NW May 2016 by Helen Wright

The Loft @ peel

Labels include: Annette Gortz, Abro Bags & Shoes, Amara Knitwear, AG Jeans, Boutique Moschino, Crea Concept, Catherine Andre Knitwear, Caroline Cashmere, Cristina Gavioli, Citizens of Humanity Jeans, Greenstone Coats, Dom Goor Luxury Shearlings, Essentiel Antwerp, Isabel de Pedro, Le Cashmere, Marc Cain, Mother Denim, Okishi, Paola, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Riani, Skull Cashmere, Velvetees, Xenia Design & 360 Cashmere

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FEATURES

Contents

6 Girl on Film

Maeve Murphy award-winning screen writer and film director talks about working within the industry and her latest film Taking Stock.

LIFESTYLE

62 Home Office Solutions

Practical items to make your home office more pleasant and efficient.

72 Spring Treats

Mouth-watering barbeque recipes.

FASHION

10 Street Style

Everything from bomber jackets to slogan teeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and sweats, trainers and backpacks.

20 How to Wear the Trends

REGULARS

39 Working 9-5

NW chats to published author Jan Carson about her love of writing.

42 My Brilliant Career

NW takes three trends and advises how to wear them.

NW speaks to Sonia Irvine about her career in Formula One hospitality.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

98 A Day in the Life

When healthy eating becomes a danger obsession.

NW catches up with Susan WylieRoberts global head of PR for M.i.h Jeans.

58 Life-changing Experience

COMPETITIONs

52 Orthorexia

NW finds out more about the menopause. PUBLISHER: Independent News & Media Ltd Northern Woman 5b Edgewater Business Park Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast BT3 9JQ www.northernwoman.com T: 028 9078 3225 MANAGER: Eileen Wilson Doherty Art Editor: Karen Donnelly PRODUCTION MANAGER: Stuart Gray

Independent News & Media Ltd ÂŠ 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 Ltd.

Win... Check out pages 60, 69 and 76 for some fabulous prizes.

CONTRIBUTORS: Margaret Connolly, Kate Wilson Cody & Alicia Clarke Accounts: Gerardine Carson Design & Production: Independent News & Media Ltd PRINT: GPS cover credit: Image supplied courtesy of Marc Cain

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INTERVIEWMAEVEMURPHY

Maeve Murphy and Kelly Brook on the set of Taking Stock.

Girl on Film Maeve Murphy is an award-winning screen writer and film director and here she talks to NW about working within the industry and her latest feature film, Taking Stock.

elfast-born Maeve moved to London when she headed to Cambridge University to study English. Her early career was in theatre where she co-founded, co-wrote and acted for award-winning theatre company Trouble and Strife. Time spent working alongside award-winning director Ken Loach and his producer Rebecca O’Brien encouraged Maeve to pursue her ambitions to work in film. ‘To work in the same creative space as Ken Loach and Rebecca O’Brien and to receive encouragement from them was invaluable,’ says Maeve. ‘A lot of people are unaware of the inequalities in the film industry. While women wanting to pursue a career in this

field do mind to be mindful of that, certainly don’t dwell on it and if like me you are fortunate to work alongside individuals who nurture and encourage your creativity then as long as you produce good work and keep on going then you’ve as good a chance as any of succeeding,’ advises Maeve, who goes on to add, ‘My advice to anyone is keep going, also be strong and connect with other women, that’s a very important network to tap into.’ Maeve’s first short Amazing Grace was screened at the London Film Festival and the Edinburgh Film Festival before being screened on Channel Four and bought by Film Four. Her second short Salvage, was shown on UTV (Northern Ireland) and RTÉ

in Éire and was released by the BFI. Her first feature film Silent Grace, a prison drama, premiered at a market screening at Cannes and screened at the Galway, Taormina and the Hamptons Film Festival, USA, where it was nominated for the Conflict and Resolution Award in association with Nobel Peace Laureates Foundation. Silent Grace was based on a play that Maeve co-wrote with other members of Trouble and Strife called Now and at the Hour of our Death. It is a fictional drama based on real events, covering the largely untold story of Republican women prisoners’ involvement in the Dirty Protests and first Hunger Strikes of 1980/1981. It was released in cinemas in London, Belfast and Dublin in 2004, and it was supported by the Irish Film Board. Maeve went on to win the Soka Art

I like to make films that ❝ refresh people’s spirit or raise awareness; opening people’s minds or hearts.

❞

INTERVIEWMAEVEMURPHY Award for the film for her work for lasting peace. ‘I like to make films that refresh people’s spirit or raise awarenss; opening people’s minds or hearts, through both drama and comedy. I also tend to have strong female leads as central characters. I have been an SGI Buddhist for 20 years and the philosophy of Buddism is brought into my film work as I gently enlighten my audiences with subjects based on what is going on around us in society today; it’s a balancing act between substance and entertainment,’ explains Maeve. For her second feature film Beyond the Fire, a love story, Maeve won Best UK Feature at the London Independent Film Festival in 2009 and Best International Feature at Garden State Film Festival USA in 2010. It was selected for the Belfast Film Festival and the ICA New British Cinema season. It had a London, Belfast, Dublin cinema release, supported by UKFC in 2009 and 2010. It was broadcast on Irish TV in the spring of 2010 and in 2011 was sold to the BBC, and broadcast on BBC2 in March 2013. Maeve won the Sub-ti International short film Award 2011 for her comedy drama short Sushi, starring Luanna Priestman and Junichi Kajioka. Venice Days from the Venice Film Festival were co judges and it was announced there. Sushi is an extract from her new austerity comedy caper feature

Perhaps my next project will bring me back to Northern ❝ Ireland. I have lived away from home since my late teens but I’m aware of all the recent developments in TV and film happening there.

❞

film Taking Stock, starring Kelly Brook and Scot Williams. Taking Stock was selected for the 2015 Monaco International Film Festival where it won four awards: Independent Spirit Award: Taking Stock directed by Maeve Murphy; Best Supporting Actor; Best Producer; Best Cinematography. Released in cinemas across the UK on 5th February, Taking Stock centres on recently redundant shop assistant Kate (Kelly Brook) who discovers that exacting revenge on her former employer is the ideal way to finally indulge her long-standing Bonnie & Clydeinspired fantasies. ‘Taking Stock is my third feature film and my first comedy. It is fun and playful, and has its roots in the austerity era,’ comments Maeve. ‘Kelly Brook plays Kate who has a crazy idea to rob her former employers. I also have a tiny role in the film as a pawnbroker. ‘It was great to see ‘my baby’ rolled out

in cinemas across the UK and at the end of March I take it to the Garden State Film Festival in New Jersey and I’ll see what that brings. ‘I really am just enjoying the moment, getting the UK release was such a fantastic achievement, however, that said, I am thinking about what my next project will be. I have done drama and I have done comedy, so I might look at a script that brings the two together – who knows? ‘Perhaps my next project will bring me back to Northern Ireland. I have lived away from home since my late teens but I’m aware of all of the recent developments in TV and film happening there and I would love to come back and make a film.’ As she enjoys the success of Taking Stock and work begins on her next project, Maeve Murphy’s is certainly a name that we can expect to hear more of in British film making and she is definitely an inspiration to other women.

Maeve Murphy

FASHION&LIFESTYLENEWS Jet-setting Paul Stafford flies into award shortlist Belfast celebrity stylist Paul Stafford discovered he’s been named one of the UK’s top hairdressers minutes after returning from a whistle-stop tour of America. Paul, who was in the States for 10 days visiting New York, Boston and Chicago to show how the Brits do hair, was told as he disembarked that he is one of six finalists in the prestigious Cut awards run by leading consumer magazine Hair. ‘They were practically waiting for me on the tarmac but after 10 days of sell-out shows I was shattered, so it took a few minutes to register,’ said Paul, who’d been in the US with Bangor-based Denman. Winners will be announced in June.

Fashion & LifestyleNews Celebrations, new arrivals and collection launches fill our pages this issue. Moores of Coleraine Celebrates Heritage An innovative new heritage project aimed at celebrating the special position Moores plays within its local community was recently unveiled by Councillor Michelle Knight McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Neville Moore, Managing Director of Ulster Stores. The project was commissioned to coincide with Moores of Coleraine’s 90th anniversary and there will now be a heritage wall and book in Café M showcasing memorabilia since 1925 when Moores first opened its doors.

Shh! Beaufort Interiors Open in London Moira-based Beaufort Interiors are pleased to announce the opening of their new dedicated showroom on the ground floor of Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, London. The new store launched on 13th March, just in time for London’s highly anticipated Design Week, where the company is thrilled to be unveiling ‘The Beaufort Collection’, a selection of exclusively designed and manufactured furnishings. The new Beaufort Collection is also available from the Moira showroom.

Victoria Victoria Beckham has arrived at Lisburn Road and Holywood boutique Please Don’t Tell. As the secondary line to the eponymous Victoria Beckham label, it now combines the previously standalone denim line, which can be combined with this season’s crisp white separates and playful designs with laser-cut flowers, tile motifs, folklore prints and Bertie the chicken!

FASHION&LIFESTYLENEWS Walk This Way Katie Larmour, patron of Pretty ‘n’ Pink Breast Cancer Charity, partners with Skechers Performance to launch the limited edition Skechers GOwalk 3™footwear collection. For each pair sold, £5 will be donated to Pretty ‘n’ Pink to help raise awareness and provide vital support services for breast cancer patients here in NI. The limited edition Skechers GOwalk 3™collection is only available at Skechers retail shops in NI.

Fashion Meets Furniture IKEA has partnered with menswear designer Katie Eary who is known for her use of pattern and colour and now she is bringing her own unique style into homes with the new GILTIG collection. ‘I’ve learnt loads through working with IKEA - it’s great to see my designs in a totally different context. There’s so much you can do within home furnishing and so many boundaries to break still,’ says Katie.

Lidl Returns to Fashion Circuit

Stephen Hagan Stars in New Movie Greenisland actor Stephen Hagan who we met last issue is curently starring in Columbia Pictures’ new movie ‘RISEN’, which hit cinema screens across the UK and Ireland on Friday 18th March 2016. Stephen stars alongside Joseph Fiennes (Clavius) in this epic Biblical story of the Resurrection, as told through the eyes of a non-believer.

Following the sell-out success of its debut collection last year Lidl NI returns with clothing inspired by the Tropical Deco architecture of Miami and the contrasting bohemian blue hues of the Mediterranean. Shoppers can expect an eclectic selection of key season staples and stunning swimwear, the majority of which will be available for a very pursefriendly £7.99 or under. The first wave of products from the collection went on sale in March, with the additional pieces scheduled to land in stores nationwide between April and July.

FASHIONSTREETSTYLE

Street Style Relax your style this season and kick back in these wardrobe essentials.

Kim Khardashian teams her bomber with a bodycon dress.

Ellie Goulding relaxes tailored trousers with a slogan t-shirt and bomber jacket. Bomber Jacket, £75, La Redoute Singer Ciara opts for a Givenchy design.

Bomber Jackets The must-have piece this season, a bomber jacket looks great with dresses, tailored trousers, pencil skirts and jeans.

Quilted Bomber Jacket, £39.99, Zara

Jacket, £65, Limited Edition @ M&S

Suede Bomber Jacket, £120, Next

Pale Pink Sateen Floral Bomber Jacket, £29.99, New Look

Pink Bomber Jacket, £27.99, New Look

Topshop, £55

FASHIONSTREETSTYLE

yful. Olivia Wilde keeps it pla

Jamie Chung says it like it is!

Taylor Swift gets lyrical.

Katherine Hamnett Alexa Chung opts for an oversized T-shirt.

Slogan Tees & Sweats Whether fanciful or meaningful, let your top do the talking this spring/summer.

Burgundy Friday Feeling Print T-Shirt, £6.99, New Look

Moschino Oversized Printed Cotton T-shirt, £115 @ net- a-porter.com

Slogan T-Shirt, £25, Frolics @ lipsy.co.uk

Easy Tiger Sweatshirt, £80, Zoe Karssen

Versace Cut-out Logo Sweatshirt, £750 @ matchesfashion.com

Retro Raglan Tee, £6, Primark

FASHIONSTREETSTYLE Jigsaw Ayda Leather Trainers £98.00

Kendall Jenner does double denim and trainers.

They’re not just for the gym you know!

Wear with your summer maxi dress.

Alexa Chung strides out in Converse.

Trainers

From slip-on pumps to running shoes; floral prints to plain white or black, keep your footwear on track. Women’s Stan Smith Luxe Trainers, £66.99, Adidas Originals

Ervyn, £79, Dune

Floral Trainers, £28, River Island

Lace-Up Trainers, £135, Marc Cain Gandino, £79.95, Moda in Pelle @ Panache

Women’s Free 5.0 V4 NS PT Trainers, £84.99, Nike

FASHIONSTREETSTYLE Blake Leather Backpack, £179, Jigsaw

gym Bella Thorne leaves the with Chanel.

Jamie Chung adds a pop of colour with her backpack.

Khloe Kardashian works out with Givenchy.

Olivia Palermo always totes the must-have accessories.

Backpacks Functional and on-trend, you’ve got to love a backpack! Billy Backpack, £165, Oushka

Dalston, £199, Radley

Callie Drawstring Backpack In Tropical Border Print, £69, Fiorelli Rainbow Backpack, £1,295, Anya Hindmarch

Tan Tassel Backpack, £10, Primark

Face Backpack, £125, Lulu Guinness @ House of Fraser

FASHIONNWLOVES

loves Here are a few of our fashionable favourites...

Tucson Pailey Print Blouse, £195, Isabel Marant Etoile @ matchesfashion.com

Khaki Bomber with Floral Print, £29.99, New Look

Monogramme Fringed Suede & Leather Clutch, £550, Saint Laurent @ net- a-porter.com

Silver Python Double Jigsaw Bracelet, £120, Leighelena @ sixforgoldboutique.com

The Black Tate Dress, £228, from All Saints - versatile and easy to wear!

Vadier Vest, £225, Max Mara A Rolex - need we say more!

Jalouse Boots in Topo Suede, £155, Ash

This Nicandra Ring by Lulu Frost is just one example of her exquisite pieces!

ADVERTORIAL

GET REAL THIS SPRING Experience the most exclusive brands in fashion, homeware and beauty this Spring at REAL, the Lisburn Road’s most eclectic store. This unique shopping experience provides everything required to re-awaken your wardrobe and home for the new season, with all items handpicked and sourced from across the globe.

The store is alive with colour from the softhues of pink and teal, to timeless stone and white. Enjoy the sleek but relaxed styles of DKNY, a Northern Irish exclusive at REAL. From simple tees to stunning jackets, the collection is fresh and modern. Warm and Co’s vibrant light knits and Harris Wharf light weight wool coats also provide the perfect layering pieces to combat the cool days of April. If a pop of colour is what you are need, simply brighten up any outfit with an iconic hand-finished scarf from British designer, Jane Carr.

Her unique prints and use of texture have turned a simple accessory into a head turning piece. For the ultimate in arm candy chic, Meli Melo’s buttery soft Italian leather handbags as seen on fashionista Olivia Palermo are the spring “must have” to carry all of your new season essentials.

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5.30pm.

For more information visit www.shop-real.com

LIVING MEN / WOMEN / GIFTS HOMEWARE / ACCESSORIES 713A LISBURN ROAD, BELFAST, BT9 7GU. T: 028 9068 3939

SHOP-REAL.COM

FASHIONVIVAESPANA

Viva Espana With such a rich culture and the influence of countless beautiful beaches and villages, it's no wonder that the clothing that comes out of Spain is one of a kind!

BIMBA Y LOLA Strategically positioned in the affordable luxury range, BIMBA Y LOLA offers quality design at a reasonable price. Aimed at 20 to 40-something women want to wear quality products with a great deal of personality.

Custo Barcelona The Dalmau brothers, Custo and David, created Custo Barcelona in the early 80s after a long trip travelling all around the world. Characteristics of the Catalan fashion label include complex and colourful graphical prints and intricate textile finishing.

Manolo Blahnik Spanish shoe designer Manolo Blahnik redefined femininity with his fashion-forward footwear, which blends experimental design with classic elegance. Blahnikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stunning shoes are instantly recognisable thanks to their signature stiletto heel and luxurious texture. Unafraid of vivid colour, shape and embellishment, Blahnik's bold efforts have established him as a design icon of our time.

Pretty Ballerinas

Pretty Ballerinas is a brand of ballerinas and flat shoes launched in 2005. Although the name is relatively new, the shoes have been made in the same village on the Mediterranean island of Menorca by the same family since 1918. Each shoe shape is named after a female screen or music icon to help customers remember which shape suits them best.

FASHIONVIVAESPANA

Chie Mihara Chie Mihara launched her shoe line in Elda, Spain, in 2002. Drawing on vintage influences, she began taking details from the past and reworking them to reflect contemporary esthetics and modern fashion. Her distinctive footwear quickly gained a following devoted to Chie's unique approach to comfort and style.

Loewe A Spanish luxury fashion house based in Madrid and is owned by the LVMH Group. In October 2013, esteemed Northern Irish born fashion designer J.W. Anderson was appointed Creative Director.

Hoss Intropia

Zara Spanish high street brand Zara was described by Louis Vuitton Fashion Director Daniel Piette as ‘possibly the most innovative and devastating retailer in the world’! Who doesn’t love Zara for it’s affordable designer replicas and it’s own unique, stylish take on the seasonal trends?

Hoss Intropia loves to play with textures, embroidery, bead-work and detailing. The brand’s ‘dress to dazzle’ philosophy is evident in the use of rich fabrics such as silks and knits. Combine this label’s clothes with the same brand’s accessories and you’ve put together that winning look.

FASHIONVIVAESPANA

Mango In 1984 the first Mango store opened in the centre of Barcelona. A year later, there were five new stores in the city - and as they say the rest is history! Mango offer affordable on-trend clothing, footwear and accessories for every occasion.

Pull & Bear This label offers affordable urban clothing to casual fashion lovers. Understanding the value of comfort, the brand offers styled garments that are easy to wear and yet remain tailored. Pull & Bear understands the trends that appeal to their youthful customer and transforms them into a variety of cool garments, right from graphic tees to long sleeved shirts and jackets.

Desigual If colours make you drool, Desigual is simply a label that is as possibly vibrant as it can ever get. This is a casual clothing brand that is eye-catching, attention grabbing and intentionally flamboyant. Its creations are noteworthy in the sense of their innovative colour palettes, intense and busy prints, and artsy graffiti.

Massimo Dutti

Massimo Dutti produces sharp and classic clothes for both men and women. The designs are contemporary and the clothes are made from natural and textured fabrics. The brand has received rave reviews for the quality of clothes as well as the finesse in detailing and craftsmanship. If you are a fan of sharp dressing and tend to bend towards timeless style, then this is the label for you.

Spring @ 17 Charlemont Street, Moy, BT71 7SL Telephone: 028 8778 9955 Find us on

FASHIONHOWTOWEAR

How to wear the Trends: S/S16 Last issue we introduced you to a selection of the new season trends, now NW highlights three of these and advises how to wear them.

Cristina Gavioli S/S16

FASHIONHOWTOWEAR

Stripes

Rokdanda Illincic S/S16

Blumarine S/S16 Tommy Hilfiger S/S16

tripes never really fall out of fashion, but they are certainly enjoying their time in the limelight this season. While you may be wary of stripes, when paired with the right pieces, they can be super flattering and really enhance your figure. On the catwalks this season, designers were mixing wide and thin stripes or pairing stripes with florals, however, not everyone will be able, or willing, to carry off these looks. The key to wearing stripes in the ‘real world’ is to always wear just one print matched with a solid. For example, a vertically striped blouse looks great with white trousers or jeans. Vertically striped trousers or skirts can make you look taller and in style when worn with a solidcoloured T-shirt or blouse. For dresses, avoid horizontal stripes that widen your shape, unless you have a boyish figure and need to create some curves. For example, if you have a small bust wear stripes on top and if you have large hips avoid wearing stripes on the bottom half of your body. If you aren’t sure about wearing stripes opt for clothing with striped detailing on the sleeves or around the neck, or nod to the trend with colourful, striped accessories such as a scarf, bag or shoes.

Jackie JS Lee S/S16

Max Mara S/S16

Olivia Palermo’s look isn’t for the faint-hearted!

Miranda Kerr keeps it simple with a striped top.

Mixed Print Dress, £289, Marc Cain @ Katriona, Banbridge

Jaeger Block Stripe Sweater, £150, Jaeger

Bucket Bag, £28, Next

FASHIONHOWTOWEAR

Ruffles

Peter Pilotto S/S16

Alexander McQueen S/S16 Jason Wu S/S16

uffles are everywhere, but many of us have trouble finding the right ruffles to flatter our figure. In general, you should keep ruffles away from areas of your body that are already full. Pairing them with simple, structured pieces also prevents the style from overwhelming your entire figure. When it comes to tops, ruffles that travel in a horizontal line, from shoulder to shoulder, draw attention to your bust and create the illusion of fullness. On the other hand, ruffles that travel in a narrow line down the centre of your blouse draws the eye up and down, rather than side to side, which may prevent the ruffle detailing from making your chest look any larger. The best way to wear the free-flowing Ralph ruffle is by pairing it with structured pieces. A Lauren S/S16 structured jacket, like a boyfriend blazer, adds a chic amount of masculine contrast to an ultra feminine style and a pencil skirt flatters most figures and provides just enough structure to keep free-flowing ruffles in line. As for wearing skirts with ruffles, if you have narrow hips, they create the illusion of volume and, speaking of ruffles adding volume, ruffled dresses are best avoided unless you have a lean bodyshape and need to add curves. Be wary about wearing large ruffles when you have a small frame. Large ruffles may overwhelm you, but smaller, more delicate ruffles will often do fine. A shoulder bag or shoe with a ruffled design on it is an effective way to add ruffles to your style without worrying about drawing attention to any particular part of your body.

J.W. Anderson S/S16

Rosie Huntington Whiteley

Brie Larson in Gucci at this year’s Oscars

Jacket £130, Gerry Weber, Newtownards Asymmetric Ruffle Hem Knit, £69, Mint Velvet @ Menarys

White Lace Tiered Dress, £50, River Island

FASHIONHOWTOWEAR

Floral Prints

lowers are most certainly in bloom this spring/summer, and while it’s tempting to pull out the same petal-strewn dress you wore last year, or the year before that - don’t! You don't want to be rehashing last year's foliaged fashion and simply wearing florals again. Take them out of the traditional ‘pretty’ and ‘occasion-only’ categories and put them in one with a little more attitude! Add some edge by teaming with this season’s sheer trend. Perhaps a sheer blouse with a printed floral skirt or trouser? Or you might prefer to opt for a floral dress interspersed with sheer panels? Fringing is going nowhere this season and with the festivals just around the corner, there’s no better way to embrace the ‘summer of love’ vibe than with floral prints and lots of seventies-inspired fringing. Pair a floral maxi dress with a fringed suede jacket, bag or boots (don’t work all three of these fringed accessories together!) or add a floral fringe detail kimono to finish off your look. Opt for dark colour combinations over pastels this season and remove any hint of pretty, sweetness by teaming with lace and leather finishes. From leather jackets to lace detailing, a biker boot or some stud detailing, all of these will give your florals rock ‘n’roll edge. Florals also command attention in 3D this season - just look at Cate Blanchett’s stunning Oscar gown to see how this works. An easy way to introduce this trend is through your accessories - a bag, brooch or hair slide are all easy ways to bring florals to life. Also look out for tops with 3D florals along the neckline.

Jason Wu S/S16

Fyodor Golan S/S16 Alexander McQueen S/S16

Gucci S/S16 Simone Rocha S/S16

Cate Blanchette in 3D floral at this year’s Oscars.

Jessica Alba

Floral Print Trousers, £65, Laura Ashley

Dress, £60, River Island

Pink 3D Floral Clutch £19.99, New Look

10 West Street, Portadown, Co. Armagh, BT62 3PD Tel: 028 3835 4907 Find us on facebook • www.sitaramorgan.com

Lingerie • Nightwear • Swimwear

FASHIONDENIM

Everybody loves Denim Denim is an essential part of any wardrobe; it feels comfy and it looks cool! While there are plenty of denim options to choose from, there are certain items that are having their moment in the limelight this season and here NW brings you some examples of these.

RETRO DUNGAREES

Pinafore Dress, £20, F+F @ Tesco

Dungarees are back with a bang! This childhood staple has been resurrected in multiple styles for the new season, from fitted to baggy and everything in between. Poppy Delevingne Kate Bosworth Alexa Chung

Linda Denim Pinafore Dress, £470, Stella MCartney Denim Pinafore, £38, River Island

PERFECT PINAFORES If dungarees aren’t for you, why not try a pinafore dress. Just like the dungaree, the pinafore dress had gained quite the fashion following.

Fearne Cotton

Sarah Jessica Parker

Karolina Pinafore Dress, £59, Monsoon

Jenna Coleman

Alexa Chung

Hannell Mustaparta in Frame Denim

Ferne McCann

Saint All in One in Duffle Blue, £295, M.i.h Jeans

Solange Knowles

Dungarees with Tie Detail, £50, River Island Denim Dungarees, £45, La Redoute Hanelli Mustapartas

FASHIONDENIM

HIGH-WAISTED SKINNY

The trend for skinny jeans at the moment is a high rise style that sits on the ankle. A flattering style that holds in the tum and lifts the bum - what’s stopping you getting a pair!

Miranda Kerr

Barbara Martelo in Saint Laurent High Rise Skinny Jeans

Olivia Culpo

1. Moto Bleach Hayden Jeans, £40, Topshop 2. Light Wash Distressed Boyfriend Jeans, £75, Levi’s 3. Ripped Boyfriend Jeans £32, Rochelle Humes for very.co.uk. 4. Boyfriend Jeans, £7.99, Lidl 5. Linda Boyfriend Jeans, £225, M.i.h. Jeans

LOOSE FIT BOYFRIEND 4.

Bar Refaeli

This style is a must for those dress down days teamed with a pair of trainers but it can look equally good with a pair of heels and a blazer.

Jessica Alba

1. Wondersculpt High Waisted Skinny Jeans, £16, George at Asda 2. Moto Blue Joni Jeans, £36, Topshop 3. Mid Wash High Waist Skinny Jeans £24.99, New Look 4. High Rise Jeans, £40, River Island 5. Barbara High Rise Super Skinny Jean in Convoy, £230 Hudson Jeans @ House of Fraser 6. Jeans, from £99.90, Mos Mosh Jeans @ Evelin Brandt, Belfast

Katie Holmes

Olivia Palermo

FASHIONDENIM

DENIM SKIRTS

Mini, midi, pencil or A-line there’ plenty of choice when it comes to finding the perfect denim skirt for your style.

Denim Button Down Skirt, £28, Indigo @ M&S

Rihanna opts for a pencil fit Alexa Chung favours an A-line mini skirt.

Frayed Denim Pencil Skirt, £35, River Island

Long Light Wash Denim Skirt, £22.99, New Look

Dash Denim Skirt, £39, Jacques Vert @ Menarys

Olivia Palermo

Claudia Schiffer

Denim Shirt, £89, Jaeger

Patch Pocket Denim Skirt, £69, Mint Velvet

DENIM SHIRTS

Miranda Kerr

A durable, timeless piece, wear yours on its own or layer as a lightweight jacket this spring/summer.

Theres Botanical Denim Shirt, £420, Stella McCartney

Basic Denim Shirt, £29.99, Zara

Jennifer Lopez in Mother Denim and J Brand

Ashley Simpson Ross

P Specialising in Bridesmaids, Mother of the Bride Outfits, Wedding Guests & Occasion Wear

Perfect Night 94 William Street, Lurgan 028 3834 2069

www.facebook.com/perfectnightlurgan

Creative Thinking Mix prints, patterns and colour for an exciting, ethnic inspired look this summer.

Essentiel Antwerp Belt £73, Essentiel Antwerp Burnt Orange & Black Suede Wedge £81, both at Peel & The Loft, Bloomfield Avenue; Tobacco Utility Jacket £14.50 at ASOS; Border Print Wide Leg Trousers £18 at Glamorous; Suede Fringe Cape £70 at Zara; Items not priced, stylists own.

Check Co-ord Waistcoat £10.50 and Wide Leg Trouser £16, both at ASOS; Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt £12.99 at New Look; Geox Black Leather pumps £75 at White Bicycle, Holywood. Items not priced, stylists own.

Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini Stripe Top £224, Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini Print Culottes £342, Xenia Design Neoprene Waistcoat £442, Essentiel Antwerp Embellished Bag £123 and Essentiel Antwerp Woven Belt £73, all at Peel & The Loft, Bloomfield Avenue. Metallic Slider Sandals £15 at Cloggs, Items not priced, stylists own.

Check Print Woven Shirt £27 at ESPRIT; Loop Detail Waist Belt £7 at ASOS; Ottod’Ame Beige Embroidered trousers £122 and Set Black Sleeveless Tailored Jacket £295, both at White Bicycle, Holywood. Items not priced, stylists own.

Essentiel Antwerp Blue Shirt £98, Essentiel Antwerp Printed Jacket £190, Essentiel Antwerp Printed Pant £148, Essentiel Antwerp Wedge £115, Essentiel Antwerp Woven Belt £64 and Marc Cain Trilby Hat £25, all at Peel & The Loft, Bloomfield Avenue, Items not priced, stylists own.

Photographer: Khara Pringle www.kharapringlephotographic.com Styling: Eve Brannon 0781 7597067 Assisted by Julia šokele Make-up by Paddy McGurgan assisted by Louise Lavery @ Make-Up Pro Store, Belfast Hair: Michael Quinn 028 9043 4003 Model: Gracie @ 1st Option

Cream Stripe Shirt £19.99 at New Look; Yerse Navy Stripe Trouser £75 and Ottod’Ame Navy Grey Trim Blazer £124, both at White Bicycle, Holywood. Items not priced, stylists own.

Location: Haptik

FASHIONSHOPTHESHOOT

Wide Leg Trousers, £20, Matalan

Jaquard Kimono, £19, Primark

Elvi Suedette Fringe Jacket, £65, House of Fraser

Necklace, £16, Next

Shop the Shoot Add interest and excitement to your summer wardrobe by mixing and matching lots of patterns and colours to give the air of an urban explorer.

Amarpur Turq Shield Ring, £10, Accessorize

Blue Shirt, £36, Principle by BDL @ Debenhams

Tassel Earrings, £8, Next

Scarf, £40, Gerry Weber

Wedges, £50, River Island

Skirt, £65, River Island

FASHIONFLUSHVSFRUGAL Flush:

Flush:

Jeans, £215, Hudson @ House of Fraser

Burberry Prorsum S/S16

Rockstar Heels, £620, Valentino

STUDS

DENIM Frugal: Studded Heels, £35, Savida @ Dunnes Stores

Frugal:

Jeans, £40, River Island

Flush:

Emmanuelle large fringedsuede shoulder bag, £1,605, Saint Laurent

LACE

Flush Vs Frugal

Frugal:

Lace Dress, £55, Topshop

If you like designer style but dislike the price tag, here are a few complementary high street finds that you can afford... Flush:

Allard Suede Jacket, £565, Isabel Marant Etoile

Flush:

Cecily black embroidered satin bomber jacket, £1,485, Jonathan Saunders

FRINGING

SUEDE

FLORALS

Frugal:

Black Suede Tassel Bucket Bag, £135, Biba @ House of Fraser

Black Satin Embroidered Bomber Jacket, £59.99, Zara

Frugal:

Suedette Trucker Jacket, £23, Primark

Working 9-5

Image Courtesy of La Redoute

WORKINGWOMAN

This issue Jan Carson talks about her writing career; Sonia Irvine discusses her business venture Amber Lounge and her life within the glamorous world of Formula 1; working wardrobe is filled with smart styles, and last but not least, we encourage you to be more productive by taking some well-earned time off! NW

Photography by Laura Conlon

WORKINGWOMAN

Creatively Speaking Published author Jan Carson talks to NW about her love of writing which like most creative careers doesn’t always pay enough to give up the day job.

well-regarded, published author, 36-year-old Belfast-based Jan Carson is a passionate supporter of local arts and when she isn’t organising family movie sessions, singing events and tea dances she can be found immersed in her writing. ‘I always loved reading as a child and I went on to study English Literature at Queen’s. I also have a Masters in Theology

and Contemporary Culture from St Andrews and have been working in the arts scene in Belfast, Portland, Oregon and London for the last 15 years. ‘I never seriously considered creating until I found myself working in a very vibrant arts community on the west Coast of America in 2005. Other writers and artists encouraged me and scribbling away at short

stories quickly became an essential part of my days. ‘I am extremely driven and passionate about my writing. I set aside the time to write every day from 5.30-6pm until 7.308pm on weekdays and at the weekend I devote four hours every Saturday and Sunday. ‘I know this probably sounds very

WORKINGWOMAN

disciplined but while others might go home and relax infront of the TV, I prefer to put pen to paper! To be honest, I just don’t feel ‘normal’ if I don’t create and it’s simply part of my daily routine now. ‘When I am writing I’ll be working on short stories as well as novels and dipping in and out of both. Short stories come quite easily to me. I don't have a terribly

good attention span and find that I begin to get distracted by other ideas after 5,000 words – perfect short story timing. I tend to view novels as a series of mountain peaks. Each chapter always seems to have a point at which you feel like you’re pushing an elephant up a large hill, then there's always a coasting period on the other side.’ Jan has a vivid imagination and writes magic realsim and her first novel ‘Malcolm Orange Disappears’ is set in Portland. It is about a little boy whose father abandons the family forcing Malcolm’s mother to take a job in a retirement community. The stress causes Malcolm to begin to disappear and he then goes on a quest to find a cure alongside his new, and rather quirky, friends from the retirement community. ‘This is essentially a novel about loss and how different people deal with it, but it's far from being a traditional piece of literary fiction. I have worked a lot with elderly people and I’m constantly inspired by their stories and the lives they’ve led. I wanted this novel to honour older people and give them a chance to be centre stage for a change. I started writing it in 2008 and many, many late nights and early mornings later, finished it just before Christmas 2012. ‘In have written five books to date. ‘Malcolm Orange Disappers’ was the first one to be published, others haven’t made it that far and I’m currently promoting my latest published work ‘Children’s Children’ which is a collection of 15 fictional short stories that focus on the family and its role in society, which are based on my observations and dialogues of the people I meet in and around where I live and spend time in East Belfast. ‘I am currently working on a new novel, ‘Sirens’ and will start looking for a publisher in the next year or so and I also have a manuscript of Bob Dylan’s early life which is currently sitting around 140,000 words and I need to find the time to wrestle it down to the 75,000 average needed for a novel! ‘Even though I have been fortunate to have work published, this doesn’t mean that all my work from this point will automatically follow suit. I don’t think people realise this, nor do they have an understanding of how hard it is to solely devote yourself to writing without the need for a second, or even third job to financially support yourself. ‘To put it into perspective, the awardwinning author English author Will Self, who has been in the shortlist for the UK’s highest literary award, the Man Booker Prize in 2012 has spoken about the earnings of authors and the declining royalty income from novels. Where Will makes his money is from his personal appearances on the back of his success as well as deals to write for

Pick up a copy of ‘Children’s Children’ by Jan Carson at No Alibis, Waterstones, Easons and Amazon.

newspapers and magazines etc. Also when you hear of authors receiving a large sum such as a £125,000 book advance this might have to do them for a period of four years or so, therefore when you break it all down it’s not as much as it sounds really. ‘I certainly wouldn’t be able to live off what I earn from my published work and I’m not often paid for my appearances; if I am lucky enough to receive payment it may be to cover my travel expenses! ‘However, I was fortunate to be one of 15 recipients of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's ACES in 2014, which allowed me to take three months and focus on my writing without distractions. Having to squeeze my writing in to evenings and weekends, working it around my busy day job can be frustrating and limiting, so this was a fantastic opportunity to see what I could really do and develop my career as a writer. ‘For anyone else wanting to follow a career in writing and the arts, I would say that we are blessed with a strong, supportive community here in NI and if it’s in you, trust me, your passion will out. ‘All of my family, friends and other writers that I know are so supportive and this always helps to keep me motivated and on track. I know I won’t stop writing, and who knows one day I might be able to say this is the only thing I have to do to earn a living!’

WORKINGWOMAN

My Brilliant Career Following her brother into the world of Formula 1 racing, Sonia Irvine moved from a career in physio to follow a new path in hospitality with her venture, Amber Lounge. Photo by Billionaire

Tell us a bit about Amber Lounge and what prompted you to start the business?

Twenty years ago, I entered the F1 fraternity as my brother, Eddie Irvine’s, personal physiotherapist. Soon, I became physio to the whole Ferrari team and as I was socialising with other F1 drivers, team principals and team sponsors, the idea of setting up a place to party and celebrate the races all together came to me. I decided to give it a try in Monaco in 2003 and here we are today. Amber Lounge has travelled the world with around 1,000 guests per night and will for sure continue to do so in the future.

Describe a typical working day.

I drop my daughters at school, then if there’s time I try and train for an hour to be in the office by ten, but things are pretty busy at the minute so I tend to head straight to the office. I’ve already checked my own emails and replied to the priority ones before arriving at the office, then I’ll reply and file the remainder as soon as I’m seated at my desk. My main concern is to make my clients happy so I try and solve everything that is related to them first. Once this is done, I meet with various members of my team, I try to make sure that each department has quality time with me to go through the goals for the week, discuss any issues and most importantly check how we can make things better for the next event. The day then goes on between phone calls with F1 teams, agents, meetings and sometimes business lunches - I can promise you one thing: I’m never bored!

What is the best, and worst, part about your job?

Without a doubt, the best thing is to make people happy and to achieve all of our sponsors’ goals! Amber Lounge is a lot of fun whether the celebrations are on our yachts or in the club. Seeing our guests enjoying themselves and business being done, it means we have achieved our goals; it’s what we’ve been working towards for months and it’s the best reward my team and I can have. With regard to the worst part, I would say that when I travel I miss my daughters a lot! It’s sometimes tough being a working mum.

What would you say has been the highlight of your career to date?

There have been many but if I had to mention just one, I would refer to the party we had in Mexico last year. Mexicans were definitely in the mood to celebrate the return of the Grand Prix in their country and not only did they do so in the paddock but also at Amber Lounge! Everywhere I looked, I could see gorgeous girls dancing, champagne flowing and people laughing, the atmosphere created was electric. This was a great success and I can’t wait to party with them again in October.

Growing up in Northern Ireland, could you have imagined this is what you would be doing?

Not at all. At school I had no exact idea what I wanted to be! In fact, I was actually inspired by a friend who wanted to be a physiotherapist and I thought that’s a good career. I went on to get accepted and train as a physio never expecting it to lead to a career in F1. I changed direction in careers

as I lost my passion for physio and I feel that’s right; if you’ve no passion in your work it shows so make a change either in mindset or career! I have no regrets. I have always followed my instincts and that’s led me along the right path. The best advice I could give someone who wants to develop a successful business is to find a great concept, always stay focused and determined and surround yourself with motivated people.

Have you any future plans for Amber Lounge or for yourself with another venture? I always have a lot in mind for Amber Lounge but it’s sometimes a juggling act between Amber Lounge needs and those of my children’s. We will run in Monaco, Singapore, Mexico City and Abu Dhabi, I can promise a lot of surprises as we are making subtle changes to the concept. I can’t say too much at the minute but if you come to any of these events you can let me know if you like the changes! I’m also working on two ventures outside of F1, so life is busy.

WORKINGWOMAN

Taking time off increases productivity How many of you took time off at Easter? Have you summer holidays booked yet? According to a recent study, one-third of British workers did not take their entire annual leave last year. So why is this the case? And, why are employees not encouraging staff to take time off, when it has been shown to lead to greater productivity?

et’s face it, taking time off can be a double edged sword thanks to today’s technology. Our mobile phones mean that even when we are off we are on, and sometimes we feel that checking emails remotely helps to reduce the backlog that will need addressed upon our return. Apparently, the average person receives and sends 121 business emails a day, but take a week off and multiply that by five working days and you can see why returning to approximately 605 unopened emails is a little daunting! However, it’s a fact that everyone needs time off. You get more done quicker when you step back and recharge the brain and body. Numerous studies conducted over the years show that performance increases after breaks of all durations: from extended holidays down to microbreaks of 30 seconds. If you work for yourself, you need to get better at taking breaks (and all that is said in this article in reference to employees applies to you too!), and if you work for an employer, your health and happiness should be a priority, but as we all know this isn’t always the case.

Studies have proven ❝ that employees who took holidays showed higher levels of productivity, increased morale, and improved job satisfaction.

❞

It’s worth pointing out that a recent study found that: • Holiday improves workforce productivity: More than three in four talent leaders (77%) believe that employees who use their holiday time are more productive than those who do not. • Employees who take most or all of their

holiday time are happier in their jobs: A strong majority of human resource managers (78%) say that taking advantage of available holiday time improves employee job satisfaction. • Taking advantage of available holidays leads to a happy, motivated workforce: Nine in 10 respondents (90%) agreed that employee holidays are an important component in maintaining a positive organisational culture. • Employees continue to leave time on the table: Six in 10 organisations report that their employees fail to use an average of three or more days of paid vacation each year.

Unlimited holidays is a rare benefit, but not unheard of and their expectation is that employees will still be responsible enough to do their work. Recharging, refueling, rebooting – call it what you will, our brains and bodies need maintenance just the way machines do. Holidays increase physical vitality and mental focus. Recreation increases positive mood, builds confidence, and connects us with others – all of which adds to the recovery process. So, no matter what your level or which critical management decision depends on you, don’t forget to book a holiday for an improved performance!

Studies also show that women are 50% more likely to have heart attacks if they don’t take holidays and men who don’t take regular breaks are 32% more likely to have heart attacks than those who do. Ever the pioneer, Richard Branson’s Virgin Group is one of just a handful of companies that don’t limit time off for employees at the parent company’s New York and UK offices.

Humans are just like ❝ smartphones or iPods: We have to be recharged, or we run out of juice.

❞

Gerry Weber S/S 16

Working Wardrobe Classic colourways and a few well chosen working wardrobe essentials will help to put you head and shoulders above the rest.

Smart & Sophisticated

Gerry Weber S/S 16

Contrast Elastic Waist Jersey Dress, £125, Jaeger

Mix and match shades of white, black and navy for a smart working wardrobe...

Artisan Stripe Shirt, £89, Jigsaw

Navy Wide Leg Trousers, £160, Boss Orange @ House of Fraser

A Step Ahead A black court shoe is a working essential. Here are a few new season styles...

Suedette Trench Coat, £110, Laura Ashley; Blake Leather Backpack, £179, Jigsaw

Coria, £59.95, Moda in Pelle @ Panache

Black Leather Court Shoes, £39.99, Zara

"A black court shoe is a working essential."

Piping Detail Overcoat, £399, Jaeger; Hampstead Bowling Bag, £199, Hobbs

It's in the Detail Each season treat yourself to a smart overcoat and stylish bag to take you effortlessly to and from work each day.

Cairo, £80, Dune

Leather & Neoprene Shoes, £150, Reiss

Augustina Coat, £199, Hobbs; Grey Tote, £99, Gerry Weber

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To subscribe call 028 9078 3200 lines open weekdays 9am-5pm NW September

HEALTH & BEAUTY In Health & Beauty we give you The Ultimate Hair Removal Guide, discuss the menopause and orthorexia...

HEALTH&BEAUTYNEWS

Beauty Box

Molton Brown Women’s Travel Luxuries Set £40

Go tiny... tiny, mini and small-sized beauty products - all you need for an overnight stay or a trip to the gym!

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Gold Dust, Compact Size, £48.00

Clarins The tiny 30ml bottle offers UVB/ UVA and pollution protection. The lightweight oil formula goes on without leaving a thick white residue and a little really does go a long way. £32

This Works Deep Sleep Stress Less 5ml (£12.00) is a multi-purpose aromatherapy blend that can be used anytime to de-stress or at night-time to help promote a restful sleep.

Bobbi Brown – skincare to go £19.50, House of Fraser

HEALTH&BEAUTYNEWS

loves this month... Perversion Mascara (£8) So intense you might need a safe word, Perversion Mascara glides on and it won’t quit until you say when. And now that it’s travel-sized, you can take it with you wherever you go.

DKNY Be Delicious Electric Bright Crush 50ml, £37

Step into the Herb Garden with Jo Malone's Nasturtium & Clover 30ml, £44

Eyeshadow Primer Potion (£8) Once you’ve tried Eyeshadow Primer Potion, imperfections on the skin’s surface, prepping your lids for all-day shadow. Urban Decay’s paraben-free Original shade glides on smoothly, blends beautifully on all skin tones and dries invisibly.

Michael Kors Sexy Sunset fragrance in 30ml. £39

Tom Ford Patent Finish Lip Colour in No Vacancy, £38.00

Yonka Hydrating Regenerating Body Milk in Intensive Velvet Hydrating Milk, £35

HEALTH&BEAUTYHAIRADVICE

Latest colour trends all in the mix P

aul Stafford’s 2016 began on a high with his appointment in February as Global Ambassador for Milan-based colour and style house Alfaparf Milano. Alfaparf caters for the coolest design brands in Europe, making it the perfect home for perfectionist Paul and his team. Within days of his appointment Paul was in the studio with his master colourist

Aiden Bradley to create his new collection, Signature, which showcases the Spring/ Summer 2016 hair trends using Alfaparf’s versatile colour and styling range. ‘We are seeing lots of melding of colours for Spring/Summer rather than brash hues, and I love it,’ says Paul. ‘Hand-painting gives a more natural blend, even if the shades are still a little out there. There is

lots of balayage and ombre, but with a stronger cast to the shades used. These fade purposely, changing the look without diminishing the effect. Growing roots add interest while lighter shades peek through as colour recedes. But remember, coloured hair needs care. Use colour-protecting shampoos and conditioners and limit use of heat to finish.’

Key trends: Lighten up

Strobing is the buzzword for colour at the moment, emulating a make-up technique that highlights the natural play of light. With hair, we’ve seen it a lot on blondes but it’s also amazing on other colours, especially red, enhancing shine and giving depth and texture.

Grandma is still trending

Granny Grey is still smoking hot, but so is the new colour dip technique as seen on Gwen Stefani and Gigi Hadid. Combined, the effect is stunning, especially using less-is-more, such as on the fringe area or the very ends only. Be warned, though, achieving smooth greys takes an experienced professional and the best quality colours. Also use a specialist shampoo such as Alfaparf Grey Pride.

Over to the Opal

Moving on from pastel comes Opal Hair, a wearable take on the soft shades that have hit the headlines of late. It has a translucency that gives it stand-out from your average blondes and looks amazing with a technical cut. It’s easy to maintain and with root blending, it changes as hair grows.

Over the rainbow

As soon as the A-listers start playing with the colouring pens, you know there’s a new trend coming. Some wear it like a badge of honour, but mostly we are going to see it in slices and sections. Even in small doses it has amazing impact. Snatches of blue through our update of the classic bob turn a gorgeous cut into a show-stopper. It’s a technique that allows strong colours without being too Katy Perry.

in association with

671 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7GT 028 9066 2554 info@staffordhair.com • staffordhair.com twitter @staffordhair facebook / staffordhairdressing instagram @wearestaffordhair

HEALTH&BEAUTYRIVERMEDICAL

The Non-Surgical Facelift only at River Medical

iver Medical has the widest suite of specialist skin treatments available. One of the most advanced and effective treatments in the world today and exclusively available at River Medical is Thermage, a radio frequency skin tightening treatment.

The treatment is exclusive to River Medical in Northern Ireland and has a long list of celebrity followers. Gwyneth Paltrow, Amanda Holden and the extremely youthful Kim Cattrall have all crediting their youthful looks down to the treatment which has been referred to as the non-surgical facelift in some circles such are the results.

How does it work?

Thermage uses radio frequency technology to safely heat the deep layers of the skin which stimulates the body’s natural skin renewal process, which helps tighten existing collagen and form new collagen. Over time, sagging or wrinkled skin is replaced with smoother, tighter skin with an improved tone and texture and overall younger looking appearance. One River Medical Thermage patient said:

“I was reaching the big 4 0 and was beginning to panic! I had heard about River Medical and knew they had an extensive range of anti- aging treatments available. I wanted something that really worked and the Thermage treatment was recommended to me. I’ve got to say - I never imagined the results could be so good - no one can believe I’m 41!”

One River Medical Thermage patient said: At River Medical, a Registered General Nurse will carry out your consultation and subsequent treatment, once you are deemed suitable. The treatment is FDA approved and available in more than 80 countries worldwide which is further testament to its efficacy. To find out more or to book a free consultation at River Medical phone: 028 9560 7585, email info@rivermedical.co.uk. www.rivermedical.co.uk

Orthorexia:

When healthy eating becomes a dangerous obsession

t has never been cooler to be on the healthy eating bandwagon. Search #eatclean on instagram, and you’ll find thousands of grinning women sporting gorgeous healthy glows, flat stomachs and endless pictures of green smoothies, bright salads and spiralised vegetables. Celebrities such as Made in Chelsea’s Millie Mackintosh, bloggers such the Hemsley sisters, Madeleine Shaw of Get the Glow and Ella Woodward, behind the hugely popular Deliciously Ella brand, are all devotees of the clean eating regime. Between them, they suggest the path to a truly healthy lifestyle means cutting out dairy, gluten, meat, caffeine, alcohol, as well as all traces of refined sugar and simple carbohydrates. For some women, the ‘healthy eating’ brigade can be a positive influence, a source of inspiration for quick and easy recipes packed full of nutrition, information on making better choices when it comes to

Eating disorder charity Beat characterises the ❝ condition (Orthorexia) as "a pathological fixation with healthy food". ❞ eating out, and motivation to become more active. For others, however, the quest for nutrition is linked to a worrying rise in an ‘hidden’ eating disorder known as Orthorexia. Eating disorder charity Beat characterises the condition as “a pathological fixation with healthy food”. Unlike anorexia, which often fixates on being thin, people with Orthorexia fixate on being healthy. What may start as a innocent resolution to become vegan, to eat only organic produce or to cut out highly processed food can spiral into an obsession, where sufferers

avoid entire food groups and feel they can only eat food from a supposed ‘safe’ list, and feel panicked and disgusted if they eat anything other than their list. Ultimately, it can be just as restrictive as other eating disorders, and ironically can lead to severe malnutrition. In our food-obsessed culture, healthy eating has become something of a virtue, with overweight people becoming demonised and fit, thin people praised for their willpower and dedication. Food is often categorised the same way: foods high in fat or sugar is spoken of as “sinful treats”, “naughty indulgences” – how often

HEALTH&BEAUTYFEATUREORTHOREXIA have you heard someone turn down food saying, “Oh no, I’m trying to be good!”? It is known as a hidden condition because, as we as a nation become more health conscious, and more is known about food-related movements, restricting food becomes easier. For example, evidently, there are many people who suffer from a legitimate gluten or dairy intolerance. For some, however, claiming to be sensitive to certain foods can be a convenient way to avoid feared high-calorie food, and offers an acceptable excuse to skip meals. Dr Steven Bratman coined the term Orthorexia in 1997, but it is not currently recognised as a clinical diagnosis, and as a result it is not known how widespread the condition is. Anecdotally, however, more and more clinicians are reporting patients with orthorexic symptoms, and many health experts are calling for its formal recognition. Orthorexia often goes hand in hand with excessive exercise. As well as food restriction, sufferers find themselves sticking to an obsessive and regimented exercise regime, avoiding social functions in order to exercise and feeling distressed and irritable if their regime is disrupted. Last year, Orthorexia hit the headlines when American food blogger Jordan Younger announced to her 120,000 followers that she was suffering from the disorder. The news came as a shock to her fans as her of blog, The Blonde Vegan, as they looked to her picture-perfect lifestyle for inspiration, recipes and example of how easy and meaningful it was to follow a fully plant-based diet with a focus on restrictive juice cleanses. In her post Why I’m Transitioning Away from Veganism – which had so much web traffic it crashed her site – she explained her ‘lightbulb moment’, when she panicked while standing in a fully raw, vegan juice bar because it didn’t have the exact juice she wanted. In

Ella Woodward

her compulsion to only eat what she felt was perfectly safe, Jordan walked a mile out of her way to hunt down her juice, feeling weak and limited having eaten little for days. Her raw, ‘healthy’ diet had left her constantly anxious, made her hair fall out and eventually even stopped her period. Today, Jordan works at finding balance, and focuses instead on listening to her body and giving it the fuel she needs. She says she recognises that part of Orthorexia is a need for control, and consciously making a spur of the moment decision to eat something delicious that you might deem less-than-virtuous helps to limit the need for

perfection and to practice being relaxed and mindful. So how do you know if your friend’s new diet is disguising something more worrying? Or when should you be concerned that you are becoming overly fixated on food? As with anything, some people are good at finding balance and practising moderation, while others are prone to obsessive patterns and let it take over. While nutritious food and regular exercise are great for you, strict rules and a desire for perfection to the detriment of your social life, happiness and mental health isn’t so healthy after all.

Some common symptoms of Orthorexia as outlined by The National Centre for Eating Disorders UK include:

Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley

Jordan Younger

• A rigid and obsessive compulsion with eating healthy food that you feel is safe; • Feeling fearful and anxious at the thought of eating food that is deemed unhealthy, or feelings of guilt and shame at having ‘slipped up’; • Avoiding social events for fear of food involved, and • Losing interest in other aspects of your life that don’t involve food.

HEALTH&BEAUTYHAIRREMOVAL

The Ultimate Hair Removal Guide

Hair removal method: Waxing Best for - bikini line Waxing is an age-old method of hair removal that entails putting warm wax over an area of unwanted hair, then using a cloth or paper strip to rip hair out by the follicle. It works well for those with dark or coarse hair. Pros: With waxing, hair appears to grows back more slowly because you are removing each hair directly by the follicle. You will typically be hair-free for about two to eight weeks depending on the texture of your hair and your personal hair growth cycle. Waxing can be relatively inexpensive depending on whether you choose to go to a professional or attempt it at home. Many people say that the pain of waxing diminishes each time but individual experiences do vary. Cons: Waxing is painful. You’ll also need to pay attention to your exfoliating routine to ward off ingrown hairs. In Brief: Waxing is good for keeping unwanted hair away for a few weeks at a time. Waxing is a great solution for larger body areas such as legs, arms, bikini and underarms, for a few weeks. Be prepared to feel a small amount of pain to achieve smooth skin.

Whether plucking, waxing, threading, epilating, depilating, lasering and sugaring - there’s no one method of hair removal that suits every part of the body. For some areas laser treatments might be best but for others a set of tweezers might suffice. Here is NW’s ultimate guide to getting your body hair free and ready to go on show this summer. Hair removal method: Shaving Best for - underarms This method of hair removal can be used on virtually any body part. It works best if you have light or fine hair and a sharp blade will make the world of difference when it comes to shave quality and potential discomfort. Pros: Shaving can be an inexpensive way to get rid of unwanted hair. Done correctly, it should be painless and shaving can be effective for short-term hair removal. Cons: Shaving may get rid of hair, but will only keep hair away for a few days in the best case. Hair reappears faster than it would with other methods. Shaving is also not recommended

as a first choice hair removal system for those with very dark body hair, because you may still be able to see the hair root just below the skin even after shaving. Also keep in mind that because you’re working with a razor, you’re susceptible to cuts and razor burn. In Brief: If you need a quick fix for getting rid of body hair, shaving will do the trick. Just beware that hair will reappear quickly and blunt ends created by shaving can exacerbate stubble.

HEALTH&BEAUTYHAIRREMOVAL Hair removal method: Depilatory Creams Best for - underarms, legs and bikini line Depilatory creams are chemical-based creams that remove hair by breaking down the hair structure itself. A depilatory cream is applied to an area of unwanted hair, and removed after five to ten minutes, usually with a warm face-cloth. Pros: A depilatory cream will remove hair with less pain than other methods of hair removal. It’s a quick procedure, can be done at home, and most depilatory creams are relatively inexpensive. Cons: Depilatory cream results will last longer than shaving, but not as long as waxing or sugaring. You can expect to see hair resurfacing after a few days, though it sometimes lasts as long as a week. One common complaint about depilatory creams is the smell – although this has improved greatly over the years! Also, be careful not to leave a depilatory cream on for too long as it could damage the skin. As always, follow instructions and be sure to try a patch test before using a depilatory cream for the first time. Some people may find that they have an instant reaction or will feel itching or burning within a few hours of use, so a patch test is critical! In Brief: If you want to remove body hair quickly with minimal pain, and want results that will last longer than shaving, then a depilatory cream is a good option. Just make sure not to leave it on too long!

Hair removal method: Sugaring Best for - arms and legs Sugaring is very similar to waxing: hair is removed at the root. Sugaring involves applying a warm gel or paste to your skin, then removing the ‘sugar’ with a cotton or muslin strip. Sugaring paste is also usually made from natural ingredients such as sugar, honey and lemon. Pros: Sugaring paste or gel is usually a mixture of natural ingredients. This can mean there is less risk of skin irritation, making sugaring a great option for those with sensitive skin. The risk of accidental burning is also reduced because sugaring paste or gel is typically applied at a lower temperature than wax. Similar to waxing, sugaring will keep hair away for two to eight weeks. Cons: Much like waxing, there is a pain factor associated to this method of hair removal. It can also be difficult to find salons that offer sugaring as a service because most offer waxing. If sugaring is available, it tends to be a little more costly than waxing. For both sugaring and waxing, ensure the salon or practitioner maintains good hygiene standards. In Brief: If you have sensitive skin, can bear the pain, and are willing to pay a little more, sugaring is a great hair removal option. Hair will stay away longer and, over time, your follicles may be less noticeable. Sugaring can be a great long-term hair removal method.

Hair removal method: Threading Best for - face and eyebrows Threading is an ancient form of hair removal that originated in the Middle East and South Asia. As the name suggests, threading involves using a cotton thread that is twisted around individual hairs, then pull the hair out at the root. Threading is a typical choice for eyebrows or other small areas of unwanted hair (particularly on the face). Pros: Threading is much quicker than tweezing, usually taking only a few minutes to achieve a polished brow area. It’s an inexpensive way to get shapely eyebrows, and the pain is about the same as plucking. If you go to an experienced professional, they can quickly shape your brows to the arch that best suits your face and eye structure. Cons: Threading is recommended as a hair removal method on small areas; it’s not an option for removing body hair. In Brief: Threading is a great hair removal option for the eyebrow area or for women looking to remove any other unwanted facial hair. Make sure to ask your friends for recommendations or do your research and go to an experienced professional.

Permanent hair removal methods: Laser Hair Removal and Electrolysis Best for - bikini line, lip, legs and arms Laser hair removal and electrolysis offer the closest thing to permanent hair removal available, but they certainly aren’t an option for everyone. ‘Laser’ refers to an intense pulse of light, which means it carries a risk of burns and should only be performed by a certified professional. Electrolysis involves inserting a fine needle into the hair shaft to destroy the hair producing cells. Pros: These options are often billed as permanent hair removal, and some people have been able to say goodbye to unwanted hair for good. Cons: Both electrolysis and laser hair removal can be painful. Costs can also be high, and unfortunately, these methods aren’t suitable for all skin types. If you have darker skin then you may find these options are not recommended. Laser hair removal works by firing a pulse of intense light at a hair, ultimately damaging the follicle (where the hair is produced). This can reduce or stop hair growth, but is most effective if there is a significant difference between the hair colour and the colour of the surrounding skin. In very light hair (white, red or blonde) melanin levels are too low for laser hair treatment to be effective. In Brief: Put in some research to decide if lasering or electrolysis is right for you. Know that you’ll have to be patient; each treatment must be scheduled according to your hair growth cycle and usually several treatments are needed to remove hair permanently. Ultimately, laser hair removal can be an effective way to decrease the quantity of unwanted body hair, but you’ll need to weigh the pros against time and cost.

S H A N E BE N N E T T

THE BRITISH ARTISTIC TEAM OF THE YEAR | NORTHERN IRELAND HAIRDRESSER OF YEAR

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The Secret to Younger

Looking Skin?

River Medical has a state-of-the- art clinic on Lisburn Road in Belfast and is the the go-to clinic, not only for cosmetic surgery but even more so for their results-driven, anti- ageing treatments. Head Nurse at River Medical, Aoibhn Cronin said:

“What is the secret to younger looking skin? I get asked this every day of the week! The good news is that some small steps can make a dramatic difference to your skin. Medical science has come a long way, and there are a whole host of non-invasive treatments that really can eliminate lines and wrinkles, restore lost volume, tighten skin and dramatically improve your skin’s health”.

Skin-Tightening

One of the most advanced and effective treatments in the world today and exclusively available at River Medical is Thermage. Gwyneth Paltrow, Amanda Holden and the extremely youthful Kim Cattrall have all credited their youthful looks down to the treatment. The treatment uses radio frequency technology to tighten existing collagen and form new collagen. It delivers firmer, tighter, dramatically younger looking skin.

skin to heal itself, causing a surge in new collagen and elastin production. It not only eliminates lines and wrinkles and dramatically rejuvenates but also improves the general quality and tone of the skin.

Skin-Illuminating

The Vit-illume treatment at River Medical is the real red-carpet treatment, delivering an immediate radiance, leaving the skin beautifully dewy, visibly nourished and uplifted after just 1 treatment.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Anti-wrinkle injections are an extremely popular anti-ageing treatment and deliver beautiful results, smoothing out lines and wrinkles and rejuvenating the face. River Medical is renowned for achieving that subtle Avail of a free consultation with yet visible RIVER MEDICAL Nurse. result.

Skin-Renewal

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Above: Team of Registered General Nurses at River Medical.

LIFESTYLEMENOPAUSE

A Life Changing Experience It seems we spend most of ours lives trying to avoid our monthly period and then when they come to a natural conclusion we would do anything to avoid the c‘ hange of life’! NW finds out more about menopause.

rom her 40s, a woman gradually produces less oestrogen and enters into what is referred to as perimenopause. While there are some women who can experience premature menopause (before they are 40), early menopause (between 41-45) generally menopause is most common around the age of 51 and symptoms such as hot flushes begin to kickin around this time. As symptoms become apparent and depending on how you are affected Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), may be recommended in some instances. While there are women who would rather avoid HRT others fully embrace it to help their body with this tranisiton. The menopause occurs when the ovaries no longer respond to the controlling hormones released by the pituitary gland of the brain and many women experience symptoms of the menopause and irregular

periods for several years up to the menopause itself. This is called the climacteric, or ‘perimenopause’, and represents the gradual decline in the normal function of the ovaries. One of the common problems of the climacteric is that periods become erratic both in spacing and amount. Until the periods peter out altogether, heavy bleeding can cause plenty of problems. There are few options for dealing with this bleeding including the Mirena intra-uterine system, a hysterectomy or endometrial ablation instead. The most common symptoms by far are ‘hot flushes’ and sweating attacks. These episodes can happen at any time, as often as several times an hour. Each hot flush usually lasts for three to six minutes. You may also be prone to night-time sweats and have to get up to change the sheets several times a night.

Depression, mood swings, tiredness and headaches are all possible symptoms. Forgetfulness or irritability may occur and can be distressing for both you and the rest of the family. In recent years there has been a lot of interest in osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) in connection with the menopause. Oestrogen normally stimulates the activity of bone-building cells in the body. As a result of the drop in oestrogen, women tend to lose bone mass and strength for several years following the menopause. Ultimately, this can make the bones more likely to collapse or fracture.

What can make the menopause easier?

Medical treatment is available for women who are troubled by symptoms of the menopause, but most women will manage their menopause without needing to consult

LIFESTYLEMENOPAUSE a doctor or nurse. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) alleviates the symptoms of the menopause by adjusting hormone levels. It involves receiving a small, daily dose of oestrogen. Women who have not had a hysterectomy are also given a progesterone-like drug as part of the HRT. This is called combined HRT. Combined HRT can be described as either sequential or continuous. Sequential combined HRT is suitable for women who are perimenopausal, ie still experiencing erratic menstrual bleeding. Most preparations are designed to mimic the menstral cycle and result in monthly periods. They are based around a 28-day cycle in which oestrogen is taken every day and a progesterone is added for the last 12 to 14 days of the cycle. For women who are borderline postmenopausal and have very infrequent bleeds, there’s also a sequential preparation available that results in three-monthly bleeds, although this is used less often in the UK. Once a woman has not had a natural period for a year and is described as postmenopausal, continuous combined HRT is more suitable. This form of HRT does not produce periods and involves taking a daily dose of oestrogen and progesterone.

Occasionally, women aged less than 54 years old do experience some irregular vaginal bleeding with these medications. There are many ways of taking HRT, with the most usual being a daily tablet. Alternatives include skin patches, a gel applied daily to the skin, a ring inserted into the vagina or a nasal spray. The majority of women have no sideeffects, but nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain and fluid retention are fairly common. These symptoms often settle after the first few months of treatment. If they don’t, it’s worth consulting your doctor or gynaecologist to adjust the medication.

How effective is HRT?

HRT is effective in relieving hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Many women also report an improvement in their general sense of wellbeing. However, HRT will not help the mood swings and resultant depression that occurs around the time of the menopause. While current thinking is that HRT has more benefits than risks if used carefully and not for prolonged periods of time, it has been confirmed that HRT increases the risk of developing breast cancer and endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb). It can also increase the risk of stroke (in

women over 60) and ovarian cancer. With this in mind, it’s recommended that HRT is only used as a short-term treatment to relieve menopausal symptoms and that treatment is reviewed at least annually. Any woman considering HRT should discuss the risks and benefits for her individual circumstances with her doctor before making a decision about treatment.

Useful Lifestyle Changes

As well as medication there are lifestyle changes that can be made to help manage the menopause. For example, being overweight increases the amount of adipose or fatty tissue in the body, which tends to increase the number of hot flushes or night sweats, as well as increasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer post-menopause. Therefore regular exercise and a healthy diet is beneficial, there’s even some evidence that soy flour (or other foods rich in so-called ‘plant oestrogen’) can reduce menopausal flushes. Smoking is never good! You can also reduce hot flushes by dressing in layers, so you can remove clothes as needed. Stick to natural fabrics, such as cotton and silk, keep room temperatures cool or use a fan and sleep with fewer blankets.

NEW PEONY TINCTURE WILL BANISH MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS

ne of the best kept secrets in the world of natural medicine is the herb Peony. This herb has been used for centuries and has an important place in Chinese Medicine where it has been used as a treatment for many female ailments, such as PCOS, period cramps and even mood swings associated with hormonal conditions. Peony is classified by the Chinese as a herb that 'cools the blood' and 'clears heat'. Therefore, conditions in which there is heat, perspiration or inflammation in relation to gynaecological or menstrual problems would mean Peony being called upon immediately, and we see why it has a reputation for the treatment of menopausal hot flushes. Peony is available as a tincture (liquid extract) from Hughes Health, based in NI. Peony tincture is a product that has been subjected to the exacting standards of the European Traditional Herbal Medicines Directive, meaning that the history, chemistry, activity and production of this product has been subject to scrutiny by the MHRA (medicines control agency of the UK). The MHRA audited the large volume of historical & scientific data to agree that Peony is used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and the product is made to the standards and quality of pharmaceutical medicines. It's a herb that has been studied extensively and found to have no side-effects or even major interactions with other medicines. Unlike other female herbs such as Red Clover, Black Cohosh etc Peony has no oestrogenic/hormonal activity making it safe for women with a history of hormone dependant cancers and meaning it is safe with all medication that acts on female hormone levels. Any questions can be directed to Medical Herbalist Stuart FitzSimons MNIMH who has been in practice for 30 years; please call 028 8778 8141 or herbalist@ hughes-health.com RRP at £19.99 and each 100ml bottle will last 1 month. Available online at hugheshealth.com and from McKeevers Pharmacy, Gordons Pharmacy, Bannside Pharmacy, Framar Health and over 100 Pharmacies & Health Food Stores across the UK & Ireland, find your nearest retailer at hughes-health.com

Win... a Spring Day Spa Experience at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa for two

QUESTION To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

o Mark the start of Spring our friends at Hastings Hotels have given us a fabulous Spring Day Spa experience for one lucky reader and their friend to enjoy at the magnificent Spa at Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle, County Down. The luxurious Spring Awakening Spa Experience has been carefully tailored to ease your face and body out of “hibernation” and refresh and revive your skin in preparation for summer! The experience includes an ESPA Brightening Facial, Oriental Scalp Massage, Marma point Hand Massage and Marma point Foot Massage Plus you will have use of robe, slippers and towels, a delicious light lunch in our Juice Bar and full use of the Spa facilities. Total Treatment duration: 1 hour 20 minutes This fabulous package is available at both the Hastings Spas, Spa at Culloden £99 Monday–Friday, Spa at Slieve Donard £110 Monday–Friday. A £30 supplement applies for Saturdays & Sundays at both Spas. For further information or reservations call 028 9047 1066 or visit hastingshotels.com Offer only available to 31 May 2016.

What is the name of the new Spring Spa package at the Slieve Donard Hotel?

To enter, email: competitions@greerpublications.com with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Closing date: Friday 27 May 2016 • Terms and conditions apply.

LIFESTYLE

This issue in Lifestyle we feature a period home in Newtownards, explain how to make a small room feel bigger and mouth-watering recipes...

LIFESTYLEINTERIORS

Home Office Solutions Practical items and furniture that will help to make your home office more pleasant and efficient...

Archie Ceramic Table Lamp with Shade, £35, Next

Skarsta Sit and Stand Desk, £110, IKEA

Zig Zag Print Bowl £14.99 Home sense

Lifestyle Office Dinghy Bookscase, £399, CFC interiors

Romma Cable Management Box, £6 and Wireless Charging Pad, £60, IKEA

LIFESTYLEINTERIORS

Retro Wood Effect Phone, £49 www.cuckooland.com

Chiltern Tall Shelves, £575, Next

Bookcase Wallpaper, Decorators Touch, Belfast, £16.99 per roll

The Cable Tidy by Galotti & Radice, Beaufort Interiors, £95 Amara Desk Organiser with Lamp, £107, www.amara.com

Set of 2 Nihon Storage Boxes, £40, Next

LIFESTYLEKONMARI

The Life Changing Magic of

KonMari F

or many of us, the start of spring inspires us to give our wardrobes a bit of a half-hearted clear-out or finally tackle the cupboard under the stairs (usually for them to look worse than ever within a couple of weeks...). The task might make us feel a bit more organized, perhaps even accomplished, but would you call your decluttering ‘life-changing’? That’s exactly the claim of the phenomenal bestseller by Japanese author Marie Kondo. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up has inspired some 1.5 million Americans and more than four million copies have been sold worldwide, attraction

legions of ‘Konverts’ who love her approach to minimalist living. Kondo named her method of tidying KonMari, a contraction of her name in the Japanese style, and claims that not only will your living space be tidy and manageable, but you will lose weight, you skin will clear, a sense of calm will pervade the rest of your life and you will achieve your work/life goals, cleared from the

clutter that normally distracts you. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly why the KonMari method has struck a chord for so many people, but experts in social trends suggest that after the hyper-commercialism of the 80s and 90s and the unrelenting quest for more ‘stuff’, people are yearning for a more minimalist, pared-back lifestyle. With more of us working longer hours, getting less sleep, and having busier social calendars than ever before, there is increasingly a need for the home to become a calm, tranquil sanctuary. Part autobiography, life philosophy and decluttering tips, The Life Changing Magic

LIFESTYLEKONMARI of Tidying Up recognises that the energy it takes to rationally sort through each and every item in a home can be overwhelming. The no-nonsense guide reconfigures the idea of tidying as merely throwing away items, instead you have to appraise you relationship with the items in your home. The brilliant, oft quoted method requires that you pick up each item and ask “Does it spark joy?”. Physically touching the object is key, she says, because your body will react differently to different objects. All items that don’t ‘spark joy’ are to be thanked for their service and ceremonially sent on their way. Part of what makes her method particularly effective is that instead of decluttering room by room, she tackles belongings by subject, starting with what is easiest to part with. So, all the clothes, then all the books, then documents, then miscellany and, finally sentimental items, such as photos and mementoes. Instead of deciding what to get rid of, she says, the focus should be on what to keep: which few things spark sufficient joy or are truly necessary. While easy to scoff at, the idea that you ignore any other impulses other than if it sparks joy right now, surprisingly makes discarding items much less stressful. Complications like shopping guilt, ‘this was expensive’, ‘this still has the tags on it’ are taken out of the equation, something that is both really simple and very powerful. As Kondo explains, not all clothes come to you to be worn threadbare – if you loved it when you bought it, the item has served its purpose by bringing you joy at some point. Similarly, on unwanted gifts, Marie believes your family and friends wouldn’t want you to feel burdened by their presents that no longer suit you. “Just thank it for the joy it gave you when you first received it”, she writes. For sentimental items, which she recognises as a difficult category, and

thus encourages the reader to tackle last, she advises that truly precious memories will never vanish even if you discard the objects associated with them. After cheerfully sending your unwanted items off to a better life where they will be more loved by someone else, Kondo turns to organising what’s left. It's important that absolutely everything is given a home, where it can be returned to once it has been used. Clothes are to be stored mostly in drawers, rather than hung, folded meticulously so that everything can be seen at a glance, cupboards are carefully curated, and paperwork is filed, not stacked, again, so that everything is accessible, used and organised. Storing clothes in this way is a revelation, not just for seeing exactly what you have, but to break out of the rut of the four or five outfits that you wear in rotation, just because they happen to be at the top of the pile. Some of the KonMari method are too impractical for all but the most devoted. Kondo directs that every time you enter your home, you should empty your handbag in its entirety, put it on its own

shelf, stash your phone and wallet in its designated spot and hang your keys. While it’s a nice idea (and limits the amount of time spent hunting for keys), in practice it can be slightly ridiculous. And, while the all-white minimal rooms on Pinterest are drool-worthy, in reality homes are designed to be lived in, and some ‘stuff’ can be what you love about your home –Kondo is not a fan of books for example, as she thinks you’ll never reread them, and should be given straight away – I find my carefully curated bookshelves to be one of the most calming and beautiful spaces in my home. There are undoubtedly some valuable lessons to learn from Marie. Focusing on the items you have and their place in your home makes you rethink the next impulse buy and the need for more. Once you have gone through the process of asking hundreds of items if they bring a smile to your face, you can’t help but be lifted with a new-found appreciation for the things you love. Perhaps not life-changing, but worthwhile: how often do you take stock of something in your life and ask, does this bring me joy?

Fans of the popular method have been showing off their newly Konmari-ed homes via Instagram

Photography by Bradley Quinn

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

Old meets new Photographer Khara Pringle knew that period property, Flax House in Newtownards offered the perfect backdrop for her contemporary styling. From the exterior you would never expect to find this stunning, modern interior.

lax House is a home that dates back to c.1780 and represents one of Newtownardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; most attractive historic buildings. Situated adjacent to the municipal Court Square the property is centrally located and has been home to many creatives over the years as Khara discovered when she bought it six years ago.

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

‘As a town, Newtownards has changed quite a bit over the last six years and while I don’t tend to socialise here, it’s great being centrally located to head to the likes of Caffè Nero to grab a coffee to start the day. It’s also really handy to get to Holywood and then into Belfast for work in my studio, and of course, home again at the end of the day!’ ‘I bought Flax House from an architect at the time, but I believe it has been home to many creative talents including a local artist and another lady who owned an art gallery and coffee shop locally. ‘I immediately fell for the property and I’ve always felt very safe and secure here. Prior to my daughter, Aryia, the downstairs living room doubled as my photography studio and Aria’s bedroom was the makeup room. I added the mirrored sliderobes in here to keep my clothes and paperwork neatly out of sight and while it still functions this way it is also perfect now the room

>>>

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

is used solely as a bedroom. When Khara purchased the property a lot of restoration and modernisation had already been done and the existing black tiled floor and white walls provided the perfect backdrop for her own style of décor throughout the house.

‘I’m not into all that fussy shabby chic and reclaimed furniture. I like the clean, contemporary look. I love iconic furnishings and pieces such as my Barcelona chair and Arco floor lamp not only look great within my home, but also offer the perfect props for my photoshoots as well! ‘I have a lot of pieces from Kartell scattered throughout the house, from the bathroom storage units, to lamps and chairs. As well as investing in original designs, I have also picked up reproductions from stores like Cult Furniture and Made. com. The kitchen overlooks a beautiful walled garden at the back of the house. ‘I modernised this outdoor space a few years ago,’ comments Khara. ‘This design gives it a contemporary look to match the inside of

the house, plus it’s an easily maintained and a secure outdoor area for Aryia to enjoy.’ The wall garden like the adjacent house is listed and the beautiful Scrabo stone and sash windows have to be retained. ‘I love the stone and have kept the exposed walls inside the house as well. The rest of the walls have been decorated with some of my photographs that I had printed and framed to add a bit of personality and colour,’ adds Khara. ‘I tend to be working on my images at the end of a long day, so I have my computer and desk in my bedroom because it’s easy to fall from the desk into bed! ‘I love the mix of old and new that Flax House allows. It is a home that I feel really safe and secure in and I also love the fact that it has so much history attached to it.’

Win... a luxurious stay for 2 people at a Loughside Lodge at Lough Erne Resort!

ather a group of friends or family and head for Lough Erne Resort this summer and set up a home away from home in one of the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luxury five star self-catering Loughside Lodges. Opt to put on your own summer spread or stroll up to the main hotel and have all the hard work and clean up done for you with dinner in the Loughside Bar & Grill. To celebrate looking ahead to summer, Lough Erne Resort together with Northern Woman are giving one lucky reader plus a guest a chance to experience the stunning Loughside Lodges at Lough Erne Resort with a 2-night stay with breakfast on both mornings and an evening meal on the night of your choice in the Loughside Bar & Grill. Situated amongst the stunning Lakeland district of Co. Fermanagh, Lough Erne Resort is one of the most luxurious destination hotels in Northern Ireland, with cosy bars as well as a restorative pool and Thai Spa featuring a glorious range of ESPA treatments and products, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing break, with friends, someone special or the whole family. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not lucky enough to win on this occasion, you can avail of a range of fantastic family packages by calling +44 (0) 28 6632 3230, visit www.lougherneresort.com to find out more.

QUESTION To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

What country is Lough Erne Resort located?

To enter, email: competitions@greerpublications.com with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Closing date: Friday 27 May 2016 T&Cs: Prize includes 2BB1D for 2 people, subject to availability, non transferable, not valid during Bank Holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Years.

LIFESTYLESMALLSPACE

Making a Small Space feel Bigger M aking the most of a compact space can be one of the toughest design challenges when it comes to house design. Tiny rooms can easily feel cramped, claustrophobic and anything but restful. Small space living takes a little compromise to live effectively, but you can make it look and feel much larger than it actually is. For inspiration, we looked to New York apartment living, notoriously small on square footage but packed with style and charm thanks to clever design. To make your small space work harder, there are three fundamental design concepts to consider: light, scale and function.

Back to basics

Undoubtedly, the most direct way to open up a space in a home is to remove dividing walls, particularly if your home is made up of small, compartmentalised rooms. Also on a large scale, consider dropping the floor levels. Usually if you have suspended timber floors you can rip up the floor and replace it with a concrete floor. Adding space in this way gives your rooms increased height,

and a significant increase in the feeling of space. Adding natural light wherever possible will make even the smallest area feel light and airy. Additional windows, skylights and glass internal walls dramatically add to your natural light and open up a space. If these bigger budget changes are impractical, consider removing doors or using pocket doors, which slide into the wall. Alternatively, replacing solid wood doors with glass panelled doors allows light to filter through, expands the amount of usable foot space and creates a better flow through rooms. Using mirrors to create a feeling of space is probably one of the oldest tricks in the design handbook, and for good reason. Mirrors amplify space by creating depth and reflecting light. As well as traditionally hanging mirrors over mantlepieces and above sofas, consider investing in an oversized mirror that can run the length of a wall, or group together a number of smaller mirrors to create a pretty focal point. Dark, narrow spaces, such as hallways can be completely transformed

with a strategically placed full-length mirror.

Create Unity

One of the most common complaints in a small space is the excess of clutter. Any untidiness can engulf a tiny space. If you have shelving units for storage, leaving some spaces bare avoids the sense that everything is crammed in. Choose an overall colour palette in soft, complementary shades that pulls everything together: cool colours, in particular, will make a wall visually recede. Continue this unity by linking different spaces with a similarly-coloured flooring throughout. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel you have to lose bright colour altogether, a bold colour used in accents around a room, in rugs, or a lamp can look fantastic without detracting from the overall tone.

Make your furniture work harder

In a small space, multi-purpose pieces are your saviours. Think about how you use the space and find hard-working furniture that fits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; choose a table with

LIFESTYLESMALLSPACE leaf extensions that can function as both a desk and a dining table, or use an ottoman, window seats and bookcases with enclosed compartments to provide extra storage and conceal everyday clutter. Designers are quickly jumping on the trend for multifunction furniture, so where once there was only a studenty sofa-bed, there are loads of delightfully intelligent pieces that can transform the use of a room and then be tidied away while looking sleek and stylish. Folding chairs, fold-out beds, bar carts on wheels and stacks of nesting tables take up much less room than conventional furniture, and can be moved around as you need it. Often, we try to cram the furniture that worked in a previous home into the current space, and wonder why it doesn’t quite work anymore. The scale of your furniture is essential, but it’s a difficult balance. As a general rule, oversized, overstuffed pieces will dwarf a room, so you should opt for simple, smaller scale items with clean lines. Too much small scale furniture, however, and the space will look more cluttered than ever. Strive for balance. Take photographs of your space with different combinations to figure out what works, but if in doubt, go for one prominent piece, such as a statement chair, and keep the rest as minimal as possible. The height of your room is an important, but often overlooked aspect of a room size, so think about how you can make a room feel taller. This is achieved by drawing the eye upward. For example, curtains hung from floor to ceiling in a similar colour to the walls create a sense of height, and adding built in units from floor to ceiling pushes the walls and ceilings out, and makes the most of awkwardly-shaped rooms. Hanging art slightly higher than eye level, using tall lamps and adding uplights to bathe the ceiling in a soft glow can also visually expand the space in a cramped room. Bear in mind that the more floor space you can see, the more spacious a room will appear. This is significant when it comes to choosing the style and position of your furniture in the room as well: in a small room, furniture should be lifted up off the floor on legs to create space below them. With the exception of the bed, furniture shouldn’t be pressed up against the wall, keep large pieces, such as sofas and tables a few inches off the wall. Similarly, anything that is possible to hang or affix onto the walls, hang it up! This can include swapping a side table for a small reachable shelf to place lamps, and use as a coffee table, investing in fixable magazine racks and placing plants in a wall-hung pot.

LIFESTYLEFOOD

Spring Treats While s“ ummer” can be a loose term for us in Northern Ireland, as the evenings get lighter and the days get warmer, all thoughts turn to those extended days in the garden with family and friends, with the promise of a mouth-watering BBQ. Niall McKenna of James Street South has provided some surefire recipes to wow and impress your guests over the coming months. And, if you are less than confident with a grill or have a shiny new BBQ that that hasn’t been put through its paces yet, Niall’s latest venture, Cast & Crew in the Titanic Quarter, is offering BBQ masterclasses for up to 20 people

BBQ Seabass with Fennel

Ingredients

4 whole seabass 2 bulbs fennel, finely sliced 4 basil leaves, shredded 1 small glass dry white wine

Method

Get your fishmonger to descale, gut and clean your fish leaving the head and tail on. Once you get it home, insert ¼ of the fennel, the shredded basil leaf and one tblspn of white wine into the fish cavity. Cover with cling film and place in fridge to marinade. When the BBQ coals are white, remove the fish from the fridge and season with salt and pepper and place on top of BBQ at a low heat. When the skin is crispy turn over to the other side and cook again until the skin is crispy. Serve whole from the BBQ with potatoes and salad using the remaining fennel.

Moroccan Chicken wings Ingredients

900g chicken wings 3 tblsp maple syrup 1 tsp harissa paste 1 orange, zested & juice 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 tsp cumin seeds, crushed

Method

Heat your grill to a high setting and make sure you have your extractor fan on or the doors open. Place the chicken wings into a roasting tin and grill for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes turn over and grill on other side until golden.

Mix all the harissa paste, syrup and cumin seeds with the zest of the orange and lemons and half of the zest. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over the chicken wings or using a brush ensure that all the wings are coated. Place under the grill again for a further 15 minutes. The chicken wings can be cooked exactly the same way on a bbq. Serve with herbed couscous, pitta bread and a selection of dips.

LIFESTYLEFOOD

BBQ Beef Ribs For the ribs, buy a rack of beef ribs from your butcher, which you can get him to slice into individual portions. I normally allow three ribs per person. Place ribs in a large pot of salted water and bring to the boil, once boiled, simmer for 60-70 minutes, until cooked. Remove from water and leave to the side.

Ingredients for the Sauce

1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 chillis, deseeded and diced (add more if you like it hot) 5 sprigs of thyme 2 bay leaves 1 tblsp fennel seeds 1 pinch cumin 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp Worcester sauce 1.5 tsp Dijon mustard 150g brown sugar 150ml apple juice 200ml tomato ketchup 100ml HP Sauce 1 tsp sea salt 1 clove Zest of 1 orange

Method

Place all ingredients in a large pot on a low to medium heat and cook on a simmer for up to 50 minutes or until the juice has evaporated. Leave to cool and blend thoroughly. Once cooled, coat the ribs in the marinade and cover in cling film and place in the fridge overnight. You can make the marinade and store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 14 days.

For more information on the use of Cast & Crew for a private event or for the BBQ master classes in May June and August, please visit www.cookinbelfast.co.uk

Win... a free Colour, Cut and Brow dry with Shane Bennett Salon

fter weeks of speculation Shane Bennett Salon is relocating from their Georgian style salon in Hillsborough to the new City Centre location of Lisburn Square later this month. Recently Shane Bennett Salon was crowned with the title of “British Artistic Team of the Year while Julie Cherry and Colette Fitzpatrick were crowned “Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year.” The new look Shane Bennett Salon will have a contemporary feel, a sense of space and an abundance of the luxury factor for all their clients. The timing has been perfect and expanding to the new location is an inevitable step. The salon interior will fit with their new brand image that has been constantly evolving over the past 15 years. To celebrate the move Shane Bennett Salon are offering one lucky reader a chance to win a Colour, cut and blow-dry in their new salon.

QUESTION To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

Where in Lisburn is the new Shane Bennett Salon located?

To enter, email: competitions@greerpublications.com with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Closing date: Friday 27 May 2016 • Terms and conditions apply.

LIFESTYLEASKTHEARCHITECT

Ask the

Architect

or one weekend only, architects in every corner of Northern Ireland will be volunteering their time and expertise to give advice to the public on their building projects, whether large or small, to help raise funds for cancer research. Throughout the ‘ask an architect’ weekend on 16/17th April 2016 over 80 architects from more than 60 architectural practices across Northern Ireland will be offering hour long consultations in return for a minimum charitable donation of £40. Donations will go to the Jill Todd Trust which was set up to commemorate Jill whose life was taken by cancer. Jill was 23 and the daughter of local architect Barrie Todd. The Trust will present all funds raised through ‘ask an architect’ to the Centre of excellence for Cancer Research at Belfast City Hospital via its affiliated charity the Friends of the Cancer Centre. Martin Hare, President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects said, “This is a great opportunity for anyone thinking of renovating or extending their current house, building a new home or undertaking any other construction project. You can get expert advice and support cancer research at the same time.” “Your professional architect will guide you through your options and answer all your questions. This can range from creative design

Quote from a client

"An architect can often find solutions to the seemingly impossible and produce an end result that works, gives a superb living experience, is affordable and which was unimaginable at the outset." Greta McMeekin ideas and exploring building solutions to meet your needs, right through to the practicalities of planning permission, building costs and contracts.” Speaking at the launch of the initiative Mark McEvoy, Commercial Director of Garage Door Systems, said, “This is such a great cause and we are delighted to be supporting the ‘ask an architect’ initiative. You might just want to see what’s possible with the space and budget you have or perhaps you’re further down the line and need some problems solved. This is the weekend to do it.”

An online booking system has been set up which allows members of the public to select the architect and the time slot that suits them best. The booking system is live from 1 March 2016 on the Jill Todd Trust website: http:// www.jilltoddtrust.com/ask-an-architect.html on a first come, first served basis. The website will also contain details such as: architectural practices’ CVs and location; what you should consider bringing with you on the day and what scope of advice you are likely to receive. In the meantime follow PLACE, RSUA and the Jill Todd Trust on social media to be kept up to date on the latest developments.

LIFESTYLENWASKS

NW Asks... W

ith the cost of going away rocketing during the school holidays, it’s little wonder many parents are tempted to take their children away during term time. Unlike England (Scotland and Wales have their own rules too), in Northern Ireland parents can’t be fined for unauthorised absences, but if a child’s attendance drops below 85% they could be referred to the Education Welfare Service. So, are those parents who take advantage of cheaper travel prices outside the school holidays selfish, or should parents be allowed to determine what is best for their own children? After all shouldn’t education be about enlightening and enriching children in the broadest possible sense - far beyond the classroom walls? ‘Absolutely yes but within reason,’ says NW reader Tanya. ‘Not all learning is within the school. Some children wouldn’t get the experience of travel abroad if they couldn’t go slightly out of peak times, she says, and Janey agrees that, ‘there is great learning outside of the classroom.’ Of course, nobody is suggesting that parents just grab their kids and zoom off whenever the mood takes them without a

Due to the hugely inflated cost of holidays should parents take their children on holiday during term time?

thought for the school syllabus or the stage their child is at in school, but the value of out-of-school learning is real and for hardpressed families who cannot afford holidays when school’s out, surely they shouldn’t be made to feel that they can’t make a wellchosen decision to remove their children from school during term at a suitably appropriate time. As Doreen commented when we posed this question on our Facebook page, ‘Yes, I think they should be allowed as some parents can’t get their holidays during the schools holidays and also it doubles in price at that time of year as they know kids are off school.’ Rachel also added, ‘Yes, absolutely. There are plenty of kids who are constantly off sick. Surely that should be looked into a bit more than families who notify schools in advance that their children will be off for a week for a family holiday (gaining education through life experiences). She goes on to say, ‘I find that NO WORK AT ALL gets done in December or June and that certainly doesn’t seem to damage their education.’ Ashley also believes that lifting children from school during term time for a holiday

is okay, ‘as long as it isn’t during the time a child should be revising or doing exams.’ Certainly, it does seem to be the case for primary school children that the week before Christmas, Easter and Summer terms come to an end very little is done other than fun activities and homework tends to come to a halt by this stage too and you do find parents making use of this ‘downtime’ to add extra time to their holiday and/or avail of most cost-effective holidays. It may not be so easy to remove children from school as they move into secondary education and some might argue that there’s another important lesson at play here, teaching our children we can’t always do what suits ourselves and expect others to work around us. There’s no doubt this is a sensitive subject and we’ve only scratched the surface. Many people have very strong and differing opinions, and as Rhonda rightly asserts, ‘I’d love to - but I teach...would the parents be okay with it if I took time off in May or June to avail of cheap deals?’

Look out for the next NW Asks on our Facebook page next month. We always want to hear our readers’ thoughts and views. NW

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY 2

3 1

1. Rachel Shivers 2. Lisa McCabe 3. Joelle Curoe 4. Rebecca McKinney

WEST COAST COOLER FASHIONWEEK RETURNS WITH A FABULOUS FESTIVAL

elfast FASHIONWEEK returned for its 21st season this March and with it came a whole host of fashionable events, with three nightly catwalk shows, a Fifty over Fifty’ show, the Fashion & Retail Awards, as well as the return of the sell-out Sushi Saturday and Style Sunday events, there was truly nowhere better for a seasonal fashion fix. Fashionistas flocked to venues across Belfast to witness the hottest trends from the very best of Northern Irish designers, designer boutiques and high street outlets as their Spring/Summer 16 collections came alive on the FASHIONWEEK catwalk, all whilst enjoying a refreshing West Coast Cooler.

8 5. Johanna Spencer-Boyd 6. Alison Paul 7. Adriana Zegulina 8. Debbie Grahame and Alison Moore

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY 9. Michelle Hatfield and Nuala Kilmartin 10. Katie Larmour 11. Sarah McCammon 12. Lauryn Greer and Aimee Boyle

13. Carlos Djalo in Remus Uomo 14. Ruta Mineikyte in Lotus Boutique 15. Claire Gunn in Grainne Maher Vault 16. Aimee Boyle in Boux Avenue

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY 1

PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING

CS Group, Northern Ireland’s leader in professional recruitment, proudly sponsored the recent Chartered Accountants Ulster Society’s Annual Dinner at The Culloden Hotel. The event proved itself as one of the highlights of the Society’s business and social calendar, and welcomed guest speakers including Patrick Gallen, Chairman of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society, Vernon Coaker MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and Eugene McCague, Partner with Dublin law firm Arthur Cox.

2 1. Barry and Louise Smyth 2. Georgia Gallen and Ariana Gallen 3. Joanne Bloomer, Rachel Hutchinson, Barbara McKernan and Wayne Sullivan 4. Chairman Patrick Gallen and his family 5. Gareth Hughes, Sarah McGirr, Suzanne Villliers, Emma Murray and Tiarnan O’Neill 6. Patrick Gallen and Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell 7. Mark Canning and Nadine Savage 8. Mairead Scott and Kiera Lee

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY 2

Everything glitters on the night for the Girls!

he ‘crème de la crème’ of Northern Ireland pharmacy were recognised once again at the ninth annual Pharmacy in Focus Awards, which were held on recently at Belfast’s Ramada Plaza Hotel. The awards recognise and celebrate the contributions of pharmacists, counter assistants, technicians and contractors, as well as suppliers, policy makers and influential figures across Northern Ireland.

6 1. Steven Campbell with Laura Donaghey, Boots Chemist, Belfast 2. Chris Roddy and Cliff McElhinney with Loretto McManus, Erne Pharmacy, Enniskillen 3. Rebecca Cabrejas with John Hamill, McMullan’s Pharmacy, Belfast 4. Colm Magee with Eoghan O’Brien and the team at Bannside Pharmacy 5. David Guest with the team from Lloyds Pharmacy, Ballymena 6. Ian Strachan with the team from Bannside Pharmacy, Portglenone 7. Harry Sawhney and Catharine Murray

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY 1

HASTINGS HOTELS INVESTS £40,000 IN NEWCASTLE BAR/RESTAURANT

he Percy French bar and restaurant in Newcastle has just benefited from an investment of almost £40,000. Visitors can now enjoy the view made famous by Percy French in his haunting song, The Mountains of Mourne which he noted, ‘sweep down to the sea’ as they relax in front of a roaring fire.

1. Stephen Meldrum, General Manager of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Sir William Hastings, Chairman, Hastings Hotels and James Toal Manager, Percy French. 2. Jeff Meredith with Gladys and James Greer 3. Lucia King and Kellie Chambers 4. Joy Wilkinson and Lady Hastings

FUNDRAISER RECEIVES A FLYING START FROM BA

ritish Airways recently hosted a Big Night Out at the Clayton Hotel, Belfast. The event was a fundraiser for their charity Flying Start in conjunction with Sport Relief, as well as local charity, CLIC Sargent. Julian Simmons hosted the evening which included a quiz, dinner and dancing. A great night was had and a lot of money was raised for the charities. 3

2 1. Karen Duckett with Joan McGrandals, Julie Foster and Christine Wright 2. Karen Duckett with Julian Simmons and Christine Wright 3. Karen Duckett with Joanne Irwin and Shelly Armstrong 4. Linda McGranaghan and Louise McCutcheon with Christine Wright

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY 2

Lidl Returns to Fashion Circuit with Second Spring/Summer Collection

idl Northern Ireland officially welcomed summer last week, unveiling its highly anticipated Esmara spring/summer 2016 fashion collection, following the sell-out success of its debut collection last year. Guests enjoyed an intimate showcase of spring/summer fashion at the Merchant Hotel, hosted by stylist Eve Brannon, who presented key looks from the range while guests enjoyed breakfast bites and mimosas.

1. Avril Keys, Anna Bird and Lucy Evangalista 2. Anna Bird, Eve Brannon and Louise Vance 3. Nadia Duncan, Jasmine O’Brien and Eve Brannon 4. Seona McGrath, Susan Jackson and Nuala Meenehan 5. Eve Brannon and Eileen Wilson

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

NeVer MIND The BUsINess

orthern Ireland music buffs battled it out at Belfast’s Black Box in the ultimate music quiz, Never Mind The Business, for leading charity Action For Children. The amped-up event, hosted by UTV favourite Frank Mitchell, raised vital funds for the charity’s 30 services across Northern Ireland as teams battled for the coveted Gold Disc Prize. 6

1. Frank Mitchell and Action for Children NI’s Dawn Shaw join volunteers for the charity at the Black Box event 2. Debbie Cromie and Fiona Martyn 3. Winning team ‘The Food Fighters’ David Garrett, Gary Adams, Darren Lemon and Dennis Quinn 4. Ryan Porter and Matthew Burns 5. Anna Larsen, Claire McGonigle 6. Kirsty Scott, Maria McNally 7. Stephanie Johnston, Jade Gabriel, Rachel Lewis 8. Nathan Campbell and Adam Leitch

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

Local operatic talent entertain at unique dining event

he Merchant Hotel’s Opera Dinner. Guests at the hotel enjoyed a special evening with local operatic talent as well as a sumptuous six-course meal at the event. 8

6 1. Norman and Moira Mallen and Beryl and Alan Crawford 2. Paul McErlean, Richard Ennis, Cathy Martin, Kathryn Ennis, Julie McMurray and Toby McMurray 3. Greg Kelly, Dympna Kelly, Michael Wolsey, Sorcha Wolsey and Sean McDonnell 4. Joyce and Ed Savage 5. Emmett Sweeney, John Maguire and Mal Anderson 6. Aileen Hughes and Greg Hughes 7. Ciara Zanza, Leonora McHugh and Tony McHugh 8. Deirdre and Jimmy McCabe

LIFESTYLETRAVEL

Holiday booking

101

Everything you didn’t know you needed to know about planning and booking the perfect summer getaway.

hether you are booking an actionpacked adventure for a young family, a romantic getaway for two or a head showering break for one, there are a few tips and tricks that will ensure your holiday runs like clockwork.

1. Do your homework

I cannot stress this enough! Although it may sound obvious, you would be surprised at the number of people falling for ‘book now or miss the deal’. Don’t be coerced into a holiday through fear of missing out on a great deal. With so many companies competing for your business, there are always great deals to be had.

2. Going all in

When booking all-inclusive holidays, double check exactly what the all-inclusive covers. There will often be restrictions on drinks and activities. And don’t forget to look up the tipping culture in the country you are visiting, as tips certainly won’t be included in the package.

3. Review sites, can they be trusted? The jury is out, however it is important to

note that in the UK at least, posting fake online reviews, (or astroturfing, as this practice is commonly referred to) is illegal. Look at the total number of reviews, and if they are generally great, then you may be able to overlook the rare negative comment. Likewise, if on average the ratings are low with only a few glowing comments, these may well have been written by the owner’s over protective mother. The best advice here is to use common sense!

4. Getting about

The ever contentious issue of car hire deserves pause for thought. Beware of dealers that advertise not having to leave the car back with a full tank of fuel, as they will charge your credit card for filling it up once you’re gone, and a hefty amount for the convenience of not having to do it yourself! A word of warning, getting the cheapest price doesn’t always mean getting the best deal, going two or three companies above the rock bottom price could mean avoiding a three hour queue when picking up your car in a hot airport with irritable toddlers in tow – money well spent!

LIFESTYLETRAVEL 5. Insurance

It is also worth reading the small print of the insurance that comes with hire cars. According to a recent report by consumer group Which?, hire companies may offer add on insurance, costing up to £10 a day for a small or compact car, but even if you pay this, the windscreen, wheels, tyres, roof or undercarriage of the car may not be covered.

6. Villa retreat

The trick here is to think of everything the description doesn’t tell you. So there’s a great sun terrace, how many hours of sunshine does it get? Great location close to amenities could mean a five minute walk, or five mile drive away? Don’t be afraid to ask these questions, or ask for references from previous guests who have stayed there

7. In for the long haul

Don’t believe the adverts. Unless you are in first class, turning up for a long haul flight with a blow dry and high heels is a mistake, take it from someone who’s learnt the hard way! If upgrading is not an option, there are ways to ensure the experience isn’t unbearable. Although it’s tempting, don’t take too much advantage of the drinks service, try and stick to water! The lack of humidity in the cabin will have a dehydrating effect your skin. This is worsened by alcohol, leaving you less than glowing when you arrive at your destination.

8. Packing light

The illusive “capsule wardrobe” is

something I’ve never really got to grips with when it comes to holiday packing. However, carefully planned and realistic outfits for your holiday can be the difference between checking in stress free, or £30 charge for the skyscraper stilettos and seven extra bikinis you’ll never wear.

9. Off Peak

This may seem obvious, but if you’re not bringing any kids on holiday, booking just out of peak season can make a significant difference to the price of flights, hotels, villas, packages, and even tours and activities when you get to your destination.

Try late May or early September to get the best weather, and a great deal.

10. Make the most of cheap fuel

There are some incredible roads in Europe to make the journey part of the experience. Try Route 500 in Germany which takes you through the Black Forest and past some breathtaking castles, or the Furka Pass in the Swiss Alps as imortalised by the Aston DB5/Ford Mustang car chase in the James Bond film Goldfinger. Or if you prefer the coast, there is the stunning 1,500 miles of the Wild Atlantic Way right on our doorstep.

MOTORINGNEWS

BRIT Award for Hurst Toyota Newtownabbey

harles Hurst Toyota Newtownabbey has just won a BRIT award, beating all the other 130 Toyota dealers to the top spot for Customer Satisfaction. Toyota has rewarded its best-performing retailers nationwide in its annual BRIT Awards, recognising excellence in all areas of work across its network. BRIT stands for Best Retailer in Town, reflecting Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s aspiration for retailers to focus on the importance of delivering the best service at a local level. All 180 Toyota retailers in the UK were eligible for the awards, with the results calculated from cumulative monthly report scores on performance across a wide range of business activities, including new and used vehicle sales, customer relationships, business sales, people development and business reputation and reach. Garvan Doherty from Charles Hurst Newtownabbey collected the award on behalf of the dealership from Paul Van der Burgh, Toyota GB President and Managing Director at a ceremony in London last month, hosted by actor and comedian Hugh Dennis.

Sportage set for chart success

he Sportage has been a massive hit for Kia dealers in Northern Ireland, with the previous version regularly featuring in the top ten sales charts. The new fourth-generation of the range offers 18 variants priced from £17,995 on the road. For the first time GT-Line versions add an even more sporty flourish to the range, while the line-up is headed by the luxurious First Edition model, priced at £31,645. GT-Line models start at £24,350. The new Sportage brings major advances in fuel efficiency, comfort, connectivity, convenience and safety. The acclaimed styling of a model which sells as much on its looks as on its practicality has been subtly modernised and every model benefits from a more premium look and feel to the interior. There are now four engines and three transmissions with the introduction of a 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged petrol) unit and a 7DCT (seven-speed dualclutch automatic) gearbox, both of which are reserved exclusively for GT-Line. They join extensively re-engineered

1.6-litre GDi petrol and 1.7- and 2.0-litre turbodiesel power units with improved fuel economy and CO2 reductions of up to 29g/km, which means significantly lower company car tax. The six trim lines are badged 1, 2, 3, 4, GT-Line and First Edition and a choice of front or four wheel drive is available. Even Grade 1 models comes as standard

with 16-inch alloy wheels and all-round disc brakes, a black diamond-mesh grille with chromed surround, front foglights, LED daytime running lamps, cornering lights, chrome-coated belt-line mouldings, electrically adjustable door mirrors, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshifter, all-round electric windows, air conditioning, a DAB radio, Bluetooth with music streaming, USB and AUX ports,Trailer Stability Assist, Hillstart Assist, Downhill Brake Control and cruise control with speed limiter.

MOTORINGNEWS

he reinvention of the Mini brand continues with the launch this month of the all-new Convertible. With major refinements against its predecessor, the car features a striking new design and significant enhancements to make opentopped Mini motoring even more dynamic, stylish and practical. It remains the only premium soft-top four-seater convertible in the small car segment, and the UK continues to be the largest market worldwide for the Convertible. Brand new features include a fully electric roof that is quieter and smoother than the previous model, a fully integrated rollover protection system and more rear space than before. The new model is slightly larger than the previous version resulting in more interior and boot space. A high level of standard equipment across the range includes Mini Visual Boost Radio with a 6.5-inch screen, Mini Connected, Bluetooth connectivity with USB audio, Rear Parking Distance Control and a Reversing Camera. Safety is a critical consideration in opentopped cars and the new Mini Convertible includes new integrated rollover protection which extends automatically when required. Also improved is the optional wind

Preaching to the Convertible

deflector which can be locked into position behind the driver and front passenger seats so to provide protection from unwanted air turbulence during open-topped driving. After use it can be removed and stowed in

the luggage compartment. Prices start at ÂŁ18,475. For more information, contact JKC Mini. Tel: 028 7035 5222

LIFESTYLEWHAT'SON Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (21 April, SSE Arena) www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Visit the SSE Arena to see Grammy award-winning Macklemore and Ryan Lewis perform songs such as their smash hits Downtown and Thrift Shop. April sees the duo return to the UK and Ireland for a massive arena tour. Having performed across the world including iconic award ceremonies, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s concert is one not to be missed.

Newry Food Festival

(22 April, Newry Variety Market) www.src.ac.uk Newry Variety Market is to host a tastebud tingling food festival consisting of four areas. Why not visit the ‘Marketplace’ to sample and buy some local food produce. There is a ‘Pop-up Restaurant’ area with local restaurants and eateries, a chef demonstration area and live music. So make sure to stop by for lunch or tea and even bring some wholesome Northern Ireland produce home.

What's On! April/May 2016 As the weather gets warmer and the nights get longer why not head out to one of these wonderful events across Northern Ireland. April and May see an increase in outdoor events and a celebration of Northern Irish food, drink and culture. 2016 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon (2 May, Belfast City Centre) www.belfastcitymarathon.com

What else would you be doing on a May Bank Holiday? How about joining over 17,500 runners hitting the streets of North, South, East and West Belfast? The official nominated charity this year is Mencap. The final deadline for entries is Friday 15 April 2016. Better get those trainers on and hit the treadmill!

Enniskillen Comic Fest

(6 – 7 May, McArthur Hall, Darling Street) www.discovernorthernireland.com In May, Enniskillen will host its first festival of comics, illustration and storytelling. There will be a wide range of events taking place to celebrate comic art, culture and promote sequential art and storytelling. There will be top creators from the UK and Ireland who have been part of “The Galaxy’s Greatest Comic” as well as all aspects of the comics industry.

LIFESTYLEWHAT'SON Balmoral Show 2016

(11 – 13 May, Balmoral Park) www.discovernorthernireland.com

Other Events

Visit the 148th Balmoral Show where visitors old and new will be welcomed to Balmoral Park for food, farming, family and fun. Over sixty local food and drink companies are getting ready to celebrate the best of local produce in the NI Food Pavilion. There will also be approximately 500 trade stands situated all over the showgrounds, national and international showjumping, a fun fair and livestock including cattle, pigs, horses and ducks.

Food

Belfast Spring Continental Market 2016 20 – 27 May, Belfast City Hall www.belfastcity.gov.uk/cityhall

Music International North West 200

(10 – 14 May, Portstewart) www.northwest200.org The finest line-up of road racers will draw thousands of visitors to the superfast 8.9 mile circuit that links the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine. Hitting speeds of over 200mph, racers like Guy Martin, Michael Dunlop and John McGuiness will thrill 85,000 fans. Be sure to pack a picnic and head to the beautiful North Coast.

The Celtic Tenors Dinner Show 23 April, Europa Hotel www.hastingshotels.com The Ulster Orchestra In Love And Literature 23 April, Ardhowen Theatre www.ardhowentheatre.com 5 Seconds of Summer 25 April, SSE Arena www.ssearenabelfast.com

Art

Sketch on a Sunday 24 April, Bangor www.project24ni.com

Belfast Film Festival

(14th -23rd April, Belfast) www.belastfilmfestival.org The 16th Belfast Film Festival offers ten days of movie heaven as it takes over venues across the city with the best of new world cinema, documentary panorama, TV Eye, special events, festival guests, local filmmakers, discussion and debate. 2016 highlights include Patrick Stewart in Green Room, Foreign Language Oscar winner Son of Saul, Irish recession thriller Traders, Scandinavian comedy Men and Chicken, and a visit from acclaimed director, Terence Davies, who is the recipient of this year’s Belfast Film Festival Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award.

Outdoors

Florence Court Country Fair 19 May, Florence Court www.nationaltrust.org.uk Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival 2016 27 May – 5 June, Ballycastle www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com Northern Ireland Countrysports Fair 28 – 29 May, Scarvagh House www.countrysportsfairs.com

To be included in the NW's What's On please send event details to northernwoman@greerpublications.com NW

LIFESTYLEBOOKREVIEWS

Books

The Bricks that Built the Houses By Kate Tempest Becky, Harry and Leon are leaving town with a suitcase full of money. They are on the run from jealous boyfriends, dead-end jobs, violent maniacs and disgruntled drug dealers.

There are so many amazing books due to be released. So whether you are heading away on holiday or simply drifting off to sleep with a book in your hand, be sure to look out for these titles.

Not Working By Lisa Owens Claire has quit her job in order to discover her true vocation only to realise she has no idea how to go about finding it. While everyone around her seems to be in control of their lives, Clare finds herself under pressure.

Eligible

Everyone Brave is Forgiven

All That Man Is

By Curtis Sittenfeld

By Chris Cleave

By David Szalay

Sisters Liz and Jane return home after their father becomes ill. Younger sisters Kitty and Lydia are too busy to get jobs, while Mary is earning her third masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree. Meanwhile Mrs Bennet plans how to marry off her daughters.

This Second World War story moves between London, where a young woman teaches children deemed unsuitable for education, and the island of Malta. We meet three individuals thrown together by their search for belonging.

We meet nine men, each at a different stage in their lives, each away from home and each of them living in the suburbs of Prague in a cheap Cypriot hotel striving to understand what it means to be alive, here and now.

LIFESTYLEMOVIEREVIEWS

Movies The Jungle Book

Starring: Neel Sethi, Ben Kingsley, Lupita Nyong’o Watch in 3D as Mowgli, a human boy, leaves his jungle home when fearsome Bengal tiger Shere Khan threatens his life since man isn’t allowed in the jungle. The black panther Bagheera and Baloo the bear guide Mowgli as he sets out on a journey of self-discovery.

When it come to the big screen the kids (big and small) are in for a treat. From remakes of classics to brand new movies, there is something for everyone. So grab that popcorn and sit back and relax.

The Angry Birds Movie

Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Peter Dinklage, Jillian Bell Find out why the birds are so angry. When an island populated by happy, flightless birds is visited by mysterious green piggies it is up to three unlikely outcasts, Red, Chuck and Bomb, to figure out what evil plans the pigs are hatching.

Alice Through the Looking Glass

Money Monster

Elvis & Nixon

Starring: Johnny Depp, Sacha Baron Cohen

Starring: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Caitriona Balfe

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Michael Shannon, Colin Hanks

See Lewis Carroll’s 1871 novel come to life as Alice returns to the whimsical world of Wonderland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. Set some six months later than Alice in Wonderland, Alice again enters a fantastical world, this time by climbing through a mirror into the world that she can see beyond it.

Lee Gates is a bombastic TV personality whose popular financial network show has made him the money wizard of Wall Street. But after he hawks a high tech stock that mysteriously crashes an irate investor takes Gates, his crew and ace producer Patty Fenn hostage live on air.

Follow the untold true story behind the December 1970 meeting between the King of Rock ‘n Roll and President Nixon. Elvis Presley shows up to the White House and requests an urgent meeting with President Nixon to swear him as an undercover agent in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.

LIFESTYLEWEDDINGALBUM

A Fairytale Romance

islin Hagan from Belfast, a TV Presenter for Irish TV SKY channel 191, recently married electronic engineer, Seamus Higgins from Tralee, Co. Kerry in a beautiful winter wonderland setting at Castle Bellingham. As Aislin reminisces, ‘Like all good love stories I met Seamus in an Irish bar, however, the ironic thing is, I don’t even drink! We were both working in the same bar in Barcelona and little did I know that I had met my best friend and my future husband. Seamus surprised Aislin with a romantic Christmas Day proposal and a month later whisked her off to New York to pick her ring. Aislin and Seamus married the following Christmas in Dundalk Cathedral and the bride wore a Mikado silk gown and matching jacket. The five bridesmaids wore blue tea length dresses with gold embroidery. As for the groomsmen they wore a combination of two suits for a mismatched, yet co-ordinated look. Bellingham Castle was the most perfect venue to follow the chapel. On arrival guests enjoyed mulled wine and canapés before moving into the enchanting dining room complete with glass slipper favours for the ladies! Entertainment was provided by Marty Fay and his band in the evening and Johnny Bravo during the day reception.

LIFESTYLEWEDDINGALBUM

Finishing Touches... Wedding Theme: Winter Wonderland Wedding Dress: Pronovias from La Boda Bridal Banbridge

Bridemaids’ Dresses: Chi Chi London Brides Shoes: Millars Lurgan Bridesmaids Shoes: Dorothy Perkins Groom & Groomsmen: Statement Menswear in

Portadown

Flowers: McPeakes Florists Hair: Michelle International Belfast Photography: Lauren Rutherford Cinematography: Wedding Video NI Cake: Candytuft Cakes First Dance: ‘I will’ Christy Hennessey

ONELASTTHING

A Day in the Life of

Susan Wylie-Roberts Originally from Holywood, now based in London, Susan WylieRoberts, Global Head of Public Relations for M.i.h Jeans chats to us about her life in fashion. How long have you been working with M.i.h Jeans and how has your role evolved over the years?

I have been working for M.i.h for nine years. Both the brand and my role have changed beyond recognition. There were three of us when I started with the company and since then M.i.h has become a globally recognised brand with an evergrowing team. I was lucky to join the company when I did it was very small and

thriving, which meant I was able to get involved in every area of a fast-growing business and really carve out my niche. I started as PR Assistant and have moved through many phases to reach my current position. I now sit on the management team and work at a strategic level, planning our brand communications for the coming months and years, and working with our global teams and partners to make sure our activities and messaging are consistent.

Did you always want to work within the fashion industry and had you worked for anyone else before M.i.h?

I knew from a really young age that I wanted to work in fashion. My mum claims that I would change my outfits three times a day as a toddler. PR wasn’t something I knew a great deal about growing up though. I had my eureka moment while I was interning at a magazine, dealing with PRs all day, and I remember thinking ‘I want to be on the other end of the phone’. M.i.h was my first full-time job but I had completed many internships, in Belfast (at Northern Woman!), London and New York, before I joined the team here.

Describe a typical day?

When I’m in London, I’m very much office based, with external meetings with editors and stylists usually happening in the morning. I also travel a lot to our key markets in Europe, Scandinavia and the US, for meetings and events. I love that every day is different, and that I get to see the world, meet wonderful people and call it work. It is M.i.h’s 10th anniversary this year so I am currently working on a big project which will launch in May and includes global activity both online and offline. We have been working on it for the best part of a year so it is very exciting that it is now just around the corner and there is a real buzz in the office.

Tell us about any memorable moments?

Planning a sit-down dinner for 20 of the fashion industry’s most influential tastemakers in both LA and London, within days of each other, was challenging but such a thrill when both were a huge success, or little things like receiving letters from A-list celebrities saying they couldn’t live without their M.i.h Jeans, but my career is still young and I think I have so much more to give in this industry and so many memorable moments to come.

Have you any future plans?

I have a pipe dream that I would like to start my own communications agency. I've learned so much at M.i.h and I would like to take that knowledge and apply it to other brands that interest me. As I get older I really love the idea of being the master of my own time.

Finally, what advice would you pass on to those wanting a similar day job?

I have learned everything I know on the job, working for and with some truly brilliant people. Find people you admire and learn as much as you can from them.