NW September 2016 by Helen Wright

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

Perfect Night 94 William Street, Lurgan 028 3834 2069

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CONTENTS FEATURES

LIFESTYLE

The incredible story of a brave young PSNI officer who faced the terror of waking up with locked-in syndrome after a massive stroke.

A chalet bungalow in Ballymena has been lovingly renovated and decorated to create a stylish family home.

6 Clodagh Dunlop

36 Working Woman

NI Water's Sara Venning talks about mixing a high powered career with being a mum.

FASHION

13 Mid-Season Style

Style tips to help you navigate the seasons.

16 New Season Style A/W16

NW highlights what is trending this Autumn/Winter.

24 Seaside Style

A Fashion extravaganza that will put the North West on the fashion map.

64 A Happy Home

72 Meatless Mondays

The nations long standing affair with meat is coming to an end with the news that 3 in 10 of us want to eat less meat.

REGULARS

40 My Brilliant Career

Dr Sandra Elliot GP and Forensic Doctor discusses her varied medical career.

98 A Day in the Life

This issue we catch up with Julie Cherry award-winning hair stylist from Shane Bennett's Salon

COMPETITIONS

38 WIN... A two night summer

HEALTH & BEAUTY

getaway to Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa.

The NW team puts the latest body creams, lotions and oils to the test, read their verdicts.

52 WIN... A SPAtisserie experience at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa.

50 Tried&Tested

56 Heart Health

Meet the Co. Down Woman who at age 26, found out she had a heart complaint.

PUBLISHER: c/o Independent News & Media Ltd Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3BG www.northernwoman.co.uk T: 028 9026 4264 MANAGER: Eileen Doherty Art Editor: Helen Wright PRODUCTION MANAGER: Stuart Gray

53 WIN... One of five ÂŁ100 Gift Cards from Peter Mark Hairdressing.

74 WIN... A year's supply of Old El Paso products.

Stephanie Bell, Una Brankin, Pat Burns, Alicia Clarke, Kate Wilson Cody, Margaret Connolly, Jess Dornan Lynas & Teri Kelly Accounts: Independent News & Media Ltd Design & Production: Independent News & Media Ltd PRINT: GPS cover credit: Cirque image supplied courtesy of Catherine MacKenzie Photography

CONTRIBUTORS: #northernwomanmagazine 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.

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NWCOVERSTORY

The incredible story of a brave young PSNI officer who faced the

Traumatic change: Clodagh was based in Londonderry as a PSNI officer before suffering a brain stem stroke. Right, in hospital unable to move or speak

The near death experience that made me fight for life, waking up unable to speak or move... and how the love of my life helped me recover Interview by Una Brankin Photographs by Peter Morrison

he walks slowly into the luxurious living room, an easy smile on her open face. Lightly tanned, with lively blue eyes, Clodagh Dunlop looks healthy and youthful in her striped cotton dress and navy blue leggings. At first glance, the only clue to the terrible ordeal she has been through is a walking stick. As she comes closer, I see a calliper of sorts on her right leg and notice her limp. But it could have been so much worse for this courageous police officer from Desertmartin, a picturesque village outside Magherafelt in Co Londonderry. The 37-year-old was left with lockedin syndrome after suffering a devastating brain stem stroke at Easter 2014, and spent

months trapped inside her body, unable to move or speak. The only way she could communicate was by blinking. Anyone who has read — or seen the film — The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by the late journalist and stroke victim JeanDominique Bauby, a memoir written via a spelling board controlled by his blinks, will know exactly the arduous process involved. "That’s such a beautiful book," she says, a slight drawl in her voice since the stroke. "I remember him describing the moment he sees himself in a mirror after the stroke and sees a stranger looking back. I was the same — I remember catching sight of my reflection in a window and crying. "I was just a shell with no life in my

eyes or body. It scared me. I found it very difficult to look in the mirrors in rehab." We’re having coffee, prepared by Clodagh’s partner, Adrian Simpson, in their lovely detached home. It has an idyllic setting at the bottom of a sloping driveway, on a country road just outside Desertmartin village. Inside, the furnishings are tasteful and comfortable — good quality leather and velvet sofas in subtle hues, with co-ordinating drapes, and a low-slung coffee table holding a bowl of Celebrations chocolates in the middle. The airy lounge leads into an elegant, spotless kitchen which Clodagh can manage to walk around without her stick, holding on to the work-tops.

NWCOVERSTORY

terror of waking up after a massive stroke with locked-in syndrome

So close: Clodagh Dunlop from Magherafelt, with her partner Adrian Campbell

>>> NW

NWCOVERSTORY Fortunately, the house has no stairs. Clodagh had just finished cleaning her feature windows — there are a lot of them — when she began to feel unwell on April 6, 2015. Previously one of the most athletically fit female police officers in the PSNI, she had been in excellent health, the only hiccup being a bit of whiplash from a car accident in the past. The collision is a possible factor in the monumental brain haemorrhage Clodagh was to suffer later that night. "I was going to go out running that day but I noticed the windows were dirty, in the sun," she recalls. "I felt perfectly fine all day but around six o’clock, I began to feel weak and my voice was slurred; then I couldn’t stand. "My sister Diane arrived as this was happening — she was horrified and thought there might be something wrong with my brain. I suspected a stroke — I recognised it from the FAST awareness ads (Face, Arms, Speech, Telephone) and got the ambulance to Antrim hospital, but due to my age, 35 at the time, and how I looked physically, I didn’t fit the stereotype of a stroke patient. "The doctors suspected drugs or meningitis, not that they were accusing me of taking illegal drugs. They thought it was maybe prescription drugs, because of the pressures of my job." In reality, Clodagh had most likely suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA), in which the blood flow to part of the brain stops for a short period of time. But after she was admitted to hospital, she began to feel better. "I spoke to Adrian on the phone — he was in Scotland — and told him I’d taken a turn in the house, and not to come home just yet," she says haltingly. "I felt a bit of a fake but as the night wore on I began to deteriorate. Then, at midnight, my sister and I both feel that I died in that moment. "I saw two illuminated figures behind Diane, coming towards me and telling it was fine, and to come along with them, and I felt sure death was upon me. They were silhouettes, lit up, and I felt drawn towards them. They didn’t speak as such — it was a sort of telepathic communication with them. I wasn’t afraid. I didn’t want to go but I had a feeling of acceptance of death.

Happier times: Clodagh and Adrian with her new pet dogs Bonnie and Clyde. Right, the couple before her illness

❛meMyin thesisterfacewasandhitting screaming ‘ don't die' ❜

There was no pain then, and I felt a real sense of peace." Admitting to being a "huge sceptic" in the past about reported neardeath experiences, Clodagh’s vision had put paid to any doubts she had before and has

reinforced her faith. "I said goodbye to my dad and my sister and lay back," she continues. "My eyes rolled and I was still and white. My sister started screaming my name. If she hadn’t, I don’t think I would have been drawn back. She was hitting me in the face and screaming ‘don’t die!’ and in my mind then, I was screaming back ‘don’t let me go’." To the horror of her father David (69)

and Diane, a 35-year-old dental nurse, Clodagh then went into a massive seizure, writhing uncontrollably in a full body spasms. To control it, the medical team put her into a medically induced coma and brought her to have a brain scan, which revealed a significant clot on her brain stem. A decision was made to transfer her immediately to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for a clot retrieval operation. "I was covered in wires and tubes and my family was told to say their goodbyes because the mortality rate was high," she recounts, matter-offact. "Most don’t survive the surgery. The brain stem controls all the live functions so to have a clot there was devastating to the body. The outlook was bleak." Against all odds, the operation was successful. But when Clodagh woke up in the ICU, she was in pain and unable to move or speak. "It was unimaginable. I thought I’d be like that forever. The nurse told me I’d had a stroke and, bizarrely, I felt a sense of satisfaction that I’d been right. But I didn’t realise how severe it was. All I could do was move my eyes. "I was able to see in my peripheral vision all these machines and lights, and I could hear the beeps but I couldn’t move my head or body. I had tubes in my mouth and they were pressing against my tongue and hurting me, but I couldn’t indicate that, or that I was thirsty. "I knew I needed help but I didn’t panic," she continues. "I felt frightened but it took a couple of hours before I grasped how ill I was. I remember going for a CT scan and seeing a well-known MLA

NWCOVERSTORY

waiting there, and noticing a look of real pity and sadness when he saw me. That showed me how ill I was." In the past, Clodagh had heard of people with locked-in syndrome languishing in intensive care units for weeks without anyone knowing that they’re fully conscious. "Remembering that was very frightening. There was a policeman in America with locked-in syndrome who heard his family agreeing to switch off his life support when the doctor noticed him blinking frantically. But on the second day, Adrian looked into my eyes and said ‘Are you there Clodagh?’, and told me to blink once for yes. "So I made the most exaggerated blink I could to show him that I was. I’m so indebted to him. I could see the relief on his face. He said ‘you’re going to be okay’ — I knew I was severely ill and I needed that reassurance. "I always say I got the most extreme form of a stroke because I always had to have the best of everything." Adrian sits quietly across from us, two very cute mini black schnauzers, Bonny and Clyde, at his feet. Tall and dark and softly-spoken, he has a beard and a sports tattoo on one of his muscular arms. He met Clodagh on a night out, a year before the stroke, and asked her out for lunch. He had been separated from his former partner for four years at that stage, and Clodagh was divorced from her former husband. The couple had moved in together shortly before the stroke turned their lives upside down. "I got the night boat back from Glasgow and Diane met me off it," he recalls. "At the start, I was just relieved Clodagh was alive but that journey back down the M2

Waking up was awful, I thought that I would be like that forever>>> NW

NWCOVERSTORY was terrible, not knowing if she’d survive the operation. "I arrived at the hospital at 6am and to see her there, lifeless looking, with all these tubes… I thought she was a gonner. I knew a bit about the brain stem and when I left Antrim I was almost sure she was dead. "But Clodagh’s a fighter, and stubborn," he adds with a smile. "Once I knew she was there, I knew she’d work to get out of that state." At pains to emphasise her indebtedness to Adrian and Diane for saving her life, Clodagh does however admit that her locked-in syndrome was a living nightmare. Imprisoned in her own body, her days were full of frustration and her nights beset by fear. She also suffered extremely high temperatures without a properly functioning brain stem to control her body heat.

when I could ❛brushI sobbed my teeth again... it's all the small things that you take for granted

❜

"There was one night in the stroke ward when I was sore from the trachea and ridiculously hot, and I felt sure I was going to die again," she says, a shadow of the fright dimming the light in her eyes. "I kept praying to God, to Jehovah, to Buddha, to them all. It was a combination of praying and the will to live that kept me going. "But I was continually at the risk of heat stroke and I couldn’t wipe sweat off my brow or pull my sheets off. I didn’t sleep much and I was very frightened at night." How on earth did she remain sane? I wondered if she escaped in her mind, as Brian Keenan described in An Evil Cradling, his account of his kidnapping and captivity in Beirut. "Well, I’d taught English in Cambodia so I’d transport myself back to the classroom there, as it was hot, but then the dream would be interrupted when I tried to reach for a bottle of water. "And I’d dream of our holiday in Namibia and splashing face with water from a tap, and being in a hot camp in Ayers Rock, the stepping into a cool car with air-conditioning. The problem was that I couldn’t get any relief from the heat of my body when I was locked-in. And if I had an itch, I couldn’t communicate that. "

She was able to relay her fears to Adrian when he brought her a spelling board, a communication system wherein Clodagh could indicate letters of the alphabet through blinking, to form words and sentences. "After that, the nurses realised why I was crying and they became angels, checking on me constantly. Adrian worked tirelessly to establish communication with me — that’s the reason I’m alive now." On her 36th birthday, on May 1, 2014, Clodagh was being treated to a pampering and massage session by her best friend Karen (35), when she tried to tell her, through the spelling board, that she needed her tablets. "I could see the panic in Karen’s eyes at the sight of the spelling board — I noticed lots of people are frightened by technology — but I needed to ask her to get me some tablets. She kept stopping at TABL and thinking I wanted something off the table, and I got so frustrated with her, I was thinking, if I could lift both my arms up I’d strangle you!’ "I couldn’t get through to her and I suddenly let out this huge roar. It was about 11pm and all the nurses and the physio came running into the room, and started laughing and clapping and crying. Then Karen and I started laughing and laughing. "If she hadn’t made me so angry … she lit the fuse that caused my brain to explode." Having got her voice back, Clodagh had to learn to talk again. She was spoon-fed smoothies and yoghurts to try to strengthen her throat muscles, and had to practice her speech for hours per day — "Oh, I don’t sound like myself at all as the right side of my throat is sluggish but hopefully I’ll sound less nasally as it strengthens." After almost six weeks in the stroke ward at the Royal, she was transferred to Musgrave Park Hospital for six "long" months of rehab, which involved being placed in a hoist to help train her walk again. "The whole thing was an incredibly slow process. I couldn’t put on the TV and I had to get a nurse to put the code into the Kindle my cousin bought me to read about stroke rehab, and I was so clumsy swiping to turn the page, it would take me 10 minutes. But as time progressed more functions returned. "I remember sobbing tears of joy when I was able to brush my teeth again. All the small things you take for granted that you have to be thankful for." The ingrained stubbornness Adrian mentioned was to come out in Clodaghcolourfully - during the arduous rehab

Inspirational journey: Clodagh Dunlop with her husband Adrian receiving the Overall Belfast Telegraph Woman of the Year award in association with The OUTLET. Right, and left, Clodagh continues her regime to help her walk unaided again

process, when a speech therapist put an iPad on the side of her wheelchair in an attempt to help her communicate more efficiently. As she cheerfully recalls: "It was by the side of my head and I said ‘get this f**king thing off my wheelchair — I WILL speak again!’ "It was the only way I could show my determination. My tongue muscles and swallow stopped working for a while, and my cheeks were swollen, and I had to use very simplistic and some very strong language. I couldn’t express myself facially or with the tone of my voice. My mum (Margaret) says that my language has got incredibly bad since I took ill and scolded me the other day." Her eldest daughter’s brush with death took its toll on Margaret’s health and she is currently recovering from a broken hip. But she and the rest of the family and friends were thrilled when Clodagh was able to stand again last July.

NWCOVERSTORY have a limp but I do want to run again. I miss it so much." The back fluffy pups follow us around. Clodagh never had time for a pet before but loves having them around now. She also enjoys the company of children. "I never felt inclined to have kids of my own — my sister has three and Adrian has three from his previous marriage, and I always like being with them but I’m content with my life as it is. "As for marriage, I’m divorced and I swore I’d never get married again but I’m not as dismissive now. It’s not on the agenda but I wouldn’t rule it out!" Recently named Belfast Telegraph Woman of the Year at a glittering ceremony where she received a standing ovation, Clodagh celebrated the first anniversary of her illness with a skydive. Her GP initially disapproved, but was persuaded by her consultant to sign the medical consent form.

doesn' t discriminate, ❛youIllness should enjoy every day... health really is wealth ❜

"Before the stroke, I was at the height of my physical fitness. I could do hundreds of sit-ups at a time and had a six-pack. I’d run four and a half miles every other day. I loved it. I came second out of 700 in the Tactical Support Group race and worked on the front-line at contentious events in Belfast — but none of them were as terrifying as being locked-in in the ICU. "So, being able to walk again was unbelievable. I cried tears of pure joy when I was able to walk out the door from Musgrave. And I felt like a different person, somehow. I had always had long dark hair but when I came out of rehab, I felt different. I got it cut off into a bob and lightened. It’s easier to manage." She shows me out to her rehab room, a former gym, in the double garage. It has butterfly stickers on the wall beside her treadmill, and large plinth on the floor for her stretching exercises. Local businesses, including Henry Bros, raised the funds for

the specialist equipment. "I can walk 2km in an hour on the treadmill — I used to run 5km in 22 minutes. My default posture is slouching to the right, so I have to retrain myself to stand up straight. "My speech and mobility are poor but I’m medically fine now. I’ve had a year with no seizures or complications. I’ve worked hard at it. Power has slowly returned. I’m normal on my left side — I just have a wonky right arm and leg." Didn’t she ever get depressed throughout her ordeal? "No, not really. Being a police officer, we deal with problems and situations all the time that require a solution. With the support of those around me, I kept focused. The psychologist at Musgrave was even worried that I was too positive. "I just said I don’t know what the future will be but I will work hard to be the best I can. I’d lived to run before the stroke. I will

"When I was in hospital, I’d be lying there and the air would be very still, and I’d be dreaming of falling out of a plane and the wind rushing past my face and my arms flapping out," she remembers. "Then I’d wake up into the reality of this sterile environment and couldn’t even move a finger. "I’d cry but I had no facial expression so the tears would fall down my face and tickle it. I couldn’t wipe them away and they’d sting, because of the medication. But I’m lucky — there are some locked-in people who are left blind and can’t move." Incredibly, she’s planning to get back to driving in August and to return to work in September. "I always wanted to be a uniformed officer with the Tactical Support Group on the front line," she concludes. "Now, I’ll have to look for a different career path. I’ll be office-based in September and I just have to accept a lesser life." She adds: "Illness doesn’t discriminate. You should live every day to the fullest and enjoy it. Don’t take it for granted. Money won’t make you better — it really is true that your health is your wealth." With that, she’s off to pose for pictures by our awe-struck photographer, who has never met anyone so inspirational. Me neither.

NWFASHION Flush Compiled by Mags Connolly

T-Shirt Dress, £295, Moncler @ farfetch.com

Flush

FLUSH

Wild Flower Embroidered Cropped Jeans, £408, Bliss and Mischief @ matchesfashion. com

Siren Medium Stacking Ring, £85, Monica Vinader

Rings FRUGAL Oval Aura Semi Precious Ring, £19.90, Accessorize

T-Shirt Dress FRUGAL Striped T-shirt Dress, £23, laredoute.co.uk

FRUGAL

Dress £120, Debut @ Debenhams (available from September)

Flush Vs Frugal

Jeans FRUGAL Floral Embroidered Mom Jeans, £58, MOTO @ Topshop

Designer styles at high street prices to see you through the last days of summer and into Autumn.

FRUGAL Pom Pom Leather Sandals, £49.99, Zara

Flush Red Lace Azalea Dress, £240, Self-Portrait

FRUGAL Lace Halter Dress, £165, Warehouse (also available in black)

Embroidered dress Flush

Flush

Navy Embroidered Kaitlyn Dress, £1,414 (was £2,020), Stella McCartney @ net- a-porter.com matchesfashion.com

LACE Dress

Flush All-Over Stickers Cross Body Bag, £795, Anya Hindmarch

bags FRUGAL Patch Cross Body Bag, £29.99, Zara

sandals

Embellished Leather Sandals, £140, Mabu by Maria BK @ net- a-porter.com

MidSeason STyle

Embroidered Bomber Jacket, £59.99, Zara

Compiled by Mags Connolly

It’s never easy leaving the last of summer’s days behind. But it can be exciting to embrace those first days of autumn. It does, however, leave your wardrobe in limbo. Here NW brings you some styling tips to help you navigate the seasons because it needs a bit more thought than simply adding a pair of tights and throwing on a jumper!

Taller Marmo A-W16

Bomber Jackets...

...are everywhere this season and can be worn by women of all ages. They are still around for next season and are perfect for adding a bit of warmth on cooler autumn days. Wear with a pleated midi skirt or culottes, and dress down with jeans.

Embroidered Bomber Jacket, £75, Miss Selfridge

>>> NW

NWFASHION

Skirt, £329; Sweater, £165; Belt, £119, & Hat, £49, all Marc Cain

Coat, £30; Knit, £8; Dress, £13 & Boots, £15, all Primark

Collection Cold Shoulder Jumper, £35, M&S

Jumpers...

...are a practical and easy way to layer as you move from summer to autumn. To be honest we are lucky if we get out of them during the summer months! To still nod to summer as you move towards autumn, opt for on-trend cold shoulder styles or a sleeveless one which again can be layered over a shirt or blouse.

Floral Dresses...

...are a bit of a thing right now and they are actually good for all weathers: if it’s hot, wear them as is; if it’s cold layer with a jumper and/or jacket or coat. Maxi or midi styles look great with boots when the time comes to put away the sandals until next year.

Ankle Boots...

...are ideal if you’re tired of summer trainers. While the trusty white lace-up is still in for next season and ideal for transistional footwear, a beige ankle boot looks great with dresses, jeans and skirts as you adapt your wardrobe mid-season.

Quin, £90, Dune

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Pussybow Blouses...

Ivy Sleeveless Knitted Top, £89, Hobbs

...while never really out of fashion, this style is due to take centre stage this autumn. If it still feels too early to be wearing this neckline the other big neckline detail for autumn is the thin black scarf which you can drape around a cotton or silk T-shirt; remember a scarf is the perfect way to update any outfit between seasons.

Pussybow blouse, £XX, M&S

Blouse, £16, Matalan

Sleeveless Coats & Jackets... ...are the perfect way to extend your summer wardrobe and add an essential layer coming into autumn. Whether a sleeveless style from last winter or this summer, because this style has been about for a while now, or a timeless military style that you have tucked away, dust them down and get ready for autumn. Waistcoat, £289; Blouse, £209, Trousers, £165 & Necklace, £99, all Marc Cain

Don’ t take your favourite summer frocks out of rotation! Pairing a dark layer like this black military blazer (opposite) or your trusty leather jacket over a pretty summer staple will add another few months to that flowy dress you can' t bear to put away at the end of the season.

Black Gold Button Military Style Jacket, £44.99, New Look

Fendi A/W16

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New Season Style A/W16 Compiled by Mags Connolly

NW highlights what is trending this autumn/winter

Military

Checks and stripes at Victoria Beckham Spring's love of these geometric prints carries through to next season.

Topshop Unique A/W16

Khaki army coats abounded at Prada, Miu Miu, DSquared2 and Burberry, and along with mid and full-length nautical navy coats, look set to replace your trusty camel coat as the preferred outerwear option this autumn/winter.

Nina Ricci A/W16

NWFASHION

Simone Rocha A/W16

Prince of Wales check and country tweeds have been updated this season with metallic sheens, pretty lace and statement sequins.

Max Mara A/W16

A trend everyone can embrace this season, Pinstripes lengthen and slim every body type. Shown on the catwalks of Max Mara, Trussardi, Calvin Klein and more, these flattering stripes are on trend for work or play this season.

Gucci A/W16

Max Mara A/W16

Pinstripes

Heritage Marc Cain A/W16

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Peter Pilotto A/W16

Shearling & Fur

The fabric of the season, velvet has been making inroads for a while now. Velvet dresses in particular were spied amongst many designer collections including Prada, Preen and Dries Van Noten and almost lend a renaissance feel to next seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion.

Temperley A/W16

Fendi A/W16

Prada A/W16

Dolce Gabbana A/W16

Velvet

Topshop Unique A/W16

Marc Cain A/W16

Burberry A/W16

Temperley A/W16

Rodarte A/W16

J.W. Anderson A/W16

Again two practical winter fabrics which have been reinvented and updated for 2016/17. Certainly, when it comes to fur and faux fur coats, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about being bold and making a statement.

Embroidery Summer's festival dressing and 70s folklore is sticking around this autumn/winter with lots of flounces and embroidery on display. We love Temperley's interpretation of this new season trend.

Gucci A/W16

Tadashi Shoji A/W16

Alexander McQueen A/W16

Colours are dark, prints and embellishments are rebellious as fashion nods to the macabre.

Isabel Marant A/W16

Preen A/W16

Marc Cain A/W16

Gothic Punk

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Elogated Waists...

Eighties

A new shape for A/W16.

Alexander McQueen A/W16

Another trend that shows no signs of abating for A/W, sequins are worn top to toe at Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Preen, Erdem, McQueen, Moschino, Valentino, Rochas.

Saint Laurent A/W16

Sequins

Isabel Marant A/W16

Preem A/W16

Burberry A/W16

The 80s have made it back into the collective consciousness once again. One-shoulder dresses and tops with loads of ruffles reigned supreme at many shows incuding Isabel Marant, Lanvin, Moschino, Rodarte and Saint Laurent.

NWFASHION

Fall for these

Finishes

Compiled by Mags Connolly

Rebecca Minkoff

Bags

Bags take on rock star chic with embellished guitar straps this season. While the likes of Rebecca Minkoff and Valentino have been showing these for a season or two, they are destined to become more mainstream this autumn/ winter.

Celine A/W16

We can't wait for the high street interpretations of these accessory trends spied on the A/W16 catwalks.

Earrings

Valentino

Jumbo, statement earrings were on every catwalk and this season’s architectural creations have obtained must-have status. When it comes to earrings, it’s definitely a case of go big or go home!

Fendi A/W16

Designers have always had a love affair with the fur stole but the asymmetrical styling trick makes it different for this season.

Valentin Yudashkin A/W16

Fur Stoles

Shoes

Louis Vuitton A/W16

Burberry A/W16

Roksanda Ilincic A/W16

Candy Leather Platform Boots, £610, Saint Laurent @ net- a-porter.com

It’s not just the knitwear that is chunky for autumn/winter, while designers do nod to delicate heels with quirky detailing, and ladylike ballet-inspired heels and flats were seen at Valentino, the chunky, punk-inspired boot is where it’s at.

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LOVES Here are a few of our favourite coats and jacketsfiltering into the shops for next season...

Embroidered Denim Jacket, River Island price - £70

Shelby Black Leather Biker Jacket, £395, Reiss

Miu Miu A/W16

Trench Coat, £198, Jigsaw

Embroided Trophy Jacket, £39, very.co.uk

Compiled by Mags Connolly

Checked Coat, £399, Marc Cain

Collection Storm Flap Khaki Mac, £49.50, M&S

Jacket, £175, Todd Lynn Edition @ Debenhams

NWFASHION

Think Before You Buy

Jess Dornan Lynas discusses how to be ethical, fashionable, inquisitive and involved.

LOVE fashion. I love clothes and myriad different styles and the thrill of an oftenillicit purchase. I can be classic with a twist one day and laid back luxe the next, and I tend to wear vintage for evenings and events. Ever since I was little when I would watch my mother getting ready for a night out, the smell of her perfume, the glamour of her velvet and lace (it was the 80s!), the sophistication of her heels, I have been in awe of it all. I went on to take my degree in fashion design and worked in the industry for many years. I travelled a lot and had a ball. I’ve been in the factories in China and I’ve met the people - the wonderful people - who make your clothes. But my love for clothes and glimpse of the industry lead me to ask some important questions. While it’s fantastic that today’s industry allows everyone to achieve a high fashion look on varying budgets, we should also be asking ourselves, at what cost? I know I am: ‘Who made my clothes?’ ‘How were they made?’ ‘What was the impact of their production?’

❛

Our aim was to grow our own organic cotton and be aware of the process from start to finish, making sure our workers were paid a fair wage

❜

and ‘How did these jeans cost me only £8?’ I'm not suggesting we all start knitting our own organic shoes but we can adopt little practises that will start to help. The wonderful Fashion Revolution, founded and lead by the superb Carry Somers, is leading the charge. Inspired by the tragedy at Rana Plaza in 2013, when a Bangladesh factory collapsed killing 1,134 people, Somers launched the social

media campaign #whomademyclothes and #fashrev encouraging fashion lovers to post a label photograph and tag the brand, with many of the design houses responding with messages from the garment workers who made your clothes - nice! They also encourage #30wears; a really simple and effective way to be more sartorially mindful. It’s self explanatory: try to wear each of your garments at least 30 times and don’t buy something unless you think you are going to wear it that many times. So much fast fashion goes into landfill, let’s actively try to alleviate that. Buying Fairtrade is also an immediate and easy way to shop ethically and the range and quality of items available these days are superb. In 2006, I set up my own business, Kica & Ferret, importing Kikois (a multipurpose sarong/scarf) from Kenya. Our aim was to grow our own organic cotton and be aware of the process from start to finish, making sure our workers were paid a fair wage, and although the company is currently on hiatus (watch this

NWFASHION space!), travelling through Kenya and meeting the families who worked for us made me aware of how incredibly important that is. Therefore, having been at the forefront of sustainable fashion since way back in 1991, hats off to People Tree, who ensure that every element of their production is Fairtrade from the growing of organic cotton in India, where their farmers receive 30% more than average, through to production and presentation. Check out its founder, Saffia Minney’s Slow Fashion for an inside read on how to dress ethically, and with high street juggernauts such as H&M, Gap and M&S producing their own organic cotton ranges too, the tide is certainly starting to turn. As I said, we don't have to stop popping into Zara on our lunch break, we just have to be more thoughtful about the whole industry.

Here are a few ideas of how I like to d‘ o my bit’ and how you can be more thoughtful too. Ethical Brands

I support brands which have the right ethos regarding ethics, fairtrade and sustainability. One such simply brilliant brand is Toms shoes. Their fantastic practise is to provide one pair of shoes for a child in need for every purchase of a pair of Toms. They give a full eye exam and treat any problem when a pair of glasses is purchased and they provide a safe birth for mothers and babies in need in return for every bag sold. Other super brands are People Tree for classic cottons with great design, Kuyichi for denim and Patagonia for super down-filled jackets. ASOS does a marvellous range called Reclaimed Vintage which has really fashion forward pieces.

Vintage

I think this word has become a little scary for people. They see the gorgeous Alexa Chung or Kate Moss donning vintage and feel that they couldn’t pull it off or have the budget for the good stuff. But I’m here to tell you – there is a vintage piece or look for everyone – and it can be found everywhere! The wonderful Dawn O’Porter has written a great book called ‘This Old Thing’, it was accompanied by a television series encouraging women to buy and upcycle vintage clothing. My tips for this would be look everywhere – charity shops, dedicated vintage shops, auctions. One of my best vintage finds was a couture silk evening gown that was lurking in a wardrobe at a furniture auction, it gave me deep joy to find it and wear it again. I would tend to lean towards looking at the fabric first. Try and find nice linens, silks, virgin wools. Clothes were so well made and with such good, quality fabrics that they often are in great condition. Then I would look to see it there is damage or staining, some of which can be mended at your local dry cleaner or seamstress. Labels aren't important to me at all but of course if I find something from a great design house, I snap it up. The more you start to source vintage, the better you will become at recognising the good stuff.

Think and Wear

This is simple. Wear the clothes you have, don't discard. I don't subscribe to the ‘if you haven't worn it for a year, throw it out’ mentality. I wear all my clothes to death! I still wear a black velvet blazer my father bought me when I was 15! It is from H&M and is still going strong, surpassing 30 wears, I'm probably at 3000 wears now. I love finding something at the back of a drawer that I had forgotten about. Also, shop in the sales. Nothing thrills me more than a bargain. So if you like the idea of buying ethical fashion but you feel it is a smidgen out of your price range, wait for it to come into the sale. I often buy People Tree through the ASOS sale. Everybody’s happy! 2.

1. Kuyichi; 2. People Tree; 3. Asos Vintage Scarf from Kica & Ferret,

Follow Jess on Instagram @thestylebalance

NWFASHIONCIRQUE

Seaside Style Roll up, roll up... Cirque is arriving in Portrush. Northern Woman is proud to be the main media sponsor of this brilliant extravaganza, which will put the North West on the fashion map. By Mags Connolly

irque is the 2016 follow-on from the successful Symphonic show last year at Crumlin Road Gaol. Another iconic location was chosen for this show in the form of Barry’s Amusements, Portrush. This favourite Northern Ireland fairground has been making people smile since the 1920s and on Thursday 1st September it will welcome some of Ireland’s most exciting designers for an evening of fun and fashion. As a prelude to the Cirque fashion show there will be a ‘Fashion Generation’ exhibition taking place throughout August. Held in Portrush’s other iconic building The Arcadia, the exhibition will cover local fashion from the 1950s to the 1980s; from Teddy Boys, mods, rockers to new romantics! Some art pieces by Dawn Coulter Cruttenden will be on display as well as a photographic look at Barry’s by Stephen Price.

At the launch of Cirque L-R: Mags Connolly, Stephanie Quigley, Eileen Doherty, Cindy McKendry, Alan Simpson and Sarah Travers.

NWFASHIONCIRQUE Event: Cirque Fashion Show Venue: Barry's Amusements, Portrush Date: Thursday 1st September Time: 7.30 drinks reception for 8pm show. Afterparty in Gin Bar, Harbour Bar, Portrush Tickets: £25 from Moores of Coleraine and cirquefashionshow.com All proceeds in aid of Cancer Fund for Children, Samaritans and Women's Aid

first ever fashion show ❛heldIt’sinalsothethemagical location of Barry’s Portrush, the venue of so many people’s childhood memories

❜ Cirque Cover Girl shoot was shot on location in Barry's Portrush. Photography: Catherine MacKenzie. Hair: Denise Green and Nicole Long, Suede Hairdressing. Make up: Rosie Pritchard. Model: Sarah Kennedy (CMPR Models) Concept and Styling: Cindy McKendry. Clothing from a selection of the Irish designers taking part including Gordon Donaldson, Marie Claire Ferguson Millinery, Nor Lisa and Sara O'Neill.

Follow on... Facebook: cirquefashionshow Twitter: @cirquefashion Instagram: #cirquefashion Website: cirquefashionshow.com

>>> NW

NWFASHIONCIRQUE

Q&A

Cindy McKendry, 45, lives in Coleraine where she also works full-time as a fashion retailer manager with Miss Selfridge in Moores of Coleraine. Passionate about fashion and helping others, Cindy is using her years of experience and pulling her talented friends and colleagues together to create and produce Cirque.

What prompted you to organise Cirque?

Another trait that comes from my mother is always to try and give something back by helping charity or others if I can. While I am relatively young and fit I think I can use my busy mind that is always buzzing with ideas to help good causes. I have a lot of contacts gained from years of doing events and fashion shoots. I worked as a stylist on MTV when it came to Belfast so made a lot of friends on the music and fashion scene. I love gathering lots of fabulously creative people together and seeing what we can achieve as a team.

How does Cirque differ from other fashion shows?

is going to showcase ❛theThebestshow in Irish designers; there is no High Street fashion ❜

It’s completely not for profits. We have raised sponsorship for the production of the show so every single penny raised goes to the three charities which are Cancer Fund for Children, Samaritans and Women's Aid. The show is going to showcase the best in Irish designers; there is no High Street fashion. It’s also the first ever fashion show held in the magical location of Barry’s Portrush, the venue of so many people’s childhood memories. Alan Simpson and Sarah Travers are going to host the show and guests will be greated with a Bushmills whiskey cocktail on arrival before taking their seats to see some of the best in Irish fashion design before heading to the Ramore Gin Bar for supper afterwards.

Have you been surprised at the help and support you have received?

Totally! Can I just say the amount of support has been overwhelming. Without giving too much away let’s say the professionals involved will make the night a special and very unique one.

With the Symphonic show in Crumlin Road Gaol last year and now Cirque in 2016 - is this to be an annual occurrence? No comment until we get Cirque over! Stephanie Quigley, a local councillor, attended the Symphonic show I organised last year in Belfast and approached me about doing one on the North Coast. I didn’t expect to do another so quickly but took up the challenge and Cirque was born. Who knows what next year brings but hopefully we will create something equally special in the future.

Finally, can you briefly sum up in a few words what to expect from Cirque. Fashion, fun and a big North Coast welcome. Miss it - miss out!

NWFASHION

Fashionably Thirty When women reach 30 they tend to suffer a s‘ tyle decline’ because it’s at this age that they realise they are too old for Topshop but too young for Jaeger, writes Mags Connolly.

IKEA Rigga Clothes Rack, £14

>>> NW

NWFASHION

1. f your budget is firmly fixed on the high street then navigating the brands when you reach your 30s isn’t easy. It’s at this age that you start to appreciate the fit and cut of clothes more, fabrics come into consideration and the overall longevity of what you are buying is important to you. So, while you may still tap into the Topshop Moto denim worn throughout your 20s, you will find that less and less of your wardrobe will be made up of their seasonal styles, unless you can stretch to purchasing from their Topshop Unique label. Same applies if you were more of a River Island girl! For everyday casuals and work attire, Next, Oasis and Warehouse might be more appealing in your 30s with fits for curvy women with busts (yes, our body shapes often

most high ❛streetUnfortunately, brands use cheaper materials, which unless you have a youthful, lean figue don’t drape well and as you move into your 30' s clothing that is well-cut, simple and made of beautiful fabrics works best

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change in that decade between 20 and 30, possibly due to motherhood or working in a sedentary job) and hips! Actually, Warehouse have just got a new Creative Director, British fashion designer Emma Cook. Stella McCartney’s husband Alasdhair Willis has also been appointed as a brand consultant to oversee the company’s new identity as they celebrate their 40th birthday this year. Emma’s designs will start to filter in from this season but will they tick all of the style boxes for 30-something women? We will just have to wait and see! Other brands such as Monsoon are great if it’s the boho look you are after, but their pieces can have a tendency to look a bit on the frumpy side, so for those wanting an

edgier, sophisticated look Jigsaw, Reiss and Whistles are the perfect choice, but they do fall into the higher end of high street fashion and can be a bit pricey. Other alternatives at a lower price point include Cos, French Connection, Massimo Dutti, and Zara, all of which offer stylish basics at great prices for fashionable women of all ages to be honest. Now that I am 40, apart from Zara for on-trend seasonal musthaves, my ‘go to’ high street brands are All Saints and The Kooples. l find that All Saints are generous with their sizes - a 12 is a 12 - and the fabrics and cuts make for clothing that fits well, as for The Kooples, like most French brands, they are rich in quirky details that go beyond the trends. The French do effortless so well, as do their Swedish counterparts such as Day Birger et Mikkelsen and By Malene Birger, while you may pay more than most high street brands you do get quality clothing that lasts. However, back to the British brands on the UK high street and you’ve got Karen Millen, L.K. Bennett and M&S - all brands which you might be able to dip in and out of depending on your style preferences, but none offer a one-stop shop for thirtysomthing women. Certainly, by the age of 30 women tend to have the money and sense of style to do some serious spending. However, retailers don’t make an effort to understand female shoppers who don’t want to dress like their mother, nor emulate the average 20 2. year-old. They want structure, sleeves that conceal bingo-wings and something elegant but edgy too. Unfortunately, most high street brands use cheaper materials, which unless you have a youthful, lean figue don’t drape well and as you move into your 30s clothing that is well-cut, simple and made of beautiful fabrics works best. Hence the challenge to find a high-street retailer who invests in better quality materials and simple yet cool cuts at a price point you can afford. So, it is at this point I should also address shopping in a different manner. Unlike the need to have a new outfit - and style - every time you left the house in your 20s, by your 30s you should have established your

In Brief...by the time you are 30... • Good basics are a must. Cashmere sweaters, well-cut tailoring and the right underwear provide the foundations for a good wardrobe. • Quality shoes and bags raise an outfit’s game. One-off pieces of jewellery add interest. • As a rule, miniskirts work only with tights and good pins. If you opt for a mini, cover up your top half. If working a low-cut top, don’t flash too much leg. There may be exceptions to this rule! • With every potential purchase, ask yourself: ‘Is this cut well?’, ‘Is it my style?’ • Choose one statement piece to liven up an outfit. The key is to wear things that suit you and make you feel fabulous, then add edge with on-trend ‘wow’ pieces. own distinctive style safe in the knowledge of what actually suits you, therefore spending more on fewer, good quality, versatile items. By 30 it’s time to invest in a few statement accessories - a designer bag (look out for seasonal sales to purchase bags from the likes of Mulberry, Anya Hindmarch or Stella McCartney), a pair of black leather boots (check out Russell & Bromley), a nude heeled sandal for evening and oversized, chic jewellery, whether a cocktail ring, cuff or jewelled necklace. These pieces, if carefully chosen, will help to add your own sense of style and fun to your thirtysomething wardrobe. The high street has so much to offer it can be hard to decipher where you should be positioned as the years go by and in turn, you can experience a ‘style decline’. However, if you are prepared to put quality over quanity, shop across a wide range of brands and invest more with the higher end of the high street, you will give your twenty-something self a run for her money in the style stakes! 1. Lily Collins; 2. Olivia Palermo

Summer

Go bold or go home with these stylish pieces that nod to the new season trends and seamlessly merge your wardrobe from summer into autumn.

Electric blue shirt £3 at Red Cross Vintage + Retro, tangerine ‘Fern’ cardigan £135 at LK Bennett, neck tie stylist’s own, colour block ‘Gena’ belt £30 at LK Bennett and floral full skirt £179 at Coast

Last Days of

Ruffle neck lilac top £22 at Asos, Catherine B butterfly broach £55 at Una Rodden Couture, yellow ‘Codie’ pencil skirt £165 at LK Bennett, gold arm cuff £10 each at Warehouse, Carvela fuchsia heels £120 at Kurt Geiger and lilac glitter socks stylist’s own.

By Julie tie neck blouse £59 and Joy Couture stripe trousers £125, both at Una Rodden Couture, gold chain necklace £20 at Warehouse and Carvela ‘Crow’ silver sandals £99 at Kurt Geiger

Floral print tie waisted shirt £49.99 and floral print flares £29.99, both at Zara, gold arm cuff £10 each Warehouse and glasses stylist’s own

Orange print ‘Nadine’ top £110 and patent belt £30 both at LK Bennett, jewelled collar organza blouse £59 at Coast, green split front skirt £45 and suede sandals £54 both at Warehouse, glasses stylist’s own

Photographer: Khara Pringle www.kharapringlephotographic.com Styling: Eve Brannon E: info@evebrannonfashionstyling Make-up by Paddy McGurgan @ Make-Up Pro Store Belfast Hair: Ciaran G @ Toni & Guy 028 90 662323

Lasaison ‘Versace print’ shirt and pencil skirt £189 at Una Rodden Couture, gold chain necklaces £20 each at Warehouse and sunglasses stylist’s own

Model: Jessica McGrath @ 1st Options Location: Harvey Norman Boucher Road, Belfast

Working 9-5

Image courtesy of Betty Barclay A/W16

NWWORKINGWOMAN

This issue we talk with NI Water CEO Sara Venning; GP and Forensic Medical Officer Sandra Elliot is the subject of My Brilliant Career; we offer solutions if you are feeling undervalued at work, and last but not least, help you to make a good impression with your office attire.

NWWORKINGWOMAN

How I keep it all afloat Photography by Kevin Scott

The leader of one of Northern Ireland’s top five companies, mum of three Sara Venning (43), is the current Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Water. She tells Mags Connolly how a supportive husband and mother-in-law are vital to making her busy lifestyle work

ara joined NI Water in April 2010 as Director of Customer Service Delivery and was appointed CEO in April 2014. ‘I love my job and I certainly didn’t think when I joined NI Water that I would one day be CEO, but when the chance came I took it,’ says Sara. ‘For me it’s a real privilege to be at the helm of NI Water - not because of the size of the company but the importance of what we deliver for Northern Ireland. I view NI Water as a key part of investing in health, the economy and the environment. We all depend on high quality drinking water and the safe return of wastewater to the environment. ‘Prior to NI Water I had held positions with Northern Ireland Electricity. I was delighted to be offered a graduate position as an electrical engineer with NIE, my time here gave me an insight into the importance of working for a utility. If you are a utility person you are always tuned in to your work because your services are always required. It is truly a 24/7 job; it’s a way of thinking and a way of life. With Sara at the helm, NI water has seen improved efficiency levels and Sara hopes to see the company improve even more in the future. ‘While I have been in NI Water for six years, I have only been in my current post since 2014, so I still feel I have a lot more to offer. We have just completed the first year of our six year business plan, a plan I feel is strong and ambitious and underpins our desire to continue to deliver for customers.’ Sara’s job undoubtedly presents tough challenges, both in satisfying the needs and demands of NI householders and workers, but she has proved to be more than capable of tackling all of these tasks head on and NI water now ranks amongst the top three companies in NI. ‘In terms of NI Water, as one of the top three companies, you could say we have been leading the challenge on doing more for customers with fewer resources. Since NI Water was established in 2007, we have had one constant aspiration - to deliver high quality water and wastewater services to all our customers - business and domestic - for less money. We have now more than halved the efficiency gap with our peers in England and Wales, while doubling our customer satisfaction levels. These efficiencies have enabled us to keep bills affordable for our

NWWORKINGWOMAN

80,000 non-domestic customers who are paying 12% less, on average, for their water and sewerage services than they did four years ago. ‘Literally thousands of assets, with a value of £2.8billion are operated and maintained to provide services to every home, hospital, school and business.’ As a mum of three with such a demanding career, Sara says that her motivation comes from the satisfaction of providing essential services to the public. As she says ‘The irony of a job in a utility is you know you are doing it well when people don’t think about you doing it at all!’ So how does Sara juggle her job and the demands of family life? ‘I am very fortunate to have a supportive family by my side. My husband, Martin, who is a Business Development Representative with Diageo and mother-in-law help tremendously ‘picking up my slack’ - they tell me! ‘I have three daughters, Caoimhe (15), Niamh (13) and Cara (8) and I hope they will grow up to believe they can achieve anything if they work hard. My family have grown up with the realism of ‘mummy being at work’. The girls have even decided that perhaps snow at Christmas time isn’t such a good prospect! ‘I try to ensure that there is plenty of family time. When I’m not working I’m generally with the girls, and family holidays are essential for us to catch up and regroup; whether they are in sunny Donegal or the Tuscan Hills. As long as we are all together,

with a glass of something chilled at night, then I’m relaxed and content.’ Sara certainly doesn’t let the fact that she is a working mother stand in her way, nor does she believe that others should see it as an obstacle. ‘Working in a male dominated environment I genuinely don’t tend to look at people in terms of their gender, I am more interested in the person themselves and the job they are doing. I believe people should be recognised and rewarded for the work they do, male or female. My degree is in electrical and electronic engineering from Queen’s University, at the time I was one of about six or seven females in a class of over one hundred; so perhaps I have just got used to always being in roles traditionally classed as male dominated! While her passion and interest lay in the sciences, Sara’s career path started in retail when she joined the family drapery business aged 14. ‘Working with my grandfather and uncle in my grandfather’s clothes shop, Eastwood Clothing Co. in Cookstown, helped hone my commercial and people skills and instill a strong work ethic – there are no scheduled finishing times in a family business, you work until the job is finished! Sara’s work ethic makes for long days as she explains, ‘On an energetic day I’ll jump out of bed at 5:40am and fit in a 5k run, on a lazy day I take an extra 45 mins in bed! ‘I am out of the house shortly after seven leaving Martin in charge of three sleepy girls, breakfasts and morning dramas! ‘Early morning in the office is the quiet

time in my day, when I can read through emails, documents that require my approval and some customer correspondence. I try to answer most of this myself, as it is by far the best way of staying in touch with the issues that are concerning customers. ‘The majority of my day is taken up with meetings, either with my senior management team, staff or stakeholders. ‘I try to leave the office at 6pm so I am home for tea time and family catch up timechecking home-works and hearing all about school activities. Caoimhe and Niamh are at ‘big school’ so more independent, but Cara still enjoys a bed time story and cuddle! ‘Before the day ends I do confess to a final check on emails and phone. We are 24/7 with resources and systems always in place to monitor customer contacts and our equipment. If the weather is particularly bad I may get a call from the Duty Officer to update me on how our systems are coping, and if any customers are experiencing problems. There’s no doubt that Sara is extremely committed and driven in her position as NI water CEO. As she comments, ‘NI Water is an inspiring business and our plans for the next five years will provide plenty of challenges and job satisfaction. Perhaps one day I’ll have a job which isn’t at the mercy of weather patterns! I’ve had some wonderful opportunities over the past six years and will continue to seek to stretch myself each day.’

Win...

a two night summer getaway to Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa

ummer is here so why not make the most of the longer evenings with a break to the countryside at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, nestled in 21 rolling acres of historic County Meath, the perfect setting for a summer escape! Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa are offering a chance to win two night summer getaway, with breakfast each morning and dinner on one evening in the 2 AA Rosette award-winning Ivy Restaurant, where Chef John Nagle creates innovative, seasonal menus based on ingredients from the abundance of local producers. Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa is the ideal location to relax and enjoy some quality time together in picturesque surroundings. Relax in the gorgeous Seoid Spa, with its soothing thermal suite, restorative hydrotherapy and bubbling outdoor hot tub, indulge in a little me time with the paper in a comfortable armchair or treat yourself to delicious food from Executive Head Chef John Nagel as you while away a summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s afternoon. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not lucky enough to win on this occasion or to find out more information visit www.dunboynecastlehotel.com or call 00 353 1 801 3500.

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

Q) What is the name of the Head Chef at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa? To enter, email: competitions@northernwoman.co.uk with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Closing date: Friday 16th September 2016 * Terms and conditions apply.

NWWORKINGWOMAN

Make it Work for You Margaret Connolly asks if you are feeling undervalued at work? If the answer is yes, here are a few solutions... Sadly, there are tons of people who never speak with their managers one on one unless they have absolutely have to in order to meet a mandatory requirement like a performance evaluation. If something is bothering you at work and you’re feeling unappreciated, you need to vocalise your concerns.

Keep it Relevant: When you’re overworked and feeling like nobody cares it’s easy to start endlessly ranting. Choose wisely what you bring up with your manager because he/she doesn’t want to see you overly emotional or acting immature. Work On Yourself: Have you considered if your lack of appreciation around the office is because your skills have gotten rusty, your performance is under par, or you haven’t taken enough training classes? Get proactive, learn new skills and increase your productivity.

e’ve all had bad days at work, but if you find yourself having more bad days than good, and you feel unappreciated on top of all that, then you’ve got serious problems to address. Everyone encounters a variety of bosses, some are better than others when it comes to people management and no matter how well you are performing as an employee, you’re going to have to deal with disappointment, stress, and being overworked at some point. However, what matters most is how you react and grow from these experiences. So here are some solutions if you are feeling undervalued at work.

Don’t cry on the job!

If you’re feeling unappreciated at work, chances are your emotions are also running high. You may feel depressed, frustrated, angry and exhausted, but you have to maintain your composure on the job or people will quickly lose respect for you no matter what the circumstances.

Manage Stress Levels: Stress has a sneaky way of creeping up and consuming every inch of your body and your mind. Make sure you take time for yourself and

your loved ones each week to unwind so your life away from work won’t suffer.

❛

Delegate & Ask for Help: Learn how to delegate tasks within your team to work efficiently. If you still feel overwhelmed with your workload, then you need to speak up before you get burnt out.

Don’ t cry on the job! If you’re feeling unappreciated at work, chances are your emotions are also running high

Know your Worth: A common reason people feel unappreciated at work is they feel underpaid, stuck, and unrecognised. It’s not hard to ask for more money and a promotion if you’re worth it.

Make Your Contributions Known:

Reconnect with your Goals: It’s easy to

❜

You could be the own cause of feeling undervalued at work without even realising it. If your managers and colleagues have no idea what you’re doing all day, how do you expect them to look up to you or acknowledge you for any of your hard work, ideas, and contributions? Make sure your boss actually knows what you’re working on.

Speak Up: When was the last time you had a private conversation with your boss?

What do you need?

It’s really important to ask yourself why you’re feeling under-appreciated in your current job. Once you can identify what you want, talk to your manager about it and work together on a plan of action.

forget all the positives about your job and the career goals you’ve set. If you feel like you’ve gone way off course or feel like your contributions have become meaningless, ask a mentor or your manager for advice and support. Thinking about the big picture, remembering why you’re doing what you’re doing really helps. Remember, if you’re unhappy, don’t keep everything all bottled up – take action!

Photography by Robert Malone

NWWORKINGWOMAN

of my career, ❛fromI lovethe thefactvariety that what any day brings is different when it comes to the patients I’m seeing or that I might be called out on any given evening to deal with a traffic accident or more serious incident

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NWWORKINGWOMAN

My Brilliant Career

Dr Sandra Elliott is a GP and Forensic Doctor with a full and varied medical career, which she discusses with Mags Connolly

r Sandra Elliott isn’t an easy women to get hold off as she juggles her GP, out-of-hour and forensic responsibilities. In fact, we finally get the chance to chat after 10pm on a Sunday evening after Sandra has returned from her recent trip to Nice before starting back to work on Monday. ‘Other than medicine the only other career I wanted to pursue was fashion design,’ comments Sandra. ‘However, a shift from art to chemistry at school during my GCSEs took me in the direction of medicine and I headed to Dundee after school. I knew myself that it was more sensible to head in this direction, but to this day I still love fashion and shopping as my friend and fashion designer Geraldine Connon will testify!’ Sandra has been working as a Doctor for the last 20 years and for 12 of these she has been based in Valley Medical Practice as a GP in Clogher and Fivemiletown. ‘Prior to joining The Valley Medical, I was based in Omagh and also spent time working as a locum. Walter and I are kept extremely busy and are the only two doctors at the practice alongside the nurses and wider practice team. Between us we alternate shifts throughout the week. One week I can be working all day Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and a half day Thursday and then the next I might also get a half day on a Friday. ‘If either of us are on holiday then we will endeavour to cover shifts and ideally we will have the help of a locum at this time too, however, locums aren’t in abundance and sometimes we just have to get on with it and manage as best we can. ‘As well as my full-time responsibilities at the practice, I also work additional out-ofhour shifts for Southern Area Urgent Care Services in Craigavon.’ Sandra nearly gave up her out-of-hour work in October 2003, having been left badly shaken when she was set upon by two hooded men with baseball bats at the out-of-hours clinic she was working at in Moylinn, Craigavon. ‘I felt so vulnerable after this attack that I nearly gave up my out-of-hours work completely, but I’m so glad looking back now that I didn’t.’ Not one to shy away from drama and compromising situations, Sandra is also a

forensic doctor. ‘I started in forensic work quite by chance when a colleague asked if I could help out, I was interviewed and was successful. I then took a Post-Grad Diploma in Forensic Medicine & Legal Studies at the University of Ulster. So, I also work the on call rota for the Forensic Team during the evenings and weekends. ‘You know if I was to go back in time and follow a different medical path it probably would be the route of pathology that I would have taken. When I was deciding what route to take after my studies I was torn between A&E and pathology. I chose A&E and ended up on the GP training scheme from here. However, my forensic and out-of-hours work actually allows me to tap into both of my initial preferences. ‘I love the variety of my career, from the fact that what any day brings is different when it comes to the patients I’m seeing or that I might be called out on any given evening to deal with a traffic accident or more serious incident. Thanks to TV, people do tend to glamorise forensic work, but there’s nothing glamorous about being woken at 2am and pulling on your gym gear as you head wherever you need to be to assess a sudden death or determine whether an individual is fit to be detained and interviewed. Similarly, while I might be dressed better, my everyday GP job isn’t a glamorous one either. Days are long and you are both physically and mentally exhausted at the end of them. As a GP, Sandra loves the fact that she knows her patients so well and has a continuity of care with them. ‘Working in a country practice there is a real sense of community I know family histories and have seen children grow to teenagers and on to young adults. Therefore, diagnosis can be more exacting because you get to see and know everything about your patients. On the flipside however, I can’t even nip to the bank to lodge money without someone knowing me and asking my medical advice. There really is no switch off until I am back home in Moira at the end of the day. ‘In contrast my out-of-hours work offers the other extreme when I am only seeing a patient for their allotted time, dealing with their acute problem and sending them on their way to possibly never see them again. ‘So, you see I really do have a lot of variety. I love being busy. To be honest I’m

not good when I have nothing to do. I’m the classic case of married to my career and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sandra recognises that her busy career isn’t one that would suit every woman and she does see a time when she will look to reduce her responsibilities. ‘Admittedly, you would need a very understanding and supportive husband to juggle family life and my career. Both my brother Nigel and sister Janet have children and I adore my nieces and nephews, they understand, as do my parents who are still very fit and active, that I am very busy and I do spend as much time with them as I can. ‘In the future I will look to scale things back a bit. Life events have taught me that I do need to look after my own mind and body as well as my patients, and certainly within the next 10 to 12 years, I would like to be spending my summers in Nice and the rest of the year at home working as a locum in NI. ‘I’m actually just back from Nice, it’s my sanctuary, and even though I was there to witness the recent Bastille Day tragedy, I still love Nice and in the long-term, plan to divide my time between Nice and Moira,’ explains Sandra. ‘I get so much back from my career. Over the years I’ve received incredible support from other female doctors including Dr Alison Irvine, Dr Gail Pickering and Dr Olive Buckley and I feel so fortunate to be able to help other people; that’s what makes all of the hard work so worthwhile.’

NWWORKINGWOMAN

Working Wardrobe

Tunic, £18 & Matching Wide Leg Trouser, £16, both Matalan

For ladies who know that style means business

Sleeveless Top, £39.50, Autograph @ M&S

Pinstripe Maxi Skirt, £29.50, M&S

Work The Trend Pinstripe Trouser, £110, Jaeger

Ana Necklace Trim Top, £69, Phase Eight

The new season pinstripe trend is one you can definitely wear to work.

Work Shirt

Suits You

Stripes & spots mean business this autumn...

natalie.bean@topshop.com

This sophisticated navy suit is the perfect investment for your working wardrobe and can be styled depending on your office dress code.

Striped Silk Crepe de Chine Shirt, £650, Altuzarra @ net- a-porter

Striped Shirt, £34, Topshop Polka Dot Pie Neck Shirt, £36, Next

Burgundy Saffiano & Navy Suede Mini iPad Case, £150, Aspinal of London

Leather Mini iPad Case, £65, The Cambridge Satchel Company

& Indi Textured Navy Trouser, £120, both Reiss

Tech Chic

Carry your iPad between meetings in one of these stylish leather cases.

Indi Jacket Textured Single Breast Jacket, £225

Tech Case in Sport Calf Leather, £135, Coach

Black Leather Tech Pouch, £195, Mulberry

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Read all about the latest must-have beauty products and treatments as well as gaining a greater awareness of heart health and how to drink responsibly

NWHEALTH&BEAUTY M.A.C Instacurl Lash (€25.50 available from 18th August exclusively at Brown Thomas, BT2 and brownthomas.com) curls lashes upon application and holds all day. A customisable curved wand fits each and every eye shape to hug your lashes from corner to corner providing volume and length you’ll love!

Beauty Box

The latest must-haves for hair, face and body

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, launched with an edited collection of 10 brown-based flattering lipsticks to complement the natural colour of lips, as well as different skin tones. This season, the brand celebrates 25 years of ‘Be Who You Are’ beauty with the launch of The New Classics: 10 new shades of Luxe Lip Color (£25 each) inspired by the original lipsticks that started it all.

bareMinerals Dirty Detox Skin Glowing and Refining Mud Mask (£32). This super purifying mud gives your skin a fresh, ridiculously healthy looking glow and helps you achieve incredibly smooth, luminous skin.

As of this September 2016, Tom Ford Beauty will be expanding its current offering in House of Fraser, Belfast to include its full cosmetic and private blend range. This will include the new Traceless Foundation (£64, shown here in Alabaster), which will give you a balanced complexion that glows with vitality and radiance.

Bellamianta is a new and exciting brand which is based and manufactured in Ireland. The range provides clean, nutritious, luxury tanning products formulated with the cleanest ingredients without compromising on performance. The formulas have built in nourishment, hydration and are extremely fast drying to produce a streak free, beautiful, summer ready tan. (£18.99)

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Palette (£35) is loaded with eight all-new shades. Fans of the brand will be familiar, with the super-sparkly Moondust formula but this new palette offers new shade like blue and green.

NWHEALTH&BEAUTY Clarins Autumn 16 Make-Up Collection focuses on the eyes allowing you to emphasise, volumise and highlight effortlessly to transform your look from day to night. Our recommendation has to be the 4-Colour Eyeshadow Palettes (£34 each) in Nude, Rosewood, Brown or Oud.

DKNY a new limited edition fragrance, inspired by the sparkles, and shine of New York City skyline. A blend of captivating Sandalwood and Golden. £42 for 100ml.

Aveda Protective Hair Veil (£21.50 for 100ml) gets hair heatwave ready, protecting it for up to 16 hours. Lightweight, water-resistant the UV defence spray protects and restores locks at home and away.

Jo Malone Basil & Neroli launches in September. A fresh, sophisticated, sensual blend of floral neroli with a wink of basil. Cologne (£42 for 30ml) luxurious candle (£42 for 200g).

Travel Size “Luna Go” is the latest edition to the Luna skincare range. A pocket sized device for a powerful cleanse. T-sonic pulsations are directed through the device’s soft silicone touch-points, lifting away dirt and oil. Skin is gently exfoliated, improving the absorption of your favourite skincare products. £69 from www.foreo.com

Clarins BB Skin Detox Fluid SPF 25 (£30) is half make-up, half skin care which instantly enhances the complexion to give skin a new lease of life. The fluid corrects imperfections using 3D radiance pigments which optically break up the light into three dimensions to give skin a soft, unified glow.

Bare Minerals Mix. Exfoliate.Smooth Reveal your natural, healthy glow with these innovative add-tocleanser buffing grains, to gently refine texture, encourage cell turnover and help renew skin’s vibrancy. £18

NWHEALTH&BEAUTY

Pastel perfection

Haircuts: Paul Stafford Colour: Aidan Bradley Photographer: Lee Mitchell

by Paul Stafford

Key Trends: Candy-coloured hair, once an exclusive badge of honour for the young and fearless, has escaped their greedy hands and moved decidedly mainstream. Led by the celebrity craze for all things pastel, it has made its way on to the catwalk and beyond to become one of the hottest trends of the summer. Our team of colour experts, led by our head of colour, the incredible Aidan Bradley, are increasingly being asked to create all-over shades of baby blue or blonde with guerrilla green tips, canary yellow slices or peach-perfect ends. Our Alfaparf Pastels are amazing for achieving accent colours but they are also soft enough to work as a fullhead colour. Matched carefully to skin tones, they can be dramatic yet hugely wearable.

But the craze for fantasy colour does have a downside. Aidan and his team are seeing increasing numbers of people coming to our Lisburn Rd salon for colour correction. Pastels are not easy to do home-alone and we must deal with the aftermath of broken hair and splintered colour on a weekly basis. For these palest of pale shades, the base has to be carefully developed to avoid irreparable damage. Aidan explains: ‘We must lift the colour up to the lightest level possible which might take multiple visits to get it to where it needs to be. And for every application we must remoisturise the hair. Only then can you be sure the pinks, blues and more are bright and long-lasting, and the hair is healthy-looking.’ For Kez, who already had blonde lengths, which we’d carefully nurtured over a few visits, we created graduated colour going from pale blonde at the root to bright yellow at the ends. The overall effect is dramatic, yet soft, beautiful and bang on trend.

For clients with darker hair, it’s more advisable to go for gutsier shades rather than the very pale as the base doesn’t need to be platinum. Katie has dark hair so we opted for a fuller violet that matched her eyes perfectly and which meant we didn’t have to lift the colour to a white before application. Combined with a signature choppy crop, her look is striking yet still intensely wearable. Finally, for Jocelyn we created a contrast of purple and pink that offsets her olive complexion and makes her eyes pop. Placing the colour in such a way emphasises her undercut, softening it while making sure you couldn’t miss her. It’s a perfect example for showing how wearable pastels are and why we are seeing so many celebrities joining in on the trend.

NWTRIED&TESTED

A Tailor-made Treatment

Eileen Doherty indulges in a luxurious, bespoke treatment at Jeanette Kidd Beauty & Day Spa

was recently invited by Jeanette Kidd Beauty & Day Spa Lisburn to experience the brand new Aroma Blend Refine body treatment from Decléor. I said yes but without really knowing what it entailed. Decléor are well renowned for their ‘plant power’; their awesome oils and botanicals feed the mind as well as the skin. Aroma Blend is a new and bespoke treatment that has been added to the Decléor Signature Collection. It is described as a Transformative Ritual rather than a standard treatment. Working with each client to assess their needs and expectations, a tailored blend of oils is created and mixed, and used with a specific set of massage movements and rituals over your entire body. This isn’t your average Full Body Massage nor for the faint hearted. I arrived at the salon to be greeted by Kirstie, who told me this was one of her favourite treatments to deliver, so I knew that I was in good hands. Kristie began by telling me a little about the treatment and what it aimed to achieve; there are four professional rituals to help with firmness, slimness, revitalising legs and flattening the stomach, each with four key benefits: firming, sculpting, stimulating and drainage. The results according to Decléor – “The treatment will help fight cellulite, bloating, increase circulation and drainage of toxins to help the appearance of skin. Your body should feel recharged and your emotions balanced.” After a series of questions, we decide to go for something energising and, in terms of

the massage movements used, we decide to use Refining, rather than Firming. It was all very prescriptive. The massage movements themselves are very different to what I have been used to. There’s light ‘pinching’, standard muscle manipulation and pressure point release, in addition to the standard regular massage. There’s also a lot more hands on and off the body rather than constant contact, and a lot less product is used. The ritual is a full body treatment, even the tummy area is massaged and there are breathing exercises to go along with this

part of the treatment. Fingers and toes are manipulated to stretch out the joints and your back is heated using friction before being stretched at the base of the spine; it’s a peculiar, but effective treatment and one that you have to try out to know whether it’s for you. Personally, I enjoyed the experience. The everyday stresses and strains simply disappeared. My skin felt smoother and firmer. As part of the package I received a home-kit to continue the good work started by Kirstie. If you’re a person who enjoys the usual massage type treatments – if you like constant contact and long sweeping strokes then, alas, this might not be the treatment for you. But if you’re open to trying something new and innovative, and love the natural, then make an appointment to try it out for yourself. It’s a treatment which is very new to the market. There aren’t that many Decléor salons offering it-in fact, at present, it is exclusive to Jeanette Kidd in Northern Ireland. Price £68 per treatment or you can book a course of 10 treatments for £680 which can be paid in two halves. With the course of 10 you receive a home-kit worth £100 containing Aromessence Svelt and Svelt Gel Cream. To book this treatment call Jeanette Kidd Beauty & Day Spa, 26 Railway Street, Lisburn 028 92 663102

Indulge In a little Me time...

NWTRIED&TESTED

The Spa @ The Slieve Donard

orthern Woman recently enjoyed an afternoon of pampering at the 4 star Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle. The hotel was built in the 1890s, and is one of the most majestic spa hotels in Ireland, right on the beach flanked by the Mourne Mountains and the prestigious Royal County Down golf course. On arrival, I was given a tour of the Spa Area to familiarize myself with the spa’s offerings, as it had been a while since I had been there. The Spa is spread across two floors, the ground floor caters for active souls with a gym, pool, rock sauna, steam room, vitality pools, Zen Fitness Suite & drench showers. The top floor however, is pamper paradise. World famous ESPA spa treatments including hot stone therapies,

facials, and tailor-made massage, pedicures and manicures ensure that you soothe your soul during your time here. After changing into my complimentary robe and slippers, my first port of call was the swimming pool followed by the Jacuzzi. The view of the Mourne Mountains in the background and the sea crashing against the rocks through the huge windows in both areas was spectacular, its enough in itself to make you de-stress and unwind. On this occasion, I was here to experience the luxurious lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer spa experience. The package included Full Body Brush with a luxurious ESPA Aloe Vera and Spearmint Body Polish, Detoxifying Full Body Algae Wrap, Full Body Nourishment, Hydrating

Face Treatment, Oriental Scalp Massage which lasted approximately one hour 20 minutes. Treatments finished and skin glowing it was time to enjoy a delicious light lunch which was served in the Juice Bar. I would certainly recommend this Lazy, Crazy, Hazy Days of Summer Spa Experience which has been carefully tailored to help rejuvenate your body and soul while leaving you feeling in tip-top shape to enjoy summer! The total cost of the package is £110 Monday to Friday and £140 Saturday and Sunday. So call and treat yourself or someone else to this spa package or any of their other spa packages and leave all your worries behind you. www.hastingshotels.com/slieve-donard-spa

NWBEAUTY

Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion

Artdeco Sense Asian Spa Deep Moisture Body Cream

ll I can say is that I am a Clarins fan. The moisturiser didn't disappoint. It was a great consistency, soaked in well; whilst I prefer perfumed moisturisers the scent was pleasant but not overly appealing. I would get it again though for a daily moisturiser. As I have sensitive skin I tend to react to most creams, this didn't react which is always a plus point! The size was perfect and style of packaging was not fancy but in keeping with the brand image. 8/10

his body Cream was a lovely fresh, botanical type smell that lasted all day, it reminded me of a smell you get in a Spa. It really refreshed my skin and left it soft and smooth. It was non-greasy and definitely kept my dry skin at bay. Brilliant on my face as well as the rest of my body as it wasn’t too strong or harsh of a cream I would definitely buy the product in the future. It can be used very sparingly as it spreads very well on areas of the skin. 10/10

£24

£30

Tried &Tested The NW Team puts the latest body creams, lotions and oils to the test. Read our verdicts here...

Frank Body Cream

really liked this product. Was not familiar with the 'Frank' products but was pleasantly surprised. Have been using morning and evening for around two weeks and I am impressed as I am prone to dry skin, my skin did feel hydrated and the smell is gorgeous. Has a coffee and almond scent which is very refreshing for a body cream. It is quite thick in consistency so a little goes a long way. Will definitely try other products in the 'Frank' range and would recommend. 9/10

£17.95

NWBEAUTY

Image Body Spa Rejuvenation Body Lotion

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil

s I had already used and loved other products from the Image range it was no surprise when the Image Body Spa Rejuvenation Body Lotion ticked all the boxes. After applying my skin felt hydrated, smooth and not sticky with a very pleasant smell. I had applied the lotion after I had showered and it just melted into my skin so easily. I do tend to have slightly sensitive skin but I had no problems with this body lotion. After a few days my skin was looking and feeling better. Any dry areas had disappeared and my skin felt soft, smooth and beautifully moisturised. I would certainly recommend this product. 9/10

his Multi-purpose dry oil can be used on your face, body and hair. 95% of the ingredients in this Dry Oil are of natural origin, it says is a unique combination of 30% Precious Plant Oils and Vitamin E to nourish, repair and soften your face, body and hair in a single step. It absorbed into my skin very quickly and left my skin feeling satiny-soft. I applied this product all over including my face as I just loved the smell – it has the same smell as their sun protection oils. So perfect for when your are on holiday. 9/10

£28 M&S, Nature’s Ingredients Mandarin Body Butter

T £33.50

exture of this was lovely thick and creamy, smoothes on to skin nicely but it does not sink in to the skin and leaves a greasy residue which I personally don’t like. On the upside this gives the skin a nice sheen. It does improve skin texture and dryness. I was so excited to get this cream, as my favourite scents in any body or room fragrances are citrus based, and mandarin in particular is a front runner. Unfortunately the scent lets this Body Butter down and did not really come through that well and was far too subtle. Already on opening the jar the scent was not particularly strong. After reviewing last year’s M&S Sunset Bliss Savanna Escape body cream the scent of which was nice and strong and stayed on the skin for hours and hours. It is of average price. Last year’s M&S body cream was amazing. I’m afraid I would not buy this one again. 6/10

£5.99

£7

Vita Coco Organic Extra Virgin coconut oil

his little container has many uses. The sweet smelling substance contains a huge amount of vitamins and minerals which helped to nourish my skin. The Coconut Oil was solid at room temperature, but melted when in contact with my skin. It quickly absorbed into my skin and didn’t leave it feeling slippery. I used it on my legs as a shaving oil that, when washed off, left my skin soft and glowing. Vita Coconut oil has so many advantages and is definitely a must-have for the face and body as well as a conditioning treatment for your hair. I would strongly recommend that you pick up a jar and see how it can slip into your beauty routine with ease! 10/10

Win...

a Spa-tisserie Spa Experience at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa for two

Have your cake, relax, look good and eat it!

ur friends at Hastings Hotels have given us a fabulous Day Spa experience for one lucky reader, and their friend, to enjoy at the magnificent Spa at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle, County Down. It is well known that cakes and beauty go hand in hand! So, with this in mind, we have created our Spa-tisserie spa experience. Enjoy your choice of one 55 minute spa treatment: • ESPA Aromatherapy Full Body Massage • ESPA Aromatherapy Facial • ESPA Body Envelopment • Luxury Manicure • Luxury Pedicure • Followed by a delicious Afternoon Tea, complete with a selection of mouth-watering finger sandwiches and savouries, cakes, pastries and scones and a choice of speciality teas and coffees! Plus you will have use of robe, slippers and towels and full use of the Spa facilities. Perfect for winding down, looking good, and enjoying a cup of tea or a spot of lunch with your girlfriends! The SPA-tisserie experience costs only £95 per person Monday – Thursday and £105 per person Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For further information or reservations call 028 4372 6166 or visit hastingshotels.com

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

Q) Which mountain range surrounds the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa? To enter, email: competitions@northernwoman.co.uk with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Closing date: Friday 16th September 2016 * Terms and conditions apply.

Win...

one of five £100 Gift Cards from Peter Mark...

his year’s L’Oréal Colour Trophy Awards 2016 were as bright and spectacular as ever, with over 1500 of the hairdressing industry’s most acclaimed and renowned figures taking part in this prestigious Hairdressing Competition. Peter Mark had lots to celebrate, with Lisburn Stylist Stephen Hanna taking home the coveted Northern Ireland Regional Award and Stylist Alanda Patrick from Peter Mark Forestside awarded the greatly sought after Mizani Award. To celebrate Peter Mark winning these two major accolades, Northern Woman have teamed up with Peter Mark to offer 5 x £100 gift cards to 5 lucky readers for their chance to get ‘award winning hair’, with either Stephen or Alanda.* So don’t miss your chance to be pampered by the very best in the business!

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

Which two Peter Mark Salons won awards at the L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2016? To enter, email: competitions@northernwoman.co.uk with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Closing date: Friday 16th September 2016 * Terms and conditions apply.

NWHEALTH&BEAUTY

Go Krazy for K-Beauty What does your skincare routine look like? Cleanser, moisturiser at night, eye cream if you remember and maybe the odd facemask before a special occasion?

NWHEALTH&BEAUTY Try: Be the Skin (Green) Nutrition Toner

1. Oil-based cleanse

This is the first part of what’s known as ‘double-cleansing’, which is at he crux of K-beauty. Oil cleansers can be used by all skin types, and they perform the heavy-duty task of removing oil-based debris, make up and pollution, without stripping the skin.

Try: Banila Co Clean It Zero Purity oil

cleanser

Price: £17.85 100ml

2. Foam or water-based cleanse After an oil cleanse, you use a foaming cleanser to remove water-based debris such as sweat and dirt.

Try: Green Tea Cleanser from Neogen

Dermatology

Price: £17.50 150ml

5. Essence

While the previous products are probably pretty familiar to Western consumers, essence is unique to Korea, but considered absolutely essential. Essences are water-based formulas that bump up hydration and create a perfect canvas for skin to absorb moisturizer, serums, and other treatments. The thin texture allows them to penetrate really effectively, moreso than even the lightest weight moisturizer. They typically team a hydration boost with an an active ingredient that optimizes your skin's natural cell turnover rate for skin regeneration.

Try: May Coop Raw Sauce

Price: £12.90 150ml Exfoliate renews and invigorates your skin by scrubbing away dead skin cells. A popular option are the time-saving double sided wipes that slip over two fingers. These contain a bumpier gauze side to slough away cells and a quilt side to provide a gentler, soothing finish to the process. Korean exfoliation is a vastly different experience to our rough formulas, often filled with micro beads or particles to physically buff away skin. Instead, there is an emphasis here on treating skin gently, and exfoliation is never a daily task, women tend to exfoliate once or twice a week.

Try: Neogen Bio-Peel

Gauze peeling Wine

Price: £11.95 200ml

4. Toning

Toners used to be harsh alcohol-based strigent formulas that often aggrevated the skin, but the new generation toner helps to resets your pH balance after using the cleansers and softens, moisturizes and preps your skin to better absorb the essences and serums to follow.

Try: Tony Moly I’m Real range Price: From £6

8. Eyecream

A thick, heavy-duty eye cream should be applied nightly, if not twice a day and the application to the delicate eye area is extremely important – you are to pat, never rub, the formula into the skin.

Try: Cremorlab Wrinkle-off Eye Cream Price: £37 15ml

9. Moisturizing

Price: £40 150ml

3. Exfoliation

to brighten the skin, treat acne, exfoliate, tackle dehydration, combat wrinkles, sooth, revitalize – whatever your skin condition, there will be a sheet mask to suit.

6. Ampoules

Ampoules can also known as serum, or skin booster, and are tailored to target specific skin issues such as pigmentation or aging. They are a more concentrated version of an essence and are usually thicker in consistency, and are designed to be layered so they are effective with the other steps.

Try: Aromatica Sea Daffodil Aqua Gel Cream

The second to last step is to seal all your hard work in with a good moisturizing product. These tend to be on the lighter side during the day and can be swapped out for a heavier formula, or a sleep mask, before bed.

Try: BENTON Snail Bee High Content Lotion Price: £10.20 150ml

10. Sunscreen

Price: £33 100ml

7. Sheet Mask

Sheet masks are a cloth or paper mask saturated in skin-loving ingredients such as collagen and sealed within a hygienic pouch, and are designed to be worn for usually 10 or 15 minutes. The secret to sheet masks is that they force your skin to absorb the nutrients and moisture better than if you just applied a cream or serum, before the product has a chance to evaporate. Masks are big news in Seoul, where there are shops that are solely dedicated to selling row after row of sheet masks – you can buy masks

Korean women are serious about skin care, and religiously wear sunscreen every single day. The difference in sunscreen in Korea compared to Western lotions is stark. Unless you are willing to splurge on the most expensive brands, sunscreen available in the UK tends to be unpleasantly greasy and leave a greyish-white cast on the skin. Korean sunscreen, however is really inexpensive, lightweight and easily absorbed, while still being heavy duty – its common to reapply SPF 50 or higher every three hours.

Try: NEOGEN Day-Light Protection Sun Screen Price: £7.95 50ml

The 10-Step Regime

Without doubt, the most talked-about element of Korean beauty is the notorious 10-step beauty regime. Supposedly the holy grail of perfect skin, the 10 steps to follow are: Oil-based cleanse, water-based cleanse, exfoliation, toning, essence, ampoules, sheet mask, eye cream, moisturizing and sunscreen. Phew! This regime sounds a little intimidating, and even more so when you discover some women

claim to use double these steps, but in reality, not all of the steps are designed to be used every day, and not all women will follow each one, depending on individual skin needs. The regime is definitely helpful for those interested in getting more serious about skincare, as each step has a specific purpose and it outlines the correct order each step should be applied to get the most out of your product.

NWHEALTH

‘I was 26, the fittest I'd ever been and loving my dream job when I was told I'd a severe heart condition’

I do and have done all my life. I played all sports when I was at school and was Irish Javelin Champion. I also competed at international level and three day eventing on my horse. ‘My diagnosis came very suddenly. I was working as an air traffic controller at The City Airport, my dream job and at the time I was probably the fittest I had ever been. I was feeling light headed and went for tests at the hospital only to be told I wasn’t leaving the hospital because I had a severe heart condition – you can imagine my shock. ‘I had to advise my work of my condition and unfortunately lost my medical which resulted in me losing my job! That was a blow. So not only did I have to deal with the fact I had a heart condition, but also the loss of my job and the loss of the active life I that I had up till then. ‘Nine weeks after my diagnosis I was fitted with an ICD-implantable cardioverter defibrillator-which is a pacemaker and defib in one. I have had two box changes since my initial fitting as a result of the battery running out and the defib has had to kickin on two occasions and shock me, which

Living with my heart ❛condition has changed my whole outlook, life is for living and there is a big world out there to explore and enjoy

❜

Cathy Reavy was just 26 when she was diagnosed with a heart condition

While women today are continually educated on the dangers of breast and gynecologic cancers and the symptoms to look out for, heart health is often ignored. Cathy Reavy from Comber was just 26 when she was diagnosed with a hereditary condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). By Mags Connolly

ost women aren’t even aware of the symptoms of a heart attack. Fortunately, Cathy Reavy was aware of the symptoms and as she explains, ‘Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a condition that runs in my dad’s side of the family and there was a 50:50 chance that my brother or I would get it. Most of my family carry the

defective gene but none have shown any symptoms so we did not need any treatment. Unfortunately, I did develop symptoms in 2002, which is typical because I was the only really sporty one amongst us. ‘The condition I have can cause sudden adult death without warning, so I consider myself very lucky considering all the sport

although life-saving is a horrific experience! ‘I do feel blessed to be here, and now I have the back up with my ICD, to do all the things I want to. Living with my heart condition has changed my whole outlook on life. Life is for living and there is a big world out there to explore and enjoy.’ Having acted on her symptoms at the time, Cathy was fortunate to get a diagnosis and the chance to live her life with the support of her ICD, which she doesn’t allow to limit her, as her latest challenge proves! Cathy is part of a team taking part in Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke’s ‘Step Up Trek’ organised with 26 Extreme and raising money for NICHS in its 70th year. Taking place on the weekend of the 9th to 11th of September, this challenge will test the 70 teams taking part both mentally and physically as they tackle five mountains during a non-stop weekend of navigation and trekking. Each team needs to check in at

NWHEALTH Celebrities with HCM

each of the summits and return to the finish line within a maximum of 40 hours. Teams are responsible for planning which order they tackle the mountains and can plan and tailor their strategy according to the ability and strengths of their team members. Not every team member has to climb the mountains. While Cathy is determined to keep active, many people when diagnosed with HCM choose to avoid vigorous sports and training. ‘I don’t let my condition hold me back. I regularly go up the Mournes with my two dogs and do bootcamp every morning, and as I turn 40 this year it’s going to be my biggest year for challenges

Be Aware

Many women may not be aware of underlying, hereditary heart problems such as HCM. So, if there is a family history of heart disease it’s important to get thoroughly tested. Even if tests do come back clear, it’s still crucial to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle and be aware of the symptoms women can experience when having a heart attack. Women don’t always get the same classic heart attack symptoms as men, such as crushing chest pain that radiates down one arm. Those heart attack symptoms can certainly happen to women, but many experience vague or even ‘silent’ symptoms that they may miss. Common symptoms to look out for include: • Chest pain which can be anywhere in the chest, not just on the left side. During a heart attack chest pain is highly uncomfortable and feels a bit like a vice being tightened. • Pressure or pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, upper back, jaw, or arms

and achievements,’ asserts Cathy. ‘I will have ticked four things off my bucket list in three months. I did a tandem parachute jump last year, which was really scary. On the 7th May this year, myself and eight other bootcamping team members completed the Dirty Rat Race in Burghley which is the world’s longest obstacle course (20 miles and 200 obstacles). On May 28th I did the three peaks challenge, I completed the HELL & BACK mud race. Then the Mourne Wall and the Mourne Way Marathon this July, and I can’t wait to take on the challenge of ‘the Step Up Trek’ in September.’ is more common in women than in men. It may confuse women who expect their pain to be focused on their chest and left arm, not their back or jaw. The pain can be gradual or sudden, and it may wax and wane before becoming intense. If you’re asleep, it may wake you up. • Dizziness or nausea. • Clammy sweats, heart flutters, or paleness. Breaking out in a nervous, cold sweat is common among women who are having a heart attack. It will feel more like stress-related sweating than perspiration from exercising or spending time outside in the heat. • Unexplained feelings of anxiety, fatigue or weakness-especially with exertion. • Sometimes people mistake stomach pain that signals a heart attack with heartburn, the flu or a stomach ulcer. Women can experience severe abdominal pressure that feels like an elephant sitting on the stomach. • If you’re having trouble breathing for no apparent reason, you could be having a heart attack, especially if you’re also having one or more other symptoms.

American Actress and model Lindsay Davis (right) was crowned Miss Ohio United States in 2011. A classically trained ballerina until a diagnosis of HCM, Lindsay has starred in Law and Order, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and We’re the Millers. She uses her platform to support and bring awareness to cardiac related charities throughout the US, educating on the benefits of genetic testing in at-risk heart patients, as well as working to pass legislation that will protect student athletes against sudden cardiac arrest in Ohio. It’s not just women who suffer from HCM and perhaps one of the most famous musicians of all time, Elvis Presley (left) who died of a heart attack in August 1977, aged 42, is now believed to have had HCM. After analysing Elvis’s DNA, scientists found a gene mutation on Chromosone 11 which is known to cause HCM. Elvis displayed many of the symptoms of this disease towards the end of his life includingirregular heartbeat, fatigue, fainting and high blood pressure. Many global sporting figures have suffered a sudden death as a result of HCM both on and off the field. English footballer Mitchell Cole (right) died from HCM on December 1, 2012 after having retired earlier in the year due to his condition.

What to do if you suspect you are having a heart attack The first thing to do if you think you're having a heart attack is to phone 999 immediately for an ambulance and say that you are having a heart attack. You should then sit and rest while you wait for the ambulance to arrive. Chew an (300mg) adult aspirin tablet if one is easily available, unless you’re allergic to aspirin or you’ve been told not to take it. If you don’t have an aspirin next to you, or if you don’t know if you’re allergic to aspirin, just stay resting until the ambulance arrives.

NWHEALTH

Fresh Drinking Freshers’ Week kicks off at the start of September and for new students it’s the time to make friends and settle into their new university life. However, this booze-fuelled initiation is one that parents need to encourage their children to enjoy safely. By Mags Connolly

asting from one to two weeks, Freshers’ Week is really just an excuse for students to do what they do best - drink and party! Very few students don’t like to drink, and while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few drinks, it’s the dangers that can present themselves as a result of excessive or binge drinking which is often the case during Fresher’s Week. For many students, this will be their first time living away from home and out from under the house rules set by mum and dad, so it’s easy to get carried away, staying out late and drinking too much.

As parents know only too well, trying to say to an 18-year-old heading off to enjoy university, yes have a drink but pace yourself and don’t get drunk, is like asking a child to only eat one sweet out of the sweetie jar! However, it’s still worth having a chat to remind them of the dangers of excessive drinking and that you want them to enjoy Fresher’s Week safely - and remember it!

Responsible Student Drinking

EAT TO DRINK: Food helps slow the absorption of alcohol, stopping it going to

your head too quickly, so put those student cooking skills to the test and indulge in carbs or protein such as pasta, potatoes and chicken before or while drinking. PACE YOURSELF: Don’t drink too much, too early! If you do you’re much more likely to miss out on the rest of the night! Alternate alcoholic drinks with some water or soft drinks so you stay hydrated for the night ahead. Keep an eye on your home pouring too, especially when it comes to spirits. Pub measures are 25ml, which doesn’t look like a lot in a glass, so at home

NWHEALTH Test Your Drink

Department of health guidelines for maximum consumption per day Men 3-4 units Women 2-3 units

What is a unit?

1 pint of beer can be between 2 and 3 units 1 shot = 1 unit 1 glass wine (175ml 12%) = 2.1 units • Remember drinks poured at home are often bigger than pub measures.

Men and women (students and non-students because ❛anyone and everyone is susceptible) can simply carry this lightweight, small pack containing five sheets of test spots to dip into their drink to test for predatory drugs.

❜

you run the risk of over-pouring. Also don’t try and keep up with your mates, it’s better to turn a drink down than end up throwing up or passing out! GET HOME SAFELY: If you are in new surroundings it can be easy to lose your bearings, especially if you are drinking. Therefore, it’s a good idea to plan your journey while you've got a clear head and if you are getting a taxi make sure it’s a licensed one and wait for it in a well-lit area, preferably with a friend. MIND YOUR MONEY: The last thing anyone needs is a pile of bar receipts for drinks you don’t remember buying, especially when you are surviving of a student loan! So why not leave your card at home and only take as much cash as you want to spend. Make sure you keep some in a separate pocket for getting yourself home safely too.

The Dangers of Spiking

As well as just worrying about the effects of too much alcohol, there is also the danger of being drugged. Do stress the importance of never leaving a drink unattended. Remind your children to always keep an eye on their

drinks, not to accept drinks from people they don’t know, not to drink something they didn’t see poured/opened in front of them and if their drink has been moved, looks topped up or tastes funny it’s better just to leave it. As Gary Bates the creator of Test Your Drink, which reached the final 20 of Virgin Business Voom 2016 comments, ‘Every year in the UK, hundreds of people are victims of drink spiking and Freshers’ Week is such a crazy time which has evolved into a mass drinking binge for susceptible students. We are working with universities throughout the UK and Ireland to ensure that students are aware of spiking and have all the means at their disposal to protect themselves. ‘As well as educating students and raising awareness of spiking, we have developed Test Your Drink which evolved from a cardboard pack we already produced aimed at reducing the amount of chewing gum litter. We have seen how effective this has been and knew that people weren’t adverse to carrying this around, so we based Test Your Drink on this design. ‘Men and women (students and non-students because anyone and everyone is susceptible) can simply carry this lightweight, small pack containing five sheets of test spots

to dip into their drink to test for predatory drugs (GHB and Ketamine) should they be concerned that they have left it unattended or it was poured out of sight,’ explains Gary. The drugs used in drink spiking are often referred to as ‘date rape drugs’, although they are not always used for sexual assault. Date rape drugs may come in powder, tablet or liquid form, and do not always have an unusual taste or smell. Some examples of drugs that have reportedly been used for drink spiking include: GHB, Ketamine and Rohypnol. GHB acts as a muscle relaxant and causes short-term amnesia when taken with alcohol. It produces a feeling of euphoria, reduces inhibitions and causes drowsiness. The effects start after about ten minutes to an hour and can last for up to seven hours or so. Because GHB can really knock you out, it has been linked to drug-assisted sexual assaults. Ketamine can cause a catatonic state and short-term amnesia. The effects do not last long, but until they wear off, ketamine can cause a loss of feeling in the body and paralysis of the muscles. It can also lead you to hallucinate.You can 'trip' for between half an hour to several hours, and the after-effects may be felt for some hours afterwards. With Test Your Drink if any of the testing spots turn red then this is an indicator that your drink contains GHB and if any of the testing spots turn blue then this indicated the presence of ketamine. So, ensure you and your loved ones use all of the resources available to drink safely and responsibly - even during Freshers' Week!

Useful Websites & Apps

drinkaware.co.uk; download the free app to track and calculate units enjoyresponsibly.co.uk testyourdrink.com

Discover the true taste of India this SUMMER

The Jharna, 133 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AG Tel: 028 9038 1299 www.thejharna.com

LIFESTYLE

This month we bring you finishing touches for the bathroom, take a closer look around a beautiful family home in Ballymena as well as bringing you tasty recipes from Ballymaloe and Old El Paso to try at home and much, much more

NWINTERIORS

Bathroom

Loft Floral Grace Filled Candle. £5, M&S

Chic

Breathe New Life into your bathroom with these stylish interiors

Versailles Bath Towels. £24 each, Menarys

Bamboo Corner Caddy. £40, Next

Parlane Wooden Distressed Bird. £14.99, CFC Interiors

Set of 2 Nikko Ceramic Accessories. £16, Next

Fable Montfront Textured Bath Towel. £10-£28, Bedeck

NWINTERIORS Godmorgan Aldern, Bathroom Cabinet. £235, Ikea, Belfast

Heart Toilet Seat. £25, Next

Floral White Orchid Diffuser. £25, M&S

White Southport Console. £225, Next

White Willow Toilet Roll Storage. £16, Next Wooden Bathe Bathroom Sign. £14, Next

Tara Vienna lantern Cream. £17.99, CFC Interiors

NWHOUSE

Photography by Chris Neely

Home A chalet bungalow in Ballymena has been lovingly renovated and decorated to create a stylish family home to Colin, Anna and their two children Bella and Annie

NWHOUSE

olin and Anna have lived in their house for almost six years. ‘We bought our home just as we both left university on a complete whim’, explains Anna. ‘We spied it one evening whilst walking our dog, the next day we viewed it and put in an offer which was accepted a few hours later. A four bedroom detached chalet bungalow located in a small, quiet estate, Colin and Anna were first attracted to their house due to its location. ‘We are close to the town centre and within three miles of both sets of parents, which six years on and two children later has huge advantages! At the time, the house was very rundown, but it was mostly cosmetic, so we knew we simply needed to invest a lot of time and love into it.’ When they moved in, ceilings were brought down and replastered, walls replastered, a new bathroom was fitted as well as a new kitchen. ‘We may consider adding an extension in a few years’ time. To be honest we are still in the process of getting through the initial ‘to-do list’. The arrival of our daughters, Bella (3) and Annie (1), meant that many of the cosmetic changes we wanted to make were put on hold because there was no great urgency to get them done while we concentrated on two more important projects!’ ‘At first our home was very, very basic, but having decided over the course of the last year that we definitely won’t be moving in the foreseeable future we have really begun to put our own stamp on it. ‘From the painting to the tiling, we have tackled all of the interior design ourselves, with some help from family along the way. In doing so, we have learnt from our mistakes, we didn’t really know what we wanted when picking a kitchen, and recently replaced our dark worktops and tiles in favour of what you see now which makes this space bright, airy and spacious.

>>> NW

NWHOUSE

‘The kitchen really is the heart of our home. There is nothing like making breakfast on a Sunday morning with Colin and the girls dancing and carrying on in the kitchen and in the evening having all the family over for a Chinese. With our extended family being so big whenever we have a get-together there can be up to 14 eating in the kitchen; furniture is dragged in and the atmosphere is brilliant. I also love looking out at the garden and watching the flowers bloom. ‘The couple have just recently had their garden landscaped and Anna is trying her hand at a little light gardening. ‘We all love to be outdoors and our aim in the garden was to create a multifunctional bright, fun space for the girls whilst maintaining a calm feel. We step right out onto the patio area from the kitchen which is ideal when entertaining.’ Anna continues, ‘I love Scandi style, it’s always the first thing I am drawn too. I love the simplicity of it, however, I like to add the odd traditional element too as I love the mix of old and new. We painted most of the house white (much to Colin’s delight as he stared at white paint for a week) as we really have to work for the light inside. Originally we had experimented with colour, but the house felt very dark. Turning the house into a blank, white canvas and adding character with the furniture and accessories has

brightened the entire place up, while leaving a calm and serene feel which is perfect for coming home to after a busy day at work. Colin is an aerospace engineer, and as well as working full-time as a large retail store manager, Anna has her own blog blossomingbirds.wordpress.com and takes a lot of decorative inspiration from the internet and what she spies on Instagram and Pinterest. ‘When we first moved in, we had a wedding to plan and were just out of university, somoney was tight and we had to be creative upcycling furniture

given to us by family. Over the years we have gathered a lot of our furniture from local shops, IKEA, Laura Ashley and other high street stores, I’m also loving pieces from online retailer Swoon Editions at the moment. ‘Right now a priority for us is great storage and making small spaces work,’ explains Anna. ‘With two children it can be easy to have a lot of toys and equipment in every room of the house. We have also grown to love 1960s furniture, especially ercol and G Plan. I inherited some ercol chairs and a sofa bed that were my

NWHOUSE grandmother’s. The chairs are a mix of woods that we were going to paint, but I think the mix ‘n’ match adds character. ‘Colin and I are drawn to greys and whites and make a conscious effort to add more colour to keep the house homely and not clinical looking. For example, in the playroom we covered the sofa in pink fabric and added coloured cushions for a fun, bright feel in here. We also painted the front door powder blue in the inside too as we wanted to break up the ‘all white’ feel in the hall. I also love adding colour with flowers throughout the house. ‘At the moment Colin and I are probably the happiest we have been with the house,’ says Anna. ‘We still have our ensuite to replace but something else always takes priority. To be honest, I don’t think a house is ever fully completed, you tend to go around in circles especially as the family grows and your needs change.’

NWFOOD

Summer Sensations

Simple, delicious & nutritious

About Ballymaloe Relish

Tip: our steaks!

rest y an oking eaks onto top o c r e t s n o r Aft u d yo ce Rest te pla ave d pla ate and le e n r u l in a p s upt r e othe w minut n a f o fe t to a secre for a them lace. The t it rest. p le warm teak is to s y c i u j

allymaloe Relish is rich in tomatoes, delicious and versatile. It’s the perfect glutenfree relish for sandwiches, burgers, salads, cold meats, cheeses and sausage rolls. A welcome guest at almost any breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, the tangy original flavour makes it a rival of any other relish, chutney or pickle. Ballymaloe Relish is made by Ballymaloe Foods in County Cork, in the South East of Ireland. The company was founded in 1990 by Yasmin Hyde, whose mother Myrtle Allen, Ireland’s famous culinary matriarch, came up with the recipe as a way of using her husband Ivan’s tomatoes. Myrtle was entrepreneurial in an era where women didn’t often work in Ireland, let alone go to college, become chefs, or open their home as a hotel and restaurant. Myrtle revolutionised Irish food in the 1960s – at the time using local fresh produce and adjusting her menu daily according to this produce was unheard of, and she received a Michelin Star for her efforts, establishing a culinary dynasty. Now in her nineties, Myrtle is still renowned as the figurehead of a food dynasty. Her daughter Yasmin and granddaughter Maxine run Ballymaloe Foods. Myrtle’s daughter-inlaw Darina Allen was her sous chef before gaining culinary fame in her own right, while Darina’s daughter-in-law and protégé Rachel Allen has herself become a regular on British and Irish TV. Available in participating, SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO & VIVOXTRA, TESCO, Supervalu, Centra & Mace, Dunnes and independent stores.

Ballymaloe Steak Sandwich with Ballymaloe Relish Ingredients (Serves 2) • 250g/ 8oz strip loin steak • A little olive oil • Salt and pepper • ½ red onion • 2 handfuls of salad leaves (rocket, spinach, chard, lambs leaf…) • Wholegrain mustard • 2 whole wheat rolls or your favourite sandwich bread (sourdough, ciabatta, country white, baguette…) • Ballymaloe Original Relish

Method

Marinate the steak in advance with some olive oil, salt and pepper and refrigerate. When ready allow the steaks to come to room temperature before cooking. Heat a griddle pan until nice and hot and then add the steaks. For medium rare cook 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. When the steak is cooked, remove it from the pan and allow to stand for about 10 minutes, the secret to a juicy steak is to let it rest before eating. Slice the onion into half-moons. Spread mustard on one side of the roll and add salad leaves and sliced onion. Slice steak and place pieces on top of onions, finish with Ballymaloe Relish and enjoy!

NWFOOD

Baked potato with grated cheddar and Ballymaloe Country Relish Ingredients • A large potato, Golden Wonder or Records are good • Salt and pepper • A hand full of grated cheddar • A sprinkle of finely sliced spring onions • Ballymaloe Country Relish • Some fresh green leaves • Ballymaloe French Dressing

Method

A baked potato is easy peasy to do. So for those who can’t cook at all, this is a good one to start with. It’s this simple: turn on the oven to 180ºC/gas 4. Scrub

the potato, prick it with a knife and put it in the oven. Wait for about an hour (this depends on the size of the spud) and when it’s soft in the centre it’s ready. With the point of a sharp knife cut a large cross, a few centimeters deep, on the top. Open the potato on a plate, season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, add a knob of butter, sprinkle with a little cheddar cheese and spring onions, pop a spoon of Ballymaloe Country Relish on top. Serve with a green salad drizzled with a little Ballymaloe French Dressing. That’s it! Once this is mastered and you’re looking for a greater challenge, add a few crisp lardons of bacon or some avocado.

Grilled Chicken,Jalapeno, Parmesan and Rocket Wrap Ingredients (Serves 2) • 1 cooked chicken breast • 2 wraps (plain or wholemeal) • 2 handfuls of rocket • Shavings of Parmesan • Mayonnaise • Ballymaloe Jalapeno

Method

Lay the wraps flat, spread generously with Ballymaloe Jalapeno, add a little mayo too if you like. Top with lots of fresh rocket, slices of chicken and shavings of Parmesan. Roll up the wrap, cut on the diagonal and enjoy!

Ballymaloe Beef Burger with Ballymaloe Relish

Ingredients (Serves 4 - 6 people) • 15g butter • 450g minced beef • 110g chopped onions • 2 tbsp Ballymaloe Country Relish • Salt and freshly ground pepper • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped • 1 egg, beaten (ideally free range) • 55g flour, seasoned • Olive oil for frying

Method

Melt the butter in a pan, add the onions, cover and sweat until soft. Allow to cool and then mix in a bowl with all the other ingredients. Cook a little of the mixture in

a pan and taste to check seasoning. Shape into burgers and toss in seasoned flour, patting off excess. Fry at a medium heat, turning as required until fully cooked. Serve on a toasted bun with cheese shavings, lettuce and a dollop of Ballymaloe Country Relish. Delicious!

NWFOOD

The Mexican Fiesta Y

ou've got your friends together, the music's playing and you're in the mood for an authentic Mexican feast. Now all you have to do is work out what to make! Crispy Chicken Fajitas or Smoky BBQ Stand ‘N’ Stuff Tacos? Maybe a bit of everything? There are plenty of Mexican recipes to choose from, a few below but plenty more on www.oldelpaso.co.uk/mexican-recipes. Mix 'em up. Share 'em out. And let the fiesta begin. Available in participating, SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO & VIVOXTRA, TESCO, Supervalu, Centra & Mace, Dunnes and independent stores.

Spicy Rice & Chicken Enchiladas • 1 onion, chopped • 1 tablespoon of corn oil • A handful of freshly chopped coriander

Method Ingredients • 1 Old El Paso Original Enchilada Dinner Kit • 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small chunks • 450 ml hot vegetable stock • 125 g easy cook long grain rice • 150 g mature Cheddar Cheese, grated • 1 can sweetcorn, drained • 1 red pepper, deseeded and diced • 1 green pepper, deseeded and diced

1. To get started, preheat the oven to 180ºC (160ºC for fan assisted ovens), gas mark 4 and lightly grease a large ovenproof dish. 2. Heat up the oil in a large pan and stirfry the chicken and onion over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is lightly browned. Stir in the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes. 3. Mix together the Original Enchilada Spice Mix with both sachets of the Tomato Sauce and 150ml hot water. 4. Now throw in the peppers and sweetcorn and cover it up again to simmer

for another 5 minutes. Once the chicken is tender and most of the mixture is absorbed, stir in half of the cheese and the fresh coriander. 5. Warm up the Soft Corn Tortillas, following the instructions on the pack. 6. Grab a tortilla and spoon over some of the rice and cheese mix in the centre. Roll it up and place the folded side down in an ovenproof dish. Repeat until you’re out of tortillas, and then smother them all in the leftover cheese sauce. 7. Bake for 10 minutes until golden and bubbling. 8. Let everyone help themselves to a couple of rice and chicken enchiladas and eat with a fresh green salad, scattered with the rest of the grated cheese for a real Mexican feast.

Crispy Chicken Fajitas Ingredients • 1 Old El Paso Oven Baked Crispy Chicken Fajitas Dinner Kit • 500 g Chicken breast • 1 crispy lettuce • Fresh, juicy tomatoes, chopped • A dollop of sour cream on the side • A splash of vegetable oil

Method

Heat up the oven to 225°C, (205°C for fan assisted ovens), gas mark 7. 1. Slice the chicken into thin mouthwatering strips 2. Throw the chicken, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and the Crispy Crumb

Seasoning Mix into the shaker bag and shake until the chicken strips are coated in the rich spices. 3. Lay the chicken strips out on a baking tray and throw them in the oven for 18 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown and crispy. 4. Pierce the Soft Flour Tortillas packaging and microwave on full power for 35-40 seconds. To heat in the oven, remove the packaging, separate the tortillas and wrap them in foil. 10 minutes at 200°C (180°C for fan assisted ovens), gas mark 4 should do it. Keep them covered until ready to serve. 5. Straight from the oven, lay the crispy chicken on the warm flour tortillas and

spoon over the cooling sour cream, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce and our Mild Original Salsa. Then gather round, plate up and wolf them down.

NWFOOD

Smoky Pork & Mango Fajitas

Smoky BBQ Stand ‘N’ Stuff Tacos Kit Ingredients

• 1 x Old El Paso ™ Smoky BBQ Stand ‘N’ Stuff Soft Tacos Kit • 500 g minced beef • 1 Lettuce, shredded • 2 Tomatoes, diced • 125 g Grated Cheese

Method Sizzle your filling

In a hot pan, add a splash of oil and start browning your 500g of minced beef. Then drain off any excess liquid and sprinkle in the Smoky BBQ Seasoning Mix, before adding 50ml of cold water to the pan. When it is boiling, it’s time to stir it up. Reduce the heat to a simmer and leave uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Warm it up

Take the tortillas out of their packaging – it is important not to oven heat or microwave the soft tortilla shells in the plastic packaging. To heat in the microwave, put them on a microwaveable plate, on full power, for 30 seconds. To oven heat, pre-heat the over to 165⁰C (same for fan assisted ovens) / gas mark 3 and wrap the tortilla shells in foil before placing on a baking tray in the oven for 7-9 minutes.

Ingredients • 1 crispy shredded lettuce • 2 tablespoons corn oil • 8 skewers • 1 red onion, cut into small chunks • 1 Old El Paso Original Smoky BBQ Fajitas Dinner Kit • 500 g pork tenderloin, cut into small chunks • 2 ripe mangos, peeled, stoned and cut into small chunks

Stand, Fill and Top

Fill your Stand ‘N’ Stuff Soft Flour Tortillas with your freshly cooked meaty filling and top with freshly diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, the provided Taco Salsa and grated cheese – then get stuck in!

Method

1. Chuck the Original Smoky BBQ Fajita Spice Mix and oil into a large bowl and stir. Throw in the tender pork and juicy mango and leave to marinate for 30 minutes. 2. Thread 1 meaty chunk of pork with mango and onion onto a skewer and repeat until it's full. There should be enough for 8 skewers. 3. Get the skewers under the grill or on a BBQ at a medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. While they're crisping up, brush on any leftover spice mix to add some extra flavour 4. Warm the Soft Flour Tortillas, following the on-pack instructions or get them back on the barbecue for 20-30 seconds each side. 5. Once the tortillas are warm and soft, lay them out and throw a handful of crispy lettuce into the middle. Remove the skewers and pile on the crispy pork and mango with the onions. Spoon over the Old El Paso Mild Original Salsa and you're ready to chow down with family or friends.

See all our recipes at...

www.oldelpaso.co.uk/mexican-recipes

NWHEALTH

Meatless Mondays It seems that the nation’s longstanding affair with cheesy bacon-topped hamburgers, juicy steaks and the traditional Sunday roast is coming to an end, with the news that three of out ten people in the UK wanting to eat less meat

esearch initiated by the Vegetarian Society suggests that this change is part of a wider pattern: in the last year, a third of women and a quarter of men have reduced their meat consumption. More and more of us are becoming conscious of our diet, and in turn it has helped vegetarianism and veganism shift from niche eating to mainstream.

So why is meat falling out of favour?

According to the research, the overwhelming reason people cited eating less meat was for health reasons. The good news is that even an overall reduction in meat intake can have an extensive impact on health straight away.

If you are already in good health, eating less meat can be an excellent way to stay trim. The Forks Over Knives website, which promotes a whole foods diet, suggests that less meat means that you reduce inflammation, lower your blood cholesterol levels, dramatically boost your immune system, promote healthy gut bacteria, have greater cell turnover, and reduce the chance of type 2 diabetes. Plus, high profile news stories over the past couple of years have done little to promote eating meat. The infamous horsemeat scandal made the public question exactly what was going into our food and a desire for a more transparency about around how and where we get our food.

More recently, it has been discovered that regularly eating processed meat such as sausages and bacon, has a direct link to an increased cancer risk - a news story on the back of dozens of others linking meat to a range of health issues. While it is of course possible to cut out meat but still eat unhealthily - I knew of one vegetarian who existed solely on toast and chips – the new wave of people going meat free for health reasons in recent years are much more likely to eat a holistic, nutritious diet. In fact, people who define themselves as “vegetarian” — regardless of whether they occasionally eat meat or not — consume a healthier diet than selfproclaimed meat-eaters, one study found.

NWHEALTH unsanitary conditions, the widespread use of cruel practices, and the commonplace use of antibiotics and growth-promotion drugs in the animals make for uncomfortable viewing.

Thinking of taking the plunge?

Part of this change is accessibility to a greater range of food, great meat alternatives, and to a plethora of recipes at our fingertips. Picture less than ten years ago – to try out a new, experimental meal at home, you would turn to your collection of recipe books, probably Delia, Nigella or Jamie, take a note of your ingredients, then hope that the local supermarket stocks everything on your list. Now, there are millions of recipes at your fingertips, and ingredients are easier to source than ever. The internet has also given a greater platform to influencers, with the rise of popular ‘wellness’ bloggers and instagram stars often espousing a plantbased diet. Thankfully, supermarkets and restaurants are listening to customers, meaning more and more interesting options are available to vegetarians. In previous years, often the only veggie option was an uninspiring goats cheese tartlet or beige mushroom risotto. Now, eating out, particularly in cities, it is surprisingly much easier to find interesting, flavoursome vegetarian dishes as chefs cater to a growing market – vegetarian dishes make up a third of all new menu items in the UK, and interestingly, are chosen by strict vegetarians and meat-eater alike. Aside from a pursuit of healthy eating, and the chance to post a trendy picture of your spiralized veggies, going veggie is good for your wallet, too. Having meat with every dinner soon adds up on your weekly grocery meal, whereas ingredients such as lentils, which are filling, nutritious, and a really yummy as a base to hearty soups and stews is less than £2 for a 1 kilo bag. The Vegetarian Society report found that people were increasingly concerned with the environmental impact of meat: UN climate scientist Rajendra Pachauri has stated that meat production releases more greenhouse gases in to the atmosphere than transport: the livestock sector produces about 15% of global greenhouse gases, roughly equivalent to all the exhaust emissions of every car, train, ship and aircraft on the planet. Not to mention, it is getting harder to ignore the treatment of animals in the intensive farm production of meat and dairy. Recent undercover footage in slaughterhouses, revelations about diseases caused by

Before deciding to stop eating meat, there are a few things you should bear in mind. One of the questions new vegetarians are plagued with is cries of, ‘but where will you get your protein?!’ Meat is an easy source of some essential vitamins and minerals, but a sensible approach to a healthy diet with plenty of nuts, beans, grains, seeds and dark green veg should go a long way to meeting your nutritional needs. Look for foods rich in protein, iron, calcium, vitamin D and B12, and chat with your doctor if you have any concerns. Concentrate on arming yourself with getting a few really solid go-to recipes under your belt that your family enjoy and keep the ingredients on hand. You are much more likely to slip into eating your old failsafe meat-based dinners when you are under pressure, pushed for time, or just have no energy to summon something tasty after a busy day, so make it easy for yourself! Try to have a few yummy mid-week recipes that you can prepare with little effort and remember spices are your best weapon – most dishes are lifted out of the ordinary with a dose of rich roasted garlic or fiery curry flavours. It’s also worthwhile to experiment to find your ‘show stopper’ vegetarian dish that you can make for special occasions. To begin, try one meat free day a week. This can help you and your family ease into the idea of veggie dinners and give you a chance to experiment and discover

your favourite dishes with no pressure to go all-in. ‘Meatfree Monday’ is a growing global trend backed by numerous chefs, and is a great way to find recipes. Website meatfreemondays.co.uk is a good resource to get started, or search #meatfree on instagram and twitter to be inspired by likeminded people. When you first cut out meat, you may initially find meals leave you less satisfied. Stick to high-fiber, high-protein foods, like beans and quinoa, alongside fats for fullness, such as olive oil, nuts and avocado. You may wish to dip into the world of meat substitutes – tofu and tempeh, both made from soy, are really hearty and packed full of flavour when cooked properly, and seitan, made from pure gluten, is surprisingly similar to meat in flavour and texture. Intriguingly, eating less meat may actually make being in the kitchen fun again. Those who have reduced their meat consumption have reported how liberating it can be to change how we cook. Turning away from failsafe meals means that we are forced to experiment, discover new ingredients and become more creative. If you fancy the idea of being vegetarian, but can’t possibly imagine the all-or-nothing approach of never, ever, eating a bacon sandwich again, you might want to consider becoming a ‘flexitarian’. The term is being promoted by nutritionists as an approach where you eat meat, but very infrequently, and make sure the meat you do eat is responsibly sourced. It means that you take a more mindful approach to the food you eat, encourage better farming, take steps towards reducing your carbon footprint, and with the suggestion that our main ‘meat’ source in the future will be insects, you may just be ahead of the curve.

MasterChef 2016 winner champions

Fivemiletown Cheese Jane Devonshire helps Dale Farm celebrate the re-launch of the Co. Tyrone handmade cheese at a unique cheese tasting event in The Merchant Hotel

o mark the re-launch of Fivemiletown speciality cheese, Dale Farm invited MasterChef 2016 champion Jane Devonshire, to a special celebration at The Merchant Hotel. In June 2014, Fivemiletown was rescued from financial difficulty by Dale Farm, the UK’s largest dairy cooperative owned by 1,300 local farmers. At the event, Dale Farm unveiled Fivemiletown’s modern new look for its award-winning handmade cheeses – Ballybrie, Ballyblue, Ballyoak and the smoked Oakwood cheddar. The refreshed packaging of this much-loved range of artisan products gives the cheese an outstanding on-shelf presence. Jane was joined by Simon Dougan, owner and head chef of Yellow Door, who treated guests to a unique interactive tasting session, introducing fresh flavour combinations to pair with the Co. Tyrone craft cheeses.

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Dale Farm is firmly focused on continually building its brands and ultimately sales for its dairy farmers. Speaking at the event Group CEO, David Dobbin told guests, “Dale Farm’s purchase of the Fivemiletown Creamery demonstrates the company’s strategy to support the local dairy industry and to grow its branded portfolio of quality consumer products.” “To have Jane, the current MasterChef champion advocate for our brand is very special.” Speaking at the event, Jane Devonshire said: “I think my time on MasterChef showed my passion and commitment to local produce and how I try to incorporate them into my cooking. To be invited by Dale Farm to talk about Fivemiletown cheese - an amazing Northern Ireland product with real history - and celebrate something I absolutely love is an honour and a joy. The heritage, care and attention spent making these cheeses is so apparent when you eat them. I can honestly say they are utterly delicious. Someone asked me recently what my desert island food would be and I said cheese, of course. So to Dale Farm for ‘pairing me’ with Fivemiletown cheese - thank you - I am a huge fan.”

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival returns for 2016

he Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, supported by principal sponsors Turkish Airlines, Phoenix Natural Gas and Quilter Cheviot, will return from 30th August to 4th September with a packed programme of popular events and activities. • 30th August – The GMcG Oyster Masters Golf Day, Lisburn Golf Club • 31st August – The Oyster Festival Musical Evening ‘The Magic of the Movies’ featuring the Belfast Operatic Company, supported by Lockton • 1st September – The Smeg Pop-up at the Palace featuring Richard Corrigan, leading local chefs, and Turkish Airlines Sky Chefs, sponsored by Smeg, with support from Concha Y Toro • 2nd September – The Quilter Cheviot Pearl and Oyster Ball, Festival Grand Marquee, with support from Chateau de la Ligne wines • 3rd September – Festival Day sponsored by Turkish Airlines, featuring the Phoenix Gas Soap Box Derby, British Street Food Awards, Pop-up Gourmet Food Market, family fun and games, and the Turkish Airlines World Oyster Eating Championships and broadcast from Cool FM • Evening, 3rd September – The Flash Harry Live Concert and BBQ, supported by New City Cabs The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is this year’s charity beneficiary. The Festival kindly acknowledges the support of Tourism Northern Ireland, Food NI, and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. For further information including ticket prices visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com

NWLIFESTYLE

August Craft Month celebrates tenth birthday with special homecoming August Craft Month marks its tenth anniversary this year with more than 140 events taking place across Northern Ireland; from exhibitions, festivals and workshops, to craft fairs, special artisan markets and art trails. By Teri Kelly

he annual celebration of contemporary craft, coordinated by Craft NI, features the best in ceramics, glassmaking, jewellery making, textiles, wood turning and willow weaving from

Northern Ireland’s top makers. The culture of Northern Ireland is at the heart of August Craft Month, with a strong focus on how our top makers and artists take inspiration from its rich and diverse history,

beautiful landscape and the traditions and personality of its people to produce work full of beauty, passion and imagination. Here are three makers who are at the heart of this year’s celebration of craft.

Jack Doherty The opening exhibition sees internationally renowned ceramicist Jack Doherty return to his native land for a work that reflects his childhood growing up in Portrush, the son and grandson of the seafaring town’s harbour masters. ‘Waypoint’, Doherty’s outstanding solo exhibition at the Market Place Gallery, Armagh from July 28, is a Northern Irish variation on a theme he developed in St Ives last year, with new pieces reflecting the wild Co Antrim coastline. It is being shown in conjunction with the John Hewitt International Summer School, the week-long annual literary festival in honour of Northern Ireland’s most famous poets. He says: “I am the last in a generation of fishermen, sailors and boatbuilders who made their livelihood in one way and another from the sea. I was to follow my own path, but as a boy making things had always been integral to daily life”.

NWLIFESTYLE

Catherine Quinn

Textile artist Catherine Quinn has created her own craft-fusion by combining an ancient Japanese indigo dying process with locally made Irish linen to create amazing cushions, wall hangings, scarves and tableware. Her journey to learn this unusual style of textile art began when she sought a change from her work in the fashion industry in Manchester and set off to Japan to teach English for two years. There she discovered Canadian expat Bryan Whitehead, an expert in both Shibori and Katazome, and learned this beautiful form of indigo dying. Catherine returned to Northern Ireland in 2013, set up her craft business Mottainai Textiles and is now settled into a studio in Conway Mill where she creates beautiful pieces which are sold online at www. mottainaitextiles.com as well as in shops in Northern Ireland and England. She will be holding workshops during August Craft Month in her studio and in Portballintrae.

Helen Faulkner

Helen Faulkner combines her love of cooking with her skills as a ceramicist to create tableware that is meant to be lovingly used. The base of her coffee cups are curved so that they rest comfortably in the hand, her bowls are on the generous side to offer a proper portion of soup or salad and she’s created a special “pouring bowl” so that you can pour sauce without spilling a drop. With her passion for cooking and enjoying food, much thought goes into the colours she uses.“I love bright colours but I know certain foods really set off the plates they are served in, for example a green salad goes well in a dark blue plate while homemade tomato soup looks beautiful in a cream bowl,” she adds. During August Craft Month she will be writing a blog and will be displaying her work in an exhibition in Down Arts Centre (where she is artist in residence) along with six other makers from Craft NI’s making it programme, organised by Craft NI and supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Invest NI. For more information about August Craft Month go to www.craftni.org

NWTOWNFEATURE

Take time out in

Banbridge... With its rich history, busy modern high street and a location which makes it ideal for commuting to Belfast and Dublin, the Co Down town of Banbridge has always been an attractive place to live. By Stephanie Bell

Banridge Town Centre

NWTOWNFEATURE

Quails at the Gallery is an award-winning ❛restaurant, known for serving exceptionally good food in convivial yet sophisticated surroundings ❜

Qualis at the Gallery

ts location right beside the A1 carriageway has also made this thriving town a draw for visitors from both north and south, who have a choice of high quality accommodation and fine eateries as well as local tourist attractions and many shops. Banbridge has numerous claims to fame with the most significant being that it was home to Patrick Bronte, father of the famous Bronte sisters. The Bronte homeland, which is just outside the town and dates back to 1777, attracts tourists from all over the world. Another famous son is Joseph Scriven (1819-1886), who is bestknown for composing the famous hymn What a friend we have in Jesus, which is loved and sung by Christian congregations all across the world. He grew up in the village of Seapatrick, just outside Banbridge. The town got its name from a bridge built over the River Bann in 1712 and it is another stone arched bridge in the middle of town which is its most distinguishing feature. The distinctive structure, locally known as the Cut, was built in 1834 to ease the journey of the horse-drawn mail coach from Belfast to Dublin. The historic Church Square area is the location for the Crozier Monument and birthplace of Captain Crozier (1776 – 1848) who discovered the Northwest Passage. In the heart of the town centre, the River Bann flows through Solitude Park and offers visitors the opportunity to relax in the beautiful natural setting. Families can enjoy the recently opened Dance Zone and children’s play park for younger visitors. Many historic buildings have survived over the centuries and continue to thrive and contribute to the life of the town today. One of the best-known is The Downshire Arms Hotel, a former Georgian coaching inn at the top of the town which was commissioned by Lord Downshire in 1816 and was used as the second coach stop from Belfast to Dublin during the days of horse drawn carriages.

>>> NW

NWTOWNFEATURE As well as being one of the town’s most iconic historic buildings, it is a popular place to eat and stay. The Banville House and the Belmont Hotels are also part of the fabric of the town, offering good food, night life and visitor accommodation. The town also boasts a number of popular guest houses and B&Bs. There are many fine eateries throughout Banbridge including its local hotels as well as independently owned restaurants. Quails at the Gallery is an award-winning restaurant, known for serving exceptionally good food in convivial yet sophisticated surroundings. The café overlooks the sculpture garden, allowing diners to enjoy a view of the current exhibition while savouring their meal. The FE McWilliam Gallery itself is a major stop for tourists and locals and is currently hosting an exhibition of work by well-known local artist David Crone called Echoes and Reflections, which runs until the end of August. Opened in September 2008, the gallery celebrates the work of the sculptor, Frederick Edward McWilliam, who was born in Newry Street, Banbridge in April 1909. A contemporary and friend of Henry Moore, McWilliam made his name in London and established a reputation as one of the most important sculptors of his generation. Situated on the outskirts of Banbridge and just off the main Belfast to Dublin road, the building also features a purpose built gallery, sculpture garden and replica of McWilliam’s studio with a permanent display of his work, temporary exhibitions of Irish and international art, a craft shop, and Banbridge Tourist Information Centre. Shopping in Banbridge offers a unique blend of High Street names and individual stores which can’t be found anywhere else. The Outlet Shopping Mall, just off the A12, is a village of discounted designer shops which attracts people from all over Ireland. One of the many unique locally owned shops which sees people travel from as far as Cushendun, Coleraine and Enniskillen for its unique range and high standard of customer service is Calini Children’s Fashions. The smart boutique recently relocated to bigger and brighter new premises at 36 Bridge Street. Calini stocks all the most sought-after children’s wear collections from the best fashion houses in Europe and further afield, for up to 16-year-olds. It is a middle to high end fashion boutique for boys and girls aged from 0-16 years which for the past seven years has contributed to putting Banbridge on the map as a shopping town. Eden Health in Newry Street is an independent health food retailer which also

Shopping Mall, ❛justTheoffOutlet the A12, is a village of discounted designer shops which attracts people from all over Ireland

❜

The Outlet Banbridge

Shopping in Banbridge offers a unique blend of High Street names and individual stores attracts shoppers from far and wide. Owner of the company Simon Shaw, a homotoxicologist, has developed his own revolutionary hair loss capsule called Mega Mane which has been transforming the lives of thousands of people. Simon says: "It is a hair growth product that I formulated myself and we have had tremendous success with it. "It is a totally natural supplement and we have been surprised just how massive a problem hair loss is since we launched the product, especially among young people. "We were selling hair loss products for years and years and never got much feedback from them and that’s when I decided we should develop our own. "The testimonials we have are amazing and local hair dressers also send people to us. We are a small company and have complete confidence in the product."

Mega Mane is on sale in the shop in Banbridge and also online at www. megamane.co.uk and costs just £16.99 for a months supply. The town has long had a reputation for its nightlife and there are a number of quaint public bars with live music as well as the renowned Coach Inn nightclub which for decades has attracted partygoers from all over Northern Ireland. The Coach Inn is also known for its high quality food. Formerly Shepherds Bar, the Albert and Snugg is one of Banbridge’s most popular spots and has been completely re-energised under the new ownership. A wide range of good schools and quality housing has helped Banbridge remain popular with families. As well as excellent primary and high schools, the town is known for its high-achieving grammar, Banbridge Academy.

NWTOWNFEATURE

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Lake Garda

LIFESTYLETRAVEL

I'ITALIA As the nights are drawing in, it’s the perfect time to be planning a romantic break for some late sunshine. The breathtaking Lake Garda in Italy is a great base for venturing to some of Italy’s most alluring spots and getting the most out of those last summer evenings. By Kate Cody

ake Garda is in the very North of Italy, not far from the border with Switzerland and Austria, and in fact until 1919 and the end of WWI, its northern shores lay within Austria. The picturesque lake is synonymous with sailing and other watersports, but with Verona and Venice within easy reach for day trip, it remains popular with couples seeking some quality time together.

Stay

Flying into Milan airport rent a car and drive two and a half hours east, taking in the beautiful Italian countryside as you go. Arriving about half way down Lake Garda’s western shore to Lefay Resort and Spa (www.lagodigarda.lefayresorts.com/ eng), the views of the lake and surrounding landscape will unfold in front of you with a light perfume of lemons which are grown

all around this region. You’ll instantly want to drop your bags, and have someone bring you a very good glass of merlot. The rooms here are modern and comfortable, most with amazing lake views, marble bathrooms and king size beds. It is a nice touch that the furniture is made from natural local materials, such as olive tree and Italian walnut woods. The resort is widely known for its spa.

Trattoria La Vigna restaurant in the Lefay Resort.

Lefay Resort and Spa

NWTRAVEL over a series of terraces ending at a high belvedere with a panoramic vista, the garden features avenues planted with tall cypresses, fountains and mythological statues, a small maze, pergolas and grottoes.

Camere Exclusive Suite at the Lefay Resort.

Lefay combines Chinese medicine with modern Western Therapies and takes a holistic approach to wellbeing offering advice on nutrition and exercise, and well as massage and aromatherapy to leave you feeing a million dollars.

Giardino Giusti

The city of Verona lies slightly to the East of Lake Garda, but easily accessible for a day trip. The first thing to see on a romantic trip is Juliet’s Balcony, you’ll find it by following the hoards of tourists, be sure to read some of the sweet messages left in the guest book, and leave one of your own. Right in the centre of the city is Verona Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheatre dates back to AD 30. A word of warning, if you get your picture taken with any of the costumed characters at the entrance, they will expect to be paid. Once inside, the sheer size and grandeur of the arena is quite breathtaking, there is an opera festival held here during the earlier summer months which will transport you back a couple of centuries. Get away from the crowds and discover the serenity of one of Italy’s most romantic Renaissance gardens. The Giardino Giusti was designed in 1570 by Agostino Giusti, a knight of the Venetian Republic. Spreading

This region is rich with vineyards and wineries, many of which are open to visit. Perla del Garda is a fully operational family run and owned vineyard and winery, stretching out over approximately 30 hectares along the southern end of the Lake. The wines produced here have a distinct flavour thanks to the stony, arid soil. Between the months of August and November the grapes are being harvested from the vines by hand. Sometimes the best view of the water is when you are on it! There are plenty of places offering watersports with everything from a gentle sail to more adrenaline inducing wakeboarding and waterskiing. Campione Univela (www.campioneunivela.it/ en/) will let you try the latest trend amongst the yoga and wellbeing crowd, stand up paddle boarding (SUP). Once you find your balance and get into the swing of it, it is a great way to explore the shoreline at your own pace, or try a SUP yoga class from €15.

Eat

What better way to end the day than with a romantic meal for two. Back to the Lefay Resort, the on site Trattoria La Vigna restaurant offers an outdoor terrace with elevated views over the lake. The menu is a reflection of the local area offering modern north Italian favourites such as homemade ravioli, calamari and tiramisu. The waiting staff are friendly and welcoming, and will always make an effort to find out a bit about their guests. The stunning Lake Garda will always leave you feeling on cloud nine and with so much to do and see, there is always an excuse to return. Flights from Belfast International to Milan Birgamo available with Ryanair.

The Verona Arena is in the centre of the city.

Juliet's Balcony in Verona.

NWWHAT'SON Sunflower Fest

(5 – 7 August, Hillsborough) www.sunflowerfest.co.uk

Lee Nelson – Suited and Booted Comedy Night (6 August, St Marys Hall Newcastle) www.lolcomedy.co.uk

Join Live at the Apollo host Lee Nelson in his highly anticipated, all new nationwide tour Suited and Booted. Nelson is well known for his appearances on The Wall, Comedy Rocks and Let’s Dance for Comic Relief. Catch Lee Nelson at his absolute best – live and unleashed.

Sunflower fest is a three day music and arts festival on Tubby’s Farm just outside Hillsborough. This year there will be six stages featuring over 150 performances with live music, DJs, comedy The Strypes poetry and theatre. Alongside this there will be live art and sculpture, talks and workshops, live installations, a silent disco, a wellbeing area and coinciding with NI Year of Food & Drink local chefs will be hosting cooking demos and workshops.

What's On! Aug/Sept 2016 With summer drawing to a close there are still plenty of things to see and do in Northern Ireland. So grab your coat and get out there! Air Waves

(3 – 4 September, Portrush) www.airwavesportrush.co.uk Come along to the largest airshow in Ireland with no admission fee! Running for its 14th year Air Waves attracts around 100,000 people of all ages. Watch air and sea displays, visit the trade village and experience entertainment shows and exhibitions. A wonderful weekend out for the whole family, and a great way to stop those post summer blues setting in.

Belfast Tattoo

(1 – 3 September, SSE Arena) www.ssearenabelfast.com Over 600 international and local performers will take to the stage at this year’s Tattoo. The finale of the Massed Pipes and Drums is sure to take your breath away. There is a range of bagpipes, drums, brass and flute bands, precision marching and Highland and Irish dancing. The 2016 Belfast Tattoo is sure to be the most spectacular tattoo to date and can be enjoyed by young and old.

NWWHAT'SON Ronan Keating

(6 September, Belfast Waterfront) www.waterfront.co.uk

Other Events

2016 will see Ronan take to the road, touring his tenth studio album, Time Of My Life. This is a record on which he’s dug deep, pushed hard and been unafraid of wearing his heart on his sleeve. After 40 million album sales with Boyzone and 22 million copies sold of nine solo albums, Ronan is focusing on this new chapter in his life where he celebrates contentment in life and love.

Theatre

Separate Beds (The Market Place Theatre, 5-6 Aug) www.marketplacearmagh.com

Music

Nathan Carter (left) (Armagh City Hotel, 5 Aug) www.armaghcityhotel.com

Tennent’s Vital – Avicci (Boucher Road Playing Fields, 26 Aug) www.ticketmaster.co.uk Lisa McHugh (The Braid Arts Centre, 23 Sept) www.thebraid.com

Maggie’s Feg Run

(28 August, Strule Arts Centre) www.fermanaghomagh.com

Other

Maggie Muff (right) is back with her sequel to Fifty Shades of Red White and Blue. Maggie and big Sally Ann are on top form as they head to Benidorm on a ‘Feg Run’ to smuggle cigarettes home and sell for a profit. Join best-selling author and playwright Leesa Harker for a right geg. Contains adult content and strong language. Recommended age 18+

Laugher Therapy (Belfast, 6 Aug) www.laughtertherapyni.com Culture Night (Omagh, 16 Sept) www.fermanaghomagh.com

Outdoor

Game of Thrones Archery Experience (Castle Ward Estate, 13 Aug) www.gameofthrones-winterfelltours. com Hillsborough International Oyster Festival (Hillsborough, 30 Aug-3 Sept) www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com Groomsport Music and Fireworks (Groomsport, 20 Aug) www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Peaches and Cream Pop Up

(8 August, The Merchant Hotel) www.shop-fabulousmakeup.co.uk

To be included in the NW's What's On please send event details to events@northernwoman.co.uk

After a sell-out pop up shop in Glasgow the Peaches & Cream Pop Up Shop is coming to Belfast. Each of the five masterclasses are 90 minutes and are spread across the day to brighten up your Monday. There will also be hair masterclasses including three iconic Peaches’ hairstyles Pigments, lashes, glosses and hairpieces will all be for sale.

The Ould Lammas Fair (Ballycastle, 29-30 Aug) www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com Festival Lough Erne (Enniskillen Castle, 24-25 Sept) www.festivallougherne.com

Food

Tesco Taste (Custom House Square, 16 Sept) www.facebook.com/taste ofnorthernireland

NWLIFESTYLE

Big Magic

By Elizabeth Gilbert This book helps the reader find the vibrant, fulfilling life they have dreamed off. Gilbert helps readers become more creative by embracing curiosity, letting go on needless suffering and facing down fears. Bloomsbury Publishing Hardcover £7.50

Girl Number One By Jane Holland

Eleanor finds a body in the woods. Now the police can’t find a thing. Did she imagine it? What about that deliberate number 3 on the woman’s forehead? When she finds another body with the number 2 Eleanor begins to wonder who girl number one is. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform Paperback £7.99

Books

Whether you are jetting off to a tropical destination, packing up and moving to the North Coast or just lying in a hammock in the back garden, there are plenty of great books to keep you occupied this summer

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

By JK Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany The eighth story in the Harry Potter series sees Harry as an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic and a father of three. Harry and his son learn that sometimes darkness comes from unexpected places. Little, Brown (31 July 2016) Hardcover £10.00

The Lullaby Sky

By Carolyn Brown

After Hannah’s divorce is finalised all she has to do is put the past behind her. As she turns her home into a safe house for other women Hannah is haunted by the memory of her unstable ex. With a second chance of love she must face her past to create her perfect future. Montlake Romance Paperback £8.99

Strange Things Done

By Elle Wild

Journalist Jo investigates the suicide of a local politician and discovers that not everything in the sleepy tourist town of Dawson City is as it seems. Soon the police begin treating the death as a murder and Jo is the prime subject. Tap Books (18 Oct. 2016) Paperback £14.36

NWLIFESTYLE

Movies Bridget Jones’s Baby

Starring: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey Breaking up with Mark Darcy, Bridget Jones is 40 and single again. Bridget focuses on her career as a top news producer. Suddenly she meets a dashing and handsome American named Jack and discovers she is pregnant. Now the confused mum-to-be must work out who the father is. Not yet rated(Rated R in USA)

Girls’ night out? Date night? Summer trip with the kids? There is a host of new movies to choose from this summer and definitely something for everyone

The Light Between Oceans

Morgan

Starring: Michael Fassbender

Starring: Kate Mara, Paul Giamatti and Rose Leslie

After finding a baby in a boat, a lighthouse keeper and his wife care for the girl in post-World War 1 Australia. As the girl grows older her adoptive parents discover the consequences of raising the child when a visit to the mainland and an encounter with a particular women threaten to break apart their happy family. Rated: PG

A corporate trouble-shooter travels to a remote, top secret location to investigate a bioengineered child that starts to become dangerous. She must decide and determine whether or not to terminate an artificial being’s life that was made in a laboratory environment. Not yet rated (Rated R in USA)

Deepwater Horizon

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Dylan O’Brien and Kurt Russell The world’s largest manmade disaster happened in 2010 on the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico when a drilling rig exploded on April 20th. This story honours the brave men and women whose heroism saved many on board after the BP oil spill disaster and changed lives forever. Rated: 12A

Snowden

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scott Eastwood and Shailene Woodley Edward Snowden is an American computer professional who leaked classified information from the National Security Agency to The Guardian in June 2013. The material included shocking illegal surveillance activity by the National Security Agency. Not yet rated

NWMOTORING

New look Megane

he All-New Renault Mégane will be priced from £16,600 on-theroad. The fourth generation Mégane is being offered in a 25-version line-up based on six trim levels familiar to owners of other Renault vehicles – Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav, Signature Nav, GT-Line Nav and GT Nav. All provide a comprehensive standard specification, rising to the truly luxurious

by Pat Burns

or sporty at the top-of-the-range. Renault’s active and passive safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking and lane departure warning have been applied throughout the range, while connectivity via the easy-to-use R-Link 2 system is fitted to all models above Expression+. Standard safety features include ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with

traction and understeer control, cruise control, speed limiter, Hill Start Assist, six airbags, seat belts with load limiters and pretensioners at the front, side impact protection bars and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on the two outer rear seats. The choice of engines include two petrol 1.2 litre units, a 1.6 litre petrol and two turbodiesel engines with 1.5 or 1.6 litres. Prices start at £16,600.

New two seater sports car from Fiat D esigned in the Fiat Style Centre in Italy, the 124 Spider is pure classic roadster, with its long wheelbase, a cockpit hunkered low near the driven rear axle and a long bonnet. The multi-layer canvas hood is a manual unit that can be operated in seconds using minimal force and without the driver having to leave their seat. Under the 124 Spider’s bonnet you’ll find a 1,368cc MultiAir, turbocharged four-cylinder engine which delivers 140hp and 240Nm of torque to the rear wheels via six-speed manual transmission. The 124 Spider is capable of accelerating to 62mph in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 134mph. Three trim levels will be offered here: Classica, Lusso and Lusso Plus. Standard equipment on the entry-level Classica version includes an impressive array of features including four airbags, air conditioning, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a leathertrimmed gear knob, cruise control with speed limiter, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless engine start and a powerful infotainment

system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity. Prices for the 124 Spider starts at £19,545 OTR for the Classica version.

NWMOTORING

Tiguan takes on SUV Market

olkswagen has admitted it missed the boat somewhat given the proliferation and sales success of rivals Sports Utility Vehciles (SUV) models. VWs new Tiguan model has now been redesigned to appeal to SUV customers and is the first of a new line up of these active lifestyle models from VW that will compete in every segment of the market by 2020. The new Tiguan’s cool, calm, connected nature enables its driver and passengers to stay in touch while on the move. Whether it’s getting the latest traffic information, streaming

some music or dictating a text hands-free, the new SUV is equipped for the task. All new Tiguans offer, as a minimum, Volkswagen’s impressive Composition Media system. This includes an eight-inch colour touch-screen, DAB digital radio receiver, CD player, USB connection and the simultaneous pairing, via Bluetooth, of two compatible mobile phone devices.¹ The Tiguan is offered with three new petrol engines, with

power outputs from 125 PS to 180 PS, and four new diesel engines ranging from 115 PS to 240 PS. The high-volume diesel will be available as a 2.0 TDI 150 PS with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) or six-speed manual transmission; or with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. The new Tiguan sets standards when it comes to safety, with a raft of active and passive safety measures including Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring; active bonnet; automatic post-collision braking and Lane Assist fitted as standard.

Magnificent Mini Seven M

INI has launched a new special edition, the Seven. It’s not a seven seater, it takes its name from the very first Mini, the 1959 Austin Seven. The Mini Seven has been developed to showcase both the distinctive style inspired by the original Mini and the current modern values of the brand. The Seven joins the current generation Hatch range in 5-door or 3-door form with specially designed exterior and interior looks unseen before on this generation’s model line-up. The Seven is instantly recognisable by its striking Mini Yours body finish which comes as standard in Lapisluxury Blue - the most intensive blue tone ever applied to a Mini. A Melting Silver roof and exterior mirror caps come as standard contrasting with the distinctive body finishes. Mini Seven door sill finishers and side scuttles with the Mini Seven logo as well as 17-inch light alloy wheels in exclusive Seven Spoke two-tone design complete the exterior look. Prices start for the 3-door Seven from £18,545 OTR and from £19,145 for the 5-door Seven.

NWSOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

Action for Children Byte Night board members team up with David Meade at his exclusive show to launch this year’s charity sleep-out event

Dawn McCormick, Eva Adams, Sinead Byrne and Clare Gamble

Lauren Robinson, Janine Ross, Tammy Johnston Pauley, Ashleigh Spence, Natashe McClure

Brian Morissey, Heather Wells, Neil Yasin, Peter Gilgunn

BYTE NIGHT EVENT Eva Adams and Clare Gamble

Alison Montgomery, Caron Alexander and Lynne Anderson

V magic man David Meade entertained a host of guests from the business world at Belfast’s Black Box as he launched Action for Children Northern Ireland’s Byte Night event. A record breaking number of volunteers will be sleeping out on October 7 to raise vital funds to help prevent youth homelessness in Northern Ireland. To sign up visit www.bytenight.org.uk, where you can find out all about the Belfast sleep out.

Byte Night board Chairman Paul Hanna from Cisco joins David Meade and Action for Children Young Ambassadors at the Dark Horse

NWSOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

Karen Sheals Hoy and Astrid Johnston from American Holidays with The Motown Sensations

Karen McGarvey, Richard McGarvey

Lynda Bryans, Mike Nesbitt and their sons PJ and Christopher

Jim Gracey and Nuala McKeever

The team at Georges of the Market

AMERICAN HOLIDAYS HOST BLUES AT THE MARKET

Keith Law and Sonia Butterworth

SA holiday and cruise specialists, American Holidays hosted ‘Blues at The Market’ with The Motown Sensations headlining, as part of the popular Belfast City Blues Festival. Over 50 press and VIPs including comedienne Nuala McKeever, Downtown Radio’s Keith Law, U105’s Sonia Butterworth and Mike Nesbitt and Lynda Bryans attended the blues brunch.

Tina Calder, Ciaran McElhinney and their son Logan

NWSOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

Ciara Hedgcock, Naoise and Phoebe Tan

MAKEUP ARTIST SCOOPS LUCRATIVE DEAL

ulti award winning makeup artist and entrepreneur, Paddy McGurgan, has just won a lucrative contract to be the sole Irish stockist of LA-based makeup collection Lime Crime. Guests were treated to a makeup demonstration, Absolut cocktails, an ice-cream van, sweets and generous Lime Crime products.

Binder Tohani and Olivia Johnston

BBC’s Clodagh Rice and Cecilia Daly

Ciara McKeown, Kerry McArdle and Amy Hannigan

Paddy McGurgan with Lime Crime girls Hannah Wasson and Meagan Green from ACA

BBC Radio Ulster’s Lynette Fay and Tracey Rogers

Paddy McGurgan, Shelly McKeown and Stevey Lennox

NWSOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

Brídín McDaid, Paula Hughs. Méabh Lenehan, Mairéad McHugh, Fainche McCormack, Bláth Marid Scullion, Soe McGettigan, Genevieve Scullion, Niamh McDaid, Lesa McCann.

Down at the Races T

Orla Mullin from Omagh

housands gathered for the annual Summer racing. Five days of five star luxury in Las Vegas is on the cards for Kirsty Farrell from Newry, who won the Magners Forbidden Flavours Best Dressed Lady prize at this year’s Magners Derby at Down Royal on Saturday 18th June.

Terry McCourt and John Griffin

Lisa McGowan from Tullamore, Offaly

Angeline Murphy from Magheralin

Best Dressed winner, Kirsty Farrell

Lisa-Marie Maguire from Burren

NWSOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

Robert Malone, Sara O’Neill, Maura Hickey, Mayor of the Causeway Coast and Glens, Tracy McAllister from BTS Concept Store and Geoff Fulton Kristen Gillespie and Tracey Rodgers

‘DRAWN TO THE SEA’ EXHIBITION LAUNCH

Colin Thompson, Stephen Lynn, Christine Egner, Geoff Fulton and Clive Carser

n art and design exhibition celebrating all things coastal launched on June 17th in Portrush’s iconic Arcadia building, attracting a fabulously stylish crowd. ‘Drawn to the Sea’ combines work from designer, stylist and illustrator Sara O’Neill (including new pieces from her Éadach collection, launching in Brown Thomas this month) photographer Robert Malone (Lisburn), illustrator Geoff Fulton (Belfast) and BTS Concept Store, Coleraine.

Kate Ruddock

Alison-Jayne Wilson and David Wilson

Sara O’Neill and Maura Hickey

Joanne Kennedy Deering, Lorna Kyle and Paddy Jo McIlwaine.

NWSOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

Kim Graham, Emer Flanagan, Grainne Hughes, Christina Black and Emma Jordan

Nicki Kelly and Gemma Porter

Caroline Wilson and Shauna Higgins

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN FROM NI ARE CELEBRATED

he Belfast Telegraph Women of the Year awards 2016 in association with The Outlet Village Banbridge, recently took place at the Culloden Hotel in Holywood. Inspirational women from across Northern Ireland attended this glittering ceremony. Winners included Sara O’Neill in the category of hair beauty and fashion, Liz Atkinson won Woman of the Year in health and Clodagh Dunlop was announced the overall winner receiving the well derserved accolade of Woman of the Year 2016. Sara O’Neill and Al Mennie

Sarah Kennedy and Helen McDonnell

Derek Carvell, Gail Walker, Ed Curran and Martin Lindsay

Liz and Adrian Atkinson

John and Catherine Maguire

NWWEDDING

To Have & To Hold

Paul & Karla Roddis recently tied the knot in front of family and friends at Drumlough Presbyterian followed by a reception in the Galgorm Resort & Spa.

aving met through a mutual friend, Paul and Karla got engaged just before Christmas 2014. Paul organised a surprise visit to Karla's home, handing her a Christmas card wrapped in a box, when Karla opened it, seeing that it was titled ‘To my Fiancée’, she looked up in shock to find Paul on one knee beside the Christmas tree. Paul got the engagement ring, a rare pear-shaped diamond with diamond surround and diamond shoulders, made by Fred J Malcolm. It took four months to find the perfect diamond! Wedding bands were sourced from Gardiner Brothers. Karla got one made to fit the curvature of her engagement ring perfectly. Although Karla doesn’t like bright colour schemes and opted for a natural, romantic theme for her big day, she did want a coloured wedding dress, and a golden gown from Ivory & Pearl proved to be her dream dress. Preferring neutral tones, Karla picked complementary ivory dresses for her bridemaids. Andrea Rachel helped Karla design the flower girl dresses and added material from the bridemaids’ dresses to pull everything together. Karla wanted the flower girl dresses to be a bit different with tutu's and tulle bows. Karla always wanted to get married in her family church, Drumlough Presbyterian, where her mother, sister and other family members also walked down the aisle. When it came to the reception, the couple had their heart set on the luxurious Galgorm Resort & Spa. They both fell in love with this venue from their first visit and knew it would be perfect for their special day. The Untouchables provided a brilliant atmosphere on the night and the couple enjoyed celebrating their special day with all of their friends and family before leaving for their honeymoon in Orlando, Florida.

NWWEDDING

Finishing Touches Bridal Gown: Ivory & Pearl, `Rosemary` by Claire Pettibone. Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bridal by Seven, Dessy. Flower Girls’ dresses: Custom made by Andrea Rachel. Groom & Groomsmen’s suits: Statement Menswear, Downton.

Donegal Tweed.

Engagement Rings: Fred. J. Malcolm, Belfast. Wedding Rings: Gardiner Brothers, Belfast. Flowers: Petals & Pots. Hair: Naked Hair. Make-up: Ellen Lunney from Make-Up Pro. Photography & Cinematography: Angel Photography NI & Motion Media.

Cake: Madame Cocoa.

NWONELASTTHING

A Day in the Life of

Julie Cherry

This issue we catch up with Julie Cherry, award-winning hair stylist from Shane Bennett Salon in Lisburn.

Did you always want to be a hairdresser?

For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a hairdresser. As a child I had all my family members tortured always wanting to do something with their hair. I really can’t imagine doing anything else, I just love what I do.

What has winning NI Hairdresser of the Year at this year’s British Hairdressing Awards meant for you?

Winning Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year alongside Colette Fitzpatrick has meant so much to me and my career. It still feels very surreal but will always be one of my biggest achievements to look back on. This year so far has been super busy, we have moved to a new salon in April and are busy organising various shows for the up and coming months.

How long have you been with Shane Bennett Hairdressing and what is a typical day like in the new salon?

I have been working with Shane for 13 years now. My day starts around 8.30am. I probably see around 15 clients a day. I look after the cutting and styling end as we have a large technical team who look after the colour side of things. The salon is always busy so there is always a great buzz which I think helps as I don't see my day going in.

How do you like to relax and unwind on days off?

There’s nothing I love more than a day of retail therapy with my mum. I also love a good catch up with my girlfriends. At the weekend I always love a nice meal out with my husband. In the hairdressing industry it’s always important to take time out as its renowned to be non-stop.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I have the most unruly and curliest hair! I absolutely hate it curly! I spend my life trying to keep it smooth and sleek. Luckily I'm in the job that I’m in and I get great help with it. My hair is always a great task for our trainees in the salon. Once they have mastered blowdrying my hair we always know they can master any blowdry!