Northern Woman November 2019

Editor’s Letter

H

i all, welcome to our November issue.

In this edition we bring you the very latest looks to hit shops, from seventies chic to coloured leather, pussy bow blouses, biker boots, top-handle bags and more.

TV travel presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle talks to Northern Woman about his Tales of the Wilderness Tour which comes to the Ulster Hall,

Belfast, this month.

As Black Friday approaches a frazzled Clare Bowie reflects on the worst things about shopping. Columnist Eunice Nelson also made us laugh with her take on Thanksgiving and all the things she feels grateful for. And I tried my hand at jewellery making with NI Silver and was delighted with the end product.

Journalist Jade Beecroft tackles the more serious topic of endometriosis and meets a Belfast specialist determined to change people’s perceptions. Also in our health and wellness section, local hypnotherapist Judith Ward shines the light on the therapy, and writer Emma Deighan explores the health benefits of dance.

By coincidence, both couples featured in our readers’ weddings section met at work. Natalie and Simon Thompson, and Bernadette and Patrick Kelly share their love stories on pages 68-71. If you have tied the knot in the past year and would like to have your day featured in the magazine, drop me an email at the address below.

In beauty news Claire Craig showcases recent makeup and

For leather looks see pages 10-12 Credit: Joanne Hynes, Dunnes Stores

beauty launches, and brings us the very latest looks from Instagram including animal print nails, creative liner and glitter eyeshadow.

We also hear from two artists who favour an unusual canvas; Stacey Kilpatrick paints pregnancy bumps, and Deimante Mariah specialised in body art.

It’s hard to believe that it’s time to think about Christmas shopping aleady, however Northern Woman Sales Manager Julie Patterson makes life easier for your with her ‘Christmas All Wrapped Up’ section (p. 72-92) showcasing gift ideas and festive packages offered by local businesses.

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 Nudes 2 palette from fuschia makeup RRP £24.75.

For details on how to sign up see page 18.

In addition, we bring you interior décor ideas, travel reviews, Blogger Corner, movie listings, recipes, competitons, and a lot more besides.

Until next month,

Catriona Doherty, Editor

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 NOVEMBER 2019

14 STYLE 08 THAT ’70S SHOW Coloured corduroy, jarring patterns and texture clashing 10 HELL FOR LEATHER Bringing the Matrix look into your AW wardrobe 14 THE LITTLE DETAILS Accessories to complete your look 16 LITTLE BOW PEEP The pussy bow blouse is back FEATURES 22 BEN FOGLE talks frostbite, flesh-eating bugs and his Belfast tour 26 TALKING SHOP The worst thing about shopping BEAUTY 30 THE BEAUTY EDIT Makeup bag and skincare must-haves 32 IN THE PICTURE 34 #INSTABEAUTY Trends blowing up on Instagram HEALTH AND WELLNESS 36 ENDOMETRIOSIS EXPLAINED 39 LET’S DANCE The health benefits of a top-tapping workout routine 40 CHANGE IS POSSIBLE Judith Ward talks hypnotherapy 42 REVIEW Silver jewellery making workshop 43 HEARTY STEW This month Sal Hanvey cooks a Mexican bean stew

Cover image from Forever Unique www.foreverunique.co.uk Photo credit: Selected For AW accessory trends see pages 14-15

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10

Publisher Independent News & Media Ltd Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3GB T: 028 9026 4264 Production Manager: Irene Fitzsimmons Editor: Catriona Doherty Design: Robert Armstrong Art Editor: Helen Wright Sales Manager: Julie Patterson Editorial Contributors Claire Craig, Clare Bowie, Davina Gordon, Emma Deighan, Eunice Nelson, Jade Beecroft, James Oliver, Jeff Meredith, Lucy Norris, Paula Gracey, Róisín Carabine and Sal Hanvey

Photo credit: River Island For leather looks see pages 10-12

ESCAPE 46 LIVIN’ IT UP AT THE HOTEL CALIFORNIA An adults-only property in Albufeira 50 SKI THE GREATEST SNOW ON EARTH 53 ROE’ING THE BOAT OUT 55 WIN A festive break in the AC Hotel Belfast LIVING 58 FALL FORECAST Geometric patterns, wild jungle print, fantasy florals and more 62 TAKE 10 STATEMENT LIGHTS 64 MID-CENTURY AND SCANDI STYLE COME TOGETHER

CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP 72 FESTIVE GIFT IDEAS IN EVERY ISSUE 52 LET’S DRINK TO… Lacada beers 54 MOVIE ROUNDUP 68 LOCAL WEDDINGS 93 BLOGGER CORNER Davina Gordon encourages self-care 94 NELSON KNOWS Eunice Nelson is ‘giving thanks like the Yanks’ 96 NORTHERN MAN Jeff Meredith’s gift ideas for the foodie 98 WIN A two-night break in Castleknock Hotel

Independent News & Media © 2019. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means; electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of Independent News & Media.

Northern Woman is a part of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). If you believe you have been unfairly treated, you can contact IPSO in writing via its website for guidance on what to do. The service is free. IPSO can then advise on whether it’s likely you have grounds for a complaint and what to do about it.

The normal procedure is for the complainant to then contact the publication’s Editor directly. If no agreement is reached, the complainant can go back to IPSO to look for an adjudication, or for it to take over the complaint.

Full details are available at www.ipso.co.uk.

Alternatively, email complaints@ipso.co.uk, or inquiries@ipso.co.uk, or telephone 0300 123 2220, or the out-of-hours emergency number: 07659 152 656.

Or write to: IPSO, c/o Halton House, 20-23 Holborn, London EC1N 2JD.

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STYLE

Credit: Selected

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Orange poncho from Sainsburys £18

Sally suedette midi skirt from Monsoon £55

That ’70s Show

The decade of jarring patterns, rich autumnal hues and texture clashing is back. Lower your hemlines, play with corduroy and ditch the matchy matchy to bring the ’70s into the millennium…

Side zip point boot from Faith £65 Skirt £34.99, head scarf £6.99, polo neck jumper £12.99, bag £18.99, boots £39.99 from H&M

Benni saddle bag from Accessorize £25

Pleated midi skirt from M&S £39.50

Orange jumper from TK Maxx £29.99 Burnt orange boiled wool A-line panel skirt from Laura Ashley £50

Curved stripe V-neck jumper from Oliver Bonas £55

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Rust brown corduroy mini skirt from TK Maxx £12.99

Blouse £14, jumper, £14, jeans, £16, boots £30 from Matalan

Mustard belted skirt from Matalan £14

Paisley dress from Laura Ashley £39

70S mottled long hoop earrings from Oliver Bonas £8

Khaki belted cord dress from M&Co £35

Long military overcoat from Wallis £69 Blazer from JD Williams £25

Tassle dress £69, snake bag £25, Principles heritage jacket £59 from Debenhams

Suedette trench coat from Lipsy £75

Gloves from Dune £45

Green tweed blazer from Per Una at M&S £89

Burgundy slouchy bootfrom Dorothy Perkins £40

Top handle bag from New Look £22

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Leather midi skirt from Autograph at M&S £199

Leather trousers from Zara £149

Leather pinafore by Carolyn Donnelly The Edit from Dunnes Stores €199

Belted faux leather midi skirt from Pieces £39

PU shorts £22 , boots £75 from Dorothy Perkins Biker leather jacket by Paul Costello Living Studio from Dunnes Stores £170

Erin Croc Leather Belt in Black from Bell & Fox £49

Hell for leather From shiny PU to silky PVC, black leather, whether fake or faux, is bringing the Matrix look into your AW collection…

BY EMMA DEIGHAN

PU lace bodysuit from Lipsy £28

Faux leather top from V by Very £32

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Leggings from F&F at Tesco £22

Black leather-look pleated midi skirt from New Look £27.99

Black leather-look tie waist paperbag trousersfrom New Look £25.99

Blouse from River Island £38

80s vintage leather jacket from Zara £159

Leather wrap skirt from Autograph at M&S £199

Faux leather paper bag trousers from Dorothy Perkins £28

Faux leather trousers from V by Very £35

PU top from Princples at Debenhams £35

Mac from Topshop £79 Faux leather trouser £15 from Primark

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Pleated button skirt from Zara £29.99

Berry biker jacket from M&Co £55

Painted floral biker jacket from Topshop £295

Trousers from River Island £45

Leather shirt dress from H&M Studio £245

Into the Light The brighter leather looks that venture out of the shadows...

Tan skirt from Dorothy Perkins £22

Leather jacket with lambskin lining from Uterqüe £990 Gathered leather cashmere gloves from Cos £55

Nude bralett from ASOS £35

Callie mini saddle bag from Bell & Fox £135

Brown faux leather utility skirt from River Island £35

Leather coat by Carolyn Donnelly The Edit from Dunnes Stores £199

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Boots from H&M £119

Scarlet snake skirt from Monsoon £55

PU trench coat £40, tapered trousers £16, shirt £12.50, all from George at ASDA

Ankle snake boot from Primark £12

SNAKESKIN

Snake knee high from Very.co.uk £49

Scale up your accessories with a hint of reptile in all colour forms

Drawstring snake bag from Victoria Beckham £795

Multicolour snake boot from Miss Selfridge £42

Green snake boot from M&S £69

Snake belt from Dorothy Perkins 36

Brown snake top handle bag from Dune £80

Netted buckle bag from Dorothy Perkins £25

TOP-HANDLE BAGS

Blue pom pom bag from TK Maxx £19.99

Petite and structured, this nifty handpiece will complement any look

Burnt orange top handle bag from New Look £22.99 Tortoise eyelet croc small bag from & Other Stories £100

Orange bag from Zara £49.99

Top handle bag from Jimmy Choo £1,395

The little details

It’s the finer accents that really complete a look and here NW explores four accessory trends for your AW wardrobe 14

Initial slide from New Look £2.99 Petite pearl gold hoop £9.99 H&M

PEARLS

Exuding moviestar glamour a pearl piece should be in every woman’s accessory collection...

Pyramid and pearl Earrings from Oliver Bonas £19.50

Stud chain drop earrings from Primark £2

Pearl drop bracelet from Accessorize £10

Pearl Gucci Earrings £765

Alondra necklace from Oliver Bonas £32

Hair clip from River Island £6 Snake effect buckle boot from Matalan £28 Chunky boot from See by Chloe £180

Stud strapped boot from Office £95 Chunky boot from Zara £95.99

Heeled chunky boot from Dune £105

CHUNKY BOOTS

Embellished strap chunky boot from River Island £75

They’re the heavyweight title holder in your footwear collection this season injecting a nostalgic nod to 90s grunge

Red Laced boots from Gucci £885 White lace-up buckle boot from Deichmann £29.99

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LITTLE

BOW PEEP The pussy bow blouse is back and it’s unapologetically ladylike. Wear it at full mast or accessorize for a subtle nod to an age-old trend…

BY EMMA DEIGHAN

Violet silk cotton tie neck blouse from Monsoon £65

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Hair elastics from Oliver Bonas £15

Satin yellow blouse from F&F £16

Tie blouse from M&S £29

Beatrice top from Hobbs £159

Shell top from River Island £24

Bow tie blouse by Lennon Courtney from Dunnes Stores £49

Khaki blouse from Bon Prix £27.99

Rose print blouse from Primark £12

Crisp white blouse from Zara £29.99

Teal blouse from Lipsy £28

Leopard print blouse from Oasis £39

Blouse from V by Very £28

Petite satin blouse from Dorothy Perkins £26

Lace blouse from Wallis £35

Smock dress from elvi.com £65

Purple patterned blouse from Next £30

Dress from Oasis £58

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Mare Jo Sakura

Photo credit: Rolling Rogues

BEN FOGLE

talks frostbite, flesh-eating bugs and his Belfast tour 22

Photo courtesy of Ben Fogle

T

he thought of swimming with crocodiles, fleeing from pirates, and being marooned alone on a desert island would strike fear into the hearts of most of us – but not Ben Fogle. Even contracting a life-threating flesh-eating bug did not put a stop to his travels and now the TV presenter, writer and adventurer is coming to Northern Ireland to share stories of his escapades in his Tales From The Wilderness tour.

Northern Woman caught up with the explorer ahead of his Belfast event, which takes place in the Ulster Hall on 20th November. “What can audiences here expect from your show?” we ask.

“An evening of both drama and laughter,” Ben replies. “My hope is that it will be enlightening, educating and entertaining.

I regard it as this year’s Everest; a journey into the unknown.

“I’ll be talking about my extreme adventures and expeditions starting from my year on Taransay; competing in the

world’s toughest marathon (Des Sables); swimming with crocodiles in Botswana; rowing the Atlantic, crossing the Empty Quarter, the Race to the South Pole, and most recently achieving my life’s ambition which was to summit Mount Everest. In short, it’s going to be a yomp through 20 hugely varied, highly enjoyable years.”

Fighting a flesh-eating bug

Unsurprisingly Ben’s life of adventure, exploring some of earth’s most remote places, has brought it with it many brushes with death. He almost drowned in the Atlantic when his boat capsized. He suffered frostbite as he trekked across 500 miles of snow and feared he would lose his nose. When filming his TV series Extreme Dreams in Peru he was bitten by a sand fly and developed Leishmaniasis; a potentially fatal flesh-eating condition.

“Sadly Leishmanisas kills thousands around the world each year,” Ben explains.

“Luckily I had access to the chemotherapy treatment. I had three weeks of intensive

therapy but unfortunately I walked to the South Pole before my body had time to fully recover, and it returned before I left Antarctica requiring a second course of chemotherapy.”

While Ben made a full recovery and he’s not sure how that particular disease could have been avoided as sand flies are one of the perils of the Peruvian jungle, the experience has made him more conscious than ever of taking care of his health.

He has recently partnered with vaccines company Sanofi Pasteur to encourage UK holidaymakers to seek health advice before travelling overseas.

“A lot of people forget about the importance of inoculations. We are travelling faster, farther and more frequently. People forget that if you are in rural areas you may be more susceptible to certain diseases. You need to be prepared,” he cautions.

Luck, opportunity and determination

Next year is the 20th anniversary of Ben’s career in broadcasting. Back in 1999 he was sent by the BBC to Taransay island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland for Castaway, and he hasn’t looked back since:

Continued on 24 ➤

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Photo credit: Rolling Rogues

“I think the thing of which I’m most proud is being appointed United Nations Patron of the Wilderness. I now meet everyone from environment ministers to presidents and prime ministers all around the world and share my experiences of life in the wild - everything from Himalayan mountains to remote corners of the ocean.

And all of it stems from the time I spent a year on that Hebridean island.”

Reflecting on his career, Ben says:

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µµBelieving in yourself is the first step to success∑∑

“I’m frequently asked how it’s possible for someone to have what’s turned into my eclectic career. And the simple answer is that I don’t know. It’s happened through a mix of luck, opportunity and determination.”

Maintaining a positive attitude is another key to success and Ben regularly talks about its importance.

“Positivity is everything. Believing in yourself is the first step to success. I

Photo credit: Rolling Rogues

Photo credit: Rolling Rogues

failed at everything as a child. Eventually I just ceded to failure and accepted it.

The problem is that it then strips you of any confidence and leaves you feeling worthless.”

Mr Dog and the Hedge Called Hog

Just in time for Christmas - Harper Collins has released a new children’s book cowritten by Ben Fogle and author Steve Cole.

“Mr Dog and a Hedge Called Hog is the

third in my new series of Mr Dog,” Ben says.

“I have written a dozen best-selling books but have always wanted to write children’s books. They are the story of a mutt who meets and goes on adventures with various members of the UK’s wildlife. You can get a signed copy at my show in Belfast.”

To finish up we ask if Ben will have any downtime to explore Northern Ireland during his trip here this month.

“Sadly not,” he replies. “I have a pretty

full tour schedule.

“I am trying to visit as much of the UK and NI as possible. I have visited Northern Ireland many times over the years and love exploring the coast and islands.”

Any stand-out places?

“Rathlin Island was beautiful. I also loved visiting the blue cabin belonging to the Faulkner family in Strangford Lough.” (See www.thebluecabin.com for information on The Blue Cabin).

Ben Fogle’s Tales of the Wilderness Tour comes to Ulster Hall on 20th November 2019. Tickets cost £25, to book visit: www.ulsterhall.co.uk. For more information on the tour visit: www.benfogle.com

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Talking SHOP

As Black Friday approaches Clare Bowie reflects on the worst things about going shopping Nabbing a bargain

You haven’t quite reached the stage of camping out the night before the sale, but once you hit the shops you are officially sales ready! You sift through those rails like a mad woman, one side-eye locked on the lady approaching from the other end of the rail, knowing that the awkward, ‘meet-in-the-middle-and-switch-placesdance,’ is imminent. You can’t resist those brightly-coloured reduced labels and even though it looks like a jumble sale full of

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tat, you inevitably buy at least 10 things that you don’t need. Technically, I’m up on the deal with all the money I saved, right?” #shoppingmaths

Jeans shopping

You don’t mean to sound dramatic, but jean shopping is actually one of the most challenging areas in your entire life. I mean, obviously, you already have about 12 pairs at home but they’re just not quite right. There are so many things to consider; the rise, the

wash, the stretch, is it really necessary to sit down or breathe in them, and why, oh why, are mom jeans literally the worst thing an actual mother could ever wear? You finally buy the jeans, bring them home and realise that none of your shoes work with them.

The jeans are slightly too long, too flared, too tight, a fraction too short, or the wrong proportion of ankle slice is showing. It’s all too much!

Online shopping

I’ll just have a quick browse online... *looks up three hours later with a stiff neck and claws for hands* It’s so straightforward; a simple click, add to basket, sign in, register,

enter your card details and a password of eight letters and numbers that is obviously not too popular, simply confirm that you’re not a robot, and get a verification from the bank which requires its own password.

After that, simply hope that you happen to be in when it gets delivered, that it actually looks nice in real life and not a crumpled rag with sleeves that only twigs could fit into, and voila, you’ve got yourself a new top. Literally, could not be any easier.

Changing rooms

It’s bad enough when you have to undress in a tiny room and stare at yourself in a huge mirror without also having to coax a threadbare curtain to close in order to maintain your modesty. However, changing rooms with full on coffin closing doors and a heat to rival a sauna can be nearly as bad and seriously, is it just the extremely harsh lighting or did I really look this bad this morning? Other areas of concern include; hanger strings, wearing the wrong underwear, finding that the skirt on the M hanger is actually an XS and the “white” top you brought in to try looks as if it was previously used to scrub makeup off with.

It’s all so pleasant.

Shop assistants

Like a microcosm of society, they usually fall into one of three categories: 1.

Appropriately chatty. 2. Way too friendly. 3.

Disgusted indifference.

“Is it still raining outside?” = acceptable level of chat.

“Oh this will look amazing on you. Are

you off work today? I have this in black.

Have you more shopping to do? Is this for a special occasion? Is this for holidays?

Where are you going?” = far too chatty with extreme levels of enthusiasm.

Indifference = there are no actual words exchanged but the disgust is palpable.

In fact, it takes a while before the shop assistant seems to see you. You do however, receive side eye or eye flick to assess you in one derogatory glance. You know fine well if there were any words exchanged, they would be: “All the stock is already out on the floor”.

Makeup

You’re just having a browse and then they’ve got you. What colour is your skin tone; yellow, pink or blue? What texture; oily, yet prone to dryness or combination with pigmentation and redness? Next thing you know, you’re in the chair, makeup has been removed by a total stranger with a flawless complexion, and your bare face is exposed to all and sundry. Some glance sympathetically at you as your ‘natural’ makeup look is achieved with tight lining, contouring, strobing and highlighting. Why will you never learn?

It’s the same with the buy two items/ receive a free gift scenario. You find yourself sucked in every time even though you could sell makeup bags and peach lipsticks. Also, is the foundation shade they chose ever the right one? #sawyoucoming

Shoes

All you want is a plain black boot; no zips,

buckles or studs – nothing fancy. You try them on under the watchful eye of the shop assistant, who stares you down just in case you leg it out of the shop and leave your battered trainers in exchange. The whole experience of sashaying up and down the shop under her watchful eye is so cringe and, even though you have never met her, and will never see her again, you then have to talk her through your thoughts and feelings on the boots and also listen to her opinion about how much they will stretch/ shrink, how useful they will be. You can feel the pressure building; perhaps she’s right, they really will go with everything, even your jeans. The people pleaser in you can’t say no.

Checkout problems

You’ve found what you needed/wanted, you have the sore feet, a sweaty face, the rising irritability, the distinct impression that the security guard suspects you’re a thief, and you tediously wait in line while too much chitchat at the tills continues with much exchanging of email addresses (just take a paper receipt for crying out loud!) and you finally pay for your item and the next round of torture begins.

Do you have a bag? Do you want an e-receipt? I have those trousers too, blah, blah, blah. They then roll up your linen trouser suit, with the crisp creases, into a tiny ball and casually manhandle it into a plastic bag even though you have your cloth bag on standby. *Mentally scraps ‘Dry November’ plans and stops at the off-licence on way home*

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WW - the new weight watchers

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Now Anita Murray shares her story... nock on the door of Anita Murray’s Banbridge home and you’re unlikely to find her in. She could be out with friends, walking her cute chocolate brown dog aptly named Revels, at her boxercise class or playing badminton – take your pick!

Being busy enjoying life might not seem that remarkable to others but for Anita it’s been a drastic and welcome turnaround from two-and-a-half years ago when her lease for life was at a low ebb.

Comfort eating following her divorce and the bereavement of her dear mother Margaret, meant Anita’s weight had crept up to 15 stone 11lbs. It had left the normally outgoing publishing executive not wanting to go out the door.

Anita explained: “I had been very outgoing and would have played sport, but it got to the stage that when people asked me to go places as I declined and made excuses.

“The only excuse was I didn’t feel comfortable in myself.

That went on for quite a while, and I just thought there is more to life than this.”

Anita took matters into her own hands and the day after her birthday on January 9, 2017 joined up to WW. What Anita really found useful was that the WW weekly workshops didn’t only educate you about the nutritional values in foods but also helped with creating the right mindset to lose weight. This she credits as a key ingredient to her weight loss success.

The Co Down woman has managed to shed an incredible six stone and feels like she’s got her love of life back. Exercising and going shopping are now enjoyable activities instead of being dreaded chores.

Anita adds: “Anyone can do it if you believe in yourself.” n To find a workshop near you, visit: ww.ie

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BEAUTY

Credit: Zara

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The Beauty Sleep Collection from Image Skincare £93.50

BEAUTY SLEEP

Image Skincare have launched a range of gift sets to indulge someone you love or yourself. The Beauty Sleep Collection is the perfect present for the sleep-deprived parent. This set delivers moisturising upgrades to lock in goodness at night, while a pure silk sleep mask helps to better your beauty sleep. Antioxidants, vitamins and hyaluronic acid will help you wake up to revitalised skin.

GET NAKED

False lash expert Ardell has revealed its latest line – Naked Lashes, a range of natural looking lashes perfect for everyday long wear. With four new styles to choose from, these bare beauties are like a birthday suit for the eyes and blend in seamlessly with your own lashes creating subtle volume with a lightweight feel.

Naked Lashes from Ardell £5.49

The BEAUTY Edit

BY CLAIRE CRAIG

LIGHTEN UP

White, healthy looking teeth complement every outfit and help you feel more confident in your smile, and now there’s a new revolutionary whitening experience.

Toothbrush from STYLSmile uses sonic STYLSmile £150 vibrations and blue light technology to whiten as you brush. The two-speed toothbrush activates the toothpaste to gently clean and whiten while leaving your mouth feeling fresh.

NEW COLLECTION

Fashion designer, filmmaker, beauty innovator, and now Tom Ford has turned his hand to skincare.

White Porcelain Cacao, Caffeine and Gyokuro form the basis of both the serum and cream after new research revealed its help in promoting energised, healthy-looking skin. The range is suitable for both men and women.

Research Concentrate (£255) and Research Cream (£320) from Tom Ford

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Photo credit: Bershka

New collections and makeup bag must haves WALK THE LINE

Available in a choice of captivating ruby or magnetic emerald, these eyeliners from Guerlain set a new standard in texture and style. For a classic chic look simply draw a line then let it dry into a deep metallic finish, or for something more glam apply liner then after two minutes smudge to reveal a sparkling Metallic to Glitter line studded with flecks of Eyeliner from of glitter.

Guerlain £33

SELFIE CERTIFIED

Kat Von D Beauty is expanding its bestselling, high-performance vegan and cruelty-free complexion collection, with the launch of its first-ever medium coverage formula. True Portrait Foundation is a lightweight next generation liquid-topowder foundation that has true medium coverage for a perfect-skin look that’s selfie approved!

True Portrait Foundation from Kat Von D Beauty £28

Star Dipped Face Compact from MAC £39

IN YOUR PRIME

Stop shine and extend foundation wear with this Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer. Designed for combination to oily skin the lightweight, cushiony texture creates the ideal makeup base, smoothing pores and taking anti-shine to the next level without drying.

Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer from Fenty £24

GET YOUR GLOW ON

GlowDry Australia powder is a brand new product for self-tan lovers that dries tan instantly, masks self-tan odors with a beachy scent, eliminates stickiness, and reduces tan transfer to clothes or bed sheets. Simply apply your tan of choice and brush on GlowDry with body brush.

The Starter Kit from GlowDry Australia £33

STARRY EYED SUPRISE

Get galactical with this limited edition highlighter from MAC. Part of the Starring You Christmas collection this beauty features four peachy bronze powders, perfect for illuminating eyes, cheeks and collarbones, and the gorgeous casing means it’s perfect for public touchups.

BY CATRIONA DOHERTY BUMP PAINTING WITH STACEY KILPATRICK

“Bump painting or gestational painting is a fun and light-hearted way of capturing your Painting by Stacey Kilpatrick bump during the later stages of pregnancy,” Stacey begins.

“I work with clients in the lead up to a bump paint to design a painting specific to them and on the day recreate this on their bump, using body safe water-based FDA and EU regulated face paints, giving them a unique and memorable way to remember their pregnancy.”

Stacey, who comes from Markethill, has been painting bumps for more than ten years and recommends the service for ladies who are in their third trimester, ideally 34+ weeks.

What types of paintings are popular? I ask. tend to be neutral in colour and design if “Every design I create is unique. Firstly, I the baby’s sex is not known. I have will chat with the parents (normally also painted a bump for a via email) to ask if there is gender reveal. anything specific about their The artist has noticed pregnancy they would like an increase in requests to be included; baby’s for her services recently. surname, due date or “Bump painting is month, nicknames without a doubt for bump, or if it is a becoming more rainbow baby they may popular. With social want this incorporated media and seeing what in the design. I will then is available to capture sketch up some ideas your pregnancy, mums do and on the day we finalise Stacey love to try new things and things.

Kilpatrick get creative.

“Designs with a stork, “Pregnancy is obviously a very flowers, rainbows, cupcakes (bun personal and private time. Not all mums in the oven) are always popular, and most

IN THE

PICTURE NW chats to two talented artists who use the body as a canvas

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want to showcase their bump or perhaps don’t feel confident getting photos taken which is such a shame. Mums have told me that when their bump is painted, they don’t feel so self-conscious and it is a fun way to capture the beauty of their pregnancy.

“When I was pregnant with my first child, I painted my own bump and love showing these photos to my children, they’re fascinated.”

Paintings cost from £50 and can be done in Stacey’s studio or in your own home, for information email: info@sakdesigns. co.uk, call: 077 3809 0660, or visit: www. sakdesigns.co.uk Stacey is also affiliated with several pregnancy-related groups where her artwork is offered as an antenatal activity.

Photo by Sean Donegan

Photo by San Vid Photography

BODY ART WITH DEIMANTE MARIAH

Whilst going through a tough time in secondary school Deimante Mariah first discovered body art and a natural telent for it.

“I wanted to do something that would let me escape from bad thoughts, so I’ve started to teach myself photography, I discovered my creative side and went on to do makeup lessons – from there I discovered body art,” Deimante says.

“It looked difficult but I wasn’t willing to give up as I always say if you try and give yourself a chance to do something new, it will work out - you just need to have patience and discipline.”

Deimante, who moved to Belfast from Lithuania nine years ago, describes body art as “a getaway from reality”.

“You get lost in time and forget what is going on out there. The strange thing is, I was at my most creative at night-time and

would paint my body from 11pm until 6am.

I am self-taught and even if I was falling asleep I didn’t give up. Then I learned how to do headpieces to complement my body paintings.”

Over time the artist’s skills improved and she now offers body painting services at Asta’s Glam Factory, Castlereagh Street, Belfast. She designs and makes headpieces to order, and offers face painting and body makeup for Halloween, fancy dress parties, photoshoots, filmmaking, festivals, theatre and more.

Deimante’s body art services vary in price depending on level of complexity and time involved. To book, look up Asta’s Glam Factory on Instagram, Facebook or call: 028 9591 3959.

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RED VELVET A classic red lip is always a winner and beauty aficionados know that for 2019 it’s all about the finish. Whatever shade you opt for the texture should be velvety and ultra-matt. Ditch the lip liner and create a slightly smudged look by using your finger to press the colour into your lips for added depth.

@allanface GET GRAPHIC Maybe not the most wearable of looks but our feeds are currently full of creatively lined creases. Applied along or just above the eye socket this new take on the cut crease isn’t for the faint hearted.

@themanestyle PERFECTLY UNDONE Whispy, windswept and flyaway; put your straighteners and serum away and embrace messy locks this winter with face-framing strands, fluffy topknots and frizzy ponytails. @tylynnguyen

#INSTABEAUTY The hottest trends and prettiest looks from our newsfeed

BY CLAIRE CRAIG ALL THE GLOSS Lip gloss fans rejoice because shiny lips are back in a big way. Foolproof and effortlessly sexy, the latest formulas have a satin non-sticky finish to keep lips hydrated and looking luscious.

@ellieaddis

@nailartbyqueenie

@ioana_cristea

DISCO DRAMA When it comes to glitter this season it’s a case of go big or go home. Chunky sprinkles adorned both upper and lower eyelids on the catwalks and there’s no need to worry about trying to keep it neat – if it falls, let it.

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@betina_goldstein

ANIMAL MAGIC Animal print has been a feature of our wardrobes for the last few seasons but now it’s time to go wild and let your fingers do the talking with patterned fingernails in leopard, tiger, tortoiseshell and even cow prints.

@johanna_makeupartist_

@stella.s.makeup

MONOCHROME MAKEUP Go matchy-match and use the same colour on both lips and lids. As seen on the catwalks of Kate Spade and Roarte, play it safe with smokey nudes or be bold with burgundies and purples.

@miaconnor

HEALTHY GLOW Forget about highlighters and illuminators; skin that glowed from within was the base of choice on all the major catwalks. Foundation should be light enough to let the skin’s natural texture show through but the real key to achieving this look is all in the preparation. Hydrated skin will always look healthiest so up your H2O and pack on a moisturising face mask ahead of emulating this look for a night out.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Credit: Only Play

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Endometriosis can be debilitating – yet it’s often brushed under the carpet. Jade Beecroft meets a Belfast specialist determined to change people’s perceptions

Endometriosis

EXPLAINED

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ew people can say they’ve had a hand in making 1,100 babies (and counting!), but for Ruth Ellen tackling fertility problems is all in a day’s work. The mumof-two is the founder of the Logan Wellbeing & Medical fertility clinic in Belfast, and specialises in treating women with issues like endometriosis and PCOS. It was Ruth Ellen’s own very personal – and often painful – battle with endometriosis that has inspired her life’s work and given her the passion to help so many families.

“I have endometriosis myself,” the 38-year-old explains. “I had three ectopic pregnancies before having my kids, Aiyana, eight, and Tommy, six, through IVF. “Aiyana is a native American name – it means ‘remember the struggle’.

“Endometriosis can be extremely debilitating, but in many cases it goes undiagnosed. Women in their late teens and early 20s go to their GPs with heavy and painful periods, and are simply put on the contraceptive pill. But this just masks the symptoms. It’s not until further down the line, when they try to start a family, that their endometriosis is found.”

The symptoms of endometriosis include very heavy, painful periods with blood clots bigger than a thumbnail – Ruth Ellen describes them as “mucky periods”.

Patients may also suffer with tiredness, a “fuzzy, foggy head”, thyroid issues and back pain.

“The condition is caused by a retroverted

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Ruth Ellen Logan uterus, which means a uterus that is tilted backwards,” explains Ruth Ellen. “Not all women with a retroverted uterus have endometriosis, but the majority of women I see with endometriosis have a retroverted uterus.

“In the 36 hours before your period starts, the uterus starts contracting to break down the lining. Where the uterus is tilted, some of this lining can make its way back to the fallopian tubes and eventually the other pelvic organs.

“Here it sticks, a bit like chewing gum, and that’s what causes the problems – including issues with fertility. Some women undergo surgery to cut away this lining from where it’s not supposed to be, but this doesn’t stop it from happening again.”

Ruth Ellen is a fertility naturopath and she founded her method in 2009. Her trademarked Logan Method involves a bespoke mixture of treatments, tailored to suit each patient, which may include abdominal realignment, clinical reflexology, acupressure and acupuncture, as well as IV infusions of antioxidant glutathione, dexamethasone and intermuscular enzyme co Q10.

She has treated over 1,700 patients in the past decade, and reckons that around four in ten of her female patients have endometriosis. About four in five of her fertility patients go on to have babies – either through natural conception or successful IVF. “My initial consultant lasts about

Sarah Downey and Ruth Ellen Logan.

Photo by Bill Smyth two-and-a-half hours, and I take a really detailed history,” explains Ruth Ellen. “I look at everything, from overall health and wellness, medications, periods, diet and lifestyle, and their fertility journey so far. Then I’ll work out a bespoke care plan, which usually includes a range of my treatments, as well as possibly referring to other specialists for areas outside my range of expertise.

“We work as a team – the patient needs to engage and do the work at home too. With endometriosis, for example, I would often advise cutting out red meat – especially pork. The majority of my fertility patients are pregnant within 20 weeks.”

One of Ruth Ellen’s success stories is 36-year-old Sarah Downey, from Derry.

Sarah is mum to Shane, 13, and stepmum to her husband Sean-Paul’s son Jamie, 10, but the pair would like to extend their family with another baby.

However, Sarah was diagnosed with endometriosis eight years ago and has undergone four surgeries to remove uterus lining growing on her bladder and bowel.

“It started in my late 20s,” she explains.

“All of a sudden I was having very bad periods; the pain was absolutely crippling, definitely as bad as labour contractions.

When it came on it completely floored me.

I’d have to ring Sean-Paul to come home from work or ask my parents to look after the kids. It was debilitating; I’d spend two days of every month in bed, taking strong painkillers.”

Doctors diagnosed endometriosis, and Sarah began her series of surgeries.

“The problem with surgery is that it cuts away the womb lining that’s causing the problem, but it doesn’t stop it from happening again,” she explains. “I was told it was incurable; just something I’d have to live with. My only other option was a full hysterectomy, but Sean-Paul and I knew we’d like another child at some point so we didn’t want to go down that route.”

It was Sean-Paul who came across the Logan Wellbeing & Medical while Googling options to help his wife. Their first appointment with Ruth Ellen was “lifechanging”.

“She’s so knowledgeable,” Sarah says.

“During that first consultation I learned

Sarah Downey and Facility Lynch. Photo by Bill Smyth

things about endometriosis that I hadn’t known after eight years of living with the condition!”

Ruth Ellen put Sarah on a bespoke endometriosis treatment programme, involving IV infusions, injections, abdominal realignment and reflexology.

The results were “incredible”.

“It was like a miracle,” says Sarah. “My cycle has regulated and my period arrives without pain. I don’t even need to take painkillers any more.”

Sarah and Sean-Paul are now in the process of trying for a baby, with Ruth Ellen’s support.

“There’s a lot you can do yourself, at home, too,” she adds. “I completely changed my diet, giving up red meat and drastically cutting down on dairy.

“I also cut down on sugar and coffee. It was tough at times, but the results have been worth it. I’d tell any woman with endometriosis that there are things you can do – you don’t have to just suffer.”

Ruth Ellen’s take-home message is also one of hope.

“I want women with endometriosis to know that there are alternatives – it’s not just a choice between taking the contraceptive pill or debilitating surgery,” she says. “There’s a lot we can do; the IV infusions and pelvic realignment sessions are really helpful. We also teach self-care massage for patients to do at home, and give advice on diet, recommending things like celery juice, vitamin K and green tea.

“A vegan, organic, gluten-free diet is optimal, but there are lots of steps you can take in that general direction.

“Overall, I want women with endometriosis to know that there is hope!”

An initial consultation with Ruth Ellen is £180. Her six-week bespoke treatment packages start from around £350, depending on what therapies are advised.

For information visit: www.loganwellbeing. com or call 028 9068 7467.

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Belfast Fertility – New name, same expertise and care

ďƒ ADVERTORIAL

A

s Northern Ireland’s only fully private fertility clinic Belfast Fertility provides a range of specialist services and advice for anyone who needs that little extra help to start or complete their family.

Established as GCRM Belfast in 2013, over the past six years Belfast Fertility has been trusted by patients throughout Ireland to successfully help to create every type of modern family. Staff at Belfast Fertility have a huge passion for their work alongside extensive experience and expertise so patients can trust they have the best possible chance of getting pregnant.

Belfast Fertility welcomes patients from all over Ireland and the UK without the need for a referral from a GP or specialist and without having to be placed on a waiting list.

Fertility treatment can present difficult and unique challenges. Supporting patients through their assisted conception journey is at the core of the clinic. Belfast Fertility aims to alleviate some of the stress by ensuring specialist counselling services are included in all treatment packages.

While Belfast Fertility specialises in creating

families they also appreciate that not every woman is ready to start a family at the optimum age for their body. To facilitate local women who wish to delay pregnancy, for whatever reason, Belfast Fertility offers a Fertility Preservation Service where eggs can be frozen and stored for up to ten years.

Altruistic egg donors who wish to help others achieve their dreams of a family are also very welcome. Belfast Fertility is

conveniently located in bespoke premises on Edgewater Road in Belfast, along with three outreach clinics based in Newry, Letterkenny & Ballykelly. n

For more information on the full range of services contact the Patient Support Team on: 028 9078 1335, email: info@belfastfertility. co.uk or visit: www.belfastfertility.co.uk

As Series 17 of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing is in full swing, Emma Deighan delves into the art of dance that has captivated millions of viewers and discovers learning the skill reaps more benefits than the average fitness routine…

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rom preventing dementia to boosting fitness levels and fuelling happiness, dancing offers so much more than a bit of rhythmic exercise on a night out. It’s a skill that rewards on many levels.

Broadcaster Angela Rippon’s BBC series titled ‘How to Stay Young’ explain why dancing is so much more than melodic movement. A skilled dancer with enviable fitness levels at the age of 74, Angela said: “When I visited a group in Germany to assess the relative merits of gym work versus dancing, I was delighted (and as a lifelong dancer, not at all surprised) to see that doing the twist was far more beneficial overall than merely lifting weights. Again, the real difference seemed to be the added value of the endorphin boost dancing invoked, plus the novelty of learning new routines, and what you could call the ‘sociability quotient’.”

Medical studies back up her findings including research from The New England Journal of Medicine which stated that dancing may boost your memory and prevent you from developing dementia as you get older. Apparently aerobic exercise can reverse volume loss in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls memory. The hippocampus naturally shrinks during late adulthood, which often leads to impaired memory and

Eli Fegan of Polercise Ltd

LET’S DANCE

sometimes dementi; meaning it is never too late to take it up!

The physical advantages of dancing are immense too. Flexibility increases and according to the Italian study ‘Waltz Dancing in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure’ it is a great activity for those at risk for cardiovascular disease. The same study also found that people with heart failure who took up waltzing improved their heart health, breathing and quality of life significantly compared to those who biked or walked on a treadmill for exercise.

The Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that an exercise program of aerobic dance training is just as helpful for losing weight and increasing aerobic power as cycling and jogging while the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity states that balance and good posture are just two beneficial outcomes.

I met with Eli Fegan of Polercise Ltd to ask her opinion on the benefits of dance. Eli opened Ireland’s first pole fitness studio in 2005 and during this time she has practiced many disciplines including kettle bells, spin, boxfit, aerial yoga and pilates. She’s also a judge for pole fitness competitions across the UK and Ireland and runs the All Ireland Pole Dance Championships in Belfast every September.

Her classes in her studio on Donegall Street, Belfast, work the entire body improving tone, strength and flexibility “while increasing confidence by developing your sexy, sensual side!” says Eli. Stretches, pole work as well as choreographed routines work the body and mind of dancers of all ages and abilities.

“The feel good factor, the confidence booster, mastering moves and dancing out emotion, the combination of strength, flexibility, athleticism and artistic influence is what makes pole incomparable to any

other form of dance or sport,” explained Eli. “Watching people grow and develop in strength and confidence and their joy when they achieve things or moves they thought impossible, is why 12 years on, I still never bore of it.

“We see confidence grow so much that a lot of our students go on to compete in The All Ireland Pole Dance Championships.”

As well as one-on-one sessions, which are scheduled to suit the individual, Eli runs classes/courses every eight weeks. Studios are located on Donegal Street, Belfast and Williamson’s Mall Dundalk. For more details visit: www.polerciseni.com

Emma Deighan gets her groove on

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After seeing first-hand the life-altering results of hypnotherapy, Judith Ward swapped her high profile TV production career to retrain in the field

CHANGE IS POSSIBLE

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f there is one person who can help you achieve change in your life, it’s Bangor hypnotherapist Judith Ward – not only has she undergone significant life changes utilising hypnotherapy, she also went on to study it and is now an award-winning solution-focused hypnotherapist, skilled in treating a variety of issues such as anxiety, stress, phobias, insomnia, low self-esteem or confidence, grief and trauma.

“Personally I found hypnotherapy really helpful whenever I was going through a lot of changes in my life,” Judith begins.

“I was living in London, I had a six month old daughter and I was leaving behind my old career and my old life in London, as I was going through a divorce. It was a low point where I was feeling stressed. I went through hypnotherapy and that helped me manage my stress, manage my anxiety, and led to me to retrain to become a clinical hypnotherapist.

“I have been through that period of change and I know it really helps when you get a clear understanding of how your brain works.”

Prior to this, during Judith’s career at the BBC working on various TV productions she had become interested in mental health and was appointed the BBC UK lead for trauma supporting productions, working on difficult storylines. She felt passionate about the subject and really wanted to help support people.

In 2015 Judith gave up the world of television and trained at the Clifton Practice in London for the HPD in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy.

“Hypnotherapy works by giving us access to your unconscious mind,” Judith says. “On an unconscious level we are aware of what we want to do in our lives but sometimes we can struggle to put this into action. What hypnosis does is it enables the brain to achieve a nice calm and relaxed state where we are able to do so, and it’s possible to alter the subconscious mind.

“Solution focused brief therapy is a talking therapy where you get the client to describe their preferred future and it gets the brain moving in that direction. The

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Judith Ward client pictures themselves doing the things they want to do. I use solution focused brief therapy alongside hypnosis and other methods such as NLP or CBT, and I tailor treatment to suit the needs of each client.

For example, if the person says the want to feel less anxious, I ask them to create a detailed description of what that would look like. I get them to picture a day in their life in the absence of that problem. This can be really, really powerful in terms of getting the person to visualise where they want to go.”

Judith’s approach is warm, empathetic and focuses on looking to the future. “We don’t use talking problem techniques of what has happened in the past,” she explains. Her methods have worked for numerous people seeking change in their lives, including a business man who was required to do an important oral presentation in front of a panel at work and feared public speaking; a local lady who had a fear of flying and had to travel to Las Vegas; and a Belfast client who had suffered from insomnia for years.

“I have treated people with different types of phobias and in particular I really

love helping clients who have a fear of public speaking or giving presentations,” Judith says. “Other phobias that are really common that I regularly work with, are things like driving or flying anxieties.

I have also helped a client who had claustrophobia. She needed to have a MRI scan and she was really, really nervous. It was really important for her to be able to do it, and she was able to after treatment.

“Hypnosis can be very effective in treating anxiety. It enables the brain to reach a calm space and we are able to teach the body to relax. I teach my clients a range of tools and techniques to help them on a day-to-day basis. Basically what it does is shift the brain from what we call the stress response into the relaxation response.”

Judith is launching her own online anxiety programme in the coming months incorporating personalised recordings that she has made herself.

Treatment packages are tailored to meet the needs of each client, so prices vary depending on how many sessions are required. For more information visit: judithwardhypnotherapy.co.uk or call: 078 5552 8423.

Shaping the metal into a circle

Measuring to size

Time for soldering

Pattern punch tools

Smoothing out the edges using a pendant drill

The finished product!

REVIEW:

Silver Jewellery Making Workshop Catriona Doherty tried her hand at making a bracelet with NI Silver

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arrived at Ruth McEwan-Lyon’s Holywood studio for her Jewellery Making Workshop, a total newbie to the craft, and left a few hours later proudly sporting a shiny new silver bangle handmade by me.

The workshop is great fun and it’s up to attendees what they make; the choice is endless, from rings to pendants, cuff links, charms and more. I love bracelets so I opted

Ruth McEwan-Lyon

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to make a textured one as I knew I’d wear it.

Ruth presented me with lots of options for my bangle, in terms of width, shape and pattern. Her workshop is a treasure trove of dried leaves, flowers and other finds foraged locally – the patterns of which can be transferred on to your jewellery item, in addition to an array of tiny metal stamps in various designs that can be punched onto metal. I decided on an imperfect ovalshaped pattern, which would be achieved later by hitting the bracelet with a special oval-headed hammer.

Ruth measured the width of my hand using a piece of twine and marked the required length on a long thin piece of silver. She demonstrated how to cut the metal using a handheld piercing saw against a wooden bench peg. Using vertical sawing motions, I pierced the long piece of silver down to size, surprised by how easily the material was to cut.

Under my tutor’s guidance I filed both ends of the metal flat so they could be joined together to form a circle shape. I then pressed the strip of silver around a cone-shaped tool – a bracelet mandrel, and Ruth double-checked my work before hammering the ends together tightly for soldering.

I found the soldering process quite

satisfying and enjoyed using the blow torch, which was reminiscent of those used by TV celebrity chefs to blast crème brûlée. I had placed a tiny piece of silver solder over the spot where the two ends met and ran the torch over the bracelet. Once it melted and bonded the ends together, the bangle was placed in picklean; a substance that removes the blackness caused by the torch burn.

Next I was given what looked like a dentist’s drill with a small spinning head and shown how to file away any sharp edges. Slowly but surely, the square bangle sides were slightly smoothed out and the tiny groove where the two ends had met in the middle had totally disappeared, leaving a seamless finish. It was then put back on the bracelet mandrel for the oval pattern to be hammered on, before being placed in a chemical to provide the final polish and add shine.

The end result was a new silver bangle which I love – probably because the design is the exact style I like to wear, and because there is some satisfaction to be had from knowing I made it myself, with of course help from the expert!

Ruth’s classes are popular with groups of friends, families, hen parties, and individuals who want to try something new.

Ruth said many of her customers are gifted workshops as a Christmas, anniversary or birthday present, instead of being bought a piece of jewellery that they may not like. So with Christmas on the horizon, perhaps NI Silver’s Jewellery Making Workshop could be the perfect present for you or your loved ones.

NI Silver’s Jewellery Making Workshops cost £85 inclusive of materials, run from 10am to 1pm, and no prior experience is required.

Class sizes are usually between 1-5 people.

To book visit: nisilver.com or call: 078 7969 8286.

Mexican Bean Stew (serves 4)

Ingredients

Photo by Ken Haddock

Hearty STEW

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This month Sal Hanvey shares her recipe for Mexican Bean Stew

am sitting in my kitchen at the moment very near the Aga stove keeping warm. Leaves are falling, it is cold out there and the wind is howling. I am all toasty and cosy and I love it. The idea of making something to eat that is nourishing, warming and hearty makes me feel complete.

For the November edition, I have made Mexican Bean Stew which has lots of health benefits. Black beans and kidney beans are an excellent source of fiber. The high fiber content can help reduce blood sugar levels. Consuming dark red kidney beans and rice together is considered better for helping a person control their blood sugar levels than consuming rice alone. The rice and vegetables provide the complex carbohydrates and the beans contain protein, therefore providing a balanced meal.

You can catch me at St. Georges Market’s

Twilight Market on Tuesday 12th November and Wednesday 13th November at 6.30pm where I will be doing some cookery demos as part of the ‘Taste the Island’ events promoting locally sourced products from the likes of Helen’s Bay Organic Farm. I look forward to seeing you there. Come and sample some delights!

Sal Hanvey. Photo by Connor Tilson

1 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, finely sliced 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into 3cm dice 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 2cm dice 1 tsp ground coriander ½–1 tsp hot chili powder ½ tsp smoked paprika (hot) 400g can chopped tomatoes 400g can black beans, rinsed and drained 400g can kidney beans, rinsed and drained 400ml cold water 1 large courgette, halved lengthways and cut into 1.5cm slices 2 tsp cold water Juice ½ lime 4 tbsp coconut yoghurt (or dairy yoghurt) Rock sea salt Cracked black pepper Fresh coriander to garnish Lime wedges

Method

• Heat the oil in a large, deep saucepan.

Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes.

• Add chopped peppers and sweet potato and stir-fry with the onions for another 5 minutes.

• Add the chili powder, coriander and paprika and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

• Add the chopped tomatoes and beans and stir in 400ml of water. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper.

• Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Add the courgette, return to a simmer and cook for a further 10 minutes, stirring regularly.

• Stir in the lime juice and serve the stew topped with coconut yoghurt. Scatter on fresh coriander leaves.

• Serve with brown basmati rice, add a hint of turmeric powder, and lime wedges for squeezing.

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ESCAPE

Albufeira. Photo credit: Hotel California Urban Beach

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Livin’ it up at the Hotel California…

…such a lovey place. Catriona Doherty visits Hotel California Urban Beach; a four-star adults-only hotel in the heart of Albufeira 46

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n the search for a tasteful sun holiday destination which was relatively quick and easy to get to from Northern Ireland, Portugal became the obvious choice.

On discovering that I could fly direct from Belfast to Faro and my chosen resort of Old Town Albufeira was only a 45-minute drive from the airport, I booked flights and researched accommodation options.

With excellent online reviews, Instaworthy photos of a rooftop pool and chillout area with bean bags and hammocks, and the words ‘adults-only’ jumping out of my computer screen – Hotel California Urban Beach got my vote.

Hotel California Urban Beach

The rooftop area

GETTING THERE

The pool area It was my first holiday in Portugal and as I travelled by taxi transfer from the airport, the sun warming my face, I was excited about the week ahead. The driver navigated through windy narrow streets past charming centuries-old churches, cobblestone streets and squares of the old town, and stopped in front of a whitewashed building in the midst of it all – Hotel California.

Our room keys were sitting waiting for us on arrival and my husband and I were checked in quickly by a friendly, attentive receptionist. Our bedroom was spotless; modern and minimalist – all white and grey décor and modern art prints. Glass double doors opened out onto a spacious balcony

overlooking the historic area, with comfy padded sunbeds and a table and chairs.

Amenities included a coffee machine, flat screen TV with countless English channels, Rituals toiletries (that were restocked daily), USB phone charger ports, high-speed Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Located on floor six, our room was only a corridor away from the swimming pool. It felt amazing to sink back onto a sun lounger in the heat, having left wet and windy Belfast only hours previously.

The pool area was split into two levels featuring a swimming pool, lots of sun loungers, and the restaurant and pool bar D’Terrace. The breakfast buffet was set up in D’Terrace daily between 7:30am and

I flew from Belfast International to Faro in September with easyJet, and returned with Aer Lingus from Faro to Belfast City Airport, total cost £224. I booked a private airport transfer with Yellowfish. A one way trip from the airport to Albufeira took around 45 minutes and cost €33.71. The driver was in the arrivals hall waiting on my arrival holding a sign with my name – fantastic service.

WHEN TO GO

Hot weather and clear blue skies are pretty much guaranteed in June, July, August and September. The hottest month is July with an average daily maximum temperature of 30°C, and the coolest month is February with an average daily maximum of 16°C. Out of season months offer lesser crowds, good value breaks and cooler weather.

10:30am, and guests could help themselves to fresh fruit smoothies, baked goodies, toast, cereal, cheese, charcuterie, fruit, seeds, yogurt pots or a full English.

Continued on 48 ➤

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D’Terrace Bar’s fruit platter Hotel California is in an ideal location to suit all tastes, as one exit opens out on to a bustling street below which is noisy, busy and lined with numerous bars offering live music and late opening hours – the perfect place to party the night away. In contrast, the hotel’s second exit leads to the old town which is calm, peaceful and quaint.

Here you will find historic buildings, more upmarket restaurants and bars, and a cliff walk with panoramic views of the Algarve’s stunning coastline.

Pescadores beach is a three-minute walk from Hotel California – think golden sands and blue seas. There’s a grocery shop next door to the hotel if you want to bring snacks with you, and numerous cafes, restaurants and ice-cream establishments beachside.

To explore further afield, guests can book day trips from the events planner

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in the hotel’s reception area, and there’s a wealth of excursions to choose from which

Breakfast at D’Terrace Bar

can be organised via the in-house agent or from one of the many excursions outlets in Albufeira. Options include dolphin watching, jeep safari, wine tasting in a local vineyard, tuk tuk tours, a guided tour of Seville, and numerous water sport activities and boat trips.

For pampering, look no further than Hotel California’s own in-house spa D’SPA Organic & Vegan by Sçens. Facilities include a heated indoor pool with massage jets, Jacuzzi, steam room and Vichy shower room, and the treatment list is extensive using only 100% vegan, organic certified products by luxury Spanish beauty brand Sçens.

All too soon our holiday came to an end, I left Hotel California Urban Beach feeling relaxed, refreshed and sun drenched (albeit still pale and freckly!). I would definitely recommend both the hotel and Old Town Albufeira.

Accommodation rates at Hotel California Urban Beach start from €95 per night (room only), for more information visit: hotelcalifornia.pt

D’Terrace Bar

Old Town Albufeira

OUT AND ABOUT

Pescadores beach

Double room XL

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‘Terrace Bar at Hotel California provides a daily service and the menu features a great selection of meals, snacks and drinks. A second bar - D’Lounge opens daily at 5:30pm and boats an extensive cocktail list. You can also avail of 24hour room service, but if you do venture out for dinner, here are my top three recommendations:

Windmill Restaurant, Albufeira

For a special occasion, look no further than the Windmill Restaurant; a historic windmill that was built a century ago and has now been repurposed A D’Lounge Bar cocktail

D’Spa

into a quaint restaurant. The intimate venue offers a one-of-a-kind experience. On arrival we climbed the narrow windy stone stairway up to the dining floor which only seats twelve diners. Three out of the five tables are built into the windows, with views overlooking the sea and Albufeira.

The service was first-class, the food absolutely delicious, and experience memorable.

Cost: The three-course set menu is priced at €45 per person excluding drinks.

Mi Sombrero, Albufeira

Every night there was a queue outside Mexican restaurant Mi Sombrero, whereas the majority of other restaurants had someone standing outside encouraging passer-by’s to go in. We took this to be a good sign and weren’t disappointed.

Everything was fantastic; the service, food, price, and the atmosphere from the outdoor seating area on the edge of Pescadores beach.

Cost: We paid €44 for a meal for two with one starter, two main courses and five alcoholic drinks.

Don Alfonso, Vilamoura

We got a taxi to nearby Vilamoura one evening (cost €25) to check out the resort’s renowned marina area, and dined in Don Alfonso Mediterranean grill, following a friend’s recommendation. The melt-in-your-mouth steak was to die for, described by my husband as “the best steak he has ever had” – high praise indeed!

Cost: The bill came to €124 with two main courses, one starter, one dessert and four alcoholic drinks.

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SKI the

greatest snow on earth

Beautiful Utah is home to some of America’s finest ski resorts. Naomi Richardson hits the piste in four of the best - and in her downtime sets off in the footsteps of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

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kiing – it’s like riding a bicycle.

You never forget, right? I’m about to put that theory to the test. It’s been 12 years since I’ve headed downslope and this is my first time skiing in the States. Utah does seem like a long way to go to test a theory, not to mention being a bit pricey, but this is, reputedly, the ‘Greatest Snow on Earth’. So confident are the skiers and snowboarders of this western US state, that’s a registered trademark.

I’m taking in four ski resorts near Salt Lake City as part of my visit and I’ve watched a few YouTube videos to remind myself of the basics. This is going to be fine.

I don my rental skis on day one at former Winter Olympics host Park City in anticipation. I promise myself I’ll take it easy, acclimatise slowly and find my ski legs as I ascend via Payday, a fast ski lift that brings me to a blue slope of the same name.

Easy, right?

I’ve established that the slopes are graded into green, blue and black, but I soon discover the blues are sometimes more like the reds at European resorts. After a couple of hours’ gliding over the fresh powder, which is being renewed by the continuous snowfall as I ski, my legs begin to feel the

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burn. I’m ready to put my feet up.

Returning to nearby Hyatt Place, in Park City, I decide a dip in the hotel’s outdoor hot tub is just the thing for jelly-like muscles.

Making my way through the snow-lined path in my flip-flops, I hurry in. The water envelops me and any ski-leg burn disappears quickly.

My next venture, Deer Park is just on the other side of the mountain and is a skier’s utopia. If you always feel a little disgruntled by snowboarders scraping all the (ample) powder off the piste, then this is your spot.

No snowboarders allowed!

I get my pass courtesy of my charming guide for the morning, Marilyn Stinson, and we head uphill, alighting at 8,100ft.

She explains that each ski run is named after the mines on the mountain where, in a previous incarnation, miners, many of them Irish, flocked to the area for work. The silver mines wound down in the 1940s but workers were quickly replaced by the ‘white gold’ lovers each ski season, followed by the annual Sundance Film Festival crowds from

GET THERE

Naomi travelled as a guest of Aer Lingus, Alaskan Airlines, Hertz car rental and the Utah Office of Tourism. Car hire in Utah with hertz.ie starts from £200 for a week.

Platinum Travel is offering packages in January 2020 for two adults and two children (under 12) that include return flights from Dublin, fully inclusive SUV car rental for eight days, seven nights at four-star Silverado Lodge, Park City Ski Resort one-bedroom loft self-catering from €1,595 per person. Ski lessons and hire are not included. Call: (00353)1 853 5000, email: info@platinumtravel.ie, or see platinumtravel.ie

WHERE TO STAY

For easy access, try Hyatt Place, Park City.

Alternatively, you could push the boat out at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City or treat yourself at Sundance Mountain Resort.

Skiing in Utah

Old Town Park City

Take three: TRAVEL TIPS On four wheels

Hire an AWD with snow tyres. The sat nav may not always bring you onto fully ploughed roads and main routes. Heed roadside avalanche advisories and flood alerts too.

Extra lift

Ikon and Epic passes are worth the investment if you’re planning a longer trip and they cover several of the big ski resorts across the US. 1978, thus reviving Park City.

Park City itself is a pleasant mixture of shops and restaurants, with chain stores kept firmly at arm’s length. Wandering along the Historic Main Street, I spot a Banksy; there are several dotted around the town.

On day three it’s the turn of Robert Redford’s Sundance Mountain Resort, about a 45-minute drive from Park City.

Turning off the highway, I make my way slowly along the narrow roads that hug the canyon floor before I find myself at the resort, which is made up of wooden chalets.

Words like ‘quaint’, ‘rustic’ and ‘charming’ spring to mind. Although there’s nothing quaint about the skiing.

Queues for ski lifts are short and runs are steep but there’s plenty for beginners

Head for heights

Be mindful of the altitude. Heading straight for the top of a peak like Alta on day one could be a recipe for disaster so acclimatise slowly: start off mid-mountain for a day or two.

to enjoy too. The lifts take you 8,250ft high for spectacular views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains.

The following day I go on a five-hour trip to Springdale and Zion National Park. It’s like driving into a movie set. I’ve reached Grafton Ghost Town, where scenes from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were filmed. Grafton is where Butch and Etta try out bikes after Butch and Sundance hide out following a bank raid. I can’t help but

Zion National Park, Utah

hum Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head.

There’s not much left here, and yet it’s strangely atmospheric. Just two of the main buildings still stand in the ghost town today, which was abandoned due to frequent flooding by 1866. The only residents now are the lizards and the tumbleweed, their presence undisturbed by curious tourists.

As it turns out, those floods are not limited to the 19th century either. My plan to hike the Narrows, part of Zion Canyon in nearby Zion National Park, has to be abandoned due to rain and flash flooding. However, the main road into the park is still accessible by car and bike.

I switch four wheels for two, and the subtle incline soon leaves me out of breath but I make frequent stops to take pictures.

Instagram Nirvana. There are photo opportunities around every corner and as the sun makes a welcome return, its light picks out the colours of the Navajo sandstone and makes for stunning displays at Weeping Rock and the Temple of Sinawava.

The following morning, it’s back on Highway 15, heading north to Salt Lake City.

It’s time to swap wheels for skis again. My host, Jessica Chindgren, meets me at the Market Street Oyster Bar and, after feasting on fish, we plan our ski trip to Alta in the morning.

Alta by name and Alta by nature – it’s 10,500ft high… dizzying heights. In fact, so much so, I feel a little disoriented as I begin my descent, suddenly unsure of myself and my surroundings in the falling snow and wind, and have to go more slowly than I’d like. I’m grateful to the soft powder for cushioning my frequents falls. Jessica has warned me about altitude sickness and patiently waits while I regain full control of my senses. Fortunately, that doesn’t take long.

Alta is not for the faint of heart, height-wise, or beginners either. Again, snowboarders are on the banned list but there are plenty of thrills for skiers.

It’s exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure. When I look back up the slope again after calling it a day, I privately clap myself on the back for my achievement.

Back at Salt Lake City’s Grand America Hotel I order a drink to toast ‘the greatest snow on earth’. I hope to come back some day. To paraphrase Redford, it is a dream being carefully nurtured.

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LET’S DRINK TO…

Cocktail recomendation by Rebecca Robb: SPRITZ VENETO

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ovember is indeed a simply thrilling time of year in Italy. The majestic Alps are beginning to unveil sparkling white snowy mountain caps which shimmer and glitter against the crisp clear skies of winter above. Snow season has begun in earnest and for the ski aficionados amongst us it is hard to imagine anything more exhilarating than hurtling down the slopes with the winter wind biting through all those warm layers! For foodies and wine buffs November offers the fruits of labour of September in tantalising abundance. The “vino novella” - new wine festivals throughout the regions give tasters the first sips of new vintages to be mulled over and assessed. Festivals held in towns such as Valerano and Riofreddo have always been a timeless part of Italian life, as generation after generation carry on this wonderful tradition of applauding the passion of vintners from all corners of the country. Of special note is the Italian love of consuming deliciously roasted chestnuts “Caldaroste”, looked forward to in Italy in November by young and old alike.

This month’s cocktail is our Spritz Veneto, a clever twist on the now infamous Aperol Spritz with the addition of Italian Malfy Originale Gin. Aperol is a unique bitter Italian aperitif which, as with most success stories in the world of gastronomy, is a family run triumph. Brothers, or “Fratelli”, Luigi and Silvio Barbieri lovingly took the family recipe of a blend of oranges herbs and roots from their father Guiseppe and placed Aperol on drinks lists in all the hip establishments around the globe.

Courtesy of prudent branding and advertising this bright orange coloured liquor infused with bitter and sweet oranges, rhubarb, gentian flowers and cinchona bark and many other secretly guarded botanicals, Aperol is an essential in any discerning bartenders’ stock. Aperol Spritz is one of those enigmas which lends itself to every occasion, be it a celebration, a lazy Sunday brunch or a joyful après ski. I hope you have occasion to visit with us at Fratelli this November and sample our Spritz Veneto! I have chosen to accompany our cocktail with chef’s winter warming slow braised Beef Pappardelle.

BEEF PAPPARDELLE Ingredients: Ragu 1.2kg /2.5 lb chuck beef 1 tbsp salt Black pepper 3 tbsp olive oil 3 cloves garlic 1 onion 1 cup carrots 1 cup celery 800g / 28oz crushed canned tomatoes 3 tbsp tomato paste 2 beef bouillon cubes 1 cup / 250ml red wine 1 1/2 cups / 375 ml water 3 sprigs fresh thyme 3 dried bay leaves Ingredients - To Serve 1 lb /500g dried pappardelle Freshly grated parmesan cheese Fresh parsley Method 1. Pat beef dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper 2. Sear Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over high heat in a heavy based pot. Add beef and sear each piece aggressively on all sides until very browned (3 - 5 minutes in total), then remove onto a plate.

3. Turn stove down to medium low and add remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil.

4. Add garlic and onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add the carrots and celery and sauté slowly for 5 minutes.

5. Add remaining Ragu ingredients and return the beef to the pot (including pooled juices). Turn the stove up and bring it to a simmer, then turn it down to low.

6. Slow cook: Cover the pot and let it cook for 2 hours or until beef is tender enough to shred.

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7. Shred: Remove beef then coarsely shred with 2 forks. Return beef to the pot. Simmer for 30 minutes until sauce is reduced and thickened - beef will soften slightly more during this step.

8. Do a taste test and adjust the seasoning to your taste with salt and pepper. add 1/2 tsp sugar if sauce is a bit sour for your taste. Place the lid on and set aside until ready to serve.

9. Bring a very large pot of water with 1 tbsp of salt to the boil.

10. Add pasta 11. Meanwhile, place 5 cups of the Ragu in a very large fry pan, Heat over high heat while the pasta is cooking.

12. When the pasta is ready, transfer it directly from the pot into the fry pan using tongs.

13. Add 3/4 cup of pasta water into the fry pan.

14. Gently toss the pasta until the sauce water evaporates and leaves you with a thick Ragu sauce that coats the pasta.

15. Serve with plenty of freshly grated parmesan, or even better, with parmigiano reggiano.

SPRITZ VENETO Ingredients: 50 mls Malfy Originale Gin 25 mls Aperol syrup (1-part Aperol 3 parts sugar syrup) Soda water Prosecco Method 1. Add gin and Aperol syrup to Boston shaker with ice.

2. Shake and strain into a tall glass over ice.

3. Top up with soda water and a generous splash of prosecco 4. Garnish with orange slices and rosemary.

Lacada Beers

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BY PAULA GRACEY

ne thing you will never see me drinking is a pint – it’s just too much, no matter how good the beer may be.

What I do really enjoy is bottled beer, especially the many fantastic craft beers now available, all with their own personalities which make their appreciation as interesting as wine tasting.

My most recent find and fascination is the range of craft beers from Lacada Co-Operative Brewery in Portrush which I discovered while staying at the beautiful Shola B&B on the north coast (they very considerately leave a well-stocked fridge open for guests).

The name Lacada means ‘Longstone’ in ancient Irish, a rocky outcrop 300 yards off the Giant’s Causeway and which is where the Girona, one of the Spanish Armada ships, was wrecked in a storm in 1588. Lacada began as a nano-brewery started up by a father and son who soon began to invent their own recipes.

They used hops from the US and New Zealand married with British, German and Czech varieties. To make the brewery work commercially they joined a Co-Operative along with other micro-breweries. This resulted in a range of varied and versatile beers from pale ales to dark ale and stout.

They have really fun and quirky names too, and I had to start with ‘East the Beast’ (pictured) which I learnt is a surfer’s wave.

This is an IPA (Indian Pale Ale) made from a single malt crush and is fabulously fruity and refreshing. ‘Mangoes Barefoot’ is another IPA which has more of a tropical fruit flavour and a bittersweet finish – perfect outdoor drinking and great with nibbles. The wonderfully named ‘Ma Cherie Ramore’ is a Belgian style pale ale with a unique floral, fruity aroma and taste.

‘Rathlin Gold’ is a pale ale named after the golden hares on Rathlin Island, noted for their unique sandy coloured coats. This is a blend of pale ale with a heritage malt which gives a little more sweetness than usual and it has hints of honey and herbs as well as a floral and earthy touch – lovely, like those golden hares!

‘Utopian’ is an award winning, full bodied, medium dry stout and it is silky smooth with warm roasted malt aromas and dark chocolate and coffee notes. For a dark ale try ‘The Devil’s Washtub’ named after that well-known rocky inlet at Ramore where the sea rushes in and it is a mysterious, dark, malty beer brewed with four malts and four hops – deep, dark and delicious. Check out the full range on the Lacada website and look out for them in your local. Cheers!

Roe & Co’s copper stills

Roe’ing the boat out Alyson Magee clocks in at the new Roe & Co distillery, Dublin; a former power station that has been transformed into an urban distillery

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iageo already boasts Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction with the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin attracting over 1.7 million visitors last year.

And now, with Roe & Co Distillery joining the Storehouse and Open Gate Brewery to offer a trio of attractions within feet of each other, the drinks giant is making St James’s Gate a weekend break in itself.

ROE & CO DISTILLERY

Roe & Co was launched in 2017, with its name paying homage to George Roe, a famous name from the 19th century heyday of Irish whiskey. Its teal branding and pear theme offer a nod to the St Patrick’s Tower cupola and ancient pear tree on the grounds of the original Roe distillery.

The new distillery is on a neighbouring site, just across the road from Guinness in

Our tour take the taste test

Roe & Co distillery the brewery’s old power plant, and at the epicentre of the Irish whiskey revival in the Liberties district of Dublin 8.

Opened to the public this past summer following a €25m investment by Diageo, the distillery features an industrial chic interior.

The building’s history as a power plant has been embraced, with visitors using its original time machine to clock in and out as they navigate the 75-minute tour.

Karl Deery was our guide for the day. As our group ascended to an elevated glass walkway overlooking the beautiful copper pot stills and mash tun of the working distillery, he extended a combination of Irish charm and dry wit while offering historical context to Irish whiskey and the rebirth of Roe & Co. The group moved into Room 106, which references the number of variants that were worked through before arriving at the final liquid launched in 2017. Many of the prototypes were tested in Dublin bars, and a major rethink saw the ABV raised from 40%

to 45% to ensure the taste profile carried through in cocktails.

“We use two different types of whiskey to make this blend,” said Karl. “We use malt barley whiskey, the smaller grain you see, and there’s also some corn in there because we use grain whiskey as well.

“We also use two different types of barrels to mature our whiskey. We use firstfill American oak for the grain whiskey – it’s made from corn, it’s quite light and doesn’t need as heavy a season – and then for the malt barley, we use second-fill American oak barrels.”

Karl guided the group through a tasting of the blend, picking up on notes of soft mellow pear, caramel and molasses.

From Room 106 the tour continued to a Flavours workshop, where visitors chose one of five ‘pillars’ – sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami – from which to create their own cocktail.

Its shift completed for the day, the group then clocked out on the way into the Drinksology-designed Power House Bar to try a few cocktails, with the specials menu refreshed seasonally using ingredients from the distillery gardens.

Tour groups are limited to 16 to keep the experience intimate, and the new distillery has already been named one of the 10 best new openings in the world for 2019 by Lonely Planet.

For more information on the tour see: www.roeandcowhiskey.com/visit-us

GUINNESS STOREHOUSE & OPEN GATE

Across the road from Roe & Co, the Storehouse is going from strength to strength with a second gravity bar under construction. As well as the Gravity Bar, the seven-floor attraction’s wide hospitality offer includes the Connoisseur Bar, Brewers’ Dining Hall, 1837 Bar & Bistro, Arthur’s Bar, Cooperage Café, Guinness Academy and multi-sensory Tasting Experience.

Interactive, educational experiences on offer include Our Brewing Story – taking visitors through ingredients and production; Cooperage & Transport; and World of Advertising highlighting Guinness’ iconic ad campaigns.

Brewing operates continuously at St James’s Gate, producing Guinness, Harp, Rockshore, Hop House 13 and Smithwick’s, as well as Carlsberg and Budweiser under licence.

For more information on the upcoming tours and events, visit: www.guinness-storehouse.com.

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Le Mans ‘66

Le Mans ‘66

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

Midway

Set in the Northern Pacific Ocean in the Midway, USA, this movie is an emotive retelling of the World War II battle between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy. Midway recounts the brave actions of the soldiers and leaders who used their instincts and fortitude to overcome the odds stacked against them.

Release date: 8th November Starring: Luke Evans, Patrick Wilson and Nick Jonas

The Good Liar

The perils of online dating are explored in this flick which sees con artist Roy Courtnay meet BettyMcLeish, with full

intentions of swindling her. However Roy quickly finds himself falling for this gentle well-to-do widow and is faced with difficult choices.

Release date: 8th November Starring: Helen Mirren, Jim Carter and Ian McKellen

Last Christmas

This heart-warming romance tells the story of Kate who is currently employed as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. As London transforms into the most wonderful time of year, Tom walks into her life and an unlikely connection blossoms.

Release date: 15th November Starring: Emilia Clarke and Emma Thompson

This biography/drama tells the story of how car manufacture Ford beat Ferrari in the ‘24 hours of Le Mans’ sports car race in 1966.

American car designer Carroll Shelby hires British born motorist Kent Miles to help craft and steer the car to victory, but along the way they must battle with corporate interference and their own demons.

Release date: 15th November Starring: Matt Damon and Christian Bale

The Report

Daniel J. Jones was an investigator for the Senate who was tasked with investigating the CIA’s use of interrogation and detention after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Daniel uncovers shocking secrets and battles to make public what many in power sought to keep secret.

Release date: 15th November Starring: Adam Driver and Jon Hamm

Charlie’s Angels

This reboot sees three new heroines step up to the plate of being the Angels in this comedy action flick about these private detectives, all of which have abilities that are key to the success of their mission.

Release date: 29th November Starring: Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott and Elizabeth Banks

The Nightingale

Set in 1825, this Australian period thriller follows Irish convict Clare Carroll who seeks revenge for a terrible act of violence against her family. Clare hunts a British officer though the Tasmanian wilderness, helped by an Aboriginal tracker who has suffered his own trauma in a violence-filled past.

Release date: 29th November Starring: Aisling Franciosi and Sam Claflin

The Good Liar

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Film release dates are subject to change.

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

Win

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A festive break for two in the AC Hotel Belfast

orthern Woman and the AC Hotel

TO ENTER Simply answer the question: ‘Joyeux Noël 2019’ is the message celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli has chosen to launch Christmas at his Belfast restaurant. What does this mean in English?

Email your answer and contact details to: competitions@northernwoman.co.uk before 5pm on Friday 29th November.

T&Cs: The prize is for a one-night stay for two adults, is subject to availability, and is non-transferrable.

INM T&Cs apply.

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 COMPETITION

Belfast have teamed up to offer readers the opportunity to win an overnight stay. This fantastic prize includes a threecourse festive dinner for two in Novelli at City Quays, Prosecco on arrival, and breakfast the following morning Novelli at City Quays have a number of festive dining options to tickle your taste buds this Christmas. From the Festive Lunch and Dinner to the Private Dining experience, Dine and Cruise offering, Christmas Socials, and more – there’s something to suit all tastes this Christmas.

For more information visit: www.novellirestaurants.co.uk/belfast, call: 02895 313180, or email: events@achotelbelfast.com

LIVING

Credit: Cult Furniture

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Apartment Apparel Jackson velvet cuddle chair in orange £449; mustard ribbed knit throw £25; ribbon shade £10; Finley nesting tables £59.99; metal mustard planter £16, all from Argos

Louis Poulsen PH 5 ‘Hues of Orange’ Pendant from Nest.co.uk, £660

Preston Geo Cushion from Dunelm, £10

Fall Forecast Stay on trend w ith this season’s hottest new loo ks

BY RÓISÍN CAR A

BINE

Clara Orange Dinnerware set from Habitat.co.uk, £60

Cazar Accent Chair from Harvey Norman, £279

ABSTRACT GEO CIRCLES Geometric patterns take on a curvy retro vibe with a palette of orange, navy and mustard

Spirit Knitted Art Silk Rug by Toulemond Bouchart from Chaplins.co.uk, £1,216

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Balance III Framed Abstract wall art print from Made.com, £45

J by Jasper Conran multi square mirror £80; silver vase £25; white agate book end £20; Geo print 4x6 frame £16; geo tealight holder £10; large geo print box £25; medium geo print box ££15; large Venus box £35; Clovis table light £80; Swoon Aero shelving in brass £299, all from Debenhams

Leopard ornament £4; small table lamp £12; monkey cushion £5; orange velvet cushion £5; large Mongolian fur cushion £10; faux fur cushion £5; teal velvet cushion £5; black monkey duvet set from £10, all George Home @ Asda

Silhouette Cotton Lampshade (teal lemur in watermelon pink) from Redcandy.co.uk, from £40

Pineapple Ring Holder from Paperchase, £6

WILD JUNGLE

Combine tropical animal prints with rich velvets and inky hues to create your own paradise

Wildlife Treasures Leopards’ Wallpaper mural by The Tiny Garden at Wallsauce.com

Hand-drawn Charlotte Jade Wallpaper in midnight Madagascar from Charltonisland.com, £120 a roll Heather Lounge Chair in green velvet palm print from Cultfurniture.com, £179

Hummingbird Tropical Wallpaper in Navy from Cultfurniture.com, £10.99 a roll

Palm Tree Candlestick in gold from Matalan, £8 Mindthegap The Rediscovered Paradise Bermuda Wallpaper from Mindtheg.com, £150 a roll

Tino House Cushion from Beaumonde.co.uk, £40

Aloe (large) in blue ceramic vase from Marks & Spencer, £69

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Mid-century upholstered double bed frame £279; striped plush cushion natural or grey £12; Aspen throw £30; faux fur cushion £12; faux fur throw £50; teddy throw £10, teddy cushion £5; chunky Breckon throw £25, all from Dunelm

Bug Knitted Pouffe in oatmeal from Loaf.com, £85

Dulux Soft Maplewood matt emulsion £27.56 for 2.5L

Dutchbone Bond Oval ceiling light from Cuckooland.com, £139

WOODLAND RETREAT

Cocoon yourself in wood-clad walls, dark leather sofas, chunky knits and deep pile rugs

Eland Head by Abigail Ahern from Debenhams, £80

Seagrass Storage Basket from Oliver Bonas, £16

Sherlock leather grande chair from £850, available in choice of leathers and feet, Next

Moss Wire Magazine Rack from Made.com, £14

Otis Side Table from Matalan, £60 Annie Sloan Coco Chalk Paint, £19.95 for 1L

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Harper two and a half seater sofa in deep turquoise pure cotton matt velvet £1,500; Harper footstool in dusty rose pure cotton matt velvet £550; house scatter cushion in dusty rose pure cotton matt velvet 365; Lowry rug in petrol £700, all from Sofa.com Flower Crown Print (unframed) from Audenza.com, £25

Birds & Flowers Bamboo Door Curtain from Redcandy.co.uk, £84

Renaissance Bed Linen Set by Oasis Home from Frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk, from £20

Shandra Smith ‘Flower’ Wallpaper Mural from Wallsauce.com

Garden Floral Wallpaper from Woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk, £85 a roll

Summer Garden Charcoal Wallpaper from Arthouse.com. £9.99 a roll

Treasure Island Anthracite Wallpaper from Decoville.co.uk, £150 per box

FANTASY FLORALS

Pay homage to the surreal with super-sized flower prints featuring wild animals and insects

Gypsy Rug from Mineheart.com, £688

Laid Back Lounging Velvet Beanbag from Joebrowns.co.uk, £60

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Lucca Orange 5-arm Ceiling Light from Habitat.co.uk, £180

Gubi Satellite Pendant from Nest.co.uk, £587

Metal Round Hanging Lamp with plant pot from Cultfurniture.com, £95 Calex Organic LED Gold E27 Bulbs from Harvey Norman, £90 each

Take 10

Statement lights Brighten up the dark autumn nights with these lovely luminaires Large Sitting Leopard Floor Lamp from Audenza.com, £795

BY RÓISÍN CARABINE

Ero Velvet Tassel Floor Lamp from Oliver Bonas, £150

Wink Fringed Wall Light in candy pink from Audenza.com, £375

Benedict Table Light from Debenhams, £40 Broadway Large Star Floor Lamp from Made.com, £139

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Caged Table Lamp from Matalan, £20

A

fter a long search for the perfect “forever family home” Keira and Stephen Marshall moved into their 1930s Belfast home in 2015, which they share with their three children and newest addition to the family – pet kitten Sebby.

“On viewing the property, we loved that the previous owners had left the original 1930s features intact as it gave the house so much character and warmth; the scullery, picture rails, internal doors, fireplaces and art deco front door,” Keira says.

After purchasing the house, the couple began the process of carefully renovating the property to accentuate its period charm, whilst adding modern touches throughout.

“We replaced the old swirly-print carpets throughout the house and were delighted to discover the original oak parquet flooring in the hall, playroom and front lounge; it was in perfect condition. We painted the dark wood panelling in the hall and stairs area an off-white shade to freshen and modernise the space.

“The kitchen is around 20 years old, however it’s good quality and until such time as we can afford to replace it, we have

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“I love that this room has a dual aspect, it just feels so calming being surrounded by the garden views.

Lots of items in here have sentimental value, such as some of my late Dad’s artwork, the piano that my husband’s Mum learnt to play on (and now my youngest girl does), and the pair of Ercol chairs handed down to us which we have had reupholstered.”

Mid-century and Scandi style come together in this 1930s home Photography by Michael Bradley painted the units, added new oak effect laminate flooring and retiled around the splash back area.

“We have removed old wallpaper from almost every room and skimmed and repainted the walls,” Keira says.

The homeowner describes her interior décor style as a combination of Scandi and mid-century. “I love to mix vintage finds such as family heirlooms and pieces from

charity shops and Gumtree with more modern furniture. I prefer soft, muted tones as a backdrop, with pops of colour and pattern to lift a space. My style is very organic, I simply buy things I love and work them into what is already there, although I feel the Scandi mid-century look works really well with our home’s era.”

For more from Keira follow @dekkobird on Instagram.

“This is our newest addition, Sebby - he loves a good sheepskin and I don’t blame him!”

“The huge landing window sold the house to me. It lets in the most beautiful light and is such a prominent feature of our home.”

“This is the tidy corner of our playroom/office! I have my desk in the opposite corner. I recently repainted this room in Farrow & Ball Pigeon, one of my favourite paint colours. I love how the yellow sofa pops against it. I just need to decide on new curtains to finish the room.”

“The hallway used to have very dark wood panelling and red carpet. We painted the panelling in Farrow & Ball Strong White and pulled up the carpet to reveal a beautifully preserved oak parquet floor, which we sanded and waxed. It’s a large space, but I have kept the décor simple and feel it connects really well to the rooms leading off it. It’s a lovely space to come home to.”

“Our kitchen is the hub of our home, we all congregate here in the evening. It also has smashing views out onto the back garden – although it’s largely a north facing room, the skylight really brightens the space. We painted the units to update the existing kitchen, and laid a good quality oak laminate floor throughout to better connect the open plan space.”

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“I have just recently redecorated the master bedroom. I love how the dark wall behind the bed makes the space feel super cosy come night time.”

“The original scullery units were left in place by the previous owners, however had become shabby, so I painted them a striking dark blue and polished up the original brass hardware, which had blackened with age. This is my proudest DIY project!”

“My eldest daughter’s bedroom is light and bright, not too girly. We recently added the string of fairy lights to fill that blank wall space.”

“I’m a stickler for a good interiors mag and use this vintage trolley to store them in neat piles.”

“This poster pretty accurately describes the members of our household but I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

“We discovered the architect’s 1936 elevation sketch for the house rolled up in the attic, so we had it framed and hung in the hallway. It’s a beautiful piece of art.”

“I bought this dark blue glass cabinet in IKEA and use it to house napkins, dining ware, glasses etc. as it sits beside the kitchen table.”

“I love setting little groups of trinkets around the house. I feel it adds personality and I’m at my most content pottering around.”

“I change up these picture ledge displays all the time. I use picture ledges a lot as they take up so little space and are a handy spot to prop up framed pictures and trinkets.”

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Mr & Mrs Thompson Photography by Lynn Stanfield

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n expensive long-distance phone bill between two work colleagues marked a moment of realisation when Natalie Collins and Simon Thompson knew they were meant to be together.

The couple’s bond grew stronger after Natalie from Co. Antrim, and Simon who hails from Co. Down, went from tea breaks in the office to bubbles and a memorable proposal in a hot tub.

“Natalie and I clicked very quickly after we met in work,” Simon begins. Four years later, Simon proposed to Natalie on a romantic getaway to the Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort.

“We got to the hot tub and a lovely member of staff brought down a tray with Proscecco, strawberries and truffles, and the ring was also on the tray covered with a cloth,” Natalie says. “Five minutes later Simon got down on one knee, gave a wee speech and asked me to marry him. It was so romantic, I was completely taken aback.”

The pair had a stunning wedding at the end of May at the Galgorm.

Natalie wore a breath-taking gown by Demetrios from Verona Bridal. “When I tried it on it felt amazing and I knew it was the one,” she says. The bridesmaids wore Maids to Measure dresses discovered

by Natalie while fashion blogging on her Instagram page @nataliecarolline. The groom and groomsmen wore smart tuxes.

The couple were delighted wih their photos which were captured by Lynn Stanfield who they describe as “so lovely and helpful on the day”.

Natalie’s father walked her down the aisle to The Music of the Night played by the Ionian String Quartet and the newlyweds danced to Your Song from Moulin Rouge later in the evening.

“If I had to pick the best part of my day I would say it was the walk down the aisle with my Dad and seeing Simon... It was just magical.”

Simon agrees: “My favourite memory would have to be seeing Natalie walk down the aisle towards me to say our vows. She looked incredible and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to spend the rest of my life with.”

Venue: Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, Ballymena Wedding Dress: Verona Bridal, Magherafelt Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Maids to Measure online Groomswear: Moss Bros, Belfast Hair: Aoife Ferguson, Belfast Makeup: Anna McConnell Lisburn Stationery: Fig and Fern Studio, England Cake: Sparkles Cakes of Art, Coleraine

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Mr & Mrs Kelly

Photos by The Wedding Bee Photography

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own bride Bernadette Quinn and South Armagh groom Patrick Kelly met at work. Over a couple of years they got to know each other; first as colleagues and then as friends. “We got on well and made each other laugh, so we decided to go on a dinner date and things went from there,” Bernadette begins.

Three years after they first met Patrick surprised his other half by popping the question. “We were out having a lovely walk through the countryside, it was a beautiful sunny day and he got down on one knee - it was perfect,” Bernadette says.

They set the date for 29th July 2019, with a ceremony at St Coleman’s Chapel, Annaclone, followed by a reception at Belmont Hotel, Banbridge.

Charlene from The Wedding Bee Photography captured the couple’s photos.

“Charlene is a lovely woman and we couldn’t have asked for a nicer person to share our wedding day with,” Bernadette says.

Patrick’s mother Geraldine Kelly made the wedding dress over the course of 18 months. “I felt so lucky that I had a motherin-law who could make such a wonderful dress for me,” Bernadette says. “Not too many people can say their mother-in-law made their wedding dress. I felt honoured that someone would put so much time and effort into making it.

“I only got to try on my finished dress about four weeks before our big day, when I looked up and saw it in the mirror - it was perfect, everything I wanted and much more. I loved it. My husband got me matching pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings to wear with it on the day.”

Patrick’s favourite memory of his wedding day was “seeing my beautiful bride walking down the aisle”. Bernadette’s is of the wedding ceremony and adds the “whole day was wonderful”.

The newlyweds honeymooned in the Lake Hotel Killarney and enjoyed a road trip around the ring of Kerry.

Venue: Belmont Hotel, Banbridge Wedding dress: Made by the groom’s mother Geraldine Kelly Bridesmaids’ dresses: Dresselicious, Newry Groomswear: McCartan Bros, Newry Hair: Lil’ Miss Colour, Banbridge Makeup: Lil’ Miss Colour, Banbridge Stationery: Rings & Roses, Banbridge Cake: Made by Patrick’s brother’s partner Tracey Mc Keown

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CHRISTMAS All Wrapped Up

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For the perfect gift for your loved one, look no further than Robinson Goldsmiths

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ur quaint gallery shop is situated in the seaside town of Bangor, not far from Belfast. Working in; platinum, gold, silver, diamonds and other precious stones. Bespoke and handmade jewellery is made on the premises in our workshop. Option to bring your own gemstones and gold to incorporate. Call in today for expert advice and a quote to make something new and stylish that you’ll love to wear and cherish forever. At our store, you don’t just browse for jewellery, you help create it!

Not only do we create jewellery but we also stock an extensive range of different and unique jewellery from other jewellery designers from all over the UK, Ireland and Europe. If you’re looking for something

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business; Gillian Robinson, owners’ Eric and Rosemary’s daughter.

We are also teaming up with “One Tree Planted” to give back to the environment, fight climate change, protect biodiversity and help reforestation efforts around the world; all by planting trees. By shopping in store and online from September we are planting one tree per purchase. We will be part of the North American project to plant trees in the Amazon. So by shopping with us you are supporting handmade jewellery designers and helping the environment. n truly different you’ll find it at Robinson Goldsmiths.

We have grown so much over our 30+ years in business and we are delighted to usher in the next chapter in our story, with the return of a family member to our

For more information on the awardwinning jewellery designers visit: www. robinsongoldsmiths.com www.facebook.com/ RobinsonGoldsmiths or call: 028 9127 0766.

Polar express returns to Hastings Hotels

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ue to overwhelming demand from families across Northern Ireland for Polar Express at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa over the last five years, Hastings Hotels has announced that the popular festive event will also take place at the Culloden Estate & Spa in the lead up to Christmas.

There will be lots of fun for all the family, including a winter wonderland, storytelling with Mrs Claus and the Polar Express train adventure which will take guests on a magical journey to visit Santa and his elves in their busy workshop as they prepare for their busiest time of the year.

Polar Express will take place at the Culloden Estate & Spa from 19th - 23rd November and the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa from 14th – 22nd December.

Families are advised to book early to avoid disappointment for this sell out event and tickets can be purchased by going to: www.hastingshotels.com/polarexpress n

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Enjoy an indulgent and relaxing Christmas at the Radisson Blu Hotel Letterkenny

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njoy a two or three night stay beginning Christmas eve. On arrival indulge in festive treats with a hot drink in the newly refurbished foyer; where a warm festive welcome awaits you. In the evening enjoy delectable dining in the AA Rosette awardwinning Port Bar & Grill, and later retire to the comfort of your room for a good night’s rest.

Begin Christmas day with the hearty super buffet breakfast followed by a delicious traditional Christmas Day Lunch in relaxed surroundings, full of festive cheer. You are sure to become delightfully submerged in the spirit of Christmas while you continue the celebrations with Christmas supper later that evening.

The Radisson Blu Letterkenny offers an indulgent and relaxing way to embrace all the festive fun, without any of the stress or dishes. To book your stay call: +353749194444 or email: info.letterkenny@ radissonblu.com. n

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Indulge yourself at the renowned Spa at Galgorm

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nspired by an idyllic woodland location perched along the River Maine, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel plays host to the renowned Spa at Galgorm. A haven for the certified zen-seeker and first-time spa-goers alike, The Spa at Galgorm combines award-winning spa facilities and professional service to create an environment where tranquillity can flourish.

The famed Thermal Spa Village, the first of its kind in Ireland, is the jewel in the crown of Galgorm. A smorgasbord of heated and cool spa experiences awaits with unique facets at every turn. Elements Spa Café houses refreshing drinks, indulgent snacks and nourishing nibbles in a truly unique setting – one of only five such structures in the world.

Exclusively designed for The Spa at Galgorm, a menu of signature treatments will leave you spoiled for choice, honing the power of luxury skincare from Aromatherapy Associates and SkinCeuticals to immerse you in tranquillity. n

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Joyeux Noël de Café Parisien

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elebrate at Café Parisien this Christmas with delicious French classics in our friendly, bustling brasserie.

Located in the heart of Belfast, Cafe Parisien is the place to relish in the moment. Let your palette be revived with authentic French

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cuisine. Whether you want to find a cosy spot to look out upon the city in-between Christmas shopping, a lively location for an evening party and NYE countdown or a romantic festive feast, looking out upon the Christmas markets, we offer a unique venue for your Christmas celebrations.

With unrivalled views of the city and

a chic Parisien ambiance, we go the extra mile to make sure your party, whether large or small, is an enjoyable, relaxing occasion that brings family, friends and colleagues together over a table laden with gastronomic treasures. Choose from an array of wines that feature on our all-French wine list, ending your French foray with a flourish. n

The Gift of Christmas with Hastings Hotels

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s the season for giving approaches, Hastings Hotels will help take the strain out of your shopping with the Christmas Gift Card solving your present worries in no

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time at all.

The versatile Gift Cards, which have no expiry date so you can beat the festive rush and buy as early as you like, are redeemable at any one of the seven Hastings Hotels, in the two magnificent spas and any of their restaurants or bars and is the ideal gift to let people choose the perfect present for themselves, be it a special night out, a luxury weekend, an afternoon tea, a spa treatment or even a round of drinks at the bar! Every budget is catered for, with cards available from £10 to much, much more!

What’s more, for every £100 of Gift Cards you buy during November, you will receive a £10 card for yourself to spend in any of the hotels.

To purchase Hastings Gift Cards visit: www.hastingshotels.com or contact Head Office on: 028 9047 1066. n

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The Johnstown Estate unveils new suite for groups of six, plus a stunning new beauty room PACKAGES: Sparkle at The Mulberry - €1500 per six people: • Overnight stay in The Mulberry • Delicious full breakfast • Moet & Chandon champagne and hors d’oeuvres upon arrival • Two 30-minute treatments per person in Gloss at the Spa • Cocktail and hors d’oeuvres in Gloss at the Spa • Four-course dinner at Fire & Salt, the hotel’s contemporary fine-dining restaurant • Turn down service with luxury chocolates and Elemis pillow spray • Late check-out until 2.30pm (subject to availability) • Complimentary access to The Leisure Club • Complimentary Wi-Fi & parking

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he Johnstown Estate’s refurbishment continues with the launch of The Mulberry – a stunningly luxe suite designed to hold six guests across two interconnecting bedrooms, and Gloss at the Spa – a jewel of a beauty room - for grooming treatments including manicures, pedicures, facials, skin analysis, make-up, tanning and brows.

These two new additions to The Johnstown Estate firmly place the hotel in the mind of brides to be and larger groups looking for a sophisticated overnight getaway within easy reach of Dublin city and suburbs.

The Mulberry is a suite which spans the width of three rooms and sleeps six with two bathrooms and three showers. The plush lounge area includes a wine fridge, Nespresso machine, 50” TV, a Bluetooth Bose speaker and seating for everyone in the suite.

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The Gloss Getaway – starting at €339 per two people sharing: • An overnight stay in a Deluxe Room • Delicious full breakfast • A 30-minute treatment in Gloss at The Spa • Prosecco with hors d’oeuvres served in Gloss at The Spa • Four-course dinner at Fire & Salt, the hotel’s contemporary fine-dining restaurant • Complimentary access to The Leisure Club • Complimentary Wi-Fi & parking In addition, there are four hair and makeup stations lit by nearly fifty LED bulbs to ensure a flawless make-up and hair finish.

Ventura Design gave The Mulberry their signature luxe look including butter-soft velvets, subtle geometric prints and a sovery-now berry-coloured palette.

The suite adjoins a third room, which allows a further two guests to stay connected and within the space.

“This concept is totally unique to The Johnstown Estate,” says Anthony Smiddy, General Manager at The Johnstown Estate.

“The idea came from the number of brides who wanted to get married from the hotel.

We wanted to develop a space where they could build memories with their ‘I do crew’ while getting ready” he added.

“It’s also a perfect spot for a group of friends who want to spend as much time as possible together while away” concluded Mr Smiddy.

Gloss at the Spa is the stylish little sister to The Spa at The Johnstown Estate and focuses on grooming and beauty treatments. A gold and jewelcoloured suite, including a treatment room and twelve treatment stations, this is the perfect spot for exclusive use by a group of up to ten. A typical booking would include two half-hour treatments, skin analysis and a make-up tutorial, accompanied by a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres. All to the soundtrack of great conversation and Lo-Fi beats curated by Eoin Long.

Gloss at the Spa is the first stage of the full redesign and expansion of The Spa at The Johnstown Estate which will begin in early 2020. It is also part of a €12.5m refurbishment programme that has been ongoing at The Johnstown Estate since 2018. n

Have yourself a Derry little Christmas at the new Holiday Inn Express

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elebrate in style and have yourself a Derry little Christmas this holiday season with a night at the new Holiday Inn Express Derry – Londonderry. This fabulous brand new hotel offers 119 modern bedrooms in a fantastic central location, minutes’ walk from top attractions, Derry’s wide range of retail outlets and the city’s many bars and restaurants. The perfect place for a festive break in the Walled City.

We have everything you need for a comfy overnight stay; our air-conditioned bedrooms offer Smart TVs, blackout blinds and a choice of pillows, with a free Express Start Breakfast for all guests. Bathroom amenities such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving kits and sewing kits are on hand should you forget any little essentials, and don’t forget, kids under 16 stay free!

The Express Bar and Café in the contemporary and colourful hotel lobby lounge features a range of dining options, ideal for a coffee and catch up, a quick lunch to refuel during a busy day of shopping or a bite to eat in the evening before a festive night out in the Walled city.

The city’s Christmas markets and festive

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animations take place from 12th – 15th December featuring a pop up bar serving craft/ artisan drinks, live music and kids entertainment, all just minutes’ walk from the hotel! With accommodation packages from just £30 per person sharing.

We’re here… So you can be too. n

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ave a Joyeux Noël with a sparkling outing to Novelli at City Quays, Belfast.

Renowned chef Jean Christophe Novelli’s team know all about creating the perfect festive celebration with mouthwatering menus, cracking Christmas cocktails and all day dining throughout the season.

The restaurant, with its stunning waterfront views, is a magical setting for everything from a festive lunch to an evening celebration... or dining in style on Christmas Day.

And this year the experience is even more magical as guests can include a river cruise in their dining experience, whether that’s a restaurant or private lunch, dinner or Christmas social. Enjoy the culinary delights from Jean Christophe’s team before embarking on the tour through the beautifully lit harbour with its iconic buildings, then warm up afterwards with festive hot drinks. Cosy knits and blankets will keep you warm while you toast the season with your choice of Christmas cocktail, Hot Cider, liqueur coffee, mulled wine and more.

Or why not begin your celebration with a hot drinks reception on the terrace, overlooking the river and have fun dressing up from a chest of winter woollies, hats and scarves – ideal for a festive selfie! The events team are available to customise your party and cruise. And if you decide to stay over, the AC Belfast City Sleepover starts from £75 per room for 2 people sharing in the pre-Christmas season.

It’s the most wonderful time of year for getting together with family and friends and the relaxed elegance of Novelli’s is perfect. There’s a tempting range of dining options to choose from with two courses just £21.95 and three courses only £26.95

from the festive menu, available from Friday, November 29th.

For an indulgent Christmas Day, treat your loved ones to a delectable three course lunch with all the trimmings and a Christmas gift for each of the children. It’s only £95 per adult, £45 per child, under 3s dine free. Or have a Christmas Day Retreat with a two night stay arriving on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and includes breakfasts, an evening meal and Christmas lunch from only £209 per adult.

Boxing Day and New Year’s Day are also special occasions at Novelli’s with a three course buffet lunch just £26.95 per adult, £10.95 per child aged 3-11 with the same offer on Sundays throughout December.

Ring in the New Year with an overnight stay, bottle of bubbly in your room, £20 dining voucher for Novelli at City Quays, breakfast and a late checkout.

With early bird discounts, gift vouchers available and more special offers to take you into the New Year, it’s time to start planning your Novelli Christmas! n

For further information, visit novellirestaurants.co.uk/belfast.

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 ADVERTORIAL

Have a Joyeux Noël with a sparkling outing to Novelli at City Quays, Belfast.

Pamper yourself or treat a loved one to Spa Experience Belfast at Olympia Leisure Centre

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he Olympia Leisure Centre on Belfast’s Boucher Road is already renowned for its fantastic fitness programmes and facilities, which are designed to keep every generation in tip-top form.

In addition to the fitness facilities, however, nestled within the centre is our award-winning Day Spa - Spa Experience.

Combining the best

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traditional thermal therapies, with the very latest modern day treatments, there is nowhere better to indulge yourself and restore harmony to your life.

The Spa Experience combines top class treatments in its three treatment rooms with a thermal spa area complete with large hydro pool, sauna, sanarium, ice room, experience shower and steam room.

Signature treatments include a special combination of some of our best spa treatments and body therapies.

The Experience Wellbeing Massage is an 75-minute combination of massage techniques to de-stress the mind and body leaving you relaxed and at peace. It uses our specially black pomegranate muscle oil, which is designed to ease muscle tension and alleviate aches and pains.

The Total Spa Experience treatment last for 50-minutes and begins with a full body exfoliation, followed by a warm cocoon envelopment and soothing face and scalp massage. Then, you can enjoy the comforting touch of hot stones which will leave you feeling relaxed and at peace.

Our Elemis facial range is designed to suit different budgets and to target your individual needs – from clinically proven anti-wrinkle, radiance and resurfacing facials for instant results, to facials created

for your specific skincare concerns.

At Spa Experience we are all about making the benefits of spa treatments accessible to everyone in the communities we serve. That’s why we offer a range of therapies tailored specifically for men.

Our treatments and spa days for men provide a choice of therapies to tackle specific concerns, while offering a unique opportunity to escape the stresses of everyday life and give you a complete overhaul Spa Experience offers pre-natal packages which are specifically designed to meet the health requirements of women during pregnancy. All of our therapists are specially trained in pregnancy requirements, so you know that you’ll be in good - and safe – hands!

The ‘La Sultane de Saba Sweetness in Bloom’, for example is a 60-minute treatment where mums to be can have a top-to-toe treatment that includes specialised back massage followed by a facial, which is beautifully finished off with a nourishing mask. Warm, melted shea butter is then applied to the tummy. n

For more information call 07483031864 or visit spaexperience.org.uk Bookings can be made either by calling the spa directly or through the website. The opening hours are llam-8pm Monday-Friday and 10am- 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Spa Experience Belfast. Olympia Leisure Centre, Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6FA

Festive fun at The Fitzwilliam Hotel Don’t let the festive season be a chore this year, take the stress out of Christmas at The Fitzwilliam Hotel.

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estive Overnight Stays - The recently awarded AA Hotel of the Year Northern Ireland 2019-2020 is the perfect base for a stylish shopping trip to Northern Ireland’s capital.

Christmas shoppers can make the most of an array of high street and designer stores all within walking distance of the hotel. Shoppers can relax and unwind with overnight accommodation with Full Fitzwilliam Breakfast and festive dinner in The Restaurant. Festive Overnight stays are available from £177 per room (subject to availability).

Christmas Dining – Indulge with your colleagues over Festive Lunch or Dinner in The Restaurant with our sumptuous

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mouth-watering menus. Private dining room also available for parties from 8-22 persons.

Pantomime Dining – When attending Beauty and The Beast, have a beast of an evening with a choice of two and threecourse menus.

Christmas Cocktails & Festive Afternoon Tea – Enjoy an alternative Christmas function, choose a cocktail masterclass, a murder mystery, or rest those weary feet after shopping over an array of festive delights in the lobby. This is an exciting alternative to the traditional Christmas Party.

Make your Christmas Day magical this year at The Fitzwilliam Hotel. Beat the winter chill with Mulled Wine on arrival

followed by a Gourmet 5 Course Luncheon served in The Restaurant.

Luxurious ‘Christmas in the City Stayovers’ are available from only £289 per person sharing (from 24-26th December 2019.

Christmas Gifts - Give your nearest and dearest a truly memorable gift this Christmas with a Fitzwilliam Gift Voucher; you are sure to impress friends with your stylish choice of gifts. n

For further information please contact our Sales Department by calling: 02890 442080 or emailing: enq@fitzwilliamhotelbelfast.com The Fitzwilliam Hotel, 1-3 Great Victoria St, Belfast, BT2 7BQ

Give the gift of Lough Erne Resort this Christmas

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hristmas is the most wonderful time of the year and there is no better gift to bestow on loved ones than an experience at the five-star Lough Erne Resort.

The resort’s Christmas choice vouchers are the perfect stocking filler and have been tailored to offer just that – choice.

Recipients can choose from a carefully selected menu of three experiences, all designed to surprise and delight.

Whether it’s a lesson in the golf academy for Dad, a spa treatment for your best friend or a Sunday lunch in the Catalina

Restaurant for the in-laws, the Ladies and Gentlemen’s Christmas vouchers are sure to be well received.

The resort choice voucher allows the recipient to choose from a delectable menu of options for two including a five-course tasting menu, overnight stay or spa treatment.

From 1st December to 24th December 2019 Lough Erne Resort will open a luxury Christmas Gift Shop daily. It’s the perfect

shop to fill festive stockings with a range of golf, spa or foodie gifts and accessories. No home is complete without Noel McMeel’s famous preserves and dressings or best-selling Irish Pantry cook book which is also available to purchase.

For those looking to truly put their feet up in style instead of spending hours in the kitchen, the Lough Erne Resort’s luxury Christmas Escape is not to be missed and is the perfect gift a family can give themselves.

Arrive Christmas Eve to the magic of roaring open fires, indulge in festive favourites such as mince pies, mulled wine, eggnog and hot chocolate, before enjoying a good night’s rest. Awake the next morning to a buck’s fizz breakfast and the chance for the little ones to open their presents with Santa Claus.

A five-course Christmas lunch featuring the best local ingredients awaits in the award-winning Catalina Restaurant followed by a relaxed day of board games and Christmas movies on the big screen.

The package is available for a two-night stay from £649, and a three-night stay £729 per person sharing. n

For further inspiration for luxurious Christmas gift options visit: www.lougherneresort.com

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Step into Christmas at The Nest

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he Nest is a unique shopping experience, located in the listed Old Police Station in the multi award winning village of Broughshane, Co.Antrim. A visit to the shop is a multi-sensory experience with beautiful displays to look at and wonderful signature scents.

Owner Linda Hogg strives to keep the shop displays and stock varied and interesting with a vast array of products to choose from. At Christmas time the shop is transformed inside and out and it’s a feast for the eyes.

The Nest stocks a wide range of giftware, home accessories, ladies clothing, jewellery and hand-selected Christmas decorations including the new, delightful and exclusive Buddy Nordmann range.

The shop stocks; Coach House, India Jane London, Susie Watson Designs, Sophie Allport, Gisela Graham, Heaven Sends, Mathilde M. France, London Vintage Jewellery, plus many other well-known brands. Bespoke Christmas garlands and

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door wreaths made to order at The Nest Opening hours are: Tuesday-Saturday 10am to 5:30pm with exceptional opening

on Monday’s during November and December. Visit our online shop: www.thenestonline.co.uk n

R E G BLOG CORNER

BY DAVINA GORDON

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efore the birth of my son, Sonny, my idea of self-care was slathering on a face mask and painting my nails while sipping a glass of Chardonnay. Now I’m a first-time mother on the cusp of her forties, I’ve found the true meaning of self-care – and it doesn’t come from a packet or bottle of wine.

Much like the way you get your car serviced, you also need to ‘service’ the incredible machine that powers you down life’s great highway. Take my body – it’s probably more than halfway through its lifetime, I’ve not been kind to it and I’ve certainly not used it to its fullest potential.

It has weathered storms, and it has run out of petrol on a good few occasions.

Most importantly though, my body has given birth. I’ve grown a baby for nine months, enduring the excruciating pain of labour and then nurtured a tiny baby while feeling sleep-deprived, hormonal and largely terrified of something going wrong.

My body is amazing and I’ve not given it enough credit.

The newborn days were a haze; fluctuating hormones, exhausting night feeds, endless nappy changes, burping, and adapting to the seismic change in my life.

I didn’t consider myself once – instead, I relied on caffeine and empty calories to get me through.

Many women suffer a great deal after giving birth and continue to for the rest of their lives unless they get the right help.

As an act of self-care for myself, I made an appointment for a Mummy MOT. It assesses how your posture, pelvic floor muscles, and stomach muscles are recovering after birth. The first part of the appointment consisted of a candid chat with a qualified physiotherapist about my medical history and a warts-and-all account of my delivery. I had to perform simple exercises like bending over, squatting and lunging. Next, I lay on a bed while my physiotherapist Sally felt all around my torso, establishing weak and tight spots.

She also felt around my neck and shoulders where I carry all my tension.

The Mummy MOT includes an internal pelvic exam but it’s honestly not as bad as it sounds. A few hours later, Sally emailed me her findings and I discovered I had fooled myself by thinking I had just snapped back into place. I had not, of course. She noted tight hip muscles, notably hamstrings, piriformis and adductors. I had good recovery of the abdominal wall with good tensile strength of the linea alba. This

Why having a Mummy MOT after having a baby is a wonderful act of self-care new knowledge made me feel much better connected to my body, its strength and its vulnerability.

Sally gave me exercises to do at home including buttock and inner thigh stretches, and pelvic floor exercises. They’re pretty easy and it feels good to stretch, it’s not just a physical release of tension, the exercises are helping my body to realign and improve its suppleness.

She recommended I drink two litres of water a day. I’m much more inclined to make a few big mugs of tea and maybe gulp some water when I get thirsty. In a bid to keep a track of my water intake, I have bought a litre glass bottle and fill it up twice. I feel so much better and much more alert. I’ve also bought probiotics on Sally’s advice. I’ve suffered from digestive issues for as long as I can remember and I’m finding that they’re keeping me regular too.

She also recommended I do 10 minutes of yoga a day. I haven’t got round to this but my excuse is that I’m looking after a oneyear-old wrecking ball whilst freelancing. I

have downloaded a meditation app though.

The biggest change is my mental outlook which has improved dramatically. I wake up at 6am wide awake and looking forward to the day. I meditate and have a hot shower.

I’m excited about the possibilities each day holds. This wasn’t me a few months ago. I was a shadow of the woman I am now.

I’ve never been happier. Self-care has changed my life. So, whether it’s a walk in the park listening to really loud/bad dance music, a solo cappuccino in the sun or a hot yoga class, I do believe that spending time on yourself will make you a happier and better mum. My bond with Sonny is amazing. I feel empowered, driven and good about myself.

For more from Davina see: mumofsonny on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or visit: mumofsonny.blog For more information on The Mummy MOT visit: themummymot.com

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NELSON

K N OWS

Giving Thanks like the Yanks

BY EUNICE NELSON

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ince our friends across the pond are celebrating Thanksgiving this month I thought I’d take a minute to think about the things in life that I’m thankful for. Of course I’m thankful for my friends and family, that’s a given but there are so many other things in my life that I should stop and appreciate a little more often. Here are just a few of them.

Unconditional support

I think we can all agree that a supportive family is amazing but supportive underwear is a thing of beauty. If like me you were blessed with generous curves but they’re not all where you’d like them to be, then a little extra support can be invaluable. I’ve been

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to some weddings where I was sucked in and lifted up so much that Issac Newton himself couldn’t have found any evidence of gravity around me. Anyone with bountiful cleavage will also attest to the wonder of sports bras. Between spanx, wonderbras and make up, us ladies could probably conceal our identity better than Batman.

The bad boys

How often in life can we spend our evenings drooling over borderline sociopathic gangsters in flat caps with accents so strong they could peel paint. It’s a once-in-a-generation event and I for one intend to enjoy every minute. You won’t find me obsessing over Downtown Abbey or even Game of Thrones, but give me a crazy brummie with a cast of equally crazy family members and I’m

hooked. Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy just might be the prettiest villains to ever grace the small screen, bless their little psychotic socks.

little too fond of the stuff but I have a very good reason. When I found my favourite tipple back in my early twenties it was about as popular as a yeast infection and it was the remit of elderly ladies on Coronation Street. When you walked up to the bar you were faced with a lonely bottle of Gordon’s and the only way you’d find berries in your glass was if you fell into a hedge while you were still holding it. Not so today, now most places have an actual gin menu and the fish bowl you get in lieu of a glass contains most of your five a day.

So I’m thankful for gin because it’s the only time I’ve been even close to being cool or ahead of the trend.

Peaceful peeing

Shoes

This is noteworthy only because it rolls around about as often as Thanksgiving. It seems as though there is a gravitational pull towards the bathroom each time I decide to use it; as if my children can’t help but follow me in there. Even on the rare occasions that the kids aren’t there, the dogs seem unable to stay away. You try peeing comfortably with a St Bernard drooling about six inches from your face and a terrier squeezing under your feet. Sometimes it’s the kids and the dogs – I must be fascinating.

The joy of juniper

I know that being thankful for gin makes me sound like I’m a

Remember that episode of Friends where Monica had a secret closet that was filled with clutter? Well my life is like that except it’s a spare room that’s filled with shoeboxes and unfortunately it’s not a secret. I’m not a hoarder in any other aspect, in fact I love a good clear out, throwing things out or passing them on for someone else to love brings me nothing but joy. I just can’t kick the shoe habit – pun intended. Maybe it’s because apart from the final month of my first pregnancy I have never grown out of my shoes, I’ve never slipped them on and thought – time to ease up on the carbs, and they’ve definitely never caused a muffin top. Most of the time they don’t even remotely match what I’m wearing but like a good piece of furniture they just pull everything together.

Kindness

On a more serious note I am so thankful for kindness. Be it from strangers or friends it makes the world go around a little bit more smoothly and we could all do with giving and receiving a little more of it.

This past summer I’ve been lucky enough to see that kindness bestowed on my daughter. Jessie is six and if you’ve read my columns before you will know that she is autistic and non-verbal.

So when she gets upset it’s not always easy to decipher what the problem is or how to fix it. Such an incident happened in my local supermarket, a place that Jessie has been to hundreds of times.

From the minute she entered the shop she was extremely upset and nothing I did was helping to calm her down. I would probably have admitted defeat and left but the store manager – my saviour – raced around the aisle with an ice cream cone. It’s such a small thing but it made all the difference to us. Instead of glares or judgement we received help and kindness. It changed our whole day.

There are very few things that I’d like to import from the states – Ben & Jerry’s being the obvious exception – but Thanksgiving might be something I’d be willing to adopt. But we shouldn’t restrict it to just one day, it should be every day. Adopting an attitude of gratitude for the people and things that make life a little more bearable and the world a little more wonderful. So let’s all practice giving thanks for what’s important to us.

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NORTHERN MAN What columnist Jeff Meredith has been up to this month

Open Gate Brewery, Dublin

TOURS

Heading south to Dublin, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery dates back over 100 years and you can now sample and vote on a number of beers currently being brewed. Be the first to taste the next big thing before the rest of the world catches up. For more information visit: guinnessopengate.com

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he last I looked it was the summer, and now, its weeks from Christmas already. Even more alarming is that 2020 is about to happen, and I can’t believe 20 years has passed since the millennium bug and the big party at Belfast City Hall to celebrate the year 2000. And now here I am at 50 wondering where that time went to. The fact that this new decade coming up is the one in which I officially retire - is yet another timely reminder to get out and live my best life, to enjoy everything that comes my way and make the most of every opportunity, not waste time, and experience as much as I can physically cram in.

One experience I recently tried out was an evening at the Eddie Irvine Sports Complex in Bangor. I went with some St George’s Market buddies and spent the evening racing each other on a VR race simulator, karting around their course, playing golf in their new golf simulator, and finishing with a game of Padel Tennis. What surprised me was how many activities they have under one roof and what great value it is. We are already planning a return visit to play Padel again and the golf simulator is going to make a great

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Christmas gift idea for a few people.

As well as seizing opportunities, it’s equally important to switch off, to be calm, and be present.

I’ve mentioned before about my running, sea swimming and hill walking, but one activity I’ve always done is escape to the forest for a tree hug and to do nothing but listen to, smell, connect with the world around me. It turns out that has a name these days; forest bathing. The activity can apparently lower blood pressure, lower pulse rate and decrease levels of depression; I guess much like any activity where you switch off, have a digital detox and relax in nature. It’s always good to be in nature, so get out and enjoy its beauty.

My one last thought is - do we really need names for everything? Forest bathing might be a 21st century hashtag to follow and be inspired by, but a walk in the forest is just that, it’s where we evolved, it’s our natural state, being outside in nature is our natural state, sitting at a desk behind a computer screen isn’t natural. So get up, get out, live a little and enjoy.

Roe & Co Distillery, Dublin

Roe & Co Whiskey is the newest tour in Dublin and it’s a fascinating journey through the distillery as a colourful history collides with contemporary culture. This is a real gem of a tour whether or not you actually drink whiskey. For more information visit: roeandcowhiskey.com

On the Causeway coast you can enjoy an Irish Feast Tour. Whether in Ballycastle or Bushmills, Glenarm or Rathlin Island, this excursion will tell tales of ancient peoples and modern foods. Taste all the history and culture of the area, led by a foodie fanatic guide. For more information visit: irishfeast.com

Browns Bonds Hill Taste and Tour, Belfast The award-winning Belfast Food Tour takes you on a four-hour fun and food filled guided walk around the city centre from its starting point in St George’s Market. You will enjoy eating and drinking in more than 25 of the best local food and drink establisments along the way. For more information visit: tasteandtour.co.uk

TASTING MENUS

Browns Bonds Hill in Derry/Londonderry is a Michelin-recommended fine dining restaurant and one of my favourites. The tasting menu is £45, with wine pairing an additional £30. For more information visit: brownsbondshill.com Irish Feast Tours

GIFT IDEAS for the foodie

Christmas is fast approaching and I thought you might be looking for some gift ideas. Drawing on my own experience of tours and fare that I’ve enjoyed recently, here’s my top picks for the foodie in your life…

BY JEFF MEREDITH

Armagh apple dessert at The Boathouse Bangor The five-course tasting menu in the Boat House in Bangor is a meal experience to remember using the best of local producers and suppliers.

Five courses cost £50, with wine pairing an additional £30. For more information visit: boathousebangor.com

Refuge Hot Chocolate

Indie Fude hamper

KEEPING IT LOCAL

Indie Fude is a fine food delicatessen and grocery shop in Comber with an online shop where you can buy a selection of gift hampers packed full of local products. For more information visit: indiefude.com SoulBia, renowned for artisan and free-from foods, is another local online shopping experience with lots of Irish brands available. You can buy giftcards or order a hamper like this Luxury Vegan Sweet one (pictured) for £90 from soulbia.com Refuge Hot Chocolate is a social enterprise to support survivors of human trafficking. They also happen to make an amazing and awardwinning hot chocolate; a great gift that the hot chocolate lover in your life will be ever so happy to receive. For more information visit: facebook.com/refugehotchocolate From small beginnings in St George’s Market

to being everywhere, Suki Tea get my vote for great tasting loose leaf teas, herbal infusions and fruit blends.They have a monthly subscription at £9.95. The tasting team at SUKI hand-select four different tea blends, so it’s an endless surprise what you’ll received in the post each month. For more information visit: suki-tea.com The Happy Pear have the best online course

The Happy Pear

SoulBia

Suki Tea

gift idea perfect for the person who loves learning, topics range from vegan cooking, how to boost your health and energy levels, how to improve your skin health and overall wellbeing, and how to increase your gut health. For more information visit: happypearcourses.com

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Win

A two-night break in Castleknock Hotel TO ENTER

ďƒ COMPETITION

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astleknock Hotel, the awardwinning four-star hotel set in beautiful grounds, right on the doorstep of Dublin are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a relaxing two-night break with breakfast on both mornings and dinner on one evening in Earth & Vine restaurant.

With an 18-hole golf course, a deluxe day spa, a well-equipped leisure centre, awardwinning restaurants and welcoming bars, Castleknock Hotel is everything you could want from a great hotel, all under one roof and within easy reach of everything that Dublin has to offer.

Located just outside Castleknock village, Castleknock Hotel is just 15 minutes from Dublin city centre yet it feels like a world away from the bustle of the city with its tranquil countryside setting.

For more information visit: www.castleknockhotel.com or call: (00353)1 640 6300.

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Simply complete the sentence below Castleknock Hotel is just 15 minutes from‌ Email your answer and contact details to: competitions@northernwoman.co.uk before 5pm on Friday 29th November.

T&Cs: The prize 2BB1D for two adults is subject to availability and is non-transferrable. It is not valid on bank holidays, Halloween, Easter and Christmas. INM T&Cs apply.