreverent pieces I have ever read.

It made me laugh and cry and, for some reason, it made me feel like less of an outlier. She describes her moments with her son as “black magic” and I really like that phrase. Seeing my 19-week-old baby boy was awesome in the real sense of the word.

I bore witness to a miracle arrested, putting my eyes on a being that was not of this world and was not yet mine to see. Those moments I spent with him opened a vortex that can never be closed. It was both unnatural and supernatural. Like black magic. www.miscarriage.ie Yvonne Hogan is editor of the Irish Independent’s Health & Living magazine

Northern Woman 81

Cycling

From waterproof trousers to snow tyres, Liz Dodd helps you stay warm with the right technical kit for winter cycling

I

t is true, as the saying goes, that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes – though that will provide little comfort in the freezing cold of a Monday morning as you struggle to thaw your hands to open your D-lock.

With a little planning, you can stay snug and safe riding through even the worst Arctic blast. The trick with winter cycling is to make sure you’re wearing enough to stop you scurrying back inside the moment you hit the cold, but not so much you’re perspiring by the end of the street.

The key concepts are layering – both to trap warm air close to your body and to enable you to enthusiastically rip clothes off when you stop at traffic lights – and breathability. And, if you’re going to be cycling in the dark or the fog (which is hard to avoid if you’re commuting at this time of year) the kind of antisocially neon visibility that will stop traffic.

It’s worth investing in good winter gear – you’ll pay it off quickly commuting by bike – but one of the best things you can do right now is free, or at least no more than 5p: Stick a plastic bag over your saddle at night.

Take it from one who knows, the only thing worse than a wet saddle is a wet saddle that’s frozen overnight.

82 Northern Woman

Cold

comfort Continuum ✲ Rab Jacket: £220, Rab

There are some mornings when the only way to coax yourself out of the house and onto the bike is by wearing what is, effectively, a duvet.

While Rab’s Continuum down jacket is so wellinsulated it’s like being ensconced in a little cloud of warmth, it’s also amazingly breathable and feather-light at 240g. Well-thought out features like elasticated cuffs and an insulated internal baffle mean you stay blissfully warm: pair with a good baselayer for the coldest days. Men’s and hooded versions also available.

Merino Wool Buff: ✲ From £22, Cotswold Outdoor

These versatile fabric tubes can be worn as a balaclava under your helmet or around the neck like a scarf and are tight enough not to obscure your view over your shoulder.

Buffs come in a variety of styles but choose one made from Merino wool for maximum warmth and breathability while riding.

Schwalbe ✲ Marathon GT 365 Tyres: From £35.99, Chain Reaction

Schwalbe is the granddaddy of punctureresistant tyres and its 2017 Marathon 365s are perfect for wintery conditions, with a lamella tread, grooves, studs and a super-grippy compound that’s been tested to perform in sub-zero temperatures.

Famously you can ride over drawing pins on Schwalbe Marathons without getting a puncture – which is good news for anyone who’s ever tried to operate tyre levers with frozen fingers. For seriously harsh conditions, like snow and ice, go for the Marathon Winter. Covered with spikes, they should only be used when there’s ice on the ground, and need a 40km break in on tarmac.

Cycling vests)-enforced sole has a hole for cleats. While these ones only fit mountain bike cleats, a road bike version is also available.

They don’t survive an absolute deluge, but are a light, snug option for short rides or drizzle.

✲ Rapha Winter Gloves: £85, Rapha

As anyone whose hands have frozen, claw-like, to their handlebars will attest, good gloves are essential for winter cycling.

Rapha’s winter gloves are water resistant and cosy, with a sleek, snug cut that doesn’t catch on your jacket while you’re riding.

Touchscreen compatible, foam-padded and wind resistant, these gloves are highly technical, and because they are from Rapha, they’re stylish to boot.

Altura women’s night vision ✲ waterproof overtrousers: £41.99, Wiggle

Sealskinz ✲ Waterproof Socks: £39, Sealskinz

Unwittingly plunging your feet into an ice cold puddle might be annoying, but the subsequent ride as your toes freeze into place is what really grates. Waterproof wizards Sealskinz’s socks are incredibly warm and breathable.

Yes, it’s a lot to pay for a pair of socks, but this is a good option if you need to cycle in work shoes and can save you in the summer if you’re not allergic to a trendy socks/sandals combo. A slightly thinner, road version is also available.

Endura ✲ MT500 MTB Overshoes: £25.64, Evans

Offering an extra layer of warmth and dryness, overshoes slip on over your normal shoes to form a rain and dirt-proof protective shield. The toe provides extra grip – good for staying on the pedals in slippery conditions – and the Kevlar (used to make bullet-proof

Whether you’re low to the ground on a road bike or upright on a shopper, it’s amazing how quickly trousers can get rainsoaked and chill you to the bone. Yorkshire-based Altura’s waterproof overtrousers, paired with a breathable baselayer, will keep you warm and dry, and they’re cut well enough not to feel tight around the knees when you’ve layered up. They’re also covered in reflective flashes – great for nighttime riding in heavy rain.

Icebreaker Vertex Long ✲ Sleeve Baselayer: £84.41, Wiggle

Layering is key to comfortable winter riding, and Merino wool – a soft wool with seemingly magical properties – has long been the baselayer fabric of choice for skiiers and snowboarders.

Warm without being itchy or uncomfortable, this jumper has got plenty of cycle-friendly features: a deep half zip for ventilation when you’ve worked up a sweat, a dropped tail hem if you ride low, and thumb loops for extra snugness. It’s also odour resistant, which means you can get a good week’s worth of commuting out of it before it needs a wash.

Bike Wear Element Lady ✲ Gore Active Jacket: £149.99, Gore

Those winter days when it’s not freezing cold and crystal clear, it’s liable to be slightly cold and threatening rain.

Gore-tex is the go-to for waterproofing: this nifty cycling jacket will keep you dry even in a serious downpour and the zip-port means you can safely stow your phone in your pocket while you ride. It’s also very breathable – a godsend, because a sweaty ride in cheap waterproofs can leave you soggier than if you’d ridden through the rain. Go for the hi-vis option for dark nights and foggy mornings.

Men’s and separate hood available.

Patagonia ✲Merino women’s leggings: £100, Patagonia

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your padded shorts. Pair them with these leggings – trusty Merino wool again – which are blended with recycled polyester for breathability and warmth. All this means that as well as being sustainable, they’re seamless, soft and stretchy enough to avoid any awkward chafing. Price-wise they are at the higher end for a base layer, but that shows in the impressive warmth-toweight ratio: full-on cosiness for a shade over 100g.

Men’s available.

Verdict Winter cycling gear The first time you put it on, Rab’s Continuum Jacket feels futuristic. Nothing this light should be this warm. Its little square down pockets fluff up quickly to keep you toasty, but – paired with the right base layer – never make you sweat. There have been sub-zero mornings when this jacket has been the only reason I’ve been able to face climbing into the saddle. If it’s safety rather than comfort you want to invest in, a set of Schwalbe tyres will set you up for winter and beyond.

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Party Night

Lorna Shortt and Keien Lacey

From left, Katie Bryce and Joanne Little

From left, Aisling Gallagher and Emily Hancock

From left, Simon Bryons and William Mayne

From left, Laura Leonard, Dee Morgan and Cathy Hardy

Studio Souk marked it’s move to a new home in Belfast’s Ann Street with a special party night

Hollyanne Boyce

Jenna Stephenson

Conchobar Hayes

The new studio celebrated its relaunch with a unique shopping experience for guests who had the chance to browse a wide range of beautiful art and design work, across three floors, all whilst enjoying Suki Tea cocktails, Craft Beers and Skinny Prosecco.

The non-profit maker and merchandise store for artists and creatives in the craft and clothing sector was formerly based in Castle Lane.

From left, Claire Patterson and Sarah Matthews

Louise Vance

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Danielle Cochrane and Mark Williamson

Alfonso Cortes and Madeline Beattie

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Wedding Stories The beautiful wedding albu ms of three North ern Ireland couple s

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Jane Sarah kas and Lu

A glamorous all-white themed wedding

S

arah Jane and Lukas met in school as they both completed their A Levels 11 years ago and started dating when Lukas invited Sarah Jane to their formal.

The couple had been dating for nine years when Lukas planned a surprise treasure hunt for Sarah Jane.

As she followed the clues Sarah Jane met family and friends along the way and the final clue led her in a limo to Oakfield Park in Raphoe, where Lukas proposed in front of a beautiful lake.

He had even arranged for a photographer to capture the whole thing!

Around a year and a half later Sarah Jane and Lukas celebrated their wedding day with 260 of their friends and family in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strabane and Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny.

The day was themed as a white wedding with a touch of ballroom glam.

Florist David McConkey provided white blossom trees, white peonies and eucalyptus arrangements and bouquets for the wedding party.

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Sarah Jane wanted white bridesmaids’ dresses but they proved difficult to find. Dresses4Heaven saved the day by creating bespoke gowns for the girls.

Sarah Jane travelled to London to try on Hayley Paige wedding dresses and fell in love with the Londyn Gown.

Petticoat Bridal agreed to stock the dress especially for her.

Lukas didn’t miss out on the special treatment and opted for a custom made embossed suit by The BoardRoom, Belfast.

The inside collar of the jacket was personalised with the date of the big day.

Lily Annabella, Tyrone Wedding Services and David McConkey assisted in decorating the reception venue to complete the glamorous and sophisticated look.

As Sarah Jane is an English teacher, each of her tables was named after authors with a quote from each.

Chalkboards were used as place names and there was a photo booth and candy cart.

A pre wedding video entertained guests and the chief bridesmaid even broke into song!

To relax after the big day Sarah Jane and Lukas travelled to Las Vegas and Cancun.

Bridal Gown: Hayley Page, Petticoat Lane Bridal Bridesmaids’ dresses: Custom made by Justin, Dresses4Heaven, Dublin Page Boy’s suit: Marks and Spencer and Roco.

Groom and Groomsmen’s suits: Custom made by The BoardRoom Belfast Groomsmen suits from McElhinney’s Ballybofey Rings: Custom made engagement ring and wedding rings by Fallers Jewellers, Londonderry Flowers: Wedding Designs by David McConkey Hair: Franky Carson at CM Hairdressing Makeup: Toni and Orlaith Kelly at Enchanted Hair and Beauty Photography: Mustafa Oymak at YEZ Lifestyle Photography, Londonderry Video: Cinematic Tide Cake: Cakes by Miriam, Londonderry

Disney fan Hannah enjoys a fairytale wedding

Weddings

h Hannany and Jon

A

fter meeting on a night out in the Auditorium Nightclub in the Belmont Hotel, Banbridge, Hannah and Jonny connected through Facebook. Exactly six years from the date they met, the happy couple tied the knot at 2nd Rathfriland Presbyterian Church.

The engagement took place on the evening of Hannah’s surprise 21st birthday when Jonny whisked her away to Hillsborough Park with the intention of romantically proposing by the wishing bridge.

But after making her wish the heavens opened and they had to dash under a tree to keep dry where Jonny exclaimed: “Here stick that on your finger instead of me having it in my pocket!” The big day came three years later and the Disney and shooting themed reception was held at Corrick House Hotel and Spa. As Jonny partakes in shooting and Hannah loves Disney it was a challenge to combine the two but the couple pulled off a wonderful Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and shooting themed day.

Lily Annabella organised the décor and alongside Sarah-Jayne, the florist, they captured the theme perfectly. The men had bullet button holes and antlers featured throughout the day.

A 7ft tall photo booth book and table plan all continued the theme. The day was full of funny moments including burst dresses, dodgy dancing and hilarious speeches. Special touches such as a harpist and bagpiper helped create a wonderful atmosphere.

The couple plan to visit the States this year to celebrate with either a Route 66 tour or a road trip along the west coast. Maria’s advice to other brides-to-be is: “If you want to be a princess on your wedding day, go for it, and in the famous words of Walt Disney ‘It’s kind of fun to do the impossible’”.

Bridal Gown: Nicole Spose Gown, from The Events Boutique, Banbridge Bridesmaid Dresses: True Bride bridesmaid dresses from Creative Ideas, Armagh Flowergirl Dresses: The Events Boutique, Banbridge Groom and Groomsmen’s suits: Debonair, Portadown Rings: Ernest Jones Flowers: Vintage Violet Floral Boutique, Markethill Hair: Laura and Lisa from Precious Hair and Beauty, Banbridge.

Makeup: Amy Savage Makeup Artist, Banbridge Photography/video: Cindy & Melissa Photography, Portadown Cake: Roberta Graham, Country Cakes and Cupcakes, Annalong

Northern Woman 87

Weddings

Laura and Al un

An October ceremony at Lusty Beg Island

L

aura, originally from Belfast, and Alun first met at the University of West England Canon Club in Bristol. After getting to know each other for a year the pair decided to date and 10 years later they tied the knot at Lusty Beg Island.

In December 2015 Alun arranged a surprise weekend glamping trip to Devon and proposed as soon as they arrived.

They celebrated with the obligatory champagne and the not so traditional December surf lesson!

After dating for almost 10 years, the pair didn’t hang around and set the wedding date for the following October.

The bride opted for a colour theme which tied in with the season, white, gold and copper featured throughout and Laura carried a stunning all-green bouquet.

The weather was wonderful and the ceremony was held outside, a last minute decision! The wedding was Humanist and Jennifer Sturgeon helped the couple design a bespoke ceremony.

Seven nieces and nephews all took part in the ceremony and enjoyed chasing each other (and the bride and groom!) around the jetty.

The night before the wedding it was

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discovered that festoon lights which had been borrowed for the big day didn’t have any plugs!

The father of the groom, who was an electrical engineer, sent family members on a quest to gather the necessary equipment and saved the day.

Laura wore a tweed jacket from Zara for photographs and it tied in perfectly with the autumn leaves on the trees.

Between the ceremony and the reception, guests were treated to a trip around the lake on the Land of the Lake boat and enjoyed Hilden Brewery beers to celebrate the Northern Irish culture as many had travelled from England for the day.

After the wedding Laura and Alun travelled to India, visiting the Golden Triangle and Kerela.

Many of their guests took the opportunity to stay in Northern Ireland and visit sites such as the Giant’s Causeway.

Bridal Gown: Anna Kara from Forever Bridal, Belfast Maid of Honour Dress: Reiss Junior bridesmaid: Forever Bridal Flowergirl’s dresses: Monsoon Groom and Groomsmen’s suits: Next and Kenneth Cole, House of Fraser Rings: Pravins in Bristol Flowers: Clare Flower, Irvinestown and Bride’s Aunt Hair: Identity Hair, Irvinestown Makeup: Beauty by Jill Wallace Photography: Jude Browne Photography Cake: Mother of the Bride and four of the Bride’s Aunts

Weddings

Romantic proposal leads to a Cathedral wedding photographed by bride’s brother

F

ive years ago Maria met her friend for lunch and after much persuasion she agreed to stay and meet her other friends. Maria was introduced to Stephen and they talked all

evening.

Three years later spontaneous Stephen arrived at Maria’s work on Halloween night with an overnight bag before whisking her off for a meal.

Stephen had booked the penthouse suite in the Obel Tower where they watched the fireworks over Belfast and Stephen proposed.

Fast forward 18 months and the happy couple tied the knot in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Belfast before heading to the stunning grounds of Castle Upton for photography by the bride’s brother, John.

The bride wore a Watters gown, which was the first one she tried on.

Several gowns later Maria knew it had been the one. The reception took place at the Templeton Hotel, Templepatrick and the couple choose CLIC Sargent badges as favours to acknowledge the work of the charity.

The table plan and signs where designed

by Ebony and Ivory and the framed chalkboard seating plan added character to the day.

In keeping with the simple, classy look the couple were aiming for, the entrance to the reception room

was draped by Fairy Tale Weddings and adorned with candles, pearls and white roses to add a romantic feel.

The top table was set against a backdrop of fairy lights and the chairs were

decorated with ivory covers and sashes.

After the big day Stephen and Maria spent five days in the city which inspired Romeo and Juliet, Verona, followed by a week in Denzanzono, Lake Garda.

Stephenria a and M

Bridal Gown: Marie Me Bridal Boutique, Randalstown Maid of Honour dress: Marie Me Bridal Boutique, Randalstown.

Flowergirls dresses: Monsoon.

Groom and Groomsmen’s suits: Focus, Bangor.

Rings: Joseph Rea the Jewellers, Belfast.

Flowers: Friend of the family, Joy Johnson Flowers, Maghaberry.

Hair and Makeup: Deborah Harper Make Up and Beauty, Helens Bay, Bangor.

Photography: Brother, John Murphy Photography.

The bride’s brother.

Video: Screen craft productions, Andrew Booth.

Cake: Marie McCaster

Northern Woman 89

Celebrations

Fitzwilliam Hotel celebrates new 5 star status The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast recently hosted its third sophisticated Fitz Club event celebrating the hotel’s newly bestowed 5-star accreditation.

Guests were introduced to the new look Fitzwilliam’s sumptuous, art deco inspired colour paletes and furnishings.

With Candy Floss Prosecco and the Fitzwilliam’s signature Cosmo cocktail in hand, tasty canapes and mini desserts were then the order of the evening prepared by the head chef .

The celebrations will continue with a planned extension to begin this year to include 30 additional bedrooms, a gym and luxury spa for guests, an extravagant roof-top terrace offering views over the city, as well as an upgrade of the main entrance and relocated conference and admin facilities.

From left, Julie Taylor, Katherine Farries, Pamela Ballantine and Alan Graham

From left, Siobhan O’Sullivan, Susan Jackson and Hannah

From left, Kerry McKitterick and Vicky O’Hara

From left, Jennifer Wrynne and Siobhan O’Sullivan

From left, Sharon Curran and Grainne Maher

From left, Sara Lyness and Tori Shaw

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Melissa Riddell and Curtis McCosh

From left, John O’Neill, Siobhan O’Sullivan, Mary O’Neill and Cian Landers

Celebrations

From left, Katie Hall and Laura Murray

Steve Simpson and Siobhan O’Sullivan

From left, Joanne Ferguson, Caroline Snowdon and Maeve Dunseith

Louise Vance and Adrian Quinn

From left, Gemma Esquire and Letitia Alvarez

From left, Katie Robinson and Stephanie Sharon

From left, Roisin Reid and Deki Donkar

From left, Lauren Penman and Kathryn McKeown Lisa Magowan and Cian Landers

Northern Woman 91

Male Order

The new styles hot from the catwalks

Lee Henry and wife Mairead on their wedding day and below his parents Jim and Fiona

From cool corduroys to ties you won’t want to take off, Simon Chilvers rounds up the latest fashion trends

A NORTHERN MAN

Nothing says I love you like a brand new pair binoculars, Lee Henry takes a lesson from his dad

I

’ll never forget the look on my mother’s face as the wrapping came away. A pair of Lidl’s finest to celebrate their twentieth.

She had never expressed an interest in bird watching, not once in all of their years together. She could care less about the opera. It was the laziest of lazies, and he regretted it instantly. One heart broken, one ego seriously bruised, all in the space of ‘I love you’.

I’m sure my poor old dad isn’t the only Northern Irish chump to plump for a centre aisle special on an occasion such as that. After all, among middle-aged ladies in our neck of the woods, at least, there is no more A pair of popular subject. binoculars Yet it was a particular weren’t nadir in his history of exactly gift giving – the time he the most presented my mother with a romantic pair of affordable binoculars Valentine to mark a milestone wedding gift anniversary – and I admit that his knack of fixing on the most underwhelming, inappropriate tokens of esteem when the calendar demands it has probably rubbed off on me.

My wife would be forgiven for thinking that I’ve inherited my dad’s sense of romance, or lack thereof. After all, I asked her to marry me over a £10 M&S

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meal deal on an uneventful Wednesday evening in my poky Stranmillis flat.

But I had my reasons.

Granted, the last of the big spenders and I are not acquainted. I, however, appreciate that incongruous gestures can often have lasting impact. And so it proved.

Our engagement story, even to this day, six and a half years later, routinely gets the biggest laughs, the most hysterical, teary responses, when the subject of love and romance arises in Henry family circles. There was method in my miserliness.

I knew that I couldn’t compete with the plethora of 5 star spa experiences that so many of my then fiancée’s siblings had shelled out for, standard, predictable fare that ultimately proved forgettable. So I plumped for the unusual, an economy proposal that she would never in a million years see coming, and it worked.

It worked a treat, in fact. The M&S steaks were particularly well grilled, even if I do say so myself.

She said yes, shaking from head to toe, and any guilt I felt in not being able to afford a conventional, overpriced engagement package disappeared like the £7 meal deal prosecco, down the hatch in one swift, satisfactory gulp.

Neither of us regret a thing.

In the end – even on St Valentine’s Day, even on those terrifying wedding anniversaries that loom on the horizon like mortgage payments – the moral of the story always wins out. Love trumps debt, if you plan it just right.

River Island Design Forum X Tourne de Transmission coat, £70; shirt, £45

Sweater, £79, shirt, £89, boot, £249, Dubarry’s of Ireland, trousers, stylist’s own



Male Order

CORDUROY

very desirable clothes infused with Prada’s “There is a sense trademark Seventies Corduroy coat, of normality,” said twist. £369, Dubarry Mrs Prada after she The big story was of Ireland had delivered the corduroy: Harrington undisputed smash of jackets, gently flared the Milan menswear trousers and suits shows. She spoke also with contrast leather of “low art”, “reality” and pockets came in burnt how everyone simply orange, camel and has too much to do now brown. Check coats these days. were neatly belted.

On the runway, to Bombers had wide, sailora soundtrack gloriously like collars. peppered with the refrains of Abba, Nerdy patterned sweaters were the models, who wove around a set styled with shell necklaces; one with a festooned with rather strange Twins still life scene even featured a glass of Peaks-ish leather beds, wore very, wine. Cheers!

SUPER-LONG COATS

Bomber jacket, £50, hoody, £28, puppytooth trousers, £30, trainers, £35, Next

NON-BORING TROUSERS

Coat, £150, RJR. John Rocha at Debenhams

Multiple pleats. Rumpled baggy pants with deep turn-ups. Cropped trousers with a dash of swing. Slightly flared. Long. Wide. Splits at the ankles.

The bottom half of your wardrobe needs a refit and a re-think. Getting excited about slacks is the new black.

Fact. Rick Owens once again delivered one of the finest shows of the season — set to the mind-

boggling, beautiful tones of Montserrat Caballé.

He showed only trousers with extreme, sculptural volume. They looked particularly good teamed with lean, tailored coats. I wanted desperately to try them on.

Marni’s new designer, Francesco Risso, meanwhile opened his promising debut with a series of long, baggy pants, some with deep cuffs, some cut in cord.

These worked best with tucked-in knits. Advice: volume on the bottom equals neatness up above.

V-NECKS

CLOTHES WITH WORDS

Urgent: erase all thoughts of Michael Douglas in a terrible night club doing questionable dance routines in Basic Instinct right now, because the V-neck sweater is totally the dark horse of next season.

At Louis Vuitton, Kim Jones’s collaboration with Supreme might have exploded on social media like an epidemic, but on the runway all I could see were Vs. Delicious Vs, sometimes slit at the sides, worn with loosely cut trousers and half tucked-in shirts.

The strength of this collection was its total effortlessness: wardrobe staples elegantly styled.

Other V-evidence: Prada opened her show with a grey one, worn with a simple blue shirt.

Lemaire, a label that excels in real (and really good) clothes, offered a rust V-neck knit neatly tucked into navy blue trousers and worn with simple black boots. Sublime.  Simon Chilvers is style director of matchesfashion.com

Lucas Ossendrijver, at Lanvin, opened his show with a scarf that read: “NOTHING”.

Afterwards, he said he wanted “no print, no art, no decoration” and had been inspired by everyday clothes, such as check shirts, chinos, and parkas. Then came a focus on cut, construction and proportion.

“In fashion we have to invent things,” he said. “Elevate everyday life.” For the second season in a row he did just that and sent out some of the best clothes of the season: neat suits, baggy pants, duffles, anoraks, swingy tailored coats.

Conclusion: you may want EVERYTHING. Blue paint print denim jacket, £39.99, River Island

Sometimes during the shows you will see something that feels so convincing you have to go and track down a version of it there and then. Hello super-long coats. At Balenciaga, Demna Gvasalia, whose show notes spoke of “corporate dressing” and “contemporary reality”, kicked things off with tailored coats that dipped between ankle and almost floor-length.

His second men’s show for the house was rammed to the rafters with other great products: anoraks, hooded tops, jumbo branded scarves, bombers and floorlength puffers. Before the Versace show, Donatella — wearing the best eyeshadow I’ve seen in my life — spoke of “togetherness” and “brotherhood”. She also identified her favourite look in the collection: a red-andblack padded coat cinched in with a belt. Belted coats are totally happening next winter.

Versace had some cracking belted trenches. At Vuitton, coats were also strong, often belted. Coatwearing pin-up Jean-Michel Basquiat — who has a retrospective opening at the Barbican in September — was name-checked in the show notes.

Limited edition bee print tie, £15, M&S

TIES A nd now for a curveball. Balenciaga, Gosha Rubchinskiy and Martine Rose all kicked off their shows with outfits sporting ties. Yes, ties!

Rubchinskiy and Rose even went as far as to bust out tie-pins. Imagine.

Admittedly, this is hardly groundbreaking information, except that ties haven’t played a role in directional fashion for a long time.

Looking for a fashion conspiracy tie theory? All right, there is a connection between these three labels: Rose works for Balenciaga, while Lotta Volkova is the stylist for both Balenciaga and Rubchinskiy.

Let’s talk about Martine Rose for a moment. Her menswear show in London, staged at Seven Sisters Market, was a certified banger, garnering untold amounts of buzz and offering what London used to do best: showing fashion in brilliantly unexpected venues.

Meanwhile, Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci plumped for showing his collection at the amazing National Library of France. What leapt out at me during his show? Ties.

Northern Woman 93

BURMESE DAZE Sta Tranquil view: Ngapali Beach

Bustling markets, friendly elephants and sightseeing by scooter, Katie Service heads to exotic Burma for a honeymoon with a difference

T

he traditional model for a honeymoon goes something like this: toss bouquet, long-haul flight, arrive at beach, collapse. But my better half, Aaron, and I wanted an ‘adverturemoon’, which is how we found ourselves in Rangoon, Burma, at 1am on a Monday morning, still reeling from our wedding just 24 hours before.

There are historic reasons why Burma, also known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, has not been overrun by tourists.

The military junta that ruled the country from 1962 outlawed tourism and the teaching of English — a ban that was only lifted six years ago when it relinquished power.

This ethnically diverse country, formerly part of the British Empire, has an extraordinary history of invasion and occupation, not surprising given its location at the heart of Asia with Bangladesh and India to its west, China roughly to the north, and, running the length of its eastern border, Laos and Thailand. To the south, the shimmering waters of the Andaman Sea lap its 1,200-mile coastline.

Touching down in its largest city and former imperial capital, Rangoon (Yangon), you are struck by the fusion of peoples, cityscapes and culinary oddities. Ice-cream coloured blocks of flats reminiscent of downtown Havana are found alongside wooden lodges and grand Parisian

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advance, start at £80. (Take note: Burmese balustrades. Vermilion-robed monks airports are an experience in themselves. roam everywhere, and the hustle, bustle, When you arrive, your suitcase will be humidity, exotic smells and smoke all signal taken, attributed a sticker and then left the start of a transporting adventure. in a pile on the terminal floor while you, The shining star of Rangoon is the also allotted a sticker, are ushered onto the Shwedagon Pagoda, which rises amid a tarmac to climb aboard a small ricketyvillage of Buddhist temples and whose looking plane and handed a minced-fish gilded stupa (something you will see a lot sandwich for your 50-minute roller-coaster of in Burma) is best viewed in all its aweride.) striking glory at dusk. Next stop should be There are few places in the world that Bogyoke Market — a covered warren selling live up to their Instagram fame. Bagan, gemstones (Burma has huge ruby and gold as the sun sets pink over this far-reaching resources), crafts, paintings and fabrics. plain of jungle and terracotta, surpasses After a busy day haggling, we retired to it. The 2,000 temples range from tiny the picturesque Belmond Governor’s and abandoned to imposingly Residence hotel. An elegant huge. At many, you will find colonial stilt house surrounded yourselves blissfully alone by a swimming lake, we before the ancient Buddhas. enjoyed a gin and tonic But you could spend a week and a local leaf-wrapped in Bagan without getting cigarillo on its lofty wooden bored, padding around terrace (though, if you barefoot (shoes come off at fancy something more each temple so remember metropolitan, try the central to wear slip-ons). A must-see Sule Shangri-La hotel’s is the Dhammayazika Pagoda, wicked cocktail-and-canapé with its gold-encrusted stupa happy hour). and tranquil gardens. Bypass The traditional horses and carts and hire traveller’s route in Burma an E-bike (electric moped) is the Golden Kite, an to whizz between temples. inland traverse from There are few mediumRangoon to Bagan range accommodation and on to Mandalay options here but we fell in and Inle Lake. For love with the Areindmar, a adventuremooners (a boutique hotel in New Bagan perfect storm of knackered with a creeper-fringed pool. Don’t and adrenalised) try a miss restaurant Royal II, whose triangular two-week adaptation, from Rangoon to the temple Gentle giants: the humble yard lit by Thai lanterns does plains of Bagan, then on to coastal Ngapali Elephant the best curry and chapati in Bagan.

Idyllic Ngapali has warm seas and Ngapali (pronounced Napoli, on Sanctuary white sands. A thatched beach-front account of the homesick Italian pod with private plunge-pool at Ngapali who named it), famed for its beautiful Bay Villas & Spa is expensive by Burmese beaches. The easiest way to get around is standards but still a bargain, and totally by internal flights — tickets, best bought in

“Burma is the perfect marriage of exciting new experiences an d comfort”

Travel The original pink sandstone still forms part of Airlie’s façade below and (left) the castle’s dining room

Thistlestop A centuries-old castle complete with turrets, spiral staircases and library is perfect for a family get-together, says Charlotte Ross

Star of the show: the Shwedagon Pagoda

worth splurging for. Stroll down the shore and grab lunch in local beach shacks.

For months to come you’ll dream of the sweetcorn fritters and fresh lobster.

Burma is the perfect marriage of exciting new experiences and comfort: adventuremooners can explore off-road, safe in the knowledge that there will be a comfy sunlounger and cheap cocktail to return to.

The country feels blissfully untainted. Go now, before the tourist hordes.

Scott Dunn offers luxury tailor-made eight-night trips to Burma from £2,800 per person, including flights and private airport transfers (020 8682 5060; scottdunn.com) Ngapali Elephant Sanctuary — a half-day trip upriver (£50pp) that can be arranged through most hotels.

The national Gems Museum (right) — buy rubies (with government authentication) for around £35 a stone.

Monsoon — a colonial restaurant in Rangoon serving delicious papaya chicken noodle salads (left).

Take us Dollars — there are cashpoints and money changers everywhere (ignore the outdated guidebooks which say there are none) but it’s handy to have US banknotes on you.

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the bottom. There you’ll find boots galore, s the bell tolled, the clan snooker and table tennis, drums, a grand gathered, shivering on the piano and the beating heart of the house: stone stairway that leads up a big warm flag-stoned kitchen that pulls to the grand entrance hall of in the crowds from the first morning scent Airlie Castle. The six-yearof Aga-baked bacon through to late-night old bell-ringer and lookout sprinted into whisky sessions round the wooden table. position and we lit giant sparklers to For a rambling lot like ours, this create a glittering makeshift archway to was the perfect place to spread out and welcome my dad to his surprise birthday regroup over a family weekend that party — for one night he was to be king of included an evening birthday feast, the castle. a lunch party and an ad hoc cocktail A photographer was poised to capture session, as well as a snooker tournament, his reaction as he made out generations of drum lessons, piano performances and a grandchildren, siblings and cousins massed kitchen-table curry night. The cosy, bookbefore him in the dark, and judging from lined library was set out with our family the snaps, he truly was amazed. Because albums going back 100 years and there somehow, we’d managed to keep the whole were rooms to read in, nooks to escape the thing secret despite the dozens of calls and crowd and walks in the crisp air to clear emails, secret cake-making sessions and the head. complex travel arrangements to get us from And Airlie, owned by the Ogilvy family, all over the UK and beyond to this corner has the profoundly relaxing feel of a family of Scotland on the right November day to home, full of photographs and intimate celebrate his 70th. touches including beautiful, delicate works The weather that weekend was

by Lady Ogilvy, the respected artist Tarka spectacularly cold, coating every leaf, Kings, on the walls. The mornings begin stone and blade of grass with a frost with a welcome visit from Dot, the peerless that grew thicker and more beautiful housekeeper, who knocks the kitchen back each morning. It meant we could chill into shape, re-lays fires and spruces our champagne outside and take Airlie Castle the whole place up. therapeutic morning walks sleeps 18 fro I fell in love with more of around the immaculate walled £4,500 per wem ek (cottages-and the ancient Airlie estate on gardens and down the steep -ca st les . co.uk). To en quire about my last day when Dot and I sides of the gorge on which Downie Park House, vis it airlieestates. took a drive around its pretty Airlie perches perilously. The com or call 01 575 back roads. We visited another dramatic Angus countryside has 570108 property, Downie Park House, a been visible in all directions from large, sun-drenched mansion that’s the castle’s turrets since it was first built in the 1400s — although this strategic being attractively remodelled in Lady Ogilvy’s modern, unpretentious style position didn’t stop the place being largely with stripped-back walls and floors, old destroyed by a rival clan. The original pink artworks and statement upholstery. There sandstone still forms part of the façade, are fantastically light and spacious rooms but today’s castle is a mere 400 or so years opening off the large square atrium and old. endless rolling lawns outside. When we Still, that’s enough to give you an called, a chef was in the kitchen preparing excellent sense of history as you bound game pie and apple crumble for a hearty up and down the spiral stone staircases, lunch. It smelled so good I would happily from the quiet loft bedrooms, via the fourhave joined them and spent another week poster master suite, to the grand hall with in this seductive Caledonian paradise. I its huge open fire, claymores and stags’ heads and down into the working rooms at was well and truly captured by the castle.

Northern Woman 95

Books

Brought up in Bangor where storytelling was part of family life author Tanya Ravenswater tells Lee Henry how she realised her childhood dream of becoming a writer to publish her debut novel Jacques

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uthor Tanya Ravenswater, whose debut collection of short stories Modern Fairy Tales for Grown-up Girls brought together a lively cast of characters to explore the apparent ‘powerlessness’ of women in contemporary society, is ruminating on the remarkable success of the international Women’s Marches following the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States.

On Saturday, January 21, 2017, hundreds of thousands of women, young and old and from every conceivable background, took to the streets in cities across America, Europe and elsewhere to protest against Trump’s now well-publicised vulgar and vocal attacks on women’s rights.

The tone among activists was defiant but commendably humorous — ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun-Damental Human Rights’ proclaimed one of the many hilarious signs hoisted high in the name of equality, and which historians will no doubt enjoy pouring over for decades to come — and Ravenswater remains hugely impressed with the entire endeavour.

“I’m a woman, a writer, wanting to be a compassionate observer,’ muses the 55-year-old, who hails from Bangor but has lived in Cheshire for some years. ‘However much they want to believe that they’re in control, both women and men experience and express feelings of powerlessness. It’s part of being human.

That’s what I wanted to investigate in my first collection of stories.

“Women’s rights. Human rights. They amount to the same thing, for me. I respect women and men who have the courage to speak honestly, in good faith, expressing themselves with the intention to contribute to a better future for us all. Still, unexpectedly, a world can turn round on a sixpence.”

Ravenswater has dedicated her own life to assisting others. Born in Bangor in 1962, she was “always interested in communication”, and graduated with a degree in modern languages from the University of St Andrews in Fife in the early 1980s, but thereafter felt drawn toward a “more practical, people-centred” career.

Her mother, Margaret, trained as a nurse

96 Northern Woman

As a writer, one of the fundamental tasks is to use your imagination to empathise with your characters ... male or female

Tanya and her husband Richard with daughter Hannah and son Rory

Women’s rights. Human rights. They amount to the same thing for me at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast before opening her own residential care home in Bangor, aged just 23, while her Swiss grandmother, Johannes Wirz, also worked in healthcare. Naturally, therefore, Ravenswater followed in their footsteps.

“There was definitely something in our blood,” she quips.

Having met her future husband, Richard, while studying at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, the pair married in 1997, and now reside in the picturesque village of Tarporley with their daughter Hannah (21)

and son Rory (17). Ravenswater regularly returns home to Northern Ireland, however, and has recently finished a packed promotional tour of arts festivals and bookshops with her debut novel, Jacques.

“It’s always difficult to put a novel in a nutshell,” Ravenswater declares, “especially when you’re the author, but Jacques essentially centres on one boy’s journey from childhood to adulthood. It’s a comingof-age novel and also a love story with a difference.”

Born close to Paris, Jacques Lafitte is orphaned by age 11 following the deaths of his loving parents in tragic circumstances.

He is compelled to move to England to live with a legal guardian, the pompous, selfcentred Oliver Clarke (his father’s former business colleague) and his unknown family.

Jacques is forced to adjust to a strange and unfamiliar world, to discover his own inner resources after experiencing significant bereavements, and finally learns to trust again and build a new life. It’s an uplifting story that sets Ravenswater apart as a writer of lyrical skill and humanity, and was, interestingly, written at the same time as Modern Fairy Tales For Grown-up Girls.

“Most creative writers naturally have a varied repertoire of voices,” Ravenswater observes. “The tone and style of Modern Fairy Tales For Grown-up Girls is darkly humorous and larger-than-life, quite different from my writing in Jacques. But every piece of a writer’s work builds on what they’ve done before and can turn on

Books to read before they become films in 2017

f

From erotica to sci-fi some of this year’s must-see movies are based on acclaimed books. Read the book before you see it on screen

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Fifty Shades Darker

by E L James Explain it in a sentence: Wounded S&M fanatic Christian Grey tries to entice Anastasia Steele back into his life with the promise of a normal monogamy, but figures from the billionaire’s past conspire to break them apart.

Starring: Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson On release: February 10 2. Before I Fall

by Lauren Oliver Explain it in a sentence: A teenager relives the day of her death to try and change her fate.

Starring: Zoey Deutch On release: March 3

.

Bangor-born author Tanya Ravenswater and (below) with her latest novel

the same persisting themes.”

Ravenswater grew up in a loving familial home surrounded by literature. Her father, Jack, wrote poetry in his free time and gave up a lucrative career in sales to become an English teacher. Her mother, meanwhile, was also a keen reader, and Tanya spent many evenings in the company of her parents, sister Susan and brothers Peter and Fergus, ‘telling stories around the table, an important feature of our family life’.

“There’s no doubt my Dad’s love of literature helped me to enjoy books and

Jacques is a coming of age novel and also a love story with a difference to aspire to write from an early age,” she recalls. “I’ve loved writing since childhood – diaries, small notebooks, short poems – and reading books like Enid Blyton’s Five on a Treasure Island, but it wasn’t until I was in my thirties that I felt motivated to publish.

“I think it was a lot to do having a creative space of my own, the challenge and pleasure of stretching my imagination.

I needed to find an opportunity to keep in touch with myself, beyond being a wife and a mum.

“I found that writing fiction and poetry

gave me a sense of freedom and a chance to explore and integrate life experiences.”

With Jacques, a firstperson narrative, the big test for Ravenswater was authentically portraying the thoughts and speech patterns of a male protagonist, struggling with feelings of separation as a child, managing romantic urges as a tortured adult. It was a challenge, but one that she enjoyed tackling.

“During the drafting and editing of the novel,” she explains, “it was something I constantly sought feedback on. I wanted to convince readers that I could get into the male perspective, and feedback from male readers has so far been reassuringly positive.

“As a writer, one of the fundamental tasks, I think, is to use your imagination to empathise with characters, whether male or female.

“I was brought up in a family of two boys, two girls, by parents who valued us as robust equals, irrespective of our gender. So yes, boys and girls can be different in some respects, but as humans, we’re not necessarily so different in how we think and feel.

‘I hope that comes across in my work to date.”

Jacques is out now, published by Twenty7

The Sense of an Ending

by Julian Barnes Explain it in a sentence: A retired man reflects on the different paths he and his school friends have taken over the years.

Starring:Jim Broadbent On release: March 10 Ghost in the Shell

by Masamune Shirow Explain it in a sentence: A human-cyborg hybrid leads an elite task force known as Section 9, who are devoted to stopping an enemytrying to wipe out advancements in technology.

Starring: Scarlett Johansson On release: March 31 Wonder

by Raquel Jaramillo Explain it in a sentence: A a 10-year-old boy living in the fictional neighborhood of North River Heights in upper Manhattan with a rare medical facial deformity navigates life at a private school, attempting to fit in with his peers.

Starring: Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson On release: April 7 Live by Night

by Dennis Lehane Explain it in a sentence: A smalltime thief in 1920s Boston embarks on a journey to become one of the most feared and respected gangsters .

Starring: Ben Affleck, Elle Fanning, Zoe Saldana, Sienna Miller On release: January 13

Northern Woman 97

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Last Thing

As Head of Homewares at Harvey Norman interior store Yvonne Nugent travels the world to ensure our homes are bang on trend.

A Day in the Life of

YvonneNugent

Age? Ageless! I feel younger than I have ever felt before in my life!

Tell us about your job?

As Head of Homewares at Harvey Norman Ireland, I have the exciting responsibility of creating the key foundation looks for the season, as well as buying the lifestyle products that fit into the looks. Most of the product I source comes from Europe with some coming from further afield. We are a small team where everyone has an input and influence on each collection. We are all very much engaged in creating beautiful and visually balanced collections. I take the lead for each collection, but everyone has a say.

Every collection starts with creating mood boards.

It’s a fun and engaging process where we work with colours, materials, different qualities and shapes and of course trends - the aim is always to make sense out of ‘fashion’ for the customer.

What’s your typical day?

No two days are the same, although I do believe that we need structure to our working week so generally, the beginning of the week tends to include trade meetings and conference calls with stores, while from Wednesday on it’s mostly travel and product focused. Every day brings the team closer and we are very close knit in how we operate, we have to be, as we produce so much from the creative for the brochures, to the delivery schedule for stores for the launch of product featured in it.

What are the challenges in keeping ahead in home trends?

The world is at our finger tips and the need for constant product gratification is always present, you only need to look at how key Pintrest, Instagram and Snapchat are to our lives to realise the speed at which trends can take hold. The social media aspect has changed a lot of what we do and in a way it organises things faster. Take for instance the combination of Pantone’s colour of the year and the influence it has, it basically re-confirmed one of our previously forecasted trends six months ago, ‘Natural Attraction’. I love this aspect of my job so challenge would be a negative whilst constantly researching is such a positive. I love to see all the threads of a trend come together to make commercial sense, my role is to make sense of all this information and produce a collection that is both beautiful and balanced in both value and quality for the home.

How did you get into this career?

I’ve worked in buying all of my life but always in womenswear. I returned to Ireland from a two year role in Sydney and Harvey Norman was here

98 Northern Woman

As well as her passion for interiors Yvonne Nugent loves food and shopping to greet me! It’s the change and challenge that I really have relished , learning about new products is addictive. I have a trained eye in both picking winning lines and style that is grounded in the value of good materials and strong aesthetics. I studied design in my degree and trend forecasting in my Masters, and both have played an integral part in my life.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The infectious nature of Harvey Norman as a team of people. I have worked for a lot of companies and none have come close to allowing entrepreneurship to blossom whilst still providing enough structure to control the overall business. Blaine Callard as the CEO of the business should take great credit for this. It is also by far the most creative role I have been in to date so the feeling of literally being at home in my role I relish!

How do you strike a good work/life balance?

I have learnt this one the hard way, for years I believed that long hours would pay off but today it’s all about the quality hours. Being organised is key to your success and being able to communicate effectively to your audience even more so. Being a ‘creative head’ my verbal communication needs to change depending who I’m talking to. I never work weekends anymore and Monday through Friday I focus on the job. That’s me now but it wasn’t always me, you change as you develop and that’s fine as long as you always find the time for the most important ones in your life – your family!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

City breaks! I think you get so much more from a short city break than you ever get out of a two week holiday. I’m a lover of walking on the beach wherever I am and Ireland has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world . A lot of what I do socially intertwines with work, so naturally, shopping is a must both personally and professionally!

Food and discovering all that is new about it can become a little obsessive for me and my family - my sister and I are still somewhat Ottolenghi obsessed and love the style that Anna Jones brings to food at the moment.

Any good interior tips for 2017?

Definitely invest in planters this year, you’ll need them for all the new greenery you’ll be bringing indoors, our way of living, our beautiful nature, and a need for beautiful things that are useful and not only decorative. Pick a few hero pieces for the season — the new delph trend is all about eating out of all different sizes. It sits with our way of life today, we all eat smaller dishes and not always at the traditional dining table. Gathering around is a theme in the new Harvey Norman Interiors & Lifestyle catalogue, recognising the way we live our life today, we like to ‘hug’ our food so bowl and container eating is a big trend.

If you could have a different career what would it be?

I would love to fly planes! After racking up a serious amount of air miles in my career I am still very curious as to what’s up there and what we look like from up there!

Harvey Normans, Boucher Road, Belfast and Holywood Exchange