DIFFERENT STYLE
Down Royal Racecourse
â„¢
DIFFERENT FOOD
DIFFERENT RACING
Down Royal Racecourse
â„¢
Down Royal Festival of Racing Dramatically Different FEATURING THE
JNWine.com Champion Chase Grade 1, Mycarneedsa.com Steeplechase Grade 2, The WKD Hurdle Grade 2, The EBF Lough Construction Mares Hurdle Grade 3.
Victoria Square Best Dressed Lady Saturday 4th November 10 nights in a 4* hotel located close to Copacabana Beach RIO DE JANEIRO including visits to Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain.
Book your Festival Experience now at www.downroyal.com or by telephone on 028 92621256
Editor’s Letter
H
i all, Welcome to our October edition. This month we are feeling proud of our gorgeous front cover and fashion shoot pics which were shot locally at the Abbey Centre. Often we hear about new fashion trends – such as texture clashing – which sound great in theory, but a little guidance is required before hitting the shops. For ways to wear clashing textures check out our editorial fashion shoot – styled by Belfast FASHIONWEEK director Cathy Martin. We also bring you practical tips for wearing a two-piece suit; this season’s must-have staple, and a roundup of the top trends to know about – from Heritage Chic to Eighties Glam, Biker Style and more. Samantha Womack, aka Ronnie Mitchell, talks to Northern Woman about that dramatic departure from EastEnders and her upcoming performance at the Grand Opera House, Belfast. Journalist Jade Beecroft has her horoscope examined by a karmic astrologist, which makes for a pretty interesting read. Local mum Eunice Nelson poses the question ‘Am I Enough?’ in a refreshingly honest article that many mothers will relate to. The ladies here at the Independent News and Media office have been fluttering their eyelashes for a ‘tried & tested’ mascara review. And whether you
Behind the scenes - Brendan Gallagher at work
have told a small white lie or a whopper in the past, you’ll relate to some of what Clare Bowie has to say in her feature about lying honest! In addition to that, we also bring you the very latest in home décor, beauty news hot off the runway, travel reviews, competitions, local events and weddings, and much more besides. We have a brilliant new offer available now; sign up for an annual subscription for only £15 and recieve a free Soothing Facial Cleansing Duo from Urban Veda worth £22.99, and a year’s supply of Northern Woman delivered direct to your door each month. Enjoy the issue, don’t forget to tweet or email us your thoughts, and check in our Facebook page for daily updates. Until next month,
Catriona Doherty Editor, Northern Woman
Contact me at: c.doherty@independentmagazinesni.co.uk. Follow NW on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/NorthernWomanMagazine and Instagram at www.instagram.com/northernwomanmagazine. Tweet us at: @NorthernWomanNW.
4
WEDDINGS
COMPLIMENTARY ROLLS ROYCE FOR THE DAY. ★★★★ GUARANTEED 25% ALLOWANCE ON STERLING WEDDING PACKAGES* ★★★★
★★★★
MULTI AWARD WINNING WEDDING VENUE
Y O U D R E A M I T, W E ' L L D O I T. For a full wedding brochure please contact our wedding coordinators *Applies on all new regular wedding packages and cannot be used in conjunction with special offer packages5
Photo credit © Donal Doherty Photography
ding Garde d e W w ns e N
CONTENTS OCTOBER 2017
11
STYLE 12 BIKER STYLE This season’s reworked motorcycle jacket 13 HERITAGE CHIC Countryside staples 14 TOP HANDLE & EIGHTIES GLAM Top handle handbags and eighties looks 15 WRAP UP Keep cosy in style 18 SUIT STYLING How to wear a two-piece suit 20 THE STYLE EDIT Local ladies get a makeover 24 IN THE MIX Texture clashing FEATURES 34 SAMANTHA WOMACK dabbles with death 38 LIAR LIAR The truth behind lying 40 GENDER BENDER The identity debate 42 NEED A FRESH START Time for a new job? BEAUTY 44 #BEAUTY INSPO Hot off the runway 48 MASCARA Tried & tested 49 ON THE LASH Get longer, fuller lashes 50 THE HAIR EDIT The latest haircare must-haves HEALTH AND WELLNESS 52 AM I ENOUGH? Daughter, sister, aunt, and now wife and mother 54 JUDY BUCKLEY on reflexology 56 PROFILE Karmic astrology 63 GAME CHANGERS Footie queen
Credit: New Look
6
Cover image Photography Brendan Gallagher, makeup Samantha Weightman, hair Anna Herst, Stacey McKnight and Cathy Lambert, model Veronika CMPR, and styling Cathy Martin. Location Caffè Nero Abbey Centre
13
Credit: Oasis
LIVING 65 DOUBLE UP Designer doubles 66 THE LIGHTS FANTASTIC Lighten up your home 68 A CLASSIC COUNTRY FARMHOUSE WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST Inside a reader’s home 72 LOCAL WEDDINGS ESCAPE 78 WILD ‘N’ ARTY FLORIDA Galleries and wildlife in the Sunshine State
80 82
TRAVEL BUCKET LIST 20 things to do before you die THE SOCIAL 10 Ten mustn’t miss events
IN EVERY ISSUE 86 THE ALBUM Social pics 96 NORTHEN MAN Jeff Meredith talks statement outerwear 98 WIN A stay at Farnham Estate
Publisher Independent News & Media Ltd Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3GB T: 028 9026 4264 Editor: Catriona Doherty Design: Robert Armstrong Manager: Eileen Doherty Art Editor: Helen Wright Editorial Contributors Eunice Nelson, Claire Craig, Jeff Meredith, Róisín Carabine, Clare Bowie, Jade Beecroft, Rosalind Jayne and Jess Whitley Independent News & Media © 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means; electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of Independent News & Media.
7
STYLE
Credit: Anthropologie
11
Leather jacket from Oui £585
Jacket from Dororthy Perkins £45
Limited Edition Jacket from M&S £89
Biker style Join the biker-girl gang with this season’s reworked motorcycle jacket – think high gloss vinyl, snug shearling, a faux fur collar, and stud embellishment.
Vinyl Biker Jacket from Bershka £49.99
Red Herring Jacket from Debenhams £49
Shearling Cream Jacket from New Look £59.99
Jacket from Marc Cain £449
12
Ranger Boot from Dolcis £40
T-shirt £9.99, Coat £59.99 from Pull & Bear
c i h c e g a t Heri ou’ll taples y ryside s ge chic look t n u o c The a herita r, pleats, pull off e need to anny knit jump ince of r g Pr ; e d n d a lu inc x fur ots, fau e with a o is b r o le s k s n e a c c A nt . k hec or pate Wales c dle bag ching’ d a s f, r a at floral sc y the ‘m s and ow awa r bag. Thr clashing colou – k o . o ruleb s are in texture
Luminous Pleated Midi Skirt from Oliver Bonas £65
M&S Collection Top £25, M&S Collection Heatgen Poloneck £16, Earrings £12.50 – all from M&S
Rowan Saddle Bag from White Stuff £69.95 Goldie Jacquard Dress from Monsoon £99 (due October)
Coat £35, Dress £20, Blouse £12, Bag £12, Rings £3, from Primark
Scarf from Stradivarius £9.99 Yellow Check Dress £29.99 and Coat £64.99 from New Look
13
Top handle Forget shoulder straps, this season it’s all about the top handle bag. Powerful and well-structured, take a no-nonsense approach to choosing an impactful carryall. Medium Faye Day Bag from Chloé £1,415 Butterscotch Gramercy Large Calf Hair Satchel from Michael Kors £385
Dinidillier from Dune London £65
Eight ies gla m Dress from Dorothy Perkins £55
We’re colou going bac r k asym s, head to to the eig toe s metr hties e ical a nd of quins, po with bold w f-the -shou er dressi ng lder n ecklin , es.
Dress £13, Earrings £5, Bag £9, Tights £3, from Primark
Mesh Top £9.99, Velvet Bardot £19.99, Bag £17.99, Jeans £27.99, Shoes £29.99, from New Look Autograph Dress from M&S £79
Tie Waist Tailored Cape Blazer £105, Paperbag Waist Tapered Trousers £80, from Lavish Alice
14
Dress from Magowans, Ballynahinch (price available on request)
Graphic Print Scarf from East £45
Blue Faux Fur Stole from New Look £17.99
Tartan Print Scarf from M&Co £16
Soft Check Scarf from Oliver Bonas £42 (due October)
WRAP UP Essential accessories to style your autumn wardrobe
M
BY JESS WHITLEY
y favourite fashion season has finally arrived. I love everything that autumn brings – all seasons have their own particular beauty but I find the colour palette stunning this time of year. As leaves turn to crisp golden, our style staples transform to more autumnappropriate options. I love the joy of layering clothes, being able to wear my deep plum lipstick, drinking spiced lattes and enjoying cozy nights in. When it comes to styling, my autumn wardrobe would not be complete without my essential accessories. Whether it is a blanket scarf, pashmina or faux fur stole;
they are the perfect finishing to any outfit. There is nothing like a fabulous bit of faux fur to give your outfit an extra dose of glamour. Scarves look great paired with the staples – dark denim jeans and an oversized knit – but also work well with a day dress, leather jacket and ankle boots. These are my top picks to ensure you’re wrapped up in style. n
Ruffled Grey Scarf from F&F Tesco £10
GEORGE’S GIRL
For more from Jess check out her fab fashion and beauty blog George’s Girl, visit: www.georgesgirl.com
Two Tone Brown Faux Fur Scarf from Biba House of Fraser £65
15
LIDL FASHIONWEEK
FROM MONDAY TH 18 SEPTEMBER WHILE STOCKS LAST!
T-shirt from H&M £19.99
Karma Slogan Novelty Jumper from Monsoon £45
T-shirt from Pull & Bear £15.99
ABOUT NG
’RE BUZZ WE I Giorgette from Dune London £95
Bag by Therapy London from House of Fraser Victoria Square £35
Softly Tailored Wool Blend Blazer from COS £99
Ultimate Red Suit Jacket from Oasis £65
Marc Cain
Jacket from Dororthy Perkins £38
SUIT STYLING
Jacket £75, Tee £12, Bag £29, Boots £55, all by Red Herring from Debenhams
Blazer £29, trousers £19 from Bershka
Once a workwear staple, a twopiece suit is now the ultimate musthave for anyone who is serious about style. This season’s selection is varied and includes everything from bold patterns and velvet, to eighties-style oversized jackets teamed with streamlined trousers. Offset formality with fabulous flats, a slogan T-shirt or patterned shirt, and quirky accessories. For footwear, opt for pumps with sparkling embellishment, patent brogues, anything red, or classic tassel loafers. High Waisted Wide Leg Wool Blend Trousers from COS £79
18
Ultimate Red Suit Trouser from Oasis £40
Trousers from Dororthy Perkins £28
Guido Maria Kretschmer Fashion Show. Stuart C. Wilson Getty Images
Guilde from Dune £85
Zoreh Statement Earrings from Accessorize £15
WORKWEA HIC RC
T-shirt by Kim Gordon from & Other Stories £27
Mariel Sunshine bag from L.K. Bennett £155
Buckle Flat Mules from Charles & Keith £39
Shirt from H&M £39.99
Hattie Shoes from Chi Chi London £24
THE SKIRT SUIT Check Single Breasted Jacket £52, White Shirt £24, Check Mini Skirt £28, Mini Ring Bucket Bag £25, Gold Hoop Earrings £6, from Next Skirt Suit from Zara (price not yet released at time of publishing)
Style a skirt suit with a statement shoe; ankle boots, metallic flats and kitten heels are all excellent options. Team the look with a handbag in an unexpected colour. Big earrings, hair undone and a nonchalant sleeve roll will ensure you look more VB than MD. Change the feel of your skirt suit by swapping a casual tee for a smart shirt. Skirt £162, jacket £332 by Isabel de Pedro
Cropped Checked Jacket from Topshop £59
Check Frill Detail Skirt from Topshop £36
Jacket from Mango £89.99
Skirt from Mango £35.99
19
style T THE
EDIT
Local ladies get glammed up for Northern Woman
20
his month NW had the pleasure of meeting a fab group of local ladies who were being made over for the October issue. The makeover was organised to pay tribute to The Style Edit; a fashion and beauty extravaganza led by stylist Rebecca McKinney and makeup artist Stevey Lennox. “We wanted to shine a light on people who we love and make them feel special,” Rebecca explains. “This shoot offers these ladies a chance to get glammed up and to
have fun. Today’s girl squad is a group of girls who inspire us. We’ve picked these women because they are all hardworking and juggle different things. It’s a diverse group and they couldn’t be more different, which is what The Style Edit is all about. “I think we have an incredible fashion industry here in Northern Ireland and we love to work with local hair stylists, photographers and videographers etc. who deserve some time in the spotlight.” Talented twosome Rebecca and Stevey set up The Style Edit to cater for “normal, busy, happy women,” Rebecca says, “no front row, no pretence – just gorgeous clothes, amazing makeup, cool music and great drinks”. n
µµIt’s great getting together with other likeminded women and having fun. I would describe my style as ‘black, black and more black’! I love biker boots and leather jackets, and I’d choose my boots over heels any day. I think Rebecca has enjoyed getting me to look more glamorous that I normally do today.∑∑ Stevey Lennox, Makeup Artist from Belfast
Jumpsuit from Walk in Wardrobe £160 (worn by Rebecca), dress from Chloe Dougan Design (worn by Stevey – price on request)
Blouse from Cameo Boutique £45, Trousers from Reiss £125
µµI work in Dubai and I think my style has changed since I have moved away. At the moment I’m obsessed with Victoria Beckham stuff. My ‘can’t live without’ fashion item is my staple black designer heels, and in terms of beauty I love Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate and Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat Lip Liner – Pillow Talk. I have enjoyed working with the girls again for one last time today! I used to be a model, Rebecca booked me for my first campaign for Victoria Square and we have been friends ever since.∑∑ Jayne Higgins, Legal Consultant from Magherafelt 21
µµUnless I’m at an event, I wear skinny jeans, t-shirt tops, Converse or my DMs. I’m more into skincare than makeup and I love BB cream and Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate. My ‘can’t live without’ item of clothing has to be my skinny jeans because they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.∑∑ Marian Mackey Lennox, from Belfast, Emergency Medical Technician for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service
µµMy style is generally anything black with a hint of grey. I love my steam pod which I use instead of hair straighteners, and my jewellery means a lot to me because it has sentimental value. Professionally I am extremely lucky as our industry has a fantastic social aspect and I thoroughly enjoy the nights out or holidays in the sun. Sometimes it can be tough as I often travel internationally to teach, do editorial work and fashion shows; however I manage my time in such a way that I can successfully do it all.∑∑ Judith McKay, from Ballyclare, Head Hairdresser at Andrew Mulvenna Hair
22
Jumpsuit from Reiss £175
Top £80, Leather Trousers £350, from Reiss
Tee from Ren & Gem £18, Culottes from Coast £45
µµI know Rebecca from years ago through her job at Victoria Square. She presents on Cool FM with my husband Peter, and Paulo and is a part of our friendship group – so it’s great to be styled by her today. I would describe my style as casual as I wear practical clothes suited to work and being a mother, but I love the chance to get glammed up too. I am a fan of black eyeliner, Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream, and perfume – particularly Jo Malone Pomegrante Noir.∑∑ Julia Snodden, from Glengormley, Classroom Assistant and mum of two
Top from Reiss £110, Trousers from Coast £45
µAfter I had my son Joshua, my partner gave me a voucher for a personal styling session at Victoria Square with Rebecca as a present. She introduced me to skinny jeans and more, and reignited my interest in fashion. My style is quite classic with a twist and my style icons are Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy and Princess Grace of Monaco.∑∑ Janet McKay, PR Consultant, Business Owner and mother of one
Team credits: Styling Rebecca McKinney; Makeup Stevey Lennox; Hair styling Conroy Hair; Photos Simon Hutchinson Photography; Videography Bryan Greig. Shot on location at Campbell College, Belfast.
23
In the mix by clashing textures. ld ou m n io sh fa e th k ea br This season Be brave, be bold – own it
All clothing from, and shot on location at Abbey Centre, Newtownabbey 24
Coat from River Island £80; blouse from River Island £38; skirt by Parisian from DV8 £22.99
25
Coat £79, sweatshirt £25, trousers £55, sandals £39, backpack £29 – all from Topshop; socks stylist’s own
26
Grey coat from River Island £85; blouse by Vila Clothes from DV8 £29.99; white coat from Bonmarché £38; skirt from Next £42; shoes from River Island £52; bag from Quiz £12.99
27
Blazer £48; trousers £28, shoes £28 - all from Next; tee from River Island £22; scarf from Primark £4; bag from Vogue £24.99
28
29
Coat from New Look £34.99; jumper from Vogue £19.99; trousers from Next £35; scarf from Accessorize £17; glasses by Love Moschino from Specsavers 2 for 1 from £125
30
Top from New Look £29.99; sweater from Primark (worn back to front) £10; bag from Next £15; keychain (on bag) from Claire’s £8; trousers stylist’s own; shoes model’s own
31
Sweater dress from Next £24; trousers from Topshop £55; turban from Claire’s £12
32
Blouse by Style London from DV8 £37.99; trousers stylist’s own
– PHOTOGRAPHY – Brendan Gallagher 07900 638365 brendangallagher.net
– MAKEUP – Samantha Weightman 07866 315279 www.samanthaweightman.com
– ORGANISER – Marketing Manager Clare Beswick 02890 868018 info@abbeycentreshopping.co.uk
– HAIR – Anna Herst Stacey McKnight Salon Manager Cathy Lambert Peter Mark www.abbeycentreshopping.co.uk/shops/petermark
– MODEL – Veronika @ CMPR 028 9042 1509 www.cmprireland.com
– LOCATION – Abbey Centre Newtownabbey 02890 868018 www.abbeycentreshopping.co.uk
– STYLING – Cathy Martin CMPR Aria Moazzen (assistant) 028 9042 1509 www.cmprireland.com
33
Samantha Womack dabbles with death
Credit: Matt Martin
34
F
BY CATRIONA DOHERTY
ormer EastEnders star Samantha Womack (aka Ronnie Mitchell) went from a gruesome end in the soap to join the ‘creepy’, ‘kooky’, ‘mysterious and spooky’ The Addams Family – coming to the Grand Opera House this October. In between performing as Morticia, Samantha Womack takes time out to talk to Northern Woman. ‘What can audiences in Belfast expect from The Addams Family?’ we begin. “A very funny, but quite touching and dark musical,” Samantha replies. “Morticia is the matriarch. She looks after all the members of her family, she’s very protective. She’s the one that’s in control and the one that keeps them all together. Morticia has very, very strong rules about honesty and telling the truth, and so she doesn’t like when she is lied to. Halfway through the story Gomez tells a lie and it shakes them up temporarily.” Anyone who is familiar with The Addams Family will know that Morticia doesn’t really walk, she glides – so what’s a girl to wear for such a role? “We started off with quite a structured look because obviously you get a much better hourglass shape with something tighter,” Samantha explains. “I do the Tango at the end and we needed a bit of movement, so Diego, our designer, actually put cobweb-style material at the arms and a fishtail at the bottom of the dress, so she’s got a sweeping movement now which is really helpful.”
Credit: Matt Martin For readers who wish to emulate Morticia’s makeup for a fancy dress party this Halloween, Samantha explains how it’s done: “I start by putting on a very, very pale white base, and a strong dark eyebrow that’s quite arched. I shade my cheekbones with grey and I do the same on
µµwatching two characters that you love drown was too much∑∑ my collarbones so she looks quite bony. I use dark red lipstick, and finally on comes the long back acrylic wig.”
Belfast bound
Not only will the October show mark
Samantha’s first performance in the Grand Opera House, it will also be her first trip to Belfast. “This will be my first time – I’m excited!” she says. ‘What are you most looking forward to about the experience?’ NW asks. “Going somewhere I have never been to before,” Samantha replies. “Lots of my friends have been there before, performed at that theatre and have said it’s incredible, and we have a lovely flat overlooking the river, so I’m really excited to get there and explore. I’d like to try and get out and about, and get a guide. We tend to have one or two days where we are not doing a matinee, so a few of us will try to visit a local village, or possibly somewhere by the coast.” Samantha is a fan of Game of Thrones, so will have plenty of options to explore!
Continued on 36 ➤
35
Credit: Matt Martin
‘I’m honestly broken’
EastEnders fans will have watched in horror as the Mitchell sisters, Ronnie and Roxy, drowned on Ronnie’s wedding day earlier this year. The shocking scene ended with the two girls’ bodies floating in the swimming pool; with Ronnie’s wedding dress billowing around the lifeless pair. ‘Why did you decide to move on from EastEnders?’ NW asks. “I didn’t, they wanted to kill the character,” Samantha replies. “I miss the people mainly, I miss the camaraderie and I miss all the people who played my family for nine years, because they really did feel like my family.” The actress says the hardest thing about working in EastEnders was the hours, having to be up at 5am every morning and often not returning home from work until 8.30 or 9pm. “Sometimes that was six days a week, so very little life outside of the job was the hardest thing,” Samantha explains. She doesn’t hesitate when asked about the best thing about the soap: “My relationship with my sister Roxy, Rita Simons the actress; she is one of my best friends now. I speak to her every day. We have just got really good chemistry and we really cared
36
about each other, and I think you can see that on screen.” Following those harrowing drowning scenes Samantha Tweeted: ‘I’m sorry I can’t respond to any comments..I’m honestly broken. An appropriate end to the darkest year ever.’ Commenting on that post, she says, “Watching two characters that you love drown was too much, it was really, really sad so I just needed a bit of time and everyone kept asking me to say stuff about it and I just couldn’t. I felt too devastated. It was hard watching it on the screen… watching two characters that you love bubble under the water; it was really awful.”
Starring role
Credit: Matt Martin
Although Samantha is most recognisable for playing Ronnie Mitchell, she is also a singer and director in film, television and stage, and even represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1991 – a performance that may be long forgotten about by some, but not all. When asked about her most unusual experience of being recognised she replies: “It was in Myanmar, which used to be Burma, when I was with Action Aid. We were in a really, really remote village in the middle of nowhere and
one of the men in the village had watched the Eurovision years ago and started singing my song ‘A Message To Your Heart’. No one even sings it in England really, it was just ridiculous. It was really funny.” More recently Samantha played Michelle Uinwin in Kingsman: The Golden Circle, an action spy comedy which is a sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service, and has a release date of 22nd September 2017. She explains: “Michelle started off her life as a
µµI’m like most women – I have major hang-ups∑∑
To young actresses just starting out the veteran offers this advice: “Study plays and get as much literary work as you can under your belt, so try to read as many plays as you can and try to watch as many films as you can; particularly older films from the seventies and eighties, because I think film and theatre was really at its best then, in both the UK and America. Always try to remember that rather than it being about what other people think and feel, it’s mainly about finding truth within the performance, for you to believe it; if you believe it then other people will believe it too.”
Looking fab at 40+ really good mother and then her husband was killed in service. She got together with a really unsavoury character who bullied her, physically and emotionally, and also her son. We saw in the first film that the son came back and rescued her, and by the start of the second film, she is in a slightly better situation enjoying a newfound life.”
Undoubtedly Samantha looks incredible at 44 and we have to ask what her secret is. “I don’t know, and I’m like most women; I have major hang-ups,” she replies modestly. “I’m very lucky that I get to have clothes designed for me that make me look good. When people are in the public eye they are presented as the best version of themselves, with lighting and stuff like
that – actually I think most women will look good if they have things like that. I don’t do anything really, now that I’m getting older I’m more careful about what I eat and I try not to eat too much meat if I can help it, or too much bread.”
So what’s next for the star?
“I’m hoping The Addams Family transfers to the West End, I really would love that to happen and they are in talks now at the moment. I think it really deserves a West End premiere. I’d really like to continue doing this for a while, and also I have a couple of TV jobs coming up around March and April, so that’s exciting. One is a TV film and the other is a series.” n
Tickets are available now for The Addams Family at the Grand Opera House, Belfast on 3-7 October. For more information visit www.goh.co.uk.
37
LIAR, LIAR L The truth behind some of our lies and the consequences of (gasp) not lying BY CLARE BOWIE
38
et’s face it, we all regard ourselves as relatively good people; we love to pat our own honest, loyal and trustworthy backs but the fact is, we are all compulsive little liars! It may sound harsh but lying is absolutely part of our everyday lives, although not necessarily for negative reasons. We habitually lie to ourselves and to others; to cope, to justify and to protect. We sometimes say, “I’m fine” when we are really not, we use lies as a coping mechanism because sometimes we have to shield even ourselves from the real truth in certain situations. Behind every proclamation of “it’ll be fiiiinnnee” lies a mix of denial and stiff upper lip; the modern day weapons of defence.
Good lying
Parenting, I’ve found, is a constant stream of ‘good’ lying; a daily stretch of the truth, a shedload of hyperbole to encourage healthy eating, good behaviour, empathy etc. but it’s the blatant ‘all out’ lying that does not come so easily. It starts young with fantasy lies about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. The reality of telling a blatant lie to your children after all the lessons (nagging) about the importance of honesty surely sits uneasily with all parents, even though we justify it as ‘harmless’. Psychologist David Kyle Johnson refers to the Santa situation as a lie that ‘degrades your parental trustworthiness’ and does nothing to encourage imagination, he sees it as ‘equivalent to bribing your kids’. Christmas must be all the fun in his house then! Subtle and insipid lies are more common
in our everyday exchanges, as we feign interest in a colleague’s double glazing saga or a shop assistant’s prediction of the weather. How many of us say we have the flu when it’s really just a cold, or that we’re flat broke when we just don’t fancy a night out? Often we may not be interested in the latest photo posted to Facebook by our friends but we press the obligatory thumbs-up anyway. It’s the same with other social media platforms; it’s all so contrived, unnatural and pervasive but ‘lifestyle lying’ is the norm. Rightly or wrongly,
µµhonesty is not always the best policy∑∑
truth is rarely pure and never simple’. The tell-all celebrity gang may not whet your appetite but judging by the hits and clicks tally, we are still quite happy to be swept along and saturated in the world of celebrity in its many forms. We expect (and accept) that some celebrities will lie about their age, their weight, their love lives and their cosmetic surgery but we still follow their every move, their ‘Outfit of the Day’ pictures and similar posts. In an age so preoccupied with appearance, our children may never buy a newspaper but they will, most likely, be inspired by a stranger on Instagram presenting a contrived version of reality and will certainly buy whatever they’re selling. Yes, I’m looking at you Zoella!
X Factor, which showcases its own brand of Hunger Games under the guise of a singing contest. In a world so steeped in lies and facade maybe Jack was right, “we can’t handle the truth”. Or, maybe we just don’t want to. n
Our favourite lies
The final word
•
•
the alternative (i.e. the truth) would be regarded as abrasive and impolite in some situations. We instinctively and perhaps beguilingly know, even from a young age, that honesty is not always the best policy. What can be achieved from telling your friend that you dislike her partner or that you wish she’d stop posting photos of her dinner? The consequences of not lying in order to salve social situations would be catastrophic and no doubt guarantee a serious dip in the ‘thumbs up’ quota to boot.
Telling it like it is
As Oscar Wilde said: ‘the pure and simple
So where do we draw the line at the lying and pretence? We know certain things are not real but we seem to love them anyway. We are hooked on escaping to the comfort of reality TV, that bears no resemblance to reality, and the exaggerated pantomimestyle shows that clog up our televisions. Strictly Come Dancing tries so hard to be titillating, that its enforced love-ins are as cringeworthy as some of the costumes. This summer many of us became comsumed with Love Island. We watched displays of exaggerated outrage when people got ‘mugged off’ or acted like a ‘snake’ in a show where the prize is basically awarded to the most convincing liars. And then there is The
•
•
•
•
Work Lies: I’ll have it finished by the end of the week, I can’t remember whose idea it was (MINE!), sure, I can work over lunch *weeps* Phone lies: I had no signal, my phone ran out of charge, I never heard it ringing, I had my phone on silent... Social lies: I can’t get a babysitter, my child is sick, I’m going to my sister’s birthday, I have to go to a school curriculum meeting... Medical lies: I only drink two units a week, I go to the dentist every 6 months, I’m totally up to date with my smear tests... Lies to yourself: I will lose half a stone and then I’ll be happy, I will go for a run next week, I will definitely wear this totally impractical dress that I can’t really afford! Relationship Lies: I’m finnnneeee, it was in the sale, I love football...
39
Gender bender The identity debate: From non-binary gender to gender fluid, Emma Deighan delves into the world of non-binary living
W
hen Canadian Kori Doty chose to avoid assigning a gender to her newborn baby, Searyl Atli Doty, the world was divided over what was considered the first known case of this nature. Non-binary gender describes any gender identity which does not fit male and female binary. It is used by people who have both masculine and feminine gender identities or are intergender. It is also used by people whose gender varies over time (gender fluid), and by those who have a weak connection to the gender they were assigned at birth.
40
µµRaising a child without gender won’t force them to become non-binary∑∑
Baby Searyl has no gender as indicated on its British Columbian health card. This was the choice of its parent Kori, who identifies as non-binary trans. “It is up to Searyl to decide how they identify when they are old enough to develop their own gender identity,” Doty said in a statement. “I am not going to foreclose their choices based on an arbitrary assignment of gender at birth based on an inspection of their genitals.” As a result of Kori’s fight, the baby’s gender has been marked as ‘U’ which the Gender Free ID Coalition says stands for ‘unspecified’ or ‘unknown’. Doty told CBC: “When I was born, doctors looked at my genitals and made assumptions about who I would be, and
and I can’t see that happening in the near future. There is a place for gender in society and it’s important for many non-trans and trans people, so, personally, I don’t believe it should be ‘abolished’ – but certainly if parents were mindful about at least questioning why it’s paramount to assign gender to children (‘do I really need a gender reveal party after that ultrasound?’ ‘why do I feel so uncomfortable buying a pink toy for my young son?’), that’s a start,” continued the spokesperson.
those assignments followed me and followed my identification throughout my life. Those assumptions were incorrect, and I ended up having to do a lot of adjustments since then.”
The gender fluid family
Doty is one of eight complainants in a case being heard by British Columbia’s Human Rights Tribunal, according to the Gender Free I.D. Coalition. The complainants are seeking to have gender designation removed from all new birth certificates and these cases are not just confined to North America. In the UK just weeks ago, Britain’s first gender fluid family appeared on This Morning with their four-year-old Star. The parents told hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford that they wanted their child to choose its own identity. Nikki and Louise Draven said their ‘son’ knows he’s a boy but they don’t want to put constraints on him. Twitter went into overdrive as many viewers blasted the parents for their decision. Nikki said: ‘Basically he knows biologically he’s a boy but we don’t want him to have the constraints of gender yet. We want him to explore both sides of the spectrum and then decide when he’s older.’ One viewer got in contact with This Morning and asked: ‘How about not just raising your child to be kind and good. Why does the gender matter so much?’ Star’s parents responded that they would be ‘happy as long as he is happy and safe’. One Twitter user tweeted: ‘You want your child to be able to make their own decisions, and yet you’re forcing the child to have no gender?’ Another tweeted: ‘Let people raise their kids how they want. It’s non (SIC) of your business #ThisMorning’.
Gendered expectations
Speaking to Northern Woman, a spokesperson for Beyond the Binary - a magazine for the UK non-binary community made up of a team of people who identify as non-binary - said allowing a child to grow up without a gender allows them to develop their sense of self: “Some parents may not want their child to grow up with the pressures of having gendered expectations put upon them. Often even at an early age, children fall victim to stereotyping and separation, even with the most liberal of parents (in relation to clothes, toys, friendship and school
Clearing up confusion
expectations), and removing this from children may allow them to develop their sense of self naturally,” said a spokesperson. “If a child does turn out to be trans or gender non-conforming, growing up ‘without’ gender might make it easier for them to come out to their parents, accept themselves and start transition, if that’s something they want to do.” And while there are changes being made around the world supporting the desires of non-binary oriented parents, Beyond the Binary believes there is a long road ahead before we see the letter ‘U’ written on official documents. “Society is so gendered at the moment, it would take a radical shift away from gender assignment to make a real impact
Society may tell us that boys must be boys and girls be girls, but feminist and writer Bart Loews believes that there really is no argument against choosing to be nonbinary. He believes that confusion is the root of all debates. He stated in a recent post: “The major argument seems to be, ‘I don’t have enough empathy to handle what you’re going through, so therefore I will disbelieve that it’s actually a thing and assume you’re just looking for attention.’ One thing I constantly wonder about this attitude is the notion that people choose to be intersex. It’s pretty evident that it’s not an easy life to lead. People who are not ‘standard’ experience a tonne of violence: physical, emotional, occupational, spiritual… It’s a rare case where someone would act out in such a manner out of rebellion.” It’s a fair point; can’t we just let people live the way they desire instead of conforming to what is the majority’s ‘normal’? “We are a wide range of individuals with very different beliefs and opinions about a lot of things to do with gender,” continued the Beyond the Binary spokesperson. “However, speaking as a non-binary individual – would I have found it easier growing up without gender? I feel in some ways I did already – I never had a strong sense of gender so I think whatever my mum raised me as, I would have still come out as non-binary at the end of the day. Raising a child without gender won’t force them to ‘become non-binary’, just as raising a child as one gender or another will not ensure they remain that way for the rest of their life. “Giving a child space to grow and develop themselves, whether that means completely without gender, or just keeping an open mind about gendered prejudices and challenging yourself as a parent, is a positive step.” n
41
8
You check your emails on average 10 times a minute just in case a recruitment consultant has actually read your CV and found the perfect job you. You have your strengths and weaknesses (faux weaknesses obvs) spiel down pat and all ready to go.
Need a fresh start? 9 4 1 10 5 2 11 6 3 12 7 12 signs that it’s time for a new job BY CLARE BOWIE
The dreaded ‘Sunday night feeling’ starts at about 11.30am on Saturday morning. Only a mere 5.5 days until TGI Friday again, sigh.
You really do deserve an Oscar; sometimes you are sooo good at that fake smiling and air of compliance, it shocks you to your very core.
You spend far too much time daydreaming about ways that your boss might get injured or ill and who knows, maybe the company will go belly up and you’ll have to take redundancy pay.
Actually maybe it’s not too late to retrain, you could become an actor, a taxi driver, a street sweeper, ANYTHING, just get me outta here!
In meetings, you look very busy, jotting down notes (i.e. writing a shopping list) and have perfected the old ‘yawning through the nose’ trick, but you are actually in your happy place, deep inside your head, gently rocking yourself in a foetal position.
42
You would even consider doing a Tim Robbins escape route journey from Shawshank, if it meant escaping this hell! Not to be dramatic or anything.
It’s all so exhausting! Your CV is a work of art, carefully preened and re-formatted on a daily basis. So many fonts to choose from, so much clandestine job searching, website stalking. It’s non-stop!
Your favourite daydream is printing off that letter of resignation you wrote weeks ago and signing on the dotted line of your new contract. It keeps you strong when your boss casually asks tells you to work through your lunch, dinner and weekend AGAIN!
You lurch from week to week as anxiety slowly gnaws away at your soul. What is this work-life balance that people speak of? The satisfaction of deleting your boss from your Facebook account is a thought that genuinely keeps you going through the bad times. Sad but true. #socialmediaboundaries
Your friends have to gently prise the gin from your hands as you embark on yet another boss-hating tirade. Sometimes you wonder what you would even talk about if your life weren’t so filled with job-hating bitterness. n
BEAUTY
Credit: Weekday
43
Andra Day. Randy Shropshire Getty Images
Nicki Minaj. MAC
TOP KNOT
2018 runways are awash with the top knot. Wear yours with a braided centre parting running into a twisted top knot, pulled forward with a printed headscarf tied behind it, or loosely pinned at the top of your head with flyaway wispy tendrils framing the look.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2018. Stefan Knauer Getty Images
BLUSH Trending – beauty looks hot off the runway
Reportedly blush is the new blond in London hair salons, but will candyfloss locks become a trend over here we wonder?
NUDE LIP
You can’t really go wrong with the super versatile nude lip. Ever since we fell in love with Rimmel’s Birthday Suit during our teenage years, we’ve always had a soft spot for a good nude lippy. Now Nicki Minaj has teamed up with MAC to launch two new shades – out September.
YELLOW HIGHLIGHTS
Rita Ora debuted bright yellow highlights at the Teen Choice Awards in LA recently. She teamed the look, which was custom-coloured extensions, swept back in a classic French twist with a long side-sweep fringe. To offset the bright hair, Rita opted for low-key makeup with bronzer, lashings of mascara and a fuchsia lip.
David Jones. Mark Metcalfe Getty Images
44
Rita Ora. Frazer Harrison Getty Images
Platform Fashion. Andreas Rentz Getty Images
HELMET HAIR
Models were wearing crash helmets at the Platform Fashion Show. Just sayin’! n
FOOD SENSITIVITY TESTING CLINIC Feeling tired & unwell? Digestive problems?
Suffering with I.B.S., P.M.T., Migraine, Eczema, Arthritis, Catarrh & Sinusitis?
You Could Be Suffering From A Food Sensitivity! For appointments please contact the Framar Health Clinic reception
Framar Health COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH CLINIC
595 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7GS
t: 028 9068 1018
e: info@framarhealth.com w: www.framarhealth.com
Parties, Lunches, Afternoon Teas & Tribute Shows EAT • DRINK • PARTY
Call 028 9047 1066 or visit hastingshotels.com CULLODEN | STORMONT B A L LYG A L LY | E U R O PA |
| EVERGLADES SLIEVE DONARD
45
Y L N O
ÂŁ1 In the
November issue of
Fabulous footwear Husbandly hypochondria The meetup revolution Be bronzed
+
Interiors, health & wellness, travel reviews, local weddings, beauty news, events, competitions and lots more Credit: Stradivarius
46
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANCE PIECE OF ADVICE WHEN CONSIDERING COSMETIC SURGERY? Do your research and ask plenty of questions at your consultation. You want to ensure you are in the safest and most experienced of hands.
WHAT ABOUT SIZE, WHAT IS THE AVERAGE INCREASE? The majority of our patients go from an A cup to just a C cup. We’re talking a subtle increase in volume, a more feminine shape and most importantly, natural looking results.
WHAT EXACTLY SHOULD WOULD-BE PATIENTS LOOK OUT FOR? It’s important that your Surgeon is a “Consultant Plastic Surgeon” and qualified to the absolute highest level. I would also ensure that your surgery takes place in a hospital and that you stay overnight.
WHAT ABOUT THE PAIN FACTOR? Naturally it depends on the surgery and everyone recovers differently but for Breast Augmentation surgery for example patients tend to describe the feeling of stiffness and tenderness, that feeling you get when you over do it in the gym. You can expect to take about a week off work.
Aftercare is incredibly important, you want to make sure your provider has medical care available to you 24/7. I take calls in the middle of the night from patients who just want to be reassured about something small, it’s important to be available to patients 24/7.
Again it comes back to making sure your provider is available to you 24/7. Our patients can call me or one of our Nurses day or night. Generally of course they don’t need to and they just pop back in to see us one week and then six weeks post surgery.
WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON COSMETIC SURGERY PROCEDURE? Breast Augmentation continues to be the most common, followed by breast reduction, liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Facial surgery is also on the increase. Advancements in techniques allow beautifully subtle and sophisticated results. Again, the key is choosing only the most reputable and experienced of providers. The skill of your Surgeon is of paramount importance.
If you are considering any type of cosmetic surgery procedure, the best advice is to speak with the most reputable of providers, do your research so you can make an informed decision.
River Medical is located on the Malone Road in Belfast. To book a consultation contact River Medical on 028 9560 7585 or visit www.rivermedical.co.uk
Tried & Tested Deep Black Mascara from Note £6.95 The mascara separated my lashes, defined my eyes and stayed put. It’s said to help grow the eyelashes; I will have to wait and see if it does. For a long time I have been plagued with mascara leaving a panda circle under my lower lashes. I tried numerous mascaras - expensive brands, middle brands etc. and they all had the same effect. However with this mascara, that didn’t happen! VERDICT: I will not be buying any other mascara, I love it! IF
Mascara
PS…Lash Out from Primark £2.50 I loved the pink packaging and the shape of the brush. It went on easily and gave good volume. It didn’t clump my lashes together either. Even though I needed a couple of coats to get the full dramatic effect, my lashes didn’t look clogged or unnatural. It stayed on well throughout the day and didn’t smudge or run below my eyes. VERDICT: Great product for the price. Would definitely buy again! LOC
ROSIE FOR AUTOGRAPH Insta Lash M&S £15 I prefer the ‘old-style’ brush much more than any of the new curved, spikey applicators, so this one’s for me! I also like the more natural look for mascara and it definitely defines and lengthens well, without looking fake. The brush comes out quite full of product, so I had to clean it off a little. VERDICT: I like this mascara, it’s not tested on animals, and it gives my lashes length and definition without looking lumpy or artificial. However, it’s expensive. SB
Cien Waterproof Mascara Lidl £2.49 The bristles were the perfect size for brushing through my lashes and it applied as a clean, nonclumpy coat. My lashes were well separated. One drawback was the lack of volume it provided; I have thin lashes and prefer a mascara that adds thickness. However, if you had a good set of lashes and simply need a lick of mascara to get that oomph, then this is a good budget option. VERDICT: A good budget buy if you are after a clean, natural look. EK
Supra Volume Mascara from Clarins £21.50 Excellent packaging, easy to apply and immediate results - all good! The mascara instantly added volume and appeared to add length also, it created a dense, full, intense black colour which lasted all day and was easy to remove later. I felt it was almost too thick when applied (I’m possibly not used to luscious lashes as I don’t often wear the look), so I may invest in a lash comb. VERDICT: A very effective mascara and I would definitely buy it again. SA
Lash Impact Waterproof from No7 £13.50 It separated my eyelashes beautifully and the product stayed on from morning to evening. It didn’t flake but left a bit of a ‘panda eye’ look at night time. I loved the colour of the packaging; it made a nice change from a black case and brightened up my makeup bag. The brush was the perfect size for me and not too chunky. VERDICT: It was easy to apply and remove. At £13.50 I felt it was very good value and I certainly will continue to use it. ED
Bold & Bad Lash from MAC £19.50 This mascara is dualchamber; with tiny bristles for your lower lashes, and a chunkier brush for your upper lashes. I loved the novelty factor of the product, and how the mascara lengthened my lashes. VERDICT: My colleague complimented me on my lashes the day I tried it, so I felt it was an improvement on my usual mascara. I liked the fact that I could easily coat those teeny tiny lashes using the smaller brush and the fact that it didn’t flake all day. CD
48
Our guide to getting you all a-flutter
ON THE LASH BY CLAIRE CRAIG
YES, THEY’RE REAL
Invest in an eyelash conditioner to help stimulate natural lash growth, improve condition and flexibility and prevent fall out. Used nightly you should see an improvement in your natural lashes within six weeks.
CURL IT GIRL
Place an eyelash curler at the root of your lashes and clamp firmly. This will lift your eyelashes giving a more wide-eyed look, helping to elongate your lashes in the process.
PRIME POSITION
1
2
3
4
1 Eyelash curler from Topshop £5. 2 Lash Primer Plus from Estée Lauder £21. 3 DIORSHOW Pump’N’Volume mascara from Dior £25.50. 4 Marble Brow and Lash Brush from Skinny Dip £8. 5 Colour Mascara from NYX £6. 6 Eyelash enhancing serum from RapidLash £41 5
L
et’s face it, we all want long, luscious eyelashes and while falsies are great for a night out or big event, they’re not an ideal part of the average morning routine and for more sensitive eyes they’re just not an option. Thankfully there are plenty of products and tools on the market to help make the most of your own natural lashes with minimum time and hassle.
6
Use a lash primer to coat your eyelashes. Think of this as an essential base – not only will it give your mascara staying power, helping to prevent smudges and colour transfer, but it will also give shorter lashes something to cling to, making the ends appear longer.
MAGIC WAND
The latest mascaras are nothing short of magic – lengthening, volumising, tinting – the choices are endless. Finding ‘the one’ is a matter of trial and error but whatever your preference application is key. Start with your top eyelashes and, looking down into a mirror, wiggle the wand from root to tip – this motion builds thickness and aids separation. For best results apply 2-3 coats and allow to dry before giving your lower lashes a quick coat with the brush while looking straight at the mirror.
COMB OVER
Resist the temptation to overload on product as this can actually have the adverse effect of making your lashes seem shorter as they’ll stick together and look clumpy. An eyelash comb is an essential tool in any makeup bag to help work excess product out of lashes and keep them long and fluttery. n
49
HAIR SOS
For hair that’s desperately in need of a little TLC, try Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Protein Pack (£1.99); an intensive mask enriched with Keratin, Silk Proteins and Coconut Milk to help restore and replenish over-processed, dehydrated and damaged hair. Simply leave on for 10 to 20 minutes then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
SCENTSATIONAL This Beautifying Hair Mist (£23) is the latest edition to Thierry Mugler’s Alien range. The light mist perfumes the hair and is perfect for reviving locks in between washes.
The hair edit
MANE ATTRACTION
It’s the hair product that Kim Kardashian swears by for maintaining her glossy locks. Olaplaex No. 3 (£30) is the final step of three-part treatment, the first of which has to be done in a salon. Used once-a-week this home treatment formula helps to permanently rebuild the damaged bonds in your hair caused by heat and chemicals. Once applied leave for anything from ten minutes to overnight then rinse it out before shampooing and conditioning as normal.
BY CLAIRE CRAIG
Hair care products to keep your crowning glory looking on point A BRUSH WITH SUCCESS
label.m has extended its range of professional styling accessories with the launch of its Detangling Paddle Brush (£14.95). One of the first ventilated paddle brushes, it has an advanced twisting mechanism to allow for constant heat circulation to make blow-drying and styling practically foolproof.
GET THE LOOK
John Frieda UK Creative Director, Luke Hersheson, led the team in creating the hair for Emilia Wickstead’s AW17 collection. Models walked with an abstract version of a classic 90’s look; hair halfup-half-down, with strong graphic partings and a poker straight look. To recreate the style at home: 1. Apply serum to the lengths of soaking wet hair and blow-dry straight. Once the hair is completely dry, run through with straightening irons to ensure the hair is poker straight.
50
2. Take a square section of hair from the middle of each eyebrow back to the crown. Pull it back quite tightly so you can see the graphic parting lines and secure with an elastic. 3. Apply hairspray to fix flyaways and give hair a mannequin-like shine. 4. Finish with a long length of black velvet ribbon, tied (not a full bow) with the ends left long down the back.
AROUND THE CLOCK REPAIR
The pursuit of great coifs comes at a great cost. After blow-drying, flatironing, tousling and teasing, your hair may look incredible but damage is inevitable. Bumble and Bumble’s Save The Day and While You Sleep give you a chance to change your hair destiny. Formulated with Camelia Oil, a rich lipid blend, and heat/UV protections – the treatments offer day-to-night hair repair. They target stressed hair and fortifie strands to help to safeguard against future wear and tear.
Health + Wellness
51
I
am many things to many people and as I get older that list only grows. Daughter, sister, aunt and now wife and mother. As I write this I feel that I have now become so many different things that I’m spreading myself very thin indeed; the way I spread butter on a sandwich - just enough to hold everything together but never quite doing anything more useful than that. It seems like the more we dedicate to one area of our lives the more another suffers. I’m not a working mum so I don’t have authority to speak about a work-life balance but I do feel like this example can be applied to any other area of life.
My difficulties
I am a mother to two special needs kids and as you can imagine it can be quite time consuming. It can also be detrimental to many other areas of my life. It affects my marriage when my husband and I are denied time together that most couples take for granted. Weekends away or even a chat at the end of the evening are often an impossibility for us. This can cause distance, resentment and bitterness for both of us. Equally my relationship with my children can be strained because I often feel that I cannot be strong enough to deal with both of their very different needs. Before my youngest daughter was diagnosed with autism I had convinced myself that her delayed development was due to my spending time helping my older daughter, who is extremely dependent on both me and her father.
Am
I
ENOUGH? Daughter, sister, aunt and now wife and mother… BY EUNICE NELSON
My faults
Relationships with friends can also be adversely affected as sometimes I have declined invitations due either to my family being unable to attend or to participate, and sometimes due to the heartbreak that it causes me to see the differences between my children and those of my friends. These instances are few and far between but painful nonetheless. I am ashamed to admit that there have also been times when I was unable to share in the joy of a friend giving birth because they have had the amazing experience that was denied to me. Thankfully I have managed to get past this over the years and I have friends who understand the reasons behind it.
52
µµwhether it’s your family, your friends or your community, never be afraid to seek out your ‘village’∑∑
One of the most difficult parts of my journey so far has been learning to ask for help. I absolutely suck at it. I’m not sure if it’s pride (unlikely) or stubbornness (very likely) but for me this seems to be a learned behaviour that I still require a lot of study in.
My answers
So am I enough? No I’m not. My answer may be a surprise to some but I have my reasons. I may have more than enough love to go around but alone, I don’t have the patience, time or stamina that it requires
µµI can only speak for myself but I am my best self when surrounded by love∑∑ to make my home function. I need my husband, my family and my friends. I need the proverbial ‘village’ that it takes to raise a child. I need my mother, who stayed up with my colicky newborn just so I could cope for another day. I need my sister, who is my sounding board when I need to vent my frustration and anger at how my life has evolved. I need my husband, who holds me as I cry when the pressure and the worry becomes too much. I need the kind staff member, who asks if I’m ok and offers ice-cream when my eight year old is
having a tantrum outside the supermarket. I need the people in my regular café, who understand that my three year old is autistic and not just spoiled when she cries over what type of highchair she sits in. I also need my friends, who always ask about my children even if I’m too stressed out to ask about theirs and who always consider the needs of my children when they are planning parties for their own. Most importantly I need all the people who love and accept my children for who they are, who offer kind words and normal
conversation instead of suggestions on how to ‘fix’ them. I doff my cap and bow down to those brave souls who are strong enough to do all this by themselves. Whether by choice or circumstance, if you can cope without the vast support network that I depend on then be assured that you astound the likes of me. But, whether it’s your family, your friends or your community, never be afraid to seek out your ‘village’. I can only speak for myself but I am my best self when surrounded by love. n
53
continue attending on a less frequent basis and others don’t feel the need to return.
Children with special needs
Judy Buckley … a lifeline for parents of children with special needs
A
s soon as you meet reflexologist Judy Buckley you will sense the passion she has for her work; a passion driven by the tangible results she sees in her patients. According to Judy reflexology has the ability to change lives, NW finds out more.
“This gentle therapy has been known to bring relief to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. It may improve circulation, induce relaxation, encourage a person’s own healing, and maintain wellbeing. It’s used for a multitude of reasons – to treat sleeping disorders, infertility, depression and so on.”
Back to basics
‘Can reflexology can be used to treat stress and anxiety?’ NW asks. “Yes, massively so,” Judy assures us. “I have treated people who are now at a stage where they are no longer losing it so easily and are more in control of their thoughts.” ‘How many sessions are required in order for clients to see a difference?’ we ask. Judy recommends people commit to having one session per week for 6-8 weeks, after that timeframe some people choose to
Judy trained at the Irish Reflexologists’ Institute Limited, was a chairperson for three terms and is now the vice-chair. With more than ten years’ experience practising reflexology, Judy specialises in helping children with special needs. For readers who are unfamiliar with the practice, she explains, “reflexology is the holistic understanding and treating of points and areas of the feet and hands that correspond with different parts of the body.
54
Treating stress
Judy has developed quite the reputation for her work with children who have learning difficulties, particularly amongst the staff and parents of children who attend Willowbridge School; a school that caters for pupils aged 3-19 with moderate, severe and profound learning difficulties. Willowbridge pupils avail of reflexology two or three days per week, and the principal Julie Murphy has reported that benefits are being seen with all learning difficulties such as autism, Down syndrome, challenging behaviour, sleep disorders and many more. “I have seen a massive improvement in 98% of kids I have treated,” Judy says, “and these results come because the parents are so committed to bring their child to the sessions and they are committed to working with me.” Judy holds workshops for parents once or twice per month to teach them the basics of reflexology which they can use on their children. “What I teach doesn’t replace the need for me, but it gives the parent the chance to work on their own child – it is bonding time for them and it will make a big difference,” Judy explains. Prior knowledge or experience in reflexology isn’t required.
Making a difference
“There is no such thing as a bold child,” Judy is adamant, “there is always a reason for challenging behaviour. I love each and every child I work with and this is a necessity in order to do what I do.” She has many stories of children who at first were non-responsive and uninterested, but with patience and many years’ experience to draw on, Judy found a way to work together and make a difference. n
To contact Judy call (00353) 87 99 56961, email judybuckley087@gmail.com, or visit www.judybuckleyreflexology.com.
Reflexology fertility
O
ne in every six couples in Ireland are experience problems in conceiving a child. This figure is predicted to rise in the next fifty years. Infertility is now a social and a medical condition that may create extensive psychological, emotional and social distress. There are many challenges the couple must meet. Among the challenges may be financial implications of fertility treatments. Physical implications to the woman’s body following extensive hormonal fertility treatments. Psychological and emotional issues that must be dealt with and the possible side effects on intimacy. Reflexology is renowned for assisting in conception and the well-being of the mother and parent to be. From the reflexology view point, the internal ‘energies’ of our bodies organs may be ‘blocked’ or stagnant. Fertility Reflexology will work particularly with the reproductive system, endocrine system and nervous systems. Reflexology can bring the body, the organs, the internal connections and the energetic principles of the body back into balance. When the body is in balance and harmony it can go about its normal healthy functioning. I have witnessed client’s deal with loss during their journey to becoming a parent. The loss of hope and
confidence. The loss of a child through miscarriage, a loss of health. There may be some degree of loss of intimacy with their partner. The loss of femininity and masculinity on some level. All of this leads to varying levels of stress. A professional Reflexologists creates a nurturing space for the client. We create a ‘separate’ place from the outer world, a place to ‘rest’. A place to allow equilibrium to encourage the body back into harmony. When this happens, it means that it is easier for the body to conceive and then nurture the embryo. People often misunderstand what we mean by the word ‘relaxation’, when an individual receives reflexology they may go into a deeply relaxed place of peace and harmony. The key is that when an individual comes into this place of refuge, our bodies have the space, time and balance to adjust back to their natural harmony. Upon leaving the therapy space the client may feel clearer, have released mental edginess, they feel unburdened, rested and relaxed with more energy for life and all that needs to be dealt with. The client may frequently have a feeling that all is right with the world, this in turn enables the receiver to begin to relate to the outer world from a place of peace and calm. Reflexology can be an enormous benefit
in conceiving, excellent at maintain health during pregnancy and superb at time of birth. A series of 8 sessions, once a week are recommended to start with. Your Reflexologists will advise you after this time. Often when both partners receive reflexology during the same period it is an even greater benefit. You may ask your Reflexologists for a special fee to treat you both. Visit www.reflexology.ie for a professional recognized Reflexologist in your area.
For more information call (00353) 85 2153475 or visit www.reflexology.ie Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm
Tried & Tested
PROFILE:
Karmic Astrology Northern Woman reviews Karmic Astrology
W
BY JADE BEECROFT
e’ve all heard of star which give an indication of where you’ve signs, but karmic come from and where you’re going. astrology aims to The idea is to trace your soul’s evolution dig deeper into through your past lives and into your what feeds your current life, leaving you open to choose how soul by taking a you use these lessons to make the most of more detailed look at your horoscope. your strengths. It can also show wounds The practice originated in India and you have carried from life to life, and areas centres around the belief in reincarnation where you need to heal to move forwards. and the existence of karma, which you In India, people tend to focus more on supposedly build and carry with you moon signs than star signs, so that forms throughout your many lives. an important element of karmic It charts your soul’s evolutionary astrology too. path and any karmic patterns If you believe you have that have developed during an ‘old soul’ then this your past lives. It’s could be the way sometimes referred to as to find out more past life astrology. about it. Practitioners will Unlike start by drawing up a conventional armic K a g in f winn complex chart showing astrology it hance o ly email ith the c ith Fiona, simp w in where the planets were doesn’t just tell e b s@ w n To g o it in t d e a gy re comp on the date and time you who you n o Astrolo tact details to m p n efore 5 of your birth. From this are – it actually your co .co.uk b woman rn ober. e t h c rt O they are able to calculate digs into your past h no t 0 2 y . Frida Cs apply the position of your north lives to find out *INM T& and south lunar nodes, why. n
! n i W
56
Pursing her lips and looking at my birth chart, karmic astrologist Fiona Doig, from Craigavon, shakes her head. “I can see from the position of the moon that you have a relationship in your life that’s always been particularly difficult,” she says, before going on to outline who she is taking about and exactly why that relationship is strained. To say that she’s hit the nail on the head would be an understatement, and as an opening gambit it’s certainly got my attention. I’ve always felt my star sign Aries wasn’t particularly accurate, but Fiona explains that my moon sign, which is more relevant to the type of person I was in past lives, is actually Taurus. She says it shows I’m hardworking and comfortable around all different types of people, which feels like a better description. My chart also, according to Fiona, shows that I love foreign cultures and long-distance travel, I’m a good judge of character, have a natural affinity with animals, and am very structured and organised – all of which are true. “Motherhood is a difficult issue for you,” continues Fiona. She’s right again; at the grand old age of 35 I still feel no particular urge to have children. Fiona explains that my chart shows that in my past lives I’ve been male more often than female, and I haven’t been a mother for several lifetimes. She also explains the theory that important people in your life often feature in your past lives too – and not just soul mates. Referring back to the difficult relationship she mentioned at the start, Fiona says she sees this person has caused conflict in my past lives too. “If you want to stop the cycle you need to meditate on improving that relationship,” she advises. But there’s good news too. Fiona claims my chart shows her that my boyfriend is a good match for me, and that we’ve been important to each other in previous incarnations. “You’ve made a vow to keep finding each other,” she says. Karmic astrology won’t be for everyone – it’s pretty ‘out there’. During our session Fiona tells me I’ve been everything from an American Indian warrior to an Egyptian priestess. But it’s fascinating stuff and some of the details she picks up from my personalised birth chart, which she drew up based on my date and time of birth, are uncannily accurate. It is certainly an exciting and intriguing way to open yourself up to new possibilities. For Karmic Astrology and tarot readings with Fiona Doig, call 07538 582457 or visit Facebook/ScorpioMoonAstro
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Blackstone uses the power of Physiotherapy to change lives. We focus our tailored treatments on the cause of your symptoms to relieve pain, improve your function and help you to move easily again. Become stronger, more flexible and injury free.
PILATES
As a recognised Pilates training centre, Blackstone offers Physiotherapy led Pilate classes in bespoke studios, with all classes being taught by fully certified APPI Pilates Instructors. With a fully dedicated Pilates Reformer studio, feel challenged with the added resistance of this sophisticated piece of apparatus. You will lie, kneel, stand and sit to create a strong core and a balanced body. Improve your core stability and strength, balance, flexibility, balance and move better! No matter what your age or ability there will be a class suitable for you.
FOOT CLINIC
Treat your feet at Blackstone’s foot clinic where our expert Podiatrist offers a full range of services including specialist diabetic foot care and custom made orthotics. Healthy feet are happy feet - ensure you step with ease.
DUNGANNON (or should that be Fungannon?) Have you visited Dungannon r ecently? If not, here’s seven reason to go 1. Shop til’ you drop
Gather up the girls and pencil in a shopping trip. First stop is Linen Green retail village. Offering fashion, homeware, unique gifts and artisan food products not available on the high street, Linen Green is home to numerous niche retail brands such as The Boudoir Boutique, Panache Shoe Company, Bedeck, Newbridge Silverware, Foxford, and The Lingerie Room to name just a few. Milan@Moy specialises in Mother of the Bride/Groom and occasion wear complete with hats and accessories, as well as smart casual wear. The Autumn-Winter 2017 collection has just arrived in store – be sure to check it out. Moy is also home to Saretta Boutique; a one-stop-shop for all your fashion needs, including occasion wear, accessories and casual clothing. Saretta Boutique caters for size 8-20, and has outfits to suit every shape and taste.
2. Discover a National Trust property
Explore an atmospheric Irish gentry house and wooded riverside estate at The Argory. Go for a stroll through the Lime Tree Walk, or discover the house which dates back to the 1800s.
3. Learn to cook
Take a class at Wee Buns cookery school in Moy, suitable for novice and experienced cooks. The focus is on using first-class ingredients – local and seasonal when possible – with an emphasis on healthy eating. Classes cover a wide range of recipes and technique, and participants will learn about everything from knife skills to pastry making, baking, roasting and more.
58
4. Take a stroll in Peatlands Park
This beautiful area has a wonderful wilderness appeal and is situated near the shores of Lough Neagh just off the MI at exit 13 south of Dungannon. This park provides a unique opportunity to experience both peatland and woodland habitats as well as taking in the views of the wildlife.
5. Revamp your home
Seek out home décor inspiration in Moy Furniture Store. From bedding to carpets, furniture upholstery, and lots more; you’ll find everything you need under one roof. So whether you’re looking to redecorate your whole home, or just need a few finishing décor touches, Moy Furniture Store is worth a visit.
6. Scope out a wedding venue
For couples who are on the lookout for a
venue with a difference, look no further than Parkanaur Manor House. A large, rambling romantic Tudor Revival house, the venue boasts an opulent Elizabethan-style interior, and stunning grounds which are home to white fallow deer and lush forestry; the perfect backdrop for those wedding photos.
7. Soak up some culture
The Hill of The O’Neill Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre is the perfect starting point for an exploration of the Dungannon and Tyrone area. The centre contains a multi-media exhibition narrating the hill’s importance in Irish and European history, its links to the O’Neills and the subsequent Flight of the Earls and Plantation of Ulster. The venue is also an arts and tourism centre with a 90-seat Square Box performance space, arts studio, tourism information centre and shop. n
17 Charlemont Street Moy Co. Tyrone Telephone:
028 8778 9955
59
Moy Furniture Centre For stylish home dĂŠcor, chic furniture, interior gifts and more
Established in 1980, Moy Furniture & Carpet Centre has become one of the leading furniture retailers in Northern Ireland. Renowned as a retailer of distinction, we supply high quality furnishings and flooring to all consumers. Our specialist in-house furniture studios showcase leading leather and fabric brands such as Westbridge Designs, Nicolletti, David Gundry and Wade; Dining and occasional furniture from Bentley Designs, Calligaris Connubia and Bodahl; bedrooms by Bentley Designs, Rauch etc.; Beds from Harrison Spinks, King Koil. Our flooring studio showcases leading Companies such as Ulster Carpets, Amtico and Quick-Step flooring. We recognise the importance of customer service and that personal touch that is so important to a customer – our sales and interior advisors are experts in their field and will advise and deliver the best products most suitable for the home. We offer a free delivery service throughout Ireland and our experienced delivery men will assemble and install your goods to your required layout.
60
MFC Curtain Library provide a leading interior design service. They have a wealth of experience creating stunning interiors for residential homes across Ireland. Each project, whether a single room or complete property is carefully planned, designed and co-ordinated with the customer in mind. Our interior designers offer a complete service – home consultations include designing, planning and measuring to provide a bespoke service. The project is then managed by the design consultant through to completion. Our design consultants will create the home of your dreams. n
3 Main Street, Charlemont, Moy, Co. Tyrone. BT71 7SL. T: (028) 8778 4600 w: www.moy-furniture.co.uk
Contact Details...
Brands: Sanderson, Harlquin, Zoffany, Andrew Martin, Kobe, Designers Guild, Linwood, Ralph Lauren, Clarke & Clarke, Prestigious, Voyage, Nina Campbell, Osborne & Lyttle, Romo and Romo Black Edition plus many more. 61
4 Dungannon Street, Moy Co Tyrone, BT 71 7SH.
Tel 028 8778 9997
“Exclusively Yours”
Historic Grade A Listed Building designed by Thomas Duff in the early 1800’s in Idyllic Surroundings The most hidden Gem in the centre of NIPerfect for your “Bespoke Package” ➢ Licensed to hold Civil or Religious Ceremonies ➢ Unique Setting ➢ One Wedding per Day ➢ Also cater for Private Functions & Conferences ➢ Bridal Suite & Accommodation at Spice Cottages
WEDDING PACKAGE ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢
Red Carpet Welcome Open Fires at Reception Baby Grand Piano Tea/Coffee & Shortbread served to your Guests on Arrival
➢ White Linen Tablecloths & Napkins ➢ Use of Grounds and House for your “Special Photographs” ➢ Complimentary Changing Room ➢ Extensive Grounds allow ample Free Car Parking ➢ Plus many other Attractions ➢ Events Manager/Deputy will personally look after you from conception to finish. Appointment necessary to appreciate venue: Contact: Marlene Marcus Events & Wedding Manager Email: marlene@parkanaurmanorhouse.co.uk Email: events@parkanaurmanorhouse.co.uk Ph: 028 8776 1336 Fax: 028 8776 1257 Web: parkanaurmanorhouse.com
Parkanaur
MANOR HOUSE
57 Parkanaur Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone. BT70 3AA 62
Game CHANGERS Captain of the Northern Ireland women’s football team Marissa Callaghan, talks to Rosalind Jayne about her love for the beautiful game
M
arissa’s football story began as she was growing up. In West Belfast, there were limited opportunities for her to get involved in football, with no girls’ teams in the area. “The only chance I had to play football was joining in with the boys on the streets,” Marissa begins. “When I was 15 or 16 I joined Newington Girls, which has since amalgamated with Cliftonville Football Club. This was my first real taste of playing football with a club. Now I have been playing for 18 years and I have loved every minute. “When I was 19 I won a scholarship to travel to America and it was during this time I realised I wanted to follow a career in football. I studied a coaching degree part time at Ulster University before heading into the world of work.” Marissa worked as an Active Communities Coach in schools before taking on her current role with the Irish
Football Association (IFA) as a women’s football ambassador, promoting the sport in clubs and schools. Melissa says, “Girls and women participating in football in Northern Ireland are game changers, they follow their passion and love of the game blazing a trail for others by their example. “I encourage girls to get involved in sport and to join a club to have the opportunity to play. Their ambition and hard work can open doors in many aspects of life, including the opportunity to play for their country like me.” The IFA has invested in creating a pathway to make it easier for girls and women to get involved and stay involved with football. The Skills Development programme leads to Girls’ Regional Skills Development Centres and girls can then progress to Regional Excellence academies. These programmes allow girls as young as nine to play football, be coached by top talent and progress to a senior level. Melissa says: “With national teams at
under 17 and under 19 levels, girls have the opportunity to experience playing for their country before progressing to the senior team. When I was a teenager there was no under 19 team so seeing new opportunities for girls is really positive. “I also work as a Youth Director with my club Cliftonville. I manage the Junior Academy which has teams at five levels. I relish the opportunity to give something back to my club and community, and want to encourage as many girls as possible to take up sport.” Volunteers and qualified coaches are essential for players, teams and women’s football in general to succeed, and Marissa encourages past players to consider volunteering to keep the sport alive. She says: “Grassroots sport requires funding and the deadlock at Stormont means coaches are losing their jobs and players are losing the opportunity to play.” Playing for Northern Ireland for five years has allowed Marissa to meet new people, travel the world and grow - not only as a footballer but also as an individual. “My proudest memory was last January when Northern Ireland Women travelled to Portugal,” she enthuses. “We played two games and although we lost the first 2-0 we managed to win the second. The final score was 1-0 and I was delighted to have been the goal scorer. Our win highlighted the fact that we have the talent to beat a world-class side. “Another great memory was when I was named as captain in June 2016. We played Georgia at my club’s home ground Solitude and I scored two goals. My teammate scored the fastest goal in women’s football that night, hitting the back of the net in under 10 seconds. Winning 4-0 was a wonderful feeling.” The future for the Northern Ireland Women’s team is a bright one and September marks the beginning of the World Cup Qualifiers. n
63
LIVING
Credit: Fluid Pendant Light by Muuto from Maven, Belfast from £139
64
DOUBLE UP
Up your home’s design kudos with this season’s must-have doubles BY RÓISÍN CARABINE
SAVE
SPLURGE
Eichholtz Gold Townhouse Trolley from Houseology.com £1,195 Gilt Mirrored Bar Cart from Miafleur.com £325
Marcy Dining Chair from Next £275 (set of 2)
Hamburger Chair from Loaf.com £290
Marble and Brass Lamp from Printerandtailor.com £165 White Marble Table Lamp from Debenhams £50 Menu Black Marble Wall Clock from Black-by-design.co.uk £219
Marble Time Wall Clock in black from Cuckooland.com £65
Collection Round Glass Top Copper Plated Side Table from Argos £59.99
Zuiver Cupid Living Room Side Table in Metallic Copper from Cuckooland.com £159 Lara Accent Chair from JDWilliams.co.uk £139
Le Cocktail Velvet Chair from Oliver Bonas £425
65
OVERSIZED FIXTURES
Move away from convention with oversized lighting fixtures – think extra-large shades, giant bell pendants and plus-size table lights. For added impact group together similar styles in various sizes and give them the space to shine. Muffins floor lamps by Brokis from Beaufort Interiors, Moira, from £1,075
BARE BULBS
Chandeliers that are not rigid and can easily be adapted to change shape or style, are a huge trend this year. Create your own industrial chic chandelier using Muuto’s exposed bulb lighting on coloured flexes, suspended from ceiling hooks at different heights. E27 pendants by Muuto from Maven, Belfast, £65 each
THRICE AS NICE
Hanging two or three pendant lights together is a great way of transforming a simple lighting scheme into an eye-catching feature. Together they will create a concentrated pool of intense light which is perfect for lighting up a boring corner. Cage pendant lights from Harvey Norman, £65 each
STYLE SUSPENSION
Pendant lights suspended directly over a dining table can be used to define eating space in an open plan room. Hang no lower than 75cm above the table and consider dimmers which are perfect for setting the scene. Ikea’s new smart Tradfri bulbs can be switched on, brightened and dimmed using wireless remote controls or a smart phone app. The colour temperature can also be adjusted from bright white to soft white. Nymane pendant lamps from Ikea, Belfast, £39 each
The lights fantastic 10 on trend ways to lighten up your home this autumn BY RÓISÍN CARABINE 66
VINTAGE FIX
Tripod floor lights can be a stunning feature in a boring corner. The large dome shade is perfect for bouncing light around the room. Chicago Tripod Floor Lamp in muted grey and brass from Made.com, £189
WALL WONDERS
In a bathroom, position wall lights with adjustable arms at eye level at either side of the mirror to minimise shadows and make tasks such as shaving or applying makeup easier. Keats Wall Light in nickel and glass from Neptune, Belfast, £95 each
TRIPLE ACTION
A flexible triple arm floor lamp with adjustable shades can be angled to suit your lighting needs. Nyx Metal Floor Lamp in rust and black from Habitat.co.uk, £190
MOODY BLUE
The perfect pickme-up shade, blue light is believed to boost mood and productivity. Hang a hook on the wall above a side table and transform this simple bulb into a quirky task light. Paint Pot Filament Blue Light from Dunelm, £15
CAGE THE RAGE
As an alternative to the traditional bedside lamp, opt for a simple low hung pendant suspended from the ceiling. This yellow metal pendant casts a cosy glow and its right-ontrend cage design allows light to filter around the room. Industrial metal pendant in yellow from Cuckooland.com, £59
CLUSTER STACK
Why have one ceiling pendant when you can create a bigger impact with a cluster of them – ideal for over a kitchen or dining room table. Harrison Cluster from Debenhams, £150
67
“My husband lived on the farm all of his life, we built here to be close to it. As our house faces the road, we added a wing for privacy - it surrounds the courtyard and children’s play area.”
G
BY CATRIONA DOHERTY
illian and Brian Hall (who hails from a farming background) had their hearts set on building a ‘classic farmhouse with a modern twist’; a concept that has been perfectly encapsulated in the design of their home, and in the décor touches which have been so carefully selected. Gillian, who describes her décor style as ‘classic and contemporary’ takes us on a tour of her Newtownabbey home, starting with the kitchen. “I have a four year old and a two year old, and I wanted an open plan kitchen and living area so that I could see the kids play and do their homework, while I’m in the kitchen,” she explains. “Throughout the house the walls are painted white. I like to let the accessories do the talking; it means if I were to redecorate I could simply change the accessories to add a pop of colour. I think a home should evolve over time as you live in it.” Gillian clearly has a keen eye for detail, and we love how the home features an eclectic mix of upcycled furniture that has been lovingly revamped, coupled with designer details, and rustic touches such as the wicker basket by the stove and handknitted throws – it just works. n
“We wanted a modern farmhouse house feel, so we went for an exposed beam and an oak wooden floor to add warmth.”
“We have chickens and the kids collect eggs in the mornings for scrambled eggs for breakfast; my daughter loves it!”
A classic country farmhouse with a contemporary twist Photography by Brian Thompson
68
“I got these fabric flowers made in the colour scheme of the living room and kitchen, and they go perfect in my Orla Keily Vase in the classic stem print.”
“I sourced a vintage pine dresser from Gumtree and painted it in Joa’s White from Farrow&Ball to match the kitchen units.”
69
“I went for a mustard and grey colour scheme in the snug area. The Parker Knoll chair was my mums, it had been sitting in her garage for 15 years before I had it recovered. The second Parker Knoll was sourced from Gumtree and I had it recovered too. I opted for an ‘old man’ check fabric as I like timeless classics. My friend’s mother knitted the throw.”
70
“I found a beautiful designer wallpaper for the good room which was £90 a roll. I brought it to a wallpaper shop in Belfast and they were able to match it; the wallpaper they had was identical and was only £30 a roll.”
“The guest bedroom is also Orla Kiely inspired and the clock is from TK Maxx.”
“For the downstairs toilet I wanted something fun and quirky, and went for Mr Fox wallpaper from Scion.”
“The set is from Emma Bridgewater – I’m a fan of hers.”
71
Mr and Mrs Mountney Photography by Jude Browne
M
any miles from home this Fermanagh bride met her future husband, who hails from Mayo, in Molly Malone’s Irish Pub, Calgary, Canada. “Andrew fell head over heels fairly quickly but I only saw him as a friend for a long time,” Lynsey begins. “We became best friends as we enjoyed all the same interests, especially outdoor activities” Andy’s persistence eventually paid off when Lynsey decided to give things a go in August 2015. “There’s no resistance to persistence,” Andrew jokes. Just under a year later “fast mover” Andrew got down on one knee at Waterton Lakes National Park. “We originally wanted to have a wedding abroad but were persuaded by both families to have it in Ireland,” Lynsey says. “I didn’t spend a lot of time shopping for dresses as I found the whole process a bit stressful,” she adds. “I wanted something quite simple with just a bit of detail on the top half. I found the dress I wanted in the second store I visited, and I fell in love with the back of it the first time I tried it on.” The bride’s favourite memories of her wedding were of the ceremony. “Luckily we were blessed with good weather so we were able to fulfil our dream of having a wedding outside. We had the ceremony under a canopy at Rossharbour, right beside the beautiful Lough Erne. Saying our vows in front of our family and friends, and listening to Michele sing the words of our chosen songs, was an emotional but special time.” Andrew says: “The speeches were all amazing! We took some ideas from Canadian weddings and decided to have all the bridesmaids make a short speech, as well as all of the best men (my three brothers). They all pulled it off magnificently and kept everyone entertained.” The pair enjoyed a minimoon in Kilronan Castle before they returned to Canada, and have other adventures planned. n
Venue: Rossharbour, Fermanagh Wedding dress: Bellezza Bridal, Calgary Bridesmaids: LE CHÂTEAU, Canada Grooms wear: Tony McDonnell Menswear, Dundalk Flowers: Marks & Spencer Makeup: Krista Maguire, Enniskillen Hair: Kerri-Louise Maguire, Enniskillen
72
73
Mr & Mrs Leahy Photography by Frances Meaney
I
t was a case of ‘opposites attract’ when Laura and Conor first met on a night out in Belfast. “Instantly there was a spark,” Laura recalls. “We met again, realised there was something worth pursuing and started dating.” “Laura and I got on really well and soon became inseparable,” Conor says, “Laura’s bubbly personality and vivacious approach to life made her great to be around.” Laura says: “Conor was the most down to earth guy I had ever met, he was ever the gentleman, quiet and courteous. I knew what we had was something special.” The smitten Dubliner got down on one knee on 24th March 2016. The couple began planning their dream day and booked a reception at Gracehall. “Set on an old country estate, the grounds were beautifully landscaped. It was exquisite inside and had been lovingly restored. You could see the passion the owners, Susan and Tom, have for Gracehall; it was infectious and it rubbed off on us,” Laura enthuses. The pair opted for a rose gold and peach theme, with sequin table runners, lanterns, and wooden tree slice centrepieces. VM Bespoke custom-made place names for each guest, and SBD Events provided the rusticchic Charlotte chairs. Drawing inspiration from Etsy and Pinterest, Laura designed the invites, a friend made the wedding cakes, and Bluebird Bakery provided mallow meringues. Following a lot of research, Laura found the right photographers to capture “all those little moments, without us feeling like we had the paparazzi following us,” Laura jokes. “Frances and Sarah were so welcoming and made us both feel at ease.” The bride looked amazing in an Art Couture dress. “I had been to 14 bridal shops and hadn’t had that ‘bridal dress moment,’” Laura recalls. “Once I saw the dress on the hanger in Divinity Bridal, I knew there was something special about it. Once I put it on I fell in love.” The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Ko Samui, Thailand. n
Venue: Gracehall, Armagh Wedding dress: Divinity Bridal, Lisburn Bridesmaids: Divinity Bridal, Lisburn Grooms wear: Debonair Menswear, Lisburn Flowers: Vintage Violet Floral Boutique, Armagh Makeup: Carla Bailie, Lurgan Hair: Dottie Avenue Hair & Beauty, Portadown
74
75
This month with a
subscription
FREE
*
SOOTHING FACIAL CLEANSING DUO from URBAN VEDA G N I ND E TR
WO £22 RTH .99
SIGN UP TODAY
Get 11 issues for £15! NI (Freephone): 0800 028 1909 ROI: 0044 8000 28 1909 Email and request a call back: subscriptions@belfasttelegraph.co.uk *subject to availability
76
VEDA N A B S UR KIST STOC Belfast a, Avoc Cartans MC y, Newry ac Pharm
77
ESCAPE
Skip the theme parks in favour of galleries and wildlife in the Sunshine State; you’ll be pleasantly surprised BY CONOR POWER
“W
hen I was a boy, this was all grass,” says our airboat captain, Robbie. “Now, the mangrove trees have taken over… more and more every year.” We’re sitting in an airboat in the middle of the Everglades swamp in south Florida, many miles away from theme parks. It’s the other end of the Sunshine State in fact, and my wife and I are here to sample Florida’s wildlife and art... beyond that provided by Disney and Universal. We’re in the middle of it all on a hot October day, surrounded by alligators and crocodiles. “Couldn’t you cut the mangrove back?” I ask. “No, you can’t,” Robbie replies with a shrug of the shoulders. “I don’t know why. Nobody wants ‘em. You can’t shoot the alligators either.” I nod as helpfully as I can, not wishing to involve myself in such a debate. From first glance, it certainly seems as if the mangroves could do with some trimming – and not just because I really wanted to burst through the swamp grass like Roger Moore in Live and Let Die. After gingerly taking some pictures of immobile alligators, I hear the airboat start up again. We put on our earmuffs to block out the noise, and head off at high speed through a sparkling swamp spotted with abundant wildlife. A 45-minute drive later, and we’re back at our base on Marco Island – a sedate and instantly appealing place just south of the city of Naples. It’s pristine and pretty, with rows of nice houses and neat lawns, and mailboxes standing proudly to attention. Rivers and canals criss-cross with the streets, and almost every house has a boat
78
Wild ‘n’ arty Florida tied up around the back. Big beaches facing the Gulf of Mexico have sand so white that it glows in the moonlight.
An aquatic adrenalin rush
The next morning, we rendezvous for a guided WaveRider tour of the Thousand Islands. The WaveRider is a wonderful invention – essentially a jet ski where you sit on a stable, motorbike thing that rips through the surf at exhilarating speed.
µµI really wanted to burst through the swamp grass like Roger Moore in Live and Let Die∑∑ The Thousand Islands lying just south of Marco Island are actually mangrove islands which have shifting sand that makes beaches appear and disappear according to the vagaries of the weather. As we cruise through the waterways, hundreds of large
birds circle above our heads. The water is teeming with fish that flop out every now and again, and dolphins are easily found – adults and babies that play in the wake of our WaveRiders. I’ve never been in the middle of such a spectacular wildlife show. Combined with the adrenaline rush, it makes for a couple of the most wonderful hours of my life.
People watching in Sarasota
Farther north along the Gulf Coast, Sarasota has an altogether different feel. This is an American city with all the discrepancies between rich and poor that you would expect. Coming from Marco Island, it felt like stark reality. Once you settle in, though, you find that it’s a spread-out city with a lot of great parts to explore: the stunning beaches on the ‘sea’ side of town, for example, or the buzzing Main Street with its bars and shops. I found it a fascinating pastime just sipping a beer and watching the amazing cars go by. This is a city whose cultural programme kicks off at the end of October, when the so-called ‘snowbirds’ begin to arrive en masse from the Hamptons, seeking warmer weather. Going to Don Pasquale at the opera house, we meet a dapper-looking pair
Marco Island
GET THERE
Conor travelled with American Holidays with car hire from Hertz. Expect to pay roughly £1,450pp for the seven-night trip; flights and car rental included.
WHAT TO PACK
Bring good walking shoes, a water bottle, lip balm, small dollar denominations for road tollbooths that only take cash, a splash-proof camera, compact binoculars (for both the wildlife and the opera), a nice outfit for the opera, mosquito repellent and sunblock for the Sunshine State.
Thousand Island
Keewaydin near Marco Island
3 super stays MARCO ISLAND
We stayed at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort on South Collier Boulevard. It’s a five-star base with the beach at its back door, offering huge rooms with great views, excellent service and facilities and choice of activities with good range of restaurants. Worth a splurge.
TAMPA
Try the Aloft Tampa Downtown Hotel on 100 West Kennedy Boulevard. Situated in the heart of it all with gorgeous views across Hillsborough Bridge to the Russianstyle Tampa University, it’s also a lively spot by night. More at visittampabay.com.
CRYSTAL RIVER
Plantation on Crystal River is a colonialstyle hotel tucked away from it all by the water. The place is orientated towards golfing, kayaking and trips to swim with manatees. Consider it as a base on the Florida Gulf Coast section of your trip.
from New Hampshire – Alden and Ginny Keyser – chatting away as we sip red wine during the interval. The most prolific snowbird of them all, and the one who truly put Sarasota on the map, was John Ringling. Patriarch of the famous Ringling Brothers Circus, he was a millionaire with a boundless passion for art. His circus wintered at Sarasota back when it was little more than a sleepy outpost, and he and his wife, Mable, set about establishing a great art museum, within the coastal parkland where he built his Venetian-style palace of a home in 1927. No expense was spared within or without, and the collection includes originals by European masters like Rubens, Velázquez and Bernini. Also within the grounds is the fascinating Circus Museum (ringling.org).
Going downtown
In Tampa, we got our taste of what a
real downtown-feel American city looks like. The city’s vibrant art scene is firmly focused on the contemporary, with the superb Tampa Museum of Art located on the edge of a public park overlooking the Hillsborough River. On the outskirts of the city lies Busch Gardens – a fullblooded Floridian theme park with all the hair-raising elements you want, plus an enormous wildlife park. A couple of hours north, the warm springs at Crystal River attract pods of manatees that migrate from the Gulf of Mexico. You can snorkel alongside these gentle ‘sea cows’ – we were early in the season so the water was still murky, but it was a magical feeling, holding my hands to my chest like an excited child in case I inadvertently touched it. Fun rides can be fantastic, but for some deeper thrills, it’s hard to beat the wild and arty side of Florida’s Gulf Coast. n
79
A maiko in Kyoto
Travel Bucket List 20 things to do before you die BY NICOLA BRADY AND PÓL Ó CONGHAILE 1. Trek Machu Picchu
Breath-taking is a phrase that’s thrown around pretty liberally in the travel world. But trek the four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and the breath truly will be taken out of you. The rest of Peru isn’t too shabby either – you’ll want to take regular pit stops to indulge in citrusy ceviche and Pisco Sours. Extra points if you make it to Lake Titicaca without giggling. If you liked that, try this: Angkor Wat.
2. Eat gelato in Rome
If you can walk past a gelateria in Rome and not press your nose eagerly against the window, then you have the iron will of a saint. Giant towers of heaping, soft gelato are piled in tempting mounds, in endless flavours. Leave with a chocolate waffle cone filled with creamy ice-cream, and a Mr Whippy will never seem the same again. If you liked that, try this: Bruges; Istanbul.
3. Swim with a manta ray
There’s no creature in the ocean quite like the manta ray. And there’s no ocean quite like that lapping around the coral atolls of the Maldives. Join the Four Seasons Explorer luxury catamaran, for an exclusive expedition with the Manta Trust; a charity dedicated to the conservation of manta rays and their habitat. You’ll snorkel and dive with these gentle giants, and you won’t set foot on dry land for up to a week. If you liked that, try this: Sri Lanka blue whale safari.
4. Take a helicopter over the Vegas Strip
If you’re going to do Vegas, you need to go big. See the infamous Strip from a helicopter, and you’ll have a top view of the
80
party, while feeling like a superstar. Fancy another jaunt? Head out to the Grand Canyon. The coolest way to see it is by chopper, landing at the bottom to the sound of champagne corks popping. If you liked that, try this: Tokyo; Monte Carlo.
5. Do Diwali in Jaipur
India is a cacophony of colour at the best of times, but during Diwali – the ancient Hindu festival of lights, celebrated in autumn – the country is ablaze with life, light and vibrancy. Watch the streets light up in the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur, where markets are illuminated like the Vegas Strip. If you liked that, try this: Day of the Dead in Mexico.
6. Hike New Zealand’s Milford Sound
If you’ve ever hammered a stick on the ground and roared ‘You. Shall. Not. Pass!’ then you’ve earned a trip to New Zealand. The entire country is Middle Earth brought to life, but for real gob-smacking scenery then Milford Sound is perfection. Craggy, verdant mountains rise from shockingly blue waters, interspersed with roaring waterfalls. If it’s good enough for Frodo, it’s certainly good enough for us. If you liked that, try this: Hawaii; Japan.
7. Do Disney
Yes, it’s a multi-squillion dollar commercial
mantrap that will squeeze you for every cent over the course of your visit. But then there’s Space Mountain. And Peter Pan’s Flight. And Sleeping Beauty’s Castle! Kids will go completely gaga at the character experiences and adults will melt at the unadulterated joy on their little prince and princesses’ faces. Use the Fastpass, steal lunch from the hotel buffet, and prepare for the ride of a lifetime. If you liked that, try this: Universal Studios, Orlando.
8. Take a great American road trip
Picture the scene: you’re cruising down an empty highway, sunglasses on, country music blasting from the radio. Dreamy, right? An American road trip is the classic holiday of a lifetime, whether you go oldschool on Route 66 or hug the Californian coastline. And be sure to put the top down – it’d be rude not to. If you liked that, try this: The Garden Route in South Africa; Iceland’s Route 1.
9. Do brunch in Dubai
It’s the ultimate 21st century city, where glitz and glamour are the name of the game. And every Friday, everyone who is anyone heads to brunch for a lavish and luxurious meal that lasts well into the evening. Tuck into endless platters of lobster, neverending steak and, of course, copious amounts of Champagne. Get back to reality
Botswana safari
Las Vegas
Holi Festival in India
sees 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra on the run from July to October. Hop in a hot air balloon for the jaw drop of a lifetime. If you liked that, try this: Uganda; Malaysia.
13. Mosey Melbourne’s neighbourhoods
the next day with a jolly to the desert – in a 4x4, naturally. If you liked that, try this: Cocktails in Miami.
10. Walk a stretch of the Camino
If you, like most of us, spend your life glued to a smartphone, then you may find yourself in need of a digital detox. Spain’s Camino de Santiago is the ultimate break from reality. Your days are spent ambling along ancient walkways, either in blissful silence or friendly chatter with fellow pilgrims. There are plenty of routes to choose from too, from short treks to full pilgrimages. If you liked that, try this: The Appalachian Trail.
11. See the Northern Lights
To say that the Northern Lights are elusive is putting it mildly. But it wouldn’t be a once-in-a-lifetime experience if they popped up like clockwork. To stand in the glow of the aurora borealis is humbling and awesome, and well worth a chilly night spent gazing skywards. If you liked that, try this: Sunrise at Uluru; Norwegian Fjords.
12. See the great migration
A safari often tops the list of things people want to do before they die. And certainly, nothing compares to the feeling of seeing a lion in the wild, a cheetah on the chase, or a giraffe stripping an Acacia tree of its leaves. The big daddy is the Great Migration, which
new mega-ships have something to occupy you every second of the day (and night). River cruises take care of those who prefer a quieter scene. If you liked that, try this: Orient Express; barge holidays.
Australia tops the bucket list of many a traveller – the mythical peak of Uluru, captivating sights of Sydney and easygoing attitude makes for the ultimate trip. But Melbourne is deserving of a place on any itinerary. This laidback city is the cooler sister of Sydney, with unique neighbourhoods and a coffee culture that will make any caffeine junkie think they’ve died and gone to Java heaven. If you liked that, try this: Toronto; Los Angeles.
17. Climb the Empire State Building in NYC
14. Taste a Texas barbecue
18. Visit Paris with someone you love
Forget everything you thought you knew about BBQ – this isn’t your uncle’s back garden. Real, authentic BBQ from the Deep South means dreamily succulent, charred cuts of meat that have sat in a smoker for hours upon hours. On the side, opt for sweet baked beans, cornbread and mac and cheese. An ice-cold beer? Mandatory. If you liked that, try this: North Carolina; Memphis.
15. Pick your moment in Ponto-cho
Japan’s Kyoto is famous for its April blossoms, but there’s a lot more to it than that. For the purest, truest and most unforgettable snapshot of cultures and centuries colliding, lose yourself in the district of Ponto-cho. Wooden teahouses, glowing lanterns and the citrusy smell of yuzu noodles set the scene. Listen out for the patter of a geisha or maiko’s wooden slippers. Watch her glide by, and disappear. You’ll be in love with this place forever. If you liked that, try: Tokyo; Kuala Lumpur.
16. Try a cruise holiday
Don’t scoff – there’s never been a better time to take a cruise. No longer the reserve of the blue rinse brigade, there’s now a cruise to suit every wannabe sailor, from toddlers to hipsters. For the restless, brand
Nothing says New York like the Empire State Building. Wangle a ticket to the top at sunset, and watch the city lights come to life as the sun dips behind the Statue of Liberty. If you’d rather see the actual Empire State Building instead, opt for Top of the Rock (the queues are shorter, too). If you liked that, try this: Burj Khalifa in Dubai; The Shard in London.
No city is more synonymous with love than Paris. Walk hand in hand along the winding streets of Montmartre, where the walls are ingrained with tales of lovers past. Drink ice-cold Champagne in charming patio cafés. And ignore the naysayers and head to the Eiffel Tower for the light show. If you liked that, try this: Venice; Girona.
19. Cruise the canals of Amsterdam
Venice might be known for its pretty canals, but avoid the gondola traffic jams and plump for Amsterdam instead. You’ll get an excellent view of the pretty, regal houses that line the city’s waterways, as well as a peek into the quieter neighbourhoods of this uber-chic city. Visit on King’s Day, and you’ll find the canals alive with boat parties. If you liked that, try this: Stockholm, Bruges.
20. Snorkel Sri Lanka
Put your diving tanks away – this is a trip for the most adventure-hungry snorkellers. Imagine diving into clear waters to come face to face with a gigantic blue whale. In Sri Lanka, you can do just that. The sight of this magnificent beast at your fingertips is one you won’t forget in a hurry. If you liked that, try this: Maldives; Great Barrier Reef. n
81
THE SOCIAL 10
Northern Woman’s round up of this month’s most happening events
John Bishop Belfast Comedy Festival will run from 2-8 October in venues across the city. The festival features stand-up comedy shows, theatre, workshops, seminars, circus, film, quizzes, competitions, and events for children. See critically acclaimed comedians such as John Bishop, Rubberbandits, Henning When, Joel Dommett and many more. For tickets visit belfastcomedyfestival.com.
The Jungle’s award-winning Fright Night returns to Moneymore on 6th October and continues until 4th November. On top of the harrowing Woodland Trail with its creepy cast of wicked creatures, exploring the chilling depths of the abandoned Slaughterhouse is sure to scare the living daylights out of you. Visit the Inbred Horror House and The Circus at your peril.
Not for the faint hearted, the Paranormal Tour of Crumlin Road Gaol takes place on 6th and 26th October, with other ghoulish events running from 13-31 October. Crumlin Road Gaol has been interconnected with Paranormal Activity since it closed its doors in 1996. Some prison officers and prisoners would suggest this relationship has been longer. There have been sightings, noises and unexplained happenings within the walls that have seen 17 men executed over its 150 year history.
With her tear-streaked mascara and ‘rat’s nest’ of hair, Teresa Livingstone totters on stage on her vertigo-inducing stilettos delivering a powerful and hilarious tirade about the plight of the thirtysomething single lady. Her show Delighted features witty songs about smug posh women, diet clubs, men in bars, being single and much more. This month performances will take place at The Alley Theatre, Strabane 6th October, Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick 13th October, and Ranfurly House, Dungannon 28th October.
Calling all art buffs, this one’s for you. The annual Belfast International Arts Festival is known for its inspirational and transformative experiences from world-class artists, thinkers and leaders, theatre shows, dance performances, music, film, digital arts and literature. The festival on 6-28 October, will take place in various venues across Belfast. For events details visit belfastinternationalartsfestival.com.
Credit: Géraldine Aresteanu
82
Smashing Times Theatre and Film Company bring you The Woman is Present: Women’s Stories of WWII. The performances tells the story from the perspective of women who recall stories of bravery, sacrifice and love amidst the horror of war. This month shows take place at The Island Arts Centre, Lisburn on 7th October, The Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast on 10th October, and Strule Arts Centre, Omagh on 11th October.
County Down singer-songwriter Brigid O’Neill has announced a tour of her new album Touchstone. Brigid has recently returned from Nashville, Tennessee, where she performed at the iconic Bluebird Café and has since been developing new material. Brigid and her band blend great country blues with folk, jazz and bluegrass, and are set to play at The Glassworks, Derry on 13th October.
Derry/Londonderry’s Halloween celebrations are world-renowned and this year’s festival will span four days and more than 40 venues. Events include an Awakening the Walls supernatural animation trail which will run on from 28-20 October, Ghost bus tours from 17-30, and the Out of this World in the City of Bones Street Carnival Parade 31st October featuring the finest carnival, circus and street performers from across the city, Ireland and Europe. This October as West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK reaches its twenty fourth season. The now iconic event, will see four days of fantastic fashion from 26-29 October with the main runway shows taking place at a new home in St. Anne’s Cathedral. Don’t miss popular weekend events, Sushi Saturday at Zen, Style Sunday; the sell-out Fashion Filter brunch and a lot more besides.
Belfast’s biggest and best Halloween event and fireworks display is promising guests plenty of weird and wonderful action on 29th October at The Slipways, Titanic Belfast. Entertainment includes street theatre, fire shows and live music, culminating in a fireworks extravaganza.
83
www.fratellibelfast.com
WINE: Etna Bianca DOC Sicilia ,Planeta GRAPE VARIETY: Carricante 100% PRODUCER: The Planeta family first planted vines in the 1980’s around their 16th century farmhouse in the hills outside Menfi in the south of Sicily. However, it took another ten years for the wine world to sit up and take notice thanks to the appointment of an Italian winemaker called Carlo Corino. WINE: The wine has the minerality one would expect from grapes grown on volcanic soil allied to a depth and complexity. On the nose there are aromas of acacia, almonds and peach leading to a palate which is crisp and refreshing. FOOD: A white wine for all seasons but excellent as an aperitif or with fish and shellfish dishes.
Pan Fried Hake Fillet, Sicilian Fennel & Tomato Ragu, Greens and Roast Lemon INGREDIENTS: 4x 150g Hake fillet (Ewing seafoods) 250g Comber baby potatoes Sicilian tomato ragu: 1x Bulb fennel 1x celery stick 1x leek (white only) 1x carrot 2 x garlic cloves 1/2 x onion 1x red chilli 1x bay leaf 100g tomato puree 300g chopped tomatoes 250ml fish stock Season Gastric 100ml red wine 100ml balsamic vinegar Pan Fried Hake Fillet, Sicilian Fennel & Tomato 100g brown sugar Ragu, Greens and Roast Lemon
METHOD • Place potatoes in salted water and boil for 15 to 20 minutes • Pan fry Hake fillet skin side down on a high heat for 3 minutes and then put in oven for 6 miutess at 180oc. Take out of the oven and rest for 3 minutes. • For the Sicilian sauce, chop the fennel, celery, leek, carrot, onion, chilli and garlic and sweat in a medium pot. Add the bay leaf, tomato puree and chopped tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat. Add stock and cook for a further 15mins • For Gastric put in a sauce pan and reduce by half; add to ragu and season to taste
THE
ALBUM with
Lisa Garvey and Charlene Byers Photo by Press Eye
85
OUT&ABOUT
Claire Craig and Suzie De Haan
with
SALONS IN ARTHUR ST BELFAST, FORESTSIDE S/C, LISBURN, ABBEYCENTRE, BALLYMENA, NEWRY, PORTADOWN
Cecilia Daly and Aileen Moynagh
Souls’ first birthday Souls restaurant on the Dublin Road, Belfast celebrated their first birthday recently. Owner Pankaj Maini treated press and VIP guests to a delicious five-course meal paired with wine by Robb Brothers Wine Merchants. Souls specialises in modern Indian cuisine, influenced by local preferences, ingredients and healthy cooking. Photos by Jim Corr
Maria McCaffrey, Pankaj Maini and Pamela Ballantine
Jarlath and Michelle McTernan
86
Jim and Paula Gracey
OUT&ABOUT
with
SALONS IN ARTHUR ST BELFAST, FORESTSIDE S/C, LISBURN, ABBEYCENTRE, BALLYMENA, NEWRY, PORTADOWN
Chanelle Conway and Pam Gourley
Musgrave Race Day Down Royal Declan Burns and Elmer Moran
Elaine Woods and Danielle Finlay
Musgrave welcomed almost 400 retailers, suppliers and customers to Down Royal for a special National Hunt race day on September 1st. Maxwell, SuperValu and Centra Sales Director, said, “We were thrilled to once again host our Musgrave retailers, suppliers and customers at this wonderful event. We sponsored an all National Hunt card which attracted top jockeys and trainers so our guests enjoyed a real racing treat.”
Michael McCormick and Pamela Ballantine
Elaine Roulston, Nicola Whose and Margaret Courtney Leon and Deirdre Toland
87
OUT&ABOUT
with
Amy Robb and Lynsey Graham
SALONS IN ARTHUR ST BELFAST, FORESTSIDE S/C, LISBURN, ABBEYCENTRE, BALLYMENA, NEWRY, PORTADOWN
Claudia Brown
Aimee Boyle and Ellen Lundy
West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK launch The 24th West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK launch took place this week and as always it was a glam affair. The now iconic event, will see four days of fantastic fashion from 26-29 October with the main runway shows taking place at a new home in St. Anne’s Cathedral. Don’t miss popular weekend events, Sushi Saturday at Zen, Style Sunday; the sell-out Fashion Filter brunch and a lot, lot more besides.
Hollie Thompson and Rachel Moore
Photos by Brendan Gallagher and Stephen Potter
Jordan Humphries
Katie Andrews, Aisling Gallagher and Emily Hancock
88
OUT&ABOUT
with
Fiona Anderson and Suzanne McDonald
India Reed
SALONS IN ARTHUR ST BELFAST, FORESTSIDE S/C, LISBURN, ABBEYCENTRE, BALLYMENA, NEWRY, PORTADOWN
Emily Hancock
Rosie Kirk and Melissa Riddell
Laura Shields
Rachael Martin and Patrick Mone
Louise Vance and Siobhan Murphy
Derek Dubery
89
OUT&ABOUT
Ally McParland, Sarah McEvoy and Aimee Farrell
with
SALONS IN ARTHUR ST BELFAST, FORESTSIDE S/C, LISBURN, ABBEYCENTRE, BALLYMENA, NEWRY, PORTADOWN
Courtney Cameron, Sarah Moore and Anna Henry
Downpatrick Racecourse Ladies’ Day Downpatrick Racecourse Ladies’ Day offered Northern Ireland’s fashion conscious the perfect opportunity to get glammed up – and what a display of fashion it was. Headto-toe block colours, monochrome, cut-outs, off the shoulder, floral print and ruffle detail proved popular with racegoers, accessorised with a headpiece of course! Photos by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Scott Kernaghan and Paige Lyttle
90
Faith Amond
Leanne McDowell, Darren King and Sacha Livingstone
Karen Daly
OUT&ABOUT
Kate Burns and Lynne Burns
Laura Irvine and Eden McAllister
with
SALONS IN ARTHUR ST BELFAST, FORESTSIDE S/C, LISBURN, ABBEYCENTRE, BALLYMENA, NEWRY, PORTADOWN
Nicola Montgomery and Hannah Wasson
Fionnuala Mooney and Naomi Archer
Jane Kearney, Aveen Rice and Bridgeen King
Stephanie McGall, Emma Carswell and Lucy Stewart
Tarragh Sands, Bernie Sands, Caitlin Sands and Michelle Feehan
91
OUT&ABOUT
with
SALONS IN ARTHUR ST BELFAST, FORESTSIDE S/C, LISBURN, ABBEYCENTRE, BALLYMENA, NEWRY, PORTADOWN
Lauren Hogan and Conor Hogan
Judith Carville, Lorraine McGoran, Fiona Ure and Clare McGimpsey
Titanic Hotel Belfast
Following two years of careful restoration and construction, Northern Ireland’s newest luxury venue, Titanic Hotel Belfast opened its doors for business. To celebrate the opening of the £28m hotel, the team hosted a preview event. Guests enjoyed guided tours of the venue, which highlighting various historic points of interest. Photos by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Robert Ainley and Lynsey Hollywood
Jess Dornan Lynas and Fiona Kennedy
Melissa Riddell and Tiffany Brien
92
Patrick and Elanna McGowan
OUT&ABOUT
Emer Lewis, Sarah Hamilton-Cardy and Claire McCabe
with
SALONS IN ARTHUR ST BELFAST, FORESTSIDE S/C, LISBURN, ABBEYCENTRE, BALLYMENA, NEWRY, PORTADOWN
Julie Halliday and Una Duffy
Stuart Owens and Mikala Owens
Pete and Julia Snodden
Paddy McGurgan and Khara Pringle
Natasha Agney and Hannah McHugh
93
OUT&ABOUT
Maeve Connolly, Allison Morris and Seanin Graham
with
SALONS IN ARTHUR ST BELFAST, FORESTSIDE S/C, LISBURN, ABBEYCENTRE, BALLYMENA, NEWRY, PORTADOWN
Catherine O’Neill, Kathy McKeever and Caroline Bickerstaff
SuperValu and Centra event, Harlem Members of the press, bloggers and others were invited to an event at Harlem Belfast, where guests enjoyed a ‘new menu’ launch with a twist – the twist being that the meals served up were from the new SuperValu and Centra evening meal solutions ranges which are now available in stores across Northern Ireland.
Patricia McIlroy and Jennifer Morton
Bronagh Berry, Kelly Akram and David Parker
R Jean Hill, Cameryn Hill, and Maia Cunningham
94
Allie Ford and Sonia Armstrong
OUT&ABOUT
Ciaran Fullern, Nathan Evans and Sarah Jane Alexander
with
SALONS IN ARTHUR ST BELFAST, FORESTSIDE S/C, LISBURN, ABBEYCENTRE, BALLYMENA, NEWRY, PORTADOWN
Kathryn McKeown and Gareth Rea
Hennessy Connoisseurs Challenge Nine of Northern Ireland’s top bartenders battled it out at the grand finale of the third annual Hennessy Connoisseurs Challenge, each vying for the chance to win a prestigious training scholarship with the world’s most iconic cognac brand. Michael Young from The Vault, Banbridge, Emer Kennedy from APOC, Belfast, and Mark McConville from House of Zen, Belfast were named as the winning trio. Mark McConville, Michael Young, Emer Kenney and Pete Snodden
Robert Gillespie and Katy Fearon
Mark McConville and Joshua Black
95
NORTHERN MAN
Coat from H&M £119.99
Autumn fashion and a big birthday By Jeff Meredith
J by Jasper Conran Purple Coat from Debenhams £150
Black Borg Collar Faux Suede Jacket from River Island £130
Khaki Parka Coat by Fred Perry from House of Fraser £200
T
his year is flying by so fast, but then, every year just flies by at a greater pace and that inevitably means more birthdays - which these days mean the flames from the number of candles on the cake can surely be seen from space. Talking of birthdays, it’s my partner’s 50th birthday this month, eek. But turning 50 means a celebration. By the time this issue goes to print we will have had the big holiday, three nights in New York followed by a cruise to New England then down to Bermuda. October continues with the birthday celebrations, which less face it, is never about that one day any more. We’ll be partying with the Ulster Orchestra at the Lush concert in the SSE Arena, we’ll also be enjoying both Joss Stone and Alison Moyet in the Ulster Hall, another quick cruise around the Med and a trip to Amsterdam. Yeah it’s a big deal this 50th lark, and expensive. October in Belfast also means it’s West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK. Cathy Martin and team are going big this season and taking over St Anne’s Cathedral from 26th-29th. FASHIONWEEK in Belfast is always a great place
96
to get inspiration for men’s new season trends. I’ve seen the cathedral dressed for an event and if FASHIONWEEK lives up to our expectations you’re all in for a treat. And that takes me through to the end of October by which stage it’s only weeks away from the C word, Christmas. I know where I’ll be recommending you buy all your presents from this year. Did I mention my stall at St George’s Market has the best banter gifts in the country? Talking of St George’s Market, I’m always looking for inspiration and the latest trends in design for my stationery and homeware business, and part of that involves visiting trade shows. On a recent trip to a Dublin trade show it was great to catch up with a few NI businesses. My favourite candle folks were there, Field Day from Comber, also Simply Special Handmade Cards from Omagh who make all their cards in-house with a team of 10 people working non-stop producing fun cards, and both Zohara handbags and Coast cosmetics from Ballymoney. Keep up the great work folks and keep it local! That’s it for this month. Thanks for reading Jeff
Paris Fashion Week. Pascal Le Segretain Getty Images
Baseball Jacket £59, Double Breasted Coat £89, Navy Jacket £129, all from M&S Collection
Statement outerwear By Jeff Meredith
Hoxun Jacket by Barbour £99.95
Trench By Turner & Sanderson from House of Fraser £200
Autumn is now well under way and it’s time to start upping the layers I talked about last month, by adding a winter coat. With so many to choose from it should be quite easy to find your new season outerwear. Let’s not play too safe though, it should make a statement about you and your style.
M&S Collection Gilet £45 and M&S Collection Luxury Coat £599 from M&S
Cromer Jacket by Barbour £199
Red Quilted Hooded Jacket from Burton Menswear £65
97
— COMPETITION —
Win
A stay at Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort
O
ne lucky Northern Woman reader will win a two-night midweek stay for two people at the prestigious Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort. Spend a couple of days away from it all at Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort, Cavan. Located in the heart of a magnificent estate, Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort is a contemporary and stylish hotel, full of country charm and character, surrounded by natural beauty among acres of rolling countryside. Spoil yourself in the serenity of the world-class destination health spa with full access to the indoor/outdoor infinity pool, Water Mint thermal suite, relaxation room and gym. A haven of relaxation, Farnham Estate is the only four-star hotel in Ireland to offer ESPA spa treatments. The range of offerings includes luxurious facials and body treatments, from aromatherapy and hot stone massages to full body scrubs, each one created to enhance physical and emotional wellbeing. Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort brings centuries of the very best of traditions of hospitality and natural beauty, and blends them with contemporary comfort and service, creating a destination unlike any other in Ireland. If you are not lucky enough to win on this occasion or for more information, visit www.farnhamestate.ie or call 049 4377700.
98
TO ENTER Simply answer this question: In what county is Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort situated? Email your answer and contact details to competitons@northernwoman.co.uk before 5pm on 20th October. T&Cs: The prize is non-transferrable, is subject to availability (midweek only), and excludes bank holiday weekends, Christmas, Easter and New Year’s Eve. INM T&Cs apply.