Northern Woman June/July 2018 by Helen Wright

Editor’s Letter

i all, Welcome to the June/ July edition of Northern Woman. I found out today that last month’s sales figures were the highest on record – and 800 more of you bought a copy of Northern Woman than the previous month. So I’d like to thank all of our brand new readers and lifelong supporters for reading NW. Much appreciated! This is undoubtedly my favourite time of year with longer days, warmer weather, local day trips and holidays to look forward to. Whether you are jetting off to the sunshine or not, there’s nothing like shopping for summer clothes to boost your mood and of course your wardrobe. I’m loving the co-ordinated top and trouser/skirt combos that are in at the moment, comfy culotte jumpsuits, and light and breezy dresses. In addition to summer fashion, in this issue celebrity makeup artist Aimee Connolly brings you her guide to achieving summer skin. Turn to page 32 to find out how to get a dewy, bronzed glow. Also in our beauty section, Northern Woman’s Production Manager Irene Fitzsimmons, reviews eyebrow microblading. With numerous celebrities such as Michelle Keegan, Leah Dunham, Helen Mirren and many more advocating the trend, Irene went for a treatment to find out what microblading is really like (p. 34). Journalist Jade Beecroft explores kindfulness, she says: “We all know that mindfulness means being gentle with ourselves, but this

Inishowen Is Calling (p. 60) year’s buzzword ‘kindfulness’ is all about directing that generosity at others (p. 46). Interiors specialist Róisín Carabine explains how to achieve a wabi-sabi home (p. 71). And we also hear from bestselling novelist Cathy Kelly (p. 22), and Bob Proctor’s top global consultant Kim Calvert (p. 50). We are also running the best value-for-money subscription offer yet. Get 11 issues of NW delivered direct to your door for only £15, and the price includes a free Travel Essentials Trio gift set by Seascape Island Apothecary worth £28. So you save £12.50 on the cost on an annual subscription, plus recieve a gift worth £28 (p. 38). Enjoy the issue, don’t forget to email us your thoughts, and check in our Facebook and Instagram pages for daily updates. Until next month,

Catriona Catriona Doherty Editor Northern Woman

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

CONTENTS JUNE/JULY 2018

STYLE 06 FASHION INSPO Victoria Square Personal Styling 07 SUMMER ESSENTIALS What to buy for your holiday shop 10 RUNWAY REALITY CHECK High street hacks 14 DRESSED FOR SUMMER Check print, overized blooms and vibrant stripes FEATURES 22 CATHY KELLY The year that changed everything 26 18 SIGNS YOU LIVE WITH A SPORTS NUT 28 A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE 30 LINKEDIN LOWDOWN Are you using LinkedIn effectively? BEAUTY 32 GET THE GLOW Aimee Connolly’s top tips for dewy summer skin 33 FLAWLESS FINISH Concealer put to the test 34 PROFILE: Microblading reviewed 35 THE BEAUTY EDIT Makeup bag must-haves 36 YOUR TRUE COLOUR Finding your foundation match 38 SUBSCRIPTION OFFER This month’s free gift is worth £28! 39 SKINCARE THROUGH THE DECADES Revamp your routine 40 LUSCIOUS LIPS & GLOSSY BITS HEALTH AND WELLNESS 46 KINDFULNESS The new mindfulness 48 WHEN PRETTY HURTS Should we stop telling little girls they are pretty? 50 TRUE LIFE TRANSFORMATION Kim Calvert’s inspiring story 52 CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRIES A guilt-free Cover image summer treat

Credit: Zara

from Matalan www.matalan.co.uk

Credit: Dunnes Stores

ESCAPE 57 PHILADELPHIA HERE I COME 58 ESCAPE TO ESSAOUIRA Moroccan magic that won’t break the bank 59 5 REASONS TO VISIT REDCASTLE HOTEL 60 INISHOWEN IS CALLING Why you should pencil in a road trip to Inishowen this summer 63 EVERGLADES HOTEL Ciara Hedgcock visits LIVING 71 SABI-SAVVY INTERIORS Embrace the imperfect and create an interiors-Sabi home 75 DOUBLE UP Designer doubles

BRIDE 78 LOCAL WEDDINGS 82 BRIDE TO BE The very latest wedding dress trends IN EVERY ISSUE 64 THE SOCIAL 10 Local events not to miss 63 LET’S DRINK TO… The arrival of summer 68 MOVIE ROUNDUP 86 THE ALBUM Social pics 94 NORTHERN WOMAN HERE & THERE 95 BLOGGER CORNER The realities of friendship 96 NORTHEN MAN Jeff Meredith goes day tripping 98 WIN A two-night stay at The Ice House Hotel, Mayo

Publisher Independent News & Media Ltd Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3GB T: 028 9026 4264 Production Manager: Irene Fitzsimmons Editor: Catriona Doherty Design: Robert Armstrong and Susan McClean Sales Manager: Ciara Hedgcock Art Editor: Helen Wright Editorial Contributors Aimee Connolly, Claire Craig, Clare Bowie, Elizabeth Moore, Emma Deighan, Eunice Nelson, Jade Beecroft, Jeff Meredith, Katie Williamson, Lucy Norris, Paula Gracey, Sal Hanvey and Róisín Carabine Independent News & Media © 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means; electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of Independent News & Media.

FASHION INSPO

Victoria Square Personal Styling Is your wardrobe in need of a reboot? Are you looking for the perfect occasion outfit? Katherin Farries explains how the Personal Stylist service at Victoria Square can help you…

“I

’m like the yellow pages of Victoria Square,” jokes Victoria Square Personal Stylist Katherin Farries. “If you need an item of clothing or accessory in a certain size or colour, I know exactly where to find it”. It is immediately obvious on meeting Katherin that she is warm, friendly and very much a people person; personality traits would make any customer feel at ease right away, which is particularly important if it’s

your first time to attend a personal styling session. ‘What does your job entail?’ we begin. “I know every brand inside out; the styles and size ranges, and what’s on trend,” Katherin explains. “People come to me to update their wardrobe, to get an outfit for a special occasion such as a wedding, to source casualwear, for advice on sportswear to suit a particular activity, for honeymoon wear – after all it’s the holiday of a lifetime… and for so many other reasons! “The styling service is for everyone, no matter your age or budget. “I’m a lifestyle stylist which means I always take into consideration your lifestyle when selecting clothing - so for example, I wouldn’t choose hand wash or dry clean only items for a busy working mum who may not have time for that.”

µµThe styling service is for everyone, no matter your age or budget∑∑ Prior to the styling session each customer completes a questionnaire which enables Katherin to gain an in-depth understand of their unique style, aspirations for the styling session, dress size and more. “Sizes vary from brand to brand; just because you are a size 14 in one shop doesn’t mean you are a size 14 across the board. I am aware of each individual brands’ fit, so I can select the right size for each client. “Before every appointment I careful pre-

select items to suit each clients’ body shape, age, budget and the occasion, so there’s nothing left to do when they arrive at the Personal Styling Suite but have a try on and enjoy a glass of bubbly or coffee. It’s timesaving, stress-free shopping.” “I am careful to focus on what each person feels comfortable wearing and what suits them. I also pre-pull a few ‘wildcards’ that may be outside of their comfort zone. The Personal Styling Suite is completely private, it’s a discreet, luxurious place where people can feel comfortable trying new things. Whether you are a new mum, have been through an illness, are a fashionista who wants to try new trends, or you simply want a fun shopping experience with a family member or friend – the suite is the perfect place. If you look good on the outside then you feel good on the inside, Katherin says, and we can all relate to that feeling we have when we know we look our best. It’s this aspect of the job that Katherin loves most, she adds: “I really like making people feel good. Often clients go from saying: “Oh I could never wear that”, to trying something on, and then feeling completely confident and happy in it. It is so rewarding.” All customers who use the Personal Styling Service will receive discounts for stores within Victoria Square, which range from 10 to 20% off.

Personal Styling appointments start from just £30 for two hours. Bespoke packages and gift vouchers are available. To book or find out more call: 02890 322 277 or email: ps@victoriasquare.com Advertorial

Zara

Summer

essentials Summer has arrived (excitement!) – here’s what you to buy on your holiday shop ITSY BITSY TEENIE WEENIE

Mono stripe bikini bottoms £20 and mono stripe bikini top £28 from Lipsy Red floral stripe waist swimsuit from River Island £40

You may have lots of bikinis already, but there’s nothing like the excitement of holiday shopping to get you geared up for a break in the sun, so go buy another one we say! Monochrome is a classic choice that won’t date. The River Island swimsuit will look fab on hourglass ladies as the band will cinch you in at the waist and show off that figure. The Bardot frill bikini top from Matalan is ideal those who want to create the illusion of curves, whereas the PrimaDonna bikini is designed to flatter women with a fuller cup.

Tropical frill off-the-shoulder top £28 and bikini briefs £16 by Maison de Nimes from House of Fraser

PimaDonna bikini from Orchid Lingerie, Lisburn Road and The Lingerie Room, Linen Green, Moygashel £140

Beach navy scallop bandeau bikini set from Dorothy Perkins £28

Briefs £7 and bardot top £12 from Matalan

Striped button front culotte jumpsuit from Miss Selfridge £39

French Connection crepe jumpsuit in azalea from Moores of Coleraine £130 White floral jumpsuit from Wallis £55

JUMP AHEAD Katie floral Bardot jumpsuit from Coast £119

Take your holiday look to the next level with this season’s jumpsuit. Embrace on-trend cropped or culotte styles – floral, stripe and block colours are hot looks this summer.

Floral jumpsuit from Primark £13

Cold shoulder geo maxi dress from Long Tall Sally £75

BEST DRESSED A light and breezy sundress will see you through from sunbathing on the beach by day to sipping sundowners in the bar by night. Our favourite is this Bardot-style from Debenhams; the waist belt coupled with the vertical stripes is such a figure flattering combo.

Bardot dress by Red Herring from Debenhams £35 Pink floral maxi dress from Miss Selfridge £39

CO-ORD SUIT Co-ordinated suits that are back with a bang this summer. From cute two-piece shorts and top combos, to lightweight pyjamainspired trouser suits, and matching skirts and tops – we heart this look.

Top with pleated back £25.99 and polka-dot Bermuda shorts £25.99 from Zara

Striped bow skirt £49.99 and striped bow blouse £29.99 from Mango

SHADES

White Skinny Jeans from Evans £32

And last but not least, top off your beach babe look with sunnies. We’re lusting over these rounded Kylie frames from Specsavers.

Kylie Minogue Timebomb Sun Rx sunglasses from Specsavers £99 Marc Cain white jeans with embellished hem from Peel, Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast £184

Anoushka sunglasses from Tom Ford £245

WHITE SKINNIES White harper sequin detail super skinny jeans from River Island £48

With their blank canvas nature, white skinny jeans are the workhorse of your summer wardrobe. Team with a cami and kimono for an effortlessly glam look.

Pink cateye sunglasses from Dorothy Perkins £6

Raincoat from Zara £29.99

The Runway Reality Check

Plus high waisted bikini Is it really summer if bottoms £20, balconette halter neck bikini top £3 – you don’t have a swanky from River Island new wardrobe to show off? Make others green with style envy with our high street hacks to the SS18 runways CRAZY FOR CRAYONS Red herring jacket from Debenhams £45

BY LUCY NORRIS

VISIONS OF VINYL

Plastic, rubber, anything that may squeak when you move, is bang on trend and we want a piece of it. Get that shiny wet look in vinyl rain macs as seen on Chanel and Valentino runways.

Translucent mac from Next £42

Silk dress from Uterqüe £180

This summer take notes from everyone’s favourite colouring pencil - Crayola, and scour the shops for cobalt blues, emerald greens, lemon yellows and tomato reds. It’s all about the primary colour wheel and what better way to embody summer than walking around town dressed like a rainbow. If it’s good enough for Posh Spice and Balenciaga, than its good enough for us.

Skinny jeans from Next £28

Denim jacket from Divided at H&M £26.22

Satin shorts from Oasis £35

Denim shorts from Divided at H&M £21

THE TEXAN TUXEDO

Denim trench coat from JD Williams £49

CHECK MATE

Thought the tartan trend was for winter? Think again! Checks for summer are a must and there’s nothing cuter than a gingham garment under blue denim while enjoying strolls in the sunshine. We’re taking notes from Alexander McQueen, Loewe and Fendi whilst searching the high street for plaids in all shapes and sizes.

Black gingham Bardot top from Dorothy Perkins £22

Yes, you heard it right; this season we’re stocking up on denim sets but forget your whites and light blues, dark denim is the staple this summertime. Not only is it more practical for those of us prone to chocolate ice-cream stains, it adds an unexpected element to your wardrobe and is the easiest piece to transition from day to night. You only have to look at Tom Ford, Max Mara and Calvin Klein’s summer lineup to see how slick this trend can be.

A SHORT STATEMENT

If you usually shy away from getting your legs out prepare to change your mind as power shorts take centre stage. Shorts are making a statement in the best way and are the perfect way to sharpen up any summer look. Take inspo from Louis Vuitton’s silky boxer style cut offs and Saint Laurent’s high waisted leather version of the trend.

Pink check shorts from Lipsy London £38

Denim button pinafore dress from Miss Selfridge £32

Snow shorts from Mango £29.99

Skirt from Topshop £39

Three-tone hat from Zara £19.99

Hothouse bloom ruffle wrap dress from Accessorize £29

Sea you later floppy hat from Accessorize £25

LET ROMANCE BLOSSOM

As usual florals are dominating shop windows for SS18. This season let your inner romantic run wild in ruched dresses, shirts and skirts adorned with floral patterns. Pick neutral hues and flowing material and we promise you can’t go wrong.

IT’S A HAT MATTER

Floral dress by Studio by Preen from Debenhams £59

What’s an outfit without the perfect hat to pull it all together? And this season it’s time to call on your inner farm girl and rock the oversized straw hat. This statement accessory will bring any outfits from zero to 100 just like that, and is an investment essential to top off any summer style. Go crazy for two tone, slogans and the floppiest rims you can find.

Pom pom floppy hat from Next £20

Skirt from River Island £32

Pink floral tie sleeve Bardot neck dress from New Look £17.99

Marc Cain straw hat from Peel, Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast £55

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Cathy Kelly:

THE YEAR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING 22

Bestselling Irish Novelist Cathy Kelly tells Northern Woman about the inspiration behind her latest book BY JADE BEECROFT

omen are under so much pressure to stop the clock that ‘ageing’ has almost become a dirty word. But with each passing decade life actually gets better, according to bestselling author Cathy Kelly. The Irish novelist has just released her latest book, structured around the milestone birthdays of three women, and says at the age of 51 she feels increasingly comfortable in her own skin. The former journalist and passionate UNICEF ambassador has made a name for herself writing about women’s lives, and is herself a hardworking businesswoman and mum-of-two. Her new book ‘The Year That Changed Everything’ centres around three female protagonists on their 30th, 40th and 50th birthdays, and was penned in Cathy’s own fiftieth year. “Turning 50 wasn’t a massive deal for me, but I know that for some women it really is,” she explains. “Growing old is inevitable; I was quite matter of fact about it, but it got me thinking of a story around those milestones. “There’s a woman who is turning 50; she’s a mum whose husband is very successful and is planning a big party to show off their wealth and status, and then fraud investigators knock on the door. “There’s a woman who has struggled for years with infertility, finally gets pregnant, and is filled with sudden self-doubt when she

goes into labour on her 40th birthday. “And the third character is a 30-year-old journalist who has this big, sassy office personality, but deep down she’s a larger lady struggling with confidence issues. She’s a bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding, and when disaster strikes she has to rethink her whole life.” With Cathy’s own background in journalism, it begs the question of whether this book is based on any of her own experiences? “It’s really not!” she laughs. “When I started writing my first novel I was determined it wouldn’t be semiautobiographical and I’ve stuck to that. I’m a storyteller, I have to create these characters.” Reporters, by nature, get to peek into lots of different lives, so Cathy credits her tabloid background with giving her the ability to research her characters, as well as a strong work ethic. With 19 novels

under her belt she’s certainly prolific and knows how to focus. “I remember my first job in journalism, sitting there agonising over a story, with the news editor hovering over me telling me to just start writing,” she says. “Writing novels is slightly different because agonising becomes part of it, but you have to try to turn off the voices of doubt in your head and just start working.” Cathy and her husband John live in rural Wicklow, about 40 minutes from Dublin, with their two teenage twin sons, Dylan and Murray, 14, and three Jack Russells. They can see the sea from their home. Despite the obvious distractions that come with family life, Cathy, who is originally from Glengormley, is disciplined and spends around seven hours each day writing from her home office. And interestingly, she likes to begin her day by seeping herself in the artistry of other writers. “I wake up around 6.30am, and I like to make myself a cup of coffee and settle down to read for a while,” she explains. “I love novels, thrillers, historical fiction and great non-fiction.

Continued on 24 ➤

“I’ve always been a big reader, and one of the first shocks of motherhood when the boys were born was that I didn’t have my morning reading time any more. So as soon as they were old enough I got back to it.” After dropping the boys off at school, Cathy will write fairly solidly until it’s time to start “thinking about what’s in the freezer for dinner”. She’s a number one bestseller in the UK and Ireland, and is known for creating uplifting tales of modern life, with strong female characters at their heart. Asked her views about issues facing today’s women, including the #MeToo movement, Cathy thinks we’re finally going

µµeach decade definitely gets better; you become more sure of yourself and comfortable in your own skin∑∑

in the right direction. “It’s bloody brilliant,” she says. “For so long it’s been normalized – from the relatively tame pat on the bottom to the other end of the spectrum. But it’s absolutely not okay. “I was assaulted when I was 20; I was young and naïve, I didn’t speak out about it. Instead I blamed myself – it must have been my fault, something I was wearing or something I said. “It’s never gone away, and it’s great that women are finally speaking out and empowering each other.” Cathy classes herself as very fortunate;

BOOKS CATHY LOVES

Here are a handful of novels that Cathy has been inspired by recently: The Red Sparrow Trilogy by Jason Matthews: “I love thrillers and this series, written by a former CIA employee, is a guide to espionage encased in a gripping thriller with a heart-stopping and dangerous love at the centre of it.” Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: “A beautifully-written story of two families living in 1990s America, where the followthe-rules Richardson family’s lives are caught up with their new lodgers, artist Mia and her daughter Pearl. Page turning.” Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan: “This timely novel tells the tale of a rape case, a British government minister, a high-flying barrister and the minister’s wife. But just who is telling the truth? Gripping.” Almost Love by Louise O’Neill: “The third novel from this incredible novelist, a feminist powerhouse, is the story of addictive and dangerous love. Unmissable.” Orange Blossom Days by Patricia Scanlan: “This is a gorgeous novel by my darling friend and it’s like talking to her. I love Patricia’s novels and this one, set in a glitzy apartment complex in Andalucia, has a host of characters for whom life is going to change. Addictive.”

she’s moved away from the “patriarchal office politics society” and has also been given the opportunity to give something back through her work as an ambassador for UNICEF. “I feel extremely lucky,” she smiles. “I have this amazing job, I get to be my own boss, set my own agenda and do things my own way. “I’m also currently working to support UNICEF’s ongoing work in Syria. It’s quite overwhelming; in Ghouta, for example, some 400,000 people – half of which are children – are living in basements for fear of shelling. There’s no water, no medical

aid, no food, they’re at risk of diseases like polio and measles; not to mention being traumatized on a level from which they’ll never recover. “I’m passionate about the charity’s work, it’s non-political, and any donation – even a few quid from a cake sale – helps.” Cathy’s clearly aware of her own privilege and wants to use her position for good, so if she could hop into a time machine, what message would she give to her own 30-yearold and 40-year-old self? “I’d tell my 30-year-old self to never be afraid to ask questions,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to look stupid. If I’m sat in a

business meeting now and people are using acronyms that I don’t understand, I’ll just say ‘hang on – explain that please’. “In my 40s I learned to look after myself a bit more, eating well, doing pilates and looking after my skin. I had a malignant melanoma when I was 27 so I’m always slathering on the Factor 50. “But each decade definitely gets better; you become more sure of yourself and comfortable in your own skin. As Oscar Wilde said, be yourself, because everyone else is taken.” n The Year That Changed Everything, by Cathy Kelly, is out now, priced £12.99.

18 signs you live with a sports nut

As the 2018 Fifa World Cup kicks off Clare Bowie reflects on life with a sports addict BY CLARE BOWIE

Olympics? Crazy talk! If the doorbell rings at kick-off time it genuinely shocks him that people don’t realise what they did wrong. It also makes him question the validity of the friendship. See point 3.

No sport is left unturned: Formula One, hurling, golf, football, archery, darts (yip, even darts!). He is an expert bore on all of them and each one requires his undivided attention. In your house, Sky Sports = sporting trance, do not disturb.

You are pretty certain that the birth of his son and the first time he saw the Augusta Masters in HD moved him in equal measures.

He bonds with complete strangers when discussing gearbox ratios, scrums, 147s, bogeys, nutmegs, ducks and beamers. But, he simply cannot find common ground with non-sports addicts. He actually pities them and their empty sport-free lives. #tumbleweedcity

The sports dairy is the Holy Grail. Yeah, he’ll go to his nephew’s christening but not if it’s on the same day as the World Cup Final, obvs! Booking a holiday during the

At least all of this commitment, passion and loyalty prove that he has good solid personality traits, although it might be nice if he sometimes said good morning to you first rather than reaching for his Sky Sports app.

Your poor children better not be couch potatoes or there will be trouble/ judgement/competitive parenting ahead. What if they like violin more than boxing? What if they don’t know their upper cuts from their break shots? No pressure there then. Healthy, balanced lifestyles are so overrated these days. Right?

There are advantages too of course: has anyone else ever casually mentioned that they’ve just booked a spa weekend away when they know that Lewis Hamilton is on the cusp of winning the world championship?

You get sucked in without even realising. When he comes to bed at 2am you find

yourself anxiously enquiring if Phil the Power Taylor sealed the deal. You actually feel a little sad that he has now retired. I mean… seriously.

Summer Saturdays are dead to you if he plays cricket/football/golf/mountain biking blah, blah, blah. He spends all morning muttering about rain, is gone all afternoon, and spends the evening trying to stay awake on the sofa after regaling you with long-winded tales of his day. #yawnathon

You find yourself banished from the room when you say things like; “That Manchester City blue is not an easy colour to wear, it can really drain a pale complexion”, or “I wish Roger Federer would just mess up his hair a little and stop ironing his shorts, you know?” P.S Jokes about Sylvanian families and ashes trophies will not be gratefully received.

When you daydream about normal stuff like what to have for dinner, where to go on holiday, which mules to buy or if you even like lilac, he is fretting about the transfer window or imagining what he would say if Gary Neville asked him to come in and predict the line up for Saturday’s game.

All the major milestones and dates in his life are punctuated with sporting events. When you talk fondly of your shared memories you say things like: “It was a beautiful day, so emotional,” and he says: “Yes, we met on the final Sunday of the Ryder Cup and moved in together just before the World Cup”. “I remember our first wedding anniversary because Tiger Woods had just chipped in at the 16th to win the Masters. What a day.”

And as for his mother’s birthday? Not a clue.

You may feel like you’re on the same page, collectively trying to juggle money problems and navigate family concerns, but his stress triggers are when sporting events are scheduled at the same time on the same day. The sheer memory of the year when the Andy Murray Wimbledon Final clashed with the Silvertsone Grand Prix still forms the crux of his anxiety dreams.

At least birthday presents are a no-brainer; any sporting equipment will always be gratefully received and he will happily watch any old sports DVD or “Senna the movie”, until way after the final whistle. n

µµHe talks a great game, knows the nuances of sports like no other, and says “back of the net” on a regular basis. Sound familiar?∑∑

Oh the drama! All manner of whooping, an ongoing chorus of ‘yessss’, and loud clapping can be heard from the room with the big telly. There is also a lot of nervous shuffling around the room, faux nail biting, exaggerated fist pumping and an occasional dramatic drop to the knees. It’s a proper cringefest tbh.

Sometimes, bad sport happens to good people. If the team loses, the whole family knows about it. He still can’t talk about “that” Monaco Grand Prix (no, me neither) for fear of welling up. Words like ‘travesty’, ‘robbed’ and ‘disaster get inappropriately bandied around as he stomps round the house in a rage.

13 14

He always falls asleep when Match of The Day is on. Just saying!

His knowledge of maths is selective. During homework time he has no idea how many edges are on a triangular prism, and he is useless at splitting restaurant bills, but he can subtract treble 16 from 501 in a heartbeat and could tell you what time it is in Malaysia, Singapore or Canada at any given time, thanks to his Formula One alternative education.

A world of DIFFERENCE

NW chats to three women who packed up their belongings, moved to Northern Ireland, and are making a difference in our beautiful country they now call home BY ELIZABETH MOORE PAOLINA HAWTHORNE

Voluntary worker and Diversity NI Managing Director Age: Nearly 36 Location: Belfast

When did you move to Northern Ireland and why?

I moved here in 2007 from Bulgaria because I wanted to travel. I also wanted to change country, to experience new things and to develop new working relationships. I was only 25 at the time and I couldn’t afford the ticket to Northern Ireland so I had to get a loan from the bank!

Tell me about Diversity NI & how you feel this has made a difference to those in Northern Ireland?

I am Managing Director of Diversity NI and

we promote interpreting, translation and training. I just love my job because we train and empower bilingual people to go for better careers. We also work with the interpreters and send them to various different jobs in the public and private sectors. They carry out certified translation for anyone who marries abroad, who wants a registered birth, who buys property, and so on. I’ve heard so many inspiring stories of people who had been homeless or were struggling to get a job in Northern Ireland, and now because they are with us, they are absolutely flying. We give them a whole new perspective to how they can be helpers in the community and how the community can benefit from them, by being the language bridge of people who don’t speak English.

I’m helping to give people a voice who don’t have one because they don’t have the language, and I’m very privileged to be part of their journey. I am also involved with a charity for cancer patients. I volunteer between two and four hours a month, doing their makeup and helping them feel better about it. We also work with Women’s Aid, a charity for women who are in a very difficult part of their life and we try to help them to try and overcome that situation.

What is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland?

I am in love with Northern Ireland and I couldn’t possibly be living in any other better place on earth. The freedom that entrepreneurs have in Northern Ireland to start their business is fantastic and there is a huge amount of support here. The people are so friendly; people who don’t even know you will smile and say: ‘hello’ or ‘how are you?’ So when I first came over here it was a bit of a cultural shock for me. I think Northern Ireland has a lot to offer and I love the fact that people work with people and that it’s so personal. I wouldn’t change it for anything else.

KERRY-ANN FERREIRA

Author & Founder of Quillon Content Age: I am a 40-something, aspiring yummy-mummy of two Location: County Down

When did you move to Northern Ireland and why?

I originally hail from a lovely little town called Nuneaton but emmigrated to South Africa before my first birthday (hence my broad South African accent that I can’t seem to shake!). Hubby and I left South Africa, with our two little nippers, in 2005 to pursue our careers in Dubai for three years before switching to the more moderate climes of

Northern Ireland. We knew Dubai was not going to be our forever-home so we listed down a few countries that appealed to us. Northern Ireland was, for us, a clear winner with its good education system, great child-friendly lifestyle, and loads of outdoor pursuits.

Tell me about your book and how you feel this has made a difference to those in Northern Ireland?

I wrote a non-fiction book ‘Protecting Our Children in Cyberspace’ in 2014 and I’m pleased to say, it’s as relevant today as it was four years ago. The book is a guide for parents, grandparents, educators and anyone else who has a vested interest in the

We moved here at the end of 2012. We took the brave move to give up our corporate careers and follow our passion to help cyclists after Philip invented a bicycle light that uses advanced sensor technology to react to its environment, making cyclists more visible and safer. We chose Northern Ireland primarily because we have young children and my husband Philip is from here, so there is a large extended family to support with the children as we developed our business. Choosing Northern Ireland has turned out to be a great idea, because there has been terrific support from the start-up ecosystem here such as InvestNI and Catalyst Inc, and there is a great talent pool of innovative, passionate and hard-working people here who have been central to the success we’ve achieved.

IRENE McALEESE

Co-Founder & CSO of See.Sense Age: 45 Location: Newtownards

When did you move to Northern Ireland and why?

I am originally from Brisbane, Australia. My husband Philip and I met in London years ago and then we were in Singapore doing a stint as expats.

Tell me about See.Sense and how do you feel this has made a difference to the residents/cyclists of Northern Ireland? So many of our customers get in touch to tell us how using our lights have helped them be more visible on the road, and that they feel that cars are giving them more space. The confidence this gives cyclists always makes our day as it goes right back to our values, and what we set out to achieve in the first place – seeing more people cycling more often. We are very grateful for the tremendous

online safety of children. It’s so easy to be overwhelmed by the technology that our children have access to, and my book aims to address the knowledge gap for parents and to give them the tools that will ensure that their young children are protected through safe and conscientious online parenting. I also write for an online Multiple Sclerosis forum. Whilst I am offering tips and tricks on dealing with the disease, it’s also therapeutic for me to be writing about something that has become such a big part of my life… it’s a win-win, really. I always try to write about things that I’m passionate about and I’m sure that is reflected in my writing. Writing is the way I connect with and relate to the world, how I make sense of everything around me and, if there’s even just one person that can identify with, or take comfort from, what I’ve written then I have made a difference.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland?

That is a very difficult question to answer as there are so many things that make Northern Ireland truly endearing, including the sociable and friendly people, the number of first-rate restaurants, concerts, theatre productions, and the plentiful tourist attractions. However, if I was to pick an ultimate favourite, it would have to be the scenery. From the Mourne Mountains to the Giant’s Causeway and everything in between – there’s just so much to see, do and explore, and all right on our doorstep.

support we have received from the cycling community here in Northern Ireland. Cyclists here gave input into the development of our earliest prototypes by consultation with our local cycling club North Down CC. We launched our prototype on the crowd funding website, Kickstarter, and with cyclists support, we went on to achieve our funding goal and go into production. After delivering the first batch of lights to our Kickstarter backers, we went on to be stocked with Chain Reaction Cycles. Our products now sell into more than 70 countries around the world. We are now working with Belfast City Council on a project to help promote cycling and improve planning for cycling infrastructure. We’re bringing our new product ACE to market in June. ACE allows our customers to opt-in to data collection so that they can share anonymised data insights to help their cities plan safer infrastructure and develop plans to promote cycling, so we are hugely excited for that.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland?

I love the people here. Australians share a similar sense of humour and warmth of character – it makes me feel at home. I also love the outdoors here; the scenery is so stunning and it makes for awesome bike rides. n

Getting to grips with LinkedIn

LinkedIn LOWDOWN Are you using LinkedIn effectively?

BY CATRIONA DOHERTY

LinkedIn is where people go to look for or readers who are unfamiliar professionals”, Sinead begins. with LinkedIn – it’s an online “It’s your way of communicating your platform that is used for profile with a large audience. professional networking. “For most people who work in The site allows a professional environment members to create – LinkedIn will be relevant profiles and ‘connections’ to you. For people who to each other and it’s a want to get ahead in their way to build a network, career, it will be helpful diversify your knowledge to create a strong profile and find new career and build your network. opportunities. “Sometimes people A strong LinkedIn treat LinkedIn like profile will show people an online CV and it’s who you are and where much more than that; you’ve come from, as such it’s an opportunity to get it’s perfect for showcasing Sinead Sharkey your brand and personality your experience. across.” n Sinead Sharkey, founder of Genwomen, specialises in helping women to take their career to the next level. She Check out Northern Woman’s new page: offers a Personal Brand Makeover as one www.linkedin.com/company/ of her services and that includes helping northern-woman clients to create a new LinkedIn profile. “I’m a great believer in networking and

“Having an out-of-date LinkedIn is worse than not having LinkedIn at all,” Sinead Sharkey tells me on our first meetup. At this point my account stated that I still worked for my previous company, despite being employed by Northern Woman for more than a year. Updating my LinkedIn account had been on my ‘to-do list’ for a while, and Sinead advised me that I was missing out on a marketing opportunity by neglecting it. I’m always looking for ways to promote Northern Woman, so I set to work updating my LinkedIn and setting up a new business page for the magazine. The first thing I did was to choose an up-to-date profile photo. Sinead advised me that my previous summary was quite generic, read a bit like a CV, and didn’t reflect my purpose, vision and strengths. I rewrote it, highlighting some of my interests such as fashion and inspirational stories. I shared some of my successes as Northern Woman editor, and concluded the profile with a call to action: If you have a story you would like to share please contact me by email: c.doherty@ independentmagazinesni.co.uk or call: 02890 264 265. I also reduced my number of listed skills from 34 to 10, in order to emphasis what I am specialised in. Once an updated LinkedIn was up and running Sinead reviewed it. Part of her feedback was my total number of connections (115) was too low and I should increase that by looking at the connections suggested to me by LinkedIn’s ‘People you may know’ function and adding contacts who are relevant to my industry/role. Commenting on my lack of LinkedIn activity Sinead said: “It’s social media, you need to be social – in a very professional way. Post articles that are relevant to you and your brand, comment on other people’s, and share things of interest.” My LinkedIn page is by no means perfect; it’s very much a work in progress. But it’s a hundred times better than it was before I met Sinead Sharkey.

BEAUTY

Credit: Stradivarius

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BASE

Prepping your skin is essential and it is no different when it comes to a dewy-skinned look. Something like MAC’s Strobe Cream, which is one of their hero products (for a good reason) is perfect for this. It’s a moisturising base that adds luminosity to the skin and helps to get that glow on from the get go. MAC Strobe Cream £25

MIX IT UP

I wouldn’t rely solely on your foundation or highlighter to do the work when there are other products that can help too. An illuminating base mixed into your foundation can help to create that glow right from the beginning and carry it through the look. I tend to mix something like the Cover FX drops into my foundation before applying ,to save time and it makes the foundation glow. The drops are heavily concentrated so not a lot of product is needed. Cover FX Enhancer Drops £34

BRONZE IT UP

Naturally we can’t achieve a bronzed, glowing look without the all-important bronzer. I focus this into specific contouring areas such as cheekbones, hairline, jawline and sides of the nose. A lot of us tend to bronze all over and then we end up having speckles of brown everywhere with no definition. Keep it contained and your face will look lifted.

GET THE

GLOW Celebrity makeup artist Aimee Connolly gives her top tips on achieving dewy summer skin

We may not live in a Mediterranean climate but that doesn’t stop us wishing for summer skin. Whether we have sun or not, dewy skin is always preffered and here are my secret tips to achieving that dewy, bronzed glow. For more from Aimee visit: www.instagram.com/aimeeconnolly_com or www.facebook.com/AimeeConnollyMU

Sculpted by Aimee Connolly £25 (available in selected Gordons Chemists)

PACK THE DEWINESS ON

I know I am biased because I have a cream highlighter in my own palette, but believe me that took a lot of time to get right and it was done deliberately. Whether you are 16 or 65 this is your real secret saviour to a dewy skin. The cream texture jumps off the skin adding a natural radiance, perfect for daytime, fine lines and summer skin. Make sure you apply with your finger tapping it into the tips of the cheekbones to blend it out. Sculpted by Aimee Connolly £25

LET’S NOT FORGET THE BLUSH

Blusher can be underestimated amongst those with fair skin; I think a lot of people with that colouring feel they can’t wear it. Blusher is our best friend for a healthy glow. I opt for a blusher that has a sheen built in so it complements the highlighter. MAC Margin blusher is a great option for a peach, bronzed, glowing finish. MAC Margin Powder Blush £19.50

Tried & Tested Hourglass Hidden corrective Concealer £25 Great product! I loved the compact lipstick-style packaging which also helped application. I found it quick and easy to apply and it left a great finish. THE VERDICT: One for the handbag. The consistency was creamy and light and I found it easy to apply as little or as much coverage as needed, and it blended easily with my fingertip. I’m not one for using lots of different makeup products but this one would now be in my top ten makeup essentials. SA

Mary Kay Perfecting Concealer £12 The concealer was soft, creamy, and had a lovely, lightweight formula. I used very little using the applicator which was very gentle to use on my skin. I dotted a little under my eyes and was delighted as it spread with gentle tapping, and the coverage it provided for dark marks, freckles and blemishes on my skin was fantastic. THE VERDICT: I really liked this product, it gave a very natural finish and I would buy it again. IF

Perricone No Makeup Concealer £29 This is a multi-tasking concealer that instantly hides imperfections, dark circles and discolouration. It’s suitable for all skin types and is a long-lasting product. It comes in fair, light and medium shades. THE VERDICT: I liked that the product was SPF 35, which is particularly good coming into the summer months. I have unsightly redness around my nose area and I felt this concealer hid it perfectly, without looking like I had lots of makeup on. PR Beauty Pie The Unbeatable Concealer £20 The product is billed as ‘superelastic, lightening, brightening, with colour coverage that flatters – rather than flatten – the contours of your face’. It comes in seven shades with pink, neutral, yellow, pink and warm undertones to choose from. THE VERDICT: A little goes a long way. I like to fill my eyebrows in and tidy up the area around them with concealer; I thought this product was perfect for that and amazing at masking stray hairs. It comes in a little compact that’s the perfect size for popping in your bag. HL

FLAWLESS FINISH NW puts concealer to the test

“C

oncealer can instantly brighten the skin to help frame and awaken the eyes”, says dermatologist and Perricone founder Dr Nicholas Perricone. “It can also be used as an eye primer, for blemish coverage, and even as a highlighter”. His advice for applying concealer is: “Apply three dots to lower eye contours; one dot to the inner corner and one dot to the upper lid. “With your fingertips, very gently press and blend the product, beginning from the outer corners of the eyes towards the inner corners, and up to the eyelid.” Northern Woman’s top tips for choosing concealer are as follows:

π You will need more than one concealer for different purposes. The concealer you use to hide under eye darkness is not the same as the one you use to mask a spot or blemish. π The darkness under the eye area will have a tinge of purple so choose a lightweight concealer that has peach or orange tones, and opt for one that’s two shades lighter than your foundation. We love Rimmel’s Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory and True Ivory. π For masking blemishes it’s hard to beat Kevyn Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Enhancer. It’s expensive at £38 but will last forever and pretty much anything can be disguised by this power pigment; spots, scars, birthmarks – anything really. This month the ladies at Northern Woman put four concealers to the test. n

Tried & Tested

PROFILE:

Micbroblading This month Irene Fitzsimmons reviews eyebrow microblading

deh Zamani from Persian Threading offers a variety of beauty treatments, I reviewed microblading for semipermanent eyebrows. If you have tried a range of pencil, powder, stencil and gel products, and your brows are still not up to scratch – microblading offers a more permanent solution. “Clients come to me for treatment for lots of reasons; some have over plucked their eyebrows, some have alopecia, or are undergoing treatment for cancer or Edeh Zamani thyroid issues for

example,” Edeh begins. “It’s for anyone who wants to define their eyebrows, after all eyebrows frame the eyes - the most important part of the face. I microblade to enhance, reshape, and create natural looking Before eyebrows.” The experienced therapist draws teenie tiny, hair-like brush strokes onto the skin to mimic the natural hairs in the brows, using a state-of-the-art handheld machine. The “new and improved After brows” are visible immediately, with maximum effect reached post top-up. The results usually last for a year and a half. n

When I was a teenager the trend was to pluck your eyebrows, and pluck I did until there was almost nothing left. As time passed by and looks changed, I used products to try and enhance my eyebrows to, as they say, frame my face. I heard about Edeh Zamani from Persian Threading through a friend in work and decided microblading was for me. Edeh has over two decades’ experience in eyebrow shaping, so I knew I would be in safe hands. I met with Edeh, who was so knowledgeable in her skill. In talking me through the whole process, she put me as ease right away. Edeh was kind enough to come into my work to do a patch test to check that I wouldn’t have a reaction to the treatment. After a few days and no reaction, I headed to The Nail Room in Carrickfergus to meet Edeh and begin what I can only describe as my transformation. Edeh took time to measure and frame my eyebrows to match exactly the shape of my eyes - before she began to microblade. The treatment was done in three steps or “passes” using mini blades. The whole process took approximately three hours from measuring to the actual microblading, however the time passed very quickly. After so many years without eyebrows I was surprised when I sat up and witnessed my treatment; they were quite dark to say the least, however within two to three days they evolved with aftercare to become a really lovely set of eyebrows. I was given very good aftercare recommendations which I followed exactly. I had no bruising, itching, or pain whatsoever, there was a little swelling on the outer part of my brow, this was gone in about two days. After three days, the really dark colour subsided and my eyebrows began to look so natural. Friends who knew I had the treatment were so complimentary and others who didn’t know just said: “you look great” but couldn’t work out what was different. After a period of about six weeks, I will return to Edeh for a top-up session. This is very important because if there is an area that has not taken the colour so well, it can be reapplied for an end result that looks as natural as possible. My after photo (opposite) was taken before the top up treatment. The cost of the treatment including top is £250. For more information contact Persian Threading, Carrickfergus on: 028 9336 0526 or visit: www.facebook.com/PersianThreading

A CLEAN FINISH

CLEAN Reserve has a new addition to its range of genderless fragrances. Saguaro Blossom & Sand from the Avant Garden collection fuses the unlikely notes of lemon zest, lavender, musk and rose to create a bohemian scent that’s perfectly seasonal. Saguaro Blossom & Sand from CLEAN Reserve £129 Highlight & Glow Shimmer Brick Palette from Bobbi Brown £55

THE HIGH LIFE

Redefine bronzing with Bobbi Brown’s limited edition Highlight & Glow Shimmer Brick Palette. Made up of three blocks in a pectrum of shades; Rose, Copper Diamond, Apricot and more the compact features super fine pigments that reflect radiance and light. Sweep over cheekbones (or lids) for a super flattering glow.

DIVE IN

Make a splash with Dior’s high shine, ultra-long wear nail polishes. Four punchy new tones all synonymous with fun and freedom; these bright shades are perfect for summer. Gel coat resins combined with a TechnoPolymer transform each coat of enamel into a film as smooth and shiny as glass and the polishes are enriched with organic silicone Vernis from to strengthen the nail surface. Dior £21

The Beauty Edit

The latest makeup bag and skincare must-haves BY CLAIRE CRAIG THE ILLUMINATI

Vita Liberta introduces its ‘no filter required’ - Illuminaze Complexion Veil. The breathable formula restores hydration, controls excess sebum and helps minimise the appearance of pores for a luminous, natural glow. Use underneath makeup for the perfect base or on its own for a dewy, natural complexion. Illuminaze Complexion Veil from Vita Liberata £29.95

GET YOUR GLOW STICKS HEART OF GLASS

M.A.C’s DazzleGlass collection bursts with light and shine to bring an exciting dimensional pop to your lips. Large particle pearls reflect and refract light to mimic the brilliance of quartz and opal crystals while the non-sticky formula glides on for lightweight, moisturising texture. Wear alone or layer over lipstick for dazzling impact.

If shades of rose gold and coral don’t scream summer then we don’t know what does. Tom Ford fuses these prettiest of tones in this clever Shade and Illuminate Glow Stick for multipurpose colour. Makeup bag friendly and easy to apply on the go, simply slick on to add definition, structure and instant brightness. Shade and Illuminate Glow Stick in Sunstruck from Tom Ford £42

DazzleGlass from M.A.C £15.50

possible contenders and swatch a little of each shade on your jawline – not the back of your wrist. This is so important in order to get a close match. Testing shades on the back of a wrist is pointless, simply because this is usually quite a bit paler than the skin on our face.

Step 4

YOUR TRUE COLOUR

Makeup artist Natalie McKee shares her top tips for choosing the perfect foundation shade for you

o you struggle to find your perfect shade of foundation? There are so many different shades to choose from – which is great when it comes to versatility in a foundation, but many of us can find this to be quite confusing. I know how tricky it can be to find your ideal shade amongst the sea of different undertones and formulations that are out there, so these tips will hopefully help you during your next makeup shop.

Step 1

The first thing to do is to make a point of going to shop for your foundation without having any foundation on your skin. This can be a scary concept for some, I know, but the process of colour matching will be much more precise. The reason for this is because

you will get a true match to your skin by testing the products on clean skin.

Step 2

Look at the back of your wrist and try to determine what undertones your skin has. If you look at the veins on your wrists and they seem to be more of a purple to blue shade, then you have cool undertones. If you are seeing more of a green shade, this indicates that you have warm undertones. If you see a mix of both, then you have neutral undertones and are likely to suit a mixture of foundation shades.

Step 3

Now comes the tricky part; actually testing out the product to match your skin. Choose two or three shades that you feel might be

Look in the mirror at the swatches of foundation and if you see a shade that disappears on your skin – that is the right one for you. It shouldn’t be obvious that it is sitting on the skin, as a lighter or a darker shade would. It is supposed to be a close match to your skin.

Step 5

Another tip to seal the deal before you part ways with your cash is to have a pocket mirror in your handbag. Pop outside into natural light and have a little peep in the mirror to check that the shade is still undetectable on the skin. Sometimes the lights in department stores can really alter foundation shades and can be deceiving. If it still appears seamless on your skin then we have a winner.

Step 6

Finally, allow a few hours in your day to wear the swatch of makeup that you decide on and check in the mirror a few hours later to see if the colour has changed any. Sometimes if the product oxidizes on our skin it can look darker in colour as the day goes on to the point it ends up looking much too dark. If you do notice this, then the shade below this will work best for you. n For more from Natalie visit: www.showstopperstyles.com

115 Skin Clinic Julie Johnston BDS– GDC registered Dentist fully trained in Antiwrinkle injections, Dermal Fillers, medical microneedling (Genuine Dermaroller) and Chemical Peels Aimee Haggan, Karen McCurry and Lyn Quinn– GDC registered Dental nurses and fully trained Environ Skin specialists

Are you concerned with skin conditions such as Acne, Rosacea, Photodamaged skin Fine lines and wrinkles? Contact us at the clinic to arrange a complimentary consultation. We Provide • Courses of Environ skin treatments • Collagen Stimulation Therapy • Chemical Peels • Dermaplane • Dermal Fillers • Anti Wrinkle Injections • Lip Augmentation • PRP (Vampire facials) • Laser Teeth Whitening We Sell • Environ Products • Advanced Nutrition Programme Supplements • Obagi Skincare Products

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

@115skinclinicbelfast

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increase moisture levels in the skin. Toners should not be stripping nor should they need to be used to remove the residue of your cleanser.  Make sure your moisturiser has hydrating ingredients, anti-oxidants to repair skin damage, and an SPF to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB. Always make sure it protects you from both as in Ireland we have lots of UVA which is the aging ray.  Introducing an eye cream in your twenties will keep the eye’s looking bright and heathy. Look out for lightweight products that moisturise and encourage micro circulation to reduce dark circles and puffiness.

The flirty thirties

Skincare through the decades

SKINICAN’s Lindsey Fenwick shares her advice for revamping your skincare routine

“I

t’s extremely important that no matter what age we are, we treat our skin in accordance to our skin condition,” says Lindsey Fenwick, SKINICAN Skin Care Expert and Education Manager. “However as we age there are some common changes that most of us will experience. The biological functions of the skin slow causing increased wrinkle depth, dehydration, dullness and sensitivity.” Lindsey shares this advice for skincare through the decades:

The roaring twenties

I think of the twenties as the danger years. We have peak skin function so for most of us the skin in this decade is as good as it gets. However this is also when most of the damage is done. We are living life to the full, thinking that no

matter what we do our skin will be fine – sadly this is not the case. Late nights, sunbeds and sun holidays, over exposure to the sun, sleeping in make-up, and unhealthy diets will cause premature aging, dehydration, breakouts and congestion. It is unlikely you will make it through to your late twenties with completely healthy skin. Only 10% of how we age is down to our genetics, the other 80-90% we do to ourselves. A healthy lifestyle and good homecare routine in your twenties will mean a younger healthier skin for longer. I suggest a simple skin care routine that’s quick and easy.  Cleansing twice in the morning and twice in the evening will reduce the risk of breakouts and congestion, and ensure that any other product applied can do its job.  Using a toner after cleansing will help to maintain a higher level of hydration. Look out for ingredients such as humectants as these

Women in their thirties are generally busy - so their skincare routine needs to be quick and made up of multi-functional products. Look for cleansing products with built-in exfoliating benefits, that way you can cleanse and exfoliate in one easy step, the skin will look bright and fresh. Adding a serum into the daily routine will reduce the need to use a mask three times weekly. Your serum should be chosen to combat your key skin concerns. I’d suggest looking for ingredients such as Gatuline which is a unique French walnut that will act as a free radical scavenger, protecting the skin from the harmful onslaught of harmful environmental factors which cause irritation, aging and dullness. These products should be used alongside a toner, moisturiser with SPF and an eye cream.

The big Four O

The skin is a record keeper and by your late thirties early forties the true signs of aging can be seen. I would advise building into your existing home care routine an exfoliator containing fruit acids and enzymes, this will melt away dry dull skin to reveal a smoother brighter more hydrated skin. A mask should be used in conjunction with the exfoliator two to three times a week. Look for masks that contains anti-oxidant and nourishing ingredients as these will work to repair damage caused by daily exposure to pollutants. Introduce a serum under both your day and night cream. Look for serums that contain peptides that will stimulate collagen and firm skin.

The fifties and beyond

In your fifties your skin can begin to feel more fragile, you may experience increased dryness and feel the skin is beginning to slacken. The key is to look for products that will nourish, protect and repair. If you haven’t already, you need to introduce a rich night cream, Shea butter is a fantastic ingredient it is deeply moisturising and works to support the skins barrier function. APT (Adenosine Triphosphate) is an energyboosting ingredient that encourages the skin cells to divide and multiply more quickly making your skin behave as its younger self. Skin will appear brighter, healthier and more youthful. n

Luscious lips Glossy Bits

Northern Woman meets founder Pontine Paul to hear all about Dr.Lipp’s Original Nipple Balm for Dry Skin Luscious Lips & Glossy Bits Tell us about some of the uses for Dr.Lipp’s Original Nipple Balm for Dry Skin Luscious Lips & Glossy Bits? You can literally put it whereever your imagination takes you, but here are my top seven uses: 1 To hydrate dry lips and give a natural glossy shine 2 On my cuticles 3 To condition my eyelashes after I’ve taken my mascara off 4 Flyaway hair - I have these frizzy bits next to my ears… so annoying! 5 To stop my feet from getting blisters when I go hiking 6 If I’m sunburnt – which happens occasionally 7 To shine up my scuffed high heels – which happens with use!

What’s fabulous about Dr.Lipp?

It is so simple, with only one ingredient you can be sure there are no nasties in there, which if you’re putting it on your lips every day may be a concern you want to eliminate. It’s also a fun and cheeky brand – isn’t it nice to feel liberated and be given the freedom to do what you want with a product?

Who is the product suitable for?

Everybody! Literally everybody – it’s totally inclusive of all ages, all sexes, all gender types, and all ethnic groups.

Tell us about some of the successes Dr.Lipp has had.

I’m very proud to say that we have won over 10 awards over the last five years. We have

over 70,000 amazing reviews, and after 15 years with luxury beauty retailer SpaceNK we continue to be a nationwide bestseller for them.

How did Dr.Lipp come about?

Dr.Lipp came about because I always had dry skin or eczema and couldn’t find anything that worked - well that was until a friend of mine suggested I used some nipple balm. It was so incredibly effective I thought more people should know about it, not to mention the funny name. The more I researched the properties of lanolin (which is what nipple balm tends to be made of), the more I was convinced this raw and 100% natural ingredient needed to become mainstream; so many people would benefit in so many ways. So in essence I endeavoured to take something out of the breastfeeding market and introduce it to the beauty market to give it a wider distribution. If it was good

enough for my nipples then surely it had to be good enough for anywhere else! The brand name Dr.Lipp came about because that’s exactly what the product does – it so to speak doctors your lips and any other sore bits.

Is lanolin a new product?

The first use of lanolin can be dated all the way back to the world’s first pharmacopeia which was written by the infamous Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides. He wrote a five-volume encyclopedia about herbal medicine and related medicinal substances (a pharmacopeia), that was considered the bible of medicine over 1,500 years. In it he talks about lanolin and it’s amazing healing properties to the skin. In fact lanolin was the core ingredient that the whole modern skincare industry was based on. Nivea was originally lanolin mixed with water to make it a white cool cream. The research on lanolin is extremely extensive, and it is considered by pharmacologists and formulations scientists to be the most effective emollient known to us. That’s why it’s used in many baby creams, eye creams, pharmaceutical creams and more. Brands have become very good at mixing it with many substances, but I would argue for

µµIf it was good enough for my nipples then surely it had to be good enough for anywhere else∑∑ the purposes of moisture and protection it works best on its own with nothing else added to it.

Tell us about you.

I’m Norwegain. I was born in Greece and raised between the UK and Norway. My favourite things in life are ski touring or hiking in the Alps, freestyle swimming in the sea; anywhere where there are no jellyfish which is hard to find nowadays. I trained as a designer and business woman, and used to have my own line of beautiful Italian made handbags which I sold under my name. I also used to make art and art installations when I was living in Milan.

What’s next for Dr.Lipp?

We are launching 100% natural food grade Tints this autumn, all of which are based on our award-winning formula for long-lasting moisture. So stay tuned! They will go up on our website at the beginning of August. If you use the promotional code DRLIPPNPD2018 you’ll get 15% off your first purchase over £25. n

PRODUCT RANGE ORIGINAL NIPPLE BALM for Dry Skin, Luscious Lips & Glossy Bits (15ml Pocket Size) £12 ORIGINAL NIPPLE BALM for Dry Skin, Luscious Lips & Glossy Bits (4ml Mini Size) £4.99 PACK OF 6 MINI ORIGINAL NIPPLE BALM for Dry Skin, Luscious Lips & Glossy Bits £25 SUBSCRIPTION BOX - Pack of 5 x Original Nipple Balm - 15ml £48

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Stacy Flynn

Kindfulness

We all know that mindfulness means being gentle with ourselves, but this year’s buzzword “kindfulness” is all about directing that generosity at others. Jade Beecroft investigates

inally a movement we can all get on board with… compassion has become cool! Kindfulness is 2018’s mindfulness, perhaps as a kneejerk reaction to all the uncertainties in the world right now. As we read yet another of Donald Trump’s aggressive tweets, is it any wonder that we’re investing more time in spreading joy? Our social media news feeds are full of good deeds, shared happiness memes and community fundraising; and we’re now more likely to spend our Saturday mornings volunteering than curled up in bed. But the beautiful thing about kindness is that it tends to be reciprocal, so it gives a brilliant boost to our own mental health too. The movement was pioneered by a British Buddhist monk called Ajahn Brahm who gave talks at the offices of firms including Google and Facebook, and now a slew of kindfulness books are set to hit the self-help shelves this summer. It’s little surprise that it has is roots in Buddhism; a religion that’s built around cherishing others. Chitta, a Buddhist

nun from the Potala Kadampa Buddhist Centre, on Belfast’s Ormeau Road, explains that kindness breeds kindness, so if you approach others with generosity they’re more likely to respond positively back to you. “Approaching people with an offer instead of a need can be really powerful,” she explains. “When we perceive a person to be kind, it creates a good feeling in our heart towards them and we’re more likely to be generous and warm-hearted back. It’s cyclic; it opens people up to each other. “Kindness is catching, it spreads and it breaks down barriers. The key is to approach people looking for similarities instead of differences.” Not only does kindness help others; studies have shown that doing good deeds and approaching other people with positivity can improve our own mental health. “We as human beings like to feel connected,” explains Chitta. “Even a simple thing like meditating or thinking about all the people who have been kind to you during your day can improve your happiness.

“We’re often so busy focusing on our own needs and wishes, snapping our selfies and posting about ourselves on social media, that a simple shift in our thinking can bring about a deep inner peace. “We all live and exist in connection with each other. I see people who practice regular meditations on kindness becoming happier, more confident and open.” If meditating on kindness is a step to far, Chitta advises just noticing when people are kind to you – from the shop assistant who helps you find something, to the workman mending your road. And the next step, of course, is to look at your own actions and practice kindness in your day-to-day life. Stacy Flynn, from Poleglass in Belfast, is well known in her local community for her tireless work reaching out to others. The 33-year-old, who runs clothes shop Stacy’s Closet, has done everything from organizing charity walks, collections and fashion shows, to shopping for struggling mums, and even redecorating a needy man’s flat. One night, she sat up all through the night talking to a stranger who was contemplating suicide. The mum-of-two has more than 5,000 Facebook friends who rally round whenever she hears of someone who needs support. And she keeps a permanent collection point

for the West Belfast Food Bank in her shop. “I think it’s been so successful because it’s local,” explains Stacy. “People trust me and know exactly where the money is going because I keep everyone updated. “One time I heard of a pensioner in a bedsit who was struggling to stay warm, so I put out an appeal and without hours people had put a couple of hundred pounds into my Paypal account, so I was able to go out and buy blankets, a wee electric heater and everything else he needed. “Another time, I was told about a single dad who’d been going through a rough time and ended up in hospital, so I put out an appeal to redecorate his flat for when he got home. “Everything was donated – painters and decorators donated their time, we got new beds, a sofa all the way from Antrim… we literally redecorated this flat from top to bottom and it was such a wonderful surprise for him.” And Stacy doesn’t just go through the motions; she’s known for giving her philanthropy a really personal touch and putting herself in other people’s shoes. When she ran a collection to help a struggling new mum and did a supermarket shop for her, she didn’t just get food and nappies. She also picked up a gas card, some treats, and even a Lottery ticket to give the woman a lift. Stacy is currently planning her wedding to partner Kevin Mclaughlin, as well as running her own business and being mum to Michael, 14, and Sophie, eight. So how

Chitta

does she find the time and energy to do all her good deeds? “People ask me that a lot,” she laughs. “It does take up quite a bit of my personal time, and sometimes I’m sat up all night, but the kids and Kevin help out, and the rewards are so worth it. “Kindness breeds kindness, and feeling like part of the community is wonderful. When my car was vandalized a few months ago, people clubbed together and raised the money to pay for repairs for me. “Another time when I was having trouble with my health, a big bunch of flowers was delivered.” Stacy also credits her good deeds with boosting her own happiness and lowering her stress levels. “It’s important to remember that there’s always someone worse of than you,” she explains. “If something’s bothering you; look outwards rather than inwards. “My dad always says ‘if you can help somebody then help them and if you are in a position to be kind then do it’. So that’s what I try to do.” n

To try out Buddhist meditation, the Potala Kadampa Buddhist Centre offers classes for beginners at 7pm on Thursday evenings or 10am on Sunday mornings. Go to www.meditateni.org for details. To support Stacy’s good deeds, find her on Facebook by searching Stacy’s Closet.

ACTS OF KINDNESS TO WARM YOUR HEART • Pastor John Greenaway, who runs the River of Life church near Dungannon, is celebrating a new lease of life. In 2016 he and his wife Doreen opened their home to homeless man Melvin Boyd. Last spring Melvin repaid their kindness by donating a kidney to John, who was in renal failure. The couple now think of Melvin as “another son”. • At the beginning of this year, Belfast nurse Gabby Grainger was so upset by stories of dogs being used for meat at China’s annual Yulin festival that she set up her own charity, Doggy911, to help them. With the support of volunteers, she now rescues dogs destined for the Chinese meat trade and finds them loving new homes in Northern Ireland. • In December 2017, “kindness drawers” were placed in a public square in Belfast city centre as a drop-off point for people to make donations to those in need. Good Samaritans filled the drawers with warm clothes and toiletries for the city’s rough sleepers. • When Samantha Hayes, from Dundonald, found a miniature horse called Summer on Gumtree, little did she know how much joy she’d bring. Samantha has now trained Summer to be a therapy pony, and she spends her life visiting hospitals, hospices and care homes, brightening the days of seriously ill children and old folk alike. • Desmond Calvert, from Coleraine, was born without hands or feet. The 44-yearold taught himself to build intricate Lego models, and this spring he pitched his skills against local emergency services staff in a sponsored Lego marathon to raise cash to buy kits for autistic children. • When Nicola Campbell’s best friend Marianne Nicholson confessed to being too scared to go for cervical cancer screening, the legal secretary from Saintfield went above and beyond the call of duty, and booked the pair of them in for a joint smear test. Marianne, 41, was diagnosed with cervical cancer, but because it was caught early she has since made a full recovery and credits her pal with saving her life.

When

pretty hurts

Complimenting young girls on their appearance has come under fire in recent years, with many psychologists and developmental experts claiming that placing focus on children’s aesthetics plays down the attributes we should really be nurturing. 48

By staff writer

s a woman, who was once a little girl, being told I or what I wore was pretty, was the ultimate form of praise. Only in my recent years have I come to realise that those superficial qualities that were once the only thing I sought acceptance for, were never going to contribute to my overall happiness or satisfaction in life. In fact, they seem to have caused more harm than good. I grew up with a mother who was constantly dieting, always focused on image and always seeking out a fountain of youth. Everyone was judged by their looks.

Sometimes good people were dismissed if they had “funny eyebrows”, “no chin”, or “chunky legs”. “She’s lovely but she’s a really odd shape”, or “If you had all that success and money wouldn’t you at least use it to get a nose job?” were typical comments that played down real-life achievements such as being kind or excelling in a particular field. I developed my first eating disorder at 15. And 25 years later that beast will occasionally rear its head in times of stress. And I’ve cancelled too many invitations because I simply didn’t feel pretty enough or thin enough to be comfortable in public. Moving away from home, gaining insight into how others lived, what they placed importance on and how they achieved contentment, hit me that perhaps my youth was not standard. Perhaps it was a melting pot of insecurity, social inadequacy and

Dr Tuoroni, nor myself, are saying we should halt all compliments of the superficial kind and that alone will solve all body dysmorphia and disorder eating issues in later life. There are just some things we cannot shield our young girls, and boys, from such as social media, celebrity perfection and blatant airbrushing. But we can help now by placing importance on other things, such as academic achievement, good behaviour, kindness and effort. Dr Tuoroni continued: “In essence if a young girl is often told that she is pretty then she is likely to develop a view of herself as attractive which correlates both to positive self-esteem and to psychological well-being.

µµIt’s important that your definition of yourself isn’t rooted in self-image∑∑

image obsession fuelled by a focus on how I, and everyone around me, looked. And the experts would agree. They say that homing in on and placing focus on the physical being - the things that we can’t control - can shift our children’s values to a dangerous and unproductive cosmetic terrain. Dr Elena Touroni, a top London psychologist and clinic director at The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, told NW that the younger years are what shape our adult selves. She said: “Certain theories in psychology suggest that we develop our sense of self and identity from the messages we are given in childhood and adolescence. These messages become translated into a kind of template through which we see the world called a ‘schema’.”

“What makes a crucial difference here is the environment in which the young girl is growing up in. Is she being given a positive view of her appearance in a context in which many other qualities of a person are equally valued? Or is she told that being pretty is the only thing that matters and that being loved is conditional upon looking good? “In the latter scenario the girl will learn that her sense of self and being loved is conditional on her appearance; a belief that can lead to multiple psychological problems down the line.” Among these problems are body dysmorphia, image obsession, eating disorders, self esteem and confidence issues. And these can begin as early as three years old. According to research from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) a quarter of childcare workers said they have seen signs that children between three and five are unhappy about the way they look. And this

stat grows with age, with almost half of child carers interviewed saying they see that image-related unhappiness more frequently in six to 10 year olds. One in ten have heard a child say they feel ugly, while 16% of early years practitioners have witnessed children saying they wished they were as pretty or good-looking as someone else. Around one in five (19%) have also seen children reject food because ‘it will make them fat’. Those interviewed for the research believe that parents and peers are the biggest influence in inducing body issues among young children. 32% blame the parents. So what can we do? As Dr Tuoroni pointed out, as parents telling our kids they are pretty can sometimes be beneficial, when accompanied by placing importance on other qualities such as kindness. It creates a balance. Australian professor, clinical psychologist and author, Dr Vivienne Lewis has penned a book on the subject, titled No Body’s Perfect. It provides parents, teachers and counsellors with information on how to be a good role model and talk openly about mental health. She said being mindful can help. We should be modelling behaviours we want to see in our children. It’s a good way to send out positive messages she believes. “When you talk about people, get used to describing them by the qualities that define them as a person, rather than how they look,” she advised. David Brudö, chief executive and cofounder of personal development app Remente, told NW: “It’s important that your definition of yourself isn’t rooted in self-image. Instead focus on what you’re good at; a hobby, succeeding at what you do (work, school), being a great friend - the things that define you.” Dr Tuoroni concludes: “The moral of the story - it is not the compliment that makes the difference, but the system in which we grow up and the messages and values we learn within it.” “It’s important that your definition of yourself isn’t rooted in self-image” n

Caption

TRUE LIFE

TRANSFORMATION Self-made multimillionaire and one of the stars of movie ‘The Secret’, Bob Proctor, is considered to be one of the world’s greatest authorities on attracting wealth. We meet his number one global consultant Kim Calvert Where are you from?

I am originally from Lurgan. I moved to Belfast when I was 19 to attend Queen’s University to study mental health nursing.

Describe your job.

I am a human performance expert focusing on the mindset behind success. Basically I help individuals from all backgrounds, whether you are a business person, mum, entrepreneur or premiership footballer. I help you get results, take quantum leaps, multiply income, create and achieve worthy goals, and essentially get unstuck and move towards what you really want, not what you think you can have.

For readers who have not heard of Bob Proctor – who is he? Bob Proctor is the world’s leading prosperity teacher. He is the last of the original generation of master thinkers. He was featured in The Secret and

was mentored by the dean of personal development, Earl Nightingale. He is also just an ordinary man, but with extraordinary information that has changed more lives than any other person or company in this field.

How have you transformed your life?

So everyone has a story and whilst many focus on the dark days, I focus on the lessons and growth that lie within. I am only 31 years young, I have had some incredible and some not so incredible times. Before I begin I want you to realise that I’m not trying to impress you but impress on you - if I can do this so can you! When I was young I was brought up in a loving home that built the foundation for my success today. However I was also brought up with similar beliefs to probably you, such as; ‘you have to work hard to make money’, or ‘you have to be smart to make money’. Now when you’re young you

don’t think too much of this, but what I know now is that I subconsciously believed those messages. I was not academically minded, I was the kid that never stopped talking and spent too much time daydreaming. So as I grew up I realised I needed to be smart to earn money, and I had to work hard… nightmare! Fast forward, I spent eight and a half years of my life on the ‘cutting edge of adolescent psychiatry’ as my first mentor used to call it. In a few years I flew up the bands to be a Band 7 Clinical Nurse Specialist by the age of 28. I had it all, or so you would think. I ended up hitting a financial ceiling, working hard, doing overtime but I was still broke at the end of every month. It never seemed to matter what pay scale I was on, it was the same end result. On top of that I was unfulfilled and felt guilty initially about this as I was in such a rewarding job. I also had a very poor relationship with me. At the time I couldn’t see this and blamed people around me. I was so convinced I was not good enough, unlovable and fat; I’m sure people can relate to that. So I did what every woman does; I decided I will get a six-pack, I’ll be worthy then. Oh how I was wrong. I went on to get an eight-pack, I won the Nabba 2014 Miss Athletic and competed in the worlds but with no stamp of

Kim with Bob Proctor

Describe some of the most memorable experiences you have had since making the transformation. Travelling for five months, and speaking all over America on the science of achievement, are definitely up there, and of course becoming number one in the world for what I do. The financial freedom now is great. I don’t know many people my age in this country that have launched a global business with nothing, no business experience, and made over half a million in their first year - but I did. So it is possible.

You are obviously passionate about helping others to achieve their goals – please elaborate on that.

validation; I felt the same inside. It got to a point and day in my life when I realised things were really at rock bottom. I was broke financially, mentally and physically. This was just three years ago and I can remember having £4.20 to my name. So I did again what any sane person would do… I quit my job. I sold my car and I made a decision that I would never be broke again and that I wanted to discover my purpose. At this point I literally had nothing. I did not tell the parents that I had given up ‘the good government job with the pension’ because they would have thought that I had gone mad. They would have wanted proof I was doing the right thing before making such a big leap, and I didn’t have proof at that point. I decided to use the money from my car to get a mentor. I wanted to be the best so I had to go to the best. I invested the £4,000 I got for my car in a deposit for a mentorship programme that cost $20,000, without knowing how I would afford the monthly payments whilst not having a job, but I made the decision to do it. I burnt the ships! I then spent six months in Canada working with the world’s leading prosperity and human performance teacher, Mr Bob Proctor. This saved and changed my whole

life. He taught me the exact systems and principles of success. He taught me how the mind actually works and what was the root cause of all my results in life. He taught me about me. I discovered my passion, I recreated my self-image, and I created a life I wanted rather than settling for what I thought was logical or realistic. Fast forward to now. Well I have 10 times my annual income (I did this in the first year turning my annual salary into a monthly salary). I am Bob Proctor’s number one global consultant I and run my own consulting company, Dynamite Lifestyle Ltd. I now teach and educate others how to create their dream life using the same teachings that Bob shared with me. I took five months off last year to travel the world financially free. I love and I am loved. I am so grateful that I can say I now live a truly abundant and rich life. Now again you might think, ‘good for her’, but stop and really ask yourself, where do your results come from? Did you just settle? Are you really doing what you really want to do? Are you spending your days with the people you want too? Most are not, yet you can. There is no secret to success but there is most certainly a system.

I believe with every cell in my body that everyone has unlimited potential. Why? Because we are God’s highest form of creation. Whether you are religious or not, and you don’t have to be, we are spiritual beings and we are always wanting to be fuller expressions of our unique selves. That’s why people feel stuck because they are not doing what they are here to do. We have been gifted with higher mental faculties that allow us to create, to sing, to dance, to start businesses, and to step out and do what we want, yet so many people just make do for what is comfortable.

For readers who feel ‘stuck in a rut’ and are unhappy about an aspect of their lives – what would you say to them?

Decide to get unstuck. It’s very simple, it’s about understanding how to make a decision. You also want to seek out a mentor or someone who has a higher degree of awareness than you. They are no better than you but they are doing better, so learn from people who are getting results. Write your goals down; this is such a simple thing yet not many people do it. Most importantly perform a gratitude exercise each and every morning. List ten things you are grateful for on wakening and focus your mind on the good. What we focus on expands. It’s not who you think you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you are not. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/dynamitelifestyle n

Chocolate

often get asked: “What is your favourite food?” The answer is, every time without hesitation, “strawberries”. Perhaps it is a nostalgic association with childhood when life was simple and less busy. Or maybe the memory of long, hot summer evenings that now seem few and far between. The summer months of June and July remind me of many things strawberry related; Wimbledon, freshly-cut grass at my Mum’s graduation at Queen’s University in the eighties, and hours of fun with friends. Wild strawberry picking was a massive childhood pastime of mine and wild strawberries, to me, are the best type; local and pesticide free.

BY SAL HANVEY If you haven’t got the time for, or an interest, in picking your own strawberries and would prefer to just purchase a punnet, then St George’s Market in Belfast provides such delights. When buying strawberries look out for June-bearing, local, and organic preferably. However, you could always grow your own small patch and have them in abundance for the long summer day/ evening occasions. Whoever married strawberries with cream needs a reward as this is a marriage made in culinary heaven. Although I also in equal measures, love strawberries with chocolate and I think only few would disagree. The recipe I have created (opposite) is perfect for those moments of celebration;

an indulgent yet guilt-free treat, something for a party or to share with your loved one. It is gluten, dairy, and refined sugarfree; perfect for those who are ingredient conscious or have intolerances and allergies. These will be the key principles in my new cookbooks (coming soon).

µµthe summer months of June and July remind me of many things strawberry related∑∑

Sal Hanvey. Photo credit: Jack Longmate

Raw chocolate fondue with seasonal strawberries By Sal Hanvey

Ingredients (serves 2)

1 punnet of seasonal strawberries 1 ripe avocado 1 lime, zested 200g agave or maple syrup 25g raw cocoa powder 50g coconut oil

Method

Photo credit: Connor Tilson

Strawberry health benefits

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS They are packed with Vitamin K C, folate, manganese, magnesium and potassium. SKIN CARE Due to the Vitamin C content, they boost collagen production so they are great for the skin. HELP CARE FOR THE EYES Antioxidants in strawberries, such as flavonoids, phenolic, phytochemicals, and ellagic acid can help avoid almost all eye problems because they protect against free radical scavenging activity. WEIGHT CONTROL Strawberries boost the production of the adiponectin and leptin, both of which are fat-burning hormones. They help reduce

appetite, decrease glucose, and reduce body weight and fat, all of which promote weight loss.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY They have been known to reduce elevated blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a substance produced by the liver that increases inflammation in the body. A study by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that women who ate more than 16 strawberries in a week are 14% less likely to have elevated C-reactive protein levels. n Sal Hanvey specialises in reflexology and acupuncture for fertility and maternity, as well as being a nutrition advisor. To contact her call: 078 0147 6048, email: sal@naturalhealthni.co.uk, or visit: www.naturalhealthni.co.uk

• Place the jar of coconut oil in a warm place to melt. You can place it in a jug of very warm water to speed up the process. • Cut the avocados in half and remove the stones. Peel the skin away and discard it along with the stones, preferably into a compost. • Place the avocado flesh into a food processor bowl, with the lime zest, 200g agave syrup, 25g cocoa powder and pulse until smooth and glossy. You will need to stop the blender running a couple of times to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to blend evenly. • Once the mixture is smooth and a silklike texture, keep the motor running and slowly pour the 50g of melted coconut oil into the mixture until it is fully and smoothly incorporated. • Turn off the food processor, then using the rubber spatula, scrape the chocolate mixture out into the fondue holder. I prefer to use a cast iron one but any type will work. • Heat up the chocolate and enjoy with preferably local, seasonal, succulent and scrumptious strawberries.

NG I M M I W S T U O B A S T U #N

— COMPETITION —

Dive into summer with a ‘splashy’ competition from forest feast

he days are longer, the temperature is warming up and summer has finally arrived. During the summer months, you’re more likely to spend time close to the water, either at a pool when on holidays or visiting the beach on a sunny day. Learning to swim is important at any age and mastering this skill not only greatly benefits you throughout your life, keeps you fit and healthy and safe in the water – it also allows you to get the most out of the summer. The water provides ways to have fun with friends through activities such as surfing, snorkeling and waterskiing but they can’t be enjoyed safely without knowing how to swim. Despite being such an important skill to have, a third of 11-year-olds in the UK can’t

swim according to the Amateur Swimming Association. To encourage more people to get in the water, Forest Feast, the premium snack company, is making a splash with a new competition offering people of all ages the chance to win a course of free swimming lessons. As a long-term supporter of swimming through its sponsorship of the AquaSprint Junior Swimming League, this competition is another way Forest Feast is aiming to raise the profile of the sport by offering swimming access for young kids right through to the young-at-heart. Even if you or your kids already know how to swim but have not received formal training, having swimming lessons is hugely beneficial as they teach skills that will provide a summer of safer – not to mention fun – summer swimming.

The details of this ‘splashy’ competition can be found across selected Forest Feast ‘Pick Me Up’ packs which include snacking favourites such as Roasted & Salted Cashews, Pistachios, Almonds, Yoghurt Peanuts & Raisins, and Honey Roasted Peanuts & Cashews. These on-the-go snacks are perfect to throw in a summer tote and filling enough to provide energy for swimming on a summer day.

The ‘Pick Me Up’ on-the-go range from Forest Feast is available from leading retailers nationwide (RRP £1). The competition will run until the 12th of August, 2018 alongside additional social media giveaways. Visit forestfeast.com for info or find Forest Feast on Facebook, and Twitter and get involved with the hashtag #nutsaboutswimming.

ESCAPE

Moulay Ismail mausoleum in Morocco

Philadelphia skyline, Ben Franklin bridge and Penn’s landing

Philadelphia HERE I COME

Forget New York and DC – Here’s another popular US city break to set your sights on

BY EIMEAR RABBITT

new direct flight from Dublin has opened up one of the East Coast’s oftenoverlooked top city breaks – Philadelphia. When people think of cities on the US East Coast, New York and Boston spring to mind. Just a one-hour train ride from NYC, however, Philadelphia sits ready and waiting for history boffins, foodies or those who want a US city break that’s easy to get around but has plenty to see. With tree-lined streets full of red brick buildings and shuttered homes, Philly boasts an old-school charm you’d be hardpressed to find in most cosmopolitan cities, and is full of history and art. But another, perhaps lesser known gem of this city, is its vibrant food culture. Restaurants bustle every night of the week – if you’re a fan of French and don’t mind paying, the uber fancy Parc is a great option or, for a quirky, chilled vibe, Mission Taqueria on Samson Street serves up delicious Mexican fare. Oh, and the cocktails are pretty amazing too. Pencil in a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution ($19). Allow several hours to take it all in, including a multimedia display with voiceover by Liam Neeson. Watch out for the original tent used by George Washington during the War of Independence.

Insider intel

Hearty breakfasts are (almost) guilt-free in Philly as you are bound to walk them off that day. I devoured the blueberry pancakes in Bank and Bourbon at the Loews Hotel in

Center City, and just a short walk away is the 125-year-old Reading Terminal, offering all kinds of fresh Philly fare. Check out the labyrinth of mosaics at Philadelphia Magic Gardens, too – Isaiah Zagar’s work spans 3,000 square feet. You can’t go to Philadelphia and not try a Philly cheese steak. Of the many joints serving up the cult cuisine, I went to Campo’s and the cheese-covered steak roll certainly didn’t disappoint – particularly after cocktails the night before. Another way to burn off the calories from all of the delicious food you are bound to consume in Philadelphia is running up the ‘Rocky Steps’ – made famous of course by the movie franchise starring Sylvester Stallone. Seventy-two steps will whisk you from the bottom of the plaza to the Philadelphia Museum of Art ($20) and just yards to the right of the museum you can get a pic with himself – the Rocky statue.

Cheap Kick

One of my favourite things to do in a new city is to find my way around on foot, and that’s very doable in Philadelphia. There’s

Philadelphia city hall from Broad Street

Rocky Balboa Statue in Philadelphia plenty to look at, including mesmerising street murals which pepper the city. A mural arts programme was set up in 1984 in an effort to curb rogue graffiti, and Philadelphia now boasts 4,000 murals. A stroll through the city’s historic district where you can see the Liberty Bell on display is highly recommended, as is a walk through Elfreth’s Alley – the oldest inhabited street in the US. If you’re a fan of nightlife, make sure you head out early to take advantage – I found it a little challenging to find a late night tipple early to midweek downtown. To fully explore Philly’s eats, drinks and sights, spend more than three days.

Get me there

I travelled as a guest of Aer Lingus, which now flies direct from Dublin to Philadelphia four times weekly, increasing to a daily service in May. Fares start from €159 eachway including taxes and charges, at the time of publishing. I stayed at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel where deluxe rooms start at $175 per night. For more information on Philadelphia visit: discoverphl.com. n

townhouses connected by whitewashed passageways and courtyards. Its interiors are simple Moroccan style and a double costs £110. The owners also have a countryside retreat 21km outside Essaouira. Day trips include transfers, use of a pool and a barbecue lunch (£22).

Escape

to Essaouira

Moroccan magic that won’t break the bank

BY DEIRDRE MULLINS

rom designer goodies to kitesurfing, Morocco’s windy city is worth the trip. My biggest regret going to Essaouira is that I didn’t bring an empty suitcase. The walled medina in this brilliant Moroccan city has a smorgasbord of shops with hand-crafted and stylish interior goodies. I would have filled that empty case with light fixtures and hand-painted ceramics for a fraction of the price you’d pay at home. Of course, there’s more to these spicescented lanes than shopping. The medina is the buzzy heart of Essaouira, retaining a traditional Arabic character. But beyond it, a long, sandy beach is a playground for kiteand wind-surfers. Known as the ‘Windy City of Africa’, the lashing Atlantic wind can make sunbathing uncomfortable, but the beach, and its colourful sunsets, can be enjoyed on horse or camel back.

Insider intel

Gnawa music was brought to Essaouira by freed West African slaves. Go to a spiritual jam session (called a ‘lila’) at the Gnawa Music Centre to fully experience the hypnotic trance-like quality of the music. See the locals dance their hearts out as they enter their trance. Villa Maroc was Morocco’s first riad hotel, opening in 1990 as a guesthouse for surfers. Today, it’s a blend of four medina

µµHaggling is a way of life in Morocco. Done in good humour, it can be a fun process that involves drinking mint tea with the seller∑∑

Guilty pleasure

Housed in a former almond warehouse, La Table by Madada’s dining room is grand with massive light fixtures and a Moroccan folk band setting the mood. It’s hailed as Essaouira’s best and most expensive restaurant, but those prices are relative. For mains, I had a fillet of sea bass in a lemon butter sauce. The mash potatoes with argan oil is to die for, as is the chocolate creme brûlée. A local organic Syrah set me back £33. Paying top dollar in Essaouira doesn’t have to break the bank.

Cheap kick

Essaouira is a seafood lovers’ paradise, and if you eat like a local you’ll be shocked at how little you spend. There’s a bit of a knack to the BOF (bring your own food) system. Firstly, go to the sardine man who sells freshly caught sardines on the street. For 45p, you’ll get a bag of about eight which you then bring to one of the stalls on the smoke-clouded lanes. They’ll grill them and serve with bread and salad for about £2.60. For a bigger variety, go to the fish market in the medina – it runs a similar system. Haggling is a way of life in Morocco. Done in good humour, it can be a fun process that involves drinking mint tea with the seller. But having to second guess every price just because you’re a tourist can become tiresome, too.

Get me there

I flew as a guest of Air Arabia, which has direct flights from Dublin to Agadir on Wednesdays and Saturdays. From Agadir airport, get a private taxi direct to Essaouira for approximately £47, the trip takes three hours. A shared taxi from Agadir bus station will cost approx. £4.70 and a bus £3.13. For more information visit www.morocco.com n

5 reasons to visit

Redcastle Hotel Catriona Doherty reviews Redcastle Hotel, Donegal

The setting

The scenery in the Inishowen Peninsula is stunning, Redcastle Hotel in Moville is set on the banks of the Lough Foyle. I loved hearing the sounds of the waves breaking from inside my bedroom and the setting felt just so calm, relaxed and miles away from the rest of the world. The hotel is perfectly located should you wish to venture out and explore some of Inishowen’s scenic spots or Wild Atlantic Way points of interest, such as Stroove or Malin Head for example. The Redcastle Hotel has a nine-hole parkland golf course, and as such is a popular venue for golf breaks in the north west of Ireland. Golf club hire and buggy hire is available.

The spa

During my visit I went for The Redcastle Deep Tissue Back Massage which is designed to ‘alleviate stress and deep muscle tension’. It did all of that and more. I loved every second of the treatment and felt that €52 was great

value for money because the price included unlimited use of the sauna, steam room and swimming pool, so you could while away a few hours of relaxation in there. There’s a comprehensive range of beauty, pampering and holistic treatments to choose from including the seaweed bath experience, restorative facial, body wrap with detoxifying scrub, Indian head massage and a lot more besides.

Family friendly

The Redcastle Hotel kids Club runs July and August (and Easter week too) from Sunday to Thursday. The club hosts a range of arts and crafts classes, and a Redcastle Cinema kids’ movie to keep the little ones entertained in the evening time.

Affordability

Despite being a luxurious four-star hotel, a break in Redcastle Hotel is affordable and you will find a package to suit your budget. ‘Redcastle Midweek Minibreaks’ and a number of other value-for-money offers run regularly. Visit: www.redcastlehoteldonegal.com/ promotions for more information.

Afternoon Tea by the Sea & more

Dining options at the hotel include Afternoon Tea by the Sea and Sparkling Afternoon Tea, familyfriendly Captain’s Bar & Grill, and a fine dining experience at The Edge Restaurant. This aptly-named restaurant is on the water’s edge and the quality of food on offer will exceed all of your expectations. A musttry is the Strawberry, Fromage Frais and White Chocolate Cheesecake, Macerated Strawberries, Rose Water and Hibiscuis Sorbet, and Schezwan Pepper Meringue… it’s out of this world. The sea view, attentive friendly staff, food presentation and quality, made for a memorable meal and added to a fantastic night away, and sometimes that’s what taking a break is all about; making memories with your loved ones. n

Mamore Gap, Clonmany

Inishowen IS CALLING Why you should pencil in a road trip to Inishowen this summer BY EUNICE NELSON

ocated at the most northerly tip of Ireland our little peninsula has so much to offer. The area boasts everything from beautiful coastline to rolling hills, not to mention the warm welcome visitors receive from the locals who are awesome if I do say so myself.

Malin Head

The most northernly point in Ireland, Malin Head is breathtakingly beautiful. Its rugged scenery is a feast for the senses, and the northerly wind will certainly blow away the cobwebs even on the mildest of days. The area has managed to remain relatively

untouched while becoming a major tourist attraction thanks to the Wild Atlantic Way and the movie business. You don’t need to go to Skellig Michael to see a Star Wars set because we have it right here in Malin Head. If it’s good enough for Hollywood it’s good enough for us. Add in a trip to Farren’s Bar (recently voted the best bar in Ireland) and you can say that you’ve had a pint in the same bar as the man himself - Luke Skywalker.

Golf

The most frequently asked question in Inishowen at the minute is: “Are you renting out your house for the golf?” There

isn’t a man, woman or child in our little peninsula who hasn’t considered living in the shed for a week or trying to bunk in with the in-laws, just so they could let out their home to golf enthusiasts. If you didn’t already know - the Irish Open is coming to Ballyliffin this July. Ballyliffin Golf Club is stunningly beautiful and although I’ve never made it past the restaurant and bar I hear the courses are amazing. Set in some of the most gorgeous scenery Inishowen has to offer, it is a world-class golf club and we can’t wait to show off our little corner of the world on the international stage. Besides, even if you’re not into golf it’s worth visiting for the possible celebrity spotting. Binoculars at the ready!

Beaches

We are a peninsula so let’s face it, it’s all about the beaches. Sandy coves, scenic walkways and wild waves - Inishowen has it all. It may not always be bikini weather up here in the north of Donegal but that’s just one of the options on offer from our beautiful coastline. It’s also a surfer’s paradise, an equestrian enthusiasts dream and a walker’s wonderland, so no matter

Ballyliffin Golf Club

Malin Head

Food

what Mother Nature has in store you will always have something to do. If you’re feeling particularly energetic and want to experience some beautiful coastal views then there is always the Ballyliffin Coastal Challenge; a ten-mile walk/run held every Easter Saturday that takes in a beautiful area of Inishowen and finishes on the beach. You know a place is beautiful when you can appreciate it even as you gasp for breath and pray you see another mile marker. If you’re really crazy there is always the Quadrathon; four marathons in four days around our lovely (hilly) area - don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Pollan Beach, Ballyliffin

Ah my favourite subject. I don’t like to think of myself as greedy, I’m just someone who likes to support local businesses (that serve food). Inishowen is awash with great eateries and everything from à la carte to pub grub is located within our borders. For quite a small area there are so many hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from. My home town of Carndonagh is full of cafes and coffee shops, all excelling in quality and service. Buncrana is another area packed with restaurants, tea rooms and everything in between. One of my favourite places is Nancy’s Barn in Ballyliffin. Recently crowned the World Seafood Chowder Champions, the cafe is right on the coast and serves amazing food. If you’re lucky enough to visit in summer, there will also be barbeques to while away the bright summer evenings accompanied by good music and drinks. The place is a little gem with friendly staff and pretty décor. It’s the perfect place to rest and re-fuel after a brisk walk on the beach.

History

A visit to Inishowen is the perfect place for a history buff to indulge their passion and curiosity.

Fort Dunree and it’s military museum is situated a few miles outside Buncrana. Set in a spectacular location it boasts scenic walks, a wildlife exhibition and one of the best collections of coast artillery in the world. Throw in the interactive displays, underground bunkers and the coffee shop and you have the perfect day out. Donagh Cross aka St Patrick’s Cross is located in Carndonagh. Dating back to the seventh century it is one of the earliest Christian crosses outside mainland Europe. A popular tourist attraction, the ancient cross and its two guardstones are held by antiquarians to be some of the finest examples in Ireland of low-relief carved monuments remaining from ancient times. Donagh Famine Village located near Ballyliffin, is an interactive look at life during the Great Famine of the 1840s and onwards. Life-size exhibitions such as an eviction scene and a traditional Irish wake house are just some of the exhibits the guides will show you on the tour of the walkthrough museum. One of Inishowen’s most spectacular natural attractions, Glenevin Waterfall, is a short walk through beautiful woodland that leads to (you’ve guessed it) an amazing waterfall. An easy walk that’s suitable for all abilities and even pushchairs, it is a mustsee if you are visiting the area. Tiny bridges crisscross the winding river, and picnic tables and benches are easily located for a quick break to enjoy your surroundings. If you’ve worked up an appetite then stop into The Glen House for lunch or ice cream. If you’re still unsure about a trip to our (sometimes) sunny shores then I have two more points that might convince you: 1. Lonely Planet voted Donegal as the coolest place on earth. 2. I’m fairly sure there is nowhere else on earth where you can get your picture taken next to a sign that says ‘You Are Now Entering Muff’. So come and visit us this summer, sure it will be ‘wile craic hi’. n

The Everglades Hotel Ciara Hedgcock stayed at the Hastings Everglades Hotel

y first impression of the Everglades Hotel was the unusual architecture which reminded me of American styling, later I discovered the original owner was American and inspired by the marshlands in Florida and Alistair Cooke’s ‘Letters from America’. Following a warm greeting from Leanne at reception, I made my way to the Andrew Jackson Suite. I entered to the soft sounds of Classic FM, a welcome array of sweet treats and a personalised card from Neil Devlin, the General Manager. The suite was on a curve and split-level. The natural light was pouring in through the large windows and I immediately felt relaxed and ready to enjoy some luxury. The restaurant was buzzing with American and Australian tourists. A waitress, Orlagh, immediately guided me to a table and gave me a menu. I clocked the Classic Prawn Cocktail followed by Monkfish served on a bed of sweet chilli, tomato and red pepper sauce, with crushed baby potatoes and braised leeks. I am not usually a white wine drinker, but it was a beautiful sunny evening, the cheery trees in the gardens were in full bloom so I decided on a Miguel Torres Finca

Nega, Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. The waiter, Finn, brought me the carafe of chilled wine and a chilled glass to match. My Classic Prawn Cocktail arrived complete with a Hastings signature wheaten scone; it was a lovely surprise to find that it was hot – nice touch. The monkfish was tender and delicious; the leeks with the tomato and red pepper sauce were a perfect combination, as they did not overpower the fish. The atmosphere and friendliness of all the staff made for a sociable evening. After saying goodnight to Jennifer and the rest of the team, I took my glass to a sofa opposite the bar. The Beverage Manager, JP introduced himself and Finn and I had a chat about the Jazz Festival and the various events that were taking place in the Everglades over the course of the weekend, including a wedding. I returned to my suite and decided to run a bath before heading to bed. I could smell the lovely ESPA soap I had opened and used earlier and of course, there was a much-loved Hasting’s duck adding a splash of colour to the bathroom. Afterwards I made use of the plush robe and complimentary slippers while having a cup of herbal tea and watching TV. It had been a busy week so I was looking forward to a great sleep followed by my Everglades

breakfast. I fell into my huge bed, too relaxed to read a single page of my book. Availing of the full range of ESPA products, I enjoyed a long shower before eagerly returning to the restaurant for breakfast. Bright and cheery staff, Therese and Stephanie, were as attentive and as hospitable as the evening team had been. I started with a bowl of plump and creamy porridge with melon and pineapple, drizzled with locally produced Waggle Dance honey. There were two booklets on my table, Food Heritage and Who Made my Breakfast? which I found myself reading as I ate. Hastings work closely with a range of local suppliers and producers who are passionate about food. Great inside information for locals and tourists alike. I then ordered poached eggs and grilled tomatoes on potato and soda bread with coffee to complete my larger than usual breakfast. As I was checking out, I met Neil who showed me the grand ballroom, which was set up for a sports event that evening. It has a very sophisticated lighting, sound and video system and the beautiful stained glass windows caught my eye as I was admiring the room. It had been a wonderful escape, as you would expect from the Hastings Hotels Group. I could not help but notice that everyone in Derry was “wild chatty”, no training required - it just comes naturally. I spent the rest of the day exploring the city, there is so much to see and do! For further information go to www. hastingshotels.com or call 028 7132 1066. n

LET’S DRINK TO…

Wine Recommendation from Rebecca: Chianti Classico Riserva

The arrival of summer

BY PAULA GRACEY

ere comes summer and not before time. Summer to me is all about al fresco eating and drinking, whether on holiday or in your own back garden, given a chance. There’s nothing more inviting than a chilled bottle of wine or an ice-cold beer while watching the sun go down, not to mention those inviting cocktails that make you feel like you are on holiday at any time of year. Just to get us in the mood, Italy’s famed beer House of Peroni transformed St Anne’s Square in Belfast into a typical Italian piazza for the first of several planned La Primavera events this summer... keep an eye out for the next one. For three days and nights in April, they celebrated the finest cuisine from our local Italian eateries, paired with some fabulous cocktails made with none other than Peroni beer. It was a new one on me but I came away with a whole new respect for the already deliciously refreshing Peroni Nastro Azzuro beer, which now also comes in a gluten-free variety. I’ve made many a cocktail using sparkling wines over the years, always a winner at family gatherings, but I had never considered using a beer – until now. The first I sampled was Peroni Primavera which pays homage to the beautiful Italian spring/summer flavours and the aperitivo culture. It is a blend of white wine, lemon juice, red berry liqueur, gin and egg white, topped off with that Peroni Nastro Azzurro beer, served in a tumbler glass with a twist of orange on top and lots of ice (check out my Instagram for more pics @paula.gracey). It is a wonderfully fruity, but not too sweet cocktail to sharpen your taste buds for that delicious Italian food to follow. Beer in a cocktail… who knew? So, having consumed yummy pizza from the Wood Fired Pizza Company stand, it was time for cocktail number two; a Peroni Spritz Limone, so refreshing with a real citrus kick, balanced out by the Peroni beer top. This cocktail is served in a large wine glass and you start with a measure of Limoncello liqueur, then a lemon sugar syrup, in this case made with Sicilian lemons of course, then a glug of Prosecco, all topped off with Peroni beer. A slice of lemon, garnish of Rosemary, and lots of ice are the final touches to this Italian masterpiece – the perfect start to any evening. I am already a convert and the fun with cocktails is trying out your own recipes – guess what I’ll experimenting with this summer? Cheers! n

June has made her leisurely entrance at last promising a summer-tide of picnic days, heavenly happy long balmy nights and magical moments of gastronomy and wine joy. All these sun-drenched thoughts bring me back to an unforgettable trip I had to Tuscany around this time of year some time ago. As I pulled open the wooden shutters on the windows of our villa, the sight of endless rolling vineyards ablaze with sun and the unmistakeable sultry scent of pure countryside air filled me with an enduring love and delight for this wonderful part of Italy. My wine for this month is a Chianti Classico Riserva, brought to us by the Cecchi family. Italian wine laws stipulate that Riserva Chianti must be 80% Sangiovese grape. In true passionate Italian style, this family has gone a step further by using 90% of the grape, which produces a wine to tantalise the purist’s amongst us who take pleasure in single grape wines. Vinification only takes place on this property in years when the fruit meets the” famiglia” exacting high standards, again promising only the finest product. In the glass, you can look forward to a clear deep ruby red with pronounced intensity. The nose opens vibrantly with dried flowers and warm spices. On the palate, silky red fruits such as raspberry and blackberry marry seamlessly with these aromas and in the background the distinctive nuance of bitter cherries that make this wine so striking and elegant. Twelve months in oak barrel lends the wine its soft approachability and satisfying hints of earthiness and tobacco. Of course, you simply cannot discuss Chianti Classico without referring to its ultimate stamp of excellence, the “black cockerel”. On this bottle his proud stance and puffed out chest is indicative of the fine wine within. Game is an undisputed food match for Chianti so I have asked chef to provide us with his gorgeous Duck Cacciatore recipe to enjoy with your loved ones. Vacanza estiva felice!

DUCK CACCIATORE : Serves 1 Ingredients • 1x Duck breast • 50g pancetta • 50g black olives (pitted) • 50g sun dried tomatoes • 50g green beans • 1x shallot • 3-4 baby potatoes • 1-2 sprigs of tarragon • Olive oil For the Sauce • ½ onion finely chopped • 1x small carrot finely chopped • ½ stick of celery • 1-2x garlic glove • 1 x litre of good beef stock • 100mls of good red wine Method for the Sauce • In a pan sweat of the onion, celery, garlic & carrot in a little olive oil. After 5-6 minutes deglaze the pan with the red wine, then add the beef stock bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35-40 mins. Strain sauce and leave to one side. Method For Duck Cacciatore 1. In a pot bring 500mls of water to

the boil add a little salt and splash of olive oil. Add the baby potatoes & bring to the boil. Once cooked set to one side. 2. Prep the duck breast by scoring the skin with a sharp knife. Heat a pan, place the duck in skin side down and cook for 1-2 mins on the heat to render the fat and colour. 3. Then turn the duck over and cook in the oven, 5 minutes for pink and 8-10 minutes for well done. When duck is cooked to your desired temperature please leave to rest preferably for the same amount of time that you cooked it e.g. 5 minutes cook 5 minutes to rest. 4. In the same pan used to cook the duck breast, add in the chopped shallots and pancetta and cook for a few minutes or until pancetta is crispy. 5. Add in the olives, baby potatoes, sundried tomatoes, tarragon & green beans and sauté for a few minutes. 6. Add in a little sauce to the mix to warm through. 7. In a warmed bowl spoon the cacciatore mix in, slice the duck and place on top. Buon Appetito!

THE SOCIAL 10

Northern Woman’s round up of June and July’s most happening events Summer season = festival season! We’re looking forward to Harmony Live which takes place in Holywood from 1-3 June. The lineup includes toploader, Reef, The Boomtown Rats, Ryan McMullan, Rews and many more. Tickets are available from a number of suppliers including www.wegotickets.com and visitbelfast.com

Following two sell-out shows, Strut and Bellow return to the Lyric Theatre, Belfast with The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler on 1-2 June. The show is an exhilarating night out that lifts the lid on the mystery, humour, pain, power, wisdom, outrage and excitement in women’s experiences. For tickets visit: lyrictheatre.co.uk/ whats-on

Rews

Summer Jamm in Strabane is a ‘Country Fest’ featuring top country performers including Lisa McHugh and Ritchie Remo. There will be fun for all the family with street entertainers, arts and crafts, a jiving competition and much more. Summer Jamm in Strabane runs from 11-12 June and tickets are available from: www.alley-theatre.com

Lovable rouge Maggie Muff is back with a bang in a highly-anticipated sequel to Leesa Harker’s smash hit trilogy; Maggie Yer Ma! From bestselling author and playwright Leesa Harker, directed by Andrea Montgomery, starring critically acclaimed Caroline Curran, the show takes place at Grand Opera House Belfast, 4-16 June.

Fasten up your bra and put your best foot forward for Action Cancer’s The Bra Walk which takes place on Friday 15th June. The event, which is sponsored by SuperValu, kicks off at 7pm from Belfast City Hall. The Bra Walk provides the perfect opportunity for women, men and children to show support for Action Cancer and raise vital funds for the free breast-screening service the charity provides to women across Northern Ireland.

Ladies, do we ever need an excuse to get glammed up? I think not, nevertheless the Down Royal Summer Festival of Racing Day 1 on 22nd June provides the perfect reason to go all out on the style stakes. Gates open at 3pm and the races run from 5.45pm to 9pm approximately.

We are pretty lucky to have such incredibly scenic walking routes to enjoy in this country. The Mourne International Walking Festival on 22-24 June celebrates the best of the Mournes with its sweeping slopes, granite peaks and stunning coastline views. The festival will feature a range of routes suitable for those who are just starting out and those more experienced in walking a tougher terrain.

Performance poet Tishani Doshi will be visiting Seamus Heaney HomePlace on 30th June to perform several of her poems. This acclaimed poet from India is fast becoming one of the most acclaimed and talented new voices in literature. Tickets are £6 and available from www. seamusheaneyhome.com or at the box office on 028 7938 7444. The Dalriada Festival at Glenarm Castle returns this summer on 14-15 July. There will be music, children’s entertainment and fine food to enjoy. Fitness fans will be treated to the first fitness racing championships to take place at Glenarm Castle, and the highly-competitive Wife Carrying championships is set to draw a huge crowd.

Make the Foyle Maritime Festival a date for the diary, the festival kicks off on 14th July and runs until 22nd July. Derry/Londonderry plays host to live music, markets, entertainment and river-based activities, not to mention the thrill of the race as the Clipper Race fleet makes it’s way back to the city. n

— COMPETITION —

WIN YOUR CHILD A PLACE IN BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS SUMMER DRAMA CAMPS

o celebrate the launch of Bright Young Things 2018 Summer Camps, Northern Woman has teamed up with the leading children’s drama company to offer readers the chance to win a place for your child at one of the week-long camps of your choice. There are two prizes up for grabs. BYT Summer Camps for 3-11 year olds will take place in Armagh, Ballymena, Belfast, Comber, Downpatrick, Holywood, Limavady, Magherafelt and Portstewart and due to popular demand, Bright Young Things has added six new locations for 2018 in Cookstown, Newry, Omagh, Hillsborough, Newcastle and Whiteabbey – making a total of 17 locations across Northern Ireland. Also new for 2018 is the BYT Actor’s Studio, a professional TV and film actor training summer camp for ages 12 – 18. BYT Juniors (ages 3 – 7) can look forward to a jam-packed week of drama and confidence games, song, music, dance puppetry and crafts. Whilst BYT Seniors (ages 8 – 11) will learn about acting from the professionals and devise, develop and perform their own show, learn improvisation, script writing, debate, character building, physical theatre, music and dance. The week will culminate in an end of camp showcase performance for family and friends. Don’t worry if you aren’t one of the lucky winners as you can still book your child into a BYT Summer Camp by going to www.bytdrama.com/summer

To enter simply answer the following question: BYT Summer Camps are being held in how many locations across NI? B) 16 C) 17 A) 15 Email your answer and contact details to competitons@ northernwoman.co.uk before 5pm on Friday 27th July.

T&C’S: Winner can choose one place at one of the week-long summer camps. Place must be booked no later than 4th June. The winner must be three years of age or more and be fully toilet trained to take part in a BYT Class. Prizewinner may be asked to take part in a promotional photography for BYT Social Media. No alternative prize can be offered.

GET YOUR

Summer Adventures with Lough Erne Resort

njoy a staycation like no other with Lough Erne Resort’s summer packages – a luxury escape for two in the picturesque Fermanagh Lakelands. With ‘Fermanagh Down Under’ or ‘Cruise Through Summer’, the resort’s seasonal midweek packages are designed to let guests experience the region’s natural beauty. ‘Fermanagh Down Under’ includes a tour of the Marble Arch Caves, one of the world’s leading Geoparks. For those who would rather take in the Lough in a relaxing mode of transport the ‘Cruise Through Summer’ package offers a one-hour cruise with the famous Erne Water Taxi. Both packages are available Sunday to Thursday from £115pps in Spring and from £155pps in Summer, and include an indulgent breakfast, access to the Infinity Pool at The Thai Spa and access to The Collop Walk on the resort grounds. For foodie fans, the popular Dine and Stay package offers a luxury overnight stay for two, a three-course meal in the award-winning Catalina Restaurant and an indulgent breakfast, all from just £122.50pps, available Sunday to Friday. Guests can upgrade their luxury experience at Lough Erne Resort through a range of additional options. Choose from a round of golf on one of two championship golf courses or an authentic experience in The Thai Spa, which was voted Ireland’s Leading Spa Resort at The World Travel Awards.

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09/05/2018 11:58

SO, WHAT’S ON TONIGHT?

PEPPERONI, MUSHROOMS AND EXTRA CHEESE, ACTUALLY.

Starring: Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro and Isabela Moner Release date: 29th June Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again

Movie roundup New films coming to a cinema near you this month BY JAMES OLIVER Book Club

Four lifelong friends find their love lives spiced up and forever changed when they decide to read 50 Shades of Grey as part of their monthly book club. Starring: Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda and Candice Bergen Release date: 1st June

My Friend Dahmer

Based on the book of the same name, My Friend Dahmer is an insight into the troubled youth of the notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer (portrayed by former Disney star Ross Lynch), and the personal struggles he went through during high school. All of which shaped the man he went on to become in later life. Starring: Ross Lynch, Alex Wolff and Anne Heche Release date: 1st June

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway Release date: 22nd June

Sicario 2: Soldado

This sequel to the 2015 sleeper hit sees the drug war on the US-Mexico border intensify and escalate as cartels have now started to smuggle terrorists across the US border to wreak havoc. Josh Brolin reprises his role as Matt Graver (pulling triple duties, having appeared in Avengers: Infinity War and Deadpool 2 already this year), to launch a counter attack where there can be no rules or reprecussions for his actions.

Ocean’s Eight

17 years after Ocean’s 11 first hit screens we’re getting an all-star female-led cast, as Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) assembles her own team of cons to attempt a heist on the yearly Met Gala held in New York City.

Sicario 2: Soldado

The First Purge

For years we’ve seen America’s one night of unlawful, unsanctioned anarchy reign supreme and cost the lives of hundreds of people, all in the name of the founding fathers. This prequel story looks at the events that led up to and created the first purge. Starring: Marisa Tomei, Lex Scott Davis and Luna Lauren Velez Release date: 6th July

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again

In this sequel to the musical smash hit, when Sophie learns of her pregnancy she wants to discover more of her mother’s past and how she coped so well whilst carrying her. All your favourite characters return for more summer fun with a soundtrack of ABBA’s greatest hits. You’ll be bopping in your seat. Starring: Lily James, Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried Release date: 20th July

Mission: Impossible – Fallout

In this sixth instalment of the franchise, Tom Cruise suits up once more as IMF operative Ethan Hunt as he and his team must once again team up and tackle another mission gone wrong to try and put things right. This time around though the stakes couldn’t be higher as Hunt and his team face the backlash of all the catastrophes they’ve helped prevent over the years, whilst a new threat (Henry Cavil) lurks around the corner. Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson and Simon Pegg Release date: 26th July n

It doesn’t matter what you’re watching as long as you’ve got us on your lap. Pizza, sides, drinks, desserts and even a chocolate pizza. Yes you read that right: CHOCOLATE PIZZA. Online, in App, in person or on the phone, get some.

www.fourstarpizza.co.uk

LIVING

Credit: Daisy Park

Showshell Shell Globe Hanging Lamp made from seashells from www.outthereinteriors £695

SABI-SAVVY INTERIORS Embrace the imperfect and create an interiors-Sabi home that’s ‘livedin’, relaxed and clutter-free and as individual as you.

BY RÓISÍN CARABINE

t’s official, your home doesn’t have to look Instagram-worthy or magazineslick. Homes aren’t meant to be perfect, they’re meant to be lived in. (Delete photo filter app; cue sighs of relief!). It’s okay if your bed sheets

are wrinkled, your rugs frayed and slightly sun-faded, or if your furniture is looking a little worn and your vases are chipped say leading design experts and interiors influencers. There’s a new aesthetic in town that’s slowly shaping up to be this year’s hottest home décor trend and your soon-tobe favourite look. Say hello to wabi-sabi, an ancient

Japanese lifestyle philosophy, dating back to the 15th century, that’s all about celebrating imperfection, embracing authenticity and accepting things as they are rather than spending time wishing for something better. American writer Leonard Koren author of Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers describes it as, ‘a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete… a beauty of things modest and humble… a beauty of things unconventional’. In the context of interior design, wabisabi translates as a home that is livedin, relaxed, individual and beautifully imperfect. Decor is authentic, pared back and considered. Colours are earthy and muted, woods are weathered, fabrics are natural and shapes are organic. And it doesn’t matter if everything is a little jaded, faded, stained or scratched. In fact, in this photo-filtered, superficial world of social media it’s more important than ever that our homes remain a place that we can retreat to and be ourselves. It’s little wonder then that wabi-sabi is being championed by leading design heavyweights such as Elle Décor and Etsy, as the perfect anecdote to the excesses of our modern throw-away culture. For anyone wanting to stay on trend and keep it real at home, the good news is that you can go wabi-sabi in just seven easy steps, without spending a penny.

SHOWCASE YOUR HOME’S IMPERFECTIONS 1

Homes are meant to be lived in so why not show signs of life and wear and tear rather than be embarrassed about scratches and stains. Don’t hide your tired dining table under a cloth or your comfy but scruffy sofa under a throw. The wabi-sabi look is all about embracing imperfection and seeing the beauty in timeworn treasures that have become chipped, frayed or sun-faded with time. 2

Fern Bedside Drawers made from mango wood shell and featuring delicately carved fern fronds from www.atkinandthyme.co.uk £229

CLEAR AWAY THE CLUTTER

Decluttering and paring back to the essentials is at the very core of the wabisabi aesthetic and while it verges on being minimalist, this look isn’t about cold sterility. “Pare down the essence but don’t remove the poetry,” says Koren. Wabisabi is about learning to love and making

Lourdes Wardrobe made from weathered wood from www.Loaf.com £1,595 use of what you already have rather than buying things you don’t need. It’s about creating calm and order by surrounding yourself with things that are useful as well as beautiful; things that have history and meaning. Cramming every nook and cranny of your home with unnecessary clutter detracts from all that. The truth is we only need a few things to make us happy and content. Besides having fewer possessions makes each one more cherished. 3

KEEP IT SIMPLE

With wabi-sabi, simplicity is key. Once you’ve decided on what clutter to get rid of, you’ll want to focus on a layout that allows your ‘essential’ pieces to stand out. Build your look around the furniture and don’t be afraid of negative space.

INCORPORATE THE HANDMADE

There is nothing more wabi-sabi than handcrafted ceramics, homespun textiles and bespoke furniture. Embracing authenticity at home is about decorating with items that have meaning. Your home should be a space that’s personal to you so why fill it with mass-produced, homogenous items? Learn to love your grandmother’s old chair, display your fleamarket finds and holiday souvenirs with

pride, and get your children’s artwork out of the drawers and onto the walls. 5 DECORATE WITH NATURAL COLOURS & MATERIALS

Be inspired by the elements and decorate your home in a colour palette of warm earthy tones stolen from nature. Think cherry blossom pinks, forest greens and stormy greys. As for materials, keep it natural with wooden floors, bamboo

Alagon Wooden Dining Table, available in four sizes by Dutchbone from www.cuckooland.com from £689 screens, linen sheets, leather sofas, stone vases and accessories. Lots of leafy plants are a must. Don’t worry if nothing matches or looks a little off-kilter. This look is not about carefully curated touches or deliberately co-ordinated aesthetics. It’s a look that’s comfortable and carefree.

Rustic solid wood wall cabinet by Dutchbone from www.cuckooland.com £289

LET IN THE LIGHT

Pull back the curtains, roll up the blinds, and open up the windows to let the light in and allow the fresh air to circulate. The wabi-sabi aesthetic is big on natural light, not the harsh, artificial light you get from bulbs. If privacy is an issue or you can’t leave windows open all day consider filtering the light with sheer curtains or bamboo blinds, and using carefully placed mirrors to bounce light around the room. 7

THINK SUSTAINABLY

As respect for the natural world is at very core of the wabi-sabi way of life, in interior design terms that means adopting a sustainable approach to living and the environment. Donate to charity or give away what you don’t need; repurpose rather than throw out furniture or fabric that’s looking a little shabby; reduce your household waste; recycle more; buy energy efficient products where possible.

Alibaba Laundry Baksets handmade by Senegalese artisans from local ndiorokh grass intertwined with long strips of plastic from www. Artisanne.co.uk £118.75

DOUBLE UP

Shop this month’s designer buyers and purse-friendly lookalikes BY RÓISÍN CARABINE

SAVE

SPLURGE

Modal Aviator Armchair CD1 in brown faux leather from www.cultfurniture.com £159

Logan Industrial Leather Dining Chair available in a choice of leathers from www.smithersofstamford.com £350

Golden Resin Angel Wings from www.audenza.com £89 Small Wall-Mounted Gold Angel Wings from www.melodymaison.co.uk £13.95

Trinket Pineapple Pot from Dunelm £14

Pineapple Mother of Pearl Storage Pot from Oliver Bonas £38 Hubsch Brass and White Spheres Chandelier from www.vivalagoon.com £345

Houston Chandelier from www.sohohome.com £1,250 Metal Bow Floor Lamp in Copper from Cuckooland.com £219

Bow Floor Lamp in brass and black marble from www.made.com £99 (also available in copper for £119)

Cactus Vase from George Home @ Asda £8

Ceramic Cactus Vase from Debenhams £25 each

Maiden Summer Enjoy an overnight stay in one of our guestrooms with a two course meal in Drawing OďŹ&#x192;ce Two, complimentary car parking for 24 hours and a Titanic sized breakfast the following morning from ÂŁ139. +44 (0) 28 9508 2000 | titanichotelbelfast.com reservations@titanichotelbelfast.com Terms and Conditions apply. Valid Sunday to Thursday from June to August 2018. Subject to availability

BRIDE Credit: Halfpenny London

Mr & Mrs Bowden Photography by Brendan Gallagher

aren Bushell and Andrew Bowden met at a Christmas party in 2011. “It was love at first sight for us both,” Karen says. “The very second I walked into the room, Andy and I looked right at each other and he came over and introduced himself to me. “I find Andy seriously funny and he tells me I’m beautiful every second of the day, Andy is my true life Prince Charming, he makes me feel like all my dreams have come true. “Five years later we got engaged on our son’s fourth birthday in a little cottage in Enniskillen. Andy gave me a beautiful speech about not wanting to wait any longer and asked would I marry him. I was so overjoyed; I had been waiting for this moment my whole life.” Karen wore a vintage lace dress from The Wedding Box, which she had Bardot-style sleeves added to. The look was accessories with a sparkling headpiece by Bridal Adornments. Brendan Gallagher captured the wedding photos, Karen says: “If any photographer knows what they’re doing, it’s Brendan Gallagher. I would hire him over and over again - for any occasion. He made us all feel so relaxed and just go with the flow. “The theme for the wedding was a vintage classic look with blush and navy colours. I wanted a timeless look and I feel I got that and more.” Karen adds: “Our favourite memory from the day was when Andy and myself first looked at each other when I was walking down the aisle; it took us back to that very look that captured us both when we first met. “Everyone has told us that our wedding was filled with so much love that it would be hard to top it with any other. We feel so blessed and grateful every day for what we have and our wedding proved that.” The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Galgorm Resort & Spa. n

Venue: Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor Dress: The Wedding Box, Newtownards Groomswear: Bogart Menswear, Belfast Bridesmaids’ dresses: Biento Madame, Belfast Makeup: Rebecca Bryson, Dundonald Hair: Hd Hair, Bangor Flowers: Floral Design, Bangor

Mr & Mrs McIlhennon Photos by Ken Haddock

elfast couple Niamh Tan and Kevin McIlhennon worked for Botanic Inns and first met through a work event in 2012. Niamh recalls: “Kevin had the most genuine, nicest smile and the personality to go with it. His dress sense at the time was a little questionable though, but he made great cocktails!” Kevin adds: “Niamh’s smile made me fall for her; it’s honestly the most stunning, radiant smile in the world”. Kevin popped the question two years later and the couple began planning their vintage-inspired day at Crumlin Road Gaol. “It was the perfect wedding venue; stunning inside and out,” Niamh recalls. “The staff were so professional and went above and beyond to ensure we had the perfect day. “Our theme was winter wonderland and Mum’s friends Irene McKay and Corinne Meekin hand-painted trees from their back garden white, and put fairy lights on each one with ivy picked from Larne Forest Park. Mum got the perfect lanterns from Sinead at Swift Services and it all looked amazing. “We wanted photographer Ken Haddock because he captures something special in each photo and has a unique quality about his style. He is incredible at what he does.” J-Bird Bakery, Belfast made the beautiful wedding cakes and the flowers were by Kathryn from The Flower Room, Holywood. The Swingtime Starlets sang at the drinks reception, May McFetridge entertained the guests before the meal, and for the evening Bentley Boys took to the stage. “Kevin and I did a choreographed first dance routine, followed by my youngest sister Irish dancing to Carrickfergus which was stunning,” Niamh says. Niamh’s favourite memory of her wedding day was, “seeing my soon-to-behusband watching me walking down the spiral staircase to meet him with tears running down his face and the biggest smile I’ve ever seen, and knowing how lucky I am to spend the rest of my life with him”. Kevin’s favourite moments include, “seeing Niamh in her dress for the first time. Closely followed by checking into the Culloden that night as Mr and Mrs McIlhennon.” n

Venue: Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast Dress: Blush Bridal, Belfast Groomswear: Balmoral Suit Hire, Belfast Bridesmaids’ dresses: Forever Bridal Boutique, Belfast Hair: Zoe Morgan, Hedonist, Belfast Makeup: Ellen Lundy, Paddy McGurgan’s Make-Up-Pro Store, Belfast

From embellished detail to layers and layers of tulle, NW brings you the very latest wedding dress trends

Jenny Packham

Halfpenny London

Dramatic bows, diamante detail, and chic pearl embellishment add attention-grabbing impact to any wedding dress. Forget â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;less is moreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and opt for head-to-toe sparkles.

Theia

Lipsy

Catherine Parry

Berta Bridal dress from Verona Bridal, Magherafelt

Ivy & White

Amelia Sposa

Chi Chi London

From illusion full length sleeves to floaty batwing styles, wedding dresses with sleeve are having a major fashion moment. Spring 2019 runways have been away with off-theshoulder sleeved styles.

Nicole Spose dress from LA Bridal House, Carrickfergus

Alon LivnĂŠ

Liz Martinez

Hayley Paige

For brides-to-be who are dreaming of a princess dress, tulle designs are perfect for you. This season traditional tulle has been modernised with plunging necklines, applique and beading.

Tara Keely

Divinity Bridal, Lisburn

Castle Couture, Ballymena

WIN

FIVE ‘SCULPTED BY AIMEE CONNOLLY’ ROSE GOLD EDITION

To celebrate Sculpted by Aimee Connolly the Rose Gold Edition now being available across Northern Ireland in Gordons Chemists, Northern Woman has teamed up with our award-winning beauty columnist to give five readers the chance to win one of her stunning sets. Multi award-winning make-up artist Aimee Connolly is one of the leading figures in the Irish beauty industry and has worked with some of the world’s biggest make-up brands and Ireland’s bestknown celebrities. The Rose Gold Edition includes everything you need for both radiance and definition with bronzer, cream highlighter and rose gold powder highlighter. The palette comes with Aimee’s iconic double-ended brush which is the perfect tool for contouring and highlighting. There are five sets up for grabs, but don’t worry if you aren’t one of the lucky winners as Aimee’s award-winning hero product is available in selected Gordons Chemists and online at www.gordonsdirect.com

TO ENTER

Simply answer this question Where in Northern Ireland can you purchase Sculpted by Aimee Connolly? Email your answer and contact details to competitions@northernwoman. co.uk before 5pm on Friday 27th July. INM T&Cs apply

Eileen Hall, John Hall and Christine Cousins

Hannah Rodgers, Glen Vance, Arlene McKee and Philip Conway

Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards

The Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards took place at the Culloden Hotel recently. Winners and highly commended entries were recognised across nine categories during the Grocers’ Ball, an annual gala evening held at the Culloden Hotel to raise funds for grocers’ benevolent fund GroceryAid. The awards were judged by marketing experts Michael Maguire, Emma Cowan and Marian Norwood. Photos by Brian Thompson

Jacqui Cullen, Stephen Bogle, Val Thompson and Catherine O’Neill

Lorraine McAfee, Andrea Cahill and Orlaith Mitchell

Briege McGinty, Paddy McGinty, Aisling Graham and Paul Graham

Roisin Marshall and Kathleen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hare

Kerry and Ian McKinney, Anne and David Cooke

Integrated Education Fund Day at the Races Friends of the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) celebrated in sunshine and style on May Day at Down Royal Racecourse. Guests were welcomed by Baroness May Blood, IEF Campaign Chair, and entertained by their long standing supporter and comedian Tim McGarry. To support the work of the Integrated Education Fund visit www.ief.org.uk Photos by Declan Roughan

Jess Fitzsimmons and Christopher Fleming

Tim McGarry and Baroness May Blood Maris and Gerald Steinberg

Chloe Dougan and Alan Alexander

Action for Children Byte Night NI Launch

Lauren Fegan, Joanne McPoland and Eleanor Hudson

Mentalist David Meade thrilled guests at the Action for Children Byte Night NI Launch at the Europa Hotel. Byte Night is Action for Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest annual fundraiser; a national sleep-out event which will take place on 5th October in The Pavilion Stormont. Volunteers will spend a night sleeping rough to raise funds to prevent youth homelessness. To sign up visit: www.bytenight.org.uk Photos by Press Eye

JP and Jessica Matthew

Claim re McCarragher, Caroline Gaughan and Sara Mitchell

Fiona Mooney and Annette Goan

Barbara Stringer and Andrea Burns Catriona O’Boyle and Eoin McShane

Omnibus Home Official Launch Guests from the arts, interior design and media industries joined proprietor, Denise Burns to officially launch Omnibus Home, the newest furniture and gift store on Belfast’s Lisburn Road. The store features stylish pieces of homeware and artwork, and is the only stockist of the unique Tom’s Drag Collection in the UK and Ireland. Photos by Matt Mackey Denise Burns and Richard McElrea

Stephen Whalley and Dawn Crothers

Kate Cronin, Sean Ferrin and Carol Cochrane

Cahal McLaughlin and Siobhan Wills

Kate McConville and Kathryn Lonergan

Belfast Film Festival

The 18th Belfast Film Festival opened at Movie House Dublin Road, with a screening of new Irish film, Black 47. The festival presented a huge range of films from across the globe including new international cinema and documentaries, critically-acclaimed television, features and shorts from local filmmakers, and plenty of post-screening discussions. Photos by Press Eye Grainne Deeny and Rebecca Logan

Guinot Crown Elite Salon Awards

Chris Gillam, Patricia and Sam Clarke

Congratulations to Patricia and Sam Clarke from Aura Day Spa, Lisburn Road who are pictured receiving their Guinot Crown Elite Salon Award, which was presented by Chris Gillam MD of Guinot UK in London at the awards ceremony. Gok Wan compared the evening and a great night was had by all.

Gok Wan

Andi Lewis with Marco Pierre White

Amanda Savage and Corina Wheatley

Marco Pierre White new menu launch Critically acclaimed chef and restauranteur Marco Pierre White visited Belfast recently to host a special lunch and a book signing. Marco welcomed guests to the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill at the Park Avenue Hotel in east Belfast. Attendees sampled dishes from the new menu and had a chance to chat to Marco about this latest offering. Photos by William Cherry, Press Eye Christopher and Kiera Worsford

Juanita Collins and Roisin Sheahan

Leanne Gray and Maurice Kitchen

In the August issue of

Self tan reviewed Orla Chennaoui talks sport Trends, tips and styling secrets The rise of the mumtrepreneur Why Mondays are the best days

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

Credit: Dunnes Stores

Send us your photo! Thanks to all who submitted photos for our new ‘Here & There’ page. To be featured simply take a photo of you with Northern Woman out and about locally or abroad, and email it to NW editor Catriona: c.doherty@ independentmagazinesni.co.uk. Every month one reader will win a ‘Pic of the Month’ prize – so well done to Joanne Trainor who has won a BPerfect Cosmetics goodie bag that contains a 10 Second Tan Mousse, Golden Body Glow Shimmer and Velvet Tanning Mitt.

PIC O F MON THE TH

Joanne Trainor pictured at Tyrella Beach, Downpatrick “Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea”

Aelah Williamson pictured in Harmony Beauty & Relaxation, Letterkenny

HERE & THERE Jackie Reid soaking up the sun in Benidorm

Amanda Roche and Rachael Lennon pictured in Titanic Hotel Belfast

Sisters Mary and Katie Doherty reading their copy of Northern Woman at home in Carndonagh, Donegal

Have your brand featured here and reach your target audience. 94

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

R E G BLOG CORNER

BY KATIE WILLIAMSON FROM THE BURNING WICK

hen you hear the word friendship what springs to mind? Friendship means something different to every one of us, but it always means something. While I’m pretty young, I’ve had my fair share of close friends, changes in relationships and fallouts. I hope friendship conjures up positive thoughts but likely we’ve all had ups and downs. I won’t sit here and say friendships are always easy. Making new friends is hard; maintaining friendships - harder. High expectations are often the problem. At some point in your life, you’ve probably imagined your ‘dream friend’, I know I have - how they treat you, things you do together, what you have in common; the list could go on – but you’re unlikely to find someone who’ll be the perfect combination. Lowering your expectations goes with many things in life. Have you never done something that turned out better than you thought, simply because you didn’t know what to expect? When we take out expectations, the way you view your friends can be instantly changed. When we’re young we feel the need to have one ‘best friend’ and a hundred other not-so-best friends. As I’ve got older I’ve noticed that I no longer have one close friend or a huge number of friends. Instead, I have a few close friends that meet different needs. Some friends might be fun on a night out, while others can share life’s

The realities of

FRIENDSHIP

problems. When it comes to friendships it’s definitely quality over quantity. We all know the cliché, ‘it’s the little things in life’ but with friendship this couldn’t be more appropriate. Little things make or break a friendship. It can be as simple as the friend who never fails to make you laugh or the friend who calls, even when they’re busy. I want people who I can be silly with, cry with, or be grumpy with, and those who always accept me. Many of us hate change, especially in friendships. Friends change; some you grow closer to, others drift away. Some are friends for a season; others are forever. The friend you thought you’d grow old with may not be the reality. That’s okay. Learn to embrace these changes because sometimes the friends we meet along the way are the ones we’ve been waiting for. Often change

is necessary, particularly when a friendship becomes toxic. In these moments you have to take a step back and let go. Take time to nurture those who bring out the best in you. Move on from those who don’t. Each friendship can have a different value and purpose. Cherish friendships that bring out the best version of you and the version you like the most. Value the friends that accept who you are and can challenge, but not change you. Most importantly, never take friendship for granted. If you’d like to hear more thoughts on beauty, fashion and life, visit my blog www.theburningwick.co.uk and my Instagram @katiewilliamson5

NORTHERN MAN Two amazing but very different mini breaks

Tropical Ravine, Botanic Gardens, Belfast

t’s holiday season! I had a fantastic response to last month’s cruise feature so I thought I’d tell you more about our more recent trip on the largest cruise ship at sea; the Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas. For two nights in April we were invited along by Royal Caribbean to experience everything the Symphony has to offer ahead of its summer sailing from Barcelona and around the Mediterranean. It has everything you would ever need to have a fantastic holiday. For nightlife, head to the Royal Promenade, it’s a street in the middle of the ship, packed full of bars and nightlife options including the amazing floating Rising Tide Bar and a robotic Bionic Bar. Or if you would prefer a bit of a quieter place, head upstairs to Central Park and relax with a cocktail surround by 12000 plants and trees. For adventure try The Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, or the waterslides where you travel at breakneck speed down the chutes. I lost count of how many times we ran up those steps only to end up back at the bottom a few seconds later. The best fun. You might also want to try surfing on the FlowRider, or go across the ship on a zip line. Or you might try something more relaxing like crazy golf. The kids can enjoy the largest kids’ facilities at sea, and if your budget stretches, the family suite has a slide connecting the bedrooms to the living

area, and yes I tried it. Royal Caribbean do the best entertainment, Symphony is currently showing Hairspray, and it’s actually better than the West End version. I certainly left the theatre singing along to Good Morning Baltimore. I could go on for hours about how much I enjoyed the Symphony of the Seas, but I’m not sure my editor would appreciate that! Closer to home I can recommend a mini cruise experience. Get over to the Fermanagh Lakelands, hire a boat from Manor House Marine for a few days and explore the stunning loughs. I recently spent three days cruising, exploring and learning how to manage a cruiser on my own. It was daunting at first but you quickly find your stride and feel ready to take on the world. Amazing on every level. Check out my day trip ideas over there on the next page with lots of suggestions for a day out across NI. Have a great summer and I’ll be back after our summer break with more updates on my adventures, including an 80’s cruise, with, wait for it, Kim Wilde and Belinda Carlisle performing! Thanks for reading. n

e really are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in Northern Ireland. We are blessed with so much beauty both natural and manmade right on our doorstep. Northern Ireland is such a small country and yet we have everything from majestic mountains to luscious lakelands and everything in between. Why not add some of these ideas to your must-do list this summer: 1 Head to the North Coast on a sunny day for the beaches and the endless sands of Portstewart Strand and Harry’s Shack for lunch or dinner. 2 The iconic Giant’s Causeway is always a great option, book in for lunch at the Causeway Hotel. 3 Visit some Game of Thrones filming locations including the Dark Hedges and Ballintoy and pop into Fullerton Arms for something to eat and get a photo of one of the GoT doors. 4 Get the train to Legenderry and enjoy one of the most stunning train journeys along the North Coast. Walk the walls on a tour, visit the museum and Guildhall. If you’re going to stay over, Bishops Gate Hotel is a gem.

Fermanagh Lakelands

Scrabo Tower, Newtownards

Bangor Marina

Day tripping Eleven local day trips to do this summer BY JEFF MEREDITH 5 Head to Enniskillen and hire a boat from Manor House Marine and enjoy the beautiful Fermanagh Lakelands.

home. The Walled Garden and North Down Museum are always worth a visit. 9 The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum could easily be a full day trip and you can get there by train. Experience life in 18th Century rural Ireland or get up close to a Delorean in the transport museum. For lunch treat yourself to afternoon tea in the Culloden Estate & Spa right next door.

6 Go even further west and visit the

Marble Arch Caves and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling full of energy walk the Stairway to Heaven up Cuilcagh Mountain.

The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney

Portstewart Strand

Mount Stewart, Down

7 In County Down, head for a walk up to Scrabo Tower then travel down the peninsula to the beautiful Mount Stewart and surrounding demesne.

10 Titanic Quarter is jam-packed full of things to do. You could visit the world famous Titanic Belfast building, the newly renovated HMS Caroline or the Nomadic. You could go for a sky dive experience or jump on the Wee Tram.

8 If you fancy a coastal adventure, get the train to Helenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay and walk the coastal path to Bangor, and once you reach the town, stop off at The Drawing Room or The Guillemot for treats before getting the train

11 In Belfast the Ulster Museum is a fantastic free place to visit and the Victorian-era Palm House is just around the corner. The newly renovated Tropical Ravine is proving very popular. n

Photography by Jeff Meredith 97

— COMPETITION —

Win

A two-night stay at The Ice House Hotel, Mayo

his summer, keep cool with a stay at the Ice House Hotel. Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, overlooking the River Moy and the woodlands beyond, the Ice House is an escape from the ordinary with a bounty of beauty, adventure and history right on its doorstep. The Ice House is in the perfect location to wrap yourself in the wilderness of the West Coast of Ireland, all the while enjoying the fantastic food, soothing spa, bubbling hot tubs and super service that this award winning boutique hotel offers. From cliff walks to sea stacks, spa treatments to seafood trails, the North Mayo section of the Wild Atlantic Way has lots to inspire. We are giving you the chance to win a summer break at the Ice House Hotel – you and a guest can stay for two nights in this beautiful hotel with dinner on one evening and breakfast on both mornings.

If you are not lucky enough to win this occasion, check out www.icehousehotel.ie or call 00353 (0)96 23500.

TO ENTER Simply complete the sentence: The Ice House Hotel overlooks the river… Email your answer and contact details to competitions@northernwoman.co.uk before 5pm on Friday 27th July. T&Cs: The prize is subject to availability and is non-transferrable. INM T&Cs apply.