Editor’s Letter
H
i all, Welcome to our May issue. This has been a really exciting month in my life as I got married. Thanks to Emma Deighan for managing Northern Woman in my absence. Emma caught up with former Corrie star Liam Farnworth, who is performing in the stage adaptation of The Girl on the Train at the Grand Opera House. To mark International Nurses Day on 12th May, journalist Jade Beecroft spoke to five nurses about what makes their job so special. Jade also reported on the importance of ethical beauty and asking ourselves how much of our products come from local, environmentally-aware companies. This month’s fashion spread was shot in Ards Boxing Studio. The setting proved to be the perfect backdrop for our athleisure-themed spread, and I really enjoyed chatting to head coach Stevie Quinn who told me about the positive impact the club was making amongt young people in the local community. For more fashion inspiration, see our yellow, orange, polka dot, and dressing for success features.
I went along to the GAME OF THRONES: The Touring Exhibition at the TEC Belfast, which will run through to 1st September 2019. If you are a Game of Thrones fan you really should check it out – see the Social 10 (p.64-65) for more details. We have another amazing subscription offer running this month; get 11 issues of NW delivered to your home for only £15, and the price includes a free gift worth £29.99; the Express Liquid Tan and Luxury Tanning Mitt from He-Shi. In addition, we also bring you beauty news, readers’ weddings, local events, interior décor ideas, travel reviews, Blogger Corner, and a lot more besides. Until next month,
Catriona Doherty Editor Northern Woman
Contact me at: c.doherty@independentmagazinesni.co.uk. Follow NW on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/NorthernWomanMagazine, Instagram: @northernwomanmagazine, LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/company/northern-woman, and Twitter @NorthernWomanNW
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CONTENTS MAY 2019
STYLE 08 SUNRISE AND SHINE From mellow marigold to rich rust 10 SUNSET Playing with a platter of orange hues 12 TREND SPOTTED Polka print 14 DRESSING FOR SUCCESS 17 FASHION’S GREATEST SPORT Athleisure looks FEATURES 26 KEEPING UP THE SUSPENCE NW chats to Oliver Farnworth 30 IN THE CARE OF NURSES What makes the job so special BEAUTY 33 THE BEAUTY EDIT Makeup bag and skincare must-haves 34 6 UNDER £6 Wallet friendly products 35 WEDDING GUEST GLAM 36 ETHICAL BEAUTY 38 5 MINUTES WITH Skincare expert Dr Carl R. Thornfeldt HEALTH AND WELLNESS 40 TAKE A MOMENT Local parents back mental health campaign 42 THE HOLISTIC PATH TO MOTHERHOOD 44 THE 10 WORST THINGS ABOUT DIETING 45 THE WEE DISCUSSION Talking about urinary leakage 48 HOMEMADE GRANOLA Sal Hanvey shares her gluten-free recipe 50 SHOP LOCAL Home-grown produce to try this month 51 LIGHTNESS AND LOVE Recipe special ESCAPE 56 DALLAS FLYER’ CLUB
Cover image from Vero Moda www.veromoda.com Credit: Mango. For fashion see pages 6-25
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Credit: Zara. For fashion see pages 6-25
58 DISNEYLAND PARIS Getting the most from your trip LIVING 68 DOUBLE UP Designer doubles 70 8 INTERIOR DESIGN MYTHS BUSTED 74 LOVE SEATS ARE HAVING A MOMENT 75 SPACE CREATING TRICKS 76 A COUNTRYSIDE ESCAPE ON THE NORTH COAST Inside a reader’s home IN EVERY ISSUE 64 THE SOCIAL 10
62 63 80 84 94 95 96
LET’S DRINK TO… Campari MOVIE ROUNDUP LOCAL WEDDINGS THE ALBUM Social photos HERE & THERE BLOGGER CORNER By Ciara deCarteret NORTHEN MAN What Jeff Meredith learned while training for his first marathon 98 WIN A stay at the Ice House
Publisher Independent News & Media Ltd Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3GB T: 028 9026 4264 Production Manager: Irene Fitzsimmons Editor: Catriona Doherty Design: Robert Armstrong Art Editor: Helen Wright Editorial Contributors Claire Craig, Clare Bowie, Emma Deighan, Jade Beecroft, James Oliver, Jeff Meredith, Jemma Widsom, Lucy Norris, Paula Gracey, Sal Hanvey, Róisín Carabine and Ciara deCarteret 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.
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STYLE
Credit: Vila
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9
Dress from Only £32
Sunrise and shine
From sunrise to sunset SS19’s colour pallette takes on a sunny disposition travelling through a rainbow of mellow marigold to rich rust… BY EMMA DEIGHAN 8
Bag from Accessorize £25
Zebra satin cowl neck dress from New Look £24
Skirt from Zara £29.99 Dress from F&F at Tesco £22 Brandon Maxwell SS19 Shirt dress from Primark £15 Broderie playsuit from New Look £24 Dress from Studio by Preen at Debenhams £69
Sliders from Dune, £85
Bag from Guess £149
Tie waist blazer from River Island £60
Dress from New Look £22.99
Wide legged trousers from Next £32 Jacket £35 and trousers £20 from Dorothy Perkins Suedette jacket from Matalan £30
Trousers from Miss Selfridge £25
Dress £40 from UptownBiBi; photo by RMD Photographi; model Donna Louise; hair by Lisa McCrory Hairdressing; makeup by Ellen McNamee; location Parkanaur Manor House
Trousers from Dorothy Perkins, £20
Faux fur coat from Primark £20
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Tee from Primark £4
Satin shirt dress from Wallis £50
Swimsuit from Topshop £10 Dress £50 and shoes £45 from Wallis
SUNSET Playing with a platter of orange hues will add a colourful spark to your new season collection
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Suede mule from River Island £45
Skirt from H&M £34.99
Eliza blouse from Hobbs £99
Rust mac from George at ASDA £25
Tibi SS19
Valencia dress from Hobbs £299
Tina tie waist jogger from Monsoon £39
Raffia fan earring from Oliver Bonas £24
Slogan tee from Dorothy Perkins £12 Curve co-ord printed kimono from Very £32 Romper from Miss Selfridge £32
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Polkadot dress from Oasis £58
Headband from Primark £4
Blazer from River Island £65
D N S P E R Slider from Bon Prix £19.99
Wrap blouse from Bon Prix £27.99
Hat from M&Co £15
Yellow Polka Top from Superdry £44
TE OT D
T
Blouse from Laura Ashley £65
Nightwear from J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams £28
Polka dots have upped their game and it’s time to step out of that monochrome comfort zone into brighter territory 12
Sandal from Next £25
Cropped trousers from JD Williams £25
Swimsuit from New Look £25
Spot dress from George at ASDA £20
Dress from Zara £95.99
Brown tunic top from Evans £30.40 Polka top from Oasis £38
Yellow dress from Miss Selfridge £38
Polka skirt from Oasis £38
Trousers from Miss Selfridge £35
Escada SS19
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Next
Dressing for success Why wearing your confidence will bag you the job
W
e’ve always been taught never to pre-judge or assume based on what someone looks like but there’s one place these life lessons get flung out the window – the wonderful world of business. Forget what you know, start viewing your office attire as your battle armor and dress your way to the top. As American costume designer Edith Head so wisely pointed out: “You can have anything you want in life, if you dress for it,” and I’m about to spill the T on just how to grab those life goals – one pencil skirt at a time. Whatever it is that you’re doing in life,
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BY LUCY NORRIS it’s important to glow from the outside in. Yes, you heard it right, what’s happening on the outside is just as important, as the first thing people will see is your clothing. Imagine it as an outer-shell; remember the face you present to the world should not necessarily be a reflection of your inner feelings. Fake it till you make it and fool the world into thinking you’ve got it together every day. Whether it’s right or wrong, prejudgment is inevitable so why not cheat the system and create those small victories for yourself by putting in extra time to perfect your interview outfit so you can radiate confidence without even opening your mouth.
It’s said that people will make up their mind on what kind of a person you are within the first seven seconds of laying eyes on you. That’s not an awful lot of time to tell someone all you’re capable of, so show them instead. Get rid of the chipped nail polish and scrub off the remainder of that fake tan – you’ll be oozing responsible capability in no time. Clean up your act before you miss out on opportunities that you could’ve had if you’d just changed that slightly-stained blazer. Considering the finer attributes of your outfit will demonstrate an attention to detail to your employer. Making sure you look presentable is not only outwardly impressive, but it perks up a sense of motivation that will carry you
Top tips to dress for success - Respect the dress code of the office. We all love to add a personal flare to our outfits but if the rules say ‘no’ then adhere to them. - Be modest in what you choose and remember that you are in a professional environment; whether it feels like it or not. - Comfort is key. Dressing for success doesn’t have to mean sitting in discomfort for nine hours a day. Seek out professional clothing that’s soft and complimentary against your skin. - Matching colours is a great way to clean up an outfit and creat the impression of professionalism. Colour co-ordination radiates organisation and gives you an air of sophistication to carry around with you all day. - Last but not least, keep it clean and simple. Yes, that tiny stain is noticeable and no, patterned socks visible under your trousers are not okay.
Up your workwear game with these picks Plaited handbag with bamboo detail from Uterqüe £79 Paisley print dress with belt from Massimo Dutti £99.95
Black tie waist trouser from Laura Ashley £65
Mist pleated dress from Oliver Bonas £75
Make these small changes and you’ll be climbing up that ladder faster than you can say CEO!
through the day. Think about it this way, if you’re going to wake up that extra half an hour early to fix your hair or makeup, you’re not likely to waste the effort by slacking in the office. We all know that feeling when you’ve made an effort and that certain someone doesn’t appreciate all your hard work, right? Well the same concept applies here, except the effort will always go noticed whether you realise it or not. Maintaining a professional edge, regardless of whether your environment enforces it, is important, not just for your career but also for the sustainability of the entire company. If you’re meeting clients looking like you just rolled in from a night on the town, the reputation of the company in the eyes of that outsider is going to melt faster than the cheese on that pizza you finished off your late night with. More than being the face of a brand whenever you’re in a work related situation, dressing professionally does wonders for your personal reputation. You never know what opportunities you’ll run into, so avoid the ‘I wish I’d left the pug t-shirt at home today’ nightmare. You’ll thank yourself later. Dressing in a professional manner not only helps your chances, but also makes you feel like a stronger individual. Don’t ask why, but numerous studies have found that when you’re suited and booted, you feel a sense of empowerment like no other. So really, you’ve got nothing to lose by sprucing up your act.
Tassel loafer from Deichmann £22.99 Check blazer from Next £36 Polka dot pencil skirt from Simply Be £18
Small glass coffee cup from Primark £6
Malli from Head Over Heels £58
Pink leather handbag from TK Maxx £29.99
White wrap top from Topshop £45
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In the June issue of Health & happiness around the world Packing for your summer holiday Improving your outdoor space New season style
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Interiors, health & wellness, travel reviews, local weddings, beauty news, events, competitions and lots more
Credit: Mango
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Fashion’s greatest sport Athleisure is back again for SS19 and it’s taking casual to a whole new level in and out of the ring. So make sure your wardrobe is hitting a high… Shot on location at Ards Boxing Club Jacket £139 and belt £69 from Cubana, Lisburn Road; top £62.95 and trousers £285 from Please Don’t Tell, Lisburn Road; trainers stylist’s own; earrings model’s own
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Demin jacket £110, crop top £30, skirt £70, bag £85, and baseball cap £35 all from Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria Square; trainers £42 and socks £3.50 from Topshop, Victoria Square
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Velvet crop top £20, cycling shorts £25, trainers £42, and socks £3.50 from Topshop, Victoria Square; headband stylist’s own; earrings model’s own
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Dress £70 and shoes £125 from Karen Millen, Victoria Square; socks from Topshop, Victoria Square, £3.50; earrings model’s own
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Jacket £159.95, top £62.95, cycling shorts £69.95, and sneakers £179.95 from Please Dont Tell, Lisburn Road; earrings model’s own
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– PHOTOGRAPHY – Brendan Gallagher 079 0063 8365 www.brendangallagher.net – MAKEUP – Samantha Weightman 078 6631 5279 www.samanthaweightman.com – HAIR – Carl St.Elliott @ Zuni Hairdressing 028 9033 2345 www.facebook.com/zunihair – MODEL – Anna Henry @ ACA Models 028 9080 9809 www.acamodels.com – STYLIST – Lesley Macaulay 078 6680 9031 www.instagram.com/lesley.macaulay Stylist Assistant Hope Macaulay www.instagram.com/hope.macaulay – LOCATION – Ards Boxing Club 074 2751 4437
Jacket £39, cycling shorts £25, velvet crop top £20, socks £3.50, and trainers £42 from Topshop, Victoria Square; sunglasses stylist’s own; earrings model’s own
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Keeping up the
suspense BY EMMA DEIGHAN 26
Former Coronation Street star Oliver Farnworth talks playing sultry Scott in the stage adaptation of The Girl on the Train, Belfastbound this June…
I
f actor Oliver Farnworth wasn’t playing the victim in one of Coronation Street’s scariest plotlines as Gavin Rodwell, or donning a stiff collar to play in a period drama, he’d get down and dirty in the construction game he says. He’s been renovating his home in Manchester with girlfriend and discovering that the arduous labour of developing a property is now something of a new passion. “Renovating the house has been a big learning curve,” he begins. “I’ve been digging up floors, sanding those floors and laying insulation. Some of it has been quite scary, but when it’s all done and nice we can look back and laugh at the days when we had no central heating.” DIY has been keeping the actor busy ahead of his trip to Belfast’s Grand Opera House to star in the touring stage version of the hit novel The Girl on The Train, which runs from June 11-15 here.
Continued on 28 ➤
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Oliver as Scott Hipwell in The Girl on The Train and co-star Samantha Womack
“I like the outdoors and being active so I would probably do something there, or property developing, if I wasn’t acting,” he continues. Oliver’s trip to Belfast will mark his first ever visit to the island of Ireland but he’s quick to point out that this one will make up for lost time. “I have never been to Ireland full stop but I’m about to rectify that. We’re talking about hiring a car and riding up to the Giant’s Causeway and we plan on taking in the cities. I just want to enjoy the craic with a bit of light music in the evenings, and I want to experience that warm welcome,” he adds. Oliver stars as Scott Hipwell in Paula Hawkins best-seller book which was released back in 2015. For those familiar with the plot, Scott is the husband of the deceased Megan. Both the book and the movie adaptation of The Girl on The Train have been hugely popular, with the thriller suspense genre illustrated through flashbacks which make for captivating reading and viewing. And if you haven’t read the book or seen the film, you’ll still feel very engaged in the stage version, says Oliver. “It’s a real psychological mystery thriller and it unwinds at such a quick pace. It’s a snappy griller with a really exciting twist in the storyline that will have the crowd second guessing every character right up to
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the end of the show. “My Dad came to see it and he said it was like a game of Cluedo when you’re trying to pick up all these clues, and that’s quite inspiring to hear. He even went out and bought the book the next day.” If that isn’t an endorsement of the performance put on by Oliver and his fellow castmates, we don’t know what is. Oliver stars alongside Samantha Womack (Eastenders’, now deceased, Ronnie Mitchell) who plays the lead, Rachel. He describes her as “a true professional”. “We have lots of fun as well. We’ll come out to the bar after the show, it really is quite an ensemble, the whole thing, and Sam is the main one. As Rachel she has taken it upon herself to become an amateur detective and get embroiled in people’s lives because she feels personally attached to it.” Asked to give readers an insight into his own character he continues: “Scott is a slightly aggrieved husband who may or
may not have the right to be aggrieved. We learn that he hasn’t trusted Megan, his wife, in the past, which I’m not condoning for one minute, but we learn perhaps he feels justified because of something she may or may not have done. We see this guy at the beginning who is deeply concerned by the whereabouts of his wife, but isn’t doing all in his power to find her, which may or may not implicate him.” During our chat Scott was on week eight of the show’s tour having taken in Wolverhampton and Edinburgh. He was due to perform in Manchester where he hoped his ex-colleagues from Coronation Street would come out en-masse to support him. Touring UK cities, putting on the same performance, is a stark contrast to the cobblestoned Coronation Street where Oliver spent three years as character Andy Carver. You get the feeling that he’s welcomed the break from the 12-hour shifts
Oliver as Andy in Coronation Street where he spent three years
that are common ground for soap stars with big storylines and he relishes playing with his new character Scott. “I just like working, personally.” he says. “With Corrie you knew if you were in a big storyline, you’re in for 12-hour days and you have to pace out your energy, but with the play it’s different. We do eight shows a week so you need to almost build up to get your energy ready and you need to find different ways to keep the show the alive, because you’d probably go mad if you didn’t. We’re always discovering little nuances in the script and I think that’s a good way of keeping it alive. “The other thing about stage is you get away with a lot of theatrical licence, and you see that in The Girl on the Train and the way we incorporate Rachel’s world. It really is a full-on workout for Sam, who remembers things in a dreamlike way.” Reflecting on his bold storyline in Corrie, the role that really brought him to the
public’s attention and saw him murdered by building boss and general psycho Pat Phelan, following some twist-turning months held in captivity in an abandoned warehouse, he says: “I had such a great time. My first stint in the show was a happygo-lucky Andy, working in the Beestro Club, going with Steph but then it got really, really dark and when those scripts came through I thought ‘this will be fun and I’m going to make this real’.” Andrew ‘Andy’ Carver initially introduced himself to the residents of the Street posing as Michael Rodwell’s (Les Denis) son Gavin. Despite his original deception, he formed a close bond with Michael, especially following the real Gavin’s death. And that bond between the two characters carried on off-screen as Oliver and Les can still be found socialising long after the pair were killed off in soap world. Following Michael’s death from a heart attack, and realising that Michael’s enemy
Pat Phelan had a hand in his death, Andy got into a dangerous feud which concluded with his captivity. More recently Oliver has acted in TV drama Endeavour as the character PC Rich Potter. He was also a star in soap Hollyoaks and he’s acted in period dramas The Royal and Mr Selfridge – a genre that he hopes to continue exploring. “Having done period drama, I think, after this, I’d push to try and get on some more. I do enjoy inhabiting characters from other eras. It’s also about the costumes and the set, everything is different. When you’re in a starched collar and your hair’s done a different way you move differently, you have a different decorum, and I think it’s just quite nice to immerse yourself into that.” Drama has always been Oliver’s first love. The star says he was encouraged by his parents to follow his passion and so he trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. “Drama was always something I enjoyed at school, so when we moved to Devon the school had a strong drama department and I got into doing plays. When I realised I wanted to do it professionally I didn’t know if I wanted to write or act. It wasn’t until university that I decided to act.” Such is the warm reception given to The Girl on the Train and Oliver’s performance, he has been asked to continue his role as Scott for a further four months. It’s a decision he’s yet to commit to. “The tour is meant to end in August and they’ve extended it until November so I’m in talks with my agent and I’m seeing if that’s going to be something I’m interested in the doing. It’s great to have work on the table.” And before we part ways the star adds: “I just hope to keep the Belfast audience on the edge of their seats when we come in June.”
The Girl on the Train will show at the Grand Opera House Belfast from 11-15 June 2019. For tickets visit: www.goh.co.uk
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In the care of nurses Sunday May 12th is International Nurses Day. We speak to five Northern Ireland nurses about what makes their job so special BY JADE BEECROFT THE MIDWIFE:
Alison Hall-Thompson is a Community Midwife based in East Belfast “My favourite thing about midwifery is the opportunity to meet so many different women and their families, from very different backgrounds, and support them at such a special time in their lives. We try to make their experience as positive as possible.
Alison Hall-Thompson, photo credit Ben Hall-Thompson
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Karen McEvoy
“A typical day can involve home visits to see mum and baby after delivery, to make sure mum is making a good recovery physically and mentally, and to check baby is feeding well and thriving. “Most afternoons I will have an antenatal clinic where we check blood pressure and urine, take bloods, have a feel of the bump and listen to the baby’s heart rate to ensure the pregnancy is progressing well. For first-time mums this often runs alongside a series of classes to prepare them and their partner for the birth. “I also do shifts on-call and attend the occasional homebirth too. It can be busy! “Research shows that well-supported women have better pregnancies and births, and this has a knock-on effect that leads to better parenting, which in-turn benefits society. “The biggest challenges we face are limited staffing and resources. Midwives are a wonderful bunch of people who step up to work extra shifts or stay late regularly, but stress is one of the biggest reasons for sickness in the profession. “Midwifery is so important. Good or bad, it’s a memory a woman carries with her for the rest of her life, so I love the opportunity to try and make it a good one.”
THE MENTAL HEALTH NURSE:
Karen McEvoy is Mental Health Team Leader for the Lisburn sector “I’ve been working in nursing since the early 80s; I’m actually due to retire in November this year. My grandmother suffered mental health problems, so it’s an area I’ve always been interested in. “Back when I first started there was such a stigma surrounding mental health issues; there was a shame to it. Nobody wanted to talk about it. Now, thankfully, times have changed. “My job involves overseeing two teams in the Lisburn and Hillsborough area, and my staff work out in the community. “It takes real devotion to be a nurse, but I always knew it was the career path I wanted, ever since I was 15. You see the impact you’re having on people’s lives and it’s so rewarding to be able to help them. “One the the biggest challenges we face is staffing; having enough people to do the job. There is always more to do. “But we’re like a work family, always pulling together to help each other out. It’s very special.”
Danielle Callaghan
THE A&E NURSE
Danielle Callaghan is a staff nurse in A&E at the Mater Hospital in Belfast “In A&E our job varies so much. I’ve been able to assist with intubation to save a life, as well as holding a hand at the end of a life. I’ve comforted families in times of bad news, but also shared happy times when results turned out to be good!
“We help patients with personal care, ensuring dignity and comfort, and provide tea and toast, or coffee to help those sat up all night with loved ones. “We give medication to ease symptoms, and we transfer patients to X-ray or CT, and to the wards. We work as a team – a good one at that – with the doctors, nurses, HCAs, receptionists, porters and domestics, and every day is different, that’s the best part of the job. “We often see patients who are acutely unwell. Giving them the treatment they need to ease symptoms in that initial stage is so rewarding, you feel you are really making a difference. “The biggest challenge we face is inappropriate use of services – at times people seem to forget it’s accident and emergency. For example, someone with a broken fake nail should go to their nail technician… someone with a sore throat should go to their GP… someone with a cough should visit their pharmacist. “People are very quick to complain to nurses about the waiting times, but it’s due to the amount of people requesting to be seen. We work 13-hour shifts and always give our best. Nursing isn’t just a career, it’s a vocation. It’s a job to be proud of, even on the bad days; you may not be able to see it, and the patient may not even say thanks, but you will have changed a life.”
THE COMMUNITY NURSE:
Kelly Pleasants is a community nurse with the Southern Trust’s Advanced Care at Home team “We try to prevent hospital admissions so we take referrals from GPs, NIAS and ED. We run a clinic from Down Hospital in Downpatrick but mostly I’m going into people’s homes. “Visiting people at home is a real privilege. It’s a very patient-centred and holistic service; nursing mixed with social and emotional support, looking after the patient as a whole. It’s undiluted nursing, very traditional actually. “Because we’re going into people’s homes we see them at their most vulnerable, but we also see the positive impact we’re having – not just on the patient, but often on their entire family. “We get to know families very well; it can be hard not to get attached. They’re very grateful because often our input means they can stay in their own homes instead of going into residential care. “I think one of the biggest challenges we face is trying to get enough staff into nursing; we’re always below target for staffing. We also spend a lot of time working out on our own in the community. “But nursing really is very special. When someone is in their most vulnerable moments they rely on a nurse for help. They break down their barriers and allow us in. People tend to relax around nurses; they see us as a point of confidence and trust.
“Part of my job also involves palliative care; looking after people who are dying in their own homes. You have only got one chance to get things right for them, but just being able to help them and their families at that crucial time is extremely humbling. “Midwives see the beginning of the chain; the births. At the other end of the life cycle, we are able to give respect and dignity to people in their final days.”
Eleanor Mitchell
THE PRIMARY CARE NURSE: Eleanor Mitchell is treatment room sister at Bangor Health Centre
“I worked as an auxiliary for years before doing my nursing training in my 40s. I was 41 when I started two years at night school, and 43 when I began my threeyear degree course at Queen’s University, Belfast. I graduated 12 years ago and haven’t looked back since. “At Bangor Health Centre we provide services for five local GP practices, doing everything from blood tests and health promotion to wound care and dressings. Some days we might be working with cancer patients, others with mums who’ve had C-sections or people with leg ulcers. “We get to know our patients really well. We have one gentleman who brings us a box of chocolates every October, just in case he’s not around for Christmas! He’s been doing it for years and he’s still with us! “As a sister I manage our team, but I absolutely love people and nursing is all about building good relationships with people. My team are fantastic and we always do our best. I try to respect their work-life balance and family lives, which really helps. “I think one of the biggest challenges of nursing is trying to help people who don’t want to be helped. We always try to do our absolute best, and go the extra mile, but sometimes that’s just not enough. “It’s a fantastic career though, so varied. I’d like to think it has something to offer to people of all ages, from school leavers to people who train in there 40s, like I did.”
Kelly Pleasants
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BEAUTY
Credit: Primark
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HERE COMES THE SUN
Clarins’ has released its new bronzer just in time for summer. Available in two shades, LightOptimizing+ Complex uses soft-focus pigments and pearls to help smooth complexion and revive skin’s natural radiance while creating a perfect golden glow. The Clarins Anti-Pollution Complex, with extracts of white tea and nipplewort, also helps to protect against free radicals and other external aggressors, whilst the Micropatch Vegetal forms a network on the skin’s surface to help prevent dehydration. Limited Edition Bronzing Compact from Clarins £31
FESTIVAL STYLE
Inspired by the spirit of carnival and the energy of music festivals, ghd’s new Platinum+ Styler uses innovative predictive technology in the sensors to predict your personal hair needs and adapt the delivery of power accordingly. By recognising the thickness of your hair and the speed at which you are styling, it delivers unbeatable results faster than Platinum+ Styler ever before. from ghd £175
FLAWLESS FINISH
Max Factor’s new Radiant Lift Foundation makes choosing between having a radiant complexion and long-lasting foundation a problem of the past. Delivering long-lasting coverage, the formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid complex, designed to effectively contribute to hydrating the skin. At the same time, an infusion of skin- smoothing micro-pearls glide on to reduce the appearance of fine lines, while protective SPF 30 helps prevent signs of ageing and damage from UVB rays. Radiant Lift Foundation from Max Factor £14.99
STAY HYDRATED
No7’s new HydraLuminous skincare range claims to instantly boost hydration levels by more than 60%. Powered by Pure Hyaluronic Acid, the oil-free HydraLuminous Water Concentrate can be applied directly to skin prior to moisturising or mixed into moisturiser for a hydration boost. HydraLuminous Water Concentrate from No7 £16
The Beauty Edit BY CLAIRE CRAIG
The latest makeup, hair and skincare must haves SHAKEN NOT STIRRED
Enriched with almond oil from Provence and almond milk, this bi-phase shower oil from L’Occitane consists of two different textures that become a deliciously milky formula when mixed together. Tiny steel balls help the phases to mix together and create a shaker sound effect. Once you’ve mixed them up, the result is a product that gently cleanses and works to moisturise and nourish your skin all day long. It rinses off easily, to leave skin feeling silky, supple and delicately fragranced with almond. Shower Shake from L’Occitane £19.50
SLEEP EASY
Formulated with relaxing and soothing essential oils, including chamomile and lavender this natural, non-synthetic sleep mist from Slip has been designed to aid a good night’s rest. Simply spray it in your bedroom to create a calming environment and breathe deeply. Sleep Mist from Slip £29
BALANCING ACT
Go one day longer to protect from further water and mechanical damage by introducing this Dry Shampoo into your regime, freshening roots and controlling odour without the need for hair wash day. This light-as-afeather invisible formula, infused with balancing Rose Clay, gives hair that freshly washed feeling without leaving roots with a powdery build up. Healthy Balance One Day Longer Dry Shampoo from Charles Worthington £5.99
TO THE POINT
Get perfect feline flicks and winged eyes with Too Faced’s new Better Than Sex liquid eyeliner. The Easy Glide smudge and water proof formula and the dual-fibre brush lets you create an intense black line in just one stroke. Better Than Sex Eyeliner from Too Faced £18
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6 Under
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CLAIRE CRAIG
Beauty buys that won’t break the bank
Barry M’s Ready Set Smooth loose setting powder in Banana is the perfect solution for neutralising any redness in fair skin tones and setting makeup for deeper skin tones. It draws comparisons with other premium branded setting powders, but at £5.99 is extremely purse friendly.
No makeup bag should be without a pot of Sudocrem. Yes it is marketed for nappy rash but this magic cream does so much more than just that. Use it as a weekly face mask on acne prone skin – simply apply a thin directly to clean skin and leave on overnight. It’s also great as a barrier cream for fake tan and hair dye and can even be used as a primer for makeup. A small jar costs £2.99.
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Ditch the falsies and invest in Collection’s Lash Surge Mascara, £4.99. Highly pigmented, lengthening and volumising, the dual brush reaches even the shortest of lashes, resulting in a defined wide-eyed look without flaking or clumps.
Create a naturally filtered effect with Rimmel’s Insta Strobing, £5.99 highlighter cream. Wear alone on cheekbones and areas that catch the light, or mixed with foundation for a flawless glow.
Save space (and money) with this Lip & Cheek Duo from Primark, £3. Easy to apply, the lightweight formula blends effortlessly into skin for a flush of colour.
Available in 32 colours and priced at £2.50, experimenting is affordable with Kiko’s Smart Colour Eyeshadows. The low price tag doesn’t mean a compromise in quality as the creamy powder glides on for buildable colour and lasting result.
Wedding guest glam Makeup artist Louise Donnelly shares her top tips for those planning to do their own wedding guest makeup, which takes time, effort and planning…
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Practise your look in advance, make sure you have chosen the one that makes you feel your best. Don’t pluck a makeup idea out of thin air… the last thing you want is to be sitting with an idea in your mind, that you can’t fully achieve. You are simply setting yourself up to feel underwhelmed with the overall look if it doesn’t go your way. You also may not have time to rectify things and start all over again.
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Utilise natural light – make sure you are applying your makeup in good lighting, to ensure your face matches the rest of your body. If you don’t have suitable makeup lighting in your home, grab a mirror and stand beside the window to apply.
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It’s all in the prep. Preparation is undoubtedly the secret to ensuring your makeup lasts all day and well into the
next (if you want!). Make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed before applying anything. If you have oily skin, avoid using moisturiser under your foundation. Take your time when applying foundation, pat and work that product into the skin ensuring it is well buffed in. This will decrease the need for touch ups and prevent your makeup sliding off. I love the Hero brush by Ciara Daly for home use, it creates a flawless base and really buffs in your product. By applying concealer onto those troublesome areas after your foundation, you are maximising your coverage and making those blemishes disappear.
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Glam up your look with a fluffy set of lashes, or create a natural look with a lighter set. Add a pop of colour by matching an eyeshadow shade from your outfit or
headpiece. Look for warm shades such as browns and blush pinks as these are sure to make those eyes pop. My go-to eyeshadow is undoubtedly the Stacey Marie Carnival Palette by BPerfect Cosmetics. It is absolute perfection in one single palette. I use it daily on clients, for Saturday night glam and natural bridal looks. Eyebrows are so important, make sure to have your eyebrows freshly groomed before the big day. I use brow pomades and mascara to perfect the shape and love the Olivia Belle Brow Range – whether you want a full brow or fluffy, this brand has you covered.
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Make sure to have your lip liner and lip shade in your bag, I love nude tones and the Jordana Ticia Cosmetics range has every shade of nude going. Make sure you feel comfortable in your makeup. Add a touch of bronzer to contour those cheeks and some blush to heat up the face. I always finish off with a spritz of Mac Cosmetics Prep + Prime Fix+ spray to set the products, and keep the face hydrated throughout the day. For more from Louise visit: www.instagram.com/ louisedonnellymakeupandbeauty and: facebook.com/ louisedonnellymakeupandbeauty Photo credits: Hair by Megan Jones; makeup by Louise Donnelly; hair piece by Hannah McAlister
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Ethical beauty How much of your beauty haul comes from local, ethical companies? Jade Beecroft looks at why it’s important
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he average woman could stock a small branch of Boots with what she keeps in her bathroom cabinet and make-up bag. We spend hundreds – perhaps even thousands – of pounds every year on beauty products, but how many of your lotions and potions are made locally? Do they use natural ingredients? How are they packaged? And are they tested on animals? As we become more environmentally aware, these questions are starting to matter. And every penny you spend makes a difference.
Plumpy Balm
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Plumpy Balms
Valarie Brown set up her own beauty company, Plumpy Balms, in November 2017. The business advisor makes a range of lip balms, tints and hand balms from her South Belfast kitchen. She’s a regular face at Belfast’s Fine and Dandy Market, as well as selling through her website www. plumpybalms.com. Her range uses natural Ghanaian Shea butter, comes in recycled plastic packaging, isn’t tested on animals and is vegan-friendly. “I did some volunteering in Ghana in 2013; that’s when I first came across the shea butter,” she explains. “Ghanaian women slather it onto their arms and legs; it keeps their skin soft and protects them from the sun. “When I got home I started experimenting with different recipes and formulas in my kitchen. I spent three-anda-half years just trying things out, giving balms to my friend and family, to see what worked and what didn’t.” Even the name Plumpy Balms comes from one of her experiments. “I wanted to get a plumping effect,” she laughs. “I knew my lips tingled after a spicy takeaway, so I tried putting chili oil into my balms.
Valerie Brown, Plumpy Balm Needless to say, it was too uncomfortable! “So the chili oil concept quickly went out of the window – but the name Plumpy stuck!” Valarie’s products contain an oil base, a butter base, and natural flavours – minus the chili oil obviously. She tends to favour shea, mango and coconut butters, and her repairing balms also include rosehip oil. “Customers are starting to come back to me now,” she smiles. “I did so many markets last year – including 23 Christmas fairs. But people are now finding me on Facebook and buying through the website, saying how much they love the balms. “There’s a real sense of pride in making a product you love, and then finding that other people love it too.”
Green Angel Skincare
Over the border in Dublin, Green Angel Skincare have been using seaweed from the west coast of Ireland and essential oils to make a range of luxury skincare products for the past 15 years. Mum-of-two Mary Mitchell and her husband Chris first started experimenting with different recipes for skin creams in their kitchen. Now they operate a factory in Dublin, employ over 20 staff and have begun exporting, winning the award for Best Business with Under 50 Staff at the Irish Women’s Awards just a couple of months ago. “I began experimenting with essential
Teal McGurk, Do Your Bit NI
Green Angel Skincare
Mary Mitchell, Green Angel Skincare
Collagen Face Cream, and our Argan Body Oil, although we get great feedback from our Seaweed and Tea Tree Rescue Cream too. “We try to mix glamour with nature.”
Do Your Bit NI
Closer to home, when Teal McGurk moved to Bangor, Co Down, from her native Canada, she was shocked at how hard it was to find ethical products in Northern Ireland, so she decided to take matters into her own hands. The language teacher and her husband David founded Do Your Bit NI, sourcing and stocking a range of ethical, low waste beauty products, household and bathroom essentials, as well as their homemade cotton bags. Now they sell everything from shampoo oils years ago, adding them to my face bars and soaps to bamboo toothbrushes creams,” remember Mary. “As well as and reusable organic cotton period pads. being fantastic for your skin they have “Growing up in Canada, there’s an aromatherapy benefits too, because you awareness of nature, and we have things breathe them in and they travel up to your like scoop shops where you can take your brain, affecting your mood. own bags and containers,” she explains. “Chris grew up in Lincolnshire; his mum “When I moved here four years ago I was was a nurse and she used to send him to the shocked at how everything comes wrapped wash to collect seaweed for poultices. in so much plastic packaging. You go to “Our Green Angel products combine the the supermarket and thing like bananas, health benefits of seaweed and essential apples and carrots are covered in plastic, oils; our seaweed comes from the west coast it’s crazy!” of Ireland – one of the purest seas in the The mum-of-two also tries to world.” avoid beauty and skin Last year the range went completely products that are full organic. There’s a list of Northern of non-natural Ireland stockists on the ingredients like website – www.greenangel. plastics and com – or an option to buy parabens. She online. sells a wide “We’re a homegrown range through brand, and people her website want to buy Irish – www. goods now,” says doyoubitni. Mary. “Consumers com – and a are becoming more number of local aware of where things markets. come from, how they’re “We try to be packaged, and the ethical as zero-waste in behaviour of companies. our household as “We get great customer Do Your Bit NI possible,” she explains. feedback and we love hearing “We use reusable nappies, from our customers and tweeking take Tupperware to our local organic our products according to what people store, things like that. But the options over want. Our best sellers are our Seaweed and
TIPS FOR A MORE ETHICAL BEAUTY ROUTINE • Avoid products tested on animals by looking for the leaping bunny symbol. • Labels will also tell you whether packaging is made from recycled materials, or whether it’s recyclable. • Some stores will offer refills or give freebies to customers who return their packaging. • Avoid products that are double packaged. • Start reading ingredients lists, and if you don’t know what something is, Google it and educate yourself. • Take your own cotton shopping bags whenever you go on a spending spree. • Visit markets such as Belfast’s Fine and Dandy to find out more about local, ethical brands, and meet their makers. • Consider switching to a menstrual cup or reusable pads – you’ll save money as well as the environment. • Make face packs and hair treatments from your kitchen leftovers. The internet is full of recipes. • If you have a favourite product that you just can’t live without, and you know the company that makes it has been criticised for its practices, send them an email asking them to be more ethical. Customer feedback matters.
here really are limited. “When it comes to beauty, I keep my regime very simple, I use shampoo bars on my hair, natural deodorant and a safety razor. It makes life very easy whenever we travel because I don’t have any liquids! “We also try to source as many of the products in our range locally, or at least from the UK, as possible. I think there’s a growing interest here in where things are from, what’s in them and how they’re packaged. “Slowly people are becoming more aware of the environmental and health impacts of too many plastics and chemicals.”
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example, it depends on the product they are starting to try. However generally speaking, results tend to show fairly quickly as their skin becomes healthier.
5 minutes with
skincare expert Dr Carl R. Thornfeldt During a recent visit to Northern Ireland NW had the chance to chat to global skincare guru and Epionce founder Dr Carl With more than 25 years of skincare research and many scientific publications in the area of skin disease and conditions, you’re well known in the industry. Why did you choose a career in skincare?
I specialised in dermatology because as a child I suffered from severe eczema, and with treatment options being very poor at that time, this impacted my quality of life dramatically. I felt strongly about following this path, so I could improve the treatment options available to eczema suffers and ensure that my patients did not have to go through what I went through as a child.
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How did Epionce come about?
I was looking for ways in which I could become a better doctor. My patients weren’t getting results from prescriptions and treatment options available to them, and so I wanted to discover ways in which I could improve their results. Having always had a great passion for skincare, I embarked on a journey undertaking many years of research. Those discoveries are known today as Epionce.
How long does it take for one’s skin to adapt to a new product?
If we are looking at Epionce specifically, it depends on the history of the individual. There are so many variables to consider. For
What would you say are common mistakes people make when it comes to their own at-home skincare routines?
Often people try to make things happen quickly and therefore become overly aggressive with their skincare regime to achieve results as quickly as possible. However, the reality of skincare, depending on the concern, is that sometimes it just takes time. Being overly aggressive is not going to fix things in the long run, in fact it can cause more damage to your skin in the end, resulting in more effort required to reverse the damage that has been done.
Which skincare product is at the top of your recommendation list? Our Renewal Facial Cream which is our flagship product. It combines our barrier repair and anti-inflammatory technologies and provides prescription-strength results for anti-ageing without irritation or photo sensitivity.
Aside from products, what kinds of things should we add to our daily routine to achieve radiant skin?
Altering your daily routine to achieve radiant skin can be as simple as drinking plenty of water and eating a well-balanced anti-inflammatory diet that is high in vegetables and low in sugar.
Finally, what beauty advice that you would like to share with our readers?
Have a healthy skin barrier, because if it is healthy your skincare will work better and protect you as part of your immune system. Visible concerns and signs of ageing will also diminish. For information on Epionce products visit: www.epionce.co.uk
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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ringing a new baby home is one of life’s most magical moments; but it can also be one of the most stressful. Many new mums – and dads – can be overwhelmed by sudden feelings of isolation, stress, loneliness, fear, anxiety and depression, but often feel like they don’t know where to turn. From fleeting feelings of being unable to cope as your baby screams with colic to the lows of postnatal depression, it can be hard to ask for help when everyone around you expects you to be reveling in the joys of parenthood. Now a group of Northern Irish parents are backing a new campaign called #TakeAMoment to reassure all mums and dads that they’re not alone. The campaign has been launched by a Moment Health App, allowing parents to reach out to an online community and connect with others, as well as monitoring their own mental health. Moment Health CEO and founder Nuala Murphy is the brains behind the app. Since its launch a year ago it had already helped 5,000 users in Northern Ireland alone. Chartered marketer and tech entrepreneur Nuala is a mum herself to two boys, aged five and four, and came up with the idea when she was on maternity leave. “I was originally thinking about doing something around breastfeeding support,”
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Take a
MOMENT Local mums have joined forces to talk openly about the tougher side of parenting in a new mental health campaign. Jade Beecroft reports
she explains. “We’re all told all the time that breast is best for baby, but people don’t tell you how difficult it can be. “When we started researching ideas for the start-up, we realised that was just the tip of the iceberg. There was a massive gap in the market for something to support the mental health of new and expectant mums. “There’s this stigma around talking about the more difficult aspects of parenthood. Mums even told us they felt they should be
grateful that they are able to have children, so they shouldn’t be complaining about things like backache or feeling isolated.” The Moment Health App gives women – and men – a tool to track their moods and feelings, as well as access to online peer support. It also gives them something concrete to document their mental health and show to their GP, midwife or health visitor. “I believe we have a responsibility to
Vivian McKinnon
support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of new and expectant parents and those that care for them, at home, in the workplace and across our communities,” Nuala continues. “When we do through early intervention, we have the potential to affect the mental health of future generations, so I want this campaign to assist with early intervention. “I would encourage everyone to
Aly Harte
#TakeAMoment to consider their mental health. It’s about taking time to check in with yourself and make sure that you’re still looking after yourself too.” The campaign aims to break down the stigma associated with perinatal depression and anxiety, encouraging parents to place greater importance on their own mental health, and share their experiences honestly, without judgement. One of the parents backing the campaign is creative entrepreneur Aly Harte, 37, from Belfast. Aly is mum to three boys and knows all about the highs and lows of motherhood. “Before I had the boys, I thought that because I’m quite an adaptable person, I would be able to just swish in and out, but that wasn’t the case really,” she smiles. “My husband said ‘goodbye’ in the morning and went to work, and it was just me and this screaming baby. It felt there was a kind of loneliness, and I didn’t know to talk about my struggles.” Aly has been using the app, and says it has connected her with other likeminded mums. “It’s a great resource for connecting with mums at a similar stage in life,” she says. “There’s also a mood tracker, which is invaluable for knowing when to just #TakeAMoment for yourself. “I encourage women who attend my art workshops to love themselves from their
brains to their bones; I think we’re all guilty of comparing ourselves to others, when we all really need to take a moment and link with others in similar situations to give each other support.” Mum-of-three Vivian McKinnon, 47, is a transformation change therapist and wellness consultant from Carrowdore. Vivian says: “People look at having a baby as the birth of a baby, but it’s actually the birth of a mother as well. It’s a huge knock to your identity and it can take a while to then understand who you are as a person, what your role is and what you’re supposed to be doing with this little person.” She says she remembers moments like standing in her kitchen with her youngest son, when he was only about two weeks old, and worrying about dropping him on the tiled floor. “I had this vision in my head of this wee baby falling to the floor,” she explains. “One of the hardest things when you really are struggling is to talk, and to find a community of like-minded people who understand fully what you’re going through. “Becoming a mummy can be overwhelming and I just love the whole ethos behind the Moment Health app.” And it’s not just mums who stand to benefit. First time dad Liam Brogan, 33, is a chartered accountant from Belfast. His baby daughter is three months old. “It’s a very steep learning curve and it’s all quite new to me,” he says. “You try and prepare yourself, and have a few ideas about what it’s going to be like. “As a new dad I can fully appreciate the rollercoaster that new parents are on. It’s good to know that the Moment Health app exists to help those who may be finding everyday life as a new parent daunting. The app helped me find out what my emotions were.” With 20% of women and 10% of men experiencing symptoms of post natal depression and associated anxieties, the campaign aims to encourage parents to download the free Moment Health app on iOS and Android. You can also use #TakeAMoment on social media.
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The holistic path to
MOTHERHOOD Complimentary therapist Sal Hanvey specialises in helping women through fertility and menstrual issues. Jade Beecroft finds out more
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omplimentary therapist (and regular Northern Woman contributor), Sal Hanvey, runs her business Natural Health NI from her beautiful clinic just outside Holywood, offering treatments such as reflexology, acupuncture and nutrition consultations. Sal specialises in helping women regulate their hormones and menstrual cycles - anything thing from menstruation to menopause, but she’s become known for her work supporting those who are trying for a baby or who are already pregnant. Earlier this spring she was named Reflexologist of the Year 2019 - Northern Ireland by LUX Life magazine. Sal feels that she is merely a cog in a very important wheel, a facilitator of sorts. She comments: “I think it’s important to let women, and men alike, know that when it comes to hormone imbalances, and the sheer level of stress surrounding the journey of fertility that many people experience, they shouldn’t give up. I’m here to listen and offer my insight, knowledge and experience, to help them through, what can be considered one of the most difficult journeys couples have
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to face in their lifetime.” Sal decided to train in reflexology after having treatment by a reflexologist in Newry when she was 19. “Halfway through the first session, I knew it was what I wanted to do,” she smiles. “It resonated with me.
“These therapies are centuries-old, but also science-based.” Sal has a number of qualifications; she’s also a nutrition advisor (you’ve probably read her recipes and nutrition tips here in Northern Woman), iridologist and clinical aromatherapist. “The word ‘clinical’ is important,” she explains. “I tailor my treatments to cater for the needs of the individual at the time. I blend certain essential oils and use them during the reflexology treatment, for example. I think of it as having a naturopathic toolbox of skills so I can listen to each client and then create a tailor made plan to suit them”.
Sal Hanvey
“I feel that working on the central nervous system is key, because things like stress, anxiety, digestive problems, sleep disorders and hormone imbalances are all so closely interlinked, and could possibly, in turn, have a big impact on fertility.” Sal, who is also currently penning a cookbook on food intolerances, explains that reflexology involves using pressure points on the feet that correspond to different areas of the body. “People joke that I must like feet!” she laughs. “It’s an absolutely fascinating therapy to specialise in. “Sometimes I find that once I have helped a woman re-balance her cycle, pregnancy naturally follows. On other occasions, there are additional underlying problems and some interventions are needed. In those cases, I can use my therapies to support couples on their IVF or assisted fertility journeys with the use of reflexology or acupuncture.” Midwife Emma Campbell, 39, from Bangor, spends her working life delivering babies at the Ulster Hospital, so there was a cruel irony when she and her obstetrician husband Chris struggled to fall pregnant themselves.
Sophie Keil
Emma and Hannah Campbell
Lydia, Caleb and Michael Bullen “Sal helps keep me on an even keel,” she After nine months of trying, friends says. “The love, care and attention and colleagues recommended that that she gives to her clients is Emma book an appointment at second-to-none.” Natural Health NI. Now she Artist and mum-of-three is proud mum to Hannah, Lyzanne Bullen is another one. of Sal’s happy customers. “I knew I didn’t have Fertility treatment time on my side, so we before the arrival of her were probably going firstborn, Lydia, now five, to have to look at the left her struggling with assisted fertility route,” anxiety, so she turned to she remembers. “But I’m Natural Health NI for help. a big believer in holistic Lyzanne Bullen “I really struggled to get therapies so I wanted to try pregnant first time around, it took something natural first. about five years and I went through IVF,” “Sal was so reassuring. Over two-and-ashe remembers. “My anxiety really went half months she worked to help regulate my through the roof. I was suffering panic cycle. Then I fell pregnant. attacks; so much so that when I booked “It was a joy and a relief; I felt so glad my first appointment with Sal I almost I’d gone to Sal. I honestly do believe she cancelled because I was feeling so nervous helped me conceive and I continued to go about leaving the house.” for regular sessions with her throughout my Lyzanne says Sal’s reflexology and pregnancy.” aromatherapy treatments were a turning Mum-of-two Sophie Keil, from point for her, bringing her stress levels Dundonald, has been a client of Sal’s for down. Her second and third pregnancies, years. with Michael, now three, and Caleb, one, The 34-year-old has also made a career happened naturally. out of supporting women; running a “Sal helped me to grown my family and YogaBellies franchise in Bangor and from to become more relaxed,” says Lyzanne, a gorgeous garden studio in her home. She from Belfast. “I can’t thank her enough. I turned to Sal for help after struggling to fall enjoy life now.” pregnant with her second child. This month Sal is hosting a Baby Party “My first pregnancy, with Heidi, now for some of the many clients she has five, happened so easily,” she explains. “But supported – and their growing families. when we started trying for a second, it “It will be a celebration of their journey seemed to be taking a long time. and outcome, and I am glad to have been “I’d been feeling quite stressed so my a part of it to offer my support. When cycles were really long – around 47 days. you’re suffering from fertility problems or During our reflexology sessions Sal started hormone imbalances, it can affect all areas working on bringing them back down to of your life,” Sal says. normal. Over a period of about six months “I want women, (and men) to know that she got my cycle down to 28 days, and as it’s okay to focus on their own wellbeing; soon as it hit that point I fell pregnant. Now they don’t need to struggle on alone.” I joke that Sal got me pregnant – not my husband.” Sophie and her husband Barry, 45, For more information visit: welcomed their son Christian three www.naturalhealthni.co.uk or years ago, and Sophie still visits Sal for call: 07801 476048 reflexology whenever she’s feeling stressed or her hormones feel out of balance.
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The 10 worst things about dieting BY CLARE BOWIE
Why oh why, do they have to call it a muffin top? You weren’t even thinking about food, and now, you really, really, want a double chocolate muffin
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The first rule of dieting is that you must always talk about dieting. Nonstop boring diet chat – welcome to your new life. The only thing you think about now is food, all day long.
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If one more person says: “it’s so simple, just eat less and move more” you might have to kill them. It’s like telling an insomniac to “lie down and close your eyes”. We know what we’re supposed to do but it’s
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not working, it’s so, so hard to stay focused. Hold up, did somebody say they were doing a cruffin/bacon-roll run in the office? You’ve got to eat, right?
weight on. I diluted my Sauvignon Blanc with sparkling water for crying out loud, and this... this is what I get in return? *pops open a tub of revenge Pringles*
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The worst is when you actually stick to the diet; chop up the vegetables, ignore the garlic bread, embrace the skimmed milk, and nibble on a Ryvita instead of a Jaffa Cake, and then you hop expectantly on the scales and discover that you actually put
You decide to join a slimming group just in case you weren’t boring yourself enough about food and diets. You feel inspired, you can do this, and you’re pretty sure the motivational pep talk was great but you didn’t catch it all because you just felt so
weak at that point; you hadn’t eaten in hours and your lycra leggings meant that breathing was a little tricky, but yeah, this new healthy lifestyle is going to be so worth it.
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You try to be positive but there’s a tiny bit of you dying inside when you count out five olives and have an actual calculator just for calories. Also, could we just stop pretending that beetroot cake is anything like red velvet, that ‘zoodles’ are, in any way acceptable, or that cauliflower pizza base is delicious. Just admit it, diets suck and no products that look like cardboard and taste like cardboard should ever be allowed to be called cake - we’re looking at you rice cakes.
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All the diet chat and internal monologue is just so draining. You’re pretty sure you could now broker a Brexit deal single-handedly because you seem to spend your whole life negotiating terms and conditions with yourself; If I just have one small plate of pasta then I promise I’ll do 15,000 steps tomorrow, one small glass of wine but no afternoon snack etc.
Diet-deals are now part of your everyday life, your bread and butter, mmm, butter.
eat before you eat, blah, blah, blah. #feelingblessed
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You have a crazy obsession with food but you know you’ll be so happy when the dress/bikini/any of your clothes fit you. You no longer have any sense of humour, just pure bitterness. You are also hangry most of the time and when you do try and relax by watching TV, you find that the only shows on, are: Bake off, Masterchef, Jamie and Nigella. It’s clearly a conspiracy! *Sobs loudly into portioncontrolled container of fake popcorn*
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There are so many rules to follow. Weighing should only be done in the morning, on your own rigged scales. You must be sufficiently dehydrated and half naked. For clothes, you only go to the shops where you know the sizes are generous and don’t make you feel like Popeye as you try and squeeze your arm into the sleeve. Drink glasses of water before meals, use smaller plates, blot oil off pizza, “butter” your toast with avocado, eat by candlelight, avoid “healthy” smoothies,
Peer pressure. It’s so hard finding the willpower to stick to the diet but working through the office dieting politics can be the biggest challenge. “What do you mean you don’t want a donut?” (read: who do you think you are, coming in here, judging our baked goods habit). You are officially blacklisted by the office bingers and have to resist temptation and damnation. “Go on, it’s my birthday, you’ve got to have a massive slice of cake”, or “I’ve bought you a large full fat latte to wash down your sausage bap with.” Say no if you dare.
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Finally, you hit your target and you can breathe in your clothes again. There’s no way you’re ever going through that again, you are going to be so disciplined and make this a lifestyle choice not a fad thing, and you’re going to keep walking and bringing in packed lunches and... yip, you’re still boring yourself.
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The Wee Discussion It’s been estimated that up to 30% of women at some stage during their life will have problems with urinary leakage and yet it still remains one of the last taboos. Generally, we’re a pretty open bunch, so why are we opposed to talking about it?
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regnancy, childbirth, and menopause are known to be the major contributors when it comes to urinary incontinence, which makes most women a target at some point during
their lives. According to the NHS there are several types of urinary incontinence, including: Stress incontinence – when urine leaks out at times when your bladder is under pressure; for example, when you cough or laugh.
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BY JEMMA WIDSOM Urge incontinence – when urine leaks as you feel a sudden, intense urge to pass urine, or soon afterwards. Overflow incontinence (chronic urinary retention) – when you’re unable to fully empty your bladder, which causes frequent leaking. Total incontinence – when your bladder can’t store any urine at all, which causes you to pass urine constantly or have frequent leaking. Causes for each of the types vary. Stress
incontinence is usually the result of the weakening of or damage to the muscles used to prevent urination, such as the pelvic floor muscles and the urethral sphincter, while urge incontinence is usually the result of over-activity of the detrusor muscles, which control the bladder. Overflow incontinence is often caused by an obstruction or blockage to your bladder, which prevents it emptying fully. Total incontinence may be caused by a problem with the bladder from birth, a spinal injury, or a bladder fistula. Other
THE WEE MYTHS MYTH: Incontinence is the same for everyone. FACT: Incontinence affects every person differently; the problem can range from an occasional minor ‘leak’ to leaving puddles on the way to the bathroom. MYTH: Incontinence is a normal and inevitable part of old age. FACT: Urinary incontinence is a common problem; the risk that you’ll experience it increases with age, but it is not an inevitable part of getting older. Women of any age, even high school cheerleaders exerting pressure on bladders with their gymnastics, can be affected. MYTH: We should all drink at least eight glasses of water a day. FACT: A recent New York Times article exploding this myth has had lots of buzz. The truth is, excessive fluid intake offers no health benefits and can make incontinence worse. Caffeine, alcohol and artificial sweeteners in diet sodas work as diuretics – in other words, they cause the body to produce more urine – and also make bladder issues worse.
factors include pregnancy, vaginal birth, obesity, a family history of incontinence and increasing age – although incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging according to the NHS. Initially, your GP may suggest some simple measures to see if they help improve your symptoms. These may include: Lifestyle changes – such as losing weight and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol. Pelvic floor exercises – exercising your pelvic floor muscles by squeezing them. Bladder training – where you learn ways to wait longer between needing to urinate and passing urine. Maintaining a healthy weight – Being obese can increase your risk of developing urinary incontinence. Medication may also be recommended and, as a last resort, surgery will be suggested. It’s a silent issue afflicting many women as weakened pelvic floor muscles and tissue can cause millions to suffer
µµChildbirth may bring incontinence on sooner. However, not all women who have given birth will develop incontience, and women who have never been pregnant may become incontinent.∑∑ gynaecological health challenges, spanning from not just stress incontinence but loss of vaginal sensation and lubrication, leading to embarrassment, pain, and sexual dissatisfaction. Dr Ellis Downes, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, gave Nothern Woman his opinion on the latest options for women suffering from urinary incontinence, and he believes the traditional solutions aren’t always the best. “I’ve had a longtime interest in urogynecology, predominantly urinary stress incontinence and vaginal prolapse, and I see many women with these very distressing clinical problems,” he said. “The main option of course, is conservative treatment and pelvic floor exercises, which are mainstream, and have an important role, but many women may need to consider other options to help their urinary symptoms. Some may need surgery;
MYTH: Only women have this problem. FACT: Incontinence is more common in women but it does affect men, especially those who have been treated for prostate cancer. MYTH: Incontinence is caused by childbirth. FACT: Childbirth may bring incontinence on sooner. However, not all women who have given birth will develop incontinence, and women who have never been pregnant may become incontinent. A University of Rochester Medical Center study showed the same prevalence in nuns suffering from incontinence and their biological sisters who had given birth.
some may need medication.” Dr Downes recommends the latest device on the market, *vSculpt, which uses a triple therapy method; vibration, light and heat to improve the pelvic floor muscles. It’s a home-use medical device that uses a unique combination of light energy from red and infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs), thermal heat, and therapeutic vibration to help rebuild collagen to improve vaginal tissue laxity, strengthen pelvic floor muscles, and restore the overall health of the pelvic floor. “I’ve been very impressed with vSculpt in terms of its clinical research attesting to its safety and its benefit and I think for many women vSculpt will be a very important option to consider in the range of treatments to improve,” continued Dr Downes. *vSculpt costs £375 and can be purchased from uk.vsculpt.com
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Homemade granola
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This month Sal Hanvey shares her recipe for gluten-free granola
pring is in the air and summer is on the horizon. At this time of year, I am thinking about light, healthy breakfasts and snack options that will leave me feeling satisfied. I love granola. I find it is one of those ‘go to’ foods that you can enjoy any time of the day. It’s a versatile superfood that has numerous health benefits. The oats in granola are a good source of fibre and iron, while the nuts and seeds add heart-healthy unsaturated fats and some
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protein. The coconut addition in my recipe (opposite), provides some healthy essential fats too. But along with these benefits, granola can have a negative side; it can be very high in calories, laden with oil and scoops of sugar. It is important to be aware of this so that you make the best choice when purchasing granola. Alternatively, you can made your own – it isn’t as hard as you might think. There are endless reasons to eat this amazing food, so it’s time to put away the
warm porridge and get the granola out, for a healthy and energetic start to the day or quick and simple snack alternative.
Sal Hanvey specialises in reflexology and acupuncture for fertility and maternity. She is also a nutrition advisor. To contact Sal call: 078 0147 6048, email: sal@naturalhealthni.co.uk, or visit: www.naturalhealthni.co.uk
Gluten-free granola with cherry compote (serves 4)
Granola ingredients
2 cups gluten-free jumbo oats 1 cup brown rice puffs ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp desiccated coconut 1 tbsp Stevia granules/powder 2 tbsp water 1 cup mixed nuts ¼ cup flaked almond ¼ cup flaked coconut ¼ cup mixed seeds
Cherry compote ingredients 1 cup dark frozen Morello cherries Juice half a lime 1 tbsp Stevia 2 tbsp water 350mg dairy-free coconut yoghurt 1 vanilla pod
Method
Credit: Ken Haddock
Credit: Ken Haddock
HEALTH BENEFITS OF GRANOLA:
• Due to the fibre content it helps to aid digestion • It is high in manganese - a mineral that has many health benefits including kick starting the metabolism • It is rich in Vitamin E which is considered to be good for the skin and hair • It is the perfect food for reducing your cardiovascular risk, thanks to the presence of fibre and potassium which helps to maintain blood pressure • As granola has good levels of vitamin C and E it can help boost the immune system • Some of the ingredients in granola are very high in magnesium which is said to be able to ward off migraines • Research has shown that it can help slow down the deposit of atherosclerotic plaques, which in turn reduces the risk of developing heart disease and stroke
• Turn the grill on to a medium heat • Put oats and rice puffs on a baking sheet and dry toast until crispy and turn a light golden shade. Make sure to check them after a few minutes as they can burn or brown very easy. • Roughly chop the nuts and place them on a dry hot pan on the stove at a high temperature. Toss them often to avoid burning. • In a separate pan, pour in the Stevia and the water and place over a medium heat for a few minutes. When the nuts start to toast, add the stevia mix to the nuts (this will naturally sweeten the nuts without adding lots of unhealthy sugar to the mix). • Next add the ginger, cinnamon, desiccated coconut, flaked almond, flaked coconut and mixed seeds, and toast until the mix turns golden brown. • To make the cherry compote, add 1 tbsp of Stevia and 2 tbsp of water to a saucepan and place over a medium temperature for a few minutes. • Add the cherries to the pot and the lime juice. Warm slightly before serving. • To serve, remove the pods from the vanilla stem and add to the yoghurt and stir. • In a bowl, layer in the granola mix followed by the yoghurt mix and completed with the cherry compote.
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Shop LOCAL Local products to sample this month
SD Bell Barista Roast Coffee Bags, from £3.50
In a world where we sometimes struggle to balance convenience with cost and environmental concerns, every now and again a product comes along that hits the right note. SD Bell & Co is keeping ahead of the competition with the launch of its first ever coffee bag. The Bag produces a oneperson cafetièrestyle coffee, brewed in the cup without fuss. Each coffee bag has 10g of freshly roasted and the ground Brazilian coffee has been individually wrapped in a foil bag to maintain freshness. ‘Barista Roast’ is the first in, what the Bell’s hope to be, an extensive range of flavours. Made from fully compostable BioWeb the Coffee Bags can be bought from: www.sdbellsteacoffee.com
one set of pizza ingredients can be kept in the freezer for use later. And we love that virtually all Pizzado ingredients – the flour and medium fat mozzarella cheese – are sourced from NI suppliers. Gluten–free options are available too.
Harnett’s Oils, from £4
Orchard Twist
Armagh Cider Company has relaunched its Orchard Twist range of apple juices with a new look. A non-alcoholic lightly sparkling apple juice in a range of flavours, Orchard Twist has no added sugars, artificial flavours or colours. It’s also gluten free and counts as one of your five a day. It’s available in 250ml bottles and comes fresh from Ballinteggart Farm outside Portadown.
Harnett’s Oils is a awardwinning family-run business from NI putting some elbow grease into cold-pressed, filtered oils, spanning everything from chilli and garlic rapeseed to orange and rosemary rapeseed. Produced on the family farm, The Waring Estate in the Barony of Iveagh in County Down, The Extra-Virgin Coldpressed Iveagh Rapeseed Oil is famous for its oilseeds dating back to the 17th Century.
Allgreen Mash Direct containers
Local firm Mash Direct’s convenience veg packs have gone even greener. We heart that the company pledged to swap all of all its black plastic to green or clear 100% recyclable trays. Recycling plants are unable to sort black plastic, which means it ends up in a landfill. By going green Mash Direct says it will be removing over 240 tonnes of black plastic from the food system every year. From chips to onion rings, mashed potato and carrot and parsnip, Mash Direct’s products can be found in most supermarkets.
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Pizzado
We are crushing on the Pizzado kits made by NI woman Karen Boyd, an experienced pizza retailer who has turned her passion into a DIY kit for families. The frozen kits comprise two dough balls with sachets of mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. The dough balls are easily kneaded to make two nine–inch pizza bases. The sauce and cheese are then added and the pizza popped into an oven for around 15 minutes. It’s then ready to eat. The re–sealable pack means
Greggs
Hurray for Greggs which has brought the widely-discussed Vegan Sausage Roll to its Northern Ireland stores - that’s 16 outlets province-wide. Initially launched in January, the new take on the muchloved pastry received a lot of attention and marked one of the bakery chain’s most successful launches ever. So if you wanna go meat-free on your lunch break, check out: www.greggs.co.uk/vsr-locator for your nearest stockist.
Lightness and love
Spring has fully sprung making way for lighter dishes that take the weight off. Here we take two salads and two hearty favourites for you to try with your family this bank holiday
Celery and Apple Matchstick Salad Ingredients
2 tsp fennel seeds 30g pistachios, chopped 2tbsp olive oil Juice ½ lemon ½ tbsp red wine vinegar
3 sprigs parsley, chopped 1 small bunch chives, chopped 3 sprigs dill, chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 head celery 2 dessert apples
Method
• Place a frying pan over a medium heat and toast the fennel seeds and chopped pistachios. When the nuts and seeds begin to smell fragrant and
start to brown remove from the heat. • In a jar add the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, chopped parsley, chives and dill. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. • Add the toasted seeds and nuts. Put a lid on the jar and shake well to combine the dressing ingredients. • Finely slice celery and apple into matchsticks, pile onto plates and drizzle with the dressing. For more celery dishes visit: www.lovecelery.co.uk
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Toasted California Walnut, Lentil and Coconut Rice Salad (serves: 4)
Ingredients
200g cucumber, cut in half lengthways, deseeded and sliced 1 tsp salt 40ml rice vinegar 2 tsp caster sugar 1 tbsp sunflower oil 1 onion, finely chopped 200g white basmati rice 300ml coconut milk 150ml water 2 limes Small bunch of fresh coriander 1 garlic clove, peeled 2 chillies, deseeded and finely chopped 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt 120g asparagus spears 1x 250g pouch pre-cooked Puy lentils 4 medium eggs, soft boiled and cut in half 140g California walnuts, toasted
Method
• Place the cucumber slices into a sieve and sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt, leaving for 10 minutes to draw out the water. • Mix the rice vinegar with the caster sugar and
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stir until dissolved. Place the cucumber in the vinegar mix and stir, then leave to one side. Place half the sunflower oil and the onion into a medium-sized saucepan and sauté until soft. Rinse the rice until cold running water runs clear. Once the onion is soft, add the rice to the pan and sauté for one minute. Add the coconut milk and water, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, cooking for 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender. While the rice is cooking, place the juice of one lime, the coriander, garlic, half the chopped chilli and the Greek yoghurt into a food processor and whizz into a pourable sauce. Season. Coat the asparagus with the remaining oil and
cut the remaining lime in half. • Heat a griddle pan until searing hot and griddle the asparagus and lime until strong lines appear, then remove from the heat. • Heat the lentils as per the packet instructions and toss through the cooked rice, along with the drained cucumber. • Spoon the rice onto a large serving platter and top with the asparagus and soft-boiled eggs. Crush the California walnuts and sprinkle over the salad along with the remaining chopped chilli. Finely drizzle over the green coriander sauce and serve with the griddled lime halves on the side. Thanks to: walnuts.org for this recipe.
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Joe Wick’s Cheeky Chicken Katsu (serves 2)
Ingredients
1 seasonal British apple 100g basmati rice 1 carrot 1 large British chicken breast fillet 5g coriander 1 tbsp curry powder 1 British free-range egg 15g fresh root ginger 1 Knorr chicken stock cube 60g panko breadcrumbs 1 red chilli 50g baby leaf salad 1 shallot
Method
• Preheat the oven to 200°C/ 180°C (fan)/ 400°F/ Gas 6. • Place your hand flat onto the chicken breast.
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Slice in half as if you were cutting a burger bun, so you are left with two thinner pieces. Cover the halved chicken breasts in cling film and bash them with a rolling pin until evenly flattened and approx. 1cm in thickness. Crack the egg into a shallow bowl. Add 2 tbsp flour to a plate and season with salt and pepper. Combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp vegetable oil and a generous pinch of salt on a large plate. Add the chicken to the flour, tapping off any excess, then add it to the egg, and then the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Add the breaded chicken to a lightly oiled oven tray and put the tray in the oven for 10-15 min or until cooked through (no pink meat!) and crisp. Meanwhile, add the basmati rice and 250ml cold water to a pot with a lid and bring to the boil over a high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to very low and
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cook, covered, for 10-15 min or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is cooked. Once cooked, remove from the heat and keep covered until serving. Meanwhile, boil a kettle. Peel and grate the apple. Grate the carrot. Peel and grate the shallot and ginger. Chop the coriander finely, including the stalks. Dissolve the Knorr chicken stock cube in 300ml boiled water. Heat a large, wide-based pan (preferably nonstick) with 1 tbsp vegetable oil over a medium heat. Add the grated shallot, apple, ginger and carrot and cook for 3-4 min. Add the curry powder and chopped coriander and cook for a further 1 min, until fragrant. Add 1 tbsp flour and cook for 1 min, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil over a high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5-7 min or until the sauce has thickened to a curry-like consistency. Meanwhile, deseed and finely slice the red chilli. Finely slice the cooked chicken. Serve sliced breaded chicken over the katsu sauce with the rice and baby leaf salad to the side. Drizzle the baby leaf salad with a little olive oil. Garnish with the sliced red chilli (Can’t handle the heat? Go easy!).
Visit www.gousto.co.uk to order Joe Wicks’ recipes. Meals start at £2.98 with four new delicious, nutritious recipes each week.
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Kale Packed Mac ‘n Cheese (serves 4)
Ingredients
250g bag kale, thick stalks removed 250g macaroni 1 leek, sliced 25g butter 25g plain flour 350ml semi skimmed milk 150g Cheddar cheese, grated 2 tsp English mustard
Method
• Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6 • Cook the kale in a large pan of boiling water for 3 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon and cool under cold water, squeeze out the excess liquid. • Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook for 9-10 minutes, adding the leek for the last 2 minutes. Drain well and return to the pan. • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pan, stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Off the heat gradually blend in the milk, then bring to the boil, stirring until thickened. Stir in 100g cheese and the mustard, season well. • Stir the sauce into the macaroni with the kale and transfer to an ovenproof serving dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for 25 minutes until golden. • Try using any shaped pasta instead of macaroni. This is a great way to use up odd bits of different cheeses in the fridge. Thanks to: www.discovergreatveg.co.uk for this recipe.
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ESCAPE Paris
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Dallas Flyers’ Club
Direct flights between Dallas-Fort Worth and Dublin take off this summer. Eugene Masterson gives Texas a try…
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or many Dallas is associated with from the celebrated TV series, or the tragic scene of the assassination of President John F Kennedy. This bustling hub has lots to appeal to varied tastes, ranging from its lively restaurants and bars to its fantastic shopping emporiums. If you want a unique way of seeing the city then book a tour with Efrogs, which is a golf cart–type buggy that carries small groups or couples and careers around the streets. My first visit to Dallas was in 1991, and back then the Deep Ellum neighbourhood was already established as a vibrant area, where eateries and clubs catered for crowds out for a good night. It’s nice to see that this area is still flourishing, with over 60 busy restaurants and music venues. Deep Ellum is located near the vibrant Dallas Arts District, spanning 68 acres and 19 continuous blocks. There is a whole range of attractions in the arts district, including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and the Nasher Sculpture Center. While in downtown Dallas, be sure to stop by for a wonderful photo opportunity with sculpture feature of a herd of bronze longhorn and cowboys. They are on an outcropping that drops in elevation to a water pool and pays homage to Dallas’s cowboy heritage. If you want to catch a real life rodeo the sister city of Fort Worth holds weekly events in the Stockyards, where many of the folk attending wear stetsons and drink beer while watching exhibitions or competitions (it is about a half hour ride from Dallas city centre). I based myself in the Hampton Inn and Suites hotel in the business downtown area of the city, which is located just a couple of blocks from one of the city’s few Irish bars,
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the Crafty Irishman. A definite must-see is visit to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza, which sprang to worldwide infamy on November 22 1963. It was in the Texas School Book Depository that Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly carried out the assassination of JFK, who was passing in a motorcade below. There is an extensive collection of artefacts from that day, as well as films analysing what happened and also various conspiracy theories. ‘Ireland in mourning’ proclaims the now defunct ‘Evening Press’, which is used as a clipping in a showreel of reaction from around the world at the time.
John F. Kennedy Memorial in Dallas
The John F Kennedy memorial was erected nearby in 1970, with Jackie’s approval, and although it looks quite stark in structure it is worth some sombre and peaceful reflecting at its cenotaph. Located just a few minutes away is the Reunion Tower, which is the iconic centrepiece of the impressive Dallas skyline and the city’s 15th highest building. But it’s the 561 ft (171 m) observation tower which attracts hordes of visitors, who enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding metropolitan area and surrounding countryside. One building that can be seen in the
Downtown Dallas
FACT FILE
American Airlines will fly direct daily between Dublin and Dallas/Fort Worth between June 6 and September 28 2019. Prices start from €491pp in Economy, €820pp in Premium Economy and €3,55 pp in Flagship Business Class, for more details visit: aa.com. The Hampton Inn and Suites is a good downtown location to base yourself in. Prices start at around €130 a night for a double room. For more information on Dallas, check out: visitdallas.com.
Dallas cityscape
distance is the AT&T Stadium, which is the largest domed structure in the world and cost over €1 billion to build. The stadium in Arlington is the home of the Dallas Cowboys American football team and anyone interested in sport should hop along – Conor McGregor was recently feted there by the club’s owners, while Ed Sheeran sold out the 100,000 capacity venue shortly after my trip there. A VIP tour for around €30 allows you access to the players home dressing room. Shoppers will also be in seventh heaven by taking in the North Park Center, which has over 200 stores, including Macys. There are also a couple of designer malls, such as the Allen Premium Outlets, which are much like Kildare Village and have discount ranges stores such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Armani and Banana Republic. Finally, my personal favourite aspect of my trip to was to see Southfork ranch and get inside the actual house where the famous Dallas TV series was set. It’s hard to believe that it’s just over 40 years ago this year that the Ewing clan first burst onto our screens (April 1978). When JR was shot (1980) it was the biggest ‘whodunnit’ telly viewers had ever seen. The original TV series lasted until 1991, before being rebooted in 2012 for three seasons.
When I last visited Dallas in 1991 it was impossible to get into the grounds let alone the mansion back then, but today visitors from all around the world flock to see where the show was filmed. First stop is the ticket office/store where all sorts of souvenirs can be purchased. An adjacent museum houses memorabilia from the show, such as the famous gun used to shoot JR. A cart waits outside to transport you through the grounds until you reach the mansion itself, where replica rooms are laid out (most of the interior scenes were actually shot in Los Angeles). It was an added treat to go horseriding around the ranch, which can be done for about €40 for an hour. Definitely a once in a
lifetime memory. American Airlines will launch their new direct service from Dublin to Dallas in June and will be the only direct link between Ireland and Texas. Flights will be operated by 787-9 Dreamliners with lie-flat beds in Business Class, Premium Economy seats and Wi-Fi. The new flight will not only give travellers access not only to Dallas, but one stop connections in DFW airport but as it’s a hub for American Airlines has links to other exciting destinations in North America such as Los Angeles, New Orleans, Las Vegas and San Diego. But it’s Dallas that’s calling now and it certainly is a city that sparkles bright in the Lone Star State.
Boots sits for sale in a Dallas western wear store
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When to go
Visiting in the off-season (winter) tends to be cheaper but not necessarily less busy, as we discovered when we hit the parks on an October weekend. Daily live shows, parades and firework displays year-round mean you won’t miss out on any Disney magic whatever the season, but Halloween and Christmas, when the parks are lit up with lights and decorations, are particularly impressive. Going mid-week will save you hours of queuing and, if you can, avoid French school holidays.
Planning your trip
A trip to Disneyland is a bit like planning a wedding – lots of moving parts for varying budgets require military precision planning. The farther in advance you book the better the discounts and packages – with perks such as kids’ meals and FastPasses included. Sites like attractionticketsdirect.ie and Irish operators Abbey Travel, breakaway. ie, and Budget Travel offer packages and deals, as does the official website disneylandparis.com. Don’t forget to watch Disney movies before you go – it makes for a more familiar and exciting experience.
Before you start
There are two huge parks, so rather than trying to squeeze both into one day, take the pressure off and dedicate a day to each one. The two parks are side by side: Walt Disney Studios, with specific movie-related rides and stage sets, and Disneyland Park, which consists mainly of rides. Just outside the parks is Disney Village, with shops, bars, restaurants and a cinema. In order to get the most value from both parks and avoid a mind-bending assault on your senses, familiarise yourself with the layout and have a game plan before you go. Choose some key must-see rides and ensure you get to those first. Arrive early and avoid bottlenecks by strategically timing your route based on availability at rides.
Skip the crowds
“It’s my sixth time here,” smiled the man queuing in front of us for Buzz Lightyear
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Disneyland Paris Disneyland Paris is on most family wish lists, but how can you avoid the crowds and high prices? BY ORLA NELIGAN Laser Blast. “What rides would you recommend?” I asked. “Oh, you have to try everything,” he said. Having just arrived and queued to collect our tickets, queued to check into our hotel and queued to enter the park, I’m not sure getting to ‘everything’ is physically possible. But we did manage to get our hitlist done... thanks to a few clever hacks.
Disneyland Paris
Using the FastPass system lets you shortcut the queues by reserving a time slot in advance – but be aware that FastPasses can only be used on certain rides and cannot be used between certain hours (1pm-4pm at the time of our trip). If you’re staying in a Disney resort hotel, you can get a handy head start on queues by availing of the ‘magic hours’ – a terrific perk that
HOW TO DO IT
You get more bang for your buck with a package deal, as standalone entry tickets cost €89 for an adult and €84 for children under 12. A two-day hopper ticket, which allows entry to both parks costs €159/€145. Prices for a two night/three-day package start from €851 based on two adults and two children sharing a standard room at Disney’s Santa Fe Hotel, for details visit: disneylandparis.ie. This includes a three-day park hopper ticket, but not flights or airport transfers. Orla and family travelled as guests of the resort and Aer Lingus which flies from Dublin to Paris.
full of snacks, wipes, tissues and water. Don’t bother lugging a pram as you can hire one for €20 for the day. If you’re taking lots of photos on your phone, consider bringing a mobile battery charger.
The entrance to the Disneyland Paris
incredible nightly light, music and fireworks display that made our three, tired, whinging children completely speechless for 20 minutes and even had my husband belting out Let it Go to a laser-lit display. Staking out your spot for the daily parades is worth the effort, too. The roundabout in front of the Railroad Main Street Station as you enter the park is the best spot.
Food & drink
Walt Disney Studios Paris allows hotel guests access to the parks at 8.30am before they officially open at 10am.
Meet-and-greets
There are opportunities to meet characters floating around the park, but if our trip was anything to go by, you might spend half your day wrestling fellow Disney enthusiasts for the pleasure. You can book a meet-and-greet with your child’s favourite princess at Fantasyland’s Princess Pavilion, or make a reservation at a restaurant with character dining – the latter being the more costly option. Queuing for a meet-and-greet can eat up half your day, so ensure to download the Lineberty App which allows you to select your meet-and-greet, go off an enjoy the rides and return at your allocated time slot. Failing that, there is always the parade, which takes place at 1.30pm and 5.30pm daily – featuring every conceivable Disney character in full flight.
Disney shows
“Get there early for your spot,” confirmed a woman to me as we chatted about that evening’s nightly spectacle. ‘Getting there early’ was the mantra of our trip, and with just cause – crowds began descending at 8.30pm on the grass in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle despite a 10pm kick-off time. The castle is the backdrop for an
With more than 30 million meals served each year, Disneyland Paris can boast of being “the largest restaurant in France”… but it’s far from the best. The coffee is bad, even by French standards, and the food not much better, with most of the options being forgettable fast food. It’s also overpriced, as we discovered when we booked a table at Chez Remy, the larger-than-life Ratatouille restaurant, which is designed to shrink you down to the size of the famous four-legged chef. The décor was charming but even the kids grumbled about their food. A discount was offered promptly, proving that, sadly, they are too used to complaints. Having stocked up on snacks from the hotel breakfast buffet on our second day, we waited until the parade started at 5.30pm and enjoyed a decent and crowd-free dinner at Five Guys in the Disney Village.
Souvenirs and what to pack
Main Street is a full-scale recreation of small-town America in the 1920s, with ye olde souvenir shops and hoards of people falling over themselves to buy Mickey Mouse ears (which will set you back a costly €20). Most of the shops, while packaged differently, sell the same Disneybilia merchandise – shopping during the day makes for a much less stressful experience and you can avail of the free Disney Shopping Service; ask at the till, and staff will deliver your goodies to your hotel or to the Disney Store in the Disney Village for you to collect when leaving. When it comes to packing, bring the obvious comfortable shoes and backpack
Where to stay
Disney’s eight cheaper partner hotels near the RER train line can be good value, but the resort hotels are great for proximity – although you’ll pay for the privilege and the perks. We stayed at the Disney Hotel, an ersatz slice of Victoriana (from €600 a night for a family suite) right at the front gates, giving us early access to the parks, a chance to meet characters at breakfast, and we could pop back at any stage during the day – the pool was a welcome break for the kids. If you’re combining a city break in Paris with the park like we did, the MOB hotel near the Saint Ouen flea market was a good budget family-friendly option (from €80 per night, see: mobhotel.com). Stylish, comfy with bar, games area for kids, an organic farm-to-table restaurant and garden, and only 10 minutes by taxi from Auber or Chatelet-Les Halles Metro stations connecting Marne-la-Vallée (Disney) with Paris in 40 minutes via the RER train.
The rides
“Have we shrunk yet?” asked my son as we strapped ourselves into our ‘mouse’ cars in preparation for the much-anticipated Ratatouille ride. A few minutes later, we were all screaming as we slid down a cheese grater, despite it being our fifth time. The rat-sized adventure is one the entire family will love, but depending on the ages and disposition of your kids, there’s plenty of options for all. Despite my aversion to anything that involves meeting my breakfast again, I even agreed to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror with my thrill-seeking seven-year-old, Ruby. She screamed with delight, I with complete terror (hence the name), as we plummeted 200ft in a matter of seconds. Big Thunder Mountain, Hyperspace Mountain and Rock’n’Roller Coaster will similarly whiten the knuckles and rule out younger ones that don’t meet the height restrictions; they might prefer milder rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan’s Flight and It’s A Small World.
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Aareschlucht on the River
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stand out like a sore thumb at Zurich Airport amid the bankers in sharp suits and the ‘smart-cas’ weekend travellers. As they glide their pristine wheelie suitcases towards the exit, I haul my battered rucksack towards the platform to catch a double-decker train to take me (some of the way) towards the first stop of my trip. Luckily, where I’m going no one’s going to care what I look like. The train journeys upwards past shining lakes and verdant mountains – a patchwork of green – until we reach the Bernese Oberland resort of Meiringen, where Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes faked his death and meringues were born. It’s late afternoon by the time I arrive and there’s not much to do so I dump my bags in the Alpin Sherpa Hotel and head out to get some food, alone. When I told people I was planning to walk/hike across a section of the famous Via Alpina route (which crosses 14 of the most scenic Alpine passes) in Switzerland by myself, most people looked at me like I was crazy. That night as I ate my dinner in a small restaurant opposite the railway station I wondered if they were right. The first leg of my journey from Meiringen to Grindelwald is one of the longest of the trek but I woke feeling fresh and ready for the challenge. What I wasn’t ready for is how resplendent and immaculate the Swiss scenery is – even the mountains look manicured: has someone been up there with a lawnmower, or maybe even nail scissors? Day one involves about eight hours of walking. I leave Meiringen in the direction of the Reichenbach Falls (a beautiful cascade of seven waterfalls) and head upwards via Rosenlaui to the Grosse Scheidegg pass. The gentle descent at the foot of the Wetterhorn leads to Grindelwald, the stage destination in the heart of the Jungfrau region. After only a few hours into walking on my own, a few of my major worries were allayed. First of all – I’m not completely alone all the time. On the lower stretches in particular there are other humans (some who will serve you coffee) and plenty of cows swishing their tails as the bells around their neck jangle. Secondly, for the first time in my life I’ve packed right (adhering to the ‘onion principle’ of wearing lots of light layers). This is essential because one minute in the Alps you are sweating, the next you are being attacked by hailstones. But the biggest achievement of the first
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Switzerland Done the Camino? Try the stunning Via Alpina BY KATY HARRINGTON day is not getting lost. At home I couldn’t find my way out of a paper bag, but my route here is so well marked I soon stop fretting about dying in a ravine and start enjoying the spectacular views instead. Day two’s trek takes me from Grindelwald to Wengen, a moderate hike that takes just under seven hours. The climb to Kleine Scheidegg over undulating meadows is gentle, the rock and ice scenery of the North Face of the Eiger close and
awe-inspiring. I feel more confident and relaxed, listening to podcasts on the longer stretches. At times I have to stop and stare (and catch my breath) at the mountains around me – snow-capped peaks like fresh cream dished out with a serving spoon, and rocky pinpoints so sharp they look like the results of a polygraph test against the sky. After a sunny high-level trail, I arrive at my end destination, the charming car-
Grindelwald
The Reichenbach Falls free village of Wengen at the foot of the Jungfrau. It’s here I stay at my favourite hotel, the Hotel Belvedere, a quirky art nouveau building that Wes Anderson could have dreamt up. One of the best decisions I made on the trip was to take the cable car from the village to the summit of Mannlichen. It’s a 10-minute journey and for a few quid extra you can have the ‘balcony experience’, i.e. standing out on the roof of the cable car as you ascend the very lofty heights and arrive at the most amazing panoramic views I’ve ever seen. By the time I make it back to the hotel I
am so tired I think about skipping dinner and just going straight to bed, but I decide if I’ve stood on the top of a cable car travelling to 2,343m I can brave dinner alone. I find an Italian restaurant in the centre of the town and order a bowl of pasta and a large glass of red. I gobble my food and head back to my Wes Anderson dream and fall asleep within 30 seconds of my head hitting the pillow. When I wake up at 6am, I step out on to the balcony and take in the view around me. I’m not just happy to be where I am, I’m happy to be alone. Two things to note: firstly, when you walk the Via Alpina you can arrange to leave your overnight bag in the hotel every morning and as if by magic it will appear in your next hotel by the time you arrive after your hike. Secondly, if you don’t feel up to hiking all day, every day, you can usually take a train or bus from your staring point to save your legs a little. On my last day I have the option to take the train and save about 3.5 hours of hiking. Feeling brave and probably foolish, I decide not to take the shortcut and make the most of my last full day of walking. It’s one of the best days I have had, not just on the trip, in my life. There are passages of pure peace, with the freshest air, bluest skies, and greenest pastures. I drink out of glacial steams and cross dizzying high ridge trails. I walk through charming alpine meadows and stare up at craggy rock faces, knowing in a few hours I’ll be on the other side of it. The experience is relaxing and adventurous. I walk for eight miles and see not one single person but I don’t for a second feel lonely. I arrived at the Hotel Griesalp after 6pm, having hiked/walked and almost crawled for over nine hours. My knees felt like old floorboards, and the relief when I finally pulled my hiking boots and sweaty socks off, was close to post-coital bliss. I showered, rummaged in my bag for my
Take Two: Top attractions Dramatic detour
The Gletscherschlucht Rosenlaui (open May-October) was one of my favourite detours. After thousands of years the thrashing, bubbling, foaming and raging water has created works of art out of rock.
Hotel Belvedere
Maybe it was because I had walked so far but when I reached Hotel Belvedere in the picturesque mountain village of Wengen, I felt elated and a little like I was walking on to the set of a Wes Anderson movie.
one remaining clean T-shirt and then went downstairs, very glad to be having dinner in the hotel. I ate delicious lamb’s lettuce salad, followed by pumpkin soup and an unidentified main course which contained sprouts, cabbage, mushroom sauce, something I think was gnocchi and stewed apple – it sounds revolting but was utterly warming and restorative. My last day was spent travelling, coming back down to earth and eventually back to Zurich Airport where I arrived looking even more dishevelled than the day I left. Five days earlier I stood in the same spot thinking I was crazy to go up the Alps alone. Getting ready to board the flight back I think I would have been mad not to.
For more information on Switzerland visit MySwitzerland.com, call the Switzerland Travel Centre on the international Freephone: 00800 100 200 30, or email: info.uk@myswitzerland.com.
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LET’S DRINK TO…
Campari
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BY PAULA GRACEY
ime to go retro with our tipple this time… Campari is the famous retro Italian liqueur, dating back to 1860 and you will no doubt have seen it behind every well-stocked bar. It is hard to miss with its inviting ruby red colour and retro label, but you might have wondered what exactly do you do with it? Campari is described as a fusion of herbs and fruit in alcohol and water, and is 25% proof. This baby is bitter, spicy and sweet, all at the same time. I only really took an interest in it when I discovered it in my favourite Negroni cocktail, which is equal parts Gin, Campari and Red (sweet) Vermouth, served in a small glass with lots of ice, and since then I haven’t passed through Duty Free without grabbing a bottle. I often heard people in old movies ordering a Campari and soda before dinner, and traditionalists will tell you that originally the drink was only considered an aperitif. Things have evolved since then and it is now also a key ingredient in many tasty cocktails, not to mention, as I discovered, poured over fruit, sorbets and ice-cream to make an impressive dessert. Melon melody with fresh mint, orange and Campari is on my list for a cracker dessert this summer. The tipple matches well with orangy, citrus flavours and often has orange and lemon peel added to its various concoctions. If you think back to the original Casino Royale, with David Niven, one of James Bond’s favourite cocktails was an Americano - which is one part Campari, one part Red Vermouth, a splash of soda, and some lemon and orange peel to garnish. If you add gin, you have my beloved Negroni, bitter sweet, strong and delicious. Another simple but delicious cocktail is The Boulevardier which dates back to the 1920s – one part Campari, one part Red Vermouth and one part whiskey instead of gin, again in a small glass with ice. This makes a more rich and intriguing cocktail. Garnish with orange zest and a retro cherry on a cocktail stick for a more rich and intriguing cocktail. One of my recent finds is a Cherry Negroni in The Ivory restaurant at Belfast’s Victoria Square, made with Campari, gin, cherry liqueur and Ruby Port – off the chart seriously delish, not to mention strong. So with that in mind, why not shake up your spring with some Campari concoctions.
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Wine Recommendation from Rebecca Robb: Frascati Terre dei Grifi
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ay is here again. Emerald, the month of May birthstone epitomises the rich green colour of this beloved season. It’s a month of excitement as we look forward to the summer, holidays in the sun, children back home in the nest! Spring is in full swing now and not more so in the vineyards around the world as the “bud set” of April has safely passed and we enter the flowering process of the vines. This delicate stage laps in the luxury of long days of sumptuous sunshine in Europe. Vintners hearts must truly swell with joy as they see their hard labours blossom under the gentle caress of Spring. As the saying goes, this fabulous sight is “as welcome as the flowers in May”. Our wine of the month this issue is Frascati Terre del Grifi. Harking from the rolling hills of south east Rome, what better wine to take you right to the heart of the country via its commanding capitol. The Grifi family have owned the hallowed ground the grapes emerge from since the 11th century and this classic wine is thought to be dated back to 5,000 BC! The volcanic, potassium rich fertile soils yield generous harvests, so this a wine that comes through in ample quantities year on year. Incidentally, the word “May” was named after the Roman goddess of fertility “Maia”. The Romans named her well! The Frascati wine bottle is unique in its shape, the locals named it “Frascatana”, 50 years ago and it has stood out on our shelves as such ever since. The wine inside these quirky bottles is of an interesting blend. Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Lazio and Greco all marry seamlessly into a soft, dry wine with a nod to the tropics. Trebbiano, the workhorse of the trio provides the backbone, whilst the nutty character of Malvasia adds subtlety. Greco more famously known in the wine “Greco di Tufo” lends finesse. A clear bright yellow in the glass with hues of green lead onto a nose of exotic fruits, pineapple and lychee present, along with a refreshing scent of orange peel. On the palate you can look forward to ripe pear and almonds with refreshing balanced acidity on the long finish. I fear this wine has gone a little out of vogue in recent years, but I hope our readers may adopt the old adage “all roads lead to Rome”, and come back to enjoying this Roman delight! Our dish this month to accompany our wine is chefs delicious Spiced Sausage Linguini from our menu here at Fratelli. Ciao until next time and remember as the saying goes “Brooms brought in May sweep the family away!” So, forget about Spring cleaning, get out there into the great outdoors and have a glass of Frascati!
SPICED SAUSAGE LINGUINE Ingredients: • 100g Linguine pasta • 15g Salami sausage • 15g N’duja sausage • 15g Scallions • 15g Tomato • 15g Garlic • 15g Sweet red pepper • 25g Napoli sauce • 25g White wine cream sauce • Parmesan and Italian herbs to taste
Method 1. Start by cooking linguine according to package directions 2. Add a little olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking 3. Add the Salami and N’Duja sausage until sizzling 4. Add the scallions, red pepper and garlic until soft 5. Stir in the tomatoes, Napoli sauce and white wine cream; heat through 6. Drain linguine; serve with sausage mixture 7. Season with parmesan and Italian herbs
and no place left to run. His only option is to fight with the hope of surviving to see another day. Release Date: Friday 17th May Starring: Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry
Aladdin Tolkien
Movie roundup New films coming to a cinema near you this month
Long Shot
When he comes across the first girl he ever had a crush on, Charlotte Field, who just so happens to be in the running for presidency, Fred Flarsky feels sparks fly. Charlotte hires Fred as her new assistant and speechwriter and their unique love story begins to unfold. Release Date: Friday 3rd May Starring: Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron
Tolkien
This biopic looks at the life of author J. R. R. Tolkien, exploring his career and inspiration behind the world of his famous Lord of the Rings books, which went on to become major motion pictures. The movie shares the real story of the orphaned author’s formative years. Release Date: Friday 3rd May Starring: Nicholas Hoult and Lily Collins
another despite their circumstances. They share a mutual hatred of the bride, the groom, the wedding and each other – it is this common thread that begins to bind them together. Release Date: Friday 10th May Starring: Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parebellum
Having been given just one hour before his ex-communication from the world of contract killers, John Wick finds himself with a $14 million dollar bounty on his head
Destination Wedding
This film tells the story of two cynical, lonesome wedding guests who find themselves drawn to the company of one
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The latest in the current trend of Disney live action remakes, this classic tale tells the story of a common thief who uses a magical lamp to grant himself the appearance and riches of a prince. He wants to gain the attention of a princess, however he vies with an evil sorcerer who wants to claim the lamp for himself. Release Date: Friday 24th May Starring: Will Smith and Naomi Scott
Rocketman
Rocketman sees Kingsman star Taron Egerton take on the role of Elton John in this musical biopic which charts his career, and his battle with the demons Elton needed to overcome to achieve his dreams. Fresh off the success of Bohemian Rhapsody could this be next year’s Oscar favourite? Release Date: Friday 24th May Starring: Taron Egerton and Bryce Dallas Howard
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When a group of teens have a run in with a loner who befriends them and allows them entry to her house for a party, they think they’ve hit the jackpot. That is until sinister goings on begin to develop that makes the group start to question their newfound party host. Release Date: Friday 31st May Starring: Octavia Spencer and Luke Evans For more movie reviews and news from James Oliver see: @jamesoliverfilm92 on Twitter
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Emma Deighan rounds up this month’s most happening events The 20th Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival is back and “boasts a staggering programme of live music, comedy, spoken word, theatre, literature, film and art with over 150 events for all ages taking place across 20 venues in the city from 6-12 May. The event closes on a high with some banter from Roy Walker at The Black Box (£10) on May 12.
The first East BelFEST music festival is taking place in The Stormont Hotel over May Day bank holiday. The event, sponsored by Forestside, offers an eclectic mix of musical tastes and there’s also under 18 gigs. Headliners include X Factor stars Sean and Conor Price, with local singer-songwriter Ben Cutler as a special guest, Made in Liverpool Beatles Tribute, and many more acts besides. For tickets visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk
They’ve had a seven year break from their last visit to NI and this month Westlife is back. Hitting the SSE Arena, the awesome foursome will belt out their greatest hits from all 14 of their UK number ones. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or fancy a bit of nostalgia, this is going to be one hell of a show. Runs from Wednesday 22-27 May. Tickets cost from £49.
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Gok Wan, the makeover maestro, is heading out on the road again with a series of unmissable fashion and style sessions, the Gok Wan One Size Fits All – The Style and Body Confidence Masterclass. The event takes place at the Belfast Hilton on 13th October and kicks off with a delicious brunch, bubbly, and live runway shows For tickets visit: www.gokfashion.com
On Saturday 11th May it is anticipated that a quarter of a million people across 19 countries will participate in the 11th annual Darkness Into Light walk, organised by Pieta House to de-stigmatise suicide and raise funds for suicide prevention, suicide bereavement and selfharm. Joining them will be thousands of people in Northern Ireland walking at 12 venues in all six counties. For venue details see: www.darknessintolight.ie/venue
The Ulster Museum will be host to luxury London fashion designers Teatum Jones as they talk about their work in the fashion industry, and the inspiration behind their moving fashion film ‘Global Womanhood’. The Teatum Jones Talk is a free event running on May 14 from 3-4pm and will form part of the museum’s Fashion & Feminism exhibition (June 2018-June 2019). Bookings recommended.
The highly-anticipated GAME OF THRONES: The Touring Exhibition, including two-neverseen before sets, has arrived at TEC Belfast. From April through to 1st September 2019, fans can have an up-close and personal look at the ancient dragon skulls, ranging in size from about that of an apple to the one belonging to Balerion the Dread. For tickets visit: www.gameofthronesexhibition.co.uk Photo by Mahala Nuuk
Artisans At The Boulevard returns to The Boulevard Shopping Outlet at Banbridge on Saturday and Sunday May 11 & 12. Why not combine a budget shopping haul with a browse through a selection of wares from Irish designers. Among the list is fashion and accessories, jewellery, furniture, homewares, textiles and soft furnishings as well as art and photography, health and beauty, home baked goods, and more.
For real authentic NI banter, Leesa Harker’s The Real Housewives of Norn Iron should be worth the watch. Taking place from May 30 until June 1 at The Theatre at the Mill and The Courtyard Theatre. “You thought you seen drama in The REAL Housewives? Imagine a West Belfast milly rubbing shoulders with a BT9-er? A wee Derry Irish language fanatic drinking gin and slim-line tonics with a mid-Ulster Slimmers World hallion! You ain’t seen sparks fly until you’ve seen The REAL Housewives of Norn Iron!” reads the biog!
Perhaps the most anticipated annual events of the year for the rural community, The Balmoral Show is back from May 15-18. Not just for those from an agricultural background, this show is a day out for everyone. Expect performances, food, entertainment, a children’s farm and a fairground. Tickets cost £17 for adults, £2 for children and £12.50 for senior citizens.
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Event of the month:
Darkness Into Light Ahead of the Darkness Into Light walk on 11th May, ambassador 25-year-old Armagh footballer Aoife Lennon, explains why we should support it You are best known for your sporting career, can you tell us more about it?
I am currently playing GAA for the Armagh Harps. Before that I played soccer for Northern Ireland’s Senior Women’s team, I was Newry City ladies’ captain for six years and I captained them to a Premiership win in 2015, where we qualified for Champions League football in August 2016 playing in Finland.
and experience the positive impact that participation in this event can have.
What does Darkness Into Light mean to you?
Darkness Into Light is a very special movement that I am so proud to be a part of. Suicide is an epidemic which affects families across Northern Ireland, unfortunately no one is immune to suicide and it is definitely a growing problem. You are a Darkness I want to be a part of Into Light a movement of change, ambassador, how did to live in a world where that come about? suicide is replaced by Darkness Into Light is hope. The only way we can organised by Pieta House tackle this crisis is together and proudly sponsored Aoife Lennon is in our communities, in by Electric Ireland. I was so our places of work, and the delighted when I was asked to sports clubs we are part of. So to me, become an ambassador for the Power Darkness Into Light is about hope. of Hope campaign as the event benefits so many local charities. I believe by walking from Darkness As a Darkness Into Light ambassador, Into Light, everyone can play a part in you promote mental wellness. removing the stigma around suicide and What do you feel are common self-harm, and in doing so spread the power misconceptions reading mental of hope. I want to try and encourage more health issues? people to get out and walk on the 11th May There is definitely a stigma that continues
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to surround mental health, so many people are suffering in silence and I want them to know that you can get help, hope is out there. I lost my dad in 2006 at the age of 13 due to suicide, so this is something so close to my heart and I am so proud that I can be involved and help support an amazing cause to raise awareness. I can’t imagine what my dad went through but I know that he was special and deserved to see the light but unfortunately, he didn’t. He is always with me and I know that with his guidance and my faith, he has helped me overcome the grief and sadness to live my life and to help other people. When there is hope, there is everything.
How can Northern Woman readers support this event?
On Saturday 11th May a quarter of a million people across 19 countries will participate in the 11th annual Darkness Into Light walk. We are inviting people across Northern Ireland to understand the collective power that resonates from hope. It’s such a worthy cause, we will be joined by thousands of people across Northern Ireland walking at 12 venues in all six counties which is inspiring. There are a number of different venues for walks and I want to encourage everyone to sign up. There are walks in Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ballymena, Causeway, Crossmaglen, Hannahstown, Ormeau Park Belfast, Derry City, Rostrevor, Lisnaskea, Cookstown, Strabane and Dromore.
Readers can sign up at: www.darknessintolight.ie and discover The Power of Hope by walking from Darkness Into Light. People can follow the story @ElectricIrelandNI on Facebook and @ElecIrelandNI on Twitter using #ThePowerofHope
LIVING
Credit: H&M Home
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DOUBLE UP Shop this month’s designer buys and purse-friendly lookalikes BY RÓISÍN CARABINE
SAVE
SPLURGE
Jangala velvet cushion from Made.com £30 Large gold planter from Sainsbury’s £16
Salladskål watering can from Ikea, Belfast, £24
Black Axel Pendant from Debenhams £60
Toba Rattan wingback chair from Artisanti.com £292
Zuiver Floss black side table from Cuckooland.com £89
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Luxe drip plant pot from Audenza.com £30.95
Penelope Hope velvet palm leaf cushion from Penelopehope.com £95
Round hanging mirror from Sainsbury’s £16 House Doctor black zinc watering can from Hurnandhurn.com £54
Gubi Adnet Circulaire tan mirror from Nest.co.uk £597
Polygon Squat Pendant from Frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk £90
Shelby Rattan egg chair from Outthereinteriors.com £500
Ligne Roset Bottle side table in mango-wood from Living Space, Belfast, from £200
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8 interior design myths busted Who says ceilings should be painted white or that you can’t mix patterns and prints? Some interior design rules are made to be broken BY RÓISÍN CARABINE
Myth #1 SKIRTING BOARDS AND WOODWORK SHOULD BE WHITE
Says who? While white skirting and woodwork can look elegant and help give your room the perfect frame, it’s no longer the only colour option for making an impact. There’s a growing trend for painting skirting and woodwork the same colour as the walls to create a beautifully blended look or even a contrasting or darker colour for a strong contemporary aesthetic. Check out Pinterest and Instagram for lots of swoon-worthy ideas. Skirting & woodwork painted in Obisdan Green 216; Walls in Pea Green 91 & Leather 191. £45 for 2.5L Absolute Matt Emulsion; £50 for 2.5L Intelligent Matt Emulsion; £64 for Intelligent Eggshell. Visit: Littlegreene.com for local stockists
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Myth #2 AVOID DARK COLOURS IN SMALL ROOMS
It might seem like common sense to paint a small room eye-wateringly white or worse, magnolia, but if you think a perfectly pale scheme is going to double its size somehow and boost light where there isn’t any, think again. It won’t. The best solution is to embrace the room’s size by using darker shades on the walls to create a dramatic yet intimate atmosphere. You can further emphasise its cosiness by painting the skirting, shelving and any woodwork in the same dark hue. Main wall painted Dulux Velvet Cake; Ceiling in Dulux Spiced Honey; Woodwork in Dulux Writers Desk
Myth #4 BLUE AND GREEN SHOULD NEVER BE SEEN
…unless there’s something in between, or so the saying goes. In reality, blue and green work very well together, with or without an extra colour in between, particularly when the shades veer into the deeper, jewel-tones hues. Getting it right though has a lot to do with proportion and scale. For a beautifully balanced look try mixing bold cerulean blue walls with equally bold apple green upholstered chairs in a living room or pair teal walls and forest green units in a kitchen for a fullon saturated look. Annie Sloan Bathroom Ombre Aubusson Blue wall paint and Provence chalk paint; bath in Provence chalk paint lifestyle. Visit: anniesloan.com for local stockist
Myth #3 PUSH EVERYTHING AGAINST THE WALL
Putting sofas and furniture against a wall makes for a clean arrangement and can free up central space, which is especially good for small rooms, but there are other options that are more visually interesting and also space enhancing. Positioning you sofa diagonally can actually make the room seem a little larger while pulling opposite facing sofas out from the wall can create intimacy in a large open plan room while allowing traffic to move behind easily. Plush handwoven polyester Emerald rug from £300 & Felpa accent chairs, available in a choice of colours, from £299, from Harvey Norman
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Myth #5 Never mix patterns and prints
If any myth deserves to be busted, it’s this one. Putting together exciting pattern and print combos is all just a matter of confidence and can make for a highly individual look that’s full of character and personality. Graphic stripes, spots, checks, ditsy florals and unusual designs can all work well together. There are no hard and fast rules to getting it right but there are a few tricks that can certainly help. Varying patterns by scale will help each pattern stand out and be recognised while repeating colour and pattern can make for a more co-ordinated look. Mardi Gras 599 Sagres Vinyl from Carpetright. From £15.99 a square metre
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Myth #6 Less is more
Is less really more? Or is it just less? There’s no denying that a pared-back, edited interior can look super sophisticated and contemporary but it also runs the risk of feeling bland and rather soulless. Sometimes more is more. Cluttered rooms (arranged artfully of course), make for visually interesting spaces that pack personality and punch. They’re vibrant and colourful and full of creativity. So the next time you’re feeling the urge to do a Kondo, relax and buy another plant! MW by Matthew Williams Pendant £95; Pineapple embroidery duvet set (double) £60; Throw £100; Tassel basket £30; Table light £85; Palm vase £25; Bowl candle £15; Cushions £30-£40; Rugs £50 each, all from Debenhams
Myth #7 Ceilings should be painted white
Myth #8 Always Seek Symmetry
Symmetry can be a beautiful thing but interior design is not always about seeking perfect balance and visual harmony and following symmetry to a T can be restrictive. Sure it suggests a well thoughtout look that’s been designed with intention but a scheme that’s just a bit off kilter can be just as impactful. There’s nothing wrong with having mismatched bedside tables or different objects of differing heights on either end of a mantelpiece, or mirrors hung at varying heights on a wall.
For years, white has been considered not only the safest but best choice for ceilings. Why? Because white ceilings open up spaces and make walls feel higher. But of course safe isn’t always interesting and best isn’t always right. Indeed, trendsetting interior designer Abigail Ahern argues that: “the single most important thing you can do to a space is to paint the ceiling out the same hue as the walls. When you paint the ceiling out, lines blur, the space becomes more sophisticated somehow and the room feels grander.” Plus a dark ceiling is a cheap and simple way of creating instant drama. Ceiling painted in Blush 267; Upper walls in Sir Lutyens’ Sage 302; Below dado and skirting in Invisible Green 56. £45 for 2.5L Absolute Matt Emulsion; £50 for 2.5L Intelligent Matt Emulsion; £64 for Intelligent Eggshell. Visit: Littlegreene.com for local stockists
Ottone Marble & Acacia Wood Sideboard £575; Unity Rose Gold Lamp Base £70; Le Cocktail Chair £425, from Oliver Bonas
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Valentine Rattan Garden Love Seat with Optional Footstool in Praia from Cookooland
Love seats are having a moment And it’s not down to romance… no, it’s all about lack of space
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BY KIRSTIE McDERMOTT
ultiple studies have Jurassic period for the exchange of chaste trumpeted the fact kisses. that the millennial In February, Swoon - an online, cutsgeneration is having out-the-middleman e-tailer - reported that less sex than its sales of love seats were up a staggering predecessors. A 2018 4,500 percent in a year. DFS, the sofa chain, BBC study discovered that 45 percent of has also seen a big boost. “We’ve seen a adults said stress was a huge factor, and in 48 percent increase in love seat sales, or 2015 a study by Dr Jean Twenge unpicked ‘cuddlers’ as they’re known at DFS, in the the fact that millennials have less sex, with past two years,” says Lauren Harris, senior fewer sexual partners, than their parents designer at the brand. did at the same age. So is it a case that if we’re not doing And what, precisely, does that have naughty things, we’re actually badly in to do with interiors? In a weird flex (but need of a bit of comfort? Lauren thinks it’s okay), furniture brands DFS and Swoon a bit simpler, actually. “I think the cuddler’s have reported a huge rise in the sales of popularity lies in the fact that it’s simply the love seats, a category most versatile piece of furniture that’s a of seated furniture smaller-than-average we sell and works sofa and which was for every home once regarded regardless of as a charming, if size.” twee, relic from In Ireland, ye olden days of we’re now ancient yore. You building know, the sort of smaller houses thing your granny with an average Grosvenor Love Seat in Grey with Yellow and grandad would floor space of Scatters from Oak Furnitureland have sat on in the 81sqm compared
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with 115sqm in Denmark and 124sqm in Belgium. That means that if you’re able to buy a new house these days, it’s likely to be more compact than one a previous generation would have been able to afford. As a result, the notion of the three-piece suite has gone out the window for a lot of people. That’s a lot of furniture to jam into a small room, and to have to contort yourself to climb over in order to sit down. Something like one three-seater, plus a love seat, can be a really practical solution. Harris agrees. “For homes where space is at a premium, it offers a seat for two without taking up much more room than an armchair. It can also fill awkward spaces like bay windows, alcoves or cosy corners.” That also makes a love seat a viable option for a bedroom, landing or hallway too their compact size means that if they fit, you can sit. The selection process is the same as it would be for any couch, so do your homework. “Focus on style, comfort, size and quality,” advises Harris, who warns, “measuring correctly is critical if you’re short on space - it’s important to be aware that although they’re smaller in width than a sofa, they tend to be the same depth.” This isn’t all about practicality, so you don’t have to throw the romance out altogether. Harris reveals her own reasons for owning a love seat: “It’s just great for snuggling up to a loved one on, so make it feel inviting and cosy with cushions and a throw.”
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hether you’re an apartment renter or a three-bed-semi dweller, creating the illusion of more space is always high on the list of priorities when decorating or styling your home. While, yes, we’d all love the luxury of expansive living quarters, the reality – given the cost of property today – is that we’re left to make the absolute most of every square inch of our existing real estate. That said, it’s not necessarily a negative: when you start to get smart about your home decor, considering everything from colour to furniture and how every piece of the decor puzzle is configured, smaller spaces can really work. You can find yourself living very comfortably in a home you once thought was too small. Read on for our five space-creating tricks.
Colour code
There are two kinds of colours in this world: receding and advancing. Advancing colours are warm in tone – think red, orange, violet, yellow – and as the description suggests, they appear to come towards you, shrinking the space. These are colours chosen for a colder space to create a more cosy atmosphere. On the flipside, you have receding colours which do the exact opposite, drawing the walls back and making things appear more spacious than they really are. It’s the oldest trick in the book but it’s your absolute starting point if your space is closing in on you. But you’re not just stuck with white walls; receding colours are cool in tone and include anything in the blue, green, grey family. Receding colours get a lot of bad press for making a space feel chillier, but this is nothing that can’t be balanced with cosy textures elsewhere.
Ground rules
In small spaces, you’ll ideally continue the same flooring throughout the ground level (not including the bathroom where tiles might be a must). It’s a trick of the eye but it’s one that really works. Wooden (real or laminate) floors will always trump carpet when it comes to space. This doesn’t mean you can’t create different vibes in different
H&M Home
Cookooland
Space-creating tricks With the right colours and some clever furnishings, small places can appear deceptively bigger, writes Caroline Foran areas; using rugs (remember to choose receding colours) will help to zone your home, particularly if it’s all open plan.
Clear vision
The more wall area kept free, the better, and the more floor we see, the better. A sofa that has a lower back will contribute to your goal, but more importantly, choose seating with legs. The same goes for any other furniture in the room. Legs are key. When it comes to armchairs, the mid-century modern-style options, where the arms are wooden and not massive chunks of fabric, will further enhance the illusion of space. Rule of thumb: always let the eye continue to the furthest possible point: through the armchair, under the sofa, across the room threshold, through the glass coffee table etc.
Be reflective
A house without mirrors feels somewhat claustrophobic. They draw in more light, make your space brighter and add at least a third of the size on (as far as your eye is concerned). For mirrors to have this effect,
however, you have to go big, and choose something clean and unfussy. The same goes for wall art. In a small space, go the less is more but bigger route. This will create larger clean lines that satisfy the eye, again, ticking the boxes of your spacecreating ambitions.
Ditch the curtains
The best case scenario for curtains is a wide open space where they can drop to the floor and be left undisturbed by other accessories or furniture or fuss. This isn’t always possible in smaller spaces, unless you’ve majorly Marie Kondo’d your belongings. Where every inch counts, do away with them. You’ll get back all of that hidden wall space. Again, if you’re worried about losing visual warmth and cosiness, you can rectify this with textures elsewhere. Madeto-measure blinds are the way to go. Good quality roman blinds will give you the depth of texture you crave but there’s nothing wrong with good old fashioned white roller blinds if the illusion of more space is your number one goal.
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“We love the natural light in this room and the views over the fields. The smoking chairs were my Grandmother’s which I hope to reupholster soon.”
A countryside escape on the North Coast
J
ill and Chris McLean moved into their Bushmills home five years ago, which they share with their twoyear-old Rhodesian Ridgeback Leo. “The property needed a complete overhaul with regards to the interior, and we are really enjoying that process,” Jill begins. “The high ceilings and large rooms appealed to us when we viewed it, and it’s in the country so we have lots of space and privacy.
“We have renovated the kitchen and changed one window into French doors, which has transformed the space especially with the floods of natural light coming in now. We have also invested in good quality flooring, I love the rustic feel of the wide oak wood flooring.” Jill describes here home décor style as eclectic and she likes a neural colour palette. “I love mixing luxury pieces with ethnic and rustic finds” she says.
Photos by Michael Bradley 76
And her favourite room? “It has to be home office, I recently finished it and it has reinforced my belief in the power of interiors to influence mood and mind set. I am more productive and look forward to being in the space.”
For more from Jill see: @luxelivingwithjill on Instagram.
“This is the only industrial style piece in our home as it wouldn’t be a style I usually go for, but I felt this would work here. The low lit Edison bulbs really create a lovely ambience over the dinner table in the evening.”
“I think it’s worth investing in good dinnerware; this set is minimal and modern, it’s from Broste Copenhagen.”
“This sofa was a rust colour originally, I got it reupholstered and I bought large velvet cushions from Andrew Martin. They ooze quality and bring me so much joy, so they were worth every penny; my husband might beg to differ!”
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“The kitchen is from Exorna Kitchens Coleraine, they did a fantastic job. I chose all white to create a light and airy space, and I love the grain textured painted doors.”
“The master bedroom is a calm neutral space – a room to completely switch off in, so I chose a warm neutral colour scheme with layered window treatments. I painted the figures above the bed also, they are a throwback to my art college days.”
“Texture and pieces from nature were so important to add to my table setting, this shell orb is from TK Maxx.”
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“I chose white everything to make me feel alert and stimulate my mind when I come in to work. Two of my favourite elements are the intricate Indian panel from TK Maxx and the light fixture from BHS.”
“This vase was a hand-me-down but nobody knows where it came from in the first place. I like a mix of old and new, luxury and rustic so it fits well.”
“Styling my interior with new accessories is one of my favourite things to do. Most accessories in my office and throughout our home are from Kelly Hoppen Home or TK Maxx.”
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Mr & Mrs Quinn
Photos by Paul Doherty Photography
T
yrone couple Leonia Mimnagh and Stephen Quinn first met at the Hooley in the Valley festival, in Augher in August 2013. Three years later Stephen surprised his other half with a proposal during a night away in Clare. “We ended up in Quin Abby where Stephen asked me to become Mrs. Quinn,” Leonia says. The set the date for New Year’s Eve 2018 and began planning their ‘sparkle & shine’ themed day. Leonia wore a showstopping Berta Bridal gown from Verona Bridal, accessorised with pear drop earrings. Ecclesville Printing Services and Jeem Designs supplied the stationery, Paul Doherty Photography captured the wedding photos, Bakewells Patisserie created the three-tier wedding cake, and Bumble Bee Garden Florist supplied the flowers. Leonia’s favourite memory of her wedding day was “walking up the aisle with my Dad, I was so excited to talk to Stephen.” Stephen adds: “It was all great”. The newly weds enjoyed a minimoon in Donegal and plan to honeymoon in Canada this summer.
Venue: Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan Wedding dress: Verona Bridal, Magherafelt Bridesmaids’ dresses: ASOS Groomswear: Red Groomswear, Cookstown Cake: Bakewells Patisserie, Omagh Hair: Jade Gibson Studios, Omagh Makeup: GLAM Hairdressing and Make-up Bar, Omagh
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Mr & Mrs Kerr
Photos by Tilted Tripod Photography
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ondon-based couple, Patrice Gallogly from Armagh and Monaghan groom Micheal Kerr, first met in a bar. Following “many drinks” and a stop at a second bar, the couple swapped numbers. “It took me about three days to text back but I am glad I did,” Patrice says. “I was always intrigued by Micheal, he doesn’t follow the crowd and has an interesting personality. I knew he was definitely worth getting to know and I took my time getting to know him. Dates ranged from a West End show, to dinner in The Shard, and the Brit Awards. I finally give in about 50 dates later and we became official. “He continued to surprise me even more with his loyalty, when one year later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. He very much gave me the strength and courage I needed, and kept things as normal as possible.” Three and a half years after they first met, Micheal popped the question during a holiday in Spain. The couple’s chosen venue The K Club inspired their wedding theme: old Hollywood glamour. Patrice says she “definitely had a moment” when she first tried on her dress; an Alessandra Rinaudo gown. A few weeks before the wedding she visited Armagh designer Gibson Bespoke to get a cape in case it was cold on the day. Patrice says: “I went in looking for a fur or cape, and I ended up with a bespoke crown and split cape with shoulder and strap crystal detail; totally unplanned and last minute but I am delighted I did it.” The bridesmaids wore Kevan Jon dresses, with different sizes sourced from Blush, Belfast, and The Snooty Fox, Dungannon. The couple say they “couldn’t have been more delighted” with Ciara from Tilted Tripod Photography who captured their day, Patrice’s cousin’s sister-in-law made the wedding cake, and Newry band the Nooks ensured the dance floor never emptied. Patrice has lots of memorable moments from her wedding day including the buzz of the morning preparations, travelling to the church with her Dad, seeing her guests having a great time, and the touching speeches delivered by her husband and Dad.
Venue: The K Club, Kildare Wedding dress: Petticoat Lane Bridal, Hillsborough Bridesmaids’ dresses: Blush, Belfast, and The Snooty Fox, Dungannon Groomswear: O’Cathalain Menswear, Crossmaglen Cake: Daiva Gibney, Dundalk Hair: Michelle’s Hair Salon, Newry Makeup: Lips‘n‘Lashes, Newry
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Jamie Hawthorn and Robyn Surgenor
Belfast FASHIONWEEK Belfast FASHIONWEEK kicked off its 27th season with a Runway Edit catwalk show, which focused on local designer and boutiques, and top picks from the high street. Fashionistas enjoyed fringe events including the ever-popular Sushi Saturday fashion lunch at Zen. Photos by Trazanne Norwood
Bree Martin and Tarryn Shiels
Rebecca Maguire and Thomas Hillian
Roisin White
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Loraa White
Aly McParland
Lisa Colhoun
Karin Parkinson and Patricia McGuiness
Karla Donnelly and Nora Toner
Sandra Branningan and Laura Byrne
Geraldine Leyden
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Nicola McCartney, Stacey Winnington and Hannah Taggart
Helen Scott and Jordan Patterson
Campbell College Fashion Show
Campbell College kicked off their 125th anniversary celebrations in style by welcoming over 260 glamorous guests to their CCB 125: Fashion Show event. The show, styled by Rebecca McKinney, was held in association with Strathearn School who are celebrating 90 years. With the help of ACA and CMPR Models, they dazzled their guests into the new season and celebrated the history of both Campbell College and Strathearn School by welcoming 17 pupils, three past pupils and three members of staff on to the catwalk. Photos by Kelvin Boyes, Press Eye
Katharine McGarry, Laura Ewing and Felicity McNeice
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Claire Johnston, Nicola Kelly, Catherine Campbell and Edel McInerney
Joan Moore and Zoe Wilcox
Susan Montgomery and Margaret Cardy
Lynda Reid and Deborah McCullough
Sonya Cassidy, Janet McKay Elizabeth Hendron and Karen Parkinson
Julie Reilly and Julie Thomas
Cassandra, Hilary and Ali Speers
Carla White, Laura Chandler and Judith Adamson
Lynsey Bennett, Leah White and Sarah White
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Yasmin Doyle and Jonathan Riddell
Nigel Pollock and Vanessa Patton
THE KEEPER premiere The Northern Ireland premiere screening of THE KEEPER took place at Movie House, Dublin Road, Belfast. THE KEEPER tells the incredible true story of Bert Trautmann, a German soldier and prisoner of war who, against a backdrop of British post-war protest and prejudice, secures the position of goalkeeper at Manchester City, and in doing so becomes a footballing icon. The movie was partly shot in Northern Ireland and was supported by Northern Ireland Screen. Photos by Kelvin Boyes, Press Eye
Gary Lewis, Sheena Kelly and Ciaran McCrea
Chris Tennyson and Owen Devine
Also Campeao, JR McCormick and Emma Sweeney
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Tracy Hayes and Renee Gary
Shannon Downey and Emma McKillion
Hannah Chambers and Naimh McLaughlin
Ten Square Hotel party Ten Square Hotel, Belfast, hosted a party to celebrate the final phase of their ÂŁ20m+ expansion, which has been completed with the rejuvenation of the ground floor food and beverage space and a traditional Irishstyle pub, The Doffer, which is now open for business. Attendees enjoyed live music, pints and Prosecco in The Doffer, and food from new restaurant Josper Steakhouse. Photo by Kelvin Boyes, Press Eye Zoe Stevenson, Grace Blaney and Chloe Henning
Mary McGuigan and Nadia Sayers
Rob Baker, Rebekah Robinson and Tim McKane
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Claire MacManus and Sara McCracken
Naomh McElhatton and Lucy McMullan
Chris and Nichola Suitor
Dani Awards 2019 The 2019 DANI Awards took place in Belfast’s Whitla Hall, recognising Northern Ireland’s digital industries with a range of awards covering everything from corporate marketing campaigns and digital innovation to blogs and podcasts. Winners include the innovative Cropsafe app that could help stop crop disease spreading around the world, Immersive tech gaming company Boom Clap Play, and new STEM educational programme M Tech Academy. Photos by Brendan Gallagher Rebecca McNicholas, Neil Dalzell and Kathryn Tweedie
Renie Gray and Trazanne Norwood
Rachel and Tim Ferris
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Hannah and Raymond Lusty
David and Clare Hyndman
Musgrave Store of the Year Awards This year’s Musgrave Store of the Year Awards were hosted by Eamonn Holmes, and took place at Culloden Estate and Spa. Three local SuperValu, Centra and MACE stores clinched the coveted title of Store of the Year; McCool’s SuperValu in Ballymoney claimed the title of SuperValu Store of the Year, Boyd’s Centra at Junction One picked up this year’s Centra Store of the Year award, and Lilley’s Centra in Enniskillen was announced as the Newcomer of the Year. Colm Devlin, Colleen McBride, Mary O’Reilly and Martin Waters
Photos by Brian Thompson
Lorraine and Philip Woods
Frank Boyd, Erina McGlinchey, Sally Boyd and Gerard Boyd
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Kathryn O’Brien, Emily Hancock, Antonia Willis and India Lee Reid
Six by Nico Launch evening Chef Nico and the team from Belfast’s newest restaurant Six by Nico, hosted a VIP launch evening attended by well-known faces, local business representatives and influencers from across Northern Ireland. Guests were treated to the themed six-course tasting menu The Chippie complimented by wine pairing. Photos by Michael Hunter
Roisin Doherty
Gary & Ivona Moore
Ciara McKeown & Gerry Lavery
Lauren & Conor Hogan
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Cathy Martin and Fiona McCartney
Gerard McCavanagh, Caroline Snowden, Stephanie Sheerin and Philip Telford
The Fitzwilliam Hotel’s tenth birthday To celebrate its tenth birthday, The Fitzwilliam Hotel hosted a roaring twenties ‘Great Gatsby’ themed party in the renowned hotel lobby. The award-winning hotel welcomes over 60,000 guests each year, including high profile guests such as Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Hillary and President Bill Clinton. Among the hotel’s 140 employees, there is a number of staff who have been with the hotel since the beginning and are celebrating their tenth anniversary this year also. Emer Dorris, Wendy Gregg, Rebecca Dalzell McCarthy and Lynee Harper
Natalia Hynds, Michael Reid and Hama Davidson
Photos by Darren Kidd, Press Eye
Lilian Parkes, Rachelle Gaskell, Caitriona McIlveen and Joanna Fyffe
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Send us your photo! Thanks to all who submitted photos for Here & There. To be featured simply take a photo of you with Northern Woman out and about locally or abroad and email your photo to NW editor Catriona: c.doherty@independentmagazinesni.co.uk. Every month one entry will win a ‘Pic of the Month’ prize, so well done to Sue Mansfield and Sylvia Haugsnes who have won a Yon Ka Lait Hydratant body milk RRP £31 and a Gommage Doux Corps exfoliator RRP £31.
Louise Vance pictured at Game of Thrones The Touring Exhibition
F PIC O THE H T MON
Sue Mansfield and Sylvia Haugsnes reading Northern Woman at Atlantic Road, Norway
HERE & THERE Sarah Marks in Disneyland Paris
Clare Willis pictured with her copy of Northern Woman in Littlehampton, England
Jackie O’Neill and Leeanne Stewart pictured at Clarendon Dock, Belfast
Have your brand featured here and reach your target audience. To sponsor Here & There contact Senior Advertising Manager Jackie Reid, email: j.reid@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
R E G BLOG CORNER BY CIARA DECARTERET
‘I
f you never try, you’ll never know’. These are words that I live my life by (and YOLO – don’t judge me). Most of my experiences in life have come from taking a risk, taking myself out of my comfort zone, and sometimes making myself look like a fool. But, I wouldn’t change it for a thing. From entering a pageant to moving away from home, appearing on Take Me Out, and putting myself forward to represent a brand at New York Fashion Week; these were all daunting and nerve-wracking experiences and made me feel physically sick at the thought of them. However, each one of them taught me important lessons and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today if I had said “no”. Entering a pageant was a risk I took to overcome my insecurities and grow my confidence. The result? I became the confident woman I am today (and I won which was a bonus!). Moving away from home was a risk I took to be able to pursue a career I was passionate about. The result? I’m in my final year of university doing a degree that I love, ready to face the world head on. Appearing on Take Me Out was a risk I took to simply have fun and experience something different. The result? I had the time of my life and made friends with people from all over the UK. Applying for a trip to New York Fashion Week with PrettyLittleThing was a massive risk which resulted in one of the most amazing weeks of my life. I made connections that’ll help me with my future career and hopefully lead to more amazing opportunities. Of course I’ve taken plenty of risks that haven’t gone in my favour. Like applying for jobs and being turned down, or dating the wrong guy and getting hurt. Sometimes things that hurt you the most, teach you the greatest lessons. I’ve learned a lot about myself and other people, from going through these less-than-favourable experiences, and how to handle hurt and rejection in the future. I’m a better person because of it. We love to say “no” to opportunities that scare us or make us feel uneasy. We make excuses about time and money that we don’t have, and focus too much on the bad things that could happen and the ‘what-ifs’. We would rather stay in a place where we feel safe and secure, rather than take a risk and try something different. Why? When you look at all the successful people in life – this mind-set seems ridiculous. If Oprah Winfrey gave up in the face of adversity, would she be one of the
If you never try, you’ll never know… most influential women in history? Would Emily Blunt be the award-winning actress she is today if she didn’t put herself out there to overcome her stutter? Would Harry Potter exist if JK Rowling didn’t believe in her novel? The short answer: Nope. Every successful person you meet has taken a risk at some point in their life, with many knock-backs and rejections. Not every risk you take is going to pay off – but that’s why they’re risks. If you try, you risk failure – if you don’t, you ensure it. Whether you want to start that business that you’ve been thinking about for years; you want to move out from your parents’
house; take that round-the-world trip; or even if you simply want to conquer a fear that has been holding you back. No matter how big or how small the risk is, we learn from them all. If my experience is anything to go by, I say ‘go for it.’ Take that leap of faith and believe in yourself. After all – if you never try, you’ll never know.
If you would like to keep up to date with whatever risks I take next follow me on Instagram @ciaradecarteret and my blog: ciaradecarteret.com
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NORTHERN MAN What Jeff Meredith is up to this month
Reaching the top of Slieve Donard
I
only started running a year ago, and now I’m running my first marathon in Belfast this May. The last 12 months has been a huge journey and it has changed my world. I’m no longer watching people running and thinking I want to do that again; I’m now that person out running regularly and enjoying my best fitness life. Here are a few things I’ve learnt while training for a marathon:
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I love running. I always new I loved it, but I never felt properly committed to doing it. I needed to find a reason to really need to run, and it soon became obvious to me that my mental health was my driver.
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H
i folks, By the time you read this I’ll be just about to run or will have just completed (hopefully) my first ever marathon; the new flatter, faster Belfast City Marathon during May bank holiday weekend. I’ve been going on about it here for months, you must be bored stupid reading about my journey, but bear with me, it’s nearly time. For now, let’s talk about what’s happening in Belfast, starting with the relaunch of a refurbished The National. After a £350k refit the Cathedral Quarter bar and eatery has reopened after a month-long refurbishment. It’s looking fresh and definitely a lot funkier, the biggest change is in the garden with the installation of a fully retractable awning and a new heating system creating a welcoming all-weather space. Also in the Cathedral Quarter, Six by Nico has arrived from Scotland. The restaurant will be home to a series of carefully curated and constantly evolving eating experience. Every six weeks they will serve a brand new six-course tasting menu, each one themed with a different place or memory. They opened in Belfast on the 5th March with ‘The Chippie’ menu. Sounds different doesn’t it, and with that regular new menu you’ll have to keep
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going back for more. Further afield, you know I always have a holiday to talk about. I recently took a solo trip to Paris and for the first time, I loved it. Being on my own gave me the freedom to pack in as many museums and as much art as I could. Three nights in the Best Western La Demeure Hotel and three days wandering the city gave me time to really see a different city than I’ve ever experienced. My favourite bits; Centre Pompidou, Musee de l’Orangerie, Louvre, and climbing the staircase to the very top of Notre Dame Cathedral. If you’re visiting, I’d recommend the Paris Pass, you fast track the queues, and you get unique experiences and access. It’s worth every euro. I also went to Carrickfergus for a staycation and stayed in Walter’s Place. What a gem. Walter’s Place is as good as it gets for a small boutique staycation locally. It’s quirky, colourful and a little touch of luxury, and it’s by the same folks who own Ownies bar/restaurant next door. Check it out, you’ll love it. Thanks for reading.
Being outside. The mental health benefits of being outside in the fresh air exercising are enormous. Running along the North Down Coastline, along the beach, across the top of Black Mountain… you can’t beat it.
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It’s the small goals. Start small and don’t stress that you can’t run the length of yourself. Those small goals soon add up. If I go out for a run now, I’m still motivated by the small goals; catch up with that walker, to reach that junction, to complete that mile. I didn’t use a beginner’s running guide, I simply did what I could do and pushed myself a little more each time whilst listening to my body when it was saying enough.
The boardwalk at Black Mountain
T-shirt £6 and legging £7 from Primark Beautiful North Down Coastal Path
10 things I’ve learnt while training for my first marathon
Running starter kit
Tornell tee from Regatta £60
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY JEFF MEREDITH
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Rest if you need to rest and give your body time to recover. Usually I don’t go running two days in a row.
Active skinny fit leggings from M&S Collection £19.50
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Use social media as a motivator. Follow people on Instagram who will inspire you to achieve, who will inspire you to get off the sofa and do something. Use it as your own online diary of your achievements, that on its own will drive you to keep achieving.
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Stay alert. Most drivers will stop at a junction to let you across. Be aware of them. Walkers often move to the side to let you past.
build some strength.
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Try different surfaces to run on. Grass is the most enjoyable for me, but trails, beaches, running tracks are all great for building stability.
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Get up those hills. Hill running will help build your strength. I’ve just attempted a run up Slieve Donard for the first time, but that was after a year of walking up hills to
Running the maritime mile
Get the right kit. You need proper runners that suit you. Skechers runners work perfectly for me, but we all have different brands that suit our feet. Running gear comes in all styles and price points so shop around and wear what works for you. I couldn’t do without my leggings and a waist pack to carry my phone and keys in.
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Enjoy it. Don’t put yourself under any pressure. Just get out and enjoy the experience, no matter how far you go, even if it’s round the block. Take it all in, say hello to the dog that greets you, smell the fresh cut grass or the flowers, listen to the sound of the waves, watch the clouds move, feel the rain on your face. And keep moving your feet without overthinking it.
Active half zip top from M&S Collection £25
Grey slim waist pack £3.50 from Primark
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— COMPETITION —
T
Win
o celebrate the launch of the Ice House’s new afternoon tea offering, the hotel is offering Northern Woman readers the chance to win a break for two. Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, overlooking the River Moy and the woodlands beyond, the Ice House is an escape from the ordinary. Delicious food and drink, first class service and an awardwinning boutique spa create a destination full of character, luxury and charm in the heart of North Mayo. The lucky prize-winner and a guest will be treated to a two-night stay in the hotel, and can look forward to checking in and chilling out in the warmth and luxury of the Ice House. The prize includes breakfast each morning and the chance to sample the newly-launched afternoon tea menu offering. Relax in the elegant surrounds of the Ice House and enjoy traditional delights from the afternoon tea menu, such as Connemara smoked salmon, homemade treacle bread and citrus crème fraiche, and Ice House baked gammon with Dozio Ella cheese. Those with a sweet tooth can look forward to buttermilk scones with homemade jam, pistachio, coconut and raspberry gateaux, as well as white chocolate and coffee brûlée. If you’re not lucky enough to win this wonderful prize check out: www.icehousehotel.ie for information on all the packages available.
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A luxurious two-night stay at the Ice House TO ENTER Simply complete the sentence. The Ice House overlooks the river… Email your answer and contact details to: competitions@northernwoman.co.uk before 5pm on Friday 31st May.
T&Cs: The prize is subject to availability and is non-transferrable. It is no valid on bank holidays, Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day and Easter. INM T&Cs apply.